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Weekly Newsletter January 27th, 2016
In This Issue
YOUR Membership Listing on our Website.
Jan/Feb info for 52 Main...
KUNG FU PANDA 3: KID'S PARTY
Job Opening at SVNA.
Curves-Get Strong + Stay Strong..
Litchfield Bancorp...
Salisbury Rotary Club.
Everyone Encouraged to Attend Fairview's Annual Heart Night.
Founders in New York.
Support the "HouBike Trail".
Riccardelli Accounting..
Scoville Memorial Library June Events
The Art of Alexander Shundi.
Ridgeline Financial Partners Newsletter.
Connecticut Open House Day on Saturday, June 11th!.
Sign UP TODAY...to be a Vendor at this years Taste of the Tri-State
Be a Sponsor of the Taste of the Tri-State.
Business After Hours
Jumpfest Winterfestival...
Miles of Smiles Directional Company
Winter Warmer...
Small Business Information Session..
Events at Noble Horizons.
Northwest Hills Council of Governments-
Salisbury Ski Jumps...
Survive the Drive- Behind the Wheel..
News from Salisbury Bank
Home Application period open for Habitat
Advertise in The Hills...
Safely Navigating the Internet...
Buy local-transparent background
Renewed Membership
 

Black Rabbit Bar & Grille
Kendra Chapman
2 Ethan Allen St.
Lakeville, CT 06039
(860) 596-5227



Thank you for your continued support!

Quick Links

To view this weeks newsletter 
click below to direct you to Berkshirestyle's home page.


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 to see what's playing at the 
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Click here for the latest news
from the
Internal Revenue Service

YOUR Business Listing
on our Website

Reminder to our members, as I continue to update and add pictures to our website.  I ask that you please take a few minutes to look at YOUR listing and please let me know if you would like to add, delete or make any other changes.  AND remember, you can add up to six (6) pictures, please send pictures as a jpeg file. 

Click here to view the complete list of members and click on YOUR listing and let me know of any changes.

If you have any questions please respond to this email or you can always give me a phone call at (860) 393-9171, my direct line at Litchfield Bancorp.
52 main
Jan/Feb info for 52 Main

52 Main in Millerton, NY 
welcomes you experience our Spanish Tapas made with an American Flair...small paltes of savory mouthfuls meant to be enjoyed with others. Stop in and let your senses linger at 52 Main is where can eat, drink, engage in lively conversation, friendship and hospitality.  Don't forget our Live Music show Saturday's @ 9pm!  Call for your reservation today (518) 789-0252.
Live Music Line-Up:

1/30    Haley Trapella 8 - 9:30
           Pat Surdam 9:30 - 12:30
2/6      Josh Driver
2/13    TBA
2/20    The Biocentrics
2/27    Paul Pesco


KUNG FU PANDA 3: KID'S PARTY TIME

Saturday, January 30 - 12:00 p.m.

Enjoy PO-sters, Balloons & Goodies!



Job Opening at SVNA

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
 Part-Time or Per Diem

EARN EXTRA MONEY with a flexible schedule!

Should enjoy working with all age groups in the home environment. CT license required. Supportive team environment. Competitive wages.  
Come join the SVNA team! 
Send Resume to:  MGorat@salisburyvna.org.                                                   
30A Salmon Kill Rd, Salisbury, CT 06068
860-435-0816 │www.salisburyvna.org
 
An equal opportunity employer
 
Curves-Get Strong + Stay Strong

Litchfield Bancorp




Salisbury Rotary Club

Salisburyrotaryclub-logo
 
Author John Dipple spoke at the January 18 luncheon about the climate crisis of 1816 - the year with no summer - and shared his thoughts and research on current climate change.

 
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Tuesday, January 26th, Josh Ginsburg, executive director of Millbrook NY's Cary Institute, returned to the SRC for an encore presentation on what he called "a most remarkable quality institution."  Founded in 1983, the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is one of the world's leading independent environmental research organizations, focusing on disease ecology, forest and freshwater health, climate change, urban ecology, and invasive species.  He spoke specifically on being awarded a recent 5M grant to control the tick related to Lyme Disease.


