Man found dead at Mansfield Hollow State Park, apparent suicide

State Police report that a man in his 40s was found dead at Mansfield Hollow State Park this morning (June 26).

According to State Police Public Information Officer Lt. J. Paul Vance, the cause of death appears to be suicide.

The identity of the person has not been confirmed, Lt. Vance said. However, State Police, “became involved in the investigation after receiving a report about a person who was despondent. Unfortunately, we were too late,” Lt. Vance said.

“We have a tentative ID but we are not releasing the name until it is verified and pending notification (of the family),” Lt. Vance said.

The body has been transferred to the State Medical Examiner’s office for a postmortem, “but I can tell you now that there was no criminal cause,” Lt. Vance said.

Police did not report where in the park the body was found, nor details of the suicide.

Posted June 26, 2012

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Last Green Valley seeks ideas for workshop series

The Last Green Valley is the member-supported, non-profit organization working locally to preserve the irreplaceable land, water, and cultural resources of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor, the last predominantly undeveloped green space in the coastal sprawl between Washington, D.C. and Boston. It includes 35 towns in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Photo source: LGV

The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) has published a “Request for Proposals to Develop a Workshop Series for Municipal Officials” as part of the TLGV Sustainable Communities Program.

The Last Green Valley is the member-supported, non-profit organization working locally to preserve the irreplaceable land, water, and cultural resources of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor, the last predominantly undeveloped green space in the coastal sprawl between Washington, D.C. and Boston.

TLGV plans to offer a series of high-quality workshops in the fall of 2012 and spring of 2013 that will assist municipal decision-makers, primarily volunteers, in understanding their roles and responsibilities.

The workshops will be free or low-cost for municipal boards and staff.

Targeted municipal boards include: Planning, Zoning, Inland Wetlands, Conservation, Zoning Board of Appeals, Agriculture, and Selectmen.

The workshops will focus on the tools board members need to serve effectively, including but not limited to legal authorities and requirements, discretionary decision making, web-based mapping resources, map and plan reading, running meetings and hearings, and creative land use development techniques that conserve natural resources.

TLGV is seeking proposals from qualified respondents to produce the workshop series.

The deadline for electronic submissions is July 19, 2012.

For more information or for a copy of the Request for Proposals, please contact Lois Bruinooge at 860-774-3300 or lois@tlgv.org

There are 35 towns included in the Last Green Valley.

The Connecticut municipalities are: Ashford, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Chaplin, Coventry, Eastford, Franklin, Griswold, Hampton, Killingly, Lebanon, Lisbon, Mansfield, Norwich, Plainfield, Pomfret, Preston, Putnam, Scotland, Sprague, Sterling, Thompson, Union, Voluntown, Windham, and Woodstock.

The Massachusetts communities are: Brimfield, Charlton, Dudley, E. Brookfield, Holland, Oxford, Southbridge, Sturbridge, and Webster.

Posted June 24, 2012

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Stretch of Willimantic River named National Recreation Trails

Fly fishing on the Willimantic River, a segment of which has been designated as a National Recreation Trail by the National Parks Service. Photo source: Willimantic River Alliance

In the 1960s, the Willimantic River was what some described as a “sewer,” polluted by chemicals from various local businesses.

How times have changed.

The watershed has been cleaned up substantially over the past four decades, an achievement celebrated at the 12th annual “floating workshop,” sponsored by the Thames River Partnership, at the Eagleville fire station in Mansfield Friday afternoon (June 22).

“We went from an open sewer to a National Recreation Trail in 40 years,” said Watershed Conservation Coordinator at the Eastern Conservation Commission District, Jean Pillo.

“I think that’s an awesome story to tell,” Pillo said.

Beginning in Stafford Springs and running through the University of Connecticut, the river spans 25 miles, ending in Willimantic.

With the support of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the Willimantic River Alliance and the Last Green Valley (LGV), the National Parks Service recently designated the 21-mile Willimantic River Water Trail as a National Recreation Trail.

