First Selectman Don Lowe and several volunteers from the Sherman Volunteer Fire Department sported their purple Alzheimer’s Association t-shirts at the Board of Selectmen Regular Monthly Meeting on Thursday, June 27th. They were joined by Barbara Newland, Alzheimer’s Association Walk Manager, and
Lisa Grioli, Alzheimer’s Association Walk Committee Volunteer and Sherman resident, to witness the reading of the proclamation naming June 2019 Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.

Though Alzheimer’s is the most common, it is only o
ne of more than 50 types of dementia that has afflicted close to 5.8 million Americans with another individual developing it every 65 seconds. More than 16 million Americans provide unpaid care, projecte
d at close to 18.5 billion hours in 2019. In Connecticut alone, there are 78,000 people living with Alzheimer’s and more than 178,000 family members and friends providing care.

“The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.” The best-known event it holds is its Walk to End Alzheimer’s in the fall. Mark your calendars! This year the Walk will be held at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury on September 22nd. Bring your purple, your family and friends, and your energy to show your support and to honor those afflicted with every type of dementia.

For more details, facts about the disease, support, and other local events, visit www.alz.org/ct.

Numerous projects need completion on Happy Acres Farm, including repairs to the barn, and painting on the barn and house; as of June 27th, the painting bids were awarded to Dan Havens. Havens also made the lowest bid on the barn repairs, but suggested alternative specifics, saying the scope of the project-as stated in the bid-acted as “more of a Band-Aid instead of an actual fix;” there is a possibility that Havens will have to resubmit his offer. Liz LaVia suggested having a third party visit the barn and compare the needs to Havens’ specs; Lowe responded that he was already in communications with possible third parties.

The tenant lease on the farm will be expiring December 2019, but the farmers have until July 5th to communicate whether or not they plan to renew. Concerns wer
e voiced for the animals if Motsinger and MacLean do not renew their lease; and whether a plan is in place for the appropriate care of the animals. LaVia responded that the veterinarian makes regular visits, and Selectman Bob Ostrosky added that though they are not public, plans are made for such events.

Summer is in full swing at the farm, however, with hay-making, the 15 calves, and the summer Sunday Picnics. Visit Happy Acres from 11am-2pm; pet the goats, talk with the farmers, bring a picnic lunch, and gather with your neighbors to celebrate the warm weather. Check out the Happy Acres Facebook page for special events.

The Sherman Volunteer Fire Department responded to 26 calls as of June 27th, 11 fire and 15 EMS, and had several of its members attend the swiftwater rescue class with fire departments from Gaylordsville and Kent.

At May’s Regular Monthly Meeting, there was a presentation about an ultraviolet water cleaning system that could help solve the well issue at Mallory Town Hall; however, after further review of the results provided from the numerous tests, Lowe stated he was in favor of digging a new well.

No progress has been made regarding the sidewalk outside of Charter Hall and across the street by The Sherman School, but Ostrosky stated that he had spoken to “roughly two dozen people” regarding security cameras at Veteran’s Field, Volunteer Field, and the town beach, and was met with positive responses. He suggested putting the project to bid and said he would help Lowe write the proposal. Once written, the proposal will be brought to Town Meeting.

By Anne Marie DiDomenico