Congratulations to ECSU Class of 2012

As part of ECSU's commencement traditions, students toss a coin into a fountain and make a wish, and the coins are donated to Eastern. Ryan McMenemy of Willington decided to make a slam-dunk when it was his turn. Commencement was held at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on May 15, 2012. Photo by Matt Hulten

Eastern Connecticut State University’s 122nd Commencement took place at the XL Center in Hartford on May 15. In all, 1,230 undergraduates and 88 graduate students earned their degrees.

Michael S. Roth, president of Wesleyan University, delivered the Commencement address. He told the graduates he hoped they had learned three things at Eastern: “What you love to do, how to get better at it and how to share that with others.”

“I hope that at Eastern you have found something that stirs your soul, that draws what is best from you,” he said.

Roth also told the Class of 2012, “The habits of mind developed in liberal arts environments like Eastern’s… will empower you to see opportunity where others see only obstacles.”

Roth concluded that universities, “must continue to strive to be places where young people discover and cultivate their independence and must themselves resist the trends of inequality that are tearing at the fabric of our country.”

Eastern President Elsa M. Núñez told the graduates not to sit on the sidelines.

“The challenges we face today as a nation and international community are ours to face and ours to solve… there is no other country in the world that places its future so firmly in the hands of the people. You are now the next generation of citizen leaders in our state and in our nation.”

“Together, you can be the force of change that can keep our country strong. It is your time. You are the leaders of the future, and the future starts now,” she said.

Below is a list of ECSU graduates from the HTNP.com readership area.

Congratulations to:

Columbia

Sonya Sellers of Columbia, CT, graduated with a degree in Biology

Rebekah Bailey of Columbia, CT, graduated magna cum laude with a degree in English

Megan Berube of Columbia, CT, graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Social Work

Sara Billy of Columbia, CT, graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Visual Arts

Sara Billy of Columbia, CT, graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Communication

Duane Cronkite of Columbia, CT, graduated with a degree in Business Administration

Todd DiGiovanni of Columbia, CT, graduated with a degree in Business Administration

Kellie Donovan of Columbia, CT, graduated with a degree in Mathematics

Sarah Guilbeault-Desso of Columbia, CT, graduated with a degree in Sociology and Applied Social Relations

Brittany Keegan of Columbia, CT, graduated with a degree in Mathematics

Jamie Kohn of Columbia, CT, graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Physical Education

Kelly Landers of Columbia, CT, graduated with a degree in English

Katharine McManus of Columbia, CT, graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Theatre

Katharine McManus of Columbia, CT, graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Communication

Hilary Osborn of Columbia, CT, graduated with a degree in Theatre

Timothy Rea of Columbia, CT, graduated with a degree in Communication

Robert Sartori of Columbia, CT, graduated with a degree in Business Administration

Nickalus Stevens of Columbia, CT, graduated with a degree in Social Work

Coventry

David Albano of Coventry, CT, graduated with a degree in Business Administration

Jennifer Andrews of Coventry, CT, graduated cum laude with a degree in Biology

Monique Raboin of Coventry, CT, graduated with a degree in Accounting

Melanie Zurmuhlen of Coventry, CT, graduated with a degree in Business Administration

Erica Borst of Coventry, CT, graduated with a degree in Sociology

Kevin Clancy of Coventry, CT, graduated with a degree in History and Social Science

Justin Ferrari of Coventry, CT, graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Business Information Systems

Sean Garrity of Coventry, CT, graduated with a degree in Accounting

Carly Herman of Coventry, CT, graduated with a degree in Sociology

Mary Luchenbill of Coventry, CT, graduated with dean’s distinction with a degree in Business Administration

Sarah Luchenbill of Coventry, CT, graduated with a degree in Sociology

Matthew Maturo of Coventry, CT, graduated cum laude with a degree in Visual Arts

Mark Oakley of Coventry, CT, graduated cum laude with a degree in Visual Arts

Eryka Soucy of Coventry, CT, graduated with a degree in Business Administration

Lee Traygis of Coventry, CT, graduated with a degree in Business Administration

East Haddam

Holly Carver of East Haddam, CT, graduated with a degree in Communication

Christopher Finch of East Haddam, CT, graduated with a degree in Biology

Arwid Gibinski of East Haddam, CT, graduated with a degree in Sport and Leisure Management

East Hampton

Roberta Perleoni of East Hampton, CT, graduated with dean’s distinction with a degree in Business Administration

Alexa Cascio of East Hampton, CT, graduated with a degree in Business Administration

Carl Gingras of East Hampton, CT, graduated with a degree in Sustainable Energy Science

Kevin Hines of East Hampton, CT, graduated with a degree in Communication

Kyle Levenduski of East Hampton, CT, graduated with a degree in Accounting

Samantha Root of East Hampton, CT, graduated with a degree in Visual Arts

Beatrice Tomasi of East Hampton, CT, graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Accounting

