North Central News

By Linda Tishler Levinson

It’s all about the budget.That was the universal view of those

elected to the state Legislature represent-ing north-central Connecticut towns.While the state spent the first days after the

election preoccupied with the uncertaintyin the governor ’s race, which was eventu-ally won by Democrat Dan Malloy , thoseelected to serve locally were thinkingabout ways to help the state get back on itsfinancial feet.

52nd Assembly District

“The only thing we can really focus onis to try to resolve the budget,” said PennyBacchiochi, who was re-elected to thestate House of Representatives represent-ing the 52nd Assembly District. ARepublican, she has served in the stateHouse since 2002.

“We’re looking at a $3.5 milliondeficit,” she said. “It’ s going to take a lotof will on the part of legislators.”

She said the state needs to cut spending.Bacchiochi suggested looking at the leg-islative branch, perhaps reducing the num-ber of commissions and the combining ofstate agencies. She also suggested lookingat the pension plans of fered to stateemployees.

57th Assembly District

Legislative newcomer ChristopherDavis agrees. “We have to tackle the statebudget first and foremost,” said theRepublican elected to represent the 57thAssembly District in the state House.

Davis said state businesses have beenholding back until they can gauge how thestate will react to the deficit. He cautionedthat the state must balance its budget bycutting spending.“W e can’ t tax our way

out of this recession,” he said.He said the Legislature needs to find

which programs work and which do notand cut appropriately. You can’t “just go inthere with a hatchet,” he said.

He said the Legislature also needs tolook at the job market and make the statemore business friendly. “These two thingsgo in hand,” he said.

35th Senatorial District

Tony Guglielmo said that the only waythe state will balance its budget is for leg-islators and the governor to work together.The Republican was re-elected to the stateSenate, in which he has served since 1992.

“It’s going to have to be a shared sacri-fice,” Guglielmo said of balancing thebudget. “The options never change.” Theonly methods are cutting spending,increasing taxes or borrowing, he said.

Since it doesn’ t make sense to increasetaxes during a recession, he said the time isto balance the budget with spending cuts.He suggests starting with state tax credits.“I’ve never been a fan of those,” he said. “Ithink these things don’t work.”

Guglielmo said tax credits benefit lar gebusinesses at the expense of small busi-nesses who serve the same customers.“Why would that guy (the small businessowner) be asked to fund his competitor?”he asked. Instead, Guglielmo suggests cut-ting taxes on all businesses, as well asdoing away with all tax exemptions except

PRST-STDU.S. Postage

PaidPalmer, MAPermit #22

FREE!

ELECTIONS/page 4

In This Issue• SANTA SIGHTINGS: Where to seeSanta and friends ......................p. 3• PEOPLE: Rell inducts area residentsinto Veterans Hall of Fame................p. 5• EAST WINDSOR: Towns may joinfor animal shelter services ..........p. 6• EAST WINDSOR: Recreation depart-ment offers programs..................p. 7• EAST WINDSOR: Senior Center hasmany programs to offer ..............p. 8• SPORTS: Elllington college soccer starnamed to all-conference team......p. 11

• REGIONAL: Participants sought forFestival of Trees ........................p. 12• ELLINGTON: Residents sought forhigh school accreditation ..........p. 14• ELLINGTON: High school called a coolschool by WFSB ..............................p. 15• SOMERS: Veterans honored by localsixth grade students ......................p. 18• STAFFORD: Retired St. Edwardteacher publishes first novel ........p. 32• STAFFORD: New Winter Festival hasa holiday parade............................p. 33• AUTO: Dodge 2011 lineup ........p. 35• CLASSIFIEDS:....................pp.37-39

• NEXT ISSUE •DEADLINE: Dec. 29

‘Take My Card’ Biz Special(860) 698-0020

www.thenorthcentralnews.com

Neighbors Helping

NeighborsVolunteer Colin Anderson of Somers scrapesaway old shingles on the roof of Dean Bauer, adispatcher at the Enfield Police Departmentwhose wife, Teresa Bauer, passed away unexpect-edly just weeks ago. Dean, trying to cope withthe loss of his wife and now raising a son as asingle parent, also had issues with his home inSomers to deal with including a leaking r oof. Hisco-workers at the police department took it uponthemselves to help out by collecting donations ina week’s time to cover the cost of materials, andwith the help of friends. neighbors and co-work-ers, replaced Dean's roof over the weekend, leav-ing their friend with one less overwhelming thingto worry about.

Photo by David Butler

Election Winners Say Budget Will Be Legislative Focus

DEC10ncn1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd 11/28/10 2:34 PM Page 1

2 North Central News December 2010

Donʼt Forfeit A Lifetime Of Accumulated WealthIn Just A Few Short Years


North Central Publishing, LLC dba

The North

Central NewsP.O. Box 427

Somers, CT 06071PHONE: 860.698.0020

FAX: 860.394.4262E-MAIL:

[email protected]:

www.thenorthcentralnews.com

PUBLISHER/EDITORGary Carra

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSBarbara Bresnahan

Keith GriffinLinda Tishler-Levinson

Deborah Stauffer

PHOTOGRAPHERSDavid Butler II

Stacey Lyn McDonaldACCOUNT

EXECUTIVESGary Carra Sr.

Amy HartensteinJoan Hornbuckle

CIRCULATION 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 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

credit.December 2010 North Central News 3

Area Santa SightingsNorth Central Connecticut residents will

have several opportunities to catch theNorth Pole’ s most famous resident thismonth. The following represent a choicefew scheduled “Santa Stops” in our neck ofthe woods:

Santa & Mrs. ClausPreparing Sleigh

ELLINGTON - Santa and Mrs. Claus, aswell as Frosty and Santa’ s Elves are againpolishing up their sleigh to make an appear-ance at the Ellington’ s Winterfest “T ree-Lighting Ceremony” this year on Saturday,Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. by the town green gazebobordering Church and Main Streets andRoute 140.

In addition to the lighting of the townand gazebo trees, and the “T orchlightParade” down Main Street; many moretown-wide festivities will take placebetween 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Hall MemorialLibrary, the Ellington Senior Center , theNellie McKnight Museum, and theEllington Congregational Church to add tothe merriment.

The Ellington Congregational Churchwill also be holding its annual“Gingerbread House Baking Contest,” soget your ovens and creativity ready. If inter-

ested, please go to www .eccucc.org andclick on “Announcements” then“Gingerbread House Contest” for moredetails, or call the church at 860-875-4512.

And on Friday , Dec. 3, the EllingtonSingers are expected to kick of f theEllington Winterfest by presenting a livelyconcert of holiday music at Hall MemorialLibrary at 7 p.m. with complimentaryrefreshments afterward, courtesy of theFriends of the Library.

Breakfast With SantaHelps Literacy EffortsENFIELD - The Literacy Volunteers of

Northern Connecticut will hold its 18thannual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday ,Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon in the cafeteriaof Enfield High School, located at 1264Enfield St., Enfield.

Breakfast will be served from 9 a.m to10:30 a.m. The event will also feature a raf-fle, face painting, and seasonal music by theEnfield High School Music Department.

Tickets are $4 for children and $6 foradults. The price includes a picture withSanta and a Christmas present.

Tickets may be purchased at the door, orin advance at The ARC of Greater Enfield,located at 75 Hazard Ave. in Enfield; Julie’s

Laundromat & Cleaners at 919 Enfield St.,Enfield, or at the Family Resource Center atThomas Alcorn School, 1010 Enfield St.,Enfield.

For information in becoming an L VAvolunteer, or if you know someone whomay be interested in receiving free tutoringservices, please call the L VA office at 860-253-3038.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

BRAOD BROOK - The Rotary Club ofBroad Brook is hosting “Dessert withSanta” on Tuesday, Dec. 7, from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Revay’s Garden Center on Rt.140 in East Windsor.

Come have dessert with Santa.Youngsters can talk to Santa individuallyand parents can snap a picture. At 7:30,Santa will read his favorite book, “Twas theNight Before Christmas,” before leavingfor more holiday business.

There is no char ge, but Santa needs toknow the ages of each child attending. Tomake a reservation for your child, or forinformation, call 860-627-7495, ext. 11 orvisit the Broad Brook Rotary Club on theWeb at www.thebbrc.org.

Saturday With Santa atStaffordville School

STAFFORD - On Dec. 11, from 9 a.m.to noon, Staffordville School PTO is host-ing “Saturday With Santa.” Come visitSanta to have your picture taken or shopfor Christmas at one of our local crafterstables. There will be craft areas for the kidsand baked goods to purchase, with all pro-ceeds to benefit Staf fordville School. Weare collecting canned food for Staf ford’sSafenet Ministries as an entry donationfee. For additional information, and foranyone interested in vending, please call860-684-5194.

Children Can Write to Santa

SOUTH WINDSOR - Hartford FederalCredit Union’ s Letters to Santa! runsthrough Thursday, Dec. 16. Children of allages can drop of f their letters to SantaClaus in the special mailbox located atHFCU’s South Windsor office. Santa willreply with a personalized letter to eachchild. Letters to Santa can also be mailedto: Hartford Federal Credit Union, 1665Ellington Rd., South Windsor, CT 06074.All letters must be received by Dec. 16 toensure a reply before Dec. 25.

PRESENT THIS COUPON TO GET

10% OFFYOUR HOLIDAY PURCHASE

Coupon valid 12-1-2010 thru 12-24-2010Excludes Sale and Clearance Items

Cannot be combined with other coupons


those for necessities, such as food.3rd Senatorial District

Democrat Gary LeBeau was re-electedto the state Senate representing the 3rdDistrict, a seat he has held since 1996.

LeBeau said he plans to work withMalloy to balance the budget and deal withthe myriad problems the state is facing. Hesaid it is important to solve the budget cri-sis without derailing economic develop-ment programs such as the angel investortax credit. He suggests tar geting tax cred-its toward small businesses and high-techand green businesses.

“One hundred percent of all the new

jobs have been created by start-ups,” hesaid.

7th Senatorial District

Republican John Kissel has been re-elected to the state Senate serving the 7thDistrict, a seat he has held since 1993.Kissel has said he wants to work for jobsand to fix the state’s $3.3 million deficit.

Probate Court District 11

Newcomer Timothy Keeney was elect-ed probate judge serving the 1 1th District.Keeney said he plans to work to completethe consolidation of the court as ef ficient-ly as possible, as well as making sure theright personnel are working for the court.“I’m very excited about getting started,”he said.

He said he wants to make the court runefficiently, in terms of both time andexpense.


Brian Grif fin was elected to serve asprobate judge in the newly mer ged courtserving East Windsor, Windsor and SouthWindsor. For the short term, he said thereis a lot of packing and moving to be done

as the court locates in Windsor. He said hewants to make sure the court continues toserve the communities in which it is notlocated, too, and will work on “makingsure they still have a probate court pres-ence in town.”


James Purnell, who ran unopposed, willserve Probate Court District 12.


LettersLetters

To the Editor:From the bottom of my heart, I would like of fer my

deepest thank you to all who supported me in EastWindsor and Ellington to serve as our new state represen-tative. I am truly grateful for your support, and look for-ward to representing your collective best interest at theState Capitol. I would also like to express a very specialthank you to my family and friends and to everyone whovolunteered, made a donation, and/or let us place a sign

during the campaign, for that without your support, wewould not have been able to help bring common senseleadership to Hartford.

For those whose support I did not receive throughoutthe campaign, I hope to earn your trust during my upcom-ing term. I have had a tremendous time meeting with somany residents throughout East Windsor and Ellingtonover the last few months, and I look forward to takingoffice in January with the knowledge I have gained

throughout the campaign about what issues are importantto the people of our district.

Though the State of Connecticut is continuing throughdifficult times, I believe that, with your continued support,we will be able to work towards a better Connecticut.

Christopher DavisState Representative-elect57th DistrictEast Windsor & Ellington

Davis Thanks Supporters; Promises To Work Hard for District

Election Winners Will Work on Cutting Budget, Creating Jobs(continued from page 1)

Emergency of Hunger Food Drive Feeds the NeedyMANCHESTER – Two themes

emerged from the competitive Manchestervs. Vernon food drive that recently came toa close. First, of course, was that hunger isa true emer gency. The second theme wasthat, in this food fight, there are only win-ners.

The competition was fierce. Customerswalked out with arms full of food, turkeyafter turkey , and frequently stopped inonly to donate to the food drive. A flurry ofe-mails was exchanged amongst volun-teers, organizers and those with wagers atstake. Bragging about donations and mile-stones took place throughout the weekend.

In the end it was Vernon that walkedaway with the win. While falling justbehind Manchester in turkeys, Vernon

raised more cash and won on the totalnumber of food items collected. In total,among the two towns and three Stop andShop locations, as well as fundraisingdone for the event, 32,574 food items and1735 turkeys were collected. All food andcash donations went to MACC and HVCCbased upon the town in which they weredonated.

In the end, the overwhelming generosi-ty of the people in the communities servedwas abundantly clear . People recognizedcontinuing hard times and stepped up in abig way.

It is safe to say that the Emer gency ofHunger Food Drive will continue to be anannual event and that Thanksgiving trulybrings out the kindness of neighbors.


HARTFORD - Governor M. Jodi Rellinducted the 1 1 members of the Class of2010 into the Connecticut Veterans Hall ofFame.

The 2010 inductees to the ConnecticutVeterans Hall of Fame from North CentralConneccticut are:

William J. McGurk of Somers

William McGurk served for 28 years asan of ficer in the U.S. Navy and NavalReserve, retiring with the rank of captain.He has served as president and CEO ofRockville Bank since 1980 and has heldleadership positions in many community

and industry associations. A member of theConnecticut Community College Board ofTrustees, he currently serves as its auditchairman. He has been an active memberof the Manchester Community CollegeFoundation for more than 15 years, serv-ing 10 years as treasurer.

