Lyme Grange Hosts Toy Tag Sale Saturday

LYME—The Lyme Grange will be having its second annual Toy Tag Sale alongside the Lyme Public Hall event on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Proceeds from the sale will support the maintenance and preservation of the Grange Building and the Fairgrounds along with supporting future programs for the public.

The sale will focus solely on children’s toys and games, Since the Public Hall does not normally accept these items, the Grange will be collecting and offering these items again this year.

As with the Public Hall, the Grange relies on the participation of community members to make these sales a success. For further infromation, email Lymegrangect@gmail.com.

Death Announced of Joseph Thomas Onofrio of Old Lyme, Husband of Carla

OLD LYME — Joseph Thomas D’Onofrio, 79, of Old Lyme Connecticut, left his earthly body on August 27, 2025. Joe was born on July 9, 1946 in Brooklyn, New York to Thomas and Mary (Rich) D’Onofrio. He was the youngest of their 7 children and was affectionately known as Joey. As a young child his family moved to Gloversville, New York, where he grew up and was a 1966 graduate of Gloversville High School.

Joe is survived by Carla, his wife of 54 years, his son David, his daughter-in-law Leonore, and his 3 grandchildren Elias Orion, Eva Rose and Lucia Calise, all the joys of his life.

Also, Joe is survived by his brother Dominick (Butch), his sisters Regina Falbo (Skip), Adeline Oare and predeceased by his brothers Anthony (Sheila), and Thomas, and sister Maryann Bronk as well as many nieces and nephews …

To honor Joe’s wishes no services will be held at this time.

Editor’s Note: Visit this link to read the full obituary published by Dignity Memorial.

Old Lyme Land Trust Hosts 11th Annual Kayak Regatta, Sept. 14; All Ages Welcome

The Old Lyme Land Trust hosts the 9th Annual Kayak Regatta, Sept. 14.

OLD LYME—The Old Lyme Land Trust (OLLT) Regatta will be held on Sunday, Sept. 14, starting at 1 p.m. Kayaks will be put in from Rte. 156 at the Lieutenant River Boat Launch. A guided trip down the Lieutenant River towards Duck River and Watch Rock will follow.

Kayakers of all skill levels are invited to join. The tour will return to the boat launch at approximately 3 p.m., where light refreshments will be served.

A US Coast Guard-approved life jacket or vest is required. Bring your own kayak (or canoe or stand-up paddleboard).

There is limited parking, so if you wish to join the event, REGISTER HERE.

Contact OLLandTrust@gmail.com for further information. More details will be provided upon confirmation.

The event is free.

Donations to support OLLT’s work are appreciated and can be made via the OLLT website or by mail to the OLLT at P.O. Box 163, Old Lyme, CT  06371.

Both Old Lyme Soccer Teams Lose to East Hampton Opponents

OLD LYME/EAST HAMPTON— Both Lyme-Old Lyme soccer teams were defeated Thursday by their respective East Hampton opponents.

Playing at home, the boys lost 5-1 with Ian Maeby scoring the lone goal assisted by Elliot Dunn-Sims. Sam Edmed made 10, saves for the Wildcats and Liam Mccormick added another. 

Scoring for East Hampton were Colin Marshall (2), Sebby Woodson, and Luke Davidson (2) with assists by Colin Marshall and Sebby Woodson. Shane Ruggiero made four saves for the Bellringers. 

Old Lyme boys are now 1-0-1 overall and 0-0-1 in the Shoreline Conference.

Playing away at East Hampton, the girls lost 2-0 with Grace Osborne in goal making six saves.

East Hampton’s goals came from Hadley Galovich and a Wildcat own goal. Cassie Owocki made three saves.

Old Lyme girls are now 0-2 overall.

LYSB Helps Bring Suicide Prevention to Baldwin Bridge; Launch Event Planned on Old Lyme Side of Bridge, Sept. 19

OLD LYME–Two local groups with a focus on children and families have partnered to help save lives on the Baldwin Bridge. 

The Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB) and Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services (OSYFS) in a press release this week announced the installation of suicide prevention and mental health resource signs on both sides of the bridge. 

Organizers said the project was motivated by the actions of Connecticut State Police Sgt. Ashley Harkins and Sgt. Matthew Belz in December 2023. That’s when the troopers responded to the bridge to help a woman who had climbed from the pedestrian sidewalk over the metal safety fencing and was precariously seated on a 5-inch ledge, according to state police. 

Harkins and Belz were successful in convincing the individual to come back over the railing to safety.

The signs offer resources to those who need support, including a QR code to take people directly to a website that can help them in the moment. 

OSYFS Director Heather McNeil, who is a mental health professional, said it’s important to have support within reach when people feel the most distressed and vulnerable. 

“The thought of taking one’s life can sometimes be an impulsive decision, and if we can interrupt that thought process with information about how to get help, it may save a life,” McNeil said. 

The project was introduced to LYSB Director Mary Seidner, who was instrumental in moving this forward. 

“We reached out to OSYFS, met with SERAC (Southeastern Regional Action Council), learned the steps of how to receive permission to install signage through the DOT, and things began to fall into place,” she said. “Our goal is simple but vital: to create a prevention resource where people can clearly follow steps to seek help.” 

The campaign includes community events, training programs, support networks, and partnerships with mental health professionals to ensure no one faces their struggles alone.

McNeil identified connection as the primary prevention tool.  

“Suicide is preventable, and with the right tools, education, and compassion, we can make a meaningful difference,” she said. 

A public launch event will be held Friday, Sept. 19, at 11 a.m. on the Old Lyme side of the Baldwin Bridge sidewalk approach, featuring guest speakers and mental health resource booths. The public is encouraged to attend.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or text “HELLO” to 741741 for free, confidential support at any time.