Retailers Claim a Good, But Not Great, Holiday Season

Transcription

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Permit #22
January 2007
Fr ee
Retailers Claim a Good, But Not Great, Holiday Season
By Margo Van Kuren
While some local retailers reported an
average or slightly better-than-average
holiday shopping season, many described
their sales figures from Thanksgiving
through Christmas as a bit disappointing.
Nationally, the National Retail Federation
reports that businesses sell 20 percent of
their annual volume during the months of
November and December. And while no
local shopkeepers would hazard an estimate as to how much of their volume
comes during the Christmas season, most
said they were grateful for the year-round
appeal of their merchandise.
Somers has had an especially mixed
year. Many small businesses closed, while
others opened or expanded. Even the
prospect of a Christmas boost in sales didn’t prevent several shops from closing
their doors in 2006. But others, like
Ginger and Pickles, moved to a larger
building (vacated by the Carriage House)
with a new store, the Country Lady, next
door. Shopkeepers who report brisk sales
credit having discovered a “niche” market,
as well as their attention to detail and customer service, as the things that keep people coming back.
“It’s been busy this December, but
things are very different from a few years
ago,” said Chrystina Lappin, owner of the
Somers Gift Shoppe at 598 Main St.
“Since gas prices went up after Hurricane
Katrina, there’s been a huge drop in traffic,” she said.
But Lappin says her business has
remained strong. The shop specializes in
Polish pottery, and is one of few stores in
Twenty
Madrigal
Years
The Stafford High School
Musical Department,
under the direction of
Lauretta Dillon, presented the 20th Annual
Madrigal Feaste at the
high school in early
December. The feaste
included music, dining,
minstrels, dancers and
costumed musicians, in
addition to a full dinner.
Photo by Frank Woods
Stafford Sergeant Honored by State Police
TOLLAND - State Police Troopers from Troop C in Tolland
received awards for service during a ceremony on Nov. 29, at the
Connecticut State Police Training Academy in Meriden.
Twice a year, the Connecticut State Police honors Troopers who
demonstrated exceptional service in the line of duty. The ceremony
also honors men and women serving in local and federal law enforcement agencies and those serving as first responders, as well as civilians.
Among the local law enforcement officers recognized was Stafford
Sergeant James Desso, who was honored for his role in rescuing people from a burning apartment building. He also was recognized for his
role in helping a suicidal man receive treatment before he could kill
himself.
Award winners received medals and certificates from Department
of Public Safety Commissioner Leonard C. Boyle and State Police
Colonel Edward Lynch.
Local awards were presented in two categories:
* The Lifesaving Award is presented to any person who saves a
human life or makes a valiant attempt to save a life.
* The Unit Citation is awarded to members of a department, a command or group who combine their resources to achieve success in an
investigation or event. The citation recognizes exceptional collective
efforts.
Troop C barracks of the Connecticut State Police, located in
Tolland, had several individual award winners from the troop.
Trooper Christopher Snow, Trooper John Scannell, Stafford
Police Sergeant James Desso: On July 2, 2006, Stafford Police
Sergeant James Desso observed smoke and flames coming from an
apartment in a Stafford residence. He notified Troop C and the
Stafford Resident State Troopers of the fire. Without hesitation and
without the protection of the fire department, Sgt. Desso, Trooper
Christopher Snow and Trooper John Scannell entered the burning
building, found apartments occupied and quickly moved the occupants out of harms way. Staffordville Fire Chief Neil Sadlak later
stated that the combined efforts of Stafford Police Sgt. Desso, Trooper
Snow and Trooper Scannell had saved the lives and prevented a
tragedy. The three were awarded Lifesaving Medals.
Trooper John Scannell, Sergeant James Desso, Sergeant
Clanford Pierce, Trooper First Class Neil Manning, Trooper First
Class Jay Gershowitz, Trooper First Class Daniel McCarthy and
Trooper First Class Patrick Dwyer: On July 5, 2006, Troop C
received a call regarding a despondent male who had run into the
woods with a knife and was threatening to harm himself. Trooper
John Scannell and Sergeant James Desso of the Stafford Resident
Trooper’s Office were dispatched to the call and established a perimeter. Minutes later, Sergeant Clanford Pierce, Troopers First Class
Neil Manning, Jay Gershowitz, Daniel McCarthy and Patrick Dwyer
and his K-9 Brit arrived on scene. Trooper Dwyer began a track and
DESSO/page 28
the area that does so. And while the
Christmas season is her busiest time, the
shop also does well in the spring and summer, thanks to Easter, Mother’s Day, and
weddings.
“We really specialize in personalized
service,” Lappin said. “We provide free
gift wrapping, and we walk people to their
cars if needed. Those are services you
can’t find at the mall.” And as part of a
cooperative group called The Shoppe
Keepers of Somers, Lappin will send customers to other stores if she doesn’t have
what they’re looking for.
“We’re very knowledgeable about our
products, and we stand behind them,”
Lappin said. “We work really well together. It’s really about cooperation instead of
competition,” Lappin said. The group
also organizes events like the popular
“Dickens Weekend” in early December.
Ginger and Pickles, which recently
relocated to 596 Main St. in Somers, is
another success story. Owner Maureen
Rendell says business has been a bit slower, but has still been good.
“We got off to a slow start,” Rendell
said. “I think part of it was the warm
weather, and I think people are spending a
little less. But overall, I’m pleased—we
RETAILERS/page 10
In This Issue
• PEOPLE: Being a mascot is a great
workout for Vernon man ............p.3
• ELLINGTON: High school faces huge
growth in next 9 years .................p.4
• ELLINGTON: Winterfest 2006
wrap-up/images ................pgs.6-7
• SOMERS: Students named to high
school honor roll ..........................p.12
• SOMERS: Parks & Recreation Winter
Programs/Library News....pgs. 15-22
• STAFFORD: Selectmen create full-time
fire marshall position ..................p.27
• STAFFORD: Fire strikes two repair
shops in town .........................p.29
• FIELDER’S CHOICE: Sports......p.31
• CLASSIFIEDS ........................p.34
*NEXT ISSUE
Editorial/Advertising
Deadline: Jan. 25
(860) 698-9328
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2 North Central News January 2007
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People
North Central Publishing, LLC dba
The North
Central News
P.O. Box 427
Somers, CT 06071
PHONE: 860.698.9328
FAX: 860.698.9373
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www.thenorthcentralnews.com
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Gary Carra
INTERN
Nick Russoto
CONTRIBUTING
WRITERS
Keith Griffin
Linda Tishler-Levinson
Margo Van Kuren
Deborah Stauffer
PHOTOGRAPHER
David Butler II
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Brian Carra
Joan Hornbuckle
CIRCULATION
Down on the Field, It’s a Bird; It’s a Shark;
No, It’s Nate Ralph, a Busy Class A Mascot
By Margo Van Kuren
Although this winter hasn’t been very
cold so far, one Vernon native doesn’t
regret his move to sunny Florida, where he
has found fame (if not fortune) as a mascot
for two Class A baseball teams.
Nate Ralph, who graduated from
Rockville High School in 1991, is an
environmental scientist
at the South Florida
Water Management
District in West Palm
Beach. Evenings and
weekends, though, he
takes on another identity - as either Robbie
the Redbird for the
Palm Beach Cardinals,
or Hamilton R. Head for the Jupiter
Hammerheads. The Cardinals are a farm
team for the St. Louis Cardinals, and the
Hammerheads are the Class A team for the
Florida Marlins. Both teams are based out
of Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter.
“It’s fun, and the kids get a kick out of
it,” said Ralph from his warm and sunny
adopted home. “Plus, it’s a good way to
stay in shape.”
The 33-year-old graduate of the
University of South Carolina has been
moonlighting as a mascot since last April,
and he’s looking forward to another season.
“Even the adults find the mascots entertaining,” Ralph said, “but it’s the most fun
for the kids.” Besides dancing around on
the sidelines and leading cheers, Ralph
poses for pictures and focuses on entertaining the kids.
“One time as I was walking out to make
my entrance as the hammerhead on Kids
Day at the South Florida Fairgrounds, I got
the curtains tangled around my head. I
spun around to get untangled, but it only
made things worse,” Ralph said. “Finally, I
ended up pulling down the entire curtain
and the support poles—everyone thought
it was hilarious. What an entrance!”
Ralph also recalled a memorable “Take
Your Dog to the Stadium” promotion
when he became an
object of curiosity for
dozens of dogs who
would not stop barking
at him throughout the
night. “I would try to
sneak up on them, but
they always found me
out,” he said.
Ralph uses the fact
that he is older than most people who play
the role of team mascot to his advantage.
“I’m more responsible than the younger
guys, so they know they can count on me,”
he said. “It’s great fun and great exercise.”
A true diplomat, Ralph declined to
choose sides in the always-heated
Yankees/Red Sox debate here in
As Robbie the Redbird for the Palm
Beach Cardinals
Connecticut. “I’ve always been a Mets
fan,” he said.
Georgia Michalec
Publisher’s Policy: The information presented in the North
Central News is presented for
your consideration and does not
necessarily represent the 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.
Nate Ralph as Hamilton R. Head for the
Jupiter Hammerheads
Courtesy photo
January 2007 North Central News
3
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Ellington
High School Population Will Grow 20 Percent by 2015
By Margo Van Kuren
ELLINGTON - The Board of Selectmen heard from
Superintendent of Schools Stephen Cullinan regarding
recommendations from the Board of Education at its Dec.
11 meeting. Cullinan stated that the high school would
require eight additional classrooms by the 2015-2016
school year to handle an anticipated 20 percent increase in
student enrollment. The Board of Selectmen agreed to
approve the school board’s request for up to $4,000 to hire
an architect to develop preliminary plans to address the
need for increased space.
The board also approved a request from the Ellington
Volunteer Fire Department for up to $10,000 to hire an
architect to study the feasibility of expanding the truck
bay at the firehouse in order to house a tanker which is
in the process of being ordered. The current bay is not
long enough for the tanker. Voters rejected a proposal in
November to build an additional firehouse on Pinney
Street.
The Ellington Board of Selectmen presented awards to
fourth and fifth grade winners of the annual Fire
Prevention Poster contest on Dec. 11, just prior to their
scheduled meeting. In the fourth grade, Lindsay
McKenzie was awarded first place; second and third
place went to Kyle Wesley and Madison Unterstein. Erin
Schirra took home first prize for the fifth grade, with Paul
Levesque placing second and Justin Upchurch, third.
The Board of Selectmen also accepted the resignation
of Louise Gerber from the Board of Education and Aaron
Rossow from the Zoning Board of Appeals. The board
then unanimously approved the appointments of Tracey
Kiff-Judson to the Board of Education and Adam
LaFleche to the Zoning Board of Appeals to fill the unexpired terms. Other resignations included Glenn Eberly
from the Conservation Commission, Joseph Snyder as an
alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, and
Kimberly Bechard from the Board of Assessment
Appeals. Other appointments included Deborah Stauffer
to the Ad Hoc Drug Abuse Prevention Council, Anne
Nickerson to the Human Services Commission, Wayne
Stanley to the Ad Hoc Budget Advisory Committee, and
Brian Walder to the Permanent Building Committee.
The Board of Selectmen will receive final recommendations from the Charter Revision Commission at its Jan.
8 meeting. Proposed changes to the town charter include
the provision that the annual town budget must be
approved at referendum; currently, although most budgets
do go to referendum, the charter allows for approval to
take place at a town meeting.
Another proposal allows members of the Planning and
Zoning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals to
be appointed, rather than elected. The full text of the proposed revisions is available at town hall, or at the town’s
website – www.ellington-ct.gov. The Board of Selectmen
will decide which provisions to approve and send to voters at referendum in November.
Register in January for Library Preschool Programs in February
ELLINGTON - Hall Memorial Library
will hold story hours for preschool children beginning Tuesday, Feb. 6 through
April 13, 2007.
Story hours for 2 -year olds accompanied by an adult, will be held each Friday
from 10:15 to 10:45. Story hours for 3-5
year olds will be held each Tuesday from
10:15 to 11:00 and each Wednesday from
1:00 to 1:45. Preschool story hours are led
by the children’s librarian. They will
include age-appropriate stories, finger
plays, songs and movement activities.
Registration for these programs will be
held beginning Jan. 22.
Books and Babies programs will run
Feb. 5 through Feb. 26. This program for
babies 9 months to 2 years will be offered
on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:15
to 11:15. The children’s librarian will lead
parents in reading board books and singing
songs at the beginning of each session. The
remainder of the time, children will have
playtime and parents will have time to
share experiences with one another.
Parents may choose the day that best fits
their schedule.
Registration is required and will begin
Jan. 22. Register at the library or by phoning (860) 870-3160. All library programs
are free and open to the public.
TEA HOUSE
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Ellington
Ellington High School Announces 1st Quarter Honor Roll
ELLINGTON - The following students
have been named to the honor roll at
Ellington High School for the first marking period. The names were supplied by
Ellington High School.
GRADE 9
High Honors: Courtney Carver,
Margaret Gage, Calesia Henson, Amber
Krasinski, Briana Lechkun, David Moser,
Rachel Muszynski, Emily Parker,
Catherine Piotrowski, Kristyn Piotrowski,
Ajay Raghavan
Honors: Zachary Babineau, Brittany
Boscarino, Alyssa Burdick, Marin Cleary,
Rachel Cowan, Stephen Crouse, Jordan
Cusson, Sara DeConti, Alyssa DeLand,
Elizabeth Della Penna, Ryan Downing,
Megan Edwards, Kerrin Ewing, Gary
Feldman, Jr., Brian Fisher, Aaron Galat,
Thomas Gerber, Matthew Gonsalves,
Cody Griffin, Lindsay Grim, Ashlyn
Haracsy, Nathaniel Herter, Mallory
Honda, Heather Hulstein, Brian Kelleher,
Matthew Lebel, April Loteczka, Kelsey
Masterson, Taylor Mills, Nicole Ondek,
Ryan Ouimet, Jeffrey Parent, Jessica Peck,
Allison Ramsdell, Joseph Raver, Kerry
Learn About the
History of Nutmegs
ELLINGTON - The Ellington
Historical Society will meet on Jan. 25 at
7:30 p.m. at the Hall Memorial Library at
93 Main St., Ellington. The business meeting will be followed by a program, “The
Greater History of Nutmegs,” presented
by Jim Klopfer. The public is invited and
new members are welcome to join.
Refreshments will follow the program.
For information, call (860) 875-5804.
Sawamura,
Matthew
Schaeneman,
Stephen Schirra, Stacie Shultz, Steven
Schultz, Melissa Selochan, Samantha
Skeels, Melody Smith, Ryan Snyder,
Katherine Stone, Christopher Tempelman,
Renee Therrien, Kaylee Thibodeau,
Matthew Ussery, Nicholas Varney, Eric
Vincens, Demetri Voukounas, Katherine
Walker, Deanna Wambolt, David Welton,
Robert Williams, Brendon Willis, Hayley
Wolverton, Kendra Wright, Susan Zheng,
Jason Zylberman
GRADE 10
High Honors: Chelsea Alves,
Christopher Binkowski, Joshua Boscarino,
Jessica Dennis, Alyssa Fidanza, Andre
Foote, Julianne Gottier, Laura Lakenbach,
Timothy Larew, Alyssa Pallotti, Jeffrey
Perron, Patrick Rabus, Jennifer Spartz,
Nathan Van Wyck, Toby Zheng
Honors: Rachael Allinson, Cody
Barfield, Michael Bedson, Heidi Beutel,
Taylor Brown, Aaron Burstein, Sarah
Chouinard, Jocelyn Close, Samuel Close,
Corey Dauphinais, Michael Demarest,
Jason Ferreira, Nicole Fillion, Ashley
Foley, Christopher Francis, Brittany
Garnelis, Elena Gayton, Jillian Golon,
Michael Gordon, Alayna Graziani,
Elizabeth Harding, Donald Hartman, Shane
Hatheway, Timothy Heintz, Jessica
Hiestand, Annalise Hurley, Laura Kelliher,
Amanda Keune, Michelle Kim, Kristen
Kline, Ryan Koprek, Anastasia Kuryatenko,
Jeremy Loretz, Lisa Mackintosh, Ashley
Maitland, Carley Marholin, Kelly
McPartland, Jessica Mertens, Ryan
Mocadlo, Kara Modzelewski, Jason
Neeson, Daniel Nevins, Chad Nixon,
Hayley Palozej, Allison Parker, David
Kitchens
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High Honors: Katrina Cook, Sarah
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King, Laura Norbut, Alyssa Purnhagen,
Keeran Rajasekaran, Maureen Scully,
Megan Sirag
Honors: Eric Barnhart, David Bedford,
Jennifer Bellizzi, John Beres, Sarah
Bergeron, David Beutel, Camden Boyd,
Melissa Clark, Matthew Cohen, MaryKate
Connolly, Julia Connor, Eric Dinse,
Amanda Dobrowolski, Caitlin Francis,
April Fries, Fatmire Gjonbalaj, Michelle
Gluhosky, Lindsay Gondek, Johanna Harty,
Daniel Hodgdon, Mallory Householder,
Kyle Hunter, Andrew Janiga, Nicole
Jenson, Alyssa King, Bethany Kline,
Derick Lessard, Ryan Luginbuhl, Justin
Margnelli, Brittany Martin, Elizabeth
Maxwell, Phillip Maychek, Sarah McCabe,
Breanne Millane, Justine Monahan, Tyler
Mozzer, Andrew Pantuosco, Elena Pappas,
Courtney Payzant, Lauren Ramsdell, Sam
Rooney, Kristine Sardinha, Kenneth Sitek,
Eric Smith, Nicole Squadrito, Mandy
Stone, Katelyn Streiber, Mark Szafir, Jenna
Lynn Thomas, Drew Thompson, Gregory
Vaida, Daniel Williams, Zachary Zwiesler
Curb Christmas Trees
ELLINGTON - Christmas Trees will be
picked up during the first two weeks of
January. Please leave them at the curb,
stump-end out and free of ornamentation
and tree stands. If residents prefer, they
may bring them to the Town Garage, 21
Main St., Ellington, any time and leave
them by the red shed.
