Greetings!

 

GRANT DEADLINE:

 

It’s the final days for businesses anywhere in Connecticut to file their donation to the Ethel Walker preservation project through the neighborhood assistance grant program (initiated by the Farmington River Watershed Association) and receive a 60% credit on their 2006 taxes.  All the forms and information are available on the Farmington River Watershed Association website:  http://www.frwa.org/news.html

 

File form NAA-02 by Monday October 2nd indicating donation amount; actual donation can be sent later.  Sub-S, LLC, and LLP businesses are excluded, but all others can take advantage of this opportunity.  For example, a business donation of $10,000 will receive a tax credit of $6,000. 

 

Let’s get all the matching money and grant money we can!  If you haven’t followed up with the businesses that you contacted for donations to our fundraiser, now is the time!  The list can be found here:  http://www.keepthewoods.org/fundraising.php.  Scroll down for the list of businesses.  Have them fill out the form and give it to you so you can make sure it gets filed.  

 

GREAT NEWS!  

 

Simsbury has received a prestigious “Preserve America” designation from the White House!  We are now eligible to apply for special grants, display Preserve America signage and logos, have a listing in the Preserve America directory, and gain national recognition for this rare distinction.  Simsbury is one of only four communities in Connecticut to receive this designation since the program was initiated by Laura Bush in March 2003.    

 

The Farmington Valley has already been lauded and published as one of 19 “Nature Friendly” communities in the country; Simsbury was highlighted in particular.  Now, Preserve America status and supporting grants are even more evidence that economic development of the town does not necessarily mean paving it!   

 

Investing in, enhancing and advertising our natural, cultural, and historic resources will entice desirable businesses and bolster tourism from the region and beyond.  Doing the right thing with respect to our legacy and our resources is economic development that does not degrade our water quality, sacrifice the environment, propagate sprawl, or negatively impact the quality of life in Simsbury.

 

MEETINGS:

 

Wednesday, Oct 4^th, 4 PM  Open Space Land Preservation Subcommittee, Town Hall

 

Wednesday, Oct 4^th, 7PM  Keep the Woods Community Meeting, Flamig Farm

 

We are going to be having some special additional meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays prior to referendum.  If you live in town, look on your calendar to find two dates that you are available from now until then.  Email them in or we will be calling you to schedule.  

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Sincerely,

 

Susan Masino,

On behalf of Keep the Woods