This little Bug is ready for a new owner

Carol Bender of Lebanon, CT at Weston's Auction Gallery in Coventry, with a mini VW Beetle. Photo by Al Malpa

The paint on this classic Volkswagen Beetle may be a little faded, but it still runs great.

Holding it is Carol Bender from Lebanon. Here she is dropping it off recently at Weston’s Auction Gallery in Coventry for sale.

Bender said she bought the car there and is now sending it on to be enjoyed by another family’s children.

In her own family, it was passed on to three of her own grandchildren.

Posted Feb. 22, 2012

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Council OKs Coventry Regional Farmers Market lease

The Coventry Regional Farmers Market, located at the Nathan Hale Homestead for the past four years, draws thousands of market-goers which in turn helps publicize the Homestead's programs. The Homestead is open for tours in the summer. File photo by Marie Brennan

It’s now official.

The Coventry Regional Farmers Market’s return to the Nathan Hale Homestead was made possible by a unanimous vote Tuesday night (Feb. 21) by the Town Council to pick up the lease.

The vote signals a shift in the way the market will be managed in that the town is now responsible for the agreement with Connecticut Landmarks (which oversees the Homestead) and the market is leasing space for 22 Sundays from the town.

Rent will be $ 2,500 for the first year of the lease and will increase by $100 each year, according to the agreement.

This arrangement, reached after months of meetings and efforts to find an alternate location, addresses many concerns that had blocked the market’s return to the Homestead, where it has built a huge following over the last four years.

The council ratified Town Manager John Elsesser’s signature on a 10-year lease agreement that also allows the town to construct a barn on the Homestead site – which the market won in a contest – and to fold the market into the town’s liability coverage. The market will reimburse the town for the insurance coverage.

The new agreement takes effect April 1, 2012 and expires March 31, 2022.

The summer farmers market is held from June to October every year and has been running for eight years, the past four at the Nathan Hale Homestead.

When it looked like the town might lose the market, or that it might not even open this summer, there was a huge response from the market’s fans.

Jonathan Dehoyos, who is in charge of the Coventry Regional Farmers Market operations and is a member of its Board of Directors, thanked Elsesser on behalf of the market and said all are very grateful for the way the town stepped up to keep the market in Coventry.

Council Chair Elizabeth Woolf said “people were imploring the Town Council to do something… I’m glad everything worked out.”

Council member Joan Lewis also thanked the market organizers for their “great commitment” to the town of Coventry. “Everyone came together to make this successful… Everyone is so thankful. The market is certainly the place to go and they’ve made it that,” she said.

Before this agreement was negotiated, market organizers were trying to get all necessary approvals to relocate the market to private property at 307 Silver Street and in fact, the Planning and Zoning Commission had unanimously approved a special permit application to do so.

In order to be prepared to open the market in June, market organizers had to be able to assure farmers and other vendors that they would, in fact, have a new location – so the push was on.  However, it appeared that a traffic study required by the state would have presented a serious roadblock both because of the time it would take and the dollars it would cost.

Now, plans can move ahead.

In fact, construction of the 24- foot- by-36-foot Yankee Post & Beam barn the market won in a “Great Barn Giveaway,” has tentatively been scheduled for May 19.

Under the lease agreement, the barn will have a 504-square-foot storage addition exclusively for use by the market.

The barn also is to be available for rental for other functions when not in use by the market (rentals will be handled by the town’s parks and recreation department), and fees will be split between the town, the market and the Homestead.

After the meeting, Elsesser said he will meet with Connecticut Landmarks to start finalizing the market schedule for this summer.

“It’s nice to be going ahead on a positive note,” Elsesser said.

For more information about the Coventry Regional Farmers Market visit the web site at www.coventryfarmersmarket.com  This Sunday (Feb. 26) is the last opportunity to visit the “Winterfresh” market, at Coventry High School. The summer market opens Sunday, June 3.

