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The Pomfret TimesThe Pomfret TimesVolume 20 Number 1 Pomfret’s Leading Community Newspaper APRIL 2015 www.thepomfrettimes.org
The Pomfret Times is published 12 times yearly and is mailed FREE to every household in Pomfret. It is also
distributed and available at various businesses within the towns of Eastford, Putnam, Woodstock and Thompson CT.
Pomfret’s Libraries and Commons
By James Platt
	 The first Library in Windham County was started in Pomfret in 1739. It was called “The United English Library for the Propagation of Christian
and Useful Knowledge”. It was set up to serve the citizens of Woodstock, Mortlake, Killingly and the western part of Thompson as well as Pomfret.
Originally there were 32 members who subscribed to it and they expended an amount of 418 pounds for the first books. In 1745 the people from Killingly
and Woodstock wanted a library nearer home so they split off, but a Library remained in Pomfret. Over time the Library exercised an influence in favor of
higher intelligence and culture in the community and in the year 1755 there were eight young men from Pomfret who entered Yale College. Soon after, there
were three more that entered making a total of eleven men from Pomfret who were in Yale at the same time. Of these men, nine became Ministers and one a
Teacher. In 1775 Mortlake split off and started their own Library. During the Revolutionary War the library existed, but with very few members, however at
the end of the war it was reorganized with fifteen new members. At this time most of the books were of theological and dogmatic subjects and were not too
entertaining. In 1793 a Social Library was formed and books of lighter and more entertaining subjects were stocked. In 1804 a Farmers Library was instituted
and it brought in even more books of lighter subjects. The library was kept in various private residences and at one time it was in the home of Abishai
Sabin, where the widow Sabin was the librarian. In 1893 when an addition was built on the Pomfret Hall the library was located in that building.
	 The Pomfret Hall no longer exists, it was a community
building located on land leased by the Episcopal Church on the
north side of the church. It was a one story building 60 feet by 30
feet built on piers. It had an auditorium with a stage. It had a covered
entrance on the front which allowed for the approach and departure
of carriages with out being influenced by storms. The building was
built by subscriptions and initially cost $1,200. It was used for
entertainment, lectures, concerts, religious meetings and other
public gatherings. The original Nativity Pageant was performed in
this building. It was originally designed to provide entertainment
for the summer guest and was known as Greystoke It has been
reported to have been one of the finest community buildings to
be found in a rural area. It was built in 1877 and existed until
1936 when it was torn down.
	 In 1793 a library was formed in Abington by a group called
The Propriety. They called it “The Social Library of Abington.”
It was started with 100 volumes and Walter Lyon was the Librarian.
The price of a share was 12 shillings. The subject matter of the
books was considered too heavy for young minds so a “Junior
Library “was formed in 1804. John Holbrook was made Librarian
and it was started with 90 volumes of light literature of the day.
In 1813 the library was expanded again with what was called the
“Ladies Library.” Althea Lord was made the librarian and an
additional Seventy Dollars were raised to purchase books. An
initial fee of Three Dollars was charged new members with an annual fee of twenty five cents. In 1815 the Social and Children’s libraries were united into
“The United Library of Abington”. At the time of the merger the library contained One Thousand volumes. It was about twenty five years later when the
Ladies Library finally merged with the Social Library. A building to house the library was built in 1883 adjacent to the Abington Congregational Church
on what was then known as the “Common “.	
	 The term Common refers to a tract of land owned by all. In the Town of Pomfret there were several “Commons” over the years. The only one
that exists today is the little park opposite the Vanilla Bean Restaurant. In colonial days there were several of these parcels of land. The main one that is
mentioned in the history books was the land on the east side of Pomfret Street at the top of Pomfret Hill. This was adjacent and north of the original
Congregational Church site on the corner of Needles Eye Road. During the “Lexington Alarm” as the British prepared to march on the Town of Lexington,
Massachusetts the call went out to mobilize the Militias. The official dispatch was received on April 20th 1775 and the story of Israel Putnam leaving the
oxen and plow in the field while he rode directly to Cambridge is well known. The next day volunteers started to assemble on the Common in Pomfret and
the Common in Abington. Ten companies of Militias from the western part of Windham County assembled with as many as a thousand men armed and
ready to fight. The diary of Colonel Storrs notes that it was decided that two companies would go on to Cambridge and the other eight companies would
go home. There were fifty nine men from Pomfret who marched out that night with the two companies chosen. Men from Ashford, Windham, Canterbury,
and Pomfret took part in the Battle of Bunker Hill. There are the names of eleven men from Windham County who died in that battle and are inscribed
on the Bunker Hill Monument.
	 A second parcel of land referred to as a Common exists in Abington. It is a small triangular plot of land on the west side of Hampton Road
opposite Clinic Drive. The access drive to The Old Abington Cemetery passes over part of this land. The land for this common was purchased from
Beacham Goodell in 1764. It was on this land that Zebediah Ingalls trained his company of Militia prior to the start of the Revolutionary War in 1775.
The Ephraim Ingalls tavern was located on the southwest corner of this common which was very convient for the soldiers to relax in after their drills.
The Common is now shown on the town tax maps a being part of the right of way for Route 97 (Hampton Road) and is currently owned by the State.
At the time this Common was actively used the road passed along its west side and its eastern boundary extended into what is now the highway right of way.
	 A second use for the Commons was a place to detain wandering livestock until the owners could retrieve them. It was also the place for such civic
activities as public executions and whipping. The history books mention that such activities did take place in Pomfret in the Colonial Period, but that is
another story.
The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 2
William & Gladys Murdock Scholarship
Applications are now available at the Pomfret Community School Office
or Website, Pomfret’s Post Offices, Town Hall and Woodstock Academy
Guidance Office for the William & Gladys Murdock Scholarship
Applicants should be a member of a high school graduation class, or in
any undergraduate class of an accredited school of higher learning, and in
the top one-third of his/her high school class or maintaining satisfactory
grades in his/ her college classes. Preference will be given to those students
who have graduated from Pomfret Community School.
The application must be completed and mailed or dropped off at the
PCS Office by April 24, 2015.
Conservation Commission
Lois Orswell award nominations
The Pomfret Conservation Commission is accepting nominations
for the annual Lois Orswell Award. The award recognizes the
environmental and conservation contributions of individuals,
groups and businesses to the town of Pomfret. The Lois Orswell
award is given to a maximum of 2 recipients per year chosen from
the following categories:
An individual, either a child or an adult, a business, a group
The Award recognizes such contributions as:
• Developing conservation and environmental awareness
• Land use protection • Conservation projects, i.e. vernal pools,
butterfly gardens • Promoting green businesses • Preservation
and management of environmental habitats, natural diversity
& resources • Beautifying town properties
Nomination letters may be mailed to the Pomfret Conservation
Commission, 5 Haven Road, Pomfret, CT 06259. The deadline
for nominations is May 1, 2015. The Lois Orswell Award will
be presented on June 11, 2015.
The Pomfret Volunteer Fire Dept
& Pomfret-Eastford Little League
Will once again host our:
ANNUAL CHICKEN BBQ
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2015
12:00pm – 4pm $10/person
You can pick up your dinner at the Fire station or
come by the Little League field and enjoy your meal
while watching some great baseball action during
our Mid- Season Classic. Please come down and
enjoy a great day for all in the community.
Great food, Great baseball, all while
supporting two Great local organizations
Tickets can be purchased from a member of the Fire Dept.
or Little League. Tickets can also be purchased on-line at
www.pomfreteastfordll.org
Pomfret’s 9th Annual Town-Wide Tag Sale: Bargains & Benefits
Celebrate spring in Pomfret on Saturday, May 2nd with the 9th Annual Town Wide Tag Sale sponsored by the Pomfret Proprietors. Starting at 7AM,
purchase a map to guide you to the many participating residences, businesses and organizations spread throughout town. Last year over 50 locations offered
bargains galore. A number of locations are fund-raising for their organizations, so your purchases will also benefit a good cause. A Town Wide Tag Sale Map
makes bargain hunting a breeze. Maps will be sold for $1 at Pomfret Community School (20 Pomfret Street, RTs 169 & 101) and Christ Church (527 Pomfret
St./RT. 169). Profits from map sales and registrations are donated to a local charitable organization.
If you purchase your map at PCS, enjoy homemade baked goods, coffee & lemonade from 8 – 11AM and support the Pomfret Girl Scouts. Then visit
the school cafeteria where the Friends of the Pomfret Public Library will host a Used Book & Tag Sale from 7AM until 12PM, featuring current fiction,
non-fiction, children’s books, biographies, and usually a lot of mystery/suspense. Most books are $1 for hardcovers and trade paperbacks, 50 cents for
regular paperbacks, plus a $5 Bag Sale from 11AM to noon (excluding individually priced books). Tag sale items run the gamut.
From PCS, follow Route 169 (a National Scenic Byway—enjoy the views!) north to Christ Church’s Colossal Rummage Sale (8AM to 1PM). This indoor
sale benefits the youth group “Journey to Adulthood” Summer Pilgrimage and features lots of great bargains plus a bake sale.
Don’t miss the 61st Annual Windham County 4-H Tag Sale, held this year ONLY at the Woodstock Fairgrounds on Route 171 in Woodstock while the
lodge in Pomfret is being renovated. This TWO-DAY TAG SALE runs Friday from 12 to 6PM and Saturday from 9AM to 6PM, rain or shine! There is
also an auction of goods and services on both days (preview 5PM, auction 6PM). Many items are donated from local businesses to make bidding at the
auction lively and fun. Thanks to the Woodstock Agricultural Society for graciously hosting this longstanding event to support the 4-H Camp programs
while they await the completion of their lodge renovations.
A site for multiple tag sales hosted by the Pomfret Food Pantry is located at the Pomfret Senior Center on Route 44 (207 Mashamoquet Rd.) to benefit
the Pomfret Food Pantry. Consult your map for many more tag sale locations all over town.
While you’re in Pomfret, enjoy this scenic and historic town. Better yet, spend the weekend and book one of the local B&Bs, visit Pomfret’s winery,
check out shops & galleries, take a walk on the town’s many nature & hiking trails, and check out CT Audubon’s Grassland Bird Conservation Center
on Day Road. Go to www.VisitPomfret.com for more information. Questions? Contact Martha Emilio (860) 974-1583 / Martha@majilly.com.
Pomfret BOF: Pass the Budgets, Hold the Mill Rate.
As budget season is coming to the forefront, Pomfret finds itself in a great position. Through the commendable efforts of our local officials more land has
been placed into open space, the needs of our educational community are being seen to, and the fund balance in our town is very healthy.
This year’s budget is asking for minimal increases to cover new Library and Senior Center programs from the Board of Selectmen and contractual increases
from the Board of Education. This would indicate that these boards are acting in a fiscally responsible manner to meet the needs of our community. Also of
note, the school population within our community has been dwindling for several years and it looks like this trend will continue for several years into the
future. This trend will lead to a gradual reduction in the Board of Education’s budget requirements in the foreseeable future.
The Board of Finance has been accruing funds to increase the town’s fund balance
for several years and at this point, the balance is very healthy. In addition to this, the
Grand List has seen some growth this past year. When all of these facts are taken into
consideration, it paints a fairly clear picture of how Pomfret can continue to move
forward in great fashion.
Keep the budgets intact as presented. This will allow the seniors of our community
and the Pomfret Public Library to expand programs, hours, and services in town and
the contractual obligations of the school system will have been met.
This can all be accomplished without the need to raise taxes. The Board of Finance
can simply use a small portion of the funds it is housing in the fund balance to cover
the increases. These are taxpayer monies and should be used to offset taxes when
and if possible.
The money is there. It’s not being used for anything. All indications demonstrate
that the town will not be looking for anything extraordinary for the foreseeable future
that would require a major use of the fund balance. Taking all of this into consider-
ation, it becomes clear that both budgets should pass intact and with no increase
in town taxes. Charlie Tracy
Letter To The Editors
As part of the 2015 Revaluation, many property
owners will be receiving a letter requesting an ap-
pointment to inspect their homes. Due to State and
contractual requirements it is imperative that property
owners make every effort to comply with the request
for an appointment to inspect the interior of their
home or building. The inspection typically takes less
than 10 minutes but is critical to the validity of the
revaluation. If you receive the letter, please do not put
it aside. Call the number referenced in the letter and
URGENT MESSAGE FROM THE ASSESSOR’S OFFICE
schedule an appointment. If you have any questions, contact the Assessor’s
Office at (860) 974-1674 or bonnie.duncan@pomfretct.gov.
Thank you, Bonnie J. Duncan, CCMA Assessor
The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 3
61st Annual Windham County
4-H Auction & Tag Sale
Friday May 1st & Sat. May 2nd
Auction - 5 pm preview & 6 pm start
Tag Sale – Noon to 6 Friday & 9-6 Sat.
This year ONLY
at the WOODSTOCK FAIRGROUNDS
Call 860-974-3379 to donate items
Registrars of Voters To
Continue Voter Canvass.
Your help is required to keep our
records up to date.
We are continuing our Canvass of the electors.
Thank you to all who have responded! We
appreciate your help in keeping our records up to
date. We sent out 50 notices to electors who may
have moved out of town. Of those, nine have been
returned or 18%. Please return these forms or you
will be placed on the inactive list. This means that
on any election or primary day you will not be on
our active voter list. You will still be eligible to vote
but it will take more time to process your paperwork
to allow you to vote. The final date to return the
notices is May 1, 2015.
For people who have moved within town, we sent
out 30 notices and six have been returned or 20%.
Please let us know if you this is an accurate address.
We have included a stamped envelope to make this
return easier for you.
This year in addition to our regular Canvas,
we will be sending out notices voters who have not
voted in four years. If this is you, please return the
bright pink form to us as soon as possible. If we do
not receive the bright pink form by the mid-April,
those electors will be placed on the inactive list.
As stated above, this means that on any election or
primary day you will not be on our active voter list.
You will still be eligible to vote but it will take more
time to process your paperwork to allow you to vote.
Please return the Canvass forms to us as soon as
possible. We thank you in advance!
Susan Devokaitis and Martha Emilio
Registrars of Voters
2015 TEEG Scholarship
Opportunity for Local
Community Minded Students
Applications for the 2015 TEEG Scholarship are
now available. The TEEG scholarship is a minimum
$500 award distributed to a college or training program
bound high school graduate who resides in Thompson,
Woodstock or Pomfret. Applicants for this scholarship
should be students pursuing higher education or
a training program after graduation who have
participated in extracurricular activities and
volunteer service that has benefited their fellow
students or the community at large.
Applications are available in the Guidance Depart-
ments at the following schools: Pomfret Preparatory
School, Woodstock Academy, Tourtellotte Memorial
High School, Marianapolis Preparatory School, Ellis
Tech and Killingly High School. Applications are
also available at the TEEG office and online at
www.teegonline.org/scholarship.
Applications must be mailed to the following
address and RECEIVED by 1pm on April 2nd.
TEEG Scholarship Committee
P.O. Box 664, 15 Thatcher Rd,
North Grosvenordale, CT 06255
8th Annual Chicken Cordon Bleu Dinner
Saturday, April 25th - Save the Date
The Champany & Rasicot families along with members of Happy Endings Relay for Life Team
will be holding their 9th Annual Chicken Cordon bleu Dinner and Silent Auction at Pomfret
Community School on Saturday April 25, 2015. Dinner includes salad, Chicken Cordon Bleu
(chicken fingers available for children if preferred), rice pilaf, glazed carrots, roll, and a chocolate
sundae on a brownie for dessert. Everything is made fresh that day with real butter, cream and
wine (not cooking wine).
Bidding on auction items begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20
for adults, $10 for children 10 and under, children 4 and under are always free. For more information
and tickets call Bev Champany at 860-974-1202.
This event helps the American cancer Society with funding for research, helping cancer patients
with transportation for treatments, wigs and advocacy for funding for cancer research.
THE POMFRET LIONS
The Pomfret Lions Club raises money for various charities and activities
in the Quiet Corner. The Club is looking to increase its involvement in local
eye related activities and programs. On April 23rd the Pomfret Lions club
will be holding an eye and hearing screening at Seely Brown Village in
Pomfret. Eye screenings help separate those with and without possible
vision problems. Vision screenings results may indicate a potential need
for further assessment. In addition, Ralph Campagna from Amplisound in
Danielson will provide a hearing screening. Screening will determine if further
evaluation is is needed.
Screening sessions do not take very long to complete. The exams will from
6:00 pm to 8:00pm on April 23rd. All are welcome to attend. Please call Cathy Grant at
860-928-2744 to schedule an appointment. Seely Brown Village is located at 400 Deerfield Road
in Pomfret. Rides will be provided if needed.
Veteran’s Notes:
Attention Veterans! Photos Wanted for Memorial
Day Display.
The town of Pomfret would like to recognize and honor our veteran men and women
who proudly served our country by collecting and displaying their pictures in the town hall. If
you or a member of your family, living or passed on, would like to participate and be part of our
history, please send a copy (NO ORIGINALS) of a picture of the veteran, and info on the per-
son, such as rank, branch of service, dates, unit served, etc. Most of the info would be available
on their discharge papers, usually a DD214. If you can’t read or interpret it, you can provide a
copy, again no originals, and we can do that for you. If you have a picture, but are missing some
info, give us a call and we will try to help. We will also compile a list of our veterans and have
it available for anyone who might be of interest. Who knows, you might have a neighbor who
was in the same unit that you were!
We would like to have this project ready for Memorial Day, which is Monday, May 25,
so we need to have the pictures in by May 18. If you have any questions, please contact: Bonnie
Ryan, Selectmen’s Assistant in Town Hall, Bonnie Duncan at 860-974-1674, Garry Brown at
860-928-2309, or First Selectman Maureen Nicholson, 860-214-9755 for more information.
A display honoring our veteran’s will be assembled in the Town Hall. Your participation
is necessary to make this a success. Please take the time to participate and honor our Pomfret
veterans, both living and past.
Citizen Input Sought on Budgets
The Budgets for 2015-2016 have been approved by BOS and BOE, presented to
the BOF and at a Public Forum. Workshops will be held by the BOF to scrutinize the budgets
and take public comment before recommending a budget to take to voters. There will be a Public
Hearing in April, check the Town’s website for the date.
For a better understanding of the budget process, come to a budget workshop. You can also
attend any BOS, BOE, and BOF meeting and make yourself heard. If you aren’t comfortable
with speaking before a group, you can send a note or email (through the Town of Pomfret website)
outlining your ideas and concerns. It’s important for you to know what’s going on and it’s
important for us to know what you think.
Please fill out the survey on page 5 and return Pomfret Town Hall.
The Pomfret Fire District is preparing their budget at this time as well. They are a separate
taxing district from the town, but their bill is mailed out along with the Town’s bills. All three
budgets will be approved in the next few months and go into effect on July 1.
