Kent barn owner told to stop renting property out Republican American is False!

Posted on December 17, 2014December 22, 2014 by The Spirit Horse Farm

Kent barn owner told to stop renting property out Republican American is Misleading, Inaccurate and False!

The Republican American reported on February 5th, 2013 an inaccurate, misleading and false information concerning the owners use of this property, The Spirit Horse Farm.

The information reported by Lynn Worthington, does not include the various appeals and challenges to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Many other properties in Kent are not being challenged for the same uses.

The Spirit Horse Farm has been singled out. The Owner, Guy Mauri will continue to use his property consistent with that of the other property owners’.

Please read the real minutes from Board of Selectman Minutes from 02-05-2013 PDF.

The Special Hearing for the cease and desist order was not until December 11, 2013. Please see the minutes here: Kent CT Zoning Appeals Special Meeting Minutes.

Please read below for the Meeting Held on 02-05-2013.

Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting February 5, 2013 4:30P.M. Town Hall

Present: Bruce Adams, Susi William and Mike VanValkenburg.

Also present: Kathryn Boughton, Patty Braislin, Debbie Devaux, Lesly Ferris, Scott Harvey, Barbara Herbst, Andy Ocif, Rick Osborne, Carlee Rochovansky, John Tower and Lynn Worthington

Mr. Adams called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
Mr. Adams requested the following be added to the agenda:

7J. Appointment

Approval of January 3, 2013 minutes

Approval of January 31, 2013 minutes

Minutes:

Mr. Adams made a motion to approve the minutes of January 3, 2013 as written. The motion was seconded by Mr. VanValkenburg and the motion carried.

Mr. Adams made a motion to approve the minutes of January 8, 2013 as written. The motion was seconded by Mr. VanValkenburg and the motion carried.

Mr. Adams made a motion to approve the minutes of January 14, 2013 as written. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Williams and the motion carried.

Mr. Adams made a motion to approve the minutes of January 31, 2013 as written. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Williams and the motion carried.

Public Communication:

Oral: Scott Harvey asked the Selectmen if the State police would be present at the Town Hearing on February 15, 2013. Mr. Adams stated that he had met with Lt. Brown and two other troopers and felt that he would be able to answer the questions that the public would have. Mr. Harvey asked if he could invite the State police to the hearing. Mr. Adams stated that he did not feel that they needed to be there, but he would not tell Mr. Harvey that he could not invite them,

Carlee Rochovansky stated that she was present to show her support to reinstate the resident trooper program.

Andy Ocif asked if there could be an unbinding vote taken at the hearing. Mr. Adams stated that Mr. Ocif could request that at the hearing.

Written:Mr. Adams presented letters from the following: March for Change Cirma- 2013 Cirma Risk Management Achievement Award Recipient Park and Rec- Kent Senior Center January report Grand List- Mr. Adams thanked Assessor Patty Braislin for a good job.
2 Report of First Selectman:

Mr. Adams reported on some of the events in January:

Attended a Legislative Breakfast in Litchfield
Met with Kent School reps about safety/traffic issues
Conducted two pistol permit interviews
Met with Cirma rep
Met with a resident active in gun control laws
Met with Emergency Management director Brian Hunt
Met with various people on residency issue and KCS
Pinch hit for Treasurer and signed KCS checks
COG Executive Board meeting
Met with KLT President Bill Arnold
Met with engineering firm and state officials to move forward on Carter Road

Bridge replacement

Met with CT Attorney General, State Rep Willis and State Sen. Chapin to discuss

Schaghticoke issue

Met with Troop L Commanding Officer Lt. Brown on Resident Trooper program
KCS BOE to discuss residency issue

Meetings covered by the BOS -Group or individual

BOS Meetings 1/3, 1/8, 1/14, 1/31 -Full BOS
Chamber of Commerce monthly meetings 1/7- Bruce
Town Meeting – 1/17 BOS
Community Fund- 1/31 Bruce
Safety Committee- 1/3 Bruce

Police Report:

Total calls for service	228
Total Accidents with Report	4
Total Accidents without Report	2
Total Non-injury Accidents	5
Total Other Reportables	14
Total Nonreportables	183
Total Motorists Assists	5
Total Citations Primary Charges	15
Total Citations All Charges	6
Total Warnings Primary Charges	12
Total Seatbelt Citations	3

Report of Selectman:

Mrs. Williams had nothing to report.

