Regional Lions Club

      The club's 12th Annual Auction is scheduled for May 2 at the Bolton Congregational Church Hall starting at 6 p.m. Come enjoy a fun evening with food and great auction items.
      A two-night trip to Atlantic City is planned for April 20-22. This event is open to the public as are all the club's trips and events. Call Donna at 649-2871 for further information.

Lions' Club Pasta Dinner - April 5

      The Bolton Lions Club's next pasta dinner will be held Saturday, April 5. All dinners are held in the All-Purpose Room at Bolton Center School from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors/students, and preschoolers are FREE. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time from any Bolton Lions Club member or you can call Lion Jackie Steele at 649-1541 or Lion Bob Lessard at 647-1396. Our famous pasta sauce can also be purchased at the pasta dinners for $6 per quart.

YWCA Programs

YWCA April Vacation Program
      This program for children in grades K-6 will be offered April 14-18, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 104 Notch Road in Bolton. Call about the eight-week summer program for children that begins June 23.

YWKidslink and Kinderfun
      An Open House and Registration for 2008-2009 will be held Thursday, April 3, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the facility at 104 Notch Road. Meet the staff and enjoy some light refreshments. For more information and to let us know you are coming, call 645-2240.

YWCA Creative Nursery School
      The school is accepting registration now for the 2008-2009 school year. Come visit us at 78 North Main Street in Manchester at the Community Y building. We offer a two- or three-day-a-week program for children age 3, and a three- or five-day-a-week program for ages 4-5. For more information call 645-2240.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION 2008
Saturday, April 26 - 9 a.m. at the Bolton Commuter Lot

• Announcement of the winners of the seventh annual Town-wide Photo Contest
  
  
• Join the Bolton Conservation Commission on a hike through Freja Park in Bolton Notch with special guest Hans DePold, town historian. The hike will begin at approximately 9:30 and will be approximately two miles with some hills that will pass through Freja Park and along Notch Pond. Sturdy footwear recommended. No facilities. Event will be held rain or shine.

Earth Machine Composters Will Be on Sale for $40 -- Limited Time Only!

      For more information contact Chairman Rod Parlee at TOBCC@aol.com or 649-8066 ext 110 or Vice Chair Susan Frampton at sframpton@planetree.org or 645-1774.

BOLTON MUSIC WORKS!

High School Band & Chorus at Disney World!
      On Wednesday, April 9, the BHS band and chorus will travel to Florida to visit Walt Disney World. The highlight of the trip will be a performance at EPCOT Park on Thursday, April 10. Parents and students would like to thank the community for its support with their many fund-raisers this fall to help defray the costs of the trip.

"Scoop Supper" - Friday, April 25
      Join us in the Bolton Center School Cafeteria for lots of delicious food at only $3 a plate and 25 cents a scoop and enjoy performances by some of the Bolton music students. There will be continuous seating from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Meeting - Tuesday, May 13
      Bolton Music Works! consists of parents and community members who support the Bolton music program. Come join us in the High School library at 6:30 p.m.

Spring Concert Schedule (free admission to all):

      BHS Concert
      Wednesday, May 14, at 7 p.m., Location TBD

      BCS Middle School Concert
      Wednesday, May 28, at 7 p.m., Center School gym

      BCS 4th and 5th Grade Concert
      Thursday, May 29, at 7 p.m., Center School gym

Calling All Bolton Artists!
ART SHOW May 16-18

      The Bolton Land Trust is sponsoring an art show for Bolton artists. Please join us in showing off Bolton's artistic talent by displaying your two-dimensional artwork. We encourage professionals and amateurs alike, high school students and established artists and everyone in between to participate.
      This three-day event will be held on May 16, 17 and 18 at the beautiful setting of Early New England Homes, 26 West Street (Route 85). Friday, May 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. will be the opening reception when one artist will be honored. Refreshments will be served and you will have an opportunity to meet some of the artists. The show continues on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday there will be artists demonstrations and piano students of Bolton resident Nancy Capodicasa will perform. Sunday, May 18, will close the show from noon to 4 p.m.
      The Bolton Land Trust and the Artists of Bolton present the second annual show. Last year was a big success and we are sure this year's will be too. This is a chance to showcase our town's artists and to invite the citizens of Bolton to join us for a fun, social event.
      Take a minute and call Dorothy Hall at 647-8226 or e-mail her at DorothyLHall@sbcglobal.net for more information, or for an application to join the artists for a chance to show your work.

Put Your Dancin' Shoes On!
JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT DINNER DANCE

Saturday, April 19 - 7 p.m. to midnight

Georgina's Grand Ballroom
275 Boston Turnpike

Hors d'oeuvres start at 7 p.m.
Primo Pasta Sampler
All you can eat with salad, rolls and butter at 8 p.m.

