Category Archives: Headline News

Roberge Says Successful Hand-out of COVID-19 Tests was “Team Effort,” Thanks all Involved for “Support, Patience, Kindness”

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Cars in line at Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School wait patiently yesterday afternoon to pick up state-funded, free COVID-19 tests.

OLD LYME — Although holding many reservations about holding a drive-through event to pick up the highly anticipated COVID-19 self-tests finally delivered by the state, Old Lyme Director of Emergency Management David Roberge ended up pleased with its outcome. He commented cheerfully in a phone call to LymeLine after the 180 test kits received had been distributed Sunday afternoon in the space of an hour and a half, “It all went very smoothly.”

Vehicles were lined up in front of Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School well before the official 3 p.m. start time of the event and using an efficient system of checking ID’s and having several people handing out tests simultaneously, 90 test kits were handed out in the first 10 minutes. Things then slowed down a little and the remaining 90 were gone by 4:30 p.m.

Old Lyme Visiting Nurse Association volunteers Sarah Gleason (left) and Cindi Taylor prepare to hand out COVID-19 test kits to Old Lyme residents in need.

Noting that the Old Lyme Office of Emergency Management had successfully distributed 180 COVID test kits to  residents in need, Roberge noted, “While we did not yet have enough test kits for all, (he was expecting a delivery of 3,000 rather than the 550 received) we are grateful that we did have those on hand to share.”

He had nothing but praise for all involved, saying, “We wish to thank the Old Lyme Police Department, the selectmen from town hall  along with the Old Lyme Visiting Nurses Association (OLVNA) and Lyme’s Youth Services Bureau (LYSB) for assisting in the distribution.” Both Selectman Matt Ward and Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker were on hand to assist with the effort. (First Selectman Tim Griswold was out of state on a prearranged trip) as were representatives of Old Lyme’s VNA and LYSB.

Roberge also expressed his thanks to, “Our social media specialists and LymeLine for sharing the most current and dated information during this event. Their help made the event go very quickly and efficiently.”

Finally, he gave what he described as his “biggest thank-you” to all the residents, who came out to pick up their test kits, saying, “Their patience and cooperation while waiting in the long line allowed the distribution go very smoothly without any altercations.”

Looking to the future, Roberge commented, “As the state is in the process of obtaining additional test kits, we look forward to providing the same high level of service for future distributions.”

He concluded, “I thank you for all your support, patience and kindness during the afternoon. It was truly a team effort pulled together at very short notice,”

Roberge also took the opportunity to repeat his ongoing message to the community, saying, “As we continue to navigate this pandemic, please carry on taking precautions, and above all, stay safe.”

Olafur, Director of Emergency Management David Roberge’s dog, carefully guards the precious cargo!

The response to the event has been overwhelmingly positive with several residents expressing their thanks on social media to all who made the event a reality. Gail Najarian also spoke for many when she wrote in a comment on LymeLine,”I was quite apprehensive about going out but was so impressed how orderly the distribution went. Thank you everyone who made this possible.”

Editor’s Note: We would be remiss if we did not extend our sincere thanks to David Roberge himself for all his efforts in organizing this event. We look forward to supporting future distributions with timely communications.

‘Old Lyme (Formerly Christiansen) Hardware’ Starts New Year With New Name, New Owners, New Hours!

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Old Lyme’s newest female business owner, Jessie Talerico, stands with her father, Richard, in the former Christiansen Hardware, now known as Old Lyme Hardware. The store will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting tomorrow,  Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022. All photos by Suzanne Thompson.

OLD LYME — Transitions are underway this week at Christiansen – make that Old Lyme – Hardware, as previous 26-year owners Bill and Nancy Christiansen hand off the keys to the Talerico family.

“Keeping it COVID!” A celebratory elbow-bump marks the official hand-over of the business from current store owner Nancy Christiansen (left) to new principal owner Jessie Talerico. The Christiansens have owned and operated the store for the past 26 years, but it was held in Nancy’s name following Bill’s official ‘retirement.’

Starting tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, Old Lyme Hardware will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, to see what are the optimal hours to be open for customers and while initial renovations are underway. A soft re-opening is planned for March.

