Bristol Eastern High School’s class of 2016 graduated on June 9.

The members of the graduating class were:

Christopher Anthony Abreu, Kaleighana Victoria Acevedo, Daniel Robert Adams, Gregory Tacoma Akerley, Khaliq Tamar-Sunni Ali, Anthony James Allegrini, David Daniel Anderle, Joshua Allen Anderson, Gabrielle Marise Arel, Sabrina Elizabeth Arevalo, Corey Peter Babin, Angel Luis Baiz, Ryan R. Baker, Emily Nicole Baranowski, Joshua David Barkley, Matthew Thomas Barnett, Chyna Monee Barrett, Nicholas David Barry, Olivia Marie Bart, Reaunna Marie Bartell, Alex M. Baughman, Cameron Gerald Beaudet, Maxwell Brian Beckwith, Gary Dean Belanger, Sydney Nicole Benoit, Quentin Randolph Bensavage, Brendon Kenneth Bernard, Chadd Joseph Bernier, Carli Shirley Beveridge, Carley Paige Bevivino, Corey Marie Bodak, Lilah Grace Bollinger, William Franisco Bonaparte, Eva Evthogia Boniatis, Justin Lewis Borgelin, Isaac Boria, Justin Samuel Brunet, Brooke Marie Bukowski, Jarred Michael Burgess, Ashleigh Ann Burgos, Matthew Gregory Burke, Justin Miguel Caez, Nicole Miranda Camasura, Abigail Marie Cardona, Nathan Paul Carney, Haley Lynn Caron, Brianna Lee Carothers, Cierra Leann Carrillo, Brianna Marie Castrogiovanni, Tejahna Lashaun Cauley, Michael Ray Centoni, Ryan C. Ceritello, Nathaniel Curtis Chavez, Rachel Amber Ciervo, Anthony Jeremiah Circosta, Thomas Eli Cloutier, Joseph Mark Colangelo, Evan Mathew Collin, Dante Malik Collins, Noel Luis Concepcion, Victoria Cecile Consalvo, Ront Raymond-James Cooper, Gabriana Marissa Cordero, Miguel Antonio Cordero-Graves, Evan Chandler Corriveau, Haleigh Mariah Costello, Cassidy Elizabeth Cote, Brendan Paul Couture, Nathan James Couture, Elanda Crelan, Alyssa Amber Cross, Marissa Nicole Crowley, Tommi Joseph Crowley, Abigail Rose Curtiss, Gianna Rose D’Amato, Angela Grace Daley, James Richard Daniels, Morgan Elise Dauphinee, Brandon Day, Yanina  De la Torre, Hunter David DeGumbia, Emily Marie DeNote, Katrina Mariella DeSena, Noah Thomas Desjardins, Alyssa Sharon May Dess, Joshua Dino DiMattia, Jillian Beth Donaghy, Nathan John Duffy, Nickolas Joseph Dumais, Kason Jordan Durham, Zachary James Dyson, Kimberly Lynn Edgerly, Jahzael Duane Effend,

Kyle Joseph Faggaini, Frances Irene Fijalek, Brianna Lyne Fongemie, Allison Elizabeth Forbes, Tychelle Joy Foreman, Jada Lucy Fort, Ryan Matthew France, Joseph Everrett Franklin, Eric Jose Garcia, Elijah R. Gaudio, Tyler Joseph Gauvin, Kayla Elizabeth Gauvin-Shank, Adam Paul Geda, Jordan Marie Geda, Gino Joseph Gentile, April Yvonne Gerhardt, Megan L. Gettings, Gina Marie Giannini, Sara Elizabeth Giuliani, Alexys Kierra Gonzalez, Tanisheanna Marie Gonzalez, Benjamin Hanson Goodwin, Julia Marie Gordon, Elizabeth Anne Goulet, Ryan Joseph Goulet, Jovan Randall Isaiah Gourdine, Hannah Laurie Grabowski, Ashlee Nicole Granger, Darryl Maurice Green, Chad Austin Grieco, Dustyn Jon Griffin, Jamie Michelle Guelli, Brendan Richard Guerin, Katlynn Marie Guerrera, Karen Nicolle Guzman, Colin John Hagan, Samantha Paige Hammer, Chane Gregory-Anthony Hardy, Nathaniel Logan Hickey, Rebekah Leigh Hillman, Michael Lee Holley, Rebecca Lynn Hopkins, Elizabeth Sarah Houlihan, Alexela Cheryl Hoyt, Richard Anthony Hoyt, Joseph Alexander Hunter, Alissa Ann Hynick, Rachal Aline Isdanavich, Sarah Marie Isdanavich, Adrian Alexander James, Jameson Raymond Jenkins, Nichel Aurelio Jimenez, Allyson M. Jones, Olivia Rose Joyner, Devon Ryan Judge, May Ahmed Kattaya, Anna Josephine Kelley, William Spencer King, Madison Leah Knox, Hansje Kalen Kountur, Brenda Jeanne Krosnicki, Laura Ashly Lajoie, Meghan Alison Latimer, Jordan Robert Latko, Erica Danielle Lauer, Emma Elizabeth Leahy, Robert James LaBelle, Alexsys Nichole LeClerc, Alex Michael LeFebvre, Taylor Margit Lengyel, Bryanna Marie Leone, Edwin James Liddy, Kyle Robert Ligouri, Joseph Michael Lombardi, Christopher R. Lopez, Guillermo Lorenzo, Kirstyn Kay Loud, Gregory Thomas Lozier, Stephen Lukaszewski, Marie Capili Luna, Nicholas Joshua Lundgren, Markus Alexander Luukko, Maxwell Grant Maddocks, Toryn Sage Malone, Justin David Mancuso, Jacob Paul Maniscalco, Darin Phanna Mar, Darit Pinith Mar, Kayla Ashley Marquis, Kayla Marie Martin, Morgan Harleigh Martin, Zachary David Martin, Riley Joseph Mason, Christina Rose Matias , Naysha Kaithleen Matos, Megan Elizabeth Mazrek, Patrick Martin McCall, Garrett Christopher McCarthy, Breanna Marie McConnell, Brian Kelly McDonald, Evan Jameson McGinley, Reese Kirkpatrick McGowan, Kamryn Joan McLaughlin, Brian James McPhee, Victoria Gloria Medeiros, Maria Alize Mejias, Kaitlyn Jennifer Melanson, Christina Gillon Melewski, Lillian Malodia Meyer, Darren Thomas Michelson, Casandra Jane Millman, Zackery Thomas Monge, Brian Michael Morrell, Lindsey Marie Munette, Morgan Anne Murphy, John Joseph Murray, Mary M. Musumano,

