Dec2014ncn

December2014NCN_NCN new template 12/2/14 7:35 AM Page 1

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In This Issue

• REGIONAL: New business pumping up towns’ holiday spirit.......................p. 3 • ENFIELD: Town watching its waste, exploring energy efficiency ..........p. 7 • ELLINGTON: Take a hike? Agreement between town, union avoids that...p. 9 • SOMERS: Former First Selectman celebrates 100th birthday....: ...........p. 15 • REGIONAL: Tips for helping others who suffer from dementia...........p. 22 • STAFFORD: If natural disaster strikes, town will be ready ......................p. 26 • SUFFIELD: High school Hall of Fame welcomes inductees....................p. 33 • CLASSIFIED ADS.........................p. 36

• NEXT ISSUE • DEADLINE: Dec. 22, 2014 (860) 698-0020

Something To ‘Cheer’ About

The Ellington Roadrunner Cheerleading Squad A took home first place honors at the Northern Connecticut Football League (NCFL) tournament in Tolland on Nov. 8. The squad features members from Ellington and all surrounding towns. Congratulations ladies!

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Holidays Bring New Businesses to Region

Around Town

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By Linda Tishler Levinson

Phone: : FAX

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Publisher/Editor

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Contributing Writers

With the holiday season under way, residents of North Central Connecticut may have turned their attention to Santa Claus coming to town, but they already have received a present, with numerous new businesses having recently come to the area or planning to open soon.

East Windsor A number of new businesses – not just retail – have come to East Windsor, including Clear FX East Coast Division, Curry Family Chiropratic, Dollar General, Fast Eddy’s Pawn, Flower Power Farm under new ownership, physical trainer Garret Hurrle, Gibsons Bar & Grill, ICE Imports, Kristie’s Auto, Marselli Precision Auto, New England Wood Stoves, Cassidy Financial Services, Persano & Associates, Pride Fitness, REL Distributors, Salon Rausch, Smiles in Bloom, Squad 16 Consulting, Studio 44 Hair Care, Subway Broad Brook, The Sweet Spot Bakery, United Bank, Super Walmart and Windsor Federal Savings.

James C. Richards, executive director

of the East Windsor Chamber of Commerce, said he attributes the town’s success in attracting new businesses to a number of factors, one of which is location.

“Our proximity to Bradley Field, as well as being the halfway point between Springfield and Hartford with excellent access to I-91 and Route 5” are factors, he said.

“Carefully planned zoning has allowed the development of our commercial corridors (Route 5, Route 140 and the Warehouse Point district), while maintaining that small-town atmosphere in other parts of the town.”

He also said that for more than 30 years the town has been investing in its infrastructure while managing to keep taxes low. In addition, there has been cooperation between businesses and government.

Enfield Enfield, too, has new businesses.

Courtney Hendricson, assistant town manager of developmental services, said a Chick-fil-A restaurant and Hannoush

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Jewelers are coming to the town’s retail corridor. New in town is the Advance Auto Parts distribution center, which serves the company’s stores in the Northeast. Advance Auto Parts purchased the building from Lego. The operation is highly automated, said Hendricson. “It’s just a real streamline operation,” she said.

Also coming to town is a 2,400square-foot medical building on Hazard Avenue and a pharmacy in the Scitico Plaza.

While no new businesses have come to the Thompsonville Transit District, Hendricson said the existing businesses are staying. She said the area just needs a business willing to show its faith in the concept and come to the area.

“After that, the market will really follow,” she said.

Stafford Stafford is getting two new dollar stores, David Palmberg, zoning enforcement officer, said. Family Dollar is coming to West Stafford Road. Dollar General has an application in for the old Maple Grove building on West Main Street, in the current Stafford Tavern building.

While there has been talk of a farmto-table market in town, Palmberg said no application for that market has yet been filed with the town Building, Zoning and Land Use Office.

In Ellington, Cold Creek Brewery is opening on Industrial Drive. The company will produce and distribute microbrews.

The former Thunderbird Package Store has new owners. The store is now Joe’s Fine Wine and Spirits of Ellington.

Officials is Suffield and Somers said their business communities have been stable, but recently there have been no new businesses.

The largest business coming to the area will be over the Massachusetts line in Springfield, where MGM Resorts International on Nov. 4 decided for a casino to be built in the city’s downtown.

MGM plans to develop an $800 million dining, retail and entertainment district on about 10 acres in downtown Springfield. The plan includes a revived Main Street area, with shopping areas, an outdoor stage, movie theaters, a casino and a hotel.

December2014NCN_NCN new template 12/2/14 7:03 AM Page 4

Police Have Melrose Road Walking Trail Closed at Dusk

East Windsor

By Linda Tishler Levinson

EAST WINDSOR – The walking trail off Melrose Road will close at dusk.

The Board of Selectmen voted at its Oct. 21 meeting to close the two-mile walking trail beginning on the cul-de-sac side of the bridge on Melrose Road after dusk until 5 a.m. daily at the request of Police Chief Edward DeMarco and Deputy Police Chief Roger Hart.

DeMarco told the selectmen that while the trail is a

nice area for recreational activities, it is being used for criminal activities, according to the minutes of the meeting.

Both DeMarco and Hart said they feel closing the trail at night would decrease criminal activities in the area.

A motion to close the area at dusk passed unanimously.

The police officials also told the selectmen that the

dispatch center the East Windsor Police Department uses is 13 to 15 years old and has become difficult to maintain. They said that the department needs to replace it as soon as possible. The manufacturer is no longer providing maintenance support for the system, they said.

The selectmen unanimously voted to approve funds to replace the dispatch system.

East Windsor Senior Center Announces Programs for December EAST WINDSOR - The East Windsor Senior Center is located at 125 Main St., Broad Brook, above the Broad Brook Fire Department. The following activities are offered. To sign up, please call 860-292-8262.

SHOPPING Shopping at Big Y or Walmart, East Windsor, every Monday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Grocery shopping at Geissler’s, East Windsor, every Wednesday at 9 a.m.

Mobile Food Share at St. Catherine’s Parking Lot – Friday, Dec. 5 and Dec. 19 from 1:45 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

FITNESS/ HEALTH

Wii Bowling, every Monday at 12:30 p.m. Chair Yoga, every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m.

Mani–Pedi Services every Wednesday. Appointments from 10 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. - $5 per service – Sign up in the office NOTE: shaping and polish only! NO CUTTING. Wii Zumba, every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

Fitness Class for those 60 years and older, every Thursday from 10 a.m.– 11 a.m. except NO CLASS ON Dec. 18 (monthly birthday social) or Dec. 25 (Christmas Day – Senior Center closed) $5 per class

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Free blood pressure and sugar screening Thursday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Foot care is offered on Friday, Dec. 16, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.. There is a $29 charge for foot care. Call for appointment.

ART Art with Tex every Monday at 12:30 p.m.

JEWELRY MAKING Jewelry making with Janice, every other Friday at 10:30 a.m. December dates: Dec. 5 and 19. $10 payable directly to Janice.

BOOK CLUB

No book club discussion for December.

IN-HOUSE MOVIE “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” Friday, Dec. 26, 9:45 a.m.noon.

MONTHLY SOCIAL The monthly social is Thursday, Dec. 18 at noon. Featured entertainment will be Kathy Nativo presenting “Music to your Ears.”

TRIPS Warehouse Point Library, Wednesday,

SENIOR CENTER/page 6

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East Windsor Parks and Recreation Activities for December

East Windsor

EAST WINDSOR - The following programs have been announced by the East Windsor Parks and Recreation Department.

WINTER YOGA Classes will be held at East Windsor High School in room D-4 from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday classes will be held Jan. 5 to March 9 with no class on Jan. 19 and Feb. 16. Wednesday classes will be held Jan. 7 to Feb. 25.

The cost of this program is: Residents $30 one-time fee, one day a week; $45 one-time fee, two days a week; NonResidents $35 one-time fee, one day a week; $50 one-time fee, two days a week.

Registration is through the Parks and Recreation Office or online with our Webster Bank Payment link. Please call 860-627-6662 with any questions.

BROAD BROOK FIRE DEPARTMENT CAROL SING The East Windsor Parks and Recreation Department will team up with the Broad Brook Fire Department to bring you the annual Carol Sing. This

event is held at the Broad Brook Fire House, 125 Main St. in Broad Brook on Saturday, Dec. 20. Torch Light parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. Kid’s activities will start at 6:15 p.m. Hayrides, refreshments, and crafts, as well as a visit from Santa himself, will take place. Please call 860-627-6662 with questions.

FEE: Donation of non-perishable food items for local food pantry.

PERFORMING ARTS ACTING CLASSES The East Windsor Parks and Recreation Department along with Performing Arts Programs will be offering seven weeks of Acting Classes.

Classes will be held once a week on Thursdays, Feb. 5-March 19 for students in grades K-4 from 4 p.m. – 4:55 p.m. at the Broad Brook Elementary School.

The cost for this program is $95.

Please contact the Parks & Recreation Department for more information and a registration form.

TOTAL BODY FITNESS CLASS The East Windsor Parks and Recreation Department is excited to be

offering a new Total Body Fitness Class.

Classes will be held at the East Windsor Town Annex from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Monday classes will be held Jan. 5 to March 9 with no class on Jan. 19 and Feb. 6. Friday classes will be held Jan. 9 to Feb. 27.

The cost of this program is: Residents $40 one-time fee, one day a week; $65 one-time fee, two days a week; NonResidents $45 one-time fee, one day a week; $70 one-time fee, two days a week.

Registration is through the Parks and Recreation Office. Please call 860-6276662 with any questions.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS CONTEST The East Windsor Parks & Recreation and the East Windsor Chamber of Commerce are proud to be sponsoring the annual Home for the Holiday Lights Contest. This contest is open to all East Windsor residents and businesses.

Judging will take place Tuesday, Dec. 16.

Please have display lights on between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Please call 860-627-

6662 by Monday, Dec. 15, to register for this contest.

First-, second- and third-place prizes will be awarded to residents. The Holiday Spirit Award will be given to the best business display.

Adopt a Child Gift Program for Holiday Season

EAST WINDSOR - Town of East Windsor Human Services Department is looking for individuals and companies that would like to be part of the Adopt-A-Child Program.

This program gives children from the ages of 2-11 within our town the joy of receiving three gifts to open on Christmas morning.

If you would like to help, please contact East Windsor Human Services, 25 School St., East Windsor, CT 06088 or call the department at 860-623-2430.

December 2014 North Central News

5

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Senior Center Has Trips, Consumer Help Available in December

East Windsor

Dec. 3, 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

The Gift Shoppe, Rockville Road, Broad Brook, Thursday, Dec. 4, 9:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m.

Breakfast at Cracker Barrell followed by the Festival of Trees at the Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford, on

Friday, Dec. 5, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $8 per person for admission to the Wadsworth.

Bright Nights, Springfield, Monday, Dec. 8, 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m. $3.50 per person.

Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville, Holiday Wishes, Lunch and Dancing with the Red Satin Big Band, Tuesday, Dec. 9,

EAST WINDSOR - Opera House Players Announces Auditions for Monty Python’s “Spamalot.” Book and lyrics

by Eric Idle. Music by Eric Idle and John Du Prez. It is an award-winning musical lovingly ripped off from the film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” It is from the original screenplay

by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin.

Director is Sharon FitzHenry and music director is Bill Martin.

Audition dates: Dec. 14 & 15 at 7 p.m. (Callbacks - by invitation only –are

Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.) Audition location: Broad Brook Opera House, 107 Main St., Broad Brook.

Performance dates of the show: May 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17, 2015.

Please prepare a song (no longer than one minute) and bring sheet music; accompanist is provided. Come prepared to dance (tap/jazz) and to cold read from the show.

All roles are open.

Rehearsals begin mid-February. For more information or rehearsal schedule, please email the director at sfhtheatre@comcast.net

(continued from page 4)

Now’s Your Chance to Star in ‘Spamalot’

$38.00 per person. CALL FOR AVAILABILITY Evergreen Walk OR Buckland Mall, Manchester, Friday, Dec. 12, 9:30 a.m.– 2 p.m.

East Windsor Christmas Tree Lights Judging, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 5:30 p.m.– 7:30 p.m.

The following events and programs take place at the East Windsor Senior Center: Game Day with Kristen, Tuesday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

One-on-One Law Sessions, the second Tuesday of every month. The December date is Tuesday, Dec. 9, 12:30 p.m. Please call ahead to make an appointment.

