Newington Town Crier 09-05-2014

Page 1

g i n el u d sfi cl i n er st h et po

W

NewiNgtoN

INSIDE:

towN CRieR

Health care magnet school opens

Page 7

d Ground broken for Costco

Page 10

Friday, September 5, 2014

Day of reckoning Voters decide Tuesday on Mill Pond Park plan By ERICA SCHMITT STAFF WRITER

If the amount of letters to the editor the Town Crier has received is any indication, the proposed renovation to Newington Town Hall and construction of a new Mortensen Community Center is the most controversial project to hit town since Toll Brothers wanted to build housing on Cedar Mountain. Registered voters can approve or reject the $30.37 million plan by referendum on Tuesday, Sept. 9. Informational brochures were mailed the first week of August, but here are the basics: The plan includes both Volume54, No. 36

Free

a renovation of Town Hall and construction of a new 33,177-square-foot Mortensen Community Center on 1.6 acres of nearby Mill Pond Park, along Willard Avenue. It will be funded by bonds through the town’s Capital Improvement Plan and debt service. Town officials do not expect it to increase property taxes. The new Community Center would be constructed first, Above and below, architect’s rendering of the atrium and parking lot proposed for the new Town Hall. between mid-2015 and mid2016, followed by the renovation of Town Hall, between mid-2016 and mid-2018. This schedule would allow current recreational programs and town business to continue undisrupted during construction. The redesign of Town Hall would feature a central atrium and courtyard and expanded office, public and storage space. In addiSee VOTERS, Page 9

no

ling w sel

ry

jewel

becker’s estate jewelers oF west hartFord

now b

uying

jewel

ry

now in

newington

Becker’s has a great selection of Vintage, Estate and Contemporary jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets. You will be surprised at the savings as all items are

half the price of new!

3311 berlin turnpike between target & best buy Mon-Fri 10-6, sat 10-4, sun 11-4

OF

WEST

HARTFORD

1-888-BECKERS | www.beckers.com


Local News

2| Friday, September 5, 2014

Veterans Affairs Dept. to host forum at Town Hall Friday By ERICA SCHMITT STAFF WRITER

Calling all veterans! The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs wants to hear from you. The Hartford VA Regional Office in conjunction with the VA Connecticut Healthcare System will host a meeting at Newington Town Hall this Friday, Sept. 5, to seek feedback and recommendations on programs and services offered by VA CT. Prime candidates for attending are patients of the Newington VA Hospital and those who are served at the West Haven cam-

IF YOU GO: WHAT: VA Town Hall meeting WHEN: Friday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. WHERE: Newington Town Hall, 131 Cedar Street

pus, but also members of veterans’ service organizations, community partners and all interested. As mandated by the U.S. VA under the direction of its new director, Robert McDonald, these forums are currently occurring across the nation. “The purpose is to get feedNEWINGTON

NEWINGTON NEWINGTON Town Town Crier Crier

Town Crier

INCLUDING - WETHERSFIELD POST

188 Main St., Bristol, CT 06010 (860) 225-4601 • Fax: (860) 223-8171 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. 234. 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. 212 or bcarroll@centralctcommunications.com To Subscribe — To subscribe or for questions, call (860) 225-4608. Advertising CLASSIFIED & LEGAL: To place a classified ad, call (860) 231-2444. For legal advertisements, call (860) 231-2444. DISPLAY: If you have questions about placing a display advertisement, call Gary Curran (860) 225-4601 ext. 281. Copyright 2013, Central Connecticut Communications LLC. No reproduction or reuse of material without the express written consent of the Newington Town Crier. All rights reserved. To request permission to reprint any material from this publication, write to: 188 Main St., Bristol, CT 06010 The Newington Town Crier (USPS 618-380, ISSN 0745-0796) and Wethersfield Post (USPS 703-860) are published weekly each Friday except the week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day for $31 per year ($52 for out-ofstate) by Central Connecticut Communications LLC, 188 Main Street, Bristol, Connecticut 06010. 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) 2254608 for this service. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Newington Town Crier, 188 Main St., Bristol, CT 06010. 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.

back from all the stakeholders, to improve communication between the VA and the veterans we serve,” Pamela Redmond, VA spokesperson, said Wednesday. The evening will begin with brief remarks from Gerald Culliton, director of VA CT and William Streitberger, director of the VA’s Hartford Regional Office. Afterward, people are encouraged to provide their feedback. VA staff will also be on hand to assist people with specific issues related to claims, benefits and health services. “Each office will take the feedback and use it to improve services,” Redmond explained. The forum is open to the public and pre-registration is not required. Erica Schmitt can be reached at (860) 225-4601, ext. 210, or eschmitt@newbritainherald.com.

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

Letter: A ‘walkable’ town To the Editor: I have been a resident of Newington for 22 years; my husband is a fourth-generation resident. We decided to raise our family here for a variety of reasons, but the overwhelming factor was the small town atmosphere. In the past 22 years, however, I have seen a general decline in the standard of living in Newington. Why? Uncontrolled development of open space. Our mayor and a majority of the Town Council want to destroy part of Mill Pond Park to build a multi-million-dollar Community Center. They are ignoring the 2020 Plan of Conservation and Development, dated June 30, 2010, which called to “conserve, restore and protect our town’s natural resources.” I quote a passage from this plan: “Preservation of and Resident Access to Open Space” “Natural and open space is a diminishing resource in many areas throughout the country and the same is true for Newington. A high priority should be placed

upon preserving the existing open space for environmental, aesthetic, and passive recreation uses. The connection of green spaces and trails throughout Newington will address each of the six desirable outcomes listed previously. The goal is to make Newington a ‘walkable’ Community.” While few will deny the need to renovate Town Hall and provide an adequate facility for those who choose to participate in Parks and Recreation programs or use a Community Center, the site at Mill Pond Park is completely the wrong decision to make. My NO vote and my husband’s NO vote will state that we wish to protect our town’s valuable and diminishing open space and hopefully send a message to the town leadership to rethink their plan and consider a new site that will better meet the needs of our community while protecting our open space. Margaret Gilbert Newington

Letter: Newington finds itself at a crossroads To the Editor: The Town of Newington is at a crossroads. Anybody who walks or looks at the current Town Hall will realize something has to be done. Whether you are for or against the current referendum, go out and vote on Sept. 9. A large turnout will speak volumes to what direction the town wants

to go in. It will also give the building committee and Town Council an affirmative response as to where we go from here. The beauty of a democracy is it only takes a simple majority to approve or disapprove of the highly controversial proposal. As a political newcomer, some around the table have felt the

need to put a target on my back over this issue. Shame on them. I’ll take the road less traveled and simply say the power is in the hands of the people to decide on the future of Newington. Daniel J. Dinunzio Republican Town Council Member Newington

Letter: Think about programs that would be disrupted To the Editor: The uproar over Newington’s plans to build a new Community Center has taken me by surprise, since its construction will not cause a tax increase, and it will greatly improve, rather than degrade, Mill Pond Park. It makes me wonder if anyone has thought about how many programs would be disrupted if the center were to be renovated on site, or if continuing deterioration forced its closure. Programs that would have to be canceled, or drastically impacted, for up to two years include:

∎ Youth Cultural: Acting, Art, Dance, Music Together, Play Well programs. ∎ Preschool: Jumping Gym Days, Morning Munchkins; Youth Sports: Youth Basketball, Skyhawks, Clinics. ∎Teen Events: seventh- and eighth-grade dances. ∎Adult Culture: CT Safe Boating; Adult Fitness: Power Cardio, Tai Chi, Walking, Yoga. ∎Adult Sports: Badminton, Men’s Basketball league, Men’s basketball free play. ∎ Playgrounds: Playground Pals-Kindergarten, Grades 1 and

2, Counselor in Training. ∎Special Events: Halloween Party, Santa’s Workshop, School Picnics, Clinics, Trainings, Meetings, Family Fishing Course, Staff Gatherings. In short, there are far too many programs at risk to be absorbed by alternate venues; they either don’t exist or are already over-capacity. Please consider these facts on Sept. 9 and make an informed vote. Vote “yes!” Don Woods Newington


NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

Local News

Friday, September 5, 2014 | 3

Letter: If Mill Pond Park Letter: Fantastic plans could talk, it would say no To the Editor and Newington voters: I’m giving you my exit poll for the Sept. 9, 2014, referendum re renovations to the Town Hall and proposed new Community Center. I must vote NO for several reasons: The Town Planning and Zoning Commission’s 2020 Plan of Conservation and Development regarding dedicated open space in Mill Pond Park needs to be respected. This plan was decided upon after nine months of TP&Z hearings in 2009 and 2010, at which the Commissioners really listened to what Newington residents, boards and commissions desired for Newington’s future years. The plan became effective June 30, 2010. The words “revitalize,” “restore” and “reclaim” were used in reference to moving the bus garages, and trying to regain this highly contaminated area for park land is ridiculous. This is supposedly the future reclaim for the present land in Mill Pond Park that would be destroyed to build the proposed Community Center, walkways and parking lot. Voters need be aware of the huge cost in cleaning up this area. For years, town vehicles were fueled on this location. All kinds of ugly

contaminates are beneath that surface, and our taxes could skyrocket in rehabbing this site. A new wetlands delineation map with an overlay of the proposed Community Center will show that this area is in a flood plain. So far, town officials have refused to release the subject map. This area was formerly a swamp. Wetlands don’t go away. What happens if you put a slab on unsteady ground and then put tons of weight on top of it? It begins to sink eventually. Repair cost tenfold, and it doesn’t stop. The claim is that there is not enough space in the current Town Hall to expand the current community center. Yet, this fancy, costly atrium takes up space that could be used for the center. Must be that the contractor wants to make a few extra bucks! Finally, if Mill Pond Park had a say regarding the proposal, it would say in a loud, clear voice: “NOT IN MY BACK YARD.” Best deal: vote NO and cite any of these reasons in the exit poll. Gary E. Bolles Lifelong Newington resident

To the Editor: Newington has a long and proud tradition of recognizing the importance of and offering the best quality recreation facilities and programs for its residents. Starting with the appointment of the town’s first Board of Parks and Recreation in the 1930s, the hiring of the town’s first Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, Clem Lemire, in 1956 and opening of the Mortensen Community Center in 1973, Newington has always been proactive and a leader in the region for providing the best for our families and the entire community. From pre-school to seniors, sports, the arts, water safety, historical, fitness, great fields and playgrounds and our Extravaganza, the Parks and Recreation Department is one of those important entities that makes us proud to call Newington “home.” Bruce Till was gracious enough to share the new proposed Community Center plans with me, and it looks fantastic. This facility will continue Newington’s proud tradition and offer important recreational opportunities and community services now and for years to come.

