By: Maria Moore

The Mallory Brook Plaza in Barkhamsted was open for business as usual yesterday, Saturday, February 12, after having been closed from this past Wednesday afternoon through Friday afternoon due to concerns from the snow accumulated on the roof.

The plaza was closed when employees at various businesses reported hearing creaking and cracking sounds from the roof. The Barkhamsted Building Inspector ordered the building to be evacuated until the snow was removed from the flat roof. On Friday afternoon, the snow removal had been completed and the shopping center was allowed to reopen.

On Saturday all the stores were open again for business. The NewHartfordPlus crew went to the plaza on a regular shopping trip and found the parking lot full and the businesses filled with customers, with only the large piles of snow at the building’s corners as reminders of the last several days of unusual activity.

Our reporter called Dr. Leon Reich, the New York-based owner of the plaza and left a message on his home telephone. Any additional information we may obtain in the next several days will be added to this report.

News about the closing of Mallory Brook Plaza and its reopening was first reported by the Republican American. To read Saturday’s Republican American report, see Barkhamsted shopping plaza, movies reopened after snow scare.

Mallory Brook Plaza open for business again on Saturday, February 12. Photo: Maria Moore

Another view of Mallory Brook Plaza looking towards the Tractor Supply store. Photo: Maria

Update on Town Buildings From Barkhamsted First Selectman

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Following is information we received this past Monday, February 7, from Don Stein, First Selectman of Barkhamsted, giving an update on the status of his town’s buildings:

Many of you may have heard that the Town’s salt storage building collapsed Friday afternoon. The building, which is a Quonset hut design, was constructed over 16 years ago and was nearing the end of its useful life. Quonset huts were originally developed by the U.S. Navy for storage in remote locations and have the capability to withstand harsh environments. Despite careful monitoring of the snow depth on the Town’s buildings, the snow on this aluminum structure was apparently beyond its limit. The collapse was likely due to the fact that it was corroded from its years of service.

Most importantly, no one was inside the building at the time and no one was injured. After the collapse, we immediately demolished the building for safety reasons. Regional Refuse Disposal District #1 will sell the scrap metal on behalf of the Town. The building was insured, as is all town property, and we are working with our insurance carrier to determine the replacement value. Fortunately, we were able to relocate the salt in the building to the other Quonset hut.

School Superintendent Jeff Linton and I worked together throughout the weekend to review the other buildings in town. Even though we did not believe there was any additional danger, we are using town employees and a hired contractor to remove ice and snow from the Barkhamsted School, the Town Hall, the Town Garage, the old Town Garage, the second Quonset hut, and the Senior Center.

We felt that we needed to move quickly, rather than risk any other problems with town-owned buildings.

Jeff Linton sent a note to the school community regarding the Barkhamsted School. That note, as well as this one, is posted on the Barkhamsted town website.

Please call me if you have any questions,

Don Stein,
First Selectman, Barkhamsted

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

Thursday, August 5, 2010:

• New Hartford Senior Center activities: at Senior Center, Town Hall, 530 Main St., New Hartford. Activities:CANCELLED: Line dancing 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.
• Main Street Market Place sponsored by the The Arts & Culture Commission of Torrington: from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Main Street in Torrington. Throughout July and August, downtown Torrington will close off Main Street and set up a European style open air market place. Fresh fruit and vegetable stands, artisan/exhibit booths, local restaurant vendors, classic cars and hot rods, street performers, and jazz musicians will line the streets.
• Friends of Brodie Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the ‘Jail Door’ Conference Room, lower floor at the Town Hall, 530 Main Street, New Hartford.
• WPCA Meeting: at 7:00 p.m. in the Sessions Conference Room at the Town Hall, 530 Main Street, New Hartford. The agenda for the meeting includes an executive session at the end to discuss the RFPs for an operator for the wastewater treatment plant. For the complete agenda for this meeting please see our Community Calendar.
• Thursday Night Gather With Friends at Passiflora: Four Directions/Seven Arrows with Howard Banow:Enjoy a night of story telling, chanting and exploration of the Native American spiritual teachings. Meditation coach and singer-song writer and poet Howard Abhay Banow will share a Cheyenne approach to wholeness from their traditional wisdom teachings about the North, South, East, West, Above, Below and Center of Life in each of us. event is FREE. 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…

“I was wondering if their meeting was still on.”

