Woodstock CT Café

Articles can be submitted to the Cafe for publication by sending them to woodstockctcafe@gmail.com. The Cafe was 9th in the state in “political influence” last week according to BlogNetNews even though we compete with professional journalists and state political leaders. This means that your article will be read around the state, and sometimes in other states and countries, in addition to being read extensively in Woodstock and in surrounding towns.

Already, April approaches its end. Today, on this 29th of April, only 32 days of school remain. 32 days. That means that, as a sophomore, I have attended Woodstock Academy for 328 days of my life. For 328 days, I have been a part of the Academy community. My time here has truly allowed me to form my own impressions of the students, of the faculty, and of the Academy itself. As I’m sure everyone here would agree, the Academy does have room for improvement. Yet the Academy is not alone in this. All students from all schools will doubtlessly find some need for change within their community. Yet I have to say, these issues pale in comparison to the school as a whole. Woodstock Academy promises many opportunities and freedoms to the everyday student. For this, I am grateful to be a part of the Academy community.

For those of us living in a rural setting like Pomfret, Woodstock, Eastford, or Brooklyn, having a school with over 1000 students presents new social outlets. With over 1000 individual personalities, most students are guaranteed to find at least one person they can truly connect with. And with over 1000 individuals, the Woodstock Academy becomes a melting pot of personalities and talents. Freshman year can be difficult for this reason, especially after spending years in schools where every family knows most every other family. After time, however, even the most introverted of students eventually find their niche. My parents disapprove of the size, claiming that it eliminates that “personal touch” of the “small-town school.” I do agree that the school probably shouldn’t get significantly bigger, but as a student, I find the size refreshing.

As an eighth grader approaching high school, I think the concept I most looked forward to that the Academy promised was freedom. For years, teachers had required even the most trustworthy of students to ask permission to use a restroom or to get a drink from the water fountain. If you were cleared, it was then required to write a pass for yourself, have it signed by a teacher, and then to sign out on a slip of paper. Certainly, I agree that it is important for teachers to be aware of where students are. However, and I mean no disrespect to the faculty of my middle school, I can’t help but wonder if we as people should be programmed to ask permission to respond to nature’s call. At the Academy, teachers still require that you sign out before leaving the class (in case of an emergency). But now, the faculty trusts in your ability to decide for yourself if now is the appropriate time to use the restroom. And for those that would abuse that power, the Academy has campus supervisors that ensure that no one takes a “holiday” during a less–than-thrilling class. Then there is a matter of lunch. Woodstock Academy does not force every student to pack into the cafeteria during lunch. Instead, we have a few designated areas and the outdoors to select from. And I can hardly articulate the freedom of electives. Just about every semester, students can have at least one course that really excites them. That, to me, is the most important freedom that the Academy offers. Read the rest of this entry »

I’ll come clean…I am a teacher.

The dark underpinnings of a teacher’s union include the fact that you must document reasons for dismissing a teacher. Also, for better or worse, teachers get raises until they reach the top step, for the most part. All raises are negotiated, not necessarily earned.

Some observations from a teacher…

If you are a really bad teacher or just don’t have what it takes to become a better teacher, you won’t last. There are those that aren’t the best teachers ever, but hang in there anyway. Every profession/job has good and bad folks, teachers are there for everyone to see.

Being a teacher has all the fame and glory of other local political offices with just a bit higher pay scale. The pay doesn’t always equal the pressure and scrutiny, nor is the glory associated with the teaching profession always worth the pay. There’s some days you couldn’t convince me that there is a better job, there’s some days I’d consider just about any other job. Honestly though, most days, now that I know what I’m doing more or less, I couldn’t ask for a better job.

When I was preparing to be a teacher, I was skeptical of teacher’s unions. Now that I am a teacher, I’m still just a bit skeptical, as I know there are a few teachers who would perhaps be better in other professions.

What folks may not want to hear:

Many teachers who could be doing better, are just a few observations and suggestions from administrators from turning the corner to becoming excellent teachers. Qualified administrators who can regularly observe and consult with teachers can make a huge impact on the quality of instruction.

