"Voices for Thompsonville" a year old

The town of Enfield is divided into a number of smaller communities. One of these has been organizing and planning for the future, Thompsonville.

A little over a year ago a small group of dedicated residents and business owner's set out to bring Thompsonville to the thoughts of all Enfield residents. The Voice's for Thompsonville is led by a dedicated group of people. Board members include: Wendy Lavoie, Sean Gondarowski, Kelly Hemmeler, Brent Ciszek, Carrie Robinson, and Sue Read. Each one of these people has an individual focus from business relationship to residents concerns. Together they seek to create an environment of change.

Some have said that Voices for Thompsonville want to bring back the glory days. I believe it goes beyond that with a true desire to create their own "glory days."

If you go to their web site, you will find their well organized plan for revitalizing Thompsonville. The plan includes:

Ensuring Public Safety
Increasing the number of owner occupied homeowners
Nurturing current business owners
Welcoming in new businesses
Working with potential investors and developers
Partnering with the Town of Enfield staff and Council
Sponsoring recreational Village events
Hosting monthly forum’s in which residents and business owners can speak and be heard

Along with over 200 members the VFT board seeks to accomplish each one of these self imposed mandates.

So, how can the rest of us in Enfield support this great organization?

1. We can attend their community events. Throughout the year VFT sponsor's events such as social events at Thompsonville Creamery, a Halloween party, Bike night, and many more.

2. Support Thompsonville businesses. Everything you need, you will find in Thompsonville. From hair cuts, to package store, dry cleaning, groceries, ice cream, and even learn to Ballroom dance....its all downtown.

3. Looking for a home? Well, now is the time to look at Thompsonville. A community is strengthen by the people who live there. Local ownership is the key to any community.

4. Support the Town Council endeavor to assist Thompsonville in recreating itself. Remember, it is going to take the entire town of Enfield to make VFT dreams come true.

If you want to know more about the Voice's for Thompsonville then check out their web site at www.voicesforthompsonville.org. You can also follow VFT on FaceBook.

The next VFT meeting is Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 7:00 p m at the Polish Home on Alden Avenue, Enfield, CT.

Guest speakers will be Town of Enfield's Mayor Kaupin and Town Manager Matt Coppler. Both will speak about current and future Thompsonville issues.

Once, again congratulations to VFT for year one.....now, on to year 10.

Greg Stokes