january 2016

TOWN OF TOLLAND
REPORT OF THE TOWN MANAGER
Steven R. Werbner
Town Manager
January 12, 2016
Town Manager’s Office
Human Resources
We recently hired three new employees. Custodian Andrew Simao started working in Tolland
on December 31st after being in a similar position with the Tolland BOE. We also hired a new
Library Circulation Assistant in the Library; Valerie Kerr who started January 4th. We welcome
them to Tolland employment. In addition, we have rehired to the position of Assistant Finance
Director/Treasurer Agata Herasimowicz who starts back in Tolland on January 11th.
Finance Department
The Director of Finance & Records has passed the Pension, Risk Management & Procurement
portion of the GFOA Certified Public Finance Officer exam that she took in Windsor on
November 20, 2015. Her test results were above the average scores! She has passed three tests
so far with two more to go.
Our Assistant Finance Director/Treasurer position has been filled. Our previous employee in this
position, Agata Herasimowicz, has been rehired! We welcome her back to Tolland!
The audit was completed in late December and was filed with all the appropriate agencies, Town
Council and Board of Education. We did very well with no major issues to report. Our audit
partner will be present at the second meeting in January to review the report with Town Council.
Attached is the quarterly Financial Summary for the General Fund.
Human Services
Residents may call any of the following Tolland Human Services personnel for more information
about state programs and local initiatives:
Beverly Bellody, M.S., Human Services Director (860) 871-3611
Nancy Taylor Dunn, L.P.C., Assistant Director Human Services (860) 871-3612
Stephanie Mansell, B.S., Human Services Case Manager (860) 871-3615
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January 12, 2016
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Fran Weigand, Senior Center Director (860) 870-3725
Rebecca Ellert, Elderly Outreach Case Worker (860) 870-3726
Bridget Joy, Human Services Administrative Secretary (860) 871-3648
Youth Programming
TYSCT Coffee House 2016 winter/spring schedule:
Saturday, March 5th (Auditions: Monday, Feb. 22nd)
Saturday, May 7th (Auditions: Monday, April 25th)
Performances are at 7:00 pm in the Tolland High School café. The event features original and
popular vocal selections performed by area high school youth. Admission, which includes light
refreshments and coffee, is $5 and a non-perishable food item for the Tolland Food Bank.
TYSCT Summer Musical - SAVE the dates!
Performances - Friday & Saturday, July 22 & 23, 2016
Audition Date, Rehearsal schedule and show title to be announced at a later date. Watch for
press releases about future TYSCT events. For more information residents may contact
Nancy Dunn @ (860) 871-3612 or [email protected]. Please visit us on FaceBook @ The
Coffee House - TYSCT, and at www.tolland.org
Assistance Programs
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP/CHAP)
Human Services is scheduling appointments to apply for the 2015/2016 Energy Assistance
Program. On behalf of eligible households, the winter heating assistance pays for such heating
sources as oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, kerosene, coal and wood/pellets. Homeowners
and renters may apply. Income Guidelines are listed below.
Residents are urged to apply early in the heating season; please make note of the following
Program deadlines:*
March 15, 2016 - Deadline for deliverable fuel authorizations
May 2, 2016 - Deadline to apply for benefits unless the household is utility heated and has a
shut off notice. Households using a deliverable heat source may apply by submitting fuel bills
dated between 11/10/15 - 3/15/16
May 16, 2016 - Last day that a utility heated household with a shut-off notice may apply.
(*Note: these dates are subject to change at the discretion of the State Department of
Social Services)
Tolland residents had completed 85 CEAP/CHAP applications through Human Services as of
December 31, 2015.
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Information and Application Documentation - Residents must provide proof of all forms of
Income and Assets for ALL household members for the four weeks prior to the application date.
Tolland residents may contact the following with inquiries or to schedule an appointment to
apply for energy assistance: Seniors - contact Rebecca Ellert, (860) 870-3726; all others contact
Administrative Secretary Bridget Joy, (860) 871-3648; residents may also contact the ACCESS
Agency in Willimantic, (860) 450-7423. We are unable to process walk-in applications.
Operation Fuel Emergency Assistance Program
Human Services will schedule appointments for the Operation Fuel Energy Assistance Program
for residents who need aid with meeting their energy needs. The program opened on
November 30, 2015. Income Guidelines are listed below. Note that Operation Fuel is an
Emergency Energy Assistance Program applicants are required to first utilize the Connecticut
Energy Assistance Program (CEAP/CHAP) before seeking assistance from Operation Fuel.
PRIMARY HEAT SOURCE: To qualify for oil, propane, pellets, gas/electric utility or wood,
clients that qualify for CEAP/CHAP must exhaust those benefits before applying for Operation
Fuel.
SECONDARY ENERGY: To qualify for electric utility, clients must have a shut-off notice or
have no utility service or must need assistance with making a required payment in order to
maintain a payment arrangement, or have a past due balance of 30 days or more. For further
information, Tolland residents may contact Nancy Dunn at (860) 871-3612.
Income Guidelines for Connecticut Energy Assistance and Operation Fuel Programs:
Household Income Guidelines - 2015/2016
1
2
3
4
Under
Under
Under
Under
$33,132 $43,327
$53,521
$63,716
5
Under
$73,910
6
Under
$84,105
7
Under
$86,016
2015 Holiday Care and Share Program
Human Services extends a heartfelt thanks to local organizations and businesses, individuals and
their families and neighbors for their generous support of the 2015 Care & Share Holiday
Program. The program provided Thanksgiving and December Holiday Food Baskets and
Children’s Gifts for Tolland residents and families that needed assistance during the holidays.
With the overwhelming support of our community, Human Services assisted 131 Tolland
households (64 family households, 67 senior households) with food during the holidays, and 111
children received holiday gifts through this program.
In addition to services provided to Tolland households and families, Human Services also
distributes toys from various toy/gift collections, including Troop C’s State Police Stuff-ACruiser collection, to agencies serving the region.
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Food Bank
The Food Bank gratefully appreciates donations from individuals, neighborhoods, youth groups,
organizations and businesses. Tolland residents needing to use the Food Bank, may contact the
following staff members: Seniors - contact Rebecca Ellert (860) 870-3726; all other households
contact Stephanie Mansell (860) 871-3615.
The FoodShare Mobile Food Pantry is available in Tolland on alternate Thursdays, 9:00-9:30 am
in the parking lot adjacent to the United Congregational Church of Tolland, 45 Tolland Green.
Pre-registration and identification are not required. For more information about FoodShare,
residents may contact FOODSHARE at (860) 286-9999 or the UCC Office at (860) 875-4160, or
visit the FOODSHARE website, www.foodshare.org. For the next few months, distribution at
the Tolland site will be on the following dates:
January 7 & 21 and February 4 & 18, 2016
Residents participating in the program must bring their own bags.
Fair Housing Notice
Beverly Bellody, Director of Tolland Human Services, serves as the Fair Housing Officer for the
Town of Tolland. The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and
financing of dwellings and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national
origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or
legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under the age of 18)
and handicap (disability).
Under the Connecticut Federal Fair Housing Act, it is against the law to deny anyone housing
based on race, color, national origin, sex, ancestry, religion, children or family status, mental or
physical disability, marital status, age (except minors), sexual orientation, or legal source of
income. If you feel your rights have been denied in the equal access to the rental, sale or
financing of residential property, please contact Beverly Bellody at (860) 871-3611, Mon.-Wed.
8:00 am-4:30 pm, Thurs. 8:00 am-7:30 pm, closed on Friday.
For more information you can also contact The Connecticut Fair Housing Center, 221 Main
Street, Hartford, CT 06106, (860) 247-4236, or email at [email protected]. The
Connecticut Fair Housing Center also has information about foreclosure prevention.
Senior Center
AARP Tax Aid
The Tolland Senior Center is pleased to offer on-site assistance with filing your taxes. There are
no age requirements and you do not have to be a Tolland resident or an AARP member. This is
a free service and is staffed by trained volunteers willing to give their time.