Everyone Encouraged to Attend Fairview's Annual Heart Night


Contact: Lauren Smith
(413)854-9611
January 22, 2016

Fairview Hospital's CCU Team Sponsors Fifth Community Heart Night

The Critical Care Team at Fairview Hospital will sponsor Healthy Heart Night Friday, February 5th, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Berkshire South in Great Barrington. Fairview's CCU nurses host this free community event to raise awareness and access to information and resources in order to combat heart disease locally.

From 5:00-6:00 p.m., the members of Cardiology Services at Fairview Hospital will offer an overview of cardiac information that addresses common needs and issues facing the southern Berkshire population. In the first hour, attendees will gain insight into the services, programs and specialists that are available in Great Barrington at Fairview Hospital and at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield.

Attendees of the opening seminar will be entered to win one of many raffle prizes from local restaurants and food establishments.

The opening presentation includes:

5:00 -6 p.m.  Lipids- Theresa Menendez, MD, FACC,
                     FHRS, Cardiologist
                     Cardiac MRI's and Coronary CTA- Vikas
                     Veeranna,MD, Cardiologist
                     Nuclear Medicine and Stress Testing -
                     Debbie Cahill, FNP and Kyle Cooper, MD.,
                     Cardiologist
                     The Experience of Cardiac Rehab- a
                     cardiac rehab patient

Following the opening program, the gym at Berkshire South will offer over twenty tables of heart health related information, screenings and resources as well as the opportunity to schedule appointments for diagnostic services at Fairview Hospital and programs offered through the Berkshire Partnership for Health, including Tobacco Treatment, Pre-diabetes, Get Cuffed Hypertension Program and Falls Prevention classes that are currently offered or upcoming.

Free blood pressure screening will be available.

The Canyon Ranch Life Enhancement Program at Fairview Hospital will provide information about the program, results and how to apply for future sessions.

The topic of e-cigarettes will be addressed by Fairview's Respiratory Therapy team. Case Management at Fairview will provide forms and information about Health Care Proxy and Advanced Directives as well as stress management. Volunteers in Medicine

Berkshire South will provide information about the extensive health programs and opportunities available.
All who attend will be entered to win one of the many door prizes donated by local businesses including The MarketPlace Kitchen, Michelle's Salon, Berkshire Co-op, Guido's, Berkshire Mountain Bakery, Domaney's, Plaza Package , Mission and many others.

For more information about Heart Healthy Night 2015, please contact The Office of Community Relations at Fairview Hospital at (413)854-9609. Additional photos available upon request.


Founders in New York

 
Support the "HouBike Trail"
 
As Chair of Cornwall's Economic Development. I am writing to ask you to support a project that will bring an estimated $4 million a year into our towns. The project is the proposed Housatonic Covered Bridge Bike Trail, also known as the "HouBike Trail." The $4 million/year estimate of economic benefit is based on trail expenditure data along existing similar trails collected by the Rails to Trails Conservancy (a national advocacy group). Further, this projection has been reviewed and approved by the Rails To Trails Conservancy's national expert on spending along trails, and has been deemed to be consistent with projects of similar size and location. 

As members  in our communities, I am asking that we band together to MAKE this happen - the rest of the towns along the trail are in full support, so it is up to US to complete the agreement!   Attached is a rather lengthy explanation (apologies, but better to have a lot of info, right?) - in Cornwall, the EDC has endorsed the HouBike Trail and our selectmen are behind it as well - PLEASE JOIN US in supporting this amazing plan.

If you have further questions, email Pat Hare at hareplanning@yahoo.com

Click here to view the PDF explanation letter.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday!

Janet Carlson

Riccardelli Accounting


Exciting New Payroll Options Available At Riccardelli Accounting Inc.
 
Riccardelli Accounting Inc. offers comprehensive payroll solutions for any size business. You do not need to be a bookkeeping client to take advantage of our payroll services! 
 
We Offer:
*Weekly Payroll starting at $25 per payroll run.
*Bi-Weekly Payroll starting at $45.00 per payroll run.
*These services include Quarterly Tax Filing and New Hire Reporting
 
Additional Services offered:
Direct Deposit
Year End W-2's, W-3's and 1099's
Worker's Comp Maintenance
 
Tax Season is Upon Us
Don't let the new Affordable Care Act regulations bring you down! Bring your taxes to Riccardelli Accounting for reliable, expert service. We are always accepting new clients.
 
