NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDORIn Touch with The Last Green Valley

MEMBER MAGAZINE & 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

2018 Has Gone to the Birds

TLGV PARTNERS Protecting Birds and Their Habitats Audubon, Horizon Wings, and Capen Hill In Touch Vol. 3, Issue 1 Spring 2018 IN THIS ISSUE CT Audubon • Pg. 4 Message from the Chairman ...... 1 TLGV Board of Directors and Staff ...... 1 2018 Has Gone to the Birds ...... 2 Connecticut Audubon Protects Birds, Critters & Habitat Too ...... 4 Atka is the Face of Horizon Wings ...... 6 Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary ...... 8 Water Quality Monitoring Volunteers Make a Difference ...... 10 Thank You to Our Spring Outdoors Horizon Wings • Pg. 6 and Walktober Leaders...... 12 Volunteer Spotlight: Larry and Kitty Lowenthal ...... 14 Water Quality Volunteers • Pg. 10 Rolltober ...... 15 Telling Stories That Matter ...... 16 Business Partner: Publick House Historic Inn...... 18 Tastes of the Valley – A Farmer at The Table ...... 20 2017 By the Numbers ...... 21 Donor Spotlight: Steven Crooke ...... 22 Scenes from TLGV’s 2017 Annual Meeting ...... 23 2017 Financial Report ...... 24 Thanks to our Leaders • Pg. 12 Thank you to our Members, Donors, Sponsors and Partners ...... 25 Capen Hill • Pg. 8 In Touch is published twice a year by The Last Green Valley 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

Copyright 2018 The Last Green Valley, Inc. Stories written by Fran Kefalas Design by Angell House Design Stories That Matter • Pg. 16 Cover photo: Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) Background photo: S. Harraden

Tastes 2017 • Pg. 20

Steven Crooke • Pg. 22

Annual Meeting • Pg. 23

Lowenthals • Pg. 14 Publick House • Pg. 18 Message from the Chairman Welcome to this edition of In Touch, your member magazine highlighting the special people and organizations who make good things happen in The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. This edition also serves as The Last Green Valley, Inc.’s Annual Report for 2017.

We are proud of our accomplishments in 2017 and pleased to share them with you through these pages. With your help, we have continued to focus our resources on what we do best – connecting and inspiring people to care for, enjoy, and pass on The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. To our members and donors, thank you. Your support makes our programming possible and every dollar you provide helps us inspire new caretakers and stewards of this special place.

To our volunteers, thank you. You create magic when you share your love for The Last Green Valley with others. To our business partners and sponsors, thank you. Our communities are better places to live, work and play because of your support.

And to our non-profit partners, thank you. We are strongest when we work together to care for, enjoy and pass on our historic, cultural, and natural treasures.

As we look forward to 2018, we hope you will participate as we launch a major undertaking – an update of our 10-year management plan. We will be asking for your input in many different ways and hope you will engage in a robust discussion with us about the future of our National Heritage Corridor.

Our inspiration to plan carefully for the next decade comes in many forms, including this email from a young friend: Hi I'm Brodin. I am 11 years old. I am donating 10 dollars of my own money. I am doing a school project on CT and have made The Last Green Valley a part of it. I like what you are doing for the environment in CT. My mom and dad are going to be members too.

We look forward to connecting and inspiring even more people like Brodin and his family in 2018. Together, we can care for, enjoy, and pass on The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor!

Bill Jobbagy, Chairman Board of Directors

TLGV Board of Directors 2017-2018 TLGV Staff Bill Jobbagy, Chairman, Coventry, CT Lisa Hayden, Sturbridge, MA Lois Bruinooge, Executive Director Mike Nelson, Vice Chairman, Norwich, CT Rick Hermonot, Sterling, CT LyAnn Graff, Office Coordinator Myra Ambrogi, Secretary, Plainfield, CT Jennifer Kaufman, Mansfield, CT Kyle Gregoire, Community & Donor Thomas Dufresne, Treasurer, South- Mike Longenbaker, Tolland, CT Relations Manager bridge, MA Marty Nieski, Dudley, MA Fran Kefalas, Program and Media Coordinator Steven Ayer, Franklin, CT Wayde Schmidt, Pomfret, CT Bill Reid, Chief Ranger Donna Baron, Lebanon, CT Joan St. Ament, Woodstock, CT Sharon Wakely, Finance Administrator Janet Blanchette, Thompson, CT Eric Thomas, Coventry, CT, representing Elsie Bisset, Voluntown, CT the Governor of Connecticut PROGRAM CONSULTANTS Debra Burns, Putnam, CT Mark Winne, Charlton, MA Christine Armstrong, Karyn DiBonaventura, Pomfret, CT Education Outreach Coordinator James Gothreau, Putnam, CT Liz Ellsworth, Education Outreach Assistant Jean Pillo, Water Quality Monitoring and TRBP Coordinator 1 2 W tothe 2018 HasGone fundamental tothisproject,” “Citizen science iscompletely look forandlistenbirds. scientists allacrossConnecticut to birds matter. Itwillrequirecitizen passion ofthosewhoalready know will belookingtoharness the its mediaplatforms,theBirdAtlas importance ofbirdsacrossall to educatelaypeopleaboutthe beginning ayear-long mission While NationalGeographicis the state." and theirrelativeabundanceacross understand whatbirdsareoutthere lagging behind.It'simperativewe and inthatrespect,Connecticutis "What wehaven'thadisthedata, is oneoftheleadsonBirdAtlas. and EnvironmentalProtection,who Connecticut DepartmentofEnergy Huang, awildlifebiologistwiththe changes happening,”saidMin anecdotally therehavebeen we've knownforalongtime “In thebirdingcommunity breeding birds.Whynow? habitat formigratingandresident million projecttoprotectcritical Valley hasembarked ona$12.2 30 years.And,TheLastGreen its firstBirdAtlasinmorethan the bird.Connecticutisdeveloping declared 2018theyearof National Geographichas focus isnowonbirds. common sense,alotof an awakeningorjust hether it’s asynergy, ��r�� equal mapblocks foratleast across thestate tomonitor1,055 and amateurbirdersspread out ornithologists, fieldresearchers, Audubon ledtheeffort as Breeding BirdAtlas2.Mass to completetheMassachusetts 43,000 hoursfrom2007-2011 volunteers workedmorethan In ,morethan650 collection yet.” we haven’t evenstartedthedata partnerships,” Huangsaid.“And, have awideanddiversesetof to makeithappen.“We really Atlas, anditwilltakeallofthem partners engagedintheBird like facilitators.Therearemany they considerthemselvesmore UCONN areleadingtheproject, Huang saidwhileDEEPand the project.” a block,buttheycanstillhelpwith responsibility ofbeingassignedto someone doesn’t wantthe project,” Elphicksaid.“Perhaps at whichsomeonecanhelpthe collection. “There’s manylevels to assistwiththreeyearsofdata covered byavolunteerwilling and theyintendtogeteveryblock across Connecticutof600blocks, UCONN andDEEPhaveputagrid Elphick saidusingGISmapping, of theBirdAtlasprojectleads. University ofConnecticutandone Evolutionary Biologyatthe professor ofEcologyand said ChrisElphick,anassociate � the bald eagle. But that success is the baldeagle. Butthatsuccessis conservation successstories, suchas Huang saidthestatehasseen bird don’t knowabout.” and thosearetheoneswe really straits butaredecliningsteadily set ofspecieswhoarenotindire Elphick said.“Thereisawhole extremely specializedhabitats,” are introublebutdonotrequire which birdspeciesaredecliningor “What theatlascanshowusis and thebirdingcommunityhave. answer manyquestionsresearchers Elphick saidtheBirdAtlaswill than wehavehadbefore.” us muchmorevaluableinsight said. “Whenit’s doneitwilloffer project islongoverdue,”Comins undertaken inhiscareer. “This research projectthathasbeen most importantConnecticutbird said theBirdAtlasisprobably importance oftheproject.Comins The Birdsreportbecauseofthe the focalpointofitsnewState made theConnecticutBirdAtlas Society, saidhisorganization of theConnecticutAudubon Patrick Comins,executivedirector breeding birdlife. detailed changestothestate’s important informationabout Breeding BirdAtlasandprovided a previousversionofthe seasons. Theirworkbuiltupon 20 hourseachduringbreeding

more a credit to the birds than to the east. Spearheaded by TLGV, human efforts. “Bald eagles have MassConn and Northern Rhode shown their adaptability,” Huang Island Conservation District along said. “Unfortunately, there are with 16 other partners, the regional many bird species that are not as conservation partnership is a unique, adaptable or as plastic as the bald three-state effort that will bring eagles and they are the ones we together government, non-profit, need to know more about.” educational and commercial resources. Audubon Connecticut, Mass Audubon, The atlas is far more than a project and Audubon Society of to count birds, it’s essentially a are key partners, and TLGV Executive high-resolution mapping project Director Lois Bruinooge wrote the to figure out where breeding and $6.1 million grant awarded by the non-breeding birds are in the state. USDA Natural Resources Conservation For Elphick, that’s a key to the Service with an eye toward protecting project because those data-filled “There are many bird species critical bird habitat. maps can empower organizations and governments to make smarter that are not as adaptable or While still in its infancy, the five- environmental decisions. year project will total $12.2 million as plastic as the bald eagles invested in conservation for the “If you’re a land conservation birds. Woodland landowners will organization and you have a limited and they are the ones we need be able to learn from experts about amount of money and a suite of the birds on their property, and 10 to 15 parcels you’re looking at, to know more about.” funds will be available to help them but you can only afford five, this Min Huang, Connecticut DEEP improve bird habitat. The project will help you figure out where r�� will also permanently protect more to spend the money,” Elphick than 1,000 acres of woodland bird said. “That’s one of the most habitat in the region. important things that will come out of this. We can take our The partnership’s goal is to combat conservation dollars and use fragmentation of the last bastion of them much more efficiently. forested open space in the middle of As much as I’m all about the nation’s most densely populated getting more money region. Huang said in Connecticut, for conservation, I’m fragmentation is one of the largest equally or perhaps more problems birds face. “In the last 35 concerned about getting years we’ve seen population growth the biggest conservation and we’ve seen development break bang for our buck.” up these blocks of open space,” Huang said. Priority mapping and bird conservation are “We’re fortunate that The Last also at the heart of a Green Valley still has large tracts of new project to protect forested land,” said Bruinooge. “But the Southern New only 26% is permanently protected, England Heritage Forest, so the amount of core forest and its a 1.49 million-acre block critical bird habitat could decrease of open space and forest dramatically over the next decade. sandwiched between We need to act now, to ensure 2018 Hartford to the west and won’t be the last year of the bird.” and Providence to

Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) 3 CONNECTICUT AUDUBON Protects Birds, Critters � & Habitat Too � The story of birds tells the story of the environment. By protecting the avian world, its habitats and the critters who live in that habitat, the people of the Connecticut Audubon Society have come to appreciate that birds often are the first and best barometer of the health of the environment. “They truly are the canaries in our coal mine,” said Sarah Heminway, director of Northeast Corner Programs for Connecticut Audubon. “If the environment is healthy, bird populations thrive, but they often are the first visible sign of a problem.”

