Cornwall Chronicle 2002 by Ed Ferman

CORI{WALL CHRONICLE 12 VOLUME 11 : NUMBER

Interpreting Those Assessments During the first half of December, Cornwall property owners received mailed notices from the Assessor's Office of their first new assessments in ten years. The letters list both the old assessment and the new one. For many people, the new figures involved modest increases of 10 percent or so. A few lucky dogs got reductions of as much as 8 percent but others stared at jumps as high as 50 or even 100 percent.

The letters offered owners an opportunity to call the Assessor (672-2703) to schedule appointments to discuss their new assessment with Lauren Elliott. She is the consulting appraiser hired by the Board of Selectmen to value every property in town. Elliott

IANUARY 2002

completed in time for her to certify a new Grand List by ]anuary 31, but because the

cent of what each property would sell for on the open

notice letters were late in going out, this certification may not occur until some time in February. The new assessments are based on the consulting appraiser's estimate of the market value of each Comwall property as of October 1, 2001. In large part, these estimates are referenced to actual Comwall sales that took place in recent years. As noted in a previous Chronicle article, residential property assessments are made up of four numbers: most likely to change

market. As the Chronicle went to

from ten years ago is the basic zoning lot value, which for 2001 will normally vary from $38,500 for lots in one-acre zones to $42,700 for lots in three-acre zones to V5,900 for those in five-acre zones. "Excess" acreage

over the zoning requirement will continue to be assessed at $2,100 an acre. Houses and

said that detailed breakdowns of the new assessment totals for each property would be available at these meetings, or upon request to the Assessor's Office. After such a meet-

outbuildings will be valued individually,

primarily on size and condition. A factor that may cause your new assessment to

based

ing, or even without one, anyone who disagrees with their new assessment will also be able to file a written notice (for information, call the Town Clerk, 672-2709) and be heard by the three-member Board of Assessment Appeals. This board has the authority to ad-

be different from your old one is thatbasic lot values will also reflect more or less desirable

locations-from the standpoint of the market. There's no change in the policy on views: if you have a good one, your lot's assessment goes up. Overall, the assessor's target (set by state law) is to arrive at a figure that is 70 per-

just assessments it considers incorrect. Assessor Barbara Johnson hopes that the hearings and the appeals process will be

press, consulting appraiser

NewYrnn's

Drv lZ

-Daaid

Our Generous Firefighters Readers may remember that on July 31 last, a truck carrying 46,000 pounds of asphalt lost its brakes coming down Route 128 into West

Comwall and careened into the Housatonic, dangerously close to the Covered Bridge. The operation to pull the truck out of the river was handled by our volunteer fire department, augmented by members of the Falls Village and Sharon deparhnents. And because the operation involved a hazardous spill, the CVFD was permitted to bill the truck's owners for its work. Last month a check arrived from the company's insurer, and after passing on $5,000 to firefighters in (continued on page 2)

Pancake

Breaklast I

9r.u.-1

p.u.

3 CCS Reopens

lnland Wetlands 7:30 p.u. Town Hall

Meditation lor Mothers Every Thursday 1:1F 2:15 e.u.

Rotary Meeting: CT Wildlife 8:15 r.r,r. Cornwall lnn (p.4)

UCC Day Room

UCC Parish House

R "

Elue Mt.

Satung

Every Tuesday 6:30-8 r.u,

I Blood Pressure Screening g-+ p.u. UCC Day Room

I | ll

P&Z Special Hearins 7:30 e.rr,r. Town

Hall

teb. chrcnicteiop\t Deadline:

7:30

Town Hall (p.4)

I I

Film: We're Not Dressino 7:30 p.n. Town Hall (p.4i

Mrnlru LurHrR Krrue, Jn. Dnv CCS Closed

Region One Bd. oJ Ed. 7 p.r,r. HVRHS

l" 28

29 d

ZBA 7:30

p.r,.r.

Town Hall.

I Play G,oup 1 o-1 1:30 r.n St. Peter's church

I I |

'tn ol Education t' 5gd. r.". CCS Library AAA

Cornwall fusociation

Iff

Green Rarty

7:30 c.nr. Town Hall

Town Hall {0.4)

Bd. ot Selectmen

9r.u.TownHall

Bd. oJ Finance 7:30 e.u. CCS Library VFW Post 9856 8 p.u. W. C. Firehouse

123

CCS Closed: Teacher

Workshop

t16

p.wr.

Carol Luoar

r.u. Cornwall lnn (p.4)

6:30

I Play Group 10-1 1 :30 r.u. st. Peters church Republican Town Caucus

RotaryMeeting:

I s,lo ^.u. UCC Day Room I| Familyp.u.Potluck & Concert

Housatonic River Comm. 7:30 p.r,r. CCS Library

r!'tr

| ^-Mohawk's

Democratic Town Caucus 7:30 e.ar. Town Hall (p.4)

| 8:1 5

UCC t)ay Room

gl't4

assessments

would be about 15 percent for the Grand List as a whole. Until the exact total taxable amount of the new Grand List is known, it won't be possible to calculate what impact it will have on Comwall's nominal mill rate. But if your new assessment is more than fifteen percent higher than your old one, chances are good you'll be paying more taxes next year. A. Grossman

ANUARY 2OO2

ElliottE;timated

that the overall increase in

Beach Comm. 7:30 c.r,r. Town Hall (p.4)

126 I

II I

Rotary Meeting: Arthritis 8:15 e.u. Cornwall lnn ro.ol Prose Reading 4 P.M.

Library (p.4)

30 Play Group 1G-1 1 :30 r.r"r. St. Peter's Church

Colnwall Vol. Fire Dept. 8 p.u. W. C. Firehouse

* Check with Zoning Office-672-4957

For additions and updating, visit www.cornwallct.0rg

CORNWALL CHRONICLE (continued f'rom page 1)

the neighboring towns, members of the de-

partment voted unanimously to contribute their share of over $8,000 to the Gary Hepprich Memorial Fund. The fund provides scholarship money to active firemen under 21 and to the children and dependents of all active members. A generous act by a group who already give generously to Corn-

wall. According to CVFD President Steve Hedden, the fund has accumulated over $150,000, but he says he won't rest until it reaches a

million and

half. Clearly we need

ing and has an agent's encouraging evaluation of its worth in today's market. Gordon opened the floor to comments and questions, which were both numerous and thoughtful. The rancor sometimes noted over sensitive educational and monetary issues was notably absent. The time line in moving forward from here

calls for both committees to complete their studies by early February, cost figures by Casle on both plans by mid-February a town hearing to debate the most "winnable" course to take in early Marctr, and a preference refer-

-Scotsille

Clarifying School Options dum canceling the former Building

Wandering Moose

CCS, about 80

reports from the two study groups, the Existing Site and New Site Committees. Jim Terrall, speaking for the first committee, said that by ]anuary 3 he would have Casle's cost re-analysis of the former Building Committee's expansion plans. (Casle is the project management firm hired by the town as an impartial consultant.) He did not express much hope that these figures would be significantly different from the original estimates, but was more hopeful that the next phasereconfiguring existing school space as Proposed by unpaid consultants Suki Hatchet a

CCS teacher, and Cornwall architect Alec Frost-would yield some savings. He also proposed that Casle might suggest some minimal modifications of the present plans that would pare down costs further. Another plus from Casle's work, he expects, will be an itemized cost breakdown that will clarify how the

Recent moose sightings in and around Corn-

wall gave me an excuse to call Howard Kilpahick, a Deparhnent of Environmental Protection (DEP) biologist who is responsible for the deer, turkey, and moose programs in Connecticut. He confirmed that for the past five years, with the gradual return of farmland to forest, moose have been moving south from Massachusetts and are establishing residency in the Northwest Comer. This largest member of the deer family is a sight to behold-an ungainly creature with a hump, a large overhanging snout, and a pendant "bell" on his throat. Moreover, the

bull moose, with its massive antlers, is huge, standing seven to nine feet tall at the shoulder and weighing more than 1,000 pounds. Yet, for most of the yea4, the moose is primarily a solitary, docile creature that prefers standing almost up to its neck in swamps, bogs, and lakes eating highly nuhitious lily bulbs and other favorite water plants. In winter months when the waters freeze over,

it remains nearby browsing on moss, twigs,

total cost estimate has been come by.

and saplings. A moose tends to use the same route over and over as it moves between feeding and resting areas. If one day you come uPon a hail in the woods that has been gouged out

Speaking for the New Site committee, Nancy Calhoun reported on a massive amount of work-numerous meetings, interviews, and visitations to recently built

bending over, you may have found a moose trail. If you see a moose nearby, move out of

schools as well as obtaining an anonymous

grant to her committee to complete its work. Having found an available piece of land next to town-owned Foote Field, the in$20,000

tention of her committee is to use the grant to hire Rhinebeck Architecture and Planning, experienced in school building projects, to draw up a conceptual design of a new school on the Foote site. The subsequent cost extimates, she said, will have more credibility than a simple cost-per-square-foot figure would have. She said she is working on the potential selling of the current school build-

are not uncommon. Collisions involving moose and cars often result in severe damage and injury. Their dark brown coats and long grey legs make it difficult to spot them at night. AIso, they are not skittish like deer. Although the population is too small to warrant a hunting season, Kilpatrick, the DEP biologist, feels that someday he may be

obliged to initiate what he calls "moose population management strategies" in the Northwest

Comer.

--{arla

Bigelout

Welcome Mitchell Peter to Anne and Skip Kosciusko Kaylee Eliza to Cassandra Shaw and Kenneth Shufelt, Jr.

Congratulations

ln the wake of the "second thought" referen-

motion passed without opposition and the Town Meeting was adjourned to preliminary

2oo2

endurn issuing from this hearing in midMarch. The appointment of a new building

committee awaits a fufure date. [r the meantime the Boards of Education, Finance, and Selectmen expect to be heavily involved with D. SouI6 developments.

Committee's plans for school expansion at Cornwall citizens met on December 19 to continue the search for an answer to school space needs. First Selectman Gordon Ridgway opened the Town Meeting with a motion to use $52,000 of the still existing school bond money to help defray costs iniurred prior to the voters' reversal. This

IANUARY

from repeated use and you can navigate through the overhanging brush without its way. Moose don't gallop or jump but havel (up to 35 mph) with a shuffling gait. They also are excellent swimmers.

Most males stay apart from females except in the fall rutting season. At that time of year, a bull moose on the lookout for a mate can be very aggressive. Fawns, usually one to a cow are bom in early summer and stay with their mothers for two to three years before wandering off to find mates for themselves.

Throughout New England, road signs waming you of the presence of moose nearby

Judith Anne Senzer to Steven Madden Clyde P. Weed to Amy V. Cherhoniak

Land Transfers G. Halsted Lovig and Deborah Nardi to Ruth Tumer Estate LLC, house and 59.8 acres at 72 Flat Rocks Road for $750,000.

William and Joan J. Lorusso and Donald and Dolores Lorusso to West Hogback LLC, 103 acres on Crooked Esses Road for $387,s00.

Laurie Gonthier to Hill Stream LLC,76 acres on Cook Road for $335,000. David L Margolis to Jacqueline Dedell and Ira Shapiro, house and 8.68 acres at 26 Cobble Hill Road for $1,985,000.

David I. Margolis to Building Exchange Company, 4 parcels of land totaling 146.9 acres for $3,000,000.

Frederick P. and Fay A. O'Brien to Gina Maolucci and Gregory Galloway, house and Iand at 28 Bunker Hill Road for $200,000. Deborah Benson Covington to fohn W. and Karen O'Neil, house and 30 aqes at 62 River Road for $200,000.

Hammering Away In case you hadn't noticed, Comwall Village is awash in construction this year, with hammers going in five buildings, some new some being extensively renovated or rebuilt. At the United Church of Christ, the new addition on the back is all closed in and weather tight. Construction has stopped for the moment, though, partly because of cash flow, partly because of the need to break through to the church and the Day Room, which will happen next summer when the

congregation moves to North Cornwall. Enough has been pledged to finish the church proper, but expansion of the big room

in the Parish House is on hold until another $200,000 is raised.

If all goes well, the librarians will be ensconced behind a cherry circulation desk by spring in the new iibrary. If you've peeked in,

IANUARY

CORNWALL CHRONICLE

2OO2

seen how beautiful the exposed post and beam construction looks. Down on Jewell Street, the house that Ed

you'll have

Letters to the Chronicle

Whitcomb's f ather built-himself-before World War One is being completely renovated for Daniel Algrant and Elise Pettus,

and they plan to move in by late spring. A few doors up, three buildings were removed from the Marvelwood site, Ieaving

the old Calhoun mansion and the former dining hall. Frank Calhoun's father died in 1.947, and the property was taken over by Marvelwood School from the '50s until the early'90s. The dining hall, which originally housed horses, a bowling alley, and a basketball court, is not on the market, nor is the Calhoun mansion, which is now being renovated as a private residence. The Calhoun bam, built in 1890 and long a place where you went for milk in glass bottles with cream on top, now has a large house inside it instead of hay and cows. It's become something of a tourist attraction. Well over a

hundred people-from Phoenix, Albuquerque, West Virginia, England, Florence, New Delhi, and North Ireland, not to mention the Northwest Comer-have signed the "guest book," a yellow pad, with comments like "This barn ROCKS!," "Fabulous!," and

"\{hen is the opening party?|" A neighboring Calhoun wrote, "Wonderful views and craftsmanship," but the one I iiked best was, "Polly and Frank would be very pleased." The new owners, John and Constance Old, are also Nauts very pleased.

-Phyllis

More Trees Coming Down As you drive along Great Hollow and Great Hill Roads from Route 4 you will see that there are many trees marked with a pink ribbon for cutting and you may wonder why. Closer to Clark Road you will see the tree company at work cutting and trimming. lt is to make room for new utility poles which will be 40 to 45 feet high with eight-foot crossarms on top to carry and separate the three

BRUCKNER 3,BEARO There we were, L4 strong, just

finishing

fineThanksgiaing dinner at the Goodfricnds' house on Great HiIl, when excited shouts went up from guests who had nner seen a Cornwall blackbear before. Thue one was, anjoying a repast at a bird feeder iust outside the winilow. Doors and windows were opaned for a better uiew and to take photos, uthen our host started up a Brucknu symphony on the hi-fi. The bur skedaddled,fast-just like two other bears wha had oisited prniously. When I asked our host whether he had eoer tried other composers, he said, "Why should I? Bruckner always works."

-StEhen

Senzer

THEWALLAT CCS We are the current eighth grade students of CCS. We have strong feelings that our school's present gym is inadequate. To proae our point, we haoe conducted a study to determine the aaerage stopping distance of an eighth grader running at full speed, and present our information below. In Scimce our class did seaed experiments OFF

find our data.

INe

found that after running 25

meters outsile at fuII speed, our aoerage was 5.5 meters per second and the aaerage stopping distance was 2.2 meters. No eighth grader czn run this fast in the gym because there is only .76 meters at the ends of the gym playing area to stop @ore crashing into the wall. This causes an aaerage of four students per ilay, or a total of 720 studants per yur, to end up in the nurse's office. The eighth grade hopes that thk data will be used to support the struggle to build a neltr Wm. Eoen though we won't benefit, ute think it is

only fair that students of the future at CCS receiae decent and safe physical education in afuII sized gym where they can display their true talents. We must not stay in the past. We haoe to moae forwaril. But how can we mooe forward when we haae no room to do so?

Editors' note: For

*r rrX:rfrVT::n:;:

minded ruderc,25 meters equals 82 feet, 5.5 meters per second equals L8 feet per second,2.2 meters equals 7.25 feet, and .76 meterc equals 2.5 feet.

TALENT SHOW2OOl. The fourth annual Cornwall Talent Show u.tas a

great success, and we owe

it to the won-

derful partnership of gennous ticket buyers and

puformus. Specinl thnnks to the Benefactors and Patrons who helped underwrite the show. Audiences are always surprised by the diaersity of talent in Cornwall, and the willingness of people to gioe generously of their time and creatiae aeroe to make us laugh, sing, relax, and forget about our troubles for a couple of hours. This year 32 aolunteered, and mabled us to raise $6,535 toward the annual operating expenses of the Library, up from $5,300 last year. Thnnks also go to Scott Cady, who hosted the mening; to Richard Griggs, toho took care of Iighting and audioaisuals; to Amy WorthingtonCady, raho handled adaance sales; to Pat and Gerry Blakey, who took care of innumerable details; and to the whole board of the Friends of the Library. AIem Vent urini, P resident, Friends of the Cornwall Library

additional wires required for three-phase electric power. C&D Farms, which bought the Clark farm, is building a large

has a policy that requires the customer (C&D

Farms) to pay in advance the difference be-

power required to operate the

tween the cost of installing the upgraded electrical service, including costs for tree trimming, and one and one-half times the

barn with all its equipment,

anticipated annual power bills.

stable there for about

50 Frisian horses. The amount of

-Ielia

heating, air conditioning, and

future needs requires this

Counting Our Birds

larger and more cost-effective three-phase supply. The new utility poles, and the tree work required, affect all the residents alongGreat Hollow and Great Hill Roads. As of this writing residents have not been notified about the new poles. Not all residents

wish to give permission for the removal of their trees and brush which, in many cases/ shield them from the road and adjoining properties. Some residents have no problem with the tree removal, and the town itself requires some of the trees to be cut down. \ trho will pay for this? Northeast Utilities

Senzer

The annual Christmas Bird Count took place on Sunday, December 16. It was a beautiful day and six of us went out to count in West

Cornwall, which is part of the Housatonic Audubon Society area. We tumed up only 25 species of birds but were very pleased with two great blue herons, two kingfishers, and three red-bellied woodpeckers, in addition to the usual chickadees, crows, Canada geese, etc.

This year I have reports from Anne Treimann in East Cornwall, for the rest of Cornwall, which is part of the Litchfield Hills

Audubon chapter's area. Forty-three species were found in Cornwall Bridge including two bald eagles, two saw-whet owls, 21 pine siskins, fox sparrows, and a catbird. In East Cornwall there were bufflehead ducks on Hart pond, a mocking bird, and goldencrowned kinglets. We all had bluebirds, cedar waxwings, and quite a few red-tailed

lelia Senzer A Second Cornwall Fund

hawks.

The Cornwall Association is establishing a new fund dedicated to "enhancing the quality of life in Comwall." It will award grants to non-govemmental projects in fields such as education, health, the arts, social services, the environment, and recreation. All decisions concerning the fund and the grants it makes will be made by an independent board of directors made up of Comwall residents and property owners. The board is (continued on page 4)

CORNWALL CHRONICLE (continuedfrompage 3)

A Republican Caucus will be held at

now being established. This new Cornwall fund joins the already established Town of Cornwall Endowment Fund (see May and |une Chronicles) which so far has received two contributions totaling $25,000. lncome from this fund's assets can

p.M.

JANUARY 2002 7:30

on Tuesday, January 15, at the Town

Hall for the purpose of electing a new lbwn

Committee. Please call Vera Dinneen at 6726740 if you are interested member.

in becoming

be used by the Board of Selectmen for projects within the town. According to First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, a subsidiary fund for the benefit of the Cornwall Consolidated School may be established early this

Movie Nighh On Wednesday,January 16, at 7:30 r,.r'r. at the Town Hall, We're Not Dressing will be shown. Bing Crosby is a singing deckhand on a yacht owned by the rich and

year.

Both funds will operate under the aegis of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, and both funds will soon be publicizing their efforts as they seek contributions and bequests.

-Stephen

famous Doris Worthington, played by Carole

Lombard. The movie is based on J. M.

Senzer

Barrie's play The Admirable Crichton and has several classic Crosby songs. Also in the cast are George Burns and Gracie Allen, Ethel Merman, and Leon Errol. (1934) Hammond Beach Commission will meet on Thursday, fanuary 24, at7:30 p.r"l. at the Town Hall. Open to everyone interested in the welfare and operation of Hammond Beach.

K\<ISSS-> Events & Announcements Farmers' Market Regulations will be the

Books Wanted from Comwall authors or illustrators, to be sold at the Comwall Child Center's benefit auction April 28. If you are an author or illustrator and have extra copies in your stash, please call Ann Schillinger (672-6862) or Franny Taliaferro (672-0302).

subject of a special hearing scheduled by P&Zfor7:30p.v. at the Town Hall onJanuary 14. The Association of Businesses in Comwall hopes to sponsor a Farmers'Market on weekends during the warmer months.

Art in Cornwall: The exhibit of Richard Griggs' dancing sculptures will continue at the Cornwall Library through January 19. From January 22 through Washington's Birthday, February 22, the Library will feature presidential porhaits by Comwall Consolidated School eighth grade students. At the National Iron Bank, Michael Moschen's

Winter Concert Series: Chris and Meredith Thompson, acoustic musicians, will perform on Saturday, ]anuary t2, at the Town Hall. Nominated "Best Acoustic Act" by the Providence Phoenix, they sing and play guitar, flute, and percussion. Potluck supper at 6:30 r.v., music from 7:30 to 9:30 n.u. A free family event for all ages, sponsored by Park and

Rotary Meeting Speakers for January: Saturdays at 8:15 a.r',r., at the Comwall Inn on Route 7, and open to the public. Continental breakfast $6. ]anuary 5, Peter Piccone, Connecticut State Wildlife Biologist; lanwary 12, Carol Lugar, Mohawk Mountain Ski Center; January L9, Adrian Lyon, Director, University of Connecticut, Torrington; and January 26, john L. Irwin, M.D., on arthritis. Advance Flash: Start composing now for the next Poetry Slam! It's on March 9 at the Town

Hall. Call Phyllis Nauts, 672-6608, if you'd Iike to read your poems. 2002 Cornwall Community Calendars are in, free, and can be picked up at Baird's, the Berkshire Counhy Store, and the Wandering Moose. Proceeds from the sale of advertising

on the calendar support the Cornwall Republican Town Committee's Washington lntern Program for high school juniors and seniors.

UCC Christmas Fair: The overly warm weather didn't make for much of a Christmas spirit the day of the fair, but despite a somewhat lackluster tumout, the fair netted around $2,800, the same as last year.

show of studies for new pieces will continue through |anuary.

Rec.

Prose Reading: Robert Terrall and Ella Clark

Democratic Town Committee will hold

will read from their own works on |anuary

caucus at 7:30 p.rrr. on january 8 at the Town Hall to elect members of the Town Committee. All registered Democrats are invited to attend and to vote. Democrats interested in

26, at 4v.u. in the Town Hall. Robert has written many books, comic pieces, and myster-

in the Cornwall Talent Show, among other venues. Ella was most

ies, and has appeared

serving on the committee should call

recently seen in the Talent Show. as the Grandmother and Hunter in a Japanese

Stephen Senzer at 672-0500.

CORNWALL CHRONICTE

Little Red Riding Hood. She will read about life and death in Cornwall. Sponsored by Friends of the Cornwall Library. Wine, juice,

ILLUSTRATIONS /4re Duber JANUARY EDITORS Celia and Stephm

cookies.

EIla

Happy 2002

Senzu

Clark

CALENDAR EDITOR Anne Baren

wish all our readers a happy and peaceful New Year and remind you to keep your resolutions achievable: e.9., "l will generWe

DIRECTORS Ton B@ans PRESIDENT Spencer KhToI,IICEPRESIDENT . Barbala Kla@ PUBLISHER Edward FznanSECRETAR\ o AutuE Femn TREASURER Hmdon Chubb . Cheryl Ewns Clarles Osbome . Roberl Potter . Susn Williafiffi

ously support local organizations, especially rhe Chronicle." I

YeS Hre

, I want the Chronicle to continue. is my tax-deductible contribution of: $

Address

Clty/St/zip

Please mail the Chronicle lo the ort-of+own address abovei a $10 contribution will be appreciated.

PhyllisNauts

FEBRUARY EDITORS Ginny and Bob Potter

I I I

CORNWALL CHRONICLE, INC. 280 CREAM HILL ROAD, WEST CORNWALL,CT 06796

E-MAIL: spenbarb@discovemet.net

FAX| (8501 672-6327

I I I I I I

CORNWALL RESIDENT

CORNWALL CHRONICLE VOLUME 12: NUMBER

';! . i\-

FEBRUARY

2OO2

The New Site Study Group admittedly

Grow or Go? The trtro school study commit-

continue to refine their separate approaches to solving the CCS space problems-the first being to grow the CCS building where it now stands, and the second to go and rebuild in the Foote Field area. The primary object of both groups, however, is still to provide Cornwall citizenry with the information it will need to vote its preference intelligently in a March referendum. The Existing Site Study Group has developed a simplified expansion plan based on pruning the former Building Committee's work. This plan, basically, would reduce the perimeter of the addition and consequently the total cost of the project. Eliminated in this revision would be the rotunda and the community or multi-purpose room. Also, the tees

cializing in school build-

cramped real estate as a major problem now and in the future.

On January 10, in open meeting, ]im Terrall and Alec Frost of the Existing Site Study Group reviewed Alec's simplified version of the original plan with David Sessions, president of Casle Corporation, hired by the town to make impartial cost estimates. On January 12 Nancy Calhoun, chair of the New Site Study Group, attended a ComwallAssociation meeting to give a status report on the

formidable amount of work done by her group and a summary of the information gathered to date. And that same aftemoon she showed the CCS building to a prospective buyer, a producer of TV commercials. Earlier in the day, a member of the Cornwall Association had attested to the basic salability of the present school property, having re-

ceived several unsolicited calls from non-

that Cornwall taxpayers turned down the former plan primarily because of its cost and the size of the property tax increase expected

profit entities looking for Cornwall space. Comparative costs based on Casle's esti-

to result.

major one being the selling of the present building. This group's read on the town's rejection of the original plan is that voters felt that we would not get good value for the $4.7

from the former plan. The educational space, per se, would remain intact. Parking, in this plan, would be expanded on the firehouse side of the school property by leveling the knoll that obstructs the view of cars turning on to Cream Hill Road from Route 128 and re-grading the area. The Existing Site Study Group is operating under the assumption

will

aired in February. Louis

million that that plan was estimated to cost. This group sees the present site with its

kitchen would be cut back slightly in size

mates for both plans

must clear several hurdles to reach its goal of a new school building on a different site, the

Turpin, an architect spe-

ings and retained by Nanry's group to do a conceptual design of a new building, has assured her committee that if the numbers he and Casle come up with show that thenew-school solution is impractical he will say so. Members of the New Site Study Group are in full agreement with this position, but are confident that when all the numbers are taken into consideration their bottom line will suit the town's capabilities and possible future needs. D. SoulE

-Scoaille

Rabies Rundown That pesky rabies virus, mostly occurring in raccoons and skunks, is still around. Rabies normally runs a cycle that enters a specific geographic area and runs its course before

moving on to another. It's Mother Nafure's way of cleaning out her closets. After the last cleaning, however, the virus haveled north and rather than continuing on to somebody else's house, made a U-tum and refurned to Connecticut for another round. Between 1991 and 2000 the state logged over 3,505 rabid raccoons, 764 skunks, 156 bats,79 cats, 43 foxes, 38 woodchucks, 11 cattle, T horses, 7 dogs,3 sheep, 1 otter, 1 (continued on page 2)

FEBRUARY 2OO2 DAY

112

c:_

---'

Preschool-K Story 10

r.u.

Hour

Library

Rotary Meeting: IElla Clark, Chore

Service

8:15 n.u. Cornwall lnn (see "BreaKast with Rotary," p.3)

5 4 Park and Rec. 7 p.u. CCS

AAA 'il-I{

Preschool-K Story Hour 10 r.u. Library

Elue Mt. Satsang Every Tuesday

6:3S{ r.v.

t9 I I

UCC Day Room

Bd, of Selectmen 7:30 p.u. Town Hall

Rotary Meeting: lnvasive Plants e:tS o.u. Cornwall lnn

lnland Wetlands 7:30 p.u Town Hall

1't

Elood Pressure Screening

3-4

p.u. UCC Day

Room

P&Z Special Hearinq 7:30 p.u. Town

Hall

I I I

Pnrsroerurs'Dnv

1-2

Lrrucou's Ernrlorv

Play Group 1G-11:30 a.n. St. Peteis Church

"Presidents' Day" Supper Wandering Moose (p.4) Housatonic River Comm. 7:30 p.u. CCS Library

Soup and Video, Noon UCC Day Room

20 1

Soccer Rel. Course 6 p.tir. UCC (p.4) Region One Bd. of Ed. 7 p.u. HVRHS

1:30

pt.y

,orp

25 ZBA 7:30 p.u. Town Hall'

to-

r.u. St. Peter's Church

Soup and Video, Noon UCC Day Room

ilarch

chnnlclecoly

Preschool-K Story Hour 10 r.u. Library Game Ni0ht

Bd. of Finance CCS Library

ZL730c.u.

ttt'8*l'l'*T'fl'n Bd. of Education 5 r.n. CCS Library VFW Post 9856

Film: Diabolique (1955\ P-M

Vnunrne's Drv

Deadline:

7-9

P.M.

W C. Firehouse (p.4)

School Vacation Day Family lce Skating 9:30-10:30 e.r.l. Salisbury School (p.4)

1,4

New Site Study Group 9 r.lr. Town Hall

rrtr

127

B p.u. W. C. Firehouse

10- ii

Play Group 1 1 :30 n.m. St. Peter's Church

wesrrHeroH's Ernrxonv

Preschool-K Story Hour 10 n.u. Library Technicai Film Workshop for Corndance Film Festival (p.4)

I I I

no,.o,uuu,,nn

8:15 r.u. Cornwall lnn Cornwall fusociation S:lO o.u. UCC Day Room

Art Program I| Multimedia 4 p.u. Library (p.4) t23 I Rotary Meetins: I Lyme Disease

e:tS e.u. Cornwall lnn

I I

28 Cornwall Vol. Fire Dept. 7:30 p.m. W C. Firehouse

Soup and Video, Noon UCC Day Room

Green Party

* Check with Zoning

Off

ice--672-4957

For additions and updating, visit www.c0rnwallct.0rg

FEBRUARY

CORNWALL CHRONICLE (continued from page 1)

goat, 1 deer, 1 coyote,

bobcat,

rabbit, and

unlucky human. This amounts to a total of 4,720 animals infected statewide over a ten-year span, with 452 of those cases occurring in Litchfield County. During the year 2000 there wete 273 cases reported statewide, half of those being raccoons. Thirty-six of the total cases occurred in Litchfield County. So if you do find one of nafure's little friends that seems hurt or confused DO NOT TOUCH! A small bite from one of these cute little crealures could cause some physical pain along with the pain of having to pay large amounts of money to your local hospital. (Even though they could use the money these days, I don't recommend this type of donation.) Feel free tb contact Animal Control Officers Rick Stone (672-6313) or Brad Hedden (672-2917) day or night for help with animal

problems.

f-fr

-EIla

Clark

language, 77.8 (58.0); Percent of students meeting all three State Mastery Test goals, Grade four, 26.3 (49.1), Grade six, 33.3 (57.7),Grade eight,33.3 (57.2); o Percent of students passing all four physical fitness tests, three selected grades, 35.2

Every year at this time, the State Department

of Education provides each school district

with a Strateglc School Profile, a statistical

analysis of how the district is doing in comoarison with other cities and towns' The profile ranks individual schools not only against a state average but also 183Tst an Educational Reference Group. An ERG is simply a grouP of districts that share similar

determinants of educational achievement: family income, education of parents,,etc. Obviousiy, Cornwall can be meaningfully compared not to Hartford or Bridgeport but only io towns with similar demographics, such as Salisbury or Litchfield. Some trighlgnts of the CCS Profile follow.

Note that the information is derived from data provided during the 2000-2001 school year. Figures in parenthesis are ERG data for comparative purPoses: . Pircent of kindergartners who attended preschool or nursery school, 36.a $1.9); . Percent of students in special education programs/ 18.3 (11.7); . Percent of classrooms wired for Intemet, 100.0 (6e.6);

Average class size, four selected grades,

16.5 (18.7);

Number of students per teacher, 12'2

(17.1);

Percent of staff retained from previous

year,77.3 (88.0);

i Average number of teacher-absence days, 5.8 (7.\; o Percent of students retained in grade,4.0 (0.7); o Percent of eighth graders taking high school level math,61.1 (30.0); r Percent of eighth graders takhg a foreign

wall appreciated the familiar scenes of a different era and the continuity of names of Pottu neighbors in town."

-Ginny

@0.7);

. Cost per pupil, excluding special education (in Region One budget) as well as land, building, and debt service, $8,496 ($6,605). After a preliminary look at this year's profile, Barbara Gold, incoming Chair of the Board of Education, observed that any statis-

tical comparisons-some higher, some lower-must be interpreted in context: "\Atrhat are the specific goals and values of the

Welcome

edircational community? Of the community at large? What is the size of the sample group?" Barbara also pointed out that events of the school year being profiled can affect the numbers: "For instance, the previous two years at CCS have been ones of transitioru with three principals and a higher than usual staff tumbver-for a variety of reasons. In his second year, after a'shakedown' year, Principal Peter Coope has begun to implement a new educational vision with a staff that brings commitment, imagination, and excellence to the CCS

Myah Eiisabeth to Thomas and Elisabeth Baird

classrooms."

Report Card for CCS

2OO2

-Bob

Potter

Jessica Gottesman Zuckerman to Alice

Gottesman and Larry Zuckerman

Good-bye to Friends Bruce M. Ridgway jonas ]. Soltis

Land Transfers Anita Wolkowitz to Adrian and Margaret Selby, 5.02 acres on Whitcomb $70,000.

Hill Road for

Geoffrey Spicer to Ira and Tricia Shapiro, 5.03 acres on River Road for $105,000.

Cornwall's Book

T.he Housing Corp. to Dudleytown copies Cornwall Triangle LLC,"1 acr6 at Valtey and printed and all sold.in two months)-willbe Dudieytown Roads for fi22:,500. ieprinted and available in late March for missed getting their copv berore our EMTs and what They Do 3f.T#1:. hear the question, "IAtrhat does Sometimes-we The four people who worked on this success-Joe Fieed'man, Alec Frost, Maureen EMS stand for?" Your Emerg_ency Medical Prentice, and Charlie Osbome-express sat- Service, part of the Comwall Volunteer Fire isfaction that their main goals in doing the Department (CVFD),provides several levels book have been accompliJnea. fn the words of emergency medical resPonse and care. A total of 17 Emergency Medical Techniof Michael Gannett, t'o whom the book is Cornwall

in Pictures-highly--praised^(in

New YorkTimes) and a bestseller (1,050

demonstrate that the Historical Soci-

of The Society has a collection of

cians make up the ambulance squad. Most are EMT-Is, with lraining beyond the basic level. Most are available all hours of every day, all year. Some are cross-trainedI as both EMTs and Jirefighters (and firefighters often ili on EMr cXrs). assistonEMTcalls)' ;{:lilr- issist ;iilir,,iTj::lh Cornwall's E_mergel-cy Medical service

dedicated, they wanted to find some way

f ,,4d0';ilG;;'-"'s;;-i; 2,400 photographs organiz"d /# & by MaureeniJo6 offere"d nis 5l;7;! eipertise and equipmenrry 6r{i*. ilirqfi.d$1*:."'t stop, with our EMTI 111\"1}:ltt ::rtr;f.':g':rffi :fl 6#f;s::;t*nnl'mJ'"i:l'y":*il":H';i:^f h*1 408 are

in the book and also prejerliflon patient's circumstances require advanced digital lreatment, paramedics are called from

disks. He feels that the resultant

photo archive, iniiiated by the book's

iation, is priceless. Aiec and

pr-epa-

Maureen

worked on background and research to identify people and flaces, and Charlie wrote the .uirio"r. Vfhen their project became known in'the community, th-ey received help from

Amenia or Torrington' Their quick resPonse enablesthemtomeetourambulance_ataprearranged sPot, o-r even to arrive at the scene of the acciderrt. Weather permitting,- serious cases are taken by LifeStar (14 helicopter

minutes from Hartford) tq Waterbury,or

Hartford hospitals. Forinstance, a recent skiing accident atJvlohawk br_ought fo": l._"* Whyi's CornwallinPicturessosuccessful? of care into play. Three Ski Patrol EMTs Obviousty, the quality is superior. The book brought the- patient off the slope. The Comis a reliable hlstory aiwel ai an entertaining wall ambulance arrived. Simultaneously, overview. The price (at $25) is modest-the Lifestar,and_paramedics from Amenia had Society did noi thini of it as a fundraiser; been called. Emergency personnel from four rathei, they wanted it to be affordable. organizations worked together.

loaned diaries, Ieiters, ind scrapbooks, so, fact, many made contributions.

Charlie Osborne said he feels "it met a need, that after nine/eleven, people close to Corn-

In addition, mutual aid is often ex-

changed with nearby towns. A recent Sun-

FEBRUARY

CORNWALL CHRONICLE

2OO2

day saw our ambulance and crew called to Mohawk. Enroute, a second call came for a fallen-tree victim off Route 45. Sharon's ambulance responded to that one, with other Cornwall EMTs and firefighters. Then a third call came for a medical emergency near Comwall Hollow. Goshen responded, with still other Cornwall personnel. With guidance from Litchfield County Dispatch (911), the three towns attended to the three emergencies with no appreciable delay. Cornwall's EMTs and firefighters appreciate the continued support of the community. The CVFD has the benefit of up-to-date

equipment and resources. Recently, several new members joined the ambulance squad. Additional firefighters and ambulance Personnel are always needed and welcome.

