January 2014 North Central News

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FREE! In This Issue

Three Area Schools of Distinction

•EAST WINDSOR: Town seeks solutions for former Army land .....................p. 4 • ELLINGTON: Town seeks resolution for senior center funding.....................p. 7 • ENFIELD: Parochial schools will get armed security..............................p. 9 • ENFIELD: Free career training for SNAP participants ......................p. 10 • SOMERS: Town might get its first CVS pharmacy....................................p. 16 • STAFFORD: Town cuts state police position to save money................p. 22 • SUFFIELD: Church’s food pantry does outreach to town ................. p. 26 • SUFFIELD: Woman’s club seeks new members for group ....................p. 27

• NEXT ISSUE • DEADLINE: Jan. 24, 2014 (860) 698-0020

By Linda Tishler Levinson

Winter Wonderland

www.thenorthcentralnews.com

While this past Christmas wasn’t a white one, December wasn’t entirely without snow. This view from Orcuttville Road in Stafford reminds us of the beauty of winter, with its frost-tipped trees and snow-dusted landscape.

Three schools in North Central Connecticut are Schools of Distinction.

On Dec. 5 the state Department of Education released the 2013 School and District Performance Reports, which rate overall performance of schools and districts.

The school performance reports replace the former ratings of schools under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. This is the first year the state’s accountability system was implemented, as approved by the U.S. Department of Education as part of Connecticut’s Elementary and Secondary Education Act waiver in 2012. “Our accountability system is designed both to recognize the progress our schools are making and to reveal the challenges where they exist. These reports demonstrate that there are bright spots and best practices as well as areas

Photo by Amy Hartenstein

SCHOOLS/page 3

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North Central Publishing, LLC dba

The North Central News P.O. Box 427 Somers, CT 06071 PHONE: 860.698.0020 FAX: 860.394.4262 E-MAIL: NorthCentralNews@aol.com

WEBSITE: www.thenorthcentralnews.com

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Gary Carra CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Julie Cotnoir Keith Griffin Barbra O’Boyle Linda Tishler-Levinson Deborah Stauffer PHOTOGRAPHERS

David Butler II ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Gary Carra Sr. Amy Hartenstein PUBLISHER’S POLICY:

Three Selected as Schools of Distinction (continued from page 1) in need of review and improvement in districts and schools across the state,” state Commissioner of Education Stefan Pryor said in a written release. “We encourage educators and parents to draw upon these reports – as well as other forms of input and insight – as they continue working together for our schools’ and our students’ success.”

Recognized as having highest overall performance as Schools of Distinction were Windermere Intermediate School in Ellington, Maybelle B. Avery Middle School in Somers and Stafford Middle School.

In addition, Windermere was recognized as being a School of Distinction for having a highest performing subgroup for its students with disabilities.

“We are pleased with the performance of all of our schools and extremely proud that Stafford Middle School has been recognized as a School of Distinction for its highest overall per-

formance on the CMT,” Stafford Superintendent of Schools Patricia Collin said.

“I think overall the results are very good,” Ellington Superintendent of Schools Stephen Cullinan said.

Cullinan said the state goal is to have a School Performance Index of 88 or higher, and that he is pleased that most schools in Ellington are already around that goal. With a score of 88, students will have performed at or above goal level on the majority of tests. The test scores for the Connecticut Mastery Test taken by elementary and middle school students and the Connecticut Academic Performance Test taken by high school students are included. The state goals also include a four-year graduation rate of 94 percent or higher and a holding power rate, the extended graduation rate, of 96 percent or higher.

Here is the breakdown by area districts.

East Windsor In East Windsor, the CMT DPI was

for the 2012-13 school year was 74. The CAPT DPI was 65.1. The district graduation rate for the 2011-12 school year, the latest year for which the information was available, was 86.5 percent.

Ellington In Ellington, the CMT DPI was for the 2012-13 school year was 91.3. The CAPT DPI was 83.9. The district graduation rate for the 2011-12 school year, the latest year for which the information was available, was 90.1 percent.

Enfield In Enfield, the CMT DPI was for the 2012-13 school year was 83.7. The CAPT DPI was 77.8. The district graduation rate for the 2011-12 school year, the latest year for which the information was available, was 85.2 percent.

Somers In Somers, the CMT DPI was for the 2012-13 school year was 87.3. The CAPT DPI was 84.9. The district graduation rate for the 2011-12 school year, the latest year for which the information was available, was 95.8 percent.

Stafford In Stafford, the CMT DPI was for the 2012-13 school year was 87. The CAPT DPI was 81.2. The district graduation rate for the 2011-12 school year, the latest year for which the information was available, was 88 percent.

Suffield In Suffield, the CMT DPI was for the 2012-13 school year was 90.1. The CAPT DPI was 89.4. The district graduation rate for the 2011-12 school year, the latest year for which the information was available, was 90.8 percent.

DAR Names Four ‘Good Citizens’ The Penelope Terry Abbey Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is proud to announce that four local high school seniors have been selected to receive this year’s Good Citizens Award.

The students are Joseph Frost from Enfield High School, son of Ann Marie Rago; Clay Harman from East Windsor High School, son of Greg and Cecilia Harman; Jacob Mikullitz from Enrico Fermi High School, son of Kimberly Mikullitz; and Helena Rheault from Somers High School, daughter of Randy and Ann Marie Rheault.

January 2014 North Central News

The information presented in the North Central News is presented for your consideration and does not necessarily represent the views of the publisher or its advertisers.

All information is checked for accuracy but cannot be guaranteed. Liability for errors in advertising is limited to rerun of the ad. Errors in advertising should be brought to the attention of the publisher, in writing, within seven days of publication for appropriate credit.

Regional

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East Windsor Town Seeking Solutions for South Road Development Woes

By Linda Tishler Levinson

by the federal Department of Housing owners creating an association to and Urban Development, the Army maintain the property. and Creative Housing, according to First Selectman Denise Menard the minutes of the meeting. said the town wants to keep the South With the organization now defunct, Road development as affordable Creative Housing officials have not housing, since that is something the been located. In addition to unpaid community needs. She also said that taxes, the organization has not paid this is a legal matter and she cannot water bills or utilities and has not maintained the property.

The town has been working to help EAST WINDSOR - A free Lego the homeowners find a solution.

Possibilities include the town build will be held on Sunday, Jan. 12, at Housing Authority becoming the the Scout Hall Youth Center, 28 Abbe manager of the property and home- Rd., East Windsor. Drop in or leave any time between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Come and see what your child can build with 40,000 Lego bricks including Duplo bricks for younger children.

All creations must be left behind for the next build. Bring your children and 2/-$1#.1"1&!,1&, #& % , )0-, #&#!-0-&', #& ,20#.., (%1&-%%,2- 1$-% their friends for a fun constructive afternoon. Adults must accompany their child, but this is a great time for -, ),#..,' 1&!%, )(, )& ', # -,'10-,'), ) chatting and meeting with other adults

EAST WINDSOR — The South Road development issue remains unresolved, with the town suing Creative Housing of Hartford for nonpayment of taxes. The matter currently is being reviewed in court.

The Board of Selectmen was updated on the matter at its Dec. 17 meeting.

The homes that are part of the development were built on property owned by Creative Housing that was formerly owned by the U.S. Army. A 99-year ground lease was established

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give the homeowners legal advice.

She did say, however, that if she were one of the homeowners, she would want to be a party to the lawsuit and would look at the alternatives given. She also said the town is not doing anything to threaten their homeownership.

Free Build with over 40,000 Lego Bricks as your child plays. This is open to anyone from any town.

The Scout Hall has been the recipient of 40,000 Lego bricks through the generosity of the Lego Corporation.

Anyone wishing to donate Lego bricks for the Scout Hall Lego Builds that are no longer used and taking up space, contact Nancy Masters. They will go to a good cause and you can receive a letter for a tax deduction.

They must be Lego bricks, as other brands of bricks do not fit with Lego bricks.

send your news to northcentralnews@aol.com

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East Windsor Three Conservation/Development Plan Workshops Set EAST WINDSOR - The Town of East Windsor continues to gather information to update its Plan of Conservation and Development. Working toward that goal, the following meeting/workshops will be held: Monday, Jan. 13 – starting at 6 p.m. at East Windsor High School cafeteria, 76 South Main St., East Windsor - Workshop with Parks and Recreation to dis-

cuss the future of Parks and Recreation in town.

