Monthly Archives: September 2025

Former Lyme Resident James R. Benn Releases 20th Billy Boyle Mystery Sept. 23

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The latest Billy Boyle World War II mystery by former Lyme resident James R. Benn hits the shelves Sept. 23. 

“A Bitter Wind,” published by Soho Press, marks the 20th release in the series about an Irish-American cop from Boston who helps his “uncle” Ike Eisenhower in sensitive WWII military investigations in overseas Europe. 

The book description details Boyle’s journey from the Cliffs of Dover on Christmas Day in 1944, where he discovers the first of two dead bodies, to the wild mountains of Yugoslavia. The mystery is described by the publisher as a fascinating look into the secretive world of WWII radio espionage. 

Benn lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida with wife Deborah Mandel, according to his biography on jamesrbenn.com. They have two sons and seven grandchildren 

A graduate of the University of Connecticut, he went on to receive a master’s degree in library science from Southern Connecticut State University. He is a member of the Mystery Writers of America and the Author’s Guild. 

Benn worked in the library and information technology fields for over 35 years before turning to full-time writing in 2011. 

James R. Benn

Readers will have the chance to learn more from the author himself at two upcoming events on the shoreline. 

Oct. 7: RJ Julia Booksellers, Madison

James R. Benn in Conversation with John Valeri

6:30 pm

Click here for details.

Oct. 8: Bank Square Books, Mystic

James R. Benn in Conversation with Rick Koster

6:00 pm.Click here for details.

Summer Season of Lyme Land Trust’s ‘Imagining Lyme’ Photo Contest Ends Sept. 30

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This ‘Photo of Distinction’ by Rich Sanders is titled, ‘Late Summer at Uncas Lake.’ It was taken in September 2024 when, in the photographer’s words, “there’s still time for a late summer swim and a look see both above and below the water.”

LYME — Imagining Lyme is a photo contest organized by the Lyme Land Trust and photos can be submitted year-round.

Each season, three photos of distinction are chosen based upon the criteria of emotional impact and creative design. The deadline to be included in the current summer season is tomorrow, Sept. 30.

At the end of the year, the Annual People’s Vision Award allows everyone to vote for their favorite.

The contest encourages people to expand their visual awareness of nature and highlight the beauty of the Lyme Preserves by taking photographs prompted by inspiration from award winning photographer, Joe Standart and other artists.

This ‘Photo of Distinction’ by Athana Catlett is titled, “Winter Magic on Whalebone Cove” and was taken in January 2022 from Joshuatown Rd. after a snowfall.

In the Tips from Joe section, Joe Standart and guest artists offer guidance to help you improve your own photography while you think about new ways to see the world. Each tip will be short, simple and non-technical, suitable for any kind of camera or smart phone.

All submitted photos will be displayed in the Lyme Land Trust Imagining Lyme showcase galleries and may be featured in the Trust publications, webpage and other promotional materials.

LYSB Hosts Important, Free Suicide Prevention Training Workshop in Old Lyme, Sept. 29

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OLD LYME — September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. 

On Monday Sept. 29, at 6:30 p.m. in Old Lyme Town Hall, LYSB and the Lyme-Old Lyme Prevention Coaliton will host a free Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention training workshop. Anyone may attend.

Registration is required. Sign up at LYSB.org or register at this link.

Did you know that suicide is preventable? By combining knowledge, care, and compassion, people can make a real impact on those who are experiencing a crisis. Suicide is complex and influenced by many interconnected factors, but knowing the warning signs of suicide saves lives. With the right support, people can heal, build resilience, and thrive after crisis. 

For those who are in crisis, asking the right questions, offering hope and support, and referring them to the right resources can promote healing. By being trained in QPR, you will have the right tools to give someone the support they might need. Anyone can be trained in QPR, and consequently anyone can save a life in need.

If you or someone you know may be experiencing a crisis, call the national crisis line 988 to speak, chat, or text with a trained crisis counselor.

Take a Mile Creek Preserve Hike and/or Join ‘Hiker’s Happy Hour’ at Old Lyme Inn, Oct. 1

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OLD LYME—The Old Lyme Land Trust, the Old Lyme Open Space Commission and the Old Lyme Inn are sponsoring another “Hiker’s Happy Hour” on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

A guided walk will leave at 4:15 p.m. from the Mile Creek Preserve trailhead at 191 Mile Creek Road. All are welcome.

After the hike, people will re-group at the nearby Old Lyme Inn for half-price drinks from 5 to 6 p.m. You need not hike to enjoy the Happy Hour. 

Hikers should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring insect repellent.

In the event of rain, meet at the Old Lyme Inn for Happy Hour instead of the trailhead.Information on the Bartholomew Open Space can be found here.

Lyme, Old Lyme, East Lyme Pollinator Groups Present ‘Building Resilient Landscapes’ in Lyme, Sept. 28

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On Sunday, Sept. 28, horticulturalist Tom Christopher presents “Building Resilient Landscapes – Right Plant, Right Place for Right Now” at Lyme Public Hall. Photo by Wendolyn Hill.

LYME — Lyme Pollinator Pathway, Pollinator Pathway East Lyme and Pollinate Old Lyme are cosponsoring a presentation titled, “Building Resilient Landscapes – Right Plant, Right Place for Right Now” on Sunday, Sept. 28, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Lyme Public Hall, 249 Hamburg Road in Lyme.

The presenter will be horticulturalist Tom Christopher, who will present strategies for choosing plants to prioritize biodiversity, soil health, and water management in your yards, thereby creating habitats that can easily withstand challenges like extreme weather conditions and invasive species.

Christopher is host of the podcast “Growing Greener,” as well as an author/collaborator for several books and columns about improving the environment with native plant restoration. 

This program is funded by a grant from the Eightmile River Wild and Scenic Coordinating Committee.

All are welcome. There is no change for admission.

For more information on Tom Christopher, visit his website.