2014 Holiday Gift Guide - New Britain Herald, The Bristol Press

New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press

Thursday, November 27, 2014 | 1

Thursday, November 27, 2014

2 014

Great gift are available right around the corner Pages 2-4

Coffee table books for every taste Page 10

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SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS

New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press

Bristol establishments offer unique gift ideas

By STEVE COLLINS

BRISTOL — With the holiday giving season at hand, take the chance to search out unusual items available for purchase in Bristol instead of grabbing the deal of the day on some distant website.

There are all sorts of possibilities from local retailers, museum shops and more.

Consider, for example, a Christmas ornament honoring the 100th anniversary of Muzzy Field.

The Bristol Historical Society has them for $12 each.

There are also chocolate-covered fruit from Razzleberries on North Main Street, sports memorabilia or comic books from Omni Comics and Cards on Farmington Avenue or a whole host of seasonal items at Wojtusik’s Nursery & Garden Center on Terryville Avenue.

Artist Tea House on School

Street offers tea and treats, but it also has art classes, one-of-a-kind artisan gifts and handmade goods for purchase from local artists.

Even online, you can do some good for a Bristol organization.

The Witch’s Dungeon Classic Movie Museum has its documentary on the making of “The Phantom of the Opera” on a DVD that can be purchased for $20 via its website at preservehollywood.org.

The American Clock and Watch Museum’s shop has a wide range of items related to clocks, watches and more, including mechanical toys for youngsters.

Check out its store at 100 Maple St. on Federal Hill or click on the store link at its website at clockandwatchmuseum.org.

The New England Carousel Museum has an extensive gift shop with all sorts of carousel-related choices.

The Bristol Historical Society has books, postcards and other material on sale at its quarters in the city’s first high school on Federal Hill. Also this year, the society is selling a keepsake ornament embossed with the image of Muzzy Field. The small, metal ornaments will sell for $12 each and proceeds with go to the Bristol Historical Society, which operate several museums.

The Imagine Children’s Museum also has some great stuff for youngsters.

The museums also offer yearly memberships that can make a great gift and offer support for key local institutions at the same time.

Got a baseball fan on your list?

The Bristol Blues, a Futures League college baseball team slated to play 28 home games at Muzzy Field next summer, have ticket packages for sale.

Mike Orazzi | Staff

The Kentucky Derby party put on by the Bristol Historical Society.

Reserved grandstand seats for every home game are $149 apiece while general admission ones are $99 each.

There is also a $50 flex pack available for 10 reserved grandstand seats or 13 general admission ones.

For more information, email

General Manager Rick Muntean at rmuntean@bristolbluesbaseball. com or send a note to Bristol Blues/ PO Box 1599/ Bristol, CT 06011.

Steve Collins can be reached at (860) 584-0501, ext. 7254, or at scollins@ bristolpress.com.

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New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press

Thursday, November 27, 2014 | 3

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Great gifts are right around the corner Local businesses offer an alternative to big chain stores

“This time of year, radio-controlled toys and train sets are probably the most popular items.”

By SCOTT WHIPPLE STAFF WRITER

STEVE AMATO Owner of Amato’s Toy and Hobby Mike Orazzi | Staff

Owner Steve Amato at Amato’s Toy and Hobby in downtown New Britain.

quad copters run from $40 to $400.

Two blocks away at 111 West Main St., Harry Sitilides, co-owner of Connecticut Furs (860-229-2078) says new designs by his brother, Leo are catching on with younger women.

“Sheer mink has become a best seller,” said Sitilides. “We take traditional mink and shave the top layer to give it a little grooving and texture. We can also make

the [mink] jacket reversible. The jacket is more practical for today’s women who want to wear mink more often.”

At Connecticut Furs, mink jackets are priced from $2,700 to $7,000 depending on the size, the style and quality. Fur leggings worn over ladies’ boots are available for $250.

“The leggings are a more casual look, something you can wear while shopping,” Sitilides said.”

It’s a way to make a fashion statement.”

Women might even wear them to the consignment shop, Karmas Closet, 3153 Berlin Turnpike in Newington where owner Deanna Reney (860-436-6055) can suggest several items she says “make great gifts.”

Reney says her shop has designer bags with the original tags on them. She also rents out shelves to local crafters and vendors.

“I have everything from coin pouches to homemade sweaters,” he said, “also brand new jewelry made locally by vendors and crafters.”

