Firefighter’s mission is to aid Sept. 11 responders now struggling with cancer

South Windham, CT firefighter Jim Preston (third from left), Northeast Director of the Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation, is working to provide air purifiers for the homes of sick responders of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. With him are (L-R) Willimantic firefighter Natalie Siebecker, fundraiser David Wollner from the Willimantic Brewing Co. and Willimantic firefighter Ron Miles Jr. Photo by Al Malpa

Currently, the Northeast Director of the Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation, Jim Preston, 52, has been a volunteer firefighter at the South Windham Fire Department for more than 16 years.

He’s also a supervisor at Home Depot.

And he’s a man on a “mission” – to help those who rose to the occasion on one of the darkest days in U. S. history – the firefighters, 9/11 responders, Ground Zero workers and family members who have been stricken with cancer.

While the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks immediately killed thousands at the World Trade Center in New York, as well as more in Washington, D.C. and those aboard Flight 93 in Pennsylvania, more of those who came to their rescue are dying as well, mainly due to cancer and other diseases associated with the environment of Ground Zero.

The Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation, which has grown internationally to Australia and England, is working now to provide air purifiers for the homes of sick 9/ 11 responders and others involved.

Preston, has worked at the foundation for more than eight months. “We are losing, sometimes, up to three (responders) a week,” said Preston.

More than 1,000 Sept. 11 responders have died since the cleanup ended, he said.

Preston joined the Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation when its President Cindy Ell asked him if he’d be interested, at a press conference in Boston. “I couldn’t say no. How can you?” Preston recalled.

Preston lost his first wife to cancer when she was only 27, and then his mother three weeks later to the same disease.

Now he is joined by Cheryl Preston, his wife of 20 years, in this different kind of rescue effort. “We try to find these people and find out exactly what they need,” Preston said.

The foundation will help with anything from legal advice to finding them cheaper, better medications, Preston said.

Preston admits to feeling guilty, even today, for not going to Ground Zero right away. At the time, he was working for American Ambulance Services and couldn’t leave Connecticut immediately.

Many of his coworkers left right away, but Preston waited for his days off to go.

When Preston arrived, it was already the first weekend after the attacks. With his wife by his side, Preston went to as many firehouses as he could.

“I was freelancing and doing whatever I could to help,” said Preston. “You could see it in their eyes. It was a heartbreaking thing.”

To each firehouse he went to, Preston left a letter titled “Heavens Fire Department” in which he tries to make sense of the horrible events.

“In heaven of course there is a grand department,” says one of the letters. “This department is staffed with our Brothers and Sisters from all over the world. God, the ultimate Chief, knew this would be a tough transition so he needed the very best, and he called the FDNY.”

500 purifiers needed

The foundation has a list of 500 responders who need purifiers. Each costs $500. Made by the MagneGrip Group, they are hospital grade. They can even sense toxic chemical fumes in the air and break them down.

“What we are doing is all worthwhile,” Preston said. “This may extend someone’s life.”

Preston has another goal, and that is to get the Zadroga Act amended. The controversial federal bill was supposed to improve services and protection for 9/11 responders, but lacks coverage for cancer.

“We need to get these people the help that they need,” said Preston. He noted the bill covers carpal tunnel syndrome, but not cancer.

“We never hear about that bill or the responders anymore,” Preston said. “We are only 145 miles from Manhattan. This is terribly frustrating.”

His message to those responders in the Northeast whom he hasn’t found yet is to just sit tight – Preston will find you. “To the people out there, we love you and we aren’t going to leave any of you behind,” he said.

However, for all the foundation’s work, they are losing men and women on a weekly basis. Purifiers won’t save their lives, but they may add more time.

Preston said he and his wife attend the funerals of those who lose their battle with cancer.

“She’s incredible,” said Preston. At the last funeral they went to, he said, Cheryl Preston pulled her husband aside and told him that she loved him.

“She said, ‘I’m so glad you didn’t go (that day),’” Preston said, tears in his eyes. “‘I know you feel guilty.’”

The next step for Preston is to keep spreading the word. He has a couple of conferences lined up in New Hampshire and Massachusettsto get more people involved.

For more information about the Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation, visit www.ffcancer.org

Also, donations can be mailed to Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 2830, Wilmington, Del. 19805.

