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The Pomfret Times | FEB 2017 | Page 6 | The Pomfret Times | FEB 2017 | Page 7 |
Events for February 2017
For more information on any of these events, please visit
www.woodstockacademy.org/calendar
A c A d E m y
Grade 6HIGH HONORSmax FerrieraHadley GretherTalia JessurunHannah JohnsonJohn murray
HONORSVince BasturaZachary FareseRori macKenzieLindsay NuttallJeffrey PhongsaJillian Plouffecurtis desabreBraedon EmersonLouella Flanaganmaya GerumJack HerouxAngela LaFlammecamilla TahirovaEmma BlanchetteAlyson BunningAvery collinconnor dunkleyLucas GustafsonQuintavanh Sangasycooper york
RECOGNITIONLeah castleEmma Hayden
The Senegal Exchange between The Wood-stock Academy and the mariama Ba School on Goree Island in Senegal has always been
about friendship, diversity, and inclusion. With sim-ilar goals in mind, Academy teachers merry Burke, Jayne collins, Rich Telford, and former Academy teachers Kim Jalet and Paul cunningham, started a talent show to raise funds for the exchange. years later the 8th talent show is scheduled for march 3rd in The Woodstock Academy’s Bates Auditorium at 6:00Pm. The Talent Show has featured student singers, dancers, musicians, bands, comedians, and even science experiments. Each year the show is different as new students take the stage to showcase their talents. When describing her inspiration for the Talent Show, Burke noted that there were many talented students, faculty members, and staff at The Acad-emy; some who were well known and others known only to their friends. The Talent Show was created to encourage members of The Academy community to share their talents with the community in a fun and empower-ing way. In January, students audition and Burke and collins arrange the individual acts to create a high-energy, enjoyable program for all. All the profits of the show will help continue the success of the Senegal Exchange. The Acad-emy hosted students and faculty from mariama Ba in September of 2015 and this spring Academy students, faculty and community members will get the opportunity to travel to Senegal. The first Woodstock Academy trip to Senegal was in 1998, but the exchange program, where students have the opportunity to be both hosts and guests, was started in 2003 and 2004. While visiting each other’s countries students share homes, schools, music, food, holiday tradi-tions, and other aspects of everyday life in connect-icut and Senegal. The Senegal Exchange consis-tently involves, not only students and teachers, but also the extended community of The Woodstock Academy. One parent, who, along with her daugh-ters, hosted Senegalese students in the past will now have the opportunity to travel to Senegal for herself this spring with The Academy. There is a unique bond of friendship and understanding created when you welcome someone into your home and into your community. The guiding phrase of the Senegal Exchange is “open hearts, open minds.” In the same way that the Senegal Exchange encourages engage-ment of cultural diversity, the Talent Show provides another opportunity for engagement in a diversity of interests and skills among the student body. Tickets for the Talent Show may be reserved for a presale price of ten dollars by emailing merry Burke at [email protected] or purchased at the door for twelve dollars. Students can also purchase tickets at lunch during the week before and the week of the show.n
February 1-5 • Model uN at the uNiversity oF ChiCago. For more information, please contact Sara dziedzic at [email protected]
February 4 • WrestliNg tourNaMeNt, 8 a.M. For more information, please contact Aaron Patterson at [email protected]
February 8 • booster Club MeetiNg, 7 p.M. Bowen Building, Room 121. For more information, contact Patricia Lajoie at [email protected]
February 11 •berklee Jazz Festival iN bostoN. For more information, contact Lauren churchill at [email protected]
aCt, 7 a.M. boWeN buildiNg. toeFl, 8 a.M. boWeN buildiNg. For more information, please contact Peter Green at [email protected]
February 12 • proM FashioN shoW aNd dress sWap, 1 p.M. Auditorium and Field-house. For more information, contact Sarah murray at [email protected]
February 16-20 • Model uN at georgetoWN uNiversity. For more infor-mation, contact Sara dziedzic at [email protected]
February 16 • 2Nd seMester opeN house For pareNts oF CurreNt studeNts, 6p.M.,for more information contact the main Office or Julia Budd at [email protected]
February 18 • toeFl, 8 a.M. boWeN buildiNg. For more information, contact Peter Green at [email protected]
February 20-21 • No sChool, February break
February 24 • spaNish tapas aNd eNter-taiNMeNt, 5p.M. Student dining commons. For more information, please contact Jayne collins at [email protected]
February 25-26 • board oF trustees retreat. For more information please contact Sue Straub at [email protected]
February 27-MarCh 3 • No r Word CaMpaigN. For more information contact yori Ayotte at [email protected]
February 27 FaCulty aNd staFF MeetiNg, 2:30 p.M. Auditorium or Student dining commons.
