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Every vote counts Guide INSIDE!

The North Central News loves to hear from its readers, and in the June and July issues, we do just that — asking you to vote for your favorites in a multitude of catagories. Look for the Readers Poll on Page 4 and in the next issue. Also, you can vote online at www.thenorthcentralnews.com for the first time. Winners will be announced in August. — Gary Carra, Publisher

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2 North Central News June 2020

6/30/20

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June 2020 North Central News

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4 North Central News June 2020

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North Central Publishing dba

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

860.394.4262: FAX NorthCentralNews@aol.com

Email:

We are a free, monthly publication that is direct mailed to just under 45,000 mailboxes in East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield, Somers, Stafford and Suffield, Conn. We are also available at more than 100 high traffic locales throughout Vernon and Windsor Locks for free pick up. The North Central News was created in June of 2002 and continues to be both family-owned and locally operated. Publisher/Editor

Gary Carra Assistant To The Publisher

Jen Phillips Account Executives

Gary Carra Sr. Joan Hornbuckle (860) 805-1310 Contributer Writers

Laura B. Hayden Deborah Stauffer

Regional

A Gathering Ground once again

Whitney Hunt delivers breakfast to customers in the outdoor dining area set up in the parking lot in front of the Gathering Ground restaurant. Photo by Laura Hayden

By Laura Hayden

WINDSOR LOCKS — Gathering took on a new look at the Gathering Ground on May 20 – opening day of a four-stage plan for Connecticut restaurants and businesses to return to normal operations. The popular breakfast and lunch establishment, like all eateries in the state, had been limited to only takeout and curbside service since midMarch, due to state regulations meant to decrease the spread of COVID-19. Owner Tony Kupec faced the most challenging criteria of stage-one restaurant reopening – outdoor dining – by raising a tent in the parking lot of his establishment. “Seats are very limited and we must adhere to the social distancing rules, but hey, at least you don’t have to eat in your car,” posted Tony on his Facebook account the night before reopening. Geissler graduates proceed through the produce aisle during their march into a special ceremony at the store in East Windsor. Photo courtesy of Geissler’s Supermarket

Regular customers Howie and Shirley Nelson were pleased to return to the Gathering Ground for breakfast the next day. They had spent the earlier part of Connecticut’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” movement in Florida, returning to their Windsor Locks home in April. Out and

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EAST WINDSOR — With large graduation events canceled this spring, the management of Geissler’s Supermarket put together a COVIDsafe ceremony for their senior workers right in their spacious workplace. The employee-honorees, set to graduate from area high schools this month, were celebrated with large posters of their smiling faces displayed in the Geissler’s parking lot on the Sunday afternoon of their graduation pageant attended by family members. Inside they wore “Class of 2020” face masks and caps and gowns (supplied by the Hometown Foundation). Guests also followed the masked protocol and, along with the grads, were seated at safe distances from each other. Judy Guthrie, front end manager of the store, came up with the idea, inspired by the way the young workers r0se to the challenge of being essential workers during the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” mandate. Store manager Cindy Collet assisted in planning the event. East Windsor First Selectman Jason Bowsza addressed the grads and guests. — Laura Hayden

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June 2020 North Central News

The information presented in the North Central News is presented for your consideration and does not neccssarily 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.

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about on opening day for restaurants, Howie said, “We’re starting to run out of projects.” The Gathering Ground, which traditionally serves breakfast and lunch, has added Saturday dinner hours from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

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Opening Outdoor Grounds Open Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Come and see ten outdoor aircraft, peek inside exhibit hangars through open hangar doors, and even get a behind the scenes look into the museum’s storage hangar, a space that is rarely open to the public. To ensure the health and safety of the museum’s visitors, staff, and volunteers, the New England Air Museum will follow all COVID-19 rules issued by the Governor Ned Lamont and the Reopen Connecticut panel, and no more than 200 people will be allowed onsite at any time. “We are excited about this opportunity to welcome visitors back to our museum,” says Debbie Reed, the Museum’s Executive Director. “We needed to nd the right balance between keeping our visitors, staff, and volunteers safe at while also providing a great experience. I believe the planning we have done will accomplish this,” Reed says. The New England Air Museum voluntarily closed its doors on March 14, 2020 to assist the state in its efforts to control the spread of COVID-19. In the weeks since, all the museum’s interior spaces and exhibits have been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. The museum’s staff has also continued to work, primarily from home,

