September 2009 - The North Central News

Transcription

September 2009 - The North Central News
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PRST-STD
U.S. Postage
Paid
Palmer, MA
Permit #22
September 2009
Free
www.thenorthcentralnews.com
Schools Start
with Smaller
Budgets
By Linda Tishler Levinson
‘Easy Does It’
From left, Jessica LaRosa of Enfield, Emily Syme of Broad Brook and Cloe Lauranche of Ellington prepare for the 73rd annual
Hartford County 4-H Fair at the Four Town Fairgrounds in Somers on Aug. 14. More photos, page 16.
Photo by David Butler II
As students in Ellington and Stafford
schools returned to the books and Somers
students prepared to go back, school
administrators were concerned about starting a year of smaller education budgets.
Ellington students went back to school
Aug. 27 and Stafford students Aug. 26.
Somers students were scheduled to return
Aug. 31, after the North Central News
went to press.
“Everything went very, very well,”
Stafford Superintendent of Schools
Therese G. Fishman said of the first day of
school.
While she had been concerned about
road construction projects in town interfering with school buses, that was not the
case. “It went very smoothly, in fact more
so than in past years,” she said, crediting
the additional planning this year.
On Aug. 26 she visited every classroom
in the district. “The students were there
ready to learn, and the teachers were excited to be with the children,” she said.
The year began smoothly for Ellington
students as well.
“The kids seem ready and eager,” said
FIRST/page 14
Publisher Named One of Greater Hartford’s ‘40 Under Forty’
SOMERS - North Central News
Publisher Gary Carra has been honored as
one of the Hartford Business Journal’s top
‘40 Under Forty.’ Carra will be feted along
with the other winners on Sept. 30 at the
In This Issue
• FALL FEST: A look at local activities
on tap for this autumn..............pp. 3-5
• ELLINGTON: Town works to preserve
open land spaces .............................p. 6
• ELLINGTON: Three seek to be next
First Selectman ............................p. 7
• FOODSTUFFS: Hacienda del Sol
offers Mexican cuisine................p. 11
• SOMERS: Selectmen outline goals for
coming months................................p. 13
• SOMERS: Road race plans ......p. 15
Windsor Marriott. More information is
available aout the event at www.hartfordbusiness.com.
The special edition recognizes 40
Greater Hartford business leaders under 40
• SOMERS: Four Town Fair has full
slate of activities.........................p. 22
• STAFFORD: Bacchiochi will not seek
new term at top...........................p.23
• AUTOS: Ford continues to build
improvements in its lineup ............p. 27
• CLASSIFIEDS: ....................p. 28-29
* NEXT ISSUE •
Editorial/Advertising
Deadline: September 25
(860) 698-9328
years old who have both succeeded in
business and given back to the community.
This year’s achievers were asked to
give special consideration to the role that
music has played in their lives. And
according to Carra, it’s a theme that was
tailor-made for him.
“Anyone who even remotely knows me
knows that music is the fuel that drives the
engine here,” the journalism major/music
minor explains. “If I’m not making music,
I’m playing it. It’s been that way for as
long as I can remember.”
In addition to leading up the area’s premiere community monthly, Carra is also
the general manager of The Airport News
at Bradley International, in charge of marketing/webmaster for Capital Community
College’s Division of Continuing
Education, Economic and Community
Development and co-owner of Frontline
Screenprinting & Embroidery.
But it is his more than decade-long run
as The Advocate’s “Nightcrawler” music
CARRA/page 16
North Central News Publisher Gary
Carra, center front row, has been named
one of Greater Hartford’s ‘40 Under
Forty.’
Image courtesy Hartford Business
Journal
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22 North
20092009
NorthCentral
CentralNews
NewsMarch
September
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Fest
North Central Publishing, LLC dba
The North
Central News
A Guide To Autumn
Cultural Events
P.O. Box 427
Somers, CT 06071
Olde Blacksmith Shoppe
Open on Saturdays
Thanks to all sponsors, pgs.3-5
PHONE: 860.698.9328
FAX: 860.698.9373
E-MAIL:
DEVLIN, PETERS & TARPEY, LLC
11 South Road
P.O. Box 400 Somers, CT 06071
SOMERS - Looking for a great bargain! Check out the
inventory at the Olde Blacksmith Shoppe, located at the
intersection of Maple Street and Pinney Road in
Somersville. The Shoppe, run by the Ladies Aid Society of
the Congregational Church of Somersville, will be open
from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Saturday in September and
October. The Shoppe offers a variety of items including old
cookbooks, records, puzzles, books, tools, household items,
collectibles, small furniture and more. Fresh home-baked
goods are for sale each week.
Donations of new or “gently used” items in good condition are welcome from the community; please call Barbara
(749-4153), Marge (749-0418) or Joan (749-6149) to
arrange for drop off. Please, no televisions, stereos or clothing.
NorthCentralNews@aol.com
WEBSITE:
www.thenorthcentralnews.com
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Gary Carra
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Keith Griffin
Linda Tishler-Levinson
Deborah Stauffer
Phyllis Royx
PHOTOGRAPHERS
David Butler II
Stacey Lyn McDonald
Barbra O’Boyle
ACCOUNT
EXECUTIVES
Brian Carra
Joan Hornbuckle
CIRCULATION
860-749-0793
Fax: 860-763-4302
MICHAEL J. DEVLIN
KERRY A. TARPEY
ANN MARIE ALEXANDER
JOHN A. BOND, JR.
ROBERT F. PETERS - retired
A full service law firm with an
experienced team of professionals
providing prompt & courteous service.
Day of Arts and Crafts
SOMERS - The Somers Day of Arts and Crafts is more
than 35 years old and has always featured a wide range of
high quality and unique handmade arts and crafts. This
year’s showing date is Sunday, Sept. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4
p.m. in the center of Somers (Town Hall) on Rt. 83 & 190.
Proceeds to benefit Somers Education Foundation.
Questions or more information, please contact Barbra 9668822.
Hilltop Farm Hosts
Farm Fest On Labor Day
SUFFIELD - Labor Day in Suffield has come to be synonymous with Farm Fest at Hilltop Farm. On Monday, Sept.
7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., people of all ages are invited to
this pastoral setting on Route 159 to celebrate agriculture
and enjoy live music, exhibits, crafts, contests, farm animals, tractors, refreshments and more.
New highlights this year include exhibits on alternative
energy, examples of the latest models of hybrid and fuel-
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.
FALL FEST/page 4
Need
to drum
up more
business?
Contact
Drew Crandall
in Vernon today
at www.DrumUpBiz.com
(while you’re there, listen to the
mp3 of his recent live drum solo!)
September 2009 North Central News
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Fest
of the arts.
The King House Museum, a historic home built in
1764, will be open during show hours on Saturday. It
contains period furniture, collections from the Suffield
Historical Society and has many architectural features.
(continued from page 3)
efficient cars, and expanded offerings for teens and
“tweens.”
ShoreGrass, a popular bluegrass band from the
Connecticut shoreline, will make its Hilltop debut performing from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Local resident Don
Silkey will demonstrate the amazing strength and
teamwork of his oxen throughout the day.
A perennial crowd favorite, the annual tractor
parade at noon showcases antique and new tractors.
The public is invited to join in with their own tractors,
riding mowers and toy tractors.
Back again are the hay bale toss, skillet toss, pumpkin roll and vegetable decorating contests. Make a
scarecrow in advance to help decorate the farm and
enter Hilltop’s annual scarecrow contest.
The children’s area features many opportunities for
creative play including mock cows for milking, a potato patch for digging, plus the annual giant sand pile
provided by Galasso Materials of East Granby. Pony
and covered wagon rides will be offered all day.
Spinners and weavers will be demonstrating their
crafts and local artist Diane Christian will be exhibiting and selling her award-winning felting creations.
Julie Ann Collier of Wingmasters is returning for the
third year with her North American birds of prey for
presentations at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Hungry Farm Fest attendees will be able to buy
lunch, beverages and snacks from Broad Brook Rotary
and ice cream from Scoop du jour in Suffield.
Admission is free thanks to sponsors and a grant
from the Amiel P. Zak Public Service Fund at Hartford
Foundation for Public Giving.
For more information, visit www.fofah.com, send
an email to events@fofah.com or call (860) 668-5753.
Hilltop Farm is located at 1608 Mapleton Ave.
FOFAH is a registered 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to reopening Hilltop Farm as a learning center
for agriculture and the environment.
Fine Art Show and Sale
SUFFIELD - The Tobacco Valley Artists
Association is sponsoring its 7th Annual Fine Art
Show and Sale on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9:30 a.m.
to 4 p.m. on the lawn of the King House Museum, 232
South Main St., Suffield. (Rain date is Saturday,
October 3). Members of the association and other area
artists will be exhibiting their work for display and
sale. Various artists will be demonstrating throughout
the day.
The T.V.A.A. was initially created through an outdoor art show in 1964.
Members are from many Connecticut and
Massachusetts towns and have monthly meetings with
demonstrations. There are also two annual judged art
shows, member exhibits, museum bus trips and workshops as incentives to further talent and appreciation
Auxiliary Annual Craft Fair
STAFFORD - Crafters, save the date. The Annual
Craft Fair sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary of the
Stafford Fire Dept. #1 will take place Saturday, Nov. 7,
2009, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The firehouse is located at
9 Colburn Road (one block in from Route 19) in
Staffordville. To reserve a table for only $15 or for
more information, please call Ruth at (860) 684-7206.
CRAFT FAIR/page 5
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Looking for room to tinker? This house also includes an 1800 square foot fully heated, insulated and wired for electricity outbuilding with
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enough for any project
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This home is in
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Showings
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25 Palomba Drive
Enfield, CT 06082
Home Phone (860) 684-2553
Cell Phone (860-573-4850)
email: kathygeryk@ctmove.com
4 North Central News September 2009
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Page 5
Fest
continued from page 4
Luncheon items will be available and the auxiliary will be featuring its popular Cookie Walk.
Handmade items make great Christmas gifts
and decorations and the group would like artists to
display and sell their handwork at the fair.
Everyone is welcome to shop for those special
gifts, so beat the holiday rush and reserve with
them first.
Community Health
Resources Gears Up for
Ellington Scenic Home Tour
ELLINGTON – Save the date to come on out
and enjoy the splendor of autumn in a quintessential New England town during Community Health
Resources’ (CHR) Ellington Scenic Home Tour
on Saturday, Oct. 3.
Committee members are hard at work preparing for this festive event, and five spectacular
homes have already been confirmed, including
Aborn Castle, 265 Somers Road; the Dealba
home, 91 Sadds Mill Road; the Massaro home
Support Group Will Meet
(residence of Mike Massaro, host of ESPN2’s
daily NASCAR news and information program
NASCAR Now), 36 Pease Farm Road; the Fowler
home, 27 Crystal Ridge Drive; and a newly built
home, located at 20 Pease Farm Road, which has
been built by Leaska Construction and decorated
by Country Curtains of Evergreen Walk.
In addition to touring these beautiful homes,
guests can ride on a vintage bus, courtesy of
Double A Charter Services of Rocky Hill.
Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 at the door.
Additional details regarding activities and ticket
sales will be released in the weeks ahead.
CHR, a non-profit behavioral health system of
care serving towns east and north of Hartford,
continues to seek homeowners, decorators,
designers, and other interested individuals and
businesses to help ensure the day’s success.
Proceeds will benefit Safe Home, a residential
program for children removed from their homes
due to abuse and/or neglect.
If you would like to learn more about the
Ellington Scenic Home Tour, please contact Beth
Connor, CHR’s Director of Community
Development, at (860) 731-5522, extension 214.
WINDSOR LOCKS - The Connecticut Chapter of
the Tourette Syndrome Association will sponsor a support
group session on Thursday, Sept. 24, at St. Mary’s Parish
Center on 45 Church St. in Windsor Locks at 7 p.m.
If you would like further information, please contact
Tom Mehan at (860) 254-5735, or email at
tpmehan@cox.net.
Submit Your Fall Fest News
Submit items about your upcoming Fall Fest events to
northcentralnews@aol.com. This special feature will run in
the October and November issues of the North Central
News. Indicate in the e-mail that you want your news to run
in the Fall Fest events listings.
Quick &
Easy
Shopping!
New Leanin’ Tree Cards &
Gifts Bags have arrived!
The prettiest cards are now
the most fabulous Gift Bags!
Saturday
th
Sept 15th192007
September
, 2009
8:00 A.M.
Somers Education Complex
55 Ninth District Rd.
Somers, CT 06071
OVER
$3,500
$2500
IN TOTAL CASH PRIZES
Including Age-Division Winners
Somers ''Great Escape''
5K / 5Mile Run/Walk
• T-Shirts for All Entries,
• Door Prizes,
• Medals to Age-Div. Winners
5K Course – Certified (CT-04017-PH) USATF, Closed to traffic.
