The array of well-organized clothes and accessories — all donated — on offer at the Pop-up Closet held Saturday at the Rogers Lake Clubhouse was remarkable. All photos by S. Thompson.
OLD LYME — The Pop-Up Closet held last Saturday, March 4, at the Rogers Lake Clubhouse was a major success in many ways.
Lyme-Old Lyme High School (LOLHS) senior Maddie McCulloch organized the event as part of her LOLHS Senior Project, but it was really a much broader reflection of her ongoing commitment to environmental and sustainability efforts.
The organizer of the event, Maddie McCulloch (right) stands with some of the friends who helped make it happen.
McCulloch had previously developed a community service project called Small Efforts, Big Impact, which, she explains, “I have been doing since 2019 as a way to try and keep Lyme and Old Lyme a bit cleaner by picking up trash on the side of the road.”
The free Pop-up Closet involved people donating clothes and fashion accessories, which were then offered at no charge to those who attended the event. Attendees were free to take whatever items they wanted provided they committed not to re-sell them.
Customers look closely at clothing donations at the Pop-up Closet.
How did the event go? McCulloch told LymeLine, “Overall, I felt like the event went really well. We had a variety of people come and check it out. I would say about 75 percent of the clothing donated got taken and the other 25 percent we were able to pass on to Free Treasures Den.”
She was extremely appreciative of all the people, who had helped her make the project a reality, saying, “I want to thank all of my family and friends who helped set everything up — the event wouldn’t have been possible with out them. I also want to thank everyone who stopped by and made the event the success it was.”
A contented customer poses with her bag of “new” clothes.
Suzanne Thompson, who was at the event in a personal capacity, but is a member of both the Region 18 Board of Education and the Old Lyme Solid Waste & Recycling Committee, commented that it was an, “Impressive” effort. She added, ” It’s great to see our students embracing sustainability and coming up with creative solutions.”
Thompson noted that she not only donated clothes to the Pop-up Closet, but also was a customer, commenting that she had happily, “Picked out a free vest for myself!”
More of Maddie McCulloch’s helpers joined her for this photo.
Demonstrating her firm commitment to environmental ideals, McCulloch said, “And although this event started out as my senior project, I think it would be an incredible idea to continue a free community closet event such as this each year.”
Editor’s Note: What a great idea, Maddie! Do we have any readers willing to answer her call?!
The Old Lyme Children’s Learning Center building at 57 Lyme Street has been closed and the decision taken to demolish it. Plans are underway to rebuild and reopen the property. File photo.
Center Hopes to Reopen in 2024, Plans Requires Approval From OL Historic District Commission, 12 Families Affected by Closure, Toddler and School Age Programs Not Affected by Decision
OLD LYME — 2/22 9amUPDATE (in italics): Kristen St. Germain, Old Lyme Children’s Learning Center (OLCLC) Board Chairman, has clarified today that no final decision has yet been taken on the proposed demolition as they are in early stages of their decision making.
She states by email, “The OLCLC Board believes at this point that it is the best course of action financially, but members recognize they still await key information. This includes the final costs of demolition and reconstruction, required permits and approvals from the Town of Old Lyme, and a decision from their insurance company regarding compensation.”
St. Germain adds, “Our priority has always been to provide an affordable childcare service to families and that we work hard to cover operational costs only. We do not have an endowment to draw from nor do we have a profit margin that allows us to be anything but fiscally responsible with this decision.”
2/20 8:32am: When a minor leak was discovered at the end of January inside the historic building owned by the Old Lyme Children’s Learning Center (OLCLC) at 57 Lyme St., the last thing anyone was expecting was that the building would end up being scheduled for demolition.
The OLCLC closed temporarily when the leak was discovered with the expectation that it would be repaired and the facility reopened by the middle of March. But as the work continued, one issue led to another and ultimately it was determined that a structural beam at the foot of the house was rotted to such an extent that the property was deemed irreparable and would need to be demolished.
Kristen St. Germain, who serves as the OLCLC Board Chair, explained to LymeLine by phone on Friday that the board intends to rebuild on the same site and reopen the Center sometime in 2024.
She explained, “Sadly 12 families in the Infants and Transition sections have had to find new daycare options,” and, “We had to let some staff go.” Fortunately, however, “The Toddler section takes place n the building behind the property [57 Lyme St.] and is unaffected,” Similarly, she noted the school-age programs of Before- and After-School Care are held in Center School and similarly not impacted by the decision.
