North Central News March 2024

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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.

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

Random Raven Random Raven Cirque Returns; Denim & Diamonds at ACC

By Gary Carra

Welcome back to Random Raven, the column that aspires to provide nothing less than serving as your guide to all things equal parts interesting and entertaining in the area.

As we march into March, the Raven finds notable tidbits popping up like mushrooms after a Spring rainstorm.

The first of which actually begins in April, but since tickets for Cirque Du Soleil’s BAZZAR are already on sale –and certain to sell out fast – there’s no time like the present to...well, present this information.

Created in 2018 and toured everywhere from India and Oman to the United Arab Emirates, Quater, Turkey and Brazil - to name a choice few - BAZZAR makes its Connecticut debut April 6 and runs through May 5.

Literally rolling out everything from acro-bikes, duo rollerskates, teeterboards and hair suspensions, this - the 39th Cirque production in the organization’s 43-year history, will set up shop under the big top on Hartford’s Market Street. Tickets range from $52-$157 depending on the date of

performance and course, your proximity to the grandiosity. Special meet and greet add-on packages are also available for an additional $29.

To purchase yours, kindly point your browser to: cirquedusoleil.com/bazzar

In other news, the Asnuntuck Foundation has announced its next scholarship fundraiser - Denim & Diamonds, will occur April 4. It’s country music clashing with classy or casual attire - your choice - amidst a backdrop of cocktails and a carving station. Tickets are $80 per person or $150 for a pair. To purchase yours, visit asnuntuck.edu/donate

EAST WINDSOR — As we turn to March, the municipal budget cycle is underway.

The process for local budget development in East Windsor is a very open and inclusive process.

To start, department heads are asked to submit their budget requests to the first selectman in late December. In January, Finance Director Amy O’Toole and I meet with representatives of departments and agencies requesting funds, we review their submissions, and make an initial budgetary recommendation to the Board of Selectmen.

After the Board of Selectmen holds budget workshops on each budget submission, any changes deemed necessary by the board are made, and the revised budget recommendation is presented to the Board of Finance.

That presentation, jointly with the Board of Education budget, will be held

on March 27 ahead of the Board of Finance’s public hearing on the budget.

Then the Board of Finance gets to work fine tuning the requests from the town and the Board of Education, prior to submission to the voters for consideration at referendum.

Preliminarily included in this year’s budget is a key new initiative that I think is important, and long overdue –funding for an emergency management drill pertaining to active shooter response.

The concept is to engage all our emergency services (fire, police, EMS, public works, and social services) in a live drill to respond to an active shooter situation.

It is critical that all disciplines drill together to know how to respond to the unthinkable happening in our community.

Each of our emergency services have individual responsibilities, but also seek to work fluidly in a unified Ccommand model, and we need to constantly drill together as a team to accomplish that.

How do we establish and secure a perimeter? How do we establish a hot zone vs. a warm zone vs. a cold zone? Who has control of the scene? What is the reunification point that would be used? How would we communicate events and information to the public?

All these questions and more are critical to our response.

We hope to never need to employ this type of response in our community, but we can all agree that we need to be prepared to do so if called upon.

This is one meaningful step in enhancing our community’s emergency response, but it is not the only one in progress.

Beginning on April 1, the East Windsor Police Department will be establishing an eight-week Citizens Academy, where officers and professional staff will be able to provide insight into the varied functions of a twenty-first century police department.

The hope is that this Citizens Academy will continue momentum toward the establishment of an East Windsor Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), which will be able to assist first responders where our community is faced with response

needs such as road closures, shelter staffing, supply distribution, and more.

The Citizens Academy and CERT Team are initiatives being undertaken by Police Chief Matthew Carl and Deputy Chief Benjamin Murphy, who also serve as the town’s director and deputy director of Emergency Management, respectively.

And finally, as we continue to enhance our emergency preparedness, a note of congratulations is due to Chief Carl, who recently secured state approval of our local emergency response plan, an update that had not been filed with and approved by the state since 2014.

Our emergency management team, comprised of representatives from the police department, fire departments, emergency medical services, public works, social services, town finance, and myself, recognize that providing for public safety is one of the foremost responsibilities of local government, and we are taking meaningful steps to ensure and strengthen our collective response to best protect our community.

In East Windsor, our best days are ahead, and we continually seek to be prepared.

Jason

East Windsor East Windsor

EW Community Fund awards $28,000 to groups

EAST WINDSOR — The East Windsor Greater Together Community Fund awarded more than $28,000 in grants to nonprofit groups for projects focused on meeting town needs in 2023.

This brings the total amount awarded to nonprofits working to improve the quality of life for residents in the last three years to over $96,000.

The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving established the E.W. Community Fund, along with community funds for all

Honor roll

EAST WINDSOR — These students were named to the second quarter honor roll at East Windsor Middle School.

Grade 8

High honors

Emma Carter, Kassie Keyes, Jalexis Mercado, Francis Scheuermann, Wyat Temple.

Honors

Mary Belforti, Thomas Bloznalis, Giuliana Lagana, Kelly Lemus-Herrera, Janiyah Mathews, Kirk Taylor, Anna Whetton.

Grade 7

Swapnil Sahoo, Micah Vong.

Honors

Christopher Clark, Jack Clifford, Ruth Decker, Mikaela Diaz-Martinez, Natalie Dionne, Madison Griffin, Victoria Hutchins, Elyse Nordell, Collin Raymond, Isabella Rosales, James Thompson, Natalie VanGasbeck.

Grade 6

High honors

Robert Belforti, Jackson James, Brayden Macsata, Aliyah Mohammed, Sabrina Ortiz, Eloise Rocca, Sienna Rodriguez.

Honors

Crespo, Michael Dziadul, Carlymanuel Gomez De Jesus, Zoe McNamara, Nana Adwoa Nyarko, Olivia Page, Angelous Walton, Mykala Welch, Nora Whalen.

Grade 5

High honors

Kendra Bartholomew, Daniel Bober, Ryan Borrelli, Saeed Elmedani, Riley Fox, Victoria Kooharian, William Loos, Harsh Patel, Savannah Perez, Juliette Provost, Samuel Rodriguez, Nathan Roman, Shreenitha Senthilkumar, Sahana Vijayakumar.

Honors

Genesis Abudo, Daniel Burnham, Olivia Collins, Augustus Craig, Ephraim Decker, Geneva Forsythe, Jacob Gomez,

Regional Regional

Women Who Care donate $3,900 to Underground NE

The Underground New England (UGNE) was recently the recipient of a donation of $3900 from 100 Women Who Care-North Central Connecticut.