Personalized Service
You will find our services to be competitively priced, with the added benefit of local, face-to-face service. We are always available to assist you!
 
Call us today! 860-824-9955
Conveniently located across from Stop in Shop in Canaan.

Scoville Memorial Library Events  


Story time with Miss Molly in the Children's Room


Wednesdays at 10:30 am ( January 6, 13, 20 and 27) and Saturdays at 11:00 am (January 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30)

Twice a week our 45-minute story time for toddlers and preschool aged children focuses on a different theme through stories, singing and crafting fun!

The five early literacy practices are playing, talking, singing, reading and writing (scribble/draw) -- and we will be rocking them all!

Free and open to the public. Snacks are not provided by the library, but feel free to bring your own. Food is allowed.

Saturday January 30, 4:00

Scoville Sustainable Backyard Series: Backyard Small Fruits 101 - Easy and Quick Yielding Delectables, Dr. Yonghao Li, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

Berries have high nutritional values and are full of health benefits. Since some of them generally don't require too much space and are low-maintenance, you can enjoy fresh fruit from early summer through late fall by growing them in your backyard. This talk will discuss how to select and grow easy and quick yielding berries in your home gardens.

Dr. Li has over 30 years' experience in plant disease diagnostics and integrated pest management. He currently works at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and is in charge of Plant Disease Information Office, a full-service plant disease diagnostic laboratory that assists all Connecticut stakeholders, including homeowners and professionals.

MEETS AT SALISBURY TOWN HALL 27 Main St, Salisbury, CT

Scoville Events February 2016

Weekly Programs

Story Time with Miss Molly

Wednesdays at 10:30 am (February 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th) and Saturdays at 11:00 am (February 6th,13th, 20th, and 27th)

Twice a week our 45-minute story time for toddlers and preschool aged children focuses on a different theme through stories, singing and crafting fun! The five early literacy practices are playing, talking, singing, reading and writing (scribble/draw) -- and we will be rocking them all! Bring your own snacks.

NOTE: Meets at Salisbury Congregational Church in the parish hall
30 Main St, Salisbury, CT


Monthly Programs

Saturday February 13, 3:00

Saturday Book Club, "An Unnecessary Woman" by Rabih Alameddine

Told in the voice of a reclusive older woman, the story unfolds in Beirut, Lebanon within the confines of her small apartment. It is a quiet book about a lost woman in a loud and violent city. The Lebanese civil war is viewed through her memories. This book is also about literature, and a portrait of a woman living in a volatile time, who shuts out reality and loses herself in the written word until she reaches a breaking point.

Meets at Salisbury Town Hall

Unique Programs

Saturday February 20, 4:00 p.m.

The Era of Elegance: Ladies, Legends, and Lakeside Dwellings: Alfredo Taylor in Norfolk, CT presented by Dr. Ann Havemeyer. A collaboration of the Scoville Memorial Library and the Civic Committee of the Salisbury Association
A century ago, motorists driving to the village of Norfolk along Litchfield Road would have enjoyed a winding country lane dotted with a collection of impressive stone and timber houses. Proudly lining the road or dramatically perched on the hills above, many of these houses bear the signature of Alfredo Taylor, the Beaux-Arts architect whose work has come to define the look and style of this small town. Taylor came to Norfolk in the first years of the last century, and his distinctive hand is to be seen everywhere, as he and his clients, many of them female, put their imaginative mark on the landscape.

Ann Havemeyer is the Director of the Norfolk Library and Curator of the Norfolk Historical Museum. She has written several books on Norfolk history and architecture. She holds a doctorate from Yale University in the History of Art and has lectured extensively.

Meets at Salisbury Town Hall


Thursday, February 25
7:00 p.m.

Seeds of Longevity: Preserving Plants for Our Future. Presented by Robin Zitter, horticulturist and Lawrence Davis-Hollander, ethnobotanist. A collaboration of Plantin' Seeds and Scoville Memorial Library. Short film followed by presentation, discussion, and seed distribution. Seed diversity is fundamental to preserving biological diversity in gardens and native habitats. As part of the initial effort to establish seed libraries and a living seed bank in northwest Connecticut, Robin and Lawrence will introduce the rationale and need for locally based seed saving. Seeds will be available to committed participants. Followed in March by a seed planting workshop.

