Category Archives: Lyme

Police Officers Assn. of CT Endorses Norm Needleman for 33rd State Senate District, Includes Lyme

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Norm Needleman (D), is the incumbent candidate for 33rd State Senate District, which includes Lyme.

The Police Officers Association of Connecticut has endorsed State Senator Norm Needleman for another term in the Connecticut State Senate.

As the First Selectman of Essex, Sen. Needleman works directly with police and first responders in his community. As a State Senator, he has taken steps to engage with local police departments, assist them where and when possible, and learn more about what they need to best succeed in their roles.

Knowing the vital importance of public safety, Sen. Needleman is committed to supporting policing strategies that benefit both officers and the public, allowing for them to safely and effectively keep our communities protected.

“Police in our communities rush toward danger while the rest of us flee. They play a direct and vital role in our communities, keeping us safe and ensuring those who break the law will meet necessary consequences,” said Sen. Needleman.

He continued, “I am honored to receive the support of the POACT, which represents approximately 5,000 police officers across the state, and will continue working to make sure our communities receive the care and service they need while the people who provide that care and service are able to go home at the end of the day with the compensation they deserve.”

In 2019 and 2023, Sen. Needleman voted for the bipartisan four-year Connecticut State Police labor union contracts providing officers with raises and bonuses as well as improved benefits. Specifically, that contract raised the pay for State Police trooper trainees, which will benefit the state’s ability to recruit and retain qualified troopers.

Sen. Needleman has also voted to support policies providing police officers with access to care for post-traumatic stress caused on the job among other significant improvements.

This latest endorsement comes after previously announced support for Norm from the Independent Party, Retired Teachers of Connecticut, Planned Parenthood, CT Realtors, Reproductive Action Now, 314 Action Fund and AFT Connecticut, among others.

Sen. Needleman was unanimously renominated this spring by the Democratic Party to represent the town of Lyme along with Colchester, Chester, Clinton, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Old Saybrook, Portland and Westbrook.

In addition to working as Senate Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, Sen. Needleman also works as Vice Chair of the Planning and Development Committee and a member of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding, Transportation and Commerce Committees.

Sen. Needleman founded and runs a manufacturing company, Tower Laboratories in Centerbrook, and is currently serving his sixth term as the First Selectman of Essex.

Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release issued by Sen. Needleman’s office.

‘Planned Parenthood’, ‘Reproductive Equity’ Endorse Wisialowski for 23rd District

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Jane Wisialowsi is the Democratic candidate for the 23rd District State Representative.

LYME/OLD LYME/OLD SAYBROOK/ – Leading reproductive rights organizations Planned Parenthood of Connecticut and Reproductive Equity Now have both endorsed Jane Wisialowski in her campaign for 23rd District State Representative (Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Old Lyme, and  Lyme).

These endorsements highlight Wisialowski’s commitment to reproductive rights and healthcare access. 

In a statement announcing the endorsement, Planned Parenthood said of Wisialowski, “We  are grateful that you have indicated that, as a legislator, you are willing to advocate for protecting  and expanding access to sexual and reproductive health and rights for all people.”

The statement added, “We are in an urgent moment and working together we can achieve our vision for a future where all people in Connecticut can realize the right to control their bodies, their lives, and their futures.” 

Reproductive Equity Now announced its endorsement in August: “The right to abortion, contraception, IVF, and all forms of reproductive health care are facing existential threats on the national stage,” president Rebecca Hart Holder said in a statement.

She continued, “Reproductive Equity Now is proud to endorse candidates who are ready to fight for reproductive equity and ensure that Connecticut remains a firewall for abortion access in post-Roe America.” 

“I am so proud to receive the endorsement of these two brave organizations that are on the front line in the fight for women’s reproductive freedom,” said Wisialowski.

She continued, “When elected, I will always fight to protect women’s reproductive  rights, access to contraception and IVF.”

Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release issued by Jane Wisialowski’s Campaign Office.

Lyme-Old Lyme Schools Give Update on PK-8 Building Project

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Renovations at Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School were included in the $57.6 million plan, which residents approved in a November 2022 referendum.

Project Costs for Three of Four Schools Now $119K Under Budget 
OLD LYME—The Lyme-Old Lyme (LOL) Board of Education has today given an update on the progress of the PK-8 Building Project for which voters approved $57,555,000 in November 2022. 

