Hundreds come out for Walk for Warmth

Dylan Stone, 8, left, and Bryan Heneghan, 6, both of Hebron, lead their families as they join the Nov. 20, 2011 Walk for Warmth in Willimantic, CT organized by the Windham Area Interfaith Ministries (WAIM). Photo by Marie Brennan

Hundreds of local residents walked a 2-mile loop around Willimantic Sunday afternoon (Nov. 20) to help their neighbors heat their homes this winter.

The 20th annual Walk for Warmth was about funding the fuel assistance program for the Windham Area Interfaith Ministry (WAIM).

Before the walk, almost every pew of St. Joseph Church was filled with volunteers donating their time and money to the cause.

People of all ages, ethnic groups and religions gathered in the church before the walk for the interfaith Thanksgiving service with WAIM.

“We are all truly equal,” said the Rev. Laurence A.M. LaPointe of St. Joseph Church.

He went on to recall how most people in Connecticut experienced had a taste of what it’s like to live without heat as a result of prolonged power outages following the freak October Nor’easter.

He suggested keeping that experience be an inspiration for helping others.

“It is not enough to reach out on Thanksgiving. It is not enough to reach out around the holidays. Reaching out must become a habit for us,” said LaPointe.

The annual Walk for Warmth helps more than 200 families in the Windham area heat their homes. This year, WAIM organizers hoped to collect $30,000 for the fund. This event is the only money collected through WAIM to sponsor the fuel assistance program.

A view of the hundreds of volunteers who took part in the 2011 Walk for Warmth in Willimantic, CT organized by the Windham Area Interfaith Ministries. The goal was to raise $30,000. Couldn't make the walk? You can still help by sending a donation to send a check to WAIM, 866 Main St., P.O. Box 221, Willimantic 06226. Photo by Marie Brennan

WAIM, a community outreach collaborative, has been providing clothing, furniture, linens, appliances and other necessities to more than 8,000 neighbors in need since 1984.

Along the 2-mile walk route were signs with statistics to inspire donations.

There were facts and figures on poverty and the unemployment rate and the federal assistance programs that event organizers claim are failing.

For example, recent cuts to the federal Low Income Energy Assistance Program have dropped Connecticut’s heating assistance funds from $115 million to $61 million this winter.

If you were unable to take part in the Walk for Warmth you can still help by donating to WAIM’s fuel assistance program. Call (860) 465-7270, ext. 12 or send a check to WAIM, 866 Main St., P.O. Box 221, Willimantic 06226.

Posted Nov. 21, 2011 as edited by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan

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Enjoy a Fez-Tival of Trees and help children

Last year’s display of decorated trees at the Shriners’ Fez-Tival of Trees. Submitted photo

Come one, come all to the Sphinx Shriners‘ third Annual Fez-Tival of Trees, located at 3066 Berlin Turnpike in Newington, CT (next to Wal-mart and Panera Bread).

Admission is free and the display will be open beginning Sunday, Nov. 20 and continuing through Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011.

This collection of Christmas trees will be on display:

• Nov. 20-22 from 4 to 8 p.m.

• Nov. 25-26 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Nov. 27 from10 a.m. to 2:59 pm*

In addition, there will be:

• Crafters

• Raffles

• Prizes

• Food

• Fun

*The raffle drawing will be held Nov. 27 at 3 p.m. The winner does not need to be present to win.

Note that the display is not open the day before and the day of Thanksgiving, Nov. 23 and 24.

To learn more about the Shriners Hospitals for Children, click on the link http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/

Questions about the Fez-Tival? Call 860-666-5449.

Posted Nov. 19, 2011

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CL-P President Jeff Butler resigns in aftermath of Storm Alfred outage outrage

CL&P is currently under scrutiny by a Two Storm Panel created by Gov. Malloy to address issues over restoring power both after Tropical Storm Irene in August and Storm Alfred in October.

The man who took the brunt of the criticism for the prolonged power outages following the freak October snowstorm – that left hundreds of thousands of residents and businesses without electricity for as long as nine days – will no longer be in the spotlight.

CL&P President Jeffrey D. Butler has resigned.

His resignation was announced via a press release issued today (Nov. 17) by Northeast Utilities, the parent company for Connecticut Light and Power.

As Butler leaves his position, he also takes with him any input he might have given into why some of the things that went wrong did so, and why some things did get done correctly, as he often pointed out in press conferences.