– paid advertisement –

I have looked at the new website for placement of the Community Center at Mill Pond Park. I am and always have been an avid outdoorsman and feel strongly about the preservation of our environment and intelligent use of our natural resources. That is why when asked about leaving a remembrance upon my retirement, I chose the Churchill Park Nature Trail. Although small in scope, it was a project near and dear to me, having worked with Scout groups and several volunteers to get it established. Placing the Community Center at Mill Pond Park is placing it on top of/replacing an existing recreational facility with a new and fantastic one in an area whose primary purpose is recreation. The site will still have plenty of grass for our beloved Mill Pond geese. In closing, I hope everyone will recognize the importance and value of this facility for all of Newington now and for a long time to come, and support it’s development. Bob Stanley, Retired, Superintendent Newington Parks and Recreation, 1980 to 2004


Local News

4| Friday, September 5, 2014

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

Letter: $30.3M project deserves support Letter: Open space is precious To the Editor: Some of my neighbors are legitimately skeptical that the town can spend $30.3 million on renovating town hall and building a new community center without impacting taxes. That skepticism is appropriate, but not necessarily accurate. Here’s why. Newington has a long record of conservative fiscal management. The total debt owed by the town is currently less than $8 million, and annual debt service for the current fiscal year is $1,676,931. If you compare these, and projected figures, to the borrowing of neighboring towns like Berlin, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield — all of which have smaller grand lists and less property tax income than Newington has — you will see that even after new debt is issued as scheduled, our debt service and outstanding debt ratios will still be lower than theirs.

So how has Newington managed to keep its debt so low? By committing to a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) that borrows money when necessary, but funds many modest and maintenance-type projects out of the current budget. Republican and Democratic led Town Councils have continued to allocate about $ 6,300,000 of the budget annually to pay for a combination of debt service and pay-as-you-go projects — each year a smaller amount of overall expenditures. Therefore, when $30.3 million is borrowed for the Town Hall and Community Center, it will be paid back over time using that $6,300,000 set aside, as we’ve been doing for years. What about the impact on maintenance, utilities and staffing? That’s harder to figure because there are subtractions as well as additions. Larger areas to clean and main-

tain will mean additional costs. The repair budget, on the other hand, will virtually disappear, as very old equipment is replaced by new, and the new is accompanied by manufacturers’ warranties. There will also be more to heat, cool, and illuminate, but the existing Town Hall HVAC and lighting are so inefficient that the overall utility costs for new energy-efficient systems could well be less than we’re paying now. A fiscally prudent town government constantly reinvests in itself to maintain and improve services and facilities — and to avoid catastrophic expenditures in the future. The Town Hall Renovation and New Community Center Project is fiscally prudent and should not have any negative impact on our taxes. It deserves your support by voting YES on Sept. 9. Stein Ramstad Newington

To the Editor: I am going to vote NO in the Sept. 9 Newington referendum. My reasons are simple. First, you do not take any existing parkland. Open land is precious in our town and it must be saved. Second, this project does not resolve the hodgepodge on Garfield Street by the Town Hall that also affects this same parkland. In this area of the park is a beautiful and picturesque waterfall that is even part of the Town Seal. There is a nearby garden with steps, tables and seats to enjoy the area. However, the close proximity of the old looking garages and schools buses abutting the area diminishes the beauty of that area of the park. Apart from the effect of these buses and buildings on the aesthetics, does anyone know how they adversely affect the ecological

quality of the surrounding areas including the brook that flows out of Mill Pond? Further, in order to get to the Town Hall, most people have to drive through this uninviting area. I have always wondered why the town is in the school-busing business anyway. Most towns in Connecticut, including our neighbors in New Britain, Berlin, and West Hartford, among others, have third party providers to operate the school buses. The primary aim of the school system is education, not transportation. But, that’s for another day. This proposed plan does not solve all of the existing problems, including the removal of buses, and destroys a part of our park. Please vote NO for all of us, our families and the future generations of this town. Jim Gadarowski Newington

NEWINGTON LIBRARY CALENDAR TEEN AND ADULT PROGRAMS LIBRARY BOARD ANNUAL MEETING: The Library Board of Trustees invites everyone to attend this year’s meeting Sunday, Sept. 14, at noon. After a short business meeting, there will be a celebration of the library’s 75th anniversary with cake and other refreshments. This will be a final opportunity to share memories of the past 75 years of the library. At 2 p.m. William Landay, author of the bestselling book “Defending Jacob” will speak. Copies of his book will be available for purchase and signing. Admission is free. No registration necessary. NATIVE AND EASY-CARE SHRUBS: Connecticut Master Gardener Deborah Kent presents “Native & Easy-Care Shrubs” at the library at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8. Kent will give a visual presentation about the best low maintenance and native shrubs for your four-season garden. She has a garden design business and has designed several gardens in the Glastonbury area. To register, call the library at (860) 665-8700. MOVIES AND MORE @ THE LIBRARY: “Noah,” Tuesday, Sept. 9, 1 p.m. Russell Crowe stars as Noah in this film inspired by the epic story of courage, sacrifice and hope. Refreshments will be provided. Running time is 137 minutes. Rated PG-13. Pick up your free ticket at the Adult Information Desk. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. TWITTER 101: Wednesday, Sept. 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Learn the basics of this popular social media service!

Topics covered will include @replies, direct messages, hashtags, and retweets/reposts. Learn how to find people to follow and search for information about your interests. Call 860-665-8700 to register. BUS TRIP TO THE BIG APPLE: The Friends of the Library are planning another trip to New York City on Sept. 20. The bus will leave Newington at 7:30 a.m. and return at approximately 8:45 p.m. The cost of the trip is $43. Please register at the Adult Information Desk to guarantee yourself a seat. ENCORE: USING THE NEW LIBRARY COMPUTER CATALOG: Monday, Sept. 22, 6:30 p.m. or Tuesday, Sept. 23, 10:30 a.m. Learn how to use Encore, the new library computer catalog. Some of the topics covered will be searching for library materials, placing and freezing holds, making lists, and accessing your library account. This class will be a demonstration. Call the Adult Information Desk at (860) 665-8700 to register or for more information. FROM BONNETS TO BELL-BOTTOMS: A CENTURY OF CONNECTICUT FASHION: Wednesday, Sept. 24, 6:30 p.m. Take a journey with Karen DePauw from the Connecticut Historical Society through the history of costumes and textiles, and the connections between society and clothing. No registration necessary. BROWN BAG IT WITH A BOOK DISCUSSION: Thursday, Sept. 25, noon. Join us for a book discussion of Still Alice by Lisa Genova. Bring a brown bag lunch. Beverages and desserts will be provided. No registration

necessary. GET TO KNOW YOUR IPAD: Tuesday, Sept. 30, 6:30 p.m. This class will cover basic iPad skills, including locating the iPad user manual, charging the battery, finding and installing apps and more. Bring your device and questions to the class. Call (860) 665-8700 to register.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS PLAY WITH US!: Tuesdays, Sept. 9 and 16, 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Join us for this program geared for families with young children who have special needs. All are welcome. No registration necessary. FAMILY STORYTIME: Every Thursday, 6:30 p.m. Stories, songs and more for the whole family all year ‘round. No registration is necessary. LET’S MAKE MUSIC TOGETHER (NEW MONTHLY PROGRAM): Tuesday, Sept. 9, noon. Children ages 2-4 and their caregivers are invited to experience music together. We will sing, explore instruments and rhythm patterns, dance, and more. Come join the fun! No registration is necessary. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. HALF-DAY FUN: Tuesdays, Sept. 9 and 23, 2 to 3:30 p.m. You have a half day of school, so it’s Game Day at the library. We’ll set out different board games and activities for you to enjoy in the program room. No registration necessary. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. SUMMER READING RECOGNITION

ASSEMBLIES: Wednesday, Sept. 10, Anna Reynolds and Elizabeth Green Schools; Thursday, Sept. 11, John Paterson and Ruth Chaffee Schools. All boys and girls who read for 10 days or more for Fizz, Boom, Read! will receive certificates at special school assemblies on these days. All students will enjoy a science show by The Discovery Museum. Assemblies funded by the PTA/PTOs of Ruth Chaffee, Elizabeth Green, John Paterson and Anna Reynolds Schools. PLAY FOR ALL!: Saturday, Sept. 13, 10:15 to noon, Come join us for a special needs playgroup giving parents the opportunity to talk, support, and encourage each other, while allowing their children time to play and socialize together. Co-sponsored by Newington UNICO. SEPTEMBER IS LIBRARY CARD SIGNUP MONTH: Calling all children from birth through grade 8 who live in Newington. Come to the Children’s Department anytime from through Sept. 30 to sign up for a library card and receive a free goody bag (new registrants only). JUST A STORY AND A SONG!: Wednesdays, Sept. 10 and 24, 10:15 a.m. (No Storytime on Sept. 17) Join us for a 30-minute all ages storytime. We’ll enjoy a story (or two) and a song (or two) to welcome in the morning. No registration necessary. STORIES AND ART: Tuesday, Sept. 16,, noon. “The wheels on the bus go ...” Let’s drive our yellow buses into Stories and Art today! We’ll create a yellow craft and read some “yellow”

stories! Children ages 2-4 and their grown-ups may call the Children’s Department at (860) 665-8720 to register. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. CHESS CLUB: Wednesday, Sept. 17, 4 to 5 p.m. Like to play chess? We will set up our program room for all who like to play chess, to come and play. Bring a friend or find one here! Sets will be available to use here and check out for use at home. No registration is needed. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. COOKBOOK CLUB: Wednesday, Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m. Chefs in grades 3-6 will measure, mix and make Sweet Bread and then bring the bread home to bake. Call the Children’s Department at (860) 665-8720 to register. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library. TALES TO TAILS: Thursday, Sept. 18, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Children who need to boost their reading skills may sign up for a 15-minute session reading to Jessie, a certified therapy dog. Call the Children’s Department at (860) 665-8720 to register. Donated by Kerry Lurate, Certified R.E.A.D. Dog Handler TALES TO TAILS: Saturday, Sept. 20, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Children who love dogs or need to boost their reading skills may sign up for a 10- minute session reading to a certified therapy dog. Call (860) 665-8720 for more information or to register beginning September 6. Sponsored by Cold Noses, Warm Hearts, Inc.


Friday, September 5, 2014 | 5

Local News

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

Letter: An offensive and ill-conceived proposal To the Editor: I could write a book on how fiscally and environmentally offensive the ill-conceived proposal to construct a Community Center on Mill Pond Park is. The building will obliterate scarce open space and wetlands for eternity. The soccer fields will disappear and in its place will be a massive $8 million structure worthy of an Olympic Village that will house two full basketball courts, exercise rooms, parking, a pool and offices for Park and Recreation staff.

The town is asking for your permission to bond $30 million for the Town Hall renovation and new Community Center before you learn the facts. A recent memo dated Aug. 14, 2014, from Town Manager John Salomon recommends the Town Council delay its requested 8-24 application from July to Planning & Zoning until after the referendum so a firm can be procured to conduct exit polling data. It’s unconscionable for the town to ask for your approval for a project of

this magnitude without a complete review and approval by the TPZ along with public hearings and expert reviews heard by the public before the Inland Wetlands & Conservation Commission. Another egregious outcome of this defective proposal is the proposed mitigation. The plan to replace green space and wetlands is murkier than a Thursday night in Tammany Hall. Proposed green space does not replace the important function of wetlands and includes an existing wooded area.

