Tag Archives: Lyme CT

‘The Estuary’ Invites Holiday Shoppers to Buy Local at Holiday Craft Fair, Nov. 22

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The Estuary’s Holiday Craft Sale promises to be a festive introduction to the season much like last year’s event, pictured here.

OLD SAYBROOK–The Estuary invites shoppers to get a jump start on the gift-giving season at its Annual Holiday Craft Fair, Nov. 22.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Estuary, 200 Main St., Old Saybrook.

The craft fair promises over 30 artisans and vendors displaying their hand-crafted items – plus a visit from Santa Claus.

The group in a press release advised shoppers to have a camera on hand when Santa and one of his elves makes an appearance from 11 a.m. to noon “to visit with young and old.”

Baked goods as well as breakfast sandwiches, home fries, coffee and tea will be available for purchase.

The Estuary provides programs and services for adults 50 and older from Lyme and Old Lyme, as well as Chester, Clinton, Deep River, Essex, Killingworth, Old Saybrook, and Westbrook.

Letter to the Editor: Contrary to RTC Mailer Statement, Lyme Affordable Housing Commission (AHC) Member Says AHC Does Not Believe in High-density Housing

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To the Editor:

In recently mailed campaign literature to Lyme voters promoting their candidates for First Selectman and Selectman, the Republican Town Committee made inaccurate and dishonest comments about Lyme Democrats and the Affordable Housing Commission (AHC).

Republicans are falsely claiming that the “Democratic chaired and controlled” AHC has “called for the creation of a ‘Cluster Overlay Zone’ to accommodate high-density housing in Lyme.”   

The AHC does not believe in high-density housing in Lyme. The Commission’s vision is to preserve Lyme’s rural character and maintain autonomy in land use decisions. Few specific decisions have been made yet because AHC has been waiting for Lyme to approve its 2025 Plan of Conservation and Development (PoCD). To date, only a draft is available, but a public hearing will be held on November 12 with a final vote on November 17. (The report-writing subcommittee of the Planning and Zoning Commission is composed of two Republicans and two Democrats.)    

Various methods of creating affordable housing have been discussed by AHC. Nothing, with the exception of using accessory apartments built on existing lots (ADUs), already permitted in the zoning code, has been recommended. While AHC supports this concept, to be town-approved affordable housing units, they will have long-term deed restrictions, which owners have refused to accept.

Using an Overlay Zone will not create high-density housing in Lyme. An Overlay is a clearly defined zoning modification that can be used in a selected area for a desired purpose, such as affordable housing. It is applied over an existing zoning district. It is site specific and does not apply to the entire town. Republicans ought to understand what an overlay zone does and how it can benefit our town before they erroneously make accusations.

Why does Lyme have to consider using an overlay? After considering all the costs of a modest house, including: acquiring land, necessary infrastructure, construction, some landscaping, roadway access and dealing with common obstacles such as rock ledge and wetlands, the AHC concluded it is not possible to create affordable housing in Lyme without building more units on selected parcels of land than the current zoning allows. (This would only be done in a limited number of selected areas.)

Lyme’s PoCD respondents want affordable housing for Fire Department and Ambulance workers, teachers and older residents. 57% were 65 years or older.   

Incidentally, the low number of Republicans on the AHC could be remedied if more Republicans would volunteer to join the Affordable Housing Commission.         

Sincerely,

Phyllis Ross,
Lyme, CT.

Editor’s Note: The author is a member of Lyme’s Affordable Housing Commission and Planning and Zoning Commission.

UPDATED: Livestream Link Announced for ‘Meet the Candidates for Board of Education,’ Will Continue to be Available Post-Debate

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OLD LYME — 10/22 UPDATE: Wednesday’s debate will be live streamed at this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF2_W7yYtFwx067Ici9776Q/live. The link will continue to be available after the debate so the recording can viewed at a later date as convenient by anyone interested.

Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB) is hosting a “Meet the Candidates for Board of Education” forum on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. at the Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School auditorium.

The event will be moderated by Eric Parker of WFSB and both livestreamed and recorded.

All community members are invited to attend the event.

