How to make your own public access program

Want to learn more? Charter Access TV 14 will offer an open house between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012 at the James W. Diaz Community Access Studio/Charter on Tuckie Road in North Windham, CT. Courtesy photo

CTV 14 is your Public Access channel.  Residents, like you, from the Charter Communications service area can make their own programs with our equipment and then air them on the local cable access channel.

No prior experience is necessary; our professional producers will teach you how to use our video production studio, editing suites and portable cameras.

Studio time and equipment use is a free service for residents of the towns that Charter Communications serves:

Ashford, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Chaplin, Columbia, Coventry, Eastford, Hampton, Lebanon, Mansfield (Storrs), Pomfret, Scotland, Thompson, Willington, Windham (Willimantic) and Woodstock.

Want to learn more? We will offer an open house between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17 at the James W. Diaz Community Access Studio/Charter in North Windham (207 Tuckie Road, North Windham, CT  06256)

Tour our studio and speak with the Public Access Studio Supervisor about making your own show (or volunteering to help with other projects).

Community Access TV is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience in video production, while providing our community with quality programming that isn’t available anywhere else.

Get involved with Community Access Television, call the studio today at 860-456-8500 or visit our web site at http://www.ctv14.com

Please note that advertising, solicitation of  funds/products/services does not qualify for community access use.  Call for complete details.

Posted November 9, 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. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW  Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )

We’re back…

Hurricane Sandy took its toll on my computer and Internet connection. I am currently at least temporarily back online pending any further havoc created by the Nor’easter!

I want to express my gratitude for your continued support of this small, locally-owned business through our ups and downs.

– Brenda Sullivan, Editor HTNP News

Posted November 9 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. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )

Free Puppet Slam at UConn Saturday

At the Nov. 10 UConn Puppet Slam, from L.A., Caitlin Lainoff and Dan Rae Wilson perform “Little Zoo”, an excerpt from “Zoophilic Follies,” a “puppet-opera adaptation of the Daedalus myth that celebrates the sad and strange hopes of the human heart.” Courtesy photo.

You may have heard of a “poetry slam” – a kind of performance/competition among poets. Now there’s a “puppet slam” – more about performance than competition, though – at the University of Connecticut in Storrs-Mansfield.

Anyone familiar with the programs and performances created by the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry (BIMP) knows that puppetry is a varied and often highly sophisticated art form with a history reaching back to the dawn of civilization.

BIMP, itself and its founder Frank Ballard, are known and respected internationally.

The free UConn Puppet Slams present an array of new works for short-form puppetry by vibrant puppet artists from New York City, Boston and around the country, as well as students studying in the University of Connecticut’s Puppet Arts Program.

Please note that many of the shows in the Puppet Slam are geared toward mature audiences and are not appropriate for children.

The Fall UConn Puppet Slam at 8 p.m. this Saturday (Nov. 10) will spotlight works by performance artist, sculptor, and videographer J.R. Uretsky (a UConn graduate in Visual Arts and member of the feminist collective Dirt Palace); S.B. Parks (UConn Puppet Arts graduate and currently Costume Crafter at Hartford Stage); Paul Spirito (Technical Supervisor at the Puppet Arts Program); current Puppet Arts graduate students Penny Benson, Sarah Nolen, Seth Shaffer, Carianne Hoff and Anna Fitzgerald; and, from Los Angeles, special guests Caitlin Lainoff and DanRae Wilson.

The event is free and will be held at UConn’s Studio Theater in the Drama and Music building.

