Category Archives: Community

Change of Leadership Announced at MacCurdy Salisbury Educational Foundation

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A reception was held recently to honor MacCurdy Salisbury Educational Foundation outgoing President Rowland Ballek (left in photo above), who has been a member of the foundation for almost 50 years and served the last 20 as president. Also present at the reception were from left to right, Foundation Treasurer Judith Read, Vice President Mary Seidner, Secretary Leslie Massa, and incoming President Fred Behringer

OLD LYME — At the recent September annual meeting of the MacCurdy Salisbury Educational Foundation, Rowland Ballek stepped down as President of the Foundation, having served 20 years in that leadership role. 

Joining the Foundation as a member in 1975, Rowland served as Vice President for 10 years and then was elected President in 2002. 

During his tenure the Foundation evolved in many ways. It transitioned from a private to public foundation in 2003. In 2015 the Brevillier and MacCurdy Salisbury Funds were merged, facilitating awards to students in Lyme and Old Lyme and improving efficiency. 

Under Ballek’s leadership, the Foundation pivoted from general support of education to directing all its awards to students, largely a response to the increasing costs of higher education. 

In 2007 the foundation began hosting an annual reception for student receiving awards.This annual event is a celebration of both the students’ achievements and the generosity of the supportive Lyme and Old Lyme communities. 

This year the Foundation will distribute $375,000 in scholarships to 98 Lyme/Old Lyme students.

At the recent reception honoring Ballek, newly-elected president Fred Behringer, on behalf of the entire foundation, expressed great admiration and thanks to Ballek for his dedication to the Foundation and leaving it on such firm footing.

For further information about the MacCurdy Salisbury Educational Foundation, visit http://www.maccurdysalisbury.org/

Breaking News: HRIC Application Postponed to Dec. Meeting: Old Lyme Zoning Commission Will Now Consider Only One Overlay Request Tonight

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HRIC Hopes for Strong Public Support for its Overlay Proposal at Meeting

OLD LYME — UPDATED Nov. 14, 5pm: The Halls Road Improvements Committee (HRIC) was planning to present its application to create a Halls Rd. Overlay District (HROD) to the Old Lyme (OL) Zoning Commission Monday evening, Nov. 14. The agenda included a presentation by the HRIC to support the application, which was being made officially by the Town of Old Lyme.

However, at 4:10 p.m. that day, Edie Twining, HRIC Chair sent an email saying, “Due to concerns from the new zoning enforcement officer (ZEO), Eric Knapp, HRIC has decided to postpone our presentation of the Halls Road Overlay District (HROD) until the next regular meeting of the Zoning Commission, December 12th 2022.”

She continued, “Unfortunately, we only learned this morning that the ZEO had concerns, and we think it is important to resolve these issues before proceeding. 

The second is a Public Hearing for a “Petition for Application [ to create the Halls Road Overlay District Proposal (HROC).”

After the hearings are either continued or closed, the Commission members will then consider both items in their regular meeting.

Commission during that segment of the meeting.

The HRIC Chair Edie Twining tells LymeLine by email that she is hoping for, “… strong public support for its proposal at the meeting.”

In its most recent update to the community, the HRIC reported that in July 2022, it was awarded funding for the formal survey and design work required for the bridge and trails, through the Community Initiatives Grant, a part of the town-administered American Rescue Plan. 

Requests for Proposals have been posted to design firms to produce design documentation for the pedestrian bridge and associated trails. Once these drawings are created they will be used for grant applications for the implementation of the design.

The HRIC will be working with two experienced grant-writer volunteers to seek grants and create the proposals to fund this project. The design documentation will also show the location of the pedestrian bridge and identify any easements needed for the town to secure.

The BSC Group has put together the town’s application for the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) grant, which was submitted in September 2022. This state-run grant is the first opportunity for the town to present its planned roadway improvements to the CT DOT for their formal approval.

The application covers the planned improvements to sidewalks, bike lanes, landscaping, lighting, and crosswalks along Halls Road. The LOTCIP grant could provide a substantial part of the construction costs of these right-of-way improvements. It is not expected to cover the costs of the new pedestrian- and cyclist-bridge across the Lieutenant River, or the trails leading to and from it.

New zoning for a mixed-use overlay district was submitted to the OL Zoning Commission and recognized as received at the commissions Oct. 11, meeting.

The Halls Rd. Overlay District will allow property owners the option to create mixed-use (commercial and residential) development and bring retail up to Halls Rd. The overlay district provides an incentive for owners to create the walkable, browse-able new town center envisioned in the Master Plan, while leaving the legacy C30-S zoning unchanged.  

The HRIC welcomes comments by email at: Hallsroadcommittee@oldlyme-ct.gov 

For further information about the HRIC project, visit https://www.oldlyme-ct.gov/halls-road-improvements-committee

Lyme-Old Lyme Schools Celebrate Veterans Day with Music, Memories, Speeches and Smiles

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At Lyme School, a special Town Meeting was held to honor Veterans Day. All photos courtesy of Region 18.

LYME/OLD LYME — It was a memorable day in Lyme-Old Lyme (LOL) Schools on Friday.

Rather than taking a vacation day on Veterans Day as many schools now opt to do, LOL Schools chose to celebrate Veterans Day with in-house events at each school that drove home the important messages of the day while also honoring local US Veterans and serving members of the US military.

Old Lyme First Selectman Tim Griswold attended the ceremonies at the middle and high schools, but was unable to join those at Lyme Consolidated and Mike Creek.

Expressing his disappointment at the latter situation, Griswold commented to LymeLine by email, ”Congrats to District 18 for being in session and honoring the vets!”

A member of the military addressed the students at Lyme-Old Lyme High School.
The Veterans Day Assembly was eagerly awaited by students at Mile Creek School.
The Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School Band played some stirring songs.
Serving members of the military attended the breakfast and assembly at Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School.
Patriotic colors of red, white and blue were on show everywhere!
US Army Colonel (Retd.) David Lahm speaks to students at Lyme School.
Richard Mason, Commander of VFW Post 1467, spoke to an All-School Assembly at Lyme-Old Lyme High School.

Veterans Day Celebrated in Old Lyme with Flagpole Ceremony

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OLD LYME — A brief ceremony honoring Veterans Day was held Friday at the flagpole in front of Old Lyme’s Memorial Town Hall.

The wreath laid Friday at the flagpole in front of Old Lyme’s Memorial Town Hall. Photos by Martha Shoemaker.

Current and former members of the military from Old Lyme gathered at the flagpole to honor those who have given their lives to preserve the freedom of their country, and those who continue to serve today.

Here at LymeLine, we thank you all for your service and commemorate those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Old Lyme First Selectman Timothy Griswold stands next to VFW member David Griswold at the Veterans Day ceremony held in Old Lyme.
Richard Mason, Commander of VFW Post 1467, addresses those gathered at the Old Lyme flagpole to honor Veterans Day.

Lyme Public Hall Hosts Annual Chowder Dinner, Nov. 19

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LYME — Enjoy the annual Lyme Public Hall tradition of a Chowder Dinner on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. All are welcome.

The dinner features hearty, homemade clam and corn chowders, coleslaw, cheese, bread, and delicious dessert. Vegetarian and to-go options will be available.

Ticket prices for adults are $15, and $10 for children aged 7-12. Children six and under are free.   

The Lyme Public Hall is located at 249 Hamburg Rd. (Rte. 156) in Lyme, Conn. 

Proceeds from the event benefit the Lyme Public Hall & Local History Archives.

For more information, visit www.lymepublichall.org