Lyme: A Way of Life

Upcoming Events & Programs

Exploring Lyme’s Boundaries:

A Talk by Parker Lord

Sunday, March 24, 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Parker Lord, a long-time resident of Lyme, became interested in recovering Lyme’s boundaries while working on establishing some Town boundary points with a local surveyor.

A direct descendant of Richard Ely and William Lord, two of Lyme’s founding families, Parker has maintained a lifelong passion for Lyme’s history and environment. Intrigued by the surveying work, he began pursuing the boundary project independently in 1989. Over the next five years, through research and many hours spent in the field, he was able to recover and document most of the town’s boundaries with the neighboring towns of East Haddam, Salem, Old Lyme and East Lyme. He has walked the perimeter boundaries of the entire town of Lyme, finding ancient boundary markers, compiling photos and logging coordinates. Come hear about this unique adventure in our own backyard on Sunday, March 24 at 4:00 pm at the Lyme Public Hall.

There are few who know more about the landscape of Lyme than Parker Lord. He cleared and marked many of the trails in the Town’s preserves, as well as marking most of the boundaries of these preserves. He played an instrumental role in facilitating the acquisition of several parcels of open space for the Town as well as for the Lyme Land Trust. Parker has helped to restore, maintain and document the many historical cemeteries of Lyme. He serves as the Chair of the Town’s Open Space Commission and has served for many years on other community Boards and Commissions, including Lyme’s Board of Selectmen for 24 years, retiring in 2021.

Caring for Nature in Lyme: Earth Day Celebration
Sunday April 21

Earth Day 2024 is April 22, and we are marking this occasion with a series of talks scheduled for Sunday, April 21, featuring local experts to provide discussions to help you care for and appreciate our unique natural environment. Space is limited and reservations are recommended; email info@lymepublichall.org to reserve your place and for more information. Here is the fantastic lineup of speakers:

10:00-11:00 am — A Biologist’s Perspective on What Makes Lyme Special with Jim Arrigoni, Environmental Director, Lyme Land Conservation Trust

Lyme is renowned for its rural character and network of protected natural areas, making it dependable habitat for the strange and wonderful critters doing fascinating things all around us. We’ll take a close look at a variety of Lyme wildlife species and consider their unique characteristics and how they make their livings, often in preserves that you are also welcome to visit and enjoy. Many of these wildlife species are rare or absent elsewhere in southern New England, indicating the richness of Lyme’s natural heritage and the importance of our stewardship responsibility.

Jim Arrigoni is environmental director at the Lyme Land Trust in Lyme, Connecticut, where he oversees stewardship of over 3,200 acres spread across 112 parcels that are owned or managed by LLT. He has 25 years of experience spanning ecological research and restoration, natural resource and protected areas management, and environmental education, with conservation of biological diversity as the common connective thread. Jim holds a BS degree in wildlife and fisheries biology from the University of Vermont and a MS degree in conservation biology from the State University of New York in Syracuse.

11:00-12:00 pm Why Backyard Habitat Matters with Judy Preston, Environmental Professional

We have an opportunity to redefine the way we value our backyard gardens and landscapes: what used to be designed for curb appeal and weekend puttering for many, now has the capacity to deliver so much more. deliver so much more. This program explores the benefits of transitioning our gardens and yards into landscapes that can complement the many acres of protected natural areas surrounding us.

  • Learn what “native” is and why that matters
  • How to attract and sustain wildlife
  • Manage your landscape to store and sequester carbon, while reducing water, fertilizer and chemical inputs
  • Collectively make a significant environmental difference

Judy Preston is a long-time environmental professional in Connecticut where she focuses on community-based conservation and education. An avid gardener, she has transitioned her yard into native habitat that informs her writing, public speaking and commitment to environmental well-being. Judy was awarded the Garden Club of America Coastal Zone Conservation award in 2021. She holds an undergraduate degree in geology, an MS in botany (UVM Field Naturalist Program) and a Master of Environmental Management from the Yale Forestry School. She writes about the intersection of people and nature.

12:00-1:00 pm  Lunch Break: Brown Bag (drinks and cookies provided by Lyme Public Hall)
1:00-2:00 pm — Beyond Organic Pest Management with Emma Sutphen, Farmer, Adesa Farm, North Stonington

Emma will lead us in a discussion of the methods of biological pest control and best practices for mitigating pest pressure on plants. Discover ways to mimic Nature’s systems by using available natural soil foods, green manures and composts to enhance your soil’s vitality. You’ll learn about the soil food web and biological pest control to combat New England’s common pests.

Emma is the owner and manager of a small, no-till farm in North Stonington, CT and resides there with her 100 poultry, three dogs and partner. Her interest in sustainable agriculture was sparked when she took a position as an intern for Worcester’s Regional Environmental Council, and the following summer at the Coogan Farm Giving Garden. Since then, she has developed a passion for increasing food security, small scale sustainable farms working to increase the density of local food supply chains, and introducing backyard gardeners to methods that decrease chemical inputs and tillage practices. She dreams of a world where every family has a backyard garden.

2:00-3:00 pm — Mother Earth Friendly Gardening with Craig Floyd, Retired Farm Manager, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center’s Craig Floyd Giving Garden at Coogan Farm

Craig is here to tell us about a Mother Earth friendly way to garden that uses no harmful chemicals, attracts native pollinators and beneficial insects and delivers up to 78% more production than conventional Agriculture and helps those with special needs and PTSD.  Using regenerative techniques, Craig explains that health plants are indigestible to bugs…no sprays needed.  He will also explain how the garden helps Veterans with PTSD and he will enlighten you to the emergency mission situation pertaining to soil degradation…we have just over 50 years of soil left on the planet and we must change how we farm.