Our reporter said to Christine Hayward, the Administrative Assistant to the First Selectman when she received the notice of tonight’s WPCA meeting. With other boards and commissions cancelling meetings, the members of the WPCA are meeting more frequently than their once-a-month schedule and for longer periods of time. Please thank them for their hard work next time you come you see them.

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…

This wonderful bench has been set on the river bank by the Route 219 bridge, inviting passers-by to rest and enjoy the view. Photo: Maria Moore

The bench is in memory of a fly fisherman whose name we will add to this caption ~ the plaque was too faded by the bright sunshine in this photo for us to be able to read it. Photo: Maria Moore

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

Monday, July 12, 2010:

• New Hartford Senior Center activities: at the Senior Center, Town Hall, 530 Main St., New Hartford. Activities: Fitness at 9:00 a.m. ($2.50 per class, includes a fitness card which is stamped for every class attended). Coffee 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.
• New Hartford Economic Development Commission Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall, 530 Main Street. We are in the process of verifying that this meeting is, in fact being held.
• Do you know of an event that should 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 posters and information on local groups and events.

…NHGrapevine…

“Cancelled: Both the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance meetings scheduled for tomorrow evening.”

Wow! When was the last time that happened???” Our editor wondered when she saw on the town website that both meetings had been cancelled. We’ll add the reason for the cancellation of the meetings once our reporter has called Christine in the First Selectman’s office to inquire about the cancelled meetings.

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…

The Northwestern Regional #7 students sold lots of tie-dye T-shirts at the Farmers' Market this past Friday ~ including one to our editor and a couple to the photographer of this image and to her fiance, Steve. Â Photo: Sue Wacht of GeminEye Images

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

Friday, May 21, 2010:

• Children’s Story Time at the Beekley Library: for 3- to 5-year-olds at 10:15 a.m. at the Beekley Library, 10 Central Avenue, New Hartford. For more information please call Andrea Gaedeke at the library at 379-7235.
• New Hartford Senior Center Activities: Yoga Class: at 11:00 in the Senior Center. To see this month’s scheduled activities at the Senior Center please see our Community Bulletin Board. For more information about the Senior Center please call Jean Barnicoat at 860-379-3980 between 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays.
• New Hartford Farmers’ Market ~ Opening Day! From 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the Green in Pine Meadow. Sellers include: Barden Farm, Beckwith Brook Farm, Better Baking By Beth, B’Udder Bar Soaps, Dandy Acres, Dineberg’s Localvore, Easton Crafts, Eaglewood Farm, Gresczyk Farms, Planted Feather Farm, Sweet Pea Cheese, Sweet Wind Farm, Woolen It Be Nice and more.
• Should your event be listed here and you don’t see it? Please email us the info. and we’ll add it! Email: 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 UPDATED Community Bulletin Board where you can see flyers on upcoming events, monthly calendars and information on local non-profit groups.

…NHGrapevine…

“I don’t know if anyone has sent you the report on the ecological characteristics of the property that came out a few days later, but it is going around by e-mail. If you have room on your website, it would be very informative for the townspeople to post it, I think.”

Wrote a reader as she forwarded to us another copy of the Brodie Park South Baseline Study. Ever responsive to our readers, we went ahead and published it.

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

A view of the stores in the center of New Hartford. Photo from NewHartfordPlus archives

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

Thursday, May 20, 2010:

• New Hartford Senior Center activities: at Senior Center, Town Hall, 530 Main St., New Hartford. Activities: Line dancing 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 1:00 p.m.; Yoga at 4:00 p.m.
• Planning and Zoning Special Meeting: at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall. A new two year permit for the sand and gravel operation on Maple Hollow Road and discussion of Planimetrics bill and future action are on the agenda for tonight. To see the full agenda for this meeting, please see our Calendar.
• Special Town Meeting: to take action on easements related to two properties in Pine Meadow and a conservation easement for property located at Garrett Ridge Estates. For the full agenda, please see our Notices page.
• Thursday Night Gather With Friends at Passiflora: Lightarian © Reiki: with Laura Rose from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Passiflora, 526 Main Street, New Hartford. Join Laura Rose, Intuitive Medium, Usui Reiki Master, Lightarian Reiki Master, and owner of The Purple Rose Healing Center, as she shares this simple yet powerful healing technique. For more information, please visit Passiflora’s website , or call Passiflora at 860-379-TEAS.

