The Bristol Police Department reported the following arrests last week.

• Carmine Moffo, 39, of 250 Old Watertown Rd., Middlebury, was arrested June 16 and charged with second degree failure to appear.
• Randall R. Ciccio, 53, of 245 Middle St., Bristol, was arrested June 16 and charged with second degree failure to appear, restricted turns fail signal, misuse of plate, no insurance, illegal operation of motor vehicle under suspension, and operating an unregistered motor vehicle.
• Vedra E. Torres, 40, of 25 Dudley St., Bristol, was arrested June 17 and charged with operation while under the influence, failure to drive right and operation while registered license suspended/revoked.
• Maria Davis, 58, of 34 Boulder Ridge, Canton, was arrested June 17 and charged with sixth degree larceny and risk of injury to a minor.
• Brooke A. Miselis, 24, of 475 Hancock St., Apt. 1, Brooklyn, N.Y., was arrested June 18 and charged with operation while under the influence, evading responsibility through serious physical injury, and failure to drive right.
• Makayla M. Whelahan, 21, of 503 Jordan Lane, Wethersfield, was arrested June 18 and charged with operation while under the influence and operation while registered license suspended/ revoked.
• Ashton Christopher, 28, of 29 Bidwell Ave., Apt. 29B, East Hartford, was arrested June 18 and charged with evading responsibility through injury/property damage, traveling too fast for conditions and restricted turns fail signal.
• Michael Cyr, 39, of 46 Hull St., Bristol, was arrested June 18 and charged with operation while under the influence, failure to drive right and no insurance.
• Bartosz Okon, 28, of 125 East Rd., Bristol, was arrested June 18 and charged with criminal violation of restraining order.
• Joseph M. Texidor, 23, of 129 Bedford St., Apt. 2D, Hartford, was arrested June 18 and charged with evading responsibility through injury/property damage and disobey officer’s signal.
• David H. Smith, 60, of 68 Collins Rd., Bristol, was arrested June 19 and charged with operation while under the influence.
• Shanny M. Roldan, 21, of 4 Stanley Dr., Enfield, was arrested June 19 and charged with first degree failure to appear and second degree failure to appear.
• Kayla Huminski, 26, of 101 Beacon St., Bristol, was arrested June 19 and charged with second degree breach of peace, second degree violation of conditions of release and first degree criminal trespass.
• Eric Trudel, 44, of 101 Beacon St., Bristol, was arrested June 19 and charged with second degree breach of peace and operating an unregistered motor vehicle.
• Bartosz Okon, 28, of 125 East Rd., Bristol, was arrested June 19 and charged with first degree criminal trespass, criminal violation of protective order and first degree violation of conditions of release.
• Richard Grandy, 65, of 41 Gina St., Bristol, was arrested June 19 and charged with second degree threatening.
• Luke A. Ouellette, 22, of 152 Sheffield Lane, Bristol, was arrested June 19 and charged with first degree criminal mischief.
• Normando Moquete, 43, of 5 Pinnacle Rd., Farmington, was arrested June 19 and charged with second degree threatening and disorderly conduct.
• Matthew D. Lantieri, 25, of 11 Mulberry St., Naugatuck, was arrested June 19 and charged with criminal violation of protective order and second degree threatening.
• Carmen J. Nicastro, 53, of 58 Upson St., Bristol, was arrested June 20 and charged with third degree assault and second degree breach of peace.
• Joshua Derosier, 30, of 109 Winthrop St., New Britain, was arrested June 21 and charged with evading responsibility through injury/ property damage, restricted turns fail signal and operation while registered license suspended/ revoked.
• Mussa Mwanilelo, 27, of 126 Penrose St., Springfield, Mass., was arrested June 21 and charged with criminal violation of protective order, first degree criminal trespass, misuse of plate, interfering with an officer and unsafe movements of a stopped car.
• Andrew Grosky, 19, of 60 Divinity St., Apt. 1, Bristol, was arrested June 21 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Kevin W. Grosky, 48, of 60 Divinity St., Apt. 1, Bristol, was arrested June 21 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Tianna Smith, 20, of 28 Irving St., Bristol, was arrested June 21 and charged with third degree larceny, second degree criminal trover and operating a motor vehicle without a license.
• Shawna L. Carrara, 29, of 18 Frances St., Bristol, was arrested June 22 and charged with second degree failure to appear.
• John P. Zarcone, 37, of 162 Park St., Apt. 2, Bristol, was arrested June 22 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Antonio Powell, 40, of 149 Park St., Bristol, was arrested June 22 and charged with interfering with an officer, operation while registered license suspended/revoked and traveling fast.
• Angel J. Gonzalez-Castro, 20, of 254 Divinity St., Apt. 1R, Bristol, was arrested June 22 and charged with third degree assault and second degree breach of peace.
• John J. Truiolo, 51, of 12 Bittersweet Lane, Apt. C, Bristol, was arrested June 22 and charged with public indecency, risk of injury to a minor and second degree breach of peace.
• James F. Poland, 54, of 9 Irving St., Apt. 3, Bristol, was arrested June 22 and charged with third degree identity theft and sixth degree larceny.

