SUFFIELD- Continuing its mission to become “the people’s paper” for the region, The North Central News is proud to find its way into the homes of Suffield/West Suffield residents once again this month. “Since our inception in 2002, the North Central News has brought back the type of positive, homespun commu- nity news and features that the other publications have abandoned,” explained Editor & Publisher Gary Carra. “We at the North Central News believe there are a lot of great stories in Suffield that aren’t being told, and we’re going to do something about it.” In addition to Suffield residents this month, the North Central News goes to all homes and P.O. boxes in East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield, Somers and Stafford and is also available for free pickup at more than 100 high- traffic locations (i.e. town halls, super- markets, libraries, etc.). This month’s mailing into Suffield was made possible by the following local sponsors: • Edward Jones (p. 31) • Fireside Designs (p. 32) • Enfield Motor Sports (p. 36) For more information on the North Central News - including sponsorship of the October issue - visit www.thenorthcentralnews.com, call 860-698-0020 or email: [email protected]. The deadline for advertising and editorial submissions for the next issue is Friday, Oct. 25. - NCN Staff PRST-STD ECRWSS U.S. Postage Paid Northampton, MA Permit #395 FREE! In This Issue • EAST WINDSOR: State leaves well- water users high and dry ............... p. 4 • ELLINGTON: The Hidden Still makes a spirited debut ............................... p. 6 • ENFIELD: Asnuntuck earns accommo- dation from military...................... p. 9 • ENFIELD: Time may be right for revi- sions to town charter .................. p. 14 • SOMERS: Gymnasts on the prowl at SOMERSault Jungle Gymnastics ..p. 15 • STAFFORD: Library will show you how to help yourself .......................... p. 25 • SUFFIELD: Hilltop Farm ends up in friendly hands ............................ p. 31 • SUFFIELD: Chamber of Commerce unveils new website .................... p. 33 • NEXT ISSUE • DEADLINE: Oct. 25, 2013 (860) 698-0020 www.thenorthcentralnews.com 48 South Road, Unit 2 | P.O. Box 398, Somers, CT 06071 860.749.0482 | [email protected]www.statelineseniorservices.com ZERO Premium Medicare Advantage Plans Offering Plans from Every Company in the state of CT! Fall MEDICARE Workshops for Annual Enrollment October 2013 Register for a Workshop near you! Available dates found on page 20 LLC William McCloskey, Sr. Local Postal Customer Revival Room Celebrates Autumn Kim Newman, owner of The Revival Room Fitness & Yoga Studio in Ellington, led clients on a group hike at Soapstone Mountain on Sept. 21 to celebrate the autumnal equinox and to connect mind and body with nature. By Linda Tishler Levinson Residents of North Central Connecticut, like their counterparts throughout the state, will be able to sign up for the new health care exchanges beginning Oct. 1. Under the federal Affordable Care Act, residents between the ages of 18 and 65 must have health insurance by Jan. 1, 2014. Unless they are exempt, those who are not insured Jan. 1 will face a penalty fee. Those who earn less than $45,960 year as individuals or less than $94,200 for a family may be eligible for help with health insurance costs. They also will help those who qualify for Medicaid enroll in the program. Access Health CT was created by the Connecticut Legislature in 2011 as a quasi-public agency that helps resi- dents comply with the Affordable Care Act. According to its website, “Access Health CT will ensure that participat- ing health plans meet certain standards and will facilitate competition and choice by rating the quality of each plan. Individuals and families buying coverage through the Exchange may qualify for tax credits on premiums. The Exchange will also coordinate eli- gibility and enrollment with state Here We Grow Again - Welcome Suffield! Access Health to Help with New Health Care Choices ACCESS/page 4 October2013pRT1_NCN new template 9/29/13 9:34 AM Page 1
Transcript
SUFFIELD- Continuing its missionto become “the people’s paper” for theregion, The North Central News is proudto find its way into the homes ofSuffield/West Suffield residents once
again this month.“Since our inception in 2002, the
North Central News has brought backthe type of positive, homespun commu-nity news and features that the other
publications have abandoned,”explained Editor & Publisher GaryCarra. “We at the North Central Newsbelieve there are a lot of great stories inSuffield that aren’t being told, and we’re
going to do something about it.”In addition to Suffield residents this
month, the North Central News goesto all homes and P.O. boxes in EastWindsor, Ellington, Enfield, Somersand Stafford and is also available forfree pickup at more than 100 high-traffic locations (i.e. town halls, super-markets, libraries, etc.).
This month’s mailing into Suffieldwas made possible by the followinglocal sponsors:
• Edward Jones (p. 31)• Fireside Designs (p. 32)• Enfield Motor Sports (p. 36)
For more information on the NorthCentral News - including sponsorshipof the October issue - visitwww.thenorthcentralnews.com, call860-698-0020 or email:[email protected].
The deadline for advertising andeditorial submissions for the nextissue is Friday, Oct. 25.
- NCN Staff
PRST-STDECRWSS
U.S. Postage PaidNorthampton, MA
Permit #395
FREE!
In This Issue• EAST WINDSOR: State leaves well-water users high and dry ...............p. 4• ELLINGTON: The Hidden Still makes aspirited debut ...............................p. 6• ENFIELD: Asnuntuck earns accommo-dation from military......................p. 9• ENFIELD: Time may be right for revi-sions to town charter ..................p. 14• SOMERS: Gymnasts on the prowl atSOMERSault Jungle Gymnastics ..p. 15• STAFFORD: Library will show you howto help yourself ..........................p. 25• SUFFIELD: Hilltop Farm ends up infriendly hands ............................ p. 31• SUFFIELD: Chamber of Commerceunveils new website....................p. 33
• NEXT ISSUE •DEADLINE:
Oct. 25, 2013 (860) 698-0020
www.thenorthcentralnews.com
48 South Road, Unit 2 | P.O. Box 398, Somers, CT 06071
ZERO Premium Medicare Advantage PlansOffering Plans from Every Company in the state of CT!
Fall MEDICAREWorkshops
for Annual EnrollmentOctober 2013
Register for aWorkshop near you! Available dates found on page 20
LLC William McCloskey, Sr.
Local Postal Customer
Revival Room Celebrates AutumnKim Newman, owner of The Revival Room Fitness & Yoga Studio in Ellington, ledclients on a group hike at Soapstone Mountain on Sept. 21 to celebrate the autumnal equinox and to connect mind and body with nature.
By Linda Tishler Levinson
Residents of North CentralConnecticut, like their counterpartsthroughout the state, will be able tosign up for the new health careexchanges beginning Oct. 1.
Under the federal Affordable CareAct, residents between the ages of 18and 65 must have health insurance byJan. 1, 2014. Unless they are exempt,those who are not insured Jan. 1 willface a penalty fee.
Those who earn less than $45,960year as individuals or less than $94,200for a family may be eligible for helpwith health insurance costs. They alsowill help those who qualify for
Medicaid enroll in the program.Access Health CT was created by
the Connecticut Legislature in 2011 asa quasi-public agency that helps resi-dents comply with the Affordable CareAct. According to its website, “AccessHealth CT will ensure that participat-ing health plans meet certain standardsand will facilitate competition andchoice by rating the quality of eachplan. Individuals and families buyingcoverage through the Exchange mayqualify for tax credits on premiums.The Exchange will also coordinate eli-gibility and enrollment with state
Here We Grow Again - Welcome Suffield!
Access Health to Help withNew Health Care Choices
ACCESS/page 4
October2013pRT1_NCN new template 9/29/13 9:34 AM Page 1
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the North Central News is presented for your consideration
and does not necessarily represent the views of the
publisher or its advertisers. All information is checked for
accuracy but cannot be guaranteed. Liability for errors
in advertising is limited to rerun of the ad. Errors in
advertising should be brought to the attention of the publisher,
in writing, within seven days of publication for
appropriate credit.
East WindsorEast WindsorVeterans Day Race at Starting Line
EAST WINDSOR -- On Saturday,Nov. 9, the East Windsor VeteransCommission will sponsor the 14th annu-al Veterans Day 5K Road Race. The racebegins at the East Windsor Town Halllocated at 11 Rye St. in Broad Brook.
Early number pickup and late regis-tration begins at 8 a.m. The VeteransDay memorial service will be held at9:30 a.m., and the road race begins at 10a.m.
Race fees are as follows: up to age 17,$5 up to and including race day; ages 18and beyond, $11 postmarked by Nov. 2.After Nov. 2 and on race day, $15.
Form more information or to find raceregistration forms, visit the town websiteat www.eastwindsorct.com on the home-page under News and Announcements.Registration forms are also located intown buildings.