Kristal R. Naha, Joseph Andrew Nardi, Shelby Ann Nash, Zackery Thomas Nichparenko, Alex John William Nimchek, Peter Joseph Norris, Joseph David Norton, Sean David O’Donnell, Joshua Michael O’Keefe, Connor Reed Octeau, Endder Ortiz, Luke Ouellette, Michael Robert Palmieri, Christian Nash Paparazzo, Nathan Luis Parrilla, Nina Marie Pasqua, Brandon Ivan Passmore, Klaudia Halina Pawlowska Bartosik, Jared David Pearson, Yarlin Perez, Julia Eva Petrus, Jeremmy Daniel Pineda, Krystian  Piotrowski, Paige Alexis Piper, Gregory Thomas Plachno, Kristian Plaku, Charline Olivia Plasczynski, Daniel Joseph Portal, Sarah Lynn Pratt, Ashley Adalia Provenzano, Taylor Lynne-Marie Rehmer, Ethan James Reynolds, Edward Joseph Riccio, Matthew Jacob Rich, James Samuel Rine, Luis Daniel Rivera Lopez, Marielys  Rivera Tirado, Briana Marie Rivera, Camron Matthew Rivera, Jade Destiney Rivera, Chaunyce Mariah Roberson, Tyler Joseph Roberts, Amanda Leeann Rodriguez, Carly Marie Rogers, Kerion Keshawn Rogers, Jared Steven Rokosa, Kaitlyn Ann Rondeau, Javier  Rosario Ojeda, Mitchell James Rosborg, Rayvaun Anthony Ross, Mitchell David Roy, Zachary Allen Roy, Joshua Terrick Sampson, Alexis Bianca Scanlan, Alex Thomas Schaffrick, Chelsea Lyn Schaffrick, Faith Emily Schreiner, Jonathon William Schultz, Nathan Robert Sherman, Jamilla Cecile Shoultz, Destinee LaShawn Sims, Tatiana Kaylin Singleton, Kaleah Jana Smith, Brittany Lynn Solleck, Alex Michael Spaulding, Katherine Elizabeth Steele, Joshua Lee Stein, David James Stevens, Josiah Emanuel Strickland, Calista Reece Subocz, David  Swider, Jenifer Sondra Tabacco, Ashley Nicole Tanguay, Darieyn Eugene Tate, Tyler James Tefoe, Caleb Jonathan Tellier, Ryan Paul Tenan, Peter P. Thang, Sydney Elisabeth Therrien, Ethan Patrick Thibeault, Dale Jarrett Thibodeau, Zachary Pahl Thompson, Ciera Dianne Thurston, Kayleigh Edesse Titor, Jesse Aaron Trafton, Eric-Tyler Lucien Trahan, Alexa Elizabeth Troth, Nicholas Robert Trottier, Riley Maureen Trowbridge, Paisley Jaice-Cymone Tucker, Morgan Elizabeth Turcotte, George Andrew Valeriay, Angello Jesus Vargas, Emily Ruth Vibert, Luis Felipe Vidal Olarte, Taylor Brooke Violette, Jalira-Kay Void, Tristen Donte’ Wade, Troy Evan Wald, Ryan Mitchell Warseck, Tyler James Way, Mykala Denise Wedler, Paige Lynnae Widlak, Nacirfa Zakiya Williams, Danielle Alexandra Wills, Brianna Lynn Wilson, Joshua Craig Wilson, Luke Thomas Winiarski, Thomas Joseph Wransky, Titus Sashi Wright, Alison Marie Wrisley, Noel Yung-Joo Wuesthoff, Bailey Marie Wyrebek, Cassidy Rae Yates, Natalie Zaloba, Jia Yan Zhu, 6/10/2016, ** top five percent, *top ten percent,

St. Paul Catholic High School’s Class of 2016 graduated in a ceremony at the Cathedral of St. Joseph on June 7.

The St. Paul Catholic High School Class of 2016 is:

Rachel Aldieri, Maria Aliberti, Tiffany Baldino, Alyssa Barandon, Sarah Bowes, Conor Brennan, Jonathan Bruce, Anna Maria Capparella, Margaret Carpenter, Ryan Carter, Alejandro Cervantes Segura, Qiyuan Kevin Chen, Zhe’an Steven Chen, Brianna Cheng, Nina Ciccarelli, Grace Consonni, Joemart Contreras, Connor Crean, Elisabeth Cretella, Jarod Deegan, Kyle DeForge, Nathan Dembik, Kamil Dembinski, Julia Dolce, Michael Dombrowski, Robert Eagan, Stephanie Edick, Jordan Farrell, Zachary Federowicz, Elizabeth Ferraro, Evan Foley, Laura Gackstatter, Joseph Garvey, Alexander Gentile, Aimee Gervais, Chiara Giampietro, Abigail Grabherr, Amanda Grecco, Tyler Greene, Robert Gullo, Jackson Hines, Kimberly Hylan, Corinne Johndrow, Alexander Johnson Barnes, Zachary Jones, S‚amus Keane, Olivia Kilbourne, Jarred Kilmer, Jillian Kilmer, Shea Kozakiewicz, Kevin Krueger, Sara Lacourciere, Taylor Lambis, Amy Leard, Matthew Leary, Lauren Lemieux, Adam Levesque, Yongjie Leo Lian, Kara Lipka, Chad Lobo, William LoRusso, Emily Lynch, Jana Malanga, Briana Manginelli, Taylor Mastrio, Benjamin Mazzone, Liana McCool, Lucas McPhee, Samuel McPhee, Thomas McPhee, Thomas Melvin, Vera Minerly, Michelle Misiti, Jovan Momcilov, Ilho Kevin Moon, Morgan Moore, Lauren Nocera, Thomas Norton, Caitlin O’Connor, Mitchell Oliva, Lauren Palmer, Jacob Palmieri, Amethyst Peterson, Hannah Policard, Benjamin Pryor, Brian Rackliffe, Michael Ranagan, Joseph Ricciuti, Chadd Richardson, Nathan Rinheart, Devon Roberge, Spencer Roberge, Julien Roberge, Adrianna Rosado, Katelyn Ruegg, Isabella Russo, Christopher Saliby, Ryan Scala, Kristen Seiser, Matthew Seroczynski, Haley Shanahan, Wayne Sharp, Emily Sklenka, Patrick Smith, Stephanie Speaker, Katelin Stewart, Daniel Stump, Minwoo Sung, Mayavati Terra, Elena Thornberg, Christopher Tkac, Paul Wiecki, Dana Wilton, Nicholas Wright, Josselyn Zaldivar, Nathaniel Zawilinski, Olivia Zettergren, Ziyuan Jimmy Zhang, Wen Lin Connie Zheng.

Two of the local contestants for Miss Connecticut began their final approach to the crown on Wednesday afternoon.

Meeting a limousine for the ride

down to the Mohegan Sun Cabaret for a few days of rehearsal before Friday night’s semifinals and Saturday’s finals, Miss Forestville Allison Owsianko and Miss Plantsville Alyssa Anderson said their goodbyes to family and friends.

Their local Miss Connecticut colleagues Miss Southington Jennifer Binversie and Miss Bristol Christina Judd were heading down in separate vehicles due to other obligations.

PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN

State Reps. Cara Pavalock and Whit Betts and Sen. Henri Martin on Tuesday, June 28 the Bristol Public Library’s Meeting Room 1 and 2, 5 High St.,will provide a post-session legislative report to taxpayers.

The lawmakers will update taxpayers on the state budget and any issues residents wish to talk about.

The meeting runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

For more information, call Pavalock and Betts at 800-842-1423 or Martin at 800-842-1421.

At the Annual Meeting of the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce held on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at the DoubleTree Hotel, the Board of Directors unanimously voted to appoint new executive officers and several new board members with terms to begin July 1.

The chamber announced its new executive committee will consist of chairman of the board Susan Sadecki of Main Street Community Foundation, vice chairman Jay Sattler of Blum Shapiro, secretary John Lodovico of Tunxis Community College, and treasurer Ed Klonoski of Charter Oak State College.

