PRST-STD U.S. Postage Paid Springfield, MA Permit No.142 FREE Local Postal Customer www.statelineseniorservices.com 48SouthRoad,Unit2 P.O.Box398,Somers,CT06071 860.749.0482 MEDICARE WORKSHOPS for Annual Open Enrollment OCTOBER 2023 MEDICARE ADVANTAGE & MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLANS Your team at Stateline Senior Services Register for a Workshop with us! Guide INSIDE! CT LIC #393553 | HOD #59 Your local HOME HEATING provider 860.684.9123 www.williamsfueloil.com IT’S TIME FOR FALL CLEAN UP RENT ME - 15 yard Dumpsters October 2023 Sta昀ordHeatingandCooling.com LEARN MORE. CALL (860)684-9485 Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. Heating & Cooling Contractors NO DUCTWORK? No Problem! CHOOSE A MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC DUCTLESS SYSTEM Ask us about 昀nancing options! Trust Incredibly e cient. Save on energy bills. No more space heaters. Provides both AC and heating. CT S-1 #303633 Perfect for Additions, Home Of昀ces, Workout Rooms, Finished Basements & Attics. Four Town Fair Parade At left, members of the Somers Fire Department take part in the Four Town Fair parade Saturday Sept. 16. More photos on p. 41. Photo by NCN Staff OCT1-14.qxp_NCN new template 10/1/23 8:58 PM Page 1
2 North Central News October 2023 OCT1-14.qxp_NCN new template 10/1/23 8:58 PM Page 2
Phantom Fall Fest
Lake Compounce is bringing its Phantom Fall Fest, with admission to the park now including a freaky twist on a classic children’s story. Phantom Fall Fest runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 29. This year park admission includes mAlice in Wonderland: 3D, an experience that will leave patrons wondering if they’re as mad as a hatter. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.lakecompounce.com
October 2023 North Central News 3 FALL EVENTS 860-627-6540 www.ct-trolley.org PUMPKIN PATCH Thru October 29th Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm RAILS TO THE DARKSIDE Thru October 28th Friday & Saturday Evenings 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Open Columbus Day Monday, October 9th 58 North Road, East Windsor, CT 06088 A month-to-month guide to cultural events in the area. A Few of our Favorite Haunts Fall season is Cider season! Visit us for Crazy Cock Cider along with CT craft beers and CT wine. 68 Main Street, Stafford Springs, CT • www.staffordcidery.com Hours: Thu 5-9, Fri 4-9, Sat 1-9, Sun 1-6
Closed Mondays Hometown Carnival Corn Maze Tuesday -Thursday 9 am-7 pm Friday & Saturday 9 am-8 pm Sunday 10:30 am-7 pm www.TheApplePlace.net 540 Somers Rd (Rt 83), East Longmeadow MA (413) 348-9628 Saturdays and Sundays OptiLight Intense Pulse Light Tempsure Radio Frequency 139 Hazard Avenue, En昀eld, CT 06082 Call Emily Eye Care at 860-749-1233 OCT1-14.qxp_NCN new template 10/1/23 8:58 PM Page 3
Pumpkin Patch, Darkside return to Trolley Museum
EAST WINDSOR — The Connecticut Trolley Museum once again presents Pumpkin Patch Trolley and Rails to the Darkside, two fundraising events that are extremely important to funding the museum’s operations.
Come for a scare if you dare — the next trolley ride is an express to the Darkside. Ride vintage trolleys into the dark woods for a fear that you will never forget, visit the vortex tunnel if you dare and end your experience in the Visitor Center to see if you can handle more unforeseen horror.
The event will be Friday and Saturday nights starting Sept. 29. Hours are 7-10 p.m. (gates open at 6:30 p.m. for ticket sales). Tickets must be purchased at
www.ct-trolley.org. Admission is $30 per person and recommended for ages 16+.
Pumpkin Patch Trolley is a family fun filled adventure where you ride on a trolley car to the pumpkin patch field and each child can pick out a free sugarsized pumpkin. Admission includes the Fire Truck Museum on the Trolley Museum campus. The event will be Saturdays and Sundays starting Sept. 30. Visit www.ct-trolley.org for hours of operation and to purchase tickets.