The Underground New England is grassroots, faith-based 501(C3) organization dedicated to ending sex trafficking and sexual exploitation throughout Connecticut and New England. The Underground provides prevention tools and awareness programs to engage and equip the community into action against sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. It also has initiatives that directly support victims and survivors with their recovery.

Rev. Dr. Nadine A. Thomas, executive director, said, “The Underground New England is pleased to receive this grant award and put it towards expanding our services to survivors of human trafficking. Human trafficking is one of the worst evils carried out by humankind against humankind. The mission of The Underground NE is to eradicate this evil from the state of Connecticut, all of New

Kissel speaks out on Medicaid cut, ambulances

HARTFORD – State Sen. John Kissel (R-Enfield) submitted testimony to the General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee to oppose Gov. Ned Lamont’s plan to remove $5 million in funding for Medicaid increases for ambulance services in fiscal year 2025.

England, and beyond, and to provide wrap-around services to survivors. The anti-human trafficking movement in the state of Connecticut thrives on collaboration and support from individuals, businesses, and community organizations like 100 Women Who Care. This grant will increase the capacity of The Underground NE to meet survivors' basic needs as they exit from being trafficked and exploited and transition to a life of freedom and independent living.”

“North Central Connecticut will specifically be impacted, including the Town of Somers. ... Somers receives an exceptionally large volume of Department of Corrections calls – all of which fall under Medicaid. Somers EMS must transport the sick and injured Department of Correction prisoners to down-state hospitals,” Kissel said. “Additionally, the removal of this increase will result in the loss of federal matching funds, making the loss total more than $10 million. The consequences of this will be innumerable.”

From left: Amy Hayashida, programs and operations manager UGNE; Caroline Salazar, 100WWC chairperson; Rev. Nadine Thomas, executive director UGNE; and Abby Clark, marketing and communications specialist UGNE.

Photo courtesy 100WWC-NCC

Ellington Ellington

Board shifts due date for Wall of Honor nominations

ELLINGTON — At the Feb. 12 Board of Selectmen meeting, the annual due date to submit nominations for the Ellington Wall of Honor in Arbor Park, was amended to May 1; applications had previously been due on July 1.

This deadline update is an administrative alignment to comply with the scheduling needs of the engraving company that the town uses to add the new inductee to the Wall each year, in time for the annual ceremony held at the site of the Wall of Honor in September, prior to the Fireman’s Fair Parade event.

Applications continue to be kept on file for consideration for a period of three years if not selected the first year of submission.

Information on all previous inductees, dating back to 2001, can be found on the Town of Ellington’s website, under Our Community > Wall of Honor.

A downloadable PDF version of the nomination form, as well as an online application, can be found on this page as well.

For more information, call 860-8703100 or email info@ellington-ct.gov.

Opening day at the Senate

Selectmen seek charter panel volunteers, make appointments

ELLINGTON — The Board of Selectmen is still seeking interested volunteers to serve on the Charter Revision Commission.

Interested individuals may submit a statement of interest on the Town’s website or email info@ellington-ct.gov for more information.

The following appointments were made at the Feb. 12 Board of Selectmen meeting:

Zoning Board of Appeals: Appointed Miranda Graziani to complete a term through Dec. 6, 2027.

Board of Finance: Appointed Liz Nord to complete a term through Dec. 1, 2025.

Patriotic Committee: Appointed Robert Poggie to complete a term through Dec. 31, 2024.

Ethics Commission: Appointed Patience Turkson to complete a term through Jan. 31, 2028.

Board of Assessment Appeals: Appointed Suren Thirumappan to complete a term through Jan. 31, 2026; appointed Aston Blake to complete a term through Jan. 31, 2027.

Inland Wetlands Agency: Appointed Landon Barlow to complete a term through Jan. 31, 2027.

Design Review Board: Appointed Landon Barlow to complete a term through June 30, 2024.

Emergency Services Committee: Reappointed Gary Feldman Sr., Jack

Rich II, Robert Edwards, Timothy Seitz, Peter Hany Sr., Bruce Hoffman, and Walter Lee to one-year terms through Feb. 28, 2025.

Permanent Building Committee: Reappointed Gary Magnuson and Dale Gerber to four-year terms through Feb. 29, 2028.

Ellington First Selectwoman Lori Spielman, second from left, stands with state Sens. Jeff Gordon, M Saud Anwar and John Kissel on the first day of the new Senate session.

Photo courtesy First Selectwoman’s office

Ellington Ellington

Town’s Earthlight Technologies supports apprenticeship push

HARTFORD – State Rep. Tim Ackert (R-Coventry) is calling for an amendment to state apprenticeship hiring ratios in certain construction trades.

Tim Schneider

Ackert, a licensed electrician for over 30 years, was joined by several skilled labor employers and employees that support changing hiring ratios in order to reinforce an aging workforce.

Among those backing the effort was Tim Schneider of Earthlight Technologies in Ellington said.

“I began my career milking cows in Ellington before becoming an apprentice in the early 1980s,” Schneider said. “Today, our company has 25 electricians, with eight apprentices. By amending the law, we could employ another 12 apprentices who are currently unable to make a positive career transition towards a better salary to support their families. We can’t continue to ask for waivers to hire new

apprentices, many of which rarely succeed. We need to change this law now and stand with our youth.”

According to state law, which dates to the late 1960s, the state mandates that each licensed apprenticeship sponsor must abide by a 1:3 apprentice-tolicensed-contractor ratio after hiring their first three apprentices. This means that to hire one new apprentice, each employer must already employ three licensed contractors in that trade. The concern is that this 1:3 ratio limits prospective apprentices from entering the workforce, threatening job growth.

“Hiring ratios, simply put, are hiring restrictions,” Ackert said. As an apprenticeship sponsor for three decades, I know firsthand how this has negatively impacted state job growth and our overall economy. If we want to successfully diversify and modernize our Connecticut workforce, we need to begin by amending these ratios to expand career opportunities for all residents, developing our economy and labor pool.”

Town conducting online kindergarten registration

ELLINGTON — Online registration is now open for all Ellington children entering kindergarten in the 2024-2025 school year.

A child must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 to be eligible for regular enrollment.

The Ellington School District requires documentation for proof of the student’s age, and their Ellington residency, to complete the registration process.

Parents can navigate to the district website registration page at https://www.ellingtonpublicschools.org/parents/registration or call 860-896-2300.

Irish to the Last Drop performing in Ellington at The Ivy on March 15

ELLINGTON — Irish to the Last Drop is a local performing group specializing in traditional and popular music from Ireland and America, and includes humorous stories and jokes interspersed with well-known songs, traditional ballads and sing-alongs involving the audience.

