The Grapevine

White Memorial little pond boardwalk smashed

2011-09-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

Blogger Andy Thibault in his blog Cool Justice reports that the little pond boardwalk at White Memorial in Litchfield sustained damage from Tropical Storm Irene.

To read more click here for his full blog post.

Celebrate Connecticut Hunting and Fishing Appreciation Day

2011-09-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), in conjunction with the Friends of Sessions Woods, will host a FREE day of outdoor activities on Saturday, September 24, 2011, at the Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area and Education Center in Burlington, to celebrate the contributions that hunters and anglers have made to the conservation of Connecticut's natural resources.

Click here for the complete details about this event.

Woodbury's New Morning Market celebrates 40th anniversary September 17

2011-09-09T06:18:00.000-07:00

New Morning Market will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary on Saturday September 17th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.. There will be food sampling and entertainment both inside and outside the store. In addition, details about the move to their new store two miles north will also be unveiled. All are invited and the event is free to attend.

To find out more about the festivities read the full article form The Hartford Courant Biz Buzz Blog.

Atlantis, astronauts ready; weather maybe not (with live stream of launch)

2011-07-08T07:47:00.000-07:00

By MARCIA DUNN,AP Aerospace Writer

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA's final four shuttle astronauts boarded Atlantis for liftoff Friday on the last flight of the 30-year program, even as potential rainstorms threatened to delay the launch.

Forecasters stuck to their original 70 percent chance of bad weather, as the veteran crew climbed aboard the spacecraft. NASA was hopeful.

Free Live streaming by Ustream

"We do have a shot at this today," launch director Mike Leinbach assured his team.

Commander Christopher Ferguson gave a thumbs up as he was strapped in after sunrise despite the still-iffy launch prospects. On his way to the spacecraft, Ferguson had jokingly beckoned for more applause, clapping his hands at one point. The astronauts posed for pictures before boarding.

Atlantis holds a year's worth of supplies — more than 8,000 pounds — for the International Space Station.

An estimated 750,000 people are expected to jam Cape Canaveral and surrounding towns for this final shuttle launch, reminiscent of the crowds that gathered for the Apollo moon shots.

Among the expected VIPs: 14 members of Congress, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen, four members of the Kennedy family, two former NASA administrators, singers Jimmy Buffett and Gloria Estefan, and the first shuttle pilot of them all, Robert Crippen.

By 6 a.m., cars and RV were packed into almost every available space along U.S. 1 in Titusville, with cameras already trained on the launch pad in the hazy clouds across the Indian River. Many had planted chairs and staked out viewing locations just feet from the water. Some were still cocooned in sleeping bags as the sun rose.

Kenneth Cox, 25, an airport employee from Danville, Ind., joined three friends at the riverside. Hauling Lucky Charms, fixings for s'mores and a bottle of champagne to celebrate the launch, they slept off and on as the sun rose.

"It's the closing chapter of 30 years," said Cox, who went to Space Camp when he was in the fifth grade and has been enamored with the shuttle program as long as he could remember.

"I definitely think it's a somber attitude out here, because it's the last one," said Cox's friend, Simon Lin, 26, who works at Walt Disney World in Orlando. "It's brought so much to the tourist industry in Florida, and that's what we are. Closing it down, it's going to be sad."

Cherie Cabrera, 23, a Disney World employee, tried to explain the attraction.

"It's just powerful," she said. "There are so few people who have the ability to go to space, and for all of us to be here on the river, watching it launch and feeling it rise and feeling the wind, you feel like you're a part of it. You feel connected."

John and Jennifer Cardwell came from Fairhope, Ala., for their third attempt to see the shuttle launch. Twice before they made the trip only to have a flight canceled and they weren't able to stay. They brought their sons, Isaac, 6, and 3-year-old Eli.

"This is our last-ditch chance to see one," said 38-year-old Jennifer Cardwell, cradling a sleepy Eli in her arms just after dawn. "This is the end of an era, and I wanted to be able to experience it. My son is interested in space and science, and I wanted to encourage that.

"It's that last frontier, that last place left for us to explore," she said. "We've gone all over the world, and this is what's left."

NASA must launch Atlantis by Sunday or Monday or it will have to wait until at least July 16 because of an unmanned rocket launch scheduled for next week.

The 12-day mission will close out the space shuttle program, which began with the launch of Columbia in 1981. Atlantis will join Discovery and Endeavour in retirement, so NASA can focus on sending astronauts to asteroids and Mars. Private companies will take over the business of getting space station cargo and crews to orbit.

Once Atlantis soars, it will be another three years — possibly five or more — before astronauts blast off again from U.S. soil.

This will be the 33rd flight for Atlantis and the 135th shuttle mission overall.

"Everybody should be really proud how we've ended and just finishing strong," Mendoza said.

Farmer's Markets double food stamps

2011-07-07T08:08:00.000-07:00

NBC Connecticut is reporting that families that use food stamps can get double the value at select Farmers Markets across the state.

To read more about where and how CLICK HERE.

Zombies to invade Torrington streets May 21

2011-05-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

TORRINGTON - With springtime here and summer just around the corner, downtown Torrington welcomes the return of warm night, art exhibitions, street fairs and zombies?

On May 21, zombies will take to the streets during the Brazen Betties 2nd Annual Street Fair for the Love of Art.

Artwell Gallery will sponsor the First Annual Zombie Crawl, a fund raiser with all proceeds going to scholarships for local children in Artwell's Summer Education Program. Artwell offers summer education programs each year for children, teens, and adults and would like to provide scholarships this year to children who cannot afford summer art classes.

Zombies who wish to participate are encouraged to sign sponsors for the event and can download a pledge form with all event information from the gallery's website at: www.artwellgallery.org.

Festivites kick-off at 4 p.m. and will include on-site zombie makeovers, a huge zombie walk through the 'Dead Center' of Torrington. Zombies will leave the gallery at 5 p.m. sharp and invade the unsuspecting streets of Torrington. While downtown the zombies will pillage, plunder and try to abduct Mayor Ryan Bingham, and take over the 2nd Annual Brazen Betties Birthday Street Fair.

Torrington Middle School Students to be honored by CT Academy

2011-05-20T13:01:00.000-07:00

ROCKY HILL - Connecticut's most talented young scientists and engineers will be honored by the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering at its 36th annual meeting and awards dinner on May 25 at the Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk, CT.

Winners of this year's Connecticut Science Fair, Connecticut Science Challenge, Connecticut Junior Science and Humanities Symposium and Connecticut Invention Convention will be recognized during the evening ceremonies.

Students from Torrington Middle School that participated in the 2011 Connecticut Invention Convention will be honored: Yeats Bramble, Jessica Marie Gray, Matthew R. Heath, Halifax Nicolson, Stephen Torlai, and Olivia Vollaro.

New England Integrative Health Associates offers free nutrition class

2011-05-10T05:59:00.000-07:00

WEST HARTFORD - New England Integrative Health Associates (NEIHA), will offer the public a free 90-minute nutritional seminar led by leading personal nutritional counselor Lisa Wilson. The class be Wednesday May 25 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at the West Hartford Senior Center, 15 Starkel Rd., Bishop's Corner, West Hartford.

To reserve a space, call 860-255-4325.

The class will highlight current nutritional trends including dinner-plate choices that can sabotage our health, easy weight-loss tips, healing at the cellular level, and the power of medicinal foods, as well as provide pointers on selecting foods that boost energy and draw attention to toxins in the products we eat every day.

Attendees will receive a complimentary assessment of B.I.A, a measure of total body composition - body fat, muscle, lean body mass.

New England Integrative Health Associates, slated to open in August, will offer a comprehensive array of services from traditional medical protocols and alternative health care options to support patients in reaching their health and wellness goals.

Harwinton Agricultural Society offers scholarships

2011-05-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

Harwinton Agricultural Society Scholarships
The Harwinton Agricultural Society is sponsoring two $1,000.00 scholarships to area students either graduating high school or is a current college student. One scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a course of study in agriculture, home economics, or a related field in the upcoming academic year. The other scholarship is awarded to a qualifying student pursuing a career in a non-agricultural field.

Qualifications for the scholarships include participation in our Fair, scholastic achievement, citizenship and leadership, and financial need. These scholarships are offered from first year enrollment to senior year. A recipient of these scholarships can apply each year they will be attending college.

Applications are available at area school guidance offices. Also visit our website section for more information and an application form. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2011.

Local Physical Therapist and Business owner named on 40 under 40 list by Connecticut Magazine

2011-04-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

TORRINGTON - Physical Therapist Daniel Albanese, owner of Maletta Pfeiffer & Associates LLC- Torrington Physical Therapy and Torrington Wellness was named in the March 2011 issue of "Connecticut" magazine as a "40 under 40" young professional and community leader.

The "Connecticut" magazine article state that, "Daniel Albanese is now in his 10th year of providing physical therapy in his hometown of Torrington." The article explained that the physical therapy portion of the business provides everything from physical therapy, massage therapy to custom foot orthotics and Wii rehab training.

Torrington Wellness also provides weight-management classes and nutritional supplements to consumers plus custom wellness solutions to doctors and health professionals.

"This is certainly a significant recognition for me, but I could not have achieved this without our tremendously supportive staff. Our organization is very much a team intention. There are six physical therapists in addition to myself, two massage therapists, plus a stellar support staff. It is my sincere pleasure to share this recognition with all of our staff members. Throughout every year, we are striving to continually improve our knowledge and skills by attending several annual educational courses and seminars to keep up-to-date on the latest technologies and skills to incorporate into our practice. We pride ourselves on individualized one-on-one treatment, private treatment rooms, and our highly-trained licensed therapists," Albanese said about the article in Connecticut magazine.

Albanese is an active member of the Torrington community, serving as Treasurer of the Litchfield County Business Professionals and is a member of the Litchfield Area Business Association, the Northwest Chamber of Commerce and many additional community programs including supporters of Warner Theatre, youth sports leagues, charity involvement, local food banks and others. Along with his wife and two sons, Daniel Albanese and his family have been residents of West Hartford for eight years.

The Maletta Pfeiffer and Associates - Torrignton Physical Therapy office is located at 333 Kennedy Drive Suite L204 and can be reached at 860-201-5951. The second office is located at 30 Peck Road Building 1 Suite 1101 in Torrington and can be reached at 860-489-0867. The website is www.torringtonPT.com.

Drakeville Volunteer Fire Department to host 2nd annual Comedy Show and Dinner

2011-03-21T06:35:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, March 26, 2011, the Drakeville Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting their 2^nd Annual Dinner and Comedy Show Fundraiser at the Torrington Elks Club.
This year, the event is co-sponsored by Carl’s True Value and Dick Cooper TV and Appliance. As you may know, many volunteer fire departments rely heavily on outside donations in order to maintain and operate their stations.
The proceeds from this event will be put towards the general fund of the Drakeville V.F.D. and be used towards training, equipment, and vehicle maintenance, as well as general operating expenses.
The doors will open at 6:30pm with a cash bar and raffle followed by a full dinner buffet beginning at 7:30pm. The two comedian show will begin at 8:30pm.
This year, we are pleased to welcome Jay-Dee and Justin McClure to the stage. Both are quite funny and will be sure to please everyone!
Tables seat eight and can be reserved accordingly. Tickets are $40 per person.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting Carl’s True Value, located at 78 North Elm Street, Torrington; or you can see any member of the department. Additional questions and tickets can also be obtained by contacting Kristen Harmon at (c) 860-387-3183 or (h) 860-201-4282.

Friendly Hands Food Bank part of "Million Dollar Challenge"

2011-03-02T07:55:00.000-08:00

For the 14th consecutive year, Alan Feinstein will divide $1 million among hunger fighting agencies nationwide to help raise funds during March and April 2011. The million dollars will be divided proportionally among all agencies participating in the "Million Dollar Challenge."

The more donations made to Friendly Hands Food Bank, Inc. from March 1 to April 30, the more they will receive from the Feinstein Challenge. These donations can include cash, checks and food items. Each food item will be counted as $1.00 per item.