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.

Tag Sale season begins! Check out our Classifieds Section for upcoming Tag Sales in New Hartford.

…NHGrapevine…

“We’ll collect our individual input so that Allison can present it to the committee”

Members of the Conservation Commission agreed after discussing the Brodie Park South study which they had helped fund. Allison Murdoch, chairperson of the Conservation Commission, is on a committee/study group that is putting together a plan for the future use of this town owned property.

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

A scene from last spring's Farmers' Market. Get your shopping bags ready for tomorrow, Friday's opening day of our local New Hartford Farmers' Market. Photo: NewHartfordPlus archives

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

Wednesday, May 19, 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.
• Children’s Story Time for 3 to 5-year-olds at the Beekley Library: at 10:15 a.m. at the Beekley Library, 10 Central Avenue, New Hartford. For more information please call Andrea Gaedeke at the library at 860-379-7235.
• South End Fire District Annual Meeting: at 7:00 p.m. at the South End Firehouse, 20 Antolini Road, New Hartford.
• WPCA Special Meeting: at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall. On the agenda is the discussion and acceptance of RFP for operations.
• Conservation Commission Regular Meeting: A partial list of agenda items includes the Brodie Park development plan and Town pesticide use policy. See the full agenda on our Calendar page.

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.

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.

…NHGrapevine…

“The Northwest Conservation District’s study of Brodie Park South has now been received – what a great job they did with it”

A friend of NewHartfordPlus emailed us today.

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

Tuesday, May 18, 2010:

• New Hartford Business Council Morning Mingler: at Passiflora Tea Room & Cafe, 526 Main Street. Meeting begins at 7:45 a.m.
• Informational meeting for business owners and professionals on the draft zoning regulations: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the Sessions Conference Room at the Town Hall. Rista Malanca, the town’s Interim Zoning Officer will meet with members of the Business Council to answer their questions regarding the new zoning regulations that are nearing completion and will soon be adopted by New Hartford. This meeting is specifically for business owners and professionals who may have questions about how the new zoning regulations may impact their business operation.
• Bakerville Library Story Time for 3 to 5 year-olds: at 10:15 a.m. Bakerville Library, 6 Maple Hollow Road, New Hartford, CT. For more information please call the Bakerville Library at 482-8806.
• New Hartford Senior Center activities: at Senior Center, Town Hall, 530 Main St., New Hartford. Activities: Fitness at 10:45 a.m. ($2.50 per person, per class, includes a fitness card which is stamped for every class attended); Cribbage ‘n cards at 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.
• New Hartford Schools Board of Ed. Meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Bakerville Consolidated School, 51 Cedar Lane, New Hartford, CT. See the listing on our Calendar Page to view the meeting agenda.

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…

“Wouldn’t it be great to record the birdsong up here?”

The Moores said to each other as they hiked along the edge of the woods at Brodie Park South last weekend.

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

One of the paths in Brodie Park South. Photo: Maria Moore

By: Maria Moore

This past Monday, May 10, about 100 residents gathered at Town Hall for a public forum to collect residents’ ideas of future uses for the town-owned property, Brodie Park South located across the way from Brodie Park on West Hill Road. This public forum was hosted by representatives from several groups with special interests in the future of the park; see our May 6 article The Future of Brodie Park South: Invitation To Give Your Input setting the stage for this forum. The forum was moderated by Dan Eddy, member of the Rec Commission which is spearheading a feasibility study of Brodie Park South in order to develop a long-term plan for the use of the park.

Dan Eddy points out features of Brodie Park South

Dan started the meeting by saying that he had recently discovered that the whole of Brodie Park South is in the Nepaug Watershed District and that he will be looking into whether that has any effect on possible uses of the parcel. Dan said that some of the uses that have been proposed for the park include reestablishing the golf course, establishing play space for youth sports and locating a Senior Center there. He added that the study will probably take a year and there is no money available to immediately follow up on it.