Posted Feb. 22, 2012 as edited by and with additional reporting by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan

Related link: “Coventry Farmers Market returns to Nathan Hale Homestead,” by Brenda Sullivan, posted Feb. 9, 2012 http://coventry.htnp.com/2012/02/09/coventry-farmers-market-returns-to-nathan-hale-homestead/

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Local enterprises qualify for state's new Small Business Express grants

Connecticut Casket Company, based in Willimantic, CT is one of five small businesses to recently qualify for state EXP grants aimed specifically at companies with fewer than 50 employees. Besides caskets and urns, the company also makes keepsake necklaces with glass beads that are infused with the ashes of your loved one (including your four-footed family members). Each one is unique and can be made in any color. Photo source: Connecticut Casket Company web site

Five small businesses have qualified for grants through the state’s Small Business Express Program (EXP) to expand their businesses and create jobs.

EXP is part of the bi-partisan jobs bill passed during the October 2011 special legislative session. Administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), the program offers loans and matching grants to Connecticut companies with fewer than 50 employees.

In total, EXP will provide $100 million to help qualified small businesses hire more employees and fund capital investments.

According to DECD Commissioner Catherine Smitt, “This program is about getting working capital out the door quickly and efficiently so that our smaller companies can put it to work for them immediately and start putting more of Connecticut’s residents to work… This program is building momentum; we’re constantly getting new submissions from interested business owners and we’re approving new applications every day.”

The five small businesses that most recently qualified for the program are:

Connecticut Casket Company started designing, making and selling custom, environmentally-friendly caskets in Willimantic in 2010.

The company, which will retain three employees and hire three more within a year, will receive a $100,000 grant to buy equipment, improve the shop, train workers and expand its inventory. Connecticut Casket also will receive a Job Creation Incentive loan of $250,000.

“This investment will be a big help to the Connecticut Casket Company. It will allow this Windham business to hire more workers and grow our local economy,” said State Rep. Susan Johnson (D-Windham). “Governor Malloy is clearly focused on the needs of small businesses in eastern Connecticut and I want to thank him for his strong support.”

Said Sen. Donald E. Williams, Jr. (D-Brooklyn), “Bill Covey and his employees represent the small business success story that is critical to Connecticut’s economy… The programs we passed last year are making a difference at a time when our businesses need it the most.”

Wooden-it-be-Nice, Inc., a consignment furniture company based in Marlborough with a facility in Glastonbury, provides a retail solution for selling second-hand furniture and accessories.

The company will use its $11,500 grant in working capital for inventory and processing, marketing and job creation/retention efforts, including training.

This chair is among the furniture items on consignment at Wooden-it-be-Nice, Inc. in Marlborugh, CT (as of Feb. 22, 2012). This company is one of the latest small businesses to qualify for the new Express grant through the CT Department of Community and Economic Development. Photo source: Wooden-it-be-Nice, Inc. web site

State Rep. Pam Sawyer (R-Andover, Bolton, Hebron, Marlborough) said, “This new approach, giving grants to small businesses in a short time frame, often in small amounts, can have a big impact on a company. Wooden-it-be-Nice is a perfect example. It is what was envisioned when the jobs bill passed last October.”

State Sen. Steve Cassano (D-Manchester), who represents Glastonbury, Manchester, Bolton and Marlborough said, “Our October investment in growing Connecticut jobs and its economy is paying off, and paying off handsomely. And it doesn’t make a difference if you’re a high-tech medical device manufacturer or a furniture consignment shop – if you’re a small business looking to expand, if you’re looking to hire, Connecticut is here to help.”

State Rep. Prasad Srinivasan (R-Glastonbury) called Wooden-it-be-Nice “an exemplary member of the Glastonbury business community.”

Norwich Printing Company was founded and incorporated in 1992 as part of the Minuteman Press Franchise and has since grown from a two-person operation to eight full-time employees. The company plans to grow even further by using its $48,357 grant to buy four new pieces of equipment.

“I am so happy that the Norwich Printing Company is getting this funding to expand its production capabilities,” said State Sen. Edith Prague (D-Columbia). “News like this is proof that the Governor’s jobs bill is working, which is why I voted for the measure last October. This is wonderful news for the Norwich community, and the Governor should be commended for his vision for job creation.”

Elka Precision of Plainville designs and manufactures hydrostatic spindles, tables and slides that improve grinding accuracy and reduce grinding times for the overall improvement of machined products.