The group consists of three singers, Ellen and John O’Shaughnessy and Tom Curtiss of Ellington, and a talented keyboardist, Don Benevides of Vernon, providing a wealth of instrumental

accompaniments to back them up.

The group performs at senior centers, senior residence communities and other venues on a year-round basis, but its most sought-after shows are for St. Patrick’s Day and other Irish events; Veterans Day and other patriotic events; and Christmas and other holiday events.

The group will be performing in Ellington at The Ivy on March 15. For details, email irishtothelastdrop53@ gmail.com

HARTFORD —

Constituents have reached out regarding Eversource’s announcement seeking a 19% rate increase.

Some constituents noted they're on fixed incomes, while others expressed frustration with the ever-rising cost of electricity.

As House vice-chair of the Energy and Technology Committee, I want to hear from you, but I urge you to also submit comments to the Public Utility and Regulatory Commission (PURA).

Written comments can be submitted to PURA.ExecutiveSecretary@ct.gov. You can use the docket number (if known) or use a subject line like “Eversource Rate Case Comments, Effective 7/1/24.” A PURA YouTube video includes ways to get involved in a rate case (https://bit.ly/49smuBu).

Twice a year, energy utilities seek rate changes from PURA, effective Jan. 1 and July 1. The most recent filing by Eversource is for 19%, equating to

approximately $38 a month on customer bills. Both Eversource and United Illuminating have filed requests — both citing COVID-19 era shut-off protection policies contributed to significant arrearages being accrued. There is the ability to recoup uncovered costs, including the one listed above, as well as Millstone's above-market-rate electricity (Eversource no longer generates power), which allows Eversource to recoup those costs.

Last year, my colleagues and I — unanimously in both chambers — adopted policy that has given PURA more tools to scrutinize rate requests. We passed SB 7 — a landmark bill that expanded the authority that PURA has to deny rate cases.

We’ve seen PURA’s efficacy in denying rate increases with water companies so far, but the electric distribution companies are next.

SB 7 limits the ability of utility companies to recoup costs from ratepayers such as rate cases, dues and lobbying expenses. It also gives PURA the ability to call these companies into rate proceedings and

require them to lower rates or defend in front of PURA, and therefore transparently, more often than they historically have.

Some of these utility companies haven’t been before PURA in a very long time, despite rising rates.

While we anticipate enactment of SB 7 will keep costs from going up quite as much as they may have otherwise, some measures are beyond the legislature’s control. Utility companies have the authority to recoup unrecovered costs, such as unpaid energy bills; however, if you believe this is not right, you should testify before PURA. The utility companies will be bringing their staff, allies,

Rep. Jamie Foster at an Energy and Technology Committee meeting in 2023.

Submitted photo

and assets to defend rate increases.

Because of a bill I introduced, that became part of SB 7 and the hard work of my colleagues in leadership, Rep. Steinberg, Sen. Neeleman, Sen. Fazio, and Rep. Buckbee, for the first time, they won't pass those costs onto you.

That’s a start, but we still need you and everyone impacted to testify if we want to make a difference collectively.

Last year, we created a video on energy deregulation. You can watch it on YouTube (https://bit.ly/3I5l0Rl). As always, please contact my office with any concerns you have. I can be reached at 860-240-8585 or jaime.foster@cga.ct.gov

Enfield Enfield

Honor roll

ENFIELD — These students were named to the Enfield High School honor roll for the second marking period of the 2023-24 academic year.

GRADE 12

High Honors

Autumn Abreu, Rosalie Alfano, Evan Anderson, Leah Anderson, Aliyan Atif, Tatiana Barnes, Gavin Beauregard, Sydney Bechard, Charles Bell, Ayla Bibeault, Mariia Borodii, Mikayla Brink, Mikayla Brown, Mikaela Bryden, Maggie Bryson, Taylin Byers, Antonio Calabrese, Caitlin Campbell, Daniel Cardona, Ian Cargile, Tanner Carlson, Dylan Catania, Kendra Cekala, Hao Chen, Kristy Chen, Bethany Clark, Monroe Cogtella, Erin Connery, Isabella Cooley, Madison Couture, Keonta Crawford, Molly Cunningham, Faith Daigneau, Mia Daly, Matthew Daries, Alexia DiFranco, Evan DiPietro, Erin Dow, Olivia Eugenio, Evan Fitzgerald, Natalie Fitzgerald, Mason Fontaine, Sarah Fortune, Samantha Fuller, Evelyn Furey, Anthony Galvez, Kaylee Garcia, James Gilbert, Madison Gilbert, Julianna Girouard, Jake Giustina, Henley Gomeau, Maysalee GrayKhen, Ryan Grenier, Olivia Grettler, Harley Griffin, Kai Grimaldi, Mackenzie Hannah, Dilana Hathaway, Camila Herrera-Alfaro, Gavin Higgins, Kelsey Higgins, Ella Hogan, Aurora Hunt, Delaney Hutchings, Isabella Jackson, Jonathan Jones, Kyle Josefiak, Zoe

Kinelski, Emily Kokoszka, Elizabeth Kusta, Braylon Lafrance, Abigail Lawlor, Amaya Lewis, Aldo Lima, Brenna Lyver, Aiden Madrigal, Sydney Marshall, Alexis Mastrangelo, Audrey Mazzarella, Kaitlyn McCaffrey, Melissa Medeiros, Elissa Medina, Naomi Mission, William Moody, Evan Murphy, Madison Oakes, Sophia Oppenheimer, Jimmy Padilla, Lukas Phimvongsa, Charles Polmatier, Caroline Poltronieri, Charlotte Poltronieri, Samantha Quail, Lucy Raimo, Conner Ramsdell, E'keria Reed, Nathan Reynolds, Abigail Richters, Sula Roberge, Anthony Rosato, Hiba Sleiman, Sandhya Sowrirajan, Michael Spencer, Kyrah Spruill, Jayla Steere, Kayla Surprenant, Isabella Taylor, Kaleigh

Thornhill, Sophie Trosen, Sophia Verrengia, Sara VonEisengrein, Lucas Wachtel, Cameron Weeks, Cassidy Weeks, Jade West, Kayla Wetherington, Lana Wilkie, Kelsey Wyse, Lily Wyse, Safayah Youssef.

