the eastford communicator · ashford, t 06278 peter & george lytras 429-1932 the eastford...
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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
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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
2
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
3
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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
4
The Eastford Communicator
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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.
5
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.
6
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
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.
7
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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
8
The Eastford Communicator
Nahaco is
YOUR park!
Free: Picnic
Area - Pond -
Trails
Event Rentals -
Come Explore!
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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 .
9
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
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
10
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.
11
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!
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The Volunteer Staff of The Communicator
12
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