The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 4
The Pomfret Times
www.thepomfrettimes.org
The Pomfret Times is published twelve times
a year, the last week of each month, at Pomfret
Connecticut, by the Woodbridge Foundation Inc.
The Pomfret Times is distributed free of charge
to every home in Pomfret and mailed to out of
town subscribers within the U.S. for a contribution
of $25.00. This non-profit venture, is supported
by advertisement revenues and contributions.
POMFRET TIMES EDITORIAL BOARD:
Elizabeth L. Cartier and Maureen A. Nicholson.
•Elizabeth L. Cartier
email: elizabeth_c25@yahoo.com
home: (860-974-0688)
cell: (860-428-0043)
•Maureen A. Nicholson
email: CHARNIC@aol.com
(860-928-0070)
Subscriptions and advertising payments:
please send checks to
P.O. Box 72, Pomfret Center, CT 06259
Advertising: submission options-
•your business card, •“camera ready” black and white
art as prepared on high resolution photo paper. •black
& white pdf, or •high resolution jpeg image attached as
a separate file from the Word document /text of the Ad.
Please contact the editors with questions. We can set up
a great looking ad for you!
Advertising Rates: The cost for prepayment of a year,
will continue to be discounted and cost only an eleven
month premium. Please call an editor, or see our
website for pricing at : www.thepomfrettimes.org.
Payment is expected upon placement of the Ad.
The fee for checks returned by the bank will be $25.00.
Please contact the Editors for other size
options special offers,“insertion” rates, Etc.
All letters submitted to the editors must be signed and
include an address and telephone number for verifica-
tion. Any letter presented without this information will not
be printed. Letters submitted are subject to editing and
The Pomfret Times reserves the right to edit any and all
letters. The Pomfret Times will not print letters it regards
as offensive or slanderous.
Readers should be aware that opinions of i
ndividual writers are not necessarily those of the Pomfret
times. Due to space limitations, request letters to be kept
to a MAXIMUM of 300 words. Only one letter per author
per month will be accepted with a maximum of eight
per year.
550 Hampton Road, Pomfret.
The Abington Congregational Church Invites You To
Our Maunday Thursday Service At
7:00 Pm On Thursday April 2.
DID YOU KNOW THAT. . . . . 
James Robbins was awarded the Thomas S. Green Public Service Award by the Worcester
Regional Research Bureau. He is the Town Planner in Westboro.
 Christopher L Dyer was honored by Pratt & Whitney and the Hartford Chapter of the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
  If you know of any Pomfret citizen who should be acknowledged for an achievement
please contact elcartier1@aol.com.
One dozen military veterans from northeast Connecticut are pictured
at the first-ever event hosted by the new RSVP Veterans Coffeehouse in
Danielson on March 24.  There were 14 veterans present; 3 from Pomfret;
Garry Brown, Richard Miller and Gordon Sparadeo.  The group, joined
by spouses, volunteers and members of the public, were treated to a pre-
sentation by RSVP volunteer and former Army Green Beret Tom Pan-
dolfi of Woodstock (standing, far left) about the Flying Tigers American
Volunteer Group in China in the years preceding America’s entry into
WWII.  The new Veterans Coffeehouse, hosted by RSVP, will be housed
in the Killingly Community Center.  It is scheduled to open April 14.
Recycle Used Oil (must contain oil only)
Drop off at Town Garage
white container near Salt Shed 8 am – 5 pm
The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 5
Resident Survey – Plan of Conservation and Development
How can Pomfret best manage residential and com mercial growth in the coming years? What changes and improvements should be considered to maintain
and strengthen the character of the community? How should the Town plan for open space, municipal facilities, schools and other important investments?
Over the next few weeks, Pomfret residents will have the opportunity to address these and other issues by taking a survey as part of the planning process
of preparing an updated Plan of Conservation & Development for the town. The survey will be available on line at Pomfretct.gov (Look for Plan of Conser-
vation and Development Survey). This electronic online survey will assist the Commission with mapping out a future for the Town. If residents do not have
access to a computer, copies of the survey will be available in the Town Hall (Selectmen’s Office).
The Planning and Zoning Commission has been working with its Town Planner, James D. Rabbit, AICP, over the past few months to collect information,
consider public comments, and develop strategies for future workshops and the current survey.
The Plan of Conservation and Development is intended to help guide conservation, development, and infrastructure strategies in Pomfret over the next
ten years or more. The Planning and Zoning Commission will be working with their staff over the over the next six months to identify issues, develop a
vision and goals, and identify appropriate strategies for each of the basic planning themes of conservation, development, and infrastructure.
Once adopted, the Plan of Conservation & Development will be used by municipal boards and agencies to:
1. help guide land use decisions and future regulation revisions in Pomfret,
2. encourage the coordinated conservation & development of the community,
3. promote the health, safety, and welfare of Pomfret residents, and
4. provide a policy basis for municipal improvements and investments.
The Plan is being updated by the Planning Commission with input from Pomfret residents, other local boards and commissions as required by
Connecticut General Statutes.
TOWN OF POMFRET
SURVEY ON PROPOSED BUDGETS FOR FY 2015/2016
Please take a moment to complete this brief survey. All responses will be forwarded to the Board
of Finance for consideration before they take action on these budgets. Send or drop off at Office
of the First Selectman, 5 Haven Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259 by April 16, 2015.
The proposed General Government budget represents an increase of $106,508 or 4.3% over this
year’s budget. $78,465 of that increase will come from money on hand; the remaining $28,043 is
a 1.15% increase in taxation The total budget is $2,572,088.
The proposed Board of Education budget represents an increase of $112,058 or 1.14% over this
year’s budget. $28,260 of that increase will come from Pre K tuition; the remaining $83,798 is a
0.85% increase in taxation. The total budget is $9,931,676.
Together the proposed ’15-’16 budgets are an increase of $111,841 over this year’s budget
for approx. 1/3 of a mil. Pomfret has a surplus of approximately $1,785,000 on hand.
There are several options to cover this tax increase including:
1) cut the budgets, 2) cover the increase with surplus funds, 3) a modest tax increase.
I feel that the proposed General Government budget is:
_______ Too Low			 ______ Fine as Presented	 ______ Too High
I feel that the proposed Board of Education budget is:
______ Too Low			 ______ Fine as Presented	 ______ Too High
I would be in favor of passing the budgets as proposed: 	 Y N
If yes; I prefer this be done by:
_______ using surplus funds to reduce the mil rate ______cutting the budgets
_______a modest tax increase
Comments regarding services you’d like to see cut/reduced or added/increased: ___________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Additional Comments on budgets for BoF, BoE, or BoS:______________________________ ____
___________________________________________________________________ ___________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Thank-you for your time and input.
Budgets are available on-line at www.pomfretct.gov or at the Pomfret Town Hall,
5 Haven Road, Pomfret Center.
Town of Pomfret
Fire Marshal to
Bolster Fire
Prevention Efforts
with FM Global Grant
The Town of Pomfret Fire Marshal
has received a $2,042 fire prevention
grant from FM Global, one of the
world’s largest commercial property
insurers.
FM Global representatives
presented the award to Pomfret Fire
Marshal Ray Allen. The award will
be used to assist with prefire planning
to efficiently collect and track data
related to local community
buildings. The information will
help the fire service respond in an
emergency situation.
Because fire continues to be the
leading cause of property damage
worldwide, during the past 35 years
FM Global has contributed millions
of dollars in fire prevention grants
to fire service organizations around
the globe. Locally, the company
has awarded grants to a number of
Connecticut-based organizations.
“At FM Global, we strongly
believe the majority of property
damage is preventable, not inevitable,”
said Michael Spaziani, manager of the
fire prevention grant program.
“Far too often, inadequate budgets
prevent those organizations working
to prevent fire from being as proactive
as they would like to be. With
additional financial support, grant
recipients are actively helping to
improve property risk in the
communities they serve.”
Through its Fire Prevention Grant
Program, FM Global awards grants
quarterly to fire departments—as well
as national, state, regional, local and
community organizations worldwide—
that best demonstrate a need for fund-
ing, where dollars can have the most
demonstrable impact on preventing
fire, or mitigating the damage it can
quickly cause.
To learn more about FM Global’s
Fire Prevention Grant Program, or to
apply for a grant, please visit
www.fmglobal.com/grants.
The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 6
WHAT’S HAPPENING @ TEEG –
Stay Informed! – With our Learn at Lunch program at
the Pomfret Senior Center, located on 207 Mashamoquet Rd,
Pomfret. Programming starts with lunch at noon and a pre-
Are you Green? Pomfret is looking
for a Green Team
Pomfret’s town-wide roadside cleanup has gone by the
wayside in the past couple of years. Volunteers are needed
to organize and bring back this event to pick up trash and
clean up our roads. Local youth groups, scouts, interested
residents are encouraged to help out.
It’s been a long winter and debris along the roads will begin
to emerge from the melting snow. Spring is a great time to get a
jump on getting rid of the trash before the vegetation grows up.
Residents can pick up along their roads and in front of their
property in lieu of an organized event. Every little bit helps.
Bulky waste days have been postponed until April 24 and 25
due to adverse conditions at the Murdock property. Road side
bulky waste items that turn up may be brought in there.
If you would like to help out with this once a year
event, please contact First Selectman Maureen Nicholson
at 860-974-0191 or maureen.nicholson@pomfretct.gov .
We have the trash bags and orange safety vests. We can do
the advertizing. All we need is warm bodies! Your help will be
greatly appreciated. Let’s all do our part in keeping Pomfret
Green and Proud!!!
sentation beginning at 12:30. Program is FREE and open to
the public. WEATHER REMINDER: If Pomfret Schools are
CLOSED, the Pomfret Senior Center is CLOSED. Listen to
WINY for latest closing information. This month will feature:
•April 14th: To Be Determined…. It may be a mystery,
but we will make it fun!
•April 21st: Sacagawea- Mystery Woman of the Lewis &
Clark Expedition – Join Ed Morin, of Learning in Retirement to
explore what is known of Sacagawea’s life, role in the Lewis &
Clark Expedition, and the mystery surrounding her death –
at either at 25 or 97.
•April 28th: Don’t Lose Your Marbles! This is the resched-
uled FASCINTATING presentation on the history and
playing of marbles by the Nutmeg Marble Club. Bring your
own marbles for identification and dating!
Pomfret residents, who have questions about social services,
assistance programs or any of the information above, please
go to www.TEEGonline.org, or call 860-923-3458. TEEG has
a variety of supports to meet the needs of Pomfret residents
of all ages.
Please Join
The Abington Congregational Church
For Our
Easter Sunrise Service
Sunday April 5Th
Abington Cemetery 6:15 Am
Mashamoquet Road (Route 44)
½ mile west of the Junction of
Hampton Road (Route 97)
The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 7
Despite the Snow, PCS Students still got to visit Ghana in March!
For the 20th year, students at Pomfret Community School spent a week studying the geography, history, art, politics and culture of another country.
New this year were two kick off events held the week before our actual travels began. The first was an adult book group discussion led by Sally Rogers at
the Pomfret Public Library of the novel Wife of the Gods by Ghanian author Kwai Quartey. The second was a “reading hour” at PCS. Students gathered
pledge support for their time reading and almost $700 was raised to send four e-books to the PAAJAF Foundation’s Information & Technology center in
Ghana loaded with 700 books.
This year students “went” to Ghana from March 2 -6, despite two delays and one closure due to weather. Over 80 presentations were scheduled in
individual classes over the course of the week . Parents, community members, people from Ghana, people who have visited Ghana, and people who would
like to visit Ghana offered a rich and varied list of information about the country. Once again the marketplace set up on the stage by a volunteer cadre of
parents was a major highlight of the week. A wonderful mural created by the art club welcomed everyone to Ghana as they entered the marketplace stage.
Students sampled jallof rice, made their own adinkra cloth, chief’s gold medallions and endangered Roloway monkey masks. Traditional clothing was
available for students to try on, musical instruments to play and wood carvings, dolls and educational information boards added to the ambiance and
student’s knowledge about the country. Rescheduled to March 10 because of the school closure, the entire school enjoyed a performance of dance,
music and drumming by Iddi Saaka, a great way to cap off the week. He was very happy to accept the Art Club’s offer of the mural as a gift, so it will
now be travelling with him on his performances throughout the state.
It takes a village to run cultural arts week. We are very grateful to Lisa Burgess, Jen Hague, Carrie Wolfe and all the parent volunteers that made the
marketplace a success and to Jen Flanagan for painting our photo cutout board. We thank our PTO once again for funding the marketplace . The PTO
now has their own cultural arts committee to help with the week, led by Carrie Wolfe. Our docent schedulers, Elaine Nelson, Jen Kruger, Melissa Telford,
Erin Billiard, Sue Johnson, Victoria Rilling, Catie Brin, Catherine Bazinet, Renee Holden and Kathleen Johnson did a great job bringing docents into the
classrooms and again this year Carol Rogers maintained the master schedule to produce the final document. The performance piece of the week was funded
once again by the Hale Cultural Arts Fund. We are so grateful to Betty Hale for establishing this fund that brings performance experiences to our PCS
students during this special week. The final thank you goes out to our of our wonderful docents and to the support of the faculty and staff at PCS who
are willing to do whatever it takes to bring this enrichment experience to their students to help them become more informed global citizens. Stay tuned
to find out where PCS students are headed to next year. Hopefully the weather will be more conducive to uninterrupted travel!
The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 8
From Headmaster, Christopher J. Sandford
Happenings at Woodstock Academy
April 2 Poetry-Writing Workshop with Mark Chuoke, 2:30 p.m.
Woodstock Academy, B122 Woodstock, CT
April 3 No School
Woodstock Academy Woodstock, CT
April 4 Sara Dziedzic’s Birthday
Woodstock Academy Woodstock, CT
April 13-19: Spring Break
Woodstock Academy Woodstock, CT
April 23: Student Council Blood Drive 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Woodstock Academy’s Field House Woodstock, CT
April 24: Coffee House Poetry Reading, 2:30 p.m.
Woodstock Academy, B122 Woodstock, CT
April 24:: ConnMen Concert Sponsored by WAMPA, 7 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, please
email lchurchill@woodstockacademy.org for information
Woodstock Academy Commons Woodstock, CT
April 26: Pancake Breakfast for WA’s Relay4Life Team,
8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Tickets are $8 per person, please email:
relayforlife@woodstockacademy.org for information
Woodstock Academy Commons Woodstock, CT
For more information on any of these events please visit
Woodstock Academy’s Events Calendar at
www.WoodstockAcademy.org/calendar
The Woodstock Academy Fiscal Plan
Woodstock Academy’s 2015/2016 Fiscal Plan was developed with The Academy’s Vision and the Mission as its
foundation, and with the belief that The Academy should prepare all students for the global society of the 21st century.
All fiscal plans are directly linked to the goals and purpose of the institution.
The motto of Woodstock Academy is “Look to the Future.” This year’s fiscal plan was designed to continue to invest in
a diversity of programs for Academy students, increase our marketing presence through continued communications efforts,
and increase educational excellence while maintaining reasonable costs for sending districts. Today’s investment leads to
tomorrow’s successes in our region and beyond.
While there are many components in this year’s plan, the areas of overall focus are: programmatic/facility enhancements
based on current data trends and needs; implementation of a one-to-one program; overall student and campus safety;
execution of the Enrollment Management Plan to maintain maximum efficiency and assist sending districts; employing
areas of efficiency that benefit The Academy for the long-term, and helping to prepare students for the 21st century global
society. The 2015/2016 Fiscal Plan was initially presented to the Board of Trustees at their March 10, 2015 meeting and was in alignment with the mission and
vision of The Academy.
Woodstock Academy would be remiss if we did not thank the Pomfret Community for its continued support of the Academy. Each student you send to
the Academy is an investment in our program, in the student’s future, and this allows us to provide a top-notch education. This fiscal plan builds on previous
investments and pushes the educational experience even further by moving toward a comprehensive one-to-one environment. Next school year, through
your investment in the Academy, we will be providing all students at the Academy
with an iPad as we complete our move to a digital learning environment.
We are basing our budget on an expected enrollment of 975 students. This is a
decrease of about 25 students at The Academy, which mirrors enrollment trends in the
entire region. Based on this number, we have prioritized efficiencies to allow us to cut
the overall operating budget by $77,303. This .56% decrease in the operating budget,
combined with the 975 enrollment number, has set the sending town tuition for the
2015/2016 school year at $12,862, a 1.94% increase of $245 a student. Taking into
account the decrease of enrollment from the Pomfret Community and the tuition
increase, the town will actually see a decrease in tuition in the amount of $94,932.
Some other major components of our fiscal plan, in addition to the One-to- One
Program, are to complete the installation of a campus-wide camera system, continue
universal College Board testing (PSAT and SAT) for all students, provide a late bus
that will stop in Pomfret, and offer nine new or revamped courses.
While this fiscal plan continues to fund all our current activities and athletics, it
does include a reduction in the area of staffing. There is a proposal to reduce the staffing
levels between 5 – 7 positions, or parts there-of. The Academy understands that one
of its strength is the top-notch and dedicated professionals; however, the enrollment
decreases we are seeing across the region exists at the Academy as well. The staffing
reductions are appropriate adjustments that will not impact programs. These changes
recognize the fiscal realties of our partners, such as Pomfret, and the needs of our
students as they prepare for their futures.
Our financial plan includes the continuation of our Private Tuition program.
Students from around the world and the larger region will continue to attend the
Academy. Over $1.2 million in private tuition revenue is transferred into the
operating budget. In addition to covering the marketing efforts for the Academy, the
private tuition program also pays for at least one teacher in each department, which
benefits all students. If the tuition program did not exist, we would need a per-pupil
increase of about $1,261 to cover the operation budget needs.
I hope this article provides a clear update of The Academy’s Fiscal Plan and the
answers some of the community’s questions. If you would like additional information
or clarification on any part of the plan, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Email Christopher J. Sandford, Headmaster of Woodstock Academy, at: askthehead-
master@woodstockacademy.org or www.WoodstockAcademy.org or call (860-928-6575).
Senior Oliver Simon of Pomfret Center Receives
Woodstock Academy’s Headmaster’s Award for March
Oliver Simon is often described as an exceptional, welcoming, and kind-hearted young man. He is
professional and courteous, and genuinely cares about others.
Oliver is always among the first students to volunteer an answer and/or help another students. He is
also very mature and responsible, very rarely missing class, failing to complete homework assignments in his
classes, and always working to the best of his ability.
Oliver’s Social Studies Teacher, Lauren Gagnon, stated “he is conscientious and driven and wise beyond
his years. His level of maturity is greater than that of the average Senior. I am confident that he will make a
big impact in whatever field he chooses to pursue.”
Oliver has been instrumental in the development of Model UN Club. Due to the International Relation’s
success, there was a decision made to expand Model UN to freshmen and sophomores. When time came to
choose a leader, Oliver was a natural choice. Oliver possessed the necessary skills to make this adventure a
success. He is trustworthy, kind, and a diligent worker. Most importantly though, he is inclusive. He took
many freshmen boys under his wing in Model UN and made them feel comfortable and was their advocate.