Meets at Plantin' Seeds, Main Street, Canaan, CT


Scoville Events 
Lawrence Davis-Hollander
Adult Program Coordinator

Scoville Memorial Library  38 Main Street  Salisbury, CT 06068
860.435.2838 / 413.229.8316 (home office)


The Art of Alexander Shundi



WINTER EXHIBITION 2016
The Art of Alexander Shundi

January 16th - April 14th, 2016


The Moviehouse Studio Gallery, 48 Main Street, Millerton, NY

MILLERTON, NY---The Moviehouse Studio Gallery, 48 Main Street, Millerton, NY is proud to announce the opening of its winter exhibition featuring the works of esteemed painter, sculptor, and professor, Alexander Shundi.

The exhibition will focus on paintings, and a collection of collages accompanied by poems, written by Shundi in English or Italian with the accompanied translations, and will open with a gallery talk by the artist followed by a reception on Saturday, January 16 from 5-7pm at 48 Main Street Millerton. Both are free of charge and open to the public.

The collages/poems are conceived to explore a synergy between expression in spoken-written language, and reactions to visual images. It is all an illusion, primarily. But what follows is of interest: one may serve as a key to decipher the other, and vice versa.

The pieces are conceived primarily as illustration in its purity of meaning: to shed light on a thought concept. Both the discipline of vision and of the written poem, have much in common in the formal means of expression, as in their requirement for balance, mystery, rhythm, atmosphere, and harmony.

As a master of his craft, Shundi's works display a complex and imaginative mind that is rarely at rest. His work is compositionally intricate, and rich in symbolism. Brimming with references to religion, sacred geometry, spirituality and mythology, the work incorporates organic forms, often set within an architectural framework, and often plays with perspective in a unique way - think Bosch, meets Dali with overtones of José Clemente Orozco and De Chirico, while paying homage to African, Amerindian, and early Italian Renaissance art, all within a particularly subjective interpretation of space and time very much within context of modernism.
 _______________________________________
ARTIST BIO

Born Alexander Bocchialini Shundi in Correggio, Italy, Shundi lived in Parma until his family moved to the U.S. in 1957. He obtained a BFA and MFA from Yale University, and went on to study at many prestigious institutions including Brera Academy in Milan and the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. His talent and unique approach have led to distinguished teaching positions at Silvermine College of Art in New Canaan, CT, and State University of New York (SUNY Purchase). Shundi also founded and ran the Santa Fe International Academy of Art in New Mexico where he taught painting, figure, landscape, drawing and art history, and has served as Dean of the Silvermine-La Coste school of Art in La Coste, Provence, France, and the Artsworks Forum School, in Millerton, NY. He is currently professor of Art History and Drawing at the New York Institute of Technology in Manhattan, and conducts intensive advanced painting classes in his studio-residence, a converted 1852 church in Amenia, New York. Alex also teaches advanced painting for the Arts on the Lake, Lake Carmel, NY, in addition to a full lecturing schedule, and has exhibited both nationally and internationally throughout his career.

Links:

Written Word & Painted Image - More information on the poetry/collage collection.
 
Images, clockwise from top left:Tenet Opera Rotas (2015), 36" x 24" - oil on canvas, 
  Alexander Shundi, Strana Eternita-PP6 (2010), 13" x 17" - color pencil,espresso ink on tobacco, Austrian papyrus paper, Il Cuore del Cuore(2010), 17 " x 13 " - papyrus, lemon, espresso, tabacco, paper color pencils.
_____________________________________________

The Moviehouse, 48 Main Street, Millerton, NY 12546
themoviehouse.net I (518) 789-0022
Copyright © 2015 TheMoviehouse, All rights reserved.
Matthew Carbray/ Ridgeline Financial Partners Newsletter


Ridgeline Financial Partners
Ridgeline Financial Partners , CFP®, ChFc®
Certified Financial Planner
60 Avon Meadow Lane
Avon, CT 06001
860-773-6750
RFP Monthly
Timely Financial ConsiderationsFebruary 2016

Happy New Year!

