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A2 • Friday, September 03, 2010 PUTNAM VILLAGER AG wins court injunction against Pomfret man FORCED TO CEASE ALL TIMBER HARVESTING ACTIVITY BY RICH HOSFORD VILLAGER STAFF WRITER POMFRET — A Pomfret man accused of illegally harvesting timber has been told by the state courts to put down his chainsaw. Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal won a court injunction Monday, Aug. 30, that stops illegal logging in multiple Connecticut towns where extensive un-permitted tree harvesting — enough timber to build about 75 houses — has already caused significant environmental damage. Blumenthal pursued the temporary injunction in coordination with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) against Scott Lee of Pomfret. Blumenthal first announced that he was seeking the injunction against Lee on Monday, July 26. “This court order temporarily stops uncertified logging that has already destroyed trees, soil and stream channels on nearly 100 acres of land,” Blumenthal said. “Uncertified and untrained individuals engaging in commercial logging can cause significant damage.” Blumenthal added that such work could harm not only the property where it occurs, but can disrupt the land and water systems of neighboring properties. “Improper logging threatens to harm not only the properties where logging occurs — but surrounding streams and land,” Blumenthal said. According to the release from the Attorney General’s office, sometime in early January, Lee contracted with Genesis Properties LLC, owner of 142 Park Road in Bethel, to perform a timber harvest on about 65 acres of land. Lee began the work later that month. Then, in April of this year, Lee entered into a contract with the owner of 585 Mashmoquet Road in Pomfret to harvest more timber on 30 acres of land. In April, Lee also contracted with the property owner of 106 Rhode Island Line Road of Putnam to illegally harvest more trees. Logging on that property has not yet begun. According to the attorney general, Lee is required to have a DEP Forest Practitioner Certification to contract for and harvest 25,000 board feet in any 12-month period on another’s property. Lee has already harvested an estimated 750,000 board feet of trees in only five months at the properties in Bethel and Pomfret combined. Blumenthal said in the release that along with the illegal harvesting, there was also significant environmental damage left by the work at the sites. Connecticut DEP Foresters visited both properties and discovered significant damage to inland wetlands and watercourses, including un-permitted filling of a watercourse with silt and woody debris, filling of wetlands with sediment, erosion of hillsides, and diversion of stream channels, the release states. The harvests have also caused deep and extensive rutting of the soils, disrupting soil hydrology. Blumenthal said he try to make the injunction permanent, now that the temporary injunction has been approved. “My office will continue to fight for a permanent injunction to protect against un-permitted logging and needless destruction of Connecticut land,” he said. According to the DEP, the Forest Practices Act, passed in the 1990s, includes a permit requirement to UConn offers look at invasive species STORRS — The Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group will present “Challenges and Successes: Working Cooperatively to Manage Invasive Plants”, a one-day symposium at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, on Thursday, October 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The symposium will address the importance of native habitats, how invasive species harm these habitats, and why cooperative efforts are vital to understanding and managing our natural landscapes. All who are interested in invasive plant issues are invited to attend. This symposium seeks to draw together municipal staff (parks and recreation, public works, inland wetlands/conservation commissions), nursery, tree and landscape professionals, educators, students, landscape architects, gardening enthusiasts, state and federal employees, members of conservation organizations and the public into a discussion of the challenges presented by invasive plants and how we can promote native plants by managing invasives. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Bernd Blossey of Cornell University. Dr. Blossey’s presentation is titled “The Power of Choice: New Frontiers in Invasive Plant Management and Conservation.” Concurrent afternoon ensure only qualified people are removing substantial amounts of timber from the forest. “Essentially, anyone who wants to practice forestry or cut trees in Connecticut has to pass a competency exam, like an electrician or a plumber,” said Chris Martin, DEP director of the Forestry Division. “It’s done wonders.” Martin added there are 500 to 600 annually certified forest practitioners in the state. The names of certified practitioners can be found on the DEP website, and Martin said he encourages everyone to do some homework before hiring anyone to cut. “For private forest owners, timber can be good, but when you have property on your land, get some references,” he said. “Homework on their side is very beneficial because there are folks out there who can swindle people. We want people to feel confident.” DEP Commissioner Amey Marrella said the agency tries to educate and inform landowners and forest practitioners of the rules of forestry activities and the requirements need to be in accordance with the state. The goal, she said, is to reduce the possibility of such violations. “But,” she said, “When violations do occur, we have a responsibility to uphold the law and to enforce the Forest Practices Act. We take this and our other stewardship responsibilities very seriously.” Lee could not be reached before press time. Rich Hosford can be reached by phone at (860) 928-1818 or by e-mail at rich@villagernewspapers.com. sessions will include the industry perspective – what’s working, early detection & rapid response; invasives management research; invaded forests; Cooperative Weed Management Areas and local success stories. Research posters and other educational exhibits will be featured throughout the day. Pesticide recertification credits and a variety of other continuing education credits will be offered. Early registration (postmarked by Sept. 18) is $40. The fee is $55 if postmarked after September 18 or for walk-in registrations. Student fee, with ID, is $25. Walk-in registrations only if space is available. The symposium program, registration form, and other information are available on the CIPWG website: www.hort.uconn.edu/cipwg Please send registration and checks (payable to The University of Connecticut) to: Donna Ellis, University of Connecticut, Department of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture, 1390 Storrs Road, Unit 4163, Storrs, CT 06269- 4163. Included in the cost of admission are an information packet, parking, lunch, snacks and beverages. For more information, contact Donna Ellis at (860) 486- 6448; email donna.ellis@uconn.edu. VILLAGER ALMANAC QUOTATION OF THE WEEK “You’ve probably never seen it full … With most parking lots, they tend to ‘over-park.’ There’s a lot of blacktop that’s not necessary.” - John Filchak, executive director for the Northeast Connecticut Council of Governments commenting on the parking lots of Sears and Stop & Shop on Route 44, and how their parking lots are overly spacious. OPEN TO CLOSE PUTNAM TOWN HALL (963-6800) Monday through Friday.................................8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Town Clerk (963-6807): Monday through Friday.................................8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Recordings accepted until 4 p.m.; office occasionally closed between noon and 1 p.m. Water Pollution Control Authority (963-6819): Monday through Friday .....................................8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Veterans Services.................................................9 to 11 a.m. Friday PUTNAM PUBLIC LIBRARY (963-6826) Monday through Thursday ..............................10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday..............................................................10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday...................................................................10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Story Time: 4 p.m. Mondays, 11 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays PUTNAM POST OFFICE (928-4051) Window: Monday through Friday .....................................8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday .................................................................8:30 a.m. to noon Lobby/Post Office Boxes: Monday through Friday ..........................................6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.....................................................................6 a.m. to 3 p.m. TOP TEN BOOKS Children’s Picture Book 1. “LEGO Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary,” Beecroft, Simon. 2. “Star Wars: 11 Iconic Scenes from a Galaxy Far, Far Away…” Rufus Butler Seder. 3. “Ooh La La! It’s Beauty Day,” by Jane O’Connor, illus. by Robin Preiss Glasser. 4. “How Rocket Learned to Read,” by Tad Hills. 5. “City Dog, Country Frog,” by Mo Willems, illus. by Jon J. Muth. 6. “Ladybug Girl at the Beach,” by David Soman and Jacky Davis. 7. “The Very Fairy Princess,” by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton, illus. by Christine Davenier. 8. “Pinkalicious and the Pink Drink,” by Victoria Kann. 9. “The Lion & the Mouse,” by Jerry Pinkney. 10. “The Night Before Kindergarten,” Natasha Wing, illus. by Julie Durrell. THE FIVE QUESTIONS 1. What problem did Leonardo da Vinci, Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison and General George Patton have in common? 