Annual 2014 Report

National Heritage Corridor Care for it, enjoy it, pass it on

K. DiBonaventura Message from the Chairman

2014 was an exciting year for The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV). The fiscal year started with a celebratory turn as the Grand Marshal in the region’s Holiday Dazzle Light Parade, in recognition of the National Heritage Corridor’s 20th Anniversary. The year ended with another champagne cork-popping piece of news – our federal legislation was amended to formally change our name to The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor, and our federal funding was reauthorized until 2021. While this legislation doesn’t guarantee any dollar amount in a given year, it reaffirms that The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor is eligible and worthy of continued federal investment. Green by day TLGV is grateful for the support of Senator Richard Blumenthal, who introduced the legislation in the Senate, and Congressman Joseph and dark by Courtney, who introduced the legislation in the House. TLGV would also like to thank Senators Elizabeth Warren and Christopher Murphy, and Congressmen Richard Neal and James McGovern, for co-sponsoring this legislation and for their continued support of our National Heritage Corridor. night, The Last 2014 was also a year of staff transitions. We said goodbye to Charlene Cutler, our Executive Director for 17 years. She accepted a Green Valley challenging position as the first Executive Director of the Blackstone National Heritage Corridor, and we are excited to continue working with her in her new role. Valerie Imre and Michelle Bourgeois also departed to pursue other opportunities. is still 77% The Board of Directors appointed our Deputy Director, Lois Bruinooge, as Executive Director, and TLGV hired Marcy Dawley as a Project Administrator. Lois is an environmental attorney by trade and has considerable legal and management experience working for non- forest and field. profits and state agencies. Marcy has been a volunteer Lead Ranger for TLGV for some time and is a welcome addition to our staff. Together, we Walktober was again a huge success, due to the wonderful work of our partner organizations in pulling together more than 160 walks, bikes, paddles, pedals, and special events. More than 60,000 people were able to experience all The Last Green Valley has to offer and we invite you to join us again for the 25th Anniversary of Walktober in 2015. can care for it, Tastes of the Valley, our annual feast and fundraiser, also drew a record crowd and raised more than $20,000 to support TLGV’s enjoy it, and programs and projects. Again, we could not have hosted such a successful and enjoyable event without the hard work of our volunteers, donors, farms, restaurants, beverage providers, and sponsors. pass it on. To all of our members, donors, volunteers and partners, we thank you. We could not provide the depth and breadth of programming that you have come to expect without your support. We work for you in the National Heritage Corridor, and your input is critical to our success. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or would just like to chat about our work, please feel free to contact Lois or me through the office at 860-774-3300.

We look forward to continuing to provide high quality programs and events in 2015 that celebrate and conserve The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. Green by day and dark by night, The Last Green Valley is still 77% forest and field. Together, we can care for it, enjoy it, and pass it on.

Bill Jobbagy, Chairman, Board of Directors

1 TLGV Rangers Share their Love for The Last Green Valley

Friendly TLGV Rangers and other Light Parade is a spectacular volunteers participated in 40 event with more than 120 events, fairs and festivals, helping brightly lit floats viewed by to educate thousands of people 20,000 spectators lining the about The Last Green Valley streets. As Grand Marshal, National Heritage Corridor. TLGV helped to establish the first litter-free parade – In November of 2013, TLGV was TLGV supplied trash bags to also named Grand Marshal of volunteers from HighPointe the 2013 Holiday Dazzle Light Church and spectators, and Parade in Putnam, CT, kicking encouraged them to clean up off the 20th Anniversary of after themselves along the National Heritage Corridor. TLGV parade route. TLGV and the entered an impressive float and Green Flash mob marched again organized the first TLGV Green in 2014 with a recreation-themed Flash Mob of marchers wearing float and another successful green lights. The Holiday Dazzle litter-free campaign.

Did you see us in 2014 at these events? Look for us in 2015: TLGV Board of Directors 2014-2015 TLGV Staff • YMCA Healthy Kids Day in Danielson • Lebanon Country Fair Bill Jobbagy, Chairman Elaine Knowlton Lois Bruinooge Coventry, CT Brooklyn, CT Executive Director • UCONN Earth Day Spring Fling • Dudley Farmers’ Market Mike Nelson, Vice Chairman Alix McNitt Bill Reid • Charlton Earth Day Festival • Woodstock Fair Norwich, CT Sturbridge, MA Chief Ranger • Sturbridge Lions All American • Killingly Cooks & Tomato Festival Myra Ambrogi, Secretary Norma O’Leary Sharon Wakely River Race • Celebrating Agriculture in Woodstock Plainfield, CT Thompson, CT Finance Administrator • Putnam First Fridays • Positively Pomfret Day Thomas E. Dufresne, Treasurer Wayde Schmidt LyAnn Graff • Putnam Beautification Day • Thompson Community Day Pomfret, CT Southbridge, MA Office Coordinator • Charlton Annual Spring Day • Fort Hill Farms Balloon Rides Donna Baron Joan St. Ament Marcy Dawley • Willimantic Third Thursdays in Thompson Lebanon, CT Woodstock, CT Project Administrator • Willimantic River Festival • Walktober events throughout the Elsie Bisset Jean Sullivan National Heritage Corridor Contractors • Southbridge FEST Brimfield, MA Voluntown, CT • Coventry Harvest Day Festival Christine Armstrong • Norwich River Fest Janet Blanchette Eric Thomas Education Outreach • Paddle for a Cure in Brooklyn • Webster/Dudley/Oxford Business & CT Governor’s Designee Thompson, CT Home Show Coordinator • Dudley Grange Strawberry Fest Rick Hermonot Coventry, CT Jean Pillo • Fine Arts and Sterling, CT Jason Vincent • Schott Fiberoptics Employee Fair Water Quality Monitoring Crafts Festival in Woodstock Griswold, CT in Southbridge Ed Hood and TRBP Coordinator • Pumpkin Festival in Putnam Sturbridge, MA Mark Winne • Coventry Regional Farmers’ Market Jennifer Kaufman Charlton, MA • Bozrah Farmers Market Mansfield, CT 2 Book a TLGV Ranger talk for your organization in TLGV Rangers LEAD THE WAY 2015. Ranger presentations currently available include: TLGV Rangers and other TLGV Ranger Talks Connect People to the • Your Green Oasis: volunteers provided more than National Heritage Corridor The Forests of The Last 900 hours of volunteer service Green Valley educating people about The Chief Ranger Bill shared his love of The Last Green Valley in 37 Last Green Valley’s unique presentations to area non-profits and community organizations • On The Wild Side: natural and cultural resources – with an estimated 840 total people in attendance. Exploring the Flora thank you! and Fauna of The Last • Lebanon Historical Society • Scotland Library Green Valley Our incredibly helpful and • Canterbury Lions Club • Danielson Rotary Club • Notable and Notorious: informative Rangers are: Steven • Canoe and • Sturbridge Senior Center Ayer, Christine Armstrong, Curious and Infamous Kayak Club • Oxford Business Association Tineke Brinks, Janet Blanchette, Characters from • Mansfield Lion’s Club • Sturbridge Rotary Club Steve Broderick, Bill Campbell, The Last Green Valley • Sturbridge Historical Society Naomi Campbell, Ken • Lebanon Senior Center • Connecting the Drops: Carpenter, Marcy Dawley (Lead • Norwich Sunshine Rotary • Finnish American Society Source to Sea Through Club Ranger), LyAnn Graff, Lucille • Franklin Historical Society The Last Green Valley Langlois, Kitty Lowenthal, Larry • Lebanon Senior Center • Bartlett High School Lowenthal, Mike Mathewson, • Take a Walk in • Dudley Women’s Club PASS Program Cyd Norris, Jean Pillo, Nancy The Last Green Valley • Thompson Lion’s Club Polydys, Bill Reid (Chief Ranger) • Day Kimball Hospital • The Last Green Valley: and Barbara Vizoyan. • Coventry Historical Society • Mansfield Public Library It’s Where You Live • The Overlook in Charlton • Association of University In addition to our Rangers, • Corbin Library in Webster Women at Waterford Library we’d like to thank several other people who volunteered • Dudley Senior Center • Griswold Historical Society at the TLGV exhibit booths • LiR, Quinebaug Valley • Southbridge Library If you haven’t already seen it, and member events including: Community College • Eastern CT State University watch for Chief Ranger Bill’s Myra Ambrogi, Tom Brennan, • Pomfret Senior Center Conservation Class weekly column in the Norwich Wendy Brennan, Beverly • Adventures in Lifelong • Series of Ranger talks at the Bulletin focusing on places Butkiewicz, Ken Butkiewicz, Learning, Three Rivers TLGV office in Danielson to explore in The Last Green Laura Moorehead, Scott Community College Moorehead, Wayde Schmidt Valley. Look for our press and Joan St. Ament. • Thompson Recreation/Library releases and “It’s Happening” ads in local publications, and check local cable channels for TLGV appearances. “Like” our Facebook page We are always looking for more (greatly enhanced, thanks TLGV Rangers and volunteers. Care for it to Lead Ranger Marcy) to Call Chief Ranger Bill at 860-774-3300 to join the fun! stay connected to The Last Green Valley.