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Appointments will be available from February 9th - April 12th on consecutive Tuesdays
(February 9th, 16th, 23rd, March 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, April 5th and 12th). One hour time slots
will be available starting from 12:00-1:00 pm, 1:00–2:00 pm, 2:00-3:00 pm, and 3:00–4:00 pm.
Appointments must be made either in person at the Senior Center (674 Tolland Stage Road) or
call Fran Weigand at (860) 870-3725.
Library
Adult Programs
David Drury will discuss his book Hartford in World War I on Thursday, January 7th at 6:30 pm
in Conference Room A. Rallies and recruitment drives are highlighted as well as the role Colt’s
Patent Manufacturing Company played in production of firearms. This Tolland Public Library
Foundation sponsored program is free and open to the public.
Janet Barrett will discuss her book They Called Her Reckless: A True Story of War, Love and
One Extraordinary Horse at 6:30 pm Wednesday, January 13th, in Conference Room A at Town
Hall. Over sixty Marines contributed their memories of a brave and resilient pony during the
Korean War.
Carol Wittmer, from the Connecticut Historical Society, will conduct a program on genealogy
that will appeal to beginners and those beyond beginning their family history, on Wednesday,
January 20th at 6:30 pm. This Friends sponsored program will be held in Conference Room A.
Another Foundation sponsored event features the young adult author, Dawn Metcalf.
Ongoing Groups
The Cook Book Club meets the third Monday of the month at 6:30 pm. In January we will meet
on the 11th because of Martin Luther King Jr. Day occurring on the 18th. The Adult Book
Discussion Group meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 2:00 pm. The Writers’ Workshop
meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm. Knitting at Night meets on the fourth
Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm. Nookless Knitters meet every Friday at 10:00 am.
Children’s January Programs
Winter Story times at the library begin the week of January 5th. Parents and caregivers may
sign up for:
Library/FRC Playgroup, for ages 2 to 5. Meets on Tuesdays, 10:15–11:15 am.
Preschool Story time, for ages 3 – 5. Meets on Wednesdays, 10:15–11 am, starting
January 6th.
Mother Goose Rhyme Time, for babies and toddlers 6–23 months old with parent or
caregiver. Meets on Wednesdays, 11:15–11:45 am, starting January 6th.
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Afternoon Story time, for ages 2 – 5. Meets on Thursday afternoons, 1:30–2:15 pm,
starting January 7th.
Frozen PJ Story time: for families with children 2 to 8. Held on Thursday, Jan. 14th,
6:30–7:00 pm. Children are welcome to come in PJs (and bring a favorite stuffed toy!).
No sign up required.
Preschool Childcare and Activity Fair: Tolland Public Library will be represented by the
children’s librarian Mrs. Brousseau at the Preschool Childcare Fair at Birch Grove Primary
School on Tuesday, January 12th, from 6 to 8 pm. The Tolland Family Resource Center
presents the fair for parents of preschoolers to learn about resources for young families in
Tolland.
Reading for Birch Grove Students for The Reading Hall of Fame: Birch Grove students
starting their reading to enter the Birch Grove Reading Hall of Fame can find all the books
needed to fulfill the requirements in the children’s area of the library. We have copies of the
assignment for grades K to 2, and will be happy to show you where all the books are!
Also meeting in January
Children’s Chess Group, for grades 3 and up will resume meeting in January on: Tuesday,
January 5th, from 4:30–5:30 pm.; other January dates are the 12th, 19th and 26th. Sign up is
required for this popular group sponsored by the Tolland Public Library Foundation.
A Reading Therapy Dog will be at the library on Thursday, Jan. 7th, from 5:30–7:00 pm. and
Wednesday, January 27th, from 2:30-3:30 pm. R.E.A.D. dogs are registered therapy dogs
trained to work with children, who give beginning and struggling readers a chance to practice
oral read-aloud skills in a relaxed, non-judgmental setting. Children may be signed up for 15minute blocks of time with the dogs.
New in the Children’s Reading Area: with our program room closed during the library
expansion, our wonderful flannel board (donated by the Friends of Tolland Library) is now in the
children’s area next to the puppet theater for your enjoyment.
Planning & Development
Planning Office
•
•
Staff continues to update the format of the zoning regulations. A consultant has prepared
a matrix of accessory uses which staff will use to review and update permitting
requirements and to create an easy-to-use sheet for landowners and staff to use.
Staff and the Chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed and ranked 9
qualifications for development peer review that were submitted in late November.
Interviews will take place in early January.
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•
•
•
The grace period for temporary signs has ended and staff will begin to enforce the
regulations by sending a Notice of Zoning Violation when violations are brought to
staff’s attention.
The Blight Committee has begun meeting and set a meeting schedule for the 1st and 3rd
Wednesday of each month.
Staff awaits a determination by CT DOT regarding possible road improvements required
along Route 195 to accommodate planned development in the Technology Zone (Gottier
property).
Zoning Enforcement
•
•
Current Zoning Enforcement activities include responding to complaints. Complaints in
the past month include the continued storage construction equipment on a residential
property and light trespass onto neighboring properties.
Staff assisted appraisers, realtors, contractors and residents with Zoning Regulation
requirements and issued Zoning Permits, approved as-builts and conducted Certificate of
Occupancy reviews.
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 2015
• The Commission opened the public hearing for a Special Permit to convert a cold storage
building at 40 Tolland Stage Road to a self-storage facility. The public hearing was
continued to January 25th.
Design Advisory Board
December 2015
• The Design Advisory Board began its review of the application for 40 Tolland Stage
Road.
Zoning Board of Appeals
December 2015
• The Board opened a public hearing on an appeal of an order by the Zoning Enforcement
Officer regarding the keeping of 12 dogs where 6 are allowed. The hearing was
continued to January 28th.
• The Board held a public hearing for a variance for a garage at 80 North River Road. It
approved a variance for the front setback but not for the side setback.
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Agricultural Commission
December 2015
• The Commission continues to work to create a “seed library”, based on a similar program
in Mansfield.
• The Commission reviewed a first draft of an agricultural brochure and will continue to
collect information to include in the brochure.
• Ellen Bender, the farmer leasing the Campbell Farm property from the Town, discussed
her farming operation with the Commission and submitted her annual report, as required
under the lease agreement.
• The Commission decided upon a vendor for the tote bags along with color and style and
will place the order in the next few weeks.
Conservation Commission
December 2015
• The Commission authorized using funds to survey, and if necessary, install additional
property markers at the recently-purchased Blackington Property.
• The Commission continued to coordinate scheduling walks with Town Council members
at town conservation areas.
• The Commission authorized having additional signs for conservation areas created.
• The Commission had an initial discussion about the process for receiving wetland
permits/review of trail crossings.
Town Engineer
• Route 195 Reconstruction: Met with CT DOT inspector and contractor in field regarding
road maintenance.
• Completed CBYD mark outs with various departments and outside service provider.
WPCA
• Revised draft budget.
• Ordered parts for repair/rebuild of pumps at Old Post Road.
Tolland Water Commission
• Coordinated hydrant repair and parts supply for Route 195.
Inland Wetlands Commission
• Permit IWC #606 – 167 Mountain Spring Road (Shefelbine) – Oversight of site clean-up
and wetlands restoration and stabilization for winter.
• Permit IWC #558 – Village at Crystal Springs – Supervised defining channels upstream
and downstream of fore bay.
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Building Department – James Paquin, Bldg. Official & Patricia Files, Admin. Sec. (860) 871-3601
Town Projects
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Building Department is busy with issuing permits and performing inspections
o Continued success closing out old, open permits.
o Daily interaction with various departments to better the Town, as a whole.
o Answered counter and phone questions from residents, contractors and realtors.
Solar permits issued this month: 6.
Calls from Fire Department: 3 total, 1 after-hours.
