THOMASTON SAVINGS BANK FOUNDATION APPROVES
VNA NORTHWEST GRANT REQUEST

Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. has approved a grant request from VNA Northwest for funding for six foot care clinics to be held in northwest Connecticut towns. The award of $1,353 will be presented to VNA Northwest at the Foundation’s annual open house in Thomaston next month.

With this funding, VNA Northwest plans to offer a series of free foot care clinics for older adults in six local towns during the coming year.

According to a letter from President Stephen L. Lewis, the Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. will award a total of $225,174.28 to local charitable causes this year.

VNA Northwest is a 2009 HomeCare Elite™ agency, which means it ranks among the top 25 percent of home health providers in the country. The agency serves patients in the following communities: Bantam, Bethlehem, Cornwall, Falls Village, Goshen, Harwinton, Kent, Lakeville, Litchfield, Morris, New Hartford, New Milford, Northfield, North Canaan, Plymouth, Salisbury, Sharon, Thomaston, Torrington, Warren, Washington, Winsted and Woodbury. For information, please call (860) 567-6000, (800) 752-0215, or visit www.vnanw.org.

Dems to nominate candidate for CT 66th

Local Democrats will reconvene on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at La Cupola's Restaurant, 637 Bantam Road, Litchfield, to nominate a candidate to run in the 66th District against current State Representative Craig Miner. Nathaniel Peters-Kroll from Woodbury was previously nominated in May, but withdrew his candidacy, creating the vacancy.

Bill Zappone, a five year resident of Litchfield and sales representative for Xerox, is expected to become the new nominee.

The 66th District is made up of Litchfield, Woodbury, Morris, Warren and Bethlehem.
For further information contact Audrey Blondin, Permanent Chair at 860-489-8997 or William Conti, Litchfield Democratic Town Committee Chairman at 860-482-4451.

Vocational Opportunities/Equity Coordinator Contact Information
Annual Public Notification Requirement (8-19-10)

The Litchfield Public Schools have released the following statement regarding vocational program compliance at Litchfield High School:

Litchfield High School offers vocational programs regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability. The programs offered are technology education (Communication, Television Production, CAD Mechanical, Computer Repair, Power and Energy, Construction, Architectural Drafting I and II, Photography, and Photographic Design), business education (Accounting I and II, Intro to Web Design, Advanced Web Design, Information/Technology Literacy, Marketing, E-Commerce, Desktop Publishing, Personal Financial Management, and Career Readiness), family and consumer education (Food Science, Culinary Arts Bake Shop, Culinary Arts Technique, and Sewing Fundamentals). Unless specified, all the vocational programs are available for all students. Admission criteria are listed in the LHS Program of Studies, on the LHS Internet website or available by contacting Mr. Zaremski. For example, Introduction to Web Design would be a prerequisite for Advanced Web Design. The mission of the Litchfield High School community is to work together to graduate knowledgeable, skillful, and productive individuals.

Questions regarding civil rights compliance may be directed to the Equity Coordinator, Gary Zaremski, Director of Special Services at 860-567-7505 or zaremskig@litchfieldschools.org, or Litchfield Intermediate School, 35 Plumb Hill Road, P.O. Box 110, Litchfield, CT 06759-0110. He is designated to coordinate compliance under Title IX and Section 504 for the Litchfield Public Schools.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” 50th Anniversary Celebration at Local Libraries

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the publication of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Gunn Memorial Library in Washington, Kent Memorial Library in Kent and Oliver Wolcott Library in Litchfield are hosting a number of events culminating in a panel discussion sponsored by all three libraries.

Oliver Wolcott Library and the Litchfield Community Center present
Monday, September 13 at 1:00 p.m.
Film: To Kill a Mockingbird

Location for the Event: The Litchfield Community Center
Come celebrate the enduring legacy of Harper Lee’s classic novel by viewing this 1962 American drama adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird. The film features Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch and Mary Badham as Scout. For questions, please contact the Oliver Wolcott Library at 860-567-8030. To register online, visit the Library’s website at www.owlibrary.org and select Programs/Adult Programs.