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Patrick, Danielle Peake, Nicholas Printy,
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Savage, Adam Sawamura, Christian
Schirra, Shaune Sousa, Karalyn Stauffer,
Holly Steinmetz, Benjamin Streib, Jeffrey
Tarascio, Jessica Tarascio, Brianna
Unsworth, James Viega, Olivia WickBander, Ashleigh Williams, Hillary
Wormstedt, Matthew Yost, Allison Yourie,
Samuel Ziter
GRADE 11
Honors: Carly Bahler, Jennifer
Bergeron, Weston Bevins, Kimberly
Bifulco, Victoria Boop, Shannon Bostiga,
Jason Brown, Shainna Burgess, Andrew
Cannella, Christopher Charest, David
Cocuzzo, Alexander Conti, Jenna Cusson,
Amy Dias, Ashley Dorman, Daniel
Dryburgh, Allison Dube, Christopher
Dubiel, Sara Ewing, Emily Fetko, Aaron
Friedman, David Garneau, Christopher
Gentile, Kevin Goldthwaite, Michael
Grinaski, Thomas Gworek, Kyle Herold,
Zachary Holmes, Amber Hubbard, Julie
Hutchinson, Kyle Kalinowski, Chelsea
Kunzli, Jillian Kuraska, Jerilyn Levasseur,
John Levesque, Allison Limberger, Ashley
Luginbuhl, Derek Lussier, Kyle Maloney,
Joelle Margnelli, Melissa Martin, Matthew
McBride, Kevin McCabe, Luis Mercado,
Matthew Miller, Michael Miller, Joseph
Mills, Andrew Munson, Kara Nash,
Kristine O’Donnell, Samantha Pernal,
Danielle Plachy, Brooke Porter, Shaun
Reese, Ryan Richardson, Lydia Schneider,
Lucas Smith-Horn, Joseph Stein, Amanda
Sullivan, Andrew Sullivan, Colleen
Sullivan, Nicole Thibodeau, Steven
Tiernan, Casey Toombs, Taylor Trotter,
Joseph Wambolt, Jeremy Yetishefsky,
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Page 6
Ellington
Santa and Mrs. Claus Send Thanks
Kyle Luginbuhl (left) and Isabella Kupferschmid helped Santa Claus light the tree as
part of the festivities of Ellington’s annual Winterfest. Mrs. Claus looked on in
approval of the young helpers.
Call for
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We are family owned
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We ’ l l n e v e r r a i s e y o u r r e n t !
Dear Town of Ellington,
When you read this, Santa and I will be
back in the North Pole, resting up after our
wonderful visit to Ellington and your
annual Winterfest, not to mention another
Christmas behind us.
Ellington, of course, was a tremendous
highlight on our journey; and we thoroughly enjoyed mingling with the crowd
and meeting so many wonderful girls and
boys this year. How do we begin thanking
all the people who made our visit so
delightful; and who gave so much of their
time and talent toward making the
Winterfest such a success? Naturally,
there are innumerable people and organizations to thank; and, for fear of leaving
anyone out, Santa and I want to extend our
heartfelt gratitude to the participants as a
whole, and to the Town of Ellington and its
many helpful departments, especially
Public Works, the Volunteer Fire Dept.,
and our resident troopers.
Special thanks, of course, must go to
the members of the Winterfest Committee,
who give so generously of themselves.
The committee includes Sue Phillips,
Patricia Wassey-Stoughton, Denise
Archibald, Jack Rich II, Paul Scordato,
Sharon McLaughlin, Rita Carbone, Dot
Shackway, Steve Chase, and Ellen
Karadimas. Also, special thanks to Nancy
Long and the Ellington Historical Society,
the Ellington Women’s Club, the staff at
Hall Memorial Library and the Women’s
Fellowship at Ellington Congregational
Church. Each year they reach out to a
magnificently supportive community who
aid in putting this event together, especially the chorale groups and troubadours who
provide such joyful music and entertainment during the Winterfest.
This year we would also like to thank
“Santa’s Helpers” Kyle Luginbuhl and
Isabella Kupferschmid, for helping Santa
light the town Christmas trees so beautifully; Shaw’s Supermarkets for their donation toward goodies served at the Senior
Center; Arlo Hoffmann for donating a
driver and “classic” mode of transportation for Santa and me (which kept us
warm during the wondrous Torchlight
Parade!); and Kloter’s for joining the
parade with their colorful and fun trolley.
Lovely to have you there! And, of course,
to Mother Nature for the mild weather and
letting us dodge the storm that blew in the
night before.
Santa and I hope to see all of you again
next year. It will be the fourth season for
the Ellington Winterfest, and we hope you
will keep up this festive tradition and keep
inviting us along. Again, thank you residents and friends of Ellington for allowing
us to be part of your holiday season, as you
celebrate this beautiful time of year. God
bless you all!
Santa and Mrs. Claus
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Page 7
Ellington
Winterfest
Rolls Into Ellington
At far left, an Ellington Volunteer
Firefighter drives an ATV in the
Winterfest Parade. Trolley rides from
Kloter Farms were a big hit. Below, children bundle up as they watch all of the
festivities.
Photos by Fred Bird
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THURSDAYS 4:30PM- 6:30PM
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Tax & Financial Services
For Individuals & Businesses
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Investment Advisory Services*
Business Pension Plans*
401(k) Rollovers*
College Savings Plans*
Life/Long Term Care Insurance
100 West Road (Rte 83) – Ellington, CT - 872-6866
*Securities and advisory services offered through National Planning Corporation (NPC), member NASD/SIPC,
and a Registered Investment Advisor. Cathy W. Pinard, CPA and NPC are separate and unrelated companies.
7
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In Memoriam
Hospital Mourns Passing of Silvio DaDalt, Board Chairman
STAFFORD – Johnson Health Network
was deeply saddened by the passing of
longtime Chairman of the Board Silvio S.
DaDalt on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2006.
“Mr. DaDalt, better known simply as
‘Silvio’ or ‘Red,’ has been a tremendous
friend to Johnson Health Network for the
past 35 years and to me, personally, for the
past 26,” says President and CEO Alfred
A. Lerz. “He has played an instrumental
role in our growth from a small Hospital to
a major Network of healthcare organizations. No matter what obstacles we faced
in bringing new services to this region, he
was our biggest proponent. He loved
north central Connecticut and wanted what
was best for the people who live here.”
A lifelong resident of Stafford, Mr.
DaDalt became a Corporator of Johnson
Memorial Hospital (JMH) in 1971 and was
elevated to Trustee and member of the
Executive Board in 1977. In 1990, he was
elected Chairman of the Board, a position
he has held ever since.
Mr. DaDalt saw the hospital and, subsequently, Johnson Health Network, through
many changes, including the move from
East Street to Chestnut Hill Road in
Stafford in 1975, the recruitment of
President and CEO Alfred A. Lerz in 1980,
and the addition of numerous services and
facilities.
Many major achievements were celebrated during his 16-year tenure as
Chairman of the Board. Highlights
included the opening of Johnson
Occupational Medicine Center in Enfield
in 1993; the incorporation of Johnson
Professional Associates, P.C., in 1993; the
reinstatement of maternity services at
JMH in 1994; the Network’s affiliation
with Home & Community Health
Services, Inc. (formerly the Enfield
Visiting Nurse Association) in 1994; the
addition of a Subacute Rehabilitation Unit
at Evergreen Health Care Center in
Stafford in 1997; and the opening of
Phoenix Community Cancer Center of
Enfield in 1998. Numerous renovation
and construction projects also took place
during Mr. DaDalt’s tenure.
Most recently, Mr. DaDalt was involved
in helping the hospital gain approval for its
Emergency Department expansion. He
participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for this project last April and was
eagerly anticipating the opening of the
new facility in May 2007.
In addition to his active role in Johnson
Health Network, Mr. DaDalt was involved
with the Lions Club of Stafford for 54
years. He was a past president of the
organization and was awarded the highest
honor of Lionism in 1994 by receiving the
Melvin Jones Award. Mr. DaDalt was also
involved in a number of other community
organizations. He was presented with the
Stafford
Citizenship
Award
for
Outstanding Service in the Community in
1999.
Mr. DaDalt served in the U.S. Army
during World War II and was awarded a
Bronze Star for exemplary service. He was
the former owner/operator of DaDalt Paint
& Wallpaper Company, which was founded by his father in 1938. His greatest
pleasure in life was his loving family,
including his wife, Edith, three children
and five grandchildren.
Benjamin Simborski, Sr., 85, World War II Veteran
Robert Artioli Jr., 71, Artioli Chevrolet and Kia founder
SOMERS - Benjamin J. Simborski Sr.,
of George Wood Road, Somers, passed
away Sunday, (December 3, 2006), at
Johnson Memorial Hospital in Stafford
Springs. Ben was born Nov. 15, 1921, in
Somers to the late Antonia (Mocoki) and
Stanley Simborski. He was graduated
from Rockville High School in 1940 and
served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation
machinist’s mate during World War II. He
was married to the former Bernice
Chmielewski for 42 years. Ben worked for
TransOcean Airlines and Kaman Aircraft
before joining Pratt & Whitney Aircraft,
where he was a dedicated lead mechanic
until his retirement in 1991. He loved the
Red Sox and was happy to see his team
ENFIELD - Robert “Bob” Artioli Jr.,
71, of Enfield, beloved husband of Sylvia
(Puleri) Artioli for 52 years, entered into
his eternal rest on Friday (December 8,
2006) at his home. Bob was born April 18,
1935 in Springfield, MA, son of the late
Robert and Pauline (Laino) Artioli. He was
raised in Springfield and moved to Enfield
in 1954. Bob was employed in automotive
sales most of his life and founded Artioli
Dodge in 1975 and later expanded his
dealerships to include Artioli Chevrolet
and Artioli KIA. He was a communicant
of St. Patrick Church. Bob was a family
man and an avid golfer. He had a great
sense of humor that he shared with family
and friends. Besides his wife Sylvia, he is
survived by his loving children, Robert
Artioli and his wife Traci of Enfield,
Robin Johnson and her husband Joe of
finally win the World Series in 2004.
Along with following sports on television,
one of Ben’s most favorite things to do
was mow the lawn. He also enjoyed Polish
music and food and he loved to dance. He
was predeceased by his brothers, Chester
and Stanley Simborski, and his sister,
Helen Cap. Ben is survived by his beloved
wife, Bernice, his son, Benjamin J.
Simborski Jr., his two daughters, Joan M.
Mulkern and her husband Michael, and
Rosanne S. Smyle and her husband
Michael, and his two grandsons, Matthew
and Kevin Mulkern. Donations may be
made in lieu of flowers to the Somers
Volunteer Ambulance Department, 400
Main St., Somers, CT 06071.
FINE
FOOD
IN A
CASUAL ATMOSPHERE
Enfield and Pauline
Findlay of NYC, NY;
his loving grandchildren, Sam Hubster,
Joey Artioli and his
wife
Anna,
Deb
Hubster,
William
Findlay, Grace, Bobby and Nina Artioli;
his sisters, Carol Longmore and her husband Richard of Enfield, Teresa Robson of
Venice, FL and Jean O’Brien and her husband Jack of Westfield, MA; his many
nieces and nephews and several brother
and sister-in-laws. Burial was in St.
Patrick’s King Street Cemetery. Memorial
donations in Bob’s memory may be made
to the Felician Adult Day Care, 1333
Enfield Street, Enfield, CT 06082. For
online expression of sympathy please visit
www.leetestevens.com.
PEOPLE’S AUTO
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General Maintenance, Fuel Injection, Standard &
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ASE CERTIFIED
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Dave Doyker, Frank Doyker, Jim Hinkle
860-763-0711
Continental menu
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Friday & Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 10 :00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
39 Hazard Avenue, Enfield CT 06083 • 860-239-0004
74 South Road (Rt. 83) Somers, CT
(860) 749-3917
RICH’S REWARD FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY:
Bring in this coupon for...
• One Free Breakfast Sandwich •
*Limit one per customer/per month. Offer expires 1-31-07
Open
Year
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NCNJan07part1.qxd
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Page 9
Regional
Mass
Casualty
Drill
Simulates
School
Bus
Accident
Photos by
Sarah Moynihan
*ATTENTION
*ATTENTION SPORTS
SPORTS FANS
FANS:: Don’t
Don’t miss ‘Fielder’s
Choice,’
Choice,’ aanew,
new,sports
sportscolumn
columnauthored
authoredbybyveteran
veteranjournalist
Mark Mancini
that makes its official North Central
journalist
Mark Mancini.
News debutPLEASE
in this issue,
page 31.
27.
SEE PAGE
eksesA
k
a
a
MM eaetat
rr
AGHGolidfta! y
GGi ift!
The Somers Fire Department in conjunction with Johnson Memorial Hospital conducted a simulated mass casualty school bus incident on Dec. 20. This incident involved a
school bus with approximately 20 children on board that has rolled down an embankment and landed on its side. At top left, Boy Scouts from the Somers and Stafford were
DISCOUNT FOR CASH AND CARRY AVAILABLE!
LINE OF CUSTOM
BEDDING
Only agencies
the Finest Materials
the simulated
victims.
The following
participated
in the simulation: Somers
Fire, West Stafford Fire, Tolland Fire, Enfield EMS, Stafford Ambulance, Suffield
Ambulance, Ambulance Service of Manchester, American Medical Response, Ellington
Ambulance,
KB Ambulance,
Gaining
Monday
throughaccess,
Friday
139 West Dudley
Town Road Vernon Fire, and Lifestar Helicopter.
above, shows some of the firefighters preparing the back of the10:00
bus for
access
via the
a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Bloomfield, CT 06002
jaws of life and covering any glass to prevent it from entering the bus where the
Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
patients860-242-6627
are.
FACTORY SHOWROOM OPEN
Subscriptions will begin one month after information and check is received.
(Note: The North Central News is delivered FREE OF CHARGE to all homes and P.O. boxes in Ellington,
Somers and Stafford. Due to numerous requests by people outside of those towns (as well as the other 47
contiguous U.S. states) to receive the paper, this subscription service is now being offered.
20 North
h Centtrall News Decemb
ber 2006
www.thenorthcentralnews.com
9
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Page 10
Somers
Retailers Say Attention to Customer Service Drives Sales
(continued from page 1)
really count on that boost in December.”
“What we offer is one-of-a-kind,”
Rendell said. “You can’t go out and find
these things on the Internet.” Ginger and
Pickles specializes in antiques and home
décor.
Next door is Country Lady Antiques
and Gifts, a new business owned by Diane
Barkett. She had a shop in Rhode Island
for many years, and recently accepted her
friend Rendell’s invitation to join her in
her new building.
“It’s been doing wonderfully,” Barkett
said. Like Lappin and Rendell, she credits her success to having unique, one-of-akind merchandise, and attention to detail.
“One of the most important things is
that we have regular hours six days a
week, and you can count on us to be here.
We don’t close the shop down on slow
days or because of other commitments,”
Barkett said.
Michael Lanz opened Kiddy Corner,
in the West Meadow Plaza in Ellington,
earlier this year. Christmas is the biggest
time of year for toys, and Lanz has been
Education Foundation Gives Grant for
International Studies Program
SOMERS - The Somers Education
Foundation board of directors announced
the awarding of a $2,000 grant to Somers
High School to initiate an international
studies program. This unique course
offering will provide an introduction to
Chinese culture, history and language,
leading to an understanding of global
issues related to China. The course is a
result of a partnership between Asnuntuck
Community College and Qingdao
Vocational and Technical College of
Shandong Province, China. Classes will
be held at Asnuntuck Community College
and students successfully completing the
course will receive 3 college credits. The
Somers Education Foundation is a notfor-profit organization supporting the
Somers public schools to provide students
with educational opportunities beyond the
normal classroom experience.
Support of the foundation’s mission
may be mailed to P.O. Box 624, Somers,
CT, 06071.
pleased with the volume of business this
holiday season.
“Actually, it’s exceeded our expectations. We focus on educational toys that
you can’t find at Toys R Us or other chain
stores,” Lanz said. “And we offer superior personal service.”
Kloter Farms on Route 83, another
Ellington business, also reports brisk sales.
“The season has been going very well.
We’re very busy and very blessed,” said
Ernie Parent, outdoor sales supervisor.
Selling indoor and outdoor furniture
and home accessories, Kloter Farms is a
family-owned and operated business.
The store holds special events like
horse-drawn hay rides, train rides, and free
hot apple crisp, which have been successful at bringing in the crowds.
“The atmosphere is festive and nostalgic,” Parent said. “And there are plenty of
clerks so people aren’t kept waiting. We
really pride ourselves on our customer
service and attention to detail.”
In Stafford, both Baker’s Country
Furniture at 42 W. Main St. and
Bittersweet Country Collectibles at 63 W.
Main St. report strong holiday sales.
“Business has been wonderful,” said
Sandy
Hodrinski,
who
co-owns
Bittersweet with Barbara Mocko. “Our
shop fills a different niche, and the
Christmas season is always our busiest
time.” Bittersweet specializes in primitive
country furniture and gifts.
Hodrinski added, however, that this past
summer was unusually slow—a sentiment
echoed by John Rossi, owner of Baker’s
Fare.
“The summer was slow, and the holiday
season has been a little different, a little
off,” Rossi said. “Business is good, but
maybe not quite as good as it has been in
past years.”
National sales figures bear out Rossi’s
observations. According to the National
Retail Federation, 2006 holiday sales were
up a little more than 4 percent over last
year—not bad, but less than the hoped-for
6 percent.
“I think people are being more cautious,” said Rossi. “They’re spending less
out of fear for rising oil costs, gas, and
electricity. Maybe they won’t be as
extravagant as they have in the past. But
you know, people come in and seem to
enjoy shopping, and seem to be in good
spirits. It’s good to be a part of that.”
The GRAMMAR SCHOOL
at Somersville
Full Service
Building a solid educational foundation for young learners, Grades K- 6
Admissions Open House
Thursday, January 25 - 6:30 PM
Sunday, January 28 - 1:00 PM
Please join us for a tour of our school,
and learn about our curriculum and
the benefits of our small class size.
See just how great
a school can be!
For information call admissions:
860-749-5933
41 School St., Somers, CT
www.grammarschool.org
More than 25 years of excellence
in independent school education.