JK

Cafe Elves have been busy distributing special treasures to loyal Cafe’ers who have revealed their identities. These proud recipients have been blessed with ”You Moron!” coffee mugs, “Everything I Know About Woodstock, I Learned at the Cafe” coffee mugs, “You Moron!” baseball caps (will fit any head size no matter how BIG), “You Moron!” golf shirts, ‘Wink’ stickers saying “I don’t read the Cafe either!” that can be used as bumper stickers… Wink, Wink (only readable by tailgaters).

It’s unlikely that you will see these very often around town because what reputable person would ever admit to visiting the Cafe; also, the Cafe has quite a few disreputable people visiting as well …and you can be sure that they know who they are; but the Elves don’t discriminate. 

There are many additional loyal Cafer’s who remain anonymous. The Elves would like to make sure that these deserving individuals receive one or two treasures of their choice. Simply email the Cafe Elves at woodstockctcafe@gmail.com and tell them your address and needs, and the Elves will visit your mailbox. The Elves promise not to pass your address on to the Villager, or anyone else for that matter. If you are out of state, No Worries! The Elves will mail your treasured gift to you.

Since Ernie Wetzel was the first to bless Cafe readers with ”You Moron!”, the Elves thought it fitting to give Ernie the very first “You Moron!” coffee mug. Amen

Some Cafe Treasures. Many more options can be found at the Cafe Store. Tell us your needs.

See Connecticut Mag for an explanation of their rating. One is best and 23 or 25, respectively, is the lowest rating in these groups.

Twenty-three towns with 6500 to 10,000 population

Twenty-five towns with 3500 to 6500 population Read the rest of this entry »

First, the Academy itself says their increase is 4.26% for per pupil tuition for 2008-09. Second, the BOE budget is increased by 4.34%. Third, the town budget is increased by 4.35%. So, the CPS doesn’t know math. Not surprising.

See “Woodstock Unveils… Budget…” in the Norwich Bull.

This is an opportunity for Republicans and Democrats and Independents to unite and pass the budget. Congrats to the BOF, BOS, and BOE for their hard work.

The CPS Blog at Ernie St. Jean’s on Route 197. Just because he’s a ‘Saint’, that doesn’t make him RIGHT!

Orson and Kevin exchange views.

Orson: First, while we are neither lawyers, I have trained and worked with these issues with frequency, including a recent day-long session with special tax counsel regarding allowable expenditures (of a different type) by nonprofits (of a different type); this in addition to my former experience doing due diligence on advocacy groups for a foundation, where I worked with special tax counsel in determining allowable expenditures (of a different type) by nonprofits (of a different type).  Since the potential cost/penalty for violations is very high (loss of nonprofit status), legal advice always includes (i) err on the side of caution; and (ii) each case is fact-specific taking into account the totality of circumstances.  Your comments make it clear you have never been made aware of this common advice. 

Second, while I had previously reviewed the same IRS website, and chose to summarize my understanding for purposes of brevity, it is clear only a specific reference will do for you.  I wish you had devoted more time to this site to gain an understanding of the problem, rather than retrieving a snippet of information which you have inflated to some all-encompassing, simple directive that leapfrogs decades of evolved tax law litigation.  So please note the following from your source:

“Under the Internal Revenue Code, all section 501(c)(3) organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. Contributions to political campaign funds or public statements of position (verbal or written) made on behalf of the organization in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for public office clearly violate the prohibition against political campaign activity.  Violating this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes.” Read the rest of this entry »

There are some issues that are out of control of local BOE’s and school administrators. There are mandates from the state and federal government that require local BOE’s to focus funding on special ed and standardized tests. School officials are, to some extent, scared to death about CMT scores. If schools fail to make adequate yearly progress as a whole, and when broken into subgroups (such as special ed, minority students, students who receive free/reduced meals) they can be labeled as failing. No school administrator or BOE member wants that label.
 