I hope that everyone had a happy and healthy holiday season. As we start the New Year, there is no better time to reevaluate your goals and see if you are progressing according to plan.  

I would also like to take this time to introduce the newest member of our team, Kevin Regan. Kevin recently joined us after starting his career at Barnum Financial Group in Shelton, CT. Prior to working at Barnum Financial, Kevin completed his MBA at Abertay University in Dundee, United Kingdom. Kevin also graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a B.S. in Finance and B.A. in Economics. He is currently enrolled in both the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP) and Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) programs.

We would like to wish everyone a great start to the New Year. Kevin and I look forward to hearing from you all in the very near future.

Best Regards,

Matt Carbray, CFP®

 
Congress has ended two popular Social Security claiming strategies, but depending on your age, you may still be able to take advantage of these options.
More Details
 
For most people, the due date for filing a 2015 federal income tax return is Monday, April 18, 2016. As that day approaches, here are a few things to keep in mind.
More Details
Quiz: Which Birthdays Are Financial Milestones? 
When it comes to your finances, some birthdays are more important than others. Take this quiz to see if you can identify the ages that might trigger financial changes.
More Details
 
The law requires that you begin taking distributions, called "required minimum distributions" or RMDs, from IRAs and most employer retirement plans when you reach age 70½ (or in some cases, when you retire), whether you need the money or not.
More Details
Should I delay taking my first RMD? 
In general, you must take your RMDs no later than December 31 of each calendar year to avoid a 50% tax penalty. However, you have the option of delaying your first distribution untilApril 1 of the following calendar year.


Securities and Investment Advisory Services may be offered through NFP Advisor Services, LLC, (NFPAS), member FINRA/SIPC. NFPAS may or may not be affiliated with the firm branded on this material.
Prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2016.
 
Connecticut Open House Day on Saturday, June 11th!



The Connecticut Office of Tourism is sponsoring the 12th Annual Connecticut Open House Day on Saturday, June 11th!

This one-day statewide event is designed to showcase Connecticut's diverse world of history, art, and tourism to Connecticut residents. Last year around 200 participants rolled out the welcome mat with special incentives such as free or discounted admission, special activities or exhibits, and/or free gifts. 

What type of vendors are there? Everything from restaurants and retail, to crafters and attractions such as museums and aquariums! Historic sites with original costumes, hands-on activities, demonstrations, local celebrities, and book signings are all special activities for Connecticut Open House Day.

Why participate? Showcase your attraction/business to Connecticut visitors! Promote visits from locals and tourists and increase

The Connecticut Office of Tourism is dedicating a section of the CTvisit.com website to Connecticut Open House Day, which will include event information and a listing of participating vendors. DiscoverNWCT will also make sure to highlight this event. However, you will also need to make sure to publicize and spread the word to receive the best outcome. Download the full handbook with program overview, local media kit, and samples.

Download, fill out the Agreement Form, and mail or fax to:
Jean Hebert
Connecticut Office of Tourism
One Constitution Plaza
Second Floor
Hartford, CT 06103
860-256-2739 (phone)
860-707-1811 (fax) 
Email Briana Juliano from the One Eleven Group if you have any questions, or would like help with participation and planning!


I hope you enjoy this weeks newsletter, with information and offers from our members.  Click here to view our Website with more information. 
 

Reminder-as part of your annual membership dues advertising in the newsletter is one of the many benefits we offer for FREE. The same information is also included on our website. Please send all information to be included in the newsletter no later than Monday evening to be included in the following Wednesday morning newsletter. Also, please send your information in either a jpeg or pdf file, unless its a press release then a word doc. is fine.

 

If anyone has any questions, suggestions or comments please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at  sdickinson@tristatechamber.com or call me at (860) 393-9171 M-F my direct line at Litchfield Bancorp.

If you are receiving this newsletter and are not yet members AND would like to advertise with us FREE with membership, it's easy to join and for a very low reasonable annual fee. Please contact us for more information or respond to this email.  Check out our website at www.tristatechamber.com.

