We are truly experiencing New England weather as the month begins. We might have seen our first snowflakes, but a few mild days are in the forecast for next week.

Last weekend, home assessment letters began arriving in the mail. The higher assessment numbers have been a concern for many of our residents. Bennett J. Bernblum, Board of Finance Chair; Melinda Kronfeld, Assessor; and I wrote this press release to further explain the revaluation process. We would also like to thank the CT Examiner and LymeLine for helping us disseminate the information. Please remember that you can schedule a meeting with the Reval Team to discuss this assessment. If you are not in town or unable to come into Town Hall, the Reval Team can set up a phone hearing / interview for your convenience.

On Tuesday, I attended the Connecticut Council of Municipalities Conference. This is an opportunity for town leaders and employees to attend professional development presentations. Participants choose from three workshops throughout the day. This also gives us the opportunity to meet with other towns and learn about new ideas which could be beneficial to Old Lyme. This year Erik Olsen, Facilities Manager; Michele Hayes, Selectman’s Office Manager; and Katie Balocca, Executive Assistant to the First Selectman attended the conference with me.

We have many rounds of applause for the following Town Hall Employees who have taken the time to attend professional development opportunities in order to obtain professional certifications and expand their knowledge of the many facets of municipal government.

• Glynis Houde, Building Department Assistant, attended Basic Code Enforcement Training this week. Glynis felt it was important to learn more about state building codes, the inspection process, items for Zoning review, and how to recognize site plan details.  
• Michele Hayes and Katie Balocca have spent the past year completing their thirty credits of professional development courses to obtain the Connecticut Certified Municipal Officer certification. The training provides opportunities for professional growth while learning to work collaboratively, solve problems, build partnerships, and work across political and organizational boundaries. These educational opportunities enabled them to expand their knowledge and enhance their leadership skills. They received their certificates at the CCM Conference.
• Congratulations also go out to Craig Bonnati, Land Use Technician, for completing two of his Connecticut Association of Zoning Enforcement Officials tests. Craig completed his first test in September and was notified last week that he had passed the Session 2 Exam as well. Yesterday, Craig informed me that he will be able to take the last test a year from now and will receive his certification. Craig has put a great amount of time and effort into his education. This training provides him with the most up-to-date rules, regulations, legal and technical knowledge to do his job for the residents of our town.

I attended the weekly Owner’s Meeting for the Senior Center Building Project. Prior to that meeting, I sat down with Stephanie Gould, Senior Center Director; Tom Meyer, IT Manager; and Erik Olsen, Facilities Manager, to put together a comprehensive punch list of items that the towns are responsible for completing before opening day. We need to coordinate with outside vendors for the sound system, computer, and security installations, as well as new furniture and storage item delivery.

Reminders:

• A note to all, please remember that the Lymes’ Senior Center is an active construction site and is CLOSED to the public for safety reasons.
• State Senator Martha Marx Listening Tour - Old Lyme's Stop is December 12^th in the Town Hall Meeting Hall at 6 PM. All residents are welcome to come and share their concerns.
• Should anyone come to your door please remember to ask them to show you their Solicitor Permit. We have no open permits at this time.

This weekend we have several seasonal activities in Old Lyme. 

• Light Up Old Lyme will be happening in our historic center tomorrow. After spending an enchanting day on Lyme Street, join me for the Tree Lighting at the Lyme Art Academy at 4 PM.
• On Sunday, the Old Lyme Town Band will be performing at 2 PM at Christ the King Church. This festive Holiday Concert is sure to put a smile on your face.

Many of our residents will be attending LYSB Holiday Parties this weekend. I hope you have a nice evening catching up with your neighbors and celebrating how lucky we are to live in Old Lyme.