The Tankerhoosen

Vernon's New Senior Center

The Town Council is holding a Public Hearing on the proposed new Vernon Senior Center on Tuesday, February 21. There seems to have been limited publicity on the event so I've pulled together available information in this post. It's an important issue and everyone should be aware and have an opportunity to participate at the hearing.

The information compiled here is from the February 15 Public Notice, the February 16 Journal Inquirer article, and the February 17 Town of Vernon letter to Senior Center Members. The links will take you to each document.

 

Vernon Senior Center February 21 Public Hearing

There will be a Public Hearing on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 in the Town Council Chamber, 14 Park Place, Vernon at 8 p.m. to discuss passing an ordinance for the purchase and renovation of the parcel known as 135 Bolton Road for a new SENIOR CENTER.

The Ordinance is to establish a referendum to authorize the bonds for three million, two hundred forty-five thousand dollars ($3,245,000) for the purchase and renovation of the property into a new SENIOR CENTER.                                

An estimated $1.2 million would go to purchase the property, while over $800,000 would be for building renovation and $700,000 for furniture and equipment. There is also a good possibility of receiving grant money to help offset our costs.

Naming Rockville's New Preserve

In a previous post I did some early publicity for the Manchester Land Conservation Trust’s (MLCT) new property in Rockville off Pleasant Street.

Since then there have been announcements and articles in all the local news outlets. I’ve also had the opportunity to walk the property with the steward and other members of the MLCT, as well as do additional research on the property and its relationship to Rockville’s water system.  See webpage.

Google 3D image of MCLT's Rockville preserve.They own almost 16 wooded acres at the center.

   
The land trust is requesting public input for naming the preserve. You have the opportunity to select a name that is meaningful to Rockville; a name that connects the property to the city. It might reflect an historical person, the location of the property, a name used a century ago, or a description of the property.

But you have only through this Wednesday, February 15, to submit your vote. Here are a few of the names that have votes and a bit of background on them:

Land Trust Acquires 16-Acre Rockville Property

Over the holidays I went on a Manchester Land Conservation Trust (MLCT) hike of their 57-acre Bush Hill Farm property in Manchester. Along the way hike leader Susan Barlow mentioned the land trust recently became owners of a 16-acre property in Rockville. Not having heard anything about an available property I was very curious (aka nosy).

The property is on Pleasant Street in Rockville and overlooks Amerbelle and Paper Mill Pond. It's a rocky outcrop owned by Lee and Lamont who wanted to see the property preserved and protected. Northern CT Land Trust declined to acquire it, so MLCT accepted the property and the transfer was made in December.

Vintage postcard of Stickney Hill

I did a little digging on the history of the property. In the second half of the 1800's the area was owned by Deacon John Stickney, who was involved with a number of mills including the paper mill on Paper Mill Pond. His house was above the turn in the road and the hill was known as Stickney Hill.

Nature To The Rescue

In the Late Fall issue of the Colchester Land Trust News was an article titled 'Nature To The Rescue!' by board member Cathy Shea. It spoke of the challenging year that has just ended and the need for healing emotionally, physically and spiritually making the case that nature has proven to be just the healer we need and even science finally recognizes the benefits.

Cathy's article is posted below with permission. It spoke to me and I hope it will speak to you also. A few minor changes were made so the article would apply wherever you live.

"After the last few months of one of the most contentious and stressful election campaigns in modern history, many of us - regardless of our left, right or center leanings - have probably experienced sleepless nights, frayed nerves, sadness, anger, despair, and a myriad of other unhealthy emotions.  And, now, the stress of the holiday season is upon us!

The Origin of Walker Reservoir East

Walker Reservoir East is a beautiful spot to visit year round. Good fishing in the spring and summer, gorgeous foliage in the fall, ice skating and curling in the winter and a favorite place for lunch anytime.

The pond is fed by several streams, primarily Gage's Brook that begins in Tolland and follows the highway through the Tolland County Agricultural Center property. It is also spring fed by Walker Reservoir West. The dam that created the reservoir is the designated beginning of the Tankerhoosen River.

In exploring the Tankerhoosen Valley and its history I've long been curious about why Walker East even exists. There were a number of small saw, grist and spool mills along the upper Tankerhoosen but none that would require that much water. We know that the reservoir was built by Frederick Walker, who owned much of what is today the Tankerhoosen Wildlife Management Area in the middle 1800's; but why did he build it?

Valley Falls Rail-Trail Fire

It was after midnight last Tuesday, November 15, when I saw the fire truck's going past my house on Valley Falls Road. Listened but couldn't tell where they were headed. Later in the day we learned there was a fire along the Rail Trail above Valley Falls Park.

Fire crews from four towns responded and fought the fire until 6 a.m. and monitored pockets for another four hours. There was fire above, below and on the cliff face making access a challenge, particularly at night.

Hiking Webster-Knapp in October.

Above the cliffs is the Northern Connecticut Land Trust's Webster- Knapp property. Property steward Karl Hasel led a hike there in October. The cliffs are the main attraction, but the rock ledges and vernal pools beyond them make the landscape a delight to walk.

Karl visited the property after the fire and reported insignificant damage. No trees had major damage - mostly leaves, underbrush and some blackened Mountain Laurel. The hiking trails at the top seemed to contain the fire to the overlook area and where it did hop the trail it was quickly contained by the firefighters.