Denis Ugurlu of Haddam Neck, CT, graduated cum laude with a degree in Theatre

Hebron

Donald Risley of Hebron, CT, graduated with a degree in Psychology

Ryan Williams of Hebron, CT, graduated with a degree in Business Administration

Brian Archambault of Hebron, CT, graduated with a degree in Communication

Jerod Fromme of Hebron, CT, graduated with a degree in Physical Education

Terri LaPointe of Hebron, CT, graduated cum laude with a degree in Human Service

Morgan Rose of Hebron, CT, graduated with a degree in English

Walter Wroblinski of Hebron, CT, graduated with a degree in English

Mansfield-Storrs

Kimberly Blair of Mansfield Center, CT, graduated with a degree in Biology

Michael Calvo of Mansfield Center, CT, graduated cum laude with a degree in Mathematics

Michael Calvo of Mansfield Center, CT, graduated cum laude with a degree in Computer Science

James Gilligan of Mansfield Center, CT, graduated with a degree in Business Administration

James Haseltine of Storrs Mansfield, CT, graduated with a degree in History and Social Science

Jules Sene of Storrs Mansfield, CT, graduated with a degree in Mathematics

Colin Dunnack of Mansfield Center, CT, graduated with a degree in Business Administration

Ann Eichner of Mansfield Center, CT, graduated with a degree in General Studies

Yuhuan Gao of Mansfield Center, CT, graduated with a degree in Accounting

Kristen Gencorelli of Mansfield Center, CT, graduated cum laude with a degree in Sociology

Sencer Geyik of Mansfield Center, CT, graduated with a degree in Business Administration

Logan Johnson of Mansfield Center, CT, graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Accounting

Logan Johnson of Mansfield Center, CT, graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Accounting

Sarah Lavoie of Mansfield Center, CT, graduated with a degree in Social Work

Rebecca O’Bern of Storrs Mansfield, CT, graduated with a degree in English

Nicole Pedersen of Storrs Mansfield, CT, graduated summa cum laude with a degree in History

Corey Pelletier of Mansfield Center, CT, graduated with a degree in Environmental Earth Science

Wajiha Yasmeen of Mansfield Center, CT, graduated with a degree in Social Work

Kristina Knapp of Mansfield Center, CT, graduated with a degree in English

Jocelyn Loukas of Storrs, CT, graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Sociology

Jessica Sauve of Mansfield Center, CT, graduated with a degree in Psychology

Luen Yeung of Mansfield Center, CT, graduated with a degree in Sociology and Applied Social Relations

Marlborough

Anna Sauve of Marlborough, CT, graduated with a degree in Environmental Earth Science

Vincent Aloia of Marlborough, CT, graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Visual Arts

Michael Boursy of Marlborough, CT, graduated with a degree in Environmental Earth Science

Jennifer Gorcenski of Marlborough, CT, graduated with a degree in Science

Elizabeth Grant of Marlborough, CT, graduated with a degree in English

Sarah Mockalis of Marlborough, CT, graduated summa cum laude with a degree in History and American Studies

Erin Murphy of Marlborough, CT, graduated with a degree in Psychology

Margaret Napolitano of Marlborough, CT, graduated with a degree in Mathematics

Jaime O’Connor of Marlborough, CT, graduated with a degree in History

Willington

Corey Smolen of Willington, CT, graduated with a degree in Business Information Systems

Shawn Craver of Willington, CT, graduated with a degree in Computer Science

Douglas LaBonte of Willington, CT, graduated with a degree in Environmental Earth Science

Megan LeBlond of Willington, CT, graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Psychology

Ryan McMenemy of Willington, CT, graduated with a degree in Accounting

Michael Monopoli of Willington, CT, graduated with a degree in Accounting

Keri Radell of Willington, CT, graduated with a degree in Social Work

Carmen Rodriguez of Willington, CT, graduated with a degree in Psychology

Windham-Willimantic

Judithann Arce of North Windham, CT, graduated with a degree in Visual Arts

Chelsea Arne of Windham, CT, graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Psychology

Angelica Booker of North Windham, CT, graduated with a degree in Psychology

Allison O’Connor of Windham, CT, graduated magna cum laude with a degree in English and Early Childhood Education

Sarah Schultz of Windham, CT, graduated with a degree in History

Clint Slowik of North Windham, CT, graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Visual Arts

Laura Cinciripino of Windham, CT, graduated with a degree in Business Administration

Megan Fitzgerald of Windham, CT, graduated with a degree in English

Jeffrey Haines of Windham, CT, graduated with a degree in Psychology

Chris Jolley of Windham, CT, graduated with a degree in Computer Science

Amy Knight of North Windham, CT, graduated with dean’s distinction with a degree in Business Administration

Samira Niazy of North Windham, CT, graduated with a degree in Biology

Alexis Smith of Windham, CT, graduated cum laude with a degree in Music

Gillian Weeks of Windham, CT, graduated with a degree in Sociology and Applied Social Relations

Nicole Weis of Windham, CT, graduated with a degree in Psychology

Holly Cruz of Windham, CT, graduated with a degree in Sociology

Elyjah Shapera of North Windham, CT, graduated with a degree in Communication

Eastern Connecticut State University is the state’s public liberal arts university. Eastern serves approximately 5,600 students each year on its Willimantic campus and satellite locations.

