Updated, Why is the U.S. Postal Service in so much trouble?

An Automated Postal Center. Photo source: USPS

Editor’s note - Please see the end of this psot for a correction to the Aug. 27 story.

Right now, Congress is considering a request from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to allow an end to Saturday mail delivery and closing post offices on Saturdays.

And in an effort to dig itself out of debt, the USPS also has plans in place to eliminate 150,000 postal jobs by 2016.

Over the last three years, the USPS has already eliminated thousands of jobs.

It’s probably difficult for most people to understand why the postal service is in so much trouble – it’s a government agency, right? Why can’t the government give it more money?

Well, besides the fact that the country is still digging out from a recession, the fact is the U.S. Postal service is not a government-funded agency. It is responsible for its own costs and revenues.

At the same time, however, it is mandated to provide certain services. Like the first regulations governing telephone service – whose purpose was to ensure everyone in the country had access to affordable phone service – the post office is supposed to serve Americans of all economic levels.

It is supposed to accomplish this goal and be profitable.

There have been several news reports on the degree to which email and other aspects of the Internet have taken business away from the postal service – in particular, there’s been a huge drop in the volume of first-class mail – but a report written by Jen Wieczner for the Marketwatch section of the Wall Street Journal shines a light on much more fundamental and much more financially devastating problems.

In “10 things the post office won’t tell you,” Wieczner points out that the U.S. government requires a financial commitment from the Postal Service well beyond similar requirements for federal agencies; the USPS is mandated to make payments to pre-fund health care benefits for postal retirees 75 years into the future.

This requirement was established in the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006.

Wieczner reports that of the $11.6 billion loss reported by the Postal Service for the first three quarters of 2012, nearly 80 percent or $9.2 billion is due to the pre-funding of these benefits.

This story also reports that for the first time since the 2006 mandate, the Postal Service did not pay its $5.5 billion bill (due Aug. 1) and it will likely default on the Sept. 30 bill, as well.

Currrently, there is $44 billion in the fund, and the Postal Service wants to let that fund grow with interest – without causing any problems for retirees, according to this story. Wieczner writes that the Postal Service pension fund is more than 100 percent funded, compared with 42 percent for all federal pension funds.

This excellent news report also outlines strategies being suggested for boosting the USPS revenues (such as adding banking services), delves into the surprising portfolio of real estate owned by the postal service (and the private investors who have benefited financially from it), how “junk mail” helps pay the USPS bills, and exposes the tie between the federal budget and postal service revenues.

To read the full story, “10 things the post office won’t tell you,” click on this link http://www.marketwatch.com/story/10-things-the-postal-service-wont-tell-you-2012-08-27?pagenumber=1

Posted August 27, 2012

CORRECTION, posted Sept. 4, 2012 -

In the original post of this story (Aug. 27, 2012) I stated: “Over the last three years, the USPS has already eliminated thousands of jobs and replaced many ‘non-performing’ post offices across the country with vending machines that dispense stamps and packaging and provide other limited services.” An inquiry from a reader prompted me to seek verification of this information. According to local U.S. Postal Service spokeswoman Christine Dugas, the self-service kiosks (or Automated Postal Centers) were placed about 10 years ago in locations where there was a high volume of business, in order to reduce customer wait times. They are often placed in lobbies where the customer has 24-hour access, and they provide a wide range of postal services. Currently there are over 32,000 post offices and only 2,500 APC kiosks nationwide, Dugas said. She added that in 2011, “APCs nationwide generated $543 million in revenue through nearly 86 million transactions.” Dugas noted that since 2006, the volume of first-class mail has declined about 25 percent, and this has caused serious problems covering operating costs, but the kiosks are not related to the financial losses. Dugas added that the Postal Service’s proposal to close 3,500 post offices across the U.S. is currently on hold.