He guided them through the research and speaking process, as Oliver is a natural public speaker.
He has always been very welcoming and eager to pair with the students who are often not included in
groups or who tend to work alone rather than dealing with the anxiety of potential rejection, Oliver makes a
point to ensure that everyone is included every time, without prompting from teachers, it is simply a forgone
conclusion that he will not let anyone work alone who might want to work with others.
Oliver’s Basketball Coach, Greg Smith, commented: “Oliver has impressed me every year with what he will
do for the good of team. He came to WA as a hotshot scorer who could shoot from deep, but that was all. He
realized that he needed to develop his game. During his sophomore year, we needed a ball handler, and he
became that. Last season, we needed a point guard and a leader, Oliver worked on that and did what the team
needed. This year I needed him to play defense, lead us in summer league and conditioning, and be our team
voice. He has taken all these roles, embraced them and done more than I ever could have expected. “
Oliver is an excellent student and representative of, and for, Woodstock Academy. He is a young man that our students should emulate, his parents
should take pride in, and we should thank for being the epitome of Centaur Nation.
The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 9
Pomfret Community School: From The Superintendent
Dear Pomfret Community Members,
I know it’s hard for everyone to believe but spring has actually arrived. In light of the winter we have all just experienced, it’s
refreshing to see all the activity at Pomfret Community School associated with warmer weather finally getting going. Just a remind-
er: as it now stands, our last day of school is set for June 23, 2015, a Tuesday. However, as I am writing this in March to meet the
Pomfret Times’ publishing deadline, there could still be a March or, worse yet, April weather surprise in our future.
2015-2016 Budget Update
On March 9th, Board of Education Chairman, Richard Schad, presented the proposed 2015-2016 Pomfret Community School
budget to members of the Pomfret Board of Finance for their consideration and review. The BOE, administration, faculty, and staff
of PCS were again pleased to present another fiscally responsible BOE budget, a budget that reflects a combined 0.85% increase. In
light of what is happening across the state, this represents a significant accomplishment in what can only be described as extremely
challenging fiscal times.
As a point of comparison, I’ve included statewide budget data as of 03/17/2015 for your information. When viewed from this
perspective, the Pomfret Board of Education’s request for the 2015-2016 school year is significantly lower than the current statewide
BOE averages delineated below. (Pomfret data is in parentheses.)
And yet, in spite of the annual fiscal uncertainty surrounding every budget process, PCS continues to move forward and fine tune our mission of continuous
improvement. During recent, informal discussions with faculty members, I was continually impressed by the overall excellence and dedication of our teachers and
staff. PCS has that unique quality within our teaching corps: a combination of veteran, experienced, and new teachers and administrators that allow us to keep
our teaching vital and abreast of best practices within our profession. Clearly, there is no getting around their concerns about possible further reductions to what
is already a bare bones budget request, but once the students are in our classrooms, there is nothing else that matters except making sure each one is getting what
he or she needs to continue learning and growing. This concept only serves to emphasize a very crucial point: Except for extenuating circumstances, our children/
students only get one shot at being a kindergartener, a 1st grader, a 7th, or 8th grader. And in this time of increasing accountability on all fronts, state and federal,
how can we provide less for them when so much more is expected from them and us?
Therefore, as we did last year, even in light of the exceptionally small budget request currently on the table, we will continue to look for savings in areas such as
maintenance, utilities, and negotiated medical costs until the last possible moment to insure that our recommended staffing and program levels remain intact for
the 2015-2016 school year.
The Board of Education, district administrators, and I look forward to answering questions during the March 18th Public Forum on the budget at 7:00 P.M.
at Pomfret Community School (PCS) and during the April 21st Public Hearing at 7:00 P.M. also held at PCS. You can also visit the Pomfret Community
School’s website at www.pomfret.ctschool.net beforehand to view the entire education budget proposal.
Sincerely, Dr. Matt A. Bisceglia Superintendent of Schools
AVERAGE	 3.15 (2.11%) 2.85 (0.85%)
2015-2016 Statewide
Avg. Supt. Proposal
2015-2016 Statewide
Avg. BOE Proposal
On February 28, 2015, PCS students participated in the 10th annual Connecticut Middle School Science Bowl at UConn in Storrs. The Science Bowl is
an academic competition that includes racing small cars. The Car Teams build these small cars out of balsa wood which, on top, carries a full container of salt
and requires a specific power source. This year the cars were powered by lithium batte ries. The Competition involves a race down a straight track competing
against other schools. Sound simple? Maybe not.
Some cars get to the starting line and don’t move. Some are geared to high. Some fly off the tracks and some break their axles. However, once again, this
year’s PCS car had no such issue of movement during the race. PCS came in third place .
Not only did our car team come in third place, they showed such great sportsmanship. They gave up their only “back-up” car battery, and offered their
assistance to a group from another school in whom were facing technical difficulties.
We are so proud of our wonderful PCS kids for their accomplishments and sportsmanship.
Car Team - J.T. Feragne, John Rogers, Peyton Aubin,Cooper Larkin, David May Team Coaches -Mr. Hotchkiss and Mrs. Feragne
PCS Students Participate In The 10Th Annual Connecticut Middle School Science Bowl
The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • • PAGE 10
“This impossibly funky Connecticut restaurant
is full of character (and characters) and is truly
in a class by itself.” -www.hiddenboston.com
www.TheVanillaBean.com
860-928-1562
To Bean or
not to Bean...?
...is it really a question?
lunch & dinner
weekend breakfast
entertainment
Saturday evenings
subliminal message
...eat at the Bean
Pomfret-Connecticut
Eastern Connecticut Conservation District is working
with small farms to improve water quality.
In 2015, the Eastern Connecticut Conservation District (ECCD) is assisting small farms
within the Little River and Mashamoquet Brook watersheds, primarily in the towns of Brook-
lyn, Eastford, Pomfret, Putnam, Thompson, and Woodstock. Both these river systems are not
meeting Connecticut water quality standards. The project will focus on improving manure
management and preventing nonpoint source pollution.
As part of this project, ECCD is distributing breathable polypropylene UV-resistant com-
post covers free of charge to farm owners willing to cover their manure stockpiles. Manure
from animals such as horses, alpacas, sheep, goats, cows, and chickens can have a considerable
impact on water quality. An improperly managed manure pile increases the risk of water
pollution by discharging nutrients and fecal bacteria into local waterbodies.
ECCD will also assist a few chosen farms to implement more comprehensive manure
management, runoff management, pasture management, and stream protection practices.
Projects include but are not limited to: covered manure storage structures, roof gutters,
establishing sacrifice areas and cover crops, and installing exclusionary fencing. This project
is funded in part through a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water
Act Section 319 for Nonpoint Source Pollution, and administered by the Connecticut Depart-
ment of Energy and Environmental Protection.
The Eastern Connecticut Conservation District (ECCD) is a local non-profit 501(c)(3)
organization dedicated to helping the towns and citizens of Eastern Connecticut with their
conservation needs. ECCD’s vision is to provide technical assistance and environmental
education to promote sound natural resource management utilizing a watershed approach.
If you would like more information or help implementing best management practices on
your small farm, please contact the Eastern Connecticut Conservation District
at (860) 887 – 4163 x403.
BOOK REVIEW: THE IRIS FAN
By Laura Joh Rowland
Edo, Month 1, Hoei Year 6 (Tokyo, February 1709). Not an
auspicious year for the capital of feudal Japan. Still suffering the
effects of Mount Fuji’s recent eruption Edo’s citizens are also
living in fear of a deadly outbreak of measles and no vaccinations
available. And now in a night filled with wind and sleet someone
has entered the shogun’s sleeping chamber and stabbed him with
the sharp iron ribs of a fan. As it turns out, a fan may not have
been the best weapon to choose. A samurai sword might have
done the job better. At any rate, the shogun survives, but being
quite elderly and suffering from the measles and an unexpected
blood loss, his full recovery is certainly in question. However, he
is able to insist that Sano Ichiro, the shogun’s former chamberlain,
be restored to favor in order to investigate this attempt on his life.
And so Laura Joh Rowland sets the stage for the concluding
episode of the Sano Ichiro series. The intrepid and scrupulously
honorable Sano-San is again pitted against his arch enemy
Yanagisawa and the shogun’s nephew and heir Lord Ienobu.
He must also cope with a former friend and comrade—in-arms
who seems to be involved in traitorous acts caused by a long
dead general who has taken possession of his body. This is an
added twist to the story and leads to a very unforgettable finale.
The Iris Fan is available at the Pomfret Public Library
Anne Hennen
John M. Paquette, President
Industrial, Commercial, Residential
Energy Conservation Specialists
Free Commercial and Industrial Energy Audits
Paquette Electric is Licensed in the
Tri-State area: CT, MA & RI
www.paquetteelectric.com
860•963•7078
860•928•1622
368 Killingly Road
P.O. Box 159
Pomfret Center, CT 06259
Pomfret Times Classified
Seely-Brown Village in Pomfret Center is accepting applications for their waiting list. We are
a state subsidized congregate facility for seniors 62 and older. The rent includes heat, hot water,
cable, and electricity. It also includes the congregate program which provides a 3-course meal every
day at noon, weekly supplemental housing and 24 hour staffing for emergency response. Please
contact Cathy at 860 928-2744 or email: seely.brown@snet.net for more information.
The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 11
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Celebrating Finnish Composer
Jean Sibelius On His 150Th Anniversary
At Clark Memorial Chapel
Jean Sibelius, best known for his orchestral composition “Finlandia”, was born in Finland
150 years ago in 1865. The Finnish American Heritage Society of Canterbury CT will be
celebrating the Jubilee of the beloved composer on Sunday May 17, at 2 pm, with a solo piano
recital performed by concert pianist Craig Randal Johnson at Clark Memorial Chapel on the
Pomfret School Campus.
“Finlandia”, Sibelius’s signature piece, was composed in 1899 and was of great importance in
the development of the Finnish national identity as Finland emerged from years of Russian
occupation and oppression to become the symbol of freedom and resilience it is today. The hymn
portion of the orchestral piece is sung today in many Christian churches as “Be Still My Soul”.
Sibelius is recognized not only for “Finlandia” but also as one of the greatest composers of the
20th Century for his extensive body of work including seven symphonies, his Violin Concerto in
D Minor, numerous orchestral and choral compositions and an extensive body of compositions
for piano. While “Finlandia” was initially composed as an orchestral piece, in 1900 Sibelius
arranged the entire work for solo piano.
The Finnish American Heritage Society of Canterbury has been planning a musical
B.C.S.CO., INC.
EVERYTHING FOR THE SURFACE
TIM MCNALLY
Machinery, Abrasives, & Chemistry to Clean,
Deburr and Polish any surface
763 Thompson Road
P.O. BOX 247
THOMPSON, CT 06277
E-MAIL: tim@bcscompany.com
www.bcscompany.com
TEL. (860) 923-9575
1-800-367-3821
FAX (860) 923-2093
If you have something you no longer need that might be useful to someone else and
are looking to find it a good home, list it here. If you are looking for something, put out the
word. We’ll post your donations and requests. This is a local recycling program and all
items listed are considered to be at no cost. Let’s give it a try!
Gives: • Upright piano looking for a good home, just needs to be moved. Please call
860-974-0191.
Takes: • Looking for a picnic table for the Senior Center, call 860-974-0191.
• Patriotic fabric for Quilts of Valor, call Sue @ 860-974-0494
Please contact an Editor to list your treasues or items sought.
celebration “Sibelius at 150” with concert
pianist Craig Randal Johnson, performing
a solo piano recital of
Sibelius’s music. Mr. Johnson, a
Minneapolis resident, has performed
as The Finlandia Foundation National
“Performer of the Year” and has played
solo recitals in Finland, Germany and in
cities throughout the United States.
The program on May 17, will include
a number of pieces including “Valse
Triste”, “Romance in D-flat Op.24,
No. 9”, and of course Sibelius’s piano
arrangement of “Finlandia”. Clark
Memorial Chapel, built in 1907 in the
Romanesque style using local stone from
the Lewis F. Averill farm (Wolf Den
Farm), is known for its sublime
atmosphere and excellent acoustics
and should be the perfect setting for
Sibelius’s music on this Sunday
afternoon in May.
Admission is $10 for Adults
and $5 for Students and
includes a reception
following the program.
For further information
and tickets, contact Saul
Ahola (860-928-4749) or
email info@fahs-ct.org.
You may also visit the
Finnish American Heritage
Society’s website: www.
fahs-ct.org or visit us on
Facebook: Finnish
American Heritage
Society of Canterbury, CT.
Submitted by Saul
Ahola, MD, Chairman
“Sibelius at 150” Com-
mittee Finnish American
Heritage Society of
Canterbury CT
Lengyel and Associates, LLC
Accounting Services with Tax
Planning and Preparation
klengyel@lengyelandassociates.com
www.lengyelassociates.com
Kevin Lengyel, EA
PO Box 404
Pomfret Center, CT 06259
(860) 428 - 9551
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Quarterly and End of Year Payroll Reporting
Foreign Income Exclusion
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Accounting and Bookeeping Services
Quickbooks Setup and Support
Electronic Filing and Direct Deposit is always free!
Professional Dog
Grooming
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Lorraine H Patrie
860-963-2221
83 Bosworth Road
Pomfret Center, CT 06259
The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 12
Grassland Bird Conservation Center
218 Day Road Pomfret Center, CT 06259 (860) 928-4948
ART EXHIBIT
FOCUS ON NATURE - Photography Exhibit Conn Audubon Society Center at Pomfret,
218 Day Rd. Opening Reception $5: Sunday April 12, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Exhibit and Sale
through May 10
REGULAR WALKS
Wednesday Noon Walks April 1 to April 29, 12:00 p.m. Join Connecticut Audubon Society
staff for fresh air, exercise, good company and naturalist lessons along the way. Seniors and
parents with babes in backpacks welcome..
Thursday Morning Walks April 2 to April 30, 8:30 a.m.
Stretch your legs, breathe the early spring air and look for signs of spring on the sanctuary
with Fran Barnaski, longtime volunteer, tracker and nature photographer. Bring your camera. .
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
Toddler Trails & Tales Every Wednesday in April, 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Center volunteer and dad of two, Nick Beams, will delight your toddlers with stories, activities
and fun along our trails. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
After School Nature Club April Session: Grade K-6: Thurs, April 2, 9, 23, & 30 May
Session: Grades K-6: Thurs, May 7, 14, 21, & 28 Info and forms at www.ctaudubon.org/
center-at-pomfret.
April Vacation Camp April 13 to 16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon. - Stream & Pond Life
Tues. - Mammal Mania Wed. - Bird Banding & Birds of Prey Thurs. - Backpack on the Air-
line Trail Outdoor adventures for kids. Come for a day or all four. Info and forms at www.
ctaudubon.org/center-at-pomfret.
CITIZEN SCIENCE VOLUNTEER MONITORING PROGRAM
Vernal Pool Surveys - Training Workshops Friday, April 3, 9 a.m. – Noon OR Saturday, April
4, 9 a.m. – Noon Register for one of the training sessions at 860-928-4948.
On Friday and Saturday mornings in April and May, our trained volunteers are out counting
egg masses and looking for frogs and salamanders at vernal pools in northeast Connecticut.
Growing Vegetables 101 (Two-Part Series) Saturday, April 18, 1 p.m. & Saturday, May 23, 1
p.m. Andy Rzeznikiewicz will discuss and demonstrate how and when to plant a variety of
vegetables. There will be tips on layout, pest control, maintenance, harvesting and more. In
April, we’ll discuss and demonstrate early plantings and garden prep.
SPRING MIGRATION BIRD WALKS
Tuesday Morning Bird Walks April 7 to 28, 8:00 a.m. With access to over 1,650 acres of land,
Sanctuary Manager, Andy Rzeznikiewicz will seek out a variety of bird species. Wear drab
colored clothing and bring binoculars (on some occasions a spotting scope is useful).
Weekend Bird Walk Saturday, April 25, 8:00 a.m. Sanctuary Manager, Andy Rzeznikiewicz
will look for some of the early arriving birds such as, Yellow Warbler, Black and White War-
bler, Eastern Towhee, and Louisiana Waterthrush.
Open: Monday - Friday 10am - 8pm
Saturday 9am - 8:00pm, Closed Sunday
600 Pomfret Street (Rt 169) Pomfret, CT
Pomfret Spirit Shoppe
& Wine Shed
Many Wines For Under $10 Per Bottle
10% Discount on 6 Bottles
15% Discount on 12 Bottle Purchase
Tasting Every Saturday
Now Offering A Limited Supply Of Opus One Wines
(featuring years: 2000, ‘03 - ‘07)
Also, 75 Domestic & Imported Beers & Ales In Stock
Woodstock, Pomfret, Stonington, NewYork, New Zealand,
California, Spain, France, Chile, Argentina, Australia, Italy,
Germany, South Africa, Portugal, England, and Canada
800 Wines In Stock From:
860-928-2946
Answers to Last Month’s Questions:
1. The three Pomfret or former residents that have been on U. S. Postage
stamps were: Thomas Grosvenor, James Whistler and James
Whistler’s Mother.
2. The year the first marriage took place in our settlement was in 1702
between Susanna Grosvenor and Joseph Shaw.
3. Yes, Pomfret did have an American Legion Post. It was the Covell-Ayer
Post #170. It was located across from the Pomfret Center Post Office
where the apartment building is today.
The Pomfret Historical Society is looking for program ideas.
What would you like to see: Any ideas for comments please call 860-963-0292?
This Month’s Questions:
1. What was the name and the year that the first white child was
born in our settlement?
2. Where was Newell Badger’s Blacksmith shop located which
became the Sumner Cider Mill after Badger’s death?
3. At the base of the Cady Falls on the Blackwell Brook was a
tannery. Who built it and when?
Historical I Q
by John Carter
The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 13
Annual EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday, 3/28/15 (rain date 4/4/15) For Pomfret boys and girls ages 1 – 10. Location:
Wolf Den Campground on Wolf Den Drive Time: 11:00 am. Parents: bring your cameras for pictures with the Easter
Bunny! If we are experiencing inclement weather on 3/28, check the town website, Recreation Page for postponement.
Annual SPRING SOCIAL for boys and girls in grades 3 – 5 on Friday, 4/10/15. What a great way to kick off your April
vacation week! For boys and girls in grades 3 – 5. Time: 6 to 8 pm in the PCS café. Lots of games, music, refreshments
and fun with your friends!
Painting night with Artique! A step-by-step painting event. Friday, 5/15/15 at 7 pm.
Location Pomfret Senior Center. Title of Painting: Breezy Sunflowers $35.00 per person
includes light appetizers. Instructor: Lisa Andrews
Learn to make your own Spring Roll Class. Saturday, 5/16/15 at 10:30 am at the Pomfret Senior Center.