He has served as board chairman andvice chairman of the Eastern ConnecticutHealth Network (ECHN); past president ofthe Tolland County Chamber ofCommerce; past chairman of the BankersAdvisory Board of the Conference of StateBank Supervisors; and past president ofthe Connecticut Community BankersAssociation. McGurk is a long-time mem-ber of Rotary International, an active sup-porter of the Connecticut State VeteransMemorial, Inc., one of the founding mem-bers of Men Make a Dif ference and MenAgainst Domestic Violence and is knownthroughout the state for his support ofcharity events and organizations.

Robert C. Moeller of South Windsor

Robert Moeller served for 41 years inthe U.S. Army and Army National Guard,including 33 years as a full-time guards-man, retiring with the rank of commandsergeant major . He has been a state andregional leader in the Association of theUnited States Army, serving as regionalvice president and president of theConnecticut chapter. He is past chairmanof the South Windsor PatrioticCommission and was instrumental in theconstruction of a memorial terrace atVeterans Memorial Park as well as lobby-ing the General Assembly on issues andbenefits af fecting veterans. Moeller is a

past commander and trustee of the 169thInfantry Veterans Corps, member and pastsecretary-treasurer of the New BritainVeterans Council and past president andcurrent board member of the Of ficer’sClub of Connecticut, Inc. He founded andraised funds for the adopt-a-squad pro-gram that has prepared and shipped carepackages to Connecticut soldiers servingin Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.Edward V. Sabotka of Windsor Locks

Edward Sabotka served in Europe dur-ing World War II as a B-17 gunner with theU.S. Army Air Corps, the forebear oftoday’s Air Force. A 35-year career socialworker with the Connecticut Departmentof Social Services, he concurrently servedas Windsor Lock’s welfare director for 18years and established a monthly food dis-tribution program to assist needy citizens.As chairman of the Windsor LocksVeterans’ Council, he has or ganizedMemorial Day parades and Veterans’ Dayobservances for over 50 years and annual-ly led teams in placing flags on graves ofveterans based on detailed plot maps hehas maintained. He also serves as chair-man of the board of trustees of the town’ sWar Veterans’ Memorial Hall and is cre-ator/curator of the veterans museum in theHall, named in his honor.

Sabotka helped establish and chairedfor 28 years the Windsor Locks JuvenileReview Board, providing communityalternatives for youthful offenders, and is acharter member and former chairman ofthe Windsor Locks Housing Authority. Hehas been active in Scouting for manyyears.

December 2010 North Central News 5

PeoplePeople

Honorary Grand Marshal William J. McGurk of Somers and his wife, Mary , watch theannual Connecticut Veterans Day Parade in Hartford from the reviewing stand on Nov.8. McGurk marched the entire route and returned to watch the rest of the parade.

Rell Inducts 11 into Connecticut’s Veterans Hall of Fame


EAST WINDSOR - The W arehousePoint Library has many activities this hol-iday season for the entire family . Thelibrary, located at 107 Main St., EastWindsor, is hosting a “T wilight” Party onSaturday, Dec. 4, at 1 1 a.m. and will beshowing “Eclipse,” the third installment ofthe popular “Twilight” series by Stephanie

Meyer. After the movie, enjoy the refresh-ments and test your knowledge with a“Twilight” trivia game with prizes.Admission is free, but registration is nec-essary. Please call the library during oper-ating hours at 860-623-5482.(Recommended for grades 7 and up.)On Saturday, Dec. 11, at 1 p.m., the librarywill be presenting “The Polar Express”starring Tom Hanks. The movie is rated Gand will be shown on the lar ge screen inthe Community Room. On the followingSaturday, Dec. 18, at 1 p.m., “The MuppetChristmas Carol” will be shown in theCommunity Room. The movie, rated G,stars Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy ,Michael Caine and a host of Muppets.Registration is necessary.

Story Time may be over, but the librarystill has something planned on Tuesdayafternoons in December at 1:30 p.m. Mrs.Knauff or Mrs. Stathers will read holidaystories and there may be a short movie for

the preschoolers. Drop in for one or all thesessions.

Registration begins Dec. 6 for theWinter Story Time at the library . StoryTime, a program for 4-, 5- and 6-year-olds,will begin Jan. 11. Two sessions are avail-able: Tuesday afternoons at 1:30 p.m. fromJan. 1 1 through Feb. 22 or Wednesdaymornings at 10:30 a.m. from Jan. 12through Feb. 23. Parents must come intothe library to register . Children must be 4

by Jan. 1.Books Made into Films, a book discus-

sion series, continues this month with ashowing of “Chocolat” starring JohnnyDepp and Juliet Binoche on Wednesday,Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. The book discussion isthe following Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 7p.m.

Books are available at the library .Registration is necessary for the book dis-cussion.


East WindsorEast Windsor

Bloomfield, CT • (860) 286-9801East Hartford, CT • (860) 291-8484Enfield, CT • (860) 253-9521 *24 HoursBristol, CT • (860) 585-6400

Windsor, CT • (860) 688-4200Chicopee, MA • (413) 533-6167West Springfield, MA • (413) 746-2677

Enfield/Scitico, CT (860) 763-1909

Offer Expires 12/31/10.

P O L I S H D E L I C A T E S S E N

Pierogis • Hams & Kielbasa • Potato Pancakes • Polish MealsDaily Baked Breads & Pastries

PARTY PARTY PLANNING! PLANNING!

CALL AHEADCALL AHEADFOR SPECIAL FOR SPECIAL ORDERS!ORDERS!

Tuesday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 8am-5pm, Sunday & Monday Closed

122 Prospect Hill Road (Sophia’s Plaza) • East Windsorwww.BelvederePolishDeli.com • (860) 654-0008

CATERING SERVICES AVAIL ABLE!

Polish Beers Gift Certifi catesPolish Beers Gift Certifi cates


EAST WINDSOR — The town may join with Somersto share animal shelter space.

First Selectman Denise Menard said at the Nov . 16Board of Selectmen meeting that she is working with theEast Windsor Police Department and Somers FirstSelectman Lisa Pellegrini on a shared animal controlfunction. She said that each town would still have its ownanimal control officer. The benefit, she said, would be bet-

ter coverage and a shared facility . That shared buildingwould likely be the East Windsor facility, since it is lessexpensive to run than Somers facility.

Police Department cost overruns

The police department is seeking $1 17,935 due to acurrent budget shortfall. Police Chief Edward DeMarcoJr. told the selectmen that unforeseen circumstances haveled to what he called “dire” financial straits. Due to retire-ments and sick and workers’ compensations leaves, the

department has been forced to spend more on holidaysand other overtime pay, DeMarco said.

Other unanticipated costs have come from increasedprices for vehicle maintenance and uniform cleaning, hesaid.

The Board of Selectmen said it would ask the PoliceCommission to make a presentation to the Board ofFinance at its next regular meeting to discuss the need foradditional funding.

East Windsor and Somers May Share Animal Shelter Space

December Happenings at the Warehouse Point Library include Movies

Board Seeks MarketingCommittee MembersEAST WINDSOR - The East Windsor

Board of Education is seeking volunteersfor the newly formed MarketingCommittee. The committee will imple-ment the district’s marketing plan and willbe responsible for promoting the positiveaspects of East Windsor’s school system.

For more information or to volunteer ,please contact Linda Nolan in theSuperintendent’s Of fice at 860-623-3346or e-mail [email protected].


EAST WINDSOR – The East WindsorParks and Recreation Department has awide array of programs available for thewinter.

ONLINE P AYMENTS with WebsterBank: Don’ t forget about our new OnlinePayment option with Webster Bank. Pleasecheck out our website at www.eastwindsor-ct.com for up-to-date information on tohow to use this exciting new program.Please call Melissa at 860-627-6662 withany questions.

WINTER YOGA: East Windsor Parksand Recreation Department will of fer aneight-week session of Yoga Classes at theEast Windsor High School, Room D4. Allclasses will be held from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30p.m. Monday classes: Jan. 10 to March 7;no class Feb. 21. Thursday classes: Jan. 13to March 10; no class Feb. 24. Cost: $25for one class per week, $40 for both class-es each week.

Checks should be made payable toDiane LeMay. Please register through theParks and Recreation Office.

AFTER SCHOOL BOWLINGPROGRAM: Come join us for this fun andexciting after -school eight-week bowlingprogram for students in grades K-4 and 5-8. Program is held at Bradley Bowl,Windsor Locks, Thursday, Jan. 20 to

March 17; no class Feb. 24. Bus leavesschool at 2:50 p.m.; classes run 3:15 p.m.to 4:45 p.m. at Bradley Bowl.

Parents must pick up students at thebowling alley. The cost of each eight-weekprogram is $80 and must be paid in fullprior to the start of this program. Checks tobe made payable to Bradley Bowl.

Registration through the Parks andRecreation Office must be received by Jan.14, 2011. We need 10-15 registrations perage group or the program will be cancelled.

PANTHER PLUNGE: Join the EastWindsor Parks and Recreation Departmentand the East Windsor Human ServicesDepartment for its second annual PantherPlunge. Saturday, Jan. 22, at East WindsorPark, Reservoir Avenue. Come individual-ly, or come as a group, but — most impor-tant — just come!

Come in costume, or come as you are.Plungers who take a brief plunge in thereservoir can raise money to benefit theEast Windsor Fuel Bank. A $5 donationwill give you the opportunity to plunge; a$10 donation buys you an exclusivePanther Plunge T-shirt. Prizes will beawarded for best costume—before andafter the plunge, and for most moneyraised. Come and join us benefit this wor-thy cause.

OUTDOOR SKA TING RINK: Theportable skating rink, which was acquiredthrough the ef forts of Girl Scout Troops#123 and #154, will be located on the northside of the East Windsor High School. Thisfacility is available for use by people of allages, and provides a free family recreation-al activity . The rink is available afterschool hours during the week, and duringthe evening as well.

CRPA HOT SHOT CONTEST : EastWindsor Parks and Recreation Department,in association with CT Recreation andParks Association, presents the 18th annu-al Hot Shot Contest for Boys and Girlsages 9-15.

Age is determined as of Dec. 31, 2010.The age brackets are: 9-10, 1 1-12, and 13-15. The local contest will take place onThursday, Jan. 13, from 6:15 p.m. to 8:30p.m. at East Windsor High School gym.Winners in each age group will advance tothe Hartford County Round, which willtake place on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 201 1 at theEast Windsor High School gym.Competitions begin at 8:30 a.m. and runthrough noon.

Pre-registration is required; there is no

fee for this contest. Birth certificates willbe needed if athlete advances to the countyround.

MAD SCIENCE: Calling all future sci-entists - Mad Science is back. This pro-gram is for kids in grades K-4. Classes willbe held at the Broad Brook School onWednesdays. 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Feb. 9to May 18; no classes Feb. 23, April 13,and April 20. Fee for the 12-week programis $152. Checks to be made payable to MadScience.

Registration through the Parks andRecreation Office must be received by Feb.4. Space is limited to the first 20 students.A parent volunteer is needed for each class.

ACTING CLASSES throughPerforming Arts: Come show off your act-ing talents with Performing Arts ProgramsInc. The winter class will be held onThursdays from Feb. 10 to March 31; noclass Feb. 24. Grades K-5 will meet from3:45 p.m. to 4:40 p.m. at the Broad BrookSchool’s music room.

Cost of the program will be $90. Pleasemake checks payable to Performing Arts.Call Michael Lamb at 860-432-9890 withany questions. Please sign up early.


East WindsorEast WindsorParks and Recreation Offers Family and After School Programs

online .... all the timewww.thenorthcentralnews.com


EAST WINDSOR - The East WindsorSenior Center is the focal point for EastWindsor residents 60 years of age or olderwho seek out recreational, social and edu-cational programs as well as transportationand nutritional services. It strives to pro-mote the socialization, independence, self-sufficiency, and community involvementof senior citizens. If you have any com-ments or questions, please call LauraClynch, director of senior services at 860-292-8262 or e-mail [email protected]

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Melissa’s Crafts will be held two timesthis month. The first is on Dec. 6 from12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. to make holiday orna-ments and the second is on Dec. 21 from12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. to make a wintercharm bracelet. If you would like to joinus, please call the center by Dec. 2.

• Join us for our new weekly program“Knit, Tat, & Chat.” We’ll be gettingtogether every Monday afternoon at 12:30p.m. to knit, tat, and, of course, chat. Wewill gather on Dec. 6, 13, 20, and 27.Please call the center to register.

• Bridge is by far the greatest card gameof all. It can provide immense challengeand enjoyment for the rest of your life and

the senior center is the place to learn howto play . We are taking signups now forclasses starting on Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to11 a.m. Our classes will run for six weeks.Call the center if you are interested.

• If you have elderly issues and don’ tknow where to turn, we have just whatyou’re looking for . Make sure to sign upfor your one-on-one session withAttorneys Kramer & Hess on Dec. 7.Appointments are made in 15-minuteincrements and start at 1 p.m. and will runthrough 2 p.m.. If you are interested in set-ting up an appointment, please call theoffice by Dec. 2.

• Join us on Dec. 10 for a special holi-day concert presented by the students ofthe Broad Brook Elementary School. Wewill be heading over at 1:30 p.m. and willwrap up the day at 2:45 p.m.

• Join us for a special focus group onDec. 14, at 10 a.m. We will meet to discussfuture activities, trips, and happenings atyour senior center. Come out to share yourideas and opinions

• Join us on Dec. 22 as we enjoy all thespectacular and festive lights throughoutthe town of East Windsor for the judgingof the Townwide Holiday Lights Contest.We will leave the center at 4:30 p.m. and

be back in time to enjoy hot chocolate andcookies.