Tea Time with Kristen, Thursday, Dec. 11, 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.

In-House Bingo, Thursday, Dec. 11, from 12:30 p.m.–2 p.m.

Focus Group, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m.–11 a.m. We need your ideas!!

Food for Thought, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 11 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

Guess Who? Bring a baby/youth pic-

ture of yourself to see if others can recognize you! Tuesday, Dec. 23, 10 a.m.– 11 a.m.

National Thank You Card Day, Friday, Dec. 26, 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m.

Join us to write thank you cards for gifts or gratitude!

Time Capsule 2014, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Join us in adding significant items from 2014 to the time capsule to be opened in 2115!

Senior Center will be closed Dec. 25, Christmas Day. Happy holidays to everybody.

Jewelry Making at the Senior Center

EAST WINDSOR - Jewelry Making with Janice takes place at the East Windsor Senior Center on Dec. 5 and 19 at 10:30 a.m. and $10 covers the cost of material and instruction and is payable directly to Janice. Please call 860-2928262 to sign up.

The East Windsor Senior Center is located at 125 Main St., Broad Brook, above the Broad Brook Fire Dept.

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December2014NCN_NCN new template 12/2/14 7:03 AM Page 7

Town Exploring Energy Efficiency Measures

Enfield

By Linda Tishler Levinson

ENFIELD – The town is looking at ways to become more energy efficient.

The Enfield Clean Energy Committee on Nov. 10 presented its report to the Town Council. The committee, whose members are citizen volunteers, was charged with finding ways to increase energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources townwide. The report presents a five-year plan, beginning in 2015.

The committee worked with the Peregrine Energy Group Inc. The project was funded by a state grant.

Through its report, the committee asked that the town consider energy efficiency in all projects and services.

“Increasing energy efficiency and using clean energy sources is formally addressed and considered in all town planning and development efforts, focusing on life cycle cost benefits and other advantages that can be gained by this approach and that all public sector building or renovation projects include renewable backup power and energy storage, to the extent that this is costeffective,” the report states.

“The town requires an opportunity assessment for micro-grids in all neighborhood and district development plans, preparing to make full use of Connecticut's micro-grid funding program and attract private investment.

There should be a community-based energy security plan using renewable energy combination with backup generators and energy storage to ensure reliable access to electricity in an extended power outage,” the report continues.

Specific recommendations include reducing lighting, heating, cooling and other electricity consumption wherever possible. As part of this, the committee suggests using natural lighting and “green infrastructure” as much as possible. This includes having green, light or reflective roofs, living walls, rain gardens and passive solar designs. The panel also suggested setting a standard for solar-readiness in new buildings and increasing the percentage of renewable energy used.

Also among the committee's recommendations is educating residents on clean energy products and strategies.

In The Holiday Spirit

State Sen. John A. Kissel (center) gets into the holiday spirit the Monday before Thanksgiving while bagging groceries for area residents at Enfield Food Shelf.

The organization continues to accept donations during the holidays. For more information, visit www.enfieldfoodshelf.org or call 860-741-7321.

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Fazio’s Ristorante Renovates After 25 Years in Business

Regional

EAST LONGMEADOW — To celebrate 25 years of serving the community delicious, authentic Italian cuisine, Fazio’s Ristorante & Pizzeria recently renovated the main dining room. The renovations began on Oct. 20 and finished in early November. Take-out services were available throughout the renovations, but the main dining room was closed.

A grand re-opening and anniversary celebration was held on Nov. 18. Customers were invited to see the topto-bottom renovations, including new paint, hardwood floors, a 12-foot bar, and custom-made tables and chairs.

Aldo Fazio, co-owner of the family-owned and

operated restaurant, has been working at the restaurant since 1981. Fazio runs the business alongside his cousin, Pietro Mazza. “When Pietro was 17 years old he dropped everything he knew in Italy and immigrated to the United States to work at the restaurant’s original location on the corner of White and Orange streets in Springfield.” Fazio said. “All of our success is owed to him.”

Fazio’s emphasis on family and tradition makes this restaurant much more than the ordinary community pizza shop. Several employees have been with the restaurant for more than 20 years, which has helped the restaurant’s top-notch customer service remain consis-

tent throughout the years. In addition to family-oriented service, “Customers can also always count on delicious, quality food at a reasonable price,” Fazio said.

Fazio’s customers can now enjoy a more upscale “mom and pop shop” with moderate pricing. Although the look of the restaurant has changed, the menu continues to carry traditional, authentic Italian cuisine.

“You can get pizza on Tuesday night, or come here for your anniversary dinner,” Fazio said. “Staying true to family ties, family roots, is everything,” he said. “That is what customers can continue to expect when they visit Fazio’s Ristorante & Pizzeria.”

Bright Night Display at Forest Park Continues with 20 Years of Pure Magic SPRINGFIELD - Bright Nights at Forest Park is open for its 20th season with a new carousel for guests to ride and more than 650,00 lights along a three-mile path.

“To think, we started Bright Nights 20 years ago with the goal of providing a holiday event for Springfield residents and it has since gained the reputation of being the Northeast’s premier holiday attraction,” said Spirit of Springfield

President Judy Matt.

This year, the Springfield Park Division employees who oversee the displays and manage the route through Bright Nights replaced 3,145 incandescent bulbs in the Seuss Land Arch to LED bulbs. This will lighten the electrical load, reducing the number of cords from 12 to six, and enhance many of the displays already illuminated by LED bulbs. These include Spirit of the

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Season, Winter Garden, Everett Barney Mansion, Winter Woods, the Blizzard Tunnel in North Pole Village, Game of Life Spinner in Toy Land, the Giant Poinsettia Candles as well as Happy Holidays, Springfield.

“We are excited about the new additions to this year’s Bright Nights,” Matt said. “It is a family tradition, an economic engine and something we are so very proud to have in Springfield.”

Bright Nights has been a 20-year collaboration between the Spirit of Springfield, a private non-profit organization, and the Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management.

For more information on this season’s Bright Nights display, visit brightnights.org, email staff@brightnights.org or call the Spirit of Springfield at 413733-3800.

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Town, Union Come to Agreement to Avoid Sharp Insurance Hike

Ellington

ELLINGTON – The town and the town employees union have a deal that will help keep health insurance costs down.

The Board of Selectmen voted at its Nov. 3 meeting to change the deductible of the high-deductible health plan.

Anthem, the town’s health insurance provider, had quoted the town rates with a substantial increase.

To help offset some of this increase, which would have been shared by employees and the town, the selectmen

decided to raise the deductible while also lowering the premiums for employees, First Selectman Maurice Blanchette said.

Without the agreement, rates would have risen 25.3 percent for the plan most commonly chosen by town employees and 34.7 percent for the other plan employees can choose.

By raising the deductible from $2,000 for single and $4,000 for two-person and family coverage to $2,500 and $5,000 for singles and two-person and families, respectively, the increase has been held

ELLINGTON - The Ellington Women’s Club supports numerous local organizations. Come to the Ellington Town Hall Annex on Saturday, Dec. 6, 4 p.m.-6 p.m., to browse various items depicting beautiful scenes of our wonderful town. There will be an assortment of magnificent items including: mugs, magnets, trivets, and more. Many of these marvelous items sold out at the Ellington Senior Center Bazaar. Stop by early to choose your favorite purchase

and help support the community.

All proceeds contribute financially to community organizations, including: Ellington High School Scholarship Fund; Troy Russell Foundation; Wreaths Across America; Ellington Human Services; Ellington Senior Center; Ellington Fuel Bank; Tri-Town Shelter; Rocky Hill Veterans Hospital; Ellington High School Substance–Free Graduation Party and Hall Memorial Library.

By Linda Tishler Levinson

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to 14.4 percent for employees.

The town will fund a Health Savings Account for employees, which will cover 75 percent of the previous deductible cost, plus 100 percent of the increase in deductible, according to the agreement.

“We’re still looking at a substantial increase from the town’s point of view,” Blanchette said, with the town’s portion increasing 20 percent.

Charter Revision Commission The Board of Selectmen voted Nov. 17 to create a Charter Revision

Commission and is currently accepting names of those interested in serving on the panel.

Beyond minor adjustments in language or other small changes, Blanchette said the panel will be asked to consider the town’s system of government.

Specifically, it will be asked to consider changing to a town manager or town administrator type of government.

“Typically, towns that are about our size make that change,” Blanchette said.

Practice Reading Skills at Ellington Library

ELLINGTON - Children ages 5 to 12 years have an opportunity to practice their reading skills by reading to trained therapy dogs. Allen’s Angels Therapy Dogs will be at the Hall Memorial Library, in Ellington, from 10:30 a.m.11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13.

Children are asked to choose a favorite story or perhaps a chapter of a book they are already reading, to bring and share with an eager listener, who just happens

to have four legs, a wet nose and a wagging tail.

Online registration is recommended and is ongoing. To register, go to the library’s website at www.library.ellington-ct.gov and click on the library event calendar. Children will get 10 to 15 minutes to read to one of these very special dogs. Parents will be asked to wait in the children’s area of the library during the program.

Wishing You Good Times, Good Cheer And A Happy Holiday!

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December 2014 North Central News

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December2014NCN_NCN new template 12/2/14 7:03 AM Page 10

Ellington Winterfest Promises a Stockingful of Festivities

Ellington

ELLINGTON - The highlights of the 11th annual Ellington Winterfest will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 3:45 p.m.-7 p.m., on the gazebo green in the center of town, bordered by Main and Maple streets (Rts. 286 and 140). As has become tradition, the festivities will be kick-started the evening of Dec. 5 by a holiday concert and sing-along presented by the Ellington Singers, at 7 p.m., at Hall Memorial Library, Main Street.

Refreshments will be served afterward.

The following day, Saturday, Dec. 6, the Ellington Winterfest will abound with activities in and around the gazebo town green along Main and Maple streets. The highlight will be the muchanticipated “Tree-Lighting Ceremony” starting at 3:45 p.m., with welcoming remarks by town officials; seasonal music sung by the Ellington Schools’ 4th grade chorus at 4 p.m.; and the arrival of Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty and Rudolph at 4:15 p.m.

Santa and his helpers will light the gazebo and town trees at 4:30 p.m. This ceremony will be capped at 5:15 p.m. by

the wondrous “Torchlight Parade” streaming down Main Street. Many Connecticut-area firetrucks, floats and marchers, all spruced up for the holidays, are expected to attend.

The Hall Memorial Library will be offering the annual “Holiday Ornament Workshop” that morning (please call 860-870-3160 for tickets); display a “Festival of Trees” (for silent auction); and present musical interludes by the Ellington High School Treble Chorus and the Windemere School Instrumentalists. Free refreshments will be served, courtesy of the Friends of the Library.

The Ellington Historical Society will open the doors of the Nellie McKnight Museum (on Main Street), on Saturday, from 2 p.m.-7 p.m., with a special, digitalized program and exhibit focusing on the life and contributions of Nellie McKnight to the Ellington community, as well as the history of old Ellington houses.

Next door, the Ellington Congregational Church will be offering

its fourth annual Christmas Carol Sing in the Church Sanctuary from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; and offer “family-friendly and pocketbook-friendly” dinners from 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at their “Winterfest Café” in the Social Room.

A special “Warming Tree” will be situated at the café’s entrance to which the public can contribute gloves, mittens, hats or scarves to help warm their neighbors at local homeless shelters. The items will be placed on the tree for decoration during the dinner hours.

For Winterfest attendees who want a reprieve from the cold, the Ellington Women’s Club will be offering free hot chocolate and goodies at a new location: the Town Annex on Main Street, situated to the left of Ellington’s Town Hall.

(Just follow the signs.) The club will also be offering brand-new “Christmas in Ellington” items (designed by artist Nancy Paine) for sale as holiday gifts.

Another seasonal highlight during the Ellington Winterfest is the newly expanded “Follow the Star” Live Nativity presented outdoors on the

grounds of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2 Maple St. Also, indoors one can view a magical “wonderland” display of Nativity sets from around the world; visit the “Kids’ Christmas Craft Room” and enjoy free refreshments while listening to Christmas music. These events will be ongoing at the church on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., free of charge.

