October 2022 North Central News

Area towns receive infrastructure grants

HARTFORD — State grants totalling $31.3 million have been awarded to 77 small towns in Connecticut, including the north-central area, to complete infra structure improvements, such as the road safety reconstruction projects, sewer and drainage upgrades, sidewalk and pedes trian safety enhancements, and other

of capital improvement projects. The grants are provided through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), a state program managed by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) that delivers grants

Why Choose Mitsubishi Ductless?

Good times at the fair

The annual Four Town Fair took place in Somers last month. Clockwise from right: Danny Royce about to win the strongman game; Otto Cohen (left) and Cameron Augustus take a pizza break; Evan Michael Dalessio aims for a big prize while Chris Wayne looks on; the East Coast Cowboys

form.

Fall

Paid for by Foster for 57, Amanda Jacques-Snow, Treasurer. Approved by Jaime Foster.

Fright Fest back at Six Flags

AGAWAM, Mass. — Six Flags New England leaves no tombstone unturned to deliver the most ter rifying Halloween event on the planet, Fright Fest, weekends and select days now through Nov. 6. Ten new experiences will be available at Fright Fest.

The new Fright Fest lineup includes: ScreamPunk (Scare Zone); Holiday Horror (Scare Zone); Carnival Chaos Maze (Scare Zone); Kid Friendly Hay Maze; Oktoberfest Food Festival; Pumpkin Patch; S’more Pits of Doom; BOOzy milkshakes; BOOzy slushies; seasonal and flavored liqueurs; seasonal funnel cake; and more.

In addition to dozens of performers, Fright Fest also features more than 20 attractions including Nightmares, Terror Tales, Aftermath ZOMBIE’S REVENGE, Slasher Circus 3D, Midnight Mansion

and many more.

Parkgoers can experience even more fright with bone-chilling entertainment such as Midnight Uprising, The Awakening, Mort’s Used Coffins and more.

Kids of all ages can enjoy Thrills by Day with the new Kids Boo Fest.

For the park’s littlest ghouls and ghosts, this day time Kids Boo Festevent is filled with Halloween activities, entertainment, trick-or-treat trail, hay maze, pumpkin patch and other not-so-scary experi ences.

However, after 6 p.m. Fright Fest is not recom mended for children 12 and under.

For details on all Fright Fest activities plus infor mation on when Fright Fest is taking place and admission prices, visit sixflags.com.

Fright Fest at Six Flags New England is back for another spook-tacular run this autumn.

Photo courtesy of Six Flags New England

Matt

David Stavens

Jeff Gordon

Take a trip to the ‘Patch’ and ride rails to ‘Darkside’

EAST WINDSOR — The Connecticut Trolley Museum presents Pumpkin Patch and Rails to the Darkside this month. These two fundraising events are extremely important to funding the museum’s operations.

As the fall chill fills the air, mournful cries of the abandoned dead are heard on the tracks at the Connecticut Trolley Museum. Come for a scare if you dare ... the next trol ley ride is an express to the Darkside.

During this haunted experi ence, ride vintage trolleys into the dark woods for a fear that you will never forget. Listen to the

tale of yesteryear as you learn of a hastily moved cemetery whose bodies were left behind, their angry souls seeking their revenge.

The event is held Fridays and Saturdays in October. Hours are 79:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased at www.ct-trolley.org. Admission is $25 per person and recommended for ages 16+.

Pumpkin Patch is a family fun filled adventure where you ride on a trolley car out to the pump kin patch field and each child can pick out a free sugar-sized Pumpkin. Additionally, on the museum campus you can deco

rate the pumpkins, play in the corn box, enjoy the outside har vest play area, and the museum exhibits and displays.

Admission also includes the Fire Truck Museum on the Trolley Museum campus. The event will be Saturdays and Sundays. Visit www.ct-trolley.org for hours of operation and to purchase tickets. Pumpkin Patch will also be open Monday, Oct. 10, for Columbus Day. Admission is $14 for adults, $13 for seniors and ages 12-17, $12 for ages 2-11 and under 2 is free. Museum members receive half off admission.

Traditional fall favorites are back at the Connecticut Trolley Museum: Pumpkin Patch and Rails to the Darkside (above).

Photo courtesy of Connecticut Trolley Museum

A

‘Terror at Quassy’ gets underway Oct. 7

North Central Publishing

dba P. O. Box 427, Somers, CT 06071

: FAX

MIDDLEBURY

Twelve nights of frights return to Quassy Amusement Park here as the lakeside facility presents its second annual Halloween haunt event.

“Terror At Quassy” will take place weekends starting Friday, Oct. 7 through Sunday, Oct. 30. Event hours are 7 to 11 p.m. for the Friday-Sunday haunt with tickets available at www.quassy.com.

Admission is $29.99 per person with parking $10 at Quassy.

Groups of 30 or more will receive a discount through the park office at 203-758-2913. Quassy season pass holders may purchase discount pre-sale tickets online.

