'Green light'

TLGV support

Get your green lights glowing in support of The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor!  Everyone is invited to join the fun in this slightly off-kilter midwinter celebration.  Participation is simple – just display a green light from through March 17.  Change a porch light to green, hang an LED strand of green lights around the window, or display an electric candle with a green bulb.     

The Green Lights theme also offers local businesses an opportunity to reach a greater audience mid- winter.  Having a clearance sale?  Make it a Green Lights Sale!  Want to increase lunch traffic?  Offer a Green Plate Special!  Want to attract new customers?  Offer a discount on everything green in your store!  Planning community events?  Try a Green Lights snowman contest!   

Be sure to let The Last Green Valley know what you’re doing, and we’ll publicize your activity or promotion through The Last Green Valley website, events calendar, and Facebook page. We will run a contest on our Facebook page for the best residential and business displays, promotions, and activities. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your Green Lights activity, and don’t forget to include photos for us to post!

Green bulbs (25 watt) are available for purchase at TLGV’s office for $3 or you may purchase 60 - bulb strands of LED lights for $12.  Please call 860-774-3300 for details. 

 

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Honored

Three members of the Woodstock Academy field hockey team were honored including #7 Shaina Blain, #3 Sarah Douglas, and #8 Briana Kowolenko. Courtesy photo

 

 

 

Centaur field 

hockey gals

gain honors

By Ron P. Coderre

Woodstock Academy has only had a field hockey team for three years.  Despite the fact that the program is still emerging on the field, some positive things are happening, as the school recently announced a significant achievement for three of its seniors.

Shaina Blain of Pomfret Center, Sarah Douglas of Woodstock and Briana Kowolenko of Brooklyn have been selected for the National Field Hockey Coaches Association 2014 Keith Waldman Optimal Performance Associates/NFHCA High School National Academic Squad.  The selection recognizes high school seniors who have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or equivalent in the classroom.

The trio is described as passionate and kind leaders, who not only excelled athletically and academically but also demonstrated team spirit with underclass teammates and a willingness to give back to the community.

“We are very proud of our players for this incredible achievement.  These girls joined the team in the first year of the program.  It has been a delight to grow the program with them and see them develop as players and young ladies as we developed as a team,” said coach and Assistant Athletic Director Ann Rathbone.

Blain, who was a midfielder and defenseman, is described as a leader by example.  She’s been playing indoor and outdoor field hockey for five years.  “It’s a great honor to be recognized by the NFHCA and for all my accomplishments at Woodstock Academy,” said Blain.

Douglas, a forward on the team, was the epitome of a true team player.  One of the team’s leading scorers, the team created “Pulling a Douglas” to describe their scoring plays.  She’s been playing field hockey for three years and aspires to continue to play in college.  “It’s an honor to be chosen for the NFHCA Academic team.  It feels good to be recognized for the hard work we put in during the season,” said Douglas.

Kowolenko, who like her teammate Blain is a midfielder and defenseman, is known for her approachable personality, passion and dedication.  She’s headed to Gordon College in Wenham, Mass., where she plans on playing on the field hockey team.  “It feels good to be recognized and know that I excelled both academically and on the field during my final season at the Academy,” said Kowolenko.

During the 2014 season, the Centaur field hockey team posted a 5-10-1-1 record.  They finished on game shy of qualifying for the State Tournament.  Off the field the team was proud of the fact that it raised more than $2,500 for breast cancer survivors and research.

 

 

WOODSTOCK —  Woodstock  Academy announces a three-year sponsorship deal to become an Under Armour Athletics Apparel School.

Under the agreement, Woodstock Academy will become a Premier Account, purchasing sports uniforms, shoes, equipment, and headwear  from Under Armour and Keith’s II Sports/The Graphic Edge at considerably cheaper prices.

“We are very excited to partner with and gain the support of such a reputable corporation,” Headmaster Sandford said. “This agreement will save our Athletic Department and sports teams a significant amount of money each year and allow us to use that money for other important tools and opportunities for our student athletes.”

Woodstock Academy will display on-field and on-court banners from Under Armour and Keith II Sports/The Graphic Edge and replace sports uniforms when new uniforms are needed by select teams. A brand new online store will also be developed as part of the agreement for parents and families.

“Woodstock Academy  and Under Armour share the same missions, to make athletes better by providing them with the best tools available,”  said Athletic Director Aaron Patterson. “It’s a privilege to work with Under Armour and Keith II Sports/The Graphic Edge to offer our athletes with new, top-of-the-line, and innovative uniforms that provide numerous athletic benefits.”

 

Tax help  

N. GROSVENORDALE — TEEG offers free tax preparation assistance to eligible households.

“EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) is a tax benefit for working people and their families. This tax credit also allows more dollars to flow into our community,” said Carl Asikainen, coordinator of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) at TEEG. “We want workers who may qualify for EITC and free tax preparation through VITA to have all the information they need to get their EITC and have their returns prepared correctly.”

For more information about the program and to see if you qualify, call Carl Asikainen, VITA Coordinator at 860-923-3458 .

Last year, EITC credits returned over $472 million dollars to 221,000 households in Connecticut. The amount of EITC varies by income, family size and individual filing status. This credit can provide up to $496 in EITC for people without a qualifying child, and up to $6,143 for those with three or more qualifying children.

With the exception of some who receive certain disability income, an individual must work for someone or run their own business or farm to qualify for EITC. Workers who made less than $52,427 should ask about their eligibility for EITC.

Individuals who earn less than $52,417, are eligible for free tax preparation assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. TEEG is one VITA site in the local region. IRS-certified volunteers will assist qualified individuals to determine their eligibility for EITC and other refundable credits. Volunteers will also prepare and e-file (file electronically) tax returns at no cost to the individual filer.