The Willimantic River Alliance is a group dedicated to conserving the Willimantic River. The LGV is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve the land, cultural and water resources of 35 towns in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

LGV Deputy Executive Director Lois Bruinooge presented the National Parks Service certificate to a group of individuals involved with the Willimantic River cleanup and the conservation of local watersheds.

“This wouldn’t have happened without so many people,” she said. “It’s a good recognition and we have a lot more work to do.”

The event was also a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Federal Clean Water Act and the 45th anniversary of the Connecticut Clean Water Act.

Adopted in 1972, the federal legislation sets regulations regarding pollution of water sources in an attempt to make them safe for fishing and swimming, as well as other recreational opportunities.

The state legislation, passed in 1967, has a similar purpose.

Those organizing the event saw the Willimantic River as a “success story” of this legislation.

“Willimantic went through a very difficult period in the 1960s,” said Hugo Thomas, a former DEEP employee.

In a press release on the LGV web site, Willimantic River Alliance Vice President Meg Reich also expressed her excitement about the award.

“Designation of the Willimantic River gives it national recognition as a healthy and accessible river for all to enjoy,” she said. “This honor acknowledges all the work that has gone into improving water quality over the last 40 years, from a river that was once heavily polluted to a nationally recognized recreational asset.”

Chris Bellucci, a Supervising Environmental Analyst for DEEP, spoke about the work his department has done to clean up the Willimantic River.

DEEP officials regularly take samples of the watersheds and analyze water quality by reviewing plant life and animals. “Needless to say, we spent quite a few years out there collecting information,” said Bellucci.

The primary goal of the tests was to remediate pollution caused by the mills when they were in active use. “That was one of the huge stressors for this area,” said Bellucci.

Earlier in the day, DEEP Watershed Manager Eric Thomas led a tour of UConn, during which he pointed out storm water management techniques being used by the university.

Key spots on the tour were the Trachten-Zachs Hillel House and Towers dormitories. Storm water drainage at the university runs into either the Fenton River or the Eagleville Brook, a tributary of the Willimantic River.

The brook is classified by the DEEP as a “Class A” stream, meaning it is designated for various uses, such as drinking water, fishing and recreational use.

The water quality is deemed good for the most part, but there is still work to be done.

Under the Federal Clean Water Act, DEEP officials have identified “total maximum daily loads,” or TMDL, for the Willimantic River. This is a plan that focuses on addressing storm water impacts in the Eagleville Brook watershed, which have affected aquatic life.

Thomas referred to it as a “pollution management budget.”

UConn and Mansfield staff, Willimantic River Alliance members, local businesses and residents living within the watershed are involved in implementing these practices.

Posted June 24, 2012 as edited and added to by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan

Related links:

NPS announces designation of 54 new National Recreation Trails http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/AMERICAS-GREAT-OUTDOORS-Salazar-Jarvis-Announce-Designation-of-54-New-National-Recreation-Trails.cfm

Willimantic River Alliance http://www.willimanticriver.org

Connecticut Water Trails Association http://connecticutwatertrails.com/CWTA%20-%20Connecticut%20Rivers%20-%20Willimantic%20River.htm

Eastern Conservation Commission District http://www.conservect.org/Default.aspx?alias=www.conservect.org/eastern

Connecticut Clean Water Act http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2719&q=325578&depNav_GID=1654

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Gov. Malloy announces new law to allow cities, towns to phase impact of revals

Earlier this month, Gov. Malloy vetoed legislation that would have allowed towns to delay conducting the revaluation. In his veto message, the governor said doing so could exacerbate a municipality’s financial problems. The new legislation requires revaluations to go forward as statutes require, but phases-in the impact on property taxpayers.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy today announced an initiative that will allow communities across the state to phase-in revaluations of property for a period of up to five years, even if the value of property decreases.

Under current law, municipalities can only phase-in increases in assessments.

This new initiative allows towns and cities to “responsibly administer revaluations in a way that blunts the negative impact to residents,” Gov.Malloy said in a press release today (June 12).

