“Finish whatever goals you have set for yourself. Find the strength, fortitude and determination to see it through. When you see injustice, how will you respond? I hope you take the heroic stand.” 2013 Commencement speaker Carlotta Walls LaNier
“Trout Parks are easily accessible, have picnic areas and other amenities nearby, and are stocked frequently so that there are plenty of trout for children, families and novice anglers to catch,” said Chief of DEEP’s Bureau of Natural Resources Bill Hyatt. “And as an added feature, families will be able to help stock trout at eight of the Trout Parks on Opening Day.”
“As part of the celebration of 2013 as the International Year of Statistics, the Census Bureau is celebrating the role of statistics in everyday life through new, interactive and easily accessible data tools such as the population clock,” said Victoria Velkoff, the assistant division chief in charge of estimates and projections in the Census Bureau’s Population Division.
Ruth Kaplan Kaskowitz was a buyer for a woman’s specialty shop in Willimantic, CT. She was honored by the State of Connecticut for her many years of volunteerism at the local hospital, library, and Columbia, CT Senior Center. Photo copyright 2012 Brenda Sullivan
Ruth Kaplan Kaskowitz, 97, passed away Friday (Aug. 31, 2012) at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA.
She was born in Columbia, CT to the late Lewis and Anna (Weiner) Kaplan.
Ruth graduated from Windham High School in Willimantic, CT and had lived in Columbia, CT before moving to Longmeadow in 2007. She was predeceased by her husband Milton Kaskowitz.
Ruth is survived by her children and their spouses Carole Pagani (married to the late John Pagani) and Elizabeth and Dr. Philip Irving; her grandchildren Robbin Airault and Dwayne LaFogg, Mark and Andrea Wolf, Erin and Rocco Shropshire, Marc Irving (and his girlfriend Corinn Cunningham), Jeffrey Pagani, Lisa and Steven Antonio, and Laura and James Clark; her great grandchildren Brianna Heiser, Brittany and Pablo Britos, Trevor Pagani, Jenna and Hayden Clark, Nina LaFogg, Zachary and Alexandra Wolf, Katherine, Tommy, and Johnny Antonio, and Carolina and Emma Shropshire; her great great grandchild Adrianna Britos; and many dear nieces and nephews.
Ruth was also predeceased by her sister Gertrude Furman Sidman and her brothers Samuel, Hyman, Morris, and Joseph Kaplan.
The family would like to thank the nurses at Baystate Medical Center and the staff at Ruth’s House for their loving care.
Ruth was a buyer for a woman’s specialty shop in Willimantic, CT.
She was honored by the State of Connecticut for her many years of volunteerism at the local hospital, library, and Columbia, CT Senior Center.
Ruth loved reading, bridge and word games, was an excellent baker and knitter, and was an avid fan of the Red Sox.
Her graveside service will be Sunday, 11 a.m. at B’nai Israel Cemetery, 227 Stafford Road, Mansfield (Storrs), CT. Shiva services will be Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the home of Dr. Philip and Elizabeth Irving at 133 Willow Brook Rd. in Longmeadow, MA.
Donations can be made to the Frieda Reisz Chaplancy Fund, c/o Jewish Geriatric Services, 770 Converse St., Longmeadow, MA 01106 or to the National Autism Society, 4340 East-West Highway, Suite 350, Bethesda, MD 20814.
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Free “Sunday Music in the Park” concert will feature Full Gael at Alex Caisse Park/Park Springs, Route 195, Willimantic (near the East Brook Mall), starting at 2 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
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Coming up this week in the HTNP readership area…
Sunday Sept. 2
FARMERS MARKET — ASHFORD
The Ashford Farmers Market is open Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the old post office next to Route 44 across from town offices.
FARMERS MARKET — COVENTRY
The hugely popular Coventry Regional Farmers Market, with a theme and related special events every week, is open every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through the month of October at the Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South St., Coventry. (See the web site http://coventryfarmersmarket.com for details and info on how to receive a weekly newsletter.)
MUSIC IN THE PARK - WILLIMANTIC
Free “Sunday Music in the Park” concert will feature Full Gael at Alex Caisse Park/Park Springs, Route 195, Willimantic (near the East Brook Mall), starting at 2 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Concerts performed in the memory of Phyllis Foster. Rain location at Windham Middle School, Quarry Street. For information call (860) 423-2988.
