Danielson, William E. Provost, 94, of Danielson formerly of Bristol passed away on, June 18, 2017 at Day Kimball Hospital.

He was born in Bristol on February 5, 1923, the son of the late William C. and Asunda (DiMeola) Provost.

He worked for many years for local Automotive dealerships until he retired. William was an umpire for the Pony League in Bristol and was a member of St. Joseph Church.

His wife Martha H. (Glasson) Provost passed away in 2002.

He is survived by a daughter, Gail L. Rogers of Dayville and a sister, Dorothy Mikulak of Cape Cod, MA. 2 grandchildren, Kevin CJ Rogers and Kristopher W. Rogers. And 1 great granddaughter, Serenity  Rogers plus several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date. There are no calling hours.  Burial was held in St. Joseph Cemetery.  Dunn Funeral Home 191 West St. Bristol is in charge of the arrangements.

http://www.dunnfh.com/

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

After months of waiting, the local contestants in the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Pageant headed off to Hartford for this week’s event.

Miss Forestville Erika Farrell and Miss Bristol Gina Salvatore said their goodbyes to family and friends before hopping in a limousine in the parking lot of Memorial Boulevard School Wednesday. The pageant will be held at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

“I’m so excited. Being crowned in October, it feels like I’ve been waiting forever for June to come here. But, it’s here and I’m so ready to compete and represent the village of Forestville,” said Farrell.

“I’m so excited that it’s here. Winning in October, you have so much preparation time. For it to be here right now, it’s so surreal. I’m so excited. I feel very prepared, very ready, and extremely blessed to represent the city of Bristol,” said Salvatore.

After getting settled in on Wednesday in Hartford, the real work for the Miss contestants begins Thursday with private interviews with the judges.

On Friday, the contestants will compete on stage in preliminaries in talent, evening gown, on-stage question, and health and fitness (swimsuit). On Saturday night, the finals will be held and by the end of the night a new Miss Connecticut will be selected.

PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN

BEES SCORE 5 RUNS IN 8TH INNING IN WIN OVER SUGAR LAND

BOX SCORE

In 140 Characters or Less: Bees battle back, come from behind in the 8th, scoring 5 runs in a 5-2 win over Skeeters. Series finale tomorrow #ItsBetterWithTheBees

The Game Changed When…: The Bees, playing from behind throughout the majority of the game, came to bat in the bottom of the 8th inning. Down 2-0, the Bees would rally to score 5 runs, led by a 2 run go-ahead double by Jon Griffin. New Britain would take the 5-2 lead and hold it in the top of the 9th to secure the victory.

Pitchers of Record: W: Joe Beimel (3-2) | L: Dane De La Rosa (0-2) | SV: Shawn Gilblair (3)

Player(s) of the Game: Jon Griffin (New Britain) – 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI | Josh Prince (Sugar Land) – 1-4, HR, RBI

Next Game: Thursday, June 22nd, 6:35 P.M.

Tale of the Tape – Sugar Land Skeeters (26-33) vs. New Britain Bees (23-36)
Starting Pitchers – New Britain: RHP Kyle Simon (3-4, 4.52) | Sugar Land: RHP Sean Gleason (1-5, 7.31)

TICKETS: BUY HERE | Available at the New Britain Stadium Box Office | Call 860-826-BEES

PROMOTIONS: All dads get in for $5 and can have a post-Father’s Day pre-game catch on the field courtesy of Univision! Every Thursday game at New Britain Stadium is a Thirsty Thursday! All fans in attendance over 21 years of age can enjoy half price domestic draft beer at every concession stand!

Broadcast: The Bees’ Official YouTube Channel (youtube.com/NewBritainBees) and Facebook Live (facebook.com/newbritainbees), starting at 6:20 P.M.

Bees Buzz: This game was New Britain’s 10th come from behind win of the season…Tonight’s game was Jonathan Pettibone’s longest outing of the season (6 IP)…Craig Maddox has reached base safely in 11 of his last 12 games…Brandon Fry has only allowed 2 runs in his last 15 outings of relief…Jon Griffin has tallied multiple RBI in 3 of his last 6 games…Jordan Hinshaw extended his team leading hitting streak to 11 games with a single in the 7th…Jordan Hinshaw recorded his 5th multi-hit game tonight after playing in 12 games for the Bees…Michael Crouse stole his team leading 16th base in the 5th inning…With his single in the 4th inning, Craig Maddox is now 10 hits away from 700 in his professional career…Jovan Rosa extended his consecutive games played for the Bees streak to 199, and his overall consecutive games played streak to 222, including postseason.

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

Time to strap on your girdle to keep your side from splitting this weekend as Southington Community Theatre tackles a comedy from laugh-meister Ken Ludwig, “Leading Ladies.”

We caught up with director Peter E. Pristic to talk about the latest production from STC.

Observer: Ken Ludwig is known for his variations on the classic farce, as probably best illustrated by his popular “Lend Me a Tenor.” How does “Leading Ladies” fit within his comedic canon?

Pristic: “Leading Ladies” is a powerful cannon ball in Mr. Ludwig’s canon. For me, it’s the way he writes and uses language and physical comedy that makes “Leading Ladies” fit within his comedic canon. Ludwig’s gift for capturing the human condition in such a touching, yet comical way, to which all of us in the audience can instantly relate, is another reason ‘Leading Ladies’ fits in his arsenal. As a director, it is a challenge to bring all these things to life, and that is fun for me.

O: From a directing and performing point of view, what’s fun about Ludwig’s work and what’s fun about this work in particular?

P: Ludwig’s work is always fun to produce because each show has something awesomely unique about it. I just love his characters, the situations in which they find themselves, the fast pace of the dialog, and the physical comedy elements. From an actor’s point of view, I think the fun comes in getting lost in the wonderfully written characters and truly becoming them and living their lives. What’s really fun with “Leading Ladies” is the fact that Mr. Ludwig adds a new element to the mix: men trying to pass off as women. The costume changes become like doors in a traditional farce. It has truly been fun incorporating this element into the mix and bringing it to life.

O: From the audience’s point of view, what will they find most fun about this particular piece?

P: I think the audience will find the most fun in how genuine and real all the characters are. In particular, Leo and Jack. Their friendship truly is strong and inspirational. The situations they get themselves into— and must get out of— will truly be fun for the audience to watch.

O: What is the biggest challenge for the performers in this piece?

P: Every character has an element in which the actor needed to step out of his/her comfort zone. Taking this step for each, I believe, was the biggest challenge for the actors. Whether it be learning to roller skate, wearing high heels and dresses, kissing men that are dressed as a woman, or just looking like a broom, my actors have risen to the challenges of these characters and have succeeded in their efforts to truly bring these elements to life.

O: What do you think is the strength of this particular cast (you can name some of the cast members here)?

P: Camaraderie, collaboration, open mindedness, comical talent, and a deep passion for theatre are just several of the strengths of this cast. Jared Watterworth, for example, who portrays Jack, his facial expressions, well, would really have given Norma Desmond serious competition. Scott Gilbert, who plays Leo, his strength is comedic timing, which aligns with Jared’s. The two together, it’s magic to watch. Carolyn Ciarrochi’s (Meg) and Jyll Perlini’s (Audrey) strengths are bringing these women to life in such a way that their innocence and true selves are not lost in the comedy. Bill Rodman (Reverend Wooley), Smitty Smith (Doc), Elaine Taylor (Florence), and Mike Rabiej (Butch) strengths have been showcased in how they have built their characters.

O: Why do you think fans of SCT will be a fan of this production?

P: I think the cast will capture their hearts. I think the outrageous situations that Leo and Jack get themselves into, and the roles all the actors play in resolving these situations, will make a great experience for the audience. Then there is the fact that you have two men trying to pass themselves off as women, that’s funny.

Southington Community Theatre will present the Ken Ludwig comedy “Leading Ladies”  Thursday, Friday, and Saturday June 22, 23. and 24 at 7:30 p.m. at DePaolo Middle School, 385 Pleasant St., Southington. Tickets are $15 each for children under 18 and seniors 65 and older, and $20 each for adults. Tickets are available at Just For You Gift Shoppe, 979 Meriden-Waterbury Rd., Plantsville, The Music Shop, 405 Queen St., Southington, Domino’s, 200 Main St., Southington, and at the door.

Tickets are also available online via Brown Paper Tickets at brownpapertickets.com/event/2945668.

‘Leading Ladies’ is the latest production from Southington Community Theatre, which opens this weekend.

High school seniors, college students, and adults returning to college were all on hand for the annual Main Street Community Foundation Scholarship Reception on June 13.

In all, $183,695 in scholarship money was distributed at the event where students were given the chance to sit with representatives from the assorted scholarship benefactors who allow the foundation serve as the clearinghouse for applications.

The dollar amount this year for scholarships was the largest since the foundation was established, said Susan Sadecki, the foundation’s executive director. She said 239 students applied for scholarships and 185 scholarships were awarded.

