The latest Billy Boyle World War II mystery by former Lyme resident James R. Benn hits the shelves Sept. 23.
“A Bitter Wind,” published by Soho Press, marks the 20th release in the series about an Irish-American cop from Boston who helps his “uncle” Ike Eisenhower in sensitive WWII military investigations in overseas Europe.
The book description details Boyle’s journey from the Cliffs of Dover on Christmas Day in 1944, where he discovers the first of two dead bodies, to the wild mountains of Yugoslavia. The mystery is described by the publisher as a fascinating look into the secretive world of WWII radio espionage.
Benn lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida with wife Deborah Mandel, according to his biography on jamesrbenn.com. They have two sons and seven grandchildren
A graduate of the University of Connecticut, he went on to receive a master’s degree in library science from Southern Connecticut State University. He is a member of the Mystery Writers of America and the Author’s Guild.
Benn worked in the library and information technology fields for over 35 years before turning to full-time writing in 2011.
James R. Benn
Readers will have the chance to learn more from the author himself at two upcoming events on the shoreline.
This ‘Photo of Distinction’ by Rich Sanders is titled, ‘Late Summer at Uncas Lake.’ It was taken in September 2024 when, in the photographer’s words, “there’s still time for a late summer swim and a look see both above and below the water.”
Each season, three photos of distinction are chosen based upon the criteria of emotional impact and creative design. The deadline to be included in the current summer season is tomorrow, Sept. 30.
At the end of the year, the Annual People’s Vision Award allows everyone to vote for their favorite.
The contest encourages people to expand their visual awareness of nature and highlight the beauty of the Lyme Preserves by taking photographs prompted by inspiration from award winning photographer, Joe Standart and other artists.
This ‘Photo of Distinction’ by Athana Catlett is titled, “Winter Magic on Whalebone Cove” and was taken in January 2022 from Joshuatown Rd. after a snowfall.
In the Tips from Joe section, Joe Standart and guest artists offer guidance to help you improve your own photography while you think about new ways to see the world. Each tip will be short, simple and non-technical, suitable for any kind of camera or smart phone.
OLD LYME — September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
On Monday Sept. 29, at 6:30 p.m. in Old Lyme Town Hall, LYSB and the Lyme-Old Lyme Prevention Coaliton will host a free Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention training workshop. Anyone may attend.
Did you know that suicide is preventable? By combining knowledge, care, and compassion, people can make a real impact on those who are experiencing a crisis. Suicide is complex and influenced by many interconnected factors, but knowing the warning signs of suicide saves lives. With the right support, people can heal, build resilience, and thrive after crisis.
For those who are in crisis, asking the right questions, offering hope and support, and referring them to the right resources can promote healing. By being trained in QPR, you will have the right tools to give someone the support they might need. Anyone can be trained in QPR, and consequently anyone can save a life in need.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing a crisis, call the national crisis line 988 to speak, chat, or text with a trained crisis counselor.
OLD LYME—The Old Lyme Land Trust, the Old Lyme Open Space Commission and the Old Lyme Inn are sponsoring another “Hiker’s Happy Hour” on Wednesday, Oct. 1.
A guided walk will leave at 4:15 p.m. from the Mile Creek Preserve trailhead at 191 Mile Creek Road. All are welcome.
After the hike, people will re-group at the nearby Old Lyme Inn for half-price drinks from 5 to 6 p.m. You need not hike to enjoy the Happy Hour.
Hikers should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring insect repellent.
In the event of rain, meet at the Old Lyme Inn for Happy Hour instead of the trailhead.Information on the Bartholomew Open Space can be found here.
Resident State Trooper Matt Weber and comfort dog, Viera, will be transferring to Connecticut State Police headquarters to support the agency’s peer support program. File photo.
OLD LYME–The resident state trooper in charge of the Old Lyme Police Department for the past five years will be leaving early next month to lead the Connecticut State Police peer support program.
Connecticut State Police Resident State Trooper Matt Weber on Friday said word came through the day before that he’ll be transferring Oct. 3 to the Middletown headquarters as the coordinator of the State Troopers Offering Peer Support (STOPS) program.
He said the state police will assign a temporary resident trooper to cover the town while the agency goes through the process of finding a permanent replacement.
Webe currently oversees five Old Lyme constables with full police powers. The resident trooper program provides leadership in more than 50 towns across the state without independent police departments.
Weber, who lives in town, described the move as bittersweet.
“Definitely, it’s a town I love, so hopefully I left it a little bit better than I found it,” he said.
First Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker on Friday said Weber’s presence has led to a stronger summer ranger program, which places seasonal staff under the police department’s direction to patrol public beaches. She said the resident trooper has also helped curb fights and illegal activity at Sound View Beach.
Resident State Trooper Matt Weber. File photo contributed by Connecticut State Police.
Shoemaker credited Weber with focusing on hiring new officers rather than exclusively making lateral hires from other departments.
“His unique approach to build our staff by training officers at the Connecticut Police Academy has allowed us to hire individuals who have always wanted to be police officers and are now serving our town to the best of their ability,” she said.
Among them are Officer Ethan Kula, a former summer ranger in Old Lyme who was hired in 2022 at the age of 24. Most recently, Patrolman George Sirigos graduated the academy in January as a 31 year old.
Before Kula, Corporal Dominic Solari was the last Old Lyme officer to go through the academy in 2006.
Shoemaker said she has not been given a timetable for securing Weber’s permanent replacment. She also has not been told what the town’s role will be in the selection process, though she hopes to sit in on hiring interviews.
She said staff members at the police department and town hall will miss Weber greatly in his professional capacity. But she acknowledged the town resident isn’t going anywhere.
“We’re still going to see him in Big Y,” she said.
Weber will bring 17 years of experience as a state trooper when he takes over the peer support program from state police Sgt. Rodney Valdes.
Weber said he looks forward to the opportunity to help other troopers, “just for the mental well-being of them.”
He declined to further discuss his time in Old Lyme or his new role, citing the advice of the state police public information officer.
The state police STOPS program provides peer counseling for troopers and other first responders in personal or professional crises, according to state police. The specially-trained network of troopers also helps during non-crisis situations amid the daily stresses of working for the state police.