The Ellington Winterfest is a privately sponsored event, under the guidance of town resident Ellen Karadimas, and is graciously supported by the Town of Ellington, a volunteer committee, and town organizations. In case of inclement weather, there is no snow/rain date for the Saturday evening events. Please call Hall Memorial Library at 860-870-3160 for an update.

For further questions regarding this event, or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer or participating in the Ellington Winterfest, please call 860875-3885.

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Town Offers Snowfall Maintenance Reminders

Ellington

ELLINGTON - Parking: Ellington residents are reminded that the Ordinance Concerning Parking on Public Highways within the Town of Ellington prohibits street parking during and after any period of snowfall or icy condition in order that the Department of Public Works will be able to safely and efficiently remove the hazards of snow and ice from the roads.

Snow Removal from Sidewalks: The Sidewalk Ordinance regarding snow and ice removal requires the owner, occupant or person having the care, maintenance or rental of the land, building or premises adjoining or fronting upon a sidewalk to remove snow, sleet or ice within 24 hours following the cessation of the fall of snow or sleet. Failure to do so could result in a fine.

Contact the First Selectman’s Office at 860-870-3100 or email the office at info@ellington-ct.gov if you have any questions regarding the above ordinances.

Snow Removal from Fire Hydrants: Residents are asked to clear any snow from fire hydrants on your property or nearby. Open a path to the hydrant and clear an area all around the hydrant. All fire hydrants should have a reflective pole marker. If the one near you does not, please call the Ellington Volunteer Fire Department at 860-870-3190 and leave a message with the specific location of the fire hydrant.

Your Mailbox: Residents are reminded to make sure their mailboxes are secured and sturdy before the winter snow season begins. Mailboxes that are damaged by the snow load will not be repaired by the Town. If you have any questions, please call the Department of Public Works at 860-870-3140 or email at publicworks@ellington-ct.gov.

Sand is available to residents throughout the winter months. The pile is located at the Town Garage, 21 Main St., on the Firehouse side.

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ELLINGTON - The Ellington Ad Hoc Patriotic Committee welcomes the public to join them at their Wreaths Across America Ceremony, Saturday, Dec. 13, at noon at Ellington Center Cemetery.

If you would like to participate or help sponsor a wreath, please contact Wilson Flynn via email at wdfpf45@sbcglobal.net or call him at 860-896-9053.

For 2014, the goal is to make it personal by reaching out to local communities to help place wreaths on the graves of local veterans. There are more than 450 veterans buried at Ellington Center Cemetery, and we are looking for local organizations that can help honor these veterans, as each $15 donation places a wreath.

If you wish to honor a fallen service member by purchasing a $15 wreath, contact Wreaths Across America at 877385-9504 or visit the website at Wreaths AcrossAmerica.org using sponsor identification MEHQMOI and location identification CTECCE and your order will be delivered with the Town order. The wreaths will be presented during the

Ellington Center Cemetery Ceremony.

From 1992 to 2006 the annual tradition of placing wreaths to honor the fallen was conducted at Arlington National Cemetery, largely unknown by the general public except for visitors to those hallowed grounds.

In 2007, the Worcester family, along with veterans, and others who had helped with their annual Christmas wreath ceremony in Arlington, formed Wreaths Across America to continue and expand this effort and support other groups who wanted to do the same.

This nonprofit organization continues the Arlington tradition as part of its mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.

Country Quilters Holiday Swap

ELLINGTON - The Ellington Country Quilters will meet at the Ellington Congregational Church on Main Street at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec 18. There will be a Holiday Social with cookies, coffee and tea and a cookie swap. For further information call Margo Wheeler at 860-874-6834.

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Ellington High School Class ‘M’ State Champs!

Ellington High School boys soccer team (pictured) beat Tolland 1-0 to win the class "M" state championship. The team’s season record was 16-3-2.

Coach Roy Gurnon earned his 300th career victory along the way.

December2014NCN_NCN new template 12/2/14 7:04 AM Page 12

Enfield

Yoga Classes Offered at ACC

Credit Union Collects Food for the Community

The Tobacco Valley Teachers Federal Credit Union (TVTFCU), a not-for-profit financial co-operative in Enfield, recently hosted a food drive to benefit the Enfield Loaves & Fishes. This non-profit volunteer program began in 1982 and continues today with the help of volunteers who have collected, prepared, and distributed food to thousands of needy families. Food is also distributed to the Enfield Resources for Children’s after-school program. The credit union sponsors an annual food drive to allow for donations from its members and staff. TVTFCU staff, Mireille Marquardt, Myrijam Meserve and Christine White, pose with the generous food donations from members and staff. For more information on how you can help, contact the Enfield Loaves & Fishes at 860-741-0226 or www.enfieldloavesandfishes.com.

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ENFIELD - Asnuntuck Community College’s Continuing Education department will once again be offering Kripalu Yoga instruction. The 10-week session is open to all levels of yoga ability. The classes began on Dec. 1 and will run on Mondays through Feb. 16, 2015. There will be no classes on Dec. 29 and Jan. 19.

Easy to understand instruction takes you through a series of therapeutic yoga poses. This practice will tone and strengthen your muscles, improve your flexibility, and help you to relax.

Practicing this type of yoga has for many improved quality of sleep and allowed participants to move with more ease. Other pluses have included improving one’s frame of mind and helped improve students’ posture and immune system. Students are reminded to wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat and a blanket.

The hour-long class begins each Monday at 5:30 p.m. Taught by Diana Ricci Gunther, the cost is $100 for all 10 weeks or $12 per class for those wishing to just drop in.

Instructor Diana Ricci Gunther was

Kripalu certified in 1997. She is the former owner of the Flamingo Yoga Studios. She is continuing studies in many areas, such as anatomy and yoga therapy. She prefers a lighthearted approach to yoga practice, and encourages humor, curiosity, and self-awareness.

For more information on this, visit www.asnuntuck.edu or call 860-2533034/3066 to register.

Work and Training Opportunity

ENFIELD - Enfield Adult and Continuing Education offers a Certified Nurse’s Aide Training Program (CNA) beginning Feb. 23, 2015. Want to enter the field, but need help in reading, math or language? We can help. It is a 100hour course (60 hours of classroom and 40 hours of clinical) designed to prepare individuals with needed skills to become certified nurse aids. Graduates from this program will be eligible to sit for the State Registry exam. Call 860-763-7032 with any questions and registration information.

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Enfield Recreation Departments Offers Winter Programs

Enfield

ENFIELD - For more information contact the Enfield Recreation Department at 860-253-6420 or visit us on the web at www.enfield-ct.gov/recreation. The Recreation Office is located at 19 North Main St. with hours of operation Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1st and 2nd Grade Instructional Basketball Program Perfect introduction to basketball.

This co-ed instructional program for first and second graders will be held on Sunday afternoons at JFK Middle School beginning on Jan. 11. The program will consist of eight one-hour sessions in which participants will work in groups rotating through skill stations to learn the fundamentals of basketball.

The program will be run by Recreation Department staff, but we are asking for parent volunteers to help supervise participants at each station.

In the final weeks of the program participants will be split up into groups to scrimmage and showcase what they have learned. Please note: This is a dropoff program. Parents will only be allowed into the gym for the last two classes. Registration is limited to 120 participants, 40 per session. Participants

may register for one of two time slots, 2 p.m.-3 p.m., or 3:10 p.m.-4:10 p.m..

Once a time slot has 40 participants it is considered full and you will no longer be able to register for it. Registration will be held on a first come, first serve basis. Please note, our 12:50 p.m.-1:50 p.m. time slot is full! Walk-In registration has been extended until Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. Online registration is open until Dec. 21 at 11:59 p.m. Fee is $28. Enfield residents only.

Annual Holiday House Lighting Contest The Enfield Recreation Department in conjunction with Panera Bread is proud to sponsor its annual holiday house lighting contest. Have a blast and spread holiday cheer by lighting up and festively decorating your home. Official entry forms are available at the Recreation Office, online at www.enfield-ct.gov/recreation or at Panera Bread in the Enfield Square Mall. Judging will take place Tuesday, Dec. 9, through Thursday, Dec. 11.

We ask for lights to be left on from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Entry forms must be turned into the Recreation Department by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5. This contest is new this year!

Email entries to: RecreationSupervisor@enfield.org.

Participants who won last year are not eligible for a prize this year, but may participate if they wish. Prizes will be awarded for the following categories: best overall, most spirited, most creative & brightest. Enfield residents only.

Torchlight Parade & Carol Sing An event looked forward to by all.

The annual Torchlight Parade and Carol Sing will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6.

The parade begins promptly at 6 p.m. at Enfield Street School and ends at the Town Green. The Carol Sing, sponsored

by Enfield Cultural Arts, will begin at 7 p.m. in front of the Town Gazebo along with the tree lighting ceremony, bonfire and arrival of Santa Claus!

New December Vacation Programs at the Angelo Lamagna Activity Center Winter Craft Mania Are you wild for crafting? If so, this program is for you! Participants will get creative and make a variety of cool projects. There will be plenty of paint, glitter and glue to make your creations shine.

Join us for this fun crafting experience on Tuesday, Dec. 30, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Fee: $15 Residents/$18.75 NonResidents. Pre-Registration required.

Youth Open Gym Basketball A great option for youths looking to shoot some hoops while school is out!

Children 10 & under must be accompanied by an adult. No more than thre children per adult are allowed. Participants

must wear sneakers and should bring their own basketball. A limited supply of basketballs will be available for use.

Open gym will be held Monday, Dec. 29 -Wednesday, Dec. 31. Open gym is for children ages 7-18 years old. Time slots are as follows: ages 7-10: 9:30 a.m.11:30 a.m.; ages 11-14: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; and ages 15-18: 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Fee: $1 per day. No pre-registration required.

Babysitter Safety 101 Course This entry level course is intended to teach age appropriate skills necessary to care for children of all ages using team babysitting, mother’s helper and individual babysitting concepts. The course focuses on safety with an emphasis on prevention. All participants will receive a CD book, handouts and Babysitter Safety Certificate. This class will be held on Monday, Dec. 29, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fee: $46 Residents/$57.50 NonResidents. Pre-registration required.

Christmas Wrapping Event

ENFIELD - The United Methodist Church of Enfield at 41 Brainard Rd. will be offering free gift wrapping from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20.

We will have refreshments and you can relax while we wrap your Christmas gifts. Join us!

If you have any questions please call the United Methodist Church office at 860-745-6241.

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December2014NCN_NCN new template 12/2/14 7:04 AM Page 14

Enfield

Library Hosting Holiday Festival of Trees

ENFIELD - The Enfield Public Library, in conjunction with the Enfield Cultural Arts Commission, is presenting a holiday Festival of Trees this season.

The Festival of Trees Opening Reception will be held on Thursday, Dec. 16, at 6:30 p.m. In addition to the display of trees, the opening reception will feature Christmas music with Vincent Cassotta. Refreshments will be provided.

Individuals, teams, groups, classes, co-workers, families and friends are encouraged to create trees out of unusual materials to enter in the Festival of Trees. Be creative! Think of something you may have at work or at home that

you can make into a tree for the display.

Community members of all ages are invited to create festive, non-traditional trees to enter in the library’s gallery. All entries will be part of the opening night gallery reception and will be on display until Dec. 27.

Artists or “would-be tree creators” should pick up guidelines at the Enfield Public Library to participate in the art display. Trees should be dropped off by Dec. 6 to be included in the gallery.

Guidelines for submission are also available on the library’s website: www.enfieldpubliclibrary.org. For more information call the library at 860-7637518.

ENFIELD - The Town of Enfield will launch a free tax preparation program to assist low- to moderate-income families.

Free tax preparation will be available from Feb. 2 through April 15. The program will be located at Enfield Neighborhood Services at 110 High St. in Enfield.

The Enfield VITA site will be open every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Volunteers training and certified by the IRS assist working families who have adjusted gross income under

$52,000 to file their income taxes.

There is still time to volunteer for this worthwhile program.

Call 860-253-6395 to schedule an appointment at the Enfield VITA tax preparation site or to find out more about volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

Chicorka Honored

WILLIMANTIC - ECSU’s Laura Chicorka, Class of 2016, of Enfield majoring in Early Childhood Education, was named Little East Conference Third-Team All-Conference in field hockey for the third time in a row, and is only the second player ever to do so.

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December2014NCN_NCN new template 12/2/14 7:04 AM Page 15

Former First Selectman Honored on 100th Birthday

Somers

SOMERS — A. Herbert Wells has his own day.

