Departments help each other out; invasive vegetation excised from trail
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — The vegetation along the River Trail area got a major haircut this week. Invasive plants were taking over the border and encroaching on the River Trail, according to Town Administrator Elaine Sistare.
She said the fence line is usually weed whacked but short staffing was a problem. The invasive plants went wild.
Sistare said the Parks Department had a “lessened crew” this year, as one department member is doing military duty. The town hired temp help. Then the Highway Department jumped in to help. Highway Supervisor Travis Sirrine said the Highway Department is helping out the Parks Department.
They cut down the invasive vegetation but were careful not to disturb the roots along the banks of the Quinebaug River so as to not exacerbate the erosion problem there.
The invasive plants were starting to overrun the native trees and plants, he said. Now these natives can grow.
“This improves the vegetation and is also a safety factory,” Sirrine said. On parts of the trail the growth gone wild was forcing walkers to walk off the trail. And roots near the trail were a tripping hazard.  Sistare said most of the vegetation was invasive and the town was getting complaints from the loyal River Trail walkers.

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Town of Pomfret
Position Opening
Road Foreman
Closing Date: Until filled
The Town of Pomfret seeks a proven leader to direct the operations of its Public Works Department. The successful candidate will perform complex supervisory, administrative and professional work in planning, coordinating, and supervising the operations of the Department of Public Works. This role includes construction, maintenance and repair of town roads, drains, and related infrastructure; snow plowing, vehicle and equipment repair; budget preparation and estimating capital improvement requests; general building maintenance, and tree warden responsibilities. Works with school district, fire department, and reports to the First Selectman.
SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS: Valid Driver’s License with a minimum Class B CDL License required. Must be available for emergency and around the clock operations to assure public safety as it relates to town infrastructure.
We seek a candidate with a minimum of five years supervisory experience.  Starting salary commensurate with ability and experience. Benefits. Vacancy is posted as open until filled.  Additional information and applications are available at: www.pomfretct.gov/first-selectmans-office.gov Submit letter of interest, application and 3 letters of reference to Selectman’s Office, 5 Haven Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259. Position open until filled. EOE/AA.


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Putnam Elementary/Middle
Every day: Assorted sandwiches, Yogurt meal or chef salad. Monday: Macaroni and cheese, roasted vegetable medley, fruit. Tuesday: Tex-Mex beef tacos, corn, Mexican rice. Wednesday - Wolf Meal: Beef burger with cheese, sherbet. Thursday: Chicken nuggets, broccoli, fruit. Friday: Pizza, salad, fruit.
Putnam High
Monday: General Tsao's chicken or spicy chicken sandwich. Tuesday: BBQ pulled port quesadilla or bacon cheeseburgers. Wednesday: Chicken Parm sandwich or chicken Caesar wrap. Thursday: Cheesy beef tot-Chos or "Wild Mike's cheese bites. Friday: Stuffed-crust pizza or popcorn chicken fry basket.
Woodstock Public Schools
Alternate: Sandwiches, chef salad. Every day: Fruit. Monday: Fish sandwich, cole slaw. Tuesday: Bacon, egg and cheese on English muffin. Wednesday: General Tsao chicken, rice, carrots. Thursday: Nachos, black beans. Friday: Pizza, salad.
Pomfret Community
Alternate: Uncrustable Fun Lunch, chef salad with biscuit. Monday: Mini cheese Pierogis, broccoli. Tuesday: Beef and cheese walking taco, black beans. Wednesday: Sausage, egg and cheese on English muffin, hash browns. Thursday: Chicken and cheese ranch wraps, carrots, Friday: Pizza, cucumber wheels.

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