Gift
Certificates
Gift Baskets
11 South Rd.,
Lord Somers Center
Somers, CT
749-5101
Hours: Mon. 8-1,
Tues. 10-7, Wed. 8-5,
Thurs. 10-7, Fri. 8-5,
Saturday by
appointment only
Product Lines
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Paul Mitchell • Nioxin
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HAPPY NEW YEAR 200 7
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Page 11
Somers
Town’s Open Space Expands; Blue Light District Saved
By Linda Tishler Levinson
SOMERS — The Whitaker Woods property will
remain open space.
At a Dec. 18 Special Town Meeting, residents voted to
approve the funding for the town and the Northern
Connecticut Land Trust to purchase the 272-acre site
located east of the center of town off Main Street, according to First Selectman David Pinney.
The state Department of Environmental Protection’s
Watershed and Open Space Acquisition Program is providing a $450,000 grant to help offset the $1.2 million
cost of the project. The remaining $750,000 will be split
between the town and the land trust.
Four lots will be separated out of the open space portion of the Whitaker property to help offset the cost for the
town and the land trust.
Three of the lots, which will be put up for sale by the
town, already have Planning and Zoning Commission
subdivision approvals as building lots. They will be sold
through a public bidding process. The fourth building lot
will be sold by the land trust.
The land trust received significant funding through
grants, especially from the Hartford Foundation for Public
Giving, Pinney said.
“The town meeting was necessary to go through the
final stages,” the first selectman said. With this acquisition, “The land will never be developed.”
The town meeting also deeded the remaining 268 acres
to the land trust, which will own and manage the property for recreational use and watershed protection.
“It’s been a long time in the works to protect this land,”
‘We have ordered a replacement
building (and) hope to have it in
place in short order.’
David Pinney, Somers First Selectman
On the status of the town’s ‘Blue Light’ district
Pinney added.
Another institution also is being preserved in Somers.
The town’s “Blue Light District” is getting a new home.
Several residents spoke at the Nov. 13 Board of
Selectmen’s meeting, saying they were concerned about
losing the small storage building at the town Transfer
Station that has long been used as an exchange site for
unwanted but still useful goods.
It long has been a place to drop off items that are too
good for the trash heap and as a place to find treasures.
While the storage building had deteriorated beyond
repair, the selectmen have decided to get a new one. “We
have ordered a replacement building,” Pinney said. “We
hope to have it in place in short order.”
Like the Blue Light District, Town Hall became a place
for giving and receiving over the holidays as
Administrative Assistant Connie Carenzo coordinated the
town’s Toys for Joy distribution. With donations from
individuals, as well as Rockville Bank and Sheer Magic,
87 Main Street (Route 190)
Somers, CT 06071-1822
www.avictoriansentiment.com
2007 is our year of Gratitude - Thank you Somers, CT
for all your support over the 18 years.
Love, The LaCasse Family
P.S. “To read our complete ESSAYS go to our web site WWW.AVICTORIANSENTIMENT.COM
REAL ESTATE
PROBATE/WILLS
DIVORCE & FAMILY
PERSONAL INJURY
GENERAL PRACTICE
LAW OFFICE
MARK J. MANISCALCO
• Honest & Competent Services
• Helping Clients Since 1991
• Evening/Weekend Appointments
352 Billings Road, Somers
860-749-2526
Carenzo helped organize a toy drive for needy children in
town.
She also coordinated an Adopt-a-Family program in
which needy families were matched with donor families.
The donor families received wish lists for the families
they were assisting. According to Pinney, about 30 families were assisted. The Lions Club also helped with Toys
for Joy.
In addition two town churches, All Saints Church and
the Somers Congregational Church, worked together to
coordinator holiday food baskets. They organized a food
drive and delivered baskets to families in need.
111 Main St. (Rt. 190),
PO Box 535 Somersville, CT 06072
(860) 749-4863
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629 Main St., Somers, CT • 749-3433
Hours: Monday-Friday 9-7 PM • Saturday 9-3 PM. • Sunday Closed
11
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Page 12
Somers
Students Named to the Honor Roll at Somers High School
SOMERS - The following students have been named to the
honor roll at Somers High School
for the first marking period,
according to a list released by the
school.
HIGH HONORS
GRADE NINE
Rebecca Barry
Liana Brockway
Adam Burger
Lauren Colbath
Leah Estanislau
Stacy Fahey
William Flagg
Robert Garlick
Rachael Gotta
Allyssa Harland
Daniel Henderson
Brittney Jurgen
Elizabeth LaVallee
Daniel Madden
Jessie Mandirola
Anthony Morello
Lucia Pantuosco
Alyssa Provencher
Colin Roy
Elizabeth Tarbox
Camille Thomas
Stacy Thomas
Hanna Tyser
HONORS
GRADE NINE
Zachary Anderson
Taylor Atkinson
Peter Bezzini III
Jillian Blauvelt
Alison Brewer
Jessica Conlon
Jana Crisafi
Erika Dubanoski
Lauren Dumas
Alexander Elia
Savanna Ellis
Sarah Erwin
Ryan Fawthrop
Connor Getz
Benjamin Hurchala
Abigail Kim
Jay Kohler
Margaret Meisterling
Sarah Michaels
Heather Moylan
Adam O’Grady
Vincent Palazzolo
Amanda Parker
Devin Pascoe
Samuel Plotkin
Danielle Provencher
Dylan Prucker
Teddy Rentfro
Margaret Russotto
Jason Sepe
Wilfred Torres Jr.
Sara Vanasse
John Vesce IV
Haley Zdebski
HIGH HONORS
GRADE TEN
Julianne Auman
Katelyn Austin
Beth Bardsley
Kayla Bliesener
Kalli Bonin
Samuel Collin
Kaitlyn Diefenderfer
Lauren Drohr
Samantha Dumas
Justine Falcone
Lauryn Falcone
Nathan Fisher
Christine Galinski
Jack Gazis
Erin Henderson
Sarah Hocking
Erin Hull
Ani Kerr
Kevin King
Lauren Kuda
Amanda Laplante
Elizabeth MacLauchlan
Philippe Marquis
Elizabeth Mashiak
Chelsea McCallum
Robert Mulak
Timothy O’Hearn
Megan Palomba
Kathleen Powers
Matthew Ramsey
Casey Ray
Alexis Romano
Danielle Rose
Terri Sawyer
Lauren Silvis
Colleen Slattery
Benjamin Thompson
Mary Waters
Morgan Zachary
Chad Zawistowski
HONORS
GRADE TEN
Codi Alberti
Jessica Bailey
Paige Ballard
Taylor Bidmead
Elizabeth Chatis
Amanda DiLorenzo
Patrick Duffy
Matthew Fragomeni
Colleen Grady
Matthew Hocking
Alexander Iadarola
Matthew Jones
Samantha Kielasinski
Alexander Kinney
Chantel Morin
Richard O’Donnell
Daniel Piscottano
Lauren Ransom
Monica Richi
Heather Socha
Timothy Vollaro
Kristen Zaleski
HIGH HONORS
GRADE ELEVEN
Veronica Andersen
Anthony Brzozowski
Mikaela Elia
Jessica Estanislau
Lawrence Felix
Sarah Garlick
Rachel Goodman
Adam Hurwitz
Lucy Keeney
Brewster Knowlton
Andrew Lariviere
Thomas Minor
Louis Piscottano
Tess Plotkin
Amanda Polak
Nicole Prince
Ann Waters
HONORS
GRADE ELEVEN
Grace Alexander
Sydney Altieri
Danielle Andrzejewski
HONOR ROLL/page 13
James P. Fitzgerald, DMD, MS
Dr. Fitzgerald graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental
Medicine. He completed a residency in General Dentistry at Danbury
Hospital and then returned to the UConn School of Dental Medicine for a
Fellowship in Periodontics.
Dr. Fitzgerald and his staff are dedicated to helping their patients achieve and
maintain good health, function and appearance.
Our practice utilizes current technologies including digital x-rays, which use
less radiation and provide instantaneous images, to make your care better and
more comfortable.
We perform a wide range of general dentistry services, and have a focus on
replacing missing teeth with crowns, bridges and dentures on dental implants.
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(860) 749-0781
48 South Road, Somers, CT 06071
Hours : Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8-5
Open Late on Tuesday 10-7
NCNJan07part1.qxd
1/1/07
8:57 PM
Page 13
Somers
Honor Roll Announced at Somers High
Loralee Bingham
Geno Bologna
Nicholas Braica
Derek Burd
Brian Coughlin
Kelly Desso
Ryan Egan
Denise Foerster
Kristen Gebhart
Lauren Heagie
Ian Hills
Laurie Longtin
Kara McGuane
Chelsie Merone
Amber Pascoe
Thomas Powers
Melissa Regan
Amanda Stanton
Melville Thorne
Sarah Varnauskas
Mackenzie Vita
Gina Welch
Ashley Winter
Andy Yau
HIGH HONORS
GRADE TWELVE
Michael Andrzejewski
Cameron Bastarache
Emily Budd
Jacob Dale
Elizabeth Doyker
Rebecca Dube
Kerry Duffy
Leah Elman
Samantha Fisher
Alison Gedney
David Gorski
Ashley Grenier
Alison Hall
Elizabeth Hocking
Jessica Machnicki
Zackery Mundus
Kevin Orszak
John Pantuosco
Rebekah Papenfuss
Colleen Picard
Samantha Rush
Joanna Salva
Rebecca Sawyer
Courtney Schiessl
Katherine Seagrave
Victoria Sepe
Renee Silvis
Mary Thompson
Colleen Toohey
Laura Traceski
Sophie Turco-Dalmolin
Janet Vamos
Nicole Vamvilis
Jessica Vesce
Rachel Zdebski
HONORS
GRADE TWELVE
Daniel Aikins
Cory Atkinson
Chartfield Bliss
Sarah Bourbeau
Erin Clark
Christopher Cox
Kevin Craig
Victoria DiBacco
Jennifer Drane
Amy Dubiel
Amanda Grady
Nicholas Hoff
Samuel Hurchala
Melissa LaFountain
Courtney Liebelt
Jacqueline Maliga
Bethany Menard
Thomas Munson
Wesley Nutbrown
Emily Oswald
Angela Pio
Rebecca Polek
Victoria Rafferty
Matthew Regan
Justin Richards
Andrea Romano
Brian Shaw
Jillian Turgeon
Christine Zdebski
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Performing Arts Programs
Coming to Somers Rec. Dept.
SOMERS - Somers Parks and
Recreation Department is sponsoring
some exciting new creative programs this
season. Performing Arts Programs, Inc., a
provider of performing arts instruction,
has hit Somers.
The program is currently being offered
throughout New England as well as seasonally in Times Square, NYC.
Michael Lamb, founder and executive
director, created Performing Arts
Programs, Inc. close to 10 years ago in
response to a tremendous need for high
quality performing arts instruction in the
central Connecticut area. Lamb says,
“Since its inception the program has
catered to thousands of young people. We
now offer a variety of programs throughout the state of Connecticut.
“Some of the programs we offer are acting classes, musical theater classes, dance
classes and private lessons in acting, musical theater, singing and audition preparation. We also offer specialty and vacation
programs at The Bushnell Center for the
Performing Arts.
“Many of our students have been featured in local, regional and national tours.
Even though we have the experience and
knowledge to help the more advanced student, our true passion is to help and
instruct the beginner.”
Performing Arts Programs’ instructors
have high skills in the arts as well as sensitivity to the individual needs of the participants. A safe, affirming environment is
created to ensure that each participant can
grow and thrive. The program is progressive, challenging and a lot of fun! But
most importantly, we desire to contribute
to the development of your child’s creativity.
The goal in Somers is to offer the community exciting, highly charged, progressive performing arts instruction for children K-8th grade. This February the
recreation department will be offering
Acting and Broadway Jazz Classes for K1st, 2nd-4th, and 5th-8th graders at the
Kibbe Fuller Community Center and
Somers Elementary Schools.
People can register by calling the office
at (860) 432-9890 or by visiting
www.performingartsprograms.biz to find
out about all the offerings.
&
Banquet Facility
145 Main Street, Somers
(860) 763-5060
www.joannas-banquets.com
Birthday Party
Extravaganza
Book a memorable Birthday Party for your teenager
• Homeowner
• Landscapers
• Contractors
• Snowmobile
• Auto Haulers
• Motorcycle
• Cargo/
• ATV
Motor Homes &
Toter Homers In Stock
888-414-2287
Saturday and Sunday afternoons. You bring
Bring the cake & presents.
We'll provide unlimited pizza and soda in our restaurant followed by
dancing to hip hop & top 40 in our Ballroom.
Monday & Tuesday Dine in Only Special
50% off any Pizza Order
5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
With Coupon. Expires January 31, 2007
145 Main St. Rt. 190,
Somers • 749-6002
Mon.-Fri. 3-10 • Sat & Sun. 11-10
FREE DELIVERY
13
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Page 14
Somers
Students Meet a Team of Sled Dogs
On an unseasonably balmy day in December, eight lively Huskies and their owners
Kathy and Bill visited The Grammar School at Somersville. The Ka-Bi’s Siberian
Huskies of East Windsor were invited to spend time with Mrs. Strachan’s third grade
students to give them a true representation of the life of a mushing sled dog. These
Huskies, which are bred for sled racing, are also used for educational programs in
schools. During the visit, the children were taught how to behave around a dog and
what body language the dog uses to communicate with each other and humans. They
also learned about what is needed on a sled for warmth, food and general provisions.
Additionally, the students were taught about the sledding equipment as well as how to
handle a harness and hook up the sled. They even had the opportunity to see their
teacher and headmaster ride across the soccer field being pulled by the team of
Huskies.
Debbie’s Specialty Cakes, LLC
James W. Persano, CPA
Mahoney Sabol & Company, LLP
Certified Public Accountants
Ct Bakery
Lic #11151
Over 30 Years Experience
Wedding • Birthday • Celebration
860-684-7981
www.debbiesspecialtycakes.com
980 Buckley Hwy., Union, Ct.
LOCAL OFFICES
48 South Road, Unit 15
Somers, Connecticut 06071
(860) 763-1774
(860)763-1774
E
S
XX
R
E
M CORNER OF O
RTES. 190 & 83
SOMERS CENTER
N
9 Main Street, Unit 8
East Windsor, Connecticut 06088
(860)
205-5810
(860)254-5899
SO
Mahoney Sabol & Company, LLP is a comprehensive accounting
firm offering tax, auditing, financial and business consulting services
to a variety of individual, estate and business clients.
Now With Speedpass & Diesel Fuel!
Individual Taxes
Business Taxes
IRS Representation
Accounting & Auditing
Bookkeeping
Payroll
Featuring
Baronet Gourmet Coffee
Flavor of the Month:
• Native
Blueberry •
Gingerbread
(Formerly Somers Mobil)
“You Make It Your Way”
Fast, Fresh & Easy
02/15/07
(Limit one per customer/per month.) Exp. 9/15/05
Free 16 oz. Coffee With This Coupon
NCNpart2.qxd
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Page 15
SOMERS PARKS
& RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Connor's Place Field Road Park
2 0 0 7 W I N T E R P RO G R A M S
Office: The Kibbe Fuller
Community Center
(1st Floor in the office
formerly occupied by the
Somers Police)
619 Main Street, Somers CT
06071
Phone:: 860-763-8231
Fax:: 860-749-9954
OFFICE
E HOURS::
Monday & Friday 9:00 – 1pm
Tuesday & Thursday
9:00 – 1pm
Closed Wednesday
The “Drop Box”, email and
voice mail is checked daily when
the office is closed.
E-MAIL:
Somersrec@yahoo.com
The Recreation Department’s
link on Somersnow.com is
being updated to better serve
your needs. Please watch for
updates in the somersnow.com
weekly emails.
News from your Recreation Department,
Now that the busy holiday season has come and gone, many of you may be looking for a new activity to fill up those long winter days and evenings.
Why not try one of the many programs offered through your Recreation Department? This season brings with it a number of new activities along
with some old favorites. Performing Arts Classes, Jazz and Clowning Workshops, Cartooning, Fencing and Yoga, are just a few of the programs you
can register for at your Recreation Department.
You may have noticed the wonderful holiday decorations on display inside the building this December. These were due to the outstanding efforts of
your local Girl Scout Troops. I would like to commend the girls and their Troop leaders for their great work and also to local citizens for their
donations of toys and food items for the Community Tree.
These donations were all distributed to local families in time for the holidays.
The Somers Recreation Department will be combining efforts with the local scouts again on February 10th, to bring you the 3rd Annual Valentine’s
Dance Party. Please look for further information in the “Special Events” section of this flyer.
The Community Center Fitness Room is moving along with help from a grant from the Walmart Corp. So far we have purchased a treadmill and
an elliptical machine and hope to obtain more equipment to be used by citizens of all ages. If you, your company or organization may be interested
in assisting us with this project, please contact the Recreation Office. We are still looking for donations and applying for grants, so we are able to
have this facility up and running by spring, A new or “newer” tv to be used in the room is also on our list of needs; any assistance would be greatly
appreciated.
This program guide will provide you with a current listing of all the activities offered through the Recreation Department this season. If you would
like even more information, please contact the Recreation Office @ 763-8231 or email somersrec@yahoo.com. Please look to somersnow.com, the
Journal Inquirer, Hartford Courant and the Reminder for further updates on Somers Recreation programs.
I am continuously looking for new activities that will be of interest to all Somers residents and welcome any comments or suggestions concerning
this office, its programs or ideas for new programs. Please feel free to call, email or stop by the Recreation Office this winter; I look forward to
meeting you.
Jenifer B. Charette
Recreation Coordinator
Town of Somers
January 2007 North Central News 15
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Page 16
Our Recreation “Drop Box” has been very well
received. Please continue to utilize it as a
convenient way to submit your program
registrations. This service enables you to register for
programs at YOUR convenience. The Community
Boards, located on the 1st floor and just outside the
entrance of the Community Center, may be used to
post items of community interest, goods and
services for sale, trade and free. The “Drop Box”,
email and voice mail are checked daily when the
office is closed.