• On Dec. 28 we will have a representa-tive from the Social Security Of fice onhand to help us understand the changestaking effect for the Medicare savings pro-gram and low income subsidy . Mr .Rodriguez will be at the center from 1 p.m.to 2 p.m.

• Join us for our first New Year’s EveHoliday Social. We will have the pleasureof being entertained by the sounds ofLenny Zarcone from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Themenu for the day will be sauerbraten withginger snap gravy , sweet potato, waxbeans, baby carrots, rye bread, and fresh

fruit.TRIPS

• On Dec. 3 we will be attending theannual Governor’s Mansion Holiday Tourfrom 9:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.. This is a freetrip, but donations will be accepted for theToys for Tots program.

• Join us as we travel into Hartford forThe Festival of Trees & Traditions held atthe Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.On Dec. 9 we’ll be leaving the center at 10a.m. and returning at 2 p.m. The entrancefee is $10 per person.

The Wadsworth will have its café openfor those who would like to have lunch onsite.



Savings insured to $250,000 by NCUA S.I.F.

Senior Services Department Announces Upcoming Programs

EAST WINDSOR - The East WindsorSenior Center invites all East WindsorSeniors to a Christmas Social on Dec. 16from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 125 Main St.in Broad Brook, where there will be anoutstanding performance from The Roband Karen Show highlighting Christmassongs.

Husband-and-wife duo, Broadwaycabaret singer Karen Wagner and classicaltenor/Hartford police of ficer RobertIovanna team up to take you on a musicalwalk down memory lane featuring hitsfrom the Roaring ’20s to the Big Band

Swing Era, to today’ s music along withshow tunes, and a special musical tributeto veterans. Their dynamic vocals andstage presence will keep you on the edgeof your seats as you sing, dance, and clapalong to some of your favorite hits of alltime.

Be sure to call Janet by Friday, Dec. 10,at 860-292-8279 for your reservation forour meal of stuf fed chicken breast toppedoff with an ice cream sundae and specialsurprises. For transportation, please callTeresa at 860-292-8262 by Friday , Dec.10.

Social Features Husband-and-Wife Singing Duo




EAST WINDSOR - On Sunday , Nov . 7, the EastWindsor BMX Skate Park Committee held its first annualEast Windsor Rubber Duck Race.

Jacob Carlander was “Top Duck.” His Duck #173 wasthe first to cross the finish line. He was presented with atrophy and chose the first prize. Special thanks to theAmerican River Heritage Commission that helped launch

and capture all the rubber ducks. Also a sincere thank youto all who generously donated prizes, adopted ducks andcame out to show their support for the event. Please keepan eye out for upcoming events, including our SpringRubber Duck Race-2011!

The BMX Skate Park Committee of East Windsor is avolunteer non-profit organization, appointed by the Board

of Selectmen, whose ultimate goal is to construct a SafeSkate Park for all ages, located on Reservoir Avenue. As agroup of parents, families and community members, theywill raise funds strictly through fundraising, communityoutreach and in-kind donations. For more information,check out their website at www .freewebs.com/ewb-mxskateboard or our Facebook page.

Rubber Duck Race Benefits BMW Skate Park Committee



SportsSports

Somers High SchoolState Soccer Champs

Somers High School won the Class Sstate championship with a 3-1 win overValley Regional at Middletown HighSchool. As the championship team camehome from the big game, it was escortedby the Somers Fire Department withsirens blaring.

Bastarache Photography

ROCKVILLE - The CornerstoneFoundation will host the 20th annualScrooge’s Scramble 5K Run on ChristmasDay. Registration will be from 9:30 a.m. to10:25 a.m. at the Cornerstone CommunityCenter located at 3 Prospect St. Registeredrunners will be able to leave their belong-ings at Cornerstone while theyrace. Costumes and canines are welcome.The Scrooge’ s Scramble will begin at10:30 a.m. at the corner of Prospect andSchool streets. The 5K course will bemarked with candy canes at mile markers

1, 2 and 3. After the race, participants arewelcome to visit the CornerstoneCommunity Center for refreshments andgood cheer.

In lieu of race entry fees, participantsare asked to make a cash, check, or itemdonation to The Cornerstone Foundation.Items wanted include gently used T-shirts,clothing, coats, canned goods, papergoods, gift cards, games, books, and boardgames for the teen shelter . For details,directions and pre-event registration, visitwww.cornerstone-rockville.org.

20th Annual Scrooge’s Scramble 5k Run



SportsSports

Now the embarrassment of missing what people are saying

or asking them to repeat is more noticeable than the new

Arris PHD Plus.

Digital technology has made more progress for people with

hearing loss in the last few years than the entire previous

history of hearing aids combined.The result is significant

improvements in hearing, understanding and quality of life.

We have helped thousands of people in our offices already.

Our patients are telling us they haven’t heard so well in years.

You can experience this improvement yourself for free.Call the number below today for your free Demonstration.

Reclaim your ability to hear!Until December 22nd Avada is offering complimentary

in-office demonstrations to those who call. See and hear for

yourself the amazing difference. If you are a candidate for

hearing correction, we will guarantee delivery of yourPHD by December 23rd in time for Christmas.

USA Hauling Wins ChampionshipThe USA Hauling Co-ed Softball Team won the 2010 Fall Championship on Sunday ,Oct. 31. In order to do so they had to win four straight games, defeating all higherseeded teams on the way to the championship. Pictur ed, front row, from left: KimRedman, Tara Sheehan, Marty Piscotanno, Jay Miller, Mike Roy. Standing: TonyPalazzesi, Mel Nyquist-Zamorski, Bri Nyquist, Eddie Palomba, Chris Meier, ScottNejfelt, Ed Palomba. Missing team members: Emily Plagenza, Steve Mer one, BrettCooley, Pat Hughes.

WILLIMANTIC -Taylor Buchanan ofEllington was named tothe Little East ConferenceAll-Conference first teamfor her play on the EasternConnecticut StateUniversity women’ s soc-

cer team. The sophomore forward doubledher point total from her freshman seasonwith a team-leading 28. She had eight ofher goals in seven regular -season confer-

ence matches and shared the LEC leadwith five game-winning goals, four ofthem coming in conference matches.Buchanan had at least one point in 10 ofthe final 14 regular -season matches andscored all three of the game’s goals in reg-ular-season win over host UMass Boston.

Eastern won its second outright regular-season LEC title and for ged its secondunbeaten LEC regular season in the lastthree years en route to its first unbeaten(15-0-3) regular season in team history.

Buchanan Named to All-Conference Team



Visit us for all your fi reside accessories & stocking stuffer ideas.kGas Fireplace/Vent FreekGas Log Sets/Wood StoveskWood Inserts & StoveskRinnai Tankless Water Heaters

Come Visit Our New Manchester LocationDirectly across from The Shady Glen

819-A East Middle Turnpike, Manchester

860.432.2170www.GlowingEmbersFireplaces.com

Monday - Saturday 10-5 • Sunday 10-2

Santa’s staying warm this winter;Santa’s staying warm this winter; how about you?how about you?

RegionalRegional

Ellington Center Animal Clinic64 Main Street Ellington, CT

(860) 871 3064www.ECACpets.comOffice Hours: Monday Friday

7:30 am 7:30 pmQuality, compassionate health care for your family pet.

Tuxedo Bella Rachael Drake & Sedona Ralf & Winston

Retired Officer Laid to RestEnfield Police Sgt. Matt Meier lowers the Enfield Police Department honor guar d flagover the casket of retired Enfield Police Officer Ivan Walk, who was interred with fullmilitary honors this Veterans Day. Ivan Walk served with the Enfield PoliceDepartment for 20 years and was remembered by Police Chief Carl J Sferrazza as“very dedicated to the department.” Officer Walk’s name, printed in white atop a blackmourning ribbon, was added to the collection of fallen officers which adorn the finialof the flag.

ENFIELD - The Enfield Public Library,in conjunction with the Enfield CulturalArts Commission, is pleased to present aholiday Festival of Trees this season. TheFestival of Trees opening reception will beheld on Thursday, Dec. 16, at 6:30 p.m. Inaddition to the display of trees, the open-ing reception will feature the magnificentmusic of guitarist and singer Gary S.Jones. Refreshments will be provided.

Individuals, teams, groups, classes, co-workers, families and friends are encour-aged to create trees out of unusual materi-als to enter in the Festival of Trees. Be cre-ative. Think of something you may have atwork or at home that you can make into a

tree for the display . Community membersof all ages are invited to create festive non-traditional trees to enter in the library’ sgallery. All entries will be part of the open-ing night gallery reception and will be ondisplay until Dec. 27.

Artists or “would-be tree creators”should pick up an entry form and guide-lines at the Enfield Public Library to par-ticipate in the art display . Trees should bedropped off by Dec. 10 to be included inthe gallery. Guidelines for submission arealso available on the library’ s website:www.enfieldpubliclibrary.org/festival-oftrees.htm. For more information, call thelibrary at 860-763-7510.

Enfield Festival of Trees Submissions Sought



RegionalRegional

Black Belt Students Help CommunityAs a prerequisite for their black belts at Healthkick Inspired Fitness, (l-r) Derek Somersof Ellington, Carol McKinney-Betterely of Stafford and Ben Tetrault, a junior at StaffordHigh, raised money for a non-pr ofit or ganization. On Nov . 23, the gr oup pr esentedStafford Social Services Director Karen Troiano with a check for $230 fr om a can andbottle drive they organized.

Photo by Barbara Bresnahan

ENFIELD - GFWC/W oman’s Club ofEnfield will hold its holiday luncheon onWednesday, Dec. 8, at LaNotte Restaurant,located at 17 Thompson Rd., EastWindsor.

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

The Woman’s Club is af filiated with TheGeneral Federation of Woman’s Clubs andthe Connecticut State Federation.

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

Woman’s Club of Enfield Christmas Luncheon

BROAD BROOK - Celebrate the holi-days with “A-Ray of Elvis ChristmasShow” at the Broad Brook Opera House,107 Main St., Broad Brook on Saturday ,Dec. 11, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 12, at2 p.m.

Ray Guillemette Jr ., a 10-time interna-tional first-place Elvis Presley imperson-ator, will rock your world with his strikinglook, outstanding vocal range andunabashed excitement as he sings Elvis’Christmas and holiday favorites.

All tickets are $20 (reserved seating)and will benefit the Opera House Players,

a non-profit community theater group thatpresents at least four major Broadway-style musicals each year. Tickets are avail-able now by calling the box of fice at 860-292-6068 or purchase them online atwww.operahouseplayers.org. Learn moreabout A-Ray of Elvis at www .bion-icelvis.com.

The Opera House Players’ 2010-201 1season will conclude with “The WeddingSinger” in February and “Ragtime” inMay. The historic Broad Brook OperaHouse is an intimate venue with seatingfor 170.

‘Elvis’ Coming To Broad Brook Opera House

ENFIELD - The following local resi-dents have become independent consult-ants with Tastefully Simple Inc., a nation-al direct sales company featuring morethan 60 delicious, easy-to-prepare foods:Erica Chavez of Enfield can be reached [email protected] and ColbyBanks of Enfield can be reached [email protected].

These independent business ownersoffer food samples at home taste-testingparties, along with ideas for everydaymeals, recipes, serving suggestions andfun. For more information about TastefullySimple products, taste-testing parties orstarting your own Tastefully Simple busi-ness, visit www.tastefullysimple.com.

Residents Become Tastefully Simple Consultants

CRYSTAL LAKEOUTFITTERS

“ 7 Lb Salmon from Crystal Lake”

OPEN 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM 6-days/wk Closed Tuesdays860-875-3773 YOUR Local experts on great fishing in the areaKeith Colli - New Owner SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS

CT PREMIER ICE FISHINGHEADQUARTERS

292 Sandy Beach Rd (Rt. 140) Ellington, CT300ft East of Corner of Rt 30 and 140

Voted Best Ice Fishing Tackle and Bait Store inHartford and Tolland County

Your Ice Derby Headquarters

LIVE BAIT

ICE FISHING TACKLE SALEFrabill Bait Buckets $8.99 - $24.99 (Reg. $12.99-$34.99)

Heritage Laker Tip-ups $29.99 (Reg. $36.99)Complete Line of 40-up Tip-ups on Sale

All Ice Fishing Jigging Rods 10%-15% OFFShiners * Mousies * Spikes * Meal Worms

100’s of Ice Jigging Lures, New Swedish Pimple Newest Crushed - Ice Colors

GiftCertificatesAvailable

Get Your Business Card Into 25,000+ HomesFor The Low Rate of $75!

For details on The North Central News’ ‘Take My Card’special section, E-MAIL [email protected] or

CALL 860-698-0020.


Land Reclamation Drainage

Rock Breaking/No Dynamite Clearing

(Even In A Basement) Driveways

Trenching Brush Mowing

Recontouring Rock Removal

Footpaths Walkways

Hirth’s Small Engine Repair51 Sandy Beach Rd. Ext.,

Ellington, CT 06029

(860) 872-9034CT License #0615418 HIC0615418

HirthSmall

Engine

Now Doing Custom Small Excavating

ATTENTION HOMEOWNERSSmall Jobs Are Our Specialty!


EllingtonEllington

Monday-Fri HAPPY HOUR 4 pm-6 pm 1/2 price appetizers, $2 Bud Light and Coors Light

(in our loungeand Patio)

Expires 12/31/10 Expires 12/31/10

Gift CertificatesAvailable for

your Stockings!


ELLINGTON — A resident is questioning the place-ment of a political sign on a town firetruck.

Christopher Avtges of Ryan Drive spoke at the Nov. 15Board of Selectmen’s meeting. He repeated a question hehad asked at the October meeting, wanting to know thetown’s policy on political signs on a fire department vehi-cle. He had seen a sign regarding the referendum on sucha vehicle.

