Community Bulletin Board
Niantic River Railroad Bridge & Channel Closure Update(s)
June 20, 2010 to October 15, 2010 (Summer Boating Season)
This planned closures will be on Sunday nights (beginning at 2200 hrs) till Monday mornings (ending at 0430hrs) and Monday nights (beginning at 2200 hrs) till Tuesday mornings (ending at 0430hrs) with two exceptions: (1) the channel will remain open during the four days on either side of a full moon to accommodate fishing charters that depart at night and (2) there will be a scheduled opening between 0130hrs to 0200hrs from August 1 to October 15 to accommodate nighttime tuna charters. Amtrak occasionally could also request a waterway closure on Wednesday mornings from 0030hrs to 0430hrs.
October 16, 2010 to December 15, 2010 (Fall Season)
This planned closures will be on Sunday through Thursday from 2100hrs to 0500hrs.
December 16, 2010 through March 15, 2011 (Winter Season)
This planned period will have closures on Sunday through Thursday from 0900hrs to 1700hrs and from 2100hrs to 0500hrs. Two closures each day.
March 16, 2011 through May 15, 2011 (Spring Season)
This planned period will have closures on Sunday through Wednesday from 2200hrs to 0430hrs.
Obviously during the run of the construction project there will be certain tasks that will require additional channel closures from 12 to 24 hours and even a 7 day closure for floating in the new bridge structure.
The above information has been provided by the CMTA.
Note: As many boaters to the area know, Amtrak has begun construction on the replacement of the aging Niantic River Railroad Bridge. As part of this construction, there will be times Amtrak will need to close the channel and/or railroad bridge to boater traffic. As a result, we will post bridge and channel closure information from the US Coast Guard and the CMTA (Connecticut Marina Trades Association) as it is made available. However, changes to closure dates/times may be made without notice; therefore, the above information is subject to change without notice, and is only being provided as a courtesy to visitors of DiscoverEastLyme.com.
For additional information regarding the Niantic River Bridge Replacement Project, call 1-800-288-1310 or visit:
Amtrak Niantic River Bridge Replacement ProjectBeach Passes to McCook's & Hole-in-the-Wall Beaches & Park
Beach passes are required in the summer to access McCook's Beach and Park and the Hole-in-the-Wall Beach in Niantic, East Lyme.
Seasonal Permits and/or Day Passes can be purchased Monday thru Friday at the EL Parks & Recreation Department located at
41 Society Rd. (860) 739-5828. Passes usually go on sale the 1st Monday in May.
Beach Passes can also be purchased on Saturday's, Sunday's and on holiday's at the new Hole-in-the-Wall Support Building located at the end of Baptist Lane.
Enjoy the beach, the beautiful comminuty of East Lyme, and please help keep them clean!The Purple Bench – Free Outdoor Fitness
Brought to you by Anytime Fitness and the Children’s Museum of Southeastern Connecticut, these summer activities promote an active lifestyle and take advantage of our beautiful corner of Connecticut. Join certified trainers from Anytime Fitness for a series of hikes, walks, bike rides, yoga and fun family programs in Niantic and surrounding areas. Bring your family and friends for some outdoor fun and fitness!
Registration is required and all activities are cancelled in case of rain.
Lynnea & Axel Mahlke
The Purple Bench
Anytime Fitness
Tel: 860.691.1611
Email: EastLymeCT@anytimefitness.com
www.purplebench.com
June
· “Walk This Weigh” - Thursday 6/1, 6:45 am at Anytime Fitness. An intense outdoor walking session that includes weight training, cardio and much more to help get you ready for summer!
· “Sunrise Yoga” - Wednesday 6/2 6:30 am at Hole in The Wall Beach. There is no better way to start your day than with yoga! This invigorating Hatha yoga session will challenge you to unite mind and body.
· “Family Stretch & Walk” - Friday 6/11 6:30 pm at Children’s Museum of SECT. An invigorating walk around the Niantic neighborhood, this Purple Bench event is appropriate for any fitness level and will be followed by a series of stretches. Feel better – move better – look better!
· “Healthy Hike”- Monday 6/14 10:00 am Hartman Park. This moderate 45 – 60 minute hike offers a great variety of terrains and is the perfect way to incorporate outdoor fitness. Cardio, strength and great body-mind connection are the benefits of hiking the hills of Hartman Park.
· “Family Circuit Training” - Wednesday 6/23 4:30 pm at Children’s Museum of SECT. Explore how you can create a simple workout for the whole family that incorporates upper & lower body strength, balance and flexibility training. Fun – Efficient – Realistic!
· “Healthy Hike” - Sunday 6/27 2:30 pm at Oswegatchi Hills. This moderate 45 – 60 minute hike offers a great variety of terrains and is the perfect way to incorporate outdoor fitness. Cardio, strength and great body-mind connection are the benefits of this healthy hike.