Pumpkin Patch will also be open Monday, Oct. 9, for Columbus Day. Admission is $15 for adults/seniors, $14 for ages 12-17, $13 for ages 2-11 and under 2 is free. Museum Members receive half off admission.
4 North Central News October 2023 A month-to-month guide to cultural events in the area. 12 Moody Rd., Enfield, CT Always Keep Your Family Warm & Comfy While Saving www.rphac.com 860-763-2015 e-mail:customerservice@richs-oil.com HOD 0000120 LIC#0303780 & 0203392 OFF Oil When you sign on for Automatic Delivery Minimum delivery required. $50.00 with 昀rst delivery, $50.00 with second delivery. Cannot be combined with any other offer. New Customers only. With coupon. Exp. 12/31/23 $100 Full Service Salon 11 West Street, Ellington • 860-871-4109 Hours: Sun. & Mon. Closed • Tues, Wed 9-7 Thurs 9-3 • Fri & Sat 9-1 Have pain? We have a solution! Emera and Earthly Body CBD Walk Ins Welcome Food Drive - All Food Stays Local Product Lines • Goldwell • Aluram • Alcove • Emera and CBD Daily VOTED BEST STYLIST 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023 HIC License 0668399 860-835-4800 cleangutterclean.com FREE ESTIMATES! CLIP & SAVE
Cell Phone Protection stolen? You’re covered with repair or replacement. 860.698.0969 ~ www.arrhacu.com/checking-savings ~ 413.732.9812 63 Park Avenue, West Springfield | 145 Industry Avenue, Springfield |231 Hazard Avenue, Enfield, CT BaZing Savings Shop local, save local. Discover local discounts and national retailer deals on shopping, dining, travel and more. BaZing Fuel Earn 10¢/gal for up to 20 gallons each month with just 15 debit card swipes. Roadside Assistance Available 24/7 and free to use, covers up to $80 in covered service charges. FILL UP WITH REWARDS FALLING FOR ARRHA! FED UP WITH BANKING WOES? MAKE THE SWITCH AND REAP BAZING REWARDS! Check Out The Details! You, your family and teens deserve better. A Powerful New Way To Save Money. ARRHA VOTED BEST CREDIT UNION ...and more! OCT1-14.qxp_NCN new template 10/1/23 8:59 PM Page 4
The Connecticut Trolley Museum’s Pumpkin Patch Trolley starts Sept. 30. Connecticut Trolley Museum photo
DementedFX
The DementedFX BioMedCorp Haunted House in Holyoke is back, with creators promising to outdo last year’s version. This year, the creators have added even more entertainment that they said enhances character development and cinematic elements throughout the haunted house. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit dementedfx.com.
Terror at Quassy is BACK!
Quassy is back for its 3rd haunted season beginning Friday, Oct. 6. Quassy Amusement Park will be transformed into a whimsical, family-friendly haunted experience where guests of all ages can walk through haunted hous-es, see live entertainment and ride over a dozen amusement rides. To see the full lineup of events visit the park’s website www.quassy.com.
October 2023 North Central News 5 A month-to-month guide to cultural events in the area. Use less energy! 97 % AFUE Savemore money! • Cut up to or more off fuel with Hybrid Energy Recovery®! • LifetimeLimitedWarranty MadeintheUSA! Energy Kinetics is an ENERGY STAR® Partner and a leading manufacturer of ENERGY STAR heating equipment. ®The color yellow for heating boilers is a registered trademark of Energy Kinetics. FOX HEATING SERVICE TOLLAND, CT NOW 99% INTEREST FINANCING Install an integrated heat and hot water hybrid system from Energy Kinetics®! CALL TODAY FOR DETAILS! Thanks to Energize CT. . . 91 % AFUE ! 90+ ResoluteTM Accel CSTM EK1C 40% 860-875-1416 FoxHeating@cs.com Call! •Custom Jewelry Designs • Fine Jewelry Repairs • Watch Repair, Sizing & Batteries •Engraving • Laser Repairs • Appraisals •Buy, Sell & Trade Jewelry 8 West Road, Ellington, CT • 860-875-6044 goldanddiamondct.com Tue, Wed, Fri 10-5:30 • Thur 10-8 • Sat 10-4 Sweep her o昀 her feet Joe’s Fine Wine & Spirits 149 North Road East Windsor, CT 06088 Leslie Hickey, Owner Joe’s has a wide selection of brand names as well as craft beer, great wines, whisky and
and boutique spirits. We have a commitment to excellent customer service,
customers.