With a background in hospitality and restaurants, Jessie, and her father Richard, who continues working in construction in Connecticut, are looking for Old Lyme Hardware to help customers find solutions – whether it’s tracking down an exotic drawer pull, fixing a screen or window or ordering a special part.

Jessica (Jessie) Talerica will be the new face of the business, getting to know her customers and helping them find what they are looking for in the store.

The new owners have already come up with ideas for original offerings and activities involving other local businesses – from a Saturday morning Coffee with a Handyman, to reconfiguring the back of the store to accommodate a garden center section. They welcome carrying plants grown by local wholesalers, too.

Stop by and say hi to the new owners and let them know what you’re looking for in a local hardware store. They are keen to meet the community’s needs.

It’s a family affair! A photo on the wall of Old Lyme Hardware pictures its new owners, the Talerico’s, from left to right, Jonathan, who is Jessie’s brother and a policeman in Michigan, father Richard, who works in construction in Connecticut, and Jessie who will be running the store.

In coming weeks, keep an eye out for a 1952 Ford F1 Old Lyme Hardware pick-up truck in the parking lot, watch for decorative indoor changes that harken back to hardware stores of the past, and watch carefully to see what else transpires in Old Lyme’s newest ‘old’ business.

Editor’s Note: Many readers will remember Bill Christiansen not only from Christiansen Hardware but also as a talented guitar played (he took up the instrument at age 12) and long-time member of the popular ‘String of Pearls’ band. 

 

 

 

 

Letter to the Editor: Update on Old Lyme American Rescue Plan Committee’s Community Survey

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To the Editor:

Thank you very much for supporting these efforts. There has been considerable activity on the community survey since your recent coverage (published December 13th.) By yesterday morning, December 15, we had already received 270 online surveys completed by residents, businesses, and/or organizations. We have not yet had any submissions of the paper survey that is available at the Town Hall reception desk.

This is a great start, but we want to be confident that we have thoroughly and broadly polled our community. To achieve that goal, we are placing posters in high visibility locations in Old Lyme, and mailing post cards to residents.

I can’t overstate the importance of these survey results; they will provide a framework for the Committee’s estimate of Old Lyme’s collective need, and help set priorities that will be included in the funding recommendation made to the Board of Selectmen.

Note that the online survey will remain open for submissions past the end of the year; but end on January 7, 2022.

Sincerely,

Thomas D. Gotowka,
Old Lyme.

Editor’s Note: The author is the chairman of the Old Lyme American Rescue Plan Committee.

Old Lyme Resident Hartmann’s Company, Elm Tree Communities, Breaks Ground on Upscale, 56-Unit Development in Haddam

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Jeff Hartmann of Old Lyme (fourth from right) participates in the groundbreaking for the upscale, 56-unit, multifamily community named Blueway Commons in Haddam, which Hartmann’s company, Elm Tree Communities, is planning. Photo credit: Elm Tree Communities.

“We welcome Mr. Hartmann and Elm Tree Communities’ new Blueway Commons development as an integral part of the [economic] growth [that Haddam is experiencing.]” (Haddam First Selectman Robert McGarry)

OLD SAYBROOK — Last Friday, Dec. 10, Elm Tree Communities (ETC) announced that it had broken ground on Blueway Commons, an upscale, 56-unit multifamily community in Haddam, Conn.

Old Lyme resident Jeff Hartmann, founder and CEO of Elm Tree Communities. Photo courtesy of J. Hartmann.

Old Lyme resident Jeff Hartmann is the founder and CEO of ETC, a private real estate company headquartered in Old Saybrook.  Elm Tree Communities pursues real estate development and investment opportunities throughout the Northeastern U.S.

With more than two decades in CFO, COO, and CEO capacities, Hartmann now develops, implements, and oversees ETC’s development strategy and all capital markets activities in his capacity as ETC President.

Hartmann’s career, which began at at PricewaterhouseCoopers, spans the landmark casinos of Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods in Connecticut and Ocean Casino in New Jersey.

Blueway Commons will consist of three two-story buildings and a state-of-the-art resident clubhouse. The project is slated to open in the winter of 2022, with preleasing to begin in the summer of 2022.