The project itself is, more accurately, two different projects as they are being supported by two different state grant programs.   

Prior to the referendum, the district received an Extension and Alteration Grant commitment from the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) for Mile Creek School in the amount of $9,075,088.

Subsequent to the referendum, three district schools (Center School, Lyme School, and LOL Middle School) received a separate HVAC/Indoor Air Quality grant from DAS in the amount of $12,009,717.   

Only the first of these two grants was anticipated in the planning and informational materials provided to the voters at the time of the referendum. The additional $12 million in grants reduced the amount of local tax dollars necessary to fund the project. These additional grant monies, combined with the lower interest rate environment for bonds and notes, will save the Lyme-Old Lyme community around $16 million.  

Lyme-Old Lyme Schools Superintendent Ian Neviaser said, “We are proud of these additional savings this early in the process yet remain committed to completing the project within the amount authorized at referendum.” He explained that In order to do so, the Board of Education’s Building Committee had taken action to address what were initially very high bid responses for some portions of the work.  Rebidding certain components of the project resulted in over $3 million of cost reductions.

In addition, the committee, with approval from the board of education, reassigned the proposed renovation work for the security vestibules at Lyme School, Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School, and Center School from the PK-8 project budget to the  board of education’s “rainy day” fund at an estimated cost of approximately $1 million, with such work to be completed on the same schedule as had been originally planned as a part of the PK-8 project.  

Upon the recommendation of the building committee, and with the endorsement of the fire marshal, the board of education also approved retaining the existing compartmentalized fire protection system in lieu of adding sprinklers at Lyme School and Mile Creek School. 

These decisions, along with a few other minor adjustments, have allowed the building committee to finalize project costs for Lyme School, Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School, and Center School that are $119,612 under budget. 

The committee expects to receive bid responses for the Mile Creek School project on or about Oct. 17, 2024. The portion of work relative to Mile Creek is estimated to represent about $25 million of the total PK-8 project cost. 

Neviaser concluded, “We share this good news to keep our communities informed and commend those involved for their commitment to completing these projects on time and within the approved budget.” 

Lyme-Old Lyme HS Awarded Michael’s Cup for Sportsmanship for Sixth Consecutive Year

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OLD LYME—UPDATED 10/10 WITH COMMENTS FROM LOL SCHOOLS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR. On Monday, Oct. 7, Lyme-Old Lyme High School (LOLHS) will be recognized as a recipient of the 2023-24 Michaels Jewelers Achievement Cup Award during the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference’s (CIAC) 18th Annual Sportsmanship Conference.

Announcing the award in a press release, the (CIAC) explains, “Schools that are part of the CIAC’s Class Act program can be considered for the Michaels Jewelers Achievement Cup Award.”

The announcement continues, “The Michaels Jewelers Cup Committee recognized these exemplary athletics programs for their willingness to subscribe to the Class Act Sportsmanship standards, empowering students to take an active role in their school climate, and their continued support for community service. These schools have made sportsmanship a priority in their district.”

We asked Hildie Heck, who serves as Athletic Director of Lyme-Old Lyme Schools, how she was feeling after the award was announced. She replied in an email saying, “In my opinion, the Michael’s Cup award is a testament to the incredible culture we’ve cultivated at LOLHS. This recognition is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes, who have consistently demonstrated excellence both on the field/court and in the classroom.

She continued, “The coaches also deserve credit for setting high standards and creating a positive, supportive atmosphere that empowers our students to thrive. And of course, we must recognize the support of our parents, who support the initiative and programs.”

Heck concluded, “Ultimately, I believe this award speaks to the collaborative effort of our entire school community. By working together and giving our students a voice, we’ve been able to foster an environment where they can truly excel as athletes and leaders. It’s an honor to be recognized for six consecutive years, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for our programs.”

Lyme-Old Lyme Schools Superintendent Ian Neviaser

Asked his reaction to the award by LymeLine, Lyme-Old Lyme Superintendent of Schools Ian Neviaser responded by email saying, “We are so proud of the continued recognition of our student athletes, our coaches, and our athletic department as they demonstrate the utmost commitment to sportsmanship across all of our programs.”

He continued, “This honor embodies the values we strive to impart to all participants and hope to continue this success for many more years.” 

Twenty eight schools in the state have been recognized with the Michaels Cup honor this year. Lyme-Old Lyme High School is receiving the honor for a remarkable sixth consecutive year.

