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Job Fair in Mansfield Friday March 30

March 30, 2012 Business, Local News Comments Off

On Friday, March 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a Job Fair at the East Brook Mall located on Route 195/Storrs Road (near the Willimantic/Mansfield town line).

Congressman Congressman Joe Courtney will participate in the Mansfield Job Fair from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., which he is co-hosting with the Eastern Workforce Investment Board (EWIB), CT Works, the Chronicle Newspaper, Quinebaug Valley Community College, the Northeastern Chamber of Commerce and the Windham Chamber of Commerce.

The job fair will connect job seekers and businesses that are currently hiring, and will offer information on veterans hiring tax credits and federal resources.

Staffers from Congressman Courtney’s office also will be on hand to help constituents with casework requests.

“In every sense, a job is the best social program of all. A job creates self-sufficiency and restores confidence people have in themselves, their family and their community,” said Congressman Courtney.

“Growing jobs – whether by opening new markets and boosting exports or by providing incentives to hire veterans – is critical to our continued economic recovery. We have more work to do to restore the American Dream, but this event will be a good boost toward achieving that goal,” he said.

Posted March 29, 2012

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CT State Police to host K-9 Olympics at UConn

July 22, 2011 Arts & Entertainment, Business, Letters to Editor, Local News Comments Off

A K-9 team emerges from the moat at the beginning of the obstacle course at the 2009 Connecticut Police K-9 Olympics. Photo © by Brenda Sullivan 2009.

The public is invited to attend the 20th annual Connecticut State Police K-9 Olympics on Saturday, July 23 on the University of Connecticut in Storrs.

Police dog teams will test their knowledge, ability, strength and stamina in the areas of obedience, obstacles, simulated apprehension and handler protection.

Police, fire, corrections, emergency services and local businesses will have displays at this free event.

In addition, the Connecticut Child Identification Program (CHIP) will be on hand offering ID packets for children.

The packets include fingerprints, photograph, videotape and dental bite impressions, at no cost.

Food, beverages and T-shirts will be available for purchase with all proceeds benefiting the CHIPS program, the Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Hometown Foundation in support of the Special Olympics.

All proceeds from a raffle will also benefit these causes.

No pets are allowed at the event, which is scheduled at the UConn Depot Campus on Route 44 in Mansfield between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

For more information, visit the UConn Police Department web site at www.police.uconn.edu.

Posted 7-22-2011

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Slight delay for Farmer's Cow in Mansfield

July 19, 2011 Business, Local News Comments Off

courtesy thefarmerscow.com

Planning and zoning commission members Monday, July 18 voted to “moo-ve” the Farmer’s Cow Café public hearing to Aug. 1 after realizing the proposed café is within 500 feet of the Windham line.

“It was a technicality,” said Rudy Favretti, commission chairman. “Because of the strange way the boundary is at that particular point, the staff didn’t realize it was that close to Windham.”

The area in question runs along the river, south of the expressway, according to Windham Town Planner James Finger, who said Windham received the notification from Mansfield and doesn’t anticipate any issues with it.

“I think it will be a nice addition over there,” said Finger. “We are hoping to see some revitalization there, it all helps the area to bring in traffic and make Willimantic a destination.”

The proposed café is slated to open at 82-86 Storrs Road, College Mart – the plaza across from the East Brook Mall. The plaza is currently anchored by The Hoot and Staples.

Farmer’s Cow, which is proposing to take up approximately 1,400 square feet next to Staples, is the brand name for dairy products produced at six local family-owned dairy farms in Woodstock, Lebanon, Hebron, Franklin, Thompson and Coventry.

It produces milk, creamers and seasonal beverages such as lemonade, as well as fresh apple cider, eggs and ice cream.

Farmer’s Cow promotes its products as ” fresh, humanely-produced” foods free of artificial growth hormones.

Plans for the café are still in the works, but along with selling local products, it is expected to operate as an ice cream stand and sell light sandwiches.

Mansfield officials have already sent a letter to Windham officials notifying them of the special permit application. As a result, the Aug. 1 public hearing will be open to residents of Windham as well as those of Mansfield.

Because of the relative location, any new business means potential business for the Windham/ Willimantic area as well. The East Brook Mall has a Willimantic mailing address and, as a result, has often confused people who don’t realize it is in Mansfield.

The hearing will be at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Audrey P. Beck Municipal Building.