The forum provides a valuable opportunity for the public to hear directly from the candidates running for the Region 18 Board of Education. Attendees will gain insight into each candidate’s positions, priorities, and plans for the future of our schools.

In advance publicity information about the event, LYSB states, “Don’t miss this chance to make an informed decision and help shape the future of education in our community.” 

For more information and to submit questions, visit: www.lysb.org/boe  The deadline to submit questions was Monday, Oct. 20.

olwenonline.com/ is proud to sponsor this important event.

All five open spots on the board of education are for four-year-terms.

The eight candidates running for the four Old Lyme spots open on the board of education are:

  • Jason Kemp, Old Lyme, Democrat, Incumbent
  • Jarod Bushey, Old Lyme, Republican
  • Brandy Campbell, Old Lyme, Republican
  • Michael Hansen, Old Lyme, Democrat
  • Shaun Mastroianni, Old Lyme, Republican
  • Cynthia Love McCollum, Old Lyme, Democrat
  • Carlos Piña, Old Lyme, Unaffiliated — endorsed by the Old Lyme Republicans
  • Sheryl Shyloski, Old Lyme, Democrat

The two candidates running for the single Lyme spot open on the board of education are:

  • Anna James, Lyme, Democrat, Incumbent
  • Lannie Mossberg, Lyme, Unaffiliated — endorsed by the Lyme Republicans

Editor’s Note: This article was updated to correct Mossberg’s affiliation.

Letter to the Editor: Checks and Balances are Important for Lyme

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To the Editor

I’m writing as a neighbor who appreciates anyone willing to serve our town—and as a 20-year Lyme resident, who hopes that our local government stays balanced and transparent.

With that in mind, I’m concerned about a married couple, Mary Powell-St. Louis (“MARY”) and Tom St. Louis (“TOM”), seeking two of our three top seats (First Selectman and Selectman). Concentrating that much authority in one household can weaken the checks and balances small towns like Lyme rely on. Even the appearance of that concentration (of potential power) is troubling. National politics may be beyond our control; our local choices aren’t.

I attended the Republican Town Committee Open Forum hoping to hear two independent voices. Aside from a difference over how to address hydrilla in Hamburg Cove, I heard no meaningful policy distinctions between these husband and wife candidates. Several times, Mary interrupted Tom to display greater subject-matter familiarity—not to disagree on policy. When I asked what significant town issues they differed on, Mary replied, “good question,” but neither candidate was able to identify any substantive policy differences.

This matters for civic discourse. Healthy government needs open, independent debate—ideas tested in public, not settled privately. If domestic partners hold two of three seats, dissent can feel domestic rather than civic, which may chill participation, narrow options, and weaken accountability.

Relatives sometimes serve together in small towns; that’s part of community life, and I value that spirit of service, particularly when it is multi-generational. But granting two executive seats to spouses is different: it concentrates power, increases the likelihood of conflicts and recusals, and reduces the chance for genuine pushback.

This isn’t about party politics, it is about principle. And it would be the same for couples of either red or blue stripe; it’s about our town. Lyme deserves multiple, independent voices—people free to disagree and compelled to persuade. For balance, accountability, and healthy public discourse, please support independent representation, not a household slate.

Sincerely,

Sarah Crisp,
Lyme, CT.

Steve Dedman & Friends to Present Benefit Concert at Hadlyme Hall, Saturday

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On Oct. 18, Steve Dedman will give a benefit concert for Hadlyme Hall. Photo courtesy of Steve Dedman.

HADLYME— On Saturday, Oct. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m., Steve Dedman & Friends return to Hadlyme Hall for a special benefit concert in an intimate cabaret-style setting. 

All are welcome to help Steve (and his friends) help the Hall.

Admission is $20.00 at the door.

Overlooking the head of Whalebone Cove, Hadlyme Public Hall has served the quiet town of Hadlyme since 1911.  It serves the community through social gatherings, plays, an annual art show, and raising community issues that effect the town.  New members and guests are always welcome to events at the Hall.

Hadlyme Public Hall is at 63 Ferry Road at the intersection of Joshuatown and Day Hill Roads in Lyme.