This has been a very busy week in Town Hall. I had the opportunity to meet with Michael Duffy, Chair of the Board of Directors for Lyme Academy of Art. Michael updated me on their new enrollment numbers and plans for the property on Lyme Street that was recently donated. It was so nice to hear about all the new developments happening in our neighborhood.

The Board of Finance met on Tuesday and completed the necessary transfers for the end of Fiscal Year 24/25. I provided them with updates on the various projects in town. Please see their meeting minutes for a full report. 

I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Baldwin Bridge entrance this morning. Lymes’ Youth Service Bureau, in collaboration with Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services, installed the Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Resource signs on both sides of the Baldwin Bridge. The project was motivated by the quick-thinking actions of two CT State Troopers who responded to an individual at risk on the bridge in December of 2023. They were successful in convincing the individual to come back over the railing to safety. State Representative Devin Carney, Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna, Region 18 School Superintendent Ian Neviaser, and many community members were present at the event.

The Lymes’ Senior Center held their Memorial Garden Brick Dedication Ceremony on September 16. Stephanie Gould, Director, provided brief memories of each of the honorees. Family members and friends also had the opportunity to share their stories. Stephanie and Assistant Director Caitlin Perkins devoted so much time to create this special event. Here is the list of the Honored Brick Recipients:

Dot McAndrew / Joan Bonvicin / Ralph Eno / Jackie Mildrum / Jacqueline Roberts / Nancy Schmidt / Donna Speirs / Victor Strazdas / Gary H. Weed / Robert A. Whitcomb

We have some good news for the Town of Old Lyme. Our grant proposal for a town-wide study to assess our flooding and natural disaster vulnerability and risk and develop a strategic resiliency action plan has been accepted by the Long Island Sound Partnership/Sea Grant Connecticut/UCONN Sustainable and Resilient Communities program. UCONN is currently preparing an Invitation to Bid for the study, which will be fully funded by the grant. The study will help us prioritize our efforts to meet the most pressing needs and assist in future fundraising to address threats from coastal storms, inland flooding, wildfires, and other natural disasters. Selectman Jim Lampos, Executive Administrative Assistant Katie Balocca and Denise Savageau worked on the grant this past year. Many thanks for their hard work and dedication to this process.

Yesterday, Resident State Trooper Matt Weber came to inform me that he has accepted a new position with the Connecticut State Police. Matt will be the S.T.O.P.S. (State Troopers Offering Peer Support) Coordinator. He will be with us for another three weeks. Meanwhile, there will be an interim trooper that will replace Matt while they interview for his full-time replacement. Matt is sad to leave his position within the town. I cannot thank him enough for his further development of the summer Ranger program, encouraging our officers to further their education with training for special programs, and working with the residents of Old Lyme to support them for the duration of his time. We wish Matt all the best in his new position.

Upcoming Events

There are several activities happening here this weekend that you should be aware of if you are travelling through town. The Bound for the Sound runners will be on our roads tomorrow morning for their 5K and 10K races. Please be aware of their presence when you are driving near the shore. Christ the King is holding their Fall Harvest Festival tomorrow and Sunday. Additional traffic on McCurdy and Lyme Street is expected.

The Lymes’ Senior Center will be holding an Exercise Expo Night on Tuesday, September 23^rd from 5:20PM -7:00PM. This will encompass all off their evening exercise programs in 15-minute increments. This is a free event open to anyone 55 years of age or older, whether you are a member or not. Click on the following link for a description and a breakdown of classes. Calendar • 5:20 PM- Exercise Expo & Demo Night

As many of you know, July 2026 marks the 250^th anniversary of our Nation. Old Lyme’s America 250 Committee is seeking volunteers to plan a townwide picnic in celebration of this historic occasion. This volunteer group can determine location, date, and other special details! The more the merrier; this committee will be a great way to meet other residents and come together for a fun celebration. To find out more, email America250@oldlyme-ct.gov. Local organizations are also encouraged to reach out and participate.

Enjoy the weekend.

All my best, 
Martha