December 2020 North Central News by Gary Carra

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FREE Guide INSIDE!

Bonus fishing gets you hooked Ponds in Union, Coventry among those stocked by DEEP

Small Business Saturday discoveries The Saturday after Thanksgiving is now considered Small Business Saturday, a day to support small businesses in local communities. Here shoppers visit the Scandinavian Gift Shop in the Broad Brook section of East Windsor. For more pictures from Small Business Saturday, see Pages 14 and 15.

The North Central News wishes you and your family a safe and healthy holiday season

HARTFORD — North Central Connecticut resident’s have two nearby opportunities to hook in to a new “bonus fishery” by the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Union’s Bigelow Pond and nearby Coventry Lake were among five waterbodies tapped for the Nov. 23 “surprise” deposit of nearly 500 lake trout throughout the state. The other newly stocked areas are Winchester Lake, Tyler Lake, and Squantz Pond. The DEEP announced the surprise “bonus fishery,” recently stocking close to 500 Lake Trout in these select waters. Averaging between 24-36 inches in length, and weighing between 5-7 pounds, these fish are ready to catch. There is no expectation that these fish will holdover for an extended period of time (years) or that they will reproduce. The intent in stocking them. DEEP said, is strictly to provide Connecticut anglers with a specialty fishery, enhancing late season and winter fishing opportunities. The fish come from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

PONDS/page 30

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2 North Central News December 2020

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North Central Publishing dba

P. O. Box 427, Somers, CT 06071 Phone: 860.698.0020

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We are a free, monthly publication that is direct mailed to just under 45,000 mailboxes in East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield, Somers, Stafford and Suffield, Conn. We are also available at more than 100 high traffic locales throughout Vernon and Windsor Locks for free pick up. The North Central News was created in June of 2002 and continues to be both family-owned and locally operated. Publisher/Editor

Gary Carra Assistant To The Publisher

Jen Phillips Account Executives

Gary Carra Sr. Joan Hornbuckle (860) 805-1310 Contributer Writers

Laura B. Hayden Deborah Stauffer Community Outreach

Joshua Torres Photographers

David Butler II Kayla Bonanno Circulation

Kathleen Pelizari 4 North Central News December 2020

Publishers Policy

The information presented in the North Central News is presented for your consideration and does not neccssarily represent the views of the publisher or its advertisers. All information is checked for accu acy, but cannot be guaranteed. Liability for errors in advertising is limited to rerun of the ad. Errors in advertising should be brought to the attention of the publisher in writing, within seven days of publication for appropriate credit.

Random Raven Last month for the ‘Royale’ ($99 martini) treatment, but Grano Arso always worth the road trip By Gary Carra Welcome back to Random Raven, the column that aspires to provide your complete, entertainment itinerary on a month-to-month basis. No easy task in these unprecedented times, of course. Oftentimes, there are virtually no live events to report that are not, in fact, literally virtual. While the Raven also strives to unearth hidden gems throughout the state, he must confess, this is not the case when considering his first offering - Chester, Connecticut’s Grano Arso. In recent months, the inspired, Italian eatery has been named both the state’s “Restaurant of the Year” Grano Arso Chef/Owner by the Connecticut Restaurant Association and of the Joel Gargano prepares national’s best 101 restaurants by The Daily Meal. one of the restaurant’s Executive Chef/owner Joel Gargano doesn’t exactly $99 “Royale Martinis.” keep a low profile himeself, either. Photos by Gary Carra He has been featured on the Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen” and “Chopped” shows and has (The restaurant worked in several of New England’s most notable kitchens resides in what was including a recent stint with James Beard Foundation semioriginally The old finalist Tyler Anderson in Simsbury. Savings Bank, built Last month, Chef Gargano loosed a new level of luxury in 1902.) among the masses in the form of a $99 libation known as Needless to say, the ‘Royale Martini.” Aptly titled in that the drink was crethe Royale Martini ated in association with Highclere Castle Gin - founded by - with the botanical Onyx Moonshine creator Adam von Gootkin and based in Highclere Gin, nearby Essex, Conn. The actual Highclere Castle can of Vermouth and course be recognized as the backdrop for the popular televi- Citron - hits the sion series “Downtown Abbey,” and in fact, the estate’s palate like liquid present owners are also partners in the gin. velvet and ends on a lucious, sweet note. The latter of which And wouldn’t you know it, your friendly, neighborhood provides the perfect seque to sieze the golden osestra caviar Raven was lucky enough to get an advance taste test in and creme fraiche laden cracker that tops the beverage and Grano Arso’s equally luxurious “vault.” smother it all with savory beween sips. The Royale Martini will be on sale through month’s end and portions of the proceeds from it will benefit Channel 3 Kids Camp. The less than one hour trip from North Central CT to Grano Arso (granoct.com) is well worth it, anytime.

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Since this column is apparently heading south, a couple other nice December stops down state include The Griswold Inn (griswoldinn.com) in Essex and Southtington’s Cava (cavact.com) - both of which deck the dining room halls with dazzling arrays of festive lights and decorations. Closer to home, our friends at The CT Trolley Museum, New England Air Museum, Bright Nights, Storrowtown Tavern and others are also attempting to offer safe, in-person family fare for the holidays. But you can read all about that in this very issue, pages 9-16. Happy New Year everyone!

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East Windsor First Selectman’s Corner

Challenging times, but some success and better days ahead EAST WINDSOR — This year has been a challenge in many ways, but East Windsor has had some successes, despite an oppressive pandemic. The town negotiated an agreement with Gravel Pit Solar, which Jason Bowsza will welcome our new largest taxpayer to town once the project is completed. And the Silverman Group has begun the process of developing a large-scale distribution facility along the town’s economic corridor, adding significantly to our tax base. Both of these are significant boosts to the town’s grand list that will have benefits for the community for years to come, and both projects have come to fruition in the midst of this yearlong COVID-19 pandemic. Not all economic development is on a large scale, however. Small-business growth is just as meaningful and help to cement the character of our community. In early November, we welcomed the Scandinavian Gift Shop to town at the intersection of East Road and Rockville Road in the Windsorville section of town. The Scandinavian Gift Shop is a multigenerational business that has recently relocated to town from neighboring Ellington. At the ribbon cutting for the

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gift shop, the most touching moment was the founding grandmother turning over the reigns to her granddaughter to continue on the family business. East Windsor is proud to be home to several multigenerational businesses in our community. Southern Auto Auction has called East Windsor home for more than 75 years, and Geissler’s Supermarket is coming up on its 100th anniversary. Legacy businesses are an important part of our business community. We are also proud to be home to new businesses that are just starting up, and to many more that are doing everything they can to stay in business during the pandemic. As we head into the holiday season, the convergence of the limitations imposed by the pandemic and the urgency to support local businesses meet, and everyone has an opportunity to help. This year, many opted to avoid the “Black Friday” events and instead support local businesses as much as possible, and will continue to do so as the holidays approach. Many local businesses have had a difficult year and supporting them with our purchasing power will keep our community safer from COVID-19, and stronger by showing our support for small businesses locally. I hope many citizens in our community will join me

Virtual Christmas program planned at library on Dec. 9 EAST WINDSOR — The Warehouse Point Library, 107 Main St., is offering a live virtual program on the real-life story of “’Twas The Night Before Christmas” by Clement Moore, as told by educational entertainer, Martina Mathisen, along with stories of American Christmas traditions. The program, via Zoom, will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 6:30 p.m. Register at www.warehousepointlibrary.info and call the library at 860-623-5482 for more information.