As the power outages stretched into day nine, after the Oct. 29 storm, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy began leaving Butler on his own at the podium during the twice-daily updates from the Emergency Operations Center televised by news stations.

Reacting to the news of Butler’s resignation, Gov. Malloy issued the following brief statement this afternoon, through a member of his staff, Senior Advisor Roy Occhiogrosso:

“Gov. Malloy made clear that he thought Northeast Utilities needed to address CL&P’s management issues, and it’s clear that process has begun. It’s also likely that there will be other changes on other fronts as a result of CL&P’s performance in the lead-up to and aftermath of the storm.”

CL&P is currently under scrutiny by a Two Storm Panel created by Gov. Malloy to address issues over restoring power both after Tropical Storm Irene in August and Storm Alfred.

The historic October storm dumped as much as 20 inches of snow in parts of the state. The main problem created by Storm Alfred was that the snow fell on trees that still had their leaves, which caused widespread damage from broken trees and tree limbs falling onto power lines.

Gov. Malloy has also called in a private company, Witt Associates to investigate what went wrong, and they are expected to produce a report by Dec. 1, 2011.

In the statement issued today, Northeast Utilities Chair, President and CEO Charles W. Shivery announced that “changes in senior leadership and in the emergency preparedness organization of its Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) operating company,” would be taking place, including accepting Butler’s resignation “effective immediately.”

Butler holds a degree in electrical and electronic engineering. He previously worked for Pacific Gas and Electric, and then for an energy consulting firm. He was hired as president by CL&P in 2009.

“We reluctantly accepted Jeff’s resignation,” Shivery said. “His commitment and dedication on behalf of our company, employees and customers have been exceptional. We thank him for his important contribution to NU, CL&P and the community. We wish him all the best.”

“I am proud of our employees and their hard work in response to these historic storms,” said Shivery. “Today’s changes are major steps to help CL&P and our employees better meet future challenges. There are still things to learn, but with winter coming these were changes I knew we should and could make right now.”

Northeast Utilities will now begin searching for Butler’s replacement. In the interim, James A. Muntz, NU president – Transmission, will take over Butler’s duties.

“Muntz currently has overall leadership and management responsibility for NU’s Transmission business… as Vice President – Customer Operations, responsible for the operation and maintenance of CL&P’s electric power distribution system,” the press release states.

Muntz will report to Lee Olivier, who is Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer for NU and CEO of CL&P.

Other steps NU will take in response to the issues surrounding Storm Irene and Storm Alfred outlined in the press release:

- the company has retained a consulting firm, Davies Consulting, Inc., “to perform a thorough evaluation of CL&P’s preparedness and response to recent unprecedented storms,” with a preliminary report due the first week of January and the final report due in early February.

- CL&P has created a new position to lead emergency preparedness, to be filled by CL&P Senior VP – Emergency Preparedness William J. Quinlan. “Quinlan will lead the consolidation and integration of all CL&P emergency preparedness. He will work with state and town officials to put protocols in place to allow CL&P to partner effectively in any type of emergency,” the release states. He also will coordinate the company’s participation in the current post-storm reviews. “Quinlan has worked closely with the towns and the state following Tropical Storm Irene,” the release states.

CL&P Vice President – Asset Strategy Dana Louth has been named to the new position of Vice President – CL&P Infrastructure “He will report to Quinlan. “Louth is a 35-year CL&P veteran with extensive experience in the design and maintenance of electric systems,” the release states. In his new role, Louth will be responsible for “reviewing and making recommendations on how the company can improve the resiliency of its electric system. He will look at such things as tree cutting/trimming, structural “hardening” (making the electric system more resilient under harsh weather conditions), and issues related to underground utilities.

Posted Nov. 17, 2011

Editor’s note: CT-N’s tapings of the Two Storm Panel proceedings can be viewed live online and previous tapings are archived. The next meeting is at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, when the panel will hear testimony from first responders, including police and firefighters, as well as union representatives. Click here for more information http://www.ctn.state.ct.us/press.asp

Related link: “Former FEMA director hired by Gov. Malloy to review response to power outages. http://windham.htnp.com/2011/11/04/former-fema-director-hired-by-gov-malloy-to-review-response-to-power-outages/

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How to register for CLP reimbursement fund for Storm Alfred damages

Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy suggests that people save receipts for expenses attributable to loss of power from the October 2011 Storm Alfred. United Way 2-1-1 is in the process of gathering information from residents.

Connecticut Light and Power is collecting information from its customers who lost power as a result of the October snowstorm.

