The Eastford Communicator · Ashford, T 06278 Peter & George Lytras 429-1932 The Eastford...

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1 The Eastford Communicator September 2015, Vol. 24, No. 6 BRODEURBITS [Brodeurbits is a regular compilation of writings and ram- blings from the First Selectman and others and elsewhere, some profound, others mundane; all hopefully of interest and import, aimed at communicating and informing.] [This Month: Reminders and Remainders, Edits and Per- mits, No Donuts, No Gas, and Winners En Masse.] I want to reiterate, in the highest decibels, my praise and gratitude, and that of the entire Eastford community, for the hard work and fine results of those who organized and ef- fected our Heritage Day “Experience Eastford” events on July 18. Much, much effort went into making the day both memorable and enjoyable. Particular kudos and applause go out to Committee Chair Terry Cote and to each and eve- ry member of her Committee. These people are volunteers, they are “doers” and they did it. Continued on next page September, 2015 Calendar 1 Conservation & Historic Comm, TOB, 7:00pm 2 Nahaco Commission, Camp Nahaco, 7:00pm 8 Democratic Town Committee, Library, 7:30pm 9 Recreation Commission, TOB, 2:00pm Registrars of Voters, TOB, 5:00pm – 7:00pm 10 BOE, EES, 7:00pm 11 Board of Assessment Appeals, TOB, 7:00pm 12 Board of Assessment Appeals, TOB, 9:00am Tour Grove Cemetery, Rt. 198, 12 Noon 14 Fiddle & Song, EES, 3:30pm – 5:00pm Fiddle & Song, EES, 6:00pm – 9:00pm School Readiness Council, EES, 6:00pm BOS, TOB, 7:00pm 15 Planning Commission, TOB, 7:00pm Republican Town Committee, Library, 7:00pm 16 Communicator Deadline 17 OPEN HOUSE, EES, 6:00-7:30pm 18 Yoga, TOB, 8:15am – 9:15am 21 Fiddle & Song, EES, 3:30pm – 5:00pm Yoga, TOB, 5:30pm – 6:30pm Fiddle & Song, EES, 6:00pm – 9:00pm 23 Registrars of Voters, TOB, 5:00pm – 7:00pm 24 Union Society Building Comm, TOB, 8:00am Gentle Yoga, TOB, 1:00pm – 2:00pm Inland Wetlands Commission, TOB, 7:00pm Library Board, Library, 7:00pm 25 Yoga, TOB, 8:15am – 9:15am 28 Fiddle & Song, EES, 3:30pm – 5:00pm Yoga, TOB, 5:30pm – 6:30pm Thank you to our advertisers & donors! Donors and the local businesses who advertise in The Eastford Communicator make it possible for us to provide local news and information free every month to more than 900 Eastford households. Thank you to recent donors: Lennox & Arthur Brodeur Frank Castagna Jane & Guy Grube Mary Jezierski Mary Jo & George Scott Marian & James Slye You are keeping the Communicator alive! Our advertisers offer products, gifts & services for your every need. Gifts & Gift Certificates - Health Care Pet Accommodations - Lumber & Hardware PYO Fruit & Pies & Specialties - Catering - Dining Beauty & Spa Care - Tax & Legal Services Real Estate & Home Services Honest Auto Sales & Service...and more! The Eastford Communicator urgently needs your donations. Please patronize our advertisers & Thank donors & advertisers for supporting YOUR Eastford Communicator Please send donations to: Eastford Communicator P.O. Box 253, Eastford, CT 06242 Of Special Note TOUR GROVE CEMETERY-Rt. 198 September 12, 12 Noon OPEN HOUSE for FAMILIES, EES September 17, 6-7:30 pm TOWN-WIDE TAG SALE October 3 & 4 CHILI & APPLE DESSERT COOK-OFF Coriander Cafe - Oct. 10, 1 pm

Transcript of The Eastford Communicator · Ashford, T 06278 Peter & George Lytras 429-1932 The Eastford...

Page 1: The Eastford Communicator · Ashford, T 06278 Peter & George Lytras 429-1932 The Eastford Communicator ... them: car wash services are taxable, water company sales are taxable, clothing

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The Eastford Communicator

September 2015, Vol. 24, No. 6

BRODEURBITS

[Brodeurbits is a regular compilation of writings and ram-

blings from the First Selectman and others and elsewhere,

some profound, others mundane; all hopefully of interest

and import, aimed at communicating and informing.]

