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A real class act

Officials expect cut in town funding from state’s Capital Improvement Program

By ERICA SCHMITT STAFF WRITER

The town may or may not receive an adequate amount of funding from the state this coming spring to supplement the 2013-14 budget.

Town Councilors were informed of this at their meeting Tuesday evening while discussing the Capital Improvement Program: the annual allocation of funding to different construction, renovation or improvement projects in town.

The $20 million in state aid Volume 53, No. 46

Free

the town usually receives yearly is expected to be cut some, Salomone told Councilors, because of Connecticut’s debt situation.

“We may not be in as good of a position as we have in past years,” said Councilor Maureen Klett, Chairperson of the town’s CIP Committee — the body charged with the responsibility of making CIP spending recommendations to the Council.

Klett requested that the program be discussed at the meeting after getting indication that state aid might be less this coming year.

The town spends about $6.3 million per year on the CIP budget.

“We have to make sure that come March or April nothing is left out, everything is on the table,” Councilor Myra Cohen urged her

Erica Schmitt | Staff

Kathi Rossi’s third-grade class at Ruth Chaffee School, inspired by a recent recycling program, began a schoolwide book drive which generated more than 1,500 books. See story and photos on Page 3.

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Local News

2| Friday, Dec 14, 2012

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

$100K DEEP grant encourages low impact development

This undertaking comes via a $100,000 grant the State Department Newington will do its best in the of Energy and Environmental future to minimize environmental Protection awarded the town hazards caused by construction. recently, to implement Low Impact

By ERICA SCHMITT STAFF WRITER

NEWINGTON

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Development (LID) practices.

Half of the funding will be designated to the update of the town’s land use regulations and procedures and the other half toward a small-scale project in town demonstrating the use of LID practices.

These might include reducing site disturbances during construction, enhancing retention basins, minimizing storm water runoff into streams and preventing environmental degradation, among other measures.

Town Manager John Salomone informed the Town Council of the grant at their meeting Tuesday evening.

The next step will be the formation of a Local Land Use Committee to take charge of this responsibility; to include the town planner, town engineer, members of the Plan and Zoning and Conservation

Commissions and an individual representing the business community.

“I think this is an important project and I’m kind of proud the state looked at us to implement it,” Salomone said Tuesday, then offering an example of the type of demonstration project that the funding might be used for: walkways that have the ability to drain water through them, recently installed at the state Capitol and known as “pervious pavement.”

The town might choose to execute a similar project, while encouraging developers to also use environmentally-friendly practices on job sites.

“These would not be mandatory but we’d want to think of incentives for companies,” Salomone explained.

“I think this is a win-win for us,” he added. “There are a lot of ways to de-emphasize the impact of development in a community; it’s only

limited by your imagination.”

And expense.

“You’re paying more but it lasts longer,” Mayor Steve Woods said of LID practices, which can be costly but pay off in the long run, as features don’t have to be replaced nearly as often and function more efficiently.

DEEP awarded the first LID funding in 2008 to towns in the Farmington River Watershed.

Newington is the second to receive the grant.

The funding was originally generated through fines DEEP imposed on companies for not using good practices.

“They’re turning it around in a positive way,” Salomone added.

Erica Schmitt can be reached at (860) 225-4601, ext. 210, or eschmitt@ newbritainherald.com.

Wethersfield officials object to Toll Bros. proposed Cedar Mountain subdivision

By ERICA SCHMITT STAFF WRITER

A plan for a 48-lot subdivision on nearby Cedar Mountain that has ignited substantial opposition in Newington is also facing concerns from Wethersfield officials.

The 73-acre site abuts Russell Road on the town line, where an application for a larger-scale luxury home development was denied last year. According to developer Toll Brothers, the revised plan they are currently seeking a wetlands permit for would have less of an environmental impact.

This claim is substantiated by analysis from the builder’s team of wetlands and blasting experts, which the town of Newington is challenging with its own team.

A report from this recently-hired group is expected later this month,

as Newington’s Conservation Commission is still amidst the public hearing period. The deadline was extended to accommodate their examination.

The commission’s meetings have drawn an upwards of 40 residents who oppose the plan, including members of the Save Cedar Mountain advocacy group.

Wethersfield Town Manager Jeff Bridges has also been attending all of the hearings to stay involved in the project, as Wethersfield recently filed for “Intervener” status to address the town’s concerns.

According to town officials, their objections lie mainly with the fact that the site’s proposed retention ponds will drain into Wethersfield.

Their proposed solution is for both towns to take part in the drafting of the Homeowners Association

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regulations, providing for a fund to maintain and repair these ponds.

This would also serve as a back-up in case the ponds are not maintained, for either town to do the work and then place liens on the properties within the development for reimbursement of costs.

Wethersfield is hoping another issue will be addressed over the course of the approval process — creating a landscape buffer along the site’s Russell Road parameter.

The developer has also agreed to use Wethersfield’s blasting protocols in construction.

Planning officials from both towns will continue to work together in reviewing the application. The next Conservation Commission is Dec. 18 in Newington Town Hall, 131 Cedar St.

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Friday, Dec 14, 2012 | 3

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

Ruth Chaffee 3rd-graders devise successful book drive STAFF WRITER

Ms. Kathi Rossi’s third-graders at Ruth Chaffee School are a unique bunch.

Earlier this fall, three students were inspired by a recycling homework assignment to begin a school-wide book drive, a seed idea that has since generated over 1,500 books and lots of learning along the way.

“I’m so impressed with how independent they were, they came up with every step on their own,” said Rossi, who located ReadToGrow. org., a nonprofit that collects reading material for children in kindergarten through eighth grade across the state.

“First we had to convince our principal to let us,” said Meghana Gadde, one of the 22 students in the class.

This is when the project turned into a series of mini-lessons that the students weren’t forced to do, but curiously, wanted to.

Right before the presidential election, the class held a debate over whether to write Principal Rick DeBellis one collective letter asking his permission, or if each student should write their own persuasive essay to the principal.

Twenty-one essays went out soon after.

Then began the crafting of posters to display around their school advertising the book drive, which ran for the month of November in its entirety.

“It’s a good way for people who don’t have money to learn how to read,” Alexandra Daha said matter-

of-factly during a recent school day when the kids gathered to celebrate their feat: counting a total of 1,568 books.

Read to Grow volunteers picked up all 21 boxes of books this week, each labeled with how many it contained.

Evidence of their hard work can be seen around Rossi’s classroom and throughout the hallways in the school.

Right outside the door is a floor-to-ceiling hand-drawn “thermometer” showing how the amount of donations gradually increased over the course of the month. A large piece of paper near the windows lists each of the students’ predictions made before the collection even began.

“When I got on the bus, all the kids were asking me questions about the book drive,” said Jack Bogatz, proud of his classmates’ efforts.

“While we were in the hallways going to lunch and class a lot of teachers came up to us and complimented us on how nice it is that we’re doing this,” added Morgan Hellman.

“They are really a special class,” Rossi explained of her students.

“They always celebrate others’ and each other’s successes.”

Each played a different role in the project: one marked new book totals on the thermometer each day, another group made an announcement about the drive over the school’s loudspeaker and some made flyers for other grades to send home to parents.

But this teamwork was just one

CORRECTION

Erica Schmitt can be reached at (860) 225-4601, ext. 210, or eschmitt@ newbritainherald.com.

Erica Schmitt | Staff

Ms. Kathi Rossi’s third-grade class at Ruth Chaffee School created a book drive that collected more than 1,500 books. The class created a book thermometer to chart how many were collected.

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of many learning components the project was comprised of. A science lesson could be learned by connecting the reuse of already-read books to recycling other items.

The thermometer and daily tally of books tied into a simple math lesson.

This spontaneous philanthropic effort has only ignited a flame of giving spirit in these students. Since their drive concluded, other ideas to help kids who aren’t as lucky have been bouncing off the walls in Rossi’s classroom.

Here are just a few: “My cousin who lives in Long Island, they got hit very hard by Hurricane Sandy and still don’t have power. I was thinking of giving them food and clothes.”

-Samantha Webster “A clothes drive!” –Alejandro Reilly “I feel great about what we’re doing for these kids. If we do another drive, I think it should be a toy drive.”

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Local News

4| Friday, Dec 14, 2012

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Officials wary of possible reduction in state funds Continued from Page 1

fellow Councilors, who shared a sense of anxiety over what items might be allotted less funding because of a tight budget.

Councilor Jay Botallico cautioned that they should plan which areas to make reductions to, if necessary.

“I think we’ve got to be prepared to say we’re going to cut this, this and this,” he said.

There won’t be any word on how much of a reduction — if any — there will be in state aid until the springtime.

“We’ll have a pretty good idea of where we stand by April,” Salomone told Councilors. “We’re going to try to hold onto as much as we can, if not all of it, but that will evolve over the next six months or so.”

Each town department sub-

mits requests to the Finance Department for CIP funding of various items in November of each year. The CIP Committee finalizes recommendations in February, for the Council’s consideration and approval in April during the budget process.

There were about 30 different projects in this year’s CIP budget.

