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A4 • Friday, February 24, 2012 PUTNAM VILLAGER NECCOG officials discuss legislative priorities BY KERENSA KONESNI VILLAGER STAFF WRITER ASHFORD — Regional economic development and special education remain top priorities for municipal leaders under the Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments, with members holding a frank discussion at a legislative meeting last week. State legislators joined local governing officials at the Ashford Town Hall Friday, Feb. 17, to discuss legislative priorities for the short session that began earlier this month. NECOGG Chairman Jim Rivers said it’s good to get all the players together to create a game plan that benefits the region as a whole. Rivers, the Pomfret first selectman, has touted the need to market northeastern Connecticut as a collective unit, saying local municipalities need to “regionalize resources” to attract attention in a wider market. State Senate President Pro Tempore Donald Williams, D-Brooklyn, advised that the council look into River’s suggestion, as money may be available for that type of venture already. The proximity of northeastern Connecticut to technology and manufacturing hubs like Boston, Providence and Storrs is a benefit not to be overlooked, according to Williams. GARAGE DOOR SERVICES We Repair All Makes and Models of Garage Doors and Electric Openers, Broken Springs, Replacement Sections, Broken Cable, Remote Problems Fall Tune-up Special Check, lube and adjust door & opener $65 Coupon Expires 02/29/12 Oxford, MA 8x7 - 9x7 Steel Insulated Doors, R-12 Complete with Standard Hardware, Track, Installation & Tax $595 Coupon Expires 02/29/12 Sales • Service • Installation 1-800-605-9030 508-987-8600 “We are smack-dab in the middle of a research and development corridor,” Williams said. “And we can be part of it.” Previous discussions have highlighted the low overhead costs for businesses in the technology and industrial parks in the region. “We have a lot going for us here,” said Williams. “We have to turn the lights on and let people know that we’re here.” Some local leaders remain cautious when looking toward regionalizing economic development. Thompson First Selectman Larry Groh, who is considering whether to opt in to the Putnam Regional Technology Park model, said he thinks it can work; however he warned, “There needs to be legislation to allow towns to share the revenue, if they are going to share the costs.” Other members questioned Williams on whether the rest of the towns will lose out on state funding opportunities for their own projects if they don’t go along with the regional approach. Williams said he doesn’t think there is a “set script” that says if the Putnam project gets funded, others won’t — citing that Gov. Dannel P. Malloy appears to be looking for as many ideas as possible to ensure Connecticut municipalities are poised for success when the economy recovers. While Putnam officials formally presented their regional technology park proposal to other municipal officials only last month, the concept has been Liftmaster 1/2 hp Belt Drive Opener w/Wall Control & Remote, Free 2nd Remote & Outside Keypad (while supplies last) $325 Coupon Expires 02/29/12 www.countrysidedoors.com Email:countrysidegaragedoors1@verizon.net under consideration for nearly a decade. Supporting the regional technology park concept, NEC- COG Executive Director John Filchak noted similar initiatives have been implemented successfully in Maine and the Midwest. Building on Williams’ statements, State Rep. Danny Rovero, D-Killingly, suggested there is a need to look at how initiatives throughout the Kerensa Konesni photo Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments members met with state legislators last week to establish priorities for the current legislative session. region can help surrounding towns by providing jobs for a labor force that wants to be put back to work. According to Rovero, providing jobs will help grand list growth as much as property taxes. “If no one is working,” he said, “all the social agencies end up spending a lot more money.” “Jobs are good,” said Rivers, “but people have to live somewhere.” Sprawl, created by drawing people to where the jobs are, could spill over into other towns, increasing costs. REGIONALIZING SPECIAL EDUCATION With one eye toward regional economic development in the current legislative session, NECCOG members have set the other firmly on special education — the cost of which can cripple the education budget of a town long after the numbers have