All food donations must be totaled and signed for because documentation is very important. Please help us fight hunger in our area. You may bring donations to:

Friendly Hands Food Bank, Inc.
50 King Street
Torrington, CT 06790
Monday through Friday
9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

CL & P and Yankee Gas award $18,000 in grants to high school Robotics teams

2011-03-02T07:33:00.000-08:00

BERLIN, CT - Twenty-six high school teams from CL & P and Yankee Gas' service territories have been awarded a total of $18,000 in grants to help fund their efforts in the upcoming 2011 FIRST Robotics Competition Northeast Utilities FIRST Connecticut Regional.

In January, teams were invited to apply for the grants.

Applications were judged on five items: team diversity, what types of fundraising the teams were involved with, how these teams have helped mentor other FIRST Robotics teams, and commitment and involvement in community service.

"We had twice as many applications from teams this year, compared to 2010, they were from across the state," said Jeff Butler, president and chief operating officer for CL & P. "It is not only great to see so many students showing an interest in the event, but what I find even more exciting is their interest in what is often referred to as "STEM" - science, technology, engineering and mathematics. There are skills that are vital to this country's future."

The team at Southington High School, the CyberKnights, received the largest grant at $3,000.

Five teams received the second largest grant of $1,000. Operation PEACCE - a 4-H/JC Penney Youth Robotics Team out of Explorations Charter School in Winsted were the recipients of a $1,000 grant.

There was a total of 20 teams that received $500 grants, several of which are from Litchfield County.

Watertown High School's team, Black Magic; Housatonic Valley Regional High School's team Who's CTEKS; and Litchfield High School's team, Litchbots were all recipients of the $500 grant.

The 2011 FIRST Competition Northeast Utilities FIRST Connecticut Regional is March 31 to April 2 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

Taylor Rental employee appointed to Governmental Affairs Committee

2011-02-18T10:06:00.000-08:00

TORRINGTON - Stephen C. Houk of Taylor Rental was appointed to the Governmental Affairs Committee of the American Rental Association.

The American Rental Association, founded in 1955, is an international trade association that supports its 7500 member equipment rental businesses and 1100 manufacturer and supplier members with research, business development, and networking opportunities. A.R.A. is the recognized voice and advocate on issues of importance to the equipment rental industry.

Houk will help set and monitor A.R.A.'s annual legislative and regulatory agenda. He will also participate in the organization's National Legislative Caucus again this year in Washington, D.C.

Caucus participants meet with strategic and local Congressmen and Senators to express the organization's views as well as learning how they can affect legislation on the state level to protect the interest of small business and the rental industry.

8th annual Food for your Neighbors drive

2011-02-08T07:30:00.000-08:00

The United Way of Northwest Connecticut launched it's 8th annual Food for your Neighbors program on January 27. The drive ends on March 9.

Food pantries continue to see increased demand over last year. The Salvation Army in Torrington has seen a 46% increase in clients. The Winsted Salvation Army has seen a 15% increase in clients. Friendly Hands Food Bank has seen a 30% increase in need.

Good items to donate are your non-perishables like tuna, peanut butter and jelly, soups, cereals, pasta, tomato sauce, canned meats, stews, canned vegetables, and boxed juices.

Food for your Neighbors will distribute collected food to FISH, Friendly Hands, Fishes and Loaves, Salvation Army Service Center in Winsted, and Salvation Army in Torrington.

The collection-distribution point in Torrington will be the Church Street entrance of the old Register Citizen Water Street building. The collection point will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Individuals and employee collection sites are encouraged to drop collected food off on a weekly basis.

Canaan residents and businesses can make their drop offs at community collection sites. Canaan residents can also contact Wendy Currier of Fishes and Loaves at 860-318-1272 to make arrangements for drop off. They can also contact Cheryl Hunter of the YMCA at Geer at 860-824-2788. The Winsted Salvation Army Food Bank at 110 Main Street will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday for food delivery from employees and community drop offs.

All food will be distributed in the region in which it is collected. Lat year 28,146 items were collected. Since its 2004 inception, over 165,565 items have been collected and distributed to local food banks.

Largest pink ribbon organization caught giving millions to abortion provider

2010-11-01T11:31:00.000-07:00

Washington, D.C. - Susan G. Komen for the Cure claims to be the world's largest grassroots network fighting for the cure of breast cancer, yet it gives millions of dollars to the abortion provider, Planned Parenthood. In at least 22 states, Komen affiliates have sent donations to Planned Parenthood. Last year these donations added up to $731,000. For the past five years, the donations reached a staggering $3 million, according to the Life Issues Institute.

In 2007, a study published in the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons found that women who have an abortion increase their risk of getting breast cancer by 40 percent. There are a growing number of studies pointing to abortion as he single most avoidable risk factor for breast cancer.

Many people have entrusted Komen with their donations, hoping to prevent breast cancer. In a twisted circle, Komen gives a portion of that money to Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the United States. Abortions are the leading cause of increased risk of breast cancer. Komen's donations to Planned Parenthood exacerbate the problem of breast cancer. Komen should publically apologize for these donations.

Matthew D. Staver, Founder of Liberty Counsel and Dean of Liberty University school of law, commented, "Komen must be transparent and publicly apologize for using donations to fund Planned Parenthood. While Komen seeks a cure for breast cancer, it funds abortion which increases the risk of breast cancer. This duplicity must stop. Komen must cease abortion funding and remain true to its mission."

Winter Fire Prevention and Home Fire Safety

2010-11-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

November is here and the cold of winter is upon us. The Litchfield Fire Marshal's office would like to remind you of a few things that will make for a safer winter for you.

Stop a fire before it starts:

All wood stoves, both log and pellet, should be thoroughly cleaned and all flues have been checked for leaks before using.
Use a glass or mes screen in front of the fireplace as well as a fire resistant mat on the floor in front of the fireplace.
Store all wood a safe distance from the stove or fireplace.
Never store ashes from the fireplace in a building.
Use a metal pail and take ashes outside and dump away from all buildings.
If the fireplace is new a building permit is required prior to installation so proper inspections can be made prior to use.
Space heaters should be UL listed and not used with an extension cord. They should have a tip sensor on the unit. All non-electric units should have oxygen depletion sensors on them.
Never use a space heater near combustible objects.
Connecticut State Law does not allow kerosene heaters in multi-family homes.

Most importantly make sure smoke detectors and carbon dioxide detectors should be in good working order with fresh batteries.

Artwell Gallery and Community Art Center is looking for artists

2010-07-06T13:40:00.000-07:00

Artwell has an open call to call artists, any medium for their next exhibition "Block Party." Artists are invited to participate in Artwell's exhibition by making art made from/on/about wooden blocks.

If you wish to participate please send $15 to Artwell Gallery, 19 Water St. Torrington, CT

Artists will receive blocks via mail and may use them in a work of art as they see fit.

The mission of the "Block Party" is to help demonstrate and honor the physical, social and creative impact of the most basic of toys. And also to illustrate the foundations of art using form as a basic for content.

Drop off is August 21 and 22 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The opening for the "Block Party" exhibition will be Saturday August 28 6 to 8 p.m. and is free and open for the public. The show will run until Sept. 19.

For more information visit www.artwellgallery.org or call 860-482-5122.

Avon Garden Tour to Help Domestic Violence Victims

2010-07-06T13:29:00.000-07:00

Interval House is partnering this weekend with an Avon family to help victims of domestic violence.

On Saturday July 11 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. John and Chrissie d'Esopo will open their 289 West Avon Road home for eager garden-goers to enjoy what many consider one of the most breathtaking displays of flowers and shrubbery anywhere in the United States.

Last year, during the four hour tour, the couple had more than 2,000 people visit their lush gardens. This year, Chrissie D'Esopo said they planted nearly 20,000 annual flowers.

"Every year it gets bigger and better," Chrissie D'Esopo said. "We've had people from Hawii visit and last year we had someone from Turkey so we can get people from all over."

The garden tour is open to the public with a $5 fee. Light refreshments will be served. All proceeds will be split between Interval House, CT's largest domestic violence agency, and My Sisters Place, a Hartford-based program for homeless women and their children.

What are problems and opportunities facing Local Merchants in Torrington's Downtown Revitalization

2010-06-21T13:28:00.000-07:00

As part of the Register Citizen’s Ben Franklin Project, I will be reporting on problems and opportunities that are facing local merchants during the Downtown Torrington revitalization.We are in the middle of an experiment here called “The Ben Franklin Project,” in which we plan to produce an entire print and online edi...tion of the newspaper (we’ve chosen the issue of Sunday, July 4) that involves readers at every step of the process of our local journalism.Mike Agogliati will be working on the problems and opportunities facing Local Merchants. Email Mike at magogliati@registercitizen.com or call at 860-489-3121, ext. 324.See More

House of Representatives passes Chris Murphy's Collinsville Dam legislation

2010-06-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation Wednesday to allow local control of two hydropower dams. The legislation was authored by Chris Murphy. Canton, in cooperation with Avon and Burlington is one step closer to generating its own power.

Murphy and Dick Barlow, Canton's First Selectman, have been pushing for town operation of the Collinsville dams as city, state and federal governments look for ways to provide cleaner, domestic power sources to consumers. The Collinsville dams, once retrofitted, are expected to produce about two megawatts of power, enough to power more than 1,500 homes.

"Bringing these two dormant dams back in service makes sense for Canton and the surrounding communities, and this project could become a shining example for the rest of the state and country as we look for cleaner ways to power our homes and businesses," said Murphy.

The Collinsville dams were built in the 18th and 19th centuries to power the Collins Company, which closed in the 1960s.

Although the dams are now owned by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), operating licenses are issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The newly approved legislation will provide the town with the right to operate the dams by allowing for the reinstatement of existing inactive FERC licenses.

The legislation would also require the FERC to solicit additional public comment and new environmental data before taking any action, ensuring that the river's health and ecology is fully protected. The state legislature passed legislation allowing the town of Canton to operate the dams.

The bill has a couple more hurdles before the town can take over the licenses - U.S. Senate and President Obama.

Red Cross providing canteen services to responders at bridge collapse

2010-06-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

The American Red Cross is providing canteen service to emergency responders at the site of a bridge collapse in Naugatuck.

"Our volunteers provide refreshment that helps responders to stay hydrated and to maintain energy during what can often be very lengthy and strenuous responses," said Connecticut Region CEO Dianne Auger. "The canteen at our Emergency Response Vehicle can provide brief moment of rest during a difficult response. We are proud to provide this service to the men and women who work, often at risk of their own safety, to protect the people of Connecticut."

Special Olympics athletes to get Glasses

2010-06-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

Volunteer doctors from the Connecticut Association of Optometrists will be treating hundreds of Special Olympics athletes to vision examinations and prescription and safety eyewear this weekend at the Summer Games.

The event is part of Special Olympics Lions Club International Opening Eyes (SOLCIOE) Vision Health Program.

Volunteers expect to dispense over 150 pairs of free prescription glasses and goggles to athletes, fabricated on-site at the Special Olympics CT Summer Games at SCSU.

This event will take place June 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday June 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Michael J. Adanti Student Center on the 3rd floor at the Southern CT State University Campus in New Haven.

Self Defense Class to Empower Women and Girls

2010-06-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

Soroptimists International of Farmington Valley will be giving a self defense class for women and girls Saturday June 26, 2010.

The class will be held at Yu's Academy of Martial Arts on Route 44 in Canton.

The class is free but a $10 donation to Soroptimist International is suggested. Donations collected will go to area women and children in need.

This workshop will help empower women to identify potentially dangerous situations that can put them in harm. Women will gain confidence while learning some basic self defense techniques. It is structured for women, 13 and older with little or no experience.

Come and observe self defense demonstrations and have a chance to practice simple techniques. Several SIFV women are students at Yu's Academy, which has generously donated their facility for the event.

Registration is required as space is limited. To register please call Kathleen at (860)614-5676. For more information visit www.BestForWomenSelfDefense.com.

Soroptimist International is a volunteer service organization for women who work to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. Funds raised by the organization support organization's like My Sister's Place and Prudence Crandall Center, shelters for women in transition and also provide grants to young women who display outstanding community service.