5 Mile Course – Wheel measured, Closed to traffic
Proceeds Benefit Somers Rotary Scholarship Foundation
* * 4 Town Fair and Parade after The Race * *
For directions, course map and register and pay online:
www.SomersNow.com/Race
or Mail
Entries
To: Wayne
Marshman,
247
George Wood
Somers,
06071
or Mail
Entries
To:
Salva, 17
Twinbrook
DriveRd.,
Somers,
CT CT
06071
To: Paul
Entry
Fee:$20
$20
Entry Fee:
Make Check To:
To: Somers Rotary For more info: Paul Salva 860-749-1147
Make Check To: Somers Rotary. For more info: Paul Salva 860-882-2813
Somers Gift
Shoppe
Unique Gifts, Jewelry,
Polish Pottery, Home Décor
& so much more
598 Main Street, Somers CT
www.polishpotteryct.com
860 749-7330
Tues-Sat: 10-5:30ish
September 2009 North Central News
5
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Page 6
Ellington
Town Works to Protect Silverherz Farm Against Development
ELLINGTON - The Town of Ellington
is working to protect the 118-acre
Silverherz Farm on Pinney Street. An
agreement has been signed by the Town
Mum Sale Proceeds
Benefit Library
Programs
ELLINGTON - The Annual Mum Sale
sponsored by the Friends of Hall
Memorial Library will take place Sept.
18-19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the library, 93
Main St., Ellington. The sale will feature
mums of various sizes and special potted
arrangement of fall plants.
For more information, contact the
library at (860) 870-3160.
The Friends of the Library will use the
proceeds of the sale to sponsor programs
and purchase Museum passes and materials for the library. Available year-round
are the museum passes that allow
Ellington residents to obtained reduced
price or free tickets to several area museums and attractions. Some of these are
Mystic Aquarium, Wadsworth Atheneum,
Eric Carle Museum and Dinosaur State
Park.
6 North Central News September 2009
and the state Department of Agriculture in
partnership to purchase the development
rights on this picturesque and historic farm
from the current owners, DOJO
Associates. Approvals of Town boards
and the State of Connecticut must be
obtained before this purchase can be completed.
On July 20, the Board of Selectmen
voted to refer this purchase to the Planning
and Zoning Commission for their
approval. On July 27, the Planning and
Zoning Commission voted in favor of protecting this property. Further approvals of
the Board of Finance and a town meeting
are needed before a closing can be scheduled.
When landowners sell the development
rights on a property, they retain all the
other rights of ownership. They can live
on the land, farm the land, and sell or
transfer the property. However, the owner
can no longer subdivide or develop the
land for commercial purposes other than
farm related activities. Any future owners
are bound by the same restrictions.
The current owners have agreed to sell
the development rights for $1,390,000.
The state of Connecticut will provide
$900,000 and the Town will pay $490,000
and the development rights will be jointly
owned by the town and the state. In 2007,
Ellington passed a $2 million bond referendum to fund farmland protection that
was supported by more than 80 percent of
the voters. The Silverherz Farm will be the
first use of this money and the town hopes
that additional owners of prime farmland
will decide to take advantage of the opportunity to protect their farms and to be paid
for the value of their development rights.
Prime agricultural soil is one of
Ellington’s most valuable natural
resources. The western half of the town,
located in the Connecticut River valley,
contains the majority of our high quality
farmland.
Because of the value of this resource to
the town’s economy and to its community
character, the Western Farm Belt has been
identified in the Ellington Plan of
Conservation and Development for special
emphasis on conservation.
The Silverherz Farm is strategically
located adjacent to the 170-acre Thrall
Farm, one of several nearby farms previously protected by the state Department of
Agriculture with the purchase of development rights.
This map from the Town of Ellington
shows both farmland in town that has
been protected and land that the town
would like to protect from development
for use by future generations.
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Page 7
Ellington
Three Seek to Become Next First Selectman in Ellington
By Linda Tishler Levinson
ELLINGTON — With First Selectman Michael
Stupinski having announced he will not seek re-election,
three candidates are vying for the seat.
Republican Maurice W. Blanchette, Democrat Leo
Miller and unaffiliated candidate Frank Padegimas are
running for first selectman.
The following candidates were endorsed at July
caucuses:
Democrats
Selectman: Laurie Burstein, Mort Heidari, Kelly
Fuhibrigge and Joanne Irvin.
Board of Finance: Albert Wachsman and Mark Joyse.
Board of Education: Gary Blanchette, Emilio Giliberto
and Miriam Underwood.
Planning and Zoning: William Hogan and Geraldine
Kupecky.
Zoning Board of Appeals: Adam LaFleche.
Library trustees: Jennifer Cioto, Noele Kidney and
Jeanne Zulick.
Republicans
Selectman: John Turner, Ronald Stromberg, James
Prichard and Lori Spielman.
Board of Finance: Richard Cleary Jr. and Barry Pinto.
Board of Education: Daniel Keune, Anna Marie Hayes,
Kristen Picard-Wambolt and James Stoughton.
Planning and Zoning: Arlo Hoffman and Emery
Zahner.
Zoning Board of Appeals: Kenneth Braga and Robert
Sandberg Jr.
Library trustees: C. Peter Nickerson and Janet
Wieliczka.
Board Changes Mind
In other news, the Board of Selectmen voted at a special meeting Aug. 25 to approve spending $151,482 for
study on the feasibility of purchasing Ellington Airport,
according to the meeting minutes. The board had voted
against the feasibility study at its Aug. 17 meeting.
The proposal next goes to the Board of Finance.
However, the selectmen had reconsidered their vote at the
finance board’s request.
The cost of the study is fully reimbursable by a grant
from the Federal Aviation Administration, the federal
Department of Transportation and the state Department of
Transportation.
Town Fighting Invasive Plant Growing Rampant in Crystal Lake
ELLINGTON - Crystal Lake has been
invaded by an invasive water plant species
known as “Variable-Leaf Water Milfoil.”
This problem is shared by many lakes in
Connecticut. Most recently brought to
local attention was the infestation that has
literally taken over Lake Candlewood, but
it is growing wild in many lakes in New
England. The plant is believed to be transported between lakes by boat trailers and
water fowl.
Cutting of the plant in pieces by boat
propellers or paddles, allows each piece to
grow roots and form as new plants, and the
problem spreads.
The Crystal Lake Association and the
Town of Ellington became aware of this
plant in 2002 by annual inspections of the
lake by Northeast Aquatic Research of
Mansfield. At that time there were few
infestations.
In 2006, a DEP and Town sponsored
EDUCATIONAL
grant provided for a Pilot Program using a
Suction Harvesting Method, which does
not require the use of chemicals or herbicides. Approximately one acre of milfoil
was removed in a select dense area to
prove it would work. Now, three years
later, there are only a few plants growing
in the test area.
A 2007 survey indicated that the plant
had grown, in other than the test area, to
cover approximately 20 acres of the 200
acre lake. This was an increase of 67 percent from the preceding year.
If left unchecked, the milfoil will choke
the lake, overtake the natural species of
plants, and render the lake unusable for
swimming, boating, fishing, and other
recreational activities. It will also reduce
the tax base to the Towns of Ellington and
Stafford (a portion of the lake is located in
Stafford) due to decreased property values.
It will also affect the fact that Crystal
Lake is a trophy trout lake and stocked
with Atlantic salmon that draws fishermen
CRYSTAL/page 10
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Rock Breaking/No Dynamite
(Even In A Basement)
Trenching
Recontouring
Footpaths
Drainage
Clearing
Driveways
Brush Mowing
Rock Removal
Walkways
Now Doing Custom Small Excavating
Hirth’s Small Engine Repair
51 Sandy Beach Rd. Ext.,
Ellington, CT 06029
(860) 872-9034
CT License #0615418
HIC0615418
September 2009 North Central News
7
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Ellington
Three from Ellington Earn Girl Scouts’ Highest Designation
Trio Have Been Together Since Elementary School
ELLINGTON—Three Ellington Girl
Scouts from Troop #778 were honored in a
ceremony on Aug. 15 at Trinity Lutheran
Church in Vernon for earning the Gold
Award, Girl Scouts’ highest award.
Elizabeth Harding, Amanda McAllister
and Kara Stauffer, all 2009 Ellington High
School graduates, were presented their
Gold Awards along with state and local
proclamations from state Rep. Ted
Graziani and Ellington First Selectman
Mike Stupinski. These are the first Gold
Award recipients for the town since 2001.
The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award that a Girl Scout can earn. They
are required to complete leadership hours,
career exploration and community assessments. After that, girls use their vision for
change to complete a service project that
reaches beyond the Girl Scout organization and provides lasting benefit to the
girl’s larger community.
Elizabeth Harding’s project raised
awareness of the genocide in Darfur.
Harding attended multiple rallies in various cities and videotaped them. She also
interviewed some of the participants and
created a documentary. In addition,
Harding created a pamphlet about the
atrocities occurring in Darfur and a petition. She completed her project by presenting her documentary to her church
congregation and sending her petition to
government officials.
Amanda McAllister’s project benefited
Ellington Congregational Church. She
updated emergency medical supplies,
acquired a new Automatic External
Defibrillator (AED), and provided educational materials about these supplies to the
church, a facility which regularly hosts
over 400 people each week consisting of
church members and several Ellington
community organizations. McAllister has
been an active member of Explorer Post
512 during her high school years, which
assists Ellington Volunteer Ambulance
Corps.
Kara Stauffer created, organized,
planned and led an eight-week recess program for a total of 105 first and second
grade boys and girls in Ellington’s three
elementary schools. “1-2-3 I Am Me”
focused on helping children develop selfesteem and self-confidence, as well as
developing skills in stress-management,
handling emotions, conflict resolution,
and teamwork.
Each week, she had six sessions over a
span of four days, with each session having activities, games and discussions
focused on a different theme each week.
Stauffer also created a curriculum binder
for Ellington Youth Services to keep,
enabling the program to continue.
The girls’ troop leaders are Debbie
Stauffer and Jill McAllister and they have
been together as a troop since elementary
school. Harding will be attending
Framingham
State
College
in
Massachusetts, McAllister will be attending Northeastern University in Boston and
Stauffer will be attending The Catholic
University of America in Washington,
D.C.
- By Deb Stauffer
Ellington Girl Scout Gold Award recipients from left: Kara Stauffer, Amanda
McAllister and Elizabeth Harding.
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Page 9
Ellington
Ellington Girl Scouts Will Host Information Night About Offerings
By Jill Nedwick
Ellington Girl Scout
ELLINGTON - Is your daughter interested in joining Girl Scouts? Or, is she
already a Girl Scout and would like to join
in on a night of Girl Scout fun? Have you
ever thought about becoming a leader?
Are you ready to find out how, or how you
PTO Sponsors 5K ‘Walk Around the Lake’
ELLINGTON - Crystal Lake School
Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO), has
organized a Fitness 5K “Walk Around the
Lake” with a 1 mile Fun Walk to be held
Sunday, September 27 with a start time of
1:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the children of Crystal Lake School.
The event will be held at Crystal Lake
School, 284 Sandy Beach Road, Ellington,
and check in time is from noon to 1:15
p.m. Registrations are being accepted now.
Registration forms and additional information
can
be
found
at
www.CrystalLakeFunWalk.org. Pre-registration is $5; after Sept. 19, registration
is $8, with an optional T-shirt for an additional $10. Registration forms, with
checks payable to CLS PTO, can be sent to
CLS PTO, 284 Sandy Beach Road,
Ellington, CT 06029.
In-person registration is also available
at Crystal Lake Outfitters, 292 Sandy
Beach Road (Rte. 140), Ellington, CT
06029, which is nearby Crystal Lake
School. There will be a limit on the number of applicants to ensure a safe event.
For more information on the event visit
www.CrystalLakeFunWalk.org or call
Michael Canavan at 875-9835.
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Dedicated to the needs of the
physically impaired
never too early to start thinking about Girl
Scout Camp for next summer), meet
Ellington Girl Scout Leaders, plus have all
of your questions answered if you are
interested in registering your daughter in
Girl Scouts, becoming a Girl Scout Leader
or just helping out with a troop.
This event is open to all girls (and their
parents) from kindergarten to 5th grade in
Ellington, for all girls who are already a
Girl Scout or just looking to get information in regards to becoming a Girl Scout.
For more information about Girl Scouts
of Connecticut, please visit the website at
www.gsofct.org, You can also call Becky
Tanner at (860) 423-5502 or 1-800-9222770, ext. 3721.
