March North Central News

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Legislators Push for Agricultural Focus at Capitol

By Linda Tishler Levinson

Syrup Finesse Dan Roulier of Worthington Pond Farm in Somers removes foam off the top of maple tree sap, which he is boiling to produce pure maple syrup. Roulier gives tours to school children and other organizations on how maple syrup is made, explaining how it takes 40 gallons of sap to produce 1 gallon of maple syrup. Additional photo page 24.

Photo by Butler Photography

In This Issue • STUDENTS: Robotics team gets its buzz on for competition ..............p. 3 • EAST WINDSOR: Grand list has its ups and downs ..........................................p. 4 • EAST WINDSOR: Museum struck in hunt for precious metals..............p. 6 • ELLINGTON: Special valentine for town’s senior citizens......................p. 7 • ELLINGTON: Beauty and the Beast comes to EHS stage......................p. 8 • SUNDAY DRIVE: The good food and drink at Blue Back Square...p. 10

• ENFIELD: Grand list brings less than grand news........................p. 13 • ENFIELD: After-school program receives major funding ..................p. 14 • SOMERS: Recycling gets easier for town residents ..........................p. 18 • REGIONAL: Time for the annual home and garden show ............p. 25 • STAFFORD: Solar panels could cut school energy costs......................p. 30 • STAFFORD: SHS honor roll ........p. 31 • CLASSIFIEDS:.....................pp.34-35

• NEXT ISSUE • DEADLINE: March 29, 2012 (860) 698-0020 www.thenorthcentralnews.com

Although efforts for a select committee on agriculture will not come to fruition this legislative session, state Sen. John Kissel, R-Enfield, hopes the idea grows into an agricultural caucus.

Along with state Rep. Penny Bacchiochi, R-Somers, Kissel at a Feb. 2 State Capitol news conference called for the creation of a legislative committee focusing on agriculture issues. “Agriculture contributes $3.5 billion to Connecticut’s economy and accounts for about 20,000 jobs statewide, but we feel the industry has not come anywhere close to its potential,� Kissel said. “Are we doing enough to grow those numbers? Are we doing enough to protect our small farms? How can we get future generations to embrace farming? We want to protect and grow this industry by creating a climate that enables current and future farmers to succeed,� he said.

The proposal called for a select committee on agriculture that would be aware of all matters concerning the Department of Agriculture, including farming, dairy products and domestic animals. “Being that I represent quite a few farms and people involved in agriculture,�

DEBATE/page 17

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North Central Publishing, LLC dba

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Student News Buzz Robotics Inspires Students to Explore

By Julie Cotnoir ENFIELD - Singer will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas is fascinated with technology. He is Intel’s Director of Creative Innovation and is a huge supporter of Dean Kamen’s US FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) projects. Last year, when he attended the US FIRST National Robotics Competition in St. Louis, he was asked to describe the competition. His reply? “Iz dope.” Translated for the uninitiated, this means it’s cool. That is the message that the singer is sending out to students around the world to inspire them to explore the many ways science, technology, engineering and math are cool.

In Enfield, students from Fermi and Enfield high schools come together as members of the BUZZ Robotics Team, which scrimmages and competes in many US FIRST competitions. Many members of the local team were able to see the singer’s enthusiasm for their robots first hand, last year, at the national US FIRST Competition held in St. Louis, when the Black Eyed Peas performed for the students.

Victor Hipolito, a senior on the BUZZ Robotics team, was one of the students who attended the competition and had floor seats for the concert. He says he feels the same way as the famous singer when it comes to describing what BUZZ Robotics means to him.

Hipolito said he first became interested in the team when he walked by a trophy case at school that showcased the team’s accomplishments. His sister’s friend was a member of BUZZ Robotics, so he asked questions and then joined the team. He has been a member for all four years of his high school experience. He works on the mechanical pieces prior to competition and when it comes time to compete he takes on the role of one of the base drivers for the robot. Hipolito said his experience with the team has confirmed that he would like to major in mechanical engineering when he heads off to college. He also would like to minor in computers, he added.

In February, the team participated in Suffield’s Shakedown Robotics Scrimmage at Suffield High School.

Suffield and Windsor Locks high schools also work together on a team called Aces High Robotics. During this scrimmage the teams were able to test out their robots and see how they stood up to the competition during the Rebound Rumble.

Teams from across the country are given the same basic kit of parts and are allowed to customize the robot under certain parameters with a monetary budget that cannot be exceeded. Students are given the task to design a robot that will perform on a 27 x 54 foot court.

Working with an alliance of three teams that will compete against another threeteam alliance, teams need to independently design robots that will be able to play a

Members of the BUZZ Robotics team gathered prior to Suffield’s Shakedown Robotics Scrimmage. The team is made up of students from Enfield and Fermi high schools.

Those pictured are Marlena Konopka (EHS), mentor Bob Atiyeh, Victor Hipolito (FHS), Brandon Andexler (EHS) , Zach Boyer (FHS), Cory Rice (EHS) and Matt Reis (FHS).

Photo by Julie Cotnoir basketball style game. Alliances are determined the day of scrimmages and competitions and can be changed up throughout the day. Compact foam basketballs are shot from the robot into one of four scor-

ing hoops that are set up at three different heights. Various point values are given to

BUZZ/page 12

March 2012 North Central News

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East Windsor Town Sees Increase in Commercial Property, Residential Decrease

By Linda Tishler Levinson EAST WINDSOR —The town is a little more valuable, at least according to its grand list.

Town Assessor Caroline Madore released the Oct. 1, 2011, grand list on Feb. 3. The net grand list rose by $9,610,599, an increase of 0.888 percent over the previous year. The grand list is an accounting of all taxable property in town, including real estate, motor vehicles and personal property.

Real estate increased by 1.3 percent or $12,151,457.

Personal property decreased by 13 percent or $9,127,548.

Motor vehicles increased by 8 percent or $6,586,690.

The top 10 taxpayers are: • Southern Auto Sales In. and Related Items, various locations, $25,554,580 • The Mansions at Canyon Ridge LLC, 277 North Rd., $20,942,080 • Millpond Limited Partnership, 100 Mill Pond Rd., $13,706,190 • Blue Dog Properties Trust, 97 Newberry Rd., $12,254,308 • Balch Bridge Street Corp. and related entities, various

locations, $10,533,200 • East Windsor Properties Limited Partnership, 69 Prospect Hill Rd., $10,395,418 • Connecticut Water Co. and related entities, various locations, $10,037,060 • Fremont Prospect Hill Road LLC, 64, 66 and 68 Prospect Hill Rd., $9,269,320 • Connecticut Light & Power Co. and related entities, various locations, $9,152,130 • Wyndwood Apartments Connecticut Limited Partnership, 49 S. Main St., $9,104,480

Cliff Nelson Motor Sports Sponsors 3rd Annual East Windsor Panther Plunge EAST WINDSOR - Cliff Nelson Motor Sports will be this year’s major sponsor of the East Windsor Panther Plunge, a fundraising effort to help the East Windsor Fuel Bank during the home heating season. This year’s event will be the third annual Panther Plunge, having raised thousands of dollars in the first two years. Cliff Nelson Motor Sports has a long tradition of being active in community and charitable events.

This year’s Panther Plunge will take place at the East Windsor Reservoir on Saturday, March 17 at 1 p.m.

“I am honored to be a part of such a great cause. Everyone is well aware of

how hard the economy has hit so many of our friends and neighbors, and we are very happy to be able to lend a hand in some way to help those who are really struggling to make ends meet,” said Cliff Nelson, the principal owner of Cliff Nelson Sports.

Nelson continued, “I can’t say enough about the effort that so many people put in to organize the event, and to participate, and we are happy to lend a hand to make this year’s event another great success.”

East Windsor First Selectman Denise Menard said, “It’s volunteers like Cliff Nelson Motor Sports and the many people going for a very cold swim on a cold day that make East Windsor the great commu-

nity that it is. This is a great event to help our less fortunate.”

This is the East Windsor Fuel Bank’s major fundraiser for this year. The Panther Plunge is modeled after the popular Polar Plunges held to benefit other charities. The Panther Plunge is a dip into the chilly waters of East Windsor Reservoir during the winter to raise money for needy families to help heat their homes. In the past two years close to $10,000 has been raised.

In order to participate, plungers must raise at least $15 in order to have the privilege and honor of taking the plunge. A $20 pledge will get a Plunger T-shirt.

There will be a warming party right at

the park during and after the plunge complete with a DJ and Bonfire, Hot Cocoa and snacks sold by the East Windsor Booster Club. Thank you to Cliff Nelson Motor Sports for being our Featured Sponsor as well as our Friends of the Plunge: www.eastwindsorchamber.com and Windsor Federal Savings for helping jumpstart our event.

If you have questions, would like to donate or plunge with us, give us a call at 860-627-6662.

For further information or to sign up to take the plunge, please contact the East Windsor Parks and Recreation Department at 860-627-6662.

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East Windsor Historic Trolley Cars Stripped of Copper and Brass Components the museum at 860-627-6540.

The museum is asking anyone with information regarding this theft, as well as anyone who may see suspicious activity around the museum, to contact the East Windsor Police Department 860-2928240.

EAST WINDSOR - On Feb. 18, volunteers at the Connecticut Trolley Museum found three trolley cars dating back to 1905 stripped of their copper and brass components. Discovered during a convention of trolley enthusiasts from other trolley museums east of the Mississippi River, damage is estimated to be in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Thieves were able to peel back a section of the metal siding on the barn to gain access. Once inside, crowbars were used to pry brass pieces off of the ceilings, windows, and exterior of these wooden cars doing extensive damage to the woodwork.

Also, wiring was cut and some of the control gear was stripped out of the cars. The three cars that were stripped include car 1326 (the museum’s Birthday Car), car 840 (the last open car to operate in revenue service in the United States), and car 101 (a freight motor that the museum acquired in 2009). Now, all three will require extensive work before they can be returned to operation for museum patrons to enjoy.