Does that mean tree removal? Taxpayers do not have an environmental impact study or soil engineering report to review, so how will they really know what adverse impacts lurk in the shadows? For example, will the homes in the area suddenly have water in their basements? What’s the impact to the pond? Will sheeting water flow into the new pool or flood Town Hall’s lower levels during storm events? In closing, the town is trampling

Letter: A question of sacrifice To the Editor: On Sept. 9, the town is holding a referendum vote on a very significant proposal to renovate our Town Hall and build a new Community Center on land that is part of Mill Pond Park. The bond issue is slated at $30 million (not including the cost of interest to repay). The challenge before our community with this vote comes down to one question: What are you willing to sacrifice? If you agree that our Town Hall and Community Center facilities are in need of repair and the issues corrected, and that doing so will cost money, what are you willing to give up? If we build on Mill Pond Park, the sacrifice is community park land. Mill Pond Park is the central outdoor gathering space for all members of our community.

Build on it, and that land is gone permanently. If you are willing to sacrifice land, are you willing to sacrifice this land? If we renovate existing buildings, the sacrifice is access and convenience. For some period of time, we could expect loss of use within areas of Town Hall and the Community Center. Offices or programs might be relocated, and perhaps some programs would not be offered. Community members may need to drive a greater distance or pay additional fees to participate in programs. Town employees and community volunteers may need to coordinate alternate locations. If you are willing to renovate the current buildings, are you willing to sacrifice access and convenience? If we lease or purchase other land, the sacrifice is the cost to

your rights, your wetlands, and it’s very own regulations designed to protect your land and your health. Voting no is the only way to go. Mr. Pappa is a former chairperson and was an acting member of the Newington Inland Wetlands & Conservation Commission. Mark Pappa Newington The writer is a former chairperson and acting member of the Newington Inland Wetlands & Conservation Commission

NEWINGTON POLICE BLOTTER

purchase/lease land, and potentially also giving up undeveloped land in another part of our town. If you are willing to build/renovate elsewhere, are you willing to sacrifice the cost, giving up or leasing other land, and the town facilities not all being central to Town Hall? We are each a steward for our community. We will only be here a short while and then others will come and continue to enjoy this place we call home. What sacrifice are you willing to make today, both for ourselves and for those who follow, tomorrow? Park land? Inconvenience? Money? On Sept. 9, I will be voting no. Let’s not develop further on Mill Pond Park land. We need a better plan.

David Decaprio, 37, of 65 Avonwood Road, Avon, was charged Aug. 27 with sixth-degree larceny, illegal use of a credit card, conspiracy to commit sixth-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit illegal use of a credit card. Monique Greene, 46, of 155 Dwight St., New Britain, was charged Aug. 27 with sixth-degree larceny. Craig McPherson, 29, of 13 Westerly St., New Britain, was charged Aug. 27 with sixth-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit sixth-degree larceny.

Damina Tuiel, 31, of 170 Arch St., New Britain, was charged Aug. 27 with sixth-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit sixth-degree larceny. Vinit Bhatt, 23, of 93 Cottonwood Road, was charged Aug. 28 with disorderly conduct. Vishal Bhatt, 25, of 1021 15th St., Denver, Colo., was charged Aug. 28 with disorderly conduct and interfering with emergency calls. George Bennett, 37, of 31 Surrey Drive, was charged Aug. 28 with disorderly conduct.

Jeananne McMahon Newington

200 GUITARS ON DISPLAY

For local news, opinion, classifieds and more....

NewingtonTownCrier.com Affordable, Weekly/Daily Rooms Clean Rooms Clean, Comfortable & Safe

Looking for... Guitar Lessons? Repairs?

with Microwave, Refrigerator & WiFi

WE Buy & SELL GuitARS, tOO!

Call for competitive rate!

And We Are Also Expanding Our Storefront.

2600 BERLIN TPKE. NEWINGTON, CT 06111

Twin Spruce Motel

045672

JUST GUITARS

Berlin, CT 860-828-9200

043442

mon - fri 11 am to 7 pm; sat 10 am to 5 pm sun 12 noon to 5 pm

045693

860-665-1125 860-978-8403

Hi-View Motel

Newington, CT 860-666-2528


Local News

6| Friday, September 5, 2014

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

Letter: What details are being hidden from residents? To the Editor: The residents of Newington have a major decision on Sept. 9 when the referendum concerning the new Community Center and Town Hall renovations to the tune of $30 million is put to vote. Each resident of this town will have their own reasons why they wish to vote yes or no. As a voter, I respect that option and will applaud every member who steps up to the voting booths on Sept. 9 and casts their vote. This is democracy in action. In talking with many residents, I don’t think there are many residents in this town that would disagree that we should have a renovated, ADA compliant, fully functional town hall. Likewise, as residents, we should be proud to have a quality community center that would support the various programs that the Parks and Recreation Department offers to the residents here in Newington. Personally, the services that the town has provided me over the

years were one of the things that attracted me to call Newington home for the past 21+ years. However, what I find truly offensive is the continued effort by the proponents of this project to continue to provide false information about the project. A slick mailing was sent out showing how the new Community Center would look compared to the rest of the park. The creator of this flyer fails to accurately show what Mill Pond actually looks like and makes it appear that the park has more open and usable space when this is not true. Additionally, we have our elected officials who are in favor of this project stating for the record that we can create more open space by moving the school buses and garages on Garfield Street to another location in town, as well as closing the existing Mill Pond pool and we would have gained back the space that is lost for the new community center. The last time I checked,

the 30+ million dollars has nothing allocated for either of these moves. Furthermore, we have a website that is supposedly dedicated to saving Newington and pro-

fall on the site showing a before and after shot where the falls do not change. Of course the falls are not changing, but using misleading information to garner further yes votes is appalling!

The fact that the communication coming from the elected officials who are in favor of this project can be best described as poor, one would and should question why this is being pushed through so quickly to the residents. viding the voters of Newington all the reasons why this referendum should be approved. After reviewing the website, I find it very disheartening that they would use threatening phrases such as “A NO vote means these services could be lost,” using photos of only half of the park and sticking photos of the water-

Also, we have a referendum that is going to cost the Town of Newington $33,000 due to having this referendum on a special voting day instead of the general Election Day in November. Does the town really need to spend an additional $33,000 when we can vote on this project in November?

Lastly, the fact that the communication coming from the elected officials who are in favor of this project can be best described as poor, one would and should question why this is being pushed through so quickly to the residents. What details are being hidden from the residents about this project? A NO vote on Sept. 9 is not the end of Newington as we know it. The town is not going to suddenly shut down and not be able to provide its programs and services to its residents. What a vote NO on Sept. 9 will do is send the message to the elected officials in favor of this project that we as residents of this town will not just rubber-stamp a $30 million blank check for them to use on a plan that is highly questionable and takes away one of the last truly open spaces that the town of Newington has to its name! Ernie Field Newington

Letter: Open space can be reclaimed YOU SET THE DATE WE SET THE DIAMONDS

1841 Berlin Turnpike, Wethersfield turgeonjewelers.com - 860.436.6400 Tues-Fri 10am-6pm, Thurs 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-3pm

To the Editor: I recently hiked the area between Churchill Park and the Clem Le Mire Recreational Complex, and what I found was a wetland wilderness and wildlife habitat so vast that I got lost trying to find my way back to the car. So I looked again at the Land Use map in the town’s 2020 Plan, and saw that Dedicated Open Space in Newington includes more than one extensive, and nearly pristine, area like the one I just got lost in. And yes, it also includes the corner of Mill Pond Park — part of what was once Newington High School’s football field — where the town proposes to build its new Community Center. Subsequent field trips have made it clear, however, that there is no comparison, in either extension or quality, between the open space that exists between Churchill Park and Clem Le Mire — or in the Deming Young Farm/Rockhole Brook area, to take another prime example — and what exists in the corner of Mill Pond Park at Cross Street and Willard Avenue. Development at that location — with wetlands protected by Conservation Commission oversight — reduces the amount of open space in Newington by 1.6 acres. That is 1.6 out of 726 acres of Dedicated Open Space, 173 acres of

Managed Open Space, and 433 additional acres of wetlands and flood zones that remain “vacant and uncommitted.” The 1.6 acres are .22 percent of Dedicated Open Space (or .12 percent of all of the above) — a small percentage that could be compensated for by reclaiming other areas of the park and, just as importantly, by allowing the town to construct the sort of community and recreational center that a first-rate municipality is worthy of. As a final point, I need to emphasize that this open space acreage (726 + 173 + 433) represents nearly 16 percent of the total acreage of Newington (8,383), to which we can add much of the lawn and woodland areas surrounding our public schools — as noted on page 10 of the Town’s 2020 Plan. In light of these considerations, I urge Newington’s voters to please keep their sense of perspective when thinking about the implications of this project for open space, and please take these thoughts to heart before voting for or against the referendum on Sept. 9. Thank you. Clarke Castelle Chairperson, Town Hall Renovation Public Building Committee Newington


Friday, September 5, 2014 | 7

Local News

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

Magnet school for health care and teaching opens STAFF WRITER

NEW BRITAIN — For four years, Alejandro Perez was traveling about an hour round trip on a bus from New Britain to Windsor to attend school at the Medical Professions and Teacher Preparatory Academy. Now, Perez is a high school senior and his travel is only a few minutes. The city’s first-ever magnet school — run by CREC (Capitol Region Education Council) — focusing on medical professions and preparing future teachers for the workforce opened its doors on Slater Road Wednesday. Perez said the long commute was worth it to attend a school he loves. School is even more exciting, he said, now that he can attend a 145,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility practically in his backyard. “I really wanted to get out of the public schools,” Perez said Friday. “The public schools weren’t focused as much on the children, but more on the numbers. Here, they focus more on the kids.” The medical side

Andy Skarzynski, school principal, said his school is not meant to take young people away from the health academy. He said the academy “has done some stellar work. New Britain High School has built a great program at the facility. Here, we have a different focus on providing students with a broader exposure in the healthcare field.” Aura Alvarado, CREC’s director of communications and community relations said “Our goal is to build a partnership with New Britain. We already do that. We are not in competition with the high school.” Students interested in attending the school must take part in a lottery, which is run by the state Department of Education. There are no slots open for the 2014-15 school year, but those interested in Michael Marciano | Staff attending for the 2015-16 school From left, Theme Coach Christine Holley, Delirys Rivera-Roldan, Samantha Colon and Leonard Okonya. year must log onto www.choiceeducation.org and complete an online application. The application period will run from Nov. 15 through Feb. 27, 2015. A computer will randomly select students to be enrolled and parents will learn in the spring of 2015 if their child has been selected. There is no preference given to city residents and there is no criteria — such as a having certain grades — to enter the lottery. New Britain pays the state $5,175 per student attending the Michael Marciano | Staff magnet school as a middle or high Seniors Samantha Sochan, left, and Alejandro Perez. school student. In addition, it will cost the city $4,205 per student for each preschool child. Excellence in childcare

Perez, who wants a career on the medical side of business, said “even if you think your goals are not medical or in the teaching field, but you are interested in the health field in any way, shape or form, you should go here.” For 17-year-old senior and city resident Samantha Sochan, who has attended the school since the 9th grade, the shadowing of nurs- Robert Storace can be reached at (860) Michael Maricano | Staff es at Hartford-based St. Francis 225-4601, ext. 223, or at rstorace@ Preschool teacher Tina Barone conducts a class at the CREC school. Hospital helped her decide she newbritainherald.com. wanted to become a nurse. “I knew that I wanted to be in the medical field as a doctor,” she said. “But after shadowing [part of the school’s program] I really decided I liked nursing because of Pediatric the hands-on experience you have Dentistry, P.C. with patients.” is pleased to Sochan said she bypassed the New Britain High School Health welcome Academy because “it was very big. I Dr. Silvia Lobo thought the CREC school offered a Lobo lot of guidance from teachers and a lot of opportunities.” to our practice. The new $64.5 million school Dr. Silvia Lobo Lobo has 543 students, of which 121 are from New Britain. The grade 6-12 W. Fred Thal, DDS school also has a staff of 72. The Eddie Rostenberg, DMD school, officials said, is designed One Lake St., Suite 203, New Britain to hold 730 students. It also has a 860-224-2419 www.kids-dentistry.com section for preschoolers.