The most significant and costly included the purchase of the Marcap property on Cedar Mountain for preservation, bringing Newington High School up to code compliance, and replacing the roof at John Wallace Middle School. Each cost Ad Size: around $1 million.

Section: The Town Council will meet next on Tuesday, Jan. 8.

Local News

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

Senior Center exhibit features local artist

At left is a pastel painting titled “Flowers, Etc.” by Pat Tanger, an artist from Newington. There will be an exhibit of her work during the month of January in the cafeteria of the Newington’s Senior and Disabled Center on Cedar Street. Tanger graduated from the Pratt Institute earning a B.F.A. in Interior Design. During a 16-year career designing office interiors, Tanger always maintained her childhood passion for art. Tanger was introduced to pastels by a fellow Newington Art League artist and while she paints in a wide variety of media, pastels are a favorite.

She is a member of the CT Pastel Society and is the resident of the Newington Art League.(www. newingtonartleague.org.) She is well known in the area for her skill painting “pet portraits.”

Tanger can be contacted at (860) 666-5026. The display at the Newington Senior and Disabled Center starts Jan. 8.

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Erica Schmitt can be reached at (860) 225-4601, ext. 210, or eschmitt@ newbritainherald.com.

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Friday, Dec 14, 2012 | 7

Local News

See the evolution of Christmas at the Deming-Young Farm

By ERICA SCHMITT STAFF WRITER

Around this time of year, the country is enveloped by the Christmas season in every facet of culture. But the holiday wasn’t always tsuch a big of a deal, especially in New England.

The public is invited to the Deming-Young Farm this weekend to experience the evolution of a northern Christmas through the centuries, in a New England Holiday Open House.

Particular rooms in the farmhouse, built by Thomas Deming in 1784, will be decorated to reflect traditions of different eras.

Up until the 1830s, Christmas wasn’t celebrated any farther north than Williamsburg, Va., because strict Puritan rules banned such holidays.

“It was forbidden,” said Dave Goodale, president of the Deming-Young Farm Foundation, who is hosting this Sunday’s tours.

“We wanted to do something where we could show Christmas at different times,” he explained.

Although the Puritans stayed away from Christmas, they did celebrate New Years.

“That’s when they resolved to settle their debts, and where the idea of New Years resolutions comes from,” Goodale added.

This Sunday, step into the kitchen of the farmhouse and step back into 1830, when the first Christmas traditions emerged in the area.

They were simple: a Yule log on the fireplace, a small tabletop tree, maybe a pine garland on the mantle. Gingerbread will be served in this room, following custom.

“The kids would get hand-made presents, something the father would carve himself,” said Goodale, who will provide insight into these traditions in each of the rooms.

Then in the home’s south parlor the Victorian period of the 1890s will be highlighted with a more elaborate presentation. A larger Christmas tree will be lit by candles and decorated with ornaments.

There will be the old-time “cracker” toys that children used to snap open to find a prize inside. Fudge and ribbon candy will be served here.

The north parlor brings visitors into the 1950s, when Christmas festivities were in full swing.

“During that period, you would have surely had all the things we’re used to today,” Goodale said.

At this point in time, the holiday was mostly catered toward children. There were presents beneath the tree, milk and cookies on the table and a “Jingle Bell Rock” record playing.

While the town of Newington owns the Deming-Young Farm, the Deming-Young Farm Foundation was founded back in 2001 to preserve and restore the farmhouse as an educational living history center. Because they

The Deming-Young Farm, 282 Church St., Newington, will host a New England Open House Dec. 16 from 12 to 3 p.m. The event will take visitors on a tour through the evolution of regional Christmas observations.

operate as a nonprofit, the house is need of some costly repairs that have delayed its regular public opening.

Besides needing a hook-up to city water and the addition of handicapped-accessible bathrooms, the dog-leg staircase in the house is in need of repairs.

“We’re hoping maybe some organization or group will volunteer to refurbish it for us,” says Goodale, adding that the railing supports

are in decay.

This Sunday, Dec. 16, from noon to 3 p.m. the Deming-Young Farm will host a New England Open House, at 282 Church St., Newington. For more information about the Deming-Young Farm Foundation, call Dave Goodale at (860) 666-1016.

Erica Schmitt can be reached at (860) 225-4601, ext. 210, or eschmitt@newbritainherald.com.

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Newington resident inducted into National Honor Society

Newington resident Thaddeus Link was among the 78 students inducted into the Aquinas Chapter of the National Honor Society at Northwest Catholic High School on Dec. 6.

The inductees were recognized for outstanding scholarship, admirable character and leadership, and generous service to NWC and their communities.

To be invited into membership in NHS, students must maintain a 3.5 grade-point average and must demonstrate exemplary character, leadership, and service to their school, their parish, or their town.

A selection committee of five teachers reviews the applications and qualifications of all eligible students.

“These students represent the highest in academic achievement and leadership,” said Terri Turley, a member of NWC’s Math Department and the NHS Moderator. “They serve as role models for the entire student body and their communities.”

“The National Honor Society is about so much more than

Thaddeus Link

just grades,” agreed Margaret Williamson, NWC Principal/ Chief Administrator. “It is a way to help educate the whole student and reinforce the importance of making a difference in the world.”

Since 1961, Northwest Catholic’s mission has been to educate the whole person: mind, body, spirit, and soul.

Enrollment for the Class of ’17 is now under way, and prospective students are invited to take the entrance exam on Jan. 26, 2013. For more information, contact Maryann Lacouture (860-236-4221, x140.

Local News

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

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Friday, Dec 14, 2012 | 9

Sports

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

Newington-Berlin-Manchester hockey expects big year

By CHRIS MCLAUGHLIN STAFF WRITER

Soon the Newington-Berlin ice hockey team will be joined by Manchester and take the ice as the defending Division III Champions.

The Indians won’t be affected by a mass exodus of seniors, as they will retain several key players from last years title run. Though the offense takes a bit of a hit, bringing back goalie Drew O’Leary and several key defenders will give the Indians a strong defensive edge.

SEASON PREVIEW

Head Coach: Dave Harackiewicz (20th season) Last Year’s Record: 22-2 (Division III Champions) Key Departures: Nick Briganti, Brandon Ralph, Alex Ericson, Jeff Smolicz Key Returners: Drew O’Leary (Sr. Goalie, Co-Captain, AllState), Jeff Rossman (Sr. Defense, Co-Captain, All-Conference), Mike Davies ( Jr. Defense), Justinn Pratte (Sr. defense, Co-Captain), Brendan Richard (Sr. Forward, All-Conference), Hunter Blaise

(Sr. Forward, Co-Captain), Marco Dipaola (Soph. Forward), Tyler Aldieri (Sr. Forward) Outlook: The Indians are fresh off of winning the Division III championship, and will look to make their way back to Yale this season. A lot of offense has since left the team, but it will retain a strong defensive presence, and one of the best goalies in the state in the form of Drew O’Leary, who was a key cog in last season’s title run.

Coach’s only concern heading into the season will be how much offense the team can manufacture. With Brendan Richard coming back, the Indians will have a legitimate threat on offense, as the senior forward is approaching the 100 goal mark for his career, and scored the gamewinner in last season’s title game.

Should he, and a few others form a cohesive offensive unit, the Indians will once again be heading back to the playoffs, hunting for another title.

“We lost a lot of scoring, but most of our defense returns,” head coach Dave Harackiewicz. “If we can develop an offensive attack we will be very competitive this season.”

Mike Orazzi | Staff

Members of the Newington-Berlin ice hockey team celebrate after winning the Division III Championship last season.

While the co-op program included Newington and Berlin last season, this year the two schools will be joined by Manchester. Three players from Manchester will join the ranks, and they will help bring size to the defense.

“We will have three Manchester kids joining us this season,”

Harackiewicz said. “It was a last- will be a tough act to follow. While minute addition to the co-op many high school teams usually program, and we’re happy to have experience a rebuilding year after them. They are good character kids winning it all, the Newingtonwho I expect to make an impact as Berlin-Manchester team will do the season goes on.” more re-tooling than rebuilding. ksm Mon - 10/29/2012 - 12:45:46 PM 346301.3110 The Indians had quite the season With so much returning talent, the last year, posting a 22-2 record, and Indians will once again be a force in with winning the championship, it Division III hockey.

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Local News

10| Friday, Dec 14, 2012

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

UConn journal: Job growth may lag until mid-2013

By KEITH M. PHANEUF CONNECTICUTMIRROR

Connecticut was able to slow its loss of jobs — if not reverse the trend — in the third quarter of 2012, and might have to wait until the second half of 2013 to see significant growth, the University of Connecticut’s quarterly economic journal reported Wednesday.

But the winter issue of The Connecticut Economy also warned that even this dour forecast might be scrapped for something worse — including as many as 20,000 job losses — if the Nutmeg State tumbles, along with the rest of the nation, over the fiscal cliff Jan. 1.

“The U.S. economy has toiled mightily to recover from its worst recession in two generations,” wrote economist Steven P. Lanza, who added that the gross domestic product — the value of all goods and services produced — has averaged just 2.2 percent annual growth over the past three years. “Connecticut hasn’t done half bad, considering.” The state has gained 30,000 jobs since

the recession ended just over three between July and September years ago, but the employment “following a 4,000 job swoon” outlook has been poor for more between April and June, the journal notes.

