Look here for local events for Sept 2 – 6

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 )

Take a walk, in Lebanon’s Heritage Garden

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 )

Osten upsets Reynolds in Democratic 19th District primary

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 )

Hum along… with Singin’ in the Rain at the Capitol Theater Arts Academy

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 )

Hebron man accused of nearly drowning canoeists on Coventry Lake

Paddling on Coventry Lake in Connecticut. File photo 2009 by HTNP.com

The Courant is reporting that 25-year-old Peter Zmigrodski of Hebron, CT has been arrested in relation to an incident in May 2012 on Coventry Lake that police say sent two canoeists to the hospital.

Police say witnesses saw Zmigrodski, who was operating a power boat, cause a canoe with two men in it to capsize.

For the full story, click here.

Posted July 3, 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 )

So much going on in June, where to start?

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

And you can keep up to date on the Connecticut Forest and Park Assoc. Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CTForestandParkAssociation

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 )

Coventry Regional Farmers Market returns for 2012 season

The Coventry Regional Farmers Market is enters its eighth season beginning Sunday, June 3, 2012. This photo is from the market's opening day in 2007, recently posted on the Coventry Regional Farmers Market Facebook page.

Hailed as the largest farmer’s market in the state, the award-winning Coventry Regional Farmers Market will kick off its eighth season on Sunday, June 3, 2012.

The market is held on the grounds of the Hale Homestead at 2299 South St., the former family home of the Revolutionary War hero, Nathan Hale.

Market vendors will sell their homemade goods and homegrown produce from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m on Sundays from June to October.

Market goers will also be able to see the new barn now under construction. The barn was won in a contest earlier this year.

Bridges to Healthy Cooking School, a registered 501c3 now oversees the market.

The market generates sales exceeding $350,000 every year and draws more than 75,000 visitors annually.

Market Executive Director Winter Caplanson said she thinks the market’s secret is its “sincerity.”

“We believe in creating this community of people, to understand what it means to eat well,” Caplanson said.

Caplanson said the market specializes in organic, heirloom, ethnic and gourmet varieties of fruits and vegetables, and offers grass­fed beef, free-range eggs, milk, yogurt, smoked bacon, rustic breads, farmstead cheeses and flowers, among other items.

The market offers “great diversity,” she said.

Market officials are planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new barn on June 17, with Gov. Dannel P. Malloy in attendance.

The barn was won by the market in the “Yankee Post and Beam Great Barn Giveaway,” a national contest last summer in which the public voted on who should win the barn.

The 24-foot-by-36-foot post and beam barn was made possible by W.H. Silverstein Inc.

Caplanson said there have been some glitches with getting the structure finished.

Permits took longer than expected and, “We may lose some vending places,” she said. “We are currently in the process of figuring out how many spaces are being impacted and where else can those vendors be placed.”

The barn will be used to house demonstrations, classes, exhibits, live music and other events at the market. It will also be leased to other groups by the Town of Coventry on non-market days.

Earlier this year the town and fans of the market from the surrounding area were distressed to learn the market might lose its home at the Hale Homestead.

Market organizers, while trying to work out issues with Connecticut Landmarks, the agency that oversees the site and with the Town of Coventry concerning a site offered in town, also entertained invitations from other towns to give the market a new home.

Ultimately, Connecticut Landmarks and the market’s directors reached a 10- year agreement in which the Town of Coventry will act as the tenant and the farmers market will sublease.

Something new this year, thanks to newly passed legislation – Sunday alcohol sales will now take place at the market.

“We will be able to have a wine vendor (this season),” Caplanson said. She added that she’s been “holding onto one spot” at the market for that specific reason.

“We are planning on having one, but it may not (be ready) the first weekend. It’s something we’ve wanted for awhile,” she said.

Town Manager John Elsesser said the market “is a point of pride for the town… It sends a positive message about our community and who we are. We are glad it’s going to start another year here.”

The Coventry Regional Farmers Market also is a “dog friendly” market – visitors can bring their four-footed companions as long as they are on a leash and well-behaved.

To keep up-to-date on entertainment, demonstrations, vendors and special events at the market, visit http://www.coventry­farmersmarket.com or find it on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CoventryFarmersMarket

Editor’s note: You are encouraged to also bring necessary “equipment” for cleaning up after your dog, and to bring some fresh water for your dog, since both you and your dog will be walking in an open field.

Posted May 31, 2012 as edited and added to 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 )

Victorian Days this weekend – house tours, high tea, carriage rides

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 Windham Textile & History Museum/Visitor’s Center, the Windham Historical Society at Jillson House and the Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum (set back from Bridge Street) will also feature exhibits and other activities.

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.

To download a brochure detailing all the events and a map, visit the Willimantic Victorian Neighborhood Association Web site at http://www.victorianwillimantic.org/events/victorian-days-in-willimantic

Posted May 31, 2012 as edited by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan

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Connecticut wins approval for No Child Left Behind wai

Connecticut’s No Child Left Behind waiver establishes a new, more comprehensive system of measuring student academic achievement and progress across all performance bands; adds writing and science assessments to the accountability system; and holds high schools accountable for graduation rates in addition to test scores. Photo source: WikiCommons public domain images

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today (May 29) announced that Connecticut’s application for a waiver from certain mandates imposed by the 2001 No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act has been approved.

The waiver, which grants states greater flexibility for implementing school reforms, comes just weeks after Gov. Malloy and legislative leaders reached an agreement to begin fixing what’s broken in Connecticut’s public schools.