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East Windsor Middle school names 1st quarter honor students EAST WINDSOR — These students have been named to the first quarter East Windsor Middle School honor roll: Grade 8, high honors Katherine Bohon, Angelina Carmichael, Ammar Chaudhary, Kristina Keyes, Loghan LaBelle, Allison Ragaglia, Katrina Rossi, Samantha Ruggiero, Abigail Sauerhoefer, Jazzlynn Singleton, William Smith, Greaneleigh Wilczak. Grade 8, honors Sofia Ballestas, Ryder Bowidas, Cameron Carrasquillo, Brett Cato, Gabriella Coughlin, Adyson Crynock, Kerstein Dela Rosa, Maria Ferreira, Kaden Goldstein, Aniya Gonzalez, Ava Gongalez, Thomas Hartwig, Jillian Miller, Tyler Natitus, Rosaly Noguerra, Makayla Ortiz, Emily Owens, Aaliyah Trout, Evan Witzke. Grade 7, high honors Ryan Berry, Evan Bober, Liliana Dacosta, Willard Davis, Katelyn Duncan, Gabryella Guzie, Ella Marschall, Timothy Mehan, Janiah Ramos, Elizabeth Romel, Thomas Romel, Kaitlyn Rouleau, Nolan VanGasbeck, Mikilana Vong. Grade 7, honors Riley Adams, Andrew Barber, Leo Chen, Laci Chenette, Valentin Cotori, Caleb Cresenzi, Peter Davis, Dahelys Diaz Santiago, Brandon Dupont, Thomas Ferrick, Maxamillion Guilbe, Joshua

Halpin, Kasey Macsata, Braydon Natitus, Dymond Nelson, Riley Piechota, Lily Raymond, Mary Simpkins, Allison Taylor, Mia Wark, Mya Wilson. Grade 6, high honors Jainil Bhatt, Johnathan Corsetti, Rihanna DeJesus, India Forbes, Niko Hernandez, Josiah Herrera, Cooper King, Madeline Knisley, Lukas Labelle, Rylee MacSata, Sophia Mosher, Cayla Pearson, Gabriel Rhoads, Grady Rhoads, Jordan Rodrick, Ian Thompson, Cameron Trull, Elicia Tyson, David Wojcik. Grade 6, honors Christopher Allard, Kyle Arzt, Isabelle Bancroft, Nicole Brown, Isabella Graham, Aiden Grasso, Makayla Lenares, Logan Lovell-Wohl, Laila-Jasmine Lunsford, Cassidy Miller, Ava Polastry-Jones, Serena Soboslai, William Towers. Grade 5 high honors Emma Carter, Sara Daigle, Marcus Davis, Adam Faridi, Ibrahim Faridi, Jeremiah Hernandez, Ramphy Hernandez, Kidest Kassa, Giuliana Lagana, Evan Mader, Janiyah Mathews, Jalexis Mercado, Lena Misluk, Julius Muhumuza, Dorian Ribeiro, Isabell Strout, Kirk Taylor, Wyatt Temple, Anna Whetton, Ava Young.

Ava Carr, Ryan Daly, John Fahey, Benjamin Ferreira, William Ferrick, Cambria Fortier, Sadie Gagnon, Isaac Gonzalez, Skyla Gonzalez, Mia Griffin, Donald Howard, Azariah Jenkins, Kassie Keyes, Kylie Keyes, Maeve Kittredge,

Cody Leflar, Lelly Lemus-Herrera, Skylar Leone, Caleb Lewis, Hasisni Maniamgathe, Arianne Morin, Jason Neill, Aubrey Nordell, Justin Sampson, Gianna Sigleski, Makenzie Sposito, Ava Wark.

Town establishes scholarship in memory of long-time employee EAST WINDSOR – The Town of East Windsor is establishing a scholarship fund through the East Windsor Community Services Department in memory of Elizabeth “Betsy” Burns. The scholarship will help families in our community during a difficult time in their lives. Burns’ passion, dedication, and commitment to East Windsor was strong. She worked for the Town of East Windsor Social Services Department — now the Community Services Department —for 30 years. Through her time as an employee and

having served on several town boards and commissions, Burns touched the lives of many East Windsor residents in their time of need. It is hoped that this fund will continue Burns’ lasting impact for generations to come. Anyone interested in contributing to this scholarship in Burns’ honor may do so through East Windsor Community Services by mailing a check made payable to the Town of East Windsor, 25 School St., East Windsor CT 06088. Please include the following in the memo: “Elizabeth Burns Scholarship.” For details, call (860) 623-2430.

Grade 5, honors Aalieyha Askew, Mary Belforti, Maxwell Betancourt, Thomas Bloznalis,

We wish you Safe and Healthy Holidays and the 6 North Central News December 2020

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Ellington First Selectwoman’s Corner

What’s new in town? Plenty HAMILTON, N.Y. — Katherine O'Connell, a member of the Colgate University Class of 2023, has earned the spring 2020 Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence. O'Connell is a biology major and a graduate of Ellington High School. Students who receive a term grade point average of 3.3 or higher while completing at least three courses earn the spring 2020 Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence. Colgate is a leading American university for students who want classes with rigor, faculty with passion, and confidence in knowing they will learn how to thrive in work and life. Colgate offers 56 majors and supports 25 Division I athletic teams on a campus of about 3,000 students in central New York.

ELLINGTON — What’s new in Ellington? Let’s take a look around. • The Nellie McKnight Farm Exhibit had its grand Lori Spielman opening on Oct. 24; a portion of the old Cogswell School was on site. • Thanks to the Rockville Rotary Club for providing protective masks to our first responders. • New paving and drainage was installed at Schoolhouse Road and Wheelock Road. • The Main Street sidewalk project has been completed; this was funded by a grant. • COVID-19 testing was held at Ellington High School on Nov. 1; 350400 people were tested, and our CERT Team, led by John Streiber, was a huge help.