Mr. VanValkenburg had nothing to report.
Report of Treasurer:

Barbara Herbst reported that she had e-mailed the selectmen the proposed budget worksheet She also provided them with the building inspector’s monthly report.

Mr. Adams made a motion to add Carlson Sheet Metal, LLC to the approved vendor list

The motion was seconded by Mr. VanValkenburg and the motion carried.

Executive Session:

Mr. Adams made a motion at 4:52 p.m. to move to executive session pursuant to Conn. Gen.Stat.Secs. 1-200(6) and 1-225(f) for the purpose of discussion and consideration of litigation strategy and negotiations in the matter of Kent Commons. LLC v. Town of

Kent, Docket No. LLI-CV12-6006417-S, pending in the Litchfield Superior Court and to invite Patty Braislin and John Tower to participate in the executive session. The motion was seconded by Mr. VanValkenburg and the motion carried.

Mr. Adams made a motion to come out of executive session at 5:04 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Williams and the motion carried

Mr. Adams made a motion to allow assessor Patty Braislin and Atty. John Tower to settle the case of Kent Commons, LLC v. Town of Kent, Docket No. LLI-CV12-

6006417-S, pending in the Litchfield Superior Court as discussed in Executive Session.

The motion was seconded by Mr. VanValkenburg and the motion carried.

Selectmen’s Operating Budget:

The BoS agreed to set the following budget meetings: February 14, 2013 10:00 a.m.

February 21, 2013 1:00 p.m. February 26, 2013 10:00 a.m. March 4, 2013 4:00 p.m.

Emergency Management Performance Grant Resolution:

Mr. Adams reported that no action needed to be taken on the resolution because the town leader had not changed from last year’s resolution. No action taken.

Community House:

Mr. Adams made a motion effective January 1, 2013 Joyce Kearns is to be reimbursed twenty-five dollars a month toward her cell phone. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Williams and the motion carried.

Appointment:

Mr. Adams made a motion to appoint Mr. John Noneman as an alternate of the Zoning Board of Appeals until the next election as per Section 11-11.3 of the Code of the Ordinances of the Town of Kent The motion was seconded by Mrs. Williams. Mr. Adams and Mrs. Williams voted yes and Mr. VanValkenburg abstained. The motion carried.

Old Business:

Mr. Adams stated that he had nothing new to report on the following agenda items:

Swift House
Bulls Bridge
Policy and Procedure Manual
Land Acquisition Committee
Emergency Shelter

Mr. Adams did report that he informed Ken Cooper that the 8oS agreed that the Town

Hall was not the correct forum for the proposed photography exhibit this summer.

Tax Refunds:

Mr. Adams made a motion to approve the following tax refunds:

Borgny H. Parker	$ 50.00
Laurant C Lesage	$117.36
Carol Lenz	$ 19.95

The motion was seconded by Mrs. Williams and the motion carried.

Executive Session:

Mr. Adams made a motion to move to executive session pursuant to Conn. Gen Stat Sees. 1-200(6) and 1-225(f) to discuss Resident State Trooper Program-Matters that are concerning to security strategy at 5:19p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. VanValkenburg and the motion carried.

Mr. Adams made a motion to come out of executive session at 5:44 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. VanValkenburg.

Mr. Adams made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:46 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. VanValkenburg and the motion carried.

Joyce Kearns administrative Assistant

These are draft minutes and corrections may be made by the Board of Selectmen at the subsequent meeting. Please refer to subsequent meeting minutes for possible corrections and approval of these minutes.

Zoning Board of Appeals sides with The Spirit Horse Farm!

Posted on December 15, 2014December 16, 2014 by guy mauri

Zoning Board of Appeals sides with The Spirit Horse Farm!
The ZBA Board of appeals has overturned the Planning and Zoning Commission’s Cease and Desist, recognizing The Spirit Horse Farm as a legal short term rental.

Chairman Anthony DiPentima defended the rights of property owners and short term tenants by saying tenants can “conduct whatever activities they want under their short term rental agreement.”