Monday Sept. 3 Labor Day
CONCERT – HAMPTON
Hampton Recreation and Community Activities Commission will present a Labor Day concert with the Hoolios. Doors open at 7 p.m. The Hampton Community Center is located at 178 Main Street (Route 97). The hall will be set up cabaret-style for a trademark “folk-tailgating.” Feel free to BYO-whatever! $15 for adults; children accompanied by an adult admitted free. Reservations are strongly recommended. Info: (860) 455-2056.
ICE CREAM SOCIAL – COLUMBIA
The Columbia Democratic Town Committee hosts its annual Ice Cream Social on the Town Green in Columbia from 2 to 4 p.m. Bring family and friends for a relaxing afternoon of ice cream sundaes, live music and a chance for folks to share some time together before the end of the summer. Entertainment will be provided by local musician Bruce John. $5 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the event or by contacting any member of the Columbia Democratic Town Committee.
Tuesday Sept. 4
PARENTS – SCHOOL TRANSITION TALK
Residents of Andover, Hebron, Marlborough and Columbia are invited… The AHM Family Resource Center will host a breakfast discussion “Making the Transition to School a Success” from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Family Resource Center at Gilead Hill School in Hebron. Join Sandra Plummer, the clinical director at AHM Youth Services, in this supportive discussion. Topics to be shared include – your role in supporting your child, dealing with your emotions and how to navigate the transition from summer break to school success. Refreshments will be served and child care is available for $3 per child. To register, call Laurie Larsen at (860) 228-0871, or e-mail at ahmfrc@hotmail.com.
BD OF DIRECTORS, ACCESS AGENCY – WILLIMANTIC
Access Community Action Agency Board of Directors holds its regular meeting at 4 p.m. at Access Community Action Agency, 1315 Main St., Willimantic. Public invited. For information: www.accessagency.org
AUTHOR TRAIL SPEAKER – S. WINDHAM
CT author Trail Joan Hall will discuss her humorous poetry and the creative writing process at the Guilford Smith Memorial Library, 17 Main St., South Windham at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments served.
Wednesday Sept. 5
SEWING AND SERVICE – WILLIMANTIC
The Interfaith Sewing and Service Group meets at the First Congregational Church, 199 Valley St., Willimantic, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Projects: School bags, CWS; receiving blankets for Hartford City baby Showers; Red flag blankets for WMH. Info. (860) 228-9658.
BLOOD PRESSURE – MANSFIELD
Mansfield Senior Center, 303 Maple Road, Storrs, offers blood pressure screenings at 11 a.m. No appointment necessary for free screenings.
MASSAGE THERAPY — MANSFIELD
Mansfield Senior Center, 303 Maple Road, Storrs, offers massage therapy with Faith Manning from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call Kathy for an appointment at (860) 429-0262.
BEREAVEMENT GROUP - MANSFIELD
Open to residents of Mansfield and surrounding towns. Hospice of Eastern Connecticut hosts the “Evenings After” bereavement group for those who have suffered a recent loss. Group is located at 34 Ledgebrook Drive, Mansfield (behind East Brook Mall). It is held from 6 to 8 p.m. Come join others for support and discussion. Group is open to the community. Info: (860) 456-7288, ext. 293.
AUDITIONS – WINDHAM
The Windham Theatre Guild holds open auditions for a November performance of the musical “Always, Patsy Cline,” at 7 p.m. at Windham Middle School, Quarry Street, Willimantic. The show revolves around two main characters – famous country/pop star Patsy Cline and her biggest fan Louise Seger. Audition will include vocal, acting and improvisational sequences. Prepare a musical number for the vocal audition. Piano accompaniment will be provided. Readings from the script will be provided that evening. Filling the following roles: Patsy Cline – This role is vocally demanding, singing lead on more than 20 songs. The ideal candidate sounds like Patsy Cline; Louise Seger – This is a large acting role with lots of monologues. We are looking for a great actress; Back-up singers – Four back-up singers needed, two male and two female. Director is Victor Funderburk. Musical director is Ken Clark. Performance dates: Nov. 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16 and 17 at the Burton Leavitt Theatre at 779 Main Street in Willimantic, with a special benefit performance on Nov. 4. For more information: contact the Windham Theatre Guild at windhamtheatre@aol.com
SENIOR ART SHOW – COLUMBIA
The Beckish Senior Center, 188 Route 66, Columbia, sponsors a Senior Art Show in honor of Rose Marrotte the week of Sept. 17-21. A $100 first prize as well as a $50 “People’s Choice Award” will be presented. Awards will be made at a luncheon on Sept. 21 from noon to 2 p.m. Seniors interested in exhibiting their material can call (860) 228-0759 for details. Items to be shown will be accepted at the Senior Center on Monday, Sept. 17 between 9 a.m. and noon.
