Category Archives: Uncategorized

Volunteers From Old Lyme Open Space Commission, CT Hiking Alliance Join Forces to Remove Fencing on McCulloch Farm

Posted on by
Reply

A veritable army of volunteers from both the Old Lyme Open Space Commission and the Connecticut Hiking Alliance worked together on Nov. 9 to take down and dispose of the old fences on the McCulloch Farm property , which was recently acquired by the Town. Photos by and published with permission of the CT Hiking Alliance.

OLD LYME — The Town of Old Lyme purchased 300 acres of the McCulloch farm in September, and the Old Lyme Open Space Commission has been working since to prepare the property for public access.  Coincidentally, the Connecticut Hiking Alliance (CHA) was at the same time looking for worthwhile volunteer projects.

It was a perfect match for both organizations and thus the McCulloch Farm horse-fence removal project became the CHA’s Act of Kindness #76. 

The CHA is an active group with three trademarks – day’s activities end with an “Après-hike” social period; they graciously provide “Acts of Kindness,” whether that be muscle power/manual labor, cash donations, in-kind donations, and goods donations; and they love photo memories, taking lots of pictures and posting them on their website. Volunteers from the group take on trail work around the state.

Hard at work, volunteers take stock of the day’s job ahead of them.

Amanda Blair, Open Space Commission Co-Chair, and Bill Ruel, of CHA, put Saturday, Nov. 9, on the organization calendars.  Ruel and about two dozen volunteers from all across Connecticut showed up early that morning at The Bowerbird in Old Lyme to meet with Open Space Commission members, and everyone car-pooled to the McCulloch property (where construction of parking areas hasn’t yet started.)

The day’s job was to dismantle and dispose of old McCulloch Farm horse-fencing. According to a McCulloch family member, rubber strips strung between cedar posts were cut from old factory conveyor belts and installed some 40 years ago to keep prize-winning Morgan horses in the fields.

According to Blair, “Taking down the fencing was a big step as the property transitions from a farm to a beautiful hiking property.  McCulloch open space and the Old Lyme Land Trust’s neighboring Lay Preserve will be an expansive 450-acre ‘Green Corridor’ with great hiking trails to connect one property to the other.”

The fencing pictured above, which was removed by the volunteers, is believed to have been cut from old factory conveyor belts some 40 years ago.

“We’re so, so grateful for the help from the Connecticut Hikers Alliance to do some of the needed grunt work.  It’s been all volunteers from both groups working together for a good cause.”

In a preview of the future, after the fencing take-down, Hiking Alliance volunteers trekked from the McCulloch property through the Lay Preserve to Lord’s Meadow Lane, and back.  Keeping it an all-Old Lyme event, the volunteers enjoyed their “après-hike” social period at the Hideaway Restaurant and Pub.

Photos of the day’s activity can be found @https://www.meetup.com/The-Connecticut-Hiking-Alliance-great-hikes-and-more/photos/30513732/486511049/

For more information about the Connecticut Hiking Alliance, visit this link.

For more information on the Old Lyme Open Space Commission, visit this link.

Embassy Press Aide Presents, ‘Afghanistan: Storytelling of America’s Longest War,’ Hosted by SECWAC This Evening

Posted on by
Reply

Dr. Katherine Brown and the cover of her book, ‘your country, our war,’ published earlier this year. Brown will speak at Connecticut College on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

WATERFORD, CT – The Southeast Connecticut World Affairs Council (SECWAC) has announced that Katherine Brown is to speak on her experiences as an embassy press aide in Afghanistan at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the Crozier Williams Student Center at Connecticut College, 270 Mohegan Ave Pkwy, New London, CT.

Based on eight years of interviews in Kabul, Washington, and New York, Brown’s book, “Your Country, Our War: The Press and Diplomacy in Afghanistan,” (copies of which will be on sale after the presentation) demonstrates how news intersects with international politics and shows the global power and reach of the U.S. news media, especially within the context of the post-9/11 era. It reviews the trajectory of the U.S. news narrative about Afghanistan and how U.S. journalists affected the diplomacy between the two countries.

The book also examines the rise of Afghan journalism, from 2001 to 2017, chronicling local reporters’ rapid development and how they grappled daily with how to define themselves and their country during a tumultuous and uneven transition from fundamentalist to democratic rule. Providing rich detail about the U.S.-Afghan relationship, especially former President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai’s convictions about the role of the Western press, we begin to understand how journalists are not merely observers to a story; they are participants in it.

Dr. Brown will also discuss the U.S. government’s public diplomacy work in the country and the value of international exchange programs to support U.S. national security.