[This Month: Reminders and Remainders, Edits and Per-

mits, No Donuts, No Gas, and Winners En Masse.]

I want to reiterate, in the highest decibels, my praise and

gratitude, and that of the entire Eastford community, for the

hard work and fine results of those who organized and ef-

fected our Heritage Day “Experience Eastford” events on

July 18. Much, much effort went into making the day both

memorable and enjoyable. Particular kudos and applause

go out to Committee Chair Terry Cote and to each and eve-

ry member of her Committee. These people are volunteers,

they are “doers” and they did it.

Continued on next page

September, 2015 Calendar

1 Conservation & Historic Comm, TOB, 7:00pm

2 Nahaco Commission, Camp Nahaco, 7:00pm

8 Democratic Town Committee, Library, 7:30pm

9 Recreation Commission, TOB, 2:00pm

Registrars of Voters, TOB, 5:00pm – 7:00pm

10 BOE, EES, 7:00pm

11 Board of Assessment Appeals, TOB, 7:00pm

12 Board of Assessment Appeals, TOB, 9:00am

Tour Grove Cemetery, Rt. 198, 12 Noon

14 Fiddle & Song, EES, 3:30pm – 5:00pm

Fiddle & Song, EES, 6:00pm – 9:00pm

School Readiness Council, EES, 6:00pm

BOS, TOB, 7:00pm

15 Planning Commission, TOB, 7:00pm

Republican Town Committee, Library, 7:00pm

16 Communicator Deadline

17 OPEN HOUSE, EES, 6:00-7:30pm

18 Yoga, TOB, 8:15am – 9:15am

21 Fiddle & Song, EES, 3:30pm – 5:00pm

Yoga, TOB, 5:30pm – 6:30pm

Fiddle & Song, EES, 6:00pm – 9:00pm

23 Registrars of Voters, TOB, 5:00pm – 7:00pm

24 Union Society Building Comm, TOB, 8:00am

Gentle Yoga, TOB, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Inland Wetlands Commission, TOB, 7:00pm

Library Board, Library, 7:00pm

25 Yoga, TOB, 8:15am – 9:15am

28 Fiddle & Song, EES, 3:30pm – 5:00pm

Yoga, TOB, 5:30pm – 6:30pm

Thank you to our advertisers & donors!

Donors and the local businesses

who advertise in The Eastford Communicator

make it possible for us to provide

local news and information free every month

to more than 900 Eastford households.

Thank you to recent donors:

Lennox & Arthur Brodeur

Frank Castagna

Jane & Guy Grube

Mary Jezierski

Mary Jo & George Scott

Marian & James Slye

You are keeping the Communicator alive!

Our advertisers offer

products, gifts & services for your every need.

Gifts & Gift Certificates - Health Care

Pet Accommodations - Lumber & Hardware

PYO Fruit & Pies & Specialties - Catering - Dining

Beauty & Spa Care - Tax & Legal Services

Real Estate & Home Services

Honest Auto Sales & Service...and more!

The Eastford Communicator

urgently needs your donations.

Please patronize our advertisers &

Thank donors & advertisers for supporting

YOUR Eastford Communicator

Please send donations to:

Eastford Communicator

P.O. Box 253, Eastford, CT 06242

Of Special Note

TOUR GROVE CEMETERY-Rt. 198

September 12, 12 Noon

OPEN HOUSE for FAMILIES, EES

September 17, 6-7:30 pm

TOWN-WIDE TAG SALE

October 3 & 4

CHILI & APPLE DESSERT COOK-OFF

Coriander Cafe - Oct. 10, 1 pm

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The Eastford Communicator

Related to Experiencing Eastford, I want to thank every-

one who did not vote for me in the Kiss the Dog contest.

Thankfully for me, Pastor Mike Moran of the Congrega-

tional Church was the top vote getter and had the oppor-

tunity to go muzzle-to-muzzle with a jowly canine. In fact,

Pastor Mike, a man of good will and good spirit as well as

of the Holy Spirit, got to kiss the dog twice for a photo op.

Blessings be upon you, Pastor Mike, and thanks.

A Reminder: Assessor-related information is available

online at http://www.eastfordct.org/TownofEastford.

Or you can access property record cards by going to this

link: http://gis.vgsi.com/EastfordCT/, and maps at http://

neccog.org/gis/.