JOYFUL NOISE REHEARSALS – MANSFIELD
Joyful Noise, Children’s Community Choir for ages 6-12 will hold rehearsals from 6 to 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 29 Puddin Lane, Mansfield. Pre-registration or info: (860) 423-1130
Thursday Sept. 6
CONVERSATION WITH BETTY — MANSFIELD
A Conversation with Betty will take place at the Mansfield Senior Center, Wellness Center, 303 Maple Road, Storrs, at 11 a.m. Topic: “Our Role as Mentors.” Info: (860) 429-0262
DINNER AND ENTERTAINMENT – MANSFIELD
At 5:30 p.m. at the Mansfield Senior Center, 303 Maple Road, Storrs, for a potluck dinner followed by entertainment at 6:30 p.m. by “ One Accord” from the Tolland Senior Center. No charge, but everyone is asked to bring a dish to feed 8 to 10 people.
PIZZA PARTY, BOOK DISCUSSION – S. WINDHAM
The Guilford Smith Memorial Library, 17 Main St., South Windham will host a “tween” pizza party and Nutmeg book discussion of “Matched” by Ally Condie at 6:30 p.m. Books available at the library.
Posted September 1, 2012
Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )
Open fields are a lovely backdrop for the Heritage Garden at the Jonathan Trumbull Jr. House and Museum in Lebanon, CT. Photo copyright 2012 by Brenda Sullivan
While there are many good reasons to visit Lebanon, CT, including the beautiful town green – where you will see people jogging and strolling year-round – if you are a garden lover, you might want to visit the Heritage Garden.
It’s a small garden, but chock full of history and beautiful plants and it’s located at the Jonathan Trumbull Jr. House and Museum (right on the green).
The museum, itself, is interesting for its information about the Revolutionary War era and the three generations of Trumbulls who are an important part of Connecticut history.
Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. (1740–1809) was General George Washington’s secretary during the American Revolution, and later was an eight-term governor of Connecticut.
The garden adds to the museum experience.
You can park at the back of the Jonathan Trumbull Jr. House and walk over to the garden. You will notice a mailbox next to the entry arbor and inside are pamphlets with information about the plant choices in the Heritage Garden.
Buddleia blooming in August in the Victorian section of the Heritage Garden at the Jonathan Trumbull Jr. House and Museum in Lebanon, CT. Photo copyright 2012 by Brenda Sullivan
Basically, the garden is grouped according to three time periods – Victorian, Colonial and Contemporary.
In the Victorian section, which reflects the “parterre” style of that time, you will find such plants as buddleia, phlox, peonies and dusty miller.
The Colonial section of the garden reflects the kitchen gardens of that time, so it includes herbs such as chives, hyssop, borage and lavender.
Flowers include yarrow, hollyhocks, coreopsis and boltonia – and there are grape vines and morning glories on the split-trail fence.
By the way, the adjacent open fields create a beautiful backdrop for the garden.
The Contemporary section of the garden contains some plantings that, while more common in today’s gardens and landscaping, actually have their origins in the Colonial era.
Hibiscus in the Heritage Garden at the Jonathan Trumbull Jr. House in Lebanon, CT. Photo copyright 2012 Brenda Sullivan
This part of the garden includes hibiscus, ornamental grass, astilbe and a dwarf maple.
The Heritage Garden was created through a collaboration of the Jonathan Trumbull Junior House Museum Committee and the Lebanon Garden Club.
While you’re there, depending on the day of the week and the time of day you go, you can also visit the West Green Farm for fresh fruits and vegetables. They are open to the public Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
And at the end of the green is the Lebanon General Store where you can buy a sandwich and cold beverages.
While many flowers fade as the summer comes to an end, the seed heads of these are still lovely – at the Heritage Garden, Jonathan Trumbull Jr. House and Museum, Lebanon CT. Photo copyright 2012 Brenda Sullivan
If you happen to be there on a Saturday between 9 a.m. and noon, from now until Oct. 13, you can also visit the Lebanon Farmers Market next to the library – just up the road from the town green.
If you visit Lebanon, please share your experiences with us in the comment section.
