Watch Out for the Bears (the Artsy Kind)

By Sue Dyer

Reminiscent of the “Cows of West Hartford” and the “Dogs of New Hartford,” the Northwest Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a public art project titled, “A Bear Affair.”  Individuals and businesses are encouraged to sponsor a fiberglass bear of various sizes and decorate it either as a group or individually.  The completed Bear Artwork will be on display throughout the summer in our cities and towns. Those bears not re-purchased by the sponsors will ultimately be auctioned to benefit LARC, the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council, the Northwest Chamber of Commerce, the Tri-State Chamber Foundation and the Winsted Health Center Foundation.  More information is available from the Northwest Chamber of Commerce at 860-482-6586 or from the Web site abearaffair.net.

Some new maps are now gracing the entrance to the Town Hall. We have a Planning & Zoning map as well as an Inland Wetlands map. We appreciate the efforts of Libby Borden, who worked on the production of the maps, and also West Lowe, who framed them.

The Assessor’s Office is now processing applications for Tax Relief Programs for those who are elderly, totally disabled or blind. There are applications also covering veterans’ exemptions and renters’ rebates.  For further information contact the Assessor’s Office at 542-5287.