Connecticut’s sales tax free week on most clothing and footwear runs from:
Sunday, Aug. 21 – Saturday, Aug. 27
The seven-day holiday exempts clothing and footwear priced under $100 from the sales tax.
The sales tax is applied to merchandise after the use of any coupons or discounts.
Any coupons or discounts that bring the final price of an item under $100 benefit from the exemption.
There are restrictions.
The state Department of Revenue Services says special clothing or footwear primarily designed for athletic activity or protective use, accessories, and jewelry do not qualify.
Please note: This benefit has been substantially reduced from previous years and will only apply to clothing and footwear that costs less than $100.
For more information, www.ct.gov/drs.
Speaking with the Connecticut Republican State Party Chairman J.R. Romano yesterday morning from his hotel room in Cleveland, the Republican Chairman who is serving his first term, when asked how the convention was going, said, “It’s been tremendous. The first night was tremendous.” He added all of the 125 delegates from Connecticut were very happy to be there.
Romano is one of the three super delegates of the twenty-eight given to this New England state. The other two are Republican National Committeewoman Pat Longo and and Republican National Committeeman John Frey for the state of Connecticut. Longo, a veteran member of the GOP who’s served under a variety of titles, is attending the 2016 national convention for the last time in this role. Leora Levy was elected earlier this year by State Central members to be Longo’s replacement in the RNC upon her retirement.
Frey, (R-111) is a state representative in the Connecticut General Assembly, serving his ninth term for the town of Ridgefield. He was appointed by RNC Chairman, Reince Preibus, to be one of three Sergeant-at-Arms, where his job will be to help keep order within the convention.
In the Connecticut presidential primary, Republicans voted big for the New York businessman Donald J. Trump, with 57.9% and 123, 367 votes. Ohio Governor, John Kasich, came in a distant second with 28.4% and 60, 481 votes. Third place went to Texas U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, with 11.7% and 24,969 votes. Connecticut Republicans backed Trump and after his strong finish were always clear they would give all of their delegate votes to the candidate their party members strongly preferred.
“Conservative Chat” – Tonight, July 14th, 2016, 7PM on Charter Cable Channel 191, Barkhamsted RTC Chair Juliana Simone hosts a new show with columnist Don Pesci. Juliana and Don discuss federal and state issues, such as the newly released Benghazi Reports from both the republican and democrat Houses, and how they reflect on former SOS Hillary Clinton; the CT democrat federal delegation’s recent stunts for more anti-gun laws; Former POTUS Bill Clinton’s half-hour meeting with AG Loretta Lynch on the tarmac; the closing of the Old State House; UCONN’s VIP raises; Malloy’s popularity in the polls and what this could mean in November, and more!
For those who are not Charter subscribers, or are outside of the viewing area, this show can be seen online on www.ctv13.net
State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8) and Congressional candidate Matthew Corey (CT-1) at the Barkhamsted Independence Day Parade
July 4th, 2016
Barkhamsted, CT – The Lion’s Club held its annual Independence Day parade today which was met with a large attendance that consisted of local residents and area enthusiasts who enjoy this Norman Rockwell style event, that is a throwback to true Americana. The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee float had State Senator Kevin Witkos and First Congressional candidate Matthew Corey on board. Witkos is serving his fourth term as the representing senator of district 8 and is also the Senate Minority Leader Pro Tempore in his caucus with the Connecticut General Assembly. The senator also owns a restaurant in Canton and holds a part-time position with Northeast Utilities.
(l) Matthew Corey (CT-1) congressional candidate and (r) State Senator Kevin Witkos on Barkhamsted RTC float
Matthew Corey, is a businessman who runs two companies, a bar in downtown Hartford, McKinnon’s, which Corey opened in 2002, and a skyscraper window washing firm, Advanced Services International which was created in 1990. He is challenging embedded democrat John Larson for a second time as the Republican nominee, but first faced Larson in 2012 as an Independent. Corey is also a navy veteran.
Matthew Corey (CT-1) candidate and Barkhamsted RTC Chair Juliana Simone
Fellow Republican and Lion’s Club member, Mark Mahoney, sells Barkhamsted t-shirts for proceeds to aid the Lions Club on Independence Day.
Barkhamsted RTC float in Independence Day parade 2016 {photo: Mark Mahoney}
The parade also had floats from the American Legion’s Riverton Post 159, local churches, the Barkhamsted Historical Society, of course, the Lions Club, and a variety of others, many who were new to the line. First Selectman Don Stein (D) also participated and made the rounds.
American Legion Riverton Post 159 Float with Ed Tibbets, George Washington and many other fine veterans.
Following the fire engines which traditionally close the parade and are driven by Barkhamsted’s finest, the event closes with music played by the star band, a group of volunteer musicians who only meet on this one occasion each year to play patriotic songs that include the “Star Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful.”
Barkhamsted CT Star Band
Tribute was given to the Barkhamsted Baseball Youth League and a prayer was recited by the Pleasant Valley Methodist Church minister.
Thanks to veteran RTC member Ernie Little, Mark Carotunti for the use of his Dodge Ram heavy duty truck, and former RTC Chair, Dave Moulton, for helping decorate the float today…as well as my son and his good friend for throwing candy to the crowd.
“Best Team” First Annual ROVAC award 2016 – Barkhamsted, CT
June 2016
Written by Juliana Simone
Barkhamsted, CT – On April 15th, 2016, the Registrars of Voters of Connecticut presented their first annual award to Barkhamsted Voter Registrars, Susan Day (R) and Karen Martin (D) for “Best Team.” The award was created to illustrate a bipartisan example of voter registrars who could work honestly and well together to produce genuine results on voting days regardless of party affiliation. Republican Registrar of Voters, Susan Day, a veteran member of the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee, has held her municipal position for over twenty years. Karen Martin became the Democrat Registrar of Voters in early 2009. The pair has worked together professionally and amicably for over seven years.
Voters in this small rural community all appreciate the fairness and thoroughness that is always delivered by Day and Martin. To the contrary, Connecticut is known nationwide for its Election Day irregularities, polling place mishaps and controversial election law abnormalities throughout its three large cities of New Haven, Bridgeport and Hartford. These discrepancies, for the most part, are never fully or judiciously investigated by the Democrat controlled government at the capitol, and those that are dealt with due to higher publicity, are dismissed with a minor wrist slap or discharge.
Registrars of Voters throughout the state of Connecticut should strive to work in tandem like these two fine recipients of a newly created award that sets an example for others that hold this important title. Regardless of pressures applied on important voting days, these officers should remember they are elected to serve their constituents and follow the laws they are sworn to observe. The numbers that come in are the will of the people and any suggested tampering to change the results should not even be considered. Those actions almost always ends up poorly in the end, however strong the moment which leads to a bad decision with consequences.
Perhaps all registrars should just enjoy their jobs and be the experts they often are at the end of Election Day. Report the final count from the machine totals and the absentee ballots and call it a day – a very long day, for these officials. And, yes, any write-in such as “Daffy Duck” does need to be thrown out regardless of the passion behind that individual vote. Thank you, Susan and Karen! The town of Barkhamsted could not be more proud than to see you both awarded for this first-time distinction!
The funny back story to this, I meant to add before first publishing, is at the event, when the award was being described to attendees, Sue leaned over to Karen and said in regards to who the recipients should be, that should be us – and right after she says this to her partner, their names are announced to all! All in favor? Aye!
(l) Karen Martin and (r) Susan Day – Barkhamsted Registrar of Voters
Registrar of Voters (l) Sue Day (R) and (r) Karen Martin at work at the Barkhamsted Town Hall
(l) Barkhamsted Registrar of Voters Karen Martin (D) and (r) Susan Day at work
Susan Day, veteran Registrar of Voters (R) serving Barkhamsted over twenty years and as a BRTC member/officer.
In May 2015 I filed my paperwork to run for U.S. Senate in 2016. I assumed, especially in the year of the outsider, that my background, passion, hard work and a good team would allow my campaign to offer the people of the State ofConnecticut a viable alternative to a career politician whose 32 years of service had contributed mightily to the decline of the state.
After 12 months of campaigning, an insider-rigged convention denied us primary ballot access–so we made a decision to petition. Sadly we learned this week that our effort fell short, and despite the efforts and encouragement of many, we are now forced to suspend the campaign. Our example will continue to discourage outsiders from taking the plunge.
The goal of this campaign was always to ensure the people of Connecticut 6 years of solutions, not 6 more years of political theater. Dick Blumenthal has ruined this state. He is a complete and utter failure. His tenure as Attorney General contributed to the demise of this once great state, and now he is hurting the entire nation. We deserve people who want to solve real issues; people who are willing to get stuff done!
I have gotten to know Representative Dan Carter at campaign events; he is someone Connecticut can be proud of–I wish him the best in his campaign this fall. Ultimately we share the same goal: sending Dick Blumenthal home. I will support Dan as I can, especially where I have demonstrated some strength, in fundraising.
We thank all the people who supported this effort with their donations, thoughts, public expressions of support, and time. You did make a difference, and I won’t forget the people who kept me going.
Sincerely,
August Wolf
{Editor’s note: Thank you to so many of you who signed the petition for August. He was a great candidate who experienced what so many have at the CT State conventions, whether holding prior office or not. Like them, Wolf has little to say about the experience and he is taking the high road in this statement. He is being a gentleman, which, of course, shows leadership… for now we should perhaps all focus on the Presidential race, which is the most important thing at present to our country and for future generations. Good luck to Dan.”}
CT U.S. Senate Candidate August Wolf with Juliana Simone
Thursday, June 9th, 2016 on Charter Cable Channel 191 at 7:00 PM, the Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee presents an interview with Republican U.S. Senate Candidate August Wolf and Barkhamsted RTC Chair and Host Juliana Simone. August and Juliana discuss his background, why he’s running for political office, foreign policy and who our biggest enemy is today, immigration and what solutions there could be, unemployment and bringing back jobs to our youth, outsourced workers and middle-aged employees who once laid off can’t get rehired, the nation’s debt and how to reduce it, the Second Amendment, our military and our veterans, August’s thoughts on incumbent U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, why he is the best candidate to run against Blumenthal and why delegates should give him their vote at the state convention this Monday.
If you’re outside of the viewing area, it can be seen on the Internet – www.ctv13.net under the tab Watch Online – search “Conservative Chat” – click episode #106.
State House Convention for State Representative William Simanski (R-62) in Barkhamsted.
We in the sixty-second state house district feel so fortunate to have someone as knowledgeable, hard working, conservative and diligent as State Representative William Simanski to be running for re-election to his fourth term. Tonight’s convention in Barkhamsted was a breeze we all know each other so well and are always happy to see Bill in our presence. The convention was chaired by Republican Selectman Mark Hemenway and the Secretary was Mark Neumann, campaign treasurer for Rep. Simanski. Barkhamsted, Granby, Hartland and New Hartford were all present and proud to nominate our fine representative to represent us once more in Hartford. Special thanks to his wife Marie who is a wonderful supporter of Bill’s hard work at the Capitol and loving partner.
Barkhamsted delegation State Convention 2016 (l-r) former State Rep and Agricultural Commissioner Phil Prelli, Barkamsted RTC Chair Juliana Simone and BRTC treasurer Rev. Steven Blackburn, Ph.D.CNBC host and columnist Larry Kudlow addressing CT State delegation 2016
To read Juliana Simone’s article on the convention go to: https://inmyvue.com/2016/05/13/connecticut-state-convention-prelude-to-ohio/
Republicans, Democrats elect town committee officers; Litchfield board vacancies need to be filled; society achieves Silver Level in program
POSTED: 04/02/16, 2:00 AM EDT
BARKHAMSTED REPUBLICANS HOLD ELECTIONS
BARKHAMSTED >> The Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee recently held its officer elections. Members re-elected Chair Juliana Simone, who will be starting her fourth term as chairman. She was first elected in 2010 while working as field director for Mark Greenberg (CT-5).
Rev. Steve Blackburn, Ph.D., was re-elected to his fourth term as treasurer. Blackburn was also the treasurer for 2014 Secretary of the State Republican candidate Peter Lumaj. ]
Vice Chair Robert Brainard III, declined re-election due to his new membership on the Barkhamsted Elementary Board of Education and as a father of two young children, and Barkhamsted Selectman Mark Hemenway (R), was elected the committee’s new vice chair.
Simone, who worked for the House Republicans, has hosted a half-hour political interview Charter cable show for eleven years, is the web administrator for the committee’s website, and also worked for the Lumaj campaign as Grassroots Outreach and Media Director, ran for the State House in 2006 and was endorsed by former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson and the Republican American.
Barkhamsted Republican Town Committee and CT GOP news
