Author Archives: Admin

Donations Sought to Fund Renovation of LOLMS Greenhouse by Lyme-OL Food Share Garden, LOL Schools

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The Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School greenhouse pictured above will be renovated by a mutually beneficial partnership comprising the Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden and Lyme-Old Lyme Schools.

Joint Project Will Reduce Local Food Insecurity, Advance Student Engagement

LYME/OLD LYME—The Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden (LOLFSG) is partnering with the Region 18 School District to renovate the Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School greenhouse. The project will advance the garden’s mission to reduce local food insecurity while serving as a site to foster student curiosity and engagement.  

​The LOLFSG share of the project is $8000, which represents approximately 40 percent of the renovation costs.  The LOLFSG is raising money through a crowd-sourcing effort supported by Sustainable CT. If LOLFSG can raise $4000, then Sustainable CT’s innovative Community Match Fund will match the remaining $4000. Donations in any amount are welcome. To view an insightful video about the project and/or to donate, visit http://patronicity.com/greenhouserenovation.

This Sustainable CT Fund provides fast, flexible funding to implement projects that align with a variety of sustainability actions. The Fund is structured to support and amplify grassroots efforts that strive to transform their community, neighborhood, and town for the good.  

Access to a greenhouse will allow the LOLFSG to increase production by starting and maintaining plants for late-season crops. While researching greenhouse options, Jim Ward, LOLFSG President, noticed that the aging middle school greenhouse was currently unusable. 

Ward approached RSD 18 administration about a potential partnership to renovate and modernize the structure. Following a series of conversations between school personnel, garden members, and greenhouse professionals, the idea took root.  

This photo shows the current interior of the Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School greenhouse prior to the renovation project.

Garden volunteers will also maintain educational exhibits for use by students such as a vermicomposting (worm) bin and a hydroponic display. Teachers and students will have access to the greenhouse for classroom use or club projects.  

The Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden is a nonprofit organization started in 2021 to reduce food insecurity in local communities by growing and donating fresh produce. Located at Town Woods Park, the LOLFSG is a fully volunteer organization. In the past two growing seasons, more than 5000 pounds of fresh produce has been donated to the Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Pantries and the United Way.  

Garden volunteers also compost food waste and maintain a pollinator pathway.  

Who Are MCCD? What is Their Mission? Find Out at Lyme Library Presentation

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The MCCD team gathers for a rare photo.

LYME—On Tuesday, May 14, at Lyme Public Library at 5:30 p.m., the Mentoring Corps for Community Development (MCCD) will present the group’s methodology of how they deliver on their motto of “Helping Others Succeed”.

Founded in 2012, MCCD comprises a 12-member board of retired professionals offering consultation services based on their accumulated skills. These skills were acquired during the board members’ respective long careers in medicine, business, law, philanthropy, real estate and the arts to name a few.

The group works with clients on a confidential and pro bono basis.

If you are wondering how to improve outcomes for your business, not-for-profit or personal ambitions, this event offers the opportunity to learn how this unique organization has helped others achieve their goals.

All are welcome at this special, free event at which MCCD Board Members will share success stories and more.

Registration is preferred for planning purposes but not required. Contact Lyme Public Library at (860) 434-2272 or programreg@lymepl.org to register.

For more information about MCCD, visit  www.mentoringcorps.org.

Death Announced of Charles J. Batts, Captain, USN (Ret.), Longtime Resident of Old Lyme

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OLD LYME—Charles J. Batts, Captain, USN (Ret.) of 3 Old Bridge Road, Old Lyme, passed away peacefully at his home April 22, 2024. He was 83 years old. Captain Batts was born in Tipton, Ind., May 16, 1940, the youngest of six children of the late Walter J. and Bernice Batts.

… He … was a member of the Old Lyme Congregational Church. He supported Connecticut River preservation efforts, and could be frequently seen kayaking on the river that he loved. He was a resident of Old Lyme, since 1976.

Charles lived life to the fullest, …

His house was an important hobby, applying his woodworking, engineering, electrical and timber framing skills to restoring and enhancing an old granite house on the Connecticut River …

In addition to his wife, Kah, he is survived by his daughter Michelle and her husband Todd Archer, of Old Lyme; two grandchildren, Emily and Sophie; and a sister, Sara Campbell, of Dayton, Ohio.

Memorial services and a celebration of Charles’ life will be held at his home in Old Lyme, in June. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Salvation Army …

Visit this link to read the full obituary published by The Day on May 5, 2024.

Lyme-Old Lyme Schools $36.9M Budget Passes Easily in Both Towns-UPDATED

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Lyme-Old Lyme Schools Superintendent Ian Neviaser

LYME/OLD LYME—UPDATED 5/8 with comment from LOL School Superintendent: Yesterday, the Lyme-Old Lyme Schools budget passed easily in both towns with a total across both towns of 356 Yes votes and 95 No votes.

Asked his reaction to the result, Lyme-Old Lyme Schools Superintendent Ian Neviaser responded via text, “We are pleased that the community continues to support our schools and recognizes the importance of an excellent education system for our students.”

The detailed numbers by town, which reflect a remarkably low turnout in both towns, were as follows:

OLD LYME
Yes- 280
No- 89

LYME
Yes- 76
No- 6

Lymes’ Senior Center Bonding Referendum Passes Comfortably in Old Lyme, Funding Already Approved in Lyme

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OLD LYME— In an extremely low turnout, the question of whether to approve bonding to fund the renovation and expansion of the Lymes’ Senior Center passed yesterday in Old Lyme by 285 Yes votes to 83 No votes. Funding for the Center in the Town of Lyme had previously been approved.

The question on the ballot to which voters responded Yes or No was: “Shall the Town of Old Lyme authorize the issuance of bonds and notes in an amount not to exceed $6,143,541 to finance an existing appropriation for the Old Lyme/Lyme Senior Center renovation project?”