The initiative is part of today’s special legislative session.

“While we have seen improvement in our overall economy, we must continually look for ways to mitigate the impact of the recession on Connecticut residents,” Gov. Malloy said.

“We know that there are properties in our state that have not yet rebounded from the collapse of the real estate market. As a former Mayor, I am well aware of the havoc this situation can create for local governments. After today, we’ll have a fair and reliable process in place that will let local executives navigate these difficult circumstances,” the governor said.

Earlier this month, Gov.Malloy vetoed legislation that would have allowed towns to delay conducting the revaluation. In his veto message, the governor said doing so could exacerbate a municipality’s financial problems.

The new legislation requires revaluations to go forward as statutes require, but phases-in the impact on property taxpayers.

“The Governor’s proposal to broaden municipal authority to phase-in the impacts of property revaluations is good news for towns and cities,” said Jim Finley, Executive Director and CEO of the CT Conference of Municipalities (CCM).

Posted June 12, 2012 – based on Gov. Malloy’s press release

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A new season, homeschooling the Middle School and High School years

Rosie at her first job, landscaping at the University Club golf course in Willimantic, CT. Photo courtesy of the Alumbaugh family.

Last year this time, we were preparing to take a trip (as well as our classroom!) around the world. Forty two days later, we were home with armloads of stories and pictures. This summer, however, it will be VERY different!

It’s time for students in my Eagle Hill Academy classes to spread their wings and FLY! The kids are more independent but still need me once in a while. At least I still have a job!

This summer’s plans will see us mostly HOME in the United States. Yeah! As much as we savored our travels last year, our plans are here.

Jonathan just enrolled at Quinebaug Valley Community College. He is taking a precalculus class as we speak, for his high school year. He has been tutored by Colton Alexander, a recent grad from ECSU whose expertise is in math.

Jonathan has also completed his chemistry book, thanks to UConn. PhD. Alyssa Weer. I don’t do chemistry, nor do I do the level math he can, so I have found tutors to take care of these things. When the kids were younger, I could do the teaching but now, things are different.

And since Jonathan LOVES photography, he’ll get to spend time with some of the best locally, including The Chronicle photographers Marie Brennan and Al Malpa.

His passion for fencing is also occupying his time as he studies the rules so he can take a test, referee, AND get paid for doing it. He’ll also have his class two times a week in June and July.

Jonathan and his father, Jon. Jonathan's passion for fencing is also occupying his time as he studies the rules so he can take a test, referee, AND get paid for doing it. He’ll also have his class two times a week in June and July. Photo courtesy of the Alumbaugh family.

Jonathan is also on track to begin Driver’s Education, which will mean getting more hours of freelance work and paying for HIS car insurance. Soon, he’ll be taking Rosie to her classes, as well as getting the groceries. I’m dreaming of that even now!

And Rosie is on track to complete ALL of her academic work so she can repaint her bedroom. She is working extra hard on her academics so she can get to her painting job before the weather gets so hot.

She has done the research at local stores, chose her paint, knows what she needs and is ready to get going on her project. She’ll do much of it herself. “Independence” is the name of the game!

She can pay for her materials, since she recently landed a 10-hour a week job.

She walked into the University Club in Windham and asked to be a caddie, but was told they don’t have them. Instead, she was offered a chance to landscape and work on the grounds of the club. So, Rosie has been a working girl AND going to school for over a month now.

She’s learning how to manage her time, talents, and bucks so she can have an idea of how to do this in the future as she becomes more mature.

Since Rosie likes Shakespeare, she has signed up to be in a Backyard Shakespeare production that requires a month-plus of daily, lengthy rehearsals that will culminate in a performance in Bolton. She’ll be either in “Twelfth Night” or “Henry 5th.”

We are grateful for our neighbor, Susan Johnson, who graciously gave us permission to swim in her pool these past few summers! We’ll be there at least four times this summer, since I promised the kids we’d go swimming 100 percent more than we did last summer.

