Flags on the lawn in front of Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School greeted students, staff and Veterans on Friday morning. All photos courtesy of LOL Schools.
OLD LYME — Lyme-Old Lyme Schools commemorated Veterans Day with a breakfast for local veterans followed by ceremonies in each school incorporating speeches, music and singing to honor all veterans.
Students from Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School cheerfully served breakfast in the school cafeteria to local Veterans.
Lyme-Old Lyme Schools Superintendent Ian Neviaser told LymeLine exclusively by text, “We held ceremonies first at the middle school and then at the high school. Both were well attended.”
Mile Creek School students proudly displayed their respect for the flag during their Veterans Day ceremony.
Regardless of age, all students were involved in the day’s events.
Old Lyme First Selectman and VFW Post 1467 member Tim Griswold (right) enjoyed the proceedings with a fellow VFW member.
Neviaser noted, “On Friday afternoon, we had ceremonies at the elementary schools,” which were similar to those in the middle and high schools, but made age-appropriate.”
The LOL Middle School Band played celebratory music during their assembly while local Veterans sat on the stage.
Neviaser continued, “The speeches from veterans and students were both very powerful and well received.”
The various speeches all captivated their respective student audiences.
He concluded, “As always, this day continues to be one of the most powerful lessons of the entire year as students get to see history in action.”
VFW Post 1467 presented these Lyme-Old Lyme High School students with awards.
Republican Registrar Kathy Carter shares information with people waiting outside the hall while counting is still taking place. All photos by Katherine Thurma.
OLD LYME — It was an intense night of names and numbers as votes from the day’s election were tallied, checked, balanced, re-checked and then reviewed one last time. There were smiles and tears, and claps and cheers. Breath was held and then expelled. Hugs and high-fives were happening, and finally the dust settled as the results became a reality — until four recounts were later declared. And our photographer, Katherine Thurma, was there to record it all.
Are you ready for us yet?
First Selectman candidate John Mesham (center left, wearing cap) and his wife Nancy (right) listen attentively to the results.
Tense moments … prior to the results being announced, First Selectwoman candidate Martha Shoemaker draws comfort from leaning on her husband, Scott.
Handfuls of ballot tapes are carefully handled.
The Moderator announces the results.
Current First Selectman Tim Griswold (left, seated) studies the numbers to work out what it all means.
Kim Russell Thompson concentrates intently as she records the results as they are announced.
After the results have been announced, First Selectwoman-elect Martha Shoemaker, Region 18 Board of Education member-elect Susan Fogliano, and Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman Mary Jo Nosal share a celebratory moment.
Alexander Lowry (U but D-endorsed) is congratulated by Dave Rubino on being elected to the Region 18 Board of Education while Anna Reiter also expresses her delight. Lowry’s win is, however, the subject of a recount on Monday as he defeated Suzanne Thompson (R) by only five votes. All photos by Katherine Thurma.
The Gluelam Girder pictured above was the preferred design for the bridge over the Lieutenant River in Old Lyme from the voting held during the late October/early November Open Houses hosted by the Halls Rd. Improvement Committee.
OLD LYME — On Sept. 30 and Oct. 5, the Halls Rd. Improvement Committee hosted Open Houses to present two options for the Lieutenant River Trails and Bridge. Ninety-two people viewed the presentation and 64 voted with some voting for some elements but not others.
The overall results of the voting were as follows:
Glulam Bridge received the most votes.
Maintaining the natural elements of wood was most important, although consideration for durability was also highly important.
Fishing and boat access were close to an even draw. Fishing was called out for trash issues.
Traditional light fixture style, timed, with down lighting was favored.
Many were in favor of some type of space for spontaneous gathering.
Beyond the consensus for a natural feel and high end signage similar to that of the Florence Griswold Museum (FGM), a mix of art and nature themes plus history were the most requested.
Two important questions cropped up frequently. The first was, ‘Why don’t we do the sidewalks first?’ and the second, ‘Who is paying for this?’
These are the HRIC responses to those questions:
Why don’t we do the sidewalks first?’
We are doing the sidewalks first. Construction projects involving state agencies have multi-year lead times. We applied for a LOTCIP grant (which is also the only way to get DOT approval) for the sidewalks in 2022. We may hear DOT’s response by 2025.
Beginning the bridge project in parallel can help promote a best outcome from the DOT grant process. Allowing new options for private investment with HROD will also take years to bear fruit. Pursuing these elements one at a time would be a serious mistake. Each supports the others, and one without the others is a waste of money and effort.