Parts were missing from a fourth car in the barn that was already partially disassembled.

In addition, the lock was cut on a track tool shed to gain access; however, it does not appear that any track materials were stolen.

The Connecticut Trolley Museum, which is operated by volunteers, features

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East Windsor Lions Club Open House

trolley rides on a 1.5 mile track and exhibits of the era. The Connecticut Trolley Museum, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of the trolley era, is seeking donations to recover some of the costs associated with the repairs to these trolleys. For those interested in helping out, please contact

EAST WINDSOR - The East Windsor Lions Club will be hosting an Open House on Wednesday, March 7, at Scout Hall, 28 Abbe Rd., East Windsor. The event will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with refreshments being served.

If you thought that the Lions Club was just “ the eyeglasses people,” please come and hear about the other programs that we participate in. When you see the Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, know that the Lions Club helps to support their events.

When you hear of holiday baskets given out by the Visiting Nurses, know that the Lions Club has helped.

When you read about our young people receiving scholarships at graduation, know that the Lions Club makes several of these scholarships available. When you go to the local library, check out the Lions Club Large Print Books that are made available. In this current economic time more families are relying on the Five Corner Cupboard Food Pantry, and the Lions Club helps with keeping the pantry open.

Please join us with your family on Wednesday, March 7, and connect with other families to make a difference in the community in which you live.

For more information, please call Paul Scannell at 860-627-7871.

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Ellington Valentine Delivered in Form of Senior Center Approval

By Linda Tishler Levinson ELLINGTON — For those who had been hoping for a new senior center or improvements to Crystal Lake School, a Valentine’s Day referendum delivered sweet news.

Residents voted in separate referendums Feb. 14 to approve both projects.

By a vote of 1,340-573, residents approved the appropriation of $2.5 million to build a senior center at 22 Maple St. The current senior center is located in a strip mall and was considered inadequate to serve the senior

citizen population well.

The senior center project calls for a 10,600-square-foot facility that would be built across from Ellington High School. The building would include offices, a kitchen, health area, activity area and two multi-purpose rooms.

Residents voted 1,358-554 for the $21.04 million for renovation and addition project for the school.

“I’m happy that both items passed,” First Selectman Maurice Blanchette said.

“There’s been an awful lot of work that’s been put into that,” Superintendent of Schools Stephen Cullinan said of

the school referendum, noting it has been in the works in some fashion since 1992. Without the expansion, he said, he is unsure how town schools could handle the growing population.

Capital Improvements Budget The Board of Selectmen has presented its capital improvements budget to the Board of Finance. They presented a $1.185 million net proposal, Blanchette. The budget request includes funding for the Strawberry Road bridge, as well as infrastructure repairs and vehicle replacements.

Republican Town Committee Will Select Convention Delegates

Women’s Clubs Sponsoring Creedence Tribute Concert ENFIELD - The Ellington Women’s Club, The Woman’s Club of Enfield, and members of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs/CT, are partnering together for the first time to present a special “Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) and John Fogerty Tribute Concert,” via New York’s acclaimed Green River Band, on Saturday, April 21, at 7 p.m., at Enrico Fermi High School’s auditorium, 124 North Maple St., Enfield.

Advance tickets are $20 per person ($25 at the door) and can be obtained by mailing your request (with a stamped, selfaddressed envelope) to Lorraine Dentamaro, 17 St. James Ave., Enfield, CT 06082.

Mail-in requests must be received by April 13. For further information, please call 860-253-9163 or email lzac1950@yahoo.com (first letter is small L).

The proceeds from this fun-filled and high-energy performance CCR show by Green River will benefit numerous local organizations and causes that the Ellington Women’s Club and The Woman’s Club of Enfield contribute to each year. Both clubs hope the public will be supportive of their endeavors to aid their communities and to bring first-rate music to the North Central CT area.

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New Yorker and seasoned lead singer/guitarist Rick Horvath, who began singing CCR songs when he was 13 years old. Rick’s favorite highlights include sharing the stage with Jimmy Buffett in an unannounced show at Margaritaville in Key West, Fla., and playing at Mohegan Sun casino.

Green River will perform such CCR classics as “Bad Moon Rising,” “Proud Mary,” “Up Around the Bend,” live jams “Born on the Bayou” and “Susie Q,” as well as John Fogerty classics “The Old Man Down the Road” and “Centerfield.”

The show is considered to be an amazing re-creation of one of the most renowned bands of the rock era.

ELLINGTON - The Ellington Republican Town Committee will be holding its monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, at the Ellington Town Hall. ERTC officers and delegates to the upcoming elections will be selected. Additionally, there are guest speakers on the agenda, including a representative for U.S. Senate hopeful Chris Shays. Republicans and unaffiliated voters interested in Republican issues at the local, state and federal levels are encouraged to attend. For more information, go to www.ellington-ertc.org as well as Facebook at www.facebook.com/ERTC.

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Ellington Opening Knight Players Set to Present â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Beauty and the Beastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ELLINGTON - Children in the would appeal to all audiences. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I chose the Ellington and surrounding communities show because of the story, illustrated will be treated to a magical experience this through an outstanding script and score,â&#x20AC;? month courtesy of Ellington High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prenetta said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It teaches the importance of drama club, Opening Knight Players kindness and faith. It also encourages (OKP). Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classic â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beauty and the everyone to look for the gold in one anothBeastâ&#x20AC;? will come alive on the Gordon C. er that is sometimes obscured by outside Getchell Auditorium appearances.â&#x20AC;? stage on March 9, 10 Musicals require IN THE SCHOOLS much more from and 11 and the cast and crew have been both the production working very hard to staff and the actors. present an unforgetNot only does the table performance. production need a musical director and The OKP performers do not tackle orchestra, it also needs a choreographer. musicals every year and the last musicals Due to the large cast size (over 50), this performed were the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fantasticksâ&#x20AC;? in 2009 show required dozens of people to help and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bye Bye Birdieâ&#x20AC;? in 2008. The coor- create the costumes. Many parents have dination of music, dancers and actors is stepped up to help and even several sewing quite a job and director William Prenetta machines were donated from Ellington was up for the task after his year-long sab- Middle School. batical in 2010-2011. Prenetta felt his The elaborate set has been a huge drama club had the vocal power to meet undertaking as well for this production. the difficult demands of this score and TheaterWorks in Hartford donated most of wanted to do a play that would excite the their entire set from their last summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s younger residents in the Ellington commu- production of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Understudyâ&#x20AC;? and nity. together with technical director Bob The Opening Knight Players covered Williams and set designer Jeff Marholin, some very serious topics over the last few the drama club has created a castle, vilyears and so Prenetta picked a theme that lage, forest and tavern. Most if not all of

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the wood donated from TheaterWorks was used. They still, however, had to purchase $3,000 worth of additional materials.

Musicals are much more expensive to produce and this show is no exception.

Aside from the royalties that must be paid to Disney, costumes needed to be purchased along with hiring musicians, a musical director, additional sets and sound equipment. Prenetta estimates the show is costing close to $15,000 to produce.

I dropped by a rehearsal in late February to take some photos and see how things were going. On that day, the cast was doing what is called a â&#x20AC;&#x153;stumble through,â&#x20AC;? which is basically their first time

running through Act I in costume. It was then I realized how much work and organization goes into a production such as this one. These are high school students! While many adults help with the production, it is ultimately the students who take on the commitment and responsibilities.

There are so many people to outfit in costumes. As the story goes, the people in the castle are under a spell and were turned into forks, spoons, plates, napkins, feather duster, etc. so each character must have his specific dinnerware costume. There is also a myriad of props needed and the castle set

ELLINGTON/page 9

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Ellington Superintendent Highlights Low Per-pupil Spending

By Linda Tishler Levinson ELLINGTON â&#x20AC;&#x201D; When it comes to being frugal about school spending, the town comes in first. Superintendent of Schools Stephen Cullinan said he is not sure if that is a good thing.

While looking at the state Department of Educationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s list of net current expenditures per pupil for the 2010-2011 fiscal year, Cullinan decided to sort those expenditures by school district. He found that out of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 166 school districts, Ellington had the lowest per pupil cost at $10,716. The highest in the state was

Canaan, at $22,450.

Comparing Ellingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s per pupil costs to those in other north-central Connecticut towns shows that Enfield spends $12,079 per pupil; Somers, $12,463; Stafford, $13,121; and East Windsor, $14,647.

Cullinan said he is proud that the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school system does the best it can to contain costs, but he feels it is time to address shortages in programming. He said he feels comparable towns are offering their students a greater variety or programs. He also noted that Ellington is one of just a handful of school districts in the state in

which enrollment is increasing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The town of Ellington is certainly not last in the state in terms of wealth,â&#x20AC;?

Cullinan wrote in his blog. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When using the Adjusted Equalized Net Grand List per Capita (AENGLC), Ellington ranks No. 106 in town wealth.â&#x20AC;?

But he also pointed out that town students are doing well, despite the low perpupil spending. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Across all measures of student achievement, the Ellington Public Schools are consistently in the top twenty-five to thirty-five percent,â&#x20AC;? he wrote.

Nursery School Registration VERNON - The Indian Valley Family YMCA located in Vernon is accepting registration for its fall nursery school programs. It offers 2-year-old, 3year-old and 4-year-old classes, parttime or full-time options, as well as extended day options for 4-year-olds program Monday-Friday.

Do you have a 2-5-year-old who would enjoy music, gym classes, crafts, thematic units, positive discipline, and more, all as part of their enrichment nursery school program? For more information or to take a tour contact Lois Cartier at 860-872-7329 ext. 18 or email Lois.Cartier@ghymca.org.

Ellington Student Troupe Presents â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Beauty and the Beastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Performances (continued from page 8) even has a double staircase!