St. Germain emphasized that the OLELC Board recognizes, “This is going to be hard.” She noted the Center has never had a mortgage as the building was bequeathed to the OLCLC Board by the late Connie Pike, and said, “The biggest obstacle is going to be financial. We are going to have to apply for a loan.”
Pointing out, “This couldn’t have come at a worse time. Our programs are thriving,” St. Germain noted a major fundraising effort would be launched when the project is closer to being fully underway. She also said that insurance options on the building are being investigated.
The Center was established in 1987 as Old Lyme Daycare and, according to the OLCLC website, “was shaped by the vision of Mrs. Connie Pike, a generous donor and supporter of the Center.”
Procedurally, the first thing the OLCLC Board has to do is submit an application to the Old Lyme Historic District Commission to demolish and rebuild the property.
Construction of the new property is anticipated to take 12 months.
St. Germain stressed that support through this challenging period has been extremely strong, noting, “Our parents have been awesome,” and adding positively, “By all giving our very best efforts, we will get through this.”
She concluded firmly, “if we’re going to do this [rebuild the Center], we ‘re going to do it right.”
Edie Twining, second from right, was named Old Lyme’s 2022 Citizen of the Year at tonight’s Annual Town Meeting. She stands in this photo with the Old Lyme First Selectman Tim Griswold (second from left) and Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker (left) and Selectman Matt Ward (right.) Photo by C. Poirier.
OLD LYME — At Monday night’s Annual Town Meeting held in Old Lyme’s Memorial Town Hall, Old Lyme First Selectman Tim Griswold enthusiastically declared, “We are excited to announce that Old Lyme’s Citizen of the Year for 2022 is the very talented Edie Twining. Edie is passionate about Old Lyme, its history, and its sense of place… and her local involvement speaks to that.”
He continued, “Edie is very active serving the Town of Old Lyme in various capacities. Having served on the Economic Development Commission and now as the Chair of the Halls Road Improvement Committee, Edie has worked tirelessly to develop the Halls Road Overlay District that, if approved, will allow property owners along Halls Road greater flexibility to develop their properties. The Committee is also planning to rebuild the Bow Bridge, a pedestrian bridge over the Lieutenant River which was part of the artistic heritage of Old Lyme. On the Town’s Economic Development Commission Edie worked toward creating new opportunities for existing Old Lyme businesses and our future businesses.”
Griswold added, “Members of the Old Lyme Land Trust are pleased that Edie is on their Board. She has been a long-time steward of the Lohmann-Buck-Twining Preserve and Co-Chair of the Trust’s Outreach Committee. She is often seen maintaining trails on Trust properties and she recently led the effort to design and construct benches for the enjoyment of hikers.”
Holding her just-received bouquet, Edie Twining acknowledges being named Old Lyme’s 2022 Citizen of the Year. Photo by M. Dickey.
The citation announcing Twining’s honor then stated, “Edie brings to everything she does a keen eye for design. As an example, her hand drawn illustrations for the Old Lyme Historical Society’s Walking Tour of Lyme Street brochure continues to delight local residents and history buffs alike. As a Board member of the Society, she also volunteers to seasonally refresh the Society’s display cases – in the Post Office, in Town Hall and in the Society’s building at 55 Lyme Street.
Edie has lent her talents to the Old Lyme Arts District, produced marketing materials for the annual Make Music Old Lyme event and helped create the Explore Old Lyme.com web site.”
Griswold concluded, “On behalf of the people of Old Lyme, the members of the Board of Selectmen offer their hearty congratulations to Edie Twining on being designated the Old Lyme Citizen of the Year for 2022.”
Others added words of support in the proclamation.
Cheryl Poirier, Chair of Old Lyme’s Economic Development Commission and of the Old Lyme Arts District, commented, “I am delighted Edie Twining is being recognized for her unwavering commitment to the Old Lyme community. Edie and I have collaborated on many efforts including the EDC, the Halls Road Improvement Committee, the Old Lyme Arts District, as well as the marketing materials for Make Music Old Lyme, and most recently, the creation of Explore Old Lyme.com.”
She continued, ” Edie is passionate about Old Lyme, its history, and its continued sense of place. Edie brings to everything she does a keen eye for design, which is reflected in the many things she has created, including the Historical Society’s Walking Tour of Lyme Street brochure. Her hand-drawn illustrations and easy to use fold-out brochure continue to delight local residents and history-buff visitors alike.”
Poirier noted, “As the Chair of the Halls Road Improvement Committee, and as past commissioner on the Economic Development Commission, Edie has spent countless volunteer hours collaborating to ensure Old Lyme continues to meet the needs of today’s residents while creating new opportunities for our future businesses. One of the great things about volunteering in Old Lyme is that you make wonderful friends along the way. I am proud to say that Edie and I not only challenge each other’s thinking on our many projects, but she is also my friend. Well done, Edie Twining!”
Another photo of Old Lyme’s 2022 Citizen of the Year Edie Twining (second from right) standing with the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen. Photo by K. Balocca.
Howard Margules, who served as Co-Chair with Twining on the Halls Road Improvement Committee, said, “Grit, tenacity, smarts, no nonsense common sense, responsible, capable, integrity, caring these are the essence of my friend, Edie Twining. I have worked with Edie for over a decade on both the Economic Development Commission and Halls Road Improvement Committee, and I am always amazed at her dedication and sense of purpose.”
He added, “Edie’s connection to Old Lyme goes back, way back. Her father played a leadership role in the economic development of Old Lyme in the 1950s and they share that same sense of purpose. Both on a mission to improve, enhance and secure the future of Old Lyme. Edie is not one for seeking the limelight, and I can see her squirming when she receives this award; It is unexpected, but certainly well earned. I applaud the town for recognizing her numerous contributions.”
Sabine O’Donnell and Lea Harty, who are member of the Old Lyme Land Trust Board, were gracious in their praise of Twining’s contributions to the trust saying, “The Old Lyme Land Trust Board is very fortunate that Edie has chosen to join its ranks. For the past four years, Edie has worked tirelessly to bring insights to board discussions on how the Trust can coordinate its mission and projects with other town organizations to benefit Old Lyme and its citizens.”
They said, “Edie is a longtime steward of the Lohmann-Buck-Twining preserve and co-chairs the Trust’s Outreach Committee. She enjoys rolling up her sleeves to join other volunteers to maintain the many trails on Trust preserves and, among her many initiatives, recently came up with a bench design and then organized a bench building party at her home that had three generations of local families involved in a fun activity. Edie’s many creative talents are also on display whenever new signs or brochures are needed, and she also maintains the Trust’s informative website.”
O’Donnell and Harty concluded emphatically, “We believe Edie’s designation as Volunteer of the Year of the Town of Old Lyme is very much deserved.”
Michele Dickey, who has edited the Old Lyme Town Report for 30 years, was honored on her retirement during Monday evening’s Annual Town Meeting. Photos by C. Poirier.
OLD LYME — The Old Lyme Town Report has been edited by the same person for 30 years, but the report approved by residents at Monday night’s Annual Town Meeting was her final one.
Old Lyme First Selectman Tim Griswold read a citation commending Dickey’s major contribution to the production of the Town Report over 30 years.
Michele Dickey — a lifelong resident of the town, whose family has lived in Old Lyme for generations — retired from her editor’s role and, on Monday night, the town honored her extended service with both words and flowers.
The 2021-22 Town Report includes images of all the reports she has edited on the cover this year.
The 2021-22 Town Report is in some ways a tribute to Dickey’s 30 years of service since the outside cover includes images of all the reports she has edited.
Griswold brought a stack of reports, all of which Dickey had edited, to offer a visual demonstration of the sheer size of her work during the previous 30 years. He noted how “impressive” her work has been with ’30 consecutive Town Reports from fiscal year 1993 to 2022.”
Griswold drew chuckles from the audience when he commented, “I worked with her on 18 of them …”
Old Lyme Board of Finance Chairman David Kelsey (at podium) opened the congratulations for retiring Town Report Editor Michele Dickey. He praised Dickey’s excellent work over all 30 years.
Griswold then remarked that Dickey had created themes for all but five reports and commented that there were, “some notable ones.”
He singled out the ones Dickey produced in the following years: 1995, when it was the Equestrian Special Olympics in Old Lyme; 1998, which was the 75th anniversary of the Old Lyme Fire Department; 2007 covered the OL Town Hall expansion; 2013 focused on the big blizzard of that year and also Hurricane Sandy; 2017 celebrated the defeat of the proposed Amtrak rail line through the town; 2020 saw an inevitable theme of COVID, and 2021 explored the tree swallow murmuration.
Meeting Moderator Vicki Lanier sits behind the stack of town reports edited by Michele Dickey over 30 years.
Griswold pointed out that, “The Editor’s job is very detailed – listing all newly elected appointed officials in Town with their correct terms of tenure, all Town employees, and all marriages and deaths in the Town. He emphasized though that, “The most challenging aspect of the task is getting 52 or more officials to write their annual articles for their agencies each year,” adding, “And last but not least, formatting everything for the printer and proofreading it all.”
Old Lyme Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker presents Michele Dickey with a bouquet of flowers to celebrate her retirement.
After Dickey had received hugs and been presented with flowers, she received a lengthy, well-deserved standing ovation.
When the celebrations were over, we asked Dickey how she felt about receiving such a touching acknowledgement of her multiple years of service. She wrote in an email, “My thanks to several administrations of the Town of Old Lyme, town hall personnel, and many boards of finance for this extended opportunity. I have worked with and gotten to know through hardcopy in a town-hall mailbox and more recently via email many people, whom I have never met in person.”
She continued, “There have been great conversations and many kindnesses!”
Dickey concluded, “But the fact that the town report must be finalized right around the Christmas holidays is always tough, no matter how hard I try to plan ahead. I am looking forward to more free time in the coming years and being able to spend much of it with our two grandchildren — who fortunately live right down the road!”
LYME/OLD LYME — It is always interesting in early January of one year to crunch the numbers and see which stories drew the highest number of readers in the previous year. This year was no exception — there were some predictable winners like the announcement of the Old Lyme 2021 Citizen of the Year and the unexpected (and unsuccessful, as far as we know) auction of the Old Lyme Shopping Center.
There were several pandemic-related articles such as the opening of applications for ARPA grants in Old Lyme and a dramatic increase in the number of Connecticut towns in the Red Zone in April. The decision by the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme to hold its White Elephant Sale after a two-year Covid-enforced hiatus was greeted enthusiastically by many readers as was news that Lyme-Old Lyme Schools had dropped their COVID mask-mandate.
Controversial issues always prompt a rise in readers and predictably the whole business about the then-insuperable obstacles facing Old Lyme’s Open Space Commissions’ efforts to acquire two parcels of the Ames property fell into that category. Similarly, people wanted to read all about the appointment of a new face to the OL Economic Development Commission against both the recommendation of its chair and over an incumbent. The still-ongoing saga of the Tantummaheag access dispute made the list as did the subject of armed guards in Lyme-Old Lyme Schools.
Sad news also invariably attracts increased readership and so the announcement of the passing of our beloved food writer Lee White is on our list as is the unanticipated departure of the then-director of the Florence Griswold Museum.
There were surprisingly few politically-related stories in our Top 15 for 2022, even though it was a feisty election year. The one that did make the list related to a well-known Old Lyme resident being the major funder of a new Republican PAC in the state.
We knew Maureen Haseley-Jones’s gardening columns were popular, but it was a slight surprise that February’s — of all months — crept into our Top 15. Congratulations , Maureen!
But the biggest surprise of all was the most-read story of the year, which, against all odds, was the second and final segment of a two-part-story about the history of tobacco in Connecticut!
It is a particularly topical article for today — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day — because (and who knew?), MLK worked in the summers of both 1944 and 1947 on a tobacco farm in Simsbury to earn money for tuition. He wrote to his father that, “there was no discrimination at all,” north of Washington DC, adding that up North, “We go to any place we want to and sit anywhere we want to.”
King wrote in his autobiography, “It was a bitter feeling going back to segregation after those summers in Connecticut.”
Corey Kilgannon wrote in the New York Times that the dream of equality that MLK first glimpsed in Simsbury helped reshape his world view, adding, “It was during those summers that King began his path to becoming a minister.”
Congratulations to our very own Tom Gotowka on being the author of our most-read article in 2022!
We have a feeling the article was picked up by some research entities, which may have increased its readership numbers, but that takes nothing away from the simple fact that it recorded more readers than any other article in the whole of 2022!
The complete list of our Top 15 most-read articles for 2022 in descending order is as follows:
