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Letters to the Editor | Press Releases | Media Advisories l Events of interest
Letters to the Editor | Press Releases | Media Advisories l Events of interest
Political Sign Thieves are at it again in Old Lyme!
The Old Lyme DTC Chair speaks out in this Letter To The Editor.
www.theday.com/letters/20240923/campaign-yard-signs-a-symbol-of-free-speech/
Want to see a Facebook link to a recent theft? Go to the Old Lyme Democrats Facebook page, here.
The Old Lyme DTC Chair speaks out in this Letter To The Editor.
www.theday.com/letters/20240923/campaign-yard-signs-a-symbol-of-free-speech/
Want to see a Facebook link to a recent theft? Go to the Old Lyme Democrats Facebook page, here.
Letter To The Editor - Get The Facts on the Request To Consider Bonding for the Lymes' Senior Center Improvements
The Chair of the Old Lyme Board of Finance explains the finance options the Town of Old Lyme is requesting the voters consider on Tuesday, May 7
https://www.theday.com/letters/20240506/get-the-facts-about-lymes-senior-center-renovation-project/
The Chair of the Old Lyme Board of Finance explains the finance options the Town of Old Lyme is requesting the voters consider on Tuesday, May 7
https://www.theday.com/letters/20240506/get-the-facts-about-lymes-senior-center-renovation-project/
Letter To The Editor - The Town Of Old Lyme Wants to Give The Taxpayers Finance Options for the Senior Center Improvements
https://lymeline.com/2024/05/letter-to-the-editor-clarification-of-some-may-7-old-lyme-referendum-issues/
https://lymeline.com/2024/05/letter-to-the-editor-clarification-of-some-may-7-old-lyme-referendum-issues/
A Thought Provoking Opinion Piece
by Dave Rubino
‘Why did This Tradition Get Started? I’ll Tell You Why — I Don’t Know’
published in the CT Examiner 3-18-24
by Dave Rubino
‘Why did This Tradition Get Started? I’ll Tell You Why — I Don’t Know’
published in the CT Examiner 3-18-24
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Letter to the Editor: Elect Fogliano to BOE; She Has Prodigious Talents, Will Maximize Tax Dollars With Common Sense Approach
October 22, 2023 | Letter to the Editor published on Lymeline.com The following LTE was written by Old Lyme resident Margaret O'Shea PhD It is with great confidence that I endorse Susan Fogliano for Board of Education member in the upcoming election. Ms Fogliano has lived in Old Lyme for nearly 32 years and served as a member of our Board of Education for 16 years between 1995 and 2011, and also as Chair... read more |
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Letter to the Editor: Misinformation Abounds About Halls Rd. Improvement Project, Clarifications Offered
October 20, 2023 | Letter to the Editor published on Lymeline.com The following LTE was written by Old Lyme resident Howard Margules Local Republicans seem to have been spreading misinformation about the Halls Road Improvements plan during their door-knocking and social media campaigns. The most common misstatements are the following. 1. Misstatement: The Halls Road Overlay District (HROD) proposal will raise our ... read more |
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Letter to the Editor: Shoemaker, Lampos Have Clear Vision, if Elected, for Moving Forward on Specific, Critical Old Lyme Issues
October 19, 2023 | Letter to the Editor published on Lymeline.com The following LTE was written by Old Lyme resident George Finley At a Federation of Beaches event held on September 17, Martha Shoemaker and Jim Lampos spoke about what they hoped to accomplish if elected to the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen. Martha focused on three specific areas, which I want to share... read more |
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Shoemaker Best for Old Lyme's Future
Oct 9, 2023 | Letter to the Editor published in The Day The following LTE was written by Old Lyme resident Mary Jo Nosal There are many reasons why I will be voting for Martha Shoemaker for First Selectman of Old Lyme Nov. 7, not the least of which is that after serving with her on numerous civic posts and knowing her for over 20 years, I trust her. Martha has served the town as Selectwoman for two years and ... read more |
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Connecticut GOP Candidates and the Elephant in the Room
Oct 9, 2023 | Letter to the Editor published on CTExaminer.com The following LTE was written by Old Lyme resident Charlotte Scot Well, I just don’t get it. Republicans in this state continue to run for office while they avoid speaking about the state of the Republican Party. Do they support the National GOP which continues to pretend that the people who stormed our Capitol were merely tourists trying to... read more |
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Letter to the Editor: Resident Has Right to Call for BOE Members, Who Signed Petition Against ‘Book-Banning’, to Resign; But Forgets They Were Elected, That Others Also Have ‘Parental Rights’
Oct 9, 2023 | Letter to the Editor published on Lymeline.com The following LTE was written by Old Lyme resident Betsy Groth At a Region 18 Board of Education meeting on October 4, an Old Lyme resident presented a public comment, asking all Democratic BOE members to step down (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zSCLbbfvcM) – [it is about 10 mins in]. His reasoning is that those members support internet... read more |
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Letter to the Editor: Shoemaker is ‘Properly Prepared’ for First Selectman’s Role, Her Opponent is Not
Oct 5, 2023 | Letter to the Editor published on Lymeline.com The following LTE was written by Old Lyme Democratic Candidate for Tax Collector and former first selectwoman, Bonnie Reemsnyder As a former Selectwoman for Old Lyme from 2003 to 2019, eight of those years as First Selectwoman, I know only too well what the job requires and what qualities are needed to perform it well. This year, the people of Old Lyme will choose between two candidates running for First Selectman... read more |
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Halls Road ‘Is Not, And Should Not Be, A Political Issue’
Oct 1, 2023 | Letter to the Editor published on CTExaminer.com The following LTE is written by incumbent Old Lyme Democratic Candidate for the Board of Finance, Bennett Bernblum Re “In Old Lyme, the ‘Meat of the Election is in Development’,” by Gregory Stroud (Editorial, Sept. 27): CT Examiner published an editorial by Gregory Stroud, its Editor in Chief, again attacking — for reasons mystifying to me — the Halls Road Improvements Committee, a committee of the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen. The HRIC’s sole authority... read more |
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Candidate Pitches Combined Planning and Zoning in Old Lyme
Sept 28, 2023 | Letter to the Editor published on CTExaminer.com The following LTE is written by Old Lyme Democratic Candidate for Planning, Howard Margules I have lived in Old Lyme for 19 years and am deeply committed to its welfare, including its economic vitality. To that end I have served on the town’s Economic Development Commission and continue to serve on the Board of Selectmen’s Halls Road Improvements Committee. I am now running for election to the Old Lyme Planning Commission.... read more |
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More Than 400 Sign Letter Supporting Old Lyme Library, Urging Rejection of Censorship Requests ‘In Their Entirety’
Jun 29, 2023 | Letter to the Editor published on Lymeline.com The following letter is signed by over 600 people in support of the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, library staff, and library policies. We received a copy of the letter below from Old Lyme resident David Rubino. The letter is addressed to the OLPGN Library Director, Officers, and Board of Trustees and urges the Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes (OLPGN) Library to “reject the requests of the censorship supporters in their entirety.”... read more |
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“Greatly Troubling” That Old Lyme RTC Has Endorsed ‘Parental Rights’ Agenda for LOL Schools, Something to Remember When Voting in November
April 4, 2023 | Letter to the Editor published on Lymeline.com The following LTE is written by Old Lyme resident Claudia Schmaus In March I received the Old Lyme Republican Town Committee’s (RTC) “request for support” letter. I am an unaffiliated voter, and as such I appreciate understanding what the local political parties are offering in terms of policy. At first, the letter seemed innocuous... read more |
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Sounds Like the FCCOL Sermon Hit the Nail on the Head
April 4, 2023 | Letter to the Editor published on CTExaminer.com The following LTE was written by Old Lyme resident Kimberly Thompson I received the Republican Town Committee’s (RTC) letter sent in mid-March and was immediately alarmed by rhetoric outlining their platform for the upcoming municipal election. Then I saw Mr. Nixon’s letter published in the CT Examiner on March 31st in response to a sermon... read more Mrs. Thompson wrote a very similar letter in Lymeline.com, published on April 4, 2023 as well. You can read this letter here. |