But, Connecticut Audubon is not just about birds. “We really cover the whole food chain,” Heminway said. “Connecticut Audubon’s mission is the state’s birds and their habitat. When you consider the habitat, that’s just about everything. We manage fields, woods, ponds and the critters within them because they all support bird populations.”

Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259 • 860-928-4948 Email: [email protected] • www.ctaudubon.org Connecticut Audubon will be hosting its first Migration Madness: The Big Weekend Bird Challenge, from May 18-20. The challenge will feature bird walks and activities for all ages.

4 Connecticut Audubon is construction of the Lois not part of the National Orswell Grassland Bird Audubon Society (which Conservation Center on also has a chapter in the the same footprint as state, known as Audubon the property’s original Connecticut). It is one barn. The original of the few remaining barn was dismantled statewide Audubons that and recycled off-site, has remained independent “We manage fields, woods, but some of the wood from the national and foundation stone organization, which also ponds and the critters within were used in the new ensures any donations them because they all support facility’s construction. made to the organization “It was a lot of work, stay in Connecticut. bird populations.” but thanks to the Sarah Heminway, director of Northeast Corner generosity of the Connecticut Audubon Programs for Connecticut Audubon people of northeastern also predates the national Kefalas F. Connecticut we have organization. Founded in Connecticut Audubon Executive a fantastic space 1898, It was famed naturalist and Director Patrick Comins said he that’s allowed us to expand our author Edwin Way Teale and his is excited about the work being programming,” Heminway said. wife, Nellie, who drew Connecticut Audubon to eastern Connecticut done at Trail Wood because of the But, Heminway and Rzeznikiewicz potential it has for reintroducing and what is now The Last Green are still the only full-time staff. The important bird habitat. Valley National Heritage Corridor. hundreds of programs offered each The Teales purchased Trail Wood “This is really an opportunity to year at Trail Wood and Pomfret in Hampton in 1959 and dubbed it create some successional habitat,” are possible because of the work “our Eden.” When Edwin passed Comins said. “We know there’s of coordinators and volunteers. away in 1980, Nellie began the been a historic loss of these young, Connecticut Audubon works hard process of deeding the property to shrubland habitats and Teale really at training and educating the Connecticut Audubon, finalizing is a good place for that.” Most of public to help in its mission. the agreement in 1981. Nellie lived eastern Connecticut’s forests are Citizen science programs, such as on the property until 1993. old, with the hurricane of 1938 mammal tracking, and regular being the last time large sections Audubon has preserved the property, nature walks throughout the including Edwin’s study and his of forest were destroyed. New property allow the organization growth is critical for some birds. writing cabin, as the Teales left it to extend its reach through and runs numerous programs there It helps create the diversity of those who have participated in habitat Connecticut Audubon throughout the year. The property, programming. It’s that mindset actively maintains in Pomfret. however, is currently closed as of education and training that Connecticut Audubon works with Connecticut Audubon came to also spurred the organization’s foresters to deal with the damage Pomfret in 1994, thanks to a 702- participation in the Connecticut caused by a third straight year of acre donation from Lois Orswell, Bird Atlas Project, the first time in gypsy moth infestation. who purchased the land with the 30 years such an effort has been intent to give it to Connecticut undertaken. Connecticut Audubon “It wasn’t an easy decision,” has made the project a major part Heminway said. “But, this is a Audubon for the creation of a wildlife sanctuary. Heminway of its 2018 efforts. safety issue. Eastern Connecticut and Sanctuary Manager Andy was hit hard by the moths, and The Center at Pomfret has already Rzeznikiewicz have been with everyone should take a good look hosted one information session on Audubon since then, and together at their woods and see what kind of the atlas project. The effort needs condition they’re in. There are a lot they are responsible for the the birding community to conduct management of both properties. of hanging branches and unhealthy surveys on birds that breed, winter trees that can cause accidents.” For years, the Pomfret center’s or migrate in Connecticut. The data Heminway hopes the work will be program was growing, but its from the surveys will help determine done by April 1 and the property facilities were not. In 2008 a capital whether we have thriving bird reopened to the public. campaign made possible the populations that are indicative of a healthy environment.

5 6 A four tosixbeingrehabilitated. given timetherecanbeanother is hometo25birdsandatany Kaeser’s backyard.HorizonWings property, whichalsohappenstobe a homeontheHorizonWings When theycan’t, theyusuallyfind majestic birdsbackintothewild. primary missionistogetthese Mary-Beth Kaeser, HorizonWings’ Founded andrunsince2001by rehabilitating birdsofprey. profit dedicatedtorescuingand the entirestoryofthisnon- demand. But,heisfarfrom programming, andheisinhigh to participateineducational ���� Mary-Beth Kaeser, Founder, Horizon Wings helps protect theseanimals.” and it’ssoimportant.Sharing ourknowledge wonderful offshoot of therehabilitationwork, “Teaching othersaboutthesebirdshasbeena HorizonWings istheFaceof ���� NewEnglandtrained few baldeaglesinSouthern the wild,Atkaisoneofa who canneverreturnto magnificent baldeagle work withonekindofanimal, her tofocusonrehabilitation Jan andStuMitchell,whourged rehabilitator. Itwashermentors, began thejourneytolicensed put herknowledgetoworkand lost. Kaeser, avet-techatthetime, play withasquirrel.Thesquirrel gentle Shepherdmix,decidedto work in1985whenherdog,avery Kaeser beganherrehabilitation protect theseanimals.” Sharing ourknowledgehelps work, andit’s soimportant. offshoot oftherehabilitation these birdshasbeenawonderful said. “Teaching othersabout reason todothiswork,”Kaeser get backintothewildisbest help thesemagnificentcreatures “The feelingofbeingableto

�the rehabilitatorsarevolunteers,” Wings areveryunique.“Allof but organizationssuchasHorizon rehabilitators areextraordinary, program, saidallwildlife Protection’s wildliferehabilitation of EnergyandEnvironmental assistant withtheCTDepartment Teri Powell,awildlifetechnical way toraisemoney.” do itonmyown,soIneededa Kaeser said.“Icouldn’t afford to pay feestorehabilitateanimals,” work andnecessity. “You haveto from equalpartspassionforthe and HorizonWingswasborn One of her newest offerings is called ‘Bird Brained,’ where Kaeser brings an American Crow, a Peregrine Falcon, an owl, and a Blue and Gold Macaw to show how intelligent birds truly are.

Powell said. “No one pays them, Kaeser realized, however, that her and it’s an immense responsibility passion for the birds was matched they take on. It’s every year and by her love for sharing that every day of the year. Most have passion with others. “Even when full-time jobs, and some have two I worked with the veterinarian’s jobs just so they can do this.” office, I loved to do our public relations work and have education There are also different levels of programs,” Kaeser said. “It was a training to rehabilitate different is the Face of natural extension of the work.” species. Kaeser, for example, must Kaeser has developed seven Horizon Wings Raptor meet federal standards because unique programs and is constantly Rehabilitation & Education she deals with migratory birds considering new ways to engage P.O. Box 238 and having a sanctuary adds the community with birds of Ashford, CT 06278 another level of regulation. Jeanne prey. One of her newest offerings 860-429-2181 Kraemer of Coventry Wildlife is called “Bird Brained,” where www.horizonwings.org Rehabilitation is trained to deal Kaeser brings an American Crow, with rabies vector species, meaning a Peregrine Falcon, an owl, and she can rehab mammals the state a Blue and Gold Macaw to show has deemed likely to carry rabies, The primary mission at Horizon how intelligent birds truly are. such as racoons, squirrels and Wings has always been to get the opossums. She doesn’t rehab birds “Everyone wants Atka,” Kaeser birds back into the wild. It can be or bunnies, but is working towards said. “I understand why, but a complicated process, Kaeser said, rehabilitating fawns. they’re also missing out on some because many of the birds have other extraordinary birds.” Birds head injuries. To ensure they can Kraemer and Kaeser both see such as Corbin, the crow, who has go back into the wild and survive, education as critical when it a lot to say, and Julian, the raven, she must determine whether comes to wildlife rehabilitation. who also talks and has a proclivity their eye sight, hearing and Kraemer focuses on getting more for following around Horizon balance among other things are rehabilitators trained and appointed Wings volunteers, or Chrysos and sufficient to both hunt and protect by the state. “Last year 120 people Skywalker, two golden eagles themselves. took the exam and six people got whose love affair weathered a their license,” Kraemer said. “Four three-year separation and is now While Kaeser is the driving force of them trained with me.” behind Horizon Wings, she is not ��� as strong as ever. And then there’s alone. There is a small army of Money is a critical issue for Stevie Rae, a black vulture with volunteers who help Kaeser care rehabilitators. Every animal plenty of personality. for the birds, maintain the grounds costs money. Rehabilitating a Not all of the 25 residents of and prepare them to venture racoon could cost $300 to $500, Horizon Wings venture out for back into the wider world. “I Kraemer said. The bigger the educational programs. There is couldn’t do what I do without the animal the higher the expense, significant training that occurs, volunteers,” Kaeser said. “It’s so too. As a 501(c)(3), Horizon Wings and some birds just prefer to important to find a community of is positioned to help itself with stay home. Julian, for example, is like-minded people who want to fundraising, but raising money camera shy and for all the talking work with you and help forward is not easy, especially when and conversations he and Corbin the organization’s mission.” rehabilitating birds requires have, as soon as someone tries to intensive effort. record them, Julian runs and hides.