Thursday, Jan. 23 – starting at 6 p.m. at the Park Hill community room, 1-A Park Hill, Broad Brook – Workshop with the Water Pollution Control Authority to discuss the future of sewers in town.

Tuesday, Jan. 28 – starting at 7 p.m. at the East Windsor Town Hall meeting room, 11 Rye St., Broad

Brook – Workshop with the Planning & Zoning Commission to discuss the future of housing in town.

Please contact the East Windsor Planning Department with any questions at 860-623-6030 or Town Planner Laurie Whitten at lwhitten@eastwindsorct.com.

ACC, MTC Director and Student Recognized at Awards Ceremony ENFIELD - Asnuntuck Community College, the Director of its Manufacturing Technology Center and a student from the MTC Department were all recognized during a ceremony at the Legislative Office Building on Dec. 11.

The Connecticut State College and Universities (ConnSCU) honored industry partners, staff, and students of the state’s four Advanced Manufacturing Centers at the 2013 Advanced Manufacturing Awards Ceremony.

They were joined at the event by Governor Dannel P. Malloy; Elliot Ginsberg, President and CEO of the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc.; and David Levinson, Vice President for Community Colleges, Board of Regents for Higher Education.

Asnuntuck Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center's Director Frank Gulluni (far left) was presented with the Leadership Award. The college received an award for their Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center and ACC Student Pedro Rivera (fourth from left) was presented with an Outstanding Student Award. Gary Zweifel (third from left) from Delta Industries and a member of ACC’s Machine Technology Advisory Board was presented with an Industry Partner Award. ACC’s Dean of Academics Barbara McCarthy (second from left) and Interim ACC President James Lombella (far right) also attended the event.

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Contestants Sought for Senior Beauty Pageant ENFIELD The Ms. Connecticut/Senior America Pageant, a pageant to honor women who have reached the “Age of Elegance,� is searching for contestants and sponsors, throughout the State of Connecticut, to participate in the 2014 pageant.

Contestants will compete in evening gown, philosophy of life, talent and an interview conducted by pageant judges on Saturday, April 26, at Asnuntuck Community College in Enfield.

Sponsor opportunities provide a vari-

ety of marketing opportunities, as well as show support for senior citizens across the state of Connecticut.

For sponsor information or contestant application, please contact Connecticut Pageant Director Diane Saia at 413-5671678 or email ddsaia@baypath.edu, or call Carolyn Brooks-Burton (Hartford) at 860-243-8734 or Judith MacDonald (East. Lyme) at 860-739-0199.

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Residents are asked to bring in old and unused prescriptions drugs so they can be disposed of in the proper manner. No syringes will be accepted.

For more information, contact Ellington Youth Services at 860-870-3130

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Cookies for the Troops On Wednesday, Dec. 11, the East Windsor Senior Center hosted a Cookies for the Troops event and helped collect cookies to send to local military who are currently deployed during the holiday season.

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Ellington Town Seeks To Clear Up Senior Center Funding Issue

By Linda Tishler Levinson

by the seniors to help pay for the construction. Bonding for the project was authorized by Town Meeting vote at $2.8 million.

“That was taken as an offer and was acted upon at that point,” the first selectman said, adding, “I believe it shows up in the record” and that was what the Board of Finance had in mind.

With the Senior Center nearly ready to open, Blanchette said the town finance officer has been looking for those funds.

ELLINGTON — First Selectman Maurice Blanchette hopes any confusion surrounding funding for the Senior Center is quickly resolved.

“I call that a misunderstanding,” Blanchette of the issue of how money raised by the seniors will be spent.

During the process of authorizing cost increases for the Senior Center from $2.5 million to $2.9 million, Blanchette said it was agreed that $100,000 would be raised

Some senior citizens in town, however, had believed that the money they raised was for furniture and other equipment for the Senior Center.

Still, Blanchette said he is hopeful this misunderstanding can be cleared up and everyone can move forward with fundraising for Senior Center needs.

“I don’t believe that there is some con-

troversy here,” he said, adding he hopes the misunderstanding will not make people shy away from contributing to the center fund.

In a related matter, the Board of Selectmen voted Dec. 16 to authorize $13,000 out of the 2013-2014 budget fund balance to hire a part-time custodian for the Senior Center.

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Women’s Club Welcomes New Member The Ellington Women’s Club welcomed a new member into its community service organization at the Dec. 4 meeting. Pictured, from left, are: Ellington Women’s Club membership chairperson Rita Carbone-Lawson; new member Pat Collins; and co-presidents Darlene Hull and Karen Antonetti.

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on Tuesday, Jan. 28, and Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. in the EHS auditorium. Community members of any age with any kind of talent are encouraged to attend the auditions. For more information, please email Megan at BigTalent2014@gmail.com.

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Ellington Town Makes Appointments; Seeks Volunteers for Boards ELLINGTON - At the Dec. 16 meeting of the town’s Board of Selectmen, the following appointments were approved: Ad Hoc Patriotic Committee: Reappointed Bruce N. Warkentin, Wilson D. Flynn, David Grim, Alan Lewandosky, Jeffrey Martin, John M. Takach, James Stemmerman, J. Wiley Dumas and Michael Varney to one-year terms ending Dec. 31, 2014.

The following appointments will be

considered at the Jan. 13 meeting of the Board of Selectmen. Vacancies exist on the boards/commissions noted below: Ad Hoc Patriotic Committee: Three terms to Dec. 31, 2014 Ad Hoc Committee For The Preservation Of The Pinney House: One term to July 31, 2014 Board Of Assessment Appeals Alternate: One term to Jan. 31, 2015 Building Code Board Of Appeals: One term to April 30, 2014

Free Workshop on Positive Parenting ELLINGTON - Ellington Youth Services presents Ruth Ettenberg Freeman, LCSW, and the Positive Parenting Workshop for parents of children ages 2 to 12. It will be held over six consecutive nights: Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, and March 6, 13 (March 20 - snow date) from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at Hall Memorial Library, 93 Main St., Ellington.

Positive Parenting is an informative and fun course for parents and all adults who care for and about children. The content is based on both research and the experience of thousands of parents who

have worked with Freeman over almost three decades.

Child care is offered. Attendance is not required for all workshops, but is encouraged. Each session will have a different theme covering topics such as discipline methods, methods of communication, parenting styles, and how to increase cooperation and deepen connections in the family. For more information and to reserve your spot, please contact Ellington Youth Services at 860870-3130 or email dstauffer@ellingtonct.gov. All workshops and child care are free of charge.

Conservation Commission: One term to March 31, 2017; one term to March 31, 2016 Economic Development Commission Alternate: One term to Jan. 31, 2015 Ethics Commission: One term to Jan. 31, 2018; one term to Jan. 31, 2016 Human Services Commission: One term to Jan. 31, 2018 Inland Wetlands Agency Alternate: One term to Jan. 31, 2015 North Central District Health Department Board Of Directors: One

term to June 30, 2016 Any elector of the Town of Ellington interested in serving the community on one of the above-listed boards/commissions should call the First Selectman’s office at 860-870-3100 for a Statement of Interest.

Interested electors can also visit the town’s website at www.Ellington-ct.gov and select ‘Government’, then select ‘Boards & Commissions’, then select ‘vacancies’.

Tax Payments Due Soon ELLINGTON - Tax payments are due by Feb. 3.

The Tax Office offers the option of paying taxes online by visiting the Town of Ellington website at www.ellingtonct.gov where real estate, personal property and motor vehicle taxes can be paid with a credit/debit card or from an online checking account. Invoice Cloud, which handles these transactions, charges taxpayers a convenience fee, electronic check (95 cent processing fee) or credit/debit card (2.95% processing

fee). Please note that credit/debit cards are NOT accepted in the Tax Office.

The town’s remittance processing center located in Boston is not able to process online banking checks. You will need to send those payments to: Town of Ellington PO Box 158 Ellington, CT 06029-0158 If you have questions, please contact the Tax Office at 860-870- 3113 or email the office at taxcollector@ellingtonct.gov.

