Category Archives: Community

Happy 100th Birthday to Old Lyme Fire Department!

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So much to celebrate! The Old Lyme Fire Department (OLFD)100th birthday event was enjoyed by crowds numbering well into the high hundreds on Saturday. Photo courtesy of the ‘Wicked Peach’ band, which entertained the attendees for several hours in the late afternoon and evening.

OLD LYME — UPDATED 7/16 @ 11 p.m. “Blessed, honored, humbled, happy.” Thus says a Facebook post from the Old Lyme Fire Department succinctly describing how members of the Old Lyme Fire Department (OLFD) felt about Saturday’s amazing celebrations of the OLFD’s 100th birthday.

The combined Lyme-Old Lyme Schools/Old Lyme Fire Department campus was alive with activities on Saturday all the way through from noon to 8 p.m. Photo by Troy Christopher.

It was a day of celebration for all ages with entertainment, games, food, vintage cars … and memories stirred by veteran members of the OLFD attending the event in person and the ‘9/11 Never Forget’ Mobile Exhibit.

The ‘9/11 Never Forget’ Mobile Exhibit turns into Lyme-Old Lyme Schools campus. Photo by Troy Christopher.
A huge ,elevated flag marked the entrance to the event. Photo by Michele Dickey.
Visitors streamed into the ‘9/11 Never Forget’ Mobile Exhibit. Photo by James Meehan.

Two NYC firefighters accompanied the exhibit and answer questions. The exhibit is free, but there is a place for donations, 95 per cent of which benefit programs including mortgage-free homes for families of fallen heroes or injured veterans; homeless veterans, and to help rebuild communities following natural disasters.

The ‘9/11 Never Forget” Mobile Exhibit was a highlight of the day. Photo by Michele Dickey.

It is “a high-tech, 83-ft. tractor trailer that transforms into a 1,100-sq.-ft. interactive exhibit with 911 artifacts.” There were two rooms on two levels. Viewers followed a path made by columns emblazoned with the time that events happened. The columns are arranged in a tight S-curve to maximize space.

Uniforms of NYFD firefighters, who made the ultimate sacrifice on Sept. 11, 2001, are displayed inside the ‘9/11 Never Forget’ Mobile Exhibit. Photo by Michele Dickey.

The exhibit is filled with a great deal of written information and videos, but numerous artifacts help hold the interest of even small visitors as parents try gently to explain what happened that tragic, awful day.

Barbara and Bob Pierson, former longtime members of the OLFD and the OLFD Women’s Auxiliary respectively, returned from their home in North Carolina to attend the event. Photo by Michele Dickey.
The vintage car contest, which was judged by popular vote, drew many contestants and visitors. Photo by Michele Dickey.
Close-up inspections helped visitors determined their votes for the vintage car contest. Photo by James Meehan.
Youngsters preparing to play mini golf were presented with appropriate headgear! Photo by Michele Dickey.
Mini-golf was a big draw for all ages. Local organizations sponsored holes in their own unique style. Old Lyme Fire Department sponsored this one. Photo by Michele Dickey.
Members of the ‘OLFD 100 Crew” were kept busy throughout the event making sure that everything ran like clockwork. Photo by James Meehan.
Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau sponsored this adorable mini-golf hole. Photo by Michele Dickey.
The food trucks on site drew a steady trade. Photo by James Meehan.
The Old Lyme Town Band also sponsored a min-golf hole. Photo by Michele Dickey.
Sales of centenary memorabilia and books were brisk during the afternoon. Photo by James Meehan.
Old Lyme Police Officer Stephen Hackett (left) and Old Lyme’s Resident State Trooper Matt Weber, along with his dog Tazz, join Troy Christopher (right) of the OLFD for this photo.
Three members of the Old Lyme Police Department took a brief break from their work at the event for this photo. From left to right, Officers Dominic Solari and Stephen Hackett join Resident State Trooper Matt Weber, and his dog Tazz. Photo by Troy Christopher .

Old Lyme Fire Dept., Police, Emergency Units Escort ‘9/11 Never Forget’ Mobile Exhibit Into Town

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The ‘9/11 Never Forget’ Mobile Exhibit into Old Lyme travels slowly up Lyme Street forming the centerpiece of yesterday’s parade.

OLD LYME — Yesterday, the Old Lyme Fire Department (OLFD) escorted the 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit into Old Lyme and residents and visitors cheerfully turned out on Lyme Street to celebrate its arrival.

A huge flag was hung across Lyme St. to welcome the exhibit.

The 9/11 Never Forget trailer was escorted from the NY/CT state line on I-95 North by cruisers from Connecticut State Police-Troop F Westbrook. It then left I-95 at Exit 70, took Rte. 156 to Ferry Rd., and then onto Lyme St., finally turning into the Lyme-Old Lyme Schools campus.

The parade was ceremoniously led by an Old Lyme fire truck.

Clinton Volunteer Fire Department, Westbrook Fire, Essex Fire Engine Co. #1, Old Saybrook Fire Department, Lyme Fire Company, Old Lyme EMS, Flanders Fire Department, Niantic Fire, local classic car owners, and Riders of Fire CT1 all be joined the OLFD parade.

A great variety of emergency vehicles and more also followed the ‘9/11 Never Forget’ truck up Lyme St.

The 9/11 mobile exhibit is a tribute to all who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, including the 343 members of the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY) that made the ultimate sacrifice, and all who continue to lose their lives to 9/11-related illnesses. This high-tech, 83-ft. tractor-trailer, which transforms into an 1,100 square foot exhibit, is a tool to educate people across the country further about the events of that tragic day.