7 Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary A Refuge for Both Animals and Humans

he 86-acre Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary in Charlton, MA, features miles of trails and an office that is home to a T menagerie of animals who can no longer live in the wild and would otherwise be easy prey. In many ways the property has always been a refuge.

“There’s a lot of history here,” said Barbara Fredericks, executive director of Capen Hill. The history began with John Capen Adams, aka Grizzly Adams, whose family once owned the property. How much time Adams spent on his family’s homestead is unclear, but his legend seems to have soaked into the land. Later, the Wells family, of American Optical, purchased the land and moved from Southbridge to the property. Fredericks’ office was once Ruth Dyer Wells bedroom, and the family raised cattle on the land for Heifer International. The Wells family also moved a barn from their Southbridge property to Charlton. Barbara Fredericks with one of the many birds who have found shelter at Capen Hill. “It was like a sanctuary for the Wells family,” Fredericks said. most important.” said. “I tried to keep it up. I was walking around with songbirds in The animals at the sanctuary Wells formally founded the my purse because you have to feed include turtles, many birds and a Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary with them every 15 minutes, but there few small mammals. Fredericks said a mission of preservation and was time for nothing else.” environmental education in 1977 some people call the sanctuary for in her husband’s memory. “The animal rescue and rehabilitation, For Fredericks, finding Capen land is really our primary mission,” but the staff can no longer do Hill in 2000 was like finding her Fredericks said. “We take care of rehabilitation work. Fredericks, own sanctuary. Fredericks came the land and preserve it as forest who is a biologist with zoology in looking for a part-time job she and open space, and because of experience, said the rehabilitation could manage while raising her that we get a lot of wildlife coming work was all-consuming, taking four children and found a second through here. The animals we away from the rest of Capen Hill’s home. A year later she became have in the sanctuary are what mission. “We did do rehabilitation the executive director when the get people to come visit us, but work and my predecessor was woman who hired her retired. it’s the preservation piece that’s passionate about it,” Fredericks Under Fredericks, the focus of the “We do a lot with a very small staff and some passionate volunteers.” Barbara Fredericks, executive director of Capen Hill

8 Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary 56 Capen Road Hill. “In 1977 that was a lot of organization shifted. She decided Charlton, MA 01507 money. Now, we get $8,000 and it to give up the rehabilitation 508-248-5516 basically pays the oil bill for a year. work and focus on the care of the www.capenhill.org We have had situations where we animals the sanctuary already had Business Hours: Monday to have almost had to shut down and and the environmental education Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the nick of time a grant or other component of its mission. Trails are open seven days funding has come through.” a week Capen Hill now runs camps for “We're a hard-working nonprofit,” children ages 5 to 12 during April Fredericks added. “We do a lot vacation and the summer. The with a very small staff and some Above: The Wells’ historic barn is still in camps utilize the entire facility, passionate volunteers.” use as a program space for Capen Hill. including the historic barn, and the programs focus on science Below: Sam the Toucan lives in and nature. “They do a little Frederick's office at Capen Hill. of everything nature-related,” Fredericks said. “They study tadpoles, learn about animal tracks, identify different plants and rocks. We keep them busy and we find a lot of our campers come back year after year.”

Capen Hill also offers many free programs, such as its annual Easter Egg Hunt, where Fredericks and volunteers scatter more than 5,400 eggs around the property and every child can get up to two prizes.

But as a non-profit, funding is a major need. Fredericks said when Ruth Wells created the sanctuary she also created a trust which allocated $14,000 a year to Capen

9 Volunteers Over 8 weeks of testing, the team Over 8 weeks of testing, the team collected one sample as high as 830 cfu. Cfu stand for colony forming units and 132 cfu is the highest measure acceptable in a non-drinking water sample, Rondeau said. Identifying the source of the contamination was Wild and much more difficult. domesticated ducks, as well as geese, did not seem to be in a high enough concentration to account for the high bacteria levels. During the investigative process, If however. one thing became clear, Rondeau could mitigate the runoff wouldit Library, Thompson the from have a positive impact on the water abecause River French the of quality storm drain system discharges right into the river at the site. wanted to do something “We that was easy for people to see and understand,” Rondeau said. “The library is a focal point of the Rondeau created two community.” rain gardens with the help of the public works department. town’s for a federal grant to implement remediation actions supporting the It water health of the French River. meant a $25,000 infusion of projects ensuring non-point source water pollution is significantly reduced in the heart of Thompson. The data also allowed Rondeau to create the first- ever watershed plan for the French will help a document that River in CT, set the tone on a local and state level for conservation and development. “It is very gratifying when TLGV data is turned into an action to correct something our volunteers find while doing field work,” Pillo said. Her team found the French River was doing well. But, the team also monitored brooks in Thompson that flow into as Long Branch such the French River, Brook, Ross Brook and Backwater Brook. In a small pond of Backwater Brook, located across the street from the Thompson Public Library and just before the brook flows into the that problems were French River, found. The pond is small – two to three acres – but had high levels of bacteria associated with fecal matter.

udy Rondeau followed the water and it led her to Rondeau, a Thompson, CT. natural resource specialist for the Eastern Connecticut

Jean Pillo, TLGV's water quality monitoring coordinator and Rondeau's co-worker at ECCD, delivered the team and the data that allowed Rondeau to apply “We know it’s a river that’s been a river that’s know it’s “We for many, impacted on and off many years,” Rondeau said. “And, we know the [state Department of Energy and Environmental have the staff Protection] doesn’t to do all the testing that needs to be done, but we needed data. We partner with The Last Green Valley on a lot of these kinds of projects, so we asked them to get us data.” Conservation District, used data collected by The Last Green Valley’s team of volunteer water quality monitors to create changes in the heart of Thompson that will the water quality positively affect of the French River. Water Quality Monitoring Monitoring Quality Water J 10

� Above: Volunteers helped plant the new perennial rain garden at the Thompson Public Library.

Far Left: TLGV volunteers collect water samples in Thompson.

Immediate left: Town employees begin work on the rain gardens.

Monitoring Program by the Numbers Make a Difference stream, lake and pond sites monitored by 100 105volunteers One of the rain gardens may Rondeau also installed a tree filter + data points submitted to not be readily obvious to many on the school campus. Tree filters 4,000state agencies people. The grass rain garden is look like a tree is growing out of samples collected from 10 sloped to collect rain from the the middle of a storm grate, and it sites known to have high roof and the rest of the lawn and is. But the entire system, tree and 117 levels of bacteria allow it to soak into the ground, all, is designed to filter the most streams documented to meet where nature will do its job contaminated water runoff from filtering out contaminants before a street or parking lot. Rondeau state standards for aquatic life: the water ends up in the French said the filter will also provide Ten Mile River in Lebanon and Button Ball Brook in Chaplin River. A second, perennial rain an opportunity for teachers to 2 garden is catching water off the do real-time data collection and sites on the Shetucket River roof that was previously diverted science with their classes. National Recreation Water Trail straight into the storm drains. 7 monitored for bacteria Thompson First Selectman Ken A downspout planter was also Beausoleil said the projects are very thermometers (called HOBOs) created near the library entrance. important to the town as it strives placed in streams to record In addition to the gardens, to meet the challenges of MS4 9 temperatures year-round Rondeau also worked with the permitting, a process designed to farms, 1 arboretum, and town to install six catch basin reduce non-point source pollution 1 lake toured during the filters. The filters are placed of waterways. “We have to meet annual Thames River Basin inside the catch basins where these standards, but we don’t have 4 Partnership Floating Workshop they can remove pollutants such the expertise and the knowledge people learned about as sediment, gasoline and other to address these issues,” Beausoleil monitoring for harmful automotive chemicals. Rondeau said. “Judy does, and she gave us algae blooms in a special said the grant also allowed the a road map that we were able to 24 EPA presentation town to purchase replacement help put together. Her knowledge filters, so Thompson has about combined with our guys’ skills made team leaders honored at 10 years of use before having to it happen.” TLGV’s annual water quality purchase new ones. 7 monitoring conference 2017 Water Quality 11

the region. More than 82,000 people attended, some of them coming from half-way around the globe to do so. a special location,” live in such “We said Lois Bruinooge, TLGV executive “Spring Outdoors and director. highlight every aspect of Walktober what makes the National Heritage Corridor an extraordinary place, including the people behind the scenes who organize and lead such amazing experiences.”

THANK YOU TO OTHANK began at the request of some partners who wanted of TLGV’s to see an event like Walktober held at other times in the year. uniqueSpring Outdoors offers opportunities because it spans an entire season. The same walk can be held several times and visitors will experiences each time. get different Walktober In its 27th year, not only continued to prove it’s a recreational juggernaut, but a tremendous economic driver for

Spring Outdoors Spring Spring Outdoors blossomed in its More than 18,500 second year. people participated in more than 200 events from hikes, to paddles, environmental discussions and historic jaunts between March 20 and June 21. Spring Outdoors 2017 proved again that many organizations and individuals are passionate about The Last Green National Heritage Corridor. Valley That passion showed itself in the 2nd Annual Spring Outdoors and the 27th Annual Walktober. Both programs saw an increase in attendance as well as an increase in the number of partners creating and leading events. 12

� and Walktober � NK YOU TO OUR LEADERS

The connections between Spring to all the City of Norwich, CT 2017 By the Numbers Outdoors and Walktober are also has to offer. The organization Walktober growing as each event has inspired coordinates about 35 diverse participants the other. Some organizations offer experiences throughout Walktober 82,308 the same Spring Outdoors and and some of those have now Spring Outdoors Walktober walks that become very become Spring Outdoors events 18,510 participants different experiences because of as well. "The Norwich Historical the seasons. Other organizations Society's mission is to preserve, 1 “Rolltober” The first have developed different walks for protect and promote the rich Walktober activity specifically Walktober, allowing the event to history of Norwich, CT,” said Regan created for people with continue evolving. Miner, Consultant for the Norwich mobility impairments (see Historical Society. “Walktober The Norwich Historical Society has page 15 for details) is a great way to enhance our used Walktober draw attention mission and educate not only visitors about the rich history of our community, but encourage local residents to get out and explore the history that is in their own backyard. Norwich has such a rich history from the 17th century up to today and we tell these unique stories though our diverse Walktober offerings."

