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Newington native Siann Morgan up for College TV award, Page A6
Town manager urges council to keep mill rate down, Page A3
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Schools learning while they teach By ERICA DRZEWIECKI @DRZEWIECKINBH
NEWINGTON — Students and staff are adjusting well to school outside of school. After the COVID-19 outbreak worsened and the decision was made to keep students home statewide, Newington Public Schools immediately implemented an online learning model. More than a week later, school communities are operating completely virtually and Volume 60, No. 11
pretty successfully so. “I would say our distance learning program is going quite well,” Superintendent Dr. Maureen Brummett said. “Parents and kids are getting used to it. We’re trying to modulate if we’re giving the right amount of work. I’m communicating with our families frequently to make sure they’re not overwhelmed.” Gov. Ned Lamont announced this week that schools would remain closed until at least April 20. Newington Schools are on vacation April 13-17 and that week off will still be honored, along with the Good Friday holiday. School will resume on See NEWINGTON, Page A7
Food bank rises to the occasion, Page A10
Children’s Theatre goes virtual, Page A12
Erica Drzewiecki | Staff
Rob Maybruch, co-founder of the Revolution Sports Club in Newington, stands in the “Hall of Fame” where he’s collecting photographs of people sharing Revolution’s logo.
New fitness club offers workout sessions on Facebook Live By ERICA DRZEWIECKI @DRZEWIECKINBH
NEWINGTON — Have you ever played four square or had a workout in virtual reality at the gym? The Revolution Sports Club at 169 Lowrey Place has both activities available, along with non-motorized treadmills, retro-style fan bikes, a basketball hoop and a rewards system that
encourages friendly competition. Husband-and-wife founders Rob and Deborah Maybruch are fun-loving exercise geeks who want people to enjoy hanging out and working out in the 6,000-square-foot space they’ve made their own. “It really is all about enjoying your workout and your visits here,” Rob explained. “If going to the gym starts to feel like a chore,
why would you want to keep on doing it?” The couple opened Revolution Sports Club in late February, not long before Gov. Ned Lamont shut down all fitness centers and indoor gathering spaces to the public due to increased concerns about COVID-19. But that hasn’t kept them from interacting with new members and friends See REVOLUTION, Page A8
Local News
A2 | Friday, March 27, 2020
NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER
NEWINGTON POLICE BLOTTER Newington police report the following: Jacob Archer Rowley, 19, of 80 County Road, Simsbury, was charged on March 14 with third degree burglary and third degree conspiracy to commit criminal mischief. Jessica D. Dejesus, 28, of 387 Broadview Terrace, Hartford, was charged on March 14 with sixth degree larceny and sixth degree conspiracy to commit larceny. Magaly Alfinez, 51, of 387 Broadview Terrace, Hartford, was charged on March 14 with sixth degree larceny and sixth
degree conspiracy to commit larceny. Samantha Mae Martin, 31, of 119 Cambria Ave., Newington, was charged on March 9 with sixth degree larceny and conspiracy (misdemeanor C) Amanda Garudi, 30, of 119 Cambria Ave., Newington, was charged on March 9 with sixth degree larceny and conspiracy (misdemeanor C) Julio Diaz, 45, of 8 Patsy Way, Apt. 2, was charged on March 11 with sixth degree larceny. Sara M. Kammerman, 37, of 205 Retreat Ave., was charged NEWINGTON
NEWINGTON NEWINGTON Town Town Crier INCLUDING - WETHERSFIELD POST Crier
Town Crier
One Liberty Square, New Britain, CT 06051 (860) 225-4601 • Fax: (860) 225-2611 newingtontowncrier@centralctcommunications.com A Central Connecticut Communications LLC publication Michael E. Schroeder — Publisher Gary Curran — Advertising Manager
At Your Service — We welcome your phone calls — and your visits. News Coverage — If you have a story idea or questions call (860) 225-4601 ext. 6002 or email newingtontowncrier@centralctcommunications.com Sports Coverage — If you have a story idea or question, call Executive Sports Editor Brad Carroll (860) 225-4601 ext. 5071 or bcarroll@ centralctcommunications.com To Subscribe — To request a FREE subscription or for questions, call (860) 225-4608. Advertising CLASSIFIED & LEGAL: To place a classified and/or legal ad, call (860) 801-6007. DISPLAY: If you have questions about placing a display ad, call Gary Curran (860) 225-4601 ext. 5073. Copyright 2019, Central Connecticut Communications LLC. No reproduction or reuse of material without the express written consent of Central Connecticut Communications LLC. All rights reserved. To request permission to reprint any material from this publication, write to: One Liberty Square, New Britain, CT 06051 The Newington Town Crier (USPS 618-380, ISSN 0745-0796) are published weekly each Friday except the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day by Central Connecticut Communications LLC, One Liberty Square, New Britain, CT 06051 Periodical postage paid at New Britain, CT, and additional mailing offices. The Newington Town Crier is available free of charge to postal addresses within Newington to residents and businesses that request delivery. Call (860) 225-4608 for this service. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Newington Town Crier, One Liberty Square, New Britain, CT 06051. Publisher’s liability for errors or omissions in advertising copy shall not exceed the cost of the space in which the error/omission occurs on the first insertion. Errors/omissions will be rectified by republication or by a credit applied to advertiser’s account; only one incorrect insertion of the same ad will be subject to republication or credit. No allowance shall be made in cases where the advertiser is at fault. Errors, typographic or otherwise, which do not materially affect the advertisement will not be adjusted. In no event shall Central Connecticut Communications LLC be liable for consequential damages of any kind.
