OLD LYME—On Sunday, June 2, at 4 p.m., Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church hosts a presentation by the Reverend Charles Miller on his new book The Spiritual Adventure of Henri Matisse in the Griswold Room at Saint Ann’s
Miller will discuss Matisse’s groundbreaking design work on the Dominican Chapel of the Rosary in Vence, France, which is explored in both narrative and full color illustrations throughout the book.
Through a remarkable synergy between Matisse and the Dominican co-creators of the chapel, Matisse—then in his 80h year—designed the entire decorative program for the building, including the extraordinary stained-glass windows of this chapel.
Matisse considered “the strong midi [midday] sunlight almost as an element of the building. It will intensify the whiteness of the simple exterior and crescendo the colour of the brilliant stained-glass windows.”
In short, Matisse’s vision was that this be “ ‘a church full of gaiety—a place which will make people happy.’ “ (Rosamund Bernier, “Matisse Designs a New Church,” Vogue, USA, February 15, 1949)
In addition, Miller reveals how the personal story of Matisse’s life found expression in this building and how Matisse, in his final years, embraced an intentional artistic and spiritual path through his creative collaboration with local artisans and his Dominican partners of France’s Catholic Church.
Miller’s lecture will be illustrated with slides of the lavish illustrations from his book.
A reception will follow the lecture; all are invited to attend the lecture and the reception.
Books signed by the author will be available for sale after the presentation.
Miller, an American by birth, read Classics and received his doctorate in theology from Oxford University. He is the brother of Laura Lee Miller, a Saint Ann’s parishioner.
Miller has taught theology, church history and spirituality in the UK and Russia. Ecumenical interests have shaped his intellectual world and guided his life-long interest in the plastic arts and the theology of beauty.
He currently serves as Team Rector of the Parish of Abingdon-on-Thames in England.
The ‘Groundbreakers’ gather for a photo. From left to right, former Lyme First Selectman Steve Mattson, Old Lyme Selectwoman Judith Read, Lymes’ Senior Center Director Stephanie Gould, Old Lyme Selectman Jim Lampos (partially hidden from view), Lyme Selectperson John Kiker, Lyme Selectperson Kristina White, Lyme First Selectperson David Lahm, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-33rd), Lymes’ Senior Center Building Committee Chair Jeri Baker, State Rep. Devin Carney (R-23rd), Old Lyme First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker, former Old Lyme First Selectman Tim Griswold. Photo by Jason Pheasant, CT House Republicans.
“In short, the Center is being used more frequently by more people than at any point in its history” David Lahm, Lyme First Selectman
OLD LYME—10:40am Names added to photo captions: More than a hundred people turned out Monday to celebrate the official groundbreaking for the renovation and expansion of the Lymes’ Senior Center. Local dignitaries including State Senator Norm Needleman (D-33rd), State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd), Old Lyme First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker (D), and Lyme First Selectman David Lahm (R) were on hand for the ceremonial insertion of shovels into a pile of prepared dirt.
Joining them were Lymes’ Senior Center Building Committee Chairman Jeri Baker, Lymes’ Senior Center Board Chairman Peter Lucchese, Lymes’ Senior Center Director and Assistant Director respectively Stephanie Gould and Caitlyn Perkins, and representatives from Newfield Construction and Point One Architects.
Dig in! Wearing hard hats and with shovels in hand, local dignitaries dig into the dirt to celebrate the official start of the Lymes’ Senior Center Renovation and Expansion Project. Photo by Newfield Construction.
In her remarks, Shoemaker noted that the Senior Center, which opened in 1996, has not undergone any renovation to its original structure in the 28 years of its continuous operation. She announced, “That’s about to change,” saying, “The Towns of Old Lyme and Lyme, which share responsibility for the senior center, are about to invest $6.38 million to renovate and expand this facility.”
Shoemaker said that the Center has long been a vital component of the social life of the older residents of Lyme and Old Lyme, pointing out that it is, “The place where they come to exercise, learn new skills, hear lectures, enjoy movies or live theater, listen to live music, play games and make new friends.”
But she stressed it is also a vital component of social services for older adults and people with limited resources and mobility, explaining, “It houses the office of the town nurse for Old Lyme. It serves as a vaccination clinic. It hosts vital programs like Meals on Wheels. It serves as the site of the local VFW post. And it’s a place where our residents can shelter during weather emergencies and power outages.”