“College prices are so these days, so any scholarship helps,” said Nickolina Doran of Southington, who received the Dr. Joan T. Wallace Prize for Highest Achievement in English at Southington High School. “I’m so thankful for the scholarship I got,” said Doran, who will be heading to Yale University this fall and is this year’s valedictorian..

“I tried to apply for as many (scholarships) as I could because it just makes paying it so much easier for me and my family. We won’t have so much debt when I come out (of school).”

Rebecca Lo Presti, who also shared the Dr. Joan T. Wallace Prize with Doran, said “It was very important (to receive scholarships) because I’m going into drama (at Hofstra Univerfsity in New York). That career path after college is very unstable. It’s very hard to get jobs afterward. I would really like not to be in a lot of debt after college.”

When she was applying for scholarships, Doran said, “People told me to apply for as many as I could. They also told me to start way in advance.”

“I don’t think I listened to that as well as I should have,” said Doran. “The deadlines come up so fast you don’t realize how much you put into each scholarship.”

“But definitely apply,” said Doran.

Lo Presti also was told to apply to as many scholarships as possible. But another piece of helpful guidance she received was to “keep a running list of every club and activity I did so it would be easy to put them on an application.”

The 2017 Scholarship Recipients were:

4 Burns Scholarship – St. Joseph/St. Paul Fund

Luke Hines

Gianna Houle

Christian Arndt Scholarship Fund

Jennifer Fisher

1. Bartlett Barnes Award of Journalism Fund

Jaymie Bianca, Meghan Conlin, Catherine Gullotta.

Because of 26 Kindness Award Scholarship Fund

Emily Gibney

Sid Bernard Memorial Art Scholarship Fund

Amanda Palladino

Stanley P. Bitel Memorial Fund

Natallie Jesionka

Peter and Marjorie Bossi Educational Fund

Kayla Rozanski

Bowerman Scholarship Fund

Feryal Al Hamadani

Bristol Boys & Girls Club Schulman Fund

Isabella Castrogiovanni

Anthony Lozier

Bristol Lions Club F. Fred Soliani Memorial Scholarship Fund

Mikayla Lewandoski

Bristol Police Scholarship Fund

Anthony Lozier

Bristol Yale Club Scholarship Fund

Feryal Al Hamadani

Gabriella Williams

Burlington Lions Charities Scholarship Fund

Patrick Currier, Kevin Kryzwick, Jacob Paciotti

Conn Acoustics Scholarship Fund

Angela DeFilippo, Cody Donofrio, Angelika Muter

Peg Coughlin Nursing Scholarship Fund

Isabella Castrogiovanni

Rit Croce Academic and Vocational Scholarship Fund

Christine Burrill

Richard A. DellaVecchia Scholarship Fund

Jesse Rasten

Karen Finder Scholarship Fund

Zada Gonzalez

Carolyn Fisher Scholarship Fund

Christian Robinson

Olivia Fusco Memorial Art Scholarship Fund

Katerina Belales

GE’s Industrial Solutions Scholarship Fund

Justin Greenwood, Hannah Jackman, Hank Leitzke, Jarod Romankiw, Alexandra Schulz, Hannah Schulz, Renukanandan Tumu

Andrew and Murielle Giacomini Scholarship Fund

Taya Watson

Azilda Hebert Music Scholarship Fund

Lauren Santiago

Dorothy Micloskey Ives Award Fund

Lauren Santiago

Grace & Norma Joy Scholarship Fund

Francess Luna

Keating-Monaghan Memorial Scholarship Fund

Jaletzex Arroyo, Marisol Barresi, Cole Beland, Abagale Benoit, Brandon Benoit, Nathan Carlson, Ethan Casinghino, Elizabeth Connelly, Joseph Dess Jr., Amy Dognin, Gabriela Drewniak, Donovan Durham, Madison Durham, John Fontanez-Ceballos, Jordan Gayle, Michael Haddon, Kylan Kelly, Jayme Lopez, Elijah Martin, Ryan Martin, Nina Mattioli, Chase Mendela, Nicholas Middlebrook, Peter Miller, Genevieve Mowad, MaKendra Jae Mowad, Alejandro Ojeda, Cydney Pelletier, Gisselle Pena, Bella Peterson, Michael Rigsby, Annette Rodriguez, Elizabeth Ruffino, Gianna Soto, Hannah St. John, Noah Stevens, Kaia Underwood, Brian Wilson, Cody Wilson, Danny Wilson, Emilia Wilson

Lena M. & Peter L. Korotie Scholarship Fund

Jonathon Passander

Vincent T. Kozyrski Scholarship Fund

Simon Andrews

Sean Landry Memorial Basketball Scholarship Fund

John Grimes

John J. and Doris Lazorik Memorial Scholarship Fund

Mikayla Lewandoski, Casey Walters

Leger Initiative for Education Fund

Kaitlin Steinen

Dave Lepore Journalism Scholarship Fund

Taylor Hartz

Therese MacCallum “Great Kid” Scholarship Fund

Deep Aluria, McKenna Belury

Nicholas P. Maglio ACE Fund

Christopher LeBeau

Malerbo Memorial Scholarship Fund

Gabrielle Bernier, Madison Bernier, Amarion Brooks, Emma Daly, Jenna Fulvi, Adrian George, Patrick George, Sophia Gerst, Priscilla Godlewski, Lexi Gosselin, Thomas Lorenzetti, Evan Mendela, Rudolph Otero, Christian Peterson, Barbara Retartha, Sean Rozmajzl, Walker Sharp, Jade Udoh, Noah Waters, Darek Wiecki, Nina Zwolinski, Stefan Zwolinski

Elizabeth I. and Louis J. Matt Medical Scholarship Fund

Laura Furtak, Nancy Ongany, Lauren Tanner, Nicole Truszkowski

Robert E. and Angeline P. McCormack Scholarship Fund

Samantha Steeves

McMaster-Moulthrop Scholarship Fund

Simon Andrews, Marianna Apergis, Morgan Begin, Autumn Blasi, Marco Guzman, Natallie Jesionka, Scott Larson, Nancy Ongany, Sofia Patria, Colin Savino, Sarah Strilkauskas, Nicole Truszkowski, Molly Watstein, Ashley Yung.

Ken E. Micloskey Award

Bradley Kozikowski

Al and Joan Monico Scholarship Fund

Felicity Irizarry, Francess Luna

NESMA Scholarship Fund

Natallie Jesionka, Ashley Nelson

AJR Nocera Memorial Fund

Alexa Cahill, Kayla Rozanski

Anthony Norton Scholarship Fund

John Grimes

Scott W. Organ Student-Athletic Scholarship Fund

Cole Staples

Ralph Papazian Memorial Scholarship Fund

Autumn Blasi

Estelle Delano Peterson Scholarship Fund

Kelsey Turgeon

Dorothy Dewey Picard Music Scholarship Fund

Lauren Santiago

Plymouth Community Club Scholarship Fund

John Grimes

Max and Ruth Rabin Scholarship Fund

Gabriella Williams

Radcliff Family Education Fund

Alexa Cahill, Tyrah Green, Katie Pelkey, David Poniatowski,

Radcliff Plainville High School Fund

Jared Demmons, Stephen Gallo, Gregory Sileo, Nicholas Zaleski

Louis J. Rascoe Scholarship Fund

Gillian Strahowski

Julie A. Roche Nursing Scholarship Fund

Isabella Castrogiovanni

Douglas Roland Aid for the Trades Scholarship Fund

Marena Baldyga

Clement J. Roy Scholarship Fund

Feryal Al Hamadani

St. Matthew School Scholarship Fund

Luke Crowley

Lawrence (Larry) Selza Memorial Scholarship Fund

Audrey Gallo

Glo Sessions Fund for Art Education

Amanda Palladino

Jill Lynne Shackett Educational Scholarship Fund

Marissa Brevetti, Ashley Yung

Southington Observer/StepSaver Scholarship Fund

Rachel Wrinn

Jay W. and Elizabeth M. Tyrrell Scholarship Fund

Pia Barlotta, Alexa Cahill

Louise (Humphrey) Van Gorder Music Camp Scholarship Fund

Luke Ashworth

Dr. Joan T. Wallace Prize for Highest Achievement in English at Southington High School

Nickolina Doran, Rebecca Lo Presti

Peggy Ann Walsh Memorial Scholarship Fund

Feryal Al Hamadani, Raina Lambert, Mikayla Lewandoski, Ashley Yung

Kristen Warner Scholarship Fund

Jesse Rasten

John Whitcomb Scholarship Fund

Tejal Monteiro

Eva Brodowicz Wickwire Volunteer Scholarship Fund

Isabella Castrogiovanni

Yarde Metals Memorial Scholarship Fund

Carly Brunelle, Melody Catalano, Nicole Collin, Gary Gagnier, David Kaminski, Nicole Ledesma, Dillon Murphy, Alexis Thompson, Jennifer Thorpe

By LISA CAPOBIANCO

STAFF WRITER

From economic growth to legislative advocacy to business development, all six honorees of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce’s 128th Annual Awards Dinner have made a difference in a variety of ways.