Residents’ input at the meeting included the following:

• A resident suggested submitting the plan developed by the group to a town meeting for approval. Dan responded that the group would take that into consideration.
• A resident asked why the current Senior Center was no longer going to be used. Andy Riess, representative of the Seniors in the study group, said that the present center was too small and that it had no cooking facilities.
• A resident asked whether the study would be a collaborative effort of all the members of the group. Dan Eddy said it would be.
• A reporter from a neighboring town asked why there was a push to develop this property when the town was so protective of its open space.  Dan answered that the property has the potential for many uses.
• A resident who is a member of the football group said that the group really needs a multi-purpose field.
• A resident asked about a design for a sports field that had been presented at a Planning and Zoning meeting. Dan responded that Youth Sports had gotten their own plan together for use of the meadow area.
• A resident suggested using 5-6 acres for a multipurpose athletic field.
• A resident commented that the town is looking for a master plan, and then P&Z could move forward on 5-6 plans at the same time. Dan said that was the philosophy: to come up with a package.
• Another resident commented that the different ideas would be mutually exclusive, to which Dan said that they would hopefully integrate all the ideas, and that the goal is not to have a piecemeal approach.
• A resident asked whether the group was going to look at integrating Brodie North into the plan, that it seemed the smart thing to do.
• The comment was made that there already was a plan in place for Brodie Park North.
• A resident then suggested that the study group should take a look at the plan that dated from when the property was first bought. She added that she understood the needs of today need to be met.
• A resident who had just joined the meeting said that he didn’t think the term “football stadium” was broad enough; he suggested they should refer to it as a “multipurpose field.”

Dan added context to the Youth Sports’ need for more room; he said that two-thirds of the student population plays sports and the fields at Brown’s Corner that were laid out for soccer have now been lined for football and baseball as well, something that can be very confusing to 2nd and 3rd grade players.

Shortly after 8:00 p.m., the Economic Development Commission (EDC) members joined the Public Input Forum. The EDC meeting was scheduled for the same evening and at the same time as the forum and as soon as the EDC meeting ended, about a half-dozen EDC members joined the forum.

Residents’ input continued as follows:

• A resident suggested exploiting the natural resources of the property, i.e. natural gas, something that he said he was not really in favor of but that might be worth considering.


The Moores' border collie,Murray during the family's hike in Brodie Park South this past weekend. Photo: Maria Moore

• A resident wanted some ability to walk dogs on the property. He said that he had been told that the “football people” want all dogs banned, which was immediately denied by a “football person” who said that “football loves dogs.”
• Another resident said that an important aspect missing was the current use of the land, and that the property was a popular place for people to walk their dogs. A discussion followed on whether dogs were allowed on the property; some said there were signs prohibiting dogs on the property, and others said there were no signs. One resident said that when the original plan had been done, it had said no dogs. ”It did say ‘No dogs’ “she emphasized. Dan said that he was sure they could make accommodation for those types of uses.
• A resident emphasized that, in his view, the very important point was that the group was disregarding the current uses of the property. The answer came that that was why people were asked to that evening’s meeting.
• A resident said that whatever the use the park might be put to ~ tennis, bocci, etc. ~ that they use organic means of fertilizing the fields to protect the lake nearby.