Selectman A. Leo Miller said that a firefighter would

be within his rights to have a political sign on his person-al vehicle, but he does not believe one should be on adepartment vehicle. Miller said this should not happenduring future elections.

Meeting schedules

Miller addressed the issue of how town boards consid-er holidays in their meeting schedules. He said that townboards take Jewish holidays into consideration whenscheduling and asked if other religions should be consid-ered in recognition of a multicultural society.

First Selectman Maurice Blanchette said he has talkedto town staff, who said they are concerned that if all reli-gious possibilities are considered, it would be hard to findtimes to schedule meetings.

He said that if residents are concerned with particularmeeting dates, they are encouraged to express those con-cerns to his office.

Selectmen John Turner suggested speaking to the localclergy council as a reference on this matter .

Resident Questions Political Sign Placement on Fire Truck

ELLINGTON - Principal Neil Rinaldiof Ellington High School has invited par-ents of students and other interested com-munity residents to assist in a self-studythat will be conducted by the school pro-

fessional staff. The self-study is a signifi-cant component in the evaluation processof the Commission on Public SecondarySchools for the accreditation of EllingtonHigh School by the New England

Association of Schools and Colleges. Rinaldi noted that all aspects of the

school will be evaluated during the self-study. Volunteers are most ur gently need-ed, however , to serve on the committeeswhich will evaluate the areas of core val-ues, beliefs, and learning expectations;curriculum; instruction; assessment of andfor student learning; school culture andleadership; school resources for learning;and community resources for learning.

The New England Association ofSchools and Colleges is a voluntary mem-bership or ganization of more than 2,000public schools, colleges and universities,independent schools, and vocational/tech-

nical and career institutions.Approximately 650 public schoolsthroughout New England are currentlyaccredited through the Association’sCommission on Public SecondarySchools. The commission works withindividual schools to improve the qualityof their programs through a process ofself-study, evaluation, and follow-up.

Anyone interested in volunteering timeor in learning more about the self-studyshould contact Cathy Dziadul at 860-896-2352 ext. 204 or [email protected]. Volunteer duties will requireparticipation in monthly afternoon meet-ings.

Residents Invited to Participate in High School Accreditation

ELLINGTON - The Friends of HallMemorial Library in Ellington will holdtheir annual Holiday Cookie Sale at thelibrary on Sunday, Dec. 19, from 1 p.m. to5 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 20, from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m. The Friends are selling one-pound trays of homemade cookies for $9each. The library is located at 93 Main St.,Ellington.

Proceeds from the cookie sale will beused to support the library. We sponsor thesummer reading programs, provide down-

loadable books, support the wireless serv-ice and aid purchase of furniture for thecomputer room. The December schoolvacation would be a good time to checkout the passes for local museums andattractions. With these, residents canobtain free or reduced admission to sever-al places including Connecticut TrolleyMuseum, the Science Center , theBasketball Hall of Fame, The Children’sMuseum, Dinosaur State Park, Eric CarleMuseum and more.

Friends of Library Hosting Holiday Cookie Sale


Ellington High School was featured as a“Cool School” on Friday , Nov . 19, onWSFB-TV3. This is a feature the stationdoes regularly, which is no easy feat as stu-dents and staff who wish to participate arerequired to be at the school by 4:30 a.m.for broadcast for their early show thatbegins at 5 a.m.!

Planning began several weeks inadvance with hostMark Dixon visitingthe school the weekbefore to pre-recordseveral highlightedgroups at the school.Science teacher Kandace Murdock was atthe helm of the operation, planning activi-ties and coordinating all the groups. Withthe cameras rolling about a dozen timesthroughout the two-hour broadcast, therest of the time was filled with activitiesand games to keep over 500 students occu-pied. “Countless hours were necessary toprepare for Cool Schools,” said Murdock.“Making sure there were constant events,music, and activities to keep the kids goingwas essential.”

Participation was strictly optional and afree breakfast courtesy of many local busi-

nesses was of fered to those students whoattended. First Student Bus Company alsoran buses to transport students who didn’ thave rides. The school’ s administrationwas surprised when 550 students signedup AND showed up. Dixon reported thiswas one of the lar gest student CoolSchools turnouts so far this year.

The groups highlighted were theschool’s drama club,Opening KnightPlayers, Rescue Post512, the Principal ofTechnology Class, aTV video class and

classes showing interactive learning usingSmart Boards. The remaining groups thatwere featured throughout the morningshow included leadership group, RiseAbove, various sports teams, jazz band,marching band, color guard, cheerleaders,dance team, and culinary teacher DavidHelmin and several of his students (whomade 1500 muffins!).

There was even a dodge ball tourna-ment and a spotlight on teachers at theschool who are also alumni. Throw in anair band and jerk dance competition andyou have got a pretty busy morning.

“I am very pleased with the student andfaculty turnout and positive ener gy allbrought that early morning,” saidMurdock. “I am confident that CoolSchools provided all Channel 3 viewerswith a wonderful representation of how

special Ellington High School truly is!” Toview some of the morning’ s events, visitWFSB’s website athttp://www.wfsb.com/coolschools/25849736/detail.html.


EllingtonEllington

(860) 749-0781 48 South Road, Somers, CT 06071

Dr. Fitzgerald graduated from theUniversity of Connecticut Schoolof Dental Medicine. He completeda residency in General Dentistryat Danbury Hospital and thenreturned to the UConn School ofDental Medicine for a Fellowshipin Periodontics.

Our practice utilizes currenttechnologies to make your carebetter and more comfortable.

We perform a wide range ofgeneral dentistry services, and havea focus on replacing missing teethwith crowns, bridges and dentureson dental implants.

WWee’’llll TTaakkee GGoooodd CCaarree ooff YYoouu

James P. Fitzgerald, DMD, MSJames P. Fitzgerald, DMD, MSDr. Fitzgerald and his staff are dedicated to helping their patientsachieve and maintain good health, function and appearance.

IINN THETHE SSCHOOLSCHOOLSDeborah Stauffer

SCANDINAVIANGIFT & FOOD SHOP

ea.

Reg. $75

SCANDINAVIANGIFT & FOOD SHOP

Royal Copenhagen, BNG Christmas Plates and Ornaments, and

Orrefors Cyrstal

Limpa & Kardemumma Bread!

Hjorthornssalt, Herring, Bondost Cheese & Lutfish, Nokkel Ost

99 Maple St. Ellington, CT 06029 872-0273Wednesday - Friday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. • Closed Sunday

Jewelry • Crystal • China • Linens Foods Siv Pettersson Harvey

Now In Stock! Now In Stock!

Ellington High School Picked as a ‘Cool School’ by WFSB

Mark Dixon of WFSB interviews Ali Larew of Rise Above surrounded by other RiseAbove members.


ELLINGTON - The sounds of the holi-day season are beginning to show allaround us through the many activities tran-spiring here at the Ellington Senior Center.Erin Graziani, director of the EllingtonSenior Center, would like to extend appre-ciation to all volunteers who donated theirtime toward our annual ThanksgivingDinner, which was held on Thursday, Nov.18.

Programs

Better Age: The Better Age club meetsthe second and fourth Thursday of themonth. It costs $3 in yearly dues to be apart of this club. December meetings areas follows: On Dec. 9, a potluck dinnerwill be held as our Ellington Singers pres-ent Christmas music for all to enjoy .Members are asked to bring a hot or coldentrée and their own place setting to thepotluck dinner. Dessert will be provided.The Dec. 23 meeting is a “ChristmasHoliday” social hour including music ofthe season. Cof fee and cookies will beserved. State Rep. Ted Graziani is thekeynote speaker who will give Better Agemembers news from the House ofRepresentatives.

Ellington Singers: Ellington Singerswill open the Town of Ellington “W interFest” at the Hall Memorial Library onFriday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. with their annualChristmas caroling celebration. All are

invited to come and participate. Lightrefreshments will be served. EllingtonSingers will be spreading good cheer atvarious nursing facilities throughout themonth of December . This group meetsevery Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. at theSenior Center.

Dues to be a part of this group are $30.If you love to sing, come join us!

Musical Insights: Musical InsightsHoliday Celebration will be held onMonday, Dec. 13. A Christmas treat with avocal presentation plus our own VirginiaHerm. The Musical Insights committeewishes to extend best wishes for a veryhappy holiday season! There will be noMusical Insights on Dec. 27. We will beenjoying the holidays and will reconvenein the February time frame. MusicalInsights is entering its 15th year.

Cards & Games

Mah Jongg is being played every Fridaymorning at 10:00 at the Senior Center;bridge is of fered to experienced playersevery Tuesday morning at 9:00; setback isplayed every Tuesday and Saturdayevening at 7:00; canasta “Kings Row” isplayed on Thursday afternoons at 1 p.m.;we of fer dominos the first and thirdTuesday of the month at 1 p.m.

Trips

For those who enjoy overnight accom-modations, the Ellington Senior Center

presents T ropicana Atlantic City’sShowtime Special Tour! This trip is sched-uled for Jan. 18-20, 2011. The trip includes$20 cash bonus, two meals (breakfast anddinner) and $20 toward a casino show. Buswill depart from the Ellington Town Hallparking lot at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 18and will return around 7 p.m. on Thursday,

Jan. 20. Cost for this trip is $175 per per-son (double), $171 per person (triple), and$245 per person (single) occupancy.

The Ellington Senior Center is locatedat 16 Church St., Ellington. Phone number860-870-3133 or view its newsletter on theTown of Ellington website for furtherinformation: www.ellington-ct.gov.


The Chimney Sweep Co.

EST. 1976

CT LIC. #600954

CHIMNEY RELINING EXPERTSCLEANINGS • CAPS • INSPECTIONS

860-749-8559“Keeping Our Friends Safe Since 1976”

Fully Insured

EllingtonEllington

From all of at Ellington Center Liquor Shoppe

Wishing you a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!

175 West Rd. (Rte. 83) Ellington, CT • (860) 875-2254 www.ellingtonliquor.com

For your Holiday entertaining you willenjoy our large selection of Imported Beer,

Wine, Liquor and ChampagneAs always we will be happy to wrap a gift!

Please stop in for our tasting every Friday and Saturday night from 4-8 p.m.

for something new and different.

TEA HOUSEChinese & Asian Cuisine

Restaurant & Catering

We prepared the best for youto come and enjoy.

OPEN HOURSTuesday - Thursday 11:00 - 10:00

Friday & Saturday 11:00 - 11:00 • Sunday 12:00 - 10:00Closed Monday

89 West Road (Rt. 83) Ellington, CT

Happy Father's Day!

Tel: (860) 872-8818 • (860) 872-2877www.teahousect.com

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

Special Dishes Added To Menu - Come Check It Out!

Senior Center Announces Programs and Trips for December

Meeting Father ChristmasEllington resident Padraigh Fitzgerald, 6, meets Father Christmas at the “Christmasby Candlelight” celebration at Old Sturbridge Village. According to OSV historians,Father Christmas, the English precursor to Santa Claus, could be short, tall, thin, orstout, but was always depicted with a bear d, fur-trimmed robe and a crown of holly.For details about Christmas at Sturbridge, call 800-SEE-1830, or go to www .osv.org.



EllingtonEllington

Budget Cleaning,LLCOver 20 Years of Cleaning Experience

Bonnie Wexelman20 Lake St. ,

Ellington, CT 06029

Home & BusinessCleaning

(860) 870-7114 Fully Insured.

Clean,Professional& Courteous

FREE MASSAGEHOLIDAY SPECIAL: Buy One Gift Certificate for aone hour massage and get another one FREE!!!

Contact Julie Robinson,The Perfect Touch860-749-7517

Annual Winterfest & Tree-Lighting CeremonyEstablished in 2004, Ellington Annual Winterfest & Tree-Lighting Ceremony is heldthe first weekend in December. The weekend includes a series of events to pr omotecommunity and holiday spirit in the Town of Ellington. Events include: Tree-Lightingassisted by two Ellington children; Ellington Singers Holiday Concert; Open House atthe Nellie McKnight House; Torch Light Parade; Festival of Trees and Open House atthe Hall Memorial Library; Church Choirs; Christmas Play by the Ellington HighSchool Drama Department; and appearances by Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and Fr ostythe Snowman. Winterfest 2010 will be held on Dec. 4.

ELLINGTON - Ellington HistoricalSociety will hold a holiday Open House atthe Nellie McKnight Museum at 70 MainSt. in Ellington on Saturday , Dec. 4, aspart of the townwide Winterfest celebra-tion. The museum will be open from 2p.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free, but dona-tions are accepted.

The Nellie McKnight Museum ishoused in the family home of historian andlibrarian Nellie E. McKnight. The buildingand collection are maintained by theEllington Historical Society . The home isan 1812 Federal-style house with many ofthe McKnight family furnishings anditems donated from the Ellington commu-nity.

A new exhibit about ice harvesting willbe on display in the museum’s front parlor.Tools and a video showing the ice cutting

process will be featured as well as localpictures and newspaper articles.Refrigeration changed our lives. Comeand see just how precious a chunk of icecould be.

The museum store will be open for thesale of Ellington district school ornamentsand historical society publications as wellas “Images of America: Ellington” by his-torical society archivist Lynn Kloter Fahy.“Ellington, Chronicles of Change,” thehistory published in 1987 by the late histo-rian Dorothy Cohen, has been reprinteddue to popular demand and is also avail-able. All proceeds benefit the EllingtonHistorical Society . Fahy’ s new book,“Images of America: Crystal Lake,Tolland County,” will also be for sale, withproceeds benefiting the Crystal LakeHistorical Society.

Historical Society Plans Open House as Part of Winterfest

ELLINGTON – On Nov . 1 1, MichaelMaiscalco, assistant vice president of TheBarn Yard & Great Country Garages,received the Better Business Bureau 2010Website Marketing Message Award onbehalf of the company.