Route 7 road work slows traffic

2010-06-10T08:25:00.000-07:00

FALLS VILLAGE - If you're traveling up Route 7 in North Canaan, keep in mind the traffic is a bit slow in one section of this sleepy town.

Department of Transportation officials continue to work on a portion of Route 7, near Geer Village, just south of the border with North Canaan. As of today, the length of road that remains under construction has expanded from previous days.

Traffic can flow through the area, although there are DOT workers there who are holding up signs for "stop" and "slow."

"Rip" Torn's case continued to June 23

2010-06-08T07:41:00.000-07:00

LITCHFIELD – Actor Elmore “Rip” Torn appeared briefly in court Tuesday, although his alleged bank-break-in case was swiftly continued as the attorneys involved continue to discuss a resolution.

Torn was seen in the main hallway at Litchfield Superior Court on Tuesday, flanked by members of his family. His attorney A. Thomas Waterfall, reportedly requested a continuance during the morning roll call to June 23, which Judge James P. Ginocchio granted.

Torn, 79, who won an Emmy for his work on “The Larry Sanders Show” and who most recently appeared in “Men in Black” and “30 Rock,” is facing charges of first-degree burglary and carrying a pistol without a permit. Police said Torn broke into a Litchfield Bancorp branch in Lakeville on Jan. 29, thinking he was home, with a loaded .22 revolver in his pocket.

The actor was intoxicated at the time, the police report detailed.

Court officials said Waterfall requested the continuance so he could continue discussions in chambers – which are private discussion on the case – with the state’s attorney, David Shepack. During a court appearance last month Waterfall said he will speak to Shepack about a resolution in the case which he hopes would not include jail time.

Waterfall said in recent weeks he hopes to apply for an accelerated rehabilitation program for his client. This program, open to non-violent first-time offenders, would allow Torn to go through a two-year rehabilitation process with the end result being the charges dropped.

Ronald DeRosa can be reached by e-mail at rderosa@registercitizen.com. Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/registercitizen.

Florida author in the muck blogs about BP oil spill

2010-06-08T07:14:00.000-07:00

Connie May Fowler author of such books as "How Clarissa Burden learned to fly," "Affirmation, Etched in Vinyl," "Remembering Blue," and "The Problem with Murmur Lee" lives in Franklin County Florida, a peninsula on the Gulf of Mexico.

Being in such close proximity to the BP oil spill she has started blogging about the effects it is having on her community.

To get a bird's eye view of the disaster click here to check out her blog.

Here is an excerpt from her latest blog, it really gives an idea of the impact the spill is having on the local communities:

Amid the occasional debate over whether we’re imagining a faint stench of oil, there’s a sense of hopelessness and finality in the air. New phrases have slipped into our everyday lexicon : HAZMAT training, oiled seabirds, sea turtle autopsies, oil-spill trajectory forecasts, deep water oil plumes, Corexit dispersant, dead zones.

For now, our oyster reefs are open, fishing is unaffected, and the beaches remain pristine. But we fear we may have only a few oil-free days left. We don't have reliable data. We're all guessing, hedging our bets. All we know for sure is that the sheen is out there, to our south and west. Emails from local agencies advising us to be prepared pile up like virtual butterflies blown asunder by a foul wind.

Winsted BOE member: No negotiating on anniversary

2010-05-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

As a May 20 contract negotiations session between the Winsted Board of Education and members of the Gilbert School Corp. drew to a close, discussion centered on when the two group would meet again.
Meetings had been scheduled for every two weeks, but various members of both teams expressed a desire to meet more often, as their current contract is set to expire on June 30.
Various dates were suggested, with all attempting to find one which all could attend. Obstacles included Gilbert Superintendent David Cressy’s contention that he does not come to Gilbert every day, and would like to have the meetings scheduled on his work days.
Board of Education memeber Dr. Richard Dutton, however, requested just one specific June date to be off the table, due to what he called a "previous commitment."
"That was a commitment made more than 50 years ago," he said, referring to his wedding anniversary.

Torrington Middle School 8th Grade Philly and DC trip

2010-05-13T12:58:00.000-07:00

TORRINGTON - 143 Eighth graders and 25 adult chaperones boarded four Kelley Transit buses for a 4-day tour of Philadelphia and Washington D.C. on May 4.

The trip tied in with the eighth grade History curriculum and was run by teachers Jason Lafreniere and Michael Fritch. The trip was organized by Educational Tours out of Northbrook, IL.

In Philadelphia the students were treated to lunch at the "Bourse", a guided walking tour of Independence Hall and Park, pictures in front of the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, Ben Franklin Court and the Betsy Ross House. The students were also treated to a run of Rocky Balboa's training grounds at the Philadelphia Art Museum.

The middle school students spent three days of the trip in DC. They got to visit Mount Vernon, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Ford's Theater, Pentagon Memorial, Capitol Hill tour, and visit with Congressman Chris Murphy, all the monuments and memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, Smithsonian Institution Museums and a Major League Baseball game.

This trip to DC and Philadelphia was a first for the eighth grade. The students and organizers hope it becomes an annual tradition.

Racy lingerie photos, including Torrington's Ashley Bickford, stir controversy in Miss USA contest

2010-05-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE for a story from the New York Daily News - along with a photo slideshow - about the controversy that a racy lingerie shoot has caused in this year's Miss USA pageant, which includes Torrington's own Ashley Bickford, this year's Miss Connecticut.

Saturday Night Live: Connecticut 'is our nicest state'

2010-05-10T11:09:00.000-07:00

Saturday Night Live this week poked fun of the fact that the would-be Times Square bomber is from Connecticut.
"What are you so angry about? You're a computer engineer living in Connecticut, our nicest state," Weekend Update host Seth Meyer said. "The only thing people in Connecticut have to be angry about is sun damage to wicker furniture."

Woman who allegedly sold $200,000 of her friend's belongs appears in court

2010-05-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

LITCHFIELD – A former Salisbury woman charged with selling $200,000 of her friend’s high-end belongings has pleaded not guilty.

Dianna Brochendorff, 63, appeared in Litchfield Superior Court on Tuesday where she appeared before Judge James P. Ginocchio on one count of first-degree larceny. Brochendorff’s legal counsel, Attorney James Townsend, entered a not-guilty plea on behalf of his client.

She is due back in the Litchfield court on June 4.

Police said Brochendorff was storing thousands of dollars in antiques, furs and apparel at her Salisbury home in between 2000 and 2007, all of which belonged to her friend, Kent resident Massoumeh Homayouni.

Hamayouni and Brochendorff allegedly entered a verbal agreement, where Brochendorff would hold on to her belongings until Hamoyouni could fully move to the Litchfield County area, police said.

But Brochendorff allegedly took her friend’s items to Maine where she opened a consignment shop and sold off most of them, police said. This was done, despite Hamoyouni’s alleged pleas to get her belongings back, police said.

Brochendorff turned herself in to the state police in March, following a lengthy investigation last year.

Benedict Trial Hits Day 5

2010-04-30T11:01:00.000-07:00

TORRINGTON - A six-person jury of two men and four women continued to deliberate behind closed doors Friday on the case of Adam C. Benedict, a former high school coach facing misdemeanor sex assault charges.

Benedict, 32, was a coach at Litchfield High School when he was arrested on charges of fourth-degree sexual assault. Two students of his, who he knew in study hall and through the school, alleged to police in July 2007 that he groped both of them on separate ocassions in his room of his parents' house on Hart Drive in Litchfield.

The defendant was dismissed from teaching pending the ongoing case. His second trial, since a mistrial was declared in January, began last week with evidence presentations continuing until this past Wednesday.

Deliberations began Thursday and the jury asked to have testimony played back to it. As of 2 p.m. no verdict has been declared.

Check back at www.registercitizen.com for updates and the full story when it happens.

Lobo's Jeopardy stint yields $25,000 for St. Mary's School

2010-04-19T06:07:00.001-07:00

Rebecca Lobo participated as a contestant on Jeopardy! Million Dollar Celebrity Invitational which aired on April 15th. Lobo chose St. Mary's School in Simsbury as her charity which resulted in St. Mary's School receiving $25,000.

School Principal, Marie Gannatti, commented, "Rebecca played a fantastic game of Jeopardy that brought in an incredible donation to our school. We are excited, yet humbled." Gannatti adds, "She is such a great example to our students of a hard-working, successful individual that gives back to the community. We're so fortunate to have her, and we're so thankful to her generous Jeopardy winnings. We are also very grateful to the Jeopardy show."

Rebecca Lobo is an ESPN commentator, UConn women's basketball legend, former WNBA player, and a member of the the gold medal winning U.S. Women's Basketball Team at the Olympic Games in Atlanta. She is married to writer/author, Steve Rushin. They have three children and are very active in the St. Mary's School community.

Celebrate Earth Day with CPTV

2010-04-16T12:40:00.000-07:00

To commemorate Earth Day on April 22, Connecticut Public Television is broadcasting several special programs during the week that address environmental issues and science.

NOVA: The Big Energy Gamble airing Tuesday, April 20 at 8 pm, examines California's ambitious plan to cut greenhouse gases. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is responsible for one of the most visionary environmental programs in the world, aimed at reversing climate change. The questions is: will it work? And what impact is it having on the rest of the country?

Earth Days: An American Experience airs Tuesday, April 20 at 9 pm, is a feature-length documentary about the origins of the modern environmental movement, is told through the eyes of nine Americans who were inspired to act on what they believed was the most important challenge facing mankind: preserving the earth.

P.O.V.: Food Inc. airs Wednesday, April 21 at 9:30 pm, is the critically acclaimed Academy Award nominated documentary film that examines the country's highly mechanized agribusiness industry and its controversial effects on the environment and the health of the American people.

Dirt! The Movie airs Wednesday, at 11 pm, presented by Independent Lens is a film that tells the story of Earth's most valuable and under-appreciated source of fertility - from its miraculous beginning to its tragic degradation. One teaspoon of dirt contains a billion organisms working in balance to sustain a series of complex, thriving communities that are invisibly a part of our daily lives. This insightful and timely film tells the story of the glorious and unappreciated material beneath our feet.

U.S. Department of Labor announces availability of grants for young adult offenders and high school dropouts

2010-04-14T10:56:00.001-07:00

The U.S. department of Labor has announced the availability of approximately $20 million for two grants to provide employment services to young adult offenders and high school dropouts ages 18 to 24 in high-poverty, high-crime communities.

Secretary of Labor, Hilda L. Solis stresses that it is important to reach these young people with training and employment services they need to get get good jobs. She sees it as a critical part of helping them build successful careers and lives. Solis states that these programs funded today will help strengthen communities by improving the career prospects of individuals who have been involved with the justice system or who have dropped out of school.

The goals of these grants are to prepare individuals for employment and reduce recidivism among participants. These goals will be accomplished through job placement, subsidized jobs, on-the-job training, mentoring and community service projects.

The Labor Department expects to award two grants of $10 million each covering a six-month planning period and two full years of operation. Each grantee will be required to competitively select local sub-grantees to operate programs in a minimum of five high-poverty, high-crime communities in at least two different states.

The solicitation for grant applications is published in today's edition of the Federal Register. It provides background information and the closing date, describes eligibility and submission requirements, outlines the process that eligible entities must use to apply for funds and details how grantees will be selected. To view the solicitation online, visit http://www.doleta.gov/grants/find_grants.cfm.

Open Your Eyes studio tour call for artists

2010-04-13T08:43:00.000-07:00

The Northwest Connecticut Arts Council is calling artists and artisans in Bantam, Cornwall, Goshen and Warren to participate in its first Open Your Eyes studio tour weekend, being held June 26 and 27, 2010. Artists will open their creative spaces to the public to show their work and discuss their creative processes. Artists may participate for one or both days. Registrations for artists are being accepted through April 23, 2010.

A special initiatives grant from the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism was received by the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council in 2009 to support the planning, implementation and broad promotion of the event. The Open Your Eyes studio tour is a pilot program and is intended to be repeated in the future in another set of towns within Northwest Connecticut Arts Council's 24-town service area.