The former first selectman celebrated his 100th birthday on Nov. 9 and was honored by the town with a proclamation naming Nov. 9 as A. Herbert Wells Day. Born Nov. 9, 1914, in Connecticut, Wells married his wife, Priscilla, in 1936, according to the proclamation.

They had two daughters, a grandson, a granddaughter and two great granddaughters. They were married for 71 years.

Wells worked as a salesman of farm equipment for many years. He became first selectman of Somers in 1951 and served three terms.

Wells is credited with initiating zoning for the town, purchasing land for the town dump, starting the Holly Ball and owning and operating the Somers Playhouse.

First Selectman Lisa Pellegrini said she attended his birthday party and presented him with the proclamation. “Herb is a great guy,” she said.

Revaluation Town Chief Financial Officer

Michael Marinaccio told the Board of Selectmen at their Nov. 13 meeting that the 2014 grand list is down 4.1 percent at a loss of $721,127 in revenue over the previous year. The grand list is the total of all taxable property in town.

Marinaccio said this represents approximately 1 mill, according to the meeting minutes.

He told them Public Act 14-19 allows towns to delay a scheduled revaluation by one year. The selectmen said they feel it would benefit the town to delay the revaluation and plan to discuss the matter with the Board of Finance.

SOMERS - The Shoreline Ringers will return to the Somers Congregational Church on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m.

The Ringers held the last concert in the Meeting House that burned to the ground on Jan. 1, 2012. They are returning to reinitiate their annual Christmas Concert at the newly rebuilt Somers Congregational Church. The perform-

ance is part of a series of concerts titled “From the Ashes.”

Directed by Jane Nolan, the Shoreline Ringers are a top-level community handbell choir, ringing five octaves of Malmark handbells and five and onehalf octaves of Malmark handchimes.

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The Somers Congregational concerts are supported entirely by donations at the concert. Admission to the concert is free. A suggested donation level is $10 per person.

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Regional

Asnuntuck Phi Theta Kappa Inductees

Asnuntuck Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa induction ceremony took place on Nov. 21. There were 41 students that were inducted into the local chapter’s honor society. The students were: Roland Atkinson, Danielle Bazzano, Michael Bemont, Dominique Boucher, Malorie Brown, Michelle Clark, Samuel Collin, Nicole D’Angelo, Lea Dailey, Andrea Davis,Tommi DeMichael,Marc Desaulniers, Neven Desouki, Daniel Duncan, Renee Dupuis, Pearla Francisco, Marissa Gagne,

16 North Central News December 2014

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December2014NCN_NCN new template 12/2/14 7:04 AM Page 17

Author of Frieda B. Series Has Fun at Somers Elementary

Somers

SOMERS - Frieda B. author Renata Bowers visited Somers Elementary to share the “Free to believe in your gifts” message of her new book, Frieda B. and the Finkledee Ink. Bowers, a resident of Somers, has a tradition of launching each of her Frieda B. books at SES, as a way of celebrating with - and thanking her local community.

She presented Finkledee Ink to the entire SES body on Nov. 6, during an author visit consisting of three separate sessions. She also was available for a book signing at the school on Nov. 12 and 13.

“I shared with the staff and students how much it means to me to be able to do the first presentation and book signing of a new book with old friends,” says Bowers. “It takes a few times to really get comfortable with the messaging and the interaction of a public presentation, and to do that with the same staff and students who have come to embrace what I do... That’s really special. It’s a gift.”

And gifts are what this Frieda B. book is all about.

“The key message of this book is that you’re free to believe in your own natural gifts - that there’s nothing you have to buy or get, it’s already all inside of you,” explains Bowers. “A secondary message is the importance of surrounding yourself with others who believe in your gifts, people who will support you when you doubt yourself. And on the coattails of that message is the importance of being that to others... of supporting others in their gifts and dreams.”

Frieda B. and the Finkledee Ink is the fourth book in the Frieda B. children’s book series about a girl who believes (as Renata would like all children to believe) that she is free to be and do whatever her heart tells her to. Each story focuses on a different aspect of believing in one’s story, and supporting the stories of others. And no, she says, this series is not just for girls; the messages are universal, as well as ageless.

Frieda B. books are available on Amazon.com, at select retailers, and via the online store at www.FriedaB.com. In celebration of the launch of Finkledee Ink, the online store

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Emma and Harrison, mimicking the Zillabeast cover with Frieda B. author Renata Bowers at www.FriedaB.com is offering free 31. Just use coupon code FRSHIP durshipping on any order through Dec. ing checkout.

JOY OF THE SEASON

Somers Congregational Church, 599 Main Street, Somers, CT (860) 763-4021 / www.somerscongregational.org The Reverend Dr. Barry Cass, Pastor

Worship Services Sundays 8:15 & 10:00 A.M.

22nd Annual Nativity Display Hundreds of Nativity sets OPEN: 1pm to 4pm Sunday, December 14 2pm to 5pm Sunday, December 21 and 28

9:00 AM - 2:00 P.M. Featuring Over 30 Vendors and Bake Sale Luncheon 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.

Saturday, December 13 - 7:00 P.M.

Community Carol Sing Sunday December 14 - 2:00 PM.

15TH OF EVERY MONTH

Christmas Eve Services Wednesday, December 24

Serving 5:00-6:00 P.M. Free (Donation Basket) Monday, December 15 Call for reservations

5:30 P.M. Family Worship 7:30 P.M. Service of Lessons & Carols 11:00 P.M. Communion

Community Supper

December 2014 North Central News

Handicap Accessible, Ample Parking, Church School, Child Care at 10:00 A.M.

Reason for the Season Bazaar Shoreline Ringers December 6 Christmas Handbell Concert

17

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Holiday Vacation Fun At The New England Air Museum!

The New England Air Museum will hold family fun activities December 26th-31st. Daily activities on these dates include demonstrations about the science of flight, and the Museum’s Flight Sim Spot will be open each of these days between 12pm and 4pm. Flight Sim Spot allows visitors to use state-of-the-art simulators to virtually fly any aircraft using real cockpit controls. Additional activities are scheduled for the following days:

20 North Central News December 2014

Friday, December 26th, LEGO Contest. Step into a room full of LEGOs and create a “Futuristic” flying machine.”

The program is for ages 3-12 and will run from 10:00 a.m.3:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for each age category: 3-5, 6-8 & 9-12

Saturday, December 27th, LEGO Contest. Step into a room full of LEGOs and create a “Futuristic” flying machine.”

The program is for ages 3-12 and will run from 10:00 a.m.3:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for each age category: 3-5, 6-8 & 9-12 Sunday, December 28th, Aircraft Drawing Contest.

“What I love about flight”. Participants between the ages of 3-15 can make a drawing or a collage. All materials will be provided. Prizes will be awarded for each age category: 3-5, 6-8, 9-11 &12-15. Participants do not need to be present to win a prize.

Monday, December 29th, Aero Modeling Workshop. This program runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is offered on a fi rst-come, first-served basis.

This activity takes about an hour and a half to complete.

Children ages 8-14 can build and fly their own models.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

There is a $5.00 cost for the kit.

36 Perimeter Road (off Route 75) Windsor Locks, CT

Tuesday, December 30th, Open Cockpit. The Museum will host an Open Cockpit program with up to 8 aircraft to be open including helicopters, an airliner, a jet fighter and a WWII aircraft. All cockpits will close at 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 31st, -Recyclable glider family competition. Build a glider out of recyclable materials provided and fly an egg the longest distance possible.

Activities are included with the price of admission on the day of your visit except where noted. Each day docents will be on hand to provide information and to interact with the visitors.

The Museum will be open from 10:00 am to 5 pm.

Admission is $12 for ages 12 and up, $11 for seniors 65 and up and $6.50 for ages 4 to 11.

Children under 3 are admitted free.

For more information, visit www.neam.org or call (860) 623-3305.

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

Decembe2014part2_NCN new template 12/2/14 7:25 AM Page 21

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How to Treat a Family Member with Dementia This Holiday Season

Regional

Whether it’s Mom, Dad, Grandma or Grandpa – or your spouse – the “holiday quarter” can present special challenges for families with a loved one suffering from dementia.

“We have an expectation that loved ones should never change from the person we’ve perceived them to be for years, but everyone changes significantly over an extended period, especially those diagnosed with dementia,” says Kerry Mills, a sought-after expert in best care practices for people with dementia, which includes Alzheimer’s. November was Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

“Dementia encompasses a wide range of brain diseases, which means it’s not the fault of a Grandma if she has trouble remembering things or gets flustered.

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Empathy for what she’s experiencing on the level of the brain will help your relationship with her. Do not expect her to meet you halfway to your world; you have to enter her world.”

Spouses have a particularly difficult time coping with their partner’s dementia, Mills says. A spousal relationship is a team and is central to the identities of both people. So, while you’re paying special attention to a parent’s or grandparent’s condition, extend it to his or her spouse, she says.

Families tend to have a hard time coping with a loved one’s dementia during holiday gatherings. Mills, coauthor with Jennifer A. Brush of “I Care, A Handbook for Care Partners of People with Dementia,”

(engagingalzheimers.com), offers tips for how to interact with a loved one – say, Grandma – whose brain is deteriorating.

• Do not get frustrated. “First, do no harm” – the excellent maxim taught to medical students, is also a great first principle for those interacting with Grandma, who may be experiencing a level of frustration and anxiety you cannot comprehend adequately. She simply doesn’t have access to certain details, but she is still a conscious and feeling person who has plenty to offer. If you get frustrated, she’ll pick up on it.

• Dedicate someone to Grandma during the gathering. Of course, loving families will want to include Grandma in the group, but be careful not to overwhelm her with attention. Her brain, which has trouble processing some information, could use assistance – a liaison to help her process things. Grandpa could probably use a break; her son or daughter may be the best handler during a gathering.

• Give Grandma purpose; give her a task in the kitchen. Keep Grandma, who

may’ve been prolific in the kitchen in the past, engaged! Simple tasks, such as mashing potatoes or stirring gravy, may be best. Engage her in conversation about the food. If it’s Grandpa whose suffering dementia, include him in a group. Give him a cigar if the other men are going outside to smoke. Engage him in a conversation about football, which may allow him on his own terms to recall details from the past.

• Use visual imagery and do not ask yes-or-no questions. Again, asking someone with Alzheimer’s to remember a specific incident 23 years ago can be like asking someone confined to a wheelchair to run a 40-yard dash – it’s physically impossible. Don’t pigeonhole her. Direct Grandma in conversation; say things to her that may stimulate recollection, but don’t push a memory that may not be there. Pictures are often an excellent tool.

• Safety is your biggest priority.

Whether during a holiday gathering or in general, Grandma may commit herself to activities she shouldn’t be doing, such as driving.

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Decembe2014part2_NCN new template 12/2/14 7:26 AM Page 23

Rotarians Bring Dictionary Project to School for 10th Time

Somers

SOMERS - A little after 9 a.m. on Nov. 3, close to 110 third graders politely filed into the auditorium at Somers Elementary School so the Rotary Club of Somers could distribute dictionaries to them. Their teachers, Nicole Dzicek, Jill Lund, Kathy Mangini, Elizabeth Mcloskey, Maria Peterson, and Melissa Shannon led them in. Waiting to receive the wide-eyed group of students were Somers Rotarians Harold Worcester, Dr. Maynard Suffredini, the Superintendent of the Somers Public Schools, Cliff Bordeaux, Walter Kaczmarczyk, and current club President Bob Schmidt.

The students listened very attentively as Principal Jennifer Oliver introduced the visitors. Mr. Bordeaux, who was responsible for acquiring the dictionaries, explained why the Rotarians were at the school. This is the 10th year that Somers Rotary distributed dictionaries to third-graders in town. Somers Rotary

has donated over 1,100 dictionaries in that timeframe.

The students quietly cued up and were individually given their dictionaries by the Rotarians in the front of the auditorium. Instantly, with no direction, upon return to their seats, the eager students started to intently scan their dictionaries. A happy group of third graders filed out of the auditorium in an orderly fashion, books in hand and smiles on their faces ready to put the dictionaries to good use for years to come.