Oliver Wolcott Library, Gunn Memorial and Kent Memorial Libraries present a Panel Discussion on the Enduring Influence of To Kill A Mockingbird
Wednesday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Location of Event: The Litchfield Community Center

Panel Discussion
Authors Todd Johnson, Frank Delaney, Diane Meier, and television writer and producer Mary McDonagh Murphy will discuss the influence of Harper Lee’s book on writers and share their reflections about the book on their own work. The discussion will also include highlights of Murphy’s documentary, Hey Boo: Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird where Murphy explores the power, influence and popularity of this important work.

Todd Johnson, author of The Sweet By and By graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with honors in history and received his master’s degree from Yale Divinity School. He has performed with a long roster of major artists and won a Tony Award nomination as a producer of The Color Purple on Broadway.

Frank Delaney is the author of six books of non-fiction, twelve novels, one novella and many short stories. His most recent book is Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show. In addition to his career on BBC Radio Four, he wrote films for Omnibus and other arts programs and in the early 1980’s hosted his own talk show, Frank Delaney, featuring an array of cultural and literary personalities.

Diane Meier is the founder and owner of Meier, Inc., a New York City marketing firm whose clients include Neiman Marcus, DeBeers, Elizabeth Arden and Pierre Balmain. Her career has honed skills from strategy, writing and design to public speaking. She is the author of The Season of Second Chances, and The New American Wedding: Ritual and Style in a Changing Culture.

Please note: Location for the Panel Discussion is the Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Road, Litchfield.

Registration is required. To register, please contact one of the sponsoring libraries: the Oliver Wolcott Library at 860-567-8030, Gunn Memorial Library at 860-868-7586, or Kent Memorial Library at 860-927-3761.

Goshen Players, Inc. announces its 2010-2011 season!
The Board of Directors of Goshen Players, Inc. is delighted to announce the line up of productions for the 2010 - 2011 season.

	The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 9, 2010 Six angst-ridden, pubescent over-achievers are “supervised” by three adults who appear to have barely managed to escape that time in their lives at all. You can be part of the cast as these unforgettable characters come to the one place where they can stand out and fit in all at the same time. Join these outsiders as they learn that winners seldom really win and that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser. Sponsored by Torrington Savings Bank.
	Lenny’s Dead NOVEMBER 12 & 13, 2010 Meet Hank. Meet Lenny. Lenny’s dead. He was killed in Vietnam on August 9, 1971. Lenny and Hank are two comrades in arms who cannot separate – despite the fact that one of them is dead. Fresh from the New York International Fringe Festival, this original work by Plymouth resident Alex Giacin is not to be missed. Join us as we celebrate and thank Veterans, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
	Cupid 2.0: A Valentine Cabaret from the Goshen Players FEBRUARY 11 & 12, 2011 When Cupid went on holiday, his mother Venus hired a “temp.” Now Venus thinks it’s time for an upgrade, and has summoned Cupid 2.0 to the Pantheon for a performance review. Join us as we celebrate Valentine’s day with music and humor. Oh yes, and love! Limited cabaret seating – be sure to order your tickets early!
	Dancing at Lughnasa MAY 6 - 21, 2011 The summer of 1936 was a seminal one for Michael Mundy, his unwed mother and his four spinster aunts. County Donegal, Ireland has not escaped the world-wide economic depression, but the arrival of a radio christened Marconi as well as Michael’s uncle Jack opens a world of exciting possibilities to the five women as they struggle to support themselves. Join with the sisters as they make their attempt at living, perhaps even enjoying life. Their dreams may be mere illusions but Michael’s memory tells the truth of this poignant, Olivier Award winning story.