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Op-Ed: “Parental Rights Do Not Negate Teachers Being Free To Teach in Their Own Style”
April 10, 2023 | OpEd The following Op-Ed was written by Region 18 Board of Education Chairman, Steve Wilson Editor’s Note: This op-ed was submitted by Steven Wilson, who serves as chairman of the Region 18 Board of Education. The opinion he expresses here is entirely his own and not related in any way to the board of education. “Children Should be Taught to Think – Not What to Think” I have read several letters to editors regarding a recent [Old Lyme] RTC [Republican Town Committee] letter apparently mailed to all residents of Lyme and Old Lyme and I’d like to share a third perspective on the matter which I hope and expect will appeal to the majority of our citizens... read more |
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Letter to the Editor: Old Lyme RTC Words on ‘Parental Rights’, Rev. Jungkeit are ‘Unfortunate’, ‘Somewhat Insulting’
April 9, 2023| Letter to the Editor The following LTE was written by Old Lyme resident Thomas D. Gotowka Despite the already robust conversation on the topic, I still feel compelled to provide my bit of input on the recent letters by Mses. Thompson and Schmaus, which detailed their concerns that the Old Lyme RTC [Republican Town Committee] appears to be endorsing a “DeSantis style” ... read more |
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Letter to the Editor: Negative Outcome of Old Lyme Zoning Commission’s Vote on Halls Rd. Overlay District Raises Many Questions
April 3, 2023 | Letter to the Editor The following LTE was written by Old Lyme resident Thomas D. Gotowka I am writing as a follow-up to Mark Terwilliger’s Op Ed in LymeLine on the Zoning Commission’s vote against the Halls Road Overlay District proposal. Elizabeth Regan, who covers Old Lyme for the “New London Day”, also reviewed the action in an article published in that newspaper on March 29th.... read more |
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Op-Ed: Old Lyme Zoning Commission’s Vote Against Halls Road Overlay District Proposal is Potentially a Vote “for Decay”
March 31, 2023 | Letter to the Editor The following Op-Ed was written by Old Lyme resident Mark Terwilliger Lymeline.com 2 Comments On March 27, the Old Lyme Zoning Commission voted 3-2 in favor of the Halls Road Overlay District (HROD) proposal, with two alternate members casting the negative votes. Because the Planning Commission had previously given the proposal a “negative referral,” a vote of 4-1 was required for passage, and the measure failed.... read more |
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Letter to the Editor: Old Lyme BOF to Consider $28K Budget Request for Weapons for OL Police, No Justification for Purchase Discussed
March 26, 2023 | Letter to the Editor The following Op-Ed was written by Old Lyme resident Betsy Groth The Old Lyme Board of Finance is expected to vote this Tuesday, March 28, on the Town’s capital budget, and money requested by the Town Police for weapons and ammunition. Initially budgeted for $32,500, this was modified by First Selectman Tim Griswold to $28,500. The Old Lyme [OL] Board of Selectmen [BOS] has never taken a vote... read more |
ARCHIVES
**** MEDIA ALERT****
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 28, 2022 For Information Contact: [email protected]
The Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee Friend Raiser Yields Generous Donation to Connecticut Foodshare
OLD LYME, CT --- The Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee (DTC) held its inaugural Corn Hole Friend Raiser for charity on August 27, 2022. The Old Lyme DTC selected Connecticut Foodshare to receive the proceeds from the well-attended event. Held on the lovely grounds of Katherine and Ben Thuma’s home, over 40 people joined members of the
Old Lyme DTC and candidates Martha Marx, 20th District Senate seat, and Colin Heffernan, 23rd House seat, for competition and fun. Eight teams battled for the Corn Hole trophy. The competition was fierce and ultimately the father-daughter team “It’s Not A Thuma” took home the coveted prize.
The Old Lyme DTC was pleased to be able to present a check in the amount of $1000 to Connecticut Foodshare.
“At this time of year especially, we are so grateful for all of our supporters around the state of Connecticut.” said Bev Catchpole, Chief Giving Officer at Connecticut Foodshare. https://www.ctfoodshare.org.
The Old Lyme DTC Chair, Mary Jo Nosal, noted, “It was such a good way to meet new neighbors and families. I am proud of the Old Lyme DTC for finding a creative and fun way to reach out to bring people in the community together while helping to address food insecurity in Connecticut.” She added, “The Old Lyme DTC welcomes everyone to learn more about the Old Lyme DTC at http://www.oldlymedtc.com. “
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 28, 2022 For Information Contact: [email protected]
The Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee Friend Raiser Yields Generous Donation to Connecticut Foodshare
OLD LYME, CT --- The Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee (DTC) held its inaugural Corn Hole Friend Raiser for charity on August 27, 2022. The Old Lyme DTC selected Connecticut Foodshare to receive the proceeds from the well-attended event. Held on the lovely grounds of Katherine and Ben Thuma’s home, over 40 people joined members of the
Old Lyme DTC and candidates Martha Marx, 20th District Senate seat, and Colin Heffernan, 23rd House seat, for competition and fun. Eight teams battled for the Corn Hole trophy. The competition was fierce and ultimately the father-daughter team “It’s Not A Thuma” took home the coveted prize.
The Old Lyme DTC was pleased to be able to present a check in the amount of $1000 to Connecticut Foodshare.
“At this time of year especially, we are so grateful for all of our supporters around the state of Connecticut.” said Bev Catchpole, Chief Giving Officer at Connecticut Foodshare. https://www.ctfoodshare.org.
The Old Lyme DTC Chair, Mary Jo Nosal, noted, “It was such a good way to meet new neighbors and families. I am proud of the Old Lyme DTC for finding a creative and fun way to reach out to bring people in the community together while helping to address food insecurity in Connecticut.” She added, “The Old Lyme DTC welcomes everyone to learn more about the Old Lyme DTC at http://www.oldlymedtc.com. “
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https://www.theday.com/letters/20221004/voter-is-blue-over-signs/
Voter is blue over signs
October 04, 2022 2:39 pm
Nov. 8 is coming. Election signs are up. We are all busy, driving here or there, noticing signs as we rush by them. Just the name and the color on the sign, maybe. You know, Blue = Democrat, Red = Republican. Wait a minute! In my district, the incumbent Devin Carney, a Republican, plants blue signs everywhere - with his party never mentioned.
This year many of us have been paying attention to Carney’s voting record because this is an important election. Carney voted against many Connecticut laws I care about: Women’s health rights, bills addressing our climate problems, laws on gun safety. His views do not match mine, certainly do not represent them. Tell Devin Carney to play fair with the signs! It is untrue that he represents Blue!
June Davison
Old Lyme
Voter is blue over signs
October 04, 2022 2:39 pm
Nov. 8 is coming. Election signs are up. We are all busy, driving here or there, noticing signs as we rush by them. Just the name and the color on the sign, maybe. You know, Blue = Democrat, Red = Republican. Wait a minute! In my district, the incumbent Devin Carney, a Republican, plants blue signs everywhere - with his party never mentioned.
This year many of us have been paying attention to Carney’s voting record because this is an important election. Carney voted against many Connecticut laws I care about: Women’s health rights, bills addressing our climate problems, laws on gun safety. His views do not match mine, certainly do not represent them. Tell Devin Carney to play fair with the signs! It is untrue that he represents Blue!
June Davison
Old Lyme
**** MEDIA ALERT****
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: For Information Contact: [email protected]
September 23, 2022
The Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee Votes to Support The
LOL Elementary School Facilities Referendum
OLD LYME, CT --- The Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee (DTC) supports the upcoming Regional School District 18 Referendum to upgrade the infrastructure and safety related needs of the elementary school facilities. This support was made at a special meeting of The Old Lyme DTC on Wednesday, September 14 held at the Lymes' Senior Center.