Posted August 15, 2012
Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )
Cathy Osten, of Sprague, CT won the Democratic primary on Aug. 14, 2012 in the race to fill the vacancy that will be left by retiring Sen. Edith Prague, of Columbia, in the 19th District. Due to redistricting, that constituency will now include the towns of Columbia, Franklin, Hebron, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon, Marlborough, Norwich, Sprague and part of Montville. She will now face the endorsed GOP candidate, State Rep. Chris Coutu, R-Norwich. Photo source: CSEA SEIU Local 2001
Sprague First Selectwoman Catherine “Cathy” Osten decisively beat State Rep. Tom Reynolds, D-Ledyard, in Connecticut’s 19th Senate District Primary Tuesday (Aug. 14) to get the Democratic nomination. Osten was the top vote-getter in eight of 10 towns.
Osten, 56, said after the votes were counted that the win “means the world” to her.
She may have been helped by the endorsement of the much loved and soon-to-be-retiring State Senator Edith Prague, D-Columbia.
“I expected this to be a nail biter,” Osten said, even though she spent a lot of her campaign the old-fashioned way, going door to door to talk with voters.
Osten received more than 57 percent of the votes with a total of 2,269 compared with 1,666 for Reynolds.
Some of the key votes came from with Norwich voting 782-512, Lisbon 180-55 and Columbia 237-103. Reynolds was the top vote-getter in his hometown of Ledyard, 425-73.
Reynolds, 45, conceded to Osten less than an hour after the polls closed Tuesday night.
Celebrating her win at T J’s Cafe in Baltic, Osten said Reynolds “immediately” gave her his endorsement for the upcoming November elections, where she will now face Republican State Rep. Chris Coutu, R-Norwich.
Coutu has already been endorsed by the Republican party.
Due to last year’s redistricting, Osten will run to represent a geographical area that includes Columbia, Franklin, Hebron, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon, Marlborough, Norwich, Sprague and part of Montville.
Osten has served as the first selectwoman in Sprague for three consecutive terms and chose to run for the state Senate thanks to Prague’s “push.”
Osten thanked her friends and family for their support in the primary election. She said her mother, Patricia Osten, “called every senior in Norwich” to make sure they voted.
“I have no worries moving forward,” Osten said. She intends to continue campaigning door-to-door and said she will go through another “six pairs of shoes” to make sure she reaches “each and every home.”
“I am absolutely thrilled to have the confidence of voters. I will continue to focus on jobs and the economy,” Osten said.
Tuesday night, Reynolds said he is “committed” to getting Osten elected in November.
While at his campaign headquarters in Norwich, he said he had no regrets about his primary campaign. “This is the best campaign I’ve ever run,” he said.
Reynolds said he feels Prague’s endorsement “definitely helped” Osten.
Prague is popular with senior citizens — who tend to vote more in primaries and elections — in her district.
Not sure what the next step will be for himself, Reynolds said his 18-years as a state and local official “isn’t a bad run.”
“This is a tough life for a family with children,” he said. Referring to his defeat, he said,“These things happen for a reason.”
However, Reynolds said, he will continue to serve his community. “I can’t imagine running for office again. But, just after an election is not the night to decide anything,” he said.
Town-by-Town results for the CT Democratic 19th Senate District Primary Aug. 14 2012
Posted Aug. 15, 2012 as edited by, and with photo and link added by, HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan
Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )
The students at Capitol Theater Arts Academy (CTAA) in Willimantic, CT will present public performances of the award-winning musical, Singin’ in the Rain on Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 9, 10 and 11, at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Aug. 11.
The students at Capitol Theater Arts Academy (CTAA) will present public performances of the award-winning musical, Singin’ in the Rain on Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 9, 10 and 11, at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Aug. 11.
The Academy – an arts magnet school – is located in downtown Willimantic at the beautifully renovated, air-conditioned Capitol Theater, 896 Main St.
Featuring 43 students, ages 8-15, CTAA’s Summer Musical Theater Program includes students from Amston (in Hebron), Chaplin, Columbia, Colchester, Coventry, Hampton, Manchester, Mansfield (including Storrs, Mansfield Center), Norwich, Scotland, South Windsor, Tolland and Windham (including North Windham and Willimantic).
Regular tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children under 12.
To order your tickets now, please call EASTCONN’s Capitol Theater Box Office between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, at 860-465-5636.
The box office window is also open 45 minutes before show time for walk-up ticket sales if still available.
This production is sponsored by the Savings Institute.
Posted August 1, 2012
Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )
Coventry (CT) Regional Farmers Market is one of the most popular and fastest growing in the state; it draws about 75,000 visitors annually. The market also shares the grounds each Sunday of market season with the Nathan Hale Homestead – which plans to charge anyone who wants to use its new bathrooms $25 to become Friends of the Homestead. Photo copyright 2012 by Brenda Sullivan.