With Dennis Sheridan and "Hebron Road"

$35 per person - Must be 21

Tickets: Mike Landolphi 742-0252 - Wendy Meloche 643-7576

Sponsored by the Bolton Alumni Association

Join the Pan Massachusetts Challenge
By Matt Wraight

      Last year my boss and close family friend, Chris Lyons, lost his wife Sue Ellen to leukemia. Prior to losing Sue Ellen, she, Chris and I spoke about participating in the Pan Massachusetts Challenge. The "PMC," as it is known, is a bike-a-thon that raises money for Dana Farber Cancer Research and the Jimmy Fund. It is the largest single contributor to the Jimmy Fund, with 100 percent of all money raised going directly to the cause. Last year $33 million was raised. Last August approximately 5,400 riders participated in the PMC over the course of two days. Participants ride 50 to 192 miles over the two days depending on the route they choose and monies they raise. Chris and I raised about $15,000 last year and we rode 192 miles (Sturbridge to Provincetown, hence "Pan Mass") in two days, which is the longest route, in addition to being the original route of the PMC. This year we have six riders on "Team Suzy Q" participating in the PMC (Bobby Miner from Bolton, now living in Providence, is one rider). We have three fund-raising events planned to help us raise the required money:

1. April 5: Sweet Janes Rock and Roll Eatery in Hartford from 4 to 8 p.m. (NCAA Men's Final Four). $25 donation for free food and beer.

2. June 6: Wethersfield Community Center. Silent Auction/Dinner/Dance with band.

3. July 8: John Wheatly Golf Classic. Indian Hill Country Club, Newington.

For more information, call Matt Wraight at 647-9306 (home) or 573-7095 (cell).

Roast and Toast for Father Bill Olesik

      Please join us as we celebrate Father Bill's 20 years as pastor of St. Maurice Church, and bid him best wishes as he takes up his new assignment at St. Mary's in Jewett City. The roast and toast will take place Sunday, April 20, from 6 to 11 p.m. at Georgina's Restaurant, 275 Boston Turnpike. The cost is $30 per person. It will be a wonderful evening to socialize with Father Bill and your friends and neighbors. Please purchase your tickets in advance as there will be NO tickets sold at the door. Tickets are available by calling Charles Luchini at 645-1870. Please call Dolores Betti at 643-9397 with any questions. We look forward to seeing you there.

30th Annual BOLTON ROAD RACE
Saturday, May 10 -- 10 a.m.

5-Mile Run or 2.5 Fun Run/Walk
(Children Under 12 Walk Free)

Parking and registration at Bolton High School.
Numbers may be picked up between 8:45 and 9:30 a.m. on May 10.
$20 Entry Fee payable prior to 9:30 a.m. on Race Day.

Awards presented to the first female and male walker, first male and female runner in the 2.5 Fun Run, and first male and female runner in the following age divisions: 0-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, over 60.

Free short-sleeve T-shirt to the first 100 pre-paid entrants.
Proceeds will benefit the Bolton Booster Club in support of youth athletics.

More information: Annie Vernier at a.vernier@sbcglobal.net or 643-6515.

Upcoming Events at United Methodist Church

Roast Pork Dinner - April 26
      The United Methodist Church of Bolton, located at 1041 Boston Turnpike, will host a Roast Pork Dinner on Saturday, April 26, featuring roast pork, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, beverages, and homemade desserts. Dinner will be served from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. The cost will be: adults $8, children 5-10 $4, and children 4 and under free. For information call 645-9736. No reservations needed.

Plant, Bake & Tag Sale - May 24
      The church will hold a Plant, Bake and Tag Sale on Saturday, May 24, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Hot dogs and beverages will be sold as well. All are welcome to come.

Bolton Figure Skating Club's Annual Ice Show:
"Lights! Camera! Action!" - Saturday, May 17

      Come support local youngsters as they skate in Bolton Figure Skating Club's Spring Ice Show, being held at the Bolton Ice Palace on Saturday, May 17, at 2 p.m. This fund-raising event showcases members of the Learn to Skate Program and Figure Skating Club. All ages and levels participate and it is a fun family outing. So grab your sweater and come to Bolton Ice Palace for a couple of hours to cheer the skaters on! Tickets: $8 adults, $5 senior citizens and children 12 and under.

Congregational Church Vacation Bible School

      Join the fun this summer at Vacation Bible School being held at Bolton Congregational Church. The theme this year is "God's Big Backyard," which focuses on service, how to serve your family, friends, neighbors, community and God. We will explore this through fun games, music, crafts and song. Come take part in this weeklong program July 14-18 from 6 to 8 p.m. It will be held at the church and is open to children age 4 through those entering sixth grade. The cost is $10 per child with a maximum $25 per family. Call the church office at 649-7077.