• A new brass soldier statue has been installed at the Veterans Memorial in the center of town; this was acquired through the generosity of donors and through fundraisers; Public Works was instrumental in getting this put in. • There is new construction ongoing on West Road; The Barn Yard & Great Country Garages and Earthlight Technologies are expanding operations. • A lovely Veterans Day ceremony was held at Ellington High School; conducted safely distanced and outdoors, it was wonderful to be able to honor those individuals. • Shop Ellington 2020, sponsored by the Ellington Economic Development Commission, takes from Nov. Dec. 6; patrons can earn raffle stickers by having meaningful interactions with participating businesses, to be entered into a drawing mid-December. • Our Holiday Lighting Contest is on for December.

A brass soldier statue is now in place at Veterans Memorial.

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No matter how long you’ve been away for whatever reason, we invite you to consider renewing your relationship with the Catholic Church. Please join us for informal listening session and an update of the Catholic faith. A sixweek series will be held in a COVID-safe environment on Mondays at the St. Bernard Parish Hall, 25 St. Bernard Terrace, Rockville, CT 06066, beginning on January 11th, starting at 7 pm with an option for remote participation. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.blessedsacramentct.org/, email evangelization@cath-comm.org or call (860) 875-0753 x122.

December 2020 North Central News

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Enfield Enfield Farmers Market becomes all-seasons enterprise By Laura B. Hayden ENFIELD — While there are many things to miss about summer, the Enfield Regional Farmers Market does not have to be one of them. The popular event returned Nov. 15 indoors at the Enfield Square. It will continue to be held at the spacious mall Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., until early 2021. More than 40 vendors have signed up, offering fresh produce, dairy and meats, sweets, crafts, and gifts. “We’ve been working hand in glove with the North Central District Health Department to make this happen. Safety is our number one priority,” Enfield Town Manager Chris Bromson said at the opening day ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Winter Farmers Market will be following all of Gov. Ned Lamont’s executive orders and guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hand sanitizer is available at all stations. Patrons are asked to wear a mask and maintain a 6-foot distance from other vendors and shoppers. Namdar, owners of Enfield Square Mall, has partnered with the town, offering the market free to local vendors. Email inquiries to DevelopmentServices@enfield.org.

Enfield Square Mall Manager Melinda Cesare (front) cuts the ribbon at the opening of the Winter Enfield Regional Farmers Market. Cesare is joined by (from left) Town Manager Chris Bromson, Mayor Mike Ludwick, Councilors Carl Sferrazza and Cindy Mangini, and Deputy Mayor Donna Szewczak. In addition, Councilor Lori Unghire, Assistant Town Manager Kasia Purciello, and state Rep. Tom Arnone attended the ceremony. Photo by Laura B. Hayden

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Matthew Couzens Honored On The Financial Times’ List of “400 Top Financial Advisers” Matthew Couzens CFP®, ChFC®, CRPC®, APMA® a Private Wealth Advisor with Ameriprise Financial in Glastonbury was named to the list of “Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisers” published by the Financial Times. The annual list recognizes the most outstanding financial advisors who represent the highest levels of ethical standards, professionalism and success in the business. Financial advisors from across the brokerage industry applied for consideration, having met a set of minimum requirements. Couzens was chosen based on assets under management, asset growth rate, years of experience, advanced industry credentials, online accessibility, and compliance records. As a Private Wealth Advisor, Matthew Couzens provides financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations and provided in one-on-one relationships with his clients. For more information, please contact Matthew Couzens at 860-430-1919 or visit Matthewcouzens.com. Locations in Tolland, Avon & Southington as well.

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‘Holiday Fun’ is heading down the tracks EAST WINDSOR — The Connecticut Trolley Museum presents Holiday Fun, with several events planned. Scheduled events include: Winterfest and “Tunnel of Lights” Winterfest 2020 and the “Tunnel of Lights” began Nov 27 and continues from 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Dec. 20. Additionally, the Museum will be open Dec. 26 through 30. Winterfest and the “Tunnel of Lights” is celebrating a 42nd year as a family holiday tradition. The museum grounds are decked inside and outside with over 15,000 lights. Outside, closed trolley cars transport jolly guests through a tunnel of lights as they sing traditional Christmas carols with the trolley car operators. For an open air view of the “Tunnel of Lights,” one open sleigh car is lit up with holiday lights. Be sure to dress warm and bring blankets. Inside, the Visitor Center includes mul-

Winterfest and the “Tunnel of Lights” is celebrating a 42nd year as a family holiday tradition. The museum grounds are decked inside and outside with over 15,000 lights.

A trolley car operator prepares for the next run of the “Electro Toboggan” during a previous Winterfest at the Connecticut Trolley Museum. tiple model train layouts and lights galore. Admission prices are $15-$20 per person and all ticket sales must be made in

We Grow The Best olidays Happy H ank you to all.Tphatronage. for your

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December 2020 North Central News

For all your holiday needs, we will have a nice selection of apples, winter vegetables, cider, Ct made pies and breads, maple products, and honey. Also our delicious in store made apple cider donuts and many other delicious goodies. We will also have a huge selection of Christmas trees, wreaths, kissing balls and winter logs. Gift certificates are also available as well as many unique gift items.

advance. Museum members receive half off admission. Storytime Trolley with Santa & Elf A great program for younger visitors is the Storytime Trolley with Santa & Elf will run on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12 and 13. Visitors will enjoy a ride in a decorated vintage trolley car where Santa will visit with each child (distantly). Also while on board Santa’s elf will read a holiday story and each child will complete a holiday craft. Following the Trolley ride, museum guests will head to the Visitors Center which has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland. Admission prices are $25 per person

and all ticket sales must be made in advance. Museum members receive half off admission. As many people know the Museum was hit hard along with other businesses from the pandemic. The events CTM hold are fundraisers which are extremely important in supporting the museum. Also, this year the Museum will be selling beautifully made holiday centerpieces to help make up for lost revenue due to the pandemic. The museum is following the state COVID-19 guidelines, including masks while visiting. All tickets must be made before visiting the museum at www.ct-trolley.org The Connecticut Trolley Museum is located at 58 North Road (Route 140). For more information, call (860) 627-6540 or visit the website at www.ct-trolley.org

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Enjoy a Holiday in the Park Lights at Six Flags AGAWAM, Mass. — Six Flags New England has launched its new Holiday in the Park Lights in accordance with Massachusetts state guidelines. The event is taking place weekends and select days through December. Holiday in the Park Lights is free to all 2020 members and season pass holders, with discounted day-tickets available at sixflags.com/newengland. Holiday in the Park Lights features more than 1 million dazzling lights, beautifully adorned Christmas trees, and an extraordinary technicolor synchronized light display. Enchanting characters, warm s’more fire pits, and state-of-the-art décor are included throughout. The one-way magical walk-thru will delight guests of all ages with the sights, sounds and delicious tastes of the holiday season. While the property’s world-class rides and attractions will remain closed for the 2020 season, Six Flags New England is welcoming guests back to the park and warming their hearts with this whimsical light trail that is over 1 mile long.

Holiday in the Park Lights is taking place weekends and select days throughout December at Six Flags New England. Along with more than a million lights, the one-way walk-thru includes Christmas trees and s’mores fire pits.

SIX FLAGS/page 11

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Six Flags lights up for holiday Continued from page 10 All attendees will need to reserve their visit at sixflags.com/reserve to manage attendance and stagger arrival times. Other enhanced safety procedures and technologies include: • State-of-the-art thermal imaging for temperature checks; and • Advanced security screening technology for touchless bag checks. The parks’ reopening plan, which the company developed in consultation with epidemiologists, meets or exceeds federal, state, and local guidelines for sanitization, hygiene, and social distancing protocols. For details visit www.sixflags.com

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December 2020 North Central News

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DEC1-12.qxp_NCN new template 12/1/20 9:39 PM Page 12

Craig’s Kitchen dishes out more than 400 free meals to community By Laura B. Hayden From the time Detroit teenager Craig Wright lost his mother in 2001, life was not easy. Connecticut relatives brought him to Vernon, but eventually he faced homelessness and trouble with the law. “I was a real knucklehead, in and out of prison for years,” said Wright, now 33. After a few “slaps on the wrist,” Wright said that he received a lengthy sentence. Craig’s “knuckleheadedness” disappeared when, out of prison, he decided to channel that once-misdirected energy of his into Craig’s Kitchen, a soul food restaurant at 13 West Main St. in Vernon. “I wanted to make my mother proud,” Wright said. And it’s a sure thing any mom would be proud of the accolades the Southern fare he’s cooked up there has received. But the pride goes far beyond the menu. For the third year in a row, Craig’s Kitchen invited everyone to a Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings.

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Due to COVID-19, this year the meal was take-out and delivered. Even with a pandemic to contend with, Wright doubled his takers from 200 meals in the past to over 400 this year. This year, Craig got a lot of attention, from local news spots to an inquiry from the producers of “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” He credits his volunteers for helping to make the annual event a success — especially with the many deliveries made this year. Guy Douglas, a customer from Manchester, even set up a GoFundMe account on behalf of the cause. Douglas said Craig’s Kitchen is a “staple of the kind of energy” that gives back to the community – especially in these complicated times. The “Giving Thanks to Craig’s Kitchen” account achieved its goal of $2,500 in a matter of days. Wright has often said he holds the annual dinner Craig Wright stands outside Craig’s Kitchen on West simply to give back because “my community has Main Street in Vernon. Photo by Laura B. Hayden given me so much. I plan to do this every year.”

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12 North Central News December 2020

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DEC2020NCN13-22.qxp_NCN new template 12/2/20 5:56 AM Page 13

Go Home for the Holidays to Storrowton WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Storrowton Village Museum will bring holiday cheer to your family with its Home for the Holidays Workshop, Saturday, Dec. 5. During this small group, handson workshop, create a holiday wreath to celebrate your love for your favorite furry family member, design a mason jar tea light floating candle mini-centerpiece, using all natural items, and round out your time crafting by a roaring fire with some cocoa to-go. Hear stories of New England holiday lore while you design your winter décor. Admission to the workshop is $45 per person, which includes the cost of all materials and

instruction. There are two available time slots, from 10:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at https://www.storrowtonvillage.com/ events/2020/home-for-the-holidays Workshop group sizes are limited to meet necessary COVID-19 guidelines and follow social distancing and mask-wearing protocols. Home for the Holidays is recommended for ages 12 and older. Tickets must be purchased in advance on the museum’s website. Inclement weather date is Dec. 6. For details about the Home for the Holidays Workshop, visit www.storrowtonvillage.com or call (413) 205-5051.

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Small Business Saturday a big boost for area merchants

The annual Small Business Saturday, created to drive shoppers to small, locally owned businesses at the start of the holiday shopping season, took place on Nov. 28. From left: Owner Katherine Mashiak stands beside some of the many jars of herb blends available at Kassandra Herbs Unlimited; Kristen Breen and Sara Guerette are ready to serve during an ice cream break at The Scoop in Ellington; reindeer adorn the holiday theme display and sitting area on Stafford’s Main Street. Photos by Laura B. Hayden and Gary Carra

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Above: Bill Syme reaches for another wreath in the Syme Family Christmas Barn in the Broad Brook section of East Windsor on Small Business Saturday. Right: Merchandise could be purchased indoors and outdoors at Somersvillage Gifts and Gourmet Baskets on Small Business Saturday. Photos by Laura B. Hayden

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Spirit of Springfield still shines with Bright Nights SPRINGFIELD — Bright Nights at Forest Park has returned for its 26th season. The lights were lit for the first night on Nov. 25. The event continues through Jan. 6. Tickets must be purchased in advance online. They are available online at brightnights.org or at Big Y World Class Markets. During the Bright Nights tour COVID-19 safety protocols must be followed. • Bright Nights at Forest Park is a drive through event only. • Sumner Avenue gates will close promptly at 8:45 p.m. • Visitors must remain in vehicles at all times. • There is no stopping along the route. • Tickets are nonrefundable. • Tickets are for general admission per vehicle. OPEN: Sat/Sun11-4pm

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16 North Central News December 2020

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LOUIS MANAGEMENT, LLC 48 West Street, Unit 5, Stafford Springs, CT 06076 louismanagementllc@gmail.com • www.louismanagementllc.com TEL: 860-684-4405 FAX: 860-684-4419 TDD: 1-800-842-9710

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Please Call 860-684-4405 Applications are also available 24 hours a day outside the of昀ce. All applicants must meet eligibility requirements. Rents are based on USDA Rural Development Regulations. Base rents start at $680 Completed applications will be placed on our waiting list. Rental subsidies may be available to quali昀ed applicants. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

18 North Central News December 2020

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DEC2020NCN13-22.qxp_NCN new template 12/2/20 5:56 AM Page 19

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Kent Retirement Planning Services

RETIRE SMART SANTA VISITS THE MUSEUM

While many Americans have spent years planning for their retirements, a great many of them have made a basic discovery once they reach that plateau. Namely, that there are some issues that simple math and time will not necessarily resolve. Saturday, DecemberIf you 12th, 2020 are near retirement or have retired, call Kent Retirement The New England Air Museum gets a visit from Jolly Saint Nick on December Planning Services. Harry Kent has been working with seniors 12th. Santa will be here for the final day of the Toys for Tots Drive. Bring your for 29 years. He assists investors over age 60 to preserve their new unwrapped toys in to support those who need a little extra holiday spirit, OPEN INDOORS Hours: increase more pro昀tably organize their then make your way to Santa’s helicopter and getcapital, a socially distant selfie withtheir income and Tuesday – Sunday 10:00am – 3:00pm. Santa! You will be able to safely talk with Santa and make those special holiinvestments. “We are following all applicable health and safety rules issued by the Governor and the Reopen Connecticut panel with 90,000 sq. feet of space.

day memories from 10:30am to 1:30pm.

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The New England Air Museum is located in Windsor Locks, Conn. adjacent to Bradley International Airport. Take I-91 north or south to CT. exit 40 (Route 20) to Route 75 north.

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DEC2020NCN13-22.qxp_NCN new template 12/2/20 6:22 AM Page 22

Enfield Rivest Foundation donates to ACC leadership program ENFIELD — The Carol Rivest Memorial Foundation recently made its fifth donation to Asnuntuck Community College’s Women’s Leadership Institute. This year’s $3,000 donation will be used for the Institute’s Launch Your Leadership Journey program. “We are so thankful for the generous donation from the Carol Rivest Foundation,” Asnuntuck’s Interim CEO Michelle Coach said. “This donation helps us provide programming for current and future women that will strengthen their leadership skills and potential. We need our leaders to have the toolbox for success in the virtual world.” The Carol Rivest Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness of domestic violence and abuse. Rivest’s 22-year old life was cut short in 1982, when she was shot and killed in front of her 3-year old son by her estranged boyfriend. Carol’s sister, Sheila Rivest, sad, “The Carol Rivest Memorial Foundation holds an annual benefit to raise funds for domestic violence. We have live music, guest speakers, and raffle prizes. This year we were lucky enough to have a great place to hold the event outdoors and social distance. Westview Creamery in Monson held the event at their beautiful venue. “Through monetary and raffle prize donations from our amazing friends, family, and people in the community we were able to raise funds for domes-

“This donation helps us provide programming for current and future women that will strengthen their leadership skills and potential,” Asnuntuck’s Interim CEO Michelle Coach said. tic violence awareness,” Rivest said. “We chose to share our proceeds with the Launch Your Leadership Journey program because it provides education, resources, and confidence in women.” The Institute at ACC was established to address the needs expressed by women in the ACC community to develop their leadership skills and ability. “We are so very grateful to Sheila Rivest and the Rivest Foundation for their continued support of our ‘Launch Your Leadership Journey,’” Chief Regional Workforce Development Officer, North-West Region Eileen Peltier said. “Despite the pandemic we are offering our program, albeit virtually, and these funds will help us to ensure the high-quality experience this program is known for. Thank you,

Sheila Rivest presents Asnuntuck Community College Director of Institutional Advancement Keith Madore with a check for $3,000 from the Carol Rivest Foundation for ACC’s Launch Your Leadership Journey program. Rivest Foundation,” added Peltier, who is also a co-founder of the Institute. For details, visit www.carolrivest-

foundation.org. To learn more about ACC’s Foundation and how to donate, visit www.asnuntuck.edu/donate.

BEFORE

Wishing Everyone a Safe, Healthy, Happy New Year!!! 22 North Central News December 2020

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Enfield

Long-awaited Wood-n-Tap debuts By Laura B. Hayden ENFIELD — The opening of the Wood-n-Tap restaurant in Enfield, originally slated to launch a year ago, got off to a celebratory start with a twoevening grand opening charity event supporting the Enfield High Safe Grad on Nov. 20 and 21. When the restaurant was about to open in late winter of 2020, COVID-19 restrictions closed indoor dining. “We have a beautiful facility here. It’s been a long time coming,” said Rich Obrero, general manager of the Enfield venue. Located at 55 Palomba Drive (once the site of the Royal Buffet which closed in 2011), the Enfield Wood-n-Tap is the 10th Connecticut location of the casual American bar and grill chain. According to the Hartford Business Journal, owners Phil Barnett and Mike Hamlin have built the chain’s parent company – the Hartford Restaurant Group – into a roughly $32-million business with ten restaurants and about 700 employees The Enfield Wood-n-Tap opened to the public Thanksgiving weekend.

There’s a great big smile behind each of those masks as the Enfield Wood-n-Tap staff hosts an Enfield High School Safe Grad fundraiser. It was the venue’s first event. From left: Lucy D’Angelo, marketing coordinator Hartford Restaurant Group; Quint Johnson, beverage manager Enfield; Rich Obrero, general manager Enfield; Elaine Ducharme, executive assistant HRG; Chanthoeun Thanh, culinary director HRG; Michael Knudsen, beverage director HRG; and Mike Oliver, manager Enfield.

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Somers Harry Starr and Son celebrates 100 years Lessons from past come in handy during these challenging times By Laura B Hayden SOMERS — As Harry A. Starr and Son, Inc. winds to the end of its centennial year in the home-improvement business, there’s a lot to be said for lessons of the past. It’s almost as if its founder, for whom the company is named, is whispering in the ear of his grandson Jeff Starr about how to survive challenging times. Harry, after all, began the company at the start of the Great Depression, 100 years ago.

Jeff, who runs all aspects of the small family business today, recalls stories about how his grandfather tried to supplement income during the winter when mainstay work — home-building and barn-building — slowed down. “He always taught my father and me that it was important not to overextend. We learned it isn’t about the money, but making sure you have enough work to keep going while still ensuring high quality work at every job.” Jeff’s father, Robert Starr, took over the family business in the late 1940s and shifted its focus to exterior work — siding, roofing, windows and repairs. Jeff worked alongside his dad for years and took over in 1990. While the family anticipated 2020 to be a celebration of 100 years in business, COVID-19 has turned it into one of its most challenging years. “When COVID19 first hit we had to reassess how we could run a small business and keep our crew going. Thankfully we have been able to shift to mostly all outdoor work and social-distanced estimates to help keep our small crew and customers safe,” Jeff said. The pandemic affected the building material supply chain, causing shortages

The crew of Harry A. Starr has been able to call upon lessons from its past to deal with present challenges. and increasing costs, extending lead time for almost all materials. “Still, COVID-19 has made us more thankful than ever for our customers, our family name within the community and everyone that works for and helps support our business,” Jeff said. He emphasized how his family has prided themselves on being there for customers, standing behind their work, and following through for customers, generation after generation. “I love being called back to homes and families that have had work done by my father and grandfather over the years,” Jeff said. “Our customers can rest assured we have been here for 100 years and will continue to be here to stand behind our work.”

Face masks The Somers Department of Veterans Affairs has had a gifted and giving team of local women donating protective face masks in various patterns and sizes to suit gender and age. The Somers Department of Veterans Affairs is offering these handmade masks free to Somers and community residents and employees. Call the office at (860) 272-4207 to schedule a time to pick up masks. We will deliver the masks to you in your vehicle so you will not have to come into the Town Hall. Toy drive The Somers Women’s Club and the Somers Resident State Troopers are conducting a drive to collect toys for children in need through Dec. 10. An unlocked cruiser with a “Stuff a Cruiser” banner is in front of the State Troopers building, 451 Main St. from 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Toys will be taken to Kibbe Fuller School where they will be distributed to needy children.