As a family “unit study,” we hope and plan to replace a shed in our backyard by building it ourselves. My husband would take time off of work so we could do this project together and hopefully learn about construction and the like.

There is lots to learn when we work together! Math, science, geography, budgeting, design, etc. It’s all there in the backyard.

The summer is full of activity – much of it will require me to just get children from point “A” to point “B.”

Rosie and her first paycheck for her first job. Photo courtesy of the Alumbaugh family.

We’ve had some great preliminary discussions about jobs, work, leisure and spending hard-earned money. It’s all a part of the nest getting closer to being emptied and training our children in the skills and values we feel are important as they enter adulthood.

These are exciting times. But they are scary, too!

I manage my own business, participate in town events, provide cooking support and suggestions to two cooking magazines, and am involved in a couple of ministry organizations!

We are embarking on a Google program that will help us synch our schedules and keep us organized. And while I rely on my paper month-at-a-glance calendar, I am demonstrating to my kids that I, too, can learn new things and enter into the world they live in.

There’s always something new to learn when you home school! And this summer, my “eagles” will be learning how to fly!

– Ruth Hartunian Alumbaugh

Jonathan’s Blog

Most people throttle down in the summer, but my summers are almost as hectic, if not more sometimes, than the school year. Last year was really busy, because we went on a really long trip. Hopefully, this year will be a bit more relaxing, as we won’t be going anywhere to far from home.

When I was 6 or 7 years younger, we had to school in the summer as well. Just the two “main” subjects – English and math – but I didn’t appreciate it then. I always thought it was a waste of time, boring, etc… But now I won’t go through summer without doing math or English.

I’m not that good at math, and I figure that I need all the help I can get with it. I do well in English, but there’s always room for improvement.

Jonathan signs up for his first Quinebaug Valley Community College class, in Willimantic CT. Photo courtesy of the Alumbaugh family.

Math is the main problem I have; I forget a lot of it fast, if I’m not using it every day to triangulate the height of a building or something interesting. So I’ll be taking a pre-calculus course this year at QVCC.

Originally, I was going to take intermediate algebra just to brush up, but I was told by the instructor of the class that it’d be boring for me (according to the “basic skills assessment”). That was enough to convince my mom, since she’s the one paying for the class, to put me in precalc. So I’m a bit scared about that, and hope that it won’t be too hard.

When the school year starts again, I’ll be doing math and English at QVCC for college and high school credit. I wish I could do some science/chemistry there, but a three-credit class costs about $400.

If I could advise myself a year ago, I’d tell myself to start taking college credit classes at the beginning of my junior year. It’s a great way to knock out some required classes, learn more, get ahead, and look good to colleges. Hopefully, doing this will allow me more time for the things that I’ll be majoring in, in college.

Help wanted?

As far as jobs go this year, I’m going to be ramping up my “ad campaign” and marketing myself more. If anyone needs someone with basic HTML4/CSS3 skills for cheap (compared to the “pros”) I’m your guy.

I’ll also be trying to get more graphic design/Photoshop gigs (i.e.; photo restoration, retouching and altering, business card design, photo shoots, logo creation, etc.) I’m putting in my shameless plug – if you’re interested in anything graphics/photo/web related, even if it’s not listed here, email me at jonathan.alumbaugh@gmail.com

You can see some of my best work and photos here https://picasaweb.google.com/109706361318407685038/AllTimeFavorites

My goal is at least 10 hours of work a week, I’ll be taking on as many temporary and longer-lived jobs as I possibly can.

The main reason I’m looking for more work is that I’m going to need money in the near future, for college, insurance, driver’s education, some form of transportation, maybe a new computer. It’s all going to take a load of cash.

Qwerty vs Dvorak

A couple of the other projects that I’ll be working on this summer (and will detail in later paragraphs) are modifying my Qwerty keyboard to a Dvorak layout and learning to touch type again, building a new shed, renovating the bathroom ceiling, and trying to run at least 2 miles more than twice a week.