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

Bristol Central High School sent off  284 graduates into the world during commencement exercises last Tuesday.

It was a time for some students to reflect on the past four years.

Alexandria Winarski, who will be studying forensic biology at Western New England University in the fall, said her fondest memory of Bristol Central will be “all the friends I made and all the teachers I interacted with.”

“Doing sports” was Kallie Clark’s fondest memory of high school. Clark, who will be going to the University of St. Joseph in the fall to study nursing, also said she will remember “coming out of my comfort zone to meet new people and force myself to go out and do things I enjoy.”

Julian VanBeveren said she will remember “all my friends and how my teachers inspired me a lot.” As for her future, she is looking forward to getting a good job in nursing.

Angela Reynolds, who currently has a job at First Bristol Credit Union, said she will remember how hard her freshman year was. And she will remember what a hassle the past four years have been. “But here I am graduating with my best friend (VanBeveren) and I’m the happiest person in the world.”

“I have no idea how my future or any other’s future will turn out,” said valedictorian Molly Watstein during her speech to graduates, faculty, friends, and family. “Our high school experience threw obstacles at us we never though we’d face,” such as budget cuts, political divide, poverty, abuse, tragedy, and more. However, she said, “For every challenge there was incredible triumph” such as Bristol Central’s victory in the Battle of the Bell football game or Bristol Central Principal Peter Wininger winning the national “Principal of Principle award.”

“Growing up isn’t easy,” said Watstein. “We were lucky to have our BC family to lighten the load.”

In her salutatorian address, Nicole Truszkowski told her fellow graduates, “At Bristol Central, it’s never really hard to find a reason to feel humble and blessed.”

In her comments to the graduations, Susan Moreau, the deputy superintendent of schools, said, “Each of you will be remembered (at Bristol Central), go forward, and make a point to make a difference in the world.”

“Whatever path you choose, I wish you immense success,” said Councilor and Deputy Mayor Anthony D’Amato. “After today’s celebration ends, the hard work begins.”

Bristol Central Graduates for 2016-2017:

Brett Patrick Adams, Matthew Aguero Wilson, Branden A. Alvarado, Justin Alves, Jadon Angel Amaez, Nevin C. Anderson-Tulloch, Simon Christopher Andrews, Jadyn T. Anton, Marianna Apergis, Jasmine Marie Applegate, Caitlyn Marie Archambault, Daniel Eduardo Avila, Aracelis M. Ayala, Jeremey M. Baldeo, Janessa Bartolucci, Kayla Elizabeth Battle, Morgan A. Begin, Steven M. Behmke, Zachary N. Bell, Olivia Ashley Bernardoni, Sierra R. Blake, Autumn Marie Blasi, Joel S. Boder, Joshua Arthur Bodley, Dominic Vincent Borrelli, Aries Borysewicz, Nicholas C. Bouchard, Anthony Joseph Boucher , Morgan Katie Boucher, Sara Ashley Bouley , Alexis Heather Bourgoin, Logan Jacob Brennan , Emily Cristina Brito, Alonzo Jah’lil Brooks , Britney A. Brown, Riley N. Burrell, Kaltrina Bushi, Jonathan Cabrera, Alexa Jessica Cahill, Tyeisha J. Camp, Gabriella M. Capasso, Christina Jade Caputo, Joshua Cardona Toledo, Amanda Jo Carlucci, Ethan Michael Caron, Eyleen K. Castillo, Johnny K. Chea, Benjamin W. Cherwinski, Jordan A. Chokshi, Brock Michael Clark, Kallie A. Clark, Ryan Matthew Coderre, Aaron M. Collins, Justin Colon, William Colon III, Kaynan James Conrod, Ethan Cote, Marisol Crespo, Rebecca M. Croce, Keith Gordon Cross Jr., Ashley N. Cummings, Abigail F. Cyr, Emily M. Daigle, Taylor N. Dale, Hunter James Damon-Smith, Kailey Bryanne Davis, George DeLeon, Julius J. Delgado, Devon Christie DeNoto, Shaunna Marie Deprey, Isabelle Derosier, Abigail Sarah Deschaine, Giovanni Diaz, Luis Javier Diaz, Precious Aaliyha Diaz, Mariah K. Dignazio, Tyreek S. Dixon, Melanie Doak, Ethan J. Dorazio, Aaren Dutkiewicz,