The other schools earning the award are Academy of Aerospace & Engineering, Academy of Computer Science & Engineering, Academy of International Studies, Academy of Science & Innovation, Amity Regional High School, Bethel High School, Bloomfield High School, Brookfield High School, Canton High School, Cheshire High School, Danbury High School, Daniel Hand High School, Derby High School, East Catholic High School, Joel Barlow High School, Killingly High School, Ledyard High School, New Fairfield High School, New Milford High School, Newtown High School, Norwalk High School, Simsbury High School, St. Paul Catholic High School, Stamford High School, Valley Regional High School, Westbrook High School, and Weston High School.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)-Infected Mosquitoes Found in Lyme, 15 More CT Towns

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State Mosquito Management Program Warns CT Residents of Continuing Risk of EEE

NEW HAVEN – In a press release dated Oct. 4, the State Mosquito Management Program reported that Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)-infected mosquitoes had been reported in Lyme and 15 other Connecticut towns.

The other towns in the state where EEE-infected mosquitoes have been found are Canterbury, Chester, Farmington, Griswold, Groton, Killingworth, Ledyard, Manchester, Newtown, North Stonington, Plainfield, Sterling, Stonington, Trumbull, and Voluntown.

Although no human cases have been reported so far this season in Connecticut, human cases usually lag behind virus detections in mosquitoes due to the time it takes for a person to develop disease and confirm the diagnosis.

“Although mosquito numbers are declining with the onset of cool weather, we continue to detect EEE virus, some of which are being found in new communities in Connecticut,” said John Shepard, Medical Entomologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES). “There is continued risk for mosquito-borne diseases until the first hard freeze when mosquito activity ends.”

“Mosquitoes are still active, and residents should continue to take measures to prevent mosquito bites especially during episodes of warmer weather” said Dr. Philip Armstrong, Chief Scientist at CAES. “This includes applying insect repellent and covering bare skin, especially in wooded areas and during dusk and dawn when biting mosquitoes are most active.”

“Since there is no vaccine for EEE for use in humans, protection from this virus depends on personal protective measures to decrease exposure to infected mosquitoes,” said Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “Symptoms from EEE include severe headache and neck stiffness which can result in nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.”

“DEEP encourages residents to continue to take appropriate precautions as we are still not through the mosquito season,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Residents taking part in outdoor fall activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping should continue to take steps to avoid exposure to mosquitoes, including minimizing time outdoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are prevalent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and using insect repellent if out at any point during those times.”

To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, residents should:

  • Minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
  • When it is necessary to be outdoors, use mosquito repellents containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, including DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. EPA registration of skin-applied repellent products indicates that they have been evaluated and approved for human safety and effectiveness when applied according to instructions on the label.
  • Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are more active. Clothing should be light-colored and loose-fitting and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
  • Wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin. Permethrin is an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes and ticks.
  • Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair.
  • When sleeping outdoors, use tents or mosquito netting in an unscreened structure. Treat camping gear with permethrin when possible.
  • Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito nets when outside.

EEE is a rare but serious illness in humans with 4-8 cases reported in a typical year in the U.S. To date this season, 13 human cases have been reported in seven states including Massachusetts (4), New Hampshire (4), Vermont (1), New York (1), Rhode Island (1), New Jersey (1), and Wisconsin (1); two of these were fatal. EEE is the most severe mosquito-transmitted disease in the U.S. with approximately 40 percent mortality and significant brain damage in half of survivors.

The response to mosquito transmitted diseases in Connecticut is a collaborative inter-agency effort involving the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), the Department of Public Health (DPH), the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Pathobiology at the University of Connecticut (UCONN). These agencies are responsible for monitoring mosquito populations and the potential public health threat of mosquito-borne diseases.

The CAES maintains a network of 108 mosquito-trapping stations in 88 municipalities throughout the state. Mosquito traps are set Monday – Thursday nights at each site every ten days on a rotating basis and then at least once a week after detection of virus. Mosquitoes are grouped (pooled) for testing according to species, collection site, and date. Positive findings are reported to local health departments and on the CAES website.

For information on WNV and EEE, what can be done to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes, the latest mosquito test results and human infections, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program website.

Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release issued Oct. 4, 2024 by the State of Connecticut Mosquito Management Program.