LOKI SAYS...UNDER 21 24 North Central News December 2020

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DEC2020NCN23-30.qxp_NCN new template 12/1/20 9:33 PM Page 25

Somers Church names new pastor

Movie based on Somers author’s book set for area debut Dec. 11 ROCKVILLE — On Friday, December 11 at 7 p.m., Jacob’s Well Christian Coffeehouse will present a local premiere of the new Christian movie, “Heaven: The Adventure Begins,” at 7 p.m. Dec. 11. Doors will open at 6:30. The event will be in the Union Church sanctuary, 3 Elm St., in downtown Rockville. An admission charge of $5 per person will be requested to help with the production costs of the movie. Due to copyright laws, the movie will not be livestreamed. Produced in Hollywood, the movie is based on a book written by Alan Duprey,

owner of MACDAC in Somers. Prior to the start of the movie, Duprey will be on-site to describe the genesis of the movie. When the movie ends, there will be a live question-and-answer session with him. To comply with COVID-19 precautions, masks will be required as people enter, leave, and visit restrooms. Masks will not be required as people sit in the pews during the movie. Social distancing will be practiced. Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached. For details, call Drew Crandall at (860) 871-6500 or visit www.JacobsWellCoffeehouse.com.

SOMERS — Somers Congregational Church has announced the appointment of its new settled pastor, the Rev. Scott Spence. Spence grew up in Virginia, received his bachelor’s degree in history and government from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, and his master’s of divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, Texas. Spence has served as pastor and teacher at St. John United Church of Christ in Robinson, Texas, and First Congregational United Church of Christ in Waterloo, Iowa. Spence has a passion for social justice and community outreach and said he is excited to begin his ministry in Somers. Somers Congregational Church is at 599 Main St. in Somers. Sunday worship services begin at 9:30 a.m. For more information, visit its website at www.thesomerschurch.org, email office@thesomerschurch.org or call (860) 763-4021.

The Rev. Scott Spence has been announced as the new settled pastor of Somers Congregational Church.

Faith Formation registration is ongoing SOMERS — It’s not too late to register for your child’s Faith Formation at All Saints Church in Somersville. Register online at the church’s website somersallsaints.church. Fees are $50 per child and a cap of $150 per family. The program consists of parent teaching, web support and additional activities. For details call (860) 763-0348.

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Stafford

Garden Club plans for extra-colorful spring By Laura B. Hayden STAFFORD — The Stafford Garden Club was busy at work in November, in hopes of making an extra big splash come spring. The club purchased an assortment of 1,500 daffodil bulbs from Colorblends, a third generation wholesale flower merchant in Bridgeport favored by the likes of home-specialist Martha Stewart. According to Donna Wright, president of the SGC, “Terry Armelin, the SGC’s founding president, has promoted bulb plantings since the club’s inception in 2014 and for this season forwarded the idea of mass plantings of bulbs to produce outstanding dis-

Cookie drive The American Legion Auxiliary’s annual Cookies for Soldiers drive will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6, at the American Legion, Post 26, 10 Monson Road. Call Janene Berriault at 860-7165546 if you know of a Stafford service member who will not be home for the holidays. Cookies ship out on Dec. 7. Due to COVID-19, only retail packaged

plays of color in early spring 2021.” The plantings were scattered throughout Stafford. “We thought we should make a splash in different places,” Wright said. Six hundred bulbs were planted in front of 50 feet of the stone wall along Route 190 at Heritage Park, located east of downtown Stafford. Eight hundred were planted under the large sugar maple in the park at Stafford Hollow Square on Route 19. One hundred were planted on the south riverbank in the Spring Street River Garden in downtown Stafford. The assortment is aptly called “Spring-loaded.” cookies will be accepted this year. Homemade cookies cannot be accepted. Memory tree The sixth annual Community Memory Tree, at First United Methodist Church, is offered through Dec. 24. Church staff will change lights from colored to clear in memory of loved ones who have passed. Cost is a $5 donation per bulb. Donations may be mailed, with the person’s name and your name and a check made out to FUMC to 8 Church St., Stafford Springs, CT 06076. Your loved one’s name will also be entered into a permanent memorial book at the church. Call 860-684-2468 or email officefumcstafford@gmail.com for details.

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Stafford

Public input sought for brownfield initiative STAFFORD — The Town of Stafford owes so much to its rich history and industrial past, but when an industry departs, underused or abandoned properties are left in their wake. A current $300,000 Brownfield Community-Wide Assessment Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides the opportunity to help transform these underutilized properties into productive use. The EPA defines a brownfield site as “real property where the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence, or potential presence, of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contamination.” The Assessment Grant provides funding for a grant recipient to inventory, characterize, assess, conduct a range of planning activities, develop site-specific cleanup plans, and conduct community involvement related to brownfield sites. To better acquaint community members and stakeholders with the Stafford Brownfield Initiative, a virtual public presentation has been scheduled in conjunction with the Board of Selectmen’s meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 15. The presentation is designed to broaden understanding and involvement of the brownfields program, identify brownfield sites within

The Stafford Brownfield Initiative will be the subject of a Zoom meeting on Dec. 15. Stafford, and share adaptive, conceptual reuse scenarios for the former Earl M. Witt Intermediate School. The success of this project highly depends on engaged citizens, stakeholders, local businesses, civic organizations and landowners. With restrictions brought on by COVID-19, virtual engagement and community input questions have been designed to continue planning and reuse efforts. The presentation will be hosted, in part, by the Town’s Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP), Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc, of Rocky Hill, and Gamble Associates, of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The public presentation will be held virtually at 6:30 p.m. and steamed live via Zoom and recorded for later viewing. For meeting details, video conference/call-in instructions or assistance, and links to join the webinar, visit www.staffordct.org. For detailed information regarding the Stafford Brownfield Initiative, visit www.explorestaffordct.com/brownfields. There will be a 14-day comment period that follows the meeting; individuals may leave a question or comment via email or phone. For details, contact Amber Wakley at (860) 851-8102, amberw@staffordct.org.

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Regional Lamont reinstates STEAP grants for 1st time in 4 years

28 North Central News December 2020

HARTFORD — Gov. Ned Lamont has announced that he has approved more than $11 million in state funding for grants through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) that will be awarded to 94 small towns across Connecticut for various infrastructure improvement projects. This is the first time since 2016 that the state has awarded STEAP funding. The governor said that he reinstated the program in an effort to support Connecticut’s municipalities while implementing projects that will give a boost to the economy and help in their response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For this round of funding, Lamont said that he has implemented a special COVID-19 provision to support towns with expenditures related to their ongoing response to the pandemic, including for new construction, expansion, renovation, or replacement of existing facilities. Some of the approved projects include items such as the construction of a pavilion to hold outdoor municipal meetings, breathing units for firefighters as part of their response to COVID-19, and HVAC improvements related to the pandemic, among other items.