Project Graduation Presents
Hebron Road & the Maple Valley Girl

May 16 - 7-11 p.m.
The Lodge at Crandall Park in Tolland

$25 per person
BYOB and a dessert to share

Join family and friends of the graduating class of 2008 for a night of entertainment and dance the night away!

Call Patty at 645-9194 or Barbara at 647-1348 for tickets or more information. Limited tickets are available.

Bolton Historical Society
John B. Toomey Jr., president

      The Bolton Historical Society will be sponsoring the 2008 Bolton Heritage Day on Saturday, Sept. 27. This year we will be highlighting the Bolton Town Green and all of the farms, buildings and historic landmarks at and around our beautiful Bolton Center. Stay tuned to these pages as we keep you informed of what we are planning to offer during the course of Bolton Heritage Day.
      If you're interested in Bolton history or you'd like to help plan our Heritage Day and other Historical Society events, feel free to attend our bi-monthly meeting. Next meeting is on Thursday, April 3, at 7 p.m. Meetings are held in the Community Room at Bolton Town Hall, 222 Bolton Center Road. Our meetings are on the first Thursday of February, April, June, August and October. Our holiday party is on the first Thursday of December. Feel free to contact me at johntoomey@snet.net or call me at (860)721-8818.

Looking for Old Photos of Bolton
      The Bolton Historical Society is collecting and identifying old photographs of Bolton for future publication. If you have old photos of the town please bring them to the town clerk. If you want the photos back please provide a receipt for yourself and one to stay with the pictures. Your receipt should provide your name and telephone number and the identity of all photos to be returned. You will be notified to pick them up after they are scanned. The Bolton Historical Society will also be requesting the help of the public to identify people in some of the old photographs.

Bolton Women's Club Plans FAMILY DAY
May 26

      The 9th Annual Bolton Family Day, sponsored by the Bolton Women's Club, will be held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26. Family Day will be held at Bolton Center School, rain or shine, from 11:30 a.m. (immediately following the parade) until 2:00 p.m. Mark your calendar and plan to join the fun!
      As always, a variety of family-oriented events and entertainment will be featured. Included will be live entertainment, the famous 25-cent hotdogs, ice cream, cotton candy, popcorn, a dunking tank, C&M Farms hayrides, kids castle bouncer, 30' obstacle course, a bungee run, face painting, tie-dyed T-shirts, displays by community groups, a fire truck display, and much more.

CONNECTICUT TRAILS DAY - Saturday, June 7

9 - 11 a.m. : Tree Walk with Matt "Twig" Largess
      Meet at the Bolton Commuter Lot, Routes 44 and 6 across from Georgina's Pizza, and join the Bolton Conservation Commission and nationally known arborist Matt "Twig" Largess for a three-mile Tree Walk through two of Bolton's favorite parks.
      Matt Largess is so well known with environmentalists that he is honored with the name "Twig," dubbed by Julia "Butterfly" Hill, a famous activist known for saving "Luna," a 1,000-year-old California redwood. In 2006, Yankee Magazine crowned Matt Largess "Tree Preservationist of the Decade." You will be captivated with his knowledge and may find yourself with a completely new perspective on trees. No longer will you just take a walk in the woods, rather you will find yourself identifying, feeling and observing bark, checking root structure, and noting the surrounding seedlings growing under the canopy of the big trees. Matt's knowledge is unending and his enthusiasm so embracing that you just might want to hug a tree!
      The terrain will be moderately difficult with some steep hills. Sturdy footwear is recommended. No Dogs. No Facilities. Heavy Rain Date - Sunday, June 8, 9Ð11 a.m.
      For more information contact Chairman Rod Parlee at TOBCC@aol.com or 649-8066 ext 110 or Vice Chair Susan Frampton at sframpton@planetree.org or 645-1774.

1 - 3 p.m. : Bolton Heritage Hike
      Hike the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route (W3R) French Camp 5. Meet at the Bolton Heritage Farm, 266 Bolton Center Road. Join members of the Bolton Historical Society and Conservation Commission to see and hear about this best-preserved Connecticut Revolutionary War campsite on the proposed W3R National Historic Trail.
      Bolton Heritage Farm was the Bolton Minister's Farm during the Revolutionary War. Four thousand French troops and four Continental units, the largest being 1,000 Continental Army troops under the command of General Varnam, camped at the farm. Rochambeau slept at the Minister's house and Washington had dinner there. Many other patriots visited the property including Hamilton, Lafayette, and General Knox.
      The hike has a one-mile loop and a two-mile loop. The first part of the hike is common to both loops and will concentrate on pointing out the historic and natural heritage. The terrain is hilly but easy to moderate, leading past sweeping vistas of fields, forest, valley, and farm buildings. The two-mile trail continues to the Hop River State Park Trail and back up to the barn. Sturdy footwear is required. Bring water. There are no facilities so please plan accordingly.
      Registration is suggested. E-mail Bolton Town Historian Hans DePold at depoldh@comcast.net or leave a message at 646-7220.