Posted May 18, 2012

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Save your appetite for the return of the Third Thursday Street Fest

Besides live music and other entertainment, the Willimantic Third Thursday Street Fest includes tables set up by local businesses, some offering samples of their goods and services. In prior years, for example, massage therapist Diane Marion has offered chair massages - a nice break for visitors after making a tour of everything going on on Main Street. Photo copyright 2011 by Brenda Sullivan.

Have you missed the Third Thursday Street Fest? Well, the new 2012 season begins this week on Thursday, May 17. Admission is free and all are welcome. Forecasts are for sunny skies and comfortable temps.

Downtown Main Street will be closed to traffic from 5 to 9 p.m., and the streets will be taken over by bands and other entertainers, food vendors of all kinds – from burgers to falafel – and tables with representatives of civic groups and other local organizations, as well as a variety of craftspeople and artists.

Good food tastes even better listening to the music by performers on the many stages at the festival, beginning at 6 p.m. until about 8 p.m.

Every year the Street Fest grows – drawing thousands of visitors from the area.

For details about each month’s music, food and other events, visit the web site at http://willimanticstreetfest.com (there you can also find an application to showcase your goods, services or band at a future Street Fest).

Third Thursday is also an opportunity to visit some of the restaurants, businesses, coffee shops and art galleries that make Downtown Willimantic special.

“Way uptown” is the home of Main Street Café and Brew Pub. That’s the one with all the awards, like the 2011 Best Brew in Connecticut, and 2010 6th Best Brew Pub in the World.

Then there is Cafémantic, in the beautifully renovated, colorful “Victorian” building with a large selection of fresh-made gourmet sandwiches and treats, as well as delicious coffees and teas.

Also on Main Street is the newly opened Fred’s Blues and BBQ and the City Side Deli.

The rock-climbing tower at the Willimantic Third Thursday Street Fest. Photo copyright 2011 by Brenda Sullivan.

Turn onto Church Street and find The Harp on Church, an Irish spot with tasty sandwiches and drink.

Go “way downtown” and you’ll find Tony’s Pizza, or buy their pizza by the slice at the Third Thursday Street Fest.

Also at the festival:

Domino’s Pizza with pizza and breadsticks; First Congregational Church with fried dough with various toppings; Hosmer Mountain Soda with its famous ice cream floats; Windham Bigg Play will have pulled pork and coleslaw; Wings Express selling Indian food like chicken tika masala, matter paneer and samosas; Ternullo Ministries offering French fries and onion rings; Chappy’s II has custom sausage and smoked products; Keiffer’s Kettle Korn also has Italian ice; Iglesia Corozon will have beef empanadas, rice with pigeon peas and roasted pulled pork; Raw Youniverse will make you an organic smoothie; and for your sweet tooth, cotton candy from St. Mary’s Church.

There truly is something for everyone at the Willimantic Third Thursday Street Fest – bring your friends and family.

Editor’s note:Please, if bringing your (friendly) family dog, keep him/her on a leash, plan to clean up after any accidents and bring some water because you, your children and your four-footed friend are likely to get thirsty. And if you have a good time at the festival, why not stop by the main information booth and buy a button to help support future fests. Each festival costs about $16,000 to produce. About $10,000 is covered through in-kind services and volunteer labor, leaving about $6,000 – which includes about $4,500 to pay performers, $1,000 for advertising and about $500 for insurance, Port-a-Potties, postage and other fest expenses.

Posted May 15, 2012, based on a press release from the Willimantic Third Thursday Street Fest organizers

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Info meeting set for creating two-lane Pucker Street bridge in Coventry

The project will change the single-lane bridge into a two-lane structure with two 10-ft wide lanes and a two-foot shoulder, with the intent of improving the sight line across the bridge.

A public information meeting on the rehabilitation of the Pucker Street Bridge will take place Wednesday, May 16.

The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the town hall annex behind the town hall at 1712 Main St.

Though the project has waned for some time, town officials have now resolved concerns raised by the Department of Transportation and its consultant liaison, including hydraulic modeling and floodplain impacts.

The purpose of Wednesday’s meeting is to encourage interested persons to learn about and discuss the project.

