[This report is being published live; 3:00 p.m., Thursday, September 9]

Two “hot” issues were on the Board of Selectmen’s agenda of their last meeting: outdoor woodburning furnances (OWFs) and the town’s rental properties. The issue of OWFs was the one that was dealt with at the meeting, while the issue of the town’s rental properties was set in motion and will be discussed at the second selectmen’s meeting in September, on the 28th.

The meeting was held in the intimate setting of the lower level (”Jaildoors”) conference room on Tuesday, August 24, and among those in attendance in addition to the three selectmen were, from left to right, Reggie Smith Jr. (Board of Finance), Dan LaPlante (Planning and Zoning Commission), Larry Terra, Alesia Kennerson (Board of Finance), and former First Selectman Earl MacInnes.

The selectmen quickly went through the first five items on their agenda (see the copy of the agenda at the end of this report) before tackling item #6, the issue of outdoor woodburning furnaces.

Item #6: Outdoor Woodburning Furnaces ~ Discussion

All three selectmen ~ First Selectman Dan Jerram, and Selectmen Tom Klebart and Bruce Gresczyk ~ fully participated in the discussion on OWFs and in the voting on the motion at the end of the discussion; see our Footnote on the participation of all three selectmen in the discussion at the end of this report. Larry Terra, who was recently admitted to the Connecticut Bar Association, had submitted to the selectmen information on OWFs, including a fact sheets published by the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) on the deleterious health effects of the smoke from OWFs.

First Selectman Dan Jerram began the discussion by saying that the issue had been tabled by the selectmen to allow Larry Terra time to submit information to them.  Dan said that in the past the issue had been sent by the selectmen to the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z), which had sent it back to the selectmen again. See our March 25, 2010 report … Outdoor Woodburning Stoves Issue Again Before P&Z. Dan said that P&Z had chosen not to regulate those devices (OWFs) even though they have regulated other energy-producing devices such as solar. Referring to the information from DEP which Larry had submitted, Dan said that DEP “opines” that they may not be the best in terms of health, but the DEP does not regulate them. He said he had gotten feedback about regulating OWFs per an ordinance and he’d had a conversation with Christine (Hayward, his Administrative Assistant) and there were lots of questions on how that would proceed. Christine, who was at the meeting taking the minutes, said that there had been concerns expressed by the police concerning the enforcing of an ordinance in terms of being a nuisance to a neighbor. “How do you define it and how do you enforce it? There are issues already with open burning.” Christine said. P&Z also had concerns about enforcing with their (limited) personnel and as for the police, with their limited manpower, enforcing ordinances was not a priority, she continued.

Tom Klebart said that he had gone through the materials and that there’s reason to believe that they’re not a really efficient means of heating. He said there were 10-11 towns that have regulated OWFs and he agreed that it shouldn’t be via an ordinance but rather it should be P&Z that set it up. “I agree with the police,” Tom said, “I’d rather see them doing police work.” He added that it was mostly done by regulation, that P&Z was best suited to do it. He emphasized that there was enough history and research to study the matter, and not to set it aside.

Dan responded that there were lots of different ways it could have been considered by P&Z, by special exception for example. He added: “My neighbor has one (an OWF), and you wouldn’t know it.” Bruce noted that the town had a 200′ setback, which was more than the state was doing.

Dan asked if the recommendation was to go back to P&Z to have them consider putting it (regulation of the OWFs) in their regulations. Tom said that there’s enough reason to recommend that they set it up as a regulation, but also for them to do a study on it and go beyond.

Bruce said that at the state level “it didn’t get out of committee.” He emphasized that there was a difference between an oversized unit and an undersized one. “It depends on your location,” Tom responded. “On whether the smoke is coming in low to the ground and gets into the house.”

“You get that with regular woodburning stoves.” Bruce responded. “The smoke is more hazardous.” Tom answered him. “That’s in cold rather than hot mode.” Bruce contended, “That’s partial combustion.” Tom responded that wood stoves burn hot.  He recommended sending it to P&Z for them to study and see if they want to put in some form of regulation.

With the discussion ended, the selectmen voted on the following motion, which they passed unanimously:

“To recommend that the Planning & Zoning Commission revisit the inclusion of a regulation limiting the use of Outdoor Wood Burning Furnaces (OWF’s) within New Hartford’s Zoning Regulations.”

Our reporter obtained the wording of his motion directly from Christine Hayward, since the wording was changed slightly several times before being voted on.

Once the motion was passed, Dan suggested they cosign a letter to the P&Z Chairman to show they support some inclusion. Tom agreed, saying there was enough reason to support something in the regulations.

Later in the meeting, under Item #10, Opportunity for Public Comment, Larry Terra briefly summarized some of the information he had provided to the selectmen. He said that since their last meeting two more towns had banned OWFs, Cheshire and West Hartford. He emphasized that regulating OWFs would have no impact on indoor woodburning stoves, nor would it impact open pit burning.  And as far as the DEP report that had been compiled from studies it had a big “Yes!“ that the smoke was harmful to people. He added that he was not aware of any equipment capable of meeting regulations and that the Public Health Act gave the selectmen the authority to do all that they need to protect residents. He ended by saying that, according to the DEP leaflet Thinking of purchasing an outdoor wood-burning furnace?, one OWF emits as much particulate matter (i.e. toxic air pollutants) as 3,000 homes, and New Hartford has 12 of them.

Dan thanked him and said he had found support for them to give a letter to the P&Z recommending they revisit it and add some level of regulation.