Devon Esposito, Andrew Charles Ewart, Carmelo Ferraro, Sean Michael Fitzgerald, Seth Cohen Florian, Barbara L. Fowkes, Benjamin D. Funk, Isabella Rose Gagliardi, Jeremy D. Ganavage, Felipe Andres Garay-Ortega , Kailee Garcia, Hope Alexus Marie Garetta, Eric Danny Gaudreau, Kassandra Giammatteo, Ramoo Giles, Brianna Nicole Glenn, Dakota Walter Gomez, Alejandro Gonzalez, Ava Dalani Gorneault, Garrett John Gottschall, Alrick Anthony Grant, Logan Ashley Greger, Seth Gregory Griswold, Marcus Samuel Grumley, Brenna Guerrette, Andrew Christopher Guzman, Marco Sebastian Guzman, Brianna Brooke Hamel, Meghan Hamel, Angelina C. Hamm, Elizabeth Marie Harter, Ryan D. Havel, Noah S. Hicking, Jessica Marie Higginson-Calabro, Cody B. Hildebrand, Alison Holden, Jamie Elizabeth Houlihan, Richard A. Iffland, Edward Orlando Irizarry, Brandon M. Jacobs, Natallie Jesionka, Jeffrey Rafael Jimenez , Hannah Catherine Jones, Alysha Marie Kalahan, Olly Nicole Kay, Patrick Michael Kenney Jr., Dominik Jan Kluk, Kenneth Martin Knox Jr., Rezarta Kolludra, Mark Anthony Krawiec, Brianna Christine Kriscenski, Kayla L’Italien,

Ashley M. Labbie, Sarah A. Labbie, Joana Lalaj, Scott Thomas Larson, Danielle Elena Lavigne, Emilie M. LeBlanc, Michael Robert Lemke, Spencer James Leszko, Matthew Thomas Ligi, Denis C. Little, Jordan Alexander Lopez , Kenyelle Lora, Chabelkis Lorenzo Nova, Lynndora Mae MacMillan, Emily Grace Maglio , Tyler Mahaney, Jose I. Manguia Galindo, Nicholas Joseph Marcantonio, Hannah Rose Marcil, Janitza M. Marrero, Weston Marshall, Michael Ryan Matthews, Emily Anne McAllister, Alicia Marie McCormack , Morgan McCurda, Ryan Anthony McKenna , Luis Rogelio Medina, Kristina Leigh Mendela, Ashley Nicole Michaud , Kevin David Michaud, Melanie Anne Michaud, Kyle J. Mickel, Dezirae Bry’Anna-Marie Miller, Virginia M. Mills, Emily Rose Mitchell, Madison Riley Moriarty, Breana Lee Morin, Joshua Morrell, Max Richard Naranjo, Thomas M. Nardi, Thomas C. Nelligan, Cristian Nugra, Allen Ivan O’Brien, Peter Daniel O’Dell, Quinn James O’Donnell, Patrick M. O’Keefe, Nancy Helen Adongo Ongany, Liam O’Rourke, Hannah Danielle Ouellette, Thalia Esperanza Palacios, Amanda Rose Palladino, Michael Paloka, Macey Michele Paradis, Susan Angel Paradis, Travis Michael Parsons, Alyssa L. Pasniewski, Adam Manuel Passander, Sofia Marie Patria, Christianna M. Peabody, DeVante Pearson, Steven Patrick Pelletier, Tyler John Perkins, Edward James Perkowski, Nathan James Pileski, Brandi Marie Pinette, Nicole Miosotiz Pizarro, Katherine Rose Plourde, Marcus Raymond Poteau, Daniel Charles Potz, Nicholas Pratt, Lauren Angelina Putnam, Jenniffer Marie Quinones Batista,