Work without permits: 0 cited.
•
•
Participated in TARG, Development and staff meetings.
Assisted Public Works and the Fire Marshal in determining the issues with the heating
plant at the Fire Training Center.
Participated in meetings and walkthroughs for heating plant at the Recreation Center
o Calculated typical occupancy levels for design of system.
Continual work on the Library expansion and elevator project
o Building Official is the Clerk of the Works for this project.
o Conducted multiple inspections for this project.
Participated in numerous discussions regarding blighted properties and junk cars
o Building Official is a member of the Blight Committee.
o Attended one after-hours Blight Committee meeting.
o Obtaining moderate levels of compliance regarding junk cars.
Attended continuing education classes, as required by State Statute.
Building Department is the primary contact for all Special Event Permits.
•
•
Assisted the Zoning Enforcement Officer with field inspections.
Assisted the Zoning Enforcement Officer with illegal sign enforcement.
•
•
•
Commercial
•
Consultation plan review and inspection with the Fire Marshal regarding:
o All commercial new construction and remodeling.
o Commercial C.O.’ s.
o Change of use requests.
o Special Event permits.
o All propane tanks installed.
•
Conducted numerous inspections with Deputy Fire Marshal DaBica, utilizing a “ team approach”
to better obtain compliance and enforce life-safety codes and regulations.
The Summary Building Report for December is attached.
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Public Safety
December continued to be busy for the department. The department has been working on
completing various capital improvement projects. The refurbishment of ET-340 is about 85%
complete. Firematic just finished overhauling the pump. Fortunately, they didn’t encounter any
unforeseen repairs that were not covered with the original scope of work. They are in the
process of reinstalling the cradle that holds the 1,000 gallon water tank and the 1,000 gallon
water tank.
ET-340’s new steel bumper assembly
completely installed.
ET-340’s driver’s side paint work.
Ambulance 640’s remount is continuing to move along rapidly. The front of the patient module
has had the alloy plate welded into place. The exterior of the module has been primed and
painted. The paint shop is currently wet sanding and polishing the paint before the patient
module returns to the fabrication shop to be installed onto the cab and chassis.
Front alloy panel welded into place on patient
compartment module.
Front of patient compartment module primed
for paint.
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Passenger side of the ambulance prepped
for paint.
Repair of some damage on the patient
compartment module.
View of rear and passenger side of the patient
compartment module all repainted.
Front section and driver’s side of the patient
compartment module all repainted.
The new Service 140 is also moving along rapidly. The utility body has been painted and
mounted to the cab and chassis. Our up-fitter is currently working on completing the required
DOT lighting on the truck. Roll up compartment doors are scheduled to arrive by the middle of
January.
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Poly body pre-paint at the factory.
Poly body with base coat of red paint.
The frame of the cab and chassis was
lengthened to support the poly body.
Cab and chassis and body getting prepared
for installation.
Driver side of the cab and chassis and poly
body all mounted together.
Rear bumper and compartmentation for the
poly body.
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The refurbishment of the old Service 140 is also moving along rapidly. That truck is scheduled
to be completed before the end of January. The new aluminum flatbed/stake utility body has
been mounted to the cab and chassis. Our up-fitter is currently working on completing the
required DOT lighting on the truck. The truck will be in to have the utility body painted on
January 11th. It is then scheduled to go for graphics on January 14th. Once the graphics are
complete it will be going to radio service to have the warning lights upgraded to LED.
Stake body being manufactured.
Skirt compartment installed on driver’s side.
Driver side image with skirt compartments.
Rear end getting ready for DOT brake, tail,
turn, reverse and warning lights.
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Cab protector.
Driver side of the truck before skirt
compartments are painted.
On December 3, 2015 the Town suffered a critical failure of our IT network at the Town Hall.
The equipment that was scheduled to be relocated that night had a power strip fail.
Unfortunately, the entire Town Hall was without any connection to servers or the internet for
about 50 minutes. That evening Town Staff and South Windsor IT worked overnight to relocate
network connections and network switches. During the month of December Sertex focused on
completing building penetrations and under conduit work.
The following facilities have fiber installed:
Town Hall
Tolland High School
Old Post Cell Tower
Old Cathole Road Tennis Courts
TCMAFS 911 Center
Fire Station 140
Birch Grove Primary School
WFSB Communications Tower
Parks and Facilities
Fire Training Center
Senior Center
TCMAFS Bald Hill Radio Tower
The Lodge
The remaining buildings have fiber that is either pulled to the exterior of the building or is on the
utility pole at the street:
Tolland Middle School
Cross Farms
Dog Pound
Tolland Intermediate School
Recreation Department
Crandall’s Park Admin. Office
Resident Trooper’s Office
Highway Department
Animal Control
In the month of December the Animal Control Department answered 129 calls/complaints during
regular and after work hours.
The calls described below are a sampling of the complaints investigated & current projects/
events:
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Officers continue to use the Town of Tolland Animal Control Facebook Page (which now
has 2,355 “likes”) to advertise missing and found animals, animals for adoption and to
keep residents informed of any on-going animal related events.
Officers impounded one Black Labrador and three Golden Retrievers found roaming.
The Black Labrador was claimed by her owner. The three Golden Retrievers were
surrendered by their owner and subsequently rehomed.
A solid black, neutered male, Domestic Shorthaired cat was thought to be abandoned
near St Matthew’s Church after he tried getting into several homes over the period of a
week. The cat (now known as “Thor”) was impounded, scanned for a microchip,
advertised both on Facebook and in the Journal Inquirer. Several people have come in
with hopes of identifying him as theirs, however, he is still unclaimed and an adopter has
been secured if he has not been claimed by January 7th.
ACO Binheimer investigated a dog bite to a Fed Ex Driver and the unvaccinated,
unlicensed dog was quarantined for 14 days at the pound. The dog has since been
reclaimed, vaccinated and properly licensed.
Officers assisted the CT State Police on two occasions where dogs had to be held at the
pound while the owners were transported/arrested. Both dogs have been claimed by their
owners.
Officers continue to receive calls for sick/injured wildlife. None had direct contact with
residents or pets and therefore were not tested.
ACO Binheimer continues to receive complaints of various residents complaining about
roaming free range chickens. The chicken owners were educated about the Town zoning
regulations regarding keeping chickens.
ACO Binheimer as well as Director of Public Safety Littell attended a Zoning Board of
Appeals meeting regarding an on-going case on Mountain Spring Road. The meeting has
been extended to January 28th.
Activity
Complaints Received
Complaints Investigated
Animals Impounded
Animals Redeemed
Ads Placed
Animals Sold
Animals Euthanized
Notices to License
Infractions Issued
Animals on Hand End of Month
Animal Bites Reported (Human)
Animal Bites Reported (Animal)
Deceased Animals on Roadways
This
Month
129
129
9
4
1
3
1
4
0
1
1
0
0
Last
Month
73
73
4
3
0
0
0
38
33
0
0
0
1
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Year to
Date
591
591
53
36
1
8
3
253
39
5
6
3
3
This Month
Last Year
107
107
12
0
1
0
1
8
0
2
0
3
1
Last Year
To Date
545
545
44
16
7
12
6
225
18
12
8
8
2
January 12, 2016
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Emergency Management
The Director and Assistant Director worked with the Superintendent of Tolland Public Schools
to finalize the districts Emergency Operation Plan.
On December 16, 2015 Director Littell, Assistant Director Racicot, Deputy Fire Marshal DaBica
along with representatives from 3 area churches participated in a webinar titled "Partnership
Resources to Help Prepare Houses of Worship for Emergencies”. This webinar, conducted by
the Department of Homeland Security Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships,
FEMA, and the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships was tasked
with helping connect faith-based and community organizations with federal government tools,
resources and partners to help prepare their houses of worship for all hazards including active
shooter incidents.