CL&P is in the process of establishing a fund that may reimburse customers for some losses.

It has yet to be determined how that money will be distributed.

Governor Dannel Malloy is currently working to determine the best way to set up a system that is fair and timely when it comes to disbursing the money.

He expects to make an announcement within two weeks.

He suggests that people save receipts for expenses attributable to loss of power from the storm.

United Way 2-1-1 is in the process of gathering information from Connecticut residents who sustained losses caused by the October Snowstorm.

To access information about reimbursements, visit www.211ct.org and click on CL&P in the upper right corner of the page.

When you visit the CL&P part of the site, you will fill out a survey that asks for contact information, how many days you were without power, and what kinds of losses you are claiming, such as:

• food loss and costs of eating meals at restaurants

• costs of staying at a hotel

• cost of gas for a power generator, as well as cost of flashlights, batteries and candles

lost wages

• damage to property from fallen trees, tree limbs and branches

• water damage caused by flooding

• fire damage

• and “other”

You also will have to include an estimate of total costs and indicate whether you have receipts for the expenses you are claiming.

Because so many people are registering their losses, there have been longer than usual call wait times and occasional delays in accessing 2-1-1 online.

Since 2-1-1 began this work earlier this month, more than 5,500 Connecticut residents have reported losses associated with the power outages by visiting www.211ct.org or calling 2-1-1.

If you wish to speak with a 2-1-1 call specialist to leave your storm-related information, dial 2-1-1 and staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Posted Nov. 16, 2011

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US Postal Service would like its stuff back, please

“The Postal Service spent nearly $50 million this past fiscal year to replace equipment that was never returned,” said Vice President of Network Operations David Williams. “This is a serious issue. We are in a financial crisis and simply cannot afford this type of unnecessary expense. The equipment is federal property and we want it back.” Photo source: USPS

It’s kind of like those occasional free passes your local library gives – return your books now and all overdue fines are forgiven. These “amnesty” periods tend to be very effective in bringing back a ton of books and it is cheaper than sending the local sheriff to knock on doors (yes, that does happen).

Well, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has announced a two-week amnesty period to encourage the “rapid return” of postal-owned equipment, especially pallets and mail tubs. This announcement comes on the heels of recent equipment recoveries made by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (click here to learn more. )

“The Postal Service spent nearly $50 million this past fiscal year to replace equipment that was never returned,” said Vice President of Network Operations David Williams. “This is a serious issue. We are in a financial crisis and simply cannot afford this type of unnecessary expense. The equipment is federal property and we want it back.”

The USPS receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

The USPS has already closed many post offices around the country, in some cases replaced them with kiosks, or contracted with drug stores and other businesses to handle some postal services. And there are deeper cuts to come.

The USPS recently reported a $5 billion loss for fiscal 2011.

Interestingly, the Internet may be partly responsible for cutting down on mail volume as more people rely on email, texting and other electronic means of communicating but at the same time, the increasing use of the Internet for shopping has boosted US Postal Service revenue in other areas.

According to the USPS Nov. 15, 2011 press release, “Shipping Services revenue, which includes Priority Mail and Express Mail, increased $530 million in 2011 (6.3 percent). The increase in Shipping Services revenue was driven by strong growth in the Parcel Select and Parcel Return Services, due to increased mailings of packages, as customers continued to use the Internet more often to purchase products.”

Caught re-selling USPS property

While some people may be guilty of “borrowing” a USPS mail bucket or two, sometimes the abuses are at the criminal level. Here are some examples from the USPS Postal Inspection Service web site:

• A Georgia man, who worked for a major mailer, was arrested for stealing and selling almost 10,000 USPS pallets to a pallet supply company. The company provided pallets to freight companies doing business in South America. The suspect made restitution of $10,129 to the USPS.

• A woman who was an employee of an air-express transportation subcontractor for major mailers was arrested for selling 3,520 pallets to a pallet consultant company.

• The owner of a Florida pallet company that sold more than 21,000 pallets belonging to the USPS was arrested by Postal Inspectors in Florida. The USPS says the man was aware the pallets belonged to the Postal Service and that the sale of those pallets was illegal. He and his company pleaded guilty, he was sentenced in federal court to five months in prison and was ordered to make $419,206 in restitution to the Postal Service. An additional 16,000 pallets were also returned.

