LITCHFIELD COUNTY NEWS
Bell to ring in New Milford for missing soldiers
Bell ringing to honor peaceThere will be a bell ringing Jan. 24 at noon to commemorate the 37th anniversary of the Paris Peace Agreement (Jan. 27 is the real anniversary) outside St. Francis Xavier Parish Center on the green. The agreement ended America's active involvement in the Vietnam War.
New Milford's Relay for Life kickoff is Jan. 23
Relay for Lifeready for kickoffThe American Cancer Society will hold its New Milford Relay for Life kickoff Jan. 23 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Bank Street Theater, 48 Bank St. The kickoff will include a luminaria ceremony, games, a video presentation, and speeches.
Dinner to benefit Rakowski family
A dinner to benefit the Rakowski family of New Milford will be held Jan. 24 from 3 to 7 p.m. in Danbury.The dinner, organized by the New Milford Recreation Association and hosted by Anthony's Lake Club, will take place at the lake club at 10 Christopher Columbus Ave.
Youth offerings on tap at The Maxx
The Maxx on Railroad Street in New Milford will offer several events in the coming days.They will include music by Those Mockingbirds, Euphoria and others Jan. 15 with doors to open at 6:30 p.m. and the show to start at 7:30 p.m. for $8; and a sixth-grade winter dance Jan.
IAIS announces winter programs
The Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington will offer a variety of programs in the coming weeks.They will include a winter film festival Jan. 16-17 at 2 p.m. each day, a winter survival walk Jan. 23 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., winter games Feb.
Naturalist to visit Roxbury this month
World-famous naturalist and author George Schaller of Roxbury will present "A Naturalist in the World's Wilderness" at the Roxbury town hall Jan. 24 at 3 p.m.Sponsored jointly by Minor Memorial Library and the Roxbury Land Trust, the program at the 29 North St.
NMHS Boosters to host benefit gala
The New Milford High School Booster Club will hold a Green Wave Gala dinner-dance and silent auction March 13 from 7 p.m. to midnight.Festivities will be at The Fox Hill Inn in Brookfield.Tickets are $85 per person and will include a cocktail hour, dinner, dessert, dancing, an open bar, a silent auction and a raffle.
Get a 'grasp' on carpal tunnel syndrome
Band to play Jan. 22 concert at the MaxxThe Maxx on Railroad Street in New Milford will feature a concert by Those Mockingbirds, Euphoria and other bands Friday, with doors to open at 6:30 p.m. and the show to start at 7:30. Cost is $8.A sixth-grade winter dance is planned for Jan.
Roses & thorns
ROSES to those postal delivery workers and employees of FedEx, UPS and other delivery services for their efforts, especially during the holiday season and the cold, snowy winter months, to be sure each and every package arrives in one piece, safely and as close to on time as possible.
Questions legal costs for the police contract
To the Editor:Concerning the New Milford police contract dispute, according to the article by Nanci Hutson in the Jan. 9 News-Times, starting officers earn $42,000 per year and, after five years, earn $53,000.That is an average of $47,500 per year.
Lauds generosity of New Milford area residents
To the Editor:With the holiday season now behind us, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Greater New Milford community on behalf of the New Milford Social Services Department.Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have been able to help an unprecedented number of families and individuals.
My town has much beauty to offer
Sometimes it feels like it was 100 years ago that I used to house-sit for my sister and her husband while they went on vacation with their kids.They've been living in New Milford for 25 years now, and I swore back then that I would never live here.At that time I was working at The News-Times in Danbury and the commute alone was enough to make me feel that way.
Are laws pressing our Constitution to change?
To the Editor:Before 1776 American Nationals had only one problem which was the King of England.The Declaration of Independence by Jefferson, Adams and Franklin, items were listed that called people to resist:Among them were, "imposing tax on us; erected a multitude of new offices and sent officers to harass our people and eat out their substance; combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our Constitution.
Appreciates efforts of staff at Huntington...