The natural reaction to this issue is for the BOE to tell the Superintendent that CMT scores are a district priority. The Superintendent tells building admins that CMT scores are a priority. The building admins often have 3 year contracts, or perhaps shorter. If they don’t get the right results, their jobs are in jeopardy.

The reality is that there are some students who will excel on all areas of standardized tests unless their teachers are totally inept. There are many students who will do well enough on all areas of standardized tests with adequate teachers. There are some students who will do well on many, or at least some standardized tests only with the instruction/expertise exceptional teachers. There are some students, due to either innate ability or family environment, who will either struggle to pass any test or, in some cases, refuse to take them, or not attend school to take them. All these students are the responsiility of the building admins (thanks to NCLB).

It’s no surprise that some building admins, superintendents, and BOE’s panic and make these tests a priority. Read the rest of this entry »

Dean: Taxpayer, the key with the CMT scores is how you compare with other communities.  I don’t know if they are hard or easy (and neither do you since you have not taken them).  Regardless, if you score higher than your peers that can be used as a measurement of success.  Don’t you agree that given the levels of funding for the k-8 and their comparative performance against better funded schools (and I am not talking about Hartford and other urban schools) that that is a measurement of success?

A Taxpayer: The CMT is a very simplistic exam that tests on prior year’s material in which the school spends an exhorbitant amount of time preparing the students for…to the point of sheer boredom and, frankly, educational neglect and irresponsibility by failing to teach new and challenging material. Ask any kid that values education and they will confirm this.

Scoring higher or lower on these exams is not a reflection of success but rather a reflection of demographics.

Compounded with an obstructive teacher’s union, we get a perfect recipe for a failed system that cannot progress or compete globally. The only saving grace is personal integrity of students and families.

This dysfunction is not the fault of the WPS or the WBOE, however they perpetuate this problem and become accomplices to it by failing to honestly address it. 

Instead we are told we need more money. Certainly we do, however, there is little faith that more money is the solution to the underlying problems I describe.  These problems must be addressed first and then the money will follow, and gladly. Read the rest of this entry »

Judy Collins is in Woodstock CT on April 26, 2008 at the Hyde Cultural Center (?).
 
Judy Collins is an American folk and standards singer and songwriter, known for the stunning purity of her soprano, for her eclectic tastes in the material she records (which has included folk, showtunes, pop, and rock and roll), and for her social activism.

In the 1960′s she sang traditional folk songs, or songs written by others, in particular the social poets of the time, such as Tom Paxton, Phil Ochs, and Bob Dylan. She recorded her own versions of seminal songs of the period, such as Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man” and Pete Seeger’s “Turn, Turn, Turn”. Collins was also instrumental in bringing little known musicians to a wider public (in much the same way Joan Baez brought Bob Dylan into the public eye). For example, Collins recorded songs by Canadian poet Leonard Cohen, who would become a close friend over the years. She would also go on to record songs by singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell, Randy Newman, and Richard Farina, long before they gained the national acclaim they would later achieve.

Some of her best songs:
Turn, Turn, Turn! / To Everything There Is A Season  
So Early, Early In The Spring   
Suzanne  
Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues  
Both Sides Now
Since You Asked   
Albatross 
My Father  
Someday Soon 
Who Knows Where The Times Goes   
Chelsea Morning  
Farewell To Tarwathie 
Song For Judith
Cook With Honey 
Send In The Clowns  
Amazing Grace

The policy on “Political Activities” below is the adopted policy of a well-known, highly respected private tax-exempt school.