Elka Precision plans to begin an aggressive campaign to market its products overseas, including European and Asian markets.

The company, which plans to hire eight new employees, will receive a Job Creation Incentive loan of $250,000 to use for equipment, training, travel and other related expenses.

My Three Sons (Petrini Six Enterprises) is an indoor family entertainment center in Norwalk. The company will use a $50,000 grant from DECD to purchase new equipment that will increase customers and revenue.

For more information on EXP or to apply for the program, visit the Small Business Express Program website or contact Michelle Lugo at DECD at 860-270-8052 or Michelle.Lugo@ct.gov

Posted Feb. 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!

Save a life and win money for your heating bill

Patients need blood every day, including during the winter season when blood donations often decrease. Photo courtesy of American Red Cross

The need for blood is always with us, but the chance to save a life and win $200 to pay down your winter fuel bill comes to an end on March 1.

As a special thank you, all those who come in to donate blood at American Red Cross blood drives in Connecticut during the month of February will be eligible to win free heat for a month.

Weekly drawings will be held from Feb. 1 through Feb. 29, 2012. ($200 maximum, paid directly to your utility provider. Prize is not redeemable for cash and is non-transferable.)

Patients need blood every day, including during the winter season when blood donations often decrease.

Each donation of blood can help to meet the daily needs of patients in Connecticut hospitals.

Across the country, on average, 44,000 blood donations are needed each day to help trauma victims, surgical patients, burn victims, patients with blood disorders and many others.

Who can donate?

Potential blood donors must be at least 17 years old, meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on your height) and be in generally good health.

Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

Did you know? Eligible donors can give whole blood every 56 days.

Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit http://www.redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive at a convenient location near you and to make an appointment.

Posted Feb. 20, 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!

Gov. Malloy promises more education funds – and bonus for new Alliance Districts

According to a statement made by Gov. Malloy on Feb. 8, 2012 a total of 130 towns will receive more ECS funding than they did in 2011-2012 and no town will see funding drop from 2011-2012 levels.

New, however, is the plan to make additional dollars available to something he calls Alliance Districts.

Alliance Districts will be groupings of the state’s 30 lowest-performing school districts.

Nearly $40 million will go to Alliance Districts – if they implement Gov. Malloy’s education reform strategies.

According to Gov. Malloy, an additional $4.5 million in competitive funding will be offered to all districts, with preference given to 30 Alliance districts, to fuel “ambitious innovations and deeper reforms.”

Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor commented, “The governor’s proposal acknowledges that resource constraints are one obstacle to many of our low-performing districts’ ability to improve their schools – while recognizing that increased funding alone will not improve student achievement…

“Rather, it is essential that these districts also embrace reforms rooted in best practices. The conditional funding model provides added resources and increased accountability. We look forward to working in alliance with these low-performing districts as they implement their reforms and elevate their achievement levels.”

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman added, “I strongly believe that every child in our state deserves the opportunity to get a quality education, regardless of where they live. That is why one of our first priorities after taking office was to fully fund the ECS for all towns, and that is why we are making this targeted investment – to give that equal chance to children who happen to attend an under-performing school.”

Alliance Districts

Gov. Malloy’s proposal identifies the state’s 30 lowest-performing school districts as participants in a Performance Alliance between these districts and the State, which makes them eligible for significant increases in state funding.

To qualify for these funds, Each Alliance District must submit a reform plan that includes elements of “reform strategies” in the governor’s proposal.

The State Department of Education will review these plans and recommend which ones should be approved.

Alliance Districts can choose from these “reform strategies”:

• “tiered district interventions” for schools based on school-level student performance;
• additional learning time, including extended school day and year;
• career ladders for school personnel;
• a professional development system “informed by educator evaluations”;
• plans to ensure K-3 reading mastery;
• coordination of early childhood education services;
• creating a community schools approach by establishing “wraparound services” for students with links to health and social service providers;
• and other strategies as determined by the Education Commissioner.

Alliance Districts will have new funding phased in at the rate of 2.47 percent of the gap between what they currently receive in ECS funding and the new formula amount – other districts will receive 1.4 percent of the funding amount gap – according to Gov. Malloy’s statement.

Posted Feb. 19, 2012

Related link: More details about Gov. Malloy’s plans for Education Reform http://www.governor.ct.gov/malloy/cwp/view.asp?A=4010&Q=498746

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!

Coventry Farmers Market returns to Nathan Hale Homestead

In a newsletter distributed to “fans” of the Coventry Regional Farmers’ Market, the big news is that the market will return to the Nathan Hale Homestead.

Several months ago, the news was not so good. Market organizers reported that they had not been able to reach a mutually agreeable contract with Connecticut Landmarks (which oversees the Homestead) to remain at the Homestead and so, began searching for a new as-permanent-as-possible location.

After being offered some privately-owned land at 307 Silver St., the market organizers then began jumping governmental hoops – both state and local – in hopes of solidifying the new location in time to get the word out to their farmers and vendors in time for the upcoming summer market season.

The absolute deadline – so that the farmers and vendors could set their own plans – was the last day of January.

Now, it seems, the tide has turned and the market is cruising back to what was a very popular location, one that has grown to draw market-goers in the thousands.

The newsletter states:

After many twists and turns and with much help from the Town of Coventry, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Governor Malloy’s office, and YOUR SUPPORT… This summer, as you have for the past four years and will for the next TEN, you will find us at the Nathan Hale Homestead!  … All the stars aligned for us to have landed a summer place, our old and happy home, just in time!

The newsletter also states that the Yankee Post & Beam barn that the market won in a statewide farmers market competition will be built at the Homestead.

To celebrate the good news, market organizer Winter Caplanson announced today that there will be a gathering from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10 at the Cassidy Hill Vineyard in Coventry with libations and live music. “Thanks for opening just for us, Cassidy Hill!” the newsletter states. Click here for directions

“Our return to Hale under this arrangement is a win-win,” Caplanson said today. “The market has a beautiful long-term home under lease terms we can meet and we are able to remain in Coventry… and Coventry’s citizens and leadership made it clear to us over the past months that ‘in Coventry’ is exactly where they want us to stay.”

“Excellent news”

In a press release issued by the CT Department of Agriculture today, State Agriculture Commissioner Steven K. Reviczky acknowledges that it is in the state’s best interests to support farmers’ markets, especially one as successful as Coventry’s.

“This is excellent news for the residents of Coventry and the farmers market… I commend the Town of Coventry and the farmer’s market for their work to ensure this great Connecticut tradition was not lost, and I thank Gov. Malloy for getting the parties talking again. Connecticut has a rich agricultural history, one that we want to encourage and expand,” he says.

The release notes that, of Connecticut’s 125 farmers’ markets, the Coventry Regional Farmers’ Market, now in its eighth year of operation, is “one of the largest and most heavily attended.”

“In 2011, it accounted for $500,000 in sales and was visited by over 75,000 people,” it states.

Describing how the new agreement was reached, the release states:

Negotiations to renew the lease between the Hale Homestead and the farmer’s market stumbled last fall over mutual concerns about expense and liability issues. During winter discussions, the parties reached an agreement to establish the Town of Coventry as the tenant with the farmer’s market subleasing the property. This assuaged the liability concerns and reduced insurance expenses, allowing the savings to be applied to the rental fees. The agreement also outlines that the town will coordinate the use and maintenance of the new barn which will provide shared income with a reserve held for barn maintenance.

Coventry Farmers’ Market organizer Roberta Wilmot, in an interview today, told HTNP.com that the town has signed a lease with Connecticut Landmarks, and the market will become a sub-leasee. She declined to specify, however, what the market will pay for rent for the 22 days it uses the property for the summer market.

As for the barn, the market will transfer ownership to the town, Wilmot said.

While the market will have priority for the barn’s use on market days, the town will rent it for public use (i.e. a wedding reception) through the town’s parks and recreation department, Wilmot said.

Income from rental fees will be split between the market (40 percent), the town (20 percent) and Connecticut Landmarks (40 percent), according to market organizer Winter Caplanson.

When the barn arrives this spring, there will be a groundbreaking celebration – probably in May – and then Yankee Post & Beam (the barn’s manufacturer) will do the actual construction… and once completed, it will be turned over to the town, Wilmot said.