New chairman Susan Sadecki stated, in a press release from the chamber,  “I am looking forward to working with the chamber board, officers and dedicated staff to continue meeting the needs of our membership and collaborating with all businesses to advance economic development in the Central Connecticut Region.”

Incoming directors to the board are Michael Dorval of ESPN, Mat Dumont of Roland Dumont Agency, Kristen Lessard of TD Bank, Christine Malay of DoubleTree by Hilton, Michael Prentiss of Starkwether & Shepley, Ellen Solek of Bristol Public Schools, and Bill Waseleski of Century Spring Mfg. Co.

The directors who were re-elected to the Board are Kim Bondeson-Ciccarello of Liberty Bank, Carol Constant of Gary D. Constant, Atty. at Law, Carrie Dubray of Capital Bankcard, Marie O’Brien of O’Brien Funeral Home, Charles Talmadge of Development Planning Solutions, and Anthony Tedeschi of ConnectiCare.

Cindy Scoville, president and CEO of the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce, stated in the press release, “With 11 affiliates under the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce umbrella, strong leadership is essential to our ongoing success. The Board of Directors is instrumental in helping the chamber to carry out its mission and we continue to have an excellent team in place to ensure we are able to meet our goals and objectives.”

The press release said, “The chamber is grateful for the service and dedication of all of the outgoing directors including Immediate Past Chairman Anthony Mattioli of Thomaston Savings Bank, John Cistulli, Dennis DeCesare of Nerac, Inc., Lynn Dell of DoubleTree by Hilton, David England of Tunxis Community College, and Dr. Susan Moreau of Bristol Public Schools. All of these individuals gave freely of their time in order to promote the Chamber and its mission to support business in central Connecticut and their contributions have helped the Chamber to be a success.:

For more information on the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce, visit www.CentralCTChambers.org or call (860)584-4718.

Susan Sadecki

With the Bill Englert Car Show set to take place this Saturday, no parking will be allowed on North Main Street between the Center Street and North Street intersections.

According to a press release from the Bristol Police Department, the parking restriction will start at 11 a.m. and end at 8 p.m. Officers will tag and tow any vehicle parked on the road at 11 a.m., and vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense, the release said.

A fund raising event was held recently at the Parkside Cafe in Bristol for Pete Del Mastro, Republican candidate for the state legislature. A press release from his campaign said that over 40 of Del Mastro’s friends and supporters attended the event.

Those in attendance included many elected officials, among them State Senator Henri Martin (R), State Representative Whit Betts (R), State Representative Cara Pavalock (R), Bristol Mayor Ken Cockayne (R), Bristol City Councilman Dave Mills (R), Bristol City Councilor Jodi Zils Gagne (R), and Bristol City Councilor Tony D’Amato (R), said the release. “The event gave Del Mastro’s fundraising effort a large boost, putting him close to the goals required to qualify for state funding of his campaign. It is anticipated that he will qualify by the end of June,” said the release.

The press release said Del Mastro is running on a platform that calls for implementation of state [olicies that do three things. “First, attract new businesses, encourage expansion of existing businesses and foster job creation. Second, make CT an affordable place to live for retirees, young people, and the hardworking middle class. Third, reform delivery of services by state government to make them more efficient and cost effective.”

The campaign news release said, “Del Mastro believes that Democrats, who currently control both houses of the state legislature, benefit too much from the status quo and will never make the changes needed to solve Connecticut’s problems. Replacing Democrats with Republicans will help ensure policy changes will be made that make CT a better place to live, work, build businesses and raise a family.”

Robert W. Fiondella, Esq., class of 1964, retired CEO and chair of The Phoenix, a leading provider of wealth management products and services received an honorary degree as a doctor of administration from Providence College.

A native of Bristol, Conn., where he still resides, Fiondella was the first in his family to attend college. He studied political science in the Liberal Arts Honors Program at PC and received a law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1968. He began working as a computer programmer and systems analyst for Travelers Insurance Company while in law school.

Fiondella joined the law department of Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1969. He advanced through the department, becoming senior vice president and general counsel in 1981. In 1983, he was named executive vice president of the company, and in 1987, was elected president and appointed a director of Phoenix Mutual. He was elected chief operating officer in 1989 and given responsibility for all lines of business.

When Phoenix Mutual and Home Life Insurance Company merged in 1992, Fiondella was elected president and chief operating officer of the new entity, Phoenix Home Life Mutual Insurance Company. In 1994, he was elected chairman, president, and chief executive officer, positions he held until he retired from Phoenix in 2002. He now is a private investor and founding principal of JEROB Enterprises, LLC.

A business and civic leader in Connecticut, he is a member of the board of directors of Oxford Performance Materials and has served on the boards of several other corporations and organizations. He is a driving force behind the development of Adriaen’s Landing, a $900 million revitalization project in Hartford.

When PC established The Angel Fund to help students whose families were affected by the financial crisis of 2008, Fiondella decided that he wanted to “repay” the $900-per-year scholarship he received to attend PC — in today’s dollars — and committed to donate $6,000 per year for four years.

In November 2015, Fiondella was inducted into the Bristol, Conn. Sports Hall of Fame for his support of athletics in the community. He helped to develop the Bristol Boys & Girls Club, which named its field house in his honor; created Girls Little League Softball and; served on the board of Special Olympics International, among other organizations.

Fiondella received the 2003 Urban League of Greater Hartford Black History Merit award. He chaired the 2000 Greater Hartford Heart Walk for the American Heart Association. He is the 1996 recipient of the Connecticut River Council, Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award. He has provided leadership for events and projects benefiting the American Cancer Society, the American Paralysis Society, St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, and Johnson Memorial Hospital. He was a director of the Urban League Center and co-chair of the “Working Wonders” Hartford Summer Youth Program.

Fiondella and his wife, Carolyn, are the parents of two sons, Robert and Jeffrey, and have four grandchildren, including Robert Jon Fiondella, class of 2016.
Timothy P. Flanigan, M.D. received a medical degree from Cornell University Medical College and a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College. He is a professor of medicine and professor of health services, policy, and practice at the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University and infectious-disease specialist at The Miriam Hospital in Providence. He also is a staff physician at Rhode Island Hospital.

Flanigan was ordained to the permanent diaconate of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence in 2013. During his formation, he studied theology at PC. He is a deacon at St. Christopher and St. Teresa churches in Tiverton, R.I.

In 2014, Flanigan spent eight weeks in Liberia during the Ebola outbreak. He helped to prepare for the reopening of St. Joseph Catholic Hospital, which closed when its health care workers contracted the virus. The Diocese of Monrovia and the Salesian Missions assisted Flanigan with his travel, and helped to ship thousands of dollars in food supplies and protective equipment, including gowns, gloves, hats, goggles, and masks. The hospital was decontaminated with bleach and staff were re-trained in procedures for dealing with infectious disease.

He joined Brown Medical School in 1991 to help establish a network of primary care for HIV-infected individuals with a focus on women, substance abusers, and people leaving prison. He developed the HIV Core Program at the state prison in Rhode Island to provide care for infected individuals, and link them to community resources upon their release.

In 2004, Flanigan received an honorary degree from Salve Regina University. He also received a Community Health Leadership award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for the development of outstanding care for underserved individuals with HIV.

Flanigan and his wife, Dr. Luba L. Dumenco, have five children.
Rose Weaver has entertained audiences for more than 40 years in theatre, television, and film.