Her store items range in price from $3 to $200.

If you’re in the market for vintage costume jewelry, KC’s Gold and Collectibles, (860-436-6492) is worth the trip to 50 Market Square, Newington.

“We also have a huge sports memorabilia collection,” said See YOU, Page 4

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NEW BRITAIN — Holiday shoppers who would rather not battle crowds at the malls have plenty of options this season, from exciting state-of-the-art toys at Amato’s Toy and Hobby to a smart alternative to the traditional Christmas tree at Marzi Florist.

“This time of year, radio-controlled toys and train sets are probably the most popular items,” said Steve Amato, Amato Toy and Hobby, 282 Main St, New Britain (860-229-9069) “I’m talking about helicopters, airplanes and cars.”

Amato said the store will be stocking up on quad copters, a helicopter with four motors about six inches in diameter. It has a camera attached to it; the operator wears goggles that let him see what the tiny helicopter sees;

4 | Thursday, November 27, 2014

SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Church collects unused items

By JUSTIN MUSZYNSKI STAFF WRITER

have not been used. The donations can be dropped off until Nov. 29 at the following locations: the Bristol Public Library, the Manross Library, the Bristol Adult Resource Center, the United Way of West Central Connecticut Office, BARC, and any Bristol Webster Bank location.

Some donation ideas include grooming kits, gloves, scarves, mugs, flash lights, sports paraphernalia, games, perfume or cologne, household decorative items and jewelry.

The program coordinators are especially in need of men’s gifts.

Clothing is not permitted.

For more information about the re-gifting program, contact Kate Provencal at kateprovencal@ ci.bristol.ct.us.

BRISTOL — The Young Professionals for United Way and Webster Bank are now accepting donations of unused items for Bristol’s annual re-gifting program.

The program allows children in low-income areas to “shop” for a holiday gift for their parent of guardian.

Many people, the news release for the program said, receive gifts each year that for one reason or another are placed on a shelf somewhere and are never used.

Those gifts are exactly the type of things the Young Professionals for United Way and Webster Bank are looking for.

The donations will be distributed to various locations throughout the city where children can choose Justin Muszynski can be reached a gift for their loved ones.

Keep in mind that this pro- at (860) 584-0501, ext. 7250, or gram is only seeking items that jmuszynski@bristolpress.com

You don’t have to look far for great gifts Continued from Page 3

co-owner Fred Carter. His business partner is Robert Kusiak.

“We have Derek Jeter autographs, a Ted Williams’ autographed bat, and about 150 signed baseballs from Hall-of-Famers to present-day big leaguers.”

Costume jewelry ranges in price from $8 to $50; gold jewelry starts at $40 up to an engagement ring for $5,000. Sports memorabilia goes from $30 up to $1,000.

KC’s also buys gold, silver, coins, estate jewelry, sports memorabilia and more. (For complete list visit www.kcgoldct.com.)

Some holiday shoppers may decide to pass on a Christmas tree this year. If so, Cindy Gorsky, designer for Marzi Florist, 33 Fern St. New Britain (860-2291331) suggests you might want to check out their boxwood trees, 18 to 24 inches. Though it’s not a growing tree, it might serve as one if lack of space is a consideration.

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“Our Christmas centerpieces with or without candles are also popular,” Gorsky said. “The flowers are usually carnations, roses, mums and hydrangea.”

Centerpiece prices run from $35 to $100, boxwood trees, $50

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New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press

Thursday, November 27, 2014 | 5

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Give your pet something unexpected

By SUE MANNING ASSOCIATED PRESS

LOS ANGELES — Pet owners looking to launch the next Internet sensation or just longing for a new view of their dog’s dashing and digging won’t have to shop for long to find the perfect holiday gift. Wrap up a dog harness that holds GoPro’s durable cameras and watch Frisbee fetch, lazy lap naps and every memory in between come alive.

The Fetch dog harness fits over Fido’s chest or back and holds the small, waterproof camera known for attaching to helmets, surfboards, cars and wrists to film rugged adventures. Sony, Garmin

and Kurgo also make camera mounts for dogs.

The device is among a legion of gifts that retailers have rounded up for pet wish lists this year.

Narrowing it down is tough, but the harness tops the more unique options and creates lasting footage.

The most pet-friendly camera in the GoPro Inc. line is the Hero4, which allows apeople to decide what the dog records and control all the functions with a touch screen, company spokeswoman Kelly Baker said. The camera sells for $399, and the mount costs $59.