Museum admission will be reduced to $7.50 for adults and seniors, $2.50 for children 4-11, and veterans are free courtesy of KeyBank. developing educational content for families and aviation enthusiasts across the region through its NEAMathome website and social media platforms. Until the State of Connecticut relaxes the rules further and allows for the opening of interior museum spaces, the New England Air Museum will allow visitors to access its outdoor grounds only following essential social distancing practices. Details of the museum’s plans for the remainder of the summer will be released shortly. For more information, visit www.neam.org or call (860) 623-3305.

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East Windsor

Ready for a return to some degree of normalcy First Selectman’s Corner

Now more than 70 days into these strange circumstances required because of COVID19, everyone is ready to return to some Jason Bowsza degree of normalcy. To help with that, the Town of East Windsor has taken several steps in recent weeks to help get things moving in a good direction. First, we’ve partnered with Priority Urgent Care to provide drive-thru testing for COVID-19 for anyone who wants it. The first such testing took place at East Windsor High School on May 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is our hope that this will be a regular event moving forward. Increased testing will help make the reopening of our economy safer for everyone by enhancing contact tracing and allowing for reasonable restrictions

The town is installing new permitting software that will be customer-facing and cloud-based to ensure a more customer-friendly experience.

on viral spread. We thank Priority Urgent Care for its partnership. Like many towns in the area, East Windsor has also designed a quick and easy process to get local restaurants opened for outdoor dining in a way that protects public health and safety. Helping these local businesses get back on their feet is a high priority, so the process has been made very userfriendly and still complies with the governor’s executive orders. Restaurants will need to fill out a one-page application, provide a rough sketch of the outdoor dining area, and complete the self-certification protocol on DECD’s website. It can be done and approved in less than half a day. We’ve also taken steps to make sure

that “business as usual” can continue in Town Hall. Because economic development is a priority, the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission is now accepting applications electronically, and the town is installing new permitting software that will be customer-facing and cloud-based, to ensure a more customer-friendly experience. Frankly, this

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is a long overdue enhancement that will last beyond the pandemic. As with all things, the steps we are taking are not perfect, but we have a great team of dedicated, professional employees and volunteers who are helping us to navigate these rather uncharted times. We are all in this together, and it’s clear East Windsor’s best days are ahead.

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East Windsor

A horse with real Star power By Krista Kennedy

EAST WINDSOR —I’ve had a love of horses my whole life and it's been a lifelong dream to someday own a horse of my own. I got that chance about year ago when I heard about a horse that had been neglected for years who was going to be put down. I was immediately drawn to her. When I first met her, she was malnourished, underweight, and scared of everyone and everything. Many said she was feral and unsafe, but I felt a strong connection to her and knew that if I put in the time, I could rehabilitate her. It’s been a long journey over the last year with many achievements and setbacks, but Star has come so far. A year ago I could barely touch her without her reacting out of fear. So the fact that now I can take her for a walk around neighborhoods and people from all ages and backgrounds can come outside and pet her is nothing short of miraculous. Part of the work I’ve done with her over the last year has been exposing her to new and potentially scary things to help her gain confidence so that she is calm and relaxed no matter what comes. That was the main reason I started talking her on walks through the neighborhood. From cars passing by to dogs barking, she has been able to overcome so many fears.

