Police have hectic Christmas weekend

Highway safety experts say distracted driving, especially talking or sending text messages on cellular phones while driving, is one of the main causes of accidents.

While police in Willimantic and Coventry reported a relatively quiet holiday weekend, fires, drunk drivers and hazardous holiday happenings kept Connecticut State Police very busy and they expect this to continue as we greet the arrival of 2012 Saturday night.

State Police Lt. J. Paul Vance said Operation SANTA, the nationwide roadway safety effort that began before Christmas – and this year is focused on distracted driving, as well as other violations – will remain in effect through Sunday, Jan. 1.

Highway safety experts say distracted driving, especially talking or sending text messages on cellular phones while driving, is one of the main causes of accidents.

Over this holiday weekend, CT State Police cited 815 drivers for moving violations including talking/texting while driving.

“We had what we would call a hectic weekend,” said Lt. Vance. “We had a lot of accidents.”

State police respond not only to crimes and motor vehicle violations but also to fires – such as the horrific Christmas Day blaze in Stamford that claimed the lives of five people, including three children and their grandparents.

Fatal accident

A single-vehicle accident on Route 6 in Bolton at about 6:30 a.m. on Monday, in the area of Johnson Road, claimed the life of the driver.

Police say Thomas R. Farr, 54, of Berlin, was driving east on Route 6 when he lost control of his truck while negotiating a curve in the road.

Police say the 2004 Ford F350 truck crossed two lanes and struck an embankment, then rolled onto the driver’s side of the vehicle; Farr was partially ejected and trapped under the truck. Police say the airbag did not deploy.

The accident remains under investigation.

Statewide, there were two fatal accidents, 36 accidents with injuries, 502 speeding arrests, 43 arrests for not wearing seat belts and 36 arrests for driving under the influence… in addition to the aforementioned 815 hazardous moving violations.

These statistics cover the time between midnight Friday, Dec. 23, and midnight on Monday, Dec. 26.

New Year’s Day

Extra police patrols will remain on the state’s roadways through the New Year’s weekend.

And state police remind citizens that state troopers are only part of a “team effort” to keep the highways and roadways safe.

“We need the help of all our citizens to keep our highways safe and reduce the total number of motor vehicle accidents in the state,” Lt. Vance states. For example, if you witness someone driving erratically, potentially a driver under the influence, it is legal to call 911 and report it (take note of the license plate and the color and make of the vehicle.)

To view a list of police checkpoints planned for this weekend – organized by region (i.e Troop C, Troop K) and date, in PDF format, click here www.ct.gov/dps/site

Posted Dec. 27, 2011

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Courtney helps taxpayers recover more than $1 million

In the cases where Congressman Courtney’s office helped recovered taxpayer money, constituents have saved anywhere from $105 in a dispute with the IRS to $124,000 – payment secured for a Vietnam veteran for service-connected disability related to Agent Orange exposure.

Congressman Joe Courtney today (Dec. 22) announced that, since the beginning of 2011, his office has helped return $1,331,686 to eastern Connecticut citizens who were owed Social Security checks, veterans’ benefits, tax refunds and other payments from the federal government.

Since Courtney’s arrival in Congress in 2007, his casework staff has helped thousands of constituents cut through bureaucratic red tape.

“Almost every day for the past five years, my office has received a call from someone in eastern Connecticut asking for help solving a problem,” said Congressman Courtney.

“Every dollar we are talking about today has a story – a person who was fighting an uphill battle to get the help he or she deserved. I hope their success in recovering what was owed to them inspires others to contact my office right away,” he said.

In the cases where Courtney’s office helped recovered taxpayer money, constituents have saved anywhere from $105 in a dispute with the IRS to $124,000 – payment secured for a Vietnam veteran for service-connected disability related to Agent Orange exposure.

In total, the casework breakdown of savings is as follows:

Social Security: $950,698

Veterans’ benefits: $160,543

Housing: $143,400

Pensions: $34,725

FEMA: $23,870

IRS: $18,450

Congressman Courtney’s office can assist constituents with a range of issues including: Social Security, Medicare, veterans’ benefits, immigration/visas, passports, loan modifications, requests for flags and commendations, service academy nominations, and more.

He has two offices in eastern Connecticut: Norwich District Office, 101 Water Street, Suite 301, Norwich, CT 06360, 860.886.0139; Enfield District Office, 77 Hazard Ave, Unit J, Enfield, CT 06082, 860.741.6011

Posted Dec. 22, 2011

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DMV office hours change during Christmas holiday

Department of Motor Vehicles customer service centers will close for the Christmas holiday on Friday, Dec. 23, 2011 at 12:30 p.m. and reopen Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011 at 7:45 a.m.

