May 2023 North Central News

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May 2023

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Winner, Winner... ...filet mignon and lobster dinner? Apparently so as the surf-and-turf combo helped La Cucina Executive Chef Paul Roberge (holding trophy) best the competition at the East of the River Five Town Chamber’s 2023 “Feast In The East.” The annual event occurred at The Starting Gate at Greathorse April 25.

Photo by Jennifer Phillips

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A day for ‘Drakey’ The East Windsor softball field was recently dedicated in honor of former coach Karen “Drakey” Drake. Story, photos, page 6.

Photo courtesy Town of East Windsor

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Random Raven Make Mom smile with local laughs; Compounce announces new, summer concert series

By Gary Carra Welcome back to Random Raven, the column that constantly strives be your complete, entertainment itinerary... come what May! Of course, for many, this month is really a 31-day homage to Mom. And while our beloved, North Central Connecticut region offers a multitude of traditional present options for your female parental unit - the Raven has unearthed some interesting alternatives.

For example, in lieu of Hershey kisses or multikarat gifts, why not spend some bucks on a few yucks?

Consider the beautifully restored Broad Brook Opera House and its proverbial, oral assault on the funnybone slated for Saturday, May 13 Dubbed “Xtreme Comedy Night,” the uproarious evening will be hosted by “Last Comic Standing” alum Sean Morton and features a former “Funniest Comic in New England” winner in John Romanof and a runnerup with Darren Rivera. On slightly smaller scale, billmate Paul Taro’s was a runner up in 2019’s “Funniest Comic in Connecticut.”

Tix for this show are $20 and available at broadbrookoperahouse.com Doors open at 7 p.m.

Still not sold? How about if we pour a little “vino” on the scene-o? On Saturday, May 27, Colchester’s Priam Vineyards taps into the Comedy Craft Beer Tour to serve up Last Comix Standing (a Mohegan Sun distinction) winner Jimmy Cash – a funnyman who also boasts over one million Tik-Tok views.

Tickets are $20 and includes first glass of wine.

Artist rendering of the new, “floating stage” for Lake Compounce’s 2023 summer concert series. Among the acts already confirmed to perform at the aquatic, audio affair are Everclear (June 10), Billy Joel tribute Stilletto (June 17) and CeeLo Green (June 24).

Courtesy Photo Reserved tables are still available for larger parties. Email ryan@comixcomedy.com to make yours or kindly turn your browser to priamvineyards.com for general info.

For more family-friendly fare, the 2023 Enfield Food Truck Festival rolls into the Enfield Square parking lot for a two-day May 13-14. In addition to boasting more than 20 of New England’s top food trucks organizers promise carnival games, bounce houses for the children and a shopping area featuring the wares from some 50 local crafters. Admission is free and this event will run from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. each day.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO (COM)-‘POUNCE’ ON. Bristol’s Lake Compounce amusement park has an

announced a new summer concert series that is somehow both extremely affordable (free with park admission) and...aquatic?

Apparently, all concerts will be performed on the lake with the park’s new, floating stage.

Among the highlights confirmed to shake up things up on the Lake this summer are Everclear (June 10), Billy Joel tribute Stilletto (June 17) and CeeLo Green (June 24).

For more details and the full May-September schedule, visit lakecompounce.com Know of a local gem or an upcoming, interesting event? Contact the Raven at: gary@thenorthcentralnews.com

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East Windsor Honor roll EAST WINDSOR — These East Windsor Middle School students achieved honor roll status in the third quarter of the school year.

GRADE 8 High honors: Jainil Bhatt, Cooper King, Madeline Knisley, Jace Kusy, Lukas Labelle, Cody Lentner, Johnathan Macri, Nadia Mohammed, Isabella Scheuermann, Jacob Steele, Ian Thompson, William Towers.

Honors: Alyvia Arnett, Kyle Arzt, Isabelle Bancroft, Landon Boice, Makayla Clark, Johnathan Corsetti, Jonathan Gomez, Isabella Graham, Cassidy Miller, Cayla Pearson, Oralee Scott, David Wojcik, Zahira Woodson.

GRADE 7 High honors: Maxwell Betancourt, Thomas Bloznalis, Emma Carter, Sara Daigle, Kassie Keyes, Kylie Keyes, Jason Neill, Gianna Sigleski, Wyatt Temple, Anna Whetton.

Honors: Aalieyha Askew, Santana Cameron, William Ferrick, Skyla

Gonzalez, Donald Howard, Kidest Kassa, Giuliana Lagana, Kelly LemusHerrera, Evan Mader, Janiayah Mathews, Jalexis Mercado, Lena Misluk, Julius Muhumuza, Aubrey Nordell, Skyasia Samson, Francis Scheuermann, Kirk Taylor, Ava Young.

GRADE 6 High honors: Amora Cazarez, Jack Clifford, Benjamin Ferrick, Christopher Godin, Ryan Hernandez, Victoria Hutchins, Kendall Johns, Emily Kolodziej, Serenity LeuzziMoore, Tierney Mehan, Jameson Parent, Jacob Provost, Collin Raymond, Isabella Rosales, Thirunavuka Sivaganesh, Natalie VanGasbeck, Micah Vong.

Honors: William Braman, Madeline Burnham, Blake Castor, Christopher Clark, Mikaela Diaz-Martinez, Natalie Dionne, Madison Griffin, Ryan Hallett, Riley Hernandez, David Moran, Elyse Nordell, Mia Phillips, Lorelai Standish, Lacey-Jean Temple, Delaney Tepper, Darius Turcin, Victoria Vazquez.

GRADE 5 High honors: Jameson Barber, Robert Belforti, Jacob Blanchard, Carter Fulk, Berra Gocmez, Jackson James, Brayden MacSata, Zoe McNamara, Aliyah Mohammed, Sabrina Ortiz, Olivia Page, Brooklyn Pouncey, Eloise Rocca, Sienna Rodriguez, Rahmah Shah, Angelous Walton, Nora Whalen.

Honors: Kamron Allyn, Sharice Alphonse, Sophia Alvarado, Lilliana Anderson, Ethan Aponte, Lizbeth Baker, Jacob Bancroft, Olivia Davis, Michael Dziadul, Christina Ferreira, Delilah Gagnon, Mackenxie Guilbe, Charlotte Hebert, Neidhan Hernandez, John Hulevich, Noah Kassa, Nathan Khner, Alyssa King, Avery Marschall, Gabriella Mandez, Nana Adwoa Nyarko, Ela Ortak, Olivia Purcell, Samantha Robinson, Jayliannis Rosa, Aubrey Steele, Eleanor Streeter-Winn, Taylor Thielman, Avery Towers, Mykala Welch, Mikaela Wetherell.

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East Windsor First Selectman’s Corner

Plenty of great things happening around town EAST WINDSOR — There are lots of great things happening in East Windsor, as our community continues to grow to meet our collective needs.

Early this year, we learned that the Town of East Windsor received Jason Bowsza three Congressionally Directed Spending awards (the new iteration of earmarks).

Thanks to our federal congressional representation, we will receive $750,000 for the Connecticut Trolley Museum, $1.2 million for the expansion of public water in the community, and $2.75 million for the renovation and expansion of the Scout Hall Youth Center for conversion into a multigenerational community center (which also received approval from voters on April 4).

Towns and cities in Connecticut received 99 congressional appropriations in the 2023 federal omnibus budget bill, and East Windsor received three of those.

We’re very grateful for that infusion of federal dollars.

The town also received an additional $4 million in Community Investment Fund dollars from the State of Connecticut, which will be used for the further expan-

sion of city water into the Park Hill low-income elderly and disabled complex.

This is particularly important because those 87 congregate units currently do not have a fire suppression system. These funds will rectify this issue.