on March 10 with sixth degree larceny. Kalin Murray, 28, of 197 Bassett St., New Britain, was charged on March 16 with sixth degree larceny and sixth degree conspiracy to commit larceny. Camari R. Brown, 28, of 103 Henry St., A1, was charged on March 16 with sixth degree larceny and sixth degree conspiracy to commit larceny. Winston Tate, 49, of 2660 Berlin Turnpike, Apt. 202, was charged on March 16 with second degree breach of peace. Daniela Amari Santiago, 18, of 100 Connecticut Ave., New London, was charged on March 16 with sixth degree larceny. Melissa M. Crampton, 40, of 107 Saltonstall Parkway, East Haven, was charged on March 13 with sixth degree larceny. Andrew K. Depetro, 29, of 437 Sheldon St., Hartford, was charged with operating an unregistered vehicle, improper use of marker/license/registration/ driving without insurance/ and driving with a suspended license.
Bradley Mitchell Vlon, 20, of 38 Oxford Drive, was charged on March 11 with third degree burglary. Aaron Foster, 34, of 22 Wayland St., Hartford, was charged on March 21 with violation of probation. Daniela Oyola, 20, of 300 Main St., Apt. 507, was charged on March 22 with sixth degree larceny and sixth degree conspiracy to commit larceny.
Jodiely Carrasquillo, 21, of 39 Kearny Ave., New Britain, was charged on March 22 with sixth degree larceny and sixth degree conspiracy to commit larceny. Hikmat B. Thapa, 44, of 44 Brittany Farms Road, Apt. 114, was charged on March 22 with driving under the influence. Daryl Dee Walker, 47, of 83 Main St., Apt. 6A, Newington, was charged on March 23 with disorderly conduct.
Applications available for Newington Student Assistance Fund interest-free student loans NEWINGTON — With the high cost of college education and technical training, people are looking for financial help. The Newington Student Assistance Fund is a non-profit organization whose mission, for over the past 50 years, is to assist residents of Newington obtain post-secondary education or training. Such assistance is awarded on the basis of the needs and relative merits of the applicants. Loans are available to any Newington resident. All funds used to issue loans are raised through an annual solicitation drive. The loan
amount is $1,000 and students may reapply each year. All loans are interest-free. Loan recipients pay the principal back in monthly installments following graduation or the termination of studies/training which also allows for the continuation of providing new loans. NSAF also administers two annual scholarships that are awarded to a male and a female student at Newington High School. Scholarship awards are based on criteria developed by the NSAF Board of Directors with emphasis on school and community service plus academ-
ic achievement. This scholarship was originally administered by the directors of the Indian Hill Country Club and was transferred to NSAF in 1994. In addition, NSAF presents the Cammy O’Connor Book Awards to a member of each class. Applications for loans are available to download on the website at www.nsafinfo.org. Applications are also available in the Newington High School counseling office. Completed applications must be submitted to the Newington High School counseling office no later than the first Friday in June.
Jillian Grande makes Dean’s List at Clark University WORCESTER, Mass. (Grassroots Newswire) — Jillian L. Grande of Newington has been named to first honors on
the Clark University Dean’s List. This selection marks outstanding academic achievement during the Fall 2019 semester.
