The Memorial Day Parade was a perfect way to begin the week. Selectwoman Jude Read, Selectman Jim Lampos and I enjoyed walking the parade route. The ceremony at the cemetery was very inspiring. The ringing of the bell for those who have left us this year leaves a strong impression. Thank you again to Tony Hendriks and Tony Vallombroso for their continued dedication to this annual event.

Many of you may have noticed the new kiosk that was installed at Hains Park early this spring. This kiosk was purchased a few years ago, but the wrong hardware was sent with the project. Ellie Czarnowski and I have worked together since last summer to have the correct hardware sent to the town. You can learn more about the fish ladder project along Lower Millpond, Upper Millpond dams and Rogers Lake. The educational kiosk was funded by the Long Island Sound Study and the Hartford Foundation. 

The paving on Route 156 is now complete. There may be some additional signage installation and line painting that needs to take place. We will collaborate with Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure that gets done. Those of you who live on Chadwick Drive, Victoria Lane and Lee Drive also have newly paved roads to enjoy, just in time for summer bicycle riding!

The Ferry Road Sidewalk Project is slated to begin June 3^rd. The first phase will include the removal of the current sidewalk slabs and the tree stumps along the road. Please note that you should plan on walking on the south side of the street while this project is in underway.

We have a lost and found bin in Town Hall overflowing with items from the winter months. We have taken some photos for you to review. If you see something that is yours, please stop in and claim it. We will hold these items until June 14^th at which time they will be donated.

Looking ahead to next week.

• Board of Selectmen meeting will be held on Monday, June 3^rd at 5:30pm.
• June 7^th marks the 10^th National Gun Violence Awareness Day. This calls attention to the gun violence crisis in our country and commits to reducing gun violence in all forms. We remind gun owners in our community to properly secure all firearms in their homes in order to prevent senseless tragedy. 
• June is Dog Licensing Month. We will be utilizing the same online system for dog licensing as we did for parking permits. Reminders are being sent in the mail to all dog owners.
• Hurricane Season officially begins on June 1^st. Our Emergency Management Office will be sending out some information to educate us on how to be prepared. Please note that making sure your house number is visible from the street is the first step in ensuring that our first responders can locate you in any emergency. Summer is a great time to make sure those house numbers stand out clearly. Please make sure your mailbox also has your house number on it.
• The Open Space Commission and the Old Lyme Land Trust are kicking off their 2024 Hikers’ Happy Hours with a hike on June 5^th at the Ames Family Open Space. Come meet at the trail head located on the Evergreen Trail at 4:15pm.

As always, please let me know of any concerns you have. Enjoy this first weekend in June!