Friends Hosting Bag of Books Sale
ELLINGTON - The Friends of Hall
Memorial Library will provide a Bag of
Books Sale at the library, 93 Main Street in
Ellington Oct. 1-4. Purchase a special
Friends of the Hall Memorial Library bag
for $8 and fill it with books of your choice.
The preview sale on Oct. 1, Thursday,
from 5:30 to 7 p.m. will be open to members of the Friends of Hall Memorial
Library. Memberships are available at the
door for a $10 donation.
The sale will be open to all on Oct. 2,
Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Oct. 3, Saturday,
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Oct. 4, Sunday, 1 to
3 p.m. For more information, contact the
library at (860) 870-3160
The Friends of the Library will use the
proceeds of the sale to provide programs
and materials to the library which would
not otherwise be available.
Donations of good used books, CDs
videos, DVDs, puzzles and audio books
are accepted at the library whenever the
library is open. The group cannot accept
textbooks, magazines and condensed
books.
“Working with people who care
about trees”
• Specializing in the care of trees
• Plant healthcare programs
• Spraying & fertilizing
• Professional pruning
• Large tree moving and planting
• Tree & stump removal
• Tick control
Kitchens
R.F. STOMBERG
Complete Bath & Remodeling Service
can help in other ways? Ellington Girl
Scout Service Unit is holding a Girl Scout
Night at Windermere School, located at 2
Abbot Rd. in Ellington, on Thursday, Sept.
24 from 6 to 8 p.m. Come and find out
what Girl Scouting has to offer your
daughter and you.
Your daughter can make a Girl Scout
“Swap,” participate in sleeping bag relays,
sing Girl Scout songs, learn the Girl Scout
Sign and Hand Shake, and try the famous
Girl Scout “Bug Juice,” just to name a few
things.
Parents, we have not forgotten about
you. You will be able to check out programs that Girl Scouts of Connecticut has
to offer, receive information on all of the
different Girl Scout Camps in the area (it is
Thanks for Voting Us Best Tree Service in
The North Central Readers Poll.
free consultations and fully insured
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September 2009 North Central News
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Page 10
Ellington
Reminder: Clothing Bank Exists To Help Ellington Residents
ELLINGTON - This is a reminder to
Ellington residents that there is a
“Clothing Bank” in town. Although it
caters to school-age children, all sizes of
clothing and items that have been donated
have been appropriately distributed to
places of need and families. The clothing
bank has a “no questions” policy. If you
need it and the bank has it, it’s yours.
At this time, the clothing bank would
like to say “thank you” to The Ellington Jr.
Women’s Club, “Just Like New,” “Amy’s
Attic,” Center School staff and parents
who held a clothing drive which was a big
success, friends, neighbors and all others
who have sent clothing and shoes. A very
Crystal Lake Invasive Plant Fight Continues
(continued from page 7)
from all over the state.
In a time of financial problems, the
Town of Ellington has had the vision to
save Crystal Lake by appropriating
$67,000 for the removal of this invasive
plant. In May 2009 the Board of
Selectmen established an ad hoc committee to develop a program, hire a contractor
and administer the project.
The committee hired Northeast Aquatic
Research to prepare an updated map of the
lake showing the location and density of
the milfoil. This map can be viewed at
www.mycrystallakect.org and will be used
in determining the priority list for milfoil
removal.
The selected contractor, Water’s Edge
Restoration and Management, LLC
(WERM) of Danbury began work on Aug.
3 and is anticipated to complete the project
in approximately one month, using the
suction harvesting method, in which scuba
divers hand pick each plant, and feed it
into a suction hose where it is brought to
the surface and bagged for removal from
the lake.
This project is expected to remove
approximately half of the milfoil growing
in the lake.
Future projects will include annual
maintenance to keep the milfoil under control and protect this valuable resource,
Crystal Lake.
For additional information and to
answer questions you may have, go to
www.mycrystallakect.org and select
Environmental, Milfoil.
special “thank you” goes to the teenagers
from Ellington that sent several bags of
unwanted clothes! All you have made it
possible for us to help many a family.
Just a reminder that any gently used
clothing, boots, or shoes can be dropped off
at the Human Services Department at 31
Arbor Way in Ellington on Mondays
between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and
at the Enfield Federal Savings Bank
Attention Tracey Roy on Somers Road in
Ellington. The clothing bank will also post
any special pick-up hours and locations as
they happen.
People who need clothing, coats, mittens,
hats, boots, etc. or know someone who may
need something, please feel free to call: Patti
at (860) 872-0088, Pam at (860) 871-8282
or Doris Crayton at the Human Services
Department at (860) 870-3128.
A Fall Evening of Wine and Beer Tasting
ELLINGTON - On Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. in
the gorgeous Deer Valley Townhomes
Clubhouse, the Friends of Ellington
Tennis will be hosting a night of wine tasting, beer tasting, hors d’oeuvres, and
music by Off the Clock’s Rob Thomas.
A variety of Italian, Washington, and
California wines and Berkshire Brewing
Company beers will be available for sampling. Guests will also have the opportunity to bid on silent auction items ranging
from autographed Andre Agassi memorabilia to UConn basketball tickets and
more.
Tickets are $25 per person in advance
and $30 at the door. They may be purchased by contacting the Friends of
Ellington Tennis at (860) 462-3627 or
fofellingtontennis@snet.net. They may
also be purchased at Mark’s Country
Wines & Liquor.
Proceeds from the event shall go toward
funding for construction of four new tennis courts on property adjacent to
Ellington High School and toward the
funding of ongoing Friends of Ellington
Tennis programs including the Ellington
High School Boys and Girls Tennis
Teams, Ellington Adult Team Tennis, and
Ellington Jr. Team Tennis. The Friends of
Ellington Tennis is a 501c3 non-profit
organization.
For more information, visit its web site
at www.friendsofellingtontennis.usta.com.
U-PICK PEACHES early Aug. - mid. Sept.
U-PICK APPLES mid Aug. - late Oct.
U-PICK PUMPKINS late Sept. - late Oct.
FREE WAGON RIDES ON WEEKENDS
CALL FOR PICKING TIMES AND LOCATIONS
FIELDS OPEN WEATHER PERMITTING
FRESH PRODUCE AVAILABLE AT OUR
STANDS IN ELLINGTON AT
185 WEST RD (RT 83) AND IN TOLLAND
AT 244 HARTFORD TPKE (RT 30)
2009 APPLE PICKING DATES
Beginning On or About
Paulared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 15th
Jonamac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 29th
McIntosh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 29th
Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 29th
Spartan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 29th
Cortland . . . . . . . . . . . September 12th
Red Delicious . . . . . . . September 12th
Macoun . . . . . . . . . . . September 19th
Empire . . . . . . . . . . . . September 19th
Jonagold . . . . . . . . . . September 19th
Golden Delicious . . . . September 19th
Ida Red . . . . . . . . . . . . September 26th
*Due to weather, ripening
dates may vary.
10 North Central News September 2009
$30.00
OFF
Expires
Sept. 25th
Free front stairs wash with any house power wash
www.johnnyappleseedct.com
Call (860) 875-1000
For Up-to-Date
Picking Conditions and Varieties
www.mrtspowerwash.com
Sep09ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd
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Page 11
Foodstuffs
Hacienda Del Sol Offers Colorful Mexican Dining Experience
It’s always hard to find good authentic
Mexican cuisine around the state. For
some reason, Enfield is now home to two
Mexican restaurants that I know of.
Hacienda Del Sol just opened in late July.
Hacienda Del Sol means
Estate of the Sun. This
restaurant was previously
called Mi Pueblo. I am
usually very cautious to
try out a new place that
has changed hands and
names over the years.
However, I am always in
the mood for an adventure
when it comes to dining out and trying
Mexican food so I ventured to Hacienda
Del Sol.
The décor of Hacienda Del Sol is colorful and has famous pieces of artwork up
from Mexican artists such as Frida Kahlo
and Diego Rivera. There is booth and table
seating and another side of the restaurant
for the bar with Happy Hour available.
Upon entering, we were greeted by
attentive and friendly
servers. They offered up
water, chips and salsa
right away. The chips
were nice and warm and
the salsa was red, pretty
flavorful, and not too
BY LYDIA
chunky as it had a good
ESPARZA
mix of onions, tomatoes, chile and cilantro.
We initially received a small portion but
the servers came back fairly quickly to
offer up more chips and salsa.
The menu consists of standard Mexican
fare. I was a little disappointed that I didn’t really see regional favorites or really
fresh fare, but it was a balanced menu
nonetheless. Appetizers consist of standard
American favorites like wings, potato
skins, and queso fundido, which is melted
cheese with chorizo, a type of spicy
sausage.
One dish to seek out if you want try
something new and are a fan of seafood is
the ceviche. Ceviche is a type of seafood
salad that you dish onto a tostada, a flat
fried corn tortilla. The fresh taste and mix
of lime are a summer favorite. To accom-
Restaurant Review
JUST THE FACTS
HACIENDA DEL SOL
1541 King St., Enfield, CT
Phone: (860) 265-7940
Reservations: Call ahead if you have
a party of 6 or more or if you would
like to book a special function.
Takeout: Available
Price Range: Moderate
Thank You!
To All Of Our
Customers
That Voted Us
Best Restaurant.
www.hazardgrille.com
Karaoke Idol Contest
Every Tuesday!
by Karaoke Mafia
7:30 pm 'til 11:30 pm
Continental menu • Comfortable lounge
Steaks & Seafood with extensive wine selections
Seafood delivered fresh daily
Sandwich & Salads
pany your meal, there are good imported
beer choices and margaritas. The beer
glasses were generous looking and so were
the margaritas. Prices look pretty fair for
what you are given.
Hacienda Del Sol’s menu offers a good
choice of salads offered with steak, chicken or shrimp. The lunch menu is served
from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. and offers special
plates and prices on favorite dishes like
burritos stuffed with your choice of meat,
chile relleno (a large chile that has been
hollowed out, roasted, battered and stuffed
with cheese or other filling) tacos, quesadillas, rice and beans and more.
Now, it’s time for our entrées. My
boyfriend always loves a good plate of
nachos, so he went for that. What a surprise! The nachos were pretty standard and
the staff was pretty liberal with letting you
customize your own.
I initially wanted to order the
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo, shrimp
sautéed with garlic and butter and served
with rice and beans, but I decided to go
with steak tacos, so I went with a favorite
of mine called Tacos al Carbon, three marinated corn tortillas stuffed with diced
carne asada steak, pico de gallo and topped
with Cojita cheese and served with rice,
beans and guacamole. All was served on
one plate.
The tacos seemed to be soaked a bit in
some sauce, so they were very moist and
hard to pick up. I had to cut into them and
use a fork. The steak was well seasoned
and cooked but I’m not sure if they were
made fresh to order or were a pre-mix of
beef made earlier in the day or slow
cooked. It would be better if freshly grilled
and cut. The Cojita cheese is similar to
Romano cheese, but moist, soft, fresh and
fragrant. It made for a good meal.
It is clear that Hacienda del Sol offers
tons of choices and good portion sizes. Not
exactly authentic, not a lot of authentic
choices for drinks, meals and desserts, but
still a fun place to try and it possibly might
become a favorite for those who love standard Mexican food choices.
All in all, there is a good menu with a
variety of salads, appetizers, meat and fish
along with children’s choices, lunch specials, and desserts. Hacienda Del Sol
seems like a good place to hang out with
friends, enjoy a margarita, eat out with the
family or just enjoy Mexican food.
Three forks out of five!
Sauce from Local Restaurant Now for Sale
at Big Y, Stop & Shop
EAST HARTFORD - Capa di Roma
Pasta Sauces are now available in Big Y
and Stop & Shop supermarkets. The family-owned business has come a long way
since its well-known sauces were originated from the Capaccio family restaurant in
East Hartford in 1982.
Emilia Capaccio, who runs the company with her younger brother Frank, said
her parents came over to the United States
43 years ago with the dream of owning
their own restaurant.
“Over the years our customers would
enjoy our great meals and then ask to bring
home a container of marinara sauce, and
being a family restaurant and appreciating
our loyal customers we gave away the
sauce in plastic containers,” Capaccio
recalled. “As time went by the demand got
so high that we started packaging our
sauce in bigger plastic containers and selling it from our freezer. But we sold the
sauce faster then it could freeze so the ‘aha!’moment came for us to bottle our
sauce.”
Since 2001 they have been expanding
their sauce to be sold in retail stores all
over the New England area. With distribution set with Big Y and Stop & Shop, the
Capaccios are glad that their sauce will be
available to more families.
“It’s a great joy to see our sauce on the
shelves of the grocery stores we shop in
right here in town,” Capaccio said.
Now
Serving
Breakfast!
Live Music Weekly Wed thru Sat in our Lounge.