-HuntingtonWilliams Editors'Note: The skiing accident referred to in the story aboae inaolaed an 11-year-old Maryland girl, Emily Ehrenreich, who died in Hartford Hospital three hours after her accident. This was Mohawk's t'irst t'atality

in its 55-ywr history. 2ou>.'

Rotary The dining room at the Cornwall Inn is crowded at 8:15 this Saturday moming; it's the weekly meeting (open to everyone) of the Ro tary Club of Litchfield Hills. I pay $6 for a continental breakfast-and a continental breakfast is exactly what I get. Next to me is Jean, a

French documentary photographer from Canaan. (His wi{e is here too; Rotary once a male bastion, now admits couples and women.) "I grew up in Africa," he says. "My business used to be photographing the Third World; now I teil stories to schoolchildren about Africa." Also here are a former Fiat executive from Litchfield, originally from Italy, an oncologist from the Bronx (originally from tndia), an intemational lawyer from Kent, and the Treimann family of East Comwall. John Leich (a member of the Salisbury Rotary Club) says, "The new club is the result of tireless efforts of [President-elect] Ann Tieimann, ably assisted by her father Don, who is Rotary International representative at the United Nations." I also learn that the origins of the group derive in part from a Com-

Letters to the Chronicle SCHOOLCHALLENGES The New Site Study Group

faced with

seueral challmges, two of which we are seekt help to solue. By far the biggest hurdle is selling CCS, getting as much money as possible for the properg, and, if possible, putting it onto tht tax roll Some form of housing hns a fairly expensiae renoaation cost. Headquarters for a small business would require faoer renovations; the building would be ideal for financial , technological , or professianal offices. Sadly, there were ooer 30 million square feet of office space lost in New York City on SEtember 11. Many firms are relo-

cating or establishing branch ffices. I would like to hear from people with contacts who might help us find some potentinl buyers. Our second appul is for land suitablefor a nant school. The committee hns located 8.8 acres adjacrnt to Foote Fields on Route 4, and the owners are willing to talk with the town. Thnt Iand is t'airly leoel, central to most of Cornwall, and next to the playing fields tlw town already ornns. Howeoer, othu parcels might be suitable as weII. If you haae any idus or suggestions for either of these challenges, pluse giae me a call at 672-6747. Calhoun, Chair, -Nancy New Site Study Group

A BOONFROMTHECASTLE When Coltsfoot Farm was subdioided in 1992, the Calhoun t'amily gaoe a lot at the end of Valley Road to the Cornwall Housing Corporation (CHC) for its Parcel Program. This 1.5 acre triangle was'uron in the CHC's lottery by a tucher at Maraelwood School, and despite a

wanted to interest weekenders," Ann tells

club's membership, she says, but participation in the club increases weekenders' involvement in local affairs. The club is rare in other ways as well. "In all of my travels," says ]ean, "I have never known a Rotary Club with a dynamic like this one. Lots of our members do business with foreign countries, so we are international in scope, not a closed community. Many clubs miss the fact that what happens in other countries affects us; we try to break down those walls." Members listen actively to their speakers. Today, they are impressed by Carol Lugar's Mohawk Ski Area programs for kids; they offer ideas for her to get free advertising. And when a young doctor from Mali, visiting from Cornell, describes his public health project, they suggest that he write up a proposal for the club to consider. "We are very much a hands-on grass-roots group," says Ann. "We encourage new members who could volunteer in the Third World and locally, people who want to help us make a dif-

me. Not only do they add to the variety of the

ference."

wall Community Forum finding that our town needed a service club. The club started meeting in March at the Warren General Store until it found space at the Cornwall kur. Chartered in June, it has about 25 members including two school principals, a painte4, an airlines executive, a social worker with Jewish Family Services, a writer, a dentist, a cardiologist, and several portfolio managers. Five of its members, many of whom are new to Rotary, are from Cornwall. The club is rare in that it meets on

Saturday mornings. "We particularly

-Ella

Clark

Iautsuitbroughtby the then oumer of the Castle, a

zoning permit was obtained. But Maruelwood mooed to Kent, and seoeral

subsequent Parcel Program candidates hnae turned thumbs doum of the aalley site, which used to be a graael pit and is some(lhnt dark and dfficult to use. The last rejection was at the time the Castle changed hanils, and the CHC board decided to approach the new owners with the idea of selling this parcel to them or exchanging it for other more buildnble land. Before this step raas taken, the Castle owners made identical oaertures to the CHC, and after erploring sneral options, the parties agreed to a sale. The buyers haae paid the appraised aalue, and have upped it off with an enormously generous danation. Thus the initial gift from the Calhouns has permitted the CHC to access additional funds from still another communityminded neighbor to buy more lnndfor the Parcel

Program. There are ttoo morals to this tale: 1) If you haae an extra feto acres or excess income, please

think of the CHC; 2) lf you fit our financial guidelines (what renter doesn't?), and your lioing situation dEends onyour landlord's whim, and you'd like eoentually to own your ou)n house, please apply now to the Parcel Program. For information, call 672-6251. Getting on our waiting list could be your first step to a permanmt home in town. Cooley, President, CHC

-Maggie

New Director at Park and Rec. Cornwall's Park and Recreation Commission has a new part-time director-Bethany Lyon Thompson. A graduate of HVRHS, she went on to eam an MA in child and family services from UCONN. She works for an international adoption organization and has placed over 80 children from more than seven differ-

ent countries. In 1998, Bethany settled in Cornwall with her husband, John, "We wanted to raise our children in a close-knit and supportive community," she says.

Since becoming director

October,

Bethany has taken over much of the organization of the many Park and Rec. events and programs. In addition" she has begun to assemble a manual which will help the volunteers who take responsibility for the dozens of events that occur each year. She has also reduced the blizzard of paper created by the

many flyers that children bring home from school each week by listing on a single page all events for two months at a time. Her newest (continued on page 4)

FEBRUARY

CORNWALL CHRONICLE

Events & Announcements

(continueil from page 3)

endeavor is to work with the commission to introduce much needed activities for the older

Open Walls at the Library: March brings the

last chance to see how much art can be squeezed into the current Library building. Cornwall artists of all ages are invited to

children of Comwall, sixth through twelfth graders, beginning this winter and spring. When asked why she wanted to take the

bring their ready-to-hang artwork to the Library on March 2 from 1 to 3 p.t'1. You can

position of director, Bethany replied, "I ._.toy ptanning and organizing as well as working with families and children. This job allows me to do all of that and serve my community at the same time."

-Iarla

make this last show at the old Library a good one! Questions? Call Ellen Moon,672-6726.

Salisbury School Skating: Free skating at the school rink is offered to Cornwall resi-

Bigelozo

dents on Monday, February 18, from 9:30 to L0:30 a.v. As usual, hats required. Poetry Reading: Come read, chant, sing, and

howl your latest poems at Comwall's Fifth Annual Poetry SIam. On Safurday, March 9, at 4 p.v. in the Town Hall everyone is invited to read or listen. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cornwall Library; refreshments for all. Please call Phyllis Nauts at 672-6608 to make

2OO2

Property Thx Appeals: Application forms for the Board of AssessmentAppealshearings to be held March 6 to 9 are available now from

the Town Clerk or the Assessor's Office. They must be filed at the Town Office-not just postmarked-by February 20. This year,

if all available appointment slots are taken, additional hearings will be arranged March 13 to 16. Applicants will be notified by mail or phone of their hearing times. The board asks that any information relevant to making a decision (e.g., maps, comparative proPerty

data, realtor appraisals) be brought to the hearings. For further information call the Town Office, 672-2709. Soccer Referee Course: Anyone wishing to become a certified referee can attend a course beginning February 19 and running for six consecutive Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.rra. at UCC.

For information and registration call Matt Mette,364-1400.

sure you get a place in the lineup.

Peter Busby and Sally Pettus, multimedia

Art in Cornwall: During February the Library will feature presidential portraits by CCS eighth grade students. At the National

but gently humorous appeal for funds that

with a Valentine's Day theme.

always accompanies the coupon below. This month the appeal takes on new meaning, not because we need money more than ever (we altnays need money more than ever), but becaus-e we now know how town monthlies (if any) are financed in neighboring communi

Visit to fubilee School: Comwallians young and old are invited to Philadelphia from

artists, will show slides of their work, mostly sculpture, and talk about the creative process on Saturday, February 16, from 4 to 6 p.lvl. at the Cornwall Library. Admission, $8, Children under 12 free. Sponsored by Friends of the Cornwall Library for the benefit of the Library's operating expenses. Tickets may be purchased at the door or reserved by calling 672-1007. Refreshments will be served.

March 7 to 9 (snow dates March 14 to 16). Visitors will be hosted by Jubilee School families-as Jubilee children and adults are hosted by Comwall people during their annual visit

Game Night: Bring your favorite board games to the West Cornwall Firehouse on February 15,7 to 9 r.rra., and enjoy freepizza

"Money Pitch" An odd headline? Well, "money pitch" is just what Your

Iron Bank, Richard Griggs will be exhibiting

both suspended and wall sculptures, some

Chronicle edltors have long called the eamest

ties.

in June. Parents are shongly urged to accom-

Thanks to reporter David Parker of the Waterbury Republican-American, we' ve learned that the Kent seleclmen have just approved a $5,000 arurual grant to get such a publication started. Goshen taxpayers pony up about the same sum to keep Town Topics, going. In Salisbury, a budget line item of $O,OO0 pays most of the cost of that town's Samplei . ihe Warren Obsenter is published by The Webster Society, privately funded. Date' Iine Sharon, a single-sheet monthiy, is covered by' a line item in the budget. In this mix, the Cornwall Chronicle is

Comtr:all in 7801. by Elijah Allen has been republished by the Comwall Historical Society

"Presidents'Day" Pasta Suppen Truly presi-

and is available for purchase ($5) at the Society and the town libraries. Originally published in 1985 and for several years now out of print, the 4O-page booklet presents the notes of Elijah Allen (1748-L802) written in response to a request from Benjamin Trumbull and Noah Webster, who were writing a state history.

dential fare will be offered at the Wandering Moose on Tuesday, February 12 (snow date February 19). Sittings are 5:00, 6:30, and 8:00 r.rra.; takeout is also available. Cost is $10 ($5 for childrm 12 or under). For details and tickets call K. C. Baird at 672-6578 (work) or 672-

223

(home). This is a benefit

by-the

for-and

served

Republican Town Committee'

Comdance Film Festival Hand your creative

unique. Quirky, perhaps, but unique. It

muse a video camera and tell a story that might win a prize at the Town Hall on April 7' Enhies can be up to ten minutes long, fiction or non-fiction (documentaries, faux commercials, dramas, silent films, music videos, etc'). Blowhards, know-it-alls, and children are welcome. Submissions are due March 22 on VHS tape. Entry fee: $9.99. Technical film workshop: February 22 (details to come). Call Lib Tobin-Terrall (672-2407) for information, or Donna Murphy (672-6896) for where to send

avoids the calendar-and-official-information-only character that comes with tax support, (\AIhy waste public money pursuing a

meandering moose or fussing about the symbolism of a straw man on a fence?) It is the only publication of its size supported entireiyby its readers. Writers, artists, editorsthese come for free. But we do have costscomposition, printing, mailing. That's why there's one feafure you'll always be able to count on, the "money pitch." Please . ' . and thank you.

and beverages courtesy Park and Rec.

pany their kids. For more information call Mta Colgate, 672-6797,before February 21.

submissions. Sponsored by Park and Rec' and Friends of the Comwall Library.

Michael Gannett organized the writings by topic and added informative footnotes. The result is a view of the earliest period of Comwall by a contemporary.

CORNWALL CHRONICLE ILLUSTRATIONS W iII Calhoun FEBRUARY EDITORS

EllaClark

Ginny andBob Pottn

MARCH EDITORS

GinnyandBobPottr

Torz

DIRECTORS B@ns PRESIDENT

KIa?VICEPRESIDENT . Batbora KIau PUBLISHER EdwrdFermanSECRETARy . Aufuey Fmn TREASURER Hmdon Cltubb . Clnryl Ewns C,lurles Osbome , Robeil Potter . Suen Williatilfrn

Spencer

YeS, I uant

the Chronicle to continue Here is my tax-deductible contribution of: $

I I I I

CORNWALL CHRONICLE, INC. 280 CREAM HILL ROAD, WEST CORNWALL,CT 06795 E-MAILT spenbarb@discovâ&#x201A;Źmet,net FAXt 1860\ 672-6327

Address

City/St/zip

Please mail the Chrcnicle to the out-of-town address above; a $10 contribution will be appreciated.

I I I I I I

EllaClark

CALENDAR EDITOR Anne Baret

CORNWALL RESIDENT

CORNWATL CHRONICTE 2 VOLUME 12: NUMBER

Beating Back a Barn Fire IA/hen the first fire truck arrived at 4:20 p.t',t. on Sunday, February t7, the milking parlor at

Cream Hill Farm was, as firefighters say, fully involved. Soon six more trucks, tankers, and pumpers roared up, and at final count there were 27 Cornwall firefighters and another 50 or so from Goshen, Kent, and Falls Village, all of them working to save the old barn attached to the burning building. "Flames were blazing out the doors and windows," said Fire Chief Earle Tyler, "but luckily the wind was from the north, so we could push the fire back, away from the bam. The timing of the fire was on our side, too. We'd have had far fewer guys on a weekday,

and we'd have been slower to respond if

had been midnight." It was lucky, too, that the 94 cows, none of which were injured, were outside the milking parlor when the fire started-apparently from an oil-fired hot water heater. Jim Kennedy, the farm operator, "was able to move them up to another bam," said Charlie Gold. News of the blaze spread fast to fellow dairymen. Peter facquier of Canaan's L,aurel Brook Farm al-

ready had his trailer ready to transport 30 head when Kennedy called for help; smaller rigs came from farms as far away as Canaan, Falls Village, Saiisbury, and Warren in a spontaneous combustion of mufual aid. "The hail-

MARCH 2002

ers started atrirring a little after 7 t.u.," satd Charlie. "By 7:30 we were moving cows out, and by 9 p.u. all 94 had been brought to the recently vacated Briscoe Farm in Lakeville where they could finally be milked."

always amazing; Laurel

Charlie and Ralph Gold, who own the farm, and Jim Kennedy, the principal owner of the herd, are immensely grateful for the outpouring of help. "That there was no loss

own department and mutual aid did a really great job. It was a good save." Clark

Brook even came back to

Lakeville at midnight with five and a half tons of feed for the cows."

Fire Chief Tyler was proud, too. "Our

-Ella CCS Cinderella Team

of life, and that the firemen could contain the

Against daunting odds, the CCS boys basket-

fire to such a small area was wonderful," said Ralph. "And the farming community is

ball team, uniformed in long yellow

team shirts from last yeaq, turned in not only

School Decision Dates Here are two dates to transfer right now from the calendar below to the calendar on your wall:

Saturday, March 9,7:30

Efsting

r.u.-Both

the

Site and New Site Study Groups

will

present plans and costs at a town meeting in the CCS gym. . Saturday, March 23, noon to 8 r.v.-A referendum in the Town Hall will allow eligible voters to choose either the New Site or the Existing Site proposal. Note that the outcome of the March 23 referendum will not be a final decision. For more information, see the insert in this issue of the Chronick. Editors

-The

MARCH

a winning season this year, but an undefeated one. Squad members were: Daniel Simons, Aaron Packard, Byron Clohessy,

Cooper Oznowicz, Ryan Watts,

Sam Packard, Dain Council, David Kennedy, Josh Martin, and Kyle Robinson. Some of the obstacles they faced were a gym too small with a floor too slippery for home games, the lack (initially) of a certified coach, the closing of

the outdoor basketball courts in Comwall Village, and the frequent unavailability of their own court for practice. AIso, Comwall had not won the Region One crown in---old timers say--49 years. So how did they pull off this impressive improbability? First, of course, was their own athleticism and desire. But second, they selected their parents wisely. One father, Robert Clohessy, took courses to become a (continueil on page 2)

2OO2

socks

from the soccer team, their own shorts, and

Preschool-K Story 10

ru.

Hour

Library

Rotary Meeting:

I Youth Leadership Training

8:15 e.u. Cornwall lnn

Srnrrnoot-K Jeoitation tor uottreo ruro I

Fly-tying Workshop 1:30-2:30 p.wr. Town Hall (p 4)

Thursdayl:15-2:l5c.u. UCC Day

Room

story Hour 10r.u.Library

Cornwall Assn. 9:30 UCC Day Room

Scouts Bake Sale 1 1ru.-1 r.u. Baird's (p.4) Poetry Shm 4 P.r. Town Hall (p.4)

Town Meeting 7:30 e.m. CCS I

Absentee Ballots forl March 23 Relerendum I Blood Pressure Screening Available at Town Clerk's I 3-4 p.u. UCC Day Room 0ffice 9-1 1 I P&Z 7:30 c.u. Town Hall Fly-tyins Workshop I 1:30-2:30 e.n. Town Hall

n.u.

I I

Fly-tying Workshop 1:30-2:30 p.u. Town Hall (p 4)

DPUC Hearing 10 e.u. Town Hall (p.2)

Deadline:Aoril

Chronlcleligy

Rotary Meeting 8:15 e.u. Cornwall lnn

Preschool-K Story Hour 10 A.M. Library

SpRrHc Becns

ItO I Play Group 10-11:30r.u, I St. Petels church

Region One Bd. of Ed. 7 p.u. HVRHS

Democratic Town Comm. 7:30 p.u. Town Hall Republican Town Comm. 7:30 p.u. CCS

Pau.l Suroev

Housatonic River Comm 7:30 p.u. CCS Library

Lrtr

25 ZBA 7:30 p.wr. Town Hall.

l" 26

Bd. of Education

5r.*.CCS Library

ttt 3*i'1''i,T'ilii

Bd. of Finance 7:30 e.u. CCS Library VFW Post 9856

Rotary Meeting: American 0utlook 8: 1 5 e.u. Cornwall lnn

Preschool-K Story Hour 10 rr,t. Library

Re{erendum Noon-8 p.u. Town Hall (above)

^zl

Pmsovrn Brerrus nt Suroown Play Group 1 0-1 1 :30 ru. St. Peter's Church

Cornwall Vol. Fire Dept. 7:30 p.n. W. C. Firehouse Green Party p.u. Town Hall

*Check with Zoninq Ofiice-672-4957

zL ^{

Gooo

Fnronv I 30

Preschool-K Story

Hour

Rotary Meeting: I lnternational Development 8:l5e.rr,r.Cornwalllnn

10r.u.Library |

Easter Party

10-11 r.u. CCS (p.a) For additions and updating, visit www.cornwallct.org

MARCH

CORNWALL CHRONICLE (continued ftom page 1)

certified coach. Two others, Michael Pierce and Ed Council, assisted in coaching, while other parents backed the team up in various ways. Just hansporting the team around the countryside off-season in search of basketball courts was an important chore. Last summer the team practiced first at the Trinity Conference Center in West Cornwall, and then later either down at Kent or in their own school gym when they could get it. The team was a treat to watch. The boys

obviously enjoyed the competition and working together as a unit. The last game at Sharon was a one-point squeaker that displayed the team's mettle at its shiniest. There's a lesson in here somewhere-or maybe two or

three.

-Scoaille

D. Soul6

&#"K

Many Comwall residents have been alarmed by the felling of dozens of roadside trees in East Comwall to make room for taller utility poles. Readers will be glad to know that this cutting has been suspended. The installation of the taller utility poles within the public right-of-way, intended to triple the electrical power carried to C&D Farms on Clark Road, has also been halted. Both suspensions were the result of a December 13 letter from First Selectrnan Gordon Ridgway to the Deparknent of Public Utility Control (DPUC), the state's regulatory commission which oversees public utilities. He noted that conhary to law landowners' consent had not been obtained for the changes along East Comwall roads. Amy and Rinker Buck sent a similar complaint to the DPUC through their attomey. Their home at the top of Essex Hill Road lost its screening from the bright lights of Mohawk Ski Area after the cutting of trees on state land across Great Hollow Roid. Failing to gain permission from adjacent landowners, the DPUC must hold a pub-

now scheduled a hearing in Cornwall's Town Hall

lic hearing on the matter. The agency has at 10

a.r'.t.

on Thursday, March 14.

By law, utilities have the right to place theirpoles within the town's right of way. If they find insufficient sPace, or difficulties like ledge, steep banks, or wetlands, before

Legislative Pressures-OucH! First Selectman Gordon Ridgway is concemed-and wishes everyone in town would get concemed-about what might or might not happen in the current session of the state legislature. Because of the recession, state revenues are down. Costs of ongoing programs are up. Push has clearly come to shove. "Comwall will do well to hold the status quo," Gordon said recently. "And, of course, if we don't keep our state aid, property taxes here will have to go up." As usual, many of the disagreements pit

crease aid into I-95.

to towns and pour the money

From his seat on the board of directors

of the Council of Small Towns, Gordon sees

other dangers and possibilities. For

instance, the town's freedbm in labor mat-

ters is now restricted by binding arbitration regulations. These mightbe changed to the town's advantage. So might provisions of a recent law changing the ten-year interval between assessments to 12 years, with a new

"statistical balancing" added every fourth year. Although the balancing is supposed to be computerized at low cost, Gordon has his

doubts.

"Keep informed," Gordon urges. "Read the newspapers. Express your opinions. We're lucky to have Andrew [Roraback] and Roberta lWillis] working on these problems from both sides of the aisle in

r*lijrf.Orrr*

Good News for CCT The new millennium has started well for the Comwall Conservation Trust (CCT). The Bradley family has generously grven a three-acre wooded parcel on Popple Swamp's hi-llside

overlooking the pristine Housatonic River corridor. AIso, Hendon Chubb has given the CCT a conservation easement on 101 acres in

Comwall Hollow. This diverse property includes woods and slopes down to considerable frontage on the Hollenbeck River, a

light, an elevator, and air conditioning in

one-half of U.S. wetlands lost to development in the past century. Essential to biodiversity,

built for 50 horses at C&D Farms.

pumphouse and residence are also planned. This service is already extended from Route 4 into the Mohawk Ski Area, which is much closer to C&D than any other local source. There's at least one bright note: CL&P is also using this opportunity for a reliability upgrade-putting additional money into local power facilifies that can benefit the entire area Schillinger some years in the future.

-Ann

term, land preservation saves the town money while generating true economic health.

-Lib

Tobin

Land Transfers Anne A. Hubbard to Daniel D. and Ellen O'Toole Hubbard, 13.5 acres and house at 235 Dibble Hill Road for $1,005,000. Marion E. Vogel to Bruce B. and Deborah A. Bennett, 75 acres off Cream Hill Road for $195,000.

/Rogu. H. Samuels to Edward

J. Kelleher, Jr.,

house andl6.24 acres at 120 Great Hill Road for $463,000.

,, Steven M. Rosen and Penelope Fleming to '7,, Andrew Arato and Jean Cohen, house and f 3.45 t tr acres 1atr Popple D^^^l^ Swamp c..,^-.^ l)^^) C^. ^^-^^ at ^r 135 Road for $27s,000.

William

Calhoun to South Everest LLC,

9.75 acres on Everest

Hill

Road f.or $222,200.

Coltsfoot Farm LTD Partnership to CVA Valley LLC, Lot 12 of 7.5 acres for $77,1,42.87; Lot 14 of 23.9 acres for $L39,442.20; and Lot 17 of 109 acres for fi86,784.72 on Everest and Valley Roads. Coltsfoot Farm LTD. Partnership to CVA Everest LLC, Lot 13 of 13.2 aoes for $109,863.56; Lot 15 of 21.9 acres for $L26,765.65; Lot 18 of 17.56 acres for $150,000 on Everest and Valley Roads. Jessica K. Fowler to CVA Everest LLC, 4.8 acres on Valley Road for $135,000.

Michael A. Hanke and Ann W. Marshall to Marc Sgaraglino and Maria Ginsburg, house and 6.1 acres at 105 Cream Hill Road for $185,000.

setting their poles on private land they must also negotiate with the owner. At least one pole in East Comwall has been mistakenly installed on private land. The increased power is required for heat,

portions of the 40,000-square-foot barn being

given a matched grant of $1,000 by the Berkshire Taconic Foundation. Third, a $1,000 supplemental grant has been received from the Torrington Area Foundation for wildlife inventories and boundary marking on easement lands that the CCT maintains. The CCT is convinced that in the long

the smaller towns against the urban and heavily populated areas of the state. One pro. posal would replace local auto taxes with a standard state assessment; as a result, Comwall car owners would pay higher taxes to the state, with the net proceeds that eventually filter back to the town reduced. Also, the state budget recenfly submitted by the govemor hims Comwall's projected education aid by some $12000. Our road assistance, too, is threatened by proposals to de-

2OO2

feeder to Great Swamp,

particularly rich eco-

system. Thus this one area will not join the

these waterways teem

with activity that

breeds and feeds many species of

wildlife.

Three grants sweeten the story. First, the Land Trust Alliance (LIA) has granted the CCT $3,000 for land stewardship. This is funded in part by the New England match-

ing grants administered by the LIA Northwest Program with the support of private donors. Second, for the purpose of natural resource inventorying, the CCT has been

Estate of Olga H. Schilling to John Peter Nestler and Jennifer Van Asch Van Wyck, house and land at 21 Todd Hill Road for $190,000. Susan M. Gallo Lobert to Jane Bamet and Paul R. Gottsegen, house and land at 11 Bolton Hill Road for $450,000.

Those Gone Geese Ralph and Thalia Scoville's geese are usually

found lallygagging around'the corner of Scoville Road and Town Street, guarding their territory, greeting their guests with snake-necked hisses, getting in the way of the UPS truck. But recently someone has been committing what Eail Brecher calls

"wholesale murder" among the gaggle. "Thing was, Virginia had come in from run-

ning one day early in December

and

MARCH

CORNWALL CHRONICLE

2OO2

reported that they'd lost five geese, including Goosey Goose the gander, in broad daylight to coyotes." I asked Ralph about the tragedy. "Actually," says Ralph, "we've lost eight. We used to have eighteen geese. Didn't always have geese. We started off with Muscovy ducks, Donald and Edna, and pretty soon we had eighty ducks. They kind of got in the way. I

kept thinking they'd get into the auger blower. So I took them to Luther's Auction and got rid of them. Later a guy gave us that first pair of geese, Toulouse geese. I asked

him, 'How do you know which is which?' And the guy says/ 'Well, my father just gets right dorvn and looks them in the eye.'A car hit those two, so my son Freddy went to Blue Seal and got some white ones to hatch and pretty soon we had eighteen geese. "Now those coyotes," Ralph continues. "When that one caught our old gander, Freddy ran after him till he dropped it on Scoville Road. What draws those coyotes around is not just the geese. We used to be plagued with woodchucks and rabbits and they'd go for those. But more than that, ever since the slaughterhouses stopped taking carcasses for dog and cat meat, we've had to just cover our dead cattle with compost and wait. Of course while the body is starting to work, the coyotes will go into the rib cage and eat the innards. I was harrowing with a tractor when I saw two coyotes having a good time in the carcass; got one of them with a single-barreled shotgun but the other one got away.

Letters to the Chronicle PAST TRAGEDY, FUTURE HOPE I am always surprised when disparate parts of my hfe conaerge...liaing in Cornwall, growing up in South Afica, trauelingfrequently oia plane (or worrying aboutfamily when they do!), supporting AIDS research, and knowing Cornwall resident Don Bachman. Don was a close friend of all the reu.t members lost on AA Flight 587 thnt crashd onNoaember 12. He has taken the pain and loss he felt and committed himself to "an expeditian of kindness and hope." Actually, it is a 71-mile trek through the CederbergWilderness Area in South Aftica. He is aiming to raise $10,000 to support both AIDS research in the US and proaide direct help for people suffering from AIDS in SubSaharan Africa. Since September 1L, many of us haae felt frustrated by our inability to do anything concrete to mitigate the enormity of the grief that has befallen so many Americans. In the face of his personal grief, Don is dedicating his trek to the memory of his fellow flight attrndants. I may not be utith Don plrysically as he walks in the

one man had a heifer stuck in the mud that

coyotes killed. Ought to be a bounty on them.

"Ever since we lost that gander, we've trained the geese to go into the bam at dusk and we haven't lost any. Not that the geese are worth anything. But they are good watch dogs." "They're members of the family," says Thalia.

-EIIa

Clark

Technology Planning at CCS It's no longer just blinking lights and space invader games. The use of computers in school is now a state-mandated curriculum. Cornwall Consolidated Schooi is well aware of this issue and is currently working on a school technology plan that will meet with state approval. A new Technology Committee, comprised of community members, school staff, and local governmental officials

701" at some point in training? is no small miracle that something more serious hnsn't hnppened. I haae eom sent the town an article from a Guman pap* zoith dingrams of ways they solae their speeding probIems in small aillages. There are idul spots for railar units to catch speedns going through town both east and'urest, so uthy isn't something being done? Still waiting for a fatality? Richter

failed Radnr

-lerry Iandl greta up in,but my thaughts,prayers, t join, support will be.l ask you to fnancial / THUMBS UP FOR VERA AND IANDI me in supporting Don's wonderful, uplifting [ / Who hasn't seen the rosy-cheeked Vera journey. Please send your generous checks to:{.y' Dinneen and landi HannahrisHy walking the African AlDStrek, ATT: Don BachmanTrekk{r wintry roadways of Cornwall, sometimes toand

#1211 Qlease note on your check too),'135 S. LaSaIIe Dept. 7007, Chicago, IL 60674. Waterston

gethu, sometimes solo, andwonderedwhat these

WEST CORNWALLMCEWAY We just returned from Germany and utere going through the plusant task of reading back issues of the Chronicle when I nw " Speeding on L28" in the December issue. When we are hame, I nm an early riser and often will be around the Post ffice at 6:30 a.u. or so. The speed of urs coming inboth directions is unbelieaable. I eoen tried to estimate the speed when coming down the hiII into town in my ourn car, and I'Il bet a good many of those people in a hurry to get to work are hitting close to 40, if not more.

held outside Boston in May. The nmt's purpose is to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research, and each participant must raise $L,900 in pledges by April. This disuse h"as touched enery lne of us, not personally, through mothers) wiaes', sistersl aunts, and friends. So tpon' t vou support thesil women inihrir rou* by askiitg eitieir o7 for a donor form? (Contact Vera at 672-6470f landi at 672-6079.) And the next time you *ee them out training, don't ask them if tley need a ride-honk your horn anil giae them a big

is overseeing the plan. Currently the school has at least one computer in each classroom; some have two or three. Almost every room has a drop for a computer connection, but some of these do not tie into the same system as the classroom computers. The office computer system, for example, has a completely different server, which makes it hard for teachers and office staff to share information. The school has just updated its lntemet connection, but still has problems maintaining this link to the world. The computer lab, large enough for a whole class, is located in the library. This lab is being used by several teachers for the first time

quested by the state. "Our hope is to keep Comwall going forward," school librarian and committee mem-

-Iqnn

cently. The artificial breeding man tells you these things. Hedgerows lost a little black calf last spring; it was crippled, and the cows couldn't get there to defend it. They've raised hell with sheep too, and

Oaer the past fau years I had sart the toum seoeral letters concerning this bsue. After getting little response,I ulled the State Police in Canann and was told that not much uuldbe done as the speed limits sign coming into tousn hnd no "D.O.T." [Department of kansportationl letters on it. (I see nout it does.) Afew days Iater there was a trooper with radar on 128 BAf . . . in an area rphcre he could be seen well in adaance. Maybe this particular trooper had

this year to incorporate technology training

into the standard academic curricula as re-

taomen are up to? Here's the scoop: they are training t'or a

three-day walk-a-thon (20 miles mch day) tobe

1/ / tnet@/

thumbs

up!

-lherylEaans

ber Ginny Snowden said.

"All

the other

schools in the region have been praised for their technology plans. We are the last one to do all this." Other regional schools have not only classroom-based computer labs, but also laptop or mobile computer labs. Some of the schools are distributing laptops to teachers and students. At this time CCS is not capable of doing this, financially or technologically. Over the past few years, the school has received some state grant money for hardware and software, but this money has a catch to it.

It is running out. If the school

does not

(continued onpage 4)

MARCH

CORNWALL CHRONICLE (continueil from page 3)

develop an approved plan and the community does not support a technology budget, the state will not provide future money. Part of such a plan is an assessment of the school's current computer technology and a projection for the school's technology growth over the next five years. The committee stresses that the improvements made at CCS will be used not only by the pupils but also by the whole community and staff. This commitment to bringing technology to all Comwall is part of the mission statement of the new technology plan

article was written by Rick Stone. We regret the error. We also regret that the story about Cornutall in Pictures omitted the important contribution of Jeremy Brecher, who, with the aid of a grant from the Connecticut Hu-

manities Council, wrote the general introduction to the book, as well as introductions Editors to the individual chapters.

-The

One exception to the gradual increase of big-

city power in Hartford is the Small Town Economic Assistance Program, written into state

law last |une. Under STEAR towns un-

der 30,000 can apply for grants up to $500,000 for a long list of community and quality-of-life projects. Cornwall is now in the process of applying for three projects. The largest grant, $250,000, would begin the process of converting the former Neoweld Company sites in Comwall Bridge from contaminated, taxdelinquent eyesores to taxpaying properties that take advantage of their excellent locations. Another grant, $100,000, would cover the purchase of 8.8 acres adjacent to Foote Fields and the creation of a much-needed parking lot there. And a small grant of $1O,OOO would help the new Association of Businesses in Comwall get on a firm footing with projects such as a business directory, a farmers' market, and in-

formational workshops.

-Bob

Potter

Error and Omission The article on rabies in last

month's

Chronicle was mistakenly attributed to Ella Clark. Actually, the

Events & Announcements Art in Cornwall: Beginning March 2, the Cornwall Library will feature The Last Picture Show, an open exhibition of works by Cornwall artists of all ages. This will be the last art show at the current Library Building, and any Comwall resident who has a work of art that he or she would like to see on the walls of the Library is invited to bring it, ready to hang, to the Library on Saturday, March 2,

betweenland3p.v.

At the National Iron

According to the Chinese, 2001 was TheYear of the Snake, and 2002 will be The Year of the Horse, which, as you may know, is the sixth fastest animal on earth. As you ponder the implications of this, please gallop to your checkbook to send us a donation so we can continue to bring you the fast-breaking news from Comwall.

YeS

, I want the Chrontcle to conknue.

Hue is my tax-deductible contibution of: $

Bank, Hilary

fohnson of Washington, CT, will be exhibiting her animal portraits during the month of March. Postponemenh The movie, Big Broadcast of 1938, previously announced for a March 20 showing at the Library, has been postponed

until April. Seasonal Pictures Needed: Association of Businesses in Comwall (ABC) is putting together a new business directory this spring and wants color photos illustrating the four seasons in Cornwall to use on the cover. People who have pictures may leave them at Cornwall Elechic by March 15 (unused pho tos will be retumed). Gift certificates worth $50 at local businesses will be awarded for each accepted photo. Call Tom McKenzie, 672-68U, if you have questions.

1:30 to 2:30 p.M. on March 3, 10, and 17. Space is

limited, so call672-6058 to register.

A Celtic Band Concert,

Easter Party: Park and Rec. will sponsor its annual Easter party on Saturday, March 30, from 10 to 11 a.u. at CCS. Robo the Clown will be followed by an Easter egg hunt. Open to children pre-K through fourth grade.

Corndance Film Festival: Contestants still have three long weeks to submit a VHS film that might win a prize. Films should be under ten minutes long and contain no vulgar-

ity. Other than that, you're free to let your creativity run wild-dramas, joke commercials, music videos, whatever. Part of a $9.99 entry fee will go toward the purchase of two grand prizes. A jury panel will pick the three best films in two categories, fiction and nonfiction. Submissions are due by March 22 and can be left in the Comwall Library in Donna

Murphy's name or mailed to her at

/St/zip

Please mail the Chronicle to the out-of-town address above; a $10 contribution will be appreciated.

Everest Hill Road, West Comwall,CT 06796. The festival itself, sponsored by Park and Rec., will be April 7 in the Town Hall. Questions? Call 672-6896 or 572-2407. Rummage Sale Flash: The dates for the great 2002 sale have been set-fuly 13,14, and'1.5. So please start assembling your rummage! Coaches Needed: Park and Rec. is in need of baseball and softball coaches for the upcoming season. All you need is interest, enthusiasm, and energy. For more information call Bethany Thompson at 672-6058:

come; good eats, too.

