OUR TOWN
SERVING THE VILLAGES OF BALTIC, HANOVER, AND VERSAILLES
IN THE BEAUTIFUL SHETUCKET RIVER VALLEY
Information & News for January 2017
Honor Roll – Our Town
TRIMESTER 1
There is a mailbox placed up at the
transfer station to be used for
worn and torn Flags. Please place
the flags there; when the mailbox
is full the American Legion Post will
remove them for proper flag disposal.
High Honor Roll – 7th Grade
Makenzi Ducharme
Noah Feinglass
Autumn Lovett
Joshua Nowakowski
Madison Ewen
Hannah Plourde
Emily Topalis
Honor Roll – 7th Grade
Zachary Dziekan
Zachary Holt
Julie King
Jason Ouimette
Richard Savoie
Abigail Staggs
Kayla Suchomel
Ashlyn Bill
Kristanna Lickwola
Elijah Mueller
Lorenzo Piekarski
High Honor Roll – 8th
Grade
Cora Hawkins
Jenna Henk
Lily Lacy
Alexandra Richardson
Miguel Viera
Katherine Crowley
Ryan Donahue
Honor Roll – 8th Grade
Alyssa Jessop
Jada Barboza
Nathan Bastien
Adam Blais
Mason Jackson
Sydnee Phillips
Brianna Watson
Shetucket Village Is Accepting Applications
8 Wall Street – Baltic, CT. Must be 62 years of age and/or Disabled, No Pets Allowed; No Section 8 Housing
If you would like an application sent to you, please call
860-822-1512 and leave your name and address.
Newsletter Deadline:
There will be no late submissions accepted for the Our Town. As a reminder, the Our Town deadline is the
15th of every month. The newsletter will be collated on Saturday, December 31 for the January issue, we
will meet at the Town Hall at 10 am. Contact Elizabeth for details. If interested in volunteering email
Elizabeth @ [email protected]
From the Desk of the First Selectman
Winter reminded us that we live in New England with a few frigid days in conjunction with snow, Ice, rain and fog all within a couple of days. It looks like we should
be prepared for a busy winter at least weather wise. Please remember to drive carefully; I want you all to be safe!
The Town crew has planted trees, cleaned parks and roadsides and stands ready
to plow and sand our roads. We have a new plow truck almost ready for delivery and
the new senior van came in just on time for Christmas.
The library has books and movies for you to borrow this winter. Stop in; enjoy a
cup of cocoa while you search for that perfect book to entertain your mind as you
curl up on your sofa under a blanket or two!
The budget process is in full swing as usual we will carefully look at every line
item to ensure we are as frugal as possible. January’s meeting with the Board of Finance will be a first review of prospective capital projects. In the next few months we
will provide you with a review of all capital requests. Please let us know what you
think!
As always thanks for your support and stay warm!
Catherine A. Osten
First Selectman
Open Positions as of 1/1/2017
Zoning Board of Appeals
Two alternate members
Inland Wetlands
One alternate member
Water & Sewer
One regular member
Recreation Committee
Unlimited numbers allowed
Baltic Mills Committee
Unlimited numbers allowed
Planning & Zoning
One regular member
One alternate member
Regional Tourism Board
One appointment
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GOIN’ POSTAL January 2017
Hello Sprague! A new year, new opportunities to take advantage of! We have some
great stamps coming up this year and a host of services that you can use to do what you already need to do—less expensively than you think!