Another Reminder: The Town of Eastford participates in

the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities [CCM] Pre-

scription Discount Card Program. Through this program

Eastford is providing prescription savings for its residents

who are without health insurance or a traditional pharmacy

benefit plan, or have prescriptions not covered by insur-

ance. This program is at no-cost to taxpayers and there are

no income limits and no age requirements on the use of the

card. Even some pet prescriptions are covered for medica-

tions that also treat a human condition. Average saving has

been fifty percent. Cards are mailed to you and can be ac-

cessed electronically through the proactrxsavings.com

web site. Or check with the Selectmen’s Office.

And Another: Dogs were to be licensed by July 1, 2015

and new Transfer Station stickers were to be affixed to the

lower windshield, driver’s side, by July 31, 2015.

The annual report of Building Official Joe Pajak for July

1, 2014 through June 30, 2015 shows that 90 permits were

issued in Eastford with fees collected totaling $6,789.58.

The value of construction in Eastford for the last fiscal year

was $4,784,957. The greatest number of permits issued

was for remodeling and decks [14], with commercial/

industrial being next at 12. Ten permits each were issued

for new homes/duplex, heating, and electrical. There

were eight solar system permits, eight chimney/

woodstove permits, and eight re-roofing/siding permits.

There were five new single family home permits and five

additions. The remaining permits were spread among

tank removal, demolition, trailers/barns, pools, and one

garage/shed

One the media front, I have been informed by the staff

of the Woodstock Villager that their publishing group

will be expanding its coverage of Eastford via the start-

up of a publication which will cover Ashford and

Eastford. We in Eastford will also continue to be part of

the editorial coverage of the currently-existing Wood-

stock Villager. On the negative side of the media ledger,

recent conversation with a reporter for the Norwich Bul-

letin corroborated that which many of us have already

known, that Eastford is not within the so-called

“coverage area” of the Bulletin. The Bulletin carries

news and notices related to Woodstock, Ashford, Chap-

lin and others of our contiguous towns but somehow we

are not in their “coverage area”. We seem to fall under-

neath their geographical and editorial radar. But we shall

carry on and persevere and perhaps be the better for it. It

also underlines how important our Communicator is to

our being informed as a community and why we should

support it.

Wouldn’t It Be Nice If….

The distributors of the Reminder News had more accu-

racy or a more efficient delivery system, thereby assuring

that the Reminder doesn’t continue to be the remainder

that is it is, littering our driveways, or lawns, our cul-

verts, the earth around our Continued on next page

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Merlo’s Home Improvement >Custom Kitchens >Bathroom Vanities >Entertainment Centers >Hutches >Interior Finish Work >Exterior Finish Work >Additions >Remodeling >Garages >Roofing

Lauren Merlo Eastford, CT

(860) 974-3331

860-

MIDWAY PIZZA RESTAURANT

We Specialize In American & Italian Dishes

Pizza, Fresh Seafood And More!

Route 44 Ashford, CT 06278

Peter & George Lytras 429-1932

The Eastford Communicator

awarded from Eastford scholarship funds administered by

the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.

Eastford awardees were Jason Albrecht, Hannah Budd,

Sierra Goodwin, Morgan Lundy, Kara Singleton, and Abi-

gail Willis. These students are the beneficiaries of schol-

arship monies from the Edith Wheaton Smith Memorial

Scholarship, the Esther and Lucie Harmon & Leta Trepal

Scholarship, the Dennis Barlow Scholarship, the Harold

Carpenter Scholarship, the Emil Vaida Scholarship, the

Eleanor K. Lewis Scholarship, and the Mary King Sharpe

Memorial Business Award. If you wish to add to these

scholarship funds or start one of your own, please contact

me as Chair of the Eastford Scholarship Committee or

School Superintendent Linda Loretz.

Legislation enacted by the General Assembly in the

recently-concluded session includes some significant sales

tax changes which went into effect on July 1. Among

them: car wash services are taxable, water company sales

are taxable, clothing and footwear remain taxable, with

the exemption for clothing and footwear costing less than

$50 NOT being restored; motor vehicle parking in all sea-

sonal parking lots and hospital garages is taxable but only

for non-metered lots with 30 or more parking spaces; and

the luxury sales tax rate increases to 7.75 percent. Also

be aware that computer and data processing services will

remain taxed at one percent, and web design services will

become taxable at one percent next month, after October

1, 2015.