Wednesday Nights feature Live Jazz
9/30/09
September 2009 North Central News
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Regional
Enfield Recreation Department Has Hike, Big E Tickets and More
ENFIELD – The Enfield Recreation Department has
announced the following programs.
World Parks Day Hike
Join the Enfield Recreation Department and the The
Scantic River Watershed Association on Sept. 19 to celebrate World Parks Day for a leisurely hike along the natural and scenic Scantic River Greenway. The hike will
begin at the Scantic Recreation Park and follow the river
to the Somersville Mill Pond and then loop back. Part of
the hike requires hiking a moderately steep incline. Please
bring water and sturdy footwear. Total distance: approximately 2.5 miles. Meet for the hike at 10 a.m. in the
Scantic Recreation Park parking lot on the south side
of Route 190 past Scitico heading east towards Somers.
Heavy rain will cancel the hike. For more information
contact the leader, Rex Joffray, at (860) 324-7948 or email RJoffray@cox.net
Discount Big E Tickets
The Enfield Recreation Department will be selling
Discounted Big E tickets through Sept. 15 until supplies
run out. Tickets can be purchased at the Angelo Lamagna
Activity Center during office hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Please note: cash is the only form of payment accepted for
tickets that cost $11, a $1 savings on weekday admissions
and $4 savings on weekend admissions. For more information contact the Enfield Recreation Department at 2536420. Tickets are limited, don’t delay.
Picnic Packs
The Enfield Recreation Department has picnic packs
available to Enfield residents to use for a maximum of
three days. The packs include volleyball, badminton,
balls, bats, bases, horseshoes and more. Reservations are
mandatory and must be made one week prior to the pickup date. Reservation forms are available at the Recreation
Department. Phone reservations will not be accepted.
Note: You may not register for picnic packs online. Picnic
packs will be available until Sept. 30. The fee is $8, plus
a $20 refundable deposit. For more information contact
the Enfield Recreation Department at (860) 253-6420 or
visit us on the web at www.enfield-ct.gov.
Music Together Free Demo Class
The Enfield Recreation Department will be hosting a
free Music Together Demo Class on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at
9:30 a.m. at the Angelo Lamagna Activity Center. Music
Together is a music and movement approach to early
childhood music development for infants, toddlers,
preschoolers and kindergarteners (ages 5 and under) and
the adults who love them. Based on the belief that all children are musical and that music making is a basic life
skill, children will learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and
participate in the songs of our culture with confidence and
joy. Pre-registration is required for this class. Please contact the Enfield Recreation Department at (860) 253-6420
to reserve your spot.
Playgroup Ages 5 & under
The Enfield Recreation Department playgroup is back
for the new school year. This program is a great chance for
you and your child to meet other families in Enfield and
share experiences and secrets of raising children. Your
child will be able to explore and play with educational
toys and games while moms, dads or caregivers have a
chance to talk. Playgroup is an ongoing program, so registration is not necessary; however you must be an Enfield
resident to participate. Please note that a participant waiver must be on file with the instructor, which can be filled
out the first day you attend.
Playgroup is held at the Angelo Lamagna Activity
Center in the gym on Wednesdays, Sept. 20 through June
9, 2010 from 9 - 11 a.m. For more information contact the
Enfield Recreation Department at (860) 253-6420.
N.E.D. Fall Girls’ Youth Lacrosse Clinic
SPRINGFIELD - The New England Developmental
(N.E.D.) Lacrosse program for girls will be offering its
lacrosse clinics and tournament opportunity for 3rd
through 8th grade players this fall. Clinics will be held on
Sunday mornings and will begin on Sept. 13 at Western
New England College.
The clinics will be broken down into skill development
and game play. Tournament play will be offered for
5th/6th and 7th/8th graders. Last fall there were more than
100 participants in the N.E.D. fall program. The clinic
will be conducted by area lacrosse coaches, WNEC’s
Head Coach Aimee Klepacki, her staff and players.
For information on registration for the fall ball clinic
please go to www.nedlacrosse.com. Coach Klepacki can
be reached at (413) 782-3111, or e-mail:
nedgirlslacrosse@ gmail.com.
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12 North Central News September 2009
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Sep09ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd
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12:08 PM
Page 13
Somers
Selectmen Outline Goals for Town in the Upcoming Months
By Linda Tishler Levinson
SOMERS — The Board of Selectman
has set its goals for the new fiscal year.
According to First Selectman David
Pinney, those goals are:
• To finalize the town-wide assessment
of municipal buildings and infrastructure
and develop short- and long-range plans
for maintaining and potentially replacing
them. This includes creating a plan for
town resources.
• Analyzing the workflow of each town
department and look at its use of staff.
They are looking for ways to work better
and “quite frankly to share staff more efficiently,” Pinney said.
• Work with the public to increase
access to and satisfaction with town serv-
ices. This includes continuing to develop
the town Web site as a source of information and a means of doing business.
“We’re doing pretty well in expanding
opportunities to pay your taxes online,”
Pinney said. They are working toward
online land-use applications.
The town also is continuing its work on
the Somersville streetscape project.
Somers has received two Small Town
Economic Assistance Program grants
totaling $580,000 from the state
Department of Economic and Community
Development for trees and pedestrianlevel street lighting along Main and
School streets.
In July the town’s Democrats and
Republicans held their caucuses to endorse
candidates for the November election.
The candidates the parties endorsed are:
Democrats
First selectman: David Pinney.
Selectman: Kathleen Devlin.
Board of Education: Mary Kay Sloan,
David Palmer, Cathy Collins, John
McNerney and Theresa Schmidt.
Library trustee: Mark Maniscalco,
Alison Salka and Eugene Grayson.
Constable: Olin Leveille and Francis
Devlin jr.
Board of Assessors: Robert Loubier.
Town clerk: Anne Marie Logan.
Board of Finance: Stephen Krasinski.
Republicans
First selectman: Lisa Pellegrini.
Selectman: Joseph Tolisano.
Board of Education: Joan Formeister, J
ohn Taylor, Sarah Bollinger and Bruce
Devlin.
Library trustee: Tiffany Daly, Dee
Moak, Charlotte Stopa and Robert Socha.
Constable: Mary Ann Olsen and
Michael Provencher.
Board of Finance: James Persano.
Board of Assessors: David Olsen
HERB &
GIFT SHOP
Vendors and Volunteers Sought for Shakespearean Festival
SOMERS - The Somers Shakespearean Festival committee
announces opportunities for theOctober 2009 Festival.
It is seeking individuals, groups, drama societies and seniors to
try their hand at performing during its National Shakespearean
competition.
Cash prizes will be awarded to winners. Also seeking actors
and actresses for the “Not ready for the Renaissance Players”
troupe. Must have experience and be willing to attend every
rehearsal. Paid positions. Vendor space is available at $50 per day.
Help the festival to keep the arts alive in Connecticut. Sponsors
and volunteers gladly accepted.
Competition to be held at Somers High School, educational
complex.
Call
(860)
595-8113
or
check
the
website
www.ShakespearanCompetition.web.com. Actors may call to
schedule an appointment for an audition.
Dried Herbs • Capsules
Homeopathic Remedies
Tinctures • Gifts
We can special order your supplements
online .... all the time ...
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Gift Baskets Shipped Anywhere
Gift Certificates
54 SPRINGFIELD RD.
SOMERS, CT
860-749-0839
HOURS TUE - FRI 10:30 AM - 5 PM
SAT. 10 AM - 5 PM • CLOSED SUNDAY
The GRAMMAR SCHOOL
at Somersville
A Solid Foundation for Life-Long Learning, Pre-K through Grade 6
Upcoming Events:
Middle School Fair - September 30, 7PM
Open House - October 17, 10AM
Now Enrolling!
PreKindergarten - Grade 6
Call today to visit or to receive
more information.
860-749-5933
email at
dregnier@grammarschool.org
41 School St., Somers, CT
www.grammarschool.org
September 2009 North Central News
13
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Page 14
Somers
First Day of School Opens with No Problems but Less Money
(continued from page 1)
Ellington Superintendent of Schools
Stephen Cullinan on the first day of classes, adding the students seemed upbeat and
happy. He had not even heard reports of a
crying kindergartner.
But the superintendents were concerned
that budgetary matters may not go as well.
“This year’s budget is certainly a lot
leaner than last year,” Somers
Superintendent of Schools Maynard
Suffredini Jr. said, pointing to $820,000 in
cuts. Those cuts were made up in insurance costs, contract obligations and a
reduction in the number of teachers, he
said. “We’ve really worked to keep pro-
grams and services in place,” he said.
To help in that effort, Somers schools
have been reorganized with a buildingbased management approach. Somers
schools also have a new director of curriculum, Kathleen Pezza, who comes to
Somers from Regional School District 17.
“We’re pretty well set for the opening of
school,” Suffredini said.
In Ellington, Cullinan said that while
the budget may not be increasing, the
school population is. “Probably the number one issue for us here in Ellington is our
enrollment just continues to grow,” he
said.
For the last few years they have seen
190 kindergartners, instead of the project-
Somers Women’s Club Awards Scholarships
SOMERS - The Somers Women’s Club,
affiliated with the General Federation of
Women’s Clubs, is pleased to announce
that four scholarships have been awarded
to the following Somers High School
Seniors.
Justine Falcone was awarded a $500
scholarship from funds donated to the
scholarship Fund in memory of Jackie
Corkum.
Marlene Falcone recieved a $500
Scholarship from funds donated to the
scholarship Fund in memory of Agnes
Jakatt.
Samantha Dumas was awarded a $1000
Scholarship from the Somers Women’s
Club and Nathan Fisher was awarded a
$1000 Scholarship from the Somers
Women’s Club.
The Somers Women’s Club is pleased
to make these awards to such fine, deserving, well rounded students, desiring to further their education and wish them great
success in their desired educational goals.
ed 170. This year there are 211. The student population is estimated around 2,700,
Cullinan said, but the numbers will not be
finalized until Oct. 1.
He attributed the growth to the effect of
the apartments in town, as well as the
town’s character. “I think it’s an attractive
community to move to,” he said.
The budget, however, has gone down.
“From last year to this year, our budget is
actually less,” he said, citing a figure of
$50,000 less.
The district has lost five certified positions and a couple non-certified positions,
he said, leading to the need to cut enrichment at the intermediate school.
The district also had to reassign speech
and language specialists due to the loss of
a position, as was the case with a school
psychologist.
Despite having a no-increase education
budget, Stafford schools have been able to
add a high-school level robotics course
through a grant.
They also added an in-house transitionto-work program for special education students. “We’re going to work at placing
them in area work situations — supervised,” Fishman said.
Stafford schools also have a new software package for the schools and the
school Web sites. “It’s going to be more
interactive for parents,” Fishman said.
“They will be updated frequently with
activities.”
The site offers links to programs for students, as well as a middle and high school
homework section. In the second semester,
the school will add software that will allow
parents of middle and high school students
to see their child’s grades daily.
SOMERS
FARMERS’
MARKET
Every Saturday
thru September
From 9-12
Corner of Main and Battle Streets
Corn, tomatoes, squash and other veggies
and fruits in season, herbs, eggs, baked
goods, French Breads, honey, maple syrup,
goat cheeses and Woodcrafts, arts
and craft items.
On Sept 12,
join us for our
free international
food tasting
w/each vendor
Face painting
for all
And other
diversions.
145 Main Street, Somers
(860) 763-5060
www.joannas-banquets.com
Our elegant reception facility is available for your next function.
Let us cater your event. The area comfortably seats 250 and is
affordably priced. Call today for an appointment. (860) 763-5060
PLEASANT VIEW CAFÉ
AND BANQUET FACILITY
You can have a
whole nightclub!
With a full service bar,
seating for 150 people, dancing,
DJS, big screen TV, air hockey,
video games and more, the
Pleasantview Cafe & Events Center
is the perfect place for your next
business or family function.
Call now and get your party started!
(860) 749-5868
Book you Holiday Parties Now!
50 OFF
$
14 North Central News September 2009
any Banquet Rental
with this coupon
booked by September 30, 2009
WHEN YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL JOB IN:
• PAINTING/STAINING • CEILING REPAIR
• POWER WASHING
• CUSTOM FAUX FINISH
• WALL PAPERING
• INTERIOR/EXTERIOR
• PAINTING OF VINYL AND ALUMINUM SIDING
“Let me come to your home for a Free Consultation and
show you some of our unique and custom faux finishes”
Jim Russell
860-655-2884
Fully Lic./Insured #552144
“Providing Exceptional Quality and Service Since 1988”
Sep09ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd
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Page 15
Somers
Somers Great Escape Road Race
Returns for its 10th Running
SOMERS - Who would have thought
that 10 years could fly by so quickly?