Fire Department
The Fire Department conducted three regular training sessions and one business meeting in
December. The annual Festival of Lights Tour was in full swing operating every weekend in the
Town neighborhoods as well as visiting the local convalescent homes and the Tolland Senior
Center. The Fire Department’s newly formed Auxiliary provided the main guidance to the
annual Senior Center dinner. Many department members assisted and the day was a success.
Chief Littell is pleased to announce the promotion of Fire Police member Carl J. Davis to Fire
Police Captain. Captain Davis will be responsible for coordinating the activities of the Fire
Police Unit both administratively and operationally at emergency incidents. The Fire Police
provide a safe work zone for emergency responders by controlling the traffic flow and providing
security at emergency scenes. Captain Davis is a retired Lieutenant from the CT Department of
Corrections.
Fire Police Captain Carl “CJ” Davis
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The following is a summary report of the significant activity for the month of December that the
Fire Department has participated in:
1. On December 8, 2015, Tolland Fire Department responded to an MVA, car vs. tree, in
the area of 230 Grahaber Road. The occupant refused medical treatment and the Fire
Department remained on scene until the vehicle was removed.
2. On December 15, 2015, Tolland Fire Department responded to a two car MVA rollover
on Route 74 at the Exit 69 East off ramp. 5 occupants were involved, 1 was transported
with injuries.
3. On December 15, 2015, Tolland Fire Department responded to the area of 124 Loehr
Road for a tree on the wires. The power was out in the area. The department remained
on scene until Eversource made the situation safe.
4. On December 19, 2015, the Tolland Fire Department responded to Skungamaug Road for
a large tree limb on the wires. The road was closed and remained so until Eversource
arrived and made the situation safe.
5. On December 21, 2015, the Tolland Fire Department responded to I-84 Westbound near
Exit 69 for a vehicle rollover with patient entrapment. Life Star was initially called to
respond, but was cancelled by the on scene ALS unit. The patient was extricated and
transported to the hospital.
6. On December 22, 2015, Tolland Fire Department Tankers 140 and 440 were called to
Stafford as part of a Tanker Task Force to fight a barn fire with involvement of the house.
Both Tankers remained on scene until the fire was brought under control.
7. On December 27, 2015, Tolland Fire Department responded to a one car MVA on I-84
Westbound. There were no injuries found, but a significant traffic back up resulted.
8. On December 30, 2015, Tolland Fire Department responded to multiple MVA’s on I-84
including two rollovers. The department transported multiple patients to area hospitals in
a short period of time.
9. On December 31, 2015, Tolland Fire Department responded to an MVA at the
intersection of Crystal Lake Road and Hunter Road. A second ambulance was requested
to the scene along with the Rockville Paramedics. One patient was transported to a
trauma center and one patient refused treatment.
Please remember as winter finally arrives to drive cautiously and allow extra time for travel
when the weather is icy. Allow extra distance between yourself and the car in front of you and
be aware of the possibility of black ice.
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Fire Department
Performance Data
Fire
Medical
Hazardous Materials
Vehicle Accidents
Other Emergency/Service Calls
Interstate 84 (all call types)
Day-time
Career
Calls
27
41
3
6
27
7
Nights &
Weekends
Volunteer Calls
32
70
4
10
30
7
December 15, 2015 MVA on Tolland Stage Road at the Interstate 84 overpass.
December 19, 2015 tree limb on power wires Skungamaug Road.
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January 12, 2016
Page 19 of 24
December 21, 2015 MVA with entrapment Interstate 84 westbound at Exit 69.
December 27, 2015 MVA with no injuries on Interstate 84 westbound between Exits 68 & 67.
December 29, 2015 MVA rollover #1
Interstate 84 westbound between Exit 69 &
Exit 68.
December 29, 2015 MVA rollover #2
Interstate 84 eastbound between Exit 68 &
Exit 69.
Page 19 of 43
January 12, 2016
Page 20 of 24
December 29, 2015 MVA rollover #3
Interstate 84 eastbound between Exit 68 & 69.
December 29, 2015 MVA Crystal Lake Road
and Hunter Road.
Photo’s courtesy of Norman Duval
Page 20 of 43
January 12, 2016
Page 21 of 24
Fire Marshal
The Fire Marshal’s Office conducted several inspections and participated in mandatory
Continuing Education Unit training classes.
The following is a summary report of significant activity for the month of December the Fire
Marshal’s Office has participated in:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Propane tank installation inspections.
Propane Tank installations follow up to include unneeded excess tank storage removal,
existing pipe non-conformance.
Daily review and approval of permits.
Information sharing with insurance companies referencing fire suppression capabilities
and underground water supply capabilities.
Reviewed Fire Alarm System certifications for several private business sites.
Inspected local restaurants for liquor permit approval.
Investigated fires, gas leaks, complaints and prepared reports as required.
Assisted with Fire Department emergencies outside scope of normal work.
Provided accommodations for inspections outside regular work hours.
Participated in Fire Alarm Drills for TMS, TIS, BGP and THS.
Follow up inspection for THS, TIS, TMS and BGP for annual inspection.
Meeting with BOE to review fire alarm upgrades.
Follow up discussion with Meadows Condominium Management for plans to complete
non-compliant residents to inspect units. Currently completed with assistance from
Condominium Management.
Plan review for Library expansion.
Participate in construction inspections and meetings.
Completed inspections at Stone Pond Condominiums.
Posted reminders at Stone Pond and Meadows Condos reminding them of our statutory
requirement to inspect multi-family dwellings annually.
Inspected Pre-Schools for re-licensing.
All but 2 units have been inspected at Old Post Village Elderly Housing.
Winding River inspections completed.
Fire investigations as required.
Provided and installed egress maps at Town Hall with assistance from Public Safety
personnel.
Attended full-day training on the Connecticut Fire Prevention Code changes.
Currently conducting inspections at Norwegian Wood Apartments.
Completed assignments directed by management.
Page 21 of 43
January 12, 2016
Page 22 of 24
•
•
•
•
•
•
Finalized planning evacuation options for TIS using alternate buildings (Parker
Recreation Area), (Town Hall) for temporary refuge out of inclement weather awaiting
transportation.
Stay up-to-date with current trends relating to school violence and threat assessment.
Reviewed Bid specifications for TIS.
Initial Plan review for Storage Facility (conceptual) on Tolland Stage Road.
Met with Management at Woodlake to open their meeting with a safety briefing.
Inspected group home for compliance.
Tolland Alert
There were no activations of Tolland Alert in December.
The @TollandAlert Twitter account has now tweeted 1,053 messages and now has 1,017
followers.
The TollandAlert Instagram account has now posted 70 multimedia messages and now has 358
followers.
Public Works
Highway Garage Expansion Project
We are working with Tecton Architects in designing the expansion at the Highway Garage.
Plans are being finalized and the STEAP grant application is being submitted next week.
Cross Farms Recreation Complex
We are working with the Adam’s Adventure volunteer group to complete the installation of the
new all-inclusive playground. Their final task is to install a security fence around the perimeter
of the playground, which is scheduled to be installed next week, weather permitting. The Public
Works Department will then install drainage work, a sidewalk and then finally repave the
parking lot. A Grand Opening is planned for the late spring/early summer.
Recreation
Our premier publication for Tolland Events Magazine came out at the beginning of the month. It
has been mailed out to every household and business in Tolland. We will be gathering
information for our spring brochure this month which is scheduled to come out at the end of
February.
Page 22 of 43
January 12, 2016
Page 23 of 24
Fit Tots was a success this past session. The focus of this new program is to get children
involved in physical activity at an early age. This unique class combines stretching, movement
and other fitness concepts with running, jumping, throwing and other skills. Boys and girls will
participate in exercise, dancing and fun games. We have two more sessions planned over the
winter season.
Registration for our winter recreational programs started January 4, 2016. We have had a
successful turn out so far.
The Lodge continues to be busy with events every weekend.
Basketball games will be starting this month. Teams are currently practicing to prepare them for
the games. We have 286 children participating in our basketball program (grades 3-12). This is
an increase from last year by approximately 30 participants.
We are getting a head start on the summer camp season. We are currently accepting applications
for a Summer Camp Nurse, Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director.
Tax Office
Motor Vehicle Supplemental tax bills for the 2014 Grand List were mailed on December 21,
2015. The total bills mailed were 2,497 as compared to 2,387 for last year. The 2014 Grand List
MV Supplemental bills will generate $522,620 in revenue compared to 450,325 in revenue for
last year.
Revenue collections for the current year (including Supplemental tax bills) from July 1, 2015
through December 31, 2015 are $25,207,380 or 61.52% of the budgeted amount.
A Tax Sale was held on December 10, 2015 and all 3 properties that were auctioned received
bids; $63,039.53 was collected in taxes, interest and fees. The current owners have until June of
2016 to redeem these properties before title changes hands to the winning bidders.
Taxpayers continue to utilize the convenience of online look up and bill pay through the Town of
Tolland website. For the current year from July 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015, Credit
Card and ACH payments were $615,768; up from $356,134 for the same time period last year.
Taxpayers are finding ACH payments a convenient option at a flat fee of $1.95.
The second installment of Real Estate, Personal Property and Motor Vehicle property tax bills, as
well as the Supplemental Motor Vehicle property tax bills, are due in January 2016. The last day
to pay without penalty is Monday, February 1, 2016.
Page 23 of 43
January 12, 2016
Page 24 of 24
Town Clerk’s Office
The Town Clerk attended training conducted by the State of Connecticut’s Department of Public
Health regarding a new web-based software system effective January 1, 2016 for registering new
births and accessing birth certificates. The system will be expanded next year to include death
certificates.
In accordance with the Town Charter, all 2016 Financial Disclosure Statements have been
received by our office.
The statistical report for the month of December is attached.
Troop C Activity for Tolland
Monthly Police Services – attached is the report for November 2015. The report represents
statistics on accidents, criminal investigations, burglaries, larcenies, DUIs, traffic citations, etc.
Other Business
(a)
(b)
Meetings Calendar: Attached is a calendar of upcoming Town meetings and events.
Monthly/Quarterly Reports: Senior Happenings for January.
OTHER BUSINESS TO BE ANNOUNCED AS WARRANTED
SRW/ltb
Attachments
The Town of Tolland is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
www.tolland.org
Page 24 of 43
TOWN OF TOLLAND, CONNECTICUT
STATEMENT OF REVENUES & EXPENDITURES
BUDGET AND ACTUAL - GENERAL FUND
For the period ending 12-31-15
Original
Budget
Revenues:
Property taxes
Intergovernmental
Intergovernmental - Education
Licenses, Permits & Fees
Charges for services
Investment income
Other financing Source - Turf fund reimbursement
Other financing Source - Use of Fund Balance
Total revenues & Other Financing Source
Expenditures:
Current:
Administrative
Planning and community development
Human Services
Library Services
Recreation Services
Public works
Public safety services
Record, financial services, Debt & Contingency
Board of Education
Other Financing Uses - Transfer for Capital Plan
Other Financing Uses - Transfer out for canopy
\
Excess of Revenues over Expenditures
$
Final
Budget
Actual
41,923,752
630,480
11,016,361
376,600
341,737
60,000
41,923,752 $ 25,520,315 $
630,480
427,767
11,016,361
2,738,248
376,600
127,531
341,737
265,736
60,000
86,487
250,000
54,598,930
281,338
54,630,268
29,166,084
2,836,928
354,117
382,640
406,655
134,000
4,485,412
1,872,685
5,666,848
38,275,831
183,814
2,837,768
354,117
382,640
406,655
134,000
4,485,412
1,872,685
5,666,008
38,275,831
183,814
5,356
54,604,286
1,291,259
171,663
189,497
208,094
52,963
1,995,623
592,996
4,318,555
18,693,610
183,814
5,356
27,703,430
25,982
1,462,654
54,598,930
-
Page 25 of 43
Variance
With
Final Budget
Positive
Encumbered (Negative)
$ (16,403,437)
(202,713)
(8,278,113)
(249,069)
(76,001)
26,487
(281,338)
(25,464,184)
65,278
402,289
1,481,230
182,454
193,143
188,479
81,037
2,188,454
1,254,395
1,347,153
19,582,221
26,498,566
(402,289)
1,034,382
10,082
301,335
25,294
300
SUMMARY BUILDING REPORT - FISCAL YEAR
December-2015
Permits Issued
This Month
Single Family Dwelling
0
Foundation (included in single family)
0
Commercial/Industrial
2
Municipal
1
Addition
3
Garage
1
Deck/Porch
2
Roofing/Siding/Windows
14
Swimming Pool
0
Wood/Pellet Stove
5
Sheds/Barns
3
Zoning Permit Only
3
Solar
6
Interior Renovation
2
Hot Tub
0
Misc/Repair
2
Total
44
Electric
21
Plumbing
2
Mechanical
21
Total
44
Grand Total Permits
88
Submitted Building Fees *
$13,605.18
Submitted Zoning Fees **
$350.00
Construction Value
$763,754.57
Certs of Occup (New Structure)
3
Old Open Permits-Closed
57
Inspections
115
*Fees based on Date Submitted (starting May 2015)
**New Category
$10
permits
8
1
3
12
Last Month
Year to Date
0
0
3
1
0
1
2
21
0
4
4
6
9
4
0
4
59
30
2
19
51
110
$14,520.26
$325.00
$846,984.36
2
66
134
5
2
11
8
10
5
14
114
6
20
20
26
30
23
1
32
327
151
28
120
299
626
$97,186.20
$3,025.00
$5,770,554.54
11
195
839
Page 26 of 43
This Month
Last Year
Last Year to
Date
1
0
5
0
2
0
1
2
1
8
4
1
3
3
0
11
42
26
11
16
53
95
$23,005.00
13
0
14
4
5
7
21
70
8
50
11
29
46
28
1
74
381
174
48
101
323
704
$173,413.86
$1,376,464.13
1
351
128
$10,626,132.24
10
1254
870
TOWN CLERK'S MONTHLY REPORT 2015-2016
NUMBER OF
EVENTS
DESCRIPTION
RECORDINGS
Land Records
Maps
EVENTS RECORDED
Births
Marriages
Deaths
Liquor Licenses
Veteran's Discharges
Notaries Filed
Trade Names
LICENSES ISSUED
Peddler Permits
Dogs/Kennels/Transfers
Marriages
Sports
DECEMBER
DECEMBER
TOTALS
TOTALS
2015
2014
YEAR-TO-DATE
PRIOR YR-TO-DATE
FY 2015/2016
FY 2014/2015
227
0
202
3
1366
21
1456
25
11
9
22
0
2
5
3
6
3
7
2
2
2
1
47
62
77
1
12
24
19
31
47
56
5
14
15
16
1
29/0/0
2
56
1
29/0/1
2
17
2
633/0/1
35
132
1
599/1/6
21
53
Page 27 of 43
TOWN CLERK'S MONTHLY REPORT 2015-2016
REVENUE
DECEMBER
DECEMBER
YEAR-TO-DATE
YEAR-TO-DATE
2015
2014
FY 2015/2016
FY 2014/2015
RECORDING FEES
7,142
5,599
40,713
39,457
CONVEYANCE TAX
14,444
5,659
82,081
75,501
TC PRESERVATION
600
472
3,356
3,380
TOWN PRESERVATION
480
468
2,874
3,090
COPIES
1,142
705
5,889
5,085
MISCELLANEOUS/FEES
1,417
1,791
9,160
8,987
25,225
14,694
144,073
135,500
(Sports, Dogs, Notary Vitals)
TOTALS
Page 28 of 43
Page 29 of 43
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
New Year's Day Holiday
January 1, 2016
Town Offices & Library Closed
Tolland Public Library Foundation
January 11, 2016, 12:00 PM
Conference Room A
Friends of the Tolland Public Library
January 4, 2016, 11:00 AM
Conference Room A
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
January 11, 2016, 7:00 PM
Tolland Recreation Center
Agriculture Commission
January 4, 2016, 7:00 PM
Conference Room B
Town Council
January 12, 2016, 7:30 PM
Council Chambers
Economic Development Commission
January 6, 2016, 7:30 AM
Council Chambers
Board of Education
January 13, 2016, 7:30 PM
Council Chambers
Blight Committee
January 6, 2016, 7:00 PM
Conference Room B
Conservation Commission
January 14, 2016, 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
BOE Community Budget Workshop
January 6, 2016, 7:00 PM
Tolland High School Library
Community Meeting-Senior Housing Project
January 14, 2016, 7:00 PM