Located east of Exit 7 off Rte. 9 and 12 minutes north of I-95, the development is convenient to the Amtrak and Shoreline East trains. The complex is 15 minutes south of Middletown and I-91.

Blueway Commons is being built on Brookes Court adjacent to Rte. 154, and will consist of 56 upscale apartment homes. Conveniently located near the popular downtown Chester, nearby stores and restaurants include Adams Market, Stop and Shop, CVS, Dunkin, Cumberland Farms, The Blue Oar, Little House Brewing Company, and more.

The development is also located near the iconic Swing Bridge that links Haddam and East Haddam. It will offer residents an outdoor lifestyle near the Connecticut River with kayaking, biking trails, and waterfront dining in the surrounding area.

“This development will offer the first modern apartments in Haddam – with complete lifestyle amenities, like the health and fitness clubhouse, a co-working lounge, a community room for events, and an outdoor patio contribute to the resort-like setting and overall sense of place,” said Hartmann.

Blueway Commons will provide an attractive home for young professionals, families, and empty-nesters no longer needing a large residence. Offering a variety of floor plans to cater to an array of lifestyles, the development will feature one- and two-bedroom options ranging from 815 to 1180 sq. ft. with smart technology throughout the complex.

In 2012, the Connecticut River was declared the first National Blueway, after which Blueway Commons is named, and from which the development draws its inspiration. The upscale development is intended to offer residents a resort experience with innovation, community, wellness, and a connection to the natural environment.

The project will be completed over a 15-month construction period, with the first residents scheduled to move in in the winter of 2022.

Blueway Commons property’s community amenities will include:

  • 2,500 square foot community center.
  • Secure package system for residents.
  • Digital access control systems throughout the community
  • A state-of-the-art fitness center.
  • Co-working spaces and a lounge area.
  • A community gathering room for resident use.
  • An outdoor lounge area with grills and fire pits.
  • The community will be pet-friendly and feature an outdoor pet exercise area.

Haddam First Selectman Robert McGarry commented: “We are excited about the economic growth that Haddam is experiencing, and we welcome Mr. Hartmann and Elm Tree Communities’ new Blueway Commons development as an integral part of that growth.”

Gary Coursey & Associates of Atlanta, Georgia, is the project architect, and The Associated Construction Company of Hartford, Conn., is construction manager. Elm Tree Communities has contracted with Real Page and Lease Labs as the technology partners for the development.

Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release issued by Elm Tree Communities.

Old Lyme Achieves Top Certification by Sustainable CT, First Municipality in New London County to Achieve Silver Certification

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OLD LYME — An Open Space Plan with its eye on sustainability, a town-wide Pollinator Pathway that encourages residents to plant native species, and a strong commitment to arts and culture are just some of the initiatives that led to Old Lyme recently receiving the highest level of certification by Sustainable Connecticut. 

Old Lyme met high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments to qualify for the prestigious Silver level certification. The highest level of certification currently offered is silver. The Town achieved a Bronze certification in the Fall of 2020.

Old Lyme is among 23 Connecticut municipalities to be recognized this fall for achieving Sustainable CT certification.  Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative that inspires and supports communities in becoming more efficient, resilient, and inclusive, announced its 2021 fall certified communities this week.  

Old Lyme First Selectman Timothy Griswold, said, “We are very proud of our town volunteers and staff and their ongoing efforts to make Old Lyme a more sustainable, resilient community. I want to thank the Sustainable Old Lyme Team for their hard work in gathering the stories of our Town commissions and boards to share with Sustainable CT for this recognition. There has been quite a lot of hard work by dedicated volunteers, and I wish to thank each of them.”

In its application for Sustainable CT certification, Old Lyme demonstrated significant achievements in 12 sustainable impact areas ranging from inclusive community building, thriving local economies, and clean and efficient energy use, to vibrant arts and culture, clean transportation and planning for diverse housing.

