The Pomfret Times | MARCH 2018 | Page 8 | Book Review by Nicholas Beams Tom Brown’s Field Guide to Nature and Survival for Children, Tom Brown, New York, Berkeley, 1989, 240 pages, $12.95, ISBN: 978-0425111062. I f you suddenly find yourself stranded or lost in the woods, or a wilderness environment, without preparation- meaning all you have is what’s on your back and your wits, would you know how to stay alive? Would you know what the most impor- tant thing to do is? Do your children? With this book, Tom Brown, Jr.’s Field Guide to Nature and Survival for Children, (and the book applies to adults as well) you will have the wisdom to have a very good chance, or much better chance of surviving in a survival situation. Brown’s field guide is written in a format for adults to present and teach to children, complete with a tracking guide, and lots of interac- tive “get outside and learn” nature activity instruc- tions. Throughout are short stories from his own life growing up, and learning the ways of the wilderness. As a librarian I’ve always believed, and still con- tend, that information assembled as knowledge in the form of a book, or printed text, is super empow- ering. In no other genre is it more apparent, more concretely evident, of just how powerful information can be than within the pages of a “survival book.” I’ve read many survival books and this one’s different. This one literally tells you how to stay alive with next to nothing for equipment. It also transmits a deep respect for the environment. Tom Brown, Jr., who still operates a survival school in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey today, imparts wisdom from his adopted Apache grandfather and elder named Stalking Wolf to all who are willing to learn so that as Brown states, “Grandfather’s teachings will not be lost.” One of the most simple, and fundamental things you can do to stay alive in the woods is to first provide yourself with shelter. Tom Brown tells the reader within the pages of this wonderfully written and interesting text, how to do just that, with noth- ing more than what you find in the wilderness. Sure, he talks about carrying a small emergency kit, but teaches from the perspective that you may not have one. He explains how to construct a debris hut, or in other terms, a “squirrel’s nest,” which is modeled on the nest a squirrel would build to stay alive in all kinds of weather, and that includes wet and snowy weather. The nest is essentially a sleeping bag, but it is also insulated from the outside environment, insu- lated from the elements. Tom Brown asserts that this is the number one survival skill to have. This book will teach you how to do it, and also many other things. For that skill alone this book is a worthwhile read, and highly recommended. n Solarize Pomfret Solar. Simple. Affordable. APRIL 10 TUEsdAy www.SolarizeCT.com/Pomfret Come to our Kick-off Solarize Workshop Pomfret Community School Cafeteria 20 Pomfret St., Pomfret Center, CT 7:00-8:30 PM Find out if your home is good for solar, and how you can afford it, with a no-obligation solar assessment at www.solarizect.com/ Pomfret Please join us to learn more about this exciting, time-limited opportunity to install solar energy on your home for less!
Transcript
The Pomfret Times | MARCH 2018 | Page 8 |
Book Review by Nicholas Beams
Tom Brown’s Field Guide to Nature and Survival for Children, Tom Brown, New York, Berkeley, 1989, 240 pages, $12.95, ISBN: 978-0425111062.