Tolland High School Library
TECDC
January 7, 2016, 7:30 AM
Conference Room B
Republican Town Committee
January 14, 2016, 7:00 PM
Conference Room C
Democratic Town Committee
January 7, 2016, 6:30 PM
6th Floor Small Conference Room
Technology Advisory Board
January 14, 2016, 7:00 PM
Conference Room B
Freedom of Information Workshop
January 7, 2016, 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
Access Health Connecticut Enrollment Fair
January 16, 2016, 9:00 AM
Tolland High School Auditorium
Inland Wetlands Commission
January 7, 2016, 7:00 PM
Conference Room B
Martin Luther King's Day
January 18, 2016
Town Offices & Library Closed
Design Advisory Board
January 7, 2016, 7:00 PM
Conference Room C
Water Pollution Control Authority
January 19, 2016, 6:00 PM
Conference Room C
Page 30 of 43
Ethics Commission
January 19, 2016, 6:30 PM
6th Floor Small Conference Room
Conservation Commission
January 28, 2016, 7:00 PM
Conference Room B
Tolland Housing Authority
January 20, 2016, 9:00 AM
763 Tolland Stage Road
Zoning Board of Appeals
January 28, 2016, 7:30 PM
Council Chambers
Tolland Water Commission
January 20, 2016, 7:00 PM
Conference Room C
Agriculture Commission
February 1, 2016, 7:00 PM
Conference Room B
Blight Committee
January 20, 2016, 7:00 PM
Conference Room B
Economic Development Commission
February 3, 2016, 7:30 AM
Council Chambers
BOE Community Budget Workshop
January 20, 2016, 7:00 PM
Tolland High School Library
Blight Committee
February 3, 2016, 7:00 PM
Conference Room B
Inland Wetlands Commission
January 21, 2016, 7:00 PM
Conference Room B
TECDC
February 4, 2016, 7:30 AM
Conference Room B
Veteran's Recognition Commission
January 21, 2016, 7:00 PM
6th Floor Small Conference Room
Inland Wetlands Commission
February 4, 2016, 7:00 PM
Conference Room B
BOE Community Budget Workshop
January 21, 2016, 7:00 PM
Tolland High School Library
Design Advisory Board
February 4, 2016, 7:00 PM
Conference Room C
Planning & Zoning Commission
January 25, 2016, 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
Democratic Town Committee
February 4, 2016, 7:30 PM
Place to be Determined
Tolland Public Library Advisory Board
January 25, 2016, 7:30 PM
Conference Room A
Planning & Zoning Commission
February 8, 2016, 7:00 PM
Council Chambers
Town Council
January 26, 2016, 7:30 PM
Council Chambers
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
February 8, 2016, 7:00 PM
Tolland Recreation Center
Board of Education
January 27, 2016, 7:30 PM
Council Chambers
Town Council
February 9, 2016, 7:30 PM
Council Chambers
Page 31 of 43
JANUARY 2016
Senior
Happenings
Dedicated to Tolland’s Senior Citizens
Hello Folks!
Happy New Year to you all!!
It’s with great joy that I can say we accomplished so much in the year 2015. I look forward to making
great strides in 2016 in growing our beloved senior center. With each year we are given, actually, with
each new day, we can look forward to happy times here. It has been said “Happiness comes from
something to do, someone to love and something to look forward to”….and that’s what I believe we
offer here at the Senior Center.
One of the high points in 2015 was the completion of our canopy that we all took part in. I want to
celebrate this by having an open house sometime in March. We have much to be thankful for, and
want our community at large to celebrate with us. When I set the date, I will announce it to you, so
stay tuned.
I want to extend our gratitude to the Tolland Volunteer Fire Department for the Holiday Social they
sponsored for our seniors. What a magnificent time we had. I heard from everyone there how impressed they all were. Jessica and Jim were in the kitchen the entire time, cooking up a storm. Debra,
along with the help from the Ladies Auxiliary was in charge of setting up and organizing this function.
Santa, our very own generous, kind and loving Santa showed up. Thanks Santa – you are truly loved!
Thanks, again, to all of the volunteers who participated in this. We are very grateful!
Our Annual Bake/Craft Sale generated a few dollars to our general fund. So much goes on behind the
scenes for this event. Elizabeth and her crew organized the crafts, Barbara and her crew organized the
baked goods, and Dave and Doreen had a light lunch prepared and served those who came. With everybody’s efforts, we cleared over $1,000. Not too shabby
Don’t forget, the Senior Center will be utilized as an Income Tax Site. See page 4 of the newsletter for
more information. You must call the center to make an appointment. This is a free service, open to the
public.
Just as a reminder, when we finally do get cold, wintery weather, know that if the schools are closed
due to inclement weather, we are closed. Rebecca (Becky) and I will be here, but the Senior Center
will be closed for all activities.
Happy New Year to all.
Fran
Page 32 of 43
Thinking of You!!
Lena Cressotti
Kathy Dovhan
A special hello to all our friends at
Fox Hill, Vernon Manor and Woodlake.
Save the Date!
Annual Senior Center Variety Show
Friday, April 29, 2016 at 7 pm
Tolland High School
Health and Wellness
Exercise: Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m.
Yoga: Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m.
Tai Chi: Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.
Foot Care
Tuesday, January 12th & Thursday, January 21st
(please call 860-870-3730 for an appointment) $29.00 fee
Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar
Monday, January 25th From 10 am—11:30 am
Lunch
Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:00 noon, $4.00 per lunch
Our Birthday Party Lunch will be on January 28th
Page 33 of 43
2
A Note About Outreach Activities
Rebecca Ellert, Elderly Outreach Caseworker
Charles Morgan explains why the happiest-thinking man is really so as quoted from Cheerio’s
Book of Days by Charles Field:
Charles Morgan quotes Richard Wagner as saying, “Joy is not in things, it is in us.” Then Morgan goes on to say “Joy, happiness, is the product of right thinking and right acting, and there is
no human being in the world who cannot be happy by complying with the law that produces
happiness. It is a product that comes back to us from what we send out; no one ever found happiness who did not manufacture it for himself. It is a product of our mental attitude toward others.
Unselfish service is one of the greatest of happiness producers. It is a product of our sowing.
Ah!! Happiness comes from every good deed, every loving thought, every helpful thing, from
an unselfish service, through honesty, virtue and integrity. A chance to serve our fellow man, to
be of use in the world, herein will we find real happiness.”
As I read this, I was drawn to the fact that we have really happy people visiting us at the Senior
Center. They come and go for programs, many of which they volunteer for themselves. I see
unselfishness and service…every helpful thing, every loving thought coming through our doors
all the time. There is a purpose for them here…
No one lives very long without finding out how much of the responsibility for unhappiness lies
at our own doors.
If you’re new to our senior center, we hope you are finding all you’ve been looking for, in activity, friendship, volunteering, and in general, service to others. Fran has quoted often “The
quickest way to get old is to do nothing!” I could not agree more.
As we begin 2016, I encourage you to come to the center and reach out, in whatever capacity
you can.
And if you’ve been a part of us forever, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your
presence, your helpfulness, your strengths, and (even your weakness….as they give others a
chance to use their abilities to help you).