“Our small towns have been hit hard by COVID19 and are in need of our help to fund these projects,” Lamont said. “Simply put, some of our small towns need to modernize their infrastructure so that we can support efforts to grow the economy but lack the property tax base they need to fully fund these projects on their own. The state can and should do what we can to help with these costs as these small towns drive tourism, honor our deep and celebrated history, and provide us with family-friendly getaways that are part of the New England experience.” STEAP grants are coordinated by the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management, and grants are administered by the appropriate state agencies depending on the specific project involved. Under state law, STEAP grants can only be used for capital projects. A project is considered to be a capital project if it is new construction, expansion, renovation, or replacement for an existing facility or facilities. Project costs can include the cost of land, design, engineering, architectural planning, and contract services needed to complete the project. Towns selected for an award are required to execute a contract with the state agency assigned to

administer their grant before they incur any projectrelated expenditures. The projects approved in this round include: • Ellington: $116,765 in state funding has been approved for engineering and construction costs associated with Veterans Memorial Park. This state grant will be matched by $13,700 from the town. • Somers: $71,000 in state funding has been approved to install a permanent generator at the town hall. This state funding will be matched by $2,500 from the town. • Stafford: $128,000 in state funding has been approved for the replacement of the playground and basketball courts, field irrigation, and field house design at Olympic Field. This state funding will be matched by $93,000 from the town. • Windsor Locks: $128,205 in state funding has been approved for the Phase 3 construction and restoration of the historic train station and welcome center. This state funding will be matched by $32,225 from the town.

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Making a difference

Students honored for acts of kindness

Suffield High School winner Claire Cronin and family, Assistant Principal Ashley Eichorn, winner Ashley Segar and family, Principal James Blain, Karen Campbell, NCCCC Director of Operations, Charles Miller, owner of Miller Farms Family Markets, and Robyn Miller, owner of MorningBird Media.

Sydney Hambe and her family. Ryan Miller

Anthony Okraska

Madeline Salka

Kaitlyn Landry

Alexander Lippe

Winner Maddie Salka was presented the NCAOK award over Zoom.

Each student shares a common thread — making their school and community a better place through unnoticed daily acts of kindness and compassion. Anthony Okraska was nominated for the positive attitude he displays in the culinary program and the encouragement he provides his peers. Ryan Miller was chosen because of his helpful demeanor offered in his science classes. Sydney Hambre continually offers her assistance to teachers and fellow students, always putting them ahead of her own needs. Kaitlyn Landry received the award for always projecting her kind disposition into whatever environment she is in. Noah Backus was awarded for starting a pet supply and food drive to help a local shelter during the pandemic. From Somers, Hannah Ronzoni accepted the award for her displays of philanthropy in the community, from a townwide clothing drive to a Four Town Fair fudge booth. Alexander Lippe was nominated for his inclusive attitude of all and self-awareness of how his actions influence others. Jayden McKay was given the kindness award for being a role model and being patient and dedicated to his classmates. Madelyn Morello rose to the occasion of helping a classmate out with a project and they both ended up excelling as a result. From Suffield, Ashley Seger was nominated for being a leader in the classroom and offering help to her classmates. It was Claire Cronin’s selfless actions and involvement in the Best Buddies Club that was the reason behind her nomination. This award is not possible without the support of the community-platinum sponsors: Rich’s Oil Service and Home Helpers of Enfield graciously offer their kindness as the primary sponsors of the program, along with our Bronze sponsors Costco and State Farm. The full stories of the students and charities they chose can be viewed at the North CT Central Chamber of Commerce or MorningBird Media Facebook Page. Last year alone, this award recognized about 60 students in Enfield, Somers and Suffield and donated almost $3,000 to 52 charities locally and around the world.

December 2020 North Central News

ENFIELD — Each day students are making a difference in the community — through silent acts of kindness to largescale, community-wide movements. What began as a small thought for the Miller Family of Miller Farms Family Markets evolved into an anticipated and honorable award for recipients across the Four-Town Region that has since partnered with the North Central Chamber of Commerce and other local area businesses to bring this award to fruition. The North Central Act of Kindness Award is an adaption of a program that originated in 2014 as an anti-bullying campaign in collaboration with the Enfield school system and evolved into a cherished award ceremony commemorating students in Enfield, Somers and Suffield. The award is designed to honor students who regularly display redeeming qualities like civic awareness, commitment, kindness and care toward others. The NCAOK Award recognizes leadership and commitment rather than scholastics or athletics. Each student honored is given a personalized award plaque for their good deeds, a donation made in their name to a charitable organization of their choice, and recognition in front of peers and parents during a gathering to celebrate. This year brings with it unique challenges and with it, virtual presentations have been introduced. School administrators, teachers and community members nominate a respective candidate who displays the theme of “kindness” and the North Central Chamber of Commerce shares their stories through the news, social media, in their office space at Enfield Square Mall and in person by meeting with students and peers. To encourage kindness within the student population, their photos and stories hang in their school hallways for other passing students to admire. Recent students nominated were Anthony Okraska, Ryan Miller, Sydney Hambe, and Kaitlyn Landry of Enfield High School, Noah Backus of JFK Middle School, Hannah Ronzoni and Alexander Lippe of Somers High School, Madeline Salka and Sydney Drinan of Avery Middle School, and Ashley Seger and Claire Cronin of Suffield High School.

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Regional

Goodwin University announces spring honors EAST HARTFORD — The Goodwin University President’s List for the spring 2020 session included 327 students, all of whom scored a perfect 4.0 grade-point average. Area students included on the President’s List included:

The following area students were among the Goodwin University students who achieved dean’s list status for the spring session:

ELLINGTON Jovita Anson, Kierra Shain, Carmelo Signorello, Alycia Williams.

ELLINGTON Jovita Anson, Kierra Shain, Carmelo Signorello, Alycia Williams, Lizalyn Eib, Karen Saxton, Crystal Tracy, Chelsea Champ, Erin O’Donnell, Rachel Oakes, Eyleen Blier, Allasyn Wingard.

ENFIELD Jason Beard, Nicole Chase, Jessica D’Angona, Jessica Neff. STAFFORD Emilie Lloyd. VERNON Amanda Cooper, Audrey Ginther, Chau Nguyen, Morgan Sankow, Summrah Shan, Alexa Walcher.

Zachary Vujs, Hannah Benoit, Hannah Doak, Lauren Wright, Christine Carroll, Ageniea Bryan. SOMERS Alexandra Page, Emily Goodenow, Kristina Piscottano.

EAST WINDSOR Letiria Muhammad.