Posted 7-19-2011

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Gov’s office releases list of last new laws from 2011 CT Legislative Session

July 14, 2011 Areawide, Business Comments Off

Not later than one week after receiving a report pursuant to subsection (c) of section 1 of this act, the Commissioner of Children and Families shall determine if any address provided in said report is an address where the Department of Children and Families has opened an investigation of a child pursuant to a report of abuse or neglect made under chapter 319a of the general statutes. If the commissioner determines that there is an open investigation of a child at the same address as an address provided in said report, the commissioner shall provide the department's investigator with all relevant information from said report. The department shall include the information provided to the investigator in the department's record on the child.

New law cross-references reports of child abuse-animal abuse: "Not later than one week after receiving a report pursuant to subsection (c) of section 1 of this act, the Commissioner of Children and Families shall determine if any address provided in said report is an address where the Department of Children and Families has opened an investigation of a child pursuant to a report of abuse or neglect made under chapter 319a of the general statutes. If the commissioner determines that there is an open investigation of a child at the same address as an address provided in said report, the commissioner shall provide the department's investigator with all relevant information from said report. The department shall include the information provided to the investigator in the department's record on the child."

The governor’s office today released an extensive shopping list of new legislation signed into law – or vetoed – by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

According to Deputy Press Secretary David Bednarz, as of today (July 14, 2011) Gov. Malloy has taken action on all of the bills that were approved in the 2011 Regular Session of the General Assembly.

As of this date, Gov. Malloy has signed 266 bills, vetoed 6, and returned without signature one bill of the 2011 Legislative Session, and signed one bill of the June 2011 Special Session, according to the press release.

The following list affects businesses – including a program to increase state contracts awarded to resident bidders, the activities of municipal governments – including charter revision, issues relating to families, early childhood education, charter schools, stronger anti-bullying laws, health insurance, farmers markets, firearms permits, DNA testing of suspects accused of committing a felony, pre-paid cards, foreclosure mediation, and more…

…as well as an assortment of others such as termination of services by a hospital, quarantining a guide dog that bites, rules for wind power, penalties for criminal impersonation online, limits on the use of credit scores by potential employers, eliminating the limit on tea cup raffle prizes, prohibiting the use of Bisphenol-A in thermal receipt paper, rules for naming roads and bridges in honor or memory of persons or organizations, and cross-reporting of child abuse and animal cruelty … and more.

Details of each bill can be found on the http://www.cga.ct.gov Web site.

S.A. 11-11 – H.B. 6215 AN ACT CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ORANGE TRAIN STATION This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

S.A. 11-12 – sH.B. 6453 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY GRANDPARENTS’ VISITATION RIGHTS This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

S.A. 11-13 – sS.B. 1153 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TASK FORCE TO STUDY LIFE INSURANCE POLICY AND ANNUITY CONVERSIONS AND THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN NOTIFICATIONS BY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

S.A. 11-14 – sS.B. 458 AN ACT CONCERNING MUNICIPAL POLICE DEPARTMENTS AND THE RENEWAL OF CERTAIN ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR PERMITS This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

S.A. 11-15 – sS.B. 764 AN ACT CONCERNING THE MATTABASSETT DISTRICT This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

S.A. 11-17 – sS.B. 1202 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PILOT PROGRAM THAT ALLOWS A FUNERAL SERVICE BUSINESS TO OPERATE A SATELLITE OFFICE This Act took effect on July 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-89 – H.B. 5178 AN ACT AUTHORIZING NOTICE OF ZONE CHANGES TO BE SENT BY ELECTRONIC MAIL This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-118 – sS.B. 1062 AN ACT REDUCING THE WAITING PERIOD UNDER THE VESSEL LIEN PROCESS This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-160 – sS.B. 152 AN ACT CONCERNING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CONNECTICUT UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD COLLECTION BOARD This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

P.A. 11-161 – sS.B. 212 AN ACT SIMPLIFYING CERTAIN REPORTING REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE BOTTLE BILL This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

P.A. 11-162 – S.B. 227 AN ACT CONCERNING REMEDIATION STANDARDS UNDER A CONSENT ORDER This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-163 – S.B. 314 AN ACT CONCERNING MENTAL OR NERVOUS CONDITIONS UNDER THE CONNECTICUT UNFAIR INSURANCE PRACTICES ACT This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-164 – sS.B. 462 AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF CONNECTICUT WINE AT FARMERS’ MARKETS AND ESTABLISHING A FARMERS’ MARKET WINE PERMIT This Act took effect on July 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-165 – S.B. 958 AN ACT CONCERNING CHILD IDENTITY THEFT This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-166 – S.B. 980 AN ACT CONCERNING PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL STUDY FOSTER PARENTS This Act took effect on July 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-167 – sS.B. 1043 AN ACT CONCERNING ACCESS TO RECORDS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-168 – S.B. 1047 AN ACT CONCERNING CHANGES TO CERTAIN HOUSING STATUTES This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

P.A. 11-169 – S.B. 1083 AN ACT CONCERNING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FOR PAIN TREATMENT This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2012.