Related links: “US Postal Service Looking to close offices, drop one delivery day,” Sept. 2, 2009, Mansfield Today http://mansfield.htnp.com/2009/09/02/us-postal-service-looking-to-close-offices-drop-one-delivery-day/

“US Postal Service slasthing jobs, from the top,” March 20, 2009, Mansfield Today http://mansfield.htnp.com/2009/03/20/us-postal-service-slashing-jobs-from-the-top/

“US Postal Service processing 1 billion fewer pieces of mail this year,” Dec. 20, 2008, Mansfield Today http://mansfield.htnp.com/2008/12/20/us-postal-service-processing-1-billion-fewer-pieces-of-mail-this-year/

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 )

‘Sharing’ misinformation, the downside of social media

Users of social media often don’t question the statements made in posts such as this one posted on Facebook.

There’s a lot of controversy surrounding the development and federal approval of genetically-modified foods (or organisms), also known as GMOs.

Currently, California is getting ready to vote on Proposition 37 in November, which would require foods (i.e. spaghetti sauce, cereal, breads and most recently, a “non-browning” apple) that contain GMOs (transgenic) to state as much on their labels so that consumers can choose whether to buy these items, or not.

Not surprisingly, companies that produce GMOs are opposed to labeling because it could lead to consumers avoiding these foods.

There also are groups, worldwide, calling for a ban on genetically-modified foods (in some countries, they are already banned) because opponents feel not enough research has been done on long-term effects on the human body after consuming these foods (i.e. corn).

For example, a Monsanto-brand of corn is genetically engineered to release its own insecticide.

Opponents say that the insecticide also kills beneficial insects – such as honey bees, which are necessary for pollinating plants so that the plants can form new seeds.

Just Label It video

Other opponents are concerned about the impact on the natural world.

Video about connection between bees and GMOs (full-length video can be viewed on YouTube at http://youtu.be/UCqwQmS1KXw )

Bees are also of concern today because of “bee die-off.”  Without bees, human beings will not have vegetable foods to eat, and the animals we eat will not have food to eat (grain, corn, etc.) either.

Beneficial insects also are necessary to control the populations of non-beneficial insects.

Proponents of GMOs say they will help produce more food, particularly in countries where there is danger of famine because, for example, they are less susceptible to disease or are drought tolerant. There is disagreement, however, about the success of these new plants or the cost-benefit balance.

Other concerns center around companies such as Monsanto and their actions toward farmers. You can find news stories online that document Monsanto successfully suing farmers whose fields were “contaminated” by drifting GMO/patented seed, as well as farmers who (until now) were in the habit of saving seed from their crops in order to lower their costs.

Monsanto promo video

The photo posted with this story represents another side of the problem – misinformation – and the hazards of automatically “sharing” photos and posters and the like in social media without checking the facts.

In this case, the photo depicts a list of organic food companies that people have come to rely on for safe, wholesome foods and states that they are in fact opposed to labeling GMO-containing foods and are also “funneling” funds to stop labeling.

In the comments that accompany the photo, a reader shares that he wrote to these companies and two responses, to date, paint a very different picture.

As for other examples of information-sharing in social media, caution should also be exercised when passing along alerts about missing children, health scares, crime scares, computer virus scares, etc.  One good source for verifying these announcements is Snopes.com and for computer-related issues, McAfee.com

One of the most powerful aspects of social media, such as Facebook, is that it can be used to educate others, and gather support for civic and social action… but it is also all too easy to pass along misinformation by hitting that “share” button.

Social media continues to evolve in many areas of our lives and like most “tools” can be used for benefit or to do harm – so it is up to us to exercise good judgment.

For the record, I support labeling foods containing genetically-modified ingredients.

And so, this is what Gordon Könyāhû Hayes wrote in Facebook about the GMO photo posted by NaturalNews:

I wrote to all of these companies the other day and have so far received 2 responses. This information is F A L S E! Neither Kashi or Silk have donated a red cent to defeat Prop 37. And Silk is supporting a NATIONAL effort to require labeling.

Gordon Könyāhû Hayes – I have written NaturalNews and complained about their lie tactic as well as reporting them to the companies they are falsely accusing.

