The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) is making funding available to nonprofits and municipalities that wish to organize a cleanup event.
In the last seven years, 9,404 volunteers have collected 321,899 pounds of trash from parks, rivers, and roadways throughout The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor thanks to the funding.  Recipients will be reimbursed up to $500 for expenses such as publicity, cleanup supplies such as trash bags and work gloves and food and refreshments for volunteers.  To apply, submit a letter to TLGV, on your organization’s letterhead, at least four weeks before the proposed event. Applications should include:  Basic details about your cleanup – what, when, where, and who – plus your contact information, including a phone number, street address, and email address; What you hope to accomplish; A budget detailing how you will use TLGV funds; Who will be picking up and disposing of the trash (we can’t cover that cost); How you will involve youth – the future stewards of The Last Green Valley; Describe how you will publicize not just the event, but the results; For nonprofit organizations, submit a copy of your 501(c) letter from the IRS.
For info:  860-774-3300. The cleanup fund is sponsored by bankHometown.

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Quilt Awarded
Navy veteran, Stanley Lesniewski, graciously accepted a handmade American patchwork quilt that was awarded to him by a member of the non-profit foundation, Quilts of Valor at Westview Health Care Center. Lesniewski said he was touched by the hand-stitched award; an extension of love, support and gratitude from the volunteer organization. Jan Roberta, group leader for the Connecticut chapter of Quilts of Valor, presented the award to Lesniewski for his military service to our country including his deployment and efforts during the Vietnam war.  As part of the ceremony, Roberta wrapped Mr. Lesniewski with the quilt to symbolize the organization’s mission which is to “cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.”  Carole Peters, a longtime friend of the Lesniewski’s, delivered a touching and poignant message prepared by Lesniewski’s wife, Barbara, summarizing the patriotic and dutiful nature of her husband; a man who has indeed been “touched by war” but continues to demonstrate the steadfast and valiant resolve of a warrior. Courtesy photo.

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Marathon road
closures set
PUTNAM — The Hartford Marathon Foundation will produce the Courthouse O’Putnam 5K on March 10 and there will be an impact on the local roads. About 1,300 athletes are expected so there will be traffic impact and limited road closures affecting the area from 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The following will be closed to all vehicles from 10:30to 4: Main Street (Bundy Street – Front Street).
The following will be closed to all vehicles from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Main Street (Massicotte Circle – Bundy Street).
The following will be closed to all vehicles from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Canal Street
The following will remain open for use by vehicles and race participants from 1 to 2 p.m. Expect minor delays and use caution: Kennedy Drive (Canal Street – Sunset Avenue); ·      Sunset Avenue (Kennedy Drive – Park Street); Park Street; Arch Street (Park Street – S. Main Street); S. Main Street (Arch Street – Front Street); Front Street (S. Main Street – School Street); School Street (Front Street – Providence Street); Providence Street (School Street – Kennedy Drive); Kennedy Drive (Providence Street – Massicotte Circle); Massicotte Circle (Kennedy Drive – Main Street).

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