Smoke from the Gresczyk Farms' outdoor woodburning furnace envelops the farm buildings and drifts towards residences on Dings Road in March 2010. Photo from NewHartfordPlus archives.

Item #7: Distribution of Brodie – Surdam Task Force Report

[This item is being published live]

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Footnote: Selectman Bruce Gresczyk participated fully in the discussion regarding whether or not to regulate OWFs. Bruce and his family own Gresczyk Farms on Route 202 and they operate an OWF on their farm. At past meetings Bruce has voiced opposition to any regulation of OWFs; see our report of the May 25 Board of Selectmen meeting. Bruce had been asked at a previous Board of Selectmen meeting whether he would recuse himself from any upcoming discussion on OWF and he said he was considering doing so. After the August 24 meeting, being reported on above our reporter was asked by a number of residents to check in with the First Selectman to see whether a legal opinion had been sought on Bruce’s participation in the discussion at the meeting. First Selectman Dan Jerram said that he had consulted with the town attorney, Chip Roraback and he had been told that there was no conflict. Dan pointed to the outcome of the discussion ~ to send the issue back to the Planning and Zoning Commission asking them to include OWFs in their zoning regulations ~ and said that he was perfectly comfortable with the process.

________________

Board of Selectmen

Regular Meeting

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

7:00 PM

Town Hall

AGENDA

1.)Minutes

2.)Operations Updates

3.)Grants Updates

4.)Adoption of Non-Discrimination Resolution

5.)Adoption of Loan Resolution – USDA

6.)Outdoor Wood Burning Furnaces – Discussion

7.)Distribution of Brodie – Surdam Task Force Report

8.)Request for Tax Refunds

9.)Correspondence

10.)Opportunity for Public Comment

11.)Any Other Business to Come Before this Board

Today is part of Rosh Hashana, a Jewish High Holiday, which began Wednesday at Sunset and will end on Friday at Sunset. To learn more about Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, please see the Rosh Hashana entry in Wikipedia.

Following are the Community Calendar listings for today in New Hartford, CT:

Thursday, September 9, 2010:

• New Hartford Senior Center activities: at Senior Center, Town Hall, 530 Main St., New Hartford. Activities: Line dancing starts up again at 9:30 a.m.; Fitness at 10:45 a.m. ($2.50 per person, per class, includes a fitness card which is stamped for every class attended; Bingo at 12:45 p.m.; :Yoga at 4:00 p.m. For more information please call Jean Barnicoat at 860-379-3980 between 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
• WPCA Meeting: at 7:00 p.m. in the Sessions Conference Room at the Town Hall, 530 Main Street, New Hartford. On this evening’s agenda will be discussion and action regarding entering into a contract with The Waterplanet Company for sewer operator services followed by an executive session continuing discussion regarding RFP for water services from United Water. For the complete agenda for this meeting please see our Community Calendar
• Thursday Night Gather With Friends at Passiflora: Chanting with Amla: Amla perform kirtan, a traditional Call & Response chanting event, originated in India. Kirtan entails calling out to the divine through the art of voice. Will include chants/hymns from all over the world. All voices are welcome. Please feel free to bring your own instruments if you’d like (hand cymbals, shakers, drums etc.). Chef’s choice organic dinner from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more information, please visit Passiflora’s website , or call Passiflora at 860-379-TEAS.
• Tag Sale season is here! Send us your tag sale information and we’ll list it for FREE in our Classifieds Section for upcoming Tag Sales in New Hartford.

Our Calendar section provides additional information about the events listed above and information on past, current and future events - a permanent record of events in New Hartford.

…NHGrapevine…

“Seniors have more fun!”

Senior Center Director Jean Barnicoat tells everyone.  Check it out this morning at 9:30 a.m. when Line Dancing ~ similar to folk dancing ~ starts up again at the Senior Center.  Have fun, whether dancing or watching them dance!

Contribute to the …NHGrapevine… Let us know what you’ve heard - or seen - in town and we’ll add it to our Grapevine in this Daily Calendar. So let’s hear what you’re hearing around town…

The simple steps in line dancing...

... are shown off...

at this past weekend's Goshen Fair. Catch line dancing at the Senior Center today! Photo: Maria Moore

[Update: The first meeting of the PTO has been corrected; the meeting is at 6:30 p.m. on September 13; our apologies for initially reporting the wrong date and time; 10:30 a.m. September 9, 2010]

PTO Membership Drive Is Now Underway

Following is a copy of a mailing sent to us by the New Hartford Schools’ Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).  This letter and the accompanying membership form (see the downloadable PDF at the end of the lettter) were sent home with parents on the first day of school on Tuesday, August 31. The deadline for returning the membership form is this coming Friday, September 10.  Please join this wonderful volunteer organization which does so much to enrich our local elementary schools.

Welcome back to another great year at the New Hartford Public Schools. The New Hartford PTO is planning to sponsor many of the same events and programs that our students have enjoyed in years past, as well as some exciting new programs while we continue to financially support and enhance the education of all New Hartford children in grades PreK-6.

The following are examples of our efforts:

• We provide an avenue for communication between home and school with opportunities to make a difference for our children.
• We have funded enrichment programs including the upcoming “I’ve Got” program, Joseph Firecrow, Slim Goodbody, Roaring Brook Nature Center and many more assemblies that are brought to the schools for the enhancement of education.
• We host many exciting events, such as a Halloween Party, the Scholastic Book Fair, a Father-Daughter Dance, a Mother-Son event and numerous grade specific events.
• We take an active role in the beautification of our schools.
• We participate in the following programs which help provide equipment and supplies for our schools as a supplement to budgeted funds:
  • Box Tops for Education (Box Tops are redeemed for cash payments to the Student Activity Funds).
  • Campbell’s Labels for Education (Campbell’s and Pepperidge Farm UPC’s are redeemed for equipment and supplies).
  • Price Chopper Tools for Schools (Register your AdvantEdge card and earn points for your school toward supplies and equipment).
  • Stop & Shop A+ School Rewards (Register your Stop & Shop card and earn points toward cash payments to the schools from October 2010-March 2011).