The dictionaries were obtained through The Dictionary Project formed in 1995 by Mary & Arno French of Hilton Head, South Carolina. They were perpetuating an idea started by Annie Plummer of Savannah, Georgia, who gave dictionaries to third graders starting in 1992. The Dictionary Project is designed to aid third-grade teachers in their goal to see all their students leave

SOMERS - The Somers Women’s Club and the Somers Resident State Troopers are conducting a drive to collect toys for children in need during this holiday season. Through Dec. 16, an unlocked cruiser with a “Stuff a Cruiser” banner will be placed in front of the Somers Resident State Troopers building on 451 Main St., Somers.

The windows, doors, and trunk of the cruiser will be left open to provide

access for donors to place the toys inside between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. The toys will be distributed to needy children at Christmas.

Any toys remaining will be retained by the State Troopers and given to children who suffer from a distressful situation during the year. Please help make this a joyful season for the young children in our community by “stuffing” a donated toy in the cruiser.

Stuff a Cruiser for Needy Children

their classes at the end of the year as good writers, active readers and creative thinkers.

Even in this electronic device-driven 21st century, a dictionary is one of the most powerful reference tools a child will own. A dictionary’s usefulness goes beyond the spellings, pronunciations and definitions it lists. It is a companion for solving problems that arise as a child develops his or her reading, writing and creative thinking abilities.

Students benefit from an increased self-reliance and resourcefulness as they find that they can “look it up.” Teachers benefit by knowing their students have consistent access to a tool for homework and class explorations (no batteries or charging necessary).

The Rotary Club of Somers is part of

Rotary International, a global network of approximately 1.2 million community volunteers that belong to more than 32,000 clubs located in over 200 countries. The Somers Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2014.

Rotary members are business and professional people that provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards, and help build goodwill in their communities and throughout the world by their acts of volunteerism guided by the moto “Service above Self”.

You can learn more about Rotary International at www.rotary.org and more about The Rotary Club of Somers at www.somersrotary.org.

The Rotary Club of Somers can be contacted by email at rotary.somersct@gmail.com.

SOMERS - Everyone in Somers and surrounding communities who enjoys singing Christmas carols is invited to the Community Carol Sing at Somers Congregational Church at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14. Songbooks with the words to carols and Christmas songs

will be provided, and a reception with refreshments will be held afterwards in the Foundation Room of the church.

This a great opportunity for families to come and sing together accompanied by our new organ. The Carol Sing and reception are free.

Somers Congregational Community Carol Sing

Open Farm Day Saturday, December 13th, 10-3 Please call ahead for all other farm visits

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December 2014 North Central News

DECEMBER 6 & 7

Thinking about getting your holiday shopping started and finding that perfect gift for someone special this year?

Come on out to our farm and take a peek at the wonderful alpaca products we have for sale. We have a wide selection of very warm scarves, hats, mittens, gloves, hand felted purses, and our very popular line of mens’ and ladies’ alpaca socks available. Not to mention our adorable and super soft alpaca fur animals just waiting for you to take them home!

Decembe2014part2_NCN new template 12/2/14 7:26 AM Page 24

Somers

David Gwilliam Mohegan Sun Bus Trip for All Adults

SOMERS - All adults are invited to participate in the Somers Senior Center’s David Gwilliam Mohegan Sun Casino bus trip on Friday, Jan. 23. You do not have to be a senior citizen or a resident of Somers. Passengers must be at the Somers Senior Center by 8:15 a.m. Bus will leave promptly at 8:30 a.m. and will return to the Senior Center at about 5:15 p.m. Trip cost of $20 includes round-trip deluxe bus, two gambling vouchers, voucher towards the cost of lunch, and the bus driver’s gratuity.

Payment must be made at time of

reservation (cash or check), along with list of the full name and contact telephone number for each person. No refunds will be offered. All checks should be made payable to the Somers Recreation Department. Either drop off your reservation/payment at the Senior Center or mail reservation information and check to the Somers Senior Center, 19 Battle St., P. O. Box 308, Somers, CT 06071. Reservations/payments deadline is Friday, Jan.16. For more information, please call the Somers Senior Center at 860-763-4379.

SOMERS - Boys and girls age 5 and older are invited to join in the Christmas/Epiphany pageant at the Congregational Church of Somersville, 22 Maple St. Although practice won’t be held until Dec. 21 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the church would like to know by Dec. 7 if you’d like to be in the cast.

The pageant itself is during church on Jan. 4 at 10 a.m., but it is preceded by a

mandatory dress rehearsal at 8:45 a.m.

Participating kids would need to be available on both Dec. 21 and Jan. 4.

There is no fee or salary for any participants, but there is the joy of participating in telling the Christmas and Epiphany story.

For more information, call or email the church at 860-749-7741 or somcong@aol.com.

Cast Members Sought for Pageant

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24 North Central News December 2014

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First Term Honor Students Named At Somers High School

Grade 12 High Honors Anderson, Darcy Kelly Anderson, Jake Jeffrey Bernier, Maria Nicole Blais, Lindsey Maree Collins, Hannah Jane Coverdill, Alexander Joseph Crisinati, Bailee Aileen Guerette, Kirsten Rae Hanna, Meaghan Amanda Hevey, Kayla Lorraine Knight, Morgan Dorothy Krol, Jeffrey Michael Levesque, Andre Louis Marquardt, Shawn Paul McCarthy, Kenneth Ray Morello, James Joseph Morton, Melissa A O'Grady, Jaclyn Taylor Parks, Nathan Cole Percoski, Samantha Rae Pruden, Samantha Marie Ranelli, Benjamin Tyler Reed, Jessica Megan Rinaldi, Julia Isabel Roche, Emily Taylor Ryan, Michael Thomas Sharland, Brooke Ashley Sloan, Amanda M. Squillace, Sarah Joy Trusch, Kyle Patrick Varnauskas, Zachary Joseph Grade 11 High Honors Baumann, Mary I Bedard, Veronika Jean Belisle, Ethan Gerard Burgmyer, Haley Elizabeth Fawthrop, Emily Elizabeth Griger, Madeline Maureen Heller, Rebecca Lynne Hojnowski, Samantha Ann Hollister, Danielle M. King, Holly Susan LaMontagne, Evan James Maloney, Abbey Margaret McGuane, Matthew Kevin

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SHS HONORS/page 38

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Connecticut Products Featured In Local Business Owners’ Gift Baskets

Regional

SUFFIELD - Lorraine Mancini and her husband Mike own more than the stately, Victorian Lily House Bed & Breakfast in the heart of Suffield. Lorraine has grown a unique gift basket business within her Bed and Breakfast called Basket Full of Connecticut (www.BasketFullofCT.com), working with all local, Connecticut folks producing Connecticut made items. She considers it a unique way to highlight and support local businesses, many of whom use organic and certainly all natural ingredients in the food items. Lorraine also offers unique hand crafted and handmade or hand painted gift items. She adds her own creativity to the baskets, making beautifully arranged and thoughtful gifts, but she will also put together custom baskets on request. For example, on her dining room table for Small Business Saturday, Lorraine had “Breakfast Baskets” with local ceramic

mugs, Connecticut produced jams and coffees, and hand-crafted glass and stainless spoons; “Pamper Yourself Baskets” for him or for her with Connecticut made shaving creams, balms, and locally produced soaps and lotions out of all natural ingredients, and “CT Culinary Baskets” with locally crafted serving dishes full of tapenades, condiments, and sauces and spices of all types. There were many others as well and shoppers came to “create their own basket” filling them with choices of their own.

With Basket Full of Connecticut, Lorriane has made a commitment to her fellow Connecticut small business owners to support one another and help to keep Connecticut strong. Please call Lorraine at 860-668-7931 to order your Christmas gift baskets or to get your locally created product into her “mix.”

Suffield’s Lorraine Mancini creating one of her customized ‘Made in Connecticut’ gift baskets that features all local products.

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Decembe2014part2_NCN new template 12/2/14 7:26 AM Page 26

Town Preparing for Next Natural Disaster When It Strikes

Stafford

By Linda Tishler Levinson

STAFFORD â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The town is preparing to protect itself from natural disasters.

The Board of Selectmen voted at its Nov. 13 to adopt the 2014-2019 Capital Regional National Hazards Mitigation Plan.

The plan was prepared by the town in collaboration with the Capital Region Council of Governments, according to the minutes of the meeting. The plan identifies natural hazards that face the town and prepares goals and actions to help the long-term risk of those hazards.

The plan identifies flooding as the main hazard the town faces, due to the numerous rivers and streams that

flow through it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Historically, most of flood damage in Stafford has been caused by the Middle River, Furnace Brook and their tributaries,â&#x20AC;? the report states.â&#x20AC;?Industrial and textile plants, stores, public buildings, businesses and private property located in the flood plains had been flooded 18 times between 1900 and 1980.â&#x20AC;?

The plan also identifies ways to limit the damage and notes that new construction has not been permitted in the 100-year flood plan since the 2008 plan of development was adopted.

The plan also identifies winter storms as a hazard and outlines plans to better manage snow-removal operations.

The full text of the plan is available at staffordct.org.

Ambulance requested In other business, Stafford Ambulance Association Chief Alex Moore is requesting a new ambulance. He told the selectmen that Ambulance 647, a 2003 Ford E450, has required $8,240 in vehicle maintenance since 2012. He said it has cracks in the frame and needs to be replaced.

A new ambulance, including the new cab, chassis and retrofit would cost $119,983, he said. The new ambulance could be a lease purchase or the funds could be appropriated by Town Meeting vote. The selectmen voted to send to the request to the Board of Finance and a Town Meeting.

Safe Net Ministries Food Distribution and Board Meeting STAFFORD - Safe Net Ministries will conduct its December Food Cupboard distribution on Saturdays, Dec. 13 and 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The distribution will be held at Safe Net Headquarters, 86 Main St., Stafford Springs. Food distribution is held the second and fourth Saturday of each month.

Safe Net Ministries will conduct its next Board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be

held at Safe Net Headquarters, 86 Main St., Stafford Springs. The meeting is open to the public. Safe Netâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is a multi-denominational nonprofit organization helping its Stafford and Union neighbors in need, to provide comfort and support as necessary through our various ministries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Food Cupboard, Floâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Friendship Kitchen, and utility / general assistance. Donations may be sent to Safe Net at

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Post Office Box 93, Stafford Springs, CT 06076 or visit its website www.safenetministries.com. Safe Net Ministries works in concert with Stafford Social Services and community clergy members to act as a safety net, meeting the special needs of Stafford and Union residents who are caught in difficult, transitional times in their lives.

Residents must be referred by Stafford Social Services (860-6844239), or, on an emergency basis, by a member of the Stafford or Union clergy.

Safe Net Ministries is solely supported by your generous donations of time and money, both private and corporate. For more information, contact Safe Net at 860-851-9987.

Pastor Royâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Braised Beef Dinner

STAFFORD - Pastor Royâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Braised Beef Dinner will be held at First United Methodist Church, 8 Church St., Stafford Springs, on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m. Proceeds will go towards the Mission Shares. Tickets are available now from Jeff Aborn by calling 860-

For Vacation, Work, Travel...Any Time!

684-9484 or via email at jcaborn@cox.net Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Tickets: $10 adults, $6 children under 12, $30 family. Meal: braised beef, mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, veggie, dessert, coffee and tea.

Cynthia Bragg, Enfield, CT Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Email: Gone2thedogs24@aol.com Phone: (860) 670-5611

26 North Central News December 2014

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Decembe2014part2_NCN new template 12/2/14 7:26 AM Page 27

Wide Variety of December Events at the Stafford Library

Stafford

STAFFORD - The following events will be held at Stafford Public Library in December.

Dec. 6 at 10:30 a.m. - Sensory Story Time - This Story Time is rich with sensory experiences for children who may find it challenging to sit still for long.

This program has movement activities, songs, finger plays, rhymes, puppets, and stories. A regular visitor is the won-

derfully talented music therapist Renee Coro.

Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. - Saturday Afternoon at the Movies - Enjoy popcorn while you watch a feature movie, â&#x20AC;&#x153;If I Stay,â&#x20AC;? rated PG-13, on the Big Screen!

Dec. 10 at 3:30 p.m. - Animal Storytime with Holiday Pictures taken with Pony & Holiday craft will be made with pictures the following week on

Church Starts New Christmas Tradition

STAFFORD - First United Methodist Church in Stafford Springs has started a new and special tradition! It will be having a Memory Tree out on the front lawn of the church for the Christmas season.

Help the church turn all of the multicolored lights on the tree to clear lights and celebrate a special life at the same time.