At the start of the COVID-19 outbreak I started to see people noticing her ,whether it was from inside their homes looking out the window or people stopping their cars to look at her. The happiness, amazement, and wonder on their faces was so apparent it inspired me to post on the East Windsor Facebook page to let people know where we would be and when. The response from the community has been overwhelming. Some people have been amazed because they have never seen a horse in real life before. Some people have said that it’s the one thing they look forward to during such a challenging time. Some people are just excited to have the opportunity to experience some happiness and excitement while being home and isolated from loved ones. One of the neighbors we have met during our walks is a wonderful woman named Suzanne. She keeps an eye out for me and Star every day so that she can cut up a fresh apple to give to Star when she sees us. Another family we have had the pleasure of meeting during our walks are Haileigh and Lyndsay; there has not been one time that Star has been out on a walk that the family has not come outside to see her and spend time hugging and petting her. Another neighbor, Danielle, was so moved by the smile on her daughter’s

8 North Central News June 2020

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face when she met Star that she not only reached out to me, but also reached out to NBC to share about the experience. Star visits our neighbors across the street, Denise and her son Nate, while they visit with Denis’ grandmother. Star and I have been so blessed to find a home at Second Chance Farm in Broad Brook, owned by Peter Larese. For years, he has been taking in rescue horses, believing that they can be rehabilitated, so Star couldn’t have a better home. We would never have found Second Chance Farm without Denise Marinone. Without her support along with the friendship Star has gained from her two mini donkeys, Freddie and Betty, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Star has recently been injured, as we found a nail in one of her front hooves. She has a small abscess. However, after receiving top veterinary care, she will hopefully be feeling much better and be out visiting more neighbors. Until then, Star has acquired a little

sister who, along with Star, will be visiting neighbors and spreading joy all over Broad Brook. Clover, a 36-inch miniature horse, is also a rescue and joined our home at Second Chance Farm on May 16. Coming up next for Star and Clover is combining my career as a licensed therapist and my love of horses by being able to offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy through my private practice “Strides of Hope LLC,” which is a mental health focused therapy aimed at helping people heal by using horses.

Matthew Couzens Honored On The Financial Times’ List of “400 Top Financial Advisers” Matthew Couzens CFP®, ChFC®, CRPC®, APMA® a Private Wealth Advisor with Ameriprise Financial in Glastonbury was named to the list of “Financial Times 400 Top Financial Advisers” published by the Financial Times. The annual list recognizes the most outstanding financial advisors who represent the highest levels of ethical standards, professionalism and success in the business. Financial advisors from across the brokerage industry applied for consideration, having met a set of minimum requirements. Couzens was chosen based on assets under management, asset growth rate, years of experience, advanced industry credentials, online accessibility, and compliance records. As a Private Wealth Advisor, Matthew Couzens provides financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations and provided in one-on-one relationships with his clients. For more information, please contact Matthew Couzens at 860-430-1919 or visit Matthewcouzens.com. Locations in Tolland, Avon & Southington as well.

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Ellington

A look inside a safer outdoor shopping environment in town By Dianne Trueb

Threatening skies

A storm builds along the East Windsor/Ellington town line on May 11. Photo by Lee Chenette

Eversource upgrading electric system

BERLIN – Operating under its COVID19 pandemic plan, Eversource continues work on essential projects to reliably serve customers across Connecticut. In Ellington, the energy company is investing more than $900,000 in electric distribution system upgrades. This enhancement project includes installing 90 stronger and thicker utility poles; five smart switches that enable system operators to remotely reroute power to customers from another source in minutes; and 2 miles of electric lines known as “tree wire,” which can better withstand extreme weather. “By making strategic investments, like

these in Ellington, we’re building a more robust and resilient electric grid that will serve our customers well into the future,” said Eversource President of Regional Electric Operations in Connecticut and Massachusetts Craig Hallstrom. Work is scheduled along Sadds Mill Road (Route 140) from Broad Brook Road to Jobs Hill Road. The project is underway and weather permitting, crews will work from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Customers may experience short power interruptions at times. The project is expected to be complete by the end of June.

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iting a farmers market in light of coronavirus in terms of the fact that you’re outside, there’s fresh air moving and the supply chain is shorter.” The outdoor setting, and the fact that food is going directly from the grower or producer to the customer — so there is less handling than in bigger grocery stores — suggest that farmers markets are safer than grocery stores. Ellington Farmers Market is held Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon in the front parking lot of Ellington High School. Pre-ordering is an option for easy pick-up from individual vendors. Visit the market website at www.ellingtonfarmersmarket.com and click on the pre-order tab for links to individual vendors. Cash and carry sales are available at the market. You can also sign up for the market newsletter via the website to keep informed of all that is happening. Supporting the market now – during this challenging time – ensures that our local farms and food producers will survive and continue to provide a local food chain for everyone in our community and the surrounding area.