Visitors to the Coventry Regional Farmers Market, at the Nathan Hale Homestead, will soon have an alternative to the portable facilities already provided by the market.
Officials with Connecticut Landmarks, which owns the homestead at 2299 South St., announced that market-goers will be able to use homestead’s new bathrooms – if they become “friends” of the homestead.
The offer will not, however, take effect until mid-July and it comes with a price tag.
A new “Friends of the Homestead” program will officially launch in mid-July at a cost of $25. Benefits include a 10 percent discount on items in the new museum store, free access to the homestead and its tours throughout the season – and use of the homestead’s bathrooms.
Connecticut Landmarks Executive Director Sheryl Hack said the new program was slightly delayed while awaiting Friends of the Homestead pins.
Since the market re-opened for the season this month, for the past three Sundays, the bathrooms at the homestead had been open and used by both museum visitors and market attendees.
Last week, Connecticut Landmarks had said it would begin locking its bathrooms for market goers and only open them for museum patrons who pay the museum’s regular admission fee.
“This is our response,” Hack said Friday (June 22).
Hack noted, however, that the homestead will continue to allow access to the restrooms for any handicapped person.
The Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry, CT – a view of the kitchen garden. The Coventry Regional Farmers Market uses the adjoining fields on Sundays throughout the market season. It also recently built a barn won from Yankee Post & Beam where it will hold programs. Photo copyright 2012 by Brenda Sullivan.
Connecticut Landmarks Education and Historic Sites Operations Manager Cynthia Cormier said the bathrooms were open the first few weeks because the agency didn’t know how many people would use them.
Hack said the new system was designed for only “250 flushes a day.”
Hack estimated with 1,000 to possibly 3,000 flushes each Sunday, the homestead could destroy its new septic tank a month into this year’s season.
She said the homestead could never have afforded a septic tank with the capacity for so many flushes.
Addressing the problem, however, has opened up an opportunity to boost financial support for the homestead. The “Friends of the Homestead” program will be “a vehicle for community members, market-goers and everyone else to support the property,” Hack said.
Hack confirmed each dollar from the new $25 program would go directly back to the homestead site.
The homestead received $500,000 from the state in 2004 for renovations that included bathrooms and a visitors’ center, and another $750,000 for renovation of the two historic Hale barns.
State Rep. Tim Ackert, R-Coventry, called the new “Friends of the Homestead: program “very interesting.”
“I like the overall idea, in terms of discounting prices and helping out Connecticut Landmarks,” Ackert said. On the other hand, he said he’s concerned about people essentially paying to use the new bathrooms.
Ackert said he has reached out to Connecticut Landmarks about the issue but hadn’t received a response as of last Friday.
“This just doesn’t sit well,” Ackert said. “I will continue to look into this to make it the best for everybody.”
Farmers Market Executive Director Winter Caplanson said the market has ordered a handicapped-accessible portable toilet to join the two portable toilets already provided for market visitors.
Caplanson said CT Portables in Chaplin was going to add an additional portable toilet in time for the June 24 market day.
Caplanson said she isn’t worried about more bathroom-related problems for the market.
“I think it will settle down,” she said.
The market, which is overseen by the Bridges Healthy Cooking School, a 501c3 nonprofit, generates sales exceeding $500,000 every year and draws more than 75,000 visitors annually.
The market is open Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Posted June 25, 2012 as edited by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan
Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on Twitter at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )
The purpose of the “visioning sessions” is to present current points of the study and to gather feedback and ideas from local residents. Livingston pointed to the difficulty of the task, given eastern Connecticut encompasses 41 towns, the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribal nations, and the fact that region is composed of village, rural and urban areas. Map graphic copyright 2012 by Brenda Sullivan
The comments of community members may result in a more sustainable future for Eastern Connecticut.
At a public “visioning session” last week, a dozen area residents and officials gathered at Windham Town Hall to learn about and weigh in on a planning study that examines the region’s potential for sustainability improvements.
The study looks at three areas of potential growth — mobility, employment and housing — on a regional scale and considers how these areas might be improved in an integrated, practical way.
“It’s looking at gaps in what’s out there. What issues cross boundaries throughout this region?” asked Ken Livingston, vice president and principal associate at the planning firm of Fitzgerald and Halliday.
The session, along with another Wednesday, June 20 in Dayville, and a third held Thursday in Norwich, was hosted by the Eastern Connecticut Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Consortium. Members of the study team presented the findings and guided small group discussions.