A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the main event beginning at 6:00 p.m. The presentation is a part of the SECWAC 2019-2020 Speaker Series. For non-members, tickets ($20) may be purchased at the door; ticket cost can subsequently be applied towards a SECWAC membership.  Attendance is free for SECWAC members (and their guests). Membership September 2019 through June 2020 is $85 per person; $25 for young professionals under 35; free for educators and students; a corporate rate of $1,000 is also available, with unlimited access for employees.

Note:  there will not be a post-presentation dinner on this occasion.

Members and guests can pre-register for the presentation at https://scwac.wildapricot.org/event-3528948.

Dr. Brown is the President & CEO of Global Ties U.S., the largest and oldest citizen diplomacy network in the United States. She is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Georgetown University. Previously, she was a Public Policy Manager at Facebook, Inc., where she was also in residence as a Council on Foreign Relations’ (CFR) International Affairs Fellow, and served as the Executive Director of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy.

Dr. Brown began her career in the National Security Council at the White House and first traveled to Afghanistan in 2003 as a U.S. embassy press aide, to return several times over 13 years. She received her Ph.D. in communications from Columbia University in 2013. Her book, “Your Country, Our War: The Press and Diplomacy in Afghanistan” was released by Oxford University Press in March 2019.

SECWAC is a regional, nonprofit, membership organization affiliated with the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA). The organization dates back to 1999, and has continued to arrange 8-10 Speaker Series meetings annually, between September and June. The meetings range in foreign affairs topics, and are hosted at venues along the I-95 corridor, welcoming members and guests from Stonington to Old Saybrook, and beyond.

SECWAC’s mission is “to foster an understanding of issues of foreign policy and international affairs through study, debate, and educational programming.” It provides a forum for nonpartisan, non-advocacy dialogue between members and speakers, who can be U.S. policymakers, educators, authors, and other experts on foreign relations. Learn more at http://secwac.org.

Letter to the Editor: Realtor Tinnerello Looks to Join Zoning Commission; Offers Open Door With Transparency, Collaboration, Honesty

Posted on by
Reply

To the Editor:

I am running for Zoning in Old Lyme and would like to share my letter to residents:

As a resident and realtor in Old Lyme I have decided to run for Zoning Commission. As a realtor, I understand the balancing act between the town’s interests and private property rights. Old Lyme characteristics make us long-time environmentalists- water, beaches, wetlands, woods. Zoning should honor these unique assets without stifling planned growth and development.

I am a results-oriented problem solver who can manage complex issues. I have experience with managing many stakeholder viewpoints which often require compromise. I intend to make thoughtful decisions while always keeping an eye on the long-term effects they have on our town’s character and charm. If elected to the Zoning Commission I believe we should provide new leadership standards, like having neighborhood discussions when there is major change pending, such as sewers or affordable housing. Let our existing boards collaborate with residents and notify abutters when there is an application pending. Transparency will always be at the forefront of my decision-making process.

As a realtor, I am out every day listening to the concerns of property owners, business owners, conservationists and others whose lives are affected by our rules and regulations. People move here for the quiet, beauty and charm. They leave overcrowded suburban communities for the quality of life and character Old Lyme offers. Zoning plays a  large role in setting that tone. We can modernize and protect our community without changing the town’s identity. If I am elected, I will work hard to strike a balance between maintaining the character of the community and allowing for growth of the tax base from both residential and business development in order to manage an appropriate Real Estate tax on the homeowners of Old Lyme. As a newcomer to Zoning, I realize that I will need to work hard to educate myself on all aspects of important town issues. I will reach out to individuals who have knowledge and expertise on these matters. I am, and will always be, open to your suggestions and thoughts. I will have an open-door policy for communication with ALL Old Lyme residents.

For years, people have trusted me with buying and selling their homes. I have earned their trust by listening, communicating and always being honest. I’ve raised my family in Old Lyme because I love our community and I will not let you or our town down!

I am asking for your vote this Tuesday, November 5th!

Sincerely,

Tammy Tinnerello,
Old Lyme.

Mary Powell-St. Louis (R): Candidate (Incumbent) for Region 18 Board of Education Representing Lyme

Posted on by
Reply

Mary Powell St. Louis

Mary is running for her second term on the Region 18 Board of Education as the Republican candidate from Lyme.  She is a twenty-one-year resident of the town and has three sons in the school system.  Mary is a board-certified physician with an additional Master of Public Health degree.  She is employed as a Principal Investigator and Research Physician with Pfizer.  She has also served as a member of the Safety and Policy sub-committees during her term on the BOE.  Mary will leverage her past experience with the board and sustain her focus on continuous quality improvement.

What are the three major issues in Lyme-Old Lyme Schools that you are currently aware of, which require resolution during your potential term of office?  Please list and explain each one briefly in order of importance.