For more information on Goshen Players, Inc., any of the offerings of the 2010 - 2011 season, or for volunteer or audition opportunities, please visit the Players at goshenplayers.org or call them at 860.491.9988.

The Goshen Players, Inc. is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization based in Goshen, CT. They have presented professional quality musicals in the Goshen Old Town Hall annually since 1949, expanding their season to include straight plays in 2005. The venue for their productions, The Old Goshen Town Hall, was purchased from the town in 2004. Major updates and renovations to that space are currently underway. Season Supporting Sponsors for 2010-2011 are The Connecticut Community Foundation, O&G Industries, Inc., Litchfield Bancorp, EJ Murphy Realty and FM 97.3 WSBG.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Lydia Babbitt, The Goshen Players, Inc., PO Box 63, Goshen, CT 06756
www.goshenplayers.org
Theatre Phone: 860.491.9988 Day Phone: 860.496.4277

THANKS TO THE COMMUNITY FOR SUPPORTING THE SCOUTS

On behalf of the boys from Troop 29, Bantam that attended the 2010 Centennial Jamboree, we would like to thank you all for your kindness and support. For those of you that attended our many breakfasts, ate our baked goods, got your car washed, sponsored them at bowling and for those of you who just supported them, we thank you all. The boys worked hard and had a lot of fun in their efforts to raise the money needed. We met a lot of nice people with generous hearts and heard stories shared from some, on their memorable scouting experiences.

A special thanks to Stop and Shop of Litchfield, Litchfield Fire House, Bantam Fire House, Northfield Fire House, Applebee of Torrington, Sky Top Lanes, WZBG, The Register Citizen and Litchfield BZ. We extend special gratitude to the Seherr-Thoss Foundation and the Jr. Women’s Club of Litchfield. Without support from all, this may not of been possible for some to attend.
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Our young men have returned. The boys time at the Jamboree was awesome, it was more than they ever expected. Their days getting to and attending the jamboree were filled with many memorable experiences. Jets flyovers, celebrity appearances, music, dance performances and a large centennial celebrations unlike any other in jamboree history. Daily activities offered fun, challenges and an opportunity for religious reflection, citizenship and the international brotherhood of being with Scouts from other countries of the world. Some of our boys favorite activities were the climbing towers, mountain boarding, rappelling towers, motocross, confidence course, climbing towers, aquatics and meeting and making friends from all over the world.

Some of the stars-celebrities included in the celebrations were U.S Olympic silver metal in half pike snowboarding, Gretchen Bleiler, Bernard Harris- astronaut, Switchfoot performed, Shaun White, U.S Olympic gold medalist in half pike snowboarding, and Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs Discovery Chanel.

The Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, an eagle scout himself, father of a son in boy scouts spoke as a leader from one generation talking with the leaders of the next generation.-young leaders on whom much will depend. He pointed out to the scouts, that he was not a straight A student nor a good athlete. But he was involved in school activities. Earning his eagle gave him the self confidence to believe, for the first time in his life that he could achieve what ever he set his mind to. He went on to say that the scouting experience is the first major step toward the most important goal of all becoming a man, a man of integrity and decency, a man of morals, courage and a man unafraid of hard work, a man of strong character.

Robert Gates has served eight presidents. He traveled the world and had many extraordinary experiences. He met many remarkable people. But, at his point in his life he told them that his scouting experiences had a huge influence in shaping his life.

Please continue to support your local scouting programs. Scouting prepares our young men for leadership, teaching them the importance to service to others and gives back to the community. One of the most recent projects that one of our life scouts worked on to achieve Eagle was for the Community Garden in Litchfield located on Rt. 202 and the intersection of Brush Hill Rd. He installed benches he had made to aesthetically fit into the landscape along with an entrance information sign to welcome people as they arrive keeping with the gardens natural earthy appearance. The gardens are on the Graham Thompson Preserve of the Litchfield Land Trust. The gardens are available to residents of Litchfield, Bantam, Northfield and Milton through the Litchfield Garden Club and Litchfield Community Center. Participating in an Eagle Project is a way for our scouts to give back to their community and also to support a fellow scout.