This year, Webster Bank received the Distinguished Business of the Year Award. A community-minded bank that dates back to 1935, Webster has expanded with over $26 billion in assets and 167 banking centers in the northeast.

Although the company has grown, its core values have not, said Webster Bank Regional President Timothy Bergstrom during the dinner, which took place last Thursday at the Aqua Turf. Whether volunteering for events like United Way’s annual Day of Caring or supporting the new West Street facility for the Boys & Girls Club, Webster Bank has shown core values like citizenship and teamwork.

“Webster continues to have a deep, meaningful relationship with organizations that align with our core values,” said Bergstrom, adding that the Bristol community has been part of Webster’s family for a long time.

The former executive director of Bristol Community Organization, Tom Morrow received the Outstanding Community Service Award. Morrow, who retired late last year, started out as a neighborhood services coordinator at BCO in 1973 before becoming executive director. Co-founder of the Bristol Emergency Shelter, Morrow started Bristol’s first AIDS Task Force and brought the Head Start preschool program to Bristol.

During his speech, Morrow thanked many who made the award possible, including the staff members at BCO, which consolidated with the Human Resources Agency of New Britain early this year.

“My fellow employees and board members at BCO allowed me to pursue my passion,” said Morrow, who has served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board.

The chamber also honored two other individuals who have worn many community hats over the years: John Lodovico and John Smith.

A member of the Board of Finance, Smith received the Spirit of Bristol Award. When he moved to Bristol in 1962, Smith taught English at the former Bristol High School, where he also coached football and baseball. He then served as assistant superintendent of schools and chief business administrator for 20 years before he became the senior vice president of Bristol Hospital. He retired in 2006, and served as an independent project consultant until 2012.

When defining what the “spirit of Bristol” means to him, Smith said, “it’s omnipresent, yet one can feel it.”

“It’s about people helping people, people helping organizations, organizations helping people and organizations helping organizations,” said Smith.

The current vice chairman of Bristol Hospital’s Board of Directors, Lodovico received the E. Bartlett Barnes Distinguished Service Award. Over the years, he served on the Zoning Board and the former Bristol Downtown Development Corporation. A veteran who served in the Vietnam War, Lodovico also serves on the Bristol Veterans Council and the Archdiocese of Hartford Pastoral Council.

“Find your purpose in life and make the community a better place for all,” said Lodovico, who recognized Smith as one of his mentors.

This year, the Bristol Exchange Club received the Volunteer of the Year Award. A non-profit organization that supports the Parent and Child Center at Bristol Hospital, the Exchange Club is involved in many ways, such as awarding scholarships to local high school seniors every year, directing the Mum Festival Parade and more.

Last year, the club helped revive the Mum Festival, which will return as a four-day event this September.

“This award would not have been possible if it weren’t for all the dedicated individuals who give their time and talent to this club, enabling us to do so much for our community,” said Bristol Exchange Club President Jack Ferraro.

While the chamber honored the Exchange Club for its longtime presence in Bristol, it also honored a new group of volunteers. Comprised of young professionals and entrepreneurs, the Professional Young Visionaries of Tomorrow  received the Special Recognition Award. PYVOT launched in May 2016 as an organization within the Central Connecticut Chamber that provides constructive input to businesses, organizations, ensuring that the region attracts, empowers and grows the young professionals base statewide.

PYVOT co-chairs Michael Prentiss and Michael Sweeney accepted the award on behalf of the group, which holds social and business networking events while hosting civic service, professional education events and activities.

“They truly are our future leaders,” said Cindy Scoville, the president and CEO of the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce.

During the dinner, the chamber recognized Tunxis Community College President Dr. Cathryn Addy, who is retiring later this month after 23 years of community leadership in the greater Bristol community.

The community also stood in applause when Hall of Fame Coach Jim Calhoun made his way to the podium as the dinner’s keynote speaker. In taking the University of Connecticut from a regional contender to a three-time national champion, Calhoun is known as one of college basketball’s legendary leaders.

“I believe it takes a village,” said Calhoun, who was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005. “It’s about giving to each other.”

Comments? Email lcapobianco@BristolObserver.com.

John Lodovico listens to his introduction prior to receiving the E. Bartlett Barnes Distinguished Service Award at the Bristol Chamber of Commerce’s 128th Annual Awards Dinner last Thursday. (MIKE CHAIKEN)

By MICHAEL LETENDRE

STAFF WRITER

As per every spring, the scholastic squads of the Mum City had several standouts that competed in the various sports Bristol offers.

The spring campaign was headlined on the public school level by several strong finishes from the track squads in town while the Bristol Eastern softball team earned an 18-2 mark during regular season play this year.

All three scholastic baseball teams in town were tournament qualifiers while Andrew Owsianko of St. Paul Catholic earned Class S All-state honors.

Both public school lacrosse programs are still on the rise and had more than a few CCC South All conference performers while the Rams and Lancers had six total boys make the squad.

Once again, the Bristol Central boys track team had 10 members on the All-Conference team while on the girls side, nine athletes earned postseason honors.

Here’s a look at Bristol’s top performers who earned CCC South All Conference honors this year:

2017 Baseball All Conference

South Region

BLUE Division

Bristol Central- Noah Plantamuro, Jeremy Ganavage

Bristol Eastern-Gary Gagnier, Zach Marquis

2017 Softball All Conference

South Region

BLUE Division

Bristol Central- Jenna Ptak, Kayla Bealieu

Bristol Eastern- Jordan Fitzsimons, Erin Girard, Mikayla Martin, Makenzie Jankowski

2017 Boys Lacrosse All Conference

South Region

Bristol Central – Cody Hildebrand, Connor Staubley

Bristol Eastern – Alex Durand

2017 Girls Lacrosse All Conference

South Region

Bristol Co-Op: Meghan Hamel

2017 Boys Tennis All Conference

South Region

Bristol Central – Alex Bernier, Mike Kaminski, Colin Savino

Bristol Eastern – Ridhwan Abdulsalam, Noah Cyr, Justin Trottier

2017 Boys Tennis All Conference

South Region

Bristol Central – Abby Goralski, Abby Gorneault, Ava Gomeault, Emily McAllister,

Bristol Eastern – Hannah Langlais, Gabby Reymont, Kasey Simpson

2017 Boys Track All Conference

South Region

Bristol Central – Simon Andrews, David Bowes, Adam Chawner, Kaynan Conrod, Sean Fitzgerald, Alrick Grant, Pat Kjornrattanawanich, Luis Medina, Elijah Ortiz, Matt Roy

Bristol Eastern – Chris Lebeau

2017 Girls Track All Conference

South Region

Bristol Central – Ashley Cummings, Meghan Curtis, Mia Hinton, Hannah Jones, Sydney Johnston, Adalia Malick, Paige Hinton, Olivia Savino, Shy-Ann Whitten

Bristol Eastern – Kailey Laprise

2017 US Connecticut Academic All-American (Lacrosse)

Bristol Central – Scott Larson

2017 CHSCA All-State Baseball Team

St. Paul Catholic – Andrew Owsianko

2017 Boys Golf – Naugatuck Valley League

All Cooper Division

St. Paul Catholic – Adam Ward

All-NVL

St. Paul Catholic – Ryne Salius

Andrew Owsianko of St. Paul was selected for the 2017 CHSCA All-State Baseball Team. (KELLY MAY DEL DEBBIO)

By MICHAEL LETENDRE

STAFF WRITER

Both the Bristol Central and Bristol Eastern baseball squads ended the season with 11 victories apiece this past spring.

The Lancers have been playoff performers since 1999 but Eastern (ranked 19th in the Class L fray) was stopped in first round play by No. 14 New Canaan 7-2 on May 30.

Eastern concluded the year at 11-10.

No. 25 Central advanced to the second round in Class L – squaring off against No. 9 Guilford – and dropped a tough 7-1 decision to the squad, ending play at 11-11.

Guilford was a casualty of soon to be Class L champion, No. 32 Foran (10-8) in the quarter final round but Central defeated No. 8 Platt Tech 16-1 to earn a tournament victory in first round play.

The Lancers had several performers step up throughout the campaign as did the Rams.

A couple players from both Central and Eastern recently made the CCC South All-Conference team while a few athletes played in postseason all-star games.

Here’s a special look at those players honored:

All Conference – Bristol Central

Player: Jeremy Ganavage

Year: Senior

Position: Catcher

The stats: Batted .368 on the season, scored 12 runs, and blasted out 11 RBI.

Coach Bunty Ray’s take: “[A] steady defensive player that became the steadiest performer on offensive.

Big Games: Collected a double and went 2-of-3 in six-run win over Simsbury back on May 4…Demolished Platt Tech in Class L first round with two doubles, going 3-of-5 overall…Had a big single in Central’s 9-8 come-from-behind victory over Berlin to open the season.

Other Honors: Played in the Senior All-Star Game

Player: Noah Plantamuro

Year: Junior

Position: Shortstop

The stats: Scored 11 runs this year while driving in 18 RBI

Coach Bunty Ray’s take: “[He had an] outstanding fielding percentage and also is a two time all league player.”

