Braiden Sunshine takes a cheerful break from recording in the studio. Photo courtesy of Braiden Sunshine.
LYME, CT — Braiden Sunshine, who first captured national attention as a contestant on NBC’s The Voice in 2015, will perform at Lyme Public Hall on Sunday, Oct. 26.
The performance will run from 4 to 6 p.m. A $10 donation is requested to support the Public Hall’s community concert series featuring local musicians.
In publicity materials for the event, organizers describe Braiden Sunshine as a passionate and dynamic artist, known for his soulful voice and captivating performances, who continues to hone his craft through live shows across the Northeast and a growing catalog of original music.
Sunshine is set to release several new tracks this year.
The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut (CFECT) is stepping in to support numerous animals under the control of Old Lyme Animal Control after they were rescued from a home in Old Lyme.
NEW LONDON–In response to injuries sustained by 27 animals seized by Old Lyme Animal Control in an alleged hoarding situation in Old Lyme, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut (CFECT) has announced an emergency grant of up to $10,000 to support ongoing veterinary care, rehabilitation, and adoption efforts.
The Foundation in a press release said it reached out to Old Lyme Animal Control Officer Lynn Philemon to offer urgent assistance after hearing the animals had been seized.
The CFECT is matching the $4,500 raised by community members during an Oct. 4 fundraiser and will continue to provide support as needed to help cover veterinary treatment and recovery costs.
Maryam Elahi, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, said the full cost of the harm done to the animals is not yet known.
“Our donors and Board have long prioritized the well-being of animals and the health of our shared environment,” she said. “We are matching local fundraising efforts to ensure that every animal rescued from this heartbreaking situation receives the medical attention, care, and compassion they deserve — and ultimately finds a safe, loving home.”
The 20 dogs, along with several birds and chinchillas, were rescued in July from unsafe living conditions and are now under veterinary care or in foster homes awaiting adoption. The animals continue to require extensive medical treatment — from tumor removals and dental surgeries to spay, neuter, and heart evaluations — with total costs estimated at more than $20,000.
The Foundation’s support for this effort builds on its longstanding commitment to animal welfare and environmental stewardship across its 42-town region. Since 2015, CFECT has advanced the work of environmentally focused and animal-protective nonprofits. These funds have enabled the Foundation to invest in conservation, rescue, education, and policy reform throughout Eastern Connecticut.
“Our role is to listen, respond, and mobilize resources when our community—including its most vulnerable beings—needs us most,” Elahi said.
So far in 2025, the CFECT has provided more than $86,000 in grants specifically dedicated to animal welfare, supporting veterinary care, adoption services, spay and neuter programs, and community-based rescue initiatives across the region.
Taking mass transit is great. But when you step off your train or bus, what do you do to get to your final destination? Increasingly, that means BYO wheels: a bike, e-bike or scooter.
The problem is the rules for bringing your “wheels” are much different depending on your carrier.
METRO-NORTH:
You can bring your non-electric-powered bike on the train anytime except rush-hour. Some cars include wall-mounted racks; check TrainTime for bike-friendly trains and car markings. If you have a folding bike that can stow in the overhead rack, you can bring it anytime.
But if your bike or scooter is powered, the rules are quite different.
First, you can’t ride your e-whatever at the station, on the platform or in the train. You can only bring your wheels on the train if it folds up, weighs less than 100 pounds and is your property, i.e. not a CitiBike, VEO etc.
You cannot charge your e-bike on the train. It must have UL-certified batteries and be stored in an area so it doesn’t block other passengers. Whatever the rules may be, the train conductor or railroad staffer always has the final say and can stop you and your bike from being on the train.
Remember… if your final destination is Grand Central Terminal there are any number of Citi Bike stations just outside on the street. At New Haven there are bike-shares available through Ride New Haven.
SHORE LINE EAST & HARTFORD LINE:
The e-bike rules here are quite similar. Unlike on Metro-North, regular (non-electric) bicycles are welcome anytime. On the Harford Line, CT Rail trains welcome bikes anytime for free. But Amtrak Hartford Line trains accept bikes only with a reservation and a charge of $20. All e-bikes with lithium-ion batteries are banned on all trains on the line.
At Hartford’s Union Station you can rent a scooter (but no bikes) through VEO. Bikes may be added in the future.
CT TRANSIT BUSES:
Connecticut’s buses were pioneers in allowing bikes … not on the bus, but on racks mounted on the front of the bus. The racks only hold two bikes, and it’s first-come, first-carried.
Only standard non-motorized bikes are allowed on racks; e-bikes, scooters, and motorized vehicles are not permitted, regardless of weight.
OTHER BUSES IN CONNECTICUT:
All GBTA (Greater Bridgeport) buses are equipped to carry your bicycle … two-bike maximum, first-come first-served. Norwalk Transit rules aren’t crystal clear. You might want to consult your carrier’s website or ask the driver before trying to transport your device.
PORT JEFFERSON FERRY: The Port Jefferson Ferry allows bicycles and e-bikes onboard, but according to company policy, they are considered luggage and must be kept with the rider at all times. Cyclists are required to carry their bikes as well as any baggage up and down staircases to the passenger decks. If there’s room you can use the elevator.
Whatever your destination, always BYO (and wear) a helmet when operating on two wheels. And remember: E-bikes and scooters should use UL-certified batteries and never be charged aboard any vehicle or station.
Editor’s Notes: i) Jim Cameron is the founder of the Commuter Action Group and advocates for Connecticut rail riders. He writes a weekly column called ‘Talking Transportation,’ which is published by a number of publications in the state. ii) ”Talking Transportation” recently won first place in the general column/commentary category in the Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists Excellence in Journalism Contest.
OLD LYME–On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., National Drug Take Back Day comes to the Lyme Street Fire House.
The Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB) invites the public to stop by the fire station to dispose of unwanted drugs and get your children’s car seats checked.
As part of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Drug Take Back Day, the event provides a safe, convenient way to dispose of unused or expired prescription and over the counter medicines. The DEA reminds everyone to scratch out all personal information on pill bottle labels and medicine packaging. All medications dropped off at the take-back locations will be destroyed.
At the same time, LYSB will host a Child Car Seat Install and Safety Check event with the Old Lyme Police Department (OLPD).
Certified police technicians will be available by appointment to let drivers know whether their children’s car seats are installed correctly. Sign up by calling LYSB at 860-434-7208 or visiting lysb.org/carseat/, then bring your vehicle, child and carseat to the fire station for the check.
Spend Saturday afternoon at the Lyme Art Association’s Pumpkin Day. Photo courtesy of Lyme Art Association.
OLD LYME–Lyme Art Association invites the community to spend Saturday afternoon celebrating the season at Pumpkin Day.
Festivities run from 1 to 4 p.m. at the gallery on 90 Lyme St.
This year’s Pumpkin Day will once again include animals from Guilford’s Tripledale Farm. Photo courtesy of Lyme Art Association.
Guests will have the opportunity to paint pumpkins, make seasonal art, get their faces painted and join a scavenger hunt around the gallery. Adding to the air of celebration, The Wandering Fiddlers will provide live music while farm animals from Guilford’s Tripledale Farm entertain visitors of all ages.
Each child who brings a nonperishable food donation to benefit Shoreline Soup Kitchen will receive a free pumpkin to paint. Additional pumpkins will be available for purchase, or participants may bring their own.