Prenetta met early on with his set directors to discuss the needs of the set and the mood the set should create. His vision was to create a cartoon-like feeling in Belleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s village. She dreams of something more real and thus the castle will be more â&#x20AC;&#x153;real.â&#x20AC;?

The woods that she passes through will be a combination of real and cartoon-like elements. During all the performances, light-

up roses will be for sale in the lobby. In the final scene, Belle holds her rose up, which will be a signal to the audience members to raise theirs as well. An auditorium filled with lighted roses will most certainly be amazing.

The showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performances will take place on Friday evening, March 9, at 7:30, Saturday, March 10, at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 11, at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $12 general admission and $10 for students, children and seniors. Because

a large turnout is expected, advance reservations are strongly advised with payment upon pick-up at the Box Office on the day of the show. Advance reservations can be made by emailing okpshowtix@ yahoo.com and providing name, phone number, town of residence, show date, time and number of adult, student or senior tickets needed. Advance reservations will be available until March 8. All advance tickets must be picked up no later than 15 minutes prior to showtime. There will be tickets available at the door provided the shows are not sold out.

In addition to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beauty and the Beastâ&#x20AC;? production, the drama club and a group of parents are sponsoring a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beauty and the Beastâ&#x20AC;? Character Tea for young children on Saturday, March 3. The club hopes to raise some additional funds to help defray the costs of its trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, to participate in the Fringe Festival this coming August. For more information on OKP, visit the Ellington High School website at www.ellingtonpublicschools.org and click on OKP under student clubs and activities.

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Entertainment Blue Back â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Beltsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Out Sushi,

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Welcome back to the Sunday Drive, the column that aspires to inspire you to get your motor running and head out on the highway to some of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lesser known haunts.

That said, you may know our first stop by name, but when was the last time you came to West Hartfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blue Back Square (www.bluebacksquare.com)? Recently enough to have experienced Connecticutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kaitenâ&#x20AC;? - or conveyor belt-delivered sushi?

Welcome to Umi, the brainchild of chef/owner Kohei Kishida and manager Taki Tanaka, located at 53 Isham Rd. As the former owner/operators of Maeda Restaurant in Simsbury, Tanaka and Kishida had years of successful sushi making under their collective belts.

When Blue Back came a-calling with the opportunity to occupy some space in the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premiere eating/shopping destination - and all of the energy and foot traffic that comes with it - Tanaka says that he and Kishida agreed it was time to both

dive back in, yet try something new. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With Maeda, we realized we were trying to choose our customers ... as in who we thought would be coming,â&#x20AC;? he recalls. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With Umi, we wanted to take down all the barriers associated with traditional sushi dining and let our customers choose us.â&#x20AC;?

And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where the conveyor belt comes in. At any given time, more than 100 plates of fresh-made sushi are circulating around the main floor of Umi restaurant. Each offering is clearly labeled, visible and affordably priced (ranging from $1.75 to $5.75) on color-coded plates. If something moves you, simply reach over, pull it off and enjoy.

At the end of your dining experience, your server simply tallies up the empty dishes and presents a bill. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once they get used to it, the people love the belt ... and there was a learning curve for us, too,â&#x20AC;? Tanaka adds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our chefs are so fast now, and you have to be to keep the belt full when we get hit hard.

We also worked very closely with the

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10 North Central News March 2012

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Authentic Mexican Fare and So Much More...

As our host Michael Kondratiev explains, it is the vision of one John Tunney III that started in New York and made its way to West Hartford in the spring of 2009. â&#x20AC;&#x153;John toured Mexico extensively, and when he came back to New York, he was yearning for the food he had experienced,â&#x20AC;?

Kondratiev explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He realized he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find it, and with his mind working the way it does, he also realized that if he could deliver it, the people would come.â&#x20AC;?

And come they did ... to both the Huntington, N.Y., location where Kondratiev can more commonly be found as well as Besito Rosyln, N.Y., before coming to the Nutmeg State.

Signature dishes like the fresh corn tamale in chipotle cream and the cerviche del dia - which this evening consisted of a lobster base flourished with chipotle and citrus keep them coming back. Other nights, Besito regulars may also pop in to sip one of the more than 75 tequilas in the restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Agave Lounge or succumb to the

sweet bliss that is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tres Lechesâ&#x20AC;? - a decadent dessert cake that utilizes evaporated milk, condensed milk and heavy cream to achieve utter confectionery perfection.

Besito guests are also given everything from warm churros and â&#x20AC;&#x153;worry dollsâ&#x20AC;? (place them under your pillow at night, and your problems will disappear by daybreak, the story goes), sleek â&#x20AC;&#x153;Besitoâ&#x20AC;? flashlights and even a complimentary umbrella for diners who may have entered the restaurant in fair skies and exit to sudden precipitation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our philosophy is more than just running a successful restaurant with good food,â&#x20AC;? Kondatriev concludes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We strive to make each guest feel like they went on an authentic Mexican vacation.â&#x20AC;?

Mission accomplished, Besito.

Do you own a facility or know of a hidden gem in the region that would be the perfect focus of a future Sunday Drive?

If so, please email your suggestions to northcentralnews@aol.com

Besito Restaurant makes its guacamole tableside, keeps its tequila stock copious and treats guests like they are on a Mexican vacation.

Blue Back Squareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Umi Restaurant delivers sushi via conveyor belt. If something strikes your fancy, simply pull it from the belt and your server will tally the totals at dinnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s end. health department to ensure that everything is as safe and fresh as possible at all times. We have everything clocked so we know exactly how long things can stay on the belt before we remove them.â&#x20AC;?

For those in the mode for more traditional fare, Umi also offers a full array of noodle soups, stone-cooked steaks and an a â&#x20AC;&#x153;build your own special rollâ&#x20AC;? offering.

A quick stroll by Blue Backâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s movie

theater and sprawling sidewalks, the smoldering lights of a Besito (besitomex.com) beckon for a nightcap. A stunning eatery offering authentic Mexican fare known for making its guacamole fresh, tableside, Besito (which translates to â&#x20AC;&#x153;little kissâ&#x20AC;?) from its South African eucalyptus adorned ceiling to its walls of inlaid candles and gorgeous photographs of the fabled Sable Island wild horses - is truly transcendent.

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Enfield BUZZ Robotics Inspires Students to Explore Science Careers (continued from page 3) the hoops. There are obstacles on the course including a barrier and bridge.

Robots also can be defensive, working to block the other teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shots.

Brothers at Work Brothers Matthew and Peter Polis are on the BUZZ Robotics team. The sophomoresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dad, Peter, who works for Hamilton Sundstrand on oxygen generators for the International Space Station, also serves as a mentor for the team. Matthew works on

Women Invited To Take Part at â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Herlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; STAFFORD - Calling all talented, creative, wild and expressive women. On June 3, the Stafford Arts Commission is sponsoring the Herland Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music Fair, a celebration of womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music and unique creations. Enjoy displaying and selling your quality, one-of-a-kind items during a rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music event.

Tarot card and palm readers are welcome as well.

For more information about the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music Fair, or to reserve your space, call 860-684-9500 or email sundaila@ yahoo.com.

the mechanical end of the robot while brother Peter serves as one of the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three programmers. The students say they can see how this experience will influence future career choices.

Fellow teammate Brendan Toohey agrees. The sophomore said he first learned about BUZZ through a visit the team made to Hazardville Elementary School. The student works on the mechanical areas for the robot and says he sees in his future doing something with mechanical engineering.

According to Wendy Atiyeh, who coordinates the BUZZ Robotics team, there are 22 Enfield and Fermi students on the local team. Nineteen volunteer mentors work with the students during the season to design the robot. The mentors include many employees from Hamilton Sundstrand, including Atiyeh, along with parents of team members, including Atiyehâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s husband, Bob, in addition to former educators, including Jim Hodrinsky, a retired technologies teacher from Fermi and retired Fermi Science Department Chair Steve Olson.

Olson says while there are students on the team that will not go on to a career in this field, there are an inordinate amount that will. Several graduates of the program that has been in existence in Enfield for 17

years do come back to mentor students, according to the former educator. The Atiyehs have two daughters that have graduated from Fermi High School and returned to support the team. Their youngest is a junior at Fermi and is a current member of the team.

Gaining Confidence Suzanne and Jay Toohey have two sons that participate on the BUZZ Robotics team. The couple will be traveling this year to the national competition in St. Louis for the first time, at the end of April.

The Tooheys say the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s volunteers have provided great opportunities for their children to gain confidence and have hands-on opportunities to learn. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are really good mentors with real life experience,â&#x20AC;? Jay Toohey says.

His wife agrees: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The time commitment they make is incredible.â&#x20AC;?

Suzanne volunteers as a fundraising coordinator for the group. Hamilton Sundstrandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Space Systems Division is a large funding and manpower contributor to the team, but, according to Atiyeh, the students independently raise between $5,000$7,000 each year to be put toward expenses.

Toohey says the group will be selling Easter daffodil and pink tulip plants to raise funds. They will be taking orders for the $8 plants until Saturday, March 10.

They are also sponsoring a Casino Night bus trip to Mohegan Sun on Sunday, March 9.

Those interested in supporting the team through these fundraisers can call Suzanne at 860-749-0599 for more details.

The BUZZ Robotics team will participate in a competition at the Hartford Convention Center from March 29-31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission to the event is free.

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*LIW &HUWLILFDWHV $YDLODEOH &HOHEUDWLQJ <HDUV LQ %XVLQHVV 12 North Central News March 2012

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Enfield Enfield Sees Sharp Decline in Property Values Due to Economy

By Linda Tishler Levinson ENFIELD — Property values in town are down, due to the recent revaluation.

Della Froment, supervisor of assessment and revenue collection, and Lynn Nenni, director of finance, presented the revaluation figures at the Feb. 6 Town Council meeting.