There has been a concerted effort around long-term planning and project design over the last few years with the intended purpose of being able to apply for state and federal funding for local projects when funding becomes available.

That availability has increased exponentially, since Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act and the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. We are well positioned to continue to seek outside funding to help defray local infrastructure costs.

The town is working with the Board of Education to prepare engineered plans for the replacement of the roof at East Windsor High School, as well as a more fully developed strategic plan for facilities improvements in our public schools. Having those plans ready will allow us to capitalize on funding resources like those described above.

The other major benefit to state or federal funds is that those funds lessen the pressure on our local budget, and

on local taxpayers. The Board of Selectmen is very sensitive to the economic stress felt by local taxpayers and has worked to put together a budget proposal that would result in no property tax increase to local taxpayers.

Working together and in a bipartisan fashion, the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance were able to produce a budget to send to voters that will result in a modest decrease in the mill rate of 0.1 mills.

We were able to do this while still meeting the needs of the town government to provide services people expect in affordable ways.

A large reason we can work toward that goal is through sustained growth in the town’s grand list.

Since this Board of Selectmen took office, our grand list has grown by more than $100 million, with more to come. That provides real relief for our existing taxpayers.

The policies and practices that have been set in place that helped facilitate grand list growth was attained through bipartisan collaboration among the Board of Selectmen, because our goal is always to put the people of East Windsor first.

Together, the Town is moving in a good direction, and our best days are ahead.

The Connecticut Trolley Museum 58 North Road, East Windsor, CT 06088 More info: 860-627-6540

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East Windsor Field named in honor of longtime coach

Firefighting is in their blood

6 North Central News May 2023

Broad Brook Fire Dept. Chief Thomas Arcari swore in two new junior firefighters on April 13. Casey Macsata, left, is a fifth generation firefighter and William Towers is a fourth generation firefighter.

Photo courtesy of Broad Brook Fire Dept.

EAST WINDSOR — The East Windsor softball field was dedicated in honor of former longtime coach Karen “Drakey” Drake.

This is the third such designation that has been made to sports facilities at East Windsor High School. Previous honors went to coach Mel Kleckner for his many years as the boys basketball coach and George Croft for his long stint as a boys and girls track coach. “All three of those folks are local legends and all very deserving,” First Selectman Jason Bowsza said.

Drake coached from 1988-2014, qualified for the state tournament more than 20 times and coached more than three dozen All-Conference or All-State designations.

“But more than that, Drakey and her teams were recognized for outstanding character and sportsmanship. To me, that is more important than any win/loss record or playoff appearances,” Bowsza said.

Above, the sign recognizing the softball field’s new designation. Below, Karen Drake.

Photos courtesy Town of East Windsor

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Ellington Town Celebrates ‘Earth Day’ with exhibits, community clean up

Memorial Day Parade steps off on May 29 ELLINGTON - The Ellington Patriotic Committee has been hard at work organizing this year's Memorial Day events, which will take place on Monday, May 29.

At approximately 9 a.m., a parade will begin in the Crystal Lake section of Town, where Green Street intersects with Route 140, and end at the Crystal Lake Cemetery where a brief service will be held.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Ellington High School. At the conclusion of the program, at approximately 11:30 a.m., a parade will begin from the high school and proceed to the Ellington Green and to the Ellington Cemetery for brief memorial tributes at each location.

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ELLINGTON – The fourth annual Earth Day Celebration sponsored by the Town of Ellington and Earthlight Technologies, was held Saturday, April 22, on the town green and Nellie McKnight Museum, 70 Main St. Individuals of all ages were able to check out local businesses, organizations and vendors who were promoting practices that can make Ellington even more eco-friendly.

Highlights of the celebrations included “Clean Up Your Neighborhood Day,” clothing and household goods collection, packing material collection, bottle and can drive, and over 70 vendors along with live entertainment, refreshments, games, educational activities and exhibits.

The Recycling Center at Ellington Public Works also held its grand opening during the event.

Residents were encouraged to participate in “Clean Up Your Neighborhood Day” by collecting roadside litter in their neighborhoods or favorite Ellington school or park. Trash bags were obtainable at Public Works and a dumpster was provided at the festivities at the Nellie McKnight Museum for collected trash.

Clothing, shoes, handbags, linens, household goods including furniture items also were collected.

Peanut Planet also was collecting packaging materials on the green. Bottles and cans were dropped off in the Congregational Church parking lot.

The 2023 exhibit at the Nellie McKnight Museum, Crystal Lake Showcase, was open in conjunction with the Earth Day event. The exhibit explores the diverse history of Ellington’s long ago resort destination. Visitors will be amazed at the backstory of “Little Coney Island”, an era of photos, original artifacts, and limelight on Jimmy’s famous hotdog stand.

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Ellington Resident takes center stage in university musical SPRINGFIELD — Ellington resident Owen Feindel performed in the spring musical “Little Shop of Horrors” at Western New England University on March 31 and April 1-2.

In his fifth production with Stageless Players and his first time acting in a musical with them, Feindel delivered an astonishing performance as Skip Snip.

In high school, he chaired the sets crew for multiple years and acted in shows such as “The Sound of Music,” “Arsenic and Old Lace,” “Xanadu,” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” He also co-wrote and directed a comedy called “Agents of the White House Who Stop Leaks.” He was also Louie in “Play On!” last semester.

Feindel is working toward a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

Featuring songs such as “Somewhere That’s Green,” “Feed Me,” and “Suddenly, Seymour,” the musical is filled with clever and witty writing and is filled with dark humor and unforgettable characters.

“Little Shop of Horrors” takes place on Skid Row, where a down-on-his-luck florist named Seymour discovered a strange and exotic plant that he names Audrey II, after his co-worker and crush. When the plant begins to talk and demands to be fed human blood, Seymour’s life takes a dark and dangerous turn.

As Audrey II grows bigger and more insatiable, Seymour must decide whether to sacrifice his morals and give the plant what it wants or risk losing every-

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Owen Feindel (brown jacket) on the “Little Shop of Horrors” set.

Photo courtesy Western New England University thing he holds dear.

The production, with book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, was directed by Eric Boucher, choreographed by Karen Anne McMahon, and musical direction was by Debi Salli.

The performance was made possible by Student Senate, the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, and the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts.

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Ellington

Breathing easier Kissel applauds clean air investment in schools HARTFORD — State Sen. John A. Kissel, the chief deputy Senate Republican leader, has applauded a state investment that will improve air filtration systems in three Ellington schools.

• Center School will receive $671,000.

• Ellington Middle School will receive $1,003,062.

• Ellington High School will receive $2,030,875.

This funding is part of $56 million in state grants for public schools throughout Connecticut to upgrade heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

“This investment in clean and safe air quality will promote a healthier environment, fewer missed days from school and better learning outcomes for Ellington students, teachers, and staff,” Kissel said.

The grants are being awarded through the HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grants Program for Public Schools.

This is a newly established state program that is administered by the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services that has been allocated $150 million through two revenue streams, including $75 million from state bond funding and $75 million from the state’s share of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

These $56 million in grants represent the first round of funding released through this program.

This initial round opened on Sep. 14, 2022, and school districts seeking grants were required to submit applications to the state by Dec. 1, 2022.

Municipalities are required to provide matching grants to fund the project costs.

Homestead’s Jesse Conway and Lizzy Phelps at the town’s Earth Day celebration.

Neighborhoods clean up on Earth Day Continued from page 7 The Recycling Center at Ellington Public Works also held its grand opening during the event.

Residents were encouraged to participate in “Clean Up Your Neighborhood Day” by collecting roadside litter in their neighborhoods or favorite Ellington school or park. Trash bags were obtainable at Public Works and a dumpster was provided at the festivities at the Nellie McKnight Museum for collected trash. Clothing, shoes, handbags,

linens, household goods including furniture items also were collected.