3 Enjoy it TLGV Members Have All the Fun One of the perks of TLGV membership is a Members, be sure we have your monthly member program. This past year, A. Dabrowski members enjoyed good company and good fun correct email address so you at the following events: don’t miss any of our e-newsletters • Stew and Story at The Publick House Historic and announcements. Inn in Sturbridge, with readings by Kitty and Larry Lowenthal and Barbara Larkin • Gallery tour of the Benton Museum of Art, UCONN • A hike along the Nipmuck Trail in Ashford, CT • Hikes at the Wyndham Land Trust’s Spaulding and Rappaport Preserves in Woodstock, CT • Paddles on the Willimantic and Quinebaug Rivers • Ranger Talks held at TLGV’s office • Lower Natchaug River Cleanup in Windham • Tastes of the Valley • Walktober • Putnam Holiday Dazzle Parade

Eagles Love The Last Green Valley Too

The midwinter eagle survey (and our follow-up press release about the survey) has become an interesting way for TLGV to spread the word about the amazing natural resources we have in the National Heritage Corridor. In January of 2014, we placed more than 50 volunteers on rivers, lakes and ponds throughout The Last Green Valley and logged in more than 250 ranger and volunteer hours as we surveyed the skies and waterways for bald eagles. It is no surprise, based on The Last Green Valley’s excellent eagle habitat and the number of volunteers we deployed, that we had a record number of bald eagles sightings that morning, at 21. Based on CT DEEP’s compilation of the data, that translates to 10 or more bald eagles over-wintering in the region. We know from previous experience that at least four breeding pairs of bald eagles live in The Last Green Valley year-round. Pass 4 “The presentation was excellent, and fit right in with our unit on ecosystems. I’m Enjoy it Bringing the Watershed to Classrooms and Camps already looking forward to TLGV expanded its popular Watershed Education Students were able to explore TLGV’s table-top next year.” program in 2014 with a small grant from the watershed model in the following schools, camps, Plainfield middle school teacher Environmental Professionals Organization of and events: . The 30-minute, hands-on program • Woodstock meets state science standards related to the • Eastford movement of water and pollutants over the “The topics covered are • St. Joseph, Thompson landscape. The program is tailored to middle important for all of us to school students but is easily modified for other • Mansfield After School Club continue to be good citizens of age groups. • Norwich our environmental community.” TLGV was able to reach 2,892 students at 29 • Plainfield Brooklyn middle school teacher schools, camps, and events, connecting them • Webster to their watershed and learning about ways to • Ashford keep our water clean. • Brooklyn “Thank you for coming to our • Pomfret classroom…I learned many • Scotland interesting facts about The Last • Southbridge Green Valley…Whenever we • Canterbury see some litter on the ground • YMCA Healthy Kids Day, or on the storm drains, we are Danielson the helpers to keep the earth • Canterbury Girl Scouts clean.. We need to pick up.” • CT Audubon, Pomfret Nathan, a middle school student from Southbridge, MA • 4-H meetings, multiple locations • Putnam Recreation Day Camps • Thompson Recreation Day Camps • Day Camp at Crystal Pond, Eastford/Woodstock • Camp Woodstock • Camp Foskett, Charlton • Plainfield Recreation Day Camps • Celebrating Agriculture, Woodstock • Positively Pomfret Day

Did we visit your school or camp this year? If not, contact Christine at it on 860-774-3300 to schedule a program for your students. 5 C. Mead Care for it Keeping The Last Green Valley Clean and Green

For the 3rd year in a row, TLGV TLGV supported cleanups by the following organizations and communities: supported Earth Month and • Bozrah • Killingly • Thread City Development River cleanups throughout the watershed. 1,147 volunteers • Brooklyn • Natchaug River Young • Thames Valley Chapter of removed almost 39,000 pounds • Canterbury Lions Marines Trout Unlimited of trash from our roadways, • Coventry • Putnam • Webster Dudley Business parks, trails and waterways. Alliance • Eastern CT Conservation • Reliance House, Inc. Plastic bags and disposable District • Sprague • Windham Chamber of food service items (cups, plates, Commerce • Thompson Recreation/ forks, knives, spoons) were the • First Congregational Church Middle School • Windham Textile Museum most counted items, at 6,382 in Woodstock and 6,396 respectively – an • Groton Open Space • Thompson Together avalanche of plastic that we Association need to stop in 2015!