From its humble beginnings in 2000 with
96 runners, the Somers Great Escape Road
Race has steadily grown and become an
integral part of the Four Town Fair festivities drawing nearly 300 participants.
The 10th annual Somers Great Escape
Road Race is just around the corner on
Sept. 19. It will start and finish at the education complex on Ninth District Road.
Start time is 8 a.m. Every year presents a
different challenge. New water station
crews will be broken in this year. The
wonderful boys who managed them for
five years are all off to college now.
The registration area will again be in
front of the middle school as construction
around the library has changed the layout.
Parking is even better. Participants of all
ages and abilities are welcome.
Prize money is awarded: $300 for 1st
place, $150 for 2nd, $75 for 3rd with a
$200 bonus for new course records. Also,
all age division winners receive $20 and a
medal. Last year’s race was a great success with runners from 59 different towns
from Conn., Mass. and N.Y. participating.
Two course and 11 age division records
Toile
were set. John Ciccarelli shaved 19 seconds off the men’s 5 mile record, lowering
the winning time to 25:06. Julie Spolidoro
lowered the women’s 5k record by 30 seconds to 17:09.
The 5-mile course has been tweaked by
adding more direction signs. The 5K
course remains the same – USATF certified (CT-04017-PH). Both courses have
long, straight stretches and are gently
undulating. We are in New England after
all.
The T-shirt will again be navy blue with
a mountain “escape to the country” theme
in gold and white lettering, commemorating the 10th anniversary. As always,
Somers Vision Clinic will provide fresh
fruit and Gold’s Gym will hand out energy
drinks after the race. There will also be
ample door prizes for which all entrants
are eligible and coupons for all entrants for
a free beverage at the Rotary Pavilion at
the Four Town Fair.
The fun doesn’t end after the race. The
Four Town Fair parade starts right after the
race followed by a full day at the fair. For
more information and to register online,
go to SomersNow.com/race.
Fall Open House Saturday
September 26, 2009 10-5
Gifts-Antiques-Home Decor
635 Main Street, Somers
860.808.4909
Open: Wed.-Fri. 10-5 • Sat. 11-5 • Sun. 12-5
All major credit cards accepted
Rock Cats Roll Up a Win
Members of the Somers Rock Cats display their championship trophies after winning
the “End of the Season” baseball tournament held at the Dan Duquette Sports
Academy in Hinsdale, Massachusetts. The Rock Cats went 3-0 in the regular tournament play defeating York Wildcats (Maine), South Burlington Rebels (Vermont) and
Milford Hawks (Massachusetts). In the championship game, the Rock Cats once again
faced South Burlington and defeated them by a score of 8-3 to go undefeated for the
tournament. Front Row (left to right): Garrett McCloskey, Will Provencher, Mike
Lesco, Chris Chase, Zach Varnauskas, Brian Hollister. Second Row: Billy McCloskey,
Brian Rossini, Austin Ficara, Mike Casciano, Adam Donovan, Zach Kertenis, Coach
Vinny Hollister. Back Row: Coach Bill McCloskey, Coach Tony Casciano, Coach Drew
Donovan
Hot apple cider, raffle, door prizes and more!
20% off your entire purchase with this ad
(Some restrictions apply)
Carrying vintage kitchen decor, baby,
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We also offer layaway and free gift wrapping.
Somers, Itʼs
InInSomersville
It’s
STOP & START
Transmission
“Serving The Area Over 20 Years”
Paul Arciszewski, Owner
• Tutorial Services • Independent Evaluations Available
11 South Rd.
Somers, CT
(located in Lord
Somers Plaza)
(860) 749-1667
- or (860) 749-1948
Ask About Our Free Road Testing
Standard & Automatic • American & Foreign Cars
860-763-0876
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WE ALSO SERVICE: Clutches, C.V. Joints, C.V. Boots, Drive Axles
Ask About Our Written Warranty
NEW LOCATION:
16 Egypt Road, Somers, CT 06071
September 2009 North Central News
15
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Page 16
Somers
Hoofin’ it at the 4-H Fair
At left, Abby Sannizzaro of Granby guides her Saanen Dairy Goats to their pen during the 73rd annual Hartford County 4-H Fair at the Four Town Fair Grounds in Somers on
Aug. 14. At right, 4-H Fair participants guide their cows for a quick washing before letting them into the barn.
Photo by David Butler II
Carra Honored
(continued from page 1)
columnist that has perhaps brought him his greatest exposure, experiences and opportunities.
In years past, Carra has appeared as a host of the New
Music Showcase television show, been a regular guest on
Lazer 99.3 FM and is also currently a featured blogger for
The Infinity Hall Bistro & Nightclub in Norfolk, CT
thanks to his Nightcrawler notoriety.
“The column has certainly opened a lot of doors for me
and enabled me to meet most all of my musical heroes
Laborr Day
Labo
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along the way,” the lifelong Somers resident concludes.
“But all this reflecting is making me feel like this was a
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accomplish!”
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Sep09ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd
8/30/09
12:09 PM
Page 17
Somers
Somers Golf Center Offers A Bit of Vacation Right at Home
By Stacey Lyn McDonald
SOMERS- Locally owned and operated, the Somers Golf Center officially
opened for business recently. In cooperation with Harris Miniature Golf (based in
New Jersey) this team took only 90 days to
For more information on the facility or
on league and tournament groups forming
please contact the Somers Golf Center at
860-763-5454 or on the web at
www.somersgolfcenter.com
GEORGE C. SCHOBER
AT T O R N E Y AT L AW
352 Billings Road
Somers, CT 06071
(860) 749-0026
Photos by Stacey Lyn McDonald
Service Window Hours
Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
• Real Estate
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Egypt
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Some
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A brand new, 18-hole miniature golf
course was constructed from 4,000 cubic
yards of fill removed from the property to
create eco-friendly wetlands. This course
boasts six ponds, three brooks and a waterfall amidst a twisting turning adventure for
all ages.
Somers Golf Center continues to offer
its 19 mats and .25 acre of fairways to
practice your long shots with your own
clubs, or borrow theirs for free. A ball dispensing machine is available at any hour
for your convenience. They also offer professional lessons from the beginner to the
old pro looking to fine tune.
In addition to these great golf options,
Somers Golf Center also serves hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and fries, and
guests can top off their visit with soft serve
ice cream.
Coming soon is a new 1,700 square foot
building to house these great refreshments
- plus a game room. What better place to
host your next birthday party, fundraiser or
benefit?
From a quick outing for just ice cream
all the way to a fun-filled day/night with
family and friends, Somers Golf Center
has something for everyone.
Affordable Self Storage
60 Sunshine Farms Road Somers, CT 06071
(860) 749-6549
September 2009 North Central News
17
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Page 18
Somers
Local Dentist To Serve As Consultant For Somers Preschool
SOMERS - Somers Cooperative
Preschool announced that Dr. Michael
Nero has joined them as their dental consultant. Dr. Nero, a Somers Cooperative
Preschool graduate himself, has gone on to
earn his BA from George Washington
University and his dental degree from the
University of Connecticut School of
Dental Medicine in 1993. He completed a
year of general practice residency at the
University of Colorado Health Science
Center in Denver. He then served three
years in the National Public Health
Service.
For the last 10 years, he was with the
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, a
well established multi-specialty group
practice in Boston. He earned his fellowship status with the Academy of General
Dentistry, an honor requiring hundreds of
hours of continuing education and passing
a rigorous eight-hour exam covering all
areas of dentistry.
In January 2008 he took over his
father’s family dentistry practice in
Somers where he lives with his wife,
Irene, and their 2-year-old son. This new
collaboration reinforces the commitment
that each has to early childhood dental
education. After all, teeth are meant to last
a lifetime, and a healthy smile is important
to a child’s self-esteem. With proper care,
a balanced diet and regular dental visits,
their teeth can remain healthy and strong,
explains Dr. Nero.
Head teacher Ginny Tab states that “Dr.
Nero’s practice will be providing ongoing
dental education for our preschoolers.”
“He will be available as our consultant
for all areas of dental health and provide
information for our parents as well,” adds
co-teacher Karen Hurlburt.
Somers Cooperative Preschool, Main
Street, is accepting enrollments for morning or afternoon sessions for 3- and 4year-old students. Call (860) 749-8118 for
more information.
Historical Society Will
Have Show and Tell
SOMERS - On Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 7
p.m., at the Somers Senior Center, the
Somers Historical Society will conduct a
short business meeting followed by a program. Membership forms are online at
www.Somersnow.com/historicalsociety/ind
ex.htm
There will be a program of show and tell Dr. Michael Nero with 4-year-old preschool patient Cortland Carbone.
and a Somers History Presentation on
DVD.
The Somers Senior Center is located 19
Battle Street. Both members and non-members are welcome.
Product Lines
860-749-4005
www.knittingcriations.com
12 South Rd. (Rt. 83) • Somers, CT 06071
Yarn & Supplies for Knitting, Crochet & Weaving
Fibers for Spinning
Alpaca
Sweaters, Blankets & Accessories
FALL YARNS AND BOOKS ARE ARRIVING DAILY
STOP IN AND BE TEMPTED FIRST KNITTING LESSON IS ALWAYS FREE.
Hours: Tues.- Thurs. 10-6, Fri./Sat. 10-5 • Sun. 12-4, Closed Monday
Full Service Salon
11 South Rd.,
Lord Somers Center,
Somers, CT • 749-5101
Hours: Mon. 8-1, Tues. 10-7 • Wed. 8-7,
Thurs. 9-7 • Fri. 8-5 • Saturday 9-4
Walk Ins Welcome
18 North Central News September 2009
Goldwell • Rusk
Fairytales (all organic)
Paul Mitchell
Woody's Nioxin
Opi Zoya
Call today
and have
your hair
colored by a
professional.
Sep09ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd
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12:09 PM
Page 19
Somers
Vision Appraisal Technology To Conduct Somers’ Revaluation
SOMERS - The Town of Somers has
contracted Vision Appraisal Technology to
assist in conducting a town-wide
Revaluation Project, effective on the
October 1, 2009 Grand List.
Inspections of recently sold properties
will begin the week of July 22 and last for
approximately four months. During this
phase, listers go to each property that has
sold within the past two years and physi-
cally inspect the interior and exterior of
each building. These listers note the location, size, age, quality of construction,
improvements of the building(s), topography, utilities, zoning restrictions, if any,
and numerous other characteristics both
inside and out. To ensure and verify a
home was inspected, the homeowner is
asked to sign the data collection form. The
entire process takes approximately 15
Zachary Receives
Credit Union
Scholarship
Morgan Zachary, left, a Somers resident
and graduate of Somers High School who
is attending Fairfield University, received
an Arthur E. Werner Memorial
Scholarship for 2009. This year, four
$2,000 scholarships were awarded.
The scholarships are awarded annually
to full-time undergraduate students in
Hartford, Tolland and Middlesex counties, in memory of Arthur E. Werner, former president and chief executive officer
of Nutmeg State Federal Credit Union.
She received her scholarship from Loren
Dickinson, president and CEO of Nutmeg
State Federal Credit Union.
minutes.
Owners of the remaining properties in
town will receive data verification mailers
via regular mail. Homeowners will be
asked to verify the existing data, make any
necessary corrections to the data and
return the corrected mailers.
All vision representatives will carry
identification cards and have their cars listed with both the assessing office and the
police department.
While the physical data is being collected, appraisal personnel will be analyzing
recent sales that took place over the last
few years to determine which market factors influenced property values.
The next phase of the project is to conduct a field review. During this review,
properties are viewed in the field by experienced appraisers who double check for
uniformity and accuracy of information.
Vision will also be updating the assessment records with current photographs.
Once the field review is completed, a
notice of new values will be mailed to each
property owner. At this time anyone with
questions concerning the revaluation
process or about the data collected on their
property has an opportunity to meet with a
member of Vision’s staff to discuss their
property value. This phase is expected to
take place in November.
Please visit the website at www.visionappraisal.com for further information on
the revaluation process.
Visit Us Online At:
www.thenorthcentralnews.com
For ad rates, back issues and much more!
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12 SOUTH ROAD, SOMERS, CT 06071 • 860-265-7855
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon. - Sat. 10 am to 8 pm • Sun. 10 am to 3:30 pm.
September 2009 North Central News
19
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A Note for Parents
51 Ninth District Road • Somers, CT 06071
(860) 763-3501 / Fax: (860) 763-1718
Email: somerspl@biblio.org / Website:
www.SomersNow.com/library
Library Expansion Nearly Complete
By now everyone has had a chance to see the library
building project up close. Even more changes are coming soon. It will be necessary to close the library for a
few days to allow time for moving the adult collection
permanently into the renovated portion. Then children’s
shelving will be installed and they will move back
“home.” It will all be very hectic for a while!
