Each fall, dozens of volunteers gather important water quality information by collecting, sorting, and identifying underwater bugs from small streams in eastern Connecticut. Through this program, called, “Riffle Bioassessments for Volunteers (RBV),” we can learn a lot about water quality in these fragile stream environments by knowing what bugs live in the water. Some of these bugs, primarily stone flies, may flies and caddis flies (trout food!), have a low tolerance for pollution, so when you find lots of different kinds in a stream, then you know that water quality is good. 

If you like to go on outdoor treasure hunts, sign up to learn more about the RBV program! Jean Pillo, The Last Green Valley’s Water Quality Monitoring Coordinator, will present a class about the RBV program, followed by an actual stream sampling experience. You can choose between two free training opportunities: Sept. 8 at the USDA Service Center, 238 West Town St., Norwich; or Sept. 9 at the Connecticut Audubon Society Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret. Both programs will run from 9 a.m. to noon.

Preregistration is required by calling 860-928-4948 ext. 605, or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Once trained, new volunteers will be paired up with experienced team leaders to sample bugs from assigned streams. Results from previous years’ collecting, including a link to an interactive map, can be viewed online at www.ct.gov/deep/rbv. 

 

Steps for Shoes

program a success

N. GROSVENORDALE — Aug. 6 the Thompson Lions hosted their 2nd annual Steps for Shoes event at the Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park.  This yearly event benefits TEEG’s Back to School program by providing local children with new shoes for the upcoming school year. 

This event, which raised $1500, and a partnership between TEEG and Putnam Walmart allows local children to purchase new school shoes.  Vouchers for shoes are given to children during TEEG’s Back to School distribution. That program that allows children to choose their own backpacks and materials so that they are adequately prepared to begin the new school year. 

Lion Jane Provost believes that every child should be able to wear new shoes on their first day of school, which is why this event is so beneficial. “The partnership between the Lions and TEEG is more than just putting shoes on the feet of area children in need, it is also giving them something to be proud of and excited about as they walk through the hallways this fall”.

Steps for Shoes will take place again next year, and the hope is for it to continue to grow and gain traction.  The Lions are looking for an increase in sponsorships from local businesses, as well as an increase in participation from local community groups.  “Steps is a worthy cause. It is something that a lot of children could benefit from, and it helps them go back to school with a little extra hop in their step”. 

 

 

The following charges were listed in the Putnam Police Department logs.  The people charged are innocent until proven guilty in court. The Town Crier will publish dispositions of cases at the request of the accused. The dispositions must be accompanied by the proper documentation. The Putnam Police Department confidential Tip Line is 963-0000.

Aug. 20

Caelin Ludka, 19, Wilkinson Street, Putnam; sixth-degree larceny.

Aug. 22

Scott Beaudreault, 41, Roosevelt Street, Putnam; second-degree harassment, breach of peace.

Aug. 23

Dina Kozlowski, 43, Buckley Hill Road, Thompson; sixth-degree larceny.

Aug. 24

Bernard Phaneuf, 79, Prospect Street, Woodstock; failure to drive a reasonable distance apart.

Marcos Diaz, 48, May Street, Worcester; breach of peace.

Aug. 27

Chris Privee, 37, Maple Street, Danielson; second-degree threatening, disorderly conduct.

Christine Rodrigues, 41, Maple Street, Danielson; third-degree criminal mischief, disorderly conduct.