North Central News - February 2022 by Gary Carra

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School officials crunching numbers for ’22-23 budgets By Laura B. Hayden By the end of January, North Central Connecticut school superintendents began to officially propose budgets for the 2022-23 academic year —to be finalized in the spring. Once again, these projections, so far made public by

Somers, Suffield, and Stafford, have been influenced by the challenge of teaching in the shadow of the COVID19 and otherwise nonnegotiable expenses due to contractual obligations and state mandates.

SCHOOLS/page 11

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Taking some time out for a Man-A-Cure John Harbaugh gets a trim from barber Tony Calabro at the Man-A-Cure event at at Old School Harley-Davidson in Ellington on Jan. 13. For more photos, see Pages 9. Photo by Joshua Esan

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Regional New England Air Museum receives COVID relief funding WINDSOR LOCKS — Connecticut Humanities, the statewide, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, has awarded the New England Air Museum a $10,000 CTH SHARP Capacity Grant to support the expansion of the museum’s digital and virtual outreach. This grant enables the museum to provide programs, collections, and the expertise of its volunteers to the public. The project consists of dramatically upgrading the way the museum presents its online collections and the ability to host public virtual speaker programs. This digital content increases asynchronous digital exploration of the museum’s historic aircraft as well as synchronous engagement with staff and other professionals. The museum will use webinar software and updated online digital images and videos of our collections, providing the public access to the history of aviation through multiple engagement platforms. “The SHARP funding will greatly further our ability to provide enriching virtual tours of our world class collection to those who may not be able to visit the museum in person,” Executive Director Stephanie Abrams said. “The SHARP funding also will enable us to greatly expand our virtual speaker pro-

grams to both aerospace professionals and aviation enthusiasts.” The NEH received $135 million from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The state humanities councils, including CT Humanities, each received a portion of the NEH award to support museums, archives, historic sites, and other humanities-focused nonprofits. The New England Air Museum was one of 69 organizations in Connecticut that was awarded ARP funding totaling $640,192 from CT Humanities. CTH SHARP Capacity Grants provide organizations funding for projects including building their information technology infrastructure, making their collections more accessible, conducting strategic planning, and undertaking inclusivity, diversity, equity, and access work. The New England Air Museum’s winter hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $18 for ages 15 and up, $15 for seniors 65 and up and $10 for ages 4 to 14. New England Air Museum members and children under 3 are admitted free. The museum is located on 36 Perimeter Road (off Route 75) on the north end of the Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks. For details, visit neam.org, call (860) 623-3305 or find the museum on Facebook.

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The grand opening of Jregos Gathering Place in Ellington took place on Jan. 28. On hand for the ribbon-cutting: State Rep. Jamie Foster, Ellington First Selectwoman Lori Spielman, Jessica Pierson Regan, Kevin Regan, and State Sen. Dan Champagne. Courtesy Photo

February 2022 North Central News

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East Windsor Senior Center news EAST WINDSOR — The Senior Center, 125 Main St., Broad Brook, is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests must wear a mask. Preregistration is required for programs and lunch. For details, call (860) 292-8262. EVENTS AND PROGRAMS The center will be closed Feb. 21 in observance of Presidents Day. CRT Meals are being served daily at the Senior Center Monday through Friday at noon. Suggested donation is $3/meal. Please make a reservation by calling (860) 292-8279 by 11 a.m. the day before you would like the meal. Valentine’s Day Drive-Thru: Feb. 14, 12:30 p.m. Tech Time with Comfort Keepers: Feb. 4, 12:30 p.m. Coffee Hour Food for Thought: Feb. 16, 12:30 p.m. Presentation: CO Poisoning Presented by CT Poison Control, Feb. 18, 12:30 p.m. Heart Healthy Bingo: Feb. 25, 12:30 p.m. Free Wii Bowling Mondays: Feb. 7, 14, and 28 at 12:30 p.m.

Wii Bowling Tuesdays: Feb. 8, 15, and 22, 12:30 p.m. Coffee Hour: Wednesdays, Feb. 9, 16, 23, and 29, 12:30 p.m. Ask the Attorney: Feb. 10, 10 a.m. (by appointment). $$$BINGO: Feb. 3 and 17, 12:30 p.m. Ask the Financial Advisor: Feb. 18, 12:30 p.m. (by appointment). Trivia with Teresa: Feb. 11, 10:30 a.m. Book Club on the Go: Discussing “An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones, Feb. 28, 10:30 a.m. SHOPPING Big Y or Walmart: Mondays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 7, 14 and 28. Geissler’s: Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 9, 16, and 23. Mobile Food Share, St. Catherine’s Parking Lot: Friday, Feb. 4 and 18 from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Bus leaves at 12:30 p.m. FITNESS/HEALTH Strength and Balance Classes: Thursdays, February 3, 10, 17, and 24 at 9:30 a.m. $40 per 8-week session. Chair Yoga with Diana: Mondays, Feb. 7, 14, and 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. $40 per 8-week session.

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Aqua Pool dives into Atlantic City Key staff members of Aqua Pool in East Windsor visited the annual Pool and Spa Show presented by the Northeast Spa & Pool Association in Atlantic City Jan. 2528. At the show, from left, are Tracey Palazzo, Sejfo Duric, and Gianna Mannetti. Photo courtesy of Aqua Pool

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East Windsor First selectman’s corner

Town is well-positioned for economic growth EAST WINDSOR — Since I took office, we have been working hard to reestablish East Windsor as a business-friendly community. This was most clearly demonstrated through the ERASE Grant, a program intended to assist small Jason Bowsza businesses and nonprofits in the community through direct payment grants. I’ve also tried to interact in a meaningful way with one business or nonprofit per week through personal visits and highlighting those entities in subsequent posts on our social media and web pages. These initiatives demonstrated that we appreciate and support entities doing business in our town. Our local economy supports our local tax base, which helps us keep our taxes reasonable as we maintain necessary services in the community. East Windsor is ideally suited for future economic expansion given its proximity to Hartford and Springfield, the heart of New England’s Knowledge Corridor. We are equidistant to New York City and Boston, have two highway exits and we are less than 10 minutes from an international airport. The ingredients are here for meaningful development and economic growth.

To foster that growth, over the last few months we have hosted Metro Hartford Alliance and AdvanceCT (two regional economic development partners) on driving tours through East Windsor to showcase more than 50 potentially developable or redevelopable properties, predominantly along the Route 5 and Route 140 corridors. We have also incorporated those parcels into the town’s Developable Properties List located on the town website. We have had encouraging conversations with businesses looking for site locations because of these collaborations with the Alliance and AdvanceCT. We are continuing to look for ways to make our community more attractive to prospective businesses. In recent years, the town has started using tax abatements as an economic development tool. Through conversations with economic development professionals, we know that tax abatements help finish discussions around new development, but they don’t start those conversations. What we hear repeatedly is that businesses are looking for someplace where they can build quickly. To increase the speed of the permitting process while still ensuring we are meeting our statutory and regulatory requirements, we are trying to identify

property owners who own property that could be developed in concert with the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development. We will then run those developable parcels through the zoning and wetlands processes on a “concept” basis to determine what type of development works best on those parcels, a potential building footprint, impervious surface coverage, wetlands setbacks, etc. Once that is done, a prospective developer will be able to overlay their plans on top of the concept plan, and if they find it to be a good fit, will expedite the permitting process, while still satisfying all the statutory and regulatory processes that the town requires.We are constantly looking for ways to improve the customer experience of constituents — and potential constituents — during their interaction with town government. The town has a regulatory role that it must adhere to. At the same time, we continue to find ways to better embrace the promotional opportunities that are available to us. Grand List growth is the surest way to provide a stable tax base and lessen the burden on residents, while providing the services to keep East Windsor a great place to live, work, and do business.

February 2022 North Central News

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Ellington First selectwoman’s corner

At work and play: A busy February is planned Lori Spielman

ELLINGTON — This month’s V e t e r a n s Coffeehouse event will be held on Thursday, Feb. 17, at Hall Memorial Library, beginning at

10:30 a.m. Veterans are invited to join us for coffee and conversation, and learn about local, state and federal benefits and services that are available.

Renovations are complete at the town’s Assessor’s Office in Town Hall. This group meets on the third Thursday of each month. Renovations to our Assessor’s Office, located directly across from the Tax Collector at Town Hall, are now complete, thanks to the hard work of our Public Works Department. Maple Street Café will be back up and running at the Ellington Senior Center on Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The café offers great meals at a reasonable price; give them a call at 860870-3133 or follow them on Facebook for the daily specials. They also show a lot of great movies on the big screen; stop by and check it out! The Board of Selectmen and Board

Participants listen intently at a previous Veterans Coffeehouse. The February Coffeehouse is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Feb. 17 at Hall Memorial Library. of Finance, along with all of our Department Heads and other staff, are hard at work developing next year’s budget. The Capital Improvements Budget process is well underway, with other budget meetings scheduled over the next few months. We’ve hosted quite a few COVID-19 vaccine and booster clinics over the

past few months, as well as distributed at-home test kits and N95 masks to our residents and community members. Keeping our community as safe as possible is very important to me, and any additional resources received from the State will be communicated to you. Our recently reactivated Shared

SNOWSHOE/page 7

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Ellington

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Snowshoe rentals now available from Recreation Dept.

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

860.394.4262 : FAX NorthCentralNews@aol.com

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We are a free, monthly publication that is direct mailed to r 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.

(continued from page 6) Services Commission was scheduled to have its initial meeting on Thursday, Feb. 3, at the Nicholas J. DiCorleto, Jr. Meeting Hall. The commission will be examining which areas of town operations would benefit from shared services, both within town and within our neighboring communities. It’s that time of year again where we can all get out and enjoy the snow. If you enjoy the winter weather and are looking for a fun new exercise option, you can take part in the snowshoe rental program offered by our Recreation Department. At a weekly rate of $5 per pair, it’s a great way to enjoy the great outdoors. Adult and children sizes are available; call today at 860-870-3118. Town offices will be closed Feb. 21 in observance of Presidents Day. Images with this column courtesy of the first selectman’s office.

Publisher/Editor

Gary Carra Assistant T o T he Publisher

Jen Phillips Account Executives

Gary Carra Sr. e Joan ornbu Contributer Writers

aura .

Com m unity O utreach

Joshua Torres

No whining allowed: Kids can read to the dogs ELLINGTON — Hall Memorial Library will be hosting the Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs on Feb. 12 and 26, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This program is open to all readers 512 years of age.

Do you like dogs? Do you like to read? If you answered yes then this event was made for you. These delightful dogs are especially trained to listen quietly as children read a favorite story or the chapter of a favorite book to them. They are well

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behaved and seem to enjoy meeting each person who attends. Register online at: www.library. ellington-ct.gov. or call the library at 860-870-3160 to have a staff member register you.

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Publishers Policy Information presented in the North Central News is presented for your consideration and does not necessarily represent views of the publisher or its advertisers. All information is checked for accuracy, but cannot be guaranteed. Liability for errors in advertising is limited to rerun of the ad.

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Regional

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Schools continue to factor in COVID costs (continued from page 1) Somers Superintendent Brian P. Czapla submitted a budget of $26,692,940 for the 2022-23 school year, a 5.76% increase over the current year. He attributed the almost $1.5 dollar increase not only to salary obligations and increases in health care premiums, but to addressing consequences of the ongoing pandemic. Czapla told the North Central News, “We project spending more than $500,000 on COVID-related expenses before the end of the school year.” (Money from the 2021 federal American Rescue Plan Act has already assisted North Central Connecticut elementary and secondary schools this year.) The superintendent said, “We are using federal grant money to increase staffing at the elementary school to reduce class size. We wanted to do this to maintain social distancing to the greatest extent possible and provide smaller class sizes that are more impactful on learning.” Other added expenses due to COVID have been dedicated to necessary supplies, staffing, technology software and hardware, HVAC work and programs to enhance socialization in addition to student and staff wellbeing. Czapla said, ”This year, we implemented a professional learning series called, Second Step for Adults, for our staff ... providing them with the skills, knowledge, and resources to help them thrive in the workplace.” Stafford Superintendent Steven A. Moccio has pro-

posed a 4.92% spending increase — $1.4 million more than last year — for a total of just over $30.5 million. The increase, over three times the average increase of the last three years, reflects the need to “catch up” from the budgets of the recent past, he said. In connection with COVID expenses, Moccio said, “Increases in spending related to COVID-19 are being covered by additional grant funding.” This includes funding for tutors and intervention teachers at various levels. “We are also increasing support to teachers through the addition of two coaches at the Grade 6-12 level and adding a digital literacy/gifted and talented teacher at the middle school.” Suffield Superintendent Timothy M. Van Tasel posted an overview of the Board of Education budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year. This proposal of $36,808,545 reflects a net increase of $907,523 over this year’s budget, representing an increase of 2.53%. The student population is expected to decrease by 62 students next year. However, the overview acknowledges that the 2.53% total budget increase is mostly due to negotiated contracts and the projected increase to self-funded health insurance costs. Other North Central Connecticut budget processes will get underway in the next month, with further reviews and acceptance procedures through the spring. To see the latest budget news in your area, visit the town’s Board of Education’s website.

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In The Schools ...

Asnuntuck CC announces fall semester dean’s list ENFIELD —Asnuntuck Community College has announced that the following full- and part-time students have achieved dean’s list status for these north-central Connecticut towns following their fall semester of studies. BROAD BROOK: Alexis Fahey, Nicole Usher, Aaron Wandishion, Christopher Whitosky. EAST WINDSOR: Sandra Aristizabal, Michael Hamilton, Julie Kampfman-Gelsomino, Alyssa Lenares, Timothy Soltys. ELLINGTON: Jolanta Cimochowska, Brooke Colombo, Natalie Dagon, Nikole DeCarli, Tiffany LaPlante, Zachary Longo, Derek Pasini, Isabella Piazza, Alexandra Polak. ENFIELD: Hailekiros Abera, Jalen Almeida, Jessica Anderson, Kaitlin Bailey, Kyle Bak, Avery Ballou, Kristin Bass, Charles Beas, Roger Bemont, Kayla Berube, Gregory Bogdan, Sharon Bourk, Emma Branson, Ryan Bridges, Alexander Brown, Stephanie Bungard,

Michael Corneau, Gina DeVito, Beverly Dewey, Michael DiBattisto, Felicia Dills, Alyssa Dowding, Katherine Dowding, Elisabeth Duga, Samantha Ferrato, Matthew Gagnon, Beata Gdula-Belzak, Damien Grrimsley, Abigail Hamilton, Kaleisha Hite, Zoe Holmes, Timothy Howell, Amber Hurrle, Kimberly LaMontagne, Kaitlyn Landry, Nathaniel Leduke, Kylar Maldonado, Cierra Menard, Kerry Merciers, Albert Merkt, Nathaniel Messier, David Miller, Jessica Miner, Jayonna Montigny, Alexia Morelli, Thomas Musco, Jordyn Mutcherson, Jessica Napier, Evelyn Otero, Joseph Ouellette, Dejalee Padilla, Caitlyn Paklos, Sarai Perez Gonzalez, Ngoc Thanh Vy Pham, Autumn Poletti, Evelina Politi, Joel Randolph, Alyssa Remington, Adam Rochette, Jacob Rock, Dan Samek, Lauryn Santino, Sara Scicolone, Fatima Shahid, Muhammad Shahid, Dylan Shermer, Ashanti Smith, Lori Snowling,

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Robert Thoelen, Kiara Valentino, Andrew Verrengia, Brittany Wagner, Mikayla Whitney, Ashley Zampino, Carissa Zirolli. SOMERS: Melissa Banning, Samantha Barile, Jeffrey Devlin, Taylor Jordan, Molly McLaughlin, Maximillian Orosz, Izabella Szleszynski, Angela Young. STAFFORD SPRINGS: Ryan Hoefle, Karmen Jensen, Jennifer Panciera, Michaela Pechie, Jayden Ramsey, Paige Scanlon, Madison Sladek, Jessica Winston. SUFFIELD: Jennezy Agudelo, Alwin Burke, Rocco Calabrese, Gianna Carestia, Khalil Elmokaddem, David Fitzgerald, Luke Lerario, Anthony

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Ellington Greater Together Community Fund Announces Call for Member Applications ELLINGTON - After a very successful first few years including granting seven organizations $25,000 in grants, the Hartford Foundation’s Greater Together Community Fund Advisory Committee for the town of Ellington (Ellington Community Fund) is now accepting applications for grants as well as for new committee members. The Ellington Community Fund supports the community in taking ownership around the needs of the town and encourages broad and inclusive civic engagement. The deadline to apply as an advisory committee member is February 28, 2022. The Ellington Community Fund Committee co-chairs are Aaron Foster and Sandra Andrews. Please contact ellingtonfunds@gmail.com for any questions. For more information about the Ellington Community Funds, and for links to applications, residents are encouraged to visit www.hfpg.org/ellingtoncf.

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Enfield

C A T t “ N P

Mayor’s corner

Public health, safety continue to be priorities ENFIELD — On behalf of the Town Council and Enfield employees, I would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year. After two years of a pandemic, these words have even more meaning than usual. Bob Cressotti Town resources are continuing to be used to ensure that the public health and safety of all is a priority. We are doing that by providing test kits to families, standing up additional vaccination and booster clinics, and working to secure additional testing sites to make it more accessible and convenient to Enfield residents to stay healthy and for us to work together to prevent the community spread of this virus. Over the past nine months, the town has been working to create a plan to spend the almost $13 million in American Rescue Plan funds. We are balancing the desire to use these one-time funds for transformational change within the community with against the opportunity to leverage the

resources to assist in the budget process. To date, funds have been allocated for the purchase of The Enfield Express, which allows contact-less customer service with our tax and assessor’s staff and an allocation to the Health District for pandemic purposes. In terms of economic development, the state recently awarded Enfield a $35 million grant for the construction of a train platform and infrastructure that will facilitate accessible and convenient travel to major points along the Amtrak line, as well as reducing the amount of highway congestion and emissions. A $1.5 million grant has also been received for rehabbing the 100 High St. building, which is currently used by the Opera House Players. We are very grateful for the strong relationships we enjoy with our friends in Hartford, which have been very beneficial to our town. Within Town Hall, the elected members and staff continue to innovate and find the best way to provide services at the most cost-effective price. Recently the Department of Social Services com-

pleted its reorganization and relocation to Alcorn. This follows a year of strategic planning that has changed some job descriptions, eliminated two positions, and realigned the delivery of services to children, family and seniors. Additional discussions are underway on other opportunities to improve efficiency and ensure that all taxpayer dollars are maximized while meeting the needs of all residents. There are many opportunities to have a voice by serving on a volunteer commission. We welcome everyone’s input to ensure policies and programs reflect the community. An example of this is the Planning and Zoning Commission that is poised to adopt a new Plan of Conservation and Development this spring, which we will be a road map for future initiatives and projects. I invite everyone to check out the draft that is currently on the town website and provide feedback so as to ensure it reflects the values and priorities of those who live here.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BUYERS AND SELLERS OF 2021! THE GERYK TEAM HAS HELPED OVER 50 FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITY THIS YEAR AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU IN 2022!

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Celebrating 60 Years of Service 1962-2022

STARTING A PERMANENT TRUST To the Class of

2022

Applications must be completed on-line between February 1, 2022 and April 1, 2022. All applications are processed on our CSF of Stafford Springs Dollars for Scholars website at www.staffordsprings.dollarsforscholars.org To be eligible, you must be a resident of Stafford or Union and a senior graduating from high school in 2022. Students must provide FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) information. See our homepage for all details. Information is also available at the Stafford High School Guidance Department.

Like us on Facebook @csfstaffordspring

• Funds may be established in memory of a loved one who has passed away. • Funds may be established to recognize the commitment of your business, club, or organization to education. • Funds may recognize retirements, major events, or for any reason to help area students fulfill their educational needs.

How is a CSF of Stafford Fund established? To establish a CSF Stafford Trust Fund, contact either of the following people: Michael Introvigne, President at 860-851-9269 or Krista Hicks, Secretary at 860-684-8311 or mail your request to CSF of Stafford, P.O. Box 25, Stafford Springs, CT 06076. If however, you wish to start a fund at the time of bereavement it is not necessary to contact CSF right away. At the request of the next of kin the funeral director will include in the obituary notice, “Donations may be made to CSF of Stafford, P.O. Box 25, Stafford Springs, CT 06076.” This will quickly notify family and friends of your wishes. When ready, (usually after a few weeks) the family may contact Mr. Introvigne or Mrs. Hicks directly. The family’s wishes as to the type of memorial desired can be determined at that time.

Permanent Fund Memorials If you would like to perpetuate the memory of a loved one in a way which would provide a scholarship award each year to a local student, consider creating a Permanent Memorial Trust Fund with the CSF of Stafford. Donations totaling $5,000 are required to establish a permanent memorial fund. The donated money will be invested by CSF of Stafford, and the income will be used to provide a scholarship each year awarded on behalf of the fund bearing the name of the loved one.

How does the Permanent Fund work? The endowment program works on a simple concept. The original money gift is invested in an interest bearing instrument. Each year the interest generated by the investment is awarded as a scholarship. The original amount, or “principal” remains in the interest bearing instrument to generate more interest, which in turn will be awarded next year. Funds must total $5,000 before they generate a yearly scholarship.

My Fund does not equal $5,000?

Officers: President- Michael J. Introvigne Vice President – Gary E. Shearer Vice President – Rosanne G. Roszczewski Treaurer- Karen M. Bradway Asst. Treasurer- Roland M. Chirico Asst. Treasurer- Robert Ellsworth Secretary – Krista A. Hicks

20 North Central News February 2022

What types of Funds can be established?

Trustees:

Committees:

Gary E. Shearer Rosanne G. Roszczewski F. Joseph Paradiso, Honorary Matilda S. Champagne John H. Senechal Gerardi P. LaMorte Max Remington Michael J. Muzio Krista A. Hicks Michael J. Introvigne Rachel P Jezek Karen M Bradway

Scholarship Awards: Matilda S. Champagne, Chairperson William Burkey John H. Senechal Robert W. Campbell Jr. Rachel P Jezek Jill Carlsen Shirley Allard Walter F Smith Kathleen Bradway Investment Committee: Gerardi P. LaMorte Chairperson Rosanne G. Roszczewski Jason G Zamichei Michael J Muzio Gary E Shearer Roberth Ellsworth

Funds that are started and do not reach the $5,000 goal may be allowed to grow over a few years. If it appears that the fund will not reach the $5,000 plateau, the fund originators may decide to award the entire amount the following year as a scholarship or turn the money over to the CSF of Stafford General Fund to be used for continuing scholarships.

How do Funds grow? A fund grows when additional principal monies are contributed directly to the Fund. Many individuals, clubs, organizations, and businesses earmark their Annual Appeal contributions to a specific fund. Some fund sponsors conduct fund raising activities. Some businesses match their employees’ contributions ALL GIFTS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

o YES, I want to establish a permanent fund

o YES, I want to contribute to an existing fund.

Name: Address: Phone: Email: I wish to contribute to the following fund(s):

PLEASE RETURN YOUR GIFTS TO:

o My check will serve as my receipt. No further acknowledgement is needed.

CSF of Stafford P. O. Box 25, Stafford Springs, CT 06076

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2022 FINANCIAL APPEAL PERMANENT MEMORIAL TRUST FUNDS 2021 MEMORIAL TRUST FUND

VALUE 2021

Stafford Democrats-Doris Devera ----------$2,725.00 Stafford Lions Club Memorial ----------- $45,415.00 Armand J. & Mildred Cambria, Silvio S. DaDalt, Albert A. DeNunzio, Orlando Francini, Michael J. Gregorio, R. Price Milam, Sylvan A. Tetrault Stafford Men’s Softball-Walter DaDalt -----$9,782.00 Stafford Rotary Club-Dr. Joseph Amanti ---$9,500.00 Stafford Rotary Club-Ronald E. Ambrosi---$2,100.00 Stafford Rotary Club-Robert Campbell ----$4,500.00 Stafford Rotary Club-Etalo “Pic” Gnutti ----$2,602.00 Stafford Rotary Club-Joseph A. Introvigne $5,700.00 Stafford Rotary ClubDr. Wendelin G. Luckner ------------------$7,250.00 Stafford Rotary Club - Mario A. Posocco ---$2,880.00 Stafford Rotary Club-Robert B. Schwanda $7,950.00 Stafford Rotary Club-William Sorensen ---$3,650.00 Stafford Rotary Club-Earl Witt -------------$7,750.00 Scott C. Stelmak -------------------------- $16,474.20 Florence Mae & Charles Stevens --------- $11,698.00 Jennifer A. Stone ---------------------------$2,030.00 Eleanore Knowlton Stramiello ----------- $20,450.00 Eleanore Knowlton Stramiello ----------- $20,450.00 Emily L. & John R. Sullivan --------------- $10,895.00 Marla Sullivan ------------------------------$7,220.00 Sylvan A. Tetrault ---------------------------$4,317.60 Max and Shirley Thiesing ------------------$4,610.00 Leroy Tiziani --------------------------------$3,705.00 Lisa Marie Toman------------------------- $10,105.00 Henry J. Tonidandel ------------------------$3,000.00 Reno & Lillian Tonoli -------------------- $135,597.84 Victoria Tonoli ------------------------------$5,100.00 George Turschmann ------------------------$6,000.00 Francis “Jim” Vail ----------------------------$4,456.00 Robert J. Sr. & Richard Verlik ------------- $12,530.00 VFW Post 9990 & Ladies Auxiliary. -Charles Furness ------------------------ $14,580.84 Shelly Vogel ------------------------------ $49,743.20 Alexander Warren --------------------------$7,635.00 Katie M. Waugh -------------------------- $10,863.02 Judy M. Webb ------------------------------$2,545.00 Peter A. Wierzbowski, Jr. ----------------- $10,175.00 Richard H. Willis ----------------------------$3,155.00 Windham/Tolland 8 & 40Kathleen Ann Dombek -------------------$8,408.00 Gordon A. “Buster” Woods -----------------$1,105.00 John W. Zelz --------------------------------$3,065.00

First Universalist Church of Stafford ----- $68,020.14 Therese G. Fishman ------------------------$3,014.73 Mary Ellen Glover --------------------------$3,000.00 Victoria Hine--------------------------------$2,100.00 Knights of Columbus Council 1395 ------ $15,483.00 North American Printed Circuits Employees--------------------------------$8,005.33 Package Machinery Co.---------------------$5,763.00 F. Joseph Paradiso --------------------------$6,650.00 Rosanne G. Roszczewski -------------------$5,200.00 Gary E. Shearer -----------------------------$5,375.00 Stafford Area Community ServicesThrift Shop ----------------------------- $45,639.00 Stafford Arts Commission ------------------$2,151.00 Stafford Band Boosters---------------------$7,787.00 Stafford Crusaders------------------------ $16,989.00 Stafford Fish & Game Club -----------------$7,697.00 Stafford Grange No. 1 ----------------------$4,440.00 Stafford High School-Class of 1986 --------$3,180.00 Stafford High School-Class of 2006 --------$3,788.70 Stafford High School-Class of 2014 --------$5,000.00 Stafford Motor Speedway ------------------$3,813.00 Stafford Motor Speedway & New London County Motorcycles --------$3,293.00 Stafford Public Health Association ------- $10,000.00 Stafford Republicans -----------------------$3,882.00 Stafford Rotary Club------------------------$7,750.00 Stafford Savings Bank ------------------- $195,592.48 Stafford Seniors Association, Inc. ----------$8,864.56 Stafford Springs Congregational Church- $12,014.00 Staffordville Elementary School -----------$4,482.00 Stafford Women’s Club ------------------- $12,249.72 Tolland Bank -------------------------------$2,644.00 TTM Technologies, Inc. ------------------- $19,439.67 Warren Corp. ----------------------------- $11,311.00 Warren Corp. Employees -------------------$5,188.00 West Stafford Parent Teacher’s Organization ------------------------------$4,945.00 Willington Financial------------------------$2,800.00 Willington Nameplate Inc. --------------- $16,776.00 Wolcott Lodge #60 -------------------------$5,141.00 Subtotal ---------------------------------- $2,050,240 General Reserve Fund -------------------- $46,139.82 Estate of John M. Patten ------------------- $359,291 Subtotal ---------------------------------- $2,455,671

OTHER PERMANENT TRUSTS American Legion Post #26 --------------- $12,645.00 American Legion Post #26 Auxiliary -------$5,987.00 Big Y Foods ---------------------------------$3,382.00 CSEA Local 2001 Stafford Chapter ---------$4,000.00 CSF of Stafford Springs Awards Committee $5,000.00 Cuno, Inc. -----------------------------------$5,730.00

VFW Auxiliary Post 9990 Robert A. Titus, Jr. ------------------------$4,950.00 James Panciera -----------------------------$1,690.00 GRAND TOTAL -----------------------$2,462,310.64

February 2022 North Central News

Arlene D. Allard-----------------------------$5,962.50 Bernard & Josephine Armstrong -----------$3,584.00 Benjamin Arnold ---------------------------$6,117.00 Marilyn C. & Raphael A. Bachiochi --------$6,901.74 David W. Baker -----------------------------$8,285.00 Eric E. Baker --------------------------------$8,780.00 Robert Barber ------------------------------$5,795.00 Bruce L. Beaupre ------------------------- $48,094.40 Marshall “Mushy” & Dorothy O. Bellante --$4,333.27 Jeremy Bergeron ---------------------------$9,094.00 Larcene L. “Beenie” Bessette ---------------$4,187.00 Timothy Beverage ------------------------ $21,925.00 Nicholas H. Booth --------------------------$2,305.00 Jeffrey F. Braun --------------------------- $12,785.00 Zenna Brisson ---------------------------- $13,556.00 Arima O. Campo ----------------------------$5,290.00 Aldo & Julia Carocari -----------------------$1,630.00 Catholic Daughter’s of America - Anna Hurchala --------------------------$5,630.00 Lisa J. Cercena ------------------------------$5,485.18 Mary Muzio Chamberlain ------------------$3,875.00 Arthur J. & Julia M. Clapprood -------------$9,599.00 Clifford A. and Mary L Collette -------------$9,563.00 Benjamin P. & Marguerite M. Cooley ---- $21,255.00 Tony Costa ----------------------------------$3,110.00 Francis H. “Frank” Curnan and Keith F. Curnan----------------------------$8,612.00 Jennifer Lee DaDalt ------------------------$1,530.00 Ronald D’Amico -------------------------- $29,721.00 Ronnie DaRos ---------------------------- $10,304.00 Burton A. Davis -----------------------------$5,235.00 Theresa “Terri” Davis---------------------- $11,952.00 Mildred P. DeCarli------------------------- $20,249.00 Bruce A. DeTora-----------------------------$5,650.00 Marjorie P. Dobson -------------------------$8,478.00 Karl Jacob & Maria Fratz Doldt -------------$5,000.00 Barbara-Ann Kenny Elderkin---------------$7,175.00 Michael Peter Ference & Sandra J. Ference - $7,141.00 John & Matilda A. Spusta Festi & Edward John Festi ---------------------- $12,266.00 John E. Festi --------------------------------$4,785.00 Harriet Fiore --------------------------------$3,985.00 Thomas L. Fitzgerald and Gregg T. Fitzgerald $4,285.00 Harry & Ida Fontanella ---------------------$5,380.00 Attilio R. Frassinelli----------------------- $10,079.00 Anna & Arthur Furness Sr.------------------$2,020.00 Marty & Cindy Galotto ---------------------$4,150.00 Stephen E. Galotto -------------------------$5,690.00 Wayne Gaudreau ---------------------------$6,770.00 Ruth K. Matteson Gnutti ----------------- $10,000.00 Roger B. Godin -----------------------------$5,780.00 Timothy R. Haraghey-----------------------$8,752.00 Timothy Hartley Zigadlo -------------------$7,445.00

Heuitson Family Scholarship Program Fund -------------------------- $11,483.45 Roscoe & Charlotte Hillebrecht ------------$6,572.00 David Hirsch --------------------------------$2,685.00 Janet Hopko --------------------------------$2,733.60 Richard Houle ---------------------------- $11,837.00 William N. Irving ---------------------------$2,498.00 Salvatrice “Sally” Italia ---------------------$5,295.00 Italian Benefit-Denis A. Gregory --------- $10,875.00 Jerry J. Julian -------------------------------$5,425.00 John E. Julian ----------------------------- $43,949.00 Michael & Vickie Julian ---------------------$7,582.00 Frederick & Jennie Kisselstein------------ $13,000.00 Robert F. Klecak ----------------------------$5,235.00 Anthony S. Knowlton -------------------- $11,810.00 Linatex of America-Ashworth N. Stull -----$4,290.00 Robert C. & Nettie S. Lake “BobaNet” --- $15,805.00 Peter F. Locke Jr. ----------------------------$3,600.00 Patricia Lusa --------------------------------$6,010.00 Alexander D. MacDonnell ---------------- $22,000.00 Marc D. Magrone ------------------------- $33,850.00 Stafford Seamstress Auypon “Dang” McBrien -----------------$7,145.00 Tina McEwen -------------------------------$2,178.00 Jason A. McQuaid ------------------------ $17,644.49 Ephrain & Marion Mirza ------------------ $16,809.00 David P. Mitchell -------------------------- $18,162.08 John B. & Bonnie B. Mitchell ---------------$5,310.00 Ronald A. Mitchell--------------------------$7,444.00 Donna C. & Francis J. Moriarty -------------$6,960.00 Ellen Champagne Moulton -------------- $20,008.00 Christopher M. Moquin --------------------$6,286.00 Anna A. Muzio --------------------------------$960.00 Benjamin A., Dianne C. and Mitchell A. Muzio -------------------------$4,217.33 Gladys Oehler ---------------------------- $12,175.32 William Frank Oehler--------------------- $11,650.00 Alexander Paolini --------------------------$2,000.00 Joseph J. Panciera --------------------------$8,747.00 Penny Hanley & Howley-Anna Chilkowitch -$5,021.00 Ann E. Phelps-------------------------------$5,054.00 Ronald Pirkey-------------------------------$4,354.00 Gregory Poland-----------------------------$3,390.00 Rev. Kenneth J. Post & John Harker --------$6,446.00 James Prenetta -----------------------------$8,720.00 Remington Family Program-------------- $28,164.00 William F. Richards -------------------------$2,528.00 Benedict and Josephine Schwanda --------$6,140.00 Charles W. and Jean C. Schwanda-------- $12,825.00 Ellen Senechal ------------------------------$7,302.00 Elmo & Marjorie Serafin--------------------$6,745.00 Shenipsit Striders-Beth Stage ----------- $12,751.00 Stephen B. Skelton ----------------------- $14,800.00 Walter J. & Eunice M. Skopek --------------$2,925.00 Joshua R. Smialek ------------------------ $12,737.79 Spallacci Family Fund ----------------------$8,599.64

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New Year, New Career Guide. The North Central News

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February 2022 North Central News

SPEAK TO A SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVE

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Enfield Senior Center news ENFIELD — The Senior Center, 299 Elm St., is offering the following programs. Call 860-7637425 for details. February programming began on Monday, Jan. 31. There are openings in fitness classes, arts and crafts programs, computer programs and presentations. View the complete listing in the “Center Connection” newsletter online at www.enfieldct.gov/seniors or stop by the Senior Center and pick one up in person. AARP Tax-Aid Program: Call the front desk at 860-763-7425 or stop in to book an appointment. Vaccination Clinics: The Senior Center is hosting the Department of Health mobile vaccine van on Fridays through March 18. No appointments are needed. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. on the following days: Feb. 4 (pediatric and adult), Feb. 11 (pediatric and adult), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 18 (adult only), and 1 to 5 p.m. Feb. 25 (pediatric and adult). CHOICES Counseling: Will St. George will offer free one-hour appointments on Friday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon at the Senior Center starting Feb. 4. CHOICES appointments are for persons either enrolled or looking to enroll in Medicare, turning 65, moving to Connecticut, or have other health insurance but are eligible for Medicare. To book an appointment, call 860-763-7425.

Outback is out, isn’t coming back The Outback Steakhouse on Elm Street in Enfield has closed its doors permanently. The restaurant had been in its Enfield location for more than a decade. Photo courtesy of Tim Jensen/Patch

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Enfield

Kissel announces run for another Senate term ENFIELD — Sen. John A. Kissel, R-Enfield, has announced that he will seek re-election in Connecticut’s 7th Senate District, a seat he has held since 1993. “I truly love this job, and I view this opportunity to serve the people of northcentral Connecticut as a blessing,” Kissel said. “I hope to conJohn Kissel tinue to bring common-sense values to Hartford, and I will continue to work with Democrats and Republicans to improve the quality of life for everyone in our region.” Kissel, who is seeking his 16th term, said it has been an honor to serve as a voice for north-central Connecticut residents. The 7th Senate District includes the towns of East Granby, Enfield, Somers, Suffield, Windsor Locks, Granby, and Windsor. Due to redistricting, a portion of Ellington will be

added to the district. Kissel is the chief deputy Senate Republican leader. An attorney, he serves as ranking member on the Judiciary Committee and Regulation Review Committee. He also serves on the General Law and Transportation committees. “When people in our region need assistance with issues like unemployment, benefits or the DMV, they know that they can contact my office and that they will receive exceptional constituent service,” Kissel said. “I am so fortunate to have an experienced, knowledgeable team around me. They help me to help others every day. Helping people in need is so rewarding, and it is probably the most fulfilling part of being a state senator.” Kissel, who has been named “Legislator of the Year” by the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, pledged to continue to make law and order his top priority. Kissel said his public outreach

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events, known as “Senator on Your Sidewalk,” help him stay connected with his constituents. “My ‘Senator on Your Sidewalk’ events allow me to go to where folks are — area grocery stores and shopping plazas with heavy foot-traffic — and hear their thoughts and ideas about how to make Connecticut better,” he said. “I take those ideas and bring them to Hartford. We have put forward some great bill proposals from talking with residents.” Throughout his tenure in state government, Kissel has been an advocate for seniors. He recently spoke out against the governor’s guidance for nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients. He has received awards for his efforts to protect seniors from financial exploitation and proposing legislation giving nursing-home residents a greater voice during receivership hearings. Kissel has also been an opponent of tax hikes. He fought against tolls,

something he believes to be a critical issue to the towns he serves. He also led a rally in Enfield last year in opposition to the proposed Transportation Climate Initiative, which if implemented would have increased gas prices. TCI did not become state law. Kissel has also consistently fought to curb wasteful government spending. He pushed for many years for an enforceable state government cap, and that cap was part of the bipartisan budget passed in 2017 “The taxpayers know that I always have their backs,” Kissel said. “I work for them, and I will never lose sight of that. I’m a straight shooter, and I look forward to again taking my honest, straightforward message to the voters.” Raised in Windsor, Kissel earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut School of Education, a law degree from Western New England College’s law school, and another bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Connecticut.

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Enfield

Town adopts new solid waste, recycling policy ENFIELD — The Town Council policy, which has reduced the number of trash barrels the town will collect, encourages recycling and also changes the yard waste collection. This policy will go into effect March 1. “How to handle trash is a big issue in the state, and across the nation,” Mayor Bob Cressotti said. “Current market conditions are very volatile in terms of costs associated with solid waste and recycling materials. The Town of Enfield’s current contract is that we pay $81.50 per ton to dispose of trash. For recycling items, the contract is $11.04 per ton to dispose of these materials. This has become a crisis due to China’s Sword policy which has limited that country’s purchase of the United States’ after-market recycling product, and compounded by the problems with trash disposal sites like what we are seeing with MIRA in Hartford.” For solid waste (trash), households will have a grey barrel picked up each week as its primary barrel. Public

Works staff are working to affix red tags to primary barrels along trash routes during February. If households would like to put out a second barrel, they will need to purchase a tag at the Public Works offices at 140 Moody Road from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The cost of the second barrel tag is $85. For recycling, residents are eligible for up to three blue barrels at no charge. This area has created a significant swing within the budget. Previously, the town received a stream of revenue amounting to $22.75 per ton to dispose of recycled items. Now, the Town has to pay to dispose this collection at $11.04, which is also subject to a 2.5% increase each year, and most likely will continue to increase. This is still significantly less than the $81.50 per ton that it costs to process solid waste. For the yard waste subscription program for weekly collection from April through October, the ordinance is going to eliminate the unlimited nature of

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yard waste barrel pickup and limit it to four. The town will dispose of two free brown barrels weekly at no cost for each household that chooses to participate. The households will also be eligible to purchase two additional tags for brown barrels at a cost of $45 per barrel. The state Deptartment of Energy and Environmental Protection has adopted a comprehensive materials management strategy, which is a roadmap to achieving the state’s goal of 60% diversion of materials from disposal by 2024. “In order to reach these goals, we need to improve the performance of municipal recycling programs and reduce waste, including increasing participation and compliance with mandatory recycling provisions,” said Councilor Marie Pyznar, who sat in on the recent Public Works subcommittee meeting.

“The town will be working with local groups and organizations as well as the schools to encourage recycling and reuse options in order to reduce the amount of trash collected. Currently, the town offers free drop off for electronics, cardboard and textiles at the transfer station,” Councilor Matt Despard said. Residents may also bring yard waste for free to the transfer station, up to five visits. On April 30, the Public Works Department will offer a household hazardous waste collection at its facility on Moody Road. “There are also opportunities being pursued for composting, community clean-ups, and swaps for larger items that may be of interest to others,” Deputy Mayor Gina Cekala said. “The more we can keep out of the $81.50 per ton waste stream, the better off we will be budget-wise.”

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Somers

Local runner earns Gatorade honor SOMERS— Gatorade has announced Rachel St. Germain of Somers High School is the 2021-22 Gatorade Connecticut Girls Cross Country Player of the Year. St. Germain is the first Gatorade Connecticut Girls Cross Country Player of the Year to be chosen from Somers High School. The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes St. Germain as Connecticut’s best high school girls cross country runner. Now a finalist for the Gatorade National Girls Cross Country Player of the Year award to be announced this month, St. Germain joins an elite alumni association of state awardwinners in 12 sports. The 5-foot-2 senior raced to the State Open individual championship this past season with a time of 18:02. St. Germain also broke the tape at the Class S state meet in 18:42, leading the Spartans to the state championship as a team. She also won the Wickham Park Invitational, the Stratton Brook Invitational and the Winding Trails Invitational, and placed second at the New England Championships. A member of her school’s Class Act Committee, St. Germain has volunteered locally on behalf of the town library,

clothing drives for the needy and a youth running program. “This year not only did Rachel accomplish her goals, but she surpassed them,” Somers High School coach Michael Szafir said. “She became a Connecticut state champion and finished second in the New England race, which is a big deal for anyone, but is not often done by a runner from a small school.” St. Germain has maintained an A average in the classroom. She has signed a national letter of intent to run at Quinnipiac University this fall. The Gatorade Player of the Year program, now in its 37th year, annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track & field, and awards one National Player of the Year in each sport. The selection process is administered by the Gatorade Player of the Year Selection Committee, which leverages experts including coaches, scouts, media and others as sources to help evaluate and determine the state winners in each sport. Through Gatorade’s “Play it Forward” platform, St. Germain has the opportunity to award a $1,000 grant to a local or national organization of their choosing that helps young athletes realize the benefits of playing sports.

Somers High cross country state champion Rachel St. Germain is the Gatorade Connecticut Girls Cross Country Player of the Year. Courtesy photo

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Somers

Women’s Club scholarship The Somers Women’s Club is seeking female candidates for scholarships to be awarded to a town resident from the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Connecticut. Applicants for the Dorothy E. Schoelzel Scholarship must have completed three or more years of undergraduate work in an accredited institution of higher learning with a 3.0 average or better. They must be matriculating for a bachelor’s or post-graduate degree in education. Applicants for the Mary William Phipps Scholarship must have completed two or more years of undergraduate work in an accredited institution of higher learning with a 3.0 average or better and be matriculating for a bachelor’s or post-graduate degree. The award is granted on the basis of future promise, scholastic ability and financial need. Call Deborah Pero at 860-749-9580 for an application. Completed forms must be received by Pero before Feb. 10.

Ladies Aide sale The Ladies Aide Society of the Congregational Church of Somersville will be holding a combined bake sale and tag sale in the social room of the church, 22 Maple St., on Feb. 12 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Homemade sweet treats will be offered in time for Valentine’s Day. A tag sale will also take place. The tag sale will continue Feb. 13 from noon-3 p.m. Please wear a mask and try to stay socially distanced in the building. Money raised helps support the ministries and programs of the Congregational Church of Somersville. For details, call Ruth James, 860-573-5564. Church bake sale The Somers Congregational Church, 599 Main St., is hosting an “Anything Chocolate” bake sale Feb. 12 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The bake sale offers you a choice of bars, breads, cakes, candy, cookies, or pies decorated for that special Valentine. Join us for a sweet morning out and bring your family and friends. Face masks will be required. If you have any questions, call the church office at 860763-4021 or email office@thesomerschurch.org.

Correction Somers Rotary Club President Steven Squillace was mistakenly identified in this photo that appeared in last month’s edition. Here: Champ’s Place, the Somers food pantry, received a $1,250 donation for food gift cards from the Somers Rotary Club and Geissler’s Supermarket last month. From left are Ann Leighton, store manager, Eric Nilsson, Geissler’s DSD buyer, and Steven Squillace, Somers Rotary Club president. Photo by Laura Hayden

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Stafford Church group seeks donations for NADA STAFFORD– The Women’s Ministry of First United Methodist ChurchStafford Springs is asking for help from the local communities in its annual collection of items for The Network Against Domestic Abuse. The collection drive will run until March 6. First United Methodist Church is located at 8 Church St. The agency has a large wishlist for items to support Julie’s Safe House. A few of the items needed are new women’s underwear, bras, socks, pajamas, sweatshirts, sweatpants, women’s leggings, (including plus sizes), diapers, laundry supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissue, paper plates and cups, dishwasher detergent, flashlights and batteries, juice boxes, coffee, tea, cocoa, snacks, hand sanitizer, disposable masks, body wash, and deodorant. Due to health restrictions, they are only able to accept new clothing and supplies. For a full list of needed items and information for hours of drop off, contact Tanya at tanbuc64@gmail.com or 860-209-8024.

Citizens Scholarship Foundation gets generous gift At the annual meeting of the Citizens Scholarship Foundation of Stafford Springs on Jan. 20, Stafford Savings Bank made a generous $15,000 contribution to their scholarship fund. Pictured is Michael Introvigne, president of the Citizens Scholarship Foundation of Stafford Springs, accepting the check from Winfield Trice, president of Stafford Savings Bank. Photo courtesy of Citizens Scholarship Foundation

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Stafford

Stafford Library The Stafford Library has these programs planned in February. For details, visit staffordlibrary.org. Feb. 5: Take Your Child to the Library Day! Join the library for Sensory Storytime with Ms. Renee Coro at 10:30 a.m., LEGO club at 11:30 a.m., and other activities throughout the day. Register at staffordlibrary.org Feb. 8: Ice Fishing 101, presented in person at 6:30 p.m. by Connecticut fisherman Dylan Napoleone, who will be discussing ice fishing safety, equipment, and techniques. Register at staffordlibrary.org Feb. 19: Reptile Encounter presented at 11 a.m. by Riverside Reptiles. Join us for an in-person presentation of live reptiles and amphibians. Register at staffordlibrary.org

Prayer Shawl Ministry The Stafford Prayer Shawl Ministry meets the second Monday of each month except July and August in the Stafford Public Library from 2-3 p.m. The next meeting will be on Feb. 14. The Stafford Prayer Shawl Ministry welcomes individuals who would like to attend and knit, crochet, or quilt these much needed prayer shawls. The Stafford Prayer Shawl Ministry will even teach you to knit or crochet. Join in a ministry that brings God's grace, peace, comfort, love, joy, and hope to those in need. If you cannot make the meeting but want to make prayer shawls at home, the Stafford Prayer Shawl Ministry even pick them up. If you or your pastor knows of anyone who could use a prayer shawl, the Stafford Prayer Shawl Ministry arrange for one to be picked up. Call Karen at 860-982-5896 or Kathy at 860-6849484 for information or pick up arrangements. All are welcome.

COVID testing The Town of Vernon, through a public-private-partnership with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Griffin Health, The Jackson Laboratory, North Central District Health Department, and Connecticut National Guard, has greatly expanded COVID-19 PCR testing for the region. There is no out-of-pocket costs for testing. This state-sponsored testing dramatically increases COVID-19 PCR testing available to eastern Connecticut residents and beyond. All are welcome at the test site, located at 375 Hartford Turnpike (Route 30), Vernon. Current testing hours are:  Mondays, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.  Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (drivethru)  Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. “We have offered testing opportunities to local residents for months, but the spike in demand over the past few

weeks made it clear more testing was needed,” Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. “Now people from Vernon and throughout our region will have easy access to safe and convenient testing here in Vernon.” “From the start of the pandemic, the Town of Vernon has led efforts to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of our residents and neighboring communities,” Town Administrator and Emergency Management Director Michael Purcaro said. “We are grateful to be working with the high performance teams from Griffin Health and The Jackson Laboratory to provide expanded COVID-19 PCR testing for the region.”

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Suffield

Suffield Players set ‘Magnolias’ auditions SUFFIELD — The Suffield Players have announced that auditions for their May 2022 production of Steel Magnolias written by Robert Harling. Based on events from his own life, Harling weaves a tale of friendship, love, and laughter between six women who regularly meet at Truvy’s Beauty Salon in Chinquapin, LA. As the title suggests, these women are “as delicate as magnolias but as tough as steel” as they navigate life’s many hurdles together. There are six female roles ranging from age 20 to 60+. Truvy Jones, wife and mother of two grown sons, is sassy centerpiece whose salon provides the group with their home away from home. Shy young Annelle Dupuy-Desoto is the mysterious outsider who becomes Truvy’s assistant. Wealthy widow Clairee Belcher and her nemesis Ouiser Boudreaux, both mature women, spar hilariously with each other throughout the play. Socially prominent wife, mother, and career woman M’Lynn Eatenton has a heightened awareness of how life “should” work, but her ideals are shattered through the

actions of her beloved, beautiful daughter Shelby. All roles are open. Auditions will be March 1 and 3, by appointment only. Interested actors may visit suffieldplayers.org, to register for an audition appointment. Time and place for auditions will be confirmed after registration. COVID-19 precautions will also be in effect; all actors will be required to show proof of vaccination at time of audition. The Suffield Players are an inclusive, non-profit community theater company founded in 1952. They regularly perform at historic Mapleton Hall on Mapleton Avenue in Suffield. The Suffield Players are scheduled to present “Almost, Maine,” a romantic comedy by John Cariani, throughout February. Performances are scheduled at 8 p.m. on Feb. 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and. 26, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Feb. 20. “Almost, Maine” is recommended for those age 13 and above. For details, visit suffieldplayers.org.

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February 2022 North Central News

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Profiles Community Kent Retirement Planning Services

RETIRE SMART 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. If you are near retirement or have retired, call Kent Retirement Planning Services. Harry Kent has been working with seniors for 29 years. He assists investors over age 60 to preserve their capital, increase their income and more pro昀tably organize their investments.

Are you retiring or are you already retired? Get personal guidance to help prepare or repair you retirement investment for living a long and independent retirement.

Kent Retirement Planning Services, LLC Harry Kent Accredited Investment Fiduciary

40 North Central News February 2022

860.749.6961 HARRY KENT

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.