Big Games: The defensive guru blasted out a double in the one-run win over Berlin…Collected three RBI in the 14-run thrashing of Middletown…The first time around against Farmington, was 2-of-3 with an RBI…Had an RBI single in the tough 3-2 extra inning loss at South Windsor.

Other Honors: Played in the Junior All-Star Game

All Conference – Bristol Eastern:

Player: Gary Gagnier

Year: Senior

Position: Catcher

The stats: 65 at-bats, team high 22 hits, seven doubles, eight RBI, .338 batting average, .427 on-base percentage

Opposing Coach Bunty Ray’s take: “[He’s an] excellent defensive catcher that emerged as a team leader.”

Big Games: Smashed a single and a double in the 9-2 win over Maloney…Netted three of the Lancers five total hits in BE’s 7-3 home victory over Plainville…Added two hits versus Glastonbury…Dropped in a double during the season-ending loss at New Canaan.

Other Honors: Played in the Senior All-Star Game.

Player: Zach Marquis

Year: Senior

Position: Pitcher/outfielder

The stats: Pitching – 5-2 overall, 1.49 ERA, tallied, 45 strikeouts in 47 innings pitched, yielded only 10 earned runs all season; Batting – .254 over 59 at-bats, 15 hits, six RBI, nine walks

Opposing Coach Bunty Ray’s take: “[He had the] only perfect game in school history and put his team on his shoulders in every big game.”

Big Games: How about the perfect game? Striking out five, walking none, 80-percent strikes thrown, and not one ball was hit to the outfield on Monday, May 15 against Rocky Hill…Tripled in victory over Norwich Free Academy (4-2) while drilling out the game-winning hit – a two-run homer – in the 3-2 win at East Catholic.

Other Honors: Played in the Senior All-Star Game.

Notable Performers – Bristol Central

Player: Ken Knox

Year: Senior

Position: Pitcher/Outfielder

The stats: 5-4 overall, 49 strikeouts

Coach Bunty Ray’s take: “[On the] receiving end of some tough losses but emerged as a number one starter and kept Central in many games.”

Big Games: Scored 4-2 win over Farmington (three hits, seven K’s)…Shutout Plainville at Muzzy Field in a 4-0, three-hit win…Threw six innings and did not allow an earned run during Central’s 16-1 smashing over Platt Tech during the state tournament.

Other Honors: Played in the Senior All-Star Game.

Player: Alex Balfour

Year: Junior

Position: Pitcher

The stats: 4-4 overall, 1.59 ERA, earned wins over four teams with 10 or more wins.

Coach Bunty Ray’s take: “[He was a] very steady on the mound and was a key contributor.”

Big Games: Picked up 5-1 victory over Maloney back on April 18…Earned a 7-1 win versus Simsbury (5.1 IP)…In a complete game gem, Balfour topped Newington 6-2 on May 9 – giving up just one earned run…Went five innings (two hits, 5 K’s) in 2-1 win against Platt on May 19.

Notable Performers – Bristol Eastern

Player: Mike Massarelli

Year: Senior

Position: First Base

The stats: Batted .339 overall in 56 at-bats, .439 on-base percentage, three doubles, five RBI, six walks, was hit-by-pitch a team-leading four times.

Big Games: Nabbed two hits in the win over Glastonbury…Had his biggest hit of the season against Bristol Central, tallying a two-run double off Kenny Knox – leading to the 2-0 win over the Rams.

Player: Jake Violette

Year: Senior

Position: Pitcher/ Centerfield

The stats: Pitching – 5-3 overall, 3.00 ERA, 44.1 innings pitched, 37 strikeouts, 19 earned runs; Batting – .299 average, 20 hits, eight RBI, two doubles, seven base-on-balls.

Opposing Coach Bunty Ray’s take: “[He was] steady on the mound and was also a good all around player for the Lancers.”

Big Games: Pitched Eastern past East Catholic in that 3-2 win (seven hits, four strikeouts)…Defeated Maloney for Eastern’s first win of the season (four hits, two runs, 5 K’s)…Fanned eight in the Lancers’ 10-2 demolition of Glastonbury.

By LISA CAPOBIANCO

STAFF WRITER

Patients who undergo post-mastectomy surgery will no longer have to travel outside Bristol Hospital for the procedure thanks to a donation from the Beekley Family Foundation.

Within the past year, the hospital’s Center for Surgery and Endoscopy has used the SPY Elite System—a machine that helps ensure adequate tissue perfusion during post-mastectomy breast reconstruction surgery.

Dr. Vinod Pathy, a plastic surgeon at Bristol Hospital, has experience using the technology for six to seven years now.

The goal of using SPY, said Pathy, is to determine how healthy a patient’s skin is after a mastectomy.

If the patient’s skin is not healthy, there is an increased risk for a wound healing issue. During reconstruction, a dye is injected into the patient to tag red blood cells. Through real-time fluorescent imaging, the technology enhances a surgeon’s ability to visualize and analyze tissue perfusion. These images can help surgeons like Pathy make critical decisions in the operating room.

“We can see things happening in real time—you can actually see blood flow, the difference in discoloration, which you cannot see with the naked eye,” said Pathy, who has been working at Bristol Hospital for nearly a year now. “You can tell what’s healthy and what’s not healthy.”

Last Thursday, Bristol Hospital staff and the Beekley Family Foundation held a dedication event for the new equipment, which Pathy has used for three cancer patients so far.

The surgery center team said this kind of technology is unique for a community hospital.

“At other large institutions, this is the cutting edge technology being used,” said Pathy. “The fact that we have this at Bristol Hospital is fantastic.”

“We have the ability to draw patients to our center for this kind of technology, which isn’t offered every where,” added Patricia Coppola, the director of perioperative services at Bristol Hospital. “We thought it was very important for our patients to have it.”

In the past, Bristol Hospital had to refer patients elsewhere for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction surgery. But now that the machine is available to them, cancer patients can stay at the hospital for full treatment.

When Ayn LaPlant, the president and CEO of Beekley Corporation, found out about these referrals, she was inspired to help improve patient care at Bristol Hospital through a $125,000 donation, which covered the purchase of the equipment.

A partner of Bristol Hospital for the past 20 years, the Beekley Family Foundation also donated funds for a 3D mammography at the Beekley Center for Breast Health and Wellness in 2015.

“No woman should have to go through that,” said LaPlant. “Patient care is so important to us, and this to me, was giving us better patient care at the hospital—to have a piece of equipment like this that women going through this traumatic experience could be right there with their doctors with their care team and have this procedure done at the hospital.”

Police arrested and charged a Bristol man after an exposure complaint last week.

According to a press release from the Bristol Police Department, 51-year-old John Truiolo was charged with risk of injury, second degree breach of peace and public indecency after officers received a report last Thursday about four children seeing a naked, middle-aged man who made a lewd act in front of his apartment window on Bittersweet Lane.

Triuolo was released after posting bond and is scheduled to appear in court on July 3.

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

A young woman from Bristol is hoping to become America’s next “Distinguished Young Woman.”

Jaymie Bianca, a recent graduate of St. Paul Catholic High School and a soon-to-be freshman at Trinity College in Hartford, will be in Mobile, Ala. to participate in the scholarship competition, which was previously known as American Junior Miss. Bianca will be representing Connecticut in the event, squaring off against 50 young women, who represent the other 49 states and Washington D.C.

Bianca, before she took a road trip down south with her family, said the Distinguished Young Women scholarship competition judges high school senior girls on five components, interview, scholastics, business, talent, and self-expression.

Although the event is similar to a pageant, Bianca—who has competed in Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen and was crowned in the Junior Miss Southington pageant—said the Distinguished Young Women competition is all about scholarships.

“You don’t have to be an overall winner to get scholarships,” said Bianca. One can be a state winner or just a participant to earn a scholarship through the Distinguished Young Women. Some scholarships will provide full-tuition and some may even offer full tuition and board.

“It’s an incredible opportunity,’ said Bianca.

Her experience in pageants in Connecticut inspired Bianca to apply to be part of the Distinguished Young women competition as a high school senior. She also said the DYW emphasis on service and scholarship represented the best parts of what she enjoyed when she held previous titles.

As part of the Distinguished Young Women organization, Bianca is promoting the national platform of “Be Your Best Self.” Locally, she said she was able to work with seventh graders in Hartford to convey the importance being true to who you are. If she is crowned as the national title holder, Bianca will be expected to bring that platform to the nation at venues such as local Boys and Girls Clubs and other community-based organizations that serve youth.

Prior to the commencement of the competition in Mobile, Bianca said the contestants will participate in a variety of events within the community. For instance, they will offer a performance for residents of Mobile. They also have all been assigned a Girl Scout troop to network with, said Bianca.

“There will be a lot of really cool and interesting community events,” said Bianca.

The national finals will be held June 29, 30, and July 1. And Bianca said she already has been in contact with the other contestants via social media.

“They all have great accomplishments (in school or within the community),” said Bianca of the other competitors. “I can’t wait to talk with them and network with them and hopefully they’ll inspire me as well.”