A private nonprofit tax-exempt School, as a charitable entity, is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding political activities — campaign activities, lobbying, and the giving of gifts to public officials. While all members of the School community are naturally free to express their political opinions and engage in political activities to whatever extent they wish, it is very important that they do so only in their individual capacities and avoid even the appearance that they are speaking or acting for the School in political matters. In the limited circumstances where individuals must speak or act on behalf of the School in the political arena, they must do so in accordance with the provisions of this Guide Memo.

a. Campaign Activities — Contributions of money, goods, or services to political office holders or candidates for political office and in support of or opposition to ballot measure campaigns are subject to a wide variety of political laws. Depending on the jurisdiction and the campaign, political contributions may be prohibited or limited and, in nearly all cases, are subject to a complicated series of disclosure rules. Because of the School’s tax-exempt status, the School is legally prohibited from endorsing candidates for political office or making any contribution of money, goods, or services to candidates. It is important, therefore, that no person inadvertently cause the School to make such a contribution.

b. Lobbying — Lobbying can generally be described as any attempt to influence the action of any legislative body (e.g., Congress, state legislatures, county boards, city councils and their staffs) or any federal, state, or local government agency. Laws regulating lobbying exist at the federal, state, and local levels but can differ widely in scope, depending on the jurisdiction. Some laws, for example, only regulate lobbying of the legislative branch. Others, however, also cover lobbying of administrative agencies and officers in the executive branch (e.g., lobbying for federally-funded grants). To one degree or another, however, most lobbying laws require registration and reporting by individuals engaged in attempts to influence governmental action. Tax-exempt organizations are permitted to lobby, and the School engages in lobbying on a limited number of issues, mostly those affecting education, research, and related activities. There is usually some threshold of time or money spent on lobbying that triggers registration and reporting requirements. Regardless of thresholds, however, no School employee may lobby on behalf of the School without specific authorization from the Board of Trustees.

The Academy Triad ?

Questions that might be asked: Read the rest of this entry »

http://www.sor.state.ct.us/pls/sor/wsor$offender.startup?Z_CHK=0

Registered sex offenders by town:

Town    Mar 06    Apr 08
Brooklyn    7 ……….13
Canterbury    6 ……….8
Killingly    41 ………. 38
Pomfret    4 ……….4
Putnam    25 ……….29
Thompson    12 ……….16
Woodstock    6 ……….6 (the registry only shows 5)

Source: state Department of Public Safety

Yesterday, April 21, the Cafe had 522 visitors and 1233 page turns.

The die has already been cast! The Academy Special permit is in the bag – at least that is, what this past November’s election results would certainly indicate. Some individuals, like Jeff, will actually take the time to evaluate the volume of information to make an educated vote and this will help the citizens feel like PZC has truly evaluated the situation. I take a more pramatic view: many on PZC will simply look to the wisdom & realtionships that CME has with Woodstock PZC- and buy their good client biased engineering work- hook, line and sinker while Woodstock citizens must count on PZC outside engineering “Design Professionals” to protect their interests! What a joke! Might as well start the celebration today…break open the bottles and start to imagine the new 800 seat Friday nights lights football stadium. Don’t expect any real fight over this project. Imagine the odds in Vegas on this one 1,000,000,000 to 1? Unless someone wants to open their check book and fight, all the letters in the world are meaningless, particularly since many on PZC don’t bother to read anything other than what CME publishes. Hey, they are engineers while most of you folks are simply tax paying donkeys (or asses to some in government) whose sole purpose in Woodstock is to pay taxes and stay quiet. Why is anyone getting upset anyway? These will be like gladiator games… something to keep the Woodstock masses happy. I mean really, all of you weirdo type tree hugging, soil lovin’, not to mention (too many times) those free loving slamander pinko communists up on Pulpit Rock. You are really in the minority! Read the rest of this entry »

IRS Political Activities Enforcement Program for Nonprofit Groups: Questions & Concerns

Executive Summary
The Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) new approach to enforcing the ban on partisan activities by charities and religious organizations has raised serious questions about the agency’s interpretation of the law, about evenhanded enforcement, and about the appropriateness of an approach aimed at deterring speech. The Political Activities Compliance Initiative (PACI), has resulted in unresolved audits and lingering questions about the standards used.
This report summarizes the new program, new compliance guidance from the IRS and raises issues and questions that must be addressed to ensure charities and religious organizations can continue to play their essential role in public policy debates.

There are two supplements to the report: one detailing the agency’s 2004 enforcement program, and one describing known cases that are currently or have been under investigation.