If you suddenly find yourself stranded or
lost in the woods, or a wilderness environment, without preparation- meaning all you have is what’s on your back and your wits, would you know how to stay alive? Would you know what the most impor-tant thing to do is? Do your children? With this book, Tom Brown, Jr.’s Field Guide to Nature and Survival for Children, (and the book applies to adults as well) you will have the wisdom to have a very good chance, or much better chance of surviving in a survival situation. Brown’s field guide is written in a format for adults to present and teach to children, complete with a tracking guide, and lots of interac-tive “get outside and learn” nature activity instruc-tions. Throughout are short stories from his own life growing up, and learning the ways of the wilderness. As a librarian I’ve always believed, and still con-tend, that information assembled as knowledge in the form of a book, or printed text, is super empow-ering. In no other genre is it more apparent, more concretely evident, of just how powerful information can be than within the pages of a “survival book.” I’ve read many survival books and this one’s different. This one literally tells you how to stay alive with next to nothing for equipment. It also transmits a deep respect for the environment. Tom Brown, Jr., who still operates a survival school in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey today, imparts wisdom from his adopted Apache grandfather and elder named Stalking Wolf to all who are willing to learn so that as Brown states, “Grandfather’s teachings will not be lost.” One of the most simple, and fundamental things you can do to stay alive in the woods is to first provide yourself with shelter. Tom Brown tells the reader within the pages of this wonderfully written and interesting text, how to do just that, with noth-ing more than what you find in the wilderness. Sure, he talks about carrying a small emergency kit, but teaches from the perspective that you may not have one. He explains how to construct a debris hut, or in other terms, a “squirrel’s nest,” which is modeled on the nest a squirrel would build to stay alive in all kinds of weather, and that includes wet and snowy weather. The nest is essentially a sleeping bag, but it is also insulated from the outside environment, insu-lated from the elements. Tom Brown asserts that this is the number one survival skill to have. This book will teach you how to do it, and also many other things. For that skill alone this book is a worthwhile read, and highly recommended. n
SolarizePomfretSolar. Simple. Affordable.
APRIL
10TUEsdAy
www.SolarizeCT.com/Pomfret
Come to our Kick-off Solarize Workshop
Pomfret Community SchoolCafeteria 20 Pomfret St., Pomfret Center, CT7:00-8:30 PM
Find out if your home is good for solar, and how you can afford it, with a no-obligation solar assessment at www.solarizect.com/Pomfret
Please join us to learn more about this exciting, time-limited opportunity to install solar energy on your home for less!
The Pomfret Times | MARCH 2018 | Page 9
143 Providence St. Putnam
T 860-928-0811
www.archambaultins.com
136 Main St. Danielson
T 860-779-5030
Pomfret’s In Stitches was started in 2013 to promote the art and craft of quilting by bringing women together to learn and
create and with fabric. The group also has a community service focus and has provided Quilts of Valor to local servicemen, pillows to local shelters and children’s items to the Department of Children and Families for foster children in transition. Quilting classes, open sew, quilting mara-thons and planned retreats to Maine are also part of the camaraderie that keep this group active, Most events are free. There is a fee for classes. New participants are always welcome. Bring ideas for a project you have in mind or
Chair Caning? Try It!
If you’re seeking a new art to embrace then chair caning might be just what you’re looking for. A classic art dating back centuries, chair caning involves using cane to crate the seat or backing of a chair utilizing dif-
ferent types of cane like rattan depending on the needs of the project. Over the last year a new program has allowed locals the opportunity to explore this legendary art form and create beautiful caned chairs of their own. Joe Doran, a Navy veteran who has over 15 years of caning experience, leads a weekly program in Pomfret that teaches participants the finer points of the art. After years of hosting a similar program in Lisbon, Doran started a class in Pomfret hosting the caning every Tuesday in the basement of the Pomfret Senior Center during the summer and, for the time being, at the TEEG building in Thompson during the winter months.
“I love teaching people and keeping this art alive. It’s just a fun thing to do and I look forward to Tuesdays in Pomfret. This art goes back into the 15th and 16th centuries. It was the result of heavy clothing where people
didn’t want to sit in the bulky chairs wearing those cloths,” Doran said. “There are seven steps to this art and it’s just a matter of understanding those steps and the intricacies.”