Andrew James Rajotte, Facundo Sebastian Ramos, Julianna Paige Ranaldi, Desarae Elizabeth Rankin, Nicholas M. Ratta, Cameron J. Reed, Dylan T. Reed, Fallon Finn Repeta, Angela Marie Reynolds, Kemani Richards, Trenessa Claudine Rioux, Michael L. Rivera, Anthony M. Rivera VanBeveren, Ravan C. Rodriguez, Ryan Lee Rodriguez, Anthony Titus Ross, Kaylee Brooke Roy, Cody Joseph Runkle, Amanda Maria Saccente , Hunzla Sajjad, Sean Elijah Sandy , Luis Matthew Santana, Mariah Lynn Santana, Jacinto Maneul Santiago, Lauren Mae Santiago, Colin James Savino, Olivia A. Savino, Anthony Richard Scarola, Ashley Ann Schulze , Brett D. Scully, Jesse Rafael Serrano, Ronin James Shaknaitis, Damien Alexander Shepherd , Mehar Singh, Shanaya C. Siriwardene, Austin Sloane, Noah Nathan Soucy , Kaitlyn R. Spann, Justin Tyler Spitze, Brianna Leigh St. Onge, Kara Marie Stakey, Cole Anthelm Staples, Connor James Staubley, Endya Reshae Stewart, Morgan Lyn Strickland , Sarah Ann Strilkauskas, Ryan Conner Suiter, Hadyn Robert Sundgren, Steven Suon, Jennifer Lynn Swiger, Catherine Thai, Kevin Thai, Klaudio Thanasi, Kaylene Elizabeth Thomas, Erin Leigh Treloar , Nicole Truszkowski, Cheyanne Ruby Lynn Upham-Roberts, Haley Marie Vadella , Juliann VanBeveren, Lindsay Nicole Vannest, Devon A. Varela, Brendan Patrick Varnum, Alexandria Vigue, Stephen Alexander Vitale, Tommy Vongsamany, Casey Rose Walters, Taya Rose Watson, Molly Hannah Watstein, Jurnee Weymer, Kevin White, Carrie Whitney, Gabriella Marie Williams, Caleb Shane Willis, Alexandria Love Winarski, Joseph C. Wosilis, Caeli Wygant, Ashley Yung, Amber D. Zarick, Arben Zhuta, Brianna Jane Zipke.

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

Although the local contestants did not win Miss Connecticut or Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen pageants this weekend, they did earn accolades at the event in Hartford’s Connecticut Convention Cente.

In the Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen pageant held Saturday afternoon, Miss Plantsville’s Outstanding Teen Taylor Plourd of Bristol was the third runner-up to the eventual winner, Miss Naugatuck Valley Brooke Cyr. Plourd also was awarded Miss Congeniality.

Miss Forestville’s Outstanding Teen Cassandra Lechner won the overall talent award. She also placed in the top 10.

In the Miss Connecticut contest, which was won by Eliza Kanner Saturday night after preliminaries on Friday, Miss Southington Bridget Oei was third runner-up. Miss Bristol Gina Salvatore reached the top 10.

Miss Forestville Erika Farrell received the Miss Congeniality award. She also received Miss America Academic Award scholarship.

Also competing from the area were Miss Southington’s Outstanding Teen Ava Onofreo and Miss Bristol’s Outstanding Teen Victoria Kilbourne.

“It’s incredible,” said the new Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen Brooke Cyr. “I’m still trying to process it.”

“It was incredible to be crowned by Alyssa Taglia (Miss Connecticut 2016),” said the new Miss Connecticut Eliza Lynne Kanner. “She has been my mentor for the past 10 years.”

“It was an incredible moment,” said Kanner.

PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

The mayor is facing a civil lawsuit, accusing him of sexual harassment and retaliation against a city employee.

The lawsuit, which seeks more than $15,000 in damages, is the latest chapter in an issue that first arose last year when a report about an independent investigation into claims against sitting Mayor Ken Cockayne were released.

The mayor has called the suit political in an election year.

In the report about sexual harassment against a city employee, attorney Michael Rose said he did not think sexual harassment between the mayor and an unnamed employee occurred “per se.”

After the release of more explicit details from the report were provided to the council (which were not provided to the public and were not released following Freedom of Information requests), the entire council censured Cockayne, a Republican, based on those details. Cockayne subsequently issued a public apology regarding the findings of the Rose report.

In the new lawsuit filed June 5, Noelle Bates is named as the plaintiff and as the woman who brought up the original complaint against the mayor.

In the suit, Bates, who is being represented by Kate Matthews of Gold and Levy in Hartford, is identified as a legal secretary employed by the city.

The defendants, besides the mayor, include the City of Bristol; Diane Ferguson, the personnel director of the city; Edward Krawiecki, the city’s corporation counsel; and Cindy Cockayne Lamarre—the mayor’s sister and a member of the city’s zoning commission.

The suit claims that since April 2011, Bates has been “repeatedly subjected to a sexually hostile and discriminatory working environment.”