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Enfield Town Will Fund Armed Security at Parochial Schools

By Linda Tishler Levinson ENFIELD — Armed security personnel will likely be added to the town’s parochial schools.

At the Dec. 16 Town Council meeting, parents and staff of St. Martha’s School asked the town to consider adding armed security for parochial schools as it has for public schools.

Ann Sarpu, principal of St. Martha’s, said she feels it is important that the

service provided to the public schools be extended to the parochial schools, according to the minutes of the meeting.

She said she hopes the council will vote in favor of the additional security.

Mary Ellen Davis, a town resident and a teacher at St. Martha’s, said she agrees all children need to be protected.

She added the recent Colorado incident ended quickly because a security officer was in the school.

Explorers Hosting Magic Show To Raise Funds ENFIELD - The Enfield Police Explorers Post 820, Connecticut's oldest Police Explorer post, is currently conducting a fundraiser. Local businesses and residents are being contacted in an effort to raise enthusiasm and support for this important cause. Proceeds will be going to help send Enfield’s young upstanding citizens between the ages of 13 and 20 to attend the National Explorer Academy in Bloomington, Ind. As a thank you to the community, the Enfield Explorers will bring world renowned magician and actor Matt Roberts, whose astonishing Magic &

Illusion Act will feature fun audience participation.

The show takes place on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 6 p.m. at the JFK Middle School auditorium on Raffia Road in Enfield. Opening will be children’s musician Wayne Potash. Tickets will be available at the door for a suggested donation of $10 for adults. Children under 12 enter free of charge. Doors open at 5 p.m.

For tickets or information on this event, call 508-804-5352 or email alex@ecmgevents.com.

Councilman Cynthia Mangini said she will definitely support funding for security officers for the parochial schools, since it would be a discriminatory practice not to include the same level of security for one group of children as another.

Councilman Joseph Bosco said while he voted against the original school security guards, he supported providing the same security for the parochial schools.

Councilman Gregory Stokes Sr. said he has always supported the school security program and will support fund-

ing this for the parochial schools as well.

He said the town would never exclude children at parochial schools, adding they are hearing great reports from the schools regarding the security officers.

Mayor Scott Kaupin distributed a newspaper article on school security officers and the recent Colorado high school incident. The CNN article said one reason there were not more casualties at that school was that there was an armed officer in the school. He said he supports funding the school security officers in parochial schools.

Enfield Will Host Suffield Woman’s Club ENFIELD - On Wednesday, Jan. , The Woman’s Club of Suffield will be the guests of The Woman’s Club of Enfield at noon at the Holy Family Church Hall on Simon Road, Enfield. A finger food luncheon will be served, and all the ladies are asked to wear hat and gloves and bring their favorite teacup and saucer. Following the luncheon Anthony Secondo of the Enfield Historical Society will be speaking.

The Enfield club is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs International, the world’s oldest and largest women’s volunteer organization, and a member of the Connecticut State Federation tht allows its members to take part in many national and statewide programs and projects. If anyone is interested in joining The Woman’s Club of Enfield, call Carol at 749-4418 or Deborah at 745-2864.

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Free Career Training for SNAP Recipients at Asnuntuck programs in the region. In a matter of weeks to months, ACC Healthcare Career Certificate students obtain the hands-on experience they need to secure jobs in Phlebotomy, Massage Therapy, Medical Coding, Veterinary Assistant and much more.

“We are pleased to partner with the DSS and offer up to $200,000 in scholarships this semester that will go directly to student training,” said Eileen Peltier, the college’s Associate Dean of Workforce Development and Continuing Education. “Here at Asnuntuck, we constantly strive to take down barriers to education so that all of our students can reach their fullest potential. This new SNAP E&T scholarship fund is yet another example of how we can effectively achieve this mission.”

In addition to SNAP scholarship funding, ACC students can also take advantage of the college’s free, collaborative daycare services and free transportation via Enfield’s Magic Carpet bus system.

Note: SNAP recipients receiving TANF (Temporary Aid To Needy

ENFIELD – Persons receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) assistance may now be eligible to take one of Asnuntuck Community College’s 11 in-demand Healthcare Career Certificate programs for free. These programs include EMT, Phlebotomy & EKG Tech, Medical Assistant, Massage Therapy, Dental Assistant, Vet Assistant, Pharmacy Tech, Ophthalmic Assistant, Safety Dispatcher, Certified Professional Coder and Sterilization Technician.

Asnuntuck has recently been accepted as the latest partner in the SNAP E&T Program, a federally funded initiative that provides scholarships for SNAP recipients to receive the training needed to obtain jobs, with high growth prospects. These scholarships are administered at the state level via the Department of Social Services.

Boasting a nearly 100 percent graduation rate and job placements/externships at upwards of 80 percent, ACC’s Healthcare Career Certificate programs have been recognized for being some of the most successful classroom to career

2 2014 Make Mak Ma ake ke

Families) funds are not eligible for the ACC scholarship.

For more information on the scholarship, programs, eligibility and more

please call 860-253-3066 or 860-2533034 or email AS-ContinuingEd@ asnuntuck.edu or visit www.asnuntuck.edu.

Persons receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) assistance may now be eligible to take one of Asnuntuck Community College’s 11 in-demand Healthcare Career Certificate programs for free.

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Enfield St. Bernard Student Dances in Ct Concert Ballet’s Nutcracker ENFIELD – At Connecticut Concert Ballet’s Nutcracker annual performances, St. Bernard School seventh-grader Isabella Lingua-Cutler performed the high profile role of Fritz.

Lingua-Cutler shared the role of Fritz this year in half the shows. Fritz is the trouble-making brother of Clara, who gets an enchanted Nutcracker as a gift at Christmastime. Some years, when there are not enough boys to fill the cast, girls need to step into the roles, and this year Isabella was that most important “boy” in the story. She enjoyed being in a lead that requires great responsibility, and enjoyed all of the acting as well as the

dancing that it required. This is Isabella’s 10th Nutcracker.

Isabella, as well as being a great student at St. Bernard School, has been identified as a promising classical ballet dancer both by winning this role at CCB and by auditioning for and being accepted to nationally competitive summer intensive ballet programs. Last year she attended the Bolshoi Ballet, which has been identified by CCB artistic director Wendy Fish-Lawrence as one of the top programs in the country.

Isabella is a level 3 dancer in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum employed at CCB.

At this level of proficiency, dancers spend 6 1/2 hours a week in classes that include ballet technique and pre-pointe.

In addition, these students take at least one other form of dance. Rehearsals for the Nutcracker were held outside of class time. The dancers rehearsed for their leads and supporting roles an additional three or more hours a week, though Isabella’s role required much more. Isabella has also been selected as a trainee for CCB’s pre-professional program and attends an additional 90minute-a-week class for this specialized training.

Creative Cells ENFIELD - Students in Miss Brooke Landry's 7th grade class at St. Bernard School in Enfield were required to create a 3-D model of either a plant or animal cell for their first-term Life Science project. The purpose of this project was to better understand the parts and workings of a cell. Students were asked to select items to represent various cell structures and justify their choices by describing how the items they chose represent the actual parts of a cell. Students showed their creativity by using materials such as Jell-O, Styrofoam, toy models, pipe cleaners, beads, cake, candy and other food products. From left, Michael Giugliano, Ethan Cheffer, Cathryne Tronsky, and Riley Doerner display their creations.

January 2014 North Central News

11

Jan2014NCNpart1_NCN new template 12/28/13 1:00 PM Page 12

Regional Rockville/United Bank To Consolidate Four Area Branches GLASTONBURY – Rockville Bank and United Bank has announced that they have identified four branches to consolidate to minimize branch overlap that would occur after their strategic merger of equals. Company leaders say that these consolidations would help to make the combined bank stronger, more efficient and better able to serve the public in the banks’ very competitive geographic markets.

Rockville and United included the proposed list of consolidations in regulatory filings this week.

After reviewing the banks’ locations, studying the close proximity of United and Rockville branches and determining the inefficiencies that exist, the banks determined to consolidate four branches, subject to regulatory and shareholder approval of the merger.

The Rockville Bank branch located at 12 Main St. in Ellington will be consol-

idated into the United Bank branch at 287 Somers Rd. in Ellington. These two branches are less than one mile apart.

The bank will file an application to apply to open a loan production office in the Rockville Bank branch and maintain an ATM. United Bank’s branch located at 268 Hazard Ave. in Enfield will be consolidated into Rockville Bank’s branch at 231 Hazard Ave. These two branches are less than a half-mile apart. Rockville is currently planning a renovation at its Hazard Avenue branch to enhance the customers’ banking experience.

Rockville Bank has another branch located in the Enfield Big Y Supermarket on Palomba Drive and United Bank has a branch located at 855 Enfield Street.

United Bank’s branch located at 23 Main St. in Manchester will be consolidated into the Rockville Bank branch at

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768 North Main St. United’s Main Street branch is a little over a mile from Rockville’s North Main Street location.

Rockville has two other branches in Manchester located at 341 Broad St. and the Big Y supermarket branch.

United Bank’s branch located at 112 Mountain Rd. in Suffield will be consolidated into the Rockville Bank branch at 275 Mountain Rd. These two branches are less than a half-mile apart.

Rockville and United employees who work at these branches proposed for consolidation will be offered comparable positions in the same or nearby communities. Customers will be provided ample notification of the consolidations.

Any regulatory applications to consolidate the four branches in Ellington, Enfield, Manchester and Suffield will not be filed until their merger application receives regulatory and shareholder

approval, which they are anticipating in the first half of 2014. Therefore, customers would not see any branches consolidate until late 2014, at the earliest.

“Customers, employees, shareholders and the communities we serve are always in the forefront of any decision we make, particularly when it came to determining which United and Rockville branches we propose consolidating,” said William H.W. Crawford, IV, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rockville Bank and Rockville Financial, Inc. (RCKB). “After looking at duplicative services of the combined bank, the close proximity of our branches and the inefficiencies that exist within the branch network, we came to a sound and practical business decision that will result in significant cost-savings and greater shareholder return without compromising ... customer service.”

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Enfield Saint Martha School Announces First Quarter Honors ENFIELD – The following students were named to the honor roll at St. Martha School for the first marking period.

HIGH HONORS Grade 7 Joseph DeVito Tabitha Hinkle Rachel Lagasse Madison Langh Amy Mistri Melissa Scanlon Grade 6 Alessandra Good Ashley Harding Cassidy O’Hara Alexis Roberts Grade 5 Antony Auzina Katie DeVito Matthew Emerson Alexis Ford Grade 4 Declan Higgins

Isabella Hinkle HONORS Grade 8 Rachel Cutter Aryana D’Amato Nicholas Good Grade 7 Shelby Arcouette Ciara Logan Jasmine Yard Grade 6 Brieanna Bernier Amanda Coderre Shannon Kelley Asha Patel Grade 5 Sumner Conklin Jamie Gugliotti Andrew Mastrangelo Abigail Palmer Tatum Perkins Isabella Piazza Stephen Rougeot Amelie Skerla

Grade 4 Jacqueline Barrow Elsa Cable Mary Cable Celeste Connell Madelyn Demers Matthew Fleischman Ava Gazsi Elizabeth Hanlon Sara Leduc Trever Lewis Faith MacDonald Eva Perkins Lillia Polmatier Frank Roberts Emma Rubin Matthew Spruill PRINCIPAL’S OUTSTANDING EFFORT Grade 8 Gabriella Bragaia Grade 7 Nihal Baiju John Paul Eckel Christopher Sniffin

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St. Bernard’s School Honor Roll ENFIELD – The following students have been named to the honor roll at St. Bernard’s School according to a list provided by the school.

GRADE EIGHT HIGH HONORS: Aurelie Barry, Brandon Lukacs, Emily Miller,Emily Noll, Kayla Randolph, John Riley HONORS: Cian Beaulieu, Kiley Brennan, Miriam Dugas, Killian Gomeau, Quincy Jacques, Owen Kinne, Cooper Lorenz, Haley Marinelli PRINCIPAL’S LIST: George Camp, Megan Rooney, Naomi Rosado

GRADE SEVEN HIGH HONORS: Ethan Cheffer, Tyler Esposito, Megan Ferreira, Michael Giugliano, Jack MacDonald

GRADE SIX HIGH HONORS: Emma Birmingham, Catherine Hurlburt, Nicole Marcotte, Keegan Reim, Sidney Taffe

HONORS Nicholas Camp, Madison Desrosiers, Riley Doerner, Jenna Fahey, Michael Kaliff, Kelly Mazza, Cathryne Tronsky, Rebecca Villanueva

HONORS Victoria Accorsi, Alexandra Gillis, Brianna Lee, Sarah Lewandowski, Matthew Santy

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Enfield

Honoring Veterans in Enfield Sen. John A. Kissel (center) greets attendees during a recent ceremony to honor veterans held at the Enfield Adult Day Center located at Mark Twain Congregate Living. The annual event was organized by the staff and volunteers of the Enfield Adult Day Center. The ceremony was attended by 4th-graders from Prudence

Crandall School and members of the John Maciolek American Legion Post 154 of Thompsonville. The Enfield Adult Day Center, which is open to residents from north-central Connecticut, provides social and educational activities, exercise programs and entertainment options to seniors.

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Somers Senior Citizens Learn Technology and Explore Cyberspace SOMERS - You may think senior citizens are shy when it comes to learning new things, especially about computers and cyberspace.

Well, some Somers senior citizens were not the least bit afraid to explore a whole new world. Instead, they were eager to learn new things or to expand their existing knowledge.

On behalf of the Somers Senior Center, senior citizen Phyllis Gwilliam worked with Sebastian Duchnowski, general manager of Best Buy in Enfield, to create a unique training program for Somers senior citizens. Approximately 12 senior “students� attended the fourweek program. They not only learned the basics of operating a PC, but they learned how to establish an email address, send emails with attachments, explore the Internet, and use this PC and Internet knowledge to help them in their daily lives.

Although the level of knowledge for such technology varied widely amongst the “students,� the staff at Best Buy handled those differences beautifully. The Best Buy trainers, who were led by

Tristan Chicklowski, included Chris Mulkern, Chris Bejune, and Cem Atmaca. With their classroom training skills as well as their ability to switch their one-on-one teaching methods in accordance with the knowledge level of each “student,� all of the attendees went away from each class feeling they had learned something new. It was not only an educational experience for everyone,

it also was filled with fun. The senior center staff appreciated Best Buy’s community outreach efforts to help Somers’ senior citizens more fully participate in the technology world.

As a result of attending this class, some of Somers’ seniors are already talking about forming a “Computer Club� at the Somers Senior Center so that they can share with one another

their respective knowledge and experiences. Everyone wanted to more fully utilize email, the Internet, and software programs such as Word and Excel. They all were extremely appreciative of having had this opportunity and they look forward to continuing their education.

As the saying goes, you are never too old to learn new things.

James P. Fitzgerald, DMD, MS Dr. Fitzgerald and his staff are dedicated to helping their patients achieve and maintain good health, function and appearance.

Dr. Fitzgerald graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He completed a residency in General Dentistry at Danbury Hospital and then returned to the UConn School of Dental Medicine for a Fellowship in Periodontics.

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Somers CVS May Be Coming To Town Based on Town Records

By Linda Tishler Levinson SOMERS — It looks like a CVS pharmacy may be coming to town after all.

At the Dec. 12 Board of Selectmen meeting, “CVS Discussion” was listed as an agenda item.

The proposal is to open the store at the intersection of routes 190 and 83.

Michael D’ Amato, the town Building Department’s land use technician, said no formal proposal has been submitted and no applications have been filed.

CVS representatives have met with town officials, however, to learn about the town’s applications process. D’Amato

stressed this is in the extremely early stages of the process.

Grants The Board of Selectmen voted Dec. 2 to accept a $5,000 Bright Idea Grant.

First Selectman Lisa Pellegrini said during the meeting that that Somers was one of 35 towns that accumulated 100 “Energy Efficiency” points to earn the town the grant.

