May 17, 2013 - Stonebridge Press and Villager Newspapers

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10 • Friday, May 17, 2013 WOODSTOCK VILLAGER ‘Twilight’ event to benefit HomeCare, HomeMakers, Hospice DKH continued from page 1 ship levels, and if a person wanted to donate at a designated level, they would be able to enjoy reserved dinning. “This event morphed from what they used to do in Thompson when they would give house tours,” said Schimmel. “That was prior to the first year of Twilight in the Country. We did it in Thompson for six years before moving it to Pomfret at Tyrone Farm — and now we’re at Roseland Cottage.” All money raised is divided up amongst the three NOTEBOOK continued from page 6 members of the WPI Department of Physics, the award is given to a senior physics student in recognition of steady and substantial improvement in physics scholarship, as evidence by scholastic record and attained depth and understanding. Christian is a dual degree participant majoring in Astro-Physics and History. He was a 2009 graduate of Marianapolis Preparatory School in Thompson, and has worked for the past three years as a part of a paid internship for The Research & Development Department of INCOM, Inc., the world’s largest supplier of rigid-fused fiber optics, located in Southbridge, Mass. American Legion Scholarships NORTH GROSVENORDALE — The American Legion Post 67, Rte. 200, North Grosvenordale, is now accepting applications for the Carl Eccleston, Oscar Swanson, Bob Menoche, and the Sal Navarro Memorial Scholarships for Tourtellotte organizations assisted through the fundraiser. Those funds are unrestricted, and can be used to help patients through a variety of situations. “If a patient needs a massage, as an example, to help relax them, that would be through Hospice. They could do it using these funds because most times insurance companies won’t cover things like that,” said Schimmel. If Homemakers want to help people who could not afford the fee, funds could be used to help people in the community who couldn’t afford the service Meryl E. Willett photos Some of the items that will be available through the silent auction. Trust Your Homemakers provided. “Insurance does not cover Homemakers,” said Tudler. “It’s a beautiful evening, and all these organizations help so many people. It’s wonderful seeing the community come out and support this worthy cause.” Some exclusive auction items this year include a Tanglewood Prairie Home Companion package, Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins tickets, a lobster cruise on the Mystic Whaler, a weekend at the Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont, and a diamond ring that was anonymously donated. “Basically, when you walk in, you register, then are directed towards the silent auction table. You get a number to look around. It’s a social fundraising event,” said Tudler. “It’s one of the classiest events that we have in our area. The donations and everything there is given from the community and then is given back to the community. That’s why we are involved. It all stays local.” The gourmet grilled dinner by Mack’s Catering features choices including tenderloin, chicken, salmon and shrimp, followed by desserts provided by Victoria’s Station Café. EDUCATION NOTEBOOK Memorial High School graduates. Applications may be picked up at the Tourtellotte Memorial High School in the Guidance Office, and submitted no later than June 1. Killingly Public Schools Scholarships KILLINGLY — The Killingly Public Schools 2013-14 Scholarship applications are now available. To download the application please visit our District home page at www.killinglyschools.org. Applications are also available at Central Office, 79 Westfield Ave., Danielson, and Killingly High School, Guidance Department , 226 Putnam Pike, Dayville. All applications must be submitted to the Superintendent’s Office by Friday, May 10. No exceptions. Killingly High School Music Department: Upcoming Events The summer home of Henry and Lucy Bowen, Roseland Cottage, is prominently situated across from the town common and epitomizes gothic revival architecture. The estate includes and ice house, aviary, carriage barn, and the nations • Tuesday, May 21: Small Ensembles Neighbors Your Guide to Your Neighbors Concert, Various high school groups will perform, 5 p.m./Cafeteria, FREE. • Tuesday, June 4: Honors Recital, Grades 10-12, Honor Students, 7 p.m./Auditorium, FREE. Senior Citizens and children under 10 are FREE to all music events. Killngly Public Library KILLINGLY — The 2013 tax season was a busy one at Killingly Public Library. AARP Tax-Aide volunteers served a total of 322 individuals or couples in February, March, and April. KPL has been hosting this valuable program for the last several years, and the number of people served grows from year to year. With the increased need for free tax assistance comes