The 2010 census will soon land in West Hartford mailboxes. Being counted is important because federal dollars are at stake. And because of the many languages spoken in town, some may not know how to respond to this important survey.
LocalOnlineNews.TV’s Theresa Freeman attended a census event recently to learn how local officials plan to [...]

With so many people losing their jobs now is the time to begin anew. Beth bolton knows the challenge first hand. In the former “Your Just Desserts” location on Park Road, she is now celebrating the one year anniversary of her new business “A Little Something” bakery.
LocalOnlineNews.TV’s business profiles focus on [...]

West Hartford’s Hebrew Healthcare is changing to meet new needs – offering a hospital facility that has a very un-hospital atmosphere. Hebrew Health Care is a non-profit, non-sectarian health care provider featuring a full spectrum of integrated and seamless in-patient, out-patient and community based geriatric services to meet the needs of older adults.
LocalOnlineNews.TV’s [...]

Did you know there’s a New York style design center right here in Hartford? NIRO Designs is doing much more than designing the latest fashions. They’re helping the community too.
Links:
NIRO Design Center Hartford

Next weekend’s America East Tournament to be hosted at the University of Harford will bring a much needed multi-million dollar economic boost to West Hartford and the Greater Hartford region. And it costs the university nothing to throw the party. Revenue generated from ticket sales, hot dogs and souvenirs should more than cover the bill. [...]

The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce held a morning workshop for women leaders and business owners. The guest speaker was author Nell Merlino, the creative force behind “Take Our Daughters to Work Day.”

Decorations, bright lights, music, food and trophies. The Kiwanis Club of West Hartford hosted a Hollywood style event…minus the red carpet. It was the third annual “Stars for Kids” awards night.
Links:
West Hartford Kiwanis

You don’t have to drive far for the taste of New York. Reuben’s is an authentic New York style Jewish Deli, open in West Hartford Center.
Links:
Reuben’s Deli

The Musical Club of Hartford Is a non-profit organization in its second century of existence. Club members encourage the study and appreciation of music through programs, lectures and concerts.
They recently sponsored a concert showcasing the talents of Connecticut high school students.
Links:
Musical Club of Hartford

West Hartford’s Companions for Living provides services to enable seniors and disabled individuals to remain at home safely and independently. They specialize in companion, homemaker, personal care and re-engagement services.
Companions for living was recently honored with a “Healthcare Heroes” award for their achievements in the industry.
LocalOnlineNews.TV’s business profiles focus on business events [...]

The West Hartford Board of Education heard a long awaited presentation regarding the steps taken to address a recent bullying and substance abuse survey. The Board also discussed the racial imbalance issue and plans to hold a policy discussion on the matter February 25th.
Links:
West Hartford Board of Education

A hotel and mass transit were some of the ideas Mayor Scott Slifka presented in his State of the Town Address. We talked to the Mayor and Town Council Minority Leader Denise B. Hall to hear more about their plans for economic development.

West Hartford realtor Nick Unsworth hosted a birthday party with a purpose, raising money to help provide clean water to those in need.

West Hartford Police responded to a call at 90 Park Road of shots fired on Tuesday January 26 at 9:30 PM. Officers arrived and discovered a car with numerous bullet holes. Both passengers were shot and one of the passengers, Christian Torres, died. We talked to the CO-President of the [...]

On Monday, January 18th, West Hartford held its 14th annual celebration of the life of Martin Luther King. Each year the event that pays tribute to Dr. King’s ideals and vision grows more popular and inspiring. The 2010 keynote speaker was Pamela Trotman Reid, President of Saint Joseph College.

On Wednesday, January 20th, Cyber Compass, the district’s Internet awareness committee, held a forum at Conard High School titled “Let Your Fingers Do the Talking: Texting, Sexting and Teens.”
Even though this forum was in the making for months, it coincidentally happened after a Conard High physical education and health teacher became the subject of [...]

Essex resident Jenifer Grant has spent a lifetime helping the people of Haiti. Her mother and stepfather founded Hospital Albert Schweitzer in Haiti over 50 years ago. The facility was not damaged in the devastating earthquake and is treating an unprecedented number of patients.
Kathleen Maher, also of Essex, has traveled to Haiti four times [...]

On January 4, West Hartford Police started its fourth College Police Academy. It’s a two week class, running Monday through Friday from 8AM to 3PM. The college academy consists of multiple classroom sessions, one full day of various stations, and a “ride along”- out on patrol with a West Hartford Police Officer.
The program gives [...]

La Petite France is a little bit of France in West Hartford. The 25 year old authentic French Bakery chain opened a second Connecticut location in West Hartford recently. Owners Alexandra Litor and her husband Romeo made the move from Paris, France to Connecticut in 2004 where the purchased the Stafford Springs-based business. [...]

Vernon’s Charlie Chatterton has run 41 marathons in an effort to draw attention to the 40 million people currently living in poverty. He was honored recently in Vernon.

West Hartford has for years led towns of its size in municipal election voter participation. 2009, however, saw the cup going elsewhere. The loss is partly due to being re-categorized into a grouping of larger communities.
Only 34% of registered voters came out to vote in the 2009 municipal elections.
Links:
2009 Democracy Cup Winners

The Board of Education will be dealing with two important issues at their meeting February 2nd. The first, which we covered before the holidays, will deal with responding to a recent substance abuse survey of students and parents.
The meeting will be on Tuesday, February 2nd, in the legislative chamber at Town Hall.
The [...]

On Friday, December 18 The Children’s Museum in West Hartford celebrated the longest night of the year. It was their annual Solstice Event and it featured some global traditions, music and crafts. The evening commemorated solstice traditions from around the world.

Senator Jonathan Harris is considering a run for state-wide office. Senator Harris made the announcement earlier this week, entering a crowded field of candidates including current House Majority Leader Denise Merrill.
Links:
Jonathan Harris

The Board of Education will be reviewing a recent survey that revealed students at some West Hartford schools feel drugs and bullying are a major problem. The Board considers these matters ‘cultural’ issues and will be hearing a presentation as to how to address it. The Board is also expected to discuss the [...]

Manchester Community College reports record enrollment as students search for more affordable higher education options.
Links:
Manchester Community College
Journal Inquirer

Lights, Lights and more Lights… They’re everywhere this time of year. But how safe are they? And is anyone reading the fine print on the box?
On Friday, December 11th, Localonlinenews.tv asked the store manager at Moscarillo’s in West Hartford to help us understand the proper way to use stringed lighting.
Links:
Moscarillo’s Garden [...]

For 2010, West Hartford’s Blue Back Dental is giving the gift of good oral health by offering a year of free dental services to a needy West Hartford family in its first Gift of Good Teeth Program. They are asking for nominations from the community.
To nominate a family for Blue Back Dental’s 2010 Gift of [...]

West Hartford’s new Shish Lounge at 901 Farmington Avenue has quickly become the hottest night spot in town. Although many restaurants have tried and failed to be successful at the location, the long line waiting to get in last weekend is evidence that the Shish Lounge is here to stay.
LocalOnlineNews.TV’s business profiles focus on [...]

Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge opens at Playhouse on Park with a preview on December 9th, with opening night on the 10th. The play runs through Dec. 20. The play stars many familiar West Hartford faces!
Links:
Playhouse on Park

Activists from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals removed their clothing and protested outside Max Zeller’s Furs on Farmington Avenue on December 3rd. The protest was part of a nationwide campaign the organization began earlier this month.
LocalOnlineNews.TV spoke with the protestors, the store owner, and West Hartford residents.
Links:
Max Zeller Furs
PETA

Governor Rell’s most recent deficit mitigation plan calls for millions in cuts in municipal aid. We spoke with officials to learn how the town is preparing.
Links:
Our June 30th Story on State Budget Cuts

West Hartford completed its audit of three voting precincts that were randomly selected by the Secretary of the State’s office for a manual recount. We talked to town officials regarding the audit’s cost and asked if West Hartford has too many voting precincts.

Mayor Slifka, the Chamber of Commerce, and members of the business community unveiled West Hartford’s “Way-Finding” Signage on December 1st.
The signs will be placed at 13 key intersections, directing traffic to West Hartford’s six business districts. All will be installed this month, just in time for holiday shoppers.
Links:
West Hartford Chamber of Commerce

On November 25th the Children’s Museum unveiled a large color print of our galaxy that combines a near infrared view from the Hubble, Spitzer, and Chandra space telescopes into one multi-wavelength picture. The unveiling commemorates 400 years since Galileo first turned his telescope to the heavens in 1609.
Links:
The Children’s Museum

The newly elected West Hartford Town Council began their work on Monday, November 23rd. Democrats and Republicans pledged to work together in what will be a very difficult budget year.
Links:
West Hartford Town Council Information Page

Family owned Holiday Retirement Residence celebrated a renovation and their 40th Anniversary with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and public open house on November 18th. Deputy Mayor Tim Brennan, members of the Chamber of Commerce, and town officials were on hand for the celebration.
LocalOnlineNews.TV’s business profiles focus on business events and milestones in West Hartford. [...]

Two members of the girls’ basketball team at Northwest Catholic High School, Allison Mullings and Uju Nwankwo, signed letters of intent to play for division one colleges on Wednesday, November 11.
From a news release provided by Northwest Catholic:
Allison Mullings ‘10, a guard, has committed to play for Siena College in Loudonville, NY. She is [...]

West Hartford Police were called by Wolcott school officials to investigate a case of attempted abduction on Friday November 13th. Three students that are siblings ran away from a car that afternoon and reported to a teacher that a white male, age 20-40, wearing a black hat and black coat tried a couple of times [...]

The West Hartford Fire Department, Station House #2, on Brace Road collected non-perishable food items for the state food banks. Governor Rell asked 15 fire stations around the state to take part in a “Day of Caring and Compassion” to replenish the state’s two main food pantries.
Links:
November 19th Turkey Drive Gala Information
Foodshare
Connecticut Food Bank

West Hartford was the unlucky winner in a random drawing conducted on Wednesday, November 10th, to determine voting precincts subject to audit following last week’s election. Three of West Hartford’s voting districts were randomly selected by Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, and the town will have to fund the manual counting of nearly two [...]

On Thursday, November 5, it was tea time with a purpose at the grand opening of the Green Tea House in Blue Back Square.
A percentage of the new store’s sales for the day benefited the West Hartford Kiwanis Club Community Service Foundation. Store owner Ting Chaponis was welcomed by the Chamber of Commerce [...]

West Hartford Democrats had a big night Tuesday, winning the maximum number of Town Council and Board of Education seats allowed by law. Democrats now control six of nine Town Council seats, and five of seven seats on the Board of Education.
Winners:
Town Council race:
Democrats:
Scott Slifka
Tim Brennan
Shari Cantor
Joe Verrengia
Rob Durbin
Judy Casperson
Republicans:
Denise Hall
Steven Adler
Leon Davidoff.
Board [...]

19 percent of students at Bugbee Elementary were absent last week, raising concerns that students are coming down with the H1N1 flu. In a letter sent home to parents last week, Superintendent of Schools Karen List said most schools in West Hartford are at a 5% absence rate.
Be sure to watch some of [...]

We profiled Town Council Candidates Judy Casperson and Denise Berard Hall earlier this summer just before campaign season began.
Both are first time candidates and both work in the banking industry. LocalOnlineNews.TV’s Michael Lurie caught up with Casperson (a Democrat) and Hall (a Republican) to talk about their campaign experience.
Election Day [...]

Connecticut’s racial imbalance statute has become the hottest topic for debate among candidates for West Hartford’s Board of Education.
Charter Oak and Smith schools have been out of compliance with the law for years, and Democratic candidates believe there is no issue now. Republicans believe the law should be challenged through a hired legal council, [...]

The Bank of America Branch located at Bishop’s Corner was robbed yesterday morning, October 26th. Police are looking for a suspect, described as a white or hispanic male, who demanded money from a teller.
If you have any information on the case, please contact West Hartford police at (860) 523-5203.
LocalOnlineNews.TV’s Theresa [...]

Max Restaurant Group has locations throughout the greater Hartford area, including many right here in West Hartford. The company’s growth and success introduced a new challenge: managing all of the business data those restaurants generate.
A project that began as a way to improve internal communications between restaurants recently concluded with a robust realtime data [...]

West Hartford’s Intensive Education Academy held their 6th annual STARS Cabaret fundraiser event on October 16th.
The non-profit private academy focuses on helping children grades K-12 with learning disabilities. LocalOnlineNews.TV’s Mike Lurie stopped by the event Friday night.
Links:
Intensive Education Academy

Abby the dachshund has a skeletal disease in her neck. Medication wasn’t helping relieve her pain and surgery was not an option. So Abby’s owner Mae Ostergren decided to take her to West Hartford for acupuncture at Veterinary Specialists.
LocalOnlineNews.TV’s Mike Lurie takes a look at this alternative treatment option for pets.
Links:
Veterinary Specialists of Connecticut

At Whiting Lane elementary school, kindergarten teacher Kristi Luetjen has something to celebrate. She is Connecticut’s 2010 Teacher of the Year.
Kristi was named West Hartford’s Teacher of the Year this past spring. Education commissioner Mark McQuillan honored her as the state winner at a Whiting Lane assembly on October 14th. Many teachers and students [...]

Last week Greg Gallivan covered Conard’s football program. This week it’s Hall’s turn. We begin with a preview of Hall’s Fall Field Hockey, followed by a very special ceremony that brought back the 1975 undefeated Hall Football Team.
Links:
Hall High School Field Hockey
Hall High School Football

The West Hartford Republicans are criticizing Democrats on the Board of Education for holding retreats to discuss policy issues. The meetings in question were held at town hall and open to the public.
We talked with both Democrats and Republicans to get their perspectives on the issue.
Links:
West Hartford Board of Education
West Hartford Democratic Board [...]

Our earlier blog post announcing Dine West Hartford 2009 was one of our most heavily viewed pages ever. Many viewers contacted us to find out why the promotion was canceled just days before it was to begin.
LocalOnlineNews.TV’s Mike Lurie met with the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce to find out what happened.
Links:
West Hartford [...]

LocalOnlineNews.TV is pleased to present our new sports reporter Greg Gallivan!
The Conard Chieftains are currently undefeated this season, shutting out every one of their opponents so far this season. LocalOnlineNews.TV was there for the home game against Hartford Public on September 18th and under the lights when the team was away in [...]

Hundreds of people of Nepalese origin (many of whom live in West Hartford) gathered at West Hartford’s Our Lady of Fatima Church on September 27th to celebrate Dashain, a Nepalese festival.
The Dashain festival lasted through the night with live music, dancing, and of course, food from the east. It was sponsored by the [...]

In our first West Hartford business profile, we look at a new local financial planning firm that relocated to West Hartford to be closer to its clients.
A quick note about our new feature:
LocalOnlineNews.TV’s business profiles will focus on business events and milestones in West Hartford. Business profile pieces are not [...]

The West Hartford Art League held a kick-off ceremony for its 6th Annual Art Walk on September 17th. The celebration was extended by a week when rain delayed the sidewalk chalk competition. It was held September 24th.
More than 150 works of art are now being shown in shop windows around West Hartford Center and [...]

If you’re in an emergency and you need immediate help you can’t just text 911. The national emergency system still requires you place an actual call to get a response.
West Hartford city councilor Shari Cantor has been working to push the idea of texting 911 forward. Earlier this month she drafted a resolution [...]

The Aurora Women and Girls Foundation was founded in 2000 by a group of women who wanted to make a difference for other women and girls in the Greater Hartford Community. Since that time, Aurora has evolved into a 501(c)(3) entity with a board and officers, as well as committees to oversee [...]

The leaves may only be first starting to fall in West Hartford, but residents need to know that the Town will no longer pick them up from yards unless they are bagged.
LocalOnlineNews.TV’s Michael Lurie reports.
Links:
West Hartford Public Works Leaf Collection Information
West Hartford Public Works

Trinity College in Hartford began classes this week. Backpacks, laptops and iPods are filling up dorm rooms. One Trinity freshman, Andrew Bannon-Guasp, has an unusual aspiration, he wants to be elected to the West Hartford Board of Education.
Anna Stonestreet visited Andrew on Trinity’s campus to learn more about this student and [...]

President Obama was at Wakefield High School in Arlington, VA today to urge students to do their best this year.
The White House had hoped all American students would watch the address live, but some school districts restricted student’s access at school due to concerns the message would be political.
LocalOnlineNews.TV visited one West Hartford [...]

A loud and boisterous crowd gathered at the West Hartford Town Hall last night as Congressman John Larson held a town hall meeting on healthcare reform. The Congressman discussed why he’s in favor of the proposed reforms and gave the hundreds gathered the opportunity to share their opinions as well.
LocalOnlineNews.tv’s Anna Stonestreet [...]

Many economists are split as to whether this recession is over, close to over, or still going. We decided to head out and talk to some West Hartford residents to see how they are doing in these troubled economic times.
Links:
Market Watch Story
Grillo Investment Tips
Financial Calculators

The last day of August, and the first day of school in West Hartford. Monday marked the first of 179 more to come. LocalOnlineNews.TV’s Anna Stonestreet stopped by a few schools to meet students arriving for their first day of school.
Links:
West Hartford Public Schools

Fran Adamcyk is a barber in downtown Deep River. In 1969 he was 25 when he and a group of eight friends made a split second decision to go and hear a few bands play in upstate New York. They had no idea they were in for the time of their lives. [...]

West Hartford’s population will grow by more than 1600 this weekend. Today kicks off move in day for first year students at the University of Hartford.
One unusual concern this fall is the H1N1 virus or swine flu. The university is taking preventative steps like establishing a web site about the illness with tips [...]

Networking has an entirely new meaning these days. People are connecting using internet social media like Linkedin, Facebook, and of course Twitter.
One group of Connecticut Twitterers has decided to also meet the old fashioned way – face to face – every few weeks at locations across Connecticut. It’s called [...]

Monday was the last day the Kennedy Pool on Oakwood Avenue will be open this season. The last swimmers of the day were…dogs.
The West Hartford Dog Park Coalition held a fundraiser at the pool today to help raise funds and awareness for a West Hartford dog park. And, of course, to let dogs [...]

Conard graduate JT Weber (who we profiled earlier this spring) and Hall graduates Joseph Fierberg and Rob Kavaler borrowed our Flip cameras and agreed to document their entire graduation experience. They gave us so much great footage that we will be bringing you a three part series on the Conard and Hall graduations. [...]

Though school doesn’t begin for two weeks, a group of parents and students gathered at Braeburn Elementary this morning.
They stuffed envelopes with letters informing the community of the passing of Kindergarten teacher Kathy Carella. Mrs. Carella had been fighting lung cancer for more than two years. Parents and students shared memories [...]

While Congress debates healthcare reform, those without affordable coverage are often having to choose between their medicine and food.
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance, an organization sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, was formed to help those in need get free or reduced cost prescription drugs. Yesterday their ‘Help is Here Express’ bus stopped in [...]

West Hartford is now an official HeartSafe community. The program is designed to promote awareness of the number one killer in the nation as well as Connecticut… heart disease.
There are 39 other towns who have been awarded HeartSafe designations. To qualify, the town must have citizens trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), first [...]

A West Hartford Boy Scout is hoping his Eagle Scout project will help bring comfort to homeless veterans and awareness to greater Hartford community.
Nelson Clarke just graduated from Conard High School. This summer he has been working on an Eagle Scout project gathering donations of toiletries to donate to South Park Inn – a [...]

The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce is keeping businesses busy this summer by hosting a number of networking events. Thursday night the Playhouse on Park theater hosted the Chamber’s monthly Business After Hours event. The theater was filled with handshakes, card exchanges, and of course food.
The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce has 650 [...]

This week West Hartford’s Whole Foods Raymond Road store became the chain’s latest location to install solar panels. The more than 400 roof top panels are projected to produce 87,000 kilowatt hours of energy in their first full year of use – enough energy to light the store every day.
Wednesday a dedication and celebration [...]

According to the 2000 census, nearly 10,000 West Hartford residents are foreign born, and English is not the primary language of nearly 13,000. Not being proficient in English can be problematic for residents as they interact at work, school and even routine aspects of life such as grocery shopping.
Bishops Corner Library is attempting to [...]

Reports of a drive by shooting in West Hartford began Thursday night just after shots were reported on Hillcrest Avenue. Police say, however, the shooting was not a drive by and not random. The two parties know one another.
A 19 year old man was shot twice, but has since been released from the [...]

Wednesday night West Hartford hosted 15 regional communities for a forum on ways to run their municipalities more efficiently. The meeting was one in a series hosted by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund and the Connecticut Clean Water Fund.
Roger Smith, who works for the Connecticut Clean Water Fund and is on the West Hartford [...]

Riding a bike is a rite of passage for children, but for some kids the freedom that comes with riding a bike is difficult to achieve.
Lose the Training Wheels is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities learn to ride a conventional bicycle. This week they are in West Hartford in partnership [...]

Bob Kaufman may be best known as his claymation caricature, used in the advertisements for Bob’s Discount Furniture Stores. But Kaufman is also a large contributor to children’s charities, giving away nearly $1 million each year to charitable organizations.
Kaufman hosted his 22nd annual charity golf outing today in Farmington, raising [...]

After 63 years of service, Zacher’s Photo is going out of business. The store, which began in Hartford in 1946, came to West Hartford in 1955 and has been a part of the community ever since.
As Linda Zacher told us, at some point you have to stop the bleeding and let it [...]

The West Hartford Republicans held their nominating caucus last night, nominating a slate of six candidates for Town Council and three for the Board of Education. The slate includes one Board of Education candidate who recently graduated from Conard High School and will turn 18 in October.
Here are the list of Republican [...]

LocalOnlineNews.TV is pleased to introduce our new sports contributor Mike Gualtieri!
Liz Janangelo and Natalie Sheary both grew up in West Hartford and have the same goal: to make the LPGA Tour. Recently, they both competed in the ING New England Golf Classic, a Duramed Futures Tour Event. The tournament took place at the [...]

New candidates and life-long party members gathered Thursday night for the West Hartford Democratic Town Committee nominating caucus. Democrats nominated a number of candidates for Town Council and the Board of Education, officially kicking off the election season.
Democratic Candidates:
Board of Education:
Elin Katz
Claire Kindall
Naogan Ma
Town Council:
Tim Brennan
Shari Cantor
Judy Casperson
Rob Durbin
Scott Slifka
Joseph Verrengia
Links:
West Hartford [...]

Cutting expenses is expected when a recession is at hand, but some West Hartford families are being forced to choose between food and meeting their monthly expenses. The West Hartford food pantry is hoping consistent donations will prevent local families from facing that decision.
West Hartford social workers are seeing more working families in [...]

Extended content is available for this story. Click here to see the full, uncut interview with Judy Casperson
Last week we profiled a Republican running for the West Hartford Town Council. This week we’re profiling Democrat Judy Casperson who is also seeking a Council seat.
Casperson and her husband have lived all over [...]

Extended content is available for this story. Click here to see the full, uncut interview with Denise Hall to learn more about the issues she plans to address during the campaign.
The West Hartford Democrats and Republicans will nominate their candidates for the November 3rd election in the next two weeks. Continuing [...]

Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) came to West Hartford Town Hall the evening of July 14th to address questions about the floodplain map revisions conducted this past September.
The revisions have a significant impact for homeowners, as federal law mandates that homes with mortgages in certain flood zones purchase flood insurance [...]

Extended Content is available for this story. Click here to watch the full, uncut interviews with the people featured in this story.
Harry Jack Gray, former CEO of United Technologies Corporation, passed away last week at the age of 89. Gray made an enormous impact in the greater Hartford community with his generous [...]

Extended content is available for this story. Click here to see the full, uncut video with West Hartford Realtor Michael Antisdale
Lately it seems like all real estate news is bad news. For West Hartford home owners, reports may not be as dismal as they appear.
According to a report by The Warren Group, West [...]

The Capital Classics Theatre Company opened its Shakespeare festival on July 9th, 2009, at Saint Joseph College with The Tempest – a romantic fairytale. Starring in the production are students from the Hartt school, Conard High School, Uconn, and Housatonic Community College – just to name a few. The production will take place rain or [...]

Liz MacAlister and her son Mark Gillman produce award winning artisanal cheeses from the raw milk of their herd of forty cows. They develop and use their own recipes, cut curds, drop the cheese into molds, press and cave age the dozen varieties they sell.
Their Colchester farm, Cato Corner, now sustains itself on cheese-making [...]

This is the second in our three part series covering West Hartford graduations, reported by the graduating students themselves!
In part two of three, Conard graduate JT Weber and Hall graduates Joseph Fierberg and Rob Kavaler receive their diplomas. Fierberg also delivers a speech to his fellow graduates.

The Fourth of July is typically celebrated with a long weekend and outdoor activities, but all of those drivers on the roads and fireworks (both the legal and illegal kind) can lead to trouble.
Local Online News spoke with local fire and police officials to get some reminders about celebrating the holiday safely.

Conard graduate JT Weber (who we profiled earlier this spring) and Hall graduates Joseph Fierberg and Rob Kavaler borrowed our Flip cameras and agreed to document their entire graduation experience last week. They gave us so much great footage that we will be bringing you a three part series on the Conard and Hall [...]

Extended content is available for this story. Click here to see the full, uncut interview with Mayor Scott Slifka.
Today is the last day of the fiscal year for the State of Connecticut. July 1st signals the day towns must figure out another way to pay for programs until the state can work [...]

Julia Deady surprised her friends on her 13th birthday when she asked them for books. The books weren’t for her – she wanted to donate them to families battling cancer. Her idea was guided through her mother who was a friend of Light One Little Candle Foundation founder, Joelle Pauporte.
Joelle lost [...]

Rain, rain, go away. Come again… well at least after the strawberries are picked.
The constant rain isn’t just an annoyance for the evening walk, it’s trouble for local farmers too. Rosedale Farm, which runs their own roadside stand as well as supplying West Hartford’s Max Restaurant Group, is struggling with the [...]

Seniors at Conard and Hall High Schools will graduate Wednesday, and LocalOnlineNews.TV will provide unique coverage of both events later this week. Stay tuned!

Check back tomorrow for the full length interviews from this story.
Governor M. Jodi Rell’s proposed budget cuts include a more than $6 million reduction in Connecticut’s Family Resource Centers (FRC’s), including one in West Hartford.
Family resource centers provide programming and other support resources for children and parents, including the West Hartford Public Libraries’ [...]

Looking to get out of town this weekend? Consider heading down to Chester and Deep River and visiting two new Farmers’ Markets. One is located indoors and is open rain or shine.
The Lace Factory Marketplace at 161 River Street in Deep River is an indoor Farmers’ Market in a historic former [...]

West Hartford commercial real estate sales are slowing due to lack of available financing for many business owners looking to purchase. In this real estate market, the ability to sell a building is not just about price and location – it’s also about the financial terms of the deal.
Some commercial property [...]

Learning to read English when another language is spoken at home can be difficult for children. Given how important early literacy is to a child’s success as an adult, the West Hartford Public Libraries decided to take action by creating dual language kits.
Librarian Jane Breen hatched the idea for the kits, which [...]

While we were busy at Celebrate West Hartford meeting residents at our booth, a few brave volunteers signed out our cameras to cover the event!
Thanks to Tom Murphy, Lucy Nolan, and Michal Klau-Stevens for the help.
Links:
Tom Murphy’s Twitter Page
BirthNetwork National Connecticut Chapter
Celebrate West Hartford
5k Road Race Results

One of West Hartford’s most popular high school bands, The Direct, played their last show on Sunday.
Hall High School seniors Chris Sicilian, Sam Cantor, Andrew Stocker, and Dan Knishkowy have played together for the last five years. They gathered at Cantor’s home Sunday to put on one final encore show before they [...]

Extended content is available for this story. Click here to see the full, uncut interview with Sean Harris.
The Playhouse on Park began operations in the space formerly used by the Park Road Playhouse at 244 Park Road on June 1st.
Sean Harris, also the theater director at Hall High School, is heading up the [...]

Extended content is available for this story. Click here to see the full, uncut interview with Helen Rubino-Turco.
The 23rd annual Celebrate West Hartford celebration comes to town this weekend, running all day Saturday, June 13th 2009 and Sunday June 14th, 2009. Admission is free, rain or shine.
The event attracts over 30,000 [...]

Is Big Brother watching you through cameras at West Hartford intersections? Not likely.
The new traffic lights are an effort to update antiquated lights, and the cameras are a more efficient way to monitor when vehicles and bicycles approach a signal. For now the video signal only travels to a computer at [...]

Red signs, blue signs, which party do you support? These yard signs aren’t about politics, but they are about parties. Graduation parties.
LocalOnlineNews.TV’s Anna Stonestreet spoke with safe graduation organizers from both Conard and Hall High Schools to learn more about the parties being planned for graduates later this month.
Links:
Conard [...]

Volunteering is not always a priority for students, but for Sammy Wilson, Jr. it has become a way of life. Sammy began volunteering for The Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity through his special education school, The Gengras Center.
Soon, he became a steady volunteer on his own. Sammy was recognized with four awards this [...]

Extended content is available for this story. Click here to see the full, uncut interview with Dr. Thomas Fromson.
Swine Flu, also known as H1N1, has made its way into West Hartford and West Hartford Public Schools. A letter was issued to parents letting them know a student at Braeburn Elementary School has been [...]

Extended content is available for this story. Click here to see the full, uncut interviews with the State Representatives featured in this story.The West Hartford legislative delegation will be working at the state capitol until the constitutionally mandated session deadline tonight at midnight. LocalOnlineNews.TV’s Anna Stonestreet met up with West Hartford Legislators Beth [...]

Extended content is available for this story. Click here to see the full, uncut interview with West Hartford Democratic Chairwoman Ray O’Toole and Mayor Scott Slifka.
Last week we began a series of stories about the upcoming municipal elections, starting with an interview with the Republican Town Committee Chairman. Now it’s the [...]

Extended content with full, uncut interviews is available for this story by clicking here.
The Connecticut State Department of Education has identified two elementary schools in West Hartford, Charter Oak Academy and the Smith School, as being racially imbalanced. West Hartford is now under order from the State to come up with plans to [...]

Extended content is available for this story. Click here to see the full, uncut interview with Leah Schmalz from Save the Sound.
This spring has been filled with news of budgets and budget cuts for towns as well as the state.  The Connecticut state budget is still being deliberated leaving some citizens concerned about the effects [...]

Extended content is available for this story. Click here to see the full, uncut interview with West Hartford Republican Town Committee Chairman Justin Clark.
The West Hartford municipal election isn’t until November, but those running for office are preparing for the campaign ahead. LocalOnlineNews.TV will be meeting with local party officials and candidates to [...]

Extended content is available for this story.
Click here to watch the full, complete interview with State Senator Jonathan Harris.
In the first of a series of interviews with West Hartford’s legislative delegation, LocalOnlineNews.TV’s Anna Stonestreet met up with State Senator Jonathan Harris to discuss some of the bills he’s worked on this session.
The Connecticut General [...]

Kindergartners from the Norfeldt Elementary School have their artwork on display at the Uconn Health Center through July. You can see more of the images on Norfeldt’s website below.
A fundraiser for St. Francis Hospital and the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center will be held on May 31st in memory of Benjamin Margolis. [...]

West Hartford is fortunate to have two Farmers’ Markets offering produce and vegetables grown right here in Connecticut by local farmers.
LocalOnlineNews.TV’s Anna Stonestreet visited the market at the corner of Arapahoe Road and Lasalle Road. It is open May through December on Tuesdays and Saturdays 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, and Thursdays, 11:00 [...]

Northwest Catholic High School and The Intensive Education Academy are two private schools working on a unique project together. They have joined with the Special Olympics to play Unified Sports – combining students with intellectual challenges with those without disabilities.
Unified Sports is typically offered in public schools. The volleyball program [...]

J.T. Weber is taking his talents to Division 1 college athletics. The lacrosse player, #15, was offered a scholarship and has signed a letter of intent to play at Providence College next year.
Providence will see changes in their conference for the upcoming season. They have joined the Big East for the [...]

Extended content is available for this story. Click here to see the full, uncut interview with the Hall High School students who traveled to New Orleans.
Twelve Hall High School students gave up their spring break to help reconstruction efforts in New Orleans. The students said it was hard work, but for them that [...]

Extended content is available for this story: Click here to view the full, uncut interview with Hall High School teacher Sean Harris.
The Hall High School theater department recently learned they have been chosen to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2010. The Hall students will be performing alongside other high schools representing [...]

May is national bike month, and this week is bike to work week. And if you can’t commit to the entire week, Friday is bike to work day.
Biking to work is a growing trend that benefits both personal health and the environment. Today cyclists, including some from West Hartford, rallied at [...]

Summer pools around West Hartford are becoming more eco-friendly. Just don’t call them “green,” says Mike Giannamore from Aqua Pools. Giannamore’s company helps swimming pool owners find ways to use less chemicals and energy – saving both the environment and money.
LocalOnlineNews.TV’s Anna Stonestreet visited with Giannamore servicing a pool in Simsbury. [...]

Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz on Monday honored nearly 90 World War II veterans from the former Soviet Union living in Connecticut during a Public Service Awards ceremony at the Greater Hartford/Mandell Jewish Community Center in West Hartford on May 11, 2009.
“Though fighting under a different flag, these veterans were key allies [...]

The unemployment rate in West Hartford is lower than the state of Connecticut and the nation, but that doesn’t comfort those in West Hartford still looking for work.
Residents had the opportunity to brush up their job seeking skills outside the Faxon Library today with staff from the Connecticut Department of Labor on board [...]

LocalOnlineNews.TV’s Anna Stonestreet visited Effie’s Restaurant on May 5th for the Celebrity Breakfast. The event raises money to help the Park Road Business Association pay for the 11th annual Park Road Parade to be held on October 3rd.
Patrons had their breakfast served to them by local officials, and other local celebrity volunteers. [...]

West Hartford water has been clear for a week. No sign of copepods or rotifers. However, what do residents need to know about the filtration problem and how can they be proactive in the future?
LocalOnlineNews.TV’s Anna Stonestreet brings you the latest from the Connecticut Department of Health as well as local authorities. [...]

Extended Content is available for this story. Click Here to see a full length interview with Dr. C. Steven Wolf, Director of Emergency Medicine at Saint Francis Hospital.
Swine flu is a new term we’ve all heard a lot about in the last few days. Though it has a peculiar name, it is [...]

The University of Hartford on Monday announced a new master’s degree program in prosthetics and orthotics, a field that is experiencing growing demand and dramatic technological advancements.
The new program is a collaboration between the University and the Newington Certificate Program in Orthotics and Prosthetics (NCP), and will be based in the Department of Physical Therapy [...]

Are pay to play sports coming to West Hartford? They may not be here yet, but outside companies using school facilities for athletic programs are on the rise.
LocalOnlineNews.TV’s Anna Stonestreet traveled to Simsbury, Connecticut to catch up with Tim Leahy, owner of All Pro Sports. Leahy’s company offers a number of after [...]

Extended content for this story is available. Watch full length interviews with West Hartford Mayor Scott Slifka and Superintendent of Schools David Sklarz by clicking here.
The national economy is in a different place than a year ago. Belts are tightening and spending is being reevaluated. This is true of families as well [...]

The University of Hartford held its seventh annual Community Day on Saturday, April 18th. The event featured more than 50 free events, attractions, and performances for adults and children.
Community Day is a free and open to the public event. It is designed to bring the University’s neighbors to campus and increase [...]