“We are very proud to have our ethicalstandards recognized by an impartialauthority like the BBB,” said Maiscalco.“It helps to show our honesty and integri-ty when dealing with the customer , andour dedication to educating the consumer .We are honored to have been presentedwith this prestigious award and are gladothers enjoy our website as much as we

do.” The Barn Yard & Great Country

Garages first opened its doors in 1984 andsince has grown to three locationsthroughout Connecticut. Since then, TheBarn Yard, which has an A+ BetterBusiness Bureau ranking, has built anddelivered thousands of buildings through-out the Northeast.

To learn more about The Barn Yard, tobrowse through inventory stock or to readcustomer testimonials, visitwww.TheBarnYardStore.com or call 800-628-2276.

The Barn Yard Presented with Website Award



SOMERS — Somers sixth-graders hon-ored their hometown heroes on Nov. 13.

The students held a Veterans DayHometown Heroes Event. Along with theirparents, the sixth-graders had raised$1,800 for American flags to be displayedon Main Street. They presented these asgifts to the town during the event.

“I am greatly appreciative of the gen-erosity of the students and am very proudof the event that they hosted to honor ourveterans. I am also thankful for the gener-ous donations from Somers Rotary andSomers Beautification for the purchase ofAmerican flags for the Main Street flagdisplay,” First Selectman Lisa Pellegrinisaid.

“We were in danger of having a severeshortage of flags for the display until theseguardian angels appeared. I also appreciatethe efforts of Barry Dolby from MountainTree Service. Each year he volunteers histime to put up the flags before MemorialDay and take down the flags in the fall.This is a very tedious and time-consumingjob. However, the results allow all of us toenjoy such a stunning display,” she added.

Brownfield remediation

The town has received a $5,000 grantfrom the state Department of Economic

and Community Development for environ-mental assessments for 19 Field St., theformer Somers Industrial Finishing site,Pellegrini said.

The town is seeking a $200,000 for allthe town’s brownfield sites, which includethe Somersville Mill, the Field Street prop-erty and 58-60 Springfield Rd.

The town also has received $5,860 fromthe Capital Region Council of

Governments for work on the SpringfieldRoad brownfield site. The first selectmansaid the property was sold at a tax sale, butfunds are needed to remediate the site sothe deal can be finalized and the propertyreturned to the tax rolls.


December 5th, Sunday, 2:00 to 4:00 P.M.For further details go to: www.SomersCultural.com

Limited Seating - TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ADVANCED SALES ONLYAdults $12 • Children $7 Call: 860-763-1833 for tickets

2010 Holiday Tea2010 Holiday Tea

Somers Cultural Commission Presents

SomersSomers

111 Main Street, P.O. Box 429,Somersville, CT 06072

860.265.2282 [email protected]

Visit us on the web @ www.somersvillagegifts.com

OUR FEATURED FOR THE 2010 HOLIDAY SEASON

Party Now:A Beautiful Snowman Basket filled to the brim with

everything you need for a party. Salsa, nachos, mustard,

pretzels, nuts, Holiday flavored Malted Balls, Christmas Mints,

Candy Cane filled with chocolate covered

sunflower seeds, Hot Chocolate

$59.95Snowy Holiday Morning

A Beautiful Snowman Basket already to be prepared for

Christmas Morning. Scones, jelly, toast, Pancake Mix, John

Macy Sweet Sticks,Vermont Maple Syrup, Hot Chocolate,

Christmas Tea, and Coffee

$59.95Warm and Cozy Treat

A decorated silver tray with a Slow Cooker Meal, crackers,

cookies, malted balls tea Hot Chocolate, and Nikki Cookies.

Great meal to curl up with on a cold winter’s night

$33.95Santa’s Snack Stop

A Holiday Metal Sleigh loaded with Popcorn, salsa, chips

Rothschild Dips crackers and Cheese

$52.95Go Nuts

A decorative holiday box with Sunny Nuts,Williamsburg

Nuts,Almonds,Almondina Cookies, Cranberry Bog Frog,

and Chocolate Covered Sunflower seeds

$34.95

Christmas Is In The Air!!!!!Here At Somersvillage

Your One Stop Shopping StoreJoin us for Dickens Weekend

December 4th & 5th Holiday Hours Open 7 Days

Mon,Tues.Thurs. Fri. 10-6 • Wed. 10-7 Sat. & Sun. 10-4

Happy HolidaysWe Deliver Locally & Ship Nationwide

Visit Us On Our Website To See Our

Selection Of Remembrance Lamps

And ToView The Above Baskets.

SOMERS VETERINARY HOSPITALNancy Karol Hensen, DVM

Complete veterinary services for all phases of your pet’s life.

Cats Dogs Birds ExoticsMedical, Surgical & Dental Services Emergency Service

Evening & Saturday Hours Office Hours By Appointment

63 SOUTH ROAD • SOMERS • 763-1000

Veterans Honored by Sixth Graders at Hometown Heroes Event

Honorees and sixth graders at the ceremony honoring Somers’ Hometown Heroes. More photos on pages 24-25.



H A P P Y H O L I D A Y S F R O M B E A U T I F U L T H I N G S

Beautiful, Unique & Affordable

NEW ARRIVALS DAILY!8 Beautiful FragrancesLots of StockingStuffers under $20Annaleece

Mud Pie BabyPersonal AccessoriesHome Decor

Gift Certificates AvailableRt. 83 • 12 South Road, Somers, CT

(next to Dunkin Donuts)

860-265-7855www.ShopBTIG.com

Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. • Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

VOTEDBESTGIFT

SHOP IN2009 &2010!

Become a fan on Facebook

LET OUR OUTSTANDING STAFF HELP YOU DESIGN YOUR BRACELET

Just in time for the Holidays.Limited to stock on hand. No Special Orders.

Year EndClearance!

All products

40% OFF

Start your Friends with a Troll Bracelet.

Now thru December 31st. Offer one per recipient.

Dickens Special

December 4th & 5th

TAKE AN EXTRA

10% OFFWith coupon only.

Expires 12/31/10. Coupon excludes Brighton, Chamilia

Trollbeads & Lindsay Phillips.

GreatGifts

All New Arrivals Are Now In Stock!

Free Gift with a $75 purchase.This Holiday decorate yourself

Free Limited Edition 2010 Holiday BeadBead can be purchased separately Starting Now! While Supplies Last.

Did you miss our party in November?My Gift to you a good Friend Gift Card.

Buy 3 beads and receive a Sterling Silver Snap Bracelet.

Miss Chamilia for Girls in Stock!Coupon excludes Brighton,

Chamilia, Trollbeads & Lindsay Phillips



DROID Xby Motorola**

Requires a new 2 yr activation on voiceplan with data pak $29.99 or higher, anda $100.00 mail in rebate debit card.

*Present this ad to collect EXPRESS discount.

$14999

$299.99– $50.00 EXPRESS discount*

– $100.00 Mail-in rebate debit card= $149.99

WITHTHISAD

STAFFORD860-684-145587West StaffordRd.

VERNON860-870-9500435Hartford Tpke.

Store HoursMonday-Friday: 9am-8pmSaturday: 9am-5pmSunday: 11am-5pm

ENFIELD860-749-7077549HazardAve.

ELLINGTON860-871-8300

175WestRd.†Our Surcharges (incl. Fed. Univ. Svc. Of 12.9% of interstate & int’l telecom charges (varies quarterly), $.13 regulatory & $.83 Administrative/line/mo., & others by area) are not taxes (details: 1-888-684-1888); gov’t taxes & our surcharges could add 5%-39% to your bill. Activation fee/line $35($25 for secondary Family SharePlan Lines w/ 2 yr Agmts). Discounts may vary, see associate for details. Offer valid at any location. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases.IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Subject to Customer Agmt, Calling Plan, & credit approval. Up to $175 early termination fee, 25¢/min after allowance & add’l charges apply for data sent or received (incl. Mobile Web ads). Offers & coverage, varying by service, not available everywhere. Network details & coverage maps at vzw.com.Nights 9:01 pm – 5:59 amM-F. **DROID is a trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. and its related companies. Used under license. Limit one per customer. In stock items only. See verizonwireless.com/Bluetooth for details. ***Model shown representative of styles.©2010 VerizonWireless.

FREEBluetooth®

Headset***

Present this ad at any EXPRESS locationduring the month of December. For mostphones on any carrier. No purchase necessary.

(Valued at $24.95)

$5000 OFFANY 3G SMARTPHONE

Gift CardsAvailable!

†

�

Visit Our Christmas Shoppe

• Christmas Crafts

• Hand Crafted Fresh and Artificial Wreaths

• Poinsettias

• Kissing Balls

• Door Swags

187 Windsorville Road, (5 Corners)

Ellington • (860) 871-8183Hours: Open 7 Days a Week

M-F 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Sat & Sun 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

103 Main Street, (Rt. 190)

Somers • (860) 749-4230Hours: Open 7 Days a Week

M-F 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Sat & Sun 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

• Fresh Cut(Up to 10 ft.)Christmas Trees

• Cemetery Logs

• Gift Baskets

• Gift Certificates...and more.

Soft Serve Open at Ellington location.

Come try our Holiday flavors.

Rebecca’s Country Pies


Create a Home For The Holidays...

FREE DELIVERY in CT, MA, RI $1500 Min. requirements, extra charge for Cape Cod, MA

860/871-1048 800/BUY-FINE (800-289-3463) 216 West Rd, Ellington, CT Mon-Sat 8am-5pm, Tues & Thur until 7pmSHOP ONLINE www.kloterfarms.com

All Furniture and Gifts

On Sale Now!

HUGE SAVINGS on all storage

buildings, gazebos,

& playscapes all month long!

we can help!

Plus...

Gift Giving Made Easy!

in-store or online

Hundreds of gifts under $20

From Dining to Living Rooms, we have it all!

Plus

H

el storagon alNGSVISA

E GHU

Hundreds of gifts unde

20 wewe cwe chehelelplphelp

$er

cacanan can lplp!lp!

SHOP

rfaert.klowwwP ONLINE

l month long!alesplayscap&

ebos,gazbuildings,

g

, Elest Rd6 W12860/8

$1500 M

ms.comr

eun-Sat 8am-5pm, TMo, CT ongtllin(800-2-FINE048 800/BUYY-1-178

Caorrge fhacxtrats, eemenuireq. rin, , MAin CTY FREE DELIVER

hheelplphelp

we have Living RoFrom Din

ntil 7pmr uThu&es289-3463)

e Cod, MA apRI

lp!lp!

in-MaGi

l!it alooms, ning to

-store or onlineasy!y

liEade

ift Giving

Is It Time to Take a Closer Lookat Your Financial Picture?Sometimes it’s hard to tell exactly whose best interests some financial advisorshave in mind. My financial advice is based on fees instead of commissions, andbecause our firm offers no proprietary investment products, I am free to choosethe products and services that best meet my clients’ needs – which helps to pre-serve the integrity of my investment advice.

With an independent, unbiased approach to investing, you can be confident that my only goal is to help you reach yours. Call today for more information or to schedule a consultation.

�

��

�� !��"��#��$�%%%��&��'��%�%%%�� (�(��()��'��*�� +,�-��

�� !�� "#��$�%&��

'��(�� )��

' ��*��+��, ��-��,�

.��(/��0��/1��/�-��,�

'��-��2��)��

"��/3��$��4%4��5�� 6+2/��)��

Beaulieu Financial Services, LLCJames BeaulieuPresident

48 South Road Unit 15Somers, CT 06071

(860) 749-4138Fax: (860) 749-4167

[email protected]

The Financial Resourcefor Independent Women


DEC10ncn02.qxd:NOVNCNpart2.qxd 11/28/10 3:21 PM Page 21

SomersSomers

In Somersville It’s

STOP & START Transmission

“Serving The Area Over 20 Years”Paul Arciszewski, Owner

Ask About Our Free Road TestingStandard & Automatic • American & Foreign Cars

860-763-087611 Main Street, Somersville

8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Daily • Closed Saturday

ALL PRICES QUOTED BEFORE WORK IS STARTEDWE ALSO SERVICE: Clutches, C.V. Joints, C.V. Boots, Drive Axles

Ask About Our Written Warranty

NEW LOCATION: 16 Egypt Road, Somers, CT 06071

In Somers, Itʼs


Friends Lend a Helping HandAt left, Sandy Butcher of Enfield takes away r oofing material at the home of her long-time family friend Dean Bauer, a dispatcher at the Enfield Police Department whosewife, Teresa Bauer, passed away unexpectedly just weeks ago. Dean, trying to copewith the loss of his wife and now raising a son as a single par ent, also had issues withhis home in Somers to deal with, including a leaking r oof. His co-workers at the policedepartment took it upon themselves to help out by collecting donations in a week’ stime to cover the cost of materials, and with the help of friends. neighbors and co-workers, replaced Dean’s roof over the weekend, leaving their friend with one lessoverwhelming thing to worry about. Above, Carl Merrik, an IT professional from thetown of Enfield, talks with home owner Dean Bauer (right).

Photos by David Butler II

“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

Thanks for Voting Us Best Tree Service in

The North Central Readers Poll.

free consultations and fully insured

CT Arborist #62445B-0961

749-7365

Mountain Tree Service


SOMERS - The Shoreline Ringers willpresent a hand bell concert at The SomersCongregational Church on Saturday , Dec.11, at 7 p.m. After the concert, everyone isinvited to view the nativity display at thechurch, featuring more than 350 nativityscenes, and come to a reception in thechurch’s Foundation Room. The church islocated at 599 Main St. in Somers.