The event aims to shine a light on the many artists who live, work and contribute so much to our region. The Open Your Eyes tour recognizes that when the the public learns first hand from the artists about what is involved with the making of a work and the 'story' behind it, a deeper connection and involvement with the art work happens, believes Amy Wynn, Northwest Connecticut Arts Councils executive director.

Americans take Action to Improve the Environment in honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day

2010-04-13T07:08:00.000-07:00

President Obama challenged Americans to take action in their homes, communities, schools or businesses to improve the environment in honor of the upcoming 40th anniversary of Earth Day, April 22, 2010.

His speech given in the video message reminds us why Earth Day was established:

"Forty one years ago, in the city of Cleveland, people watched in horror as the Cuyahoga River, choked with debris and covered in oil, caught on fire. Images of the burning Cuyahoga shocked a nation, and it led one Wisconsin Senator the following year to organize the first Earth Day to call attention to the dangers of ignoring our environment. In the four decades since, we have made remarkable progress. Today, our air and water are cleaner, pollution has been greatly reduced, and Americans everywhere are living in a healthier environment. We've passed the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and founded the Environmental Protection Agency. And in Cleveland, the Cuyahoga River is cleaner than it's been in 100 years."

Obama asks that Americans take steps to help continue making change happen. He challenges us to do do one thing - one action - to improve our environment.

The White House has launched a website, www.whitehouse.gov/EarthDay to give us ideas, and to share our stories on how we're making a difference.

CL&P fights unfair, hidden tax on customers

2010-04-12T11:21:00.000-07:00

CL & P launched a campaign today to oppose Senate Bill 484, a bill that will create a hidden, unfair tax on CL&P customers.

The Connecticut legislature is proposing to securitize certain electric utility revenue streams to fund new revenue bonds to offset the state's budget deficit, creating more debt to pay for existing debt. This hidden tax will cost electric customers $180 million each year for the next 10 years. Only CL&P customers will pay the tax for the first three years. United Illuminating customers won't pay until 2014, and municipal electric customers would be completely exempt.

Jeff Butler, president and chief operating officer of CL&P, stated that the company appreciates the Governor's statement that she will veto this securitization plan to temporarily plug the state's budget hole. Butler believes that this "assault on customers is unacceptable." CL&P plans to fight vigorously on behalf of our customers and will communicate the dangers of this hidden tax to the public.

A website, www.notmybill.org has been launched to alert and educate customers about this threat.

Camp Carlson in Bristol offers girls a sneak peek!

2010-04-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

Girl Scouts of Connecticut's Camp Carlson in Bristol will be open on Sunday, April 18 from 2 pm to 4 pm for girls and their families to get a sneak peek at the exciting camp programs planed for this summer. This is a great opportunity for girls and their families to tour the camp, enjoy snacks, and participate in fun activities.

Girl Scout Camp is designed to offer girls in grades 1 - 12 a safe, fun environment where they can discover their individual strengths, set and achieve goals, and create treasured memories that will last a lifetime. Linda Bresky, Outdoor Program Director for Girl Scouts of Connecticut, said that girls at the camp learn the importance of personal responsibility, the value of goal setting, the spirit of teamwork, and the thrill of accomplishment. "The experience can change the way a girl sees the world and her place in it."

This summer the camp will offer a variety of special interest programs such as Celebrate, where campers will celebrate silly holidays or plan their own camp party; or On a High Note, where girls learn folk songs from different parts of the world and the dance moves to go with them; or Lifeguard Training, where older girls can receive their lifeguard certification through two full weeks of training and one full week of using their skills.

Camp Carlson, located in Bristol, provides bus service from Berlin, Bristol, Burlington, Canton, Farmington, Harwinton, Kensington, Meriden, Middletown, New Britain, Plainville, Plantsville, Southington, Terryville, Thomaston, Torrington, Unionville, and Wallingford.

For more information about this event please call 800-922-2770 ext 3313 or email camp@gsofct.org

Torrington Parks and Rec Marketing Contest

2010-04-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

The Torrington Parks and Recreation department is currently accepting entries for a Marketing Contest. They are looking for assistance from the public with creating a slogan to go along with our new logo for the Parks and Recreation Department. This contest is open to all Torrington Residents.

The winning entry will be used on all Parks and Recreation promotional materials.

The winning artist talents will be seen by hundreds of people.

All entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges on creativity, originality, aesthetics and how it relates to the overall mission of the Parks and Recreation department.

The winner will be invited to receive their prize at a Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting. All entries should be submitted on or before May 1, 2010 to:
Torrington Parks and Recreation Department
Attn: Parks and Recreation Marketing Contest
153 South Main Street
Torrington, CT 06790

For more information or to register contact the Torrington Parks and Recreation Department at 860-489-2274 or log on to www.torringtonct.org and use link for parks and recreation.

Torrington Parks and Rec host Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit and Run Competition

2010-04-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

The Torrington Parks and Recreation Department will host an Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit and Run Local Competition for area youth.

This competition will begin at 10:00 am at Toro Field off Perkins Street on Sunday April 25. In the even of inclement weather, a rain date has been scheduled for May 2 at 10:00 am. This event is free and open to boys and girls ages 7 to 14.

Pitch, Hit & Run is the Official Skills Competition of Major League Baseball. This grassroots program is designed to provide youngsters with an opportunity to compete free of charge, in a competition that recognizes individual excellence in core baseball skills.

Competitors are divided into four age divisions and have the chance to advance through four levels of competition, including team championships at Major League ballparks and the national finals at the 2010 MLB All-Star Game.

The individual pitching, hitting and running champions, along with the All-Around Champion in each age group at the local competition, will be awarded and advance to the sectional level of competition.

Those wanting to participant in this event must pre-register at the Torrington Parks and Recreation Department prior to April 23rd. A valid birth certificate and parental signature are required.

Blumenthal announces claim letters sent to F & S customers

2010-04-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced today that claim letters have been sent to almost 10,000 F & S Oil customers and creditors who may be eligible for a share of about $1 million in restitution secured by his office.

The restitution is to compensate consumers for oil and services they paid for but never received after F & S abruptly ceased operations in 2008.

Claims administrator, The Garden City Group out of Seattle, Washington sent the letters, which include information on applying for restitution, last Friday. They should begin arriving in mailboxes this week.

For more information on the restitution program visit the website www.fsoilsettlement.com.

The Garden City Group will distribute checks as soon as possible to F & S customers literally left in the cold by the company's sudden closure. Blumenthal's office will work with Garden City Group to assure that consumers receive compensation fairly, quickly and efficiently.

Consumers will have until May 3, 2010 to return applications for restitution mailed to them. F & S customers who suffered a personal, household or family loss will be eligible for restitution. The amount each claimant receives will be determined by the claims administrator and the Attorney General's Office, depending in part on how many claims are received.

Governor Rell announces funds to monitor domestic violence offenders

2010-04-05T07:57:00.000-07:00

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced that the Connecticut Judicial Branch has been awarded $140,000 in federal stimulus funds to start a GPS domestic violence offender pilot project based out of Bridgeport, Danielson and Hartford.

The state will use the funds to introduce GPS monitoring of domestic violence offenders who are charged in adult criminal court with violating a restraining or protective order and who have been determined to present a high level of risk.

Under the program, the offender must wear an ankle bracelet at all times while the victim carries a similar device. The system will notify a victim and the police when a defendant has violated a set buffer zone of tampers with the device. This allows for the creation of mobile buffer and exclusion zones around the victim as well as stationary zones (home, work and schools).

Victims will be notified that a high risk offender is near. That early warning will enable them to put a pre-determined safety plan into immediate action as law enforcement responds to the scene.

The funds will be used to purchase the monitoring service plus some equipment for a minimum of 21 high-risk offenders. The offenders will be identified by the courts.

Celebrate Earth Day with WGBY

2010-04-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

Eco-fair and Family Funfest

Join WGBY for a free Eco-Fair and Family Funfest on Sunday April 25th from 11-4, wrapping up their 40th Anniversary Earth Day festivities, "Celebrate 9 Days of Earth Day with WGBY." The events will take place in Pulaski Park and at the Center for the Arts in Northampton, MA.

Activities in the park will include an Earth Day Stage with performances all day long, courtesy of 93.0/The River, and a Giant Puppet Show. Green Northampton will present Green Teams from the Northampton public schools who will provide family friendly green activities.

The PBS character WordGirl will also be on hand to help out with our green vocabulary.

Activities at the Center for the Arts will include exhibitors on green living and child-rearing and several performances for the toddler-age children and their parents.

At 4:00pm, WGBY will present Dar Williams and Patty Larkin at the Academy of Music in Northampton, MA. Ticket prices and more information about this event can be found at www.wgby.org/earth.

The event is sponsored by PeoplesBank, National Grid, and Green Northampton and presented by WGBY, 93.9/The River, The Daily Hampshire Gazette, The Northampton BID, the City of Northampton, The Center for the Arts, and The Academy of Music.

All proceeds benefit WGBY, a community supported public broadcasting organization that connects the people of western New England to events, ideas and each other to fulfill their aspirations, enrich their lives and improve their communities. We do this through PBS programming as well as locally produced series and specials. With our digital television channels, video on demand, podcasting and streaming video, WGBY is one of the region's most accessible institutions, building a stronger community through learning and understanding.

USDA to improve Food Assistance Programs and Infrastructure

2010-04-01T11:31:00.000-07:00

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of resources to strengthen the capacity of the Nation's emergency feeding network to meet the needs of the increasing numbers of people who are turning to food pantries and soup kitchens to feed their families. Up to $6 million in grants is available for food banks, food pantries and soup kitchens to improve and expand the infrastructure.

Vilsack said that these grants will help to ensure that food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens have the equipment and infrastructure necessary to provide healthy, safe food to America's families in need during challenging economic issues.

USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) plans to award up to $6 million to emergency feeding organizations, such as food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens, participating in the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). At least $3 million is expected to be awarded for projects that improve the emergency feeding infrastructure in rural communities will receive priority consideration.

The organizations receiving the grants can use the funds to improve tracking, collection, storage, distribution and transport of time-sensitive and perishable foods; develop or maintain computerized systems for tracking foods; improving the provision of recovered foods to food banks; and repairing and expanding facilities, equipment or appliances to support hunger relief. Funds can also be used to identify new donors and emergency food providers or to provide outreach to persons in need of food assistance.

TEFAP, administered by FNS, provides USDA-purchased food and administrative funds to States for further distribution to organizations such as food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens. These organizations provide food assistance to needy families across the country in the form of prepared meals or as a bag of groceries that families take home and prepare themselves.

Actor Elmore "Rip" Torn appears in court

2010-03-30T06:58:00.001-07:00

LITCHFIELD - Film and stage actor Elmore "Rip" Torn came in to Litchfield Superior Court Tuesday morning.

The 79-year-old actor, who is facing a number of charges including first-degree burglary, came into the courthouse around 9:25 a.m. Torn is slated to appear today on allegations that he broke into a Lakeville bank intoxicated.

Police said Torn, who has been in rehabilitation since being released on a $100,000 bond, did not take anything from the bank. According to court documents Torn thought he was at his house when he entered the Litchfield Bancorp on Jan. 29. Police said he broke a back window to get in, took off his hat and boots and was milling around the house when state police in North Canaan responded to the break-in alarm.

Check back at The Register Citizen for further updates on the story later today and tomorrow.

Road Repair: Blue Swamp Road Bridge Litchfield

2010-03-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

Please be advised that the south lane of the Blue Swamp Road Bridge will be closed to traffic beginning Monday, March 29, 2010 for an undetermined amount of time. The Town will begin undertaking repairs and eventually complete replacement of the bridge. Questions can be directed to the Director of Public Works Jack Healy at 860-567-7571. Your patience during this time is greatly appreciated.

Three Nader lectures planned in April

2010-03-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

The Rose B. Nader Circle "For the Agitation of the Caring Mind" series will feature three lectures in April, all at 7 p.m. in Founders Hall Auditorium at the Northwestern Connecticut Community College in Winsted.

William Hosley will speak April 7 about "Valuing Your Sense of Place, History and Community."