Honors

Samantha Acus, Mattingly Alaimo, Kayla Alexander, Brennan Archer, Ethan Bartholomew, Adrian Blach, Morgan Blais, Zachary Bonini, Lindsey Bronczyk, Mason Bronczyk, Mackenzie Brown, Sarah Budaj, Michael Calabrese, Wyatt Camp, Andrew Cekala, Keily Colon, Samantha Coolbaugh, Matthew Dube, Evan Dumeny, Jameson

Flynn, Taylor Gochee, Jessica Guzman, Tyler Herzig, Brady Higginbotham, Luke Hogan, Dillon Hudson, Lillian Jaeger, Tyler Kimball, Tyler Laureano, Landon Lech, Edilzar Lopez-Lopez, Marcell Madrazo, Adrianna Marshall, Hunter Merrill, Ryan Moeller, Warren Mollitor, Kaytlin Morin, Zniya Munoz, Shaelyn O'Farrell, Viktoria Olsen, Isabella Parisan, Tanner Pinto-Cohn, Eric Quinn, Davon Randolph, Emily Rivera, Ariana Rodgers, Jasmine Rosario, Katie Sanchez-Gonzalez, Kyana Schwab, Quincy Slappy, Lila Smyth, Chase Stebbins, Ari Swanger, Colin Tavernier, Morgan Tilley, Aiden Ulrich, Logan Vidal, Anna Wilcox.

HONORS/Page 24

Rotary Club in action

The Rotary Club of Enfield welcomed Lorraine Creedon from the Enfield Safe Harbor Warming Center to a meeting. The club, its members, new member Bob Stern donating funds designated to him for a new member project, and member Milt Rosenberg matching his challenge amount of $500, contributed $1,538 to the center along with paper goods. Want to help your community? Come to the club’s next meeting March 6 at 12:15 p.m. in CT State-Asnuntuck’s Conference Center.

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News Release

COUZENS, DOMINGOS, ALLEN & ASSOCIATES

Recognized as a Best-in-State Wealth Management Team by Forbes

Ameriprise Financial

165 Tolland Stage Road Tolland, CT 06084 860-430-1919

Contact:

Matthew C Couzens

COUZENS, DOMINGOS, ALLEN & ASSOCIATES

Tolland, CT –January 2024 – COUZENS, DOMINGOS, ALLEN & ASSOCIATES, a private wealth advisory practice with Ameriprise Financial in Tolland was named to the list of “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” published by Forbes. The list recognizes financial advisors and their teams who have demonstrated high levels of ethical standards, professionalism, and success in the business.

The rankings are based on data provided by thousands of the nation’s most productive advisors and their teams.

COUZENS, DOMINGOS, ALLEN & ASSOCIATES was chosen based on assets under management, industry experience, compliance record and best practices in their practice and approach to working with clients.

COUZENS, DOMINGOS, ALLEN & ASSOCIATES is led by Matthew Couzens, CFP®, ChFC®, CRPCTM, APMA® The team also includes financial advisor(s) Michael Domingos, Sean Allen, Keith Albert, Steven Hahn, Khuong Ho, Timothy Brunson and support staff, Amy Rua and Kansas Sienna. They have collectively served the Tolland community since 2002.

COUZENS, DOMINGOS, ALLEN & ASSOCIATES provides financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations and provided in one-on-one relationships with their clients. For more information, please contact the office at 860.430.1919 or visit the Ameriprise office at 165 Tolland Stage Rd, Tolland CT.

About Ameriprise Financial

At Ameriprise Financial, we have been helping people feel more confident about their financial future for 130 years1. With extensive investment advice, asset management and insurance capabilities and a nationwide network of approximately 10,000 financial advisors, we have the strength and expertise to serve the full range of individual and institutional investors’ financial needs. For more information, visit ameriprise.com.

Visit forbes.com for additional information about Forbes

1Company founded June 29, 1894.

Source: Forbes, “Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams,” Jan. 9, 2024.

The 2024 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list is developed by SHOOK Research and is created using an algorithm that includes both qualitative (in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings; client impact; industry experience; review of best practices and compliance records; and firm nominations) and quantitative (assets under management and revenue generated for their firms) data. Certain awards include a demographic component to qualify. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. This ranking is based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC, is not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience and is based on data from the previous calendar year. Forbes magazine and SHOOK Research do not receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. For more information: www.

SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.

Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser.

Securities offered by Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.

© 2024 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Ameriprise Financial *Adver t i sement

Music and dance

There will be an evening of music and dancing on Friday, March 8, at the Zone, Hazardville United Methodist Church. 330 Hazard Ave, Enfield.

The band Side-Tracked will perform from from 8 to 10 p.m.

For details contact Pastor Lisa at 413-344-7367 or email to pastorlisamc64@gmail.com

Comedy night

A night of comedy will take placeat Hazardville United Methodist Church, 330 Hazard Ave, Enfield, on Saturday, March 16, as local comedians will entertain with family friends skits.

Doors open at 6 p.m.; the show starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at www.funny4funds.com/events.

For details contact Pastor Lisa at 413-344-7367 or email to pastorlisamc64@gmail.com

Music scholarship

The Woman’s Club of Enfield is offering a scholarship to seniors who plan to further their education in music.

Applications are available in the Enfield High School guidance office.

The scholarship is awarded to seniors who will continue in instrumental, voice, education or the technical field. Previous recipients may reapply.

Applications must be returned to the guidance office by April 19. For details, call Florence at 860-745-5869.

Scholarship opportunities

The Woman’s Club of Enfield is offering a scholarship to a graduating senior girl from Enfield High School. To qualify for this scholarship a girl must have attended Enfield High School for her entire senior year, be officially designated by the EHS Guidance Department at end of senior year fall semester) as graduating with honors (cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher,

and be accepted at a two- or four- year college.

Also being offered is the Marion Ferguson Memorial Scholarship, for which the qualifications are the same .

The Phyllis Berger Memorial Scholarship is being offered with the same qualifications, as well as the Janet D’Aleo Scholarship.

Scholarship applications may be obtained from the guidance office at Enfield High School and must be returned to that office by April 17.

Asnuntuck offering

Are you looking for a career in health care? CT State Asnuntuck will be offering an ophthalmic assistant program this spring at its Enfield campus.

This program prepares students to enter the ophthalmic medical personnel field as ophthalmic assistants. Ophthalmic assistants perform duties as assigned by the ophthalmologist for whom they work. All aspects of the role will be covered in a classroom setting and clinical/ hands-on sessions.

Upon earning the college certificate, students must complete 1,000 hours of

paid work experience under ophthalmologic supervision to be eligible for the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology Certification.

Lectures will be held on campus. The clinical/hands-on experience will be at a local eyecare center. Students must provide their own transportation. Classes will be March 12 to May 14 from 6 to 8:30 p.m., with the first class meeting until 9 p.m. Clinic dates are April 6, 13, 20, 27 and May 4 and 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. with a half hour lunch.