The town also received a Federal Highway Safety Program Grant from Comprehensive DUI Enforcement Program. The program provides towns that are part of the resident state trooper program grants of $57,375 for the

New fencing has been installed around Field Road Park.

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enforcement of laws against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Field Road Park The new fencing has been installed at Field Road Park. The fencing was

financed by a USA Hauling Community Outreach Grant.

“The fencing is a very attractive and safety conscious addition to our parks department,” Pellegrini said.

Somers was recently honored at the State Capitol for earning its first “Bright Idea Grant” of $5,000 through its participation in the statewide Clean Energy Communities program, an Energize Connecticut initiative that incentivizes cities and towns to support energy efficiency and renewable energy. The grant can be used toward a community-selected energy-saving project. From left, Diana McCarthy-Bercury, CL&P; Somers Town Engineer/Director of Public Works Jeff Bord; Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Deputy Commissioner Katie Dykes; Somers First Selectman Lisa Pellegrini; Deputy Director of Public Works Todd Rolland

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January2014part2_NCN new template 12/28/13 2:24 PM Page 18

Business Valentine Opens Sports Restaurant/Bar by Airport

‘Hair Today, There Tomorrow’ Shear Magic owner/perennial Best of Reader's Poll winner Carol Bigelow has moved from Somers to 11 West Road in Ellington.

Photo by Gary Carra

WINDSOR LOCKS — Sportech Venues (Sportech) has announced a partnership with former baseball player/manager and philanthropist Bobby Valentine in their new state-ofthe-art restaurant and sports bar facility that is to open at the Bradley Teletheater in Windsor Locks, adjacent to Bradley International Airport.

Bobby V’s Restaurant and Sports Bar, which has been created alongside the existing gaming facility, will set new standards for watching sports while dining. At a cost of over $3.5 million, the 300-seat restaurant and sports bar features a giant 17 ft. by 10 ft. LED TV alongside 70 other large screens, a golf simulator, private dining space and meeting room. A fabulous outdoor bar and patio will open in the spring. It boasts custom designed furniture made with many natural re purposed and salvaged materials.

The restaurant and sports bar was designed and built by Sportech, the organization that owns and operates the 15 licensed sports bar and OTB venues in Connecticut, and continues the invest-

ment made during the three years since Sportech entered Connecticut. In this period Sportech has invested $10 million in upgrading many of the locations.

With the hiring of new staff at the restaurant and sports bar, Sportech’s work force in the state will increase to approximately 370 employees.

Valentine, a Stamford native, brings well-rounded experience to the table.

Best known for his Major League Baseball career as a manager of several teams and currently athletic director at Sacred Heart University, he is an experienced restaurateur and was a natural choice to operate this new restaurant and sports bar.

Valentine said, “I’ve been talking to

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Sportech for a while and I like what they have done since buying the Connecticut operation. They’ve invested huge sums of money to raise standards and create new concepts, and I’ve enjoyed working with them to design something we are all proud of. There’s nothing like it up here in southern New England and I’ve not seen a screen as impressive as this outside Vegas! You’re going to have to see it to believe it!”

Ted Taylor, Sportech's Managing Director, said, “It’s great to be partnering with Bobby, whose experience and personality make him a natural partner.

We wanted to create a groundbreaking concept for sports entertainment, and the restaurant looks fantastic.”

January2014part2_NCN new template 12/28/13 2:24 PM Page 19

Arts & Entertainment Music Legend Leon Russell Brings Talents to Stafford STAFFORD - The Stafford Palace Theater Presents Leon Russell and Derek Hoke on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 and $50. This event is 18 and over.

Leon Russell is a music legend and perhaps the most accomplished and versatile musician in the history of rock ‘n roll. In his distinguished and unique 50year career, he has played on, arranged, written and/or produced some of the best records in popular music.

Leon has played on pop, rock, blues, country, bluegrass, standards, gospel, and surf records. As a session musician, arranger, producer, singer, songwriter, pianist, guitarist, record company owner, bandleader, and touring musician, he has collaborated with hundreds of artists, including Glen Campbell, Joe Cocker, Willie Nelson, Edgar Winter, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, J.J. Cale, David Gates, Bruce Hornsby, Hal Blaine, Tommy Tedesco, Bobby “Boris�

Pickett, B.B. King, Freddie King, Bill Wyman, Steve Cropper, Carl Radle, Chuck Blackwell, Don Preston, Jesse Ed

Davis, Rita Coolidge, Gram Parsons, Barbra Streisand, Ike & Tina Turner, Ricky Nelson, Herb Alpert, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Ann-Margret, Dean Martin, Marvin Gaye, Dave Mason, Steve Winwood, and groups such as Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, The Monkees, The Astronauts, The

The Somers Cultural Commission Presents

The Th he h e Pi Piedmo edmo ont o nt Per erc rc cola ola ator at or Coff ffe feehouse fe ehouse

Accents, The Fencemen, The Ventures, The Beach Boys, The Byrds, Jan & Dean, Gary Lewis & The Playboys, Paul Revere & The Raiders, The Rolling Stones, The Ronettes, The Crystals, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Everly Brothers, The Righteous Brothers, The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Tractors

and on and on and on‌ Born in southwest Oklahoma in 1942, Leon began piano lessons at age 4. He was playing in Tulsa nightclubs at the age of 14. After graduating from high school, Leon and his band, The Starlighters, went on the road with Jerry Lee Lewis for almost two months. Leon left Tulsa at the age of 17 for Los Angeles, where he began playing in the L.A. clubs and eventually became one of the best session musicians in Hollywood. He worked with the best Hollywood producers and top musicians in the business.

As a songwriter, Leon’s songs have hit the charts across all genres and have been covered by a diverse range of artists. Ray Charles recorded “A Song For You,� B.B. King had a hit with “Hummingbird,� The Carpenters with “Superstar� and Joe Cocker with “Delta Lady.� The Carpenters’ cover of “Superstar�, written by Leon and Bonnie Bramlett, went to No. 2 on the pop music charts. George Benson won the Record of the Year Grammy in 1976 for his cover of Leon’s song, “This Masquerade.�

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January2014part2_NCN new template 12/28/13 2:24 PM Page 20

Regional First Open Cockpit Day of the Year Offered on Jan. 19 WINDSOR LOCKS – The New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks will hold its next Open Cockpit Day on Sunday, Jan. 19. On that day, visitors will be permitted to climb into the cockpits of up to 12 vintage aircraft, a fullmotion flight simulator and two static flight simulators.

The aircraft to be open include the famous P-47 Thunderbolt of WWII, the North American F-100 Super Sabre, a DC-3 airliner, several helicopters and more.

As an added feature, the Wings & Wheels Modelers Club will present a plastic scale model show featuring hundreds of model airplanes, military vehicles, figures, ship and cars. There will be ongoing demonstrations by modelers who will be working on and building models throughout the day.

There also will be hands on activities for the enjoyment of the younger visitors during the event. For the convenience of all, a food vendor will be on site serving sandwiches, snacks and hot and cold drinks. The event will be held inside the museum’s three large, heated display hangars.

The Kaman SH-2 Seasprite will be one of the many cockpits open on Jan. 19 at the New England Air Museum.

The museum will be open from 10 cational institution that was organized in a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for ages 1959. Three larger hangars and an out12 and up, $11 for seniors 65 and up and door display contain more than 80 air$6.50 for ages 4 to 11. Children under 3 craft with permanent exhibits that are admitted free. For more information, include the oldest surviving aircraft in visit www.neam.org or call 860-623- the U.S. – the 1870 Silas M. Brooks 3305.

Balloon Basket, as well as an S-39 The New England Air Museum is the Amphibian plane – the first aircraft built largest aviation museum in New in Connecticut by aviation pioneer Igor England and is a private, non-profit edu- Sikorsky.

Featured year-round are many historical aircraft and exhibits, including a focus on World War II’s Tuskegee Airmen, and a display about Amelia Earhart alongside a Lockheed Model 10 Electra – the same type of plane flown by the female aviator. The Air Museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting historically significant aircraft and related artifacts, engaging visitors through high-quality exhibits helping them to understand aviation technology and history and inspiring students through innovative and hands-on educational programs.