To the Editor:To all the staff at the Huntington Learning Center, Cristina Matta, director, Jeff Perrillion, coordinator, and all the teachers, we would like to thank all of you for helping our children with their educational needs. Their confidence has increased and they are more comfortable in their classrooms.

Public invited to Kent library events
Kent Memorial Library will offer a variety of programs in the coming days.They will include a program with Mark Robinson, author of "Smoke, Fire and Angels," Jan. 16 at 4 p.m.; a screening of "Garbage Warrior" Jan. 21, "Who Killed the Electric Car" Jan.
Hotshot basketball slated soon in Kent
Kent youths aged 9-15 are eligible to compete tomorrow (Saturday), Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. in the Hotshot basketball contest at Center School in Kent. Inclement weather date would be Jan. 23.The free event will be hosted by Kent Park and Recreation and Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association.
Housatonic band, singers to host 'Moose-ical'...
Students in the band and chorus at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village will present a series of fundraisers to support their April trip to Walt Disney World in Florida.The first event will be a "Moose-ical Dinner" Jan. 25 and 26, with seatings at 5:30 and 7:30 p.
New location set for Kent series
The Kent Historical Society will kick off its new "Sunday Series" at town hall, not the Swift House as previously announced.On Jan. 17, well-known historian Ed Kirby of Sharon will be the inaugural speaker and present a screening of his documentary "Visions of Iron" at 2 p.
Henderson to perform cabaret in Kent
Cabaret singer Lynn Henderson will perform Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. at St. Andrew's Church on Main Street in Kent.A snow date of Feb. 13 is set.The show, "A Sentimental Journey," will feature the songs of singers she has admired.Accompanists will be Hank Milligan on piano and Tracy Walton on bass.
Kent park and recreation notes
The Kent Park and Recreation Department is offering a variety of programs.Office hours on the second floor at town hall are Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. and 1 to 2:30 p.m. Program registration forms are available outside the office weekdays from 9 a.
Kent Informal Club to welcome Karen Chase
The Kent Informal Club will host a Thursday, Jan. 14, slide presentation by former Kent Good Times Dispatch reporter and photographer Karen Chase at Kent Memorial Library on Main Street.The 2 p.m. presentation will feature photos from Ms. Chase's recent visit to England and Ireland.
Kent Democrats to caucus Monday
The Kent Democratic Town Committee will hold a caucus Monday, Jan. 11, at 7:30 p.m. at town hall on Kent Green.The purpose will be to elect new members to serve a two-year term (2010-12) on the Town Committee.All registered Democrats are encouraged to attend.
Kent Historical Society to kick off 'Sunday...
The Kent Historical Society will introduce a new program, "Sunday Series," beginning Jan. 17. The 45-minute, semi-monthly talks will start at 2 p.m. at the Swift House on Maple Street.Local speakers will cover topics currently and historically important to the Kent area, with a question and answer period to follow.
Annual meeting set at Kent library
The Kent Library Association, the operating entity of the Kent Memorial Library, will hold its annual meeting at the Kent town hall on Kent Green Jan. 9 at 2 p.m.The public is invited to attend.On the agenda is a review of highlights from 2009, a preview of expansion plans and an election of new board members to fill a number of expiring terms.
Christmas eve accident claims South Kent man
The family of a South Kent man is remembering him as a "loving father and grandfather.""Dennis (Cavalleiro) was a very caring, very loving man," the deceased's wife, Maria Cavalleiro, said this week. "He loved to travel, often going to Spain, where I am originally from.
Students earn honors at Center School
Kent Center School has announced the following students were named to the honor roll for the marking period that ended in November.Grade 8High honorsOlivia LaFontan, Jeremy Matson, Gillian O'Callaghan and Kori Rimany.HonorsLaura Craft, Gina DiGiacomo, Joseph Dubray, Julia Gawel, Cameron Gilson, Emma Hannan, Cassandra Harris, Keith Harvey, William Hoadley, Britta Kallstrom, Nicole Kennedy, Carlos Morales, Kayleigh Stewart and Elana Studer.