For more information about BIMP, send email to bimp@uconn.edu or call 860-486-0339. The mailing address for BIMP is: Ballard Institute & Museum of Puppetry, University of Connecticut, 6 Bourne Pl, Storrs, CT 06269

Posted November 9, 2012

Related links:

Puppet Slam URL on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UConnPuppetSlam

BIMP on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ballard-Institute-and-Museum-of-Puppetry/119039334775261

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. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )

Exhibit documents the life and demise of a Willimantic landmark

The smokestack, with its uniquely patterned band of brickwork, defined Willimantic’s international and local identity until September 2011, when irreparable storm damage and years of neglect caused it to be dismantled. Judd’s portraits commemorate the smokestack’s monumental beauty, utility and finally, the one-year anniversary of its demolition from the first hit of the wrecking ball to the last pile of bricks. Courtesy photo.

You’re invited to enjoy an exhibit focused on a smoke stack at Windham Mills – a local landmark that towered over Willimantic that was recently demolished – now open at ArtSpace, the renovated mill building/apartments at 480 Main St.

Called “End of an Era, Past Identity/Future Vision,” these photos by Harrison Judd  and other documents can be viewed Nov. 9 through Dec. 2 during gallery hours, which are 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The smokestack, with its uniquely patterned band of brickwork, defined Willimantic’s international and local identity until September 2011, when irreparable storm damage and years of neglect caused it to be dismantled.

Judd’s portraits commemorate the smokestack’s monumental beauty, utility and finally, the one-year anniversary of its demolition from the first hit of the wrecking ball to the last pile of bricks.

Supporting historical information along with additional photographs offering a vision for Willimantic’s future complete this community-centered exhibit.

 “When the last great smokestack was slated to be demolished last year, I only half noticed at first. Then I heard several people I admire were struggling to save it and took a deeper look. What was it that fascinated them, and now me? How could a smokestack, idle for many decades, be of any importance? Partly it was because it was unexpectedly beautiful, constantly changing with the light and the weather, and partly it was because it was one of the last icons left from a past in which Willimantic was significantly and proudly on the world stage. Its demolition was truly the end of an era.”—Harrison Judd

“End of an Era” has generated many supportive partnerships within the Willimantic and Eastern Connecticut State University communities including the Windham Textile & History Museum, the Connecticut State University System, Thread City Development Inc. and Artspace Windham. Publicity materials for this exhibit were designed by Eastern Connecticut State University Digital Art & Design students.

“End of an Era” will also be on view during Artists Open Studios 2012, which is on the weekends of Nov. 24 – 25 and  Dec. 1 – 2  from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about the gallery, call 860-465-6761.  Harrison Judd can be contacted at 860-465-6761 or harrison@futurehistory.com

Posted November 9, 2012

Related link:

Harrison Judd’s web site http://harrisonjudd.com/Site/Main.html

“Windham Mills smokestack came tumbling down,” http://windham.htnp.com/2011/09/01/and-windham-mills-smokestack-came-tumbling-down/

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. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW  Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )

Letter of support to reelect State Rep Linda Orange

Linda Orange was elected to the Legislature in November 1996 to represent the 48th Assembly District, which serves Colchester and East Haddam, CT. With the boundaries redrawn every 10 years, it will now include most of Colchester and parts of Lebanon, Mansfield and Windham, CT.

Dear Editor,

Linda Orange has been an integral part of our community. As a resident of East Haddam and President of the Bashan Lake Association, I can attest to the fact that she has devoted countless hours supporting our endeavors.

She was instrumental in arranging meetings, between the town of East Haddam and DEEP, to discuss the concerns with water draw-down in the winter months and issues with damage to lake front properties.

Thanks to Representative Orange, our voices were heard and the DEEP has a greater understanding of draw-downs and why they are needed.

I am also an active member of the Auto Body Association of Connecticut and Linda Orange has been working for all of the consumers of Connecticut by actively supporting an important bill that the Association put before the legislature.

Thanks to the efforts of Linda Orange, we now have a law that states you have the right to repair your car at any auto body shop of your choice, despite what your insurance company might tell you.

For all of her professionalism, timely returned phone calls, driven support for East Haddam residents, and efforts in protecting the consumers of Connecticut through the Auto Body Association, I proudly support Linda Orange in her bid for re-election.