Questions? Call Jim Preston at (860) 617-7450.

Posted Jan. 22, 2012 as edited by HTNP.com 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. To keep up-to-date on local news, “like” us (HTNP News) on Facebook and follow us ( @HTNP) on Twitter!

Legislation would enhance care for retired military dogs

Special Forces in Afghanistan are strapping dogs to themselves before parachuting into Taliban territory. The German shepherds are equipped with video cameras to search buildings for insurgents. There have been eight canine casualties. Read more: http://undertheradar.military.com/2010/11/dog-soldiers

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) unveiled legislation Thursday (Jan. 12) in Hartford that would make it easier for military working dogs to get care and be honored for their service. It would “standardize” Defense Department policies on how retired military working dogs are transferred after leaving active duty.

Blumenthal’s bill would set up a process where military K-9s without a permanent home would go to a Texas Air Force base to be used by a training squadron. It also would create a “voluntary veterinary care fund” that would use “private donations” to allow DOD and private vets funds to care for retired military working dogs, according to his office.

For the full story, click on this LINK http://thehill.com/blogs/defcon-hill/operations/203925-sen-blumenthal-wants-enhanced-care-for-retired-military-working-dogs

Posted Jan. 12, 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. To keep up-to-date on local news, “like” us (HTNP News) on Facebook and follow us ( @HTNP) on Twitter!

Applications now available for state's annual firewood lottery

Applications will be accepted until Feb. 1 2012. The Firewood Lottery will be determined using a random-number-generating process. “Winners” will be posted on the DEEP Forestry Website by March 14. Firewood lots are generally offered during the warm months when forest roads are accessible. Connecticut residents may apply for one Forest Products Harvesting Permit per household per year.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announces that applications for the annual state forest firewood lottery are now available.

Applications will be accepted until Feb. 1 2012. The Firewood Lottery will be determined using a random-number-generating process. “Winners” will be posted on the DEEP Forestry Website by March 14.

Firewood lots are generally offered during the warm months when forest roads are accessible.

Connecticut residents may apply for one Forest Products Harvesting Permit per household per year.

Firewood Program in State Forests

The annual firewood lottery provides Connecticut homeowners with a renewable, affordable, locally grown fuel source.

Firewood harvesting from State land helps achieve sustainable forest management goals, improve forest health, and offers fun physical activity for family and friends. (Henry David Thoreau is often credited with the saying that firewood warms you twice, once through the exercise of splitting and once in the fireplace.)

DEEP reminds all visitors that removal of any firewood from a state forest requires a permit.

Standing trees and downed wood will be sold to the lottery winners in designated two-cord lots for $60 by DEEP Foresters, as forest road conditions allow.

Most all permits will be issued before October 2012.

In addition, personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn while cutting wood. The minimum requirements of PPE include: hard hat, eye protection, hearing protection, and cut-resistant chaps or pants.

Chainsaws have to be equipped with properly functioning safety devices, including a chain brake.

Cutters without PPE may have their Forest Product Agreement revoked and not be offered a woodlot the following year.

To submit an application

Applications may be downloaded and more information may be found at the State Lands Firewood Program Web site at http://ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2697&q=429464&depNav_GID=1631 or by calling 1-860-424-3630.

Applicants who do not receive a permit by lottery selection will be placed on an alternate list. Alternates may be offered permits at the discretion of DEEP Forestry based on supply.

Posted Jan. 13, 2012

Editor’s note: The cost for pre-cut firewood in Connecticut at this time appears to range from $160 to $225 a cord.

Related links: What is a cord of wood? http://www.snowservicesllc.net/

Listing of some CT businesses selling firewood http://www.firewoods.net/ne/CT.aspx

CT DEEP/Forestry listing of certified wood product sellers – look to right column for link to info about certification and the list (in PDF format). http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2697&q=322792&depNav_GID=1631

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. To keep up-to-date on local news, “like” us (HTNP News) on Facebook and follow us ( @HTNP) on Twitter!