SeedsNow.com ‎@ Gordon – would you mind sharing their responses with us? It’s good to hear the other side of the story. Please share.

Gordon Könyāhû Hayes – Not a problem.

Gordon Könyāhû Hayes – I have also called for a boycott of NaturalNews until they can quit using deceptive practices.

Gordon Könyāhû Hayes – [from Silk® ]

Thank you for your recent e-mail to Silk®. We appreciate your interest in our products.

At WhiteWave, we believe consumers have the right to make informed choices about the foods they eat, and support labeling foods that are made with non-genetically modified ingredients.

• We support labeling foods that are made with non-genetically modified ingredients.

• While we support the underlying principles of Prop 37, we choose to support national initiatives, such as Just Label It and the Non-GMO Project that will not impede the availability of our products.

Just look at two of our national brands – Silk and Horizon Organic. They are both produced without the use of genetically modified ingredients and the package clearly indicates this.

Our entire Silk plant-based beverage portfolio is verified by the Non-GMO Project, and proudly carries the Non-GMO Verified logo.

All of our Horizon Organic products carry the USDA Organic Seal, and have since 2001. Consumers have come to know and trust that the certified organic label means their food is produced without the use of pesticides, antibiotics, added growth hormones, and GMOs.

Today at WhiteWave Foods, 85 percent of our products are non-GMO, and we are working to move additional ingredients in our portfolio to non-GMO.

We are proud of the national initiatives in which Silk and Horizon Organic engage.

The Just Label It! initiative is supported by a broad coalition of consumers and businesses interested in how their food is produced, including Silk and Horizon Organic. The campaign involves a petition with the FDA seeking mandatory labeling of GM foods.

Consumers can make a public comment in support of the petition on the campaign’s website at www.justlabelit.org

Thanks again for contacting the Consumer Affairs Department.

Gabriel Gonzalez

Consumer Response Representative

Gordon Könyāhû Hayes – [From Kashi]

Hello Gordon, Thanks for reaching out to us about the recent media coverage supporting proposition 37. We appreciate the opportunity to respond.

While Kellogg is our parent company, Kashi operates as an independent business in La Jolla, CA and has not made any contributions to oppose GMO labeling. We are committed to significantly increasing the number of USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified foods we offer over the next few years.

Today, we purchase over 35 million pounds of organic ingredients annually and are proud to have Non-GMO Project Verification of seven Kashi cereals, including Kashi® Autumn Wheat®, Cinnamon Harvest®, Island Vanilla®, Strawberry Fields®, 7 Whole Grain Flakes, and 7 Whole Grain Puffs cereals, and Kashi® 7 Whole Grain Pilaf.

In addition, two cereals, Kashi® Simply Maize and Kashi® Indigo Morning™ are currently in the process of becoming Non-GMO Project Verified. To learn more, please visit http://www.kashi.com/ourcommitment. We understand your concern about GMO ingredients. This issue is larger than just Kashi and positive change requires time and collaboration across many partners within the food system.

We appreciate hearing your voice. Thanks again for contacting us.

Valerie G.

Consumer Specialist

Consumer Affairs

Posted August 25, 2012

Related links:

Bans and regulations on GMOs in other countries http://www.ehow.com/info_8527757_countries-banned-gmo-foods.html

Just Label It http://justlabelit.org

Monsanto http://www.monsanto.com/Pages/default.aspx

About who is making financial contributions to the No on Prop 37 side http://articles.latimes.com/2012/aug/22/business/la-fi-gmo-campaign-funds-20120822

Note: If you are interested in this issue, there is a GMO Free Farmers Market and Education Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bushnell Park in Hartford, CT on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012. It is hosted by GMO Free Hartford.

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 )

Green Party invites you to local event

Also on Saturday, Aug. 16 there will be a meeting in at the Mansfield Public Library to nominate a candidate for the 2nd Congressional District.

Editor’s note: The local contact for Green Party activities is Jean DeSmet who may be contacted at: j.desmet@charter.net or 860-456-2188.

