We’re back…
Hurricane Sandy took its toll on my computer and Internet connection. I am currently at least temporarily back online pending some other repairs and/or equipment replacement. I want to express my gratitude for your continued support of this small, locally-owned business through our ups and downs.
– Brenda Sullivan, Editor HTNP News
The Mansfield Community Center will open Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012 as a Respite Center from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Town of Mansfield has issued some updates related to Hurricane Sandy.
If you are in need of shelter:
The Mansfield Community Center will be open Tuesday, Oct. 30 as a Respite Center from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The community center is located behind the town hall, off of Route 275/South Eagleville Road.
The Respite Center will provide showering facilities, charging stations for your electronics, sandwiches and light snacks, and coffee and water.
And if needed, the Red Cross will open a regional 24-hr shelter at E.O. Smith High School (on Route 195/Storrs Road, near the intersection with Route 275/North Eagleville Road.)
And potable (drinking) water stations will be available at the Mansfield Community Center and Town Hall (4 South Eagleville Road) beginning 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30.
Residents are also encouraged to visit http://ct.gov/sandy for regularly updated information such as road closures and storm tips.
CL&P also asks that if power goes out at your residence to report this at 1-800-286-2000. (As of this posting, there are more than 200,000 homes without power.)
If there are downed wires, please call 911 to report them to the police or fire department.
Treat all wires as if they are “live” (energized).
Do not drive over downed lines, and if a downed line is in or near water, keep your distance from the water.
In the event of an injury, fire or other emergency, please call 911.
If you need additional information, please call the Info-Line at 211.
The following Town facilities will be closed on Tuesday:
The following Town facilities are expected to resume normal business hours on Tuesday (please call ahead to confirm):
Posted October 29, 2012 as edited and added to by HTNP News Editor Brenda Sullivan
Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )
Linda Orange was elected to the Legislature in November 1996 to represent the 48th Assembly District, which serves Colchester and East Haddam, CT. With the boundaries redrawn every 10 years, it will now include most of Colchester and parts of Lebanon, Mansfield and Windham, CT.
Dear Editor,
Linda Orange has been an integral part of our community. As a resident of East Haddam and President of the Bashan Lake Association, I can attest to the fact that she has devoted countless hours supporting our endeavors.
She was instrumental in arranging meetings, between the town of East Haddam and DEEP, to discuss the concerns with water draw-down in the winter months and issues with damage to lake front properties.
Thanks to Representative Orange, our voices were heard and the DEEP has a greater understanding of draw-downs and why they are needed.
I am also an active member of the Auto Body Association of Connecticut and Linda Orange has been working for all of the consumers of Connecticut by actively supporting an important bill that the Association put before the legislature.
Thanks to the efforts of Linda Orange, we now have a law that states you have the right to repair your car at any auto body shop of your choice, despite what your insurance company might tell you.
For all of her professionalism, timely returned phone calls, driven support for East Haddam residents, and efforts in protecting the consumers of Connecticut through the Auto Body Association, I proudly support Linda Orange in her bid for re-election.
Respectfully Submitted,
William Denya
Posted October 26, 2012
Linda Orange was elected to the Legislature in November 1996 to represent the 48th Assembly District, which served Colchester and East Haddam. With the boundaries redrawn every 10 years, it now includes most of Colchester and parts of Lebanon, Mansfield and Windham.
2012 Redistricting map – section showing areas of Mansfield and Windham that are now part of the 48th House District (orange).
HTNP News welcomes comments on this post. Letters to the Editor on this and other issues, as well as to express support for a candidate, also can be sent to editor@htnp.com Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions.
The cut-off date for letters concerning candidates for this year’s elections is Friday, Nov. 2 – comments on letters/news stories will be allowed up until Nov. 5, to allow candidates to respond in their defense.
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 )
Nationwide, an average of 44,000 blood donations are needed under normal conditions each and every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients, and children with blood disorders. This need does not diminish when disaster strikes.
Hurricane Sandy may take aim at the eastern coast of the United States as early as this weekend. As communities brace for the storm’s arrival, the American Red Cross urges people in the possible path of this storm to stay informed and get prepared now.
And one way to help is by donating blood prior to the storm’s arrival.
“This storm could affect the turnout at Red Cross blood drives along the East Coast,” said Donna M. Morrissey, director of communications, American Red Cross Blood Services – Northeast Division.
“We ask anyone who is eligible to donate, especially in regions not affected by the storm, to please schedule a blood donation now. By giving blood now, your donation will help the Red Cross ensure that blood is available for patients who still need blood despite the weather,” Morrissey said.
Nationwide, an average of 44,000 blood donations are needed under normal conditions each and every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients, and children with blood disorders.
This need does not diminish when disaster strikes.
The Red Cross has the ability to move blood around the country to where it’s needed most – especially during these critical times.
“It’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives when disasters occur,” said Morrissey. “The time to help is now.”
Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment to donate blood.
The Red Cross is mobilizing disaster workers in the regions that weather experts say will be affected by the storm, and has more than 100 emergency response vehicles on alert.
Supplies are ready to be moved and shelter locations are being identified across multiple states. The Red Cross is working closely with federal, state and local government officials, as well as community partners to coordinate response efforts.
Individuals and families are asked to take personal preparedness steps and download the free Red Cross Hurricane App to get ready for the storm now.
The Hurricane App provides real-time hurricane safety information, such as weather alerts and where Red Cross shelters are located.