To be eligible for first honors, students must have a grade point average of 3.8 or higher, of a maximum of 4.3 (all A+s).
Local News
NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER
Friday, March 27, 2020 | A3
Town manager urges council to keep taxes flat By ERICA DRZEWIECKI @DRZEWIECKINBH
NEWINGTON — The town manager is urging elected officials to adopt a budget that would keep spending to a bare minimum while maintaining services and quality of life for people who pay taxes in town. Keith Chapman pled his case to the Town Council at a recent public hearing on his 2020-21 proposal, a $125.6 million spending plan that would lower the current mill rate by .8 percent. “If I was a company or a home buyer I would look twice at Newington if I could be saving a few hundred a month in another town,” Chapman said in relation to the high burden currently faced by taxpayers, who pay $39.45 per $1,000 of taxable property they own under the current mill rate of 39.45. In comparison, surrounding towns offer better rates, like Berlin, at 32.5 mills; Cromwell, 30.33; Rocky Hill, 32.4; and Farmington, one of the lowest in the state, at 27.2. Chapman offered officials a look back into Newington’s history over the last few decades, and how taxes have risen disproportionately against taxpayers’ incomes and home values. He
Erica Drzewiecki | Staff
Newington Town Hall
served as town manager through the 1990s up until 2001, and spending began its steady increase upon his departure. “The town grew tremendously at that time,” Chapman recalled of his era of service. “We tried to keep taxes flat or at a decrease. Now that I’ve come back after 18 years I have a very different perspective. I see the taxes increasing every year. Things are not going the way they should be going, at least in my professional experience as town manager. We need to turn that around.” He used the last twenty years
as a starting point to demonstrate the discrepancy between town and taxpayer spending with income earnings. For example, the average home assessment in Newington has increased 54 percent over a 20-year span, whereas taxes on the average home have increased 112 percent. At the same time, the town’s yearly budget has seen an 88 percent increase and the Board of Education budget, a 110 percent increase. Meanwhile, salaries have risen on average 50 to 60 percent during that same span of time.
All this points to a heavier burden on taxpayers, Chapman pointed out, and one that many are unable to shoulder. He encouraged the council to give serious consideration to the proposed decrease, which would lower taxes on the average home assessment by $47.60 on tax bills effective July 1, 2020. That may not sound like a big cut, but Chapman’s hope is that is sets a tone for future years. “At least 30 percent of our taxpayers are now 55 and older, many of them on fixed incomes,” he explained. “They cannot afford
to pay more in taxes. If the grand list were to grow significantly, then maybe we can reevaluate things.” In an effort to protect the health and safety of citizens during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, councilors encouraged people who wished to speak at the public hearing on Chapman’s budget proposal to call in their comments following the presentation. In years past, some budget hearings have been so packed that they had to be moved to the facility’s auditorium. In this particular case, there was no public comment offered. Town Hall and all meetings are currently closed to the public due to concerns about spreading the Coronavirus. The next opportunity for the public to offer their input on the budget is during a hearing scheduled for April 9, after the council has set its tentative spending plan. It has yet to be determined if the building will be open to visitors on that date or if the council will again request comments by telephone. Check back for updates. Erica Drzewiecki can be reached at 860-801-5097 or edrzewiecki@ centralctcommunications.com.
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Local News
A4 | Friday, March 27, 2020
NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER
Center for Healthy Aging begins virtual caregivers support group
Staff file photo
The Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging is located within the Bradley campus of the Hospital of Central Connecticut in Southington.
connectivity even if we cannot come together in person. This is an opportunity for caregivers to share how they are feeling,
their successes and challenges, and be supported by others in similar situations,” said Adrianne DeVivo, dementia specialist,
Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. Participants do not need to have attended a caregivers support
group in the past. Confidential discussion and telephonic assessments can also be had one-on-one with a dementia professional outside of the online group. “Everyone is welcome,” DeVivo said. “At a time when we all need emotional support, this is the perfect way for people to connect with others even while they are home. The Center for Healthy Aging is glad to continue to assist families and those they love in new ways.” Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging is a not for profit member of Hartford HealthCare Senior Services. Each of the 11 resource and assessment centers are designed to enhance access to services and information related to attaining optimal quality of life for seniors and their caregivers. For more information about Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, visit hhccenterforhealthyaging.org or call 877-424-4641.