The consortium partners with the Windham Region Council of Governments, Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments, Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments, Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board, and Southeastern Connecticut Housing Alliance.
The study, funded through a $225,000 grant from the state Department of Housing and Urban Development, began in September 2011 and will be completed by December 2013 at the latest, at which time the consortium will have a concise list of specific, doable recommendations for regional improvements.
The purpose of the “visioning sessions” is to present current points of the study and to gather feedback and ideas from local residents.
Livingston pointed to the difficulty of the task, given eastern Connecticut encompasses 41 towns, the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribal nations, and the fact that region is composed of village, rural and urban areas.
“There’s a diversity of issues and concerns,” he explained.
The study’s concentrations include diversified and affordable housing, workforce development and effectiveness of transportation.
Small breakout discussions were organized into these categories, but the interconnectedness of the issues was noted.
Affordable housing and dependable jobs should be located closer together, attendees said, which would lessen the burden on providing transportation.
Meanwhile, public transportation services could be connected between different areas of the region and service could be expanded.
Job training could be improved and coordinated with the needs of area employers, thus bridging the gap between the “supply of labor coming out of local schools” and “what the companies are looking for,” said Todd Poole study team member and managing principal for 4WARD Planning.
State Rep. Susan Johnson, D-Willimantic, attended the visioning session and spoke of the city’s potential. “We have a lot of resources here that could really help to change the economy,” Johnson said. She pointed to the freight rail lines, the airport, mills and other assets that could be harnessed to return Willimantic to its productive days.
She said she sees high-level manufacturing, to which much of the state has already begun to shift, as an exciting opportunity for the city. “If we act together, we can really attract a lot of people to the region,” Johnson said.
Columbia Town Planner Jana Butts, who is also a senior planner at WINCOG, was interested in the concept of “locational efficiency,” which would bring housing and jobs geographically closer.
“People who live close to their work are saving a lot of money, but also living a greener lifestyle,” Butts said. “I think there’s a real need for everyone to examine the environmental costs of their lifestyles and implement ways to make their lifestyles more sustainable.”
Livingston said he was grateful for the feedback. “What is most useful is hearing people’s personal stories and hearing their values,” he said.
It is these stories and values that will inform the consortium’s recommendations.
WINCOG Director Mark Paquette said the consortium will begin to synthesize these ideas this week, with the goal of moving a bit closer to final recommendations.
The consortium is looking for “a small number of (recommendations) where we can really make a difference,” he said.
The synthesized findings of the sessions will be posted on the consortium’s web site www.sustaineasternct. org, where community members can also learn more about the study and submit their own ideas.
Posted June 25, 2012
Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on Twitter at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )
Copies of the 2012 Connecticut Trails Day booklet of events are now available in public libraries and can be downloaded from http://www.ctwoodlands.org/CT-TrailsDay2012
Besides Victorian Days in Willimantic (through June 3) and the return of the Coventry Regional Farmers Market on Sunday (June 3), here are a couple of get-out-the-door events coming up: Connecticut Trails Day on June 2-3 and the 8th Annual Connecticut Open House Day on Saturday, June 9.
This year’s theme for Connecticut Trails Day is “America’s Largest TRAILgating Party.” You have a choice of 193 events in 121 towns with more than 540 miles of trails.
Connecticut’s event is part of National Trails Day, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2012.
Activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, running, trail maintenance, kayaking, educational walks, bird watching, geocaching and more.
While public libraries now have copies of the 2012 booklet that lists all the events, you can also download an electronic copy from the web site at http://www.ctwoodlands.org/CT-TrailsDay2012
The booklet is also handy for discovering hiking, biking and paddling places to explore all summer and fall.
On the Annual Connecticut Open House Day, museums and other historic sites (as well as many artists’ studios) throughout Connecticut open their doors for the season – in many cases offering free admission or free gifts.
The annual event is coordinated by the Connecticut Office of Tourism (a division of the Department of Economic and Community Development).
Here’s just a sample of what you might want to explore in the HTNP.com readership area:
In Ashford, the Willow Tree Pottery studio at 24 Bebbington Road will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pottery will be displayed in the gardens and studio. Visitors receive a handmade amulet or bead of clay. For more info, call 860-287-8056 or visit http://www.willowtreepottery.us
In Chester/Hadlyme, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors can ride for free aboard the Selden III, the second oldest continuously operated ferry service in Connecticut (at 54 Ferry Road/Route 148), which crosses the scenic Connecticut River near the Gillette Castle State Park (former home of the stage actor who made Sherlock Holmes famous). For more information, call 860-526-2743 or click here.
