Winter has finally arrived. Thank you to our great Public Works crew for plowing the roads and clearing sidewalks during the snowstorm at the beginning of the week. We are in the midst of a cold spell, and Governor Lamont has activated the State’s severe cold weather protocol through Monday to ensure everyone has adequate shelter. If you need to find a warming shelter please dial 2-1-1 Infoline.

The Board of Selectmen will be holding their second working meeting on Monday, January 22, beginning at 9 am. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the budget requests of  various town departments. Some Board of Finance members may be in attendance to learn more about the fiscal year 24/25 budget. The public is welcome to attend but there is no public comment and no votes will be taken.   

The annual town business meeting will be held on Monday, January 22, at 7:00 p.m. in the meeting hall of the Memorial Town Hall, 52 Lyme Street. At this meeting, there are two items of business:

1. To accept the Annual Town Report for the fiscal year July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023, as submitted by the Board of Finance.
 2. To announce the recipient of the Board of Selectmen's Citizen of the Year for 2023. 

The town meeting is a valued tradition and an avenue for town residents and taxpayers to be involved with the important decisions of the Town. I hope to see you there.

The Lymes’ Senior Center building expansion project is moving along. On Wednesday, the center had an inspection for our builder’s risk insurance. This was followed by a pre-bid walk through hosted by Newfield Construction. 

I would also like you to be aware that we have many phone calls coming into Town Hall for the Senior Center. The best way to contact the Senior Center staff is by dialing 860-434-1605 and then dialing extension 240 for Stephanie or extension 241 for Caitlin. As you know, the Town Hall is now the home base for the Senior Center during the renovation. Office hours are Monday to Friday from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. but you are welcome to leave a message. During the next two weeks, Stephanie and Caitlin will be moving from the second floor to the lower level, next to Parks and Recreation. This move will provide easier access from the rear parking lot.  We will post an update on the town's webpage when the move is complete.

Lymes’ Creative Arts (a collaboration of LYSB and Sustainable Old Lyme) is looking for creative art instructors to apply for their summer teen program. Applications are due February 16^th.  The full grant instructions and an application are posted at LYSB.org/teenarts.

Stay warm this weekend.

All my best, 
Martha