Fourteen different noncredit career programs, including ophthalmic assistant, are available at Asnuntuck, with a potential for SNAP scholarships. They include medical billing and coding (CPC-certified professional coder); certified pharmacy technician; certified patient care technician; emergency medical technician; electrocardiogram technician; dental assistant; sterile processing technician; veterinary assistant; esthetician; nail technician; personal trainer; cosmetology and medical interpreter programs.

For details, email ASContinuingEd@asnuntuck.edu or call 860-253-3028.

ENFIELD — This past month, I decided to call on local Municipal leaders in our North Central Region to meet and discuss some issues each of our Towns are facing.

Enfield hosted First Selectmen and Mayors from East Windsor, Windsor Locks, Suffield, Somers, East Longmeadow and Longmeadow, Mass.

Our “Round Table” discussion included unfunded state mandates, local planning oversite vs. state control, Rails to Trails, solar farms and mutual aid.

It was refreshing to have these discussions with other local representation and brainstorm how we, as a region, can band together with our state representation to focus on our unique issues with the state.

Solar farms are a very hot topic in the North Central CT region and our towns are shouldering a very large portion of them, with much outcry from our residents.

Municipal planning departments do not currently have control over where the state chooses to put these fields which is putting a large burden on many residents.

Truthfully, the term solar field itself is a misconception and, let’s face it, they are more equivalent to industrial power denerating facilities — many of which are now located in residents’ backyards.

There must be a balance with the towns and the state to find the appropriate placement of these “fields” so our towns’ residents aren’t the ones to suffer.

Honor roll

Enfield High honor roll, continuing from page 11.

GRADE 11

High Honors

Isabella Alvarado, Kiersten Anadore, Ryan Andersen, Ryan Anderson, Jonathan Araujo, Madilyn Archer, Luca Bacile, Jacob Barnes, Hailey Barrett, Jacob Beiler, Ava Belanger, Alyssa Bell, Rebecca Bemiss, William Bergman, Darius Berry, Emma Boisvere, Hailey Boney, Lyndsie Brown, Alexa-Lyn Bubello, Ryan Buckley, Abby Carllo, Bryant Cecire, Riche Chen, Mattea Cosby, Mendoza Cruz, Violette Delaware, Zachary DeWitt, Kathia Diaz, Isabella Dinnald, Christopher Donahue, Colin Drury, Natalie Dumas, Brayden Eckert, Gabriella Eckert, Rawan Farah, Madison Flora, Halle Fontaine, Rym Fridjat, Selma Fridjat, Finley Gannon, Grace Garro, Madelyn Garthwait, Caleigh Guyer, Arianna Hicks, Alyssa Hosig, Jana Ibrahim, Cole Isaacson, Derek Judd, Kaitlyn Kamay, Kyle Kamay, Haleigh Ketchale, Aiden Koczera, Aubrey Lathrop, Reese Lavoie, Dream Lawson, Alicia Lizotte, Keara Marinak, Drew Matthews, Zachary Maynard, Jaelah Michaud, Ryan Nash, Luke Pacholski, Aurianna Palmer, Nicholina Parolo, Ishan Patel, Ailey Pequita, Skylar Potemski, Brielle Powers, Trinity Ramirez, Rocha Ramos, Aayan Rauf, Alex Rubin, Brooke Ryan, Hanna Ryan, Angelina Shi, Ethan Sirard, Colin Sixt, Jenna Slater, Janel Smith, Jessica Smith, Lillian Sobanski, Madelyn Stoddard, Brianna Tracy, Anshkumar Vachhani, Joshua Young, Kallianna Zaugg.

Honors

Alexandra Barry, Kayla Bouchard, Valentin Bulbuc, Sophia Carrier, Martinez Cervantes, Brenna Chiapponi, Joshua Classon, Zoey DeSousa, Caleb Dickson, Simon Dufault, Samantha Ferrando, Elizabeth Flanagan, Quinn Foster, Nathan Fournier, Grace Gorman, Emma Grant, Samantha Green, Charles Guilmette, Benjamin GuindonBourget, Andrew Guzie, Jack Harmon, Brian Horton, Isabella Huffman, Joshua Lajoie, Jason Mahon, Jaci

Martinez-Estrada, Ruby Mattoon, Lauren McDonnell, Brock Mejia, Evelina Olsen, Logan Pelkey, Thang Pham, Savannah Riley, Isaiah Rodrigues, Jade Ruiz, Parker Salvas, Rylee Shaughnessy, Conlan Shaw, Sophia Sowinski, Miles Stovall, Jayden Troxler, Trinity Ukers, Josiah Upson, Aubree Usher, Sarah Younes.

GRADE 10

High Honors

Kayla Arroyo, Faith Bakowski, Emma Beckstead, Emily Birdsey, Rylee Bleau, Zane Boudreau, Ares Bourque, Joseph Capasso, Anthony Carabantes, Dayami Castelan, Alexander Champlin, Makayla Ciechowski, Cameron Colman, Audrey Densmore, Brielle Dols, Kyle Dube, Olivia Egan, Luana Esaki, Ahmed Failla, Hailey Fausel, Sabrina Ferrando, Lena Furey, Emma Gaucher, Gianna Genereux, Payton Gowen, Emily Grenier, Maria Griffin, Ella Gugliotti, Dylan Hart, Adam Hasson, Grace Herman, Riley Holleran, Munib Husain, Bridget Kelly, Elizabeth Langan, Colleen Lassoff, Cooper Love, Anthony Mammano, Cole Marrella, Preston Maryanski, Alabama Mattoon, Julia Mauri, Sofia Mauri, Gavin McGlynn, Sadie Minalga, Kennedy Moore, Amar Muminovic, Olivia Nuccio, Leeanni Oakes, Owen O'Neill, Willow Pham, Cayden Pham-Taber, Kylie Purdue, Hayden Radziewicz, Salma Ramos, Ricardo Recinos-Martinez, Sydney Richard, Lindsey Rowe, Milaniya Santaniello, Cameron Sordi, Ma'Kaylah Spivery, Arianna Striniste, Ava Suazo, Justin Therian, Alexander Turner, Aydan Valentin, Camden Valley, Ramos Vazquez, Ryan Vesce, Natalie Walett, Amare Williams, Shouakang Xiong, Menna Zuwail.

Enfield Enfield

Honor roll

Enfield High honor roll, continuing from page 24.