Attn Coventry – Green Light Celebration is Jan 14-Feb 12 2012

Town officials, local businesses and private residents are asked to change out at least one light bulb with a green-colored, energy-efficient bulb during the winter festivities. TLGV developed the Green Light Celebration as a way to build awareness of the organization and its work, promote tourism and provide a fun reprieve from winter. Photo courtesy of The Last Green Valley

The Last Green Valley (TLGV) is calling on all residents to show their support for our beautiful National Heritage Corridor by lighting up green during the month-long Green Light Celebration, Jan. 14 – Feb. 12, 2012.

Town officials, local businesses and private residents are asked to change out at least one light bulb with a green-colored, energy-efficient bulb during the winter festivities.

TLGV developed the Green Light Celebration as a way to build awareness of the organization and its work, promote tourism and provide a fun reprieve from winter.

Click the following link to see list of participants and where to get green lights http://www.tlgv.org/resources/green-light-supporters.html

The Green Light Celebration is also a wonderful opportunity for businesses to promote themselves under a regional marketing umbrella. (For example, the Willimantic Brewery, in Willimantic is contemplating a “green” beer special promotion. )

TLGV is asking restaurants, accommodations, and shops to come up with creative ideas utilizing the Green Light Celebration theme including special events, accommodation packages, discounts and menu/drink specials (like a “green plate” special).

Prizes will be awarded for the “best” green light displays, so be sure to shop locally for your green lights.

For more information about how you can get involved, please contact Michelle Bourgeois, Tourism Coordinator, by phone: 860-774-3300 or by email: Michelle@TLGV.org

What is The Last Green Valley?

The Last Green Valley is half the size of Grand Canyon National Park and more than ten times that of Acadia, the largest national park in the northeast.

Forest and farmland make up 78 percent of its 695,000-acres, yet it lies only an hour from three of New England’s four largest urban areas.

Its 300,000 inhabitants reside only two-and-a-half hours from 25 million people.

This relatively undeveloped rural island in the midst of the most urbanized region in the nation makes it a resource of local, regional, and national importance.

Because of this, in 1994, Congress designated the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor, which recognizes the region as a unique national resource.

In 1999, Congress enlarged the Corridor to include Quinebaug and Shetucket River Valley towns in both Massachusetts and Connecticut, now numbering 35 in all.

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

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

Read more here http://www.tlgv.org/more/more-subpage.html

Posted Jan. 12, 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. To keep up-to-date on local news, “like” us (HTNP News) on Facebook and follow us ( @HTNP) on Twitter!

Want to learn how to help your community during a disaster?

Are you part of a business, church or neighborhood that would like to strengthen its ability to come through a storm strong, and reach out to others? Anyone can take the Red Cross Shelter Operations training; children under the age of 16 may attend if accompanied by an adult.

Recent storms Irene and Alfred saw most of our state shut down and several shelters opening throughout our region.

Self-sufficient, resilient communities are strong communities during tough times.

Many local volunteers used Red Cross Shelter Operations training to assist at the shelters, but we need more help!

Already Trained?

Those who are already Red Cross Shelter Operations certified may join together on the afternoon of Feb. 4 for a tabletop sheltering drill held at Windham Hospital.

Disaster workers will organize into teams and set up a shelter on paper, and problem solve common issues.

Please register to reserve a spot. There is no cost to participate in this drill, and it is open to the entire region.

Need Training?

There are three opportunities to take Disaster Shelter Operations training before the drill.

Pick one and please register now because space is limited. There is no cost to participants.

• Wednesday Jan. 18, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic

• Wednesday Jan. 18, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. N. Windham Fire Dept.

• Saturday Feb. 4, 9 a.m. – noon Windham Hospital

Are you part of a business, church or neighborhood that would like to strengthen its ability to come through a storm strong, and reach out to others?

Anyone can take the training; children under the age of 16 may attend if accompanied by an adult.

For more information and to register, call 860-456-2221 or send email to citizencorps@wincog.org

Posted Jan. 11, 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. To keep up-to-date on local news, “like” us (HTNP News) on Facebook and follow us ( @HTNP) on Twitter!