Who is paying? Sidewalks:
The LOTCIP grant should cover a significant part of the construction costs for the sidewalks, but will not cover their design costs. Other grants may be available for this, and the town will apply for them.
Bridge: Grants already won cover the design costs of the bridge and trails. Other grants are available for bridge and trails construction, and we expect the town will move forward only if we win such grants.
Overlay District: Changing zoning to create an option for new private investment on Halls Road costs nothing, comparatively, and will allow town revenue to increase.
In terms of final net costs to Old Lyme, the sidewalks are the most expensive part of the Master Plan. The Bridge and trails are less expensive. The proposed new zoning (HROD) will actually make money for the town. All three work together to keep Halls Road a flourishing part of Old Lyme into the mid-21st century.
Scope of project with Art Theme and one set of details.
The following comments represent a selection of those received:-
“Nice choice of landscape architect. They are forward thinking and care about the environment.” Chris Penniman
“I honestly believe we should address the sidewalk issues prior to considering this project. We should prioritize the order in which we proceed and then go forward.” Barbara Gaudio
“I am against the fishing access. I live on Ferry Rd. and walk on the pier at the DEEP regularly. While it is nice to make fishing available to people, many of the people do not respect the area. There is always garbage. People bring carts, coolers, buckets, chairs, boom boxes, and it can be hard to pass by. While many of the people fishing are respectful, many are not. There is often drinking and pot smoking. I always bring a garbage bag and rubber gloves to clean up. I love the idea of this project and I hope it moves forward. Parking will be an issue.” Mary Devins
“Looking for a safe egress that continues aesthetic of FGM. Natural and blends with environment.” Jill Todd
“Park & Amphitheater seems beyond scope at this point. We hope for a simple & safe bridge, pathway, and natural trail that promotes a walk-able, sustainable community.” Diana Prince
“Are there any state or federal funds to help with the construction cost?” Christina Gotowaka
“Would love to see aesthetic tie into FGM. All natural, simple, clean. Very little, if any dark sky lighting. Also the path, sculpture walk idea seems a little too much.” Julie Malloy
“While I am in favor of recreating the historic bow bridge, I am strongly opposed to creating a fishing pier in this location. The lR is a sensitive ecosystem which supports critical habitat and food for a wide variety of wildlife. Fishing line, crab bait, and other refuse are routinely left behind by those who come to fish or crab along the river edges – In sanctioned and unsanctioned locations. In addition I am doubtful there is capacity for the number of people and cars that would result from creating such a pier. Another concern is boater safety. Fishing lines would endanger boaters moving up or down this very narrow river, who already have to navigate two bridges – and now potentially a third. Fishing lines are very difficult to see and avoid from the water; I think this is a very real safety hazard. In sum, encouraging fishing and crabbing would pose a threat to marine environment including waterfowl who depend upon it for food: would endanger boaters, and could increase congestion along the busiest stretch of road. Sightseeing and boating are very benign activities that should be prioritized instead. “ Anne Redfield
“Thanks Committee for all your hard work!” Bill Beluzzi
Gavin Lodge is the newly-elected Region 18 Board of Education member for Lyme.
LYME, CT. — Newcomer Gavin Lodge (D) defeated Republican incumbent Mary Powell-St. Louis by 586 to 347 votes. None of the other seats in Lyme was contested.
The Lyme Democratic Town Committee issued the following statement after the results had been announced: “Upon learning the results of today’s municipal election, Lyme Democratic Town Committee (DTC) Chairman John Kiker said, “On behalf of everyone at the Lyme DTC, I would like to thank the residents of Lyme for electing our full slate of highly qualified candidates, whose experience and expertise will benefit our town boards and commissions.”
He continued, “We are particularly excited about the addition of Gavin Lodge to the Board of Education, which will help ensure the school board understands and reflects our values.”
Lodge commented, “I am so grateful to the residents of Lyme who have given me this opportunity. I feel passionately about having a say in how our educational system raises the next generation and I am excited about helping our school board stay at the forefront of the future of American education, developing the next generation of creative and critical thinkers.”
Kiker added, “All of the newly elected Democratic officials love our little town and are grateful to have the opportunity to serve. I would like to especially thank all the volunteers who helped run our campaign this year. We could not have done it without your support.”
After being presented with two awards, Sculptor Gilbert Boro sits in his wicker chair surrounded by state and local officials, and also his sons, Jason Boro (back row, left) and Dr Alex Boro (back row, right). State Rep Devin Carney (R-23rd) stands second from left, back row, and Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker is to his right. Old Lyme First Selectman Tim Griswold sits to Boro’s left in photo and Old Lyme Economic Development Commission Chair Cheryl Poirier is to Boro’s right. Photo by C. Goldberg.