An Old Lyme Ambulance joined the long parade.

The trailer is curated by two retired FDNY firefighters, who have committed their time to the exhibit to educate the nation in remembrance of their fallen comrades. The OLFD is delighted to welcome them as their guests.

Standing almost under the flag hung to greet the ‘9/11 Never Forget’ truck, Cecilia Girasoli eagerly awaited its arrival.

The OLFD is honored to have the exhibit joining their 100th anniversary event. Visit this link to read all about the OLFD Centenary celebrations in Old Lyme TODAY Saturday, July 15.

A photographer records the exciting event.

Visit this link on Facebook to view the latest on the OLFD 100th Anniversary Event: https://fb.me/e/62TDmPfKG?mibextid=Gg3lNB

Visit this link to view more about the 9/11 Tunnel to Towers Trailer Info: https://t2t.org/9-11-institute/9-11-never-forget-mobile-exhibit/

Vote Unanimous on Library Board’s Decision to Retain Two Books in Teen/Tween Collection, Despite Requests to Relocate Them; One Member Resigned in Advance

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OLD LYME — After the Old Lyme-Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library Board of Trustees had issued a statement regarding their decision to retain two controversial books in the Library’s Teen/Tween collection, we asked Library Director Katie Huffman some follow-up questions.

Our first question was whether the vote had been unanimous. She responded by email saying, “The vote to keep the books in the library’s collections was unanimous, but please note that Tara Ward resigned from the board on Monday in advance of the meeting.”

Ward had signed a request by lead organizer Stephen Spooner and 134 additional residents of Lyme and Old Lyme that the library should “reconsider” its decision on Let’s Talk About It: The Teen’s Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan and its availability to children ages 11-19.

We also asked Huffman whether the three-hour meeting had been contentious. She told us, again by email, “The discussion about whether these 2 books complied with the policy and whether they should remain in the Teen/Tween room was straightforward and the decision was unanimous.”

She elaborated saying, “Much of the meeting was spent in discussion about where we go from here, especially about how we might better communicate with the public about our policies and selection process and how we might create more room for dialogue with parents and community members.”

After Group of Residents Requests Removal of Two Titles From Teen/Tween Collection, Old Lyme-PGN Library Board Determines Books Should Stay

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OLD LYME — At their meeting held Tuesday evening, the Old Lyme-Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library Board of Trustees determined that the two books, which have recently been the subject of heated debate in both Lyme and Old Lyme, should be retained in the Library’s Teen/Tween collection.

The Library had received a request signed by lead organizer Stephen Spooner and 134 additional residents of Lyme and Old Lyme that the library should “reconsider” its decision on Let’s Talk About It: The Teen’s Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan and its availability to children ages 11-19.

The Library had previously received a similar request to reconsider the inclusion of You Know, Sex: Bodies, Gender, Puberty, and Other Things by Cory Silverberg and Fiona Smyth in Teen/Tween collection.

A petition was also submitted to the Library signed by over 400 urging the Library to “reject the requests of the censorship supporters in their entirety.”

Following the meeting, Library Director Katie Huffman issued a statement on behalf of the board of trustees, which stated, “After careful consideration, the Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library Board of Trustees has determined that the books [mentioned above] meet the selection criteria as stated in The  Library’s Collection Development Policy for inclusion in the Library’s Teen/Tween collection.”  

The board’s statement continues, “In regards to these books, The Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library recognizes that many materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some patrons.”

It then notes, “The Board has affirmed its policy that selection of materials will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval  or disapproval, but solely on the basis of the principles stated in the policy. Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of their contents, and no material  will be sequestered, except to protect it from injury or theft.”

The board’s statement continues, “Young people must be middle school age to visit the Library unaccompanied. Parents should assume unaccompanied youth have full access to the Library and all its collections – including  the adult collections. Limiting access to content is the responsibility of the parent.”

It then advises parents and caregivers, “If you feel you need to accompany your child to the library or any particular collection, we welcome and encourage your presence.”

The statement concludes emphatically with the words, “The Board of Trustees fully supports each member of its staff and condemns wholeheartedly the inappropriate and unwarranted censure of professionals we believe are doing their jobs with the  utmost professionalism.”

Rogers Lake Boat Parade Celebrates Two Patriotic ‘Winners’; One Boat, One 96-Year-Old WW2 Veteran

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Dave Evers (right) presents the certificate and trophy for the most patriotic boat in the 2023 Rogers Lake Boat Parade to the Ensulo family.

LYME/OLD LYME — The fourth annual Rogers Lake Boat Parade held Tuesday, July 4, was another great success and the cup for the “Most Enthusiastic, Patriotic, and Best Decorated Boat” in the parade was won by the Ensulo family. The winners keep the trophy for 12 months and then return it to be presented to next year’s winner.

The Everses conceived the idea of the trophy to promote a unifying and positive spirit around the parade. Christina explained to LymeLine last year, “Dave grew up on this lake and wants people to enjoy and create memories just like [the ones] he has … he thought the trophy would be fun.”

During the parade, a flag was presented to 96-year-old World War II veteran Roger Wrecck (center, waving, in photo at left) by Tom and Kevin Penfield.

Maureen Plumleigh, who has participated in every boat parade since its inception, commented, “I think that the parade was a glorious and sweet statement of neighborliness and good cheer.”

She added, “Not only were the boats decorated, but the Lakeside residences also decorated their properties, noting, “In addition, all those who watched or attended decorated themselves in red, white and blue and waved American flags.”

The winning Ensulo family boat.