The project will change the single-lane bridge into a two-lane structure with two 10-ft wide lanes and a two-foot shoulder, with the intent of improving the sight line across the bridge.

The estimated construction cost is $2.1 million with 80 percent reimbursed with federal funds under the Federal Local Bridge Program and 20 percent shared by the towns of Coventry and Columbia, which border the bridge.

The split between the towns previously agreed upon requires Coventry to pay two-thirds of the share.

Posted May 15, 2012

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Coventry wants to promote more kids walking to school

New sidewalks could make it safer for more children to walk to Coventry High School and Middle School - and promote more exercise while possibly reducing some bus costs. File photo by Roxanne Pandolfi

The public is invited to a community forum to weigh in on a proposed sidewalk project to link existing sidewalks on Main Street to the high school and middle school complex.

When built, it would rectify what town officials say is a safety issue.

Though still in the concept stage, the town is anticipating the Federal Highway Administration will fully fund construction costs, which are assessed at $500,000.

The informational meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 17 in the town hall annex off Route 31.

The project could be recommended for construction under the Safe Routes to School Program and would be administered by the state Department of Transportation.

Safe Routes to Schools, established in 2006, is a program designed to create safe transportation routes for schoolchildren to and from school, as well as educate students about transportation options.

Its mission is to combat the problem of childhood obesity by increasing opportunities for physical activity in communities — something sidewalks would do by allowing children to safely walk to school.

Director of Planning and Development Eric Trott said all of the sidewalks would be in the town’s “right-of-way,” so no easements would be needed from property owners along the proposed sidewalk route.

Town Manager John Elsesser said the town hopes to see construction begin next summer.

Coventry Police Chief Mark Palmer supports the sidewalk project. He observed that Main Street (Route 31) “has a lot of pedestrian traffic.”

“Cars tend to go faster than the speed limit there,” Palmer said.

The department does a lot of speed enforcement on Main Street and there haven’t been a lot of  accidents on that stretch of road, “but we don’t want to wait until there is a serious accident,” Palmer said.

Town Council Chair Elizabeth Woolf said she is “very optimistic” about the town getting the sidewalk funds. She added, “It’s very dangerous the way it is now.”

Coventry Board of Education Chair Jennifer Beausoleil agreed. “This would improve safety for kids and everyone,” she said. She added that this amenity also could boost traffic to businesses in the Coventry Village area.

If more children could walk to school, there might also be some transportation savings, she said.

“We could see some potential savings in transportation because we wouldn’t be required to have some bus stops along Main Street,” Beausoleil said.

For more information about the project or about the public forum, please call Director of Planning and Development Eric Trott directly at 860-742-4062 during town office hours.

Posted May 14, 2012 as edited by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan

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Sen. Prague set to retire, has served since 1994

Sen. Edith Prague, D-Columbia has decided to heed the advice of her doctor after recovering from a stroke and has announced she will retire after serving 18 years in the Connecticut legislature.

Longtime State Senator Edith Prague, D-Columbia, has decided not to run for re­election and thus bring to an end an 18-year career in the state Senate.

Prague has represented the 19th Senate District since 1994. Her district serves Columbia, Franklin, Hebron, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon, Marlborough, Montville, Norwich and Sprague. (Bozrah will be dropped from this district as a result of redistricting.)

After suffering a minor stroke Christmas morning, 86-year-old Prague returned to work in January 2012, but she is heeding the advice of her doctor, who is concerned about the level of stress campaigning entails.

“She gave me a fair warning,” said Sen. Prague.

Former state Rep. Joan Lewis, D-Coventry, spoke to the passion and dedication Prague has demonstrated in her job.

Lewis ended her fourth term as state representative after losing to current state Rep. Tim Ackert, R-Coventry in November 2010.

As state representative, Lewis served constituents in Coventry, Columbia and Vernon. She also worked with Sen. Prague during Lewis’ 17 years on the Coventry Town Council.

At that time, Sen. Prague was serving Coventry as state representative.

Lewis remembers Sen. Prague’s “energy and enthusiasm” about issues in the state legislature. Sen. Prague has been “an outspoken advocate for the people,” said Lewis.

During her time as a legislator, Prague has been an advocate for senior citizens and aimed to improve access to affordable health care for all citizens.

Prior to her time in the state Senate, Prague was a state representative for eight years and served as commissioner of the former state Department on Aging – during that time, she established a statewide health insurance program, originally called “HICAP” and now operating under the name “CHOICES.” The program provides counsel­ing services to seniors with ques­tions about insurance coverage.

Sen. Prague is currently serving as assistant president pro tempore of the state Senate and is chair of the aging and labor and public employees committees. She is also vice chair of the appropriations committee and a member of the public health committee.