Program
m Giftt Certificates are available in various
denominations for birthdays, a special thank you,
holidays or any occasion. These personalized “Gift
Cards” are a great idea for that hard to buy for
person or someone who just needs to do something
for them self. Certificates may be picked up at the
Recreation Office or mailed directly to the recipient.
Please contact the Recreation Office for more
information regarding this unique, personalized gift.
Thee Communityy Centerr sign
n is installed and
available to announce upcoming Recreation
programs, registration dates and registration info for
various sports associations. This new sign is located
on the corner of Main and Battle Streets, adjacent to
your Community Center. Also, a new On-line
registration form is in the works for possible use in
the summer flyer. Look to somersnow.com for
updates on this convenient way to register for
programs.
Compliancee with
h thee Americanss with
h Disabilitiess Act
(ADA)
We strive to accommodate all participants in all of our
programs. If you require special services in order for
you to participate, please include this on your
registration form and give us at least two (2) weeks
advance notice prior to the program.
register for a large majority of our programs by mail or
in person, or reserve a space by fax or email. We
encourage this, as it simplifies the process for the
participants, the instructors and the Recreation Office.
If your registration cannot be completed due to a full
program, you will be notified via phone or email and
placed on a waiting list; your check will be returned if
you do not wish to be on a waiting list. Noo registration
willl bee processed
d withoutt fulll paymentt included.. You
mustt payy in
n fulll priorr too thee startt off thee program.
Non-Residentt Registration:: While we do welcome
non-residents to register for our programs, Somers
residents will receive priority in the registration
process. Openings remaining one week prior to the
beginning of a program may be filled by non-residents.
You may also pre-register for a program and be put on
its waiting list until the week prior to its start. You will
be notified if there is an opening at that time and may
then send payment to the Recreation Department.
n additionall $55 - $100 outt off town
n fee
Note: Theree iss an
forr non-residents..
PAYMENT
T INFORMATION
Payment for most programs may be made by check,
cash or $ order. Some program payments may be
made directly to the instructor. Pleasee notee thatt all
returned
d checkss aree subjectt too a $155 returned
d check
feee and
d an
n additionall $88 handlingg fee.
Please make checks payable to the Somers Recreation
Department.
You may register and pay in person at the Recreation
Office located in the lower level of the Kibbe Fuller
Community Center, or you may mail payment to:
The Somers Recreation Department
619 Main Street
Somers CT 06071
FINANCIAL
L ASSISTANCE
SOMERSS RECREATION
N COMMISSION
The Somers Recreation Commission meets on the first
Monday of each month @ 7pm or 7:30 pm in the
summer months. Meetings are held in the Recreation
Office on the 1st floor of the Community Center. If
you have any ideas, concerns or suggestions pertaining
to the department and its programs, you are
encouraged to attend a meeting. Please contact the
Recreation Office if you wish to be included on an
upcoming agenda or simply attend a meeting as part of
the audience.
Tom Chilicki – Chairman
Pam Coverdill
Rick Lees
Colleen Maniscalco
Chris Meunier
Karen Murdoch
JJ Wassmuth
REGISTRATION
N PROCESSS
For your convenience, after hours registration is
available by downloading a form from the Recreation
website on somersnow.com. Simply fill out the
program registration form, and deposit it in the “Drop
Box”, or email it back to somersrec@yahoo.com. You
will be contacted either by phone or email to confirm
your registration.
Registration
n forr alll summerr programss iss now
underway,, (unlesss noted
d otherwise.)
Pre-Registration is strongly encouraged. You may
Funding is set aside to assist Somers families that
require financial help in registering for programs. For
further information and an application, please contact
the Recreation Office @ 763-8231.
REFUND
D POLICY
As Somers Recreation strives to provide excellent
customer service, we make all attempts to provide you
with top-quality programs at a reasonable price.
Program fees are based on participation numbers and
n when
instructor budgets. Refundss mayy bee given
requestedd in
n advancee orr when
n a programss budget
allows.
• If a program is cancelled by the Somers Recreation
Department, a full refund will be given. Please
allow at least 10 business days for your refund.
• Up to 5 working days prior to the start of a
program, a full refund will be given lesss a $5
processingg fee.
• Prior to the second meeting of a program, full
refunds, less a $5 processing fee will be given only
if the programs listed minimum requirement is still
d off 50%
% off thee program
met – otherwise,, a refund
feee willl bee given..
n on
n tripss orr tickets unless
• Noo refundss willl bee given
theree iss a waitingg listt orr thee eventt iss cancelled
d by
thee Recreation
n Department..
• A creditt may be applied to “in-house” programs only
and may be left as a credit on your “family account.”
YOUTH &
ADULT
PROGRAMS
YOGA
A
Somers Community Center Auditorium
Adults/Teens $48/6 weeks
Yoga Instruction – 2 classes offered!!!
Tuesday evenings @ 6pm “All Levels” Beginning
1/9
Thursday mornings @ 11:00am “Gentle”
Beginning 9/11
Kripalu Yoga is a slow moving series of warm ups and
postures designed to bring you to optimal health.
Practice reduces stress levels, and provides tools for
anxiety management throughout the day. You will
strengthen, tone, increase flexibility, and improve the
function of all body systems. Instruction is down to
earth, clear, and lighthearted! You will feel benefits after
your very first class. This is an excellent opportunity to
experience this ancient practice with a seasoned teacher
at an great price for the whole winter! Diana Ricci has
been a certified Kripalu Yoga teacher and teaching full
time for 10 years.
Please call Diana @ 763 – 5369, or the Recreation
Office for further information and to register.
VIOLIN
N & FIDDLE
INSTRUCTION
All instruction held at Kibbe Fuller Community
Center
Classes: Children (ages 8-12) Mondays 4-5pm
Adults/Teens Tuesdays 7-8pm
3 students minimum per class
$14 per session; pay by the month
Private Lessons:
Flexible scheduling: $18 per _ hour lesson
Instructor: Rosemary Edgar 749-5768
Violinist Rosemary Edgar brings her 15 years of
experience as a musical
educator to the Somers Recreation Department. She
has taught in the Columbia and Manchester School
systems, Ricardo’s Music and Arts Center in Vernon,
Kid’s Academy at the Podunk Bluegrass Festival and is
also a member of the Manchester Symphony
Orchestra. This is a great opportunity for youth and
adults to learn violin or fiddle without having to travel
to the city. Class days and times are flexible and can be
arranged with Rosemary. All classes are held at the
Community Center.
For further information and to register, please contact
the Recreation Department @ 763-8231 or Rosemary
Edgar @ 749-5768.
MEN’SS OPEN
N BASKETBALL
Mondays & Thursdays 8:30-10:00PM
MBA Gym. Fee: $10 ($25 for non-residents)
For fun & exercise come down and play pickup
basketball. Times and days are subject to change, please
call the Recreation Office @ 763-8231 for more
information.
Please register and pay at the MBA gym.
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Page 17
SCRAP
P BOOKING
G CLASSES
Scrapbookk Sundays
Held the last Sunday afternoon of every month at
Somers Rec Ctr - 1:00-4:00 pm
Jan 28: Register by 1/21 (includes demo of Digital
Storybooks 2-2:30pm)
Feb 25: Register by 2/18
Mar 25: Register by 3/18
$5 per session ~ Sunday Special: Let me pay
your workshop fee! Register on time and you
receive $5 off any $25 order or product purchase
made at the workshop.
Bring a friend and choose gifts from the
"friendship basket."
Each afternoon will feature a new technique or group of
border ideas and new products. All levels of experience
welcome! Bring your tools and supplies. Beginners
looking to get started bring 5-6 photos of one event,
materials are provided for your first album page. You'll
love my personal assistance, let me help you Power Sort,
Power Layout or make your album fast with Power
Palettes! To reserve your seat, call Deb Stone, Creative
Memories Consultant 860-749-5871 or visit
www.mycmsite.com/debstone
Morningg Scrapbookingg Workshops
@ Deb's
9am to 1pm, coffee and pastry included
Jan 10 Wed Register by 1/8
Jan 23 Tues Register by 1/16
Feb 7 Wed Register by 1/31
Feb 27 Tues Register by 2/20
Mar 6 Tues Register by 2/27
Mar 21 Wed Register by 3/13
$5 per session - Register on time for choice of
bonus gift! Bring a friend who I have not met for
additional "friend gifts!"
Enjoy a block of morning time to work on your albums!
All levels of experience are welcome. Bring your tools
and supplies. Beginners looking to get started bring 5-6
photos of one event. You'll love my personal assistance.
For directions and to reserve your seat, call Deb Stone,
Creative Memories Consultant 860-749-5871 or visit
CRIATIONS
12 South Road, Rt. 83 Somers
Beginner and intermediate courses to keep you knitting
this winter…
For more information or registration for upcoming
classes, call Criations @ 860-749-4055. You may also
visit Criations at www.hampdenhillsalpacas.com
or www.criations.net
CO
O DO
O KWAN
N–
TAE
E KWAN
N DO
Open Instruction:
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 6 – 7:30pm
Alternating Saturdays: 12noon – 2pm
Kibbe Fuller Community Center
Registration packets are available at the
Recreation Office
For further information, please contact Mr Coelho,
Certified Kukkiwon Instructor @ 851-9036.
LINE
E DANCING
G LESSONS
Beginner Line Dancing Classes
For further information, please contact Lynn
Connolly @ 413-783-1477
*NEW!! Digitall StoryBooks!!
Sunday, Jan 28th
Free Demonstration 2:00-2:30pm during the
Scrapbook Sunday workshop
Register by1/21 seating is limited
Love your photos but not into "scrapbooking" them?
Here's a beautiful way to share your digital photos and
the stories that go along with them! Digital StoryBooks
are hardcover stitched books just like a published book!
Learn how easy they are to make...just by dragging and
dropping your images into predesigned templates and
typing your story. To reserve your seat for this 1/2 hr
demo, call Deb Stone, Creative Memories Consultant
860-749-5871 or visit
www.mycmsite.com/debstone for more information on
Digital StoryBooks.
Tuesdayy Eveningg Scrapbooking
Workshops
Held Tuesday evenings at Somers Rec Ctr 6:30-10pm
Jan 23: Register by 1/16
$5 per session - Register on time for your choice
of bonus gift! Bring a friend who I have not met
for additional "friendship gifts!"
A series of winter workshops to help you organize your
photos and FINISH your albums! All levels of
experience welcome! Bring your tools and supplies.
Beginners looking to get started bring 5-6 photos of one
event. You'll love my personal assistance. Each evening
will feature new techniques, ideas and products. If you
overwhelmed with boxes of photos and memories, call
ahead for a free consult, I'll help you figure it out. To
reserve your seat or schedule a consult, call Deb Stone,
Creative Memories Consultant 860-749-5871 or visit
HEALTHKICKTAE
E KWON
N DO
Healthkick, 71 West Stafford Rd. Stafford Springs
Tuesday/Thursday @ 4, 4:30, 5 and 6pm
Fee: $85 Class runs continuously
Instructor: Mrs Baxter
Martial Arts for ages 4-70, separate class structures
according to age groups, class size and ability.
FENCING
Learn the noble art and sport of fencing!
This continuously running program will teach you all
aspects of foil fencing, including footwork, basic offense
and defense.
After a few weeks you'll be fencing and ready to move
on to the more advanced foil or maybe try epee or saber
fencing. Provide your own equipment (we can provide
information on where to purchase it) or rent it from us.
Note: Classes are now held every Saturday; this is a
continuously running program, you can join at any
time. First week for 2007 is January 6th!
Ages 12 and up. Course fee is $40/month and
equipment rental is $40 (on a sliding scale).
Advanced/Intermediate/beginner Class: Saturdays
10am – 11:30
Open Fencing: Saturdays, 10-11:30
$10/wk for advanced students
Location: Somers Community Center Gym
This class is limited to 20 students
Instructor: Paul Sise, who is certified internationally as a
Prevost d' Armes and as a Level 3 Coach by the US
Fencing Association's Coaches College held at the US
Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO.
You may also wish to include:
A limited number of individual lessons in foil, epee, or
saber, will be available to more experienced fencers who
are enrolled in the class for an additional fee. Individual
lessons will be given after the day's group instruction is
concluded.
CARTOONING
G
Instructor: Adam Arrowsmith
Location: Kibbe Fuller Community Center
Mondays: Beginning January 22nd
7:00-8:00pm: 4 weeks
Fee: $30
Students should bring a drawing pad and whatever they
prefer to draw with: pencils, pens, crayons, color
pencils, etc.
This course offers a fun look into the world of
cartooning. Different aspects of cartooning will be
taught, from the basics cartooning fundamentals to the
many different styles of cartooning that you see today.
This class will help you learn to stimulate your
imagination and come up with more original cartoons.
Cartooning is a fun activity for people of all ages who
like to draw. Its only limitations are your creativity.
You may email Adam @ RetinaDamage@aol.com with
any questions.
THE
E WRIGHT
T BOATING
COURSE
E
CT Certification in Safe Boating and Personal
Watercraft
Two upcoming sessions: March 10th or June
30th 8:30am-4:30pm
Instructor: Kathleen Wright Gilbert
Cost: $60/student (includes Boater’s Guide &
Basic Boating Book)
Course approved by: NASBLA and the DEP Boating
division of CT.
17
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Page 18
Ages 10 and up Walk –ins welcome Need at least
6 students to hold class.
Course set up: 6 hour lecture, _ hour review, 1 hour test,
1 hour lunch (it is strongly recommended the student
also study for test during this time)(passing grade of
80% needed for certification) One free retake provided
at a time convenient for instructor and student. Please
contact the Somers Recreation Office to register and for
further information.
HEALTHKICK
K - Yogaa
71 Stafford Road
RT. 190- Just past the Big Y
Stafford Springs
Tuesday/Thursdays 7-9pm
Continuous program $60/six classes
Yoga classes, based upon Hatha Yoga principals, evening
classes for relaxationRejuvenation and inspiration of
self.
Call Healthkick @ 684-2554 for more information.
CARDIO
O KICKBOXING
Healthkick
71 Stafford Road
RT. 190- Just past the Big Y
Stafford Springs
Mondays @ 7pm
Instructor: Jane
$70 for 10 classes which run continuously
Call 684-2554 for more information
SENIOR
PROGRAMS
All adult recreation department programs are open to
seniors. In addition there are several programs offered
at the Somers Senior Center. Including Aerobics for
Seniors, Bingo, Quilter’s Club, Cards, Tai-Chi, Bridge,
and weekly blood pressure checks.
For more information contact the Senior Center at 7634379.
CHILDREN’S
PROGRAMS
TOT
T BASKETBALL
Location: Somers Community Center Gym
4 Saturdays: beginning January 20th
9-9:45am or 9:45-10:30am
Ages 3-5
Fee: $30 ($35 out of town) includes basketball and
Tot-basketball t-shirt
Join coach Kevin Richards for this fun introduction to
the sport of basketball!
The main emphasis of this program is to have fun, while
laying the foundation for future basketball interest.
Parental volunteers are essential to this program, please
indicate your willingness to help when registering.
Please register with the Recreation Office for this
program by January 12th, as class size is limited.
TOT
T EXERCISE
E CLASS
THE
E KID’SS ACADEMY
4 Saturdays: February 17th - March 10th
9 – 9:45am
Kibbe Fuller Community Center Gym
Children age 4-6
Fee: $25
While there is nothing wrong with exposing your
children to structured, organized sports at an early age,
sometimes it’s also nice to let them experience free and
expressive play through games that stress cooperation
rather than competition. Kevin has put together a
variety of games that can be played at home to teach
young children (age 4-6) and their parents the benefits
of being active rather than watching TV. This program
is coordinated by Springfield College physical education
major and Somers resident Kevin Richards, who has
assembled four lessons each consisting of four games (16
games in all) that young children are bound to love. The
games consist of everything from tag games to
cooperative games and modified sports games and will
most definitely keep children excited and engaged in
physical activity.
Please register with the Recreation Office by Feb 1st for
this program @ 763-8231 or somersrec@yahoo.com.
Kid’s Academy Daycare and Early Education
Center
27 Quality Avenue, Somers
Offering infant, toddler, preschool and school aged
programs.
Our goal is to bring out the best in every child by
creating an inviting and fun atmosphere. The
importance children being able to express themselves
and head on the right path to becoming exceptional
young people is what we teach at Kid’s Academy.
Quality tutoring services are available and designed
specifically for children in K-6 grade. If you are looking
for a tutoring program that offers highly specialized,
group or one on one tutoring, then you’ve come to the
right place.
Come in and see our new facility, call 763-4488 or visit
our website www.thekidsacademy.com for more
information.
TOLLAND
D COUNTY
Y MUSIC
TOGETHER
DRUM in the New Year with TCMT!
JANE ROETS, DIRECTOR
*Pick up a registration form in the recreation office or
call 324-8126 *
ALL CHILDREN ARE MUSICAL! At Music Together
we emphasize actual musical experiences rather than
concepts about music; we introduce children to the
pleasures of making music instead of passively receiving
it from CD’s or television. Because young children
instinctively respond to and imitate their loved ones, the
active participation of parents and caregivers - regardless
of their musical ability - is an essential part of the rich
musical environment we create. COME MAKE
MUSIC WITH US!
Winter session for children ages newborn to 5 and their
caregivers will run once a week for 10 weeks beginning
Wednesday Jan 10th and Saturday January 11th.
Wednesdays 9:15am
Family Classes – children 0-5 with Jane
Wednesdays 10:15am
Wednesdays 1pm
Saturdays 9:30 & 10:30am
Tuition is $150 for 1 child, $230 for 2 children or $280
for 3 children (infants born after May 8th 2006 months
are free with a registered sibling).
Tuition includes classes, songbook, CD, tape and parent
guide for new Music Together families. We also have
gift certificates available - makes a great gift from
Grandparents!
To be on our mailing list and receive information on
demo classes and early registration, please contact Jane
via the information below.
Please call 324-8126 or e-mail Jane at
<jnjroets@comcast.net>for more information. You can
also check out our website at
<www.tcmusictogether.com>
TCMT GIFT CERTIFICATES NOW AVAILABLE!
YOUTH
PROGRAMS
INTEGRITY
Y MARTIAL
L ARTS’
Somers Recreation – Winter 2007
Participants will learn Respect, Discipline and
Confidence in an environment that is fun and exciting.