It is owned and operated by the Connecticut Aeronautical Historical Association and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, with four fulltime employees, 18 part-time employees, and more than 175 volunteers. The museum is located on 36 Perimeter Rd. (off Route 75) on the north end of the Bradley International Airport airfield in Windsor Locks. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, and features a large gift shop. For more information, visit www.neam.org or call 860623-3305.

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Regional Mary’s Kitty Korner Offers Cats and Kittens for Adoption

By Tayla Goodman GRANBY — Harry and Harvey are rambunctious gray kittens who love to sleep on people’s laps and topple over each other while playing. Only a few months old, these brothers are still small enough to fit in one hand while gazing up at people with their pale blue eyes.

At 5 weeks old, these kittens were abandoned and thrown into a kill shelter.

There they were left to sit in their own urine and feces along with dozens of other cats waiting to be euthanized.

The reason these two kittens can still snuggle up together on the sunny spot of a windowsill instead of being bagged, tagged and forgotten is Mary’s Kitty Korner, a shelter in Granby that’s always near or at its capacity of 60 cats.

Lisa Shackett, who has been rescuing cats for more than 25 years, founded the shelter.

“I began fostering and rescuing cats after I adopted my first two cats in 1987,” Shackett said. “It was always my dream to have a facility for the cats that would

allow them to be loved without the threat of being put to sleep. We are a no-kill shelter.”

For Harry and Harvey that meant three weeks at a foster home while they cleared up some health issues acquired at the kill shelter then being bundled off together to a permanent home within days of a photo of them playing together being posted online.

Mary’s Kitty Korner began as a local foster-only program, named for the woman from whom Shackett adopted her first two cats, and it has grown into a nonprofit organization with more than 70 volunteers. Food and litter for its guests cost the shelter more than $1,200 a month.

The shelter is not only crowded with cats rescued from outdoors or kill shelters, but it boards cats at PetSmart in Enfield and the New England Veterinary Center and Cancer Care in Windsor.

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Stafford Town Adds Local Officer to Save Costs on State Police

By Linda Tishler Levinson STAFFORD — Beginning in February, the town will no longer have a resident state police sergeant position.

The Board of Selectman unanimously voted Dec. 12 to change its contract with the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Division of State Police to eliminate the sergeant’s position. The resident sergeant will be replaced with a municipal police officer position, First Selectman Richard Shuck said. “I can have more coverage for half as much money,� he said.

The new municipal police officer will join the two currently on staff.

Shuck said the change was due to the increasing cost of reimbursing the state

for the trooper being stationed in town.

In 2009 the reimbursement rate was about 59 percent, which had increased to 83 percent in the current fiscal year. In addition, the town was paying the state 31 cents a mile plus $5,000 a year toward police vehicles. “I can pay for a car that we own as a town,� Shuck said of that amount of money.

In all, having the resident sergeant was costing the town $130,000 a year, while a municipal police lieutenant can be hired for $70,000, he said.

The new lieutenant would not be able to sign off on reports, but a sergeant at the State Police barracks could take care of that, he said, and State Police would still be available for major incidents.

Library Offers Quilting Program WILLINGTON - On Tuesday, Jan. 7, at 6:30 p.m., in the Community Room of Willington Library, please join master quilter Linda Howe for an exciting new class. Howe has offered to teach quilting in the library. You may have seen several of her beautiful quilts on display in the library during the last few years. Hand quilting basics will be the first class in a series of classes that will progress to

more-advanced quilting. Children 10 and older may participate with adult supervision. Class size will be limited to 12, so registration is required. Visit or call the library at 860-429-3854, or email Debbie at dlinares@willingtonpubliclibrary.org to register. Please bring to class a needle, thread, thimble, scissors and two pieces of fabric.

High School Transition Program The Stafford High School Transition Program students created a gift basket raffle to raise money for Safenet Ministries. Ismael, center back of photo, was the leader for the project with the assistance of his job coach, Linda Smyth, and sold tickets to students and staff over a three-week period. Ismael was assisted in this adventure along with other group members, Shianna, Rayanne, David and their paraprofessionals Leeann and Vern. When Ismael counted the donations at the end of the raffle, he was very excited to count $462 in total. Pastor Joe Chamberland and Keith Marin met the group of students to collect the donation. The money donated will help SafeNet Ministries access 2,500 pounds of food and feed several families for just over a month. A special thank you goes out to Stafford High School principal Mr. Pelliccia for his support of this project.

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Top left, this year's first-place winner of the Holiday House Decorating Contest in Stafford were the Mayers of 182 East St. Top photo, Brian Works of 142 East St. was the third-place winner in the 2013 Holiday House Decorating Contest, sponsored by the Stafford Community & Civic Affairs Commission. Above, the second-place winner of the Stafford Community & Civic Affairs Commission's annual Holiday House Decorating Contest was Jerry and Bonnie Braca of 25 Stafford Heights.

Photos by Barbara Bresnahan

January2014part2_NCN new template 12/28/13 1:29 PM Page 24

Stafford Stafford High School Announces First Quarter Honors 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 20132014 school year.

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 Morgan Bagley Samantha Boudreau Lindsy Burns Samantha DeGennaro Morgan Emmons Kristen Finch Emily Fletcher Chelsea Flint Megan Foley Jeffrey Garnelis Erin Gelinas Elizabeth Girard Benjamin Gluck Jennifer Godsell Jake Kalette Conor Keleher Niki Leclerc Patric Legare Taylor Merrick Karly Nesta Mykala Perrier Shelby Pinney

Jesse Reeves Matthew Roy Taylor Smith Zachary Thayer Junior High Honors Renee Chasse Caitlyn Eaton Hailey Ebenstein Nicholas Girard Brendan Goodwin Kalina Hauser Shane Kalette Erica Lawlor Kaela Maloney Matthew Moore Julia Nosel Jonathan Petersen Kyle Ramsey Anyamanee Saksri Joshua Simpson Anna Smith Corine Sylvain Keighlee Szafir Calvin Wentworth Hannah Wood Sophomore High Honors Aaron Bernier Michael Bladek Hunter Davis Collin Dubord Alyssa Fecko Rachel Gallison Cory Gallo Bridget Keleher Rowan Longmore Richard McKenney Sophia Sargent Allison Schoolnick Dylan Snay

Shannon Stuart Freshman High Honors Grace Allaire Michael Bachiochi Rachel Bergeron William Bernier Elizabeth Briggs Luke Broadhurst Jenna Castonguay Isaacs Combs Jacob Conklin Ashley Dempsey Matthew Faber Connor Fay Matthew Frank Danielle Garnelis Tyler Gebo Valerie Girard Justin Grant Miranda Griffith Katelyn Henderson Catherine Hoss Grace Ives Brandon Kallenbach Julia Lachance Schuyler Lamoureux Ethan Lawlor Connor Luby Cameron MacGregor Wendelin Marmol Saylee Missell Victoria Molitoris Timothy Noto Nicholas Ouellette Dominic Peterson Sarah Provencher Damon Reynolds Senior Honors Scott Avery Jean Bishop

Sara Bizilj Emily Bradway Adriana Conlin Kacie ConverseButterfield Emily Corbett Laura DeCarli Shaun Dirck Briana Dugan Justin Finch Emily Green Stacey Hery Samantha Jackson Edllay Martins Chelsea Millard Alyssa Murray Marc Richard Jailene Rivera Alexa Rossi Joshua Schneider Jai Sumeersarnauth Paige Surapine Skye Webb Junior Honors Ashly Bonneville Miranda Brown Brianna Duffy Sarah Foley Ashley Gionfriddo Marissa Hanley

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Stafford Winterfest Celebration Brings Holiday Cheer To Stafford

By Barbara Bresnahan STAFFORD - On Sunday afternoon, Dec. 22, crowds of people of all ages gathered along Main Street in Stafford Springs as they eagerly awaited the start of the fourth annual Winterfest Parade. Step-off took place at Olympic Circle, with floats and marchers making their way to Warren Memorial Town Hall. Many floats were lit up for the event, which began at 4 p.m., rather than it’s normal 2 p.m. start time. “Several people told us last year that they would like to see lights on the vehicles, particularly the fire trucks, so we decided to see how the 4 p.m. time frame would work out," said Community & Civic Affairs Commission Chairperson Cindy Kabel.