State Rep. Christopher Davis (R-Ellington) recently toured CAMMMetals with owner Al Soucie. CAMMMetals, an East Windsor business, spe-cializes in bending and welding metals.
State Rep. Davis VisitsEast Windsor Business
Events at WarehousePoint Library
EAST WINDSOR -- Registrationcontinues for Fall Story Times at theWarehouse Point Library. The libraryoffers Two’s & Three’s, a program forchildren 2 years (by Oct. 1) through 3years old. This program features sto-ries, action and movement activitiesas well as crafts for both the child andadult/caretaker. The fall sessionbegins Oct. 11 at 10:30 a.m. and con-tinues through Nov. 22.
There are two sessions for 4- to 6-year-olds: Books Before Bed onMondays at 6:15 p.m. now throughNov. 18, or Story Time onWednesdays at 10:30 a.m., startingOct. 9 through Nov. 20.
Please choose one session only.As part of the fall book discus-
sion, the library will be showingthe 2013 film version of “TheGreat Gatsby” on Oct. 23 at 2 p.m.The movie is open to everyone. OnOct. 30 at 2 p.m., B.J. Smith willlead a discussion on the film.
An art exhibit by members of theEast Windsor Senior Center will bedisplayed during the month ofOctober in the Community Room.
The Friends of the Library willbe holding a book sale from Oct.12-21. Fill a bag with books for $6.
Registration for these programsis necessary and may be done in per-son or by phone at 860-623-5482.
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Medicaid and Children’s HealthInsurance Programs.”
Access Health has been reachingout to people around the state toencourage them to learn about the pro-gram and enroll.
Outreach efforts in North CentralConnecticut included a program at theJuly 4 parade in Enfield and a HealthyChat event held in Enfield to provideinformation about the program. AccessHealth also had a medical screeningand information booths at theGenerations Family Health CenterHealth Fair in Willimantic on Sept. 25.
The Navigator and AssisterOutreach Program, which focuses onmaking it easier for individuals toenroll in health coverage, waslaunched by Access Health inSeptember. The program helps in theimplementation of the Affordable CareAct by involving community-basedorganizations in bringing the healthcoverage marketplace to the people
who need it.There are six Navigator organiza-
tions across the state, including theAccess Agency Inc. in the Tolland andWindham region.
There are approximately 300 assis-ter candidates throughout Connecticutthat are currently on the certificationtrack.
Assisters are individuals who workat community-based organizations thatwill engage, educate and enroll con-sumers in health coverage, bringingAccess Health CT to consumers intheir own communities.
Access Health was informed in lateSeptember by the Center for Medicareand Medicaid Services of their formalapproval to connect with the federaldata services hub.
“This is a major milestone,” KevinCounihan, CEO of Access Health CT,said in a written release. “Establishingthe connection with the federal hubwas a highly complex undertaking, andone which was approached with the
utmost attention to accuracy and secu-rity.”
The Federal data hub will will beused to confirm the identity of appli-
cants, as well as aid in determiningindividuals’ eligibility for tax credits,which may lower the cost of individu-als monthly premiums.
Access Health to Help Individuals Enroll in Health Care
Funding for Well Water Test Goes DryEAST WINDSOR — State budget
cuts are being felt at home by some townhomeowners.
Town residents whose homes dependon well water have been told by the statethat despite the fact that some of themare dealing with contaminated water,they cannot turn to the state for help.
While in the past the state Departmentof Energy and Environmental Protectionhad provided testing for residents withwell water, DEEP representatives toldEast Windsor residents at a Sept. 11meeting that funding for that programhas been cut.
The more than 400,000 state home-owners affected by this change werenotified by letter this summer.
According to the DEEP’s website,
“Private (domestic) wells are not current-ly regulated by the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA), therefore pri-vate well owners are responsible for thequality of their own drinking water.”
At the Sept. 17 Board of Selectmen’smeeting, those attending were told thatstate Rep. Christopher Davis and stateSen. Gary LeBeau are looking foroptions for residents.
According to the minutes of the meet-ing, LeBeau said that since the filtrationsystem the state had previously installedis still in place, homeowners should keepusing those filters.
He said that AquaPump of Staffordwill allow homeowners to purchase fil-ters at the state-negotiated price throughFebruary 2016.
continued from page one
October2013pRT1_NCN new template 9/29/13 9:34 AM Page 4
EAST WINDSOR – The Town ofEast Windsor is embarking on its nextPlan of Conservation and Development(P.O.C.D.) This plan sets the goals anddreams for East Windsor’s future. Themost important information it can col-lect will come from the citizens of EastWindsor.
Input from residents is important tothe town’s future, therefore citizens are
invited to attend the following work-shops:
• Thursday, Oct. 4 – Kick-OffWorkshop – at Park Hill, CommunityRoom, 1-A Park Hill, Broad Brook, 7p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 29 – Workshopwith the Economic DevelopmentCommission – at the East WindsorTown Hall, 11 Rye St., Broad Brook,
6:30 p.m.Please contact the East Windsor
Planning Department with any ques-
tions at 860-623-6030 or Town PlannerLaurie Whitten at [email protected].
Geissler’s Supermarket in East Windsor held a grand re-opening event on Sept. 21complete with ribbon cutting, raffles, tasty samples and a fabulous celebrationcake for its newly remodeled store.
Geissler’s Re-Opens Renovated Supermarket
October2013pRT1_NCN new template 9/29/13 9:34 AM Page 5
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The Hidden Still Opens its DoorsBy Deborah Stauffer
ELLINGTON – New England farm-ers in colonial times were known tohave used the grain and corn grown ontheir farms to make moonshine. Whilethe rest of the country was banning alco-hol in the early 1900s, Connecticut andRhode Island were still producing it. Itmay be fitting that Ellington, with itsmany acres of corn, is now the home ofa restaurant and moonshine bar calledThe Hidden Still. Nestled in the Route83 Meadowview Plaza, the Hidden Stilljust recently opened with owner MaxCollins and Executive Chef Sean Martinat the helm.
Collins and Martin worked togetherfor a few years in a tavern and talkedabout teaming up one day. They decidedto make it a reality when the formerLepri’s Burger Bar closed and that spacebecame available. Opened for a littleover a month, the restaurant has beenquite busy with no advertising otherthan using social media and old-fash-ioned word of mouth.
The Discovery Channel series“Moonshiners” gave Collins the idea ofcreating a restaurant and pub carryingmany brands of moonshine. Moonshine,as we learned from history, was made instills and hidden out of sight.Moonshine is generally whiskey madefrom corn, and the big difference fromthat and the whiskey we find in liquorstores is the aging process. Well, there isnone. When whiskey comes out of thestill, it is clear like water. When it is putinto barrels to age, the amber color isproduced. Onyx Moonshine is the firstlegal moonshine to be produced in NewEngland, and it is hand produced in EastHartford. The Hidden Still carries 12kinds of moonshine, which includesOnyx, and Collins is looking to addmore to the list. Collins also infuses themoonshine with locally grown fruit toproduce his own flavored moonshine.The menu has a variety of seasonalmoonshine drinks such as RaspberryMoonshine Mojita and one he madeespecially for the area called Ellington
Sunset. One thing to note is the proof ofmoonshine is still the same as the agedwhiskey. If whiskey and moonshine arenot your thing, the Hidden Still has 14beers on tap, 13 kinds in bottles and aflash from the past – Narragansett andSchlitz. There are daily drink and foodspecials, as well.
When entering the restaurant, youcan’t help noticing a few things. Oneis… the still, of course, near the door,but the other is the unique lanterns madeout of canning jars. As a matter of fact,canning jars are definitely the motifthere. The moonshine drinks are servedin canning jars with handles, and theyeven have shot glasses shaped like can-ning jars. The uniqueness continues asyou read the reasonably priced menu.Some of Martin’s creative dishesinclude pulled pork sandwiches ongrilled flatbread, chicken and waffles,pork wontons, grilled macaroni andcheese, smoked meatloaf with mashed
MOONSHINE/page 10
October2013pRT1_NCN new template 9/29/13 9:34 AM Page 6
potatoes and fish tacos, to name a few.He and his team of four chefs prefer touse all fresh products.
Martin says his kitchen is a “scratchkitchen” and prides himself on thefreshness. “I want my product to be MYproduct,” he says. “No rushing isinvolved. The food is done right.”Nothing on the menu takes less than sixhours to prepare. Martin says the pulledpork takes 14 to 16 hours to cook.
Pastry chef Nicole Calabretta has herchance at creativity, as well. A few ofher menu favorites are cheesecake sun-dae and cheesecake stackers.