  We hope to accomplish many more wonderful things in the 2010-2011 school year, but nothing is possible without your participation and support.

  Please return your PTO Membership Form and payment (check payable to New Hartford PTO) by September 10, 2010. This is your PTO. We welcome your input, comments and suggestions. Contact any PTO Board Member or join us for any of our monthly meetings so your voice can be heard!

  PTO Membership Form 2010-2011 (11)

For more information about joining the PTO please email either Debbie Ventre at cpdventre@sbcglobal.net or Roxanne Helt at rhelt1096@aol.com both of whom are on the Membership Committee.

The New Hartford Schools PTO’s next meeting is at 6:00 p.m. on September 13, in the Multi-Purpose Room at Ann Antolini School.

For more information on the New Hartford Schools PTO please visit the PTO section on the New Hartford Public Schools website.

The teachers and staff at Bakerville School enjoy the luncheon arranged for them by the PTO as part of the Teacher Appreciation Week this past May. Photo: Debbie Ventre

Grants Swing School Playground Committee Into Action

The following is a press release from the Ann Antolini Playground Committee which has been working to get the school’s playground back into order.

Ask any child their favorite part of the school day and almost unanimously you’ll hear… RECESS! Splinters are not what they have in mind at playtime, but due to the age of New Hartford’s Ann Antolini School’s playscape, that’s what they were getting. “Last year, at the start of school, I was forced to close the playscape as a result of so many students getting splinters,” explains Principal Katherine Rieger. Appealing to the school’s Parent Teacher Organization about her concerns, the group took the initiative to form a playground subcommittee to assess the problem and determine appropriate action.

The committee of concerned parents, PTO members as well as school faculty and administrators is in the process of developing a master plan and budget for a renewed playground at the school whose equipment dates back as far as the seventies. “We are looking at this project as a multi-stage process. There is an immediate need and a long term goal,” says Jill Healey chairperson of the Playground Committee. “First, we needed to get the playscape sanded so the kids could have this main play area back, however, the current play equipment is limited for the nearly 400 students who attend the school and it is quite dated.” Additionally, the committee recognizes the need for equipment to be fully accessible for all students.

Dated as it may be, students were smiling after April break when they discovered the playscape was once again open for play. In March, Eagle Environmental of Bristol, CT, owned by New Hartford resident, Peter Folino, donated their time and resources to test the wooden playscape. Assured that arsenic or other toxins were not a concern, the committee updated Principal Rieger who quickly set up contractors to get the sanding done. “We were so happy to have the playscape available for students again,” commented Rieger who credits Eagle Environmental for their generosity. “It’s this kind of collaboration that is so important and terrific to see. We have a need and everyone’s support and energy will bring the best result for our community.”

Healey explains that the sanding is a temporary solution and will need to be repeated yearly to maintain a safe surface for the kids. The committee is looking at updated equipment that is low maintenance. Antolini has two play areas, a field and playscape located on a hill above the school used fall and spring, as well as a blacktop and a few swings at school level used during the wet early spring and winter. Brainstorming for improvements to both these areas has begun, including input from the students. “On their wish list were man-made boulders for climbing as well as ‘a place to read’,” beamed Rieger who met with students for their ideas.

Money to make those wishes come true is starting to come in. Arbella Insurance Group’s Charitable Foundation awarded $500 to the project after town resident, Jennifer Lajoie, a personal lines sales associate for Beringstar Insurance, a member of Arbella Insurance Group, applied for the grant. Then, after winning the CT Tax Collector’s Association Community Service Award, Debbie Ventre, New Hartford’s assistant to the Tax Collector, chose the Playground Fund as her charity of choice to receive a $100 award in her honor. “The committee is so appreciative of both Jennifer and Debbie’s efforts to make this improved playground a reality. It’s wonderful to see such dedication and commitment to the children in our town,” says Healey. Most recently New Hartford Community Connections awarded the subcommittee $1,500 after the group applied for the grant. New Hartford Community Connections is a non-profit group dedicated to improving the community through the funds they raise from the sale of business ads in their New Hartford telephone directory.

In addition to these contributions, the PTO has committed $25,000 to the project. “This is the kind of positive impact the PTO desires to make on the schools. It’s rewarding when the funds raised through the numerous efforts of our community can be allocated to such an important project,” notes interim PTO President and playground committee member, Christy Tellier.

With the start of the new school year, the committee plans to focus their efforts on upgrading the school’s play areas, keeping in mind their goal of full accessibility. “Our students work so hard on their academics, it’s our desire to provide them with an exciting, safe and large enough play environment that appeals to their varying interests and encourages physical fitness for children of all abilities,” says Healey.

The committee is currently applying for additional grants and brainstorming on fundraising efforts to fulfill their goals. Donations for the playground fund can be made to the NHPTO Playground Fund and sent to Antolini Elementary School, 30 Antolini Road, New Hartford, CT 06057.

The Playground Committee meets the first Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m. in Berkshire Hall.