Grade 10

Honors

Aquije Aranda, Jacob Bellafronte, Andy Benevides, Claire Bouffard, Paige Cekala, Kiley Cushing, Zackery Davey, Chloe Donihee, Abygayle-Lynn Gilbert, Amelya Gonzalez, Aaliyah Greaves, Elizabeth Hannah, Jonathan Hewitt, Adrian Johnson, Maya McCormick, Timothy Mele, Alexia Minier, Jacob Morano, Jayden Ortiz, Caitlin Ouellette, Kaylin Perkins, Divinity Petrak, Darya Pitsurenko, Lauren Ryder, Gavin Sampson, Samantha Smyth, Quinn Stefanowich, Keira Surprenant, Abigail Terhune, Brian Thompson, Jason Valintakonis, Wendy Wood, Lexia Xiong.

GRADE 9

High Honors

Isabella Alicea, Emmalyn Alli, Hailey Anderson, Lily Baisley, Joshua Barber,

Daniil Borodii, Ava Bowman, Julian Brinson, Marley Brunette, Braden Cekala, Gwyneth Cekala, Sadie Chabot, Audrey Chenail, Benjamin Cherenov, Hailey Cipressi, Magdalena Conderino, Mani'yah Cook, Julianna Cooley, Adam Culver, Julia Davidson, Ava DiCola, Jack Dufresne, Emily Enright, Kylie Feliciano, Renee Foisy, Rozalyn Fort, Kayden Gayac, Joel Gibson, Natividad Gonzalez, Shianne Griffin, Aubrey Griskus, Nayeli Guerra, Madelyn Guyer, Ellen Hamilton, Samantha Hart, Hailey Heath, Arabella Herron, Elizabeth Hopman, Olivia Hosig, Conor Howarth, Kellan Jaykus, Ashley Jerome, Michael Kates, Ella Kornick, Patrick Lachut, Carter Lavoie, Mykah Leander, Avery Leloup, Lauryn Levasseur, Anna Lor, Julia Mangino, Dean Marinak, Johnny Martinez-Estrada, Julia McCloud, John Melendez, Chase Menard, Zoe Mollitor, Kayla Moore, Zarate Moreno, Dorothyea Murray, William Norris, David Ortiz, Grace Pacholski, Sebastian Paez, Alexander Paradis, Sofia Parolo, Stella Postle, Valenzuela Ramirez, Joseph Ramus, Ela Roberge, Roxanna Rodrigues, Camryn Rousseau, Taylor Rousseau, Natalie Sampson, Rosie Scavotto, Cierra Seamster, Muhammad Shahid, Alana Shamlall, Konnor Shenas, Noah Sierra,

Caleb Slappy, Aaron Smith, Alton Smith, Ayanna Smythe, Sincere Spears, James St., Addison Szczesiul, Braeden Szczesiul, St.Onge Tross-, Alexander Turcotte, Ramos Vazquez, Kizmet Vazquez, Amariliz Velez, Evan Vujs, Jayson Wachtel, Alexandrea Walpurgis, Laila Williams, Sophia Wong, Zakaria Youssef.

Honors

Kendall Acus, Nicholas Allan, Gabriella Bassignani, Samantha Bezdelovs, Tyler Birch, Ray Calvin, Alexandra Ciecko, Reese Coffey, Madeline Croyle, Alexander Davis, Hamdi Ibrahim, Mialana Jubrey, Landon Kulas, Mariah Lamere, Kaitlyn LaPenna, Kelsey Lawlor, Isaiah Lawrence, Emily Lyver, Grant Lyver, Kyle Malecki, Ethan May, Paige McGuire, Sophia Miller, Damien Norman, Allyson Paz, Sawyer Pequita, Logan Perry, Isabella Petrone, Derek Pivero, Flores Portillo, Julia Prendergast, Luna Ramirez, Nevaeh Ramos, Thomas Rattell, Kamani Robinson, Jayleen Rodriguez, Emma Rogers, Moreno Rosas, Abby Semancik, Dawa Sherpa, Trevor Sixt, Hernandez Soto, Steven Stauffer, Charlotte Stephens, Anaiyah Sullivan, Anthony Tallarita, Brady Tavernier, Jack Treon, Alaina Weston, Nilay Williams.

Drezek has been supt. since 2017

After a brief period working for the Wethersfield Board of Education, Drezek returned to Enfield in 2010 to as the district’s director of human resources.

“Enfield is an amazing community and this certainly wasn’t an easy decision but it was the best one for me and my family,” he told the North Central News. “I’ve made lifelong friendships in Enfield that will last beyond my tenure, but my family and I couldn’t be more excited to start this new chapter in Old Saybrook. The students, staff and families of Enfield have welcomed me like family, and I hope I’m leaving the district just a little bit better for our students than when I got here.”

Drezek earned a Sixth Year in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University, Master’s of Education from the University of Bridgeport and a Bachelor of Science degree from Post University.

He is a lifelong resident of Connecticut as is his wife Alisa. They have two children.

Somers Somers

Somers student hopes for chance to spell repeat

WEST HARTFORD — The Connecticut Spelling Bee will return to West Hartford on March 3, with participants competing for the chance to represent the state at the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Last year’s Connecticut winner, sixth grader Nathan Settevendemie from Somers’ Mabelle B. Avery Middle School, made it to Round 5 in the national competition, tying for 57th place.

The winner of this year’s seventh annual Connecticut Spelling Bee will represent the state at the Scripps National Spelling Bee May 26 through May 31 in Port Washington, Maryland.

The Connecticut Spelling Bee begins at 1 p.m. on March 3 at Hoffman Auditorium at the University of Saint Joseph. Students who have made it to The Connecticut Spelling Bee have already won their school- or townwide spelling bees.

For details about the spelling bee, call Alex Gerrish at 860-502-3247 or email events@noahwebsterhouse.org.

Big moves for residents at Big Y

SPRINGFIELD — The Board of Directors of Big Y Foods, Inc. has announced six new appointments to executive and director positions.

Among those named are Somers residents John P. Fraro, senior director of fresh foods, and Iliana Del Valle-Colon, director of deli, bakery and kitchen.

Fraro will be responsible for all aspects of Big Y’s fresh departments including meat, seafood, bakery, deli, kitchen, produce and floral. He reports to Michael R. Cormier, senior vice president of sales and marketing.

Fraro started at Big Y in 2005 as assistant food service/kitchen manager after having held positions in meat, bakery and deli for two other retailers the prior five years. In 2006, he was appointed sous chef at Big Y’s Fresh Acres Market and in 2008 as its meal solutions manager. In 2009, he became the company’s junior deli buyer followed by bakery sales manager. From 2014-17, he was deli sales manager, then produce sales manager until his 2017 appointment as director of deli, bakery and kitchen.

In 2017, Fraro was recognized as one of the 40 Under 40 Food Industry Rising Leaders by the Griffin Report of the Northeast and in 2020, he was a Shelby Report’s People to Watch. He completed the National Grocer’s Association Executive Development Program. Last year he received the 2023 Emerging Leader Award by the Massachusetts Food Association. He and his partner, Michael, live in Somers.