“She makes my life easier,” Martinsaid. They plan to change the menu bi-monthly or seasonally, but will stillkeep some of the popular dishes.
Along with the Southern Moonshinetheme, the restaurant also has sixflatscreen televisions for viewing eitherfrom the bar or the dining room. NFLand NHL games, along with other sport-ing events, can be viewed on them.
They usually have a special to accom-pany games.
Collins and Martin are both nativesof Connecticut and in their 20s. Don’tbe fooled by their youth, however.Combine a business degree fromUConn, experience in the restaurant andculinary field, good old hard work andcreativity, and you have a team deter-mined to succeed.
“This is a business everyone said tostay away from due to the time commit-ment,” said Collins, but he is not afraidof hard work and commitment. Collinshopes his restaurant is different enoughand inviting for customers who arelooking for a casual and comfortableplace out of the ordinary to eat anddrink.
The Hidden Still is open Mondaysfrom 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., Tuesdays throughThursdays 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., Fridaysand Saturdays 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. andSundays 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Theyserve lunch every day except Monday.
To view the menu, visit their websiteat www.thehiddenstill.com. The Twitter
name is @thehiddenstill and Facebookpage https://www.facebook.com/the-hiddenstill. There is a kids’ menu avail-
able, and Martin is considering carryinggluten-free items and vegetarian disheson the menu in the future as well.
October 2013 N
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By Linda Tishler Levinson
ELLINGTON — The town will befielding more athletic playing space fol-lowing a Sept. 16 Special TownMeeting.
Residents voted at the town meetingto approve spending $500,000 for theconstruction of two natural grass athlet-ic fields on the land known as SantiniConservation Park on the east side ofPinney Street.
“We’re starting to look into bids forsome of the work,” First SelectmanMaurice Blanchette said.
One of the fields will be full sized,and one will be U-12 to support soccer,lacrosse and football. There will beparking for 182 cars and border fencing.
Blanchette said the original proposal,which sought an appropriation of$605,000, called for the construction ofa concession/storage building and provi-sions for water, sanitary and electricalservice. The building would includebathroom facilities.
Due to the Board of Finance’s low-ered funding amount, however,Blanchette said the town will do what itcan with the project, but the buildingwill not be done at this time.
“We’ll have to see how far the moneygoes,” he said.
The town plans to do the undergroundwork to prepare for construction at alater time if possible, he said.
In other business, Blanchette said the
senior center project is going well, withmuch work done on the inside of thebuilding. The exterior siding is sched-
uled to be installed soon, he added,which will visually make the projectappear more toward completion.
Athletic Fields and Senior Center on Meeting Agenda
‘Crazy’ Whist Card Party ShouldMake for an Afternoon Full of Fun
ELLINGTON — American LegionAuxiliary Hatheway Miller Unit 62 willbe holding a Crazy Whist Card Party onSaturday, Oct. 26 in the Ellington SeniorCenter, 16 Church Street, Ellington.
The doors will open at noon, and thegames will begin at 12:30 p.m.
Refreshments will be provided, and araffle and door prize will be offered.
Because “Crazy” Whist is a whimsi-
cal variation of a card game, participantsneed not be serious card enthusiasts.Rules are bent to allow the players a fun-filled experience. Both men and womenare invited to attend.
Tickets are $6 in advance and $7 atthe door.
Please call Ginny at 860-872-3150 orDoris at 860-871-1498 for informationor tickets.
Ambulance 543 Placed Into Service Sept. 17ELLINGTON - On September 17, Ellington Volunteer Ambulance Corps
(EVAC) placed its new ambulance in service. Ambulance 543, a 2013 GMC man-ufactured by Life Line Emergency Vehicles, replaces a 2006 Ford, which wasretired in August. EVAC was founded in 1962 and provides emergency medicalservices to the town of Ellington. EVAC Is always looking for motivated volun-teers, visit our website www.ellingtonambulance.com
October2013pRT1_NCN new template 9/29/13 9:34 AM Page 8
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mier media entity for military personneltransitioning into civilian life, hasnamed Asnuntuck Community Collegeto the coveted Military FriendlySchools® list. The 2014 MilitaryFriendly Schools® list honors the top 20percent of colleges, universities andtrade schools in the country that aredoing the most to embrace America’smilitary service members, veterans, andspouses as students and ensure their suc-cess on campus.
“Inclusion on the 2014 list of MilitaryFriendly Schools® shows AsnuntuckCommunity College’s commitment toproviding a supportive environment formilitary students,” said Sean Collins,Vice President at Victory Media and anine-year Navy veteran. “The need foreducation is growing, and our mission isto provide the military community withtransparent, world-class resources toassist in their search for schools.”
“At ACC we are proud of the servicethat more than 115 of our current stu-dents have given to their country. We are
pleased that in return we can provide awelcoming environment to our veter-ans,” said Asnuntuck’s Interim PresidentJames Lombella.
“It’s an honor to once again receiverecognition as a Veteran FriendlySchool, said ACC’s VeteransCoordinator Beth Egan. “We take pridein how we work with and support all ofour students, but it’s wonderful to berecognized for our exceptional service toour veterans.”
The Military Friendly Schools®media and website, found at www.mili-taryfriendlyschools.com, feature the list,interactive tools and search functionalityto help military students find the bestschool to suit their unique needs andpreferences. The 1,868 colleges, univer-sities and trade schools on this year’s listexhibit leading practices in the recruit-ment and retention of students with mil-itary experience. These schools haveworld-class programs and policies forstudent support on campus, academicaccreditation, credit policies, flexibilityand other services to those who served.
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EnfieldEnfieldIt’s in Their Jeans: Credit Union Raises Funds
ENFIELD – The Tobacco ValleyTeachers Federal Credit Union (TVT-FCU), located at 182 South Rd. inEnfield, recently participated in theCredit Unions for Kids “Miracle JeansDay” Campaign. This campaign is afundraising effort for the Children’sMiracle Network Hospitals®, a charitythat raises funds for 170 children’s hos-pitals. The credit unions’ members andstaff opened up their hearts and wallets,helping raise funds for this worthycause. All funds raised by TVTFCU willbenefit the Connecticut Children’sMedical Center a Children’s MiracleNetwork Hospital.
“We are a proud supporter of theCredit Unions for Kids fundraising cam-paigns. We truly appreciate the supportfrom our members and staff for thiscause. The money raised assists in sup-porting programs, research and equip-ment. We are very fortunate to have achildren’s medical center in our area and
are committed in doing our part in keep-ing it a viable resource for the manyfamilies that are in need of these servic-es,” said Myrijam Meserve, Manger andCEO of the Tobacco Valley Teachers
Federal Credit Union.Credit unions hold fast to their motto
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Hospitals®. Credit unions, fundraisingunder the Credit Unions for Kids brand,have raised more than $100 millionsince 1996 for 170 Children’s MiracleNetwork hospitals.
The staff at the Tobacco Valley Teachers Federal Credit Union recently wore jeans to help kids during a special campaign.
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A Family TraditionEnfield resident and Fermi High School graduate Brett Kroh was awarded therank of Eagle Scout at a Troop 818 ceremony held on Sept. 24. Kroh is the fourthmember of his family to earn Scouting's highest honor. He is currently attendingUConn in Storrs, studying engineering.
Business Tax Credit ProgramWill Benefit Enfield Children
ENFIELD—Educational Resourcesfor Children, Inc. (ERfC) has beenapproved as a qualifying community pro-gram by the Conn. NeighborhoodAssistance Act (NAA) Tax CreditProgram. ERfC, a 501(c)3 non-profitorganization, that provides out-of-schooltime academic, enrichment and recre-ational support and activities for youth inEnfield. ERfC is the only organization inEnfield to be designated by the State ofCT for this program.
According to the State of ConnecticutDepartment of Revenue Services, theNAA Tax Credit Program provides a taxcredit to businesses that make cash invest-ments in qualifying community programsconducted by tax-exempt or municipalagencies. This means that any corporationthat is subject to the ConnecticutCorporation Income Tax may apply todonate funds through a preapproved pro-gram and receive a tax credit up to 60%.Donations can range between $500 and$150,000.
Claire Hall, ERfC executive director,
said in the 2012-2013 school year ERfCserved 332 Enfield children. “Eighty-twopercent of the families enrolled in ERfCbefore- and after-School Age Centers,serving six elementary schools and onemiddle school, requested and receivedfinancial assistance on a sliding fee sched-ule, 64 percent received assistance toattend the Summer Escape Day Camp.However, over 125 additional childrenwho qualified for free or reduced schoollunches were not able to enroll, due toreduced funding,” she added.