A variety of groups participated in the parade, including businesses and non-profit organizations, costumed characters, churches and emergency responders. Local dignitaries and members of the Community & Civic Affairs Commission led the procession, as each group threw candy to the crowd.

Main Street shops stayed open late for the event, and a bonfire, refreshments, craft projects and Santa Claus awaited the crowd once Frosty greets kids on the Santa's Toy Box float during the Dec. 22 Winterfest Parade in Stafford. they arrived at Town Hall.

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Suffield Church’s Food Pantry Does Outreach to the Community

By Julie Cotnoir SUFFIELD - The message from West Suffield Congregational Church is a simple one. “Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” The church’s outreach goes beyond the needs of its parishioners. The West Suffield Congregational Church has operated the Crossroads Food Pantry since 2012 and the pantry’s volunteers invite those who may need a hand to visit their pantry. Many times food pantries will be remembered during the holidays with an abundance of collections and donations, but the demand for food is something that takes place 12 months a year.

Liz McGann sits on the church’s subcommittee that operates the food pantry.

She said the support they receive for their work goes beyond the church. “The community has been incredible,” says the volunteer. Various organizations and groups have held food drives for the pantry in the past. “The Boy Scouts have been awesome,” says McGann. She said local farmers also have been extremely supportive of the work they do by donat-

ing fresh produce. She said fresh produce donations also come from the prison located in town from its own garden.

She said 90 percent of the recipients of the food come from within a 10-mile radius of the church. The sub-committee did six months’ worth of research on how area food pantries operate before they opened on May 3, 2012. When they opened their doors the first week 15 families were given food. The number climbed to 70 within six months and 110 families were receiving assistance at the one-year mark. Those receiving a hand are at all different stages of their life.

McGann says there are young families, a lot of elderly and there are a significant number of people who have become unemployed. She said families may have a car and a decent house, but no income and this outreach helps them make ends meet.

It is an inter-faith pantry that does not require financial requirement information from those people they serve. “We figure if they come and need food we give it to them,” says the volunteer.

The pantry distributes food every Thursday from 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the church located at 1408 Mountain Rd. in West Suffield. They said this distribution time was chosen to help accommodate those who are working and can’t get to the pantry during working hours.

The pantry is also the local location for the Foodshare mobile unit that comes to the church every other Tuesday from 1:45 p.m.-2:15 p.m. The pantry uses monetary donations to purchase certain food items (meat, chicken and bread among other items) at a dramatically reduced price through Foodshare.

They are able to get produce for free from Foodshare.

“Without them we wouldn’t be able to do it,” says McGann. A basic list of staples that they can always use on their shelves are tuna fish, pasta, soup, beans, peanut butter and anything else with a lot of protein.

Those wishing to volunteer their time or are willing to organize a food drive are encouraged to call the church at 860668-2271.

“Once you are there it is a life-changing experience,” McGann says.

Relay For Life Kickoff Celebration ENFIELD - The Relay For Life of North Central CT kicks off the 2014 event on Jan. 26 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Healthtrak Fitness Center, 3 Weymouth Rd., Enfield. The Kickoff Celebration will feature healthy snacks, special guests, door prizes, entertainment and an opportunity to connect with old friends from last year, as well as new friends who will be at this year’s Relay.

The 2014 Relay For Life of North Central CT will be held in Suffield on June 7-8.

Relay For Life is a 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 camp out at the relay site, and when they are not taking their turn walking, they take part in fun activities and enjoy local entertainment. This “Celebration of Life” brings local communities together to celebrate those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and inspire everyone to fight back. For more information on Relay For Life of North Central CT, visit www.relayforlife.org/ northcentralct. Or contact Kim Kelley or Cathy Gotta (event chairs) at RFLNoCentralCT @gmail.com

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Suffield Suffield Woman’s Club Welcomes New Neighbors to Group

By Julie Cotnoir SUFFIELD - The Suffield Woman’s Club wants to make sure people new to town feel welcome and engaged with all that Suffield and the surrounding have to offer. The club’s President Lisa Pepe says beginning this month the club will be delivering new neighbor baskets to those who have relocated to Suffield.

“We will coordinate with local real estate offices to find out when people move to town,” Pepe said.

Pepe says the group has been soliciting support from area businesses, other non-profits, the local Parks and Recreation Department, in addition to working with the CT Tourism bureau and local attractions, to fill the basket with valuable information for newcomers to the area.

“When I was in Virginia somebody did it for me and I was touched by it,” the president said. “It’s a pay it forward kind of thing.” The local Woman’s Club,

a chapter of the General Foundation of Women’s Clubs, has approximately 50 members. “We’re very excited about doing this,” Pepe sid. The club meets the second Tuesday of every month in Father Ted’s Hall at Sacred Heart Church in Suffield. For January, however, the club will do like it does every year and hold a joint meeting with the Enfield Woman’s Club. Each year the two groups alternate the location, with this year’s meeting being held in Enfield, at Holy Family Church’s hall on Simon Road in Enfield. The meeting will be held at noon on Jan. 8 (a Wednesday).

The clubs will celebrate their 120th anniversary in 2014. The local chapter will have additional activities planned for the celebratory year. The group each month makes donations to various organizations, including The Network, the Suffield K-9, The Suffield Ambulance, Suffield Fire Department

and Suffield’s Emergency Aid. The group is also making donations to veterans who are transitioning to civilian life.

They also recently made a $400 donation to Loaves and Fishes in Enfield.

Pepe reminds high school seniors and their families to check with the high school’s guidance department regarding scholarships that are available through the club. “We’re big with scholarships,” she said.

Pepe encourages women interested in joining to contact her and welcomes donations for the new neighbor baskets.

“The ladies are all real dynamic ladies.

They have big hearts,” notes the Woman’s Club president.

The club will be holding a membership tea on March 11. “March is our arts and crafts month.” She said at this meeting members will be competing for a spot to represent the local chapter in the district and possibly in the statewide competition. “It’s a great way to see the talents of the members,” Pepe said.

There are two levels of membership for the Woman’s Club. Active members pay $30 and Associates can join at the rate of $33. Call Lisa Pepe at 860-7587272 for more information on membership or to donate to the baskets.

Suffield Players Production SUFFIELD - The Suffield Players Announce their Winter Production: “A Year in the Death of Eddie Jester.”

Written by T. Gregory Argall and directed by Roger A. Ochs, it will be staged Feb. 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. at Mapleton Hall, 1305 Mapleton Ave., Suffield.

Ticket prices are $17 ($12 on Opening Night).

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For reservations, call 800-289-6148 or 860-668-0837 or visit www.suffieldplayers.org.

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Auto 2015 Subaru WRX Will Appeal To All But True Fans There's a new Subaru WRX coming formance management system. It allows and make no mistake fans are going to the driver to tailor the vehicle’s driving hate it until they drive it. But Subaru will characteristics by choosing from among put up with that hate because this should three selectable modes – “Intelligent,” be the best-selling WRX ever.

“Sport” and “Sport Sharp” – using a What's causing the vitriol against the switch on the flat-bottom steering wheel. new Subaru WRX that goes on sale this Leave it in intelligent and the ride is spring? Wait for it. You're not going to refined with good acceleration. Jump up believe it. The major flaw is to sport sharp and the shift it has a continuously varipoint stays high as you zoom able transmission, known through an available eight better as a CVT or what speeds. With the available most car buyers would call launch control, the WRX can EHIND an automatic transmission. hit 60 in 5.9 seconds. The The Wheel Obviously, it's not a manual, Subaru claims, will major flaw except to those do it in 5.4 seconds but probpurists who feel a Subaru ably 99 percent of humans WRX should only have a KEITH GRIFFIN aren't going to be able to manual transmission. Well, match the CVT's performcar companies aren't in business (for ance with the manual transmission. long) to please purists. They want to sell The new WRX 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder cars, lots of cars, and in America you Boxer engine uses a combination of don't sell lots of cars when they don't direct fuel injection, high compression, have automatic transmissions.