Old Lyme First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker speaks to the large audience gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Lymes’ Senior Center Renovation and Expansion Project. Photo by Jason Pheasant, CT House Republicans.
“The work that will begin here today,” Shoemaker stated, “… will revitalize the Senior Center and provide its members with a host of new amenities and capabilities so that it can serve more of our older residents more often.” She concluded, “We believe this renovation will keep it going strong for another 28 years – or more,” adding that the reopening of the Center is anticipated in March of next year if construction stays on schedule.
Lahm spoke next and commented that the research that was undertaken in preparation for the renovation identified that Lyme and Old Lyme have a median age of 48 to 51, compared to a median age of 40 for the state, and approximately 1,600 residents age 70 and older.
Noting that the Senior Center serves all residents 55 and above from Lyme, Old Lyme and some of the surrounding communities, he said its membership has swelled in recent years to more than 1,100 people. He cited further data regarding the number of visits made to the Center and then summed up by saying, “In short, the center is being used more frequently by more people than at any point in its history.”
Lahm stressed that all the Center’s programs and services are funded solely by membership dues and donations, not by the Towns, adding, “We are delighted that the voters of our towns were willing to invest in the center’s renovation to ensure that it can continue to be of service to our older adults.”
He also thanked the State of Connecticut, which has awarded Lyme and Old Lyme a total of $1 million in grants to help cover renovation costs.
Lahm expressed his thanks for the work done by volunteers on the Lymes’ Senior Center Building Committee and by their partners at Newfield Construction and Point One Architects.
Celebratory shovels are raised to indicate the start of the project. Photo by Jason Pheasant, CT House Republicans.
When the renovation is completed, Lahm noted the Center will have:
an additional 3,265 square feet of interior space – for a total of 8,737 square feet of interior space – that will enable it to accommodate more members and activities.
a new roof, porch, cupola, windows, walkways and landscaping.
motorized room partitions that allow for multiple room configurations so programs and activities can take place simultaneously.
an enlarged kitchen space with multiple kitchen upgrades that allows for greater center luncheon attendance.
a quiet library room where members can read or relax.
a public entrance that can accommodate the arrival and departure of buses and emergency vehicles.
redesigned entryway and hallways, improved door thresholds, additional shelving and storage space, and new furniture throughout.
Lahm concluded by saying, “We believe these renovations will keep the Center going strong for decades to come,” adding cheerfully, “And I look forward to standing here with Martha again next year for the ribbon cutting.”
Senior Center Building Committee Chairman Jeri Baker and Stephanie Gould, Director of the Center, rounded out the speeches with Baker noting it had been four years, seven months and one day since the Towns of Old Lyme and Lyme appointed a set of volunteers to serve on the building committee and oversee the renovation of the senior center.
She expressed thanks to a list of individuals, “For their hard work, dedication and expertise over the past several years,” namely, Don Abraham, Janet Sturges, Dan Hagan, Mary Stone, Arthur “Skip” Beebe, Ken Biega, Bennett “BJ” Bernblum, Dr. Rick Goulding, John KIker, Russell Learned, Toni Phillips, and Alan Sheiness.
She also noted her appreciation to past ex officio members, Bonnie Reemsnyder, Steve Mattson and Tim Griswold and current ex officio members, Martha Shoemaker, David Lahm and Stephanie Gould.
The Lyme Board of Selectpeople stand together for a photo after the celebrations. From left to right, First Selectperson David Lahm, Selectperson Kristina White and Selectperson John Kiker. Photo by Newfield Construction.
Baker added sincere thanks to all the boards, commissions and the staff from both towns, “Who contributed to this journey,” along with all those involved from Newfield Construction and Point One Architects, “Who are helping us carry the renovation from an idea into a reality.”
She also thanked the various organizations, who are serving as locations for Senior Center activities while the renovation is ongoing, and gave a special thank you to, “The Senior Center members, staff, and Board of Directors; the VNA; the VFW and the many volunteers who support this wonderful place.”
After a hearty round of applause, ceremonial shovels were duly inserted in the ground and the joyful celebrations began.