While the Oct. 1, 2011, grand list — the list of all taxable property in town — has not been completed, Froment told the council that the real estate grand list has gone down 13.74 percent from the previous year. Residential real estate showed the greatest drop, falling by just over 14.8 percent. Commercial/industrial real estate

fell by a little more than 9.5 percent.

Froment said the results of the revaluation were not surprising considering the economy and the real estate market.

Revaulation notices went out to taxpay-

ers in January, Froment said. Taxpayers have until March 20 to appeal their property values to the Board of Assessment Appeals.

DAR Plans March Programs on Pins, Genealogy ENFIELD - The Penelope Terry Abbey Chapter of the CT DAR will be holding its March meeting Saturday, March 10, at the Hazardville United Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m. The program will be “All Those Pins,” an education in DAR insignia.

On Saturday, March 24, a free genealogy workshop, “Growing Your Family Tree,” will be held from 10 a.m. until noon at the Enfield Public Library, 104 Middle Rd. This is a hands-on workshop open to the public, so you may bring your laptop and/or recording materials. Tables are available for your convenience and the facility has wireless Internet access. The library also has computers available for public use.

Since this is a popular event and seating is limited, please make your reservation as early as possible by calling Jean at 860668-7922 or email your name, contact information and area of interest to:

Regent@PenelopeTerryAbbeyDAR.org.

This workshop is sponsored by Enfield’s Penelope Terry Abbey Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Jolene Mullen, who has been a professional genealogist for more than 20 years, will conduct the program and will provide assistance for participants. Her presentation is designed to teach basic genealogical methodology and help beginning and intermediate family researchers make the best use of their time and resources. She is a National Field Genealogist for the National Society of the DAR and author of the recently published “Connecticut Town Meeting Records during the American Revolution.”

Application forms will be available for anyone interested in joining the Daughters of the American Revolution or the Sons of the American Revolution, and special assistance will be provided for the process.

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Enfield After-School Program Receives $260,000 for JFK After School ENFIELD—Enfield Middle School students have a chance to take part in numerous activities after school, thanks to a twoyear Connecticut After School grant. The JFK After School Center can serve up to 100 middle school students in grades 6-8.

Former Board of Education member Judy Apruzzese-Desroches said, “What an incredible ‘win’ for the Enfield community. Educational Resources for Children (ERfC) has been delivering after-school programs in partnership with the Enfield Public Schools for over 12 years. This two-year grant after school makes it possible for middle school students to be successful in school and life.”

ERfC received the highly competitive state grant in late fall to continue developing project-based activities for JFK Middle School students. Good after-school programs can cut by as much as 75 percent the risk of youth becoming involved in crime.

Julie Betancourt, parent of a sixth- and seventh-grader, enrolled her children when

it opened in the fall.

“I’m glad that my children have a place to go after school where I feel they are safe. They get their homework done, are well supervised, and have a fun time with friends,” she said.

In addition to keeping kids safe, Hall said JFK After School also provides two structured homework blocks led by certified teachers to assist students. Hall said, “Parents told us when we applied for the grant that their main concern was making sure homework was started, if not completed, with help from teachers after school.”

Some students have two hours of homework and being able to complete their homework after school is motivating. Hall said, “Parents tell us that evening hours can be very stressful for their families.

Getting a jump start on homework every day is helpful.”

Sixth-grade parent Allison Castoldi said the homework assistance program after school has made a positive impact on her

Musical Education Scholarship Available ENFIELD - GFWC/The Woman’s Club of Enfield announces that application forms for the Carolyn B. Jackson Music Scholarships are available for pick-up at both Enrico Fermi and Enfield high schools. The scholarships are awarded to seniors who will further their education as

music majors. If you were a previous attendee at either of these schools you may also apply. Previous recipients must reapply each year. Applications must be returned by March 16.

For more information, contact Florence at 860-745-5869.

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family. For the past several years, homework has been a struggle for the whole family, she said. “My daughter would ask questions or need help. We would try (to help her), but things are taught differently than when we were in school. It was just so stressful and time consuming. We would all go to bed late and frustrated,” she added.

Castoldi said that now, because of the homework assistance program after school, her daughter gets most, if not all, of her homework finished during this time.

“She is able to ask questions of qualified teachers,” Castoldi said, “so she can better understand the concepts so much that she wants to stay until the very end”—even on those days Castoldi is able to pick her daughter up early after work. Lamontagne said the interaction between kids is very positive and lasting friendships are formed. “I have great peace of mind every day. The JFK After School staff are very professional and keep all the kids occupied in a very fun learning environment,” she said.

Betancourt noted, “At the end of the day

when I ask what they did after school, my kids talk about having a role in a movie or what new recipe they used in cooking.”

They have so much to say about their afternoon now, she added.

ERfC, a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to increasing youth resiliency, has been providing innovative after-school programming since 1994 to the Enfield Community. ERfC is supported by community and individual donors, businesses, foundations, funding through the CT Department of Education and the United Way of Central and Northeastern CT Investment Fund.

ERfC collaborates and partners with Enfield Together Coalition, KITE (Key Initiates to Early Education), Enfield Partners in Education, and Enfield First Readers. ERfC is also a professional member of The Afterschool Alliance and the CT After School Network. ERfC provides After School-Age Care Centers at Enfield Street and Barnard schools. All centers are licensed. For more information, visit www.erfc.us or call the administrative office at 860-253-9935.

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Enfield Fundraiser for Single Mom who Died from Cervical Cancer

St. Bernard Students Moving Up Two St. Bernard eighth-graders are excited to be moving on to Catholic High School next year with scholarships in hand. Brooke Massie, left, was offered the East Catholic High School Catholic Elementary School Scholarship. This is a renewable scholarship awarding Brooke $2,000 a year toward her tuition at East Catholic High School. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am so honored to be given the opportunity to further my Catholic education,â&#x20AC;? says Brooke. Also accepting a Catholic High School Scholarship is Maia Doerner, who is attending Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford next year. Maia was one of the highest-scoring students in the Northwest Catholic entrance exams this past December. She has been invited to participate in the Honors-At-Entrance Program and was awarded a $5,000 renewable academic scholarship.

ENFIELD - Alison Price, a single mother, was diagnosed a little more than five months ago with stage IV cervical cancer. Friends and family instantly got together to offer their love and support, including planning a benefit to be held Sunday, March 18, at Pleasant View CafĂŠ in Somers from 1 p.m.-6 p.m.

Sadly, Price, of Enfield, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 16, at her home after having fought a courageous battle with cancer, with loved ones at her side. She was a loving and caring mother and grandmother whose children and grandchildren were the center of her life. Her family has requested contributions be made to the Alison Price Memorial Fund, c/o Rockville Bank, Big Y Plaza, 65 Palomba Dr., Enfield, CT 06082.

The March 18 Benefit for Alison at Pleasant View Cafe is still on, as her children and grandchildren still need your support. To make donations, please contact Diane at 860-966-9559. For tickets to the benefit, please call Linda at 860-9161523 or Styles and Files at 860-763-3803.

Boulanger Memorial Scholarship ENFIELD - GFWC/The Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club of Enfield is offering a $1,000 Continuing Education Scholarship to any young woman presently enrolled at a four-year accredited college. She must be an Enfield resident and have completed one full year of college. This scholarship is being

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offered in memory of Rose Helene Boulanger. The deadline for turning in an application is April 6. Applications may be obtained from Karen at 860-745-0875.

Credit Union Has Scholarship Money ENFIELD â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Enfield Community Federal Credit Union (ECFCU) is accepting applications for its annual scholarship award. Applicants must be graduating seniors who will be attending a 2-4-year institution of higher learning in the fall of 2012. The deadline to submit applications is May 18. For more information, visit the credit unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website: www.enfieldcommunityfcu.org or its Facebook page, call it at 860-253-5100 or stop by its office located at 11 Cranbrook Blvd.in Enfield.

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Enfield St. Bernard School Announces Its Second Quarter Honor Roll Enfield â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The following students were named to the second quarter honor roll, according to a list supplied by the school administration.

Grade Eight High Honors Maia Doerner Michelle Such Emma Zorda Honors Nathanial Boucher Alex Coffey Dean Lukacs Brooke Massie Kristen Mitton Julianna Pelletier Devin Thibodeau

Principalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s List Maansi Aghera Lilyanna Lingua-Cutler Grade Six Honors Aurelie Barry Killian Gomeau

Principalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s List Sean Babula Jack Neild Grade Seven High Honors Sarah Alaimo Erienne Dowe Honors Tabetha Benjamin Jamison Cote Leah Cothran Kamryn Desrosiers Salvatore Lastrina Nina MacDonald Rose Michaud Nolan Skehan Jessica Williams

Quincy Jacques Cooper Lorenz Brandon Lukacs Emily Miller Emily Noll Naomi Rosado

Scholarship for Graduating Enfield Senior Girls ENFIELD - GFWC/The Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club of Enfield is offering scholarships to graduating senior girls from both Enfield High School and Fermi High School. To qualify for these scholarships, a girl must have attended one of these high schools for her entire senior year, be in the upper 20 percent of her class, and been accepted at a four-year college or university. The Phyllis Berger Memorial Scholarship is offered to

business students only. The qualifications are the same as above, except that she must have been accepted at either a twoyear or four-year business school.

Scholarship applications may be obtained from the guidance office at either high school and must be returned to that office by April 5. If further information is needed, please contact Karen Kennedy at 860-745-0875.

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Each hat, donated by the Home Depot of Enfield, was decorated with 100 of something. The students were happy to participate in all the activities, including their 100th day of school class photo.

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Regional Debate Over Need for Special Focus on Agriculture Committee at State Capitol (continued from page 1) Bacchiochi said she feels legislators need to work on how best to advocate for agriculture.

She said that Connecticut consumes a vast amount of food and greenhouse products, but produces only about 30 percent of that. Increasing production would keep agriculture revenue in the state and as a result create jobs.