P.A. 11-171 – sS.B. 18 AN ACT CONCERNING INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR BREAST MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING AND EXTENDING THE NOTIFICATION PERIOD TO INSURERS FOLLOWING THE BIRTH OF A CHILD This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2012.

P.A. 11-172 – sS.B. 21 AN ACT CONCERNING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR ROUTINE PATIENT CARE COSTS FOR CERTAIN CLINICAL TRIAL PATIENTS This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2012.

P.A. 11-173 – sS.B. 939 AN ACT CONCERNING REVISIONS TO ELECTIONS RELATED STATUTES This Act has various effective dates. Refer to text of bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00173-R00SB-00939-PA.pdf

P.A. 11-174 – S.B. 954 AN ACT CONCERNING THE ELECTRONIC RECORDING OF CUSTODIAL INTERROGATIONS This Act has various effective dates. Refer to text of bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00174-R00SB-00954-PA.pdf

P.A. 11-175 – sS.B. 970 AN ACT CONCERNING WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE IN HEALTH CARE SETTINGS This Act has various effective dates. Refer to text of bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00175-R00SB-00970-PA.pdf

P.A. 11-176 – sS.B. 973 AN ACT CONCERNING THE DETERMINATION OF UNDUE HARDSHIP FOR PURPOSES OF MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY AND DISABILITY DETERMINATIONS FOR BENEFICIARIES OF A SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST This Act has various effective dates. Refer to text of bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00176-R00SB-00973-PA.pdf

P.A. 11-177 – sS.B. 982 AN ACT CONCERNING A PILOT TRUANCY CLINIC IN WATERBURY This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

P.A. 11-178 – sS.B. 999 AN ACT REQUIRING FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS FOR PATROL CARS ONLY IF AVAILABLE FROM A MANUFACTURER This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

P.A. 11-179 – sS.B. 1039 AN ACT CONCERNING EDUCATION ISSUES This Act has various effective dates. Refer to text of bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00179-R00SB-01039-PA.pdf

P.A. 11-180 – sS.B. 1044 AN ACT CONCERNING NOTIFICATION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WHEN A YOUTH IS ARRESTED FOR PROSTITUTION AND OUT-OF-STATE PLACEMENTS OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-181 – sS.B. 1103 AN ACT CONCERNING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COORDINATED SYSTEM OF EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT This Act took effect on July 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-182 – sH.B. 5008 AN ACT CONCERNING THE QUARANTINE OF BITING GUIDE DOGS This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-183 – H.B. 5048 AN ACT REQUIRING CERTIFICATE OF NEED APPROVAL FOR THE TERMINATION OF INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT SERVICES BY A HOSPITAL This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

P.A. 11-184 – sH.B. 5068 AN ACT CREATING A REBUTTABLE PRESUMPTION FOR THE APPROVAL OF AN INLAND WETLANDS PERMIT FOR A DRY HYDRANT This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-185 – H.B. 5256 AN ACT CONCERNING RECEIPT BY ELECTRONIC MAIL OF MUNICIPAL TAX BILLS This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-186 – sH.B. 5263 AN ACT AUTHORIZING RENEWAL BY MAIL OF A STATE PERMIT TO CARRY A PISTOL OR REVOLVER This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-187 – sH.B. 5368 AN ACT EXTENDING CERTAIN PET SHOP LICENSEE REQUIREMENTS TO PERSONS AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT IMPORT ANIMALS FOR ADOPTION This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-188 – H.B. 5472 AN ACT AUTHORIZING LOCAL AND REGIONAL AGRICULTURAL COUNCILS AND CONCERNING CONSIDERATION OF AGRICULTURE IN LOCAL PLANS OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AND ZONING REGULATIONS This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-189 – sH.B. 5508 AN ACT CONCERNING THE GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-190 – sH.B. 5526 AN ACT REQUIRING A PERMIT FOR CERTAIN COMMERCIAL PROJECTS THAT INVOLVE QUARRYING This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

P.A. 11-191 – H.B. 6156 AN ACT CONCERNING FARMERS’ MARKETS This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

P.A. 11-192 – sH.B. 6157 AN ACT CONCERNING STATE FORESTRY PROGRAMS This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

P.A. 11-193 – sH.B. 6224 AN ACT EXEMPTING CERTAIN NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THAT OPERATE DROP-IN PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN FROM THE STATE’S CHILD DAY CARE LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS This Act took effect on July 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-194 – sH.B. 6226 AN ACT CONCERNING CROSS-REPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE AND ANIMAL CRUELTY This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-195 – H.B. 6234 AN ACT CONCERNING ELECTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF CONDOMINIUM UNIT OWNERS’ ASSOCIATIONS AND CHANGES TO THE COMMON INTEREST OWNERSHIP ACT This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-196 – sH.B. 6238 AN ACT CONCERNING THE ACTUAL CASH VALUE OF A BUILDING This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2012.

