Courtney, students at Capitol to testify on student loan interest rates

The current fixed interest rate on Stafford federal subsidized student loans, held by nearly 8 million undergraduates, is 3.4 percent, but that rate will double to 6.8 percent on July 1, 2013 unless Congress takes action. Photo: Connecticut State Capitol building, Hartford, CT – file photo.

Press Release

Congressman Joe Courtney, Eastern Connecticut State University President Elsa Núñez and a delegation of students and advocates from ConnPIRG (Public Interest Research Group) will be at the Capitol in Hartford, CT today (June 17) to ask Congress to keep student loan interest rates from doubling.

With only 13 days until the deadline, they hope to prevent the hike from taking effect on July 1.

The current fixed interest rate on Stafford federal subsidized loans, held by nearly 8 million undergraduates, is 3.4 percent, but that rate will double to 6.8 percent on July 1, 2013 unless Congress takes action.

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Tell your story – or enjoy your neighbor’s

At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, VoiceMail returns to Cafémantic in beautiful, downtown Romantic Willimantic.

Press Release

At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, VoiceMail returns to Cafémantic in beautiful, downtown Romantic Willimantic.

Cafémantic is located in the bright yellow Victorian building at 948 Main St.  across from Willi Brew Pub.

The evening includes open mic storytelling – for adults, with featured teller Ellie Toy on at 7:30 p.m. Please come early to get your dinner!

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Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge nets town more than $4,500

Press Release

Storrs-Mansfield and Windham-Willimantic town leaders, and representatives from Northeast Utilities will gather in two ceremonies to celebrate the success of The Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge, a three-year community energy savings program that helped local residents save money, reduce energy use and give back to their local economy.

Over three years, Neighbor to Neighbor engaged residents in 14 towns, including Windham and Mansfield, helping them reduce their energy use by 20 percent.

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Family fun at the Benton Museum this weekend

The William Benton Museum of Art on the Storrs UConn campus is hosting a weekend of family events June 14-16.

Press Release

The William Benton Museum of Art on the Storrs UConn campus is hosting a weekend of family events June 14-16.

Celebrate this Father’s Day at the Benton from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 16 with a host of activities including

• storytelling by Tom Lee,
• puppets from the Ballard Museum of Puppetry,
• chalk drawing,
• a visit from Jonathan the UConn Husky,
• ice cream for all and
• door prizes for Dad from Home Depot, Eastern Mountain Sports, FroyoWorld, Dog Lane Café, and Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts.

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Statewide property tax pitched for funding CT schools

Economist Stan McMillen said when increased special education costs and the costs of the school readiness program are factored in, the shortfall in Connecticut’s aid to municipalities totals around $1.09 billion. Photo by Hugh McQuaid | CTNewsJunkie.com

By Hugh McQuaid | CTNewsJunkie.com

Economists at the University of Connecticut are suggesting that a statewide property tax might close a more than $1 billion funding gap in the state’s education cost sharing (ECS) formula.

They pitched that idea in their quarterly “Connecticut Economy” report released Thursday (June 13) at the Connecticut Education Association’s (CEA) Hartford offices.

Stan McMillen, a contributing economist, said that for the last five fiscal years, the state has underfunded its share of education funding to municipalities required by statute.

He said when increased special education costs and the costs of the school readiness program are factored in, the shortfall totals around $1.09 billion.

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Attn runners – Nipmuck Trail Race is June 30

The Willimantic Athletic Club hosts the Nipmuck South Trail Race on Sunday, June 30. Preregistration is required, and only 100 entrants will be accepted.

By Brenda Sullivan | HTNP News Editor

The Willimantic Athletic Club  hosts the Nipmuck South Trail Race on Sunday, June 30.

Preregistration is required, and only 100 entrants will be accepted. The entry fee is $25.

Official times will be provided and posted online at http://thelastmileracing.com

There will be prizes for the first male and female winners, as well as recognition for age-group winners.

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Coming up – Annual Victorian Bazaar at historic site

Mark your calendars for the Willimantic Camp Meeting Association’s 104th Victorian Bazaar, which runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2013.

Brenda Sullivan | HTNP News Editor

Mark your calendars for the Willimantic Camp Meeting Association’s 104th Victorian Bazaar, which runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 29.

The event is held at the historic site, at 453 Windham Road/Rt 32 South – one mile south of the Frog Bridge (look for the sign on the right).

Take your pick of crafts and fancy work, flowers and plants, linens and fabric – including vintage and retro, “white elephant” items (antiques, household goods and more) and “Christmas in June” items.

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