Colman McCarthy will speak April 22 on "Waging Peace in a Time of War."

And Dr. Fred Hyde will speak April 28 on "Health Care: How Did We Get Here? What Now?"

All lectures are free and open to the public.

Democratic Gubernatioral Candidate Dan Malloy expresses outrage at drop-out rate

2010-03-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

Connecticut High School's graduation rate is lower than predicted, with less than 80 percent of students earning their diploma in four years.

Malloy stated that with Connecticut's inability to grow our economy and create jobs over the past 20 years, we are relying on our public school system now more than ever to help create our next generation of workers and leaders.

"The rates are particularly bad among minority and low-income students," said Malloy, "What does this mean? That the state's achievement gap - already the worst in the country - will likely continue to grow in the years ahead, perpetuating the social and economic divide in our cities."

Malloy believes that if we don't correct the problem that it will mean an exacerbation of our economic condition. A government report stated that the problems that come with lower graduation rates are: lower rates of ownership, less civic engagement, and higher rates of incarceration which will result in towns having less tax revenue and an increase in social services dependence.

Connecticut is one of the wealthiest states in the nation, Malloy points out, "It's unconscionable that we would allow this to happen."

As Mayor of Stamford, Malloy made Stamford the first city in CT to offer universal access to pre-school. He also established the Juvenile Review Board, a program to keep youths out of the juvenile justice system by providing them with opportunities to make more positive choices.

Price Chopper offers Pinwheels for Prevention

2010-03-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

Price Chopper Supermarkets will sponsor a Pinwheels for Prevention Pin-up Campaign to help in the fight against child abuse during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.

The campaign raises awareness about the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Barbara L. Page, Community and Public Relations Manager of Price Choppers parent company stated that last years Pinwheels for Prevention campaign raised over $30,000. Their goal is to reach $50,000.

Every dollar collected will support Prevent Child Abuse Connecticut's Parent Warmline, public education, and parent support efforts. Bookmarks and fact sheets about child abuse prevention will also be available at the stores customer service desks and information tables.

Local participating stores are in Bristol and Torrington, as well as Newington, Putnam, Southington, Vernon, Waterbury, and Windsor.

Prevent Child Abuse Connecticut is a statewide program of Wheeler Clinic dedicated to the prevention of all forms of child abuse, with an emphasis on promoting healthy family relationships. The program collaborates with community partners to strengthen and educate families. For more information, call Prevent Child Abuse Connecticut at 1-800-CHILDREN.

Plant a Row for the Hungry celebrates its fifth anniversary

2010-03-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

This spring, Connecticut Food Bank will mark the fifth anniversary of its Plant a Row for the Hungry campaign.

The campaign encourages home and community gardeners and farmers to plant an extra row of produce specifically to donate to local hunger-relief efforts.

Every extra tomato, squash, or watermelon can go a long way to help feed those who don't have enough to eat every day. While Connecticut has the highest per capita income in the U.S., about 390,000 people are at risk of hunger each year. They are children, working parents, people with disabilities and seniors.

Since CT Food Bank launched the Plant a Row for the Hungry campaign in 2006, the program has collected about 11,400 pounds of fresh produce for people struggling with hunger in Connecticut.

Marilyn Wilkes, a volunteer coordinator for the program in Connecticut hopes to grow the program by getting gardeners, farmers, schools, places of worship, youth and community groups and businesses to add a row of seedbeds, or donate their surplus produce to Connecticut Food Bank. Donations are tax-deductible and donor receipts will be provided.

To help gardeners get started, CT Food Bank is giving away free tomato seeds donated by H.J. Heinz Company. Call the Food Bank at 203-469-5000 for details.

Fruits and vegetables most needed are spinach, kale, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, peas, green beans, tomatoes, sweet peppers, eggplants, summer and winter squash, zucchini, beets and garlic.

Drop-offs can be made at: Any of CT Food Bank's warehouses in East Haven, Fairfield, and Waterbury; a local food pantry in your community; for large donations call Marilyn Wilkes at 203-415-4712 to arrange a pick-up.

Kids eat free at Applebee's Easter Sunday

2010-03-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

Once the Easter egg hunting is done, children across Connecticut are invited to enjoy a free meal at Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants.

On Sunday, April 4th, kids 10 and under, accompanied by an adult making an entree purchase, are invited to come to Applebee's for a great meal and "hopping" atmosphere.

On Easter Sunday only, kids can choose one free entree from the following options on the kids menu. The meal also includes a choice of side dish and soft drink or juice.

Participating Connecticut Applebee's locations include: Groton, Mansfield, Manchester, Plainville, Wallingford, Torrington, and Orange.

Offer is for dine-in customers only. Limit two free kids meal per adult entree purchase.

Rotarian dons cheerleader outfit to kick off golf tournament

2010-03-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

Torrington Rotary Club member Cathy Coyle wore a Torrington High School cheerleader outfit, borrowed from the Warner Theatre's costume shop, Tuesday to help kick off planning for the Rotary's 22nd annual Golf Tournament.

Coyle attempted to lead the club in cheers, and even did some semi-acrobatic cheer moves.

This is not the first humorous stunt to be used to generate excitement about the golf tournament, which is the club's one major annual fundraiser. In the past, tournament co-founder John Logan, a Torrington attorney, has even dressed up as Paul McCartney and played guitar.

The fundraising goal for this year's tournament is $50,000. Proceeds support scholarships for local high school students and support for numerous local nonprofit organizations.

Charlotte Hungerford Hospital Bereavement Council to Hold Service of Remembrance

2010-03-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

TORRINGTON - The Bereavement Council and the Spiritual Care Department of The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital will be holding a Service of Remembrance on Wednesday, April 14, 200 at 5:30pm at the Hospital's Library Conference room, 540 Litchfield Street, Torrington.

The service is an opportunity for people to honor the major losses in their lives and find comfort and peace. It is an interfaith service allowing people of all faiths to support one another and pray together.

Reverend Richard Burgess, the hospital's Spiritual Care Coordinator said that by remembering and honoring our losses, we can find renewed strength and purpose. "We can grieve and through our grieving find new life."

Special prayers will be offered for person who have died in the last year. The names of deceased person will be read during the service. Those persons being honored do not need to have patients at the hospital. Prayers will be offered for other losses as well, jobs, health, and pets.

For more information, contact the CHH Spiritual Care office at 860-496-6543 or email rburgess@hungerford.org

Litchfield Playscape Completion

2010-03-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

It was just a year ago when the new playscape at Community Field was opened to the public, but the complex opened without a shade structure as the project ran short of money. The playscape opened with an area left vacant for an addition of a shade structure to shield visitors from the direct summer sun.

The playscape plans will finally be completed due to a donation from the Litchfield Garden Club. This generous gift to the community will pay for the purchase and installation of a shade structure as well as two anchored concrete ADA picnic tables to be housed within it.

"We at Litchfield Parks and Recreation are overwhelmed by the kindness of all the members of the Litchfield Garden Club. I know this final piece of the puzzle will be the perfect fit for all of the families who come here to play and relax! We really cannot thank them enough!" said Brent Hawkins, Litchfield Parks and Recreation Director.

Creative Recreation will schedule the installation as soon as possible. This will bring to a close a project begun by Litchfield Parks and Recreation in the Spring of 2007.

Litchfield Easter Egg Hunt

2010-03-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

Can't you just feel the egg-citement in the air? It's probably because the annual Litchfield Easter Egg Hunt is coming to the Community Field and Playscape on Saturday April 3rd at 10:00am.

Bring your own basket!!

Children 9 and under are welcome free to this event, sponsored by Litchfield Parks and Recreation and their friends at WZBG FM 97. The "hunt" will be broken down into three age groups. The kids aged 3 and under will look for eggs on the Ripley Field; children between 4 and 6 will be on Porter Field, and children 7 to 9 will hunt in the playscape.

Please plan to be there on time as the Easter Bunny hopes to be there for the event and his schedule is very tight these days. The Easter Egg Hunt will begin exactly at 10am.

In addition to the hunt for eggs there will also be a candy guessing game with the winner taking home all of the candy in the jar from the Litchfield Candy Company, and a certificate for a free dental exam and cleaning from Dr. William Fabbri, DDS of Litchfield.

For more information or to volunteer to help hide the eggs, contact Litchfield Parks and Recreation at (860)567-7569.

Team Alchemy from Oliver Wolcott High School

2010-03-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

Team Alchemy is a rookie team participating in the NASA/FIRST National/International Robotics Competition. These young people have come together and formed a team that has designed, constructed, programmed, tested and sent a robot to the Hartford Area NASA/FIRST Regional Competition.

The Regional competition is at the Convention Center in Hartford, April 1st through April 3rd. The National competition in Atlanta is 2 weeks late.

When Team Alchemy wins the regional award they automatically will receive an invitation to the national competition.

The trip to Atlanta for the national competition will cost approximately $25,000.

There will be an open house and fundraiser March 27th to reveal the team and robot to the community. The open house will be at the former Capuano Cadillac dealership building on Main Street in Torrington from 1 to 4.

For further information please contact Renee at 860-605-7159

Please come out and support Team Alchemy!

Northwest Physical Medicine Relocating

2010-03-22T07:24:00.000-07:00

TORRINGTON - Northwest Physical Medicine, LLC, the practice of John Carbon, D.O., will be relocating to a new office at 1185 New Litchfield Street beginning April 5th. Formerly located at 538 Litchfield Street on the campus of The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, the practice offers physical medicine and rehabilitation services in the non-surgical treatment of arthritis, spinal and other musculoskeletal conditions.

The practice will continue to use its existing telephone and fax numbers. Office visits are by appointment only, Monday through Thursday 8:30 to 4:30 pm and Fridays 8:30 to 2:00 pm.

Dr. Carbon uses a combination of therapeutics, exercise, medical management, and joint, nerve and muscle injections and has close working arrangements with physical and occupational therapists throughout Northwest Connecticut. He provides the most advanced assessments, treatments and therapies to alleviate neck, back, muscular, and arthritis pain.

2010-03-19T19:23:00.000-07:00

A Torrington attorney is in trouble - again - for allegedly offering to waive a client’s fees in exchange for a massage.
The details emerge in a story in the Connecticut Law Tribune (read it here).
Ira S. Mayo may have jeopardized his law license again, after having been suspended once before for making unwanted sexual advances toward clients.

New Hartford Lions release scholarship applications

2010-03-19T14:57:00.000-07:00

March 16, 2010 – For immediate release:

The New Hartford Lions Club announced its 2010 Scholarship Program today and invited high school seniors who live in the community and plan to attend post-secondary training or education programs next year to apply. Seniors can get the application form from their school guidance counselors. The Club’s Antiques & Collectibles Show this Sunday, March 21st at Northwest Regional School #7 will help raise funds for the scholarships to be awarded in early June. The local Lions organization was established in 1970.

The chapter’s President, Jim Creamer, said “Our Club’s men and women have worked hard over the past 40 years to create a remarkable record of service to the community. My wife and I moved to town in 2003 after many years dedicated to Lionism in the New Haven area and we have been very impressed by the accomplishments of this small town Club. The Lions’ motto ’We Serve’ is brought to life by the hard work of our members to meet local needs.”

In 2009, the Club awarded scholarships of $1,000 each to six graduating high school seniors. The group also donated funds to families in need, local food banks, and civic projects such as purchasing a defibrillator for New Hartford’s Brodie Park. New Hartford Lions contributed additional monies to eyesight initiatives, a historic priority of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service club organization founded in 1917 with more than 1.3 million members in about 200 countries around the globe. According to the group’s fact sheet their focus has expanded greatly from fighting blindness and, “Lions are part of a global service network, doing whatever is necessary to help our local communities.”

Creamer urged area residents to do some spring shopping at Sunday’s Antiques and Collectibles Show and support the Club’s scholarship program at the same time. The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Northwest Regional School #7 in Winsted (off Route 44 just east of the junction of Routes 44 & 8). Admission is $5.00. Those age 16 and younger get in free with an adult. Early bird buying from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. is $10.00. There is plenty of free parking and door prizes and food will be available. The Show will feature about 50 dealers. For event or dealer information, call 489-9188.

