Category Archives: Top Story

High Hopes Hosts Free ‘Homecoming Fall Festival’

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There’s fun for everyone at the High Hopes Fall Festival on Oct. 4.

OLD LYME–High Hopes Therapeutic Riding next month will celebrate the season with its annual Homecoming Fall Festival. 

The afternoon of fun, games and food – and, of course, horses – will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the High Hopes campus, 36 Town Woods Rd. 

Attendees will find live music, hayrides, a haunted trail, kids’ activities, a food truck, and wine and beer sales. 

Guests will receive a free drink ticket at check-in.

The event is free; donations are welcome. Click here to register.

Old Lyme’s PGN Library Kicks Off ‘Banned Books Week’ with Read-In Event, Sunday

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OLD LYME–The Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes (PGN) Library is kicking off the American Library Association’s Banned Books Week with a community-wide Read-In, Oct. 5.  

The Banned Books Week website states that the week was launched in 1982, “in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools.”

The explanation continues, “Typically (but not always) held during the last week of September, the annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.”

The Read-In at the PGN Library will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the library’s community room. All are welcome.

Attendees are invited to choose a banned book, challenged book or any book at all to “celebrate fREADom,” according to the event listing. 

The drop-in event for all ages includes door prizes, a round of Banned Books Jeopardy, and the opportunity to print a LIBRARIES ROCK! t-shirt. 

Patrons should bring their own t-shirts, bandanas, onesies, tote bags or anything flat to be affixed with the LIBRARIES ROCK! message in white ink. 

Organizers noted the library has an assortment of blank t-shirts to share with attendees. Any remaining t-shirts will be sold after the event. 

Those who cannot attend the Read-In but would like to have a t-shirt or other item printed can drop off the item at the library by 2 p.m. on Oct. 4. 

For more information on the t-shirt printing option, email Nike Desis at ndesis@oldlymelibrary.org. 

For more information on Banned Books Week, visit their website at this link.

Lots of Opportunities to Get Your Pets Blessed Sunday in Old Lyme

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Bring your pets of any shape or size to one (or more!) of the blessings being held throughout Old Lyme on Sunday. This photo shows the Rev. Dr. Anita Louise Schell, Rector of Saint Ann’s, blessing a fluffy pup.

OLD LYME—Several area churches will offer blessings for creatures great and small to commemorate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Sunday.

The South Lyme Union Chapel on 308 Mile Creek Road invites all pets – including mammals, reptiles, birds and fish – to its third annual blessing in the historic setting from noon to 1:30 p.m. Pets must be leashed, in a container, or held. Refreshments will be available free of charge.

Saint Ann’s Episcopal Parish at 82 Shore Road will hold its traditional Blessing of the Animals outside the church at 1 p.m. All animals should be leashed or caged.

Christ the King Church, at 1 McCurdy Road, will also host an animal blessing at 1 p.m. in the church parking lot.

St. Francis was born in the 12th century and is the patron saint of ecology and animals.

Opening Weekend of Musical Masterworks’ 35th Season in Old Lyme, Oct. 4-5

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Tessa Lark will help open Musical Masterworks’ 35th season in Old Lyme on Oct. 5 and 6. File photo by Richard Bowditch.

OLD LYME–Musical Masterworks will begin its 35th season at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme in a concert weekend featuring Artistic Director and violinist Tessa Lark. 

Performances will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 5, at 3 p.m.

Musical Masterworks in a press release said the weekend’s ensemble features Lark, pianist Inon Barnatan, violist Hsin-Yun Huang, cellist Efe Baltacigil and double bassist Tim Cobb. The program pairs Schubert pieces including the Trout Quintet and the Arpeggione Sonata with Lark’s Appalachian Fantasy, blending the timeless and contemporary. 

“This season, I’m drawn to music that feels deeply personal, exploring the sublime worlds of specific composers and sharing the places I love most,” Lark said. “I hope these programs invite our concertgoers to linger, discover, and experience something new and meaningful along the way.” 

The season runs from October to April at the church, 4 Lyme Street. 

Visit the Musical Masterworks website or email admin@musicalmasterworks.org to purchase subscriptions ($175 each), mini-subscriptions ($115 each), individual tickets ($45 each), or student tickets ($5 each). 

‘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.