The chest harness captures bone-chewing and digging, while the back mount films running and

AP

A dog wearing two GoPro cameras, one on his back and one on his chest, held on by what is known as a Fetch dog harness.

jumping, Baker said. They adjust to fit dogs weighing 15 to 120 pounds.

The canine camera view has proved popular. A video went viral of an eager Labrador strapped with a camera sprinting through trees and across rocks to an Italian beach, where it leaps into the

ocean.

John Duffield of Santa Monica, California, loves the footage he got from the GoPro he mounted on his two dogs. He got enough shots to make a short video shortly before his chow-Labrador-Akita mix, Lupa, died.

But Duffield didn’t strap the

camera to his Chihuahua, Pup, three months ago when he and his wife brought their newborn daughter home from the hospital.

“Pup is like a member of the family, too,” Duffield said. “He belonged in this picture because he was welcoming home part of his family.”

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New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press

SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Selection of holiday picture books for kids

By LEANNE ITALIE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK — Looking to keep the kids entertained during long holiday car rides or dinners? Tell all your gift-buying elves to wrap up a book.

Among this year’s Christmas selections: Cat lovers “Pete the Cat Saves Christmas,” created and illustrated by James Dean, story by Eric Litwin: In this retelling of “The Night Before Christmas,” the can-do kitty is called upon to deliver gifts when Santa falls ill. The feline’s “minibus flew, just like in a movie” and “Pete the Cat cried, ‘This is totally groovy!’” Harper, ages 4-8.

“Here Comes Santa Cat,” by Deborah Underwood, pictures by Claudia Rueda: There are jet pack mishaps and dead fish gifts for children as a wily but mute cat holding placards on sticks to communicate impersonates Santa Claus to ensure he gets a gift after a particularly naughty year. Dial Books for Young Readers, ages 3-5.

Snowy books

via sled on day six and the arrival of snowplows. Disney-Hyperion, ages 3-5.

“The Animals’ Santa,” by Jan Brett: Meticulously drawn forest creatures await the arrival of this special Santa. The animals recall gifts of Christmases past. There was a puzzle for the crows hanging from their tree branch and a brush to fluff his tail for the arctic fox.

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“CC Claus: A Baseball Christmas Story,” by CC Sabathia, written with Ray Negron, pictures by Laura Seeley: Star Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia enlists the help of George Steinbrenner and baseball stars of yore to help two boys in need of balls and gloves for Christmas after their letter to Santa lands in Sabathia’s fan mail. Ecco, ages 5-up.

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by Alison McGhee and Peter H. Reynolds: The newest angel, a girl in a pilot’s cap and goggles, tries to come up with a gift for baby Jesus. She hurtles down to Earth and becomes the star that lights up the night sky. The book contrasts a futuristic heaven with old-world illustrations for the birth of Jesus.

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Classics “A Little Women Christmas,” by Heather Vogel Frederick, pictures by Bagram Ibatoulline: This adaptation of a portion of Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” is a good introduction to the March family. Mother This book cover shows “Maisy’s Christmas Tree,” by Lucy Cousins. and the girls are alone for the holiday while Father recuperates in a hospital after hard service as a Union Army chaplain. Jo has cut off her hair to E earn money as she vows there WILL NEED SOM be gifts. Simon & Schuster, ages 4-8.

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Thursday, November 27, 2014 | 7

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How to give holiday gift cards METRO CREATIVE GRAPHICS

Nearly every man or woman has hit that all too familiar wall when holiday shopping for friends and family. While many people might be a cinch to shop for, there always seems to be one stickler on holiday shopping lists, and finding the right gift for that person can be an exercise in patience and perseverance.

But even the most patient shopper has his or her limits, and many people find themselves giving gift cards to those friends or family members who seemingly have everything already. Such cards make

great gifts, but only when gift givers employ a few tricks of the gift card trade.