Northwest Regional School #7 is home to a student ‘Leos’ Club that gets youth involved with volunteering. Leos contribute their time to a wide variety of projects including local Lions Club fundraisers. The name Leo comes from the concepts of ‘leadership’, ‘experience’ and ‘opportunities’ that students are exposed to through their community service activities. Regional #7 High school Principal, Wayne Conner, is a member of the New Hartford Lions.

Deadline for "Helping Career" Scholarships is Approaching

2010-03-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

There still is time for Connecticut high school seniors considering a future in one of the "helping professions" to apply for college funds from the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association (CFDA). The deadline for applications is Friday, April 9th. A total of eight $500 college scholarships will be presented - one to a student in each of the States eight counties.

This is the tenth consecutive year that the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association has sponsored this scholarship awards program to support graduating high school seniors who are pursing careers in a profession that provides emotional or medical support for families. It includes such fields as counseling, social services, psychology, psychiatry, nursing, medicine, social work, gerontology and funeral service.

"Our organization created this program to encourage young people to follow their dreams and consider careers where they can help families - just as funeral directors do every day," explains Funeral Director Shauna Molloy, President of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association.

The deadline for the "Family Support Services Scholarship" applications is Friday April 9, 2010. To receive an application, call the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association at (860) 721-023 or (800) 919-2332 or download an application from the associations web site at www.ctfda.org.

To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must:
- Be a high school senior who will graduate in June 2010
- Be a legal resident of Connecticut
- Be pursing a career that provides emotional, medical, or physical support for families. This includes professions such as, care-giving, counseling, social services, psychology, psychiatry, nursing, medicine, social work, gerontology and funeral service
- Have maintained at least a B grade point average in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades.

Candidates must submit the application form and a current high school transcript. The application form must be neat, legible, and complete.

Attorney General wins $230,000 judgement

2010-03-19T07:29:00.000-07:00

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has won a judgment compelling a Hartford loan company owner to pa $230,150 in restitution and penalties for allegedly taking money and failing to provide promised loans and services.

The settlement bans Michael Petriccione from the commerical loan business in Connecticut and obligates him to pay $165,150 in restitution to thirteen consumers and $65,000 in penalties.

Petriccione used phony endorsements from prominent individuals to entice consumers into doing business with is companies.

Blumnethal sued Petriccione and his two companies, Mediations, Inc. and Innovations NE, LLC in April 2008 for allegedly collecting $165,000 in deposits and upfront fees, but never delivered the loans or services.

The judgment empowers Blumenthal's office to seek seizure of property and other assets that Pettriccione has or may acquire in the future.

Through his companies, Pettriccione claimed to provide investment loans of $100,000 to $700 million and "mediation services." His companies also claimed to have legal and "placement" skills, and Petriccione represented that he was a Connecticut attorney. He is not licensed to practice law in CT.

Pettriccione is currently in jail awaiting trial on separate larceny charges stemming from the case.

Bristol Hospital receives donor gift for Families are First Maternity Unit

2010-03-18T12:54:00.000-07:00

New parents Mark and Amanda Malkowski of Avon, CT, have made a donation of $10,000 to Bristol Hospital's Families are First Maternity Unit for the purchase of four sleeper chairs and six rocking chairs for maternity patient rooms. Mark's wife, Amanda recently gave birth to their son, Evan and decided to make the donation because they were so pleased with their experience that they had during their stay last fall. The Malkowski's are the owners of Stag Arms in New Britain.

"It is the most amazing experience in the world to give birth to a child," commented Amanda Malkowski, "Mark and I were so blessed to have had the staff at Bristol Hospital go the extra mile for us during our five day stay. They certainly exceeded our expectations in hospitality, service, knowledge, and patient care."

They hope that their contribution will allow other families to continue to have as comfortable and enjoyable an experience as we did.

The gift was made last October and the furniture was delivered in January.

Eva Wickwire states that they are grateful for the gift as it will be shared and appreciated by others in their special time.

Bristol Hospital's Families are First maternity unit consists of large private suites for birth, labor, delivery, and recovery that allow for mother and child to stay together at all times.

Selectman looking for a few good painters

2010-03-17T14:30:00.000-07:00

WINSTED — Selectman Michael Renzullo is heading a volunteer effort to repaint the Route 44 bridge that runs over the Mad River.
The Board of Selectmen approved the formation of an ad hoc committee to coordinate the painting and gathering of willing participants at a meeting on Monday. Renzullo said he ran a painting business while living in Colorado, and would take the lead from a similar effort that took place at the Riverton Bridge over the Farmington River in Barkhamsted last fall.
The bridge is close to Route 8 near the Dunkin Donuts on Main Street. Fellow Selectmen suggested that once the painting is done, a similar effort might be put together to paint the walkway that links Main Street with Prospect Street closer to the center of town.
Renzullo said he hoped the town could find around $1,000 in the budget for this year to purchase supplies, although other countered that the effort might be able to find someone willing to donate the necessary items.

Burn Calories for Operation Fuel

2010-03-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

Operation Fuel will hold its first 5k run/walk, Burn Calories for Fuel, on Saturday April 10 at the Metropolitan Learning Center in Bloomfield. The race will help Connecticut families who are struggling to pay their energy bills.

Operation Fuel's Executive Director Patrica Wrice says, "We want everyone to come out to run or walk for Operation Fuel and to raise awareness of the home energy affordability crisis that affects one out of every five CT households. These are our neighbors who are in crisis...many with young children or are senior citizens on a fixed income."

Early registration is $25 for adults and $20 for students, after April 6 registration is $30 for adults and $25 for students.

The 5K will start at 9 am on April 10th at the Metropolitan Learning Center on 1551 Blue Hills Avenue in Bloomfield. Race day registration begins at 8 a.m. Post race food and beverages will be provided by the Wood-n-Tap Restaurant.

For more information and to register go to http://www.hartfordmarathon.com/foundationnew.html.

Big Bird comes to The Children's Museum Planetarium

2010-03-11T08:54:00.000-08:00

West Hartford, CT - The creative team at Sesame Street knows how to get to The Children's Museum in West Hartford! The museum will be launching its newest planetarium show, One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure, on March 23rd.

Thanks to generous donations of The Maximilian E. & Marion O. Hoffman Foundation, Inc. and The Vernon D. & Florence E. Roosa Family Foundation - One World, One Sky will be a permanent addition to the museum's lineup of thrilling planetarium programs.

One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure, is a multi-cultural, bi-national project between the United States and China, made possible, in part, by Sesame Workshop and the National Science Foundation. The cross-cultural cast includes not only familiar Sesame Street characters like Big Bird and Elmo, but also the new character Hu Hu Zhu, from the Chinese adaptation of Sesame Street, Zhima Jie.

Big Bird, Elmo and Hu Hu Zhu will explore the Moon and constellations and celebrate the different and similar ways we all share such a beautiful world and sky.

One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure will be shown twice a week on weekdays beginning March 23rd, and will begin showing on weekends in late April.

Kindergarten Readiness Fair Saturday March 13th

2010-03-10T10:21:00.000-08:00

TORRINGTON — The third annual Torrington Early Childhood Collaborative Kindergarten Readiness Fair will take place on Saturday, March 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Torringford Elementary School, 800 Charles Street. Children entering kindergarten for the 2010-2011 school year will be able to work at hands-on “stations” to help support the development of early literacy, math, gross motor and fine motor skills, find out what school they will be going to, meet teachers and enter raffles for fun children prizes. The Connecticut Children Identification program (C.H.I.P.) coordinated by the Connecticut Freemasons will be present and available to process the comprehensive child identification tool. For more information on the program you can go to CTCHIP.org or call (203) 679-5903. Brooker memorial will be conducting free dental screenings. Story time with special guest readers including firemen, policemen, as well as local and state officials will be scheduled throughout the day.

Shuttle service provided by All Star transportation will be operating from the Torrington Plaza for those who need transportation from downtown or who would like to take a ride on a school bus.

Volunteers still needed to run stations and set up. Contact Donna Labbe at 806-1410 or email labbedonna@yahoo.com.

New Hartford Garden Club touts cow pots

2010-03-09T19:35:00.000-08:00

NEW HARTFORD GARDEN CLUB
Cow Pots start the New Year….
Theresa Freund of Freunds’s Farm was the guest speaker at the New Hartford Garden Club’s first 2010 meeting on February 3. Garden club members eager to talk “dirt” and plan a new growing season turned out to hear about the Connecticut farm’s invention taking national gardens by storm. Members were not disappointed… Theresa’s presentation was not only interesting and educational… but an entertaining history of the evolution of the “Cow Pot”.
Theresa and her husband Matthew are second generation dairy farmers and own Freund’s Farm in East Canaan, now a major business with a new world market; due to their environmentally friendly creation they affectionately call “Cow Pots”. Giving credit where credit is due, Theresa told the audience “A total of 250 milking Holsteins (and one Jersey) provide the manure to make the Cow Pots”. The Freund’s herd is the largest herd of cows in the state of Connecticut on pasture. Each day they change the pasture with a 20 day rotation program assuring that the animals do not damage the approximately 200 acres during the five months they graze.
The Freund’s have nearly perfected the complete use of all the ingredients the cows so efficiently supply for cow pot products. The manure is fed through a methane digester that supplies the farm with hot water that heats the home, barn and offices. The residual liquid is used for fertilizer and the bulk waste becomes cow pots. The molding process for the pots heats the ingredients and adds air making each pot weed, pathogen and odor free. “Making the Cow Pots includes heating the manure to 110 degrees, producing methane as a byproduct and then the manure goes through a digester to squeeze out the liquid” informed Theresa.
From the first cow pot prototype six years ago, to recently having their product featured on “Martha Stewart”, “The New York Times” and “Johnny Seed”… Theresa is quick to mention with pride the positive environmental impact of their cow pots. Land and waste management is a life style for the Freunds, who proudly point out that cow pots are not only good for plants but their use helps to reduce garden plastic containers that are the bane of landfills. Cow Pots act like a slow release fertilizer, are 100% biodegradable and can be planted directly in the garden without shocking the plant with transplanting.
Theresa ended her presentation by answering questions from the New Hartford Garden Club members eager to gather details on Cow Pot fine points, and she delighted the crowd by giving away “Cow Pot six packs” for club members to use in their spring gardens. A table of homemade baked goods made by NHGC members and spirited conversation topped off the successful meeting.
Interested garden enthusiast’s are encouraged to consider membership and are invited to educational seminars and meetings. Contact Sibyl Pellum at 860-379-3722 or Marylou Ringklib at 860-379-4612 for more information.

Harwinton Woman's Club to host dance on March 27

2010-03-09T19:33:00.000-08:00

The Harwinton Woman’s Club will be hosting its Winter Wind Down – A Social Gathering and Dance at the Harwinton Rod & Gun Club on 123 Campville Hill Road, Harwinton on Saturday, March 27, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. This is a BYOB event with mixers and munchies provided. A disc jockey will provide the entertainment and raffle prizes have been donated from a host of local businesses including J.C. Penney’s, Tony’s Package Store, Sky Top Lanes, A Healing Trail, Eastwoods Country Club, Torrington Country Club, O&G Industries, Torrington Savings Bank, Cinerom, Mohawk Mountain, Hair By Design, Passiaflora Tea and Herbal Room and the Warner Theater. The event is open to the public and tickets are $20 per person. All proceeds will be distributed back to local charitable causes. Tickets can be purchased by calling (860) 302-1566 or from any Harwinton Woman’s Club member.

Norfolk Volunteer Fire to host benefit party

2010-03-09T13:26:00.000-08:00

NORFOLK — The Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Dance in the Hall of Flags at Botelle School on Saturday from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Proceeds will enable the fire department to buy new turnout gear for its firefighters, Jonathan Barbagallo, an EMT with the Norfolk Lions Club Ambulance and the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department, said.
A single ticket costs $15 and a couples ticket costs $25. Tickets can be purchased from any firefighter or at the door.Entertainment will be provided by Avallone Productions. Botelle School is a smoke-free campus.