Come meet fellow Greens and local Green Party candidates at a nominating meeting on Saturday, Aug. 18, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Mansfield Public Library, 54 Warrenville Road (Route 89) in Mansfield Center (Storrs), CT.

The purpose of the meeting is to choose a Green Party candidate to run in this year’s 2nd Congressional District race.

Speakers at the meeting will include Green candidates Douglas Lary (Windham Registrar of Voters) and Mellissa Schlag (33rd District CT Senate).

Both Scott Deshefy, who ran for Congress in 2008 and 2010, and Colin Bennett, who is interested in running this year, will also be in attendance.

The meeting is open to the public.

Scott Deshefy, the Green Party candidate for Congress in 2008, will be at the Mansfield meeting on Aug. 18, at the Mansfield Public Library.

All registered Green Party members who reside in the district are eligible to vote for this year’s candidate.

Posted August 16, 2012, local contact info added August 20.

Related links:

Green Party Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/ctgreenparty

Green Party 2012 platform http://www.ctgreenparty.org/platform/12-platform/227-2012-connecticut-green-party-platform.html

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 )

Come visit HTNP News on Facebook for ‘bonus’ news

The HTNP News Facebook page contains “bonus” news posted throughout the day, and if you “like” the page, you can post your news and questions and photos directly to the page.

HNTP.com, which is the umbrella under which we publish eight local news sites, has a very popular and active Facebook page, HTNP News. As of this posting, we are averaging 8,036 unique visitors.

On our Facebook page, I share “bonus” news ranging from local arts and entertainment events to photo galleries of local events to state and national news affecting us all.

You can find us at https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews

And if you “like” our page, you can post your news, events and photos directly to it – which allows me to share it with upwards of 8,000 readers. Plus, you’ll be notified when there’s a new post.

As always, please also feel free to send us your press releases, news tips, event photos and Letters to the Editor at editor@htnp.com

Thank you, again, for your support – these are challenging times for small businesses.

Posted August 16, 2012

V. Flora Shifrin Sept 16 1931 – Aug 14 2012

V. Flora (Flo) Shifrin passed peacefully on to God early the morning of Aug. 14, 2012. Flo was a resident of Willimantic, CT for nearly her entire life, and is perhaps best remembered for having run the Italian Garden Restaurant.

V. Flora (Flo) Shifrin passed peacefully on to God early the morning of Aug. 14, 2012.

Flo was a resident of Willimantic for nearly her entire life, and is perhaps best remembered for having run the Italian Garden Restaurant.

She is survived by her children, their spouses and grandchildren: Chick and Cheryl Shifrin and their son Sean of Columbia, CT; Sam and Michelle Shifrin and their sons Nick and Joe of Windham, CT; Rick and Mary (Shifrin) Howe and their children Samantha and Tyler of Agawam, Mass.; and Jim and Mary-Grace Shifrin and their children Cooper and Nevaeh of Lebanon, CT.

Flo also leaves behind her loving sisters, Stella (Sandy) Rijs of Windham, CT and Giovanna (Jenny) Abare of Ledyard, CT, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Flo was a devoted mother who taught her children how to love and take care of their families and others.

Her concern and generosity was evident through her willingness to always feed and nurture those in need of food or a home.

As a wife, Flo demonstrated her devotion through her love and consistent care for her husband, Al.

She was also a wonderful Nonni to her eight grandchildren, and enjoyed watching them each grow into beautiful, happy individuals.

She was a devout Catholic and a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Willimantic, and instilled the importance of keeping God in your life in each of her children.

Flo leaves us to join her parents Salvatore and Angelina Todaro, her husband Al Shifrin, her granddaughter Bailey, and numerous other friends and family members to be in final, peaceful communion with God.

Calling hours will be Thursday, Aug. 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bacon Funeral Home in Willimantic, CT. http://www.baconfh.com

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, and burial to follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Donations may be made in memory of Flo to Bailey’s Garden/LESPTA, P.O. Box 50, Lebanon, CT 06249.

