January 2023 North Central News

Aer Lingus first began operating a direct service to Bradley International Airport in September 2016. Flights to Dublin were ceased in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The service will resume March 26 and is scheduled to operate at least until the end of October.

Photo courtesy of Aer Lingus

Irish airline Aer Lingus has announced the recommencement of its daily service to Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks direct from Dublin as the airline continues to rebuild and grow its trans-Atlantic network. Hartford/Springfield marks Aer Lingus’

16th trans-Atlantic route from Ireland. The daily service is scheduled to resume March 26 and will be a critical milestone for Bradley International Airport, as Aer Lingus will operate the only direct service from the airport to Europe.

AER LINGUS/page 27

These days, convenience is as important as ever. But so is banking the way you’re most comfortable.

At Westfield Bank, you can bank online, in-person, or via our mobile banking app. Like banking in person? We’d love to see you. Prefer to bank remotely? That’s great, too. Banking your way. It’s what better banking’s all about.

Alfred Benesch & Company

Paradiso Financial & Insurance Services

Gary & Shirley Allard

American Legion Post #26

Dianne Baker Luce

Lisa A. Beaudry

Arline Beaupre

Jean B. Beverage

Jack & Cindy Brida

John & Janet Calchera

Ronald L. Campo, Jr.

Ronald & Jane Cercena

Lyle B. Champagne

Leroy P. Champagne

The Gordon Family Charitable Fund

Robert & Cynthia Chernuk

Anne & John Cicia

Robert & Claudia Clapprood

Stafford Area Community Thrift Shop

Holly S. Coppinger

Jean & Edward Curley

Janice L. Curnan

Alfred DaDalt

Roger P. DalPian

Carole D’Amato

D’Amico Electric Inc

Esther DaRos

Kevin & Linda DaRos

Lorin & Ann DaRos

Carol M. Davis

Dennis Degnan

Carol Delorge

Janet Dewey

Ted & Donna Dobieski

Leslie Dowhan

Bill & Pat Ducharme

Lorraine Dugan

Elizabeth Dunay

Mark & Ialeen Dunn

Barbara Edison

Katherine Edlund

Peter A. Ference

Donna & Ron Festi

Fidelity Charitable

Michael & Diane Fiore

NewAlliance Foundation, Inc

Charles O. Freeland, Jr.

Dawn Gagne

Thomas & Debra Galotto

Town of Stafford General Fund

Joyce Gottier

John & Lois Gracey

Jim & Deborah Grassi

April Griffin

D. Anthony & Doris Guglielmo

Edward R. Hamel

David & Krista Hicks

Robert & Candace Higgins

Brian & Deb Hillebrecht

Wayne & Linda Hillebrecht

Donald & Jane Hillebrecht

Courtney Hillebrecht

Keith & Christine Hillebrecht

Victoria Hine

David & Lorraine Holland

Alyssa Homan

Clark & Ann Howell

Michael & Alessandra Introvigne

Joseph & Veronica Introvigne

Ladies Auxiliary of the Italian Benefit Society

Charles & Mary Jeans

Stephanie Julian Vernice Jury

Daniel J. Kaplan

Jo-Ann & Michael Killeen

Stuart & Sandra Klotzer

Jeanne Koziak

Judy Labine

Laurel & Andre LaFlamme

Gerry & MJ LaMorte

Judy LaPorta

Lloyd & Eileen Laramie

Ella Lazzerin

Sons of the American Legion Squadron #26

Carole & James Lietz

Fred & Dianne Luce

Richard Lyons

Michael & Dianne Magrone

Cynthia Mahdalik

Alana J. Mahdalik

Linda Mahon LaPlume

Debra A. Martorelli

Bill & Wendy McCloskey

Kay P. McQuaid

Joeli McQuaid-Robert

George & Elaine Melnick

Gail & Stephen Metsack

Robert & Cydnae Michalak

Kristine Miller

Robert & Donna Mills Doug & Cindy Minich

Patricia Moore

Richard & Carol Mottes

Leslie & Doreen Moulton

Michael J. Muzio

Mitchell Muzio

Estate of Harold Oehler

Hugh & Marge Owen

New Jersey Campground

Owners Association

Robert & Brenda Paakkonen

Christopher & Sheree Pasini Marco & Jennifer Pelliccia

Dick & Ginny Pisciotta

Ted & Fran Pokorny

Bruce & Barbara Posocco Karl & Lizabeth Powers

Jennifer & Terrence Reilly Ken & Ann Rein

Bob’s Friends at Maple Tire Ron, Pat & Jean Pisciotta

Douglas & Laura Rose Rosanne G. Roszczewski

Rotary Club of Stafford John & Sally Rowell

Wayne & Rosemary Santoro Richard & Patricia Schlamel Judith L.Schwanda

Brian & Nancy Schwanda

Edward R. Sederquest

Donald Sfreddo

Janet & Arthur Skelton

Eunice Skopek

Carol & Tony Spallacci

Linda Sprague

Women’s Council of SS Congregational Church

Friends of Marge Maynard

Stafford High School

Stafford High School

Stafford Lions Club

Stafford Savings Bank

Stafford Senior Association

Stafford VFW Post 9990 Inc

Shawn R. Stelmak

American Legion Auxiliary Strazza-Tonoli-Emhoff Unit No 26

Cheryl Sutyla

Peg & Gary Symonds

Judith & Robert Titus Sr. Gretta Tucker

Christopher & Erin Tully Voght

Cheryl & Brian Vail

Robert Verlik

VFW Auxiliary Post 9990

Kathleen & David Walsh William & Mary Weingartner Wayne & Judith Weingartner William & Mary Whiteley Janet & Edwin Zalewa Stan & Cyndy Zbierski

Applications must be completed on-line between February 1, 2023 and March 31, 2023. All applications are

www.staffordsprings.dollarsforscholars.org. To be eligible, you must be a resident of Stafford or Union

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) information. See our homepage for all details. Information

processed on our CSF of Stafford Springs Dollars for Scholars website at

and a senior graduating from high school in 2023. Students must provide

is also available in the Stafford High School Guidance Department.

East Windsor East Windsor

Board

not to implement valuation

EAST WINDSOR — At the Board of Selectmen meeting Dec. 15, the board decided not to implement the recently completed property valuation.

Property revaluations are required by law every five years, with one cycle being a full physical valuation and the next being a statistical valuation.

The one conducted over the past year was a statistical valuation. Statistical valuations consider real estate market activities (i.e. sale prices) and apportion those over all property of a similar building type.

For example, the revaluation may look at the average increase in sale prices for 30 ranches that sold over the last year or two, and then apply the percentage change in value to all similar ranches in the community, regardless of sales.

What we found when digging into the results of the valuations was that nearly 90% of properties in East Windsor saw an increase in value — typically a good thing.

However, in this case, many of those increases were substantial, and would have resulted in a significant shift in values away from commercial properties and onto residential properties.

Values increased on residential prop-

erties by 40% over five years ago, whereas they increased by 10% on commercial properties in that same period. Both swings in value are likely driven in part by changing market demand because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This swing would have increased the tax burden on homeowners during a time of high interest rates, high inflation, untenable utility increases, and other economic concerns.

The board considered the pros and cons of the three options that were available to the town to provide relief and decided that the best course of action would be to not implement the revaluation.

Grants to boost town’s nonprofits

EAST WINDSOR — The East Windsor Greater Together Community Fund Advisory Committee awarded $41,000 in grants in November to 11 nonprofit organizations in the town.

The committee awarded $5,000 to the EW Soccer Club to assist Timothy Misluk in the execution of his Eagle Scout Service Project to construct bench shelters at the Abbe Road socer fields.

$5,000 was awarded to the Library Association of Warehouse Point, Inc. to build an educational garden that will highlight the dinosaur history of East Windsor.

$5,000 was granted to the EW Middle School 8th grade Math Ramp class to create an outdoor lunch area.

Town worker looks back at 20 years of service

EAST WINDSOR

— Lori Butenas, human services aide for Social Services, was recently recognized for 20 years of service and dedication.

Here is what Butenas had to say about working for the town :

“I have enjoyed working for the Town of East Windsor in the Social Services Department for the past 20 years being able to work with all the clients. My favorite part is when a new person or family come to our office for the first time. You can see the apprehension on their face, they are not sure if they should be here at all. Our happy staff welcomes them

into the office, has them sign in and then I sit down with them to talk about the type of assistance I can offer. After chatting with them for a while you can see the look of relief on their face knowing they are going to get help and they made the right choice to see us. Whether it was to just sign up for the food pantry, do energy assistance or they just needed someone to talk too. I find it extremely rewarding every day to do this work. I could not do it without everyone that works in this office; we are a wonderful team.

“When COVID-19 hit and we were sent home we had to learn a new way of helping our clients. Instead of in person appointments we had to do everything over the telephone. It was

challenging at first, but we all were able to adjust and help our clients adjust as well. We put in a new drop box so clients could drop off paperwork that we needed to complete their applications. We still use the drop box to this day. We then started hosting COVID-19 drive-up testing and hosted vaccination clinics at the annex. It became a new routine every Friday where people from various departments came together to run the clinics. Everyone had their task to perform, and we worked as one unit every Friday to support the clinics and our residents during a challenging time.”

$5,000 to the EW BMX & Skatepark Committee for the purchase of equipment to expand the park on Reservoir Road.

$5,000 to the American Legion, which welcomes all veterans of the town, to replace the roof of their building located in the Warehouse Point section. Currently there are approximately 1,000 veterans who areliving in East Windsor.

$4,570 to Broad Brook Library Association, Inc. to replace deteriorating tile flooring of its building in Broad Brook.

$4,250 to the East Windsor Garden Club to restore the Memorial Garden in the Windsorville town green.

$2,776 to East Windsor Parks & Recreation to offer free swimming les-

Jason Bowsza

Lori Butenas

Total of $41,000 goes to 11 groups

Continued from page 4

sons to promote water competency and water safety.

$2,100 to the Connecticut Trolley Museum to replace car cards on two operating trolleys. These advertising cards will be designed by East Windsor youths to reflect current businesses and organizations in a vintage 1900s manner.

$2,000 to the EW American Heritage River Commission for a sensory project. This project will increase the ability of sensory-impaired individuals to learn about and enjoy the Scantic River.

$500 to the East Windsor Housing Authority to be used to help meet the immediate food needs of Park Hill residents in an acute emergency situation.

The advisory committee is always looking for new members. If anyone has ideas about the needs of the town or would like to join the committee, please send an email to ewcommunityfund@ gmail.com

Shop with a Cop: Santa and his helpers

The East Windsor Police Department and East Windsor Social Services held the annual Shop with a Cop at Walmart in East Windsor last month. The event was made possible through a grant from Walmart and a donation from Phillips and Dunn Law Firm. Approximately 30 residents were chosen to shop with a cop. Each participant was able to choose up to $200 worth of gifts per child.

Photo courtesy of East Windsor Social Services

25 School Street, East Windsor CT 06088 - 860-627-6662

OFFICE HOURS:

Monday - Wednesday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Thursday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm Friday 8:30 am - 1:00 pm

For a complete list or to register for programs please visit www.eastwindsorrec.com

COMMUNITY EVENTS

2023 Panther Plunge

East Windsor Community Services is happy to announce the return of the “Panther Plunge” after a seven- year hiatus! The Panther Plunge bene昀ts the East Windsor Fuel Bank, ensuring that we can successfully help East Windsor families heat their homes during the cold, winter months. Register as a team or as an individual. Sponsorships also available for local businesses and organizations. Not interested in plunging? Donations will be accepted online and in person day of! Registration must received by February 1st to be guaranteed a t-shirt. Register at www.EastWindsorRec.com Date: Saturday, February 18th, 2023 (Inclement

Weather Date: Sunday, February 19th)

Location: the icy waters of East Windsor Park Reservoir Cost: $25 (Individual), $150 (Black Sponsor), $300 (Gold Sponsor), $5 (donation)

PROGRAMS

Yoga with Diane Ross

We will be offering in-person Yoga once a week on Wednesdays. If paying by check, please make checks payable to Diane Ross.

Date: Wednesdays, January 11, 2023 to March 1, 2023

Location: Town Hall Annex Ages: 18 and up Time: 6:15 – 7:30 PM Cost: $30 resident; $35 nonresident

Mad Science Winter 2023: Secret Agent Lab

Mad Science spy academy camp will help you sharpen your special operative skills as you learn about the secret world of espionage. The key to being a great spy is your ability to use science to “sniff” out your suspects and uncover their secrets. Some of the topics covered are: Sleuths on the Scene, Funky Forensics, and the Science of Security, plus others Date: Mondays, February 6, 2023 to April 3, 2023

Location: Broad Brook Elementary School Art Room Grades: K-4

Time: 3:45- 4:45 PM Cost: $145

Art-Ventures for Kids Winter 2023: Penguins and Polar Bears! Embark upon a journey through the Artic and Antarctic

regions to learn about the captivating lives of penguins, polar bears, and other cold-weather creatures. In this fun, art-packed series, art explorers - equipped with a myriad of unique materials, tools, and techniques set out on an adventure across the frozen tundra to discover life in and around the icy waters of the earth’s poles. Sculpt clay polar bears and penguin reliefs. Build sand castle lighthouses and create shimmery sea jellies out of recycled materials. Paint sharks or 昀sh on stretched canvases. Design hats as colorful as the Northern Lights, make gyotaku 昀sh print aprons, and transform plain t-shirts into oceans teeming with creatures. Date: Tuesdays, February 14, 2023 to April 18, 2023

Location: Broad Brook Elementary School Art Room Grades: K-4 Time: 3:45-4:45 PM Cost: $135

Food Explorers

Join Food Explorers to make some delicious afterschool snacks! You’ll create a mix of sweet and savory snacks while chopping, mixing, stirring and learning about food. You’ll be making: Taco Pizzas, Apple Nachos, Chips & Dip and Red Velvet Tri昀es. All recipes are nut free but may contain dairy and/or eggs. Date: Thursdays, March 2, 2023 to March 30, 2023

Location: Broad Brook Elementary School Art Room Grades: 1-4 Time: 3:45- 4:45 PM Cost: $60

Implementation delay provides break to taxpayers in East Windsor

Continued from page 4

By electing not to implement the revaluation, the average household in East Windsor will not see a significant swing in tax burden.

Recognizing the concerns in the community and the impact on households throughout town, I met three times with the undersecretary of the Office of Police and Management (OPM), Martin Heft, to discuss each option (one meeting with all three of our legislators, once with just Undersecretary Heft, and once with the full Board of Selectmen).

selectman) needs to submit a waiver to the secretary of OPM within 30 days of filing the grand list that utilizes the old property valuations (this will take place in February).

This will mean that a property valuation will need to be conducted in 2023, and then again in 2027.

The delay in revaluation will allow for the real estate market to stabilize so that residential taxpayers are not locked into artificially high real estate prices for a five-year period.

Pot stirs for final time

After 11 years in East Windsor, Stir the Pot closed for business for the final time on Dec. 23. “We have considered every feasible way to remain open; however, with the rising food costs, staff shortages and head cook retiring, it is not possible,” a post on the Stir the Pot Facebook site said. “We are fortunate to have made so many friends through the years. There are no words to express how thankful we are for every individual who has walked through our doors over the past 11 years. Seen above, staffers Alexandra Tomkiewicz, Logan Labbe and Devan O’Brien.

Photo courtesy of Stir the Pot

I want to thank the undersecretary for his willingness to help us fully understand our options, the pros and cons of each, and to make a sound decision for the people in our community.

So, what comes next?

The law allows the town to forego implementation of a property revaluation one time, and for one year.

To do so, the municipal CEO (the first

The Board of Selectmen recognizes that townspeople are struggling with a challenging economy, and we do not want to compound those economic struggles with a property valuation right now if we can avoid it.

There are simply too many outside pressures to impose this on our community at this time.

We will continue to find ways of providing services that our community needs without overburdening taxpayers.

ELLINGTON —

On my TV show this month, I sat down with Ken Radziwon, director of Public Works/WPCA administrator. The monthly episodes of Ellington News and Events, produced by Community Voice Channel, is a great way to get updates on what’s going on around town — find episodes on our website and Facebook page.

This holiday season was again accompanied by incredible generosity shown by our residents.

There was a Giving Tree on The Barn Yard Bridge, where individuals could provide gifts to be distributed by charitable organizations, and as always, our Human Services Department ran its own holiday program, where families and seniors in need could be adopted by patrons to ensure they were provided for.

Maple Grove of Rockville was

Photo courtesy of First Selectwoman’s Office

extremely generous this year, donating great gifts for our kids. Human Services was also recently honored to receive a $1,000 check from the Ellington Lions Club to help with our fuel bank/energy

assistance program.

This year, for the first time ever, the Ellington Patriotic Committee exceeded its goal for Wreaths Across America, by over 100 wreaths. This ensured that every veteran’s grave received a wreath at the annual WAA Ceremony on Dec. 17 at Ellington Center Cemetery. I thank the individuals, groups, and businesses that sponsored wreaths and I encourage you to keep an eye out for promotions for 2023 to make sure we can reach and exceed our goal again.

Winterfest was a huge success once again thanks to all of the incredible volunteers who helped out and our attendees who braved the weather to enjoy the event.

The Ellington Volunteer Fire Department put on a festive Torchlight Parade and Sue Phillips at Hall Memorial Library hosted offerings for the whole family. The Ellington Historical Society also had plenty of

Rumor has it that mini golf at the Library will be back soon — keep an eye out for details.

I thank Crystal Lake Fire Department for its incredibly generous donation of Christmas trees for those in need – this was such a nice gesture to share the holiday spirit.

We recently had a very exciting groundbreaking ceremony for a new dek hockey rink at Robert Tedford Memorial Park, a project in the works through the Jacob Roger Poulin Foundation. This will be a wonderful addition for the community to enjoy in Jacob’s honor and memory, “Because EVERYONE Should Get to Play.”

Town offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 16, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

activities and things to see at the Nellie McKnight Museum. Thank you so much to everyone who was involved, and we’ll see you next year.

First Selectwoman Lori Spielman’s monthly episode of Ellington News and Events produced by the Community Voice Channel can be found on the town website and Facebook page.

Photos courtesy of First Selectwoman’s Office

Ellington Ellington

Local students at WNE show off product designs

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University students and Ellington residents Preston Aldrich and Colin Garrow were among more than 100 students who presented their product development and innovation projects at the Product Innovation Showcase in Rivers Memorial Hall on Dec. 8 on the university campus.

Aldrich is working toward a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and Garrow is working toward a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering/mechatronics concentration,

The Product Innovation Showcase is the culmination of a co-curricular course where entrepreneurial teams of Engineering and Business students collaborate for an entire semester to turn new product ideas into marketable products. Engineering students develop a functional prototype while business students develop the preliminary marketing strategy and business plan for the product. A few of the product concepts will be

submitted for patents and have the potential to get commercialized.

The event format is a competition where VIP investors are given $1 million GBD (Golden Bear Dollars) to invest in the product innovations that demonstrated the most commercial viability. Investors were encouraged to consider the following factors: the quality of the prototype, the product's usefulness and benefits, the target market strategy, an explanation of the financial questions for production costs and revenue projections, and the professionalism of team members at the showcase.

Aldrich’s project is entitled Skate Brake. Skate Brake uses an innovative braking system to control speed when riding on a skateboard. Always count on Skate Brake to safely stop and never stop the fun.

Garrow's project is entitled Smart Sheets. Smart Sheets is a motorized system designed to spread, tighten, and tuck

Ellington resident Preston Aldrich was part of the Skate Brake team, whichi using a braking system to control speed while riding on a skateboard.

Photo courtesy of Western New England University

sheets across a bed with zero effort by the user. Engineered to fix most resi-

dential beds, Smart Sheet is the smart solution for every bed-maker. They were one of three teams that were selected as a favorite by participants.

Visit

entire

of unique innovations at https:// www1.wne.edu/product-innovations-showcase/index.cfm.

Photo courtesy of Western New England University

Town enjoys another successful Winterfest

Santa (Dave Milnes) spends a moment with Winterfest founder and chairperson Ellen Karadimas.

Scenes from the Torchlight Parade and Nellie McKnight Museum during the annual Winterfest.

Photos courtesy of Ellen Karadimas

ENFIELD — As 2022 came to a close, there were many accomplishments that the Town Council was happy to see happening.

With $13 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, a variety of projects have been jump-started.

To make this easy to see, the town will be adding tools to the town website so residents may track projects and see the dollars allocated.

Recently, Agri-Mark opened its door on North Maple Street. This business supports local farmers by buying their products. We are very happy that AgriMark is investing here.

Eppendorf will be relocating its warehouse operations there as well, to free up space at its Freshwater facility to do more manufacturing which also means more jobs.

Retail vacancy rates are at an alltime low, and several new businesses will be opening in the next few months.

As we move into January, we ask homeowners to please understand the winter parking regulations.

If there is a storm, the blue lights will be turned on to reflect no parking on the street.

The town also has a snow clock on the website that indicates when your sidewalks need to be shoveled.

The General Government and Finance Committee will also be considering an increase to the parking violations fines that range from $10-$50 and have not been updated since the 1960s.

Other interesting initiatives include new state laws that require Enfield to form a Fair Rent Commission.

The purpose is to monitor rent increases that might be excessive; issues involving utilities or other fees that might affect the bottom line; or

housing code violations.

Over the winter months, we expect the newly formed Diversity Committee to begin meeting.

We are also excited about the various initiatives being proposed by the Culture and Art Commission, including events and murals. There are a variety of volunteer commission seats available to review online if you are interested in serving.

The South River Bridge replacement project is getting teed up for a spring replacement and 30 houses and the Barnes boat launch will have limited access for a few months, so a communications plan is being put in place and will be on the town’s website.

On the other side of the bridge, the Public Works Dept. has been working to clean the final remains of bricks from the Casket Building fire. There are some interesting plans being proposed along the riverfront in anticipation of the train platform coming in 2024 so

please stay tuned for that news.

School security has also been on the minds of the Town Council, and over the summer, town employees from the Board of Education, Building and Grounds and police reviewed all schools to compile a report that is being reviewed for upgrades. Fun fact – there are 992 exterior and interior doors at all of the elementary schools.

Fitness stations and a new bandshell have been ordered with ARPA funds and will be installed in Higgins Park this spring. There are also ideas being tossed around to reinvigorate the Farmers Market, introduce a Summer Concert Series, and amend the town’s Food Truck policy to allow for easier access and event planning.

The Town Council hopes you will stay tuned to see some of the upcoming new programs, businesses, and events that will be happening as the seasons change. Happy New Year to all — it’s going to be an awesome one in Enfield.

Bob

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ENFIELD — The Enfield Police Department passed along this Christmas Eve tale on its Facebook page of a visit from Roberta the Elm.

“Roberta has safely returned to her cottage in the North Pole, she has a very busy night,” the post noted. “She left us with her poem, and a note praising how awesome the Enfield community is. Roberta firmly believes that the amazing teamwork of our citizens and our PD makes this town truly special!” The poem follows:

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through Enfield town, Not a K9 was stirring, not shepard, lab or hound,

The roads were empty, from Taylor Rd to Ohear, Hoping to keep the way empty for St. Nicholas to land here,

The fire departments were quiet, nestled in their beds, Hoping to keep their boots off their feet, and helmets off heads,

We had heard, ‘Merry Christmas” from the Chief and our Caps, And thank yous for putting the town’s safety in our laps,

The radio made noise, and dispatch radioed with a clatter,

The officers, the fireman and the medics listened to see what was the matter, Over Hazard Avenue there was such a flash,

All emergency services prayed there wasn’t a crash,

The moon was so big and lit up with great light,

The Freshwater Pond didn’t even look like it was night,

As citizens peeked outside looking for what had appeared,

They turned to EPD’s Facebook page to see what was happening here,

As they then saw the sleigh that belonged on the Town Hall’s lawn, They hoped it hadn’t been stolen by someone with a warrant or a PRAWN, They dialed 911 and called for Officers by name:

“On, Officers Austin, Polverini, Colantuono, or Detective Prior,

On, Lieutenants Parent, Nolan, Sergeant Emons or Meier, Check for foot prints in the snow, and check the streets,

To see who would have taken the town’s sleigh before beating feet,

To the Headquarters Commanders surprise, he heard on the PD’s roof, The sound of little Elf footsteps, and heavy steps of hoofs,

What was Roberta doing now? Had she left her shelf?

Why was she such a mischievous elf?

Then the front door opened wide and the buzzer made such noise, Was it Officer Dubiel helping deliver more toys for joy?

This gentleman was dressed in a red suit with black boots that were fine,

But unlike an Enfield Officer they did not have such a shine,

Senior Living program tackles issue of ‘Grandparents Raising Grandchildren’

ENFIELD — The topic for the December 2022 Senior Living TV program was the “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren” program in town.

Martha Mcleod interviewed Amy Morales, coordinator of the Enfield Family Resource Center, Heather Benyak, previous social worker for the Resource Center and Kay Tallarita, founder of the program when she was the director of the Enfield Senior Center, who are in charge of this ever so needed program for both grandparents and children.

Senior Living TV is a program of subjects of interest to older adults. The show is produced by the Enfield Commission on Aging with the help of Cox Public Access TV.

Senior Living airs on Cox cable channel 15 on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. To watch, go to Cox PATV channel 15 and search under the program schedule for Senior Living. To watch previous episodes go to patv15.com and click on the Enfield program schedule.

Could it be Thompsonville, North Thompsonville or Hazardville Fire crews?

Or Shaker Pines or Enfield (we wouldn’t want to forget you!)

Alas it was a man with a white beard so white and a belly so round, The commander radioed he had a 5-7 male, weighing about 270 pounds,

Then with a Ho Ho Ho and an extended white gloved hand,

He said in a deep voice, I’m here to give the best Christmas present in the land Tonight the people of Enfield will be safe , there will be no fires, No crimes, no crashes, or cars with

flat tires, I helped DPW spread the salt loads, From Raffia, to North Maple, Pearl St to Taylor Rd,

Keep doing what you’re doing, you and the citizens make the best team, Roberta and I must now leave with a beam, Santa climbed back into his sleigh, fastened he and Roberta’s seat belts,

The reindeer ran so fast that the snow began to melt, Santa and Roberta exclaimed as they flew out of sight, “Merry Christmas to all in Enfield, and to all a good night!”

proudly serve Enfield.

Enfield Enfield

ACC open house

Asnuntuck Community College, 170 Elm St., will host its licensure careers open house Jan. 18 from 5:30-7 p.m.

The event will showcase in-demand careers, live demonstrations, SNAP scholarship information, and the college’s instructors.

No registration is required. Students who attend and register for a qualifying program will be entered for a chance to win a $500 scholarship from the Asnuntuck Community College Foundation.

Asnuntuck’s health career certificate programs that can be completed in a year or less include certified nurse aide and patient care technician, dental assistant, electrocardiogram technician, emergency medical technician (Fall 2023), medical billing & coding, medical interpreter, ophthalmic assistant, personal trainer, pharmacy technician,

central sterile processing technician, and veterinary assistant. Information technology certificates include IT support, web developer, information security, and network/cloud maintenance. The college also offers certificates in cosmetology, esthetician, and nail technician.

Register and get program details online at asnuntuck.edu.

For details on programs, call 860253-3028.

Chess club

Youth in grades 3 to 6 can play and learn chess with their peers in a program is designed to provide youths a chance to develop their skills and knowledge of chess. No prior experience is required.

The program will be Saturdays, Jan. 14-Feb. 18, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Enfield Annex.

The fee is $35 residents, $44 nonresidents. Registration is ongoing. Pre-registration is required.

For details visit www.enfieldct.gov/recreation.

Martial arts clinics

Enfield Recreation, in conjunction with Integrity Martial Arts of Enfield, is

Decades of dedicated service

Bill Ballard was recently congratulated on his years of service to the Enfield Housing Authority. Ballard has been on the board for 35 years and was the chair several times as well. Mayor Bob Cressotti presented Ballard with a town citation and state Sen. John Kissel (center) presented Ballard with a state citation.

offering free four-day clinics to explore the world of martial arts and be introduced to character development topics.

Classes will be held Jan. 9 to 20 at various times. The clinics are for youth ages 4-5 and ages 6-10. Register at integritymartialarts.com. Registration is

ongoing. Once there you can select the days and times that you want. Use the promo code “ENFIELDREC” at checkout. Program will meet at the Integrity Martial Arts Studio in Enfield. Pre-registration is required. For complete details visit www.enfield-ct.gov/recreation.

Credit union names exec VP, chief lending officer

SPRINGFIELD — Michael S. Ostrowski, president and CEO of Arrha Credit Union, has announced that Robert S. Ciraco has been promoted to the role of executive vice president, chief lending officer.

“Rob brings a lot of wisdom and experience to this role along with being a dedicated and valuable contributor at Arrha. The board of directors, senior team, and staff are thrilled to have Rob assume the EVP position,” Ostrowski said.

Ciraco joined Arrha in 2019, and served as vice president, chief lending officer for all aspects of residential and commercial lending. Ciraco has over 25 years in the financial services lending industry.

During his extensive career he has been responsible for all aspects of lending. He was vice president of residential and consumer lending for Rockville Bank, a $2 billion local community bank, where he was in charge of loan processing, underwriting, loan closings, quality control, secondary market sales,

loan servicing, and administration of all residential and consumer loan systems.

After leaving Rockville, he built a highly successful, high volume, wholesale lending operations center to support east coast loan originations for a west coast wholesale lender as director of operations. Ciraco has been involved in youth hockey for 15-plus years coaching and serving as a board member at several different hockey organizations.

Arrha Credit Union is the official credit union of Springfield teachers since 1929 and located in Springfield, West Springfield and Enfield. Arrha means a pledge in earnest, is one of the oldest words in the English language and reflects our pledge to assist our members in reaching their financial goals by providing superior service and products in a personal, meaningful way. For more information about Arrha Credit Union call 413-732-9812, email memberservice@arrhacu.com, or visit www.arrhacu.com.

Director of the Year

Aimee Boettcher of Two Moons

Creative was selected as the North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce Director of the Year for 2022. “Really, it was a surprise,” Boettcher said. She is joining the executive board this year. “Coming up on 10 years in business, and I can safely say I partially owe it to the NCCCC.”

Photo courtesy NCCCC

Robert S. Ciraco has been promoted to executive vice president, chief lending officer at Arrha Credit Union.

Photo courtesy of Arrha Credit Union

Sun Wine & Food Fest set to return to Mohegan Sun

UNCASVILLE — The 19th annual Sun Wine & Food Fest 2023 at Mohegan Sun is scheduled for Jan. 2629.

Sun Wine & Food Fest is one of the largest and most popular wine festivals in the Northeast, treating guests to a vast selection of wines and no shortage of delicious food pairings.

Across the four-day SWFF 2023 there are 14 total events, including the return of the Grand Tasting, Celebrity Chef Dine Around, and Vintage Cru. New events this year include the Pappy Van Winkle Tasting, where guests can taste one of the most sought-after bourbons of Pappy Van Winkle with a special, infused Macanudo cigar inside the Clay Pipe Cigar Bar.

The all-new event, Beam & Burgers, enters the mix this year as well, where Gotham Burger Social Club teams up with Beam Suntory Inc. serving mouthwatering burgers and top-shelf whiskey.

Capping off the weekend will be Bloodys & Brunch with special guest Buddy Valastro.

For the full lineup of events, celebrities, entertainment and more, visit mohegansun.com/SWFF

Tickets are on sale through ticketmaster.com and the Mohegan Sun Box Office.

Sun Wine & Food Fest kicks off on Thursday, January 26th with TAO Japanese Whisky Dinner at 5 and 6:30 p.m. At 8 p.m. Clay Pipe Cigar Bar will feature the Ferrand Cognac & Cigar Pairing.

Also taking place at 6:30 inside Tuscany will be The Todd English Experience where Chef Todd will take on hosting duties for an evening that kicks off with a craft cocktail hour followed by a seated dinner. Live entertainment will be mixed in, and guests will also be able to mingle with Chef Todd.

Tickets to these SWFF 2023 Thursday night events are limited.

Beam & Burgers presented by Beam Suntory, Inc. takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27.

The Grand Tasting, the fest’s main event, is held at the Earth Expo Center Jan. 28. Celebrity Chef Dine Around also is Jan. 28.

Bloodys & Brunch With Buddy

Join Buddy Valastro inside Mohegan at Bloodys & Brunch on Jan. 29. For details, visit the Mohegan Sun website.

North Central News Publisher Gary Carra and Assistant to Publisher Jen Phillips with Buddy “The Cake Boss” Valastro and NFL great Victor Cruz at the 2022 Mohegan Sun Wine & Food fest.

‘Classical Politics’ topic of seminar at Blake Center

HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College’s Blake Center for Faith and Freedom in Somers hosted a seminar titled “Classical Politics & Political Literature” on Dec. 9 and 10. More than 40 people attended the seminar.

“The events we host here at the Blake Center provide attendees with the opportunity to learn about faith, freedom, and the things that make them possible,” said Labin Duke, executive director of the Blake Center for Faith and Freedom.

The gathering featured three lectures spread over two days and included a reception, dinner, and lunch.

Matthew Mehan, assistant professor of government and director of academic programs for Hillsdale College in DC, presented all three lectures, which were on “The Roman Influences on the Founding Fathers,” Sophocles’s “Antigone,” and Cicero’s “On Duties.”

Mehan discussed the importance of Cicero’s teachings on natural law to the American Founders. “Our Founders knew the names, lives, and lessons of the ancient Romans because they were taught them, from an early age,” Mehan said. “They sought a republican form of government, similar in many ways to Rome’s own republic, one that emphasized civic friendship, rule of law, shared and thus divided power, and virtue strong enough to be a good, self-governing citizen and true friend.”

The Blake Center opened in 2020 after a donation by S. Presley and Helen Blake. It offers programs and events focused on Christianity, its relationship to Western and American thought, and the questions of faith and reason that have been at the heart of Christianity from the beginning.

“Dr. Mehan’s lectures were profound and energizing,” Duke said.

Town student part of dance cast

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Muhlenberg College dancers explored personal experiences and narratives through movement as the Theatre and Dance Department presented “Reset: New Dances” last month in the college’s Baker Theatre.

Marissa Haluch, Class of 2023, of Somers, was a cast member/choreographer in the presentation.

“One of the major themes of ‘Reset: New Dances’ is this questioning of what dance has been and what dance can be,” said artistic director Natalie Gotter, a member of Muhlenberg’s dance faculty. “The dancers have a wide range of interests — and putting these interests on the stage really allows

the audience to know more about who our students are and how they approach the field of dance.”

Working closely with the 10 student choreographers, Gotter witnessed firsthand the ways they are investigating their experiences through their dance works.

“What really excites me about working with this community is getting to see all different perspectives,” Gotter said.

“Our dancers bring a huge variety of backgrounds and movement perspectives to this process. I get to see how we, as a community, are thinking about dance — which is really exciting to be a part of.”

First responders honored

At its December meeting, the Somers Fire Department handed out 2021 Firefighter of the Year and EMS Member of the Year awards, which were delayed due to the pandemic and other reasons. Charlotte Smith received EMS Member of the Year due to her dedication in serving the community whenever called upon. She picks up extra hours when needed and helps at association functions. Firefighter/EMT Larry Felix received Firefighter of the Year for his dedication responding and training as a firefighter and a driver/pump operator, along withpicking up many shifts on the ambulance. He also puts in countless hours as the head of the association’s membership committee and a cadet program adviser.

Photo courtesy of Somers Fire Department

Honor rolls

SOMERS — These students were named to the first term honor roll at Mabelle B. Avery Middle School. 8th grade

High honors: Georgia Asselin, Alicia Bernier, Emma Besta, Jonathan Breton, Parker Byo, Jacob Carra, Addison Cassidy, Carolyn Castonguay, Logan Caye, Katelyn Curran, Charlee Cyr, Linus Dandurand, Faith DeMars, Edward DePeau, Issac Diaz, Aja Drammeh, Alexander Gallacher, Tyler Hale, Matthew Halmers, Aubrielle Hevey, Samuel Hicking, Damien Huestis, Lainey Joyal, Georgia Kelleher-Slocum, Maxwell KelleherSlocum, Callie Kobjack, Alexa Kukulka, Luke Lessard, Hannah Litz, Kason Macnaught, Madeline Marcoux, Alexis McCauley, Liam Obernesser, Sydney Pinney, Lila Prayzner, Addison Riggins, Kaelina Rinaldi, Jayden Root, Alexa Thiesing, Conor Warnock, Brodie White, Alexandra Wolters.

Honors: Irene Anderson, Kayla Barnett, Rebecca Bordeaux, Collin Brosseau, Anabella Camerota, Abigail Cardwell, Isabella Castagna, Sloane Chester, Addison Corbin, Arianna Criscitelli, Kevin Davis, Jaysen de la Cruz, Drew Emlen, Shane Ferro, Gavin Flynn, Thomas Fotunato, Logan Fritze, Gabe Harrison, Jacoby Hawkins,

Hadley Hogan, Eva Kierstead, Kayden Levesque, Connor Levin, Scarlett Montemerlo, Sophia Mosher, Jamison Reardon, Ella Ryll, Jamier Sanchez, Lucile Santanella, Juilianna Suarez, Logan Such, Hunter Tomalonis.

7th grade

High honors: Samuel Balestriere, Emma Brown, Christopher Burzynski, Ajalicia Caetano, Connor Clarity, Samantha D’Amour, Ryan Guerin, Aiden Hevey, Cali Ingalls, Tyler Knight-Temple, Cooper Leiphart, Jacob Marks, Logan McGuiness, Owen Mira, Peyten Modzelewski, Lila Munsell, Bridget Nosal, Haileigh Percoski, J’Enid Perez, Julien Ramos, Mya Shonak, Adele St. Laurent, Benjamin Wetherington, Sophia Wojtanowski.

Honors: Wes Asselin, Jasmine Barnaby, Alexa Beggs, William Burdick, Anna Campion, Juliana Cianci, Sophie Cicciarella, Elizabeth Clark, Brennyn Connors, Benjamin Dennis, Iisa Elhage, Michael Fay, Lily Fitzgerald, Drew Gosselin, Ayden Guerra, Samuel Haraga, Ryan Hoague, Lucas Illuzzi, Peter Krzywicki, Bennett Kukucka, Alasdair Liggett, Mia Malley, Miranda McGuire, Keegan McLaughlin, Grant Pinney, Jacob Ruggiero, Aleta Santerre, Kate Smith, Mackenzie Smith, Andres Stebbins, Mia Steele, Addison Tabb, Marshall Thomas, Luke Wilson, Mason Wohlers, Sarah Wood, Jackson Yukimura.

Stafford Stafford

WinterFest celebrates season

Honor rolls

STAFFORD — These students were named to the first quarter honor roll at Stafford High School.

Grade 12

High honors: Abigail Aughenbaugh, Thomas Balanceau, Lindsay Briggs, Isabella Brodeur, Kathryn Buchanan, Raina Caro, Kacie Consolini, Camron Cruz, William Depault, Kaitlyn Gaudet, Cadence Gibney, Collin Gudeman, Leland Hagist, Ciara Hines, Jimi Hubbard, Isabella Irwin, Davis Jackopsic, Emily Jensen, Kristine Johnson, Sierra Jones, Drew Ledbetter, Patrick Lusa, Zoe Maciolek, Andrea Moulton, Jaelyn Moulton, Mathew Neves, Nyah Nevins, Janette Olan, Catherine Paine, Joseph Pease, Ezekiel Pedraza, Maren Pekrul, Tanijah Ryan, Evan Simlick, Hayley Syphers, Ashley Toney, Joshua Tuller, Hayden Verney, Mikayla Viger, Gerik Wojteczko, Derek Wyse.

Honors: Dylan Balboni, Ashley Camara, William Campbell, Ethan Estey, Samuel Formus, Ryan Gilluly, Braeden Gray, Caleb Ives, Jhatna Mata, Alexander Miller, Gavin Mills, Alexa Morel, Tara Beth Piela, Evan Sokolowski, Addyson Stoudt. Grade 11

High honors: Benjamin Agostinucci, Philip Balanceau, Calvin Bareiss, Gavin Beauchamp, Emily Cheney, Makenna DeNunzio, Braelyn Fitzgerald, Dakotah Gagnon, Kaelie Gladysz, Nathaniel Grady, Cole Hasel, Riley Kology, Kristina Lanzieri, Haeley Leeman, Andrew Levesque, Jake Lidwin, Logan Lovley, Dylan Maney, Carl Mangold, Ava Marossie, Rebecca Minaya, Lana Norris, Lyndsey Sklenka, Angus Sprague, Gavin Stevens, Ava Strickland, Camryn Sullivan, Natalia Talamini, Annie Vaiciulis, Demetri Vella, Robert Wolicki, Zoey

Zawodniak.

Honors : Bradley Baker, Carlos Betancourt, Dylan Brady, Jolina Canillas, Joshua Cocco, Sofia Frassinelli, Halle Gudeman, Gannon Howland, Kiana Kimball, Aubrey Langlois, Bethany Molitoris, Wesley Murdock, Michael Myron, Gabriella Pelczar, Jack Poitras, Angelo Vella.

Grade 10

High. honors: Carolyn Beebe, Jacob Bouchard, Andrew Conceicao, Anthony Coporale, Nicole Cunha, Anna Fahey, Layla Gustin, Elizabeth Hansen, Kara Hoefle, Molly Merritt, Ella Ohlendorf, Kaylah Pellegrino, Daniel Pucci, Ash Silvernail.

Honors: Hunter Adams, Jerrica Baskerville, Allison Broderick, Rylee Conceicao, Melquisedec Feliciano, Garrett Fuller, Liam Gilbert, Najalyce Granteed, Ryan Haff, Jack Harvell, Jadyn Kun, Alison Panciera, Gianni Paradiso, Abigail Prentiss, Austin Rockett, Samantha Simlick, Slylar Tellert, Lorenzo Vella.

Grade 9

High honors: Callie Augusto, Jillian Bailey, Juliana Balsewicz, Lillian Bushior, Kaylie Davis, Ryan Flynn, Marisol Galiatsos, Kiley Glazier, Talyah Greene, Alaina Guay, Emilie Hurley, Gavin Iacobucci, Erica Kearns, Colin Ladd, Richard Lavoice, Emma Magistri, Thomas Mayo, Olivia Melanson, Matthew Morse, McKayla Murphy, William Pekrul, Sean Puglisi, Justin Seely, Sara Sklenka, Brenten Stevens, Colin Tozier, Jillian Verney, Jayden Yarrows.

Honors: Jamie Chrzanowski, Derek Consolini, Bella Coporale, Elizabeth Ducharme, Adrianna Faienza, Madelyn Griffin, Bryce Gudeman, Benjamin Huntington, Gretchen Kelly, Cameron Kirch, Bridget Kula, Tyler Muzio, Parker Myron, Aaron Sfreddo, Arianna Silvernail.

Church presents live Nativity

First United Methodist Church in Stafford Springs presented a live Nativity presentation on Dec. 10.

Photos courtesy of First United Methodist Church

Calendar sales boost Emergency Fuel Assistance

Beverly Roberts, right, sold 538 Somers calendars which, after printing costs made $3,747.46 that was donated to Somers Social Services to help with Emergency Fuel Assistance. With Roberts is Allison Maynard, director of Social Services. Roberts thanked her husband George for keeping close track of sales, money received, mailing, and helping deliver and distribute the calendars, her sister-in-law, Linda Ravalese who helped distribute calendars at Joanna’s, and Jeff Lipton for allowing use of Joanna’s for calendar distribution.

Photo courtesy of Somers Social Services

Aer Lingus flights set to resume in March

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The Dublin-Hartford service will be operated by an Airbus A321neoLR (long range) which is Aer Lingus’ most sustainable longhaul aircraft.

The Airbus A321neoLR, which comprises both business cabin and economy class cabin, delivers up to 20% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions and close to 50% reduction in noise footprint when compared to previous generation aircraft.

“The resumption of the Aer Lingus route has been a major priority in our recovery strategy,” said Kevin A. Dillon, Connecticut Airport Authority’s executive director.

“We look forward to rebuilding the service, continuing the strong momentum it had prior to the onset of the pandemic, and bringing back easy and quick trans-Atlantic access with an award-winning airline.”

Further establishing Dublin as the natural trans-Atlantic gateway to Europe, Aer Lingus’ Hartford serv -

ice offers travellers onward connections to 28 UK and European airports including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Vienna, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome and Prague, plus more.

“We are opening up key cities and regions in the United States to Irish and European customers, by adding new trans-Atlantic routes to the Aer Lingus schedule.

“Daily flights to Hartford will bring travellers into the center of Connecticut, home to global businesses, Yale University and renowned tourist attractions. Aer Lingus is forging ahead with its North American expansion plans, growing the number of transatlantic routes from its Dublin hub. The restart of the daily flight into Bradley International Airport is the only direct service to Europe, reflecting Aer Lingus’ ability to connect European customers with North America.” said Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus chief executive.

For more information and to book flights to Dublin, visit www.aerlingus.com.

Welcome home

Members of the 103rd Airlift Wing of the Connecticut National Guard returned to at their base at Bradley International Airport after a 30-hour flight from Africa last month, returning home just in time for Christmas. Among those on hand greeting the returning Guard members was state Rep. Tami Zawistowski.

Photo courtesy of state Rep. Tami Zawistowski’s office

Acts of Kindness

Reana I. of Suffield High School who was awarded the North Central Act of Kindness Award, Reana’s caring and helpful spirit towards fellow students was why Reana was nominated for this award by school staff. The North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce will be making a donation to Reana’s charity of choice, Samaritan's Purse, in Reana's name. To make a donation to Samaritan's Purse, go to www.samaritanspurse.org.