Win or lose, said Bianca, “When I come back to Connecticut I’ll be stronger and well aware of who I am and where I want to be in the future.”.

For more information about the Distinguished Young Women organization, go to http://distinguishedyw.org/

To view the live webcast of the Distinguished Young Women National Finals, visit www. DistinguishedYW.org Thursday through Saturday, June 29 through July 1 at 8 p.m. EST.

To see photos of participants during their time in Mobile, Ala., visit www. fpvision.com

Jaymie Bianca is Connecticut’s representative at this month’s Distinguished Young Women’s competition.

Bank of America’s Charitable Foundation has awarded a grant of $2,500 to the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol Family Center to underwrite the E (Entrepreneurial) Program at their Cambridge Park Clubhouse. Located within public housing, the club’s Cambridge Park Clubhouse serves over 40 youths each day who live in the community. Designed by facilitator, Michael F. Crane, the E-Program will teach teens at the Club basic skills they would need to repair their home or apartment. Using a series of mocked up frames called “learning walls”, members in the program will learn how to repair and replace sheet rock, fix minor electical problems, paint the interior of thier homes, fix minor plumbing problems, and learn how to use a variety of tools.

Once members have mastered repair skills, they will use their newly developed skills to build projects that can be used at home or sold to the public. Members will be involved with the marketing and sale of the finished products which will familiarize them with the business and finance components of running a small business.

The program’s goal is to create a work enviroment that will prepare it’s members for life’s challenges and give them the confidence to purse endeavors that are foreign to them, explained the press release. Working as at team in the E-Program will provide members with skills that will enhance their abilities to be  productive and reliable members of a structured, positive workplace.

“It is with great pleasure that we support the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol with this grant. Bank of America believes in strong collaborations with organizations that provide skills to their members in order to break the cycle of poverty. Boys & Girls Club of Bristol is one of those organizations. ” stated Jill Hutensky, Hartford Market Manager-Enterprise Business and Community Engagement for Bank of America’s Charitable Foundation.

Martha Jean (Mullaney) Pellegrino passed away, surrounded by family on Thursday June 22, 2017 at Yale New Haven Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

She leaves behind her loving husband of 38 years, Frank Pellegrino Jr who courageously stood by her side throughout her illness, embodying their wedding vows with his loving actions. She also leaves her beloved children Frank, Anthony, Lena, and Margaret along with their spouses Kathryn, Beth, Jason, and Sean. Being one of eleven Mullaney children Martha was loved by and leaves behind four sisters Lennie, Kathy, Lizzie, and Mary; along with three brothers, Richard III, Gene, and Jamie, and the in-laws whom Martha loved as extended siblings including Don Brabant, Donald Jones, Gloria, Robin, Charlene, Nancy, Harry, Theresa, Dick, Jimmy, Sharon, and Linda.  She also loved the many nieces and nephews from these wonderful families.   Most heart breaking she leaves behind her 9 grandchildren Derek, Frank IV, Charlie, Tyler, Cameron, Joseph, Sammy, Collin and Quinn Elizabeth, as well as one more on the way Jordan, whom she never met but loved just as much.  These grandchildren were the light of her life and kept her spirit high throughout her illness.  Lastly she leaves behind Chase, her lovably neurotic yellow lab whom she tolerated for many, many years.

Friends and family will remember Martha as a fantastic mother and grandmother, who up until the last hours of her life was more concerned for others than herself.   She loved being outside, whether she was hiking through the woods by her grandparent’s farm in New Hampshire, gardening in her yard or swimming in the ocean with her grandchildren.

Martha was a graduate of St. Paul High School in 1973 and studied to become an X-Ray technician at the Bristol Hospital School of Radiology.  She spoke often of the pride she took in caring for the sick and injured.   After her marriage in 1979 she quickly became a mother and transitioned to working in the home.  Her efforts created a nurturing environment for her children to grow in.

Martha’s boundless affection for children showed through not only with her own family, but in the way she cared for other children as well.  When her family was young she managed her own in home day care, and still enjoys as friends many of the parents and children whom she cared for.  As her family aged she transitioned again and worked as a para professional in the Plymouth school system, helping children with special needs.  In addition, she spent many years volunteering in the Terryville community most memorably on the board of directors for the Terry Nursery School.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. at O’Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Ave., Forestville (Bristol.) A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at11:00 a.m. directly at the Carlyle F. Barnes Memorial Chapel, at West Cemetery, 49 Pound St. in Bristol.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (TEAM MULLANIACS).  To leave an online message of condolence, share a memory or photo, please visit Martha’s memorial page at www.OBRIEN-FUNERALHOME.com.

Charlotte (Scheuering) Frasario, 96, of Bristol, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 21, 2017.

Born in Brooklyn, NY on February 1, 1921, she was the last surviving child of the late Christian and Martha Scheuering.  She was the wife of the late Ferdinand “Fred” Frasario for 56 years until his passing in 2000. Together they raised two loving daughters and were proud grandparents.  They relocated from New York to Bristol after Fred’s retirement in the early 1980’s.  Charlotte was a woman of great faith and a longtime member of St. Matthew Church in Forestville. She spent much of her time as an active volunteer at the Bristol Senior Center where she met her angel,  Anthony Scapellati, whom she married at the age of 80 and shared fifteen years as “recycled teenagers” with until his passing in 2015.  She will forever be remembered for her selflessness, and love for her family, and will be greatly missed.

Charlotte leaves her daughters, Judy Miceli and husband, Chuck of Wolcott and Janet Ebert and her husband, Ed of Southington; her adored grandchildren and their families, Mike and Jen Miceli and their children, Kaelyn and Eiryn; Jason and Jolene Miceli and their children, Alex, Lillyanna, and Logan; Karen and Mike Soccodato and their children, Justin and Jacoby; and Ryan and Kathy Ebert and their children, Rileigh and Amie.  She was predeceased by her brother, Frank and her sister, Marie, and leaves many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Southington Community YMCA Camp Scholarships, 29 High St, Southington, CT 06489.

A Memorial Mass in celebration of Charlotte’s life will be held on Tuesday at 9 a.m. at St. Matthew Church, 120 Church Ave, Forestville.

Plantsville Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlantsvilleFuneralHome.com

The Bristol Police Department reported the following arrests last week.

• Walesca Salgado, 38, of 42 Woodard Dr., Bristol, was arrested June 9 and charged with violation of probation.
• Amie Bernard, 33, of 72 Academy St., Bristol, was arrested June 9 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Alfred Sciuto, 52, of 88 Medford St., Bristol, was arrested June 9 and charged with third degree criminal mischief.
• Najee Amatur-Rahim, 33, of no certain address, New Britain, was arrested June 9 and charged with two counts of illegal manufacture, distribution, and sale of narcotics.
• Ramon Torres, 34, of 149 Glen Hills Rd., Meriden, was arrested June 9 and charged with second degree breach of peace, third degree assault and second degree unlawful restraint.
• Jocelin A. Albert, 22, 1424 Thomaston Ave., Waterbury, was arrested June 9 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
• Joel C. McCall, 27, of 476 Broad St., Apt. 1, Bristol, was arrested June 9 and charged with failure to respond to infraction.
• David Sabatino, 28, of 91 Redwood Dr., Bristol, was arrested June 10 and charged with second degree breach of peace and third degree assault.
• Gabriel G. Rosario, 24, of 767 158th St., Bronx, N.Y., was arrested June 10 and charged with operation while under the influence, misuse of plate, and operating an unregistered motor vehicle.
• Joshua N. McCall, 26, of 103 Gridley St., Bristol, was arrested June 10 and charged with assault on a peace officer, interfering with an officer, second degree criminal mischief, first degree criminal mischief, and second degree breach of peace.
• Emily S. Gallant, 27, of 76 Queen St., Bristol, was arrested June 10 and charged with operation while under the influence, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, and operating a motor vehicle without a license.
• Aaron Han, 125 Senaca Rd., Bristol, was arrested June 10 and charged with operation while under the influence and following too close.
• Melissa Wroniak, 32, of 118 Greene St., Bristol, was arrested June 11 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
• David M. Provenzano, 25, of 197 Garden St., Bristol, was arrested June 11 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Luke Provenzano, 23, of 197 Garden St., Bristol, was arrested June 11 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Angel M. Morales, 36, of 28 Center St., Apt. 2, Bristol, was arrested June 12 and charged with operation while under the influence, illegal operation of motor vehicle under suspension and failure to drive right.
• Douglas L. Ouellette, 23, of 480 Mix St., Bristol, was arrested June 12 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
• Justin Medina, 20, of 25 Munson Ave., Waterbury, was arrested June 13 and charged with first degree failure to appear and second degree failure to appear.
• Mitchell Bley, 24, of 556 King St., 3F, Bristol, was arrested June 13 and charged with operation while under the influence.
• Daquan Jarrett, 23, of 173 Stonecrest St., Bristol, was arrested June 13 and charged with violation of probation.
• Adam Martin, 28, of 23 Grove St., Bristol, was arrested June 13 and charged with second degree strangulation, sexual assault in a relationship, second degree assault and first degree unlawful restraint.
• Shawn Harter, 21, of 32 Case St., Bristol, was arrested June 13 and charged with evading responsibility through injury/property damage, operating a motorcycle without endorsement, driving with intent to harass, no passing zone, second degree breach of peace and assault on a victim over the age of 60.
• Alicia Schettini, 22, of 160 Washington St., J3, Bristol, was arrested June 13 and charged with second degree breach of peace, third degree assault and third degree criminal mischief.
• Joel Young, 38, of 231 Olive St., 3, Bridgeport, was arrested June 14 and charged with second degree failure to appear.
• Tanya Nazario, 28, of 63 Hubbard St., Bloomfield, was arrested June 14 and charged with interfering with an officer, possession of a controlled substance, criminal impersonation, interfering with an officer and second degree forgery.
• Robert Engram, 39, of 31 Orange St., A2, Hartford, was arrested June 14 and charged with interfering with an officer.
• Charles Wanelaincourt, 38, of 284 North Main St., 511, Bristol, was arrested June 14 and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Ali Raza, 25, of 409 Blackstone Village, Meriden, was arrested June 15 and charged with operation while under the influence, traveling unreasonably fast and restricted turns fail signal.
• David P. Germaine, 53, of 19 Lincoln Place, Bristol, was arrested June 15 and charged with first degree criminal trespass.
• Sean Muff, 48, of 57 Prospect St., Bristol, was arrested June 15 and charged with failure to register sexually violent offense.
• Shawn R. Kruse, 38, of 33 Lufkin Lane, Bristol, was arrested June 15 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Abrina Santiago, 23, of 809 Frost Rd., A, Waterbury, was arrested June 15 and charged with operation of a motor vehicle while using a handheld mobile telephone and operation while registered license suspended/ revoked.