Treatment of from foot your home. Video visits
and Call ourankle office forconditions information on how to video chat with in adults and Dr. Treadwell from your smartphone or home computer children about your foot and ankle concerns. Heel pain Diabetes Bunions Our office followsArthritis CDC infection prevention podiatry Hammertoes Sports injuries guidelines we are here to help. Ingrown nails and Flatfeet Warts Fractures
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Caregivers support groups provide emotional, educational and social support in a positive and uplifting atmosphere for those who care for an older loved one, particularly those with dementia. For many years, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging has offered monthly in-person support groups at numerous senior living communities and senior centers. However, due to recent restrictions on social gatherings, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging is now hosting four call-in caregivers support groups each week led by dementia specialists and resource coordinators. The call-in groups are held Mondays, 10 a.m. Tuesdays, 3 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Fridays, 2 p.m. At the meeting time, participants can call 860.972.6338 and enter access code 19623#. “We want caregivers to have a sense of community and
Dr. Treadwell is a site director for the Yale Foot and Ankle Surgical Residency program. He has lectured and published numerous articles and chapters on foot and ankle reconstructive surgery. He is recipient of Podiatrist of the Year. • Board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery
Local News
NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER
Friday, March 27, 2020 | A5
Hospital adapting ‘no visitors’ policy to allow items to be dropped off By JUSTIN MUSZYNSKI @MUSZYNSKIBP
Bristol Hospital is still enforcing its “Compassionate No Visitors” policy, but it has developed a system that allows family members to bring patients essential items. “We understand that they may have something at home that they need,” said Evan Weiss, nurse and quality consultant at the hospital. Weiss said essential items for patients can be brought to the main entrance of the hospital, where the items will be listed on a “tracker sheet” that will be approved by those dropping the items off and the patient once he or she receives them. Essential items can include dentures, hearing aids, glasses, contact lenses and prosthetics. Hospital officials are asking that wallets and cash not be brought. “We’re not accepting anything that’s not essential,” Weiss said, adding that electronics are the only exception. Patients can receive items like cell phones, tablets, laptops, kindles and chargers. Questions
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Bristol Hospital’s outdoor specimen collection station for the coronavirus at the hospital’s Queen Street entrance.
about the hospital’s policy can be directed to Andrea Adams, patient representative, at 860-585-3657. “You’ve got to be able to contact the outside world,” Weiss said,
noting that many people store all their contact information in electronics. Hospital officials are not accepting other items that are
considered nonessential. Clothing drop-offs can only be made when a patient is being discharged, with the exception of those in the behavioral health unit, who can receive two sets of clean clothing. Behavioral health unit patients will not have access to electronics, however. Bristol Hospital last week announced visitors would no longer be allowed in the hospital to help cut down on the spread of the coronavirus. Exceptions include maternity patients, who can have one visitor, and patients in “end of life” situations — where a nursing supervisor will determine exceptions on a case-by-case basis. All visitors and employees are screened for a fever, shortness of breath and exposure to the virus. They are also asked about travel history, including on cruise ships. “The community has been very
cooperative,” said Chris Boyle, a spokesman for the hospital. “It has gone very well.” “We pride ourselves on the patient experience, but there’s no doubt it’s been an inconvenience,” the spokesman continued. “Everyone appreciates what we’re trying to do,” Boyle said. “While it’s an inconvenience, we’ve had some pretty good feedback about these restrictions. It’s a shared sacrifice for everyone.” The hospital on Tuesday tested another 95 people for COVID19, tying for the most patients who have been tested in Bristol in one day. In total, Bristol Hospital has now tested 574 people, a handful of whom have received positive results. Justin Muszynski can be reached at 860-973-1809 or jmuszynski@ bristolpress.com.