Rep. Ackert has been working closely with Prague since beginning his first term in November 2010. Although they are from two different parties, he has a great deal of respect for Sen. Prague and the work she has done in the legislature.

“We may have disagreed on our philosophies, but never on our philosophies for our constituents,” said Ackert. For example, the pair has been a “voice” for Columbia regarding the minimum budget requirement law, which Town Administrator Jonathan Luiz testified against in February.

The law requires school districts to allocate at least the same amount of funding that was in the budget the previous year.

Columbia failed to meet the MBR requirement; the budget is $158,723 less than the prior year. And so, the town is required to come up with the remaining funds by June 31, the end of the fiscal year.

Thus far, no action has been taken on the measure, so the town faces a possible financial penalty, which would be double the amount of Education Cost Sharing Grant funding the town would typically receive.

Rep. Ackert said Sen. Prague’s retirement will give her an opportunity to take time for herself and spend more time with her family. “I care about her health — I truly do,” he said.

Sen. Prague said the highlight of her legislative career came Wednesday, when Bill 5312 passed in the Senate – it makes changes in the state employee health benefits statutes to correspond with employee concessions in the state employee collective bargaining agreement.

It has also passed in the state House of Representatives.

“That’s what serving in state government is all about, improving the lives of people in this state,” Sen. Prague said.

She said she is proud of her record in the state legislature and is “sad to leave” her position. She said if she didn’t have a stroke in December, she would have run for re-election.

“I’m grateful to the people of my district that they gave me this opportunity,” she said.

Those who have known and worked with Sen. Prague predict she will continue to be a presence in the legislature.

“I’m sure that Edith Prague will find a way to be engaged in the causes she believes in,” said state Rep. Gregory Haddad, D-Mansfield.

Haddad has known Prague for many years; he worked as her campaign manager before he was elected to the state legislature in November 2010.

“She is going to be missed by many people,” said Haddad.

State Senate President Pro Tempore Donald Williams Jr., D-Brooklyn also praised Sen. Prague’s dedication and he also foresees her continuing as an advocate. “Helping others is what keeps Edith going,” he said.

“I’m going to miss Edith tremendously because she’s such a fighter for working men and women and their families, for senior citizens and for those who need a tireless champion,” said Sen. Williams. “There’s no one else like Edith. She has loved every minute of her time in public service.”

U. S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, also expressed admiration for Sen. Prague’s public service. “Edith has been a giant on the landscape of Connecticut for many years,” he said in a prepared statement. “We are a better state because of her commitment to investing in our people, which she realized is the true strength of the state she loves so much. Job well done.”

Sen. Prague earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Connecticut State University and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Connecticut.

She is widowed and has four children and nine grandchildren.

Posted May 13, 2012

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Calling all bird-watchers

Tom Harrington will speak and show slides at the NOS meeting. His topic will be The Birds of Wisconsin, and the International Crane Foundation. Image source: Natchaug Ornithological Society

The Natchaug Ornithological Society (NOS) will have its first meeting of the year at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 4, 2012 in the Buchanan Center at the Mansfield Library on Route 89 in Storrs-Mansfield.

Tom Harrington will speak and show slides at the NOS meeting. His topic will be The Birds of Wisconsin, and the International Crane Foundation.

The NOS board will meet before the program at 7 p.m.

All are invited to attend.

Also, a field trip is scheduled for Saturday, May 19, 2012 at Boston Hollow. In order to deal with the limited parking in Boston Hollow, we will meet at 7:30 a.m. at Ashford Elementary School on Route 89 and carpool from there.

Posted April 19, 2012

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UConn prepares for Spring Weekend

Police will set up checkpoints in Storrs (Mansfield) as well as Coventry (along Route 44) as Spring Weekend kicks off, Thursday April 19 through Saturday April 21. Spring Weekend is not sanctioned by UConn, but has for years been marked by parties focused on alcohol. File photo, April 23, 2011 by Marie Brennan

In response to the death of University of Connecticut student Jafar Karzoun in 2010, university officials are cracking down on enforcement measures during Spring Weekend for the second consecutive year.

The event is not sanctioned by the university and is celebrated the weekend before the last week of classes.

It is seen as a way for students to relax and party one last time before final exams. This year, Spring Weekend kicks off Thursday and runs through Sunday (April 19-21).

In years past, parties have become rowdy and at times violent. Police patrol throughout the campus and at off-campus destinations such as Carriage House and Celeron Square apartments, in an attempt to control crowds.

In an op-ed piece published in the Hartford Courant Friday, UConn President Susan Herbst noted that some areas may be “impossible to close off.”

“We do so for the sake of our reputation as one of Connecticut’s greatest points of pride and one of the best public universities in America, but more than anything, we want our community, our campus and our students to remain safe,” Herbst wrote.

Following the death of Karzoun, the weekend was relatively tame last year and police are hoping the same is true of this year’s event.