Farmer Craig is a 10th generation, 76-year-old farmer in Old Mystic, CT. Craig teaches many classes in regenerative agriculture to students all over the country, but his focus has been in making a difference in the local area by managing a volunteer work force of over 300 people to grow nutrient-dense food for those in need. Having donated over 30 tons of produce since 2015, his work at Coogan Farms leads the way in SE Connecticut in teaching and using regenerative ag. Craig is currently the Commander of the Hugo A. Simonelli Post 3263 VFW, Mystic. He is a Vietnam veteran with 20 years of military service, a past Clerk in Charge of the West Mystic Post Office and the owner, along with his wife Sheryl, of Footsteps Farm, which was Connecticut’s first certified humane farm. Craig’s family has been farming the same land since 1712. Farm on!

3:00-4:00 pm — Beekeeping Basics with Tom Kalal, Cranberry Meadow Farm, East Lyme

Tom will review the basics of Beekeeping: how to establish, maintain and overwinter a hive; harvesting honey; pest control; gardening for bees and what equipment you will need to get your apiary going.

Tom and his wife Nancy operate Cranberry Meadow Farm in East Lyme. They raise honey bees, beef cattle, pigs and chickens, focusing on health and humane animal care. In addition to honey bees, Tom is a plant lover and grower of fruits, vegetables and native shrubs and flowers. Tom is a graduate of UConn with a BS in Agriculture, a Master Gardener and Master Composter

Earth Day in Lyme is co-sponsored by  the Lyme-Old Lyme Food Share Garden, the Lyme Land Conservation Trust, the Lyme Garden Club and the Lyme Pollinator Pathway.

Annual Lyme Roadside Cleanup is Coming in April – Here’s where to pick up your free trash bags

April is the official Lyme Roadside Cleanup month, cosponsored by the Town of Lyme and the Lyme Public Hall. We know many of you stop to pick up trash along the roads regularly as you go for walks in your neighborhoods. But not all of our beautiful roadways are the beneficiaries of regular loving care, so the month of April is a time when we can come together as a community to give them some attention.

You’ll be able to pick up free trash and recycling bags starting April 1 at the Lyme Public Hall’s front door, the Lyme Town Hall and the Lyme Public Library during open hours, or the Hadlyme Country Market. Grab a friend or family member, put on some brightly colored clothing, pick up trash and recycling bags and use them to clear your home roadsides of those old beer cans, nips bottles and other debris before they are hidden by the summer’s growth. Leave filled bags along the side of the road, and the Town of Lyme will come by to collect them. And when you’re out driving during the month of April, please be extra cautious and watch for folks who might be out on the roadsides helping to keep our community litter-free!

Jazz Jam Kicks Off New Season of Live Music at the Public Hall

Sunday April 28, 4:00 — 6:00 pm

As spring approaches, so does the much-anticipated return of our monthly live music Last Sunday evenings at the Public Hall. Mark your calendars now for our first Jazz Jam, coming up on Sunday, April 28 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Plan on joining us to enjoy talented local musicians who will drop by for an informal, entertaining evening to celebrate great music and a great community! It’s BYOB plus any snacks you might be craving, bring your family and friends, sit back, relax and enjoy. All are welcome — musicians who would like to join in, and music lovers of all ages to enjoy the show!

1945-1950: Germany at the end of

World War II with Rolf Wolfswinkel

Sunday, May 5, 4:00 — 6:00 pm

World War II did not end until six years after Germany’s invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939. By the time it concluded on the deck of the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945, the war had claimed the lives of an estimated 75-80 million people, approximately 3 percent of the world’s population. What was happening in Germany in the years immediately following the World War II? Join us for a fascinating talk by Professor Rolf Wolfswinkel to hear about the Nuremburg War Crimes Tribunal and other details about post-war Germany.

Rolf Wolfswinkel was born in Amsterdam, where he studied History and Literature. In 1988 he was appointed at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, where he lectured in Modern European History. His dissertation “Between Treason and Patriotism” analyzed how Dutch literature portrayed Nazi collaboration in The Netherlands. Together with Dick van Galen Last he published “Anne Frank and After: Dutch Holocaust literature in historical perspective.” In 2001 he was appointed at New York University as professor of Holocaust Studies. He is now retired and lives in Lyme.

 

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Lyme runs on the heart, intelligence, and good nature of community participation.

The Lyme Public Hall, originally built in 1887, is a community gathering place dedicated to the appreciation of Lyme’s history, culture and people. With the help of volunteers and community participation, we host events throughout the year including musical programs, history programs and exhibits, lectures, workshops, walks and more. These are open to everyone: members and non-members, Lyme residents and visitors to our area. The Lyme Public Hall is also available to rent for local community activities and private functions.

Renew your membership!

The Lyme Public Hall and Local History Archives has been a community-supported organization since its founding. Please help us continue our mission by becoming a member or renewing your membership today. Click here for more information. Thank you to the many friends and neighbors who have recently renewed their membership support!

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For more participatory ideas in Lyme and to find other local activities, visit our Local Links page.

Volunteer opportunities can also be found on the Town of Lyme’s Lyme Town Hall Newsfeed.

Lyme Public Hall, 249 Hamburg Rd. (Route 156), Lyme CT 06371