Wilmot expressed relief over the new agreement. “It’s been a very long and twisted road to get us where we’re at… it’s been an exhausting six months,” she said.

She added, “the governor’s office, the Department of Agriculture and Coventry’s Town Manager (Elsessor) put a lot of effort into keeping the market in Coventry.”

When the crisis first made the news, the market received several offers from other towns to give it a new home. “The outpouring was unbelievable,” Wilmot said. “Our hearts were very warmed by that.”

She added, “We’ve been sitting on pins and needles – now we can tell our vendors we will have a home.”

Not time to relax, though

It’s not necessarily a time to relax, however. “Now we have to plan our programs, and we’re about six months behind,” Wilmot said. The summer market returns on June 3.

Wilmot credited the success of the Coventry Regional Farmers’ Market to a strong, motivated and creative market leader, Winter Caplanson who, in turn is supported by a strong network of hardworking, committed volunteers.

And a hard-core fan base of market-goers.

“We’ve exceeded our expectations, although there’s still more to be done,” Wilmot said.

For the market’s first four years, it was located in a field behind a red barn (a local landmark) on North River Road near the intersection with Route 44.

For the last four years, it has been located on the grounds of the Nathan Hale Homestead.

Commissioner Reviczky, in his release, said the new lease is a win-win situation for the market and the historic site.

“It took considerable time, effort, and energy from everyone involved to reach this new agreement, but it was worth it,” Commissioner Reviczky said. “This is a marriage of one of the state’s most popular farmers’ markets and one of Connecticut’s historical treasures. The complete package is much greater than the sum of its parts.”

The Nathan Hale Homestead was the family home of State Hero Nathan Hale. Richard Hale, Nathan’s father, was a prosperous livestock farmer. The house on the homestead, built in 1776, was deeded to Connecticut Landmarks in the 1940s. Much of the acreage associated with the Hale farm is now the Nathan Hale State Forest, the release states.

Posted Feb. 9, 2012

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In Coventry – Towns consider sharing cost of construction equipment

Selected proposals will receive a state grant of 50 percent, if at least one of the towns is a “distressed municipality/targeted investment community/public investment community.” Windham falls under the “distressed municipality” description and Elsesser said he is looking forward to working with Windham.

The nine towns in the Windham Region Council of Governments (WINCOG) have begun talks on a new project that could help save the towns money by sharing public works equipment.

A meeting Tuesday (Jan. 31) brought many of the public works directors and town management staffs together to brainstorm ideas.

WINCOG provides towns with a forum for intermunicipal discussion, coordination and decision ­making and includes workshops on timely issues and occasions for such discussion and coordination.

Member towns are Chaplin, Columbia, Coventry, Hampton, Lebanon, Mansfield, Scotland, Willington and Windham.

The project could have the towns take advantage of the state Office of Policy and Management’s Intertown Capital Equipment Purchasing Incentive (ICE) Program.

Coventry Town Manager John Elsesser said a lot of equipment the towns were thinking of getting is “quite expensive.”

He said some of the equipment discussed Tuesday included a portable pothole patcher, a skid-steer loader, or Bobcat with special attachments, and portable lighting, among other items.

“A lot of ideas were thrown out and haven’t been finalized yet and some ideas may be added or dropped,” Elsesser said.

WINCOG Executive Director Mark Paquette said the grant offers towns a way to get the machines they need without carrying the full burden of the cost.

“Many of these towns would never be able to get these types of equipment on their own,” Paquette said. “This is a great deal with a great incentive.”

Selected proposals will receive a state grant of 50 percent, if at least one of the towns is a “distressed municipality/targeted investment community/public investment community.”

Windham falls under the “distressed municipality” description and Elsesser said he is looking forward to working with Windham.

Municipalities must provide matching funds and the state grant cannot exceed $250,000.

Coventry Director of Public Works David Gofstein said if scheduling the use of equipment is done right, there shouldn’t be any problems with availability among the towns.

“All of the towns would split the cost accordingly,” said Elsesser. He added that each town was asked to put a “placeholder” of $14,000 in their capital budgets.