Peanut Planet also was collecting packaging materials on the green.

Bottles and cans were dropped off in the Congregational Church parking lot.

The 2023 exhibit at the Nellie McKnight Museum, Crystal Lake Showcase, was open for the Earth Day event. The exhibit explores the diverse history of Ellington’s long ago resort destination, featuring the backstory of “Little Coney Island,” an era of photos, original artifacts, and limelight on Jimmy’s famous hot dog stand.

10 North Central News May 2023

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Ellington State Representative Round-up

Listening to, addressing green energy concerns HARTFORD — I have recently heard concerns about new solar construction in East Windsor and Ellington. Concerns include the location Jaime Foster of the new sites, and some residents are worried about the potential for noise. Even though I support renewable energy, these concerns are valid and need addressing.

As the vice chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, I have been advocating for smart solar construction, which includes shifting solar construction from farmlands to roofs and brownfields. Last year, I championed a bill that raised the amount of solar to go on roofs.

This session, I’m continuing my efforts to take pressure off farmland. We need to make it clear to DEEP that it should divert solar initiatives to rooftops, brownfields, parking lots, and tracts of land along the highway – not farmland.

I support increasing municipalities'

role in green energy construction, as referenced in my testimony on HB 6293, “An Act Concerning Solar Farms.” My work with the Planning and Development Committee on that bill sought to establish a new regulation that gave towns local control over solar.

Although that proposal did not pass, the concept lives on in the Energy and Technology Committee’s solar bill.

Currently, the real authority over these projects lies with the Connecticut Siting Council, which consults municipalities at their discretion. I am championing efforts to shift this control, at least in regions that have already sited significant megawattage.

Lastly, I am leading the charge to raise caps which states can pay for farmland preservation by co-sponsoring HB 5580. This farmland is privately owned, and when the state seeks to maintain open space and farmland, used for farming, it must safeguard the farmer’s financial interests. Increasing grant money and the total that can be paid per acre for farmland preservation supports all con-

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State Rep. Jaime Foster has been listening to East Windsor and Ellington residents regarding their concerns about new solar construction.

Photo courtesy of state Rep. Jaime Foster cerned parties. It improves the environment, maintains and restores farmland, and protects the farmer’s fiscal future.

As your state representative, I listen to and hear your concerns about green energy in our district. It is my hope to continue supporting Connecticut's com-

mitment to sustainable energy while advocating for the best interests of our towns. Public participation on this and other topics helps inform my actions.

Please contact my office with concerns you have. I can be reached at 860-240-8585 or by email at jaime.foster@cga.ct.gov.

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Enfield Mayor’s Corner

Higgins Park is where the bands are this summer ENFIELD — The Town of Enfield is finally going to have its own Summer Concert Series this year. Thanks to funding from the Bob Cressotti American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Town has purchased a band shell for Higgins Park.

Starting in June, there will be concerts on every Tuesday evening from 7 to 9pm. Here is the schedule: June 13 – Johnny Six Gun June 20 – Cold Train June 27 – Beyond Purple For July and August, you can look forward to hearing King Kuel, Trailer

Trash, Sage King, Lickity Split, Murphy’s Law and more. Watch the town manager’s Facebook page for schedule announcements.

Special thanks to Joe Natale for his assistance in securing these bands. We are also hoping to incorporate food trucks and other activities to make it a fun night. To that end, the Town Council recently revised several regulations concerning how food trucks are permitted for special events to make it much easier for them to do so.

The Town Council has also authorized the town manager to negotiate the purchase of 810 Enfield St. This building sits between Town Hall and the Enfield Express. We will now be able to

connect the three buildings and the parking behind them, for one large campus. We need the parking for the activities at the playground and the Green. We are also going to use ARPA money to add bathrooms to this area.

Congratulations to Ronnie Salas for the awesome job he has done rehabbing 92 N. Main Street.

Members of the Town Council also enjoyed the grand opening of the AllAmerican Assisted Living building on Hazard Avenue. This is a high asset for our community.

And, finally, we are providing a community match for Leading Edge Construction to make application for a state grant to take ownership and reno-

vate the Porter & Chester Institute building.

The Town Council has begun budget discussions for the next year. There was a public hearing on the proposed budget on May 1, followed by budget presentations on May 3, 4 and 8. The budget adoption is scheduled for Monday, May 15.

You may view the budget by going to www.enfield-ct.gov. Go to the Departments tab and choose Finance.

In the red column on the left side, then choose Annual Budget and navigate to the proposed 2023-24 budget. We look forward to hearing from residents as to where they would like to see dollars spent.

11th annual townwide tag sale scheduled for May 20 ENFIELD – The Enfield townwide tag sale will be held Saturday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine.

This year, the participation fee is $25.11, to celebrate the 11th anniversary of the tag sale.

Registration is open and can be processed online by credit card or PayPal by going to the Enfield Food Shelf website at www.EnfieldFoodShelf.org and clicking on the tag sale donation link on the homepage.

Organizers are also accepting checks and/or money orders for $25.11 to add tag sale addresses to the Enfield townwide map.

Checks must be made out directly to the Enfield Food Shelf and mailed to ETWTS c/o EFS (P.O. Box 699 / Enfield, CT 06083).

Checks must be received by Saturday, May 6, to be guaranteed placement on the map.

Be sure to specify the address of your tag sale if it

differs from the address on your check.

Tag sale addresses will be plotted on a map of Enfield that will be available to shoppers the week of May 15.

Tag sale signs will be placed at tag sale addresses and cross streets prior to May 20 to guide shoppers around town. Every year, 100%of the proceeds collected go directly to the Enfield Food Shelf.

Contact PLATagSale@yahoo.com with questions.

Buying A Home?

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Michael is ready to help with a quick and easy process. Call him today at 413.636.4053 or email him at mkelley@arrhacu.com.

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Michael Kelley, AVP, Mortgage Loan Originator arrhacu.com/michael-kelley

May 2023 North Central News

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TrinityHealthOfNE.org/ER

Our ER treats the whole person, not just your emergency.

In a true health emergency, every minute matters. Johnson Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department is committed to providing you safe, efficient care.

Johnson Memorial Hospital remains committed to exceeding the expectations of our patients and their families and provide world-class service in a people-centered, compassionate environment, right in your backyard.

At Johnson Memorial Hospital our expert team of clinicians sees the whole person, not just your emergency.

Open 24 hours a day—365 days a year.Open 24 hours a day—365 days a year.

14 North Central News May 2023

To view our current ER wait times, visit TrinityHealthOfNE.org/ER.

MAY15-28HOME.qxp_NCN new template 4/27/23 8:52 AM Page 15

North Central News’

HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE Tree and stump removal specialist

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MAY15-28HOME.qxp_NCN new template 4/27/23 8:52 AM Page 16

TJR is a certified Kleen Gutter Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard.

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MAY15-28HOME.qxp_NCN new template 4/27/23 8:52 AM Page 17

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18 North Central News May 2023

North Central News’

HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

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North Central News’

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Crumbling Foundation Serving the community for 10 years with the crumbling foundation issue whether it’s affecting the whole house or just a part of the house.

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MAY15-28HOME.qxp_NCN new template 4/27/23 8:52 AM Page 20

North Central News’

HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE

Home Equity Line of Credit

Special Offer: Prime -0.25% APR* for the life of your loan on any line of $50,000 or more.

Why not make use of the equity in your home? With a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), you can instantly access funds for any purpose—including home improvements, college expenses, and/or consolidating other debt.

Consult your tax advisor to see if the interest may be tax deductible.