The Pomfret program came about after a pair of caners that attended the Lisbon program introduced Doran to Ann Hinchman, a patron of the Pomfret Senior Cen-ter. Hinchman said she realized the need for something new at the Pomfret Senior Center and the rest, as they say, is history. “Most of the people who have started continue. People have done chairs and baskets and we would really like to have more people come and be a part of it. I know there are more people out there who want to be involved with this,” Hinchman said. “We don’t confine it to just seniors and we’re not confining it to just Pomfret.” The program is cost effective. Participants only need to provide their own chairs and materials and a $2 payment to help with Doran’s travel expenses. Hinchman called the program a fun opportunity that helps participants remain active and explore a new art form they may not be familiar with. “I think it’s an excellent program and process, especially for older aging people because it not only uses your hands and your eyes, it uses your brain in a very different way. It asks you to focus and concentrate and it helps you maintain hand-eye coordination. Those are factors we lose as we age,” Hinchman said. For Joe Doran, this program is all about enjoying yourself and trying something unique. As a long time teacher of the art Doran said that his passion comes from watching participants grow and perfect their skills and he hopes to see more embrace the opportunity in Northeastern Connecticut. “It’s a fun thing, it really is and when you get down to it you have a piece of art when you’re done. There’s no rush. I want everyone to take their time. I had one lady who took 11 months to finish a chair. You can work at your own pace, no pres-sure,” Doran said. “There are some people who take their time and some people jump right on it.” n
Happy Endings Relay for Life Team 12th Annual Chicken Cordon Bleu Dinner and Silent Auction Saturday, April 28
The Champany and Rasicot families along
with the Happy Endings Relay for Life Team will be holding our 12th An-nual Chicken Cordon Bleu Dinner on Saturday April 28th at Pomfret Community School. The silent auction will begin at 5:30 pm with dinner being served at 6:00 pm. In twelve years we have not raised our price and you will still be served salad, the famous Chicken Cordon Bleu, rice pilaf, glazed carrots, a roll, ice cream with chocolate sauce on a brownie. All for only $20 per adult and $10 for children under 10. Children 4 and under eat free (chicken tenders). We use real cream, butter and wine to make our delicious sauce. No shortcuts! This fund raising event helps the American Cancer Society with research, helping cancer patients with transporta-tion for treatments, wigs and advocacy for funding for cancer research.
Be sure to call for early tickets, last year we sold out before the dinner. Call Bev Champany at 860-974-1202,
Michelle Lengyl at 860-974-2405 or Diane Rasicot at 860-456-4878 for tickets.
learn where to begin your first quilt. A limited number of sewing machines are available for use. Watch this paper for information on an event this fall when ‘PIS’ will be offering a workshop to teach how to make a pieced quilt top. This will be a community service event and cotton quilting fabric will be provided. Pomfret’s In Stitches is on Facebook where information and photos are published, and they meet every Friday evening from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Pomfret Senior Center. Email [email protected] for ques-tions or information.n
Pomfret Is Still “In Stitches”
The chair caning takes place
from 9 –11 a.m. every Tuesday morning. Those interested in joining the
program can contact Ann Hinchman at
annhinchman@ gmail.com.
THE METRO BISTROT
176 Main Street • Southbridge • MA
860 207 7135 or 508 764 2073 Reservations Advised
Real French • Regional Food
www.metrobistrot.com
W
The Pomfret Times | APRIL 2018 | Page 10 |
XNotes from the Municipal Agent
PowEr outagE?If you lost electric power last month and
1. What area of town was known as Steb-binsville in the early 1800’s; then it was known as Marcy Hollow in the 1900’s and then known as Brayton’s Hollow. Where is this area?
2. In Stebbinsville there was a grocery store. Then it became the site for the First Advent Church. In the 1950’ to 1960’s it was the Willow Motor Inn. Where was this site?
3. Stebbinsville also had a school known as the Stebbins or Factory School. It was the fourth Abington school. Where was it located?
Answers on page 12
Veterans NotesHearing Loss?
Do you have hearing loss and were around loud noises while on active
duty, like: worked on the flight deck on a carrier, were in artillery or armor, How about engine room on a ship or anywhere else that had loud noise? Come in and talk Saturday morn-
ings 7:00-8:30 at the Pomfret Senior Center, You might be eligible for free health care, free hearing aides, even a monthly disability check. Or call Gar-ry for an appointment 860-9282309.
Jump into Spring!Plant yourself in a new CD, and watch your money grow!