an increased need for volunteers. Interested in joining us? You’ll be helping people in your own community with a much-needed service that’s free, individualized and has no strings attached. You’ll work with taxpayers directly; filling out tax returns and helping them seek a refund. Experience isn’t necessary — we’ll train you on the latest tax preparation oldest surviving indoor bowling alley. To purchase tickets for Twilight in the Country, contact Day Kimball Healthcare’s Development Office at (860) 928-7141 or e- mail nmmission@daykimball.org. Meryl E. Willett may be reached at 860-928-1818, ext. 112, or by e-mail at meryl@villagernewspapers.c om. Pomfret budget seeks OK next week BUDGET continued from page 1 Maureen Nicholson showed the town has a projected $895,000 in its fund balance. “That amount is created by projections through June 2013, however, the figure is based off of predicted funds that we expect to be returned to the town,” said Nicholson. The returned funds are comprised of unanticipated revenue from FEMA money, ECS Funding, and returned revenue. Regardless, citizens voiced that they would be supportive of only taking $50,000 from the town’s fund balance versus the $100,000 that had been being taken from the fund over the past several years. The general government budget approved by the Board of Finance is $2.4 million, and the Board of Education’s budget approved by the Board of Finance is $9.7 million. Combined, both budgets represent a 3-percent increase over last year. The majority of the increase, explained Kristal, is created from the education spending plan. “The Board of Education does have planned in its budget to go to full-day kindergarten,” Kristal said. “The reason that does not reflect an increase in the budget is because the number of students has dropped to a level where we can accommodate without adding teaching staff.” However, said Kristal, if the town should stay at half-day, there would be a decrease. Kristal explained that the budget drivers for this year’s education spending plan came from salaries ($104,200), health insurance ($51,400), new textbooks ($26,700) and utilities ($21,900), for a total of a $219,200 increase, or a 2.3-percent increase over last year. The revenue side of the budget is a concern, as Pomfret strives to keep taxes reasonable for all citizens, especially those who might live on a fixed income. “We’re not getting a lot of land list growth, which is one way to increase revenue without increasing taxation,” said Kristal. “The state budget is not fixed at this point.” Kristal said that regardless the town is comfortable with its projections. Pomfret taxpayers will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed budget on Wednesday, May 22. forms and software. Who will you help as a volunteer? Almost four out of five people who turn to AARP Foundation Tax-Aide are 60 or older. Household incomes aren’t high. For many of them, a tax refund could mean they won’t have to choose between paying for groceries and keeping the lights on. Get the joy and satisfaction of helping others by joining the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteer team today! Your expertise will be appreciated more than you can imagine. Visit www.aarp.org/taxaide or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669). NATIONAL BIKE MONTH May is National Bike Month and Killingly Public Library is holding a free bike maintenance and safety program on Saturday, May 18, from 9-11 a.m. Don Dauphinais, owner of Danielson Adventure Sports (DAS), will be on hand to demonstrate basic bike maintenance. Bring your bike for hands-on training! You must register for this program (space is limited). Call 860-779-5383 to register. at Your Service Builders Home & Lawn Care Housewright Rubbish Removal Turning Your Dreams Into Reality from Concept to Completion Professional, Affordable, Dependable, Experienced Visit us @ www.northamericanbuildinginc.com Serving Neighboring CT, MA & RI (860) 779- 3912 Kitchens, Bathrooms, Additions, Decks, Garages, Barns, Interior/Exterior Remodeling & Space Redesigning. Expert Insurance Claims. Free Estimates and Design Consultation. 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WOODSTOCK VILLAGER Friday, May 17, 2013 • 11 Breakfast allows reps to share opinions on budget cuts, DKH MEETING continued from page 1 memory, I received a call that DKH would be receiving an immediate cut in state revenue impacting us to the point of $3.8 million.” Smanick explained that due to the proposed budget, the hospital could be facing a net reduction in revenue of $3.5 million the first year and $4.7 million the next. He stated that the hospital has worked to “tighten its belt” and said since 2008, DKH had implemented a defined benefit pension plan, had to freeze wages, and reduced positions through layoffs, “all in an effort to deliver the national agenda in health care, improve