Child Center Auction:

April 28-for the

Save the date-Sun2002 Comwall Child

Center auction, which will be back at Mohawk this year. Persons interested in helping or with something special to donate should call Emilie Pryor (672-4226) or Jean Vitalis

CORNWALL CHRONICLE ILLUSTRATIONS Ginny and Bob

sale at Baird's to help sponsor a child

Peg

JoewoodDr

Sanibel, FL33957

Potter

EIIa Clark

and IGn lkskinen

Norma Lnke

DIRECTORS Ton BMns PRESIDENT

Batbaru Kltw PVRLIS}IER Audrey Femr TREASURER Hmdon Chubb . Cheryl Ewns Charles Osbome . Robeil Pollq . Susn Williaflson

Spenet KIauVICEPRESIDENT

EdwordFrronSECRElAR\ .

CORNWALL CHRONICLE INC. 280 CREAM HILL ROAD, WEST CORNWALL, CT 06796

5052

P rud' hOMMC

CALENDAR EDITOR Anne Baren

through the Christian Children's Fund.

Ed Ferman

APRIL EDITORS

(672-6880).

Bake Sale: From 11 a.v. to 1 r.rra. on Safurday, March 9,the Comwall Wolf Scouts willhold a

MARCH EDITORS

FAX:18601 572-6327

City

sponsored by Park

and Rec., will take place on March 9 at the Town Hall. A potluck supper at 6:30 p.u. will

E-MAIL: spenbarb@discovemet.nâ&#x201A;Źl

Address

Led

by Rob Nicholas of Housatonic Anglers.

Poetry Slam: Don't forget! March 9 at the Cornwall Library at 4 r.v. Everyone wel-

day,

Horse Sense

A Fly-Tying Workshop, sponsored by Park and Rec. for kids fifth grade through high school, will be held at the Town Hall from

precede the 7:30 p.v. concert.

Kanehl

Town Eyes State Grants

2OO2

{

CHRONICLE CORNWALL NUMBER3 VOLUME 12:

Suits vs. feans

Business suits met blue jeans for three and a half hours at the Town Hall on March 14. The state's Department of Public Utilities Conlrol (DPUC) held a formal hearing on Case 1102-01-17: the impact of the tree-cutting and installing of taller and more conspicuous poles along Great Hollow and Great Hill Roads. These measures by Connecticut Light & Power, currently halted, were part of tripling its service to a single customer, C&D Farms on Clark Road. Besides representatives of the DPUC, both the president and chief engineer of CL&P were present, with two attomeys. C&D sent its attorney. Cornwall was represented by First Selectman Gordon Ridgway and 19 other

struction. Gordon Ridgway proposed alternative ways to bring in three-phase power to C&D, one being to route it from an existing source on Mohawk Mountain down an old roadbed to the farm site. At the hearing's close, the DPUC had

community. The DPUC prom-

some questions for CL&P, among them: What was its interpretation of Statute #16234? \My was the common practice of talking with town officials, and providing a comprehensive description of the entire project, not followed in this case? Had CL&P gone back to get the permission of all26 adjoining landowners for its work? Who did it believe would pay for the cost of this project? An-

Clearly the most important issue facing the selectmen is to determine how much the town is willing and able to afford in providing the kind of school that Comwall needs, and wants. The choice of building a new

swers are due by April 5. C&D's attomey asked the DPUC to expe-

mined in May or |une. Meanwhile, the selectmen continue to face the many varied matters that need attention. The issue of contamination on the Route 7 Burkhardt property (formerly Neoweld) has been addressed. The owner has agreed to provide an environmental assessment and to remove the old building and polluted earth. Still outstanding are overdue taxes of more than $100,000. The town has the option of

dite and "focus on the needs of

the customer...some of these are extraneous issues." Buck called that request "thoroughly inappropriate...the department's role is not to serve the customer. Its role is to serve the public interest." He asked that the process be slowed down so that all data can be examined closely to determine what is best for the

residents.

Statute #16-234 forbids any power company to him or remove trees, or erect new poles, without the consent of the adjacent landowners. It also allows the DPUC to au-

thorize these measures if "public convenience or necessity require." Homeowner Rinker Buck called the operation a large construction project in a major scenic area. No Cornwall landowners had been approached, and he, among others, intended to withhold consent. CL&P argued that it was not required by law to obtain such permission for "routine upgrades of existing facilities," and claimed that its project was not new con-

Referendum Results The tally for the March 23 referendum: . 322for expanding existing school; o 164 for building entirely new school.

Park and Rec. 7

Blue Mt. Satsang

ffif,o#ll!,f'lil',1,'

gation. Stay tuned.

Schillinger

-Ann Selectmen's Challenges

school or improving facilities at the old school was decided at the March 23 referendum. The creation of a Building Committee

and the allocation of funds will be deter-

Responding to concems about motorists speeding into and through West Cornwall, First Selectman Gordon Ridgway reports that increased monitoring by state police is taking place. Several arrests have been made, one of a motorist clocked at 57 m.p.h. in the

APRIL2OO2 Kindergarten Registration (p.4)

p.t,t. CCS

ised to make a thorough investi-

foreclosure at any point in the proceedings.

ON 1

APRIL2002

Every Tuesday

6:3S{ r.u.

UCC Day Room

lnland Wetlands Town Hall

P.M,

(continued on page 2)

i4 (p.4)

Kinderoarren

| RegistBtion(p4) I Peier's Church lMeditation for Mothers Every parkand Bec. publicForum I Thursdayl:1$-2:15t.u. UCCDavRoom Registrat-ion

Kindergarten

Preschool-K Story Hour 10 r.u. Library

PlavGroup10-11:30r.u. -St.

CCS Science Fair

Noon-2:30

p.m.

1i'.t.rt*tniirip.ni

lo'liL?,'#3HJ'lfl'* LL

Corndance Film Festival 5-7 p.u. Town Hall

Housatonic River Comm. 7:30 e.u. CCS Library

Park and Rec.

Uniform

Distribution 6:3(FB Town Hall

p.u.

(p.4)

Film: Big Broadcastof 1938,8 p.u. Library (p.41

I I

Deadline:

May

Chronicle9opy

I 21

scrooLvocnloroee,m

Democraric Town comm. Town z,eo

Hall

'.".

p.rvr.

Bd. ol

Child Center Auction 1:30 p.u. Mohawk Ski Lodse (p.2)

Check with Z0ning Ofiice--$72-4957

Town

Hatl-

t19 Finance

9856

p.r,r.

W. C. Firehouse

Art at the Dump 10 r.u.-4:30 r.u. (p.4)

126

u.l |

Rotary Meeting: John Scott 8:15 r.u. Cornwall lnn

7:30 p.u. CCS Libraryl VFW Post I

zen s

Jubilee School Benefit 3 p.u. UCC (see insert)

ScHooLReopers

James Glassman 8:15 e.rv. Cornwall lnn Park and Rec. Unilorm Distribution 1 0 r.u.-Noon Town Hall (p.4)

lD lt, One Bd. ot Ed, II Reoion 7 p.u. HVRHS I

1re e Rotary Meeting:

ttt8';fi'1'*T'ili'n

Preschool-K Story Hour '10 r.u. Library

Rotarv Meetino: 0rganic 6ardenin-o 8:15 A.M. Cornwall lnn Cornwall Association 9:30 r.u. UCC Day Room Potluck 6:30 p.u.; Celtic Band Concert 7:30 P.M. Town Hall

127

I 10r.m. Library I

Preschool-KStorvHour

RotaryMeeting: Vofo

EVNI ';tftI,Tyiili

\r.br:f1p,w=

:\r.9",PJf,irfli=g

For additions and updating, visit www.cornwallct.0rg

CORNWALL CHRONICLE (continued from page L)

middle of town.

The recent revaluations of property.

Hunt Williams is the chairman of Emergency Prepared-

,', ness for Cornwall. His respon-

should result in a fairer balance in sharing '.' ;,'sibilities include coordinating ,,. the town's efforts with those of the expenses of running the town. Howeve4, the region, and making sure the Bolrd of Assessment Appeals and the as- ,, ,' ,,that the resources of the town sessor are working hard to resolve all ap/' peals from Comwall landowners. As to the impact of the ENRON collapse i and its relationship to the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority, which is now Ridgway reminds us that such preparedraising its rates for trash collection in the ness will be an ongoing concem. "We are," state, Ridgway indicates that the town's imhe says, "facing new threats and new realiproved ways of handling trash will limit the ties, and must plan accordingly." effect of such rate increases. He is working Keskinen with other towns to limit the increase first -Ken proposed at 30 percent ($15,000 for Corn-

Very Little Guild Gets Bigger

wall)-with no thanks to ENRON. Recently elected Selectman K. C. Baird, also on the Board of Finance, brings account-

ing know-how to his meetings, along with, says Ridgway, his dedication and sense of humor. Baird's goals are to help meet children's school and recreational needs and to strengthen businesses in town. He says he

mind on all issues. Moreover, Iistening to talk in his store gives him a feel for how things are going in the town, but he reminds us all that he can't always interrupt his work to discuss town matters at length. has an open

Fair

Keskinen enough. -Ken Alert Status in Cornwall

After the 9/71. attacks, the entire nation has been placed on alert. Govemments at all levels have developed plans and procedures to

deal with emergencies that might arise. So, too, with Cornwall. In Selectman Gor-

don Ridgway's office is a manual, Preparing for Tenorism : Municip al Chief Executiae's Guide to Domestic PrEaredness. The manual covers such matters as Risk Assessment, Preparedness Strategy, Operations, and Recovery. As much as $226 million or more will be necessary to prepare the state for any terrorist attacks. The money will be used to outfit and

train police, firefighters, and emergency medical workers to carry out their tasks on a local basis, coordinated with regional, state, and federal support. The state thus far has received only $2'5

million in federal funds, with only half of that available to localities. However, towns

]

\ have

aPPointed their

. .own agents to organrze rr oversee the aPI and responses ' .propriate ' , , t. to all emergencies, '

'\'

ft:l

-Po*"1,:::firlres/ re s, , ages/

il \,, \ \, floods, torna-

does,

and

other natural \ '\[1\ l, catastrophes

m,'lx"ff:l*r I (\ rorist

,t I rtr-l

such as in in-

['jh_i -..{ il:i"*:'# polltan

I il { \tl *

attacks,

areas

lll

"Careful of the planks!" calls fim Lussier, manager of the Little Guild, as I walk across the just-cured concrete floor in the new construction area. We enter a small office where three glossy cats in roomy cages scrutinize us. These cats have FIV-Feline lmmunode-

ficiency Virus-and have to be isolated.

APRIL

that the animals need this new addition for their welfare. People may even come to look at shelter animals as a kind of breed. They'll see one and say, 'Ah! A Shelter Dog! A Shelter Cat! Best in Show!"' Clark

-EIIa

Good-Bye to Friends Deborah Covington

Elizabeth Hubbard Lansing Emma Georgianna Manganaro

Carlin

clean-and

is silent until we walk into the kennel area where a rubber-gloved worker is scrubbing down all the cages. "We wash everything," Jim says. "Walls, cages, bedding, towels. We've never had a serious outbreak of disease. The two biggest / causes of illness are poor air tum- / over and dense populations. Bet- , / :

ter air in the new space will

lower the stress level." All the dogs are outside in their runs, , except Phoenix, a friendly German shepherd that has six new puppies / / tumbling beside Space is

her. / lt !

potential adopters. ^}|j5-'} "we have to "Now," says

Jim, discuss long-term commitments in the midst of chaos. Our new real-life dog room will have sofas, radio, television, and rugs. Cats will have a bigger, quieter room with multiple levels of places to hide out in." The addition will not change the Guild's annual goal to take 400 abandoned cats and dogs, get them healthy and sociable, and find them homes. At any given time, 15 dogs and 30 cats, all of which are neutered or spayed, can be in residence. No animal is euthanized.

"We have no secretaries; everyone is hands on," fim says. "Volunteers help walk and socialize the dogs and spend time with the cats. Good matches with dedicated owners are essential. If a dog or cat doesn't bond, he'll end up on the street again. There's so much good happening here that I can't talk about it in a practical sense. I come from a business background, but we can't run the Little Guild that way. The bottom line here is

Zerbo

Congratulations Land Transfers Stephen M. Drezen, Franklin Moss, and Melv;m L. Toomey to CVA Everest LLC, Lot #3,8.43 acres on Great Hollow Road for $ss,000.

Building Exchange Company to ha

Shapiro and Jacqueline Dedell,40 Cobble Hill Road for $3,000,000.

CCS Mastery Tests Up The 2001 Connecticut Mastery Test scores are in, and the news is both good and bad. On the bright side, Comwall's scores â&#x201A;Źue over seven points higher than last year's and above the state average. But CCS (67.5) Iags every other school in Region One except North Canaan (66.8) and trails the leaders, Falls Vil7 lage (96.0) and Salisbury (85.3) by

' 7 . /

widemargins.

Numbers can be deceiv-

important to un\ / ,, ' ,I, ing, so it's just what these derstand ' , , I z scores mean. The figures releasedby the state show the //,"// percentage of regular edu,

r / / ,

limited for

humans too. In the " plans are a medical / room, a refrigerator 7 for vaccines, and a quiet place to talk to

Leon G. Bouteiller to Patrice E. Croghan

Down a short corridor is the official l2-cage cat room. The whole place smells

2OO2

cation pupils in each of three grades (4, 5, and 8) who achieve what the Department of Education con-

* siders the minimum accept'+4+rE- able score on three tests: 2;,- math, reading, and writing /,//

Thus the numbers given here are the averages of the nine tests in each school (three tests in the three grades). They do not stand for pupil averages on the usual kind of school test with a top mark of 100. Another quirk of statistics should be kept in mind as well. ln a small school the scores

will jump around more from year to year than they will in a large school district. It's inevitable that certain small class groupings will be stronger than others, a difference that cancels itself out in larger samples. Two years ago Cornwall led all 169 towns and cities in the state. This year CCS is bouncing back after a plummeting decline, while Falls Village is accomplishing the miraculous. The Potter cycle is the only consistency.

-Bob

Child Center Auction The Child Center Auction returns to Mohawk Ski Lodge on Sunday, April 28, thanks to the generosity of Mohawk's management.

APRIL

CORNWALL CHRONICLE

2OO2

posed installation of three-phase

Lelters to the Chronicle

It "yr

LEST WE FORGET I would like to inform you of an error that u.tas made in F ebruary's Chronicle. You wrote thnt Mohawk's only fatality in its S\-yenr history utas in December,200L. I am extremely sorry to say that one of my schoolmates, Michael SEton, died at Mohnwk in L980. Michael was a boarding student at Rumsey HalI School rahen he struck a tree while participating in the recreational ski program at Mohazok. I was there when it hnppened and it is a day that I will not forget, nor ztill my other schoolmates or the faculty and staff inztolaed. Michael deseraes to be remembered and his death orrlfifrO*,rnoro,

"o,

FATHERIOHN Father lohn has left St. Bridget's after three and a half years. I knew him iust enough to regret not knozning him better. He is the kind of man usho talks softly and carries a smnll kitten. The one sermon I heard was a children's lesson. He had his kitten, named Bridget, ufuich, Father lohn said, he taould haae named Benard if the kitten utere a boy, because Father lohn also seraed at St. Bernard's in Sharon. The lesson was about loae and responsibility. What I remember is that if I were a kitten, I would like to haoe been Father lohn's. The lesson was in his tone of aoice, and when the kitten scratched him that became, z.rtith a calm pause, part of the lesson. The parents and grandparents were not only listening as carefully as the children, but also feeling the kind of deep contentment parents and grandparents feel when they see children zuith a teacher who combines modesty, authoritV, and kindness. Hare

-Pat

told that "the town uoted for

a $4-million dollar addi-

ar u's aa u age household

tion," when, infact, no such oote took placeT Was this any way to an election?

4)w r'9T+'t'=-tlqt-F=/-''' L

run

Yes-if you wanted a predetermined result. A genuine choice is needed. There is ample precedent showing that a detached gym can be built for under $2 million. Existing gym space could then be conaerted to eight classrooms anil offices as needed. This planhas been gioen no attention except to dismiss it. Wlry? Voters rnould eagerly rally around a reasonnble and imaginatiae pla' 7o'

ccs-nw

and well ooer LN aaerugeusage.

u*ge, tima my cabin's

ft ilistressesmethatcgD

Farms aill meet aII of the enugy fficiency requbements as stipulated by our building codes, while my ubin, utith its single-pane glass and mouse-enhanced R4 walls, does not conform to todny's standards of energy-fficient building despite its extranely low energy usage. It sirely wouldbebeneficial to our community if buildiig codcs addressed not only anergy eficiiency but also total energy consumption. InPorta

-lim

D ahr Estabrook

IAUNTTO IUBILEE On Mnrch 7 , Nita Colgate, Hannah Colbert, Mnisie Dolan, Helen and IQIe Prentice, and

anioedby train inPhiladelphiafor a three4ay aisit with the inner-city lubilee School. The schml in the oiginal rooms of an old Victorian house with a wild, tangly gardm in front and a playsupe and picnic table in back. That euming operates

truted to a aideotnpe of the lubilee students,folloraedby a delicions chicken dinner. The next dny, the children attended classes as Nita and I floated from room to room obseroing, taking pictures, and talking with the staff. Despite their limited mnterial resoutces (small library, no gW, we u)ere

few computers), the studmts excelled in their

PTAYGROUND PLUSES There are many considerations that surround the "play area" that was giaen to the town: safety regulations, toum location, oinbility, etc. All of those are necessary, but not at the oeritable heart of the matten The beating hurt of the play area or playground is the ioy, Iaughter, and deaelopmental benefits that each child will erperience with eoery aisit. PIay mcourages creatioity, spontaneity, and inaention-play, a quintessential human need, can nez,ter be outgroum. A play arw offers the entire tozln a place to enjoy the sights and sounds of children laughing, swinging, and climbing, actioities that will resonate for young and old alike. I belieae the play area wiII pleanntly touch

r":i#r:f#rryTh;

small classes, with the help of the committed staff

anl parents. On our way back to Cornwall the next day, we realized that ute had learned a lesson aboul looe and respect in the open and rtelcoming mznner in which'uJe were truted. As one parent so aptly put it, "lubilee is like a family," and that is how they made us feel-like family.

Mary is his mother." For Cornzuall taxpayers aoting on the school issue, there was no choice, and, on March 23, we wne forced to oote for it, Belieaing that it is fiscally irresponsible and nearly impossible to build a new school, one had no choice but to aote for an addition to the old school. At the town meeting on March 9, Gordon Ridgway said there would be no oppoltu-

-lane

tfu

magni- {\

The silent auction will be from 1:30 to 3 r.u., after which Dave Cadwell will start the bidding promptly at 3 p.v. for the live auction. [n addition to the usual array of such offerings as plants, crafts, foods, toys, tickets, massages, and

t. the aote magnifus and mis^rl represents the YES aote? Gioen no alternatitte, aoters At may hnue selected the "addi- I tion" option. Will we now be

and

WHAT CHOICE? Ezra Pound wrote: "There is no God-and

nity to aote either for or against both of proposals because "that kind of uote

fies theNO aote." What

pawer to C&D Farms onClark Road, I was informed tlat tlu facility wuld rquire approximately 328 KVAfor tlu raidence and associatedbuildings, and 866 KTA for thebarn and arua, a total of 1.,794 KUA. Dusting of nry ulculabr,l discwerd that the electriul uuge for the raidence alone moy be apyoxinutely 30 times this

firewood, the silent auction will

have a new table devoted solely to Comwall authors past and present. Up for bidding will be books written by Catherine Noren, Anne

Zinsser, Marc Simont, City Lansing, April

Stevens, Spencer Klaw, Michael Pollan, Juliette Hubbard, Monty Hare, and Carla Bigelow, just to mention a few. For many, the highlight of the day begins

, "

Prentice

trPOWERFORTHEPEOPLE

the recent meeting regarding the pro-

BOOKS ENROUTE TO GHANA

After many months of collecting for the

Gharu Fund book driae, tlu boxes haae been packed and are awaiting shipment in Nrw lersey. Thanks to your generosity, ute were able to three huge boxes to be shipped to Ghana. The books utill ultimately be used in the Christ Faith Foster Home library, which we hope to hnae

fill

refurbished within a year. Again, many thanks for your continued support.

-Huther

Dinneen

with the live auction and the chance to bid on vacation houses in Block Island; County Cork, Ireland; Provence, France; London; and apartments in Tribeca, Greenwich Village and the Long Boat Tennis Club in Florida. For others, the chance to take over the Wandering Moose for a big dinner party or buy a vintage sombrero from the 1920s is the drawing card. \Ay'hatever it is, Co-Chairs

cornwallct.org for the complete listings for both the silent and live auctions. AII of the

Jean Vitalis and Emilie Pryor promise an af-

committees. On March 18, both groups held

ternoon of fun as Cornwall residents and visitors alike generously give the items up for bid and then just as generously buy them!

Closer to the auction date, visit

money raised will help pay for the programs and staffing at the Center, which has been in operation since 1974. Iake

-Norma

New Town Committees Cornwall's registered voters attended party caucuses in january and elected new town organizing meetings to elect new officers. Stephen Senzer will lead the Democrats again, along with Vice-Chair Ann Schillinger, (continued on page 4)

APRIL

CORNWALL CHRONICLE (continued from page 3)

Secretary Hanna Grossman, and Treasurer Isabelle Osbome. Other members are Anne Baren, Paul Baren, Earl Brecher, Anne Cham-

berlain, Alec Frost, Nan Frost, David Grossman, Becky Hurlburt, Barbara Klaw Spencer Klaw, Neal Kosciusko, Dominique

Lisseur, John Miller, Charles Osbome, Ann Peterson, Marie Prentice, Gordon Ridgway,

julia Scott, Celia

Senzer, Lisa Lansing Simont, Sara Simont, Catherine Tatge, and Phyllis -The Wojan.

Republicans could not find anyone to be chair or vice-chair. They did elect Ann Treimann as secretary and K. C. Baird as treasurer. Other members of the town committee

are Vera Dinneen, Audrey Ferman, Adam Fischet Donald Hedden, Brian Kavanagh, Anne Kosciusko, Norma Lake, fack Preston, Joseph Pryor, foanne Scully, john Scully, Donald Treimann, and Huntington Williams'

The Scenic Highway Designation of Route 7 was recently completed and officially declared on January 3. The stretch now runs from the south end of Kent to Falls Village's border with Canaan. Tax Credits/Exemptions: Cornwall homeowners who were 50 or older by December 31.,2007, or who are receiving Social Security

disability payments, may be eligible for credit on their property tax. The property must be their principal residence and the total income including Social Security must be less than $25,400 single or $31,100 if married. Applications may be filed in the Assessor's Office until May 15. If approved, credits will apply to the July billing. Once on the program, reapplication is every two years.

Forms have been mailed to homeowners who must reapply this year. Persons currently receiving a veteran's exemption may be eligible for an additional exemption if they meet the above income requirements. There is no age requirement for the additional exemption. Application period is from February 1 to October 1. for application to the October 1,2002, Grand List. Application forms are available from the Assessor's Office, which is open Tuesdays and Thursdays,9 A.M. to noon, and Wednesdays, 1to4e.u.

Lifeguards Wanted: Hammond Beach is now accepting applications for lifeguards for the 2002 summer season. Competitive pay

Events & Announcements Park and Rec.: On April 3 at 7 p.rrt. at the Town Hall-a public forum on the proposed playground. View the site plan and-have questions and concems addressed. your - On-April 6 at 5:30 r.r'4. at the Town Hall-a potluck dinner, followed by a Celtic Band concert (free) at 7:30 P.tvt. On April 10, 6:30 to 8 p.v., and April 13, 10 a.u. to noon at the Town Hall-uniform distribution. AII Little League and softball playets must come.

Art in Cornwall: At the Comwall Library,

The Last Picture Show, a lively exhibit of works by 35 Cornwall artists, will continue until the middle of April. During April, the National Iron Bank will feature works by stu-

dents at the Housatonic Valley Regional High fthool.

Rainy DaYs We're not talking about the weather but figuratively, as in "rainy day fund," which is the height of fiscal responsibility. We don't really have one at the Chronicle, and we'd feel more, well, responsible if we did. See coupon below

I want the Chronicle to continue Here is my tax-deductible contibution of: $

Ctty

Call Jane Prentice at 672-6107.

Kindergarten Registration for the 2002-2003 school year will be held on April 2, 3, and 4' Any child turning five on or before December 31, 2002, is eligible. Parents should call the school office, 672-6677 ,lo schedule a time for their child to visit the kindergarten room and meet Mrs. Wadhams,.the teacher. Bring the child's official immunization record and birth certificate.

Scholarship Application Forms for the Woman's Society Education Fund are available to any Comwall senior graduating from public or private high school. Forms may be picked up at the HVRHS Guidance Office or from Thalia Scoville, 672-6288. Deadline for retum is May 1. Movie Night: On Wednesday, April 10, at

ocean voyage and has W. C. Fields in dual roles and Bob Hope singing "Thanks for the

Memory." Also on board are Martha Raye, Dorothy Lamour, and opera star Kirsten Flagstad. Note change in time (from 7:30 r'r',r.)

now that spring is here! The Fourth Annual Spring Bird Walk, sponsored by Park and Rec., will be on Saturday moming, April2T ,7 to 9:30 a.r'1., and will be led by Art Gingert, our expert resident natu-

ralist/photographer. Bring binoculars and wear waterproof boots. Beginning birders are welcome. No rain date. For details and to reserve a place, call Carla Bigelow, 672-0283.

New Library Building Dedication: June at midday. Mark your calendars now!

/St/Zip

Please mail the Chronicle to lhe out-of-town address above; a $10 contribution will be appreciated.

15,

Calling All Artists: The third annual "Art at the Dump" will take place at the Transfer Station on Saturday, April 20, 10 e.u. to 4:30

The show features artwork fashioned from recycled items. All artists, aspiring artists, and non-artists are encouraged to participate. Items are to be dropped off and hung the morning of the show between 8 and 10 a.r'.t. Prizes wi-ll be awarded. AII artwork, unless otherwise indicated, will be for sale; the profits will be used to buy art materials for eCS. Questions may be directed to Gail

p.r',r.

Jacobson, 672-6639.

Driveway Bond Graveyard: The town is holding in escrow 25 driveway-performance bonds for residents who applied to attach their driveways to a town road' Each bond is worth $500 to those who have completed their driveways. The oldest bond dates back to L990; there are seven older than 1998. If you would like to get your money back (after froving to the selectmen that your driveway is okay), please call the Selectmen's Office (672-4959) or Finance Otftce (672-2707).

at the Town Hall,TheBigBroadcast of 1938 will be shown. The story takes place on an

p.rra.

CORNWALL CHRONICLE ILLUSTRATIoNS A dam Van D oren APR]L EDITORS Peg

and Kat

kskinm

Norma Lake

MAYEDITORS

Mntt

Collins

lean and lohn

Inch

CALENDAR EDITOR

AnneBarm DIRECTORS %u Bmrs PRESIDENT Spencer Klaw VICE PRESIDENT . Baftqta Kbw PURLIS}{ER EdMtdFemnSEcRE'fAF.y . Audtey Emn TREASURER Hffidonchubb. Ch6yl Ewns Charles Osbome

Robert

CORNWALL CHRONICLE, INC. 280 CREAM HILL ROAD WEST CORNWALL,CT 06796

YeS,

plus paid rain days. Red Cross Lifeguard, First Aid, and CPR certification required'

2OO2

E-MAIL: spenbarb@discovemet.net RAX: (8601 672-6327

CORNWALL RESIDENT

Pottq , Susn Williqmson

CORNWALL CHRONICLE 4 MAY 2002

VOLUME 12: NUMBER

complaint to the attention of the FOIC some weeks earlier, in a letter of February 14 that

Biilding Committee Named On April 18, the Board of Selectmen nomi-

described the following chain of events: On February 4, at7:20 r.rr.r., ]udy and her husband, Allen, arrived at the Town Hall to attend a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Selectmen. Allen had previously thrown his hat in the ring as a candidate for the position of altemate on the lnland Wet-

nated Susan Hatcher, William Hurlburt, AIec Frost, fohn l-aPorta, Thalia Scoville, and |ames Terrall to the School Building Committee. The town referendum on May 11 will an-

swer the question: Shall we appoint this comrnittee and authorize it to spend $25,000 from unexpended bond proceeds to prepare

lands and Water Courses Agency (a post since filled by Ann Treimann), and his wife had been informed by the First Selectman's Office that this position would be on the

plans for improvements to Cornwall Consolidated School? For those unable to vote in person, absentee ballots are available at the Town Clerk's Office Monday to Thursday, 9 a.v. to 4 p.rr.t' and also on Saturday, May 4, from 9 to 11 a.t',t'

Information

-lohn Please!

agenda that evening. On arrival at the Town Hall, howevet the

Herkimers and a few other interested citi-

kich

zens found no sign of a selechnen's meeting

progress. On telephoning the First

Selectman's Office the following day, Judy Herkimer was told that a change of venue

Among various items discussed at the 9 a.u. Board of Selectmen's meeting on April 2 was a brief statement by Gordon Ridgway that lumed out to be something of a sleeper. He informed those present that fudy Herkimer had brought a Freedom of tnformation (FOI) complaint against the board, that the FOI Commission had appointed an ombudsman to resolve the case, and that a hearing date had been set. Lr response, the selectmen had authorized Town Attorney Perley Grimes to

notice had been posted on the Cornwall website but that due to an oversight no notice of change in venue had been placed at the Town Hall. She also was informed that the wetlands issue had not been on the agenda after all. As it later hanspired, the Board of Selectmen had adjoumed the meeting to CCS after a brief preliminary session at the Town Hall with members of the Park and Recreation

represent them.

Commission. A notable subject considered

As it turned out, fudy Herkimer, a resident of Cornwall Bridge, had brought her

MAY 2OO2

that evening was the town effort to clean up two polluted sites in Cornwall Bridge formerly owned

r.u.

Church

Region One

After an initial hearing in Hartford on April 3 before the Freedom of Information Commission, Judy Herkimer rested her case on the claim that her FOI rights as a citizen had been denied by the Board of Selechnen, which had changed the place and agenda of a regularly scheduled meeting without adequate public notice. The legal mills grind slowly in this process and it may be several months before a final ruling is made on Judy

Herkimer's

claim.

(continued onpage 2)

314 Rotary Meeting:

ucc

Monrn's Drv

Book Brigade 2 e.tut. Cornwall Library (p.4)

Hall

1-3

8:15 r.u. Cornwall lnn

Day Room

May 11 Referendum Ballots (p.1) available

11 rr

114

(p.4)

Cornwall Association 9:30 e.u. UCC Day Room

I I

Relerendum Vole on School Bldg. Comm. Noon-8 p.u. Town Hall (p.1)

ttt&ti'^fl?8H'njil L7 Bd. of Ed.5 e.u. CCS Library

Bd. of Finance 7:30 e.u. CCS Library

Annual Budget Town Meeting 7:30 p.u. CCS Gym (p.3)

HVRHS (D.4}

24 Historical Society Annual

Meeting 4

p.rvr.

Town Halt

(u)l2Tttt,ronoLonvloesenvro)128 l|29 30 I I Play Group 10-1 :30 e.u " I BridgeDance I ForMemorialDav.Events I ZBA8:30e.u.TownHall'I St.Peter'sChurch See Page 4 S,eO-rTr.". tp.Sl I I I Cornwall Fire Dept. I I I 8 W. C. Firehouse

sit.lli

Spring Cleanup 9 r.u.-Noon (p.4) Hazardous Waste Dav.

Rotary Meetino: Dr. Jared Zelman

8:15 r.u. Cornwall lnn Spring Nature Walk 8:3010 r.u. Gold Road (p.4)

115 reatrine:rune Screening I Chrontctcioprt I Wellness (p.4) I UCC Parish House r'u Blood Pressure Screening I Housatonic River Comm. I PlaV Groun 1(F1 :30 1-l r.". ucd oav noom I ?,io r cCs Liur.rv I St Peter's church ". P&Z 8 p.u. Town Hall I t27 122 20 I I Play Group 0-1 1:30 n.u. I Reoublican Town Comm. I St. Peteis church Region One Bd. of Ed I 7:30 CCS Librarv I New Cornwallp.u.Library 7 p.u. HVRHS | | 0pens 12:30 (p.4) II II Green Pafi 7:30 c.n. Cornwall Library Closed

Rep. Nancy Johnson

(p.4) | p.u.

F. Leich

Ready When You Are, C. B.

Budget I 8

lnland Wetlands 8 Town

-lean

"C. 8.," in this case, refers not to Mr. DeMille, but to Cornwall Bridge, to say nothing of the rest of Cornwall. The first Corndance Film Festival, brainchild of Lib Tobin and Donna Murphy, packed the Town Hall to SRO on Sunday, Apnl7, with devotees of the silver screen. Latecomers were turned away. Fifteen hopefuls shelled out a $9.99 entry fee to parade their creations before an audi-

Re{erendum Noon-8 e.u. RtaV Group 10-1 1 :30 r.u. I 'St. Town Hall eeiets Ctrurch

Blue Mt. Satsang Every Tuesday 6:30-8 p.v. UCC Day Room

l*n I

from articles later published in the local press, the Herkimers were doubly doublv disappointed not to have been notified of the change in venue sinceboth are actively involved in environmental issues.

I Meditation for Mothers Every Thursday 1:1 5- 2:1 5 p.u,

I I

by the Neoweld Company. On learning of this discussion

2 Play Group I 0-1 1 :30 St. Peter's

P.M.

Town Hall

t25 I Rotary Meeting: | 8:tS r.u. Cornwall lnn I Book Signing Historical I Society 10 A.M.-Noon

tp.rl

p.r"r.

* Check with Z0ning Ofiice--672-4957

For additions and updating, visit www.cornwallct.org

CORNWALL CHRONICLE (mntinued from page 1)

ence which gave a warm reception to all.

the quality of the video projector was not quite up to Hollywood standards, the enthusiasm and imagination of the filmmakers left little to be desired. Judges Dominique Lasseur, Catherine Tatge, |osh Perlstein, Anna Dolan, Donna Murphy, and Lib Tobin gave the nod for Best Comedy to Inw Life,by April Stevens, which nosed out Dominique Lasseur's enhy. A for-

eign film (Winsted), Say Cheese, by Steven Silvester, in which roving cameras gang up on a filmmaker, won the Best Suspense category. Corey Fontana's 1979 took the Best Drama award. Steve McQueen's BIob was not nearly so chilling as a clump of string which swallowed cars and people in Pat Griffin's String Driaen Thing. lt lassoed the prize for Best Animated Film. The Creative Genius Award went to Ms. Good's seventh-grade art class for their series

of mock commercials touting such useful items as a flit can for offing teachers. Wirrners raked in a"Corny" trophy and a

hefty $30.00 prize, but many wonderful films went unlauded, including Diana Fishman's beautiful glimpses of life in Niger (rhymes withbeware not tiger); Dog Days, from a group of l"akeville Joumal staff members, a heartrending expos6 on the plight which confronts an aging greyhound whose race is run; and Dog Gone lt, which purported to be a ca-

nine-produced film made entirely without human intervention, but is generally believed to have come from the camera of Kate Norkin and Frank James Galterio. Tobin and Murphy deserve the town's thanks for a wonderful festival, hopefully

MAY

a sealed-up fish tank) to those grown more naturally in soil-filled pots. Her conclusion? "Plants do not grow better in biospheres," she said firmly, "though mine might have done better if my fish tank wasn't so small. But the ones grown in regular pots did better.

Notably." Other prize-winners were: Fifth Gradefackie Underwood, Paris Costello, Christina Gugel, Emily Thaler; Sixth Grade-Jonathan Coe, Sarah Freedman, Aaron Dwyer; Seventh Grade-Nina LaPorta, Charlotte Buck, Tyra Lindholm, Dan Simons; Eighth GradeByron Clohessy, Lindsey Stone, Samantha Rudes, Emilie Gold. F. Leich

-lean

An Even Grander List The new Grand List of taxable private property in Cornwall as of October 2001 has now been made public. It shows that gross prop-

erty values have increased from $183,943,400

in 2000 to$213,572,220 in 2001,

or by 16 percent. Your own tax bill will be determined by the new assessment you received and the new mill rate, which will be set after the Annual Budget Town Meeting on May 17. For example, if the new mill rate is 19 and your net assessment is $200,000, your tax is Leich 200,000 x .019, or $3,800.

A Diamond is Forever ...unless it's got three bases and a home plate, in which case it requires constant TLC. This according to CCS Girls' Softball Team coach

Tricia Collins is what her field hadn't been getting. But after an inspection by First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, the mighty forces of the Comwall Town Crew swung into action in the person of Jim Vanicky, who brought his backhoe to smooth the field during spring

area have a fresh covering of sand. A proper

pitcher's mound now rises in the infield. A field of dreams? Not yet, but there is hope o{ a complete reseeding during the summer lull. The quality of their practice field notwithstanding, the Cornwall girls managed to vanquish the vaunted Salisbury team 18-9

onApril

Greenest Thumb

11.

Anne C. Zinsser to Russell J. and Sharon Sawicki, .152 acres and buildings thereon, Sharon-Goshen Tumpike for $232,000. Estate of Gerda Wallach to |acqueline Dedell and Ira Shapiro, 3.6 acres on Routes i25 and 128 for $55,000.

Lewis G. and Sara L. Cole to Graham and Brenda Underwood,225 Dibble Hill Road for M10,000. Marie J. Kluge to ]acqueline Dedell and Ira Shapiro,3.44 aces on Routes 125 and 128 for $65,000. Deborah W. Clarke to ]ohn Burr Wolfe, .4 with building on Popple Swamp Road

acre

for $35,000.

Collins

encouragement from science teacher Lynn Meehan, all 95 students from grades five

through eight submitted projects ranging a

Regina A. Gerbi, Trustee, to Brian Billings, two parcels of land on Day Road for $12s,000.

Michael M. and Martha W Nesbitt to Angela K. Dom, house and three acres on Town Street for $322,500.

Condos for Kestrels If you've wondered about the large "bluebird boxes" that have shown up in prominent Comwall hees during the early spring, I can tell you that they are destined as homes (we hope) for American kestrels. Also called

sparrowhawks, killyhawks, or windhovers (in the UK), these smallest of North American falcons are colorful, fast-flying open

country raptors which dine on meadow

Arliss Suttles Dianna Mosher Farha

our state, and dead American elms with

Welcome

abandoned woodpecker holes or natural nesting cavities have fallen or been cut

William Seth Covington

April 5 with its usual panache. With much

Foster S. \{hite and C;.nthia W. Nau to Pierce Lane Farm LLC, property and buildings on Pierce l-ane for $1,100,000.

mice, grasshoppers, and some small birds. They are currently a Species of Special Concem in Connecticut, their numbers having declined precipitously as farmland continues to become forest (or subdivision) across

-Matt

Good-Bye to Friends

The biennial Science Fair at CCS went off on

study of water quality in Candlewood Lake to another on the onset of abstract thinking in early childhood. Choosing the winners was not easy. The nine judges had to be on the lookout for outstanding examples of scientific thought, ability to design and carry through an experiment, and creativity of ideas and materials

Robert J. and Joan McGuire, three parcels of land totaling 43.43 acres on Cream Hill Road for $375,000.

-lohn

vacation. Ruts and potholes have disappeared and the base paths and home-plate

from

2OO2

Lilianna Beatrice Krug to Liz Van Doren and

down.

Ken Krug

Eleven state-of-the-science keshel condos have been placed in prime habitat by mem-

Land Transfers

bers of the informal Cornwall Birding

John Smyth and Arthur A. Baker to Pierce K. Keamey and Sara E. Cousins, 17 .2 acres on River Road for $155,000.

Group. Much appreciation is due Northwest Lumber & Hardware for generously donating construction materials. Thanks also to

Colbert, who also won first place for the sixth grade. Her entry was a comparison of plants

Dolinsky Realty Corp. to SCASCO Inc., three parcels of land and buildings thereon, on River Road South for $150,000.

grown from seed in a biosphere (in this case,

Henry G. Labalme and Jean McMullin to

Glen Farm, C&D Farms, the Coltsfoot Valley Association, Local Farm and elsewhere for the privilege of working with wildlife on their properties.

used.

The Grand Prize winner was Hannah

landowners at Hedgerows Farm, Maple

MAY

CORNWALL CHRONICLE

2OO2

So, give a look for a hovering kestrel, over a windy meadow like a grenadier kite, and enjoy these uncommon raptors while they are with us until autumn. We'll let

h*gg

you know whether the new kestrel digs worked any magic or

not! -Art

Gingert

Play Space Placed With a unanimous vote of approval at its regular meeting of April 8, the Planning and Zoning Commission brought to an end a lengthy search for an available site on which to locate a community recreation area. For some years/ the Park and Recreation Commission fielded complaints from irate locals demanding to know why the town did not provide its residents with a public play space. "My usual response," comments Park and Rec. Chair Dierdre Fischet "was that Comwall had no town property suitable for that purpose." Then, in February of 2001 came word of a $15,000 bequest to the town by the late Mary Schieffelin for "recreational purposes," and the long-delayed play space project began to gather community support. Early last summer, the Cornwall Child Center was ap-

proached by Alphonse Fletcher, the new owner of the Castle, with the offer of an outsized piece of playground equipment that had been installed on his property by a previ-

ous owner. This behemoth, linown as

playscape, was a redwood structure approximately 50 feet square and boasting towers at all four corners. The Child Center offered to

split the various components of

the

playscape with Park and Rec. and also suggested a parcel of land for recreational use between the Town Hall and the new Library. That plan changed last March when an alternative site was made available by Thomas and Anne Hubbard, whose teruris courts in Cornwall Village are leased and maintained by the town. The new space covers 120by 20

feet, twice the length of the first site proposed, and is located south of the courts on Pine Sheet. It will be leased to the town on a renewable, cost-free basis, and if all goes according to plan the new park should be open

for business in late summer, attractively Iandscaped and fumished with benches, picnic tables, and a number of activity centers designed to appeal both to toddlers and to the kindergarten set. Meanwhile, the playscape lies dismantled,

rather like a neatly arranged collection of dinosaur bones, on property owned by conhactor John A. Frost, who removed it from the Castle grounds last fall. After exhaustive studies led by Bethany Thompson, the new Park and Rec., director, it has become clear that the effort of bringing this relic of a more-lenient era up to today's stringent safety codes would not justify the expense involved. As of this *iti.& the playscape's future re-

mains to be decided. "But who knows?" quipped Denny Frost.

"Maybe I'll reconstruct

the thing myself!"

-lean

F. Leich

Letters to the Chronicle BOEURGES "YES" VOTE The Cornwall Board of Education urges you to approoe the establishment of abuilding committee with an operatingbudget of $25,000 in the referendum to be held May 7L. The school's neds haaebeen ilw"ghtf"ily determined and ihcumented. They are immediate an"d are baseil on program, rct population. Should anyorc wish to rniew those needs, the aideo danatedby Tatge-Iasseur Productions is available at the Library. Aln, Principal Petu Coope would welcome the chance to explain in person on Fiday, May 3, to anyone who ulls the schcol; or you can contact any membo of theboard. In the March referendum, uotus supported (by a wile margin) renoaation as the way to address this problem. But until a committee works with an architect, there is no way to know

final configuratian or the cost of that renoTration. Pluse support improoedfacilities at CCS /tyes" anil aote on May 11. Gold, Chair; Philip Hart, Rebecca the

-Barbara Hurlburt,

Scooille Soul6, Catherine Thtge,

lamesTenaII

CATHEDRALPINE TOWERS While aisiting the Philadelphia area recently looked like a transplanted Cnthedral Pine towering oaer an array of lower-height trees. To my surprise, it was infact an attempt to disguise a microwaoe communications

I noted what

tower-and

S2-foot unit, including bathrooms, a plrys.-ed. office,Iighting, plumbing (with a pump grindr septic system) and a choice of exterior finish on the gray clapboard siding. Bleachers, I was told, are easily aaailable. It would fit just fine into the Cornwall landscape and meet the stated needs of the town's children and adults. Must we spend

millions to build a gym and stage that is 110 feet by 74 Whitney

feet?

-losie

PUTUNG TOGETHER The PTA would like to thank eoeryone for their hard work and participation in the process of improaing our school's facilities. There is little doubt in most of our minds that ute need to upgrade our school. Now thnt a direction has bun chosen, we hope that eaeryone can conte together and support a building committee, as a plan for our school is createil. Now is the time that we all need to puII together to bring this project to completion. Thefuture of our community's children depends on us. Samson -Daaid President, PTA

pretty good job it was. My first

thought was that such a disguise might be a good idea for towers in the Corntaall area. My second utas thnt maybe some creatiae Cornwallinn had come up with a tourism promotion for our community. And third,I thaught this was just the kind of word play characteristic of so many in Corruaall, creating "Cathedral Pine Towers" to mock the names giaen to the many apartments anil condominiums being built

in the East Coast megalopolis.

-Mike

MacCracken

ECONOMICALGYM They don't call it a steel gym, but Harwinton's Consolidated School has built a "prefabricated structure" of steel on a concrete slab. $400,000 bought the complete 108-foot

Events & Announcements The Annual Budget Town Meeting will be held on May 17 at7:30 p.u. at CCS. The Board of Finance will propose a total school and town budget of $4,834,762, a 5.2 percent increase over last year. This includes $180,000 for CCS expansion. The Region One budget referendum is May 7, noon to 8 p.u. at the Town Hall. Covered Bridge Dance: The Comwall Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting its eleventh annual dance in West Comwall on May 26. Proceeds will be used for haining

VOTING REMINDER

lf you want the CCS building project to go forward, it is aery important to vote for the building committee andfunding on May 11. lf you do not want this proiect to mooe ahead, the Mny 11. referendum wilI be an oppo,rtunity to say "no" to spending any money on the proposed school improaements. The aote last August to stop the previous school project produced a total aoter turnout of better than 800, a aery heavy aote for Cornwall. We, as aotus and tarpayers, haue already wasted $263,000 on this school business. On Mny 11., we need another aery heavy turnout to decide if this project can now march forward ntith deep and solid tu"o"' Earr Brecher

-**.

and equipment expenses. This year's band, Timerider, with a mixed bag of rock and country, will be performing from 7 to 11. p.r,.l. Food and refreshments will be available from 5:30 r.r'a. Admission at the gate is 910 for adults and $5 for children. Discount tickets can be purchased on preceding days at area businesses. Parking is free at lots located half a mile north on Route 7 and one mile east on Route 128. Free shuttle buses will run from the lots to the dance, as the bridge and approaches will be closed to all haffic from 5 p.r',r. until midnight. No pets or unattended children, please.

MAY

CORNWALL CHRONICLE Memorial Day Observances will be held on Mav 27 asfollows: 9 a'v. service in the North Cornwall Cemetery, where all are welcome to brine flowers; 10 e.r.'r. Seamen's Service at the Coiered Bridge; 1't e.rra. Memorial Day Parade and cerembnies on the Town Green' The haditional UCC/Comwall Child Center carnival will follow on the church grounds'

Sold Out in Janaary, Cornraall in Pictures-A Visual Reminiscence 1868-1941 has been reorinted. Published bv the Comwall Histori'cal Society, the boo( has a hardcover cloth binding ana ZZ+ pages, with text by Jeremy Brechei. He will be on hand to sign copies of the book at the Historical Society from 10 a'u' to noon Saturday, May 25. You can bring your copy of the'original printing or buy a new volume from the second. Meantime, the book is available in Northwest Comer book-

stores and retail outlets for $25, or call Charles Osborne (672-6296) or Maureen Prentice (572-0135) to order a coPy.

Thinkine Ahead: There are so many things eoine oriin Comwall that it is a pity when

ftvo ilonderful events are scheduled at the same time. Events can be listed months in advance on the calendar of the Cornwall

News from Park and Rec.: Anyone who still

has a baseball uniform from last year please return it to CCS or the Town HaIIASAP' They are badly needed and expensive to reP-lace' Satuiday, May 18, is the annu,al Spring

Cleanup. Volunteers meet at the Town Green,'9 a.rtr. to noon. Contact Debbie

Morehouse at 672-0736 or Bethany Thompson at 572-6058.

Donations are needed to help purchase

plav equipment, landscaping, fencing, picnic

taUies,'ata other items to make the town playground a reality. Call Bethany Thompion (OZZ-OOSS) for more information'

Art in Cornwall: At the Wish House, on May 25, 5 to 7 r.r'4., Danielle Mailer opens an- exhibit of small paintings. The Nationai Iron Bank will sho* Iandscapes and still life

paintings of Treasa Pattison during the month of MaY.

60-Plus Wellness Screening: Tuesday, May 14, at the UCC Parish House. The screening is oerformed bv nurse practitioners and offeis a wide range of tests including hear-

website (www.cornwallct.org), where, you can look ahead to see what's already there'

Please contact Anne Baren, 672-6637 , fax 672-

0175, pbaren@snet.net, date of your event.

with the name and

Book Brigade at the Library: On-Sunday, May 12, siirting at 2 r.lt., a line of Comwalliani will form to move the 1,600-book mysterv collection from the shelves of the "old" Library to the new building. The books will so one at a time from hand to hand and Itr"^- to their new location' At least 100 folks will be needed to reach between the buildings; many hands make ligJrt workl Refreshmeits wili be provided. Untimely rain would cancel the event' The bulk of the books in the collection will be moved professionally during th9-f9l-

Iowing week-when the Library will

ne*-lib.aty building will

The Chronicle's reservoir of cash seems to be

place. Sponsored bY Park and Rec.

Golf Tournamenh Visiting Nurses Association Northwest is hosting its third annual solf tournament at Torrington Country tlub Jrrn" 3 with a l2:30 n.ru. lee off. The en-

trv fee is $150 which includes lunch and dinner. Contact Nell Nicholas at 672-4457 for more information. Casting Call: Sunday, June 2 from 2 to 6 p'u' at the UCC for Thomton Wilder's play Our Town, tobeperformed in October. Openlo all adults and ihildren; first preference to Comwall residents. Further information will be

oosted when available on the Cornwall

iarebsite or call Chris Gvorsok

at 572-271'5'

CORNWALL CHRONICLE ILUSTRATIONS M4 rc SiMONt MAYEDTTORS

High School. Please call

lean and lohn Leich

Matt CoIIins

the Selectmen's Office (672-4959) for an aPpointment for the exact time of Your

JUNE EDTTORS

Mnttcollins-

leanandlohnlclch

CALENDAR EDITOR Anne Baren DIRECTORS

delivery.

TQn

Bmrs PRESIDENT

Earbara Kiqu PUBLISHER Spmcer Khw\ICEPRESIDENT SECRETAR\ ' Audrry Fmn TREASURER Ldwrd f Hmdon Chubb ' Cheryl Ewns

covering the news from Comwall'

Charles Osbome

Robeft Pottet

CORNWALL CHRONICLE, INC. 280 CREAM HILL ROAD, WEST CORNWALL,CT 06796 E-MAILT spenbarb@discovemet.net FAXt(8601

Please mail the Chtonicle to the ott-of-town address ibove; a $10 contribution will be appreciated'

the

woods-and small ponds along Gold Road' Birds, wildflowers, mosses, ground covers/ budding trees, frogs, and more. Children welcom6! No rain dite. Catl 672-0283 or 6726898 for more information and to reserve a

satonic ValleY Regional

sinkine faster than the water table this sorine] We need all you rainmakers to ririnlie us with donations so that we can

ctty/st/zip

identify the many signs of spring in

Hazardous Waste: There will be a hazardous waste collection on May 18 at the Hou-

Drought

Spring Nature Walk Join Carla Bigelow and Celia Senzer on Saturday, May 11, at 8:30 e.u' for an hour-and-a-half ivalk io look for and

opening celebration.

672-2693.

Hre

672-6578.

mid-day on fune 15. EverYone is invited to ttLis official

are only ten-ipaces available, and an appointm'ent is n-ecessary. Call f ill Gibbons at

, t ront the Chronicle to continue is my tax-deductible contribution of: $

work, books, musical instruments, and more' To request a donation pick-up from-your home br to help with thi event call HVA at

will find the doors of the new

tate check, ieight, weight, and health history. The suggested donation is $25' There

Yâ&#x201A;ŹS

HVA Tag Sale: The Housatonic Valley Asjociation iJ collecting items for Great Stuff, Too, a tag sale to be held Sunday, June 2, in Kent, including furniture, dishes and china, art-

closedlMay Librarv op-en. On June 3, the automated system will'be activated: people can bring or pick up their new borrower library cards (or i"qu"tt them) and become acquainted with the computer cataiog. The dedication of,the 22

ing, vision, gliucoma, blood and stool teits, electro&rdiogram, blood pressure, urinalvsis, pao / pelvic /breast exam, pros-

k'eep on

2OO2

Susn Willitmw

Non-Profit Organization U.5. Postage

PAID

672-$n

Permit No.

CORNWALL RESIDENT

CORNI,VALT CHRONICLE 5 VOLUME 12: NUMBER

The Great Library Switch

IUNE 2002

decades ofhopes and dreams.

Although con-

crete plans didn't take shape

until

1997, the

project had been discussed in board meetings since the fifties. Funding was the major victory, especially obtaining a contribution of $426,000 from the State of Connecticut, covering about 30 percent of the cost. Additionally, the town agreed to reimburse the Library $250,000 for the space vacated in its old building. The remainder of the $1,855,000 raised came from foundations, fund-raisers,

well-trodden floors of Cornwall's venerable and much-beloved little library echoed hollowly to the steps of volunteers carting away the last odds and ends from its once-crammed shelves. By mid-May, the collection, whichhad choked it so tightly that browsers were obliged to slither down its narrow aisles, had been blithely swallowed by its capacious replacement like a little school of plankton disappearing down a whale. The 15,000 books al-

and private contributions. This was sufficient to cover the entire cost and begin the endowment which the Library will require

most seem lost in the vast sPaces of the open, post-and-beam structure with its soaring cathedral ceiling, but time is sure to fill it like its

for its upkeep and future projects. But it took more than money. Of course, the lion's share of the labor fell to librarians Ginny Potter and Amy Bucl but a great deal of back-breaking work was put in by a host of volunteers who braved the murky recesses of the attic to clean out the nearly-century-old accumulation of miscellany. This included more than a few treasures, among them, a copy of the Federalist Papers do-

predecessor. Sadly, what promised to be a memorable

book brigade by a chain of volunteers who would have passed 1,600 mystery books from the old building to the new was rained out. They were moved with all the collection by the pros of National Library Relocation, Inc., who used about thirty rolling bookcase carts to shift the books from old shelves to new in perfect sequence. Although the rain fell in deluges and the moving truck, the carts, and the six guys who trundled them were soaked, the books felt not a drop. As Lisa Lansing Simont, president of the Library Board of Tiustees, reminded me, the new building is the successful outcome of

nated by Monty Hare specifically to give Cornwall a proper library to carry it into the

new millennium. Many items were consigned for auction at Sheffield's Bradford Gallery and the proceeds become part of the ongoing endowment. The Cornwall Free Library opened its

2002

new doors on May 22, although the provider is not sysscheduled to bring brine the computerized com tems on line until |une 3. Saturday, June 15,

will

see the dedication ceremonies, sched-

uled for

11 e.r't.

-Matt

Collins

Our New Flagpole We hope you all admired our new flapole on the Town Green this Memorial Day. We're indebted to Denny Frost, Scott Monroe, and fohn laPorta for the heavy labor of erecting the pole and to Dusty Sandmeyer for coordinating this patriotic effort. The new pole was

made possible by a grant from the Sidney Kaye Fund, Many thanks, gentlemen!

-lohnkich

School Plans Go Ahead As everyone probably knows by now, the May 11 referendum on the motion to form a Building Committee for the expansion of CCS and authorizing the expenditure of $25,000 to cover the cost of preparatory work was approved by 268 to 201 votes cast, or by 57 to 43 percent. The Board of Education and

the selectmen had hoped for a bigger voter tumout, and these numbers show that a significant number of people continue to have reservations about the project.

The new Building Committee is now getting organized and is about to put an kontinued on

L Rotary Meeting: Youth Exchange Program 8:15 r.u. Cornwall lnn

Blue lvlt. Satsang Every fuesOay

6:30-8 Lu.

Theater Auditions

2-6

4 p.r"r. UCC

UCC Day

Room

lnland Wetlands 8 Town

p.M.

Hall

I West Cornwall Library I Assoc. Annual Meeting I 2 c.u. Hughes Mem. Library

Community Potluck & Variety Show tor Jubilee School 6 p.u. UCC (p.3)

110 I

gtood Pr.r.urc screening P.M. UCC Parish House

l3-4

I 16

FnrxrR'sDrv

P&Z

p.r,l.

t12

CCS Graduation 6:30 p.ru.

Housatonic River Comm. 7:30 p.r,r. CCS Library

I I

u!dutiltE. Jutt ChnnlcleBoiy Rotarv Meetino: VNA Honie Health-Care 8:15 A.M. Cornwall lnn Playground Raising (p.4) Cornwall ,vall Assoc. 9:30 e.u.

Fue Drv

CCS Last Day I

1 P.M-

Eeach Party 6-8 P.M.

Dismissal

Cream Hill Lake Assoc. (p.4)

Teen Nisht 7-10 p.u. Town Hall (p.4)

UCC Dav Room I

18 nu*r,

Graduation 6:30 c.u.

Region One Bd. of Ed. 7 p.r"r. HVRHS

tottt'J,fl?:i;rrm,l 2'1,

19 Red Cross Bloodmobile 1:3G$: 15 p.u. UCC Parish House (p.4)

Republican Town Comm. 7:30 p.u. Town HallT

t24 I zsns,soo.".ro*n

(s 25 H#

Bd. ol Ed.5 p.u. CCS Library

Finance

Bd. of 7:30 e.u. CCS

Library

9856

VFW Post 8 p.r,r. W. C. Firehouse

Town Hall

l!7

8 nohry ft,tr.tins, II 8:15 r.u.CT Cornwall UCLA lnn

| Historical Society Reception F7 e.u. (p.4)

ptay Group 1G-1 1:30 e.rv. St. Peters Church

26 Green Party 7:30 p.u.

Town Hallt Cornwall Fire Dept. 8 p.u. W. C. Firehouse

suuurR BrorHs

Story Hour I

A.M.

Meeting: ^^ Rotary ZZ Gale Toensing 8:15 e.u. Cornwall lnn Hammond Beach 0pens 11 e.u.-7 p.u. (0.4)

10 e.u. Library (p.4)

I I

Singers 5 e.u.

N. C. Meetino House

t29

I Rotarv Meetino: Hour Devereux GienholmeSchool (p.4) | 8:15 r.u. Cornwall lnn

Story 10 n.n. Library

Hughes Memorial Libnry Book Sale 10

r.u.-3

p.nr.

)

*Check with Zoning 0ffice-672-4957 tCheck with Selectmen's 0ffice-672-4959

For additions and updating, visit www.cornwallct.org

CORNWALL CHRONICLE (continued from page 1)

architect to work. Jim Terrall hopes that the six-member committee will be ready to seek public input into their deliberations by the middle of this month. The Building Committee is charged with bearhg in mind the Board of Education's specification of needs, the project's cost the lasting value of the project and the development of a proposal which the voters will support. In order to reduce the burden on Corn-

wall taxpayers, First Selectman Gordon Ridgway hopes to secure funding from the state in excess of the 15 percent now available, and is exploring the possibilities of private funding as well

-lohn

Leich

2002 Grads Cornwall is well represented in the graduating class at Housatonic Valley Regional High School this year. Here is a list of the grads with their plans or destinations, if known. Theodore Austin-unknown; Christopher Barrett-School of Visual Arts; Shannon

Davis-UConn Torrington; Corey FontanaSchool of Visual Arts; Grace Gilroy-Berkshire Community College; Karin HeaneyU.S. Army; Meghan KochmanUniversity of Colorado at Boul-

Road (Route 7) about two miles south of Cornwall Bridge. The first of these, the River lnn, was acquired by Felice from a previous owner some time during the 1930s. Although no deed to the property is on record at the Town Hall, the owner of the adjoining farm, Arthur Lorch, believes that the place was op-

erated jointly for several years by the roadhouse of dubious reputation into

handsome establishment that long-time residents still recall as a fine place to take the

family out to dinner ("The best broiled chicken ever," says Dorothy Sandmeyer). This family entelprise continued to expand in7945, when Peter Masante established the Cornwall Inn on the next-door property just across Millard Brook, where it has remained ever since. Then, in 1961, the Masantes sold both properties; Peter to a new innkeeper at the same location, Felice to the C. H. Stevens Company, later the Neoweld Corporation, which until 1980 manufactured electronic heating and welding equipment both at the

ten-acre River Inn site, now known

zana; Robert Sterz-

cement bridge. The current owner of this property is Burkhart Roentgen Intemational, a producer of medical equipment. Today, the Cornwall Inn continues to flourish but its former neighbor is a forlom

UConn;

DustinTuthill-

employment and NWCC. Area prep schools

will

send forth

three sfudents from Com-

wall: Christine CrayTulane; Elise PikerTufts; Nick Hunter-MIT. Beneath the mortarboards at CCS this month

will

be Aaron Packard, Byron Clohessey, Cody Aakjar, Courtney Shaw, Dain Council, David Kennedy, Emelie Gold, foshua Martin, Kedry'n Samson, Kurtis \Arhitney, Kyle Julian, Lindsey Stone, Lucia Martin, Margaret Cady,

Padraic Murphy-Saunders, Sam Dwyer, Samantha Rudes, Samuel Packard, Shawna Pattison, Sophie Austin, Susan Barrett. The above will all be going on to HVRHS.

Cooper Oznowicz and Matthew Mulberry will be attending Millbrook. Jessie Elliott and Sandra Sterzl are heading for

-Matt

Collins

Scandinavian Summer will be heading to Liingelmiiki, Finland, on fune 25 under the auspices of the

fessie Bate

American Field Service, which has chosen her for a six-week stay with a Finnish farm family.

will be participating in farm and

community activities and getting to know her hosts, the Ounis, and their three children. Before returning to the States, Jessie will

join other AFSers for a two-day cruise to

sweden'

-Matt

Colrins

According to First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, the selectmen will continue to work with Burkhart both to clean up the property and to resolve the matter of some $100,000 in back taxes due the town.

Welcome

land. Since 1980, the EPA has tested and removed tons of soil containing lead and other contaminants at Neoweld II. Since solvents have been detected in groundwater nearby, the state DEP also tests the wells at neighbor-

ing homes and supplies residents with bottled water where necessary. During all this time, the former River Inn, now a dangerous public nuisance, has remained in place, with few precautions taken to ward off the curious visitor. This year, however, change is in the air. Last February, apparently inspired by un{avorable reports in our local press, the absentee landlord, Richard Burkhart, telephoned the Selectmen's Office from Florida, where he now lives, claiming that arrangements to tear down the derelict building were already underway. Paul Prindle, the Comwall Build-

ing lnspector, then ordered Burkhart to immediately secure (fence in) the shucture and to apply to Prindle's office for permission to tear it down-before proceeding with the

Icich

Lucas Alexander Venturini Calhoun to Will Calhoun and Alexa Venturini

Graham Edward March Nance to Anne and

Martin Nance Samuel Penington Sailer to Gretchen and Joseph Sailer

Daniel john to Catherine Hosterman and Joshua Tyson

Good-Bye to Friends Marjorie M. Cathcart Jason Clarke

Marie Kalman Myron Piker

Congratulations Leon Bouteiller to Patrice Croghan

Matthew Budge to KimberlyJohnson

Land Transfers

acre parcel on Rjver Road, below the Route 4

wreck, barely standing upright on an untended parcel now so polluted by industrial waste that it has become a "brownfield," a term used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to desoibe contaminated

-lean

Anna Rebecca Bavis to Audrey Bavis

Masantebrothers, who transformed it from a

Neoweld II, and also at Neoweld I, a one-

sity; Devon Root-

She

Neoweld's Legacy Once upon a time there were two brothers, Felice and Peter Masante, who owned and operated two hostelries side-by-side on Kent

der; David NickersonUniversidad Veracruemployment; Zachary Rudes-Clark Univer-

Oliver Wolcott.

IUNE 2002

Estate of Bertha Pelletier to Gary R. Bevans, 34 Hall Road, house and 12 acres for $123,600.

L&B Consultants (USA), Inc., to Pablo Taboada and Susan Vessio-Taboada, L8.289 acres on Cream Hill Road for $135,000. Bruce and Deborah A. Bennett to James V. and Pamela M. Agresti, 179 Great Hollow Road for $585,000.

Christopher Smith to Ian Ingersoll, Railroad Street for $10,000.

Kenneth O'Hara to Pamela L. Thompson,90 Cornwall Hollow Road, house and 7.4 acres

for $195,000. Tievor H. and Lee Ganshaw to Robinson B. Lacy and Karen Doeblin, 150 Valley Road, house and 5 acres for $750,000. MR. MADWOM to Donald C. Clarke,5 acres on Applewood Lane for $69,000.

Hold the Phone According to First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, Cornwall's cellular tower, which once seemed likely to rear its head on the ridge of Jack Gulliver's property east of the Housatonic, is on indefinite hold. Apparently Sprint has had second thoughts about the suitability of the site as far as hooking up with its existing towers

is concerned.

demolition process forthwith. Burkhart has verbally agreed to these terms. Meanwhile, the Cornwall Board of Selectmen has requested a grant of $250,000 in state aid from the new Small Town Economic Assistance Program, based in Hartford, for remediation

being aggres-

of both Neoweld sites.

sively pursued by the

An alternati

location

on town property

off Dibble Hill Road is also not

CORNWALL CHRONICLE

JUNE 2002 company at present, probably because of po-

tential opposition from neighbors, as well as

downfum. come as heartening news to those residents whose priority is keeping Cornwall a sleepy Brigadoon, but otheri may be disappointed to know that the absence of a vertical line on the horizon also presages the continued absence of those signal-strength lines on their phones through the general econornic

This

will

much of our

town.

-Matt

So What's Extra

CoIIins

for Kids?

Comwall Extras for Kids is a local organization which enables Cornwall youngsters to participate in independent after-school enrichment activities they would not otherwise be able to afford, such as foreign languages, arts and crafts, nature study, music, chess, computer literacy, athletics, and the like, and in school-sponsored programs like theater hips and inter-school meetings. Applications for assistance are available at CCS, the Comwall Child Center, and the Town Hall; through the after-school program Choices; and directly from Comwall Extras for Kids, P.O. Box 143, West Cornwall,CT 06796. Funds are raised by sponsorship of severa-l events during the year and by direct contributions, which are tax-deductible. (All donations are gratefully received at the above address.) Applications for help and disbursements are all kept strictly

confidential. Cornwall Extras for Kids believes that it is best for all concemed if parents also make an inveslment in their children's activities. For this reason they support only up to 80 percent of the cost of a particular program for a child. In cases of extreme hardship Cornwall Extras will consider paying 100 percent of the cost of an activity, but thus far all parents have covered a portion of the cost of their children's involvement. kich

-lohn No Place Like

Dome

Letters to the Chronicle ACCIDENT VICTIM On May 5, Buddy Dawson, a much-beloaed member of the Hall's Garage staff for the past eight years, had a serious accident while racing his ATV. Buddy sustained a broken back and spinal cord injury, resulting in paralysis. Your much-appreciated donation to The Buddy Fund may be sent to The Nationnl lron Bank or dropped

of at seaeral local

businesses. For more

information, contact Donna or Daae at 6726289.

-DonnaHall

Concerning last month's article "lnformation Please!," I wish to make it known that ludy Herkimer's Freedom of Information complaint is no "sleEer," as it was discussed at a past Board of Selectmen (BOS) muting at uthich reporters fromThe Lakeville Joumal and theWater

bury RepublicanTtrere present.

The BOS agenda with the chnnge of location was posted in the legal posting site outsile theTown Clerk's ffice well within the legal time frame mandnted, plus in my office and on the website where agendas are posted. I dit forget to post a sign at the Tbwn Hall saying we were at the grade school. For thnt I apologized to ludy and to another who missed the meeting. I was not trying to hide the meeting nor keep people nway. I did inform two reporters uthom I kneta were planning to come. They wue there. lt seemed a reasonable plan to moae three selectmen t0 the school rather thnn mooing 12 Park and Reueation membrs from their meeting at the school to theTown HaIL As to the notable subject considered, a grant application was the topic of discussion and not town to clean up two polluted sites. I t'eel the

ffirt

south of the intersection of Routes 7 and 45 in Cornwall Bridge. From the

-lohnkich

glers are building a re-

markable house just

road the house is unprepossessing, looking rather like

two possibly

mis-

placed bay windows, but once inside, it is clear that this is a firm, roomy building suitable for living and rehearsing the art of jug-

gling which its builders, Deborah Buxton and Ryan Clark, do for a living. Scrambling into the house you find a two-story structure, one dome with a living-dining area and kitchen downstairs, and a large bedroom and bath on the upstairs interior balcony. There is an additional bath on the ground level, and a garage undemeath that. Under the second dome is an ample space, wide and tall (29 feet), for juggling practice.

The buiiding is very strong. Its domes,

Hart

Secretary to the Board -loyce of Selectmen

FOICOMPLAINT

created from alternating pentagons and hexagons (like a soccer ball), make for a very solid structure. The design is by a rural builder in Alabama who has created this version of Buckminster Fuller's famous geode-

A couple of young jug-

article implies that thi$ ffice is trying to hide and keep information hidden away from the pubIic. Truly that is not so.

sic domes.

Events & Announcements fubilee School Visits: On June 7, about

students, teachers, and parents of the Jubilee School will arrive in Cornwall for their annual five-day visit. The event is made possible by the generosity of many people who

supported Celebrate Spring, the April program which raised the $3,500 needed to fund the visit. Everyone is invited to welcome the Jubilee visitors at a Community Potluck Picnic to be held under a tent at the UCC on Friday, lune 7, at 6 p.rra. Grilled meat and lemonade will be provided; bring a salad/side dish or a dessert to share. At 7, following the picnic,

|ean Leich, who wrote the original article, responds as follows: "This article was based solely on Judy Herkimer's original letter to the Freedom of Information Commission. No comment was available from Judy herself or from the Board of Selectmen, which is contesting her

claims." ASUPERAUCTTON The eleaenth Cornutall Child Center auction on April 29 raised ouer $28,000, which wiII cooer a significant part of our annual budget and thus keep tuition ffirdable for all families. The generosity of the many businesses and indi-

uiduals who keep giaing year after year is

truly

inspiring. We are deeply grateful to Mohawk Ski

for the use of that ideal facility for the entire dny. Our heartfelt thanks to the committee for rounding up 300 items, the parents who preArea

pared the delicious food, the oolunteer cashiers, and the buyers.

-Emitie"*,1Y,lr:,Y:##

stay to ery'oy a one-hour Variety Show, which

will feature the talents of Cornwall and Jubilee kids and adults.

Many other activities are planned for the weekend, and all are welcome to join the fes-

tivities. Call the church olfice (672-6840), Nita Colgate (672-6797), or Peg Keskinen (672-6486) for the schedule of events.

Art in Cornwall Danielle Mailer's show of recent small paintings will continue at the Wish House through June. At the National Iron Bank, Treasa Pattison will be showing landscapes and still-life paintings during the month of June. The first show at the new Comwall Library will open ]une 15. It will consist of interesting ephemera relating to the construction of the new building. The Cornwall Arts Collection's first show of the season will feature works by M. I. Cake, Barbara Stone, Cynthia Kirk, Emily Buchanan, Ilisha Helfman, Nan Bevans, Lazlo, Aaron Pequignot, and other local arhsts and artisans. Open Saturday, L1 e.u. to 5 r,.rra.; Sunday noon to 5 r.u.; Friday by appointment or by chance. West Cornwall at 7 Railroad Street.

CORNWALL CHRONICLE The 2002 Art at the Dump Show on April 20, sponsored by the Cornwall Association, attracted 179 entries (as compared with last year's 37) and netted 92,27I.39 in sales, making possible a grant of $795.89 to the CCS Art

The Hughes Memorial Library needs books for the Library's sale, which will be held on June 29 from 10 a.u. to 3 r.rra. Donations may be left at the Library during regular hours, or

arrangements made by calling Estelle Stetson at572-6759.

Departrnent.

The annual meeting of the West Cornwall Library Association

Summer Reading: The LibrarY in-

will

mer with a three-ring carnival of

Wednesday, june 5.

story hours, activities, and special

events. Story hours resume on fune 21 at 10 a.rr,l. in the new Library, with two groups, ages 2 to 4 and 5 to 8, and will run through mid-August. Other events for older children will also be offered. Please call or stop by to register your child for Story

|une Is For Dogs: The State of Connecticut requires that dogs six months or older be licensed with the Town Clerk once a year in the month of june. Licenses will be issued only to dogs with a current rabies certificate. The cost is $5 for a spayed or neutered dog, $15 if not. Late fees

Hout and sign up to read stories (pre-selected) or provide snacks. Summer reading logs

will

apply after July 1. The Town

also be

conductor, Sheila Scholbrun, formerly a leading singer in the intemationally known New York Pro Musica.

The Red Cross Blood Drive will take place at the UCC Parish House on ]une 19, 1:30 to 6:15 p.rr,r. Blood is urgently needed. Donors must be 17 or older (no upper age limit), and weigh at least 110 pounds, Walk-ins are welcome, or call 672-6840 for an appointment.

The New Cornwall Free Library will be dedicated on june 15 with speeches, ribbon cutting, music, and tours of the splendid structure. Food will be available for purchase from the CCS eighth graders. Festivities start at 11 e.u.

I through Thursday, 9 e.u. to 4 n.u.;

The Cornwall Historical Society's next show will be a retrospective of the works of the late T. Merrill Prentice, Sr', noted architect and artist. Among the items on display will be the plates of the botanical andWildflowers of Eastern N orth America; paintings; design skeiches of governmental, industrial, and academic buildings; metal sculptures and wooden toys. The opening reception is June Weeds

5 to 7 r.rrr., at the Society's building, 7 Pine Street; and the show will continue through fune 29. Summer hours: Tuesdays, 1 to 3 r.v'; Saturdays, 10 a.r'.r. to 1 r.v. or by appointrnent 7

The Canby Singers retum to Comwall on June 22 for a concert at 5 r'.ru. in the North Cornwall Church. Founded by a long-time Cornwall resident, the late Edward Tatnall Canby, the group willbe singing with itsnew

Clerk's Office is open Monday

available.

watercolors for his book,

(672-64e2).