July
· “Family Walk & Tone” - Friday 7/2 5:30 pm at Children’s Museum of SECT. This is a perfect combination for those of us who want to bring a “walk” to the next level. A vigorous walk with frequent strengthening intervals is the “European” way to stay fit.
· “Nordic Walking” - Tuesday 7/6 8:00 am Hartman Park. Walking with specifically designed walking poles is the fastest growing sport in Europe. Join Master Trainer Axel Mahlke for a 60 – 90 minute walk which trains the complete body while being extremely joint friendly.
· “Family Balance & Flexibility Training” - Saturday 7/17 9:00 am at Children’s Museum of SECT. Discover fun and simple ways for the whole family to train and improve their balance and flexibility.
· “Hike & Tone” - Wednesday 7/21 9:30 am at Rocky Neck State Park Take a gentle hike and throw some moderate strength exercise intervals into it and you get the perfect weight loss tool for a great summer day.
· “Family Bike Ride” - Saturday 7/24 3:00 pm. A 5 mile ride for kids & parents in the neighborhoods of Harkness Park. Enjoy a breeze during this joint-friendly family fun. A longer tour (20+miles) is available for our more experienced riders.
· “Run & Tone” - Tues. 7/27 8:00 am at East Lyme High School Track. A jog-run for those of us who want to go to the next level. 45 – 60 minutes of cardio and full body toning.
August
· “Nordic Walking” - Monday 8/2 6:00 pm at Oswegatchi Hills. Walking with specifically designed walking poles is the fastest growing sport in Europe. Join Master Trainer Axel Mahlke for a 60 – 90 minute walk which trains the complete body while being extremely joint friendly.
· “Healthy Hike”- Saturday 8/7 9:30 am at Hartman Park. This moderate 45 – 60 minute hike offers a great variety of terrains and is the perfect way to incorporate outdoor fitness. Cardio, strength and great body-mind connection are the benefits of healthy hiking.
· “Hike & Stretch” – Wednesday 8/11 6:00pm Rocky Neck State Park. A 60 minute hike with a thorough stretching session afterwards. The fresh ocean breeze makes this a true New England workout experience.
· “Bike Ride”- Sunday 8/15 4:00 pm. A 5 mile ride for kids & parents in the Giant’s Neck and Rocky Neck area of Niantic. Enjoy a day out with family and friends during this joint-friendly activity. A longer tour (20+miles) is available for our more experienced riders.
· “Yoga with Kids” - Saturday 8/21 9:00 am at Children’s Museum of SECT. Yoga is a healthy and fun activity for mind and body development for all ages. Learn about the unlimited benefits this ancient practice has to offer as you breathe, stretch, and de-stress. All levels and ages are welcome.
· “Family Jog & Stretch” - Friday 8/27 5:30 pm at Children’s Museum of SECT Experience that jogging can be joint friendly, invigorating and with a smile on your face. This session may open your mind to discover the power of movement. 45 minutes including some unique stretches.
- August 10, 2010
EL Business Organization (ELBO) Meeting
The next East Lyme Business Organization group meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 10th beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant.
All East Lyme business owners and/or managers, regardless of the type of business, are invited and encouraged to attend.
For additional information about the ELBO group, visit: ELBO webpage- August 12 - August 13, 2010
Broadway Revue ~ Celebrating 100 Years of Broadway Music
The East Lyme High School Stage will come alive on August 12 & 13 with East Lyme Regional Theater’s first community musical production! This vibrant experience in local theater is sponsored by East Lyme Parks and Recreation and directed by Erin Sousa-Stanley. Thirty five area performing artists, ranging from elementary students to adults will grace the stage in a Broadway Revue, celebrating 100 years of Broadway music. Audience members will be captivated by the energy and talent of this new group as it performs classic favorites through dance and song. A portion of the proceeds from this show will be donated to the American Heart Association in memory of Donna Formica and Eileen Wilson. The long term goal of the ELRT is to produce a full scale musical every summer. This production is the first step towards achieving that goal. If you are interested in more information please contact Erin Sousa-Stanley at 501-1456. Or, if you wish to become a member of ELRT, please send your check (Made payable to Town of East Lyme ) to East Lyme Parks & Recreation, 41 Society Road, Niantic , CT 06357.
Summer Suppers at the Niantic Community Church
Niantic Community Church is excited to announce its 2010 schedule of Summer Suppers. An area icon of summer tradition, the church community has been opening its dining hall doors to the public since 1966 when the first Summer Supper began. Forty five years ago, 1,800 meals were served over that summer, feeding crowds of people for $1.50 for adults and $.75 per child. While the hospitality, fellowship and fabulous home cooked food remains constant, the prices have increased a bit. $1356.83 was raised that season that went toward a building fund that eventually helped fund a church addition.
