Starting to look like winter – finally

Annie Cronin shovels the walkway on North Street in Willimantic the morning of Jan. 17. A few inches of snow fell in the area and caused some delayed openings for schools and a number of accidents. Photo by Roxanne Pandolfi

Most of the state awakened this morning to a wet blanket of snow, accompanied by drizzle and slippery conditions.

It was technically the first snow of the winter season, which began Dec. 21, and it was met by the usual exaggerated aggravation that stems from being unprepared.

CT Weather Center meteorologist Bill Jacquemin said people very easily become acclimated to near- past weather patterns and so, are frustrated when the weather suddenly changes.

“People should – being in New England – be able to handle something like last night,” said Jacquemin, of what is considered a relatively insignificant snow event.

Last night’s flurry paled in comparison to the record­breaking October storm that dropped as much as two feet of snow in some parts of the state, and left hundreds of thousands without power, some for up to two weeks.

Today’s coating of snow, though, was enough to cause a few problems on the roadways.

The approximate 2 inches of snow resulted in school delays, some closures and 146 motor vehicle accidents by early morning throughout the state.

Morning commutes were most affected on the highways near Middletown, Newtown, New Haven and Danbury, according to CT State Police Lt. J. Paul Vance, who said there were no serious injuries reported.

Unplowed roads in some rural areas were also troublesome for commuters.

No matter how the roads look, Vance said there’s a common-sense approach that should be used when driving during and after any kind of precipitation.

“Slow down and be prepared to stop,” said Vance, who described this as a proactive approach that includes allowing a little extra time to get to one’s destination and maintaining a little extra distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

Winter is finally here, he said.

“This is New England,” said Vance. “Here we go.”

Jacquemin also noted that there’s a weather pattern shift underway that is resulting in colder temperatures at the start of the winter season than in the recent years.

Because of the recent low temperatures, the ground is frozen and last night’s precipitation — which was the result of what’s called an Alberta Clipper — was able to accumulate, said Jacquemin.

Alberta clippers are fast moving, weak areas of low pressure, which form in Alberta, Canada. They travel northwest to southeast and deliver snow showers and cold air.

More of the same is expected Thursday night and again on Saturday, when a little more moisture in the air could result in what Jacquemin dubbed more “bothersome storm (weather).”

Last winter snow began on Dec. 26, 2010 and basically, snowed every third day, said Jacquemin. “It was relentless,” he said.

“That’s what made last year so historic and so unusual,” said Jacquemin. The odds of that happening again this year, however, are zero, he said.

Posted Jan. 17, 2012

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Volunteers are needed for CT Special Olympics swim meet

There are many different roles that volunteers can choose including, athlete buddies, pool area volunteers, food and refreshments, arts and crafts, awards and Friday night set-up with Saturday night clean-up. Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Wisconsin

The annual Special Olympics swim meet is again in need of volunteers for the March event, according to event organizers.

Athletes from all over Connecticut and parts of Massachusetts are already signed up for the 33rd annual Windham Invitational Special Olympics swim meet.

Slated for Saturday, March 10,2012 the event starts at 8 a.m. with registration and is expected to last until about 5 p.m., at Windham High School.

Event organizers are looking for as many volunteers as they can get, said Melissa Henry, a first­time member of the event’s organizing committee.

The organization usually takes volunteers right up until the event starts, but registering early will help with distributing tasks.

“We try to get the word our early for volunteers,” said publicity chair Tom Piotrowski. “We like to have committed volunteers before the swim meet.”

Piotrowski and his son, Alan, have been volunteering at the swim meet for more than 15 years.

“Come with a positive attitude and the feeling that you are going to make this a special day,” said Piotrowski.

Volunteers can choose what they want to do on the registration form, which is provided online at the swim meet web site, http://windhaminvitationalswimmeet.weebly.com

The deadline for registration with the volunteer forms is Feb. 24.

Volunteering doesn’t have an age limit, but organizers try to match volunteers to athletes by their ages. Athletes are generally from 8 to 35 years old, Henry said.