Local News
A6 | Friday, March 27, 2020
NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER
Newington native up for a College Television Award By ERICA DRZEWIECKI @DRZEWIECKINBH
NEWINGTON — One of Newington’s own has broken into the world of television entertainment. Town native Seann Morgan is a nominee in the Television Academy Foundation’s 40th College Television Awards, taking place June 18-20 in Los Angeles. Morgan, 22, is a 2019 graduate of Hofstra University, where he worked as head writer on “Thursday Nite Live” — a live sketch comedy show produced and broadcast monthly by students. He was nominated in the Awards’ variety category along with eight of his classmates, for their work on the last episode of Season 17. This is the first time Thursday Nite Live has been nominated in the College Television Awards, an event that has launched the careers of many TV greats. Past
Seann Morgan
nominees and winners have worked on The Handmaid’s Tale, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Simpsons, America’s Got Talent, Grey’s Anatomy, 60 Minutes and Empire, among others. Hofstra students who write and produce TNL do so in their free time, not earning any college
credit for their participation. That makes being nominated for such a prestigious award even more of an accomplishment for Morgan. “We were there because we wanted to be,” he explained. “I’m proud of everything we did and to be nominated at this level, the producers and I were super psyched.” Morgan’s passion for entertainment was first cultivated in Newington. Before graduating from Newington High School in 2015, he was involved with musical theatre and chorus and spent many years in the Newington Children’s Theatre Company. “Those experiences really gave me a taste of performance, writing and storytelling,” Morgan remembered. “They really made me think, maybe this whole entertainment thing is something I would like to make into a career.” He spent his first semester at Hofstra as a theatre major, before falling in love with TV and film and switching gears. Since graduating last May, Morgan moved to New York City and has been working as a freelance production assistant for various media companies, exploring different television genres. He interned at “The Steven Colbert Show” and went on to work on HBO’s “Succession” as well as “It’s Personal with Amy Hoggart,” which airs on TruTV.
Photo courtesy of the Newington Children’s Theatre Company
Seann Morgan in the Newington Children’s Theatre Company’s 2013 production of “The Wedding Singer.”
“Succession was a show a lot of my friends we’re obsessed with so to be working with the people creating it was pretty cool,” Morgan said. These days, he’s back on the market again to continue learning and exploring the world of entertainment. “A lot of film and TV production is halted right now, so I’m sort of keeping my ears to the ground for the next opportunity,” Morgan said. “I’m having a great time freelancing. My ultimate dream is to make my way up the ladder eventually and become a writer on a TV show. I love writing and I love the writing community. That’s the dream.” The College Television Awards honors achievement in studentproduced programs, featuring stars from today’s top television
shows presenting awards to winners in eight categories. “For 40 years the program has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing top young storytellers,” said Madeline DiNonno, chair of the Television Academy Foundation. The Academy is continuing to monitor developments around the COVID-19 outbreak. The Awards were rescheduled from their original March date to June 18-20, at the Wolf Theatre inside the Academy’s Saban Media Center in North Hollywood, California. Ice & Fuel Service
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Local News
NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER
Friday, March 27, 2020 | A7
Newington schools are teaching, and learning, too Continued from Page A1
April 20, whether in-person or by distance learning. Newington families have been sending the district photos of their kids busy at home-based workstations, completing activities and talking with their teachers. “It’s been all hands on deck,” Brummett pointed out. “Even kids who require special services are getting support virtually or by phone. It’s really taking on a variety of different pathways.” Teachers are planning lessons together virtually by grade level or program and using a variety of platforms, including Google Classroom. Students are not being graded on any assessments, at least for the time being. “We’re mostly interested in having the kids participate; connecting with their teacher and having opportunities to continue their learning in some way, shape or form,” Brummett explained. When normalcy resumes and students and classes head back into their school buildings, whenever that may be, Dr. Brummett is confident all involved will take something away from this experience.
“I think as we get back to a traditional setting we will still be using some of these education models,” she said. “I think it will help us to be better about how we integrate technology into the educational setting.” Another part of the school day that’s been turned upside down is mealtime. On Tuesday, school staff distributed a record 689 meals from three different sites and by buses to apartment complexes in town. School nurses were even deployed to distribution sites to answer questions and provide support. “A lot of parents have told us they’re really grateful for this,” Brummett pointed out. “Some have lost jobs or have reduced hours right now so we’re thrilled to provide meals for students and other children in their households. It’s been an extremely positive experience.” The last day of school will remain June 15 and graduation is still set to take place on June 12. “If the governor allows it I will have a graduation ceremony for our kids,” Brummett said. Erica Drzewiecki can be reached at 860-801-5097 or edrzewiecki@ centralctcommunications.com.
Courtesy photo | Newington Public Schools
A school worker hands out meals to Newington students this week while they’re learning from home.