“For $14,000, we can all get $250,000 of equipment,” he said.

Elsesser added this isn’t a new idea for Coventry; the town has shared a catch basin cleaner with Mansfield for almost 15 years.

Windham Mayor Ernie Eldridge, who wasn’t at Tuesday’s meeting, said he is all for sharing equipment with other towns. “Sharing is a great part of keeping cost down for our towns… Why would one town need $100,000 worth of equipment on their own?” he said.

Paquette said there will be more discussions about the idea.

“There is a strong incentive to get this significant savings,” he said, but they “still need to do some research on the whole idea.”

A decision should be made within the next couple of months. Final proposals must be received by the state Office of Policy and Management on or before May 1, 2012.

Posted Feb. 2, 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!

Coventry students on UConn Dean's List

The University of Connecticut recently distributed the list of students who attained the Dean’s List for the fall 2011 semester.

To make the Dean’s List, students must take at least 12 credits, finish the semester with a grade point average (GPA) that is among the top 25 percent of students enrolled in their school or college, and have no grade below a “C.”

The following edited list includes students from the HTNP.com general readership area. Some categories were grouped together where students listed their residence as a village within a town, i.e. Moodus (East Haddam, CT) and Storrs (Mansfield, CT) and therefore may not be in alphabetical order.

Also note that while many students on this list give their address as Storrs, it may be they are living on campus but, in fact, have a different hometown address.

While HTNP.com is happy to correct any errors, we are not responsible for any omissions or incorrect information, as this list was provided by the university.

Posted Jan. 31, 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!

CT Agriculture Commission Conference, growing farms in your community

The AGvocate Program is part of the Eastern CT Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc., that was begun in 2009. Funded through CT Department of Agriculture Farm Viability Grants, it provides a forum for municipal officials, agricultural producers and other stakeholders to strengthen the farm-friendliness of Connecticut towns.

Gather information and share resources at a conference for Agriculture Commissions hosted by the AGvocate Program on Saturday, March 24, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at EastConn in Hampton, CT.  The public is welcome to attend.

The conference cost is $15 and includes a farm-to-table lunch.

Topics will include -

• welcome from CT Dept. of Agriculture Commissioner Steve Reviczky;

• update on new Farm Bill, by Congressman Joe Courtney;

• new programs and initiatives you need to know about;

• getting results from your agriculture commission;

• assessing the market channel best suited for your farm profitability;

• connecting farmers to farmland;

• updates from Agriculture Commissions;

• resources for Agriculture Commissions (helping farmers find the answers they need);

• and food systems (helping your town consider agriculture in everything it does).

The AGvocate Program

The AGvocate Program is part of the Eastern CT Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc., that was begun in 2009.

Funded through CT Department of Agriculture Farm Viability Grants, it provides a forum for municipal officials, agricultural producers and other stakeholders to strengthen the farm-friendliness of Connecticut towns.

For more information about the AGvocate Program or to register for the conference, contact Jennifer Kaufman, AGvocate Program Director at 860-450-6007, or via email at AGvocate@yahoo.com or visit the Web site at www.AgInfoTLGV.org/AGvocate

Since its inception, 14 towns in Northeast Connecticut have been working with the AGvocate Program. AGvocate Towns include: Ashford, Bozrah, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Eastford, Franklin, Hampton, Killingly, Pomfret, Sterling, Thompson, Scotland, Windham, and Woodstock. Municipalities interested in participating in the AGvocate Program should contact Jennifer Kaufman.

AGvocate Steering Committee

Lois Bruinooge, Deputy Executive Director, The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV); John Guszkowski, President, Eastern CT RC&D; Rick Hermonot, Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm & Farm and Business Consultant, First Pioneer Credit; Jennifer Kaufman, AGvocate (Staff) ; Kevin Kennedy, Director of Planning, Town of Thompson; Joyce Meader, Dairy /Livestock Educator, UConn Cooperative Extension; Leah Mayor, American Farmland Trust; Dawn Pindell, Executive Director, Windham County Farm Service Agency; Norma O’Leary, Chair, TLGV Natural Resources & Agriculture Committee.

Posted Jan. 24, 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!

