Category Archives: Community

Justice Dance Performance Project Presents Staged Reading of ‘With These Hands’

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“With These Hands: Connecting Self, Community, and the Earth” was first performed at York Correctional Institution in 2024 as the culmination of a year-long performance residency overseen by the Justice Dance Performance Project (JDPP). Graphic courtesy of JDPP.

OLD LYME — A staged reading of ‘With These Hands,’ a piece developed by incarcerated individuals at York Correctional Institution, will be performed next month at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme. 

The free performance will be held at 11:30 a.m. on May 4.  

“With These Hands: Connecting Self, Community, and the Earth” was first performed at York in 2024 as the culmination of a year-long performance residency overseen by the Justice Dance Performance Project (JDPP).

Participants at York created written pieces, dances, and songs, while working with JDPP teaching artists to develop the performance. 

JDPP will bring excerpts from the piece as a staged reading that includes narrative, song, and dance. The cast includes JDPP teaching artists from the project and women who are part of JDPP’s Stepping Out program for returning citizens in the community.

Lyme Grange Offers ‘Chick Chat’ Seminar for Poultry Lovers

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On Saturday, May 3, Lyme Grange hosts a ‘Chick Chat’ Seminar for poultry lovers from 1 to 3 p.m.

LYME—On Saturday, May 3, the Lyme Grange will host an expert-led seminar and question-and-answer session on raising backyard chickens. 

Poultry expert Sarah McEachern of Poulin Grain, a producer of animal-nutrition products, will lead the session from 1 to 3 p.m. at The Grange headquarters, 2 Sterling City Rd. 

Grange Secretary Nancy Beebe in a press release said that the seminar is a response to area residents who have asked for expert guidance when it comes to raising small flocks of chickens on their property. 

The free program is sponsored by the Lyme Grange, Shagbark Lumber & Farm Supplies, and the Hamburg Fair Association. Topics include poultry raising, housing, health concerns, nutritional care and predator considerations. 

Registration is requested. Visit this link to sign up.

Call for Homes: Join the 2025 ‘Homes for the Holidays’ Tour

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OLD LYME – The Old Lyme Children’s Learning Center has announced the return of the Homes for the Holidays Tour – and they’re looking for homeowners on or near Lyme Street who are willing to open their beautifully decorated, holiday-themed homes to visitors.

The popular fundraiser will be held Saturday, Dec. 6 from mid-morning through early afternoon. 

OLCLC Board of Directors President Kristen St. Germain in an email said the center has already secured some homes and is hoping to add more.

“Whether you showcase a few rooms or the whole house, your participation helps bring joy to visitors and raises critical funds to support high-quality childcare for working families in our area,” she said. “This festive event not only celebrates the spirit of the season but also highlights the architecture and warmth of our beautiful community.”

Interested homeowners are asked to email St. Germain at bod.olclc@gmail.com or board member Marie Ryan at mcargr@aol.com.

OLCLC has been providing childcare on Lyme Street for almost 40 years. But a severe leak in 2023 forced the center to close its doors for a complete renovation of the historic home. It reopened last October. 

St. Germain in a separate letter to area homeowners described the closure as a logistical and financial challenge at a time when the center was emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic to find an altered childcare landscape. 

“The need for quality childcare in Connecticut has never been greater,” she said. “Since the pandemic, our state has faced a critical shortage of childcare options, making it even more difficult for working families to balance their careers and their children’s care. OLCLC is committed to being part of the solution, but we need the community’s help to get back on our feet.”

The center will also host a holiday boutique inside the Old Lyme Town Hall as part of the tour.

A Few Tickets Still Available for Lyme Art Association’s Signature Spring Fundraiser

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Among the silent auction items at the 2025 Sea & Sky Soiree is “Abandoned Orchard” by Jim Laurino. Image courtesy of Lyme Art Association.

OLD LYME —The Lyme Art Association promises an evening of fine art, music, and cultured camaraderie at its Sea & Sky Soirée on Saturday, May 3. 

Described in a press release as the place where “art meets elegance,” the signature spring fundraiser includes live jazz, hors d’oeuvres from Flanders Fish Market, a silent auction showcasing works of art, and a raffle of themed baskets featuring unique items and experiences.  

Basket Raffle tickets are now on sale. Visit this link to purchase tickets in advance of the event. Raffle tickets can be purchased ahead of time and picked up at the event or at Lyme Art Association (LAA) starting or purchased at LAA.

Tickets are one for $10, three for $20, or ten for $50. Baskets are currently on display at the LAA. The raffle drawing will take place at the Sea & Sky Soirée. Participants need not be present to win.

The event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. in the association’s historic gallery at 90 Lyme St.

Lyme Art Association Executive Director Elsbeth Dowd prepared for last year’s silent auction in this photo courtesy of Lyme Art Association.

Proceeds support educational programs, exhibitions, and special projects carried out as part of the association’s mission to promote the visual arts.

Sponsorships and auction donations are still being accepted.

For more information or to donate auction items, contact Elsbeth Dowd at elsbeth@lymeartassociation.org or call 860-434-7802.

Tickets are available at www.lymeartassociation.org/sea-sky-soiree.

Lecture, Guided Walk on ‘Native American Sites in Old Lyme’ at Watch Rock Preserve with Dr. John Pfeiffer, April 27

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A view looking south down the Connecticut River with Watch Rock Preserve to the left. Photo by Edie Twining.

OLD LYME — On Sunday, April 27, take a step back into the history of Old Lyme’s Native Americans with a presentation and walking tour led by Dr. John Pfeiffer, PhD, Anthropology, SUNY Albany.

At 1 p.m., Pfeiffer will give a lecture at the Old Lyme Historical Society, 55 Lyme St. Light refreshments will be offered.

At 2:15 p.m. take a guided walk led by Pfeiffer at Old Lyme’s Land Trust Watch Rock Preserve at 7 Joel Rd.

Pfeiffer has conducted over half a century of research as an anthropologist, historian, and archaeologist with our local Schaghticoke, Mohegan, and Nehantic tribes.  

Dress comfortably for the weather. 

The event is free, but registration is requested at oldlymelandtrust.org

This event is co-sponsored by OLHSI and The Old Lyme Land Trust