“We’ve had middle school kids and even college students volunteer,” said Piotrowski. Safety volunteers have to be at least 21 years of age, he said.

“We usually need around 250 volunteers or so,” said Piotrowski. “We need people for pretty much everything.”

There are many different roles that volunteers can choose including, athlete buddies, pool area volunteers, food and refreshments, arts and crafts, awards and Friday night set-up with Saturday night clean-up

Piotrowski said volunteers will be kept busy throughout the day.

No training is necessary to be a volunteer, but on the morning of the meet, there is a registration and orientation period before everything starts, said Piotrowski.

Lunch will be provided by McDonald’s and volunteers will get a souvenir T-shirt, Piotrowski said.

Donations also help!

For those who would like to donate to the annual swim meet, they can do so by sending cash or a check written to Windham Special Olympics Swim Meet and sent to 39 Candide Lane, Storrs, CT 06268.

The Windham Swim meet is a nonprofit organization, said Piotrowski. “We need to raise around $7,000 to $ 8,000 for this event,” some of which comes from fundraisers leading up to the even.

The Special Olympics, itself, is a year­round program of physical fitness, sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

For more information and to get a volunteer registration form, visit the swim meet Web site at http://windhaminvitationalswimmeet.weebly.com or call Erin Figlock at (860) 670-2915, or Melissa Henry at (860) 933-4813 or Adrianne Levine at (860) 933-6388.

Posted Jan. 15, 2012

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Want to learn how to help your community during a disaster?

Are you part of a business, church or neighborhood that would like to strengthen its ability to come through a storm strong, and reach out to others? Anyone can take the Red Cross Shelter Operations training; children under the age of 16 may attend if accompanied by an adult.

Recent storms Irene and Alfred saw most of our state shut down and several shelters opening throughout our region.

Self-sufficient, resilient communities are strong communities during tough times.

Many local volunteers used Red Cross Shelter Operations training to assist at the shelters, but we need more help!

Already Trained?

Those who are already Red Cross Shelter Operations certified may join together on the afternoon of Feb. 4 for a tabletop sheltering drill held at Windham Hospital.

Disaster workers will organize into teams and set up a shelter on paper, and problem solve common issues.

Please register to reserve a spot. There is no cost to participate in this drill, and it is open to the entire region.

Need Training?

There are three opportunities to take Disaster Shelter Operations training before the drill.

Pick one and please register now because space is limited. There is no cost to participants.

Wednesday Jan. 18, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic

Wednesday Jan. 18, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. N. Windham Fire Dept.

Saturday Feb. 4, 9 a.m. – noon Windham Hospital

Are you part of a business, church or neighborhood that would like to strengthen its ability to come through a storm strong, and reach out to others?

Anyone can take the training; children under the age of 16 may attend if accompanied by an adult.

For more information and to register, call 860-456-2221 or send email to citizencorps@wincog.org

Posted Jan. 14, 2012

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Attention Hebron residents – do not drink the water!

The Do Not Drink advisory was issued by Connecticut Water for the towns of Hebron, Lebanon and Colchester after elevated levels of copper were found at some homes served by the Amston Lake water system.

The Connecticut Water Company and local health officials announced today that a Do Not Drink advisory has been issued for customers of the Amston Lake Water System that serves 181 year-round customers in Hebron, Lebanon and Colchester.

The advisory was issued after elevated levels of copper were found at some homes served by the Amston Lake water system.

As a precaution, customers are advised not to drink the water, use it for preparation, brushing teeth, making ice cubes or any other purpose where they may consume the water, officials said.

These precautions are especially important for people who have Wilson’s disease, a genetic disorder that prevents the body from getting rid of extra copper.

However, customers can continue to use the water for bathing, showering or for toilet flushing.

Connecticut Water’s supply wells do not show elevated levels of copper; the company believes the problem is related to an electrical issue in the distribution system, and is working with other utilities serving the neighborhood to identify the issue.