The Old Lyme DTC Chair, Mary Jo Nosal, stated today that, "The infrastructure improvements to our elementary schools have long been planned for. Town Officials in Old Lyme and Lyme have been made aware of the planned work for some time. It is prudent to have planned these safety upgrades when current debt is falling off. The decision to move forward was supported by a thorough facilities study and an independent evaluator found cost estimates to be "within scope." The educational excellence we have come to expect from Regional School District 18 is synonymous with the quality of life we enjoy in Old Lyme. I hope voters will support this referendum on November 8."
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: For Information Contact: [email protected]
September 23, 2022
The Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee Votes to Support The
LOL Elementary School Facilities Referendum
OLD LYME, CT --- The Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee (DTC) supports the upcoming Regional School District 18 Referendum to upgrade the infrastructure and safety related needs of the elementary school facilities. This support was made at a special meeting of The Old Lyme DTC on Wednesday, September 14 held at the Lymes' Senior Center.
The Old Lyme DTC Chair, Mary Jo Nosal, stated today that, "The infrastructure improvements to our elementary schools have long been planned for. Town Officials in Old Lyme and Lyme have been made aware of the planned work for some time. It is prudent to have planned these safety upgrades when current debt is falling off. The decision to move forward was supported by a thorough facilities study and an independent evaluator found cost estimates to be "within scope." The educational excellence we have come to expect from Regional School District 18 is synonymous with the quality of life we enjoy in Old Lyme. I hope voters will support this referendum on November 8."
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Nancy Walsh explains why she feels it is time for Colin Heffernan to represent the 23rd District in Hartford
An Unwavering Proponent
BY NANCY WALSH • 09/07/2022 08:00 AM EST • 09/01/2022 04:55 PM EST
https://www.zip06.com/letters/20220907/an-unwavering-proponent/
An Unwavering Proponent
BY NANCY WALSH • 09/07/2022 08:00 AM EST • 09/01/2022 04:55 PM EST
https://www.zip06.com/letters/20220907/an-unwavering-proponent/
**** MEDIA ALERT****
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: For Information Contact: [email protected]
August 8, 2022
The Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee Makes Endorsements
OLD LYME, CT --- The Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee (DTC) endorsed the following Democratic candidates
for State and Federal offices. The unanimous endorsements were made at the regular monthly meeting of The Old Lyme DTC on Wednesday, August 10.
The Old Lyme DTC applauds all who stepped up to lead and urges the community to get out and vote on November 8th
for the following endorsed candidates who reflect the best interests of the future of Old Lyme.
Governor - Ned Lamont
Lieutenant Governor – Susan Bysiewicz
Attorney General - William Tong
Treasurer – Erick Russell
Secretary Of The State – Stephanie Thomas
Comptroller – Sean Scanlon
U.S. Senator - Richard Blumenthal
U.S. Representative District 2 – Joe Courtney
State Senator 20th District – Martha Marx
State Representative 23rd District – J. Colin Heffernan
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: For Information Contact: [email protected]
August 8, 2022
The Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee Makes Endorsements
OLD LYME, CT --- The Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee (DTC) endorsed the following Democratic candidates
for State and Federal offices. The unanimous endorsements were made at the regular monthly meeting of The Old Lyme DTC on Wednesday, August 10.
The Old Lyme DTC applauds all who stepped up to lead and urges the community to get out and vote on November 8th
for the following endorsed candidates who reflect the best interests of the future of Old Lyme.
Governor - Ned Lamont
Lieutenant Governor – Susan Bysiewicz
Attorney General - William Tong
Treasurer – Erick Russell
Secretary Of The State – Stephanie Thomas
Comptroller – Sean Scanlon
U.S. Senator - Richard Blumenthal
U.S. Representative District 2 – Joe Courtney
State Senator 20th District – Martha Marx
State Representative 23rd District – J. Colin Heffernan
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Heather Richardson discusses more differences between Democrats and Republicans.
There is no reason for the Senators who voted for the PACT bill, which supported our injured Veterans, in June to have voted against it in July. We must vote them out of office in November. VOTING IS OUR VOICE. |
Letter to the Editor: Armed Guards in Lyme-Old Lyme Schools — More Questions
Lymeline.com
July 23, 2022 by Betsy Groth
To the Editor:
Does anyone, parents or voters, know yet how much more in taxes they will be forced to pay for the salaries and insurance coverage of armed guards in Region 18 schools? Region 18, OUR schools.
If this is public knowledge, I cannot find anything.
Nor can I find any information on whether the armed guards will also be present during after-school activities, including sports practices or games. Perhaps I missed something? I would think the liability insurance will be very high, since these guards are employees of Region 18 and due to the real risk of the guards accidentally shooting a parent, teacher, visitor or God forbid, a student.
I, for one, am unwilling to pay taxes for such a dangerous and ineffective initiative. Data, not “feelings” or political beliefs inform my opinion.
Superintendent Ian Neviaser rushed this through, with the help of the Region 18 Board of Education (BOE), despite parent opposition. Of note, there are no armed guards in the community he resides in, and where his own children attended school.
Demand answers from him and the BOE, and our selectmen and woman, Tim Griswold, Matt Ward and Martha Shoemaker. All can be contacted via email at first initial, last name ( no space) @oldlyme-ct.gov.
Sincerely,
Betsy Groth,
Old Lyme.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and child advocate
Member GAGV ( CT Against Gun Violence)
Retired faculty, Yale School of Nursing
Lymeline.com
July 23, 2022 by Betsy Groth
To the Editor:
Does anyone, parents or voters, know yet how much more in taxes they will be forced to pay for the salaries and insurance coverage of armed guards in Region 18 schools? Region 18, OUR schools.
If this is public knowledge, I cannot find anything.
Nor can I find any information on whether the armed guards will also be present during after-school activities, including sports practices or games. Perhaps I missed something? I would think the liability insurance will be very high, since these guards are employees of Region 18 and due to the real risk of the guards accidentally shooting a parent, teacher, visitor or God forbid, a student.
I, for one, am unwilling to pay taxes for such a dangerous and ineffective initiative. Data, not “feelings” or political beliefs inform my opinion.
Superintendent Ian Neviaser rushed this through, with the help of the Region 18 Board of Education (BOE), despite parent opposition. Of note, there are no armed guards in the community he resides in, and where his own children attended school.
Demand answers from him and the BOE, and our selectmen and woman, Tim Griswold, Matt Ward and Martha Shoemaker. All can be contacted via email at first initial, last name ( no space) @oldlyme-ct.gov.
Sincerely,
Betsy Groth,
Old Lyme.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and child advocate
Member GAGV ( CT Against Gun Violence)
Retired faculty, Yale School of Nursing
July 5, 2022
via email
Dear First Selectman Griswold, Selectman Ward, and Selectwoman Shoemaker,
In towns across the state of Connecticut both Democratic and Republican town committees marched, sometimes hand-in-hand: https://goodmorningwilton.com/wilton-democratic-and-republican-town-committees-to-march-together-in-memorial-day-parade/), in their respective Memorial Day parades. On Memorial Day, the Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee (DTC) did something that in most places would be seen as both apolitical and patriotic - they simply set up a tent alongside the parade route, on town property, and handed out American flags, snacks, and hot coffee. All were welcome to receive the free flags and hot coffee regardless of political affiliation, and no candidate or political issue was promoted by the organizers either orally or by signage. No fundraising was undertaken. No petitions were signed. Flags were handed out. Coffee was supplied. That is it.
As I am sure this Board knows, this action was not a first – last year, and even pre-pandemic, the DTC did the same thing with no one taking issue, and without a single word of protest. That’s because standing along the side of the parade route and handing out American flags is simply not political. Many would argue that it’s the kind of reaction the solemnity of the occasion demands.