P.A. 11-197 – H.B. 6259 AN ACT CONCERNING A STATE IDENTIFICATION CARD FEE WAIVER FOR BLIND VETERANS This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-198 – H.B. 6263 AN ACT CONCERNING THE TRANSITION FROM THE TEN MILL PROGRAM This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

P.A. 11-199 – H.B. 6306 AN ACT CONCERNING THE LISTING OF ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES IN MANAGED CARE ORGANIZATION PROVIDER LISTINGS, AND PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER DESIGNATIONS This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-200 – H.B. 6341 AN ACT CONCERNING THE STATUTE OF REPOSE FOR ASBESTOS-RELATED PRODUCT LIABILITY CLAIMS This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

P.A. 11-201 – sH.B. 6351 AN ACT CONCERNING FORECLOSURE MEDIATION AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS, THE HIGHLY COMPENSATED EMPLOYEE EXEMPTION FOR MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATORS, GENERAL-USE PREPAID CARDS AND NEIGHBORHOOD PROTECTION This Act has various effective dates. Refer to text of bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00201-R00HB-06351-PA.pdf

P.A. 11-203 – sH.B. 6461 AN ACT CONCERNING THE SELECTION OF TENANT COMMISSIONERS This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-204 – sH.B. 6472 AN ACT CONCERNING HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR OSTOMY SUPPLIES This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2012.

P.A. 11-205 – H.B. 6474 AN ACT CONCERNING THE RESOLUTION OF LIENS IN WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CASES This Act took effect on July 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-206 – H.B. 6488 AN ACT CONCERNING THE FORM OF CONVEYANCE OF LAND This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-207 – H.B. 6489 AN ACT REQUIRING DNA TESTING OF PERSONS ARRESTED FOR THE COMMISSION OF A SERIOUS FELONY This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-208 – H.B. 6514 AN ACT CONCERNING THE LEGISLATIVE INTERN PROGRAM This Act took effect on July 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-209 – sH.B. 6549 AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH’S OVERSIGHT RESPONSIBILITIES RELATING TO SCOPE OF PRACTICE DETERMINATIONS FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONS This Act took effect on July 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-210 – H.B. 6554 AN ACT CONCERNING EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR PERSONS EXPERIENCING AN OVERDOSE AND THE DESIGNATION OF CERTAIN SYNTHETIC STIMULANTS AS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES This Act has various effective dates. Refer to text of bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00210-R00HB-06554-PA.pdf

P.A. 11-211 – sH.B. 6557 AN ACT CONCERNING LIABILITY FOR THE RECREATIONAL USE OF LANDS This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-212 – H.B. 6559 AN ACT CONCERNING THE MUNICIPAL OPTION TO ADOPT ASSESSMENT RATES LIMITING PROPERTY TAX INCREASES ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

P.A. 11-213 – sH.B. 6581 AN ACT MAKING REVISIONS TO MOTOR VEHICLE STATUTES This Act has various effective dates. Refer to text of bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00213-R00HB-06581-PA.pdf

P.A. 11-214 – sH.B. 6591 AN ACT CONCERNING MINOR AND TECHNICAL CHANGES TO THE CHILD SUPPORT STATUTES This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-215 – S.B. 883 AN ACT CONCERNING VARIOUS REVISIONS TO STATUTES CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-216 – sS.B. 1110 AN ACT CONCERNING CONSUMER CREDIT LICENSES AND THE CONNECTICUT UNIFORM SECURITIES ACT This Act has various effective dates. Refer to text of bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00216-R00SB-01110-PA.pdf

P.A. 11-217 – sS.B. 1116 AN ACT CONCERNING THE RECYCLING OF ORGANIC MATERIALS BY CERTAIN FOOD WHOLESALERS, MANUFACTURERS, SUPERMARKETS AND CONFERENCE CENTERS This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-218 – S.B. 1173 AN ACT CONCERNING QUALIFIED PRIVATE INVESTMENTS FOR CONNECTICUT INNOVATIONS, INCORPORATED’S PRESEED PROGRAM This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

P.A. 11-219 – sS.B. 1181 AN ACT CONCERNING CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT AND EXPEDITED ESTABLISHMENT OF PATERNITY AND SUPPORT IN TITLE IV-D CASES This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-220 – S.B. 38 AN ACT CONCERNING ACCESS TO INFORMATION CONCERNING THE DIVISION OF PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICES AND SECRET BALLOTS OF VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-221 – sS.B. 98 AN ACT CONCERNING CRIMINAL IMPERSONATION BY MEANS OF AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-222 – sS.B. 210 AN ACT PROHIBITING THE USE OF BISPHENOL-A IN THERMAL RECEIPT PAPER This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2013.