Del Valle-Colon will be responsible for all sales, marketing and merchandising for deli, bakery and kitchen. She began her retail career as a greeter at

New York & Co in 1999 until she joined Stop & Shop in 2002. There, she worked in various capacities including customer service manager/assistant manager, perishable and non-perishable managers, division sales analyst, center store and general merchandise specialist and store manager.

She joined Big Y in 2017 as a reserve store director followed by corporate deli sales manager and later corporate seafood sales manager. She will report to Fraro in his new position.

Del Valle-Colon has attended the University of Connecticut and the New York School of Interior Design. In 2019, she earned a Food Executive Program Certificate from Cornell

University and in 2021 received a Future Leaders Certificate from the Food Marketing Institute. In 2014, she was awarded Stop & Shop’s Assistant Store Manager of the year and from 2016-17 was a member of its Women Adding Value team. She has been a member of Women L.E.A.D, Big Y’s employee resource group focused on empowering women leaders for personal and professional development. She was named a Progressive Grocer Top Women in Grocery in 2015. She and her husband, Michael Colon, Sr., reside in Somers.

Other new appointments are: Devyn Blais, Ludlow, Mass., vice president of finance; David J. Argento, Guilford, director of pharmacy; James T. Billingsley of Wilbraham, Mass., director of accounting; and Amanda M. Pereira, East Longmeadow, director of treasury.

Michael P. D’Amour, Big Y president and CEO, said, “It’s always gratifying to see dedicated and talented individuals grow within our company.”

Nathan Settevendemie, right, winner of last year’s Connecticut Spelling Bee.

Photo courtesy Connecticut Spelling Bee

John P. Fraro Iliana Del Valle-Colon

MARCH23-32.qxp_NCN new template 2/27/24 3:08 PM Page 28

Business of the Month

The Economic Development Commission of Somers has presented its fourth “Business of the Month” award to Sue’s Shirt Creations at 629 Main St.. The award was presented at the store by Selectman Robert Schmidt to store owner’Michelle Wink, her husband Chad, and her son Joseph. Sue’s Shirt Creations was nominated by town resident Robert Hall in recognition of the business participation in town projects, and its creation of “Somers Strong” shirts in support of the Somersville fire victims. Patrons from any community can nominate a Somers business through the email at EDCSomers@gmail.com or regular mail at EDC, 600 Main St., Somers, CT 06071.

Photo courtesy Somers Board of Selectmen

Blake Center announces event schedule for 2024

HILLSDALE, Mich. — The Blake Center for Faith and Freedom, located in Somers, is set to host numerous events this year. These events aim to further the mission of Hillsdale College and focus on Christianity, the Western tradition of liberty, and their intersection.

Upcoming events include:

• March 8: K-12 Education & American Civic Virtues, featuring Dr. Wilfred McClay, author of celebrated American history textbook “Land of Hope”

• March 25: C.S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia,” featuring Dr.

Michael Ward, author of “The Narnia Code”

• April 3-6: American Foreign Policy, featuring Michael Anton, former senior White House national security official

• April 20: Somers Rotary Club

Fishing Derby

“We are pleased to offer events on a wide variety of topics this year,” said Labin Duke, executive director of the Blake Center. “They all point back to questions of faith and freedom. Exploring those questions are essential to our mission here at the Blake Center, and we hope that all will join us in it.”

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Somers Somers

Veterans Coffehouse is ‘beacon of support’

The Veterans Coffeehouse at the Somers Town Hall auditorium on the last Saturday of every month is a “beacon of support and camaraderie for the military community,” according to organizers. Sponsored by the Somers Department of Veterans Affairs, this event brings together veterans, their families, and caregivers to connect, share stories, and learn from guest speakers like Melissa and Todd Rolland of Laer Realty Partners and Jeff Daniels and Gayle Cunningham of Supreme Lending. This gathering not only provides a platform for knowledge sharing but also fosters a sense of community and trust among attendees.

Photos courtesy. of Veterans Coffeehouse

At the Veterans Coffeehouse on Feb. 24 are Melissa Rolland from LAER RealtyPartners, Jeff Daniels and Gayle Cunningham of Supreme Lending

Left, Lisa Arroyo USA Spouse and Department fundraising volunteer shares donation updates. Right, Melissa Rolland receives input from attending veterans.

Foodstuffs Foodstuffs

Danny’s celebrates Pizza Day Raising Cane’s raises a ruckus in Enfield

National Pizza Day was Feb. 9 and Danny’s Pizza hosted a children’s pizza making event for Enfield Family Resource Center families. Left, Brooke and Cole Dahlquist, Erin Grimes, lead parent educator for The Enfield Family Resource Center with Gianina Martucci, Lilth MacPherson, Brynn and Barrett Carrigan. Right, Christopher MacPherson with daughter Lilth MacPherson.The Enfiield Family Resource Center offers family support services promoting parenting skills and family involvement with the schools, striving to help children succeed academically, socially and emotionally.

Photos courtesy Enfield Family Resource Center

Scone Sale soon at St. Joseph’s Residence

ENFIELD — The Little Sisters of the Poor-St. Joseph’s Residence will be having its annual Scone Sale at St. Joseph’s Residence 1365 Enfield St. Scones are $3 each (they are large) and come in the following flavors: craisin or raisin. You can place orders online at https://LSPScones24.givemart.com. Or scan the QR Code for quicker access. Scones will be available for drive-thru pickup on March 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ENFIELD — The first Raising Cane’s in Connecticut opened in February to a response so huge the eatery hired Enfield Police to help with traffic and safety.

Drive-thru lines snaked double-wide through the Enfield Square parking lot back toward the old Sears building and then back around.

The restaurant is open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight.

The Rotary Club of Enfield invites you to a Beer And Wine Tasting & Silent Auction Fundraiser at Asnuntuck Community College’s Conference Center on

Thursday, March 14 from 6-8 p.m.

Joe’s Fine Wines & Spirits of East Windsor and Ellington will provide a delicious sampling of beer and wine. Hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and a silent auction will round out the evening.

Tickets are $25 per person

Contact Enfield Rotarian, or Emai: Bob Stern at sternobob1@icloud.com

Proceeds benefit the club’s many service projects and support for Loaves and Fishes, The Enfield Food Shelf, The Enfield Public Library’s Literacy Program and other worthy causes in Enfield.