been finalized, and voters have approved a spending plan at referendum. Rivers asked legislators at the table, including State Sen. Tony Guglielmo, R-Stafford, State Rep. Mike Alberts, R-Woodstock, and State Rep. Mae Flexer, D-Killingly, whether the laws governing special education requirements could be altered. He commented that a few alterations to the wording of related legislation could change the “burden of proof” in determining whether Amazing Restoration Furniture Stripping Refinishing Antiques Repair Caning, Rushing Touch-ups In-home furniture repair including: leather, vinyl, and fabric Over 20 years experience Call for an estimate at 860.465.6760 599 Norwich Ave, Taftville, CT a student needs to be placed out-of-district due to special needs; something that can cost a district tens of thousands of dollars for a single student. In Killingly alone, Town Manager Bruce Benway spoke of the Town Council and Board of Education’s agreement that supplemental appropriations be made mid-year, covering the cost of Special Education students that move into the district half way through the school year — but don’t bring with them the money already budgeted by the previous district for a specialized program. The Killingly Town Council faced a $500,000 supplemental appropriation due to fluctuating special education costs earlier this month, and another of $900,000 two years ago. According to Benway, the council understands the costs are federally mandated and noted that the Board of Education modifies the existing budget to return what it can at the end of the year, however the standard program suffers when the district suddenly needs to come up with hundreds of thousands of dollars over the initial budget. NECCOG members urged the legislators to investigate whether Hartford can adopt a resolution to go to Congress and argue that the “federal government needs to take care of business.” Special Education is a “budget buster,” according to Alberts, who highlighted that costs related to a single pupil can be “astronomical,” calling it a long-term challenge that the state has to address. Year after year, boards of education are tasked with creating budgets under the looming shadow of a budget line item that cannot be pinned down until midway through the school year, as municipal leaders are left to ponder whether special education is an “untouchable issue.” Rovero said he is hopeful the current administration will, at the very least, take up discussion of special education mandates, costs and the impact to municipal budgets. He speculated at the meeting that Malloy, who has publicly discussed his own experience with difficulties associated with special needs, is more likely to tackle the issue than previous state leaders. The Connecticut General Assembly convened for a short session Feb. 8 and will run through the first week in May. Kerensa Konesni may be reached at 860-928- 1818, ext. 110, or by e-mail at kerensa@villagernewspapers.com. “Double Shot” Winter Special! Does Winter have you feeling the blues? Come in to Java Jive Café and buy any Espresso drink and we’ll make it a “double shot” for the price of a single! Located in front of the Fairgrounds 283 Scenic Rt. 169 ~ S. Woodstock, CT 06267 Bon Appétit! DINING IN THE QUIET CORNER AN ECONOMIC STIMULUS... Coffee Hour at the Jive! Everyday between 2pm - 3pm Get a 12 oz Coffee for only $1.00 +tax We are Open: Mon - Fri: 6am to 3pm; Sat 7am to 3pm •Sun 8am to 3pm 860-963-1241 f WE-LI-KIT PREMIUM ICE CREAM Deli on the avenue 244 WOODSTOCK AVE., PUTNAM, CT 06260 860-963-7012 Winter Hours: Mon-Fri 8-6 • 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 Boar’s Head American Cheese $5.99 lb. Boar’s Head Black Forest Ham $9.49 lb. Expires 2/29/12 S HERWOOD’ RESTAURANT & BAR S ON WOODSTOCK/PUTNAM LINE Little River Plaza • 35 Rt 171, SouthWoodstock, CT 06267 Tel: 860-963-2080 or 860-963-1230 (fax) Baby Back Ribs & Steaks • Fresh Seafood • Angus Burgers NOW OPEN 7 DAYS at 12:00 Noon $5 OFF On 2 or more Dinner Entrees! Not to be combined with any other offer. Limit one per table. Villager Exp. 3/2/12 Sundays - 12 oz. Prime Rib • All Day Every Saturday at 8:00 Karaoke by Wolf Entertainment Only $ 13.00 Tuesdays from 7-9 pm TRIVIA NIGHT Thursday Night is Oldies Night ★ LIVE DJ ★ Live country music with Lindsey Moore Friday @ 9PM Lounge Menu Available Sun-Thurs until 12 midnite • Fri & Sat until 1am SUN-THURS Economic Activity Determines Closing Time - Saturday LIVE Entertainment - Friday - Karaoke 9:30-? ★★ Lucky 7 Selections $ 7.77 ★★ • Pork Parmesan w/pasta choice • Roasted Marinated