1Advertised rate and APY are offered at the bank’s discretion and may change daily. Disclosed APY effective as of March 14, 2018. The annual percentage yield assumes interest will remain on deposit until maturity. A withdrawal will reduce earnings. Penalty may be imposed for early withdrawals. Minimum to open and earn APY for Certificate of Deposit account is $500.00. Minimum to open and earn APY for IRA Certificate of Deposit account is $250.00. Automatically renews at maturity to a two year term. Other terms and conditions may apply.
putnambank.com 1-800-377-4424
13 Month Certificate of Deposit
1.45%APY1
Also includes IRAs.
First MRC/ARC Partnership in CT Provides Fire Safety Education and Free Smoke Detectors(BROOKLYN) – Volunteers of the Northeast Con-necticut Medical Reserve Corps (NECT MRC) and the American Red Cross (ARC) Territory 4 recently partnered to support the Red Cross “Home Fire Campaign,” a program that provides fire safety education and free installed smoke detectors to any requesting residence. On Saturday, February 24, 2018, the combined teams installed 94 smoke detectors in 34 homes in 11 towns in northeast CT. The partnership between the two emergency response organizations was rec-ognized by the Red Cross as the first in Connecticut. “We had good interactions with the public and I think all the volunteers had a positive experi-ence,” said Derek May, a longtime ARC volunteer and coordinator for the NECT MRC. “It was great to see this local collaboration between disaster
volunteer agencies. Working side-by-side with part-ner organizations on everyday initiatives like this will make us much more effective when it’s time to respond to disasters.” The NECT MRC is the volunteer component of the Northeast District Department of Health (NDDH). It provides a means of organizing and pre-credentialing volunteers who would provide emergency support and staffing during a public health emergency. May also serves as the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for NDDH. Several of the 25 volunteers who participated in the Home Fire Campaign Install Day in north-east CT are cross-affiliated with Red Cross, MRC, volunteer fire department/Emergency Medical Service, and Amateur Radio Emergency Services. May also commented that this cross-training and cross-affiliation makes for a better educated and experienced volunteer workforce.n
Medical Reserve Corps Partners with Red Cross on Home Fire Prevention
Pomfret Conservation Commission Lois Orswell Award Nominations
The Pomfret Conservation Commission is accepting nominations for the annual Lois Orswell Award. The award recognizes the environmental and conservation contributions of individuals, groups and businesses to the town of Pomfret. The Lois Orswell award is given to a maximum of 2 recipients per
year chosen from the following categories:
An individual, either a child or an adult. A business or a group
The Award recognizes such contributions as: • Developing conservation and environmental awareness• Land use protection• Conservation projects, i.e. vernal pools, butterfly gardens• Promoting green businesses• Preservation and management of environmental habitats, natural diversity & resources• Beautifying town properties
Nomination letters may be mailed to the Pomfret Conservation Commission, 5 Haven Road, Pomfret, CT 06259. The deadline for nominations is May 1, 2018. The Lois Orswell Award will be presented on June 14, 2018.n
The Pomfret Times | APRIL 2018 | Page 11
First Selectman’s Selections Maureen Nicholson
Pomfret Board of Selectmen VacancyThe Board of Selectmen is looking for a third member to fill the vacancy created by the recently announced resigna-tion of Selectman
Pam Lewerenz. Her resignation is effective March 31. After four months into the new administration’s term, Ms. Lewerenz informed the Board of her plans to move to South Carolina. We wish her well and thank her for her service to Pomfret. The remaining two members of the Board, Democrats First Selectman Maureen Nicholson and Selectman Pat McCarthy, will fill the vacancy created by Republican Selectman Lewerenz. The new member must be Unaffiliated, Republican or a member of another minority party to comply with minority representation statutes, and must be filled within 30 days of the vacancy. The position will be filled until the next municipal election in November 2019 at which time all three members of the board will be up for election. The Board meets twice a month; the first Monday at 7 PM and the third Monday at 8 AM. A letter of interest and brief resume should be submitted to: Selectman Vacancy, Pomfret Town Hall, 5 Haven Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259, or emailed to [email protected]. Questions may be directed to First Selectman Maureen Nicholson at [email protected] or 860-947-0191.