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Local News
A8 | Friday, March 27, 2020
NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER
Revolution Fitness takes to Facebook Live Continued from Page A1
on Facebook Live, where Rob has been leading guided workout sessions open to anyone every Tuesday and Thursday. “We were a little bummed out by the mandatory shutdown at first but it’s also an opportunity to branch out a little bit,” he said. “It’s a cool opportunity for me to do some coaching and find new ways to engage with people.” Deborah has her PhD. In biomedical engineering and is a field specialist in a stem cell company in Cromwell. She also spends a lot of time at Revolution. “She’s the real brains of this operation,” Rob said of Deborah, who calls herself “a really good customer.” “I’ve had the divine opportunity to be his test dummy for classes and training,” she added. “He brings a lot of science to working out.” Rob changed careers years ago after spending too much time behind a desk. “Although I enjoyed looking at trends in data and analyzing numbers, I started to feel the wear and tear on my body,” he recalled. “I was always fascinated by the human body, performance and strength training.” So he went back to school and earned
certifications from the University of Connecticut in exercise prescription, strength and conditioning, personal training and sports nutrition. The couple lives in Wethersfield and started leasing the space in Newington’s Northwood Plaza last fall, formerly Tyler English Fitness. They transformed it into the type of fitness center they would love to be at, with engaging activities not limited to standard gym fare. “Weight-lifting, running and biking aren’t the only ways to get healthy,” Deborah pointed out. They offer group classes, individual sessions and even game nights, where small groups gather to play a game of four square or use the virtual reality room. A “Workout of the Day” is written in chalk on a blackboard and a “Hall of Fame” is collecting photographs of friends, family and members. People can earn points for physical accomplishments, class attendance, and progress made on personal fitness goals. A leaderboard is updated frequently. “We wanted to create a community atmosphere where people come to find that support in their workouts, meet new friends and just have a good time,” Rob
Erica Drzewiecki | Staff
Husband and wife founders Rob and Deborah Maybruch in front of their newly opened fitness center, Revolution Sports Club in Newington.
said. Members gain access through the entrance on a keypad and the fitness center is basically open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the week, even when the Maybruchs aren’t there. “We couldn’t be happier with the location we chose,” Deborah said. “We couldn’t believe how much support we got from the community and the Newington Chamber
of Commerce.” “It’s been awesome,” Rob added. A schedule of offerings can be found on their website, revolutionsportsclub. com. Try their free live group training at Facebook.com/RevolutionSportsClub. Erica Drzewiecki can be reached at 860-801-5097 or edrzewiecki@centralctcommunications.com.
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Rob Maybruch, co-founder of the Revolution Sports Club in Newington, points out a bulletin board where people can leave comments.
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Local News
A10 | Friday, March 27, 2020
NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER
Grab-and-go or stuck at home, food bank delivers
By ERICA DRZEWIECKI @DRZEWIECKINBH
NEWINGTON — Despite the town being under a shutdown right now, meals are going out in all directions. Newington’s Human Services Department has turned its regular Food Bank operations into a mobile system, with several options for families to get food on their tables. Grab-and-Go pre-packed bags of food are available to registered households at Town Hall. People can make an appointment and staff will bring out packaged food to them curbside outside the government center entrance. Additionally, the department is utilizing Diala-Ride service to deliver meals to families who are homebound. Those who are not registered but feel they have a need and could be eligible are being asked to call 860-665-8590 to schedule a phone intake. “We have had awesome community response offering assistance with volunteering and donations,”
Pre-packed food for families in need.
Human Services director Carol
Pam Wassik | Human Services
Some of the food items being distributed by Newington Human Services.
LaBrecque said. “It takes a village.” Financial casework coordinator Pam Wassik is organizing volunteers, among many other duties.
Pam Wassik | Human Services
“We’re trying to minimize the face-to-face contact,” Wassik pointed out. “We’re able to serve three clients every half hour during food bank hours and we have three carriage runners per food bank day. We know ahead of time how many people are in a household and when they’re in the parking lot they give us a call.” The packages contain everything from meat and fresh produce to non-perishables and other items. “We’ve definitely seen an increase in deliveries,” LaBrecque said. “Anyone over 60 who is not comfortable coming out should be self-isolating. We’re adding to a delivery list and the Newington Senior & Disabled Center’s DialA-Ride has graciously assisted us in dropping packages outside their door.” Staff are also keenly aware of the fact that some families who didn’t require food assistance in the past may have encountered new challenges with the COVID-19 health crisis and business shutdown. “Our social worker is pre-screening people who have lost their jobs or have some type of decrease in income because of the coronavirus,” Wassik explained. Families who have all they need but would like to help their struggling neighbors are encouraged to drop off donations to Town Hall during regular hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A shopping carriage has been placed inside the lobby for donations, along with a sign-in sheet. Call 860-665-8590 to let staff know that you made a drop-off. All items received are quarantined per food bank protocol before being packaged up for distribution. Any grocery items are welcomed, with a particular emphasis on canned pasta, canned fruit, baked beans, jarred spaghetti sauce, juice, coffee, tea, boxed dessert mixes, rice mixes, canned vegetables, canned meat, jelly and condiments. The Newington Senior & Disabled Center has continued its Meals on Wheels program and in lieu of serving a daily lunch at the facility, staff are distributing meals for members to enjoy at home in one bulk package for the week. “We have about 50 people signed up for that right now,” Senior Center director Dianne Stone said. “Some are coming in to pick them up and for others we’re delivering them.”