She advocates taking vacant commercial buildings and using them for indoor growing. She said that the state already is structured for the agricultural industry and has the infrastructure in place, particularly the state Department of Agriculture, the University of Connecticut School of Agriculture and the UConn Cooperative Extension System.

Kissel said the state has done a good job of preserving open land and buying development rights to farms, but now it is time to do more. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we need to do more with the open land as far as agriculture,â&#x20AC;? he said, adding that it goes beyond food farms, such as Christmas tree farms.

Since the select committee idea failed to progress this session, Kissel is calling for a bipartisan agricultural caucus to focus on these issues.

Henry Talmage, executive director of the Connecticut Farm Bureau, said he supports bringing additional attention to agriculture, but would have preferred a pro-

posal for a full committee; select committees cannot bring legislation to a vote without going through a full committee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It makes for an extra step that would be cumbersome,â&#x20AC;? he said.

State Rep. Bryan Hurlburt, D-Tolland, said he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see the need to create a new legislative committee. He is a member of the Environment Committee, which currently deals with agriculture issues, and chairs the budget subcommittee overseeing agriculture funding. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Agriculture is a bipartisan issue, so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m glad to see people thinking of new ways to enhance its role in our economy.

Agriculture already has a great home in the Environment Committee and there is no need to duplicate the process. In fact, a new subcommittee would slow things down by adding another layer. The Environment Committee does a great job with agriculture issues and has a great record of getting legislation passed, so I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see a need to create a new committee,â&#x20AC;? Hurlburt said.

According to the University of Connecticut's Economic Impacts of Agricultural Industry report from 2010, agriculture generates nearly $1,000 in sales for every state resident. The report notes that every dollar in agriculture sales generates an additional dollar in the state economy. Every $1 million spent on agriculture generates between 13 and 19 jobs, an average of $62,500 per job.

Davis Meets with East Windsor, Ellington Residents In February, state Rep. Christopher Davis visited the East Windsor and Ellington senior centers to discuss the issues facing Connecticut in the legislative session. More importantly, the visit allowed those in attendance to ask questions and communicate to Rep. Davis the issues and problems that they found most pressing in their lives.

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Somers Recycling Gets Easier for Resident with Single-Step Program

By Linda Tishler Levinson SOMERS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Recycling is about to get easier for town residents.

Beginning March 1, the town will go to a single-stream recycling system. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So no more sorting of glass, paper, cans and plastic. This allows recycling to be much easier for residents going to the transfer station,â&#x20AC;? First Selectman Lisa Pellegrini said.

The town recently signed a new contract with USA Hauling & Recycling Inc. for waste removal at the transfer station.

The contract not only lowers tipping fees for waste disposal, but also provides a rebate for each ton on recyclables brought to the transfer station. Pellegrini said that before the recycling rebates, the new con-

tract will save the town $60,000. With single-stream recycling, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We hope to save a lot more,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Under the new system, recyclables are separated from the trash, but need not be separated beyond that. Items that can be recycled include newspapers, magazines, catalogs, direct mail, envelopes, paper, paperboard, milk and juice cartons, cardboard, brown paper bags, plastic bottles and containers Nos. 1 to 7, aluminum cans, clean aluminum foil and metal cans.

Items that cannot be recycled include plastic bags or food liners, window glass, light bulbs, dishes, Pyrex, ceramics, foam packaging, plastic foam, hazardous materials and containers with food waste.

Celtic Concert Benefits Fire Damaged Church SOMERS - The Jolly Beggars, a sixpiece Celtic folk group, will present a concert to benefit the Somers Congregational Church Building Fund on Saturday, March 24, at 4 p.m. Due to the recent fire at the Somers church, the concert will be held at the Congregational Church of Somersville, located at 22 Maple St., Somersville.

Made up of graduates from the Hartt School of Music in West Hartford, The Jolly Beggarsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; traditional songs and musical arrangements have exposed many music lovers to the joys of Celtic music.

Characterized by tight harmonies and their

use of mandolin, pennywhistle, guitar, bass, bodhran, spoons, and more, The Jolly Beggars have quickly built a solid following and continue to spread their music through New England and the TriState area.

More information about the group is available at its website: www.thejollybeggarsmusic.com. The concert is open to the public. A free will offering will be taken, and there will be a reception following the concert.

For more information, call the church office at 860-763-4021.

Single-stream recycling will apply for residents who hire a trash hauler and those who bring their own trash and recyclables to the transfer station.

Solar energy grant Energy-efficient lighting will be installed at Town Hall, using funds from the Quickspend Grant Program. The estimated savings is more than $30,000 over a 15-year period, Pellegrini said. There will be a reduction of more than 9.2 tons of greenhouse gases per year, she said.

Energy Efficient lighting will be installed in Town Hall at no additional cost to the taxpayer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although some energy efficient lighting was previously installed, this grant enables us to complete the building,â&#x20AC;? Pellegrini said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been on my list of things to do; however, the cost was always prohibitive. The Quickspend Grant Program was the perfect solution. It was a tight time frame for the application, but it helped that we had a wish list of projects ready to go. Estimated savings for the lighting retrofit are over $30,000 over a 15-year period. In addition, there will be a reduction of over 9.2 tons of greenhouse gases per year.â&#x20AC;?

Based on the success of the solar panels at the firehouse, Pellegrini said the town wants to expand its use of solar energy.

This grant will allow construction of solar photovoltaic panels that will produce an additional 2,600 kWH/year of power. They will also be constructed at no additional cost to the taxpayer.

The future savings will result in an additional $520 worth of savings per year and there will be a reduction of 2 tons of greenhouse gases per year. The cost of constructing solar panel systems still remains cost prohibitive and the only feasible way to do so is through grants. Somers has been successful in achieving grants for solar power systems.

Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner SOMERS - The Congregational Church of Somersville, 22 Maple St,, will be holding its annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Supper on Saturday, March 10, with sittings at 5 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Menu includes juice, corned beef, cabbage, boiled potatoes, onions and carrots, homemade Irish soda bread, rolls, beverage and dessert. Cost is $11 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-10. Reservations should be made by calling the church at 860-7497741 or emailing somcong@aol.com Takeout orders will be available from 5:30 p.m.-6 p.m. and from 6:45 p.m.-7 p.m.

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Somers School System Will Destroy Old Records SOMERS - In accordance with Section 7-109 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Somers Public School System will be destroying the records of students who have graduated or reached the age of 21 prior to 2005. (Note: Transcripts will be retained for 50 years.) There are instances when either the student or parents, for Social Security benefits and other purposes, may need school records. Therefore, this correspondence serves as notification to the students and/or parents graduating in June 2005 to provide them with an opportunity to obtain their records.

By appointment only, regular school records may be picked up in the Somers High School Counseling and Career Center office, and the special education records may be picked up in the Office of Pupil Services daily, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and

2:45 p.m. before March 30, 2012. Due to confidentiality, records will not be released to anyone other than the student unless a signed consent for release of records form is provided.

If there are any questions, please contact the Office of Pupil Services at 860749-2270 Ext. 2051 or 2052.

Pantuosco Earns First Academic Honors SOMERS - Lucia M. Pantuosco, a resident of Somers, has been named to first honors on the Clark University Dean’s List. This selection marks outstanding academic achievement during the fall 2011 semester.

To be eligible for first honors, students must have a grade point average of 3.8 or higher, of a maximum of 4.3 (all A+s).

Spring Inspiration The Women’s Club of Somers recently held an event on Spring Inspiration at the Somers Public Library during its monthly meeting. Interior decorator and owner of Finishing Touches, Tina Troiano, demonstrated and gave ideas using concept of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Redecorate. Tina made flower arrangements, taught the ladies how to create a no-sew window swag and discussed ways to refresh their homes for the spring using new pillows and accessories. Finishing Touches is located at 102 Main St. in Somersville. Karen Anderson, president of the Somers Womens Club, is pictured at left with Troiano and program chairman Jane Barbieri.

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Somers Asnuntuck Community College in 2012 Military Friendly Guide

By Tejal Patel ENFIELD - Military Advanced Education (MAE) has selected Asnuntuck Community College (ACC) for inclusion in its 2012 Guide to Military Friendly Colleges and Universities. ACC was selected based on specific criteria, which include the services the college provides active-duty military members, veterans, and their families. ACC provides key staff members trained in military needs, an on-campus veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organization, tutors at no cost, and a liberal withdrawal policy for military personnel. In addition, ACC awards ACE credit and is a member of the Service-members Opportunity Colleges (SOC).

According to the MAE, any higher education institution that wished to be considered for the Guide filled out a submission questionnaire that was evaluated by the MAEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s judging panel. This designation places ACC in the top 15 percent of colleges and universities nationwide that are veteran friendly.

There are currently 103 veterans enrolled at ACC who are using chapter benefits from the VA or the CT Veterans Tuition Waiver.

ACCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s average veteran enrollment is usually between 115 and 120 veterans. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Veterans are very astute as to who is veteran friendly and who is not,â&#x20AC;? says Jim Wilkinson, an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War and the veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

advisor at ACC. ACC has a Veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Task Force that helps make the transition from military life to education more transparent. ACC was the first college in the Connecticut community college system to have an Oasis Center, which provides a lounge with computer access where veterans and their families can go to do work, research, or anything else they would need to do. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having the Task Force and Oasis Center is the way you maintain being a vet friendly school because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just about the vets; thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a profound effect on veteran families.

And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where this school and the administration of this school handle it very well,â&#x20AC;? adds Wilkinson, who has been an instructor at ACC full-time for eight years.

Eric Segundo, 37, an Army veteran and business administration major at ACC, says when he was looking for a school to go to, he was â&#x20AC;&#x153;absolutely looking for a school that was veteran friendly.â&#x20AC;? He adds, â&#x20AC;&#x153;ACC is like any other college, but the difference in terms of veterans is that they provide the Veterans Oasis Center, which is a great place for veterans to go.â&#x20AC;?