Case of mistaken identity averted at Winsted meeting

2010-03-08T18:06:00.000-08:00

WINSTED — Planning and Zoning Commission meetings are normally relatively intimate affairs, with few members of the public attending. So, while the members of Winsted’s commission are on a first name basis by now, anyone else in attendance may have been a bit confused at a meeting Monday night.
Craig Sanden, who normally serves as an alternate on the commission, was serving as a member due to the absence of Chairman John "Jack" Winn, Jr. When it came time to take a vote, Vice Chairman Bruce Hillman reminded the group that he had to officially seat Sanden before any action could be taken.
At that point, members noticed that nameplates in front of each member were slightly off, as Sanden was sitting in a seat assigned to Mike Peacock, and vice versa. The two chuckled as they as they exchanged plates, remarking that they even sometimes forget they are even there.

Torrington superintendent provides more data on Title 1 funding

2010-03-08T15:21:00.000-08:00

Torrington School Superintendent Chris Leone has provided further explanation and data on the Title 1 funding cutoff at Southwest School that we wrote about this morning.

CLICK HERE to read Leone's blog entry on the topic. He points out that the Title 1 issue has been known for some time, and mostly relates to changing demographics at the school.

He says the "size of the headline" in this morning's Register Citizen may have made it seem like a more urgent or recent phenomenon.

The Moody Blues at the Royal Albert Hall on CPTV

2010-03-08T10:46:00.000-08:00

The Moody Blues, the legendary rock group is back!

Backed by the World Festival Orchestra and recorded live at the famed Royal Albert Hall in London, The Moody Blues at the Royal Albert Hall is a classic concert special featuring performances of many of their international smash hits. This concert features guitarist/vocalist Justin Hayward, bassist/vocalist John Lodge, and drummer Graeme Edge in a crowd-pleasing performance from 2000.

The concert airs tonight on CPTV at 8pm. Songs from this concert include: Nights in White Satin, Tuesday Afternoon, English Sunset, Question, Words You Say, The Story in your Eyes, I Know You're Out There Somewhere and more.

Viewers will get a chance to learn about exclusive ticket opportunities to their upcoming CPTV Red Carpet Experience concert in Connecticut.

Ryan Bingham has several Oscar connections

2010-03-07T18:07:00.000-08:00

What is up with Torrington Mayor Ryan Bingham's multiple connections to tonight's Oscars ceremony?

We told you a few months ago about George Clooney's role as "Ryan Bingham" in the Oscar-nominated "Up in the Air."

A coincidence, maybe.

But then ANOTHER Ryan Bingham showed up at the Oscars, and won tonight. Ryan Bingham, the musician and songwriter, won Best Original Song for a piece that was on the "Crazy Heart" soundtrack.

MADD urges lawmakers to take action on drunk boating

2010-03-05T10:30:00.000-08:00

Mothers Against Drunk Driving urges lawmakers to take action on SB 272, an act concerning drunk boating.

On Monday, March 8, MADD CT will testify on SB 272 in response to the tragic boating crash that killed Susan Brandes July 2007. A public hearing will take place at the Legislative office building, room 2B, in Hartford. The proposed bill will strengthen criminal penalties for enforcement of operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol.

Laurie Dunham joins the Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut

2010-03-05T10:25:00.000-08:00

Laurie Dunham, former director of the development for the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame in New Haven, has been named development officer by the Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut.

Ms. Dunham will work out of the foundation's headquarters located in Torrington. "This is a wonderful opportunity for me to be part of a worthy organization that has helped so many charities throughout the Northwest Corner," says Dunham.

Dunham has a diverse background that includes fundraising, real estate and many years in public television. Dunham is a resident of Sharon, Connecticut.

Bond raised for former New Hartford bus driver charged with sex assault

2010-03-05T06:51:00.001-08:00

LITCHFIELD - A Litchfield Superior Court judge raised the bond of a former New Hartford bus driver this morning who is facing five years in jail for second-degree sexual assault of a 14-year-old boy.

Steeves' defense counsel, Attorney Ira Mayo, and Assistant State's Attorney Terri Sonnemann agreed that Ronnie Steeves' bond should be raised due to difficulties Steeves is facing in the home. He lives at 260 Steele Road in New Hartford.

Judge James P. Ginocchio agreed to increase Steeves' bond $50,000 putting his total bond at $250,000. Steeves has been at liberty since his arrest last June. The time Steeves serves in jail from now until March 26, when he is slated to be sentenced, will be credited to his overall sentence.

The accused pleaded guilty on Jan. 12 to the sex assault charge stemming from an incident last summer. Steeves was charged with committing oral sex on a teenage boy staying at his house, who was a friend of his daughter. The boy immediately alerted police after getting out of the house and Steeves was arrested shortly therafter.

He first denied any sexual contact, but then later changed his statement, saying he could not remember exactly.

Recently he was placed under electronic monitoring, being given a bracelet to wear so authorities could keep track of his wherabouts. That bracelet is slated to be removed today as he now goes in for incarceration, Mayo said.

Girl Scout Cookies on the Way

2010-03-04T12:00:00.000-08:00

This Saturday more than 2 million boxes of Girl Scout cookies will be arriving in Connecticut. Girl Scouts throughout the state will pick up their orders and prepare them for delivery to you.

Volunteers and Girl Scouts will be on hand at several locations across the state to help off-load the thousands of cases of cookies from the semi-trucks and pallets and into the waiting cars of Girl Scout leaders for local distribution.

A representative from the military will be present at one of the locations in support of Girl Scouts of Connecticut's "Cookies for Heros" service project. "Cookies for Heros" allows customers to purchase Girl Scout Cookies to be shipped to service men and women at home and overseas. This year 100,000 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies to our service men and women.

Police chief's roof leaking

2010-03-03T18:54:00.001-08:00

The city council has been asked to address the fact that Police Chief Maniago's ceiling is leaking after the recent hard rains.
Not good. Nobody wants the police chief to be all wet.

Torrington's young leaders meet with Young Professionals

2010-02-26T02:14:00.000-08:00

Torrington made history by electing one of the youngest mayors (age 22) ever in Ryan Bingham four years ago.

(And two resounding re-election victories later, he's still one of the youngest.)

And it made waves again early this year by naming 33-year-old Chris Leone as school superintendent.

Now the two young leaders will meet, together, with the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce's Young Professionals group.

The get-together is scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, at the Chamber's offices at 333 Kennedy Drive, Torrington.

Spitzer's alleged madam to run for governor

2010-02-25T16:46:00.000-08:00

"Manhattan Madam" Kristin Davis, who claims to have connected former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer with call girls, is herself expected to announce that she is running for governor of New York on Monday, March 1.
Not surprisingly, Davis stands on a platform of legalizing and taxing prostitution in order to help fill the state coffers. She has also said she supports gay marriage.
Davis plans to get on the ballot as an independent by garnering petitions.

Region 7 board member wishes for printing machine

2010-02-25T15:14:00.000-08:00

Region 7 Board of Education members Janice Dorazio, Don Torrant, Mark Lanctot, Dan Jerram, Theresa Kenneson, Tara Yard, Rob Jerram and Molly Sexton Read received a proposed spending package of $17,910.412 on Wednesday. They will review the comprehensive draft and give input at a later meeting.

Lanctot lamented the prospect of losing teachers and other district employees.
“We can solve the problem by getting a printing machine,” Lanctot said. “That way, we can print our own money.”

Jerram agreed: “We’ll be like Washington D.C.”

Catechism at the Warner — late at night

2010-02-25T13:34:00.000-08:00

TORRINGTON — Class will be in session as the Warner Theatre hosts "Late Night Catechism", with seven shows beginning on Mar. 3 and running through Mar. 7.
"Sister" Mary Zentmyer will play a grade school nun teach a class, which will be the audience in a play that is about 80% script, and 20% improvisation.
"When you come to the show, you will learn something, nothing is made up," Zentmyer said. "Sister is down to earth and no-nonsense."
Now in its 14th year, Late Nite Catechism has brought its nostalgic kick to every state in the U.S. as well as to Canada. Late Nite Catechism is a funny play that takes the audience back to their youth. Zentmyer has been touring with the play since 2000, and has been performing as "Sister" since 1996.

Another full day in court

2010-02-23T07:21:00.001-08:00

LITCHFIELD - The county's courthouse that hears the most severe cases isn't getting off easy today.

On today's docket are a slew of serious cases from across the region. James P. Crowley, the Torrington executive charged with embezzling and patronizing a prostitute, is due in this morning. Sidney Parker, the original owner of The Spot barber shop in Torrington, is also slated to appear on charges of assault and attempted rape.

Crowley has been out on a $250,000 bond. Parker reportedly posted a $350,000 bond and was seen inside the courthouse.

A New Milford family charged with stealing electricity and running a marijuana farm are all slated to appear today. Hung V. Pham, Hung V. Pham, Oanh Thi Pham and Tony Marh Pham are all on the docket.

Lastly, former Gunnery dean Robert Reinhardt - charged with inappropriate sexual contact with four Gunnery boys - is due to appear today. During his last appearance Reinhardt's attorney requested time to review some photographs taken as evidence from the scene.

Check back at http://www.registercitizen.com/ for updates and look for stories in tomorrow's edition of The Register Citizen.

Special Olympics campaigns against 'R' word

2010-02-22T13:16:00.001-08:00

March 3^rd will mark the second annual “Spread the Word to End the Word” day of awareness, a campaign created by youth, in an ongoing effort with Special Olympics and Best Buddies International, to engage schools, organizations and communities by raising the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the word “retard(ed)” and encouraging everyone to stop using the R-word. Youth leaders are encouraging people to rally and pledge their support at www.soct.org with the goal of reaching 100,000 pledges.

The day will be devoted to educating and raising awareness of the positive impact individuals with intellectual disabilities have in our communities and why the use of the R-word is hurtful, even in casual conversation. Special Olympics and Best Buddies International hope that this day becomes an annually recognized day to raise awareness and ultimately encourage acceptance and respect for people with intellectual disabilities in everyday lives.

Special Olympics Connecticut encourages locals to take the pledge on March 3^rd, in order to “spread the word to end the word.” For more information about Special Olympics Connecticut and the “spread the word to end the word” campaign, please visit www.soct.org.

Spread the Word to End the Word was created by youth with and without intellectual disabilities who participated in the Special Olympics Global Youth Activation Summit last February, held in conjunction with the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Idaho. The motivation for the campaign was driven by a united passion to promote the positive contributions people with intellectual disabilities make to communities around the world combined with a simple call to action – a pledge to stop using a word – that also symbolizes positive attitude change and a commitment to make the world a more accepting place for all people.

Motivated by their commitment to action, actor John C. McGinley was inspired to join these youth and their dedication to stop the casual use of the R-Word.

“Most people don’t think of this word as the language of hate, but that’s exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and friends,” said McGinley. “I choose to believe that most of us are fundamentally good and that we’re just not aware that the word is offensive and that it hurts.”

At the Frozen Farmer's Market

2010-02-21T19:22:00.000-08:00

New Hartford resident and avid skater Tom Goddu bought this skate sharpening system three years ago and has been sharpening skates for family and friends ever since. Goddu has a skating rink in his own back yard so his whole family, he says, is made up of skaters. At the Frozen Farmer's Market on the Pine Meadow Green Sunday, he was offering skate sharpening for $6 per set of skates. He planned to donate the money to charity.

SeeClickFix takes off on RegisterCitizen.Com

2010-02-21T18:17:00.000-08:00

Our story this morning about the launch of SeeClickFix on RegisterCitizen.Com has spurred dozens of reports of problems - from speeding motorists, to missing stop signs, to litter and graffiti - in neighborhoods throughout the Torrington and Winsted area.

CLICK HERE to see the SeeClickFix map yourself, join in the discussion about reported problems, or report your own!

Facebook gives teens a place to mourn loss of classmate

2010-02-21T16:35:00.000-08:00

The tragic loss of Watertown 15-year-old Brie Antonio this weekend in a Vermont snowmobile accident was followed by an instantaneous outpouring of grief and sharing of photos, memories and condolences on what has become the biggest gathering place for today's youth.