Citing a survey of four dozen economists polled by the Wall Street Journal, the national economy is expected to grow at 2 percent for most of next year.

“The problem is that with momentum building so slowly, Connecticut’s econthan a year, and particularly in the omy will struggle to post more second and third quarters of 2012. than nominal job gains” the next Connecticut lost 1,700 jobs year, wrote Lanza, who projected

...the last report also showed a stabilizing of the jobless rate, which has hovered at or around 9 percent for much of the fall after a volatile summer. The rate rose from 8.1 percent to 9 percent between June and August before dropping to 8.9 percent

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that about 7,500 positions would be added.

Employment remains high in Connecticut.

Connecticut’s unemployment rate rose marginally in October, climbing to 9 percent. The November numbers are expected next week.

But the last report also showed a stabilizing of the jobless rate, which has hovered at or around 9 percent for much of the fall after a volatile summer. The rate rose from 8.1 percent to 9 percent between June and August before dropping to 8.9 percent in September.

Besides high unemployment, other problems Lanza cited include flat wage growth and an unresolved European debt crisis that is slowing economic growth globally.

If any of those factors proves to be more damaging than expected, Connecticut could add as few as 4,000 new jobs next year, or even see more losses.

But Lanza quickly added “that dour outlook assumes we avoid the dreaded ‘fiscal cliff,’” referring to the series of federal tax increases and budget cuts mandated by law if Congress and President Obama fail to compromise on deficit-reduction measures by Dec. 31.

“The consequences for Connecticut employment would be disastrous,” Lanza wrote.

And the estimate of 20,000 jobs lost doesn’t include further reductions that would result if federal deficit-reducing measures include dramatic cuts in the military budget, which would slam hard into Connecticut’s defense industry.

“Political analysts are cautiously optimistic that, in the wake of the president’s re-election and modest legislative gains for the Democratic Party, recalcitrant Republicans will negotiate an agreement to avert disaster,” Lanza wrote.

In that event, he added, the state could begin adding as many as 1,000 jobs as soon as the next quarter, and could set a pace to grow up to 10,000 new jobs by the end of 2013.

“That’s not a particularly remarkable performance,” Lanza wrote, “but it sure beats cliffdiving.”

Friday, Dec 14, 2012 | 11

LocalNews

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

POLICE BLOTTER Joseph Calafiore, 23, of 53 Hopkins Drive, was charged Nov. 24 with operating an unregistered motor vehicle and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Richard White, 52, of 16 Union St., Enfield, was charged Nov. 27 with two counts illegally attempting to obtain a controlled substance, second-degree forgery, second-degree criminal attempt to commit forgery and third-degree identity theft.

Matthew Tepas, 42, of 118 Main St., Hartford, was charged Nov. 28 with driving under the influence, second-degree reckless endangerment, suspended driver’s license, traveling too fast for conditions and failure to drive reasonable distance apart.

Stephen Lynch, 22, of 140 Pheasant Run, Southington, was charged Dec. 6 with driving under the influence.

Pietro Marcuccio, 48, of 45 Woodruff St., Southington, was charged Dec. 8 with disorderly conduct.

Stephanie Almada, 40, of 529 Cypress Road, was charged Dec. 8 with creating a public disturbance.

Kimberly Castro, 40, of 104 Downey Drive, Manchester, was charged Dec. 9 with fourth-degree larceny, risk of injury to a minor and conspiracy to commit fourth-degree larceny.

Vivian Kupstas, 35, of 51 Ward St., Vernon, was charged Dec. 9 with fourth-degree larceny, risk of injury to a minor and conspiracy to commit fourth-degree larceny.

Anthony Corral, 50, of 20 Gloucester Court, was charged Dec. 10 with violation of probation.

CRRA encourages an eco-friendly Christmas STAFF REPORT

HARTFORD — Forget what Irving Berlin wrote about a white Christmas. Connecticut’s recycling leader, the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority, is encouraging everyone to keep the holidays green.

There are lots of holiday-related items that are recyclable, starting with what’s already appearing in mailboxes. According to Earth911.com, “each year 19 billion catalogs are mailed to American consumers.” In the 53 cities and towns that recycle with CRRA, as well as just about every other community in the state, catalogs can be recycled along with newspapers, junk mail, magazines and computer paper.

In addition to catalogs, here are some other dos and don’ts to make your holidays as green as can be: ∎ Corrugated cardboard – items ordered by mail or online are usually shipped in corrugated boxes. These boxes should be recycled. ∎ Greeting cards, envelopes and wrapping paper – but only those that have no

foil or plastic coating, and no photo cards or cards that play music or other sound.

If you want to do something greener, buy recycled-content paper products. Ribbons and bows can’t be recycled, but can be re-used.

∎ Glass – bottles and jars should be recycled. Light bulbs, mirrors, drinking glasses and window panes must be kept out of the recycling bins and barrels. ∎ Lights – if you’re replacing your old decorative lights with new LED (lightemitting diode) light sets, the old light sets are recyclable electronics and must be kept out of the trash and your recycling bin. Call your town hall or check with the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection for opportunities to recycle these and other electronics. ∎ Trees, wreaths, garlands – if they’re made out of trees and shrubs, they should be composted. If you don’t have your own outdoor composting bin, many cities and towns will collect them after the holidays. Call your city or town to find out.

If they’re artificial, save them for next year. ∎ Foam packing peanuts – these do not go in the recycling bin or barrel. The Plastic Loose Fill Council has set up the Peanut Hotline (800-828-2214) that can connect you to over 1,500 collection points in the United States, including eight in Connecticut.

There are lots of holiday-related items that are recyclable, starting with what’s already appearing in mailboxes. According to Earth911. com, “each year 19 billion catalogs are mailed to American consumers.” ∎ Gift boxes – boxboard (such as shoe boxes, cereal boxes and cracker boxes) and other types of cardboard should be recycled, but not if they’re coated with foil or plastic. ∎ Paper shopping bags – recycle or re-use them. If your community hasn’t switched to single-stream recycling, these bags are also great for packing newspapers, catalogs and other types of mixed paper. ∎ Plastic bags – please keep them out of the recycling bins and barrels. Many retailers will take them back.

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NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

No holiday for crime: rates rise around Christmas Local authorities seeing increase in robberies, other crimes

By LISA BACKUS STAFF WRITER

Robberies usually increase around the holidays, admits Southington Sgt. Jeffrey Dobratz, but last week the seasonal thievery may have reached a new high for SPD with three heists in less than 24 hours.

“I can remember when we’ve had two in one day, but I don’t ever remember three in one day,” Dobratz said Friday. “It definitely wasn’t like this last year.”

Bristol also has been hard hit with a gas station robbery early

Saturday morning coming a few days after an attempted robbery of a Subway shop and the holdup of a restaurant.

On the plus side, Bristol police report that usual holiday uptick in purse snatching has not materialized.

Area police say the number of robberies tends to ebb and flow, but holiday time is usually one of the peaks.

“There is definitely a time of the year when we have more robberies than others,” he said. “But we’ve been lucky this year so far,”

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at an item,” Watson said. “Most of it happens this time of year said New Britain Capt. Thomas while shopping. There are more Steck, head of the department’s people out and more people carryCriminal Investigation Division. ing money.”

While New Britain police Bristol police are also investihave only seen one robbery in the past week where a man showed a knife to get narcotics at the CVS on West Main Street, Bristol police are seeing an upsurge but they say it’s not above average — yet. On Saturday, a Middle Street gas station was robbed where the DONN WATSON suspect followed the clerk into Bristol police lieutenant a store and pulled out a knife.

“Fortunately, what I haven’t gating a robbery at the United seen is a pick-up in purse snatch- Bank on Farmington Avenue Nov. ings that usually happen this time 30 and an attempted robbery at a of year,” said Bristol Lt. Donn Subway restaurant on Farmington Watson. “We normally have more Avenue Wednesday night that was purse snatchings this time of year foiled when employees ran to the than any other.” back of the store when the suspect The purse snatching thefts can demanded cash. range from perpetrators grabbing Bristol police also arrested two a woman’s purse while she’s wear- men accused of robbing a Pine ing it to taking her pocketbook Street restaurant at gunpoint or wallet while it’s sitting in a Wednesday night after a witness grocery carriage. “People will leave took down their license plate it there and turn their back to look number as they were fleeing the

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Watson said they’ve investigated eight robberies since Nov. 15 which is about average. “It’s not over yet,” he said. “We probably have a little ways to go.”

Southington police have charged a local man with one of the three robberies that occurred Dec. 3 and early the next day.

Brandon Dlugos, 24, of Southington, was taken into custody Wednesday morning at a local business on Waterbury Meriden Turnpike to face charges in a robbery at the TD Bank on the same road Monday around 5 p.m.

Southington also had to deal with a robbery at the Farmington Bank branch that occurred around 11:55 a.m. Monday and a robbery at the 7-Eleven at 777 Queen St. around 1:20 a.m. Tuesday where a man entered the store and handed a clerk a note demanding cash.