Pam Wassik | Human Services
Non-perishable food donations for families in need, being distributed by Newington Human Services.
The senior center is also trying to start a volunteer grocery program. “We’re encouraging people to turn to their friends, family and neighbors to get their groceries for them, but if they’re really stuck, we’re recruiting volunteers to do their shopping,” Stone said. Call 860-665-8778 to learn how to volunteer for this program. Newington Public Schools has been facilitating an emergency meals program since school has been out of session. Meals are avail-
able to students and minors living in their households at several locations, including Newington High School, John Wallace Middle School and Elizabeth Green Elementary School. Breakfast and lunch kits are also being delivered to select neighborhoods by a mobile fleet of buses. Erica Drzewiecki can be reached at 860-801-5097 or edrzewiecki@ centralctcommunications.com.
Local News
NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER
Friday, March 27, 2020 | A11
Shoppers have mall all to themselves on final day By ERICA DRZEWIECKI @DRZEWIECKINBH
Westfarms Mall was a ghost town on its final day open, with light jazz playing over the speakers amidst an arena of mostly empty stores, a few people scattered here and there, on the job or looking for answers. The doors were locked on March 19, after Gov. Ned Lamont joined governors in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania in banning people from the indoor areas of shopping malls, bowling alleys and amusement parks as of 8 p.m. March 18, with positive coronavirus diagnoses continuing to increase. “It’s crazy how nothing’s open; it’s usually busy in here,” 13-yearold Lukas Nadolski said to his mother, Victoria, and 11-yearold sister Ellie, as they bought smoothies from Gusnova Gelato. The family, which lives in Terryville, was among the few visitors to Westfarms when it opened on shortened hours, well before the governor’s executive order. “I needed a new charger for my MacBook and Amazon is only shipping essential items right now, so we figured we’d take a ride,” the children’s mother explained. In the center atrium area, a few
people sat in armchairs, tablets or phones in hand. With his feet propped up on the table in front of him, 87-year-old Tony Leone lounged, dozing in and out. The Hartford resident had dressed up for the occasion, donning his best belt, with a glimmering decal on the buckle. “I’m here to kill the time,” Leone said in a broken accent. “I’ve got to get out or I’ll go cuckoo.” Most of the big-box department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom’s were shuttered for the day. A few of the jewelry stores welcomed customers, along with kiosks and food vendors like Auntie Annie’s and Taco Bell. “Everyone thinks corona is a big thing but I don’t think so; they have preventative measures,” vendor Krishna Baskarabatla said, working out of his uncle’s watch kiosk, Global Times. Walking toward J.C. Penney’s with a mission was Tina Thompson, on her way to pay a bill. “I’m not scared at all,” Thompson said when asked if she was wary of being inside a place like the mall, where illness can spread quickly from personto-person. “I trust in God,” she added. “The Lord promised to take care
Wesley Bunnell | Staff
Victoria Nadolski, middle, needed to travel to the mall to replace a laptop charger at the Apple Store and stopped for smoothies on the way out with her children Lukas Nadolski, age 13, and Ellie, age 11.