Segundo says that ACCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s veteran services are of a much â&#x20AC;&#x153;higher gradeâ&#x20AC;? than other schools he has attended. As the Veterans Coordinator, Egan works with each veteran

Jason Snukis of Somers (left) with Eric Segundo, 37, an Army veteran and business administration major at ACC. individually to help ease the transition from soldier to student. She helps them with navigating the VA system as well as helping them through the steps of becoming a student. â&#x20AC;&#x153;[The administrators] were really helpful and walked me through the steps. I found that the one-on-one personal relation with Beth Egan was the biggest perk for me; having that available,â&#x20AC;? says Segundo.

ACC also has a strong transfer program that assists students with the process of continuing their education to a four-year school. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our administration is really outstanding at

keeping on top of veterans and following through,â&#x20AC;? says Wilkinson.

This is the second year in a row that Asnuntuck Community College has received the designation of Military Friendly College. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m honored that we keep receiving these designations. At Asnuntuck, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding service to all of our students. I am honored that our commitment to our veterans is being singled out for this recognition and we will continue to support our military and veteran students,â&#x20AC;? says Egan.

SOMERS RESIDENTS Do you want to make a difference?

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22 North Central News March 2012

Í&#x2122;Í&#x201D;Ψ Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2C6; Č&#x2014; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â?Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x2021;Â? Â&#x2018;ĆĄ Â&#x2018;Â&#x2C6; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2122;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2019;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â?Ǥ Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x201E;Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2122;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160; Â&#x192;Â?Â&#x203A; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2018;ĆĄÂ&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2022;Ǥ Â&#x2039;Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2018;Â? Â&#x2019;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018;Â?Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;Ǥ ĆĄÂ&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x2021;Â&#x161;Â&#x2019;Ǥ Í&#x2014;Č&#x20AC;Í&#x2014;Í&#x2022;Č&#x20AC;Í&#x2022;Í&#x2013;

Interested in joining an elite group of volunteers in an exciting and fast-paced organization?

Somers Fire Department invites you to attend an informational session on WHAT IT TAKES TO WEAR THIS GEAR! Tuesday, April 3rd @ 7:00 pm.

Somers Firehouse: 400 Main St. Somers RSVP: (860) 992-4437 or Email: rick.mcdonald@somersfire.org Space is limited, so reserve your spot soon!

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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.

Our practice utilizes current technologies to make your care better and more comfortable.

A new kitchen brings your home to life

Email: toddgaskell@cox.net

We perform a wide range of general dentistry services, and have a focus on replacing missing teeth with crowns, bridges and dentures on dental implants.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Take Good C are of You

(860) 749-0781

48 South Road, Somers, CT 06071 March 2012 North Central News

23

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Somers

The Inception of Syrup Metal buckets hang from maple trees at Worthington Pond Farm in Somers to capture sap that is later boiled to produce maple syrup.

Worthington Pond Farm owner Dan Roulier gives tours to school children and other organizations on how maple syrup is made, explains how it takes 40 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of maple syrup.

Photo by Butler Photography

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SOMERS VETERINARY HOSPITAL Nancy Karol Hensen, DVM Complete veterinary services for all phases of your petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life.

Cats Dogs Birds Medical, Surgical & Dental Services Evening & Saturday Hours

Exotics Emergency Service

Office Hours By Appointment

63 SOUTH ROAD â&#x20AC;˘ SOMERS â&#x20AC;˘ 763-1000

Voted Best Landscaper In Voted Best Landscaper In North North Central Connecticut Two CentralYears CT 06,In07A,Row! 09 & 2010!

Specializing i n: Landscape Design, Hydroseeding, Decorative & Commercial Retaining Walls â&#x20AC;˘ Walkways, Patios & Interlocking Pavers â&#x20AC;˘ Excavation & Drainage Work â&#x20AC;˘ Landscape Design â&#x20AC;˘ Commercial & Residential Property Maintenance

Walkways, Patios & Walls, Small Excavation & Drainage Work.

24 North Central News March 2012

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Somers North Central CT Chamber Annual Home and Product Show ENFIELD - The 43rd annual North Central CT Chamber of Commerce Home & Product Show will be held on March 16, 17 and 18 at Asnuntuck Community College in Enfield.

The show hours are Friday, 5 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. This year the North Central CT Chamber of Commerce announced that admission for children 16 and under is free with any paid adult admission, and the admission for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s show is only $3 for adults. Free parking is also available for the entire weekend.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home show will be jampacked with local exhibitors from the north-central Connecticut and western

Massachusetts regions. The show will feature goods and services for the entire home.

While mom and dad are searching for that special item, the kids can visit with the Big Red Dog and the Big Blue Monster.

Both will be handing out candy on Saturday and Sunday. Complimentary face painting for children is also available.

Ms. Connecticut will be at the show this year on Saturday, March 17, continuing the yearly tradition of appearing at the home show.

The Home Depot free kids workshop will be back again this year. This popular attraction offers projects for your kids to do during the show all day on Saturday

Community Notes Seniors Invited to Congregational Church Luncheon SOMERS - Local seniors are invited to a luncheon at noon at the Congregational Church of Somersville, 22 Maple St., on Tuesday, March 27. Cost is only $5.

Reservations should be made by calling Arlene at 860-749-7387 or the church office at 860-749-7741.

On the menu is fresh fruit cup, baked ham, potato casserole, mixed vegetables, homemade rolls, beverage and ice cream with homemade cookies.

Royce Awarded for Academic Achievement SOMERS - SUNY Canton students were recently recognized for their outstanding academic accomplishments for the fall 2011 semester. Andrew K. Royce of Somers, a SUNY Canton Legal Studies major and a 2004 graduate of Somers High School, made Deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s List. For Deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s List, full-time students must receive a GPA of 3.25. Part-Time Honors are awarded to students earning at least a 3.25 GPA on six to 11 credit hours.

and Sunday. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s show will also feature a variety of demonstrations and seminars from exhibitors every hour on Saturday and Sunday in the main showroom.

Everyone attending the show will be automatically entered into the grand prize drawing to be held on Sunday afternoon.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grand prizes will include a new Whirlpool washer and dryer donated

by Carlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Appliances.

All kids will also be eligible for a free drawing to win one of four bikes generously donated by Costco.

There will also be a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Special Flower Potâ&#x20AC;? drawing with items supplied by many exhibitors and chamber members.

Fabulous food will be available for purchase at the show from Mama Miroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant, featuring New York-style pizza and many other house specialties sure to satisfy everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taste.

Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase from and service by Alliedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Enfield Stars.

The major sponsor this year is USA Hauling and Recycling.

For additional information about the show, please contact Lucille at Chamber office at 860-741-3838, or Gary Cote, chair of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s show, at 860-719-1431 or visit the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www.ncccc.org.

Somers Kindergarten Registration Set SOMERS - Registration for the 20122013 kindergarten classes will be held Monday through Friday, March 19-23, between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at Somers Elementary School, 4 Vision Blvd., Somers.

Parents need to bring the following at registration: â&#x20AC;˘ Proof of Somers residency â&#x20AC;˘ Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birth certificate â&#x20AC;˘ Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immunization record

All are required to register your child for kindergarten.

Parents are expected to fill out all required paperwork at time of registration.

Children do not need to be present for registration.

To qualify for kindergarten in August, children must be 5 years old on or before Dec. 31, 2012. For further information, please call 860-749-2270, ext. 3.

HELP USâ&#x20AC;ŚHELP PEOPLE

Looking for caring individuals/families to become Community Companion Home Providers For developmental disabled adults Receive training, on-going supports and compensation To learn more about the program and how you may qualify, please call: Community Residences, Inc. 860-878-6858 Diane - Ext. 401 or Annette - Ext. 418

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11 South Rd., Lord Somers Center, Somers, CT â&#x20AC;˘ 749-5101 Product Lines Goldwell â&#x20AC;˘ Rusk â&#x20AC;˘ Fairytales (all organic) Paul Mitchell â&#x20AC;˘ Woody's Redken â&#x20AC;˘ Opi â&#x20AC;˘ Zoya

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Hours: Mon. 8-1, Tues. 10-7, Wed. 8-7, Thurs. 9-7, Fri. 8-5, Saturday 10-2

Walks-in Welcome March 2012 North Central News

25

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Somers Trip Helps Historical Society’s 50th Anniversary

Second Annual Joan McCabe Nursing Scholarship

SOMERS - Help the Somers Historical Society celebrate its 50th Anniversary by going on a Boston Harbor Cruise on Monday July 2, to view the Tall Rig Ships.

Price is $93 plus optional insurance (which would cover any injuries or reimbursement for missing the trip due to unforeseen events). Lunch, bus trip, harbor cruise, tips, and a small donation to the

SOMERS/ELLINGTON/STAFFORD The second annual Joan McCabe Nursing Scholarship Fund will be awarding a $500 scholarship to two nursing students who are enrolled in an accredited nursing program. Applicant must be in at least the second year of his or her program.

Please visit www.jewelsforjoni.org to

Somers Historical Society are included in the price of $93.

If you would like to join us or have any questions please contact Corey Haynes at 860-543-2143 or email greenlady86@sbcglobal.net Deadline to sign up for the trip is Friday, April 27.

Everyone is welcome to participate.

read more about who Joan McCabe was, to learn why this is a special scholarship, and to request an application. Applicants will be evaluated based on academic achievement, community/volunteer service involvement and by fulfilling all submission requirements by the June 1 deadline.

Rockville Library Presents Irish Musical Program ROCKVILLE - On Sunday, March 11, at 2 p.m. the Rockville Public Library, 52 Union St. in Vernon, will ring with Irish songs and laughter when “Irish to the Last Drop,” a local group of five singers and musicians, will visit the library once again and entertain us with their favorite Irish melodies.