Kent library welcomes Cartledge to staff
The Kent Memorial Library has announced the addition of Ellen G. Cartledge to its staff as the new marketing and special events director.Ms. Cartledge, a graduate of Bard College, holds an M.S. in library science from Southern Connecticut State University and an M.
Velky charged with DUI
WOODBURY -- Richard L. Velky, 59, of Washington Road, Woodbury, was arrested by state police on Christmas Day and charged with drunken driving.Police would not confirm that the man they arrested is the same Richard Velky who is a chief of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, which has a reservation in Kent, but said he is associated with the tribe.
Road conditions not a factor in fatal Christmas...
KENT -- Road conditions were not a factor in the two-vehicle accident that took the life of a South Kent man on Christmas Eve, the investigating trooper at Connecticut State Police Troop L in Litchfield said Monday .Trooper David Hawley said Monday that "given daytime temperatures" at 2:37 p.
One dead in Kent crash
KENT, Conn. -- State police and medical personnel are en route to a two-car accident with serious injuries on Route 341 Thursday afternoon.The head-on collision occurred about 2:40 p.m. LifeStar helicopter was also called to the scene.۩
Kent resident to partake in Penguin Plunge
Kent resident Rob Gerowe will participate in the Penguin Plunge Feb. 6 to raise funds for Special Olympics to support Connecticut athletes with disabilities.Mr. Gerowe hopes to raise more than $5,000.Checks may be made payable to SOCT, with a memo "supporting Rob Gerowe" and mailed to Special Olympics, Connecticut, Inc.
Kent historical society selling calendar
The first annual Kent Historical Society calendar is now available for 2010. The calendar is comprised of old photographs of the town from the society's archives.Photographs include old street scenes, well-known people and historic events such as the Kent Center School fire in 1956.
Ex-bank officer sentenced to one-day prison term
A 76-year-old Kent woman was sentenced Dec. 10 to one day of imprisonment, time served, and five years of supervised release after pleading guilty in July to bank fraud.U.S. District Court Judge Mark R. Kravitz ordered Betty Pacocha to pay a $250,000 fine and perform 300 hours of community service.
Thanks go all around for Kent's annual holiday...
To the Editor:The Kent Chamber of Commerce wants to express our gratitude to everyone who helped make Saturday, Dec. 5 so very special for our Shorter Days and Brighter Lights program.Thanks go out to Santa, who arrived somewhat weather delayed for "pictures with Santa" at Backcountry Outfitters, where a most regal chair for Santa was provided.
Sewer service rates to increase soon in Kent
Sewer rates in Kent will increase Jan. 1.The basic annual charge for subscription will increase by 7 percent. The use rates for amounts of waste dispersed to the system will go up 10 percent.For a typical residential customer who was paying $155 for the basic annual charge, the new rate will be $166.
Welcome, Christmas
An early snowfall Dec. 4 evoked a magical feeling among Kent residents who participated in a handful of activities to kick off the holiday season. Backcountry Outfitters offered photographs with Santa, caroling and refreshments were available at the Fife 'n Drum and the lighting of the town tree was held in front of St.
Kent children to be presented medals
Marathon runner and Kent Children's Center (KCC) alumna Sarah Chase will present the medals she received for running in the recent Dublin Marathon to KCC children Dec. 17 at 11 a.m.The marathon was Ms. Chase's second, having run the Flora London Marathon in April.
Pancakes with Santa on tap in Kent
Kent Community Nursery School will host its annual pancakes with Santa Dec. 12 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.The breakfast will be held at St. Andrew's Church on Main Street.Santa will be on hand for photographs and to receive wish lists via a special mailbox.
Holiday events will take place Saturday in Kent
KENT -- The town will ring in the holiday season with a handful of events Saturday.They include:n Photographs with Santa at Backcountry Outfitters on Bridge Street from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m.n Caroling, cookies and hot chocolate at the Fife 'n Drum on Route 7 North at 4:30 p.

  Kent Singers to perform 'Rejoice' concerts
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