The event will feature more haunted attractions than last year as the amusement ride area of the park will be trans formed into a variety of frightening lures including a zombie hospital, dungeons, and misty walkway.

The huge athletic field in the park will play host to a haunt ed catacombs and cemetery.

New attractions will include an infinity hall and clown house.

In addition, themed live performances will talk place night ly at the Carousel Theatre stage.

“We saw entire families come out and enjoy last year’s event and the park will expand on the theme this year,” Quassy President Eric Anderson said. “We didn’t go to the extreme in regard to fright factor like some other venues, but also didn’t lose sight that it is a Halloween celebration. There are scary elements and live actors throughout the property, and that is what guests expect.”

A number of the park’s major rides, included in the admis sion price, will also operate during “Terror At Quassy” nights. The park’s restaurant, arcade and gift shop will be open.

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

Carra Sr.

ornbue

aen

Eye Care

Publishers Policy

presented in the North Central News is presented for your consid eration and does not necessarily represent views of the publisher or its advertisers. All information is checked for accuracy, but cannot be guaranteed. Liability for errors in advertising is limited to rerun of the ad. Errors in advertising should be brought to the attention of the publisher in writing, within seven days of publication for appropriate credit.

AN ENCHANTING LITTLE COUNTRY GIFT SHOPPE

CERVICAL

HOLYOKE, Mass. — DementedFX fea tures two terrifying attractions, both of which follow one horrific storyline: “an immoral medical laboratory, ravaged by its own experiments has let loose a virus that is turning the world into monsters and ghouls.”

The main attraction is the BioMedCorp Haunted House. In this self-guided walk through, you and your group need to escape the hallways of the BioMedCorp facility and find your way to Professor Frieden, who has “the cure for the outbreak.”

The 20,000-square-foot walk-through is loaded with monsters, Hollywood-quality

sets and props, sounds and interactive video.

This year there is also an expanded out side area of the haunted house and com pletely reimagined lobby experience. An immersive interactive theater element has been added, photo ops, more actors, a bill board and real fire truck.

The MEAT Tank Horror Experience is the other attraction. In the years after the outbreak, BioMedCorp has formed its own military, the BMC Mobile Infantry. Victims will join the Civilian Tactical Recruitment Program and hop on board “The MEAT Tank” to be sent on their first mission. The sensory experience uses enhanced audio

OFFICE

design, video, animatronics, lighting effects, and simulated movement to send the new recruits on an illusive adventure into the zombie wasteland.

DementedFX includes two indoor lob bies with two bars for alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages. There is also a VIP option that gives access to a VIP Lounge complete with private bar access. VIP Tickets allow you to skip the general admis sion line.

can find full schedule, ticket prices, and more at dementedfx.com

waiting

East

Firefighting ‘family’ turns out in full force at fair

Big tree at Big E is big deal

year Bill Syme of Syme Farmily Farm enters a tree in the Big E Christmas Tree competition. This year Syme placed second in the Fir Tree category out all the tree farms from across New England that entered. The tree was display just outside of the Mallory Complex near the butter sculpture.

courtesy of Syme Family Farm

Trolley Museum’s

EAST WINDSOR — The East Windsor Arts & Culture Committee has partnered with RiseUP for Arts and the Connecticut Trolley Museum to create an “Instagrammable” worthy mural in front of the Trolley Museum at 58 North Road.

The mural was completed over the summer and the official dedication will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 15 dur ing the museum’s Pumpkin Patch event.

Lovers of art, lovers of East Windsor, and lovers of trolleys are invited to see the art, learn about the his toric trolley featured in the mural, grab a picture with the art, and meet the artist, Heather Herindeen also know under the artist name, Lights & Darks.

Creating art has been part of Herindeen’s life for as long as she can remember. She has an eclectic mix of subject matters and draws inspiration from her pas sions. Music festivals, colorful animals, strong women, surfing, snowboarding and luscious land scapes are elements in her everyday life and she loves bringing them to life through her works of art.

Herindeen’s art is filled with contrasts, edgy and

Artist Heather Herindeen stands with her work at the Connecticut Trolley Museum. The mural will officially be dedicated at 10 a.m. on Oct. 15.

Photo courtesy of the East Windsor Arts & Culture Committee

playful themes, and a variety of mediums.

The mural was funded thanks to donations from 31 individuals and businesses in East Windsor and beyond, including Belvedere Polish Delicatessen and Michael Luzzi.

The EW Arts & Culture Committee hopes to foster

a stronger sense of community pride in East Windsor by enhancing the knowledge, enjoyment, and appreci ation of arts and culture. RiseUP for Arts supports artists, cities, other nonprofits, companies, and local community members in making their mural projects come to life. More info at www.theriseupgroup.org

Family

As the third generation of our family business, we have spent our lives in the senior living industry. We combine our experience and strong family values to help you care for loved ones in the late stages of their life. This looks different for everyone, but whichever option your family chooses—homecare with services or an assisted living community—we are here for you.

next generation

local senior

East Windsor Parks & Recreation 25 School Street

East Windsor, CT 06088 860-627-6662 www.EastWindsorRec.com

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Scarecrow Contest

This annual contest is open to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and businesses. Register your scarecrow at the Parks & Recreation Of昀ce by calling 860.627.6662. All scarecrows must be registered and set up in front of Town Hall at 11 Rye Street (Broad Brook) between Friday, October 14th and Tuesday, October 18th. All entries will be judged online through the East Windsor Parks and Recreation Facebook Page beginning October 19th. Winners will be noti昀ed and prizes will be awarded to the Top 3 displays!