To all of our knowledgeable, hard-working and passionate partners, thank you! We are looking forward to your leadership in 2018.

13 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Larry and Kitty Lowenthal

Few people were more integral lived in it,” Larry said. “It gave me to the creation of the National a connection I didn’t have with Heritage Corridor than Larry too many other places that I had Lowenthal. In response to a local worked on. This was personal.” grassroots effort spear-headed by For Larry, the connection also then U.S. Rep. Sam Gejdenson, the stretched back to his childhood. sent Larry Growing up in northern New Jersey to evaluate whether the area was he watched his home transition worthy of national designation. from a landscape of open space and As a National Park Service Ranger farms into a tangle of interstates, and Historian, his report not only concrete and bedroom communities convinced the Park Service the locals Above: Ranger Kitty Lowenthal on duty for New York City. The Last Green were right, it’s a primer on what for The Last Green Valley. Valley, Larry contends, could have makes The Last Green Valley special. ended up in a similar situation with Below: Larry Lowenthal leads the “Historic “Larry captured not only the its proximity to Boston, Hartford and Steerage Rock” walk in Brimfield, MA, historical significance of the Providence. That it was allowed to during Walktober in 2017. Heritage Corridor but how the stay green and still somewhat wild Connecticut. Kitty said she knew landscape shaped the history and was part miracle and part effort that little of the area and joined Larry vice versa,” said Lois Bruinooge, made the designation as a National on a two-day car ride to see the TLGV executive director. “His Heritage Corridor more important. mills. “We saw the Wauregan Mill, training as both a National Park Larry was not alone during his initial Ponemah Mill and the Baltic Mill Service Historian and Ranger work on the National Heritage was still standing at that time,” allowed him to see the whole story Corridor or for his subsequent Kitty said. “There were more mills of the Heritage Corridor and make volunteering. His wife, Kitty, came still in good shape back then, and the case for its recognition.” along on road trips to explore it was this lovely pause in time. The But Larry’s professional the area that would become the whole area is timeless.” involvement only signified the National Heritage Corridor, and she Together the Lowenthals have led start of his relationship with The too became a volunteer. Walktober adventures, all the way Last Green Valley. He has been a When it first began, the Heritage back to when the event was known dedicated volunteer ever since. “I Corridor was 25 towns in as Walking Weekend. They have

“There’s no guarantee this place won’t become like northern New Jersey. It won’t as long as w

The Last Green Valley and our local land trusts.” – Kitty Lowenthal

14 been volunteer Rangers and assisted in other, behind-the-scenes ways, such as reviewing grant applications.

“The knowledge they have and their lifetime of research is incredible,” said TLGV’s Chief Ranger Bill Reid. “They’re very unique in their abilities and their appreciation for the National Heritage Corridor and they’re just nice people. They’ve always been a joy to work with.” The Lowenthals live in the Massachusetts end of The Last Green Valley and said they wish the Corridor had been designated originally as the 35 towns it now comprises. “Boundaries are made by people,” Larry said. “The Last Green Valley towns in Massachusetts have What is Rolltober? more in common with the towns in Connecticut than they do with many he Last Green Valley’s Trails Assessment Team hosted it’s first of the communities around them.” event during Walktober. Called Rolltober, the event was meant to put a focus on the team’s work and show that there are Kitty said she and her husband T places for people with mobility challenges to get outside. try to stay involved with both historical and land conservation “This started as a grant project to figure out which boat launches organizations, such as Opacum in The Last Green Valley were accessible to people with mobility Land Trust. “There’s no guarantee challenges,” said Lois Bruinooge, executive director of TLGV. “The this place won’t become like all-volunteer Trails Assessment Team has really expanded the effort to northern New Jersey,” Kitty said. assess all kinds of trails. The work they’ve done is incredible and helps “It won’t as long as we support people know which trails, paths and boat launches are going to be organizations like The Last Green accessible to them.” Valley and our local land trusts.” TLGV secured a second grant in 2017 from the CT Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection that funded more advanced trails assessment equipment. The new equipment – one of only 37 units in the nation – will speed the assessment process and was showcased on’t as long as we support organizations like at the Rolltober event. The team – made up of Sandra Swale of Woodstock, Greg Stillman of Brooklyn, Virge Lorents of Killingly, – Kitty Lowenthal Angela Kneeland of East Putnam and TLGV Office Coordinator Lyann Graff of Killingly – assessed large portions of the Airline Trail in 2017.

To highlight their work and share information, the team organized Rolltober at the Air Line State Park Trail, Route 169 Trailhead in Pomfret, CT. The team demonstrated the equipment it uses and discuss how mobility-challenged users, including disabled, elderly and even parents pushing strollers can select trails that will meet their personal interests, skills, abilities and expectations. The team is now creating signage and information for trail segments already assessed so visitors can make their own informed decision about what trails in The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor are best for them.

15 Charles Coombs (1852-1936) was a woodworker, wheelwright, founder of a bicycle club and a well-known photographer. His home and shop were on School Street, but they no longer exist. Hundreds of his local photographs exist today as glass negatives, postcards and prints. In the photo, his daughters, Hattie and Alice, are on the left. Charles is on the right, and his wife, Rachel, is sitting in the center. The two older women are

not identified,1 but are likely grandmothers of Hattie and Alice.

Telling Stories THAT1 MATTER

Coventry reclaimed a slice of its “You can’t help but wonder and prepared for exhibition thanks history in 2017, thanks to a grant about these people and their to the TLGV grant. from The Last Green Valley. The lives,” Stone said. “And some of Most years since 2003, TLGV has town had been given more than the places in these photos are awarded historic and cultural grants. 200 historic photos, but was unable still recognizable today.” Stone To date, more than $1 million has to put the donation to use until and Eric Trott, the town’s director been awarded and matched by the the opportunity arose to apply for of planning and development, grantees. Coventry applied for a TLGV’s “Telling Stories That Matter spearheaded an effort to preserve $956 grant in 2016 as part of the Grant.” Laura Stone, an amateur the photos, which were taken in annual $15,000 “Telling Stories That photographer and executive assistant the late 1800s to around 1910 by Matter” program. In 2017, six new to the Coventry Town Administrator, two well-known photographers projects were approved for a total was tasked with digitally enhancing of the time, Charles Coombs and of $15,000 awarded. the historic photos. Some were so Julian Beville. Of the more than enigmatic they drew her in, as if 200 glass-negative photos given to Coventry matched its grant with telling a story even before the facts the town by John Welles Brainard, funding and in-kind services for a of the images were uncovered. 60 of them have been mounted total project of $1,912. The project

16 Left: Eric Trott and Laura Stone show one of the collages the town created with grant funding from TLGV.

Below top: The John Boynton House at the corner of Main and Lake Streets.

Below bottom: The Construction of Booth & Dimock Memorial Library

was fully completed in September interaction among residents and and has now been displayed at a their appreciation of their history.” number of town-wide functions in And, there’s been an unexpected several different locations. All the spinoff of the project as well. photos are on the town’s website. “The photos generated some “Part of the goal was to make this significant donations of historical as interactive as possible,” Trott said. material from residents and former “There are still some of these photos residents that will now be saved we haven’t identified and may and shared in the archives of never identify. One of the amazing the Coventry Historical Society,” things about this project was being Jobbagy said. “We can now share part of that discovery process.” even more material with present and future residents.” Trott and Stone put together a committee that included TLGV Board Chairman Bill Jobbagy, who is a Coventry resident and TLGV awarded grants to 6 organizations in 2017 historian, Booth and Dimock for sharing and preserving our heritage: Memorial Library Director Kristi Sadowski, and residents Carol • Aspinock Historical Society of Putnam - $4,000 for its ongoing North, Susan Way, Mark Lavitt restoration of Cady Copp Cottage, the oldest standing building and Donna Slevin. “Sometimes in Putnam. the committee could identify • Eastford Historical Society- $2,185 to preserve an original 1868 the photos or the people pretty map and create a digital image, a preservation master and a quickly, but at other times reproduction for display and handling by researchers. they had to go and do their homework,” Trott said. “It was • Lisbon Trails Committee - $2,060 to design signage and further great to see how those community develop the trail system at historic Burnham Tavern. connections went to work in • Thompson Historical Society - $1,680 for the purchase of identifying as much as we could.” equipment to aid in ongoing digitization of its extensive Jobbagy said the effect of the historical collections. project on the town has been • Thompson Together - $3,075 for the restoration of seven remarkable. “The displays have historic cemeteries in Thompson. fostered much discussion with older residents about their homes and • Windham 4-H Foundation - $2,000 for the repair of a historic ancestors, and created more social fireplace and chimney in the main lodge of the Pomfret Center 4-H Camp. 17 PARTNER SPOTLIGHT Publick House Historic Inn