They will practice martial arts, as well as gain the selfcontrol to use those skills only when necessary.
Certified black belt instructors with extensive
experience teaching children of all ages and
developmental levels will direct the classes. Checks
should be made payable to Integrity Martial Arts. Any
questions, please call Integrity Martial Arts at 860-6989226.
SMALL
L SAMURAI
(Agess 4-5)
:
Dates: January 8th-February 15th*
(see note below)
Day: Monday and Wednesdays
Time: 4:00-4:30PM
Limit: 10 students
Fee: $49.00
Location: Integrity Martial Arts, 585 Hazard Ave.
(Route 190), Scitico Plaza in Enfield
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Page 19
*Please Note: Classes will be not be held on Jan. 10th
or Feb. 14th. Instead, those classes only will be held on
Thursday, Jan. 11th and Feb. 15th at 5-5:30PM.
POWER
R PLAYTM
M
BEGINNERSS (Agess 6-10):
Dates: January 8th-February 15th* (see note
below)
Day: Mondays & Wednesdays
Time: 4:30-5:00pm
Limit: 10 students
Fee: $49.00
*Please Note: Classes will be not be held on Jan. 10th
or Feb. 14th. Instead, those classes only will be held on
Thursday, Jan. 11th and Feb. 15th at 5-5:30PM.
MUSICAL
L INSTRUMENT
LESSONSS
Dennis & Lynn Goss
Professional, Certified Musical Educators
1/2 hour – 45 min. lessons on Piano, flute, guitar,
clarinet, saxaphone, trumpet, French horn, baritone
horn, trombone, tuba and voice.
Enjoy learning beginning to advanced musical
Reading skills. Family rates.
Please contact Dennis & Lynn Goss in Somers
@ 749-5654 weekdays M-F for more information.
RECREATION
N TRACK
K
& FIELD
NEW!! ANTI-BULLYING
SEMINAR
R (AGESS 8-14):
Students will learn how to handle common bullying
situations through a variety of verbal and physical skills.
The course will focus on both physical and social
bullying.
Dates: January 17th, 24th and 31st
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 6:00-7:00pm
Limit: 15 students
Fee: $49.00
CARTOONING
G
Instructor: Adam Arrowsmith
Mondays: Beginning January 22nd
7:00-8:00pm: 4 weeks
Fee: $30
Students should bring a drawing pad and whatever they
prefer to draw with: pencils, pens, crayons, color
pencils, etc.
This course offers a fun look into the world of
cartooning. Different aspects of cartooning will be
taught, from the basics cartooning fundamentals to the
many different styles of cartooning that you see today.
This class will help you learn to stimulate your
imagination and come up with more original cartoons.
Cartooning is a fun activity for people of all ages who
like to draw. Its only limitations are your creativity.
You may email Adam @ RetinaDamage@aol.com with
any questions
AFTER
R SCHOOL
L TAE
E KWON
N DO
Co Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do is offering the
following classes at The Kibbe Fuller Community
Center 619 Main Street Somers, CT
After School Program - Grades K – 5:
Tuesday & Thursday 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Classes Include: One Hour Homework, One Hour
Tae Kwon Do Instruction
After School Program - Grades 6 – 12:
Tuesday & Thursday 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Classes Include: One-Hour Homework One-Hour
Tae Kwon Do Instruction and One-Hour
Leadership Team.
A registration packet is available at the Recreation Office
For further information, please call Mr.Coelho,
Certified Kukkiwon Instructor at 851-9036.
HORSEBACK
K RIDING
Shallowbrook Equestrian Center
247 Hall Hill Rd, Somers
Dates: continuously offered
Children and adults
Both children and adults will enjoy learning to ride on
the beautiful horses at Shallowbrook Equestrian Center
in Somers (247 Hall Hill Rd)
For more information and up to dates fees, please call
Shallowbrook @ 749-0749
Somers Recreation Dept. and Performing Arts
Programs presents:
ACTING
G CLASS!
ww.performingartsprograms.biz
Don’t miss out on this energetic, exciting class that
teaches theater games, concentration exercises, voice
and speech, improvisational exercises, Acting
terminology,sense memory, subtext, stage skills and
script work.
These classes will also be challenging and offer new and
exciting activities for the more experienced participant
as well! (All materials will be provided and included in
program price.)
Class dates: Fridays Feb 9-April 6
(skip 2/23 and 3/23)
Program fee: Only $85 ($82 if you register online)
TIMES & LOCATIONS
Grades K-1st 3:20-4:05pm
Somers Elementary School
(parents must provide a note to the school office)
Grades 2-4th 4:25-5:20pm
Grades 5-8th 5:25-6:20pm
and Performing Arts Progra
BROADWAY JAZZ
LOCATION: Kibbe Fuller Community Center
Class dates: Thursdays Feb 8-March 29
(skip 2/22)
Program fee: Only $85 ($82 if you register online)
Class times: K-1: 4:15-5PM
GRADES 2 – 4: 5:05-6PM
GRADES 5- 8: 6:05 – 7PM
Students in this class will be introduced to basic styles of
jazz dance and movement. Participants will learn dance
combinations to "Broadway" musical theater songs and
also work on "acting" while they dance! This will be an
exciting, fun, and highly charged class; which will have
aninformal showing on the last day! Jazz shoes or
sneakers required.
WINTER CLASSES…UNLEASH YOUR
CREATIVITY
Register online or by phone and receive a DISCOUNT!
www.performingartsprograms.biz or 860-432-9890
Registration for the Recreation Dept. Track & Field
program will take place the first two weeks of March.
The program is open to grades 4 – 8, will begin in late
April and run through early June. For more information
you may contact Jenifer Charette at 763-8231.
The Recreation Department track team has meets with
other town teams from Ellington and Vernon. Practices
are held Mondays after school from 2:30 - 4:15 for
grades 6-8 and 3:15 – 4:15 for grades 4-5. Meets are
held on Wednesdays.
Parental participation is
encouraged and needed. Come join the 40+ members of
this great team and learn about the “other”
spring/summer sport. Fee: $20 (includes team shirt and
year-end party.)
CLOWNING
G WORKSHOP
Instructor: Wendy Peterson
Location: Auditorium
Somers Elementary School
5 weeks: 2/26, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, & 3/26
3:15 – 4:45pm
Grades 1 - 5
Fee: $10.00
(Fee covers clown make-up and photography costs)
Please make checks payable to Wendy Peterson
Class size: 12 students maximum
Children will learn clowning techniques, how to put on
clown make-up and participate in 3 clowning skits.
Please register with and make checks payable to Wendy
Peterson @ least 1 week prior to first class.
*Parents must send in a permission note for students to
stay after school and attend this program.
BABYSITTING
G
Tentatively scheduled for February vacation week
10am – 12noon
Instructor: Arlene Yarnes
Fee: $25 (Make checks payable to Arlene Yarnes)
Class min: 10 max: 16
This program will enable young adults to confidently
handle the responsibilities associated with child care.
This three session course will involve infant care and 1st
aid along with fire, home and phone safety. A portion of
the course is also geared towards the older sibling who is
“home-in-charge” of their brother or sister. Because the
course is condensed into 6 hours, attendance is
mandatory to receive your Somers Recreation
Babysitting Home-In-Charge Certificate. Please register
with the Recreation Department for this program. A
minimum of 10 students are required to hold this class.
19
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HEALTH
PROGRAMS
DJ- Kaz the Kool will be back to play your favorite
tunes!!!!
Music, games, crafts, face painting, snacks & more!
Last year we had a great time and collected over 10
boxes full of food for our local food pantry. This year,
with the help of our local Girl Scout Troops, we hope to
top the fun and the donations!
Please watch your child’s backpacks and
Somersnow.com for updates and sign up info.
CPR
R
Location: Somers Fire Department
For times and dates of upcoming CPR certification
courses this winter, please contact Bill Meier III at the
Somers Fire Department @ 749-7626 or email:
bill.meier@somersfire.org. This is an American Heart
Association, Heartsaver AED course, covering Adult,
Child and Infant CPR. You must attend both nights of
your chosen session in order to receive your CPR
certification.
The Solution for your Resolution – Somers Residents
Sweat your socks off and burn those extra holiday
calories with FREE indoor Cycling At Gold’s Gym,
Scitico free fitness Wednesdays for the month of
January.
This 50-minute cycling class, which begins at 7pm, is a
great core and cardio workout!
After your cycling class, join us for a free workout in the
#1 rated gym in the area.
Call 763-1909 to register.
The staff at Gold’s Gym wishes all a happy and healthy
New Year.
APRIL
L VACATION
N NEW
W YORK
CITY
Y TRIP
P
Wednesday, April 18th
$42/pp includes luxury motor coach
transportation and driver gratuity.
Take in a play, tour the museums or just go
sightseeing!
The bus departs form the Community Center lot
at 7am and leaves NYC at 7pm.
There is a possibility of tickets to the Mary Poppins
production on Broadway for an additional fee, so
reserve your space now, as this trip fills up quickly!
Please watch somersnow.com and the local papers for up
to date information.
NATURE
TRIPS,
TICKETS
& SPECIAL
EVENTS
SOMERSS RECREATION’SS 3RD
ANNUAL
L VALENTINE’SS PARTY
Children PK – 5th grade
Saturday, February 10, 2007 1 – 4pm
Admission: $2 and donation of a non-perishable food
item.
SOMERSS SPORTS
ASSOCIATIONS
REGISTRATION
N DATES
SOMERSS LACROSSE
ASSOCIATION
For information please go to the Somers Lacrosse
Association link on somersnow.com or email
SomersLax@sbcglobal.net
SOMERSS LITTLE
E LEAGUE
REGISTRATION
Friday, Jan. 12th 6-8pm
Sat. Jan. 13th 9-12noon
Wed. Jan. 17th 6-8pm
Friday, Jan. 19th 6-8pm
Sat. Jan. 20th 9-12noon
All registrations will be held at the Kibbe Fuller
Community Center Players must be present for uniform
sizing. Please bring a certified Birth certificate. If this is
your child’s first time registering with Somers LL. You
will also need your child’s Doctor and insurance
information.
For more information, please go to the Somers Little
League website.
SOMERSS PONYTAIL
SOFTBALL
L REGISTRATION
SUNSET/MOONLIGHT
T HIKESS
att thee SKYLINE
E SCENIC
C AREA
BIRDING AT McCANN'S
at the WHIT DAVIS BIRD SANCTUARY
For information on specific themes and days of hikes,
please contact Jerry Stage @ 870-4255 or Ginny Patsun
@ 763-4047 or email gpatsun@yahoo.com.
Take advantage of great group rates to those warm
weather destinations!
There are still openings on many Caribbean cruises, allinclusive packages to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
and the Bahamas. Book now, or you’ll be wishing you
did when we’re buried in snow!
Please contact Kim Keesee & Lynn Scavotto of Travel
Dreams,
LLC
@
749-9589
or
email
traveldreams@cox.net for more information.
MOVIE
E NIGHT
T AT
T THE
COMMUNITY
Y CENTER
February 23rd!
Popcorn & a movie! Admission is your donation of a
non-perishable food item.
Watch your child’s backpack and somersnow.com for
more information on the movie and show time!
FUN
N IN
N THE
E SUN
N FOR
FEBRUARY
Y AND
D APRIL
SCHOOL
L VACATIONS!
Somers Ponytail Softball will hold registration for the
2007 Spring Softball Seasat Town Hall in the lower level
meeting room.
Registration dates are on Fridays, February 2nd &
February 9th from 6pm – 8pm and on Saturdays,
February 3rd & February 10th from 9am – noon.
Players that are new to the program should bring their
birth certificate to be shown at registration. It is highly
recommended that players attend registration since they
will be fitted for their uniform at that time. For more
information on registration and the Ponytail softball
program,
please
visit
their
website
at
www.SomersSoftball.com
SPRING
G SOCCER
REGISTRATION
Spring 2007 Soccer Registration will be ON LINE
ONLY
beginning January 1, 2007 until March 1, 2007.
The Program is open to children Kindergarten thru 8th
Grade.
Please register at our new web site,
www.SomersSoccerAssociation.org.
Any questions, please contact Wayne Marshman at
wmarshman@cox.net.
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SPORTSS PROGRAM
CONTACTS
SOMERSS SPORTSMEN
For general information you may contact the Recreation
Office, for more specifics please contact the
representatives of these associations.
Park Maintenance Dept.:
Mike Provencher - 763-8237
Somers Basketball Assoc:
Sloane Stetson – 749-3316
Somers Lacrosse Assoc:
Mark Murdoch – 749-2737
L.L. - Ponytail Softball:
Chris Meunier – 749-5287
Little League Baseball:
Kaz Kruzel – 698-6497
Coed Softball:
Jenifer Charette – 763-8231
Somers Soccer Assoc:
Mark Lorenzi – 763-2985
Somers Youth Wrestling:
Scott Zachary - 749-7785
Somers NFL Flag Football:
Rich Coverdill – 763-0821
Somers Youth Hockey:
Rich Geoffroy – 763-1840
Women’s Volleyball:
Melissa Hughes – 763-2689
Recreation Track & Field:
Jenifer Charette – 763-8231
Indian Valley YMCA:
Tom Gentile – 872-7329 ext 21
Boy Scout Troop 387:
William Durels – 749-3907
Girl Scouts:
Kathy Fuller – 749-8506 or 749-5300
Somers Sportsmen:
Mike Provencher – 763-4744
The sportsmen host trap shooting every Sunday at
12:00. Also, pistol shooting, rimfire and center fire on
the second Sunday of every month starting at 11:00
AM. Both of these events are open to the public. If you
are a seasoned shooter or just starting out we welcome
you. Come out and have some fun, for more
information contact Mike Provencher at 763-4744.
SOMERSS PUBLIC
C LIBRARY
Call the library at 763-3501 for more information on
these events:
• Pajama Storytimes
• Winter Storytimes
SOMERSS CULTURAL
COMMISSION
Somers Cultural Comm. 600 Main Street, Somers CT
06071
For up to date info, go to somersnow.com
THE
E SOMERSS VILLAGE
PLAYERS
Millpond Playhouse 55 School Street Somers
P. O. Box 461 Somers CT 06071
The Village Players is a non-profit community theatre
group founded in 1971. Membership is open to anyone
interested; no theatre experience is necessary. The
Village Players typically produce two shows per year and
2-3 Readers Theatre events per year. The Village Players
meet at Millpond Playhouse once per month—all are
welcome. Call Marilyn Anderson to find out our
monthly meeting dates: 749-6686.
Thee Somerss Historicall Society,, Inc.
SOCIETY
Y ADDRESSES
Web site:
www.SomersNow.com/HistoricalSociety/index.htm
Somers Historical Society Museum,
11 Battle Street; Mailing address: PO Box 652,
Somers CT 06071
The MOMS Club of Somers is proud to provide a
support group to stay at home moms residing in the
town of Somers. We offer a variety of activities for you
and your children. Whether you stay at home full time,
work outside the home part-time or have a home
business, we’d like to have you as a member too! We
meet once a month to discuss various issues important
to the club and to set the calendar for the following
month. Some of our activities have included:
Park Days
Tours of the Firehouse and Fire trucks
Trips to zoos and game farms
Playgroups in members’ homes and at the Kibbe Fuller
Community Center.
Being an at home mom need not isolate you. You may
bring your children to any daytime event. Babies are
welcome and you may nurse at any of our activities. We
all have one thing in common and that is that the
MOMS Club of Somers introduced us to other moms
who soon became our friends! If you are interested in
hearing more, please contact Maggie @ 749-3620 or
maggieski@cox.net.
Thiss Winterr registration
n form
m iss alsoo availablee on
n line
Somerss Recreation
n Winterr 2007
7 Registration
n Form
Program/Trip Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Street: __________________________________________________________________________________________PO Box/Apt #: ____________________________
Town: __________________________________________________________________________________________Daytime phone: ____________________________
E-mail: ___________________________________________________________Cell#: _____________________________________ bb__________________________
Emergency Contact: ____________________________________________________________________ #__________________________________________________
Please complete below for Tot/Youth programs:
Age: ___________ DOB: ___________ Grade: ___________
Parent/Guardian/s name: __________________________________________________________Daytime phone: _____________________________________________
Please provide necessary medical info: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I give my child permission to participate in this program and to receive medical treatment at the nearest hospital in case of an emergency. I will not hold anyone associated with
the program or the Somers Recreation Dept., responsible for any accident, injury or damage to personal property that may arise from participating in this program
Parent/Guardian signature: _________________________________________________________________________Date: ___________________________________
Please keep this portion as your receipt:
Payment amount $:____________________________________ Check #:_________________Date Paid:_________________
21
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Hours & Holidays:
Mon-Thurs:
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
51 Ninth District Road • Somers, CT 06071
(860) 763-3501 / Fax: (860) 763-1718
Email: somerspl@biblio.org / Website: www.SomersNow.com/library
RESPONDING TO THE
NEED FOR EXPANSION
The Finance Board has approved the Library Expansion Study Committee’s
request to present the project to Somers voters for approval. The Selectmen
will soon be setting dates for this process.
Citizens want to know the cost of expanding the library and the effect on taxes.
In January we will be mailing another issue of Bookmark detailing the costs,
but the short version is: This project will fit into the town’s projections over
the next seven years – and beyond.
Bonding the library will cost about one-third of a mil, which is about $60 a
year in taxes on a house assessed at $200,000 (market value at $286,000). The
committee feels this is a realistic expectation for a library that will serve
Somers another twenty years.
Questions have also come up regarding the how and why of expanding the
library. Some of the answers are:
1 Libraries are not obsolete. People still read books. The Internet has
changed the way we process information, but the library has access to
additional on-line resources and personnel trained to help sort it all out.
The library also has books on CD, movies, and other media – all are
available to check out at no cost. In addition, the library offers programs for all age groups.
2. We currently have three full time staff members and 11 part time –
some of whom only work one weekend a month. A larger building will
require some additional custodial hours and we expect to add one or
two additional part time library assistants. The additions will impact our
budget, but not excessively, and those have been figured in the Finance
Board’s long-term plan.
3. Even though we plan to double the size of the building, energy
costs will not double. The building will be more energy efficient, and it
is estimated that electric costs would increase by less than 50%.
