Category Archives: Headline News

Letter to the Editor: An Open Letter to the Lyme, Old Lyme Boards of Selectmen:- Actions of Rogers Lake Authority Spark Concern, Anger

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An Open Letter to the Select-persons of Lyme and Old Lyme:

I am writing to make you aware of an immediate concern with the Rogers Lake Authority [RLA] and how they are handling recent events, especially the disrespect they showed to our community at the special Rogers Lake Authority meeting at the Old Lyme Town Hall on Tuesday, April 19th.

To give you a brief history regarding this matter, I held my monthly Rogers Lake West Shores Association [RLWSA] meeting on Monday, March 7th. It was after this meeting that I learned about the Rogers Lake Authority’s new ordinance proposal for the “No Wake Zone.” I learned that not only had they been “discussing” this ordinance for 3 years, but they already submitted and obtained the necessary permit from DEEP. Also, two of the RLA Board members are part of the RLWSA with me.

The RLWSA, as well as the other associations on Rogers Lake, were never notified of this ordinance proposal. It was at this time that I sent out an immediate text to anyone I knew in the community that this ordinance would affect. Within less than 48 hours, we had upwards of 67 community members attend the RLA regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 9th. RLA Board member, Mark Hastings, was acting chair while Dennis Overfield was on vacation, who called into the meeting via cell phone.

As the March 9th minutes state, there were many questions from upset community members who wanted answers as to why, how and when this ordinance came about. The Board was unable to provide any evidence or data that supported a reason for this extreme action. One of many concerns that was discussed was the safety risk this “No Wake Zone” will actually cause.  Congestion at each end of the lake will increase traffic back-up and possible dropped skiers will be at risk to name a few. Never mind the weed growth that would increase within the areas of the “No Wake Zones” and erosion of property which would decrease the value of lakefront homes. It was at that meeting where the community was told the DEEP permit was already obtained and we would have been made aware of the buoys, which were set to be put in this Spring, in their upcoming newsletter.

During that March 9th meeting, I informed the Board that I had been in touch with our attorney who stated the Board was out of compliance and what they were about to do was against policy. From my understanding, all ordinance changes cannot be made without a formal town committee vote from both Lyme and Old Lyme.

From this point, the RLA attempted to provide a “summary” of their actions by submitting an April 2022 letter to the town websites in which they changed the original footage measurements based on Google Earth as well as how they intended the use of the buoys. They changed the wording of where boats can pass, and they increased the no wake zones for jet skis. On top of the written summary, the Board secretly attempted to change their usually scheduled April meeting to Friday, March 25th, only to cancel and change their meeting to April 13th. However, they canceled once again and re-scheduled their meeting to Tuesday, April 19th at the Town Hall – conveniently during school vacation.

From their April 2022 summary, to changing meetings and locations, and to the April 19th Town Hall meeting, it is very clear this RLA Board is not in the best interest of the tax payer community or the health of Rogers Lake.  The RLA chair, Dennis Overfield, took an authoritative approach by starting the meeting with yelling at the crowd to be quiet, stating public comment will be at the end of their full agenda and that they will not be answering any questions. Then Mr. Overfield proceeded to carry on his meeting with his back to the entire public, which was an upward of 80 people.

After drawing out his long agenda for over an hour, the Board conveniently left out the “No Wake Zone” ordinance draft stating they “did not have the time to update it before the meeting.” But instead, the public learned of new ordinances that were being drawn up including a 40mph speed limit and a possible vessel size limit. At the very end of the meeting, Mr. Overfield asked for a motion to adjourn with community members still providing input.

This behavior of the Board, and especially of Mr. Overfield, is unacceptable. The secretive, sneaky and deceptive actions are beyond unprofessional, and the community has lost all respect and trust for the appointed Rogers Lake Authority Board.

Sincerely,

David Evers,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The author is the president of Rogers Lake West Shores Association.

Gillette Castle Sign Honoring William Gillette Restored by Lyme-Old Lyme HS Alumna Schillawski

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Former Old Lyme resident Lauren Schillawski confirms that the sign she crafted is hung correctly with the assistance of board member George Mattern (center) and park supervisor John “Jack” Hine (right.) Schillawski created the sign as an advanced woodworking project when she was a student at Lyme-Old Lyme High School.  The post and armature were installed by the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park.

EAST HADDAM, Conn. – Several years of planning by supporters of Gillette Castle State Park — in combination with a young woman’s talents — have restored a much-missed piece of park nostalgia.

It is a tall wooden post sporting a large sign paying homage to actor William Gillette, who is shown in silhouette in a deerstalker cap, the emblem of his most famous theatrical role — Sherlock Holmes. Beneath Gillette’s name are the years of his lifetime, 1853-1937. 