First of all, there are a host of new stamps being introduced this coming year:
Dorothy Height, the 40th stamp in the Black Heritage series, Nebraska Statehood, celebrating
the Cornhusker State’s 150th Anniversary, Mississippi Statehood, celebrating the Magnolia
State’s 200th Anniversary Celebration Boutonniere, a stamp that can be used on wedding
RSVP’s party invitations, thank-you notes, announcements and other correspondence. Celebration Corsage, a 2-ounce stamp. Robert Panara, the 16th stamp in the Distinguished Americans series, honoring this writer, author and professor in deaf studies. Have a Ball!, featuring
illustrations of eight different sports balls. Andrew Wyeth, a pane of 12 stamps honoring the
painter Henry David. Thoreau, honoring the famed writer, Protect Pollinators, five stamps
that pay tribute to monarch butterflies and western honeybees, “The Snowy Day” booklet,
showcasing Ezra Jack Keats’ classic children’s book Christmas Carols booklet, celebrating four
stamps that honor the holiday jingles “Jingle Bells”, “Deck the Halls”, “Silent Night” and “Jolly
Old Saint Nicholas”.
“2017 will be an exciting year for the Postal Service’s stamp program,” said Stamp Services Executive Director Mary-Anne Penner. “This amazing collection of stamps features
beautiful art, distinguished Americans and historic events.”
I am looking forward to seeing—and using—the new designs on letters, cards and invitations!
Another point you might want to keep in mind is January 12, 2017 will be the date the
price changes go into effect, one of which includes the First-Class Forever stamps going up
to .49 cents each. Stocking up on forever stamps BEFORE JANUARY 12 will save you money—
the closest thing to getting stamps “on sale” you can get! Because they are Forever stamps,
you can continue to use them...forever! Even after the prices change. It’s also a great time to
stock up on holiday stamps that will not be on sale after Dec. 31: Charlie Brown, Geometric
snowflakes, Gingerbread Houses, and others—while supplies last! Check them out today!
And from all of us at the Baltic, Hanover and Versailles Post Offices—we hope you have
a safe, peace-filled and Happy New Year!
Tracy, Faye, Monique, Mary, Paul, Rebecca, Andrew & Barbara
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December 6, 2016 American Legion Post 85 Minutes
The Vice CDR opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. The prayer was said by
Adjutant Harry Elrod due to the Chaplain’s absence. 12 members were in attendance. 5 of 7 officers were present. The minutes from November were read and accepted. The Financial Officer reported that there was
$126.74 in the checking account and $12,912.60 in the Memorial Fund.
A BBQ committee suggested that another BBQ fund raiser be held before Memorial Day. More discussion will be held at the January meeting.
Those members that attended the Sayles School Veteran’s Day festivities informed the membership
how welcomed and appreciated they felt.
The Vice CDR reminded the members to contribute to the Christmas Fund. The money, approximately
$200.00 will be given to the Town to assist in giving gifts to the needy in Town. There were no sick members
reported.
The meeting closed at 7:25 p.m. with a salute to the colors and a prayer. The next meeting will be held
on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sprague Rod and Gun Club.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Coletti
Post 85 Financial Officer
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE TAX COLLECTOR
The second installment of Real Estate and Personal Property taxes will become due and payable on January 1, 2017. Supplemental Motor Vehicle tax bills will be sent out by the end of December and become
due and payable on January 1, 2017. You will have the entire month of January to pay your taxes.
Taxes not paid by February 1, 2017 shall become delinquent and will be subject to l ½% interest per
month. Annual interest is 18% and minimum interest is $2.00.
Taxpayers needing an immediate clearance for the registration of a motor vehicle and owe a delinquent
tax must pay by cash, money order or certified check. All others who pay by personal check must wait until the check clears.
If you pay by mail and would like a receipt please mail entire tax bill and a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your payment.
If you have any questions regarding your tax bill, you may call the tax collector at 822-3000, ext. 224. Any
questions regarding address changes, assessments, exemptions, or your correct tax town should be directed to the Assessor at 822-3000, ext. 222.
TAX COLLECTORS HOURS;
Mondays:
8:00 A.M. – 12:00 NOON
Wednesdays: 2:00 P.M. – 5:30 P.M.
Thursdays:
8:00 A.M. – 12:00 NOON
Mary B. Chartier, CCMC-,Tax Collector
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SPRAGUE SENIOR CENTER
Join us by stopping in or calling Buddy Meadows (Coordinator/Municipal Agent) at
860-822-3000, ext. 203. Buddy can also be reached by email: [email protected].