Local events for the week of Jan 23 2012

On Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012 the Nightsongs Open Mike/Songshare will be held at the Song-­a-Day Music Center, 2809 Boston Turnpike (Route 44) in Coventry. Music begins at 7 p.m.; sign-up is at 6:30 p.m. Songwriters, music and spoken-word performers and the musically curious are invited to share music and discussion. This event is free and open to the public. Come and share songs, swap stories and enjoy the company of musicians. For more information, call (860) 742-6878 or e-mail inquiries@songaday­music.com

Editor’s note: The DEEP Family Ice Fishing Class scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 28 in Coventry has been canceled, as well as the Derby (because of insufficient ice on the lake).

Tuesday Jan. 24, 2012

FOOT-CARE APPOINTMENTS – Mansfield

Mansfield Senior Center, 303 Maple Road, Storrs, will offer foot­care appointments with a podiatrist beginning at 9 a.m. Call Kathy for an appointment at (860) 429-0262.

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION – Willimantic

The Willimantic Public Library, Main Street, Willimantic, will host a Chinese New Year celebration from 6 to 7 p.m. in the children’s department. Families are invited to attend a fun-filled hour that will include traditional Chinese stories, arts and crafts, games and sample Chinese food. To register, stop by the library or call (860) 465-3082.

LA LECHE LEAGUE MEETING – Lebanon

All local mothers and pregnant women are invited to a mother­to-mother breastfeeding support and advocacy group at 6:30 p.m. at the Lebanon Community Center, 872 Trumbull Highway, Lebanon. Children welcome. Info. (860) 642-6638 or (860) 423-2170. No cost.

Wednesday Jan. 25

ADULT HEALTH SCREENINGS – Mansfield

Mansfield Senior Center, 303 Maple Road, Storrs, will offer adult health screenings from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. with VNA East Nurse Mary Hess. Info: (860) 429-0262, ext. 4.

INTERFAITH SEWING AND SERVICE GROUP – Willimantic

First Congregational Church, 199 Valley St., Willimantic, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Projects: CWS – school bags and layettes, Nursing Homes – lap robes. Snow date: Jan. 26. Info: (860) 228-9658.

HOSPICE HOSPITALITY LUNCHEON – Chaplin

Hospice of Eastern Connecticut will hold its hospitality luncheon at the Pine Acres Restaurant, Route 6, Chaplin from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a social gathering of people who are successfully moving on with their lives after a loss. Group is open to the community. Info: (860) 456-7288, ext. 293.

Thursday Jan. 26

LIBRARY FUNDRAISER – Willington

The Willington Public Library, 7 Ruby Road, Willington, will host “Demarle at Home” library fundraiser at 6 p.m. Info: (860) 429-3854.

ROSS MILLER ON PHILIP ROTH, UPDATED – UConn

Ross Miller, who is writing the official biography of Philip Roth (with Roth’s cooperation), will update those who are interested on the progress of this project to be published by Houghton Harcourt. Roth’s talk at the University of Connecticut Co-op, 2975 Hillside Road, Storrs, is at 6 p.m. For more information, visit http://generalbooks.bookstore.uconn.edu/event/ross-miller-philip-roth-updated-0 or call (860) 486-5027.

NIGHTSONGS OPEN MIKE/SONGSHARE – Coventry

The Nightsongs Open Mike/Songshare will be held at the Song-­a-Day Music Center, 2809 Boston Turnpike (Route 44) in Coventry. Music begins at 7 p.m.; sign-up is at 6:30 p.m. Songwriters, music and spoken-word performers and the musically curious are invited to share music and discussion. This event is free and open to the public. Come and share songs, swap stories and enjoy the company of musicians. For more information, call (860) 742-6878 or e-mail inquiries@songaday­music.com

Friday Jan. 27

LEGENDARY PIANIST/COMPOSER AT JORGENSEN – UConn

Chucho Valdés, pianist and composer will perform at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, 2132 Hillside Road, Storrs, on the University of Connecticut campus at 8 p.m. Tickets/info: (860) 486-4226 or online at jorgensen.uconn.edu