P.A. 11-223 – sS.B. 361 AN ACT PREVENTING THE USE OF CREDIT SCORES BY CERTAIN EMPLOYERS IN HIRING DECISIONS This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-224 – sS.B. 365 AN ACT CONCERNING INVESTIGATIONS BY PROTECTIVE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-225 – sS.B. 396 AN ACT CONCERNING INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR THE SCREENING AND TREATMENT OF PROSTATE CANCER AND PROHIBITING DIFFERENTIAL PAYMENT RATES TO HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS FOR COLONOSCOPY OR ENDOSCOPIC SERVICES BASED ON SITE OF SERVICE This Act has various effective dates. Refer to text of bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00225-R00SB-00396-PA.pdf

P.A. 11-226 – S.B. 417 AN ACT ELIMINATING THE LIMIT ON TEACUP RAFFLE PRIZES AND AUTHORIZING GOLF BALL DROP RAFFLES This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-227 – S.B. 464 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CONNECTICUT BREWERY TRAIL AND REQUIRING THE CONNECTICUT COMMISSION ON CULTURE AND TOURISM TO SUBMIT A REPORT REGARDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CONNECTICUT ANTIQUES TRAIL This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

P.A. 11-228 – S.B. 799 AN ACT CONCERNING MISREPRESENTATION AS A BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-229 – sS.B. 882 AN ACT CONCERNING THE STATE SET-ASIDE PROGRAM, FILING REQUIREMENTS OF STATE CONTRACTORS, EVALUATION OF CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS AND A PROGRAM TO INCREASE CONTRACTS AWARDED TO RESIDENT BIDDERS This Act has various effective dates. Refer to text of bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00229-R00SB-00882-PA.pdf

P.A. 11-230 – sS.B. 911 AN ACT CONCERNING HOMEMAKER SERVICES AND HOMEMAKER-COMPANION AGENCIES This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2012.

P.A. 11-231 – sS.B. 1111 AN ACT CONCERNING THE SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF CERTAIN SILVER OXIDE BATTERIES This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

P.A. 11-232 – sS.B. 1138 AN ACT CONCERNING THE STRENGTHENING OF SCHOOL BULLYING LAWS This Act took effect on July 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-233 – S.B. 1127 AN ACT CONCERNING MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS INCLUDING NURSING HOME CLOSURES, STAFFING AT THE POLICE OFFICERS STANDARDS AND TRAINING COUNCIL, THE REPEAL OF PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE DIVISION OF SPECIAL REVENUE, HIGHWAY REST AREAS AND AN EXEMPTION TO THE ELECTRIC GENERATION TAX This Act has various effective dates. Refer to text of bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00233-R00SB-01127-PA.pdf

P.A. 11-234- sS.B. 1160 AN ACT CONCERNING REVISIONS TO THE STATUTES REGARDING THE MINIMUM BUDGET REQUIREMENT AND CHARTER SCHOOL EDUCATOR PERMIT This Act took effect on July 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-235 – sH.B. 6501AN ACT CONCERNING DELAYS IN THE EVALUATION AND DETERMINATION PROCESS FOR STUDENTS SUSPECTED OF REQUIRING SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES AND THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION This Act has various effective dates. Refer to text of bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00235-R00HB-06501-PA.pdf

P.A. 11-236 – sH.B. 6552 AN ACT CONCERNING THE TRANSFER AND DISCHARGE OF NURSING FACILITY RESIDENTS AND AUDITS OF CERTAIN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES This Act has various effective dates. Refer to text of bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00236-R00HB-06552-PA.pdf

P.A. 11-237 – H.B. 6595 AN ACT CONCERNING THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-238 – sH.B. 6612 AN ACT CONCERNING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION ON NONPROFIT HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES RELATING TO PURCHASE OF SERVICE CONTRACTS This Act took effect on July 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-239 – sS.B. 1162 AN ACT CONCERNING FILING DEADLINES FOR CERTAIN PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS AND DELAYS IN REVALUATION FOR CERTAIN TOWNS, AND MAKING A TECHNICAL CORRECTION This Act has various effective dates. Refer to text of bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00239-R00SB-01162-PA.pdf

P.A. 11-240 – sS.B. 1199 AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES’ DIFFERENTIAL RESPONSE AND POVERTY EXEMPTION AND A REPORT ON EPISODES OF UNAUTHORIZED ABSENCES OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN THE DEPARTMENT’S CARE This Act took effect on July 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-241 – sH.B. 6497 AN ACT CREATING JOBS BY ENHANCING CONNECTICUT’S CORPORATE AND SECURITIES LAWS This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2014.