Since 1771, the Publick House Harrington has no interest in Tillyer House’s new lobby will Historic Inn has been a center of owning the typical hotel. Along feature a double-sided wood- hospitality. With almost 250 years with the Publick House he has burning fireplace. Glick and his of tradition, change might seem purchased two more historic inns, staff work hard to balance the difficult, but the historic inn is the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, Publick House’s history with the undergoing one of the biggest MA and Concord’s Colonial Inn in comforts of a modern hotel and changes in its history. A major Concord, MA. Construction of the restaurants. For example, there are construction project is going on Tillyer House could easily finance some traditional comfort foods, next door to the original inn in the purchase of a larger chain such as pot roast and pot pie that Sturbridge, MA. Known as Tillyer hotel. “And you would probably will always be on the menus. House, the building will feature 28 make more money doing it, but However, award-winning Executive new rooms and give the inn a lobby that’s not the goal here,” Glick said. Chef Kenneth O’Keefe also has a for the first time in its modern section of the menu where he and Like the Publick House’s other existence. The new building is his staff get more creative. new building, Chamberlain House, scheduled for a November opening. everything about Tillyer House is Finding the balance can take time, “It really allows us to expand our designed to make it look as if it’s however. Glick admits he agonized audience to a more corporate been part of Sturbridge’s historic over putting electronic key locks clientele during the weekdays,” district for centuries. The name on the doors of every room at the said Michael Glick, general is based on historic tax rolls. The inn. “I was worried it would take manager of the Publick House. roof line is designed to mimic away from the historic look and Glick said the primary business of 18th century homes and a barn. feel, but I think we found a way the Publick House is social events. “We have modern conveniences,” to keep the look with adding the The inn averages 185 weddings a Glick said. “We have to have Wi-Fi safety and comfort of modern year and its two restaurants serve everywhere. We have flat screen locks,” Glick said. 100,000 lunches and dinners. The televisions in every room, but we draw for many of its guests is the also have wood-burning fireplaces historic charm. And that’s the way throughout the property.” Publick House Historic Inn owner Michael Harrington likes it. 277 Main Street (Rte. 131) P.O. Box 187 Sturbridge, MA 01566 508-347-3313 or 800-publick www.publickhouse.com

18 The Publick House’s iconic status and busy schedule do not deter it from being actively involved in the community. The Publick House hosts monthly fundraisers for community nonprofits and actively promotes the events for the organizations. The Publick House played host to The Last Green Valley’s Tastes of The Valley in 2017 and will do so again on August 26, 2018.

Tastes of The Valley, however, is not a typical fundraiser. It features locally-grown foods prepared by the region's best chefs. The Publick House not only hosted the “We knew we could help event but opened its kitchen to Mark Your three other executive chefs who and we were confident we all worked together to create a multi-course sit-down meal. “It could do this well and help Calendar was exciting to be a part of,” Glick said. “We knew we could help and The Last Green Valley create we were confident we could do for our signature this well and help The Last Green a great event.” Valley create a great event. We fundraising believe we can do these things Michael Glick, general manager of the better than most. And, honestly, Publick House event in 2018! some of this is selfish. We do want to help the organizations we work Below: The Public House as seen from with, but we also want to expose the Sturbridge Town Common with the Tillyer House construction showing Tastes of the ourselves to a new audience. It on the right side of the photo. helps us too.” Valley presents A Farmer at Your Table Sunday, August 26 at the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge.

19 ER M at R th A e F T The 12th Annual Tastes of the Valley – A Farmer at the - A Table was held in August at the Publick House Historic Inn

B in Sturbridge, MA. The event featured locally-grown foods

L prepared by the region’s best chefs, and, in a new twist, E

tastes -

featured a sit-down, multi-course dinner in the company of

of the - - a farmer, brewer, or vintner at each table. - - -

In a new twist this year, 150 guests Chefs from Grill 37, the Publick were treated to a multi-course dinner House, the Inn at Woodstock prepared by chefs from the Inn at Hill, and Bella’s Bistro received a Woodstock Hill, Grill 37, Bella’s Bistro, standing ovation for their inspired and the host, Publick House Historic creations using locally-grown Tastes of the Valley kicked off with Inn. Each table featured a farmer, products. Farm-to-table dining at delectable tastes and sips provided by vintner, or brewer working in The its best! Heirloom Foods, G-Seven Catering Company, Last Green Valley. Renee’s Working Girl Catering, These Guys Brewing Company, Taylor Brooke Winery, Sharpe Hill Vineyard, Willimantic Brewing Company, Westford Hill Distillers, Hosmer Mountain Soda, The Farmer’s Cow and Maple Lane Farms.

Thank you to our Sponsors and Raffle/Auction Item Donors. Dessert was provided by the Vanilla With your help we raised more Thank you to the following farms for contributing Bean Café, The Farmer’s Cow, and than $25,000 to support The to Tastes: 18th Century Purity Farms, Baldwin Brook Sturbridge Coffee Roasters. Farm, Buell’s Orchard, Chase Road Growers, Couet Last Green Valley’s programs! Farm & Fromagerie, Creamery Brook Bison, Devon Point Farm, Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm, The Farmer’s And a very special thank you to Cow, Fern Hollow Farm, Hart’s Greenhouse & Florist, our amazing Tastes of the Valley J & D Farms, Lapsley Orchard, Maple Lane Farms, Committee Chair Laura Moorehead New Boston Beef, Norm’s Sugar Shack, Palazzi and Vice-Chair Scott Moorehead. Orchard/DeFazio Orchard and Greenhouses, Select We could not host this event Seeds, Taylor Brooke Winery, The Tiny Acre Farm, without you! Turtle Ledge Farm, Wayne’s Organic Garden, We-Li- Kit Farm, and Woodstock Sustainable Farms. All photos by DDrobney Photography

20 By the Numbers 2017 in The Last Green Valley   million in economic impact 1,296 21 4 generated volunteers collected annually TLGV Ranger historical by TLGV and presentations collaboration its partners to community meetings, drawing 303 51,982 groups, reaching 120 $ 542 people participants pounds of trash awards – TLGV was voted  “Best Nonprofit” and “Best Civic Organization” 2in northeastern CT 1670  1,937,815 presentations community events people who visited SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS made to Board attended by National Heritage of Selectmen TLGV Rangers Corridor attractions NORTHEAST CONNECTICUT 3,925 or events ∩ people who participated   newspaper columns by Ranger in heritage area Bill featuring interesting people, educational programs places, plants, and wildlife in THIRTEEN  52 The Last Green Valley award winning photos chosen   volunteers scouted for the 2018 Explore The Last locations students 43 Green Valley reached by and sighted Calendar 2,474 TLGV programs 29 bald  eagles  12 miles of National Recreation  Water Trail maintained new informational kiosk  at the Douglas M. Cutler 87 Canoe & Kayak Launch support letters written  1 for municipal and in Putnam nonprofit projects that  8 further the Vision 2020 $6.1 million management plan new federal funding for forest conservation  $6.1 million ONE miles of trails analyzed new staff person welcomed for accessibility in partner matching commitments for 17 forest conservation at TLGV – Fran Kefalas!  volunteer hours devoted to 25,000 9,616 heritage area projects and programs copies of Explore distributed ZYANANANLM 21 DONOR SPOTLIGHT Steven Crooke Steven Crooke grew up on a farm. Kristin live in South Windsor and Early mornings and late nights while his environs are now more tending to his families’ orchard in suburban than rural, he still looks Ashford were a way of life. Even for opportunities to get his hands though Crooke left the farm and dirty, literally. built a career for himself as an The Crookes have become accountant, the farm and growing volunteers for The Last Green up in Ashford with its abundance Valley and have supported the of green and open spaces still organization financially for about influence his life. a decade. TLGV Chief Ranger “I’m a white-collar guy during the Bill Reid remembers an Earth week, but I still love my blue-collar Day cleanup several years ago in weekends,” Crooke said. Southbridge where the Crookes were invaluable. Crooke’s parents, Elaine and Richard, purchased an old dairy “It was a rainy day and we didn’t farm on Bebbington Road in have as many volunteers as we Ashford in the 1960s and turned would have liked, but Steven and it into a well-loved orchard. When Kristin were there, and they just Kristin and Steven Crooke on an Richard passed away in 2005, Elaine worked until the job was done,” outing in The Last Green Valley. made the decision the orchard Reid said. “They never complained was too much for her to run on about the rain or suggested we her own, but the family wanted quit.” Crooke said that’s the It’s the relationships you build the 140-acre farm to remain farmer in him. running a business somewhere open space. The Crooke’s sold the “Farming is a 24-7 job,” Crooke like Ashford. My wife and I development rights to the state said. “I think my work ethic comes recognize that not every place is to ensure it remained open space from growing up that way.” like that, and we want to help and then found a buyer who still The Last Green Valley keep its runs the farm as a farm. “We’re While life has moved Crooke out character and environment. rural, country people,” Crooke said. of The Last Green Valley, he said Protecting the natural resources, “That’s what we value. We didn’t he wants to help ensure the region educating people about the want it to turn into a strip mall or he grew up in remains. He said area, it takes money. It doesn’t something like that.” the landscape and the people are happen for free.” what make the National Heritage Crooke’s time as a farmer Corridor special. essentially ended when he went to college at Western Connecticut “We didn’t have customers,” State University, with his work on Crooke said. “We had neighbors the farm limited to holidays and and friends and a lot of family. some weekends. He and his wife “It’s the relationships you build running a business somewhere like Ashford. My wife and I recognize that not every place is like that and we want to help The Last Green Valley keep its character and environment. ” Steven Crooke

22 Above: Before the meeting, Hull Forest Products led a behind-the-scenes tour of its Above: TLGV members learned how locally- modern sawmill and lumber manufacturing grown trees are sustainably harvested facility in Pomfret. Hull Forest Products has and about the process of turning logs into been conserving forests and crafting wood lumber for flooring, furniture, post & beam since 1965. timbers, railroad ties, and pallets.

Scenes from the The Last Green Valley, Inc.’s 2017 Annual Meeting May 31, Pomfret Connecticut

Right: A reception and dinner catered by G-Seven Catering Company was held in the newly-expanded main lodge at the Windham County 4-H Outdoor Center. Below: Left to right, the TLGV Trail Assessment Team of LyAnn Graff, Angela Kneeland, Greg Stillman, Sandra Swale, and Virge Lorents (not pictured, Tom Chamberland) were honored for their work to make trails more accessible for all. Awards were also given to: “Voice of Above: Nestled on 270 acres of woodlands the Valley” Linda Lemmon and the Putnam crossed by brooks, streams and three ponds, Town Crier; “Community Hero” Reliance the Outdoor Center is home to the Windham- Health; “Team Walktober” Scott Benoit, Tolland 4-H Camp as well as Ragged Hill Steve Roenfeldt, and Margaret Morrissey Woods nature-based programming. from Southbridge; and retiring Board Below: Ranger Marcy Dawley entertained members Ed Hood and Mary Ellen Ellsworth. our Acorn Club members.