A quality education in a safe environment is paramount to the students in Region 18.  Our district has continued to be one of the top performers in the shoreline towns and is ranked in the top 10 statewide for student performance.  This outcome is the result of the sustained commitment of our educators, our students, and our community. We strive to address the educational needs of each student in our schools.  My concerns for my next term of office include vaping/substance abuse issues in the district, an aging infrastructure which will require repair or replacement, and enrollment decline.   Vaping is my top issue which I discuss in more detail below. In terms of infrastructure, the board continues to track and prioritize those facilities that require maintenance or replacement.  It is critical for the board to take into consideration the input from our community as we plan to make best use of our budgeted resources. In terms of declining enrollment, the district has taken steps to try to market our outstanding staff and programs throughout the region.  Going forward the board will have to evaluate success of these efforts and determine next steps to grow our student population and optimize use of the district budget.

Regarding Question 1, explain more about your choice of the issue of most importance and how you think it should be resolved.

Education and safety at every level is important to me as a member of the board of education.  Our district has made substantial strides in the last few years improving safety for our students and educators.  As an individual who believes in continuous quality improvement, I believe we can always do more. My primary concern from a safety perspective that needs resolution in the upcoming term is the extent of vaping in the district.   We know from collaborative efforts with the LYSB through student surveys that despite district policies banning vaping on campus sites, it is felt that use by students is both significant and underreported. Recent reports of chronic lung injury and even deaths from vaping across the US cannot go unnoticed and this public health crisis should be at the forefront of increased educational efforts on the part of Region 18.  I would like to see more outreach for our community at-large and students through increased collaboration with LYSB.

What do you see as the main relevant skills and character attributes that you will bring to the position if elected?

I will bring a full term of experience with the board of education and sub-committee participation to the role.  As a parent and volunteer in the community I seek to get direct feedback on how district policies and initiatives are perceived by student and parent populations in Lyme and Old Lyme.   I strive to strengthen these relationships to ensure that alternative perspectives are brought into the BOE discussions. I have been actively involved in scouting as an adult leader with Troop 26, the local Boy Scout troop for the last ten years.  This experience has given me great insight into the development of our youth and to the importance of both caring adults and a robust team environment as factors in their development. As a physician I feel that I can bring an empathetic outlook to my board role and as a researcher I can focus on the importance of details and a commitment to continuous improvement. 

Chris Kerr (R): Candidate (Incumbent) for Old Lyme Selectman

Posted on by
Reply

Chris Kerr

Chris is a life-long resident of Old Lyme with a long history of public service.  Chris has served for over 15 years on the Board of Finance and the Planning Commission.  He has also been active in the Old Lyme Fire Department for 34 years. While serving on the Board of Finance, Chris oversaw the completion of two major Town capital projects, the construction of the town salt shed and the replacement of the town garage.  Chris is a small business owner, including real estate appraisal work and construction contracting, with significant financial and management experience.

Q1: What is your personal vision in broad terms for the Halls Road/Lyme Street area of Old Lyme in 2025?

2025 is a long time away – I think we can make some real improvements very shortly and create a flexible area to allow private owners to come up with creative ideas for their properties.  In the short term, installing sidewalks, crosswalks and planted traffic islands are easy improvements.  Longer term, bringing zoning, planning and the economic development commission together to end up with more flexible and accommodating zoning and a significantly improved sign policy will go far to provide our private land owners the empty canvas upon which to paint their masterpieces.

Q2: What is your personal vision in broad terms for the Sound View area of Old Lyme in 2025?

Sound View improvements are also about supporting private owners and their plans that are right for the town.  Convening meetings with planning, zoning, economic development and private owners is very, very rare, and needs to happen with much greater regularity to people willing to put money into their properties do not face long, delayed processes and uncertainty outcomes.  Finally completing the sewer project, which is now in its sixth year and counting for a very modest number of homes, will help give owners more certainty to make investment decisions.  One very big theme over the last eight years has been the uncertainty created by long, drawn-out town ideas that prevent private owners from making any investment decisions until the town makes up its mind.

Q3: In light of Old Lyme’s current non-compliance with the state mandate that 10 percent of housing stock be deemed, “Affordable” and the recent withdrawal of the Affordable Housing proposal on Neck Rd., how do you see the future of Affordable Housing in Old Lyme?

To be absolutely, 100% clear, the 10% threshold in state statute 803g is not in any way, shape or form a mandate that a town needs 10% of its housing stock to be what the state deems “affordable”.  The 10% is the threshold after which a developer of affordable housing no longer gets statutorily preferential treatment by a town zoning and other commissions approval.  That needs to be very, very clear to residents.  That said, I support legal affordable housing in the areas that make safe and environmental sense.  We currently have a lot in town that is zoned for multifamily homes on  Hatchetts Hill and it is for sale and available for development, an area that the town has already supported as a good location for multifamily by agreeing to its zoning being multifamily. I also would encourage zoning to change its wording on accessory apartments and or duplex’s to allow millennials or the aging community, and I firmly support affordable housing for our older residents.