Chicken w/pot & veg • Salisbury Steak w/pot & veg • Baked Fish w/pot & veg 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 To silence the grinding noise of the rumor mill I tell all: The Gold Eagle has no intention of closing down operations. We will be here for your party and function needs well into the future. Our bartenders and staff look forward to serving your dining needs. The Management & Staff – Peter J. Malcoon Team Trivia with DJ Big Daddy Entertainment comes to The Gold Eagle Thursdays, starting at 7:30 pm Cash prizes, give-aways! ★★ Lucky 7 Selections $ 7.77 ★★ • Pasta Choice w/meatballs or grilled sausage • Shepherd's Pie w/garlic bread or 1 side • Primavera Garlic Saute w/pasta choice Available Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm Above dinners include entrée choice, starch choice (baked, rice, or mashed) & vegetable of the day or cole slaw. Pasta dishes come as they are no pot/veg is included. Coffee, teas or soda are included in package unlimited refills ad $1.00. Take out service charge on above specials.
PUTNAM VILLAGER Sometimes we just need some good news “Hope is not wishful thinking.” - Frances Moore Lappé Last week I went to an author event at a local bookstore in the Boston area. Frances Moore Lappé read from her new book entitled “EcoMind: Changing the Way We Think, To Create the World We Want.” You may recognize the name; Lappé is the famed author of “Diet for a Small Planet.” In the introduction of her new book, Lappé asks these questions: “Are we environmentalists actually defeating our own ends? Just when the magnitude of our environmental crisis is becoming clearer by the day, are we pushing people to despair” (xii)? During her talk, I was happy to hear Lappé’s continued emphasis on the fact that we need to pay attention to the good environmental stories. We cannot do our best protecting the planet if we are continually focusing on sad and depressing ecological news items. Many of these gloomy accounts can make us feel overwhelmed and helpless, creating a sense that no matter what we do, nothing will make a difference. Luckily, Lappé mentioned several inspiring “green” movements. There are two that really stick out in my mind. The first was a cheering for the life’s work of Wangari Maathai and the other, praise for the Chicago-based “Growing Home” project. We lost environmental activist Wangari Maathai in September 2011. Maathai, winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize, received the honor because of her tireless effort to encourage peace, democracy, and sustainable development. According to a short biography, Maathai was the first woman from Africa and the first environmentalist ever to receive this award. She had many causes throughout her lifetime, and was given numerous honors for her work, but one of her most well-known activism programs was the Green Belt THE EVERYDAY ECOLOGIST LIZ ELLSWORTH Movement (GBM). This movement was instituted 35 years ago in 1977. Maathai noticed that villagers, especially women, living outside of the cities in Kenya were experiencing terrible environmental conditions, which were negatively impacting their health and that of their villages. Maathai’s solution was to teach people in these rural areas how to plant trees. “The trees would provide wood for cooking, fodder for livestock, and material for fencing; they would protect watersheds and stabilize the soil, improving agriculture” http://greenbeltmovement.org/w.php?id=134). Since the program’s inception, some 47 million trees have been planted creating a sustainable landscape. Not only have these trees given a “new life” to these areas of Kenya, but this project eventually became a platform for working towards solutions in other arenas (social, political, economic). Also, this successful story has led to empowering other groups around the world. Even though Maathai is no longer with us, her work continues on, and her environmentalism continues to inspire. As she said, “You cannot protect the environment unless you empower people, you inform them, and you help them understand that these resources are their own, that they must protect them’” (http://greenbeltmovement .org/w.php?id=134). The Growing Home project harnesses the power of protecting the planet as a way to educate for good. Their mission is “to operate, promote, and demonstrate the use of organic agriculture as a vehicle for job training, employment, and community development” (http://growinghomeinc.org/learn-more/about-us/). Someone who may find it a challenge to secure a job due to barriers such