Connecticut Water is setting up a tanker at Amston Lake to provide safe drinking water to Amston Lake residents while the advisory is in effect.

Customers should bring clean container to the tanker location. Customers of the Amston Lake water system affected by this situation have been notified by the company through its reverse 911 notification system and written notices that are being delivered door-to-door.

For more information call customer service at 1-800-286-5700.

Posted Jan. 6, 2012

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Town manager, selectmen part ways in Hebron

“The board of selectmen appreciates (Therrien’s) efforts with starting new programs for the town and leading Hebron through two difficult storms. The board of selectmen’s direction of managing and allocating resources going forward is different than (Therrien) and we both felt it would be better to separate employment ties." - Press Release issued by Hebron Board of Selectmen

The Town of Hebron is starting the new year without its town manager. Bonnie Therrien abruptly left Dec. 30.

Therrien started as town manager in March 2010.

Reached at her Wethersfield home Wednesday (Jan. 4), Therrien said she had “no comment” and referred to the press release issued by the Hebron Board of Selectmen for the reasons behind the departure.

The press release states the “board of selectmen and the town manager have agreed to a separation of employment effective December 30, 2011, due to a difference in philosophies with managing staff resources to support the Town of Hebron.”

The press release states “the board of selectmen appreciates Bonnie’s efforts with starting new programs for the town and leading Hebron through two difficult storms. The board of selectmen’s direction of managing and allocating resources going forward is different than Bonnie’s and we both felt it would be better to separate employment ties.

“We wish her well in her future endeavors and thank her for her services. Bonnie appreciates the selectmen’s decision and wishes the community well. She has met some great people in Hebron, including staff members, volunteers, and citizens who give so much to their community.”

Selectman Jeffrey Watt said the split “was a mutual thing,” and noted there was frustration on both sides. “Bonnie’s done a lot of good things for the Town of Hebron,” Watt said. “But she’s used to a larger town.”

Watt said larger municipalities have larger staff and budgets with which to work.

Prior to coming to Hebron, Therrien was Town Manager for Wethersfield.

She had also previously worked as Town Manager of Berlin, CT and the Deputy City Manager for Hartford, CT and Assistant Town Manager for Enfield, CT

She also had experience with the Town of Simsbury and the MetroHartford Alliance.

Therrien has a master’s degree in public administration.

During Therrien’s tenure, she was instrumental in hiring a new director of finance, Lisa Hancock, in the summer of 2010, and a new assessor, Deb Gernhardt, last month.

She also initiated a charette (a community input process) to focus on economic development measures and she established a weekly e-mail report on the week’s happenings.

Taking over on a temporary basis is Andrew Tierney, who is also Hebron’s director of public works.

Tierney has prior experience in this role. In the year before Therrien was hired, Tierney served as one of a three-member interim town management team after the last town manager left in March 2009.

“Andy was definitely the best person to make the transition easiest,” Watt said, and noted that among other things, his experience in formulating budgets will help the town through the next few months.

After the budget season is over, Watt said, selectmen will consider long-term options for the town manager’s position.

“We’ll address it after the budget,” Watt said.

Posted Jan. 5, 2012

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Reinvent Connecticut – still time to register for business workshops

"These sessions provide an opportunity for citizens to sit down at a table with a professional, ask questions and have them answered immediately, and fill out applications on the spot. Small businesses are critical to the state’s economic recovery, and these types of personal gatherings are giving a face to a state agency that is critical to the growth of small businesses.” - Gov. Malloy

There is still time to register for the last three workshops in the Reinvent Connecticut series, sponsored by the state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

The workshops are designed to give small businesses a firsthand look at how the state can help them create jobs and expand their operations.

Participants will learn about the recent jobs legislation, as well as existing programs to assist Connecticut businesses.

Key provisions of the recently passed Jobs Bill include:

Small Business Express Program (EXP) – provides $100 million to help Connecticut’s small businesses access much-needed capital.

Job Expansion Tax Credit (JET) program – provides a tax credit $500 per month for each new employee or $900 per month for certain employees if they are disabled, unemployed or a veteran.