Sincerely,
Sherri DaRoss and the Parents of Troop 29, Bantam?

Cholesterol Screening for individuals & groups
available through VNA Northwest

VNA Northwest is offering cholesterol screenings at its office on 607 Bantam Road, Unit F. Weekday appointments are available for individuals interested in being screened. The procedure takes less than 15 minutes, but fasting 8-12 hours beforehand is required.

To make an appointment, please call 860-567-6000 or 1-800-752-0215. A $15 donation for materials is requested, but not required. Businesses or groups interested in hosting cholesterol screenings at their facilities are also welcome to call the agency to schedule a convenient date and time.

VNA Northwest received start-up funding for this program through a grant from the Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc.

For a complete listing of VNA Northwest’s services to the community, including blood pressure and Bend & Stretch clinics, please visit www.vnannw.org or call (860) 567-6000. The agency provides home health and hospice services to residents of the following northwest Connecticut communities: Bantam, Bethlehem, Cornwall, Falls Village, Goshen, Harwinton, Kent, Lakeville, Litchfield, Morris, New Hartford, New Milford, Northfield, North Canaan, Plymouth, Salisbury, Sharon, Thomaston, Torrington, Warren, Washington, Winsted and Woodbury.

Grants from American Savings Foundation support
Work-Based Learning Program And Student Internship at Junior Republic
Press Release (8-4-10)

The Connecticut Junior Republic’s Waterbury Program is providing a six-week work-based learning summer program for 30 at-risk and disadvantaged boys and girls, through a grant of $26,550 from the American Savings Foundation. The program includes vocational training in culinary arts, video production, and horticulture and landscaping. Participating boys and girls attend the program Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and work in one of the three study areas.

All students began the program with a standardized application and interview process for various positions to learn skills in resume development, interviewing and employment readiness. Each of the three study areas will utilize an entrepreneurship model to develop specific “products” associated with culinary arts, video production and horticulture and landscaping. Assigned teams work together on projects and develop specific skill sets relevant to the three job areas. Students are paid stipends for their participation in the program.
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Litchfield Community Center closed on Aug. 23 & Aug 24
The Litchfield Community Center will be closed to the public on Monday August 23 and Tuesday August 24 for maintenance.

All regularly scheduled classes will not be held.
LCC will re-open on Wednesday August 23 with a trip to Boston for a Red Sox Game.
(Still some seats left, call now!)

Community Center expresses gratitude for support
Press Release (7-28-10)

The Litchfield Community Center 10th Anniversary Celebration was a week-long opportunity for the entire community to drop in to the center and participate in a myriad of special events. The Board of Directors and the Staff of the Litchfield Community Center wish to thank every organization who partnered with us and every person and business who helped us put together the week’s program which was enjoyed by hundreds of people. From the daily painting sessions on the permanent canvas sponsored by “Paint with Friends” to the gala dinner and dance at week’s end, the center was abuzz and alive with good energy and spirit. The gala drew 250 guests to witness the dedication of the building to its beloved founder, friend and benefactor, Sonia P. Seherr-Thoss, to hear a proclamation sent by Senator Andrew Roraback in honor of the occasion, and to be called to dinner by the Litchfield Community Bell Ringers.

The celebration began on Sunday with a garden tour that included four local residential gardens, the Litchfield Community Garden, and the gardens behind the Yard on West Street. On an afternoon, Jerry Geci graciously read aloud from the published works of Mrs. Seherr-Thoss who celebrated the many and diverse world cultures in her writing. She was remembered through a viewing of her beautiful world photography and a showing in DVD of her own gardens. Hosted by Attorney Brian McCormick and Dr. Tina Reardon, an evening discussion addressed in public roundtable the larger questions of what is community, how do we create it, care for it and preserve it.