She was one of six children born into a sharecropper’s family in rural Georgia. After completing high school, she enrolled at Wheaton College in Norton, Mass., where she discovered a love of the performing arts while earning a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in theatre and secondary education.

In 1973, Weaver joined Trinity Repertory Company in Providence as an acting fellow, studying under artistic director Adrian Hall. She remained with Trinity for 22 seasons. In 1994, she starred as Billie Holiday in one of Trinity Rep’s longest-running shows, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and

Grill. She also performed with the National Theatre Company, The Globe Theatre, and in Off-Broadway productions.

On television, Weaver had roles on The Brotherhood, In the Heat of the Night, Tales from the Crypt, The Young and the Restless, and L.A. Law. In film, she starred opposite Jodie Foster in The Accused and appeared in Poetic Justice and Lady in White.

In 2000, Weaver received a master’s degree in fine arts from Brown University, where she studied English, creative writing, and play writing. She wrote Menopause Mama, a one-woman play with music that tells the story of aging; Skips in the Record, which was awarded a Rhode Island State Council on the Arts Fellowship in Playwriting; and Silhouette of a Silhouette, based on the death of her brother.

A versatile performer, Weaver has sung solo with her own jazz ensemble and with pop orchestras, narrated commercials and radio shows, and shared her knowledge as a teacher. She was a visiting instructor of theatre at Wheaton College, a teaching assistant at Brown University, and an assistant professor of theatre at Rhode Island College. She was artist-in-residence for the Providence Public Schools and Durfee High School in Fall River, Mass.

From 2005-2012, Weaver worked in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles, as co-editor of the annual report magazine, supervisor of faculty support, and organizer of the Seminar Series in Electrical Engineering. She returned to Rhode Island in 2015 following the deaths of her husband, Francis LaMountain, and her son, Michael.

Weaver is a member of the Actor’s Equity Association, the American Federal of Television and Radio Artists, and the Screen Actor’s Guild of America. She was awarded an honorary doctor of fine arts degree from Marymount Manhattan College in 2002.

George T. Wein, a native of Boston, is considered to be as much a legend as his festivals.  Through his company, Festival Productions, he has spearheaded hundreds of music events since 1954 when he produced the first Newport Jazz Festival®  – an event which started the festival era. Five years later, Wein and folk icon Pete Seeger founded the Newport Folk Festival®.

In 1970, he founded the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. He pioneered the idea of sponsor association with music events, beginning with The Schlitz Salute to Jazz and the Kool Jazz Festival. His company went on to produce titled events for JVC, Playboy, Mellon Bank, Verizon, Essence, Ben & Jerry’s and others.

Wein celebrated his 90th birthday in 2015, and is said to have as much creative fuel as he did when he started the Newport festivals and advanced the concept of live music. In 2010, he founded Newport Festivals Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that perpetuates the history of jazz and folk music in Newport and allows the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals to live on in perpetuity.

As a result of his diverse contributions to jazz and world culture, Wein has been honored by heads of state, educational institutions, and leading publications. He is an NEA Jazz Master (Jazz Advocate) and received a Grammy® Honorary Trustee Award in February 2015.

Among the honors and awards Wein has received include – the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities and New Englander of the Year from the New England Council, honorary degrees from the Berklee College of Music, Rhode Island College of Music, Five Towns College, and North Carolina Central.

He is a lifetime Honorary Trustee of Carnegie Hall and on the board at Jazz @ Lincoln Center. In addition, honors have been bestowed upon him by Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, AARP, the Studio Museum in Harlem, the French Legion d’Honneur, Chile’s Order of Bernardo O’Higgins and other organizations around the world.

In addition to his work as a producer, Wein is an accomplished jazz pianist, whose group, Newport All-Stars has toured the United States, Europe and Japan. Over the years, the Newport All-Stars has featured some of the greatest musicians in the history of jazz.

Wein’s autobiography, Myself Among Others: A Life in Music (Da Capo Press), chronicles his life in jazz and was recognized by the Jazz Journalists Association as 2004’s best book about jazz.

In addition to his life in jazz, Wein has a long history of involvement with philanthropy and the arts, including the establishment of the Joyce and George Wein Chair of African American Studies at Boston University, the Alexander Family Endowed Scholarship Fund at Simmons College, and an annual artist prize given through the Studio Museum in Harlem in honor of his late wife, Joyce Alexander Wein. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation named their Jazz & Heritage Center in honor of George and his late wife, Joyce.

–30–

By MICHAEL LETENDRE

STAFF WRITER

NEW BRITAIN – It just took one inning for the fourth-rated St. Paul Catholic High School baseball squad to put its stamp on the game – and over a five-run third inning of play, the squad sent in its resume for a Class S championship date.

And in the end, a huge two-out, two RBI single by Zach Parent in the third inning helped the Falcons turn the tide of the game as the Bristol outfit zipped up a 5-2 win over No. 24 Old Lyme from Beehive Field in New Britain on Tuesday, June 7 in a semifinal match-up.

The win propelled the fourth-ranked squad to the championship tilt against No. 3 Morgan – a squad St. Paul Catholic fell to last season in a quarterfinal round (5-3) during the postseason one short year ago.

Old Lyme proved pesky, giving the Falcons fits at the plate throughout the challenge but so did the Southern New Hampshire University bound Connor Crean.

In the heat, Crean was wild at times but just when it looked like the senior chucker was about to go over the edge, he’d come back with a huge strikeout or induced a ground-ball out – all over a stint where he did not allow any hits, picking up his biggest win of the year.

In fact, Old Lyme’s first hit came in the top of the seventh off reliever Jackson Hines who pitched some huge relief innings for St. Paul Catholic.

For the game, Lyme generated just two hits but managed its two runs via a sac fly and an RBI  groundout.

Crean walked six batters over his first four innings of work but also punched out seven as he kept Old Lyme in check throughout his stint on the mound.

Credit also belonged to “Big” Chadd Richardson behind the plate as he chased down several balls in the dirt and did not allow many Old Lyme base-runners to advance throughout the contest.

Losing pitcher Callum Sawden lasted just 2.2 innings, allowing three hits, five earned runs while walking four and striking out one.

But it was a challenge throughout as Lyme threatened to score to open the showdown.

A walk and an error put two runners on with no outs and off a walk to Alex Bellas, Lyme had the bases loaded with two outs in the top of the first.

However, Crean caught Griffin Powers looking at strike three to get out of the jam without any damage.

St. Paul couldn’t capitalize on Drew Owsianko’s two-out single in the bottom of the first but Crean picked off a runner in the second to end that half-frame.

Crean was hit by  a pitch with two outs gone in the second but was stranded and when the St. Paul Catholic chucker struck out the final two batters he faced in the third, it was still a 0-0 game.

But business was about to pick up for the locals.

During a fateful third inning, in which St. Paul Catholic batted around, it started with a base-on-balls by Nick Morrell and when Hines dropped in a single, two ducks were on the pond.

Ben Mazzone then executed a perfect sacrifice bunt to move the duo up as both runners were nestled in scoring position.

Owsianko then popped out and with one additional putout, Old Lyme would have come out of the inning with another zero on the scoreboard.

But three big plays during the game quickly unfolded to benefit the Falcons.

The first play was a baffling intentional walk to Richardson, who flew out during his first at-bat but loading up the bases.