$10.00 per person Eat Lunch at the same time! Make your own Vegetarian, Chicken or Shrimp Roll.
Instructor: Tina Kelly.
After School Stay and Play Programs In the PCS Gym 3:15 to 4:30 pm Grades 1 and 2: Wednesdays:
4/29-5/27/15 Grades 3 and 4: Mondays: 4/27 – 5/26/15
After School Craft Classes for grades 3-6. Time: 3:30 to 4:45 in the PCS cafe Tuesdays: 4/28 – 5/19/15
After School Equestrian Education Program in the PCS Cafe Grades 4 -8. Time: 3:30 to 4:30 pm
CO-ED Volleyball at the Pomfret Rec Park courts starts on Tuesday evenings, May 26th at 6:30 pm.
Pick up Style Volleyball on the Sand Court
BOSTON RED SOX TICKETS!!!!! Red Sox vs Oakland Athletics on Friday, June 5th. 3rd base side
seating under the roof. Coach bus. $81.00 in town/$83.00 out of town. These seats will sell out fast!
Would you like to go to Niagara Falls and see a Red Sox game in Toronto?
Here’s your chance. Visit Canada; see Niagara Falls and go to a Red Sox game at the Rogers Centre.
Trip takes place 5/8 – 5/10/15. Coach bus transportation and hotels included. Passport needed.
FISHING DERBY FOR AGES 5-15 ON SUNDAY 6/7/15 at the Pomfret Rod and Gun Club.
Fee: $5.00 per person includes picnic lunch, prizes and a free raffle!
KINKY BOOTS! We have tickets to the 1:00 pm matinee show on 6/14/15 at the Providence
Performing Arts Center. Winner of six 2013 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Kinky Boots
features the first-ever Broadway score by Grammy winner Cyndi Lauper. Includes Coach Bus
Transportation and time on your own at the Providence Place Mall.
LEGO Summer Camps: 7/13 – 7/17/15 at PCS. #1: ages 5 -7 takes place from 9 am to noon #2: ages 8-10 takes place from 1:00 to 4pm
Pomfret Recreation awards a yearly $500.00 College Scholarship for Pomfret residents that are high school seniors or undergraduates
(based on Community Service). The last day to submit your application is: May 7, 2015. Check the website for the form.
SAVE THE DATE: Positively Pomfret Day is Saturday, September 26th.
Town website for more information and registration forms. www.pomfretct.gov under Recreation > programs or email
B.Gagnon@pomfretct.gov
Pomfret Recreation
2015 Schedule for
BULKY WASTE
Gate is open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Always Friday and Saturday
•APRIL 24 and 25 (note dates have been changed)
•JULY 17th and 18th
•OCTOBER 16th and 17th
Located at the Murdock Property on Route 101
just before the river @ the town line.
Bring ID/Proof of residency.
The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 14
State Senator Tony Guglielmo
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy
As one of the youngest members of the U.S. Senate, the problem of college affordability is personal. Like so many other
families across the country, my wife and I continue to pay off our own student loans as we simultaneously try to save for
our children’s college funds and our own retirement. And at a time when simply having a high school diploma is no longer
enough to guarantee access to a decent career, everyone – even those on the far left and right – can agree that affordable
high-quality college education is essential for our country’s economic stability and future growth.
But the reality is that soaring college costs are putting higher education and the opportunities that come with it out of
reach for too many Americans. Strong federal support for Pell Grants, Perkins loans, student debt forgiveness, and other
student aid programs are critical lifelines for students and families looking at financing higher education. However, reforms
cannot simply revolve around making it easier for students to borrow money. This is why I have introduced legislation to
help hold colleges and universities accountable for the soaring cost of college, and to promote innovation in the way they
deliver quality post-secondary education. My bill incentivizes schools to create new programs to bring down the cost of
college while improving the quality of a degree, and would set new standards for schools that receive federal funding so that they’re more accountable to
students and taxpayers.
President Obama has put forward his own bold proposal to expand access to higher education for individuals of all backgrounds by making two years
of community college free to students who are willing to put in the time and effort required to earn a degree. Forty percent of college students are enrolled
in community colleges, which can offer academic advancement, tailored training programs, and an affordable path to a four-year degree to students who
otherwise may have difficulty attending a traditional university. By requiring community colleges to improve their programs and increase the number of
students who graduate, and offering free access to anyone willing to work for it, the America’s College Promise proposal is an exciting idea that could be
a great investment in the next generation of students. Whether they’re young students just starting their education, professionals looking to enhance
or switch their career, or single parents and veterans wanting to transition back into the job market, this proposal could provide an important long-term
boost to our recovering economy, and that should be celebrated.
The bottom line is that our economy works best when growing businesses can hire skilled and educated employees to fill 21st century roles. Given the
fact that the vast majority of today’s jobs require some sort of training or education beyond a high school level, the U.S. simply needs to make it easier for
hard-working Americans to earn quality college degrees and fill the well-paying, sustainable jobs we have open.
I intend to use my position on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (which has jurisdiction over higher education policy) to
work on these and other initiatives to create opportunities for every American to participate in the new economy without mountains of debt. We can all
agree that a child’s ability to get a college degree should be based on her work ethic and intellect, not the size of her or her parent’s bank account.
A Golden Ticket for Senior Anglers
State Senator Tony Guglielmo testified in support of
a new proposal to allow residents age 65 years and older to
have permanent fishing licenses and avoid the annual
renewal. The bill is entitled; AN ACT PROVIDING
PERSONS AGE SIXTY-FIVE OR OLDER WITH
PERMANENT FISHING LICENSES was heard before
the Environment Committee of the General Assembly
this week in Hartford.
“I represent a region that covers the Natchaug River
which is also a trout park in Eastford. In my district, we
have many seniors who love to fish,” said Sen. Guglielmo.
The bill would authorize permanent fishing licenses for
persons 65 and older rather than requiring an annual
application for such a license.
Guglielmo told the committee, “The idea before you
would ease burdens on seniors and help them to continue to fish here in Connecticut during
their retirement years. With all the costs we put on Connecticut seniors, isn’t it time we looked
for ways to make their lives easier so that they can enjoy their golden years with their children
and grandchildren?”
According to testimony from the Department of Energy and Environment officials provid-
ing permanent fishing licenses to seniors is a problem. In their argument DEEP officials stated,
“We believe that any minor inconvenience for anglers, including those over age 65, to renew
those licenses they intend to use in the current year is quite small. Without such a require-
ment for seniors, the agency would be compelled to conduct costly extensive surveys of senior
sportsmen to determine their activity status. Further, such a survey would likely prove a greater
imposition on a senior’s time than simply renewing their license at their convenience.”
The current electronic licensing system, provided by an outside vendor, was designed and
programmed to manage licenses/permits on an annual (calendar year) basis. Some opponents
of the bill say managing extended licenses (valid for multiple years) for a relatively large block
of license holders would require extensive manual reentry by staff, or reprogramming of the
system, both at significant cost to the state.
However those from “Save the Sound” – an environmental advocacy group say that is
not true. Tyler Archer from the Fisheries Program testified that paperwork is the real problem,
“Even with the Online Sportsmen Licensing system, organizing materials for the more than
100,000 Connecticut fishers is time consuming. Allowing those over 65 to obtain a permanent
license in one transaction will help reduce this load. Additionally, inland and marine fishing
licenses are free for senior citizens, so the main goal here is to reduce the amount of paperwork.”
His group also points out that lifetime fishing licenses will not cause a decline in Connecti-
cut’s funding for conservation efforts from the federal government. The Sport Fishing Restora-
tion Act (Dingell-Johnson Act, 1950) provides conservation funds according to a state’s land
and water acreage and number of licensed fishers.
Because more than thirty other states offer lifetime licenses in some form, US Fish &
Wildlife Service already calculate them into those states’ number, a calculation based on life
expectancy. Connecticut receives about $3.5 million annually from the Dingell-Johnson Act
program. DEEP, for its own calculations, could just as easily mirror what US FWS already does.
Interestingly, Connecticut offered this very program until October 1, 2009. Returning to
lifetime licenses would benefit all.
MARTIAL ARTS
H Martial Arts for Adults, Teens, & Children
H Self-defense
H Self-discipline
H Courage/Respect
H Karate/Jiu Jutsu
H Competition Team
H Make friends for life
H Area’s most qualified instructors
H Master Mike Bogdanski - 8th Degree Black Belt
Master Kristin Duethorn - 5th Degree Black Belt
75 Railroad Street
PUTNAM
860-928-9218
www.questmartialarts.us
Winter Special -1 month Karate $75.00
(includes free uniform)
The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 15
I just attended the Board of Finance sponsored special forum. I would have hoped for more
people to attend, as only about twenty-five people came. Over the next few weeks, based on
the budgets as presented and input from the people who provide input to the Board of Finance,
the Board will create a budget that hopefully reflects what the town wants and can afford.
There are several more opportunities to be heard if you have comments or concerns about
either the general government budget or the Board of Education budget. They are; a Board of
Selectmen’s meeting on April 6, Board of Finance meeting on April 13, a public hearing on
April 21, and finally the Town Meeting in early May.
This year’s general government budget is a good one. Costs have been held down while
providing more services to the town. There are two major increases in the budget.
This first is an increase in senior services. Increased hours and programs make up most of
this increase. TEEG will take a more active part in the management and program direction.
The center will be open one more day per week, with a plan of offering noon meals. Much
of the cost of these new services will be funded by grant money. The direct cost to Pomfret
is $ 6,700.00.
The second increase expands the Pomfret Library hours and staff. Libraries have evolved
from the old “quiet zone” library that I remember to a more living venue, which includes
From Selectman Peter Mann
opportunities for tutoring, youth and adult programs, arts and crafts, and more. The addition of a part time staff member and the change of the librarian
to full time increases the library budget along with the benefits budget in the general government budget.
Over the last few years, the Board of Finance has rebuilt our surplus fund, which had been at lower than desirable levels. The general government s
urplus is in good shape. The increase in Pomfret’s grand list will yield about $ 83,000.00 in increased revenue, which will offset the increase the Board of
Education budget. With the modest net increase in the general government budget of a net $ 28,000.00, the Board of Finance could use some of the surplus
to offset that increase and deliver a zero mil increase budget for 2015-2016.
So much for the budget.
Thank you to the Pomfret Lions Club for sponsoring an eye and ear screening at Seely Brown. This will be held on April 23, 2015 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.
Please call Seely Brown for an appointment if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity. Screenings are not actual eye and ear examinations,
but will tell whether further screenings and/or examinations should be considered.
Please take part in the 2015-2016 budget process by attending the meetings, or calling your Board of Education, Selectmen, and Board of Finance
members. Names and phone numbers are on the Pomfret web site www.pomfretct.org. We value your input.
Peter B. Mann
www.woodstockframeworks.com
Woodstock
FRAMEWORKS
Fine Custom Picture Framing
“I remain in business
and have a loyal
client base, because
my workmanship
is the very highest
quality.”
On Rte 169 just north of the
junction of Rtes 169 & 197,
in north Woodstock
(860) 234-1389
woodstockframeworks@gmail.com
It’s the state of the art!
Single-stream recycling is a system in which all recyclable
materials –- fiber (newspaper, cardboard, mixed paper, catalogs,
magazines and junk mail) and containers (glass, steel, aluminum
and plastic) -– are placed, unsorted, in one recycling bin and
sorted by state-of-the-art processing equipment at a regional
recycling center.
It’s the easiest way to recycle!
Residents and collectors are no longer required to separate
paper and containers, making curbside recycling much more
convenient. And because paper and cardboard no longer need to
Pomfret Times 2015
Submission Deadlines
Please mark your calendars!
Our deadline schedule for the coming months
allows us to get the Pomfret Times to you by the
first of the month. Please have your content to
Maureen, or Liz by the following dates.
Thanks in advance for your help.
April 17 ..............................for May 1
May 15 ..............................for June 1
June 12 ..............................for July 1
July 17 ..............................for August 1
August 14 ............................for September 1
September 16 ......................for October 1
October 16 .........................for November 1
November 13 ......................for December 1
December 11 ......................for January 1
WHAT IS SINGLE-STREAM RECYCLING?
be separated, residents don’t need brown-paper bags in which to pack them.
It increases recycling!
Because there’s no sorting at curbside, haulers can use automated collection using 64-gallon
or 96-gallon wheeled barrels, as opposed to the familiar 14-gallon recycling bin, so residents can
recycle more with each collection.
What are the advantages of single-stream recycling?
For residents:
-- Convenience increases dramatically for residents, especially with automated collection that
uses much larger wheeled recycling barrels, since it does not require separation of paper and
cardboard from containers. -- The wheeled barrels reduce litter and contamination because
they have lids that seal tightly.
For The state:
-- Single-stream recycling will be the largest factor in increasing participation and recycling
rates, helping the state reach the goal set in DEP’s Solid Waste Management Plan of recycling
58 percent of all solid waste by 2024.
For the environment:
-- Single-stream recycling conserves more natural resources conserved and decreases raw mate-
rials used.
-- More recycling means less trash delivered to trash-to-energy facilities or trucked to out-of-
state landfills.
-- Easier recycling means greater residential participation that drives up recycling rates and
reduces trash disposal, lowering costs to municipalities and homeowners.
-- Automated collection means more efficient routes, decreasing truck emissions and fuel con-
sumption.
To prepare items for single-stream recycling:
•Place newspapers, mixed paper, boxboard and corrugated cardboard and aseptic packages
in the recycling bin or barrel with your other recyclables. Do not include newspapers contami-
nated with food waste, paper towels or food wrappers.
•Rinse aseptic packages such as juice boxes and milk cartons and remove straws if any, then
place in the recycling bin or barrel.
•Rinse glass, aluminum, steel and plastic cans, jars, bottles and aluminum food trays, then
place them in the recycling bin or barrel. Labels don’t need to be removed. Do not include con-
tainers of motor oil, antifreeze or other automotive fluids, paint cans or medicine bottles.
•Do not include light bulbs, toys, pots and pans, window glass, dishes and other ceramic
items, coat hangers, flower pots or plastic bags.
•Don’t forget to redeem deposit bottles and cans!
From the Connecticut Resource Recovery Authority web site. http://www.crra.org/
pages/single-stream_recycling.htm
Our Town Times, April 2015
Wed. April 1 •April Fool’s Day. •Inland Wetlands & Watercourses
@ Community/ Senior Center, 7 P.
Fri. April 3 •Good Friday, No School. •Bulky Waste @ Murdock Property,
9-3 P.
Sat. April 4 •Bulky Waste @ Murdock Property, 9-3 P.
Sun. April 5 Easter
Mon. April 6 •Board of Selectmen @ Community / Senior Center, 7 P.
Tue. April 7 •Pomfret Senior Association Meeting @ Community /
Senior Center, noon. •Preschool Storytime @ Pomfret Library, 10 A.
•Common Threads @ Pomfret Library, 4 – 6 P. •Republican Town
Committee @ Community/Senior Centre, 7 P.
Thu. April 9 •Toddler Storytime @ Pomfret Library, 10:30 A.
Conservation •Commission @ Old Town House, 7 P.
Mon. April 13 •Board of Finance @ PCS, 6:30 P.
April 13 - 19 - •Donations for 4-H Auction & Tag Sale accepted from
11 AM - 6 PM at Horse Camp entrance, 326 Taft Pond Rd. in Pomfret
Tue. April 14 •Economic Planning And Development Commission @
Community / Senior Center, 8 A. •Common Threads, 4-6P @ Pomfret
Library.
Wed. April 15 •Senior Advocate Commission @ Community / Senior
Center, 6 P. •Fire District @ Fire House, 7P. •Board of Finance Budget
Forum @ PCS, 7 P.
Thu. April 16 •Book Discussion (Pied Piper) @ Pomfret Library, 3:30 P.
•Agriculture Commission @ Community / Senior Center, 7 P.
Fri. April 17 •Pomfret Times Deadline for April.
TOWN WIDE TAG SALE REGISTRATION FORM
**SUBMIT BY April 17th (if you miss this deadline, you will not be on the map)**
Location of Sale___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone:____________________ E-mail:__________________________________________________________________________
Sale Items: (ie, Books, Baby, etc.) ____________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
To help us locate you accurately on Tag Sale Map, please indicate which end of street, nearest intersection, etc.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Enclose with a $10.00 check payable to The Pomfret Proprietors and mail to:
Martha Emilio, 56 Babbitt Hill Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259.860 974-3714
SAVE THE DATE!
9TH ANNUAL TOWN-WIDE TAG SALE
Saturday, May 2, 2015
The Pomfret Proprietors will organize and promote its 9th Annual TOWN-WIDE TAG SALE on
Saturday, MAY 2, 2015 from 8 AM – Afternoon. All Pomfret residents, businesses and organizations
may participate. A MAP will be available at 7:00 am the morning of the sale at the Pomfret Com-
munity School, identifying all participating locations. A $10 registration fee will put YOUR tag sale
on the map. The registration fee includes advertising and publicity by the Pomfret Proprietors, who
plan to promote our TOWN-WIDE TAG SALE to Connecticut Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Hartford
Courant, Providence Journal, WINY, Shoppers Guide, Craigslist and various tourism websites –
just to name a few.
April 18 - •2nd Annual 4-H Camper Scamper 5K Race/Walk and 1 Mile Kid
Run. Starts at 10 AM. See www.4hcampct.org to register or call 860-974-
1122.
April 18- •12 to 4 PM CAMPER OPEN HOUSE for new & returning campers.
Meet staff, take a tour, register for camp. 1:30 – 2:00 pm Informational
parent panel. Windham-Tolland 4- H Camp, 326 Taft Pond Rd
April 19 - 24 •4 PM CAMPER OPEN HOUSE for new & returning
campers. Meet staff, take a tour, register for camp. Windham-Tolland
4-H Camp, 326 Taft Pond Rd.
Mon. April 20 •Zoning Board of Appeals @ Community / Senior
Center, 7 P.
April 20 - 29 - •Donations for 4-H Auction & Tag Sale accepted from
11 AM - 6 PM at the Agricultural Building at the Woodstock Fairgrounds
on Route 171 in Woodstock.
Tue. April 21 •Public Hearing on 2015-2016 Budgets @ PCS, 7 P.
•Preschool Storytime @ Pomfret Library, 10 A. •Common Threads
@ Pomfret Library, 4-6 P. T •entative Date for Public Hearing on 2015 -
2016 Budgets, check w/ Town Hall.
Thu. April 23 •Toddler Storytime @ Pomfret Library, 10:30 A.
Mon. April 27 •Planning & Zoning Meeting @ Community /Senior Ctr 7P.
Tue. April 28 •Preschool Storytime, @ Pomfret Library, 10:30 A.
•Common Threads @ Pomfret Library, 4-6 P. •Pomfret Democratic Town
Committee meeting @ Grill 37, 7 P.