• An investigation in California by Postal Inspectors found approximately 7,500 pallets, valued at more than $200,000, at a recycling company,

No questions asked

The amnesty period to return mail transport equipment, or MTE, is from Nov. 12 to Nov. 26, 2011. Anyone possessing Postal Service MTE is strongly encouraged to return it during this time period and no questions will be asked.

During the amnesty period, small amounts of equipment can be dropped off at local Post Offices or nearby mail processing and distribution centers.

Arrangements also can be made for the Postal Service to pick up large amounts of equipment and/or pallets by sending an email to hqmte@usps.gov, and including “Equipment Pickup Request” in the subject line (if applicable, your company name), the address where the equipment is located, type of mail transport equipment and quantity, and contact information in the message.

There also is a mail transport equipment recovery hotline – 866.330.3404 – that can be used to report the misuse of equipment, such as hoarding or recycling.

The following message is printed clearly on all U.S. Postal Service equipment:

WARNING: Maximum penalty for theft or misuse of postal property, $1,000 fine and 3 years imprisonment (Title 18 USC 1707).

Chapter 58 of the Postal Operations Manual and Title 18 Section 1707 of the Federal Criminal Code detail the policy and laws regulating use of all mail transport equipment.

Posted Nov. 16, 2011

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Homeowner Mortgage Assistance Workshop Tuesday Nov 15

Learn about foreclosure prevention, loan modifications, debt management, state and federal assistance programs, foreclosure rescue scams and other resources at a free workshop Nov. 15 sponsored by Gov. Malloy, Atty Gen George Jepsen and the Connecticut Department of Banking.

If you’d like to know more about preventing foreclosure on your home during these difficult economic times, you can attend a free “Homeowner Mortgage Assistance Workshop” on Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Boulevard in Hartford.

Free parking will be available at the Convention Center garage.

The workshop is sponsored by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, CT Attorney General George C. Jepsen and the Connecticut Department of Banking.

Learn about foreclosure prevention, loan modifications, debt management, state and federal assistance programs, foreclosure rescue scams and other resources.

To print a copy of the flyer in PDF format, click here.

At this workshop, you will meet one-on-one with your mortgage lender or a HUD-approved housing counselor.

Participating lenders will include:

Bank of America

Citibank, NA

GMAC Mortgage, LLC

HSBC National Bank USA

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

First Niagara Bank

McCue Mortgage

Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC

People’s United Bank

Select Portfolio Servicing, Inc.

Webster Bank, NA

Wells Fargo Bank, NA

HUD-Approved Housing Counselors will include:

Affordable Housing Centers of America

Catholic Charities

Community Renewal Team

Consumer Credit Counseling Services

Co-opportunity

Greater New Haven Community Loan Fund

Housing Development Fund, Bridgeport, Danbury and Stamford

Housing Education Resource Center

Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven

Neighborhood Housing Services of Waterbury

NID – Housing Counseling Agency

Urban League of Greater Hartford

Urban League of Southern Connecticut, Stamford

Other participating agencies will include:

Capital Workforce Partners, Connecticut Association for Community Action Agencies; Connecticut Bar Association; Connecticut Fair Housing Center; Connecticut Housing Finance Authority; Department of Housing and Urban Development; Fannie Mae; Freddie Mac; Greater New Haven Community Loan Fund; Infoline 2-1-1; Judicial Branch Mediation; Statewide Legal Services; The Workplace, Inc.; United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development.

Please note that there are a number of documents the workshop sponsors recommend you bring. These are:

• Most recently filed and signed federal tax return with all schedules and attachments including W2s

• Three most recent statements (all pages) for all of your bank, investment and retirement accounts

• Most recent statement for all of your department store/credit card, auto/student loan, and other mortgages/liens

• A form of state-issued identification, such as a driver’s license

• A recent utility bill with your name and property address to show proof of residency

• Signed and dated hardship letter that explains in detail why it is difficult for you to make your mortgage payments

• A list of all household monthly income and expenses (actual expense monthly statement)

• A copy of your Homeowners Insurance Declaration Page and Real Estate Property Tax Certification (tax bill)

• For each salaried borrower, you need to bring a month’s worth of the most recent pay stubs (within 30 days of the event)

• For each self-employed borrower, you need to bring the most recent quarterly or year-to-date profit/loss statement stating three months of business bank statements

• For each borrower with income such as Social Security, disability or death benefits, pension, adoption assistance, public assistance, food stamps, or unemployment you need to bring a benefits statement or award letter from provider, proof that you receive unemployment wages for a minimum of 12 months