Novartis issues over-the-counter medications recall – possible mix-up of some contents

Novartis said it issued the recall because mixing of different products in the same bottle could result in consumers taking the incorrect product, receiving a higher or lower strength than intended or receiving an unintended ingredient. This could potentially result in overdose, interaction with other medications a consumer may be taking, or an allergic reaction if the consumer is allergic to the unintended ingredient. (Novaritis image, via TheNewsMarket.com, used with permission)

Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. (NCH) announced this week that it is voluntarily recalling all lots of select bottle packaging configurations of Excedrin® and NoDoz® products with expiration dates of Dec. 20, 2014 or earlier as well as Bufferin® and Gas-X Prevention® products with expiration dates of Dec. 20, 2013 or earlier, in the United States.

These over-the-counter products were distributed nationwide to wholesalers and retailers.

NCH states the recall is a precautionary measure because the products in question “may contain stray tablets, capsules, or caplets from other Novartis products, or contain broken or chipped tablets.”

The recall states:

Mixing of different products in the same bottle could result in consumers taking the incorrect product, receiving a higher or lower strength than intended or receiving an unintended ingredient.

This could potentially result in overdose, interaction with other medications a consumer may be taking, or an allergic reaction if the consumer is allergic to the unintended ingredient.

NCH states the company is not aware of any “adverse events” reported to be caused by the potential content mix-ups or damage before the recall was announced.

For the three-page list of products affected by this recall, go to the press release page – http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm286240.htm – and click on the link to products (PDF document).

The recall also states that the Novartis Consumer Health Inc. Lincoln, Nebraska facility has voluntarily suspended operations and shipments, “to accelerate maintenance and other improvement activities at the site,” and that this recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Novartis Consumer Health Inc. also s notifying its distributors and customers and is arranging for return of all recalled products. “Wholesalers and retailers should stop distribution and return the affected product using Novartis Product Return information that is being provided to them,” the release states.

NCH also advises consumers who bought the product(s) being recalled to stop using them and contact the Novartis Consumer Relationship Center at 1-888-477-2403 (available Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time) for information on how to return the recalled product(s) and receive a full refund.

More detailed information is listed on the Novartis web site at www.novartisOTC.com (as of Jan. 9, 2012.)

Consumers also should contact their physician or health care provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using the recalled products.

Adverse experiences that may be related to the use of these products also may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program either online, by regular mail or by Fax:

Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm

Regular mail: use postage-paid FDA form 3500 available www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm and mail to MedWatch, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787

Or by Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178

Novartis Consumer Health Inc. states it plans to gradually resume operations at its Lincoln site, “following implementation of planned improvements and in agreement with the FDA.”

The Lincoln site apparently represents a small portion of the company’s production. The release states, “The Novartis Consumer Health Inc. Lincoln, NE facility produces a variety of products mainly for the U.S. market with annual sales value of less than 2 percent of Novartis Group sales.”

The release also states that there is no projected date for when the plant will resume full operations, and there currently is no estimate of the full financial impact of the recall and the cost of “improvements” at the facility.

However, the release also states that, “NCH will take a one-time charge currently estimated at $120 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, relating to the recalls and improvement work at the Lincoln, NE facility.”

The recall also states: “The Novartis Group is fully committed to ensuring the quality, safety and integrity of its products.

“All Novartis Group companies have a clear commitment to patients and Health Authorities to ensure high quality standards for all our products and services. Novartis Group companies stand behind the safety and efficacy of their products, and are fully committed to maintaining high quality standards at all production sites in the U.S. and around the world.

“All Novartis Group products are subjected to strict manufacturing, testing and monitoring standards. Where they fall outside the standards, Novartis Group companies take actions to correct the issue and may recall products as a precaution.”

Posted Jan. 10, 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. To keep up-to-date on local news, “like” us (HTNP News) on Facebook and follow us ( @HTNP) on Twitter!

Reinvent Connecticut – still time to register for business workshops

“These sessions provide an opportunity for citizens to sit down at a table with a professional, ask questions and have them answered immediately, and fill out applications on the spot. Small businesses are critical to the state’s economic recovery, and these types of personal gatherings are giving a face to a state agency that is critical to the growth of small businesses.” - Gov. Malloy

There is still time to register for the last three workshops in the Reinvent Connecticut series, sponsored by the state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).

The workshops are designed to give small businesses a firsthand look at how the state can help them create jobs and expand their operations.

Participants will learn about the recent jobs legislation, as well as existing programs to assist Connecticut businesses.

Key provisions of the recently passed Jobs Bill include:

Small Business Express Program (EXP) – provides $100 million to help Connecticut’s small businesses access much-needed capital.

Job Expansion Tax Credit (JET) program – provides a tax credit $500 per month for each new employee or $900 per month for certain employees if they are disabled, unemployed or a veteran.

First Five program – was expanded so DECD can provide state assistance to five additional business development projects, for a total of 10, in 2012.

The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) – can establish additional airport development zones, similar to the zone near Bradley International Airport, around the state’s smaller airports. Businesses within these zones can be eligible for property tax exemptions and corporation business tax credits.

Manufacturing Reinvestment Account (MRA) program – was expanded to help even more small manufacturers in Connecticut invest more in their businesses.

Subsidized Training & Employment Program (STEP) – will provide funding to small businesses and small manufacturers for a portion of a worker’s employment costs, including training.

Increases by a total of up to $340 million in bonding for the state’s Manufacturing Assistance Act (MAA).

Business entity tax – now collected every other year, rather than annually.  This lowers the cost of doing business in Connecticut.

DECD has scheduled two webinars for those that cannot attend the final workshops.  They will be held Jan. 18, 2012 from 9-10 a.m. and Jan. 19, 2012 from 1-2 p.m. (call 1-800-392-2122 for more information.)

DECD business specialists will be at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport on Jan. 5; the Four Points Sheraton in Meriden on Jan. 9; the Matrix Corporate Center in Danbury on Jan. 12; and the Branford Community House on Jan. 19.

Those interested in attending the remaining sessions should register in advance at http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22DQSU2K9BX or call 800-392-2122 for more information.

“Since I took office, one of my primary goals has been to reconnect state government and the business community.  One of the concerns I heard most was the feeling that government wasn’t listening – that it was disengaged from those it was supposed to be serving,” said Gov. Malloy.  “That’s why these informational sessions are so important.  It’s a way for business owners and other entrepreneurial-minded people to get the assistance they need and forge relationships with our business development team.

“These sessions provide an opportunity for citizens to sit down at a table with a professional, ask questions and have them answered immediately, and fill out applications on the spot.  Small businesses are critical to the state’s economic recovery, and these types of personal gatherings are giving a face to a state agency that is critical to the growth of small businesses.”

Initiated Nov. 9, 2011 these sessions have been attended by about 800 people and have resulted in more than 144 applications for the state’s newest program called the Small Business Express Program (EXP).

Catherine Smith, commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development and Deputy Commissioner Ron Angelo have led more than 12 sessions across the state.

Posted Jan. 5, 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. To keep up-to-date on local news, “like” us (HTNP News) on Facebook and follow us ( @HTNP) on Twitter!

Want to know more about beekeeping? Learn from the experts

The Eastern CT Beekeeping Association classes, held at UConn, will be a lecture and interactive series, focusing on honeybees and beekeeping, with emphasis on management for pollination and honey production. Photo source: cals.vt.edu

The Eastern Connecticut Beekeeping Association will lead an introductory beekeeping course for anyone with an interest in bees/beekeeping beginning Jan. 26, 2012 at the University of Connecticut Storrs campus. People who already have colonies are also invited to attend.

Classes will be held in the W.B. Young Building on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., with registration held at 6 p.m. at the first class.

Class dates are Jan. 26, and Feb. 2, 9, 16 – and Feb. 23 is reserved as a snow date, in the event a class is cancelled. (If UConn is closed due to weather, class will not be held.)

The class will be a lecture and interactive series, focusing on honeybees and beekeeping, with emphasis on management for pollination and honey production.

The classes will be conducted by experienced beekeepers Adam Fuller from Hampton CT, Alex Nishball from Mansfield CT and Tim Grilley from Salem CT.

There is a $75 registration fee. The fee includes the class book, “The Backyard Beekeeper,” the class and a one-year membership in the Eastern Connecticut Beekeepers Association.

To register, click on this link (form is in PDF format) http://webpages.charter.net/nectar/ECBA/Bee_School_Reg_2012.pdf, complete the registration form and return it ASAP with a $75 check to: ECBA, P.O. Box 487, Tolland, CT 06084.

If you register by mail, the deadline is Jan. 15, 2012. You may also register in person at the first class if space is still available.

Posted Jan. 5, 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. To keep up-to-date on local news, “like” us (HTNP News) on Facebook and follow us ( @HTNP) on Twitter!

State grants will support commercial development, foot traffic and filmmaking

"These projects are part of reinventing Connecticut and making us a stronger, highly competitive, and more vibrant state." - Gov. Malloy

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy today (Jan. 4, 2012) announced the last round of Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) awards – including towns in the HTNP.com readership area.

The State Bond Commission allocated $20 million for 2012 STEAP grants in September 2011 – Gov. Malloy has been visiting some towns to make the announcements in person.

“Over the past several weeks I’ve enjoyed visiting the small towns across Connecticut that make our state a great place to live,” Gov. Malloy said today.

“Local leaders have done a tremendous job advocating for their communities and ensuring that these important projects are getting the attention and support they need and state government has stepped up as a partner in the effort to improve the quality of life for residents. These projects are part of reinventing Connecticut and making us a stronger, highly competitive, and more vibrant state.”

Awards by town:

Ashford

Ashford was awarded $196,000 in STEAP funding to reconstruct part of Hnath Road. The reconstruction will help homeowners whose properties have been affected by poor drainage. The project will also provide safer conditions for drivers.

State Rep. Bryan Hurlburt said today, “This grant will pay dividends for years to come by helping to repair and upgrade a critical transportation artery in our town. I thank Gov. Malloy for his commitment to our small towns and in particular, for recognizing Ashford as a good long-term investment.”

Coventry

Coventry was awarded $400,000 to construct sidewalks that will link schools and the library, and to make streetscape improvements in the Village Business District.

Upgrades to the business district began with ARRA (recovery) funding and could have a significant impact on the local economy.

State Rep. Tim Ackert (R- Coventry) said today, “The completion of the sidewalks linking the schools to the library will allow for safer passage of our children and encourage residents to use the town’s resources,”

“The improvement of the streetscape in the village district is an important project that may not otherwise be completed without the assistance of the STEAP grant. I believe this project will help improve the quality of life in Coventry in a meaningful way,” Rep. Ackert said.

Eastford

Eastford received $386,680 to rehabilitate Mill Bridge Road #1, a major artery for Eastford Village. These funds will serve as the local match required to obtain federal funds to repair the bridge and preserve its historic appearance.

Hebron

Hebron was awarded $214,000 to install traffic signals in the business district at the intersection of Route 66 and John Horton Boulevard.

This will serve existing development on Main Street and enhance traffic and pedestrian safety.

The project will also promote new business development in the business expansion area.

Mansfield

Mansfield received STEAP funds in the amount of $500,000 for infrastructure improvements along what will be known as Village Street in the new “downtown” created by the multimillion dollar Storrs Center project, now under construction off Route 195, across from the UConn campus and the Mansfield Town Hall (Audrey P. Beck Municipal Building).

The funds will be used for infrastructure (i.e. power lines) as part of creating Village Street.

Senate President Pro Tem Don Williams said today, “Building a strong Storrs Center for the benefit of residents, students and the local economy has been a priority for many years.  This grant will help in continuing to move this project forward.”

State Rep. Gregg Haddad (D-Mansfield, Chaplin) said today, “Over the next two years, a wonderful and carefully planned mix of restaurants, shops, housing and a town square will take shape, with the state’s commitment to the Storrs Center project critical to its success. With close access to all the great cultural and athletic events at UConn, Storrs Center will be a very popular gathering place for both local residents and visitors.”

Marlborough

Marlborough will use $400,000 in STEAP funds for the final phase of streetscape improvements in the Village Center area. This project is estimated to create or retain 18 to 24 construction jobs, and will attract pedestrians to the business district in the community.

State Rep. Pam Sawyer said today, “STEAP Grants of this size are a real economic development tool for the small towns like Marlborough. The town will be now able to tackle a project that it would not be able to do on just local dollars. It is a real boost and for a reasonable amount of state dollars.”

Regional project – Connecticut Studios

South Windsor received $500,000 for infrastructure improvements associated with the development of the Connecticut Studios. State and local officials, working in conjunction with a development team, will construct a state-of-the-art movie studio production facility in South Windsor.

Connecticut Studios will includes 6 to 8 sound stages, a mill building for set manufacturing, as well as executive and production offices.

Ancillary development will include a 150-room hotel, retail, and several restaurants.

Upon completion, the studio is estimated to create 1,500 film production jobs.

During the development phase, over 500 union construction jobs will be created. “Ongoing operations” jobs will total close to 5,000. (All job estimates taken from CERC study on this project).

State Rep. Tim Larson said today, “This funding is not only important to our town, but also to the entire region, as it will help ensure surrounding infrastructure properly supports the exciting Connecticut Studio project. I thank Gov. Malloy for recognizing the economic benefits of this important project and his commitment to helping it become a success.”

State Rep. Bill Aman, who represents the 14th General Assembly District said today, “Economic development is among the most discussed topics in communities throughout the state and that’s the case here in South Windsor, where the I-291 gateway has been identified as an area where companies could thrive and create jobs.”

“This grant from the state represents a continuing investment in that effort, and it certainly signals that this community is motivated, organized and ready to work with companies looking for fertile ground,” Rep. Aman said.

Posted Jan. 4, 2012

Related link: Connecticut Studios info page on South Windsor Town Web site http://www.southwindsor.org/pages/swindsorct_IT/ct_studios/ctstudios

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. To keep up-to-date on local news, “like” us (HTNP News) on Facebook and follow us ( @HTNP) on Twitter!

A year in review – a year of celebrations – 2011

The sun was beginning to set on Christmas Even when a loud roar was heard as Santa sped down Main Street, Willlimantic, as if late for a very important appointment. Photo 2011 by Al Malpa

With economic struggles and weather hardships dominating 2011, the past year also offered Windham-area residents more than their fair share of festivals and fun – from country fairs to citywide celebrations.

From February to fall and beyond, local residents were granted the opportunity to partake in fun and revelry that ranged from the frivolous to the romantic, the battery-operated to the historical.

While Willimantic slumbered through the month of January, combating frustrating snowstorms, the city came to life in February to welcome Romantic Willimantic’s seventh annual Chocolate Festival.

“Tons of people” turned out for the Valentine’s weekend event, according to organizer Lynn Duval.

More than 30 businesses opened their doors to families interested in sampling chocolate delights and, according to Duval, 165 attended the Chocolate Lovers’ Soiree and Cabaret at the Capitol Theater.

Music, truffles, cookies and cake were topped off with the crowning of not one but two Cupids.

Faith and Steve Kenton were awarded the city’s highest civic honor, recognized for their impact on the community, according to Charles Obrias, Windham assistant recreation director.

In May, communities commemorated Memorial Day weekend with parades, ceremonies and remembrances – paying tribute to those who have paid the ultimate price.

While some towns canceled or rescheduled events due to inclement weather that Monday, Windham/Willlimantic’s annual Memorial Day pilgrimage went on as planned.

All were invited to meet at the Main Street VFW with stops scheduled at many of the local cemeteries. Following those brief observances, parade participants marched to Memorial Park on rain-soaked streets.

Missing from the parade this year was 85-year-old Joseph Kos. For years Kos drove his restored World War II-era jeeps in local parades but made the decision this year to sell his vehicles and retire.

May led to June, children were finally out of school, and summer was in full swing.

Soon, ice cream trucks were cruising the streets and thoughts turned to fireworks.

The 16th annual Coventry Fest, Coventry’s answer to the Fourth of July, celebrated the end of June at Patriots Park on Coventry Lake.

Sponsored by the Coventry and Storrs Knights of Columbus, the American Legion Post 52, and the Boy Scouts of America Troop 65, the event is a great prequel to the area’s favorite July 4th celebration: The annual WILI Fourth of July Boom Box Parade in Willimantic.

Flag-waving crowds lined the streets for the battery- powered event – the largest of its kind in the world, which marked its 26^th anniversary in 2011.

In lieu of bands, music is provided by parade attendees, who bring radios tuned to WILI, which plays patriotic music.

The event was as successful as ever this year, despite new rules that limited the use of water cannons and prohibited revving engines.

Attendees might remember the Willimantic Food Co-op with its synchronized shopping cart performance or Michael Barr and the “Terror Crew” with a Halloween-­themed hearse and monster costumes.