Welcome

and pre-school development

6 locations ROCKY HILL 860-563-9096 558 Cromwell Ave.

(Rte. 3 Exit 23, Off I-91)

• Age Appropriate Programs for Ages 6 Weeks to 9 Years • Nursery School with Certified Teacher • Before and After School Programs with Transportation Provided • State Licensed Staff • Child and Parent Consultations • Open Door Policy

REGistER noW! It’s Back to School

GLastOnbuRY 860-659-3002 586 New London Tpke. (At Rte. 17 Overpass)

MERIDEn 203-235-8461 186 Pomeroy Ave.

(1 Min. Off E. Main , Exit I-90)

CHEsHIRE 203-272-1637 1311 Highland Ave. (Rt.10)

sOutHInGtOn 860-276-1031 1348 West St.,

(Exit 31 Off I-841 Mile N-Rt 229)

ORanGE 203-891-0599 601 Derby Ave. (Rt.34)

OPEN Mon.-Fri. 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM

026434

By ROBERT STORACE


Local News

8| Friday, September 5, 2014

Letter: Concerns about new laptops To the Editor: After reading your article “Back 2 School,” I am concerned about the allotment of new laptops over the next three years. According to the article, this year third and sixth-graders will receive these new laptops. Next year, the same students will receive new laptops

in the fourth and seventh grades. For the third year, the same students will receive new laptops in the fifth and eighth grades. Further, some of these laptops are designated as “free” to some students. Really? What’s that about? It does not appear equitable or aboveboard that the same stu-

dents should receive these new laptops three years in a row. I feel confident that the Newington school system can and should devise a better rollout system than the current plan. William Lindberg Newington

Letter: Opinions differ on community project To the Editor: Last week, the Town Crier published a letter from Dr. Marc Finklestein in support of voting yes for the community center project. Although I respect Dr. Finkelstein and enjoy serving with him, I must clarify that his letter was written solely as an individual and not

on behalf of the Newington Board of Education. By indicating his title as chairman of the Newington Board of Education, it might give the false impression that he is speaking on behalf of the entire board. I am a minority member of the Newington Board of Education, and I am a solid

NO. I believe other board members feel the same, so I just want the public to be aware that Dr. Finkelstein is not speaking for or providing an opinion of the Newington Board of Education in this matter.

Cherish Our Children “A walk to remember the child we love and have lost”

Sunday, September 14, 2014 Newington Memorial Funeral Home 20 Bonair Avenue, Newington

12:00pm to Register – 1:00pm to Walk Rain or Shine

Please join us as we walk in honor our children. Parents, relatives and friends who have experienced the death of a child of any age are invited to walk with us. For more information please call 860-666-0600 www.duksa.net

Jane Ancona Siegel Newington

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

Letter: Mill Pond Park is a developed space To the Editor: Some would have us believe that using 1.5 acres of underutilized land along Willard Avenue for a new Community Center would decimate a pristine town treasure. The truth is, Mill Pond Park is a wonderful community asset, but it is not undeveloped land, and its current improvements support using the park much more for active than passive recreation. Rather than restricted walkways, lush wildflowers, and protected habitats, we have the baseball field, basketball court, pool, playground and tennis courts, which are all heavily used and enjoyed. Lawn areas accommodate summer camp, concerts, Frisbee, kite flying, touch football and of course, the Extravaganza and fireworks. Additionally, the park includes blacktop walkways, chain link fences, benches, a gazebo, a new music pavilion, three concrete block structures (associated with the pool), and even utility poles for stringing power lines for vendors and stages. But that’s all fine — Mill Pond Park is a park much

CAll Now!

(860)675-9178

more for doers than watchers. It is developed space. With all this activity, it’s remarkable that the pond still provides a natural habitat for so many animals and birds. Take a walk around the pond — it’s a very short walk — with a keen eye, and you’ll see them. But here’s the point: building a new community center won’t change any of those things. Two, non-regulation soccer fields well behind the pond can be relocated to other parts of the park and the town. In their place will be a facility that will provide more active recreation opportunities that can be enjoyed year-round, regardless of the weather. A new community center will actually enhance the mission of Mill Pond Park, providing better space for many of the recreational activities people like to engage in when they’re not working or in school. Don’t worry. Mill Pond Park doesn’t need to be “saved.” It’s OK and will be even better. Please vote “YES” on Sept. 9. Don Woods Newington

We do it all.... get creative

Fix your chimney....

the safe way! Your Full Service Chimney Expert “Over 2 Decades Experience”

Lic. & Insured • Lic #614786

with every chimney repair

*with qualifying chimney repair. See store for details

$

043342

• Chimney Building • Repointing • Chimney Repairs • Liners/Caps/Dampers • Waterproofing • Stainless Steel Chimney Liners

Free Chimney Sweep

50 OFF

all masonry services *See store for details

Your chimney will be meticulously inspected & repaired by a true professional. For total peace of mind, call right now for YOUR CHIMNEY REPAIR ESTIMATE.

471 New Britain Ave, Unionville, CT 06085 www.creativemasonryct.com

Call Now!

(860)675-9178


Friday, September 5, 2014 | 9

Local News

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

Voters will get their say on Mill Pond Park project

Continued from Page 1

tion, all Americans With Disabilities Act requirements would be met; a failing roof, plumbing, electrical and heating systems would be repaired, and the building’s structural issues would be fixed. The new community center would take up 10.6 percent of the green space in Mill Pond Park, which falls within the town’s Dedicated Open Space, as designated in the 2020 Plan of Conservation and Development. This is one of many concerns of residents, who have spoken out in opposition to the project on social media and at town meetings. The Conservation Commission

will evaluate the project’s environmental impact to wetlands before it moves forward. People will be polled after the referendum on how they made their decision, to help town officials move forward no matter what the results are. “If we are successful in obtaining a statistically valid exit poll, this would be of great assistance to the Town Hall Building Committee, the Town Council, and the Town Planning & Zoning Commission in formulating a new plan for the Town Hall/ Mortensen center or fine-tuning the existing plan in the event that the referendum is approved,” said Town Manager John Salomone. This Saturday, Sept. 6, from 10

a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be a “Save Mill Pond Park” rally. Those opposed to building the new community center in the park are expected to link hands to form a circle around the perimeter of the proposed site to demonstrate its size and scope. For information on voting registration and districts call (860) 665-8515. Absentee ballots may be obtained through the Town Clerk’s

Office during regular business hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office will be open for absentee ballots on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. To help votersdetermine the pros and cons of the project, the Town Crier sought the opinions of four Newington residents: ∎ Clark Castelle, town councilor, chair of the Town Hall building

The new community center would take up 10.6 percent of the green space in Mill Pond Park.

“Shall the Town of Newington appropriate $30,373,970 for the town hall/community center project and authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds and notes in the same amount to finance said appropriation?”

committee and referendum committee called “Revitalize Town Hall and Enhance Mill Pond Park.” ∎Michael Johnson, lifelong town resident, president of Newington’s travel basketball program, father of four young athletes, former soccer coach. ∎Sarah Jorgensen, third-generation town resident, treasurer of the “Save Mill Pond Park” political action committee. ∎Roy Zartarian, creator of the “Save Mill Pond Park” Facebook page and an avid environmentalist. Erica Schmitt can be reached at (860) 225-4601, ext. 210, or eschmitt@ newbritainherald.com.

PRO CON

On lOsing Open space

On finding anOtHer lOcatiOn

“The potential environmental impact at the proposed site was not evaluated before the site was selected. Basically we don’t want to see the park compromised for a building.”

“This is by far the best project we can do for this town and this is by far the best place in town to put it. When you buy developable land it increases the project cost, plus it immediately gets taken off the tax rolls. If you’re looking at using town-owned land, where else are you going to put it? There’s no other place. I’m stumped.” (Castelle)

(Zartarian) “We’re taking an underutilized piece of the park that has always been used for organized recreational activities and making it into a year-round facility.” (Castelle) “My children are fourth-generation in this town, ages nine and 11… what they’ve seen what their grandparents have seen is less and less open space over the years. Our children are being taught to save the planet, to protect our earth, yet their town is going to put a building in their park. We should practice what we preach.” (Jorgensen)

“What about where the bus garages are they say they’re going to tear down? There’s already a footprint there.” (Jorgensen) “By keeping it in the center of town kids and adults can still walk and bike to the center.” (Johnson)

On renOvating tHe current center “The construction managers informed us that renovating on-site is almost as expensive as building a new community center…while Town Hall is being renovated there would be disruption, curtailment and probable cancellation of many important programs, including summer camp and travel basketball. Also, this would leave town departments – some in desperate need for it – no room for expansion.” (Castelle) “Nobody needs a 5,000 square foot atrium in Town Hall. There’s more than enough room to renovate the community center there.” (Jorgensen) “Last year on the boys’ side alone we had 150 boys try out for 44 spots and we had to cut two times as many kids as we took. Other towns in our league have two teams at every grade level; we’d love to be able to have that opportunity but we can’t because of available gym space. Newington is a first class town and it deserves first class facilities.” (Johnson)

On tHe upcOming referendum “It’s just amazing. I know people who have never voted before who are in their eighties, who registered to vote so they could vote no to this.” (Jorgensen)

On lOsing yOutH sOccer fields “It is my understanding that these fields are the least-utilized and many times least suitable of all fields we have. Parks and Rec has planned to use utilize other areas of the park to recreate them, north of – or adjacent to – Mill Pond.” (Castelle) “In addition to soccer, kids have pick-up games there, they play Frisbee...these fields are well-used.” (Jorgensen) “There are at least four fields throughout town available now the soccer league is not utilizing, it should not be a deciding factor for anyone.” (Johnson)

On building a new center “Instead of having one of the worst gyms in the state we could have one of the best. It’s something the town really deserves, not just the young people but everybody.”