June 2020 North Central News

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ELLINGTON — For many years, farmers, as well as food and craft vendors, have openly displayed their wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, and canned, baked, and ready-made foods at the popular Ellington Farmers Market, and have encouraged prospective buyers to smell, touch, and even sample their offerings. With new health department regulations in place to make the market safe during the COVID-19 pandemic as our world attempts to “reopen,” customers must point to their purchasing choices from afar. Although theme-based activities and live music have temporarily been suspended, patrons still can purchase a variety of local and fresh food products, along with locally made bath and personal care items, from 35 different vendors. Health experts say the new rules have made farmers markets one of the safest places for food shopping during the pandemic. Yvonne Michael, an epidemiologist at Drexel University School of Public Health, said, “There are benefits to vis-

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Ellington

Little Free Library a big hit at the Batz Property By Deborah Stauffer

ELLINGTON — As the coronavirus began to take hold, Stu Lanz of Ellington hunkered down in his workshop and built a little free library for the Batz Property at 97 Shenipsit St. The finished product was installed May 14. The idea came about a year or so before from the Ellington Trails Committee, and in collaboration with the Decide to Be Kind Community Committee and Ellington Youth Services, it became a reality and a family project. Judi Manfre of Ellington is a member of both committees and was the liaison to help push the project forward. Katharine Lanz, Stu’s daughter and art teacher at Ellington High School, painted the library, and her son Jay and mom Rosemary assisted with the project. Kath Lanz’s artistry shows scenes depicting the essence of the Batz

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Property with, of course, bats. Though this is a play on words, there are indeed bat houses at Batz. The library supplies were donated by Doug Flamino of CD Builders and Stu Lanz. Youth Services will be registering the library with the Little Free Library organization. Decide to Be Kind and Youth Services sponsored Little Free Libraries at each of Ellington’s elementary schools that were built and decorated several years ago by Ellington High students. All little libraries in town are welcome to the community to take a book, leave a book or both. Manfre is the driving force behind all these libraries and even has one at her residence at the corner of Field Drive and Hayes Avenue. The Batz Property is 45 acres and is a mix of forest and grassland that was willed to the town by Emma Batz and her brother Charles for passive recreation

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Stu Lanz of Ellington, with help from family members, created this Little Free Library for installation at the Batz Property.

over 20 years ago. The trail around the property is maintained by the Ellington Trails Committee. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have used the Batz Property over the years and there are completed Eagle Projects there as well. A community garden is located on the property for residents to use. Contact the Parks and Recreation department for details. Last August, “Grandma’s Pantry” was introduced to the community as a

place to donate nonperishable food items and receive them. This large wooden “library” is outside the Human Services/Youth Services office at 31 Arbor Way and was built by Barry Lanz, Stu’s brother. The talents and skills of the Lanz family have certainly contributed to the community and their services to the town are appreciated. Learn more about Little Free Libraries by visiting www.littlefreelibrary.org.

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Ellington

The milkman cometh – more often with ‘stay-at-home’ mandate By Laura Hayden

In early March the Oakridge Dairy in Ellington was making 250 home deliveries a month in North Central Connecticut. In May, its 1-year-old service – the Modern Milkman – shot up to servicing 2,500 customers due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has dissuaded customers from in-store grocery shopping. “We didn’t think we would get there in six weeks,” said Seth Bahler, CEO of Oakridge Dairy since 2013 and founder of the home delivery extension of the business. “But we built a logistical system where we could handle it.” Oakridge’s “Modern Milkman” also delivers nondairy foods including soup, baked goods, and granola. Smyth Trinity Farm in Enfield has also seen a rise in its home dairy deliveries according to Sam Smyth, a fifth-generation member of the family business. “We’re getting new calls every day,” Smyth said. Smyth Trinity Farms also serves most of the north central area. Customers usually stick to the basics according to Sam – milk, cream, eggs, and butter. To be added to the service more quickly, he suggests new customers call the store at (860) 745-0751 instead Miriam Dugas makes an afternoon delivery in Ellington from Smyth Trinity Farms in Enfield. Photo by Laura Hayden of applying for delivery online.