On behalf of the Library Board, I would like to take
this opportunity to thank the staff for their patience and
dedication. Working in two locations has sometimes
made things complex. Working in a construction area
has often been distracting and uncomfortable. Having
some of your supplies in boxes has been a challenge! In
addition to enduring these difficult conditions, the staff
has also pitched in to pack up, and move things from
one side to the other and back again. All the while, they
have been serving you, our library patrons.
We are almost there! By mid-October everything
should be back in place and we will all be enjoying the
“new” Somers Public Library.
Shirley Warner, Chr.
Library Board of Directors
Construction work on the library is almost complete but we are still operating in only half of
the building. The teen room has not been completed and all children’s materials are still located
at the Kibbe Fuller Community Center. Computers for children and teens have not been
installed and we are limited to four Internet computers.
According to library policy, children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Please remember that any child remaining at school for an after-school activity should be
picked up at the school. For the safety of all, students are not allowed to congregate near the
front entrance of the library or in the parking lot. Anyone being disruptive or misbehaving will
be required to leave the library grounds. Thank you for your cooperation!
Children’s Programs Limited
In September the Children’s Department will begin packing up in preparation for the move back to the main
library. At this time the only programs planned are
“Drop-In” Storytimes on Tuesday and Friday mornings,
beginning September 8. Call the Children’s Department
at 763-7063 for ages and times of programs.
New Service
PLEASE NOTE:
The Children’s
Department at
Kibbe Fuller will
be closed on
Saturday,
September 19 to
accommodate the
Four Town Fair
Parade. The main
library will be
open from 10:003:00.
Library Close
Closed: September 5,6,7,
Labor Day Weekend
October 12, Columbus Day
Closed Sundays until
October 18
Main Library Hours:
Monday - Wednesday:
To assist residents in their job
searches, the library is offering a
10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
new service called JobNow. This
Thursday - Friday:
online chat resource will help you
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
review your resume and cover letSaturday:
ters and practice interviewing
online. JobNow, powered by
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Brainfuse, provides live interactive
online help combined with online
resources to guide you through the
necessary tasks to get a job.
Check our web page at
Hours:
Chil ren’sDept.
Dept.atatKibbe
KibbeFuller
Fuller
Hours:
www.SomersNow.com/library for Children’s
Monday:
Tue-Thurs:
Fri-Sat:
the link to get you started.
1 - 8 p.m.
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
James P. Fitzgerald, DMD, MS
Thank you North Central News Readers for voting
Dr. James P. Fitzgerald Best Dentist for the 2nd Year In A Row!
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.
We’ll Take Good Care of You
(860) 749-0781
20 North Central News September 2009
48 South Road, Somers, CT 06071
Hours : Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8-5
Open Late on Tuesday 10-7
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Somers
Senior Center Offers New Yoga Program
SOMERS - The Somers Senior Center
is offering a new yoga program. The sixweek session begins Sept. 15 and runs
through Oct. 20. The next session will
begin on Nov. 3. It meets Tuesdays from
9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Cost is $15 for the sixweek session.
Join certified Krupula Instructor Pat
Baker for an hour of fully instructed,
relaxing yoga. This class is designed for
individuals who have little or no yoga
experience. You will learn breathing techniques while practicing basic yoga postures. This program is specially geared to
seniors. Come create flexibility, reduce
stress, invigorate yourself and calm your
mind. Please wear comfortable clothes and
bring a yoga mat and a blanket if you have
one.
For additional info and to register,
please contact Pat at 668-4851 or the
Senior Center at 763-4379.
Cultural Commission Seeking Artist Submissions
SOMERS- The Somers Cultural
Commission is presenting the 17th annual
regional juried Piedmont Art Show at
Piedmont Hall, 604 Main Street, Somers,
from Sept. 27 to Oct. 4. This show is open
to amateur and professional artists 16
years and older. Works in all media,
except photography, digital, and sculpture,
are acceptable. Juror is Pat Hogan. Awards
range from $25 to $800.
For an entry form, go to
somersnow.com, link to organizations,
link to civic, click on cultural or send a
stamped self addressed envelope to
Cultural Commission, 600 Main Street,
Somers, CT 06071 Att: Neil.
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
Popular Upcoming Trips Accepting Registrations
SOMERS – The following trips are
being offered in the fall. Sign up now to
avoid being left out.
Recreation Department’s
Annual New York City Trip
Saturday, November 28
Bus departs Somers Community
Center lot at 7 a.m. and leaves New York
City at 7 p.m.
The $42 per person cost includes luxury motor coach transportation and driver gratuity.
With the cost of Metro North rising to
over $37 for a round trip ticket, this is the
best deal around.
Spend an enjoyable day exploring the
Big Apple for shopping or holiday activities. Start your day at Rockefeller
Center and do some shopping and
explore the city until 7 p.m.
Call the Recreation Office at (860)
763-8231to reserve your seat today. This
trip always sells out quickly.
Somers Senior Citizens’ Club
New York Holiday Trip
Wednesday, December 9
This trip costs $33 per person with the
driver tip included. The bus leaves the
Senior Center at 7 a.m. and departs from
New York City at 7 p.m. To sign up for
this trip please call the Senior Center
at763-4379.
Checks should be made payable to:
“Somers Senior Citizens’ Club”
Somers Senior Center, 19 Battle St.
Somers, CT 06071
Any questions about the Trip, please
call David Gwilliam at (860) 749-9175.
Call now. This trip will sell out fast!
Piedmont Art Show
September 27th - October 4th
17th Annual Regional Juried Art Show
Piedmont Hall, 604 Main St., Somers, CT
ENTRIES: September 10th, 11th, 12th
ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE: SomersNow.com (News)
OR: Somers Cultural Commission, 600 Main St., Somers CT
ATTN: Neil
WATCH FOR "THE HOLIDAY TEA" IN DECEMBER
Go to: SomersNow.com
(link to: organizations/civic/Cultural Commission)
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September 2009 North Central News
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Somers
The Four Town Fair Promises Full Slate of Activities Sept. 17-20
SOMERS - The Four Town Fair returns
to the fairgrounds, 56 Egypt Road,
Somers, from Sept. 17-20. Admission is
only $5 on Sept. 17 and $7 the rest of the
fair. Thursday and Friday all day seniors
are admitted for $4. Children 12 and under
are admitted for free. Parking is free and a
four-day pass is available for $20.
Thursday, September 17
4 p.m. Fair officially opens.
6 p.m. 13th annual car show.
7-11 p.m. “Aces & Eights”- country
music.
7 p.m. Rocky Dundee Doodlebug Assn.
demonstration cruise night.
Friday, September 18
4 p.m. Fair opens.
6 p.m. ‘King of the Pumpkin Patch’
contest.
6 p.m. Beef Steer Show - Youth & Open.
7-11 p.m. “Changes in Latitudes” Jimmy Buffett tribute band.
7 p.m. Doodlebug pulling contest - class
I & class II.
Saturday, September 19
9:30 a.m. Open working oxen show horse show ring.
9:30 a.m. Goat showmanship &
judging.
10 a.m. Fair parade - Main Street,
Somers to fairgrounds.
10:30 a.m. Judging of dairy cattle Youth & Open.
“Over the Hill” & costume classes.
11 a.m. Oxen drawing contests.
1 p.m. Largest frog & frog jumping
contests - Main Stage.
2 p.m. Wool spinning demonstration Sheep Barn.
2 p.m. Live entertainment - Main Stage.
4-7 p.m. CT Renegades Cowboy
Mounted Shooters - Horse Ring.
5 p.m. Women’s skillet throw.
6 p.m. Open swine show
7-11 p.m. “Aquanett” - 80s Tribute
Band - Main Stage.
7 p.m. Doodlebug Pulling Contest Class III.
PREMIUM
GRADE
AVAILABLE
NOW
CASH
AND
CARRY
Sunday, September 20
8 a.m. Open horse show - English &
Western.
11 a.m. Sheep showmanship & judging
10 a.m. Pony drawing contest.
noon Junior & Senior Fitting &
Showmanship – Beef.
1 p.m. Judging of Beef Cattle - Youth &
Open.
2 p.m. Horse drawing contest.
2-4 p.m. “MacTalla Mor” - Celtic
Music.
SPECIAL FEATURES All Four Days:
Midway, Antique & Farm Machinery,
Livestock, Agricultural Exhibits,
Demonstrations and Stage Entertainment,
Children’s Contests, Bingo.
SPECIAL FEATURE on Saturday:
Ronald McDonald will be appearing on
the Fairgrounds and in the parade.
SPECIAL FEATURE on Saturday &
Sunday: Riverside Reptiles.
111 Main Street, P.O. Box 429,
Somersville, CT 06072
Ph: 860.265.2282
Fax: 860.265.2283
Store Hours: Tuesday,Thursday, Friday 10-6
Wednesday 10-7 • Saturday 10-4
Closed Sunday & Monday
Co Owners Fred Romano & Cindy Orefice
You are invited to join us on
Saturday, Sept. 26 & Sunday, Sept. 27
for the first taste of the season.
Tuscan Appetizers and Sweet Italian Treats
Especially designed seasonal baskets and gift assortments.
Seasonal silk designs are our speciality!
Look for our special baskets on line and in the store
www.somersvillagegifts.com
Four Town Fair
AN OLD FASHIONED
COUNTRY FAIR
September 17-20, 2009
56 Egypt Road (off Rt 83) Somers, CT
Entertainment for the whole family
Fair Parade
Sat. 10 a.m.
Thursday - 4 pm to 11 pm • Friday - 4 pm to 11 pm
Saturday - 8 am to 11 pm • Sunday - 8 am to 7 pm
Sat. & Sun. All Day
Oxen Pull
Pull ••Pony
PonyPull
Pull• •Horse
HorsePull
Pull••Bingo
Bingo
Oxen
Dooddlebug
Pulls••Riverside
Riverside Reptiles
Reptiles • Contests
Contest
Doodlebug Pulls
Rocky
Dundee Doodlebug
Midway by Imperial Show,
Association
Circus Show, Food, and
Demonstration
Childrenʼs Contest
Thursday!
The King Arth
ur
Adult and Ch
ildren
Baking Conte
st
See the websi
te for
more details.
$20.00
ecials
wrist band sp
all 4 days
Livestock Shows,
Exhibits &
Horse Show Sunday
ADMISSION - Adults $7.00, Children 12 yrs. & under Free - Parking Free
For More Info, Call 749-2485 or 749-3340.
www.fourtownfair.com
22 North Central News September 2009
Live
Stage Shows
Thursday:
Cruise Night
Aces N Eights
(Country Music)
Friday:
Changes In Latitudes
(Jimmy
Band)
(Jimmy Buffet
Buffett Tribute
Tribute Band)
Saturday:
Connecticut
Renegades
Frog Jumping Contest
Aquanett
(80's Tribute Band)
Sunday:
MacTalla Mor
(Celtic Band)
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Page 23
Stafford
Town Explores Options for Use of Wood School Building
By Linda Tishler Levinson
STAFFORD — The town is working
with a consultant to determine its space
needs and get cost estimates on rehabilitating the Wood School building.
The school has been empty since the
new Stafford High School opened, and the
Board of Selectmen wants to let the voters
know the cost and benefits of using the
facility, according to First Selectman Allen
Bacchiochi.
Under consideration is to use the school
for Board of Education or municipal government offices.
“I feel that some areas of the Wood
School can be of use to the town,”
Bacchiochi said. However, he said he
would like to see the major town functions, such as the Selectmen’s Office, the
Tax Collector’s Office, the Assessor’s
Office and the Building Department
remain in their current location at the
Warren Memorial Town Hall at 1 Main St.
“It’s the focal point of our downtown
area,” he said of the current Town Hall.
While Bacchiochi wants to see the
Selectmen’s Office remain in Town Hall,
he will be stepping down from that office
after the November election. Bacchiochi,
69, said he retired once at age 52 and has
decided it is time to do so again.
He said while he loves to go to the
office every morning, it is exhausting.
“Every single night you have to go to
Pinney School Old-Timers Reunion Reminder
STAFFORD - The Pinney School OldTimers Reunion committee – Nina Mason
Murphy, Arline Hurchala Beaupre, and
Phyllis Cooley Royx - is reminding Pinney
alumni that a reunion event will be held on
Oct. 11, 2 to 5 p.m. at the Memorial Hall
on Orcuttville Road in Stafford.
Qualifying former students must have
attended Pinney when the school served
grades 1-6 or 1-8.
Cost is $20 per person and includes
catered finger foods and nonalcoholic beverages. Attend solo or with one adult
guest. Early response has been enthusiastic: only 25 additional seats can be filled
(per fire code).