Sign UP TODAY
to be a Vendor at this years Taste of the Tri-State

 
Click here to view the PDF file and to
download the application!
Be a Sponsor of the Taste of the Tri-State


Become a SPONSOR of "Taste of the Tri-State"

Sunday, March 20th, 2016

The Tri-State Chamber's "Taste of Tri-State" Festival offers you four great ways to promote your business to more than 60,000 people. We rely on our sponsors to help us keep our costs low, thereby keeping booth costs affordable each year for our local businesses

                                   GOLD SPONSORS| $1000.00 | Benefits include:                                     
Internet Advertising * Newspaper & Radio Advertising
Radio Interviews * Listing in Newspaper inserts
(20,000 print run) * Press Release
Name on Promotional banners
DAY OF FESTIVAL: FREE 8' booth ($200 value)
Listing in Festival Directory
Sponsor boards & booth sign
 
SILVER SPONSORS | $500.00 | Benefits Include:
Internet Advertising * Newspaper & Radio Advertising
Listing in Newspaper inserts (20,000 print run)
Press Release
DAY OF FESTIVAL: Discount on 8' booth ($100 value)
Listing in Festival Directory
Sponsor boards & booth sign
 
BRONZE SPONSORS | $250.00 | Benefits Include:
Internet Advertising * Newspaper & Radio Advertising
DAY OF FESTIVAL: Listing in Festival Directory
Sponsor boards & booth sign
 
FESTIVAL SUPPORTERS | $25.00 - $200.00
Receive Listing in Festival Directory


NOTE: Payment and form must be received on or before
February 18th, 2016 to included in ALL advertising!

 
For more information, please call Susan Dickinson at (860) 393-9171 or email:  sdickinson@tristatechamber.com

 Business After Hours  
******************************************************************************
Noble Horizons Logo

Thank you to Noble Horizons for hosting our 
Annual Meeting last week.
 
17 Cobble Rd, Salisbury, CT 06068



Below are this years Officers and Directors for 2016

                              
                        Susan Dickinson,                Janet Manko,                 Jean Saliter, 
                             President                        Secretary                        Director
                              
Marie Castagna,                 Michele Gorat,                  Peter Fitting, 
                            Vice President                       Director                           Director

            
  Bill Willis,                    Mary Wilbur, 
                                                   Director                        Director
___________________________________________________________________________

 
Our next event will be joint with the Exchange Club of Canaan
Tuesday, February 16th, 2016  From 5:30 pm - 7 pm
Meeting will be held at:
Geer
77 South Canaan Rd
Canaan, CT 06018
This will be a dinner meeting with a cost to all members of $10.00
(includes a full dinner provided by Geer)

********************************************************************************
If you are interested in hosting one of our wonderful business after hours
events please contact Susan Dickinson at (860) 393-9171 or email sdickinson@tristatechamber.com.  
We already have some booked to 2016, so call now to schedule an event.

Jumpfest Winterfestival


Miles of Smiles Directional Company
Winter Warmer


 
Small Business Information Session
Events at Noble Horizons

Best-Selling Authors on January 31 at Noble Horizons

On January 31 at 2:00 PM, Noble Horizons will host a book talk with internationally best-selling authors Daniel M. Klein and Thomas Cathcart. In addition to sharing the story of their critically acclaimed, international best-seller, "Plato and A Platypus Walk into a Bar: Understanding Philosophy through Jokes," Klein will discuss his recently released book, "Every Time I Find the Meaning of Life, They Change It" which NPR reviewed as a "warm, winsome book of eclectic musings." Cathcart will expound on his latest, "The Trolley Problem," which The Wall Street Journal called, "charming".

Klein and Cathcart met as philosophy majors at Harvard University, and reunited a half-century later to pen their best-seller, which has been translated into 26 languages. After graduating from Harvard, Klein became a speech writer for television comedies (Lily Tomlin and Flip Wilson, among others), and went on to author 40 books, including the 1980's best seller "How to Make Love To The Same Person For the Rest of Your Life," which he authored as a ghost-writer with a sex-therapist. Cathcart has spent his career in health care and has authored several books that humorously and innovatively explore philosophic ideas through contemporary dilemmas. Registration is at www.noblehorizons.org or 860-435-9851.