Shoreline Ringers, directed by JaneNolan, is a top-level community hand bellchoir ringing five octaves of Malmarkhand bells and five and one-half octaves ofMalmark hand chimes. They have played

at Carnegie Hall at the "Christmas Time inthe City" concert and also with the CoastGuard Academy Band's Christmas pro-gram. They highlight a variety ofadvanced techniques and rhythms in theirringing.

The Somers concert is free, with dona-tions accepted to help support theShoreline Ringers in their goal of promot-ing hand bell ringing as a legitimate musi-cal art form while educating audiences andincreasing their knowledge and apprecia-tion of hand bell music through concertperformances.

SOMERS - The Town of SomersEmergency Fund is at an all-time low. Fewdonations have come in within the pastyear and, due to the current economic cli-mate, the demand for help has nearly dou-bled.

The Emer gency Fund provides emer-gency fuel delivery to families who are outof fuel and have applied for ener gy assis-tance, but have not received it as yet. Thefund provides 100 gallons of oil to carrythe family through until their energy assis-tance benefits kick in. The fund also helpsfamilies prevent the shut-off of other utili-ties such as electricity and water by settingup payment plans with the utility compa-nies and helping with the initial payment.

There are many families in Somers

whose adult members suf fer with long-term disabilities and periodically requireassistance because their disability incomedoes not sufficiently cover many necessaryhousehold expenses. There are also manyfamilies who are currently struggling tomake ends meet because of long-term orrecent job losses. However , most of thefamilies who seek assistance are short-term.

If theirs is a job loss, illness or accidentthat prevents them from being employed,they may need help until they get back ontheir feet financially. Many of these fami-lies have made donations to our emer-gency fund and food banks after their situ-ations have stabilized.

The Emer gency Fund is only used for

legitimate calls for help and the townwould like to be there for those familieswhen there is a need. Please help by givinga donation to the Somers Emergency Fundso that we can keep these programs going.

Donations can be made at the SocialServices Office in Town Hall or by mail to:

Somers Emergency FundP.O. Box 308Somers, CT 06071In addition to the Emer gency Fund, the

Human Services Department is seekingfamilies, individuals and or ganizationswho would like to participate in our “adopta family” program this holiday season. Ifyou are interested in “adopting” a localfamily or child for the holidays by provid-ing them with gifts from their “wish list,”

please contact the Social Services Office at860-763-8224. Your generosity will help alocal child have a holiday that he or shewould not have otherwise.

The town has again joined with thelocal Geissler’s Supermarket this season inthe collection of food for the local foodpantries and Thanksgiving and ChristmasBasket programs.

Next time you shop for your family ,please consider purchasing a few addition-al items for a local family in need anddeposit them in the Kloter Farms Shed atthe Somers Geissler’s Supermarket.

If you have any questions or would liketo volunteer for any of the town’s seasonalprograms, please contact Jenifer Charette,Human Services director, at 860-749-7160or [email protected] or AnnProcopio, Social Services coordinator , at860-763-8224.

��

��

�� !"�#��$��

��!�� %%��$��

&�'��(��)��* ��+��,��)��-� .��/��0�1��!�/��"!!�� %%#��$��

�

2��,��+�� 3�� 1��4��/��"!!� !55#��$��

�

, �� 1� �� 4��!6� ��!5/��"!!�� 6%#��$��

�

(��7 �� ,,�8�9�,��4��:/��"!!�� 6#��$��

�

��

( ��7�;��;��2.��<�

-'��'2��27=�#�'4��6"�6>>�!%?!�'��""��>��"��?�

!!"%�� 9��#�� *�� /��"6":>�

SomersSomers


Gift Certificates

Gift Baskets

;Come

Check OutOur Holiday

Specials

Happy Holidaysfrom the staff at

11 South Rd.,Lord Somers Center,

Somers, CT

860-749-5101Hours: Mon. 8-1, Tues. 10-7, Wed. 8-7,

Thurs. 9-7, Fri. 8-5, Sat. 10-2

Full Service

Product Lines: Goldwell • Rusk

• Fairytales (all organic)

• Paul Mitchell • Redken• Woody's

• Nioxin • Opi • Zoya

Somers Residents Be sure to hold on to the Somers Economic

Development Commission's 2010-11 Business Directory -available in the this edition of The North Central News.

HERB &GIFT SHOP

54 SPRINGFIELD RD. SOMERS, CT860-749-0839

HOURS TUE - FRI 10:30 AM - 5 PMSAT. 10 AM - 5 PM • SUNDAY 12 -4

Holiday Open House December 4th & 5th

Not Just HerbsUncommon Gifts All Price Ranges

For All AgesGift Baskets Shipped Anywhere

Gift Certificates

Town of Somers Seeking Donations for Holiday Programs

Shoreline Ringers Will Perform at Church Christmas BazaarSOMERS - The Somers

Congregational Church at 599 Main St. inSomers will be holding its annualChristmas Bazaar on Saturday , Dec. 4,from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. throughout thechurch. The bazaar will be highlighted bya holiday bake sale, more than 30 vendorsof arts and crafts, woodcrafts, gourmetfoods, handcrafted clothing, jewelry , flo-ral arrangements, gift baskets, nativitysets, gourmet dog treats, poinsettias, asilent auction, American Doll clothes andmore. This is the perfect time and place topurchase those unique and specialChristmas presents. A hearty and deliciousluncheon will be served from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. featuring fancy turkey casserole,cranberry jello salad, green beans andpumpkin crumble for dessert. The churchis fully handicapped accessible. Come andenjoy the fun and excitement at “theReason for the Season.”



111 Main St. (Rt. 190),PO Box 535, Somersville, CT 06072

(860) 749-4863Open:Tues.,Thurs., Fri. 9:30-5:30;Wed. 9:30-7; Sat. 9-3

NEW SILVER JEWELRYNEW SILVER JEWELRY• Local Artists Works

• Custom Mirrors• Gifts and more

40% OffAll Custom Framing

Expires 12/31/10

Stop In And See Our NewJewelry Selection

��

�

�� !""#�� !""#�� !""#�� !""#�� $%&'()&*+,'-./0001��1��

��

2��3��4��2��3��4��2��3��4��2��3��4��

��5�6�%7.!8.'7''�#��5�6�%7.!8.'7''�#��5�6�%7.!8.'7''�#��5�6�%7.!8.'7''�#��5��3��9��5��3��9��5��3��9��5��3��9��

��3��3��:��3��3��:��3��3��:��3��3��:��5��3��4�5�5��5��3��4�5�5��5��3��4�5�5��5��3��4�5�5

��;��;��;��;��

<�=��<�=��<�=��<�=��>��9��,>��9��,>��9��,>��9��,

"7''�#"7''�#"7''�#"7''�#++++-7''�#-7''�#-7''�#-7''�#?��..7''��?��..7''��?��..7''��?��..7''��++++.7''3�.7''3�.7''3�.7''3�

��59��59��59��59��

>��9��..>��9��..>��9��..>��9��..)7''3�)7''3�)7''3�)7''3�

��5��5��5��5��

.%.%.%.%��4��6��4��6��4��6��4��6

>��3��6>��3��6>��3��6>��3��6#��-!'��4��5��3��6#��-!'��4��5��3��6#��-!'��4��5��3��6#��-!'��4��5��3��6

>��9��..>��9��..>��9��..>��9��..++++��6&��6&��6&��6&#��5�6�#��5�6�#��5�6�#��5�6�++++��5�6�"��5�6�"��5�6�"��5�6�"��++++*3�*3�*3�*3�

>��9��>��9��>��9��>��9��.-8."-.-8."-.-8."-.-8."-++++!3�!3�!3�!3�>��9��.!8-.!>��9��.!8-.!>��9��.!8-.!>��9��.!8-.!++++)3�)3�)3�)3�

�96�33�1 �96�33�1 �96�33�1 �96�33�1

?��4��?��4��?��4��?��4��

��0��;��5��5�;;��0��;��5��5�;;��0��;��5��5�;;��0��;��5��5�;;��

>��9��-'>��9��-'>��9��-'>��9��-')7''3�)7''3�)7''3�)7''3�

��4��4��4��4��4��4��4��4��

��5�6��5�6��5�6��5�6 >��9��-, >��9��-, >��9��-, >��9��-,�!7*'3��62��3!7*'3��62��3!7*'3��62��3!7*'3��62��3

)7*'3��4��;?��8)7*'3��4��;?��8)7*'3��4��;?��8)7*'3��4��;?��8��

..7..7..7..7''3��5��''3��5��''3��5��''3��5��

SomersSomersHometown Heroes Tribute

Somers sixth-graders honored their hometown heroes on Nov. 13. The students held aVeterans Day Hometown Heroes Event. Along with their parents, the sixth-gradersraised $1,800 for American flags to be displayed on Main Str eet. At left, DanielleCapuano welcomed the audience of Somers veterans, family members and state offi-cials to the special ceremony. Above, the Honor Guard opened the ceremony honoringthe town’s Hometown Heroes. Story on page 18.



SomersSomers

Husqvarna • BOB-CATGrasshopper • Little Wonder

599 Hazard Ave. Enfield, CT 06082(860) 749-0474

www.gallpowerequipment.com

Hunter Bowers did a superb job on the trumpet as he played “My Country , ‘Tis ofThee” during the Veterans Day ceremony. First Selectman Lisa Pellegrini spoke to thecrowd and thanked the Somers 6th-grade class for donating American flags to thetown of Somers.

Tile RiteCOMPLETE BATHROOM & KITCHEN REMODELINGInterior trim and woodwork, window and door repair , drywallrepair, textured ceilings, repairs on tile walls and re-grouting.

Interior paint. 24 Years Experience.

(860) 593-4017





SomersSomers

Gaskelll HomeRemodelingg LLC

NEAT & FRIENDLY SERVICE

A m o n g T h e S e r v i c e s W e P r o v i d e :

• Complete Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling

• Additions

• Interior Trim & Woodwork

• Door & Window Replacement

• Decks

• Alcoa ‘Leaf Relief’Gutter Protection

• Re-roofing

• Basement Finishing

• Solat Attic Fans

Before

After

Specializing In Tubular Skylights!For about the cost of a nice light fix-

ture, we can bring the soft light of thesun into virtually any space in yourhome. Call for more information!

For a free consultation call: (860) 749-9536Todd Gaskell, Owner, CT REG #570751

Visit www.toddgaskell.com

Gaskell HomeRemodeling LLC

• Tubular Skylights • Solar Attic Fans• Basement Finishing• Aluminum Railings

For a free consultation call: (860) 749-9536Todd Gaskell, Owner -

Somers, CT #0621648

Visit www.toddgaskell.comPer Sec 402 of TSCA

Let us design &build a stylish, energy efficientaddition to your

home!Live Music Weekly Wed thru Sat in our Lounge.

Wednesday Nights feature Live Jazz

Thank You!To All Of OurCustomers

That Voted UsBest Restaurant.

Continental Menu • Comfortable LoungeSteaks & Seafood with extensive wine selections

Seafood delivered fresh dailySandwich & Salads

Book your Holiday Parties at The Grille.Open Christmas Eve till 8pm.

New Years Eve with Live Music & Dancing.

GiftCertificatesAvailable

SOMERS - The fast-paced play“Captain Fantastic!” will be performed bythe Somers High School Drama Club.Written by Tim Kelly and under the direc-tion of Kathy Welch, “Captain Fantastic!”is an amusing comic book farce which willbe presented Dec. 10 and 11 at the SomersHigh School auditorium at 7 p.m.

This play combines fantasy , dreamsequences, comedy, and music to tell thewhirlwind story of Waldo Puppybreath,the wildly imaginative editor of his high

school newspaper who is obsessed withsuperheroes. A fun play for all ages,“Captain Fantastic!” is rich in characters,costumes, and creativity.

Tickets can be purchased one hourbefore showtime, in advance from anySHS Drama Club member , or at theSomers Public Library Monday andWednesday 2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.-3 p.m.Cost is $8 general admission, $5 for sen-iors 62 and over, and students to grade 12.

High School Drama Club Presents ‘Captain Fantastic!’

SOMERS - The Somers Women’s Clubis partnering with Olde Tavern Antiquesand Dean Reutter to sponsor a Gold-Silver-Antique exchange for cash. Theevent will take place on Saturday, Dec. 11,from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Piedmont Hall,604 Main St., Somers.

Everyone is invited to bring theirunwanted gold jewelry , gold coins, ster-ling silver jewelry, sterling silver flatware,silver coins before 1964, old paper money,paintings, quality antique furniture, mili-tary items, knives, fishing tackle, watches,pocket watches, advertising signs, vintage

costume jewelry, china, collectible glass-ware, dolls, Hummel’ s, toys, primitivesand more.

Merchandise will be assessed and if aprice is agreed upon cash will be paidimmediately.

For more information contact Vicki at860-763-0749 or [email protected]. Ifyou would like an in home appraisal,please contact Dean Reutter at 860-749-4653 or [email protected]

Proceeds to benefit The SomersWomen’s Club scholarship program.

Gold-Silver-Antique Exchange Benefits Women’s Club

12 South Rd. (Rt. 83) • Somers, CT 06071

Yarn & Supplies for Knitting, Crochet & Weaving Fibers for Spinning

Alpaca Sweaters, Blankets & AccessoriesHours: Tues.- Thurs. 10-6, Fri./Sat. 10-5 • Sun. 12-4, Closed Monday

860-749-4005

www.knittingcriations.com

Gift Certificates for the Holidays. Give the gift of relaxation and creativity.

Service Center Supports StarsRaffia Road Service Center in Enfield recently donated $100 to Allied’s Enfield Stars,a sports training program for disabled athletes who compete in r egional, state andnational Special Olympics events. Karen Owens, left, owner of Raffia Road and SpringStreet Service Centers, presented the check to Stars athletes, from left, Mark Jubrey,Alyssa Horter and Mark Burnell, and Stars Coor dinator Linda Burnell.