Hammond Beach will be open seven days a week, 11 A.M. to 7 p.v. from June 22 through September 2. Swim lesson and swim team sign-up times will be 11 e.r',r. to 3 n.u., Sunday, June 23 through Thursday, June 27, at the beach. Season passes are $10 for individuals

and $20 for families and are available

through the Selectmen's Office or by mail at P.O. Box 205, Comwall, CT 06753. Pre-purchase of passes is strongly recommended. Please make checks out to the Town of Comwall. For more information please call fane Prentice, Beach Drector, at 672-6101.

or register your dog by mail by sending a SASE, rabies certificate, and fee to P.O.Box97, Cornwall, CT 06753. Tennis Courts: Thanks to a partnership be-

tween the Hubbard Family, the Town of Cornwall, and the Cornwall Community Tennis Association, the two red-clay courts across from the new Library have been reconditioned and are ready for use by Cornwall residents and their friends. Please read and follow the rules posted on the courts. The tennis clinic for 6- to 18-year-olds will

use the courts 8 a.v. to noon, Monday through Thursday from June 24 through August 1. If you would like to enroll your child for this, please call Todd Piker at 672-6545. The cost

willbe

the same as in past years ($25

for two lessons per week). Space is limited. Once again there will be a Discount Week (june 24 25,26,27) underwritten by the Park and Rec. and Todd Piker. These lessons will cost $12.50 for all four lessons. Please contact Todd if you would like to enroll your child in this special week. Space is limited.

And Now from Park and Rec.: Saturday, fune 8, from 7 to 10 p.v. is the monthly teen night at the Town Hall, free to all Comwall 9th to 12th graders. Friday, June 14, from 6 to 8 p.r'1. will be the Beach Party at the Cream

Hill Lake Association, with food, a DJ,

games, and more, free to all Comwall residents. June 15 and 15, Park and Rec. will be raising the town playground. Volunteer labor to help install the equipment is needed, as well as donations of food and beverages to

sustain those who labor. Please contact Bethany Thompson at 672-6028 to see how you can help.

CORNWALL CHRONICLE ILLUSTRATIoNS

Mntt

To Out-of-Town Subscribers

YeS,l

ztant the Chronicle to continue. Here is my tax-deductible contibution of: $

Souli

CORNWALL CHRONICLE, INC. 280 CREAM HILL ROAD WEST CORNWALL,CT 05796 FAX: (850) 572-6327

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Millu

DIRECTORS Totu Bruns PRESIDENT Spncer KIawYICEPRBSIDENT . Bolraru KIro PUBLISHER Edwtd Fmrcn SECRETAR\ . Audrey FmMu TREASURER Hmdon Chubb . ClEryl Ewns Clurles Osbome . Robert Potts . Suen Williamfln

E.MAIL: Epenbarb@discovemet.net

City/St/zrp

indy Krk

EDITORS lohn CALENDAR EDITOR Anne Baren JULY

per-year contribution to cover our mailing costs. We don't send renewal notices, but please check the date in front of your name on the mailing label; it indicates the expiration date of your subscription.

JUNE EDITORS CoIIins Iean and lohn Isich

SmviIIe

This is our annual reminder that we ask a $10-

2002

be held at the Hughes Me-

morial Library at 2 p.v. on

vites kids to Join the Circle this sum-

IUNE

CORNWALL RESIDENT

CORNWALL CHRONICLE 5 VOLUME 1.2: NUMBER

Yankee Doodle Dandy

Memorial Day Cars line all approaches to the

Cornwall Green. The crowd-old and young/ on canes or on shoulders, on two feet or on four-surges to the War Memorial in front of which stand the dignitaries: Ralph Gold, Earl Brecher, Rev. (Peter) Hammond and Father (Chris) Webber. Here come the veterans, as spiffy as ever in their old uniforms, and here comes the BANDI (more ap-

plause), and the scouts, the teams, the fire and ambulance crews, and the equally resplendent vehicles. The crowd is hushed, waiting for Ralph to

announce the VFW Citizenship Award. "There are no hard and fast rules for our choice," says Ralph. "But all our candidates have one overriding strength: they are good neighbors and good people. This year's re-

cipient has spent countless hours tending Cornwall residents and others in their sorrow and their joy. He is known, too, for his legendary Halloween costumes." A clearly surprised Scott Cady comes forward. "It is my great privilege to Iive among you in this community. I only wish I had thought to wear a costume todaY'" "And now" says Ralph, "fohn Miller will say a few words."

fohn bursts characteristically into song: "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy...," and then

Agriculture Comm. 7:30 p.r"r. Town Hall

Blood Pressure Screenino lS-+ p.u. UCC Parish Housi I

lll

'r.4

raZAp.r"r.TownHall

115

Bruce Ridgway, William Covington, and Myron Piker. Guns salute, dogs bark, babies cry bugles lower the flag, and the members of this almost magical town disperse to the cakewalk, the Simont portrait queue and the frog-jumping contest. Good nei8hbor7k*O

ZBA 8:30 e.u. Town

Hall'

three properties have

pending agreements which will ensure their continued non-residential status. Negotiations have been under way for several years for 96 acres of the Hart family's 135-acre Cherry Hill Farm (which has been in the family since 1759 when George II ruled these parts) to be acquired by the Comwall Conservation Trust. Margaret Cooley, president of the Trust, said that the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection is considering a grant application fot $377,500, half of the proposed purchase

price. The rest would come from funds raised by the Trust, and subsequent use of the property would be in accordance with its goals of maintaining the property as forest and active farmland. Farther north, the Hautboy Hill Farm is likely to come under the State Deparfrnent of Agriculture's Farmland Preservation Program later this month. The Hurlburts will still own the 98 acres of pasture where they settled in t7 46. Datry,beef,pork, hay, and vegetable pro-

will continue once the state has bought development rights, to ensure that the property will remain forever farmland. Straddling the town's southem border, the 75-acre Lorch farm on Route 7 has also been appraised for the Farmland Preservation program. Negotiations began a little duction

Saving the Farms There is hope that several of Comwall's surviving old-family farms may be spared from

the developer's hammer. At this writing,

ruLY 2oo2

(continued onpage 2)

lHoeprrcercr Drv

lnland Wetlands Town Hall

le I

Rotary Meeting:

l Exhibit: Mechanical Banks

P.M.

r,.,u 1

1LL

110

Housatonic River Comm.

Family Mime Show

7euTownHall

(O'4)

I I I

Btco.

z'so'.u.icsLio'a'y

lsttf

VFW Post 9856 p.u. W. C. Firehouse

CCS 8ldg. Comm.

7:30 r.u. CCS Library

1L3 113

p.r,

I1,,^e;10^i.T;^|19J*, t^n ^^, rr^L^..,L /. '

Circus Minimus 10 r.u. Cornwall Libnry

notary Meeting: Club Assembly 8:15 r.u. Cornwall lnn Cornwall Assoc. 9:30 r.u. Cornwall Library Peter Hammond Farewell Frost Home 4 p.u. (p.4)

CCS Bldg. Comm. 7:30 p.u. CCS Librarv

July Fest 1:30 r.u. Village Green

Care

tdig*iifffi L9

Bd. of Finance 7:30 e.u. CCS Library

tl2 I

fi,l'rYl||ifll,,,r,

Rotary Meeting: Meeting: I Covenant lo Can to I storv Hour I II 8:15r.u.Cornwalll St. eiters Ctrurcn I ro ioii'*irr Library I 8:15 r.u. Gornwall lnn I Rummage Sale ccs comm. I ^.u. I 8:30 r.u.-2:30

lor Mothers Everv ' Thursday 1:1 5- 2:15 p.u.

I Meditation

I | 7:30PMCCSLibrary | I

Hisiorical Societv Receprion s-z e.u. 1p.o;

Blue Mt. Satsan0 Every Tuesday 6:3Gt p.v. St. Peter's Church

123

Oemocratic Town Comm. 7:30 p.r,,r. Cornwall Library

his

that. . .on this day that we set aside to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. "I consider myself an exhemely lucky man. Luckybecause I amprivileged to live in andbe part of this wonderful community... this almost magical town. We are blessed in Comwall. Yes, we are blessed--+ven when we disagree. Sometimes we don't get our way and it tums out all right. Vnce Lombardi may have made Bartlett's when he said 'Winning is everything,'but I saybeing kind and thoughtfuf being a good neighbor is everything. That winning doesn't make for a better community." The crowd cheers and then we honor the veterans fallen this year-Edward Pelletier,

%T,x'#,#8;i' I 15

p.r,r. |I Rurr.o, Sale Bao Dav - | 9 i.u.-Noon I ucc ano Mohawk (P.4)

Rummage Sale Half Price 1:30-5:30 UCC and Mohawk (p.4)

of Cornwall,

"Brigadoon." "I consider myself a passionate man and my passionate opinions sometimes cause me to misbehave. I will steer dear of all

2 Park & Rec. 7 e.ru. Town 0fiice

ttti'#::il"lil'il,, 7

speaks movingly

IULY 2002

26 Story Hour 10 r.u. Cornwall Library

27 Historical Society Talk Rail Stations of the Past 4 e.v. Cornwall Libnry (p.4)

Book Party for Lorraine Nye Eliot Cornwall Library 2-4 e.u. (p.4)

*Check with Zoning 0ffice--672-4957 tCheck with Selectmen's 0ffice-672-4959

3L Cornwall Fire Dept. 8 p.u.

C. Firehouse

F0r additions and updating, visit www.c0rnwallct.org

CORNWALL CHRONICLE (continueil ftom page L)

over a year ago and a price for the developmmt rights was finally agreed on. Generally speaking, development rights are purchased for around one-third of the market value of the land. Currently, the state is surveying the boundaries and a closing is expected in October. The Lorches have farmed the property since 1924, but it is currenfly rented to Ken Gladding for growing com and hayint orrrn

Sing HO for the Library That's the new

Library which was officially

dedicated on an overcast Sat-

urday in June with the help of

prise to a full stop with a letter to the state's Departrnent of Public Utility Control (DPUC). l^andowners Amy and Finker Bu& also filed a petition against CL&P to prevent any trimming and felling of their hees. These protests had two results: the DPUC placed a stop order on the

worl

and

hearing on the dispute was

withdrew their petition in May. According to Rinker Buck, they reached an individual settlement with CL&P which does not permit the company to fell any trees on their property, and requires it to replace any small saplings that get cut. Because this is an unusual agreement with a property owneq, at

William

CL&P's request the document is maintained in a locked file by order of the DPUC, but the Bucks decline to be silent about it. The stop order was lifted, leaving other adjacent prop-

Julian Fifer and Nana Watanabe to David Stretell and Anne Christensen,4.9 ages and house on Route 45 for $285,000.

bagpipers from Utchfield, a five-piece jazz band from HVRHS, and a trio of little girls who cut a blue ribbon. For the record, the girls were Elsie Pryor,4; EmmaNance, also4; and Eliana Calhoun,2.

ments with CL&P. The alternative route suggested by Ridgway, to bring the service di-

ate, Ken Keskinen:

"To house the books you gave your bucks. You brought in builders with their trucks, and carpenters with posts and beams, 'lectricians with their volts and gleams, and plasterers with level seams, and painters with their smoothy creams.

Sing HO for donors with their dough!

That's us! Sing HO! Sing HO! Sing HO!" (After the outdoor ceremony, people went

inside the Library where the community room was dedicated in memory of Frank and

Polly Calhoun and the children's room to Elizabeth Lansing.)

-lohn

Miller

A Higher Power Connecticut Light and Power (CL&P) has resumed cutting trees and installing power

poles along Great Hollow and Great Hill Roads. Although the project was halted by public and private protest for five months, mammoth machines with their crews have been back at work on the roadsides for the last few weeks. They are tripling the elechical service from Route 4 up to Clark Road, on the flank of Mohawk Mountain, for a single customer, C&D Farms. As reported earlier, there were complaints that CL&P had started work without the required permission from adjacent landowners to cut and fell hees for this project. On December 13, Gordon Ridgway brought the enter-

-Scooille

Land Transfers

After lengthy negotiations, the Bucks

erty owners to work out their own agree-

With Library President Lisa Lansing

experience with on-site attention to detail. The committee also favors using a separately contracted project manager to work with the architect in order to keep the project on schedule and under budget. The committee will be interviewing for this position as a second step. D. Soul6

held on March 14 at the Town Hall.

kilt-wearing

Simontpresiding, weheard from First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, who called it'a day of hiumph'for Comwall, and from State Senator Andrew Roraback, who said the Library was a "resounding success." ]im Terrall, chairman of the building committee, noted that his group had worked on the project for five and a half years and that it was a "messy process." "But," he added, "that is the way democracy works." jim called the Library "a timeless design." And, finally, the last words appropriately went to Comwall's poet laure-

IULY 2002

rectly down from Mohawk Mountain to C&D Farms, would have been cheaper to install, but CL&P prefers the route along the road, which will suit their purposes for future power service in this area. The work is now continuing along two miles of our roads, 3,000 feet at a time. At press time, this reporter had counted more than 70 new poles between Route 4 and Clark Road with crossarms either eight or ten feet long. Asplundh Tree Expert Company is also clearing an extra ten feet into the properties along the lines, taking down any hees over six inches in diameter that are considered possible threats to the lines in years to come. Roughly 100 trees, mostly hardwoods, will be felled in all, according to Catherine Gibson,

CL&P's regional arborist. Only tall-growing species are targeted in clearing the roadsides. The crews, she reports, have been schooled in low-growing species and are sparing native plants like witchhazel, mountain laurel, shadblow and wild azalea. Helping these species to thrive may prove to be a benefit of the cutbacks.-Ann Schillinger

Committee to Go Full Monty Believing that publicizing its work in full view and Technicolor every step of the way is the best method to involve our town citizenry, the School Building Committee has decided to go beyond simply posting future meetings as required by FOI. In addition, they intend to put summaries of their meetings on the Comwall Website, post weekly meeting notices on public bulletin boards and in the Chronicle, and initiate a word-ofmouth campaign to urge public attendance at their meetings. The idea is to keep everyone in town up to speed on committee developments and to get a feel for public sentiment towards these developments as well. It takes a village to improve a school. Currently the building committee is in the process of selecting an architectural firm that combines extensive public-school renovation

F. Andrews to Herbertlohnson, Tr., parcels totaling 40.2 acres on Town Street South, Route 4, Route '1,25, Ior $1,000,000.

William

Andrews to Herbert M. johnson,

Tr., 15.5 acres and house on Town Sheet South for $2,500,000.

Housatonic Valley Associatiory Inc., to Chhrles R. Hummel,4.6 acres on Swifts Bridge Road for $50,000. Mn. Meowov to Edward W. and MarilynA. Olsen, Lot 8 on Kent Road for $80,000.

Ira Barkoff and Judith Sloat-Barkoff to Clarisse Perette, 10.6 acres on Dbble Hill Road for $115,000.

Hammond to Leave Cornwall Having served the United Church of Christ Congreg":tional for two decades, Peter Hammond has accepted a call to be minister of the Bridgewater Congregational Church, with his duties to begin on August 16. Among Peter's first of many ministerial tasks in Cornwall 20 years ago was to help bring about a merger of the two Congrega-

tional churches, separated for more than 200 years. He then guided the united group in longrange planning and in creating a mission statement. Working with the Board of Deacons, he enriched the worship service, He also initiated Adult Education classes and the Youth Group for middle schoolers. Under his leadership, the church has become an Open and Affirming Church, welcoming gays and lesbians to membership. In his years here, Peter has married 125 couples, baptized 112 babies, conducted 95 funerals, and delivered more than 900 sermons. He has given many hours to serve his

community-as president of the Cornwall Housing Corporation, as a member of the town Board of Finance, the Fire Departrnent, the Community Council of NW Connecticut, the Rotary Club, the Cub Scouts, and other SrouPs. Pat Blakey, who has served as church sec-

retary to six ministers since 1960, refers to their job as a "ministry of interruptions." Peter is no exception. "He has no hard office hours. He does much of his minishy out in the community-at the dump, in the village, at the post office-wherever he meets people who want to talk, he gives them his time and his patient attention. " Looking back over the past 20 years of his service in Comwall, Peter feels "blessed and

privileged" to have lived in this town. He in terms of the openness of individuals and groups to one another. "The community," Peter concludes, "needs a unifying pr'r.por", a vision for the feels that the town has grown

Lelters to the Chronicle

future, one that brings us all even more closely together."

-Ken

Keskinen

Boost to the Play Space The town has received an anonymous gift of $12,000 which, together with $8,000 of the $15,000 bequest from the late Mary Schieffelin, will make up theneeded $20,000 for construction of the play space. The balance of Mary's gmerous gift to the town for recreational pur-

poses will be used Hammond Beach.

for improvements to Icich -lohn

It's the Talk of the Town! If you are among the many who have visited the newly reopened West Cornwall gallery known as The Comwall Collection, then you have seen a remarkable project that consists of miniature scenes of Comwall painted daily from |anuary 1 through December 3I, nU.365 little paintings set in the form of a calendar. It is the work of Barbara Stone, who talked about the origins of the project. Her storybegins with a hip to Cape Cod about five years ago with her friends Cheryl Evans, ]ane Giddens-Jones, and Connie Steuerwalt. It was there in a gallery that they saw the work of a local artist who had painted a miniature scene

every night for an entire year. The paintings were very dark and similar but they sparked an idea. Thus the origin of painting Comwall day by day for an entire year.

The miniatures are in oil on four-inch masonite squares which are glued to slightly larger squares also of masonite, then wired together in strips of six, creating a picture calendar. It was not an easy project. "I had to get into a routine of doing one a day," she said, "and there were good days and bad days. Lr fact, I can see the good and the bad moods reflected in the quality of the work." Barbara describes herself as a "task-ori-

ented" person who was just obsessive

enough to get the project completed. The emotional strain of getting it done and getting it right took a temporary toll: Barbara hasn't picked up a paint brush since December 31. If you're thinking she might do it again in another yeaq, that, she says, isn't going to happen. The exhibition ends in July, and many of those 365 scenes of Cornwall will be scattered to the many homes of people who purchased

Pond

them.

-lohn

MiIIer

Hill Protected

Joy Wyatt, vice president of the Yelping Hill Association, reports that the "Yelpers" have voted to keep the hill (virtually the only land which fronts Cream Hill Lake still potentially

subject to development) forever in a natural state. The resolution permits such logging as is appropriate to maintain the

health of the forest. Pond Hill, forming the northwest shore of the

MONTY'SGIFT ln last month's Chronicle mention

was made of treasures foundby oolunteos clearing out the attic of the Library Building, including the Federalist Papns, I don't hnw what trwsures were found, butTheFederal:^stwas not among them. This rare aolume---t collectian of essays by Alemnfur Hamilton,lohn lay, and lames Madison, roritten in faaor of the neto Constitution and published in 1788----utas a gift to the library by Montgomay Hare, a long-time

trustee.

Shortly before his death in March,1998, Monty inaited lohn Calhaun and me to visit withhim and Alida tobebrought up to date on the nat library plans. At the close of our aisit he went to his bookhclaes, remoaeilThe Federal-

ist, anil presenteil it to us saying he hoped the aolume would bring a good price, a boost to our New Library Building capital umpaign. He also gaae us a set ofbound aolumes of tla utorla of Tennyson. The trustees directed me to look for a buyu, which I did, first by contacting the Curator of Rare Books at the New York Public Library, who adaised me that our bnt source wouldbe members of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America and sqnt me their ilirectory. Interest utas expressed by seueral buyers.

Bidding started at $78,000 forThe Federalist; we nld the Tennyson aolumes and The F ederalist for $27 ,250. A wonderful gift to tlu library from a aery special trustee and friend.

-Audrey

Feman

RAISETHE FLA,G ALTTTLE HIGHER Our nat S}-foot village gremflagpolehad yet another aolunteer who shouldbe reeognized. lames LaPorta is responsible for the rather formidable concrete foundation necessary for a pole of that size. Many Leich

thanks!

-lohn

LEAVE IT TO BEAVERS We u.nlkers are only afau of the many people who enioy the buuty and tranquility of the now

aast wetlandlpond at the corner of Rattlesrukc Crum HiIl Roads. Wildlife surprbes greeted us wch dny this spring, from the fwo

and

of mergansu ducklings to the great bluc All this is due largely to the ilerice installd to control thewater flawing through the culaert under the road, permitting thase euer busy baaus to do what tIEy do b6L Thanks to those responsible and to the proputy owner, Iawr etc e Van Valkenb ur gh. sets

heron.

--CarlaBigelw THAN/G FROMBUDDY So mnny prcple haae come forward with funds to help me with my mdical needs. Many have sent me urds and gifts to cheer me up. I am so tlwnkfulfor all thathasbem done to nuke things asiu for my family and myself. It is truly amazinghow happy I get to see

aisitors whan they enter my room. It is a great feeling to haoe a room full of uisitors, which I am glad to say has happmed more than once. Thank you, Comwall, for aII your lwlp.

-Buddy

Dawnn

LIGM ONDARKENTRY At its annual meeting on May 25, Dark Entry Forest, lnc. wted to welcomebona hde hikers to enter, hike, and enjoy the forest during dnylight hours. They will be issued pasxs in response to a writtm application. Application forms may be obtainedby calling DEF at 6720259 or writing to P.O. Box 259, Cornutall

Bridge, and requesting that one be mailed to

you. Passes will be limited to those hikers who are not planning to write about and plntograph the highly imaginary aduentures they probably haae not experienced, Pasxs are for one year anil may be renaned.

-lohnkich

lake, has been incorporated into the Mohawk Trail, part of the Blue Trail system of the Con-

banks, dating from 1870 to 19L0, are owned

necticut Forest and Park Association. This parcel, as legend has it, was purchased with the proceeds of General Motors

hand to discuss his collection and demon-

stock, fortuitously sold on the eve of the 1929 Collins

crash.

-Matt

Events & Announcements

by Dr. William Rashbaum, who will be on shate the amusing operations of the banks. Among the classics to be seen at the CHS exhibit are a dog that barks when fed a penny by his mistress, a rooster that raises hii head and crows, a Punch and ]udy theater, and a coin-swallowing clown. Tuesdays, 1 to 3 n.u., Saturdays, 10 a.rra. to 1 r.rr.r., or by appoint-

An Exhibit of Cast Iron Mechanical

nent(672-6492).

Banks will be on display at the Comwall Historical Society July F-20. The opening

The Democatic Party of Comwall, CT will hold a caucus on July 22 at 7:30 r,.u. at the Cornwall Library to endorse candidates for |udge of Probate and Regishar of Voters,

reception is Friday, July 5, from 5 to 7 r.rra. at the Society's building, 7 Pine Street. The

ULY

CORNWALL CHRONICLE

2OO2

TheAnnualJulyFestwilltakeplaceSatur-AllAbooooard!!RobertLord,_Students!PayAttention:Did e;'J";.ih"-Fest will include mini road ConnecticutHills,willialkabout I *r{?i:q,- | gageontheComwallwebsite?

;u.*

,;t-o-;ar, fire tanker, mrlqi_c, ki{

the

Ii;:: -*-l*f;rli I /ev'|N Bethany ilf:fl#-1il:iil$tTffiH I, - \-/ 1\ l**xl*llg:*:*,1Ti'uT,?,iix |fit I| [:i"l?i:1:*:i"'j'iJ'i: rail stations of the

p-ast

and

nityduringtheeraof thesteam

iil...p*"tizz-oo*)' 'xTT,",i.:";.Tff*:|:fli'#l t\.kr

bv Park and Rec. Questions, call

NewsfromtheTownOffices:Theassessor's cl"dingoldrailroadlanterns I Saturdal frOm from Jar-uru.qJ change rrurrr wlll clrdrr6t nours will office OIIICe hours col- I LOfd'S eXtenSiVe extensive COIfrom Mr. Lord,s mornings to all day Wednesdays effective lection,theeventwillbeanos- I

luly_3,2ffi2..

.-_-,rr_*^_r

talgictripthroughtheNorth-

lf:,lg:t1lt-L:,t:^C_",1f lookrng tor a

lru;ru':i;!H',,1"'i;i"'EJ,

, \ | V I II Y I (\l I I I lg

iitt.aaslookingfory.vglkor,offering WOrK, tenng work, e--mail Hendon Chubb at garlic@aya.yale.edu orcallhimat6T2-6607.

o' sio u aei_ro. 3 rTy"::j:t"p.,TS:I '."fm';1^:.6;sfrTdF'^'ffi;'}".ltml;;l*.g*m'ffik"ffi\-n"co*"o"llAssociationwillholditsan,""'o" ur! f*fftfg:li,iil;ll"lilHil{1*X?ill,? !" ! 'l rvr ;iu! ,h; ;.g;1 s;t",iiv, tvt! t"ii'ii7ii; i;;;t :1il;iffi*l;Lva, ;:*y"::.ftr:'*iff: *;I"iffi1,*#ll

ninn*ll*,ttt"mf:i,Hl-il9 "-iii;il;Jof 3electme., has signed the property tax rate for 2002-2003 at 1f

mils.

the Website and Community Center_ComBook Party: to celebrate the new book by Lorraine Nye Eliot, The^ReaI Kate Chopin.Jyly mittees, and from the Association of Busi-

ikii:"1it;fi:i[;:1ffill,t;l;:;{;l*

ffia";"il":'61.Yfi1il"lffitr}'ffilil11 a State of the Community message. Nomina,. ^ ",, both the Mohdwk Ski Lodge aira Une UCC Friday Evening Softball, sponsored !f 1u-tt dons will be made for new Assoiiation officParish House. The Ski Lodge opens at 8:30 and Rec., will be offered for teens and adults ers. Everyone is invited. a.u. and will house the bouti(ue, books, at the CCS field during |uly and August. rtdrr dr u r.M. r\u rrssu rv Drbrt uy. Jur,r Gamesstartat5r,.u.Noneed-tosiqnuq. ualrtcr sewing goods, linens, Sewrng for all ages, llnens, .i.tr,*j tof CIOthmg :_'.:::: 1'-'",' :-r- "",::,:.:--^ tooqs/ lugl Renterswhowere65orolderbyDecember show r19. Any. questi-on:l 9"11 q1, ?q91 o1 whg.are receivingsociil::t-"1q *"ri.,ia"ltpuzz"les'and games, u"a Uuuy frirniture. ThZ area | ennie Kosciusko at 672-3t69. disability benefjts may.be eligible for a grant outside ihe Parish "'"::lll f- ,(1,(z I n,,n" Library: starting in |uly, f;'J*i:jXt:*,ff$":i:J::fffi:ffiThave urn ure and rhe Annuar woman,s socierv T",^T:"s: Sale will take place on Saturday, J"Jy 19,^{

tables and opens at 9 e

Parish House will ope: a.u. and will have jewe

iffi'ffi

-+I /ffi I II;i?1,fi,,'-"Jil?J#'dXJ '.!*:f,*'{ffitW nni,;lJ*:li fl*i:;,ai;jg,t jlf:,1:: l t Di fiflli}tiiltTli"H,'S}:{i l-Y H : t***li*r**r* be HtfJilil:f *:ifs"#iffim'"'Jii:il :*::llli:inl; :f,,*#,ii'l#$*Tf*i:,ffi *; friffii# :Tn:f,*;:'J,",:f iifrtT"t{f:I dishes, toys, and the

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sare

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fi:,*[:'.:"J;ff $j:'qipi;,;qiil*:,? a.iry siru""t, 572-6ess' for Peter Hammond willbe held at the Frost home, 62 River Road, Cornwall Bridge (Sharon) at 4 p.rvr. on July 20. Rain day July 21. eU inviiea. on wings or A potluck Community Farewell Party

songthe

There's plenty of music in these hills in

Miller's oiiii ."'wi;;;i"i

summertime, beginning with John

: i"r i:l 111"fr:','t *{***r*y ].1*'*":*f tffiJftlgff.Tri a.u. space is starting at 10 ahead to register for all events:

Children.an keep track of.the

nilr'f.::""1#l

672-6874. i.i.roo., 1 to 4:30 r,.u.

tiT":l:{

spend reading (or are read to), and of the books they read, with a circus book log. Earn a raffle ticket for every three hours of read-

il,l,t#ii.'iiii":H$Rliilo"lt:g;# '

-(ApplicationmustbemadebySeptember15, i&2.

""" abiir#d;AFiiioniii;"""

will be drawn.

ILLUSTRATIoNS Rebecca KIaw JULYEDIToRS

^smvitle soutt lohn Milter sale will be held on st. Bridget's Annual rag---r--.-:rrl^L^ri tuneful yankee Doodle AUGUST EDIroRs p.t'I' 2 on 9 e.v. to from Ouy.in" Cn onicle's Ueaireiburst into_sgng Saturday, August.10, Anne and lohn Zinsser Bu simont bonations and fumiture the other day, but she was singing the blues tt " .t ,ri.n gr;unds. CALENDARIDIT.R -" *ui.9*? and may be left in the entrance because our income is still not keeping up DIREcroRs ;ith;rp;";"r. Remember that our onlyiev- of the church basement starting -july 8a.rrr"r abrna from your."rpo"t" to ttre ap- Please,noTVs,computers,orlargeelectrical t/ffiff#.Y,"rtJfiii".iHr%:ffi#1lY*11ftr , 'ornBru,sPREsIDENr items. For furiher information,"call peals in this space, so please keep those hations

co*ing.

YeS, I uant the Chronicle to continue. Here is my tax-deductible contribution of: $

db-

Kearns

(491-3100).

walter

Hmdmchubb.cherytEwns

CORNWALL CHRONICLE, INC. 280 CREAM HILL ROAD, WEST CORNWALL, CT 06796 E-MAIL: spenbarb@discovemet.net EAX: $601 572-6327

Ctty/St/zip

Please mail the Chronicle to the out-of+own address above; a $10 contribution will be aPpteciated.

CORNWALL RESIDENT

CORNI,VALL CHRONICLE 7 VOLUME 12: NUMBER

AUGUST 2002

A New Visitor's Guide

A Trip to the Dump

Comwall's 2002 Visitor's Guide and Business Drectory has just been published by the Asso' ciation of Businesses in Comwall (ABC). Five thousand copies are being distributed in local stores, the Post Offices, and through the Litchfield Hills tavel Council. Listings show more than 175 businesses. So next time your guests ask, "What do people do for a living around here?" you can show them the Guide. 1 /hile almost all advertisers are located in Comwall, ABC did solicit ads from Comwall residents who own businesses in other towns and those who are just over the Comwall line.

As it's been about a year since Fred Bate III and his assistant, Steve O'Neil, took over the Transfer Station from Art Brean, I thought I'd drop in and take a good look at it. The first thing you notice is how neat and clean everything is. I mean it's cleaner than my kitchen! Neater than my desk! Next you notice there are fewer bins. Now bottles and plastic containers are all thrown in together. After making sure I had no retumables, I dumped in my collection. Retumables are not the only items Fred saves. On the table by this bin is a cardboard box containing labels from Campbell Soup cans. These go to the Grange and evenfually to help crippled children. On the other side is the "loose paper" bin. Cardboard used to be a no-no here; now it's O.K. as long as it's not corrugated. Magazines and catalogs used to go here too. Now they go in with the newspapers. I wish the people who make these rules wouldn't keep changing them. Meanwhile Steve is taking hash from the back of my wagon. I hurry back in time to prevent him from taking the other stuff that is there, mistaking it for trash. If you're like me the dump is just a stop on your rounds of errands, and you don't loiter. This is too bad, because you might not notice

Tom McKenzie, ABC's president and Comwall Inn owner, said, "This guide fills two real needs: the need local residents have to know about local services and products, and the need to have a publication that will encourage visitors to include Cornwall in their travel plans." To meet that need, there are articles on walking and hiking, boating and fishing in Comwall. There is also a centerfold map and much fascinating local information, as well as some tidbits of Comwall's history. TheABC plans to make the guide an annual production, each better and more usefr,rl than the last. McKenzie hopes that ABC's activities will help build understanding and mutual respect among those living and working in Cornwall. For more information on Wojtusiak ABC, call 672-1200.

-loanne

AUGUST 2OO2

the little vegetable and flower gardm, comJ plete with birdbath and bird and other o$ects, or the hanging planters, or, inside the shed,

paintings by local artists, all rescued from oblivion by Fred and Steve. On a table in back are quality paperbacks, free for the taking. And take a peek inside Fred's office, furnished, with a couple of exceptions, from

people's "ttash," including a microwave oven, an air conditioner, a stereo system, tables and chairs. The things some people throw away! Is a "dean dump" a conhadiction in terms? Fred doesn't think so. "If it looks good," he says, "people will pick up what they drop. Neatress counts." How true. And now, if you'll excuse me, I have some work to do in my Kittle kitchen. The desk can wait.

-Gmrge

Get a Horse "I'm not a purist," Debra Tyler declared. "I would use a car if my situation required it, but when mine gave out a year ago I decided to try to get along without one. I was brought up to believe that a person should leave this world a better place than when she entered it, and one way I can is to cut down on the consumption of fossil fuels." I asked Debra how her new life style has worked out. "Great, there have been a number of unexpected benefits, Since I can't hop in the car and run to Baird's for a pound of

Medihtion

_* I forirothels Every |

"'{i:i|.],l,Tfrlj,'rM

(continued on page 2)

StoryHour 1

g o.u. Cornwall Library

| 1o;en1olltll1t!..y FB p.u. Mohawk (p.4)

Chamber Muslc at CHLA

Rose Algrant Art Show 10 r.lr.-4 p.u. Mohawk

Rotarv Meelino: 8:15 n.ir. cornwill lnn Rose Alorant Art Show 10 r.u.-4 riu. Mohawk (p.4) Corn. A,ssoc. Annual lvltg. 4 P.M, UCC Parish House (p.3)

ttt

i,l,'i

Rotary Meeting: Nick Belantoni, CT State Archeologist 8:1 5 A.M. Cornwall lnn

::ix',lil',i,',

(p.4)

Hughes Memorial Library

t't

Ecumenical Community Service on the Green 1 0 e.r,r. (p.3)

3-4 p.u. UCC Parish House

Rotarv Meetlno: Ex. Dir. Gieen Chlrinevs 8:15a.M. Comwall fnn St. Eridoets Tao Sale

Blood Pressure Screening

P&Z 8 p.u. Town Hall

Housatonic River Comm. 7:30 r.u. CCS Library

VFW Post 9856 8 p.u. W. C. Firehouse

p.u. (-p.3)

Cornwall Historlcal Soi Tool Show 10 a.{.-1 P.r, Astalre Nioht 7 P.M.

r.u.:2

Animals ln the Movies 3 p.u. Cornwall Librani

tttBi.f:'1''l,T',[ii

Floats Your Boat Regatta, Noon, Hammond Beach

Cornwall Child Center Fall Registration 9 A.M.-Noon (p.3)

Co.nwall

Rotary Meetins: Women's Support Servic 8:15 ru- Cornwall lnn

Water Sports Day 11

:301u.-3

p.u.

Hammond Beach (D

26 ZBA 8:30 P.M. Town Hall.

Green Party 7:30 e.u. Town Hall

Cornwall Fire Dept. 8 p.r"r.

* Check with Zoning off ice-672-4957

C. Firehouse

For additions and updating, visit www.cornwallct.org

CORNWALL CHRONICLE (continued from page 1)

sugar, I make long-range plans, prioritize and organize my shopping habits. I get most groceries from the monthly coop deliveries; ind with my own meat, eggs, and dairY products, I hade for vegetables. I mail order itothing and farm supplies. My Iife is much more peaceful now."

AUGUST

and her daughter will soon be trotting up and down Pierce Lane in"vlu'

-B*

si^ont

July Fest

Cornwall's Annual july Fest took place under a sunny, warm sky, hazed over by smoke from Canadian forest fires. The Grand Finale had the brothers Rick and Howard Stone at

the Comwall VFD 1,500-gallon pumper. A very good and wet time was had by all. Skip Kosciusko coordinated the Republican versus Democrat volleyball game and fug-of-

Debra and her daughter live on Pierce Lane, an uphill walk from local Farm. "Margaret and I are both in better physical shape because of having to walk to and from home," Debra said. We are also in closer contact with our neighbors, whose lives are so full we wouldn't meet except for the chance lift up Pierce Lane. We get delightful visits with friends who take us along on trips

to Kent or Torrington, where in the past we would have gone alone." Are there any disadvantages in the new life? "Yes, my biggest fear is that I

will impose

on friends for doctor and dental visits, and other errands." Debra has hoped that some day she might acquire an Exmoor pony and use it to pull,o a cart, so she made her pasture fences \ horse-safe (more visible electric wires,

don't see as well as cattle). She was therefore able to say yes to a since horses

milk customer who asked if she could board a couple of horses. The horses, a 1.3-., year-old Friesian and a miniature horse, tumed out to be retired circus animals. She loves them and, from the way the Friesian nuzzles his nose against her neck, they seem to love her. After two months, however, the ten cows have not adjusted to their presence (Horse in our pasturel There goes the neighborhood!). The six calves, however, are more accepting and Debra is able to put them together with the horses.