Marcia (Chmieleski) Magoon, of Farmington, passed away peacefully from her long battle with cancer on Monday June 26, 2017 with her family at her side.

Marcia “Marci” was born the daughter of the late Marshall & Helen (Tanski) Chmieleski; she will now join them in heaven.  Marcia was a RN who worked in various areas, from hospital, to practice office management, to managing the Care Coordination office for United Healthcare, as well as consulting work for The Commonwealth of Mass., presenting discharge planning needs.

She leaves her husband, Roger Magoon Sr., her two beloved children, Debbie Leppones and her husband Peter of Plantsville and Kevin Reid of West Hartford.  Four grandchildren who were the loves of her life: Peter Leppones Jr. (P.J.)), Sydney Leppones (Missy), Tyler Reid and Brody Reid, she also leaves two brothers, Dr. Robert Chmieleski and his wife Susan of Farmington and Phillip Chmieleski and his wife Jeneane of NJ. One aunt, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Marcia also wanted to thank her friends Corky Tedesco and Dr. Vicky Biondi who gave assist as much as able and Dr. Craig Bogdanski, Medical Director at Apple Rehab of Farmington.

Marci also wanted to thank her group on Facebook, A Journey Shared, who were always there for her, in the bad times as well as the good times.  Their caring meant so very much, and helped to lighten her load. “Look up at me. I am there… Smiling down knowing you cared”

There will be no calling hours.  A private celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family. Scott Funeral Home, 169 Main St., Terryville is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to American Lung Association or the Smilow Cancer Center at Yale New Haven Hospital.   www.scottfuneralhomeinc.com

Bristol, Salvatore Micucci, 89, of Bristol, CT passed away June 26, 2017 at Countryside Manor. He was the widower of Rose (Keyes) Micucci.

Sal was born in Bristol, CT on April 6, 1928, the son of the late Vincenzo and Rose (Bianca) Micucci.

He was a veteran in China serving with the Marines. In the 50’s he sold insurance for Prudential Insurance Company. Sal was the Democatic  Register of voters for 20 years and was a State Representative from 1981-1983.  He worked as a Tax preparer for over 50 years retiring in 2008. He was a member of Italian Social Club and the American Legion Post # 2.  Sal was one of the first family to join St. Gregory Church and been a member ever since.

He is survived by 4 sons, James, Theodore, Robert and John. A brother, Vito, 3 granddaughters, Eliza, Paisley and Bria and a great grandson, Aiden.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at 11:00 AM at St. Gregory The Great Church.  Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family in St. Joseph Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Dunn Funeral Home 191 West St. Bristol is in charge of the arrangements.

WWW.Dunnfh.com

On Tuesday, July 4, Bristol City Hall and the Transfer Station will be closed. Curbside collections after Tuesday will be on a one day delay for the week.

By BRIAN JENNINGS

STAFF WRITER

The Bristol Blues baseball team has won 11 out of their last 16 games after going 4-3 over this past week. The Blues have also climbed out of the cellar of last place in the West Division to now just three and a half games behind the first-place Wachusett Dirt Dawgs (13-6) in second, third in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League.

Chemistry and camaraderie between the players, along with execution of the game that was absent in the early going of the season, is a big part of why the Blues have been on a tear as of late. However, 15 out of the 22 games the Blues have played in thus far on the season have been decided by three runs or less. The Blues are usually never out of it, and to Blues manager Ronnie Palmer, that’s always a good thing.

“It means that we’ve had the opportunity in a lot of ball games to either win or lose,” the manager said. “Early on, we weren’t taking advantage of those opportunities, but lately, we’ve been extremely opportunistic when we’ve had chances. So any time that we pitch and play solid defense, we’re giving ourselves chances offensively to take advantage of close ball games like we’ve had.”

When they play clean baseball that’s error free, cut down on the walks from their pitchers, and cut down on the strikeouts offensively and put a lot of balls in play, the Blues have been fairly successful with opportunities to win games.

“I think that baseball should be played with a cerebral approach, not too high or low emotionally,” said Palmer. “You just stay constant and consistent with it, and the guys have a little bit of confidence about themselves. They know that if we get chances late in games, we’re going to take advantage of them for the most part.”

The Blues will be back on the diamond next week with games against the divisional Worcester Bravehearts (10-10), Nashua Silver Knights (10-9), Brockton Rox (12-6), and divisional Pittsfield Suns (10-11). Bristol is currently 11-11 overall.

Loss vs. Pittsfield

JUNE 20—Bristol’s four-game winning streak was snapped after the Blues fell by a pair of runs, 13-11, to the Pittsfield Suns in extra innings at home on Tuesday.

After scoring at least one run through the first four innings, the Blues held a 10-5 advantage after the seventh inning, but the Suns rallied to tie the game and send the contest into extra innings with five runs on two wild pitches, a single, fielder’s choice, and walk in the eighth. Sean Phelan shot the Suns out in front with a base hit that drove in a run in the 10th. An RBI single by Alex Parkos and RBI double by Andre Marreo capped off the win for the Suns.

The Blues fell short with a run in the bottom of the inning. The Blues finished with 12 hits and three errors, including three home runs.

Nick Roy went 3-for-5 at the plate with two RBI, two runs scored, and a home run. Jeff Shanfeldt went 2-for-5 with four RBI, two runs scored, and two home runs. Ben Maycock went 2-for-4 with three RBI, two runs scored, and a home run.

Six different pitchers entered the game for the Blues. Tyler Kovalewich started on the mound and went five innings with five strikeouts, allowing seven hits, four earned runs, and four walks. Tommy Curtin (0-1) was credited with the loss after going one and two-thirds innings with three strikeouts, three hits, two earned runs, and a walk. Takoda Sitar (1-2) closed.

Win at Martha’s Vineyard

JUNE 21—The Blues bounced back the next day with a 9-6 victory at the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks. The Sharks held a 5-2 advantage after the fourth inning, but the Blues took the lead for good with seven runs in the sixth and seventh innings combined.

Logan Green (2-for-5) and Mark Tumosa (2-for-4) drove in a pair of runs with base hits, and Jake Frasca rounded out the sixth with a solo home run. In the seventh, Garret Blaylock (2-for-5) scored two with a double, and Nick Roy (3-for-5) capped off the win with a two-run home run.

Martha Vineyard’s rally came up short with a run in the eighth. The Blues finished with 15 hits and two errors.

David Stiehl (0-2) started on the mound and went four innings with three strikeouts, allowing six hits, four earned runs, and two walks. Takoda Sitar (1-2) started on the mound and picked up his first win of the season after relieving Stiehl to go four and two-thirds innings with five strikeouts, four hits, two walks, and an earned run. Ian Halpin closed to earn his first save of the season.

Losses at North Shore

JUNE 22—Thursday brought back-to-back losses in the same night when the Blues took a road trip to the North Shore Navigators.

The Blues rode on a bus for three and a half hours and a ferry for 45 minutes on their trip to Martha’s Vineyard on Wednesday. The team didn’t get back to Bristol until about 3 a.m. the next morning. The Blues were back on the bus around 11:30 a.m. for a 4 p.m. start time in a doubleheader at North Shore, which included a two-and-a-half hour bus ride.