Visit westfieldbank.com/personal/home-equity-loans or chat with us today.

*This Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) requires monthly payments to be automatically deducted from a Westfield Bank checking account. Account must be opened prior to HELOC closing. For a HELOC of $50,000 or greater, the APR will be equal to Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, minus 0.25%, for the life of your loan. Other rates may apply for HELOCs of less than $50,000. Prime Rate is currently 7.75% as of 2/21/2023; the interest rate will be variable and may increase. The maximum interest rate is 18%. The minimum interest rate is 3.75%. Rates are for owner-occupied, one-to-four family properties only.

Maximum loan-to-value (LTV) is 80%. Processing fee of $99 will apply if line of credit is approved and originated. Borrower-paid appraisal required for loans equal to or greater than $400,000 or for loans less than $400,000 where the bank is unable to determine a value using the standard method. Appraisal costs are $580 for a single-family property or $780 for a 2-4-family property. Other closing costs may vary based on the HELOC amount requested. Property insurance is required. Offer may be rescinded by Westfield Bank at any time without notice.

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MAY15-28HOME.qxp_NCN new template 4/27/23 8:52 AM Page 21

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MAY15-28HOME.qxp_NCN new template 4/27/23 8:52 AM Page 22

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22 North Central News May 2023

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MAY15-28HOME.qxp_NCN new template 4/27/23 8:57 AM Page 23

North Central News’

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North Central News’

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Spring is here!

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Save yourself the hassle of a costly and messy septic backup. Avery Septic Service can meet all of your septic needs. We offer: • Septic Tank Cleaning

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24 North Central News May 2023

Arborvitae 3 gallon $29.95 Open 7 days a week!

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MAY15-28HOME.qxp_NCN new template 4/27/23 8:52 AM Page 25

North Central News’

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MAY15-28HOME.qxp_NCN new template 4/27/23 8:52 AM Page 26

North Central News’

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BACHER CORP. | EAST WINDSOR, CT

26 North Central News May 2023

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MAY15-28HOME.qxp_NCN new template 4/27/23 8:52 AM Page 27

Enfield Grant Applications now being accepted for Enfield ‘Greater Together’ Community Fund ENFIELD -The Enfield Greater Together Community Fund has released its first open call for grant proposals. Awards between $250 and $5,000 will be available for qualified proposals. All projects must benefit the community of Enfield. For further details on project guidelines and how to apply, please visit: www.hfpg.org/towncf. Project proposals will be accepted until May 31, 2023.

The community funds program also creates an opportunity for organizations and individuals to make tax-deductible contributions to any of the 29 Community Funds to support their towns. There have been several contributions to other Greater Together Community Funds and all donations are welcome both large and small.

In 2019, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving established $100,000 community funds for each of the 29 towns in the Foundation’s region, which includes the town of Enfield. The purpose of the community funds is to support residents in taking ownership around the needs in their towns, encourage broad and inclusive civic engagement and anchor the Hartford Foundation in each town. In January 2022, the Hartford Foundation gave an additional $50,000 to the Fund with half of the funding being maintained in the Fund’s endowment and the remaining half to support current grantmaking efforts.

Each Greater Together Community Fund is administered by an advisory committee of town residents. Enfield’s current committee members are Mike Arnone Jr., Gladys Bowen, Claudia Cupe, Darren Ketchale (Co-chair), Wendy Osada, and Laura Vella (Co-chair).

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is the community foundation for Hartford and 28 surrounding communities. Made possible by the gifts of generous individuals, families and organizations, the Foundation has awarded grants of more than $948 million since its founding in 1925. For more information about the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, visit https://www.hfpg.org or call (860) 548-1888.

AVERY LAWNCARE A beautiful lawn doesn’t happen by itself.

Fall Clean-Ups/Curb side Leaf Pick Up Available Shrub Trimming, Gutters Cleaned, Dump Runs Light Bobcat Work/Snow Plowing

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FREE ESTIMATES

May 2023 North Central News

Weekly/Bi-weekly Mowing

MAY15-28HOME.qxp_NCN new template 4/27/23 8:52 AM Page 28

Regional

Photo by Kathleen Horrigan, Suffield Garden Club

Suffield Garden Club event sprouts up May 20

28 North Central News May 2023

SUFFIELD - Spring is here, and the bright greens and yellows in the garden are a great reminder to mark your calendar to visit the Suffield Garden Club’s annual May Market on May 20. The annual event will run rain or shine from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Phelps-Hatheway House Barn at 55 S. Main St. in Suffield.

Admission is free. More than 40 vendors will participate. Shop for jewelry, textiles, spices and decorative items for house and garden. A welcome new addition will be the “Smoke N’ Fire Food Truck” featuring a variety of BBQ favorites such as those featured at their Suffield restaurant, the Fire on the Mountain Smokehouse, located at 82 North Main Street.

Students from the Suffield Regional Agriscience Program are coming back to May Market with potted herbs, veggie plants and sprouts to plant in your own garden. Students also grow the popular geranium plants every year, and there will be a lovely selection available at the geranium booth. Want to learn more about gardening? Stop by the Suffield Garden Club booth for helpful tips as well as a selection of practical garden tools for sale. Returning favorites include the popular Collectibles booth as well as the Member Plants tent which includes reasonably priced perennials guaranteed to grow in our area.

The Suffield Garden Club, organized in 1934, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the beautification of Suffield. Proceeds from this event support civic beautification, scholarships, town conservation, horticulture education, and garden therapy programs.

Training Field Dedicated To Somers Fire Chief On April 22, the Somers Fire Department held a ceremony to officially dedicate our training facility to Chief William “Bill” Meier Jr. Pictured above, EMS Captain Keith Burger and EMS Lieutenant Gina Vanwingerden perform the unveiling honors. A walkthrough was conducted led by Chief John Roache followed speeches by Assistant Chief Gary Schiessl, Department Chaplain Anthony Bruno, Selectman Bill Meier III, First Selectman Tim Keeney, and Jay Cruickshank.

Afterwards, Members of the fire department conducted live fire scenarios to showcase the uses of the facility. This facility has been and still is a work in progress, but has been essential in training members of our department as well as many mutual aid departments since it’s inception in 2018. Meier spent 8 years as the Fire Chief (2000-2008) and many more years as a teacher, mentor, and friend to the many personnel who have come through the ranks of the fire department.

May Events At Hall Memorial Library ELLINGTON - The Do’s and Don’ts of Recycling- Unsure if that restaurant takeout container is recyclable? How about the Amazon packaging? How can someone get rid of my old sofa? What do I do if my recycling bin is damaged? Where can I get a rain barrel? On Thursday, May 11 at 6:30 p.m., Recycling & Refuse Coordinator Sam Sanders will answer these questions and more as he demystifies recycling and discusses the services that our town offers. Please register for this informative talk.

• Strawberry Parfait from Scratch- Mary B is back on Tuesday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. to teach attendees to make all the elements in a Strawberry Yogurt Parfait from scratch.

She’ll be making the Greek yogurt, Strawberry Freezer Jam and Homemade Granola.

Sample the parfait at the end of the class and take a bag of granola to enjoy at home.

There is a $10 per person non-refundable materials fee that must be paid within 7 days of your registration. Please pre-register for this event.

• QiGong- “Lucky” Luckingham & Shar Christman will be at the library on Thursday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m. to teach a sample of an actual QiGong class. There are three components of Tai Chi: QiGong, Form and Pushing Hands. This presentation will enable the participant make an informed decision which Tai Chi component (QiGong or Form) would be a better choice to start their journey. Please note that this will be a participatory class and pre-registration is required.