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Enfield

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ENFIELD — Asnuntuck Community College is continuing several traditions, albeit virtually, this spring. The college is showcasing its students’ artwork and writing on its website. Each spring, student artwork is displayed as part of a public exhibition at the college. This year, an online art gallery is allowing the college to honor and celebrate artwork created in a variety of courses offered at Asnuntuck. More then 50 pieces of artwork are featured in the exhibit. Professors Michael Demers, Adam Bernard, Reagen Holt, and Susan Montgomery selected artwork from their students who are enrolled in Drawing 1 and 2, Art Appreciation, Design 1, Printmaking 1, Painting 1, and Digital Photo courses for the unique gallery. Visit the gallery at asnuntuck. edu/onlinestudentartexhibition/. Writers are being showcased on Asnuntuck’s website as well. Annually, the college’s Freshwater Literary Journal invites writers from around the world to submit work for their publication. The Journal, produced at the college for the past 20 years, is online this year. The Journal also offers an opportunity for writers to submit their work to

ACC’s annual Freshwater Literary Journal, produced at the college for the past 20 years, is online this year. Asnuntuck 2018 graduate John (Mason) Beiter created the artwork for this year’s cover.

a short story writing contest. The winners, selected from 40 submissions, have been announced.

ACC/page 14

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14 North Central News June 2020

Enfield

Loaves & Fishes grant Times are hard for everyone these days, with an unprecedented increase in demand for meals amid the coronavirus pandemic. Enfield Loaves & Fishes, a local soup kitchen providing hospitality to those in need, has announced that it has received a $25,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation, the charitable arm of Cox Enterprises, parent company of Cox Communications. Enfield Loaves & Fishes continues to operate seven days a week and offers meals made from scratch to anyone who is hungry, providing patrons not only dinner but also lunch for the next day. All meals are served outside to comply with the mandatory social distancing rules. Recent dinners have included a Thanksgiving-style feast, chicken cacciatore, pancakes, and spaghetti and meatballs. “The other day, we had more than 200 people come, which is more than double our usual number,” said Priscilla Brayson, director of Enfield Loaves & Fishes. “With this extraordinarily generous donation, we are able to continue all our charitable work in the community. When I got the news, it was like winning the lottery — I was in awe. We are so thankful to all those who made this possible,” she said. Food and money donations are needed and greatly appreciated. Donations can be dropped off at the back door on Thompson Court and Brayson asks that you call ahead to announce you are coming at (860) 741-0226. Brayson continues to supervise the soup kitchen’s operations every day, despite being over 65 and asthmatic, making her more susceptible to getting sick with COVID-19. “My husband Murray and I are here daily, and we couldn’t imagine doing anything different. But we never imagined we’d see this kind of need. And we are immensely grateful to the James M. Cox Foundation for helping us serve the neediest in and around our community during this stressful, anxious and difficult time.”

ERfC update Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the guidelines and restrictions for operating a summer camp set by the CDC and the Office of Early Childhood Education, ERfC, also known as Educational Resources for Children Inc., has decided to close Summer Escape Camp, Summer Sports Clinics, and Summer Lunch Bunch for this summer. Claire Hall, ERfC executive director, said, “While the staff will miss being on site with the children, the health of the children, families, and staff has guided ERfC to this final decision. As we have researched and analyzed the spread and contagion of the COVID-19 virus, it has become obvious that holding a live camp is too fraught with risk to make any sense.” ERfC has provided a summer camp for Enfield children since 1995. Hall said each year, full day and extended day camp is provided for 125 children in grades 1-8 from Enfield and surrounding communities. “This is a very difficult decision. We know how many children and working families depend on summer camp,” Hall said. Full refunds will be offered to all families who have made payments for camp or the sports clinics. Hall said ERfC is working with Enfield Public Schools and the Enfield Food Shelf to provide lunches for Enfield children at two locations from June 22 through Aug. 14. The free USDA lunches will be available for children up to age 18. Hall said site locations will be announced this month. In addition to free lunches, ERfC will launch a virtual Summer Clubhouse for children in grades K-8 on June 29. The clubhouse will operate Monday through Thursday until Aug. 13. There is no cost to attend the ERfC Summer Clubhouse. Dave Meizels, ERfC Director of Operations, said, “We want to stay connected with kids over the summer and we are very excited about this extraordinary online environment.” As summer approaches, details will be provided regarding summer schedules, themes, and activity platforms. For details about the virtual ERfC Summer Clubhouse, call (860) 2539935, email info@erfc.us, or visit erfcinc.org. To receive a registration link for the Virtual Summer Clubhouse, email rdonor@erfc.us.