4 Yes, the new building will provide for quiet spaces to read and
study. It will also have additional computers for research and checking
collections, others for adult use, and more computers for students. It is
appropriate to have computers linked to the schools so students can
access their work when schools are closed. The library is open 56 hours
a week.
A good public library is a basic service that town residents are entitled to and
expect. People move to a community because of the quality of services. A
recent issue of Connecticut Magazine ranked Somers as number seven of the
23 towns our size. One of the reasons for the high rating was attributed to
“Leisure/Culture” services, which include the library.
Last year people made approximately 62,500 visits to the library, and attendance at programs was 2,599. The computers were used approximately 5,500
times and 92,421 items were checked out. These numbers steadily increase
every year. We are a growing town and the library needs to grow along with it.
Shirley Warner, Chr.
Library Board of Directors
New Service for Audio Book Listeners
Do you enjoy listening to audio books but find the downloading feature to an MP3 player too confusing, or you don’t have a CD player in your
car? At the end of January the library will begin offering a new service called
“Playaway Audio Books.” The Playaway is a portable digital audio book, about
the size of your library card, and is loaded with a single audio book. It also
comes with a lanyard to make it comfortable to wear around your neck and it
“bookmarks” itself when you turn it off, so you won’t lose your place. No
more fumbling with multiple CDs or cassettes to hear an entire book, no new
technology to learn, and no special equipment necessary. Check later in the
month for more information or a list of available titles.
10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed:
Jan. 15 - Martin Luther King
Day
Feb. 19 - Presidents’ Day
A Fond Farewell
Annette Ouellet, Children’s Librarian
at the Somers Library since 1999, will retire
from her position in mid- February. In
announcing her decision, Annette said “I
would like to spend more time with my children and grandchildren, work on my genealogy, and – read!” Annette also looks forward to
travel and gardening, but would like to stay
involved with the library as time permits.
Please stop by the library between
1:00 and 4:00 on Friday, February 16 to offer your own best wishes to Annette and enjoy some light refreshments.
Winter Programs for Children
Storytime Registration:
Registration for the Winter
Storytime session which runs from
January 10 – February 15 continues
for Somers residents and opens for
nonresidents on January 3.
The winter session includes the following programs:
Mother Goose Storytime for children 12-24 months will meet on
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Toddler Storytime for ages 2 and 3
will be Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Preschool Storytime for ages 4 and
5 meets at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Pajama Storytime:
Pajama storytimes are regularly held
on the second Tuesday of each month
from 6:45-7:15 pm. Children ages 3
to 6, and their parents and siblings,
are invited to listen to a selection of
special stories. If the children wear
their pajamas and bring a favorite
stuffed animal, they’ll be ready for
bed right after storytime. Registration
is not required.
Mark your calendars for Tuesday,
January 9 featuring stories about
snow, and Valentine stories on
February 13!
Programs
Monday Matinee
The sensuous thrill of ballroom dancing collides with the hip-hop world of
self-expression in the feature film Take
the Lead which will be shown on
Monday, January 8, at 1:00 p.m.
Inspired by a true story, Antonio
Banderas stars as Pierre Dulane, a dance
teacher who decides to teach the foxtrot
and tango to a group of inner-city high
school students.
On Monday, February 12 at 1:00
p.m. the feature film will be The Devil
Wears Prada. A naïve young woman
comes to New York and scores a job as
the assistant to one of the city’s biggest,
but also ruthless and cynical magazine
editors, played by Meryl Streep.
The free Monday Matinees do not
require a ticket and registration is not
required.
One-Session Book Discussion
On Wednesday, February 28, the
adult book discussion group will meet at
7:00 p.m. to discuss Suzanne Strempek
Shea’s Lily of the Valley. In this novel,
local author Shea returns to the place
she knows so well to introduce Lily
Welk, an artist who longs to create a
memorable masterpiece – and who finds
the key to her dream is in her own backyard.
Copies of the book will be available
at the library. Discussion leader is
Denise Stankovics. Call 860-763-3501
to register or to reserve a book.
Historical Hartford Courant Online
iCONN, a selection of databases provided free to library users
from the Connecticut State Library, now includes the historical Hartford
Courant. This database includes full-page coverage of the newspaper from
its first issue in 1764 up through December 31, 1922. Any Connecticut resident with a valid public library card can connect to this new resource from
home or within the library at www.iconn.org.
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Regional
Hospital’s Program Provides Food and Nutrition Info to Families
VERNON – State residents who meet
certain income and other requirements can
obtain nutritious food and nutrition education through the Women, Infants, and
Children (WIC) program of Rockville
General Hospital. The hospital is an affiliate of Eastern Connecticut Health Network
(ECHN).
More than 1,550 people in 10 area
towns currently participate in this ECHN
program. Women who are pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding, infants under one
year of age, and children between the ages
of one and five are eligible to receive the
food. In addition, participants must have a
demonstrated medical or nutritional need
for the food and must meet certain income
guidelines. For example, a family of four
with an income of $712 a week ($37,000 a
year) would qualify.
Individuals do not have to be receiving
state or town assistance to qualify for the
program. Many participants use the program on a short-term basis, while they are
out of work or in a lower-paying job.
Participants are given checks which can be
redeemed at most area food stores for
nutritious foods, including eggs, milk,
cheese, juice, cereal, peanut butter, and
infant formula.
The WIC program, a national program
funded by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture that began 32 years ago, has
17 agencies in Connecticut. The Rockville
General Hospital/Vernon WIC program
serves residents of Vernon, Ellington,
Tolland, East Windsor, Enfield, Windsor
Locks, Suffield, Somers, Stafford, and
East Granby.
The main WIC office is located at 11
Park St. in the Rockville section of Vernon.
A satellite office is staffed four days a
DAR Will Honor Local High School Students
VERNON – The Captain Noah Grant
Chapter, National Society Daughters of
the American Revolution will hold its next
meeting on Jan. 6 at 1:30 p.m. in the GAR
Room of the Rockville-Vernon Town Hall,
14 Park Place, Vernon. During this meeting, presentations will be made to honor
the 2006-2007 Good Citizen Award
Winners from the local high schools in
Vernon, Tolland, Ellington and Stafford. A
special program will also take place featuring the Madrigal Singers from Stafford
High School. Prospective members are
welcome to attend. Contact April Staley at
(860) 871-9742 or visit www.dar.org for
more information.
ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS
62 AND OLDER
Find out if a
REVERSE MORTGAGE
month in Enfield, at the Angelo Lamagna
Activity Center, 19 North Main St., to
serve residents of Enfield and Suffield.
A third office operates one day a month
in Windsor Locks, in the Town Hall at
50 Church St. A fourth satellite office
operates one day a month in Stafford
Springs, in the Lutheran Church at 104
West Main St.
WIC staff members travel each month
to several towns where transportation is
limited, to serve those who cannot travel to
Vernon. Staff nutritionists also offer education on nutrition and ensure that all children participating in the program are seen
regularly by a doctor. In addition, WIC
distributes information about other community-service groups in the area.
All inquiries and assistance through
WIC are confidential. Those interested in
obtaining more information (including eligibility guidelines) are invited to call
WIC’s Vernon office at 875-0602.
SOMERS VETERINARY HOSPITAL
Nancy Karol Hensen, DVM
Complete veterinary services for all phases of your pet’s life.
Cats
Dogs
Birds
Medical, Surgical & Dental Services
Evening & Saturday Hours
Exotics
Emergency Service
Office Hours By Appointment
63 SOUTH ROAD • SOMERS • 763-1000
Winter
Special
m
a
r
g
o
r
P
i
Ta i C h
is right for you.
Dolce Restaurant & Lounge
Inquire
about our
Family
Fun
Packages!!!
Call Bill McCloskey
860-749-0482
Stateline Senior Services
127 Hampden Rd.
Somers, CT. 06071
Writing Reverse Mortgages exclusively since 1996
www.amston.net
One Bright Meadow Blvd.
Enfield, CT 06082
(860) 741-2211
www.cpenfield.com
VALUABLE COUPON
NEW
745-0383
Indoor Pool & Whirlpool
$89 plus tax - Valid Only Jan. 1-April 15, 2007
Must Present This Coupon • Advanced Reservations Only • CROWN PLAZA ENFIELD
August
January2006
2007North
NorthCentral
CentraNews
l New19
s 23
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Page 24
Regional
New England Mechanical Golf Tournament
Raises More Than $2,000 for MS Chapter
VERNON – The 13th annual New
England Mechanical, Inc., Golf Tournament,
held at Gillette Ridge in Bloomfield, on Oct.
6, raised more than $2,200 to benefit the
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater
Connecticut Chapter.
One hundred and forty employees and
business partners from six New England
Mechanical, Inc., branch offices, including
Vernon, Hartford, New London, Trumbull,
Conn., Palmer, Mass., and Pawtucket, R.I.,
planned and attended the event.
Carla Savoie, executive assistant at the
Vernon, Conn., office, oversees the employee
committee. “The event is entirely employee
planned and driven,” she said. “Employees
gather donations and participate on their own
time to make each year’s tournament a success.”
The annual golf tournament began as a
yearly outing and 2006 marked the third year
as an annual fundraising event.
“What began as a casual event has
evolved into a day of fun and giving back to
the community,” said Dana Finnegan, president of New England Mechanical. “The committee chose the Greater Connecticut Chapter
because of its great reputation and excellent
work they do to help those affected by multiple sclerosis.”
More than 6,000 Connecticut residents
live with multiple sclerosis, a chronic and
often disabling disease of the central nervous
system. There currently is no cure for MS and
funds raised through events such as the New
Dana Finnegan, president of New
England Mechanical, presents a check to
Lisa Gerrol, president of the National
Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater
Connecticut Chapter.
England Mechanical, Inc., Golf Tournament
help to find the cause, treatments and a cure
for multiple sclerosis.
Fermi and Enfield High School Students
Earn Rotary Recognition Awards
ENFIELD - The Rotary Club of Enfield
has named its “High School Recognition
Award” winners for November 2006. They
are Andrew Samson, a senior at Enrico
Fermi High School and Amanda Placeres,
a Senior at Enfield High School. Their parents, principals, guidance counselors and
teachers joined them at a recent Rotary
luncheon for the presentation.
Fermi High School teacher Mark Dube
nominated Andrew. Andrew has shown
“significant improvement in his attitude,
effort, and performance in all of his classes.” He is working hard to make positive
changes in his life, and the results have
been commendable. He is enthusiastic,
friendly, and outgoing. Andrew’s activities
include baseball, drama and weightlifting,
as well as computers. After graduation,
Andrew hopes to attend Springfield
Technical Community College.
Enfield High School Teacher Todd
Cunha nominated Amanda Placeres.
Amanda earns good grades, has a positive
demeanor, and shows “genuine effort in
her course material”. Mr. Cunha also
believes Amanda’s “cheery personality is
contagious”. Mandy is hard-working, selfmotivated, and giving. She has received
awards in biology and math, and from the
National Christian Honor Society.
Amanda enjoys gymnastics, singing and
scrapbooking, has participated in the Rays
of Hope Breast Cancer Walk and a library
internship. After graduation Amanda
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Conval Celebrates 40 Years In Somers
SOMERS - Conval, a manufacturer of
high-temperature, high-pressure valves, is
celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2007.
The company is the largest non-seasonal
private employer in Somers, with approximately 100 employees. Its products are
sold and installed across the United States
and around the world.
The founder of Conval, Chester Siver,
was originally from the Midwest. His career
in the valve industry brought him to
Southern New England, where many valve
manufacturers were clustered.
In 1962, Siver completed designs for a
revolutionary line of high-pressure, forged
steel valves in the basement of his
Longmeadow, Mass. home. He asked
Hamilton Standard (now Hamilton
Sunstrand) in Windsor Locks to use their
then-new Electron Beam Welding technology to join parts into valves for subassemblies. Hamilton Standard became intrigued
with the valve as an ideal application of
their Electron Beam Welding technique,
and negotiated a contract for the rights to
manufacture and sell the valve. Siver served
as manager of the valve project.
The first Clampseal valves were introduced to the market by Hamilton Standard
in 1964. In the mid-1960’s, growing
demand for the firm’s popular aerospace
products forced Hamilton Standard to make
the decision to abandon its industrial products projects. The rights to the Clampseal
valve reverted back to Siver.
Since Clampseal valves were born in
Connecticut, Siver founded “Conval” (short
for Connecticut Valve) in 1967 at the age of
55. He purchased property on Field Road,
where the company has been headquartered
ever since. Over the years, the facility has
been expanded seven times.
Chester’s son Frank started to work parttime in the business in 1967, and went fulltime in 1981. Equipped with a college
degree in computer science, Frank was
responsible for data processing, MRP, and
converting the business to networked PCs.
When his father Chester died in 2003, Frank
Siver became chairman.
In a day and age when much of
America’s manufacturing has migrated to
Mexico or offshore, all of Conval’s design
work and manufacturing are still done in
Somers. When asked why Conval has
flourished, Frank says, “The design of the
valve, the people who make and market it,
and the quality of the valve. We are able to
compete in today’s global economy and
bring jobs to Somers because in our niche of
the valve market, Clampseal valves are very
high quality. Quality is a must when you’re
making valves for the world’s most
demanding industrial applications, such as
power plants, paper mills, processing and
petrochemical plants.”
When asked what he finds most rewarding about operating a manufacturing facility
in Connecticut, Frank said, “Watching people rise to the occasion. We have incredible
people.”
When asked what is the biggest challenge, Frank said it was also people-related;
“We have a hard time finding designers,
engineers, and machinists. It is difficult to
compete with some of the larger manufacturers in the area. Asnuntuck Community
College in Enfield has been very helpful,
but it’s an ongoing challenge.”
As Conval celebrates its 40-year past, the
company is also preparing for success in the
future by adding metal-seated ball valves,
expanding its range of valve sizes, and
entering new markets.
With continued growth, Conval foresees
additional job opportunities and expansion
in Somers. For details, please visit
www.Conval.com.
hopes to attend college, focusing on premed and Spanish.
In addition to Rotary certificates of
achievement, each student received a $50
Savings Bond. Enfield Federal Savings
generously donated this month’s bonds.
Every other month during the school year,
the Rotary Club of Enfield recognizes students from both local high schools for
these awards.
Students are selected by their teachers
and guidance counselors for enthusiasm,
effort and accomplishment. School officials and family members are invited to
attend the recognition luncheon.
Two Local Youths
Receive Human
Service Scholarships
STAFFORD - Allied Community
Services, Inc., has awarded its 2006
Human Service Scholarships to Crystal
Gatcomb of Stafford Springs and Ashley
Desilet of East Windsor.
Gatcomb is a 2003 magna cum laude
graduate of Springfield College who
majored in Rehabilitation & Disability
Studies. She is continuing her studies
there toward a graduate degree in
Occupational Therapy. Gatcomb works
as a residential and day program counselor at Tri-County ARC in Columbia,
CT, and volunteers her time as an
America Reads supervisor.
Desilet is a junior at Springfield
College, majoring in Rehabilitation &
Disability Studies with a minor in
Psychology. She is an active member of
S.A.V.E. (Stop All Violence Everywhere)
at school and volunteers her time as an
academic tutor. Desilet is a 2004 graduate
of East Windsor High School.
Gatcomb and Desilet each received
$750 scholarships. Allied awards scholarships annually to college students in their
junior, senior or graduate years who are
pursuing degrees that will assist individuals with disabilities. The awards are presented in honor of Evelyn Baron, who
served as executive director of Greater
Enfield ARC from 1974 to 1988; and the
late Mildred Kilty, a former Enfield
teacher, Special Education coordinator
and member of Allied’s Board of
Directors.
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Seniors
Life Line Screening Comes to Senior Center in February
Somers Senior News
Compiled by Barbara Flebotte, Volunteer
For more information call the Somers Senior Center at
763-4379. The Center is located at 19 Battle St. Programs are
held at the Center, unless otherwise specified.
Life Line Screening will be hosted at the Senior Center on
Saturday, Feb. 17, beginning at 9 a.m. According to Life Line
Screening, four different screenings will be offered using
Doppler Color Flow Ultrasound. 1) Carotid Artery Screening
looks for plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to
stroke. Up to 75 percent of all strokes are linked to carotid
artery blockade. 2) Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) test
checks for an aneurysm (enlargement) in the abdominal aorta
leading to a ruptured aortic artery.
The majority of people who have an AAA have no symptoms and the mortality rate for a ruptured AAA is 80-94%. 3)
An Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) screens for Peripheral Arterial
Disease (PVD) in the lower extremities. Peripheral Arterial
Disease is a strong indicator of heart disease. 4) Bone Density
screening tests both men and women for the early detection of
osteoporosis. These screenings are completely painless, noninvasive, and each test requires ten minutes or less to complete.
The cost is $45 for each of the first three screenings and
$35 for Bone Density screening. Packages are available:
$109 for first three screenings or $129 for all four screenings.
Pre-registration is required. Please call 1-800-324-1851 to
pre-register.
Pedi-Care Program is conducted by a specially trained,
registered nurse at the Senior Center or your home.
Appointments are required and a fee is charged. The dates at
the Center for the next two months are Thursday, January 25;
Friday, January 26; and Friday, February 23. Dates for
appointments at homes are by arrangement. Please call 7634379 between 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to schedule your
appointment at the Center or your home.
Visiting Nurse & Health Services of Connecticut, Inc. conduct blood sugar testing at the Senior Center on the first
Tuesday of each month from 8 - 9 a.m. and at Woodcrest on
the third Monday of the month from 10 - 11 a.m. Blood pressure check at the Senior Center is offered on the second and
fourth Wednesdays of the month, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Somers Historical Society presents “Galway to
Broadway at the Aqua Turf Club” on Thursday, March 8. For
information regarding this deluxe Motorcoach roundtrip,
meal and entertainment, please refer to the January-February
2007 Somers Senior Newsletter or log on to the site of the
Somers Historical Society at www.SomersNow.com. For
reservations for this trip, please call Pat Broer at 749-0697.
Somers Public Library has LARGE PRINT fiction and
non-fiction books. Also, the library will deliver books and
other materials to Somers residents who are homebound due
to illness or disability. Call Francine Aloisa at 763-3501 to
sign up.