Wed. April 29 •Board of Education @ PCS, 6:30P.
Thu. April 30 •Razzle Dazzle Readers @ Pomfret Library, 3:30 P.
•Library Board of Trustees @ Pomfret Library, 7 P. •PCS PTO meeting,
7 P @ PCS.
Town Wide Tag Sale !! Table Spaces Available at Community / Senior Center
Table spaces available for the town-wide tag sale. The annual town-wide tag sale is scheduled for May 2 this year (if the snow is gone!), and we
again will be offering to rent spaces at the Pomfret Senior/Community Center parking lot for individuals who would like the opportunity to sell items
they no longer need, but don’t have the space or desire to have it at their own homes. We have done this for several years now, and each year it is
better than the previous year. Because of the great location, the more people that are set up the more people are attracted to the site. We really get a
lot of foot traffic.
Cost for the spaces will be the same as last year, $15.00 in cash, and people are expected to bring their own tables/set ups. First come, first serve.
Call Garry to reserve your space by April 25 at 860-928-2309. This year, proceeds will go to the Pomfret Food Pantry and to the Pomfret Senior
Association.

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  • 1. The Woodbridge Foundation, Inc. The Pomfret Times P.O.Box 72 Pomfret Center 06259 Postal Patron NON-PROFIT U.S. Postage Paid Permit 401 Putnam, CT 06260 The Pomfret TimesThe Pomfret TimesVolume 20 Number 1 Pomfret’s Leading Community Newspaper APRIL 2015 www.thepomfrettimes.org The Pomfret Times is published 12 times yearly and is mailed FREE to every household in Pomfret. It is also distributed and available at various businesses within the towns of Eastford, Putnam, Woodstock and Thompson CT. Pomfret’s Libraries and Commons By James Platt The first Library in Windham County was started in Pomfret in 1739. It was called “The United English Library for the Propagation of Christian and Useful Knowledge”. It was set up to serve the citizens of Woodstock, Mortlake, Killingly and the western part of Thompson as well as Pomfret. Originally there were 32 members who subscribed to it and they expended an amount of 418 pounds for the first books. In 1745 the people from Killingly and Woodstock wanted a library nearer home so they split off, but a Library remained in Pomfret. Over time the Library exercised an influence in favor of higher intelligence and culture in the community and in the year 1755 there were eight young men from Pomfret who entered Yale College. Soon after, there were three more that entered making a total of eleven men from Pomfret who were in Yale at the same time. Of these men, nine became Ministers and one a Teacher. In 1775 Mortlake split off and started their own Library. During the Revolutionary War the library existed, but with very few members, however at the end of the war it was reorganized with fifteen new members. At this time most of the books were of theological and dogmatic subjects and were not too entertaining. In 1793 a Social Library was formed and books of lighter and more entertaining subjects were stocked. In 1804 a Farmers Library was instituted and it brought in even more books of lighter subjects. The library was kept in various private residences and at one time it was in the home of Abishai Sabin, where the widow Sabin was the librarian. In 1893 when an addition was built on the Pomfret Hall the library was located in that building. The Pomfret Hall no longer exists, it was a community building located on land leased by the Episcopal Church on the north side of the church. It was a one story building 60 feet by 30 feet built on piers. It had an auditorium with a stage. It had a covered entrance on the front which allowed for the approach and departure of carriages with out being influenced by storms. The building was built by subscriptions and initially cost $1,200. It was used for entertainment, lectures, concerts, religious meetings and other public gatherings. The original Nativity Pageant was performed in this building. It was originally designed to provide entertainment for the summer guest and was known as Greystoke It has been reported to have been one of the finest community buildings to be found in a rural area. It was built in 1877 and existed until 1936 when it was torn down. In 1793 a library was formed in Abington by a group called The Propriety. They called it “The Social Library of Abington.” It was started with 100 volumes and Walter Lyon was the Librarian. The price of a share was 12 shillings. The subject matter of the books was considered too heavy for young minds so a “Junior Library “was formed in 1804. John Holbrook was made Librarian and it was started with 90 volumes of light literature of the day. In 1813 the library was expanded again with what was called the “Ladies Library.” Althea Lord was made the librarian and an additional Seventy Dollars were raised to purchase books. An initial fee of Three Dollars was charged new members with an annual fee of twenty five cents. In 1815 the Social and Children’s libraries were united into “The United Library of Abington”. At the time of the merger the library contained One Thousand volumes. It was about twenty five years later when the Ladies Library finally merged with the Social Library. A building to house the library was built in 1883 adjacent to the Abington Congregational Church on what was then known as the “Common “. The term Common refers to a tract of land owned by all. In the Town of Pomfret there were several “Commons” over the years. The only one that exists today is the little park opposite the Vanilla Bean Restaurant. In colonial days there were several of these parcels of land. The main one that is mentioned in the history books was the land on the east side of Pomfret Street at the top of Pomfret Hill. This was adjacent and north of the original Congregational Church site on the corner of Needles Eye Road. During the “Lexington Alarm” as the British prepared to march on the Town of Lexington, Massachusetts the call went out to mobilize the Militias. The official dispatch was received on April 20th 1775 and the story of Israel Putnam leaving the oxen and plow in the field while he rode directly to Cambridge is well known. The next day volunteers started to assemble on the Common in Pomfret and the Common in Abington. Ten companies of Militias from the western part of Windham County assembled with as many as a thousand men armed and ready to fight. The diary of Colonel Storrs notes that it was decided that two companies would go on to Cambridge and the other eight companies would go home. There were fifty nine men from Pomfret who marched out that night with the two companies chosen. Men from Ashford, Windham, Canterbury, and Pomfret took part in the Battle of Bunker Hill. There are the names of eleven men from Windham County who died in that battle and are inscribed on the Bunker Hill Monument. A second parcel of land referred to as a Common exists in Abington. It is a small triangular plot of land on the west side of Hampton Road opposite Clinic Drive. The access drive to The Old Abington Cemetery passes over part of this land. The land for this common was purchased from Beacham Goodell in 1764. It was on this land that Zebediah Ingalls trained his company of Militia prior to the start of the Revolutionary War in 1775. The Ephraim Ingalls tavern was located on the southwest corner of this common which was very convient for the soldiers to relax in after their drills. The Common is now shown on the town tax maps a being part of the right of way for Route 97 (Hampton Road) and is currently owned by the State. At the time this Common was actively used the road passed along its west side and its eastern boundary extended into what is now the highway right of way. A second use for the Commons was a place to detain wandering livestock until the owners could retrieve them. It was also the place for such civic activities as public executions and whipping. The history books mention that such activities did take place in Pomfret in the Colonial Period, but that is another story.
  • 2. The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 2 William & Gladys Murdock Scholarship Applications are now available at the Pomfret Community School Office or Website, Pomfret’s Post Offices, Town Hall and Woodstock Academy Guidance Office for the William & Gladys Murdock Scholarship Applicants should be a member of a high school graduation class, or in any undergraduate class of an accredited school of higher learning, and in the top one-third of his/her high school class or maintaining satisfactory grades in his/ her college classes. Preference will be given to those students who have graduated from Pomfret Community School. The application must be completed and mailed or dropped off at the PCS Office by April 24, 2015. Conservation Commission Lois Orswell award nominations The Pomfret Conservation Commission is accepting nominations for the annual Lois Orswell Award. The award recognizes the environmental and conservation contributions of individuals, groups and businesses to the town of Pomfret. The Lois Orswell award is given to a maximum of 2 recipients per year chosen from the following categories: An individual, either a child or an adult, a business, a group The Award recognizes such contributions as: • Developing conservation and environmental awareness • Land use protection • Conservation projects, i.e. vernal pools, butterfly gardens • Promoting green businesses • Preservation and management of environmental habitats, natural diversity & resources • Beautifying town properties Nomination letters may be mailed to the Pomfret Conservation Commission, 5 Haven Road, Pomfret, CT 06259. The deadline for nominations is May 1, 2015. The Lois Orswell Award will be presented on June 11, 2015. The Pomfret Volunteer Fire Dept & Pomfret-Eastford Little League Will once again host our: ANNUAL CHICKEN BBQ SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2015 12:00pm – 4pm $10/person You can pick up your dinner at the Fire station or come by the Little League field and enjoy your meal while watching some great baseball action during our Mid- Season Classic. Please come down and enjoy a great day for all in the community. Great food, Great baseball, all while supporting two Great local organizations Tickets can be purchased from a member of the Fire Dept. or Little League. Tickets can also be purchased on-line at www.pomfreteastfordll.org Pomfret’s 9th Annual Town-Wide Tag Sale: Bargains & Benefits Celebrate spring in Pomfret on Saturday, May 2nd with the 9th Annual Town Wide Tag Sale sponsored by the Pomfret Proprietors. Starting at 7AM, purchase a map to guide you to the many participating residences, businesses and organizations spread throughout town. Last year over 50 locations offered bargains galore. A number of locations are fund-raising for their organizations, so your purchases will also benefit a good cause. A Town Wide Tag Sale Map makes bargain hunting a breeze. Maps will be sold for $1 at Pomfret Community School (20 Pomfret Street, RTs 169 & 101) and Christ Church (527 Pomfret St./RT. 169). Profits from map sales and registrations are donated to a local charitable organization. If you purchase your map at PCS, enjoy homemade baked goods, coffee & lemonade from 8 – 11AM and support the Pomfret Girl Scouts. Then visit the school cafeteria where the Friends of the Pomfret Public Library will host a Used Book & Tag Sale from 7AM until 12PM, featuring current fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, biographies, and usually a lot of mystery/suspense. Most books are $1 for hardcovers and trade paperbacks, 50 cents for regular paperbacks, plus a $5 Bag Sale from 11AM to noon (excluding individually priced books). Tag sale items run the gamut. From PCS, follow Route 169 (a National Scenic Byway—enjoy the views!) north to Christ Church’s Colossal Rummage Sale (8AM to 1PM). This indoor sale benefits the youth group “Journey to Adulthood” Summer Pilgrimage and features lots of great bargains plus a bake sale. Don’t miss the 61st Annual Windham County 4-H Tag Sale, held this year ONLY at the Woodstock Fairgrounds on Route 171 in Woodstock while the lodge in Pomfret is being renovated. This TWO-DAY TAG SALE runs Friday from 12 to 6PM and Saturday from 9AM to 6PM, rain or shine! There is also an auction of goods and services on both days (preview 5PM, auction 6PM). Many items are donated from local businesses to make bidding at the auction lively and fun. Thanks to the Woodstock Agricultural Society for graciously hosting this longstanding event to support the 4-H Camp programs while they await the completion of their lodge renovations. A site for multiple tag sales hosted by the Pomfret Food Pantry is located at the Pomfret Senior Center on Route 44 (207 Mashamoquet Rd.) to benefit the Pomfret Food Pantry. Consult your map for many more tag sale locations all over town. While you’re in Pomfret, enjoy this scenic and historic town. Better yet, spend the weekend and book one of the local B&Bs, visit Pomfret’s winery, check out shops & galleries, take a walk on the town’s many nature & hiking trails, and check out CT Audubon’s Grassland Bird Conservation Center on Day Road. Go to www.VisitPomfret.com for more information. Questions? Contact Martha Emilio (860) 974-1583 / Martha@majilly.com. Pomfret BOF: Pass the Budgets, Hold the Mill Rate. As budget season is coming to the forefront, Pomfret finds itself in a great position. Through the commendable efforts of our local officials more land has been placed into open space, the needs of our educational community are being seen to, and the fund balance in our town is very healthy. This year’s budget is asking for minimal increases to cover new Library and Senior Center programs from the Board of Selectmen and contractual increases from the Board of Education. This would indicate that these boards are acting in a fiscally responsible manner to meet the needs of our community. Also of note, the school population within our community has been dwindling for several years and it looks like this trend will continue for several years into the future. This trend will lead to a gradual reduction in the Board of Education’s budget requirements in the foreseeable future. The Board of Finance has been accruing funds to increase the town’s fund balance for several years and at this point, the balance is very healthy. In addition to this, the Grand List has seen some growth this past year. When all of these facts are taken into consideration, it paints a fairly clear picture of how Pomfret can continue to move forward in great fashion. Keep the budgets intact as presented. This will allow the seniors of our community and the Pomfret Public Library to expand programs, hours, and services in town and the contractual obligations of the school system will have been met. This can all be accomplished without the need to raise taxes. The Board of Finance can simply use a small portion of the funds it is housing in the fund balance to cover the increases. These are taxpayer monies and should be used to offset taxes when and if possible. The money is there. It’s not being used for anything. All indications demonstrate that the town will not be looking for anything extraordinary for the foreseeable future that would require a major use of the fund balance. Taking all of this into consider- ation, it becomes clear that both budgets should pass intact and with no increase in town taxes. Charlie Tracy Letter To The Editors As part of the 2015 Revaluation, many property owners will be receiving a letter requesting an ap- pointment to inspect their homes. Due to State and contractual requirements it is imperative that property owners make every effort to comply with the request for an appointment to inspect the interior of their home or building. The inspection typically takes less than 10 minutes but is critical to the validity of the revaluation. If you receive the letter, please do not put it aside. Call the number referenced in the letter and URGENT MESSAGE FROM THE ASSESSOR’S OFFICE schedule an appointment. If you have any questions, contact the Assessor’s Office at (860) 974-1674 or bonnie.duncan@pomfretct.gov. Thank you, Bonnie J. Duncan, CCMA Assessor
  • 3. The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 3 61st Annual Windham County 4-H Auction & Tag Sale Friday May 1st & Sat. May 2nd Auction - 5 pm preview & 6 pm start Tag Sale – Noon to 6 Friday & 9-6 Sat. This year ONLY at the WOODSTOCK FAIRGROUNDS Call 860-974-3379 to donate items Registrars of Voters To Continue Voter Canvass. Your help is required to keep our records up to date. We are continuing our Canvass of the electors. Thank you to all who have responded! We appreciate your help in keeping our records up to date. We sent out 50 notices to electors who may have moved out of town. Of those, nine have been returned or 18%. Please return these forms or you will be placed on the inactive list. This means that on any election or primary day you will not be on our active voter list. You will still be eligible to vote but it will take more time to process your paperwork to allow you to vote. The final date to return the notices is May 1, 2015. For people who have moved within town, we sent out 30 notices and six have been returned or 20%. Please let us know if you this is an accurate address. We have included a stamped envelope to make this return easier for you. This year in addition to our regular Canvas, we will be sending out notices voters who have not voted in four years. If this is you, please return the bright pink form to us as soon as possible. If we do not receive the bright pink form by the mid-April, those electors will be placed on the inactive list. As stated above, this means that on any election or primary day you will not be on our active voter list. You will still be eligible to vote but it will take more time to process your paperwork to allow you to vote. Please return the Canvass forms to us as soon as possible. We thank you in advance! Susan Devokaitis and Martha Emilio Registrars of Voters 2015 TEEG Scholarship Opportunity for Local Community Minded Students Applications for the 2015 TEEG Scholarship are now available. The TEEG scholarship is a minimum $500 award distributed to a college or training program bound high school graduate who resides in Thompson, Woodstock or Pomfret. Applicants for this scholarship should be students pursuing higher education or a training program after graduation who have participated in extracurricular activities and volunteer service that has benefited their fellow students or the community at large. Applications are available in the Guidance Depart- ments at the following schools: Pomfret Preparatory School, Woodstock Academy, Tourtellotte Memorial High School, Marianapolis Preparatory School, Ellis Tech and Killingly High School. Applications are also available at the TEEG office and online at www.teegonline.org/scholarship. Applications must be mailed to the following address and RECEIVED by 1pm on April 2nd. TEEG Scholarship Committee P.O. Box 664, 15 Thatcher Rd, North Grosvenordale, CT 06255 8th Annual Chicken Cordon Bleu Dinner Saturday, April 25th - Save the Date The Champany & Rasicot families along with members of Happy Endings Relay for Life Team will be holding their 9th Annual Chicken Cordon bleu Dinner and Silent Auction at Pomfret Community School on Saturday April 25, 2015. Dinner includes salad, Chicken Cordon Bleu (chicken fingers available for children if preferred), rice pilaf, glazed carrots, roll, and a chocolate sundae on a brownie for dessert. Everything is made fresh that day with real butter, cream and wine (not cooking wine). Bidding on auction items begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children 10 and under, children 4 and under are always free. For more information and tickets call Bev Champany at 860-974-1202. This event helps the American cancer Society with funding for research, helping cancer patients with transportation for treatments, wigs and advocacy for funding for cancer research. THE POMFRET LIONS The Pomfret Lions Club raises money for various charities and activities in the Quiet Corner. The Club is looking to increase its involvement in local eye related activities and programs. On April 23rd the Pomfret Lions club will be holding an eye and hearing screening at Seely Brown Village in Pomfret. Eye screenings help separate those with and without possible vision problems. Vision screenings results may indicate a potential need for further assessment. In addition, Ralph Campagna from Amplisound in Danielson will provide a hearing screening. Screening will determine if further evaluation is is needed. Screening sessions do not take very long to complete. The exams will from 6:00 pm to 8:00pm on April 23rd. All are welcome to attend. Please call Cathy Grant at 860-928-2744 to schedule an appointment. Seely Brown Village is located at 400 Deerfield Road in Pomfret. Rides will be provided if needed. Veteran’s Notes: Attention Veterans! Photos Wanted for Memorial Day Display. The town of Pomfret would like to recognize and honor our veteran men and women who proudly served our country by collecting and displaying their pictures in the town hall. If you or a member of your family, living or passed on, would like to participate and be part of our history, please send a copy (NO ORIGINALS) of a picture of the veteran, and info on the per- son, such as rank, branch of service, dates, unit served, etc. Most of the info would be available on their discharge papers, usually a DD214. If you can’t read or interpret it, you can provide a copy, again no originals, and we can do that for you. If you have a picture, but are missing some info, give us a call and we will try to help. We will also compile a list of our veterans and have it available for anyone who might be of interest. Who knows, you might have a neighbor who was in the same unit that you were! We would like to have this project ready for Memorial Day, which is Monday, May 25, so we need to have the pictures in by May 18. If you have any questions, please contact: Bonnie Ryan, Selectmen’s Assistant in Town Hall, Bonnie Duncan at 860-974-1674, Garry Brown at 860-928-2309, or First Selectman Maureen Nicholson, 860-214-9755 for more information. A display honoring our veteran’s will be assembled in the Town Hall. Your participation is necessary to make this a success. Please take the time to participate and honor our Pomfret veterans, both living and past. Citizen Input Sought on Budgets The Budgets for 2015-2016 have been approved by BOS and BOE, presented to the BOF and at a Public Forum. Workshops will be held by the BOF to scrutinize the budgets and take public comment before recommending a budget to take to voters. There will be a Public Hearing in April, check the Town’s website for the date. For a better understanding of the budget process, come to a budget workshop. You can also attend any BOS, BOE, and BOF meeting and make yourself heard. If you aren’t comfortable with speaking before a group, you can send a note or email (through the Town of Pomfret website) outlining your ideas and concerns. It’s important for you to know what’s going on and it’s important for us to know what you think. Please fill out the survey on page 5 and return Pomfret Town Hall. The Pomfret Fire District is preparing their budget at this time as well. They are a separate taxing district from the town, but their bill is mailed out along with the Town’s bills. All three budgets will be approved in the next few months and go into effect on July 1.