OLD LYME — In the early evening of Saturday’s brilliant weather, friends and family gathered at Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds for the 2023 Summer Sculpture Showcase Closing Reception and to celebrate the artistic legacy that founder and artist Gilbert Boro brought to the Old Lyme location.
Throughout the evening Boro was surrounded by well-wishers on his upcoming retirement when the Sculpture Grounds close to the public at the end of 2023. Although the grounds will be closed, Bryan Gorneau, who has served as lead fabricator and studio manager for more than 15 years at Studio 80, will still be available for custom fabrication services.
During the reception, a surprise presentation was made to Boro of both a Connecticut Official Citation and a Town of Old Lyme Certificate of Recognition.
Connecticut State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd) presented the Citation on behalf of State Senator Martha Marx (D-20th), who was unable to attend, and himself. Old Lyme is included in both Carney’s and Marx’s legislative districts.
Carney shared before the presentation, “Congratulations Gil on your much deserved retirement. I remember when I first ran for office, my predecessor gave me a list of people I should meet … and you were on that list.”
Acclaimed sculptor Gilbert Boro relaxes for a few moments during the busy farewell event. Photo by C. Goldberg.
Carney then read the Official Citation signed on Saturday at the State Capital by the CT Senate President, Speaker of the House, and Secretary of State:
“Be it hereby known to all, that the Connecticut General Assembly hereby offers its sincerest congratulations to Gil Boro in recognition of your retirement and years of service to the Town of Old Lyme. For close to two decades, you provided a free sculpture garden to the public seven days a week. The sculpture garden has been a beloved addition to the Old Lyme Arts District and certainly a draw for the Town’s cultural tourists. We thank you and wish you all the best on your much deserved retirement. The entire membership extends its very best wishes on this memorable occasion and expresses a hope for continued success.”
Also in attendance were Old Lyme (OL) First Selectman Timothy Griswold, OL Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker, and OL Economic Development Commission Chair Cheryl Poirier, who together presented a Certificate of Recognition to Boro for contributions to the arts in Old Lyme.
In presenting the certificate, Poirier shared with the attendees, “My favorite story that Gil’s ever told me is about ‘Don’t Touch the Art.’ Gil and his wife would go to museums in New York and he’d want to touch every sculpture.” She joked with Gil, “And how many security people said to you, ‘Stop touching the art!’?
Poirier explained that Boro’s response to this ‘no-touch’ rule was, simply “I’m going to have a place where not only I can touch the sculpture, but everyone else can touch the sculpture too.”
Poirier then noted to ripples of enthusiastic laughter, “And how lucky are we that he chose Old Lyme to do that!”
The Midnight Anthem entertained the attendees throughout the rest of the evening, which included a very successful silent auction of some of Boro’s sculpture.
Guests lined up to say a fond farewell to Gilbert Boro in person during the event. The Sculpture Grounds will stay open to the public through Dec. 31, 2023.
Asked by LymeLine after the event how he felt about the award, Boro responded, “I am deeply grateful to the [Old Lyme] Economic Development Commission (EDC) and our state and town representatives for their thoughtful presentations.”
He continued, “I am humbled and honored to have been a part of this exceptional artistic community,” adding, “It is indeed with a heavy heart that we have announced the forthcoming closure of Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds, but I warmly welcome the community and art enthusiasts to visit us during our final months of operation.”
Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds issued an official statement after the event saying, “We extend our sincere appreciation to State and Town representatives, and the Old Lyme EDC for their steadfast support of Gilbert Boro’s artistic endeavors and his dedication to cultivating a generous and creative artistic community. Their recognition of the invaluable role Gilbert has played in the development and enhancement of public art has been truly inspiring.
Throughout his years at Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds, he has been privileged to witness the transformative power of art and the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities alike. It is this sense of public service that has fueled his artistic vision, and he is immensely grateful for the opportunities and support he has received.
Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds welcomes everyone to visit before Dec. 31, 2023 to experience Gilbert Boro’s remarkable sculptures firsthand. The profound beauty and thought-provoking nature of his works will continue to inspire and captivate visitors until our closure.
Again, we thank the Old Lyme EDC, state representatives and this wonderful community for their unwavering support of Gilbert Boro and Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds. Together, we have fostered a vibrant and creative artistic environment that will forever be cherished.”