Former Pinney student/current Stafford
Selectman Richard Dobson will be master
of ceremonies, and a dollar-per-ticket 5050 raffle will be held to benefit the
Stafford Food Bank. Call (860) 684-4345
to sign up.
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27 Buckley Highway, Stafford Springs, CT 06076
This
newclients
clientsand
and
clients
ourour
clinic
inin2007
Thisoffer
offer is
is for new
clients
whowho
havedid
notnot
yetvisit
visited
clinic
2007oror2008.
2008
meetings,” he said.
Bacchiochi served six years as a selectman and four years as first selectman. “In
a way it should almost be limited to four
years,” he said.
Seeking the first selectman’s seat in
November are Republican Ed Fowler,
Democrat Michael Krol and Open party
member Eric Molitoris.
Also seeking office endorsed by the
Democratic party are:
Selectman: Dennis L. Hathaway.
Town clerk: Carol Davis.
Tax collector: Cheryl Vail.
Treasurer: Darlene Dion.
Board of Finance: John Miller and
Richard Dobson Sr.
Board of Education: Tracy Rummel and
Sandra Fowler.
Board of Assessment Appeal: Jennifer
Davis.
Zoning Board of Appeals: Henry Dadalt
and R. Scott Gallison.
Planning and Zoning Commission:
Douglas Fassett and Leonard Clark.
Constables: Harold Hatch, Gary Quinn,
Brian Tautic and Richard Hartenstein Jr.
Also seeking office endorsed by the
Republican party are:
Selectman: Deidriene Guglielmo
Knowlton.
Town treasurer: Dean Palozej.
Board of Education: Stephen
Szymanski and Sandra Fowler.
Board of Finance: Daniel Ford and
David Buchanan.
Board of Assessment Appeals: William
Burkey Sr.
Planning and Zoning Commission:
Cynthia Rummel and John Mocko.
Zoning Board of Appeals: Thomas
Carter.
Constables: Barry Locke, William
Bradshaw, Corey Bennett and Thomas
Topping Jr.
Also seeking office endorsed by the
Open party are:
Selectman: Michael Richey and
Town Clerk: Pamela Descheneau.
Town treasurer: Gail Black.
Tax collector: Peter Gibbs.
Board of Finance: Mark Black.
Board of Education: Shirley Martinsen.
Constables: Phillip Maynard, Wallace
Brisson, Donald Martinsen Jr. and
Stephen Smith.
Board of Assessment Appeals: Edward
Grant.
Planning and Zoning Commission: Paul
Bolduc and Curtis Wright.
Zoning Board of Appeals: Salem HadjSalem and Owen Ames.
Diagnostic Imaging Center Receives Accreditation
STAFFORD/ENFIELDJohnson
Memorial Hospital’s (JMH) diagnostic
imaging at JMH Outpatient Surgery at
Johnson Surgery Center has recently been
awarded a three-year reaccreditation after
completing a recent survey conducted by
the American College of Radiology
(ACR). The ACR awards accreditation to
facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after the rigorous peerreviewed evaluation.
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Stafford Springs, CT 06076
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September 2009 North Central News
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24 North Central News September 2009
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Page 25
Stafford
American Legion ‘Oldies’ Dance Helps Fund Its Activities
By Phyllis Royx
STAFFORD - American Legion Post 26, located at 10
Monson Rd. in Stafford, sponsored a 50s/60s dance at
their pavilion on Aug. 1. The price was right for the times
– just $5 – assuring a good turnout. “Over 100 tickets
were sold,” said chairperson and Post Commander Mike
Beaudoin. “We will probably put on another dance sometime around Halloween.”
Classic tunes cranked out by Connecticut Sound
Works’ disc jockey Anthony Guardiani resonated throughout the pavilion, the structure’s acoustics further enhancing Guardiani’s excellent sound system. D.J. selections
included Doo Wop and hits recorded by Elvis Presley,
Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Beatles, Beach Boys, and
other fifties/sixties artists. Audience requests were
encouraged.
Hula Hoops were available to anyone capable of producing the hip gyrations that keep them spinning. Among
others, poodle-skirted Sandy Demers, head bartender at
the Legion, turned in a credible performance.
Food was available for purchase “cheap,” as stated on
the tickets. Beaudoin and Legion members Nelson
Stanislawski and John Arnett cooked hamburgers and hotdogs on the pavilion grill. Onion rings, potato chips, corn
on the cob, potato salad, and macaroni salad were also
available. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages were
served.
A 50-50 raffle was held. Proceeds from this event and
others go toward advancing the organization’s objectives.
According to the commander, revenues are down.
“Fundraising over the past two years has been difficult,”
he said. “Hall and pavilion rentals bring in some money.
The Legion bar is a source of year-round income, but substantial overhead is associated with its operation. The cost
of insuring and heating the building has risen. If not for
the property’s tax exempt status, we couldn’t stay afloat.”
Beaudoin’s employer, Grower Direct Farms of Somers,
has been generous. “The company donated the plants
we’ve sold at the chicken barbeque for the past several
years,” said Beaudoin. (This year’s barbeque was held on
July 11.)
Additional support for Post 26 objectives comes from
the Legion’s auxiliary and from the Sons of the American
Legion (members’ sons), with Nelson Stanislawski serving as the group’s commander.
Though small, Post 26 is respected. “I’m proud to
report that the National American Legion Commander
visited our Post in 2008 and again this year,” said
Beaudoin. He said that the Post has been as active as possible in 2009. “We assist families of military called to the
war in Iraq. We helped support Tim Dillon’s Eagle Scout
project (to dedicate the Stafford High School auditorium
the “Veterans Auditorium” in February), and we donated
scholarship money to the school.”
The Beaudoin family can boast of both active and veteran military connections. Son Patrick serves part-time
with the National Guard, and Patrick’s wife, Amy, is a
full-time member of the Connecticut National Guard.
Sandy Demers, head bartender at the American Legion
Post 26, (hula) hoops it up.
Photo by Phyllis Royx
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September 2009 North Central News
25
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12:59 PM
Page 26
Stafford
Author’s Two Canines Named Stafford’s #1 and #2 Dogs
STAFFORD - Town Clerk Carol Davis
has awarded Stafford’s #1 dog tag to
Sadie, a sweet 14-year-old shepherd mix
owned by Doriane Lucia. Sadie, and her
brother Mick, who was given tag #2, were
the inspiration for the children’s book The
Story of Lilly and Lou, authored by Lucia.
It recounts the true story of how these two
abandoned dogs were rescued during a
snowstorm in New York City.
In addition to her writing, Lucia has
been involved in animal rescue and the
ASPCA while a resident of New York City.
She holds a Master’s degree in Humane
Education, and conducts lessons for children and workshops on dog safety and
respect for animals.
The Story of Lilly and Lou can be found
Free Ballroom Dancing Lessons
To Get Ready for ‘Autumn in the Park’
STAFFORD - One of the exciting musical performances this year at Stafford Arts
Commission’s “Autumn in the Park”
Festival, will be a 15-piece, all women,
swing band – “Flamingo.” At 1 p.m. on
Sunday, Sept. 27 they will fill Hyde Park
with their own individual 40’s, 50’s and
60’s big band sound, to entertain and to
bring back memories of those special eras
of dance music.
The commission will provide a second
stage next to the band so that the audience
can also get into the swing and dance to
this great music in the park.
For those who feel that they would like
to brush up on some of their dance steps,
the Commission is offering a free, one
hour ballroom dancing class, on Friday,
Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. at Stafford Town Hall.
This class will be conducted by professional dance instructor and Stafford resident, Susan Demmerle, a multi-gold
medalist ballroom champion. For this onetime class Susan and two assistants will
concentrate on teaching the basics of the
tango and swing dancing. She suggests
attending with a partner if possible and
soft soled shoes would be preferable to
sneakers for ballroom dancing.
Sign-up as soon as possible, as the class
is limited to 26 people.
Registration is at the Treasurer’s Office
in Warren Memorial Town Hall, I Main St.
Stafford Springs. Deadline is Sept. 23. For
more information, call (860) 684-5211.
at the Stafford Public Library, and can also
be purchased online.
This is the ninth year that Carol Davis
has awarded the number one tag. Past
recipients have included contest winners
Sadie, Pica, and Cloe, and service canines
Gladys, a Fidelco dog, and Taz, a Search
and Rescue dog, Lizzie, a displaced dog
from the 2005 Louisana hurricanes who
was adopted through an animal rescue
organization, Liz, a working border collie
from a Staffordville farm, and last year’s
Number One dog Swizzle, who won Best
in Show at the Kennel Club of
Philadelphia show the previous year.
All dogs six months or older must be
licensed during the month of June in
accordance with state law. The cost is $8
for spayed or neutered dogs and $19 for
male or female dogs. A current rabies certificate is required.
License renewal forms will be mailed to
the owners of all dogs registered in
Stafford during the past year. If you did
not receive one, or if you have a new dog,
you still must comply with the license regulations. You may purchase your dog
license in person at the Town Clerk’s
office during regular office hours or by
mail.
Please direct mail registrations to Town
#1 Sadie, her brother Mick, and dog
owner Doriane Lucia
Clerk, P.O. Box 11, Stafford Springs, CT
06076. Include the following information:
name, address and telephone number of
owner; name of dog, breed, age, color and
sex of the dog, the required rabies and
spay/neuter documentation if applicable, a
self addressed stamped envelope and
required fee.
Please call the Town Clerk’s Office at
684-1765 for further information.
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26 North Central News September 2009
Reg. #
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Auto
Ford Keeps Building Improvements Across its Entire Line
There is a certain energy emanating fuel. The plan calls for the introduction in
from Ford right now that just isn’t coming 2011 of a pure battery electric vehicle –
from its domestic competitors Chrysler using cutting-edge lithium-ion battery
and GM. Things are so bad at Chrysler that technology – as a passenger car in North
it recently cancelled its media preview of America. According to Ford, after an
its 2010 lineup and Buick is probably the overnight charge, it’s ready for a range of
lone line generating excitemore than 80 miles. Ford is tarment at GM right now (what
geting a range of up to 100 miles
with Pontiac’s upcoming
when the vehicle is introduced
demise and all).
to the retail market.
EHIND
Ford recently invited
Don’t scoff at that range. It
The Wheel
autowriters to its facility in
suits most of our driving needs,
Dearborn, Mich., to preview
especially commuters. A lot of
what is coming up. What
us could drive back and forth to
stands out most is 45 percent KEITH GRIFFIN
work a couple of times without
of its lineup is significantly
ever having to plug in.
new or freshened for 2010. Ford President Eventually, knowing the mindset of entreof the Americas Mark Field summed up preneurs, there will be quick charging outFord’s approach best when he said, lets at gas stations all across the country
¨There’s no finish line in this business so that can charge a car in 15 minutes or less
we know we have to keep working.¨
to get you on your way. Currently, the
Among the new cars I got to drive that BEV can be charged from either a standard
day on Ford’s test track were the: Taurus, 220-volt or 110-volt power outlet, with
the Fusion Hybrid, the Mustang with rac- respective charge times of 6 or 12 hours.
ing kit, the Ford Flex with Ecoboost and
The most impressive thing about the
the F150 Harley Davidson, which handled Focus BEV is it drives like every other car
pretty well on the track for a pickup.
on the road. There is nothing that makes
What always perks my interest though you realize you are driving an electric
isn’t the powerful toys, even though the vehicle, except for some regeneration
Mustang was pretty darn exciting, even if gauges that show you power is being sent
I did stall it with one of Ford’s top drivers to the batteries during braking (as you
in the co-pilot’s seat. That’s why when pre- would see with a hybrid vehicle).
sented with the opportunity I headed
Safety has always been a big concern of
straight for the Ford Focus electric vehicle. mine and Ford offers two new features:
I had been tipped off to get into that car one previously available only on higherearly, but surprisingly there was little end cars and the other available for the
demand for it initially among the other first time ever. I have to talk about the first
autowriters who were instead drooling to explain the second. The Blind Spot
over a Shelby GT500 Mustang.
Information System (BLIS), as Ford
Ford is in the midst of developing bat- explained, consists of two multiple beam
tery electric vehicles that won’t use any radar modules, one each per rear quarter
B
The Ford Fusion Battery Electric Vehicle is a plug-in hybrid.
panel. When the sensors detect an
approaching vehicle entering the defined
blind spot zone, an indicator alert provides
warning to the driver in the corresponding
side-view mirror. It’s good technology, but
I’ve learned how to set my mirrors properly so I never have a blindspot.