KOGUT’S HEMLOCK HILL TREE FARMInformation Phone (203) 630-6531

Plantation location: 108 Billings Rd. • Somers, CT

9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. daily including Sat. & Sun.

Create your own wreath and one of our

professional designers will assemble it for you.

Custom Made Wreaths Wreaths and Pine RopingBalled and Burlap Live Trees

Free Tree Baling • Pre-cuts Available

Blue Spruce, Fraser Fir,Balsam Fir, Canaan Fir

$38

SomersSomers

Saluting VeteransCiera Green shows off her pride at Asnuntuck Community College on Veterans Day.Children from the college’s Reading Room paraded through the school, on their deco-rated bikes, in honor of the holiday.

Photo by Julie Cotnoir

SUFFIELD - Planning has of ficiallybegun for next June’ s Relay For Life, anAmerican Cancer Society fundraisingevent held at the Middle School in Suffieldeach year. The event is regional, drawingparticipants from several towns in NorthCentral Connecticut. After last year ’smerger with a Relay event previously heldin Somers, the first item of business was toadopt a name that better reflects thetremendous contribution of all participat-ing towns. The event will now be calledthe Relay For Life of North CentralConnecticut.

The North Central Connecticut RelayFor Life, or the NCCT Relay, includes par-ticipants from the towns of Somers,Suffield, Enfield, Windsor Locks, and EastGranby. Last June’s event raised a record-

breaking $156,000 for the AmericanCancer Society. Student groups are amongthe lar gest contributors, but families andco-worker groups are also prominent.

The annual Open House to of ficiallykick off the upcoming event will be heldJan. 18, 201 1, at 6 p.m. at HealthtraxFitness on Weymouth Road in Enfield. Allare invited to attend the open house thatwill feature refreshments, fun activities,entertainment, and guest speakers.

If you are unable to attend, you canlearn more about the event by visiting thewebsite www .relayforlife.org/suffieldct,or by calling the American Cancer Societycommunity executive Mor gan Greenleafat 203-379-4782, or by [email protected]

Relay Now Called Relay for Life of NorthCentral Connecticut and Includes Somers


SomersSomers

1-888-5-FLY-GUY1-888-5-FLY-GUY1-888-535-9489

OnTheFlyComputerGuy.comOnTheFlyComputerGuy.com19+ Years ExperienceEmergency Services

Licensed & Insured

We Come We Come To You To You IBM/Lenovo Laptops

$300300IBM/Lenovo is rugged and dependable

and the brand trusted by businesses for years. Of the thousands of notebooks we service, IBM/

Lenovo is the brand we have to fix the LEAST!

Desktop

Computers

$$249249 Starting at

GUARANTEED LOWEST COMPUTER REPAIR PRICES IN CT!GUARANTEED LOWEST COMPUTER REPAIR PRICES IN CT!

DD D D D D D D D DDDCCCCC

IIIIIBII

Starting at


SOMERS - Members of the SomersWomen’s Club have a Christmas tree inthe lobby of the Somers Inn. Of fered forsale through a silent auction, the tree isdecorated with hand-made ornaments such

as individually painted balls, jeweled ici-cles, silver angels and natural pinecones. Bidding for the tree will end onDec. 19 at 7 p.m., after which it will beavailable for pick-up.

Women’s Club Has Christmas Tree Silent Auction

Fire Department Open HouseThe annual Somers Fire Department Open House/Pancake Breakfast held during FirePrevention Week was popular with families. Bottom to top, fr om left: Maddison Aretz,Madison Hawkins, Tia Lashway, Tori Lashway; second row: Jacoby Hawkins, BrookeHawkins, Steve Hawkins; Alexa Murkette, Rick McDonald.

Photo by Stacey Lynn McDonald


StaffordStafford


Boy Scout Food DriveStafford Alliance for Food and Fuel member Cindy Minich and her granddaughter lenta helping hand during the Food Drive that saw Staffor d Boy Scouts collect 5,899 fooditems to benefit the Stafford Food Bank. At top right, scouts unloaded bags of foodfrom 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 6 during the impressive food drive.

Photos by Barbara Bresnahan

Whatʼs stopping you from becoming a foster parent?

Everyday people have helped make a difference in childʼs life,

single, married, homeowners or renters...You couldn't be there for their past....

You CAN be there for their future!! Phone: 860-560-7324E-mail: [email protected]: www.nafi.com for more information

NAFI CONNECTICUT INC.PROFESSIONAL PARENT PROGRAM

CALL NOW to register for our

upcoming pre-service training starting soon



Christmas Week HoursDecember 20th – 23rd 10 -6

December 24th 10-2 Closed 12/26 and 12/27

After Christmas SaleTuesday December 28th, 2010

Gifts Certifi cates Available63 West Main Street (Rt. 190)

Stafford Springs, CT860-684-5157

Your search is over! The perfect country shop for all seasons specializing in American made country / primitive furnishings and accessories for your home and gifts to tempt your senses and warm your heart. For 27 years, we have been known for our outstanding friendly service and warm atmosphere.Merry Christmas to our friends and loyal customers.

Bittersweet Bittersweet CountryCountry

CollectiblesCollectibles

StaffordStafford

St. Edward ScientistEighth-grade student Ben Oldham won first place in the St. Edwar d School ScienceFair for his project, which included building a prototype of a supply storage box thatwould aid astronauts in their experiments in outerspace. The top thr ee winners ineighth grade and seventh grade combined will now go to to the State Science Fair onMarch 7, 2011 to compete. These include eighth-grade student Ben Teerlinck and sev-enth-graders Amy Agro and Maria Plasse. Sixth-grade students were also givenawards, but they will not go on to the state competition.




StaffordStafford

Heating & Cooling

Contractors

(860) 684-9485www.staffordmechanical.com

www.geothermalconnecticut.com Ct Lic # 303633 Sm1 102

Offering 0%-2.9% Financing For Energy Star Approved Heating Systems

Call for details.

Where does your money go?The average annual energy

bill is approximately $2200.

Give us a call to help you

change this number.

Heating Season Is ComingYour local experts on saving you money with your heating bill.

By Barbara Bresnahan

STAFFORD - Retired Staf ford schoolteacher Jane Svejk has taken her love ofthe Catholic faith and career as a Catholicschool teacher and combined it with herlife-long love of mystery novels to create abook of her own – “Bells, Books andMurder.”

Begun in 2006, “Bells, Books andMurder” – published in 2010 – is a storyabout a community that is reacting to themurder of a Catholic school principal.Teacher Kate Shaw, in particular, is haunt-ed by the death of the beloved principaland finds herself wrapped up in trying touncover the mystery of the killer ’s identi-ty. This “religious mystery” examines peo-ple’s individual ability to deal with lossand reveals how some find comfort infaith.

“Bells, Books and Murder” was written“for a couple reasons,” said Svejk. “WhenI retired [from St. Edward School] I foundthat I missed teaching and the people andchildren that I no longer saw on a day-to-day basis. Writing the book helped memove on.”

Fictional Plot

Svejk also said her belief that Catholicschools are “underrated” prompted her toshow what “compassionate and faith-filledpeople they are.”

Having been a Catholic school teacherherself, she used characters who are bitsand pieces of people she has known.Added Svejk, “The story plot is fictional.”

“My experience as a Catholic schoolthird-grade teacher helped me give someinsight into how Catholic schools andchurches work. … I’d like to think thatmost of it, except the murder aspect of it,is realistic.”

The main message that Svejk wouldlike readers to grasp is “that no matterwhat kind of losses or hardships you expe-rience, your faith in God will help youthrough them.”

A Second Book

Svejk, who was born and raised inHartford, now lives in Union with her hus-band, Jim, and dog, Polly. With spare timeon her hands since her retirement, she isnot only working on her second book, butshe is also busy making the rounds pro-moting “Bells, Books and Murder” at localvenues, including a recent book signing atMiddle Ground Café on Staf ford’s MainStreet.

Svejk said “time will tell” if this newcareer as a writer will blossom, but as of

this moment, she is enjoying the writingprocess as well as the excitement and hernewfound knowledge of the publishingindustry.

“If you think you have a good idea,make an outline and develop your storyaround it,” she stressed to other aspiringauthors.

And speaking from her own recent suc-cess, she added a final, vital tip: “Use yourown experiences to enhance it.”

To purchase a copy of “Bells, Booksand Murder” or to contact the author , visitwww.svejknovels.com.

Books can also be ordered through TatePublishing Company at www .tatepublish-ing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61739-170-5.

Former Saint Edward School Teacher Publishes First Novel

Former Catholic school teacher Jane Svejk is joined by her friend Gloria Ducharme ata Nov. 11 book signing at Middle Ground Cafe in Stafford.




Stained Glass Creations and Beyond2 River Rd., Stafford Springs, CT • 860-851-9689

www.stainedglasscreationsandbeyond.com

10% off All Stained Glass -11/26/10-1/2/10

Christmas Shopping EveningGet your last minute shopping done

By Local By HandmadeHolidayy Sale

Dec. 19th

5-8pm

StaffordStafford

Freshmen WinFirst Prize

The Stafford High Schoolfreshmen, Class of 2014, wonfirst place at the HomecomingFloat Parade.

Photo by Amy Hartenstein

STAFFORD - The Stafford Community& Civic Affairs Commission is sponsoringa new event, “W inter Fest”, on Sunday ,Dec. 19, starting at 3 p.m. at OlympicCircle and ending at the Staf ford TownHall. The commission is looking for deco-rated floats and trucks for a parade downMain Street. Decorated horses/sleighs are

also welcome. The commission will havea carol sing and a social with hot cocoaand baked goods available at the TownHall after the parade. If you’re interestedin entering a float or decorated truck in theparade, please contact Cindy Kabel at 860-604-1509 or Kathi Fisher at 860-560-6927.

New ‘Winter Fest’ Parade Coming to Town



StaffordStafford

Specializing in Stamped Concrete,Acid Stain, and Flatwork

Commercial & ResidentialDriveways, Patios, Pool Decks, Sidewalks, Steps

PATRIC A. JAMOPROPRIETOR | ENGINEER

P 860.870.7200 | F 860.926.9050

[email protected] Licensed & Insured

40 West Stafford Road, Stafford Springs CT • 860-684-1004www.staffordstorage.com

Indoor & Dry,

Temperature Controlled,

Secure 24 x 7 Video Monitoring,

Onsite Truck Rental Available,

Packing Supplies Onsite

& Hydraulic Lifts Available

Businesses Welcomed

Ask about our Delivery Acceptance Option

STAFFORD STORAGE

FIRST MONTH

FREEWITH 2ND MONTH PAYMENT*

& 15% OFF OUR ONSITE

PACKING SUPPLIES**credit card on file required - offer expires March 15, 2008Jan.15, 2011

Secure 24 x 7 Video Monitoring,

Onsite Truck Rental Available,

Packing Supplies Onsite

& Hydraulic Lifts Available

For Vacation,Work,

Travel...Any Time!

See what having a

pet-sitter canmean for youand your pets!

STAFFORD - For the benefit of localfood banks and in celebration of localwomen, the public is invited to attend“Holiday Ladies Night Out” at ChestnutHill Nursery on Dec. 2 from 5 p.m. to 8p.m. There will be free fun and entertain-ment during the evening.

Artists, shopkeepers, community organ-izations, women’ s clubs, farmersand many local businesses will be in atten-dance to showcase their products and serv-ices. A non-perishable food item, to sup-port our local food banks, is the ticket inthe door.

Come experience the best products andservices that local towns have to of fer.Scheduled to be there are BakersCountry Furniture, Somersvillage Gifts,Crossroads Gifts, EMFraming, The OliveOil Factory , Cabot Cheese, MiddleGround Café, Twin Birch Farm, ScanticValley Farm, Celebrations by Christina,Bittersweet Country , Friedrich Jewelers,The Tea Stop, Country Casuals, Can’t BeetIt, Carol’ s Creations, Dagenais Designs,The Nut Guy , Tupperware, Green ThumbCreations, Ds is the Life Pet Care, HereWee Grow , Raf fia Road Service,

Pampered Chef, Super Seeds, TastefullySimple, Big Scents, Cynthia SchaeferPhotography, Arbonne, Avon, Criations,Encore Deezines, Judy’ s Country Store,Campbell & Keune Real Estate, andMadison Custom Handbags.

Also attending are Festi’s Oil, Heads Up& Bodyworks, Luann’ s Bakery , BevGeorge Yoga, High Springs Orchard,Gaymarie’s Designs, Victorian Sentiment,

JR Wellness, L ynn Goss’ s Musicians,Jafra, Building Blocks Books,Maggie Emily Photography , GFWCJuniorettes Earth Angels of Somers,GFWC Somers Women’s Club, Staf fordMiddle School PT O, Dave’ s MobileRacing Party, and more.

Chestnut Hill Nursery is located at 75Chestnut Hill Rd. (Rt. 190) Staf ford. Call860-684-2787 for more information.

Chestnut Hill Nursery Hosting a Holiday Ladies Night Out

STAFFORD - The Safe Net MinistriesFood Cupboard will be open Saturday ,Dec. 11. The hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.This is a supplemental food program. Thenext food distribution is scheduled for Jan.8, 2011.

It is located at 68 Main St., Staf fordSprings. Call 860-851-9987 with anyquestions regarding eligibility of you,

friends, or other family members. To reg-ister and participate, you need to bring aphoto ID.

During 2010, thus far, the cupboard hasregistered 289 families, served 3309 mealsand distributed 73,368 pounds of food.Thank you for your continued support ofthis mission; contributions are always wel-come.