P.A. 11-242 – sH.B. 6618 AN ACT CONCERNING VARIOUS REVISIONS TO PUBLIC HEALTH RELATED STATUTES This Act has various effective dates. Refer to text of bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00242-R00HB-06618-PA.pdf

P.A. 11-243 – H.B. 5489 AN ACT CONCERNING IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY FOR FIRE POLICE OFFICERS, PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR VOLUNTEER FIRE POLICE OFFICERS AND UNDERWATER SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS AND THE APPROVAL OF REGIONAL FIRE SCHOOLS This Act has various effective dates. Refer to text of bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00243-R00HB-05489-PA.pdf

P.A. 11-244 – H.B. 5567 AN ACT REQUIRING MINORS TO WEAR HELMETS IN COMMERCIAL, NONPROFIT AND MUNICIPALLY OPERATED BASEBALL BATTING CAGES This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

P.A. 11-245 – sH.B. 6249 AN ACT REQUIRING THE ADOPTION OF REGULATIONS FOR THE SITING OF WIND PROJECTS This Act took effect on July 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-246 – H.B. 6515 AN ACT CONCERNING JOB CREATION AND HABITAT RESTORATION This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

P.A. 11-247 – H.B. 5021 AN ACT CONCERNING CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION FOR ELECTRICIANS AND DONATION BIN NOTICE REQUIREMENTS This Act has various effective dates. Refer to text of bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00247-R00HB-05021-PA.pdf

P.A. 11-248 – sH.B. 5326 AN ACT REQUIRING CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS IN ALL PUBLIC AND NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS This Act took effect on July 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-249 – sH.B. 6262 AN ACT CONCERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF CERTAIN FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS BY THE CONNECTICUT MILK PROMOTION BOARD This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-250 – sH.B. 6267 AN ACT CONCERNING THE SALE OF WINE WITH GIFT BASKETS This Act shall take effect on October 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-251 – sH.B. 6295 AN ACT CONCERNING POLICE OFFICERS WHO ACCEPT EMPLOYMENT WITH ANOTHER POLICE DEPARTMENT AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES’ ELIGIBILITY FOR DISABILITY RETIREMENT This Act has various effective dates. Refer to text of bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00251-R00HB-06295-PA.pdf

P.A. 11-252 – sH.B. 6344 AN ACT CONCERNING EYEWITNESS IDENTIFICATION This Act has various effective dates. Refer to text of bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00252-R00HB-06344-PA.pdf

P.A. 11-253 – H.B. 6364 AN ACT CONCERNING THE SUNSET DATE FOR PERSONAL RISK INSURANCE RATE FILINGS AND THE PROCUREMENT OF REINSURANCE BY DOMESTIC TITLE INSURERS This Act took effect upon the Governor signing the bill.

P.A. 11-254 – sH.B. 6399 AN ACT CONCERNING APPLICATIONS FOR ANGEL INVESTOR TAX CREDITS This Act took effect on July 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-255 – sH.B. 6449 AN ACT CONCERNING THE SAFETY OF PERSONS ENTERING OR EXITING A SCHOOL BUS This Act took effect on July 1, 2011.

P.A. 11-256 – sH.B. 6540 AN ACT CONCERNING HIGHWAY SAFETY, STATE FACILITY TRAFFIC AUTHORITIES, MUNICIPAL BUILDING DEMOLITION, STATE TRAFFIC COMMISSION CERTIFICATES, AT GRADE CROSSINGS, THE NAMING OF ROADS AND BRIDGES IN HONOR OR IN MEMORY OF PERSONS AND ORGANIZATIONS, AND A TRAIN STATION IN NIANTIC This Act has various effective dates. Refer to text of bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2011/ACT/Pa/pdf/2011PA-00256-R00HB-06540-PA.pdf

Gov. Malloy also vetoed the following legislation of the 2011 Session on July 13th:

P.A. 11-202 – sH.B. 6410 AN ACT CONCERNING THE REVISION OF MUNICIPAL CHARTERS This Act would have taken effect on October 1, 2011. The Governor vetoed the bill. Read Veto Message. http://www.governor.ct.gov/malloy/lib/malloy/2011.7.13_veto_message_-_pa_11-202_hb_6410.pdf

Posted July 14, 2011

UConn Co-op targets Storrs Center plan

July 12, 2011 Business, Local News Comments Off

A University of Connecticut Co-op anchor store is the latest retailer to jump on the $220 million mixed-use Storrs Center project bandwagon. Co-op officials announced recently that they have signed a letter of intent with master developer Leyland Alliance to open a full-service bookstore in the area, complete with a children’s bookstore and a café.