Lyme wanted to pitch to Dombroski – a player who certainly has power and could knock the ball all over the field.

But Dombrowski never got the chance as he drew a bases-loaded walk to plate Morrell and make it a 1-0 game.

And with the bases still juiced, Parent quickly drilled a base hit to center as Hines and Richardson scored as Lyme was quickly trailing 3-0.

Crean walked to load the bases once again and when sophomore Ryan Greene drew ball four, another runner tagged the plate, ending the day for Sawden on the mound, and propelling the Falcons to a 4-0 edge.

Finally, a wild pitch by reliever Alex Kane scored Parent and St. Paul Catholic High School was in charge by a 5-0 push midway through the third frame.

But credit belonged to the Wildcats as the team struck right back for two runs, taking advantage of two consecutive base-on-balls by Crean to Bellas and Griffin Powers.

A wild pitch advanced the runners and the lead man scored when Cameron Dean-Frazier’s sacrifice fly to center cut the deficit to 5-1.

The next batter, Chase Hackett, flipped out a grounder – scoring Powers – as Old Lyme dented the St. Paul Catholic lead to 5-2, all without the benefit of a hit.

Hines eventually came in to pitch for Crean and a wacky double play in the fifth – including a critical player’s interference call – helped to negate a run that would have made it a 5-3 game with the Wildcats threatening to tie the contest up.

Hines then plunked a batter but when he got the final strikeout of the inning, St. Paul came out of the jam with its precious 5-2 lead intact.

While the Falcons were never able to pad its lead, limited to one additional hit over the final three innings of action, the St. Paul defense made all the plays late – even as Old Lyme put the tying run at the plate over the final two stanza’s of the game.

Hines, in fact, got out of tricky situations in all the innings he pitched and finally in the seventh, Old Lyme generated two hits to put the tying run at the plate.

But in the end, those runs never came as the Falcons staved off the Wildcats and moved St. Paul Catholic to the championship round for the first time since 1976.

Comments? Email mletendre@BristolObserver.com

The Bristol Police Department reported the following arrests last week.

• Kerry Singleton, 36, of 79 Robertson St., Bristol, was arrested June 3 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
• Alexander Dixon, 24, of 120 Divinity St., Bristol, was arrested June 3 and charged with first degree criminal trespass and criminal violation of restraining order.
• Sthalron E. Freeman, 22, of 135 Shawn Dr., Apt. 24, Bristol, was arrested June 3 and charged with risk of injury to a minor.
• Lashayla C. Yon, 23, of 135 Shawn Dr., Apt. 24, Bristol, was arrested June 3 and charged with risk of injury to a minor.
• Cara Deluca, 24, of 59 Nicholas Dr., Bristol, was arrested June 3 and charged with two counts of assault on a peace officer and third degree criminal mischief.
• Mark Sausanavitch, 49, of 489 Wolcott St., Apt. 66, Bristol, was arrested June 4 and charged with disorderly conduct.
• Michelle Sausanavitch, 45, of 489 Wolcott St., Apt. 66, Bristol, was arrested June 4 and charged with disorderly conduct.
• Mark Krzynowek, 46, of 675 Camp St., Bristol, was arrested June 4 and charged with interfering with an officer.
• Zachary Madore, 19, of 50 Bingham St., Apt. 16, Bristol, was arrested June 4 and charged with second degree breach of peace and public indecency.
• Daniel Rubino, 55, of no certain address, was arrested June 5 and charged with third degree assault and second degree breach of peace.
• Brian J. Wilkins, 30, of 236 Aldbourne Dr., Bristol, was arrested June 5 and charged with second degree failure to appear.
• Sabrina Bridges-Serrano, 31, of no certain address, Bristol, was arrested June 5 and charged with second degree breach of peace and second degree threatening.
• Thomas K. Williams, 57, of 23 Park Hill Rd., Bristol, was arrested June 5 and charged with second degree breach of peace and third degree assault.
• Christopher M. Hall, 34, of 1507 East Ave., Tulsa, Okla., was arrested June 5 and charged with second degree criminal mischief and second degree breach of peace.
• Jose Gonzalez, 21, of 56 Laird Dr., Bristol, was arrested June 6 and charged with second degree failure to appear.
• Brian Curylo, 30, of 44 Whiting St., Apt. 4, Plainville, was arrested June 6 and charged with violating conditional discharge.
• Kelsey Choquette, 24, of 3 Adna Rd., Bristol, was arrested June 6 and charged with two counts of second degree breach of peace.
• Kevin Bard, 50, of 66 High St., Apt. 5A, Bristol, was arrested June 6 and charged with third degree assault, second degree breach of peace and criminal violation of protective order.
• Catherine S. Michaud, 53, of 98 Vance Dr., Bristol, was arrested June 6 and charged with third degree assault and second degree breach of peace.
• Ewa Drury, 34, of 83 Caesar Dr., Bristol, was arrested June 6 and charged with second degree breach of peace and third degree assault.
• David S. Watson, 42, of 65 Pemberton St., Waterbury, was arrested June 6 and charged with issuing a bad check.
• Brian Butler, 34, of 59 Caeser Dr., Bristol, was arrested June 6 and charged with third degree assault, second degree breach of peace, and third degree criminal mischief.
• Nellyris Santos, 33, of 126 Jerome Ave., was arrested June 6 and charged with second degree breach of peace and third degree assault.
• David A. Rogers, 21, of 132 Prospect St., Bristol, was arrested June 7 and charged with criminal attempt of assault on a peace officer, second degree breach of peace and interfering with an officer.
• Justin L. Borgelin, 18, of 200 Prospect St., Apt. E, Bristol, was arrested June 7 and charged with interfering with an officer.
• Derrick Erving, 18, of 28 Spring St., Bristol, was arrested June 7 and charged with interfering with an officer.
• Stanley Bidon, 41, of 196 James St., New Haven, was arrested June 8 and charged with third degree assault, second degree breach of peace, second degree threatening and second degree reckless endangerment.
• Anibal Lorenzo, 40, of 50 Bingham St., Apt. 9, Bristol, was arrested June 8 and charged with third degree assault and risk of injury to a minor.
• Tyler Grandbois, 37, of 82 Longview Ave., Bristol, was arrested June 8 and charged with sex offender address verification.
• Bryan S. Goris, 20, of 31 Landry St., Bristol, was arrested June 8 and charged with violation of probation.
• Kyle R. Hollingworth, 25, of no certain address, Bristol, was arrested June 8 and charged with third degree larceny, identity theft, credit card theft, second degree false statement and fraud using an auto teller machine.
• Brian S. Bedard, 21, of 67 McIntosh Dr., Bristol, was arrested June 8 and charged with second degree failure to appear.

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

One-hundred-seventeen students at St. Paul Catholic High School became the parochial school’s latest alumni as they graduated during commencement exercises Tuesday night.

In a ceremony at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, the students celebrated their final night as high school students.

Prior to walking through the upper cathedral before family and friends, the seniors gathered in the lower cathedral at St. Joseph, figuring out how to put on their caps and gowns, taking “selfies,” and spending their final moments with their school friends.

Lauren Palmer, one of the seniors said, “I can’t believe it’s finally ending and we’re all going our own separate ways after four long years. Some of us have been together even longer— from elementary school and the other Catholic schools. It’s just crazy it’s all coming to an end.”