While I was at the farm, Anouk fthmitt, the owner and trainer of the horses, showed up. I had already noticed photographs on the

bam wall showing this petite lady standing on a horse's rump, or causing him to rear up on his hind legs. Anouk offered some knowledge about animal training. It seems that elephants are harder to train than horses because the pachyderms are "mischievous" and tend to butt or run away. If a trainer uses a food reward the horse becomes "mouthy," drools a lot and pesters the hainer by pushing his nose into pockets, looking for treats. Ms. Schmitt has found rewards in the form of pats and hugs work very well with horses. Tzigan, the black Friesian, retired from circus performing five years ago because of

a leg injury, but he's still capable of being ridden or pulling abuggy. Debra looks forward to the day when she can hook Tzigan to a buggy and gallivant around the Cornwall roads. In the meantime, she has a small two-seater for Tino, the miniature, and she

2OO2

and organizing sales. There will be a slow-down campaign for drivers (including more police spot-checks), inspired in part by the fact that there were five auto accidents in various parts of Cornwall during the first week in ]uly. Zinsser

-lohn

Welcome Lilah Gray Miller to Micah Rafferty and Ivan Miller

Odin Mles Beardsley to DanielleJulian and ]onathan Beardsley

war. Congratulations to the Democrats.

Congratulations

|ohann Winsser, who directed the road races, reports that R. J. Thompson won the 6- to 8year-old heat, Eli Ingersoll won the mile race, and ]eanne Theleen, the first girl to finish, was third overall. Watermelon, ice cream, warm smiles, lots of laughter and simple

Sonia del Tredici to Benjamin Kennedy

pleasures.

-Skip

Hunt

A Mission to Mexico On June 22, a crew of 50 U.S. citizens (mostly from Comwall) headed into Mexico as part of the La Casa project. During three days,liv-

ing in conditions some would not have thought possible, they would build three small houses for families now living in tiny plywood or scrap-wood huts with barely room for two people There, everyone would have to get up at 6 a.rr,r. (or miss breakfast) and leave for the work site at 7:30 a.u. Once there, the volunteers would split into three as-

Theo Spencer to Tracy Toon Francesca Faridany to Stephen W. Zinsser

Jennifer Grodin to |onathan Ellis Louise Ryan to Thomas Riley

Josslyn Shapiro to David Ho Susan Finch to |ohn Goodrich

Land Transfers Cheryl C. Evans to Kenneth C. and LoriA. Baird, five acres on Comwall Hollow Road for 970,000. Estate of Roxana S. Hammond to Curtis W. Hanson and Deborah K. Bodly Hanson,400 Cornwall Hollow Road for $150,000.

Gustav Haller and Ralph J. Gulliver to Sandford and Lyndee Stalter, 108 Kent Road for $64,000.

signed groups and start work immediately. As the day went on and the temperature rose, and rose, to no less than a scorching 100 degrees, it became difficult for the workers, especially the youths, to work a fulI eight hours.

Thomas J. Hubbard to John B. and Juliet A. Hubbard, 8 School Street for $425,000. Kevin R. and Nancy J. Whitney to Robert F. Budny and Margaret A. Czema-Budney, 5.7 acres with improvements on Comwall Hollow Road for $85,500.

Nevertheless, everyone worked

Anthony and Sharon HartwickAntonios to

hard to accomplish building the three houses. Once, when all of us "gringos" were nailing the roof, a group of nine Mexican boys decided to show how it's done. They took our hammers and began to work. We were amazed at how fast and efficiently the boys did this, and it hit us that most of their families couldn't even afford to

buy a hammer. Those of us on our first trip to Mexico were shocked by the living conditions of many of these families. We realized how lucky we are to live where we do, and how amazing it is to have a working toilet! Whiteside and Isabella Moschen

-Rachel (Editor's Note: This was Isabella's first trip and Rachel's fourth. Rachel says that the most important lesson she has leamed is to appreciate what she has. "I know that I, too, can be happy without the latest design shoes

Lawrence B. and Nancy O. Cohen, 8 Flat Rocks Road for $l,ogs,ooo. Joseph and Gretchen Sailer to Bryan and Dana McCoy,30 Town Street South for $585,000. James F. McClelland

III to Woodbury

Mountain LLC,75 acres on Cook Road for $370,000.

Michael A. Price to Adam M. Weiss and Lydia Callaghan, 263 Dbble Hill Road for $1,350,000.

tr! !$

lrl trl llr $r

or the $50 purse.")

News from the Town Office The selectmen are working on a fund raising campaign for the school renovation. Gordon

Ridgway, with the help of Hendon Chubb and others, will be looking for pledges this summer. In the fall, the PTA and the Student Council of CCS will join in giving benefits

Ladybug, Fly Away Home Hey! I meant your home not mine!

Well, it's that wonderful time of year again when your windows are pocked with those pesky pustules. Actually, if you count

AUGUST

CORNI,VALL CHRONICLE

2OO2

the spots on those horrid hemispheres and come up with 19, you probably have not la-

dybugs but the more irksome pest-the Asian ["ady Beetle (from the same folks who brought you the ]apanese beetle). The good news is that they want out as much as you want to get rid of them. If you open the windows on the sunny side of your house, many of these lightJoving critters will clear out (of coursg they'll be slowed by flying upsheam against the hordes of wasps and flies rushing in). A vacuum is a better bet. If you put a thin, porous cloth across the tube before you slide on the end attachment you can stop them be' fore they get sucked down into the bowels of the machine. Otherwise you'll have to throw away the bag which will make your house smell like a Limburger factory the next time you vacuum (the odor is a defense mechanism to tell predators they are not dealing with anything particularly yummy). You may have to resort to chemical warfare (the Saddam option). Spray insecticide into cracks around affected window frames where eggs are laid. The good news is that, besides being unsightly and having an unsettling talent for landing in your coffee cup just as your lips reach the rim, they mean well and if they ever manage to get outside will help rid your

garden of aphids and other more noxious bugs.

-Matt

Collins

From Library to Town Offices Renovations to the old library building to make it suitable and efficient for the town

offices will be accomplished in four

Letters to the Chronicle WATERWORKS SCHEME Further to Carh Bigelow's appeciatiue lettu

in the lune Qnoticle about the wetland/pond on Rattlesnnke Road,. .It's in thc urly morning or thelate afternoon that thelight on thc grasses and water is especially bautiful. One aftemoon last weekwe ume upon lawence Van Valkenburgh, the proputy wtre1 deeply engrossed in a watmoorks scheme to ouhuit the beauers and keE them from flooding the road and thereby losing their pond as they hadhst Aur (see the luly 2007 Chronicle). He told us that if the water moaeil at all, they'd sense a current and dragbranchw ooer to block the flow. Pointing to a pipe, he said that he had caged it, but if the bwaers succedd in blocking it, he had a plan to put in an extranely Iong pipe that would be so far fom the current pouring through the cuhtert that they wouldn't sanse any flow and tuould leaoe it alone. He had just been out in his canoe and offered it to us so that we, too, might erplore the backwaters beyonil the bwer lodge. Paddling along the water paths surrouniled by high grasses, we took one passage aftu another and were led into a labyrinth world of wildlife. It was quite odd to be unsure which passage would lead us back, When we returneil,Ianorence was watuing the plants he'dbrought oaer to shore up thebank by the culaert. Single-handedly, he is sustaining the loaely world we had further explored. This, Iike Carla's, is a letter of appreciation anil

thank.

phases.

First will come removal of the bookin the old library then patching and painting its walls, and sanding and varnishing the floor. The children's wing will be prepared for the town's financial office, with cabinets installed. Arrangements for plumbing and handicapped access will be cases

-Anne

Zinsser

MAKINGASPIA,SH!

makc Hammond Bach a succas this summer.

lane Prentite hns fortunately returwi to the helm as buch director. The lifeguards and Water Safety Instructor are doing afine iob withswimming lessons and leeeping us afloat, Peter Russ expanded the docks while Richard Griggs and the Scwille clan helped with their instqllation. Finally, Fox syuced up the bwch house with a fresh coat of paint. And thnnk go to lim Haywardfor the donation of the sand on thebuch. Some of this workwasfinancedby the reuutian

lfi

from Mary Schifielin, which also helped with the installation of the new playsupe in Cornwall Village.Thank to all. bequest

--4ordon Ridgway, First Selectman NO FARIIER'S MARKET It is with regret thnt I inform you that the Association of Businesses in Cornutall (ABC) rpill not be holding a farmer's market in Corn-

wall this year. We haae repeatedly attemptd to contact all of the members of the agricultural community in order to urge their participation. Haaing sent out 36 letters, we receiaed a total of four responses, and two of those said they would not be able to participate. The lack of response was particularly disappointing since ABC was willing to undenarite the more than $500 in insurance fees to proaile

liability

As many of us are bwting the summer heat by sutimming in Cream HiIl lake,l would like

correrage.

the agricultural community has a change

ofheart, ABC stands ready in

to thank some of the people who haae helped

<_.:-

-Tom

-=--

S-:=-

the

future.

Mc Kmzie,

resident

.-:,

made.

In the second phase the First Selectman's Office will be moved to the old library, and his previous office will retum to being part of the enlarged stage. The third phase will entail construction of

a modest addition to the south side of the present office building. There will be the same number of offices but they will be larger. The final phase will be furnishing. To pay for all this the sum of $125,000 was

The Cornwall Child Center's fall regishation will be on Friday, August 23, from 9 to noon at the Center at 8 Cream

a.rvt.

Hill Road. If

this time is not convenient, parents are encouraged to call the director, Pam Brehm, at home at 824-1289 for another appointrnent.

approved by the

Art in Cornwall: The Cornwall Library is

town at the time

hosting the Comwall Lrvitational, a show of 27 of Cornwall's finest, working in a variety of media. The show will continue through August 31. The National Iron Bank's artist for the month of August will be Brendan O'Connell, who will be showing oil paintings. At the Cornwall Arts Collection, the current show, featuring the work of Erica Prud'homme, Richard Griggs, and Harvey Offenhartz, will continue through August. An art happening at the Wish House will take place on August 17 from 5 to 7 p.rra.

of the library vote. Workers are aiming to get the former

Iibrary building done this summer and the other

building in the fall.

Events & Announcements

-Gordon

Ridgway

Cornwall Association Meeting: A reminder that the annual meeting of the Comwall Association will begin at 4 r.rra. on Saturday, August 3 at the UCC Parish House. The fust selectman will provide a State of the Commu-

nity message. St. Bridgefs Annual Tag Sale will be held, rain or shine, on Saturday, August 17 hom9 e.rra. to 2 p.M. on the church grounds in Comwall Bridge. There will be toys, attic treasures, baked goods, a farmer's market, and dealers offering an assortment of goods. Refreshments are available all day. Dealer space, available for $2,5 per spacer may be reserved by calling Sandi at 672-6716. The 4th Annual Interfaith Service, to be held on Sunday, August 11 at 10 A.M. on the Town Green, will draw from the Jewish, Catholic,

Protestant, Quaker, and Hindu Traditions. Refreshments follow the service.

AUGUST

CORNWALL CHRONICLE

Hamnond Beach Happenings: Adult Swim Workshop, Thursday, August 8, 5:30 to 6:30 p.v. Work with the swim team coach to improve or leam new strokes and pick up some

iafety tips. Whatever Floats Your Boat

Re-

noon. Bring your gatta, Sunday, August homemade craft powered by rubber bands and we'll see who gets to the raft first. Open to all ages. Water Sports Day, Saturday August 24,11:30 a.v. to 3 p.tr,t. Games, prizes, and BBQ. Not iust for kids! For information, call f ane Prentice at 572-6101'. 11.,

The Rose Algrant Art Show will open at Mohawk Ski Lodge on Friday, August 2, 8 p.lt. It will continue on Saturday and Sunday, August 3 and 4, from 10 a.rra. to

from 5 to 4 p.u.

Astaire Night Friends of the Library will host a light supper followed by the showing of two 1980 documentaries on the career of Fred Astaire at 7 p.rnl. on Saturday, August 17. Puttin' on His Top Hcf covers Astaire's career through his movie parhrership with Ginger

Musicorda will be presented at the Cream

Hill Lake Association on Saturday, August 3, at 7:30 p.rra. sharp. All Comwall residents are invited. There willbeno charge. Bring chairs. Refreshments will be served. Grand Opening: Park & Rec. announces that Saturday, August 3, at 10 e.nr.

will mark

the

opening of the Comwall Play Area next to the tennis courts on Pine Street. Wednesday, August 21, at dusk (about 8 r,.rr.t.) starts drive-in movie night on the Town Green. AII are welcome at no charge. Bring chairs, blankets, etc. Popcorn and beverages will be available, but bring your own picnic if you wish. One film will be a classic and the bthe. a recent film. Calt Bethany Thompson

at 672-6058 for titles. Park & Rec. needs soccer coaches for the upcoming season at the following levels: U8; U-10 6oys; U-10 girls; U-12 boys; U-12

girls. To volunteer or for more information

ialt Bethany Thompson

at 672-6058. Remem-

ber, without generous volunteering of coaches, the program cannot be offered.

Scholarship Awards: The Torrington Area Foundation for Public Giving, a community foundation located in and serving Northwest Connecticut, has awarded Apalonia Stanulis Scholarships to the following Comwall students: Chelsea Bardot, Corey Fontana, Jason Lynn, and Nicole Geysealaers. To apply for next year's round of scholarships, volunteer on a scholarship committee, or to establish a scholarship fund, visit www.tafpg.org or call (860) 626-t24s.

Rogers, and the Emmy-winning Change Partners and Dance the post-Ginger period.

4-H Is Celebrating its 100-year anniversary.

John Millel, who wrote the documentaries, will be the evening's host. The event is limited to 40 people and reservations can be made by calling Ellen Hubbard (672-0189).

bilia of Comwall 4-H alumni for a display at the Ag. Fair. Call 672-0089 if you can help

Tickets are $15.

A Chamber Music Concert by the group

2OO2

Welcome to R.S.V.P.: Charles Cilona and chef Guy Birster announce the opening of R.S.V.P., which they describe as a tiny French bistro. They said that it is much more satisfying for them to serve 15 great meals than to try to keep up with the numbers (about 100) at larger restaurants. The menu at R.S.V.P. changes constantly, depending on what the markets offer that is

4-Paws 4-H Dog Club is looking for memora-

with this. PTA Lake Compounce Trip: The PTA's Choices enrichment program will sponsor a day trip on August 20 (rain date August 22) to Lake Compounce Amusement Park. Anyone is welcome to join us for this trip. The cost for a day's admission is $15.50. A 10 percent discount is available on food and souve-

nirs. For further information call David Samson at672-0616.

fresh and of the best quality. Reservations are required (call 672-RSVP). Bring your own bottle, and pay by check or cash, no credit cards accepted. The restaurant is at 8 Railroad Square, in the same space that was formerly Lally's Cafe.

Hughes Memorial Library will be celebrating the art of William Braun, a benefactor of the Library for many years. The show and sale will open August 10 with a reception for the artist from 3 to 5 r'.u. A Tool Show will be featured at the Comwall Historical Society from Saturday, August 17 through August 31. The hours are Saturdays, 10 e.rra. to 1 p.u., and Tuesdays, 1 to 3 r'.u.

will hold a public p.r'l. in the architect and project manager will

CCS Building Committee

An Osteoporosis Seminar will be given in the Cornwall Town Hall on Thursday, September 5 from 1 to 2 p.rra. There will be a slide presentation about osteoporosis, a disease which causes fractures but is highly preventable. Learn about prevention, causes, and treatment.

input meeting August 9, at7:30 gym. The be there to answer questions.

CORNWALL CHRONICLE

Vacation Time

ILLUSTRATIoNS Tim

SEPTEMBER EDMORS

CALENDAR EDITOR Anne Baret

if you're

DIRECTORS Ton B@rs PRESIDENT Spencet

KIIuVICEPRESIDENT

Edtuod Fmmn SECREIARI

CORNWALL CHRONICLE, INC. 280 CREAM HILL ROAD, WEST CORNWALL,CT 06796 E-MAIL: spenbarb@discovemet.net FAX:

Ctty/SI/Zip

$6\

672-6327

Please mail the Chronicle to the out-of-town address above; a $10 contribution will be appreciated.

. Barbara Kh@ PUBLISHER TREASURER Audrey

Fmf,

Hffidonchubb. cheryl Euns Clailes Osbome . Robert Potts . Susn Williamsn

keep ,rs in business with your donations).

YeS,I uali the Chro icle to continue. Here is my tax-deductible contibution of: $

rentice

IIanna and David Grossman

already there?" That sounds a bit smug, so go ahead, hit the road, and when you retum, l!r.e Chronicle will fill you in on what you missed (as long as you

traveling

AUGUST EDIIORS Anne and lohn Zinssu Bee Simont

August is haditionally a month of holidays, but here's the dilemma-where do you go that's more inviting than Cornwall? Wasn't it E. B. \ [hite who wrote, "What's the point of

CORNWALL RESIDENT

CORNWATL CHRONICLE VOLUME 12: NUMBER 8

School Building Committee Chairman Jim Terrall and pro;'ect architect Dale Cutler fielded a lively and largely upbeat discussion with an audience of about 50 people meeting

have to make decisions regarding the firewall option and g1.rn size as well as resolving other issues. Then, the tentative schedule is for the town boards involved to approve final design by mid-September; a town meeting to review the whole package on October 5; and a nail-biting referendum on October 19. Meanwhile, First Selectman Ridgway will be busy chasing state funding and private financial support, as well as ex-

in the CCS gyrn on August 9. "The basic goal of this committee," Terrall opened, "is to pro-

vide Cornwall children with opportunities equal to those that the other five towns in the

district offer their children." Architect Cutler told the audience he had agreed to work from preliminary plans drawn up by committee member Alec Frost, found those plans "both concise

because he

amining tax relief options.

and relatively inexpensive." Coordinating with project manager Dan Sexton of Casle Corporation, Cutler is exploring possible cost reductions by simplifying building techniques, reducing site work and building "footprint" and installing firewalls as an alternative to a sprinkler system. Opinions expressed by the audience ranged from dissatisfaction with anything less than a high school or NBA-sized gym to a desire to stick to a bare-bones budget. "How do we know the school population won't expand in another few years so that we

-Scoaille

Soule and lohn

Thumbs Down on Main Street

of the change. Ian Ingersoll, the chief proponent of the change, who among others had long been using Main Street for his business address, had complained that the postal service had been failing to deliver some of his mail on the ground that there was actually no

Main Street in West Comwall. First Selectman Gordon Ridgway opposed the change,

SEPTEMBER 2OO2

NDAY

LegoRDav

Marc Simont Exhibit

0pening Reception 5 p.M.

C0rnwall (p 4)

Library

Hammond Beach Closes Jor the Season 7 p.M.

6:30-8

rtr

3 Elue l\,!t,

Play Group Every Wednesday 1G-l 1:30 r.u. Playground . Peter's in Case oJ

&tsang Every Tuesday P.M.

St. Peter's Church

t{t 9.to'illi#?i,,,

cause confusion for

-Bobby

Kaw

CCS Opens Cornwall Consolidated School opened in late August witl't 172 students, down from the 198 on opening day last year. Part of the 26-pupil drop is a smaller kindergarten class of 14 compared to last year's graduating eighth grade of 24. The school also opened with a small tumover in stafi just one new teachet Shannon Czepiel (See-ple), who is teaching math in the upper grades. Meanwhile, the Chroniclehas leamed that the Board of Education recently met in executive session but did not take action on a new contract for Principal Peter Coope, whose current three-year term ends next june. ItVhen asked about Coope's status at CCS, Board of Education Chair Barbara Gold said, "Mr. Coope is in place for the current school year." However, Region One Superintendent fohn O'Brien said that although there had been no discussion about extending Coope's conhact beyond next June, "no decision has been

lor Mothers

(continued onpage 2)

Rosn-HmwrrBeermm

Suroowr I I

EveryThursday

l:15- 2:15 P.il. St. Petel,s Chu 0steoporosis Presentation 1 P.M. Town Hall (p.4)

Rotary Meeting: Women's Support Services I5 r.n. Cornwall Lib. M. R

3"oo r,rrru,.

l3-l

it could

1.0 I

Meditation

saying that

emergency service vehicles, that he had been assured by the Post Office that in any case Ingersoll's mail would be delivered. "There had to be some essential reason to change a street name," Ridgway said after the vote, "and there wasn't any such reason."

CCS Bldg. Comm. 7:30 p.u. CCS Library

Agric. Comm. 7:30 r.x, lown lnland Wetlands 8 p.u. Town Hall

laPorta

At a town meeting on July 25, Cornwall voters turned down a proposal to change the name of a short segment of the Sharon Goshen Turnpike to Main Sheet. The vote, by paper ballot, was 29 against and 15 in favor

will need yet more classroom space?" was a question asked of Terrall. "We don't," was Jim's answer, "but we have built in a degree

2OO2

converted to classrooms if needed." If all goes smoothly, Sexton expects to have cost estimates by early September. For this to happen, the Building Committee will

CCS Expansion Plans

of flexibility by setting aside the present gym area as a multi-purpose space that could be

SEPTEMBER

Screenins p.u. IJCC Parish House

P&z

p.ru.

Cornwall Arts Collection Reception 5-7 r.u. (p.4)

Town Hall

You Krppun Brerm m Sutoowlt

0eadline: 0ctober Ciroaicla Copy

't6

Democratic Town Comm. 7:30 p.u. Cornwall Library M. R.

Pre-School Story Hour 10 r.r'r. Cornwall Library

Frnv Drv or Aurur,,n

Region One Bd. of Ed. 7 p.ur. HVRHS ZBA 8:30 p.u. Town Hall-

125

I I I | I

Rota,y Meeting:

UConn Master Gardener 1

5 n.u. Cornwall Lib. M. R.

Bd. ol Assessment Appeals-Autos 0nly 9:30 e.u.-Noon Town Office

l" 23

Green Party 7:30 p.u. Town Hall

Annual Meeting Cornwall Library 4:30 p.ru. (p.4)

Cornwatt Fire Dept. 8 r.n. W C. Firehouse

CCS Bd. of Ed. 5 p.r,t. CCS Library (p.4)

27 Pre-School Story Hour 1 0 r.u. Cornwall Library

Fair Noon-4 P.M. Green (see lnsert) Fred Sander Talk 5

p.r,,r.

Cornwall Library (p4.)

Rotary Meeting: Archeologi$ 8:15 r.u. Cornwall Lib. M. CT State

Check with Z0ning 0ffice--S72-4957

For additions and updating, visit www.cornwallct.org

CORNWALL CHRONICLE (continued from page 1)

made." O'Brien added that it was "too early." Coope brushed aside a question about his plans after the current school year and said he would continue to work on school goals which he said included problem solving, improving writing skills and building a sense of

iespect and responsibility among the stuMiller dents.

-lohn

Nature Sightings in Cornwall bird lately? Or maybe some unusual action involving a familiar animal? If so, there's a new place on the Cornwall website (www.cornwallct.org) to tell us all about it. The "What's New" category on the website now includes "Nature Sightings" in Seen a rare

Cornwall. Listed among the initial reports are Steve Senzer's seeing a barred owl grab a goldfish from his pond, John Miller's finding

(and also recognizing) a least weasel and Richard Grigg's gripping tale of his encounter with two hummingbirds inside his pickup. So far, no cougars or moose, but when you see some unusual nature event, you can

now tell us all about hannakg@optonline.net.

it by e-mailing

-Hannn

K. Grossman

began spending summers here together :.lr.7946. "Our home was originally a farmhouse and then served as a dormitory for loggers. It had a carriage shed, which Carl and a friend reconstructed into a great outdoor living room. "Some of our neighbors were

Lewis Gannett, who was still working at the Herald Tribune, the Boumes, and a lot of Yelping Hill people.

Henry Canby fell in love with Comwall in the early 1920s and bought a large chunk of Iand that was the basis for Yelping Hill. "Ted Gold, Charlie's father, owned Cream Hill Farm and was the most elegant farmer; he wore whipcord britches and had played polo at Yale. "Rose Algrant came here as a penniless immigrant and for a time tended goats on the Day's farm. She was known to some people as "the goat lady." Of course, that was before she became a teacher and a patron of the arts.

"Shopping was all local and easy. We used to call in our grocery order to Blanche Yutzler, and it wouid be all ready for us when we went down to pick it up. Bierce's store (later a series of restaurants, now a home) had everything from soup to socks and underwear. If you couldn't find it at Bierce's, you probably didn't need it. "The summer people and locals were two

Memories of Cornw all l'" Summers Cornwall has a 100-year history of summer residents and weekenders. One of the first families to establish a second home here was Carl and Irita Van Doren, who bought a house on Town Street in 1915 and then

moved to the home on Cream Hill now owned by their daughter Bobby Klaw and her husband Spencer. We talked recently with the Klaws about their recollections: "Bobby spent every summer here during her childiiood beginning in 1920 and actually wrote a book about it that was published by

Viking when she was 14. She was their

youngest author ever!" Spencer said. "l-wrote it under the pseudonym Martin Gale," Bobby said. "It was called One Summer and it was fiction about the adventures of an 1l-year-old named Peggy Bradford. But it was really about my life in Cornwall, the lake, the square dances...

"There weren't many wealthy summer residents early on, except for the Sacketts (who lived on Rexford Road, in the house now owned by the Pryors). They sometimes had our family for tea. We kids wore our white socks and Mary Janes. It was the only house I'd ever been in where there was a butler. I didn't know quite how to deal with him' "spencer and I were married in 1941 and

SEPTEMBER

2OO2

4-H County Fair The weekend of August 10 and

was important to nine Cornwall youths. They all participated in the 70h annual Litchfield County 4-H Fair which was held at the Goshen

Fairgrounds. Hannah Colbert, Garrick Dinneen, Silvia LaPorta,

Liz Kavanagh, Thomas, Will

and

Amanda Kennedy, Elizabeth Ridgway and Charles Russ represented four clubs with their animal projects and displays in the "Home Show" building.

-Bianca

LaPorta

Welcome Daniel Moses Saed ard Arieh Joseph Saed to Larry Saed and Leslie Elias-Saed Sydney Hazen Boyum to David Boyrm and Alexes Hazen

Congratulations Mark Mirko to Stephanie Welsh Peter Hammond to Kimberly Geliatly George Duncan to January Wiitschire

Land Transfers Cornwall Partners to Comwall Conservation Trust, Inc., gift of 7.6 acres on Todd Hill Road and Sharon Goshen Turnike. Damien Oskwarek to Linda Frankel,39.4 acres on Kent Road and Whitcomb Hill Road, $55,000.

Housing for Horses

separate worlds, but there wasn't much if any hostility between them. Some folks bridged the gap, like Brad Walker, the town doctor, and the Calhouns, who came to all

There are still no horses in residence in the bam at C&D Farms, but the bam's interior

the square dances at the lake.

earthmoving at the site is also going ahead, based on a recent tour of the construction in

"Part timers like us didn't get involved with town issues; we hardly.knew who the first selectman was. One exception was Lewis Gannett, who helped organize a campaign to save the covered bridge. About 1945, when ]oe and Ann Blumenthal were not going to be accepted in the Cream Hill Lake Association because Joe was Jewish,

Lewis drove all around town to lobby for their admission. They were finally invited to join, but they understandably declined. "The mingling of summer people into town affairs was a gradual thing, which had to wait until people retired. Dorothy Van Doren became a member of the school board and her niece, Margaret Bevans, followed her. "Later, Patsy Van Doren was elected first selechnan. The astonishing thing about her win is that she was not only a woman and a Democrat but a recent New York transplant. "She was helped by Marty Gold, the ci-

gar-smoking Democratic town chairman. Marty was also a JP and once tried to marry a couple in the middle of the Housatonic River. The problem was that the rock the couple wanted to stand on was actually in Sharon.

"About 1989 it was our turn to become full-timers. And after Margaret died and Tommy could no longer do it, we found ourselves as publishers of the Chronicle." Ed Ferman and George Kittle

-Interciewedby

appears to be nearing completion. Major the company of Roger Kane of the Inland Wetlands Commission. One rumor turns out to be true: air-conditioning in the bam is for the horses. But the elevator is only intended to carry feed and bedding.

The new barn is an immense and handsome building. It has a cruciform shape, topped by a row of small cupolas and large dormer windows. The bam is built of cinder blocks (soon to be covered with stucco) and its roof is slate. The interior has a long, lofty central aisle, supported by rows of 2S-foot pegged posts, curved braces and crossbeams of Douglas fir. The side aisles will be partitioned with metal bars and fittings into indi-

vidual stalls for 50 horses. Offices, an aPartment for the farm managet a veterinary lab, and a hall with a large fireplace all connect with a circular space two storieshigh, topped by a shallow rotunda at the crossing of the two arms of the building. The barn is well below the level of the road. Thus, C&D has had to resolve a lot of water issues in order to avoid adverse environmental impact on the watershed east and south of the farm. There can be no manure pile, for instance, so soiled bedding and manure must be regularly removed and dis-

posed of elsewhere. Clean ground water from the property, with the runoff from the rooi will be drained into an enlarged pond below the site. A well and pumping station

SEPTEMBER

CORNWALL CHRONICLE

2OO2

will supply

a sprinkler system for the barn. Unclean runoff from the driveway and the

yard will be carried into a sedimentation pond for filtering before it is piped into the brook, which evenlually drains into the East Branch of the Shepaug River. Anne Schillinger

Keeping Thxes The School:

Down The current School Building Committee feels that last year's vote to terminate the $4.7 million CCS addition was not against making needed improvements to the school. Instead, it was a message about cost. The members say they are determined not to eliminate essentials from the plan they are working on, but they know that the town can't afford unnecessary luxuries.

With the sponsorship of the selectrnen, a number of Comwallians are pledging tax-deductible contributions that would reduce the amount of money the town has to borrow for the project if it passes at a future referendum. Although some people may feel that it's wrong for the town to ask people to make private contributions to a tax-supported activity, iim Terrall, the chairman of the School Building Committee and also a member of the Board of Education, does not agree. He points out that the local property tax is regressive and hits lower-income people especially hard. If some of the better-off people in Cornwall want to help lower the tax burden of the school addition, he says, we should welcome it. The goal of the effort is to raise $100,000 (which would reduce the amount of bonding by $85,000 because the state won't match private gifts). For more information or to make

a pledge, call Hendon Chubb at 672-6607. Small contributions will be appreciated as

well

as large

ones.

-Hendon

Chubb

A Capital Trip

There were plenty of empty seats on the bus

when Meagan Pastre and AIie Collins climbed onboard in East Hartford in the wee hours of July 14th, but it was packed with other Connecticut high-schoolers by the time

it pulled up at a Georgetown University dorm in Washington, D.C. The two Housy students were representing Cornwall on a five-day tour of the wheels of government sponsored each year

by the Connecticut

Republicans. By week's end, they

had visited the Su-

Letters to the Chronicle UNDERGROUNDR.R. I am looking for Uniluground Railroad sites in Northwest Connecticut. I am lacking a site in Cornwall. I do hme the Guinea Road settlement but nothing substantinl lf you haae any suggestions, plwse send them to me at as a possibility,

channy@skyweb.net -larolHanny COUNTRYROADS The Chronicle's August story about a "slow down" campaign for Cornwall was welcome netus indeed. Within the past year,I haoe notbed a tremendous increase in speeil demons careefling around corners, tailgating and passing danguously. With construction of the new horse

barn on Great Hill Road, the number of trucks, SUVs, and other large aehicles has increaseil erponentially on what useil to be the slow back road to Litchfield. We haoe bem narcowly misseil uthile exiting our driaamy by aehicles racing up Great Hill's "5" curae. Going doum,

Both of the young Comwall women are enthusiastic about Washington and are considering applyrng to schools there.

-Matt

Collins

Tennis in Cornwall This year's tennis summer in Cornwall Village was exciting and vigorous. Early in the year, the Comwall Community Tennis Association organized an initial court reconditioning to asswe that play could start in midMay. Tom Hubbard, owner of the site, invested in a state-of-the-art court roller. Using it, Tyler Cheney and Todd Piker rolled the red clay courts all summer long. Good thing they did, too. Tennis clinics ran throughout July and gave the courts serious usage. This year saw at least 75 juniors take part in classes conducted by Elyse Piker, Naysan Mcllhargey and Todd Piker. Classes ranged from beginners aged six up to juniors aged 18. A couple of precocious fiveyear-olds also took part. Many a morning the shouts echoed: "Racquet back!" "Step, swing!", "Follow through!" True angst was shown as the reality of the arduous joumey to become an accomplished player was replaced by a sigh

preme Court, D.A.R., Eisenhower Executive

and the willingness to settle for just one decent

Office Building, State

provement and was convinced by their teacher's guarantee, "Stay the course and in

Smithsonian, and Capitol Hill where they met Representatives Nancy fohnson and Rob

due time you will be able to play this game."

Department,

Simmons. They also squeezed in a Potomac cruise, an Orioles game and much more.

shot. Everyone worked hard, showed im-

New additions to this year's program were a twice weekly Women's Clinic and a Junior Tournament Group. The funior Group played competitive matches against teams from New Milford, Torrington, Twin Lakes and Watertown. Home matches were hosted at the Cream Hill Lake Association. The kids

some drioers let-it-rip at speeds well in excess of 50 mph. Please: slow doutn, enjoy our exquisite oients, saaeyour liaes - and ours!_ larol H. Goodfriend

OOPS!

I was born a little oaer a month and a half ago so thislettu is goingto soundsomewhat precocious. I' m writing because my grandfather ?Das upset that my namewas misspelled in the luly Chronicle and, after aII, it was my introduction to the Cornwall community. Pleaseforgioe his "upset." Grey MiIIer

-Lila

watched Wimbledon and went with their coach to the Pilot Pen toumament in New Haven. Hopefully, next year will see InterTown Singles, a Doubles Toumament FundRaiser and maybe some exhibition matches to boot.

-Todd

Piker

Legislative Redistricting Redishicting decisions by the state legislature, triggered by the 2000 Census, revised all three legislative dishicts in which Com-

wall is located. Most significant is the merger of the 5h and 6th Congressional Dstricts into a single new district. Creation of the new district means that two incumbent members of Con-

gress, Republican Nancy Johnson and DemocratJim Maloney, will face one another

in November. Observers expect the

race in

the new district to be close, based on past

voting patterns. For example, in the

2000

presidential race, the new 5h was won by Al Gore by less than he won the entire state. The new 30th State Senate District contains nearly 100,000 residents, two-thirds of

them in four large communities (New Milford, Brookfield, Winchester and parts of Torrington). The remaining third live in 11 small towns, including Cornwall. Boundaries of the new district differ quite substantially from before.

The 64'h House Dishrict is little changed only a small shift in its portion of Torrington. The district's population of 23,000 now splits about equally between parts of the city of Torrington and the four towns of Comwall, Goshen, salisburv,

^otlll);o

Grossman

CORNWALL CHRONICLE

SEPTEMBER

To Commemotate 917\, there will be a com-

2OO2

Donors to the Library building project and

Events & Announcements

munity ecumenical service at the North

the endowment should check the gifts book

The Rose Algrant Show presented the work

Cornwall Meeting House on Wednesday,

at the Library for accuracy. Although no

of 35 artists, which included paintings,

September 11 at 7:30

For information, call

amounts are listed, the spelling of names and memorial gifts should be checked. The book will be on the circulation desk until September 30.

sculptures, collages, mobiles, jewelry, ceramics, weaving and needlework. This year's gross receipts of about artrepresent sales by 21 ar $12,000 represent ists . This year profits

will

Assessment Review: The Board

fice from 9:30 e.u. to noon on

re-

Saturday, September 21 to hear appeals on motor vehicle assess-

Art in Cornwall: On

ments. Appointments are not

Sunday, September 1,

P.M., the

Friends of the Cornwall Library will host a reception for Marc Simont's show, featuring

required but please

call Town

years of cartoons to the editor of the Lakevilte Journal.

(672-2709)

The Cornwall Arts Collection

will 14

have an opening on September 7 p.u. of a show featuring

Bone

the paintings of Ira Barkoff and

Density

for oswill be offered at UCC by the teoporosis

On August 10, Estelle Stetson, Hughes Memorial librarian, presented 86year-old Comwall artist William Braun the Golden Paint Brush Award at the opening of an exhibition of his paintings, commercial art and Revolutionary War maps. Braun's works can be seen through October. Proceeds of any sales will benefit the Hughes Library.

At the National Iron Bank, Harry Colley will be showing photographs during the month of September. Wanted: 10 Flat Acres: The Comwall Housing Corporation (CHC) has two successful projects focused on younger families but housing is still needed for the elderly. But where's the land?

CHC is looking

for 10 acres of buildable flat terrain near a town cen-

for

the land and can then

apply for HUD funding to build 10 or more

clustered units. If you have any suggestions, please contact Ella Clark (ella.javanet@rcn.com).