Requirement: age 55 and over
Might you be interested in one or all offered: health services, programs, trips, informational
presentations, luncheons, and more?
Transportation is available to attend Senior Center lunches, shopping, and senior
events as well as medical appointments.
Lunch is served at the Senior Center Monday, Tuesday & Thursday at 11:45 am.
Make a lunch reservation by calling Denise Lance at 860-822-3000 ext. 210. On Monday &
Tuesday you must be age 60. For lunch on Thursday there is no age requirement.
TVCCA “Meals on Wheels” program delivers hot meals Monday through Friday. Call the
TVCCA Senior Nutrition Program at 860-886-1720.
Membership Dues for 2017 of $5.00 is due and payable to “S.M.I.L.E.R.S.”
The Movie for January will be “The King & I” on January 18 th at 12:30 pm in the Senior
Center.
The monthly meeting will be January 26th at 1:00 pm.
PLEASE COME JOIN US!!
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SFC Little League will be hosting two free clinics this winter. Clinics are open to children in the town
of Sprague, Franklin, Canterbury, and Scotland. The programs are free and all levels of players are
welcome!
The Winter Baseball/Softball Clinic will be held Saturday evenings at the Franklin Elementary School
gymnasium starting January 7, 2017. This clinic is for boys and girls. Ages 5 to 8 will run from 5:30 to
6:30 p.m. and ages 9 to 12 from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Please have your child bring their baseball/softball
glove and wear sneakers.
The Pitchers/Catchers Clinic will be held Tuesday evenings at the Sayles Elementary School gymnasium starting January 10, 2017, and will run from 6 to 7 p.m. This clinic is for boys and girls ages 7 to
12 interested in learning to pitch and catch. Please have your child bring their glove and wear sneakers.
Any questions, please email [email protected] or call SFC President Greg Bourdon at 860-8844356.
Follow SFC Little League on Facebook for the most up to date information regarding clinic dates and
possible cancellations due to weather. Thank you for your continued support of SFC Little League!
For Immediate Release: December 2, 2016
Rep. Dubitsky: (800) 842-1423
Sarah Finlaw, Press: (860) 240-8382
[email protected]
HARTFORD – Representative Doug Dubitsky (R-47) is announcing that he will hold legislative office hours across
the 47th District in anticipation of the 2017 Legislative Session, which begins on January 4, 2017.
Residents of the 47th District are encouraged to attend and discuss any issues or concerns they would like to
see addressed during the upcoming session.
Details for the office hours are as follows:
 CANCELLED Franklin – Tuesday, December 6th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at the Franklin Town Hall, 7 Meeting
House Hill Rd, North Franklin.

Sprague – Wednesday, December 7th, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., at the Sprague Town Hall, 1 Main St, Baltic.
 Chaplin – Tuesday, December 13th, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., at the Chaplin Town Hall, 495 Phoenixville Rd,
Chaplin.
Lisbon – Wednesday, December 14th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at the Lisbon Town Hall, 1 Newent Rd, Lisbon.
For more information, please contact Rep. Dubitsky at [email protected] or at (800) 842-1423 with any
questions. You can also visit Rep. Dubitsky’s website at www.repdubitsky.com or find him on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/doug.dubitsky. -30
Rep. Doug Dubitsky represents the 47th General Assembly District which includes Canterbury, Chaplin, Franklin,
Hampton, Lebanon, Lisbon, Norwich, Scotland, and Sprague.