The jointly-issued press release states that the NCLB Waiver, among other things, will ensure that Connecticut:

• has greater flexibility with Federal Title 1 dollars, meaning that the state can now use that money to fund programs and reform models that are right for Connecticut and gets it to the students who need it;

• avoids a situation where nearly half of the state’s public schools would have been deemed “failing” – setting in motion massive restructuring and possibly even school closures; and creates a system that more accurately measures student achievement across all levels.

NCLB requires a series of sanctions for schools that do not achieve 100 percent student proficiency on standardized assessments by 2014.

Connecticut’s waiver-

• establishes a new, more comprehensive system of measuring student academic achievement and progress across all performance bands;

• adds writing and science assessments to the accountability system;

• and holds high schools accountable for graduation rates in addition to test scores.

And Connecticut’s education reform plans call for –

• implementation of the Common Core State Standards and new assessments aligned to those standards in 2014-15;

• authorization of intensive interventions and supports necessary to turn around Connecticut’s lowest performing schools and districts;

• a new, enhanced system of teacher and principal evaluation and support;

• and reduction of red tape and undue administrative burdens placed on districts.

All of these initiatives, set forth as guiding principles for education reform by Gov. Malloy in December 2011, were affirmed or enhanced with passage of Senate Bill 458, An Act Concerning Educational Reform, which was signed into law by Governor Malloy on May 14, 2012.

“I want to commend Connecticut for demonstrating real courage that made it one of the leading states in this round of plans,” Secretary Duncan said.

“Connecticut’s plan to adopt college and career-ready standards, elevate and support teachers, and focus resources in order to close the achievement gap will include hundreds more schools and thousands more children who were invisible under NCLB,” Duncan said.

Connecticut Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor said, “From Common Core implementation, to low-performing school turnaround, to educator evaluation, we were able to convey Connecticut’s authentic agenda in our presentation to the federal Education Department.”

“After too many years of failing to secure significant federal approvals for our education work here in Connecticut, we are finally entering an era of strong state/federal partnership regarding the strengthening of our schools,” Pryor said.

Posted May 29, 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 )

Memorial Day Weekend a busy one for State Police and local firefighters

At the Lebanon, CT 2012 Memorial Day Parade - the World War II, Korea and Vietnam Veterans float. In the center waving to the crowd is 93-year-old Army Veteran Joseph Brissan from Lebanon. Photo by Al Malpa

The 2012 Memorial Day weekend was a busy one for Connecticut State Police, but the holiday was relatively quiet for local law enforcement agencies.

State police reported 279 accidents from midnight Friday, May 25 through midnight Monday, May 28, that resulted in 57 injuries and one fatality.

These numbers are up from the 2011 holiday weekend, when 260 accidents were reported, including 18 involving injuries and four fatalities.

“We were very active,” State Police spokesman Lt. J. Paul Vance said.

It was also a busy weekend for firefighters throughout the state. In the Windham area, local departments responded to two fires in Lebanon.

The American Red Cross responded to seven fires in the state over the weekend – and provided assistance to 57 people – including one that destroyed the 200-year-old Bevin Brothers bell factory, the last of its kind, in East Hampton, CT. In that instance, the Red Cross set up a temporary shelter when residents near the factory buildings were evacuated because of concern about toxic chemicals in the air.

Connecticut State Troopers made 77 drunken­-driving arrests this year, seven more than last year.

Offering a salute for fallen veterans are from right to left, Dana Hallenbeck, Joe Eaton, Bob LaMarche, Yvon Turgeon, Jim Sposito and Lem Theroux of the American Legion Post 52 in Coventry, CT. Members of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Cub Scouts Pack 57 and Boy Scout Troop 65, as well as the public, paid tribute at the 2012 Memorial Day ceremonies in Coventry, CT. Photo by Marie Brennan

There were 816 seatbelt violations and 1,797 speeding citations.

Willimantic Police Lt. Jack Reed said it was a “very quiet weekend” for his department.

Reed said his department responded to four accidents, two Friday and two Monday, none of which involved injuries.

This morning, he said that no individuals were arrested for driving while intoxicated.

Reed also said there were also no cell-phone violations or speeding tickets recorded, though some might be included in the system later in the day, he said.

The Memorial Day parade kept Willimantic officers busy.

Participants left from Memorial Park on Main Street and marched to the American Legion on Bricktop Road. Main Street was closed for the festivities, as it is every year.

Willimantic officers directed traffic and public works employees set up barriers around the parade route.

“There was a pretty good turn­out,” said Reed.

Coventry Police Chief Mark Palmer said traffic enforcement went smoothly over the weekend.

“It was relatively quiet,” Palmer said.

The department did not have any DWI checkpoints set up, but did conduct roving patrols.

Palmer said there were two accidents, both of which were very “minor” and did not involve injuries.

Coventry police made 26 motor vehicle stops, and issued 11 citations and 13 warnings.

The citations included three speeding citations, one for a cell­phone violation, and two traffic sign violations.

“It’s pretty typical,” Palmer said, comparing this year’s statistics from those for past Memorial Day weekends.

Police shut down roads surrounding the town parade, which kicked off at G. H. Robertson Intermediate School on Cross Street.

More people attended the town parade than in previous years, but traffic was under control, said Palmer. “People were very patient,” he said.

Posted May 29, 2012 as edited by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan

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