For $5 you may purchase a bulb in memory of a loved one. Your name and the name of your loved one will be recorded in our permanent Memory Tree book and kept on display at the church.

Watch the Memory Tree transform over the Christmas season. All proceeds from this project will benefit the Mission Shares Fund at First United Methodist Church. Please send $5 for each name you wish to be remembered, and mail it to: First United Methodist Church, 8 Church St., Stafford Springs, CT 06076

Dec. 17 at 3:30 p.m.

Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. - Hula Hooping with Judi Ann Jones of Creative Games and Parties. Judi will bring 50 hula hoops for children and adults for hula hooping fun.

Please Call to register for this free program.

Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. - Friends Cookie Sale: 1 lb. $8, 2 lbs. $14.

Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m. - Play performed by local children written and directed by local school teacher Kit Randall. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Murder on the Overland Express.â&#x20AC;?

Come and enjoy!

Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. - Holiday Music

by Stafford High School Madrigal Singers - The whole family will enjoy this special performance of Holiday music by our talented teens with refreshments to follow.

Dec. 17 at 6:30 - Cookies & Books Come talk about your favorite holiday book and enjoy Christmas treats.

Dec. 27 at 2 p.m. - Saturday Afternoon at the Movies - Title to be announced.

Dec 29 at 5:30 p.m. - Family Game Night - Enjoy Vacation with Game Night & Snacks - Turn off the TV!

St. Edward Christmas Craft Fair

STAFFORD - St. Edward Christmas Craft fair in Stafford Springs on Church Street will be having its annual fair on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 7:30 a.m.-11 a.m.

The fair has over 30 vendors with all types of crafts for you to shop for.

Everything that you need for your

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Christmas shopping is there, so come on down to the best little fair in town.

Breakfast and lunch will be served on Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast with Santa sponsored by the Knights of Columbus will be held from 7:30 a.m.11 a.m. Santa will be there from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. So bring your cameras and shop while you have breakfast.

WEST STAFFORD PSYCHOTHERAPY Services for Women

IND I V I DU A L & GR OU P T HER A P Y Georgia Marie Michalec, M.S. Christine L. White, M.S. 860-684-5700 Â&#x203A;¢Â&#x153;Â?Â&#x160;Â&#x2022;Čą Â&#x160;Â&#x201D;Â&#x17D;Čą Â&#x2DC;Â&#x160;Â?Ç°Čą Â?Â&#x160;Ä&#x203A;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x203A;Â?Čą Â&#x2122;Â&#x203A;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x153;Ç°Ç°Čą WELCOME NEW MEMBERS GROUP MEETINGS EVER EVERY Y WED 7-8:30pm

We wish you a Very and a

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December 2014 North Central News

Merry Christmas!

Decembe2014part2_NCN new template 12/2/14 7:26 AM Page 28

Stafford Baseball Players Sign National Letters of Intent

Sports

28 North Central News December 2014

Two high school seniors from Stafford Springs have signed National Letters of Intent for the fall of 2015. Josh Simpson, a Stafford High School student, and Josh Zbierski, an East Catholic High School student, have committed to universities for next year.

Josh Simpson, a lefthanded pitcher, will attend Columbia University, a Division I university, in New York, N.Y. Josh Zbierski, a catcher, has been accepted to Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire, as a BS Marketing-Degree in Three major. SNHU is a Division II school in the Northeast-10 Conference.

Ma ay y th thi his is ho lid li ida day ay y sseason eason ea ason on g give giv gi ive ve y you ou many any ny y May this holiday fon fo ond nd me mem emo mori rie ies es, an and nd th the hee fond memories, neew ye yea ear ar bbring rin ri ing ng us p eac ea ace ce on ea earth. arth. rth. th h. new year peace With many thanks for your loyal patronage, from the team at

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Decembe2014part2_NCN new template 12/2/14 7:26 AM Page 29

Connecticut’s Largest Library Consortium Names New CEO

Stafford

STAFFORD - Anita Barney, president, Board of Directors announces that Carl DeMilia has been named Chief Executive Officer of Bibliomation, Inc., Connecticut’s largest member library consortium. Bibliomation, a 34-year-old nonprofit organization consists of 59 public and 16 school libraries throughout Connecticut, including Hall Memorial Library in Ellington, Somers Public Library, Stafford Library, Tolland Public Library, and the Union Library.

The company’s mission is to provide

esource sharing through technology in order to help libraries reach their goals and provide better customer service.

Member benefits include a common online catalog that utilizes Evergreen, the latest in open source software for libraries. The shared catalog provides access to more than 4.2 million items, most of which may be requested directly by the individual and delivered to his/her home library via the Connecticar statewide delivery system. Bibliomation also negotiates with vendors for consor-

STAFFORD - This year’s Winterfest celebration will take place on Sunday, Dec. 14, from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Parade stepoff will be at 2 p.m. at Olympic Park, with the parade ending at Stafford Town Hall. Festivities will include a bonfire, carolers, refreshments, music, raffles, make-and-take crafts, craft vendors and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus.

Marchers, floats, vehicles, groups and clubs, etc. are all invited to participate.

To sign up to be in the parade, contact Cindy Kabel at 860-604-1509 or email

Barbara Bresnahan at barbbres@live.com. Craft vendors are also welcome. The vendor fee will be a donation of one craft item for our raffle.

The Stafford Community & Civic Affairs Commission is also looking for people to bring baked goods to this event.

There will be a live Nativity Scene, Sunday, Dec. 14, at 1 p.m. just before the Winterfest Parade, at the First United Methodist Church, 8 Church St., Stafford Springs.

Stafford’s Fifth Annual Winterfest Parade

Clubhouse Cafe at Sun Valley Open to the public Wednesday to Sunday!

Nightly dinner and “Happy Hour” speclals!

Bring in a non-perishable food item for the Stafford Food Pantry and recieve a

$1 off a drink!”

Send Us Your News at northcentralnews@ aol.com

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Sunday’s: 50 cent Wings, $1 PBR Drafts, $2 Bud Light Drafts Please contact us to book your holiday parties or event!

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Stafford Toy Drive

STAFFORD - Stuff a bus and stuff a cruiser toy drive to benefit Stafford Santa’s Toybox. On Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., drop off an unwrapped gift for a child in need at the Town Hall. Monetary donations are also accepted. This event is sponsored by Santa’s Toybox, the Stafford resident trooper’s office and Express Verizon.

For more information on the toy drive, please contact Stacey Tilki at 860614-0070 or Betty Martorelli at 860684-2363.

29

51 Old Springfield Rd. Stafford, CT

Connecticut library community. He states, “Always evolving, libraries continue to lead the way in providing authoritative resources, remaining relevant by embracing new technologies and incorporating them into their normal course of business. Bibliomation will continue to provide the most current technology to member libraries in order to keep them on the edge of the technological curve.”

DeMilia holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut, and a Master’s in Library Science Degree from Southern CT State University. He is a resident of Southbury.

Bibliomation, located in Waterbury, welcomes new member libraries at any time. Please visit the website at www.biblio.org, or contact Mr. DeMilia at 203-577-4070 for information.

December 2014 North Central News

Thursday’s: KARAOKE with DJ Diamond Jim at 8 PM.

tium pricing to members for resources such as e-books, informational databases, a mobile app, security software, print management systems, online calendar and computers.

Stafford Library Director Chris Frank is enthusiastic about the quality of support provided to member libraries. “Like many of Bibliomation’s libraries, we do not have the budget or expertise to manage library software such as Evergreen on our own. That’s why membership in the Bibliomation library consortium is so invaluable to us. Bibliomation employees manage the Evergreen library software, provide technical support, staff training, and network and communications implementation”. He adds that as the former Director of a Bibliomation library and long-time leader in the Connecticut library community, Carl brings just the right mixture of skills and experience to his new role as CEO. DeMilia is looking forward to the challenges of heading an organization with a long tradition of leadership in the

Decembe2014part2_NCN new template 12/2/14 7:26 AM Page 30

CRCOG Head Elected to National Academy of Public Administration

Regional

HARTFORD - The Capitol Region Council of Governments is pleased to announce that on Nov. 13 Lyle Wray was welcomed as a member of the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) in Washington DC. NAPA (www.napa.org) is a chartered by Congress and is made up of 800 elected fellows. The Academy works on important public sector topics and provides reports to Congress and the admin-

istration.

Dr. Wray is one of two metropolitan regional council executive directors in NAPA. His work on metropolitan regional issues, outcomes and performance measurement, and public service reform were several of the areas in his nomination. His most recent publication was co-authored with state Rep. Jason Rojas on metropolitan Hartford issues and is part of the edited book

Confronting Urban Legacy: The Transformation and Renewal of Hartford.

Mary Glassman, chair of the Capitol Region Council of Governments, said: “This is a wonderful honor for Lyle who is a leader in getting towns and cities to work together on important issues such as transportation, housing and land use planning. This is also a wonderful opportunity for Lyle to share innovative

ideas and programs to create regional efficiencies to the 38 member towns that make up the Capital Region Council of Government to increase efficiencies.”

The Capitol Region Council of Governments is made up of 38 cities and towns in North Central Connecticut and serves 975,000 people.

For further information, call 860-5222217 ext. 232. The CRCOG website is at: www.crcog.org.

EAST WINDSOR - The Connecticut Trolley Museum presents Winterfest 2014 and “The Tunnel of Lights.” Leave the hustle and bustle behind and join us for a good old-fashioned holiday event.

You can ride in a heated enclosed trolley or bring a blanket, be brave and enjoy the crisp winter air in the open “electric sleigh.” Your motorman or our guest singers may get you to join them in some holiday songs as you ride through the Connecticut countryside.

Then it’s a race back into the heated Visitors Center, which has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland complete with model trains, decorations galore and you can even buy a delicious cup of hot cocoa to sip as you enjoy the

entertainment.

Winterfest will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Dec. 5-7, 12-14 and 19-21. Santa will be there giving each child a gift until he heads back to the North Pole on Dec. 21. The event will also be held Dec. 26-30 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission is: Adults, $12; Seniors (62+) $10; Youth (ages 2-12) $8; and under 2 is $3. Group rates are available.

The Trolley Museum is located at 58 North Rd. (Rte. 140) in East Windsor.

Easy to find, Exit 45 off of I-91 and east three-quarters of a mile on Rte. 140.

More information can be found at www.ct-trolley.org or by calling 860627-6540.

Reservations are not needed.

Tunnel of Lights Holiday Celebration at Connecticut Trolley Museum

Send your news to NorthCentralNews@aol.com

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Regional

‘A Gift From Graceland’ Concert Starring A-Ray Of Elvis

EAST WINDSOR - Celebrate the holidays with “A Gift from Graceland” concert starring A-Ray of Elvis on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m. at the Broad Brook Opera House, 107 Main St., Broad Brook.

Ray Guillemette Jr. is one of today’s premier Elvis tribute artists. Let this 10time, international, first-place Elvis Presley impersonator rock your world with his striking look, outstanding vocal range and unabashed excitement as he sings Elvis’ Christmas and holiday favorites.

All tickets are $20 (reserved seating)

and will benefit the Opera House Players, a non-profit community theater group that presents at least four major Broadway-style musicals each year.

Order tickets now by calling the box office at 860-292-6068 or purchase online at www.operahouseplayers.org.

The Opera House Players’ 2014-2015 season will conclude with “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” in February and “Monty Python’s Spamalot” in May. The historic Broad Brook Opera House is an intimate venue with seating for 170.

Gift certificates make special holiday gifts. Call the box office to order yours today.

WILLIMANTIC Eastern Connecticut State University's men's basketball has a young, talented team that opened its season on Nov. 15.

Local players include: Tarchee Brown of Vernon Hugh Lindo of Enfield Trachone Preston of Enfield Eastern Connecticut State University is the state's public liberal arts university and serves approximately 5,300 students each year on its Willimantic campus and at satellite locations.

A predominantly residential campus,

Eastern offers more than 30 majors and 50 minors while emphasizing a strong liberal arts foundation grounded in applied learning experiences.

For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.

It is the policy of Eastern Connecticut State University to ensure equal access to its events.

If you are an individual with a disability and will need accommodations for this event, please contact the Office of University Relations at 860-4655735.

Three from North Central CT on Eastern Men’s Basketball Team

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gallery. All entries will be part of the opening night gallery reception and will be on display until Dec. 27th.