seNegal taleNt shoW rehearsal, 2:30 p.M. Auditorium. For more information please contact merry Burke at [email protected]
Woodstock, connecticut – As one of the oldest college preparatory schools in America, Woodstock Academy is building on its reputation of quality education with the assistance of a $15 million community Facilities Loan through USdA Rural development to purchase the neighboring
Hyde campus. To celebrate the expansion and the Academy’s edu-cational excellence, Representative Joe courtney, Ru-ral development Southern New England State director Scott J. Soares and Woodstock Academy Headmaster, christopher Sandford gathered with an assembly of students to announce the expansion. “Woodstock Academy is a superior educational intuition serving students from across connecticut and the world and the $15 million investment by the USdA Rural development Program we are announc-ing today will go a long way toward enhancing this northeast connecticut gem,” said courtney. “USdA Rural development funds have paved the way for critical upgrades in public buildings and infrastructure across my district over the past year.” “In 2016, eastern connecticut received more funding than any other part of the state – investments totaling more than $130 million. Woodstock Acad-emy will use the Rural development funds to purchase the Hyde School allowing it to add many more local and international students, in addition to creating more room for new classrooms and other facilities,” said courtney. The loan funds will be used to purchase the nearby Hyde campus facilities. The purchase will in-crease the number of classrooms, faculty and adminis-trative spaces, gymnasium facilities and student spaces to accommodate the thriving educational institution and provide for future growth.
The addition of the Hyde campus provide boarding space for 250-300 additional students and will ultimately provide more op-portunity to broaden its academic opportunities. The supporting communities will also have access to facilities that are estimated to save those communities millions of dollars in provided services. “USdA Rural development is committed to ensuring prosperity for rural communities and access to high quality education is cornerstone to that com-mitment. Woodstock Academy is among the oldest of preparatory schools in America and we are proud that USdA’s assistance will allow the Academy’s continued support of its community into the future,” said Soares. community Facilities Loans are used to support essential services for rural areas to include police and fire sta-tions, rural hospitals, schools and other
facilities to ensure that people in low population centers get the same opportunities that exist in urban populations. USdA Rural development is committed to ensuring prosperity for rural com-munities and access to high quality education. Through a suite of community, business and housing programs, USdA Rural development is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. Rural develop-ment offers loans, grants and loan guarantees that support essential services associated with single and multi-family housing, economic develop-ment, health care, first responder services and equipment, water, as well as electric and commu-nications infrastructure.n
Woodstock Academy buys Hyde Campus with $15 Million USDA Loan
Talent Show for The Woodstock Academy’s Senegal Exchange March 3, 2017
Grade 7HIGH HONORSIsabella canavanJulia ScandalitoIan Wolaninclaire AndersonLeah castleTatum FisherKeenan LamontagneSofia murrayJulia PowellZachary WhiteZoe BottaShannon Gagnon
HONORSStella BrinKyle BrennanVictoria checkoHaley LoiselleGarrett GeyerAvery LarkinJonah LibbyGraham Scribneryelena ShpakJackson TassoniJenna BankowskiJacob marascoZachary RoethleinJayliena BatesNathan ButlerHuck Flanaganmaggie Jellisondylan JohnsonAdela KarlsenSara RogersonZachary Stoddard
RECOGNITIONdrake mannAlivia deanmambi Tsemo
Grade 8HIGH HONORSEmily FareseGabriel GeyerSybaljan TahirovaAdam Schimmelpfenningmallory TyimokAlexandra Vaidacaroline WilcoxLogan BrockBridget Horstmelanie Pazienza
HONORS Jocelyn collinmegan KellyEric Phongsamya Symington-St. JohnNick Apleycami corradoKileigh GagnonKellen HorstJames PhongsaVivianna St. JeanZachary Stolarekconnor dexterKelsey KosiorAvery mcNamaraGiovanni NuccioAlexa Schimmelpfennig
RECOGNITIONAmanda cerroneNickolas chubbuckdathan KindleAmelia Largechayton ScheuritzelLily Wilcox
Advertising And copy deAdline For MArcH 1
FridAyFeBrUAry 10
see page 2 for specs or thepomfrettimes1995.com
Members of our Board of Trustees holding the check accompanied by two students,
Community Facilities loans are used to support essential services for rural areas to include police and fire stations, rural hospitals, schools and other facilities
to ensure that people in low population centers get the same opportunities that exist in urban populations. usda rural development is committed to ensuring
prosperity for rural communities and ac-cess to high quality education.
Pomfret Community School’s Honor Roll
the loan funds will be used to purchase the nearby hyde Campus facilities. the purchase will increase the number of classrooms, faculty and administrative spaces, gymnasium facili-ties and student spaces to accommodate the thriving educational institution and provide for future growth.
The presentation of the check by USDA Rural Develop-ment Director for Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, Scott Soares and Congressman Joe Courtney
If you don’t take charge of shaping your own destiny, others will apply their agenda to you Eric Allenbaugh
The Pomfret Times | DEC 2016 | Page 9 | The Pomfret Times | DEC 2016 | Page 8 |
Grassland Bird Conservation Center
218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259(860) 928-4948 • ctaudubon.org
From the desk of the
RegistRaRs oF VoteRs
Pomfret Recreation Department News
XX
Professional Dog Grooming
in a home environment
Lorraine H Patrie 860-963-222183 Bosworth RoadPomfret Center, CT 06259
• Antique Flooring •• Vintage Building Materials •
• Architectural Antiques •www.oldwoodworkshop.com
Giving old wood new life…
THOMAS CAMPBELL193 Hampton Road, Pomfret Center 06259
860-655-5259
W O R K S H O PLLC
Notes FRom the municipal agent
Respite Relief Senior Resources can help provide relief
of Alzheimer’s constant demands and emotional stress of caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. A physician statement, a 20% co-pay and income
limits on the patient of less than $44591.00 are some of the eligibility qualifications. The VA also has a pro-
gram based on the veteran’s service and financial situation. call Garry for more
info: 860-928-2309k. [email protected]
Pomfret Public Library Friends!
The Friends of the Library are sponsoring Lunch with Friends: Tech Soup at the library on February 6, from noon to 2:00 pm. We
hope to see you there for a free meal of soup and an instructional workshop presented by Adult Services Librarian Nick Beams. Nick will introduce at-tendees to Overdrive and Hoopla, two library services available to patrons that allow the borrowing of digital media such as e-books, audio-books, and movies. All of these are downloadable to computers, tablets and smartphones by installing the free apps for each service, which are available on your device from platforms like Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Please bring an appetite and your preferred electronic device, which you can use to participate in the workshop, such as a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Registration is required. The snow date will be Feb 13th.
UCONN professor Dr. Bradley Wright will be speaking on making Sense of the News on Thurs-day, February 16 at 7:00pm, at Pomfret Public
Library. In response to current concerns about fake news and biased media accounts, the library has invited dr. Wright to speak on how we can make sense of news, discerning biases and the underlying motivations of news agencies. Bradley Wright is a professor of sociology at the University of con-necticut where he studies American christianity and spirituality He has authored two books: chris-tians are Hate-Filled Hypocrites… and Other Lies you’ve Been Told (2010), and Upside: Surprising Good News about the State of Our World (2011). Hypocrites won the christianity Today Book of the year Award for christianity and culture. He lives in Storrs, connecticut with his wife, sons, and a very small dog.
At month’s end on monday, February 27 at 7:00 pm, Christine Kalafus will be teaching Workshop your Writing. Participants are asked to bring up to five double-spaced pages of writing for review. Space is limited and registration is required by visit-ing www.pomfretlibrary.org. n
Waterbirds iN love: photography by Carol loWbeerslideshoW & opeNiNg reCeptioN - Sunday, February 5, 2-4 p.m. (snow date Feb. 12) Exhibit thru end of FebruaryRarely seen courtship photos of over 50 species of waterbirds from 5 continents, including many en-dangered species. The birds perform spirited displays and courtship dances to impress each other while they pair up for their annual rituals. Free.
eagle prograM by horizoN WiNgsSunday, February 12, 2-4 p.m. meet ‘Skywalker’ the Golden Eagle, the newest addition to the Horizon Wings Raptor Rehabilitation & Education center. Skywalker has been reunited with his friend chrysos a female Golden Eagle and joined by Atka the Bald Eagle. come see these magnificent birds of prey. For more information on these Eagles and other birds of prey visit www.horizonwings.org. Suggested dona-tion: $10 per person.
toddler trails aNd talesEvery Tuesday, January 10 thru February 28, 12:15 p.m.center volunteer and mom of three, melissa Telford will entertain your toddlers with stories, activities and winter fun along our trails. Wear clothes and boots appropriate for the cold weather. All children must be accompanied by an adult. cost per child per day: $5 members; $7 non-members. call 860-928-4948.
WedNesday NooN Walks—February 1st thru 22ndmeet at the center. Join volunteers for fresh air, exercise, good company and naturalist lessons along the way. Seniors and parents with babes in back-packs welcome. Free members; $3 non-members.
thursday MorNiNg WalksFebruary 2nd thru 23rd, 8:30 a.m.Stretch your legs, breathe in that fresh air and ex-plore the sanctuary with longtime volunteers. Bring your camera if you are so inclined. Free to cAS members; $5 non-members.
oWl Walk • Saturday, February 11, 7 p.m. Join Andy Rzeznikiewicz as he takes you around searching for wintering owls. He will attempt to find screech, barred, and great-horned owls. We do most of the calling from the road. call 860-928-4948. (cancelled if rain, snow or high wind) cost: $5 cAS members; $10 non-members.
MoNthly bird Walk • Thursday, Feb. 16, 1 p.m.come out in search of wintering bird species. Andy Rzeznikiewicz will look for horned larks, ducks, hawks, sparrows, yellow-bellied sapsuckers and more. cost: $5 cAS members; $10 non-members.
CitizeN sCieNCe prograM: WiNter traCkiNg traiNiNg/MoNitoriNg hikes:Saturdays, February 4th, 18th & March 4th, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Locations TBA (Woodstock, Willington or Canterbury)Winter is a great time to find track and sign of fisher, river otter, mink, fox, bobcat, coyote and more in snow covered forests and fields. Learn to find and recognize tracks and to document sightings that support local conservation efforts. Full training is six hikes; participants select hikes that suit their schedule throughout the year. Registration is required. contact Paula coughlin, coordinator at [email protected] Fee per hike: $50 cAS members; $60 non-members.
WilderNess survival prograMSunday, March 5, 2-4 p.m. Instructors: Fran & Ed Ba-ranski. call 860-928-4948 or go to ctaudubon.org/center-at-pomfret for more info.
Master Naturalist voluNteer traiNiNg prograMEvery Tuesday, March 28 thru May 30, 8 a.m.-NoonHave you always wanted to learn more about the natural sciences? Want to volunteer at the center at Pomfret? With ten 4-hour sessions of training, this may be the program for you. Registration re-quired & limited to 15. check our website for addi-tional information and an application at ctaudubon.org/center-at-pomfret93 Kenyon Road, Hampton, cT 06247860-928-4948 www.ctaudubon.org/trail-wood
Nature sketChbook JourNaliNgSaturday, February 18th, 1-4 p.m.you’ll spend time outdoors at Trail Wood, sketch-ing & painting nature. Roxanne Steed will show you how to simplify what you see and teach quick intuitive techniques. cost: $10 cAS members; $20 non-members. Register at 860-928-4948.n
in response to current concerns about fake news and biased media accounts, the library has invited dr. Wright to speak on how we can make
sense of news, discerning biases and the underlying motivations of news agencies.
Seely-Brown Village in Pomfret center
is accepting applications for their waiting list. We are a state subsidized congregate facility for
seniors 62 and older. The rent includes heat, hot water, cable, and
electricity. It also includes congregate program which provides a 3-course meal every day at noon, weekly supplemental housekeeping and 24 hour staffing for
emergency response.
Please contact Cathy 860-928-2744 or email: [email protected] for more information.
In the next few months all Registrars of Voters are required by law to conduct a canvass “confirmation of Voting Resi-
dence” (Ed642) to update voter lists. This process helps us determine any electors who have changed their address within town or who have moved out of town or state. We use the National change of Address System (NcOA) of the US Postal Service to help us determine change of addresses. If you receive a letter from us please return the form to us in the postage prepaid, pre-addressed envelope as soon as possible. If you are a parent of a child who is no longer living in town, please let us know so we can remove them from our voting lists. They may contact the registrar of voters at their new residence to register to vote. We urge your young adults who may be away at college to apply for absentee ballots during the election season. We wish to remind those who may wish to apply for permanent absentee status that they may do so through our town clerk or the registrar of voters. A bill effective January 1, 2013 “An Act Concerning Permanent Absentee Ballot Status for the Permanently Disabled” allows an elector who is permanently dis-abled to receive an absentee ballot for each election, primary and referendum in which they are eligible to vote. An elector must file an absentee ballot application together with a doctor’s certificate stating that they have a permanent disability and are unable to appear in person at their polling place. The town clerk can then send out absentee ballots throughout the year for each event for which they would be eligible to vote. The elector does not have to file for an application for an absentee ballot for each event. Each January we will send out a notice to determine the elector’s permanent absentee ballot status. If you have any questions about whether you might be eligible call our town clerk or us for more information. n
Susan Devokaitis • Martha EmilioRegistrar of Voters
143 Providence St. Putnam
T 860-928-0811
www.arChambaultins.Com
136 Main St. Danielson
T 860-779-5030
MeN’s over 30 basketball: Every monday through march 27th from 6:30pm-9pm. at the PcS Gym. This is a pick-up style basketball. men of all levels of fitness are
welcome to attend. $25.00 per person
FaMily iCe skatiNg: at the Jahn Rink at Pomfret School on Saturdays and Sundays. November 20 through February 26, 2017.
poMFret pollyWog basketball program for grades 1 and 2. This pro-gram runs through 2/11/17 at 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm in the PcS Gym. $30.00 per child.
College sCholarship: The Pomfret Recreation depts. Sponsors a yearly $500 scholarship to high school seniors who reside in Pomfret. The scholar-ship is based on community service in the Town of Pomfret. The scholarship question will be posted on the Town Recreation page in January.
For more information or registration forms for any program, visit our website at www.pomfretct.
gov/recreation or call 860-974-1423
In a Rush? Use our quick convenient drive thruWhen Your Not- Enjoy our cozy lobby
24 MaShaMoqueT RD., PoMfReT
winter warm ups
We Sell Milk, We-Li-Kit Ice Cream & Serve the Best Breakfast & Lunch Sandwiches
hot cocoa•lattes•coffees teas•bakerchinos•chai teaenjoyed in front of our cozy fireplace
The Pomfret Times | FEb 2017 | Page 10 | The Pomfret Times | FEb 2017 | Page 11 |
Selectman’s Selections Donna SmithState Senator Tony GuglielmoCongressman Joe Courtney
Authorized RepresentativeBest Value in Wireless, call for a quote
Broken Screen? We fix/Sell most cell phones, laptops,
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Courtney Announces More than $2.2 Million Saved for Constituents in 2016 “I urge any eastern Connecticut resident facing difficulty when working with the federal government to contact my office to see if we can be of assistance.”
congressman Joe courtney (cT-02) released 2016 totals showing that constituent casework performed by his office this year saved or returned
$2,208,482 to eastern connecticut residents. courtney’s office helped residents recover funds or benefits owed to them by resolving issues such as disputes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), complications with Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits, and helping to secure mortgage modifications, as well as issues with other federal agencies. “One of the top priorities for my staff and I is to work one-on-one with constituents who struggle with federal agencies. Almost every day we hear from a local resident who faces a crisis in their life because gov-ernment red tape prevents them from receiving their hard-earned benefits. Whether we are helping to secure retroactive benefits for a retired veteran, or helping a young family obtain a mortgage modification, each of these cases is about more than a dollar figure – they are real people trying to make ends meet, and I am proud that we are able to help make that happen.” commented courtney.
To highlight some of these cases, Courtney’s office invited some constituents to discuss their experiences in a video, linked below. Their cases contributed to the overall savings total of more than $2.2 million.
Megan Christmas of enfield, who applied for Social Security disability in may of 2016. She was denied at both the initial and reconsideration levels. The family was forced to file bankruptcy. Once she filed for a hearing, we appealed to the hearing office to note the dire need and pointed out while she had insurance, she also had three young children and this family could lose their home. The judge was able to make a decision on the record with no hearing necessary. Susan Gorra-heinemann of New London, who had experienced financial troubles and was at-tempting to get a mortgage modification for her home. After a four-hour phone call with her loan servicer from one of our caseworkers, who refused to end the call until he was forwarded to the gov-ernment relations office, we were able to get her documents processed. ms. Heinemann was able to submit her application and was approved for a significantly lower mortgage loan rate. In total, she will be saving over $22,000. anthony “Nino” Pellegrino of Mystic, a veteran who was told by defense Finance and Ac-counting Service that he did not have enough active duty time served to continue receiving his retirement pay. We contacted Navy Personnel command 312 and dFAS, and were able to get his retirement pay corrected and accrued benefits received. He saved $18,000 as a result.
Total savings for Second District constituents in 2016: $2,208,482 • Social Security and Health and Human Services benefits: $1,175,014• Veterans Administration: $533,269• Housing: $303,194• IRS: $97,198• Education: $46,942
congressman courtney’s office can assist constituents with a range of issues including: Social Security ben-efits, medicare coverage, veterans’ benefits, immigration/visas, passports, loan modifications, requests for flags and commendations, service academy nominations, and more.
He has two offices in eastern Connecticut:
Norwich district Office: 860-886-013955 main St., Suite 250, Norwich, cT 06360
Happy New Year!
I want to take this opportunity to wish
everyone a happy and healthy New year.We have been fortunate so far to have a mild win-ter, with minimal snow and hazardous driving conditions. Spring is
just around the corner. It’s hard to believe! I think we are all looking forward to longer days and more warmth. Our board has been busy with ongoing projects as well as as new initia-tives. These are my project updates for late January:
Firehouse ExtensionThe request for proposal sealed bid process has been completed, and mattern con-struction Inc. has been awarded the contract to build the firehouse extension. The fire depart-ment has needed extra storage space, training space, and office space for a prolonged period of time. The new extension will provide this adequately.
Emergency Operations Center (EOC)The EOc requirements development committee is completing the requirements document and the concept of operations document. The plan is to turn these documents over to a design and build commit-tee in late February.
The Pomfret Sewer System Service (PS3)The sewer project permitting and final
designs are in progress, and planned construction will begin late this
Spring. This project involves coor-dinating with several federal, state, and local municipalities in order to obtain the permits, agreements, and approvals for engineering and
design.
Sidewalk ProjectThe plans for the original sidewalk are being
modified. With this modification, the sidewalk will now run continuously from christ church to the Village Green.
The Town Hall GeneratorThe Town Hall now has an emergency backup gen-erator to improve continuity of government during severe weather events and other emergencies when power is lost.
Fiberoptic at the Town HallFiberoptic cabling is now available to the Town Hall and the Senior center. This will connect the Town Hall to the connecticut Nutmeg Network. The connecticut Nutmeg Network is an applica-tion that was created and submitted in partnership-with the department of Public Safety (dPS) and the connecticut Education Network (cEN), and will enable the State to enhance network connec-tions between schools and libraries to the high speed connecticut Education Network (cEN) and improve public safety communications capability across the state. nOnce again, I wish all of you a happy and healthy 2017! I’m really looking forward to spring!With warmest regards, donna Smith
Enfield district Office: 860-741-601177 Hazard Ave, Unit J, Enfield, cT 06082
A New Perspective from the PacificBy: Senator Tony Guglielmo
Last month I had the privilege of participating in
the Navy’s distinguished Visitor Embark Program
in San diego, california. I traveled with my good friends, Tom Harney, the mayor of Vernon, dan champagne, Bill Bresleau, Gary Wolff, and Tom Pandolfi from the distinguished Visitor program – also a member of the American Legion Post 111 Woodstock. This program brings guests aboard an aircraft carrier, hosted by commander and Naval Air Forc-es. As a distinguished Visitor I was able to get a rare first-hand look at life aboard an aircraft carrier and witness the pride and professionalism of our young
men and women who serve our country at sea. After what I witnessed I felt that it was essential that I share my experience with my local community. Once we arrived in california we took a c2 Greyhound aircraft to the aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz, this flight lasted about an hour. We were all geared up with helmets and life vests. When I inquired as to why we were all geared up the pilot looked at me and said “just in case we miss”. He was referring to the three wire, a stationary wire the pilot must catch to land the aircraft. did you know that we actually landed at full speed, just in case the pilot does miss the three wire? If he misses the wire he simply takes off and tries the landing again. At the end of our stay on board we were cata-pulted off the deck of the carrier and flew back to San diego. While this excursion was once in a lifetime – the most impressive part of the experience was the crew themselves, I was surprised to hear that there were 5,000 great young American crew members onboard. The amount of responsibility that these young folks have at such a young age is astounding and ultimately inspiring. One young man I met was a 19 year old mechanic, he proudly explained to me that last year he was working at home on his Honda civic and after his training he is now working on jet engines – and with such passion no less. Another impressive aspect was the amount of sacrifice that these crew members give. They are out at sea for a minimum of six months. These crew members are working seven days a week – all the time and the cafeteria that was a sight in itself. There were multiple cafeterias on board, serving meals 24 hours a day. Because the aircraft carrier is running 24 hours a day, so is the crew. I was in the military myself, compared to this my duty was very easy. I wanted to share this experience because I don’t think the rest of us fully understand the amount of sacrifice and dedication all of these crew members offer us, often young people from small towns pursuing a passion or skill to help protect us here at home. I could not have been more impressed with my trip. I am confident that this experience has im-pacted my life for the better and has given me a new perspective on the hard-work and tireless dedication of our military.n
I wanted to share this experience because I don’t think the rest of us fully understand the amount of sacrifice and dedication all of these
crew members offer us, often young people from small towns pursuing a passion or skill to help
protect us here at home.