Part of the hiking trail at Brodie Park South

• A resident asked that what’s already at Brodie Park South be respected, and specifically he asked whether the 2 1/2 to 3 miles of hiking trails would be affected and whether there would be a buffer zone. Dan answered that they don’t practice near the hiking trails and that everyone’s input is important to help generate a comprehensive plan and at that point the study group would have a similar type meeting to fine tune the plan.
• A resident commented he was in favor of multipurpose fields, that they want to bring the community together and that is an excellent way of doing that. He and another resident both said that the town had done an excellent job in doing that.
• The First Selectman, Dan Jerram said that he loves the hiking there and he mentioned a bike trail. He said there’ll be more meetings and that with 150 acres he thinks there’s enough land there for a piece for everybody.
• A resident agreed with the First Selectman and added that maybe this is an opportunity for the property to be named protected space.
• There was a suggestion of a nature trail that would go all around the property.
• A comment was made (by Dan Eddy?) that once they know what’s actually up at the property, when they know what’s in the report (that the Rec, Open Space and Conservation Commissions are paying to have done) they can consider the suggestions.
• A resident commented that the property was a very valuable asset and that rather than try to match the asset to the need, maybe they should look at trading the site for for something more suitable.
• Mary Kent, the Chairwoman of the Commission on Aging said that the seniors of the future will want to be a part of the plan, they will be hiking and biking, etc.
• A resident commented that if they look at the original plan for Brodie Park, it was to make the park the recreation center of the town.  The resident said they should engage as many people as possible and that they should develop new language that would be a little more open to meet the needs of the future. The resident gave lacrosse as an example of a sport that would soon be coming.
• Bill Michaud, Chairman of the Open Space Commission and a member of the study group said that he doesn’t see a conflict between open space and the use of the property by townspeople. He said they should review the language of protection of open space, look at the input and see what fits and what doesn’t fit.
• A resident said that the town should look at buying the the Hurley building (on Greenwoods Road), that it is an historical building and with the flat field next to it, it could be used as a combination youth and senior center.  Dan answered that they had already talked to the owner and that he doesn’t want to sell it.
• A resident said that not everyone has the same visual of the property and she suggested organizing a town outing or a town picnic so that the proponents of the different ideas could show where they would put their projects.
• A resident said that a 30-50 year plan for the property should include a school.
• A resident commented that having a master plan is pretty important at least from what we want to see as a whole. His concern is that as different things pop up they want a piece of the property and that at some point, we don’t want everything. A master plan would show a long and short-term plan.
• the same resident as above voiced his concern that the development of the property is in conflict with the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCAD) which says that development should be focused on using existing infrastructure. He said we should be looking at the Antolini School property which has enough space for the fields. He said that when the Plan of Conservation was being written they had heard over and over “We want to preserve the rural character of the town.” He said that if we develop one part we will be changing the character of that area. The town supports open space, he said and this is currently unprotected open space. He emphasized that we should look at a different location for this (development) because it doesn’t fit with open space.
• The same resident as above said that it comes back to what to do with the space: the space is not unused but is currently being used. “It’s a jewel” he said and he suggested we continue using it as now. Another resident responded to the above by saying that he was discounting other jewels that the town has.
• A resident said we need to look at the components of the environment with a baseline study. Dan Eddy said that the study being done includes the current wetlands.
• A resident asked a question about Mr. Helt’s house (Mr. Helt had been the caretaker of the property while it was owned by the Brodie family before the town acquired it). He was told that Mr. Helt had lived in the house now known as Brodie House and he had moved across from the park when he had bought his own house.
• A resident said that she had heard older residents of the town say that when the town had acquired the property, Mr. Brodie had wanted a clause that none of the property could be sold off. The answer came that there was no restriction in the deed. Another resident said that Mr. Brodie had been surprised that it was not in there.
• Another resident said that the solution was to use existing infrastructure, that it may be less costly than developing new infrastructure.

After all residents had given their input, Dan Eddy said that he welcomed additional input from residents which they could email to him at: danieljeddy@gmail.com.

The next step: The group is having a baseline study of the Brodie Park South property done by the Northwest Conservation District. The study, which is being paid for by the Rec commission, the Open Space Commission and the Conservation Commission, will provide general wetlands information, as well as information about the flora and fauna and the topography of the land ~ a snapshot of what the land currently holds. The study is due to be completed by May 17. We will provide updates as more information becomes available on the development of a future plan for Brodie Park South.

The meadows at Brodie Park South, an area which is currently being used by Youth Sports as practice fields. Photo: Maria Moore

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

Monday, May 17, 2010:

• New Hartford Senior Center activities: at the Senior Center, Town Hall, 530 Main St., New Hartford. Activities: Fitness at 9:00 a.m. ($2.50 per class, includes a fitness card which is stamped for every class attended); Coffee at 10:00 a.m. Spring Luncheon at Crystal Peak at 12:00 noon. There will be a plant swap before the luncheon. For more information please call Jean Barnicoat at 860-379-3980 between 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays.
• Have a Spring-related business you want to advertise?: Check out our BRAND NEW Yellow Pages: an economical, simple way to get your business in front of our 29,976 visitors (our April stats). Use the “Submit Your Listing” form to send us your information and we’ll list your business.
• Do you know of an event that should 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 new Community Bulletin Board where you can see posters and information on local groups and events.