2. What did All Nippon Airways do in an effort to prevent its planes from sucking birds into their engines? 3. How much hay was eaten daily by Jumbo, showman P.T. Barnum’s famous 6-1/2 ton elephant? 4. What did Lizzie Borden, Napoleon, and Titian have in common? 5. What trade was Greek philosopher Socrates trained for? Answers on page 3 AT THE AUDUBON Week of Aug. 23: Bird sightings at CT Audubon in Pomfret and Wyndham Land Trust properties in the northeast corner of Connecticut: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Killdeer, Hermit Thrush, Robins, Carolina Wren, House Wren, Redtailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Osprey, Great Egret and Great Blue Heron. TRIVIA AND QUOTE This week’s front page quote is attributed to: Mark Twain VILLAGER STAFF DIRECTORY NEWS STAFF EDITOR ADAM MINOR (860) 928-1818, EXT. 109 aminor@stonebridgepress.com ADVERTISING STAFF ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE TARA OGLE (860) 928-1818, EXT. 105 tara@villagernewspapers.com TO PLACE A BUSINESS AD: RETAIL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE TARA OGLE (860) 928-1818, EXT. 105 tara@villagernewspapers.com SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES: CIRCULATION REPRESENTATIVE GEORGIA LEAMING (800) 367-9898, EXT. 139 georgia@stonebridgepress.com TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD: CLASSIFIED REPRESENTATIVE NATHAN SEMONIK (800) 536-5836 nathan@stonebridgepress.com TO PRINT AN OBITUARY: E-MAIL sjarvis@villagernewspapers.com OR send to Villager, P.O. Box 196, Woodstock, CT 06281 TO SUBMIT A LETTER TO THE EDITOR: E-MAIL: aminor@villagernewspapers.com OR send to Villager, P.O. Box 196, Woodstock, CT 06281 TO SUBMIT CALENDAR ITEMS: E-MAIL: aminor@villagernewspapers.com OR send to Villager, P.O. Box 196, Woodstock, CT 06281 TO SOUND OFF: CALL (860) 928-1818, EXT. 150 VISIT US ONLINE: www.villagernewspapers.com TO FAX THE VILLAGER: DIAL (860) 928-5946 The Putnam Villager (025-154) is published weekly by Villager Newspapers, 283 Rte 169, Woodstock, CT 06281. Periodical postage paid at Woodstock, CT and additional mailing office(s). POSTMASTER: send address changes to the Putnam Villager, P.O. Box 90, Southbridge, MA 01550. REPORTER MATT SANDERSON (860) 928-1818, ext. 110 matt@villagernewspapers.com REPORTER RICH HOSFORD (860) 928-1818, ext. 112 rich@villagernewspapers.com ADVERTISING MANAGER JEAN ASHTON (800) 367-9898, EXT. 104 jashton@stonebridgepress.com CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER RON TREMBLAY (800) 367-9898, EXT. 102 rtremblay@stonebridgepress.com FOR ALL OTHER QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT RACHAEL GLENN ((860) 928-1818 rachael@villagernewspapers.com Stonebridge Press, Inc. VILLAGER NEWSPAPERS ARE PUBLISHED BY STONEBRIDGE PRESS PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER FRANK G. CHILINSKI (800) 367-9898 EXT. 101 frank@villagernewspapers.com PRODUCTION MANAGER JULIE CLARKE (800) 367-9898, EXT. 105 production@stonebridgepress.com OPERATIONS DIRECTOR JIM DINICOLA (508) 764-6102 jdinicola@stonebridgepress.com
PUTNAM VILLAGER Blumenthal visits Quiet Corner on campaign trail BY RICH HOSFORD VILLAGER STAFF WRITER POMFRET — Connecticut Attorney General and Democratic Senate candidate Richard Blumenthal met with local business people for a lunch in the Quiet Corner last week. Blumenthal, who has been the state attorney general for 20 years, was at the Harvest Restaurant Wednesday, Aug. 25, for a Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Blumenthal was there as a politician running for office, speaking about what he would do to help both businesses and taxpayers in the region and the state if he is elected to the U.S. Senate. Blumenthal’s opponent in the November election, Republican Linda McMahon, spoke at a similar event for the chamber on Thursday, July 22. Blumenthal began by stating he had been in the Quiet Corner many times before and always enjoys it. “I have been here on a number of occasions — I know this area and how deeply committed people here are to the state,” he said. “This place has the community fabric that makes public service so important. I’m delighted to be out of Hartford and among people who make things and do things.” Blumenthal said that since starting his Senate campaign he has been traveling the state, listening to people’s concerns. “I hear and see that people are struggling to make ends meet,” he said. “They are very often unhappy with Washington D.C. and feel the people there are not listening or standing up for individuals or small businesses.” Blumenthal then highlighted a couple of recent decisions by lawmakers that he felt demonstrated a commitment to special interests and not to the general public. For example, he said, special deals with pharmaceuticals paired with a health care reform bill that Exhibit to feature local artists PUTNAM — The Silver Circle Gallery in Putnam is proud to announce the opening of “An Abstract Lens,” a photography exhibit Sept. 1 to Oct. 