“That was a tough trip for us,” said Palmer. “The guys were tired, and I was tired for crying out loud. We got to the place and it was hot with maybe four or five people in the stands. It was very lackadaisical, and that’s just kind of how we went about things that whole day. We just didn’t have any energy.”

The Blues went scoreless in game one, 3-0. The Navigators posted a run off a base hit in the fourth inning and two off a triple and outfield error in the fifth.

The Blues mustered just two hits. Jacob Wallace (0-2) threw a complete game on the mound with four strikeouts, allowing five hits, three earned runs, and a walk.

The Blues lost game two by a count of 8-1. The Blues knotted the score at 1-1 with a run in the fourth, but the Navigators took the lead for good with seven runs in the fourth and fifth innings combined.

The Blues finished with six hits. Chris Davis went 2-for-3 at the plate with two doubles. Garrett Blaylock went 2-for-3 as well.

Keith Grant (0-1) started on the mound and was credited with the loss after going three and two-thirds innings, allowing seven hits, three earned runs, and two walks. John Natoli (2-0) relieved Grant to go an inning, and Brandon Fox closed.

Win vs. Martha’s Vineyard

JUNE 23—The Blues ended their two-game losing streak the next day with a one-run triumph, 7-6, over the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks at home.

“When we’re rested and ready to go, we could be a pretty good team,” said Palmer. “I just think that Thursday was just one of those days where a lot of teams wouldn’t have competed at a high level. There are moments in the season where you just look at it as tough scheduling.”

The Sharks held a 6-3 advantage until the Blues erupted for four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. With no outs and runners on second and third, Mark Tumosa cut the deficit to a run after driving in a pair of runs with a base hit.

Nick Roy followed up by tying the game on an RBI single, and a batter later, Chris Davis hit the go-ahead run with a base knock. The Blues finished with eight hits and two errors.

Malachi Edmond (0-1) started on the mound and went five and two-thirds innings with three strikeouts, allowing 10 hits, five earned runs, and three walks. Anthony Morrone (2-1) relieved Edmond to pick up the win in one and one-third innings of work. Jake Frasca closed to get the save, tossing five strikeouts.

Win vs. Worcester

JUNE 24—The Blues followed up Friday’s victory with a second-straight win at home on Saturday by edging the Worcester Bravehearts by a run, 5-4, for the third time this season. After scattering runs through the first four innings, the Bravehearts held a 4-0 advantage until the Blues made a late charge.

Chris Davis started the rally after hitting into a fielder’s choice that drove in a run in the sixth. Jayson Gonzalez rounded out the inning by cutting the deficit to two with an RBI single that brought in Davis.

Garrett Blaylock led off the seventh with a base knock and advanced to second on an infield error. A single by Brandon Grover (2-for-3) pushed Blaylock over to third and a fielder’s choice by Josh Zbierski eventually sent him home, but Blaylock was called out on a close play at the plate.

“I think it was close,” said Palmer. “We were playing the ball through the infield because they were up. Garrett thought he could get there and made a read on his own. One thing we’ve let the guys do this summer is become the player they can be, play the game, and trust their instincts.”

Later in the seventh, Davis kept the rally going and brought the Blues to within one with a base hit that scored a run. With two outs and runners on second and third in the eighth, Nick Roy advanced to first on an errant throw from Worcester’s shortstop to first base and scored Grover and Zbierski for the go-ahead runs in the process.

“Roy’s pretty athletic,” the manager said. “He runs extremely well. When he put the ball in play where he put it, honestly, I thought he had a shot at getting to the bag just because of the type of athlete he is.”

With a full count and two outs with a runner on first in the top of the ninth, Greg Kocinski got on base with a single that advanced Pat Demarco to third. However, Demarco almost made it home to tie the game.

“He’s (Demarco) in motion when the pitch is delivered,” said Palmer. “Instead of just going to second base, he went first to third with the opportunity to almost round the bag and score with a ball to left field like that. But we got the ball in on time.”

Tommy Curtin (0-1) may have allowed runners on first and third with two outs in the ninth, but he managed to get his fourth save of the season with help from his defense. Gonzalez made a diving stop for a groundball at shortstop and flipped the ball to Mark Tumosa at second for the final out of the game.

Ross Weiner (2-0) started on the mound and went five innings with three strikeouts, allowing eight hits, three earned runs, and three walks. Anthony Morrone (3-1) relieved Weiner to pick up the win after going three innings.

Bristol finished with 11 hits and two errors. Logan Green went 3-for-4 at the plate with a run scored and a walk.

Win at Martha’s Vineyard

JUNE 25—Fifteen hits and five home runs earned the Blues their third-straight win and got them back to .500 on the season with a 13-8 victory at the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks the next day. After three meetings, the Blues remain undefeated against the Sharks thus far on the year. The Blues managed to hold an 8-1 advantage following the first two innings of play with six runs in the first, but secured the win by scattering runs over the next five innings.

Ben Maycock went 3-for-5 at the plate with a pair of RBI, a run scored, and a home run. Cooper Mrowka went 2-for-4 with four RBI, two runs scored, and a home run. Jake Frasca went 2-for-4 with three runs scored, two RBI, and a home run.

Kyle Hodgson (2-0) started on the mound and went four innings with three strikeouts, allowing nine hits, six earned runs, and a walk. John Natoli (3-0) relieved Hodgson to pick up the win after going four innings with four hits, two strikeouts, and an earned run. Ian Halpin closed.

To comment on this story or to contact sports writer Brian Jennings, email him at bjennings@ southingtonobserver.com.

By LISA CAPOBIANCO

STAFF WRITER

Despite the drops of rainfall that fell from the sky before their graduation ceremony began last Wednesday, Bristol Eastern High School seniors “pushed through” to share that final moment together on the varsity baseball field.

Pushing through together was among many lessons that the Class of 2017 learned from their high school experience.

“No matter what you’re going through, you can always get help,” said Sondra Keltner, who will study chemical engineering at Arizona State University this fall. “You’re not alone.”

“If you don’t ask for help, you’re going to be left behind,” said Israel Ortiz, who will study criminal justice at Tunxis Community College.

“Never stop trying,” added Caleb Pagan, who will study theology and business at Belmont University.

Whether they attended Bristol Eastern all four years or transferred there, the graduates recognized teachers who helped prepare them for success.

Jaime Mitchell said the support she received from teachers in her AP classes helped prepare her for Salve Regina University, where she will study nursing this fall.

“I can’t wait for college, and I’m definitely ready for the next step,” said Mitchell.

“There were quite a few teachers who helped me a lot when I transferred,” said Natalie Vasquez, who also plans to pursue a career in nursing.

Just moments before the graduation ceremony took off, the sun pushed through the clouds that lingered over the baseball field where dozens of families and friends gathered to cheer on over 300 graduates.

“We’re supposed to fall four times and get up five. That’s what’s really being tested,” said graduate Ryan Palzere, addressing his class. “The real test is whether or not we have the perseverance and strength to get back up even after life is doing its absolute best at knocking us down.”

Bristol Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ellen Solek also echoed this lesson when she addressed the graduates about what it means to meet adversities and failures “head on.”

“We must take a long look in the mirror, deep inside ourselves at the very core of who we are,” said Solek. “We must be willing to grow, even though it may hurt for a little while.”

Valedictorian Alexandra Allen grew through her role as a student representative for the Board of Education this past school year.

For Allen, this leadership role gave her an opportunity to address a concern she had as a freshman: the midterm schedule. After proposing a half-day schedule for midterms, school officials unanimously approved the change, which will now take effect this upcoming school year.

“The only way to make a change right now is by using your voice,” said Allen, urging her peers to speak up in order to make a change. “No one will be there to force you to take action—only you can make the choice to stand up for what you believe in.”

The midterm schedule was not the only change for Bristol Eastern. In October, the high school welcomed Rachel’s Challenge— a non-profit organization based on the life of Rachel Joy Scott—the first victim of the 1999 Columbine shooting. Like Rachel, Bristol Eastern students pledged to start a chain reaction of kindness throughout the year, such as raising over $5,000 through the Friends of Rachel Club to support a Bristol elementary school student who is fighting against cancer.

“Rachel Scott said that, ‘tomorrow is not a promise, but a chance,’” said Bristol Eastern High School Principal Carly Fortin in her address to the graduates. “I know that all of you will use that chance to do big things in your future—not only for yourselves, but for each other.”

“You’re about to embark on a life that will be full of opportunities—they will be all around you,” Mayor Ken Cockayne told the graduates.

