Civic participation rewarded with drinks

WINSTED — Lee Thomsen, the owner of The Winning Ticket bar on Main Street, took a creative approach in encouraging citizen action this week by offering drink specials to anyone who voted at Thursday’s town meeting.“This is the Chicago way of getting people to a meeting,” Thomsen said.At the meeting, residents were asked to vote to override the Board of Selectmen’s rejection of a proposal by the Winchester Land Trust to acquire the development rights to 360 acres of town-owned land. “To me, the issue is not so much about the Land Trust,” Thomsen said. “It’s more about allowing people to vote and have their say.” As for how he would know who voted and who did not vote at Thursday’s meeting, Thomsen said, “Let’s just say I have faith in my fellow man.” The meeting took place two days after this week’s Winsted Journal went to press. An article detailing the meeting will be in next week’s issue.

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Senator Murphy starts statewide walk in Northwest Corner

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy walks through Sharon on the first day of his annual statewide walk.

Photo by Ruth Epstein

Decked out in a blue T-shirt, khaki shorts and a UConn cap, the man walking along Route 41 in Sharon Wednesday morning looked like others who just enjoy getting out to commune with nature. But U. S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D) had some other thoughts on his mind.

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Jackie shared an extraordinary 62-year marriage with her high school sweetheart and beloved husband, Ronald Dirck. Their enduring partnership was a shining example of lifelong love and unwavering support. Together they created a home that radiated joy, a gathering place for family celebrations marked by spirited card games, hearty meals, and heartfelt conversations. Jackie especially treasured quiet afternoons spent with a cocktail in hand, embracing life’s simple pleasures with grace and good cheer.

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