JenniferTiffany stands proudly in front of The Farmers Market that she and her husband Bill Hurtle will host again this summer at Tiffany Farms in Lyme. Photo by Olwen Logan
LYME, CT—On Saturday, May 25, The Farmer’s Market at Tiffany Farms in Lyme opens for the 2024 season from 9 a.m. through 12:30 p.m.
Happiness is a big bunch of fresh flowers! Photo by Lisa Tiffany Simiola.
Asked by LymeLine.com for her thoughts as to why the market has become such a success, co-founder Jennifer Tiffany responded by email saying, “The Farmers Market at Tiffany farms is the perfect opportunity to embrace Lyme’s appreciation for the preservation of agriculture and the importance of land stewardship.”
Welcome to the Farmers Market. Photo by Lisa Tiffany Simiola.
Tiffany and her husband Bill Hurtle run the market, which is now a perennially popular destination for both local and regional shoppers,
Tiffany notes, “All Department of Agriculture, Markets, Department of Health and CT Grown guidelines will apply.” She aspires to the same look as [Lyme Farmers Market at] Ashlawn,” with the aim being to offer a “very classy ” market, focused on Connecticut-grown or-produced items such as dairy, beef, vegetables, herbs, jellies and syrups.
A view of the iconic Tiffany Farms where the Farmers Market will be held. Photo by Lisa Tiffany Simiola.
The Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School greenhouse pictured above will be renovated by a mutually beneficial partnership comprising the Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden and Lyme-Old Lyme Schools.
Joint Project Will Reduce Local Food Insecurity, Advance Student Engagement
LYME/OLD LYME—The Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden (LOLFSG) is partnering with the Region 18 School District to renovate the Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School greenhouse. The project will advance the garden’s mission to reduce local food insecurity while serving as a site to foster student curiosity and engagement.
The LOLFSG share of the project is $8000, which represents approximately 40 percent of the renovation costs. The LOLFSG is raising money through a crowd-sourcing effort supported by Sustainable CT. If LOLFSG can raise $4000, then Sustainable CT’s innovative Community Match Fund will match the remaining $4000. Donations in any amount are welcome. To view an insightful video about the project and/or to donate, visit http://patronicity.com/greenhouserenovation.
This Sustainable CT Fund provides fast, flexible funding to implement projects that align with a variety of sustainability actions. The Fund is structured to support and amplify grassroots efforts that strive to transform their community, neighborhood, and town for the good.
Access to a greenhouse will allow the LOLFSG to increase production by starting and maintaining plants for late-season crops. While researching greenhouse options, Jim Ward, LOLFSG President, noticed that the aging middle school greenhouse was currently unusable.
Ward approached RSD 18 administration about a potential partnership to renovate and modernize the structure. Following a series of conversations between school personnel, garden members, and greenhouse professionals, the idea took root.
This photo shows the current interior of the Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School greenhouse prior to the renovation project.
Garden volunteers will also maintain educational exhibits for use by students such as a vermicomposting (worm) bin and a hydroponic display. Teachers and students will have access to the greenhouse for classroom use or club projects.
The Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden is a nonprofit organization started in 2021 to reduce food insecurity in local communities by growing and donating fresh produce. Located at Town Woods Park, the LOLFSG is a fully volunteer organization. In the past two growing seasons, more than 5000 pounds of fresh produce has been donated to the Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Pantries and the United Way.
Garden volunteers also compost food waste and maintain a pollinator pathway.
LYME—On Tuesday, May 14, at Lyme Public Library at 5:30 p.m., the Mentoring Corps for Community Development (MCCD) will present the group’s methodology of how they deliver on their motto of “Helping Others Succeed”.
Founded in 2012, MCCD comprises a 12-member board of retired professionals offering consultation services based on their accumulated skills. These skills were acquired during the board members’ respective long careers in medicine, business, law, philanthropy, real estate and the arts to name a few.
The group works with clients on a confidential and pro bono basis.
If you are wondering how to improve outcomes for your business, not-for-profit or personal ambitions, this event offers the opportunity to learn how this unique organization has helped others achieve their goals.
All are welcome at this special, free event at which MCCD Board Members will share success stories and more.
Registration is preferred for planning purposes but not required. Contact Lyme Public Library at (860) 434-2272 or programreg@lymepl.org to register.