In East Haddam, from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., enjoy free tours of the historic Victorian theater built in 1876, the Goodspeed Opera House, at 6 Main St./Rte. 82. For more information, call 860-873-8668 or visit http://www.goodspeed.org
In East Hampton, visit Sears Park (65 North Main St.) with lovely views of Lake Pocotopaug to enjoy while picnicking – admission is free from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on this day only. For more information, call 860-267-7300 or visit http://www.easthamptonrec.com
In Lebanon, admission is free at the Jonathan Trumbull Jr. House Museum (780 Trumbull Hwy/Route 87, on the famous Lebanon Green) – there will be Colonial craft demonstrations, a mounted cavalryman portraying a French Army hussar (renowned for their elegant dress), and refreshments. Learn about the artist famous for his painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. For more information, call 860-642-7987 or click here And next door at the Lebanon Historical Society Museum, also from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., enjoy Model-T rides, farm animals and hands-on activities.
This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Revolutionary War, about archaeology or other sciences, find out just why people like Prudence Crandall and Jonathan Trumbull are famous, and otherwise discover new sights (and share them with your weekend visitors) in your own back yard – or farther afield, if you like.
One of the advantages of living in a postage-stamp-sized state is that you can drive to pretty much any part of Connecticut in two hours or less. This makes it easier to plan affordable day trips, and keep them short enough for energetic children.
You can explore the different sites that are taking part in Connecticut Open House Day by visiting http://www.ctvisit.com/dontmiss/details/211 But note that this list doesn’t include all the museums (and activities) in the state – if there’s one you’re curious about and you don’t see it on the Visit Connecticut site, call the museum directly and ask what they have planned.
Posted June 1, 2012
Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on Twitter at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )
Lebanon residents (R-L) Brian Green, Dina Mador and Dawn Green at a May 29, 2012 public meeting sparked by an incident in which a kindergartener brought a nonfunctioning gun to school for “show and tell.” Photo by Al Malpa
An incident involving a kindergarten student found last week to have a gun in his/her backpack (the identity of the child is not being released) has put a local superintendent in the hot seat.
While the fact that a 5-year-old came to school with a gun is in itself disturbing, the main complaint Lebanon parents expressed at a public meeting Tuesday (May 29) was the way the school handled the situation.
Parents are particularly unhappy about how and when they were notified; the school district mailed a letter to parents on Wednesday, the day after the incident occurred.
Parents say they should have been notified immediately – i.e. by email or phone.
According to Connecticut State Police, on Tuesday, May 22, the afternoon bus driver was delivering students to their homes when she became aware that one of the kindergarten students had a gun in his/her backpack.
It was determined that the gun was not loaded or even working. The bus driver returned it to the child’s parents, according to police.
Lebanon School Superintendent Janet Tyler responds to comments from angry parents at a May 29, 2012 meeting at which she was criticized for not notifying parents immediately about a gun found in a kindergartener’s backpack. Photo by Al Malpa
At last night’s meeting, parent Dina Madore, yelled at Tyler and said parents should have been notified on Tuesday.
Parent Julie Robbins agreed and said she had no idea about the incident until a neighbor told her. Robbins’ child was on that bus, she said, and it was “upsetting” to hear about it from someone other than the school.
“We couldn’t talk about it with our child because we had no idea,” Robbins told Tyler.
Tyler responded that she believes she did what she “felt was right.”
“I have kids as well,” Tyler said, and added “(I am an) advocate for children. I would never ever want to hurt a child for any reason.”
However, Tyler said, if the same incident happened tomorrow, she would call “every single person” to let them know.
In an interview today, State Police spokesman Lt. J. Paul Vance said the incident was “blown out of proportion” because the gun actually was an antique replica that was incapable of being fired.
“It was not a firearm… it was not a ‘gun,’ by definition,” Lt. Vance said.
He also said the child brought the gun to school for “show and tell.”
At last night’s meeting, Tyler criticized the bus driver. “The driver’s failure to timely notify the school district severely handicapped our ability to investigate and inform parents,” Tyler said. It was hours later that the district was notified, she said.
Parent Brian Green said it is Tyler’s responsibility to communicate with parents. “This can’t happen again,” he said. “You are the face and you are the leader (of our school district).”
Green added that if Tyler was working “anywhere else,” she would have been fired already for the “abysmal” handling of the incident.
Lebanon resident Ron Cowles called for parents to do more than complain about a gun incident and take part in developing better protocol for Lebanon Schools, at a May 29 2012 public meeting. Photo by Al Malpa
Resident Ron Cowles was the only person at the meeting to stick up for Tyler and the rest of the school district’s administration.