  • 4. The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 4 The Pomfret Times www.thepomfrettimes.org The Pomfret Times is published twelve times a year, the last week of each month, at Pomfret Connecticut, by the Woodbridge Foundation Inc. The Pomfret Times is distributed free of charge to every home in Pomfret and mailed to out of town subscribers within the U.S. for a contribution of $25.00. This non-profit venture, is supported by advertisement revenues and contributions. POMFRET TIMES EDITORIAL BOARD: Elizabeth L. Cartier and Maureen A. Nicholson. •Elizabeth L. Cartier email: elizabeth_c25@yahoo.com home: (860-974-0688) cell: (860-428-0043) •Maureen A. Nicholson email: CHARNIC@aol.com (860-928-0070) Subscriptions and advertising payments: please send checks to P.O. Box 72, Pomfret Center, CT 06259 Advertising: submission options- •your business card, •“camera ready” black and white art as prepared on high resolution photo paper. •black & white pdf, or •high resolution jpeg image attached as a separate file from the Word document /text of the Ad. Please contact the editors with questions. We can set up a great looking ad for you! Advertising Rates: The cost for prepayment of a year, will continue to be discounted and cost only an eleven month premium. Please call an editor, or see our website for pricing at : www.thepomfrettimes.org. Payment is expected upon placement of the Ad. The fee for checks returned by the bank will be $25.00. Please contact the Editors for other size options special offers,“insertion” rates, Etc. All letters submitted to the editors must be signed and include an address and telephone number for verifica- tion. Any letter presented without this information will not be printed. Letters submitted are subject to editing and The Pomfret Times reserves the right to edit any and all letters. The Pomfret Times will not print letters it regards as offensive or slanderous. Readers should be aware that opinions of i ndividual writers are not necessarily those of the Pomfret times. Due to space limitations, request letters to be kept to a MAXIMUM of 300 words. Only one letter per author per month will be accepted with a maximum of eight per year. 550 Hampton Road, Pomfret. The Abington Congregational Church Invites You To Our Maunday Thursday Service At 7:00 Pm On Thursday April 2. DID YOU KNOW THAT. . . . .  James Robbins was awarded the Thomas S. Green Public Service Award by the Worcester Regional Research Bureau. He is the Town Planner in Westboro.  Christopher L Dyer was honored by Pratt & Whitney and the Hartford Chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.   If you know of any Pomfret citizen who should be acknowledged for an achievement please contact elcartier1@aol.com. One dozen military veterans from northeast Connecticut are pictured at the first-ever event hosted by the new RSVP Veterans Coffeehouse in Danielson on March 24.  There were 14 veterans present; 3 from Pomfret; Garry Brown, Richard Miller and Gordon Sparadeo.  The group, joined by spouses, volunteers and members of the public, were treated to a pre- sentation by RSVP volunteer and former Army Green Beret Tom Pan- dolfi of Woodstock (standing, far left) about the Flying Tigers American Volunteer Group in China in the years preceding America’s entry into WWII.  The new Veterans Coffeehouse, hosted by RSVP, will be housed in the Killingly Community Center.  It is scheduled to open April 14. Recycle Used Oil (must contain oil only) Drop off at Town Garage white container near Salt Shed 8 am – 5 pm
  • 5. The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 5 Resident Survey – Plan of Conservation and Development How can Pomfret best manage residential and com mercial growth in the coming years? What changes and improvements should be considered to maintain and strengthen the character of the community? How should the Town plan for open space, municipal facilities, schools and other important investments? Over the next few weeks, Pomfret residents will have the opportunity to address these and other issues by taking a survey as part of the planning process of preparing an updated Plan of Conservation & Development for the town. The survey will be available on line at Pomfretct.gov (Look for Plan of Conser- vation and Development Survey). This electronic online survey will assist the Commission with mapping out a future for the Town. If residents do not have access to a computer, copies of the survey will be available in the Town Hall (Selectmen’s Office). The Planning and Zoning Commission has been working with its Town Planner, James D. Rabbit, AICP, over the past few months to collect information, consider public comments, and develop strategies for future workshops and the current survey. The Plan of Conservation and Development is intended to help guide conservation, development, and infrastructure strategies in Pomfret over the next ten years or more. The Planning and Zoning Commission will be working with their staff over the over the next six months to identify issues, develop a vision and goals, and identify appropriate strategies for each of the basic planning themes of conservation, development, and infrastructure. Once adopted, the Plan of Conservation & Development will be used by municipal boards and agencies to: 1. help guide land use decisions and future regulation revisions in Pomfret, 2. encourage the coordinated conservation & development of the community, 3. promote the health, safety, and welfare of Pomfret residents, and 4. provide a policy basis for municipal improvements and investments. The Plan is being updated by the Planning Commission with input from Pomfret residents, other local boards and commissions as required by Connecticut General Statutes. TOWN OF POMFRET SURVEY ON PROPOSED BUDGETS FOR FY 2015/2016 Please take a moment to complete this brief survey. All responses will be forwarded to the Board of Finance for consideration before they take action on these budgets. Send or drop off at Office of the First Selectman, 5 Haven Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259 by April 16, 2015. The proposed General Government budget represents an increase of $106,508 or 4.3% over this year’s budget. $78,465 of that increase will come from money on hand; the remaining $28,043 is a 1.15% increase in taxation The total budget is $2,572,088. The proposed Board of Education budget represents an increase of $112,058 or 1.14% over this year’s budget. $28,260 of that increase will come from Pre K tuition; the remaining $83,798 is a 0.85% increase in taxation. The total budget is $9,931,676. Together the proposed ’15-’16 budgets are an increase of $111,841 over this year’s budget for approx. 1/3 of a mil. Pomfret has a surplus of approximately $1,785,000 on hand. There are several options to cover this tax increase including: 1) cut the budgets, 2) cover the increase with surplus funds, 3) a modest tax increase. I feel that the proposed General Government budget is: _______ Too Low ______ Fine as Presented ______ Too High I feel that the proposed Board of Education budget is: ______ Too Low ______ Fine as Presented ______ Too High I would be in favor of passing the budgets as proposed: Y N If yes; I prefer this be done by: _______ using surplus funds to reduce the mil rate ______cutting the budgets _______a modest tax increase Comments regarding services you’d like to see cut/reduced or added/increased: ___________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________ Additional Comments on budgets for BoF, BoE, or BoS:______________________________ ____ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Thank-you for your time and input. Budgets are available on-line at www.pomfretct.gov or at the Pomfret Town Hall, 5 Haven Road, Pomfret Center. Town of Pomfret Fire Marshal to Bolster Fire Prevention Efforts with FM Global Grant The Town of Pomfret Fire Marshal has received a $2,042 fire prevention grant from FM Global, one of the world’s largest commercial property insurers. FM Global representatives presented the award to Pomfret Fire Marshal Ray Allen. The award will be used to assist with prefire planning to efficiently collect and track data related to local community buildings. The information will help the fire service respond in an emergency situation. Because fire continues to be the leading cause of property damage worldwide, during the past 35 years FM Global has contributed millions of dollars in fire prevention grants to fire service organizations around the globe. Locally, the company has awarded grants to a number of Connecticut-based organizations. “At FM Global, we strongly believe the majority of property damage is preventable, not inevitable,” said Michael Spaziani, manager of the fire prevention grant program. “Far too often, inadequate budgets prevent those organizations working to prevent fire from being as proactive as they would like to be. With additional financial support, grant recipients are actively helping to improve property risk in the communities they serve.” Through its Fire Prevention Grant Program, FM Global awards grants quarterly to fire departments—as well as national, state, regional, local and community organizations worldwide— that best demonstrate a need for fund- ing, where dollars can have the most demonstrable impact on preventing fire, or mitigating the damage it can quickly cause. To learn more about FM Global’s Fire Prevention Grant Program, or to apply for a grant, please visit www.fmglobal.com/grants.
  • 6. The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 6 WHAT’S HAPPENING @ TEEG – Stay Informed! – With our Learn at Lunch program at the Pomfret Senior Center, located on 207 Mashamoquet Rd, Pomfret. Programming starts with lunch at noon and a pre- Are you Green? Pomfret is looking for a Green Team Pomfret’s town-wide roadside cleanup has gone by the wayside in the past couple of years. Volunteers are needed to organize and bring back this event to pick up trash and clean up our roads. Local youth groups, scouts, interested residents are encouraged to help out. It’s been a long winter and debris along the roads will begin to emerge from the melting snow. Spring is a great time to get a jump on getting rid of the trash before the vegetation grows up. Residents can pick up along their roads and in front of their property in lieu of an organized event. Every little bit helps. Bulky waste days have been postponed until April 24 and 25 due to adverse conditions at the Murdock property. Road side bulky waste items that turn up may be brought in there. If you would like to help out with this once a year event, please contact First Selectman Maureen Nicholson at 860-974-0191 or maureen.nicholson@pomfretct.gov . We have the trash bags and orange safety vests. We can do the advertizing. All we need is warm bodies! Your help will be greatly appreciated. Let’s all do our part in keeping Pomfret Green and Proud!!! sentation beginning at 12:30. Program is FREE and open to the public. WEATHER REMINDER: If Pomfret Schools are CLOSED, the Pomfret Senior Center is CLOSED. Listen to WINY for latest closing information. This month will feature: •April 14th: To Be Determined…. It may be a mystery, but we will make it fun! •April 21st: Sacagawea- Mystery Woman of the Lewis & Clark Expedition – Join Ed Morin, of Learning in Retirement to explore what is known of Sacagawea’s life, role in the Lewis & Clark Expedition, and the mystery surrounding her death – at either at 25 or 97. •April 28th: Don’t Lose Your Marbles! This is the resched- uled FASCINTATING presentation on the history and playing of marbles by the Nutmeg Marble Club. Bring your own marbles for identification and dating! Pomfret residents, who have questions about social services, assistance programs or any of the information above, please go to www.TEEGonline.org, or call 860-923-3458. TEEG has a variety of supports to meet the needs of Pomfret residents of all ages. Please Join The Abington Congregational Church For Our Easter Sunrise Service Sunday April 5Th Abington Cemetery 6:15 Am Mashamoquet Road (Route 44) ½ mile west of the Junction of Hampton Road (Route 97)
  • 7. The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 7 Despite the Snow, PCS Students still got to visit Ghana in March! For the 20th year, students at Pomfret Community School spent a week studying the geography, history, art, politics and culture of another country. New this year were two kick off events held the week before our actual travels began. The first was an adult book group discussion led by Sally Rogers at the Pomfret Public Library of the novel Wife of the Gods by Ghanian author Kwai Quartey. The second was a “reading hour” at PCS. Students gathered pledge support for their time reading and almost $700 was raised to send four e-books to the PAAJAF Foundation’s Information & Technology center in Ghana loaded with 700 books. This year students “went” to Ghana from March 2 -6, despite two delays and one closure due to weather. Over 80 presentations were scheduled in individual classes over the course of the week . Parents, community members, people from Ghana, people who have visited Ghana, and people who would like to visit Ghana offered a rich and varied list of information about the country. Once again the marketplace set up on the stage by a volunteer cadre of parents was a major highlight of the week. A wonderful mural created by the art club welcomed everyone to Ghana as they entered the marketplace stage. Students sampled jallof rice, made their own adinkra cloth, chief’s gold medallions and endangered Roloway monkey masks. Traditional clothing was available for students to try on, musical instruments to play and wood carvings, dolls and educational information boards added to the ambiance and student’s knowledge about the country. Rescheduled to March 10 because of the school closure, the entire school enjoyed a performance of dance, music and drumming by Iddi Saaka, a great way to cap off the week. He was very happy to accept the Art Club’s offer of the mural as a gift, so it will now be travelling with him on his performances throughout the state. It takes a village to run cultural arts week. We are very grateful to Lisa Burgess, Jen Hague, Carrie Wolfe and all the parent volunteers that made the marketplace a success and to Jen Flanagan for painting our photo cutout board. We thank our PTO once again for funding the marketplace . The PTO now has their own cultural arts committee to help with the week, led by Carrie Wolfe. Our docent schedulers, Elaine Nelson, Jen Kruger, Melissa Telford, Erin Billiard, Sue Johnson, Victoria Rilling, Catie Brin, Catherine Bazinet, Renee Holden and Kathleen Johnson did a great job bringing docents into the classrooms and again this year Carol Rogers maintained the master schedule to produce the final document. The performance piece of the week was funded once again by the Hale Cultural Arts Fund. We are so grateful to Betty Hale for establishing this fund that brings performance experiences to our PCS students during this special week. The final thank you goes out to our of our wonderful docents and to the support of the faculty and staff at PCS who are willing to do whatever it takes to bring this enrichment experience to their students to help them become more informed global citizens. Stay tuned to find out where PCS students are headed to next year. Hopefully the weather will be more conducive to uninterrupted travel!
  • 8. The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 8 From Headmaster, Christopher J. Sandford Happenings at Woodstock Academy April 2 Poetry-Writing Workshop with Mark Chuoke, 2:30 p.m. Woodstock Academy, B122 Woodstock, CT April 3 No School Woodstock Academy Woodstock, CT April 4 Sara Dziedzic’s Birthday Woodstock Academy Woodstock, CT April 13-19: Spring Break Woodstock Academy Woodstock, CT April 23: Student Council Blood Drive 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Woodstock Academy’s Field House Woodstock, CT April 24: Coffee House Poetry Reading, 2:30 p.m. Woodstock Academy, B122 Woodstock, CT April 24:: ConnMen Concert Sponsored by WAMPA, 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, please email lchurchill@woodstockacademy.org for information Woodstock Academy Commons Woodstock, CT April 26: Pancake Breakfast for WA’s Relay4Life Team, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Tickets are $8 per person, please email: relayforlife@woodstockacademy.org for information Woodstock Academy Commons Woodstock, CT For more information on any of these events please visit Woodstock Academy’s Events Calendar at www.WoodstockAcademy.org/calendar The Woodstock Academy Fiscal Plan Woodstock Academy’s 2015/2016 Fiscal Plan was developed with The Academy’s Vision and the Mission as its foundation, and with the belief that The Academy should prepare all students for the global society of the 21st century. All fiscal plans are directly linked to the goals and purpose of the institution. The motto of Woodstock Academy is “Look to the Future.” This year’s fiscal plan was designed to continue to invest in a diversity of programs for Academy students, increase our marketing presence through continued communications efforts, and increase educational excellence while maintaining reasonable costs for sending districts. Today’s investment leads to tomorrow’s successes in our region and beyond. While there are many components in this year’s plan, the areas of overall focus are: programmatic/facility enhancements based on current data trends and needs; implementation of a one-to-one program; overall student and campus safety; execution of the Enrollment Management Plan to maintain maximum efficiency and assist sending districts; employing areas of efficiency that benefit The Academy for the long-term, and helping to prepare students for the 21st century global society. The 2015/2016 Fiscal Plan was initially presented to the Board of Trustees at their March 10, 2015 meeting and was in alignment with the mission and vision of The Academy. Woodstock Academy would be remiss if we did not thank the Pomfret Community for its continued support of the Academy. Each student you send to the Academy is an investment in our program, in the student’s future, and this allows us to provide a top-notch education. This fiscal plan builds on previous investments and pushes the educational experience even further by moving toward a comprehensive one-to-one environment. Next school year, through your investment in the Academy, we will be providing all students at the Academy with an iPad as we complete our move to a digital learning environment. We are basing our budget on an expected enrollment of 975 students. This is a decrease of about 25 students at The Academy, which mirrors enrollment trends in the entire region. Based on this number, we have prioritized efficiencies to allow us to cut the overall operating budget by $77,303. This .56% decrease in the operating budget, combined with the 975 enrollment number, has set the sending town tuition for the 2015/2016 school year at $12,862, a 1.94% increase of $245 a student. Taking into account the decrease of enrollment from the Pomfret Community and the tuition increase, the town will actually see a decrease in tuition in the amount of $94,932. Some other major components of our fiscal plan, in addition to the One-to- One Program, are to complete the installation of a campus-wide camera system, continue universal College Board testing (PSAT and SAT) for all students, provide a late bus that will stop in Pomfret, and offer nine new or revamped courses. While this fiscal plan continues to fund all our current activities and athletics, it does include a reduction in the area of staffing. There is a proposal to reduce the staffing levels between 5 – 7 positions, or parts there-of. The Academy understands that one of its strength is the top-notch and dedicated professionals; however, the enrollment decreases we are seeing across the region exists at the Academy as well. The staffing reductions are appropriate adjustments that will not impact programs. These changes recognize the fiscal realties of our partners, such as Pomfret, and the needs of our students as they prepare for their futures. Our financial plan includes the continuation of our Private Tuition program. Students from around the world and the larger region will continue to attend the Academy. Over $1.2 million in private tuition revenue is transferred into the operating budget. In addition to covering the marketing efforts for the Academy, the private tuition program also pays for at least one teacher in each department, which benefits all students. If the tuition program did not exist, we would need a per-pupil increase of about $1,261 to cover the operation budget needs. I hope this article provides a clear update of The Academy’s Fiscal Plan and the answers some of the community’s questions. If you would like additional information or clarification on any part of the plan, please do not hesitate to contact me. Email Christopher J. Sandford, Headmaster of Woodstock Academy, at: askthehead- master@woodstockacademy.org or www.WoodstockAcademy.org or call (860-928-6575). Senior Oliver Simon of Pomfret Center Receives Woodstock Academy’s Headmaster’s Award for March Oliver Simon is often described as an exceptional, welcoming, and kind-hearted young man. He is professional and courteous, and genuinely cares about others. Oliver is always among the first students to volunteer an answer and/or help another students. He is also very mature and responsible, very rarely missing class, failing to complete homework assignments in his classes, and always working to the best of his ability. Oliver’s Social Studies Teacher, Lauren Gagnon, stated “he is conscientious and driven and wise beyond his years. His level of maturity is greater than that of the average Senior. I am confident that he will make a big impact in whatever field he chooses to pursue.” Oliver has been instrumental in the development of Model UN Club. Due to the International Relation’s success, there was a decision made to expand Model UN to freshmen and sophomores. When time came to choose a leader, Oliver was a natural choice. Oliver possessed the necessary skills to make this adventure a success. He is trustworthy, kind, and a diligent worker. Most importantly though, he is inclusive. He took many freshmen boys under his wing in Model UN and made them feel comfortable and was their advocate. He guided them through the research and speaking process, as Oliver is a natural public speaker. He has always been very welcoming and eager to pair with the students who are often not included in groups or who tend to work alone rather than dealing with the anxiety of potential rejection, Oliver makes a point to ensure that everyone is included every time, without prompting from teachers, it is simply a forgone conclusion that he will not let anyone work alone who might want to work with others. Oliver’s Basketball Coach, Greg Smith, commented: “Oliver has impressed me every year with what he will do for the good of team. He came to WA as a hotshot scorer who could shoot from deep, but that was all. He realized that he needed to develop his game. During his sophomore year, we needed a ball handler, and he became that. Last season, we needed a point guard and a leader, Oliver worked on that and did what the team needed. This year I needed him to play defense, lead us in summer league and conditioning, and be our team voice. He has taken all these roles, embraced them and done more than I ever could have expected. “ Oliver is an excellent student and representative of, and for, Woodstock Academy. He is a young man that our students should emulate, his parents should take pride in, and we should thank for being the epitome of Centaur Nation.
