DUI checkpoint planned for Friday

Local police, along with aid from area departments, will be looking to crack down on drunk driving this Friday with a sobriety checkpoint.

Coventry police will conduct the checkpoint on Route 44 from 8 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday, with traffic in both directions subject to stops.

The police department will have the aid of the Metro Traffic Police Services agreement, which also includes departments in Bolton, Tolland, Vernon and other police departments in central Connecticut.

The checkpoint comes as the University of Connecticut in Storrs celebrates Spring Weekend – which includes a number of off-campus parties that focus on drinking.

Please visit our two new editions…

Brenda Sullivan - HTNP Editor

I would like to invite Mansfield readers to visit our two newest editions, Coventry Today (http://coventry.htnp.com) and Hebron Today (http://hebron.htnp.com) which we are publishing in partnership with The Chronicle.

I also wish to thank the community for being so supportive of this new enterprise.

Our readership continues to grow, so please think of us when publicizing events, drawing attention to issues, or otherwise presenting your message to the community.

Brenda Sullivan, HTNP.com Editor

Attention kayakers and would-be kayakers

The Columbia Canoe Club presents “From the garage to the water: everything you wanted to know about kayaking,” a multi-media presentation to make every level of paddler more successful, led by Sue Audette, owner of Water Works Canoe Co. and  former member of the US Team.

The workshops will be held at 7 p.m. on Wed. April 29. at the French Club, on Club Road (off Rt.66) in Willimantic, near the Willimantic Country Club

This workshop is open to the public. Donations to the club are appreciated.

For more information visit the Web site at www.waterworkscanoe.com or call 860-456-4906.

Posted April 23, 2009

It’s the 35th annual Gas & Steam Engine Show

The 2008 Gas & Steam Engine Show. Photo courtesy of BACC. ----------

The Belltown Antique Car Club’s 35th Annual Gas & Steam Engine Show is coming up this Sunday April 26.

The club is holding its 35th Annual Gas & Steam Engine Show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the former Fireman’s Grounds, on Rt. 16/Salmon River State Forest (across from the covered bridge), in East Hampton.

Admission is $3. Children under 12, accompanied by an adult, admitted free.

On display will be many fine examples of the engines that powered early sawmills, lathes, farm equipment and even washing machines.

2008 Gas & Steam Engine Show. Photo courtesy of BACC.

There will also be an exhibit of farm tractors and equipment, and a flea market selling engine parts, engines and other items.

Many of the machines in the show have been lovingly restored and will be running throughout the afternoon.

Trophies will be awarded to the finest examples of these engines. Judging will be from noon to 3, with trophies awarded shortly after 3 p.m.

Food will be sold at the field.

Annual Gas & Steam Engine Show 2008. Photo courtesy of BACC.

For more information about this and other upcoming BACC-sponsored events, please visit the club’s website at www.belltownantiquecarclub.org

(Note: please no bicycles or pets.)

Posted April 23, 2009

'House Party' focuses on Storrs Center

Storrs Center concept plan as of February 2009.

The Storrs Center project will be the topic of discussion from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at a Mansfield “house party” on Saturday, April 25.

For directions and to RSVP, contact deidregoodrich @sbcglobal.net or call 550-5121.

This “house party” will include a presentation, questions and answers,  and light refreshments.

Posted April 23, 2009