Category Archives: Departments

Letter to the Editor: Writer ‘Disheartened’ by Old Lyme Republican Postcard; Requests Civility, Absence of Divisiveness Going Forward

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To the Editor:

Recently, I was very disheartened to receive a postcard from the Old Lyme Republican Party.

At a time when voters are interested in fact-based strategies for governance, this communication was an unobjective smear campaign against Martha Shoemaker. Rather than listing the items the Republican slate plans to initiate if elected, it was a list of slurs and innuendos aimed at our First Selectwoman.

In a divided nation where objectivity and cooperation are absent from the federal government, a negative communication with no details about the platform is unproductive and divisive. The voters of Old Lyme deserve candid and adult discussions of plans for the next term, not childish smear campaigns.

In an election, the future of local government should be a more productive and mature conversation.

Let’s be civil, not divisive. 

Sincerely,

Fred McCullough,
Old Lyme. 

Letter to the Editor: Elect Fogliano to Old Lyme Zoning Commission to Benefit From His ‘Deep Knowledge … Open Mind’

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To the Editor:

I served with Michael Fogliano on the Affordable Housing Exploratory Committee which he chaired in 2020-21. Michael’s leadership was instrumental in shaping the Town’s housing future. Under his guidance, the Committee navigated complex and unfamiliar legislation with clarity and purpose, delivering well-researched recommendations to the Board of Selectmen on time and as charged. That work directly led to the creation of the Affordable Housing Commission and the Town’s first Affordable Housing Plan which was milestone for our community.

Michael brings a proven record of thoughtful decision-making, strong work ethic, a deep knowledge of zoning and housing policy and an open mind. These qualities make him an outstanding candidate for the Zoning Commission. I will be voting for Michael Fogliano and encourage you to join me in supporting him.

Sincerely,

Tom Ortoleva,
Old Lyme.

Letter to the Editor: Martha and Jim Roll Up Their Sleeves for the People

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To the Editor:

There has been so much negativity posted in the press this campaign season in Old Lyme, that it makes me wonder – actually makes me worry. And then I realized that it’s because the Republican candidates have no plans, just vague accusations. That’s why Mesham and Read won’t debate with Martha and Jim. Because they have no answers, only questions.

Think back to two years ago, when Republicans Griswold and Ward were in charge. Were they present in your neighborhood when there was an issue? Did they answer your questions or even acknowledge receipt of your letter or phone call? Did they offer any solutions to the town issues of sewers or Halls Road? Did they ensure adequate funding for town projects? Pave streets in the south end of town? Fix the Grassy Hill Bridge? Deal with flooding at Cross Lane and in the beach areas?  No they did not. Just kicked the can down the road leaving the new Democratic-majority board with a pile of complex issues to solve.

In the past two years, Martha and Jim rolled up their sleeves and tackled these tough issues head on. They listened to the people of Old Lyme. They inherited these leftover problems that had been festering for years under previous boards, and which “conveniently” came to a head this year due to debt service and other contractual issues taken on by the previous administration. This was not easy. Halls Road was a complex issue made worse by lots of misinformation, but in the end, the process worked. The community’s voice was heard. Is there an overlay still in planning? No. Let’s move on. When a crowd of angry homeowners crowded a Selectmen’s meeting last year, voicing concerns about speeding, they listened and created the Road and Public Safety Committee to address the issue. Martha and Jim personally showed up multiple times with shovels in hand to alleviate flooding at the Hawks’ Nest Sluiceway (AKA “the crib”), and oversaw the building of a new engineered structure there. They have increased security at the beaches, completed the Senior Center project, constructed the soon to be open Emergency Operations Center at Boughton Road, and were awarded grants to protect our fragile marshes and coastline. But it’s hard to hear about these and other accomplishments through the fog and noise of negativity from naysayers with no ideas of their own.

On Saturday, October 18th, millions of Americans took part in “No Kings Day” to celebrate democracy – leadership by the people, for the people. Let’s not go backward to the government by the “old boys network.” Let’s move forward Old Lyme!

Sincerely,

Mary Daley, 
Old Lyme.

This Afternoon, LYSB Unveils its Newly Renovated Home on Lyme Street with Open House, Wednesday

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Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau has undergone a major interior renovation. The public is invited to an Open House on Oct. 29 to view the numerous improvements. Photo by LYSB.

OLD LYME–On Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 2:30 to 4 p.m., the Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB) will introduce its newly renovated facility at an open house. 

The LYSB website explains that the renovations to the 1850 building at 59 Lyme Street were necessary to address crumbling plaster ceilings, walls with newspaper insulation, aging wiring and plumbing, a dirt floor in a portion of the basement, inefficient and inoperative windows, and a stone foundation in need of repair. 

A majority of the project was funded by a $400,256 grant from the state’s Nonprofit Grant Program, with the remaining 25% covered by community donations. 

The public is invited to stop by to see a building that staff members say now is as “inspiring as the work that happens inside it.”

UPDATED: Livestream Link Announced for ‘Meet the Candidates for Board of Education,’ Will Continue to be Available Post-Debate

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OLD LYME — 10/22 UPDATE: Wednesday’s debate will be live streamed at this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF2_W7yYtFwx067Ici9776Q/live. The link will continue to be available after the debate so the recording can viewed at a later date as convenient by anyone interested.

Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB) is hosting a “Meet the Candidates for Board of Education” forum on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. at the Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School auditorium.

The event will be moderated by Eric Parker of WFSB and both livestreamed and recorded.

All community members are invited to attend the event.

The forum provides a valuable opportunity for the public to hear directly from the candidates running for the Region 18 Board of Education. Attendees will gain insight into each candidate’s positions, priorities, and plans for the future of our schools.

In advance publicity information about the event, LYSB states, “Don’t miss this chance to make an informed decision and help shape the future of education in our community.” 

For more information and to submit questions, visit: www.lysb.org/boe  The deadline to submit questions was Monday, Oct. 20.

olwenonline.com/ is proud to sponsor this important event.

All five open spots on the board of education are for four-year-terms.

The eight candidates running for the four Old Lyme spots open on the board of education are:

  • Jason Kemp, Old Lyme, Democrat, Incumbent
  • Jarod Bushey, Old Lyme, Republican
  • Brandy Campbell, Old Lyme, Republican
  • Michael Hansen, Old Lyme, Democrat
  • Shaun Mastroianni, Old Lyme, Republican
  • Cynthia Love McCollum, Old Lyme, Democrat
  • Carlos Piña, Old Lyme, Unaffiliated — endorsed by the Old Lyme Republicans
  • Sheryl Shyloski, Old Lyme, Democrat

The two candidates running for the single Lyme spot open on the board of education are:

  • Anna James, Lyme, Democrat, Incumbent
  • Lannie Mossberg, Lyme, Unaffiliated — endorsed by the Lyme Republicans

Editor’s Note: This article was updated to correct Mossberg’s affiliation.