The sign was installed recently near Gillette’s century-old fieldstone mansion by a team of volunteers overseen by park supervisor John “Jack” Hine and Friends of Gillette Castle State Park Board Member George Mattern of Baltic, Conn. 

The sign replaces one that stood for many years along the path leading visitors to Gillette’s home, and had been a favored spot for photographers. However, that sign fell victim to structural decay and accident, even collapsing at one point.

“The sign’s removal several years ago left a void that’s now filled because of the generous help of talented volunteers,” said Lynn Wilkinson, president of the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park. “The process took time, because it was clear that long-term structural integrity and ease of repair were absolutely crucial.”

An initial effort to replace the sign about seven years ago prompted instructors at Lyme-Old Lyme High School to work with shop students on the project. One of those students was Lauren Schillawski, then an 11th-grade student of advanced woodworking.

Using images of the earlier sign as a template, Schillawski worked with the school’s computer-aided drafting (CAD) software to design and eventually construct a replica of the original hard-carved sign. 

Now a resident of Skaneateles, N.Y., working in dairy management, Schillawski credited her shop instructors — Jonathan Goss and William Derry — for their trust in approaching her with the project, and for guiding her through the difficult construction process. 

“My main interest in the project was the challenge,” she said. “Living in town, I was already familiar with Gillette’s Castle and grounds. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to make a sign that everyone could enjoy that would be around for many years.”

The armature to support the sign was designed more recently by George Mattern and approved by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) in late 2021. That set the stage for the sign’s base to be installed and the supporting post erected earlier this year. 

“It’s a beautiful sign and we’re all thrilled to see this effort finally come to fruition,” said Wilkinson.

She continued, “Our deepest thanks go to Lauren for her design work, to George Mattern for his persistent support and to all of the hard-working volunteers who made themselves available — even during the winter — to make certain that this project was completed.”

The late Connecticut stage actor’s century-old mansion is nestled atop the “Seventh Sister” hill in the towns of East Haddam and Lyme along the Connecticut River. 

The structure is scheduled to open to the public on Memorial Day weekend.

In the meantime, the park at 67 River Road in East Haddam remains open and visitors may stroll around the grounds during regular hours, which are from 8 a.m. until sunset daily year-round. Trail maps and videos of the estate may be found on the Friends website at www.gillettecastlefriends.org.

Gillette was the first actor to become internationally-famous for his performances as Sherlock Holmes. The Hartford native died in 1937 after a long theatrical career and the state eventually took over ownership of his home and surrounding estate. 

Those interested in becoming a Friends member may sign up online or download a mail-in application form at www.gillettecastlefriends.org/joinsupport, or direct their questions to info@gillettecastlefriends.org or (860) 222-7850. 

The organization’s mission includes the preservation, restoration and conservation of the historic and unique structure and its scenic grounds.

The all-volunteer, nonprofit group works in cooperation with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Memberships help to finance park and structural improvements while preserving the estate and Gillette’s legacy.

State Rep. Carney Announces Re-Election Bid for 23rd District That Includes Lyme, Old Lyme

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Incumbent State Rep. Devin Carney (R) has announced he is seeking a fifth term in the 23rd District, which includes both Lyme and Old Lyme. Photo submitted.

LYME/OLD LYME — State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd) has announced that he is running for re-election as State Representative for the 23rd District, which includes Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook. This is his fourth re-election bid, and if elected, it will be his fifth consecutive term in office.

Rep. Carney was first elected in 2014 and currently serves as Ranking Member of the Transportation Committee and  Ranking Member of the Transportation Bonding Subcommittee. He is also a member of the Education Committee, Finance, Revenue, & Bonding Committee, and the House Republican Screening Committee.

In addition, he serves as co-chair of the bipartisan Future Caucus and Clean Energy Caucus and is an Assistant Republican Leader.

During his tenure, Rep. Carney has maintained a strong attendance record at the Capitol and has continued to be active in community events in all four towns of the 23rd District.

Rep. Carney has been commended for his accessibility, bipartisanship, and work ethic during his tenure as State Representative. In late 2021, he was one of only two legislators, nationally, to receive the Millennial Action Project’s Rising Star Award for his work trying to bridge political gaps and for his advocacy on issues important to younger generations.

“I’ve always worked hard to put the people of the 23rd District first – above special interests and party interests,” said Carney.

He continued, “To me, this is my responsibility as Representative. I am always honored to go to Hartford to be the voice of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook; and I take that job extremely seriously, especially at a time of uncertainty and concern in government.” 

Rep. Carney’s committee assignments have put him at the center of many important policy debates at the Capitol.

On the Transportation Committee, he has been integral in working to reduce the Connecticut gas tax, improve state bridges and roads, and to improve operations at the DMV.

On the Education Committee, Rep. Carney has fought forced regionalization and worked to ensure communities have local control over educational decisions. 