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Our Town
Business Page:
Ads must be pre-purchased at rates of: Business
Card $21; Double Business Card $40; Half Page
$70; Full Page $100. Purchase 11 months and
receive the 12th month free. All payments for
ads are made in the Town Clerk’s Office at
Town Hall. All payments must be made prior to
the submission deadline. All ads must be
emailed to the editor by the 15th of the month @
Spragueourtownnewsletter @gmail.com
Personal and Commercial Vehicles
All Makes and Models
Foreign and Domestic
Certified CT Emissions Repair
Technician
Bozrah
Auto
Repair
Center
4 Rachel Drive, Bozrah
M-F 8am-5pm
860-213-5914
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David Wigfield,
Jr
Owner/Operator ASE Certified
with over 20 years experience
–
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SPRAGUE PUBLIC LIBRARY JANUARY NEWSLETTER
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
LIBRARY HOURS ARE: MONDAY CLOSED
TUESDAY OPEN 9-7
WEDNESDAY
KNIT & CROCHET
9-6
THURSDAY
9-6
SATURDAYS
9-12
WEDNESDAYS
1-3
BOOK CLUBS WILL MEET IN FEBRUARY AFTER A HOLIDAY HIATUS.
LITTLE READERS BOOK CLUB WILL MEET AT 10AM ON JANUARY 7TH.
WE WILL BE STARTING A NEW PROGRAM CALLED CULTURES AROUND THE WORLD. THERE WILL BE A PRESENTATION AT SAYLES SCHOOL ON FRIDAY JANUARY 20TH AT 2PM FOR CHILDREN UP TO FOURTH GRADE. IT WILL
BE A PERUVIAN DANCE PERFORMANCE. CHILDREN WHO ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT CULTURES AROUND THE WORLD THROUGH STORY, SONG, DANCE, AND INSTRUMENTS SHOULD CALL THE LIBRARY FOR MORE INFORMATION AT 860-822-3012
Sprague Democratic Town Committee Update
At the December meeting, the DTC met and celebrated the holiday season.
We are very pleased to have several new members, but we are always eager to
welcome more.
The Sprague DTC encourages residents to register to vote. Registered democrats
interested in serving on Town boards or joining the DTC should contact DTC secretary
Claire Glaude at 860-822-9111.
Come join us at 6:30 pm, the first Thursday of the month at the Town Hall.
Claire Glaude, DTC Secretary
The spirit of Christmas was alive and well in Baltic on
December 10th. Children from St. Joseph School Baltic
shined as they performed Christmas songs both religious
and traditional for a large crowd of family and friends. The
pre-K through 8th graders shared the stage with students
from nearby Academy of the Holy Family Chorus. The afternoon production was magical. Special guest Santa Claus
appeared to a chorus of “Santa Clause Is Coming To Town”. Santa was
there to load up his sack with toys and gifts generously donated by St. Joseph School families, and were distributed within the Baltic community to
families in need. The show concluded with a breathtaking live Nativity.
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St. Joseph School in Baltic hosted their annual auction/basket raffle on Saturday December
3rd.
The event was held inside the gymnasium at the school, which is at 10 School Hill Road in
Baltic. Doors opened at 4:30 but attendees began flooding in earlier to drop their tickets for
100 themed baskets and bid on 11 live auction items.
Every year, each classroom contributes a special basket. The St. Joseph School teachers
have a friendly competition to earn the most tickets dropped for their basket. The classrooms
receive one half of the ticket take for their baskets, with that money going towards classroom
necessities as well as field trips and events throughout the year. Baskets, worth close to
$10,000, were donated by St. Joseph School families and staff, regional museums, theaters,
and theme parks; the Boston Red Sox, NY Giants, NY Jets, and Pittsburg Steelers. Many
local businesses and restaurants also contributed gift certificates for various goods and services.
The Knights of Columbus cooked up a baked potato bar with a huge variety of toppings,
along with a tossed salad and beverage.
Guest auctioneer Mr. Warren Baker, a grandparent of a St. Joseph School student, kicked
off the excitement which followed by basket number pulling by committee chairwoman Mrs.
