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PRST-STD U.S. Postage Paid Palmer, MA Permit #22
August 2006
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In This Issue • BEST OF NORTH CENTRAL CT: 2006 Reader’s Poll results are in! ....pgs.1-6 • ELLINGTON: Officials oppose call for open space referendum ........p.7 • ELLINGTON: Middle school names fourth quarter student society .pgs.8-9 • LETTERS: Ellington Supermarket thanked for years of service ....p.11 • SOMERS: Transfer station permit fee rises from $10 to $25..................p.13 • SOMERS: SHS honor roll...pgs.14-15 • STAFFORD: Public hearing on budget slated for Aug. 16.........p.20 • STAFFORD: Johnson Memorial salutes ‘Citizen of the Month’..p. 22 • CLASSIFIEDS ................pgs.30-31
*NEXT ISSUE Editorial/Advertising Deadline: August 25 (860) 698-9328
Riding For A Reason Bikers from the area over came out for the 2006 MS Motorcycle Ride Sunday July 23. The ride, which started at the TSI HarleyDavidson Buell in Ellington, ended at the Lions Fairgrounds in Hebron. This year’s ride was dedicated to the memory of Reggie Johnston. More than 1,000 bikers helped raise in excess of $32,000. Photo by David Butler II
Hundreds Determine Best of North Central CT By Margo Van Kuren & Nick Russotto We asked for your opinions, and you responded! The second annual North Central News’ “Best of North Central Connecticut Readers’ Poll” was a great success, with hundreds of you taking the time to send in your responses. Intern Nick Russotto had his hands full as the mail piled up, but he was able to tally up the results listed below. There are some repeat winners and plenty of new ones as well, reflecting the growing diversity of goods and services available in our part of the state. Nick also oversaw the drawing in which three winners were chosen just for in their responses. They are: David Doyker of Somers, who won tickets to Six Flags New England; Kari Lanouette of Enfield, who won tickets to Agawam Cinemas, and Susan Danforth of Stafford Springs, who won a pair of tickets to Lake Compounce. Congratulations to all our winners! And here they are. AUTOMOTIVE Best Car Service Olender’s 704 Talcottville Rd., Vernon (860) 875-2517 www.olenders.com Quality car care and service is the goal at Olender’s Garage in Vernon. In addition to mechanical services like
computerized engine diagnostics and brake repair, Olender’s also offers auto body repair. “We come highly wreck-ommended,” their website says. Our readers certainly agree. Best New Car Dealership Best Used Car Dealership Bolles Motors Rte 83, Ellington (860) 875-2595 www.bollesmotors.com. Bolles Motors wins this year in both categories as the best place around to buy a new or used car. Founded in 1976, Bolles takes pride in its tradition of family ownership, and in providing quality vehicles and services to their local neighbors. “We truly try to make every contact with every customer a good experience every time,” said owner Ed Bolles. A five-star rated Jeep and Chrysler dealer, Bolles also offers a great selection of certified used cars. DINING Best Overall Restaurant Somers Inn 585 Main St., Somers (860) 749-2256 Once again, our readers have selected the Somers Inn as
the best overall restaurant in the area. Owned and operated by the Boggio family, the Inn serves up everything from escargot to onion rings in classic but comfortable style. In addition to serving lunch on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and dinner from Wednesday through Sunday, the Inn also offers banquet facilities for up to 100 guests. The extensive menu is available online at www.somersinn.com. Best Breakfast The Country Diner 111 Hazard Ave., Enfield (860) 763-5338 The Country Diner is another repeat winner for the best breakfast around. Still going strong after 10 years in business, the diner offers outstanding home fries and other breakfast favorites. They also have a loyal—and growing—lunchtime following. Best Lunch Rich’s Drive-In 74 South Rd., Somers (860) 749-3917 Rich’s Diner wins again in the best lunch category. Known for their excellent and reasonably priced pizza, hot dogs, and burgers, the drive-in is also a great place for ice cream or a real, homemade shake. Thursday night is Cruise Night, featuring classic and vintage cars.
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