White Dove Releases

Posted on June 9, 2012December 14, 2013 by The Spirit Horse Farm

White Dove Releases at The Spirit Horse Farm

White Dove Releases for Weddings, Funerals and Special Memorial Events

White Doves have throughout the ages have symbolized peace, love, joy, and the hope of a new beginning. How befitting, then, that a dove release be included in any celebration of life . . . whether it be wedding doves, a funeral, a memorial service, a christening, a confirmation, a bar mitzvah, an anniversary, a birthday, a church dedication or a new business venture . . . the possibilities are endless. Your vision is our palette, and our goal is to create a flawless dove release, custom- made . . . especially for you.

Whatever your celebration might be, we can enhance the ambiance of the occasion with the breathtaking sights and sounds of a ceremonial white dove release. The gentle rustle of feathers and the unforgettable vision of pristine white doves soaring towards the heavens in winged flight create a symbolic tribute to your special day and a magical moment in time for all who share in it.

We can arrange a dove release for you, or as a special gift from you, in the Tri State Area, Ct, NY, and NJ. The gift of snow white doves is a unique, thoughtful alternative to flowers. In lieu of flowers, send a dove release!

The release birds are doves, which are specially trained and conditioned for their mission. After circling to get their directional bearing, they will journey to their loft where they are cared for and loved.

We do not release our birds indoors or near power lines.
We do not provide birds for self release. An experienced coordinator accompanies our birds to each event.
Our goal is to enhance your celebration with a flawless release and to assure a safe flight home for our doves.

Doves have no homing abilities and will not survive in the wild.
We do not release the birds indoors, at night, or in inclement weather.

The Spirit Horse Farm White Dove Release Gallery

Posted on June 4, 2012September 20, 2013 by The Spirit Horse Farm

The Spirit Horse Farm White Dove Release Gallery

The Spirit Horse Farm places the health and safety of our doves first and foremost. For this reason, we adhere to a humane release policy with strict provisions to protect our birds from dangerous circumstances.
We maintain only properly banded, healthy, white racing pigeons who are trained to return home when released.
We will not release our birds in inclement weather including thunderstorms, fog, high winds and snow. A total refund of monies shall be afforded should inclement weather prevail and result in a cancellation.
We do not release our birds at night or within one hour of sunset.
We do not release our birds indoors or near power lines.
We do not provide birds for self release. An experienced coordinator accompanies our birds to each event.
Our goal is to enhance your celebration with a flawless release and to assure a safe flight home for our doves.
- The Spirit Dove Release A single snow white dove is released in a symbolic tribute to your loved one at the conclusion of the gravesite or memorial service. Usually, the dove is released from the hand of a family member, or, if you prefer, directly from a basket. People have expressed how comforting it feels to release the dove, how it opens up the grieving process, and how it allows them to say a final farewell and let go. When released, the dove will usually fly directly into the sky, and when he has his bearings, return home.
- The Trinity Release Three doves symbolizing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are released, followed momentarily by a single dove representing the spirit of your loved one. The single dove will usually join the three doves in formation, and they will fly home together.
- The Final Journey Home A single dove is presented to a family member to release. Momentarily, a flock of ten white doves are set free to join the single dove in flight. The single dove signifies the soul of the departed, and the flock symbolizes the spirits of those loved ones who have passed before, welcoming and showing the departed soul the way home. As the single dove soars with his flock of angels and ascends into the heavens on his final journey home, you will experience a truly touching conclusion to your loved ones service.
- The Dove Companion A snow white dove in a beautiful cage is placed near your loved one during visitation.

Memorial Day White Dove Release Kent, Ct.

Posted on June 1, 2012September 20, 2013 by The Spirit Horse Farm

Memorial Day White Dove Release Kent, Ct.

White doves released in Kent, CT on Memorial Day 2012.

We let the white doves loose following a short prayer in the Saint Andrews Church cemetery. It was quite a sight for all to see. The doves were all home by sunset, and circled overhead just as the last poles were being placed for our tipi. It was a perfect night for the inaugural fire, with moon, stars, friends and guests on hand to witness the soft pulsing glow of firelight coming from inside.

The Spirit Horse Farm

This is the article from the newstimes.com

KENT — The Kent Memorial Day parade will take place Monday, organizing at Kent Center School on Judd Avenue at 9 a.m. for a 9:30 start.

In the event of rain there will be no parade, but ceremonies will be held at the school.

A flyover by the Connecticut Air National Guard will take place, weather permitting.

