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Volunteers

The 2016 Volunteer Eagle Survey team members.  Photo credit: W. Brennan.

 

 

Fifty wide-eyed volunteers looked skyward during the early-morning hours of Jan. 9 to record bald eagle sightings in The Last Green Valley as part of the Midwinter Eagle Survey.  The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) has organized teams of volunteers for seven years, and this year, they scouted 24 different locations on the Quinebaug, Shetucket, Willimantic, and Natchaug Rivers, as well as 10 lakes and ponds where eagles have been known to congregate.  

Due to the mild winter temps throughout New England in November and December, the number of bald eagle sightings by TLGV teams – 20 – was lower than last year but expected because so many of our lakes and ponds were not frozen over.  Wintering eagles look for food in open waters, and without ice narrowing their dining locations, those eagles have had plenty of open waters to spread out and fish this year.  

Both adult and brown-hued immature eagles were spotted during this year’s count. The adults sport distinctive white heads and tails; it can take up to 5 years for immature eagles to develop those features.  

The CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will now crunch all of the information gathered by volunteers to determine the number of individual birds in the area. The detailed data reported by volunteers, such as exact time, location, and movement patterns are all vital pieces of the puzzle.  

Bald eagles are primarily fish eaters, although they have been reported to eat ducks and other prey as well as carrion. They winter in The Last Green Valley because our swift rivers are not typically frozen over and provide excellent food sources.  Many of the eagles sighted in January arrived in The Last Green Valley over the past two months from northern states and usually fly back in late February.  

Some of the eagles that were sighted are “native.” The Last Green Valley is home to an ever-increasing population of year-round resident bald eagles.  There are at least five known and successful bald eagle nests within The Last Green Valley’s 35 towns.  TLGV estimates that as many as 20 eagle chicks have successfully fledged from Last Green Valley nests over the past five years.

Brian Hess, CT DEEP Wildlife Biologist and Midwinter Eagle Survey Coordinator, said, “The Last Green Valley is a pristine and vital part of Connecticut’s diverse habitats. Its open space and clean waters make it an excellent home for eagles, and the area has played an important role in the recovery of eagles in Connecticut. The staff and volunteers of TLGV continue to be a great help and knowledgeable asset to the state’s efforts to monitor wintering and nesting bald eagles.” 

 

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Honored

Eileen G Fritz, right, is presented the Founder’s Spirit Award by Jane Rider. Courtesy photo.

 

 

POMFRET — The Windham County 4-H Foundation recently honored a 20-year volunteer, Eileen G. Fritz, with the Founders’ Spirit Award 

Foundation President Jane Rider presented the award which honored Fritz’s unflagging dedication to make a difference through her volunteer efforts.  She has served as Ways and Means chair, vice president and Secretary of the Foundation.  She has also been the foundation grant writer enabling the foundation to provide tens of thousands of dollars in camperships to children who would not have come to the camp without financial aid.  As Ways and Means Chair she “raised the bar” on the variety and quality of offerings for the annual auction enough to triple the expected proceeds over the years.  Even before the capital Campaign began for the lodge, she had taken the responsibility to raise over $300,000 to benefit the camp and local youth, said Rider. Fritz is stepping back this year to be an associate member and letting those she has mentored carry on her legacy.

This year’s executive Board will be President: Jane Rider, Vice President John Dinsdale, Secretary: Carol Hagen and Treasurer Sandra Ahola. All four officers have had careers in education and many years experience in community volunteerism.

 

 

Elks winners

PUTNAM — The winners at the Elks Free Throw competition included: 

BOYS 

8-9 yr.old: Lucas Carita

10-11 yr. old: Nicholas Renshaw

12-13 yr. old: John Espinosa

GIRLS

8-9 yr. old, no participant

10-11 yr. old: Emma Carpenter

12-13 yr. old: Alex Hutchins

 

Legal Notice

Tax Collector’s 

Office

Town & Fire District

 of Pomfret

Legal Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of the Town and Fire District of Pomfret that the Supplemental Motor Vehicle and Second Installment of Real Estate and Personal Property tax bills on the Grand List of October 1, 2014 are DUE AND PAYABLE January 1, 2016.  The last day to pay without penalty is February 1, 2016.  Per State Statute 12-145, interest will be charged at 18% annually (1.5% per month), with a minimum charge of $2.00 per each entity (Town and Fire are separate entities) on all delinquent payments postmarked February 2, 2016 or later. 

Make all checks payable to Pomfret Tax Collector and mail to:  Pomfret Tax Collector, 5 Haven Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259.  If a receipt is desired, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope.  For bill information or to pay online, go to www.pomfretct.gov.  

 

January Tax Office Hours are:  Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The Town Hall will be closed January 1, 2016 and January 18, 2016.

 

Pamela N. Gaumond

Tax Collector

 

Dec. 24, 2015

Jan. 6, 2016

Jan. 27, 2016

 

 

Legal Notice

Town of Putnam

Putnam Special 

Services

 COLLECTOR 

OF REVENUE

(860) 963-6806

The second installment of taxes, due to the Town of Putnam and Special Service District on the Grand List of October 1, 2013 is due and payable on January 1, 2016 through February 1, 2016.

Payments made after February 1, 2016, will be subject to an interest charge of 3% (1½% per month) or $2.00 minimum per Town and $2.00 minimum per Special Service District (where applicable), whichever is higher, according to Connecticut State Statute, SEC. 12-146.

 Mail must be postmarked no later than February 1, 2016 to avoid interest charges. Current bills may be paid online at www.putnamct.us 

Supplemental Motor Vehicle bills will be due in full during January. Supplemental Motor Vehicle bills are for vehicles registered between October 2, 2014 and July 31, 2015. 

If anyone is having financial problems, please contact our office anytime.  We will be glad to work with you on a payment arrangement. Have a happy and healthy holiday season.

Office hours:   

8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Wednesday

8am-6pm Thursday

8am-1pm Friday

The Collector’s Office will be closed  

 January 1st and 18th

For your convenience, the Tax Office is always open during the lunch hour

 

Dec. 24, 2015

Dec. 31, 2015

Jan. 28, 2016