I’m going to take apart one of my keyboards that I have laying around and reposition the keys so that it will be laid out like a Dvorak keyboard. I just thought it’d be kind of fun to know.

I can already touch type on Qwerty, and at about 80 words per minute I can go along at a decent clip as long as my brain can keep up.

I have heard of people getting up to 330 wpm on a Dvorak layout, so I figure that if I can get touch typing down with Dvorak, I could probably get at least a 20 wpm boost.

Qwerty was created to put most commonly-used letters farther apart from each other back when people used typewriters, so that there wouldn’t be so many jams.

Dvorak was created with modern computers in mind, and is supposed to help avoid computer-use related injuries. It is alleged that the keys are placed in more logical places. We’ll see if my brain doesn’t kill me in the first week.

DYI Time

I and my family will be working on a new shed this summer because the current one is falling down. Pretty self-explanatory.

The bathroom ceiling has been a problem for a while. Since that’s the only bathroom with a shower in it, and some of us like to take long, hot showers, it gets pretty steamy. The steam creates mold on the ceiling, and we have one of those lovely old popcorn ceilings. If you have one you know what I’m talking about, especially if you’re tall, like me.

I can’t stretch, take off my shirt, or put my hands up in the bathroom, because I’ll scrape my knuckles. It’s worse than falling off your bike or something, because it happens way more often.

So, we’ll scrape that junk off and repaint the ceiling and that’ll take care of that.

One mile in 5

On the physical front, I’ll be trying to run at least 2 miles twice or more a week. I’m 6’1” or 6’2” so people expect that I can run pretty fast, and I can, but I’m more of a sprinter than a distance runner.

My goal in running regularly will be to do 2 miles in 13 minutes. I’m at something like 2 miles in 16 minutes right now, so it’ll probably be forever until I reach my goal.

I’m also trying to reach 1 mile in 5 minutes… If you run often and have any tips for me, tell me, because I know next to nothing.

Running is probably one of the toughest exercises for me because it’s so boring. It takes an incredible amount of will power to run just for the sake of running.

I find it incredibly boring to run by myself. I’m extremely competitive, so it’s much easier me to run with someone.

It’s going to be a busy summer, and it already is (hence the somewhat hastily written article), with sports (fencing), a job, working on a lot of projects, trying to building a new computer, and getting into college… It’s not going to be the most relaxing summer ever.

From here on out, life will probably just get more busy until college is done in another 4 or so years. So I’ll be savoring my free time…

Rosie’s Blog

Well, to start things, there is no way to top last summer. It’s one that I will always remember. That and the summer I lost 5 teeth.

This summer will be exceptionally exciting, with all the excitement to ensue! I am going to try new things and with that, will come new experiences!

This year, I have a job landscaping at a golf course. Although it may not seem exciting, it sure is when elderly gentlemen compliment me on what I’m doing even though it may just be weeding.

Also this summer, I decided the “White Duck” color in my room is a bit boring, so I’ll be painting my room a light blue.

I’ve been blessed enough that my dad offered to pay up to half of what I need for paint supplies! The fact that I have a few things already planned makes it easier. I hope that I can get a paint that has a lifetime warranty.

Rose in a solo acting role this Christmas 2011. Photo courtesy of the Alumbaugh family.

At the end of July, and almost halfway through August, I will be have a role in William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” but I’m not sure what part I am playing yet. I’m excited that I will be doing this with some friends, which will be fun.

I think Shakespeare is hilarious, witty, and able to engage the reader or watcher with his wordplay! I recently read “As You Like It” by Shakespeare and it was hilarious. It would be fun to play Rosalind/Ganymede someday in a production.

These are the highlighted plans for my summer. I’m so excited for all the new things!

And this year, I’ll be around for corn and tomato season.

I’ll be happy to be staying close to home – no packing for 42 days!

I will love to hang out with some friends, and just have fun.

I hope you have a wonderful summer! I can’t wait to get out of school!

My family has supported my interests in all sorts of things like

• My job; my mom comes and helps me a lot,

• Music; I get to play guitar like an hour and a half each day,

• Acting; I’m doing Shakespeare!