The Bristol Eastern High School Class of 2017:

Fatima Zehra Abbas, Muhammad Ridhwan Abdulsalam, Alexander Antonio Acevedo, Casey Ann Adams, Christina Marie Adkins, Christian Lee Agosto, Feryal Al Hamadani, Alexandra Louise Allen, Courtney Elise Anderson, Donavan Curtis Anderson, Riley Gladys Anderson, Allison Nicole Anulewicz, Sean Austin Arasimowicz, Morgan Rose Armour, Derek Paul Armstrong, Emily Rose Aston, Christopher George Baehr, Rachel Ann Bairrington, Sarah Kay Barkley, Natalie Jean Barnes, Andrew Simon Beale, Elizabeth Anna Beaulieu, John Joseph Beaulieu, Ethan Joseph Begin, Nathan Andrew Begin, Samantha Rose Bender, Brianna Elizabeth Beyers, Justin Matthew Blais, Justin Patrick Blake, Christopher James Bleau, Tyler Alan Bourgoin, Kyle Michael Boutote, Christine Danielle Boyce, Alexis Marie Brown, Kayla Elizabeth Brown, Melina Teresa Brown, Savanna Rose Brunet, Sarah Mae Buchas, Tia Marie Burey, Camryn Sarah Burke, Gabriella Taylor Cadogan, Shane Randall Caggiano, Keymari Camacho, Andrew Dakota Carlson, Jonathan Robert Carlson, Amanda Marie Caron, Heather Jean Carroll, Adam Edward Carter, Federica Castaldi, Alivia Elyse Castle, Joseph Alexander Checovetes, Matthew Jonathan Checovetes, Aimee Allison Choquette, Ashley Mary Clark, Jonathan Clark, Kacey Alistair Clementson, McKenna Kayla Cloutier, Tamhja Elizabeth Coe, Kyuzylia Martine Colon, Ayanna Marie Correa, Gian Domenico Costantiello, Emerald Tatum Coviello, De’Shawn Arnold Cox, Zachary Charles Crameri, Kellie Corinne Crandle, Jose Crespo, Mallory Antoinette Crisafulli, Larry Julian Crossman, Kiana Nicole Cruz, Aubrey Alexis Cyr, Noah Austin Cyr, Janey Marie Czertak,

Gavin Hale Daddario, Christian Michael Dailey, Nicole Patricia D’Amato, Dylan Joshua Davenport, Zoey Monique Davis, Harrison Werner Dayton, Corey Robert Deeves, Destiny Lenee DeMontigny, Frank Salvator DeNoto, Jake Robert Desmarais, Katlynn Lee DiYulio, Jacob Arnold Dossias, Benjamin Dowd, Nevan Thomas Doyle, John Wyatt Doyon, Paul John Dziala, Emily Dailanee Dziubanski, Samantha Courtney Eilerman, Matthew Joseph Faggaini, Zachary Richard Ferland, Rebecca Lynn Figueiredo, Emily Louise Fillmore, Logan James Flis, Francis Timothy Flood, Vanessa Marie Floyd, Connor Alexzander Folsom, Tychelle Foreman, Clifford Allen Fort, Chandler Dante Foss, Alexus Denise Fusco, Gary Roger Gagnier, Adrian Noel Garcia, Alexandra Danielle Garcia, Lissy Marie Garcia, Adrian Zbigniew Gasior, Karisma Lyann Gilhooly, Evan Michael Gionta, Thomas Quinn Gonzales, Hannah Rose Goodwin, Michael Thomas Grabowski, Allison Joan Graham, Caitlin Dorothy Gravelle, Nicholas Bordes Grokoski, Elizabeth Grace Guilmette, Brenden Ray Hall, Sadarius T. Harris, Kahari Monet Hawley, Matthew David Hebert, Ivan Hernandez, Nicholas Patrick Hill, Nicholas Russell Holcomb, Jacob Andrew Hooks, Roland Horvath, Jamarcus Bernard Hunt, Felicity Brooke Irizarry, Damaris Marie Jackson, Cailee Jayne Jacquette, Amy Elizabeth Jakiel, Brandon Edward Janelle, Makenzie M. Jankowski, Roderick James Jenkins, Britney Shion Mahelia Johnson,

John Levon Kachidurian, Elizabeth Marie Kalfayan, Emma Breanne Kelly, Sondra Leigh Keltner, Jessica Marie Kenney, Vaziuddin Yusuf Khan, Elijah Israel King, Autumn Lee Klemonski, Igor Pawel Korpanty, Nicholas Taylor Kurandy, Cody Edward Kurpaska, Jacob Kustra, Jeremie Eric LaChance, Donato Jax Laferriere, Katelyn Rose LaFleur, Lex Jacob Lagace, Jackson Thomas LaMar, Adiya Marie LaMarre, Raina Anne Lambert, Hannah Rose Langlais, Paul Anton Medina Lapaan, Logan Brian Laprise, Miya LeAnn Laprise, Alyssa Paige Latko, Christopher Michael LeBeau, Jillian Rose LeBeau, Mikayla Xiao Bing Lewandoski, Jacob Thomas Lincoln, Rose Lynne Lombardi, Alexis Suzanne Longo, Anthony Edward Lozier, Francess Capili Luna, Kolby Joseph Lynch, Michael Daniel Maccio, Ian Alexander Mace, Jillian Rose Maghini, Connor Robert Maguire, Krista Leanne Malenfant, Mary Kathryn Manning, Zea Jadyn Manning, Zachary Michael Marquis, Issabella Marie Marrotti, Mikayla Ann Martin, Michael John Massarelli, Lexie Nicole Mastroianni, “David Charles Maxfield, II”, Jessica Nicole McCarron, Owen Paul McCarty, Taylor Tajmone McKay, Matthew Raymond McLaughlin, Abigail L. McMenemy, Jared Michael McQuarrie, Tate Ryley Mendez, “Emilio Mercado, Jr.”, Amy Alicia Merriam, Alexander Taylor Michaud, Cole Joseph Michaud, Nel Rose Mielcarek, Ashley Kathleen Mitchell, Jaime Camille Mitchell, Natasha Esther Molina, Tejal Leigh Monteiro, Cord D. Moore, Lukas Franciszek Morin, Myranda Marie Morneault, Jeremy David Mosieur, Ryan Christopher Muller, Brooklynne Rayann Murdock, Brett Logan Myers, Mone’t Leeona Rose Naha, Emily Nelson, Samantha Lee Newell, Rubi Adriana Nieves, Mikaela Marie Norton, Mason Giovanni Nozzolillo, Sabrina Laci Oakes, Ethan Richard O’Day, Georgia Ann Ogonowski, Noah Donati Ogonowski, Riley Anne O’Hanlon, Alexandra Opoka, Israel Ortiz , Edgar Ortiz-Hernandez, Alexander Antonio Osorio, Jarid Michael Ouellette, Caleb Elias Pagan, Devin Malik Pagan, Ryan Thomas Palzere, Rochelle Joyce Pare, Zachery Ryan Parker, Julia Ann Pearlingi, Victoria Lynn Pearlingi, Ethan Tyler Pearson, Johnathan Nathaniel Peddlar, Alexis Marie Pelletier, Kylie Rachel Pelletier, Lorenzo Edgar Perez, Leah Marie Perri, Jacob Larsen Perry, Gillian Rose Piazza, Chadwick Allan Pitcher, Devon Andrew Plourde, Jared Dominick Procko, Tiffany Amber Quirion, Ashley Taylor Redman, Angel Jossue Reyes-Colon, Gabriela Bailey Reymont, Jason Ruben Rivera, Mike Jesus Rivera, Sheyna Jaleez Rivera, Emily Kate Rivoira, Savannah Renee Robinson, Jacob Thomas Rodjenski, Felipe Rodriguez, Alexander T. Rollins, Lauren Taylor Rooney, Jenna Michele Roy, Subro Simon Roy, Sarah Ashley Ruest, Evan Robert Ruszczyk, Morgan Irene Ruszczyk,

Jennifer Sabatis, Stephanie Diane Sacharko, Diego Alexander Sanmartin, Allison Jasmine Santiago, Erik Gabriel Santiago, Javier Antonio Santos, Mason Tai Santos, Paul Decker Saraceno, Zachary David Sassu, Shamili Satheesan, Shawn Michael Savoir, “Krister Clement Schonrock, Jr.”, Jasmine Dorianne Scott, Paulina Serafin, Kayla Brooke Sledzik, Tyler Michael Smith, Donovan Bryant Soucy, Emily Jane Stadnicki, Joelle Marjorie Stairs, Gavin Scott Sullivan, Veronica Ann Sullivan, Alexis Nichole Sylverne, Neeley Jordan Tedd, Matthew Thornton, Ethan Michael Tillbrook, Faith Amor Tirado, Jenalle Angelie Tobon, Jacqualynn Nicole Trevarthen, Justin Roland Trottier, Connor James Trowbridge, Marina Rose Truiolo, Natalie Janae Vasquez, Nicolas Gordon Vega, Antonela Velaj, Jonahibi Ventura, Jacob Robert Violette, Justin James Walden, Lyndsay Lee Watt, Desiree Nicole Wiley, Anna Louise Paige Wilson, Donovan Michael Wilson, Cody James Witkowski, Diana Izabela Wnuk, Ivy Marie Wnuk, Alessandra Antualet Wong, Deja Lynn Woods, Nicholas William Woods, Mackenzie Margaret Worley, Emily Paige Worthen, Joseph Richard York.

PHOTOS by JOE CZAJKOWSKI