Boy Scout Troop 73

      New members from Cub Scout Pack 157 recently joined the Troop 73 and formed the Eagle and Thunderbird Patrols. They participated in a five-mile hike along the Rail Trail and Rose Trail. Compass and orienteering skills were the focus of the afternoon at the Bolton Heritage Farm. A campfire and skits rounded out the evening at Camp Johnson.
      Upcoming events include a hike and campout near Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union, Conn. A 50-mile bike trip to a Scout camp in Rhode Island is in the planning stages, along with a hike and campout in Vermont and a rafting trip along the Deerfield River.
      Watch for Scout participation at upcoming Bolton Heritage Farm work parties. An Eagle Scout Project will feature a picnic table and benches at the farm. Spring is a great time for boys currently in the fifth and sixth grades to join the troop. No previous Scouting experience is necessary. Meetings are held each Monday at 7 p.m. in the lower level of St. Maurice Church. For information on the troop and its activities, call Rick Barnes at 647-7973. Check out the troop's website at www.troop73bolton.com.

St. Maurice Knights of Columbus

      The Knights of Columbus would like to thank all of those who attended the Valentine's Dinner, St. Patrick's Day Corned Beef Dinner and the baked Fish & Chip dinners during February and March.
      Monthly Pancake Breakfasts will be held after mass on Sunday, April 20 and May 11. The annual Plant Sale will be held May 9-11, just in time for Mother's Day. A Potluck Barbecue Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, May 17. As always, proceeds from these events are used to support local charities.
      The eighth annual St. Maurice Golf Tournament will be held Saturday, July 19, at Tallwood Country Club. Lunch and registration will be at noon. This year's event will feature a 1 p.m. shotgun start in the traditional scramble format. A beef and chicken dinner will follow. Many prizes will be awarded. For player registration and sponsorship opportunities, please see the insert in this issue of the Bolton Community News and check out the website at www.stmauricekofc.org.
      For information on the Bolton Knights of Columbus or any of the events mentioned above, please call 649-1331.

Community Education Foundation

Great Response to "Going Green"
      The Bolton Community Education Foundation is pleased to report that hundreds of Bolton residents participated in "Wednesdays in March," a series of free and interesting talks on a variety of topics related to "Going Green."
      These informal talks kicked off with a program March 5 on green lawn care. This was followed March 12 with a program presented jointly with the Bolton Land Trust on connecting Bolton's "green" areas to create a walkable Town Center.
      The March 19 program featured Bolton residents Caroline DiDomenico and Sylvia Ounpuu discussing green building and renovation, and the March 26 program focused on gambling awareness to protect your "green" money.
      The Foundation enjoyed bringing these programs to town and look forward to presenting other interesting educational opportunities in the future.

Family Day is a Go!
      The Bolton Community Education Foundation is happy to say that the Bolton Women's Club has stepped up to take over sponsorship of Bolton Family Day, a Memorial Day event featuring food, music, games, and more. The Foundation had coordinated this event for several years on an interim basis but was no longer able do so.
      The Foundation would like to thank Women's Club members Trish Brudz and Emily Bradley, who have agreed to serve as co-chairs for the event.

$1,000 Grant Supports a "Sister" School in China
      The Bolton Community Education Foundation has awarded a grant of $1,000 to support Bolton High School's efforts to establish a "sister" school in China. The Foundation's grant will help fund a trip by BHS Principal Paul K. Smith to travel to the Shandong Province of China for two weeks in April 2008. (See School News for more information.)
      Please visit the Foundation's website at www.BoltonEdFoundation.org to learn more about the Foundation and the work that we do.

News from MACC

      MACC Steps Out for the Community, a fund-raiser to support our programs for food, shelter, clothing and advocacy: Join the MACC member churches for a four-mile walk on Sunday, April 20. We will begin at St. Bartholomew's Church (corner of Ludlow Road and East Middle Turnpike) walk to MACC (466 Main Street) for light refreshments and return to St. Bartholomew's for awards. To sponsor one of our walkers or for more information call Dale at 647-8003 x11.
      The Mobile Foodshare truck will be at these locations in Manchester from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. on alternate Tuesdays: April 1 - Parking lot across from Emanuel Lutheran Church (60 Church Street); April 15 - Squire Village playground (Channing Drive, off Spencer Street); April 29 - Parking lot across from St. Bridget's Church (80 Main Street); May 13 - Orford Village (370 West Center Street); May 27 - Municipal Parking Lot - Birch Street (behind the Elks Club).