Death Announced of Denise Rowena (Dye) Lee, 75, Husband of Larry, Widely Known as ‘The Karate Lady’

OLD LYME—Denise Rowena (Dye) Lee, 75, of Old Lyme, died peacefully Wednesday July 24, 2024, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, with her loving husband of 54 years Larry by her side, and surrounded by family.

Denise was born on January 28, 1949, in Baltimore, Maryland … attended Catholic schools and graduated from the Boston University School of Nursing in 1970.

Denise met her husband Larry in October 1969; they were engaged 6 weeks later, married 6 months after that, and spent the next 54 years together.

As a nurse, Denise held positions in visiting nursing; on the children’s unit at CT Valley Hospital; on the drug and alcohol detox unit at Norwich State Hospital; in group homes; and as a Hospice nurse …

… As a martial arts instructor, she passed wisdom and knowledge to the hundreds of students that she taught over her 28-year career. “Integrity, Intent, Indomitable Spirit” was the motto at Lees’ Martial Arts, … “The Karate Lady” as she was fondly known could easily be identified around town through her license plate “INTENT.” Denise lived every day with the intent to leave the world a better place because she had been in it, a mission she certainly accomplished.

Denise is survived by her husband of 54 years, Lawrence John Lee of Old Lyme, CT and her siblings Noelle Dye and Ian Dye and their families. Denise’s legacy will live on in her children, Dylan (Sally Ann) of Old Saybrook, CT and Ryan (Melanie) of Old Lyme, CT, and her grandchildren Lauren, Colin, Parker, and Brody. She is predeceased by her parents and her younger brother, Justin Dye.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Denise’s remarkable life will be held from 1-4 pm, Sunday August 11, 2024, at Scotch Plains Tavern in Essex, CT.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you spend that money or time reaching out to a loved one …

Editor’s Note: Visit this link to read the full obituary published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 30, 2024.

Old Lyme Hosts Online Survey to Find Out Where Residents Get Their Local News

OLD LYME — The Town of Old Lyme (OL) is carrying out a survey to understand how both seasonal and year-round residents obtain their local news.

The primary purpose of the survey is to understand seasonal residents’ off-season newspaper access and subscriptions. The Town’s current Ordinance requires posting notice of town meetings in major newspapers during the months of November through May. The cost of posting these announcements has risen throughout the past two years.

The Town would like to ensure the Ordinance matches the newspapers that residents rely on for information about Old Lyme Town Meetings.

The survey also seeks to learn more in general about where residents obtain their information regarding Old Lyme news, events, and activities.

Town officials believe that by understanding where residents get their news, OL Departments and Commissions can better consider where to send press releases, or otherwise focus promotion of upcoming activities and events. 

The survey also provides a chance to promote some of the Town of OL’s communication channels, such as the First Selectwoman’s newsletter, Notify Me, Everbridge, and the Town of Old Lyme and OL Emergency Management Facebook pages.

The survey is open to everyone, including property owners as well as those who are not property owners. Those who are not property owners skip straight to questions regarding where they find out about events, activities and news in Old Lyme.

The survey takes approximately four minutes to complete. Of course, we hope you mention LymeLine.com as an important source of local news!

Visit this link to complete the survey.

Lyme-Old Lyme Troop 26 Scouts, Leaders Hike 90 Miles in 12 Days in New Mexico

What a view! All members of Lyme-Old Lyme’s Troop 26 who traveled to New Mexico made it to the summit of Mount Baldy. All photos submitted by Troop 26.

LYME/OLD LYME —Twenty-two Scouts and Scout Leaders from Lyme-Old Lyme Troop 26 recently completed 90 miles of hiking over 12 days in Northern New Mexico.  The Scouts visited Philmont Scout Ranch, a 214-sq. mile rugged mountain wilderness area. 

The Ranch offered the Scouts the chance to learn leadership and outdoor skills as they backpacked to a new wilderness campsite each day.  Along the way, Troop 26 also participated in an activity at each camp, such as horseback riding, rock climbing, and panning for gold.

The scoutinf group from Lyme/Old Lyme stands at the ceremonial gate to Philmont Scout Ranch, N.M.

Woody Goss who attended the trek with Troop 26 said, “It was hard, but I enjoyed the views, especially from places like the top of Mount Baldy.  We reached 12,441 ft. at its summit and could see into two other states.”

The scouts listened intently to this woodsman, who carefully explained his craft.

He continued, “Blacksmithing was also something we got to do. Our crew worked together to make a hook using an anvil, hammer, and coal fire.”

Boys in Grade 6 or higher and under the age of 18 can join Troop 26.  The Scouts camp every month of the year. It is a great opportunity to learn new skills and get outdoors. 

