What a view! All members of Lyme-Old Lyme’s Troop 26 who traveled to New Mexico made it to the summit of Mount Baldy. All photos submitted by Troop 26.
LYME/OLD LYME —Twenty-two Scouts and Scout Leaders from Lyme-Old Lyme Troop 26 recently completed 90 miles of hiking over 12 days in Northern New Mexico. The Scouts visited Philmont Scout Ranch, a 214-sq. mile rugged mountain wilderness area.
The Ranch offered the Scouts the chance to learn leadership and outdoor skills as they backpacked to a new wilderness campsite each day. Along the way, Troop 26 also participated in an activity at each camp, such as horseback riding, rock climbing, and panning for gold.
The scoutinf group from Lyme/Old Lyme stands at the ceremonial gate to Philmont Scout Ranch, N.M.
Woody Goss who attended the trek with Troop 26 said, “It was hard, but I enjoyed the views, especially from places like the top of Mount Baldy. We reached 12,441 ft. at its summit and could see into two other states.”
The scouts listened intently to this woodsman, who carefully explained his craft.
He continued, “Blacksmithing was also something we got to do. Our crew worked together to make a hook using an anvil, hammer, and coal fire.”
Boys in Grade 6 or higher and under the age of 18 can join Troop 26. The Scouts camp every month of the year. It is a great opportunity to learn new skills and get outdoors.
Troop 26 members and leaders gather at the top of Mount Baldy, N.M.
The Troop meets at the Hamburg Fire House in Lyme from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays during the school year. Their first meeting of the year will be on Sept. 11.
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.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new ‘Kelsey Family Children’s Innovation & Discovery Center’ at CT Audubon’s Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center was held Wednesday, July 10. Pictured above are, from left to right, Alex Kelsey, David Kelsey, Dottie Kelsey, Tom Kelsey and Amanda Kelsey.
OLD LYME — Connecticut Audubon’s Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center (RTPEC) has announced the opening of a new children’s education center on its five-acre property in Old Lyme. Funded by private donations, The Kelsey Family Children’s Innovation & Discovery Center is located in a renovated and expanded 1,632-square-foot cottage.
“The Kelsey family is fortunate to be able to support such a worthy endeavor of the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center,” said J. David Kelsey of Old Lyme. He continued, “The commitment of the center to the nature education and growth of intellectual curiosity in our young kids is critical to the establishment of lifelong learning and coupling that with an introduction to conservation and an important understanding of the contributions of birds to our world is a wonderful thing of which to be a part.”
The center officially opened July 3 and will be the home of an array of new, specially-designed programs for children ages three and up. Program participants will have the opportunity to learn about conservation and the environment through stories and art, the use of scientific equipment, and explorations of local habitats.
The newly-renovated building includes classrooms, a studio and lab equipped with digital microscopes and other scientific equipment, an organic vegetable garden, and water and nature play area
The center features the following programs: Little Naturalists, a weekly nature class for parents/caregivers and children ages three to five years old, encourages discovery, exploration, and expression through stories, hands-on activities, and art with themes such as birds, insects, soil, water, mammals, and fish.
Family Ecology Days invite children of all ages to participate in a morning of ecology exploration through seasonal activities including macroinvertebrate exploration with scopes, plant ID in the center’s pollinator garden, and searching for birds with binoculars.
Birding Basics teaches children ages 12 and up the basics of birding with an ID classroom portion paired with practice in the field. The program is offered seasonally in the fall, winter and spring.
“With the establishment of the new center, we are now able to provide innovative, hands-on, and experiential STEM programs both after school and during our summer sessions,” said Alisha Milardo, director of Connecticut Audubon’s Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center.
In addition to classroom programs, the center will also be available for private events, including children’s birthday parties.
Connecticut Audubon’s RTPEC dedicates itself to future generations through experiential education and conservation of the land, waters, and the species that inhabit them. Established in 2015 as a regional center of the CT Audubon Society, RTPEC focuses on protecting and conserving the dominant biosystems of southeastern Connecticut.
The Center’s programs reach over 8,000 students throughout the southeastern CT region.
The CT Audubon Society protects Connecticut’s birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through conservation, education, and advocacy. Founded in 1898, CT Audubon operates nature facilities in Fairfield, Milford, Pomfret, Hampton, Sherman, and Old Lyme, and an EcoTravel office in Essex.
Charlie. is looking for his forever home. Can you help?
WESTBROOK—Located on Horse Hill Road in Westbrook, Valley Shore Animal Welfare League (VSAWL) is a haven for four-legged friends and those looking to adopt them. At VSAWL both cats and dogs are sheltered and provided with necessary veterinary care and companionship.