Dobratz also said Southington police made an arrest in a West Street convenience store robbery that happened Nov. 23.

Steck said New Britain police did have a spurt of robberies throughout the fall but the number has dropped off considerably in recent weeks. “We made some arrests and that may have helped,” he said. “We also have been highly visible with our traffic enforcement. People tend to think twice when they see a lot of blue lights out there on a regular basis.”

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

DEEP facing big budget cuts both federally and in state

biggest single chunk — about 47 percent of the federal funding — comes from the Facing potentially dramatic budget cuts Environmental Protection Agency. Second is on two fronts, Connecticut’s commis- from the Department of the Interior’s Fish sioner of the Department of Energy and and Wildlife Service, providing 28 percent.

Environmental Protection says the agency The biggest single grant, $10 million a will need to remake its business model to year, is the EPA’s Performance Partnership continue to do its job.

Grant. It’s generally used for programs that In a particularly sobering presentation support requirements under the federal to an annual gathering of environmental Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. advocates, Daniel Esty made it clear that the The Department of Interior money largely pain from a series of expected state budget goes to conservation programs. If sequestracuts would be exacerbated by anticipated tion occurs in the absence of an agreement federal ones — money that the department to avert a fiscal cliff scenario, much of that has relied heavily on for many years. money will be withheld for a year. Other Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s than that, the department budget rescissions last is bracing for the 8.2 permonth have already cent across-the-board cuts stripped nearly $1.5 million for eligible grant programs from DEEP’s budget and as part of sequestration. more are all-but guaranteed Think of it, said Dan in the coming weeks and Moylan, DEEP’s grant next year. and contract manager, “As tough as our bud“for every $1 million we get situation is in the state receive, $82,000 would be circumstances,” Esty said. cut.” But he said there were “I believe it’s facing an no specifics to work with even more severe crunch yet and stopped short of in Washington.” DEEP predicting there would be fed chart Nearly a third DANIEL ESTY layoffs. “The bottom line of DEEP’s operating bud- DEEP commissioner to us is an 8.2 percent cut,” get comes from the federal he said. “Looking at progovernment and between the potential for grams that fund our staff — it’s a dramatic falling off the “fiscal cliff ” and inevitable bud- cut.” Esty last week indicated that conservaget cuts — a bleak budget outlook could start tion could be one of the hardest hit areas. to look even bleaker in the coming months. “We are not going to be able to continue to “I think we are going to have to re- do what we’ve been doing. The resources will prioritize and explore what is the core of not be there,” he said. “So we are going to the mission of environmental protection in need to think hard about how we remake the the state,” Esty said. “It’s going to require a business model of our state parks and forests broader transformation of how we do busi- and wildlife areas.” He suggested ideas like ness broadly not just in state government an EZ Pass -style system to get into parks as but in particular how we do business in our a means to cut staff costs along with greater department and it’s going to mean we have Internet management of them. to think creatively and try to be quite transAnother major cut is likely to involve formative in how we do regulation, in how what is known as pass-through funding — we finance our efforts including our land money that DEEP funnels to cities, towns conservation efforts and how we engage with and regional planning agencies for a host partners.” In fiscal year 2012, 27 percent, or of uses from flood mitigation planning to $51 million, of DEEP’s $187 million budget recreational trails. came from the federal government. That Thibodeau said 18 to 25 percent of grants money included funding for 194 positions or portions of them were pass-through relat(down from about 265 a decade ago), which ed. And while he said the department no is about 17 percent of the department’s staff- longer has accounts to use in emergencies ing. and other unseen events or to pick up the “In preparation for this we’ve delayed financial slack, he also said there was no some refills,” Dennis Thibodeau, DEEP’s reason to panic. chief of fiscal administrative services, said “We can’t stop doing what we do every of vacant staff positions. “We have a lot of day,” he said. “We’re not sounding off the uncertainty in front of us and there are not alarms. Business continues as usual.” a lot of other resources available.” The $51 This story originally appeared at CTMirror. million presently comes through more than org, the website of The Connecticut Mirror, 140 federal grants (the total value of them is an independent nonprofit news organization about $312 million with many running over covering government, politics and public policy several years) in nine different agencies. The in the state.

By JAN ELLEN SPIEGEL CONNECTICUTMIRROR

“I think we are going to have to re-prioritize and explore what is the core of the mission of environmental protection in the state.”

Friday, Dec 14, 2012 | 13

Local News

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NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

14| Friday, Dec 14, 2012

34 town employees see 2% raise

By ERICA SCHMITT STAFF WRITER

A total of 34 non-union employees that work in town departments will receive a 2 percent salary increase thanks to a Town Council vote earlier this week.

The council usually waits for the town to settle negotiations with AFSCME, the union that represents other town employees — before they consider this annual action. However, bargaining is taking longer than expected this year, so Town Manager John Salomone recommended they take action now.

“Will this have any impact on negotiations?” Councilor Maureen

Klett asked him before the vote.

“This will assert to them (the union) the ceiling we’re going to go to; it will give the union reassurance this is where we are,” Salomone responded.

The raise will affect staff in nearly every town department, including social workers, parks and recreation staff, those who work in the senior center, the town manager’s office and the town clerk’s office.

When they first discussed the raise at the last council meeting two weeks ago, Councilor Jay Botallico questioned why salary increases weren’t based upon merit and staff evaluations.

Because the money was already allocated for in this year’s budget, he

learned.

Other councilors, including Mayor Steve Woods, agreed that the body should look into the possibility of variable raises during 2013-2014 budget discussions this spring.

“I think this is a reasonable number,” Woods said Tuesday.

Before voting 9-0 in favor of the 2 percent increase, councilors also compared the figure with salary increases for employees in other towns over the last few years.

“Quite honestly, based on the average increases around the state the two is a bit on the low end, but that’s OK,” Salomone said. “It’s a solid number I think.”

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NEW LONDON (AP) — A Rhode Island moving company owner who lost a bid to operate in Connecticut says he will expand in Massachusetts, where he said he is more welcome.

The Day of New London reports that Bob Romano, owner of Warwick, R.I.-based Coutu Bros. Movers, cited bureaucratic mix-ups, paperwork and what he called a poor attitude at the state Department of Transportation as reasons for deciding against reapplying.

“It was strictly a business decision,” Romano said. “I was not going through all that crap again.”

A DOT hearing officer denied Romano’s application to do business in Connecticut last spring, citing a possible “further negative effect” on other moving businesses in the region. The hearing officer also said the Rhode Island company failed to prove the need for another moving business based on “public convenience and necessity.”

Romano and pro-business advocates said the agency’s decision was at odds with Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s efforts to promote business.

Judd Everhart, a spokesman for the Transportation Department, said the denial was based solely on the merits. The rejection of Romano’s application was based on requirements that he demonstrate the need for another household goods-moving service in a particular area. “It had nothing to do with Connecticut not being ‘open for business’ as the applicant claimed in the past,” Everhart said.

A competitor, Atherton & Sons Moving & Storage in Pawcatuck, questioned Romano’s application, owner Charlie Rohde told The Associated Press.

The weak real estate market has put pressure on the moving business, he said.

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Friday, Dec 14, 2012 | 15

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

health notes: Flu Vaccine

by Julian Falla, MD Members of New England Healthcare Employees Union, District 1199 SEIU striking outside of the Newington Health Care Center.

Judge grants injunction against HealthBridge

ASSOCIATED PRESS

A federal judge on Tuesday granted an injunction that will temporarily halt an employer’s implementation of a new contract at five nursing homes in Connecticut, where about 600 workers have been out on strike since July.

The workers walked out on July 3 to protest what they said were labor concessions imposed by the company that owns the nursing homes, Parsippany, N.J.-based HealthBridge/Care One. The union that represents workers at the nursing homes in Milford, Westport, Stamford, Danbury and Newington declared victory.

“This ruling is a decisive victory for workers and a sign that HealthBridge cannot get away with its unfair and illegal treatment of its employees” said David Pickus, president of the New England Health Care Employees Union, District 1199, SEIU. “The question remains not whether HealthBridge is violating the law, but how many more times does HealthBridge have to be found guilty of illegal activity until the company decides to work with its employees to settle a fair contract?

Until they do, the health and wellbeing of workers and their patients hangs in the balance.”

“The judge’s decision to grant an injunction validates everything my coworkers and I have said about the horrible way HealthBridge has treated us,” said Tanya Beckford, a CNA at Newington Health Care

Center. “All we want is to be able to care for our patients and at the same time support our own families, and with this ruling we are one step closer to getting back to work, where we belong.”

A spokeswoman for HealthBridge, Lisa Crutchfield, said it will review the decision and weigh its options.

“We believe the decision to grant injunctive relief unnecessarily short circuits the established venue — the ongoing NLRB trial — in which this issue should be resolved, and we continue to be confident that we will ultimately prevail in this matter,” she said.

The NLRB, which has accused the company of refusing to bargain in good faith with the union, filed the injunction asking for the striking workers to be allowed to return to work and that the company provide for back pay and bargaining, among other provisions. John Cotter, the officer in charge of the NLRB in Connecticut, said the board sought the injunction in part because its own processes were too cumbersome to achieve a remedy.

HealthBridge has said it was negotiating in good faith with the union “when it chose to abandon negotiations, jobs and our residents.”

The workers won some high-profile support.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, a Democrat, joined the picket line in July at Newington Health Care Center and accused the company of taking “unfair actions” against employees.

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How quickly after getting the vaccine am I protected?

Generally speaking, it takes about two weeks following vaccination for your body to develop protective antibodies.

When do I get my flu vaccine?

The “Influenza Season” is not found on yearly calendars simply because the beginning and end of the flu season varies somewhat from year to year.

Historically, flu vaccines have become available between August and October, and you should get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine becomes available.

Remember, it takes a two or three weeks before you have protective antibodies. To learn more about availability of the flu vaccine in your area, speak to your primary healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Is the flu vaccine a guarantee I will not get the flu?

The flu vaccine is not a guarantee against getting the flu. However, by getting vaccinated, you reduce the chances that you will get the flu and increase the chances that it will be a milder illness if you do get it. And, the more people who are vaccinated, the less likely that we will have a flu epidemic affecting large numbers of people.

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Local

16| Friday, Dec 14, 2012

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

Murphy, residents discuss low income energy assistance

By SCOTT WHIPPLE STAFF WRITER

Mike Swanson, 48, a former insurance executive, said he has been out of work a year-and-a-half, has gone through his unemployment benefits, “and my wife and daughter have no way to pay for heat. We’ve been taking freezing, cold showers.”

Annalisa Russell-Smith | Staff

James Gatling, chairman of the Connecticut Association for Community Action, left, and Tammy Gibbs, of New Britain, at a meeting with local energy assistance recipients with U.S. sen.-elect Chris Murphy.

He said without access to heat his and other families could die.

Swanson was one of several area residents who face a cold, hard winter because of dwindling energy funds. He and others at the Human Resources Agency Tuesday told U.S. Sen.-Elect Chris Murphy Tuesday that they did not know how they would be able to provide heat for their families in the coming months Murphy was joined by community leaders for a roundtable discussion on potential cuts to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP provides critical assistance to thousands of Connecticut families through the cold winter months.

The program, which helps low-income families pay their heating bills, offers assistance in the form of a cash grant, sent directly to the utility company, or a crisis grant for households in immediate danger of being without heat.

Applicants apply for energy benefits through the LIHEAP program through HRA. Murphy met with representatives

Annalisa Russell-Smith | Staff

At left, Caroline Fragoza of New Britain listens while her son, Luisito Fragoza, 4, passes the time drawing while U.S. Sen.-elect Chris Murphy, in background, meets with local energy assistance recipients.

from HRA, the Connecticut Association for Community Action, and New Opportunities.

All three agencies, who are involved with energy programs, are struggling to meet the increase in applications for benefits statewide.

New Britain resident, Caroline Fragoza, 31, came to the agency with her son, Luisito, 4, and Zela, Fragoza-Graham. Fragoza said people not facing an energy crisis may not be aware of the personal tragedies that often left some of these families in a vulnerable position.

Murphy said purpose of the meeting was to bring stories like Swanson’s and Fragoza’s back to Washington, stories he could share on the Senate floor.

“Families shouldn’t have to keep their heat off when they have sick kids,” he said.

“Stories are more compelling than statistics, especially when they’re about people who want to break a cycle of despair.”

Connecticut expects to receive $79.5 million through LIHEAP, but the Senator-elect said the state could lose approximately $5.6 million in the program. He warned that the amount could be cut by 7 percent if Congress and the White House fail to agree on a deficit reduction package by the end of December. Murphy said the LIHEAP program could be cut as a result of the current fiscal cliff--an end to Bush tax cuts plus spending cuts in federal programs. Currently, 120,000 households in Connecticut that benefit from LIHEAP received an average $863 during fiscal year 2011.

Though the winter heating season has just begun, applications for LIHEAP assistance are already 13 percent higher than last year, and a much colder winter is predicted.

“Until Connecticut’s economy recovers, programs like LIHEAP keep people alive,” Murphy said. “The cost of oil is going up; the average family will spend 400 hundred dollars more this year than last year. This could become a crisis in Connecticut and the

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Murphy said cutting away basic elements of a social safety net like LIHEAP does little to reduce the budget deficit, but does immeasurable harm to working families in the state.

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Friday, Dec 14, 2012 | 17

Local News

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

Conn. kids who ‘age out’ of foster care face uncertain fate

By JACQUELINE RABE THOMAS CONNECTICUTMIRROR

Vincent Espino was removed from his home by the state’s child welfare agency almost five years ago. He has bounced around to four different foster homes and a group home since then. He has never paid rent or a bill himself.

He has to ask his social worker when he needs money for things like a yearbook or for a class field trip.

And unless this teen from Waterbury — and dozens of other foster children like him — go to college or another educational training program when they turn 18 or leave high school, they may be on their own.

Espino Vincent Espino, a foster child and a senior in high school: ‘It’s a count down, a ticking time bomb.’ “It’s frightening to think that the little support you do have may be going away. It’s a count down, a ticking time bomb,” Espino said. He was taking a break at a daylong event at the state Capitol explaining what happens when foster children turn 18.

Department of Children and Families Commissioner Joette Katz is hoping to change the reality that many foster children face as they reach the age of legal adulthood.

Katz is moving ahead with plans to apply for federal reimbursements that will pick up some additional costs of running her agency that has 4,300 children in her custody on any given day.

But the money comes with significant strings attached. The agency must keep children in its care until they turn 21 if they are working 80 hours a month, in college or another education program, or are disabled.

“Connecticut does not serve all youth who are eligible to remain in foster care under [the law],” reads a handout from Voices for Children given to those who attended their event at the Capitol. “Connecticut has an opportunity to join a national movement and expand foster its foster care to youth until their 21st birthdays.” Katz was noncommittal to whether she plans to ensure services are provided to all these young people, but did say that a wavier request on how the state is currently reimbursed for federal funding “will be done by 2014.” Life after 18 years old Last

year, 526 foster children turned 18.

Some of these formerly abused and/or neglected children went on to college or another educational program and continue receiving help from DCF for tuition and housing.

But many did not.

In fact, 337 foster children “aged out” of DCF care last year with no permanent placement either because they turned 18 or dropped out or graduated from an educational program at an older age.

“That’s shameful. We are going to do something about it,” Katz said.

About 15 percent of children who leave DCF care each year do so because they “age out” of the system, one of the highest rates in the country, according to Fostering Connections, a non-partisan think tank on child-welfare agencies.

This distinction has followed the state for years.

Several of the foster children who attended Thursday’s event at the Capitol, co-sponsored by the Center for Children’s Advocacy, said some of their friends were the ones who “aged out.” “I won’t be making that mistake,” said Melquon Bridger, a 17-year old foster child living in Bridgeport who has already gotten into the Julliard School for dance and arts.

While DCF’s policies require children to be in school full-time — and the agency’s implementation of that rule last year stirred unrest among child advocates — officials Thursday insist many more children than those just enrolled in full-time programs are getting help.

“We don’t kicks kids out at 18,” Katz said, noting that exceptions are routinely awarded.

DCF officials report that about 500 foster children over 18 currently receive help with college or other education expenses, including many who attend part time.

“DCF is increasingly flexible as long as they’re in school” or some type of educational program, said Sarah Eagan, a lawyer the with Center for Children’s Advocacy.

But, she said, “They’re not all making it to 21.” A national study by the University of Chicago on the outcomes of children leaving foster care is sobering. There are high rates of homelessness, young parenthood or incarceration. Researchers followed foster

children in Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois in the years after they turned 18. Only 2 percent would have a college degree by the time they reached 21 years of age.

DCF recognizes that many of their children will not make it in college or another educational program the first time, and recently instituted a re-entry policy that allows former foster children to come back into care and go back to school.

“If the child is saying ‘I want you. I need your help.’ We are their parent and parents don’t say, ‘We’re done, no,’” said Ken Mysogland, DCF’s director of foster and adoption services.

But the child does have to agree to fulfill certain conditions — laid out in a transition plan — that includes things like going to school or receiving mental health services or career training.

But Eagan said the re-entry program is little used.

“It’s great it’s there, but it’s hard to navigate so you know how to get help,” she said.

Young people who want to apply for re-entry must call the agency’s 24-hour hotline, fill out and submit an application that is sent to them, then wait to hear back.

Just last week a Hartford teen who recently “aged out” of care walked into Eagan’s office hoping her office would have better luck getting her back into DCF. Katz, Joette DCF Commissioner Joette Katz: ‘That’s shameful. We are going to do something about it.’ “We’re going to help her,” said Eagan, who is taking on the case at no charge.

Foster children get free lawyers to help them get services and advocate for their best interests, but those advocates are no longer guaranteed when they turn 18.

For years, DCF offered children a one-year grace period after they turned 18 — known as the “gap year” — to figure out their plans and get situated in the real world.

“That needs to come back,” Dezerea Pepin, told the commissioner during the forum Thursday.

Pepin, a 17-year old from Norwich, is joining the National Guard when she graduates high school.

Katz said she is considering that possibility.

Katz, who in 2011 took over the troubled state agency that has been overseen by a federal judge

CONNECTICUTMIRROR

Vincent Espino, a high school senior, thinks of losing his DCF support as “a ticking time bomb.”

for decades, said the agency now has several lifeskills and other programs available to help better prepare older children leaving care.

The agency also is gearing up to launch “Permanency and Child and Family Teams” which will facilitate meetings between parents, family members, professionals and interested community members to team up and figure out what is best for the child approaching 18 years old.

The agency also plans on having staff dedicated to maintaining relationships so children don’t leave care with no one. That team is set to begin meeting with older youth this spring.

New federal pot of money?

Katz’s promise to apply for a waiver by 2014 could play a small role in helping the state close its projected $1.2 billion deficit for the upcoming fiscal year that ends June 30, 2014. Her proposal is estimated to bring in $17 million in additional federal funding and stop the agency from losing millions more in federal reimbursements.

Over the last five years, DCF has reduced the number of children in state custody by 20 percent.

This has won approval from child advocates, who prefer keeping families intact whenever possible and providing the necessary services for them in the community.

But it’s meant a major decline in federal funding — an $18 million reduction between fiscal 2011 and 2012 alone — since the state is only reimbursed for children in

its custody.

It is unclear how much expanding services to more foster children after they turn 18 will cost. State officials from California and Pennsylvania’s child welfare agency’s told audience members in Connecticut last week that doing so was cost neutral, since it opened the door for them to be reimbursed for so many other things.

Earlier this year, an official from the U.S. Administration for Children and Families urged Katz to apply immediately.

Katz said during an interview this week she has every intention of applying, but wouldn’t say if it meant expanding care to more children that “age out.” The land a waiver, the department has a handful of choices of what reforms to pursue.

In a proposal made to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s budget office in September, she recommended the state seek federal reimbursements for children over 18, for placing more children with relatives and more support for social workers.

The state spends at least $7 million for college expenses alone for those in college and other education programs.

“We will recover the money for the kids in that pipeline,” she said.

This story originally appeared at CTMirror.org, the website of The Connecticut Mirror, an independent nonprofit news organization covering government, politics and public policy in the state.

Local News

18| Friday, Dec 14, 2012

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

As transit funds grow shorter, the call for tolls grows louder

By NEENA SATIJA CONNECTICUTMIRROR

Transportation advocates and officials across Connecticut gathered in the state capitol Monday to face a sobering fact: In an age of soaring deficits on both the state and national levels, the funds available for transit improvements are shrinking fast.

Funding on the federal level remains uncertain not only because of the slow negotiations to avoid the so-called “fiscal cliff,” but also because a highway trust fund is nearly broke. Meanwhile, Connecticut’s own deficit seems to rise daily — it is now estimated at around $400 million for this fiscal year — prompting budget cuts to a variety of different state agencies.

“In two years, our federal [funding situation] could be a disaster,” said Jim Redeker, commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Transportation. “There’s a real sense that we have to look very quickly at what the options are.” Like many other states, Connecticut is left with major transportation projects that have little or no source of funding at the moment — including a badly needed overhaul of the Aetna

Viaduct, a three-quarter-mile elevated stretch of Interstate 84 over Hartford, and the modernization of Metro-North’s New Haven rail line, which carries upwards of 38 million passengers between Connecticut and Manhattan each year.

“These are multi-billiondollar projects ... and the state does not have the funds to do them,” said Emil Frankel, a former commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Transportation who is now with the Bipartisan Policy Center. “We have to look at other revenue sources.” Those sources must include tolls, he said, and was echoed by many others at the forum — touching what had long been considered a “third rail” in Connecticut politics.

Since a fiery crash at a toll barricade in 1983 killed seven people, Connecticut has eliminated all of its tolls and relies mostly on gasoline taxes and federal funding for transportation.

“We, as citizens, have to take on more responsibility for funding,” said Oz Griebel of the MetroHartford Alliance, who ran for Governor as a Republican in 2010 and suggested highway tolls

for the state at the time. He speculated that Gov. Dannel Malloy, who was criticized by many for embracing the controversial $570 million Hartford-to-New-Britain busway dubbed CT Fastrak, might now be willing to touch the third rail.

Redeker said the state has been studying the possibility of adding fees for highway drivers based on time of day, type of vehicle, and lanes. “Tolls need to be looked at, like everything else,” he said. The Los Angeles-area, that for years boasted of its toll-free highwatys, recently began charging tolls on an 11-mile stretch of its 110 Freeway.

Still, tolls — or higher gasoline taxes, which have also been floated as a possibility on the national level — wouldn’t solve the problem. A large chunk of gas tax money that was technically meant for transportation in the state has for many years gone to other uses.

Last year, Malloy put $40 million back into what’s called the “Special Transportation Fund,” but this fiscal year he took out $70 million.

He offset the difference partly by fare increases on Metro-North that will take place on January 1, 2013.

If tolls were added, said many

at the forum, they would have to be dedicated only to the Special Transportation Fund.

As Frankel put it, “People who use the system should pay for the system, and they should know that the money is being reinvested in the transportation system.” Kim Fawcett, who represents Fairfield and Westport in the Connecticut General Assembly, said she’s been fighting for years to get her constituents to warm to the idea of tolls on I-95 or other highways in the state.

“How do I sell it?” she asked panelists at the forum on Monday.

“We need a grand vision.” Perhaps, she suggested after the forum, she could “sell” her voters on tolls if they came with this promise: “You’re going to get a commute of 30 minutes to New York City instead of the hour and 15 minutes that it currently takes on the train.” At the moment, though, the state doesn’t have any longterm plan that would allow her to promote such a vision. And there’s no guarantee that Connecticut won’t continue to raid its Special Transportation Fund, making the situation even worse.

In his opening remarks at the

“Transit for Connecticut Forum,” Malloy referred to that issue, saying pointedly, “Putting our fiscal house in order after 20 years of ignoring it is a very important issue... these days will be behind us.” He also pointed out that Connecticut does have a few major transportation projects already underway, including CT Fastrak and the new high-speed rail line that runs from New Haven through Hartford up to Springfield. (Those projects are financed largely through one-time federal grants).

Redeker said the Special Transportation Fund should not be affected by changes to the state’s General Fund — but in reality, there are no guarantees.

“At this point I’m really not aware of what the proposals are or what the debates are going to be, but it’s a tough problem,” he said. “And we’ll work together on it.” Redeker’s agency budget totals about $1.2 billion, including both capital and operating expenses.

This story originally appeared at CTMirror.org, the website of The Connecticut Mirror, an independent nonprofit news organization covering government, politics and public policy in the state.

Malloy defends his plan to collect more revenue from businesses

By KEITH M. PHANEUF CONNECTICUTMIRROR

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy defended his plan Monday to seek an extra $22 million in revenue from businesses and power plants to help close the current budget deficit, arguing this doesn’t break his pledge not to raise taxes.

“We never said that we wouldn’t look at revenue,” Malloy told Capitol reporters following the State Bond Commission meeting in the Legislative Office Building.

Malloy unveiled an outline Friday of his proposal to the General Assembly to wipe $243 million in red ink off the state’s books this year.

Though details were limited, the “road map” — as referred to by the administration — called for $220 million in spending cuts and $22.6 million in new revenue.

Two proposals to raise more revenue focus on taxes, specifically: Scaling back the total value of credits businesses can use to reduce their corporation tax liability.

Closing what the administration

calls a “loophole” in the new tax on electricity generation.

And though neither proposal technically changes a tax rate, both would cause businesses to pay more taxes.

The administration estimates the corporation tax change would raise an estimated $12 million in the final six months of this fiscal year, which ends June 30; while the electricity generation tax proposal would bring in an extra $10 million over that period.

So are these tax hikes?

“We are looking for a time at limiting the percentage of tax avoidance” companies can claim on the corporation tax, Malloy said. “That’s not a tax increase.” Similarly, the governor said closing an unintended loophole in the levy on power plants shouldn’t be called a tax hike either.

The governor’s budget chief, Office of Policy and Management Secretary Benjamin Barnes, said Friday that the electricity generation tax change is a fairness issue. “Some companies have restructured to avoid paying the tax,” assigning their generation and energy

marketing functions to separate affilliates. “There’s no reason for that.”

Malloy has insisted repeatedly over the past month that he would not seek an increase in taxes to balance the current budget.

State Comptroller Kevin P. Lembo is projecting a $415 million budget hole, while the administration pegs the shortfall at $365 million.

Malloy’s proposal, if backed by the legislature in a special session scheduled for Dec. 19, would be enough to close out the smaller figure. That’s because the governor used his limited, emergency authority last month to reduce the budget unilaterally, achieving $123 million in savings.

The Democratic governor has been reaching out to legislative leaders from both parties over the past week.

“I’m hopeful we can reach a bipartisan compromise” on deficit mitigation, he said Monday. “I hope that all parties can come to the table with an open mind.” But Malloy may have hit a stumbling block with his tax proposals, given the response from the two

Republican leaders on the tax-writing Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee.

“They are absolutely tax increases,” Rep. Sean Williams, R-Watertown, said of the proposed changes to the corporation and electricity generation taxes. “There’s no question about it. ... Only in Capitol-speak would one determine that’s not a tax increase.” Rep. Sean Williams 12-10 Rep. Sean Williams, R-Watertown: ‘’They are absolutely tax increases.’’

“The substance of securing revenue for government is generally referred to as taxation,” said Sen. Andrew W. Roraback, R-Goshen, who added that raising rates or otherwise changing the rules are different ways of achieving the same effect: raising more money from taxpayers. “I think it’s an exercise in semantics.” Malloy also acknowledged he could face a tough road with his fellow Democrats in the House and Senate majorities.

The largest single-reduction proposed Friday involves $122 million aimed at the Department of Social

Services, which administers a wide array of health care and other support services for the poor, aged and disabled, most of which are partially supported with federal aid.

That proposed $122 million cut is expected to save the state just $63.5 million since the reduction would trigger a $58 million loss in federal assistance.

The administration also is seeking cuts to the departments of: Public Health; Mental Health and Addiction Services; Developmental Services; and Children and Families.

“Many of those are going to be painful cuts,” he said, adding Connecticut, like many other states, is struggling with an economy that has recovered much more slowly than anticipated from the last recession. “Obviously everything is a balancing act.”

This story originally appeared at CTMirror.org, the website of The Connecticut Mirror, an independent nonprofit news organization covering government, politics and public policy in the state.

Friday, Dec 14, 2012 | 19

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

State nonprofits: ‘We’re at a breaking point’

By ARIELLE LEVIN BECKER CONNECTICUTMIRROR

Barry Simon is contemplating layoffs and serving as many as 40 fewer clients in the Middletownbased social service organization he runs. Raymond Gorman, who leads a mental health agency based in New Britain, says he’s considering the most drastic cuts he’s faced in more than 35 years. At the Clifford Beers Clinic in New Haven, Executive Director Alice Forrester fears fewer children and families that need treatment for trauma will get help.

Facing another round of budget cuts, the leaders of nonprofits that contract with the state to provide services to people with disabilities, mental health and substance abuse issues have dire warnings for policymakers. They say there’s little left to cut, that they’ll have to lay off staff and serve fewer people, that clients will inevitably feel the pain. They say the private nonprofit system is at a breaking point.

They know this is not a new argument.

Others are less understanding.

“It’s a race to the bottom in the private sector. That’s what we’re engaged in,” said Sheila Amdur, interim CEO of the Connecticut Community Providers Association.

“It’s a belief that this is a sector that will just continue to find other ways to serve people that as a society we’ve decided we’re not going to pay for anymore. And that’s not possible.” “Walmartizing” human services Nearly three-quarters of the nonprofit agencies in the state with budgets of at least $1 million were in deficit in 2009, compared with 40 percent nationally, according to a recent report by the governor’s cabinet on nonprofit health and human services.

Nearly three-quarters of the nonprofits are in danger of going out of business if they face any event that causes a financial reversal, the report said. The agencies are now in their fifth year without a raise in state payment rates. A 1 percent rate increase intended to go toward staff compensation was slated to take effect next month, but that’s likely to be effectively wiped out by cuts.

The nonprofits are expecting to lose funding as part of cuts Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s administration announced last month, and expect more cuts as part of a deficit-cutting plan likely to be reached later this month. A projected deficit next year of more than $1 billion means that the next budget is likely to be just as tough.

While their funding has been flat, the agencies have faced increased costs in other areas. Many run group homes, paying more for food and heating oil; those that drive clients places have had to absorb rising fuel costs. Health insurance costs have grown dramatically, often by doubledigit percentages.

This story originally appeared at CTMirror.org, the website of The Connecticut Mirror, an independent nonprofit news organization covering government, politics and public policy in the state.

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“I’ve had legislators say to me, ‘Pat, every year you come to me and you tell me how difficult it is, but you’re still in business,’” said Patrick J. Johnson, president of Oak Hill, which serves people with disabilities.

“And I think as long as we continue to provide the services on the backs of our employees, because that’s how we’re doing it, then the world goes on.” Patrick Johnson Patrick Johnson, president of Oak Hill: ‘’...services on the backs of our employees.’’ “But there’s a tipping point,” Johnson said.

“We’re about to go over the tipping point.” Leaders of the nonprofits acknowledge that their appeals could have limited impact. The state spends close to $1.5 billion a year contracting with nonprofit human-service providers, and that money is among the few places in the budget that can be easily slashed. Agreements with state employee unions protect most workers from layoffs, and programs like Medicaid that are partially federally funded can’t be cut without also losing revenue.

“The nonprofit sector has already been hammered over the last 10, 15 years, but particularly over the last four or five,” said Joseph J. Sullivan, president of MCCA, a Danburybased provider of substance-abuse

treatment. “The budget has to be balanced on the back of the nonprofit providers, because there’s no place else to go. From a public policy point of view, it really doesn’t make a great deal of sense.” Sullivan said he’s not placing blame, just acknowledging the difficulty of the situation.

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EVENTS CALENDAR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE: The Connecticut General Federation of Women’s Clubs will be offering memorial scholarships to qualified women. Applicants must possess a minimum 3.0 average and must have completed at least two years of undergraduate study at an institute of higher learning. For more information, contact Maureen Reale of the Newington/Wethersfield Woman’s Club, (860) 666-5325.

LILIA SALVADOR EXHIBIT: Artist Lilia Salvador’s floral and landscape paintings capture your attention with her bold use of intense color and great design. Exhibit can be viewed in the south foyer of the Newington Senior & Disabled Center, 120 Cedar St. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday during December.

GOING THROUGH, IN THE PROCESS, OR THINKING ABOUT GETTING A DIVORCE?: There is a “Divorce Support Group” to help you get through this major life-altering event, with very caring, sensitive people who have been where you are. This group meets at First Church of Christ, 250 Main St., Wethersfield, every Friday at 7 p.m.

December’s meetings are on the 14th, 21st, and 28th.

“WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA™ CEREMONY”: The “Wreaths Across America™ Ceremony” will be held at noon Saturday, Dec. 15 at Veterans’ Monument, West Meadow Cemetery.

The event is sponsored by WillardWelles-Stanley Chapter, DAR and May-Davis-Stotzer American Legion Post 117.Ceremonies held simultaneously with the “Wreaths Across

Friday, Dec 14, 2012 | 21

Local News America” ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and at ceremonies in State Veterans’ Cemeteries, Veterans’ Monuments, and local cemeteries throughout Connecticut and nationwide to honor our veterans, past, present and future and their families.

Contact Barbara Crede for information at (860) 665-8082.

“FILL A TRUCK/STUFF A CRUISER”: On Saturday, Dec. 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Newington Emergency Services, in conjunction with Stop & Shop, 44 Fenn Road, will host a “Fill a Truck/ Stuff a Cruiser” Holiday gift/food drive event. Police, fire, and EMS personnel from the town of Newington will be collecting gifts and non-perishable food items outside Stop and Shop, to benefit the Newington Human Services Holiday Gift Program. The

Newington Human Services Holiday Gift Program directly benefits Newington families in need during both the holiday season and throughout the upcoming year.

NEW ENGLAND OPEN HOUSE: The Deming-Young Farm foundation invites the public to a New England Open House from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16 at the Thomas Deming farmhouse located at 282 Church St. Join us and experience holiday traditions from the 1830s, 1890s and 1950s.

Light refreshments will be available.

Dress warmly as the farmhouse is not heated. No restrooms will be available.

CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT SERVICE: A Christmas Eve candlelight service will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 24 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 296 New

Britain Ave. Join us for a time of rejoicing in the birth of our Savior through singing and a helpful Bible message.

Regular services are Sundays at 10:45 a.m. The church website is ebcnewington.com.

“STOCKING STUFFER” DRIVE TO BENEFIT THE NEWINGTON HUMAN SERVICES: Donate an item at the Newington Panera, 3120 Berlin Turnpike, “Stocking Stuffer” drive to benefit the Newington Human Services from 10 a.m. to noon, Sunday, Dec. 16 and get a free travel mug and one month of free coffee refills. Wish list includes: personal hygiene products, candy, hats, gloves, scarves, make up kits, watches, slippers, flashlights, DVDs/ CDs, stamps, blankets, etc. Refills expire Jan. 15, 2013. One mug per person per donation.

LIBRARY EVENTS CALENDAR JUST A STORY AND A SONG!: Wednesdays, Dec. 19 and 26, and Jan. 2, 10:15 a.m. 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 required.

FAMILY STORYTIME: Every Thursday in December, 6:30 p.m. Stories, songs and more for the whole family all year ‘round.

No registration necessary.

PLAY FOR ALL: Saturday, Dec. 15, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Come join us for a special needs play group giving parents the opportunity to talk, support and encourage each other, while allowing their children time to play and socialize together. No registration required. Co-Sponsored by Newington UNICO. PLAY FOR ALL: Saturday, Dec. 15, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Come join us for a special needs play group, giving parents the opportunity to talk, support and encourage each other, while allowing their children time to play and socialize together. Cosponsored by Newington UNICO. TALES TO TAILS: Wednesday, Dec. 19, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Dec. 29, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Children who need to boost their reading skills, or just love a good doggie cuddle, may sign up for a 15-minute session reading to Jessie, a certified therapy dog. Call (860) 665-8720 to register.

COOKBOOK CLUB: Wednesday, Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m. Chefs in grades 3-6 will measure, mix and whisk ingredients to create pumpkin chip cookie batter. You

will then bake your cookies at home.

Call the Children’s Department at (860) 665-8720 to register. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

“SHOCK THE WORLD: UCONN BASKETBALL IN THE CALHOUN ERA”: Monday, Dec. 17, 7 p.m. In 25 years at UConn, coach Jim Calhoun changed a team, a university, a state, and college basketball. Peter F. Burns, Jr. will discuss his book, “Shock the World,” a riveting season-by-season, game-by-game and player-by-player biography of Jim Calhoun’s winning program. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Call the library at (860) 6658700 to register.

TEEN GAMING NIGHT: Wednesday, Dec. 26, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Grades 6 to 12. Come play on the library’s Xbox Kinect and Nintendo Wii! A variety of video games and board games will be available. Feel free to bring your own games! Snacks will be available. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

DO-IT YOURSELF HENNA PROGRAM: Thursday, Dec. 27, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Grades 7 to 12. Come learn the art of henna tattooing. Get creative and design your own beautiful henna tattoo! Instruction and supplies provided. Sponsored by The Friends of the Library.

WONDERFUL WORLD OF MUSIC: Thursday, Dec. 27, 1:30 p.m. The young and young-at-heart are invited to hear the Sam Pasco Orchestra perform in the library’s Community Room. The

audience will receive a lesson on the sounds of each musical instrument and how notes are strung together to make beautiful songs. Admission is free and no registration is necessary. Sponsored by the Newington Kiwanis.

STUFFED ANIMAL SLEEPOVER PARTY: Thursday, Dec. 27, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 28, 1 p.m. Would you allow your favorite stuffed animal to spend the night in the Library ALONE? Come and join us for a mini-sleepover party.

We’ll enjoy music, bedtime stories, crafts and a snack before tucking your stuffed friend into bed. Children and parents will then go home and return the next day to hear all about the fun their stuffed friend had during the night. At that time you’ll enjoy a slide show and pictures of the sleepover, and receive a “Report Card” on how well your friend behaved during the night! Call the Children’s Department at (860) 665-8720 to register your stuffed friend. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

SCIENCETELLERS: Friday, Dec. 28, 10:15 a.m. Children over the age of 5 can experience the magic of sciencetelling! We’ll learn about the science of Fire and Ice by hearing the tale of Dragons & Dreams, using experiments of flash paper, exploding bottles, dry ice and more. Wouldn’t dragon’s breath be an amazing sight?

Call the Children’s Department at (860) 665-8720 to register. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

TEEN MOVIE NIGHT AND POTLUCK DINNER: Friday, Dec. 28, 6 to 8 p.m. Grades

6 to 12. Have a favorite dish, appetizer, or dessert? Make it at home and bring it to share! We’ll be watching “Edward Scissorhands” as we sample dishes. Participants must register their dish by Dec. 27 (e-mail Bailey at bortiz@newingtonct.gov) and bring a card listing all ingredients for allergy purposes.

COOL CRAFTS: Saturday, Dec. 29, 1 to 2:30 p.m. In honor of the R.E.A.D. dogs, there will be a craft table set up in the Children’s area with doggie crafts!

Partake while you are waiting for your R.E.A.D. session or just for fun. No registration needed. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

MOVIE MADNESS – “BRAVE”: Monday, Dec. 31, 1 p.m. Take a heroic journey with Merida, a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor. When Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos in the kingdom, she must harness all of her skills and resources — including her clever and mischievous triplet brothers — to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late, and discover the meaning of true bravery.

Rated PG, this movie is 93 minutes long.

No registration necessary. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

CONSTRUCTION CLUB: Saturday, Jan. 5, 1 to 2 p.m. Come to our monthly gathering to build projects with Lego bricks.

Due to safety concerns, only people age 7 and older will be allowed in the room.

Call the Children’s Department at (860) 665-8720 to register beginning Dec. 22.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

TEEN ART SHOW: Artists in grades 7–12 are invited to display their favorite works in the Community Room during the month of January. Artists can sign up at the Adult Information Desk or call (860) 665-8700. Artwork should be submitted no later than Friday, Dec. 21.

EVENING BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP: Thursday, Jan. 3, 7 p.m. Start the year with a discussion of a good book. Please check with the library in early December for this month’s selection. All are invited to attend.

WE ALL GET READY TO READ! Mondays, Jan. 7, 14, and 28, and Feb. 4, 6 p.m.

Family Place Libraries and the National Center for Learning Disabilities have partnered to present a program designed especially for the “graduates” of the Parent/Child Workshop and Play for All attendees (children ages 4-7,) and their caregivers. Call (860) 665-8720 to register beginning Dec. 17. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

ADULT WINTER READING KICK-OFF: Pop Open a Good Book, Tuesday, Jan. 8, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Drop in between these hours or register online to receive a free gift and a chance to win the kick-off giveaway basket.

Adults will earn a prize ticket for each book they read or listened to, which will be entered into the weekly drawings for special gifts. All tickets collected will be entered into the grand prize drawing to be held on Friday, Feb. 15. Refreshments will be provided. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

22| Friday, Dec 14, 2012

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FREE ESTIMATES

Fully Licensed & Insured • Lic. Reg. 606904

• Industrial Parks & Condominiums • Tree & Stump Removal • Seasoned Firewood • Mulch Delivery • Lot Clearing 061412

061412

860-922-3534

Commercial & Residential

860-922-3534

FREE ESTIMATES

Fully Licensed & Insured • Lic. Reg. 606904

To Advertise Call Classified Department

Systemic Micro-Injection Fertilization

Spraying B-0567

GRAVER’S TREE CARE Tree Removals • Pruning • Storm Damage Stump Removals • Shrub Pruning

860-563-6581 Wethersfield

Bruce Graver – Licensed Tree Surgeon – Certified Arborist

860-231-2444

NEWINGTON TOWN CRIER

24| Friday, Dec 14, 2012

Happy Holidays from

Newington Wine Cellar 337 Willard Ave., Newington CT (7 Eleven Plaza) • 860-666-2244

NEW EXPANDED VARIETY OF CRAFT AND MICROBREW BEERS! Prices Valid 12/13 - 12/31/12

Vodka (1.75L) Smirnoff .................................. 16.99 (After $5 Mail in Rebate) Three Olives.............................24.99 (After $5 Mail in Rebate) Absolute .......................................................... 19.99 Grey Goose ...................................................... 54.99

(750ml)

Patron Silver .................................................... 41.99 Jack Daniels ..................................................... 22.99 Absolut Regular ............................................... 19.99 Ciroc (all) ......................................................... 29.99 Captain Morgan ............................................... 19.99 Tanqueray ........................................................ 19.99

(1.75L)

Bailey Irish Cream ....................................... 37.99 Jack Daniels ................................................ 41.99 Captain Morgan ..................25.99 (After $3 Mail in Rebate) Dewars White Label.................................... 35.99 Crown Royal................................................ 39.99 Tanqueray ................................................... 29.99

Champagne

M & R Asti (750) ......................................... 12.99 M & R Asti (1.5L)......................................... 19.99 Korbel (750) ................................................ 11.99 Moet Imperial............................................. 36.99 Dom Perignon............................................. 149.99

BEER SPECIALS

Corona Extra & Light 24pk. Loose Bottle ........................23.99 Bud & Bud Light 24pk. Bottle & Cans .............................15.99 Miller High Life 18pk. Bottle .............................................8.99 Heineken 12pk. Bottle .............................. 11.99 (After $2 Mail in Rebate)

WINE (1.5L)

Yellowtail ......................................................... 10.99 Barefoot........................................................... 11.99 Woodbridge ..................................................... 12.99 Cavit................................................................. 12.99 Sutter Home .................................................... 9.99 Bogel (750ml) (Chardonnay)............................ 9.99 La-Crema Cost Sonama (Chardonnay) ............. 19.99 Kendall Jack (750ml) (Chardonnay) ................. 12.99 Chateau St. Michelle (750ml) (Chardonnay) ... 10.99

WINE (750ml)

Josh Cellars (Cab)........................................ 12.99 337 (Cab) .................................................... 11.99 Chateau St. Michele (Cab) .......................... 14.99 Hess (Cab)................................................... 13.99 K J (Merlot) ................................................. 17.99 Chateau St. Michele (Merlot) ..................... 14.99 Cupcake (all) ................................................. 9.99 14 Hands (Merlot) ........................................ 9.99

Not responsible for typographical errors. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Prices do not include State sale tax or deposit. Minimum age to purchase alcoholic beverages is 21 years.

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