• Live Music Coffeehouse- Join Pierce Campbell and his band for ‘60s Satisfaction: Psychedelic, Bubblegum & Motown Favorites on Friday, May 19 at 7 p.m. Hear all the great ‘60s artists from The Beatles to The Turtles & more! The show may be held outdoors (weather permitting) so please bring lawn chairs. The music is free but please pre-register.

• Medical Marijuana- On Monday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m. learn everything one needs to know about what makes cannabis medicine. Uzma Zakir, Registered Pharmacist, has more than seven years' experience in treating patients in the CT Medical Marijuana landscape and looks forward to sharing patient success stories, current research, and a review of current CT laws. Please pre-register for this program.

• Movies are back for the spring! Films for the month are Living (rated PG-13, 102 minutes) on Wednesday, May 10 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and 80 for Brady (PG13, 93 minutes) on Wednesday, May 24 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Pre-registration is not required. Just following the scent of the fresh, hot popcorn and come in!

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Enfield An All-American start for Hazard Ave. assisted living center

Political, town and military officials alike, including Mayor Bob Cressotti (above), helped celebrate the grand opening of the All American Assisted Living facility in Enfield on April 20.

Photos courtesy All American Assisted Living

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MAY29-36.qxp_NCN new template 4/27/23 7:20 AM Page 30

Enfield Home Show back in the house at Enfield Square Mall The North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce presented the annual Home & Product show April 1-2 at Enfield Square Mall. The show, which began in the early 1960s, features local vendors and thousands of attendees yearly.

George Varessis and Jen Ragno from RealtyOneGroup in East Windsor and Enfield.

Photos by Joshua Esan

Enfield Police Explorers Nathan Dumais, Jennifer Benoit and Penny Humphrey with the Easter Bunny.

Darla from from Darla’s Boutique in Enfield.

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MAY29-36.qxp_NCN new template 4/27/23 7:20 AM Page 31

Enfield

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MAY29-36.qxp_NCN new template 4/27/23 7:20 AM Page 32

Somers First Selectman’s Corner

Grant for police will add to safety on streets

32 North Central News May 2023

SOMERS — Congratulations to the Town of Somers Police. They have been awarded the American Rescue Plan Act Rural Roads Tim Keeney Speed Enforcement Grant with funding up to $50,000.

This grant award will be utilized to fund a speed enforcement initiative to be conducted by officers in the Somers Police Department. The town has a fleet of marked and unmarked vehicles with lasers and radars. With a direct correlation between speeding and accidents, officers will focus on specific areas of resident complaints to reduce traffic accidents and improve overall public safety. This grant will help our officers commit the time and effort necessary to enforce motor vehicle laws. Please slow down and drive safely— this initiative starts soon.

We are pleased to welcome Mathew C. Cox to the Somers leadership team. As our new Humans Services director, Cox brings

a wealth of experience in strategic leadership, program development, and community engagement. He will oversee the Social Services Department and the Youth Services Bureau Program. He and his team will be working to manage the Drug-Free Communities Grant the town received in the amount of $600,000 ($125,000 per year for five years). The grant money will provide our full-time prevention coordinator, Taylor Setzler, the funds to implement alcohol and drug use reduction and prevention strategies for the town’s youth.

Somers is among three communities in Connecticut to receive the grant, along with Torrington and Naugatuck.

We also welcome Kristina Owren, our new administrative assistant/Recycling Center coordinator for the Department of Public Works. Owren, a Somers resident, is a retired 26-year Air Force veteran, having been an A-10 and F-15 jet mechanic before transitioning into administrative roles.

Along with her administrative responsibilities, Owren is looking forward to her Recycling Center coordinator role. She

will work to educate community members, town staff and Board of Education members about recycling and helping Somers comply with the state’s 60% diversion goal by 2024. This goal’s aim is that 60% of all waste generated is reduced, reused, or recycled from the waste stream.

The Fire Department welcomes Nicholas Noto— previously a medic at a private EMS agency out of Springfield.

Noto recently completed additional paramedic training and is now cleared for independent dispatch. Noto is the newest addition to the full-time staff of the Somers Career Firefighters IAFF 4284.

Welcome, and Congratulations to Matthew, Kristina and Nicholas.

It’s that time of year and road maintenance will begin. You will find a list of planned road reconstruction locations on the town website www.somersct.gov.

This work was scheduled to start in mid- to late-April. As with all construction work, the schedule is subject to change due to weather delays, material delays, and vendor delays. Please be

sure to sign up for Everbridge notifications for any road closures and or detours. To sign up just text the word SOMERS to 888777.

The Board of Selectmen continues to enthusiastically support building a Community Center/Senior Center, which will be advanced with a referendum vote in the fall to coincide with the general election on Nov. 7. The Board of Finance voted to postpone the bond referendum date to allow for any possible HVAC school project that may be supported and be on the ballot as well. The fall election timeline will assure a larger voter participation. I welcome your attention and support for this valuable opportunity to support the expansion of recreation and senior programs for all town residents to enjoy.

It’s budget season. The annual Town Meeting is set for May 2 at 7 pm, and Budget Referendum is on May 16, 6 a.m.-8 p.m., both in the Town Hall Auditorium at 600 Main St.

BUDGET/page 33

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Somers Honor roll SOMERS — These Somers High School students achieved honor roll status in the third quarter of the school year.

GRADE 12 High honors: Nicholas Calcasola, Benjamin Campion, Michael Croyle, Gabriel D’Amour, Deidre Dalessio, Erin Donohue, Gracie Flynn, Robin Gaskell, Sarah Gill, Alexa Gladysz, Kaija Hjelm, Madison Juzba, April Kelly, Alexis Maurice, Alivia McClenahan, Colby McCormick, Elena Riggins.

Honors: Owen Argiro, John Bonin, Mackenzie Bridge, Evalina Bruel, Ella Campion, Emma Cardinale, Shea Cassidy, Devon Dalessio, Oliver DeRoma, Alejandro Diaz, Isabella Gaither, Tait Gaudet, Madison Gebo, Mackenzie Goodwin, Ryan Halligan, Gunnar Harrison, Alex Hinds, Renee Hoague, James Johnson, Grace Kowal, Tyler Kradas, Kalvin Long, Connor Marchi, Meghan Martowski-White, Samantha Peacock, Destinee Pizarro, Kiara Ramirez-Robles, Olivia Riley, Evan Root, Jack Scott, Concetta Shewokis, Amanda Tardiff.

GRADE 11 High honors: Trinity Baj, Faith Denault, Dylan Doody, Cody Ferrero, Alessandra Gioscia, Chloe Gowdy, Kristina Haraga, Maya Hudroge, Taylor Mynahan, Dara Salka, Sara St. Germain, Amanda Trask, Melea Wolters, Eliana Wood.

Honors: Mei Bissaillon, Kathryn Brown, Mara Butler, Lily Carzello, Lindsey Cashman, Grace Chagnon, Jedric Clark, Saige Corbin, Alexa Damboragian, Braden Davis, Amber Emrick, Samantha Fancher, David Gall, Kate Gebo, Olivia Gengenbach, Riley Hareld, Daniel Holloway, Taylor Illuzzi, Teegan Illuzzi, Brianna Iwan, Dylan Kukulka, Jack Logan, Audrey Mahoney, Rebecaa Munson, Emma Murphy, Brooke Novak, Daisy Parker, Quirk Sullivan, Jennali Turner, Trent White, Lauren Zapolski.

GRADE 10 High honors: Leighanna Antonmarchi, Jack Chester, Emma Cicciarella, Avery D’Amour, Lilly Duff, McKenna Halligan, Alyzabeth Halmers, Chloe Mike, Juliette Mira, Savanah Paquette, Maya Serrano, Emma Waters.