(Castelle) “Our basketball league has told us we have to find alternate locations for games because of the condition of the gym. If it were to be closed down for renovations or condemned our program would cease to exist.” (Johnson)


10| Friday, September 5, 2014

Local News

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

N.B. officials hold groundbreaking for Costco By SCOTT WHIPPLE STAFF WRITER

Kevin Bartram | Staff

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, left, along with, from left, Costco Wholesale Project Coordinator Joseph Montesano, Mayor Erin Stewart and Chamber of Commerce President Tim Stewart shovel dirt during a groundbreaking ceremony on the Stanley Golf Course for the New Britain Costco store.

popular golf course. Negotiations eventually involved reconfiguring and fixing up the course. Carroll said he was encouraged to learn that Costco was one of Mayor Erin Stewart’s first priorities. He admitted that it was “without a doubt the most difficult developmental project in a long time. It was a mission on the part of many people who thought this was a great opportunity. With hard work and determination and people in the right place it showed that projects of this magnitude can get done.” The mayor said the project “got done” because state, federal and local government worked together to make it happen. She thanked members of the Common Council who had voted for the project and city attorneys Seth Feigenbaum and Gennaro Bizzarro. But the project almost didn’t get done. Montesano confirmed to the Herald that in late August Costco was ready to walk. Without a “go ahead” from the city council Costco officials were considering building a store in another community. “Without Mayor [Erin] Stewart’s tenacity we would have never crossed the finish line,” Montesano said. “So many people at the local level helped us get this job done, people like Attorney Tom Cody [of Robinson & Cole] and Bill DeMaio [New Britain’s parks and recreation director].” DeMaio said with Costco people sodding and working with his staff at Parks & Rec weather permitting the “Red Nine” holes at Stanley should be open in the spring.

NEW BRITAIN — Most people shudder at the sight of a golf course divot. However, when a phalanx of shovels during the Costco groundbreaking dug up small piles of dirt Wednesday at Stanley Municipal Golf Course, someone shouted out, “It’s all good.” And it was. Just ask Mayor Erin Stewart. “I’m so pleased Costco has finally gotten to this point,” Stewart said. “As mayor of the great city of New Britain I couldn’t be happier.” Mayor Stewart; Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman; Tim Stewart, president of the Greater New Britain-Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Joe Montesano, project coordinator for Costco Wholesale all had something to say about the fouryear effort to bring the warehouse store to a site south of Westfarms Mall. Costco is expected to open for business in the fall of 2015. Stewart hailed the promise of 225 jobs in a city where the unemployment rate surpasses the state’s. New Britain residents will have first priority for jobs. Costco’s average wage is $21 an hour; a cashier with five years’ experience earns more than $50,000. Wyman pointed out that, in addition to the Costco store jobs, the project will create construction jobs for many more workers. Former Mayor Tim Stewart recalled four years ago when Bill Carroll, director of development for the City of New Britain, came to his office with a local attorney and asked Stewart what he thought about a Costco near the Target store. Though Stewart favored the project, Scott Whipple can be reached at he hesitated when he later realized (860) 225-4601, ext. 319 or swhipit meant tearing up part of the city’s ple@centralctcommunications.com.

Costco is expected to open in the fall of 2015. New Britain residents will have first priority for jobs.

For local news, opinion, classifieds and more....

NewingtonTownCrier.com


Friday, September 5, 2014 | 11

Local News

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

Letter: What a difference 5 years makes To the Editor: Five years can certainly make a difference in attitudes, opinions, and lost memories. In December of 2007, I was appointed, along with two fellow Republicans, to the Charter Revision Commission by then Mayor Jeffery Wright. Working alongside of us were two Democrats appointed by the Democratic Town Committee. We served in this capacity for a little more than one year. At the conclusion of our work, the town council voted to hold a charter referendum on Feb. 24, 2009, while the issue was still fresh in the minds of the citizens. The Democratic minority on the council objected to this date because they preferred to hold the referendum almost nine months later on Nov. 4, 2009. We were severely criticized for our decision by many on the Democratic side of the aisle. The reason given was that the town could save approximately $20,000 by having the referendum coincide with the upcoming general election in November, and it was argued by a local attorney that residents were less likely to

turn out for a special referendum than for the regular election in November. Now,fast forward to today. The Democratic majority on the town council recently objected to holding the referendum to reconstruct the town hall and build a new separate community center on Election Day. They then ushered through an amendment to hold the referendum vote on Sept. 9, 2014, a mere two months before the general election on Nov. 4, 2014. Many of the same individuals who were highly critical of our decision back in 2009 are now suddenly silent. Now they are asking the citizens of Newington to authorize the spending of $30 million for a new construction project. The current extra expenditure of approximately $33,000 by holding a separate referendum is apparently of no concern. Yes, five years certainly does make a difference. A tad bit of hypocrisy, wouldn’t you say? Robert Briggaman Newington

Letter: Pruett’s comments no surprise To the Editor: I read former Chairman of the Town Planning and Zoning Commission and former Newington resident Dave Pruett’s letter without much surprise. After all, it was Chairman Pruett who advocated changing the zoning regulations governing auto related use on the Berlin Turnpike, something the mayor supported. We lost that case in court when a judge ruled that the Town couldn’t change regulations to favor a particular business, in this case, the Firestone company who was being brought to town by an associate of the mayor. Again, not a surprise that Mr. Pruett who now lives in Berlin would take such interest in whether the corrugated metal building gets constructed on Mill Pond Park or whether it cuts off a view of the pond, as he doesn’t see it as protected space. He sees it as “active space.” But remember it’s not being built in Berlin where Mr. Pruett has moved

to, it’s being built in Newington, the place he left and no longer calls home. Mr. Pruett should be congratulated for his loyalty to both Don Woods, Chairman of Parks and Recreation and to Mayor Steve Woods. While Mr. Pruett was chairman of the TP&Z he stayed with Don Wood in Aruba. Mr. Pruett has also stayed as a guest at one of the mayors Fort Myers, Fla. condominiums. So, knowing what big supporters both Don and Mayor Steve Woods are for this $30 million town hall/recreation center does it really surprise anyone that former Newington resident Dave Pruett would be all too willing to encourage voters to vote yes, even though his taxes will not be effected by this change one bit. Hope he makes out equally as well in Berlin! Sarah Jorgensen Newington

NEWINGTON EVENTS CALENDAR U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO HOST TOWN HALL MEETING: The Hartford VA Regional Office and VA Connecticut Healthcare System will host a town hall meeting at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 in Newington Town Hall auditorium, 100 Garfield St., to offer Veterans, family members and the public the opportunity to provide VA with feedback and recommendations on local operations and programs. Employees will be available to assist with issues related to claims, benefits and health services. Presenters will be William Streitberger, director, Hartford Regional Office and Gerald F. Culliton, director, VA Connecticut Healthcare System. This town hall is one of many VA is holding around the country. The purpose is to improve communication between VA and the Veterans we service. The meeting is open to the public and the media. Members of the Connecticut congressional delegation will be invited to attend. Veteran service organizations, community partners and all interested stakeholders are also welcome to attend. CHURCH TAG SALE: The Church of the Holy Spirit Ladies Guild, will hold its Annual Tag Sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, in the Father O’Connor Center, 183 Church St. The preview date is Friday, Sept. 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A $5 admission fee is charged on this date only. For further information, call Debbie Hebert at (860) 666 2576. DEMING-YOUNG FARM FOUNDATION TAG SALE: The Deming-Young Farm Foundation will hold its semi-annual fundraising Tag Sale event Saturday, Sept. 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 282 Church St. A large variety of items will be available including

antiques, vintage and collectible items, household, some furniture, jewelry, knick-knacks and more. Featured items include an antique painted nail barrel, an antique wash stand, a dome top trunk and English dinnerware from the 1890s. Join us and take home a treasure. Rain date Sept. 13. Also joining us will be WAG (We Adopt Greyhounds) with rescued greyhounds available for adoption. Stop by and visit these loving, gentle pets and browse for great tag sale finds. CEDAR MOUNTAIN COMMONS HOSTS OPEN HOUSE: An open house at beautiful Cedar Mountain Commons, a not for profit independent and assisted living community, will be held Sunday, Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Marie Pugliese, retirement counselor, will facilitate the event. Refreshments will be served. Cedar Mountain Commons is located at 3 John H. Stewart Drive, Newington. For more information or to RSVP, call (860) 665-7901. Cedar Mountain Commons is a department of Hartford Hospital. ST. MARY WOMEN’S CLUB MEMBERSHIP MEETING: St. Mary Women’s Club will hold its membership meeting Monday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. in the church hall, 626 Willard Ave. We invite old and new members to come together to share conversation, friendship and support for our parish family and community. Deanna Reney will make our evening extra special with the appetizers and desserts she will have prepared for us. Come and bring a friend! SCOUTING EXTRAVAGANZA AND ICE CREAM SOCIAL: Boy Scout Troop 347, Cub Scout Pack 347 and the Girl Scouts of Newington will hold a joint recruitment

Open House at Martin Kellogg Middle School on Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Interested boys and girls can learn more about Scouting in Newington during the first annual “Scouting Extravaganza and Ice Cream Social” where they can play games, race Pinewood Derby cars, race Raingutter Regatta boats, launch a stomp rocket, make arts and crafts and much more! Parents can meet with Boy Scout, Cub Scout and Girl scout leaders and learn more about what scouting can do for their sons and daughters. For more information, contact Cubmaster Eric Rothauser at (860) 305-1344 or EHRothauser@gmail.com. OPEN MIC: The Central CT Acoustic Musicians Society Meetup Group is sponsoring an Open Mic (this is not karaoke) on Sept. 12 starting at 7:30 p.m. until closing. The public is welcome to come to just sit back and listen the musicians/singers or bring your instrument join in the fun. The event is hosted by The Newington Knights of Columbus, 171 Pascone Place (entrance in rear), Newington, CT. *Cash bar no credit/debit cards accepted. This will be a monthly event held on the second Friday of the month. For additional information, direction, other council activities and hall rental information. Visit the K of C’s website www.kofcnewington.com CONSIDER THE CONVERSATION: It is important that your medical treatment be your choice. “Consider the Conversation,” an honest, in-depth presentation about sharing what matters to you most. Know how to start the conversation, with loved ones, about making health care choices in accordance with your values. There

are a million reasons to avoid having the conversation, but it’s critically important. And you can do it. The event will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25 at Newington Health Care Center, A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 240 Church St. Join in welcoming Marie Roman, MSW, LCSW from Masonicare Partners Home Health & Hospice. RSVP to (860) 951-6792 to reserve your seat now. Light refreshments will be served. AUDITIONS “LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS” AT NCTC: The Newington Children’s Theatre Company is holding auditions for its fall musical, “Little Shop of Horrors,” Sept. 10 and 11, by appointment. Auditions are opened to high school through college-age actors. Rehearsals: Sept. 17 through Oct. 23 (evenings and Saturday afternoons). Performances: Oct. 24-26 (Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.). All rehearsals and performances will take place at the NCTC Performing Arts Theatre, 743 North Mountain Road. While there is no cost to audition, if cast, there is a $150 participation fee (participation fee can be paid in full or by collecting $200 in program ads for the playbill). Auditions are open to teenage through college-age actors. Please prepare a musical theatre song and a comedic monologue. Fill out an audition form and attach a recent picture of yourself to the back of the form. Call (860) 666NCTC (6282) to schedule your audition appointment. For more information, visit www.NCTCArts.org. CRAFTERS, VENDORS NEEDED FOR CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR: St. Mary Women’s Club in Newington is looking

for crafters and vendors for its Christmas Craft Fair Sunday, Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To reserve your space or for more information, call Joanne Andrews at (860) 666-8927.