3. The show consists of 12 local photographers who display a unique view of the world through the lens of a camera. Environmental studies, architecture, the figure, landscape, and microscopic photography are some of the sources the artists use as subject matter, though the exhibit features images that are non-representational and non-traditional in content and execution. The artists being showcased include Carol Dunn, an award winning printmaker and photographer specializing in alternative processes; Michael Stenta will display his Constructed Negatives series of mosaic film photography; Archivist Harrison Judd will unveil his Eastern State Penitentiary series documenting a haunting panoramic view of the historic prison interior’s eerie and dilapidated frozen-in-time state. Justin Wirtalla documents the beauty of the natural environment when the light is most dramatic with saturated colors and ethereal images of seaside objects and places. Gail A. Harrison’s photograph reflects how her art is “influenced by my philosophical belief in living life with an open spirit”; Sheri Socher captures spontaneous photographic moments; Cheryl Cianci’s minimalistic Zen-like images feature isolated shapes and forms of branches which resemble those found in the art of calligraphy; Ron Henault takes small specimens with ethereal colors as subjects and brings the micro world of nature to photography; Zack Wussow’s Opposition is dominated by two complementary colors that create tension and visual interest; Jim Goodwin’s film photography captures abstract natural forms as well as a constructed political statement; Lindsay Shaw displays indiscernible ghostly images of the environment, and Nikki Sullivan captures unusual views of ordinary objects and spaces. AG SPEAKS IN POMFRET ABOUT SENATE RACE did little to bring down costs was a gift to the drug companies. He added that he was opposed to the bank bailout because the “deal did too little for average Americans” and because too little went toward creating consumer demand. This is what angers voters, Blumenthal stated. “People want someone in Washington who will stand up for them,” he said. Blumenthal said he would stand up for people and businesses in Connecticut if elected to the Senate. He said one of the most important ways to fix the economy was to promote small businesses and make it easier and less costly for them to do business. “We need to do more for small businesses, which are the engine of economic growth and innovation,” he said. To do so, Blumenthal said he would like to promote programs that increase training in the workforce to increase the pool of skilled workers. He would also try to increase the tax credit for start up companies. “We need more tax credits for start-ups,” he said. “[The current] $5,000 credit is barely enough to keep the lights on.” Blumenthal said he would also like to make access to credit safer for small businesses by ensuring that the new consumer protections for individuals would apply to small business credit cards as well, which they currently do not. The attorney general also said he is in favor of changing policies he feels are hurting the economy. For example, Blumenthal said he would end tax breaks for corporations to move jobs overseas, something he said costs the nation $200 billion over 10 years. “There will be savings for taxpayers and the nation and we will keep jobs here,” he said. In international trade, the attorney general said the U.S. should put more pressure on China to allow its currency to be more accurately valued against NEWS BRIEFS The opening reception, Friday, Sept. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m., is a free event that will allow the public to view the artwork and meet the artists. Silver Circle Studio is located at 75 Main St. (Suite 3) in Downtown Putnam. Since 2008, Silver Circle has been a fresh, contemporary space where visual artists collaborate to show and sell their work, educate others, and inspire one another and their community. Silver Circle Studio is a haven for a diverse range of local and regional talent and an advocate for creativity in Northeastern Connecticut. Visit www.SilverCircleStudio.com for more information. DKH Woman’s Board to host American Doll tea party WOODSTOCK — The Day Kimball Hospital Woman’s Board announced last week that an American Doll Tea Party will be held Sunday, Sept. 19, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. in the spacious lobby of the Hyde School Cultural Center in Woodstock. Guests of all ages will enjoy tea, sandwiches, cupcakes, tea and punch. Included in the festivities are a doll parade, craft project and a spa package raffle for your American Girl doll. Suzanne Hagstrom of American Doll Clothes Co. in Woodstock will offer her quality clothing for sale. Raffle tickets for games, toys and books will also be available. Tickets may be purchased for $17.50 at the Day Kimball Hospital Gift Shop, or by e-mailing Nancy Dziki at ndziki@live.com. RSVPs are