It is a busy time of year in Town Hall. The Selectmen’s office is organizing the applications for Boards and Commissions. The application process closes on Sunday, January 18^th at 12:00PM. Any applications after that time will be held for future appointments in 2026, should vacancies still exist. This allows us time to present the applications to the various Chairs for their input before we begin the first round of appointments on January 26^th at the Board of Selectmen Meeting.

I think it is important to note that the Town of Old Lyme relies on volunteers that commit their time to the 35+ Authorities, Boards, Commissions and Committees. These volunteers provide valuable input to keep our town moving forward. Members use their skills to create projects, write grants, and serve as stewards of our town’s land; while following the charges of their committee. We hope that you will consider serving your community for the upcoming year. The application link can be found here.

At the RiverCOG meeting on Tuesday, town leaders were given an update on legislation that could be discussed during the 2026 Legislative Session, which convenes February 4^th and adjourns May 6^th. Some of the topics include the requirements for school buses to have zero emissions by 2040, emergency safety plans for summer youth camps, and work force development. I will keep you apprised of the various topics as they begin the session.

I had the pleasure of attending the Road and Public Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday. They are hoping to have our two additional electronic speed signs installed on Town Woods Road and Grassy Hill Road. There is discussion to purchase a trailer so that these signs can easily be moved between locations.

On Wednesday, I attended the first Board of Education budget presentation. The second part of their presentation will be held this coming Wednesday, January 21^st at 6:30PM.

Beginning January 23, the Old Lyme Town Nurse, Sammee Piette, will offer a weekly “Ask the Nurse” hour at the Old Lyme Town Hall every Friday from 9:00 to 10:00AM. Residents are welcome to stop by with questions related to health concerns, preventive care, resources, or to get help navigating community and health-related services. No appointment is needed. This is an informal opportunity to connect, ask questions, and learn more about available support in the community.

Yesterday we received a letter from the Worker’s Compensation Commission Chair, Stephen Morelli, commending us for establishing a Safety and Health Committee which makes the workplace safer for all employees. Craig Bonatti and Erik Olsen lead our Safety Committee for the Town Buildings. They have done an outstanding job creating a group of town employees who work together to proactively solve problems before they become troublesome.

Raechel Peterson, our Waste and Recycling Coordinator, has told me that she is sending out a press release today which will inform you of some positive changes coming to the Transfer Station. They will now collect any non-refillable or refillable gas cylinders under 20 lbs. at no cost to residents. Our first pickup was a huge success, with a total of 427 containers picked up. Learn more about this free contracted Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program with The Cylinder Collective. 

The Parks and Recreation Department has informed me that PreK-8 Basketball is cancelled for this weekend due to the construction schedule at the Lyme/Old Lyme Middle School. They are hoping to extend the season for grades 1-8 until February 21^st but will provide confirmation at a later date. The current last day of Pre-K Basketball is February 7^th.

Please be aware that the Old Lyme Country Club’s reconstruction project plans to be completing some blasting activities from Monday – Thursday of next week. There is expected to be 5-6 charges per day, between the hours of 8-4PM. Fire Marshall Dave Roberge informed me that one was done today and that future blasting is not expected to cause much disruption in the neighborhood.

Upcoming Events of Interest

• On Tuesday, January 20^th at 9:00PM, the Discovery Channel will be presenting their show “Moonshiners”. In this episode they investigate a Prohibition-era speakeasy in Connecticut that served bootleg liquor. Selectman Jim Lampos was interviewed for this episode, so please tune in to learn more interesting facts about our town.
• The United States Coast Guard has sent an invitation to area towns to attend their free concert on Sunday, January 25^th at 2:00PM at Leamy Hall. Conductor Adam Williamson will lead the band as they present “Joie de Vivre”. The program includes the music of John Williams, David Maslanka, Charles Gounod and George Gershwin. Please remember that visitors to the USCG Academy must present a valid REAL ID or passport upon entry. You can also access the presentation live on their YouTube channel.
• SAVE THE DATE – Our Annual Town Business Meeting will be held on Monday, January 26, at 7:30PM at Memorial Town Hall. The Annual Report will be presented, as well as the Citizen of the Year Award.

Town Hall and the Transfer Station will be closed on Monday due to the federal holiday. The Transfer Station will be open tomorrow, Saturday, per usual. 

In remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr., I provide you with one of his famous quotes:
“Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.”

All my best,

Martha