Dana Belanger-Smith. She, along with a number of dedicated parents, have been working
since the summer to prepare for this very successful event which is the school’s secondlargest fund raising event, with the largest being the St. Mary’s Baltic Annual Rummage Sale
which usually brings in over $45,000 for the school and St Mary of the Immaculate Conception parish. The next event for St. Joseph School will be a Bingo night at Foxwoods Casino
on Friday March 3rd, followed by a Vendors Fair on Saturday May 6th.
Parents/Residents of Sayles School Committee
([email protected]
ANNOUNCEMENT
Sayles School will be hosting a Spaghetti Dinner/Bingo Night in the early part of 2017.
If anyone would like to volunteer their services with this event, please contact the Principle Mrs. Diana
Burns at Sayles School. Phone (860) 822-8264
e-mail- [email protected]
THANK YOU
Please join us to improve the quality of education for our children.
Board of Education Meeting JANUARY 4, 2017, 7:00 p.m.
at Sayles School Media Center
Stay informed
like page: Parents of Sayles Public School
Facebook page: Veronica Sanchez Cabello
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BUS SCHEDULE FROM SPRAGUE TO OCCUM
Points of Departure to Occum
Time
Shetucket Village
7:45am
9:45am
11:45am
Playground
7:48am
9:48am
11:48am
Brookside & High Street
TJ’s Parking Lot
7:50am
9:50am
11:50am
Arrive Occum- SEAT Connection Site
8:10am
10:10am
12:10am
Red McKeon Park, Hooper St. & Rte. 97
Points of Departure to Sprague
Red McKeon Park, Hooper St. & Rte. 97 (stop as
needed for return trip)
Express Return to Senior Center
Time
8:15am
10:15am
12:15pm
2:15pm
Times are approximate and may vary several minutes earlier or later. Service runs Monday through Thursday except for
holidays. For more information call Buddy Meadows, Sprague Senior Center Coordinator at 860-822-3000 ext. 203. The
Sprague to Occum Bus is a courtesy of the Town of Sprague and the Sprague Senior Center. For seat schedule visit
www.seatbus.com. Winter Weather Schedule: The bus will follow the school closure schedule during the winter. Watch
early morning television on Channel 3, 8 or 30 for closures.
The Salvation Army
Upper New London County Service Unit
Dennison Allen Town of Sprague Representative
I want to thank all who have donated to the Salvation Army by donated checks to the Upper New London County Service Unit and sending them to, 34 Riverside Dr. Baltic, CT 06330 during the past year.
Some of your neighbors still have needs, and there is still donations needed. Think about it.
Do you follow a budget? Money in money out and what to do with any money not needed this month? Maybe put it in a
savings account.
Do you have a 24 hour kit ready if you need it?
As a family have you decided how or where to meet if there is an emergency. (house fire, flood etc)
If you need food call Town Hall and speak to Colette. Thanks to Scouting for food there is food to help you.
If you have a little money extra you could bring some food to Town Hall for others.
May the Lord bless you with all the things you ask for and are needed for you and your family.
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Note from the Editor: Elizabeth Calderon
The deadline for Our Town submissions (and corresponding payments for ads) is the 15th of each month.
Submissions will be no more than 200 words and must be e-mailed to [email protected]. No series will be accepted. Longer articles may be submitted and used based on room
at the Editor’s discretion. The focus of Our Town is community events, articles, commission notes and other
items of town-wide interest. Annual budget considerations may affect page appropriations. Ads have no
restriction on word limit and must be pre-purchased at rates of: Business Card $21; Double Business Card
$40; Half Page $70; Full Page $100. Purchase 11 months and receive the 12 th month free. All payments
for ads are made in the Town Clerk’s Office at Town Hall. Sprague~ Our Town is a free monthly publication
of the Town of Sprague, serving the communities of Baltic, Hanover & Versailles. Primarily funded by the
Town, support is also provided by paid advertisements. Opinions expressed in Sprague~ Our Town are not
necessarily those of town officials or the community at large, but solely reflect those of the writer. Submissions may be edited for clarity and formatted as necessary. Libelous or obscene materials are not permitted.
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