We are family here, all putting into the pot from that which we possess.
Looking forward to a wonder-filled 2016 and celebrating every day with each of you.
Blessings and Peace on Earth,
Rebecca
Page 34 of 43
3
“ONE SLIGHT HITCH”
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Enjoy a Great Buffet with a wide variety of Salads, Hot & Cold Entrees, Desserts, Beverage
ALL FOOD IS PREPARED ON THE PREMISES & ENJOYED IN THE MAIN DINING ROOM.
After dining, take your reserved seats in the theater.
After the Play, return to the dining room for the Cabaret Show.
COST: $84 pp based on 40-52
For info: Fran Weigand (860-870-3730)
Depart: 8:15 am; Tolland Senior Center, 674 Tolland Stage Rd
Return: 6:30 pm
Checks Payable to: Town of Tolland
AARP Tax Aid: Tolland Senior Center is pleased to offer on-site
assistance with filing your taxes. There are no age requirements
and you do not have to be a Tolland resident or an AARP member. This is a free service and is staffed by trained volunteers
willing to give their time.
Appointments will be available from February 9th-April 12th on consecutive Tuesdays. (February 9 th,
February 16th, February 23rd, March 1st, March 8th, March 15th, March 22nd, March 29th, April 5th, April
12th. ) One hour time slots will be available starting from 12 pm-1 pm, 1 pm–2 pm, 2 pm-3 pm, 3 pm–4
pm. Appointments must be made either in person at the Senior Center (674 Tolland Stage Road) or call
Fran Weigand at 860-870-3725.
On the day of your appointment you will be required to complete an interview questionnaire, bring a form
of photo identification, and bring the following documents as applicable to your financial situation:
 copy of last year’s tax return
 proof of all income sources (which could include W2 for earned wages, unemployment compensation)
 SSA-1099 for Social Security
 1099-MISC for miscellaneous income
 1099-R for pension or annuity income
 proof of interest or dividends (all 1099 forms)
 all forms indicating federal income tax paid
 dependent care provider information
 all receipts or cancelled checks for itemized deductions (such as property tax, car tax, medical expenses),
 Social Security cards for you and all dependents.
Also, please bring your checkbook for refunds to be directly deposited into your account.
Page 35 of 43
4
Need Help With Food?
Find Out If You Are Eligible for
(formerly known as Food Stamps)
Did you know… you may qualify for SNAP even if:
you own a home ◊ you are working full or part-time ◊ you have retirement income
you have a car ◊ you are living with others
You may qualify if you
meet these SNAP
income guidelines:
Household Size/ Maximum Monthly Income Guidelines for SNAP
1
2
$1,815
3
$2,456
4
$3,098
5
$3,739
6
$4,380
$5,022
7
higher
Foodshare will be offering SNAP eligibility screening and application assistance at the
United Congregational Church of Tolland (in the church office), 45 Tolland Green, Tolland, CT
By Appointment from 10:00 am—12:00 pm
on the following Saturdays:
January 16, 2016
February 20, 2016
Call the church office for an appointment @ 860-875-4160.
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program
Hard to believe, but heating season is right around the corner! Appointments to apply for the
2015/2016 Energy Assistance Program will be scheduled beginning September 8; deliveries of fuel will
begin November 10. On behalf of eligible households, the winter heating assistance pays for such heating sources as oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, kerosene, coal and wood/pellets. Homeowners and
renters may apply. Income Guidelines are listed below.
Application Documentation- Residents must provide proof of all Income (employment/ unemployment, Social Security, pensions, child support, etc.) and Assets (checking, savings, CD's, stocks, bonds,
shares, certificates of deposit and individual retirement accounts if the accounts are in the name of a
household member who is at least 59 ½ years old) for ALL household members for the four weeks prior
to the application date.
Tolland residents may contact the following with inquiries or to schedule an appointment to apply
for energy assistance:
Seniors- contact Rebecca Ellert, (860) 870-3726;
All others residents contact Nancy Dunn, (860) 871-3612; residents may also contact the ACCESS Agency in Willimantic, (860) 450-7423. We are unable to process walk-in applications.
Household Income Guidelines for Energy Assistance- 2015/2016
1
Under
$33,132
2
Under
$43,327
3
Under
$53,521
4
5
Under
$63,716
Under
$73,910
Page 36 of 43
5
6
Under
$84,105
7
Under
$86,016
January Birthdays ...
Happy Birthday!!
Kathy Kolberg
Brenda Morse
Elaine Bugbee
Durwood Winchell
Kathy Wilcox
Jean Leonard
Nolan Payton
Lin East
1/1
1/2
1/5
1/6
1/9
1/11
1/11
1/12
Lois West
Leola Wheeler
Alan Knofla
William Waite
Carol Golden
Tim Smith
Bill Ward
Lena Cressotti
Larry Ross
1/14
1/18
1/19
1/21
1/24
1/26
1/28
1/28
1/29
BIRTHDAY PARTY LUNCH
It is typically held on the last Thursday of the month at noon.
Here are the guidelines to participate:




By Reservation Only-we cannot accept walk-ins
Put your name on the sign up sheet by the Tuesday before the event
Payment is required in advance ($4)
If you need to cancel, please call 860-870-3730.
Next Birthday Party Lunch for January is January 28
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6
Getting to Know You
This lady has attended many events at the Tolland Senior Center and until recently, volunteered at the center for various activities. Charlotte or Char, as she is called by friends, was
born and raised in Ellington, the sixth of nine children. Charlotte attended the Pollywog
School for grades one through six, with one teacher and then went on to Longview School
and Rockville High School. At school, Charlotte and Urban were in the same class together.
During that time they didn’t date but it was later, through involvement in church activities,
that they formed a friendship, dated and eventually married in 1946. Four years later they
purchased a farm in Tolland on Snipsic Lake Road, starting with ten cows. She had no farming experience but Urban had a farming background and Charlotte soon learned dairy farming
from him. Eventually, their family grew to seven, their daughter Becky, whom we all know
and love, being their fifth child.
In 1979, they were honored as Outstanding Young Farmers of Connecticut and were awarded
a trip to tour dairy farms in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. There was a lot more travel after that. Over
the years, they enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Bermuda and other islands as well as Switzerland
where they had relatives.
While the children were growing up Charlotte knitted sweaters for them and sewed many of
their clothes using fabric that was woven in Stephenson’s Mill in Rockville. Also a quilter,
she made good use of those fabrics.
Widowed for 17 years, Charlotte remarried in 2002. She and Walt had known each other as
school children years ago. Each married and raised large families. Walt and his family lived
in New Hampshire. After being widowed, Walt left New Hampshire where he’d raised his
family and returned to his roots in Ellington. He attended the same church as Charlotte and
the two became reacquainted. Charlotte’s cooking is in the Swiss tradition, favorites being
knoefly, which is noodles with lots of butter. She also makes bitzly potatoes which are
drained, cubed boiled potatoes which are topped with browned butter. Is butter a trend here?
She recalls childhood Christmases with Wecca bread and holiday cookies. Her own specialty is baking Tollhouse and oatmeal cookies, favorites of her family which numbers 22 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild. Charlotte enjoys spending
time with her sisters and longtime friends who all live in Ellington. She keeps in touch with
family and friends via e-mail and is especially happy that she can talk with her great granddaughter in Chicago via Skype.
Charlotte celebrated her 90th birthday in December at a big party with family and friends
She doesn’t have a Bucket List because she said that she is very happy with the way things
are and where she is now in life. Would that everyone were able to state that!
I’m pleased to have had the privilege of meeting Charlotte and spending time chatting with
such a lovely lady.