ENFIELD Jason Beard, Nicole Chase, Jessica D’Angona, Jessica Neff, Christina Camilleri, Taylor Droney, Marisa Nogas, Kalyn Holmes, Angela Lanoue, Lauren Luongo, Karen Merrill, Nasheka Morrison, Ariana Silva,

STAFFORD Emilie Lloyd, Victoria Harringtoncole, Brittaney Wittenzellner, Christopher Hunt, Erin Meikle. UNION Fatima Flores. VERNON Amanda Cooper, Audrey Ginther, Chau Nguyen, Morgan Sankow, Summrah Shan, Alexa Walcher, Jennifer Mueller, Ashley Bray, Hayley Gronbach, Allison Barbieri, Peter Ayer, Tonya

Bailey, Antonino LaRosa, Marissa Lebedzinski, Pamela Storo, Tia Rodriguez, Alyssa Alicea, Tracy Millette, Bailey Rontey, Brittney Thompson, Alyssa Rosenbluth, Kayla Thompson, Jamie Callahan, Christine Tripp.

Ponds stocked by state DEEP Continued from page 1 Service’s Berkshire National Fish Hatchery out of New Marlborough, Massachusetts, where they raise lake trout for restoration efforts in the Lower Great Lakes. While these recently stocked fish won’t break state records in the harvest category, they should provide the catch of a lifetime for many. For details visit https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/Gener al-Information/Trophy-Fish-AwardProgram.

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Regional Poetry Rocks to honor vets VERNON—Poetry Rocks, the quarterly reading series, is having its second celebration honoring military veteran writers at 7 p.m. Dec. 9, via Zoom. The reading features vets Doug Anderson and Roger Singer, and introduces Prisca Afantchao, a Togolese-American, living in Windsor. Anderson’s first book of poems, “The Moon Reflected Fire,” won the Kate Tufts Discovery Award. His second, “Blues for Unemployed Secret Police,” won a grant from the Academy of American Poets. His most recent book is “Horse Medicine.” In 2009 W.W. Norton published his memoir, “Keep Your Head Down.” He has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Poets & Writers, and the Doug Anderson Virginia Quarterly Review. He’s been awarded a Pushcart Prize for poetry and an Aetna Award for nonfiction. His poems have appeared in Poetry, The Massachusetts Review, Ploughshares, The Southern Review, and many other journals and magazines. His critical work has appeared in the New York Times, The Boston Globe, the London Times Literary Supplement, and other newspapers. He is also a photographer and teacher. Singer, poet laureate of Old Lyme, served as a medical technician during the Vietnam era. He has had more than 1,150 poems published and is a 2017 Pushcart Prize Award nominee. Poetry by young author Afantchao has won the Silver Key from the 2019 Scholastic Writing and Arts Awards. She was a Prisca Afantchao finalist in the Pulitzer Center’s 2019 Fighting Words Contest. This Poetry Rocks reading is sponsored by Rockville Public Library, Arts Center East, and the Vernon Arts Commission. To register for this free event, email Vernon Poet Laureate Pegi Deitz Shea at pegideitzshea@aol.com or call (860) 878-7016 for the link.

Observation platform completed Members of the Trails Committee completed the installation of a universally accessible observation platform Nov. 16 over the Frog Pond at the Batz Property. This platform, designed by Committee Member Valerie Amsel, allows access to the pond for exploration of vegetation and wildlife and will ultimately include some educational signage. The Trails Committee thanks the community for its continued support in the committee’s mission to provide free and accessible nature education to community members of all ages and abilities — especially in these difficult times.

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Suffield

Agriscience grad earns FFA Star Awards honor SUFFIELD — When The Big E was canceled for 2020, due to COVID-19, the Eastern Regional FFA Star Awards event went virtual to recognize young agriculturalists. Brittani Burke, a recent graduate of the Suffield Regional Agriscience Center, was named 2020 Connecticut State Star Farmer by the FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America). She is taking online college classes in preparation for transferring to the University of Illinois to major in agricultural business and animal nutrition. The American Star Farmer title is awarded to the FFA member that demonstrates the top production agriculture supervised agricultural experience in the nation. The member must demonstrate outstanding achievement, active FFA participation and an exemplary scholastic record Burke’s project related to raising beef, sheep, and swine as a business enterprise. “I do embryo transfer work as well as raise, breed, show, and market my animals,” Burke said. She submitted all

Brittani Burke received national recognition from the FFA for her work with data such as records of income, expenses, hours of labor, goals, outcomes, skills and efficiencies virtually. Raising beef, sheep and swine for breeding and show stock purposes, and the retail meat market, is vital to Burke’s fifth-generation family farm in Ellington and South Windsor. They raise Angus cattle, Yorkshire pigs and Suffolk sheep, and operate a garden center and farm stand.

Suffield Alight The Town of Suffield cordially invites residents to “Suffield Alight, Home for the Holiday,” at your leisure from 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 12. The inclement weather date is Dec. 13. The event takes place in the Main Street Historic District. Come home for the holiday on a selfguided tour of Suffield’s beautiful Historic Main Street, adorned in finery and alight in the brilliance of the season. The town promises that more surprises are being kept under wraps. For details, check www.SuffieldCT.gov./ourtown/news. Monetary and gift card donations are accepted to support SCA COVID-19 Fund @the Gazebo. Knights golf The Suffield Knights of Columbus thanks those who made the 16th Annual Golf Tournament a success.

Congratulations to our scholarship winners: Thomas Fitzgerald, $4,000 Fr. Ted Scholarship; Brett Frechette , $1,000 George Farley Scholarship; Jack Flanagan, $1,000 Dr. Alfred Stafford Scholarship; Karissa Carolyn Stanio, $1,000 Sr. Dorothy Connelly Scholarship; Olivia Vuocolo, $500 Scholarship; Renee Tautic, $500 Scholarship. Sponsors of the event included: Alfano & Flynn; Aqua Pump; Artioli Dodge; Bielonko Farms; Craig Boucher, in memory of Robert Boucher; Broad Brook Brewing Company; Connecticut Periodontal & Implant Associates; Mr. & Mrs. Greg DeSantis; East Coast Logistics; Enfield Street Auto Sales; Global Marketing; Heritage Funeral Home; Fr. Mark Jette; Ron & Eileen Kirschbaum DMDs; McKenna Orthodontics; Mercik, Kuczarski & Bolduc LLC; Minuteman Press of New England; Nicholson & Carmon Funeral Home; Reid & Riege Attorneys; The Rigby Family; Rolocut Construction; Sacred Heart Church; Madonna Santos, OD; Suffield Pizza & Family Restaurant; Suffield Village Dental; Craig Tini, DDS; The Sullivan Group; Webster Bank.

December 2020 North Central News

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December 2020 North Central News

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Expires 11/31/21

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DEC2020NCN31-40.qxp_NCN new template 12/1/20 9:44 PM Page 40

Are You Part of the

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harry.kent@securitiesamerica.com www.kentretirementplanning.com

We are committed to providing our clients with investment programs customized for their individual needs. Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., member of FINRA & SIPC and advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors Inc., Kent Retirement Planning Services, LLC and Security America Companies are unaf昀liated.