Budget Survey Ends March 31! pomfretct.gov or www.surveymonkey.com/r/pomfretbudgetIf you read this before April 1st you may still have time to fill out the 2018-2019 Budget survey on line. Your input is important. The Boards of Selectmen, Finance, and Education are asking for your feedback. Please take a few minutes to fill out the budget survey and help serve you better. The survey is an effort to add another way for taxpayers to express how they want their tax dollars spent. In addition to regular board meetings, budget
workshops, email, phone, and snail mail as options to communicate your thoughts, this online survey is another tool for input to make it easy for residents to make their wishes known. Please remember the Fire Department/ Ambu-lance are their own taxing authority and the Abing-ton Social Library is an independent entity. They are not included in the survey.
Pomfret Food PantryPomfret’s Food Pantry has had a facelift! The basement of the Community Senior Center houses Pomfret’s Food Pantry and renovations to make the space handicapped accessible are complete. The
Food Pantry was operating out of a very cramped space which did not allow for handicapped
access or sufficient shelving. With the installation of an improved heating
system and renovations to the rest-room, the downstairs space can now be used for additional meetings and activities. Pomfret residents experiencing
food insecurity or financial chal-lenges may access food in a variety
of ways. Pomfret’s Food Pantry is open Mondays
5:30-6:30 PM, Tuesdays 11:30 AM-12:30 PM. For info on donations, volunteering or for emergen-cies, call Garry Brown at 860-928-2309. The TEEG food pantry can provide distribu-tions on a monthly basis; the pantry is a client choice model and provides Pomfret residents with a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, frozen meats and fish, as well as shelf-stable staples. Pantry hours are Tuesdays, 9:00 – 11:00 am, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 1:30 – 3:30 pm. Please call TEEG to set up an appointment at 860-923-3458. The Connecticut Food Bank Mobile Pantry is at the Central Assembly of God Church – 350 Putnam Road, Plainfield on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:00 am and at St. Mary’s Church – 218 Providence Street in Putnam on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 10:00 am. Sewer Project out to Bid!At long last the sewer project has gone out to bid. Bids are due back to the Town on April 26th with an expectation of awarding the construction project by late July. If all goes well the construction should begin in September of 2018 with completion ex-pected early 2020.
In 2015, residents accepted a $1 million grant and a $6.5 million in loans from the U.S. Depart-ment of Agriculture to build four pumping stations and a sewer main that would allow the Pomfret and Rectory schools, as well as Loos & Co., a cable and wire manufacturer, to hook into Pomfret’s municipal sewer system. The proposed 37,000-foot sewer line will run south on Route 169/Route 44 from Pomfret School to the Airline Trail State Park (Rectory and Pomfret Schools’ collection lines will be on their campuses not in the road) and another portion would run north from Loos and Company to the Airline Trail State Park. From that point the line will run along the Airline Trail State Park into the Putnam waste water treatment plant. The two private schools have failing water treatment facilities and began to explore options to rebuilding new individual waste water treatment plants. A sewer line was proposed. Private schools are not eligible for federal grants, so the town was named the project’s administrator. The three partners, the two schools and Loos & Co. will be responsible for paying back the loan.
Bulky WasteSpring cleaning? Bulky waste days are here again. Friday and Saturday, April 20 and 21 are our first Bulky Waste days of the year. From 9 am until 3 Pm you can rid yourself of bulky waste, scrap metal, paper recycling, tires, appliances, and electronics. A single-stream recyclables bin is also available. House-hold garbage is not accepted at these collections. If you have questions, check the Town’s website www.pomfretct.gov or call the Selectmen’s office at 860-974-0191.
Pomfret’s Assessor RetiringPomfret’s long time Assessor, Bonnie Duncan, will retire the second week of April. She will be greatly missed. We want to wish her well as she moves on to a new chapter in her life. In addition to many other responsibilities and activities, Bonnie also ran the Abington Social Library for many years and made many improvements and upgrades while there. She is a very special person who was dedicated to the Town and townspeople and had a positive impact on our community. Stop by Town Hall and give her your regards a wish her clear sailing. We are all sad to see her go and will miss her (and her laugh).n
Mark your calendars. Below is a list of meeting opportunities for the public to hear and ask about the budgets for next year. Public input is very helpful to the budgeting process. The best time for input is when the budgets are being put together -this month!