I was surprised, therefore, to see that on today’s Board of Selectman meeting agenda, the First Selectman has decided to single out correspondence that is evidently directed at this now annual undertaking by the DTC. Of course, the Board can and should take all letters sent to them seriously, however, from my experience on the Board, I know that singling out correspondence on the agenda is at very least unusual and cannot be deemed as anything but an endorsement by the town of the views contained therein. Surely the Town of Old Lyme does not intend to openly and explicitly endorse a viewpoint critical of the exercise of the well-established First Amendment rights of Freedom of Assembly and Speech found in our Constitution. Surely the town is not going to affirmatively take the facially unconstitutional position that the Republican convention – an explicitly political event – can be held on Town Hall property, but the Democratic Town Committee should not take the apolitical action of providing flags and coffee outside.
The DTC has never received any correspondence critical of their activities on Memorial Day, but I offer this letter as counterpoint to the item as stated on the agenda. And as I am sure that the Board has not intended to quell the First Amendment free speech rights of the Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee by endorsing one view publicly and omitting the counterargument, I trust this too will be officially read into the record.
Respectfully,
Mary Jo Nosal
Chair, The Town Of Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee
Former Selectwoman, Town of Old Lyme 2011-2021
via email
Dear First Selectman Griswold, Selectman Ward, and Selectwoman Shoemaker,
In towns across the state of Connecticut both Democratic and Republican town committees marched, sometimes hand-in-hand: https://goodmorningwilton.com/wilton-democratic-and-republican-town-committees-to-march-together-in-memorial-day-parade/), in their respective Memorial Day parades. On Memorial Day, the Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee (DTC) did something that in most places would be seen as both apolitical and patriotic - they simply set up a tent alongside the parade route, on town property, and handed out American flags, snacks, and hot coffee. All were welcome to receive the free flags and hot coffee regardless of political affiliation, and no candidate or political issue was promoted by the organizers either orally or by signage. No fundraising was undertaken. No petitions were signed. Flags were handed out. Coffee was supplied. That is it.
As I am sure this Board knows, this action was not a first – last year, and even pre-pandemic, the DTC did the same thing with no one taking issue, and without a single word of protest. That’s because standing along the side of the parade route and handing out American flags is simply not political. Many would argue that it’s the kind of reaction the solemnity of the occasion demands.
I was surprised, therefore, to see that on today’s Board of Selectman meeting agenda, the First Selectman has decided to single out correspondence that is evidently directed at this now annual undertaking by the DTC. Of course, the Board can and should take all letters sent to them seriously, however, from my experience on the Board, I know that singling out correspondence on the agenda is at very least unusual and cannot be deemed as anything but an endorsement by the town of the views contained therein. Surely the Town of Old Lyme does not intend to openly and explicitly endorse a viewpoint critical of the exercise of the well-established First Amendment rights of Freedom of Assembly and Speech found in our Constitution. Surely the town is not going to affirmatively take the facially unconstitutional position that the Republican convention – an explicitly political event – can be held on Town Hall property, but the Democratic Town Committee should not take the apolitical action of providing flags and coffee outside.
The DTC has never received any correspondence critical of their activities on Memorial Day, but I offer this letter as counterpoint to the item as stated on the agenda. And as I am sure that the Board has not intended to quell the First Amendment free speech rights of the Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee by endorsing one view publicly and omitting the counterargument, I trust this too will be officially read into the record.
Respectfully,
Mary Jo Nosal
Chair, The Town Of Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee
Former Selectwoman, Town of Old Lyme 2011-2021
From The Town of Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee, Chair
What an emotional week! We had the high from seeing the stalemate on safe gun legislation crack open in Washington, to extreme lows due to recent Supreme Court decisions. Locally, we experienced our Regional School District 18 Board of Education behave in the most undemocratic matter imaginable. What can we do in response?
First, we must VOTE. Voting is our right, privilege, and our duty. We must commit to prioritize voting. Every election and every vote does matter. Alarmingly, there are those who analyze voter turn-out, from local referendums to national elections, and use this data to reduce voter turn-out. Seems undemocratic, doesn’t it?
Next, obtain credible information on issues you are concerned about. Call a friend, attend public meetings, or join a caucus that focus’ on issues of concern, e.g., Voting Rights, Veteran Issues, LGBTQ Rights, or Women’s Rights. I believe that participating in postcard writing campaigns are amazingly powerful ways to channel energy towards supporting candidates and issues that matter to me, personally.
Use your voice to fill up the voicemail and email of officials with positive feedback and constructive criticism. It is an immediate way to convey your concerns and these communications are tallied. Set a weekly reminder to send an email and/or voicemail to officials. Provide our local Superintendent of Schools, elected members of the Board of Education, and Board of Selectmen direct feedback on issues, policies, or their decisions. Ask that they respond to you and read your comments into the public meetings.
Finally, candidates that share our values do need our time, talent, and financial support to get their messages out. We must stay laser focused on the election in four months.
Over these past days it is glaringly clear that we cannot assume that our elected or appointed officials will lead with the will of the people in mind. We can use our energy and collective strength to support those who do and will.
Remember in November,
Mary Jo Nosal
Chair-Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee
What an emotional week! We had the high from seeing the stalemate on safe gun legislation crack open in Washington, to extreme lows due to recent Supreme Court decisions. Locally, we experienced our Regional School District 18 Board of Education behave in the most undemocratic matter imaginable. What can we do in response?
First, we must VOTE. Voting is our right, privilege, and our duty. We must commit to prioritize voting. Every election and every vote does matter. Alarmingly, there are those who analyze voter turn-out, from local referendums to national elections, and use this data to reduce voter turn-out. Seems undemocratic, doesn’t it?
Next, obtain credible information on issues you are concerned about. Call a friend, attend public meetings, or join a caucus that focus’ on issues of concern, e.g., Voting Rights, Veteran Issues, LGBTQ Rights, or Women’s Rights. I believe that participating in postcard writing campaigns are amazingly powerful ways to channel energy towards supporting candidates and issues that matter to me, personally.
Use your voice to fill up the voicemail and email of officials with positive feedback and constructive criticism. It is an immediate way to convey your concerns and these communications are tallied. Set a weekly reminder to send an email and/or voicemail to officials. Provide our local Superintendent of Schools, elected members of the Board of Education, and Board of Selectmen direct feedback on issues, policies, or their decisions. Ask that they respond to you and read your comments into the public meetings.
Finally, candidates that share our values do need our time, talent, and financial support to get their messages out. We must stay laser focused on the election in four months.
Over these past days it is glaringly clear that we cannot assume that our elected or appointed officials will lead with the will of the people in mind. We can use our energy and collective strength to support those who do and will.
Remember in November,
Mary Jo Nosal
Chair-Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee
Letter to the Editor: Armed Security Guards in Lyme-Old Lyme Schools are Not the Solution to Gun Violence
June 17, 2022 by Betsy Groth
To the Editor:
This past Wednesday, the Board of Education voted 7-2 to place armed guards at District 18 schools. Though many board members expressed reservations, including to NBC News, it passed. I am submitting this letter as a child advocate and as a pediatric nurse practitioner with certification and expertise in pediatric mental health. I am a parent and a community member. I have many friends and family in the teaching profession. I make my decisions based on data, not emotions. At the same time, it is impossible not to be emotional about children blown to unrecognizable bits. As a former pediatric critical care nurse, I have taken care of young gun violence victims, but have not been forced to bear witness to a massacre, as first responders have been.
I think after the tragic massacre in Uvalde, our immediate reaction is “do something, anything.” That something should not be armed guards at school. There is zero evidence that armed guards make schools safer, and plenty of evidence that they do NOT. The recent mass murderer in Buffalo was not deterred by an armed guard. This is anecdotal, but typical.
