September 2009 - The North Central News
Transcription
September 2009 - The North Central News
Sep09ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd 8/30/09 1:52 PM Page 1 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 Sep09ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd 8/30/09 12:06 PM Page 2 ar r y Kent # # # #CARNIVAL September 10 , 11 , 12 # # # # # # # # Parade 5:15 Saturday # # # # $2.00 OFF # # Annual Ellington Volunteer Fire Department th th th Brookside Park, Rt. 140, Ellington, CT %&' %+0' FREE Parking & Admission %()* +* ,&-.-/- Over 12 different rides for all ages, lots of food, +* games of skill & chance, and a truck raffle! Open: 6pm-11pm Thursday & Friday 4pm-11pm Saturday Wristbands for Rides LOTS D O O ! Available All Three Nights! OF F E! AVAILABL GS, Thursday, Sept. 10th, Friday, Sept. 11th & Sat. 12th "### $ % , HOT DO Wristband allows you to ride any ride HAMBURGERS FRIED #### &&&' all night $20.00 per night FRENCH FRIES, A, DOUGH, PIZZ PERSON % (PER )*+ Y, -1 Parade Saturday, Sept. 12th, 5:15pm COTTON CAND UP TO 5 PEOPLE D MORE! AN along Sadds Mill Rd. (Rt.140), !"#$ WITH THIS COUPON "2#23 4)0-' from Jobs Hill Rd. to Brookside Park EXP. 9/30/09 Get A Free Financial Check-up Have your investments suffered in this recession and you’re not in the position you want to be in? Together, we can help put your financial life in order, while repairing your damaged portfolio and safely preparing for the market’s recovery. “Sound and well thought-out actively managed investment accounts for those saving for retirement, transitioning into retirement, or the already retired!” Har Harrryy Kent Kentt PLANS FOR GETTING STARTED FOR RETIREMENT — the sooner you start saving for retirement the more you may have when you get there. Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative Individual Plans: • Traditional IRA • Roth IRA Voted #1 Financial Planner for 2007 2008 & 2008*& 2009* 2007, Plans for self-employed individuals without employees: • Individual 401(k) • SEP-IRA • Personal Defined Benefit Benifit *as selected by the North Central News Readers’ Rolls. www.kentretirementplanning.com Schedu le free fin your ancial checkup tod ay! Simply call us at 860-74 9-6961 . Plans for business owners with employees: • SEP-IRA • Simple-IRA • Profit Sharing • Personal Define Benefit • 401(K) Plans Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered by representatives of Tower Square Securities, Inc., a securities broker/dealer (member FINRA & SIPC) and a Registered Investment Adviser. Kent Retirement Planning Services LLC is a separate entity from Tower Square Securities, Inc. and is not a securities broker/dealer or Registered Investment Adviser. 22 North 20092009 NorthCentral CentralNews NewsMarch September Sep09ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd 8/30/09 12:06 PM Page 3 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 3 Sep09ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd 8/30/09 12:06 PM Page 4 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 EXCLUSIVE LISTING OF THE MONTH Looking for room to roam? Something for every member of the family in this extra large 2700 square foot cape set back from the road for extra privacy. This home sits on 9 acres of land. Great for nature lovers and outdoor enthusasists! Looking to save money on fuel? Look no further with this furnace. It burns both wood and oil. You can use the wood on your land to heat your home all winter long! Lang Calendars, Christmas Cards, Willow Tree, Crabtree & Evelyn, Burt's Bees, Colonial Candles, Yankee Candles, Gund, Wellspring, Woodstock Chimes Greeting Cards from Marian Heath, Caspari and Leanin' Tree, and Much More 25% OFF one regular priced item (Expires 9-30-09) Looking for room to tinker? This house also includes an 1800 square foot fully heated, insulated and wired for electricity outbuilding with an extra large garage door. Big enough to store your boat or RV. If you want a workshop space big enough for any project - this home is for you. This home is in Stafford Springs, CT and is $424,900. Showings available by appointment only. Contact Century 21 Alaimo and Corrado 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 Sep09ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd 8/30/09 12:06 PM 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 Sep09ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd 8/30/09 12:07 PM 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. Sep09ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd 8/30/09 2:15 PM 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 TOY STORE WE HAVE ALL YOUR BASIC BACK to SCHOOL SUPPLIES IN STOCK NOW PENS, PENCILS, COLORED PENCILS, MARKERS, RULERS, FOLDERS, SPIRAL NOTEBOOKS, FILLER PAPER, PENCIL POUCHES, GLUE STICKS, SCISSORS, PROJECT PAPER and MORE! YOU WON’T BELIEVE OUR SELECTION Hirth Small Engine EDUCATIONAL TOYS, GAMES, PUZZLES, BOOKS, SOFTWARE, SCHOOL SUPPLIES, CRAFTS, AND MORE! for KIDS, PARENTS and TEACHERS Conveniently located at WEST MEADOW PLAZA, 100 WEST ROAD (RT 83) ELLINGTON, CT 06029 860-871-8198 Mon 1-6, Tue 9-6, Wed 9-6, Thu 9-8, Fri 9-6, Sat 9-6, Closed Sunday Hello every one, I can't believe it is September already. Fall is fast approaching, what happened to summer? Look for our Octoberfest Beers coming soon. We are heading into red wine season ask us for a recommendation. We are continually expanding our wine selection to better serve our customer's. So come on in and check it out. We love the company. You can also contact us via email at markscwl@sbcglobal.net WINE TASTING FRIDAY 5:00PM-7:00PM ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS Small Jobs Are Our Specialty! Land Reclamation 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 Sep09ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd 8/30/09 12:08 PM Page 8 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. Connecticut Connecticut Wood Wood Group’s Group’s HARDWO HARDWO D D OUTLET OUTLET No. 1 in Customer Service - Since 1990 New England’s Best Selection OPEN New England’s Best Selection TO THE American Hardwoods PUBLIC American Hardwoods Custom Millwork & Flooring Custom Millwork and Flooring “Green Building” Wood Products “Green Building” Wood Products ResponsibleForest ForestManagement Management Responsible )RUHVW6WHZDUGVKLS&RXQFLO$&)6&6XSSOLHU6&6&2& )RUHVW6WHZDUGVKLS&RXQFLO$&)6&6XSSOLHU6&6&2& ©© Pre-planning one’s funeral is an easy thing to put off. But, it is not as difficult or time consuming as you may think. We can even meet with you in your home to make it easier. To get started now, call us for a free brochure. You’ll be glad you did. 8 North Central News August 2008 www.leetestevens.com 8 North Central News September 2009 For ForPrices Prices&&Information: Information:www. www.cwghardwoodoutlet.com cwghardwoodoutlet.com 0XOOHQ5RDG(Q¿HOG&7 0XOOHQ5RDG(Q¿HOG&7 Sep09ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd 8/30/09 12:08 PM 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. Specializing In Pool Enclosures • Privacy Daycare • Pet Enclosures B. GUZZO FENCES & MORE Ornamental, Aluminum, Vinyl, Chain Link & Custom Wood (860) 684-6434 Barrier Free Designs Where Every Situation Has A Solution Over 30 Years Experience 860-875-4157 P1#202492 HIC#544829 Ellington, CT Bathrooms Bathrooms Plumbing • Heating • Remodeling 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 CT Arborist #62445 B-0961 749-7365 Mountain Tree Service September 2009 North Central News 9 Sep09ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd 8/30/09 12:08 PM 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 8/30/09 12:08 PM 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 11 Sep09ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd 8/30/09 12:08 PM Page 12 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. NEW LOCATION 10 Boulder Park Way North Oxford, MA 01537 Summer Maybe Be Over BUT.... Now is the Time to Plan for your 2010 Pool Installation at 2009 PRICES! SALES SERVICE PARTS REPAIRS Fabrication • Welding • Maintenance Damage Repairs • Accessories Electrical • Brakes • Brake Assemblies Springs • Axles • Tires • Wheels Hitches (Tags & Gooseneck) Boat & Horse Trailer Repairs Boulder Industrial Park Route 20 888-414-2287 12 North Central News September 2009 Call Today for your professional pool closing! BE THE FIRST TO BE SWIMMING NEXT SUMMER! COME AND VISIT OUR BEAUTIFUL SHOWROOM AND SPEAK WITH OUR POOL PROFESSIONALS TO FIND THE RIGHT POOL FOR YOUR FAMILY. CALL NOW, PLACE YOUR ORDER WITH A DEPOSIT, AND HOLD THIS YEAR'S PRICING! Sep09ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd 8/30/09 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 ... www.thenorthcentralnews.com 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 Sep09ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd 8/30/09 12:08 PM 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 8/30/09 12:08 PM 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, garden, kids, stationary, framed prints, seasonal decor, gifts and more! 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 (860) 763-0876 Now Offering SAT Preparation! 11 Main Street, Somersville 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Daily • Closed Saturday ALL PRICES QUOTED BEFORE WORK IS STARTED 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 Sep09ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd 8/30/09 12:08 PM 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 y SALE! along the way,” the lifelong Somers resident concludes. “But all this reflecting is making me feel like this was a lifetime achievement award. As it clearly states, I’m still under 40, and really, I have a lot of things I’d still like to accomplish!” HUGE HU GE SAVINGS SAVI V NG GS on Sheds, Sheds, Garages, Garages, G Gazebos aze ebos & Pla Playscapes! yscapes! P lus S AVE V HU ND DREDS on Dining, Dining, Bedroom m Living Room Room & More! Plus SAVE HUNDREDS TToday o oday Throu Through gh Lab Labor bor Day! Day! 8x12 T-1-11 T Garden Special 12x24 Vinyl Cape Garage with 2 Transom Transom Windows W indows w/E windows Plus Plu us FREE SuperFloor! SuperFloor! R Reg. $ $3190 3190 $ 4995 Reg. $6590 10x16 Vinyl Cape OSE YO U C H O OSE YO U C H O $ 1995 $ OSE YO U C H O with E windows Reg. $3890 2995 $ 4995 12x24 T-1-11 g Dutch Garage w/E windows Plus Plus FREE SuperFlo or! SuperFloor! $ 4995 Reg. $6145 8x12 Vinyl Cape Reg. $2715 All Dining ON SALE! 10’ Elegant Gazebo Pressure Treated Reg. $280 $2808 08 All Islands ON SALE! 10x16 T-1-11 NE Ca Cape ape 12' PT Elegant Gazebo with 2 transom windows window ws with CWF CWF & wood screens Reg. $3965 Reg. $4494 All Home Office ON SALE! All Entertainment 18% OFF! Come to 860/871-1048 860/8 71-1048 800/BUY-FINE 800/BUY Y--F FINE (800-289-3463) SHOP ON ONLINE NLINE www www.kloterfarms.com .kloterfarms.c com 16 North Central News September 2009 FINANCING CING G ONE ONE YEAR! 0% FINAN Mon-Sat Mo n-Sat 8am-5pm, Tues Tues & Thu Thurr u until ntil 7pm 216 West West Rd, (Corner (Corner o 3 & 286) Ellingto n, CT off Rte 83 Ellington, From Ha Hartford/Springfield: rtford/Sprringfield: 91 (exit 140E, 83S (exit 45), 140E, From Sturbridge: Sturbridge: 84W (exit (exit 67), 31N, 3 74W, 83N All Upholstery 15-20% OFF! FRE FREE E DEL DELIVERY IVERY in CT CT,, MA MA,, R RII $1500 minimum $1500 minimum purchase. purchase. Extra charge ffor Cod,, MA or Cape Cod FREE HOT DOGS DOGS HOT Saturday Sa turday & Monday! Mon day! 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 • Wills • Estate Planning • Probate • Business Formations Affordable Self Storage N Fully secured facility with N 24-hour access N Different size units available N Conveniently located next to the Four Town Fairgrounds # N 10’ x 20’ as low as $79 a month N 10’ x 30’ as low as $119 a month To Stafford To Enfield ROUTE 190 ROUTE 83 Somers Center d Fie oa ld sR Ro a g lin d Bil To Ellington Four Town Fairgrounds Road s rm Fa ine d nsh oa Su R Affordable Self Storage Egypt n New irs! Some construct this fantastic, family hotspot. 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 Sep09ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd 8/30/09 1:59 PM 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 8/30/09 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! NEW SILVER JEWLERY • Local Artists Works • Custom Mirrors • Gifts and more 30% Off 111 Main St. (Rt. 190), PO Box 535, Somersville, CT 06072 (860) 749-4863 All Custom Framing Expires 9/30/09 Open:Tues.,Thurs., Fri. 9:30-5:30;Wed. 9:30-7; Sat. 9-3 THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST GIFT SHOP We're now an Authorized Brighton ENFIELD/SOMERS, CT RETAILER! Come in and ch eck out our selection of Bri ghton jewelry, watch es, readers & sunglasses! 763-2300 www.ALLEVOBUILDERSLLC.com General Contractors specializing in: Additions – In-Law – Add-a-Level Basement & Bonus Room Finishing Garages – Siding & Windows Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling Custom Decks – New Construction Always on time! References Available Fully Licensed & Insured CT Reg #557322 *We are a family owned and operated company, serving the local area since 1986. We take pride in our long history of skilled craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. Whether enhancing your personal comfort, increasing the value of your home, or preparing to sell, we look forward to working with you on your next custom job! Beautiful, Unique & Affordable Fabulous Gifts for the Home, for Giving, or for Yourself Chamilia Trunk Show Special 7 DAYS only from Sunday, September 6thSaturday, September 12th Buy 3 beads get 1 FREE ($25 value) Or Buy 4 beads get a FREE Classic Bracelet (lobster claw $35 value) one special per customer. Beads of $50 or more count as 2 at Beautiful Things! ONE SPECIAL PER CUSTOMER. BALLOON SALE the same week of the trunk show... Pick a Balloon and get a surprise discount off any purchase 10% - 30% in every balloon! (excludes Brighton and Chamilia) Ask us about hosting your in-store private party to get FREE Chamilia for yourself and great specials for your friends! 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 Sep09ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd 8/30/09 12:09 PM Page 20 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 Sept092.qxd:NOVNCNpart2.qxd 8/30/09 12:59 PM Page 21 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) CASCADE LANDSCAPE AND TREE REMOVAL, LLC • 6 ft Arborvitae tree delivered and planted for $69.99 ea. (min order 10) • Great for privacy hedge and Boarders • Distinctive Landscape Design • Stone Work • Shrub and tree removal • Lots Cleared • Pavers • Stump Grinding • Snow Plowing 860-265-7898 Mike Cell 860-209-2079 Keith Residential / Commercial Licensed & Insured September 2009 North Central News 21 Sept092.qxd:NOVNCNpart2.qxd 8/30/09 2:27 PM Page 22 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) Sept092.qxd:NOVNCNpart2.qxd 8/30/09 12:59 PM 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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Stafford Veterinary Center 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. John’s Tree Removal Fully insured Complete Tree Removal Lot Clearing • Pine or Hardwood John Fontanella 860-428-1790 NO JOB TOO SMALL OR TOO BIG! Pond House Bed & B re a k f a s t Georgia Michalec • Monty Michalec West Stafford Psychotherapy Services For Women Individual & Group Therapy Georgia Marie Michalec, M.S. Christine L. White, M.S. Accepting new members. Group meets on Weds, 7-8:30 p.m. 19 Crystal Lake Road Stafford Springs, CT 06076 (860) 684-1644 CRYSTAL LAKE ROAD STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT 06076 (860) 684-5700 September 2009 North Central News 23 Sept092.qxd:NOVNCNpart2.qxd 8/30/09 12:59 PM 24 North Central News September 2009 Page 24 Sept092.qxd:NOVNCNpart2.qxd 8/30/09 2:05 PM 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 Stumpy’s, LLC Grind A Stump & Bob Cat Service Free Estimates (860) 604-1354 • (860) 684-6774 Savings insured to $250,000 by NCUA S.I.F. Special Rate New Vehicles *** As Low As 3.99%! *** Special Rate Used Vehicles As Low As 5.99%! * September 2009 North Central News 25 Sept092.qxd:NOVNCNpart2.qxd 8/30/09 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. D'AMICO D’AMICELECTRIC, ELECTRICINC. INC. COMPLETE LINE OFE ELETRICAL ELECTRICAL SERVICES COMMERICAL & INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE GENERATORS & TRANSFER SWITCHES ELECTRICAL SERVICE UPDATES AERIAL BUCKET TRUCK COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • INDUSTRIAL LICENSED & INSURED EST. 1974 E 102883 SMI 2805 860-684-5602 AL D'AMICO 72 ORCUTTVILLE RD. STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT 06076 STAFFORD LAWN C ARE Tree and Brush Removal Shrub Trimming Mowing and Mulching Snow Plowing Call John for a Quote 860-514-0078 26 North Central News September 2009 Reg. # 611860 Sept092.qxd:NOVNCNpart2.qxd 8/30/09 12:59 PM Page 27 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 REPAIR (Foreign Car Specialists) General Maintenance, Fuel Injection, Tires, Towing, Diesel, Electrical, Alignment, Used Cars ASE CERTIFIED 23 Field Road, Somers, CT Dave Doyker, Frank Doyker, Jim Hinkle Your Local SAAB & VOLVO Specialists Gift Certificates Available NOW OFFERING Headlight Head LightRestoration Restoration $ 29.95 ea. Cloudy Headlamp? Don’t spend up to $200 replacing them • Buffing, Wax & Glaze • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning • Protectant PROFESSIONAL DETAILING 763-3494 Mike Caswell Fully Insured 34 Egypt Road, Somers, CT Fleet Rates 860-763-0711 TOWING • GLASS WORK COMPLETE COLLISION Art Gardner ASE Master Technician SAAB Technician Erik Laakso 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 Sept092.qxd:NOVNCNpart2.qxd 8/30/09 12:59 PM Page 28 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! RELIABLE CLEANING LLC American Truck & Auto Repair, LLC Dependable and thorough cleaning service at affordable rates. Sick of bad cleaning services? Call us! Location: Off Route 32, Stafford Springs (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 @ $5.25/lb or 100 lbs @ $5/lb-some of everything. Call Verna at (860) 875-1062 or (860) 490-6580 for more information. LetterPerfectNames.com Individually framed photographs of local natural, man-made & architectural objects that resemble letters of the alphabet to spell a word or your name -- matted, framed & ready to hang. Photos by: Barbra O'Boyle, IMAGES4U, (860) 966-8822 Popular ZUMBA FITNESS CLASSES are Back! Now forming for September in Enfield, Somers, Suffield and Windsor Locks. Also, a Zumba Gold class in Somers. Call instructor Mary Harrington for more information at (860) 749-7273 or (860) 841-4252. HOUSE FOR SALE, SOMERS 179 George Wood Road Somers, CT, $259,900 Contact: Carter or Donna Colby (h) 860-763-5758 (c) 860-508-9098 (c) 860-508-9099 •Built in 1985 •1,850 square feet •.95 acre •Fenced in backyard •Ample parking •Oversized 2 car garage •4 spacious bedrooms •2.5 baths •Master suite with full bath •Formal dining area with 28 North Central News September 2009 hardwood floor •Built in corner hutch •Fully finished basement with partial kitchen •Large living room with fireplace •Tile floors •Paved driveway •Vinyl siding •Oil baseboard heat •Wall unit air conditioner •Appliances included: refrigerator, range, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal •Pubic water connected •Septic system Voted Best Landscaper In Voted Best Landscaper In North North Central Connecticut Two Central Connecticut 06, 07 & 09! Years In A Row! Specializing in: Landscape Design, Hydroseeding, Decorative & Commercial Retaining Walls • Walkways, Patios & Interlocking Pavers • Excavation & Drainage Work • Landscape Design • Commercial & Residential Property Maintenance Walkways, Patios & Walls, Small Excavation & Drainage Work. Sept092.qxd:NOVNCNpart2.qxd 8/30/09 12:59 PM Page 29 Classifieds Lawn Mower Repairs Lawn mower tune-ups and repairs. All repairs done at your home for your convenience. Also blade sharpening available. Call John at (860) 916-5367 Alterations LANDSCAPING Spring clean-ups, Mulching, Top soil, Planting, Designing, Mowing, Trimming, Hauling & Grading. SPECIALIZING IN: Stone work, walls, patios, walkways. New & Repairs 860-851-9059 (860) 684-2408 Call ANY TIME AUTO INSURANCE WALLS BY VICTORIA CA$H FOR YOUR CAR (860) 763-1908 (860) 684-2566 CT PISTOL PERMIT Complete Transmission Service N.R.A. Certified Instructor. No criminal record! Call Frank at On Site Rebuilding CARR’S DENT REPAIR 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, Brakes Shocks & General Repairs 860-896-5256 See what having a pet-sitter can mean for you and your pets! Pet Sitting & Dog Walking E-MAIL: Gone2thedogs24@cox.net PHONE: (860) 670-5611 WEBSITE: www.allpawspetsitting.org Custom Paint and Wallpapering, Faux finishes, murals, raised plaster design, cabinetry or a simple re-paint/re-paper. Start the NEW SEASON with a NEW LOOK! Complimentary estimates. We buy all cars, 1990 & newer. Immediate cash, highest prices paid. Donʼt Trade It - Weʼll Buy It! American Auto Wholesalers References. Insured. (860) 749-2603 (860) 729-9918 CUSTOM SCREENPRINTING & EMBROIDERY Frontline Screenprinting can handle all of your printing needs from team uniforms, organizations & more! (860) 698-9860 Over 13 Years Of Cleaning Experience Home & Home Cleaning Business • ContructionCleaning. Clean-Up Need a floor scrubbed? • Carpets • Tile CALL ME! Bonnie Wexelman 20 Lake St. Ellington, CT 06029 (860) 870-7114 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 Sept092.qxd:NOVNCNpart2.qxd 8/30/09 12:59 PM 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. Gaskell Home Gaskell l Home Remodeling g LLC Remodeling LLC NEAT & FRIENDLY SERVICE Among The Services We Provide: GO SOLAR! Cut your electric bill naturally by Before and lighting cooling your home using solar power! After Tubular skylights & Specializing solar attic fans In areTubular Skylights! For the cost of a nice light fixtwoabout affordable ture, we can bring the soft light of the investments with sun into virtually any space in your long term benefits! home. Call for more information! • Complete Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling • Additions • Interior Trim & Woodwork • Door & Window Replacement • Decks • Alcoa ‘Leaf Relief’ Gutter Protection Re-roofing • •Tubular Skylights BasementFinishing Finishing • •Basement SolatAttic AtticFans Fans • •Solar For For aa free free consultation consultationcall: call:(860) (860)749-9536 749-9536 Todd Gaskell, Owner, REG #570751 Todd Gaskell, OwnerCT - Somers, CT #570751 Visit www.toddgaskell.com Visit www.toddgaskell.com 30 North Central News September 2009 Sept092.qxd:NOVNCNpart2.qxd 8/30/09 12:59 PM 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.” Capa di Roma All Natural Marinara Sauces VOTED BEST PASTA SAUCE IN CT by the CT Specialty Food Association. Emilia & Frank Capaccio Roma Restaurant Chiropractic, Acupuncture & AAT 358 Burnside Avenue East Hartford, CT 06108 tel: 860.282.0298 fax: 860.289.6211 See our products at your local grocery store. (Advance Allergy Therapeutics) Dr. Ya-Ling Lo D.C Craig Kelly L.Ac. 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