Come to a meeting.• Monday, April 2, Board of Selectmen meeting @ 7
pm at Community Senior Center. • Monday, April 9, Board of Finance meeting @ 6:30
pm at Pomfret Community School
• Monday, April 16, Board of Selectmen meeting @ 8 am at Community Senior Center.
• Wednesday, April 25, Board of Education meeting @ 6:30 pm at Pomfret Community School
• Monday, April 30, (*tentative)Public Hearing on Bud-gets @ 7 pm at Pomfret Community School
• There may be additional meetings scheduled. Check the Town Web site for updates.
Pomfret 2018-2019 Budget: A Work in ProgressPick a number. Due to the still unknown state revenue numbers to Connecticut towns, the Pomfret Board of Finance requested the Boards of Selectmen and Education bring in budgets with no increase in spending over last year’s levels. Even with flat spending levels, the impact of projected loss of revenue still leaves a gap that must be made up by any combination of budget cuts, an increase in taxes, and/or the use of the general fund to offset a loss of revenues which, in the worst case scenario, could be up to $455,000 or 1.3 mills. Because the state budget numbers are still in flux it is difficult to know which numbers to use for state revenues when putting the budget together. The Board of Finance is expecting a clearer picture to emerge in early April.
Currently the 2018-2019 General Government Budget is $2,52,410.00
The Pomfret Times | APRIL 2018 | Page 12 |Pomfret Recreation Upcoming Events
Volunteers?Are you interested in volunteering and getting involved with the Recreation programs? If so, there are openings on the Recreation Commission. Kindly contact Barbara GagnonQuestions: 860-974-1423 or Email: [email protected] for these and more programs are available on the website: www.pomfretct.gov/recreation
Grassland Bird Conservation Center218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259
(860) 928-4948 • ctaudubon.org/center-at-pomfret
1. The area is the neighborhood around the Mashamoquet Brook State Park entrance,.
2. The first place on the right as you enter Babbitt Hill Road from Route 44.
3. The school site was at the entrance to the Mashamoquet Brook Campground. Route 44 is on the site.
FoCuS on BIrdS - FEaturIng LoCaL artIStS davId StuMPo & nanCy BarrEtt Exhibit opens April 1 thru May 31Come feast your eyes on the talents of avian water-colorist David Stumpo and wildlife photographer Nancy Barrett. Free admission.
toddLEr traILS and taLESTuesdays, April 3 thru 24 from 1 – 2:15 p.m.Volunteer and mom of three, Melissa Telford will entertain your toddlers with stories, activities and fun along our trails. Wear clothes and boots appro-priate for the weather. All children must be accom-panied by an adult. Fee per child per day: $5 CAS members; $7 non-members.
woodCoCk watChWednesday, April 4, 7:00 p.m.A sure harbinger of spring, this fascinating little bird puts on a rivet-ing mating display at dusk. As long as the weather cooperates, we should hear & see them in action. Meet at the Center Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
aFtEr SChooL naturE CLuBGrades K – 6 from 3 - 5 p.m. Thurs, April 5, 12, 26 & May 3, 10, 17 Do your kids need to blow off steam after school? The afternoons will be filled with fresh air, exercise, wildlife lessons and fun. Fee: $60 CAS members for the 6-day session; $70 non-members. More info & forms at ctaudubon.org/pomfret-home.
SurvIvaL 101: FIrE MakIngSaturday, April 7, 10 a.m. - Noon Learn how to build a fire using both ancient and modern techniques (with or without matches) in this continuing survival course taught by the Baranski brothers. Fee: $3 CAS members; $7 non-members.
