Category Archives: Community

‘Delivering Hope’ Fundraiser Raises $35,000 for Meals on Wheels

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OLD SAYBROOK–The Estuary’s Delivering Hope fundraiser earlier this month raised $35,000 in support of Meals on Wheels and its mission to nourish and connect homebound seniors.

The organization in a press release said a highlight of the Sept. 6 event was a live auction led by professional auctioneer Mike Nuzzo that generated over $17,000. Attendees not only bid on auction items, but also raised their paddles to pledge money for specific needs within the organization. 

Guests also had the opportunity to hear testimonials from local Meals on Wheels recipients and their families highlighting the importance of this program.

The Estuary credited event sponsors including platinum sponsors Essex Savings Bank and Gladeview Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. 

Heather Milardo, Director of Development for The Estuary, expressed gratitude for the “outpouring of support” from the community. 

“From our sponsors and auction donors to each guest who bought a ticket, raised their paddle, or placed a bid—thank you for helping us deliver more than just meals. You’re delivering hope,” she said. 

Proceeds from Delivering Hope will directly support the delivery of meals, wellness checks, and caring connections to older adults across the region.

For more information or to support Meals on Wheels, visit www.yourestuary.org.

Old Lyme Historical Society Starts 2025-26 Oral History Project with Joan Childs Clarke Interview

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Standing together in the Old Lyme Historical Society’s building on Lyme Street are Oral History Project Chair and film editor Jaymie Nickerson-Buckmaster, Joan Childs Clarke, Michaelle Pearson (interviewer), and James Meehan (camera and sound.) Photo by Beth Stewart.

OLD LYME—On Saturday, Sept. 20, the Old Lyme Historical Society (OLHS) interviewed Joan Childs Clarke to kick off their 2025-26 Oral History Project.

The Old Lyme Historical Society undertakes oral histories to preserve the voices and memories of people whose experiences bring the past to life. These first-hand accounts capture details of everyday life, community traditions, and significant events that may not appear in written records.

By recording and sharing personal stories, the OLHS help ensure that future generations can connect with and learn from the lived experiences of those who came before.

Interviews will run through Spring 2026 and will be viewable at www.oldlymehistorical.org.

Prior oral histories recorded by the OLHS can be viewed at this link. These include interviews with:

  • Ann Pierson
  • Old Lyme Fire Department
  • David McCulloch
  • Jeff Anderson
  • Tim Griswold
  • George Finley
  • Jane Marsh
  • Jane Luddington
  • Deke Cooksley

Summer Season of Lyme Land Trust’s ‘Imagining Lyme’ Photo Contest Ends Sept. 30

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This ‘Photo of Distinction’ by Rich Sanders is titled, ‘Late Summer at Uncas Lake.’ It was taken in September 2024 when, in the photographer’s words, “there’s still time for a late summer swim and a look see both above and below the water.”

LYME — Imagining Lyme is a photo contest organized by the Lyme Land Trust and photos can be submitted year-round.

Each season, three photos of distinction are chosen based upon the criteria of emotional impact and creative design. The deadline to be included in the current summer season is tomorrow, Sept. 30.

At the end of the year, the Annual People’s Vision Award allows everyone to vote for their favorite.

The contest encourages people to expand their visual awareness of nature and highlight the beauty of the Lyme Preserves by taking photographs prompted by inspiration from award winning photographer, Joe Standart and other artists.

This ‘Photo of Distinction’ by Athana Catlett is titled, “Winter Magic on Whalebone Cove” and was taken in January 2022 from Joshuatown Rd. after a snowfall.

In the Tips from Joe section, Joe Standart and guest artists offer guidance to help you improve your own photography while you think about new ways to see the world. Each tip will be short, simple and non-technical, suitable for any kind of camera or smart phone.

All submitted photos will be displayed in the Lyme Land Trust Imagining Lyme showcase galleries and may be featured in the Trust publications, webpage and other promotional materials.

LYSB Hosts Important, Free Suicide Prevention Training Workshop in Old Lyme, Sept. 29

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OLD LYME — September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. 

On Monday Sept. 29, at 6:30 p.m. in Old Lyme Town Hall, LYSB and the Lyme-Old Lyme Prevention Coaliton will host a free Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention training workshop. Anyone may attend.

Registration is required. Sign up at LYSB.org or register at this link.

Did you know that suicide is preventable? By combining knowledge, care, and compassion, people can make a real impact on those who are experiencing a crisis. Suicide is complex and influenced by many interconnected factors, but knowing the warning signs of suicide saves lives. With the right support, people can heal, build resilience, and thrive after crisis. 

For those who are in crisis, asking the right questions, offering hope and support, and referring them to the right resources can promote healing. By being trained in QPR, you will have the right tools to give someone the support they might need. Anyone can be trained in QPR, and consequently anyone can save a life in need.

If you or someone you know may be experiencing a crisis, call the national crisis line 988 to speak, chat, or text with a trained crisis counselor.

Lyme, Old Lyme, East Lyme Pollinator Groups Present ‘Building Resilient Landscapes’ in Lyme, Sept. 28

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On Sunday, Sept. 28, horticulturalist Tom Christopher presents “Building Resilient Landscapes – Right Plant, Right Place for Right Now” at Lyme Public Hall. Photo by Wendolyn Hill.

LYME — Lyme Pollinator Pathway, Pollinator Pathway East Lyme and Pollinate Old Lyme are cosponsoring a presentation titled, “Building Resilient Landscapes – Right Plant, Right Place for Right Now” on Sunday, Sept. 28, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Lyme Public Hall, 249 Hamburg Road in Lyme.

The presenter will be horticulturalist Tom Christopher, who will present strategies for choosing plants to prioritize biodiversity, soil health, and water management in your yards, thereby creating habitats that can easily withstand challenges like extreme weather conditions and invasive species.

Christopher is host of the podcast “Growing Greener,” as well as an author/collaborator for several books and columns about improving the environment with native plant restoration. 

This program is funded by a grant from the Eightmile River Wild and Scenic Coordinating Committee.

All are welcome. There is no change for admission.

For more information on Tom Christopher, visit his website.