In a prepared statement, the mayor wrote:

“In November of 2015, a city employee made a complaint against me reaching back to 2011, prior to my time as mayor. An outside investigator investigated the claims and found no merit to the employee’s allegations of unlawful harassment and retaliation for her political affiliation. Although I had made remarks during the investigation that were perceived to be retaliatory, that was not my intent. Nevertheless, I apologized for them and maintained professional working relations. At all times during this investigation and to the present, the employee’s status has never been impacted; the employee remains fully employed, in the same position as prior to the complaint.

“This employee has been represented by Attorney Kate Matthews, the vice-chairperson of Bristol’s Democratic Town Committee, who is closely aligned with my opponent (Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, the Democratic candidate) in the upcoming November election.

“Not surprisingly, I have now been served with a lawsuit, filed by the vice chair of the Democratic Town Committee on behalf of the employee. Without going into detail, I can positively state that the suit is filled with mistruths.”

Cockayne said, “I believe this is politics at its worst. I want to ensure the public that I will vigorously defend this suit by telling the truth and I will continue to work hard for the city I love.

“I have been advised by counsel not to make any further statement due to the pending litigation.”

The harassment began, the suit says, after Bates filed a request for reimbursement for property damage to her vehicle that occurred on city property. Cockayne, who was not mayor at the time, was on the claims committee for the council. After the claim was approved, the suit says Cockayne made sure Bates knew he was responsible for it being approved. The suit also says Cockayne approached Bates to go for a walk at Birge Pond “just to talk.” The suit said Bates felt this meant that “spending time with (Cockayne) was a way to pay him back.” She declined Cockayne’s request, the suit says.

A “non-sexual’ friendship did develop, the suit says.

The suit later on notes that Cockayne’s implication that there was a consensual sexual relationship between he and Bates in his public apology was “erroneous.” The relationship was not sexual, the suit says.

But the suit claims Cockayne made sexual advances, requested favors, engaged in conduct of a sexual anature toward the plaintive and sexually harassing Bates.

The lengthy lawsuit includes a litany of charges against Cockayne, including showing Bates pornographic videos and putting his hands up her skirt.

The suit claims Cockayne told her, “I can sexually harass you and there is nothing you can do about it because I am elected official and not a city employee.”

The suit cites an exhaustive list of instances by other city officials where Bates says she was harassed and that served as retaliation for her complaints of sexual harassment. And the suit cites numerous instances where her complaints were rebuffed by officials such as Ferguson and Krawiecki.

The suit comes within a few months after Cockayne announced his intent to run for reelection in November and a few weeks after Ellen Zoppo-Sassu announced her intent to run against him again. The suit refers to Zoppo-Sassu not by name but as “a political opponent… (who Cockayne was) openly antagonistic.”

Matthews, Bates attorney, is the vice-chair of the Democratic Town Committee.

Matthews was asked if she wanted to provide a statement regarding the suit but didn’t reply.

Comments? Email mchaiken@BristolObserver.com.

The United Way of West Central Connecticut is continuing its Adopt–A–Child Back to School Program. This year, over 550 children have registered, and donations are needed

United Way is looking for donation.

If you or your company wants to take part in this valuable program and help a child in need, call Kimberly Hernandez at United Way, (860)582-9559 x 405 or Laura Watson, (860) 582-9559 x 400).

You will be asked to provide a first day of school outfit for a child, along with a backpack filled with school supplies.  United Way will provide you with a child’s first name, gender, clothing sizes, and favorite colors to help you in purchasing your gift. Even a monetary donation will help the United Way staff purchase items for these children.

Donations should be dropped off to United Way on either Aug, 14 or 15 between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., so that they can distribute the gifts before the first day of school.

The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is warning consumers about a recall of vanity light fixtures issued by Design Solutions International in conjunction with Home Depot.

The recall is for the Home Decorators Collection 3-Light and 4-Light Comotti Vanity Fixtures. The light shades can detach and fall, posing laceration and burn hazards.

“We encourage consumers who believe they may have purchased this product to double check – and contact Design Solutions International for their replacement products,” said Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull, “It’s important to us that consumers and their families feel safe in their homes – and that means keeping up on the latest recalls. We always welcome consumers reaching out to us with questions and concerns about product recalls should they feel the need to.”

This product was sold at Home Depot stores nationwide and online at www.homedepot.com from December 2014 through March 2017 for between $95 and $110. Roughly 64,200 of these light fixture units have been sold throughout the United States. The product is pictured below.

This recall was conducted voluntarily by the company under Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) Fast Track process.

Consumers should immediately contact Design Solutions International for replacement light shades and installation instructions. Consumers may contact them at 800-388-6141 from 8am to 4pm ET, email at customersupport@dsilighting.com or register online at http://dsilighting.com and click on “Recall Information” at the bottom of the page for more information.

