Runners of all abilities and ages enjoy competing in the ‘Bound for the Sound’ road race. LymeLine file photo.
OLD LYME—The Old Lyme Fire Department (OLFD) and Auxiliary will host the Bound for the Sound Road Race on Sept. 20. The race offers events for all ages and skill levels, including a 10K, 5K, and a 1-mile Family Fun Run.
The races begin and end at historic Sound View Beach, finishing at the end of Hartford Ave. by the flagpole and beach. The 5K is very flat and fast. The 10K is mostly flat with some gently rolling hills. Post-race food and drink is included in the race entry.
Proceeds benefit the OLFD Auxiliary, supporting department activities to maintain the camaraderie and dedication of members and supplement emergency response.
For more information on sponsorship, volunteer, or other support opportunities, contact president@olfd.org
I’ve always thought of Labor Day as New Year’s Eve. After a summer of vacations the new business year has begun and we’re back to the grind. But while you’ve been enjoying the summer (me, too!) we need to get updated on what’s been happening on our roads, rails and waters.
TRAFFIC DEATHS DOWN SLIGHTLY: On a hopeful note, only 143 highway deaths have been tallied in our state as of mid-August… hopeful, compared to 196 deaths by the same time last year. Credit should go to the State and local Police Departments for cracking down on reckless drivers and speeders.
But of some concern, there’s been an increase in fatalities and injuries involving e-bikes as new laws regarding their operation take effect October 1st.
USING A.I. TO KEEP HIGHWAYS SAFE: It’s been a while since we’ve had a wrong-way crash on our interstates and parkways, thanks in part to artificial intelligence (A.I.). CDOT has installed tech at 150 on and off ramps looking for people as they enter the highway in the wrong direction, setting off flashing lights and alerting the State Police.
HIGHER FARES ON TRAINS: As predicted, fares on all of our trains went up 5% as of September 1st. What a nice way to welcome back commuters! And another 5% jump is coming next July. Bus fares were not affected.
WORK FROM HOME: Higher rail fares (with the same slow service) and unending traffic are other reasons more than 17% of Connecticut residents chose to work remotely. In some towns the numbers are much higher: 39% of Weston residents and 36% in Westport.
NEXTGEN ACELA: Years late, the nifty new Acela trains started running between Boston and Washington on August 28th. Train fan that I am, I saw it run past on it’s debut run… already 12 minutes late. Though they’re capable of 160 mph, they run no faster (and sometimes slower) than Metro-North. Congestion and delays affect even Amtrak’s flagship trainsets. Kind of like putting a Maserati on I-95 at rush hour.
Back in the Metroliner days, Amtrak offered partial fare refunds if your train was 15 minutes late. Last Tuesday’s Next-Gen Acela train (9-2-25) was 30 minutes late into Stamford and 45 minutes late into Washington DC. If your train is 2+ hours late you have to contact Customer Relations to plead your case.
SPIRIT AIRLINES CHAPTER 11 – TAKE 2: The Ultra-Low-Cost airline has filed for bankruptcy again, just months after emerging from its last filing in 2024. The airline blames financial and operational difficulties: underwhelming demand, excess flight capacity, mounting debt and high operating costs. For now, Spirit plans to continue flying out of Bradley airport.
SHIPPING DWI: The captain of the 100,000 ton container ship MSC Jubilee IX was arrested last month by the Coast Guard and charged with DWI. When the Seattle harbor pilot boarded he said he smelled a strong odor of alcohol and called the authorities. The captain said it was just his mouthwash but a breathalyzer test showed a blood alcohol of 0.25, six times the legal limit.
Amazingly, local laws call this only a misdemeanor with a $1000 fine. But the captain undoubtedly faces severe consequences. The ship continued its journey without him.
Editor’s Notes: i) Jim Cameron is the founder of the Commuter Action Group and advocates for Connecticut rail riders. He writes a weekly column called ‘Talking Transportation,’ which is published by a number of publications in the state. ii) ”Talking Transportation” recently won first place in the general column/commentary category in the Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists Excellence in Journalism Contest.
OLD LYME — Joseph Thomas D’Onofrio, 79, of Old Lyme Connecticut, left his earthly body on August 27, 2025. Joe was born on July 9, 1946 in Brooklyn, New York to Thomas and Mary (Rich) D’Onofrio. He was the youngest of their 7 children and was affectionately known as Joey. As a young child his family moved to Gloversville, New York, where he grew up and was a 1966 graduate of Gloversville High School.
Joe is survived by Carla, his wife of 54 years, his son David, his daughter-in-law Leonore, and his 3 grandchildren Elias Orion, Eva Rose and Lucia Calise, all the joys of his life.
Also, Joe is survived by his brother Dominick (Butch), his sisters Regina Falbo (Skip), Adeline Oare and predeceased by his brothers Anthony (Sheila), and Thomas, and sister Maryann Bronk as well as many nieces and nephews …
To honor Joe’s wishes no services will be held at this time.
The Old Lyme Land Trust hosts the 9th Annual Kayak Regatta, Sept. 14.
OLD LYME—The Old Lyme Land Trust (OLLT) Regatta will be held on Sunday, Sept. 14, starting at 1 p.m. Kayaks will be put in from Rte. 156 at the Lieutenant River Boat Launch. A guided trip down the Lieutenant River towards Duck River and Watch Rock will follow.
Kayakers of all skill levels are invited to join. The tour will return to the boat launch at approximately 3 p.m., where light refreshments will be served.
A US Coast Guard-approved life jacket or vest is required. Bring your own kayak (or canoe or stand-up paddleboard).
There is limited parking, so if you wish to join the event, REGISTER HERE.
Contact OLLandTrust@gmail.com for further information. More details will be provided upon confirmation.
OLD LYME/EAST HAMPTON— Both Lyme-Old Lyme soccer teams were defeated Thursday by their respective East Hampton opponents.
Playing at home, the boys lost 5-1 with Ian Maeby scoring the lone goal assisted by Elliot Dunn-Sims. Sam Edmed made 10, saves for the Wildcats and Liam Mccormick added another.
Scoring for East Hampton were Colin Marshall (2), Sebby Woodson, and Luke Davidson (2) with assists by Colin Marshall and Sebby Woodson. Shane Ruggiero made four saves for the Bellringers.
Old Lyme boys are now 1-0-1 overall and 0-0-1 in the Shoreline Conference.
Playing away at East Hampton, the girls lost 2-0 with Grace Osborne in goal making six saves.
East Hampton’s goals came from Hadley Galovich and a Wildcat own goal. Cassie Owocki made three saves.