Page 38 of 43
7
JANUARY 2016
SUNDAY
3
10
MONDAY
TUESDAY
************
Please
see
activity times
below
************
ALL
PROGRAMS
ARE
SUBJECT
TO CHANGE
WITHOUT
NOTICE
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
1
2
8
9
PLEASE CALL
860-870-3730 CLOSED
TO
CONFIRM
PROGRAMS
7
4
5
6
LUNCH
CHORUS
SOCIAL
EXERCISE
KNITTING GROUP
PEN & TELL
LUNCH
PING PONG
TAI CHI
QUILTING
MEN’S BILLIARDS DOMINOES
CRAFTS
CARDS
YOGA
BILLIARDS:
11
12
13
15
LUNCH
CHORUS
SOCIAL
MEDITATION
EXERCISE
KNITTING GROUP
LUNCH
PING PONG
18
MEN & WOMEN
PAINTING
14
COMP LAB
TAI CHI
MEN’S BILLIARDS QUILTING
CRAFTS
DOMINOES
CARDS
YOGA
BILLIARDS:
19
20
22
CLOSED
EXERCISE
KNITTING GROUP
PEN & TELL
LUNCH
PING PONG
24
25
26
27
EXERCISE
KNITTING GROUP
NO LUNCH
PING PONG
31
LUNCH
CHORUS
SOCIAL
MEDITATION
BOOK CLUB
17
BLOOD
PRESSURE
10 :00 – 11:30 am
Billiards
Book Club
Bridge
Cards
Chorus
Computer Lab
Crafts
10:00 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
12:30 pm
1:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
FOOT CARE
(CALL FOR APPT.)
SATURDAY
16
MEN & WOMEN
PAINTING
21
23
COMP LAB
BILLIARDS:
MEN & WOMEN
TAI CHI
PAINTING
MEN’S BILLIARDS QUILTING
CRAFTS
DOMINOES
CARDS
FOOT CARE
YOGA
(CALL FOR APPT.)
28
29
COMP LAB
TAI CHI
MEN’S BILLIARDS QUILTING
CRAFTS
DOMINOES
CARDS
Birthday Party
YOGA
Lunch 12 pm
Dominoes
1:00 p.m.
Exercise
9:00 a.m.
Knitting Group
9:30 a.m.
Lunch
12:00 p.m.
Meditation
1:30 pm
Painting
9:00 a.m.
Page 39 of 43
8
30
BILLIARDS:
MEN & WOMEN
PAINTING
Pen & Tell
Ping Pong
Quilting Group
Social
Tai Chi
Yoga
1:00 p.m.
9:30 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
2:30 p.m.
Senior Center Book Club Selections
for 2016
January 25, 2016
THE DRESSMAKER by Kate Alcott
February 22, 2016
WHISTLING PAST THE GRAVEYARD by Susan Crandall
March 28, 2016
THE ROSIE PROJECT by Graeme Simsion
April 25, 2016
THE NIGHTINGALE by Kristin Hannah
May 23, 2016
THE HOUSE WE GREW UP IN by Lisa Jewell
Book Club meets the fourth Monday of the month at 1:00pm
Date may change if Monday is a holiday
(please check calendar)
Book Club will not meet in December, June, July and August
FOODSHARE MOBILE FOOD PANTRY
The FoodShare Mobile Food Pantry is available in Tolland on
alternate Thursdays, 9-9:30 a.m. in the parking lot adjacent to
the United Congregational Church of Tolland, 45 Tolland
Green. Pre-registration and identification are not required. For
more information about FoodShare, residents may contact
FOODSHARE at (860) 286-9999 or the UCC office at (860) 875-4160, or visit the FOODSHARE website, www.foodshare.org. For the next few months, distribution at the Tolland
site will be on the following dates:
Winter dates are:
January 7th & 21st
February 4th & 18th
Residents participating in the program must bring their own bags.
Page 40 of 43
9
Senior Center Trips for 2016
February 14th The Bushnell—Love Letters-$105
April 19th
June 16th
July 7th
August 9th
October 13th
December 6th
Newport Playhouse—One Slight Hitch-$84
St. Clements Castle, Portland, CT-$80
Westchester Dinner Theater-Happy Days-$101
CT River Cruise, Hadley, MA—Lobster/Lunch-$78
Platzl Brauhaus—Octoberfest lunch/entertainment-$86
Newport Playhouse—Nana’s Naughty Knickers
SENIOR CENTER
OVERNIGHT TRIP
September 20-22, 2016
SIGHT AND SOUND Theatre –
production of “Samson” 3 day/2 night trip to Pennsylvania
$377 per person (double occupancy)
Page 41 of 43
10
Senior Center Activities
Billiards - men meet on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Men and women meet
every Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Birthday Party Lunch - held once a month to celebrate all those who have had a birthday
during that month. This special event is by reservation only and is held at 12:00 p.m. un
less otherwise noted, and the cost is $4.00
Book Club - book discussion is held on the fourth Monday of the month, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Bridge - join us for a game of Bridge every fourth Wednesday, 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Cards - join us for a game of cards every Wednesday, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Chorus - the “Note-ables” meet every Monday morning, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Computer Lab - learn how to use a computer on Thursday mornings, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Crafts - every Wednesday morning, 10:00-11:30 a.m. - You may bring a craft of your own
choice, such as knitting, crocheting, etc. or you may participate in making center
pieces for our Birthday Party Lunches.
Dominoes - held every Thursday, 1:00-3:30 p.m.
Exercise - Tuesday mornings, 9:00-10:00 a.m. - This is a stretch and balance, low-impact class
Intergenerational Programs - programs that include the young people in Tolland
Knitting Group - work on knitting projects on Tuesday mornings, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Lunch Box Cafe - every Monday and Wednesday at 12:00 noon, lunch is served. The cost
Is $4.00 per meal and the menu varies.
Meditation - held every Monday afternoon, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Painting – Water color painting class– every Friday 9:30 a.m.
Pen & Tell - a creative writing class held every other Tuesday, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Ping Pong - come over to the Senior Center for a game on Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Quilting Group - meets on Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Social - every Monday at 11:30 a.m. - Join us and share a special visit with one another
Tai Chi Class - a gentle exercise class held on Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Yoga– every Wednesday at 2:30pm
All Programs are subject to change without notice.
Page 42 of 43
11
Dedicated to
Tolland Senior
Citizens
Tolland Senior Center
674 Tolland Stage Rd
P.O. Box 159
Tolland, CT, 06084
Phone: 860-870-3730
Monday-Thursday
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. - noon
New Members
and drop-ins are
always welcome.
Check the Calendar
for special programs.
January
Tolland Human Services Department
Senior Center Director: Fran Weigand, 860-870-3725
Elderly Outreach Caseworker: Rebecca Ellert, 860-870-3726
Newsletter Editors: Fran Weigand, Rebecca Ellert
Human Services Director: Beverly Bellody, 860-871-3611
Assistant Director of Human Services: Nancy Dunn, 860-871-3612
Human Services Case Manager: Stephanie Mansell, 860-871-3615
Human Services Administrative Assistant: Bridget Joy, 860-871-3648
Please visit us on the Tolland website at www.tolland.org
HOCKANUM VALLEY COMMUNITY COUNCIL
DIAL-A-RIDE PROGRAM
860-870-7940
Tolland residents who are at least 60 years of age or disabled adults under 60 are
qualified for the Dial-a-Ride service. Transportation is provided between 8:30 a.m.
- 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday excluding holidays. Dial-a-Ride travels to all
locations in Vernon, Ellington and Tolland including medical appointments, shopping, social and recreational. Whenever possible grocery and other shopping trips
are provided on a group basis. They also go to Manchester on Mondays and
Thursdays for doctor’s appointments only.
In order to continue to provide reliable safe transportation to the Tri Town area,
a $2.00 donation will be needed when boarding the van on each trip. Round trip
costs $4.00. You must have the exact amount as the drivers will not have change. To make reservations, call 860870-7940, Monday - Friday between 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Reservations can be made in advance, on a first come first
serve basis. The minimum amount of time to make a reservation is one week in advance of the appointment.
Page 43 of 43
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