patching...
Welcome back, Patch Blogger!

John Fitts

About John

I grew up in Canton near West Simsbury and spent many hours exploring the woods near my home. Except for two brief stays in Avon and Burlington, I have been here my whole life. 

My wife also grew up in Canton and we are raising two boys here. In my spare time I still enjoy wandering in the woods, flyfishing and playing the mandolin and guitar. 

While a senior at Central Connecticut State University, I coordinated an internship at the Register Citizen. Soon after, in 1995, I obtained a full-time job as police reporter at the Herald in New Britain. 

After a few years away from the industry, I returned to the New Britain Herald and learned newspaper layout. 

From there, I went to Imprint Newspapers and spent several years as a photographer, reporter and lay-out editor for the Farmington Valley Post and other papers.

When Imprint became part of a cluster sale from the Journal Register Company, I was hired by Central Connecticut Communications. There I once again filled many roles, first writing for the Newington Town Crier and Wethersfield Post, before moving back to the copy desk to work on those weeklies as well as the Bristol Press and New Britain Herald. 

Now I am thrilled to be working in Canton. For the first time I have the privilege of being with a company that lets me work in town. I already consider the staff at LaSalle Market my co-workers.  

Beliefs

At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license to inject beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that our beliefs are on the record will cause us to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.

Politics 

I am a registered independent. 

Religion

Although raised in a Baptist home, I currently attend St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Avon. 

Local Hot-Button Issues

Although the economy has slowed growth, land use continues to be an issue in Canton. Development, open space and commercial ventures are watched closely by many in town. Currently, the Plan of Conservation and Development Update Committee is undertaking the important task of setting a guide for the town's future. 

A proposed synthetic track and multi-use field at Canton High School is another hot topic. Although in the very early stages, it has generated concerns from neighbors and excitement from many parents. With other projects on the town's wish list, such as a town garage, it will likely generate debate on how the town should spend its money and prioritize its needs.  

Recently

The Board

Leave a note for your neighbor

John Brandon

2:51 pm on Thursday, September 1, 2011

Sorry for the bad information - Steve Jones is playing 8:30-11:00 Tuesday September 6th at The Crown & Hammer.
John Brandon,
The Crown.

John Brandon

2:45 pm on Thursday, September 1, 2011

Sept. 6th at 9:30 The Crown & Hammer is pleased to host Steve Jones, a touring musician on a Northeast tour, at 9:00. Steve has a large local following, and Tuesday is our Prime Rib and a Pint special menu night, so there are two good reasons to show up this Tuesday!
Hope to see you.
John Brandon,
The Crown & Hammer Restaurant & Pub.

Brad Gilchrist

4:49 pm on Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Hi John,
I just posted an event notice for Sunday, May 15th. I'm doing two sessions of a free cartooning lessons at another cartoonist's studio, in Granby. Matt Ryan is a comic book artist and we're doing this at his place in the Granby Commons. We're doing 2 talks, and we also have a gallery show of my personal collection of comic strips by my peers- Blondie, Zits, Hagar, Gasoline Alley, BC, Rose Is Rose, and others. 32 total, I think. They're all matted and framed. The gallery comes down on Monday, so we're doing the "chalk talk" to wrap up the gallery. Wondering if you'd want to do a quick story on it?
Also, I'm leaving the appliance store to get my Green toons back up and running. Cut back to 3 hours Thursday, and all day Fri & Sat. Hope to be out of there completely by July 1st. They need time to fill my sneakers. . . I think I have an idea that will work for Patch regarding a green comic. So, we should talk about that too. Fantastic job on your opening video. That really speaks to the concept. Very well done and produced. Talk to you soon, Brad

Patch_comments_icon

John Fitts

3:00 pm on Monday, April 4, 2011

Thanks Christopher. I’ll send you an e-mail.
John

Christopher Eddy

8:11 am on Monday, April 4, 2011

John, I love what you folks are doing here. I am a local graphic designer and digital media guy -- if I can lend my support, please let me know. Thanks! CEddy10165 at yahoo.com