Artists or “would-be tree creators” should pick up guidelines at the Enfield Public Library to participate in the art display. Trees should be dropped off by Dec. 6th to be included in the gallery.

Guidelines for submission are also available on the library’s website: www.enfieldpubliclibrary.org. For more information call the library at 860-7637518.

ELLINGTON — Celebrate the holiday spirit with your favorite songs of the season.

Arts from the Heart LLC is hosting its annual Jingle Jam from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14 at its Ellington studio, located at 12 Main St. The event is free to the public and will feature holiday sing-alongs, cookies, hot chocolate and free giveaways.

In lieu of a fee, the studio is collecting non-perishable food for the Tri-Town Food Pantry in Vernon.

About Arts from the Heart: Arts from the Heart, LLC is a music and theatre studio dedicated to the important role the arts have on children’s development.

The studio features the world-renowned Music Together® program, which includes movement and music classes for young children and their caregivers.

The studio also hosts theatre, yoga and music therapy classes and is available for private event rentals.

For more information, visit www.ArtsFromTheHeart.

Jingle Jam event to feature holiday sing-along

31

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ENFIELD - It is not too early to begin thinking of the Festival of Trees at the Enfield Public Library.

Individuals, teams, groups, classes, co-workers, families and friends are encouraged to create trees out of unusual materials to enter in the Festival of Trees. Be creative! Think of something you may have at work or at home that you can make into a tree for the display.

Community members of all ages are invited to create festive, non-traditional trees to be on display in the library’s

December 2014 North Central News

Outdoor Storage

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Decembe2014part2_NCN new template 12/2/14 7:26 AM Page 32

Selectmen Look at Personnel Position Changes

Suffield

SUFFIELD – Positions in Town Hall were the topic of discussion at the Nov. 5 Board of Selectmen’s meeting. Under consideration are the town clerk’s position and changes in the part-time Parks and Recreation clerk’s position.

Former Town Clerk George Beiter left his position Nov. 7. The Democratic Town Committee has received six requests for consideration, according to the minutes of the meeting. The nominating committee is interviewing candidates and will have a special meeting to

recommend a nominee to the selectmen.

To help fill the vacancy, Raven Reid has moved from the Tax Collector’s Office to the Town Clerk’s Office as part-time assistant town clerk.

Parks and Recreation Commission Lou Casinghino asked the selectmen to increase the Parks and Recreation’s clerk’s position from 10 to 15 hours per week. He told the board that the secretary’s position was eliminated 10 months ago and was replaced with the 10-hour-per-week clerk’s position. The agreement was that the number of hours

SUFFIELD - The 17th annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of North Central CT will take place June 6-7, 2015 at the Suffield Middle School. Register your team today by visiting the Relay's website, www.relayforlife.org/northcentralct. This “celebration of life” brings local communities together in a unified effort to fight cancer.

Relay For Life is an American Cancer Society’s family-oriented event

where participants enjoy the camaraderie of a team and also raise funds to support the activities of the American Cancer Society.

Participants take turns walking the Middle School track, as well as taking part in fun activities and enjoy local entertainment. They camp out overnight, continuing to walk throughout the night. Last year's Relay For Life of North Central Connecticut.

By Linda Tishler Levinson

Relay For Life Plans Under Way

Pre-order today for the Holiday Season!

could be revisited if necessary, he said.

The selectmen voted unanimously to increase the position to 15 hours per week.

Graphic Novel Book Group For Kids

SUFFIELD - If you know a kid around the age of 13 who is passionate about comics and graphic novels, steer him/her to the Kent Memorial Library where a graphic novel group is forming.

Each month the group will discuss one or two graphic novels while munching on free pizza.

The first meeting will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 3:30 p.m.

Subsequent meetings will take place on the third Wednesday of every month at 3:30 p.m. Participants can pick up the selection for this month at the Circulation Desk. Register at the Kent Memorial Library by calling 860-6683896.

Superman: Secret Identity by Ken Busiek. Set in the real world, Secret Identity examines the life of a young Kansas man with the unfortunate name of Clark Kent. All Clark wants is to be a writer, but his daily life is filled with the taunts and jibes of his peers, comparing him to that other Clark Kent — the one with super powers.

32 North Central News December 2014

Only Products made in Connecticut make it into our baskets.

Holiday baskets for shipping or local pickup in Suffi Suffield eld.

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Decembe2014part2_NCN new template 12/2/14 7:26 AM Page 33

Suffield Hall of Fame Inducts 5 and Entire Team at Ceremony

Suffield

By Lisa Stone

SUFFIELD - The Suffield Athletic Hall of Fame held its 10th Induction Ceremony on Nov. 22 at Suffield High School. This year’s inductees were; Wright Pearson, Mark Stewart, Jeff Parent, Eric Rakus and coach Fran Aniello along with the 2000 Suffield High girls indoor track team.

Pearson was honored for his gifted performance on the Suffield High hockey team. He was known statewide as the one to be reckoned with since he held every scoring record for SHS as well as Northern Connecticut. Not only did Pearson lead the Wildcats to their first state tournament championship. He received the honor of being the MVP and was also selected for the first team all-state. Pearson was quick to give thanks to the people that helped him achieve his highest potential, his parents and his coach, Lawrence Green.

“I remember all the times that my dad would drive a car full of kids to early morning hockey games,” said Pearson.

“I’m talking 4 a.m. practices, then a quick breakfast at the East Windsor Grill and back to the South Windsor Arena for a 6 a.m. game. Mr. Green always demanded 120 percent from all of his players. He would tell us that if we weren’t ready to give 120 percent, don’t bother coming to play. He taught us that the rule applied off the ice too. We all knew that in life we would be expected to do our very best in whatever we chose to do. My only regret is that both my dad and Mr. Green are not here to share this night with me.”

“This night is full of great memories,” said Parent. “I am very blessed, honored and humbled to be inducted along with these great athletes. We had such great teachers and coaches at Suffield High when I went to school. I am thankful for all those great and wonderful memories.” Parent was inducted due to his outstanding abilities on the soccer field as well as the baseball field.

In his senior year, Parent was selected as an NCCC All Star for his baseball tal-

Suffield Athletic Hall of Fame chairman Frank Beneski congratulates all of the inductees for 2014. (L-R) Eric Rakus, Wright Pearson, Jeff Parent and coach Fran Aniello.

Photo by Lisa Stone ents. Parent led the Wildcats to consecutive NCCC titles in 1972-73 and as a senior co-captain led the team to the state Class M semifinals.

Aniello was honored for his spectacular basketball coaching skills. In his

coaching career for the SHS boys basketball team, he won 360 games, nine league titles, seven NCCC playoff titles and two state championships. Aniello

HALL/page 34

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Decembe2014part2_NCN new template 12/2/14 7:26 AM Page 34

Hall of Fame Honors Athletes Who Made a Mark in Suffield

Suffield

02 and was chosen as the team’s MVP in the same years. Not only was Rakus an outstanding football player, but he showed his supreme talents as a heavyweight wrestler in all four winter seasons. He finished his wrestling career undefeated with 70 wins.

“I really want to thank my dad for all he did for me,” said Rakus. “He’s the one that started my love of football. I really appreciate the support that I got from my entire family. I couldn’t have done that without them.”

Stewart was inducted for his speed and skills in soccer, baseball, track and basketball. Coach Paul Thomas noticed Stewart’s speed during his season and a half on the baseball team at SHS and quickly realized what an asset Stewart would be to the boys’ track team.

Stewart quickly became the team’s No. 1 performer in the 100 and 200 meters and the 110 hurdles as well as the anchor the 4 x 100 relay team. With the addition of Stewart, the team won the NCCC championship meet.

(continued from page 33)

coached the girls’ team as well and led them to their first-ever league title.

Aniello lent his skills to the SHS golf team and the boys’ soccer team as well.

He served as the athletic director for over three decades. Aniello went on to say, “I have to be sure to thank my family for all of their support and understanding. Without their support, I wouldn’t have been able to do what I did.

“I know I wasn’t always there when my kids were growing up, but they always meant the world to me. I’m so proud of them and I am thankful to my wife for being so understanding all those years.”

Rakus was an outstanding football player for the Suffield Academy.

Though Rakus started as a varsity defensive player, he changed his position to running back, where he ran for over 2,400 yards and scored 28 touchdowns in his final two seasons.

He was captain of his team in 2001-

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The same happened in Stewart’s junior year and he was the state champion in the 200. Stewart’s senior year proved even more exciting. He broke several records which remain in his possession to this day.

He was the conference champion in the 100, 200 as well as the 4 x 100 relay.

This awarded Stewart state champion in all three events. It is said that Stewart is the fastest man in Suffield athletic history. Unfortunately, Stewart was unable to attend the ceremony.

The SHS girls indoor track team of 2000 was honored for its outstanding season. The team won the NCCC championship while setting records. They won the 4 x 800 relay with the sprinting ability of Jane Christian as she came from behind on the final leg of the 4 x 200 relay to take the win.

In the championship, Gina Vezzola won the long jump and Kristina Miner won the 3,200. Melanie Schorr won the 800 and the 1000 meters. In the state finals, SHS scored a team total of 51 points.

Coaches Joe Sinicrope and Rich Tyo stood proud as their team received their plaques from the Suffield Athletic Hall of Fame.

“I’m extremely amazed by each athlete’s accomplishments,” said Hall of Fame Chairperson Frank Beneski.

“Each inductee was carefully chosen after several rounds of discussion and researching.

“In order for the inductees to be chosen, we have to go through a rigorous process that doesn’t only consider their athletic career, but we also look at what type of person they are. I am very proud of each of the inductees.”

Suffield High School Bottle Drive

SUFFIELD – The Suffield High School Safegrad Bottle Drive will be held Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Please drop off your five-cent cans and bottles at our new location at Suffield Middle School, 350 Mountain Rd., Suffield.

Decembe2014part2_NCN new template 12/2/14 7:26 AM Page 35

2015 Mercedes C300 AMG an Engaging, Exciting Sedan

Automotive

By Keith Griffin

Sounds strange to say, but the Mercedes-Benz C class always struck me as the ugly stepchild of the German automaker’s lineup. You bought one while saving money for the E-class.

Then the 2015 C300 AMG 4matic arrived in the driveway. After a week behind the wheel covering a few hundred miles, mostly highway, I’m a convert. This four-door sedan has leapt to the front of the class. It’s an aspirational Mercedes instead of just a starter model.

The C-class is all new for 2015.

Befitting us chunkier Americans, the wheelbase has been increased 3 inches to 112 and it’s 1.6 inches wider. Also, the C-class trunk capacity has swelled to 12.8 cubic feet to swallow all of our groceries.

A few weeks prior to driving the C300 I spent time with the MercedesBenz S500. I found the cabin of the small car comparable in quietness to the much larger and more expensive fullsize sedan. In fact it was almost too quiet when a tire suddenly went flat on me.

How to say this? I didn’t notice a problem for more than 50 miles. Sure, the tire pressure monitoring system

instantly flashed 0 for the right rear tire.

Not hearing the classic “thunk, thunk, thunk” of a flat I kept driving and thought the tire sensor had failed.

Fortunately I was close to home when I finally felt the tire acting strange. A quick gas station stop oddly showed no damage, but the owner’s manual revealed I was rolling on run-flats.

Hallelujah. They got me home and the car was off to the dealer next day for tire service.

There’s an AMG in the name, but it’s not from any boost in power. Instead, the C300 earns its AMG stripes with a sport package featuring AMG body styling, 18-inch AMG-wheels and sports suspension. Click on the sports + suspension feature and you have yourself a little pocket rocket.

Steering becomes ultra-responsive and revs never dip below 3000 rpm from the seven-speed automatic. Sure, the C300 also offers comfort, sport and eco suspensions but you’re going to want to leave things in sports + probably 90 percent of the time.

Mercedes doesn’t specify which suspension was used but the C300 does 060 in 6.2 seconds. You know, there’s

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Mercedes has tinkered hither, yither and yon to shave 200 lbs. in weight off the previous generation C class. Other aerodynamic touches help the fuel economy numbers rise to 24-mpg city and 31-mpg highway for a combined 27 mpg. My real-life numbers were a little lower because of the cold weather and sports + suspension.

What gave me slight pause was the price. The 2015 C300 4MATIC starts at $40,400 before the $925 delivery charge. Slap on the AMG features and some other technical wizardry and the price quickly heads north of $58,000.