 

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Northwest Hills Council of Governments- January Newsletter

8 Town Shared Economic Development Services Project Update
CANAAN | CORNWALL | FALLS VILLAGE | GOSHEN
KENT | NORFOLK | SALISBURY | SHARON
View this email in your browser
JOIN US IN SOUTH FARMS, MORRIS
FREE TO ATTEND
Register Now
Why attend?
  • Hear success stories on supporting small businesses and revitalizing Main Street from within our region;
  • Meet local economic development business group members from neighboring towns in the NHCOG region and exchange ideas and resources;
  • Make contacts with the organizations and consulting firms  (like the One Eleven Group and Goman + York!) that can help with your town's economic development efforts.
____________________________________________________________
You're Invited: February 2ndSmall Business Assistance Info Session
Come, grab breakfast, meet CEDF and hear about programs tailored to assisting small businesses in our region. Info session held February 2nd at 8:30 AM at Geer Village, 77 South Canaan Road, North Canaan. Click here for the flyer and RSVP instructions. 

CEDF (Community Economic Development Fund) helps small businesses stabilize and grow by providing flexible financing and access to business expertise in marketing, finance, and management.
____________________________________________________________
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - GOMAN + YORK
  • North Canaan will be hosting a breakfast and "Small Business Assistance Info Session" (see details above) for the 8 Town region. Email Janet Goman to register. Thanks to the North Canaan EDC, Exchange Club, and Geer Village for their great support for this event!
  • Collaborative Work Space is the name of the game inKent! We continue to make progress with the programming and planning for the conversion of one of the existing buildings near Town Hall into the "Alpha test" model for this endeavor. If successful here; we have identified similar opportunities in other towns for "Beta-rollout".
  • Goman + York is excited about the opportunity to lead and participate in Cornwall's Economic Development Summit hosted by the Cornwall EDC. Members of Cornwall's boards and commissions, local residents and the business community will be involved over a three day period in early February working together to assess and develop priorities for the future of Cornwall. 
     
Questions? Contact Valeri-Teodor Ivanov at 860-796-5240 orvivanov@gomanyork.com.
________________________________________
TOURISM - ONE ELEVEN GROUP
  • We hosted the official launch party for the updated DiscoverNWCT website on January 8th. Thanks to all of you who came out to celebrate with us and learn about the website's new features!
  • We have now launched our winter focused marketing. Please submit events for the winter season that we can feature on the website and in social media posts.
  • We are currently signing up local writers to submit content for the content-driven site.
  • We are also completing the marketing/PR plan now that we have the website up and running.
Questions? Contact Janet Carlson at860-672-0043 x111 or janet.carlson@oneeleven-group.com.
________________________________________
This month in the NW corner...


The DiscoverNWCT website launch party was a success! Introductions were made over delicious drinks and snacks, and some important questions about the new site were answered by the One Eleven Group. Photo by Janet Carlson.


Congratulations to the Falls Village Inn on their recent appearance in The Huffington Post's "Small But Surprisingly Posh Inns"and for making Connecticut Magazines 2016 Expert Picks along with RSVP in West Cornwall, and The White Hart in Salisbury! Just a few amazing restaurants representing all that is great in Northwest Connecticut!


Lora and Bev from Unlocking Litchfield tried out curling at the Norfolk Curling Club! Visit their blog to watch a video of their recent experience. 
Salisbury Ski Jumps

Survive the Drive- Behind the Wheel



News from Salisbury Bank
SBT logoNEWS RELEASE
  
Contact:
Betsy Summerville, Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Officer
Salisbury Bank and Trust Company
5 Bissell Street, Lakeville, CT 06039
860.596.2105
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
PETER SEPELAK TO MANAGE THE LAKEVILLE AND SALISBURY BRANCHES OF SALISBURY BANK
 

Lakeville, CT - January 21, 2016 - Salisbury Bank is pleased to announce that Peter Sepelak has been hired as Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager of our Lakeville and Salisbury Branches.
 
"We are fortunate to have Peter join our team," said Betsy Summerville, Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Officer. "With Peter's financial and management experience, I am confident that he will have a positive impact on our customers and community."
 
Peter lives in Goshen, and has been working most recently as a Branch Manager at Simsbury Bank.  He brings with him more than 15 years of Banking and Financial Advisory experience from The First National Bank of Litchfield and Wachovia Bank.  Peter is also a graduate of the CT School of Finance and Management.
 