ACC students go virtual with their literary, artistic efforts (continued from page 13)

The contest was opened to Connecticut community college and state university students. Kate Senecal, fiction writer and assistant director of the Pioneer Valley Writers’ Workshop, served as the contest’s judge. The Journal’s annual festival, which includes appearances by writers and readings from the contest winners, has been cancelled due to the College’s temporary closure due to COVID-19 precautions. The Journal’s adviser, Asnuntuck Professor John Sheirer, worked with participants to coordinate a video compilation of the students selected as winners and surrogates to read the winning submissions. This year’s winners are: first prize, Kathleen Roy: “2037” (Manchester

CC); second prize, Brandon L. Kroll: “Terminal” (ACC); third prize, Sarah Martin: “Letter From War” (ACC); first honorable mention, Deanna Theodore: “The “Lost Bond” (ACC); second honorable mention, Michelle Lowther: “Never Free” (ACC); and third honorable mention, Makenzie O’Kanos: “The Old Silas House” (ACC). The Journal can be read by visiting asnuntuck.edu/about/communityengagement/freshwater-literary-journal/. The Freshwater 2020 contest video, featuring readings of the winning entries and honorable mentions, can be viewed on the Asnuntuck Community College YouTube channel. Registration is currently underway for summer session and the fall semester at Asnuntuck. Visit www.asnuntuck.edu for additional information.

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Somers

Lives altered, but we remain resilient

First Selectman’s Corner SOMERS — The COVID 19 virus has forever altered our individual and collective way of life with its impact lasting for the immediC.G. Bud Knorr ate future. Social norms and interactions that have marked the rhythm of our daily lives have been replaced with social distancing, mask coverings, the lack of handshakes/embraces, and the inability to go to school, shop, eat at restaurants, and participate in the normal work environment. In my personal and business life I’ve never experienced anything like this, as I’m certain all of you have, but we are resilient, strong and possess an inner strength that will enable us to come through this crisis as a community intact. Mother, fathers, business owners, even children look to our leaders for peace of mind and reassurance that everything is being done to protect them. This has been the hallmark here in Somers with the dedicated, proactive, tireless responses of our fire, police, ambulance, advanced life support system, DPW, Veterans Affairs, Social Services, schools, churches, emergency management direction and communication outreach all working in unison to

secure our immediate needs and prepare us for the uncertain future necessitated by these unpresented times. I am reminded of what Coretta Scott King said: “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate action of its citizens.” Such as: — An All Saints Church member donating their government stimulus relief check to the town’s emergency fund to help those in need. — Somers Village residents generously giving gift cards to 62 plus members of our fire, police and first responders as a way to say “thank you” for their dedicated and yeoman service. — The sale of hundreds of Somers Strong Signs with the proceeds going to the Social Services Emergency Fund. — Our schools working with our Meals on Wheels program to prepare and distribute food to our neediest citizens. — Somers Education Foundation collecting thousands of dollars for the Grab-n-Go food distribution. — Numerous heart thank-you signs throughout Somers acknowledging our first responders, as well as offers of free coffee to these dedicated professionals as they work their many shifts responding to COVID patients. As Herman Melville said: “We cannot

live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connects us with our fellow man.” My heart is warmed with the generosity of Somers residents as they rally to one another because they exemplify the statement that “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” This crisis has necessitated changes in the normal modus operandi of conducting town business, with the following adjustment/changes being implemented to ensure the primary objective of safety of our citizens and employees. 1. Entrance to Town Hall is restricted and by appointment only. 2. When entering Town Hall