On Family Day and Fun Night there were bouncy houses, clowns, arts and crafts and games. The Weik and Cappello families led teams to participate in a town-wide “learning opportunity” scavenger hunt followed by Mitzi Cappello’s fried dough pizza and a DJ dance party. There was movie day, featuring Oscar winning movies, drumming for all ages with John Marshall, followed by an ice cream social sponsored by St. Anthony of Padua Parish. The Daughters of Isabella provided a Teddy Bear Social with story hour and lunch for the very young, and young and old enjoyed an outdoor evening picnic time with music by Potter’s Field. A whole day was devoted to Health and Wellness, beginning with a Village Strider sponsored run/walk and breakfast, followed by a series of Paradigm Health lectures and Dr. Erin Maziarz chiropractic demonstration and lecture. Charym Spa hosted a day of wellness offering opportunity for massage therapy, reflexology and spa treatments followed by an Open House at Charym Spa.

We thank our many individual donors, the business community and our partner organizations, the Litchfield Historical Society, the Preservation Trust, the Women’s Forum, the Litchfield Garden Club, and the Junior Women’s Club of LItchfield Hills. We thank Laurel Galloway and her committee for their work in preparing for the Gala which was so much fun. All proceeds from the Gala go directly to support Community Center programs.

Sincerely,
Catherine Oneglia
on behalf of the Board and Staff at LCC

GOLF EVENT RAISES $61,000 TO BENEFIT JUNIOR REPUBLIC
Litchfield.bz (7-19-10)

Pictured in the attached photograph from left, are: Joseph J. Greco, Regional President, Union Savings Bank; Robert G. Phelan, Chairman, CJR Invitational, member, CJR Board of Directors, and Chairman and CEO, Litchfield Insurance Group; John C. Kline, President and CEO, Union Savings Bank; Gregory S. Oneglia, Founding Chairman, CJR Invitational, and member of the Boards of Directors of CJR and Union Savings Bank; and John F. Boyd, Executive Director, Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR). Photo taken by Amy J. Mitchell, Union Savings Bank.

Litchfield – Robert G. Phelan, Chairman and CEO of the Litchfield Insurance Group, and Chairman of the CJR Invitational golf benefit, recently announced that the 2010 event, held on June 21, at the Torrington Country Club, raised $61,000 in net proceeds to benefit the Connecticut Junior Republic. A member of the Connecticut Junior Republic’s Board of Directors, Mr. Phelan has served as chairman of the event in 2006. Gregory S. Oneglia, Vice Chairman of O & G Industries and a former President of the Junior Republic’s Board of Directors, is the Founding Chairman of the CJR Invitational, which he established in 1996.

With this year’s proceeds, the CJR Invitational has raised more than $900,000 in cumulative net proceeds to benefit the Connecticut Junior Republic. Mr. Phelan attributed the success of the CJR’s golf benefit to the loyal support of participants, sponsors, and a dedicated corps of volunteers, who plan and conduct the event.
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U.S. Hotel Industry - big drop in 2009 revenue
Press Release (7-14-10)

The U.S. hotel industry ended 2009 with the lowest room revenue since 2004 and the biggest drop in revenue per available room since the data has been tracked, according to the annual Hotel Operating Statistics study from Smith Travel Research.

Room revenue was $92.4 billion, compared with $85.2 billion in 2004, and a 14.2% decline from 2008, the study showed. Total revenue for the industry declined $13.4 billion, to $127.2 billion. Gross operational profit fell from 38.2% to 34%. "It is clear that 2009 was a devastating year for the hotel industry," said Mark Lomanno, STR's president. "Although the worst appears to be behind us, there is still a long way to go before the industry completely recovers from the effects of what amounts to the worst year for hotel performance in memory."
(www.BusinessTravelNews.com, 7/12)

contributed by
Janet L. Serra, Executive Director
Litchfield Hills & Fairfield County
Western Connecticut Convention and Visitors Bureau
http://www.litchfieldhills.com
http://www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

PASSPORT RATES INCREASING
The Litchfield District Probate Court has just received notification from the U. S. Department of State that effective July 13, 2010, Passport Application rates will be increasing by $35.00.