of his people.” Detrick Sampson of Harford lingered outside Kay Jewelers, waiting for employees to open up for the day. “I came to pay on my watch,” he said, explaining how he leased an expensive gold timepiece and had a payment due. “It’s my first time coming to the mall since the coronavirus happened,” Sampson added. “I’m surprised to see most stores are closed.” While grocery stores were stripped of essentials by fearful families, Harry & David’s Westfarms shop was well-stocked,
chocolate-dipped pretzels, honeybell oranges and whiskey-infused salami aplenty. “People are looking for essentials; we do gourmet snacks,” manager Robert Gonzalez said, cracking open a pistachio and popping it in his mouth. “Today is our last day. I’m just here cleaning up and then we will be closed anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks.” Sister-business owners Pam and Kristen Clarke had just moved their Canton-based store Valley Kids Co. to the mall two weeks before. “It’s very poor timing for all this to happen,” Pam said. “The first week was great and we were very optimistic, but after schools closed it really slowed down.” The store, which specializes in educational toys and games for children, created specialty activity
boxes for families who are staying home right now. “We’re offering these bundles to keep kids occupied, with stepby-step videos,” Susan explained. “We deliver anywhere within a 10-mile radius.” Across the mall, inside Mome Jewelers, manager Ash Mewani sat alone, talking to someone on the phone. “Can I help you?” he said, standing up with a smile. The store had very little business during the week, as public places were scarcely-populated, worldwide pandemic and all. “Business is just not there,” Mewani said. “But I am hopeful people will start coming back to the mall soon.” Erica Drzewiecki can be reached at 860-801-5097 or edrzewiecki@
Classifieds 86
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Tony Leone of Hartford takes a breather at the Westfarms Mall.
Wesley Bunnell | Staff
Newly Retired Women cancel all events through May
The Newly-Retired Newington Women meetup group has canceled all upcoming events
due to coronavirus concerns. Please check back with us in May. ... Thank you! If you would
like to contact director Jean Henry, call 860-667-7647, or email jphenry@cox.net.
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Local News
A12 | Friday, March 27, 2020
NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER
At Children’s Theatre, the show must go on(line)
NEWINGTON — In response to the COVID-19 virus, on March 13 the Newington Children’s Theatre Company suspended all activity at their facility until further notice. This meant canceling their second schoolyear musical, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, two weeks before it was scheduled to open. Executive/Artistic Director Claire Van Cott said how difficult it was to share the news of the cancellation with the cast and crew, knowing how hard they’d worked, but added, “It was the right decision to make.” The decision to cancel came
right after the Center for Disease Control recommended limiting gatherings of more than 100. “The kids were so disappointed to hear that their upcoming production was getting postponed indefinitely,” said Craig Condon, parent of a cast member. “I felt really sad but at least I knew we would do it someday,” cast member Audrey DeFrancesco added. In addition to the musical, NCTC suspended all auditions, rehearsals, classes and one-act performances, and canceled their annual fundraising gala, which was scheduled to be held at
Parker displays his artistic talent in a video submitted to the virtual talent show.
Ne w i N
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N tow e i CR R
Indian Hill Country Club at the end of March. NCTC director Justin Guglielmetti said, “I can’t imagine what these kids are going through right now. Being stuck at home, missing out on seeing friends, or doing any of their extracurriculars — I’m sure it has been very hard for kids to truly grasp.” NCTC saw an opportunity to help provide a sense of routine and normalcy amidst the chaos, and created a variety of virtual events to help engage kids in creative activities while giving them a platform to express themselves. The first of these virtual offerings was NCTC’s 60-Second Star, their first virtual talent show. Thirty-seven kids, ages 6-16, from 13 different towns submitted 60-second videos of their talent. Over the next two weeks, voting will take place over social media. “I think it’s nice how they are doing these online things like the talent show because it gives us a chance to stay in touch and keep ourselves active,” said cast member Parker Condon. In the coming weeks, NCTC will launch more events/activities like a Closet Costume Contest, Scene One Play Readers Crew, and a virtual one-act performance. Shows that were currently in production will shift to weekly online rehearsals. Guglielmetti will communicate his direction
Lilly performs in a 60-second video she submitted to the Newington Children’s Theatre’s virtual talent show.
through video chat. “Although adapting to online directing will be difficult at first, it’ll be great to get the kids involved again.” Some kids are hesitant to try online rehearsals, but most are eager to get started. “I’m looking forward to seeing my friends again and having something to do,” said cast member DeFrancesco. Guglielmetti added, “Rehearsals will really lift the kids’ spirits, being able to see their friends and be creative. It also helps that the shows we are working on are very light hearted
and funny.” Board member Chris DeFrancesco spoke about the void felt with not having rehearsals, classes and regular interactions with theatre friends. He added, “We’re so fortunate that our staff has come up with ways to keep kids and families engaged, enabling our young performers to continue to explore their creativity and share their talent while we all wait this out together.” For more information, about NCTC any any of their offerings, please visit www. NCTCArts.org.
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