“Who knew picking up trash could be so much fun? 197 volunteers picked up 12,960 pounds of garbage in Norwich over 7 months. We have gone above and beyond achieving our goal of finding a project that would help us get to know some of the spiritual groups in our community. We have established relationships, rolled up our sleeves and worked together in the community where we live and serve.” Suzee Costa, Reliance House, Inc. of Norwich

6 “I really enjoy participating in TLGV’s Water Quality Monitoring program. The Engaging Volunteers to Monitor and Protect Water Quality training program is very Now in its 9th year, TLGV’s • Conducted bacteria Water Quality Monitoring Special kudos go to French comprehensive, challenging, water quality monitoring monitoring in the French Partners include: River Connection volunteers fun, and user-friendly… for completing their 10th year program is in the top 25% of River in Oxford, Webster and • Eastern CT Conservation We feel that we are doing of temperature, dissolved programs nationwide, as all of Dudley, MA and Little River District something that matters….One our methodologies are fully- in Putnam, CT oxygen, pH, conductivity and of Fall 2014’s highlights was • CT Dept. of Energy and approved by state and federal turbidity data collection in • Monitored conditions in Environmental Protection sighting an American mink agencies, and the data can Webster Lake and South the part of the as it silently swam across be used in formal state water • MA Dept. of Environmental French River. Charlton Reservoir in MA, a narrow stream just a few quality assessments. Protection and Amos Lake and Avery yards ahead of us without • Environmental Protection Water quality monitoring Pond in CT realizing that we were Fifty more volunteers were Agency volunteers were treated to trained this year, for a total of • Placed temperature data TLGV’s annual appreciation there!....THAT is the type of • CT Audubon Society 110 active volunteers willing to loggers in nine stream event and luncheon, featuring encounter that brings us back at Pomfret get their feet wet and become locations in northeastern CT workshops by conservation year after year !” stewards of The Last Green Valley in cooperation with CT DEEP. • CT Dept. of Public Health professionals. This year, Laura National Heritage Corridor. • Focused river bioassessment • Northeast District Dept. Saucier of CT DEEP taught Anne, a long-time water monitoring efforts on the of Health us about fresh water mussels quality monitoring volunteer This year, TLGV volunteers smallest streams to help CT • Avery Pond and how volunteers can and partners: DEEP document healthy report mussels they find when • Amos Lake Association • Assisted with tracking water habitat in the upper collecting other water quality down sources of bacterial watershed areas. • French River Connection data. Fresh water mussels are contamination in Ekonk • South Charlton Reservoir living water filters but they are Brook in Plainfield, CT Association very vulnerable to pollution, • Webster Lake Association and many are endangered or threatened in the northeast. • Webster Dudley Wastewater Treatment Facility

7 J. PIllo e r njoy it

Walktober Celebrates its 24th Year

Our amazing partners collectively offered more than 160 guided walks, bike rides, paddles and events during October and stretching into November. More than 60,000 people participated, an increase over last year’s record-breaking numbers. There is no better way to learn about The Last Green Valley’s unique resources than through a Walktober adventure.

TLGV could not have coordinated Walktober without the tremendous support of our 100+ partners and major sponsors: Millenium Power, Savings Institute Bank & Trust, Southbridge Savings Bank, Ivanhoe Tool & Die Company, CME, Eastern Savings Bank, Savers Bank, UNFI, Newell & Betty Hale Foundation, ARS Products, Citizens National Bank, Farm Credit East, LeBoeuf Rubbish Removal, Putnam Plastics, and the Towns of Bozrah, Chaplin, Coventry, Franklin, Hampton, Killingly, Pomfret, Putnam and Sprague. Thank you!

“I am writing to thank leaders Sue and Tom from the Mansfield Parks Advisory Committee, their helper Griffen and TLGV for today’s hike at Dunhamtown Forest in Mansfield. We found out about this hike through Walktober from TLGV. I went on the 10 am hike (1.5 hours and 1 mile) with my 6 year old, my 2 year old and 6 month old children. The games were engaging and suitable for my 6 year old as well as my 2 year old. The terrain, duration and distance were just right for our wide-ranging levels….I would love to see this activity on next year’s calendar of events…Thanks again for a wonderful day!” – Melissa, a grateful Walktober participant

Meet Mr. Walktober 2014 – Nick Bellantoni Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni recently retired as the state archaeologist with the CT State Museum of Natural History and Archaeology Center in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Connecticut. Over the years, Nick has brought history to life for hundreds of Walktober participants. He is a great story teller, able to share vast amounts of information, and is incredibly entertaining. Anyone who has been on his walks knows that Nick Bellantoni is a rock star in the Walktober world. 24 Years ~Walktob 24 Years

8 Marketing The Last Green Valley’s Strongest Assets

TLGV continued to promote Bond Brothers Entertainment Promoting Local Green Lights for “Old Farm Truck” by Sandee Harraden The Last Green Valley as a and also featured G. Products and Talents The Last Green Valley 2015 | A Beautiful Year in The Last Green Valley destination by marketing in Leslie Sweetnam’s aerial through the 2014 Guide © Yankee Magazine, the CT Residents, businesses, munici- photography of The Last Visitors Guide, the Central Mass. TLGV’s 2014 Guide featured 177 palities and non-profits took- Green Valley. part in TLGV’s slightly off-kilter One of our most enjoyable Convention and Visitors Bureau, local businesses and attractions • Best Business Promotion - festival from mid-February projects in late summer each and other regional publications. in The Last Green Valley. The Celebrations Gallery, Pomfret. through mid-March. We love to year is to host a photo contest Advertising materials continued Guide is distributed in more Celebrations used Green Lights promote local businesses during for the upcoming year’s to focus on our strongest assets than 65 regional locations, as a marketing tool, offering a this traditionally slow time of calendar. Our 2014 contest - nature-based recreation, state visitor centers, and mailed special TLGV Tea, as well as a year, and herald the arrival of agriculture, and small town New to thousands who see TLGV’s unique outdoor display. (for the 2015 calendar) drew England experiences. ads and request information a green spring. close to 100 entries. The 2015 - • Most Creative Activity - each year. The Guide is also A Beautiful Year in The Last • Best Collaborative Display - Jamie Kordack, US Army incorporated into the TLGV © to Willimantic, for the Green Corps of Engineers, for the Green Valley calendar is filled web-based destination map, Lights Screen Project. Original Green Lights Geo-Dash and with exquisite pictures and offering more visibility for interesting tidbits about the artwork was projected onto the Green Full Moon Walk. A National Heritage Corridor business partners. natural and cultural history of 2014 Guide the windows of the Kerri • Best Residential Display - As the primary fulfillment Art Studio and Gallery in Lenore Felpel and Jim Hamel the National Heritage Corridor. piece for inquiries about the a stunning display. Thread of East Killingly. This year’s coveted cover National Heritage Corridor, the City Development, Inc., shot of an “Old Farm Truck” Guide also features editorial Willimantic Screen Project, Updated and Expanded reposing peacefully in the content highlighting major Kerri Art Studio and Gallery, Interpretive Publications shade beside an old stone wall, seasonal events, each of our and Willimantic Brewing TLGV updated and expanded was taken by Sandee Harraden towns, agricultural products, Company collaborated with three of its most popular of Woodstock, CT. hikes, pedals, water trails, Professor June Bisantz and Connecticut publications; all three are NortheasterJoin us forn our sligchusettshtly off-kilter flora and fauna, historic sites, art students from Eastern and South Centralmidwi Massanter e available from the TLGV website www.thelastgreenvalley.org • Toll Free 866-363-7226vent! museums, characters, and Connecticut State University at www.thelastgreenvalley.org/ itineraries for great days in who provided the images. tlgv/publications. And be sure to visit The Last Green Valley. • Best Community Display - fEBRUARY 15 to m arch 17, 2014 Green Lights in Davis Park, • Notable and Notorious – www.thelastgreenvalley.org. Danielson. Killingly Parks and Historically Interesting People TLGV finished a major Recreation incorporated green from The Last Green Valley; overhaul of the website this lights into their holiday display. • For the Common Good – year, with a completely new • Best Public Event - The Green A Guide to the Historic and design and operating system. Valley Festival Premier and Scenic Town Commons and The new website features an complete listing ❄ of events at Notable and Notorious www.thelastgreenv Greens of The Last Green expanded destination map and alley.org ❄ Historically interesting people from Art Exhibition, Silver Circle The Last Green Valley Gallery, Putnam. The evening Valley; and events calendar, a blog, and