as, homelessness or time spent in jail, can utilize this program for transitional employment. Participants go through a 14 week session where they learn how to plant, weed, harvest, build gardening infrastructure (plant boxes, tools), etc. Also, the group takes classes on topics such as healthy eating, food systems, soil ecology, horticulture, and environmentalism. In addition, there are courses on how to apply for jobs, like résumé building and letter writing (http://growinghomeinc.org/wp-content/uploads/ 2011/10/GH_one_pager11.pdf). The program offers opportunities for group members to work at agricultural events throughout the city. In some parts of Chicago, Growing Home’s employees hold a farmers’ market each week. In one area of the city, this is particularly important since there are few grocery stores or places for residents to get fresh fruit and vegetables. Last year the group tried a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program for the first time. “In 2010, Growing Home’s Wood Street Urban Farm grew and sold over 11,000 pounds of local, USDA Certified Organic produce, with over $45,000 in earned income” (http://growinghomeinc.org/learn-more/about-us/). What a great way to encourage healthy eating, farming, environmental initiatives, and positive community development. I hope to hear more great things out of this project! I feel a bit lighter and more hopeful about our environment’s future after hearing about these two ecological movements. I hope you do, too! As Lappé says — “Keep those good stories coming!” Liz Ellsworth grew up in Eastford, and holds a master’s degree in Environmental Education from Antioch University New England and a B.A. in English from Bates College. She specializes in conservation and recycling initiatives. Friday, February 24, 2012 WHAT IS IT? CONTEST ENTRY FORM February 24, 2012 Deadline: March 1, 2012 My guess is:___________________________________ Last Week’s answer: The top of the Putnam Spirits building, Kennedy Drive, Putnam. Who wants $25 cash in their pocket? Anyone? The Villager has it to give. Enter ‘What is It?’ now for your chance to win! Name________________________________________ Address______________________________________ State_______Zip_______ Telephone#_____________ Please mail your entry form to the Villager Newspapers, PO Box 196, Woodstock, CT 06281, attn: Editor, or drop off to the office at Faire Place at 283 Route 169/171 in Woodstock, in front of the Woodstock Fairgrounds. You may also fax your entry to (860) 928-5946. All photos are of sights seen in and around Brooklyn, Killingly, Putnam, Thompson, Woodstock, Pomfret and Eastford. Responses must identify the subject and where it can be seen. Answers will be given the following week in the Putnam Villager, Thompson Villager and Woodstock Villager. At the end of each month, all entry forms with the correct answer will be included in a random drawing. One lucky winner will receive $25! One entry per person, please. Good luck! • A5 NEWS BRIEF HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Robert and Linda Beaudry (LaPoint) will be married 50 years on March 3, 2012. Both are originally from New England, met in college and were married in North Grafton, Mass. Robert is a retired civil engineer from the Federal Highway Administration of 35 years and Linda owns a travel agency, Creative Travel and Promotion in Brookings, Ore. (Robert from Putnam). They have two daughters, Sharon Beaudry who lives in New Hampshire and Susan Beaudry who lives in New York. One grandson, Jonathan Beaudry who lives in New Hampshire, will graduate high school this June. Bob and Linda have lived in several states across the United States and have traveled around the world. They lived 14 years in Naples, Fla. Three years ago they found Brookings and moved there and built a new house on Harbor Vista Drive. They are very happy to have found Brookings to live and enjoy waking up everyday to panorama views of the ocean from their new home. New London Cancer Center welcomes Dr. Jeffrey Gordon, M.D. previously at Day Kimball Hospital and UMass Medical Center to our practice of Hematology & Oncology. Delivering Compassionate Comprehensive Cancer Care Bone Density & Osteoporosis Center Breast Health Center Coumadin Management and Bleeding & Clotting Disorders If you wish to continue your care with Dr Gordon please call 860-443-4455 to make appointment. 196 Parkway South,Suite 303 Crossroads Professional Building Waterford, CT 06385 www.NewLondonCancerCenter.com Courtesy photo
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