• For each borrower relying on alimony or child support as qualifying income you need to bring the divorce or other court decree, or separation agreement or other written agreement filed with the court stating amount and period of time it will be received, and three most recent bank statements showing receipt of such payment

• For borrowers relying on rental income, you need to bring a complete schedule of real estate that you own, including the monthly payment amount for principle and interest, the amount of taxes and insurance/escrowed), and any homeowner association dues, current Lease Agreement(s) in its entirety, signed and dated, and three months of bank statements showing deposit of payment or cancelled checks showing receipt of payment

• For borrowers with income from other source(s) that amount to more than 20 percent of your total yearly income (this could include bonuses, tips or investment income, and letters regarding contribution to mortgage payments), you need to bring copy of documentation describing the nature of the income (employment contract or tip income)

Posted Nov. 14, 2011

Related resource: Foreclosure Assistance Hotline: 1-877-472-8313

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Michael Moore at Jorgensen Nov 18 to benefit Mark Twain House

Documentary filmmaker Michael Moore will speak at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing arts on the Storrs UConn campus on Nov. 18, 2011. Photo source: Jorgensen

Tickets are on sale – and likely to go quickly – for documentary filmmaker Michael Moore’s Friday, Nov. 18 appearance at the Jorgensen Center for Performing Arts on the University of Connecticut’s Storrs campus.

Moore’s appearance is a benefit for The Mark Twain House & Museum.

He is scheduled to speak at 7:30 p.m.

Moore is known for his social commentaries including “Roger and Me” about the auto industry and the Oscar-winning “Bowling for Columbine” about the high-school student killings that took place there.

His latest book, “Here Comes Trouble,” is a memoir filled with his trademark humor and provocative politics.

He is currently a vocal supporter of the Occupy Wall Street movement.

Tickets are $25, $35, $45, and $85  for premium Orchestra seating and a private reception at 5:30  p.m. with Michael Moore in the Jorgensen Gallery.

Posted Nov. 14, 2011

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Coventry Police join Click It or Ticket enforcement of seat belt use Nov 14-27

High-visibility enforcement such as the Click It or Ticket mobilization is credited with increasing the national seat belt usage rate from 58 percent in 1994 to an observed usage rate of 85 percent in 2010.

The Coventry Police Department will join other law enforcement agencies and highway safety advocates all across the country for the 2011 national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization from Nov. 14 to 27, 2011.

During this mobilization, officers will be cracking down on motorists who fail to wear their seat belts, both day and night.

High-visibility enforcement such as the Click It or Ticket mobilization is credited with increasing the national seat belt usage rate from 58 percent in 1994 to an observed usage rate of 85 percent in 2010.

Seat belt use saves thousands of lives each year across America.  In 2009 alone, seat belts saved 12,713 lives nationwide.

Coventry consistently records an observed seat belt usage rate of over 90 percent.

In addition to enforcing violations in Coventry, local officers will be joining forces with other jurisdictions who participate in the Regional Metro Traffic Services Unit.

The Highway Safety Office of the CT Department of Transportation provides funding to assist local agencies in this effort.

Remember this Nov. 14 to 27, it’s Click It or get a Ticket.

Buckle up and encourage your loved ones to do the same. You’ll save the cost of a ticket and may even save a life.

Posted Nov. 13, 2011

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CT Atty Gen asks cable companies to reduce bills due to Storm Alfred

"I encourage you to ensure that all your Connecticut customers, whose services were interrupted by this storm, are given full, pro-rata credit for the time they were unable to access your services, without the need for individual requests." CT Atty Gen George Jepsen

Connecticut Atty General George Jepsen is asking all providers of telecommunications, cable and satellite television and Internet services in Connecticut to waive charges for the period Connecticut customers were without service following the Oct. 29 Storm Alfred.

At its peak, the snowstorm knocked out power to about 831,000 CL&P customer, some of them for more than 9 days. Even in cases where power was restored, many cable providers were off air or did not provide all services immediately.

Attorney Gen. Jepsen announced in a press release that he sent letters Thursday (Nov. 10) to executives of 15 companies, asking them to consider his request and to respond in writing with their decision.

“The early winter storm on October 29-30 has created unprecedented hardships – physical, emotional, and financial – for hundreds of thousands of Connecticut citizens,” Atty Gen. Jepsen writes. “It is a matter of fundamental fairness that residents not have to pay for services that were unavailable for lack of electricity or other storm-related reasons.”