• Painting; my dad is offering to pay for half of the supplies,

• And most of all, my pursuit to be a honorable human that sets a good example.

Posted June 9, 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 )

Debate between GOP U.S. Senate candidates will be streamed live

The debate will be streamed live on Courant.com and CTnow.com and can be seen again on FOX CT at 7 p.m.

The leading Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Joe Lieberman will participate in a debate at the University of Connecticut on June 14 at noon.

A limited number of seats, for the UConn community only, will be available for the the hour-long debate between Linda McMahon and Chris Shays, but the debate will be streamed live on Courant.com and CTnow.com and can be seen again on FOX CT at 7 p.m.

The debate is sponsored by the Hartford Courant and FOX CT.

This is the second U.S. Senate debate to take place at UConn this year.

In April 2012, Democratic candidates Susan Bysiewicz, Chris Murphy, Matthew Oakes, William Tong and Lee Whitnum participated in a debate sponsored by the Courant and FOX CT.

The debate will take place at UConn’s von der Mehden Recital Hall in Storrs.

Posted June 7, 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 )

Check out these June events at Mansfield Public Library

Put on your best bunny slippers and join enjoy the library’s first-ever Family Pajama Party, with a number of after-hours crafts and activities, ending with a cozy read-aloud and a snack to send you on your way.

Some fun summertime activities at Mansfield Public Library  for children and adults.

June 20 – Dream Big

“Dream Big” is the 2012 all-ages summer reading program.  It begins Wednesday, June 20, and runs through Friday, Aug. 17.

Anyone of any age who enjoys reading for fun is eligible to take part, including young children who are being read to.

Register online or in person at the Mansfield Public Library beginning Wednesday, June 20.

Each week, you let the library know what books you’re reading. Kids can pick a weekly prize. Teens and adults will be entered into weekly drawings.

June 22 – Come to the library in your jammies

A Family Pajama Party from 6 to 7:30 p.m. will be hosted by the library on Friday, June 22. All ages are welcome.

Put on your best bunny slippers and join enjoy the library’s first-ever Family Pajama Party, with a number of after-hours crafts and activities, ending with a cozy read-aloud and a snack to send you on your way.

June 26 – Magic show

David Alan & Bogus, a family magic show will entertain you at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26. All ages are welcome. Stick around after the 35-minute show for a balloon-animal giveaway!

June 27 – Catch some dreams

Dream Catchers is a craft program for Tweens and Teens, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 27. Keep all your dreams sweet, make your own personalized dream catchers!

June 28 – Stamp out boredom

Be a Stamp Artist, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 28.  Stamp a work of art using a variety of stamps and different types of paper.  All ages are welcome.

Storytime for the little ones

Here are programs planned for June.

“Wonderful Wednesdays,” June 20 and 27 at 10:30 a.m. in the Program Room. Stories and activities such as puzzles, simple crafts and Play-Doh for Preschool children (must be accompanied by a parent or other adult caregiver.)

“Toddler Time,” Fridays, June 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 10:30 a.m. in the Buchanan Auditorium (connected to the library). Designed for children under 3 years old and their caregivers, the library hosts a mini-story time and specialized play group with riding toys, an activity table, play kitchen, toy tool bench, soft toys, a safe play area for babies and lots more.

“Family Story Time,” Saturdays, June 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 10:30 a.m. in the Program Room  Stories, songs, finger plays and crafts for young children and their families to share.  Stories last about half an hour, then move on to a craft activity.

Did you know?

You can sign up to receive the library’s monthly newsletter on the Town of Mansfield’s QNotify system.  Go to the town website at www.mansfieldct.gov and click “Email Notifications” on the right side of the screen. Enter your email address, then scroll down to the “At the Library” section and choose “Library Newsletter.”  Click “Join” at the bottom, and you’re all set!