  • 9. The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 9 Pomfret Community School: From The Superintendent Dear Pomfret Community Members, I know it’s hard for everyone to believe but spring has actually arrived. In light of the winter we have all just experienced, it’s refreshing to see all the activity at Pomfret Community School associated with warmer weather finally getting going. Just a remind- er: as it now stands, our last day of school is set for June 23, 2015, a Tuesday. However, as I am writing this in March to meet the Pomfret Times’ publishing deadline, there could still be a March or, worse yet, April weather surprise in our future. 2015-2016 Budget Update On March 9th, Board of Education Chairman, Richard Schad, presented the proposed 2015-2016 Pomfret Community School budget to members of the Pomfret Board of Finance for their consideration and review. The BOE, administration, faculty, and staff of PCS were again pleased to present another fiscally responsible BOE budget, a budget that reflects a combined 0.85% increase. In light of what is happening across the state, this represents a significant accomplishment in what can only be described as extremely challenging fiscal times. As a point of comparison, I’ve included statewide budget data as of 03/17/2015 for your information. When viewed from this perspective, the Pomfret Board of Education’s request for the 2015-2016 school year is significantly lower than the current statewide BOE averages delineated below. (Pomfret data is in parentheses.) And yet, in spite of the annual fiscal uncertainty surrounding every budget process, PCS continues to move forward and fine tune our mission of continuous improvement. During recent, informal discussions with faculty members, I was continually impressed by the overall excellence and dedication of our teachers and staff. PCS has that unique quality within our teaching corps: a combination of veteran, experienced, and new teachers and administrators that allow us to keep our teaching vital and abreast of best practices within our profession. Clearly, there is no getting around their concerns about possible further reductions to what is already a bare bones budget request, but once the students are in our classrooms, there is nothing else that matters except making sure each one is getting what he or she needs to continue learning and growing. This concept only serves to emphasize a very crucial point: Except for extenuating circumstances, our children/ students only get one shot at being a kindergartener, a 1st grader, a 7th, or 8th grader. And in this time of increasing accountability on all fronts, state and federal, how can we provide less for them when so much more is expected from them and us? Therefore, as we did last year, even in light of the exceptionally small budget request currently on the table, we will continue to look for savings in areas such as maintenance, utilities, and negotiated medical costs until the last possible moment to insure that our recommended staffing and program levels remain intact for the 2015-2016 school year. The Board of Education, district administrators, and I look forward to answering questions during the March 18th Public Forum on the budget at 7:00 P.M. at Pomfret Community School (PCS) and during the April 21st Public Hearing at 7:00 P.M. also held at PCS. You can also visit the Pomfret Community School’s website at www.pomfret.ctschool.net beforehand to view the entire education budget proposal. Sincerely, Dr. Matt A. Bisceglia Superintendent of Schools AVERAGE 3.15 (2.11%) 2.85 (0.85%) 2015-2016 Statewide Avg. Supt. Proposal 2015-2016 Statewide Avg. BOE Proposal On February 28, 2015, PCS students participated in the 10th annual Connecticut Middle School Science Bowl at UConn in Storrs. The Science Bowl is an academic competition that includes racing small cars. The Car Teams build these small cars out of balsa wood which, on top, carries a full container of salt and requires a specific power source. This year the cars were powered by lithium batte ries. The Competition involves a race down a straight track competing against other schools. Sound simple? Maybe not. Some cars get to the starting line and don’t move. Some are geared to high. Some fly off the tracks and some break their axles. However, once again, this year’s PCS car had no such issue of movement during the race. PCS came in third place . Not only did our car team come in third place, they showed such great sportsmanship. They gave up their only “back-up” car battery, and offered their assistance to a group from another school in whom were facing technical difficulties. We are so proud of our wonderful PCS kids for their accomplishments and sportsmanship. Car Team - J.T. Feragne, John Rogers, Peyton Aubin,Cooper Larkin, David May Team Coaches -Mr. Hotchkiss and Mrs. Feragne PCS Students Participate In The 10Th Annual Connecticut Middle School Science Bowl
  • 10. The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • • PAGE 10 “This impossibly funky Connecticut restaurant is full of character (and characters) and is truly in a class by itself.” -www.hiddenboston.com www.TheVanillaBean.com 860-928-1562 To Bean or not to Bean...? ...is it really a question? lunch & dinner weekend breakfast entertainment Saturday evenings subliminal message ...eat at the Bean Pomfret-Connecticut Eastern Connecticut Conservation District is working with small farms to improve water quality. In 2015, the Eastern Connecticut Conservation District (ECCD) is assisting small farms within the Little River and Mashamoquet Brook watersheds, primarily in the towns of Brook- lyn, Eastford, Pomfret, Putnam, Thompson, and Woodstock. Both these river systems are not meeting Connecticut water quality standards. The project will focus on improving manure management and preventing nonpoint source pollution. As part of this project, ECCD is distributing breathable polypropylene UV-resistant com- post covers free of charge to farm owners willing to cover their manure stockpiles. Manure from animals such as horses, alpacas, sheep, goats, cows, and chickens can have a considerable impact on water quality. An improperly managed manure pile increases the risk of water pollution by discharging nutrients and fecal bacteria into local waterbodies. ECCD will also assist a few chosen farms to implement more comprehensive manure management, runoff management, pasture management, and stream protection practices. Projects include but are not limited to: covered manure storage structures, roof gutters, establishing sacrifice areas and cover crops, and installing exclusionary fencing. This project is funded in part through a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water Act Section 319 for Nonpoint Source Pollution, and administered by the Connecticut Depart- ment of Energy and Environmental Protection. The Eastern Connecticut Conservation District (ECCD) is a local non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping the towns and citizens of Eastern Connecticut with their conservation needs. ECCD’s vision is to provide technical assistance and environmental education to promote sound natural resource management utilizing a watershed approach. If you would like more information or help implementing best management practices on your small farm, please contact the Eastern Connecticut Conservation District at (860) 887 – 4163 x403. BOOK REVIEW: THE IRIS FAN By Laura Joh Rowland Edo, Month 1, Hoei Year 6 (Tokyo, February 1709). Not an auspicious year for the capital of feudal Japan. Still suffering the effects of Mount Fuji’s recent eruption Edo’s citizens are also living in fear of a deadly outbreak of measles and no vaccinations available. And now in a night filled with wind and sleet someone has entered the shogun’s sleeping chamber and stabbed him with the sharp iron ribs of a fan. As it turns out, a fan may not have been the best weapon to choose. A samurai sword might have done the job better. At any rate, the shogun survives, but being quite elderly and suffering from the measles and an unexpected blood loss, his full recovery is certainly in question. However, he is able to insist that Sano Ichiro, the shogun’s former chamberlain, be restored to favor in order to investigate this attempt on his life. And so Laura Joh Rowland sets the stage for the concluding episode of the Sano Ichiro series. The intrepid and scrupulously honorable Sano-San is again pitted against his arch enemy Yanagisawa and the shogun’s nephew and heir Lord Ienobu. He must also cope with a former friend and comrade—in-arms who seems to be involved in traitorous acts caused by a long dead general who has taken possession of his body. This is an added twist to the story and leads to a very unforgettable finale. The Iris Fan is available at the Pomfret Public Library Anne Hennen John M. Paquette, President Industrial, Commercial, Residential Energy Conservation Specialists Free Commercial and Industrial Energy Audits Paquette Electric is Licensed in the Tri-State area: CT, MA & RI www.paquetteelectric.com 860•963•7078 860•928•1622 368 Killingly Road P.O. Box 159 Pomfret Center, CT 06259 Pomfret Times Classified Seely-Brown Village in Pomfret Center is accepting applications for their waiting list. We are a state subsidized congregate facility for seniors 62 and older. The rent includes heat, hot water, cable, and electricity. It also includes the congregate program which provides a 3-course meal every day at noon, weekly supplemental housing and 24 hour staffing for emergency response. Please contact Cathy at 860 928-2744 or email: seely.brown@snet.net for more information.
  • 11. The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 11 Authorized Representative Best Value in Wireless, call for a quote Broken Screen? We fix/Sell most cell phones, laptops, and Apple Products 860-412-9010 In the Owen Bell Park Plaza in Killingly. Accesswireless1@sbcglobal.net Locally owned by the Chubbucks Conveniently Located Celebrating Finnish Composer Jean Sibelius On His 150Th Anniversary At Clark Memorial Chapel Jean Sibelius, best known for his orchestral composition “Finlandia”, was born in Finland 150 years ago in 1865. The Finnish American Heritage Society of Canterbury CT will be celebrating the Jubilee of the beloved composer on Sunday May 17, at 2 pm, with a solo piano recital performed by concert pianist Craig Randal Johnson at Clark Memorial Chapel on the Pomfret School Campus. “Finlandia”, Sibelius’s signature piece, was composed in 1899 and was of great importance in the development of the Finnish national identity as Finland emerged from years of Russian occupation and oppression to become the symbol of freedom and resilience it is today. The hymn portion of the orchestral piece is sung today in many Christian churches as “Be Still My Soul”. Sibelius is recognized not only for “Finlandia” but also as one of the greatest composers of the 20th Century for his extensive body of work including seven symphonies, his Violin Concerto in D Minor, numerous orchestral and choral compositions and an extensive body of compositions for piano. While “Finlandia” was initially composed as an orchestral piece, in 1900 Sibelius arranged the entire work for solo piano. The Finnish American Heritage Society of Canterbury has been planning a musical B.C.S.CO., INC. EVERYTHING FOR THE SURFACE TIM MCNALLY Machinery, Abrasives, & Chemistry to Clean, Deburr and Polish any surface 763 Thompson Road P.O. BOX 247 THOMPSON, CT 06277 E-MAIL: tim@bcscompany.com www.bcscompany.com TEL. (860) 923-9575 1-800-367-3821 FAX (860) 923-2093 If you have something you no longer need that might be useful to someone else and are looking to find it a good home, list it here. If you are looking for something, put out the word. We’ll post your donations and requests. This is a local recycling program and all items listed are considered to be at no cost. Let’s give it a try! Gives: • Upright piano looking for a good home, just needs to be moved. Please call 860-974-0191. Takes: • Looking for a picnic table for the Senior Center, call 860-974-0191. • Patriotic fabric for Quilts of Valor, call Sue @ 860-974-0494 Please contact an Editor to list your treasues or items sought. celebration “Sibelius at 150” with concert pianist Craig Randal Johnson, performing a solo piano recital of Sibelius’s music. Mr. Johnson, a Minneapolis resident, has performed as The Finlandia Foundation National “Performer of the Year” and has played solo recitals in Finland, Germany and in cities throughout the United States. The program on May 17, will include a number of pieces including “Valse Triste”, “Romance in D-flat Op.24, No. 9”, and of course Sibelius’s piano arrangement of “Finlandia”. Clark Memorial Chapel, built in 1907 in the Romanesque style using local stone from the Lewis F. Averill farm (Wolf Den Farm), is known for its sublime atmosphere and excellent acoustics and should be the perfect setting for Sibelius’s music on this Sunday afternoon in May. Admission is $10 for Adults and $5 for Students and includes a reception following the program. For further information and tickets, contact Saul Ahola (860-928-4749) or email info@fahs-ct.org. You may also visit the Finnish American Heritage Society’s website: www. fahs-ct.org or visit us on Facebook: Finnish American Heritage Society of Canterbury, CT. Submitted by Saul Ahola, MD, Chairman “Sibelius at 150” Com- mittee Finnish American Heritage Society of Canterbury CT Lengyel and Associates, LLC Accounting Services with Tax Planning and Preparation klengyel@lengyelandassociates.com www.lengyelassociates.com Kevin Lengyel, EA PO Box 404 Pomfret Center, CT 06259 (860) 428 - 9551 Income Tax Planning and Preparation Quarterly and End of Year Payroll Reporting Foreign Income Exclusion Representation Before IRS/ or State Accounting and Bookeeping Services Quickbooks Setup and Support Electronic Filing and Direct Deposit is always free! Professional Dog Grooming in a home environment Lorraine H Patrie 860-963-2221 83 Bosworth Road Pomfret Center, CT 06259
  • 12. The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 12 Grassland Bird Conservation Center 218 Day Road Pomfret Center, CT 06259 (860) 928-4948 ART EXHIBIT FOCUS ON NATURE - Photography Exhibit Conn Audubon Society Center at Pomfret, 218 Day Rd. Opening Reception $5: Sunday April 12, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Exhibit and Sale through May 10 REGULAR WALKS Wednesday Noon Walks April 1 to April 29, 12:00 p.m. Join Connecticut Audubon Society staff for fresh air, exercise, good company and naturalist lessons along the way. Seniors and parents with babes in backpacks welcome.. Thursday Morning Walks April 2 to April 30, 8:30 a.m. Stretch your legs, breathe the early spring air and look for signs of spring on the sanctuary with Fran Barnaski, longtime volunteer, tracker and nature photographer. Bring your camera. . CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS Toddler Trails & Tales Every Wednesday in April, 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Center volunteer and dad of two, Nick Beams, will delight your toddlers with stories, activities and fun along our trails. All children must be accompanied by an adult. After School Nature Club April Session: Grade K-6: Thurs, April 2, 9, 23, & 30 May Session: Grades K-6: Thurs, May 7, 14, 21, & 28 Info and forms at www.ctaudubon.org/ center-at-pomfret. April Vacation Camp April 13 to 16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon. - Stream & Pond Life Tues. - Mammal Mania Wed. - Bird Banding & Birds of Prey Thurs. - Backpack on the Air- line Trail Outdoor adventures for kids. Come for a day or all four. Info and forms at www. ctaudubon.org/center-at-pomfret. CITIZEN SCIENCE VOLUNTEER MONITORING PROGRAM Vernal Pool Surveys - Training Workshops Friday, April 3, 9 a.m. – Noon OR Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m. – Noon Register for one of the training sessions at 860-928-4948. On Friday and Saturday mornings in April and May, our trained volunteers are out counting egg masses and looking for frogs and salamanders at vernal pools in northeast Connecticut. Growing Vegetables 101 (Two-Part Series) Saturday, April 18, 1 p.m. & Saturday, May 23, 1 p.m. Andy Rzeznikiewicz will discuss and demonstrate how and when to plant a variety of vegetables. There will be tips on layout, pest control, maintenance, harvesting and more. In April, we’ll discuss and demonstrate early plantings and garden prep. SPRING MIGRATION BIRD WALKS Tuesday Morning Bird Walks April 7 to 28, 8:00 a.m. With access to over 1,650 acres of land, Sanctuary Manager, Andy Rzeznikiewicz will seek out a variety of bird species. Wear drab colored clothing and bring binoculars (on some occasions a spotting scope is useful). Weekend Bird Walk Saturday, April 25, 8:00 a.m. Sanctuary Manager, Andy Rzeznikiewicz will look for some of the early arriving birds such as, Yellow Warbler, Black and White War- bler, Eastern Towhee, and Louisiana Waterthrush. Open: Monday - Friday 10am - 8pm Saturday 9am - 8:00pm, Closed Sunday 600 Pomfret Street (Rt 169) Pomfret, CT Pomfret Spirit Shoppe & Wine Shed Many Wines For Under $10 Per Bottle 10% Discount on 6 Bottles 15% Discount on 12 Bottle Purchase Tasting Every Saturday Now Offering A Limited Supply Of Opus One Wines (featuring years: 2000, ‘03 - ‘07) Also, 75 Domestic & Imported Beers & Ales In Stock Woodstock, Pomfret, Stonington, NewYork, New Zealand, California, Spain, France, Chile, Argentina, Australia, Italy, Germany, South Africa, Portugal, England, and Canada 800 Wines In Stock From: 860-928-2946 Answers to Last Month’s Questions: 1. The three Pomfret or former residents that have been on U. S. Postage stamps were: Thomas Grosvenor, James Whistler and James Whistler’s Mother. 2. The year the first marriage took place in our settlement was in 1702 between Susanna Grosvenor and Joseph Shaw. 3. Yes, Pomfret did have an American Legion Post. It was the Covell-Ayer Post #170. It was located across from the Pomfret Center Post Office where the apartment building is today. The Pomfret Historical Society is looking for program ideas. What would you like to see: Any ideas for comments please call 860-963-0292? This Month’s Questions: 1. What was the name and the year that the first white child was born in our settlement? 2. Where was Newell Badger’s Blacksmith shop located which became the Sumner Cider Mill after Badger’s death? 3. At the base of the Cady Falls on the Blackwell Brook was a tannery. Who built it and when? Historical I Q by John Carter
  • 13. The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 13 Annual EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday, 3/28/15 (rain date 4/4/15) For Pomfret boys and girls ages 1 – 10. Location: Wolf Den Campground on Wolf Den Drive Time: 11:00 am. Parents: bring your cameras for pictures with the Easter Bunny! If we are experiencing inclement weather on 3/28, check the town website, Recreation Page for postponement. Annual SPRING SOCIAL for boys and girls in grades 3 – 5 on Friday, 4/10/15. What a great way to kick off your April vacation week! For boys and girls in grades 3 – 5. Time: 6 to 8 pm in the PCS café. Lots of games, music, refreshments and fun with your friends! Painting night with Artique! A step-by-step painting event. Friday, 5/15/15 at 7 pm. Location Pomfret Senior Center. Title of Painting: Breezy Sunflowers $35.00 per person includes light appetizers. Instructor: Lisa Andrews Learn to make your own Spring Roll Class. Saturday, 5/16/15 at 10:30 am at the Pomfret Senior Center. $10.00 per person Eat Lunch at the same time! Make your own Vegetarian, Chicken or Shrimp Roll. Instructor: Tina Kelly. After School Stay and Play Programs In the PCS Gym 3:15 to 4:30 pm Grades 1 and 2: Wednesdays: 4/29-5/27/15 Grades 3 and 4: Mondays: 4/27 – 5/26/15 After School Craft Classes for grades 3-6. Time: 3:30 to 4:45 in the PCS cafe Tuesdays: 4/28 – 5/19/15 After School Equestrian Education Program in the PCS Cafe Grades 4 -8. Time: 3:30 to 4:30 pm CO-ED Volleyball at the Pomfret Rec Park courts starts on Tuesday evenings, May 26th at 6:30 pm. Pick up Style Volleyball on the Sand Court BOSTON RED SOX TICKETS!!!!! Red Sox vs Oakland Athletics on Friday, June 5th. 3rd base side seating under the roof. Coach bus. $81.00 in town/$83.00 out of town. These seats will sell out fast! Would you like to go to Niagara Falls and see a Red Sox game in Toronto? Here’s your chance. Visit Canada; see Niagara Falls and go to a Red Sox game at the Rogers Centre. Trip takes place 5/8 – 5/10/15. Coach bus transportation and hotels included. Passport needed. FISHING DERBY FOR AGES 5-15 ON SUNDAY 6/7/15 at the Pomfret Rod and Gun Club. Fee: $5.00 per person includes picnic lunch, prizes and a free raffle! KINKY BOOTS! We have tickets to the 1:00 pm matinee show on 6/14/15 at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Winner of six 2013 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Kinky Boots features the first-ever Broadway score by Grammy winner Cyndi Lauper. Includes Coach Bus Transportation and time on your own at the Providence Place Mall. LEGO Summer Camps: 7/13 – 7/17/15 at PCS. #1: ages 5 -7 takes place from 9 am to noon #2: ages 8-10 takes place from 1:00 to 4pm Pomfret Recreation awards a yearly $500.00 College Scholarship for Pomfret residents that are high school seniors or undergraduates (based on Community Service). The last day to submit your application is: May 7, 2015. Check the website for the form. SAVE THE DATE: Positively Pomfret Day is Saturday, September 26th. Town website for more information and registration forms. www.pomfretct.gov under Recreation > programs or email B.Gagnon@pomfretct.gov Pomfret Recreation 2015 Schedule for BULKY WASTE Gate is open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Always Friday and Saturday •APRIL 24 and 25 (note dates have been changed) •JULY 17th and 18th •OCTOBER 16th and 17th Located at the Murdock Property on Route 101 just before the river @ the town line. Bring ID/Proof of residency.