Major DMV service offices will be open on Thursday until 5:30 p.m.

AAA offices will be open to process driver’s license renewals during their normal business hours on Friday and Saturday.

All AAA offices will be closed on Monday, Dec. 26.

DMV photo licensing centers and satellite offices will have the following adjusted hours around the Christmas holiday:

• Derby – Railroad Station, 12 Main Street, Friday, Dec. 23 from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.;

• Putnam, 165 Kennedy Drive, Friday, Dec. 23 from 7:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and closed on Saturday, Dec. 24;

• Middletown- Main Street Market, Friday, Dec. 23 from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.;

• Winsted, 151 Torrington Road, Friday, Dec. 23 from 7:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and closed on Saturday, Dec. 24.

More information about DMV services is available online at ct.gov/dmv or through the DMV telephone center at 860-263-5700 in the Greater Hartford area and 800-842-8222 for the remainder of the state.

Through the web site and phone center, customers can find specific information 24 hours a day on non-driver identification, change of address and change of name as well as

• vehicle tax questions,

• records information,

• forms,

• emissions testing and inspections,

• operator’s licenses,

• titles and registrations

• and directions to DMV branch offices and photo license centers.

The site also has details on boating registrations, handicapped driver training, commercial vehicle safety, and instructions on how to file a complaint against a dealer or repairer.

Posted Dec. 20, 2011

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US Postal Service will postpone move that would put 100,000 out of work

The USPS has forecast a $14.1 billion loss in fiscal 2012, due to declining mail volume – the result of email communication significantly replacing “snail mail," as well as the growth of competing package shipping services. Photo source: US Postal Service

The U.S. Postal Service, in response to a request made by multiple U.S. Senators, has agreed to delay the closing or consolidation of any Post Office or mail processing facility until May 15, 2012.

In a statement released today, a USPS spokesman said, “The Postal Service will continue all necessary steps required for the review of these facilities during the interim period, including public input meetings.”

In the meantime, legislators expect to take up the issue of the postal service’s financial troubles when Congress reconvenes in January.

As noted in the statement, “The Postal Service hopes this period will help facilitate the enactment of comprehensive postal (reform) legislation. Given the Postal Service’s financial situation and the loss of mail volume, the Postal Service must continue to take all steps necessary to reduce costs and increase revenue.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) led the request made by 21 legislators for the USPS to agree to a “moratorium” on closures.

“Over the last few months, I have heard concerns from local officials, residents and postal service employees about the original proposal from the Postal Service,” Sen. Durbin said today.

“There is no doubt that the Postal Service as we know it today has to adapt, but I think a better solution exists,” he said. “It’s now up to us to move forward with comprehensive legislation that does not jeopardize the best postal service in the world.”

His comments follow a meeting yesterday (Dec. 12) between several Senators and the U.S. Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe and the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors Chair Thurgood Marshall, Jr.

The USPS has forecast a $14.1 billion loss in fiscal 2012, due to declining mail volume – the result of email communication significantly replacing “snail mail” as well as the growth of competing package shipping services.

As reported today in Time online, the USPS also is expected to default Friday on a $5.5 billion payment to the Treasury.

Earlier this month, the USPS announced plans to close more than half of its 461 mail-processing plants – which would mean the end of one-day delivery of First Class mail – as well as thousands of local post offices throughout the country.

The USPS plans to close 252 mail processing centers and 3,700 local post offices.

Upwards of 100,000 postal employees would lose their jobs.

The USPS needs congressional approval to defer retiree benefits payments and to end Saturday delivery.

The USPS also noted that many people don’t realize that the Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Posted Dec. 13, 2011

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U.S. Postal Service continues tradition of Letters to Santa campaign

Dec. 1, 2011 marked the beginning of this year’s Letters to Santa letter-writing program through which members of the public and charitable organizations respond to children’s letters addressed to Santa Claus, the North Pole and other Christmas-season characters.

Despite its financial woes and uncertain future, the U.S. Postal Service will continue its Letters to Santa program this Christmas season.

Dec. 1, 2011 marked the beginning of this year’s Letters to Santa letter-writing program through which members of the public and charitable organizations respond to children’s letters addressed to Santa Claus, the North Pole and other Christmas-season characters.

Members of the public also can help make a child’s wish come true.*

And this year, holiday cards and letters will be postmarked with an image of Santa in his sleigh being pulled by six reindeer.

“While Santa’s been making wishes come true a bit longer than the Postal Service, for more than two centuries he’s relied almost exclusively on postal employees to bring him letters from girls and boys around the country and to help him deliver their presents,” said Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe.

The USPS expects to deliver more than 16.5 billion cards, letters and packages between now and New Year’s Eve.

To learn more about the USPS “Letter to Santa” program (how to help a child’s wish come true, for example) or to view a list of participating Post Offices, click here

And visit USPS on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usps

*How to help Santa

Customers and organizations who want to adopt a letter must come to a participating Operation Santa Post Office in-person. Both individuals and organizations must fill out the proper PS-forms (6012, 6012-A, 6012-I) and show identification before letters can be viewed. (Go to USPS web site to download the forms)

Organizations should send a representative with correspondence on their letterhead authorizing them to view letters on behalf of the company/organization. Your representative must present their employee ID and a valid state driver’s license or state-issued ID card.

Individuals should bring a valid state driver’s license or state-issued ID card.

After completing the forms, you may then read and choose a letter(s). In order to protect the privacy of the letter writers, all personal information will be removed from the letters. No last names, addresses or contact information of any kind will be visible.

Bring your selections to a postal clerk so they can notate which letter(s) you will adopt.

Here is the fun part — you get to be Santa’s helper by fulfilling the wishes of the letter writer.

Once you have fulfilled the wish, simply bring your wrapped gift(s) back to the same Operation Santa location to mail. Individuals and organizations will be responsible for paying postage to mail the gifts to recipients.

Once you pay the postage, the postal clerks will match your box with the letter writer by using an internal numbering system. The clerk takes the box and retrieves the original letter using the numbering system to create a mailing label. The return address on the box will read Operation Santa – North Pole.

Did you know? … the Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Posted Dec.1, 2011

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Coventry Village Christmas promises a good time

Coventry Village will resemble a winter wonderland again this year, with the Village Improvement So­ciety holding its eighth annual “Christmas in the Village.”

However, unlike in years past, there will not be snow dusting the buildings during this year’s events as Mother Nature doesn’t appear to be willing to cooperate accord­ing to weather forecasters.

The Christmas event runs from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 4)  throughout downtown Coventry.

Events this year will include pony rides for the children, a visit with Santa Claus and other activi­ties. “It’s quite an undertaking,” said Rose Fowler, a member of the Village Improvement Society that organized the event.

The day’s events include the following:

• Noon to 4 p.m. – Old fash­ioned country cupboard at the Coventry Visitor’s Center.

• Noon to 4 p.m. – Chocolate festival at Ackert’s Hall, run by the Coventry High School Class of 2012.

• 1 to 3 p.m. – Pony rides at Beebe House and Brian’s Elec­tric.

• Noon to 4 p.m. – Christmas vendor showcase at Studio 31 storefront.

• Noon to 3:30 p.m. – Christ­mas tree raffle run by the Coventry Lion’s Club at the Booth & Dimock Memorial Library.

• Noon to 3:30 p.m. – Nathan Hale Ancient Fife & Drum on Main Street.

• 1 to 2 p.m. – Coventry High School Chorus performs at Lake­view Restaurant.

• 1 to 3 p.m. – Visit with Santa Claus at Coventry Arts & An­tiques.

• 1 to 3 p.m. – Photographer David Rogers at Coventry Arts & Antiques.

• 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Dulcimers and More Music at Treasures An­tiques.

• 2:30 to 3 p.m. – Carol sing with Song a Day Music at the First Congregational Church.

“There are some pretty stan­dard events that happen every year,” Fowler said, referring to the schedule.

In addition to the follow­ing events, businesses such as Meet Me on Main, Village Pizza, Coventry Fitness and Treasure’s Antiques will be open.

One popular event every year, Fowler said, is the Chocolate fes­tival at Ackert’s Hall, a fundraiser for the alcohol-free celebration graduation for the Class of 2012.

Various chocolate desserts are sold during this event, such as brownies and cookies. “The parents are very creative,” said Fowler.

Fowler said the pony and horse and wagon rides are very popular and many children take advan­tage of them, as is the visit with Santa.

Posted 12-1-11

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NU now offering $100 credit for those who suffered prolonged power outages in October

In addition, NU will make donations of up to $5 million to the Connecticut Food Bank, Foodshare and Operation Fuel to help them address community needs for this approaching winter season.

Northeast Utilities President Charles W. Shivery Tuesday (Nov. 29) announced in a prepared statement that the company has increased the post-storm fund established on Nov. 9 by up to $30 million.

“As we heard from our customers and had discussions with Gov. Malloy and his staff, it became clear that the original sum we proposed, $10 million, was insufficient,” said Shivery. “While this storm was unprecedented, we set very high expectations for the performance of Connecticut Light and Power (CL&P). Clearly, we did not meet a number of those expectations.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates our sincere desire to keep faith with our CL&P customers by assisting those who were without power the longest, as well as organizations that provide food and warmth to those most in need,” Shivery added.

The freak snowstorm that hit Connecticut the evening of Oct. 29, dumped as much as 20 inches of snow in some parts of the state. In addition, the storm arrived before leaves had fallen from most trees, resulting in widespread damage from broken limbs tearing down power lines and smashing into buildings.

Due to a number of problems with the clean-up process, including a delay in calling in crews from other states, some Connecticut residents, businesses and agencies were without power for nine days or more.

The prolonged outages had a significant economic impact not only on businesses but on households where families had to find shelter in hotels and eat meals at restaurants, as well as towns that provided emergency shelters with costs that may or may not be reimbursed by federal emergency funds.

The NU press release also states that the company has sought the assistance of Kenneth Feinberg, the claim fund administrator who designed and administered the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund, for distributing these “rebates.”

Feinberg agreed to help NU administer this post-storm fund at the request of Gov. Malloy, the press release states.

The company announced that any residential customer who was still without power after noon on Saturday, Nov. 5 as a result of the storm, will be eligible for credit applied to their CL&P bill – ranging from a minimum of $100 to a maximum of $200 – depending on how many eligible customers apply for the credit.

In addition, NU will make donations of up to $5 million to the Connecticut Food Bank, Foodshare and Operation Fuel to help them address community needs for this approaching winter season.

Each organization will initially receive $1 million. Whether they will receive additional dollars depends on how much of the fund remains when it is closed down at the end of January, the release states.

“The unprecedented storm created substantial hardships for many people, despite the extraordinary efforts of our employees and contractors. Having the confidence of our customers is important to us and, in addition to establishing this fund, we have taken a series of steps to improve performance at CL&P,” Shivery said.

Those steps include:

• providing tree crews to communities to help with debris removal,

• appointment of a new President of CL&P,

• creation of a new position of Senior Vice President for Emergency Preparedness

• and an external review of CL&P preparation and response to the storm.

“With the benefit of the various reviews under way, we will have a more complete picture and will take all appropriate actions to ensure that we are able to deliver under even extreme conditions, like those we experienced in the October storm,” Shivery said, alluding to other reviews besides its own, including Gov. Malloy’s appointed Two Storm Committee.

Customers can begin applying for their rebate on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011.

“On that date, CL&P will begin contacting qualified residential customers to inform them of their eligibility to apply for the credit,” the release states. Customers also can begin applying on their own online at www.cl-p.com or call 888-566-9257 for more information.

All applications must be received by 5 p.m. Jan. 31, 2012.

Credits will begin to be applied to the customer’s February 2012 billing statement.

No release of legal claims will be necessary in order to receive compensation from the fund, the release states.

“Those customers who filed information through 211 for claims associated with the storm after the initial fund was announced will receive a credit on their bill without further application required if they are eligible,” the release states.

Posted Nov. 30, 2011

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Studio tour includes sculptors, weavers, potters and more

This is an opportunity to experience the incredible variety of artists working in the “Quiet Corner” of Connecticut, to talk with them about their work, to help support their work financially – what a wonderful gift is an original piece of art – and to talk to them about their inspiration and creative process. Seen here is an example of weaving by artist Camille Benjamin, who is part of the 2011 tour. The tour web site has information about each artist and a link to their web sites.

More than 70 artists open their studios on Thanksgiving weekend and the first weekend in December for the Artists Open Studios, Northeast Connecticut. (Nov. 25, 26, 27 and December 3 and 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

The self-guided tour includes sculptors, fiber artists, photographers, potters, jewelers, glass artists, metal smiths, wood-turners and more.

This is an opportunity to experience the incredible variety of artists working in the “Quiet Corner” of Connecticut, to talk with them about their work, to help support their work financially – what a wonderful gift is an original piece of art – and to talk to them about their inspiration and creative process. Some studios will offer demonstrations.

The tour encompasses many of the beautiful towns that make up this part of the state – Ashford, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Chaplin, Columbia, Coventry, Danielson, Eastford, Ellington, Lebanon, Mansfield/Storrs, Pomfret, Thompson, Tolland, Windham/Willimantic and Willington.

To print a brochure/guide to the tour in PDF format, visit http://www.aosct.org The web site also provides information about the artists, a map of their locations, and a GOOGLE MAP for directions. The artists will be glad to assist you in getting from one studio to another during the tour.

And click here for the Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Artists-Open-Studios-of-Northeastern-CT/169213556464485

Posted Nov. 27, 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!

Panel may miss Connecticut reapportionment deadline

Map of current Connecticut Congressional Districts. Source: www.govtrak.us

With its final deadline of midnight Nov. 30 looming, it’s likely the state’s Reapportionment Committee may gamble on sending the redrawing of Connecticut’s political map to state Superior Court.

But Gov. Dannel P. Malloy on Tuesday (Nov. 22) said it is important for the committee to conclude its work on time. “I think failure to do this is a gigantic mistake. There is a process set up that allows this decision to be made. It should be made by that group and they should get their job done,” he said.

If not, the likely scenario would be a court-ordered, month-long deadline extension, similar to 2001, after the 2000 U.S. Census.

That would give lawmakers time to settle on new congressional lines, in which parts of the 2nd Congressional District, which takes up the eastern half of the state, would lose about 16,000 constituents to western districts.

Read more at http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Carving-state-five-ways-by-Thanksgiving-2174346.php#ixzz1eW2UQCJd

Posted Nov. 25, 2011

Related link: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/findyourreps.xpd?state=CT

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Laws make gift cards less restrictive, limit fees, but buyer beware!

Federal rules that took effect in August of 2010 are designed to protect consumers by restricting fees and changing conditions regarding gift card expiration dates.

The Connecticut Better Business Bureau (BBB), however, cautions consumers to do their homework, first. Not all gift cards are created equal.

“While the majority of vendors are honest, there is a degree of risk associated with buying gift cards from some online sites and over-the-counter displays at convenience stores and gas stations,” warns Connecticut BBB President Paulette Scarpetti.

Since January 2011, the BBB has received more than 440 complaints against the gift card industry, a huge increase from the 33 complaints received in 2010.

In some cases, consumers are disgruntled because they received an expired gift card that was loaded with cash, but the cards were not usable until the expiration date was corrected.

After sending their expired cards for replacement, updated cards were never returned, leaving the recipients empty-handed.

Connecticut’s Gift Card Law prohibits the sale of cards with expiration dates or inactivity fees.

The BBB has these tips for both gift card givers and recipients:

1. Know your rights

Federal rules that took effect in August of 2010 are designed to protect consumers by restricting fees and changing conditions regarding gift card expiration dates.

These new rules apply to two types of cards: retail gift cards, which can only be redeemed at retailers and restaurants that sell them, and bank gift cards, which carry the logo of a payment card network such as American Express, Visa, or MasterCard and may be used wherever those brands are accepted.

More information on the new rules is available from the Federal Reserve website at http://www.federalreserve.gov/consumerinfo/wyntk_giftcards.htm

2. Know the seller

Make sure you are buying from a known and trusted source. You can look for information about a business at www.bbb.org

And avoid online auction sites that promise ‘full value guaranteed’ gift cards. Some sites of this type have been reported to sell cards that are valueless, counterfeit, expired or obtained fraudulently.

3. Inspect the packaging and the card

Be on the lookout for gift cards that appear to have been removed from their packaging, are approaching their expiration date or are already are expired. Verify that no protective stickers have been removed and that the protective layer on the back of the card hasn’t been scratched off to reveal a PIN number. Report any damaged cards on display to the seller.

4. Read the fine print before buying

Is there a fee to buy the card? Are there shipping and handling fees for cards bought by phone or online? Will any fees be deducted from the card after it is purchased?

5. Provide the card’s recipient with back up

Give the recipient the original receipt in case the card is later lost or stolen. Also, before you buy retail gift cards, consider the financial situation of the retailer or restaurant. A card from a business that files for bankruptcy or goes out of business may be worthless.

[Editor's note: I was given a $50 gift certificate to a children's bookstore that went out of business a week later and filed for bankruptcy. I was told by a state official that it is up to the now-closed business whether to refund or otherwise honor their gift cards. The bookstore owner chose not to.]

The BBB says if a business closes a store near the recipient [Blockbuster is a recent example], it may be hard to find another location where the card can be used.

A business that files for bankruptcy may honor its gift cards, or a competitor may accept the card. Call the business or its competitor to find out if they are redeeming the cards, or will do so at a later date.

6. Treat the gift card like cash!

For recipients, it’s important to immediately report lost or stolen cards to the issuer. Some issuers may not replace them, while others will, for a fee. Make sure to use gift cards as soon as possible; it’s not unusual to misplace or forget about them.

Founded in 1928, the Connecticut BBB is an unbiased, non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior.

The BBB helps consumers find and recommend businesses, brands and charities they can trust, offers objective advice and a wide range of education on topics affecting marketplace trust. The BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses.

Today, 116 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than three million local and national businesses and charities.

Posted Nov. 24, 2011

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