…NHGrapevine…

“My great grandfather used to make the boats that summer visitors would row on Greenwoods Pond.”

Roxanne told our reporter as she was cutting invasive plants in Callahan Park during the Earth Weekend Spring Cleanup yesterday afternoon.  Some wonderful people were brought together once again by this annual community event.

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

The steel bridge on Reservoir Road (route 219) which will be closed to traffic from May 17 through the end of August. Photo: Maria Moore

[The agenda for this Public Input Meeting has been added to our Calendar; Monday, May 17]

By: Maria Moore

The Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) is scheduling a Public Input Forum on its draft zoning regulations on Wednesday, May 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the Senior Center at Town Hall. Since last year Commission members have been working on revising the regulations and they are now nearing the end of the process. After public input is received, final revisions will be made and the new zoning regulations will come into effect.

Residents are being invited to the public forum to give their input on the revised regulations. “This is really not a session for people to get involved in lots of questions and answers.” Rista Malanca, Interim Zoning Officer said, adding: “It’s really an opportunity for residents to give the commissioners their input or requests.” Rista recommended that residents come with written input which they can submit to the Commission at the Public Input Forum, in addition to giving their verbal input.

The revised zoning regulations are available online on the Planning and Zoning section of the town website; the zoning regulations are posted in their entirety and also individually by article. Residents may also obtain a paper copy of the draft zoning regulations by contacting Rista Malanca in the Land Use office at 860-379-7677. There is a $10 charge for the paper copy.

If you have any questions regarding this upcoming Public Input Forum or about the town’s zoning regulations, please call Rista Malanca at 860-379-7677, or email Rista at RMalanca@town.new-hartford.ct.us

The intersection of Route 44 with Bridge Street and Central Avenue in New Hartford center. Photo: NewHartfordPlus archives

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

Friday, May 14, 2010:

• Children’s Story Time at the Beekley Library: for 3- to 5-year-olds at 10:15 a.m. at the Beekley Library, 10 Central Avenue, New Hartford. For more information please call Andrea Gaedeke at the library at 379-7235.
• New Hartford Senior Center Activities: Yoga Class: at 11:00 in the Senior Center. To see this month’s scheduled activities at the Senior Center please see our Community Bulletin Board. For more information about the Senior Center please call Jean Barnicoat at 860-379-3980 between 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays.
• Should your event be listed here and you don’t see it? Please email us the info. and we’ll add it! Email: 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 UPDATED Community Bulletin Board where you can see flyers on upcoming events, monthly calendars and information on local non-profit groups.

…NHGrapevine…

“Everyone’s used a lot less water this year.”

Said Ray Adamaitis of CT Water at the WPCA meeting last night, adding it was mostly weather-related. This accounts for most of the drop in the WPCA’s revenues so far this fiscal year.

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

A wagonful of flowers and vegetables at the Barden Farm all ready for the Farmers' Market in just one more week. Photo: Maria Moore

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

Thursday, May 13, 2010:

• New Hartford Senior Center activities: at Senior Center, Town Hall, 530 Main St., New Hartford. Activities: Line dancing 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 1:00 p.m.; Yoga at 4:00 p.m. Travelers Chorale in Hartford: bus pickup at Town Hall at 6:00 p.m. Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food item for a local food bank. For more information, please contact Jean Barnicoat, Senior Center director at 860-379-3980
• WPCA Special Meeting: at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall. To see the agenda for this meeting, please see our Calendar.
• Thursday Night Gather With Friends at Passiflora:Trance-Formation with Rod Kelly: from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Passiflora, 526 Main Street, New Hartford. Learn how to use the untapped power of your mind. Yes, we’re talking about that other 90% of your mental capacity, to “Manifest the Person You Truly Want to Be”. For more information, please visit Passiflora’s website : Or call Passiflora’s at 860-379-TEAS

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.

Tag Sale season begins! Check out our Classifieds Section for upcoming Tag Sales in New Hartford.