For the full set of rules, please visit www.EastWindsorRec.com

Torchlight Parade and Carol Sing

The Torchlight Parade will begin at 5:30 PM on Main Street, ending at the Broad Brook Fire House where there will be hayrides, tattoos, refreshments, and arts & crafts activities for the kids! Join us for the carol sing and look for a special visit from Santa! Raf昀e tickets will be sold during this event. Please bring a non-perishable food donation to bene昀t the 5 Corner Cupboard and the Power Pack Program. For more information call Parks and Recreation at (860) 627-6662 or the Broad Brook Fire Department at (860) 623-5940.

Date: Saturday, December 17, 2022

Location: Broad Brook Fire Department Time: 5:30-7:00 PM Cost: FREE

PROGRAMS

Food Explorers Chocolate Crazy: Join Food Explorers newest class: Chocolate Crazy! Each week you’ll make a sweet and delicious chocolate treat: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, mini tarts, truf昀es, chocolate lasagna, and more! Recipes are nut free but may contain dairy and/or eggs.

Date: Thursdays, October 13, 2022 to November 3, 2022

Location: East Windsor Middle School Cafeteria

Grades: 5-8

Time: 3:00- 4:00 PM Cost: $55

Of昀ce Hours: Monday-Wednesday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Thursday 8:30 am - 7:00 pm

Friday 8:30 am - 1:00 pm

Mad Science: Mad Labs

Join the Mad (Science) Labs program after school for a hands-on exploration of sights, sounds, nature and more! Optical illusions, the secret components of white light and hidden rainbows, and movies explore our sense of sight. Other senses, such as taste and hearing are investigated too. Explore cells with a microscope, investigate bugs, why nutrition is so important and how ecosystems work. Explore heat, volcanoes, earthquakes and even weather!

Date: Mondays, November 14, 2022 to January 23, 2023

Location: Broad Brook Elementary School Art Room

Grades: 1-4

Time: 3:45- 4:45 PM Cost: $145

Art-Ventures for Kids: Lions and Tigers and Pigs, Oh My!

Animals have been an important subject for artists all over the world since the beginning of time. From ancient caves to the present day magni昀cent creatures can be seen in paintings, sculptures, ceramics, mosaic art, fabric design, masks and stained glass. On a wild journey through the animal kingdom, art adventurers discover a multitude of kooky critters--as well as their own creativity--while exploring various techniques, tools, textures and materials. Stained glass giraffes, fabric dogs, ceramic elephants, wooden snakes, colorful dinosaurs, and clay lions with 昀uffy 昀ber manes. These are just a few of the animals created during our cool and playful art excursions. Fun facts about each creature are included and masterpieces go home each week. A ROARING good time!

Date: Tuesdays, November 15, 2022 to January 10, 2023

Location: Broad Brook Elementary School Art Room

Grades: K-4

Time: 3:45- 4:45 PM

Cost: $135

Teen Yoga with Julie

Now more than ever, movement, mindfulness, and social-emotional learning are essential to supporting the health and wellness of teenagers. As a non-competitive physical activity, yoga helps teens develop these essential life skills while cultivating physical health and 昀tness. Classes are aligned with the National Standards for Physical Education and each class will focus on a different theme or concept such as acceptance, communication, teamwork, self awareness, and making healthy choices. A typical class will consist of breath-work, short discussions movement and poses, partner work, group games, relaxation exercises and journalling prompts. This course will help teens to develop self help skills to better manage stress regulate their emotions, and work though tension in healthy ways.

Date: Tuesdays, November 15, 2022 to December 20, 2022

Location: East Windsor Middle School Health Room

Grades: 5-8 Time: 3:00- 4:00 PM Cost: $50

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation with K-Rockets

Twist in the tale with forensic engineering, this time the location is Ellington, and YOU are the investigators. Help solve the mysteries that have recently surrounded the town. Students will encounter hidden clues, evidence and suspicious characters. They must use their scienti昀c observations, sample examinations, analysis, lab work, testing, interviews and 昀eld work to catch the culprits.

Date: Mondays, November 28, 2022 to December 19, 2022

Location: East Windsor Middle School Cafeteria

Grades: 5-8

Time: 3:00- 4:30 PM Cost: $99 resident

For a complete list or to register for programs please visit www.EastWindsorRec.com

$5

Rake

In!