Honors: Tatiana Arruda, Noelle Benedict, Jake Breton, Kathryn Burnett,

Stephanie Burzynski, Mia Cardinale, Andrew Cardwell, Sydney Cassidy, Buba Cham, Emma Chase, Aiden Clarity, Ava DePeau, Rylee Ferro, James Gall, Brendan Grenier, Rosabella Grimaldi, Emma Grimes, Allie Hafford, Lyndsey Hale, Ethan Hartman, Bryce Huestis, Cowen Joyal, Yanni Karaja, Krysta Laboda, Aiden Leiphart, Cooper Leonard, Ashley Lyons, Cody Marks, Eleanor McLellan, Evan Olearczyk, Fiona Pham, Katelyn Provencher, Eric Renzoni, Christopher Rogers, Cristian Rosulschi, Thomas Saso, Riley Scavotto, Brooke Stevens.

GRADE 9 High honors: Delaney Drinan, Haylie Fonseca, Theodore Grzelak, Sophia LaBua, Benjamin Medrek, Evan Poulin, Zoe Root, Madeleine Salka.

Honors: William Accorsi, Tyler Beers, Ellianna Brooks, Ethan Caetano, Cole Delskey, Madeleine Dennis, Hale Eastman, Olivia Egan, Justin Felch, Natalie Hoague, Drew Hoffman, Gabrielle Kradas, Riley Maurice, Ian Nunes, Leo Nunes, Nathan Poirier, Natalie Raina, Henry Rezende, Hailey Schafer, Julia Settevendemie, Declan Sutter.

Budget season here Continued from page 32 The proposed town budget is $8,688,388, an increase of $95,877 or 1.12%. Selectmen worked diligently to maintain services provided to residents while staying fiscally responsible. Significant changes this year: • Addition of a part-time Human Resources assistant.

• 3.5% salary pool for eligible employees.

• Full-time Recreation coordinator added to the budget previously funded with American Rescue Plan Act money.

• Increased employee cost share for health insurance from 10% to 11%, creating a savings of $9,500, • Town’s IT firm added to the budget that was previously funded with ARPA money.

• A reorganization of the Finance Department to create efficiencies and budgetary savings of $27,000, • Separated EMS expenses and relocated them to the Ambulance Fund for transparency of expenses.

With summer almost here, take advantage of all the great outdoor opportunities in town. Hike our trails, kayak and fish our waterways, play in our parks and ball fields and splash and cool down at Macie’s Place.

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MAY29-36.qxp_NCN new template 4/27/23 8:04 AM Page 35

Somers Grand openings for local businesses Town-Wide Tag Sale returns on May 6

Aguilar Tile & Marble Ribbon-cutting events were recently held for four businesses in town. Clockwise, from top left: Haven Yoga, Daily Grind Healthy Hangout, The Pooch Crew and KK’s.

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SOMERS — The Spring Town-Wide Tag Sale returns rain or shine on Saturday, May 6.

On this day each year the $5 per day tag sale permit fee will be waived. The fall event is planned Oct. 7.

Links for the Town Wide Tag Sale Application and Guidelines are available at www.somerct.gov. Read the guidelines and send in your application.

Submit the completed application to the Town Clerk’s Office by email (dmarti@somersct.gov), Drop Box outside entry to Town Hall, USPS or bring into the Town Clerk’s Office.

A confirmation email will be sent acknowledging the receipt of your application for participation in the Somers TownWide ‘Spring’ Tag Sale. Deadline for entry is Wednesday, May 3. Listing of all locations will be posted on the town’s website on Thursday, May 4.

If you have questions, contact Town Clerk David Marti at 860-763-8207 or by email: dmarti@somersct.gov.

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Somers Rotary, Geissler’s prove to be big champions for Champ’s Place SOMERS — The Rotary Club of Somers and Geissler’s have donated $1,250 in Gift Cards to Champ’s Place, the food bank in Somers.

On April 3, Somers Rotary President Bud Devlin and Geissler’s manager in Somers Amy Leighton met with Kit Devlin and Amy Kozik, Champ’s Place administrators, to present $1,250 worth of $25 gift cards.

The Rotary Club of Somers and Geissler’s have partnered over the past few years to run this promotion for Champ’s Place.

This year, the effort was focused on Easter.

Immediately after the presentation, Champ’s Place opened and distributed the gift cards.

Devlin said the recipients could use the gift cards to purchase an Easter

36 North Central News May 2023

From left, Bud Devlin, Rotary president; Kit Devlin and Amy Kozik, Champ’s Place administrators; and Amy Leighton, Geissler’s manager in Somers.

Photo courtesy David Marti, Somers Rotary treasurer

ham to complement the food items they were given. Leighton reinforced that Geissler’s recently celebrated its 100-year anniversary and since establishing its first store in Broad Brook has had a history of giving back to the community. She also was able to present to Champ’s Place an additional donation from the Hometown Foundation run by its wholesaler Bozzuto’s.

Devlin said Rotary’s philosophy of “Service Above Self” is more impactful when done in partnership with others in the community. He said the Rotary Club is thankful Geissler’s contribution allows the Rotary donation to become larger and to positively impact more families and said he looks forward to continuing this relationship for years to come.

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Food for Thought

International vibes added to WL, Suffield cafes

By Laura B. Hayden

Specialty coffee and fresh-baked goods are only the beginning of the story at two new daytime cafes recently opened in Windsor Locks and Suffield.

DORO Marketplace, at 2 National Drive across from the Bradley International Airport entrance, stands out with its European milieu amidst a strip of mostly fast-food establishments, a stunning alternative from the Papa Gino’s it replaced.

DORO’s essential difference starts in its designation as a “marketplace,” by definition a locale to buy, try and experience the best goods an area has to offer.

“In my opinion, we have the best croissants in the state,” said Kieran Farslow, managing partner of the West Hartford-based DORO Restaurant Group. Baked fresh daily, they usually sell out by early afternoon, until a freshbaked batch arrives from West Hartford the next morning.

The full fresh-off-the-grill breakfast menu includes egg sandwiches, bagels and assorted toasts, with spreads DORO Marketplace, Windsor Locks

like smashed avocado, Zohara’s hummus and ricotta with heirloom tomatoes. Breakfast bowls incorporate eggs, potatoes and meats. There’s also a tofu scramble with vegetables, brioche French toast and Belgian waffles.

Even the butter is European! And there’s not a microwave in sight – or on site—according to Farslow.

Lunch options at DORO include sandwiches (chicken salad, pastrami, grilled cheese, crispy fried chicken and prosciutto de parma); soups, salads and bowls with chicken, vegetables and quinoa. Add to all that rotisserie-style chicken, available in quarter, half or whole bird portions with a variety of sides and sauces.

DORO Marketplace in Windsor Locks is open daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Café Barista, which opened at 66 N. Main Street in Suffield, fills a need owners Shalu and Ajay Malhotra felt the small town lacked – a casual meeting place. “We wanted to design a comfortable place for the community to come together,” said Ajay. “Where they could spend hours chatting without spending a lot of money.”

And that’s just what the couple did – with the end unit of the Main Street building they purchased in 2019.

The pandemic put the idea on hold – until a month ago when Café Barista made its debut in Suffield.

The café attracts a steady stream of morning customers. Many work on screens nursing coffees, teas, and breakfast fare in the comfortably furnished space

Cafe Barista, Suffield decorated with original artwork.

By afternoon mothers gather at Café Barista (some with strollers in tow) to meet for lunch along with retired patrons. “We want to give Americans a new taste,” Shalu said, referring to the café’s sandwich recipes that are from South America, with a touch of the family’s native cuisine from India. They also offer fresh German bread from G Cafe Bakery in New Haven that has a hard crust and infusion of olives or figs.