Long Pond BIrd waLkSaturday, April 7, 8 a.m. Meet at the Center, in Pomfret and we’ll carpool to this new Wyndham Land Trust preserve in Thompson. This property contains early successional habitat, mature conifer forest, a 20 acre lake, and acres of submerged shrub lands. Bring a spotting scope or share with the group. Fee: $7 CAS members; $12 non-members.
‘rEturn oF thE SEa ottEr: thE Story oF thE anIMaL that EvadEd ExtInCtIon on thE PaCIFIC CoaSt’ Sunday, April 8, 2 p.m. In his newest book, author Todd McLeish journeys along the Pacific Coast from California to Alaska tracking the status, health, habits, personality, and viability of sea otters – nearly hunted to extinction in the 18th and 19th centuries. Todd will share stories of his adventures while outlin-ing the natural history of these adorable marine mam-mals. Fee: $3 CAS members; $7 non-members.
aPrIL vaCatIon CaMP Tues, April 17 thru Friday, April 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Info & forms at ctaudubon.org/pomfret-home or call 860-928-4948 to register. Limit 20 kids per day. $45 per day CAS members; $55 per day non-members.
vIrgInIa raIL BIrd waLkFriday, April 27, 6 p.m. We will set out with the goal of hearing and observing a Virginia Rail, and other bird species. $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
naturE SkEtChBook JournaLIngSaturday, April 28 from 9 a.m. to noon Spend time outdoors on the sanctuary, sketching and painting nature. Roxanne Steed will teach drawing and water-color techniques. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members. Call 860-928-4948 to register and for list of materials to bring.
EarLy MornIng BIrd waLkSTuesdays, April 3 thru 24, 8 a.m. With access to 1,650 acres of land, we will seek out a variety of bird species. Wear drab clothing and bring binoculars or a spotting scope. $3 CAS members; $7 non-members.
wEdnESday noon waLkSApril 4 thru 25 at noon Join volunteers for fresh air, ex-ercise, good company and naturalist lessons along the way. Seniors and parents with babes in backpacks wel-come. Fee: Free to CAS members; $3 non-members.
BEgInnErS BIrd waLkSunday, April 29, 8 a.m. If you are new to bird watching this is a good weekend to start! Some of the colorful spring birds are back and the leaves aren’t out yet. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
CItIzEn SCIEnCE MonItorIng PrograM:Vernal Pool Inventory Surveys Training WorkshopsFriday, April 6, 9 a.m. - Noon • Saturday, April 7, 9 a.m. - Noon • Field work: Fri/Sat mornings, Apr & MayUsually dry by summer, snowmelt and spring rains fill vernal pools in early spring. The call of peepers and wood frogs follow. Volunteers count egg masses and look for frogs and salamanders. If you have a vernal pool near you, please let us know. Register for one of the training sessions at 860-928-4948. Fee: $ 10 CAS members; $15 non-members.n
annuaL SPrIng SoCIaL for boys and girls in grades 3 – 5 takes place on Friday, April 13th from 6 to 8:00 pm. In the PCS Cafeteria. Lots of games, prizes and tons of fun! Admission is $5.00, games and prizes are free.
18th annuaL “hookEd on FIShIng dErBy” takes place on Sunday, 6/3/18 at 8:30 am at the Pomfret Rod and Gun Club. This event is for boys and girls ages 5 -15. Prizes in age group for largest fish casting contest, overall contest for smallest fish, and most fish caught and TAGGED FISH prizes of $25.00 each. Picnic luncheon served at 11:30 am after the derby. Fee: $5.00 ea.
LEgo CaMP – (Two Sessions) July 9- July 13th. Takes place in the PCS Cafeteria • Ages 5 -7 attend from 9 am to noon • Ages 8-12 attend from 1:00 to 4:00 This year’s theme is: Super Hero Engi-neering! Explore the tools and techniques of your favorite caped crusaders and learn what makes them on only Super Heroes, but super engineers. An engineering curriculum designed by Play-Well chal-lenges heroes to design, build and save a city where ingenuity and imagination can solve any conflict.