Questions and Issues About the IRS Political Activities Compliance Initiative

Vagueness of the Facts and Circumstances Test and the Reasonable Belief Standard

Charities, educational institutions, and religious organizations are among tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. They are prohibited from participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office. But tax law lacks clear rules defining prohibited intervention in elections, instead considering the “facts and circumstances” of each case. Read the rest of this entry »

A site walk of the proposed athletic fields will be held (likely) on Thursday, May 1st @ ~6:30 PM. If there are other letters submitted to PZC, the Cafe would like to publish them.

The Woodstock Academy proposal for expansion of its current athletic fields is an active item before the Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC). The PZC has had its second lengthy public hearing on this one item, with the most recent public hearing happening on Thursday, April 17th. The WA application is very detailed. The PZC has obtained two independent engineering reviews of the application. These reviews are ongoing. WA, CME (representing WA), many members of the public, the Historic District Commission, the Conservation Commission, and the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission have all been involved. I appreciate everyone’s input on this important matter.

I have read through many times the ever growing mountain of paperwork on WA’s proposal. I have taken a step back (with Google Earth maps I printed) to think about the big picture: the location of the current WA athletic fields, the new locations of the proposed fields, the neighborhood surrounding it, and the larger part of Woodstock surrounding it. I have also stepped into the details of each aspect of the proposal. At last week’s PZC public hearing, I spent a lot of time asking questions to better understand the various aspects of this proposal and to talk about some of the comments made by members of the public. The full transcripts of what was said by all present at the public hearings are available on CD at Town Hall. The PZC minutes don’t write down everything.

There is a balance of issues on WA’s proposal: on the one hand, the need for improved athletic facilities for WA students and Woodstock children in general, and on the other hand, the needs of the neighbors who live on Woodstock Hill and the people in Woodstock (and elsewhere) who value this part of our town.

I am not saying that I am for or against WA’s proposal. Read the rest of this entry »

Woodstock’s Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) held a public hearing April 17th at 7:30PM regarding the requested “special permit” for the development of a Woodstock Academy athletic complex within the Historic District. This area covers approximately 28 acres and abuts neighbors as close as 50 feet.The letter below was directed to the members of PZC. Town planner, Delia Fey, assured neighbors, business owners, abutters, and those who care deeply about the beauty of this historic neighborhood that all letters, comments will be heard by PZC at the hearing. Unfortunately the Cafe was unaware of this meeting before the fact.

The Cafe would like to hear about the progress and outcome of this “Special Permit” request.

April 17, 2008
Planning and Zoning Commission
Woodstock, CT

Dear Members,

I regret that a work project prevents my attendance this evening.

I urge the commission to consider the following in their review of the request for special permit by the Woodstock Academy.

Included in the Academy’s plan is a combined soccer/football field with fixed seating capacity for 800.

1. Is there a completed, comprehensive traffic study to determine the projected safety, health and welfare for users entering and leaving the athletic complex off of a narrow and sharply curving scenic road during events with high attendance?
2. Is there a plan for emergencies? Should a student be injured on the playing field or a resident have a health or fire emergency at home – is there adequate plan for quick and safe removal of a patient to a medical care facility?
3. Regarding the health and welfare of abutting and surrounding neighbors – will you give assurance that no artificial lighting will be installed?
4. In addition, will you mandate noise restriction and hours and deny use of amplification systems and horns?
5. Will you assure abutters and surrounding residents that all appropriate shields, berms and existing topography will be maximized to ensure the complex has minimum negative visual intrusion on the landscape and on our properties?
6. Will neighboring property owners be involved in this mitigation process to ensure that the field is adequately screened?
7. Have you seen clear, large and complete schematics that show the full extent of the built complex as it’s designed presently?
8. If not, will you require the submittal of these before making any final decision?
9. Plans for parking only account for approximately 300 slots.
10. Where will additional parking be located?
11. How will this parking be screened?
12. What materials can we expect to see used?

Substantial revenues enter Woodstock through tourism – many visitors come exclusively to the historic district to experience a New England village setting. Read the rest of this entry »