Senior Center will be closed if the Somers Public Schools
are closed because of weather conditions.
Somers Social Services Director Connie Carenzo is in
touch with all agencies that could offer help to any senior who
has a need. Connie can be reached at 763-8201.
Somers Municipal Agent Jim Burgess chairs the
Advisory Committee to the Elderly. Also, the municipal
agent acts as advocate for the needs, interests and concerns of
all seniors in Somers. Jim can be reached at 749-7160.
Advisory Committee to the Elderly has scheduled its
next monthly meeting for Tuesday, January 9, at 11 a.m. at the
Center. Public is invited. Currently, the Advisory Committee
has the following subcommittees: Woodcrest Representative,
Senior Citizens’ Club Representative, Liaisons to Public
Schools, Meals On Wheels, Senior Support Services, Senior
Lunches, Senior Center Sign and Communications.
Somers Senior Newsletter is available at the Senior
Center, Town Hall and Plaza Restaurant. A simplified version
of the newsletter is posted on-line at www.SomersNow.com.
Also, the newsletter is mailed to our senior citizens. If you
have not been receiving a copy, please call Norma at the
Center, 763-4379, between 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. with your
name and mailing address so that we can add you to our list.
Best wishes for 2007!
Church Pot Roast Supper
SOMERS - The Congregational Church of
Somersville, 22 Maple St., will be hosting a supper consisting of pot roast with gravy, potatoes and vegetable,
tossed salad, rolls, beverage and apple pie a la mode on
Jan. 13. Two sittings are offered: 5 and 6:15 p.m. Call
(860) 749-7741 for reservations. Adults are $9; children
ages 5-10 are $4. The church is handicap accessible, takeout orders are offered.
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Home
Sealing Drafts Can Help Reduce a Home’s Energy Costs
A growing number of homeowners are
finding that a modest investment in time
and effort can pay real dividends when it
comes to reducing energy costs.
According to the Environmental
Protection Agency, air leakage can account
for anywhere
from 25 percent to 40
percent of the
energy used
for heating and cooling a typical home.
That’s why experts say a $25 investment in
four tubes of a home sealant to seal up
drafts and leaks in a home could result in
hundreds of dollars of energy savings.
“Proper sealing is a low cost, one afternoon investment that will pay for itself in
years of reduced energy costs and
increased comfort,” said Jeff Davis,
General Manager of GESA.
To make sealing your home easier and
more effective, here are a few tips:
• Look for gaps, cracks or leaks around
window and door frames, in the attic and
basement, anywhere building materials
join, and any areas where the walls are
penetrated, such as electrical and plumbing fixtures. Look for daylight that’s visible through cracks around window and
door frames.
• Use lighted incense sticks to locate the
Speaker Will Address Personality Traits
SOMERS - On Feb. 1, the Somers
Women’s Club will be holding its
February meeting. Jim Wilkinson from
Asnuntuck Community College will be
the guest speaker. His topic will be
Personality Types/Personality Assessment.
The meeting begins with a light fingerfood luncheon at 11:45 a.m. followed by a
short business meeting. The topic presentation will begin about 1:15 p.m.
Frank’s
Meetings are held in the Somers
Congregational Church’s Foundation
Room, 599 Main St., Somers. All women
are welcome.
The Somers Women’s Club is celebrating its 85th Anniversary and is a member
of the CT State and International General
Federations of Women’s Clubs.
For questions, please call Denice
Soucy at 749-3585.
source of leaks. Air drafts will cause the
plume of smoke to waver or flow in the
direction of air leakage. As an alternative
to using incense smoke, you can use your
dampened hand. Drafts of air will feel cool
on your damp skin.
• While there are a variety
of sealant options, silicone
sealants are thought to provide the best seal against
water and the elements
because they don’t shrink or crack and
they remain flexible. Additionally, they
can be used indoors or out. Paintable silicones provide the benefits of a silicone
sealant for applications that require painting.
• In addition to reducing energy leaks,
some sealants contain ingredients to control other household risk factors, such as
unhealthy and unsightly mold and mildew.
• Make sure that the surface you are
sealing is clean and well-prepared. Clean
any dust or dirt particles with water. Do
not use soap. Use a knife to remove any
remnants of old caulk. After you have
removed most of the old caulk with a
blade, clean any remaining residue with a
mild abrasive or rubbing alcohol.
Experts say a $25 investment in four
tubes of a home sealant could result in
hundreds of dollars of energy savings.
More information on how to properly seal
a home, including windows, doors, kitchens,
bathrooms, basements and other areas, can be
found online at www.gesealants.com.
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NCNJan07part3.qxd
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Page 27
Staf for d
Board of Selectmen Create Full-Time Fire Marshall Position
By Margo Van Kuren
STAFFORD - The Stafford Board of
Selectmen approved hiring a full-time fire
marshal because of the workload and the
demands it placed on a public works
employee who was doing the position parttime. The current part-time post was held
by Tom Finch, who, First Selectman Allen
Bacchiochi said, is often called away from
his duties as a full-time employee of the
Department of Public Works to handle fire
marshal responsibilities.
“We really need someone there full
time to handle all the inspections and burning permits,” Bacchiochi said. He added
that the collection of fees for inspections
and permits will help offset the cost.
Bacchiochi and Selectwoman Kathy
Prudden voted to hire Finch as full-time
fire marshal and negotiate a salary to bring
before the Board of Finance. Selectman
Gordon Frassinelli opposed the measure,
stating that the position should have been
included in the most recent budget deliberations.
Also discussed was the need for a town
planner. Brian Miller has been working
with the Planning and Zoning Commission
in a capacity similar to that of a town planner.
“People have indicated that they’re
pleased with his services, and we need
someone who can help us get all the commissions on the same page with the same
goals,” Bacchiochi said. The board unanimously agreed to bring the issue to the
Board of Finance for its recommendation.
In other business, four people were recognized as Citizens of the Month for their
contributions to the town. Georgia
Michalec, Sherri Nevins, and Jan
Newsome, who formed a subcommittee on
the Cultural Arts Commission, were honored for their work planning and directing
the successful “Autumn in the Park” arts
festival at Hyde Park in October. Carol
Bruzzi was also recognized for her outstanding volunteer efforts at the Soup
Kitchen, the West Stafford Ladies’
Auxiliary, the Latch Key program and the
Stafford Senior Center.
Desso honored by state police for role in rescue, suicide prevention
was able to locate a bloodied subject sitting in the woods with
a knife to his throat. The subject refused to put the knife
down. Troopers executed a plan and the despondent male
agreed to put down the knife. The subject was secured and
transported to the hospital. All Troopers involved received a
Unit Citation.
Trooper First Class Karen O’Connor: On March 14,
2006, Trooper First Class Karen O’Connor was off duty dining at a restaurant when she noticed a woman who appeared
to be choking. Trooper O’Connor immediately approached
the woman and performed abdominal thrusts on the woman,
dislodging the obstruction and allowing the woman to start
breathing on her own. Trooper O’Conner was awarded a
Lifesaving Medal.
Mansfield Police Officer Keith Palmer: On May 5, 2006,
a woman called Troop C reporting that her former husband, a
resident of Mansfield, mailed her a suicide note. Mansfield
Police Officer Keith Palmer was assigned to respond to the
residence and located the man unresponsive. Officer Palmer
called for an ambulance and roused the man into a semi-conscious state. He kept him in that condition until medical personnel arrived and transported him to a local hospital. Officer
Palmer was awarded the Lifesaving Medal.
Trooper Wayne Opdenbrouw and Dispatcher Michelle
White: On July 25, 2006, Troop C received a call from a
woman whose husband was threatening suicide. Trooper
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were establishing a perimeter around his residence.
Additionally, Dispatcher Michelle White was receiving critical information about the subject, which she relayed to
Trooper Opdenbrouw to aid in rapport building. Trooper
Opdenbrouw negotiated with the subject for more than an
hour and arranged for him to exit his home. As the subject
was leaving, he observed Troopers around his house, became
irate and went back into his house. Trooper Opdenbrouw and
Dispatcher White combined resources and talked the subject
out of his residence. He was secured and transported to a hospital. Trooper Opdenbrouw and Dispatcher White were
awarded Lifesaving Medals.
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27
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Staf for d
Tuscan Fashion Evening Raises $8,500 for Hospital Auxiliary
STAFFORD - “A Tuscan Evening of
Fashions and Food,” the Johnson
Memorial Hospital (JMH) Auxiliary’s
26th Annual Fashion Show, was a success,
with more than 180 guests in attendance.
The event took place at the hospital’s
Community Medical Education Center on
Nov. 16. The latest fashions from Zahner’s
Clothiers of Vernon and Coldwater Creek
of South Windsor were modeled by community residents and members of the
Johnson Health Network family.
For the second year in a row, Heidi
Steinmetz of Somers served as chair of
the Fashion Show. Debby DuBay, a
retired United States Air Force author
and owner of Limoges Antiques Shop in
Andover, Mass., served as the evening’s
commentator.
Proceeds of the fashion show, totaling
approximately $8,500 have been applied
to the Auxiliary’s generous $100,000
pledge to the Hospital’s Emergency
Department expansion project. Rockville
Bank served as the evening’s major sponsor, having donated $1,000 in support of
the event. Sponsors at the $250 level
included Devlin, Peters & Tarpey, LLC;
Enfield Federal Savings Bank; Howland &
Sargent Insurance; Keating Real Estate;
Limoges Antiques Shop; Manchester
Honda; Mary Carpenter Brennan, Inc.; and
New Alliance Bank.
The JMH Auxiliary extends its gratitude
to the committee members, sponsors, businesses, volunteers, models, guests and
other supporters who contributed to the
success of the “Tuscan Evening of
Fashions and Food.”
For information about future auxiliary
events or auxiliary membership, call (860)
684-8109.
Tweedie Joins Asnuntuck Career Services Office
ENFIELD - Stacy Tweedie of Stafford
Springs joins Asnuntuck Community
College as the associate director of
career services. As enrollments continue
to increase and more younger students
are registering for classes, the need for a
career counselor was apparent. Tweedie
is an alumnus of Asnuntuck and possesses the enthusiasm and passion for this
position which has remained vacant
since a retirement in 2004. Tweedie graduated in May 2006 from Springfield
College with her Masters in Education,
and brings with her the knowledge and
Pond
House
Bed &
B re a k f a s t
Georgia Michalec • Monty Michalec
understanding of students’ needs in the
area of career development and planning.
While at ACC as a
student, Tweedie was
vice president of
fundraising for Phi
Theta Kappa and has
continued to volunteer in various departments at ACC throughout the years.
Appointments with Tweedie may be
made by calling the college at (860) 2533000.
The Best Decorated Home for the Holidays
Bob Martorelli stands outside his home for a portrait where he lives with his wife,
Betty, on 36 Quinn Street in Stafford. Martorelli took home the first prize award in the
2006 “Stafford Holiday House Decorating Contest.”
Photo by David Butler II
LET
T THE
E NEW
W YEAR
R BEGIN
N WITH
H YOUR
R CHILD'S
S SUCCESS
S IN
N SCHOOL!
West Stafford
Psychotherapy
Services For
Women
Individual & Group Therapy
Georgia Marie Michalec, M.S.
Christine L. White, M.S.
• Eliminates Homework Hassles
• Provides Support and Guidance
• Improves Study Skills
• Offers Reading Enrichment
• 3-6 p.m. Daily or Weekly
• Individualized Programs
THE
E HOMEWORK
K
CONNECTION
off Stafford
Cindyy Minich,, CT
T Certifiedd Teacher
860-684-5021
homework_connection@cox.net
Accepting new members.
Group meets on Weds, 7-8:30 p.m.
19 Crystal Lake Road
Stafford Springs, CT 06076
CRYSTAL LAKE ROAD
STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT 06076
(860) 684-1644
(860) 684-5700
STAFFORD LAWN C ARE
Tree and Brush Removal
Shrub Trimming
Mowing and Mulching
Powerwashing
Snow Plowing
Firewood (also Delivery)
Call John for a Quote
860-514-0078
Reg. #
611860
We now have Easyfire
pellet stoves and
pellet inserts
(860) 684-0606
MID-WINTER SALE THRU THE
MONTH OF JANUARY.
NCNJan07part3.qxd
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Staf for d
Stafford First General Membership Meeting
STAFFORD - Stafford First, Citizens
for Responsible Growth is having a general membership meeting Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. in
the Stafford Library, 10 Levinthal Run,
Stafford. The group welcomes new members.
Stafford First is a grassroots organization dedicated to responsible and planned
growth in Stafford. The organization promotes “smart growth” principles which
would help develop the economic base of
Stafford and preserve the rural character of
the town. This meeting is a chance to
reconnect with members, get updated on
the efforts of the group, and discuss additional initiatives.
Reading Club Celebrate’s Woolf’s Birthday
Join the West Stafford Women’s
Reading Club on Jan. 29 to celebrate
Virginia’s Woolf’s 125th Birthday.
Novelist Michael Cunningham said,
“Woolf lives in our imagination as the dark
lady of Modernism, skulking around the
edges with a stone in her pocket. That’s
not untrue, but at the same time I know of
no other writer of fiction who better comprehended and conveyed the pure joy of
being alive.”
The club will meet at 6 p.m. beginning
with a pot luck dinner, and followed by a
discussion of Jacob’s Room, an earlier
novel by Woolf. All women are invited to
join the celebration and experience the
pleasure of reading Virginia Woolf. For
more information call Georgia at (860)
684-9500
Women in Black Hold Regular Peace Vigils
Fire Strikes Two Repair Shops
Home Towne Motors owner Wayne Wytas waits outside his fire-ravaged auto repair
shop Christmas Eve morning as investigators from the State Police search inside for
clues as to the cause of the blaze. State Police were also up the street less than a mile
away investigating a second fire which also broke out early Christmas Eve morning.
That second fire occurred at the Stafford Sales & Service, another auto repair shop in
town.
Photo by David Butler II
Looking for more
for your child?
St. Edward School, with 132 years of
academic excellence, provides a warm,
loving, secure family like atmosphere
where children learn to become
responsible and respectful adults.
Now enrolling for 2007/2008
academic year.
Offering:
Pre-school through 8th grade
Full-Day Kindergarten
Challenging curriculum
Small class size
Well structured, disciplined environment
Community involvement
Before- and after-school latchkey
JOIN US FOR OPEN HOUSE CELEBRATING CATHOLIC SCHOOLSʼ
WEEK THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2007 6:30 – 8 P.M.
To learn more visit our website at
www.stedward-stafford.org or call 684-2600.
St. Edward School
An education in values, a valuable education
25 Church Street, Stafford Springs, CT
STAFFORD - Women in Black is an
international movement of women, united
by conscience, to promote justice and a
world free of violence. This movement
was started in Jerusalem in January 1988
by several Israeli women to protest the
occupation of Palestine. Since then, the
movement has spread throughout the
world and has generalized to include all
forms of violence and oppression.
The Stafford group of Women in Black
holds a peace and non-violence vigil every
other Friday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on
Main Street in front of the Stafford Town
Hall. This group has stood vigil since
September 2002.
The group is encouraging new women
to join. The next vigils will be on Fridays,
Jan. 5 and Jan. 19 and Feb. 2. For more
information, call Georgia or Chris at (860)
684-9500.
'
$0,&2(/(&75,&$/,1&
#/-0,%4% %,%#42)#!, 3%26)#%
'%.%2!4/23 42!.3&%2 37)4#(%3
!%2)!, "5#+%4 425#+
3(%%4 -%4!, &!"2)#!4)/.
#/--%2#)!, s 2%3)$%.4)!, s ).$5342)!,
,)#%.3%$ ).352%$
%34 % 3-) JANUARY HOURS: Wed. & Fri. 10 am-5 pm,
Thurs. 12 noon-9 pm and Sat.10 am-4 pm.
Closed Sun., Mon. & Tues.
Hourss alsoo availablee byy appointment..
Pleasee calll 860-684-7294.
!, $g!-)#/
/2#5446),,% 2$
34!&&/2$ 302).'3 #4
Come and see our wide range of unique,
handcrafted gifts from around the world,
clothing, books, cds, jewelry,
candles and incense, oils, herbal teas,
lotions, soaps, homeopathic
and so much more!
Thursday nights are FREE MOVIE/presentation nights.
Pleasee calll 413-245-03333 forr details.
Jazzy January Sale!
Buy one and get the second of equal or lesser value at 50% off!
Includes selected clothing, incense, candles and body jewelry! Quantities are limited.
stedwards.school@snet.net
29
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Page 30
Help us
celebrate our
ary!
10th annivers
ars
10 Ye mes
a
10 G ,000
$10
Friday Family Value Nights
Tickets, slices of pizza or hot dogs, sodas & a WolfHPack souvenir
starting as low as $36!
PLUS: “Go for the Green” sponsored by Rockville Bank!
Every Friday night home game, we’re giving away $1,000!
WIN
$1,000!
Birthday Bash
NEW
Celebrate your birthday with the Pack! Great packages
are available in the RED WOLF or BLUE WOLF sections!
3 8 tickets (6 youth/2 adults)
RED WOLF
3Soda & choice of hot dog or pizza slice
3WolfHPack gift for birthday child
$148
3Birthday wish on videoboard
3Birthday surprise for all kids in group
BLUE WOLF
3Visit from mascot
$124
3Ask about our VIP Birthday Package
Birthday Bash celebrations are for ages 16 & under. Additional tickets can be purchased.
Kids’ Club
Membership is only $10 for the season and includes:
- meet the players at our annual Kids’ Club Day
- exclusive set of player cards
- great gifts and ticket offers
- a birthday card from the team and much more!
Join at any home game, online or call 860-246-7825.
Coupon Books
Call or visit us on-line for information on
year-long 10th anniversary specials,
surprises, special guests, commemorative
giveaways, contests, the 10th Anniversary
game plan, season ticket packages, group
tickets, coupon books, Guida’s Dairy
Family Value Nights, birthday parties,
scout nights, Kids’ Club, Chuck a Puck,
promotions, giveaways, official
merchandise, our Community
Foundation & more!