The blind spot information system,
though, sets up the Cross Traffic Alert uses
the existing BLIS radar modules to sense
oncoming traffic when slowly backing out
of a parking spot. Ford said this industryexclusive system functions only while the
vehicle is in reverse and warns when
cross-traffic is detected within three car
widths. Unfortunately, it’s not programmed for parallel parking, but it will
work great in local shopping malls based
on the demonstrations I saw.
Ford appears to have adapted the safety
belief of Volvo, which is partly owned by
Ford: the best accident is one that never
happens. These two new pieces of technology, available for the first time on reason-
Photo (c) Ford
ably priced vehicles, will go a long way
towards people never having accidents.
Even with fairly reasonable fuel prices,
Ford is hard at work on fuel efficiency
(largely driven in part by government
mandate). At the media event, Ford reported that the average fuel economy of its
fleet will improve 20 percent through 2010
versus 2005 and its numbers should
improve by 35 percent by 2015. At the
media presentation, I chided an engineer
who earnestly touted a 1 percent improvement in fuel economy. As he chided me
back (correctly so), Ford has to start somewhere and a 1 percent improvement is better than nothing.
Overall, though, Ford is demonstrating
a lot more than 1 percent improvement and
the best part is it is all being done without
taxpayer bailouts.
(Questions about this article and other
automotive queries can be emailed to
usedcars.guide@about.com. All queries
will be answered.)
PEOPLE’S AUTO
AUTOMOTIVE
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(Foreign Car Specialists)
General Maintenance, Fuel Injection, Tires,
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ASE CERTIFIED
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TOWING • GLASS WORK
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ASE Master Technician
VOLVO Master Technician
P H O N E : ( 8 6 0 ) 7 4 9 - 0 8 9 0 • FA X : ( 8 6 0 ) 7 6 4 - 3 6 4 4
September 2009 North Central News
27
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Classifieds
Clarissaʼs Clay
Rt. 83, Somers
Pottery Wheel Introduction
Classes & Glazing.
Kids classes weekly, 5 years
and up.
Private & Group Adult
Classes Available.
Come Play With Clay Today!
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CLEANING LLC
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Dependable and thorough
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Call us!
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(860) 306-7686
Judy (860) 478-5474
Jordan (860) 508-4809
KARIDEN
ELECTRIC INC
The North Central Newsʼ
annual ʻFall Festʼ
Why talk to a machine?
CALL US FIRST!
• Generators
• Cable/Phone Wiring
• Inground Swimming Pool
(860) 749-4406
www.kariden.com
special section continues in
October, with the
guaranteed lowest
advertising rates of the year.
For more information,
call 698-9328 or e-mail:
northcentralnews@aol.com
CT. LIC. #E1-104982
Diesel repair on light, medium, and heavy duty trucks
and equipment. Call Keith
Sladek for a free estimate on
your diesel repair.
(860) 851-9655.
RYAN BROS.
WILDLIFE CONTROL
LLC
Removal of skunks, bats,
racoons, snakes and most
wildlife from your home or
business. Exclusion services
available.24 Emergency
Service. (860) 971-6201,
(860) 851-8997
CT LIC # 0937
Locally Raised
Beef For Sale
FOR SALE: Beef, locally raised in
Ellington, CT. All natural, bundle
package specials. 50 lbs @
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everything.
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or (860) 490-6580
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Individually framed
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Call instructor Mary Harrington for more information at
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HOUSE FOR SALE, SOMERS
179 George Wood Road
Somers, CT, $259,900
Contact: Carter or Donna Colby
(h) 860-763-5758
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•Built in 1985
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•.95 acre
•Fenced in backyard
•Ample parking
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•4 spacious bedrooms
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•Master suite with full bath
•Formal dining area with
28 North Central News September 2009
hardwood floor
•Built in corner hutch
•Fully finished basement with
partial kitchen
•Large living room with fireplace
•Tile floors
•Paved driveway
•Vinyl siding
•Oil baseboard heat
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Property Maintenance
Walkways, Patios & Walls, Small
Excavation & Drainage Work.
Sept092.qxd:NOVNCNpart2.qxd
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12:59 PM
Page 29
Classifieds
Lawn Mower
Repairs
Lawn mower tune-ups
and repairs. All repairs
done at your home for
your convenience. Also
blade sharpening available. Call John at (860)
916-5367
Alterations
LANDSCAPING
Spring clean-ups,
Mulching, Top soil,
Planting, Designing,
Mowing, Trimming,
Hauling & Grading.
SPECIALIZING IN: Stone
work, walls, patios, walkways. New & Repairs
860-851-9059
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Call ANY TIME
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Wait! Don’t Re-paint!
Call me first!
Ian Carr
Master PDR Technician
(860) 462-6591
For Vacation,
Work,
Travel...
Any Time!
FREE ESTIMATES
Free Pick-Up and we
pay $50 for any vehicle.
American Auto
Wholesalers.
Call (860) 729-9918
Call Mike DaDalt at
Tolland County
Insurance.
Leave message.
Drainage, cellar holes,
Land clearing, Tank removal
Lot development
New construction
Boulder Removal
Small jobs + large
JUNK CARS
WANTED
Lic # 601065, Insured.
Zippers, jackets, jeans,
hems, pants,
skirts, sleeves.
Mending & repairs. In
Somers, call ADRIENNE
(860) 454-0644
DAVEʼS
EXCAVATING
Real Good Rates!
at Carrʼs Sales &
Service LLC
202 Union St
Vernon, CT 06066
(loaner available)
(860) 896-5256
CARR’S
Mufflers, Radiators,
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Shocks & General
Repairs
860-896-5256
See what
having a
pet-sitter can
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PHONE: (860) 670-5611
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Custom Paint and Wallpapering,
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plaster design, cabinetry or a
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Start the NEW SEASON with a
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References. Insured.
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CUSTOM SCREENPRINTING
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Frontline Screenprinting can handle all of your printing needs from team uniforms, organizations & more!
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Over 13 Years Of Cleaning Experience
Home
&
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Business
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Need a floor scrubbed?
• Carpets
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20 Lake St.
Ellington, CT 06029
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Fully Insured
LIST YOUR CLASSIFIED!
Send your classified text and check to
North Central News,
COST:
P.O. Box 427, Somers, CT $19.95 stand alone
or
06071 by Friday, Sept. 25 for
$24.95 boxed.
the October edition.
(30 words or fewer)
September 2009 North Central News
29
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Page 30
Letters
Fowler and Knowlton Will Bring a New Leadership Style
To the Editor;
As long-time residents of the town of Stafford we cannot begin to say how thrilled we are to see the team of
Bosco Fowler and Deidriene Guglielmo Knowlton running for First Selectman and selectman.
Like many others, we have known these candidates for
a very long time and would like to share some of our personal observations and knowledge.
Bosco is a team builder who works endlessly until the
task is complete. He has a history of getting things done,
no matter what the obstacles. As First Selectman he will
not only work full time, but he will give you much more.
This guy lives and breaths the town of Stafford.
Deidriene is one of our town’s finest teachers. We will
never know how much savings she has brought to our
town as a reading coach. She has touched and changed the
lives of so many children, ours included. I am proud to
say Deidriene herself has had the greatest coach, her dad
state Sen. Tony Guglielmo.
This team will be a new generation of leadership for
our town; we can assure you that they will never forget the
generations of the past or future.
Please support Bosco & Deidriene along with the both
of us for the best Stafford.
Mark & Diane Steullet
Stafford, CT
Selectman Candidate Outlines Team’s Background and Qualifications
To the Editor,
I am Deidriene Guglielmo Knowlton
and I am running for Stafford’s Board of
Selectmen, along with our First Selectman
candidate Bosco Fowler. Bosco and I are
part of an exciting ticket and we will all be
working hard to earn your vote this
November.
I am a reading teacher in Stafford. I
have taught in town for over 20 years. I am
the mother of three children and have lived
and worked in town almost all of my life.
I have found it to be a great place to live,
work and raise a family. I want to be a part
of the continuing rebirth of our community. We have seen the visible improvements
to our downtown. We need to continue and
even accelerate that process. We have also
seen the improvements in our school and
recreational facilities. The improvements
behind the scenes are equally impressive.
Our town has thrived when we have had
full-time leadership. We have thrived with
high energy, hard-working leaders such as
Ben Muzio, John Julian and Allen
Bacchiochi at the helm.
I am convinced that Bosco will be a
high energy, hard-working first selectman.
He has demonstrated his leadership and
energy during his eight years as president
of Stafford Little League. He managed an
organization with over 250 volunteers, 500
players, and a $125,000 budget. He did not
do this alone, leaders never do. He did by
taking an already good organization and
mobilizing others to make it even better.
That’s exactly what we hope to do for our
town. Take a good town and with your
help make it better.
Team Stafford 2009 will be asking for
your support in the next few months.
Watch for us at community events and at
your doorstep.
Sincerely,
Deidriene Guglielmo Knowlton
Stafford, CT
Enfield Republicans Seek Interested Individuals
ENFIELD – The Republican Town
Committee is looking for interested individuals who would like to get involved in
the local election and possibly join the
town committee.
Republicans who get involved will
enjoy a group of people, have direct
access to elected officials and learn about
things going on in Enfield first-hand. If
you have ever considered getting
involved, please contact Republican
Town Chairman Mary Ann Turner at 7454649 or e-mail maryannturner@cox.net.
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30 North Central News September 2009
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Page 31
Letters
Commission Thanks All Connected to ‘1984’ Theater Production
To the Editor:
Stafford Arts Commission would like to thank everyone connected with the recent performances of “1984”,
staged at Memorial Hall in Stafford. The production was
an outstanding success, with very enthusiastic response
and feedback from the audience after each performance.
Audience numbers were great on opening night –
Friday, June 12th and at the afternoon performance on
Sunday, but definitely exceeded all expectation on
Saturday night, with a completely full house.
Many people, all volunteers, gave up hours and weeks
of their time to make this dramatic production a success.
The commission would like to thank the actors, who did
such an outstanding job and who were so well received by
the audience. For some, it was a stage debut.
Special thanks to the “invisible” people, those behind
the scenes, who worked so hard and contributed so much
effort to make the production a success.
The commission is especially grateful for the extra help
given so readily from members of the audience on Sunday
afternoon, when the set was being struck. In the true spirit of Community Theater, they offered assistance with dismantling and clearing the set, which was completed in
record time.
Many thanks also for the generosity of the sponsors for
“1984”: North Central News; Bob’s Discount Furniture:
Moulton Bros. Builders; and, Mallard’s Nest Antiques.
Special thanks to the Stafford Alliance for Food and
Fuel volunteers who provided refreshments at each performance. All donations received will be given to Stafford
Family Services – Food and Fuel Banks.
The Arts Commission is already planning a future production for the fall of this year, to ensure the continuation
of quality theater experiences for the town of Stafford.
Jan Newsome,
Stafford Arts Commission
Following inmate death, Kissel calls for Corrections Department Investigation
SOMERS - State Sen. John A. Kissel is
calling for a full investigation into the
apparent escalating violence at Northern
Correctional Institution in Somers super
max prison. Following news that yet
another instance of violence occurred at
Northern, resulting in an inmate death,
Sen. Kissel called for a top-to-bottom
investigation.
“Our super max facility is supposed to
be the most secure prison in the state,” said
Kissel. “But in just the past month alone
they’ve had three serious instances of violence and now someone is dead.
Something is not right here. If you can’t be
safe in a prison with the highest level of
security, something is wrong. There needs
to be an immediate and comprehensive
investigation into the safety plan at
Northern.”
In a letter to acting Commissioner Brian
Murphy, Kissel expressed the same concerns and asked the state Department of
Correction to immediately begin an investigation. “(Recently) an inmate was found
dead from an apparent suicide,” said
Kissel. “Why wasn’t he on suicide watch?
And two weeks before that, four correctional officers were assaulted by an
inmate. Back in June a CO was assaulted
and needed medical attention.”
“Something needs to be done,” said
Kissel. “The level of violence we are seeing right now at Northern appears unprecedented. I have not seen anything like this
at any of the other five prisons in my district, yet Northern is supposed to have the
highest level of security. I understand that
the inmates at Northern are among the
most dangerous and violent in the state,
but that’s why they’re at a super max. No
one should have to go to work in fear of
being assaulted by an inmate and quite
frankly, no inmate should have to be in
fear of his life.”
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September 2009 North Central News
31
History & Forward Thinking
Sept092.qxd:NOVNCNpart2.qxd
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Page 32
That's My Convenient Bank Branch!
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Access your Rockville Bank accounts anytime, anywhere you have access to the internet,
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Eliminate your trips to the bank to make deposits with Remote Deposit Services. We put
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32 North Central News September 2009
We're Stable
With 21 area branches, we take care of business and care deeply about our communities.
Our banking products and services are designed to meet all your financial goals. Because
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