Tom Curtiss, John and Ellen O’Shaughnessy, Joe King and Don Benevides, all of whom reside in the Vernon area, began singing together at a

church fundraiser many years ago. Their success at that first concert encouraged them to continue, and they have been harmonizing for Connecticut audiences ever since.

The performance will take place in the library’s main reading room, and all will be encouraged to sing along. Reservations are not required. Patrons and all community members are welcome to come. For more information, please call the adult circulation desk at 860-875-5892, ext. 21.

Think Spring 30% OFF

Celebrating Two Decades The Styles and Files salon in Enfield proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary recently.

It opened back in 1992 with only a small team of three. It has grown into a group of professionals who value their clients and take pride in their work. It provides full hair styling and nail care services for both men and women. Styles and Files is located at 155 Hazard Ave., Enfield, and can be reached at 860-763-3803.

111 Main St. (Rt. 190), PO Box 535 Somersville, CT 06072

All Custom Framing We Replace Glass and Matting In Existing Framing

(860) 749-4863

Open: Tues., Thurs., Fri. 9:30-5:30; Wed. 9:30-7; Sat. 9-3

Somers Students don’t be left out this

PROM Limo Buses Limousines Sedans

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Call us today for availability and pricing!

Presents

MOON OVER BUFFALO April 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28

6 p.m. Social Hour, 7 p.m. Dinner, Show 8 p.m.

JOANNAS BANQUET HOUSE

145 Main Street, Somersville, CT Price: $ 35.00 • For Reservations Call 860-265-3342

26 North Central News March 2012

568 Center Street, Manchester , CT 06040

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Stafford

Faculty Student Volleyball Challenge Students at Stafford High take a quick photo before playing in the 11th Annual Faculty vs. Students Volleyball Challenge on Feb. 2. A junior class team (dressed in black in the picture) ended up winning the tournament.

Photo by Amy Hartenstein

P.O. Box 929 Somers, CT 06071 TEL 860-851-9644 FAX 860-851-9647

www.CCRSales.com Now you can visit CCR Select Homes on Facebook to view local market trends, new listings, recent area sales!

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Our commitment to high quality products and excellent customer service make all the differences.

• Organic Lawn Programs • Custom Fertilization Programs • Tree & Shrub Treatments • Weed & Crabgrass Control • Insect & Disease Control • Flea & Tick Control • Mole Control • Slice Seeding & Aeration • Topsoil and Lawn Installation

SAVE SAVE SAVE New Customers Only!

FREE Grub Control FREE Surface Insect Control

SOMERS $274,900 THIS 3300+ SF ANTIQUE COLONIAL with original moldings, window seats hardwood floors. 1st floor master, 3-4 second floor bdrms, barn…all set on 1.75 acres!!

Somers $3750/mo.

SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS IN THIS COMPLETELY RESTORED 1813 PROPERTY in the center of Somers! Six separate rooms w/ fireplaces, large entry and common areas, ample parking and lighting 3000+ s/f.

Your clients will be impressed!

SOMERS $599,900 PRIVACY SURROUNDS THIS HILLTOP RETREAT w/gourmet kitchen, library & great room. Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home on 17+ acres includes a second 1500+/- SF bldg. on same property.

ENFIELD $189,900 THIS 4 BDRM CAPE SITS ON A FENCED CORNER LOT & features hardwood floors, brick fireplace, eat-in kitchen & den.

Newer furnace & vinyl siding! Pool & shed too!

With purchase of our 8-step premium lawn care program. New customers only.

THIS OFFER DOES NOT EXPIRE.

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• Additional 12% Prepayment Discount • FREE Fertilizer Treatment for referrals that become a customer

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March 2012 North Central News

27

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Stafford Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a Good Man, Charlie Brown The Stafford Middle School Stage Door Players performed the musical â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a Good Man, Charlie Brownâ&#x20AC;? at the end of February in the Stafford Middle School auditorium. The show was an outstanding performance by over 60 cast member students and was directed by Brett Duchon, the school Music Director. At left, the cast performs. Below, Charlie Brown, played by Josh VanVoorhis, and Lucy, played by Rachel Gallison Photos by Amy Hartenstein

Thrift Shop Open House STAFFORD - The Stafford Area Community Thrift Shop is having a week-long open house from Monday, March 19, through Saturday, March 24, to celebrate its move to 2 River Rd. in Stafford Springs. The Thrift is a non-profit organization, staffed by volunteers, whose net income is donated to local organizations like Family Services and the Food Bank in Stafford and surrounding towns. The Thrift is open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations of clothing, housewares, and small furniture are gratefully accepted.

Stafford Student Selected STAFFORD - Angelique Bacha of Stafford Springs, a student at Stafford High School, has been nominated to represent Connecticut as a National Youth Correspondent to the 2012 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University. Bacha has been awarded the opportunity to join a select group of 250 students from across the country to participate in an intensive week-long study of journalism and media.

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28 North Central News March 2012

See what having a pet-sitter can mean for you and your pets!

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Stafford

Dive Team Monthly Drill

West Stafford Psychotherapy Services For Women Individual & Group Therapy Georgia Marie Michalec, M.S. Christine L. White, M.S.

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Accepting new members.

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Group meets on Weds, 7-8:30 p.m.

CRYSTAL LAKE ROAD STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT

06076

(860) 684-5700

The Tolland County Dive Team was first established in 1966 and has grown into a regional resource that can respond to any type of water emergency. The Tolland County Dive Team currently has over 70 members from 20 different fire departments and ambulance services. These departments pool their personnel and resources to act as a unified team, which can offer a much greater specialized response than any one department could possibly muster on its own. The team currently serves communities in the greater Tolland County area, as well as several border towns in southern Mass.

The dive team conducts drills at least once a month, every month (regardless of weather). Each month the dive team drills in a different location so that they can get familiar with the areas they might be called out to. In Februaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drill, the team was able to work closely with Stafford Fire Department No. 1 as well as cross training with firefighters from Monson, Holland, and Wales. Above, Coventry firefighter and diver Steve Pacholski gets ready to start an underwater search pattern at a Tolland County dive drill held at Staffordville Lake on Feb. 5. At left, Stafford Fire Dept. No. 1 officers try to stay warm as the divers are operating off the beach behind Staffordville School at a Tolland County dive drill held on a chilly Sunday morning in February.

Photos by Amy Hartenstein

19 Crystal Lake Road Stafford Springs, CT 06076

(860) 684-1644

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Stafford Solar Panels Could Handle Costs of Schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Energy Needs

By Linda Tishler Levinson STAFFORD â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The town is working toward lightening its energy costs.

At its Feb. 9 meeting, the Board of Selectmen heard a proposal from the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Energy Advisory Committee to add solar panels to the elementary and high schools.

Peter Kovaleski, a committee representative, said that through its membership in

the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, Stafford has access to GreenSkies, a solar energy provider.

GreenSkies has looked at the school complex and has suggested the town may be eligible for grants for solar panels for the two schools.

The committee estimates a 20 percent savings in energy usage with a small system. A larger system could be installed on

the back property of the West Stafford School, Kovaleski said. This would require clearing 2 to 3 acres and would handle all of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electricity needs.

A 1 megawatt solar array at the middle school could provide for one-third of its electricity needs.

Scam alert The town is warning residents of a scam involving â&#x20AC;&#x153;storm credits.â&#x20AC;? Town residents have received calls from people claiming to be representatives of the Connecticut

Light and Power Co. and offering a $40 rebate. They then ask for the residentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CL&P account number and Social Security number.

Residents are cautioned to never give personal information to an unsolicited caller. They are asked to contact local police if they do receive these calls. If a resident has a question about a call from someone saying they are from CL&P, they can call the company at 1-800-286-2000 to verify the call.

March Events at the Stafford Library

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STAFFORD - The following programs will take place at the Stafford Library in March. The library is located at 10 Levinthal Run, Stafford Springs. Call 860684-2852 for more information. â&#x20AC;˘ March 1 at 6 p.m.: Celebrate Dr. Seussâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday with crafts and stories. â&#x20AC;˘ March 5 at 6:30 p.m.: Nancy Schwanda will present a class on felting and instruct the class on how to make a small wool cat. Supplies will be provided.

Please pre-register. â&#x20AC;˘ March 17 at 1 p.m.: Saint Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Celebration. Find a lucky piece of gold, make a magical necklace and bring a leprechaun home. â&#x20AC;˘ March 21 at 7 p.m. (please note date change): The basics of Truffle Making.

Learn to make elegant desserts and chocolates from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;chocolate lady,â&#x20AC;? Maria Brandiff. Samples and recipes will include several different types of truffles. This program will be sponsored by the Friends of the Stafford Library. Please pre-register by calling 860-684-2852 â&#x20AC;˘ March 22 at 7 p.m.: Come to the lecture-discussion at the library to listen to Helen Dewey, who will give you a plan and technique for de-cluttering your home.

She will offer suggestions on how to accomplish this task in an organized and enjoyable atmosphere. Think of the free time you will have to do the things you love after accomplishing the work to make your home a place for relaxed and creative living. â&#x20AC;˘ March 27 at 6 p.m.: Take-A-Seat Yoga. Instructor Lu-Anne Cox will teach participants how to do Yoga while seated.

Participants should bring a yoga mat or large towel and wear loose clothing.

Please pre-register. â&#x20AC;˘ March 28 at 6:30 p.m.: The Stafford Library Book Club will be meeting to discuss the book â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cutting for Stoneâ&#x20AC;? by Abraham Verghese. All are welcome to join the book club. Books are available at the library. Registrations may be made by calling the library at 860-684-2852, or by visiting the website at www.staffordlibrary.org and selecting the event you would like to register for. Please fill out the information section in full. â&#x20AC;˘ March 29 at 5 p.m.: Reading Night.

Come in your PJsband enjoy a mac & cheese dinner while you listen to a story read by local author Deb Freeman. Preregister.