It’s easy to be duped by a counterfeit gift card, which can be embarrassing for both the gift giver and its eventual recipient. Counterfeit gift cards are big business for criminals who prey on gift givers during the holiday season. Only buy gift cards directly from the retailer, as cards sold by other sources, such as an online auction site, may be stolen or counterfeit. You don’t want to

be the person who gave a stolen or Once a cashier or customer sercounterfeit card, and your friend or vice employee hands you a gift card, family member does not want to be examine it for tampering before leaving the store. Some criminals gain access to gift cards, even those that appear to be behind lock and key, to learn the PIN number associated with the card. Once they have the PIN, recipients can then recreate their own card, using the subjected to an inquiry as to why he stolen PIN to activate and make or she is attempting to use a stolen purchases on their counterfeit cards or counterfeit card. long before the real card is sold to

“It’s easy to be duped by a counterfeit gift card, which can be embarrassing for both the gift giver and its eventual recipient.�

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you. If you detect any damage, ask for a new card before leaving the store.

When giving a gift card, don’t forget to include the gift receipt.

The gift receipt not only verifies the value of the gift card, but also includes the date the card was purchased. Recipients who have the gift receipt won’t have to haggle with retailers about the value of the card should that ever be in dispute, and the receipt also can serve as a reminder that the recipient needs to use the card before a given date to avoid fees.

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New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press

SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Gift ideas for seniors often mean the body slows down and activities may not be as easy as they used to be. Many active seniors are not ready to live sedentary lives, nor should they be forced to do so. Plenty of products exist that can make life easier and more comfortable for older adults.

Television amplifying headphones are one product that can be a great fit for seniors, particularly those having difficulty hearing their televisions. The Activity assistance devices headphones amplify the sound The realities of getting older of the programming without dis-

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With lifetimes of experiences and seemingly everything they could ever want or need in life already at their disposal, seniors can be difficult to shop for come the holiday season. Many even insist family members not buy them anything for the holidays.

But if the thought of Grandma or Grandpa not having something for holidays is simply unacceptable, consider the following gift ideas.

Mike Orazzi | Staff

Friends of the Terryville Library’s Cathy Paskus, Sandy Klimkoski, Joan Mischke and Bonnie Leroux during a tour of the Terryville library’s Wilcox House annex decorated for Christmas on Wednesday morning.

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Food is always a handy gift because it doesn’t take up much room and can be enjoyed at a recipient’s leisure. Perhaps there is something the senior in your life used to enjoy as a child but now finds hard to come by.

A search of the Internet may uncover that special treat. You may be able to ship a specialty soft drink or favorite cookie that is not available in a nearby store.

Otherwise, ask a store manager if a particular item that’s not in stock in the store can be a special order.

Photos What grandparent does not enjoy looking at his or her family members? Computer-savvy men and women can use photo software to design personalized photo books, calendars, mugs, and other photo-related gifts. Just about anything can be emblazoned with a photo, including tote bags and pillows.

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turbing others in the room, and many such headphones even allow users to mute their televisions.

This feature is perfect for someone who likes to watch TV while a spouse is sleeping or reading in the same room.

Other devices that can make life easier for seniors include magnifying products or bookholders.

In addition, gel seat cushions can take pressure off of the spine in the car or at home.

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New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press

Thursday, November 27, 2014 | 9

SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Gift exchange dos and don’ts

exchange has ended, allow participants to swap gifts if they want to.

DO expect some grab bag gifts to be gag gifts. Such gifts are entertaining and may make up the majority of the grab bag gifts.

Keep your sense of humor.

DON’T regift items to use as grab bag picks. Should the person who gave you the gift participate in the grab bag, he or she can AP trace that gift back to you and John Bradshaw, from McGaheysville, Va., and his children, from left, Isaac, 6, Noah, 4, and Cherith, 8, deliver gift may be offended. boxes to Kristina Rachkovskiy, right, a volunteer with the Harrisonburg First Church of the Nazarine.

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Chanukah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are right around the corner. That means neighborhoods, buildings and stores will soon be awash in holiday splendor. Social schedules will be full, and men and women everywhere will shuffle to complete their holiday shopping.

Grab bags are a staple of this season of giving, and the following are a few dos and don’ts to ensure participation in gift exchanges is fun and friendly for all involved.

DO set a gift amount limit.

Holiday grab bags are more about having fun and exchanging a little something with friends and family members than walking away with amazing prizes. Establish a spending limit so everyone receives a gift of roughly the same value and no one feels slighted or left out.

DON’T exceed the spending limit. It can be tempting to spend more to make your gift appear more impressive. But overspending defeats the purpose of the gift exchange. Grab bags typically are anonymous, so being overly generous will not win you any style points.