“We are hoping that based on the communication that we’ve had with the university community and surrounding community, that people understand the need to deescalate this weekend,” said UConn police spokesman Capt. Hans Rhynhart.

Karzoun, a Milford resident, was punched and killed by Edi Rapo of East Hartford during an off-campus fight during Spring Weekend, 2010. Rapo is now serving nine years in jail, suspended after four and a half years, for his crime.

In light of this incident, UConn was a ghost town last year during the popular weekend which typically attracts tens of thousands of people, including many non-students.

University officials have speculated that the weather and the fact the holiday fell during Easter weekend were reasons for lack of participation in Spring Weekend last year.

A Spring Weekend task force was set up by former UConn President Michael Hogan to review the university’s policies pertaining to the celebratory weekend.

The task force issued a report recommending ways to control Spring Weekend, including a voluntary, one-year moratorium.

State police troopers will set up DUI check­points on routes 195 and 44 in Mansfield from Thursday through Saturday.

UConn police will conduct some roving patrols. They will enforce trespassing violations.

Coventry police will work in conjunction with other departments at a DUI checkpoint set up on Route 44 beginning at approximately 7 p.m. on Friday and continuing until 2 a.m. on Saturday.

UConn and state police will block or limit access to certain roads, pathways and parking lots on and around campus.

Additionally, guests will be banned from residence halls and dining halls.

“These are some of the same measures that are in place as were last year,” said Rhynhart.

In the past, the university has sponsored a number of on-campus events during this weekend in an attempt to lure students away from off-campus parties centered on heavy drinking.

These included a spring concert and mud volleyball tournament, known as Oozeball. These events are now prior to Spring Weekend.

This year, most events are banned, including academic events.

Students are being encouraged to go home for the weekend and begin moving their belongings home in preparation for the end of the school year, if they choose.

Posted April 18, 2012 as edited by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan

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Chronicle Publisher Kevin Crosbie struck down by heart attack

Kevin B. Crosbie, 52, publisher of The Chronicle in Willimantic, CT died at his home on April 17, 2012. Photo source: The Chronicle

Local residents and members of the publishing world were stunned to learn on Tuesday (April 17) that Chronicle Publisher Kevin Crosbie, 52, had suffered a heart attack and died at his home.

The Chronicle is one of the last family-owned newspapers in the country, and has been the source of local daily news since 1877.

Kevin was the fifth generation of his family to be Publisher of The Chronicle, the role he took over from his mother, the late Lucie Crosbie, in 1992.

In the aftermath of his untimely death, friends and colleagues remembered him for the person he was behind the title – a family man, a constant in the community, an ally, an athlete and a very good friend.

News of Crosbie’s passing moved quickly through the community.

The Windham Town Council Tuesday honored Crosbie with a moment of silence before its meeting, and expressed shock and disbelief that such a prominent member of the community was gone.

Crosbie was remembered in many ways, not the least of which was for his forthrightness and honesty.

“If he liked something, he’d tell you. If he didn’t like something, he’d tell you that too,” said Windham Mayor Ernie Eldridge.

“Kevin and I didn’t travel in the same circle but I considered him my good friend,” he said.

Condolences also poured into the Chronicle Tuesday from newspaper heads around the state who knew Crosbie professionally and personally.

Michael Schroeder, president of the Bristol Press described Crosbie as “a dedicated journalist” who worked diligently to preserve community newspapers in Connecticut.

“He was committed to doing what was right in every situation and I took away new ideas from each conversation I had with him. The news media will be much weaker in this state with the loss of Kevin,” Schroeder said.

Crosbie was a hands-on publisher and ever present in the newsroom. He operating at times out of nothing more grandiose than a cubicle in the corner.

He was the go- to person for just about everything and would just as soon climb a ladder to change a light bulb as put on a jacket and sit down with the governor — as he did recently when Gov. Dannel P. Malloy paid a visit to the Chronicle.

Former Chronicle features editor Terese Karmel described Crosbie as “a soup-to-nuts guy.”

“At midnight he’d be at the paper, in jeans and a sweatshirt, ironing out some printing problems … and then that night, he’d be in a gray suit and tie hosting a Chamber of Commerce dinner,” she said.

Kevin Crosbie and his mother Lucy Crosbie in January 2002. Lucy May ( Bartlett) Crosbie, president of the Chronicle Printing Co. and former publisher, died at Windham Community Memorial Hospital on Jan. 1, 2012 after a brief illness. She was publisher of the daily newspaper from 1954 until 1992, when Kevin Crosbie took over that role. Chronicle file photo

Chronicle photographer Al Malpa said Crosbie treated everyone fairly. “There was no hierarchy with him,” said Malpa.

Crosbie as a forward thinker, he said, always drumming up innovative ways to make the paper better.