Students at Ann Antolini School enjoying the playground without fear of getting splinters. Photo courtesy of the Playground Committee.

Rosh Hashana, a Jewish High Holiday, begins today at Sunset. To learn more about Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, please see the Rosh Hashana entry in Wikipedia.

Following are the Community Calendar listings for today in New Hartford, CT:

Wednesday, September 8, 2010:

• New Hartford Senior Center activities: at the Senior Center, Town Hall, 530 Main St., New Hartford. Activities: Fitness at 9 a.m. ($2.50 per person, per class, includes a fitness card which is stamped for every class attended); Wii bowling at 10 a.m. For more information please call Jean Barnicoat at 860-379-3980 between 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays.
• CANCELLED: Northwestern Regional #7 Board of Ed Meeting: The next meeting of this Board will be held on Wednesday, September 22.
• Planning and Zoning Meeting: at 7:00 p.m. in the Sessions Conference Room at the Town Hall, 530 Main Street, New Hartford. The agenda for this meeting includes a discussion of the proposed changes to subdivision regulations to incorporate LID (Low Impact Development) regulations into the new Zoning regulations. For the complete agenda for this special meeting pleased see our Community Calendar.
• Book Talk at the Beekley Library: ‘God, Put Out One Of My Eyes’ by Arlene Jones : at 7:00 p.m. at the Beekley Library, 10 Central Avenue. This is a memoir by Arlene of her days as the wife of a CIA agent on Cyprus just before and during the civil war between Cypriot Greeks and Turks. For more information see the press release ‘God, Put Out One Of My Eyes’: Book Talk At The Beekley Library.
• Should your event be listed here and you don’t see it? Please email us the info. and we’ll add it! Send to newhartfordplus@gmail.com and write Calendar in the subject line.

Our Community Calendar section provides additional information about the events listed above and information on past, current and future events - a permanent record of events in New Hartford. Also check out our Community Bulletin Board where you can see flyers and information on local groups and events.

…NHGrapevine…

“Is it a new road?”

Emailed a Friend of NewHartfordPlus with the road name “Brunning Road.” Our crew took a ride out and were able to report back: “Not a new road ~ just a mispelling.” Happens to the best of us…

Contribute to the …NHGrapevine… Let us know what you’ve heard - or seen - in town and we’ll add it to this listing. So let’s hear what you’re hearing around town…

New name for an old road. Photo: Maria Moore

The swamp on Maple Hollow Road as dusk fell this past Monday, September 6. Photo: Maria Moore

The following is a press release we received from the Beekley Library regarding a book reading program being held at the library tomorrow, Wednesday, September 8.

Arlene Jones on Cyprus

The Licia & Mason Beekley Community Library presents a book talk by Arlene Swift Jones tomorrow, Wednesday, September 8, at 7:00 pm. This will be the debut of her newest book, a memoir, ‘God, Put Out One of My Eyes’, which depicts her days as the wife of an undercover CIA agent on Cyprus just before and during the bloody civil war between Cypriot Greeks and Turks. This book is a page-turner, as it describes the beauty and barbarity of landscape, customs, and ethnic duality on an island that has long been regarded as the Jewel of the Mediterranean but descends into a paradise lost when hostilities begin in 1963. One is reminded all too forcefully of present-day conflicts in the Balkans, the Holy Land, and the Near East. And yet in the courage of the author, who fights to keep her family together; in the innocence of her children; and in the primitive but pristine passion of traditional island ceremonies, there is the hope that the human spirit is capable of rising above the horrors she so vividly describes.

Willliam A. Buell, who spent many years in the Foreign Service, has written that “Arlene Jones brings the island of Cyprus to life - its sights and sounds and smells and culture - perhaps because she is a poet and writes like a poet. She brings it all alive in a book warmed in part by the literary device of frequent conversations with her three very young daughters. It’s an exciting book, since the background is a growing, apparently irreversible conflict between the island’s Greeks and Turks, from which she had to evacuate her family not once but twice. Her account of rescuing the family pony, riding the emaciated beast through civil war checkpoints from the northern seaside town of Kyrenia to Nicosia, will have you on the edge of your chair.”

Peter Earnest, Executive Director of the International Spy Museum, calls ‘God, Put Out One of My Eyes’ “a well-crafted tale, beautifully written, and all too familiar to Americans sent by their country to the world’s trouble spots.”

And Sondra Zeidenstein, publisher of Chicory Blue Press, adds that “Arlene Jones writes vividly, intelligently, beautifully… There is so much to be enjoyed, grieved for, learned from, and savored in this remarkable book.”

Arlene Swift Jones grew up on an Iowa farm where she “read books and rode horses.” The most important constant in her life has been her writing, which she continued to pursue after marrying Frank Jones and entering the hectic life of a CIA wife and mother of three children. In that role, she was often obliged to pick up and move her household and children from one country to another. Finding schools was frequently a major problem, which she solved while living in Poland by founding a school, now called The American School of Warsaw.

In all of the countries where she has lived, Arlene has taught at some level, from first grade to the university lecture hall. She taught literature at the International School in Geneva and eventually became Assistant Academic Dean at the Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, Connecticut. Always her aim has been “trying to make young people more aware of the world, its history, art, geography, and politics.”

Her cultural, artistic and literary interests also led to her involvement in the building and operation of The Licia & Mason Beekley Community Library in New Hartford, Connecticut, where she and her husband lived with their three daughters for many years.