  • 14. The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 14 State Senator Tony Guglielmo U.S. Senator Chris Murphy As one of the youngest members of the U.S. Senate, the problem of college affordability is personal. Like so many other families across the country, my wife and I continue to pay off our own student loans as we simultaneously try to save for our children’s college funds and our own retirement. And at a time when simply having a high school diploma is no longer enough to guarantee access to a decent career, everyone – even those on the far left and right – can agree that affordable high-quality college education is essential for our country’s economic stability and future growth. But the reality is that soaring college costs are putting higher education and the opportunities that come with it out of reach for too many Americans. Strong federal support for Pell Grants, Perkins loans, student debt forgiveness, and other student aid programs are critical lifelines for students and families looking at financing higher education. However, reforms cannot simply revolve around making it easier for students to borrow money. This is why I have introduced legislation to help hold colleges and universities accountable for the soaring cost of college, and to promote innovation in the way they deliver quality post-secondary education. My bill incentivizes schools to create new programs to bring down the cost of college while improving the quality of a degree, and would set new standards for schools that receive federal funding so that they’re more accountable to students and taxpayers. President Obama has put forward his own bold proposal to expand access to higher education for individuals of all backgrounds by making two years of community college free to students who are willing to put in the time and effort required to earn a degree. Forty percent of college students are enrolled in community colleges, which can offer academic advancement, tailored training programs, and an affordable path to a four-year degree to students who otherwise may have difficulty attending a traditional university. By requiring community colleges to improve their programs and increase the number of students who graduate, and offering free access to anyone willing to work for it, the America’s College Promise proposal is an exciting idea that could be a great investment in the next generation of students. Whether they’re young students just starting their education, professionals looking to enhance or switch their career, or single parents and veterans wanting to transition back into the job market, this proposal could provide an important long-term boost to our recovering economy, and that should be celebrated. The bottom line is that our economy works best when growing businesses can hire skilled and educated employees to fill 21st century roles. Given the fact that the vast majority of today’s jobs require some sort of training or education beyond a high school level, the U.S. simply needs to make it easier for hard-working Americans to earn quality college degrees and fill the well-paying, sustainable jobs we have open. I intend to use my position on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (which has jurisdiction over higher education policy) to work on these and other initiatives to create opportunities for every American to participate in the new economy without mountains of debt. We can all agree that a child’s ability to get a college degree should be based on her work ethic and intellect, not the size of her or her parent’s bank account. A Golden Ticket for Senior Anglers State Senator Tony Guglielmo testified in support of a new proposal to allow residents age 65 years and older to have permanent fishing licenses and avoid the annual renewal. The bill is entitled; AN ACT PROVIDING PERSONS AGE SIXTY-FIVE OR OLDER WITH PERMANENT FISHING LICENSES was heard before the Environment Committee of the General Assembly this week in Hartford. “I represent a region that covers the Natchaug River which is also a trout park in Eastford. In my district, we have many seniors who love to fish,” said Sen. Guglielmo. The bill would authorize permanent fishing licenses for persons 65 and older rather than requiring an annual application for such a license. Guglielmo told the committee, “The idea before you would ease burdens on seniors and help them to continue to fish here in Connecticut during their retirement years. With all the costs we put on Connecticut seniors, isn’t it time we looked for ways to make their lives easier so that they can enjoy their golden years with their children and grandchildren?” According to testimony from the Department of Energy and Environment officials provid- ing permanent fishing licenses to seniors is a problem. In their argument DEEP officials stated, “We believe that any minor inconvenience for anglers, including those over age 65, to renew those licenses they intend to use in the current year is quite small. Without such a require- ment for seniors, the agency would be compelled to conduct costly extensive surveys of senior sportsmen to determine their activity status. Further, such a survey would likely prove a greater imposition on a senior’s time than simply renewing their license at their convenience.” The current electronic licensing system, provided by an outside vendor, was designed and programmed to manage licenses/permits on an annual (calendar year) basis. Some opponents of the bill say managing extended licenses (valid for multiple years) for a relatively large block of license holders would require extensive manual reentry by staff, or reprogramming of the system, both at significant cost to the state. However those from “Save the Sound” – an environmental advocacy group say that is not true. Tyler Archer from the Fisheries Program testified that paperwork is the real problem, “Even with the Online Sportsmen Licensing system, organizing materials for the more than 100,000 Connecticut fishers is time consuming. Allowing those over 65 to obtain a permanent license in one transaction will help reduce this load. Additionally, inland and marine fishing licenses are free for senior citizens, so the main goal here is to reduce the amount of paperwork.” His group also points out that lifetime fishing licenses will not cause a decline in Connecti- cut’s funding for conservation efforts from the federal government. The Sport Fishing Restora- tion Act (Dingell-Johnson Act, 1950) provides conservation funds according to a state’s land and water acreage and number of licensed fishers. Because more than thirty other states offer lifetime licenses in some form, US Fish & Wildlife Service already calculate them into those states’ number, a calculation based on life expectancy. Connecticut receives about $3.5 million annually from the Dingell-Johnson Act program. DEEP, for its own calculations, could just as easily mirror what US FWS already does. Interestingly, Connecticut offered this very program until October 1, 2009. Returning to lifetime licenses would benefit all. MARTIAL ARTS H Martial Arts for Adults, Teens, & Children H Self-defense H Self-discipline H Courage/Respect H Karate/Jiu Jutsu H Competition Team H Make friends for life H Area’s most qualified instructors H Master Mike Bogdanski - 8th Degree Black Belt Master Kristin Duethorn - 5th Degree Black Belt 75 Railroad Street PUTNAM 860-928-9218 www.questmartialarts.us Winter Special -1 month Karate $75.00 (includes free uniform)
  • 15. The Pomfret Times APRIL 2015 • PAGE 15 I just attended the Board of Finance sponsored special forum. I would have hoped for more people to attend, as only about twenty-five people came. Over the next few weeks, based on the budgets as presented and input from the people who provide input to the Board of Finance, the Board will create a budget that hopefully reflects what the town wants and can afford. There are several more opportunities to be heard if you have comments or concerns about either the general government budget or the Board of Education budget. They are; a Board of Selectmen’s meeting on April 6, Board of Finance meeting on April 13, a public hearing on April 21, and finally the Town Meeting in early May. This year’s general government budget is a good one. Costs have been held down while providing more services to the town. There are two major increases in the budget. This first is an increase in senior services. Increased hours and programs make up most of this increase. TEEG will take a more active part in the management and program direction. The center will be open one more day per week, with a plan of offering noon meals. Much of the cost of these new services will be funded by grant money. The direct cost to Pomfret is $ 6,700.00. The second increase expands the Pomfret Library hours and staff. Libraries have evolved from the old “quiet zone” library that I remember to a more living venue, which includes From Selectman Peter Mann opportunities for tutoring, youth and adult programs, arts and crafts, and more. The addition of a part time staff member and the change of the librarian to full time increases the library budget along with the benefits budget in the general government budget. Over the last few years, the Board of Finance has rebuilt our surplus fund, which had been at lower than desirable levels. The general government s urplus is in good shape. The increase in Pomfret’s grand list will yield about $ 83,000.00 in increased revenue, which will offset the increase the Board of Education budget. With the modest net increase in the general government budget of a net $ 28,000.00, the Board of Finance could use some of the surplus to offset that increase and deliver a zero mil increase budget for 2015-2016. So much for the budget. Thank you to the Pomfret Lions Club for sponsoring an eye and ear screening at Seely Brown. This will be held on April 23, 2015 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Please call Seely Brown for an appointment if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity. Screenings are not actual eye and ear examinations, but will tell whether further screenings and/or examinations should be considered. Please take part in the 2015-2016 budget process by attending the meetings, or calling your Board of Education, Selectmen, and Board of Finance members. Names and phone numbers are on the Pomfret web site www.pomfretct.org. We value your input. Peter B. Mann www.woodstockframeworks.com Woodstock FRAMEWORKS Fine Custom Picture Framing “I remain in business and have a loyal client base, because my workmanship is the very highest quality.” On Rte 169 just north of the junction of Rtes 169 & 197, in north Woodstock (860) 234-1389 woodstockframeworks@gmail.com It’s the state of the art! Single-stream recycling is a system in which all recyclable materials –- fiber (newspaper, cardboard, mixed paper, catalogs, magazines and junk mail) and containers (glass, steel, aluminum and plastic) -– are placed, unsorted, in one recycling bin and sorted by state-of-the-art processing equipment at a regional recycling center. It’s the easiest way to recycle! Residents and collectors are no longer required to separate paper and containers, making curbside recycling much more convenient. And because paper and cardboard no longer need to Pomfret Times 2015 Submission Deadlines Please mark your calendars! Our deadline schedule for the coming months allows us to get the Pomfret Times to you by the first of the month. Please have your content to Maureen, or Liz by the following dates. Thanks in advance for your help. April 17 ..............................for May 1 May 15 ..............................for June 1 June 12 ..............................for July 1 July 17 ..............................for August 1 August 14 ............................for September 1 September 16 ......................for October 1 October 16 .........................for November 1 November 13 ......................for December 1 December 11 ......................for January 1 WHAT IS SINGLE-STREAM RECYCLING? be separated, residents don’t need brown-paper bags in which to pack them. It increases recycling! Because there’s no sorting at curbside, haulers can use automated collection using 64-gallon or 96-gallon wheeled barrels, as opposed to the familiar 14-gallon recycling bin, so residents can recycle more with each collection. What are the advantages of single-stream recycling? For residents: -- Convenience increases dramatically for residents, especially with automated collection that uses much larger wheeled recycling barrels, since it does not require separation of paper and cardboard from containers. -- The wheeled barrels reduce litter and contamination because they have lids that seal tightly. For The state: -- Single-stream recycling will be the largest factor in increasing participation and recycling rates, helping the state reach the goal set in DEP’s Solid Waste Management Plan of recycling 58 percent of all solid waste by 2024. For the environment: -- Single-stream recycling conserves more natural resources conserved and decreases raw mate- rials used. -- More recycling means less trash delivered to trash-to-energy facilities or trucked to out-of- state landfills. -- Easier recycling means greater residential participation that drives up recycling rates and reduces trash disposal, lowering costs to municipalities and homeowners. -- Automated collection means more efficient routes, decreasing truck emissions and fuel con- sumption. To prepare items for single-stream recycling: •Place newspapers, mixed paper, boxboard and corrugated cardboard and aseptic packages in the recycling bin or barrel with your other recyclables. Do not include newspapers contami- nated with food waste, paper towels or food wrappers. •Rinse aseptic packages such as juice boxes and milk cartons and remove straws if any, then place in the recycling bin or barrel. •Rinse glass, aluminum, steel and plastic cans, jars, bottles and aluminum food trays, then place them in the recycling bin or barrel. Labels don’t need to be removed. Do not include con- tainers of motor oil, antifreeze or other automotive fluids, paint cans or medicine bottles. •Do not include light bulbs, toys, pots and pans, window glass, dishes and other ceramic items, coat hangers, flower pots or plastic bags. •Don’t forget to redeem deposit bottles and cans! From the Connecticut Resource Recovery Authority web site. http://www.crra.org/ pages/single-stream_recycling.htm
  • 16. Our Town Times, April 2015 Wed. April 1 •April Fool’s Day. •Inland Wetlands & Watercourses @ Community/ Senior Center, 7 P. Fri. April 3 •Good Friday, No School. •Bulky Waste @ Murdock Property, 9-3 P. Sat. April 4 •Bulky Waste @ Murdock Property, 9-3 P. Sun. April 5 Easter Mon. April 6 •Board of Selectmen @ Community / Senior Center, 7 P. Tue. April 7 •Pomfret Senior Association Meeting @ Community / Senior Center, noon. •Preschool Storytime @ Pomfret Library, 10 A. •Common Threads @ Pomfret Library, 4 – 6 P. •Republican Town Committee @ Community/Senior Centre, 7 P. Thu. April 9 •Toddler Storytime @ Pomfret Library, 10:30 A. Conservation •Commission @ Old Town House, 7 P. Mon. April 13 •Board of Finance @ PCS, 6:30 P. April 13 - 19 - •Donations for 4-H Auction & Tag Sale accepted from 11 AM - 6 PM at Horse Camp entrance, 326 Taft Pond Rd. in Pomfret Tue. April 14 •Economic Planning And Development Commission @ Community / Senior Center, 8 A. •Common Threads, 4-6P @ Pomfret Library. Wed. April 15 •Senior Advocate Commission @ Community / Senior Center, 6 P. •Fire District @ Fire House, 7P. •Board of Finance Budget Forum @ PCS, 7 P. Thu. April 16 •Book Discussion (Pied Piper) @ Pomfret Library, 3:30 P. •Agriculture Commission @ Community / Senior Center, 7 P. Fri. April 17 •Pomfret Times Deadline for April. TOWN WIDE TAG SALE REGISTRATION FORM **SUBMIT BY April 17th (if you miss this deadline, you will not be on the map)** Location of Sale___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone:____________________ E-mail:__________________________________________________________________________ Sale Items: (ie, Books, Baby, etc.) ____________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ To help us locate you accurately on Tag Sale Map, please indicate which end of street, nearest intersection, etc. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Enclose with a $10.00 check payable to The Pomfret Proprietors and mail to: Martha Emilio, 56 Babbitt Hill Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259.860 974-3714 SAVE THE DATE! 9TH ANNUAL TOWN-WIDE TAG SALE Saturday, May 2, 2015 The Pomfret Proprietors will organize and promote its 9th Annual TOWN-WIDE TAG SALE on Saturday, MAY 2, 2015 from 8 AM – Afternoon. All Pomfret residents, businesses and organizations may participate. A MAP will be available at 7:00 am the morning of the sale at the Pomfret Com- munity School, identifying all participating locations. A $10 registration fee will put YOUR tag sale on the map. The registration fee includes advertising and publicity by the Pomfret Proprietors, who plan to promote our TOWN-WIDE TAG SALE to Connecticut Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Hartford Courant, Providence Journal, WINY, Shoppers Guide, Craigslist and various tourism websites – just to name a few. April 18 - •2nd Annual 4-H Camper Scamper 5K Race/Walk and 1 Mile Kid Run. Starts at 10 AM. See www.4hcampct.org to register or call 860-974- 1122. April 18- •12 to 4 PM CAMPER OPEN HOUSE for new & returning campers. Meet staff, take a tour, register for camp. 1:30 – 2:00 pm Informational parent panel. Windham-Tolland 4- H Camp, 326 Taft Pond Rd April 19 - 24 •4 PM CAMPER OPEN HOUSE for new & returning campers. Meet staff, take a tour, register for camp. Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp, 326 Taft Pond Rd. Mon. April 20 •Zoning Board of Appeals @ Community / Senior Center, 7 P. April 20 - 29 - •Donations for 4-H Auction & Tag Sale accepted from 11 AM - 6 PM at the Agricultural Building at the Woodstock Fairgrounds on Route 171 in Woodstock. Tue. April 21 •Public Hearing on 2015-2016 Budgets @ PCS, 7 P. •Preschool Storytime @ Pomfret Library, 10 A. •Common Threads @ Pomfret Library, 4-6 P. T •entative Date for Public Hearing on 2015 - 2016 Budgets, check w/ Town Hall. Thu. April 23 •Toddler Storytime @ Pomfret Library, 10:30 A. Mon. April 27 •Planning & Zoning Meeting @ Community /Senior Ctr 7P. Tue. April 28 •Preschool Storytime, @ Pomfret Library, 10:30 A. •Common Threads @ Pomfret Library, 4-6 P. •Pomfret Democratic Town Committee meeting @ Grill 37, 7 P. Wed. April 29 •Board of Education @ PCS, 6:30P. Thu. April 30 •Razzle Dazzle Readers @ Pomfret Library, 3:30 P. •Library Board of Trustees @ Pomfret Library, 7 P. •PCS PTO meeting, 7 P @ PCS. Town Wide Tag Sale !! Table Spaces Available at Community / Senior Center Table spaces available for the town-wide tag sale. The annual town-wide tag sale is scheduled for May 2 this year (if the snow is gone!), and we again will be offering to rent spaces at the Pomfret Senior/Community Center parking lot for individuals who would like the opportunity to sell items they no longer need, but don’t have the space or desire to have it at their own homes. We have done this for several years now, and each year it is better than the previous year. Because of the great location, the more people that are set up the more people are attracted to the site. We really get a lot of foot traffic. Cost for the spaces will be the same as last year, $15.00 in cash, and people are expected to bring their own tables/set ups. First come, first serve. Call Garry to reserve your space by April 25 at 860-928-2309. This year, proceeds will go to the Pomfret Food Pantry and to the Pomfret Senior Association.