It is hard to believe that the last weekend in September is here. The rain yesterday was much needed. I appreciated the time our Public Works department dedicated to checking our roads to ensure there were no flooding issues. 

The highlights of this week centered around hiring. On Monday, I had the pleasure of swearing in Derek Grzebisz as our newest police recruit. Derek earned a degree in criminal justice. He has always wanted to be a police officer and is extremely excited to begin his training at the State Police Academy on October 3^rd. We wish him all the best during his training and look forward to his graduation in April 2026.

I also had the pleasure of interviewing candidates for our Land Use Technician position. Eric Knapp, Land Use Director, Harold Thompson, Planning Commission Chairman, Rachel Gaudio, Inland Wetlands Commission Chairwoman and John Mesham, Inland Wetlands Commission member, were included in this process. We hope to hire someone by the end of next week. 

The Old Lyme Visiting Nurse Association has also made their decision for our new Town Nurse. The Executive Board spent many hours interviewing candidates over the summer. We will provide the new person’s information once the proper paperwork has been completed. 

Town Clerk, Vicki Urbowicz and the Registrars of Voters, Jennifer Datum and Catherine Carter continue to work to keep the website information current regarding the upcoming Municipal Election.  Voter Information for the November 4 Municipal Election.

Animal Control Officer, Lynn Philemon wanted me to let you all know that The Friends of Old Lyme Animal Control's Annual PAWtoberfest will be happening at the Old Lyme Animal Shelter at 3 Machnik Dr. on October 4^th from 11AM to 3PM. Please be sure to stop by and join them for a fun Fall afternoon of eating and shopping to the sounds of The Zephyr Band. Lynn, her employees, and her volunteers have been diligently working to help acclimate the animals they recently rescued from an Old Lyme home. Lynn has been making sure that the animals are receiving proper care from area veterinarians, and many friends are fostering the animals until they can recover. Lynn mentioned that she is running low on puppy food, if anyone would like to make a donation. 

Stephanie Gould, Lymes’ Senior Center Director, wanted you all to be aware of a last-minute trip opportunity to Pennsylvania Dutch country. It is a three day / two night trip including tickets to the Sight and Sound Theatre and the Dutch Apple Theatre. The Pennsylvania Dutch Trip includes a deluxe motorcoach, 2 nights hotel, 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners, sightseeing & admissions per itinerary, Friendship Tours Escort, Driver & Tour Director Gratuity. This trip is taking place December 3^rd-5^th and would be leaving from the Lymes' Senior Center. This trip is open to all adults and you don't need to be a member to join us on this particular trip. The cost is $705 per person double/ $860 single. The initial deposit and sign-up date has been extended until October 13^th. Final payment date however, has not been changed. See attached link for all trip information. You can sign up by visiting the Lymes' Senior Center between 9AM-3PM. Feel free to call with any additional questions at (860)434-1605 ext. 240. Trip deposit and final payment need to be paid by check or cash made out to Friendship Tours.

Project Updates

Finally, here is an update on the Armstrong Bridge Project on Route 156. This week they will continue excavation for the box culvert and install a catch basin and drainage pipe. Some of this work will be delayed if Frontier has not removed the concrete duck bank. I know that the red lights delay travelling a bit, but their presence is keeping our roads safe while this project continues.

We also received an update on the paving project on I-95. The State Department of Transportation has informed us that some prep work has begun. The paving will begin this week if weather allows on the main sections of 1-95. Ramp closures will follow. This will all be night work and there will be no daytime closures.

Upcoming Activities

The Old Lyme Open Space and the Old Lyme Land Trust are sponsoring a Trailhead Hike on Wednesday, October 1^st at 4:15PM, at the Mile Creek Preserve - 191 Mile Creek Road. The group will meet at the Old Lyme Inn after the hike to share their experience. 

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will be holding their in-person open house for the Active Transportation Plan in New London City Hall, 181 State Street on Wednesday, October 1^st from 6-8PM. You can read more about The Active Transportation Plan on their website. 

This weekend the Wee Faerie Village opens at the Flo Gris. Gardener’s Grove celebrates the growing world with a wee community that is inspired by plants. The event features at least two dozen faerie installations for you to enjoy. 

All my best, 
Martha