This bookstore would be in addition to the one located on campus, which sells clothing items and textbooks.

“The UConn Co-op is very enthusiastic to become a part of the Storrs Center project. We plan on developing an exciting new store that serves both as a destination store at Storrs Center and an expansion of the retail service we already offer the university and the general community,” said Bill Simpson, president and chief operating officer of the Co-op.

He said plans for the member-owned bookstore complement the overall theme of the Storrs Center project, the creation of a “vibrant Main Street community.”

It is billed as a “destination store” offering not only retail services, but educational and cultural enrichment opportunities for the community.

The Co-op plans to host emerging authors, hold book signings and provide a venue for musicians and other performers.

“The Co-op’s impressive literary and retail offerings, coupled with speakers of the highest caliber, will certainly draw people from throughout the region,” said Leyland Alliance Principal and Managing Member Howard Kaufman, who said “the proposed Co-op represents what the Storrs Center is all about.”

“The inclusion of the UConn Co-op as a flagship anchor for Storrs Center is a remarkable addition,” Kaufman said.

The Co-op’s announcement marks the most preliminary step of the process to be followed by lease negotiations, according to Marcia Firsick, spokesman for the Co-op. “We’ve made the huge decision to make the commitment not only to the university but to the community,” Firsick said. “From here all the details will be ironed out in the blue prints.

Groundbreaking on the Storrs Center project took place in late June and construction on the first two phases of the project is underway.

It will include 290 rental apartments and 69,000 square-feet of retail space.

For more information about the Storrs Center project visit www.storrscenter.com.

Posted 7-12-2011

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United Services aims to build $8M facility in Mansfield

July 11, 2011 Business, Local News Comments Off

helping-hand After 47 years operating in the Windham area, United Services Inc. is proposing to build a new $8 million facility in Mansfield to address a rising demand for mental health services.

The social services provider has an application into town land-use boards to build a facility.

Depression is projected to be second only to heart disease as a leading cause of disability worldwide by 2020, according to the World Health Organization.

Locally, the demand for the services offered by United Services is clearly on the rise with the nonprofit organization reporting a 100 percent increase in adult clientele since 2007.

United Services President and Chief Executive Officer Diane Manning said the increased need for services in the area is higher than the national average and indicative, in part, of the limitations of health-care reform that prevent private practitioners from taking on more clients.

The new facility would be located on a bus line and would be at the junction of North Frontage Road and Mansfield City Road concludes a five-year search for an appropriate property.

“The (proposed) Mansfield Clinical Center would allow United Services to meet increased community needs … and to serve as a model for other behavioral health centers in the nation,” said Manning.

Before going to a planning and zoning commission public hearing, the proposal for the 6-acre property must be cleared by the Mansfield Inlands Wetlands Agency, which is comprised of PZC members.

Rudy Favretti, who chairs the joint wetlands agency and planning and zoning commission, said the permit application will be discussed at the next wetlands meeting Aug. 1, to be followed by a public hearing at the Audrey P. Beck Municipal Building at 7:30 p.m.

“Planning and zoning doesn’t act until everything is OK with the wetlands,” Favretti said, adding he wasn’t aware of any wetlands issues associated with the application. “It seems like a pretty straight forward application.”

United Services addresses behavioral health issues for all age groups, and provides in-home and community-based support services.

Integrating and consolidating their services into the proposed 28,000-square-foot, two-story building would also improve access for clients, especially those who suffer from the limitations sometimes associated with psychiatric disabilities, including the inability to drive.

In addition to the increased need for adult services, there has been a 40 percent increase in the need for child and family services, Manning said.

Parking has been a major issue, according to Manning, who added the search criteria included finding a property that offered room for expansion and which was located on a bus line.

The designated property is privately owned.

If the proposal is approved, offices currently located on Mansfield Road in Willimantic and Route 6 in Columbia would be consolidated into the new facility, which would serve as the hub of operation for about 80 professionals and support staff.

There are also offices in Dayville and Wauregan (part of Plainfield).

Manning said the Dayville office doubled in size in three years.

The regional offices serve 3,000 individuals and provide outpatient treatment services to 1,400 individuals and families.