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Somers

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Somers High School graduate Taylor Althaus, above with her mother Shannon drive down Vision Boulevard, which was lined with pictures of the graduating class of 2020, as they take part in a parade around town. At left, two grads react as they survey the scene on Vision Boulevard. Photos by David Butler II

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Stafford

A different world, but still a time of promise

First Selectwoman’s Corner

STAFFORD — June seems to be naturally denoted as a milestone month, with days distinguished by new beginnings, celebrations, and growth. Despite having our world look very different from what we knew Mary Mitta even just a few months ago, the summer season of longer days still provides great promise for our community. Despite public closure of our town offices, we remain fully operational with new project progress. On May 22, the Town of Stafford finalized and delivered a Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program application to the Department of Housing. With a focus on broadening accessibility within Town Hall, the Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the pursuit of funds to make ADA improvements to the Warren Memorial Town Hall. The accessibility project will include a new twostop elevator, new handicapped bathrooms, handicapped parking spaces, and signage.

The proposed project price is expected to be about $1 million — the maximum grant amount. Additionally, we continue to pursue and apply for grants, with a current focus on relevant COVID-19 recovery and response funding. Last month, the gradual reopening of the Stafford business community began. Thus far, we have experienced positive outcomes while adhering to state and local guidelines put into place. We appreciate the determination made to ensure public safety and health, particularly the extra and creative efforts put forth by our local businesses. On a municipal level, Planning and Zoning officials, the Department of Public Works, Board of Selectmen, and various departments continue to work in tandem with the local health officials and state agencies to determine best practices for items such as outdoor recreation and facility usage. With the second phase of Connecticut reopening expected to begin June 20, we will continue to assess executive orders and recommendations to advise residents of new developments as they become available.

As we enter graduation season, I would like to extend congratulations to all of our Stafford graduates – high school, trade school and college. Against all odds, you have already risen above adversity and we commend you on your educational success during these challenging times. Altered celebrations don’t diminish your great accomplishments and we wish you well in the next phase of your journey. We are committed to sharing the most current and accurate information about Stafford-specific news and COVID-19 response efforts. We continue to improve communication efforts and encourage you to subscribe to our Town of Stafford mailing list at staffordct.org/phplist/lists While many of our traditional festivities and summer activities are curtailed for public safety, we hope you lean on those silver linings and focus on the simple pleasures of the season. As always, Selectmen John Locke, Rick Hartenstein, and I [Mary Mitta] continue to work diligently for the Town of Stafford. Please stay safe and healthy — and we will all get through this unprecedented time together.

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June2020NCN23-26 (2).qxp_NCN new template 6/3/20 5:36 AM Page 26

Stafford

Coach tackles issue of prepping for uncertain year By Lucas Van Deventer

Staffordville School had a parade for students at the school May 26. Above are Leigha Colozzi and the Staffordville Duckling. Above right: Gavin Ledger, top, and McKenna Stovall. Below: Baine Roy.

Pictured above: the Joseph family. At far right: Aiden Royce, top, and Madeline and Eddie Mikulski, bottom.

26 North Central News June 2020

Photos by Hannah McAdam and Jen Phillips-Carra

STAFFORD — Sports at the moment are still on hold in Connecticut and around the country due to the ongoing complications with the coronavirus. The local high school football coach remains optimistic for his players regarding a potential start to the upcoming fall season. The Stafford, Somers, and East Windsor Bulldogs co-op football coach, Brian Mazzone, is reaching out to his players to continue working and preparing for a potential season this year. Last season, he led his team to an 8-3 record. Even having a season in the fall is still up in the air, but Mazzone knows that if there is a season, his players and recruited players will be ready to compete. “Will there be a season? I don’t know. I just don’t know. I really hope there is.

COACH/page 29

June2020NCN27-32.qxp_NCN new template 6/3/20 2:14 PM Page 27

Suffield

Dressed in full protective gear, Mike Listro, Aditi Agrawal, and San Steinmark prepare for a day of drive-up COVID-19 testing at the Windsor Locks Town Hall. Photo by Laura Hayden

COVID-19 testing comes to Locks By Laura Hayden

A mighty fine message

The Suffield Chamber of Commerce sponsored a Sidewalk Chalk Competition for five weeks from May 2 to June 5. Each week one winner was chosen to receive a $50 gift card to a Suffield restaurant.