Photos by Brian Zoldak 23 The Last Green Valley, Inc. Statement of Financial Position as of September 30, 2017 From Audited Financial Statement - Copies Available upon Request. Assets CURRENT ASSETS: Changes in Unrestricted Net Assets Cash $449,961 Revenues and Gains (FY 2017 Income Sources): Grants Receivable 73,023 Unrestricted Permanently Total Investments 111,636 Restricted Inventory 1,018 National Park Service $581,832 $581,832 Prepaid Expenses 3,873 Sales – Merchandise 1,033 1,033 Total Current Assets $639,511 Grants 16,735 16,735 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT: Contributions 80,644 6,860 87,504 Machinery and Equipment 25,842 Memberships/Fees 40,005 40,005 Less Accumulated Depreciation (25,842) Interest Income 747 747 Unrealized Investment Gain 10,874 10,874 Net Property and Equipment 0 Advertising Income 11,975 11,975 Total Assets $639,511 Fundraising Event 28,127 28,127 Other Income 161 161 Liabilities and Net Assets Total Revenue 772,133 6,860 778,993 CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts Payable $ 7,844 Expenses (FY 2017 Expense Allocations): Accrued Expenses 38,750 Programming 556,536 556,536 Grants Awarded 18,260 Management & General 72,068 72,068 Fundraising 29,191 29,191 Total Current Liabilities 64,854 Total Expenses 657,795 657,795 Total Liabilities 64,854 Increase in Net Assets 114,338 6,860 121,198 Net Assets: Unrestricted $560,459 Net Assets – Beginning Permanently Restricted 14,198 of Year, restated 446,121 7,338 453,459 Total Net Assets $574,657 Net Assets – End of Year 560,459 14,198 574,657 Total Liabilities and Net Assets $639,511

24 C. Cutler E. Linkkila Thank you to all of The Last Green Valley’s Members, Donors, Sponsors and Partners From 10/01/2016 - 12/31/2017

FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDING Ellen Lehtimaki * Town of Hampton Charter Oak Federal Credit Union CT Dept. of Energy & Bishop Jane & Jack Middleton * Town of Putnam Chelsea Groton Bank Environmental Protection, Richard Paradise & Village Electric The Christmas Barn Recreational Trails Grant Denise Lachapelle Richard P. Watson Warren & Marguerite Church National Park Service, National Quiet Corner Inn William J. Zenko Circle C Campground, Inc. Heritage Areas Program Faith A. Robinson Clara Barton Birthplace Museum US Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Titan Energy Clarus Studios, Inc. Resources Conservation Town of Chaplin $100+ Dale Cloud * Service, Regional Conservation United Technologies 85 Main Kathleen Cody Partnership Program Glenn Warner & Marguerite Davis 101 Business Solutions Columbia Historical Society Joseph & Dawn Adiletta Connecticut Campground Owners Advanced Back & Wellness Center CASH COnTriBuTiOnS Association $250+ The Adventure Park at Storrs Roberta Cook $10,000+ Pamela Aey Adams * Allen Hill Farm, LLC Cook's Farm Orchard Bill & Silvia Jobbagy Joellen Anderson Alpaca Obsession, LLC CT Audubon Society at Pomfret & Millennium Power Partners, L.P. John Boland & Susan Preston Boland American Landscape, LLC, Trailwood BT's Smokehouse and Catering Sharon-View Nursery Creamery Brook Bison Buell's Orchard Anonymous (9) * Peter & Dawn Curry $5,000+ Byrnes Insurance Agency The Arc Quinebaug Valley Robert Curtis Putnam Bank Margaret Campanelli Archambault Insurance Associates Carolyn Cutler Cedar Ledge Tree Farm Artique, LLC The Daniel Rust House $1,000+ Ellen Chase Dan & Mary Atwood Danielson Surplus Sales Inc. The Allstate Foundation Chase Graphics Avalonia Land Conservancy Mary Ellen Dee Anonymous (2) * Connecticut Business Systems A. David & Margaret Babbitt Devon Point Farm Bank Hometown Webster Marcy Dawley & Bob White John Baldwin Dexter-Russell, Inc. Heath Drury Boote * Ann Dunnack Marilyn & Peter Barlow Dog Lane Café Jeff Conrad Thomas & Nancy Dziki Donna Baron Megan Duffy Elaine Crooke * Enchanted Jewelry Ann Barry & Dennis Landis Thomas & Lynne Dufresne Charlene Perkins Cutler Mark C. English Bed & Breakfasts of Mystic Country Lucian Dzialo * Eastern Savings Bank The Farmer's Cow Bed and Breakfast at Taylor's Corner Mary & Ken Feathers Estate of Catherine Lynch Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc. Alice Belden Finnish-American Heritage Society John & Joan Gray * The G Seven Catering Company Bella's Bistro John Folsom Betty Hale Sharon Gabiga * John & Janice Benda Fort Hill Farms & Gardens, LLC Rebecca M. Harvey Roger & Nancy Gale Bigelow Brook Farm Foundry 66 Marjorie L. Hoskin Gerardi Insurance Services, Inc. Blackmer Farm Peter & Betsy Fox Keith & Elaine Knowlton * James Gothreau * Dean & Sandra Blanchard Laura & John Foxx Lake Road Generating Co., LLC Paul Goulet Janet & Dennis Blanchette * Gerard Frank & Maureen Morrissey Mills Family Charitable Trust Halagan Design Group Bloom on Woodstock Hill Paul & Donna Frenette * Nancy Polydys * Hart's Greenhouse & Florist, LLC Booklovers' Gourmet Eileen G. Fritz * Savers Bank Heirloom Food Company Boy Scouts of America - Frog Rock Rest Stop, LLC CT Rivers Council Savings Institute Bank & Trust Richard & Elena Hermonot Garden Gate Florist Steve & Karen Broderick Wayde & Mary Beth Schmidt Jewett City Savings Bank Janet Garon Arthur & Lennox Brodeur * Southbridge Savings (now Charles F. Kane, Jr. Peter & Judy Georg Cornerstone) Bank Bruce & Donna Kosa Brooklyn Garden Club George's Galley Mark & Michele Winne * Lucille A. Langlois Brooklyn Historical Society Tom & Nancy Gerseny Donna LaPointe Jim & Helen Bruinooge Laurie A. Giannotti William MacLaren * Lois Bruinooge * Girl Scouts of Connecticut $500+ Marty's of Dudley David & Nancy Bull Don & Patricia Gladding Myra Ambrogi * Morning Beckons Farm Business Systems & Incentives, Inc. Patricia Goff Anonymous Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Michael & Vivian Camara Golden Lamb Buttery Denise Archambault Program Canterbury Historical Society Dave Goodrich Bogey Lanes William B. Reid Canterbury Lions Club Goudreau's at Nash's Cigna Foundation Semaki & Bird Richard Carpenter Garden Center Joan Cummings John & Nancy Silander * Betty Challgren The Governor Samuel Huntington Sara DiIorio Ted & Barbara Simmons * Chamber of Commerce, Trust Joe & Jean Drake Thomas & Sandra Swale Windham Region LyAnn Graff & Ken Carpenter * Michael & Carlee Drummer Barbara Tate & Jon Kornhauser * Beverly Champany Brett & Diane Grant Farm Credit East Taylor Brooke Winery Charlie Brown Campground Sonia & Kevin Greene Hull Forest Products Town of Eastford Joseph Charron Paul Grenier *