Bringing history to life. Expanding early literacy. Meeting basic needs. Those are a few ways that the recent grants awarded by Main Street Community Foundation will inspire, affect and touch the residents living and working in the towns of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott.

A total of 38 organizations representing a broad range of programs and projects received $125,060 in grant awards. This is the result of the Foundation’s 2017 General Competitive Grant Cycle, which saw the submission of 49 grant proposals.

The grants were awarded from 26 endowed funds established by donors to support the local community and the causes they care about.

“We are thrilled to be announcing over $125,000 in grants, thanks to the generous donors who have established and built these unrestricted community and field of interest funds to bolster our communities and help our neighbors,” said Susan Sadecki, president and CEO of the community foundation in a press release.

Sadecki, in the news release, also acknowledged the 24 local residents that comprise the Community Foundation’s volunteer Distribution Committee. “The Distribution Committee reviews all proposals, conducts site visits and makes the final funding recommendations to the Board of Directors,” stated Sadecki, according to the press release. “Their thoughtful review of the applications to ensure feasibility and their commitment to honoring donor intent is unmatched.”

The following grants were awarded from the various funds as described below:

Ability Beyond Disability – Updated design, photography and printing equipment for the Printability Internship program for young adults with autism (Bristol Brass General Grant Fund, Gnazzo/Reidy Charitable Fund)

American Red Cross – Disaster Response and Relief Services including the Home Fire Campaign in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott (Bristol Brass General Grant Fund, Jaspersohn Family Memorial Fund)

Bristol Family Resource Centers – People Empowering People  program to teach parents to become community leaders (Fuller & Myrtle Barnes Fund for Education)

Bristol Recovery Club – New website including a calendar of all ongoing events (Bristol Brass General Grant Fund, Paige Wartonick Laferriere Memorial Fund)

Bristol Exchange Club – Matching grant for the Mum Festival for the Future program to digitize historical photographs (Bristol Brass General Grant Fund)

Burlington Historical Society – Town History program for second graders attending Regional School District 10 (James R. Parker Trust )

Connecticut Humane Society – Medical Support Program for pets impounded by municipal animal control agencies in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott (Elizabeth I. and Louis J. Matt Animal Protection Fund)

Connecticut Science Center – Expansion of the Bristol Public Schools STEM program to include student programming as well as professional development for teachers (Fuller & Myrtle Barnes Fund for Education)

CW Resources – Online work-readiness program to train adults with disabilities (Bristol Brass General Grant Fund, Ciccarelli-Vitale Community Advancement Fund)

Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington – Kindergarten Readiness program for Southington children (Bristol Brass General Grant Fund, Fuller & Myrtle Barnes Fund for Education)

Ferret Association of Connecticut – Veterinary care for senior ferrets (Elizabeth I. and Louis J. Matt Animal Protection Fund)

For Goodness Sake – Feels Like Home project to provide families with basic household and hygiene supplies (Jim & Eleanor Frawley Community Fund, Edward W. & Audrey K. Mink Memorial Fund, Bristol Brass General Grant Fund)

GetUp Stage Company – Tuition support for summer musical theater program for teens and young adults (Bristol Brass General Grant Fund, JoAnn and David Mills Family Fund, Jay & Elizabeth Tyrrell Fund for the Arts)

Junior Achievement of Southwest New England – Financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship program in Bristol schools (City of Bristol Treasurer’s Fund for Financial Awareness)

Kellys Kids Inc. – Farm animal and nature based summer camp program for school age youth from Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott (Douglas and Noreen Schumann Special Interest Fund, Merriman Family Fund, Bristol Brass General Grant Fund)

Lewis Mills High School –Regional School District 10 – Dugouts for the varsity baseball and softball fields (James R. Parker Trust)

McCabe Waters Little League – To re-sod Frazier and Greenleaf fields (Malerbo Childrens Field Maintenance Fund)

Meals for the Needy – Zion Lutheran Church – Grease Removal System for the soup kitchen (Ciccarelli-Vitale Community Advancement Fund, Bristol Brass General Grant Fund, Eva M. Pierce Memorial Charitable Fund)

Memorial Military Museum – Educational materials for the Bristol in World War I exhibit (Bristol Brass General Grant Fund)

Middle School of Plainville – Colorsource spot light for use in the auditorium to enhance community and school productions (Bristol Brass General Grant Fund)

New Britain Museum of American Art – Access to the Arts program for Wolcott students (Bristol Brass General Grant Fund)

