Winsted hires permit appraiser

WINSTED — The Town of Winchester Tax Assessor has hired an independent appraiser for field inspection of current building permits. Appraiser Lee Marcella, driving a light green Subaru, plate number 4AFRH9, began reviewing properties Aug. 13 within the town and may approach homeowners to verify completion of building permits. Residents may also see Marcella obtaining photos. Data collection will continue for approximately 10 weeks. For information, contact Rhonda Roy in the Tax Assessor's Office at 860-379-5461 with any questions.

Torrington’s volunteer fire departments need donations

TORRINGTON — Mayor Elinor Carbone recently appealed to the public to support the Torringford and Drakeville volunteer fire departments, following a message from members posted on Facebook.

The departments had to cancel to fundraisers: the annual summer car show and winter tree sale, because of restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents are asked to donate, as they would have for these events, according to a statement.

“Our volunteer departments rely on their annual fundraiser to support their departments in service to the community,” Carbone wrote on Facebook. “Please help Torringford Volunteer Fire Department and Drakeville Fire Department through this pandemic shutdown.”

Checks can be sent, made payable to the Torringford Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., to P.O Box 222, Torrington CT 06720-0222.

Winsted fireworks canceled

WINSTED — David L. Sartirana, chief of the Winsted Fire Department, announced recently that the annual fireworks show is canceled. “With Governor Lamont’s postponement of initiating Phase 3 of Connecticut’s re-opening it is now obvious that we will be unable to safely sponsor our 2020 Fireworks show,” the chief said in a statement. “The show is postponed until such time the event can be safely held. Thank you for your understanding.” To learn more about the fire department, visit www.winstedfire.org

USDA asks residents to return seeds

NEW HAVEN — The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and The Connecticut Department of Agriculture announced that the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has expanded the list nationally of locations where the public can send unsolicited seed packets, according to a statement. In Connecticut, residents can mail the seeds and packaging to the USDA Plant Protection and Quarantine office at USDA APHIS PPQ, 97 Barnes Road Unit 200, Wallingford, CT 06492. The seeds can also be dropped off at that address in a box specifically for that purpose.

To return them, place the unopened seed packet and any packaging, including the mailing label in a mailing envelope, officials said. If the seed packets are open, first place the seeds and their packaging into a zip-lock bag, seal it, and then place everything into a mailing envelope. Include your name, address, and phone number so that a State or Federal agriculture official can contact you for additional information, if needed. If you received other unsolicited items in addition to seeds, only send the seeds, officials said.

If you are unable to ship the seed or have already planted the seeds, email The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (Kirby.Stafford@ct.gov or Victoria.Smith@ct.gov) or Chuck Baker at Charles.e.baker@usda.gov for instructions and provide your name, address, phone number, e-mail address.

Officials say there is no evidence indicating this is something other than a “brushing scam”, in which people receive unsolicited items from a seller who then posts false customer reviews to boost sales. Seeds for planting pose a significant risk for U.S. agriculture and natural resources because they can carry diseases or insects that may harm crops. Imported vegetable or agricultural seed must meet labeling and phytosanitary requirements and be inspected by APHIS and customs at the port of entry. The USDA is committed to preventing the unlawful entry of prohibited seeds and protecting U.S. agriculture from disease, invasive pests, and noxious weeds. Additional information is available at www.aphis.usda.gov.

Wisdom House to hold self-publishing program

LITCHFIELD – Wisdom House will offer a program, “ZINE Making”, 9:30-12:30 p.m. Aug. 22. As always, social distancing and CDP Guidelines will be observed for this on-site event, organizers said. “ZINE-Making” is a self-published way to share thoughts, photos, experiences and artwork. Participants are encouraged to remix and reinterpret a range of materials using just scissors, glue and imagination creating a bound piece of artwork. Ramirez, M. Div., is an educator and former Faculty member at Yale University. The fee is $15 per person and includes lunch. For information or to register: call 860567-3163 or visit: www.wisdomhouse.org.

Glenholme offers summer programs during COVID-19

WASHINGTON — Students in the Glenholme School Arts Program this summer have been utilizing their creativity with two major virtual projects, according to a statment. The first is called “G-TV” with students within their cottages creating four unique videos, each 30 seconds to one minute in length. The topics will include a cottage introduction, a TV commercial, a Silly News Story and a final video which is the student’s choice. All of the students are encouraged to take part in camera work, script writing, story board drawing, sound and lighting technology, and acting. Videos are underway and the final presentation will be ready for viewing by the last week of August according to the statement.

The second project is a Virtual Talent Show. Students are signing up and putting together various acts that will be approximately three minutes in length each. Students will have the ability to showcase their skills in singing, dancing, and acting. For additional information, contact Lisa R Berman, 917270-9508.