due by Sept. 10, and a limited number of seats will be available last minute. Participants who have fancy teacups at home should use this occasion to take their teacups out of the china cabinet and use them. This is an event worthy of dressing up and taking a few pictures. An American Girl Doll is not required to participate. The Hyde School Cultural Center is located at 150 Route 169 in Woodstock. The Hyde Matt Sanderson photo Connecticut Attorney General and Democratic Senate candidate Richard Blumenthal addresses the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce during a luncheon at the Harvest Restaurant in Pomfret Wednesday, Aug. 25. the dollar. By keeping its currency consistently below the value of the U.S. dollar, Blumenthal explained, China ensures that its products are cheaper than those made in the United States, creating a trade imbalance where the U.S. imports far more than it exports. “We should have declared China a currency manipulator back in April,” he said. “We need to take strong action and I will continue to fight for it.” Blumenthal also pointed to a couple of his accomplishments during his tenure as the attorney general. He said he was proud that he had fought for individuals and businesses and promised to continue in the Senate if elected. He told the crowd he fought against allowing the “Made in America” label to be placed on imports and fought against discriminatory trade protections. For individuals, he said he helped fight against insurance companies when they refused coverage for necessary treatments. He said when the companies claimed a doctor was out of its coverage plan, that a condition was pre-existing or a drug was experimental and tried to withhold coverage, he would get involve. He said he won 90 to 95 percent of the time in such cases. “At the end of the day I fight for ordinary people when they have no place left to turn,” he said. “I can assure you I will fight for you and for Connecticut first, last and always.” After the luncheon, Blumenthal met with people at the Pomfret Senior Center, took a tour of Woodstock Orchards, visited the PolyMedex Discovery Group and went on a Main Street walk of Danielson with State Rep. Mae Flexer. Rich Hosford can be reached by phone at (860) 928-1818 or by e-mail at rich@villagernewspapers.com. School has graciously offered the use of their beautiful facility to help raise funds for the Day Kimball Hospital. The Day Kimball Hospital Woman’s Board has been a fundraising group for Day Kimball Hospital for 116 years. Recently they committed to a multi-year pledge to raise $217,000 towards the purchase of state-of-theart patient monitoring equipment for the Emergency Department. The monitors are portable to facilitate monitoring patients who do not yet have a room or need to be moved within the hospital. Other upcoming Day Kimball Hospital Woman’s Board fundraisers include the Ladies’ Golf tournament on Sept. 12, and Author’s Night on Oct. 21. For more information about attending an event or joining the Woman’s Board can be obtained from Paula Schimmel, president of the Day Kimball Hospital Woman’s Board at the Day Kimball Hospital Gift Shop or by calling her at (860) 928-6541, ext. 2310. PUTNAM Friday, September 03, 2010 ACCURACY WATCH MONDAY, SEPT. 6 • Labor Day — Town Hall closed TUESDAY, SEPT. 7 • A3 The Putnam Villager is committed to accuracy in all its news reports. Although numerous safeguards are in place to ensure accurate reporting, mistakes can occur. Confirmed fact errors will be corrected at the top right hand corner of page A3 in a timely manner. If you find a mistake, call (860) 928-1818 during normal business hours. During non-business hours, leave a message in the editor’s voice mailbox. The editor will return your phone call. PUBLIC MEETINGS • Board of Selectmen — 7 p.m. Town Hall WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 8 • Water Pollution Control Authority — 7 p.m. Town Hall • Inland Wetlands Commission — 7 p.m. Town Hall MONDAY, SEPT. 13 • Special Services District — 7 p.m. Putnam Police Department TUESDAY, SEPT. 14 • Redevelopment Agency — 8 a.m. Economic Development Office • Economic Development Commission — 9 a.m. Economic Development Office WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 15 • Zoning Commission — 7 p.m. Town Hall THURSDAY, SEPT. 16 • P.R.I.D.E. — 8 a.m. Victoria Station Café MONDAY, SEPT. 20 • Board of Selectmen — 7 p.m. Town Hall • P.R.I.D.E. Youth Advisory Board — 5 p.m. Putnam Elementary School TUESDAY, SEPT. 21 • Board of Education — 7 p.m. Putnam Middle School • Zoning Board of Appeals — 7 p.m. Town Hall THE FIVE ANSWERS 1. All were dyslexic. 2. It painted giant eyes on the engine intakes to discourage birds from approaching. 3. Two hundred pounds. 4. They were all redheads. 5. Stonecutting. Happy Labor Day Stop in to get your supplies before the big day! Open 8 am - 9 pm Monday through Saturday Route 12 Danielson next to Big Y
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