“Our local public schools are a source of pride for our communities and the state should not be able to dictate what we teach or how we teach it,” said Carney. “As long as I am State Representative, I will fight government overreach, forced regionalization, or any measures that will weaken the quality of our local schools.”

Serving on the Finance, Revenue, & Bonding Committee, Rep. Carney has focused on growing our local economy and jobs, boosting business development, and stopping higher taxes.

“The COVID pandemic created so many issues for our local and state businesses and now it’s the time for the state to take a step back and allow them to grow,” Carney said.

He added, “We have to get people back to work and encouraged to train for jobs that are in-demand. In addition, Connecticut continues to remain unaffordable for many, and I will always oppose higher taxes on our seniors, families, and businesses. As Connecticut continues to come out of the fog of the pandemic, it is essential that government works to give people a break and not to expand its size and scope even further.”

In addition to his legislative work, Rep. Carney works locally in finance and volunteers for many local organizations. He serves on the board of trustees of the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, and as board treasurer of Old Saybrook Senior Housing. 

He is a member of both the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Club of Old Saybrook, which serves all four towns of the 23rd District.

He is a lector at Grace Church in Old Saybrook and a member of the Old Lyme Republican Town Committee.

He was also recently named as a board member of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators on the basis of his  environmental record.

He currently lives in Old Lyme but grew up in Old Saybrook, where he graduated from Old Saybrook Public Schools.

Rep. Carney has already qualified for Connecticut’s Citizen Election Program grant by collecting over 175 contributions and nearly $10,000. 

He commented, “I was thrilled to reach my fundraising goals quickly this campaign and am incredibly grateful to all of those who continue to have faith in me. As this session moves along, I will continue to be available to listen and to bring the people’s voice to Hartford.”

Rep. Carney concluded, “I look forward to visiting many constituents during my campaign to hear their needs and address their concerns. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve the people of the 23rd District.” 

Editor’s Notes: i) For further information on Rep. Carney’s campaign, visit facebook.com/devincarney2022.
ii) This article is based on a press release issued by Rep. Carney.

After Two Year COVID-Enforced Hiatus, Old Lyme Church’s White Elephant Sale is Back!

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The annual White Elephant Sale will be held again this year. By long-established tradition, it always starts on the first strike of 9 a.m. on the designated Friday.

OLD LYME — The ministers of the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme have announced that the universally popular White Elephant Sale will return again this year on Friday, July 8, and Saturday, July 9. The Sale is run by the church’s Ladies’ Benevolent Society.

The annual Sale had been hosted continuously for 83 years prior to 2020, but then was cancelled in both 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hours for the sale are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday.

Intake will take place for six days only beginning Thursday, June 23, and continuing through Friday, June 24, and Saturday, June 25. Intake will then resume Tuesday, June 28, and continue Wednesday, June 29, and Thursday, June 30.

A delighted Bob Davis, who has been chairing the White Elephant Sale for more than 20 years, commented, “It is wonderful to bring back one of the major annual events on both the church and town calendars.”

For more information on the sale and guidelines for intake, visit this link.

Volunteers are needed in every area of the sale. If you would like to volunteer, call the church office in June at 860-434-8686, select option 5, leave your name and phone number, and the organizers will respond promptly.

Old Lyme Girls Bow Out of State Tourney, But With Heads Held High

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Wildcat senior Megan Loflin advances towards the hoop preparing to make a lay-up. All photos by A. Fenton.

OLD LYME — In the words of their coach Don Bugbee, “The [Old Lyme] girls played their hearts out against a very talented and deep Immaculate team,” on Tuesday evening, but at the final buzzer of the the CIAC Class S Girls quarter-final game, the scoreboard read 53-43 in favor of Immaculate.

Senior Melanie Warren #11 contests a shot.

Playing at home, the girls put up a determined fight and were ahead 17-15 at the end of the first  quarter. The battle then began in earnest and the ‘Cats were behind 27-25 at the half, and then 38-31 at the end of the third quarter.

Senior Ali Kyle sinks a three-pointer for Old Lyme.

Although Old Lyme was seeded #10 and Immaculate #15, the two teams are hardly evenly matched. According to Mike Mauro in an article published March 8 in The Day, “[Immaculate’s] school website lists that it attracts students from 26 towns and two states [and t]his season, Immaculate’s schedule allowed it to play nine different schools of Class L or LL designation. Old Lyme played one.”

Junior Alexis Fenton with ball sets the play.

 Top Old Lyme scorers were freshman Kate Walsh with 14 points, four rebounds and three steals, junior Alexis Fenton with 14 points and senior Megan Loflin with 13 points, 15 rebounds and two steals.

Bugbee told LymeLine by email after the game, “We had an outstanding season overall when you step back and look at it.” Describing the team as an, “Outstanding group of girls,” he concluded proudly, “My thanks and appreciation for what they did all season goes out to each one of them. It was my privilege to coach them.”