Fire Dept. parade marches on

Ellington Ellington

Sweeping presence extends to Big E

Robert Aborn, a retired state conservation officer, has been making Colonial brooms for over 40 years. His hobby has extended to apprentices of chil dren and grand children. R. Aborn, Brooms, Brushes & Sundries did demonstrations and sales throughout the Big E run in the historic Storrowton Village.

Photos courtesy of R. Aborn, Brooms, Brushes & Sundries

Town earns financial reporting award

ELLINGTON — The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) announced on Aug. 31 that the Town of Ellington had been awarded the covet ed “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting” in recognition of the town’s annual com prehensive financial report for the fis cal year ending June 30, 2021.

This is the first time that the town has received this award.

The GFOA established the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program (COA) in 1945 to encourage and assist state and local governments to go beyond the minimum require ments of generally accepted accounting principles in preparing annual compre hensive financial reports that evidence the spirit of transparency and full dis

closure, and then to recognize individ ual governments that succeed in achieving that goal. The goal of the program is not to assess the financial health of participating governments, but rather to ensure that users of their financial statements have the informa tion they need to do so themselves.

The certificate of achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and finan cial reporting, and its attainment repre sents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management; this recognition truly highlights the town’s growth, progress, and management sta bility.

This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication shown by the town’s Finance Department, under the leadership of Tiffany Pignataro, finance officer/treasurer, town officials noted.

Try-On

Ellington

Back in business

Ellington Hometown Pizza, owned and operated by the Regan/Pierson family from 2015-2021, reopened in September. Pictured are owners Kevin Regan and Jessica Griswold-Pierson. Regan and Griswold-Pierson say that once again they will only be using the freshest ingredients so they can happily prepare your Hometown favorites. For details, visit Hometown’s Facebook page at ellingtonhometownpizza.

Photo courtesy of Ellington Hometown Pizza

Christmas Bazaar coming in Nov.

ELLINGTON — St. Luke Church in Ellington will hold its annual Christmas Bazaar on Friday, Nov. 4, from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Parish Center and Church Hall will be filled with your favorite holiday fare. Free children’s activities include professional face painting and a chil dren's only shopping room with cookie decorating. Check out unique gift items from St. Luke crafters, including knit items, unique hand-crafted gifts, and assorted one-of-a-kind Christmas orna

ments and décor. The country store will be stocked with pickles, jams, flavored vinegar, mixes, and other items ready to give and sure to please. You will also find gift baskets for every occasion along with a variety of vendors.

There will be delicious homemade baked goods and meals fresh from the kitchen along with gently used linens and jewelry and a teacup raffle. Admission is free. St. Luke Church is located at 141 Maple St. The church is handicap accessible. For more informa tion, call the rectory at (860) 875-8552.

to

Enfield Enfield

‘Child Safety Day’ back for 20th year

ENFIELD — Fun and educational activities for children and their families will be offered at the free 20th annual “Child Safety Day” from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9, at the Scitico Plaza, 585 Hazard Ave. (Route 190).

Included will be a helicopter from the State Police Aviation Unit (weather per mitting), drones from the State Police Drone Unit, a wildlife exhibit from the State Environmental Conservation Police, car seat safety checks from the Shaker Pines Fire Department, child ID kits from the Enfield Police Department, a fire truck from the Hazardville Fire Department, a satellite communications vehicle from the state National Guard-14th Civil Support Team, railroad safety from Operation Lifesaver, military vehicles from the state National Guard, and safety displays from the state Poison Control Center, CT Safe Kids, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Entertainment will include a demonstration from Integrity Martial Arts, face painting and a bounce house.

In fair weather, the event will be outside in the parking lot. In poor weather, the event will be inside Integrity Martial Arts and along the plaza’s covered sidewalk. For details, contact Janice Morton at Integrity Martial Arts by email: janice@integrity martialarts.com or call 860-698-9226.

Ken Nelson was sworn in Sept. 20 as the District 1 town councilor, filling a vacancy created by the death of his best friend, Joe Bosco.

Photo courtesy of Enfield Town Council

Taking oaths to serve the town

The Enfield Police Department recently welcomed Officers Schnepp (left) and Keels, who were sworn in Sept 21 at the Police Department. Those attending the ceremony included Mayor Cressotti and Councilors Marie Pyznar, John Santanella and Lori Unghire.

Photo courtesy of Enfield Police Department

Enfield Rotary Club

Halloween Harvest Beer & Wine Tasting Event

October 27, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Asnuntuck Community College Conference Center, 170 Elm St. Enfield Joe’s Fine Wines & Spirits of East Windsor and Ellington and Broad Brook Brewing will provide the beer and wine. Hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and a silent auction will round out the evening.

Proceeds to benefit charitable projects in Enfield Tickets are $25. Call Rotary Chairman Kevin Mayo at 413-575-0579. Event is open to anyone 21 or older. Feeling Festive? Come in costume!

State Senator John A. Kissel

Toward a

Working to Make Connecticut

pushing to make Connecticut a more affordable place to live. This year, John opposed tax hikes and voted “no” on legislation which would have increased our cost of living. He led pro-taxpayer rallies in the 7th District opposing tolls and higher gas taxes.