Join us for a cozy NewEngland food & wine experience
in our Zagat rated fireside Tavern restaurantOpen for dining every Friday, Saturday & Sunday
by reservation.
To make a reservation call 860-974-3549 X10
OPEN for the purchase of wine, gift certificates and tastings Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11-5
108 Wade RoadPomfret, cT 06258
Sharpehill.com
Creole Shrimp entrée featured in Connecticut Magazine as one of the “Fifty dishes to try before you die”
FeBOur Town Times
Wed. Feb. 1 Preschool Story time @ Pomfret Library, 10 A. Inland Wetlands & Watercourses @ community Senior center, 7 P. thu. Feb. 2 Toddler Story Time @ Pomfret Library, 10:30A. Republican Town committee @ community Senior center, 7 P. sat. Feb. 4 The Lorax (preschool-3rd gr) @ Pomfret Library, 11 A.MoN. Feb. 6 Lunch with Friends: Tech Soup @ Pomfret Library, Noon. Board of Selectmen @ community Senior center, 7P. tue. Feb. 7 common Threads @ Pomfret Public Library, 4-6 P. Wed. Feb. 8 Preschool Story time @ Pomfret Library, 10 A.thu. Feb. 9 Toddler Story Time @ Pomfret Library, 10:30A.
Friday Feb. 10 Pomfret Times Copy and Ad Deadline for March issue suN. Feb. 12 Abraham Lincoln’s BirthdayMoN. Feb. 13 Board of Finance @ PcS, 6:30 P. tue. Feb. 14 valeNtiNe’s day Economic Plan-ning and development commission @ com-munity Senior center, 8 A. common Threads @ Pomfret Pubic Library, 4-6 P. Recreation com-mission @ PcS Library, 7P.Wed. Feb. 15 Preschool Story time 10 A. Book Voyagers (Frindle) @ Pomfret Library, 4 P. Senior Advocate commission @ community Senior center, 7 P. Fire district @ Fire House, 7 P. thu. Feb. 16 Toddler Story Time 10:30 A. Book discussion (The Summer Before the War) 3:30 P. making Sense of the News (dr. Bradley Wright) @ Pomfret Library, 7P. Agriculture commission @ community Senior center, 7 P.
Mon. Feb. 20 PresiDenT’s DAy HoliDAy
Tue. Feb. 21 Board of Selectmen @ community Senior center, 8A. common Threads @ Pomfret Pubic Library, 4-6 P. Wed. Feb. 22 Preschool Story time @ Pomfret Library, 10 A. Board of Education @ PcS, 6:30 P.thu. Feb. 23 Toddler Story Time @ Pomfret Library, 10:30A. MoN. Feb. 27 Adult creative Writing @ Pomfret Library, 7P. Pomfret democratic Town commit-tee meeting @ Grill 37, 7 P.tue. Feb. 28 common Threads @ Pomfret Pubic Library, 4-6 P.
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DayhistoriCal iQ:
aNsWers to this MoNth’s QuestioNs:
1. The date for the first town meeting was May 27, 1713.2. There are 5 officially named sections that make up the town today. The sections are Pomfret, Pomfret Center, Pomfret Landing, Abington, and Elliot.3. There are 40.3 square miles in the townDo you have any questions about the town? If so, call me at 860-963-0292.