Posted June 6, 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 )

A treat this weekend – Man of La Mancha at Connecticut Repertory Theatre

Terrence Mann as Don Quixote with Richard Ruiz as Sancho Panza in Connecticut Repertory Theatre’s Nutmeg Summer series production of “Man of La Mancha,” playing June 7 through16 in the Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre, on the Storrs UConn campus. For tickets and information, call the box office at 860-486-2113 and visit www.crt.uconn.edu Photo by Gerry Goodstein.

Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) launches its 2012 Nutmeg Summer Series with “Man of La Mancha,” running Thursday, June 7 through Saturday, June 16.

CRT productions are in Harriett S. Jorgensen Theatre, at the rear lower level of the Jorgensen Performing Arts Center on the Storrs UConn campus..

Broadway legend Terrence Mann is the unforgettable Don Quixote.

Mann leads a spectacular cast that includes last summer’s audience favorite Richard Ruiz (who played Alfred Doolittle in My Fair Lady) and Alix Paige (who played Eliza, also in My Fair Lady.)

James Barry, recently of Broadway’s “Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson,” returns to his hometown and alma mater to play the Padre.

Man of La Mancha tells the story of Miguel de Cervantes who, at the height of the Spanish Inquisition, is imprisoned and uses the story of the knight-errant Don Quixote to defend himself.

With its beautiful Latin-tinged score, the original production of “Man of La Mancha” ran for six years on Broadway, won the Tony for Best Musical and gave us “The Impossible Dream.”

The production is directed by CRT Artistic Director Vincent J. Cardinal.

“The great energy and entertainment Terrence Mann, Richard Ruiz, and Alix Paige brought to our stage last summer was so special that we had to reunite them for another classic of the American Musical Theatre,” Cardinal said. “After seeing James Barry on Broadway in Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson, I knew we had to bring him back to his home town stage and alma mater this summer season.”

Ticket info…

Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Matinee performances start at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Single ticket prices range from $10 to $42.

The Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre is air-conditioned comfort and free parking is in Lot 9 across from the Jorgensen Center. Paid parking is available in the North Garage.

Please call 860-486-2113 or visit www.crt.uconn.edu for tickets and additional information. You can also find CRT on Twitter @CTRepTheatre and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/connecticut.repertory.theatre

More about the cast…

• Terrance Mann

Last summer Terrence Mann portrayed Prof. Henry Higgins in CRT’s “My Fair Lady.”

He made his Broadway debut in 1982 as Chester Lyman in the Tony Award-winning musical “Barnum.” However, his breakthrough performance was the lead role of the “playful” cat Rum Tum Tugger in the original Broadway cast of “Cats.”

Mann’s portrayal of Inspector Javert in the original Broadway production of “Les Miserables” earned him his first Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

His second Tony Award nomination came in 1994 when he played the Beast in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.”

“Most recently, he completed a Broadway run as Mal Beineke in “The Addams Family.” Other stage credits include “The Scarlet Pimpernel” (Chauvlin), “Rags,” Jerome Robbins’ “Broadway, Getting Away With Murder,” the 2000 Broadway revival of “The Rocky Horror Show,” “Assassins,” “Lennon,” and “The Lost Colony.”

His film credits include A Chorus Line, A Circle on the Cross, Eavesdrop, and all four Critters films. TV credits include Smash, 30 ROCK, The Dresden Files, All My Children (Earl Boyd), The Equalizer, The Tick, Law and Order, and an Emmy nominated turn on As The World Turns.

• Alix Paige

Alix Paige (Aldonza/Dulcinea) played Eliza Doolittle in last summer’s “My Fair Lady.”

She also appeared as General Cartwright and a Hot Box Girl in “Guys and Dolls” at CRT immediately following a run of Jason Robert Brown’s “Parade,” in which she starred as Lucille at the Secret Theatre in New York City.

National Tours: Irving Berlin’s “I Love a Piano” (Ginger), “Cabaret” (Sally Bowles u/s). Regional: “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (Logan), “Bat Boy” (Meredith), “I Love a Piano” (Ginger), “Sunday in the Park with George” (Dot).