quality, enhance access, and reduce costs while maintaining local control with a community volunteer board of directors,” said Smanick. He thanked the northeastern Connecticut delegation for their efforts to put forward a recommendation that provides $30 million in relief to 11 small hospitals, and stated that money would help, but it may not be enough. “Looking hard at our budgets and balance sheets, I ask that you, our legislators, continue to be motivated to find a solution for the people you serve in northeast Connecticut,” said Smanick. “In light of the unprecedented situation that DKH finds itself in, and looking at a state budget that represents a 9.5-percent increase and represents the singular priorities of our governor and his administrative office, can you share your views on how the Legislature can achieve a SHERWOOD’ S ON THE WOODSTOCK / PUTNAM LINE! Little River Plaza • 35 Rt 171, South Woodstock, CT 06267 Tel: 860-963-2080 or 860-963-1230 (fax) RESTAURANT & BAR Baby Back Ribs & Steaks • Fresh Seafood • Angus Burgers NOW OPEN 7 DAYS at 12:00 Noon 12 oz Prime Rib Monday Night Meatloaf SUNDAYS $13.00 $ 5 off on 2 or more Dinner Entrées Not to be combined with any other offer. Limit one per table. Villager Exp. 05/24/13 Lounge Menu Available Sun-Thurs until 12 midnite Fri & Sat until 1am SUN-THURS Economic Activity Determines Closing Time - Saturday LIVE Entertainment - Call for details Friday - Karaoke 9:30-? May 17 th Country Music with Lindsey Moore May 24 th One Night Stand Rock n’ Roll SHERWOODS &WOLF ENTERTAINMENT: TUESDAYS Dance Party &Karaoke budget which differs from the governor’s?” Williams responded first and said the Legislature is in the process of putting together a budget that varies from the one proposed by Malloy. “The governor’s budget was a necessary first step,” said Williams, who argued the budget was effective in making several tough decisions. “The Finance and Appropriations Committee has been working on an alternative budget that restores a great deal of town aid money that had been cut.” Williams said the new budget aims to address hospital needs in “a different way.” “The governor’s budget had across-the-board cuts under a formula that treated every hospital the same. Quite frankly, there are hospitals in the state of Connecticut who can afford to tighten their belts. DKH and Windham, for example, Sen. Tony Guglielmo talks about the budget and gives his opinion on how the state could improve its deficit situation. Meryl E. Willett photos State Rep. Mike Alberts, talking about the state’s budget, addresses fellow legislators. THURSDAYS Drink Specials & Party-oke SATURDAYS Dance Party & Karaoke Starts at 10pm run pretty close to the bone,” said Williams. “According to figures I received from OPM in 2012, DKH finished $5 million in the black, and that’s pretty good compared to Windham Hospital, who was down about $700,000. Yale New Haven finished $160 million in the black. There are two classes of hospitals in Connecticut. The Appropriations Committee has listened to smaller hospitals. The result was additional aid being put back, and we’re continuing to look to see if we can do more.” Guglielmo said budgeting is a matter of establishing priorities, and said a state is never going to have all the money it needs. “I’ve said this for many years through Republican, Democrat and an independent governor. You’ve got to work on the core responsibility of government — public safety, public health, public education,” said Guglielmo. “You can see what happened in New London — we gave money to a pharmaceutical company to build a new campus, and they abandoned it. Then we gave $15 million to rehab Electric Boat. I’m not sure, to be honest, if we cut out all this we would have enough money for the core responsibility — we’ve never tried.” Guglielmo said he is not enamored with the idea of government picking winners and losers, and said he feels the proposed cuts are bad for hospitals, and community hospitals in particular. He said he wants to work with Williams and other legislators on budgetary issues. Bon Appétit! The Gold Eagle at Laurel House Restaurant, Lounge & Banquet Facility 8 Tracy Road, Dayville, CT • 860-779-7777 • www.the-gold-eagle.com Catering Weddings, Showers, Birthdays, Graduations, Funerals, Business Meetings * Memorial Day - May 27 * Independence Day - July 4th * Labor Day - September 2nd “When you’re in a hole the best thing to do is stop digging, and we haven’t stopped digging,” said Guglielmo. Alberts explained that back in December, after the initial cuts were announced, Republicans caucused on the issue of what the proposed cuts would mean for hospitals, concluding that RTC seeking volunteers for boards DINING IN THE QUIET CORNER PLEASE VISIT THESE LOCAL DINING ESTABLISHMENTS! IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER WE WILL BE CLOSED... NEWS BRIEFS WOODSTOCK — Are you