State Senator John A. Kissel

voted in favor of $1.2 billion

tax relief

income

working- and middle-class families including

sales tax,

more.

The Rotary Club of Enfield foursome of Rich Tkacz, Ed Palomba, Jo Ann Walk, and Mike Helechu finished first in a mixed foursome at the club’s District 7890 Tournament this week. Walk also had closest to the pin and longest drive. The team brought home $2,000 prize money to be used for a Rotary project.

A real shot in the dark ... and what a shot it was

Grassmere Country Club’s Tuesday Evening League was finishing up its season on a rainy evening on Sept. 20.

Gary Hargreaves one of the members in the last group, decided to use a “glow ball to play the last hole, No. 9. Hargreaves recorded a holein-one.

Photo courtesy of Grassmere Country Club

Denny’s is done in Enfield

Denny’s,

Photos by Joshua Esan

Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Enfield

Enfield Enfield

Fall is in full swing with projects around town

ENFIELD — Fall is here and it is awe some to see all the fall activities and sports happening around town and on The Annex fields, since the high school fields are undergoing turf and track replacement.

year, that amount is anything over $820,000 will go to referendum.

Bob Cressotti

In addition, the bleachers will be wrapped to create storage spaces under neath. The high school tennis courts are also slated for demolition and a com plete rebuild.

For these projects, both the Town and Board of Education chipped in from their respective funds to get the projects done.

Enfield has a referendum requirement for projects, per the charter. If something is going to cost more than 0.0002% (2/100’s of 1%) of the current grand list, it must go to the voters. For this fiscal

Right now, the town is racing to get many projects completed in the season before winter hits. With the turn of the new fiscal year on July 1, funding became available for these projects. I am going to summarize some of them, along with their funding source so the taxpay ers can track the dollars:

• By using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money to supplement the capi tal budget line items, the town was able to start reconstruction of the Barnard School and Enfield Street School simul taneously, before July 1. Spazzarini Construction was the low bidder and did a great job with the work. They also came in under budget, which allowed those surplus funds to then be reassigned to the Powder Hollow upgrades and to do the final site cleanup at the Casket building.

• At Powder Hollow, the baseball field is having an overhaul to make it a premier playing field for EHS varsity team, American Legion, and other teams who rent the field. These should be done next year.

• Softball players are loving the new Brainerd Park which received a facelift. The cost of new lights were funded with $132,000 from ARPA this year.

• Sewer and water infrastructure improvements were one of the five areas highlighted in the American Rescue Act language. Enfield has set aside almost $3 million of the $13 million received to

deal with wastewater treatment issues and pump station upgrades.

• Behind Town Hall at the new Higgins Park, we are expecting the arrival of a new bandshell for $200,000 as well as $93,000 in fitness stations that will go around the walking path, funded with ARPA dollars.

• The town is also using the ARPA funds to catch up on equipment purchas es and to play offense as it relates to the supply chain issues. On order for the Public Works Department are a couple of trash trucks, police cars, a large mower and a Midi excavator.

In addition to these projects, the Town Council has also allocated $250,000 to the creation of a Small Business Assistance grant program.

We know that the pan demic has been hard on many, and these funds are intended to give Enfield businesses a shot of capital to get them back on track. Applications and instruc tions may be downloaded from the Town of Enfield website by clicking ARPA from the top menu bar.

Regional

Jack O’ Lanterns will be illuminating the passages at Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine throughout October. The area was once used to house incarcerated prisoners in total darkness.

Photo courtesy of Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine

Old New-Gate Prison is bringing some ‘Light into the Dungeon’

EAST GRANBY — This October, the mine at Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine will be illuminated by 300 professionally carved pumpkins.

From 1773-1827, the abandoned mine, often referred to as the “dun geon,” was used to house incarcerated men in total darkness.

“This autumn, we are bringing ‘Light into the Dungeon’ to celebrate the season, while also acknowledging New-Gate’s dark past,” said Morgan Bengel, museum curator.

Visitors can purchase advanced tickets to descend into the mine from Oct. 1 through 31 for self-guided exploration of the decorated tunnels.

Tickets are limited and can are available to be purchased

at https://tinyurl.com/LightDungeonT ickets.

The mine consists of a 100-yard loop, with uneven footing, and some low tunnels (4 feet high).

Strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, and similar devices are not permitted in the mine; closed toed shoes are strongly recommended.

At 52 degrees, the mine is consis tently cold and wet, giving visitors a truly authentic experience.

Tickets also include admission to the above ground prison yard, which contains ruins, cells, and special exhibits.

Prior or following their mine expe rience, visitors will be able to explore all that Old New-Gate has to offer.

Champion of Big Brothers Big Sisters Suffield resident Ted Cutler (shown above) is chairman of the board at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut. He presided over a ceremony during which state Sen. Catherine A. Osten was presented her Children’s Champion Award. Photo courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters

Scarecrow Fest invites out-of-towners to take part

By Laura B. Hayden

Somers’ third annual Scarecrow Festival promises to add to the good times it has provided north-central Connecticut families in the past – this time by inviting contestants from surrounding towns.