…NHGrapevine…

“The town let us down last time: how do we know this time you’ll enforce the conditions?”

Residents asked the Planning and Zoning Commission during a heated discussion of whether a new two-year permit should be issued to New England Development, the company that runs the old sand and gravel operation on Maple Hollow Road. No decision was made last night, although commission members discussed later in the meeting a setting a number of conditions that would bring the site in line with regulations.

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

The bucolic scene on Maple Hollow Road just next door to the sand and gravel operation which is now for sale. Â Photo: NewHartfordPlus archives

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

Wednesday, May 12, 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.
• Children’s Story Time for 2-year-olds at the Beekley Library: at 10:15 a.m. at the Beekley Library, 10 Central Avenue, New Hartford. For more information please call Andrea Gaedeke at the library at 860-379-7235.
• Planning & Zoning Commission Regular Meeting: at 7:00 p.m. New Hartford Town Hall, 530 Main St. See today’s listing on our Calendar page for a copy of tonight’s meeting agenda.

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.

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.

…NHGrapevine…

“The reason I’m voting for the record is because I’m very concerned about what the state will do.”

Reggie Smith said after the Board of Finance voted in favor of assuming a 96% collection rate; Reggie cast the only vote against the increase.  The other option discussed would have been a 96.4% collection rate.

Here’s the numbers directly from Ben:

“The tax increase is 0.42% (not 0.1%). The mill rate is 0.10 mils increase. This is identical to what was presented at the budget hearing (0.33% tax incr, 0.08 mils & 96% collections), with a slight change to the grand list based on BAA appeals settlements subsequent to the hearing.”

[Many thanks to Ben Witte, the "numbers guy" and Chairman of the Board of Finance, for looking over our numbers and correcting them.]

[This grapevine has been corrected to reflect that Reggie voted against the 0.1% mil rate increase; many thanks to the friend of NewHartfordPlus who corrected this for us.]

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

The lilacs in full bloom outside the Moore home. Photo: NewHartfordPlus archives

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

Tuesday,April May 11, 2010:

• New Hartford Senior Center activities: at Senior Center, Town Hall, 530 Main St., New Hartford. Activities: Fitness at 10:45 a.m. ($2.50 per person, per class, includes a fitness card which is stamped for every class attended); Cribbage ‘n cards at 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.
• Early Literacy Program: Comprehension Session: at 9:30 a.m. at the Beekley Library, 10 Central Avenue, New Hartford. For more information about this Early Literacy Program please see the flyer posted in our Bulletin Board or call the Library at 860-379-7235.
• Bakerville Library Story Time for 3 to 5 year-olds: at 10:15 a.m. Bakerville Library, 6 Maple Hollow Road, New Hartford. For more information about the library please visit the Bakerville Library website.
• Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting: at 5:30 p.m. at the Town Hall, 530 Main Street, New Hartford. For the agenda for this meeting please see our Calendar.
• Board of Finance Meeting: at 7:00 p.m. in the Senior Center at the Town Hall, 530 Main Street, New Hartford. For the agenda for this meeting please see our Calendar.
• The Landscape of the American Mystery Novel: Blind Descent by Nevada Barr: at 7:00 p.m. at the Beekley Library, 10 Central Avenue, New Hartford. Book discussion with Pat D’Ascoli, editor of CT Muse. For more information about this book discussion series, pleas see our February 4 article The Landscape of the American Mystery Novel…
• Have a Spring-related business you want to advertise?: Check out our BRAND NEW Yellow Pages: an economical, simple way to get your business in front of our 32,066 visitors (this past March). Use the “Submit Your Listing” form to send us your information and we’ll list your business. Looking for a lawn care service? Check our Yellow Pages where we’ll be listing companies as soon as their info. is submitted to us.

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…

“Not everyone has the same visual: I suggest a town outing or picnic to show where they would put their projects.”

One of the suggestions made by a resident at last night’s public forum to collect ideas of uses for Brodie Park South. A larger than usual number of residents turned out for the meeting that began the public participation in the development of a long-term plan for the property; see our upcoming article on this meeting.

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

The entrance to the Town Hill Cemetery in dappled sunlight. Photo: NewHartfordPlus archives