3Save up to $280 per book
3Great flexibility
3First option for 2007 Calder Cup Playoffs
3Special “Coupon Only” redemption window
3Available in RED WOLF or BLUE WOLF sections only
Adult 40-coupon: $640
Adult 10-coupon: $200
Youth 10-coupon: $100
860-548-2000
hartfordwolfpack.com
NCNJan07part3.qxd
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Page 31
Spor ts
Tri-Town Hockey Team Turns ‘Cold Shoulder’ Into A Win
It wasn’t enough for Paul Dowe to give
his Tri-Town hockey team the cold shoulder
during a late-December game in East Haven.
The fourth-year coach let his players get
their own cold shoulders.
As the second period came to an end on
Dec. 23, Tri-Town was staring at a 4-0 deficit.
The players got a good, long look at the
scoreboard too, because
Dowe refused to let them
follow him back to the
locker room to regroup
during intermission.
As the Zamboni made
its rounds, putting a fresh
coat on the ice, Tri-Town’s
players sat on the visitor’s
bench and vowed to make
a fresh start as well. They
stormed East Haven’s net
in the third period, scoring
BY MARK
five goals and coming
away with a 5-4 victory
that won’t be forgotten any time soon in
Ellington, Somers, and East Windsor.
“It’s a credit to our senior leadership,”
said Dowe, whose team blanked Housatonic
7-0 three days later to improve to 5-0 and
earn the No. 5 ranking in the New Haven
Register’s state high school hockey poll. “We
scored a goal about 30 seconds into the third
period, and you could just feel the momentum shift. Literally, the ice shifted.”
Dowe had a feeling this might be a good
season for his co-operative team, which features 15 players from Ellington, eight from
East Windsor, and seven from Somers. TriTown returned its share of veteran talent from
the 2005-06 campaign, and also received an
injection of young talent to give Dowe four
dependable lines to choose from.
“We beat Notre Dame of West Haven 51 in a scrimmage before the
season started,” said Dowe,
an Enfield resident. “I
knew then this team could
be something special.”
Tri-Town, which plays
its home games at the
South Windsor Arena, is
led by Derick Lessard and
newcomer Brian Sullivan
on offense. Sean Starvish,
Tom Munson, and Eric
Barnhardt are reliable vetMANCINI
erans, and Justin Richards
has stood tall between the
pipes.
The team climbed the ladder to Division
I for the season, meaning it will have to fend
off the likes of Darien, Fairfield Prep, and,
yes, Notre Dame of West Haven if it wants to
claim the first state championship in the program’s history.
But the state tournament isn’t until
March. Until then, Tri-Town will take aim at
traditional rivals like Enfield, Suffield, and
South Windsor.
Fielder’s
CHOICE
The memories of a stirring comeback in
a tough rink like East Haven’s will do wonders when the going really gets tough too.
“We may face a situation where we’re
one goal down to Glastonbury,” Dowe said,
“and in the back of my players’ minds,
they’ll know that they can come back because
they’ve done it before.”
ODDS AND ENDS
• The Enfield Youth Hockey
Association is holding a Booster Dance on
Friday, Feb. 2 (Groundhog Day, which means
“I Got You Babe” is sure to be played at least
once) at the Mt. Carmel hall in Enfield at 6:30
p.m. Tickets are $25 apiece.
• Somers Soccer Association has
begun holding registration online for the
spring season.
Visit www.SomersSoccerAssociation.org
on the Web and follow the instructions there.
Registration closes March 15.
Submit your league announcements and
team achievements to Fielder’s Choice at
northcentralnews@aol.com.
All youth sports teams and leagues are
encouraged to send updates our way!
©Disney
Give Blood, Enter To Win UConn Hoops Tickets
STAFFORD - Willington Nameplate, Middle River Drive, in Stafford Springs will
host its annual January blood drive on Jan. 9 from 11:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. The canteen
is always filled with great sandwiches donated by the Big Y and the Willington
Nameplate employees bake extra sweets.
For an appointment please call Lynn at (860) 684-4281 or call the American Red
Cross at 1-800-448-3543. Walk-ins will be welcome. All donors will receive a warmyour-heart T-shirt and have a chance to win UCONN men’s and women’s basketball
tickets along with $200 toward heating your home.
GOLD’S GYM
®
Enfield 585 Hazard Avenue, Scitico Plaza • 860-763-1909
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
JAN. 10 - 14
Wed. JAN. 10 ( 7:00 PM
OPENING NIGHT
TICKETS $15
(Excludes VIP seats. No double discounts)
Membership $19.95
Tanning $10.00
paid on a monthly basis.
paid on a monthly basis.
E.F.T. Membership only.
With paid membership only
Bloomfield 107 Old Windsor Rd. • 860-286-9801
East Hartford 1064 Main St. • 860-291-8484
Enfield 640 Enfield St. • 860-253-9521 • OPEN 24 HRS
Chicopee 1501 Memorial Dr. • 413-533-6167
West Springfield 1452 Memorial Ave. • 413-746-2677 • OPEN 24 HRS
Thu.
Fri.
Sat.
Sun.
JAN. 11 JAN. 12 JAN. 13 JAN. 14
11:00 AM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM
11:00 AM
3:00 PM
6:30 PM
1:00 PM
4:30 PM
Buy tickets at www.disneyonice.com
Ticket Centers, Hartford Civic Center Box Office or call
(860) 525-4500 Hartford
(203) 624-0033 New Haven
For Information call (860) 727-8010 • Groups (860) 548-2000
TICKET PRICES: $15 - $20 - $25
Limited number of VIP seats available. Call for details.
(Service charges and handling fees may apply.
All prices include a $2 State of CT surcharge.)
31
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Auto
Aspen, Chrysler’s New SUV, Offers a Complete Package
When commenting on the fact that I
like the Chrysler Aspen, a friend said, “It’s
about seven years late.” Well, better late
than never for what is a better than average ride. This new vehicle from Chrysler
is a near-luxury SUV that gives loyal
Chrysler customers an option if they no
longer want a sedan or can’t picture themselves driving a minivan.
The main problem with the Aspen is it’s
entering a crowded field of near-luxury
SUVs
like
the
Toyota Sequoia and
the GMC Yukon. It
OCAL
will be a challenge to
Chrysler to attract
people outside of its
own family of customers to consider the Aspen. Consider it
an option worth making, though.
The Aspen is based on the Dodge
Durango platform, with some specialized
tweaks to set the two apart. In terms of
style, I think they’re a mile apart. The
Durango is more about function, while the
Aspen really is a near-luxury vehicle.
It’s one of the better handling SUVs
I’ve driven in a while. The last SUV that I
enjoyed driving as much was the 2007
Acura MDX. The Aspen is a distant second to the MDX, frankly, but then again
the Aspen is more about the utility in
SUV, while the MDX is carving out a
name for the sportiness it puts into SUVs.
The steering was spot on both driving
down the road and pulling into parking
spaces.
Depending on your driving habits, you
might want to consider spending the extra
$1190 for the 5.7-liter, V-8 HEMI engine.
There is absolutely no difference in fuel
economy between it and the standard 4.7liter V-8 because the larger engine’s multidisplacement system that shuts off half the
engine’s cylinders at highway speeds. For
the extra $1190, you get a difference of
335 horsepower and 370 lb.-ft. of torque
for the 5.7-liter vs. 235-horsepower and
300 lb.-ft. of torque for the 4.7-liter V-8.
L
Most surprising about the Aspen is its
ability to outrun things (at least when
equipped with the HEMI). Published
reports put its 0-60 time at 7.6 seconds. It
doesn’t feel that fast until you’re merging
on a highway. At first I thought oncoming
traffic was being courteous. After remembering I live in New England, I noticed
that the speedometer had crept north of 70
mph.
Fuel economy is about what’s to be
expected. The 4.7-liter
engine is rated at 14
city and 18 highway
OTION
in the rear-wheel drive
Aspen and 14 city and
19 highway in the
four-wheel drive version. The 5.7-liter engine returns 14/19 in
four-wheel drive and 15/20 in rear-wheel
drive.
One feature that works on the Aspen is
the interior LED lighting. It bathes the
passenger compartment in light.
Sometimes it seems as if standard interior
lighting doesn’t get the job done. To be
honest, though, it was a bit overwhelming
in a 2007 Chrysler Sebring I drove recently.
Overall, the interior of the Aspen gets
high marks. The controls of the audio/navigation system can be difficult to read
while driving the first couple of times you
attempt to use them. The heating and air
condition controls are as intuitive as any
I’ve seen. The speedometer is also clean
and easy to follow. I’m a strong proponent
of “keep it simple” when it comes to
designing car controls.
The exterior design of the Aspen works
well because it borrows heavily from the
Chrysler 300 (a continued personal
favorite). It has the clamshell hood and the
chrome grill of the popular sedan. It’s a
look that wears well on bigger vehicles.
Kudos to Chrysler, too, for its host of
safety features. The most important was
the ease in installation of my daughter’s
car seat. The latches were easily accessi-
M
Keith Griffin
HOME OF BUDGET RACING
Prompt, Courteous, Knowledgeable Service
at The Lowest Prices
Complete Automotive General Repair
Fully Licensed & Insured
Specializing in Street,
4 Wheel Drive and Circle Track
High Performance Modifications
360 Somers Road,
Hanger 11 North (Ellington Airport)
Mail: PO Box 526, Ellington, CT 06029
budgetracing@aol.com
AABudget Repair.com
Alan E. Wexelman Owner/Operator
(860) 875-0542
The 2007 Chrysler Aspen may have taken a long time to come to market, but it’s an
almost perfect, near-luxury SUV for Chrysler fans – and yes it has a HEMI.
ble. It felt as if the seat was cast in cement
after a quick install.
Of course parents of older children are
going to like the host of standard features
including electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation and standard sidecurtain air bags for all three rows.
Chrysler, like other manufacturers, likes
to hype the fact that it has a tire pressure
monitoring system. They’re going to be
required within two years, so I’m not as
jazzed by their inclusion.
Other standard safety features include
anti-lock brakes, brake assist (which
applies maximum brake power in a panic
situation), all-speed traction control, electronic brake force distribution (so the
front and rear brakes react equally), and
the enhanced accident reaction system,
which has the unfortunate acronym of
EARS. The system makes it easier for
emergency personnel to see and reach
occupants in the event of an accident by
turning on the interior lighting and
unlocking doors after air-bag deployment.
Also shuts off the flow of fuel to the
engine.
(Questions and comments about this
review and other automotive concerns can
be e-mailed to cars@keithgriffin.com. All
queries are answered.)
VITAL STATISTICS
Wheelbase: 119.2 inches
Length: 202.1 inches
Width: 76.0 inches
Height: 73.6 inches
Curb weight: 5043 lbs.
Engine: 5.7-liter, V-8 HEMI
Horsepower: 335 @ 5200 rpm
Torque: 370-lb. ft. @ 4200 rpm
EPA estimated mpg city/highway: 15/20
Base price: $30,745
As-tested price: $38,480
(both amounts before $745 delivery
charge)
Also consider: GMC Yukon, Toyota
Sequoia
COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE
REPAIRS
FOREIGN & DOMESTIC
Engine Tune Ups
Engine Repair & Replacement
Air Conditioning • Transmissions
Oil Changes • Tires • Brakes
Customized Exhaust Systems
COMPLETE AUTO BODY
& COLLISION REPAIRS
Insurance Claim Assistance
Free Estimates
Custom Painting & Fabrication
Frame Straightening
(860) 875-6683
408 Somers Road (Rte 83) • Ellington, CT
33
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Classifieds
PISTOL PERMIT
CLASS
WALLS BY VICTORIA
Also available Trap & Skeet beginner
classes certified instructor.
Custom Paint and Wallpapering
Faux finishes, murals, raised
plaster design or a simple repaint/re-paper. Will transform
your space before the holiday
season.
Complimentary estimates.
References - Insured.
Call JIM: (860) 684-7818.
(860) 749-2603
NRA Pistol Permit Class,
One Day.
Must be 21 years or older.
No criminal record. $110
Deli Business For Sale
5-year-old, established business.
Busy East Longmeadow area.
Why franchise when you can own?!
Great opportunity for hard-working,
hands-on entrepreneur.
Fully assignable lease.
Subs, Sandwiches, Wraps, Salads, Soups,
Platters, Sliced Deli Meats, Etc.
Mostly take out.
860-698-6083 (leave message)
MODELS WANTED
VanAsh Vintage Clothing &
accessories in Somers is seeking
models for prom gown vintage
fashion show. New store opening
in February in Somers.
All sizes and ages welcome.
Call 555-8087 or 763-4195
email:
ClaireVoyant13@sbcglobal.net
AUTO INSURANCE
Real Good Rates!
Call Mike DaDalt at
Tolland County
Insurance.
684-2566
STEVEN SQUILLACE, OD
SOMERS VISION
Northfield Commons
64 Field Rd., Unit 2B
Phone: 763-ISEE (4733)
Emergency: 716-2020
PT RECEPTIONIST WANTED
Send resume to P.O. Box 801
Somers, CT 06071
OPEN: Monday through Saturday
ALTERATIONS
OLD LYME RENTAL
Zippers, jackets, jeans,
hems, pants,
skirts, sleeves.
Mending & repairs. In
Somers, call ADRIENNE
Available now-June. Three Bedrooms in Old Lyme, CT for $900
per month. Steps from the beach, minutes from Essex, Mystic,
Casinos and more. Call (860) 798-1551
(860) 763-1908.
The Traveling
Dietitian
Practical, one-on-one nutritional
counseling in the privacy of your
own home. Sound nutrition advice
for improved overall health, wellness
and weight management.
(860) 749-5482
See what
having a petsitter can
mean for you
and your pets!
For Vacation,
Work,
Travel...
Anytime!
Pet Sitting & Dog Walking
E-MAIL: Gone2thedogs24@cox.net
PHONE: (860) 670-5611
WEBSITE: www.allpawspetsitting.org
ENFIELD TAXI
To and from ALL Northeast Airports and to & from Trains, docks, cities, colleges and
CASINOS. Serving the professional with clean, reliable, ON-TIME, Taxi service.
ENFIELD TAXI: For information, reservations and rates, please call Bob Faucher @ 860796-3335 or 860-745-3000
Most major credit cards accepted. Reservations highly recommended.
Did You Pay Too Much For Your T-Shirts?
The answer is just a phone call
- or mouseclick A W A Y !
FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION QUOTE
on your screenprinting or embroidery job
Call FRONTLINE SCREENPRINTING at
(860) 698-9860 or e-mail:
frontlinescreens@cox.net
WWW.FRONTLINESCREENPRINTING.COM
CT LIC#HIC605350
NCNJan07part3.qxd
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Page 35
ARE YOU SURE YOUR MEDICARE
PLAN HAS YOU COVERED?
Y O U H AV E B E T W E E N J A N U A R Y 1  M A R C H 3 1
T O S W I T C H T O H E A LT H N E T F OR 2 0 0 7 C OV E R AG E .
OU R COMPR EH ENSI V E PL A NS I NCLU DE :
• C o m b i n e d m e d i c a l a n d d r u g p l a n s f r o m $ 0 p e r m o nt h .
• Pl a n s t h a t g i v e y o u t h e f r e e d om t o s e e a ny d o c t or w h o a c c e p t s
M e d i c a r e , f o r l e s s t h a n m o s t M e d i c a r e S u p p l e m e nt p l a n s .
• A d r u g p l a n o p t i o n w it h n o g a p i n p r e f e r r e d g e n e r i c d r u g c o v e r a g e .
Atte
semin nd a
ar
a F R E and get
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ticket vie
.
CA LL TO:
Reserve your seat at one of our
seminars or request a home visit.
1-800-631-7746 EXT. 2040
(TTY) 1-888-747-2424
8 AM – 8 PM, 7 days a week
w w w.abet terdecision.com
C a l l u s t o d a y t o t a k e t h e H e a lt h N e t c o l o r q u i z a n d f i n d o u t w h i c h
o n e o f o u r p l a n s m a y b e r i g ht f o r y o u .
F I N D O U T M O R E B Y AT T E N D I N G A L O C A L S E M I N A R .
Quality Inn
January 10th & 24th
10:00 A.M.
51 Hartford Tpke., Vernon, CT
Angellino’s Restaurant
January 11th & 25th
1:00 P.M.
135 A Storrs Rd., Mansfield, CT
Hall Memorial Library
January 3rd, 17th & 31st
10:00 A.M.
93 Main St., Ellington, CT
Stafford Senior Center
January 9th & 23rd
11:00 A.M.
3 Buckley Hwy., Stafford Springs, CT
No guarantee or entitlement of complimentary movie ticket. To receive a complimentary movie ticket, eligible individuals must show a Medicare card,
have not received a complimentary movie ticket from Health Net in the past year, nor be a current Health Net member. First come, first served, while supplies last. No obligation to enroll. Health Net of Connecticut, Inc. is an organization with a Medicare contract and a subsidiary of Health Net, Inc.
Health Net® is a registered service mark of Health Net, Inc. All rights reserved. A sales representative will be present with information and applications. To arrange for accommodation for persons with special needs at sales meetings, call the number above. H0755_2007_250 (1/07)
Affordable
Self Storage
N Fully secured facility with
N
24-hour access
N Different size
units available
N Conveniently
located next to
the Four Town
Fairgrounds
#
N 10’ x 20’ as low
as $79 a month
N 10’ x 30’ as low
as $119 a month
To Stafford
To Enfield
ROUTE 190
Somers
Center
Somers, CT 06071 (Deadline for Feb. issue - Jan. 25)
Your Name:
ROUTE 83
ad
gs
Ro
lin
Fie
ld
ad
Ro
Phone Number:
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ar
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hin d
ns oa
Su R
Road
Amount Enclosed:
To Ellington
Four Town
Fairgrounds
BOXED: $24.95
Classified, Up to 30 words: $19.95
(Prices Based On One Insertion Per Issue)
TEXT ONLY! (10 cents each additional word)
Address:
Bil
Affordable
Self Storage
The North Central
News Classified Section
MAIL TO: North Central News, P.O. Box 427,
Egypt
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New irs!
Some
(Make checks
payable to:
North Central
News)
Classified:
Affordable Self Storage
60 Sunshine Farms Road Somers, CT 06071
(860) 749-6549
35
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