Placing armed guards in District 18 schools would be expensive and in no way is a solution to mass murders in school or elsewhere, and it would be a daily reminder to children that they are not safe. No one will be safe anywhere until gun laws are passed to ban assault weapons, enforce waiting periods and background checks. Further, teenagers do not have developed frontal cortexes. This is the part of the brain responsible for judgement. They cannot control their impulses. They have no business owning lethal weapons. Parents, teachers and school administrators who really want to protect children should relentlessly advocate for these changes. Armed school guards are not even a bandaid, much less a solution. My letter with this information as well as links to studies was submitted to the BOE before Wednesday’s meeting. It was not even mentioned in the discussion that night.
Sincerely,
Betsy Groth,
APRN (active); Faculty Yale School of Nursing (Retired); Member, CT Against Gun Violence,
Old Lyme.
Comments
June 17, 2022 by Betsy Groth
To the Editor:
This past Wednesday, the Board of Education voted 7-2 to place armed guards at District 18 schools. Though many board members expressed reservations, including to NBC News, it passed. I am submitting this letter as a child advocate and as a pediatric nurse practitioner with certification and expertise in pediatric mental health. I am a parent and a community member. I have many friends and family in the teaching profession. I make my decisions based on data, not emotions. At the same time, it is impossible not to be emotional about children blown to unrecognizable bits. As a former pediatric critical care nurse, I have taken care of young gun violence victims, but have not been forced to bear witness to a massacre, as first responders have been.
I think after the tragic massacre in Uvalde, our immediate reaction is “do something, anything.” That something should not be armed guards at school. There is zero evidence that armed guards make schools safer, and plenty of evidence that they do NOT. The recent mass murderer in Buffalo was not deterred by an armed guard. This is anecdotal, but typical.
Placing armed guards in District 18 schools would be expensive and in no way is a solution to mass murders in school or elsewhere, and it would be a daily reminder to children that they are not safe. No one will be safe anywhere until gun laws are passed to ban assault weapons, enforce waiting periods and background checks. Further, teenagers do not have developed frontal cortexes. This is the part of the brain responsible for judgement. They cannot control their impulses. They have no business owning lethal weapons. Parents, teachers and school administrators who really want to protect children should relentlessly advocate for these changes. Armed school guards are not even a bandaid, much less a solution. My letter with this information as well as links to studies was submitted to the BOE before Wednesday’s meeting. It was not even mentioned in the discussion that night.
Sincerely,
Betsy Groth,
APRN (active); Faculty Yale School of Nursing (Retired); Member, CT Against Gun Violence,
Old Lyme.
Comments
- Steven Wilson says
June 17, 2022 at 11:48 pmThis is Steven Wilson, Chairman of the Region 18 Board of Ed. Due to the FOIA (Freefom Of Infirmation Act), I cannot discuss points made in this letter outside an official board meeting but I would like to clarify two points of order.
1. Wednesday’s meeting was a Special Meeting and therefore, no email (or other correspondences) were mentioned in the meeting as they would have been during a Regular Board Meeting.
2. There is no record of an email from Ms. Groth in my inbox so I’d ask that it be resent or that Ms. Groth comment to whom it was sent so we can ascertain what went wrong. Correspondence and in person comment are high priorities for this Board.- Betsy Groth says
June 18, 2022 at 6:51 pmI prepared the email very early in the morning before the BOE meeting, before I left for work. That I was not aware of this until then is proof that it was rushed through and not well thought out.
I sent it to a BOE member asking it to be shared. Receipt was acknowledged. Obviously it was not share.
I have spoken to several parents who attended this meeting and feel strongly they were not heard.
I work long hours as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner , so was unable to attend. I would have definitely tried to re arrange my schedule if I had known.
The “ poll” that was sent out to parents by the superintendent, as reported to me, certainly would not have passed any test of accuracy or precision.
I repeat my offer to present data to any group requesting it.
Betsy Groth
Reply - Charlotte Scot says
June 21, 2022 at 4:51 pmI am very opposed to the BOE’s decision and I hope the Board will rescind it and schedule another meeting to answer the following questions:
What research did you find that showed guns provide the best security for our young people? (Anyone who saw video reports of the tragedy in Uvalde learned that 19 armed police officers did not save children. My own research shows that arming security DOES NOT protect students.)
What is the proposed cost for this venture?
How will the board determine the type of weapon to be purchased?
Will there be a procedure for getting bids on weapons?
Will the guards be trained with these specific weapons?
Will they be forced to re-qualify every six(?) months?
How long will the number of officers be increased to 5? Is there a limit to the number of security personnel hired? How was that number derived at?
What the police play additional roles?
Has anyone polled students and teachers about their preferences for guns on campus?
Have the FOIA questions been answered?
This issue does not just affect our schools, it has an impact on the entire community.
- Betsy Groth says
- Danielle Kuczkowski says
June 18, 2022 at 9:19 pmIt is very upsetting that this measure was passed in such a rushed way. A letter from the Superintendent was sent out on June 3rd about this policy proposal and it was voted through on 6/15 despite overwhelming lack of public support at the BOE meeting and mixed support from the “thought exchange online “tool”. In fact, the main consensus from the thought exchange poll was that a more thorough investigation should be made into what measures should be taken in the face of gun violence. Instead, guns were voted into schools, inviting greater potential for injury and sending the very wrong message to our children that violence comes from the “other” and can only be stopped with guns. - Olaf Bertram-Nothnagel says
June 19, 2022 at 5:22 pmHi!
Point of order: Enacting this policy at a special meeting twelve days after the email announcing its proposal, with no opportunity for regular meeting or public correspondence seems insufficient.
All but two of the many public comments Wednesday night opposed approval unless it was evidence-based and until we could hear from relevant experts and school counselors. These comments were not really responded to either, beyond denying the board was being “knee-jerk”. No research was cited in a meaningful way, other than a passing reference to unspecified study by a member, and saying they’d given it “a lot of consideration”. It may not be knee-jerk, but to the extent there was public notice or discussion of points raised it isn’t any better. It leaves little voice or choice beyond dis-enrollment to folks uncomfortable with guns in their kids’ school. I’m ashamed to even suggest how much that might make this steamrolling a happy pileup of dovetailing political goals for some!
In the summary Wednesday of the supposedly supportive (but mostly fig leaf) online forum, no mention was made that among the top one hundred rated comments submitted online, there was not a single one in favor of approval.
Before casting one of the two opposing votes at the meeting Shoemaker made the point: compare this process to the amount of deliberation and research the board did in determining how it would tackle Covid.
A quick thought experiment: Imagine two schools: one with armed guards and active shooter drills, and one without guns in school, without students doing shooter drills? Which one would you think more likely to produce a shooter?
(Not that all responsibility is with the schools, of course!
Of course in the event of an accidental shooting, much responsibility will lie with those members of the Board who voted to enact this policy over the objections of parents.)
I paste below my compressed for the three minute cutoff public comments that evening (misquoted in the CT Examiner):
“Hi and thank you all for your work. I am a friend of the Second Amendment. I believe in the right to self defense, and that we must protect the innocent from harm. However, I think that arming our fine security staff would be a grave mistake, no matter their training.
Our district response to the threat of a school shooting should not be based on our feelings, or on the protective psychology we all share, or on anecdotes, or our intuition. It must be based on the relevant science and on the psychology of potential perpetrators.
The most comprehensive study I was able to find, which was also cited in the online survey, showed a dramatic increase in fatalities for school shootings where there was an armed guard. The deaths almost triple with an armed guard.
Some suggest that arming guards will act as a deterrent. That might be true for a sensible person with a healthy will to live, but that is not who commits school shootings. Most often school shooters are deeply disturbed and suicidal students. The threat of death or bodily harm DOES NOT deter a suicidal attacker. It does the opposite.
What do the armed guards accomplish then? They may lower response time, but if it comes to response time, really, it’s already too late. Prevention, not reaction, must be our watchword. There is very well documented and ample evidence that the presence of weapons increases aggression. The weapons effect it’s called.
No matter how staff conceal their guns, every single student on campus above the age of six will doubtless know about them by the end of the first week. Many even well adjusted boys will begin gaming out cat and mouse schemes to outsmart and supplant such authority figures. We don’t want to go down this road!
No matter our good intentions, and that this policy might be enacted for their protection, our students will understand that these guns and the bullets in them, could be for one of them. What does this do to how school feels to them? How do the disaffected respond?
Our security staff will know very well that the first bullet in any premeditated school shooting will be in the back of their head. What does this do to their relations with students? Arming them not only puts an itchy target on their backs, and introduces guns into the school, it completely undermines the trust and camaraderie a truly healthy school environment depends on.
How much arming guards traumatizes and incites kids, undermines a supportive school environment, and increases the chances of a shooting and its potential body count should be at the core of deciding whether to do so. Arming guards must be done with the informed and thoroughly thought through—not knee jerk—approval of the school community. I don’t believe that’s what is happening here, despite what I’m certain are the best of intentions in a climate of great urgency.
The science speaks against arming guards. Developmental psychology and the psychology of violence also speaks against it. And there has not been sufficient community consideration of the consequences. I understand wanting to do something and wanting security, but arming security staff will hurt rather than help. I therefore ask you please do NOT do this.
I’d also suggest for similar reasons that you reconsider the practice of involving students in active shooter drills, which I suspect only ups the chances of a shooting, but that’s a discussion for another day. Thank you for your consideration.” - Charlotte Scot says
June 20, 2022 at 10:33 amAs a non-parent I have no problem helping to fund the education of young people in our community.
However, I have a tremendous objection to funding guns in our schools.
Research: Armed campus police do not prevent school shooting https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2022/may/26/ted-cruz/research-armed-campus-police-do-not-prevent-school/?fbclid=IwAR0QcXY0-GNnMYqF3r9dYEIvlXtuv8Yco_v0W0EKY-V0yEw3djg_SnCC2ZI
Our Superintendent needs to provide copies of all his research which identifies the need to buy guns while not improving security in the schools. I am sure that the people who have pushed for weaponizing our schools have good intentions but, I don’t think a ruling should have been approved without a complete presentation of facts. Once facts are presented and, if parents still feel our schools are not safe, they need to hire people to protect their kids, not charge taxpayers. Arming security personnel is a unnecessary and costly slippery slope. Who will decide how the security personnel will be armed? Will there be a bidding process for weapons? Should guards be given Assault rifles and who will decide what kind of arms will be purchased?.. Will personnel also need bullet proof vests? Next year will the parents want ten armed guards or guards in every class room?
Promoting an armed environment incorrectly teaches children that guns solve problems. It also gives kids a false sense of security. (School likely will be the only place where they are protected by guns, unless we want guns at the library, and grocery store, and local restaurants, or on our neighborhood streets). This is not just a school issue. This is a community issue. Let’s take more time to make this decision and not rush to subsidize gun manufacturers. - Roger and Mary Jo Nosal says
June 20, 2022 at 1:14 pm Chairman Steve, Under The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), correspondence is most certainly allowed in a special public meeting if correspondence is noted on the agenda. We would also argue that correspondence is public comment when it is addressed to the Superintendent and The Board of Education (BOE). The BOE leadership should have and could have included correspondence on the agenda of this special public meeting, especially, if as you say, “Correspondence and in person comment are high priorities for this Board.” Like Betsy Groth, our letter to the Superintendent and BOE was not addressed in this public meeting. - Jim Ward says June 21, 2022 at 7:37 pm I have been involved in education for over 40 years serving as a board member and board chair, a teacher now finishing my career as a technology coordinator. Next year will be the first time I will vote against an education budget. I can not and will not support Region 18’s recent decision to arm security guards.
Superintendent Neviaser says this was not a knee-jerk reaction to the Texas shooting? It was only a couple of weeks ago we hear Region 18 is considering arming security guards, then at a recent Special Board meeting, they vote to arm security personnel while many residents and parents were saying please slow down. Show us the evidence.
I want to thank Martha Shoemaker and Anna James for voting against this proposal.
More guns are not the solution! - Jonathan B. Wilder says
June 21, 2022 at 9:11 pm Once again, we have collectively decided that guns are the solution to the gun problem. I would like to know how the people carrying these guns are chosen and who they are. Just because they may be ex-military does not mean they are wonderful. What kind of guns will they be carrying? Police at Uvalde backed off due to feeling outgunned by the shooter. Can we be assured that the security guards in our school system will charge in to neutralize any shooter or shooters?
All of this is a bandaid approach by school systems across the country because nationally, second amendment enthusiasts and gun worshippers will not allow us to collectively solve the problem. We are all hostage to “their” cultural proclivities. Really sad. Very very sad.
Old Lyme Democrats <[email protected]>Fri, Jun 10, 12:26 PM
to neviaseri, deanfrazierl, jamesa, kempj, millerj, powellstlouism, shoemakerm, staabc, thompsons, wilsons
June 10, 2022
Dear Superintendent Neviaser, and members of Region 18 Board Of Education,
The Town Of Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee (DTC) understands that the Region 18 Board of Education (BOE) is currently considering a proposal to arm the security guards in our schools and that public comments are being solicited. We also understand that the proposal will be addressed at a BOE meeting to be held on June 15. The DTC fully appreciates the importance and urgency of this issue and the reasons why arming the security guards may seem to be a good idea. However, we are also concerned that doing so might have adverse consequences. Our children’s safety is paramount. We therefore strongly urge the BOE not to decide this issue precipitously but only after careful consideration of the existing research on the subject and the opinions of knowledgeable experts, regarding both the physical safety and emotional impacts this action may entail.
Sincerely,
The Town of Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee
http://www.oldlymedtc.com
Letter in support of HVAC upgrades, Air Conditioning, and creating more space in Elementary schools by Kimberly Thompson
To: The Region 18 Board of Education and Mr. Neviaser,
I attended the Board of Education meeting on May 4th and found myself very confused by some of the discussion happening around the school renovation. As members of the Board of Education you were elected to make decisions on the behalf of the district that are in the best interests of the students the schools serve, you are empowered to be the decision makers. Members of the board reported that they toured the elementary schools and students are learning in the hallways, teachers are on mobile carts because they do not have classrooms, and teacher prep space is in a closet. Suzanne Thompson reminded you all that families move to our town because of the high quality of the schools and seeing learning in hallways and teachers on carts does not align with that vision. The residents of Lyme and Old Lyme expect you to be good stewards to maintain the high quality of education that increases the value of all our properties; Students learning in hallways, conference rooms, or temporary spaces doesn’t seem to fit the definition of “high quality”.
Earlier this year you were presented with half a dozen options to fix the HVAC systems and solve overcrowding to maintain the low class sizes that are attracting tax payers to Lyme and Old Lyme, The Board decided to move forward with the option to renovate Mile Creek, while this is not the option that I would have personally preferred, it is disheartening to see the board continue to see evidence that more space is needed and then to continue to question whether more space is actually needed.
I think it would be helpful to see a master plan for the district, it seems that renovation projects seem to pop up on relatively short notice and don’t necessarily consider all long-term plans for the district. For example, the Pre-School was expanded 3 years ago, I recognize that there was unexpected growth in the population due to the pandemic after that expansion, it was short sighted not to use that renovation as an opportunity to build a robust early childhood learning center with PK3-K at Center School. Other districts are now offering universal PreK starting with 3-year-olds, is that part of Region 18’s vision? Are we going to get 2-3 years down the road and be looking at needing more classrooms for PK3? I don’t know the answers to those questions, but it seems that they might inform some decision making around this construction project.