Saturday Jan. 28

ICE FISHING CLASS AND DERBY – Coventry

[Editor's note: as of Jan 24, the ice fishing derby was canceled because of insufficient ice on the lake, but the class was still going forward, if enough people register - so please call the registration number ASAP if you are interested.] Members of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) program will conduct a Family Ice Fishing Derby at Patriot’s Park on Coventry Lake in Coventry from noon to 3 p.m. (weather permitting). A Family Ice Fishing Class is planned prior to the derby at the Patriot’s Park Community Center. The class will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. (with or without ice) and registration is required. The derby is free of charge and will be conducted by certified DEEP Fisheries CARE instructors. The DEEP Derby is sponsored by the Coventry Parks and Recreation Department. For registration and more information, call (860) 742-4068.

MOVIE – ‘DOLPHIN’S TALE’ – Willington

The Willington Public Library, 7 Ruby Road, Willington, will host the movie “Dolphin’s Tale” in the Community Room at 12:30 p.m. This movie is rated PG and runs for 113 minutes. Participants can also bring their own snacks.

MUSIC WORKSHOPS – Coventry

The Song-a-Day Music Center, 2809 Boston Turnpike, Route 44, Coventry, will present two music workshops, “Mountain Dulcimer Potpourri” and “The Songs of the Carter Family” from 2 to 4 p.m. Space for the workshops is limited. Call for reservations. Fee for each work­shop is $30. Info: (860) 742-6878 or go to www.songadaymusic.com

ARMY BAND CONCERT – Chaplin

The 102nd Army Band will perform a free concert at Parish Hill High School, Parish Hill Road, Chaplin, at 7 p.m. The band consists of several ensembles including a concert band, big band and a jazz combo. Info: (860) 455-9584.

LEGENDARY PIANIST/COMPOSER AT JORGENSEN – UConn

Chucho Valdés, pianist and composer will perform at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, 2132 Hillside Road, Storrs, on the University of Connecticut campus at 8 p.m. Tickets/info: (860) 486-4226 or online at jorgensen.uconn.edu

Sunday Jan. 29

WINTER TREK AT ALLANACH-WOLF WOODLANDS – Windham

Join naturalist Ken Metzler for a tour of the winter world at 1 p.m. Walkers will snowshoe if there is snow. EMS will provide snowshoes at half the regular rental price ($10) as available. Instruction will be pro­vided at 12:30 p.m. Space is limited, registration is required. Contact Richard Bunce at (860) 647-1455 by Jan. 22. Find information about Joshua’s Trust at www.joshuaslandtrust.org

LOOKING AHEAD…

Monday Jan. 30

WILLIMANTIC WHITEWATER PARTNERSHIP DRIVE

The annual meeting, fundraiser and membership drive of the Willimantic Whitewater Partnership will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at Willimantic Brewing Co./Main St. Café, 967 Main St., Willimantic.

VOICEMAIL, THE OPEN MIKE FOR STORYTELLING – Storrs/Mansfield

VoiceMail, the open mike for storytelling, will be held at The Mansfield General Store, Route 195/Storrs Road, Mansfield Center, at 7 p.m. Come for the soup and chili bar and stories. Proceeds of free will donation benefit the Connecticut Storytelling Center. For more information, visit www.connstorycenter.org And visit Mansfield General Store on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MansfieldGeneralStore

Tuesday Jan. 31

SOCIAL SECURITY SEMINAR – Willington

Willington Public Library, 7 Ruby Road, Willington, will host a free Social Security seminar in the Community Room at 7 p.m. Come and get all the latest information and answers to all those important questions. Info: (860) 429-3854.

Wednesday Feb. 1

INTERFAITH SEWING AND SERVICE GROUP – Willimantic

First Congregational Church, 199 Valley St., Willimantic, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Projects: Hospital – red flag blankets, CWS – schools bags, hospice – quilted prayer shawl. Snow date: Feb. 2. Info: (860) 228-9658.

Friday Feb. 3

‘THE CITY DARK’ – E.O. SMITH – Storrs/Mansfield

E. O. Smith High School’s auditorium, Storrs Road, Storrs, is the location of a film screening of “The City Dark” at 7 p.m. Free. Info: (860) 208-7273.

Posted Jan. 23, 2012

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