Facebook.
A Facebook page called "In Memory of Brie Antonio" was established Sunday afternoon and had 615 members by 7 p.m. By 8 p.m., there were more than 700 members, as classmates from Watertown High School used the forum to comfort each other and share memories of Antonio.

Torringford students raise money for Haiti relief

2010-02-21T15:44:00.000-08:00

The Torrington Rotary Club will have some special visitors at its weekly meeting Tuesday.
Students from the Torringford School have been raising money to assist with relief efforts in Haiti.
They are donating the money to Rotary International, which operates a hospital in the country.

Funding for new nursing program at Northwestern Community College celebrated

2010-02-18T05:31:00.001-08:00

Congressman John Larson was in Winsted Wednesday to celebrate $350,000 in federal funding for the creation of a new nursing program at Northwestern Connecticut Community College.

Joining him was Connecticut Community College System Chancellor Dr. Marc Herzog, Northwestern President Barbara Douglass and Professor Barbara Berger.

Connecticut will have the second worst nursing shortage in the nation by 2015, according to Larson, with the biggest shortage occurring in Litchfield County.

His office estimated that Litchfield County's nursing vacancy rate is 14 percent, or double the statewide average.

"I am certain, this federal funding and this nursing program will help systemically transform the economic and health care landscape of Litchfield County for the better," Larson said.

Douglass said that the college hopes to welcome its first nursing program students in January 2011.

Karate class fighting mad after Pearson closing cancels class

2010-02-17T16:26:00.000-08:00

WINSTED — The members of Winsted’s Tang Soo Do martial arts class were none too pleased after finding out their class at Pearson Middle School would have to be postponed for the second straight week Wednesday night.
Last week’s class was rescheduled due to snow, but this week instructor Jeffrey Negron said the class was simply not allowed into the school for its 6 p.m. class.
He said he had received no word about the closing, either from school officials or the town's Parks and Recreation Department, which oversees the class.
Around 20 members, including children and their parents, hovered outside the school after getting the news.
Building officials had conducted a check of the school’s electrical systems earlier in the day after a teacher was shocked and burned by a failed light switch last week, but no specific explanation was offered for the closing.

Waterbury Hospital reaches Facebook goal

2010-02-17T13:12:00.001-08:00

WATERBURY – Ruth Veneziano the office manager at Alliance Medical Group, an affiliate of Waterbury Hospital, recently became a “fan” of Waterbury Hospital on its brand new Facebook page – then encouraged her daughter Emily, 17, a senior at Sacred Heart High School, to do the same. Her timing couldn’t have been more perfect, because as Emily clicked the “Become a Fan” of Waterbury Hospital icon while logged onto Facebook, she became the hospital’s 500^th fan.

CLICK HERE to become a fan.

Waterbury Hospital recently held a contest for its employees to register as “fans” on its Facebook page, offering a Valentine’s Day bagt stuffed with thematic goodies to the winner.

“We developed a hospital Facebook page as a way for both our employees and our guests, visitors, patients and the general public to keep abreast of what is going on at Waterbury Hospital,” said Heather Tindall, Waterbury Hospital’s Director of Public Relations, Media Relations and Marketing. “Not only did we reach 500 “fans” with our contest, but we’ve now actually exceeded 600 “fans.”” Tindall credits this response to the fact that hospital employees encouraged their friends and family to sign up. She concluded, “We are just ecstatic! The response to this initiative and the enthusiasm of our employees has been phenomenal.”

Tindall said that the hospital’s Facebook page contains information on a wide array of topics ranging from the dates and times of upcoming free educational presentations, to registration information for the hospital’s upcoming Pilates, Tai Chi and weight lifting classes. Additionally, she said the page contains current hospital-related medical and technological updates, information on medical staff and clinical offerings, photos of hospital events like the hospital’s gala as well as photos of employees recognized for awards or accomplishments, job postings and much more.

Litchfield Bancorp presents check to benefit YMCA

2010-02-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

Litchfield Bancorp recently presented the United Way of Northwest Connecticut with a restricted gift of $2,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, according to William A. Egan, III, United Way Executive Director.

Egan said, “Under the terms of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston New England Partnerships program, Litchfield Bancorp has directed their grant and matching gift to the Northwest Connecticut YMCA’s Transitional Housing Program.

Litchfield Bancorp president Mark Macomber said, “We are pleased to partner with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston in funding this grant. The FHLB of Boston currently provides well over $35 billion in loans to its member banks throughout New England, including Litchfield Bancorp. These funds are then deployed in our communities, primarily to fund mortgage loans to our customers. Providing some relief for individuals and families in need of temporary shelter just seemed to align with the FHLB’s mission and our own. We greatly appreciate the roles the United Way and the Northwest Connecticut YMCA play in bettering the communities we serve.”

The Grants for New England Partnerships program (GNP) was established by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston to recognize the partnership between member institutions and community-based nonprofit organizations.

Litchfield Bancorp became eligible for participation in the program when it submitted and disbursed a Community Development Advance application for the first time in 2009 and actively participated in the struggle to promote foreclosure awareness while offering programs to families and organizations that are in the midst of foreclosure or are looking to return properties to the housing stock.

The GNP program was established by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston to recognize the importance of partnerships between member institutions and community-based nonprofit organizations in developing successful community investment initiatives. Litchfield Bancorp chose this award for the United Way of Northwest Connecticut on behalf of the Northwest Connecticut YMCA because of its important work in the community.

Greg Brisco, Northwestern Connecticut YMCA CEO, said, ““We couldn’t be more excited to receive this gift from Litchfield Bancorp and the Federal Home Loan Program. It couldn’t have come at a better time. The state budget challenges have resulted in reduced funding for our Winchester Emergency Homeless Shelter and, in these times, we have more demand for individuals and families needing a place to sleep at night than we have beds for.”

Pictured left to right are:

Thomas Villanova, Executive Vice President, Litchfield Bancorp

Greg Brisco, CEO, Northwestern Connecticut YMCA

Sabrina Smeltz, Associate Executive Director, Northwestern CT YMCA

Mark Macomber, President, Litchfield Bancorp

Theo Noell, Manager of Programs & Outreach, Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston

Want To Help In Haiti? Litchfield-Morris Rotary Speaker Cites Challenges To Be Overcome

2010-02-17T07:03:00.001-08:00

Local resident and world traveler William Spear will discuss difficulties in getting aid to disaster victims in Haiti during an appearance Thursday [Feb. 18] at the Litchfield-Morris Rotary Club.

The club meets at noon at the Forman School in Litchfield. Members and their guests are welcome. For more information, contact Rotary Club President Cliff Cooper @ cliffordcooper@optonline.net or 860-567-9876.

Spear is president of the Fortunate Blessings Foundation in Litchfield. He recently wrote about his experiences delivering aid internationally at the Huffington Post.

Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/william-spear/trauma-in-haitian-assault_b_449481.html

Torrington Titans announce partnership with JDRF

2010-02-17T06:08:00.000-08:00

As part of the core mission of the first community-operated baseball team in the United States, the Torrington Titans and Our Baseball Haven are proud to announce the first non-profit partnership for the 2010 season with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

The Titans and OBH will team with the JDRF for one game this summer in the team's inaugural season in the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League. All proceeds from game day walk-up tickets sales will go to the JDRF to support their mission of finding a cure for diabetes in this fund-raising effort at Fuessenich Park.

"We're thrilled to partner with the JDRF. They share the same vision as OBH and continue to raise awareness for a very important cause," said OBH Partner Brett Orzechowski. "We want their night to be more than just a fundraising event. We want the community to support their effort in every possible way."

The Titans and OBH are partnering with a Torrington or Litchfield County non-profit for every home game this season. Each non-profit will collect all walk-up gate receipts while creating a unique, charitable atmosphere around the ballpark. OBH asks that the community supports the effort of each non-profit and help raise awareness by taking in America's Pastime while giving to a worthy cause.

"All the children, men, women and their families affected by diabetes in Litchfield County are the winners in this unique partnership with the Torrington Titans and Our Baseball Haven," said Mark Famiglietti, co-chair of the annual JDRF Litchfield County Walk to Cure Diabetes and member of JDRF’s board of directors. “We look forward to JDRF Night with the Torrington Titans. It promises to be packed with fun and information, while also serving as the official kick-off event for our Walk to Cure Diabetes in September at White Memorial.”

The local leadership committee (The Northwest CT JDRF Round Table) was formed in 2004 as a community-based committee of the North Central Connecticut and Western Massachusetts Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. In addition to the annual JDRF Walk, the foundation holds several charity events in Northwest Connecticut with the goal of raising awareness of diabetes and to raise funds to find a cure. The efforts include education, mentoring, outreach, advocacy and support of the children and adults with diabetes in Torrington and Litchfield County.

The Torrington Titans are the first community-operated baseball team in the United States. For more information, please contact the partners of Our Baseball Haven at info@ourbaseballhaven.com.

Torrington Warrior cheerleaders are national champions

2010-02-16T13:16:00.000-08:00

TORRINGTON — The National Champion Torrington Warrior cheerleaders will receive the key to the city at a City Council meeting Feb. 22 after winning a national championship.
The cheerleaders participated in the American Youth Cheer cheerleading championship in Orlando Fla., on December 12 of last year. At a practice before the cheerleaders left, Mayor Ryan Bingham stopped to to wish them well and was met with a question from one of the girls. If Torrington brought home the championship, would he give them the key to the city? He told them he would and the girls delivered.

Waterbury Hospital donates equipment to Haiti

2010-02-16T10:29:00.000-08:00

Waterbury Hospital has donated two ultrasound machines and other hospital equipment valued at more than $200,000 to help bring medical relief to overburdened hospitals in developing countries such as Guatamala, the Dominican Republic and earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

The equipment, some of which is more than 20 years old and has been replaced at Waterbury Hospital with more modern technology, will prove to be highly useful and beneficial to the hospitals which will be receiving it, said Jean Assobmo, a biomedical engineer for the American Medical Resources Foundation, the Massachusetts-based organization which accepted the donated equipment from Waterbury Hospital this week.

“We are very grateful to Waterbury Hospital for making this donation possible,” he said.

Assobmo said the equipment will be part of a shipment being sent to hospitals in the Dominican Republic and Guatamala next week. It’s also possible the equipment could be sent to Haiti, which is recovering from a devastating earthquake that has led to an intense demand for medical relief.

Frank Vensel, the Director of Clinical Engineering for Waterbury Hospital, said the two donated ultrasound machines are highly functional and efficient in treating a wide variety of health issues, including heart problems and troubled pregnancies.

“We could not be more pleased that these pieces of equipment will continue to be put to good use,” Vensel said.

Mary Prybylo, RN, the Chief Operating Officer at Waterbury Hospital, said the donations reflect the hospital’s mission to serve and treat people in medical distress, no matter where they are.

“This is a wonderful way to make a difference in people’s lives,” she said.

Bear Affair, Part 2

2010-02-16T09:27:00.000-08:00

Even the organizers were surprised by the success of the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce's "Bear Affair" promotion a few years ago.

It worked so well that the chamber is planning to launch the program again this fall under the moniker, "Bear-lieve it or Not."

Partnering with Torrington-based LARC, the chamber will have local artists decorate large fiberglass-polyester bears, which are hosted by local businesses and auctioned off to benefit both organizations.

With the Bear Affair, they become a tourist attraction, as families from this region and all over the state did driving tours, posing for pictures with some of the bears.

For more information about the new effort, visit www.bearlieveitornot.com or email bears@nwctchamberofcommerce.com.

'Traumatic injury' becomes 'average fall'

2010-02-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

NEW HARTFORD - At 1:43 p.m. a call was dispatched to Ski Sundown for initial reports of an 11-year-old female suffering traumatic injury to the head.

Turns out, it wasn't so bad.

At 2:30 p.m. a dispatcher at Litchfield County Dispatch said the girl did not end up getting taken to a hospital at all. Emergency ambulance officials were called off and the girl did not sustain traumatic injuries.

Rather, it was an "average fall" that didn't warrant medical attention, the dispatcher said.