The Algonquin Atlantic Bridge Pipeline Project, once

on, then off, is apparently on again, in a new guise and

format. Now it is called the Access Northeast Project. I

was originally informed that Algonquin had abandoned

plans for inclusion of Eastford in its pipeline expansion

project due to a diminishing of

mailboxes, to be left festering, decaying, annoying, and un-

read.

No ,that is not a Dunkin’ Donuts under construction on

the greensward across from the Fire Station. It is a building

being constructed by Fiber Tech, a fiber optic technology

company which is updating its technical and transmission

capabilities throughout the area in keeping with its contrac-

tual obligation to provide fiber optic access to the State.

The building will house relay and other related-capabilities.

Fiber Tech is renting the piece of land from Eastford Inde-

pendent Fire Company #1 who will use the income to offset

their traditional fund-raising efforts such as chicken barbe-

cues and steak dinners, attendance at which is ebbing con-

siderably.

The Town is in discussion with Bay State Textiles to ini-

tiate a textile recycling program at the Transfer Station.

This would replace the current Salvation Army box at the

Station, which becomes cluttered, over-filled, and a mess if

the Army does not make a regular pickup. Connecticut De-

partment of Energy and Environmental Protection studies

show that five-to-six percent of Connecticut’s solid waste

consists of unwanted post-consumer textiles [clothing,

shoes, and household linen.] As long as it is dry and does

not have an odor, Bay State will take it. Eastford would be

one of the early Towns to enter into an agreement with Bay

State. More as details are finalized.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA]

has awarded Eastford some $13,000 in recompense under

the federally-declared emergency for the January 26-28,

2015 blizzard. It was determined by FEMA that the Town’s

snow removal and spreading of salt and material efforts

were determined to be eligible emergency measures taken to

save lives, protect public health and safety, and to protect

property.

Congratulations go out to the winners of scholarships continued on next page

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The Eastford Communicator

Breakfast & Lunch Daily

Dinner Wed-Sat 5-8pm

(Check Website for Specials)

Sandwiches, Organic Coffee, Baked Goods - WIFI

Hamburgers, Build Your Own Subs - BYOB

Hours: Sun 8am-4pm Mon 7am-4pm Tues 7am-7pm

Wed thru Sat, 7am-8pm

Call-in Orders & Catering Available

www.coriandercafeeastford.com

(860) 315-7691

192 Eastford Road Eastford, CT 06242

Eastford Seniors

By Linda SM dos Santos

The Eastford Senior Citizens Car Caravan to the Farmer’s

Cow Calfé & Creamery is rescheduled to Tues., Sep-

tember 22. Seniors will gather at 11 AM at the Eastford

Elementary School parking lot near the Town Office

Building’s (TOB) Lower Level. The Farmer’s Cow offers

freshly made sandwiches, an ice cream bar & a bottom-

less milk bar. Then, on to the Hoot, which features col-

lectables, gardening items, and gifts on trend. The senior

10% discount excludes sales items, & gift certificates.

Call Bill 860-315-5240, by Noon Mon., Sept. 21 & tell

him, if you are a driver or passenger.

Free Renters’ Rebate applications for Elderly & Disabled

Eastford residents available at Town Assessor’s Office,

860-974-0133. State law requires single person’s total

income under $34,600, married people under $42,200.

Rebate amounts range from $50-$900. The application

period ends October 1.

Save the Date: Thurs., Oct. 15 Speaker & Sandwiches at

the Eastford TOB’s Lower Level.

***FREE***

Tues., Sept. 1 10 AM- 12Noon Surf the Internet, Brows-

ers, Tab Browsing, Safety & Skype.

Thurs. Sept. 17, 10 AM - 12 Internet Security & Safety,

The seminar, teaches you how to protect yourself on the

Internet & better use of passwords.

Thurs, Sept. 24 10AM-12 Internet Travel Planning, Ex-

plore multiple resources, plan vacation exploits.

***Mansfield Senior Center Assoc. (MSCA), 303 Maple

Rd, Storrs/Mansfield 860-429-0262

Senior Bus Trips, 3 local bus stops available

Oct. 16 Visit Quechee Gorge, Vermont, & Quechee Vil-

lage shops & Lake Morey Luncheon, $79/person

Tues. Nov.10th - Salute to Our Veterans, West Springfield,

MA Carriage House Luncheon plus - a musical trio per-

forming patriotic songs, $75/person

For details, contact Kay Warren at 860-429-0262, ext. 6 at

MSCA, M, W & Fri. 8:30 AM - 2 PM.

Eastford Elementary School

By: Heather Tamsin, Principal

Everyone has returned to the 2015-16 school year reju-

venated and ready for another exciting year of learning.

The building is bustling with activity and a renewed sense

of enthusiasm. It is a pleasure to have the positive energy

of students and staff bring the building back to life. We are

looking forward to our Open House for families on

Thursday, September 17 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. This

is a great opportunity for families to meet teachers and

visit their child’s classrooms.

Natchaug Hospital is hosting free, five week Positive

Parenting Courses. The course is held at Natchaug Hospi-

tal in Mansfield Center on Monday nights from 6pm to

8pm. The first session is from September 28 through No-

vember 2, 2015. For more information or to register con-

tact Joe Freeman at 860-696-9500.

Thank you to the Calabrese family for tending to our

Pizza Garden throughout the summer. They managed to

keep the plants watered and productive through this very

dry summer!

We are committed to providing another positive and

productive school year for students and families. Remem-

ber to visit and bookmark the school’s website at

www.eastfordct.org. We continue to update the school

calendar with upcoming events and information. Please

check the website regularly for scheduled events and last

minute changes. Delayed openings and snow days will

also be listed on the website. High school students are

reminded that when Eastford cancels school due to in-

clement weather, all transportation is cancelled. I look

forward to another positive and productive year with this

learning community.

consumer demand and a need to downsize the project..

That project would have expanded pipeline expansion

efforts in Eastford along a track running from Kennerson

Road through the Natchaug Forest to the Pilfershire Road

area. Now I am informed by lobbyists for the pipeline

company that they are reconsidering expansion “if the

demand for natural gas continues to escalate”. I shall

keep you in the informational pipeline as events transpire.

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The Eastford Communicator

Live Bait

Board of Education

The following message is intended for all Eastford stu-

dents (PK-12) and their parents and guardians about bus

transportation

Bus routes for elementary and high school students are

modified by the bus company each August before the start

of the school year. Once they are accepted by the superin-

tendent and the Board of Education, they are posted on the

school’s website and paper copies are available in the ele-

mentary school office during regular office hours.

If at this time you are certain that your child will not be

taking the bus for the whole year, please send a written

notification to the superintendent as soon as possible.

Having this information is helpful so that the drivers do

not have to stop at houses of students who do not plan to

ride the bus. In some cases, routes can be adjusted based

on students who will not ride. If at any time, your circum-

stances change and your child will need to ride the bus,

please call the superintendent’s office or send an email

and the bus will begin to stop at your house within 24

hours of notification.

In very few situations, families had been in the habit of

calling or texting drivers to alert them about changes in

their needs for school bus transportation. Drivers will no

longer accept messages from families. Messages must be

left by parents at the superintendent’s office or Rukstela’s

office at least 24 hours in advance of changes.

LIBRARY NEWS

BY: SUSAN SHEAD

The summer reading program Every Hero has a Story

was a great success. The library hosted a performance of

Nappy’s Puppets on Saturday August 8th. It was well at-

tended by all. I would like to thank the junior volunteers

who helped out at the library this summer. They are Sophia

Bulan, Anna Kellermann, Emily Belanger and Katerina

Belanger. Thank you girls for your time and help over the

summer.

The Library Board will sponsor a walk presented by

Lauren Anderson at Grove Cemetery on Saturday Septem-

ber 12, 2015. Call the library at 860-974-0125 for more

details.

The library book discussion will be starting up again this

month. Our first book of the season will be Her by Harriet

Lane. All are welcome to attend with time and date yet to

be decided. Call the library for more info.

There are discount passes available for Mystic

Aquarium, Roger Williams Park Zoo, The New England

Air Museum, and free admission passes to the New Britain

Museum of American Art, The Wadsworth Atheneum and

Connecticut’s Old State House. We also have coupons for

20% off admission to the Connecticut Science Center. We

also have State Parks and Forests Day pass. This pass can

be used to cover the cost of parking at state parks and for-

ests where there is an established parking charge.

Please note:

The library will be closed on Monday Sept.7th

Labor

Day.

The library hours are Monday 3-8pm, Tuesday 10am to

8pm, Thursday 3-8pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm.

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The Eastford Communicator

Eastford Independent Fire Company

From: Jeannine Spink, President

Our condolences to the family and friends of Ed

Staveski who recently passed away. Ed joined the depart-

ment in 1953, served as Lieutenant from 1956 – 1957,

Vice President from 1969 – 1970 and served as a member

of the department and the Fire Police for 54 years.

Too often, the only time we hear about our young

adults is when they are involved or act in a less than desir-

able or illegal activity.

Not two members of the EIFC. We could not be more

proud of Cadets Nathan “Hully” Hull and Alexis “Lexi”

Lathrop.

Following in the steps of active firefighters of the EIFC,

they attended one week of “Introduction To The Fire Ser-

vice (ITTFS) at the Connecticut Fire Academy in Windsor

Locks from July 27th to

August 1st.

The ITTFS is an intense residential program designed to

provide youths between the ages of 14 and 17 with an op-

portunity to explore the Fire Service. A strong emphasis is

placed on teamwork, self and mutual respect and character

as students, select their own leaders and learn the basics of

fire department organization, the Incident Command Sys-

tem (ICS) and the core fire ground skills required of suc-

cessful engine, ladder and rescue company personnel.

ITTFS courses are taught by small, select and specially

trained team instructors. The environment that they create

in ITTFS provides a safe, empowering, inclusive, positive

teamwork and character based learning experience. Over

the years, participation in ITTFS has inspired graduates to

become full members of their fire departments, seek out

college opportunities within Fire and EMS and to earn po-

sitions as career Firefighters.

Accepted students reside at the Academy for the dura-

tion of the class. Lodging, meals and some uniform items

are included in the course tuition, paid for by the EIFC.

Male and female ITTFS Instructors are on site 24 hours a

day during each class.

Protective clothing is required for the program. We

provided each Cadet with a helmet, bunker coat, bunker

pants, structural gloves, work gloves, turnout boots, safety

glasses and protective hood.

After a week’s worth of classroom and physical train-

ing, parents and friends watched (and holding back the

tears for moms), as their Cadets received their certificates

of successful completion. Current members who experi-

enced the ITTFS were there to support the newest Cadets.

Thank you to those members who took time out of their

day to go to graduation.

The EIFC trains all junior members well and in most

cases know elements firefighting and EMS that other Ca-

dets do not.

A big thank you goes to the parents of these Cadets.

From the time Lexi and Hully joined the EIFC, their par-

ents have been there every step of the way, driving them to

and from drills and calls and events.

Yes, we train them well, but they evolve only as far as the

time the parents expend and give their support. These

young adults experienced something few will ever be in-

volved in.

WANTED

The EIFC is looking for volunteer help, with some car-

pentry knowledge preferable, to assist members in con-

structing a small building on firehouse property. BUT, if

you want to help in some manner, we will have a job for

you.

The date of construction is yet to be determined. If you

need more information, and want to sign up, please contact

Chief Gordon Spink at 860-234-2012.

This project is a perfect way for you to support your

volunteer fire department.

Fiddle & Song

Tom French

[email protected]

It’s September and F&S begins its

second year, giving all of you the oppor-

tunity to learn to play violin at no cost other than acquiring

a violin set, tuner, and shoulder rest ($160 or less). If you

are younger, learning music develops your mental skills,

useful in all areas of education and preparing for life. If

you are older, playing music keeps your mind alert. For

all there is the satisfaction of making music, an ability that

will surely be your closest friend throughout your life, and

which you can share with others as you live.

I was recently asked why I chose violin above all oth-

ers. I play all instruments in order to teach them and have

spent much time with many in my musical travels through

life. My interest in contra and morris dancing around

1980 led me to see that fiddling could be very useful as

well as creatively exciting. But singing has always been

central in my life since I was a child. What I discovered

was that a violin plays in the same way the voice sings. If

there is a tune in your mind, you sing it or whistle it with-

out a second thought. When you can hold a fiddle and

bow, you can play a tune from your mind just as easily.

When I discovered that, along with the fiddle music that a

voice cannot possibly sing, I knew that I would never put

the fiddle down until my dying day.

But F&S is about you and many like you who have

played tunes from their heads, roughly at first, but which

finally flowed smoothly with repetition coordinating

minds with muscles, guided simply by their listening.

Email me and join me Monday afternoons or evenings for

an hour or two.

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DLM HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Int/Ext. Trim Window Replacement Custom Built-Ins Computer Stations Kitchen Remodeling Painting Int/Ext Ceramic Tile Power Washing

Dan Merlo 974-1824

Lic HIC.061598/2 Ref. Available

The Eastford Communicator

Board of Education

At its August Board of Education meeting, the

Board received the resignation of Amy Whitehouse

and appointed Thomas Latham to take her place on

the Board.

Staff resignations were received from Julie

Hemeon, Spanish Teacher and Diane Martin, School

Social Worker. These positions have been advertised

and the school administrators will be interviewing

candidates.

The Board of Education was informed about pro-

jects completed by teachers over the summer which

include the designation of K-8 Technology Skills and

a revised list of assessments.

Mrs. Tamsin, the school principal and superinten-

dent’s designee to the Eastford Readiness Council,

provided information about the statewide School

Readiness legislation regarding the residency require-

ment that has been amended. There is a new School

Readiness General Policy (GP C-06) with guidance

regarding the non-residency option for School Readi-

ness grantees. The full guidance can be found on the

state’s website. The local Eastford Readiness Council

is expected to develop a policy regarding the ac-

ceptance of non-resident students in Eastford’s Readi-

ness preschool program.

Art Brodeur, First Selectman, addressed the Board

of Education about the Eastford’s energy efficiency

initiatives. The Selectmen are promoting energy saving

initiatives in all Town buildings, including the school.

The Board of Education approved the engineer’s

plans for the replacement of the underground oil tank.

Tour the Grove Cemetery

with

Lauren Anderson & Carolyn Hazard

Learn about the History of Eastford Families

Past & Present

Grove Cemetery, Rt. 198

September 12, 12 Noon

Sponsored by the Eastford Public Library

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8

The Eastford Communicator

Nahaco is

YOUR park!

Free: Picnic

Area - Pond -

Trails

Event Rentals -

Come Explore!

You want the hair gone - you want it gone now! I understand. So do the marketers for all those creams, waxes, devices and products that promise to remove all your excess hair instantly, painlessly and permanently. Quite truthfully, you already know that unwanted hair doesn't disappear that easily. Electrolysis is different – the continuous progress leads to the permanent removal of your unwanted hair. Simply call and we can come up with a plan together. I still have some available time slots. (Like RS Electrolysis on Face Book for encouragement – you are not alone)

Renee Schmidt - Ashford RS Electrolysis 860-377-5334

News You Can Use

Deb Richards – Emergency Management Director

It’s hurricane season!

Pack an emergency supply kit. Here’s what you’ll need:

Food and Water

Water—one gallon per person, per day

Food—easy-to-make and won’t spoil

Manual can opener

Electronics

Flashlight

Battery powered, solar, or hand crank radio (NOAA

Weather Radio

Cell phone with chargers

Extra batteries

Health and safety supplies

First aid kit

Medicine (7-day supply), other medical supplies, and

paperwork about any serious or on-going medical

condition

Emergency blanket

Soap, toothbrush, and other personal care items

You should also keep:

Family and emergency contact information

Multipurpose tool

Copies of important documents such as insurance

cards, immunization records, etc.

Extra cash

Map(s) of the area

Extra set of car keys and house keys

If you have babies, children, pets, or someone with spe-

cial medical needs in your family, you should add:

Medical supplies (e.g., hearing aids with extra batter-

ies, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, or a cane)

Baby supplies (e.g., bottles, formula, baby food, and

diapers)

Games and activities for children

Keep it fresh and ready to use.

Once you’ve gathered your supplies, pack the items in

easy-to-carry containers. Clearly label the containers, and

store them where you can reach them easily. In a disaster

situation, you may need to get your emergency supply kit

quickly - whether you are sheltering at home or evacuating.

Make sure to check expiration dates on food, water, medi-

cine, and batteries throughout the year.

Involving children in getting ready is the first step in help-

ing them know what to do in an emergency. There are

many ways children can help.

Ask them to think of items that they would like to in-

clude in an emergency supply kit, such as books or

games and food that won’t spoil.

Children can help mark the dates on a calendar for

checking emergency supplies and remind you to check

the supplies. Remember to rotate or replace emergency

food, water, medicine, and batteries as necessary.

Children can also help prepare plans and disaster kits

for family pets.

Disaster Supply Checklist for Pets

Food and water for at least 3 days for each pet; bowls

or bottles, and a manual can opener.

Depending on the pet, you may need a litter box, paper

towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items, and/or

household bleach.

Medicines and medical records stored in a waterproof

container.

First aid kit with a pet first aid book.

Sturdy leash, harness, and carrier to transport pet safe-

ly. A carrier should be large enough for the animal to

stand comfortably, turn around, and lie down.

Pet toys and the pet's bed to reduce stress.

Current photos and descriptions of your pets

Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions,

behavior problems, and the name and telephone number

of your veterinarian .

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The Eastford Communicator

ATTORNEY MICHELE ANN PALULIS

Bankruptcy, Real Estate, Estate Planning,

Personal Injury, Probate, Elder

Law & Title 19 Assistance/Planning

(& more!)

www.attorneypalulis.com

[email protected]

930 Route 169, Woodstock CT

(860) 928-0506

Tips for Today

by Liz Ellsworth

It’s back-to-school time. Why not check out your schools

carbon footprint? Utilize this calculator, designed by the

Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, to see where your school

ranks in the nation: http://www.nwf.org/Eco-Schools-

USA/Become-an-Eco-School/Cool-School-Challenge.aspx

Challenge yourself to reduce your school’s carbon foot-

print by the end of the school year!

Recreation Commission News

By Michael Bilica

The Recreation Commission is a group of volun-

teers dedicated to local activities for all ages. A special

thanks goes out to the many volunteers who helped make

Heritage Day a tremendous success! One event that went

well was the Outdoor Movie presentation, and we are

looking for other town groups or individuals who would

like to co-sponsor Movie Night events at the EES parking

lot or Camp Nahaco during the coming months. The Rec

Commission will provide the projector, sound system and

screen! Contact Valerie at [email protected]

We welcome additional help from the community

and would like to extend a special welcome to our newest

members, Carrie Armitage and Tom French. If you would

like to participate or even become a member, please come

to our next meeting at 2PM on September 9. We meet on

the 2nd Wednesday of every month in the Town Office

Building. We are always looking for fresh ideas and input

from the community. Please look in this issue of the

Communicator for more information on the Chili Cookoff

on October 10, and the new Fall Town Yard-Sales on Oc-

tober 3 and 4 (Yard Sale Maps will be available on the

town website). Also, November 14th will be the date for

the Annual Marilyn Krom “We Never Stop Fighting”

Charity 5k and associated events. Please look for the ad

in this month’s Communicator, save the date and sign up!

September 7, 2015

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The Eastford Communicator

At no cost to you, we would like to share some simple

steps you can take at home that will help you protect your

family against fire. In addition, the Red Cross will install

FREE smoke alarms within your home. Visits generally

last 20 minutes and can be scheduled at your convenience.

During your home visit, you will receive:

· Installed smoke alarms if needed

· Guidance in the development of a Family Disaster

Plan

· Valuable emergency preparedness tips and infor-

mation

Please

Drive

Carefully!

All demonstration and installation services will be per-

formed by Red Cross-trained volunteers and/or licensed/

insured professionals.

To schedule your visit, register at www.redcross.org/ct/

schedule-a-visit or call 1-877-287-3327 and choose option

1.

Red Cross Home Fire Preparedness Campaign

Reducing fire deaths one home at a time.

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The Eastford Communicator

ATTENTION All articles & news for The Communicator must be submitted to Deb Yazo: E-mail: [email protected] Deadline: 2nd Wednesday of each Month Eastford Communicator Volunteers Executive Editor Carol Davidge Composition/Layout Deb Yazo News Collection Deb Yazo Volunteers Ruth Yulo Tom French All items for The Eastford Communicator must include sub-mitter’s name, address & telephone, for verification. All items submitted are subject to editing. The Communicator reserves the right to reject any submissions. Opinions expressed are those of the submitters and not necessarily those of The Com-municator. The Communicator will not print items it regards as offensive or slanderous.

Dear Readers:

We hope you will contribute to The Eastford Communicator. Advertising revenues do not cover printing and postage costs. The Communicator is Eastford’s main source of news about local events, town government, committees, organizations. We need donors to support this effort if we are to continue. If you can, please send a donation. Thank you!

Your Name:___________________________________________

Mailing address_______________________________________

City/State/Zip______________________Amount:____________

Things you’d like to see covered: _______________________

Please make checks payable to: Eastford Communicator P.O. Box 253, Eastford CT 06242

THANK YOU!

The Volunteer Staff of The Communicator

Page 12: The Eastford Communicator · Ashford, T 06278 Peter & George Lytras 429-1932 The Eastford Communicator ... them: car wash services are taxable, water company sales are taxable, clothing

12

Tom French, Accountant Full Accounting & Tax Services

For Businesses and Individuals

12 Spinnaker Lane, Eastford (Located on south shore of Crystal Pond) 860-974-0197 or [email protected]

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