Financial Statement In these days of creative accounting it's comforting to know that the Chronicle's finances are a model of simplicity. Our expenses last year were $8,064 (almost all for printing and postage) and our income was $8,432 (all from your donations). So you can invest with coniidence in the Cornwall Chronicle tnc' Ye S, t ,ont t/re Chronicle to continue. Here is my tax-deductible contibution of: $

Clerk you

Screening

Wallace Harding.

ter. CHC could pay

the

plan to come.

from 5 to

t- ' t -- - v

are

of Assessment Appeals will meet in the Town Clerk's Of-

go to

ceive about $2,500.

at 5:00

All

welcome.

The Little Guild of Saint Francis, which

p.rr,r.

the UCC office, 572-6840.

Maclean Health Center, on September 17, ftom 9:30 a.u. to noon. Call Jill Gibbons al 672-2603 to make an appointment. The test uses ultrasound on the bare heel and takes just a few minutes. There is a charge of $25 for those 50 or older and $30 for others. Not sure if you need it? Come to a slide presentation about bone loss on Thursday, September 5 from 1 to 2 p.t'l. at the Town Hall and find out.

Individual or Family Therapy, that is

Veterans' Exemption: Veterans who served

during time of war may be eligible for a higher exemption than last year, if their income for 2001 was under $31,100 if married or $25,400 if single. Obtain applications from the Assessor's Office and file by October 1. New residents who may be eligible should file their DD-214 with the Town Clerk by October 1. For further information call the Assessor's Office at 672-2703. Courses by Cornwallians: Three Comwallwill teach courses this fall under the aus-

ians

pices of the Taconic Learning Center. At

Scoville Memorial Library in Salisbury, Mondays from 2 to 4 p.w., starting September 16, Phyllis Wojan will teach Contemporary Genetics. At Noble Horizons, on Tiresdays from 2 to 4 n.r',r., starting September 10, John Leich will teach Advanced Spanish. Also at Noble Horizons, on Wednesdays from 10 a.rr,t. to noon, starting September 11, Ken Keskinen (with Doris Stoecker) will teach a course on the novels of four writers, "Twentieth Century Brits." To register ($50) and for informa-

tion about other course offerings, call 4352922.

the

question. On Saturday, September 2\ at 5 n.rra., Dr. Fred Sander will present a talk on this subject at the Cornwall Library. Dr. Sander uses excerpts from the film Ordinaty People and Shakespeare's Hamlet to illustrate treatment of human situations. Refreshments will be served. Free. Donations to the Corn-

wall Library welcome. The Cornwall Free Library book sale will be held on October 12 and 13. If you have books

in good condition to donate to the sale,

CORNWALL CHRONICLE

please

bring them to the Library. Anyone interested in helping out for the sale can call

ILLUSTRATIoNS Cindy Kirk

Anne Nance at672-6242.

Hanm and Dauid Grossman

SEPTEMBER EDITORS OCTOBER EDITORS

AnneKosciusko

The Cornwall Library Association Annual

DIRECTORS

Bruns PRESIDENT Spcncet KIauVICEPRESIDENT . Barbnm Kho PUBLISHER Torn

. Audrcy Fenron TREASURER Hmdon Clubb . CIrcryl Ewns Clwtles Osbome . Robelt Potlet . Suiln Willialilfln

Eduard Fennan SECRETAR\

CORNWALL CHRONICLE, INC. 280 CREAM HILL ROAD, WEST CORNWALL, CT 05796 E-MAIL: elf hill@aol.com FAX: (850) 672-2543

ciw/st/zip

Please mail the Chtonicle lo the out-of-town address above; a $10 contribution will be appreciated.

l(mKeskincn

CALENDAR EDITOR Anne Barm

Meeting will be on Thursday, September 26 at 4:30 r.u. at the Library.

CORNWALL RESIDENT

CORNWALT CHRONICLE 9 VOLUME 12: NUMBER

come to mind , to the tune of TheTwelae Days

Swirling Winds Under a darkening skY

of Christmas:

During

XAq and rising winds on

and to acknowledge the loss of life, the heroism, and the coming together of people con-

cemed for their country and its values. Led by Reverends Westby and Cady, the ecumenical service sought to bring unity and congregation. hope -Atto the assembled the conclusion, swirling the winds in his bagpipe to sound the sad-sweet strains of Amazlig Grace, Gordon Ridgway shode up one aisle and down the other' Then he walked out of the church into the nigh! still playing, with the moumful, yet challenging and hopeful skirl of the bagpipe fading to silence in the distance. The next day found our own town coping with the results of a whirling wind storm that brought down trees and branches, leaving homei withoutpower for-up to two days. Our own town crews and volunteer firemen were out doing what they always do, serving Keskinen the town and i1s people.

-Kcn

JrSchool Vote October 19 \{hen looking over the history of the school building proiect and all the effort that has inio developing

seaen

yurs

Eight more rooms for learning; Snen sites for building Six architects drawing; Fiae study committees; Four referendums; Three principals; Two hundr e d tho usand buck ; And a bigfat gym that has to fit somewhoe!

And that brings us to where we are now: The CCS Building Committee has come up with a reduced-cost plan that the Board of Education agrees addresses all the Program

square feet.

How is this project going to affect your working on a detailed explanation. But Chairman Ralph taxes? The Board of Finance is

and stage, entrance hallway, bathrooms and

storage. The existing building would'be renovlted to improve the science room and music room, relocate the art room, expand the kitchen, transform the existing gym into offices and "flexible teaching space" (i'e. a multipurpose room with moveable partitions), and add a new stairway and down-

Gold estimates that the total tax impact for a house assessed at $200,000 would be $250 per year. This will be softened by the fact that the Board has already included $180,000 in each of the last two budgets, as payment toward a building project. This serves two purposes: taxpayers have already experienced most of the impact a building project would

OCTOBER 2OO2

(continued onpage2)

solution, I had a song

314

lnland Wetlands Town

Tuesfiy

I I

Rohry Moetino:

Meditation lor

Play Group Every Wednesday 6:3G-8p.u.St.PelersChurch Voter Reoistration | 10-1 1:30 e.u. Playground g r.u.-nooi Town Hall l(St. Peter's in Case ol Rain

Elue Mt. Satsang Every

Every

Mothersl

Thursday

1:15-2:15p.u.

10 Voler Registraton

tib,aryBoorsab

8:30r.u.-4 p.n. Cornwall

A.M.-noon Town Hall

Library(p.4)

Housatonic River Gomm. 7:30 p.u. CCS Library

Houso Tour 11 (p.4)

lu.-{

p.u.

Park and Rsc

77 AAA

Bd. ol Selectmen

CCS Bd. ol Ed. 5 p.u. CCS Library

24 I

VFW Post 9856 p.u. W C. Firehouse

Region One Bd. of Ed. 7 p.u. HVRHS

T,u, e*s |

28 ZBA 7:30 P.u. Town Hall.

* I

* Check with Zoning Off ice-672-4957

not,'yur*ins'

r.u. Cornwall Lib. M.

Voter Reoistration

l0rr.-2

p.r.

Relerendum Vole | 6 a.$.-8 P.n. Town Hall (p.2) p.u. UCC (p.4 | Our lown 7:30

25 Annual Town Mesting 7:30 e.u. CCS Gym

| I

nohry tuteetins:

8:15 r.x. Cornwall Lib. M. f

I Huardous Waste Collectio

| I II

9m.-1

e.u.(p.4)

Park and Rec. Halloween Party 2-{ p.u.,

h^^^^t

rn^..

30 Red Cross Blood Drive UCC Parish House (P.4)

Cornwall Fire Dept. 8 p.u.

|19 I 8:1

lll9rm.TownHall

Library Book Sale 9 n.u.-noon (p.4)

11:30 r.u. (p.4) Concert 4 p.u. UCC (p.3)

Fantasfics 3 P.M. UCC (p.4)

St. Poter's Church

ccs

UCC Talk

Cornwall Assoc. 9:30 r.u. Comwdl Lib. M. R. Town Meeting 7:30 P.M.

" tttl$,'iiliT,lfi?i,,,

Tim Prentice Show and Presentation F7 P.M. Library (p.4)

DrvLrenr Srvrrc

Friday I 10r.u.Every Cornwall Library |

5 r.r,r. Cornwall Lib. M. R.

Pro-School Slory Hour

P.M.

Hall

Absentee Ballots 10 r.u.-noon (p.2)

moving class to dass. The plan also indudes new water and septic systems and redesigned parking and drop-off areas' With the committee working with both an architect and construction manager, they that is estimated to were able to devise aplan a plan thatis cost st $3.55 million, a 25 percmt reduction in plan. price ice from the original $4.7 million plan Building Committee Chairman fim Terrall said "Our main goal was to cut moneywitho{ out cuttine oualitv or the program. Drosram." Some of cutting quality the changeslhat ieduced the overall costare: where it is, installleavins leaving Cream Hill Road where ing firewalls instead of a sprinkler system, and reducing the new construction by 2,000

needs they had outlined. The new plan, scheduled to go to referendum on October 19, includes anew addition with gymnasium

r12

stairs bathroom. According to the committee, the renovatons

would provide a wider vadety of rooms for instruction, increase storage space, and create a better flow for studmts

of study

What's Cornwallbeen up to? Ttt ela e Chr onicb headlines ; EleaenTown Meetings; Ten on-liners shouting; Nine plans for parking;

9/11., a number of folks gathered in the 9/11, candle-lit North Comwall Church to mark the anniversary of the Trade Center attack

gone

OCTOBER 2002

November 2: Globalization Talks (p.4) Fireman's Ball (p.3)

C. Firehouse

For additions and updating, visit www.cornwallct.org

ocToBER

CORNWALL CHRONICLE (continued from page L)

have on their yearly taxes, and by putting the money up front, the Town would have to borrow less overall. There will be a Town Meeting on Saturday, October 5, where more details about the plan, its costs and the tax impact will be prelented. The meeting will adjourn to a referendum onOctober 19, withpolls open from 6 A.M. to 8 p.M. The Town Clerk (672-2709) wrll have special office hours on Sunday, October 5, 10 e.rr.r. to noon to process absentee ballot applications for those who are not here durino Kosciusko week. ing thp the wepk-

-Annie

On the evidence of Cream Hil/, some things have changed a lot in the past half-

Hill Road is no longer "hazardous. . . at any time of year" and "all but impassable...from New Year's until well into

century. Cream

]une." Lewis Gannett seems delighted by deer, whose 1949 population was small, and undelighted by the coming of radio, with its "lugubrious lot of commercials." But just like his 2lslcentury counterparts, he finds that Cornwall "restores what the

city frazzles." With-perhaps-a little

twinge of guilt, he asks if week-ending is mere escapism. "We aren't sure. What we are sure about is that it works, and that we love Taliafeto

it."

-Franny

This is the first in a series recalling books about Cornwall. Suggestians for other books to be coaered are utelcome.

Grant Received for Hart Farm The Cornwall Conservation Trust has received a Department of Environmental Protection grant to help buy 96 aoes of the Hart farm on Cherry Hill Road. The land will be

"Discoveries of A Countrym{r"\"?" Lewis Gannett's Cream Hlll was published in 7949. lt's out of print, but at tag sales or library de-accessionings you can occasionally find a copy. You'll know it by the brick-red binding and the winter landscape by Ruth Gannett that decorates the front cover. A quick flip of the pages will show you several of her lithographs-including the classic composite portrait of Comwall, which serves as endPaPers.

The Gannetts first came to Comwall in the 1920s as guests of Carl and Irita Van Doren. Before long the Gannetts had found their own house on Cream Hill, where for decades they spent weekends and summers. The sub-title of this essay collection is "Ds-

coveries of a Weekend Countryman," and it's characteristic of l,ewis Gannett to make "discoveries" rather than Pronouncements; his modesty is part of the book's charm. So is his relaxed attitude to gardening. From a chapter disarmingly titled "lnnocents in the Parsley Patch": "Most of what happens in a vegetable garden remains a mystery to me, despite almost a quarter-century of more or less assiduous effort and observation and considerable reading." But the daring novices successfully grew all the veg-

etibles that Ezra Stiles, Lewis Gannett's great-great-grandfather, noted in his garden iecords of the 1750s-though not the mulberry hees planted by Ezra, who hoped to establish a native American silk industry, the Cornwall climate notwithstanding. As an informal history Cream HiIl moves easily among centuries. Ezra Stiles-a landowner here, a parson in Newport and a college presideni in New Haven-is a lively prisence. Cameo appearances are made by the Rev. Hezekiah Gold, Comwall's "second and most rambunctious pastor," and by another gardener, Thomas jefferson, who fearlessly planted tomatoes at Monticello despite their poisonous reputation.

permanently protected open space, available to all. Maggie Cooley, president of CCT, said, "We're thrilled by the grant; it reflects the importance of this land to the state and the town.

"But the hard work is still to come,"

Maggie said. The CCT faces a major challenge because the state grant of $316,225

will

provide only 41 percent of the purchase price. The balance of the funds must be Ferman privately. -Ed Get It Right, Get It Faster

raised

2002

zip + 4 code. (This is simply a very specific zip code, pointing to a box or a street.) No commas or other punctuation are on this line. The next line up should have the actual mail address, either a post office box number, or number and sheet if you get your mail delivered to your house. The top lines are for the name(s) of the recipient. The bottom 5/8"

of the envelope should be left clear for barcoding. Some other tips: use neat, capital letters; use black ink; and avoid any artwork near the address. To get your correct zip+4 code, ask for it at any post office, or go online to www.usps.com. So, what happens to the mail that isn't addressed just this way? "Oh, it'Il get there," Postmistress Anne Russ assured me. But it may take a little longer. Some post offices, she warned, are particularly picky, so it might first get returned

'" "IirYr;r,

Kosciusko

Good-bye to a Friend Doris Hart Cross

Welcome Isabel Buchanan O'Connell to Emily Buchanan and Brendan O'Connell

Omella Zabriskie Rufo to Valerie Zabriskie and Aldo RuJo

Congratulations Christopher Gillette to Christine Conklin Jonathan Paul to Tamara Drake Diana Jane Hollander to Steven Robert Long

Land Transfers Comwall Partners to Margaret A, Tagliarino, land and house on Todd

Hill Road for

$250,000.

In August, my daughter received an invitation through the mail, addressed in a child's scrawl to "Mary Kate, West Cornwall, CT 06796." It got to us in a timely fashiory after some sleuthing on the part of patient postal workers, surely one of the inherent benefits of living in a tiny town. However, as diligent as our local postmasters are, they are caught in the squeeze between the demands of their supervisors and the expectations of their customers. Their supervisors are admonishing them to get us to correctly address mail so that the volumes of mail can be moved more quickly and accurately as the major mail handling facilities become automated. The final goal is to have the boxes of mail arrive in our local post offices already sorted, in order of delivery. To achieve this pre-sorting in Waterbury or Hartford the mail has to be addressed in a manner that can be read quickly by a machine (ten pieces a second!). Customers, on the other hand, have an infinite variety of addressing styles that often suit their own tastes rather than a machine in Waterbury. Some of us don't even know our "correct" address, much less what the zip + 4 is all about. A perfectly addressed envelope is designed to be read by a machine, from the bottom up. The bottom line should have town name, correct 2-letter state abbreviation, then

No A/C for Those Horses In its story last month on the vast and elegant

barn being constructed on Clark Road to house 50 Frisian horses , the Chronicle erroneously reported that the horses would enjoy the benefits of air conditioning. In fact, the only areas to be air-conditioned are the farm offices and the living quarters of the resident Editors manager. Sorry, horses.

-The

Welcome to the Reverend Laura Westby! Cornwall's newest cleric will provide the pastoral leadership for the United Church of Christ as an iriterim minister. Her education was at Hartwick College (8.S. with honors) and Yale Divinity School (M. Div.). Before ordination, she served as an R.N. in hospice related work, including Clinical Supervisor for the CT Hospice in Branford. After long pastorates, many congregations appoint, for a two-year period, an interim minister who will assist them in dis-

OCTOBER

CORNWALL CHRONICLE

2OO2

ceming the church's direction for the future while they search for a permanent Pastor. Rev. Westby has been such an interim minister in six UCC congregations and is a faculty

member of the Interim Ministry Network which hains clergy for this specialized type of call. Her home is in Thomaston where she lives with her husband and two daughters. Those who have worshiped with her are aware ofboth her passion and her sensitivity. As her colleague, I look forward to many ser-

vices and community events together.

-Scott

Cady

rEndangered Species at Ag Fair The Village Green abounded with livestock---<aprine, bovine, equine and poultry too. The main feature was that endangered species, the family farmeq, who looked alive and well as evidenced by the effortless 38foot bale toss by Steven Scoville followed by Bill Dinneen and Don Polk. L^aid- back politicians polished off the 8th grade delicacies and swatted gnats. |am-in-a-jar and tag goods were offered by the churches, and stickyfaced children wandered on the green in their butter yellow soccer jerseys fortified by

fresh- made maple syrup candy. A corn thresher shipped cobs, and to many a child's delight, Dan and Billy Cain did their annual grind and squeeze for fresh apple juice. (Time makes cider. ..) ln the growing heat of the day, 4-H* celebrated its 100th anniversary with a parade of livestock and shelties round the Green. Ctiil-

dren loved learning the old art of

hooprolling. The Fermans won the firewood raffle.

Garrick Dinneen's new event featured several pair of oxen in the pull and backing contest. "Garrick is the brains of the outfit,"

said Ag Committee president Pete Ripley. The Scoville's hayride was greatly in de-

mand. Prudhomme, Robinson, and Lorch made fine showings in produce, not to mention Cooley, Hart, and Ridgway. At 2:30 p.v. the children undid the haymaze while Joyce Hart and Rachel Gall played "Fiddle in the Middle" to a circle of dancers doing the haybale boogie while looking more like turkeys in the straw. As the antique machinery put-putted home bearing the endangered species and tables folded, a new crowd of

folks shode through the village to the wine and cheese lecture about family therapeutics. *Head, heart, hnnds, health...

Letters to the Chronicle

AREASONABTE SOILTION The School Building Committee has dane a good job of carefully trimmingwell wer oru million dallars (25 pucent) off the Cornwall Consolidnted School retwvation proiect's cwt

while still accomplishing the Schaol Board's goals. By improuing *rc facilities in which science, art, music, anil special education are taught, their programs will haae immediate and lasting positiae Sects on the eduutian of Cornwall's children. Necesury improaements in the schaol's septic system and traffc flow will also be maile in this comprehensiae plan. Toumspenple as well as students will brnefit by enlarging the gymnasium/auditorium and the kitclren as mlre euents will be possible. I hope that there is a good turnout at thc October 5 Toam Meeting and October 19 refermdum.

-4orilonRidgway MOMENT OF TRUTH "Cop out": to aooid or neglect problems, onsibilitics, or commitments. Many of us see our *hool spau deftcimcia as a growing problem whbh, in this competitiae world, roill put our Cornraall students at an urly dimdwntage. As a toum, ue haw lookd at sevoal possible nlutions with uarying pice tngs. Nua we are down to decision time with na more wiggle room and only three choicesleft to us: resp

1. To aote for the well worlced-oaer lecommendations of the prexnt building committee and get on with the reorganization of existing space anil the addition of n2. 2. To aote against the building committee's recommenilatians and insure the status quo well

into

the foresemble

future,

3. To stay away from the polls on October 19 altogether-in short: cop out. There are rc other choices.

urge you to aote on this issue; the most

Events & Announcements

Special Piano: Mary Schieffelin's Steinway grand piano was given to the United Church of Christ by Mary's niece, Julie Schieffelin, after Mary's death. Mary

had been the director of music at the church for many years. To celebrate the gift, Anne Chamberlain will present a concert with cellist Peter Zay on Sunday, October 27, at 4 r.v. at UCC. Zay plays with the Hartford Symphony, the Boston Lyric Opera, and appears in chamber music concerts throughout the U.S. and Europe. The program will include works by

Debussy, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky and Mendelssohn. The proceeds from the concert

will go to

the Jubilee School in Philadelphia, which marks its 25th anniversary in October. Admission at the door will be $15 per person/ with a family admission fee of $30.

important (beuuse of its imprct on our children) that Cornwall has faced in tlw last tat yurs. Don't be a cop out. Soult

-Scwille

MMM,MMMGOOD This is an hddendum to Gmrge Kittle's piece The Campbell soup Inbels collectd in months past by transfer station operators Freil Bate and Steve O'NeiIl haae benefittedThe Childrm's Home in Cromwell (nsu equipmentfor the computer classroom). Other on

tlu transfer station.

landflls in Connecticut

also collected labels

dur-

ing this driae to proaide support for the children, but Fred, Steoe, and the citimts of our toum submitted 4,000 of the total of 5,000labels collected. WeII done! Brecher

-EarIconCampbell Soup Company labels at tinue to be collected the dump. Check the "label table" there for more information.

the

Editors

CORNWALT KESTRETS The frst ywr of Cornwall's American kestrel nest box project has gone weII. Of 1L boxa aaailable, ftoo in Coltsfoot VaIIE were usd successfully by separate pairs of thex CT Specin of Special Concrn birds (while Europwn stailings wue preuentedftom getting comfortable in most of the other bxw). With a number of Cornwallinns in attendance, the eight little falcon nestlings produced were baniled wrth US Fish Wildlife Servicelegbands. Many thank to the landotaners who are hosting the boxes. Gingert

-Art

Registering to Vote: The Registrars of Voters sessions at the Town Hall on the following dates and times: Octo. ber 1, 9 A.M. ro noon; October 10,9 a.u. to

will hold registration

noon; October 19, 10 a.u. to 2 p.M.; October 22, 9 e.t'r. to 8 p.r',r. October 22 is the last day to register to vote in the November 5 election. Call ]ayne Ridgway, 672-0279.

Autumnfest Horse Show will be held at Gunn Brook Farm on October 20 starting at9 e.v., with a full range of events for every western and huntseat rider. The show is open to both participants and spectators. Call 67 2-0203 for further information. A Masquerade Ball will be held for the benefit of the Comwall Volunteer Fire Deparhnent on

November 2 from 8 r.rvr. to midnight at Moharvk Ski Lodge. Music is by Rock n' Roll Heaven; set-ups and light snacks provided; BYOB. Costumes encouraged but not required. Adults (over 21) only; no pets. $20 per couple. Cdl672-0042 for more information.

ocToBER

CORNWALL CHRONICLE Leave Street Signs

Alone

Park and Rec. Activities: The annual Hal-

Concerned about

loween Parties will be held on Saturday, October 26 at the CCS gym. The first, from 2 to 4 e.u., is for children pre-school through fourth grade and will feature a magic show by Peter fames. That evening, from 7 to 10 r.r''t., there will be a dance, witfr O1, for fifth through eighth graders. Refreshments will be served at both events. Anyone willing to coach recreational basketball, please call Bethany Thompson at

public safety, Gordon Ridgway asks that ineet markeis not be removed or tampered with. Emergency vehicles must always be able to go direc0y to the place of need.

Blood Drive will be held at the UCC Parish House on October 30 from 2 to 5:45 p.r"r. Call 672-654A for more information Globalization and Its Effects: On Saturday, November 2, from 4 to 6 p.rr'r. at the Comwall Library, feremy Brecher and Peter Hollander will piesent video documentaries on the effect of international economics on developins countries. The presentation of Peter's The

Eionomics Game anAJeremy's Global Village or Gtobal Pillage will be followed by discussion.

UCC Talks: On Sunday, October 20, Nancy Dubler, of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Douglas Green, from the Hospital for Special Surgery, will lead a discussion on new'developments in life-sustaining- technoloev and makinq choices in our health care syste"n1. They will ilso discuss decision-makins rules for patients. "On Sunday, October 27, Petet CooPe, principal of iCS, will speak about special brosr;*s at the school, including Peer Me'aiuiiot, Book Buddies, D.A.R.E., Across America, and Invention Convention' He will also present ways the community can become'more involied with CCS programs and students.

The programs begin at 11:30 a.n' at the parish hbuse behind the church. The Annual Book Sale of the Comwall Free Library will be held on Saturday, October 12, from 9 e.rra. to 4 p.v. and on Sunday, October L3, from 9 e.rr,r. to noon. There will be a preview from 8:30 to 9 e.v. on Saturday for dealers and early risers with a $10 entry-fee' On Sunday a big of books costs $3. Volunteers are needud to set up, sort books, and tidy up' Teenagers are espeiially welcome. Please call

Annel,lanceatSZ2-6242.

. .d

672-6058.

The 4th Annual Cornwall House Tour for the benefit of Prime Time House will take place, rain or shine, on October 12, from 1'1 i.r"r. to 4 p.r'1. This year's tour could appropriatelv be called "bam tour" as four of the six buiidings owe their aesthetic if not their very existencl to the agricultural history of Cornwall. Tour tickets are $25, and tour-and-reception tickets are $50. To be a tour volunteer of to purchase advance tickets, call Amy Cady it 672-0233. Tickets will also be avail-

able the day of the tour at St. Peter's

Lutheran Church and at the former Yutzler's store deck. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult' The Fantastics comes to Comwall in a program ofsongs and scenes tobe performed on Saturday, Oitober 5, at 3 p.rra. at the United Church of Christ, for the benefit of the Comwall Library Endowment Fund' It is offered as a tribute to the world's longest-running musical (4?years), which closed last fanuary in New York City. Marc Simont will inhoduce the program, diected by ]ean Leich, which includes performers Nick facobs, Iaura Kirk, John Mller, Greg Zabielski, and Matt Blinstrubas, with

The Annual Hayride

Art in Cornwall: At the Cornwall Library Marc Simont's show of "Politically lncorrect Cartoons" will continue through October 5. Sunday, October 5, from 5 to 7 p.lr., is the opening rbception for Tim Prentice's show of recent iculptures at which Tim will give a multimedia presentation of his commissioned kinetii works here and abroad. Admission to the reception and talk is $10. Proceeds will benefit the librarY. At the Wish House, on October 12, from 5 to 7 y.u., there will be an opening of an exhibit of jewelry by Elizabeth Kaestner. At the National Iron Bank Ken Keskinen will exhibit his "Junktures" during October. Household Hazardous Waste collection day is Saturday, October 26. Call the Selectman's Office for details, 572-4959.

Fantastics was created by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt' This unique concomposer ^version

was arranged for the Comwall

cert

production by Mr. Jones, who will be on hand to talk about the musical. Tickets at the door are $10 for adults and $5 for children. A reception in the parish house follows the Performance. comes to

our town. The newly cre-

ated Village Repertory Company will

Cornwall and Floriduh have one thing in

corunon, a propensity for close votes-fortunatelv we'know how to count them better' Don't forget to vote in the school referendum later thiJ month; one vote could literally make a difference. And remember that the Chronicle needs your continued vote of con-

fidence (in the form of a donation) to keep on

oresent Thornton Wilder's Our Town on Ociober 19 at 7:30 p.r,l. and October 20 at 3:30 p.lr,r' at UCC. Comwall drama teacher Lesley Gyorsok will stage the play with a cast of Cornwall and arei residents. Christopher Peterson is technical director. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for children 12 and under. Proceeds will benefit the UCC operating budget. Call' 672' 2715.

publishing. YeS, t *on

the Chronicle to continue. Here is my tax-deductible contibution of: $

Please mail the Clrronicie to the out-of-town address above; a $10 contribution will be appreciated'

ILLUSTRAr IONS

lexa

Vmtuini

OCTOBER EDTIORS

knksklnn

Annelhsciusko

NOVEMBER EDITORS Cetin and Stephm

Senzer

Buky Hurlburt

CALENDAR EDITOR Anne Baren DIRECTORS Totr

Bruls PRESIDENT

Batbara Klau PUBLISHER SDncet KInuvICEPRESIDENT tdwrd Fenmn SECREIARY ' Audrcy Fmrcr TREASURER Hfrdon Chubb ' Chwl Ewns

Osbome

Robeft

CORNWALL CHRONICLE, lNC. 280 CREAM HILL ROAD, WEST CORNWALL ' CT 06796 MAIL: elfhill@aol.com

FA*

Ctty/St/Zip

CORNWALL CHRONICLE

clail$

will take place on

Saturday, October 12, leaving the CCS parking lot it 1:30 p.v. Come 15 minutes before deparfure time. Refreshments to follow

Anie Chamberlain at the piano. The

OutTown

Your Vote Counts!

2002

(860) 672-254ii

CORNWALL RESIDENT

Pottef Susn lvilliqr@n

RNWALL CHRONIC VOLUME 12: NUMBER 10

School Expansion Wins Although the margin of victory isn't as impressive as a referendum run by Saddam Hussein, the result of the October 19 school building vote is pretty decisive by Comwall standards. Of 623 votes cast, M7 voted to support the school building project, with 175 against. The better than two-to-one margin was the consensus town leaders were seeking to confidently move forward with reno' vating and expanding the school. This last vote winds up a shing of referendums which allowed taxpayers to weigh in

every step of the way. The first project brought to a vote was a comprehensive plan that included relocating Cream Hill Road. Although the plan passed by a narrow margin, concerns about impending tax increases and the scope of the expansion caused the project to be halted. A year of study ensued, and taxpayers were given opportunities to determine a direction for the project. In the next vote, a neW school option was rejected

in favor of expanding on the current

site.

Taxpayers were then offered the chance to

vote on the formation of another building committee. Although the vote was close, a new building committee was formed, and charged with coming up with a plan that both addressed the school's needs and cost less than the first plan. This process has now

NOVEMBER

2OO2

Nappier (D); Comp-

culminated in the plan (and price) favored by voters by the widest margin. The next step is the formation ot, yes, another building committee to oversee the acfual design and construction of the project. This committee will spend the winter refining and making the fi-

troller-Mullins

(R)

nal decisions on the design components. The project will then go out to bid, and construc-

(R) vs. Wyman (D);Attomey vs. Blumenthal (D). There are also third and fourth party candidates for several offices. The election for our Congtessional Representative is unusual: because of mandated

tion is planned to begin

redistricting, one incumbent is running

,^r":T|r::H3rrr*

against another. So there's good reason to get to the polls --fhe fulitors this year.

VOTE! Election Day is Tuesday, November 5. Polls will be open from 5 a.t'r. to 8 p.ru. at the Town Hall. In this "off year" there are no municipal elections, so our Selectmen and other town officials continue to serve into the second year of their terms. (Actually, we will vote for Iocal Judge of Probate and for Regishars of Voters, but no contests are involved.) However, there are important state and national elections. The ballot will offer the following candidates: Govemor and Lt. Govemor-Rowland and Rell (R) vs. Curry and |epsen (D); Congressional Representativejohnson (R) vs. Maloney (D); State SenatorRoraback (R) vs. Marconi (D); State Representative-Morris (R) vs. Willis (D); Secetary of the State-San Angelo (R) vs.

CVFD Awarded Grants The Comwall Volunteer Fire Department has received grants totaling $76,353 from the State of Connecticut and the federal govemment. The grants are to be used for the purchase of new state-of-the-art fire-

fighting equipment which will replace

equipment that is badly wom and nearing the end of its life. The federal grant of $73,888, awarded by

the Federal Emergency

Breathing Apparatus units and supporting

equipment. The grant is one of 2,756 awarded to fire departments across the United States from among more than 19,500

Bysiewicz (D); Treasurer-Garber (R) vs.

NOVEMBER

Management

will reimburse the town for 90 percent of the cost of 17 new Self-Contained Agency,

applications. The State of Connecticut grant

of. $2,475, (continued onpage 2)

2OO2 !

1 Pre-School Story Hour 10 r.u. Cornwall Library

RotaryMeeting:

Weapons lnspeclion in lraq 15

r.u. Cornwall Lib. M.

Globali2ation Videos p.u. Cornwall Lib. Masquerade Ball &-12 e.u. Mohawk Ski Lodoe

Meditation lor Mothers Every Thursday

Pre-School Slory Hour 10 r.u. Cornwall Library

Cornwall Assoc. 9:30 r.u. Cornwall Lib. M. R.

1:1$-2:15 p.u. St. Peter's Church

L0 Planning and Zoning 7:30 p.u. Town Hall Housatonic River Comm 7:30 e.n. CCS Library

17 Christine Algrant Mne Pompadour 3 e.rnr. Cornwall Library (p 4)

AAA

fII

Democratic Town Comm 7:30 e.u. Library M.R.

25 ZBA 7:30 p.u. Town Hall-

2tl

Region One Bd. of Ed. 7 p.r,r. HVRHS

Check with Z0ning Office--672-4957

Hall

Ron ry Mruting' Underground Railway 8:15 mr. Cornwall Lib. M. R

I I

Bd. o{ Ed. 5 p.u. CCS Lib. I ld. of Fin.7:30 p.u. CCS Libl

l" 26

Bd. of Selectmen 9 ru. Town

9856

VFW Post 8 p.u. W. C. Firehouse

27*c,31][1*i3'Y'i9"(|l

I UCe (p.4)l

communiv ihanksoiviilo iervice 7:30 p.r"r. Cornwall Fire Dept. 7:30 p.u. W. C. Firehouse Green Party 7:30 r.u.

TuHxsrvr]ro!,v

C' \

Cub Scout Can & Bottle Drive 9-11 r.u. Town Green (p.4)

I I

130

Hnuxun

Annual Talent Show Rotary Meeting: 7:30p.u. UCC(p.4) l8:l5A.M.CornwallLib.M.R. Cider Making 2-4 e.u. Hart Farm (p.3)

For additions and updating, visit www.c0rnwallct.0rg

NOVEMBER

CORNWALL CHRONICLE

my own experience-have a hard time.

(continueil from page 7)

awarded'by thJDepartment of Environmental ProtectiorL will reimburse the town for 50 percent of the cost of eight sets of new tum-

out pants and coats, worn to protect a firefighter from heat and flames. The SCBA units help firefighters breathe

clear air when entering a smoke-filled or other hazardous area. Each unit contains two other important features: a Personal Alert Safety System which sends a waming signal if a firefighter stops moving, and a Voice Projection Unit which amplifies and projects a firefighter's voice from inside the SCBAmask.

All of this new equipment will enhance the safety and effectiveness of our

firefighters. It would have helped our volunteer fuefighters at both the Cream Hill Farm and the Richmond House fires earlier this year, where entry into the buming structure was necessary.

The successful grant applications were prepared by CVFD members Charles Gold, Jack Preston, Earle Tyler, and Phill West.

-lharles

GoId

That's why we think this new option, added to our other good resources, will be really useful." These "other resources" are the Northwest Connecticut Rural Transit bus out of Torrington (call 800-906-7433) and FISH (Friends tn Service Here), our local volunteer

driving nebwork (call Joan E dler at 672-6789). But Rural Tiansit cannot always accommodate someone who needs, say, daily rides to

at Charlotte Hungerford or a doctor's office in Great radiation appointments

Barrington. And people are reluctant to overuse the FISH volunteers. "We have independent people in Comwall," says Joan. "Ma.y hesitate to call us." The option Gordon is talking about is a brand new flexible program by which Geer Adult Day Center will dispatch buses or a van to Cornwall for medical appointments, shopping, and even "social outings" in other towns, as well as Great Barrington, Winsted, and Torrington. The town's cost of $2,000 per year was unanimously approved on October 17 by the Board of Finance. As of November 1, you can call Maureen Chodan at 824-7362 for door-to-door transportation. Geer will also offer, at no additional cost to the town, buses for group outings. Gordon adds, "And when the YMCA at Geer Village is up and running, you'll be able to get a ride up there to go swimming. We want to help people stay as independent as Clark they can be."

-ElIa

Wood Pile Returns

New Cornwall Foundation

Now that summer's dryness has eased, a popular feature of the transfer station-the wood pile-will return. Small amounts of

The Comwall Foundation is a newly formed tax-exempt organization which will serve the Comwall community by making grants to local programs or projects. Its mission is broad: "To enhance life in the town of Cornwall" by supporting endeavors in the "fields of education, health, the arts, social services, recreation, and the environment." The Comwall Foundation was started by

clean (no painted or pressure-treated) wood

will again be accepted. But no plywood, please.

In other developments at the transfer station, attendants are collecting old eyeglasses and Campbell soup-can labels for charitable PurPoses.

Dump masters report that the amount of bulky waste has increased and become more expensive to transfer. Residents are reminded that a payment of $40 per pickup

Ioad, prorated, is expected at time of tipping. There is a $3 charge for tires (must be under 20 inches diameter), which must be taken off rims.

The garbage compactor caught fire this summer as a result of a "hot load." Residents are asked not to put flammable or hot materials such as wood ashes in their garbage.

Landscaping continues to improve.

There is talk of installing a golf facility on

top of Mt. Brean to keep up with other towns. Stay tuned for developments.

-Gordon

Ridgway

New Wheels in Cornwall You suddenly can't drive? Or you don't have a car? And you live in Comwall? "It's impos-

sible to live without wheels in this town,"

says First Selectman Gordon Ridgway. "Older people in particular-I know from

the Cornwall Association. The Association had seen successful local foundations oper-

ating in Canaan and Salisbury, and thought it was time for Cornwall to have one of its own.

The idea is to build an enduring, general fund from which grants can be made to local groups that serve the Cornwall community. The Association wanted the new fund to be distinguished from the Town Endowment Fund, which is to be used for town projects and is administered by the selectmen.