BEForE SChooL wIFFLE BaLL and kICkBaLL: start on March 5th. Boys and girls in grades 4-8 are invited! An exciting co-ed before school program instructed by Mr. Ericson. Fee: $35.00
rEd Sox vS houSton aStroS: Game at Fenway Park on Saturday, September 9, 2018. Game time is 4:05 pm • Infield Grandstand 3rd base side seating (under the roof). Trip includes tickets to game and Coach Bus Transportation. $92.00 each.
CoMIng Soon: Adult Co-ed Volleyball at the Rec. Park. Women’s Tennis program.
CoLLEgE SChoLarShIP $500: A $500 scholarship is awarded to a Pomfret Student each year from the Recreation Department for volunteer service within the town of Pomfret. The application for this scholarshipis on the website.
You do not need to live in Pomfret to participate in most Town Recreation programs.
Sun. aPrIL 1 EaStEr, and aPrIL FooL’S day Mon. aPrIL 2 Board of Selectmen @ Community Senior Center, 7 P. tuE. aPrIL 3 Preschool Story Time @ Pomfret Library, 10:30 A. Common Threads @ Pomfret Library, 4 P. Incredible Edible Arts & Crafts: Strawberry Bunnies @ Pomfret Library, 4:30 P wEd. aPrIL 4 PTO @ Pomfret Community School Café, 6:30P. Inland Wetlands & Water-courses @ Community Senior Center, 7 P. thu. aPrIL 5 Toddler Story Time @ Pomfret Library, 10:30 A. Republican Town Committee @ Community Senior Center, 7 P. FrI. aPrIL 6 Qi Gong @ Pomfret Library, 3:30 P. Mon. aPrIL 9 Board of Finance @ PCS, 6:30 P. tuE. aPrIL 10 Economic Planning and Develop-ment Commission @ Community Senior Center, 8 A. Preschool Story Time @ Pomfret Library, 10:30 A. Common Threads @ Pomfret Library, 4P. Recreation Commission @ PCS, 7 P. wEd. aPrIL 11 Pomfret Proprietors @ Vanilla Bean Café, 8:30 A. thu. aPrIL 12 Pomfret Times Deadline for May issue. Toddler Story Time @ Pomfret Library, 10:30 A. “EGGS”cellent Experiments @ Pomfret Library, 4:30 P. Conservation Commission, @ Old Town House, 7 P. FrI. aPrIL 13 Pomfret Times Deadline for Febru-ary issue. Qi Gong @ Pomfret Library, 3:30 P Mon. April 16 Board of Selectmen @ Commu-nity Senior Center, 8 A. Zoning Board of Appeals @ Community Senior Center, 7 P. tuE. aPrIL 17 Preschool Story Time @ Pomfret Library, 10 A. Lionheart Puppets @ Pomfret Library, 12:30 P. wEd. aPrIL 18 Fire District Meeting @ Fire House, 7 P. Planning & Zoning Commission @ Old Town House, 7 P. thu. aPrIL 19 Toddler Story Time @ Pomfret Library, 10:30 A. Book Discussion: The Other Einstein @ Pomfret Library, 3:30 P FrI. aPrIL 20 BULKY WASTE @ Murdock Prop-erty 9 A – 3 P Sat. aPrIL 21 BULKY WASTE @ Murdock Property 9 A – 3 P Green Team Road Side Clean Up. See article in this issue! Sun. aPrIL 22 Earth Day tuE. aPrIL 24 Preschool Story Time @ Pomfret Library, 10:30 A. Common Threads @ Pomfret Library, 4 P. Pomfret Democratic Town Commit-tee @ Grill 37, 7 P. wEd. aPrIL 25 Screenwriting Workshop @ Pomfret Library, 2 P. Board of Education @ PCS, 6:30 P. thu. aPrIL 26 Toddler Story Time @ Pomfret Library, 10:30 A. Writing Workshop @ Old Town House, 7 P Mon. aPrIL 30 Coyotes in CT @ Old Town House, 7 P
It’s easy to identify people who can’t count to ten.
They’re in front of you in thesupermarket express lane. June Henderson