DO make it a game. Tossing gifts in a bag only to have others reach in and grab one is certainly effective. But the concept can be even more fun if you make a game out of it. Try passing wrapped gifts around in a circle to a holiday song. When the music stops, the gift you are holding is the one you open. Experiment with your own variations to make gift exchanges more fun.

DON’T let anyone see the gift you bring. The idea is to keep things as secretive as possible so as not to sway the selection of presents.

DO ensure your gift is unisex.

Unless you know specifically that only men or women will be opening the presents, select items that will appeal to both genders. Food, gift cards, music, or home staples make great grab bag gifts.

DON’T forget to consider ages as well. Gift exchanges may include both children and adults, so include gifts that appeal to all ages when necessary. When the

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SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS

New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press

Coffee table books are a gifty treat

By LEANNE ITALIE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK — As self-purchases, coffee table books may seem like pricey indulgences, but as gifts they’re an easy way to please a connoisseur, hobbyist or wannabe.

Usually image-driven, often encyclopedic, consider one of these: Fashion

“Joe Eula: Master of TwentiethCentury Fashion Illustration,” introduction by Cathy Horyn, image curation by Melisa Gosnell and Dagon James: An odyssey in sketches by the legendary fashion illustrator Joe Eula. He was there for Yves Saint Laurent’s first Dior show in 1958 and, over five decades, also worked as a costume designer, stage director and creative director at Halston. Quotes culled from interviews included. Harper Design, $85.

“Study of Pose,”by Steven Sebring and Coco Rocha: Rocha, a dancer-turned-supermodel, is known as the “Queen of Pose” in fashion.

Here she strikes 1,000 of them for the photographer, filmmaker and digital innovator Sebring. Each page is one numbered black-and-white photo showing Rocha in a simple dancer’s leotard and tights. And she did it inside Sebring’s famous “Rig,” an igloo-like contraption fitted with 100 cameras that shot her from numerous perspectives, all of which will be included in a companion app.

Harper Design, $60.

“Cartier in the 20th Century,”

by Margaret Young-Sánchez, Pierre Rainero, Stefano Papi, Janet Zapata, Martin Chapman and Michael Hall: Glamorous and droolworthy 272page history organized by theme in text and photos, with archival shots of Elizabeth Taylor and various royalty. In a slip box from The Vendome Press, in association with the Denver Art Museum, $75.

them. From Lupita Nyong’o to Toni Gaskins, a school guidance counselor in the Bronx. Amistad, $35.

“Who We Be: The colorization of America,” by Jeff Chang: A close examination, mostly in text, of the place of artists in culturally desegregating America and how views on race have changed over the last five decades. The book stretches from the 1963 March on Washington through President Obama’s election and the aftermath of the George Zimmerman trial. St. Martin’s Press, $29.99.

Music

“The Rolling Stones,” edited by Reuel Golden, brief foreword by former President Bill Clinton: If it’s large-scale satisfaction you crave for your superfan, this 13-inch-by-13inch tome will do the trick at 522 pages of images, with limited text.

Photographers David Bailey, Peter Beard, Cecil Beaton, Bob Bonis, Anton Corbijn, Annie Leibovitz and Helmut Newton are among This book cover image shows “The Rolling Stones,” a 13-inch-by-13-inch tome with 522 pages of images. the contributors, with a few Linda McCartney-shot images thrown in.

Taschen, $150.

Mobile Deposit Capture “Jimmy Page,” by Jimmy Page: Visual autobiography by the Led Now You Can Truly Bank From Anywhere.

Zeppelin guitarist, from his days as Join UBI Federal Credit Union And a choir boy to this promise at the end: “It might get louder.” Includes Download The Mobile App Today the work of rock photographers, And Make Life Simple. and personal and tour memorabilia in 512 pages. Genesis Publications, $60.

“All the Songs: The story behind every Beatles release,” by JeanMichel Guesdon and Philippe Margotin, consulting editor Scott Freiman: As if there’s anything more for the truly obsessed, this 672 pager drills down to the genesis and production of 213 Beatles songs released in less than a decade, with photos and breakout factoids for fanatics. Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, $50.

Race

Pop Culture

“Bill Duke’s Dark Girls,” interviews by Shelia P. Moses, photographs by Barron Claiborne: Based on an OWN Network documentary of the same name, the book includes more than 80 portraits of accomplished dark-skinned women with their first-person accounts of how they feel about their beauty and how they feel the world sees

“The Art of Discovery,” by Jeff Vespa, edited by Robin Bronk: More than 100 celebrity portraits ( Jessica Chastain, Shailene Woodley, Jared Leto, Seth Rogan) and quotes in 216 pages describing important moments in their lives. A portion of proceeds will go to support the arts advocacy programs of The Creative Coalition. Rizzoli, $45.