Arlene Jones’ first full-length poetry collection (Deenewood, A Sequence) was winner of the Tales Prize from Turning Point Press in 2004. A second book of poems, Pomegranate Wine, was published in 2005, having been a finalist for four of the country’s most prestigious literary contests. Jones’ poetry has often been anthologized and has been published in many journals, including Prairie Schooner, Kansas Quarterly, Tar River Poetry, and Cimarron Review. She has won several awards for her writing and has received fellowships from the McDowell and Ragdale Foundations. Her current project is a multi-generational work depicting the lives of Norwegian Quaker immigrants to Iowa, from whom she is descended.

This program is free and open to the public. For more information, phone or stop by the Library 860-379-7235.

The Licia & Mason Beekley Community Library is located at the corner of Central Avenue and Town Hill Road in downtown New Hartford.

Visit http://antrimhousebooks.com/jones.html to learn more or to read an excerpt from ‘God, Put Out One of My Eyes’.

Nicosia in Cyprus. Image from the internet.

STEEL BRIDGE on 219: According to the newly-posted date on signs around town, this bridge work is now scheduled to END on OCTOBER 1 ~ in plenty of time for the skiing season. Hang in there and remember: If your new route takes you through a neighborhood please drive slowly and with care like you and your loved ones lived there!

Following are the Community Calendar listings for today in New Hartford, CT:

Tuesday, September 7, 2010:

• New Hartford Senior Center activities: At the Senior Center, Town Hall, 530 Main St. Fitness: 10:45 a.m. ($2.50 per person, per class, includes a fitness card which is stamped for every class attended); Cribbage ‘n cards: 1:00 p.m. For more information please call Jean Barnicoat at 860-379-3980 between 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays.
• CANCELLED: New Hartford Schools Board of Ed Meeting: Today’s meeting has been cancelled. The next meeting of this Board of Ed has been scheduled for September 21.
• Are we missing your special meeting or event? Please send us the information and we’ll add it to this calendar; email us at newhartfordplus@gmail.com.

Our Calendar section provides additional information about the events listed above and information on past, current and future events - a permanent record of events in New Hartford. Also check out our Bulletin Board where you can see flyers on events happening around town, and where we have listed information on local non-profit groups.

…NHGrapevine…

“Paul always treated people like their time was important and people appreciated that.”

Donna LaPlante, the town’s town clerk said to our editor this past Friday when the two were discussing the recent retirement of Paul Volovski, the town’s long-time Building Inspector. “Wow, I’d appreciate being treated like that, too!” Our editor responded, having just made her fourth unsuccessful visit to the First Selectman’s Office to try to confirm a piece of information for her upcoming report on the last Board of Selectmen meeting. “Catch as catch can,” the modus operandi that’s been adopted by that office, leaves a lot to be desired, especially when you’re working full-time out of town, as many of us residents are.

Contribute to the …NHGrapevine… Let us know what you’ve heard - or seen - in town and it may end up being one of our daily Grapevine quotes. So let’s hear what you’re hearing around town…

The wonderful pair responsible for the scale models of the stagecoach and the chariot at the Goshen Fair this past weekend. Photo: Maria Moore

The amazing stagecoach on display at the Goshen Fair this past holiday weekend. The stagecoach was three quarters the size of the original. Photo: Maria Moore

The model stagecoach drew many fascinated visitors to it, including our NewHartfordPlus Crew. It's these unexpected treasures that keeps them going back to the Goshen Fair, year after year.

The following are three press releases from Governor Rell’s office: two on health care initiatives in Connecticut and a third on a Stand Down day for veterans to be held this coming Friday, September 10.

The following press release was issued on September 6, 2010:

State Applies for Federal Grant To Prepare for Health Insurance Exchange

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the state has applied for a federal grant of nearly $1 million for 12-month study of the health insurance marketplace and other components that may be part of a future health insurance exchange, which is part of the national health care reform law.

Governor Rell said the overall goal of insurance exchanges is to create an organized and competitive market for buying and selling health insurance at a price that consumers can afford.

“These exchanges will only reach their potential if there is maximum competition, ample choice and participation,” Governor Rell said. “In order to develop the best public policy on preparing Connecticut for the exchange must have the best data. These funds will allows us to assess market research and other information that help guide our decisions.”

The state Office of Policy and Management applied for $996,850 in a grant application submitted September 1 to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The outcome of the year-long study will provide Connecticut with the market research and data analyses to better determine if a statewide, “state-operated” exchange is a viable option, or whether the markets for individual and small groups should be combined.

“The federal health care act has many complexities and many opportunities for cost savings to the state,” Governor Rell. “Anything beneficial in the act for Connecticut citizens and taxpayers is worth pursuing to make health care more accessible and affordable to all.”

In April, Connecticut became the first state to formally seek approval under the new federal law to cover more people under Medicaid and, in the process, to capture tens of millions of dollars in new federal revenue. The state plans to transfer 45,000 single, low-income adults covered by State-Administered General Assistance (SAGA) into the larger Medicaid program, which could save the state $53 million over the next year.

Under Governor Rell’s direction, the state is also offering a Pre-Existing Insurance Plan, which will use $50 million allocated to Connecticut under the federal health care reform bill. The Governor approved launch of the program after her administration was able to successfully lower premiums by 35 percent over initial estimates to but costs within reach of many Connecticut residents.

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Press release issued on August 1 by Governor Rell:

State Accepting Applications for New Health Plan

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that applications are now available for a new federally funded health care plan specifically designed for individuals with pre-existing conditions that prevented them from getting health care insurance in the past.