Mercedes-Benz says the C300 AMG compares to the BMW 3 Series, Audi

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In The Schools A Studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Act of Kindness for the School He Loves ENFIELD - Gary Higginbotham, a sixth grader at Enfield Montessori School, spent the last several weeks refereeing soccer games as well and returning cans and bottles so that he could save money. He wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t working to earn money to buy something for himself, though.

Instead, he was working to earn money for his school. Six weeks ago, the Enfield Montessori School, sponsored by the Felician Sisters, launched an ambitious Capital Campaign Appeal.

The Time is Now, Building Our Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Future 50th Anniversary Capital Campaign is the first step in the proposed relocation of the school to a beautiful facility on the main Enfield Felician Campus.

With the Sistersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; support, school funds, and the proceeds of the Capital Campaign, a major renovation will be completed before the relocation of the school. Â As soon as Gary heard about the campaign, he knew he wanted to do something.

Even as an outgoing 6th grader who

will never be a student in the new school space, Gary felt compelled to support the school that has supported him.

Presenting an envelope containing $88 of hard earned money to Cliona Beaulieu, head of school, Gary said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This money is for the new school.

Even though I will have graduated from Enfield Montessori before the school is ready. I still want the school to happen.â&#x20AC;?

Gary had earned every penny himself. The teachers and staff were so moved by this gift that they have offered to contribute to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Garyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Envelopeâ&#x20AC;? so that a Gary Higginbotham, a sixth grader at Enfield Montessori School, presents an envelope containing memorial brick can be $88 to Cliona Beaulieu, head of school. bought in his honor and Gary is an inspiration and a role munity. As the holiday season approachplaced on the grounds of the new school. model to his friends, family, and the es, we are thankful for students like him entire Enfield Montessori School com- who show us what kindness is all about.

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Stafford High School Announces 1st Quarter Honor Roll

In The Schools

STAFFORD - Marco Pelliccia, Principal, of Stafford High School is pleased to announce that the following students of Stafford High School have made the Honor Roll for the first quarter of the 2014-2015 school year. These students have completed all of their class work as of October 31, 2014 and have not received a grade lower than a 77 in any course.

Students who have a 90 average or better have earned High Honors recognition. Students who have earned an 85 average or better have earned Honors recognition.

Senior High Honors Hannah Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amico Caitlyn Eaton Nicholas Girard Brendan Goodwin Emily Grant Shannon Huda Shane Kalette Alyssa Kniep

Brianna Macfeat Kaela Maloney Michael Nieves Julia Nosel Jonathan Petersen Heidi Pokorny Kyle Ramsey Joshua Simpson Anna Smith Corine Sylvain

Junior High Honors Aaron Bernier Nathanial Boucher Curtis Campo Hunter Davis Lindsay Dobitsky James Donnelly Alexis Eaton Alyssa Fecko Nathan Fish Samantha Gosselin Madison Grenier Natsuko Ikehara Bridget Keleher Troy Luchon Kaitlyn Mathieu Richard McKenney Emma Milikowski Elizabeth Pisciotta Sophia Sargent Allison Schoolnick

Somers Honors

38 North Central News December 2014

continued from page 24

Cheyney, Emma Nicole Clark, Mary Helen Curtis, Adrianne Elise Dalessio, Michael William Delskey, Ashlie Nicole Devlin, Natalie Ann Eastman, Hadleigh Alexis Eastwood, Lauren Ashlee Gentile, Ashleigh Ann Grandpre', Abby Elizabeth Griger, Sydney A. Hearn, Samantha Taylor Hudroge, Nadine Allie Jeffway, Jenna Irene Jewell, Hanna Kate Keeney, Grace McDonough Kement, Jayden Mackenzie Knight, Whitney S. Maznicki, Maggie Noelle Miller, Alex James Morse, Christopher Thomas Mulvihill, Connor Simpson Palazzo, Jayme Steven

Dylan Snay Shannon Stuart Heather Tetrault Meadow Voisine Devan Yeo

Sophomore High Honors Michael Bachiochi Morgan Canestrari Jacob Conklin Matthew Frank Danielle Garnelis Valerie Girard Ethan Lawlor Wendelin Marmol Timothy Noto Sarah Provencher Damon Reynolds Chase Walbridge

Freshman High Honors Adrianna Barnett Zachary Briggs Adam Carter Hannah Davis Breanna Earl Lauren Everhart-Deckard Sarah Gallison Abigail Hatch Samantha Klapproth

Reed, Ashley MIchelle Rheault, Broderick Armand Roberts, Connor Joseph Rush, Thomas Robert Simpson, Zaire Sparrow, Ethan R. Speight, Cassandra June Swan, Camryn Avery Turley, Nicole Evanne Yarrows, Michael Brian Zinsmeister, Hannah Gail

Grade 12 Honors Ansaldi, Alec Edgar Beebe, Zachary Ryan Belmonte, Christopher Alex Bonneau, Melanie Celine Bujnowski, Evelyn Ceppetelli, Maria Alyse Coleman, Mackenzie Rose Eastwood, Erin Amanda Finnegan, Mark Victor Hanks, Nicholas Bryant Hostetler, Jack William Huang, Anita Kapino, Alec Jay Lamson, Nicholas LaVallee, Nicolaus Harold Marsters, Connor Patrick Murphy, Alaina Catherine

Alexandra Kulman Michaela Lauf Jacob Leroux Kathryn Liebler Abbe Minor Andrew Napolitano Kayla Padegimas Jordyn Powell Stephanie Ramsey Chase Sierra Rumsha Tariq Kylee Teats Rachel Ulitsch Darby Villar Claire Zopelis

Senior Honors Adam Beaucage Sallee Bizilj Renee Chasse Madison Fitzgerald Taylor Glaeser-Charter Abigail Graef Marissa Hanley Taylor Laflamme Erica Lawlor Jacob Magnotta Matthew Moore Terek Oldenberg Heidi Richards Anyamanee Saksri Trevor Simpson

Paskewitz, Allen James Patsun, Adam John Ruble, Ross Edward Ryder, Mia Michele Salvador, Samantha Anne Savage, Sarah Katherine Settje, Ethan Jake Sievering, Elizabeth Rose Tolisano, Tyler Michael Yarrows, John Cole Grade 11 Honors Barile, Anthony James Beebe, Spencer William Blais, Alan L. Boucher, Tyler Bozzo, Kyleigh Jordan Brown, Corey Vincent Burgess, Thomas Peter Chaisson, James Michael Devine, Morgan E. Emery, Michael Roy Frasca, Dinea Gray Genece, Jadzia Alyssa Graham, Jacob Chase Gray, Nicholas Scott Hinckley, Ashley Josephine Jewell, Megan Sara Logan, Bridget Anne Moriarty, Matthew M Morin, Noah Christian

Shannon Slater Keighlee Szafir Raeanna Tumel

Junior Honors Michael Bladek Natalie Cyr Emily Davis Rachel Gallison Cory Gallo Brandon Godsell Sandra Korzeniewski Kaitlin Lynch Matthew Martinsen Hannah Pinney Alison Pisciotta Brianna Reeves Peyton Teske Caitlin Toney Patrick Vincenti

Sophomore Honors Rachel Bergeron William Bernier Jenna Castonguay Ashley Dempsey Dakotah Dwyer-Matson Carley Evans Matthew Faber Logan Farley Matthew Garvais

Wetherell Munson, Kristen Grace Poitras, John MIchael Renaud, Madison Elizabeth Scott, Cameron Jorge Tarbox, Allison Marie Wheeler, Ellen Elise

Grade 10 Honors Allard, Jessica Lauren Bourgoin, Trent Moriarty Capuano, Danielle Jai Garlick, Peter Thomas Giachello, Domenic J Gladu, Rachel Karina Lyn Gosselin, Rachel Marie Hailer, Brendan Ryan Kaufman, Amanda Rose Lashway, Tori Marie Lynch, Nathan Patrick Masamery, Lauren Elizabeth Mongillo, Joseph Angelo Nolasco, Gabriela Adriana Paley, Christian Allen Patel, Ashna Pankaj Pfeifer, Brandon Stephen Phillips, Jacob Davenport Reilly, Dylan Patrick Renzoni, Sarah Janet

Tyler Gebo Brianna Gill Justin Grant Miranda Griffith Katelyn Henderson Catherine Hoss Grace Ives Brandon Kallenbach Schuyler Lamoureux Connor Luby Cameron MacGregor Jordan McKay Victoria Molitoris Nicholas Ouellette Kyle Piccoli Haylie Prucker Andrew Syphers

Freshman Honors Luke Dabek Carlie Dreyfus Autumn Gagnon Karmen Jensen Trevor Johnston Tessa Kopec Tanner Lancester Kaylee Miller Ashley Robbins Cayleigh SauermannCoureen Elizabeth Tilk

Savage, Claire Elizabeth Whiteley, Hannah Abigail Wyllie, Mackenzie P.

Grade 9 Honors Allen, Christopher James Ansaldi, Brett Thomas Boucher, Adrianna Rose Clark, Madison LeMay Colton, Emmabelle Draper Elgin, Diana Rae Graham, Sydney Elizabeth Kopec, Samantha Leigh Kwasnik, Rachel Elisabeth Lessard, Ethan Donald MacLeod, Spencer Andrew Merrill, Samantha Rose Patsun, Alyssa Judith Perrier, Monae A. Petersen, Richard Michael Regulbuto, Jake Anthony Robbins, Raquel Mitzy Salemi, Vanessa Marie Samson, Robert Henry Tingley, Emma Catherine Tomko, Paige Micheala Tullock, Ashley Nicole Vargo, Zachary Evan Whitford, Colin Hunter Williams, Alexander D

Decembe2014part2_NCN new template 12/2/14 7:26 AM Page 39

In The Schools

‘Cell’ Mates

Students in Miss Landry’s 7th grade Life Science class at St. Bernard School recently completed their study of the cell structure. Each student was required to create a 3-D model of either a plant or animal cell for their first term project. The purpose of this project was to better understand the function of each organelle within the cell and to identify the differences between plant and animal cell structures. Students were asked to select items to represent various cell structures and justify their choices by describing how the items they have chosen represent the actual parts of a cell. Students showed their creativity by using materials including: Jell-O, Styrofoam, toy models, pipe cleaners, beads, cake, candy, and other food products. Back row, from left, Alexandra Gillis, Annamarie Lastrina, Sidney Taffe. Front row, from left, Joel Randolph, Alexis Roberts

to you and yours from all of your friends at The North Central News

North Central Connecticut’s leading source for news since 2002!

New Asnuntuck Director of Institutional Advancement and Community Engagement

ENFIELD - Asnuntuck Community College has announced the hiring of Keith Madore as the college’s new Director of Institutional Advancement and Community Engagement. Madore has joined the college after working for 18 years at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.

While at the university, Madore served as the Director of Development and Alumni Relations. Madore was previously their Alumni and Conference Specialist. He has vast experience in event planning, community outreach, annual fund giving and donor cultivation. Madore has also served on several campus steering committees and groups at the University of Maine and served on both the University Foundation and Alumni Board of Directors.

Born and raised in Northern Maine, the new director has strong ties to the area. He has one sister who has lived in Enfield for 30 years and a second sister living in Agawam, Mass.

In this new position, Madore said he is planning on “creating a stronger bridge between the community and ACC.” Some of the initiatives Madore plans to put forth are to begin an Alumni Association, create a new annual fund appeal, and connect with the greater community.

Keith Madore.

Photo by Julie Cotnoir

President James Lombella adds, “I’m very excited to have Keith on board. He brings many years of experience in higher education and institutional advancement and will make a wonderful addition to our team. He is committed to not only engage our faculty, staff, and students but the community as well.”

39

www.thenorthcentralnews.com

Saint Martha School in Enfield was thrilled to congratulate Marisa Cyboron, a second grade student, for her accomplishment as Leadline Reserve Champion at the Decarli Farm 2014 Horse Show Series.

December 2014 North Central News

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860.749.6961 • www.kentretirementplanning.com Email: harry.kent@natplan.com *As voted by the North Central News readers polls from 2007 thru 2013.

Harry Kent Accredited Investment Fiduciary®

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through National Planning Corporation. NPC is a Member of FINRA & SIPC and a Registered Investment Adviser. Kent Retirement Planning Services, LLC and NPC are separate and unrelated companies.