I drive by the schools and see old window AC units hanging out the windows, clearly in use. My daughter comes home in May, June, August, and September complaining about it being hot in her classroom. I have also visited in the winter and found some classrooms to be freezing and others extremely warm because the current heating system is not working correctly. Window AC units are extremely inefficient, and a “high quality” school also means providing a “high quality” environment for learning.
As several members of the Board pointed out, AC is not just about comfort, even when buildings are not occupied, AC can be important in controlling indoor allergens. Anyone who has sought medical help from an Allergist will tell you that the first things they will advise new patients to do to control indoor allergies are to 1. Replace your carpets and 2. Install air conditioning. Apparently, at Mile Creek the hot water/heat gets circulated through the library in the summer to decrease the humidity and prevent mold/mildew growth, that is a complete waste of energy, and I can’t imagine it makes for a very comfortable environment if anyone (custodial staff or the librarian) needs to use the space. COVID has also taught us that frequent exchange of air and the use of HEPA filtration can be important components of maintaining a healthy environment and decreasing the spread of disease.
Sadly, the tragedy in Uvalde, TX, has also taught us that maintaining a comfortable indoor environment can be a component of security as well, it seems that a propped open door that did not close properly played a part in the shooter accessing the school. While the reason the door was propped open hasn’t been published, I’ve frequently heard about windows and doors in our schools and many other older school buildings being opened to increase air circulation. If HVAC systems are working properly, it would mean that there would be fewer reasons for exterior windows and doors to be opened.
Please do not cut the air conditioning component of this building project, it is vital to the health and safety of our students and teachers and important for maintaining the buildings and the school assets they house. I ask you to please consider putting expanding center school back on the table as a potential solution to reduce crowding in the schools and/or to prioritize building plans that will further enhance the learning experiences of our students by maintaining small class sizes and making sure students have an appropriate environment for all the educational services they receive. If there is a 5-year or 10-year master plan, I would like to see that maintained somewhere it is easy for the public to access so we can have perspective on how these building proposals fit into larger plans for the district. If there is not a master plan, I would like to see one developed.
Thank you for your time.
Respectfully,
Kim Thompson
Old Lyme Resident
Parent to Students in the Class of 2033 and 2039
To: The Region 18 Board of Education and Mr. Neviaser,
I attended the Board of Education meeting on May 4th and found myself very confused by some of the discussion happening around the school renovation. As members of the Board of Education you were elected to make decisions on the behalf of the district that are in the best interests of the students the schools serve, you are empowered to be the decision makers. Members of the board reported that they toured the elementary schools and students are learning in the hallways, teachers are on mobile carts because they do not have classrooms, and teacher prep space is in a closet. Suzanne Thompson reminded you all that families move to our town because of the high quality of the schools and seeing learning in hallways and teachers on carts does not align with that vision. The residents of Lyme and Old Lyme expect you to be good stewards to maintain the high quality of education that increases the value of all our properties; Students learning in hallways, conference rooms, or temporary spaces doesn’t seem to fit the definition of “high quality”.
Earlier this year you were presented with half a dozen options to fix the HVAC systems and solve overcrowding to maintain the low class sizes that are attracting tax payers to Lyme and Old Lyme, The Board decided to move forward with the option to renovate Mile Creek, while this is not the option that I would have personally preferred, it is disheartening to see the board continue to see evidence that more space is needed and then to continue to question whether more space is actually needed.
I think it would be helpful to see a master plan for the district, it seems that renovation projects seem to pop up on relatively short notice and don’t necessarily consider all long-term plans for the district. For example, the Pre-School was expanded 3 years ago, I recognize that there was unexpected growth in the population due to the pandemic after that expansion, it was short sighted not to use that renovation as an opportunity to build a robust early childhood learning center with PK3-K at Center School. Other districts are now offering universal PreK starting with 3-year-olds, is that part of Region 18’s vision? Are we going to get 2-3 years down the road and be looking at needing more classrooms for PK3? I don’t know the answers to those questions, but it seems that they might inform some decision making around this construction project.
I drive by the schools and see old window AC units hanging out the windows, clearly in use. My daughter comes home in May, June, August, and September complaining about it being hot in her classroom. I have also visited in the winter and found some classrooms to be freezing and others extremely warm because the current heating system is not working correctly. Window AC units are extremely inefficient, and a “high quality” school also means providing a “high quality” environment for learning.
As several members of the Board pointed out, AC is not just about comfort, even when buildings are not occupied, AC can be important in controlling indoor allergens. Anyone who has sought medical help from an Allergist will tell you that the first things they will advise new patients to do to control indoor allergies are to 1. Replace your carpets and 2. Install air conditioning. Apparently, at Mile Creek the hot water/heat gets circulated through the library in the summer to decrease the humidity and prevent mold/mildew growth, that is a complete waste of energy, and I can’t imagine it makes for a very comfortable environment if anyone (custodial staff or the librarian) needs to use the space. COVID has also taught us that frequent exchange of air and the use of HEPA filtration can be important components of maintaining a healthy environment and decreasing the spread of disease.
Sadly, the tragedy in Uvalde, TX, has also taught us that maintaining a comfortable indoor environment can be a component of security as well, it seems that a propped open door that did not close properly played a part in the shooter accessing the school. While the reason the door was propped open hasn’t been published, I’ve frequently heard about windows and doors in our schools and many other older school buildings being opened to increase air circulation. If HVAC systems are working properly, it would mean that there would be fewer reasons for exterior windows and doors to be opened.
Please do not cut the air conditioning component of this building project, it is vital to the health and safety of our students and teachers and important for maintaining the buildings and the school assets they house. I ask you to please consider putting expanding center school back on the table as a potential solution to reduce crowding in the schools and/or to prioritize building plans that will further enhance the learning experiences of our students by maintaining small class sizes and making sure students have an appropriate environment for all the educational services they receive. If there is a 5-year or 10-year master plan, I would like to see that maintained somewhere it is easy for the public to access so we can have perspective on how these building proposals fit into larger plans for the district. If there is not a master plan, I would like to see one developed.
Thank you for your time.
Respectfully,
Kim Thompson
Old Lyme Resident
Parent to Students in the Class of 2033 and 2039
Statement on Uvalde by Colin Heffernan, Democratic nominated candidate for the 23rd House District.
As the news of yet another shooting came out of Uvalde, on the heels of the shooting in Buffalo, I’m reminded of how little progress we’ve made since Sandy Hook. We still have craven politicians blaming everything but guns for the massacres that steal our children and threaten our lives in every corner of public space. We still have talking heads fantasizing that a “good guy with a gun” can stop monsters, even when we just saw that they can’t. I’d like to say “enough” but that won’t do. It will never be “enough” until we demand that lawmakers denounce the culture of death that values an AR15 over a child. It’s far too easy to get a weapon of mass carnage in this country, and no amount of bad faith whataboutism will change that fact.
Oh, and here’s the thing: I’m a gun owner. I bought a shotgun while I was living in post Katrina New Orleans where there were precious few police and the National Guard was patrolling the street under a state of emergency. It was a scary time and I know first-hand that there are legitimate reasons to purchase and keep a gun.
But what we have now is madness. When a kid can go and buy two assault rifles for his eighteenth birthday and then murder nineteen children a week later, the issue could not be starker. It is far too easy to obtain assault weapons and the results are horrific. We passed good laws in Connecticut after Sandy Hook, but rifles and madmen don’t respect state lines and the easy access to assault weapons in the USA threatens all of us and all of our children.
Let’s get to “enough” and demand that every one of our lawmakers commit to using every tool at their disposal to enact nationwide comprehensive gun reform. If they refuse to do that, they shouldn’t represent us…..because they never will.