* Has contributed to one of The Last Green Valley’s endowment funds with either the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut or the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. 25 George & Sandra Groom Westfield Congregational Church, Ann Gruenberg UCC Guns of Norwich Historical Society, Wheelabrator, Lisbon Inc. E. John & Kathryn White Gurleyville Native Produce Leslie White * Hale YMCA Youth & Family Center Willimantic Brewing Co., LLC, Richard & Sarah Hardy Rest. & Pub Brewery Roslyn Harrington Willimantic Food Co-op Russell F. Harris WINY-AM Radio Station Heifer International Lucy Wong Henrietta House B&B and Red Woodstock Academy House Farm Woodstock Agricultural Society, Inc. Highland Campground Woodstock Business Association Highland Festival Association of Woodstock Orchards, LLC Scotland, CT Loretta Wrobel David Mitchell Sawmill Pottery Hitchcock Free Academy Wyndham Land Trust, Inc. Thomas Moretta Gerald W. Sazama Robert & Leslie Holland Karen & Gary Zimmer David J. Morris Eric Schott The Hoot, Inc. Nathan Hale Homestead Select Seeds Company Carolyn Huff Nathan Hale Inn & Sharpe Hill Vineyard Inn at Woodstock Hill $50+ Conference Center Kevin & Linda Shaw J & D Civil Engineers, LLC Susan Abbood Carol S. Nelson * Caroline E. Sloat Jeff Helgerson Excavating, Inc. Dean & Suzanne Albro Michael J. & Tenley G. Nelson Ann & Pierre Smith Jorgensen Center for the Susan E. Allen New England Forestry Foundation Performing Arts Mark & Debby Smith Julia Altdorf * Northeast Opportunities for Joshua's Tract Conservation & Warren & Angela Smith Valerie Amsel Wellness, Inc. Historic Trust South Charlton Reservoir Association Anonymous (6) Northeastern Connecticut Art Guild Stanley Karro Joan St. Ament * Ashford Business Association OFS Fitel, LLC Doug & Jennifer Kaufman Michael St. Lawrence H. Janet Babineau Carol & Bob Oliver * Doug Kehl Stone Arches Bed & Breakfast, LLC Ballard Institute & Museum of Oliver Wight Tavern at Old Quentin & Margaret Kessel Sturbridge Lions Club Puppetry Sturbridge Village Killingly Economic Development Sturbridge Tourist Association Merilyn G. Bambauer Thomas & Marie Olson Killingly Historical Society Sullivan & Company Real Estate, LLC James Belisle * Opacum Land Trust, Inc. Hans & Christina Koehl Bob & Louise Summa * Scott Benoit Robyn & Jeff Ouimet * Andrea & Mike Krofina The Sunshine Shop Inc. Curtis & Carol Berner * Robert Paladino & JT Moore Lakeview Marine Dana & Cheryl Swenson * Shirley Bernstein Palazzi Orchard Landon's Tire, Inc. David Taylor * Honore & Harry Birkenruth Palmer Arboretum Lapsley Orchard Laura Tedeschi Black Tavern Historical Society Ken Parker Law Office of Andrea L. Truppa James & Elaine Tenis Robert & Katherine Boucher Parker Memorials & Stone Co. Gary & Frietha Lawrence Theatre of Northeastern CT @ the Ruth Bourassa Bruce & Linda Parsons Lebanon Historical Society Museum Bradley Playhouse Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. Jeff & Lindsay Paul Lebanon Life Publications, LLC Ted Theodores Mary Brodhead Peppertree Camping, Inc. Scott & Rebecca Lehmann * Eric & Lisa Thomas * Tony & Ruth Bys PierceCare Mary Beth Leonard Thompson Speedway William & Naomi Campbell Pine Hill Alpaca Farm, LLC Motorsports Park Frank Liberty Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary Pizza Pizzazz Town of Ashford Peter & Eleanor Linkkila Lenore & Stuart Case Plainfield Lions Club, Inc. Town of Lisbon Bonnie & Gary Lipstreu * Jean Cass Preston Ridge Vineyard Town of Sprague Emily Logee-Savoie * Chamber of Central Mass South Publick House Historic Inn Traveler Restaurant Longmeadow Automotive Tom Chamberland * Putnam Business Association Trinity Catholic Academy Loomis Team at RE/MAX Bell Park Pat Charron The Pyne-Davidson Co. Trink-et Shoppe Jo-Ann MacFarlane * Craig & Mary Cheyne Rawson Materials Tunk City Revival Sherry Magnan * Tim & Minjer Chiou Elizabeth Reid & James Corcoran United Health Group Kenneth E. Mahler & Russ Cohen * Reliance Health, Inc. Christine A. Strick Vanilla Bean Café Mary C. Colburn Renee's Working Girl Catering Mansfield Downtown Partnership Robert & Susan Vincent Lois & Madison Cole Bill & Ellen Rewinski * Mansfield Drive-In Theatre & Voluntown Economic Development Paul & Patty Coleman Marketplace Lillian Rhodes Commission Connecticut Eastern Railroad The Mansion at Bald Hill Barry & Jane Rider Cristine M. Waldron Museum Robin & Joe Marinelli Peter & Debbie Rimkus Walter & Carolyn McGinn, DMD Jane Cook & Chip Gough Lisa Markham Joyce M. Rivers Kent & Mary Weaver Richard & Mary Cooper Peggy & Christopher Mc Kleroy Janet Robertson Webco Chemical Corp. Colleen & Robert Cording Geoffrey & Kimberly McLean Anne Roberts-Pierson The Webster Dudley Business Alliance Catherine & Julius D'Agostino Tony & Terri Messa Deb Romaniw * Webster Lake Association, Inc. Ray Dahlstrom John Meyer & Carolyn Mills-Meyer Roseland Cottage Gary & Carol Weed Daughters of the Holy Spirit Alan & Katherine Miller * Roseland Park Weiss & Hale Financial, LLC Lois Davies Peggy Miller * James & Deborah Russel Carolyn Werge Barry & Jean Davis

26 Barbara Day & Nick McGray Rosemary Lang Scotland Historical Society/Edward Peter & Judy Andersen Day Kimball Healthcare Leslie & Paul Lavallee Waldo House Erick & Aimee Anderson Caroline Delaney Sally Leighton William Shanahan Margaret Anderson Ken & Sally Demars Lisbon Historical Society Mike & Susan Sherman Anonymous (14) Maryellen Donnelly Michael D.& Cecilia R. Longenbaker Ann Shrayer Marc & Mary Archambault Linda K. Duckstein Larry & Kitty Lowenthal Frank & Susan Shuell Christine Armstrong Dudley Conservation Land Trust Mansfield Historical Society Museum Ruth Simmons * Artistic Creations by Liz Elliott Eastern CT Conservation District, Inc. Mansfield Public Library Slater Memorial Museum Steven & Delia Ayer ECFLA/Wolf Den Land Trust Earl & Peg Manz Evelyn Cole Smith Kelly Bailey Eileen D. Brown Charitable Trust Judith Marcus Society of the Founders of Norwich Robert & Lynn Barnes Liz Ellsworth Janine & Jim Masso Solair Recreation League Brian Bartizek Mike & Mary Ellen Ellsworth Mary McGrattan Amanda Starbala & Skye Garofalo Susan & Rob Beach Ernie & Sandy Staebner Richard & Ann Merritt Bruce & Georgia L. Stauffer Keith & Wendi Beecher Jerome & Diane Ethier Ann Milner Steven & Kathryn Stellitano Timothy & Heather Bell Federated Church of Brooklyn Wendy Mis Patricia T. Stevens Amber & Sam Belsito Lenore Felpel & Jim Hamel Laura & Scott Moorehead Nancy & Janina Swiacki John & Penny Bennett First Congregational Church of Donald & Kathleen Morin * Jo Ann Szela Joe Berardy Woodstock Dorothy & Denis Morin TEEG Ruth Bergeron Thomas Foley, Jr. Stan Morytko, Jr. The Woods at Long Pond Virginia Berns Susan Foster & Roger Solomon Daniel G. Mullins Thompson Congregational, UCC Doug Berrisford Friends of Ashbel Woodward Karen Mullins Thompson Historical Society Museum Anne H. Nalwalk Beverly Thornton * Friends of the Prudence Crandall David & Karen Nelson Edward R. Tollmann Museum Peter & Elaine Nelson Mary Tomeo Patricia Gelinas The New Roxbury Land Trust, Inc. Karin Tourtellotte Ron & Norma Gingras Judy Nilson UCONN CAHNR Office of Barry Gorfain & Debbie Tedford Robert Nilson Communications The Governor Jonathan Trumbull Northeastern CT Chamber of Barbara Vizoyan House Museum Commerce Voluntown Peace Trust Larry Grasso Norwich Historical Society Susan Waldron Greater Norwich Chamber of Keith & Dena O'Hara Arlene & Brodin Warzecha Commerce Old Sturbridge Village Walter Watson & Charles Sotir Michele Greaves & Joe Popvitch Optical Heritage Museum, Inc. Alicia Wayland Anne & Barry Greene, Jr. Leila F. Ostby Lynn & Donna Weaver Geraldine Gross Oxford Firefighters Association William & Michelle Weiss Groton Open Space Association Oxford Historical Commission Vicki & Donald Wetherell * Grow Windham Ted & Lori Parker Robert & Pauline White Hampton Antiquarian & Historical Tony Paticchio & Susan Eastwood Susan Wiley Society, Inc. Anne Paton William Benton Museum of Art Linda Hanson * Marianne Pedersen Ben Williams * Sue Harkness Tamsen & David Philippi Willimantic Victorian Neighborhood Paul & Ann Hennen Pomfret Horse and Trail Association, Willimantic Whitewater Partnership Hickory Ridge Tree Farm * Inc. Windham ARTS Edwin Hinkel Preston Historical Society, Inc. Windham County 4-H Foundation Steve & Susan Hogan Irene Profetto Windham County Agricultural Diane & Mark Billings Horizon Wings Girish Punj & Karen Mathews Society Ruth Blakney Jim & Brenda Houghton Janice Putnam Windham Regional Arts Council, Jeff Blinderman Eleanor W. Hubbard Robert Quevillon Inc. Dorothy Blocker Tom Hughes & Andrea Amato * Quiet Corner NEMBA Windham Textile and History Alton & Jill Blodgett Jorie Hunken Quinebaug Valley Community Museum John Ilewicz College Foundation Walter Wojciehowski Claire Bolduc Richard & Sheryl Irwin Linda Racine YMCA Camp Woodstock Thomas & Kathy Borner Dorene & Walter Jette Paul & Joyce Rak Joan Zawacki Marie Boudreau Jonathan Trumbull Jr. House Museum Howard Raphaelson Susan Zimmerman & Claude Steve & Katrina Bousquet Peter Joyce Marilyn & Bob Rath Pellegrino Linda Bronstein Ayla Kardestuncer Holly E. Rawson Donna Bronwell Kurt Kaufman & Emily Ferguson MD Katharine Richardson Maryanne Brustolon Francesca Kefalas $25+ Sue & Nick Buehler John & Linda Rodolewicz Sherise Abbate-Witkoski Carlotta Kennedy Jeanette Rohan * Bob Burgoyne Killingly Business Association Roger Adams Karin Burlingame Margaret Rohloff * Saul & Sandra Ahola Killingly Grange #112 Peter Roper Morris Burr Mary Eliza Kimball Frank & Terry Aleman Rick & Deborah Canavan Irene Roy Jeanne Alexander Angela Kneeland Jim Rubovits Becky Caouette Rick Laferriere David M. Allen Charles Carey Robert Sawyer Debbie Almada Ken & Linda Lamothe Robert Schoff Ted & Susan Chambers