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30 North Central News March 2012

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Stafford Second Quarter Honor Roll Announced at Stafford High School STAFFORD - Marco Pelliccia, principal of Stafford High School, announced that the following students of Stafford High School have made the honor roll for the second quarter of the 2011-2012 school year. These students have completed all of their class work as of February 1, 2012 and have not received a grade lower than a 77 in any course.

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

Senior High Honors Sarah Aubin Bryanne Auguste

Danielle Clark Charles Cormier Olivia Crable Bridget Deskus Gillian Gagne Shawna Katkavich Olivia Kritzman Melissa McCloskey Shane McCuen Vivian Ojeda Carleton Whaley

Megan Watkinson Sophomore High Honors Allan Bakker Erin Gelinas Jake Kalette Conor Keleher Jesse Reeves Matthew Roy

Junior High Honors Angelique Bacha Luisa Beck Jennifer Bourque Evan Cummins Sara Fogarty Ryan Gelinas Joshua Gluck Amanda Jacobsen Jonathan Lerch Suzhaunna Lerch Shelbey Prucker Michaela Vaughn-Kuehl

Night of Comedy STAFFORD - Feeling the winter blues?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been said that laughter is the best medicine. Check this out for yourself during the â&#x20AC;?Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Got To Be Jokingâ&#x20AC;? Comedy Night on March 31 at 8 p.m., at the Ben Muzio Town House, 221 East St. (Rt. 19) Stafford Springs.

Steve Diamond will host a lineup of well known comedians, including nationally acclaimed Rodney Norman from Stafford, Howie Mason, Linda Morgan, and Rick Roberts. This event is sponsored by the Stafford Arts Commission. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. For tickets or reservations, call 860-684-9500.

Freshman High Honors Renee Chasse Hailey Ebenstein Nicholas Girard Shannon Huda Shane Kalette Erica Lawlor Kaela Maloney Kathryn Molitoris Matthew Moore Isabella Ostrowski Jonathan Petersen Mathew Proulx

March Coffee House STAFFORD Stafford Arts Commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free Coffee House program on Sunday, March 25, will feature acoustic entertainment with a strong mixture of folk. Jay Psaros, a versatile New England acoustic guitarist and folk singer, opens the evening at 7 p.m. Sarah Blacker will follow on at 8 p.m.

The Coffee House evenings are located at the Ben Muzio Town House (Old Town Hall), 221 East St. (Rt. 19), Stafford Springs. Additional parking: Town Garage (Rt. 19) and Memorial Hall (Rt. 319).

Please consider donating a non-perishable food item for Stafford Family Services Food Bank.

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Kyle Ramsey Anyamanee Saksri Anna Smith Corine Sylvain Keighlee Szafir Raeanna Tumel Calvin Wentworth Jeffery Zak Senior Honors Ashley Boudreau Brittany Dabek Courtney DeNunzio Mallery Finch Adam Fontanella Brent Kalette Hailee Klapproth Bryce Koelsch Allison Martin Thomas Maynard Kyle Pallanck Kyle Reid Paige Russo Merisah Silvay Shaina Wilson

Stephanie Wood Junior Honors Marisa Brink Emily Fay Natalie Finch Timothy Ford Kelsey Heavener Alexander Huffman Anna Janusz Vanessa Knowlton Jessica McGuire Alicia Morgan Rebecca Novelli Katherine Ouellette Isabella Randazzo Brenna Roy Harley St. John Angela Santochristo Jocelyn Vaillancourt Oliver Wentworth Brianna Wert Kianna Woods

STAFFORD - Three Graces will be opening in early April at 68 Main St. Three Graces is a clothing boutique and art gallery offering a little bit of something for everyone. From vintage clothing for men

COMPLETE LINE OF ELETRICAL SERVICES COMMERICAL & INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE GENERATORS & TRANSFER SWITCHES ELECTRICAL SERVICE UPDATES AERIAL LIFT AVAILABLE COMMERCIAL â&#x20AC;˘ RESIDENTIAL â&#x20AC;˘ INDUSTRIAL LICENSED & INSURED EST. 1974 E 102883 SMI 2805

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Auto 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan Sets the Mark for Competition It was a typical news conference intro- compact sedan can make a significant difducing a new car, but then the mental ference. In spite of being larger, the 2012 brakes in my head came to a squealing halt BMW 3 series is actually 88 lbs. lighter when Oliver Ganser, the product manager than its predecessor.

There’s a choice of two engines for the for the all-new BMW 3 series sedan, used the world “value” to describe part of the 3 series: a turbocharged inline six cylinder and turbocharged four-cylinder car’s appeal. that both use BMW’s new Since when is the adjective TwinPower turbo technology. “value” used to describe a The turbocharged four, initially BMW? This is a car you want introduced in the 2012 Z4 to drive – not need to drive. sDrive 281, puts out 240 horseValue’s part of the equation BEHIND power at 5000 rpm while the for the latter and rarely for the The Wheel inline six cylinder produces former.

300 hp at 5,800 rpm and 300 lb.

Except, well, the 2012 ft. of torque from 1200 to 5000 BMW 3 series sedan, introrpm. duced to the media in KEITH GRIFFIN I’m all for the four-cylinder Monterrey, Calif., is a value and that’s a surprising thing to say about a engine. It didn’t disappoint on the track at BMW, especially one that takes on the Laguna Seca or on the ride back to likes of the Mercedes-Benz C class and the Monterrey. It’s just a good car plus I love Audi A4. BMW has managed to make a that 260 lb-ft kicks in at just 1,250 rpm. competitive sedan that performs well, has It’s what really puts the zip in this engine that BMW says can do 0-60 mph in 5.7 lots of luxury, yet manages to be a value. seconds.

What is this world coming to?

Power is delivered to the rear wheels It turns out value has to be taken into consideration, even when buying luxury either via a standard 6-speed manual transcompact sedans. As Genser pointed out mission or, optionally, via an eight-speed during his talk, fuel prices are up 300 per- automatic, which is unique to the sport However, Hyundai’s cent from 1999 to 2011 in the U.S. Value sedan market.

Genesis Coupe will also offer a four-cylinhas to be a factor.

But – and this is very important – the der, turbocharged engine mated to an car still has to be a BMW. It was only the eight-speed automatic.

BMW has done something interesting last generation that made me understand the appeal of the 3 series. This latest gen- with the exterior design of the 3 series that eration, the sixth in the 3 series history, comes in three trim levels: sport, luxury more than emphasizes my belief that the 3 and modern (an M sport package is also available). The buyer gets a different kidseries obliterates its competition.

BMW describes the growth in size of ney-shaped grille depending on the packthe 3 series as “moderate” but that seems age.

The luxury trim level gets the famous too modest. The 3 series has grown enough now to be a comfortable sedan both front BMW kidney grille with 11 fine chrome and back for adult passengers – not a dis- slats, two slightly offset chrome trim strips tinction that could be made previously. Its in the front apron air intakes, and a highwidth is up 1.85 inches; the overall length gloss chrome trim strip running horizonhas grown 3.6 inches; and the wheelbase is tally above the air scoop. The sport line up almost two inches. Two inches in a has eight heavily contoured high-gloss

black kidney grille slats in a chrome-colored surround. The modern trim level offers the BMW kidney grille with 11 satin aluminum slats and double trim strips for the air intakes in the same color.

So, what is all this going to cost? The 2012 328i sedan will be priced from $35,795 while the 2012 335i sedan will be priced from $43,295. Both prices include $895 destination and handling. These represent a $320 and $370 base price increase over the outgoing models, however, in addition to the completely redesigned exterior and interior the cars include a significantly higher level of standard equipment. This includes a 6.5-inch central display with iDrive controller, Bluetooth connectivity, USB/iPod interface, automatic start/stop, dynamic driving control with eco pro mode and brake energy regeneration. Both models also feature larger wheels and tires as standard equipment.

By the way, while it’s odd to think of fuel economy and a BMW, the eco pro mode (basically the econobox function) works seamlessly. It’s only noticeable under hard acceleration when there is, well, basically, no hard acceleration. The

auto start/stop feature was also barely discernible.

There’s so much more that can be said about all of the BMW 3 series sedan, now on sale at dealers, but space doesn’t permit. Keep this one thought in mind: BMW has delivered a sports sedan that delivers value while not skimping on performance, technology or luxury.

(For the latest new car news, follow me on Twitter at aboutusedcars or learn about buying and selling a used car at UsedCars.About.com.)

VITAL STATISTICS Wheelbase: 110.6 inches Length: 182.5 inches Width: 71.3 inches Height: 56.3 inches Curb weight: 3406 lbs.

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EPA estimated mpg city/highway: 23/34 (four-cylinder); 20/30 inline six Base price: $35,795 (four cylinder); $43,295 (inline six)

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Enfield ACTIVE Class

Windsor Locks ACTIVE Class

North Central District Stafford Senior Center W. L. Sr. Center Health Dept 3 Buckley Hwy, 41 Oak St, 31 N. Main Street, Stafford Windsor Locks Enfield Mon 9:00—9:45 Tues/Thurs 8:30 - 9:15 am 0—9: am 0—9 Mon/ Wed 5:30 - 6:15 pm April 10-June 28 - $50 9 e 27 2 April 9-June April 9-June 27 No Class May Ma 28 28 - $36 res.$57 nonres.

No Class May 28 $55

Intermediate Tai Chi

East Windsor ACTIVE Class

North Central District Health Dept 31 N. Main Street, Enfield Mon 7:30 - 8:30 pm April 9-June 18 No class May 28 -$80 $880

E. W. Sr. Center 125 Main St, East Windsor Mon/ Wed 10:30-11:15 -11:15 am Aprilil 9-June 27 No Class May 28 - $55 $

Funded by a SHD Preventive Health and Human Services Blockk Gra F Grant rant Sponsored by North Central District Health Departmentt 36 North Central News March 2012