Stafford Stafford

First Selectman’s Corner

Board working to craft reasonable budget

Bill Morrison

STAFFORD —

The Board of Selectmen has spent the past two months diligently crafting a town budget that is reasonable and conservative while meeting public needs. Out of 39 department budget requests, 15 proposed reductions or zero increases, and five submitted minimal rises, showcasing commendable efforts to minimize the overall increase for taxpayers.

So far, the BOS held three special meeting budget workshops for detailed discussions, noting an increase in the general highway budget—specifically, an $850,000 allocation request for paving.

Considering this, I am proposing that we host an informational public hearing to facilitate discussion, seek direction, and listen to the opinions of taxpayers regarding inclusion of the $850,000 paving program outlined in the Public Works Department budget.

Once the date is confirmed, this

meeting will be made public, and I strongly encourage all taxpayers to attend and share their perspectives on this substantial yet essential program. The Public Works director will present insights on the town’s paving program for fiscal year 2024-25 during the hearing.

Also submitted to the Board of Selectmen was a plan to reorganize the Building Department, aiming to streamline user requests within the department. Your feedback and insights on both proposals are highly valued, and I look forward to discussing them during the public hearing.

In related budget information, I am pleased to report a reduction in debt service by $3,319, accounting for a decrease of 0.11%. While this may not be an extravagant reduction, it signifies a positive step in the right direction for our fiscal management.

I’m pleased to announce that the town has secured multiple grants, including an $883,844 Rural Improvement Transportation Program grant through the CTDOT Capital

Program for construction of the Levinthal Run multi-use path.

The two-way path will extend between the middle and high school, designed exclusively for nonmotorists to address decadeslong safety and

accessibility concerns.

Additionally, the town has received a commitment to fund from CT DOT for the second phase of the Furnace Avenue Reconstruction.

House hunting?

Get prequalified and boost your buying power.

If you’re on the hunt for a new home, getting prequalified from Westfield Bank is a smart first step. We’ll help you estimate what you can afford, and provide a prequalification letter to make your offer more attractive. Do better with your search for a dream home. Get prequalified and get going!

First Selectman Bill Morrison greets members of Cub Scout Pack 50 after they led the Pledge of Alligance at a meeting.

Photo courtesy First Selectman’s Office

Stafford Stafford

Vendors sought for Farmer’s Market

STAFFORD — The annual Stafford Farmers Market returns for another season beginning May 11.

The market will be open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon from May 11 until Sept 21.

All vendors are CT Farm and Food, though some vendors also make artisan products.

There will be live music every week to enjoy and plenty of parking on the field next to the market field.

Participating farms accept FMNP for WIC and seniors and the market will double all of it.

Doubling coupons can be used on any food items at the market. Dogs are welcome on leash. This is a great family activity, so bring the children are invited as well. Remember, a visit to the market helps support local.

Applications accepted

Stafford Farmers Market is accepting applications for CT farms, food vendors and musicians.

Farm or food vendors may also request to sell artisan products, but the farmers market does not accept any sole artisan

vendors.

Location: 9 Chestnut Hill Road, Stafford, on Route 190

Accepting: Full-time, part-time or guests.

Vendors: Fee $12 per day.

Musicians: Payed $30/single. $50/ band.

Insurance and proper coverage required for all. For an application, email Stafford FarmersMarketCT@gmail.com

For details, visit the market’s website, Facebook or Instagram pages for photos and information.

Stafford Stafford

Rotary Means Business

“Rotary Means Business: Manufac,”turing in Stafford hosted by Willington Nameplate 11 Middle River Drive, Stafford Springs, will take place Thursday, March 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Paul Lavoie, chief manufacturing officer of the State of Connecticut, will be the keynote speaker.

Members of the Stafford business community are invited to join the event, which includes light refreshments, networking opportunities, and insights into the manufacturing industry in Stafford.

Keep an eye out on the Rotary’s Facebook page and website for more

information and a registration link.

Rotary members improve lives and bring positive, lasting change to communities around the world by promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, supporting education, saving mothers and children, and growing local economies.

Rotary’s top priority is the global eradication of polio. Rotary launched its polio immunization program, PolioPlus, in 1985 and in 1988 became a leading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Visit Rotary.org and endpolio.org for more about Rotary and its efforts to eradicate polio.

Dean’s list

Dean College has announced that Kacie Consolini of Stafford Springs has earned a place on the Dean’s List for the fall 2023 semester. Students named to the Dean’s List have demonstrated a serious commitment to their studies while at Dean College.

Continued from page 33

This project encompasses the reconstruction of the roadway, drainage structures, and sidewalks from East Main Street to Edgewood Street ($3,510,800), fully funded through the CT DOT Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program.

State and federal funding requests for Town Hall accessibility are pending,

and the board is committed to advocating for the necessary funding for this crucial project.

I strongly encourage all taxpayers to remain actively engaged in the governance of our town. I am always open to discussions on how we can collectively enhance the quality of life in Stafford, making it not only enjoyable but also prosperous for the many citizens who live and work here.

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Residents featured on ‘Senator Kissel and Friends’

In the latest edition of Sen. John A. Kissel’s PATV 15 show “Senator Kissel and Friends,” Kissel was joined by a Suffield mother and her daughter who are raising awareness about littleknown disorders called “PANDAS” and “PANS.” The Woodburys were instrumental in getting Oct. 9 declared “PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day” in the state of Connecticut. The show can be viewed at www.SenatorKissel.com.

An annual tradition

Rep. Tami Zawistowski, School Resource Officer Randy Roman, Suffield Police Chief James Canon, Lt. Ryan Burnell, Safety and Security Specialist Jeff Beiler, Capt. Robert Palmer, Safety and Security Specialist Chad Rypysc. Students: Tyler Gregor, Weston Gregor, William Mosneaga, Colton Jacobs, Ryker Farnham, Chase Tremblay.

Photo courtesy state Rep. Tami Zawistowski’s office

Zawistowski delivers Valentines for first responders

SUFFIELD — Keeping her annual tradition, state Rep. Tami Zawistowski (R-61st District) collected and delivered dozens of adorable Valentine’s Day cards handmade by students at Spaulding Elementary School to first responders in Suffield.

Zawistowski hosted her event as a way

to engage with elementary school students and to thank the brave men and women of the police, fire, and ambulance services for putting the community first. Zawistowski delivered cards to the Suffield Police and Fire departments and Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association. “Seeing the children's beau-

tiful and heartfelt card designs each year is a lot of fun, and their messages certainly help brighten the spirits of our police, fire and EMS teams,” Zawistowski said. “I want to thank the teachers and especially the children for always putting so much care and effort into these wonderful, positive messages every year.

Above, from left: Kissel, Jordyn Woodbury and Carrie Woodbury.

Photo courtesy state Sen. John Kissel’s office