* Has contributed to one of The Last Green Valley’s endowment funds with either the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut or the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. 27 Bill & Patrice Champagne Virginia Hanbridge Sarah Champagne Karen Hanscom Celeste Champion Kate Hansen-Roxas Ralph Chartier Deborah Haraldson Tom & Linda Chase Susan Hardin Anne Christie & Steve Russo Kathleen Hart Frances Clark Elizabeth Hayden John Cole Steve & Leesa Heath Patrick J. Collins Michael & Laura Heeger Columbia Conservation Commission Carolann Hernberg * Coreplus Federal Credit Union Joseph E. Hickey, Jr. Susan Corey Aaron & Alison Hill David Corsini & Delia Berlin John & Jessica Hoadley Paula & Dan Coughlin John Kochinskas Pete & Beth Cournoyer Joann Hodge Walter & Carolyn McGinn Pamela Rosenlund Stephen & Cynthia Curry David R. Hoey Loretta McHugh Lester Ruth Michael C. Curtis Don & Rachel Holmes Sandra Mello & Robert Langlois, Jr. Marylou Savoy Susan & Michael Cutlip Elisabeth Houle Kim Messier & Jan Ilvonen Philip Schaab Sherill Cyr Donald B. & Janis Hoyle Gail Miller Dave & Marilyn Schreiber Faith Damon Davison Pam Hoyt Larry Millhofer Rev. Barbara Schreier Jean de Smet David Hynes Anthony & Shirley Mongillo Barbara Search Luke DeCesaris Joseph & Valentine Iamartino John F. Monroe Virginia & Christopher Sears Tom DeJohn Rebecca S. Ikehara Jaime & Michael Montville Julia Sedor John & Kathy Delaney Timothy C. Jackson Sue Moon Jonathan Sgro Christopher & Kathleen Demers Deborah Johnson Robert Moore Grace A. Sheehan Beth Desjardin William Johnson Gale & Judy Morganroth Elanah Sherman Clare Despathy Mark & Sue Johnston Beth Morrison & Elliot Sloan Ben & Cathy Shires James Dolce David & Carol Jordan Louise Morrison Stanley W. Shostak Joan & John Donoghue Irene Juthnas Gerard Moschella Lynn & Tom Singleton Joahn Dowling Ruth Karl Beverly Muldoon John Sloan Mark & Dorothy Drobney Judith Ann & Edward Keegan Nancy Najarian Jeffrey Smith William Dubinsky Kevin Kelley James Nardulli Jim & Vicky Stahr William Dwyer Doris Kennedy Maureen Nicholson William Stallman F. Aldrich Edwards Marcia & Wayne Kilpatrick Deborah Norling Dr. & Mrs. Robert Stetson, Jr. Robert & Paula Erickson Susan B. Kline Richard & Avis Norman Liz & Gregory Stillman Dan Evans & Ailla Wasstrom Evans Donna Koenig Elizabeth Noyes Nancy Sullivan Kelsey Evans Bruce Kohl Michael O'Keefe Carol Surridge Rudy J. & Joy P. Favretti Ann Kouatly Ernest & Norma O'Leary Carrie A. Tabor Lois & Joe Fay Lucy Krause Marie & George Oprica Austin & Debbi Tanner Maggie & George Ferron Glenn Krevosky Sue Orcutt Elisabeth Thompson Ronald & Barbara Fitzpatrick Joe & Pat Krodel Cindy Osowski Helen G. Thompson Kerstin & Richard Forrester John Kucharski Jane Palmer Ron & Gwyneth Tillen Don & Janice Francis Mike & Mary Lake Jen & Bob Panko Tom Callinan & Ann Shapiro Audrey A. Franklin Barbara Laliberte Ronald Pariseau & Linda Sulkazi Bill & Cynthia Tremblay Linda L. Friese Robert Lalumiere Devan Parker & Matt Opel Dianne Tremblay Elizabeth Gannon Gary Lamirand, Jr. Partners in Healthy Communities Patricia A. Trotter Neal & Carol Ganz Rusty Lanzit Bill & Terri Pearsall Mike & Jen Truken Claire Gates Sally Larmon * Jeremy Pelkauskas Jennifer Tufts Karin Genard Walter & Terri LaRochelle Becky Peperni Marilyn Vache' Charles Giardino David Lawrence Cathy Phelps Michelle Vadenais Sandra Gibson-Quigley Paul Lee Paul Pikora Sally Van Dyke Lisa Gilmour Glen & Christine Lessig John & Jean Pillo Cheryl Wakely Linda Goodbrand Nicholas Longo Leslie N. & Lynne W. Pitman Margaret Weaver Gray Ledge Tree Farm Susan Lovegreen Rita Pollack Dana & Michael Wehking Karen Greer Lucy MacWilliams Margaret A. Pothier Melodye & Bob Whatley Diane Greggerson Patricia Mandell June Powell Shawn & Allison Whiston David Griffiths Rocco Marino William Aaron Pratt Cathy & Shane White Leon & Beverly Grudzinski Steve & Linda Mark Alexander & Maureen Prokos Jim & Joyce Wicks Dr. Gwen Haaland, Ph.D. Colleen & Andrew Massey Jeff & Gloria Regan John Wilhelm Alison U. Haber Sara May Paulette Remillard William Winter John & Susan Hall Dale & Judith Maynard Phil & Janet Renn Sylvia Jane Wojcik Roswell & Gretchen Hall Kathy Mayotte Gloria Ricker Janice E. Wojick Christine & Richard Haller Ilse McCarthy Steven & Kristen Roenfeldt Carol Wood Gordon Hamersley Jean & Jack McClellan Sally Rogers Nancy Yantz Lori Hamlin Kate McGill Paul & Frances Rollinson Patricia Zalesny

28 William & Kathleen Zamagni The Farmer's Cow Willimantic Brewing Co., LLC, In memory of Alfred Shepard Boote Brian Zoldak Farmers Market at Hale Homestead Rest. & Pub Brewery Heath Drury Boote Fern Hollow Farm Willimantic Food Co-op Friendly Spirits Liquor Store Willimantic Waste Paper Co., Inc. In memory of Bubbie under $25 Friends of Ashbel Woodward Windham County 4-H Foundation Barbara Tate & Jon Kornhauser Anonymous Museum WINY-AM Radio Station Warren & Dale Bratter Friends of the Prudence Crandall Woodstock Agricultural Society, Inc. In memory of Douglas M. Cutler Sherilyn Chase Museum The Yankee Xpress Charlene Perkins Cutler Mike Cristina The G Seven Catering Company YMCA Camp Woodstock Henry Culver GO Interactive Media, LLC In memory of John Mark Gahan Renee Cuprak Grill 37 James Gothreau Kim Duell Hale YMCA Youth & Family Center GifTS in HOnOr In honor of Merilyn G. Bambauer Fair Winds Farm Hall Communications In memory of John H. & Ellen P. Goff Anonymous Wendy Fenner Hartford Courant Patricia Goff Linda Gardner Elizabeth Hayden In honor of Arline Bowen Richard & Diane Giggey Heirloom Food Company In memory of Niilo Ketola Anonymous Donna Grant Henrietta House B&B and Red Irene Profetto Craig Johnson * House Farm In honor of Marcy Dawley Jeff Lorello Heritage Information Radio 1700 AM In memory of Doris Laprade Pamela Rosenlund Debbie Loser Richard & Elena Hermonot Ann & Pierre Smith Marianne McNallen Hitchcock Free Academy In honor of Christina Mazza James Powell Hosmer Mountain Soda In memory of Nancy Moretta Dave Goodrich Paul Provencal Inn at Woodstock Hill Thomas Moretta Marion B. Racine Joe Cleans In honor of Bill Reid RWF Management, LLC Jorgensen Center for the In memory of Alison E. O'Hara Charles F. Kane, Jr. Bill & Linda Such Performing Arts Keith & Dena O'Hara Cynthia Terwilliger John Kochinskas In honor of Edward P. Storti Sr. Unitarian Universalist Society Lapsley Orchard In memory of Pam Rubovits Anonymous Ken Vacovec Longmeadow Automotive Jim Rubovits Paul Warren Mansfield Parks & Rec. In honor of Richard & Jasmine Wolf Maple Lane Farms In memory of Haig Vizoyan Sandie Williamson Laura & Scott Moorehead Barbara Vizoyan Morning Beckons Farm Jim & Helen Bruinooge in Kind COnTriBuTiOnS New Boston Beef 18th Century Purity Farm Optical Heritage Museum, Inc. THe LAST Green VALLey GifTS in MeMOry 85 Main Pakulis Farm LLC In memory of Adele LeGACy SOCieTy Advanced Back & Wellness Center Kim Paquette Powell, LMT We are grateful for our members Mark C. English The Adventure Park at Storrs John & Jean Pillo who have chosen to support The Allen Hill Farm, LLC Publick House Historic Inn Last Green Valley through their In memory of James L. Ayers Donna Baron Putnam Business Association wills or other estate plans. Donna LaPointe Bella's Bistro Putnam Town Crier/ Anonymous Bloom on Woodstock Hill Northeast Ledger Laura Moorehead In memory of Carlos Barton Lois Bruinooge Putnam Traveler Nancy Polydys Anonymous Brush It Off LLC Rapscallion Brewery Buell's Orchard Rawson Materials The Bulletin Renee's Working Girl Catering Byrnes Insurance Agency Sadie Green's Curiosity Shop Chamber of Central Mass South Select Seeds Company Charter Communications Sharpe Hill Vineyard The Christmas Barn Society of the Founders of Norwich The Chronicle Southbridge Hotel & Church Street Putnam, LLC Conference Center Columbia Historical Society Joan St. Ament Connecticut Business Systems Villager Newspapers Connecticut National Golf Club Sturbridge Coffee Roasters Courthouse Bar & Grille Sturbridge Seafood Creamery Brook Bison G. Leslie Sweetnam CT Audubon Society at Pomfret & Taylor Brooke Winery Trailwood Theatre of Northeastern CT @ the Danielson Surplus Sales Inc. Bradley Playhouse The Day These Guys Brewing Company DeFazio Orchard Turtle Ledge Farm Devon Point Farm Vanilla Bean Café Dexter-Russell, Inc. Weiss & Hale Financial, LLC Mark & Dorothy Drobney Westford Hill Distillers

* Has contributed to one of The Last Green Valley’s endowment funds with either the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut or the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. 29 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 06239-0186 P.O. Box 186 Southbridge, MA 01550

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

"There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature – the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter." – Rachel Carson, Silent Spring L. Moorehead