Colin Heffernan
As the news of yet another shooting came out of Uvalde, on the heels of the shooting in Buffalo, I’m reminded of how little progress we’ve made since Sandy Hook. We still have craven politicians blaming everything but guns for the massacres that steal our children and threaten our lives in every corner of public space. We still have talking heads fantasizing that a “good guy with a gun” can stop monsters, even when we just saw that they can’t. I’d like to say “enough” but that won’t do. It will never be “enough” until we demand that lawmakers denounce the culture of death that values an AR15 over a child. It’s far too easy to get a weapon of mass carnage in this country, and no amount of bad faith whataboutism will change that fact.
Oh, and here’s the thing: I’m a gun owner. I bought a shotgun while I was living in post Katrina New Orleans where there were precious few police and the National Guard was patrolling the street under a state of emergency. It was a scary time and I know first-hand that there are legitimate reasons to purchase and keep a gun.
But what we have now is madness. When a kid can go and buy two assault rifles for his eighteenth birthday and then murder nineteen children a week later, the issue could not be starker. It is far too easy to obtain assault weapons and the results are horrific. We passed good laws in Connecticut after Sandy Hook, but rifles and madmen don’t respect state lines and the easy access to assault weapons in the USA threatens all of us and all of our children.
Let’s get to “enough” and demand that every one of our lawmakers commit to using every tool at their disposal to enact nationwide comprehensive gun reform. If they refuse to do that, they shouldn’t represent us…..because they never will.
Colin Heffernan
Statement on Uvalde
by Mary Jo Nosal
I am deeply grieved to witness, again, the senseless mass murder of children, in their school, due to unfettered access to weapons that only belong in the hands of our military. If our babies are not safe in school none of us are safe. Having seen the parade of hearses in Newtown, a nightmare I can't shake, I implore you to support sensible gun control laws in this country. It is clear that only the American people can make this happen.
Mary Jo Nosal, Old Lyme DTC Chair
by Mary Jo Nosal
I am deeply grieved to witness, again, the senseless mass murder of children, in their school, due to unfettered access to weapons that only belong in the hands of our military. If our babies are not safe in school none of us are safe. Having seen the parade of hearses in Newtown, a nightmare I can't shake, I implore you to support sensible gun control laws in this country. It is clear that only the American people can make this happen.
Mary Jo Nosal, Old Lyme DTC Chair
The Regional School Board #18 Budget Referendum passed on May 3.
Thank you voters for supporting the kids and teachers of regional School District 18!
https://lymeline.com/2022/05/lyme-old-lyme-school-budget-passes-overwhelmingly-in-both-towns/
Thank you voters for supporting the kids and teachers of regional School District 18!
https://lymeline.com/2022/05/lyme-old-lyme-school-budget-passes-overwhelmingly-in-both-towns/
Learn about uniting for Ukraine
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Find out what the CT Legislature did during the last session.
https://ctmirror.org/tag/2022-legislative-session/
or
https://ctmirror.org/2022/05/31/video-ct-mirrors-legislative-session-recap-and-2022-election-preview/
https://ctmirror.org/tag/2022-legislative-session/
or
https://ctmirror.org/2022/05/31/video-ct-mirrors-legislative-session-recap-and-2022-election-preview/
May 3, 2022
Governor Lamont Joins Coalition of 17 Governors Urging Congressional Leaders To Take Immediate Action Protecting Reproductive Rights
https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/570979556/governor-lamont-joins-coalition-of-17-governors-urging-congressional-leaders-to-take-immediate-action-protecting-reproductive-rights
Governor Lamont Joins Coalition of 17 Governors Urging Congressional Leaders To Take Immediate Action Protecting Reproductive Rights
https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/570979556/governor-lamont-joins-coalition-of-17-governors-urging-congressional-leaders-to-take-immediate-action-protecting-reproductive-rights
Update: Reproductive Rights Bill passes the CT House
"The bill had electoral as well as policy implications, giving the first-term Democratic governor and lawmakers an opportunity to highlight their defense of reproductive rights in an election year.
The bill passed on 87-60 vote that blurred party lines."
https://ctmirror.org/2022/04/19/lamont-pledges-to-sign-abortion-rights-bill/
"The bill had electoral as well as policy implications, giving the first-term Democratic governor and lawmakers an opportunity to highlight their defense of reproductive rights in an election year.
The bill passed on 87-60 vote that blurred party lines."
https://ctmirror.org/2022/04/19/lamont-pledges-to-sign-abortion-rights-bill/
SIGNED By Governor Lamont!
Public Act No. 22-2 AN ACT REVISING CERTAIN ABSENTEE VOTING ELIGIBILITY STATUTES.
Public Act No. 22-2 AN ACT REVISING CERTAIN ABSENTEE VOTING ELIGIBILITY STATUTES.
Selectwoman Martha Shoemaker and the Old Lyme DTC honor First Responders.
Despite a unanimous vote by the Board of Selectman to honor Essential Workers on Valentine's Day, the First Selectman subsequently changed the date of the honor. Why did Mr. Griswold make this unilateral change? The First Selectman is currently out of the country on vacation .
Despite a unanimous vote by the Board of Selectman to honor Essential Workers on Valentine's Day, the First Selectman subsequently changed the date of the honor. Why did Mr. Griswold make this unilateral change? The First Selectman is currently out of the country on vacation .
Let's Appoint Pro-Community Volunteers
Connecticut Democrats Continue To Support Public Safety
Democratic Caucus Announcement
In The News
- https://www.msnbc.com/the-sunday-show/watch/sen-chris-murphy-calls-out-lawmakers-amid-saturday-s-mass-shooting-in-buffalo-140049477601
- Remembering January 6 by U.S. Representative Joe Courtney bit.ly/32MXlV3
- School boards need to let the professionals teach
- Aaron Emma's LTE - Colwell's Beliefs, Her Endorsement by Old Lyme RTC, Raise Serious Questions
- Dave Rubino's LTE - We Cannot Afford Conspiracy Theorists on the Board of Education
- Shoemaker and Lampos make a case for Selectman of Old Lyme
- Old Lyme selectwoman’s request for racism resolution continues to be ignored
- Martha Shoemaker's LTE - Shoemaker Explains Decision to Run for Old Lyme’s ‘Top Job’ + BOE
- Paul Fuchs' LTE - Taxes Can Always be Kept Low if Expensive Town Projects are Pushed into the Future
- Op-Ed - Lampos Makes His Case, ‘I’m Not Running “Against” Anyone, But Rather “For” Old Lyme’
Past events we loved!
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Election Day With Young
Old Lyme Democrats |
Young Dems make s'mores with Town Treasurer, Mike Reiter
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Meet the Authors & Book Signing
Saturday Oct 9th - DTC HQ - 24 Lyme Street Local Old Lyme Historians and authors Jim Lampos & Michaelle Pearson shared their books on the history of Old Lyme. All book sales will benefit the Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee. |
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Meet & Greet - Meetinghouse
Thursday Oct 14th 5pm - 7pm - 11 Meetinghouse Hill Rd Join the candidates and your neighbors and learn more about the DTC and the candidates running for Old Lyme election on Nov 2nd. |
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Meet & Greet @ The Thompson's
Saturday Oct 17th 3pm - 5pm - 2 Littlefield Ln Learn s'more about the Old Lyme Democratic candidates. Casual fireside chats with the candidates. |
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Campaign Kick-Off 2021
We had a wonderful afternoon introducing our 2021 candidates! We were joined by Governor and Mrs. Ned Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Senator Richard Blumenthal. |
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Memorial Day 2021
Handing out flags to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, and remembering their families.
Handing out flags to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, and remembering their families.
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The Old Lyme DTC and Friends sponsored the ice cream social at the Lymes' Senior Center Concert |
from near right: Gil Soucie, Anna Reiter, John Pote, Roger Nosal, Candace Fuchs, Kim Thompson, Bonnie Reemsnyder, and Paul Fuchs. Missing -Joyce Soucie, Christine Gianquinto and Mary Jo Nosal
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