A dedicated group of staff and volunteers care for the animals’ daily needs as well as maintain the building and grounds. The VSAWL cares for local animals as well as animals from other locations—particularly animals transported from the south.
The VSAWL is a no-kill shelter and a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.
Founded in 1972 by a group of concerned animal lovers, VSAWL and its all-woman crew sought to fill a gap and care for animals, who had no place else to go. These women dedicated themselves to the animals and the mission and have been helping animals at VSAWL ever since.
The VSAWL is currently undertaking an effort to refocus its energies so that services for its animals, volunteers and the community can be improved.
Several new board members have been elected and the search is on to find more interested and energetic individuals, who can help to carry out the organization’s mission to provide refuge, care, companionship and adoption services. If you are interested in volunteering or joining the VSAWL board, contact the organization at 860-399-7561 or valleyshoreawl@gmail.com.
The VSAWL is currently housing four adorable dogs, which are all looking for forever homes.
Willow.
Willow, the coonhound, is a one-year-old wild child—she enjoys walks, play-dates with other dogs and playing fetch. She is a good girl with lots to say and is interested in everything. Looking for an active friend, who has as much energy as she does. Willow is a little anxious, but that is hardly surprising considering her previous life. She would benefit from some training and is very quick to learn new tricks like “Sit” and “Leave.” She loves stuffed toys and would make a faithful forever friend.
Alice is a funny two-year-old terrier/Frenchie mix. She is about 50 lbs and absolutely adores new toys and blankets. She gets so excited and can hardly contain herself. She is so happy to see you and wants nothing more than pets and kisses. She is very active and gets the zoomies often. She loves walks, running, car-rides and sitting by your side. She is a special girl and a cozy friend.
Zoe.
Zoe is everyone’s best friend (except other pets – she wants to be your one and only .) She is a nine-year-old lab/pit mix. She is sweet and loving and wants nothing more than to play and get pets and love. Zoe is very excited to meet you but settles with reminders and pets. She is very friendly and most polite on a leash. She will make a steady friend, a sweet companion and a loving snuggle buddy for anyone who likes to snuggle back!
Charlie, a nine-year-old boxer, has been with us for a year and a half. He came to us in terrible shape – horrible ear infections and feet that were so swollen it was hard for him to walk. But he is doing much better now and is looking for a family to share his life with. Charlie is the definition of a big baby. He is shy at first but warms up quickly. He is a sweet and loving little couch-potato, who likes walks and warm beds. He is a staff/volunteer/vet favorite.
The VSAWL also has several cats and kittens that would love to make your acquaintance.
Cinder.
Among them is Cinder, who is 16-years-old. She is a sweet and bossy cat, who wants to be queen of the castle. She is interested in everything and will greet you at the door and follow you around until you give her attention. She likes to play in her water bowl and sample from every food bowl. She is a sweetie-pie and looking for a doting family with whom to share the rest of her life.
If you would like to share your home with any of our pets, contact the VSAWL to set up an appointment to meet your potential new best friend.
The organization is completely funded by donors and always grateful for financial donations to help cover the cost of food, services and veterinary care for our animals. If you would like to make a monetary donation, Venmo VSAWL at @VSAWL1972 or visit their website at valleyshoreaninalwelfareleague.org to make a donation through PayPal. We also accept cash or checks at VSAWL, 64 Horse Hill Road, Westbrook, CT 06498.
To be added to the VSAWL mailing list, email Dottie Wells at drw214@gmail.com.
The VSAWL is grateful for all of the community members who are part of the VSAWL family as adopters, donors or volunteers.
White Elephant Sale Chairman Bob Davis (second from left) stands with some of the other volunteers, who helped to run the Sports Department at this year’s White Elephant Sale.
OLD LYME—We wondered how the rain had impacted this year’s White Elephant Sale (WES) and so we asked WES Chairman Bob Davis about the sale results.
He said via email, “The 86th White Elephant Sale was another huge success in spite of the torrential rains on Saturday. It was another record sale and the proceeds will go a long way to supporting various charities.”
He added, “Friday we were greeted by a large enthusiastic crowd waiting for the church bell to strike nine. We had two hours of sun and clouds before the rains came, but that didn’t stop the shoppers on both days.”
The rains may have come but they did not impact bargain-hunting enthusiasm!
Noting, “Channel 8 [WTNH] was there to film the event,” Davis then shared this delightful anecdote, “One shopper even asked the price for a certain tripod … then we realized it belonged to the cameraman, who was walking around filming!”
He concluded, “All in all, 2024 had lots of bargains, wet feet and memories as we look forward to next year’s sale on July 11 and 12”