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 )

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 )

New Mansfield Middle School principal to hold open house

Thanh Nguyen is the new principal for Mansfield Middle School. Though his official appointment was July 10, 2012 he actually started work at his new position July 1. He will earn $134,754 this year.

Greetings Mansfield Community!

My name is Thanh Nguyen and I have the privilege of being the new principal here at Mansfield Middle School.

I would like to invite all members of the Mansfield community to visit with me on Wednesday, Aug. 22, between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. here at the middle school.

This will be a great opportunity for me to get to know you and your children.

I hope that you can stop by for a visit.  I am looking forward to meeting with you in the cafeteria at the middle school.

I encourage any and all students and parents to attend.

Sincerely,

Thanh Nguyen, MMS Principal

(860)429-9341

Posted August 8, 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 )

Fair season kicks off with Lebanon Country Fair this weekend

The Lebanon Country Fair kicks off the Connecticut fair season this weekend, Friday through Sunday, Aug. 10, 11 and 12.

Since 1960, The Lebanon Lions Club has operated the Lebanon Country Fair and it has been the main event in Lebanon ever since.

The fair takes place the weekend of the second week in August of every year. This year, that’s Friday through Sunday, Aug. 10, 11 and 12.

The Lebanon Country Fair started on the Lebanon green and moved to its current location in 1970.

Each year brings new and exciting things to the Lebanon Country Fair. If you have never visited, this is the year to do it!

The fair boasts many fine food choices freshly prepared by the Lebanon Lions Club, numerous local churches and non-profit organizations and commercial vendors.

The Lebanon Country Fair also offers entertainment on a center stage and first class amusements.

Local non-profit organizations utilize the fair as their main fundraiser. And many of Connecticut’s charitable organizations also benefit from the money raised at the fair, such as the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, the CT Lions Low Vision Centers, CRIS Radio, Yale eye research.

Money is also directed to the Lebanon community through scholarships to Lebanon High School students, for food and holiday gifts for those less fortunate, eye exams/glasses and many other activities.

Here are some of the 2012 Lebanon Country Fair events:

On Friday

Opening Ceremony – 6 p.m.

Pony Pull – 7 p.m.

Miss Lebanon Fair pageant – 7:30 p.m.

Entertainment on Main Stage (King Cake Blues) – 9 p.m.

Helicopter Rides all night

On Saturday

Helicopter Rides all day

Horse and Oxen Pulling – 8:30 a.m.

Little Miss Lebanon Fair Pageant – 11 a.m.

Stock Truck & SUV Pull – 1 p.m.

Monster Truck Show – 9 p.m.

Entertainment on Main Stage

1 p.m. – Magic with Pete Haddad

3 p.m. – Vinyl Encore (Classic Rock)

6 p.m. – Scarlett Fade (Progressive Rock)

9 p.m. – Katie Perkins (Country Rock)

On Sunday

Modified Tractor Pull – 9 a.m.

Sheep Show – 11 a.m.

Helicopter Rides – starting at 11 a.m.

Children’s Peddle Pull – noon

Master Gardener Demonstration – 1 p.m.

Horseshoe Tournament – 1 p.m.

Demolition Derby – 4 p.m.

Entertainment on the Main Stage

2 p.m. – Time Travelers (Oldies)

5 p.m. – Monthie Brothers Band (Country Rock)

Check the Lebanon Country Fair web site for more details and directions at http://www.lebanoncountryfair.org. The fairgrounds are located at 122 Mack Road, Lebanon, CT 06249 – see info on the web site about shuttle buses.

Admission is $10 each for adults (age 12 and up), $9 each for senior citizens and free for children under age 12. Also, active, disabled or retired members of the Military (must show documentation) will be admitted free.

Questions? Call 860-642-3979.

Posted August 7, 2012

Related link: A site listing all the Connecticut country fairs for 2012, with links to their web sites http://www.ctfairs.org/fair_map.aspx

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 )