Cowles said he understood the parents’ reaction, but urged them to become a part of the process to fix school policy. “Everyone needs to be involved. One person cannot do it alone,” he said.
Cowles said he looks forward to seeing how many of the parents and other community members will step up. “Help this woman (Tyler) to make it better,” he said.
Tyler asked for e-mail addresses from the people at the meeting in order to notify them of the next public meeting during which new protocol for incidents such as this one can be developed.
After the meeting, Tyler said she is “confident” the district can move forward.
However, Lebanon Board of Education member Stephen Nelson said he hopes the incident is discussed at the next school board meeting, which is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 12 at the Lebanon Middle School Media Center.
Posted May 31, 2012 as edited by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan
Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on Twitter at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )
Horse-drawn rides past historic Victorian homes are part of the 14th annual Victorian Days activities that run from Thursday, May 31 through Sunday, June 3 (most events are Saturday and Sunday). Photo courtesy of the Willimantic Victorian Neighborhood Association
Willimantic, Connecticut will invite visitors into some of its 600 Victorian-style homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places during the 14th annual Victorian Days events, which begins Thursday, May 31 and continues through Sunday, June 3.
This very popular event, which draws people from throughout New England, also includes garden tours, unique museum exhibits, live music, art exhibits and Victorian teas that sell out every year.
Victorian Days is sponsored by the Willimantic Victorian Neighborhood Association, which promotes the preservation of Willimantic’s Victorian past.
Most events take place on Saturday and Sunday.
Willimantic’s Hill Section abounds with old Victorian homes. It is “sort of a hidden treasure,” says event manager Lynn Duval. “It was built when the textile mill industry was at its prime.”
During that era, immigrants came from France, Poland, Ukraine, Ireland and other countries to work at the thread mills, and “their families are still here,” Duval said.
The George Tiffany House on Prospect Street is one of the Victorian-style homes that will be open for tours during the 14th annual Victorian Days, the weekend of June 2-3, 2012. Photo courtesy of Wilimantic Victorian Neighborhood Association
“They all left something here in the community,” she said, and so the Victorian Days weekend also celebrates the diversity of Willimantic’s history.
“People come from all over New England,” Duval said, and “when we bring the people here, they see that Willimantic is kind of a cool town.”
New to this year’s festivities will be Saturday tours of five churches with historically interesting stained glass windows and organs.
“They’re all historic. They all have magnificent stained glass. It’s going to be a beautiful tour,” Duval said.
Thursday – with cooler and less humid weather in the forecast – will start the three-day event with a walking tour of historic Main Street that will include a viewing of the old Franklin Hall Vaudeville Theater.
Friday night, the public can attend a free Classic Brass Band Concert at the First Congregational Church, 199 Valley St. Following the performance will be a large buffet.
The Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum will take part in the 14th annual Victorian Days the weekend of June 2-3, and will offer 1.5-mile train rides in an open car with benches. Photo of the “round house” courtesy of the Railroad Museum
Saturday and Sunday, visitors can tour Victorian homes, the Willimantic Camp Meeting Association (Saturday, only), the Elks Lodge, the Old Willimantic Cemetery, Windham Mills, the magnificent Garden on the Bridge neighboring the renovated mills and ArtSpace, Wright’s Pleasant Street Garden and the Windham Town Hall with its newly installed exhibit, “Connecticut’s Connection to the Titanic.”
The railroad museum will offer 1.5-mile train rides in an open car with benches. “The kids will love it,” Duval said.
The Victorian Teas are “real high teas,” using real china, silverware and linen napkins and tablecloths. Sandwiches, handmade scones, pastries and tea are served in one of the Victorian homes. The tea gatherings sell out quickly. “We tell people to reserve ahead of time, and they have to,” Duval said.
For information on where to buy tickets or to make advance reservations for tea on Saturday or Sunday, call (860) 428-7573.
Posted May 30, 2012 as edited by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan
Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on Twitter at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )
A tax sale, at which properties being sold for unpaid back taxes will be auctioned, will be held beginning at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at Yeomans Hall (part of Columbia Town Hall building).
Gov. Malloy said, “I applaud Mike’s team at CRDA, Global Spectrum, and Madison Square Garden for their efforts to ensure Hartford remains home to professional hockey … Hartford is a city of tremendous potential; deals like this one will bring more people downtown, help spur additional economic activity, and reinvigorate our capital city.”
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