bourbons,
community, and our
(860)623-7323
OCT1-14.qxp_NCN new template 10/1/23 8:59 PM Page 5
Halloween at Sonny’s Place
Sonny’s Place is hosting a spooktaclar Halloween celebration all month long Don’t miss out on the chance to indulge in delicious treats and enjoy our 13+ attractions. Bring your friends and family for a day of tricks, treats, and unforgettable memories. Get ready to have a howling good time at Sonny’s Place this Halloween season.
Haunted Mini Golf featuring live scarers - $12 per person
Get ready for a frightful adventure! Encounter creepy clowns, menacing scarecrows, and chilling ghouls as you navigate the eerie course.
Every Friday & Saturday in October 6pm-10pm
Glitter Tattoos - $3 each OR 2 for $5 Choose from over 10 different Halloweens designs
Every Saturday & Sunday in October 12pm-6pm
Trick-or-Treat Trail - $6 per person
Kids of all ages will LOVE trick-ortreating at Sonny’s! Purchase your bag and punch card at the Admissions Windowandvisithighlightedattractions to collect a prize or candy at each one! No, you don’t have to actually participate in the attraction to get the prize, but it’s a lot more fun that way!
Friday-Sunday during operating hours
P.A. Bland & Associates
Patricia & Jerry would like to thank all the first responders for their commitment to saving lives and for their bravery, compassion and sacrifices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
6 North Central News October 2023 A month-to-month guide to cultural events in the area.
Insurance Agency
123 Mountain Road
pablandinsuranceagency@gmail.com
Office: (860) 668-3908
Suffield, CT 06078
Advanced Air Quality, Inc. LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED Call Jim’s Cell 413-221-6603 Per Register (Normally $20 per register) AIR DUCT CLEANING $15.00 • Main LIne cleaning starting at $85 each (Savings of $30) • 2 access panels included with special (Savings of $20) • Additional panels $15 each Must mention postcard when ordering. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Advanced Air Quality, Inc. Office Locations:220 Meeting House Rd. Hebron CT 06248 357 East Columbus Ave Springfield, Ma. 01105 3 Weymouth Road En昀eld, CT 06082 860-745-2408 | healthtrax com *Call ahead before your first visit. Must be 18 yrs or older. Programs, promotions, and amenities vary by location. FREE 1 DAY GUEST PASS! Scitico Plaza, 585 Hazard Ave. En昀eld, CT 06082 860-746-0979 | healthtrax com *Call ahead before your first visit. Must be 18 yrs or older. Programs, promotions, and amenities vary by location. FREE 1 DAY GUEST PASS! Personal Training | Aquatics | Group Fitness | HydroPersonal Training | Small Group | MyZone | Hydro TWO AMAZING FITNESS CENTER LOCATIONS IN ENFIELD! Now offering Electrical Services. No job too big or too small. PROPANE: DEPENDABLE, CONVENIENT, EFFICIENT info@PropaneCT.com | 860-875-6221 | www.PropaneCT.com 85 years of worry-free service. Local. Licensed. Insured. OCT1-14.qxp_NCN new template 10/1/23 8:59 PM Page 6
Patricia & Jerry Bland
SixFlags Announces New Chills for 2023
Six Flags New England leaves no tombstone unturned to deliver the most terrifying Halloween event on the planet … Fright Fest. It runs weekends and select days through the park’s “Last Scare” weekend on Sunday, Nov. 5. The Scare Capital of New England will be bringing the most fright and delight ever with over a dozen new experiences for ghouls of all ages. Visit sixflags.com/ newengland for more
North Central Publishing
dba
P. O. Box 427, Somers, CT 06071
860.698.0020
Phone: : FAX
860.394.4262
Email: NorthCentralNews@aol.com
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.
Publisher/Editor
Gary Carra
Assistant To The Publisher
Jen Phillips
Account Executives
Gary Carra Sr.
Joan ornbu e
Contribut er Writers