,

KINDERGARTEN SCREENINGS: Kindergarten screenings are still available at St. Mary School in Newington for acceptance to the Kindergarten or Kindergarten Readiness programs. Parents should call the school at (860) 666-3844 to schedule an appointment. Kindergarten Readiness is designed for children who may test as “almost ready” for kindergarten, but may need some extra attention with reading or math in order to successfully prepare for a first grade curriculum. Registration for all grades continues. For more information on kindergarten or any of our other classes, contact Joan Tortora at(860) 666-3844 or visit our www. stmarynewington.com PRE-KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT: St. Mary School in Newington is continuing to enroll students for pre-kindergarten classes. Full-day and half-day programs are available for 3-year-olds and 4-yearolds. For more information, call the school at (860) 666-3844 or visit the Pre-K website: www.littlelambsstmary. com. St. Mary School is located at 652 Willard Ave. NAMI NEWINGTON: NAMI Newington (National Alliance for Mental Illness) meets every second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Newington Senior Center, 120 Cedar St. Contact Debi at (860) 830-2129 for more information.


12| Friday, September 5, 2014

Wethersfield | Rocky Hill

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

12 students receive scholarships from American Savings Foundation SPECIAL TO THE CRIER

WETHERSFIELD — Twelve Wethersfield students were recently awarded the Robert T. Kenney Scholarship from the American Savings Foundation for the 20142015 academic year. The recipients are John Brannigan, Hampshire College; James McDunnah, Pennsylvania State University; Paige McDunnah Pennsylvania State University; Jazmine K. Montford, Central Connecticut State University; Katie Olsen, Anna Maria College, Kamila Orzechowski, University of St. Joseph; Abby L Phillips, Eastern Connecticut State University; Zacarias Slater, University of Connecticut; Kristi Spiri, University of Connecticut; Mario Suljoti, University of Connecticut; David Sullivan, University of Connecticut; and Zachary Weinberg, University of Connecticut. “These students represent the best of the Robert T. Kenney Scholarship program,” said Maria Falvo, COO and director of the scholarship

program at the American Savings Foundation. “We are pleased to help them achieve their outstanding academic potential and to manage the challenge of affording a college education.” This year, the American Savings Foundation announced a total of $750,000 in scholarships — the most it has ever awarded — for 397 students from across central Connecticut. The scholarships are based primarily on financial need, and most of the students are the first in their families to go to college. The scholarship program was named in memory of Robert T. Kenney, whose original vision led to the creation of the American Savings Foundation. Kenney, the son of immigrants who instilled in their children the values of education and hard work, became a leader in the banking industry in Connecticut. He was chairman, president and CEO of New Britainbased American Savings Bank from 1991-2003. From his own expe-

12 Wethersfield students were among those awarded scholarships from the American Savings Foundation.

riences, Kenney understood the importance of making a college education affordable for the next generations of leaders. The American Savings Foundation is a permanent chari-

table endowment that also awards grants to area nonprofits. Since its inception in 1995 the foundation has contributed over $40 million in total grants and scholarships in central Connecticut. A total of

$8.5 million in scholarships has been awarded to 1,868 students over the program’s 19 years history. Scholarships are awarded to students from the 64 Connecticut towns served by the foundation.

your device if you have one. Class will be presented in lecture format. Registration is recommended. Introduction to Microsoft Excel meets at 6:30 p.m. Learn the basics of a spreadsheet program. You will be taught how to enter data and format cells. Students will use laptop computers provided by the Library. Registration is required. Register in person at the Wethersfield Library or by calling the Adult Services Information Desk at (860) 257-2811, or email registrations to library@ wethersfieldlibrary.org.

TEEN AND CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

WETHERSFIELD LIBRARY CALENDAR ADULT PROGRAMS

LIBRARY OPEN SUNDAYS IN SEPTEMBER: The Wethersfield Library will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday afternoons, beginning Sept. 7. The library’s regular hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. At any time, the library may be reached at www.wethersfieldlibrary. org where you may search the catalog, use the online databases, download an audiobook, ask a reference question, or renew, reserve or request a book. SECOND SATURDAY CINEMA: Second Saturday Cinema at Wethersfield Library meets Sept. 13 for a 1:30 p.m. showing of Irving Rapper’s 1945 film, “The Corn is Green” starring Bette Davis and John Dall. A schoolteacher becomes the mentor of a talented young miner and seeks to get him into a university. 115 min. Second Saturday Cinema is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. For information, call the Library at (860) 257-2811, or visit the library. TIME TO TALK: Wethersfield Library’s “Time to Talk,” a free conversation group for new English language speakers, begins Tuesday, Sept. 16. Adult English language learners are invited to come develop conversation and speaking skills in a warm, friendly environment. The conversation group will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings. This program is free and

open to the public. Registration is not required. For more information, call the library at (860) 257-2811, or visit the library. TUESDAY NIGHT MOVIE: Join us Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 6:15 p.m. at the library for a free showing of “Gravity” starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. A medical engineer and an astronaut work together to survive after a catastrophe destroys their shuttle and leaves them adrift in orbit. “Gravity” is rated PG-13 for intense perilous sequences, some disturbing images and brief strong language. (91 minutes) Tuesday Night Movies are free and open to the public. Note a new starting time of 6:15 p.m. Light refreshments are provided by the Friends of the Wethersfield Library. Registration is not required, but seating is limited. For information call the library at(860) 257-2811, or visit the library at 515 Silas Deane Hwy. LAUGHTER YOGA PROGRAM: The library will host “Laughter Yoga” with Laura Le Saturday, Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. Laughter Yoga is an incredibly fun, incredibly effective way to release stress and bring more joy into your life. It is the simple yet powerful practice of using laughter as exercise. Laughter Yoga may help you feel happier and more relaxed, alleviate anxiety, loneliness, and depression, provide relief from chronic pain, burn calories and prevent emotional eating and help you maintain a positive attitude during challenging times. Le is a Laughter Yoga instructor certified through Laughter Yoga Internation-

al, and a Yale graduate. She loves teaching Laughter Yoga, because she’s seen how laughter transforms people’s lives. One day after class, one man told her it felt like he laughed away five years of stress. And many people have told her that driving has become less stressful, because now they laugh as they sit in traffic. Plan on attending this special program and learn how to “laugh for the health of it!” The program is free and open to all. Registration is suggested. For more information or to register, call the Adult Services Information Desk at (860) 257-2811. You may also email registrations to library@wethersfieldlibrary.org. COMPUTER CLASSES: The library is offering four computer classes in September. On Monday, Sept. 22 “All You Need to Know about Email” will meet at 2:30 p.m. Learn the fundamentals of sending and receiving email. Learn about attachments and the wonders of the address book. You do not need to own a computer to have an email account. Students will use laptop computers provided by the library. Introduction to Microsoft Excel meets at 6:30 p.m. Learn the basics of a spreadsheet program. You will be taught how to enter data and format cells. Students will use laptop computers provided by the library. Registration is required. Two additional classes will be offered Monday, Sept. 29. “eBooks @ Your Library” will meet at 2:30 p.m. Learn to download free eBooks to your tablet, eReader, phone, or laptop with Connecticut’s Connect Downloadable catalog. Bring

PASSPORT TO CONNECTICUT LIBRARIES: The Connecticut Library Association is proud to sponsor the first “Passport to Connecticut Libraries” program, which will run in all participating public libraries including the Wethersfield Library from Sept. 1 through Sept. 30. Libraries will offer stamped paper “passports” to library patrons as a reminder that September is Library Card Signup Month. Patrons take their “passport” to other participating libraries to be stamped with each library’s own stamp and to receive a small gift. At the end of September, patrons will turn in their passports to any participating library to be entered in two drawings: Most Libraries Visited and one Random Drawing for all participants. For more information about the passport program, visit the Wethersfield Library or the program’s Facebook page at facebook.com/passporttoctlibraries. For information and directions to the library, visit www.wethersfieldlibrary. org or call 257-2811.

STEMTASTIC SATURDAY: The Wethersfield Library’s Children’s Department is offering a new year-round Saturday program for children of all ages. Explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math through fun doit-yourself activities. Drop-in anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to participate. STEMtastic Saturday starts Sept. 20. For more information about this and other programs for children, call the Children’s Department at (860) 257-2801, visit the library or www. wethersfieldlibrary.org/kids.htm. DROP-IN STORY/PLAY TIME: The Wethersfield Library invites children of all ages and their caregivers to come to Friday morning Drop-in Playtime/ Storytime from 10 a.m. to noon. No registration is required. Children’s programs are canceled on any day when the Wethersfield Public Schools are closed due to weather. For more information, visit the library, 515 Silas Deane Hwy., www.wethersfieldlibrary. org/kids.htm or call the Children’s Department at (860) 257-2801. SATURDAY STORIES: The Wethersfield Library offers year-round Saturday Stories for preschoolers at 10:30 a.m. Drop-in fun with books, songs and movement for the whole family. Registration is not required. For more information, call the Children’s Department at (860) 257-2801, visit the library or www.wethersfieldlibrary. org/kids.htm.


NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

WETHERSFIELD EVENTS SUPPORT GROUPS: First Congregational Church, 355 Main St., Cromwell, offers two programs for those going through divorce, and people who are already divorced. Both groups meet Fridays, Sept. 5 and 19 at 7 p.m. The “Divorce Support” is for anyone thinking about divorce, already divorced, or in process of divorce. The “Moving Forward Group” discusses many topics, which includes dating. A lot of us have forgotten what it’s like to date, as we are no longer in our teens, or 20s. FALL FEST JURIED CRAFT SHOW: Wethersfield Evangelical Free Church, 511 Maple St., will host its first Fall Fest Juried Craft Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. Admission is free and proceeds from the craft show will benefit the Central Connecticut Feed My Starving Children Mobilepack event to be held in November. For the past five years, 1,000 volunteers have packed as many as 280,000 meals each year. This year’s mobile packing event will be held Nov. 13, 14, and 15. We are raising funds necessary to pack 278,000 meals (enough to fill a shipping container) by sponsoring events such as the juried craft show. Feed My Starving Children (FMSC), a non-profit organization based in Minnesota and ranked in the top 2 percent of the most trusted charities, is dedicated to combating the problem of chronic malnutrition and starvation which affects millions of children worldwide. Their outreach is global, whether it’s a typhoon in the Phil-

Wethersfield | Rocky Hill

ippines, an earthquake in Haiti, a famine in Africa, Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, tornadoes in Joplin, Missouri, or Syrian refugee camps in Jordan, FMSC answers the call providing scientifically formulated, nutrition-packed meals. Lunch items will also be available for purchase. For more information about the craft fair, contact Val at (860-7169086). For more information about volunteering for the mobile packing event or making a donation, visit the website: www.CentralCTmobilepack. org

Friday, September 5, 2014 | 13

WETHERSFIELD SENIOR BRIEFS

Social Security Strategies

The Wethersfield Senior Center will host an educational workshop, “Strategies for Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits,” on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the Pitkin Community Center, 30 Greenfield St., Wethersfield. This workshop is intended for those not yet receiving Social RALLY FOR RUSS: Come show your Security benefits, but planning for support and help kick-off the camretirement. paign to re-elect Russ Morin as our With 10,000 baby boomers state Representative for the 28th retiring daily over the next two District, from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7 at Loretta’s Dream Pavilion, decades, the issue of when to file Mill Woods Park, Prospect Street. for Social Security may become Light fare and desserts. Come rain the single most important decior shine. sion many of us make in planning FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING for our retirements. Unfortunately, SET AT WETHERSFIELD SENIOR CENthere are many common misTER: A free blood pressure screening will be held Thursday, Sept. 25, from takes people make when signing 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., at the Wethersup, some of which could have a field Senior Center (Pitkin Commupermanent, negative impact on nity Center), 30 Greenfield St. Cedar lifetime benefits. Mountain Commons and Jefferson This workshop will explore House are sponsoring the screening. Cedar Mountain Commons, a denumerous little-known strategies partment of Hartford Hospital, offers available when filing for Social independent and assisted living. Security which may boost your Jefferson House, a department of Hartford Hospital, offers short-term/ benefits and substantially enhance outpatient rehabilitation, skilled your lifetime retirement income. nursing and palliative care. And since Social Security benefits

alone will likely be insufficient for an individual or couple to retire comfortably, the decisions discussed at this workshop offer an important opportunity to improve your standard of living in retirement. Professionals Michael Alimo and David Weyner of U.S.A. Financial & Tax Services will lead this informative and educational event. Workshop highlights include: ∎ How Social Security benefits are calculated ∎ Strategies to maximize your Social Security benefits ∎ Coordinating benefits — the options married couples have regarding when and how to apply ∎ How Social Security benefits are taxed ∎ The tax implications of collecting benefits and continuing to work. This is not a sales event and is free to all. Refreshments will be served. Please call Lisa Galipo, Senior Center Coordinator at 860-721-2979 to register for this workshop.

CarFit Event

The Wethersfield Senior Center and Executive Square House of Wethersfield will sponsor a CarFit event at the Pitkin Community Center, 30 Greenfield St., Wethersfield, Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. CarFit is a free, interactive and educational program that teaches mature drivers how to make their personal vehicle “fit” them to increase safety and mobility when they hit the road. CarFit was developed by AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association. Trained professionals at the event will ask you simple questions and complete a 12-point CarFit checklist that reviews key areas of your fit to your car such as adequate space from the steering wheel, proper seat belt use and properly adjusted head restraints. Each participant will leave the event with recommended car adjustments and adaptations, a list of resources and greater peace of mind. A checkup takes about 20 minutes. Call AARP at (860) 375-3227 to schedule your CarFit appointment on Sept. 27. For more information, visit www. car-fit.org.

ROCKY HILL EVENTS CALENDAR RHHS PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE: The first meeting of the Rocky Hill High School Parent Advisory Committee is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. in the school library. New teachers will be introduced to parents. All interested parents and guardians of high school students are encouraged to attend. ROCKY HILL HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Rocky Hill High School has scheduled Open House for Monday, Sept. 29. Parents and guardians are invited to Open House at Rocky Hill High School from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. During each 10-minute class period, classroom teachers will present an overview of course content, with emphasis on their expectations for student performance and achievement. Follow-up meetings or telephone calls are encouraged. Administrators, guidance counselors, and support staff will be available throughout the evening to answer questions. Members of the Student Senate will be on hand to serve as guides as parents travel from class to class. Refreshments will be served in the cafeteria. ROYAL BLUES HOME SHOW: The RHHS Royal Blues Marching Band will host its 16th annual Home Show Saturday, Sept. 27 at Rocky Hill High Schools’

McVicar Field, 50 Chapin Ave., Rocky Hill. The 2014 Invitational is titled “The Sohei,” featuring “Gloriosa” by Yasuhide Ito and “Marimba Spiritual” by Minoru Miki. The Royal Blues Marching Band is under the direction of James Shuman. Gates will open at noon and the first band will take the field at 1 p.m. General admission is $10 and $5 for senior citizens and students.The Royal Blues Marching Band is led by Drum Major, Haleigh Oeser. The Band Section Leaders are: Jackie Aylward, Brass; George Enriquez, Percussion; Jaycee O’Dierna, Color guard; James Rolfe, Woodwinds; The Band Captains are Emily Pentland, and Deivydas Giedrimas. This year’s Principal Players are Erika Peterson, and Patricia Czarnecki. Members of the Class of 2015 are: Jackie Aylward, Celia Cheyney, George Enriquez, Zack Federici, Victoria LeDuc, Jaycee O’Dierna, Hannah Oeser and James Rolfe. RHHS BAND CRAFT FAIR ONE STOP SHOPPING FOR THE HOLIDAYS: The RHHS Bands have announced their third annual Craft Fair Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Rocky Hill High School. This is the perfect time to showcase the special crafts you have made. With the holiday season right around the corner, a lot of people are looking for uniquely handcrafted gifts.

You have two types of tables to choose from, round tables (60 inches in diameter), and rectangular tables (73X30 inches), each of which will cost $30 for the day. You may begin setting up as early as 8:30 a.m. If you are not in your space by 10 a.m., you will forfeit your booth(s) for the day. Do not vacate your booth(s) prior to 3 p.m. All spaces must be cleaned and vacated by 4 p.m. You are responsible for manning your own booth(s), collecting money and taxes from sales and remitting tax money to the proper agency. Advertising … We will advertise in the major local and school newspapers, as well as with signs and banners. We ask that you do your share advertising by sending flyers to everyone you know. Confirmation of registration and booth(s) assignment will be mailed in November. Do not call the school for booth(s) assignment. If you have any questions, contact Dawn at cymba11212@gmail.com, or (413) 250-3194. Complete and mail the registration form. The deadline for seller registration is Friday, Oct. 31. Don’t wait until the last minute — tables go quickly! RHHS Band Craft Fair Table Registration Form Postmark Deadline, Friday, Nov. 1. Name Phone (home); Address (Cell) City State Zip Email. Number of Round

Tables (@$30 each): Number of Rectangular Tables(@$30 each): Amount Enclosed $ Who told you about the craft fair? List type of Craft(s): Do you require electricity? Make checks payable and mail to: RHHS Band SAF Rocky Hill High School, 50 Chapin Ave. Rocky Hill, CT, 06067. SUPPORT GROUP: The Atrium at Rocky Hill offers a Support Group for those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. The Support Group is open to the public. The Atrium does offer Adult Daycare during the duration of the support group at no cost. The Group meets every second Saturday at 2 p.m. For more information contact Erin Hall at (860) 563-5588, or ehall@benchmarkquality.com. MEMORY IMPAIRMENT PACKETS AVAILABLE: The Atrium at Rocky Hill is offering information packets for those needing more information and resources on memory impairment, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. For more information, contact For more information contact Erin Hall with The Atrium at Rocky Hill, (860) 563-5588, or email, ehall@benchmarkquality.com. HEALTH DISTRICT OFFERS FREE DENTAL CLEANINGS: Are you over

the age of 60, live in Berlin, Newington, Rocky Hill or Wethersfield and are in need of a dental cleaning? If so, the Central Connecticut Health District (CCHD) has a service for you! In partnership with the North Central Agency on Aging, CCHD is providing free dental cleaning clinics to individuals age 60 and over who live in Berlin, Newington, Rocky Hill or Wethersfield. To find out the schedule and book your appointment in your town, call the following numbers: Berlin: Contact Tina Doyle at (860) 828-7006; Newington: Contact Charlene Magnano at (860) 665-8778; Rocky Hill: Contact Lori DiPietro at (860) 721-2824; Wethersfield: Contact Lisa Gallipo at (860) 721-2979. Donations are generously accepted for this service. TOPS of Rocky Hill/Wethersfield [a nonprofit weight loss support group] meets weekly Wednesday evenings at Mapleview Health and Rehabilitation Center, 856 Maple St. (Route 3), Rocky Hill. Meetings begin with weigh-ins starting at 6:30 p.m. The chapter is open to all, however, program content will emphasize taking off and keeping off weight following bariatric surgery. More information and contacts can be found at www. meetup.com/TOPS-AFTER-BARIATRIC-SURGERY.


NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

14| Friday, September 5, 2014

Classifieds 860-231-2444

placing an ad is easy. Just call !

business hours: monday-friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Industrial Space 741 BRISTOL - 460 sf, $400. 800 sf, $600. 1500 sf, $750. 6000 sf, $3000. Central Bristol. 860-729-1010.

Home Furnishings 257

Serta Queen Pillowtop NEWINGTON - Church of Mattress, new, in plastic. Holy Spirit, Ladies’ Guild AnFirst $100. 860-402-8007 nual Tag Sale, 183 Church St, Preview date Fri, Sept 5th, 9am - 2pm, $5 admission fee. Sale is Sat 9/6, 8 - 3.

Lawn & Garden 266

SCREENED TOPSOIL 860-681-8245 or 860-681-8247

Home Furnishings 257 DR TABLE w/ 6 chrs. 42 x 72 glass top w/stone base. Beige chrs. 860-977-8343.

Tag Sales/Flea Markets 290

Develop the classified habit. You’ll be cash ahead. Call 860-231-2444

Miscellaneous

Wanted to Buy 299

Develop the classified habit. You’ll be cash ahead. Call 860-231-2444

CAL INSTRUMENTS - Guitars, drums, accordions & sound equip. in any cond. LaSalle Music 860-289-3500, Stan.

Apartments for Rent 720 BRISTOL - 2 BR, 1st FL, gas ht, w/d hkp, pkg avail. 860-302-6717

Old Tools Wanted

Always Buying old, used and antique hand tools, carpentry, MACHINIST, engraving & workbench tools. If you have old or used tools that are no longer being used, call with confidence. Fair & friendly offers made in your home. Please call Cory

860 - 322 - 4367 ALWAYS ACQUIRING all vintage musical instruments, guitars, amps, trumpets, WANTING TO BUY MAsaxophones, accordions. CHINIST TOOLBOXES, Cash paid. 860-372-9147. TOOLS, TOOLING & GAUGES - 860-985-5760 ALWAYS BUYING - Vintage electronics, Ham, CB, shortwave, radios, guitars, amps, hi-fi audio, watches. 860-707-9350.

Every week, we bring 278 buyers and sellers, ANTIQUES. Always buying, cash paid. One item or enemployers and employees, POWER LIFT CHAIR tire estate. Clocks, military, cameras, watches, toys, $175. landloards and tenants posters, art, jewelry, signs, 860-426-1012. together. musician instruments & more. 860-718-5132. You can rely on Tag Sales/Flea Markets Develop the classified habit. Classified Ads 290 You’ll be cash ahead. to get results. Call 860-231-2444 Call 860-231-2444 NEWINGTON - Bethel CASH PAID FOR MUSIChristian Church, 30 Pine St, Friday, September 5th and Saturday September 6th from 8:30 to 3:00. Many items to choose from.

Wanted to Buy 299

Help Wanted 520 Companions & Homemakers, Inc. CAREGIVERS WANTED

Immediate Openings We are looking for responsible, mature individuals who enjoy working with the elderly and making a difference in someone’s life. l††Good Pay Choose Your Own Hours l††Medical Benefits 80% Company Paid. l††

Dogs & Cats 305 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to help Animal Alliance Welfare League in New Britain to feed colonies of cats, foster kittens, trap & transport cats to veterinary appts. If interested in this worthy cause, call Linda 860-518-6579.

Positions Available Throughout the State. Must have car available (except liveins). Apply On-line Today At caregiverjobsct.com or call 888-844-4442 DCP HCA 0000101

Apartments for Rent 720 * A BRISTOL - 2 story renovated Town House. 3 BR, 2 BA, eat-in kit, C/A, w/d hkp, gas ht. No pets. Sec & ref. $1,150. 860-559-9349.

BRISTOL-Studio & 1 BR, 1st & 2nd FL, $675 - $775 inc ht/hw. 860-478-3261. NEW BRITAIN: Studio, $500. 1 BR, $575. Nice, clean, quiet. Laundry. Police report. Available now. (203) 630-6999.

Mobile Homes Every week, we bring buyers and sellers, 755 employers and employees, - Close to shoplandloards and tenants PLAINVILLE ping. New 2014 2 BR, 1 BA w/appl. $37,900 Liberty Motogether. Looking for a Job bile Homes (860) 747-6881. You can rely on Classified Ads to get results. Call 860-231-2444 Develop the classified habit. You’ll be cash ahead. Call 860-231-2444

Having a Tag Sale? Don’t forget to advertise with a fast-acting Classified Call 860-231-2444

Mobile Homes 870 BRISTOL - New Listing! 1 BR, 1 BA, new siding & windows. ONLY $14,900. Liberty Mobile Homes (860) 747-6881.

Don’t Shell Out a Lot of Cash; Use the Classifieds. Smart shoppers know about the bargains found within the Classified pages. It’s easy to place an ad or find the items you want, and it’s used by hundreds of area shoppers every week.

Use the Classifieds today. Call to place an ad:

860-231-2444

HOME IMPROVEMENT DIRECTORY

BASEMENT WATERPROOFING JP BACHAND BASEMENT WATERPROOFING Reliable local contractor. Hatchway leaks, foundation cracks, sub-floor drainage systems, sump pumps & yard drainage. Fully insured, free estimates, written guarantee. Our 27th year registered with CT Dept of Consumer Protection (Reg #511842). Call 860-666-9737

CLEANING SERVICES Polish/English speaking woman can clean your house with care. 3rd Cleaning 50% off for new clients only. Satisfaction guaranteed. Insured, bonded. Call Kasia 860-538-4885 ELECTRICAL SERVICES NDC ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING All aspects of electrical work, additions, new homes, renovations, pools, hottubs, etc. Main service up-grades from

fuses to circuit breakers. Fast, quality workmanship. Nick 860-665-7202. CT Lic #E1-180139

LAWN AND GARDEN MAINTENANCE PREMIER PROPERTy MAINTENANCE is offering Newington residents one free lawn cutting when you sign up for weekly lawn cutting service. Other services include seasonal clean-ups, mulching, rototilling, organic fertilizing, etc. Free quotes over the phone or email. Dependable owner does the work. Fully insured. Call Mike 860-205-8761. Premierproperty@cox.net PLUMBING POSITANO PLUMBING, INC. 31 years of serving Bristol and the surrounding areas. Specializing in all repairs. Plumbing & heating. Water heater replacement, boiler replacement. CT Lic #202691, 308931. For the best

repair work in the area, please call: 860-584-0012, 186 West St., Bristol.

REMODELING FULL SERVICE REMODELING Windows, bathrooms and kitchens. All interior and exterior home or business remodeling and handyman service. You name it - I’ve done it! Excellent references and competitive rates with over 10 years experience. BBB Accredited. Call Mike 860-690-6505 or Kris 860-348-076 today for your free estimate. Fully insured and licensed. Lic #565969. TREE SERVICE TOTAL TREE SERVICE & LANDSCAPING, LLC - Fall Cleanup & Lawn Maintenenace. Commerical & Residential. 75 ft. bucket truck. Chipper, firewood, land clearing, stump grinding, tree removal. Registration #608808. Fully insured. 860-529-8389 or 860-538-0980.


Friday, September 5, 2014 | 15

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

HERE’S MY CARD HOMECARE

HOME IMPROVEMENT 100 FINA % NC AVAI ING LABL E

Creating a HARMONY between customer, contractor & community.

To AdverTise on These pAges CAll The ClAssified depArTmenT

+ Caregivers, Homemakers and CNAs (live-in and hourly) + Residential and Commercial Cleaning Services + High-quality, fully insured and bonded services Reg #HCA.000514 + Competitive prices

860-231-2444

Call 860-505-7720, email annashomecare@aol.com or visit us at annashomecareservices.com

INSURANCE

040787

030956

ROOFING • SIDING • WINDOWS & more...

Free Upgrade to Lifetime Shingles

CALL NOW &

(with this ad only)

860-645-8899

Roofing le Siding Sa

Lic. #604200 / Fully Insured / FREE Estimates

HEALTHCARE

Factory Certified with

REALTORS

038291

024521

Your Home Specialist

AFFORDABLE Aspen Insurance LLC Auto - Home - Business Raymond Milaszewicz Owner - Agent

56 Woodland ln Berlin, CT 06037

48 Church Street Rocky Hill, CT 06067 Personal Emergency Response Systems

Home health aides, homemakers, companions and live‐ins Home health aides, homemakers, companions and live‐ins Home health aides, homemakers, companions and live‐ins Home health aides, homemakers, companions and live‐ins Personal Emergency Response Systems Call Today: 860‐667‐2275 Personal Emergency Response Systems Personal Emergency Response Systems Home health aides, homemakers, companions and live‐ins Personal Emergency Response Systems Phone: 860-563-HOME (4663)

Mention code NTC30‐1 to save $140 per week on live‐in services Call Today: 860‐667‐2275 Call Today: 860‐667‐2275 Call Today: 860‐667‐2275 Fax: 860-529-3655 27 Garfield St., Newington, CT 06111 or visit us at: www.adhomehealthsolutions.com Call Today: 860‐667‐2275 Personal Emergency Response Systems Mention code NTC30‐1 to save $140 per week on live‐in services HCA 0000283

Phone: 860-303-9989 Fax: 860-356-7176 Email: raymondM77@gmail.com

Mention code NTC30‐1 to save $140 per week on live‐in services Mention code NTC30‐1 to save $140 per week on live‐in services Mention code NTC30‐1 to save $140 per week on live‐in services 27 Garfield St., Newington, CT 06111 or visit us at: www.adhomehealthsolutions.com 27 Garfield St., Newington, CT 06111 or visit us at: www.adhomehealthsolutions.com 27 Garfield St., Newington, CT 06111 or visit us at: www.adhomehealthsolutions.com HCA 0000283 HCA 0000283 27 Garfield St., Newington, CT 06111 or visit us at: www.adhomehealthsolutions.com HCA 0000283 HCA 0000283

Email: pat.hughes@snet.net

Mark Walworth Realtor Justice of the Peace 042874

REALTORS

860-231-2444

Owner/Broker Justice of the Peace

Call Today: 860‐667‐2275

REALTORS

Mention code NTC30‐1 to save $140 per week on live‐in services

To AdverTise on These pAges CAll The ClAssified depArTmenT

Patricia Hughes-Walworth

Home health aides, homemakers, companions and live‐ins

27 Garfield St., Newington, CT 06111 or visit us at: www.adhomehealthsolutions.com HCA 0000283

Cathleen Hall, GRI, SRES Broker

30C Fenn Road Newington, CT 06111 Cell 860-559-6643 Business 860-666-5656 chall@bhhsne.com © 2013 An independently operated member of BHH Affiliates, LLC Equal Housing Opportunity.

bhhsNEproperties.com

REALTORS

REALTORS

© 2013 An independently operated member of BHH Affiliates, LLC Equal Housing Opportunity.

bhhsNEproperties.com

TREE SERVICE

To AdverTise on These pAges CAll The ClAssified depArTmenT

860-231-2444

To AdverTise CAll ClAssified depArTmenT - 860-231-2444


NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

16| Friday, September 5, 2014

VOTED “BEST DELI GRINDERS IN NEW BRITAIN” BY NEW BRITAIN HERALD READERS

LARGEST AND LOWEST PRICED DELI IN TOWN!

fRESH fRUIT, vEGETABLES & GROCERIES dAILY fROM BOSTON... LOw pRICES! LARGEST SELECTION Of fRUIT & vEGETABLES AvAILABLE!

BEST LUNCH IN TOWN!

LS A E M T O H e!

l b a l i Ava

Once you try our grinders, you won’t go anywhere else. we make it fRESH - just the way you like it!

30 KINDS OF GRINDERS STARTING AT

$5.50

INCL. FREE CAN OF SODA

TRY OUR TURKISH KABOB/GYRO Twin City Plaza:749 New Britain Ave.

42 Windsor Avenue

NEWINGTON

VERNON

Ph:

860-665-8288 Fax: 860-665-1458

Ph:

860-870-4000

OPEN 7 DAYS: M-F 7am-7pm; Sat. 7am-6pm; Sun. 7am-4pm DELI CLOSES 1/2 HR. BEFORE STORE CLOSES

We accept Food Stamp Benefits

043650

• Lamb/Mixed w/Beef

CCSU Blue Chip Cards Accepted


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.