The Cornwall Foundation has an independent board of directors: Anne Kosciusko, David Ott, Amy Worthington-Cady, Becky Hurlburt, Bente Dahl-Busby, John Miller, Hector Prud'homme, Catherine Tatge, lean Vitalis, and Phill West. Funds will be managed by the Torrington

Area Foundation for Public Giving, which will allow the Cornwall Foundation immediate public non-profit status. A fund-raising campaign will begin soon, to seek donations-large and small-to support the Foundation and, in turn, the people of CornMiIIer wall.

-lohn

2OO2

Good-bye to Friends Philip Jones Patricia Labalme Hazel

Richter

Welcome Danielle Michele Gorat to Michele and Peter Gorat, Jr. Linnea Grace Budge to Kimberly and Matthew Budge Zadykiel Elijah Bevans to Lakshmi Vader Ledlie William Laughlin to Alice and Joshua Laughlin

Congratulations Margery W. Whitford to Augusto Sogliuzzi

Fall Hunting Schedules Small game: Now through December; species and dates vary. Tirrkey, archery: Now through November 19; December 25 to December 31. Turkey, firearrns: Now through November 2. Dee4 archery: Now through November 19, December 25 to December 31 on state lands. Now through December 31 on private lands; zones vary. Dee4 shotgun and rifle: November 20 to December 10, state and private lands; zones vary; November 1 to

December 31, Iandowner only; muz-

zleloader: December 11 to December 24. Hours: No hunting on Sundays. With some exceptions, half an hour before sunrise to sunset for deer and furkey; from 7 a.rrl. to half an hour after sunset for most small game. Check the DEP Guide. Safety: Wear orange. If alone, let somebody know where you will be. Hikers, if you see hunters, call out. For more info, call DEP

Wildlife at (860) 424-3011.

-limleuy

Zagat, West Cornwall With the opening of Soupe du Jour in Railroad Square, West Cornwall now boasts three great places to eat. The new caf6 is owned and run by Sue Kochman and her daughter Sarah Duffy. Sue is already well known around town as New England Caterers, purveyors of great party food. The building has been painted a pale yelorettv green sreen roof. The interior has low,r with a pretty lhe interior been completely redone

and fumished with athactive antiques. Yes,

it is also an antique in that everything inside is for

store,

sale. There are nine tables in a light, airy room that comfortably seats

about 30 people. The room is also available for receptions and parties.

As the name suggests, the lunch menu consists of

eight to

ten

differ-

NOVEMBER

CORNWALL CHRONICLE

2OO2

Letters to the Chronicle Cornwall ConseraationTrust (CCT) at a discount.

S.4YING

THEIAND

Farmers in our area are under pressure to sell their land for non-agricultural uses. Local effurts to preseroe the remaining pieces of working landhaui recehted good news this year. The State Department of Agriculture hns recently agreed to purchase the dnelopment rights for parts of the Lorch and Hurlburt farms. Both families could haae casheil in and gotten more money on the open market. Fortunately, their actions will preserae their farmlanl. Now, under a different program, the state has offered matchingfunding to the Cornutall ConseroationTrust (CCT) to acquire most of the Hart farm. I urge residents to ail CCT ffirts to preserae this important piece of land for generations to

come'

-Gordon

M. Ridgway

ONLY THE POST OFFICE KNOWS I'was amused at the aery specific instructions on addressing enaelopes. It called to mind the time-years ago----zahen my daughter in Colorado wrote me, addressing the enoelope this way: The Biddy Cornutall Bridge, CT. I wonder wlry it reached ME! Trager

-Marie

KEEPING IT IN THE RAW American land is being deaeloped at a rate of 365 acres per hour; Connecticut farmland is disappearingby 8,000 acres eachywr. Smallscale agriculture has been the happy medium between wilderness and loss of land to deaelop-

A state grant foots half the bill to keep this land open and enjoyed by all in perpetuity if thc CCT can conaince 200 people to giae $1,000 each (or the equiaalent) to keep this land in the raul loin us at the Hart Farm on Cherry Hill Road from 2 to 4 p.u. ox Saturdny, Noaember 30 for a little cidcr making andfor hnyrides, wuther permitting. CaII me at 672-2407 for more information.

-LibTobin THANKS FROM PRIME TIME HOUSE The Fourth Annual Cornwall HouseTour held on October 12 to benefit Prime Time House was a $L5,000 success! At last count some 280 people aentured out on that blustuy Saturday to do some real "barnstorming." They took to the muddy,Ieaf-coaued roads of our town to tour a house in a barn, a barn madc into a house, a barn-looking library, a building that started out as a ne(o barn anil ended up as a house, anil two homes that owe their existence to bams-thE were once farms!

Awonderful, autumnal-in-

spired reception held at the Olds' barn in CornwaII Village completed the day. Cornwall's community spirit continues to shine in eaery suson. Prentice and Amy Cady

-Tim

GETT/NG ONTINE

In a surcey the Web Group of the Cornwall Associntian conducted last yur, we found that mnny people likd reading agendas and minutes of the town boards on the Website. Unforturutely, despite our best

ffirts,

found it auy dfficult to post these on a timely basis. To do so requires that a Web Group member appear at the Toum Ofices on the right

haae

day and time, get a diskwith the latest minutes on it, then take the diskhame or to someone with e-mail capability and send the fles to the webmaster for posting. It just doesn't work out.

ment.

Thefirst left turn off Cream HiIl Road onto Cherry HiII leads you to a oista unriaaled in town and puhaps in the county, with hills of Neut York State and Massachusetts reaealed. The Hart siblings snen haoe foregone the lure of dnelopers' coins and hope to seII the land to the

I haae rEeatedly asked our town administration to install online capability so that minutes (and other information) couldbe sent directly as soon as aaailable. They haae declined to do so on the grounds that they don't need to---or want to-send and receiae e-mail communications, and further that current resources are adequate

for their requirements.

Instead of welcoming the conaenience and

eficiency of electronic communications, town employees fwr more demands on their time. To the contrary, modern electronic communications can ftee people from the tyranny of the telephone.

And this is to say nothing about the wondcr-

ful world

of dnta and information aaailable on the Internet, from the state, for emmple. In my aiat it is about time that the town deueloped a technology plan to enter the modern world of informatian and communications, as so many of our neighboring towns haoe already

ilone.

If you agree with me, pluse make your thoughts known at the Town Offices. Senzer, Chair, Cornwall Web Group

-StEhen

SCHOOLWIGGLEROOM

As a former building committee chnirman, I would like to point out that now is the time that those with specifc design idms and concerns shauld attend building committee meetings and conaey their wishes to the committee for consideration. Just because the referendum has passed, it doesn't mean that public input is no longer useful, or welcome. Although the scope, general daign, and price haoe been established, there is plenty of "wiggle room" left for incorporation of creatiae solutions anil ideas. So don't be slry! While you won't be able to get that Olympicsized pool considered for under the gym floor, your ideas for room sizes, window placement in the gym, or appliances in the new kitchen are

welcome'

-Anne

ent soups, a couple of salads, a sandwich, quiche, and maybe even apasta dish. Dessert

and beverages tool The menu changes weekly and is dependent upon the weather and the availability of fresh ingredients. Cafd hours are from 11 e.u. to 3 r,.u. Thursday through Saturday and till 4 p.lr. on Sundays; no reservations. RSVP opened last May, also

in Railroad

Square. Charles Cilona and Guy Birster are the owners, also well known in West Comwall from their work in other local restaurants. RSVP is an intimate little restaurant serving fine French cuisine at dinner only on Wednesday through Sunday evenings from 6 r,.lt. As the restaurant seats only about 15 people, a reservation is a must, along with your own wine and cash or a check.

Kosciusko

Russ and Sharon Sawicki recently acquired the building on the comer of lower River Road and the Sharon-Goshen Tumpike

which houses The Wandering Moose, but this very popular moderately priced eating and meeting place has been operating since

March 2001. Breakfast is served every day from 7 to 11:30 e.rr.t.; lunch every daybut Sun(continued on page 4)

CORNWALL CHRONICLE

"bottle."

-Celia

Child Center News: Do you eaer need noon child care while you go to a doctor,

p.M. on

Senzcr

school

ar as-needed basis during the

to and to assure there is

year. Please call672-6989,48 hours ahead,

make arrangements

Events & Announcements

space

available.

ergreen wreaths, decora-

\\for tions, and a room forforchilthe

dren to shop

and wrap presents family. A soup and sandwich lunch and holi-

rL:_ "the This dayfoodswillbeavailableintheDayRoom of church. To reserve wreaths, which year's EcumenicalThan*sgiving Service will must be ordered in advance, call Joan Edler be hosted by the United th5.h of Christ in xOfZ-OfgS. Comwall, Congregational. The service will be held on Wednesday, November 27 at7:30 Focus on Kids: Comwall Cub Scouts will be p.rra. The Rev. Laura Westby will offer a medi- holding a bottle and can drive. Bring your tation and the choirs of the church will lead retumables to the Town Green on Saturday, the gathering in songs of praise. Please plan November 23 between 9 and 11 a.N{. The boys to attend and bring a non-perishable food thank you for your support. Parentsof theCornwallChild itemforourlocalfoodpantry. / i ,.' _j__ 6^---j-^Commrrnity Thanksgiving.Service:

Globalization and Its Effects: Twenty years ago as globalization was just

taking off, Cornwall's Peter Hollander pro-

duced the Economics Game, a lO-minute UN documentary on the intemational economy from the point of view of developing counhies. Last year Cornwall's ]eremy Brecher

Center

produced GIobaI ViIIage or Global Pillage?, a 30-minute documentary on grassroots responses to globalization. The Friends of the Cornwall Library invite you to see the videos and hear the producers at the Cornwall Library on Safurday, November 2 from 4 to 5 p.v. A $5 contribution is suggested.

about her new book Mme de P2mpa-

Tim Prentice's show of kinetic work will continue through November 16. Beginning November 18 and continuing through December 28 will be Don Bracken's exhibit of some of the large and powerful paintings that he made while at a studio on the 97m floor of the World Trade Center. At the Wish House, the exhibit of jewelry by Elizabeth Kaestner continues through the month of November. At the Cornwall Arts Collection, there will be an opening on November 9 from 5 to 7 r.u. of a show featuring the wildlife-related

tion call Lisa Simont

new talent as well

at672-2659.

roil.

familiai

facesl un-

park and Rec. is still in need of volunteer basketball coaches for girls, grades two to four, boys, grades^two-to-four, and fifth and stlth g11d-e girls. Call-Bethany Thompson at 672-6058 for more information or to volunteer. Remember, without volunteers this program cannot be offered. Park and Rec. will be running a bus hip to Bromley Mountain on Saturday, January 11.

"r and $6 for kids Tickets are $15 for adults der 12, Proceeds will benefit the operating Bu-s will leave CCS parking lot at 8 a.lra. and expensesof theComwallLibrary.Usetheorl will leave-Broml-e-y at 5-r,rr'r. Cost for an allday lift ticket and bus is $59 per adult, less for der form on the Chronicle inseit for

tickets,

youth. Bus transp_ortawhichwillbemailedtoyou.Forinformation tion only is $20. Discall612-0?33. '

Steuerwalt.

count rentals

are

available. Space is

Book Sale Sets Record: Despite the continuous and torrential rain on October 12, the Friends of the Comwall Ubrary raised more than $3,200 for operating expenses. Sales were greatly helped by the fact that the Library was part of the Cornwall House Tour.

limited. Call Bethany Thompson for

""""^' ldr;;;;;;il \uK.... more information or to re-

T\-

Familiar Tunes

ILLUSTRATIONS

Carla

IIen MOOn

Hurlburt

DECEMBER EDTTORS Apil and Sandy Neubauer

Bigeluo

CALENDAR EDITOR Anne Bare'tt

about this space, in which we relentlessly re-

DIRECTORS Tolr B@aus PRESIDENT

mind you how much we count on your donations to continue publishing. Still,

KIt@VICEPRESIDENT . Balbara Kia@ PUBLISHER Edtwrd Fcrrwn SECREIARY . Aud.ra! Fenror TREASURER

Spcncer

Try to Remember....

Hmd.on Clwbb

Clailes Osbomc

I I I

coRNwALL CHRONICI9 INC. 280 CREAM

HILL ROAD, WEST CORNWALL,CT 05796

E-MAIL: elf hill@aol,com

FAX: (860) 672-2643

I I I I I I I

. Clrcryl Euns . Susn Willbfison

Robett Potter

Please mail the Chronicle to the out-of-town address above; a $10 contribution will be appreciated.

Senzu

Which is probably how you readers feel

coRNwALL CHRONTCLE

NOVEMBER EDITORS Becky Celia and Stephm

You know that feeling when you can't get a tune out of your mind? Last month's perforrnance ofThe Fantastickshad that effect on us.

City/St/Zip

the

dons would be very much apprec!

The 5rh Annual Cornwall Talent Show will be sponsored by the Friends of the Cornwal Library on Fridiy, November 29 from 7:30 to 9 r.rr.r. it the Uniied Church of Christ. Come and enjoy this evening of homegrown, family enteriainment featiring som"e surprising

works of Scott Zuckerman and Connie

want the Chronicle to continue. Here is my tax-deductible contibution of: $

will be hosting

tfg Corn- --X , ated. This is a chitdren_6nly rooln'*h"r. wallFreelibrary,s-unday,N,tutT ,/ 4f they can do their christmas ihopping. All ' p'rra' ber 17 at 3 wine u"d items will be sold for 25 cents. Donatioris can .,, , :ltt:t willbe served, and copies of the bo.ok will.be Le left at the Child Center beginning Tuesavailable for purchase. Proceeds will go to the day, Novemb er 12, ot call Betfiany firo*pLibraryoperatingaccount.Formoreinforma- sonat6Z2_605g. dour: Mistress of France-at

Art in Cornwall: At the Comwall Library,

YeS,l

2OO2

after- \ _ A Christmas Fair will be held on Saturday, December 7, dentist, . , \/ from 10 e.u. to 3 p.rra. at orimportantmeeting?lfyour childhasbeenor --\Xl/-'UCC. In the Parish is currently enrolled in one of the four after- \NZ2-=\-' House there will be school Arfs Club enrichment programs, he/ )R--. v \\ \ crafts by local artists, evshe is eligible to come to the Child Center at 3

day and Tuesday from 11:30 e.r'1. to 3 p.v' Dinner is available Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 5:30 r.v. Russ hopes to expand dinner service to five nights per week. Reservations are useful if you want to be sure of a table for dinner at a specific time, and bring

yonr own

NOVEMBER

CORNWALL RESIDENT

,* CORNWALL 1."*

voLUME

L2 : NUMBER

I CLE ; CHROI{ 2002 1L B+

DEcEMBER

Arthur J. Raque's claim that "it is unlikely

The Cement Plant

Inside CCS

that the air quality impacts will have an appreciable effect in Connecticut." Meanwhile, the Cornwall-based Housatonic Valley Association has hired Dr. Bruce Egan, a well-known meteorologist, to evaluate air quality implications of the plant in the Housatonic Valley. An expert on wind dispersal, Dr. Egan's findings were instrumental in helping defeat the recent Semper power plant proposal in New Milford.

Many of us in Comwall are troubled by the St. Lawrence Cement Company's proposal to build the largest coal burning plant in North America in neighboring Columbia County. Owned by the Swiss comPany Holcin, the plant would include 40 acres of buildings, a 1,200 acre open-pit limestone mine, a twomile long conveyer belt and a 400-foot'high smokestack that would emit some 20 million pounds of particles Per year. Cement production is expected to expand from 500,000 to two million tons a year. The emissions from such a plant, its effect on fish in the

It is no secret that the waters surrounding our school have been more than a little turbulent over the past two years. But it should be no secret that the school itseU, the teachers, the students, and their dayto-.day life and work, have weathered these times admirably. The teachers at CCS continue to strive toward making the school better yet. A few examples: Mrs. Wadhams and Mrs. Burdick will be piloting a new math program for K to 1 in the coming months. Teachers from K through 5 will be attending workshops together in an effort to strengthen the writing Program. And beginning in January, as an alternative to study hall, students in grades 6 through 8 who are not in band or chorus will be offered elective courses that have academic value. A step through the doors of CCS (and everyone is welcome to visit) will show that its

The Federal Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that there is a shong link between the smallest soot particles (under 2.5 microns) and lung-related illnesses. The 400-foot smoke stack would be 31 miles by road from Salisbury but only 20 miles as the crow flies. Our prevailing winds, west

Hudson River as well as the quality of air and life in general is a topic of rapidly increasing concern.

Hearings before the New York Department of Environmental Conservation in December will decide whether the St. Lawrence application should move forward. Final presentations will be made by the interested parties in April and May, 2003 for a decision to be rendered in November or December' First Selectman Gordon Ridgway says,

warmth and spirit have not diminished. From the vibrant artwork that covers the walls, to the sound of Mrs. Loi's whistle in the "old gym," to the wonderful teaching going on in many

whatwillnow atlast,become steady.

cess." He and other town officials in our area

It appears that Comwall doesn't march to anyone's drumbeat but our own when it

are working with the Council of Governments to find ways of remaining in the process despite Connecticut DEP Commissioner

{ P.M.

wednesday 10-1 1:30 r.u. UCC Parish House

Peter's Church

Bone Density Testing

1-3 e.u. Goshen (p.4)

p,.r.r,. srr..nins I 3-4

p.r,r.

UCC

Planning and Zoning 7:30 p.lr. Town

Hall

tl1 I I

uEduil[E, ddludr I

Chronicteqopy'

Annual Bird Count (p.4) Holidav Decorations Sale t 1 r.r,r.:2 p.u. Baird's (p.4)

Annual Tree Lighting and Carofling 5:30

e.u

WrrrenBtcrrrs

I I

| I

Region One Bd. of Ed 7 p.u. HVRHS

Meeting

I I

I le'8t9f:iiltlJ il'J,lr,ffi

e.r"r.

W C. Firehouse

p.u. CCS

Bd.

Crssrues Dnv

vrw

Post

8 p.u. W. C.

9856

Kw*tar Brcns

Annual Candlelight

Begins tnnuat Crrristmas Paseantl ZBA 7:30 p.u. Town Hall' 7:30 p.u,

Reading 4:30 P.M. North Cornwall Meeting House

UCC

(p.4)

lGrandma's Attic Tag Sale

r.u.-2

e.u. CCS Gym

Decontions Sale |Holiday 11au-2pu Baird's

27 8:1 5

Rotary Meetin0 r.u. Cornwall Lib. M. R.

Peace Vigil 2-3 e.u. Cornwall BridgqGreen

ccs Libl

Firehouse

14 t?'lJillfffflltul [:

Peace Vigil 2-3 p.u. I Cornwall Bridge Green

iJl 20

lffita*:**r"uii I of Ed.5 Lib. I|

School Holiday Recess

10 r.u.

lBd. ot Fin.7,3o r.u.

Story Hour Party

cornwall Libnrv

ltt I

10rr:3 Pr. |JCC 2-3 P.M.

Peac6 Vioil

Cornwall Fire Dept.

Chrislnas tair

Cornwall 6ddge Green lor Kids Benefit 4-6 p.r.

113

t{OlilV M00ll[0 U:lJ A.l{. Corirmll Libi M. R.

Comwall Assoc. 9:30 A"M. Comwall Lib. M. R.

Design a Gingerbread House 6:30-8:30 p.u. CCS (p.4)

tt |

Housatonic River Comm. lcCS farry Dismissal 1 e.u. 7:30 r.r,r. CCS Library Friends of the Library Annual 4:30 e.u. Cornwall Libraw |

r /

Meditation lor Mothers Every Thursday

60-Plus Wellness Screening UCC Parish House (p.4)

(p.4)

kontinued onpase 2)

1:15-2:15 p.u. St. Peter! Church

Design a Gingerbread House 6:3G{:30 p.u. CCS

&Sti$,'ilii,i,lfi?l," ?ooo

Play Group Every

Elue Mt. Satsang Every Tuesday

6:3St

comes to flicking those sweet little levers in

2002

DEC

Teacher Workshop/ Cralt Day at CCS 10 r.u.-Noon (p.4)

little school is holding Steoens -April Bucking Trends

classrooms, our

"The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has dropped the ball in choosing not to participate in the pro-

Family lce Sloting

I I

l:30-2:30

School

t28 I Rotary Meetins 8:15 e.u. Cornwall Lib. M. I Peace Vigil 2-3 p.u. I Cornwall Bridge Green |

I I

3L Note:

January 1 Pancake Breakfast I A.M.-1 P.M. UCC Parish House (p.4)

Check with Z0ning Off ice--672-4957

For additi0ns and updating, visit www.c0rnwallct.org

CORNWALL CHRONICLE

DECEMBER

dren and adults who need guardians or con-

(mntinued ftom page 1)

our voting booths on Election Day. This time we went pretty much our own way among the NW corner towns in the key races for govemor and for representative in the newly configured Fifth Congressional Dstrict. I{hile the other six towns were helping re-elect Republicans Governor John

Rowland and Congresswoman Nancy

|ohnson by wide margins, Cornwall alone was supporting their losing Democratic opponents Bill Curry and ]im Maloney. Figure that? In fact, in allbut one race, we supported Democrats. Howevel, these Democrats, un-

Iike Curry and Maloney, were victorious. They included State Representative Roberta

Willis and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal.

servators. The court can also help you change your name or apply for a passport. The system of 120 courts is funded from fees collected from its users. Now that the state succession tax is being phased out and

probate procedures have been streamlined, the courts are losing their chief source of revenue, and the workloads of many smaller jurisdictions no longer justify the cost of hain-

ing, paying, insuring, and retiring

\iVhile no one has yet been able to devise a

plan of consolidation that satisfies everyone, judges in smaller courts are considering voluntary mergers with neighboring ones. Cornwall is the smallest court of all, so, as a probate judge, I feel pressure to seek the best way to deal with inevitable change. If we choose to consolidate with other towns, key elements of a local court may be kept, while we economize by belonging to a

larger unit. There was one local contest where we bucked our own Democratic trend and enthusiastically supported a Republican. That,

of course, was State Senator Andrew Roraback, whose apparent twin missions in Iife are never to miss a legislative vote and to take care of all constituent needs. Andy won

of our vote as he gained the second of what will probably be many future terms in Hartford. And if you're wondering about our fumout on Election Day, 691 out of 967 registered voters cast ballots, which comes to 71 percent, far from a record but tops this time in our corner of Connecticut. One very nice Comwall tradition of not putting up election posters seemed to take a vacation as Maloney and Roraback signs sprang up, mainly on Route 7 in Comwall Bridge. We were starting to look like Kent. 75 percent

Ugly. Ugly. Ugly.

-lohn

Miller

Picture Book Still in Print

120

judges.

If we do nothing,

there is

-Maggie

Who Are We?

Cooley

Where do the residents of Cornwall come from? Some answers can be found in the U.S. Census for 2000. For example, the Census reveals that the great majority of us (94 percent) were born in the United States-but only 49 percent were born in Connecticut. The six percent born abroad came mostly from Europe (51 percent) and Asia (22 percent).

A year after publishing Cornwall in PicturesA Visual Reminiscence 1,868-1941, the Corn-

Cornwall's resident population of 1,434 people report that they share a total of 1,804

wall Historical Society is still offering the

ancestries. Among the more commonly

volume for sale. With text by Jeremy Brecher, lifeJong Cornwall resident and Connecticut historian, the book has a hardcover cloth binding with224pages; it contains more that 400 images, rnostly photographs from the Comwall Historical Society's extensive collection. Cornwall in Pictures was made possible, in part, by a grant from the Connecticut Humanities Council.

claimed origins are English (26 percent of the population) and Irish (19 percent). If you add in the Scotch, Scotch-Irish, and Welsh, residents with ancestries dating back to Britain

and Ireland account for more than half

(53

percent) of our total population.

Next most frequent is German ancestry Italian origins account for seven percent. French and French-Canadian ances(18 percent).

The volume, published in November

tries together were claimed by just under

2001, sold out its original edition. Of 1,850

seven percent. Russian ancestry came next, with five percent. Three Scandinavian coun-

volumes issued in two printings, about 375 were still available this December 1. The price is $25. To buy the volume, check local retail stores or bookstores. You can also call Charles Osbome (Urr-Ur2k

Osborne

Changes in the Legal System Probate Courts in Connecticut oversee the settlement of estates and the management of trusts, and also monitor the affairs of chil-

counts for more than five percent of Cornwall residents is the good old USA, with six percent claiming no other origin. Does one

assume that these are descendants of Amerindians? Or just that their families have been here so long they forgot where they came from in the first place? The Census doesn't say. -Daoid AGrossman

Welcome Gabriel Woolmington to Paul and Carol Woolmington Hickory Wol{e Whelan to Becky Wolfe and Dennis Wheian Jordan Christopher Shaw to Mary Eliza Shaw Isabella Regina to Maria Victoria and Richard A.

Kling

Good-bye to Friends Bob S. Bury

Edward

tries (Denmark, Sweden, and Norway) together add up to another five percent.

Smalier percentages of Cornwall residents report Arab, Czech, Dutch, Greek, Hungarian, Lithuanian, Polish, Slovak, Swiss, Ukranian, and West tndian origins. ln addition, a catch-all category of "other ancestries" accounts for 15 percent of all the ori-

gins reported by our residents.

The only other national origin that ac-

Baird

]ea;rne R. Fiore

chance that choices will be made for us by people living far, far away.In view of all this, I have begun talking with our selectmen and the judges and selectmen of several neighboring towns to explore the possibility of an expanded district. Any decision must be made by the Board of Selectmen in each town, who in tum would present legislation to the General Assembly in 2003, for changes to take place in 2006. If you are interested in more detail, please call me at 672-625'1..

2OO2

Harry Holmes Irene Williams

Land Transfer Franklyn Kesl, Jr. and Richard E. Kesl to Clive and Diane Lodge, land on Kent Road for M0,000.

Tax Relief in Cornwall For a long time town leaders along with the rest of us have recognized the importance of property tax relief for those in need. Although statutory programs are already in place to help the elderly, veterans, and the disabled, at the Annual Town Meeting of October 25 an ordinance was passed that, on the

heels of the new property valuations and

DECEMBER

CORNWALL CHRONICLE

2OO2

other efforts, may begin to offer some lowerincome taxpayers a measure of comfort.

Following a similar ordinance provided for by state law and recently enacted by the Town of Salisbury, residential property owners in Comwall whose property taxes exceed eight percent of total income can now apply to have their taxes abated. Some less affluent households have had to spend a high proportion of their income on town taxes in past years, sometimes as much as 20 percent, compared with their higher-income neighbors, who may spend as little as two percent. A statutory requirement of the new'ordinance for property owners, howeveq, is that abated taxes will not be forgiven but will rather accrue (plus six percent interest per year) and be due upon sale or transfer of the property. It makes the new ordinance a good first step but, according to First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, less than "the magic bullet" he would ultimately like. Consequently, he is looking at other programs that will forgive a portion of property taxes entirely for those eligible, and he says he will be talking with legislators about removing a provision currently on the books requiring

public reporting of the names of

those who apply. It should also be noted that recent property re-valuations have reduced the mill rate.

For many households with stable or lower valuations, total taxes have gone down. The same holds true for commercial property values, so Comwall businesses have also been helped. Taken together, these efforts may lessen the burden of a tax that, for some of us, hits very hard.

-Sandy

Neubauer

Time Is of the Essence The Comwall Conservation Trust continues

to receive a iteady stream of pledges of all amounts in its drive to preserve the Hart Cherry Hill Farm as permanently protected open space available to all. This is our first public fund-raising effort, and we have been energized by the process and are optimistic about the outcome in this generous, caring town of Cornwall. But, we still need more dollars in a very short time and we could use

everyone's help to make this purchase a shared reality. Please take a drive along Cherry Hill and enjoy the view, talk to your friends, and encourage each other to get involved. Our deadline is December 15. Don't wait.

-Becky

Hurlburt

tu#tu#tu Letters to the Chronicle

THE PIAY GROTIND TII4T CORNWALL BUIA Ann and Tom Hubbard proaided the land thnt holds the playground thnt Cornwall

built;

areas where comparisons

$19,800 were the generous gifts that funded

the playground that Cornwall built; Bethany and Deirdre of Park and Rec. orgnnized the playground that Cornwall built; lim Vanicky's the one who dug and prepared the playground that Cornwall built; Wednesday's the day the little ones meet at the playground thnt Cornwall built; Impromptu gatherings of children andfriads

you'llfind at the playground that Cornwall built; The childrenweknow are most thankful tohaue the plny ground that Cornwall built. Hooray for the playground

-Mary

Kny Elwerl

A QUESTION OF LEADERSHIP I nm writing to express my disappointment oaer the Cornwall Consolidated Board of Education decision to reappoint Katherine Gannett to

four-ymr term on the Regian One Board of Education. Although a "goodfaith agreenent" to stE doum "within two ymrs" is part of the

is non-binding. hns seraed on the Region One boardfor eight years, duringwhich time aNew England Associ"ation of Secondnry Schools eaaltntion called for the board and administration to work to improoe their relations with students, teachers, and parents. It was also a period when community suraeys conductedby the board reoeald concerns about the unresponsiaeness of both the board and administration in Region One. Many of us in our six towns felt thnt these concerns should be addressed by new leadership on both the Regional Board of Education and in the administration. Mrs. Gannett is no longer an elected official Only indirectly can we chnllenge her decisions as our representatiae to the high school board. While this may be perfectly Iegal, it is undemocratic in spirit. We traditionaIIy elect our board of education members and they are directly accountable to us. The high school is in need of academic leadership. Higher test scores, more college acceptanrecord,

first-tier institutions, aggresshte cunicuIum reaision, long-range plans for comprehensiaeprofessianal deoelopment are only afew ces to

Mrs. Gannett

schaols

with other secondary

find Housatonic wanting. Cornwall

must do its part to insure school improaement. The Cornwall School Board, by its recmt action, has shou,n itself to be unresponshte to these chal-

Ienges.

-PamelaWilson

Gditor's note: A tucher at Housatonic VaIley Regional High Schoolfor 22 years andDirector of the school's Humanities Program for three years, Pamela Wilson is curraily Chairman of the English and History Department, grades 6 to 12 at Shepaug Middle and High School in Region L2)

LETT ER OF THANI(S G/YING Debby, Barton, Peter, and Stuart lones thank eoeryone in Cornwall for the kindness,Iooe, sympathy, and courage shownby so many of you to us follotoing Philip's climbing tragedy in Yosemite National Park in October. A small sample of those, in no particular order, includes: Philip's Cornwall friends standing taII and speaking from their hearts at his memorial sertsice. Hanilmade log boats with candles crafted by Litdrfield buddies lloating magically at night down the Housatonic. Food and comfort brought to our houseby New England Caterers, the Local Farm, and uring neighbors. So many letters and cards, including one on behalf of the toum from the First Selectman. Acceptance of a bench giaen by friends to the Housatonic VaIIey Associntion in recognition of Philip's loae for the Housatonic Riaer, her natural beau$, and bright fish. A robust, colorful, sweet sugar maple planted in our field by the Sunday afternoon Cornwall Ultimate Frisbee Players and Bard CoIIege classmates in mnnory of Philip's enthusiasm and open t'riendship. The caring Nezl England character of the people of Cornwall shone brightly through the gloom of our personal grief. Philip's aalues in Iife rnere aery much a reJlection of those around him in Cornwall more than any other placehe Iioed. The

joy all of you and Philip hnae gioen us will carry us through to sunnier lones Family

Iiaes on and days.

-The

Senior Dine Program New on the Cornwall horizon is the Senior Dine Program proposed by the Northwest Elderly Nutrition Project and the Wandering Moose. Negotiations are underway to offer all seniors, age 60 and above, the opportunity to purchase a Senior Dine Card which may be used for breakfast or lunch up to five times per week at the Moose. The cards re-

semble a credit card and must be presented

when dining. The suggested donation is $2.75 per meal

but no one is tumed away due

inability to pay. This new system gives seniors an opportunity to eat at a local restaurant with their friends instead of alone at to

home. Call Jill Gibbons at 672-2603 for more

information and a registration form.

DECEMBER

CORNWALL CHRONICLE Extras for Kids will offer an Art and Wine Tasting Benefit on December 7 from 4 to 6 p.u.

at the Cornwall Arts Collection, 7 Railroad Square, West Cornwall. Holiday ornaments made by local artists; wine tasting offered by Cornwall Package Store; hors d'oeuwes Provided by the Wandering Moose. Tickets are $L5 per-person, $25 per couple and can be purchased at the door or at local businesses.

Grandma's Attic Tag Sale on Saturday, December 14 from 10 e.r'l. to 2 r'.lt. at the CCS gym to benefit the eighth grade class. Call

julie Russ, 672-3511.

2OO2

Town Clerk's Holiday Schedule: The Town Clerk's Office will close at noon on Tuesday, December 24 and will reopen on Monday, December 30. It will close again at noon, December 31, and will reopen Thursday moming, January 2, closing at noon.

Congratulations to CCS's Tyra Lindholm for winning this year's Superintendents' Award. Tyra says she was quite surprised to receive the honor but has to admit it has made her feel very huPPy. She was chosen not only for her strong academic standards and athleticism, but also for her spirit and generosity.

Events & Announcements

Holiday Decorations: Unique, fresh green-

No Parking During the Winter Season: Ef-

ery arrangements for sale at Baird's on December 14 and 15 from 11 A.M' to 2 r.u. Proceeds to benefit the Comwall Child Center.

fective December 1 through March 30, all vehicles must park at least six feet away from the traveled or paved portion of the road 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Plowing can occur any time, including in clear weather' Vehicles in violation of this order may be removed by the Board of Selectmen.

Family Ice Skating at Salisbury fthool Saturday, December 21 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.u. Open to all Cornwall residents. Free of charge. Sponsored by Park and Rec.

Annual Craft Day for children in grades kindergarten through four on Monday, P:9"-: beri from 10 e-r'l. to noon in the CCS art

Greet the New Year with breakfast at the UCC Parish House. Buttermilk pancakes with Cornwall maple syruP, sausage, cereal, juice, and coffee will be served from 9 a.v. to L p.r'l. Donations will once again benefit the La Casa Project.

room. Space is limited. To register, call Bethany thompson at 672-6058. Screeningsr The towns of Goshen and Com-

wall offei bone density testing December 2 from

1 to 3 p.lr,t. at

Camp Coch on Beach Sheet

in Goshen. Call Date lves at 49L-2284. Comwall will hold a 60-ptus wellness screenin-g December 5 at the UCC Parish House' Call

fill Gibbons,

672-2603.

Storm Watch: Would you like to be checked

Design a Gingerbread House with Joyce

up on during winter storms? If so, call the

Sams-on on Wednesday and Friday, December 4 and 5 at CCS from 6:30 to 8:30 n.rra'; one adult accompanied by one child only. Fee $18.

Selectmen's Office at 672-4959.

Candlelight Reading: Tom Walker will read

Call 672-06L6.

selections from Chnrlotte'sWebbyE. B. \{hite on Thursday, December 25, at 4:30 r.rrt. at the North Comwall Meeting House. This will be the sixth annual Tom Walker reading spon-

The Chrishnas Bird Count will be held on Sundav December 15. The area covered by the Housatonic Audubon Society is from the

sored by Friends of the Cornwall Library. Admission free, everybody welcome.

Sharon side of the Housatonic River to Cream Hill Road and north iust beyond Music Mountain Road. Anyone who wishes to help with the count for all or part of the day

S. Claus Coming to Town if You've been naughtY-he knows if you'v-e been nice. And what could

Scott Zuckerman and Connie Steuerwalt, will continue through the end of December' Artist of the Month it the National Iron Bank will be Lazlo Gyorsok, who will exhibit photographs related to Comwall.

He knows

be nicer tlran sending donations to as many Comwall organizations as you can, including the Chronicle of course. HuPPy holidays! I the Chronicle to antinue. Hue is my tax-deductible contribution of: $

ILLUSTRATIoNS D aatd Bean

paintings as seen from his World Trade Cen'ter studio will continue through December 31 at the Comwall Library' The show at the Cornwall Arts Collection, ieaturing works by

stroutd call Celia Senzer at 672-6898.

YeS, I wont

CORNWALL CHRONICLE

Art in Cornwall: Don Bracken's exhibit of

I I

DECEMBER EDITORS Sandy Neubauet

Carla Bigelma Carla

JANUARY EDITORS Philla and Charles Osbome

Bigelow

CALENDAR EDITOR Anne Barm DIRECTORS Torn

Brurs PRESIDENT

KIawyICEPRESIDENT ' Barbara Khu PUBLISHER idtwrd Fenrcn SECRE'IAR\ ' Audrey Fenror TREASURER Hudon Clubb ' Clrcryl Ewns Clurles Osbome ' Robert Pottet ' Susn Willialnsor

SDercet

CORNWALL CHRONICLE, INC' 280 CREAM HILL ROAD, WEST CORNWALL,C"T 06796 E-MAIL: elfhill@aol.com FAX: (860) 572-2643

I I I

Crty/St/Zip

Please mail the Chronicle to the out-of-town address above; a $10 contribution will be appreciated'

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CORNWALL RESIDENT