The Plainville
Cit itiz ize en Volume 8, Number 47
Plainville’s Only Weekly Newspaper
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Food pantry ready for holidays By Ken DiMauro The Plainville Citizen Officials and volunteers of the Plainville Community Food Pantry are gearing up to help needy residents during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, and Susie Woerz, executive director of the local agency, said more than 130 families will receive assistance. A tough recession has affected young and old alike, and Woerz, who has never seen it this bad during her 20 years with the food pantry, predicts it will get worse before it gets better. Workers at the pantry are building baskets or bags of supplies that will feature turkey, fixings, potatoes, vegetables, butter and orange juice, and will be handed out Nov. 21 in time for Thanksgiving and Dec. 19 for Christmas. The only differ-
ence is more food is given for the December holidays because kids are off from school that time of year. Woerz said people who used to regularly donate to the pantry are now requiring help. However, she said, Plainville residents and businesses always seem to want to help. She said residents’ thoughts naturally turn to those who are in need. She also cited organizations such as the Disciples of Jesus Christ group at Plainville United Methodist Church who assist the pantry by sponsoring events. The Methodist group will be collecting cleaning supplies, toiletries and nonperishable food items Nov. 20 to Nov. 23 in front of Gnazzo’s Food Center. Other groups, including the Citizens and Property Owners Association of Plainville and the historical
society, also hold smaller food collections that are very helpful. Residents also may find out about the upcoming Secret Santa that will give presents to children of all ages. Woerz said gift certificates and gift cards for older kids are especially needed. Last, but not least, is help available for those in need to heat their homes during the colder months. While oil and natural gas prices have decreased slightly, needy residents need help heating the place they live. She suggests that anyone who wants to find out about the criteria for getting help can call the pantry at (860) 747-1919 or the Bristol Community Organization at (860) 582-7490. Woerz said the BCO is one of many area groups that can help resSee Pantry, page 8
Plainville remembers its veterans By Ken DiMauro The Plainville Citizen The more than 80 residents who attended the Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11 in downtown Plainville were appreciative and patriotic, many waving miniature American flags as members of local veterans groups spoke of the sacrifice and service of men and women in the U.S. military. Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 574, American Legion Post 33, American Legion Post 199 and other veterans groups participated in the ceremony, which was led by William Cancelli, who serves as a chaplain. The ceremony began at 11:11 a.m. and took less than 30 minutes. State Rep. Elizabeth A. See Veterans, page 3
Citizen photo by Ken DiMauro
Susie Woerz, executive director of the Plainville Community Food Pantry, arranges items on the shelves. During the holiday season, there is an increased call for food and household goods.
Coppinger, Ziogas will retire from posts By Ken DiMauro The Plainville Citizen Two top officials — Police Chief Daniel Coppinger and P l a i nv i l l e High School Principal Gregory Ziogas — have Coppinger submitted their intentions to retire from their posts. Coppinger, Plainville’s top cop since 1995, sent a brief memo to Town Manager
Inside
Citizen photo by Ken DiMauro
Members of local veterans’ groups participate in Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11 in downtown Plainville. More than 80 residents attended the event, held at Veterans’ Memorial Park.
Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Marketplace . . . . . . . 24-27 Naturally Plainville . . . . . 14 Obituaries . . . . . . . 5, 10-11 Opinion. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Seniors . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . 19-21
Robert E. Lee that he “will retire from t h e P l a i nv i l l e Police Department effective on Jan. 5” and his last day Ziogas will be Dec. 24. He plans to use holiday leave and a personal day to cover between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Ziogas has been principal
See Retire, page 14
Readers’ Poll: Did you vote on Election Day?
Total votes: 28 Yes: 17 (61%) No:11 (39%) Visit www.plainvillecitizen.com for this week’s question!