Hall said financial support is neededfrom Connecticut businesses “to make itpossible for us to serve children on ourwaiting lists. Our goal is to raise $150,000in the NAA campaign,” she added.
In order to qualify for the tax credit, allapplications had to be submitted betweenthe dates of Sept. 15 and Oct. 1. For ques-tions regarding ERfC and how to registerfor the NAA Tax Credit Program contactClaire Hall at 860-253-9935 or [email protected]. For more informationabout ERfC visit www.erfc.us.
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Town Charter Revisions Discussed at Recent MeetingBy Linda Tishler Levinson
ENFIELD — Should the town forma Charter Revision Commission? Thisquestion was discussed by the TownCouncil at its Sept. 16 meeting.
While the charter, which sets guide-lines for the town’s government, waslast revised in 1996, councilors said itmay be best to wait until after themunicipal elections in November sothat charter decisions are not influ-enced by campaigning officials.
The process for a charter revisionwas reviewed by Town ManagerMatthew Coppler and Town AttorneyKevin Deneen. That process includes astrict timetable for forming the com-mission, as well as holding publichearings.
Coppler said he did not think therewas sufficient time to begin theprocess before the elections, accordingto the minutes of the meeting.However, Coppler said this councilcould make recommendations andcomplete a list of items that should beaddressed by a charter panel.
Councilman Thomas Kienzler saidhe feels this council should not wait,but rather they should help move thisprocess forward.
Councilman Carol Hall said shebelieves this is one of the more seriousundertakings that a council can dowhile it serves. She said it makes nosense for this council to start thisprocess with only two full meetingsremaining.
Kienzler stated it’s not about poli-tics, but rather it’s about starting aprocess that would give a head start toa new Town Council.
Councilman William Edgar Jr. stat-ed he agrees with Hall in that theyshouldn’t do anything right now. Hesaid he feels this issue this has beenmade political.
Mayor Scott Kaupin said the biggesthurdle is to start this off with eightcouncil members voting for it. He saidhe doesn’t have an issue with the coun-cil making recommendations and sub-mitting those recommendations.
Coppler said that could be submitted
in the form of a letter to the next TownCouncil.
Kaupin said he is in favor of areview of the Charter, but he believesthis is far too important.
He recalled a Charter ReviewCommission in 1995, which he saidwas very much a housekeeping effortin an attempt to update the charter. Hesaid he doesn’t mind people starting to
generate thoughts, but if they have tocome up with a position paper or letter,they have to arrive at a consensus. Hesaid they could start an applicationprocess, but he believes there are a lotpeople that would wait to see what themakeup of the next Town Council willbe. He noted they can generate someideas, and they can pick this up ifthere’s any interest at the next meeting.
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It’s A ‘Jungle’ In Town’s Newly-Opened Gymnastics FacilitySOMERS — Welcome to the Jungle. They’ve
got fun and games.The Somers office of Connecticut Commercial
Realty & Select Homes has announced the lease of6,000 square feet at 40 Scitico Rd. in Somers.
SOMERSault Jungle Gymnastics, LLC, ownedby Cathy Mynahan and Bailey Russell, is excitedto offer a caring atmosphere for members and their
families. The facility is fully equipped with airconditioned viewing areas, a lounge area, a quietstudy area, a sibling playroom, a dance trainingroom and a parent exercise room.
SOMERSault Jungle Gymnastics offersMommy & Me Classes, Preschool Gymnastics,Recreational Gymnastics, Recreational Team,Competitive Gymnastic Teams, Tumbling, Open
Gym and birthday parties for all ages. As a USAGMember Club, SOMERSault will provide quality,professional, safety-certified gymnastic coaches.
Build-out has been completed at the center,which opened for classes Sept. 3. ConnecticutCommercial Realty continues to market additionalavailable space at the 40 Scitico Rd. location.
ENFIELD - Volunteers are beingsought for this year’s ConnecticutRiver Source to Sea Cleanup. Theone-day community cleanup of theConnecticut River and its tributar-ies will take place on Saturday, Oct.5. The mega event is coordinated bythe Connecticut River WatershedCouncil (CRWC), and includes theriver’s entire length - from thesource at the Canadian border, 410miles to the sea at Long IslandSound.
Volunteers are encouraged tobring canoes, kayaks, and motor-ized boats to help with the cleanup,weather dependent. Please be sure
to wear sturdy shoes and bringgloves. Water levels will be moni-tored, and if it is too high, the focuswill be on the Scantic River water-shed, Freshwater Pond/Brook andother open space along the river.
Volunteers are asked to show upat the Donald Barnes Boat Launchon South River St. in Enfield at 8a.m. for registration and workassignments. Groups are encour-aged and are asked to contact theCRWC ahead of time.
By volunteering you will be pre-venting injuries to wildlife and
SOMERS - All adults are invited toparticipate in the Somers SeniorCenter’s bus trip to the Mohegan SunCasino on Friday, Nov. 15. This trip isopen to all - not just seniors and/orSomers residents. Passengers must beat the Somers Senior Center by 8:15a.m. The bus will leave promptly at8:30 a.m. and will return to the Centerat approximately 5 p.m. The cost ofthe trip is $20 and includes round-tripdeluxe bus, two gambling vouchers,voucher towards the cost of lunch, andthe bus driver’s gratuity.
Payment must be made at time of
reservation (cash or check), alongwith list of the full name and contacttelephone number for each person.No refunds. All checks should bepayable to the Somers RecreationDepartment. Either drop off yourreservation/payment at the SeniorCenter or mail reservation info. andcheck to the Somers Senior Center, 19Battle St., P. O. Box 308, Somers, CT06071.
Reservations/payments deadlineFriday, Nov. 8. Any questions, pleasecall the Somers Senior Center at 860-763-4379.
Senior Center Casino Trip Slatedfor Friday, Nov. 15
Volunteers Sought For RiverTo Sea Community Clean Up
CLEANUP/page 17
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The Somers Women's Club recently donated $1,000 to the Somers CongregationalChurch for its Capital Campaign Fund. The donation was accepted by ChurchModerator Anne Kirkpatrick (right). Also pictured are Karen Anderson, SomersWomen's Club President (2010-2012) and Charlotte Stopa, current Club president.
Join the Race for Macie GraceSOMERS — Over the past six years
with the fantastic supporters of the Racefor Macie Grace, $34,000 has beenawarded to local graduating studentswho have overcome major challenges intheir young lives. The Macie GraceFoundation has also donated over 400infant outfits and over 400 children’sbooks to the Connecticut Children’sMedical Center in the past four years.Through the Foundation, the group isalso working with the NeonatalIntensive Care Unit (N.I.C.U.) atConnecticut Children's Medical Center(CCMC), the University of ConnecticutMedical Center, Manchester Hospital,Johnson Memorial Hospital andCharlotte Hungerford Hospital, to sup-port families with early diagnosis ofserious and fatal illnesses before andafter birth. They continue to facilitate“Baby Steps,” the bereavement groupfor parents that have lost a baby throughmiscarriage, still birth, ectopic pregnan-cy or infant loss.
For the last several years, over 100
participants walk or run the 5K, the halfmarathon or the full marathon at theHartford ING Race in Hartford.Participants meet at the tent before andafter the race and receive refreshmentsthroughout the day.
You can contact 860-749-0563 [email protected] participate or receive more informa-tion. You can also visit the websitewww.active.com/donate/MacieGrace2013. Donations or pledges can be madepayable to the Macie Grace Foundation,Inc. and mailed to: 127 Hampden Road,Somers, CT 06071.
If someone is not able to make adonation or participate in the race, theycan purchase a T-shirt for $20. Witheach donation over $50 you will receiveone free T-shirt.
Additional T-shirts can be purchasedfor $20 each. Every year since its incep-tion, all of the participants wear the T-shirts at the race, and it looks great tosee the wave of dark purple in thecrowds.
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Check Out the Fun at Scantic Valley FarmSOMERS — Scantic Valley
Farm is opening Saturday, Sept.21, for its fourth annual CornMaze and Pumpkin Patch.
This year’s design has a Jackand the Beanstalk theme, featuringover three miles of trails. Theycraft a challenge within the mazeeach year to discover the five hid-
den posts – it’s a crowd pleaser forall ages.
Come on out for a day of greatfamily fun, walk the maze, pick apumpkin, take a hayride throughthe scenic valley and visit ourbarnyard of friends. Enjoy some ofour delicious Connecticut-grownfoods. Complete your day with
some shopping at our GeneralStore and Marketplace and enjoysome wholesome games at the“OK Corral.” Scantic Valley Farmis located at 327 9th District Rd.,Somers. Hours are Saturday andSunday 11 a.m. to dusk nowthrough Oct. 27. Check out thewebsite at scanticvalleyfarm.com.
stopping pollution from entering rivers andstreams.
This is the 14th year the cleanup has beenconducted in Enfield, and the total accumulatedamount of trash collected along the riversthrough the years is over 100 tons. Last year
alone, the group was able to remove 2,160pounds of garbage from Enfield.
Pizza and refreshments will be served atnoon.
Questions can be directed to [email protected] information is available at theCRWC site: http://www.ctriver.org/portfolio-items/source-to-sea-cleanup/.
‘Mega’ Cleanup Effort On Area Waters Begins Oct. 5continued from page 15
October2013pRT1_NCN new template 9/29/13 9:35 AM Page 17
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Revision Commission Proposes Changes to CharterBy Linda Tishler Levinson
SOMERS—The Charter RevisionCommission’s recommended changeswill be voted on when residents go tothe polls for the Nov. 5 election.
A number of changes are beingproposed, including:
• Candidates for first selectmanwill no longer be eligible to win aseat on the Board of Selectmen,regardless of the number of votesthey get. “No person may simultane-ously seek the office of first select-man and the office of selectman,” theproposed charter reads.
• Board of Education terms wouldchange from six years to four years.
• A section on the town clerk wouldbe added to the charter.
• Planning Commission termswould be for four years instead offive.
• Three Planning Commissionalternates could be appointed for one-year terms.
• Members of the ZoningCommission, Zoning Board ofAppeals, Conservation Commission,Housing Authority, Building Board ofAppeals and Cemetery Committeewould have their terms changed fromfour years to five.
• Zoning Board of Appeals alter-nates would serve one-year rather
than five-year terms.• The Board of Assessors would be
eliminated, and the position of asses-sor as an appointed, professionalposition would be recommended.
• The town treasurer, collector oftaxes and assessor would becomeappointed positions.
• A Town Meeting vote would nolonger be needed to confirm appoint-ments to the Planning, Zoning, ZBAand Board of Assessment Appeals.
• The Civil Preparedness Councilwould be renamed the EmergencyPreparedness Advisory Council.
• The residency requirements couldbe suspended by the appointing
authority for the resident trooper, firechief, superintendent of schools andsuperintendent of highways.
• The Town Meeting would havethe power to decrease any appropria-tion or item, but not increase anyappropriation.
• If the budget is not approved byvote at the first referendum, theselectmen would schedule subsequentreferendums at 14-day intervals.
“The most important thing to real-ize is that there will be one questionon the ballot regarding CharterRevision,” First Selectman LisaPellegrini said.
CHARTER/page 23
How Sweet: Women’s Club Holding Candy FundraiserSOMERS — The Somers Women’s
Club is now selling California’s famousSee’s Candies. The sweets will be avail-able for the holiday season, wrapped inholiday paper and ready for gift giving.
By placing your order with the
Somers Women’s Club, you will saveon delivery charges.
All orders must be made before Nov.8. Please call Estelle at 860-749-2770or Marie at 860-749-7462 for a flyerand further information.
Profits from this fundraiser will ben-efit the Somers Women’s ClubScholarship Fund and grants for com-munity needs.
The Somers Women’s Club is amember of the General Federation ofWomen’s Clubs of Connecticut.
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Bonding ProposalA Town Meeting will be held at
6:30 p.m. Oct. 24 in the Town Hallauditorium to vote on spending$6.194 million and bonding of$4.276 million on various capitalimprovements, Pellegrini said. Ifapproved, the projects would beincluded on the Nov. 5 ballot.
The projects include school roofs,fire alarms and generator improve-ments at Somers Elementary andSomers High schools; road improve-ments; Fire Department tanker truckand ambulance, the Somers seniorshuttle bus and firetrucks.
Due to the low borrowing interestrates of approximately 3.5 percent,members of the Board of Financesaid they feel this is an opportunetime for a bond issue and forimprovements to the town’s infra-structure.
Natural Hazards MitigationPlan
Public meetings were scheduledto be held Oct. 1 and 2 on theNatural Hazards Mitigation Plan,and comments are being takenthrough Oct. 11.
The plan is being drafted by theCapital Region Council ofGovernments with the FederalEmergency Management Agency. Itinvolves 30 towns in the region.
It updates a plan originally creat-ed in 2008 to identify natural haz-ards likely to affect the region,assess vulnerabilities to these haz-ards and set mitigation strategies toreduce loss of life and property, aswell as economic disruptions and thecost of recovery.
For more information or toreview the draft Plan Update, pleasevisit CRCOG’s website :www.crcog.org/community_dev/current_p_fema.html.
(continued from page 22)
Vote Will Decide Fate ofPlanned Charter Revisions
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SOMERS — The Somers CulturalCommission welcomes the third seasonof the “Piedmont Percolator,” a coffee-house venue highlighting local musicaltalent.
Beginning this October and continu-ing through April, the second Sunday ofeach month will feature a variety ofmusicians and songwriters.
Historic Piedmont Hall, located at
604 Main St. in Somers, will once againhost the coffeehouse.
Opening the coffeehouse in Octoberwill be Michael Coppola, an accom-plished jazz guitarist, whose signature“9 string” instrumentation has garneredhim widespread acclaim.
The evening’s second performancefeatures Maryse Smith, a singer song-writer from Burlington, Vt., with local
roots. Future bookings include rock and
soul from the Nenad Bach Band andvocalist Kristen Graves, as well as per-formances from a number of rising tal-ents and local favorites including theChuck E. Costa Duo, Judith Handlerand Mark Levesque, Glen Rothel,Lorette Hagan, the Healys Irish Bandfeaturing John Tabb, Marc Douglas and
the Gail Wade Trio. A special holiday program is planned
for December by the Somers VillagePlayers.
The Piedmont Percolator debutsSunday, Oct. 13, from 7 p.m.-9 p.m.Admission and coffee are free. For fur-ther information go to www.somerscul-tural.com.
Piedmont Percolator to Offer Free Monthly Musical Performances
October2013part2_NCN new template 9/30/13 8:31 AM Page 24
STAFFORD — The Stafford Librarywill present a self-help series during themonth of October, as follows:
Oct. 8 at 7 p.m.: Living YouthfullyForever, Physically and Spiritually
Matthew Raider MD, (geriatric med-icine), will discuss the research on theanti-aging aspects of exercise, diet, sup-plements and meditation. He will alsopresent the scientific aspects of con-sciousness and how meditation canunlock it. Matthew Raider, MD, is aclinical physician and coordinatingdirector of the Geriatric TeachingProgram in Family Medicine atMiddlesex Hospital in Connecticut. Hehas been practicing meditation for over30 years. Dr. Raider is a physician witha strong interest in meditation and itsrelationship to health.
Oct. 15 and Oct. 17 at 7 p.m.: Two-Part Meditation Series
Facilitated by Clare Vidich. “Imagineyou are carrying a private retreat aroundinside you. A sanctuary you can visitwhenever modern life gets too much.
Imagine contentment and freedom fromfear - whenever you wish it. You areimagining the peace of body, mind andsoul that meditation can bring you”(Rajinder Singh). Whether you arealready meditating, or a completebeginner, this class has something tooffer you. Through the practice of Jyotimeditation we can begin our personaltransformation, which helps bring aboutan inner peace that permeates our life.Clare Vidich, is the director of KirpalMeditation Center and serves on theIntegrative Health Committee atWindham Hospital. She is a Montessoriteacher who offers meditation classes inadult education, college, high schoolsand preschools. Vidich was a speaker atthe Global Conference on Mysticism in2007 and 2009 in Delhi, India.
Oct. 23 at 7 p.m.: Introduction toEFT/Tapping with Steven Munn
EFT/Tapping has benefited millionsof people worldwide with calmingnerves, being more focused, reducingpain, enhancing sports performance,
accelerating the recovery from injuryand more. EFT/Tapping is completelysafe, easy to learn and works quickly.With this evening introduction you willexperience the benefits of Tapping andlearn three steps so that you can try it athome. Steven A Munn is a featuredexpert in the NY Times Best Sellingbook “The Tapping Solution.” Call To
Reiki is a technique used to reducestress and release tension. It encouragesrelaxation and may also provide painrelief while promoting a sense of well
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TREEREMOVAL
T H E H A N D C E N T E ROF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
IN CONNECTICUT
Jeffrey C. Wint, M.D.Bruce I. Wintman, M.D.Richard T. Martin, M.D.
Surgery of the Hand, Upper Extremity & Shoulder
The Hand Center is now the only medical practice in Western Massachusettsand Northern Connecticut dedicated solely to the hand and upper extremity.
Our main address is: Our new additional location is: 3550 Main Street, Suite 204 140 Hazard Avenue, Suite 103 Springfi eld, MA.01107 Enfi eld, CT 06082 (413) 733-2204 (860) 272-2996
www.handctr.com
www.fosterfarm.com90 Foster Street, South Windsor, CT 860-648-9366
FOSTER FAMILY FARM
� Mini Maze � Party Areas� Play Area � Pumpkin Picking � MumsPedal Cart Track � Animals � Hayrides
OPENWeekends: September 14 - October 31
Daily: Beginning October 1
$1 off of admission with donation of canned good or personal care item to the SW Food Bank
OPEN Everyday in October Concessions open weekends
FlashlightMaze
Fri. & Sat.evenings until 9:30 p.m.Starting Sept. 28
Group Trips to the Farm are great for:Pre-School and School Age Children
Special Needs GroupsAdult Team Building � Scouts
Youth Groups � Birthday Parties
2 Giant Corn Mazes(encompassing 7 acres, with over 3 miles of trails!)
Library to Offer Self-Help Series During Month of October
MEDITATION/page 26
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being. Cindy Kabel, ReikiMaster/Teacher will give an introduc-tion to Reiki. The Reiki practitionerholds his or her hands near the person’sbody in a prescribed and calming man-ner.
The person receiving the Reiki ses-sion will direct the practitioner to areasof the body which may exhibitinghealth ailments or stress. Many peoplereport a sense of well-being, relaxation,warmth coolness or tingling during andafter the Reiki Session.
Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m.: VibrationalHealing/Tibetan SingingBowls/Sound Energy
Laura Dunfield, certified byHartford Hospital IntegratitivieMedicine Department, will demon-strate Vibrational Healing/SoundEnergy, which is done with TibetanSinging Bowls. These bowls have beenused in sacred ceremonies in themonasteries of Tibet and Nepal forover 3,000 years. This sound is deepand allows you to go deep within your-self to a place of peace and healing.The sounds break up any blocks in aperson’s energy field, which enables
the release of stress and tension.Blocks, which are felt in the body asdiscomfort or pain, are released. Bloodpressure is lowered. Stress and tensiondisappear, and you relax. When a bowlis played near you, you receive energy,especially when your energy level is
low or depleted. You feel more whole,safe and grounded. You are relaxed.Call the Stafford Public Library formore information on these programs orto register at 860-684-2852. The libraryis located at 10 Leventhal Run,Stafford Springs.
Stafford Springs, CT
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STAFFORD — In August 2012 LauraPanicera, director of the Stafford Seniorand Youth Center, and Kathy Ferreira,certified Zumba Instructor, met for aZumba Gold meeting. It has been a yearsince the Zumba Gold program began atthe Senior Center on Sept. 15, 2012.What started as one-day-a-week pro-gram quickly turned into two days aweek, and then three days a week. Forthe Stafford seniors, it's been a year offun and fitness, of shrinking bodies, get-ting flexibility and balance, gettingtoned and building stamina, of laughter,love, support and making new friends.
Natalie S. says, “I never imaginedthat I'd be excited about getting up earlyand exercising. I feel so happy after myclass.”
Another lady at the center says, “Andimagine, I'm down to a size 10!”
New member, Nancy F. says, “I was
feeling bad about the extra pounds I puton, but I've already lost seven pounds injust a few weeks.”
The brag list and success stories go onand on with the ladies that come to theStafford Zumba Gold classes.
What is Zumba Gold, and whatmakes it so special? It’s fun and fitnessrolled into one. Anyone can do it. It’sdifferent from Zumba Fitness. The Goldprogram is a lower impact, repetitiveand easy to follow Latin inspired fundances designed for people that mayneed modifications in their exerciserolutine. It is for those people just start-ing an exercise program, for seniors andbeginner Zumba enthusiasts. This pro-gram helps to build cardiovascularhealth by challenging the heart andworking the muscles of the hips, legsand arms with dance moves.
Instructor Ferreira says she sets up
her Gold Program to include music thather members really enjoy.
“Yes, we do Latin music, but we alsodance to music that my ladies grew upwith. We use tunes such as ‘In TheMood,’ ‘Calendar Girl,’ ‘Zoot Suit Riot,’‘In the Summertime,’’It’s Raining Men,’and ‘Mambo #5,’ just to name a few. Ifthe class hates a routine, then it is out. Ifthey love it, we keep it in till we all tireof it. There is a lot of fun and laughter inour classes, especially when the routineis new, and we’re all learning the steps.Don’t think because it's easy that wearen't burning calories. We get anywherefrom 500-650 calories depending on theplaylist,” she said.
Ferreira is also certified to teachZumba Fitness, Zumbatonics, andZumba Toning, but teaching ZumbaGold is her favorite and most rewarding.Her Zumba Gold Classes have expandedinto four facilities.
“I started teaching Zumba Fitness atthe Mansfield Academy of Dance onSaturday mornings. Once I got myZumba Gold certification, I startedteaching in Stafford Springs at theSenior Center on Mondays. After justtwo weeks, the class members inStafford wanted to add another day, soLaura Panicera let us come in onFridays. Then in April, we added theWest Stafford Fire Department onWednesday mornings and the VernonSenior Center on Wednesday afternoons.A lot of the Stafford Gold girls comethree mornings a week. ... Somewherealong the way, Zumba Gold was addedon Monday evenings at the Mansfieldcenter,” she said.
Ferreira continued, “We have nowstarted into our second year at theStafford Senior Center and are lookingforward to new songs, new moves, andnew class members.”
Zumba Classes Keep the Seniors Kicking
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Open letter to the citizens of Staff ord.Some months ago I introduced myself as an unaffi liated candidate for the Offi ce of First
Selectman. I want to continue to share my vision for Staff ord along with my qualifi cations for
that offi ce.
Vision is an essential quality of eff ective leadership and it must be more than a mere platitude.
In times of limited fi scal resources, it is also imperative to be creative in meeting the needs of
the Town and to solve problems. I will implement my vision for Staff ord by:
• Aggressively identifying and obtaining all possible grant funding. Funding
opportunities exist that have not been utilized for the growth of the Town.
• Utilizing my creativity to support Town commissions and committees by establishing
grassroots organizations to help solve immediate problems and needs. Grassroots
organizations are an eff ective way of meeting challenges. It inspires and empowers
people, taps into hidden resources and shatters the sense of futility that oft en becomes
a cloud over a community.
• Envisioning solutions, creating the infrastructure to accomplish a task and networking
and collaborating with others. Focus and dedication to overcome obstacles are a few of
my strong leadership abilities and will be the cornerstone of a Michalec administration.
My creative skills can also be seen in the three businesses that I have established and in how
I am running my campaign. It is not a status quo campaign. Money is spent judiciously, as
you will see when political lawn signs start peppering the landscape, there will be just a few
handcraft ed signs for my campaign placed about town.
Partisanship and much of the old political wisdom is being tested. I believe that the citizens of
Staff ord are independent, intelligent and disenchanted with politics as usual. I also believe that
Government is about serving the people and I have dedicated my life to serving others. It is
my passion. I will work tirelessly to serve you. I would appreciate your vote on November 5th!
Georgia Michalec, Unaffi liated Candidate for First Selectman.
Follow me on Facebook
Paid for by Georgia for a Stronger Staff ord 2013 Nancy Neff , Treasurer
andidate for First Selectman.
October2013part2_NCN new template 9/29/13 2:25 PM Page 28
STAFFORD — The Stafford ArtsCommission is heralding the 2013-2014Coffee House series with CarolynWaters and Seth Connelly Sunday, Oct.27.
Carolyn Waters has performed manytimes in Stafford and has left her musi-cal mark as a soulful singer/songwriter.She has a voice that is sultry and strong,and she always delivers powerhouseperformances.
Seth Connelly is a singer who isinspired by great melodies and rhythms.He performs a blend of 70’s, folk/rock,R&B, Motown and jazz. This is his pre-mier performance in Stafford.
The free Coffee House is located atthe Ben Muzio Town House (Old TownHall), 221 East Street (Rte. 19), StaffordSprings. The music begins at 7 p.m., andrefreshments are available.
Additional parking is at the TownGarage (Route 19) and Memorial Hall(Route 310).
Please consider donating a non-per-ishable food item to the Stafford FoodBank. Thank you to all Coffee House
audience members for previous dona-tions.
For more information, call 860-684-9500.
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StaffordStafford
(Pictured from left to right: Incumbent Karen Troiano, town clerk; Incumbent Neil Hoss, selectman; David Walsh, candidate for treasurer; Leonard �Butch� Clark,
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Wal-Mart Trip Oct. 3STAFFORD — The Stafford
Community Center will be hosting ashopping trip for senior/disabled resi-dents to Wal-Mart in Sturbridge, Mass.,with lunch at Ruby Tuesday’s onThursday, Oct. 3. Departure from theSenior Center will be at 9 a.m.Reservations for a seat are first come,first served. Please call 860-684-3906 or860-684-7752 to reserve your seat.
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StaffordStaffordArts Commission to Sponsor Barn Dance Oct. 19
STAFFORD — The Stafford ArtsCommission is sponsoring another BarnDance on Oct. 19 at Memorial Hall start-ing at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $8.
This dance will feature caller WillMentor and musicians Julie Metcalf onfiddle and Mark Kilianski on guitar.
Mentor is a contra and square dancecaller from northern Vermont known forhis clear teaching, upbeat wit and relaxedstage presence. He loves to choreographevenings with a variety of dances andtempos that at times surprise and alwaysdelight, all the while keeping intact his
guiding principle as a caller, “It's aboutthe dancers!”
Country Dance Stafford is an affiliateof the Country Dance and Song Society.
For more information, contact RichSbardella at 860-684-3466 or [email protected].
Memorial Hall is located on Rt. 319near the junction with Rt 19.
STAFFORD — The Grace EpiscopalChurch members will hold their annualApple Fest at the Grace EpiscopalChurch Guild Hall on Saturday, Oct. 12,from 8 a.m. to around 2 p.m. This eventwill be held rain or shine.
The Fest will include freshly bakedapple pies, fresh cider, white elephanttable, crafts, games for the kids and asilent auction.
The kitchen, located in the Grace
Guild Hall, will be open for breakfastand lunch and will also serve beverages,desserts and slices of apple pie.
Grace Episcopal Church is located at7 Spring St. in Stafford Springs nextdoor to the Historical Society Building.
For more information call GraceEpiscopal Church at 860-684-2824 or e-mail [email protected].
Please join us for this annual commu-nity event.
It’s Apple Fest Time atGrace Episcopal Church
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October2013part2_NCN new template 9/29/13 2:26 PM Page 30
Savings � Business Retirement Plans � 401k �403(b)457(b)� IRA & Roth Retirement Plans � Mutual Funds
CDs � Long Term Care Insurance
FREE RETIREMENT REVIEW
A special thank you to the CT Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America; Elmcrest Country Club; the golfers, sponsors, raffle
donators and volunteers for supporting TINA’S FIGHT and making this event a continued success. – The Niewinski Family
Volunteers: Heidi Bard , Jill Charbonneau, Dawn Frey, Deanna Kaschuluk, Donna Niewinski, Faith Nigro, Tamara Pinney, Debbie Ratti, Melissa Scibelli, Helene Vaulding, Kim Waskiewicz
Liz Adamski, Baker�s Furniture, Basil�s, Baypath College, Arlene Beaupre , Big Y, Capelli Salon, LLC., Chestnut Hill Nursery, Chicago Sam�s, Clubhouse Café at Sun Valley, Costco, Country Club of Wilbraham, Crystal Shops, Dave�s Soda & Pet City, Dick�s Sporting Goods, Angela Dougenik, Dunkin Donuts, Elmcrest Country Club, Shelly Formus, Golfers� Warehouse, Healing
Arts Center, Lisa Irwin, Stephanie Irving, Kathy�s Playhouse Café, Dan Laughlan,Lana Lewandowski, Lupus Foundation of America CT Chapter, Magic Wings, Maple Tire, Michelle�s Florals at Stafford Conservatories, Middle Ground Café, Donna Niewinski, Kim Pitkat, Rolling Meadows Country Club, Terri Smith, Sonny�s Place, Stafford Motor Speedway, Sweet Frog Tolland, Swing�em Again Golf, Rite Aid, Ruby�s Wine, Karen Troiano, Verizon Express, Willington Pizza House, Window Box
Columbia Sheet MetalPower Specialists Assoc., Inc.Universal Ceramic Tile Distributors, Inc.
Lisa Finchs� Cleaning ServiceParadiso InsuranceThe Pellegrino FamilyLifeCare Family Chiropractic, LLCConnecticut Colonial Builders
Stafford Family Chiropractic, LLCCampo�s Express, Inc.Hyde Auto WorksAll-Phase Enterprises, Inc.Somers Fire Fighters Union Local 4284Stafford Dental Associates, LLCKolossos RestaurantBurt & Cindy Davis & FamilyFurness Bros. Inc.Aaron SfreddoGottier Fuel Co., Inc.
Stafford Savings BankPhysical Therapy & Sports Medicine CentersHartford HospitalMcDonald�s (Stafford Springs, CT)American General Contracting, Inc.Macie Grace FoundationBody By Design Fitness Center & Tanning SalonChris DionCrystal ShopsTina�s Aunts & Uncles4 Tina�s Fight - Mom, Jerry & Meg�Weena� On our minds & in our heartsAlessandra Lundberg, Doug Ginsberg, Sharon Kromas & Lutishia PershadChicago Sam�sNew England Tractor Trailer Training SchoolPenny-Hanley & Howley Co., Inc.Ellington Center Animal Clinic
Paul & Liz Adamski, Jason LeendersWoody Pitkat Racing
Brian & Mary TauticStafford ElectricalIntrovigne Funeral Home, Inc.Roger & Lise CarterRay Seraphin Ford, Inc.Soucy�s Concrete ServiceJoseph J. Mottes Co.Vincent & Diane AnnettaLouis & Judith Arruda IIHometowne Motors, LLCBoscoEmployees of Workers Federal CUJim & Martha PancieraNelson & Darlene DeFigueiredoGreg & Jen BrownMill Pond Country StoreBolles Chrysler, Dodge, JeepKim Waskiewicz & Jeremy Vail
Adamski, Jason LeendersPaul & Liz oody Pitkat Racing
auticTTaBrian & Mary ford Electrical
Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc.Roger & Lise CarterRay Seraphin Ford, Inc.
s Concrete ServiceJoseph J. Mottes Co.
Annettaincent & Diane Arruda IILouis & Judith
Hometowne Motors, LLC
olunteers:VVo , DeanHeidi Bard , Jill Charbonneau, Dawn Freyy
Arlene Beaupre , Big s, Baypath College, s Furniture, Basil��Adamski, BakerLiz s, Clubhouse Café at Sun V, Chicago Sam�LLC., Chestnut Hill Nurseryy,
s Sporting Goods, , Dick�s Soda & Pet CityyClub of Wilbraham, Crystal Shops, Dave�Dougenik, Dunkin Donuts, Elmcrest Country Club, Shelly Formus, Golfers�
s Express, Inc.Campo�orksWHyde Auto
All-Phase Enterprises, Inc.Somers Fire Fighters Union Local 4284
Associates, LLCford Dental StafKolossos RestaurantBurt & Cindy Davis & FamilyFurness Bros. Inc.Aaron SfreddoGottier Fuel Co., Inc.
SUFFIELD — Years of dedication andcommitment have paid off for TheFriends of the Farm at Hilltop (FOFAH).What started 12 years ago as a crusade bya small group of Suffield residents to pro-tect the history and land of Hilltop Farmhas mushroomed into an organizationthat has brought in 400 volunteers torestore and protect what many describe asa piece of heaven.
The FOFAH purchased The HilltopFarm (“Parcel B,” 1616 Mapleton Ave,Suffield) from landlord, EducationalProperties II in September of this year.Included in the purchase, according toFOFAH Vice President Eileen Moncrief,are the Dairy Barn, agricultural outbuild-ings, and acreage the group has been leas-ing, as well as three houses, the garage,and roughly seven acres of land they hadnot been leasing. It is a huge step forwardfor a group that has already done exten-sive work to preserve a very interestingpiece of Suffield’s history.
It was back in 1901 when GeorgeHendee co-founded the IndianMotorcycle Company in Springfield. In1914 he built the large white dairy barnthat is now the centrepiece of the proper-ty. Hendee created the original 500-acreHilltop Farm. His creative and uniquetouches are seen throughout the 20,000square foot barn, which was, in the day,home to award winning Guernsey cows.The architectural marvel of a barn is oftenreferred to as Connecticut’s AgriculturalCathedral, according to Moncrief.Hendee, who lived on the farm from1913-1940.
The history of the barn is fascinating.The original farm was a huge supplier foreggs in the area, with 10,000 laying hensand 50-60 colony houses for 2,000 broil-er hens. There were 150 milking cows,alongside multiple champion thorough-breds.
As the FOFAH continues its works torestore buildings and maintain the upkeepof the property, they have plans to expand
what is offered at the farm. Moncriefglances out through windows in the newworkroom in the barn and points out tothe former creamery building and speaksabout how ice cream will once again besold in the location beginning nextspring. Another area of the property willbecome a location for a farm store wherelocal farmers can sell their wares. Thegroup has seen great success in theirfundraising and work efforts over theyears. They have been able to put a newroof on the barn, do work on the drive-way and construct a state-of-the-art barnfire escape area. There is a sewer lineconnection, and they have been able toremove overgrowth, including poisonivy, and refurbish several outbuildings.
Two acres of community garden plotshave brought additional beauty to thelocation. People are able to pay $25 a plotor donate 25 hours of community serviceto the farm in order to grow their own
flowers and vegetables. The group hays
The Friends of the Farm at Hilltop VicePresident Eileen Moncrief, with DeanCaswell and daughter Diane Christian,both volunteers for the organization,pose in front of Hilltop Farm’s barn.
Photo by Julie CotnoirHILLTOP/page 32
October2013part2_NCN new template 9/29/13 2:26 PM Page 31
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Hilltop’s dairy barn has been described by many as Connecticut’s AgriculturalCathedral.
the land and sub-leases property to anoth-er farmer to grow tobacco.
Volunteers are what makes the farmthrive. Moncrief says every volunteerbrings their own unique talent to theFarm. Volunteers have included studentsfrom Suffield Academy, the publicschools and have also included thoseinvolved in scouting, among individualsand families from throughout the area.Dean Caswell and his daughter DianeChristian have both lent their talent andsupport to the Farm. Dean’s contributionis seen in the hinges he created for theexhibition shed. Diane has done workwith flowers and has taught classes at thefarm, including felt classes during FarmFest. Conservation groups have built bluebird boxes throughout the property.
Whether it is walking the property andchecking out the new bridge that wasunveiled in September or going birdingand looking to the skies for the majesticnesting bald eagles who reside in thearea, everyone can find their own piece ofenjoyment each day from 9 a.m. to dusk.Those looking to get their hands dirty cancome to work sessions held on the prop-erty on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.
Even shoppers can find some produceand unique gifts at the Farm. The WinterFarmers Market at Hilltop Farm will beheld in the Barnyard and will alloweveryone to purchase produce and localFall products from local farmers andcrafters. The Market will be open from 10a.m.-2 p.m. on Oct. 2, Nov. 9, Nov. 23(the Saturday before Thanksgiving), Nov.30 (Shop Local Saturday), Dec. 7 andDec. 21 (first day of winter).
For area farmers and crafters who
would like to sell their produce or farmrelated products, please contact FOFAHat 860-573-9786. Visit the website atwww.HilltopFarmSuffield.org for more-information.
The opportunities for improving the
Farm are endless now that the propertyhas been purchased, according toMoncrief. “We are exploring the possibil-ities of having a greenhouse, plantingseedlings, herbs and maybe having anarea for artists.”
Hilltop Farm Purchase Preserves Piece of Suffield History( ontinued from page 31)
Photo by Julie Cotnoir
October2013part2_NCN new template 9/29/13 2:26 PM Page 32
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Chamber of Commerce Unveils Website and Celebrates Past YearBy Julie Cotnoir
SUFFIELD — Local Suffield busi-nesses that attended last month’sSuffield Chamber of Commerce’sAnnual Meeting saw how belonging tothe Chamber can bring added attentionto their business. The Chamber met atSuffield Commons, and members wit-nessed the unveiling of the Chamber ofCommerce’s new logo and their newwebsite.
Heather Conley, a member of theChamber’s Technology Committee,spoke to the group at their meeting.
“Our focus was to re-brand and rein-vigorate Suffield’s Chamber ofCommerce,” she said. By having astrong website, all businesses affiliatedwith the organization benefit. “Whenone of us does well, we all do well,” shesaid.
Gayle Demko, chairperson for theChamber’s Technology Committee,enthusiastically spoke before the meet-ing on how the website, combined with
the introduction of electronic messageboards throughout the community, aregoing to tie the entire town together. Theboards set to launch at a later date willbe set up around town, includingHighland Market, somewhere in EbbsCorner and another yet-to-be-deter-mined location in West Suffield.
“We have had an amazing year put-ting everything together,” said Demko,whose family owns Heritage FuneralHome. These boards will feature infor-mation about Chamber and other com-munity events. They will offer advertis-ing opportunities to businesses, which inturn, will help pay for the maintenanceof the boards.
Members of the Chamber were givenlogin and password information follow-ing the meeting. All businesses in townwill be featured on the website with aname and phone number. Businessesthat have a membership with theChamber will have enhanced visibilitywith the opportunity to add more infor-
mation to their page, including photosand a more detailed description of theirservices.
The website offers posting opportuni-ties to everyone in the community,according to Conley, who donated sever-al of her photos to the site.
“This is about business, communityand tourism.” She explained, “Everyonein the community can upload events tothe calendar. It is so community andChamber-centric.”
Webinars are being offered to mem-bers so they can learn more about thesite.
Members of the Chamber saw a slideshow spotlighting the organization’sevents from the past year then enjoyed awine tasting event following the meet-ing. Lost Acres Vineyard of NorthGranby was the featured wine for theevening. Local farms sponsored the horsd’oeuvres for the night.
For more information about theChamber visit them online athttp://www.ctchamber.org/suffield.
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After all, so much atten-tion has been focused on itslooks that Jeep needed tomake a dramatic statement.Ugly or not, this is a mid-size SUV that is going to gowhere few others dare totread – and do it with con-viction.
The specific 2014 JeepCherokee that has the off-road capabilities is the Trail Hawk edition.Jeep says it has handled America's tough-est off-road course – the Rubicon Traillocated in the Sierra Nevadas – with narya problem. After spending time with it inthe hills of Malibu, Calif., I can believethat. A tough course was set up, and theCherokee handled it without breaking asweat. But, the question has to be: howdoes the Cherokee handle itself on-road?Truth be told, most Cherokee owners arenever going to take their midsize SUVs
off-road but they are going to depend onthem for reliable on-road transportation infoul weather while delivering a comfort-able ride. The Jeep Cherokee seems to hitthe mark on all counts.
Topping that list is the nine-speed auto-matic transmission that Jeep has installedon the Cherokee. Is it necessary? Jeep
seems to think so for fuel econ-omy, which seems to pay off inthe 2.4-liter TigersharkMultiAir 2 I-4 engine. Rated at184 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft.of torque, it delivers an EPA rat-ing of 22 city/31 highway/25combined for 4x2 models.That's a huge improvementfrom the outgoing Jeep Liberty.
There's also a 3.2-liter V6available for the Jeep Cherokee. This is theengine you want if you need to tow (it canhandle up to 4500 lbs.) or just like a lot ofgrunt when accelerating off the line. It'sbased off the 3.6-liter V6 in the GrandCherokee that's won accolades. The 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine produces 271horsepower, 239 lb.-ft. of torque and israted to tow 4,500 pounds. It also has anEPA fuel economy rating of 19 city/28highway/22 combined for 4x2 models.
Fuel economy is further enhanced by
the inclusion of rear-axle disconnect – thefirst midsize SUV to feature it. The systemdisconnects when 4x4 isn't need to reduceenergy loss and improve the fuel numbers.
Some will consider this heretical, butthe Cherokee is better matched to the 2.4-liter inline four. Set the Cherokee in sportmode and the 2.4-liter eats up twisty roadswith much better balance than the 3.2-literV6. (All Cherokees have electronic powersteering, which gave good feedback invarious handling situations.) Smaller isbetter in this case when it comes to enginechoices. It's going to strain under heavyacceleration if you mash the peddle up asteep incline but will handle onramps andoff-ramps with ease.
As mentioned, you can place theCherokee in sport setting in the 4x4 mod-els. All 4x4 systems feature the Selec-Terrain traction control system, whichallows the driver to choose the on- and off-road setting for optimum performance. Alittle bit of Jeep trivia for you: snow getsprecedence over sport because the market-ing department felt it would be used bymore Jeep owners, especially in its strongNortheast market.
Pricing for the 2014 Jeep Cherokeestarts at $22,995 for the 4x2 Sport trim.The Latitude 4x2, a much better equippedmodel, starts at $24,495, while the top-of-the-line Limited 4x2 has an MSRP of$29,995.
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