Later afternoon teens meet up, often enjoying the gelato and milkshakes. And the coffee keeps pouring throughout the day. Ajay can guarantee the freshest medium roast from Barrington Coffee Roasting Company in the Berkshires because he makes the trip to buy the freshest beans every two weeks.

Café Barista is open Tue-Fri 7:30 a.m. to 6 pm, weekends 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and is closed Mondays

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Regional

Diving right in Vernon council awards contract to replace Henry Park pool VERNON — The Vernon Town Council has voted 10-0 (with one abstention) to award a $1.247 million contract to Juliano’s Pools of Vernon to replace Horowitz Pool at Henry Park.

Horowitz Pool opened to the public in August 1953 and was in service through 2019. In the early 1990s there was a renovation project to extend the pool’s useful life.

Over the years, Parks and Recreation and Public Works staff spent thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours maintaining and improving the pool.

The structure, now 70 years old, is beyond its useful life. Since 2018, the mayor, Town Council and town staff examined many options.

The proposal from Juliano’s Pools, submitted in December 2022, is to remove the existing gunite pool and concrete deck, conduct necessary grading and earth work, build a new sewer line from the pool to the sanitary sewer on South Street,

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replace the concrete deck and install a new commercial-grade heavy-duty vinyl membrane lined pool that is the same size as the existing Horowitz Pool. The kiddie pool will also be replaced.

“The proposal from Juliano’s Pools is a cost-effective way to replace Horowitz Pool,” Mayor Dan Champagne said.

“Horowitz Pool is important to so many people in Vernon because it brings back fond memories and is where so many of us learned to swim.”

Brian Juliano, owner of Juliano’s Pools, said he learned to swim at Horowitz Pool and has a vested interest in doing what is best for the community. He said the pool will have a lifetime warranty and that he intends to personally oversee construction, estimated to take 13 months. “I spent a lot of time in that park and in that pool and it means a lot to me and my family,” he said. The projected lifespan of the 60-mil pool liner is about 15 years, Juliano said.

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Vernon, civilian police employees reach three-year labor agreement VERNON — The Vernon Town Council has unanimously approved a three-year contract with the Vernon Police Department’s civilian employees.

The agreement was reached after two meetings between town officials and local union leaders, without the assistance of attorneys, saving taxpayers and union members time and money.

Civilian employees in the police department include police telecommunicators (dispatchers), records technicians and their supervisor, and an evidence technician. They are members of United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America, U.E. 222, Connecticut Independent Labor Union (CILU) Local No. 47.

“I am pleased with the cooperative communication, process and outcome,” Mayor Dan Champagne said.

“The members of this bargaining unit provide critically important public safety services to our community.”

Under the terms of the contract, employees are receiving market adjustments to their pay with dispatchers receiving a 2.25% general wage increase in the third year. Also, benefit leave will be measured in hours rather than days, employee contributions to health insurance will increase 1% in the contract’s final year, employees will receive enhanced vision insurance coverage at no additional cost, and the Town will increase its match to the defined contribution retirement plan to 6% from 4% for those employees who

contribute at least 7.5% of their pay to the plan. The negotiations were intended to aid in employee recruitment and retention and to encourage employees to save for retirement.

“This contract acknowledges the outstanding work and contributions made by employees in this bargaining unit while meeting our fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers,” Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said, adding the negotiation process was “exceptionally collaborative, efficient and collegial.”

As a result, town administration was able to achieve a third contract with a local bargaining unit without the use of attorneys. “Both parties came to the table with realistic expectations and an open and honest approach to negotiating,” Purcaro said.

The contract was negotiated over two sessions by union President Sean O’Sullivan, who works as a dispatcher, Christine Lee, the Records Division supervisor, Assistant Town Administrator and Human Resources Director Dawn Maselek and Purcaro.

“I appreciate the town’s willingness to work collaboratively with the union,” O’Sullivan said. “We are proud of the work our members do every day and feel this contract recognizes that.”

“These employees provide essential services to the police department including 911 dispatching, records management and reporting, and evidence tracking,” Police Chief John Kelley said.

MAY37-48.qxp_NCN new template 4/27/23 7:18 AM Page 39

Stafford

Rec Camp gearing up for return in July, August STAFFORD — The long-running Town of Stafford Summer Recreation Camp is back in 2023.

The six-week program serves ages 612, operating weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. from July 5 to Aug. 18, at the Staffordville Beach and School Facility (21 Lyons Road).

The camp’s mission is to provide a safe, affordable, and engaging summer program for elementary-age children in the community with activities that promote creative play, cooperation, physical fitness, leadership, water safety, and summer fun.

A typical day consists of several planned activity periods with classic camp offerings like fun and games, sports, swimming, arts and crafts, gardening, fishing, theme days, scavenger hunts, special events, and more.

Summer staff recruitment efforts are underway. Employment positions include program coordinator, assistant coordinator, camp counselors, aquatics coordinator and lifeguard. Positions and descriptions are posted at www.staffordct.org/departments/human_resources.php.

Free transportation options are available, and breakfast and lunch are provided free.

Registration forms and fees for day campers and Red Cross certified swimming lessons will be posted in early May, with numerous in-person registration dates through June. A “Summer Recreation Camp Program” email distribution list has been created via the town-wide notification system to help keep families updated with program alerts, information, and special dates. Visit www.staffordct.org/e-notify to register for notifications. Program information and updates will be posted at

The Town of Stafford Summer Recreation Camp is scheduled for July 5 to Aug. 18.

Photo courtesy of Stafford Recreation www.staffordct.org/departments/recreation/summer_camp.php. Email recreation@staffordct.org with program inquiries.

For over 65 years, civic and organizational support have been an integral piece in shaping a fun and unique camp program curriculum. The Town’s Grants & Community Development Office will soon be soliciting partnerships, demonstrators, and speakers to help broaden programming topics and offered activities this summer.

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MAY37-48.qxp_NCN new template 4/27/23 7:18 AM Page 40

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Stafford First Selectman’s Corner

Selectmen opt to trim requested budget increase STAFFORD — The overall, original requested budgets for the Board of Selectmen, debt service and Library totaled $17,343,705, Sal Titus an increase of $2,490,499 over the current fiscal year.

We believed that this increase would be too high for the voters to accept and therefore the Board of Selectman made cuts and adjustments to propose a budget of $15,723,626.

The proposed budget now is an increase of $870,420, or 1 mill over the current fiscal year.

I want it to be clear that I believe most town departments brought forth reasonable budgets; cutting funding to these departments is not easy for the selectmen.

Over the last several years, budgets cuts have come from departments with the largest budgets, like Public Works and Building Maintenance. This means road paving is drastically reduced and building maintenance and upgrades go undone.

The bottom-line increase is the result

of rises in the debt service, contractual increases, pay adjustments to retain staff, increases in workmen’s compensation, general liability insurance and health insurance. There is one new staff position and two positions that were part-time were made full-time.

There are key changes in the budget format this year. The restructure included allocating salaries and benefits to the department the employee works in, in order to provide a truer cost associated with operating each department.

Revenue projections for state grants as

well as non-tax revenue are likely to change over the coming weeks as the state legislature finalizes their budget and as more information becomes available.

We are currently projecting an overall state grant and general revenue decrease, which will have an approximate impact of .73 increase on the mill rate. Overall, the budget request (including funding the BOE has requested) represents an approximate impact of 3.82 on the current mill rate. Visit www.staffordct.org to stay informed with town budget information and important dates.

Child Safety Day includes multiple vehicle displays, screenings STAFFORD — Children and their families can enjoy fun and educational activities at the upcoming “2nd Annual Stafford Child Safety Day” being organized by West Stafford School.