“It’s a very bittersweet moment,” said senior Sarah Bowes. “I’m excited but I’m a little sad to be leaving my friends.”

Elena Thornberg, another senior, said, “I’m really excited to move on to the next phase of my life and have a lot of fun in college. I’m going to miss the people and friends.”

Although they were leaving behind St. Paul, Palmer, Bowes, and Thornberg believed the Catholic school had prepared them well for what comes next in their lives.

After the St. Paul students walked through the upper cathedral and took their places in the pews for commencement, the ceremony began.

Valedictorian Adam S. Levesque offered some words of advice to his peers. “Number one: Live young. Too often, especially in high school, we act more grown up than we really are.” Secondly, he said, “Live life —or live bold. Do not be afraid to make mistakes. In fact, make a lot of mistakes. Most, you’ll learn from them.” Finally, he said, “Live free. Live up to your fullest potential.”

In her address to her fellow graduates, salutatorian Maria Rita Aliberti, rather than offering advice issued a “call to action.”

“We have been given a mission, and that mission is to make a better world by going out and living as good role models and I dare to say, as heroes,” said Aliberti.

“We truly need to reach out and make a difference in the lives of others. We need to work to make the world a better place, not only for ourselves but for the people around us,” said Aliberti. “Let us be the light of this world, let us be the role models of today inspiring those of tomorrow, let us be the heroes who can make a change in the world of today.”

PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN

By LISA CAPOBIANCO

STAFF WRITER

Adorned on the cap of Bristol Central High School graduate Kimberly Quiles were small sketches of footsteps that surrounded a quote that read, “Remember success is a journey, not a place.”

On her next journey after high school, Kimberly will attend Tunxis Community College with the goal of becoming a social worker. Last Thursday she was one of 267 students from the Class of 2016 who graduated from BCHS.

Kimberly said BCHS pushed her academically, which has prepared her for the future, adding that her teachers her overcome the hardest parts.

“It’s amazing that I accomplished something,” said Kimberly when describing how she felt on graduation day.

For Kaylee O’Connor and Bethany Reek, graduation day was a bittersweet moment. The graduates said the performing arts became a part of their lives over the past four years, as they both joined band and choir.

“I’m sad and happy at the same time,” said Kaylee.

“I’m more than emotional when it comes to my teachers,” said Bethany, adding how graduation was a surreal moment. They’ve gotten me through this year…and all four years, so it’s like I’m losing my family, but… I know I’m going somewhere in life.”

After high school, Kaylee will attend the University of Hartford to study criminal justice, and hopes to pursue a career in law enforcement.

“My guidance counselor has really been a huge support, and a lot of my teachers also,” said Kaylee.

Bethany said she will serve in the U.S. Army—something that her softball coaches have helped prepare her for.

“[My coaches] definitely prepared me, giving me dedication, commitment, and showing me what it means to be part of a family, and the Army is all about family,” said Bethany.

During the graduation ceremony, the Class of 2016 came together as a family for the last time. The senior choir not only performed The Star-Spangled Banner, but also “We’re All in This Together,” the famous song from Disney Channel’s “High School Musical.”

Senior class officers also appeared on stage to announce the class gift: a donation to the Maroon and White Fund in honor of a student or staff member who has made a positive impact at BCHS, and a donation for the installation of an awning over the school’s front entrance.

Graduate Erin Shapland read aloud her poem, “Carnation,” while Olivia Mason served as essayist, reading aloud her speech, “Connecting Flight.”

“You are well-prepared,” BCHS Prinicipal Peter Wininger told the graduates. “We believe in all of you—go out there and change the world.”

“Your school is so much more than the grades you earned,” Bristol Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ellen Solek told the graduates. “The real meaning of a great school is right here tonight…it’s the families, your loved ones. They are the glue that you’ll remember when you go on from here.”

The theme of this year’s graduation was “Dream Big and Dare to Fail.”

Mayor Ken Cockayne advised graduates to keep their goals in the forefront of their minds everyday, and to make decisions that will lead to those goals.

“Success is not an accident—it is a choice,” said Cockayne, who also recognized teachers, coaches and family members. “Are the habits you have today on par with the dreams you have for tomorrow?”

For salutatorian Gaggan Singh, her goal as a freshman was to get good grades and enter college for free, but that all changed when she delved into community service while working two jobs and playing sports.

In her speech, Gaggan summed up high school like a lab report. Although she didn’t enter college for free as she hypothesized, Gaggan, who plans to become a doctor, accomplished not only good grades, but also made more friends.

“Everyone’s hypothesis for high school can be very different,” said Gaggan, adding that her mom has always been her motivation. “My high school hypothesis wasn’t entirely valid.”

“We set goals that may or may not have been reached,” said Valedictorian Olivia Apergis during her speech.

As a freshman, said Olivia, fitting in was something she wanted the most, but over time, she stopped comparing herself to others.

“Being unique is what makes you memorable,” Olivia told her class.

Comments? Email lcapobianco@BristolObserver.com

PHOTOS by TAMMI NAUDUS

At the beginning of the 2015-16 school year, a press release from Bristol Public Schools said, the data from the Bristol Schools showed a significant percentage of students were chronically absent (more than 10 percent or chronically tardy). In response to this issue, the release explained, the Bristol Public Schools took up the fight against chronic absence with a cross-sector initiative aimed at helping schools address and solve the root causes of absenteeism.

Addressing and finding solutions became a whole district and community effort spearheaded by Attendance Officer, Erika Treannie, said the release. Treannie, the release said, “worked diligently with district leadership to develop a comprehensive in-school student/family intervention program and marketing campaign. The marketing message was designed to reach the whole community and reinforce the expectation of every student, every day in every school. The benefit; Increase the amount of time a teacher and support staff has to help a student succeed.”

Every facet of the district collaborated to address the issue of chronic absenteeism, said the news release. The district received a grant from the Bristol Education Foundation to purchase large “Attendance Counts!” outdoor banners that are hung at the entrance to every school as a daily reminder to parents and students of the importance of arriving to school every day on time. The district distributed posters to businesses and organizations across the city to remind families of the importance of attendance.

Treannie, said the release, “created an attendance competition among our elementary schools. Refrigerator magnets purchased through a grant from the Barnes Foundation, were given out at kindergarten registration to be a constant reminder about the district’s policy regarding absenteeism. Stickers distributed to kindergarten students during the first few days of school will remind their families of the importance of attendance.”

Treannie initiated programs to target and find solutions to the root cause of the issue, said the news release. She worked with the high school guidance departments and social workers to institute individual attendance plans, the release said. All schools meet with Ms. Treannie every month to see who should get attendance letters and what families needed to come in and have a face to face meeting to develop an attendance improvement plan, said the release.

This year, the release said, Treannie met with over 409 families. During the meetings, various issues were identified which prevented the child from having regular school attendance. From those meetings the schools were able to help connect parents with community/school supports which helped the students attend school on a more regular basis. The release said Treanie collaborated with the Bristol/Burlington health district and local pediatricians to educate them on state laws and create policy changes to support students and their families. Students who have chronic absenteeism the prior year are getting targeted attendance letters prior to this summer, the release said. The district purchased “Attendance Counts” silicon bracelets, which Treannie will give to targeted students.

The data shows the positive impact these interventions have throughout the district by Treannie, school social workers, the guidance department and administrators have made in the district’s attendance data, said the release.