a resident of Woodstock who is interested in serving your town? The Woodstock Republican Town Committee is looking for people to help on various town boards, commissions and committees in Woodstock. Our community works best when people like you roll up their sleeves, get involved and work with others. Woodstock is replete with many examples of this “can do” spirit over the years. Some positions are elected. Some positions are appointed by the Board of Selectmen. Either way, there are opportunities for you. If you are willing to help and would like to learn more, then contact the Woodstock Republican Town Committee at WoodstockRTC@aol.com. We look forward to hearing from you. - Submitted by Jeffrey A. Gordon, M.D., Chairman, Woodstock Republican Town Committee Food and fuel drive scheduled for referendum WOODSTOCK — First Selectman Allan Walker has made an appeal for Woodstock * Thanksgiving Day - November 28th * Christmas Day - December 25th WE-LI-KIT PREMIUM ICE CREAM Deli on the avenue 244 WOODSTOCK AVE., PUTNAM, CT 06260 860-963-7012 M/Tu 8-6 • W-F 8-8 • Sat 8-5 • Sun 8-4 GLUTEN FREE SANDWICHES ALWAYS AVAILABLE Gluten-Free Products Jake & Amos and Napoli Italian Products Our Own Label Exotic Coffees Take-out breakfast - sandwiches & pastries Lunch - sandwiches, salads & dessert Don’t Forget our meals-to-go Party Platters always available SPECIAL OCCASION GIFT BASKETS GIFT CERTIFICATES Heading out for the day? Pick up your lunch at Deli on the Avenue Open at 8am • Call-in your order 860.963.7012 SUNDAE OFFER Every day is “Sundae” at The Gold Eagle! Hot Butterscotch Caramel or Hot Fudge Sundae With Any Regular Price Entree ($12.95 and up) Not to be combined with any other offer or discounted menu items For advertising information call Sarah at 860-928-1818 there had to be a better way to get money back to the smaller hospitals. “We worked together with Democrats to essentially change the formula,” said Alberts. “I think what we’re missing is we can’t do business as usual in the state of Connecticut. We have 169 towns and we have been known to be very provincial in our thinking.” Alberts suggested the state make the migration from defined benefit plans to contribution plans as a costsaving measure. “I’m not suggesting we not honor commitments to retirees or existing employees, but we need to take a 457-like plan and roll it out immediately to stem the hemorrhaging in the future,” he said. “I’m suggesting we get rid of the pension plan, and have the 457 plans. We can’t afford to do what we’re doing.” Flexer said advocacy like that provided by Smanick has been a tremendous advocate for smaller hospitals in the state. Flexer said because of smaller hospitals pushing for their needs, the Appropriations Committee did something different for the budget. “That’s how the budget will be changed,” she said. “We have heard from people in this room and throughout the community about how the budget impacts them, and how it needs changing. We need people in this room and across the community telling us what their needs are.” The Legislature faces a June 5 deadline to create a budget that can pass the House and Senate, and is acceptable to Malloy. In addition, Williams said that the state still faces a $2 billion dollar deficit, and being able to balance the budget fairly is the highest priority. Meryl E. Willett may be reached at 860-928-1818, ext. 112, or by e-mail at meryl@villagernewspapers.c om. residents to donate generously to the Woodstock Food and Fuel Drive when voting on the Annual Town Meeting Budget Referendum at the Woodstock Town Hall on Tuesday, May 21, from 12-8 p.m. “The Board of Selectmen has earmarked $6,339 for the Woodstock Fuel Fund in the coming year’s budget,” Walker said. “If the budget passes, that funding will only be available after the start of the fiscal year on July 1. I am confident that Woodstock residents will continue their commitment to helping others, and will give as generously as they can to help their neighbors who may be struggling during these difficult times.” Fuel funds and non-perishable food collection are part of a continuing effort to help low-income Woodstock residents with food, fuel, and other assistance programs. Voters are urged to bring along a bag of non-perishable food items or make a monetary donation toward fuel assistance prior to casting their vote. The Woodstock Town Hall will continue to be a food drive and fuel assistance collection point. Information about the Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group (TEEG) will also be available for low-income residents to learn about what services are offered and how to apply for assistance. Contact the First Selectman’s office at 860-928-0208, ext. 336, for more information.
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May 17, 2013 - Stonebridge Press and Villager Newspapers

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