The Connecticut Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan, administered by the state Department of Social Services, will use $50 million allocated to Connecticut under the federal health care reform bill. The Governor approved launch of the program after her administration was able to successfully lower premiums by 35 percent over initial estimates to put costs within reach of many Connecticut residents. Premiums for adults under the new plan start at $285 monthly for those under 30 and rise gradually by age to a high of $893 for adults 65 and older.

“Connecticut residents will now have more options than ever for health care coverage. My Charter Oak Health Plan also accepts enrollees with pre-existing conditions and provides affordable coverage. Now, two years after we started it, Charter Oak provides coverage for more than 12,000 individuals,” Governor Rell said.

“This new health plan offers comprehensive benefits with limited out-of-pocket costs and is another safety net we can provide for uninsured people who desperately need this coverage,” Governor Rell said. “The landmark federal health care reforms – vast and complex in some cases – nevertheless provide opportunities to make health care more accessible and affordable to all. I am committed to doing all I can to deliver that care and cost-savings to Connecticut.”

In April, Connecticut became the first state to formally seek approval under the new federal law to cover more people under Medicaid and, in the process, to capture tens of millions of dollars in new federal revenue. The state is transferring
45,000 single, low-income adults covered by State-Administered General Assistance (SAGA) into the larger Medicaid program, which could save the state $53 million over the next year.

For more information on the Connecticut Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan, and to download an application, go to www.ctpreexistingconditionplan.com. On-line information is also available at www.ct.gov/dss, and check News.

For applications and more information on Charter Oak, see: www.charteroakhealthplan.com or call (877) 77CTOAK.
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Press release issued on August 15 by Governor Rell’s Office:

‘Stand Down 2010’ for Veterans Will Be Held September 10

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that Connecticut veterans in need will have access to dozens of vital social outreach services during “Stand Down 2010” on Friday, September 10, at the State Veterans Home campus on West Street in Rocky Hill.

“Like the nation and the world, our state is only now beginning to recover from the recent recession – and that can pose especially difficult challenges for veterans and their families struggling to live independently,” Governor Rell said. “The practical and easily accessible assistance available at ‘Stand Down’ offers an effective way for veterans to regain their independence and dignity.

“These men and women have served their nation in one of the most valorous ways possible and we owe them a tremendous debt,” the Governor said. “More than 50 government and private agencies will be there – all in one location – to provide medical screenings, social service assistance, legal help with misdemeanors, job counseling and referrals, VA benefits information and new clothing and personal supplies.

“It is especially important that we continue to fight the problem of veteran homelessness,” Governor Rell said. “Veterans’ organizations, social service advocates and health professionals around the state can help by reaching out to veterans who could benefit from the program and helping get them to Rocky Hill on September 10. You can make a difference by registering and following up with just one veteran in need.”

This is the fifteenth year that Connecticut has sponsored Stand Down for its veterans in need. Last year a record 1,200 needy veterans participated in Stand Down at the Rocky Hill campus.

The number of homeless veterans in the United States is estimated at more than 200,000, representing about 25 to 30 percent of the nation’s total homeless population. The Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs is the largest provider of direct services to homeless veterans in the state, providing residency to a daily average of almost 375 veterans.

“As unemployment remains steady, more and more veterans of all ages are struggling to maintain an acceptable quality of life,” said state Veterans’ Affairs Commissioner Linda S. Schwartz. “Stand Down offers a safe haven for any veteran in need to gain valuable information and assistance.”

Needy veterans or their advocates can pre-register and receive more information by calling (860) 616-3602 or (860) 616-3603 or by visiting www.ct.gov/ctva. However, pre-registration is not required to attend Stand Down.

Free transportation for veterans is available from pick-up locations around the state. Key urban areas to be served include Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford, Meriden, New Britain, New Haven, New London, Norwich, Stamford, Torrington and Waterbury.

Organizations and individuals interested in contributing resources or services to Stand Down 2010 are asked to contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs at (860) 616-3605.

The Connecticut Department of Veterans’ Affairs, in conjunction with state, federal and private agencies, is the lead sponsor of Stand Down. Supporting state agencies include the Connecticut Departments of Banking, Labor, Higher Education, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Motor Vehicles, Public Health, Social Services and Transportation; the Office of the Chief Public Defender; and the Judicial Branch. Participating Federal agencies include the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Social Security Administration.

“People often ask, ‘What can we do to help support our veterans?’” said Governor Rell. “Getting involved in Stand Down is one important way you can help. Too many veterans are homeless and out of work across this country.”

“Stand Down” is a term used during the Vietnam War referring to a safe area behind the lines that afforded battle-weary soldiers a place to relax and attend to personal needs such as showers, haircuts, and hot meals. Connecticut began its annual Stand Down program in 1992.

For more information on this ‘Stand Down’ and on veterans’ affairs, please visit the CT Department for Veterans’ Affairs’ website.

Photocolumn by Maria Moore

On the last Saturday of August, the North Congregational Church holds its Peach Festival and Craft Fair on the Green at Chapin Park in Pine Meadow. This festival, a favorite among residents and visitors alike, is famous for its generously-portioned peach shortcake and peach pies. Following are photos from this year’s festival held on August 28.

Buying tickets at the booth manned by young volunteers of the North Congregational Church.

Festival goers patiently waiting in line for their peach cobbler.

Serving up of the peach shortcake, a ritual of the festival.

Rocky from the New Britain Rock Cats made an appearance at the Peach Festival, much to the delight of the young...

... and the young at heart!

Rocky posing with the lady of the day, Margret Hofmeister, the pastor of the North Congregational Church.

Rocky strikes a pose with Margret Hofmeister, pastor of the North Congregational Church.