First Five program – was expanded so DECD can provide state assistance to five additional business development projects, for a total of 10, in 2012.

The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) – can establish additional airport development zones, similar to the zone near Bradley International Airport, around the state’s smaller airports. Businesses within these zones can be eligible for property tax exemptions and corporation business tax credits.

Manufacturing Reinvestment Account (MRA) program – was expanded to help even more small manufacturers in Connecticut invest more in their businesses.

Subsidized Training & Employment Program (STEP) – will provide funding to small businesses and small manufacturers for a portion of a worker’s employment costs, including training.

Increases by a total of up to $340 million in bonding for the state’s Manufacturing Assistance Act (MAA).

Business entity tax – now collected every other year, rather than annually. This lowers the cost of doing business in Connecticut.

DECD has scheduled two webinars for those that cannot attend the final workshops. They will be held Jan. 18, 2012 from 9-10 a.m. and Jan. 19, 2012 from 1-2 p.m. (call 1-800-392-2122 for more information.)

DECD business specialists will be at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport on Jan. 5; the Four Points Sheraton in Meriden on Jan. 9; the Matrix Corporate Center in Danbury on Jan. 12; and the Branford Community House on Jan. 19.

Those interested in attending the remaining sessions should register in advance at http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22DQSU2K9BX or call 800-392-2122 for more information.

“Since I took office, one of my primary goals has been to reconnect state government and the business community. One of the concerns I heard most was the feeling that government wasn’t listening – that it was disengaged from those it was supposed to be serving,” said Gov. Malloy. “That’s why these informational sessions are so important. It’s a way for business owners and other entrepreneurial-minded people to get the assistance they need and forge relationships with our business development team.

“These sessions provide an opportunity for citizens to sit down at a table with a professional, ask questions and have them answered immediately, and fill out applications on the spot. Small businesses are critical to the state’s economic recovery, and these types of personal gatherings are giving a face to a state agency that is critical to the growth of small businesses.”

Initiated Nov. 9, 2011 these sessions have been attended by about 800 people and have resulted in more than 144 applications for the state’s newest program called the Small Business Express Program (EXP).

Catherine Smith, commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development and Deputy Commissioner Ron Angelo have led more than 12 sessions across the state.

Posted Jan. 5, 2012

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Sen. Prague recuperating from minor stroke

By JC Reindl | The Day

State Sen. Edith Prague, D-Columbia, is recuperating at a rehabilitation center from the minor stroke she experienced Christmas Day, a legislative spokesman said.

“She is resting and recovering,” spokesman Lawrence Grotheer said Tuesday (Jan. 3). He added the veteran legislator is alert and cogent. “There is no reason to believe she won’t be back soon,” he said.

He declined to disclose the location of the rehabilitation center, as Prague’s family wishes to ensure the privacy of patients and staff there.

Shelley Prague of Enfield said Tuesday her mother is now doing well and declined further comment.

Prague, 86, experienced the stroke the afternoon of Dec. 25. Grotheer said she had undergone a minor outpatient surgery earlier in the month.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman both visited Sen. Prague prior to her discharge from an undisclosed hospital.

State Senate President Donald E. Williams Jr., D-Brooklyn, said it remains to be seen whether Prague will be back in Hartford for the start of this year’s General Assembly session, which runs from Feb. 8 through May 9. “We want her to take it one step at a time,” he said.

“She’s making progress, but she is not entertaining visitors yet,” state Sen. Andrea Stillman, D-Waterford, said Tuesday.

Sen. Prague has represented the 19th Senate District since 1995.

She previously served as commissioner of the former state Department of Aging and was a state representative for eight years.

Her Senate district includes the towns of Andover, Bozrah, Columbia, Franklin, Hebron, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon and Sprague, along with portions of Montville and Norwich.