Food Cupboard Open on Dec. 11

STAFFORD - The Stafford Library, 10Levinthal Run, has three holiday eventsplanned. Story Time with Santa will beheld at 6 p.m. on Dec. 6. There will be acookie mix gift jars on Dec. 9 at 4 p.m. Allages are welcome. A Christmas movie willbe show on Dec. 16 at 4 p.m.

Regular children’s story times are heldMondays at 10 a.m. for 0-2 years old. Itincludes songs, finger plays, board books,toys, rhymes and stories for mom andbaby. Tuesdays at 10 a.m. is for 2 year oldswith songs and finger plays, rhymes andstories that will help your child gain learn-ing readiness skills.

Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. story time isfor children 3 years and up and siblings.Songs, large and small motor skills activi-ties, stories, puppets and a learning activi-ty that will teach your child to cooperateand listen while having fun.

Holiday Fun at the Stafford Library

Nativity Pageant on Dec. 10STAFFORD - A Family Night Nativity

Pageant will be held at the First UnitedMethodist Church, located at the corner ofMain and Church streets in Staf ford onFriday evening, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. Hotchocolate and cookies will be served inFellowship Hall.


Dodge has managed to extend the sportscar design DNA of its now iconic DodgeChallenger across its entire 201 1 lineupwhile at the same time delivering an air ofrefinement to its interiors long lacking.The Dodge Char ger and the GrandCaravan are no longer just beautiful on theoutside. They have become completepackages. Chrysler was the beautiful sisterwhile Dodge was the dutiful youngerbrother.

The Dodge Charger

The Charger in its previous generationwas a squat, muscular sedan that foundsome favor as a police cruiser . It was agood car that generated athrill for a short time whenbehind the wheel butoffered little sustainabilityin its appeal. For 201 1, itshoodline has been low-ered, the bodyside sillshave been flared, thewheel openings are tight-ened and the windshieldhas a faster sweep to it.

There are two major improvements tothe Charger for 201 1: the powertrain andthe interior. Lets get the latter out of theway first. The previously hard, plastic inte-rior has been replaced by soft-to-the-touchsurfaces. It is an immensely comfortablecar for both passenger and driver thanks toperformance-contoured seats with dual-density foam and a new spring suspension.

The good news is Dodge hasn’ t takenthe soul out of the Char ger with its softerinterior. Step on the accelerator and you’regoing to be pleased with the results fromthe new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. It delivers292 horsepower , which is a 63 percentimprovement and 260-lb. ft. of torque (up

36 percent) from the previous generation2.7-liter V-6, an almost emasculatedengine considering the Char ger’s toughboy stance. This is going to be all theengine you will reasonably need in aCharger. Of course, it still comes with the5.7-liter HEMI V-8 that puts out 370horsepower and a 0-60 mph performanceof less than six seconds.

Handling is much improved, too. Intwisty roads between San Francisco andNapa Valley, the Charger displayed a lot ofgrace. It planted itself well in corners andhandled twisty roads well for its size. It’ sno BMW 5-series, but it is an af fordable

alternative until your lottery ticketcomes due.

The Dodge Journey

I had the pleasure of driving theJourney in Spain last summer andsaid then that its emphasis wasmore utility than sport. For 201 1,the Journey receives a major over-haul with a completely redesignedand retuned suspension, the

Pentastar V-6 and an interior that willmake you gush like Ralph Gilles.

That new V-6 engine is an example ofmodern technology becoming so prevalentin the automotive industry: 20 percentmore power and better fuel ef ficiency. Itdelivers 283 horsepower and 260 lb. ft. oftorque. It’s mated to a six-speed transmis-sion and can be either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. A base 2.4-liter inline-fourcylinder engine is available with 173horsepower, 166 lb. ft. of torque, and afour-speed automatic transmission. Foregothe base model if your budget allows. TheV-6 that was available for drives aroundNorthern California is a more engagingengine choice. You won’t be disappointed.

Among the interior highlights are a new,larger cluster with standard electronicvehicle information center with a full-color display that is backlit (in what else?)Dodge red. One nice touch that I appreci-ate because of my standard driving posi-tion (legs akimbo) is the integrated centerstack is less angular , which makes moreroom for my knees. Both passengers willenjoy the extra cushion on the center con-sole.

The Dodge Grand Caravan

Dodge invented the minivan segmentway back in 1983. Interestingly , it’ s thechildren born since then who know areexpressing an interest in driving minivansafter Gen X and Baby Boomers ditchedthem in favor of sport utility vehicles (andmanufacturers chased the easy profitsfrom SUVs).

The Grand Caravan shares a powertrainwith its stablemates: the V-6 Pentastar andreports similar horsepower and torquenumbers with the Dodge Journey . It’s gotall the zip moms and dads could want outof a vehicle that has precious car gostrapped in the passenger seats.

Among the exterior changes are a newfront fascia that has a split crosshair grillecombined with a new hood and quad head-lamps. The rear liftgate is also moresculpted and the Grand Caravan now hasLED taillamps. Grownups in the secondrow will appreciate the lar ger Stow-N-Goseats that are easy enough to fold with onefinger (a child could really do it).

(Follow me on T witter atAboutUsedCars or for up-to-date car newsgo to TorqueNews.com)


• Buffing, Wax & Glaze• Carpet & Upholstery

Cleaning• Protectant

Fleet RatesFully Insured

Gift Certificates Available

PROFESSIONAL DETAILING

NOW OFFERINGHead Light Restoration

$29.95ea.Cloudy Headlamp?

Don’t spend up to $200 replacing them

Mike Caswell 763-349434 Egypt Road, Somers, CT

Headlight Restoration

AutoAuto

Your Local SAAB & VOLVO SpecialistsGLASS WORK AVAILABLE • 251 FIELD RD. SOMERS

Art GardnerASE Master Technician

SAAB Technician

Erik LaaksoASE Master Technician

VOLVO Master Technician

PHONE: (860) 749-0890 FAX: (860) 764-3644

AUTOMOTIVEREPAIR

(Foreign Car Specialists)ASE CERTIFIED 23 Field Road, Somers, CT

860-763-0711Dave Doyker, Frank Doyker, Jim Hinkle

General Maintenance, Fuel Injection, Tires, Towing, Diesel, Electrical, Alignment, Used Cars

P E O P L E ’ S A U T O

BEHINDThe Wheel

KEITH GRIFFIN

Dodge Rolls Out Major Changes Inside and Out for 2011

The 2011 Dodge Charger has undergone major interior and exterior changes, whichmakes a good car almost great.

Photo courtesy of Dodge


• New Britain Store Now Open Sundays •

Featured Specials!

and much,

much

more!

Now in

ENFIELD!

25 Enfield St.

(860) 265-7930

Sale

on LCD TVS SUNLVIP

49 CC Scooters. All Colors. $999

LampGlass Beads

Fits Pandora.$4.99 each



PD Electric LLCQuality service andrepairs. No job too small.Located in Somers.

Free estimates.10% senior discount.

lic#195651Call Paul at

860-214-2671

ROUGH LUMBERFOR SALE

50 cents and 60 cents perboard foot.

Hay: first cut,$4 per bale.

(860) 684-3458

CompleteTransmission

Service On Site Rebuilding

at Carrʼs Sales & Service LLC202 Union St.

Vernon, CT 06066(loaner available)

(860) 896-5256

CARR’S

Mufflers, Radiators,

Brakes

Shocks & General

Repairs

(860) 896-5256

CT PISTOLPERMITN.R.A. Certified

Instructor.No criminal record!

Call Frank at (860) 454-0644

Leave message.

Clarissaʼs ClayRt. 83, Somers

Pottery Wheel IntroductionClasses & Glazing.

Kidsʼ classes weekly, 5years and up.

Private & Group Adult Classes Available.

Come Play With Clay Today!

(860) 306-7686

ClassifiedsClassifiedsAmerican Truck &

Equipment Repair, LLC

Location: Off Route 32,

Stafford Springs

Diesel repair on light,

medium, and heavy duty

trucks and equipment. Call

Keith Sladek for a free esti-

mate on your diesel repair.

(860) 851-9655.

Richardʼs School ofSelf Defense

(Br. Hamzy)103 Raffia Rd. Enfield(860) 749-4566

Celebrating 36 years of thebest Martial Arts for fitness

and self-protection.Try a free week.

Walk-ins Welcome.

Kathryn’s Angel

Channeling Psychic

Readings

Love Relationships are my

specialty. Guidance in all

aspects of life. Call to

schedule an appointment.

(860) 684-0381

$5 off 30 minute reading.

Party bookings available.

CA$H FORYOUR CARWe buy all cars, 1990 &newer. Immediate cash,

highest prices paid.Donʼt Trade It - Weʼll Buy It!American Auto Wholesalers

(860) 729-9918

SEND YOUR CLASSIFIED TEXT AND CHECK TO:North Central News, P.O. Box 427, Somers, CT 06071 by Wednesday, Dec. 29 for the January edition.

$19.95 - text only • $24.95 boxed (30 words or less, no logos)

JUNK CARSWANTED

Free Pick-Up and wepay $50 for any vehicle.

American AutoWholesalers.

Call (860) 729-9918Call ANY TIME

Dʼs Is The LifeIn-Home Animal CareDaily/weekly care for your

animal companions.Bonded & Insured.

No animals too small or toobig. Free consultation!

860-234-8691www.dsisthelife.com

Burn Records

DJ Service

Crowd motivation for 25-500

people. Music for all ages.

Props - hula hoops,tam-

bourines, maracas, YMC hats,

limbo, air guitar and more

(860) 305-5763

www.burnrecordsdjs.com

WALLS BY VICTORIACustom Paint and Wallpapering,Faux finishes, murals, raisedplaster design, cabinetry or a

simple re-paint/re-paper. Start the NEW YEAR with a

NEW LOOK!Complimentary estimates.

References. Insured.

(860) 749-2603


NANNY

Expert Child Care.

Former Teacher.

Excellent

References

413-219-8503

NEED TUTORING?If you or your child is

falling behind, donʼt wait.Call today and weʼll getyou BACK ON TRACK!

Call BEN at (860)763-4695 or email

[email protected]


ClassifiedsClassifieds

AUTO INSURANCE

Real Good Rates!

Call Mike DaDalt at Tolland County

Insurance.(860) 684-2566

Allied DrainCleaning

Will unclog all kinds of drains.Snaking prices: Mainlines:

$155, Sink/Tub: $85, Toilets:$65, Video Inspections: $175.Free estimates, fully insured.Call Phil at 860-798-8200 or

go to the websitewww.allieddraincleaning.com

Butler & Co. Inc.Realtors

Mark F. ButlerBroker

Residential &Commercial

Sales & Leasingvisit: Butler-Realtors.com

860-644-4024

AVONJoin the #1 Avon Sales Teamin CT! To start TODAY, visitmy website & click on the

OPPORTUNITY tab. Joanne LaQuerre

Sales & LeadershipRepresentative

[email protected] 860-214-4158

Join or SHOP at:www.youravon.com/jlaquerre

Sewing ServicesHandles worn on your

VB Bags?I can repair for $10.

Also, alterations,mending, zipper

replacement, lightupholstery, showercurtains, pillows &

accessories.Call 860-508-3421

Voted Best Landscaper InNorth Central Connecticut Two

Years In A Row!

Decorative & Commercial RetainingWalls •Walkways,Patios & Interlocking Pavers • Excavation & DrainageWork • Landscape Design • Commercial & ResidentialProperty Maintenance

Spec ia l izing in:Hydroseeding, Landscape Design,

Walkways, Patios & Walls, Small

Excavation & Drainage Work.

Voted Best Landscaper In North

Central CT 06, 07 , 09 & 2010!

Individual TaxesBusiness TaxesIRS RepresentationAccounting & AuditingBookkeepingPayroll

James W. Persano, CPAMahoney Sabol & Company, LLP

Certified Public Accountants

Mahoney Sabol & Company, LLP is a comprehensive accountingfirm offering tax, auditing, financial and business consulting services

to a variety of individual, estate and business clients.

LOCAL OFFICES

9 Main Street, Unit 8 48 South Road, Unit 15East Windsor, Connecticut 06088 Somers, Connecticut 06071(860)254-5899 (860)763-1774(860) 205-5810

48 South Road, Unit 15Somers, CT 06071

29A Pasco Dr.East Windsor, CT 06088

FOR APPOINTMENTS, CALL: (860) 763-1774

Lagana & Persano, LLP

29A Pasco Drive 48 South Road, Unit 15 115 Elm St.,East Windsor, CT 06088 Somers, CT 06071 Enfield, CT 06082

Lagana & Persano, LLP is a comprehensive accounting firm

offering tax, auditing, financial and business consulting

services to a variety of individual, estate and business clients.


SeasonedFirewood

Cut, Split hardwoodDelivered locally in

my pickup$95.00

(860) 966-8262

JC Plumbing LLCSomers, Ct

Local & Reliable • Licensed &Insured

[email protected] to schedule your FREE

estimate today.


�

Field

Roa

d

Egyp

t Roa

d

Billings RoadSunshine Farms

Road

�

Four TownFairgrounds

AffordableSelf Storage

ROUTE 190

ROU

TE 8

3

To Enfield

To Stafford

To E

lling

ton

SomersCenter

� Fully secured facility with

24-hour access

� Different sizeunits available

� Convenientlylocated next tothe Four TownFairgrounds

� 10’ x 20’ as lowas $79 a month

� 10’ x 30’ as lowas $119 a month

New inSomers!Affordable

Self Storage

Affordable Self Storage60 Sunshine Farms Road Somers, CT 06071

(860) 749-6549

�


Max ChorowskiMD, FACOG

u

Jenifer FlemingCNM, MSN

u

Tiana MirapaeM.Ed., LCSW

u

become a fan atwww.facebook.com/thenorthcentralnews

and register for montly contests!




Documents

North Central News