The parade will start at the school and turn right onto Route 341, entering St. Andrew’s Cemetery through the west gate, where the Rev. Roger White of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church will offer a prayer, followed by a 21-gun salute and taps.

After leaving the cemetery, the parade will turn left onto Route 341, head east across Route 7 and stop in front of veterans’ memorial on Veterans Way.

The color guard and veterans will continue to the veterans memorial, where World War II veteran Robert Bauer will place a wreath at the monument and the Rev. Thomas Berberich of Sacred Heart Church will offer a prayer. A 21-gun salute and taps will follow.

The color guard and veterans will meet up with the rest of the parade at the Civil War monument on Route 7, where Charlotte Lindsey of the Kent Veterans Committee will place a wreath at the monument, the “Gettysburg Address” will be read by a Kent Center School student, a prayer will be offered by the Rev. David McIntosh, and a 21-gun salute and Taps will take place.

From there, the parade will continue north, stopping at the Kent Memorial Library.

At the library, Korean War veteran Jerry White will place a wreath, the names of the deceased Kent veterans who died of injuries received in combat will be read by First Selectman Bruce Adams, “America the Beautiful” will be sung by Bethany Keck, the Kent Center School band will perform, Berberich will offer a prayer, and a 21-gun salute and echo will be heard.

The parade will continue north on Route 7, concluding at the Kent Congregational Church Cemetery, where the Rev. Melinda Keck will offer a prayer.

A 21-gun salute and taps will take place at the end of each portion of the parade.

“ABOUT | Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Saint Andrew’s Parish was organized in 1806, and has been worshiping in the stone church at the corner of Routes 7 and 341 since 1826. The building is one of the earliest examples of the Gothic Revival style in the nation.

Saint Andrew’s has a long tradition of outreach and has a special relationship with L’Ecole le Bon Samaritain in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It also has well-established choir and is host to numerous concerts each year, including performances by the Kent Singers, Sherman Chamber Ensemble and also faculty and student artists from Kent School. The annual Christmas Bazaar on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, draws shoppers from throughout Litchfield County and upstate New York, as does the annual Tag Sale at the beginning of August.

The Reverend Roger B. White has been Rector of the parish since 1985. A native of Chicago, he is an alumnus of Yale Graduate School and Yale Divinity School.”

Spirit Horse Farm Spring!

Posted on April 30, 2012September 9, 2013 by The Spirit Horse Farm

Spirit Horse Farm Spring

We have had so many great guests come to visit so far this spring. And many friends returning back for second, third, and even fourth visits! Like the doves coming back from from their wayward meanderings, our guests and friends always bring an unexpected joy to the farm!

Mild Winter at Spirit Horse Farm?

Posted on December 15, 2011September 20, 2013 by The Spirit Horse Farm

Mild Winter at Spirit Horse Farm!

Mild Winter at Spirit Horse Farm,

4:45 pm on December 15th, 2011.
The sun rose with defiance this morning over a light dusting of snow, and after an incredibly mild yet shockingly short day, has set again quietly over our grateful little farm.
It is still 53 degrees outside with children and adults finding cause to linger out of doors. The air is oddly reminiscent of spring, and the wood fire smells and long trails of smoke are noticeably absent in our river valley.
Every winter I secretly hope the arctic air won’t show, but usually by Thanksgiving, we know it is inevitable. This year feels VERY DIFFERENT!
I can only hope that these warm breezes linger into January, if for no other reason than to give our livestock a break from the harshness of winters past. I have hens sitting, and baby doves in the dovecote, and the peacocks are basking in the still soft soil that is usually rock solid and icy cold by now! Even the cows are frisky!

Nothing to Crow About at Spirit Horse Farm!

Posted on November 3, 2011September 20, 2013 by The Spirit Horse Farm

Nothing to Crow About at Spirit Horse Farm!

Five days without power, but we can’t complain! The weather following the storm has been spectacular, and though the the roosters clammed up at first, the rest of us were awestruck by the beauty and simplicity of life without electricity, running water or heat. Seriously, when the power finally came back on, there was a touch of disappointment in the adult circles, and my daughter Sarah literally burst into tears! The girls loved managing the candles every night, and I think we all really came to appreciate the cooperation and mutual reliance that come with the daily collecting of melt-water and firewood, and the communal food preparation and meal sharing that have become a true rarity in our everyday lives!