Posted Jan. 4, 2011 – written by By JC Reindl of the Day, posted here via partnership with The Chronicle

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State grants will support commercial development, foot traffic and filmmaking

"These projects are part of reinventing Connecticut and making us a stronger, highly competitive, and more vibrant state." - Gov. Malloy

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy today (Jan. 4, 2012) announced the last round of Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) awards – including towns in the HTNP.com readership area.

The State Bond Commission allocated $20 million for 2012 STEAP grants in September 2011 – Gov. Malloy has been visiting some towns to make the announcements in person.

“Over the past several weeks I’ve enjoyed visiting the small towns across Connecticut that make our state a great place to live,” Gov. Malloy said today.

“Local leaders have done a tremendous job advocating for their communities and ensuring that these important projects are getting the attention and support they need and state government has stepped up as a partner in the effort to improve the quality of life for residents. These projects are part of reinventing Connecticut and making us a stronger, highly competitive, and more vibrant state.”

Awards by town:

Ashford

Ashford was awarded $196,000 in STEAP funding to reconstruct part of Hnath Road. The reconstruction will help homeowners whose properties have been affected by poor drainage. The project will also provide safer conditions for drivers.

State Rep. Bryan Hurlburt said today, “This grant will pay dividends for years to come by helping to repair and upgrade a critical transportation artery in our town. I thank Gov. Malloy for his commitment to our small towns and in particular, for recognizing Ashford as a good long-term investment.”

Coventry

Coventry was awarded $400,000 to construct sidewalks that will link schools and the library, and to make streetscape improvements in the Village Business District.

Upgrades to the business district began with ARRA (recovery) funding and could have a significant impact on the local economy.

State Rep. Tim Ackert (R- Coventry) said today, “The completion of the sidewalks linking the schools to the library will allow for safer passage of our children and encourage residents to use the town’s resources,”

“The improvement of the streetscape in the village district is an important project that may not otherwise be completed without the assistance of the STEAP grant. I believe this project will help improve the quality of life in Coventry in a meaningful way,” Rep. Ackert said.

Eastford

Eastford received $386,680 to rehabilitate Mill Bridge Road #1, a major artery for Eastford Village. These funds will serve as the local match required to obtain federal funds to repair the bridge and preserve its historic appearance.

Hebron

Hebron was awarded $214,000 to install traffic signals in the business district at the intersection of Route 66 and John Horton Boulevard.

This will serve existing development on Main Street and enhance traffic and pedestrian safety.

The project will also promote new business development in the business expansion area.

Mansfield

Mansfield received STEAP funds in the amount of $500,000 for infrastructure improvements along what will be known as Village Street in the new “downtown” created by the multimillion dollar Storrs Center project, now under construction off Route 195, across from the UConn campus and the Mansfield Town Hall (Audrey P. Beck Municipal Building).

The funds will be used for infrastructure (i.e. power lines) as part of creating Village Street.

Senate President Pro Tem Don Williams said today, “Building a strong Storrs Center for the benefit of residents, students and the local economy has been a priority for many years. This grant will help in continuing to move this project forward.”

State Rep. Gregg Haddad (D-Mansfield, Chaplin) said today, “Over the next two years, a wonderful and carefully planned mix of restaurants, shops, housing and a town square will take shape, with the state’s commitment to the Storrs Center project critical to its success. With close access to all the great cultural and athletic events at UConn, Storrs Center will be a very popular gathering place for both local residents and visitors.”

Marlborough

Marlborough will use $400,000 in STEAP funds for the final phase of streetscape improvements in the Village Center area. This project is estimated to create or retain 18 to 24 construction jobs, and will attract pedestrians to the business district in the community.

State Rep. Pam Sawyer said today, “STEAP Grants of this size are a real economic development tool for the small towns like Marlborough. The town will be now able to tackle a project that it would not be able to do on just local dollars. It is a real boost and for a reasonable amount of state dollars.”

Regional project – Connecticut Studios

South Windsor received $500,000 for infrastructure improvements associated with the development of the Connecticut Studios. State and local officials, working in conjunction with a development team, will construct a state-of-the-art movie studio production facility in South Windsor.