In the spirit of last month’s Four Town Fair, on which grounds the Scarecrow Festival will be held, this year’s scarecrow-building and pump kin-carving contestants do not have to live in Somers to participate.

The event has continued “to evolve,” said Kara Wolters, the former University of Connecticut basketball star and mem ber of the U.S. Olympic basketball team

Rescue Task Force at the ready Somers Career Firefighters IAFF 4284 recently hosted a RTF (Rescue Task Force) interagency drill with Somers Police, the Connecticut State PoliceSomers Resident Troopers Office, and several other mutual agencies. The pur pose of this drill was to maintain a high level of proficiency in regards to tacti cal emergency medical care. The fire fighters said they are grateful for the relationship they have with their mutual aid partners that allows the department to conduct these invaluable exercises.

Photos courtesy of Rescue Task Force

who has chaired the festival since it began in 2020. That was the year COVID struck. Originally conceived as an indoor event, it was at first canceled and then, due to outcries from disap pointed townspeople, “uncanceled” and restructured to take place in a safer envi ronment at a nearby golf center.

The festival moved to the more spa cious Four Town Fair Grounds on Egypt Road in 2021. This year, by inviting non-Somers residents to join the compe tition on Saturday, Oct. 22, “we’re adding to the fun part,” Wolters said.

That fun will be extended on site by a farmers market and craft fair, food

trucks, live music, a classic car show, and raffle. In addition, a Kids Zone will offer games, a costume contest, trick or treating, a bounce house, face painting, glitter tattoos, a magician, balloon ani mals, and a pumpkin patch.

Admission to the festival: adults $2, chil dren free. To enter the scarecrow-building or pumpkin-carving contests or for details go to facebook.com/SomersScarecrow/.

Scarecrow categories: funny, scary, busi ness, tv/movies, most creative, 10 and under. Rules: All scarecrows must be brought to the Four Town Fair Grounds Oct. 21 between 3-8 p.m. and removed by the end of the festival on Oct. 22; entrant is

responsible for setup and must ensure that scarecrow can withstand the elements; no store-bought scarecrows; no political or activism scarecrows; scarecrows must be able to fit in a 6’ x 6’ footprint assembled; entries deemed offensive, political, not family friendly, or not in the good-natured spirit of the event will be removed; votes will be cast in person.

Pumpkin carving categories: funniest, scariest, best representation of a character, most creative, and classic. Pumpkin carv ing contest rules follow the same general guidelines as scarecrows with some tweak; see Facebook page for details.

‘Somers Comes Together’ to earn drug-free community grant

By Laura B. Hayden

SOMERS — As of Oct. 1, Somers is putting to use the first installment of a fed eral drug-free community grant of $600,000, 20% of which will be allocated over each of the next five years. Once the five-year period is up, the town will be eligible to reapply for an identical grant.

Allison Maynard, director of human resources, said the community group Somers Comes Together applied for the highly competitive funds meant to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use. That pur pose lines up perfectly with the group’s mission to reduce and prevent substance abuse among youths and adults.

Wild Thing winner

Luke Gengenbach of Somers has had six first-place finishes on his way to winning the Championship of the Junior Outlaw Division of the Wild Thing Kart Series this season. Gengenbach, 13, has been racing since he was 5. The races take place at Stafford Motor Speedway on Mondays, June-September. There are usually around 18 competitors in his division. Gengenbach, who always had an array of friends and family on hand at races, finished with a 22 point lead for the champi onship.

“Somers, like many communities, is seeing an increase in mental health con cerns among our youth and these funds are going to help us implement substance abuse prevention programming that will educate and empower our youth to make healthy lifestyle choices,” Maynard said. She added that as of now, few of those services are available in town.

“It’s all about prevention,” she said. “How do we teach our children to lead a healthy life without resorting to drugs?” The grant will help start to implement in-town activities to answer that question as early as this fall.

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

Photo courtesy of Somers Comes Together

from page 39

Proceeds will be donated to Somers Social Services Adopt a Family Christmas Program. Organizers are seeking mone tary donations, raffle prizes, candy, and volunteers. Donations can be left at Social Services at 619 Main St., (checks made out to Somers Scarecrow Festival). Donations can be sent to gofundme. com/f/3rd-annualsomers-scarecrowfestival.

A game booth will raise money for Genevieve’s Scholarship in remem brance of a Somers High student who died of leukemia last year. Anyone

interested in donating a cake or pie can go to Geissler’s Supermarket bakery to order one. Geissler’s will deliver them to the fairgrounds .

all phases of your pet’s

Nancy

Hensen,

The community group Somers Comes Together applied for the funding that led to the town earning a drug-free community grant.

Stafford

Vacant school with varied past goes on the market

By Laura B. Hayden

STAFFORD — Just over a month ago, town officials voted unanimously to put the former Borough Elementary School building at 36 Prospect St. up for sale. The building, built in 1922, has a varied past — including some speculation that it is haunted. It was used as a school until 2007.