Main Office 120 Woodford Ave Plainville CT 06062 Branch Location 40 Chamberlain Hwy Kensington CT 06037

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New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press

SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Thursday, November 27, 2014 | 11

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By BRIAN M. JOHNSON

economic ongoing difficult BRISTOL — The pantries and soup kitchens food times have left local for in need of support. ity network builder Jim Palma, commun e, a group working to end Foodshar the need Bloomfield-based said region, artford hunger in the greater-Hthan ever this year. for donations is higher the same message from agen“We’ve been hearing “We collected 10 said. he area,” the Foodshare cies throughout and as successful as million meals last year, food that would have been met one has been in collecting Mike Orazzi | Staff industry, we still only at the Zion wasted by the food the past, the beginning of the receives canned food In food third of the need. still had their Heather DuPerry Meals for the Needy Judd Street us because people Church’s . month was slow for there is a steady stream of cli- Lutheran Yetke on Thursday 3 pantry from Cheryl SNAP benefits. Now,

STAFF WRITER

Erica Schmitt | Staff

d in the dancers participate and well-seasoned Association’s Top, a mix of beginners at the New England Western Dance greeted nces line- and partner-da Below, Lynne Flanders, NEWDA president, on Page 4. holiday party Sunday. new dancers. See story and photos longtime friends and

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Mass-based developer plans to purchase area around former Guid a Dairy Bar

December 13, 2013 DATE: Hotel DoubleTree Bristol CLIENT: Newspaper advBy ROBERT STORACE ITEM: Strip 12/18 & 12/20 STAFF WRITER Bristol Press Front PLACEMENT: ront Page.indd 121313_BP_NYE_F NEW BRITAIN FILE NAME: — A ED: PDF Massachusetts-based PROVID developer plans FILE FORMATS to purchase nearly six acres site of the former Guida around the Dairy Bar to build an adult care facility, an upscale gas station and market, and a bank.

“There are a lot of memories there.

Our family owned the 70-75 years,” Michael property for Wednesday. “My two Guida said concerns [in MICHAEL GUIDA agreeing to sell] were whether this was good for the city and good for us. This is good for both the city and Sunny Region The Common Council us.”

Council of Governme is expected expected nt are to vote Feb. 12 on approving to approve the zone changes rezoning prior to the the properties at 955-975 February meeting, officials Farmington said.

Ave. from a S-2 (residentia l district) The to a B-3 (secondar y business). The tative Guida Family Trust’s tenCity Planry,Commissi agreemen t with CT 06702on, the council’s Waterbu Street, W. Frisbie, Mostly Zoning Subcommittee 231 Bank Sunnypresident of Michael and the Capitol Hunter 8 FAX 756-7959

“My two concerns [in agreeing to sell] were whether this was good for the city and good for us. This is good for both the city and us.”

203 756-731 p.com ads@dtmediagrou p.com WEATHE R | PAGE 34

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PAGE 32 Mostly Cloudy

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3

Students are kept warm Kevin Bartram | Staff Wednesday as officials aboard buses near John F. Kennedy Middle School in Plantsville investigate a gas leak at the school. See additional on photos on Page 16.

Gas leak forces Southin gto middle school to evacua n te

By LISA BACKUS

STAFF WRITER

SOUTHINGTON — A gas leak near a local middle school resulted uation and early dismissal in an evacfor students Wednesday.

Construction crews working near John F. Kennedy Middle School at 1071 South Main St. struck a gas line, causing a leak

that forced the evacuation of the building around 11:20 a.m.

Students were first placed warm and then brought on buses to keep to the Aqua Turf catering facility while the leak was fixed,police said.

When the area was deemed safe students were brought back to the school and dismissed at 1:30 p.m.

Parking fees suspend ed

NEW BRITAIN — Mayor Erin Stewart city will suspend downtown announced parking meter fees beginning that the provide up to two hours Friday to of free parking to holiday meters include those shoppers. These on Street and the Szczesny Main Street, West Main Street, Arch meter rates and enforcemeand Badolato parking garages. Regular nt will resume at 7 a.m. on Dec. 26.

860-225-4608 FOR DETAILS

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