Follow these links for more information on the news featured in today’s PatchCast:
Vernon Patch —
Manchester Patch —
Windsor Patch —
Ellington-Somers Patch — Penguin Plunge to Benefit Special Olympics
Enfield Patch —
Mansfield-Storrs Patch —
PatchCast: Teacher Arrested, Fundraisers and High School Basketball
Here is a roundup of the region's major developments for Monday, March 14.
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Avon Lady June 18, 2013 at 02:52 am
Mary Ann Overbaugh June 18, 2013 at 10:44 am
Oddly, in 90's, this achievement gap was alleged not to be real and not allowed to be discussed.…Read More Betsy Kenneson brought it forth while she was on the BOE and was publically trounced for making such a comment at that time. A lot could have happened in the 20 years since then...I think it did. Most of the children that attended schools in Windsor now have friends of all races and are comfortable with all. And I have actually seen, white young men ask black young men to be their best man and black young men ask white young men to be their best man. Isn't that part of the point of diversity in schools? Maybe the achievement gap is due to not understanding and taking responsibility for your own achievement and future life.
Avon Lady June 13, 2013 at 10:42 pm
Misfit June 14, 2013 at 03:18 pm
Oh please, I was a student of WHS, Sage Park and OE. If you pay attention and actually take school…Read More seriously than maybe the child won't be on the 'lower track.' I'm sure I was apart of that track, but I went on to college and got my bachelors because I wanted to and because I no that in order to survive in today's economy, McDonald's isn't going to cut it. Tell your child to straighten up and take school seriously! It's not always about color!!
Henry G June 18, 2013 at 12:51 pm
Could it possibly be black and latino parents don't take as much interest in their children? That…Read More they don't make them accountable to their efforts? Could it be that the teachers of Windsor are doing the best they can without being able to discipline your children? That's quite an accusation Debra - to blame this on teachers of Windsor! That's part of the problem of America right now..... blame it on someone else - rather than take accountability!
Mary Ann Overbaugh June 18, 2013 at 10:08 am
Please answer a direct questions with a succinct and definitive answer....not a tap dance.
CatherineDennis June 11, 2013 at 10:01 pm
Another important fact came out in tonight's TPZ meeting. Anita Mips noted that years ago the town…Read More created issues with her property regarding a waterway going next to her property and stated that is how she became involved in the Town. Interesting -that is the same reason that I became involved -I had issue with the way the town operated on a personal level and was appalled at the way things operated -so I too became involved. Dem's take notice -maybe once and for all you will stop discounting our votes as just get even upset people. It was good enough for one of your own.
Albert Williams June 18, 2013 at 07:28 am
I'm sorry it took me a week to watch this, but yes, job well done Mr. O'Brien and thank you for your…Read More dedication. The rest of the TP&Z didn't even blink to the concerns you raised, just rubber stamped it through - disgusting. I say a parking garage needs to be raised in downtown, that's the only parking answer, beyond that it's just another example of poor planning. 500 people from the theater, parking for numerous others visiting the other area establishments, grocery store parking, town hall parking, special event parking, train station parking, CVS parking, and then the heard of people visiting after throwing horseshoes in the $90k horseshoe pits...where are they going to fit? Sound like 10 pounds of "stuff" trying to fit in a 5 pound bag.
CatherineDennis June 11, 2013 at 10:37 pm
Congrats to the students, their parents for instilling excellence and coaches. You make us proud.…Read More Keep up the great work
Aaron Jubrey June 13, 2013 at 11:26 am
Here are the facts:
No, the people who built the horseshoe pits were not told the land would be…Read More sold eventually.
No, your backyard can not be made into a public park.
The cost could have been far less than $90,000, however, times have changed and the town does not allow private individuals to construct the improvements. The group involved with the horseshoe pit put forth numerous alternatives to help defray the costs, and had an estimate roughly half the cost. The town put the project out to bid, and went with the low bidder.
Once the sale of the land is finalized, the money made from the sale will have paid for the relocation of the horseshoe pits and it won't have cost the taxpayers any money.
Mr. and Mrs. Cicero commonly make the (correct) argument that projects should go out to bid, and the most competitive bid should be selected. That's exactly what we did.
Aside from the fact that one has nothing to do with the other, I have been very vocal about the need to find space for the robotics team. I have spent many volunteers hours with members of that team, and I have a great respect for that program and the students involved. I have asked the town manager, both publicly and privately, to do what he can to assist the superintendent in finding a home for Team Paragon. However, it really is a Board of Education issue.
By the way, it was the town that stepped up and helped Team Paragon to find affordable, suitable, temporary space on town property until development begins on Mechanic Street.
CatherineDennis June 13, 2013 at 07:17 pm
Thank you for your comments Mr. Jubrey. I am confused. If town land is sold, and there is a profit…Read More -it is still town money correct? Town money is tax payer money. My point is if tax payer money is spent responsibly for items truly needed by the town then we see less increases in tax over time (percentage) correct? I applaud your continued help in seeking a home for Team Paragon.
Skip Cashwell June 13, 2013 at 09:59 am
Thank you Nanette Fryxell for the link to "Teaching African American Students: A Look at…Read More Instructional Methods and Cultural
Differences." This should be mandatory reading for not only all members of the BoE, but also every member of our schools' staffs. Perhaps, too, Marion James should read this...he might be able to complete his (spurious) study now, and allow reallocation of the funds currently allocated to a meaningful use.
Jim B June 13, 2013 at 08:19 pm
Regardless of race, religion or other defining characteristics, a child's approach to learning…Read More begins at home. Parents need to step back and instill a willingness to learn in their children. We made sure to read every evening tour children such that by the time they started kindergarten, they all could read fluently.
Nanette Fryxell June 14, 2013 at 09:20 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=yxZBUudFnNg