In 2015 the West Hartford-based nonprofit Connecticut Retirement Community purchased the prop erty for no financial contribution.

Its plan to convert the building into 22 affordable apartment units accessible for low-income deaf and deafblind people and elderly residents fell through when the organization ran into problems securing funding from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Assistant Town Assessor Tracy Rummel said the build ing has been vacant since 2015. Town records from 2020 appraise it at $1,487,400 and assess it at $1,041,180.

According to Robert Arute of the Arute Realty Group in Stafford, there has been some interest in the building, which is listed on the market at $550,000.

In 2008 the Journal Inquirer reported that local ghost investigator Tony Diana claimed there were at least two spiritual entities, believed to be children, haunting the former school, along with another entity, possibly a female teacher from the 1930s and 1940s.

Arute scoffed at the theory, emphasizing “We have to deal with material facts. This is a commercial property for sale.” (Diana did not return a phone call from the North Central News).

First Selectman Sal Titus has said the town will hold a public hearing on each offer that is made.

After the hearing the purchase will go before the Board of Selectmen, which will send the final decision to a town meeting.

Little League royalty

The Stafford Royals recently unveiled their PKBL championship banner. The team was made up of Stafford Little League veterans who went from playing on Kealy Field to winning this championship at New Britain Stadium. Next up for the group will be U19 in 2023.

Photo courtesy of Stafford Royals

Annual Trick-or-Treat on Main Street planned

STAFFORD — Each year, Main Street in Stafford Springs closes to traffic and opens as a pedestrian walkway for families to enjoy a safe and social Halloween event. Costumed children collect goodies from participating busi nesses, at the First United Methodist Church (where Trunkor-Treat is held), and along side walks and in Haymarket Common, which accommodates

town-wide businesses and organi zations wanting to distribute treats from “pop-up” tables or booths.

Augmenting trick-or-treat activities, the Stafford Garden Club also hosts its Annual Scarecrow Decorating Contest; homemade creations line Main Street throughout the month of October and with final voting tak ing place during Trick-or-Treat on Main Street.

Information on the event can be found at: www.explorestafford ct.com/trickortreat.

Since it's inception, Trick-orTreat on Main Street has grown exponentially and has become an annual destination for hundreds of families.

This cornerstone community event is made possible only by the generosity of participating busi nesses and organizations.

STAFFORD HIGH SCHOOL

NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF STUDENT RECORDS

According to the policy of the Stafford Board of Education regarding student records, some records must be kept for 50 years. These records include official administrative records such as:

Academic Achievement Records.

Basic biographical information included on a transcript.

Immunization records.

Attendance Records.

Records which must be destroyed six years after the student’s graduation include information for the formulation of the educational programs of all students but not absolutely necessary over an indefinite period of time such as: health records; standardized group test scores; individual diagnostic reading tests; reports regarding recurrent behavior patterns including student progress reports and letters concerning discipline matters; reports of planning and placement team meetings; speech, language, and hearing evaluations; referrals, correspondence and reports with other agencies and outside professionals; family case studies; psychological, neurological, psychiatric, or medical evaluations.

In order to comply with these regulations, records for members of the Class of 2016, who graduated six years ago, will be destroyed after November 5, 2022.

If you are a member of the Class of 2016 and you wish to receive your records prior to destruction, please notify us in writing, as soon as possible, and no later than 3:00 p.m. on November 5, 2022 to Stafford High School Guidance Department, 145 Oructtville Road, Stafford Springs, CT 06076.

Special Education students must submit a written request if they want their records maintained permanently for the purpose of social security benefits.

Stafford celebrates its agricultural heritage

note of its agricultural

Farm Day

11.

more

Photos by Jessica Poirier

First selectman’s corner New season brings plenty of excitement in town

By Sal P. Titus

STAFFORD — There’s a lot to share as we enter a new season in the Town of Stafford.

I feel the most exciting —and antici pated — is completion of the Leonard Road Bridge. The project remains on schedule with an expected road opening in November.

Following an extremely busy sum mer, our Public Works Department is transitioning equipment and focus to cooler weather initiatives, like leaf pick up that will commence early next month. Please check the Town website the Public Works/Town Facebook pages for the street-by-street schedule.

As you may know, our town website recently underwent a transformation to improve communication, access to information, and ease of use.

You can easily find information on town meetings, departmental informa tion, news, and much more.

Residents need to reregister on the new e-notification system to receive alerts and news relevant to our community. Alerts can be sent via email or text, so you'll never miss a communication about an emergency event or town news item.

Stafford Stafford

gathers for

Suffield Suffield

National Dog Week

Suffield Police Department cele brated National Dog Week Sept. 20-27. Animal Control’s Ryan Selig, at left, is with his pup Tilly and School Resource Officer Randy Roman is with Winnie.

courtesy

Police Dept.

Willingness to Change

Rep. Tami

the atten

at the

Willingness to Change fundrais

The event

money in

of the

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courtesy of

Grants awarded to help towns with infrastructure projects

to small towns for economic develop ment, community conservation, and quality-of-life capital projects.

