To the Editor: An Open Letter to the People of Old Lyme
I truly think that the Public Hearing this evening at 5:30 p.m. in the Old Lyme Town Hall is our last best chance to protect this precious Mile Creek River, this habitat. With the start of full-time quarrying operations at the gravel pit, the peace, the quiet, the wildlife are all about to disappear.
I wish I could have been more effective in helping to protect this, As Claudia Weicker, from R.T.P. Audubon called it when she visited our home, it is an incredible habitat, a birder’s dream. She truly loved the place.
Please, encourage your neighbors to attend and make their concerns be heard. If there is a large turnout the hearing may be continued.
So this may be a bit of a long haul, But not anywhere near as long or loud as the Gravel Pit operation will be …
Celebrating the ribbon-cutting at Chestnut Market are, from left to right, Jim Ward, President, Lyme Old Lyme Food Share Garden; Alvaro Sari*, Territory Manager, Hesham Attia*, Territory Manager, Farris Jamal*, Merchandising Manager, Faheem Jamal*, Director of Operations; Scott Parker*, Director of Facilities; Martha Shoemaker, First Selectwoman, Town of Old Lyme; CT State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd); Menent Oral*,Territory Manager; Jonathan Pintado*, Store Manager, Cheryl Poirier, Chairwoman, Old Lyme Economic Development Commission; Jude Read, Selectwoman, Town of Old Lyme; Abigail Cerra*, Loyalty Marketing Manager, and Mohammed Hossain*, Director of Purchasing. * denotes an individual employed by Chestnut Market. All photos by Doris Coleman.
Company Highlights its Commitment to Local Communities
OLD LYME, CT — As part of a grand opening celebration, Chestnut Market recently presented the Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden (LOLFSG) with a $1250 donation and participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Town of Old Lyme representatives.
The grand opening celebration took place on Friday, Oct. 18, and included a raffle, free giveaways, and a festive environment for customers who stopped by the 85 Halls Rd. location.
The exterior of Chestnut Market at 85 Halls Rd. in Old Lyme.
Chestnut Market is headquartered in New York and recently expanded into Connecticut, with Old Lyme being one of 11 Connecticut locations. The store stocks a number of “grab and go” breakfast and lunch items as well as snacks and beverages. Bags of ice are available for sale inside the store. Chestnut Market accommodated the needs of the Town of Old Lyme by closing its Halls Road location at midnight; many of its other locations are open 24/7.
Chestnut Market’s Director of Operations, Faheem Jamal, stated,: “We’re excited to expand our Connecticut footprint with this location in Old Lyme. With clean, well-maintained restrooms and an emphasis on excellent customer service, we ensure every stop is a pleasant one.” He continued, “Our extensive foodservice program features hot, delicious options for every part of the day and our coffee is served fresh every time with our bean-to-cup program. Add in the Mobil-branded fuel, and we’re proud to offer a top-notch experience from start to finish.”
The interior of of Chestnut Market at 85 Halls Rd. in Old Lyme.
A ribbon-cutting was held at 1 p.m. that included local representatives including State Representative Devin Carney, Old Lyme First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker, Selectwoman Jude Read, and Economic Development Chair Cheryl Poirier. In presenting Chestnut Market a Certificate of Appreciation for its investment in Old Lyme, Poirier noted with the recent renovations and upgrades to the property, the number of employees has gone from two to nine and is expected to grow during the summer season.
Cheryl Poirier, Chairwoman, Old Lyme Economic Development Commission presented Faheem Jamal, Director of Operations at Chestnut Market with a Certificate of Appreciation for its investment in Old Lyme. Others attending the presentation were, from left to right, ScrHesham Attia*, Territory Manager, Scott Parker*, Director of Facilities; Farris Jamal*, Merchandising Manager; Martha Shoemaker, First Selectwoman, Town of Old Lyme; CT State Representative Devin Carney and Jude Read, Selectwoman, Town of Old Lyme. * denotes an individual employed by Chestnut Market.
As part of the grand opening, Chestnut Market presented its $1250 donation to the Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden. An oversized check was on hand to be received by LOLFSG President Jim Ward and Board Member MyLan Sarner. Ward said, “We are honored to have been chosen by Chestnut Market for their community support. Their financial donation will be supporting five vegetable rows for the 2025 growing season. We look forward to their continued support.”
Faheem Jamal, Director of Operations at Chestnut Market presents a check for $1250 to Jim Ward, President, Lyme Old Lyme Food Share Garden. Also present were, from left to right, ScrHesham Attia*, Territory Manager: Martha Shoemaker, First Selectwoman, Town of Old Lyme; CT State Representative Devin Carney and MyLan Sarner, Board Member, Lyme Old Lyme Food Share Garden.To Ward’s right are Farris Jamal*, Merchandising Manager; Jonathan Pintado*, Store Manager; Mohammed Hossain*, Director of Purchasing; and (standing behind) Abigail Cerra, Loyalty Marketing Manager. * denotes an individual employed by Chestnut Market.
Chestnut Market is a family-owned convenience store chain operating 75 locations in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The company states that its values, friendliness, cleanliness and safety attest to its commitment to make an impact in the communities it serves.
Chestnut Market notes that its stores are curated to meet the demands of local customers. It promotes the formation of strategic partnerships ranging from local collaborations to high-tech solutions and offers a wide selection of snacks, beverages and fresh food options.
Fuel brands across its locations include Exxon, Mobil, Shell and BP. The Old Lyme location carries the Mobil brand.
From left to right, Operating Engineers Local 478 President Nate Brown, DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, Gov. Ned Lamont, Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner, Rep. Joe Courtney, and Deputy US Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg break ground on the new Connecticut River Bridge at Ferry Landing State Park in Old Lyme on Thursday, Sept. 5. Photo courtesy of CTNewsJunkie.com Photo credit: Screengrab / CT-N
OLD LYME – Yesterday Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner joined U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont (D), Senators Richard Blumenthal (D) and Chris Murphy (D), Representative Joe Courtney (D), Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, and other state and local officials to celebrate the start of construction for Amtrak’s new Connecticut River Bridge between Old Saybrook and Old Lyme, Connecticut.
The existing Connecticut River Bridge, which opens for maritime traffic several times a day in peak boating season, was completed in 1907 and today serves more than 50 daily Amtrak Northeast Regional and Acela trains, CTrail Shore Line East commuter service trains and freight trains. The aging bridge’s failure to open and close consistently can result in cascading delays to rail and maritime traffic.
The modern, more resilient, moveable bridge now being constructed by Amtrak will feature a trunnion bascule span design with modern track, signal, catenary, power, communication and other supporting rail infrastructure. It will support a maximum train operating speed of 70 mph, a 55 percent increase from today’s maximum speed of 45 mph. Maritime navigation and safety will also improve due to the increased vertical clearance of the new bridge compared to the existing bridge.
This investment will ensure continued connectivity along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) – America’s busiest passenger rail corridor – while enabling plans to expand intercity passenger rail service in the region and across the nation.
This $1.3 billion project is supported by a $826.64 million Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), made possible by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL.) The remaining portion will be funded by Amtrak and the State of Connecticut.
“Amtrak is thrilled to join our partners to break ground on the new Connecticut River Bridge, a project decades in the making,” said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner. “When completed, this modern bridge will improve the customer experience by eliminating delays, providing faster journeys and modernizing another critical infrastructure asset in Connecticut that benefits the entire Northeast Corridor.”
He continued, “Today’s milestone would not be possible without funding from the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act and continued support from the Biden-Harris Administration along with Connecticut’s champions of rail in Governor Lamont, Senator Blumenthal, Senator Murphy, Congressman Courtney, Commissioner Eucalitto and so many others.”
“Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration—and the largest investment in passenger rail since Amtrak was founded—we’re replacing the century-old Connecticut River Bridge with a safer, more reliable structure,”said U.S. Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg. “This bridge is a critical point for freight and passenger rail and maritime traffic along the Northeast, and the new bridge will deliver the faster, more reliable service Americans deserve.”
“The Northeast Corridor is the busiest rail line in the nation, and improvements here mean more jobs, continued economic growth, and improved quality of life,”said Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. “The Connecticut River Bridge is more than 100 years old, and this major modernization project will ensure that trains can operate with higher speeds and fewer disruptions well into the future. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues delivering for Connecticut and the entire region.”
“Today marks the beginning of faster rail travel for commuters and other rail passengers,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal. “The Connecticut River Bridge is in desperate need of upgrades, and I am thrilled that work is underway to replace it. I am proud Bipartisan Infrastructure Law dollars are at work improving aging infrastructure in Connecticut, and I will continue fighting to deliver more of this critical funding to our state.”
Rendering of the new Connecticut River Amtrak Bridge. Photo courtesy of Amtrak MediaCenter.
“The Connecticut River Bridge is one of the most critical sections of northeast rail corridor, but its aging infrastructure has led to disruptions, slower travel times, and delays, creating massive headaches for the thousands of commuters who travel across it,” said U.S. Senator Chris Murphy. This project has been years in the making, and it is only happening because of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Now, thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris, we are finally starting a project to improve reliability, reduce traffic, and make life easier for travelers and commuters in our state.”
“Ever since the determination was made in 2006 that the bridge was structurally deficient, my office has been leading federal efforts to support construction of a safer and faster rail line for passengers and freight. Importantly, even before the federal infrastructure law, which is funding the new bridge, became law, my office secured a commitment from Amtrak that the bridge would be built under a Project Labor Agreement that guarantees our local workforce will execute construction,” said U.S. Representative Joe Courtney. “This means Connecticut’s workers will benefit from the highest safety standards, good wages, and high quality job training.”
“I am thrilled to see the Connecticut River Bridge project begin this week!” said Connecticut State Senator Christine Cohen (D—District 12), Chair of the Transportation Committee. “This project is a great example of collaboration between the private sector and the federal and state governments to invest into public transportation in the Northeast Corridor. Once completed, this project will improve reliability, train speeds and connectivity in our region and I’m committed to continuing to work together with our partners to make our rails more accessible for riders across the region.”
“This bridge represents a great leap forward for our local public transportation,” said Connecticut State Senator and Deputy Majority Leader Martha Marx (D—District 20). “People can trust that their trains will arrive on time and get them where they need to go at a faster pace than ever before. Rail travel is a vital connection point in our community, as well as in New England and throughout the nation. I’m very pleased to see Amtrak making such admirable improvements to their services.”
“Rebuilding the Connecticut River Bridge is a transformational investment for the future of passenger rail service in the Northeast Corridor,” said Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “With modern engineering and design, the new bridge will accommodate growing ridership demand, faster and more reliable travel times, and stimulate the local and regional economy. Thank you to the FRA for investing in Connecticut through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. We look forward to working closely with our partners at Amtrak as this project moves forward.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has enabled long overdue transportation upgrades like the Connecticut River Bridge Project along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor,” said Transportation Trades Department (AFL-CIO) President Greg Regan. “We’re proud that this project will utilize union workers, providing an economic boost to surrounding communities, and will improve service on America’s busiest passenger rail line.”
“Chalk up another win for America’s rail passengers from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said Rail Passengers Association President & CEO Jim Mathews. “Thanks to the BIL’s historic levels of capital funding, passengers on Amtrak and commuter rail on the busy Northeast Corridor can look forward to traveling faster, more safely, and more reliably over the Connecticut River than we do today.”
He added, “Replacing this 117-year-old bridge is just another example of how the BIL is helping to reverse decades of underinvestment in vital infrastructure, and our Association applauds Amtrak, the Federal Railroad Administration, and the Connecticut Department of Transportation for getting this vital project moving.”
Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release issued Sept. 5, by the Amtrak MediaCenter.
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.
Cote Will Lead Mystic, Niantic and Old Lyme Brokerages
Beth Cote will serve as Brokerage Manager for all three of the firm’s New London County, Conn., offices, located in Mystic, Niantic and Old Lyme.
NEW LONDON COUNTY, CT — On June 10, William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty announced that Old Lyme resident Beth Cote will serve as Brokerage Manager for all three of the firm’s New London County, Conn., offices, located in Mystic, Niantic and Old Lyme.
The move comes as the company reaches number one market share by dollar volume for all property types sold.
Cote brings nearly 30 years of residential real estate sales expertise with in-depth knowledge of the Connecticut Shoreline markets. In her prior experience as a sales associate, she consistently ranked among the top-producing agents at William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty.
Cote is taking on the leadership role during a period of strong growth for the company in New London County. According to SmartMLS, for all property types sold year to date in 2024, the company has achieved average property sale prices 35% higher than its competitors.
“Beth brings strong leadership, sharp skills and a sincere commitment to supporting our entire team—and most importantly, our agents’ success,” said Carolyn Fugere, Co-President and Chief Sales Officer with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty.
She continued, “Her [Beth’s] passion for real estate is evident in her remarkable track record and dedication to excellence. Under her guidance, I am confident that our Mystic, Niantic and Old Lyme offices will continue to thrive and set new benchmarks for success in the industry.”
Cote began her career as Rookie of the Year and continued to earn prestigious distinctions with small boutique firms as well as at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage before joining William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty in 2021, where she received the Platinum Sales Award for production in 2021 and 2022. Her transition into the brokerage manager position in New London County began with her appointment to lead the Old Lyme and Niantic offices earlier in 2024, followed by Mystic.
She also possesses a strong background in marketing and management information systems, and is well-versed in the technology side of real estate, with proficiency in social media and digital platform advertising.