His business savvy ways and his nose for news combined to make him one of a kind, said Gary Farrugia, publisher of The Day. “Kevin was a smart businessman with the soul of a journalist… He was a fine human being,” Farrugia said.

Crosbie held several leadership positions in the greater newspaper community; he served as past president for the Connecticut Daily Newspaper Association and as Chair of the Connecticut Daily Newspaper Association’s legislative committee.

Richard Graziano, publisher of the Hartford Courant recalled, “As president of the association, he was a committed leader. He was a fierce advocate for our industry who successfully fought legislation that stood to negatively affect our business in a significant way.”

Despite trying economic times that continue to take a toll on newspapers around the country, the Crosbies have fought successfully to keep the Chronicle in the family.

“The fact that he was the fifth generation of a family that has led a local media organization since 1877 speaks volumes,” said Graziano.

Mike Killian Sr., vice president for the Record-Journal in Meriden, described Crosbie as a “fellow who loved the industry… He had a passionate commit­ment to journalism, as did Lucy, his mother.”

A graduate of Windham High School, Crosbie went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English from Skidmore College in Saratoga, N.Y. He joined the Chronicle in 1984 and became publisher in 1992.

George Geers, who was the Chronicle editor when Crosbie made the transition to publisher, called Crosbie, “a class act… The closest I’ve come to George Bailey of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’”

Despite the Chronicle’s status as a smaller daily, Crosbie as its publisher was well respected as an industry leader among his peers.

“He was passionate about, and dedicated to, preserving the independence of the Chronicle,” said Shawn Palmer, publisher of the News Times in Danbury.

Outside of the news business, Crosbie nurtured his longtime friendships and enjoyed some 30 years of ice hockey with old high school buddies. The group began getting together to play pond hockey in the woods of Windham and while they all loved the game, their greatest fondness was for one other.

“They were terrific hockey players, but they were better friends,” said Mike Sypher, Chronicle sports editor, who went to high school with Crosbie and has worked at the Chronicle for 25 years.

Even though described as a hands-on publisher, Sypher said Crosbie was hands-off where it mattered most.

“He let us do our jobs and he trusted our abilities. He was the best boss I ever had and will ever have,” said Sypher.

Norm Miller, a longtime friend and fellow hockey player, said there were countless good times to be remembered with Crosbie, but mostly he was the best kind of friend. “He always seemed to be there when I needed a friend. When I came home from Iraq, he was the guy who picked me up. When I was down, he was there,” said Miller.

Michael Lemanski, Chronicle city editor, has known Crosbie since 1997. As a sports enthusiast, he admired Crosbie for his interests both inside and beyond the newsroom — especially his membership on the Boubere and Buzzard hockey teams.

“Kevin was the only publisher I’ve ever worked for who played ice hockey,” said Lemanski.

Lemanski added, “He cared about his staff, family and community and he represented what newspapers should be.”

That sentiment was shared by many others who knew Crosbie, including Eldridge.

“He was a man that you could trust,” said Eldridge. “There are not many newspaper people you can say that about, but Kevin was one of them.”

Posted April 18, 2012, as edited by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan

Charter Communications/Community Access also shares this link to a recent interview with Kevin Crosbie on “On the Homefront.” He was interviewed by Bruce John and John Murphy.

http://ctv14.pegcentral.com/player.php?video=ed987a90c9503e7c6c9983f5ae06dd7e

Kevin Bartlett Crosbie, Feb 22, 1960 – April 17, 2012

Kevin B. Crosbie, 52, of Willimantic, husband of Patrice A. Crosbie (nee Pernaselli), father of Caroline, Meredith, and Arthur, passed away suddenly on April 17, 2012.

Kevin was born in Willimantic, son of the late Arthur and Lucy Crosbie.

Kevin is survived by his wife, his brother Vincent and fiancée Emma Rodriguez Suarez, his cousins Diane Studley, Jennifer and Rob Smith and children, his aunt and uncle Joan and Bob Fraser, cousins Katie, Shawn and Denise, his father and mother in law Joseph and Marianne Pernaselli, brothers and sisters in law, Joseph Pernaselli, Michael and Meg Pernaselli, Mary and Michael Regensburg, and nephews, Christopher, Jeffrey, Brian, Evan and Sean.

Kevin graduated from Windham High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Skidmore College. In 1984 he joined The Chronicle, and has been Publisher since 1992. Kevin was the fifth generation of his family to be Publisher of The Chronicle which was founded in 1877.

Kevin was a past President of the Willimantic Lions Club, the Willimantic Chamber of Commerce and the Connecticut Daily Newspaper Association.

He was an avid hockey fan and member of the Boubere and Buzzard Hockey teams.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 20, 2012, between 4 and 7 p.m. at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street (Rte. 195) Willimantic, CT.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 21, 2012, at 1 p.m., at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson St., Willimantic, with assembly at the church. Burial will follow immediately.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to The Holy Family Home and Shelter, 88 Jackson St., Willimantic, CT. 06226.

