A pumpkin was catapulted into the Lyme Old Lyme Food Share Garden (LOLFSG) compost pile at last year’s inaugural event. Photo courtesy of LOLFSG.
OLD LYME–On Saturday, Nov. 8, big orange gourds will be flying at the second annual Lyme Old Lyme Food Share Garden (LOLFSG) Pumpkin Toss.
The event will run from 9 to 11 a.m. at Town Woods Park, 30 Town Woods Road.
The event offers families a fun venue to recycle their Halloween pumpkins for a good cause, according to an LOLFSG press release.
Building on the popular pumpkin chunkin’ phenomenon, garden volunteers will deploy a trebuchet to toss the pumpkins into the compost pile.
The group said pumpkins from last year’s toss broke down through the composting process into nutrient-rich soil, which helped the Foodshare garden grow over three tons of produce for donation to the Gemma Moran United Way food distribution program and the Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Pantries.
High Hopes Therapeutic Riding engages people of all ages through programs like Shared Strides, which introduces older adults to barn life, gentle movement, and the connection between humans and horses. Photo courtesy of High Hopes.
OLD LYME–High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. has announced new and expanded initatives to meet the need for calm, connection and community with the help of horses.
The nonprofit organization in a press release said it is expanding its mission to serve people “across the lifespan, from children and teens to adults, seniors, and veterans.”
High Hopes has provided therapeutic riding experiences for more than a half century.
Marci Bender, Education and Impact Director at High Hopes and a certified instructor, said the offerings reflect a focus on how horses can help the community’s evolving needs. she explained, “These programs create safe, meaningful spaces for participants to learn, heal, and connect with themselves, others, and their equine partners.”
The organization said the “horse-human connection” can help someone with PTSD stay grounded in the present moment, or offer a calm equine companion to someone coping with anxiety or grief.
Among the new and expanded offerings are:
Women’s Wellness Initiative This program serves women across the community, including survivors of trauma and veterans, through equine-assisted services that build trust, reduce stress, and foster resilience.
Minis On The Move High Hopes’ miniature horses travel to schools, senior centers, and care facilities to bring joy and comfort to those who cannot visit the farm.
Shared Strides Designed for adults ages 60 and older, this program invites participants to experience the peaceful rhythm of barn life, gentle movement, and meaningful social connection.
Youth Empowerment Program Serving children and teens ages 9 to 16 who have experienced trauma, this program helps participants build confidence, emotional regulation, and self-esteem through hands-on equine activities.
Veterans’ Program Small group sessions provide a calm, judgment-free environment where veterans can reconnect, find grounding, and practice mindfulness with horses.
Individualized Wellness Program One-on-one sessions, led by a certified grief educator and recreation therapist, provide space to reflect, reset, and find healing through equine-facilitated learning.
High Hopes continues to offer its core therapeutic riding and horsemanship programs, the group said.
For more information, to volunteer or to register for programs, visit www.highhopestr.org or contact the Program Office at 860-434-1974.
Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau has undergone a major interior renovation. The public is invited to an Open House on Oct. 29 to view the numerous improvements. Photo by LYSB.
OLD LYME–On Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 2:30 to 4 p.m., the Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau (LYSB) will introduce its newly renovated facility at an open house.
The LYSB website explains that the renovations to the 1850 building at 59 Lyme Street were necessary to address crumbling plaster ceilings, walls with newspaper insulation, aging wiring and plumbing, a dirt floor in a portion of the basement, inefficient and inoperative windows, and a stone foundation in need of repair.