Salisbury Bank is a full-service community bank headquartered in Lakeville, Connecticut and presently operates full service branches in Canaan, Lakeville, Salisbury and Sharon, Connecticut; Great Barrington, Sheffield and South Egremont, Massachusetts; as well as Dover Plains, Fishkill, Millerton, Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, and Red Oaks Mill, New York. The Bank has been serving families and businesses for over 160 years and offers a full range of consumer and business banking products and services as well as trust and investment services.
Home Application period open for Habitat of Northwest CT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Tracy Atwood, President
Habitat for Humanity of Northwest CT (860) 824-7258
TWO HOMES, TWO FAMILIES:
IT'S A HAND UP, NOT A HAND OUT

FALLS VILLAGE, CT January 4, 2016. Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Connecticut announced today that applications are now being accepted from potential applicants for two homes located in Falls Village. There will be an open house on Saturday January 23, from 1 - 4 pm at both homes: 86 Sand Road and 40 River Road, both in Falls Village. The application period ends on February 10, 2016.

The mission of Habitat's Northwest Connecticut affiliate is to provide quality, affordable housing for moderate-income, working families who live, work, or have some other close connection in Canaan/Falls Village, Cornwall, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salisbury or Sharon.

Habitat caters to people who are priced out of the local home ownership market by a limited income, but earn enough to afford the lower monthly payments that Habitat's program makes possible. For example, a family of four must make less than a combined gross income of $52,200. This figure is adjusted up or down depending on the size of family.

Habitat does not serve the housing needs of those with minimal income - other agencies, both governmental and private, are set-up to assist that segment of the population. Nor will it serve the needs of those who are able to qualify for commercially available mortgage funds.

To be eligible for a Habitat home, applicants must have a need to improve their living conditions. For instance, if they're now squeezing too many family members in a one-bedroom apartment, if they're perhaps enduring serious mold conditions, a failing or inadequate heating system, poor insulation, or any other issue that significantly impairs quality of life. They must also demonstrate a sense of responsibility for meeting current financial obligations, like rent, as well as verify adequate income to pay Habitat's comfortably affordable monthly payments.

Additionally, applicants must commit to partner with Habitat by investing 400 hours of their own labor in the Habitat program. That means working on the construction of Habitat homes, theirs or one for another family. "Sweat equity" can be earned in other ways, like volunteering to work in Habitat's fund-raising events or at our store in Canaan or other approved activities. Other family members can contribute time to be credited as sweat equity -- even friends and relatives are welcome to pitch in.

"Habitat's proven formula for maintaining affordable terms is based on keeping acquisition and construction costs low, and making interest-free mortgages," said Dawn Whalen, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Connecticut. Dedicated volunteers, including the partner family, provide construction labor, under the skilled supervision of qualified professionals. Local vendors, artisans and craftspeople donate or offer sharply discounted prices for high quality supplies, materials, and specialized labor. Other local corporate and individual donors, committed to the notion of providing affordable housing in the area, also subsidize the process.

Then, upon transfer of title to the partner, now owner, Habitat retains ownership of the land, thereby reducing the buyer's monthly obligation for real estate taxes. Habitat assumes the role of a lender, making a zero-interest mortgage for a reasonable term that best suits the financial strength of the qualified applicant.

Are you or perhaps someone you know --a relative, a friend, an employee, an associate or a neighbor perhaps- eligible to become part of the Habitat Home Partnership Program? Don't wait! Call Tracy Atwood now at (860) 824-7258. Habitat will accept applications only until February 10, 2016.


                    Under Renovation: 86 Sand Road & 40 River Road, Falls Village


ABOUT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF NORTHWEST CT:

Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Connecticut is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. We serve the six-town area of Canaan/Falls Village, Cornwall, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salisbury, and Sharon.

Volunteers provide most of the labor, and individual and corporate donors provide money and materials to build Habitat houses. Partner families are required to work 400 hundred hours - "sweat equity"- in building their own home and the home of others. The houses are sold to the partner families with a no interest loan. The mortgage payments go into a revolving fund used to help build more houses.

Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Connecticut promotes home ownership by building houses in partnership with residents in need of adequate housing. In 2015, our affiliate dedicated its eleventh home located in North Canaan.
Dawn Whalen, Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Connecticut
dawnwhalen@habitatnwct.org
860-435-4747

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