“Our small towns are part of what makes Connecticut such a great place to live and work, and by partnering with them on these grants, the state can

help get these infrastructure projects completed so these towns can continue to thrive, remain competitive, attract businesses, and improve the quality of life for our residents,” Gov. Ned Lamont said.

The grants awarded in this round include:

Ellington: $500,000 in state funding

is approved for a parking lot expansion project and sidewalk improvements at Hall Memorial Library. This will be matched by $117,000 from the town.

Somers: $236,960 in state funding is approved for the reconstruction of Pleasant View Drive. This will be matched by $59,240 from the town.

Stafford: $500,000 in state funding

is approved for the reconstruction of Levinthal Run and the rehabilitation of the Stafford Middle School parking lot. This will be matched by $143,202.95 from the town.

Suffield: $500,000 in state funding is approved for the replacement of a bridge on Quarry Road. This will be matched by $608,125 from the town.

Regional

First

Panel formed to consider community center project

By Tim Keeney

Committee seeks volunteers

mmissions/index.php for application details.

This is especially important as we approach the season of snow. To register for the e-notification system, please visit staffordct.org/e-notify/index.php

SOMERS

I am pleased to announce the town has formed a com mittee to work with an architect firm to assist with planning and design for an affordable community center.

The staff Building Committee consists of myself, CFO Mike Marinaccio, Assistant Finance Director Brian Wissinger, Recreation and Leisure Services Director Maureen Parsell, Human Services Director Allison Maynard, and DPW Director Todd Rolland.

The committee will review the scope of work and schedule of deliverables. Every town household will be asked to respond to a survey, the results of which will pro vide guidance for design considerations.

Several recently constructed communi ty centers were identified to help with the planning and design. These centers are Windham, Mansfield, Longmeadow, and Rocky Hill. The committee pans to tour the centers and gather data on what went right, what went wrong, what they would add, and what they would do differently.

Once there is a conceptual design, there will be community meetings, both during the day and night, at the Senior Center and Town Hall to gather input. After gathering all community input, the committee will finalize the design and produce cost estimates for this project.

Somers Paramedic Services

A few years ago, the Town of Somers identified a critical need to be able to pro vide Advanced Life Support Services to our community. In 2019, Somers launched its own ALS program with paramedics joining the Somers Fire Department. In the first three years of the program, the para

medics have treated over 1,350 critically ill or injured patients within the town. Since these paramedics are on duty 24hours a day, and are cross-trained as fire fighters, the Fire Department’s overall average response times to any incident (from falls, to fires, to auto accidents) has been reduced by several minutes.

In addition to helping our own resi dents, Somers paramedics have been pro viding mutual aid to neighboring commu nities. Somers does bill for these services using rates regulated by the state.

Recently, Stafford expressed interest in expanding paramedic services in its com munity. The two towns are exploring ways for Somers to post a second paramedic in Stafford until Stafford Ambulance can stand up its own ALS program.

Service Awards

The Board of Selectmen has made it a priority to highlight individuals in the community, and in that spirit, announced this year’s recipients of the 2022 Awards on Sept. 22. Recipients of the Robert B. Percoski Community Service Award were David McCaffrey and Sherri Marquis of the Somers Veterans Affairs Office for their exemplary character, integrity, serv ice, kindness and unselfishness to their fel low citizens. Recipient of the Adolph P. Anderson Quality Employee Award was Todd Rolland, Public Works director for his high quality passionate and unselfish service to the all Somers citizens.

Resident Troopers

Somers is pleased to welcome Resident State Trooper Justin Preuss who joined our team in August and Gerard Joyal as our new School Resource officer who was sworn in Sept. 1.

The recently established Events & Celebrations Committee is looking for creative, hands-on volunteers wanting to build upon Stafford’s signature events and grow new opportunities for commu nity gatherings.

The goal of this committee is to coor dinate meaningful events and celebra tions which benefit residents and busi nesses of Stafford while generating pos itive publicity, tourism, and community engagement opportunities.

There are also vacancies on the Stafford Family Services Advisory Board, Recreation Commission, and more. If you are interested in serving on a committee, please visit staffordct.org/government/boards___co

October means the Stafford Garden Club’s Scarecrow Contest is underway, decorating downtown with creative designs from participating businesses throughout the month. Voting will take place during Trick-or-Treat on Main Street, which returns Oct. 29, from 4 to 6 p.m. for families to enjoy a safe and social Halloween event. For details about this favorite fall function, visit explorestaffordct.com/trickortreat

The Town of Stafford continues to publish quarterly newsletters, helping to share important information, departmen tal achievements, community programs, events, and more with residents. The publication is available on the town website, forwarded via the e-notification system, and on social media platforms, with hard copies at Town Hall. Please look for our next distribution later this month.

OCTOBER SHOW

NOVEMBER SHOW

FOR SALE

STEVE CHAMBERS

TUTOR

BASIC

GALLERY

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