Subaru Dual Active Valve Control Subaru is predicting 20 percent of System, a twin-scroll turbocharger and WRX buyers will opt for the CVT but an intercooler to achieve strong perthe sense after driving one around Napa formance. The engine produces 268 Valley for a couple hundred miles is that horsepower at 5,600 rpm, accompanied number is low. It's that good of a trans- by a broad torque curve that peaks at 258 mission. lb.-ft. over a 2,000-5,200 rpm engine The reason it's so good is its coupling speed range. Mash the accelerator and with Subaru Intelligent Drive, the the WRX jumps but with no torque steer.

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Carbide tip circular blades, chop saws, hole saws,

and chainsaw chains.

Easy drop off and pick up at Somers Pharmacy

Call Dave

860-331-9495

MATH TUTOR ALL LEVELS

INSTALLATIONS Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc.

www.staffordmechanical.com CT LIC # 303633 SM102

860-684-9485

BUTLER & CO., INC

MARK F. BUTLER Broker

Residential & Commercial Sales & Leasing 950 Sullivan Ave. #19 South Windsor, CT 06074 mark@butco.net

800-292-1102

KATHRYNÂ’S ANGEL

ALLIED

Channeling Psychic Readings Love relationships are my specialty. Guidance in all aspests of life. Call to schedule an appointment.

$5 Off 30 min. reading Party Bookings available

CONSTRUCTION

Will unclog all kinds of drains.

Snaking prices: Mainlines: $155; Sink/Tub: $85; Toilets: $65; Video Inspections: $175 FREE ESTIMATES Fully Insured Call Phil or visit: www.allieddraincleaning.com

860-798-8200

Private lessons available Day - Evening - Weekends

Pistol Instructor

Robert Titus, Sr

860-324-8208

ROUGH LUMBER FOR SALE

per board foot

SAW DUST $10 P/U Load

860-684-3458

YOUR AD HERE!

North Central News PO Box 427 Somers, CT 06071 by the 20th of the month for the following edition.

$19.95 - No Border $24.95 - With Border

CA$H FOR YOUR CAR

We buy all cars, 1990 & newer.

Immediate cash, highest prices paid.

DonÂ’t trade it - WeÂ’ll buy it!!

American Auto Wholesalers

860-729-9918 CARR

PAINTLESS DENT REMOVAL Dings, Dents & Hail Damage Retail Location 202 Union St., Vernon, CT 06066

860-308-0889

Full Service Electrical Contractor

Panel upgrade, stand by and portable generators, pools and spas, & more!

Servicing CT and MA Fully licenced and insured BBB, see our ratings on AngieÂ’s List CT lic E1-186096 MA lic 20646-A

WEDNESDAY

AUCTION DRIVERS

Come drive on Wed from Approx. 830am – 1pm.

Other possible days avail Call for immediate appt

860-830-0275

860-654-8740

RICHARDÂ’S SCHOOL

CAPTURE

of Self Defense (Br. Hamzy)

Celebrating 36 years of the

and self-protection.

Try a free week!

Walk-ins Welcome!

EVERY MOMENT

PHOTOGRAPHY Manchester, CT

Portrait, senior class photos, candids. Book one session, get 15% off another session. www.captureeverymoment.jimdo.com

860-749-4566

860-432-7169

PD ELECTRIC

ClarissaÂ’s Clay

LLC

Quality service and repairs.

No job too small.

Located in Somers, CT

FREE ESTIMATES 10% Senior Discount CT Lic #195651 Call Paul at

860-214-2671

New to Ellington!

Pottery Wheel Introduction Classes & Glazing Kids classes weekly, 7 yrs & up.

Private & Group Adult classes available.

Come Play with Clay Today!

860-306-7686

GAS TANK JUNK CARS & RADIATOR WANTED REPAIR & RESTORATION

Motorcycles, cars, trucks, chippers, hot rods, mowers, etc.

CARRÂ’S Sales & Service, LLC 202 Union St., Vernon, CT

FREE Pick-Up! We pay $50 for ANY vehicle.

Call ANY TIME American Auto Wholesalers

860-896-5256

860-729-9918

WINDOW CLEANING

CUSTOM EXHAUST

$AVE MONEY

$6.00 per window

We do it ALL and you $AVE money!

Dryer Vents cleaned

VW, BMW, JEEPS, Mercedes, trucks, project vehicles & more!

customerÂ’s

860-214-6860

CARRÂ’S

Sales & Service, LLC

202 Union St., Vernon, CT

860-896-5256

29

860-684-0381

Drain Cleaning

PISTOL PERMIT?

Sierra Electric, LLC

January 2014 North Central News

860-749-5821

WANT A CT

January2014part2_NCN new template 12/28/13 1:30 PM Page 30

Complete Design and Construction Services Provided

“Building Trust With Each Project” Additions • Custom Decks • Interior Renovations Exterior Face-Lifts & MORE!!

Call For A Free Estimate

Phone: (860) 749-2660 www.designtofinish.com

email: info@designtofinish.com

30 North Central News January 2014

Fully Licensed & Insured • Major Construction License #MCO.0902755 & HIC.0626353

January2014part2_NCN new template 12/28/13 1:30 PM Page 31

January 2014 North Central News

31

• TRUCK, TRAILER & RV SUPERSTORE • TRUCK, TRAILER & RV SUPERSTORE • TRUCK, TRAILER & RV SUPERSTORE • TRUCK, TRAILER & RV SUPERSTORE • TRUCK, TRAILER & RV SUPERSTORE • TRUCK, TRAILER & RV SUPERSTORE •

TRUCK, TRAILER & RV SUPERSTORE • TRUCK, TRAILER & RV SUPERSTORE • TRUCK, TRAILER & RV SUPERSTORE

Lee’s Auto & RV Ranch

Your Trailer Service Snow Bird Specialist! ing Financ ble a Avail

Specials

I’ve 2001 Gulf Stream Mooo-ved. #TLR0003

$24,743

Welcoming Mike Burrows - with over 41 Years of Trailer Service Experience!

2006 Fleetwood

1984 Winnebago

Revolution #C7673

#TTPM1071

$263,879 $158,995

$8,471 $5,640

Sales & Hunting Camp Specials and Fixer Uppers RV & Trailer Service For Services 1989 Fletwood Offered: Cimarron…List $1,995 1st $1,200 Takes it Away!

• Wheel Bearing Service Boss • Brake ServiceProwlers…List $4,995 1988 Fleetwood Needs some TLC $1,861 it’s yours!

• DOT Inspection

Plows!

• All Insurance 1983 Misc Town &Claims Country Classic…List $3,995 Not bad for the money, $1,495 • Fiberglass Repair 1994 Hornet 35F…List $4,995 • Floor Repairs $3,210 The Perfect Camp!

• RV Windshield Replacement It s • Custom Paint Work • Vinyl Graphics Time • Brake and Axle Repair • Deck Replacement

FREE Install with In-Stock Plow Purchased Before Oct 31

Ask for Scott

NOW HIRING High customer volume requires we expand our Discount sales Rates team. for Looking for Fleet Accounts.

2 seasoned sales professionals.

RV Rentals Call Brian Available.

Directly

(860) 306-8390

171 West Road • Rte. 83 • Ellington, CT

Call Toll Free 1-866-414-0767

View our entire inventory with multiple photos at:

www.leesautoandrv.com

• TRUCK, TRAILER & RV SUPERSTORE • TRUCK, TRAILER & RV SUPERSTORE • TRUCK, TRAILER & RV SUPERSTORE • TRUCK, TRAILER & RV SUPERSTORE • TRUCK, TRAILER & RV SUPERSTORE • TRUCK, TRAILER & RV SUPERSTORE •

32 North Central News January 2014

January2014part2_NCN new template 12/28/13 1:30 PM Page 32

TRUCK, TRAILER & RV SUPERSTORE • TRUCK, TRAILER & RV SUPERSTORE • TRUCK, TRAILER & RV SUPERSTORE

Call today and let the North Central News put your business on the map in 2014!

Advertise consecutive months and SAVE!

3 Months Save 10% 6 Months Save 15% 12 Months* Save 20% *Plus a FREE banner ad on our website!

www.TheNorthCentralNews.com 860.698.0020 | P.O. Box 427 | Somers, CT 06071