It was a short, but eventful week in Town Hall. If you were visiting us on Thursday, you might have noticed that we were having new doors installed on the lower level as well as by the Meeting Hall foyer. This is the first part of our new door project, which has been on the “to do” list for some time and will provide us with better security and energy efficiency. The front doors in the main section of Town Hall will be replaced after Election Day.  

Another security improvement for Town Hall was implemented this week. A camera has been installed for the absentee ballot box outside. This measure is mandated by the Secretary of State’s office. Cameras were recently installed at the Police Station as well.   

The Harbor Management Commission (HMC) informed us that two of their SHIPP Grant applications were approved by the CT Port Authority on Tuesday. A $33,000 grant for dredge permitting of the Four Mile River entrance and $280,000 for expansion of our municipal pier. Over the next few weeks, the commission will be establishing working groups to manage these exciting new projects that directly support our citizens and maritime community. We are always impressed by our small, but mighty, HMC as it continues to make impactful contributions to the waterways of Old Lyme!

Two noteworthy events happening tomorrow, Saturday, October 19^th in Old Lyme

• PAWtoberfest is taking place at the Old Lyme Animal Shelter on 3 Machnik Dr from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This is a wonderful way to support our Animal Shelter. Various vendors will be available for your shopping pleasure.  
• The Old Lyme Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) will be offering FREE flu vaccinations to Old Lyme and Lyme residents 18 and older. This is a drive-through format and will be held at the Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Please remember that Early Voting begins in Town Hall on Monday, October 21^st. The hours will be from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily (including Saturdays and Sundays). The only change to that schedule is on October 29^th and October 31^st when the hours are 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Please check the Registrar’s page for the most updated information regarding Early Voting.  

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is updating its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Section 504 Transition Plan to showcase the agency’s commitment to providing an accessible transportation network for all, while meeting federal ADA requirements. CTDOT is dedicated to improving accessibility among the State’s transportation networks and this month opens the 2024 Update to the ADA Transition Plan for public comment. CTDOT will be conducting public outreach both in-person and virtually. These events will offer opportunities for the public to provide input on the ADA Transition Plan. Meeting materials and any updates to outreach locations/dates/times can be found on the CTDOT ADA Transition Plan website.

If you are in Town Hall, be sure to check out our Annual Gourd Contest on the stairwell shelf. These entries were all made by our extremely creative Town of Old Lyme employees. The theme for this year was “food”. Our individual and group entries will be sure to bring a smile to your face.

Have a glorious weekend!