The puppet show entertains as it spreads its message of peace.

Rocky and his new friends enjoy the puppet show.

The puppet show draws an audience of all ages.

The New Hartford Art League's booth, an essential part of the Peach Festival and Craft Fair.

Browsing for art at the Peach Festival AND Craft Fair.

St. John's Episcopal Church serves up hamburgers and hotdogs to the hungry crowd at the festival.

The men of St. John's working hard to keep up with demand of the hungry crowd.

The Lions Club booth at the festival manned by Jim and Ruth Creamer with Penny Miller (on the left).

A perfect day for a craft fair, an essential part of the Peach Festival.

A perfect day to hang out and shop on the Green at Chapin Park.

Catching up with family and friends ~ another of the pleasures of the annual Peach Festival and Craft Fair sponsored by the North Congregational Church.

Many Thanks: To the members of the North Congregational Church for all their hard work in bringing together another Peach Festival and Craft Fair for us all to enjoy! See you next year!

This Holiday Weekend Calendar includes events for the 3-day holiday: Saturday, Sunday and Monday, September 4, 5 & 6. We will continuously add events as we come across them that we think may be of interest to others in New Hartford. If you know of an event which you’d like us to list, please email us the info. and we’ll gladly add it to this Calendar: newhartfordplus@gmail.com

Following are the Calendar listings for this Holiday Weekend, Saturday, Sunday & Monday, September 4, 5 & 6 in New Hartford, CT and surrounding communities:

Sunday, September 5, 2010:

• Visit your favorite Church, Temple, Meditation Center or Meeting House: Be sure to make time today to visit your favorite church, temple, meditation center or meeting house for good fellowship and spiritual uplifting. Please refer to the listings on our front page Houses of Worship to visit the churches’ websites.
• Goshen Fair: from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. today, Sunday, and from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Includes draft horse shows; woodcutting demonstration; dairy, poultry and rabbit shows; live bands; magicians; EVERYTHING a good country fair should have! For more information, please visit the Goshen Fair’s website.
• Lime Rock’s Labor Day Weekend Historic Festival 28: in Lakeville. With 10 groups of 30+ cars each! Highlights include: Pre-war sports and racing cars, Best of British Production sports; Minis against the rest! No racing allowed today, Sunday but check out the Lime Rock Concours, and the Gathering of the Clubs. For more information, please visit the Lime Rock website where you have to poke around for basic information. Call for ticket prices: 860-435-5000.
• A Taste of the Litchfield Hills: from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. This event is now part of Lime Rock’s Labor Day Weekend Historic Festival. Foodies will enjoy “grazing-sized” portions of house specialties prepared by chefs from regional restaurants, bistros and other purveyors of fine food with prices ranging from $4.00 to $8.00 per item. The festival’s beverage tent will offer wine served by the glass from area wineries, including Hopkins Vineyard, Miranda Vineyard and White Silo Winery. Live entertainment at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. all three days. Admission to the festival is included with paid admission to Lime Rock Park. For more information please visit A Taste of the Litchfield Hills website.
• Fish and Ships Seafood Festival at Mystic Seaport: from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. today Sunday and Monday at Mystic Seaport, Route 27, Mystic. Summer slips out and fall rolls in with Mystic Seaport’s annual Fish & Ships - as colorful and bountiful as autumn itself. It’s a fantastic family weekend. Enjoy fresh seafood from local docks. Of course, there’s always something for the landlubbers in the gang. Play 19th-century games, get out on the water, explore exhibits and gaze at the stars in the Treworgy Planetarium dome. Admission to seaport: Adult: $24; Senior: $22; Child (6-17) 15. Cost of Food is additional but runs from $23 for Lobster Bake to $6 for Fish and Chips. For more information please visit the Fish and Ships page of the Mystic Seaport website.
• JewishFest: from 12:30 p.m. through 7:00 p.m. at White Memorial Conservation Center, 70 Whitehall Road, Litchfield. The best of Jewish music, art, crafts and food. NY Kosher Deli and Middle Eastern Cuisine under Chabad supervision. Tickets: Individual: $5; Family: $18. For more information please visit jewishfest.org.
• Riverton Music Concert: Jukebox Surprise: at 2:00 p.m. in the Courtyard in the center of Riverton. Sing along with Karl as he presents AM and FM favorites. Sponsored by the Barkhamsted Rec Department. For more information on upcoming concerts of the Riverton Summer Music Series, please see the flyer posted on the Barkhamsted municipal website.
• Music Mountain 81st Anniversary Celebration: Concert & Reception ~ The Tokyo String Quartet with Melvin Chen, Viola, Piano: at 3:00 p.m. at Music Mountain, Lakeville. Concert includes: Schubert: Quartetsatz, in C Minor, D. 703 (1820) (7); Brahms: Viola Quintet in F Major, Opus 88 (1882) (7); Brahms: Piano Quintet in F Minor, Opus 34 (1864) (41 For more information please visit the Music Mountain website.