Twelve initiatives in Old Lyme’s certification application have been designated as “Success Stories,” which are deemed strong examples of a particular action and are shared with municipalities pursuing certification.  Twelve Success Stories in the Town of Old Lyme’s submission include:

  1. Meeting the Equitable and Inclusive Process requirements for the Economic Development Commission’s 2019 SWOT analysis process, 2020 Walk Audit, and the 2021 Lymes’ Creative Arts summer youth programming;
  2. The Town’s Open Space Plan which includes prioritizing acquisitions, enhancing the local ecosystem, connecting open space parcels, offering recreation benefits, and ensuring the long-term viability of the Town’s open space.”
  3. Pollinate Old Lyme!: A collaborative pollinator ecosystem educational program and the creation of a pollinator pathway in Old Lyme which includes public-access properties;
  4. A commitment to the inventory and accurate promotion of the town’s tourism and cultural assets;
  5. Its overall commitment to arts and culture in the town, including promoting arts programming by the OL-PGN Library and the creation of an arts district partnership;
  6. The Planning Commission’s 2020 Plan of Conservation & Development, which addresses six key sustainability goals related to compatible physical development and stewardship, municipal programs and operations, community character and livability, economic vitality and resilience, infrastructure resiliency, and land use patterns;
  7. The Old Lyme Historic and Architectural Resource Inventory with over 200 properties considered historically significant; the Inventory can be used as a planning tool for community leaders;
  8. The Town’s “Complete Streets” improvements to the Sound View Village and its Gateway with new sidewalks and improved safety;
  9. The Town’s communications strategy for disseminating information including meeting the challenges of communicating with residents during the pandemic;
  10. The Sustainable Old Lyme Team’s mentorship of the Town of Lyme’s new Sustainable CT effort;
  11.  Assessing and sharing with the public the Town’s three-year-residential solid waste tonnage, with an incentive to reduce trash by 10 percent;
  12. Two innovative strategies and initiatives specific to the community: Lyme-Old Lyme Public School’s carbon-free initiative, and the Witness Stone project in Old Lyme.

“It was an honor for our team to submit this application on behalf of the Town,” said Cheryl Poirier, chairperson of the Sustainable Old Lyme Team. “While we worked closely with various boards, commissions, and Town departments to document their sustainable efforts, we also sought out opportunities to reach new goals set by the suggested actions of Sustainable CT.”

She continued, “Two in particular were the Town’s Pollinate Old Lyme effort, and Lymes’ Creative Arts.” Lymes’ Creative Arts was a joint summer initiative led with the Town of Lyme and Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB) to offer summer arts programming to youth in both towns.

“The Sustainable CT certification process gave us the vision to work toward an even more sustainable community,” explained Poirier.

Future efforts by the Sustainable Old Lyme team will be to educate its community members on ways to reduce the amount of solid waste that is tossed in the trash. “Sustainable CT sets a challenge for municipalities to reduce its residents’ solid waste by 10% or more, and we are interested in meeting that challenge,” Poirier noted.

Sustainable CT has seen strong momentum and growth as a valuable, high-impact program.  One-hundred twenty-five municipalities have registered for the program, representing 86 percent of the state’s population.  Collectively, 64 municipalities, which is equivalent to 60 percent of the state’s communities, have earned Sustainable CT certification.  Certification lasts for three years, with submissions rigorously evaluated by independent experts and other Sustainable CT partners.  

“Congratulations to our newest Sustainable CT certified communities,” said Lynn Stoddard, Executive Director of the program, adding, “We are inspired by the leadership and collaboration of elected officials, staff and residents to make Connecticut communities more inclusive, healthy, connected, and strong.”

The program includes actions that help towns and cities build community connection, social equity, and long-term resilience. The program’s action roadmap and support tools are especially relevant as towns seek practices and resources to promote racial justice, respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and address climate change.

Sustainable CT is independently funded, with strong support from its three founding funders: the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, the Smart Seed Fund, and the Common Sense Fund. Additional support is provided by the Connecticut Green Bank and a growing number of community foundations and other sponsors.

Old Lyme and all 2021 certified communities will be recognized later this month at the Annual Convention of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. 

For more information, visit www.sustainablect.org.  

Old Lyme’s certification report can be found at this link. 

Editor’s Notes: i)We offer hearty congratulations to all those involved in making achievement of this certification a reality. We recognize that an enormous amount has been undertaken in order to prepare Old Lyme’s submission and thank all the volunteers who have worked tirelessly on this project.

ii) This article is based on a press release issued by Sustainable Old Lyme.