“Frankly, I have run out of space to put staff,” she said.

Manning said she believes the town is supportive of the agency’s proposal to expand its services to the new location, adding that it would not only bring in more professional jobs but an estimated 100 construction jobs would be created as well.

Funding for the facility would come from the sale of their existing properties, state and federal funds, U.S. Department of Agriculture loans and financing, and a capital campaign.

Posted 7-11-2011

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Attention surprises 'Nine Lives' author

July 6, 2011 Arts & Entertainment, Business, Letters to Editor, Local News Comments Off

nine-lives-of-chloe-king When E.O. Smith High School graduate Liz Braswell saw advertisements displaying the name of one of her book series and heard people express excitement, it was a new experience.

Braswell said she has received fan mail before but authors do not typically get the level of public exposure or response she has received since ABC Family debuted its TV show “The Nine Lives of Chloe King,” based on her book series of the same name, two weeks ago.

“It’s crazy, it’s really bizarre,” she said, adding she overhears people talking about the show and her books in public.

The three books have been released together and have reached the New York Times Best Sellers List for children’s paperbacks.

Braswell wrote the three-volume series, which was originally released in 2004, under the pen name Celia Thomson.

The series is about Chloe King’s life as an everyday teenager with “cat-like superwoman powers,” according to its web site.

She said ABC Family, which airs the show at 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, contacted her in January about turning the show into a television series.

She said the fact some of her literary work was becoming a TV show “took several months to sink in,” but soon noticed the amount of support ABC Family was putting behind the show.

“The amount of marketing ABC has put into it is insane,” said Braswell, who now lives in North Brooklyn, N.Y., and has even seen ads placed on public buses.

Braswell was born in England but grew up in Mansfield and graduated from E.O. Smith in 1989 before going to Brown University to focus on Egyptology, or the study of Egypt.

She also had in interest in computers and decided when she graduated to work as a video game producer until 2002.

But she also said she has always had a love for reading and writing, never giving up writing during her time as a video game producer.

“As soon as I learned how to write, I’ve written stories,” she said.

Braswell got her first book contract in 2002 on the exact same day she was laid off from her job as a game producer.

“It was great, I got to switch gears immediately,” she said, although she admitted she sometimes misses the gaming industry.

Braswell said she had an outline and a few chapters of her first book completed when she got the contract, but it took her nine more months to write the book.

It also took a few months for editing and other work before her first book “Snow,” written under the pen name Tracy Lynn, was released in 2003.

She was also one of a team of writers, who shared the pen name Rob Kidd, who wrote a series of books based on the character Jack Sparrow from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie series.

Braswell said she is often working on multiple books at one time, some of which take longer to complete than others.

“It’s not easy. You don’t go into (writing) because it’s easy,” she said, adding she has been working on one book for 10 years.

She said the “biggest misconception” other people have about writing is the amount of work that actually goes into writing a book.

Braswell, who has two children, said she also sometimes needs to find the time to write, but finds it rewarding when she does. “It’s both refreshing and it’s hard,” she said.

Braswell’s work tends to target young adults, a group she said is “much more accepting” of new ideas, while authors targeting adults often specialize in one genre.

“At that age, kids just want to read anything and everything,” she said, adding she first fell in love with reading as a teenager.

Braswell said she prefers to write about fantasy and the supernatural, but she has also written about other topics.

And while the ABC Family TV series has sparked a new level of interest in her work, success is nothing new for Braswell.

“The Stolen” and “The Fallen,” both part of the Chloe King series, were named American Library Association Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers in 2005.

“The Fallen” was also named one of the New York Public Library’s Books for the Teen Age.

Braswell also said she has always received fan mail, and added it is “humbling” to hear positive feedback from fans after spending so much time alone developing her characters.

“I always get a little embarrassed,” she said.

Posted 7-5-2011

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Windham Hospital earns continued accreditation

July 5, 2011 Business, Local News Comments Off

windham-hospital-lettering-graphic-posteredge Windham Hospital has earned continued accreditation through The Joint Commission by demonstrating compliance with its national standards for health care quality and safety in hospitals.

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care, and it seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value.

The Joint Commission evaluates and accredits more than 18,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States.

Windham Hospital’s three-year accreditation follows a rigorous, unannounced inspection by the Commission during April 2011.

At that time, a team of Joint Commission surveyors evaluated the hospital for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

“In maintaining Joint Commission accreditation, Windham Hospital continues to demonstrate its commitment to the highest level of care for its patients,” said Dick Brvenik, President and CEO of the hospital.

For more information about this or other programs or services at Windham Hospital, visit www.windhamhospital.org or call 860-456-6700.

Posted July 5, 2011