Connecticut Studios will includes 6 to 8 sound stages, a mill building for set manufacturing, as well as executive and production offices.

Ancillary development will include a 150-room hotel, retail, and several restaurants.

Upon completion, the studio is estimated to create 1,500 film production jobs.

During the development phase, over 500 union construction jobs will be created. “Ongoing operations” jobs will total close to 5,000. (All job estimates taken from CERC study on this project).

State Rep. Tim Larson said today, “This funding is not only important to our town, but also to the entire region, as it will help ensure surrounding infrastructure properly supports the exciting Connecticut Studio project. I thank Gov. Malloy for recognizing the economic benefits of this important project and his commitment to helping it become a success.”

State Rep. Bill Aman, who represents the 14th General Assembly District said today, “Economic development is among the most discussed topics in communities throughout the state and that’s the case here in South Windsor, where the I-291 gateway has been identified as an area where companies could thrive and create jobs.”

“This grant from the state represents a continuing investment in that effort, and it certainly signals that this community is motivated, organized and ready to work with companies looking for fertile ground,” Rep. Aman said.

Posted Jan. 4, 2012

Related link: Connecticut Studios info page on South Windsor Town Web site http://www.southwindsor.org/pages/swindsorct_IT/ct_studios/ctstudios

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Hebron snow sculpture contest to begin

The Hebron Snow Sculpture Contest begins with the first snowfall after Monday, Jan. 2, 2012 and ends March 2, 2012. Contest divisions are kindergarten through third grade; fourth- through eighth-grade; adult and child; adult only; and businesses. Photo source: www.toxel.com

The Hebron Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor its annual snow sculpture contest with the start of the New Year.

The theme of the 2012 Snow Sculpture Contest is celebrating the spirit of winter and outdoor activities.

The contest begins with the first snowfall after Monday, Jan. 2, 2012 and ends March 2, 2012.

Contest divisions are kindergarten through third grade; fourth- through eighth-grade; adult and child; adult only; and businesses.

To enter, send a photograph of the snow sculpture, with a contact name and address, and a description of the sculpture, as well as the age of the designer.

Letters should be sent to Hebron Parks and Recreation, 15 Gilead St., Hebron, CT 06248.

Please note: photographs will not be returned.

For more information, call the Parks and Recreation office at ( 860) 530- 1281.

Posted Jan. 3, 2012

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Want to know more about beekeeping? Learn from the experts

The Eastern CT Beekeeping Association classes, held at UConn, will be a lecture and interactive series, focusing on honeybees and beekeeping, with emphasis on management for pollination and honey production. Photo source: cals.vt.edu

The Eastern Connecticut Beekeeping Association will lead an introductory beekeeping course for anyone with an interest in bees/beekeeping beginning Jan. 26, 2012 at the University of Connecticut Storrs campus. People who already have colonies are also invited to attend.

Classes will be held in the W.B. Young Building on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., with registration held at 6 p.m. at the first class.

Class dates are Jan. 26, and Feb. 2, 9, 16 – and Feb. 23 is reserved as a snow date, in the event a class is cancelled. (If UConn is closed due to weather, class will not be held.)

The class will be a lecture and interactive series, focusing on honeybees and beekeeping, with emphasis on management for pollination and honey production.

The classes will be conducted by experienced beekeepers Adam Fuller from Hampton CT, Alex Nishball from Mansfield CT and Tim Grilley from Salem CT.

There is a $75 registration fee. The fee includes the class book, “The Backyard Beekeeper,” the class and a one-year membership in the Eastern Connecticut Beekeepers Association.

To register, click on this link (form is in PDF format) http://webpages.charter.net/nectar/ECBA/Bee_School_Reg_2012.pdf, complete the registration form and return it ASAP with a $75 check to: ECBA, P.O. Box 487, Tolland, CT 06084.

If you register by mail, the deadline is Jan. 15, 2012. You may also register in person at the first class if space is still available.

Posted Jan. 3, 2012

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