Film: Transatlantic Coffee (Jazz Singer), Work Out (Marcia), Vanished (Jen).

• Richard Ruiz

Richard Ruiz (Sancho Panza) graduated from UConn in 1998 and returns to CRT after playing Alfred Doolittle last season in “My Fair Lady.”

Off Broadway he has appeared in “Two Gentlemen of Verona” for the Public Theatre.

National tours include: “Sweet Charity,” “Urinetown,” “Man of La Mancha” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

Regionally, he has appeared in “Cyrano” (Folger Shakespeare, DC), “Tis Pity She’s a Whore” (Baltimore Center Stage), “The Mystery of Irma Vep” (Intiman Theatre), “Guys and Dolls” (Long Wharf Theatre), “Moby Dick: Rehearsed” (Berkshire Theatre Festival), “Candide” (Arden Theatre, PA), “Love’s Labour’s Lost” (Connecticut Repertory Theatre), “Treasure Island” (People’s Light and Theatre, PA), “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Two Rivers Theatre, NJ), “The Music Man” (Lyric Theatre, OK), “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” (Theatre Virginia), and “The Winter’s Tale” (Yale Repertory Theatre).

• James Barry

James Barry (The Padre/Juan) grew up in Mansfield, CT and is a graduate of E.O. Smith High School and UConn.

Broadway: “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.”

New York: “Sive” (Irish Rep, NY), “JB” (78th St. Theatre Lab, NY).

Regional: Wittenberg Chester Theatre Company, “The Full Monty” (Drury Lane, Chicago), “Pump Boys & Dinettes” (New Theatre,Kansas City), “Bomb-itty of Errors” (Syracuse Stage), and several productions with The Berkshire Theatre Festival where credits include “Tommy,” “The Caretaker,” “The Misanthrope,” “The Einstein Project,” “A Dream Play” and many others since the 2000 season.

About the Director…

Vincent J. Cardinal

Most recently, he served as Director of the Performing Arts Center at Adelphi University. Previously, he was the Artistic Director of the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre in Coral Gables, FL where his musical theatre productions garnered international attention.

Cardinal was the Director of off-Broadway‘s Circle Repertory Company School of Theater. He was also an Associate Artist with the Circle Repertory Company and a member of its LAB.

He graduated in Playwriting from the Yale School of Drama where he was honored with the ASCAP-Cole Porter Award for Best-Collected Work.

His play, “The Colorado Catechism,” premiered at Circle Repertory Company. The Los Angeles production of the play garnered actors Timothy Daly and Amy Van Nostrand Dramalogue Awards for Best Performances.

Cardinal’s play “King Dusyanta: A Tale from Kalidasa,” premiered, under his direction, at the Oasis Theater Company. It starred Broadway’s André DeShields.

Cardinal directed Eileen Gallindo’s “Multicultural Disorder” for Next Stage, NY, Joe Fox’s new play “Prism View” at New Dramatists, NY and Paul Corrigan’s “Queens Blvd.” in a commercial off-Broadway run.

He recently directed “STEVE HAYES: Hollywood Reunion” at Red House in Syracuse, NY. Last summer he directed “Guys and Dolls” and “My Fair Lady” for the Nutmeg Series and “Spring Awakening” at Connecticut Repertory Theatre, April 2012.

CRT Sponsors…

CRT’s Season Sponsor for the Summer series is SI Financial Advisors, the Wealth Management Division of Savings Institute Bank & Trust.

Community Partners are Hamilton Sundstrand, XL Color, Nathan Hale Inn, The Chronicle (Willimantic), WHUS 91.7 FM, the Mansfield Community Center and the UConn Dairy Bar.

While you’re here…

Dinner

Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner at the Nathan Hale Inn before the performance (matinee or evening). Reservations are required; please call 860-427-7888).

Or dessert

Top off the evening with whipped cream and a cherry… the UConn Dairy bar (with freshly made ice cream) is open before evening performances, and before and after matinees; daily hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Posted June 5, 2012

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