Middle School water problems still being treated

Graphic © 2009 by Brenda Sullivan

Problems with the water supply at Mansfield Middle School continue, according to a notice issued today by Principal Jeff Cryan.

“We have not yet had a satisfactory result from the water testing at Mansfield Middle School,” he said.

“During the weekend of September 19, we chlorinated the water system to kill coliform bacteria found during routine testing. During this past weekend (September 26-27), new water tests were still positive for coliform, although there was a lower count.”

The system will be chlorinated again. In the meantime, students, teachers and staff will continue to use bottled water for drinking, “until we find no traces of chlorine or coliform,” Cryan said.

However, the water is considered safe for handwashing (with soap) and for use in the toilets, he said.

“We are hopeful that this week’s treatment will solve this problem,” Cryan said.

Posted Sept. 28, 2009

Related links:

Why test for coliform and what does it mean? – http://www.inspect-ny.com/water/ColiformBacteria.htm

“Stuff for Kids” about drinking water at the EPA Web site – http://www.epa.gov/safewater/kids/index.html

“Drinking water and health: what you need to know,” EPA – http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwh/index.html

Just around the corner: The 19th-annual ‘Walktober’

Fall has arrived in The Last Green Valley and that means it’s time for the 19th annual Walktober.

Beginning Oct. 3, choose from 100 free guided hikes, leisurely walks and “paddles” during the month of October, as well as more than 25 special events throughout October and November.

Walk it or paddle it

Some examples of walks and “paddles”:

• “Alien Invasion” in Charlton, MA at the Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary with naturalist Jerry Suprenant.  Learn the ways in which a few invasive species are greatly affecting native vegetation;

• “Paddle the Hollow” in Mansfield, CT, at the Mansfield Hollow State Park. Explore the three rivers that feed into the lake while enjoying the beautiful fall foliage;

• “Exploring the Tobiasson Forest” in Coventry, CT. View abundant wildlife and bird habitats, as well as interesting rock outcroppings;

• “Tour of Firearm Factories,” in Norwich, CT. Visit old sites and the factories that produced firearms from 1850 to 1930 one a tour led by local historians Burt Jernstrom and Ed Tollmann;

• ” Civil War Veterans in Voluntown,” at both the Robbins and the Kennedy Cemeteries in Voluntown, CT. Learn about the 15-year-old who lied about his age in order to serve his country and the unique circumstances behind his story;

• “Rails, Mills and a River” in Willimantic, CT courtesy of the CT Eastern Railroad Museum. Learn about railroad history in Willimantic through shared anecdotes about the railroad, the mills and the river, equipment displays, a walk near the Willimantic River and the old New Haven RR yard;

• “Alpaca Trails” in Canterbury. Learn about the history and husbandry of alpacas and enjoy demonstrations of processing fleece – carding, spinning and needle craft at Burgis Brook Alpacas.

Corn mazes and a graveyard tour

Special events featured during “Walktober” include:

• Three different corn mazes in Coventry, Preston, and Thompson, CT;

• The NE CT Great Pumpkin Festival in Putnam, CT;

• A Lantern Light Graveyard Walk in Norwich, CT, led by ghost hunter Donna Kent and featuring the Old Norwichtown Burial Ground & the Norwichtown Green;

• The Annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival at Roseland Cottage in Woodstock, CT;

• The Farmer’s Market Kitchen in Mansfield, CT (part of a series of five “farm-to-fork” cooking demonstrations using fresh ingredients from local farms at the Storrs Farmer’s Market);

• The annual Ashford Stroll and Bake Sale at the Ashford Academy;

• A free lecture by UConn professor and author Robert Thornson (well-known for his book and writings about New England’s stone walls. Prof. Thornson will discuss the subject of his latest book, “Fossil Icebergs: Exploring Kettle Ponds.”

Pumpkins and Christmas trees

Also showcased during the months of October and November are the abundant farms found throughout The Last Green Valley where you can pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, tag your Christmas tree and select a farm-fresh turkey in time for the holidays.

For your brochure with a complete listing of all the events and a map, call The Last Green Valley offices toll-free at (866) 363-7226, or visit the Web site at www.thelastgreenvalley.org to view or download a brochure.

Posted Sept. 28, 2009