Troop 26 members and leaders gather at the top of Mount Baldy, N.M.

The Troop meets at the Hamburg Fire House in Lyme from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays during the school year.  Their first meeting of the year will be on Sept. 11.

Death Announced of Sandra Joncus of Old Lyme, Memorial Service Held at South Lyme Chapel

OLD LYME — Sandra Joncus, a reference librarian in Waterford for decades and a resident of Old Lyme for over half a century, passed away at the age of 90, in the early hours of July 16, 2024, at Greentree Manor in Waterford. She is survived by her three children and their spouses, Stephen and Rose (Cleavenger) Joncus, Leslie and Nural Akchurin and Andrew and Berta (Tucker) Joncus. She is also survived by her five grandchildren … and by her great-granddaughter …

… She grew up mostly in Needham, Mass., where at age 13 she first met her later husband Stephen Joncus … Sandra married Steve on a college break the day after Christmas 1954. The marriage would last more than 68 years, ending only with Steve’s death in April 2023.

… The family moved to Old Lyme in 1970.

… in retirement [she] travelled to Washington, D.C. with Steve on more than one occasion to protest the Keystone XL pipeline. In these years also, her activism took a spiritual turn when she and Steve became regular members and supporters of the South Lyme Union Chapel, an experience which conscripted her to an ideal of service to others as a joyful privilege.

… A memorial service for Sandra will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3. at the South Lyme Union Chapel, located at 308 Mile Creek Road …

Visit this link to read the full obituary published by The Day on Jul. 30, 2024.

Sunny Memories Made at Old Lyme’s Midsummer Festival

And they’re off! A raised hand prepared to blow the starting horn for the LYSB Kids’ Race.

OLD LYME—Glorious sunshine greeted Old Lyme’s Midsummer Festival on Saturday and the day continued under clear skies all the way through to the fabulous fireworks late in the late evening.

Things kicked off with the 5K Midsummer Run organized by Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau followed by the always popular Kids’ Run.

The day began with LYSB Kids’ Run, which saw 70 youngsters sprint round Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School.

There were stands galore at Lyme Art Association …

Elizabeth Farrell offered a great variety of products from Fat Stone Farm in Lyme, which she and her husband own.

There were good things to eat …

The Lyme Pollinator Pathway tent was co-hosted with Pollinate Old Lyme and the Old Lyme Conservation Commission. It offered a treasure trove of information.

Good things to learn …

Veterans Richard Mason and Ed Shyloski shared facts and figures about the VFW Post 1467.

and good people to meet.

Folk musicians played with vigor at Lyme Art Association.

Great music was played …

Edie Twining and Mark Terwilliger manned the Old Lyme Historical Society.

History was shared …

Old Lyme Open Space Commission member Andrea Fenton (center, holding document) gave information about the respective roles of both the Commission and the Old Lyme Land Trust to visitors galore.

And Open Space was discussed.

Marketing Coordinator Emily Clark greeted visitors at the Florence Griswold Museum..

Over at the Florence Griswold Museum, there were some canine matters under review …

This regal dog made a striking pose at the Dog Show sponsored by the Vista organization.

The annual Dog Show hosted by the Museum drew a large number of entries. The four-legged folk came in all shapes and sizes …

This dachsund and his owner wore coordinated costumes!

There were small dogs …

This ‘Daisy Dog’ walked away with a top award.

There were middle-sized dogs …

Butterflies were everywhere!

There were Butterfly Dogs …

Both this dog and his owner offered a wonderful show of patriotism!

And there were Starry Dogs!

Julie Martel puts ‘Sunkist’ Winnie through her paces. Winnie was subsequently declared the winner of the Longest Nose Award and also runner-up in the Best Trick contest. She even won a raffle prize as well!

Meanwhile, up at the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, the Lyme-Old Lyme Lions held their popular Classic Car Show.

The Lyme-Old Lyme Lions hosted their Classic Car Show at the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center.

Gleaming vehicles were on show all around the grounds of the former Bee and Thistle Inn.

A delighted David Kelsey received an award from Lyme-Old Lyme Lions Car Show emcee Phil Parcak.

The show was a huge success drawing a record number of entries.

The ‘Fence Artists’ displayed their work at the Old Lyme Inn.

Over at the Old Lyme Inn, the ‘Fence Artists’ showed their skill through their paintings and photos that were for sale. Business was brisk throughout the day.

An amazing fireworks display lit up the night sky over Lyme-Old Lyme High School.

And finally, the end of another wonderful Old Lyme Midsummer Festival was celebrated with a spectacular fireworks display held on the Lyme-Old Lyme Schools campus.

We were proud to be a sponsor of such a special community event and indebted to the Old Lyme Arts District for all their hard work organizing such a remarkable day for so many to enjoy.