Plant sale for the benefit of the Community Soup Kitchen in Torrington and the Friendly Hands Food Bank's stand at the Goshen Fair in 2009. Photo from the NewHartfordPlus archives

Monday, September 6, 2010:

• Labor Day: Today is a Federal holiday: all Federal State, and local municipal offices ~ yes, that includes New Hartford Town Hall ~ will be closed. Also closed are all banks, schools, the U.S. Post Office and some businesses. Please call ahead to be sure the business you’d like to visit is open.
• Goshen Fair: from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. today, Monday. Includes draft horse shows; woodcutting demonstration; dairy, poultry and rabbit shows; live bands; magicians; EVERYTHING a good country fair should have! For more information, please visit the Goshen Fair’s website.
• JewishFest: from 10:30 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. at White Memorial Conservation Center, 70 Whitehall Road, Litchfield. The best of Jewish music, art, crafts and food. NY Kosher Deli and Middle Eastern Cuisine under Chabad supervision. Tickets: Individual: $5; Family: $18. For more information please visit jewishfest.org.
• Lime Rock’s Labor Day Weekend Historic Festival 28: in Lakeville. With 10 groups of 30+ cars each! Highlights include: Pre-war sports and racing cars, Best of British Production sports; Minis against the rest! For more information, please visit the Lime Rock website where you have to poke around for basic information. Call for ticket prices: 860-435-5000.
• A Taste of the Litchfield Hills: from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. This event is now part of Lime Rock’s Labor Day Weekend Historic Festival. Foodies will enjoy “grazing-sized” portions of house specialties prepared by chefs from regional restaurants, bistros and other purveyors of fine food with prices ranging from $4.00 to $8.00 per item. The festival’s beverage tent will offer wine served by the glass from area wineries, including Hopkins Vineyard, Miranda Vineyard and White Silo Winery. Live entertainment at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. all three days. Admission to the festival is included with paid admission to Lime Rock Park. For more information please visit A Taste of the Litchfield Hills website.
• Fish and Ships Seafood Festival at Mystic Seaport: from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. today, Monday at Mystic Seaport, Route 27, Mystic. Summer slips out and fall rolls in with Mystic Seaport’s annual Fish & Ships - as colorful and bountiful as autumn itself. It’s a fantastic family weekend. Enjoy fresh seafood from local docks. Of course, there’s always something for the landlubbers in the gang. Play 19th-century games, get out on the water, explore exhibits and gaze at the stars in the Treworgy Planetarium dome. Admission to seaport: Adult: $24; Senior: $22; Child (6-17) 15. Cost of Food is additional but runs from $23 for Lobster Bake to $6 for Fish and Chips. For more information please visit the Fish and Ships page of the Mystic Seaport website.

*** PLEASE be sure to check the details of the events we list, either by the website or by telephone. Last-minute changes, cancellations or plain mess-ups at our end have been known to happen so double-check before you go and enjoy these great local events.***

The carousel - a perennial favorite at country fairs such as the Goshen Fair being held this Labor Day weekend. Photo from the NewHartfordPlus archives

For the calendar listings for Saturday, September 4 please see the next page:

Read the full story

By: Maria Moore

State Police Call Off Search For Brian Brooks at Nepaug Reservoir

The search for the missing person at Nepaug Reservoir was called off by state police this past Thursday evening, September 2, our reporter confirmed with state police today. The search began on Monday afternoon, August 30 when a hiker called state police to report coming across a distraught man with a handgun at the Nepaug Reservoir dam. Police later identified the missing person as Brian Brooks of Canton. A search was conducted by aircraft, on land and in the water by state and DEP police as well as Canton Police and the Canton Volunteer Fire Department.

Police confirmed to our reporter that Brian Brooks is still listed as missing. Our reporter asked why they called off the search and she was told that the police had done all they could searching the reservoir and had now decided to call off the search.

If you know of Brian Brooks’ whereabouts, please let the state police know at 860-824-2500. There has been an outpouring of concern over his safety and for his family’s ordeal and we would all very much welcome hearing that Brian is safe.

News that the search at the Nepaug Reservoir had been called off was first reported in the Register Citizen yesterday, Friday, September 3. To read that report, please see the Register’s Search For missing Canton man called off by police Thursday evening.

The Nepaug Reservoir on Route 202 in New Hartford. Image from the internet

Pine Meadow Fire Department Embezzlers Found Guilty, Church Pays Restitution

Diane Hartwell, former tax collector for the Pine Meadow Fire Department and her husband Charles, both of Torrington were found guilty of first-degree larceny for stealing over $10,000 in fire tax payments made by residents during 2008; see our January 26, 2010 report Pine Meadow Fire District Tax Collector Charged With Embezzling Tax Payments of when the charges against Diane and her husband Charles were first filed by the Pine Meadow Fire Department.

The couple pleaded guilty this past Tuesday, August 31 in Litchfield Superior Court and Judge Ginocchio sentenced them to an 8-year suspended jail sentence which they will have to serve if they violate their three years of probation. They also have to serve 100 hours of community service and send letters of apology to the fire department. They are also barred from accepting jobs handling money without their probation officer’s permission.

In an unusual turn of events, an unidentified local church paid the $10,000 in restitution to the Pine Meadow Fire Department so that the Hartwells could avoid jail time and care for their children. No information about the church or any arrangement it may have made with the Hartwells for restitution to the church, if any, were made available.

News of the disposition of the court case against the Hartwells was first reported in the Register Citizen on Wednesday, September 1. To read that report, please see the Register’s Torrington couple pleads guilty to stealing from firefighters.

Clarification: In the comments to the Register Citizen’s September 1 report, the church that made restitution on behalf of the Hartwells was named as St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. We would like to clarify that there are two St. Paul’s Lutheran churches in this area with that name: There is St. Paul’s in New Hartford and also St. Paul’s in Torrington. Our reporter called the Torrington St. Paul’s Church and that church confirmed that the Hartwells are members of its congregation. The Torrington church declined to comment on whether it was responsible for making the $10,000 restitution payment to the Pine Meadow Fire Department.