AGE CORRIDOR NATIONAL HERIT was the premier of the Green • Wild Guide to The Last interactive options such as Valley Festival film from Green Valley. Monthly Quizzes and Weekly

www.thelastgreenvalley.org Photo Contests. This project has been generously supported by the Connecticut East Regional Tourism District

9 Protecting Forest Resources - Southern New England Heritage Forest Partnership

TLGV continued its work as a people, were held during Project partners included: partner in a New-England wide the pilot project throughout • MassConn Sustainable Forest project funded by a US Forest the Southern New England Partnership Service Grant through the North Heritage Forest. • Northern Rhode Island East State Foresters Association. Conservation District All of our Last Green Valley The majority of attendees Working Collaboratively on communities are included had never spoken with a • Opacum Land Trust Regional Issues – the Thames River within the Southern New consulting forester, 75% had • Providence Water never spoken with a land trust England Heritage Forest. Our • RI Resource Conservation & Basin Partnership or government agency to learn region was one of four priority Development Area Council about conservation options, The Thames River Basin landscapes in New England and 90% had never consulted • State Forestry Agencies Partnership (TRBP) is a diverse selected for a pilot project. an estate planning professional (CT DEEP, RI DEM, MA DCR) coalition of government and Our goal is to strengthen to discuss long-term options for • The Nature Conservancy non-profit organizations, forest stewardship and their land. After the workshops, educational institutions, • University of CT Cooperative conserve the many values of about half the participants industries and municipalities Extension the region’s forest landscape said they were now interested with a shared vision of natural • University of Rhode Island for future generations. The in speaking with a forester, resource conservation in pilot project was designed to 40% said they are likely to • USDA – NRCS the greater Thames River engage landowners who have contact a land trust or agency • Highstead Foundation watershed. Pontoon boats hooked together make a floating classroom on never been involved in forest to learn about conservation • Yale University Pachaug Pond as part of TRBP management or conservation options, and 30% are likely to The Last Green Valley forms • North East State Foresters Floating Workshop XIV in the past. consult with an estate planning the heart of the Thames River Association watershed, and TLGV funds a professional. All of the data year. This year focused on the We trained Woodland part-time coordinator for the collected through this project Pachaug River – its history, Ambassadors – people TRBP. Four times each year, will be used to target the next current economic development passionate about their woods - TRBP partners meet to share steps landowners can take challenges shared by Griswold to conduct informal woods information, network, and towards forest management and Voluntown, and the pros walks and events. Twenty collaborate on projects that and conservation. and cons of lake drawdowns as two events, drawing 305 are compatible with the a means of controlling aquatic TRBP Plan of Work. weeds. After the workshop, a TRBP’s flagship event is the tasty networking session was annual Floating Workshop, hosted by Buttonwoods Farm. which features a different part of the watershed each

Care for it J. Stahr 10 “When I moved to this Striving Towards Sustainable beautiful place over 15 years ago, and learned that there Communities were threats that would make More than 60 people attended Uncas Leap property in this area just like the place a free workshop on new historic Yantic Falls I left behind, I heard myself strategies for Brownfields • Coventry’s application say, ‘Somebody needs to do development. TLGV, in to the Main Street something to stop that from cooperation with EPA, CT DEEP, Investment Fund program happening.’ Then it dawned on and private sector consultants to continue its efforts to Increasing Recreational Access me: I am somebody.” and attorneys, hosted the revitalize Historic South workshop covering new Coventry Village to our Waterways Jean Pillo, TLGV Ranger, funding resources, streamlined • Sprague’s grant application Volunteer Water Quality cleanup regulations, and TLGV, its partners and volunteers TLGV and its partners led for funds to purchase the Monitoring Program legislative changes including worked hard to maintain and numerous paddles, and continued 111-acre Robinson Property Coordinator, and Thames River liability relief. improve more than 60 miles of to publicize all water trail paddles • An environmental National Recreation Trail on the and development efforts through Basin Partnership Coordinator Immediately following consultant’s efforts to Quinebaug and Willimantic Rivers. Currents from Source to Sea, its the workshop, attendees increase connectivity in periodic e-newsletter. toured the Willimantic the Barbers Hollow Brook The water trails project is funded Whitewater Partnership’s system and to restore an by a CT DEEP Recreation Trails TLGV volunteers were also property on Bridge Street, Eastern Brook Trout fishery grant, and receives technical trained in the Universal Trails to learn about cost-effective in Oxford assistance from the National Park Accessibility Process, and will be Service Rivers and Trails Program. working to assess all of the public strategies for dealing with • Preston’s grant site contamination, and see boat launches in the next year. applications to the New kiosks were constructed firsthand the potential of The training was provided by the Environmental Protection and installed at public launches this property as a nexus of US Army Corps of Engineer trails Agency for cleanup of on the Willimantic River at six community revitalization. expert, Tom Chamberland. the former Norwich State locations by students from Ellis Hospital property TLGV continued to build Technical High School. New Project partners include: • Eastern Connecticut capacity at the municipal and kiosk information signs were • Willimantic River Alliance Resource Conservation developed in close coordination regional levels by providing • NPS Rivers and Trails Program assistance over the phone, and Development Area with the Willimantic River • US Army Corps of Engineers drafting support letters, and Inc.’s (RC&D) grant Alliance. A ceremony was held attending regional meetings application, “AGvocating at River Park in Mansfield to • CT Dept. of Energy & of interest. TLGV supported: for Agricultural Viability - dedicate the new Willimantic Environmental Protection Leveraging Partnerships and River kiosks. TLGV also worked • CT Light and Power • Coventry and Mansfield’s Knowledge into Action.” with an Eagle Scout to construct grant application for the • Ellis Technical High School Lois Bruinooge continues a new kiosk at the CT DEEP Fish control of aquatic invasive • Towns of Dudley, MA, to represent The Last Green Hatchery in Plainfield. species in Eagleville Lake and Brooklyn, Canterbury, Valley on the Eastern CT Killingly, Mansfield, Pomfret, • Norwich Community Resource Conservation Putnam, Stafford, Tolland, and Development and Development Council, Willington, CT Corporation’s proposal and as a member of the CT to eliminate blight at the Greenways Council.

11 Connecting Local Farms to Local Restaurants - Tastes of the Valley

TLGV held its 9th Annual Tastes topped with apple slaw and a herb roasted chicken & goat • The “Best Beverage” The Purple Carrot, Soleil & of the Valley feast and fundraiser reduction of Hosmer Mountain cheese, using products from competition resulted in a four- Suns, Willimantic Brewing in September. The event root beer, Taylor Brooke 18th-Century Purity Farm, way tie between Black Pond Company, The Vanilla Bean celebrated locally-grown foods, wine and tomatoes using Buell’s Orchard, Chase Road Brews, Sharpe Hill Vineyard, Café, and Vienna Restaurant. matched local farms to local products from 18th-Century Growers, Ekonk Hill Turkey Taylor Brooke Winery, and TLGV raised more than $20,000 to chefs, and raised funds for the Purity Farm, Buell’s Orchard, Farm, Hart’s Greenhouse, Westford Hill Distillers. support its programs, in large part National Heritage Corridor. Each Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm, Hart’s Meadowstone Farm, Lapsley • Many other restaurants, due to its generous sponsors: year, local restaurants prepare Greenhouse, Lapsley Orchard, Orchard, Maple Lane Farms, beverage providers, and tasting portions of delicious Hosmer Mountain, Taylor and Wayne’s Organic Garden. farms made generous • Platinum Level - Fiberoptics menu items using food and Brooke Winery, and Wayne’s • Honorable Mention was contributions to this event, Technology Incorporated, beverages grown and produced Organic Garden. also awarded to The Publick including: Blackmer Farm, Rebecca Harvey, and The in The Last Green Valley. • Honorable Mention was House in Sturbridge, MA, Devon Point Farm, The Mansion at Bald Hill; awarded to The Inn at for its pan seared turkey Farmer’s Cow, New • Gold Level – Putnam Bank, More than 150 participants Woodstock Hill in Woodstock, with roasted blue hubbard Beef, We-Li-Kit Farm, 85 Keith & Elaine Knowlton, and enjoyed the creative cuisine and CT, for its chilled peach squash, sauted lacatino kale, Main, Cafémantic, Grill 37, Savings Institute Bank & Trust; glorious fall weather. & black currant soup and organic garlic and shallots, Heirloom Food Company, • Silver Level – Titan Energy, • Bella’s Bistro in Putnam, roasted vegetable salad with with a Taylor Brooke Autumn The Mansion at Bald Hill, Millenium Power, and CT, was voted as the “Best Raspberry wine reduction; Marty’s of Dudley, Mrs. Southbridge Savings Bank. their dish was created using Bridges’ Pantry, Pioneer Cuisine of the 2014 Tastes of In addition, dozens of local products from Ekonk Hill Brewery, Oliver Wight Tavern, the Valley,” for its braised businesses contributed raffle and Turkey Farm, Lapsley Orchard, pork bellies over acorn and auction items – thank you all! butternut squash chutney Palazzi Orchard, and Taylor Brooke Winery.

Pass it on

12 “This program acted as a Strengthening Farm Friendly Helping Farmers Succeed - Mastering good push to our farm to plan Communities - AGvocate Program the Business of Agriculture (MBAg) instead of ‘do’ and ‘react.’”

The AGvocate Program, agricultural businesses The MBAg Program was Attendees had a wide range begun as a pilot in The Last within each community. designed to provide business of products including livestock, Green Valley, received a grant TLGV is a member of planning assistance to farmers fruit, produce, value added, and “Extremely eye-opening from the CT Department of the AGvocate Steering to increase small-midsize forestry. The number of years class. I think it should be a Agriculture to expand the Committee and provides farm viability, through an in- the farms had been in existence requirement for farmers.” concept statewide in 2014. time, expertise, and other in- depth educational program ranged from 1 year to 142 The AGvocate works with kind services to the project. culminating in the production years. Several were exploring municipalities to strengthen of individualized business plans. alternative markets or products the farm-friendliness of local The fourteen original It was supported by a grant to expand their sales. “This course will help my farm regulations and to improve AGvocate towns have from USDA and faculty support the long-term viability of continued to host promotional from UConn. Based on participant become more profitable.” events and educational evaluations, the course forums, to meet quarterly in In 2014, sixteen farms significantly increased a regional network, and to participated in the 10-week participant’s knowledge of continually improve municipal course, and one new farm farm business management, planning, zoning, and tax audited the course. Most the value of planning, requirements to benefit farms had multiple attendees marketing, budgeting, goal agricultural businesses. which brought the attendance setting, and writing a business to 31 individuals. A total of plan. 100% of the participants 2,256 acres and 51 full-time- would recommend the class equivalent jobs were affected to others. by the program.

J. Gothreau

13 Balance Sheet for The Last Green Valley, Inc. as of September 30, 2014 FinancAuditedial Financial State Statementments Thank you to all TLGV Members & Donors

Assets $10,000+ Danielson Surplus Sales Inc. Peggy & Christopher Mc Kleroy Current Assets: First Niagara Bank Dexter-Russell, Inc. Old Sturbridge Village Cash $ 203,168 Millennium Power Partners, L.P. Jim & Nancy Dougherty Joyce M. Rivers Thomas & Nancy Dziki Janet Robertson Grant Receivable 39,131 Farm Credit East Faith A. Robinson Inventory 2,100 $5,000+ Bill & Silvia Jobbagy First Congregational Church Sharpe Hill Vineyard Prepaid Expenses 3,891 Keith & Elaine Knowlton Women’s Fellowship Silver Circle Gallery Total Current Assets 248,290 Savings Institute Bank & Trust Grill 37 Soleil & Suns Bakery Southbridge Savings Bank Richard Hermonot G. Leslie Sweetnam Property and Equipment: Inn at Woodstock Hill Titan Energy Machinery and Equipment 25,842 $1,000+ Bruce & Donna Kosa Town of Chaplin Less Accumulated Depreciation (25,421) ABC Rent A Tent Ellen Lehtimaki Town of Coventry 2014 Financials William & Martha MacLaren Town of Hampton Net Property and Equipment 421 Anonymous (2) P. Bradford Cheney Jeffrey & Amy Miller Town of Pomfret TOTAL ASSETS $ 248,711 CME Associates, Inc. Oliver Wight Tavern Town of Putnam Elaine Crooke Ralph & Cecilia Otto Town of Sprague Liabilities and Net Assets Charlene & Doug Cutler Jeff & Lindsay Paul Vanilla Bean Café CURRENT LIABILITIES: Eastern Savings Bank Publick House Historic Inn Wild Goose Studio Accrued Expenses 13,813 John & Joan Gray Irving & Dorthea Pulsifer Willimantic Brewing Co. Total Current Liabilities 13,813 Rebecca M. Harvey Putnam Bank Willimantic Food Co-op Putnam Plastics Corporation Total Liabilities $ 13,813 Marjorie L. Hoskin Ivanhoe Tool & Die Co., Inc. Taylor Brooke Winery $100+ NET ASSETS: The Mansion at Bald Hill 18th Century Purity Farm Unrestricted 234,898 Mills Family Charitable Trust $250+ Adept Bodywork Total Net Assets 234,898 Newell & Betty Hale Foundation Anonymous (2) The Adventure Park at Storrs Nancy Polydys Bed and Breakfast at Allen Hill Farm, LLC Taylors Corner TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $ 248,711 RE/MAX Bell Park Realty, Inc. Alpaca Obsession, LLC The Bulletin America’s Best Value Inn Savers Bank Margaret Campanelli Joellen Anderson FY 2014 INCOME SOURCES Wayde & Mary Beth Schmidt United Natural Foods, Inc. Betty Challgren Anonymous (3) $ 677,089 Vienna Restaurant & Historic Inn The Christmas Barn Archambault Insurance Associates Sales – Merchandise 1,168 Click, Inc. Arts & Framing Grants 50,269 $500+ Roberta Cook Dan & Mary Atwood Contributions 3,021 85 Main Peter & Dawn Curry B.C.S. Co., Inc. Memberships/Fees 94,161 Myra Ambrogi Marcy Dawley & Bob White A. David & Margaret Babbitt Interest Income 484 Angell House Design Joe & Jean Drake John Baldwin Advertising Income 15,380 Denise Archambault Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. Marilyn & Peter Barlow Fundraising Event 25,060 ARS Products Sharon Gabiga The Barn at Gray Mare Hill Golden Lamb Buttery Members’ Activities 870 Bella’s Bistro Guest House Thomas & Donna Hawkins Donna Baron TOTAL REVENUE $ 867,502 John Boland & Susan Preston Boland Charles F. Kane, Jr. Ann Barry & Dennis Landis FY 2014 EXPENSE ALLOCATIONS Lee & Julie Boltz Lucille A. Langlois Bed & Breakfasts of Mystic County Programming 637,970 Shep Boote & Heath Drury Boote Lapsley Orchard John & Janice Benda Management (Admin/Overhead) 113,632 Cafemantic Leboeuf Rubbish Removal, Inc. Ronald Benoit Kenneth E. Mahler & Fundraising 48,691 The Citizens National Bank Berkshire Hathaway Christine A. Strick Home Services TOTAL EXPENSES $ 800,293 Jeff Conrad

14 Black Pond Brewery The Farmer’s Cow Hull Forest Products, Inc. Northeastern CT Chamber Southbridge Hotel & $50+ Catherine D’Agostino Blackmer Farm The Farmer’s Cow Calfe & Hurme Radio TV & Appliance of Commerce Conference Center Access Oxford, Inc. Danielson BPOE Lodge Dean & Sandra Blanchard Creamery Patricia Hynson OFS Fitel, LLC Joan St. Ament Carol Adams #1706 Janet & Dennis Blanchette Mary & Ken Feathers J & D Civil Engineers, LLC Ernest & Norma O’Leary Dr. & Mrs. Robert Stetson, Jr. Advanced Back & Wellness Daughters of the Holy Spirit Bogey Lanes Tony Felice & Marybeth Jeff Helgerson Excavating, Carol Oliver Sturbridge Lions Club Center John F. Dean Bond Brothers Entertainment Gorke-Felice Inc. Opacum Land Trust Sullivan & Company Real Dean & Suzanne Albro Michael DeCesare & Booklover’s Gourmet Lenore Felpel & Jim Hamel Jessica Tuesdays Oxford Business Association Estate, LLC Alexanders Lake Afshan Jafar Bozrah Farmers Market Linda C. Felt Faith L. Johnson John & Patricia Papini Thomas & Sandra Swale Homeowners Assoc. Caroline Delaney Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. First Congregational Church William Johnson Ken Parker Sweet Emotions Candy Susan E. Allen Christopher & Kathleen Steve & Karen Broderick of Woodstock Doug Kehl Parker Memorials & Stone Nancy & Janina Swiacki American Association of Demers Brooklyn Historical Society Flying Carpet Studio Quentin & Margaret Kessel Co. Barbara Tate & Univ. Women Susan Devokaitis & Charlie Weedon Jim & Helen Bruinooge John Folsom Killingly Historical Society David Patenaude Sr. Jon Kornhauser Anonymous (6) Devon Point Farm Buell’s Orchard Kerstin Forrester King’s Inn Peppertree Camping, Inc. David Taylor Arc Emporium Digiplex Lisbon 12 David & Nancy Bull Fort Hill Farms & Gardens, Hans & Christina Koehl Pine Hill Alpaca Farm, LLC Laura Tedeschi Barbara & Doris Barrett Henry & Pat Dobush Business Systems & LLC Lakeview Marine - Pioneer Brewing Company TEEG Russell R. Becker Incentives, Inc. Don & Janice Francis Paddlesport Rentals Pizza Pizzazz James & Elaine Tenis David & Alice Belden Eastern CT Regional Tourism District Canterbury Lions Club Paul & Donna Frenette Landon Tire, Inc. Plainfield Lions Club, Inc. Eric Thomas Donald S. Berry Eileen D. Brown Charitable Cedar Ledge Tree Farm Friendly Spirits Liquor Store Leslie Lavallee The Purple Carrot Town of Killingly Alton & Jill Blodgett Trust Celebrations Gallery & Frog Rock Rest Stop, LLC Law Office of Putnam Business Association Trink-et Shoppe Thomas & Kathy Borner Mary Ellen Ellsworth Shoppes Roger & Nancy Gale Andrea L. Truppa Howard Raphaelson Carol Tschirpke Robert & Katherine Boucher Ernie & Sandy Staebner Charlie Brown Campground Gallery at the Wauregan Gary & Frietha Lawrence Ken & Nancy Rawn Variegated Foliage Nursery Loring Boyden Fairvue Farms Charter Communications Karen Gallo Lebanon Historical Society Rawson Materials Village Electric R. Sky Bridgman Falcon Farm Chase Graphics Garden Gate Florist Museum William B. Reid Robert & Susan Vincent Robert Briere Brigitte Falke Warren & Marguerite Church Janet Garon Scott & Rebecca Lehmann Bill & Ellen Rewinski Cristine M. Waldron Mary & Truxtun Brodhead Finnish-American Heritage Circle C Campground, Inc. Tom & Nancy Gerseny Bonnie & Gary Lipstreu Katharine Richardson Walter & Carolyn McGinn, Ross N. Brudenell, Jr. Society Jane Cook & Chip Gough Ron & Norma Gingras Lisa Andrews Peter Rimkus & DMD Susan Burns Thomas Foley, Jr. Richard & Mary Cooper Merrill Ann Gonzales Lord Thompson Manor Debbie Myers Kent & Mary Weaver Morris Burr Laura & John Foxx Colleen & Robert Cording Dave Goodrich Love My Art River Bend Campground Webco Chemical Corp. William Murray Buttner Albert Gosselin, Sr., M.D. Larry & Kitty Lowenthal John & Linda Rodolewicz Gary & Carol Weed Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary Franklin Historical Society, The Cottage House Inc. Goudreau’s at Nash’s Mansfield Downtown Rolf Bodyworks Weiss & Hale Financial, LLC Charles Carey Courthouse Bar & Grille Eileen G. Fritz Garden Center Partnership Roseland Cottage We-Li-Kit Farm Richard Carpenter Crabtree & Evelyn Peter & Judy Georg Governor Samuel Mansfield Drive-In Theatre Irene Ross Westford Hill Distillers Ted & Susan Chambers Creamery Brook Bison Joy & John Glynn Huntington Trust & Marketplace James & Deborah Russel William Benton Museum Beverly Champany CT Audubon Society Bruce & Sherry Goldman LyAnn Graff & Ken Carpenter Maxine Marcy Salon One Day Spa of Art Chase Road Growers Carolyn Cutler Barry Gorfain & Sonia & Kevin Greene Lisa Markham Ben Williams Craig & Mary Cheyne Mary Lou Davis & Sawmill Pottery Debbie Tedford Steve Gottlieb Karen Greer Diane & Jeffrey Marshall Gerald W. Sazama WINY-AM Radio Station Anne Christie & Steve Russo Ann Gruenberg Marty’s of Dudley John Wolchesky Governor Jonathan Trumbull Faith Damon Davison Scranton’s Shops Dale Cloud House Museum Roslyn Harrington Walter & Carolyn McGinn Lucy Wong Cornelia Dayton Semaki & Bird Russ Cohen Gabrielle Gratton Russell F. Harris Meadow Stone Farm Woodstock Merchants Deb’s Place Kevin & Linda Shaw Maureen Combs Anne & Barry Greene, Jr. Heart & Home David Mitchell Woodstock Orchards, LLC The Dinosaur Place at John & Nancy Silander Connecticut Eastern Paul Grenier Steve & Leesa Heath Morning Beckons Farm Loretta Wrobel Railroad Museum Nature’s Art Village Slater Memorial Museum Greyledge Tree Farm Heirloom Food David J. Morris Wyndham Land Trust, Inc. Robert & Judith Cornoni Dog Lane Café Caroline E. Sloat Guns of Norwich Historical Highland Campground Mrs. Bridge’s Pantry David & Marjorie Yeager David & Evelyn Duffner Evelyn Cole Smith Ernie Crandall Society, Inc. Steve & Susan Hogan Nathan Hale Inn & William J. Zenko Thomas & Lynne Dufresne Lon & Susan Smith CT Dept. of Energy & Roswell & Gretchen Hall The Hoot Conference Center Env. Prot. Ann Dunnack Mark & Debby Smith Heifer International Deb Hopkins & Jim Poland David & Karen Nelson Robert Curtis Lucian Dzialo Someplace Special Paul & Ann Hennen Michael J. & Tenley G. Nelson

15 Hickory Ridge Tree Farm Norwich Community Voluntown Economic Dorothy Billington Elizabeth Delhaie, Sr. Alison Hill Joan Marschall Edwin Hinkel Development Corporation Development Comm. Ruth Blakney Ken & Sally Demars John Hoadley Jeff & Cheryl Mathieu Hitchcock Free Academy Thomas & Marie Olson Joseph Wade Claire Bolduc Howard B. Denslow Elaine Hodge Sara May David R. Hoey Robert Paladino Susan Waldron Richard Booth Susan DeSilver Don & Rachel Holmes Dale & Judith Maynard Robert & Leslie Holland Palmer Arboretum Wayne’s Organic Garden Charles & Rita Borovicka Beth Desjardin Katherine Holt William Maynard Eleanor W. Hubbard Evelyne Parizek Lynn & Donna Weaver Aaltina Brinks-Boersma Clare Despathy Jim & Brenda Houghton Carole McCarthy Rebecca S. Ikehara Bruce & Linda Parsons Westfield Congregational Lennox Brodeur Mary Rose Deveau Carolyn Huff Jean & Jack McClellan John Ilewicz Christine Petersen & Church, UCC Lois Bruinooge John & Lauren Dignam Tom Hughes & Bill & Louise McDermott George & Judith Jackson, III Christian Wagner Cathy & Shane White Sue & Nick Buehler Caroline Driscoll Andrea Amato Kathy McGrath Jonathan Trumball Jr. House Gary Powell John & Kathryn White Karin Burlingame Mark & Dorothy Drobney Lorraine Jencik Loretta McHugh Museum Prindle Pond Conf. Center Robert & Pauline White Ken & Beverly Butkiewicz Donald & Judith Ducheneau Robert E. & Joan Johnson Joyce Meader Jorgensen Center for the Janice Putnam Jim & Joyce Wicks Tony Bys Lucille K. Duhamel Sandra Johnson Sandra Mello Performing Arts Quinebaug Valley Susan Wiley Michael & Vivian Camara Kristine Durocher Mark & Sue Johnston Rich & Ann Merritt Joshua’s Tract Conservation Community College Willimantic Whitewater William & Naomi Campbell Eastern CT Conservation David & Carol Jordan Michael & Kathleen & Historic Trust Dennis & Kelley Rice Partnership Lawrence & Carol Campion District, Inc. William M. Juzwic Michalak Irene Juthnas Gloria Ricker William Zamagni, Sr. Debra Cantor & James Beede Jim & Shirley Faucher Kaplan & Brennan , LLP Jane & Jack Middleton Ayla Kardestuncer Anne Roberts-Pierson Susan Zimmerman & Martin & Astri Carlson Rudy J. & Joy P. Favretti Ruth Karl Larry Millhofer Carlotta Kennedy Margaret Rohloff Claude Pellegrino Joyce Carpenter Lois Fay Doug & Jennifer Kaufman Wendy Mis Killingly Grange #112 Deb Romaniw Lenore & Stuart Case Gordon Ferrin Judith Ann & Edward Keegan Anthony Mongillo Marilyn L. Labbe Jim & Pam Rubovits $25+ Jean Cass Ronald & Barbara Fitzpatrick Gary Kendrick John F. Monroe Ken & Linda Lamothe Saari Studios Susan Abbood Tom Chamberland Rosemarie Florenz Robert & Linda Kerr Thomas & Nancy Moretta Rusty Lanzit Scotland Historical Society Roger Adams Bill & Patrice Champagne Susan Foster & Mary Eliza Kimball Gale & Judy Morganroth Donna LaPointe Reva Seybolt Frank & Terry Aleman William C. Champagne Roger Solomon Angela Kneeland Donald & Kathleen Morin Patricia L. LeBeau William Shanahan Debbie Almada Tom & Linda Chase Audrey A. Franklin Donna Koenig Beverly Muldoon Peter & Eleanor Linkkila Grace A. Sheehan Julia Altdorf Chickadees Elizabeth Gannon Donald Konow & Susan Allen Jennifer Nadeau Lisbon Historical Society Nancy Sheldon Kiku Andersen Lauren Churchill Neal & Carol Ganz Ann Kouatly Anne H. Nalwalk Millicent Lussier Frank & Susan Shuell Margaret Anderson Eleanor Clark Gerald & Rozalyn Geissert John Kucharski Nana B’s Tea House Sherry Magnan Ted & Barbara Simmons Anonymous (2) Ronald & Donna Coderre Patricia Gelinas Paul Laccavole James Nardulli Mary McGrattan Thomas Sinkewicz Christine Armstrong Mary C. Colburn Barbara & Marcel Goetz John Lachapelle Michael & Mandy Nelson Alexandra McNitt & Warren & Angela Smith Richard & Linda Auger Joyce Coleman Patricia Goff Barbara Laliberte Denise Noiseux Christine Holbrook Solair Recreation League Steven Ayer Maureen Combs Jack & Stephanie Gosselin Nancy Lamirande Linda Noon Geoffrey & Kimberly McLean Bruce & Georgia L. Stauffer Tim & Joan Baffaro Connecticut Tigers Michele Greaves Sally Larmon Richard & Avis Norman Sean Menchin Patricia T. Stevens Kelly Bailey Coreplus Federal Credit Gregoire’s Herb Farm Dennis Latchum Dena & Keith O’Hara Pauline Metras David & Debbie Stoloff Joan Ballestrini Union Griswold Historical Society Paul & Louise Lee Michael O’Keefe The Metro Bistrot Richard & Lynn Tarozzi Barbara Banda Cornerstone Creations George & Sandra Groom Mary Beth Leonard Gloria O’Neil Alan & Katherine Miller Temple Bnai Israel Kimberly Smith Barnett Mark Corriveau Alison U. Haber Glen & Christine Lessig Leila F. Ostby Peggy Miller Theatre of Northeastern CT Michael & Denise Baum David Corsini & Delia Berlin David & Marjorie Hall John Lewis Oxford Historical John Meyer & Barbara Thompson Barbara & Robert Beeckman Robert E. Crootof Christine & Richard Haller Michael & Cecilia Commission Carolyn Mills-Meyer Thread City Community James Belisle Sherill Cyr Hampton Antiquarian & Longenbaker Palazzi Orchard Stan Morytko, Jr. Development Corp. Helen Bender Marie Daumy Historical Society, Inc. Nicholas Longo Jane Palmer Nathan Hale Homestead The Three C’s Scott Benoit James R. Davis Richard & Sarah Hardy Jeff Lorello Richard Paradise Carol Joy Nelson Mary Tomeo Pamela Benton Jane Davis Rex & Sue Harkness Catherine Lynch Ted & Lori Parker Peter & Elaine Nelson David & Lisa Totman Ruth Bergeron Susan Davis & Jeff Simpson John Haskell Lucy MacWilliams Manny Patel Care for it, New Boston Beef Town of Franklin Curtis & Carol Berner Jean de Smet Elizabeth Hayden Judith Marcus Tony Paticchio & No Knot Sense Massage The Trust for Public Land Doug Berrisford John & Kathy Delaney Ken & Merrie Hedler Rocco Marino Susan Eastwood Northeastern Connecticut Barbara Vizoyan Diane & Mark Billings Joseph E. Hickey, Jr. Donna Pearson enjoy it, Richard & Christine Marschall Art Guild pass it on