New England Carousel Museum – Transportation and admission costs for the Music-Art-Technology-History (MATH) pilot program for Bristol elementary school students (Bristol Brass General Grant Fund, Angela and Al Caruso Family Charitable Fund,Tedesco-Gallant Charitable Fund)

Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters – Community Based Mentoring program in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott (Bristol Brass General Grant Fund, Formagioni-Lodovico Family Fund, Ronald F. and Emilie P. Duhaime Family Fund)

Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra – 2018 Educational Children’s Concert for third grade students in Regional School District 10 (James R. Parker Trust)

Oak Hill/Chapter 126 – Mindfulness Group Classes and Workshops at Chapter 126 (Bristol Brass General Grant Fund, Calvanese Foundation Green and  White Fund for Behavioral Health)

Operation Fuel – Emergency energy assistance for residents in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott (Bristol Brass General Grant Fund)

Parent & Child Center at Bristol Hospital – Family Life Works program which provides comprehensive education and referral services to at-risk families (Douglas and Noreen Schumann Special Interest Fund, Bristol Brass General Grant Fund)

Prudence Crandall Center, Inc. – Domestic and Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Outreach program at the Alta at the Pyne Center alternative high school in Southington (Calvanese Foundation Green and White Fund for Behavioral Health, Bristol Brass General Grant Fund)

Reach Out and Read – Expand Early Literacy Partnership with local pediatricians to encourage parental involvement in reading and to provide books for children six months through age five (Bristol Savings Bank Fund, Bristol Brass General Grant Fund, Turkus Family Fund)

Safe Harbor Youth Services – Coordinator position for Safe Harbor Youth Services, which provides substance-free activities for students in Burlington (James R. Parker Trust)

St. Philip House – Grant writing consulting support (Bristol Brass General Grant Fund, Bristol Savings Bank Fund)

St. Vincent DePaul Mission of Bristol – Support for an outreach case manager (Money in Motion Fund, Bristol Brass General Grant Fund, Smith Family Charitable Fund).

Tabernacle Christian Church – Food for those in need in the communities served by the foundation (Bristol Savings Bank Fund)

Terryville Plymouth Little League – Fence repairs at Janser and Worhunsky fields (Bristol Savings Bank Fund).

The Agape House – Pantry items and supplies for the Agape Day Center for the homeless (Bristol Savings Bank Fund)

The Salvation Army – Creative Arts and Music (CAM) program for Bristol youth in kindergarten through 12th grade (Douglas and Noreen Schumann Special Interest Fund, Bristol Brass General Grant Fund, Margaret Haberman Memorial Fund for Music)

Wolcott Citizens Against Substance Abuse – Social marketing campaign on the dangers of underage drinking (Bristol Savings Bank Fund)

Wolcott Crossroads – STAR program which strengthens decision making and leadership skills in middle-school youth to discourage involvement with drugs and alcohol (Bristol Savings Bank Fund)

For more information about the community fFoundation’s grant program or the foundation’s 2017 grant recipients, contact Jarre Betts, vice president of programs at (860)583-6363.

On Saturday, July 1, Jaymie Bianca of Bristol, Connecticut received the Distinguished Alumnae Spirit Award during the 60^th Distinguished Young Women National Finals. The $2,000 cash scholarship was awarded to the participant who most embodies the spirit of Distinguished Young Women and was voted upon by her fellow participants.

Following a selection process that began in her home state of Connecticut, Bianca traveled to Mobile, Ala. along with 50 other state representatives to participate in community activities and prepare for the 60th annual national competition.

Bianca is a graduate of St. Paul Catholic High School. In the fall, she will attend Fordham University with plans to become a Human Rights lawyer. She is the daughter of Roberta and Robert Bianca.

Skye Bork of the District of Columbia was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2017 and presented with a $30,000 cash scholarship. Catherine Liang of California was named first runner-up and Helen Huang of Massachusetts was selected as second runner-up. More than $100,000 in cash scholarship was awarded during the three-day competition in Mobile, Ala.

Operation Fuel received a grant for $2,000 from the Bristol Brass General Grant Fund at the Main Street Community Foundation.

The grant will be used to provide emergency energy assistance to households in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, and Wolcott.

JULY 7 to 23

OTHER

‘PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT.’ Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. (except for July 9.) Connecticut Theatre Company, 23 Norden St., New Britain. $25 for adults. $23 for seniors and students. ConnecticutTheatreCompany.org.

SATURDAY, JULY 8

OTHER

SINGLES MINIATURE GOLF. Held by Social Connections. 2 p.m. Safari Golf, 2340 Wilbur Cross Highway, Berlin. After enjoy refreshments. $8 admission. (860) 582-8229.