Back then before folks were health conscious, the meal was roast beef with all the fixins served family style like it still is today, but roast turkey has been added to the menu. Hungry visitors who come from all over the area enjoy the warmth and friendliness that NCC is known for. Their plates filled with mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, bread, and coleslaw, this community meal is a welcome respite for those hoping to stay out of a hot kitchen on warm New England summer days. Few forget to leave room for an assortment of delectable home originated sweet treats following dinner.
Cooked by talented culinary masters from NCC and served by a plethora of volunteers, the experience is pure Niantic community at its best, breaking bread, making friends and raising money for continued ministry.
The Tuesday Summer Supper fees remain the same as last year at $9 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. The schedule this year is July 6 and 20, and August 3 and 17 with seatings at 5:30 and 6:30pm. Meals can be taken “to go” between 5:30 and 7:00pm, or eaten family style with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Niantic Community Church is handicapped accessible. It is located at 170 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic, CT.
For additional information, call (860) 739-6208.McCook Point Park ~ Pavilion Rentals
The Pavilion at McCook Point Park is available to rent for private functions. Interested individuals should contact the Town of East Lyme's Parks and Recreation Department at (860) 739-5828 for additional information. The Parks and Recreation Department is located at 41 Society Rd., Niantic, CT. 06357.
Parking in Downtown Niantic
Whether you’re coming to town for the East Lyme / Niantic Light Parade in December or the Celebrate East Lyme Festival in July, there is always plenty of FREE Parking available in the Municipal Parking lot on Hope St.
(one block behind Main St. and off Pennsylvania Ave. or Rt. 161).Food Pantry Donations
Care & Share of East Lyme accepts food pantry donations on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month at their 11 Hope St. location (across from Rings End Lumber). For more information, call 739-8502
or visit: Care & Share of East LymeNiantic Boardwalk - UPDATE
As Amtrack begins work on the replacement of the Niantic River Railroad Bridge, we will try to keep you informed of their progress, and impacts the work may have on the Niantic Boardwalk.
March 1, 2010 - Amtrack begin work on the Niantic River Bridge, and as a result closed the east end (the wooden portion) of the Boardwalk. Limited public access to the Boardwalk will continue to be available throughout the project via the Hole-in-the-Wall Beach (via Baptist Lane entrance).Money Magazine Names East Lyme a Top 100 Place to Live!
Money Magazine recently named East Lyme as one of their top 100 Places to Live noting that East Lyme was as "quaint as a New England seaside town can be." East Lyme's “strong school system” helped it land the No. 75 spot in Money magazine's 2009 list of Best Places to Live. The magazine also cited East Lyme's small downtown, community beach and proximity to rail service, median family income of more than $95,000, and median home prices of $281,250 being factors in being selected.
For additional information, visit: Money Magazine ArticleCommunity Emergency Response Team
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a group of volunteers that can be activated to provide assistance to their neighbors and the town during large-scale disasters, such a major hurricane. We are currently working in conjunction with surrounding area CERT teams to act as a regional resource. Our regional efforts have resulted in a new website (www.cert-sect.org), where those interested can find information about our CERT activities and about the CERT program in general.
We need all the volunteers we can get! Hope you can help.
For additional information, please contact Pearl I. Rathbun, Emergency Management Director for the Town of East Lyme at (860) 739-4434 or visit: www.cert-sect.orgCongratulations ~ East Lyme High School
Congratulations to everyone at East Lyme High School on being named one of “America’s Best High Schools” by U.S. News & World Report. East Lyme earned a “silver medal” in a survey of 18,790 public high schools around the country. For a complete list of those high schools making the list from Connecticut, visit: America’s Best High Schools
East Lyme Newcomers Club
The East Lyme Newcomers Club meets the first Thursday each month at Niantic Community Church, 170 Pennslylvania Avenue from 09.30 - 11.30 a.m. Creche available. Club activities include mom and kids, food and friends, lunch bunch, book group and more. For more information, please contact Janet Banks at (860) 739-2891 or e-mail her at: janbanks@hotmail.co.uk
Niantic Toastmasters Club
The Niantic Community Toastmasters Club meets the first and third Mondays of the month from 7:00 p.m. 'til 8:30 p.m. at the Niantic Community Church; 170 Pennsylvania Avenue. The purpose of the club is to: provide mutual support; develop communication & leadership skills; foster self-confidence & attain personal growth. Guests are welcome!
For additional information, please contact Catherine Steel at (860) 691-1223 or e-mail her at: csteel@ct.metrocast.netAmerican Legion (Post # 128) ~ Monthly Meeting Notice
The American Legion Post # 128 holds its monthly meetings the second Thursday of each month beginning at 7:30 PM at their 16 York Ave Niantic CT 06357 location. All Veterans are welcomed and encouraged to attend.