This free (rain or shine) event will be held Saturday, May 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Stafford High School located at 145 Orcuttville Road in Stafford Springs.

Stafford Child Safety Day will offer interactive vehicle displays featuring police cruisers, fire trucks, an ambulance, a high-tech satellite truck, several military vehicles, an environmental display, an aerial drone demonstration, interactive vehicle safety displays, and a dental truck to explore. A fair weather option will be viewing the Trooper Two helicopter from the State Police Aviation Unit.

Children and families will also experience many safety and wellness booths featuring information on railroad safety, injury prevention, poison control, healthy relationships, impaired driving awareness, mental health resources, early childhood education, drug and alcohol prevention, vision screenings, aerial drone awareness, child ID kits and a visit from Stafford Police Department’s K-9 Loki.

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Stafford John Mordasky: Longtime rep brought about positive changes STAFFORD — John D. Mordasky 97, of Stafford Springs, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

John was born and raised in Stafford, the son of the late Francis and Sophia (Dunay) Mordasky who immigrated from Czechoslovakia to John Mordasky Torrington, and later moved to Stafford Springs. John graduated cum laude from UConn College of Agriculture as an animal science major.

It was there at UConn that he met the love of his life, Louise Rosemary Rossiter, better known as “Rosie.” John was predeceased by his parents and six siblings; Julia Ramlo, Antionette Stevens, Katherine Mordasky, Mary Pernoski, Helen Edmisten, and Francis Mordasky.

John worked all his life as a dairy farmer on his farm, Pinerise Dairy Farm.

John was involved in politics, however, he was a politician long before he was even elected. He always had an opinion

and was not afraid to share it. He was willing to talk politics with anyone who could keep up with him.

John served as a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives, representing the 52nd District for 22 years, simultaneously milking his cows twice a day. John was well known and respected in the House by both Republicans and Democrats. As state representative he served on many committees including the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee. He was an assistant majority leader in the state House of Representatives.

John was accomplished as a politician, and brought about many positive changes for the district he represented.

John was named by Connecticut Council of Small Towns, as the “Legislator of the Year” in1996. He was active in his community as well, serving on the Board of Selectmen, and on the Zoning Board of Appeals. He was active in 4H and was an honorary member of the FFA, as well as a lifelong member of the Connecticut Milk Producers Association.

John was a member of St Edward

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Parish in Stafford Springs, and the parishioners will remember him fondly as he was a collection usher for many years.

John not only served the people of Stafford and Connecticut, he served all of us by enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1943, at the age of 17. John was proud to have been able to serve his country. He served in the Army Air Corps as a tail gunner on a B29 and flew 22 missions over the Empire of Japan. Throughout his life he always expressed his gratitude for the 6,500 Marines that gave their lives to reclaim the island of Iwo Jima, where he crash landed two times. He believed it was due to the Marines that he was able to survive the war.

John and Rosie raised their family on the farm, and there were always chores to do. At one time, Pinerise Dairy Farm housed 600 dairy cows as well as dogs, cats, and 26 horses. John had a passion for horses and Rosie was an accomplished equestrian. Their idea of a perfect date night was having dinner on the farm, hitching the trailer to the truck, then traveling to the horse auction where they would often save as many as four horses in one evening.

John was many things to many people, in addition to being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a farmer, a blacksmith, a saw-mill operator, a mechanic, an electrician, a politician and an American. He will always be remembered for his cowboy hat and cowboy boots, especially in

the Capitol building in Hartford.

John will be remembered and missed by his wife of 74 years, Rose and their six children; Rose Hice, and her predeceased husband Paul Hice, Maureen Festi, Dr. Frances Traylor and her husband Dan Traylor, Dr. David Mordasky and his wife Judith Mordasky, Bill Mordasky and his wife Janice Mordasky, and John Mordasky, Jr., and his wife Kimberly Mordasky. His grandchildren; Catherine, Christopher, Brian, David, Stella, Ryan, Lorin, Victoria, Andrew, Ashley, Lauren, Matt, Tom, Annette, Christina, Mark, JD and Sophie. Also, 29 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and friends.

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Regional

Bysiewicz visits United Gear & Machine Co. SUFFIELD — United Gear & Machine Co., a third generation family-owned aerospace manufacturer, hosted Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and Connecticut Chief Manufacturing Officer Paul Lavoie last month for a visit to the company.

Bysiewicz and Lavoie met with United Gear President Kurt Malec and employees at the company while embarking on a tour of the newly expanded manufacturing facility.

Since 2014, United Gear has seen a surge in business and doubled its skilled manufacturing workforce. In 2022, United Gear completed the final stage of a 20,000 square foot expansion project and recorded its highest sales numbers in the company’s history.

“We were honored to host Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz and Chief Manufacturing Officer Paul Lavoie to meet with our employees and showcase the recent growth of our small, family-owned Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and Connecticut Chief Manufacturing Officer Paul Lavoie stand with employees of United Gear & business,” Malec said.

Machine Co. during a recent visit to the company.

Photo courtesy of United Gear & Machine Co.

RISEupCT to host Victorian Tea

SOMERS — RISEupCT, a community outreach program working to support individuals spiritually, socially, and emotionally, is hosting a Mother’s Day Weekend Victorian Tea on Saturday, May 13, at the Congregational Church of Somersville, 22 Maple St., Somers.

With seatings at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., the event features tea sandwiches, scones, fruit, decadent desserts, and many blends of tea. In addition, participants will enjoy music, raffles, and photo ops. Call or email 860-749-7741 or at somcong@aol.com to reserve spaces . The cost is $15 and any proceeds from the event will benefit the RISE program.

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Suffield

Groups get grant money “First Date” will be the Suffield Players presentation May 4 to 20.

Photo courtesy of Suffield Players

Get ready for a memorable ‘First Date’ at Mapleton Hall SUFFIELD — Suffield Players Presents “First Date,” a modern musical love story May 4 through 20 at Mapleton Hall 1305 Mapleton Ave, Suffield.

When Aaron and Casey are set up on a blind date the audience gets to watch as their first date unfolds in real time.

Along the way, the inner thoughts of the couple are shared with the audience through the catchy score with memorable songs like “First Impressions,” “Awkward Pause,” “Safer” and more as other patrons of the restaurant take the form of their former lovers, judgmental grandparents, friends, concerned siblings and even imagined future children, all of whom have something to say as the date progresses.

Perfect for a date night of your own, “First Date” will have you laughing and rooting for this couple from their first

drinks to the awkward moment the check arrives.

Presented by the Suffield Players at historic Mapleton Hall, the show is directed by Ryan Bird with music direction by Deb Salli with the talents of Mike DeVito, Renee Bouldin, Brian Rucci, Khara Hoyer, Chris Webber, Candy Green, Terrance J. Peters, Amy Rucci and Steven Close, For tickets visit suffieldplayers.org or call 800-289-6148 $25 per person ($20 opening night). Discounts are available for seniors and students.

“First Date” is presented in part through a grant awarded by CT Humanities, with funding provided by the State Department of Economic and Community Development and the Office of the Arts and from the state Legislature.

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SUFFIELD — Twelve Suffield organizations have received grants totaling $77,460 from the Amiel and Mary Anne Zak Public Service Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.

The fund, formerly known as The Amiel P. Zak Public Service Fund, has a long history of supporting programs that benefit the community of Suffield.

The fund was established in 2002 by Michael Zak to honor the service of his late father, Amiel, a Suffield High teacher for 35 years who also served on town boards and many civic and public associations.

Michael’s mother, Mary Anne, passed away in 2022, and a provision was in place to change the name of the fund to honor both parents. According to Michael, Mary Anne shared her husband’s love of Suffield, and both sought to support their community.

To date, the fund has made 174 grants totaling $1,501,854.

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