“I encourage you to ensure that all your Connecticut customers, whose services were interrupted by this storm, are given full, pro-rata credit for the time they were unable to access your services, without the need for individual requests,” he writes.

The letter was a response to questions and complaints by Connecticut consumers across the state, he said, about being charged for services they were unable to use for an extended period because they had no electricity or their service was interrupted even after power was restored to their home.

On another storm-related issue, the Attorney General also wrote to the Propane Gas Association of New England this week, raising antitrust concerns about correspondence the association sent to its members that discouraged them from filling tanks from competitors, despite Executive Order 15, which authorized them to do so.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy issued the Executive Order on Nov. 3 in response to emergency conditions in the state and the potential inability of propane gas customers to have their tanks refilled by the same company that owns the tank. The order remains in effect for 30 days, unless revoked sooner.

“This Office has concerns that your communication may have been designed to encourage or facilitate a group boycott or concerted refusal to deal among horizontal competitors in violation of the Connecticut Antitrust Act,” Atty Gen. Jepsen wrote to the Association office in Epsom, N.H. He asked association officials to distribute his letter to its membership.

Posted Nov. 12, 2011

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Check out the new and the leading edge at the Connecticut International Auto Show this weekend

A Toyota FJ Cruiser was among the impressive variety of vehicles on display at the 2010 Connecticut International Auto Show. Photo copyright 2010 by Brenda Sullivan

State automotive leaders are celebrating a re-energized industry this weekend at the Connecticut International Auto Show, set for Friday, Nov. 11 through Sunday, Nov. 13, at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

The show features some of the newest models of hybrid, luxury, family and specialty vehicles.

While cars are not for sale at the show, one of the benefits of attending is that consumers can view and compare different brands of cars in one place.

New car sales in the state are revving up again, with figures inching toward pre-recession levels.

Prior to the 2008 economic crash, Connecticut’s annual automobile sales averaged $9 billion a year, but that figure plummeted to $6.3 billion in 2008. Total sales now are back up to $8 billion and climbing.

New dealerships also have opened to replace the ones forced to close during the height of the recession.

One of the educational displays at the 2010 Connecticut International Car Show. Photo copyright 2010 by Brenda Sullivan

Between 2008 and 2009, 30 percent of the state’s new car dealers went out of business.

The newest dealers are helping fuel the economy with jobs and money; revenue from automobile sales accounts for 14 percent of sales tax collected annually in Connecticut, on top of the payroll and property taxes paid by the state’s car dealers. according to Jim Fleming, president of the Connecticut Automotive Retailers Association.

The association represents more than 250 new car dealerships in the state that employ more than 12,000 people.

Fleming also noted that dealer interest in this weekend’s show was so high that floor space sold out for the first time in three years.

Consumer confidence has rebounded since the depths of the recession, noted Barbara Putney, vice president of the Paragon Group, the show’s producer. “People no longer are feeling like if they buy a GM car, they might go out of business,” she said.

The shortage of newer used cars on the market also is prompting many people to consider buying new, she added.

The return of credit also is boosting sales, according to Fleming.

Two or three years ago, dealers were unable to get credit to finance their inventory and consumers struggled to get loans.

While Connecticut consumers are particularly environmentally-conscious and many are drawn to hybrids, large cars such as sport utility vehicles (SUVS) remain popular, Fleming said.

Overall, consumers are showing particular interest in hybrid cars and those that boast high gas mileage, Putney said.

One of the hybrid vehicles at the 2010 Connecticut International Auto Show. Photo copyright 2010 by Brenda Sullivan

“Virtually every brand has a hybrid car in its line. People want to know how the car lines are making engines perform better so they use less fuel. It has to do with the cost of gas, the idea of helping the environment and getting away from the dependence on foreign oil. For nearly 100 years, the car technology barely changed. Now there are different ways of looking at things,” Putney said.

Other attractions at this year’s Connecticut International Auto Show include an appearance by Sean Casey and the Tornado Intercept Vehicle from the Discovery Channel’s “Storm Chasers” program, from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Comic Bot, the eight-foot-tall robot from “America’s Got Talent” is scheduled to perform Saturday at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m.

Some vintage cars from the 1900s, 1920s and 1930s also will be on display, courtesy of the Klingberg Foundation.

Car show hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Children under age 6 are free.

This story brought to you by the Independent Media Network, http://imnct.com

Posted Nov. 12, 2011, as edited by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan

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