Respectfully Submitted,

William Denya

Posted October 26, 2012

Linda Orange was elected to the Legislature in November 1996 to represent the 48th Assembly District, which served Colchester and East Haddam. With the boundaries redrawn every 10 years, it now includes most of Colchester and parts of Lebanon, Mansfield and Windham.

2012 Redistricting map – section showing areas of Mansfield and Windham that are now part of the 48th House District (orange).

HTNP News welcomes comments on this post.  Letters to the Editor on this and other issues, as well as to express support for a candidate, also can be sent to editor@htnp.com Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions.

The cut-off date for letters concerning candidates for this year’s elections is Friday, Nov. 2 – comments on letters/news stories will be allowed up until Nov. 5, to allow candidates to respond in their defense.

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. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )

Impending hurricane prompts call from Red Cross for blood donors

Nationwide, an average of 44,000 blood donations are needed under normal conditions each and every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients, and children with blood disorders. This need does not diminish when disaster strikes.

Hurricane Sandy may take aim at the eastern coast of the United States as early as this weekend. As communities brace for the storm’s arrival, the American Red Cross urges people in the possible path of this storm to stay informed and get prepared now.

And one way to help is by donating blood prior to the storm’s arrival.

“This storm could affect the turnout at Red Cross blood drives along the East Coast,” said Donna M. Morrissey, director of communications, American Red Cross Blood Services – Northeast Division.

“We ask anyone who is eligible to donate, especially in regions not affected by the storm, to please schedule a blood donation now. By giving blood now, your donation will help the Red Cross ensure that blood is available for patients who still need blood despite the weather,” Morrissey said.

Nationwide, an average of 44,000 blood donations are needed under normal conditions each and every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients, and children with blood disorders.

This need does not diminish when disaster strikes.

The Red Cross has the ability to move blood around the country to where it’s needed most – especially during these critical times.

“It’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives when disasters occur,” said Morrissey. “The time to help is now.”

Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment to donate blood.

The Red Cross is mobilizing disaster workers in the regions that weather experts say will be affected by the storm, and has more than 100 emergency response vehicles on alert.

Supplies are ready to be moved and shelter locations are being identified across multiple states. The Red Cross is working closely with federal, state and local government officials, as well as community partners to coordinate response efforts.

Individuals and families are asked to take personal preparedness steps and download the free Red Cross Hurricane App to get ready for the storm now.

The Hurricane App provides real-time hurricane safety information, such as weather alerts and where Red Cross shelters are located.

The app also features a toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light and alarm. The app can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for “American Red Cross.”

How to Donate Blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Individuals who are 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are generally in good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.

The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org

Posted October 26, 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. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )

Love llamas? Visit them and enjoy free event

Meet alpacas and llamas, receive free balloons and coloring books, and enjoy some jam tastings and drop spindle and spinning wheel demonstrations. Come to an open house at Safe Haven Farm from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27. Admission is free.

Here’s something fun and free to do this weekend.

Meet alpacas and llamas, receive free balloons and coloring books, and enjoy some jam tastings and drop spindle and spinning wheel demonstrations.

Come to an open house at Safe Haven Farm from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27.  Admission is free.

Safe Haven Farm is located off Route 6 at 39 Drain St. in Hampton, CT. (From Willimantic/Windham, take Route 6 eastbound approximately 10 miles.  Look for signs one mile east of Route 97.)

The open house is hosted by the Hampton Agriculture Commission, Safe Haven Farm and Three Niece Farm.

Start your holiday shopping early in the Safe Haven store. Sample Three Niece Farm’s scones, muffins and breads made from their bread mixes, and a new BBQ sauce will be “unveiled.”

Questions? Visit the Safe Haven web site at http://www.safehavenalpaca.com or call 1-860-455-0054.