“This is the substantial increase which we had previously warned the public about back March, 2010”, said Litchfield Probate Court Judge Diane S. Blick. “It took the U.S. Department of State longer than expected to implement the increase, but it is upon us now. Once again, I encourage anyone wishing to apply for or renew a passport to do so prior to July 13, 2010 to avoid this substantial increase in cost.”

Until July 13th, the cost for an adult 16 years and older is $100.00 and the cost for a child under 16 years of age is $85.00 (cash or check accepted). A certified copy of the applicant’s long form birth certificate is required along with a photo in duplicate. Both parents must be present when applying for a minor child unless a Consent Form is provided authorizing only one parent to apply.

“Beginning July 13th, the U.S. Department of State will be charging $135.00 for first time applicants, $110.00 for renewals by mail and $105.00 for children,” said Judge Blick.

U. S. citizens must present a valid passport book when entering or re-entering the United States by air. U. S. citizens entering the United State from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry must present a passport book, passport card or other travel documents approved by the U. S. government.

Passport applications can be obtained at the Litchfield Probate Court, Town Hall, 74 West Street, Litchfield, obtained at participating U.S. Post Offices or can be downloaded at the State Department website www.travel.state.gov. U. S. citizens may also obtain passport information by phone, in English and Spanish, by calling the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778.

For answers to questions or for more information, contact Judge Blick or Clerks Kay Matarese and Tanya Matulis at the Litchfield Probate Court at 860-567-8065 Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

LITCHFIELD DISTRICT PROBATE COURT
Town Hall – 74 West Street
Litchfield, CT 06759
860-567-8065

WYMAN SAYS STATE WILL END YEAR WITH $242.9 MILLION SURPLUS
State Comptroller Nancy Wyman projected the state will end the 2010 fiscal year with a budget surplus of $242.9 million - a $76 million jump since last month.

The main reason for the increase was higher receipts of the sales tax - the largest tax category after the income tax. After many months of double-digit declines, the sales tax began rebounding in March and has been producing average monthly gains of about 2 percent.

The rise in sales tax receipts is tied to a gain in jobs over the same time period. Connecticut lost 103,000 jobs in the recession that began in March 2008, and has gained back almost 15,000 jobs since January. Still, Wyman said, the sales tax is expected to bring in about 5 percent less revenue overall than last year.

"The sales tax picture is a good indicator of how deep of a hole the recession created in revenues," Wyman said. "Even with the recent improvements, we still have a long way to go before we can call this a recovery."

Wyman noted that while job growth is increasing faster than most experts predicted, the unemployment rate remains very high at 8.9 percent. In the 1990 recession unemployment peaked at 7.4 percent and in the recession of 2001 it peaked at 5.6 percent.

Wyman also cautioned that a $500 million deficit projected for most of the fiscal year was mainly eliminated not by revenue gains, but by deficit-mitigation measures that included federal stimulus dollars, deferral of payments to the state pension fund and one-time transfers of money from accounts including the Rainy Day Fund.

Although the 2010 fiscal year ended June 30, the state still accrues receipts in several major tax categories through July, and Wyman will close the books and issue her final budget forecast on Sept. 1.
This message was sent to you by the Office of the State Comptroller Listserv 'WYMANews'. If you would like to make a comment about this or any other issue, please send an email to: comptroller.wyman@po.state.ct.us Please visit the Comptroller's web site at: http://www.osc.state.ct.us/

Dog licenses ready at Litchfield Town Clerk's office
Dog Licenses are now ready for issue at the Litchfield Town Clerk’s office. The cost for spayed and neutered dogs is $8.00. Unaltered dogs cost $19.00. All dogs over six months must be licensed. All dogs must have a current rabies vaccination. A veterinary’s certificate must be presented for newly spayed or neutered dogs. Dogs must be licensed before June 30th of each year. A late fee will be charged for each month late. The Town Clerk’s office is open 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located in the Litchfield Town Hall, 74 West Street, Litchfield.

JUNIOR REPUBLIC TO PROCEED WITH NEW RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM IN LITCHFIELD
Press Release (6-3-10)
Litchfield – John F. Boyd, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR), announced today that the organization will be moving forward with a contract to provide a short-term residential program for young men on its Litchfield campus. The contract was awarded to the Junior Republic in July of 2009, but was delayed due to state funding reductions. Funds to implement the program were recently made available, and CJR will be providing the new residential program for the Court Support Services Division (CSSD) of the Connecticut Judicial Branch.
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NO FLY CRUISING SOUTHERN WINTER ESCAPE
The Goshen Recreation Department in conjunction with Tours of Distinction is offering an 11-day winter escape. Ports of call are Key West Florida and Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas. The trip departs January 19th, 2011 but the response has been so good that the availability of some cabins has already been limited.

The excursion includes: roundtrip motor-coach to Charleston Pier, two nights accommodation in Virginia, two nights accommodation in Savannah, Georgia and a 7 day cruise aboard the Carnival Cruise Line’s Fantasy. All meals and daily entertainment while aboard ship, 2 cocktail parties, guided tours of Savannah and Charleston and a Tours of Distinction Concierge, gratuities for the motor-coach driver and the concierge are all included in the price. Inside cabins category 4B- $1,249, Inside cabins in the 4D category- $1,289, Outside cabins on deck 4 or 5 are available at $1,319. Contact Dale Ives at the Goshen Recreation Office- 860-491-2249 for a trip brochure.

Lake Compounce Tickets at LPR

Once again this year, Litchfield Parks and Recreation is selling discounted tickets for Connecticut’s biggest and best amusement park, Lake Compounce. You can enjoy the park without having to wait in a long line to get in and save money to boot! Regular admission price into Lake Compounce is $35.99 at the gate. You can buy you tickets at the Litchfield Parks and Recreation Office located in the Bantam Annex at 80 Doyle Road paying only $27 per ticket, which is a savings of $8.99. The tickets are good any day the park is open. These tickets are non-refundable. Call the Litchfield Parks and Recreation Office to make arrangements to pick up your tickets at (860) 567-7569 - cash, check or money orders only.

Spain’s Classics 2010
Collette Vacations and the Goshen Recreation Department invite you to join their 10-day Spanish adventure departing September 26th. An overnight flight out of New York has travelers landing in Madrid, Spain’s capital and largest city and the site of a welcoming dinner.

Other highlights of this exciting trip include; Prado Museum, Toledo, Cordoba, Seville, Flamenco Show, Granada, Alhambro, Valencia and Barcelona. 14 meals, round trip air from New York, locally guided tours and a tour manager are all included in the Double Occupancy $2,899 per person rate. Cancellation Waiver and Insurance are optional at $200 per person. If 10 or more participants sign up from our area, transportation to and from the NYC airport will be provided at an additional $50 per person.

Contact Dale Ives at Goshen Recreation Department at 860-491-2249 to receive a trip brochure.

Canada and New England Cruise
The Goshen Recreation Department invites the public to board the Norwegian Spirit on October 9th for an 8-day Canada and New England cruise adventure sailing from Boston with Tours of Distinction.

The trip provides 4- star accommodations, three meals a day and nightly shows as the ship makes 6 ports of call: Bar Harbor, ME, St John, Bay of Fundy, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Cornerbrook, New Foundland and Quebec, Canada.

The trip package includes: roundtrip motorcoach to Boston pier, 8-day cruise, port charges, taxes, all meals and entertainment while aboard ship, a private cocktail party on the ship, Quebec guided city tour, motorcoach home from Quebec, Tours of Distinction Cruise Concierge and gratuities for the motorcoach driver and the concierge. Rates: double occupancy Inside cabin- $1,019 pp, Outside cabin- $1,255 pp, Private Balcony cabins range from $1,555 to $1,605 pp. Optional trip cancellation/interruption insurance is available and ranges from $70-89 pp for double occupancy travelers. A deposit of $250 is required at the time of reservation with final payment due by July1, 2010.

Passports are required for this cruise. Optional shore excursions are available through Norwegian Cruise Lines. Gratuities for the ship’s staff are not included in the package prices. To request a trip brochure call Dale Ives at Goshen Recreation Department at 860-491-2249. For specific cruise questions, call Kasie Provencal at Tours of Distinction in East Windsor at 1-800-426-4324.

Dale Ives, Goshen Recreation Coordinator - DIves@goshenct.gov

Gilbert Library Seeks Book Donations
Press Release (2-19-10)
The Gilbert Library, 38 Main Street, Northfield, is accepting book donations of excellent condition—no text books or condensed books—for its annual sale on Saturday, May 8, at the Northfield Flea Market. Drop off on or before May 3 during business hours: Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays 2-7 pm. For more information call the library at 860-283-8176.

VNA Northwest Prepares for Eleventh Annual Golf Tournament
Press Release (2-19-10)

BANTAM -- Volunteers for VNA Northwest, Inc. have started preparing for the agency’s 11th Annual Golf Tournament, scheduled for Monday, September 20, at Fairview Farm Golf Course in Harwinton. Proceeds from this event help fund care for local Hospice and Home Care patients. The tournament chairperson is Peter Belval of Woodbury.
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Press Release
(2-16-10)

The Northfield Volunteer Fire Company is running an ongoing campaign to provide reflective house numbers for homes. These reflective panels are easily visible at night. They are numbered on both sides and easily fastened to a metal post or your mail box if it is located on the same side of the traveled road as your driveway. The cost is $20.00 for the sign and $6.00 for a post if needed.

The emergency services need accurate house identification to provide a prompt response to any emergency. We would be happy to advise you on the proper placement of a sign.

For more information or to purchase one of these signs call Kris Legendre at 860-283-8197.

Northfield Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. - 12 Main Street, Northfield, Ct. 06778
860-283-9303 or visit us on the web at Northfieldfire.org

Bantam Lake Protective Association
(1-26-10)

Dear Bantam Lake Enthusiast,

Attached please find our Fall 2009 Lake Letter along with a 2010 membership form. You may have already received a copy by mail. If you have not already renewed your membership, we hope you will consider doing so.

As you can see, we have had a busy and productive year. We ran several successful fundraisers, continued working to combat Bantam Lake’s invasive weeds, held a spring wine tasting/auction, and hope to do more next year.

Even as municipal budgets have severely reduced our funding, we have opted not to raise our membership dues from $25; however, we hope our members can be generous beyond that minimum.

In spite of our latest grant acquisition, we are still projecting depletion of funds in the not so distant future due to the expensive (but successful!) fanwort eradication plan. Every donation helps, and with our 501(3)(c) status, contributions are fully tax deductible. Our tax ID number is located on the membership form for your convenience.

A recent concern: Many folks have had the opportunity to get out and enjoy activities on the lake this winter. We hope everyone will be respectful our lake's good health and remember to pick up and remove trash when departing the ice - particularly campfire remains. Ashes that later dissolve into the lake become instant fertilizer for invasive weeds. The south bay area is most directly at risk due to its shallow depths, weed population and heavy ice fishing activity. Please pass the word that campfires should be burned in containers and removed from the ice after use.

Sincerely,
The Bantam Lake Protective Association

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