Dina Burski, 4, of Willimantic, applauds one of the speakers at a ceremony that followed the 2011 Memorial Day Parade in Willimantic. Behind her is the 1109th Theater Aviation Maintainance Group of the Army National Guard stationed in Groton who marched in the parade. Photo by Marie Brennan

July was nothing if not foot­loose and fancy free with fun and even more fireworks as Lebanon continued a longstanding tradition with the 12th annual Summer Dancefest, an event that began in 2000 to commemorate the town’s tercentennial.

The New London County town kept the party going in August when the 52nd annual Lebanon Country Fair returned, bringing horse shows, animals, rides, a demolition derby, the Miss Lebanon Fair Pageant, fair food, tractor pulls and a horseshoe tournament.

“There’s a lot of things going on for a 10-dollar bill,” said fair superintendent and Lions Club member Christopher Darrow.

Sponsored by the Lions Club, the fair brought more than 15,000 visitors to Lebanon in 2011.

This year, for a small fee, visitors were even offered helicopter rides – on a separate day so as not to spook the horses.

Summer just isn’t summer without a night on the town – a casual stroll, accompanied by music, a little shopping, and fried seafood on a balmy night.

Third Thursday Street Festivals on Main Street in Romantic Willimantic continued through the summer, bringing live bands and diverse street performers to entertain adults and children of all ages.

The Third Thursday Street Festival events begin in May and continued each month, weather permitting, until September.

From reggae to bagpipes, salsa to jazz, there was something for everyone.

Or, if competition is more your style, there was the Windham Idol contestants performing in front of judges on the T&B Motors Main Stage on Bank Street.

The local community wrapped up the summer with a visit to the Hebron Harvest Fair.

This year, the fair celebrated its 40th anniversary by “Honoring Heroes” and dedicated the four­day fair to local “hero” Ted Armata, who owned and operated Ted’s IGA Supermarket in Hebron until his death earlier this year.

The weather wreaked havoc on many events in 2011 and the Hebron Fair fell victim as well, losing out on opening day when rain deterred many who might have attended and forced the cancellation of a few events.

Worse, the Brooklyn Fair in late August was drastically affected by Tropical Storm Irene, which hit on the final day of the event.

Hebron led the way to fall when, “jousting knights, jesters, fair maids, King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, Merlin and other interactive characters walk(ed) among us,” said Eric Tetreault, co-owner of the Connecticut Renaissance Faire.

The annual event, in its 13th season, is hosted at the site of the Hebron Lions Fairgrounds and welcomes fairies, princesses and knights to visit each weekend through mid-October.

“The Connecticut Renaissance Faire is the perfect place to get away from it all,” said General Manager Brian Harvard.

Halloween is celebrated in a variety of ways in the Windham area, with Trick- or- Treat on Main Street, Trunk-or-Treat and the Jack O’Lantern Jaunt being offered to local children this year.

This brave threesome - Chase Massey, Lexi Massey and Hannah Nolde - hold on tight as they ride the Himilayan at the Hebron Harvest Fair on Sept. 9, 2011. Photo by Al Malpa

Local businesses and area recreation departments often work together to provide safe Halloween opportunities for the youngest residents of the community.

And then all of a sudden the holidays were upon us.

Thanksgiving often makes one think of sweet potatoes and green bean casserole. But the day after in Willimantic, folks line up to thank firefighters, joining hundreds for the annual Holiday Fire Truck Light Parade and welcomed the season in siren-y style.

This year, the parade, sponsored by Willimantic Waste Paper Co. and the Willimantic Elks Club, was bigger and brighter than ever and served as a precursor to several municipal celebrations in towns areawide.

“It’s a great kickoff to the tree lighting,” said event organizer Joshua Niles. “The kids like to see the trucks all decked out.”

“Santa” Glenn Johnson, a volunteer at the Tolland Fire Department, said that since he was a child, Christmas has always been his favorite holiday.

“The magic of Christmas is being in that sleigh with the kids,” said Johnson. “I have a special part in my heart for the kids.”

Posted Dec. 28, 2011

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. To keep up-to-date on local news, “like” us (HTNP News) on Facebook and follow us ( @HTNP) on Twitter!