WINDSOR LOCKS — The Town Hall parking lot served as a one-day testing site for COVID-19 on May 22. The town partnered with Priority Urgent Care in Ellington to provide the drive-thru testing. Unlike testing earlier in the outbreak of the coronavirus,tests were performed regardless of symptoms, though patients had to register beforehand or be evaluated on site prior to being administered the test. “We’re expecting a big turnout,” said Mike Listro as he arranged test-

ing materials under a small canopy on the sunny Friday morning before the start of the holiday weekend. A call to Priority Urgent Care the next day verified 189 tests were administered at no cost to any patient. “This was the largest response we have ever had,” said Dr. Daksh Rampal, who specializes in emergency medicine at Priority Urgent Care. Based on the high turnout, Windsor Locks First Selectman Chris Kervick posted on Facebook that testing at the Town Hall will likely be repeated soon.

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28 North Central News June 2020

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June2020NCN27-32.qxp_NCN new template 6/3/20 2:37 PM Page 29

Automotive

Can you give bank account a jolt driving electric vehicle?

While many motorists are aware of the environmental benefits of going electric, they may not know just how much they stand to save by making the switch. Here are some fast facts about the economics of driving an electric vehicle: • Tax incentives: Depending on your eligibility and the capacity of the battery used to power the vehicle, buying an EV can come with up to $7,500 in federal tax incentives, helping you lower the upfront costs of your purchase. Talk to a tax professional to see where you stand. State and local incentives may also apply for an additional savings, so visit afdc.energy.gov to search for state and local laws and incentives.

• Fuel economy: The average U.S. resident drives 13,476 miles per year and spends about $1,262 on gasoline. Over the six-year average length of car ownership, that represents about $4,446 in gasoline savings. To calculate estimated savings based on local gas prices, amount of mileage you average annually and other factors, visit ChooseEV.com/Savings-Calculator. • Time savings: Time is money for busy people. The latest EV models are quick to charge compared to their predecessors. With 19,000 public charging stations nationwide and the majority of EV drivers charging their vehicles at home, being

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road-ready is a fairly convenient prospect these days. In the case of the MINI Cooper SE battery electric vehicle, for example, you can quick-charge to 80% in 36 minutes, and the vehicle offers a 110-mile EPA-rated driving range at full charge. This model is particularly convenient, as regenerative brakes allow you to send energy back into your battery during the drive.

Coach finds ways to keep players engaged continued from page 26

It would be crushing for the kids, the staff, everyone if we didn’t,” he said. Recently, Mazzone reached out to current, new, and prospective players and their families to create a way to be prepared for a season in the fall. The message for East Windsor, Somers, and Stafford high school and the middle schools provided more information about the season. He is looking for new players who didn’t play last year and for incoming freshmen interested in playing football. Currently, he has been engaged with his recent players during the pandemic. He has given virtual weight training programs for players who are broken up into eight groups, with each group having a coach. Also, there have been leadership meetings via Zoom and team check-ins.

3 Courtney Drive, Ellington

“I think our staff is going above and beyond to engage our kids and make sure they have some sort of stability in a very unstable time,” Mazzone said. Since schools are closed in Stafford, Somers, and East Windsor, there are no visits for recruitment, which becomes more challenging. Typically, Mazzone would visit the schools to see who is interested in playing. Instead, Mazonne is using social media outlets to get the word out for playing football. “This year I had planned to visit schools during my school vacation so I could get in during lunch waves and meet with kids in person. Now I am relying on YouTube videos that I made, Instagram, Facebook, and other kids’ word of mouth,” he said. Despite unusual circumstances, Mazzone is working hard to have a team ready for the fall. If the season gets the green light, his team will be prepared.

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June 2020 North Central News

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June2020NCN27-32.qxp_NCN new template 6/3/20 3:07 PM Page 30

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30 North Central News June 2020

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