16 Emmanuel Perez Gordan Schies Cheryl Wakely Caroline Barrows Debra Hultgren Gary F. Stephens In memory of Diane Bradley Tamsen & David Philippi Rev. Barbara Schreier Linda Walsh Shirley Bernstein Jorie Hunken Cecelia Sullivan Elsie-Marie Clark Melissa Phillips Julia Sedor Jennifer A. Watson The Bird Store and More Joseph & Valentine Iamartino Michelle Vadenais Mike & Debbie deFisser Raymond & Anne Pierson Senexet Grange #40 Alicia Wayland Michelle Bourgeois Valerie Imre Cathleen Veroneau Kristine Durocher Dawn Pindell James & Evelyn Shea William & Michelle Weiss Linda Bronstein Patricia Kearns Roberta Vincent First Congregational Eric Pohlman Elanah Sherman Carolyn Werge Bob Burgoyne Killingly Grange #112 Jennifer Wallace Church of Woodstock Rita Pollack Mike & Susan Sherman Vicki Wetherell Ralph & Jean Carlson Herma Kluck Walter Watson FCC Women’s Fellowship Philip & Marjorie Prince Kim Smith Barrett Shawn & Allison Whiston Elsie-Marie Clark Jamie & Vincent Kordack Doe West Karen Gallo Irene Profetto Susie L. St. Laurent Ann Williams Geraldine Coady David Lawrence Richard & Sandie Williamson Barbara & Marcel Goetz Alexander & Maureen Frank Sweezey, Jr. Windham Textile and Ray Dahlstrom Michelle Lengyel William Winter Robert & Leslie Holland Prokos Greg Swift History Museum Dot Davis Janet Liessner Susan Yetter Walter & Carolyn McGinn Girish Punj Jo Ann Szela Walter Wojciehowski Mike & Debbie deFisser Elizabeth Luchina Constance Rosenlund Robert Quevillon Barbara & Paul Szostakowski David Wojcik Ann DeFranco Maggie McCoil Gifts in honor or memory Lon & Susan Smith Linda Racine Marek & Nicole Tenerowicz Sylvia Jane Wojcik Tom DeJohn Pam McCormick In honor of Barbara Thompson Marion B. Racine Liz Thompson Carol Wood Karyn Di Bonaventura Judy Nilson Merilyn Bambauer Susan Waldron Anis & Ann Racy Walter & Debra Woycik Ron & Gwyneth Tillen Bernard Dubb Robert Nilson Anonymous In memory of Marilyn & Bob Rath Avery & Cynthia Tillinghast Bev York Liz Ellsworth Noah’s Ark Pet Shops of In memory of Carlos Barton Hon. Chase Going Jeff & Becky Regan Edward R. Tollman Patricia Zalesny Peter Fox Sturbridge, Inc. Anonymous Falcon Farm Herbert & Beverly Richardson Ross & Joanne Tomlin William & Kathleen Zamagni Dale Geslien Elizabeth Noyes Barry & Jane Rider Jane & Art Torrence Joan Zawacki Debra Giambattista Corrine Passardi In memory of In honor of Nancy Ciccone Christine Rosati Marshall & Karin Tourtellotte Herbert Zickwolf Richard & Diane Giggey Elaine Piazza Sgt. Nathan Boyden & Erik Gottlieb Constance Rosenlund Thomas & Elizabeth Treiber James Gothreau Margaret A. Pothier Loring Boyden Rosemarie Florenz Irene Roy Bill Tremblay Under $25 Erik Gottlieb & June Powell In memory of Roberta Briere In honor of Louise Pempek Laura Ruoff & Ren Villalba Jennifer Tufts Valerie Amsel Nancy Ciccone Peter Roper Robert Briere Faith L. Johnson Lester Ruth Clifford & Edna Van Dyke Anonymous (2) Grecian Delights John & Chris Sacrey In memory of Peter Berris Edward (Mitch) Ryerson Sally Van Dyke H. Janet Babineau John & Susan Hall Robert Schoff In honor of Dick & Sandie Ayla Kardestuncer Mary Santos Jean Marie Veroneau Merilyn G. Bambauer Kathleen Hart Keith & Meghan Schoppe Williamson Marylou Savoy Lawrence & Danielle Vincent William Barber Lee & Kristin Hazelton Ann Shrayer Jim & Helen Bruinooge In memory of Robert Sawyer Murray Wachman Eric Barbour Nelson J. Horr Marsha Sokoloski James Oliver Robertson Janet Robertson

Care for it, enjoy it, pass it on

17 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Danielson, CT Permit No. 111

The Last Green Valley, Inc. P.O. Box 29 203B Main Street Danielson, CT 06239-0029 P.O. Box 186 Southbridge, MA 01550

860-774-3300 860-774-8543 fax Email: [email protected] www.thelastgreenvalley.org

Design by Angell House Design Printed by The Pyne-Davidson Company on recycled paper with soy-based inks.

Cover photos by: FRONT PAGE Top - S. Hamby Bottom left - L. Bruinooge Bottom right top - J. Fulton Bottom right middle J. Gothreau Bottom right bottom - J. Pillo BACK PAGE: S. Hamby