The app also features a toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light and alarm. The app can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for “American Red Cross.”
How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.
A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.
Individuals who are 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are generally in good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.
The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.
For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org
Posted October 26, 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 )
Meet alpacas and llamas, receive free balloons and coloring books, and enjoy some jam tastings and drop spindle and spinning wheel demonstrations. Come to an open house at Safe Haven Farm from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27. Admission is free.
Here’s something fun and free to do this weekend.
Meet alpacas and llamas, receive free balloons and coloring books, and enjoy some jam tastings and drop spindle and spinning wheel demonstrations.
Come to an open house at Safe Haven Farm from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27. Admission is free.
Safe Haven Farm is located off Route 6 at 39 Drain St. in Hampton, CT. (From Willimantic/Windham, take Route 6 eastbound approximately 10 miles. Look for signs one mile east of Route 97.)
The open house is hosted by the Hampton Agriculture Commission, Safe Haven Farm and Three Niece Farm.
Start your holiday shopping early in the Safe Haven store. Sample Three Niece Farm’s scones, muffins and breads made from their bread mixes, and a new BBQ sauce will be “unveiled.”
Questions? Visit the Safe Haven web site at http://www.safehavenalpaca.com or call 1-860-455-0054.
Posted October 24, 2012
Related link: Three Niece Farm on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Three-Niece-Farm-LLC/100306683395863
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 )
Information about pending changes to the E. O. Smith school board’s weighted votes will be made available at a 7 p.m. meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at the Audrey P. Beck Municipal Building in Mansfield. Another public info meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at the Willington Public Library.
If you are like most people, you probably didn’t know that the school board overseeing Edwin O. Smith High School (Regional School District 19) has “weighted” votes.
The District 19 Board of Education is made up of 12 members – four each from the towns that make up the district, Mansfield, Ashford and Willington. (Other towns send students to E.O. Smith, i.e. for the vo-ag program, but do not have representatives on the school board.)
When board members vote on a motion, it is not a one-for-one vote. Currently, a Mansfield board member’s vote is weighted as 1.896; a Willington board member’s vote is 0.646 and an Ashford board member’s is weighted as 0.458.
Now, because of new population statistics produced by the last U.S. Census (2010) the district is being instructed to revisit the weight of each vote.
More information about this process will be made available at a 7 p.m. meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at the Audrey P. Beck Municipal Building (Mansfield Town Hall), which is located at the corner of Routes 195 and 275 (South Eagleville Road), next door to the high school.
Another public information meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at the Willington Public Library, 7 Ruby Road.
The CT State Board of Education is proposing that the weight of Mansfield’s votes increases, and that the weight of Ashford’s and Willington’s votes decrease.
Changes to the “weighted” votes are supposed to be put before voters in Ashford, Mansfield and Willington on Nov. 6, Election Day.
In order to pass, all three towns must approve the change.
If the vote fails Nov. 6, it could be sent to another referendum or it could be left to the CT Department of Education to make the final decision.
Questions? Contact E.O. Smith High School Superintendent Bruce Silva at 860- 860-487-0877 during school hours, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Posted October 22, 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 )
Enjoy a free massage at Quinebaug Valley Community College between 3 and 6 p.m. on Monday (Oct. 22) as part of a celebration of National Massage Therapy Awareness Week. Image courtesy of American Massage Therapy Association.
Enjoy a free massage at Quinebaug Valley Community College between 3 and 6 p.m. on Monday (Oct. 22) as part of a celebration of the 16th annual National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, Oct. 21-27.
The massages are offered by the American Massage Therapy Association.
QVCC is located at 729 Main Street in downtown Willimantic.
QVCC invites the public to meet local licensed massage therapists and learn about the many benefits of massage therapy.
Posted October 21, 2012 – based on a press release, links and video added by HTNP News Editor Brenda Sullivan
Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )
A photo about firefighting in Willimantic – Chief Cormier and John Griffin with young visitors. Courtesy photo.
You are invited to meet the authors of “Firefighting in Willimantic,” at 4 p.m. at the UConn Co-op this Tuesday (Oct. 23).
The Co-op is located at 2075 Hillside Road in the Storrs UConn Campus.
As Willimantic moved from a sleepy borough to a hub of busy mills, fire protection became a crucial concern. Beginning with volunteers in 1830, the city turned to professionals in 1917.
Concerned as much with fire safety and prevention as with putting out fires, the firefighters of Willimantic and their families also socialized and participated in community service activities together.
In “Firefighting in Willimantic,” Michael Tirone and Pete Zizka give us a richly illustrated history of these brave men and women.
Tirone, a firefighter from 1974 – 2010, served with the Electric Boat Fire Department, the US Naval Submarine Fire Department in Groton and the Norwich Fire Department.
Zizka is a past volunteer firefighter and avid researcher. Both men are natives of Willimantic.
The foreward was written by current Willimantic Fire Chief Marc A. Scrivener.
Questions? Call the UConn Co-op at 860-486-5027.
Related link: Willimantic Firefighting on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Willimantic-Firefighting/176042315820754
Posted October 21, 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 )
“We’d love for you to participate in the photo shoot if you can. ‘Extras’ will be needed to show people walking, peeking in storefronts, dining outdoors or interacting with friends, children or pets.”
As scheduled, the paving should be complete by Tuesday, May 21. Poor weather may delay these efforts.
National Teacher Day is part of Teacher Appreciation Week, which is celebrated May 6-10, 2013.
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