No tax increase for Coventry – voters will decide

While some will call this proposed increase minimal and point out that to an owner of a median valued house it would be only $1.15 per month, but that can be significant. How many of us are aware of the number of families living on an economic edge in this town?

From the Opining Quill (blog),

The proposed Coventry Budget was presented at a meeting on March 15th.  The Town Council listened and took action.  The Town Council has adjusted the proposed budget from a requested increase in spending of 1.73 percent and higher taxes to a new lower level that will not raise taxes this year in Coventry, if the current proposed budget is adopted by referendum.

Approximately six people spoke at the meeting, asking questions and making suggestions.  Below is an example of what was said, taken from the minutes of the meeting:

Coventry is an exceptional small New England community; as is often mentioned at the Town Council meetings, we have active support with citizen volunteers stepping forward to serve their community.  One such organization, Coventry Helping Hands, has recently been organized to assist our neighbors, not with a handout but with helping hands.  The organizers recognize that in this economy, some of our neighbors are struggling.

The Council needs to be cognizant and more mindful of the impact even a small tax increase will have on our community at this time.  While some will call this proposed increase minimal and point out that to an owner of a median valued house it would be only $1.15 per month, but that can be significant.  How many of us are aware of the number of families living on an economic edge in this town?  We have a community food bank that is currently serving about 115 to 120 clients per week.  That translates to 115 families that need assistance for even the basic need of food.

Yes, your increase is small, but it is not compassionate.  I ask that you follow the lead of Coventry Helping Hands and reach out to help your neighbors – reach for your pencils to erase the small increase in your budget.  It will not solve their problems, but it will not add additional hardship.  If we can find money to pay extra for green energy, we should be able to find a way to help our neighbors.

To read the entire editorial as published in the Opining Quill blog, click here http://opiningquill.wordpress.com/2012/04/15/no-tax-increase-proposed-in-coventry-citizens-to-vote/

Posted April 15, 2012

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A slam dunk for Storrs Center, Geno Auriemma announces new restaurant

University of Connecticut women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma speaks at a press conference April 10, 2012 announcing a plan to open a new restaurant in the Storrs Center development. Photo by Roxanne Pandolfi

When the $220 million Storrs Center opens its first businesses this summer, a familiar name will be attached to one of the restaurants.

During a press conference at the Nathan Hale Inn and Conference Center on the UConn campus Tuesday afternoon, UConn women’s basketball head coach Geno Auriemma announced he will open an Italian/ American restaurant in the complex, tentatively called Geno’s Grille.

Crediting the work of various individuals and organizations involved with the project, Auriemma said his role is simply to attach his celebrity name to the project.

Auriemma has coached seven championship teams and made it to 13 Final Fours. “I’m kind of like the Queen of England, you know,” he said. “They paraded me out there. I don’t do any of the work.”

The hope is his name will attract people from across the state to Storrs Center, and help make it a hot destination for current students, graduates and other Connecticut residents.

It was an exciting moment for Mansfield Mayor Betsy Paterson, who serves as an ex-officio member of the Mansfield Downtown Partnership Board of Directors, the group overseeing the project.

“We know you (Auriemma) will be successful in this venture,” said Paterson. “This will be the place to be in Storrs Center.”

Construction on the restaurant is expected to begin in May and it is expected to open around Labor Day, as part of the first phase of the development.

It will seat more than 100 people and have a bar and an outside dining area.

The Storrs Center location is the second restaurant opened by Auriemma and his partners, who also own and operate Geno’s Fast Break restaurant at Mohegan Sun casino.

The new restaurant will serve a variety of appetizers, entrees and desserts prepared by chef Calvin Silva.

Auriemma said only food he likes to eat, such as pizza, pasta and sandwiches will be served. “Other than my mother’s food, it will be as good as you can get,” he said.

Those who attended the press conference got a taste of the food Geno’s will offer, as a variety of wraps and other foods from Fast Break were served.

Auriemma’s restaurant is the latest of many businesses to sign on to Storrs Center, a development project that will bring a retail, commercial and residential components to the town.

According to Howard Kaufman, managing member of Leyland Alliance, the master developer on the project, approximately 80 percent of the commercial leases have been signed for the first phase of the project. This includes Moe’s Southwest Grill, Husky Pizza, Fro-yo World (frozen yogurt) and Insomnia Cookies. Some existing businesses also have signed letters of intent, including Storrs Automotive.

The UConn Co-op bookstore is expected to sign a lease to set up a second business in Mansfield. And talks are underway with three more businesses, Kaufman said.

“We’re well on our way to becoming fully leased by the time the project opens up,” he said.

Posted April 13, 2012 as edited by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan

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