Dr. Michael Dietter has also spearheaded the creation of an SRBI (Science Research Behavior Intervention) attendance manual that is now being used with fidelity throughout the district, the district’s press release said. The benefits of SRBI come from its emphasis on uniting scientific, research-based practices with systems approaches to education, in this instance the social-emotional learning issues associated with chronic absenteeism and tardiness. The primary focus of school based attendance improvement teams, most of which meet monthly, is to identify the underlying “function” of the school refusal and respond accordingly, said the district’s statement.

The Bristol model of intervention has been shared with numerous other districts and has reduced chronic absenteeism in the district by an average of 29 percent, the release said.

Treannie and the schools use frequent progress monitoring using measurements that are “risk indicators,” and based on national norms create brief, easily administered measures that provide a “quick check” to ensure students are progressing and spending more time learning, said the release.

City Tax Collector Teresa Babon announced in a press release that tax bills on the Grand List of Oct. 1, 2015 will be mailed on June 29, 2016.

The current mill rate is 36.03 per $1,000 of assessment.

Real Estate and Personal Property bills over $100 are payable in two installments, the release said. The first payment is due July 1, 2016 and is payable by Aug. 1, 2016 without interest. The second payment will be due Jan. 1, 2017 and is payable by Feb. 1, 2017 without interest. All motor vehicle bills are due in one installment payable by Aug. 1, 2016. Delinquent payments are subject to an interest charge of 1.5 percent per month starting with the July 1, due date. The minimum calculated interest charge is $2.

This year, the release said, Connecticut DMV and municipalities across the state are working to resolve some inconsistencies among residents’ addresses on Motor Vehicle bills. If you receive a motor vehicle bill from a town that you did not reside in as of October 1, 2015, contact the assessor of the town that mailed you the bill to request a transfer to the correct town of residency as of Oct. 1, 2015.

Receiving a tax bill from the wrong town or failure to receive a bill for any reason will not invalidate the tax and/or the interest penalty, the release explained.

Questions regarding assessments or exemptions should be directed to the Assessor’s Office at (860)584-6240.

Any unpaid motor vehicle tax bill older than six months will be in jeopardy of being booted. If booted, an additional $175 fee will be applied.

The Tax Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday.

To avoid long lines, mail payments to the Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 1040, Bristol, CT 06011-1040. The ENTIRE 3-part bill and a self-addressed stamped envelope must accompany the payment if a receipt is desired through the U.S. Postal Service.

Bristol police will conduct a DWI checkpoint on Route 72 this evening. According to a press release from the Bristol Police Department, this is part of a federal grant to help reduce incidences of DWI crashes and fatalities in the Bristol community.

On his Facebook page, Mayor Ken Cockayne announced, “Rockwell Park splash pad will be open tomorrow. Stocks and Page Park will be open Monday or Tuesday.”

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

Inside the gymnasium, as family and friends gathered along the football field for the ceremonies to become, the soon-to-be graduates of the Bristol Eastern High School spent their last moments together as classmates last Thursday.

Taking selfies was a popular activity. There were a few students adjusting their mortar boards and gowns. There were plenty of conversations. And just some milling about, waiting for the signal to begin the walk from the school to the far end of the football field to take their places, where they would receive their diplomas.

Cassidy Cote, one of the graduations, said, “I’m very nervous. It’s very surreal. I don’t feel like I’m graduating. It’s been a long journey.”

“It doesn’t feel real yet,” said Brianna Wilson, “but I’m a very emotional person so I get sentimental really easy. But I’m definitely going to miss (high school).”

“It really hasn’t set for me yet,” said Nina Pasqua. “I’ve been thinking about it for a couple of weeks now as the days get closer and the minutes get closer. It still hasn’t hit me so I feel as soon as I walk across that stage that it’s really going to hit me that I’m graduating.”

“I don’t know (what I’m going to miss),” said Cassidy. “I think just the community. I love being with my friends every day and the community at Bristol Eastern is really great.”

“Probably (I’m going to miss the music department, being a part of it, and all of the groups I was a part of,” said Brianna. “I’m part of Strawberry Fields… forever. I’m in band. And I’m part of the regular choir.”

Nina said, “I’m definitely going to miss the sports program. I am also part of the music program. But sports is something that’s really, really been important to me. I’ve done 12 seasons here (at Eastern). I have 12 varsity letters. I’m going to college for it. So it’s something that’s dear to my heart.”

Later, after the graduates too to the field, class president Cassidy Yates told the Class of 2016, “Cherish these last moments we have together. Lock these moments in your memory.”

As the students proceeded from that moment forward, class vice president Camron Rivera said in his speech, “We will always be learning. In the end, that is what we are meant to do: to gain all the wisdom we can and live our lives to the fullest extent; to make a name for ourselves.”

“Life is made of so many small moments that can easily pass by and be forgotten,” said BEHS principal Carly Fortin in her remarks to students, “so one must be grateful for these (small moments).”

“Everyone of you can be special,” Board of Educatoin vice chair Karen Vibert told the graduates. “We are graduating a group of students who are capable of doing great things.”

“Your high school graduation is yet another beginning,” said Deputy Superintendent of Schools Dr. Susan Kalt Moreau.

“You’re an adult and now you’re responsible for your own life,” said councilor Jodi Zils Gagne in her speech.

Comments? Email mchaiken@BristolObserver.com

PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN

By LISA CAPOBIANCO

STAFF WRITER

Mia Sorel and her 7-year-old sister Allie remained silent as they viewed over 58,000 names of the men and women who lost their lives or went missing during the Vietnam War.

The names were listed by day of casualty on “The Wall That Heals,” a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., which visited Bristol last week. As they saw The Wall displayed on the Memorial Boulevard last Thursday for the first time, Mia and Allie wrote down some names that stood out to them. The sisters, who live in Bristol, planned to research these men and women so they would never forget the sacrifices made during the war.

“Living history is much better than history found in a textbook,” said their mother, Katie Sorel, who home schools her daughters. “My hope is that bringing [my daughters here], their freedom becomes much more real to them.”

Approximately 250 feet in length and erected in a chevron-shape like the original Memorial, The Wall has traveled to hundreds of communities nationwide, including Bristol in 1998. From June 8 to 12, The Wall returned to Bristol, bringing in countless visitors from the city and beyond.

Since the announcement of The Wall’s return, the American Legion Post 2, along with a number of local individuals and organizations banned together to organize the weekend-long event. From recognizing Gold Star Families to a motorcycle ride to living history displays, the weekend was filled with festivities—all organized by volunteers.

During a grand opening ceremony last Thursday, city and state leaders, along with veterans and families celebrated The Wall’s entrance to Bristol while thanking those who defended their country during the war.

Connecticut alone has over 70,000 veterans from the Vietnam War era.

“We remember particularly the more than 600 Connecticut veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam for us as a nation,” said Sean Connelly, commander of the state’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

“It was unfortunate that the soldiers that returned didn’t get the honor they deserved,” said Mayor Ken Cockayne. “Today they are getting it, and it’s nice to see.”

Unveiled by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund on Veterans Day 1996, The Wall has three main parts: The Wall replica, the mobile education center, and the information center. The education center displays photos of service members whose names are on The Wall, as well as letters and memorabilia left at The Wall in D.C. and a chronological overview of the conflict in Vietnam.