Posted October 24, 2012

Related link: Three Niece Farm on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Three-Niece-Farm-LLC/100306683395863

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. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )

Senate candidate Murphy supports Planned Parenthood – criticizes McMahon

Criticizing Republican Senate candidate Linda McMahon, Chris Murphy’s campaign organizers issued a press release today (Oct. 22) saying the two senate hopefuls are in “stark contrast” when it comes to support for Planned Parenthood and women’s health care.

More than 62,000 Connecticut women each year rely on services from Planned Parenthood health centers.

“McMahon is campaigning today with New Jersey Governor and Planned Parenthood opponent Chris Christie while Murphy discusses his pro-choice record with Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Cecile Richards, the nation’s leading women’s rights advocate,” the release states.

“Christie, who cut millions in state funding for women’s health centers during his first year as governor, has continued his crusade against Planned Parenthood by blocking attempts to restore the funding, even using a line-item veto to personally deny support for women’s health in New Jersey,” the release states.

Murphy campaign spokesman Eli Zupnick said, “When Linda McMahon campaigns with national Republicans hell-bent on denying women access to birth control and life-saving health services, Connecticut voters are reminded of why they rejected her far-right, anti-choice policies two years ago.”

The release quotes a column in The Courant column earlier this month, in which Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Cecile Richards states:

“Linda McMahon has told reporters that if she had been in the Senate, she would have voted for the Blunt amendment — to let your boss decide whether your birth control and other services such as cervical cancer screenings should be covered under your insurance plan.”

Posted October 22, 2012, links and video added by HTNP News Editor Brenda Sullivan

HTNP News welcomes comments on this post. Letters to the Editor on this and other issues, as well as to express support for a candidate, also can be sent to editor@htnp.com Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions.

The cut-off date for letters concerning candidates for this year’s elections is Friday, Nov. 2 – comments on letters/news stories will be allowed up until Nov. 5, to allow candidates to respond in their defense.

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. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )

Free massages Monday

Enjoy a free massage at Quinebaug Valley Community College between 3 and 6 p.m. on Monday (Oct. 22) as part of a celebration of National Massage Therapy Awareness Week. Image courtesy of American Massage Therapy Association.

Enjoy a free massage at Quinebaug Valley Community College between 3 and 6 p.m. on Monday (Oct. 22) as part of a celebration of the 16th annual National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, Oct. 21-27.

The massages are offered by the American Massage Therapy Association.

QVCC is located at 729 Main Street in downtown Willimantic.

QVCC invites the public to meet local licensed massage therapists and learn about the many benefits of massage therapy.

Posted October 21, 2012 – based on a press release,  links and video added by HTNP News 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. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )

Firefighting in Willimantic- meet the authors

A photo about firefighting in Willimantic – Chief Cormier and John Griffin with young visitors. Courtesy photo.

You are invited to meet the authors of “Firefighting in Willimantic,” at 4 p.m. at the UConn Co-op this Tuesday (Oct. 23).

The Co-op is located at 2075 Hillside Road in the Storrs UConn Campus.

As Willimantic moved from a sleepy borough to a hub of busy mills, fire protection became a crucial concern. Beginning with volunteers in 1830, the city turned to professionals in 1917.

Concerned as much with fire safety and prevention as with putting out fires, the firefighters of Willimantic and their families also socialized and participated in community service activities together.

In “Firefighting in Willimantic,” Michael Tirone and Pete Zizka give us a richly illustrated history of these brave men and women.

Tirone, a firefighter from 1974 – 2010, served with the Electric Boat Fire Department, the US Naval Submarine Fire Department in Groton and the Norwich Fire Department.

Zizka is a past volunteer firefighter and avid researcher. Both men are natives of Willimantic.

The foreward was written by current Willimantic Fire Chief Marc A. Scrivener.

Questions? Call the UConn Co-op at 860-486-5027.

Related link: Willimantic Firefighting on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Willimantic-Firefighting/176042315820754

Posted October 21, 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. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )