December 2011 North Central News

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In This Issue• SANTA SIGHTINGS: Find old SaintNick in December ........................p. 3• EAST WINDSOR: Storm cleanup a pri-ority for selectmen..............................p. 4• EAST WINDSOR: WHP Library hasfun holiday plans ..........................p. 5• SUNDAY DRIVE: New York chic inNew England, CT Auto Show ..........p. 7• ENFIELD: Asnuntuck receives $2.2million grant................................p. 8• ENFIELD: Board hires new head ofschool system ............................p. 12

• ELLINGTON: Town crews workingsix days a week to clean ..........p. 15• ELLINGTON: OKP presents a finenight of entertainment ..................p. 16• SOMERS: Selectman praisesresponse from community ........p. 21• SOMERS: Coffeehouse............p. 24• STAFFORD: Town working on plan fordebris removal ............................p. 33• STAFFORD: Storm-cancelled showrescheduled ................................p. 35• CLASSIFIEDS:.......................p.38-39

• NEXT ISSUE •DEADLINE: Dec. 22, 2011

(860) 698-0020www.thenorthcentralnews.com

Warm Thoughts for the HolidaysMembers of East Windsor Daisy Troop 10124 worked together to decorate boxes for the Animal Shelter collection they arehaving during December. The troop is collecting items for the Simon Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to therehabilitation and adoption of unwanted, neglected, or abused animals. If you would like to donate, the boxes will be locatedat Geissler's Supermarket in East Windsor, or you can contact Jen Dufour at 860-729-2481.

By Linda Tishler Levinson

The holidays are a season of light and hope.Despite — or in some cases because of — thechallenges local businesses and residents havefaced after two major storms in two months,North Central Connecticut businesspeople saythat optimism is a strong force this holidayseason.

“I’m optimistic because so much has goneon since the summer,” said Deborah Farnham,owner of Colonial Flower Shoppe in Somers.

After people have been in such a state ofupheaval after the storms, Farnham said shehopes Christmas will bring people back to asense of calm.

“We always tend to go back to our roots,’she said, and the holidays are part of that.

She said her business was affected by thestorm since people were focused on survival,but that they were fortunate not to lose anyperishable product.

Her business holds an open house duringthe holidays. “We’re hoping this might bemore of an opportunity this year.”

She also said her business has benefitedfrom some of the goodwill people have forgedwith their neighbors as they helped one anoth-er. Many have been sending flowers as thank-you gifts.

Store OwnersBanking On BusyHoliday Season

HOLIDAYS/page 6

DECNCN1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd 11/27/11 1:27 PM Page 1

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The NorthCentral News

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PHONE: 860.698.0020FAX: 860.394.4262

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PUBLISHER/EDITORGary Carra

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSBarbara Bresnahan

Keith GriffinBarbra O’Boyle

Linda Tishler-LevinsonDeborah Stauffer

PHOTOGRAPHERSDavid Butler II

Stacey Lyn McDonald

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVESGary Carra Sr.

Amy HartensteinJoan Hornbuckle

CIRCULATION Georgia Michalec

PUBLISHER’S POLICY: The information presented in the

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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 errorsin advertising is limited to rerunof the ad. Errors in advertising

should be brought to the attention of the publisher, inwriting, within seven days ofpublication for appropriate

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December 2011 North Central News 3

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WinterfestELLINGTON - On Saturday,

Dec. 3, Ellington will hold itsannual Winterfest on the gazebogreen between Rts. 140 and 286(Main Street) beginning at 4 p.m.with the festive Tree-LightingCeremony that will include a visitfrom Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty, andRudolph. This year they will bejoined by a “petting zoo” of minia-ture donkeys on the town green,courtesy of Express Verizon ofMeadowbrook Plaza in Ellington.

This event will be topped off bythe spectacular “Torchlight Parade”down Main Street at 5:30 p.m. anda drive-through “Living Nativity”at 7 p.m., presented by the Churchof Jesus Christ of Latter DaySaints, on their grounds on MapleStreet near the corner of Rt. 83.

Meanwhile, a variety of holidayactivities, including a GingerbreadHouse baking contest, musicalentertainment, and “family-friend-ly” dinner will be offered at theEllington Congregational Church;goodies, entertainment and a holi-day workshop at Hall MemorialLibrary, including the renowned“Festival of Trees” and free cook-ies and hot chocolate at theEllington Senior Center in theChurch Street plaza, courtesy ofthe Ellington Women’s Club. TheNellie McKnight Museum will alsobe open to visitors from 2 p.m.-7p.m. to show off their new display.

For further information, pleasecall 860-875-3885. In case ofinclement weather on the day of theevent, please call Hall MemorialLibrary at 860-870-3160 for anupdate. There will be no alternaterain/snow date.

Annual Brunch &Browse

STAFFORD - Stafford SpringsCongregational Church at 3 MainSt. will hold its fifth annual Brunch& Browse on Saturday, Dec. 3,from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. There isample parking across the street atTown Hall.

For $6, a brunch of French toastbake with sausage or potato baconcheese casserole served withhomemade muffins, juice, coffeeand tea will be offered. For thosein a hurry, there will be an expressmenu of juice, homemade muffin

and coffee for just $3.50. Take-out is avail-able.

All of the purchases will be Christmasbagged and there is also the opportunity to ownone of the great themed over-filled raffled bas-kets. Call 860-684-5021 if to reserve tickets tothis event.

“Frosty” is a regular attendee of Ellington’s annual “Winterfest.”


EAST WINDSOR - The Board ofDirectors of Allied Community Services,Inc. has named Joan Danziger of WestHartford President & CEO effective Nov.7. She succeeds Dean M. Wern, whoretired after 23 years at the helm of thehuman services organization. Danziger hasserved as Allied’s Chief Operating Officersince May 1 of this year.

Frank G. Santy, chairman of the boardfor Allied, stated that the board is extreme-ly pleased and fortunate to have hiredsomeone with Danziger’s qualificationsand experience. He added, “Joan is a veryspecial human being who, in her short timewith the Allied organization, has demon-strated great leadership and extraordinary

compassion for the people we serve.”Prior to joining Allied, Danziger was

vice president at the Corporation forIndependent Living in Hartford. Her previ-ous experience includes administrativepositions at agencies supporting peoplewith intellectual disabilities in bothMassachusetts and Pennsylvania, and sev-eral years in Washington, D.C. where sheserved as special assistant to theCommissioner of the Administration onDevelopmental Disabilities in the U.S.Department of Health and Human

Services.“It has been a lifelong goal of mine to

lead an organization that supports peoplewith disabilities,” Danziger stated, “and Iam thrilled and honored to have thisopportunity to be an integral part ofAllied’s future. Over the past six months Ihave experienced the welcoming enthusi-asm and diverse gifts of the people we sup-port, the commitment, compassion and tal-ent of our staff, and the deep dedication ofour board of directors.”


EAST WINDSOR —As the town con-tinues to clean up from the October snow-storm, the town is finalizing its plans forthe disposal of storm debris.

At the Nov. 15 Board of Selectmen’smeeting, the selectmen discussed the pos-sibility that should the Federal EmergencyManagement Agency declare the state amajor disaster area for this storm, fundingmight be available to pick up debris fromresidents’ property. That designation came

the following week. As of press time, the town website still

advised residents to bring their debris tothe Town Garage at Scantic and Woolamroads. They also may bring debris to GreenCycle on Route 140. Debris cut by line-men may be left at the curb, but there is noguarantee of pickup at this time. The FallYard Waste Collection will begin the weekof Dec. 12 for leaves and “only a few bun-dles of debris.”

Nov. 8 election

First Selectmen Denise Menard was re-

elected in the Nov. 8 municipal election.The Democrat received 760 votes, com-pared to 606 for Republican Rihcard Slateand 596 for petitioning candidate JudithRajala.

Also elected were:Selectmen: Dale Nelson, Alan Baker,

Richard Pippin Jr. and James Richards.Board of Finance: Jason Bowsza,

Jerilyn Corso and Joseph Pellegrini.Elected as an alternate to fill a vacancywas Paulette Broder.

Board of Education: Leslie Jane Hunt,

Nicholas DeSousa, Robert L. Maynard,Christopher Mickey and Lynn Stanley.

Board of Assessment Appeals: LoisNoble.

Zoning Board of Appeals: RaymondNoble, Thomas Talamini, LorettaWentworth, Scott Morgan and MysticaDavis.

Police Commissioners: Cliff Nelson,Ray Mancuso and Edward Fillipone.

Constables: Jeff Bancroft, RichardPippin Jr., John Burnham, BlaineSimpkins Sr. and Kenneth Crouch.


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Town Still Finalizing Plans for Storm Alfred Debris Removal

Allied Board names Joan Danziger President & CEO


EAST WINDSOR - December is a busymonth at the Warehouse Point Library. Itstarts with an Open House on Dec. 3 for its200th birthday celebration and renovation ofthe Community Room. The library will con-tinue to display photos of East Windsor pastand present from our collection and residents’through the month.

Quilting expert Jo Hansling is presentingVictorian Quilts and Traditions onWednesday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. in theCommunity Room of the Warehouse PointLibrary. This program will allow you to expe-rience the sentiments of the era, the symbol-ism of the quilts, holiday traditions, the ori-gins of the Victorian era and the celebrationof the Queen’s jubilee.

Crazy quilts and various samples of holi-day décor will be on display to showcase thecreativity of the time period. Hansling, a res-ident of Bloomfield, is a quilter, teacher andcraftswoman. Her passion for quilt historyhas evolved into creating programs of differ-

ent eras. The program is free. Please call thelibrary for more information.

Saturday afternoon at the movies contin-ues. Come to the library on Saturday, Dec.10, where the library will be showing “TheSmurfs” at 1 p.m. The film is a liveaction/animated version of the 1980s animat-ed series. The movie is free and childrenunder 11 must be accompanied by an adult.

On Wednesday, Dec. 14, the library will beshowing “Christmas in Connecticut” at 1p.m. in the library’s Community Room. Firstshown in 1945, the movie stars BarbaraStanwyck and Sydney Greenstreet A foodwriter who has lied about being the perfecthousewife must try to cover her deceptionwhen her boss and a returning war hero invitethemselves to her home for a traditional fam-ily Christmas. The movie is free, but registra-tion is necessary. Stop by the front desk orcall the library at 860-623-5482.The winter book discussion, “With MaliceToward None and Baseball For All,” led by

Marcia Hall, continues on Wednesday, Dec.21, at 7 p.m. with “Play for a Kingdom” byThomas Dyja. Multiple copies of the bookare available at the library. Call the library formore information at 860-623-5482.

Need something to do after Christmas?Come and see a family friendly movie each

day at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, throughFriday, Dec. 30. We are planning to show“Mr. Popper’s Penguins,” “Kung Fu Panda2” and more. Check out the library’s webpageat www.warehousepointlibrary.info or callthe library at 860-623-5482 for more infor-mation.

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Animal Shelter CollectionMembers of East Windsor Daisy Troop 10124 worked together to decorate boxes forthe Animal Shelter collection they are having during December. The troop is collectingitems for the Simon Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilita-tion and adoption of unwanted, neglected, or abused animals. If you would like todonate, the boxes will be located at Geissler’s Supermarket in East Windsor, or youcan contact Jen Dufour at 860-729-2481.

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All requirements of the Commissionerof Motor Vehicles and the StateDepartment of Education will be met.Eligibility requirements: High school stu-

dents 16-18 years of age. Includes eighthours of road work and 30 hours of class-room instruction and the parent trainingsession. Fee is $470. For the convenienceof our Driver Education students, on-sitetesting will be available beginning inFebruary.

Please call the office with any questionsor to receive a registration form at 860-763-7032 or visit our website atwww.enfieldschools.org (click Schools,then click Adult Education).

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Emily Miller, community relationsdirector of Shop Rite in Enfield, agreedwith Farnham’s optimism about the sea-son. “We view the holiday season as a timewhen our family can be of service to theirfamilies in the community,” she said.

“Luckily we recuperated just fine fromthe storm,” she said, but the storm remainsmindful of the need out in the communitythat the storm created for many area resi-dents.

For Mandy Vu, owner of Lavie Nailsand Spa Salon in Somersville, the stormmeant lost business for two to three weeks.“Hopefully, it will be picked up nextmonth,” she said.

While the economy has affected herbusiness, Vu said she remains optimistic.“We are just keeping the high hopes thatpeople will spend a little more.”

Brenda Friedrich, of Friedrich’sJewelers in Stafford, said while her storelost an entire week to the storm, she islooking forward to a great holiday season.

“People are feeling a little more urgentbecause of the lost time,” she said, and thatmay mean an increase in business.

Chriss Plossay, owner of Clear ViewGlass & Mirror in Ellington, said that thestorm actually benefited his business.Since his business includes repair work, hesaid they had their best month since itopened.

Candice Corcione, executive director ofthe Tolland County Chamber ofCommerce, said she sees many brightspots this holiday season. She said thechamber recently held its auction, and itwas the most successful yet.

“I think they’re viewing it with greatenthusiasm,” she said of business owners’views on the holiday season. “People aredoing more within the community,” she

added, with the chamber membershipbeing urged to buy locally and to supporttheir fellow members.

Ed LaMontagne, executive director ofthe North Central Chamber of Commerce,said his organization also is urging peopleto shop locally. He said his membership isapproaching this holiday season with“guarded optimism.”

Somers DickensWeekend

SOMERS — The Shopkeepers ofSomers along routes 190 and 83 will holda Dickens Weekend Dec. 3 and 4.

The event will include a scavengerhunt, refreshments and chestnuts roastingon an open fire, as well as showcasing hol-iday merchandise, said Kassy Mashiak,owner of Kassandra Herbs Unlimited.

The event, which has been a part of theholiday season in Somers for 15 years,includes a chance to win a $25 or $50 giftcertificate to local merchants for thosewho complete the scavenger hunt. There isa bonus sticker for the scavenger hunt forthose who bring a nonperishable food itemto the event, Mashiak said.

She said the small shops along routes190 and 83 feature many “boutique gifts,”with the small shops offering a vast selec-tion of gifts, along with personalized serv-ices and free gift wrapping in some shops.She said gifts are available in all priceranges.

For more information on the DickensWeekend, contact Mashiak at 860-749-0839.

Chamber OfficeMoves

ENFIELD — The North CentralConnecticut Chamber of Commerce ison the move.

Beginning Dec. 1, the chamber plansto be working out of its new offices at585 Hazard Ave. in Enfield.

Chamber Executive Director EdLaMontagne said the organizationdecided to move to “provide additionalservices for our members.”

The new location is larger, he said,allowing members to hold seminarsthere. In addition, members will be ableto use the facility’s conference room formeetings. — Linda Tishler Levinson

Holidays Time of Optimism for North Central Shop Owners(continued from page 1)

Driver Ed Available to High School Students

Send Your News to

[email protected]


Welcome back to the Sunday Drive, thecolumn that aspires to provide your com-plete, entertainment itinerary on a monthlybasis.

Or, shall we say... your guide to ‘watts’ upin the area, as our first stop - Bright Nightsat Forest Park (spiritofspringfield.org) - defi-nitely packs some candlepower.

Billed as New England’s single most pop-ular holiday destination,Bright Nights enters its17th season this year.Located in the ForestPark area of downtownSpringfield, WesternMassachusetts, it’s acelebration of illumina-tion with more than onemillion bulbs adorning displays such asNever, Never Land, and Noah's Ark and thegiant American Flag.

Other highlights include: Seuss Land,Victorian Village, the amazing Leaping Frogdisplay, North Pole Village, and more than adozen other special displays to start yourChristmas cheer.

This year the city of Springfield is catch-ing the spirit of Bright Nights festivities, andyou'll find more light displays throughout thecity to add to your fun.

Entrance fee this year is $15 per car and$18 at weekends and holidays, and you cantune your radio to a holiday music station toget you in the spirit of the holidays whiledriving through the exhibits.

Stop at the gift shop to pay a visit to Santahimself or pick up a souvenir and refresh-ments.

“Bright Nights at Forest Park” open night-ly through December 4, then nightly fromDecember 7 through Jan. 1, 2012 from 5p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Holidays it closesat 11p.m. and at 9 p.m. all other nights.

Continuing our seasonal train ofthought...the fine folks at the Essex SteamTrain Company (essexstreamtrain.com)have once commissioned the Polar Expressto embark on a locomotive-powered, night-time “sleigh” rides to the North Pole. Everycoach becomes a stage for a live, musicalperformance of The Night Before Christmas.Celebrate the spirit of the season with Santaand Mrs. Claus, sing-a-longs, hot chocolate

and sugar cookies.Traditional event

highlights include atrip to the North Poleto pick up Santa andMrs. Claus, tracksidedisplays, sugar cook-ies and hot chocolate,and each child will

meet Santa to receive a small Christmas gift.Children are invited to wear their favoritepajamas. Make sure those PJs are warm andcozy...it's cold up at the North Pole.

Essex Steam Train’s North Pole Expresschugs through Connecticut’s winter country-side with Santa Claus, Fridays throughSundays through Dec. 28.

The ride is one hour long with departureseach day at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and now at7:30 p.m. due to overwhelming demand.

Tickets are sold at the Essex Train Stationin Essex, Connecticut, and range from $28-$60, depending on your options in elegance.

For times, reservations and further infor-mation, call (860) 767-0103 or toll free 800377-3987. .

Last up is somewhere you can’t quite goyet. But boy, would a ticket to it make a greatstocking stuffer. We’re talking about theannual Sunwinefest at Mohegan Sun, ofcourse. While all the events that adorn thisweekend-long ode to all things vino are toonumerous to mention here, the crowningjewel remains the “Grand Tasting” - occur-

ring Saturday, Jan. 28 and Sunday, Jan. 29from noon - 5 p.m.

In short, the Grand Tasting is ta grand oletime, featuring beer, wine, specialty spiritsand delectable dishes guaranteed to dazzlethe most discerning palates. Wine and beerenthusiasts can select from over 1,000brands or enjoy tastings of specialty sponsorspirits. Foodies can sample signature dishes(for a small, additional fee) from the region'smost highly rated restaurants. The MainCulinary Stage is the backdrop for two daysof celebrity chef demonstrations, includingFood Network stars Bobby Flay, Iron Chef

Marc Forgione, Donatella Arpaia and RobertIrvine, along with fun-filled contests -Mohegan Sun WineFest Grape Stomp pre-sented by Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka andOyster Open presented by Bud Light Lime.For more information or to purchase tickets,kindly point your browser to sunwine-fest.com

Do you own a facility or know of a hiddengem in the region that would be the perfectfocus of a future Sunday Drive? If so, pleaseemail your suggestions to [email protected]


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ENFIELD - State Reps. David Kiner(D-Enfield) and Kathleen Tallarita (D-Enfield) hailed the passage of a compre-hensive jobs bill that includes $2.2 millionfor the expansion of AsnuntuckCommunity College’s precision manufac-turing program.

The goal of the legislation is to jump-start job creation and foster long-term eco-nomic growth through small-businessincentives, less government red tape,incentives for innovation, economic devel-opment tools and workforce developmentand training.

“Our legislature, unlike many others inthe country, was able to show the ability tocreate a bipartisan agenda to support smallbusinesses, grow jobs and spur innova-tion,” Kiner said during a special sessionof General Assembly.

“Small business continues to be theengine that drives our economy,” Tallaritasaid. “Investing in the future ofConnecticut’s small businesses is essentialto our continued economic growth.”

The lawmakers also praised the legisla-ture’s approval of Jackson Laboratory’sproposal to build a $1.1 billion genomicresearch facility at the University ofConnecticut Medical Center inFarmington and the state funding requiredfor the project.

“This investment in JacksonLaboratory’s plan for a $1.1 billion facili-ty will help create thousands of jobs in thefield of genomic medicine and the bio-sciences in Connecticut,” Kiner said.

A key part of the comprehensive jobslegislation is the Small Business ExpressPackage, which will make $50 million ayear available to small businesses throughincentives, grants and loans.

Another vital component is aligningprograms at vo-tech schools, communitycolleges and universities with highdemand job needs of employers, includingthe state’s manufacturing technology com-panies.

In addition to the $2.2 million forexpansion of Asnuntuck’s manufacturingprogram, the legislation authorizes $17.8

million for the establishment or enhance-ment of manufacturing technology pro-grams in three community-technical col-leges in the state. It does not specify whichthree colleges must be chosen, but requiresthe chosen colleges to demonstrate a com-mitment to precision manufacturing andan ability to establish or expand such pro-grams through space and faculty.


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ROCKVILLE - The Rotary Club ofRockville held its annual ‘Rotary Fall YardClean Up Day’ on Saturday, Oct. 22,focusing its efforts on helping two seniorcitizens who own homes in Vernon. Thespecial day coincided with the “NationalMake a Difference Day” in the UnitedStates.

A team of enthusiastic volunteers fromRockville Rotary and their spouses part-nered with 12 Rockville High students andtheir advisers to perform various outdoor

fall chores at the two homes. They ener-getically trimmed plants and trees, weededgarden areas, and raked leaves to lessenthe financial burden and relieve the physi-cal activity these elderly homeownerswould have faced when it comes to clean-ing their yards during the fall season.

The big-hearted students participatingin Rockville Rotary’s annual event are partof RHS’ Interact Club, which is the highschool equivalent of Rotary, designed tointroduce young students to the value of

community service. They were led by theiradvisors - Paul and Rita Courtois – whoare part of the RHS faculty.

The Rotary Club of Rockville, withmany members who live or work in theVernon, Tolland and Ellington area, is partof the worldwide organization Rotary

International. Rockville Rotary’s primaryfocus is to help those less fortunate andRotarians address many hunger, health,and humanity issues. Rockville Rotarymeets on Mondays at noon at the R HouseRestaurant located at 520 HartfordTurnpike in Vernon.


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ENFIELD - The following studentswere named to the first quarter honor rolland principal’s list at St. Bernard School inEnfield, according to a list supplied by theschool’s administration.

GRADE EIGHT

HIGH HONORS

Maia DoernerMichelle SuchEmma ZordaHONORSNathanial Boucher

Alex CoffeyDean LukacsKristen Mitton

PRINCIPAL’S LIST

Brooka Massie

GRADE SEVEN

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PRINCIPAL’S LIST

Jamison CoteKamryn DesrosiersNina MacDonald Nolan Skehan

GRADE SIX

HONORS

Aurelie BarryKillian GomeauQuincy JacquesBrandon LukacsEmily MillerEmily Noll


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ENFIELD — Jeffrey A. Schumann willbecome the superintendent of schools inJuly 2012.

Schumann, of Newington, currently isthe deputy superintendent of schools forthat town. Prior to his six years as deputysuperintendent, he was principal of MartinKellogg Middle School in Newington, anassistant principal at Newington HighSchool and a teacher in the WethersfieldPublic Schools for 17 years, where hetaught science and physical education. Heis an adjunct professor in the Educational

Leadership Department of the Universityof Hartford.

His extensive experience and skill lev-els aligned with many of the qualities theEnfield Board of Education was seeking ina superintendent, board Chairman GregoryStokes and board member JudyApruzzese-Desroches said in an Oct. 26news release.

A lifelong resident of Connecticut,Schumann said he had been interested inbecoming a superintendent for some timeand had identified Enfield as one of thedistricts that interested him.

“I always though it was a good, solidcommunity that I’d like to be part of,” hesaid. “This is just a great opportunity thathappened to come along.”

Schumann said he will begin by listen-ing to people in the district and learning allhe can about it. He knows he is cominginto the school system during a time ofmassive reorganization for the schools andsaid he looks forward to seeing it through.

Election Results

Winners in the Nov. 8 election are:Town Council: District 1: Joseph

Bosco; District 2: William Edgar; District

3: Scott Kaupin; District 4: Tom Kienzier;Council at Large: Patrick Crowley,Tohmas Arnone, Cynthia Mangini, KenNelson, Carol Hall, William Lee and GregStokes.

Board of Education: Timothy Neville,Jennifer Rancourt, Vincent Grady, TinaLeBlanc, Joyce Hall, Peter Jonaitis, DonnaSzewczak, Chuck Johnson and KevinFealy.

Constables: Anthony DiPace, TheodorePlamondon Jr., Michael Dailey, VincentDiana, Cindy Andersen, Bob Chagno andDan Post.

Board Taps Newington Deputy Superintendent for Top Spot

St. Bernard School Announces Honor Roll and Principal List Students Auditions for ‘La Cage Aux Folles’EAST WINDSOR - Opera House

Players, Inc., located in the BroadBrook section of East Windsor,announces auditions for the musical “LaCage Aux Folles.” Auditions will beheld at the Broad Brook Opera House,107 Main St., Broad Brook, on Sunday,Dec. 11, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday,Dec. 13, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; withcallbacks on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 7p.m.

For more information, contact thedirector at [email protected].


To the Editor:The Soup Kitchen would like to thank

the entire community for helping EnfieldLoaves and Fishes weather the latest cata-strophic storm this year. The Nor’easterslammed through the eastern seaboardwith an unforgettable vengeance. The wet,sticky snow came in at blizzard rate, caus-ing power line damage from overburdenedtree limbs. Our lights went out a few times,followed by relief as they came to bright-ness. Then, total lasting darkness – justbefore mealtime. One cell LED flashlightsnever became so treasured. Guests andvolunteers discovered compatible fooditems for the meal, the old gas stove stillworked, while Loaves and Fishes fed 51Guests in hazy darkness.

Throughout the evening tree limbs werecracking: falling everywhere around us.The sounds mocked those of a war zone.Shafts of light from passing cars gave aneerie view of what we could expect to seeat daybreak. This was not a safe place tobe! I can’t even imagine being outdoors orhomeless, when even a house may not be asafe port in this storm.

Daylight revealed more destruction thanever imagined: trees and tree limbs every-

where, crushed garages and cars, somecars and driveways obliterated, powerlines ripped from houses, along with wiresand tree strewn across roads.

We were in serious trouble here. Nolights, no refrigerator or freezer, and noheat. Guests started arriving around 9 eachmorning. Stove boiled water pouredthrough the coffee filter makes the mostdelightful morning coffee imaginable.There was not one complaint. Eggs, panfried sliced meats, fried potatoes, andstove browned toast rounded out the morn-ing wake-up fare. Preparation for the dailymeal began shortly thereafter.

Guests, volunteers, and concerned folksstopped in to help. Graciously, they pre-pared meals, cooked, served, and cleanedup. Paper and plastic ware reduced handwashing to a minimum. The meal time waschanged from 4 p.m. to starting at 3 p.m.,allowing one extra daylight hour to seeindoors without lighting.

Tuesday evening the ThompsonvilleFire Department was able to provide agenerator to power three floodlights. Peaceof mind and safety was restored, settingour guests more at ease. Enfield’s Big Ystored our frozen product, when it became

evident that the electrical service wasn’tcoming back on line in time to preserve thefood. Diana’s Bakery also offered to helpstore the frozen items. Caring citizensfrom many communities felt moved by theseriousness of the situation, and offeredboth food and services to help the needy.Enfield Loaves and Fishes was delightedto serve meals every day until power wasrestored, with a lot of help from friends.

The highest meal count during this dis-aster was for 185 guests in one day. Neverhave the guests so deeply appreciated theservices Enfield Loaves and Fishes pro-vides as they have during these difficultdays. We have had the opportunity to slowdown, step back, and see our lives in atotally different perspective. EnfieldLoaves and Fishes thank everyone for theirkind understanding and support.

The Enfield Community has respondedextremely well to ensure that operations

continued without interruption. We, inturn, are most grateful to have servedeveryone who came for hot food, a safeplace to rest for a moment, and gracioushospitality.

With a Grateful Heart,Priscilla Brayson - Director


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Woman’s Club Holiday Luncheon

ENFIELD - GFWC/Woman’s Club ofEnfield will hold its holiday luncheon onWednesday, Dec. 8, at LaNotteRestaurant, 17 Thompson Rd., EastWindsor.

The social hour will begin at 11:30 a.m.followed by the luncheon at 12:30 p.m.

If anyone is interested in attending ameeting or in becoming a member, she isasked to contact Lorraine at 860-253-9163.


ENFIELD – The following studentswere named to the first quarter honor rolland principal’s list at Saint Martha Schoolin Enfield, according to a list supplied bythe school administration.

HIGH HONORSGrade 8

Mary BaumannGrade 7

Sarah McGuinnessKennedy O’Hara

Grade 5Nihal BaijuJoseph DeVitoTabitha HinkleIsabella LarameeErin McGuinnessAmy MistriMelissa Scanlon

Grade 4Alessandra GoodAshley Harding

HONORSGrade 8

Peter BarbalichMaeve FearonMadeline LarameeBridget Logan

Grade 7Leanna BeaulieuChristine Becher

Rachel BriggsJames CartsounisEthan ClarkeNatasha ClaudioElizabeth HurlburtVeronica MooreKatherine PhillipsNoah VeilleuxColin Wright

Grade 6Maria Vianney BarbalichWilliam CarlanderMary ClarkRachel CutterNicholas Good

Grade 5Shelby ArcouetteJoseph BishopRussell CableNikolis FordRachel LagasseCiara LoganMadison LanghJasmine YardChristopher Sniffin

Grade 4Joseph AyotteAthena BaumannTanner GuzieNora JonesShannon KelleyCassidy O’HaraAsha PatelLucas Reyes

Alexandra Tomkiewicz

PRINCIPAL’S OUTSTANDINGEFFORTGrade 8

Iva SinaiAaron CoteMarion Kupec

Grade 7Diego ClaudioEnrique Claudio

Grade 6Elijah SmythRiley DubchyGabriella Bragaia

Grade 5Alyona AngellJohn Paul Eckel

Grade 4Brieanna BernierVanessa Cleary


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Anniversary Helps Domestic Abuse NetworkDanny’s Pizza in Enfield celebrated its fifth anniversary at the Hazard Avenue locationon Tuesday, Oct. 25. As part of the celebration The Network Against Domestic Abuseraffle was drawn by Danny and staff. The winners are: 1st prize - Mary Knorr ofEnfield; 2nd prize - Rich Weston of Windsor Locks; and 3rd prize - Joe Tiroletto ofEnfield. Danny’s also contributed a portion of the Oct. 25th proceeds to the network.


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By Linda Tishler LevinsonELLINGTON — The town is hoping to

beat the snow as it continues cleaning upfrom the October snowstorm.

“We’re still working out the financing

for the debris removal,” First SelectmanMaurice Blanchette said.

Town crews have been working 10hours a day, six days a week since thestorm and anticipate working on debris

removal until after Christmas. With theever-present threat of snow interferingwith that cleanup process, Blanchette saidthe town is looking to hire private crews toassist the town workers.

“We need to speed up the process,” hesaid.

Now that the federal government hasdeclared the October snowstorm a majordisaster in the state, the town is expectingsome reimbursement from the FederalEmergency Management Agency,Blanchette said.

He added it is difficult to determine thecosts at this point. Right now, the town ispaying the expenses out of the wintersnow-removal budget.

Nov. 8 electionIn the Nov. 8 municipal election,

Blanchette was re-elected. The Republican

incumbent received 1,287 votes, comparedto 908 for Democratic challenger RobertHoffman.

Others elected Nov. 8 were:Board of Selectmen: Leo Miller, Rachel

Wheeler-Rossow, James Prichard, JohnTurner, Lori Spielman and RonaldStomberg.

Board of Education: Howard Friedman,Tracy Kiff-Judson, Andrew McNamar,Dale Roberson and Michael Young.

Planning and Zoning Commission, fullterm: Carol Strom, David Stavens andDouglas Bruce Harding.

Planning and Zoning Commission, two-year term: Ricci Hirth.

Zoning Board of Appeals: MarkSpurling, Mary Cardin and Arthur Aube.

Library Directors: John Halloran Jr.,Mary Clements and Mary Blanchette.

Town Crews Working Six Days a Week on Storm Cleanup

ELLINGTON - Season’s greetings! Thesounds of the holiday season are beginningto show through the many activities tran-spiring at the Ellington Senior Center.Along with the hustle and bustle of theholiday season, take a moment to come tothe senior center and be a participant inmany of the activities and programs thatare offered.

Ellington Singers are scheduled to open“Winter Fest” at the Ellington HallMemorial Library on Friday, Dec. 2, at 7p.m. A special holiday evening was felt byall who were in attendance for this won-derful holiday celebration. The EllingtonSingers start our holidays off on a goodnote.

After their Winter Fest concert, thesingers will continue to spread their holi-day cheer voices with area assisted livingfacilities and nursing homes.

Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 2:30 p.m., JimWalsh, a financial analyst with MerrillLynch Wealth Management (Bank ofAmerica Corporation) will be on hand topresent on the topic of “Looking for high-er yield from your portfolio.” Mr. Walshwill have handouts and be on hand toanswer any question you may have. Sign-up is required. Contact the senior center at860-870-3133.

Tuesday, Dec. 13, the classic movie“It’s a Wonderful Life” will be playing inthe main room of the senior center. Comefor an afternoon of popcorn and lightrefreshments. More important, come andshare in this wonderful holiday tradition.The movie will begin at 1 p.m. Sign-up isrequired. Contact the senior center at 860-870-3133.

The Ellington Senior Center extendswarm holiday wishes to everyone.

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ELLINGTON - There really isn’t atown in Maine called Almost but if therewere it would be a warm and friendlyplace with a tough backbone and a “neverquit” attitude. Ellington High School’sOpening Knight Players (OKP) didn’t quitas the aftermath of Storm Alfred left somany residents without power and post-ponements of just about everything.Originally scheduledfor Nov. 3, 4 and 5,many in the dramagroup found them-selves wondering ifthe production wouldeven go on. As rehearsals were canceled,director William Prenetta scheduled catch-up rehearsals right up to production day.The show did go on the following week-end and it was well worth the wait.

As in typical OKP fashion, the produc-tion was charming; a play about love on aFriday night in Northern Maine. The play,written by John Cariani, was set in thetown of Almost, Maine which is nestlednear the Canadian border with a popula-tion of “about 300.” Almost just never gotaround to getting organized and thus camethe name-Almost.

Some tidbits I learned: Half of Maine’sstate total land area is made up of unor-ganized territories (that area of Maine hav-ing no local, incorporated municipal gov-ernment). Also, 90 percent of Maine is

woods and it has more moose per squaremile than any other state. So on this Fridaynight the Northern lights were visible andeight life stories, the experiences of thepeople of Almost, Maine were told.

The story began with the Prologue,which presented characters Ginette andPete, played by Maggie Quinn and AlexWachter, eating doughnuts and comparing

the round world tothem. Love can befrustrating and asGinette and Petelearn it sometimestakes patience and a

walk around the world to find it. If anyone has ever lived in a remote

northern area like Maine, they know thereisn’t much to do. And it’s cold in the win-ter. Because the play takes place in such acold place, the actors were bundled upquite a bit. The first night of the perform-ance quite possibly the auditorium air con-ditioning was on! They had to figure outsomething so everyone on the cast wouldnot overheat in their costumes! Severalcast members could even be found outsidethe back door during acts “getting cold.”

In Almost, Maine there is ice fishingand bowling and hanging out with friendsat The Moose Paddy- where drinks are freeif you are sad. The OKP actors and actress-


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Alex Wachter and Maggie Quinn as Pete and Ginette.OKP/page 17


es did a great job portraying these simplefolks who might not be so simple. When itcomes to affairs of the heart, one neverknows what can happen. Some of thevignettes werehilarious, likewhen Gayle, por-trayed by HollyVan Wyck, decid-ed she wanted allthe love back thatshe gave to herb o y f r i e n d ,Lendall, of 11years and deliv-ered all the lovehe gave to her inthe form of sever-al huge red bagsthat just keptcoming and com-ing.

Although someof the charactersappear to be eccentric, their stories may hitclose to home in the audience’s hearts.While Hope played by Lyndsi Skewes losther chance long ago to answer a marriageproposal and Randy and Chad played byJon Kutscher and John Mackintosh strug-gled with their friendship moving to a new

level, Phil and Marci played by JoshFeldman and Kristyn Stauffer showed howsometimes love can fade away.

OKP is continuing their efforts to raisefunds for a trip next summer to the FringeFestival in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Something he hasalways wanted todo, Prenettacalled uponalumni membersfrom the last 20years to returnand performagain on the highschool stage. TheAlumni ReunionE x t r a v a g a n z atook place onNov. 26 and fea-tured scenes frommany past per-formances.

The dramagroup will per-form Disney’s

“Beauty and the Beast” March 9, 10 and11 and if you didn’t catch “Almost,Maine,” you can see an abbreviated ver-sion at the Connecticut Drama Association(CDA) Festival production March 23 and24. Ellington High School and OKP arehosting this year’s festival.

March will prove to be an extremelybusy month for the group. “Beauty and theBeast” is a large production requiring a lotof work.

Parents are encouraged to mark their

calendars for this is a production they willdefinitely want to bring the kids. For moreinformation on OKP, visit their website atwww.ellingtonschools.org/HighSchool/OKP/


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OKP Brings the Cold of Maine to Appreciative Ellington Audience*(continued from page 16)

Ellington Women’s Club Recognizes Members’ Service

Eight members of the Ellington Women’s Club have each been recognized for con-tributing more than 25 years of service to the organization and to the Ellington com-munity. Membership pins were awarded to these members at the club’s October meet-ing by Ellington Women’s Club President Darlene Hull and Membership ChairpersonRita Carbone-Lawson. Pictured (front, left to right): Judie Cardoni, Kathie Stupinski,Mary Donohue, Pat Clapp, Connie Nichols, Sharon Czyz, Rose Prichard; (back, left toright): Jan Starkweather, Rita Carbone-Lawson, Darlene Hull, and RosemaryMalatesta. Absent from the photo is Dolly Rady.

Some of the vignettes werehilarious, like when Gayle,portrayed by Holly Van Wyck,decided she wanted all thelove back that she gave to herboyfriend, Lendall, of 11 yearsand delivered all the love hegave to her in the form of sev-eral huge red bags that justkept coming and coming.



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By Deborah StaufferELLINGTON - Dodging raindrops was

the order of the day on Saturday, Oct. 15,for the Ellington tennis enthusiasts whocame out to celebrate the grand opening ofthe town’s newly installed tennis courts.

Once the raindrops subsided and the

water was swept off the courts, RecreationDirector Robert Tedford welcomed thosein attendance and along with EllingtonHigh varsity coach Rich Willis and FirstSelectman Maurice Blanchette and a fewdozen or so youth tennis players, the rib-bon was cut and the activities began.

Located on property adjacent toEllington High School that was donated bythe Abram and Rachel Schwartz family,the four new tennis courts were fundedthrough a State of Connecticut SmallTown Economic Assistance Program(STEAP) Grant in the amount of $170,000and a $30,000 grant from the United StatesTennis Association (USTA).

The construction of the courts beganthis past spring with the clearing of manytrees on the Schwartz Park property.Careful placement was required due towetlands regulations and USTA specifica-tions were also considered. There arefuture plans to install lights around thecourts. The property currently has an allpurpose field for soccer and lacrosse usedby town recreation programs and the highschool.

At the high school level tennis is aspring sport. It was introduced as a varsitysport (as a co-op with Somers) three yearsago. The interest level has risen sharplyand the program has grown. Willis hasbeen the varsity coach since the beginning.He also coaches USTA U-14 and U-18competitive teams that play in the summer

league. This past season they started aUSTA 10 and under team with great suc-cess. Two high school players are thecoaches.

During the grand opening celebrationWillis and the players showcased theirskills and also demonstrated CardioTennis, which is a high-intensity fitnessprogram on a tennis court. It includes lotsof movement and hitting tennis balls all toupbeat music.

“The great thing is it is for players of allabilities,” Willis said. “It’s all about fitness

and fun, not about the level player you are.I love Cardio Tennis!”

Fundraising is ongoing for the tennisprogram and its annual Evening of Wine &Beer Tasting was set to take place onSaturday, Nov. 5, at Deer ValleyClubhouse on Windermere Avenue inEllington. Due to complications from thelate-October snowstorm, however, theevent was pushed back to Saturday, Nov.19. For more information on the tennisprogram, visit the following website:www.friendsofellingtontennis.usta.com.


EllingtonEllingtonTennis Courts Open in Thanks to State Grant, Donation

Natalie Sullivan, age 10 (U-14 play-er) cuts the ribbon to officially open theEllington tennis courts. She is surroundedby Ellington varsity and USTA U-10, U-14and U-18 players.



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By Linda Tishler LevinsonSOMERS — As storm cleanup efforts

around town continue, First SelectmanLisa Pellegrini is expressing her admira-tion for the way local officials and resi-dents responded in the wake of the

October snowstorm.“I can’t say enough how proud of them

I am,” she said of the efforts of police, firepersonnel and town and school departmentstaff.

“Every resident was 100 percent out of

power,” she said, most for 11 to 12 days.There was a tremendous amount of tree

damage, she said. One hundred forty-sixutility poles and 46 transformers had to bereplaced, she added.

During that time phone lines and cell-phone service also were out throughoutmuch of the town. Volunteer communitycaptains came to Town Hall daily to pickup flyers containing information on stormcleanup and sheltering issues and sharedthem with their neighbors.

Pellegrini said the town is using localcontractors to pick up storm debris, havingfound them more cost-effective than thestate’s contractor. The town will be grind-ing the brush it picks up. A cleanup sched-ule for those living on town roads is avail-able on the town website,www.somersct.gov. The state has begunpicking up debris for those living on stateroads.

Cox Communications has said its sub-scribers can obtain refunds for the timethey were without service if they contactthe company and let them know the num-ber of days they could not use the service.

Pellegrini was among the members ofthe Connecticut Conference ofMunicipalities who called on the

Governor’s Two Storm Panel on Nov. 15to make major changes to bring betterservice from the state’s utility companies,particularly Connecticut Light and Power.She has been chosen to serve on the TwoStorm Panel.

Nov. 8 electionFirst Selectman Lisa Pellegrini was re-

elected in the Nov. 8 municipal election.She received 1,271 votes. The Republicanis serving her second term. She faced twopetitioning candidates, Robert Pettee, whoreceived 584 votes, and Patrice LeeCarson, who received 195 votes.

Also elected Nov. 8 were:Selectmen: Kathleen Devlin and Bud

Knorr.Board of Finance: Michael Parker and

Joseph Tolisano.Board of Education: Mark J.

Maniscalco, David Pinney, AnneKirkpatrick and Richard Lees Jr. MarcCicciarella was elected to the school boardto fill a vacancy for two years.

Assessors: Joanne Wheeler.Constables: John McNerney, Frances

Devlin Jr., David McCaffrey and MichealProvencher.

Library Directors: Lois Lindell, ShirleyWarner and Robert Socha.

Selectman Praises Community Response to Storm’s Aftermath

Somers was hard hit by the pre-Halloween Nor’easter.Butler Photography

ncndecpart2.qxd:NOVNCNpart2.qxd 11/27/11 1:33 PM Page 21



SOMERS - Eastern Connecticut HealthNetwork (ECHN) recently celebrated theopening of its new Medical OfficeBuilding, located at 95 South Rd. inSomers, with an open house and officialribbon cutting ceremony. The event waswell attended by people from the commu-nity and ECHN family.

This new location offers patient-cen-tered primary care and also welcomeswalk-in appointments provided byMichael Bey, MD and Sally Kelly,Physician Assistant. Like all ECHN healthcare facilities, it is community-based anddelivers care with a personal touch. And aspart of the ECHN network, patients alsohave access to the combined experienceand resources of two nationally recognizedhospitals, hundreds of physicians, special-ists and other providers. “The town ofSomers has graciously welcomed ECHNinto their community,” Dr. Bey says. “Welook forward to providing care to the residents of this area.”

Appointments and walk-ins are avail-able Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information on the ECHNMedical Office Building in Somers, pleasecall toll-free at 866-575-4334.


SomersSomers

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Visit us on our website to see our selection of remembrance lamps

and to see our products andto learn more about us. We carry gourmet and

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Come see and choose one of our Holiday Basket designs or let us

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ECHN Celebrates Opening of a New Medical Office Building

The official ribbon cutting: (l-r) Kevin Murphy, Treasurer & Executive Vice President of Network/Business Development, ECHN,Jeffrey Heidtman, Chairman, ECHN Board of Directors, Michael Bey, MD, First Selectman Lisa Pellegrini (Somers), StateRepresentative Penny Bacchiochi (52nd District), Selectwoman Kathleen Devlin (Somers), Dennis McConville, SVP, Planning,Marketing & Communications at ECHN, Selectman Bud Knorr (Somers) and David Neuhaus, MD, Medical Director, EasternConnecticut Medical Professionals.

Visit Us Online, Any Time At:

www.thenorthcentralnews.com


Somers Cultural Commission Presents

Piedmont Percolator Coffeehouse604 Main St. Second Sundays 7:00P.M.

Dec. 11 Somers Village Players, Thespian Group

Jan. 8 Marci Geller, Pianist/VocalistDan Stevens, Guitarist/Vocalist/Story Teller

Feb. 12 Suzie Brown, Singer/Songwriter Lori DesRosiers, Poet

Professional Entertainment - Free Coffee and Donuts


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Legislators Hold Economic ForumState Sen. John A. Kissel and state Rep. Penny Bacchiochi held a Nov. 16 forum at the Somers Town Hall Auditorium to discussConnecticut’s economy. The legislators answered questions from residents and business owners on where to turn for economic helpfrom the state. Those who could not attend the forum can contact Kissel ([email protected], 860-240-8800) or Bacchiochi([email protected], 860-240-8700).

Coffeehouse IncludesTraditional ProgramSOMERS - Somers’ Piedmont

Percolator Coffeehouse is pleased toannounce its Dec. 11 program, which intrue coffeehouse tradition will at timesfeature the “reading” of literary works.

The Village Players will provide anevening featuring a presentation designedspecifically for our coffeehouse audience.Coincidentally, this occasion combinesthe old and the new: the three-month“young” coffeehouse with the renownedmembers of the Village Players now cele-brating their 40th year.

First organized in 1971, the VillagePlayers have been producing communitytheatre in Somers to much acclaim. Theirtenure began with the presentation ofmusicals and plays at the old high school,with an occasional event at Town Hall. Inthe late ’70s the group began staging din-ner theatre at Camp Aya Po. This venuewas to remain its most popular annualevent for over 25 years. Piedmont Hall,located at 604 Main St., has been the siteof a number of Village Players endeavorsin the past. Several staged readings and ashort play have been performed there.

In addition to literary works, thePiedmont Percolator coffeehouse hostswell known regional musical performerson the second Sunday of each month fromOctober through April from 7 p.m.-9 p.m..Admission and coffee are free.


SOMERS – State Rep. PennyBacchiochi joined state Sen. John Kissel,First Selectman Lisa Pellegrini andSomers Housing Authority ChairmanDavid Pinney to celebrate the ground-breaking for the Woodcrest ElderlyHousing Expansion.

Bacchiochi calls the completion ofphase I of the Woodcrest project a mile-stone that will bring comfort to seniors fordecades to come.

“The Woodcrest elderly housing assist-ed-living facility in Somers is a greatexample of community collaboration, andI am grateful to all who have helped tobring phase II of the Woodcrest project tocompletion. Woodcrest allows many ofour Somers senior citizens to enjoy a com-fortable and affordable standard of livingin a warm retirement community,”Bacchiochi (R-Somers) said in a state-ment.

Woodcrest has 86 units available toSomers’ seniors, and this second phase of

development will bring 60 additionalunits. The new development is fundedlargely by private donors, and has provento be a worthwhile investment for NorthCentral Connecticut.

Bacchiochi concluded, “This develop-ment has brought safe, clean and afford-able housing to Somers, which in turn liftsup families, communities and the State ofConnecticut.”


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Striders Support Forest and Park AssociationThe Shenipsit Striders, a local trail running club drawing members from the townsaround the Shenipsit forest, made a $1,500 donation to the Connecticut Forest & ParkAssociation from the proceeds of the NipMuck Trail Marathon held Oct. 2, in Ashford.The Shenipsit Striders also conduct the Soapstone Mountain trail races and otherevents resulting in donations to Joshua’s Trust, the North Central Connecticut LandTrust and Scouting. The club has social runs most Saturday mornings at Shenipsit for -est. For more information visit www.shenipsitstriders.org or find them on Facebook.Pictured, from left, are CFPA Board President Eric Lukingbeal, Development ScottLivingston Shenipsit Stride Director Jim Little, and Executive Director EricHammerling.

Officials Celebrate Groundbreaking forWoodcrest Housing Expansion

Follow the NorthCentral Newson Facebook



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Help Came from All Over

Crews from all over the country came tohelp Somers and North CentralConnecticut residents get their powerback on, including crews from C.C.Power in Kalaska, Mich.

Butler Photo

SOMERS - The Dickens Weekend inSomers is the final opening of the museumfor 2011 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. onSaturday, Dec. 3. The Somers HistoricalSociety Museum has displays featuringchildren’s clothing made with fabric from

the Somersville Mfg. Co., dolls, doll beds,and kitchen utensils used in the 1930s and1940s. Photos of old houses of Somers andSomersville are featured in a collection atthe museum.

Dickens Weekend at Historical Society


SOMERS - The Somers EducationFoundation is the recipient of a $5,000grant from the AT&T Foundation. Thisgrant will be used to help fund the SomersHigh School Alternative EducationProgram.

The program is designed to reduce thedropout rate among at risk students ingrades 9-12 and assist them in achieving ahigh-school diploma and developingwork-force ready skills.

“Eliminating ‘drop-out factors’ thatnegatively impact student’s lives, whilealso providing career options, is critical forthe success of the students in the alterna-tive education program,” said state Rep.Penny Bacchiochi. “This grant fromAT&T will help the program in its effort toremove those negative factors that leadsome students to drop out of high schoolbefore graduation and provide them withthe skills to compete and succeed in acareer.”

“Exposure to community worksites isan integral part of our program and it pro-vides students with concrete informationabout the world of work and opportunitiesthat may be available to them,” statedLouis Bachetti, President of the SomersEducation Foundation. “Thanks toRepresentative Bacchiochi and AT&T, we

can help make that happen for these stu-dents.”

“We commend RepresentativeBacchiochi and the Somers EducationFoundation for their efforts to help Somers

High School students at risk of droppingout,” said Abbey Jewett, director, external& legislative affairs. “When we learned

from Representative Bacchiochi about theneed for funds for the program, we werevery happy to help.”


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From left: Abbey Jewett, director, AT&T External & Legislative Affairs; Teresa Mancini, board member; Dr. Maynard Suffredini,superintendent, Somers schools; Terri Henderson, board member; Louis Bachetti, president, Somers Education Foundation; andstate Rep. Penny Bacchiochi.

Bacchiochi Helps Foundation Secure Funds For Drop-out Prevention



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ENFIELD - Troop 818 of Enfieldannounced that Justin Michael attained therank of Eagle Scout. Justin has beeninvolved with the troop since 2006 whichis sponsored by the Loyal Order of theMoose. During this time he has earned 50merit badges and held various leadershippositions such as Patrol Leader, AssistantPatrol Leader, Assistant Senior PatrolLeader, Den Chief, Troop Guide, andQuartermaster. Justin has completed theChallenging Outdoor Personal ExperienceProgram and has received the 50 MilerAward, Iceberg Award, Scuba BSA,Whitewater Canoeing, Rock Climbing,Paul Bunyan Award and WorldConservation Award. Justin will receivehis Eagle Badge at the Court of HonorCeremony on Dec. 3 at AsnuntuckCommunity College.

Justin is the son of Dave and LauraMichael of Enfield, and is an honor stu-dent at Howell Cheney Technical HighSchool in Manchester. He enjoys camping,hunting, fishing and paintball. Heachieved the rank of Eagle Scout aftercompleting 129 hours of community serv-

ice on a project of building benches andtables for the use of students and staff atAsnuntuck Community College inEnfield,

Justin Michael Will Attain Rankof Eagle Scout in Ceremony

ENFIELD - Café II will come alive onMonday, Dec. 5, when the writing talentsof Asnuntuck Community College facultyand staff combine with the musical talentsof student guitar players. The semester’sfinal coffee house, sponsored byAsnuntuck’s nationally known poetryjournal, Freshwater, will feature readingsby faculty and staff with guitar music bystudents from Judy Simonds’ guitar class.

Adjunct Instructors in English, JessicaHandly and Laura Hayden and EnglishProfessor John Sheirer will read from theirnew books. Handly will be reading fromher book, entitled Halfling Rising—described as “a quintessential example offemale-focused fantasy”— to be publishedin summer 2012 by Imajin Books. Haydenwill read from her memoir, Staying Alive:A Love Story, recently published bySignalman Publishing. Finally, Sheirerwill read from his latest book, One Bite:Stories for Short Attention Spans, StolenMoments, and Busy Lives published byPropaganda Press, 2011.

English Instructor Joe Finckel will readpoetry together with Librarian SherryGelbwasser ACC Adjunct English instruc-tor Elizabeth Szewczyk, and EnglishProfessor Edwina Trentham, and, as a spe-

cial feature,Asnuntucka l u m n a ,C o r e yGle i sbe rg ,will be visit-ing to readher poetry.

Copies ofFreshwater’s2011 issuewill be onsale, togeth-er withcopies ofH a n d l y ,Hayden, Sheirer, and Trentham’s books,and an open poetry and music mic will fol-low the reading. Don’t miss this final cof-fee house of the season, which takes placeat Asnuntuck Community College, 170Elm Street, Enfield, in Café II from 7 to 9p.m. with flowers and delicious refresh-ments to set the mood. The coffee houseis free and open to the public.

For more information, contact EdwinaTrentham at 860-253-3105 or [email protected]. For directions,go to www.acc.commnet.edu.

ACC Faculty and Staff Writers JoinCreative Forces with Student Guitarists

Professor John Sheirer



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ENFIELD - The Town of Enfield ChildDevelopment Center celebrated theNational Lights on After School day withits annual Haunted Happenings at theirSouth Road location. Ghouls, goblins,mad scientists and princesses ran throughthe hallways and rooms, which were fullof activities enjoyed by everyone through-out the night. The famous “feely mealyman” brought surprised looks from thosewho ventured to stick their hands inside.

Children trick-or-treated, visited a“pirate ship,” made Halloween crafts,explored sensory tables, and for the adultsand older children, screamed their waythrough the scarier room.

The Enfield Fire Department donatedtrick-or-treating bags filled with activitiesfor each child.

By day, the center provides NAEYCaccredited childcare for Enfield residentsand offers sliding fee scale payments tothose who qualify. Applications are cur-rently being accepted for the preschool agerooms. The staff donated their time and

talents to provide families with a wonder-fully entertaining evening.

Child Development Center Celebrates Lights on After School Day


ENFIELD - Now more than ever, veter-ans are coming home from deploymentand going back to school. To learn howAsnuntuck serves those who’ve bravelyserved their country, tune in on Thursday

nights through Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. on CoxPublic Access Channel 15 in the Enfieldarea.

Beth-Anne Egan, ACC’s Veteran’sCoordinator, and James E. Wilkinson,

Faculty Advisor to the Asnuntuck VeteransSociety, outline the programs at ACC thatcater to veterans. Linda Louise LaCasse,District 7 Coordinator for the GeneralFederation of Women’s Clubs ofConnecticut, also appears and describesher own work with veterans’ causes.

This fall Asnuntuck CommunityCollege was awarded the designation ofMilitary Friendly School from G.I. Jobs,the premier magazine for military person-

nel transitioning into civilian life. The2012 Military Friendly Schools list honorsthe top 20 percent of colleges, universitiesand trade schools that are doing the mostto embrace America’s military servicemembers and veterans as students. Thecollege has also been notified this monththat it will also be included in MilitaryAdvanced Education’s 2012 Guide toMilitary-Friendly Colleges andUniversities Honorees.

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Shoreline RingersHand Bell ConcertDecember 10

4:00 pm Family Concert& Hand Bell Worship

7 P.M. Evening ConcertFree Admission

18th Annual Nativity Display

Hundreds of Nativity sets on display throughout the church building

Open 1-4 p.m. on SundaysDecember 11 and 18

5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday Dec 13, Thursday Dec. 15 and Wednesday Dec. 21

Community Super15TH OF EVERY MONTH

Serving 5-6:30 P.M.Free (Donation Basket)

Thursday Dec 15Pasta supper call for reservations

Christmas Eve ServicesSaturday December 24

5:30 pm Family Worship7:30 pm Service of Lessons & Carols11:00 pm Candlelight Communion

EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF THE SEASONSomers Congregational Church, 599 Main Street, Somers, CT

(860) 763-4021 / www.somerscongregational.orgThe Reverend Dr. Barry Cass, Pastor

Reason for the Season BazaarDecember 3

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Worship ServicesSundays

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Linda Louise LaCasse(l), District 7 Coordinator for the General Federation ofWomen’s Clubs of Connecticut (GFWCCT), appears and describes her own work withveterans’ causes during Asnuntuck’s Community College’s latest edition of ChangingLives with ACC President Dr. Martha McLeod (r). The two were photographed at therecent unveiling of the GFWCCT’s Remembrance Tree at Asnuntuck on Veterans Day.

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ROCKVILLE - The Rotary Club ofRockville hosted its annual Thanksgivingdinner on Thursday, Nov. 17, at the PitkatSenior Center in Rockville where mem-bers served 110 senior citizens a full holi-day meal, which included turkey, stuffing,vegetables and pumpkin pie. The guestswere also treated to musical entertainmentby Bill Reveley’s “Grass Routes” blue-grass band.

Ten students from Rockville HighSchool’s “Interact Club” – along with theiradvisers Rita and Paul Courtois - joined 12Rotarians in making this annual traditionan overwhelming success by helping toserve and clean up after the Thanksgivingdinner concluded.

The Interact Club, which is the highschool equivalent of Rotary, is designed tointroduce young students to the value of

community service. The Rotary Club of Rockville, with

many members who live or work in theVernon, Tolland and Ellington area, is partof the worldwide organization RotaryInternational. Rockville Rotary’s primaryfocus is to help those less fortunate andRotarians address many hunger, health,and humanity issues.

Rockville Rotary meets on Mondays atnoon at the R House Restaurant located at520 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon.

Visitors and new members are alwayswelcome.

For more information, please visitwww.RotaryRockvilleCT.com.


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StaffordStafford

Drama Club Fall Dinner TheaterThe Stafford High School Drama Club’s Fall Dinner Theater was held on Nov. 19 and20. On Nov. 19, the drama club presented “The Pied Piper” and on Nov. 20 the themeof the evening was “The Little Mermaid.” Cast members are presented left and above.

Photos by Amy Hartenstein



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STAFFORD — As Richard Shuck was sworn in as thetown’s new first selectman Nov. 21, the town was contin-uing to clean up storm debris. “I think we were hit prettyhard,” Shuck said.

With a lot of brush and other storm debris still on theroads, the town is working on a more comprehensive planto remove it and make sure drainage is adequate, hopeful-ly before more snow falls, he said. “Right now, I’m stilltrying to assess everything,” he added.

Shuck said he is concerned that utility crews are leav-ing piles of debris on the side of the road, forcing towncrews to go back to roads they had already cleared.

Also elected in the Nov. 8 municipal election were:Selectmen: Deidriene Guglielmo Knowlton and Neil

Hoss.Town Clerk: Karen Troiano.Town Treasurer: Donna Hosey.Tax Collector: Stephanie Irving.Board of Finance: Edward Muska and Ted Rummel.

Board of Education: Lisa Finch, Kathleen Walsh, BethAnn Morhardt and Sonya Shegogue-Weed.

Board of Assessment Appeals: Erin Dunn Kirchhofferand Dock Sellers.

Planning and Zoning Commission: Roger Pelizari.Zoning Board of Appeals: Dennis Kaba.Constables: Barry Locke, Gary Quinn, Richard

Hartenstein Jr., Wallace Brisson, Brian Tautic, HaroldBlake Hatch and Corey Bennett.

Town Working on Comprehensive Plan for Debris Removal

Newly elected town officials took theiroath at a special presentation held onNov. 21 at the Stafford Middle School,where students and faculty shared in theprocess as each new member was swornin. In this photo, left to right front row:Roger Pelizzari; Donna Hosey, RichardShuck, Diedrien Knowlton, Neil Hoss.Back row, left to right: Rick Hartenstein,Barry Locke, Erin Dunn Kirchoffer,Karen Troiano, Beth Ann Morhardt,Kathy Walsh, Harold Blake Hatch andStephanie Irving.

Photo by Amy Hartenstein

STAFFORD – The Stafford ArtsCommission’s free Open Mike Nightseries begins again in the new year. OnThursday, Jan. 19, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.Jim Bailey will host the series, whichoffers an opportunity for musicians,singers and spoken word artists to performin front of an appreciative audience. Sign-up begins at 6:45 p.m.

Refreshments are available.

Location: Ben Muzio Town House (OldTown Hall) 221 East St. (Rt. 19) StaffordSprings. Additional parking: MemorialHall (Rt. 319) and the Town Garage (Rt.19).

The Open Mike Night will continue onevery third Thursday of the month,through April. For more information, call860-597-6326

Open Mike Night Begins Jan. 19



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The Randazzo family wishes you a happy holiday season.Remember don’t drink and drive !

New Business Focusing on Used Items for Sale Opens in StaffordSTAFFORD - Simon Says owners

Patrick Soucy and Mike Simon haveopened a shop at 44 West Stafford Rd.,Stafford Springs.

The concept of Simon Says came fromthe current economy, and the secondaryused market to fit into everyone’s budget.There is a need for clean, quality used fur-niture, household items, antiques, homedécor and equipment, various tools, andsmall engine machines like motorcycles,snowmobiles, lawn tractors, mowers, gocarts, snow blowers, chain saws, etc.

Owner, Mike Simon said: “We are giv-ing people the opportunity to trade in anitem they no longer need or use for some-thing they do need, or want to upgrade toa newer version without the high costs ofspending for brand new.”

Whether you need to buy, sell it or tradeit, call 860-684-4400 or stop by SimonSays at 44 West Stafford Rd., Stafford,Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m. or email them at [email protected].

Simon Says owners Patrick Soucy and Mike Simon

Holiday HouseDecorating Contest

STAFFORD - The Stafford Communityand Civic Affairs Commission is sponsor-ing its annual Holiday House DecoratingContest for Stafford residents. The win-ners will be awarded cash prizes. To enter,send your name, address and phone num-ber to Cindy Kabel, 26 RFD Rd., Stafford,CT 06076, or email the information toBarbara Bresnahan at [email protected] will take place on Monday, Dec.19, beginning at 6:30 p.m. All entries mustbe received by Dec. 12.

Last year’s first-place winners will beguest judges and will not be eligible for aprize.

STAFFORD - The NOW Committeefrom the First United Methodist Church inStafford Springs will be hosting its annualLive Nativity on Dec. 9 from 7 p.m. to 8pm.

The nativity is set up outside in front ofthe church between Main Street andChurch Street. All are invited to attendand share in the celebration.

Live Nativity in Stafford Parade Floats SoughtSTAFFORD - The Stafford Community

and Civic Affairs Commission is sponsor-ing its second annual Winterfest on Dec.11 at 3 p.m. The commission is lookingfor floats and trucks for the parade.Decorated sleighs, horses and groups arealso welcome. To submit an entry or dec-orated truck in the parade, contact CindyKabel at 860-604-1509 by Dec. 5.



StaffordStafford

OPEN MIC NIGHT, 3RD FRIDAY

‘Snowtober’ In StaffordLogan, Lindsey and Zach took advantage of 2011’s first winter storm, Alfred, whichhad highest snowfall total in the month of October in more than 130 years of keepingrecord, for a little frosty creativity.

Photo by Amy Hartenstein

STAFFORD - Because of the Octoberstorm, Stafford Arts Commission’s Oct. 30Coffee House program has been resched-uled to Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Ben MuzioTown House (Old Town Hall), 221 East St.(Rt. 19) in Stafford – opposite the MillPond Store.

Two talented musicians will be enter-taining from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. At 7 p.m.,Patti De Rosa, well known singer andsongwriter/guitarist from the Boston area,will take the stage. Her style has beendescribed as “acoustic music pepperedwith rhythm and spice” blending jazz,folk, rock and R&B with a “honey warmvoice and an engaging way with her audi-ence” (Motif Magazine RI.) She was nom-inated by Motif Magazine for 2010 BestFemale Vocalist. More information isavailable about her atwww.pattiderosa.com.

At 8 p.m. singer and songwriter RupertWates will return to the series after a wellreceived appearance one year ago.

Formerly from London, Wates moved tothe U.S. in 2006 and tours nationwide. Hehas released four CDs that are aired regu-larly on radio stations in the U.S., Canada,Europe and Australia.

Audiences respond to his brand ofacoustic, art/folk melodic music and hisuniquely haunting lyrics, together with hisgift for narrative storytelling. His work hasbeen nominated for many songwritingawards. More information is availableabout him at www.rupertwates.com.

Refreshments are available.Additional parking: Memorial Hall (Rt.

319) and the Town Garage (Rt. 19).Please consider donating a non-perish-

able food item for Stafford FamilyServices Food Bank.

After the Dec. 4 program, the CoffeeHouse evenings will resume on the lastSunday of the month through April 2012.For more information, call 860-684-9500or 860-684-5211.

Coffee House Makes Up Postponed Performance


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The 2012 Cadillac CTS-V sedan isshining proof that American carmakershave no problems making luxury, high-performance four-door cruisers that com-pete on level footing with foreign OEMsand beat them by thousands of dollars inprice.

It's difficult to think where to beginwhen praising the virtues ofthe CTS-V sedan but lets lookat the power numbers justbecause they are soenthralling: 556 horsepowerand 551 lb. ft. of torque from a6.2-liter, supercharged V8.That's just motoring insanity(in the most positive sense ofthe word).

Also when it comes to performance, I'mgoing to share this bit of info fromCadillac, who can rightfully toot its ownhorn in this instance: the CTS-V sedan wasthe first production four-door on streettires to break the legendary eight-minutebarrier at Germany’s famed Nürburgring.That's the track where manufacturers fromall over the world go to see what theirproducts can do. (Interestingly, it's also atrack that's open to the public to drive.)Best I can tell from some rudimentaryresearch but it may be the only (not just thefirst) four-door sedan to nip the 8-minutemark.

Supercharged Performance

Performance engines are not my strongpoint when it comes to describing howthey work, which is why I yield the floorfor Cadillac to describe this masterpiece.The engine features an intercooled EatonTwin Vortices Series supercharger, whichemploys twin four-lobe rotors that are

twisted 160 degrees. Typical superchargersfeature three lobes twisted 60 degrees. Thefourth lobe and greater helix profile, whencombined with unique air inlet and outletports, create smoother, more efficient air-flow into the engine. In addition toimproved overall efficiency, this super-charger has superior noise and vibration

characteristics compared tomore ordinary designs.

OK, when Cadillac uses theword "efficiency" in the lastparagraph, it has to do withperformance efficiency and notfuel efficiency because theCadillac CTS-V laughs at fuelefficiency. It gets 12-mpg cityand 18-mpg highway with a

combined fuel economy of 14 mpg and agas guzzler tax of $2600 that adds 4 per-cent to the $63,215 bottom line.

Well, that would be the bottom line ofthe entry-level 2012 Cadillac CTS-V, butGM loaned me an upgraded model for aweek of testing (a week that literally flewby). The model tested had Recaro highperformance seats that were heated andcooled ($3400); a special paint processcalled Thunder Gray Chromaflair ($995);19-inch polished aluminum wheelsbecause the 19-inch painted aluminum justwon't do ($800); midnight sapele woodtrim package ($600) and sueded steeringwheel and shifter ($300). Bottom line onall of this enjoyment with $875 destinationcharge: $72,785.

But it's a steal. The 2013 BMW M5 has-n't released pricing yet but the 2010 model,including a $3000 gas guzzler tax, cost$90,000 before options were included – sothat's about $26,000 above the M5, which

has similar horsepower and torque num-bers. The Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG costsabout the same as the base CTS-V but ithas a full 150 less horsepower. You a fanof less powerful German sedans? Then theE63 might be a better choice.

Two Transmissions

The 6.2-liter V8 is mated to one of twotransmissions – a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual with a dual-disc clutch and aHydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automaticwith steering wheel-mounted shift con-trols. The model I drove came with theautomatic and I can't imagine any scenariowhere 99 percent of all drivers are going tooutsmart this automatic.

What's it like to drive? Is euphoricgoing overboard? It hits 60 mph in lessthan four seconds. Stomp on the accelera-tor hard and the tires will lovingly chirp.The rear end might fishtail a bit but let offthe gas and the grip quickly returns withthe engine shooting you down the road.Fortunately the CTS-V sedan is equippedwith Brembro brakes with 15-inch rotorsup front and 14.7-inch rotors in the rearthat can pull you to a stop quickly if need-ed.

Wondering what the interior is like? Iguess that could be important to some peo-ple. It's Cadillac nice. I wouldn't say itquite matches the BMW interior but itdoesn't disappoint in any particular area.My one complaint with the CTS-V had todo with the Recaro seats but that's because

I'm fat. They had too much bolstered sup-port but it wouldn't stop me from buyingthe vehicle and if I owned one might evenencourage me to drop a few pounds.

Not to gloss over it but ride quality isalso excellent thanks to magnetic ride con-trol, which just seemed to smooth out allthe bumps. You get no sense of drivinglong distances except by noting the fuelgauge that seems to move as quickly as thespeedometer.

(For the latest new car news, follow meon Twitter at aboutusedcars. You can alsoread the latest automotive news atTorqueNews.com, where I am a contribu-tor, or learn about buying and selling aused car at UsedCars.About.com.)

VITAL STATISTICS

Wheelbase: 113.4 inchesLength: 191.6 inchesWidth: 72.5 inchesHeight: 58 inchesCurb weight: 4233 lbs.Engine: 6.2-liter V8Horsepower: 556 @ 6100 rpmTorque: 551 lb. ft. @ 3800 EPA estimated mpg city/highway:

12/18Base price: $63,215As-tested price: $72,785 (including des-

tination)Also consider: (a comparative vehicle)

BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.


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The 2012 Cadillac CTS-V delivers 556 horsepower and a 0-60 time of less than fourseconds while offering a luxurious ride.



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December 2011 North Central News