“At that time, I had no idea how it would affect my life,” said Vietnam veteran Dan Thurston, a former commander of the CT Legion. “When we returned to Vietnam, we got shunned.”

Besides American Vietnam veterans, the city also honored the service and sacrifice of the Lao/Hmong Special Guerilla Unit, a secret army of multi-ethnic Laotian freedom fighters recruited by the U.S. to provide aid to American troops during the war. Tens of thousands of SGU soldiers lost their lives, and today their story is being told after their service was an unknown part of America’s intervention in Southeast Asia for decades.

At the end of the war, they came to the U.S. where they have been honorable citizens, said Russ Trudel, Commander of American Legion Post 2.

“These guys went from start to finish of the Vietnam War,” said Trudel. “They’ve done a lot for our troops.”

“The government would never admit…that those operations took place,” said Thurston. “But without them, we would have lost a lot more American lives.”

General Sar Phouthasack was one of those veterans who served in the SGU from 1960 to 1975. During that time he struggled for survival in the jungles of North Vietnam and parachuted behind enemy lines. Sar also experienced the disappearance of his father and the loss of many allies.

Today, the general feels proud to have served during the war, and grateful to live in the U.S.

“I’m really honored for this,” said Sar.

Although he operated out of the same area as Sar during the war, Thurston said he did not meet the general until he got involved with veterans organizations in the state.

“We may have crossed paths because we operated out of the same area, but I never knew him at that time. It is my honor to have met [him],” said Thurston.

In an effort to preserve and honor the history of the SGU soldiers, Thurston serves on a committee that is working to bring the SGU National Monument to Bristol. A joint project of the Bristol Veterans Council and SGU Lao Veterans, the monument will be located near the Downs Street cemetery at the eastern end of the Boulevard. The city of Bristol donated a piece of property for the monument, which will depict SGU soldiers coming to the aid of a downed U.S. pilot, and a donated vintage Huey helicopter will hover over the rescue scene. During The Wall’s visit, visitors got a chance to see the Huey helicopter up close on the Boulevard, where Sar and SGU veterans shared their story.

Estimated to cost in excess of $1 million, the monument will be entirely funded by donors.

Thurston said the pieces of the monument are starting to come together. The goal is to have it dedicated in less than two years.

“This is all volunteer fund raising,” said Thurston.

Comments? Email lcapobianco@BristolObserver.com.

PHOTOS by TAMMI NAUDUS

The American Legion Seicheprey Post 2 in Bristol, CT has recently held its elections for officers for the 2016-2017 year. Elections commenced on Tuesday, June 14 for the American Legion Officers. Elections commenced on Tuesday June 7, 2016 for the Sons of the American Legion. The installment ceremony will take place in September. These are the official results of the elections:

American Legion Officers

Richard Schreiner – Commander

Richard Ministro – Senior Vice Commander

Dave Blandino – Junior Vice Commander

Butch Paradis – Finance Officer

Steve Fahy – Sergeant at Arms

Leonard Webster – Chaplain

Sons of the American Legion

Patrick M. Kilby – Commander

Joseph Nimchek – Senior Vice Commander

Adam Corriveau – Junior Vice Commander

Anthony Schlapa, III – Adjutant

Richard J. Kilby – Finance Officer

Dale Grande – Sergeant of Arms

Jay Beaucar – Chaplain

by LISA CAPOBIANCO

STAFF WRITER

Summer programs have just kicked off at Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center.

This month, the museum is showcasing the wonders of light through its light and reflection studio. Last weekend, the museum unveiled the new Kaleido-Lab, which was funded by the Smith Family Charitable Fund at the Main Street Community Foundation.

On Friday, June 24, the museum will celebrate “Imagine Nation Loves Bristol Day,” opening its doors to all Bristol residents from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can receive free admission upon proof of Bristol residency.

“The goal of that is really to engage the Bristol community to know that we’re here and to have them come and…see what we have to offer,” said Development & Marketing Director Doreen Stickney.

In July and August, programming will focus on the celebration of circles, which will give children a chance to explore circular ideas through science, math, literature and the arts.

From July 5 to July 16, “Bubble Mania” will take over the museum. From exploring bubble machines to creating bubble wands on the 3D printer to bubble contests, children will get to explore the magic of bubbles. On July 13, a “Bubble Bash” will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with indoor and outdoor activities and interactive stations that include bubble art and more.

From July 19 to July 31, wheels and gears will take over the museum. The “Wonder of Wheels” event on Thursday, July 21 will feature all different kinds of wheels in Imagine Nation’s parking lot, including trucks, bikes, tires, construction vehicles and more. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On Friday, July 29, the Roaming Railroad will make its way to Imagine Nation’s parking lot where children can hop aboard from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. while engaging in railroad inspired activities indoors. Roaming Railroad is New England’s trackless train that was custom built to accommodate children and adults. An additional fee is required to take a spin around the parking lot.

Other programs that month include Patriotic Day on Friday, July 1, when the museum will feature a variety of art provocations and American Flag weaving to honor Betsy Ross. The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 1 also is “Sweet Treat Day” in celebration of National Ice Cream Month. From 12 to 3 p.m. that day, Imagine Nation will offer a single scoop ice cream cone or cup for $1.

On Tuesday, July 12, the museum will feature a high energy performance by Turtle Dance Music, along with hands-on, visual and sensory experiences from 10-11 a.m.

Tuesday, July 19 through Thursday, July 23, marks “Members Bring a Friend Week” at Imagine Nation. Museum members can bring a friend for free. If a guest buys museum membership, he or she will receive a $10 discount.

From Aug. 1 to 13, the museum will feature circle games as a celebration of the Olympic games that will kick off around the same time.

“We’re going to have some things focused on the Olympics, but also lots of different child games that are focused on circles,” said Assistant Director Sara Castle.

On Thursday, Aug. 4, a magic show will take place at 3 p.m., and Thursday, Aug. 11, marks “Circle of Fun” day when children can join Imagine Nation during its very own Olympics, taking part in a variety of physical events and circle activities. The event will take place from 12 to 2 p.m.

“That’s going to be a really cool outdoor event which is going to be an old-fashioned field day with lots of activities and games,” said Stickney.

Wednesday, Aug. 17, marks “Annual Achievement Day,” which will celebrate the achievements of students in the museum’s Early Learning School from 6 to 8 p.m. The event also will include a family picnic.

“It’s winding down the end of our school year,” said Castle.

On Wednesday, Aug. 24, the “Dog Days of Summer” will take over the museum with visiting canine friends, such as the K-9 unit. Children will take part in different activities relating to dogs, including a literacy component.

From Aug. 15 to 27, Imagine Nation will introduce the studios to loose parts using buttons, bottlecaps, pans and cans, giving children an opportunity to sort, classify, count and explore those items.

On Friday, Aug. 26, children can experience mud pie making fun and create a variety of pies in all shapes and sizes in the outdoor bakery from 12 to 2 p.m.

“Imagine Nation is a great place for families in the summer to still learn while having fun at the same time,” said Stickney, adding how families also can enjoy the outdoor learning park.

Summer hours at Imagine Nation are from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with outdoor birthday parties offered throughout the summer.

Starting on June 29, Imagine Nation will be closed on Sundays in the summer. Imagine Nation’s museum studios will be closed from Aug. 31 to Sept. 14 to refresh and revitalize. The Early Learning School will be closed from Aug. 29 to Sept. 5.

For more information, visit imaginenation.org.