FRIDAY, JULY 14

OTHER

SINGLES HAPPY HOUR. Held by Social Connections. 5 p.m. Amici Italian Grill, 280 Main St., Middletown. No charge. (860) 582-8229.

FRIDAY, JULY 14

OTHER

SINGLES HAPPY HOUR. Sponsored by Social Connections. 5 p.m. Mingle with old and new friends. Amici Italian Grill, 280 Main St., Middletown. (860) 582-8229.

FRIDAY, JULY 21

SOUTHINGTON

2017 ANNUAL FUNDRAISER GOLF TOURNAMENT. Register, 9 a.m. Shotgun, 10 a.m. Benefits Turning Point New England. Southington Country Club, 150 Savage St., Plantsville. (860) 919-6279. (860) 331-9215.

COLORING CRAZE PARTY. 7 to 9 p.m. Bring your coloring books and supplies. Wine and cheese provided. Bristol Historical Society, 98 Summer St., Bristol. $5. Pre-registration required. Mail in requests. Write Color Craze on the outside of the envelope. BHS, PO Box, 1393, Bristol, 06011-1393. (860) 583-6309.

MONDAY, AUG. 7

BRISTOL

CENTRAL CONNECTICUT CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE 26TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT. 10:30 a.m., registration. 11 to noon, lunch. 12 p.m., shotgun start. Tunxis Country Club, 87 Town Farm Rd., Farmington. (860) 584-4718. www.CentralCTChambers.org

TUESDAY, AUG. 8

PLAINVILLE

FOXWOODS CASINO TRIP. Held by AARP Chapter 4146. Promotional package includes buffet and credit for slot machines. $25. Leaves Our Lady of Mercy parking lot, 19 S. Canal St., Plainville at 8 a.m. and returns at 5:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, AUG. 17

BRISTOL

18TH ANNUAL REV. ROBERT J. LYSZ MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT. Benefit for St. Matthew School. 11 a.m., registration and lunch. 12:30 p.m., shotgun start-scramble format. 5 p.m., dinner/ reception/ raffle. Chippanee Country Club, Marsh Road, Bristol. $150 per golfer. $50 dinner only. Make checks payable to St. Matthew School Advancement. St. Matthew School, 33 Welch Dr., Forestville, CT 06010. StMatthewGolf@gmail.com, (860) 690-7975.

SUNDAY, AUG. 27

BRISTOL

‘ALL ABOARD FOR HOME SWEET HOME! THE THIRD ANNUAL TROLLEY TOUR OF BRISTOL AND FEDERAL HILL.  Tours start in the First Congregational Church parking lot, Maple Street, Bristol at 1, 2:15, and 3:30 p.m. After tour, 5 p.m., free concert on the Federal Hill Green. Bring a chair or blanket, pack a picnic. Reservations required for tour. In case of inclement weather, check BristolFederalHill.org. $25. (860) 583-6070.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 16

BRISTOL

THE 17TH ANNUAL HEATHER BAILEY/ REED AND STEFANOW OPEN. 1 p.m. All proceeds of golf tournament to benefit the Heather Bailey Memorial Scholarship Fund. Entry fee includes 18 holes with a cart, Closest to Pin contests, Long Drive, dinner buffet. Simsbury Farms Golf Course, 100 Old Farms Rd., Simsbury. $130 a person. All fees must be paid by Sept. 2. No exceptions please. Make checks payable to HBMSF, P.O. Box 9008, Bristol, CT 06011-9008. (860) 585-5157.

SUNDAY, OCT. 22

OTHER

NEW BRITAIN HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1960 75TH BIRTHDAY PARTY. 12 to 5 p.m. Chicken Buffet with salad, pasta, vegetable, dessert, coffee, tea, and soda. Cash bar. Stanley Golf Course, Bank Nine Tavern, 245 Hartford Rd., New Britain. Golf cart transportation available from parking lot. Jnoyes1485@cox.net, (860)747-6137, terrymarie65@cox.net, (860)674-1279. www.NBHS1960.com. RSVP by Oct. 1

NOW thru JULY 31

SOUTHINGTON

ART EXHIBIT BY P.R. BAILEY (ABBE WADE) AND JOANNE HATCH. The Gallery at The Orchards, 34 Hobart St., Southington. (860) 628-5656.

NOW thru JULY 30

BRISTOL

EXHIBIT FEATURING THE PAINTINGS BY JUAN ANDREU. Andreu is the master carver for the New England Carousel Museum. New England Carousel Museum, 95 Riverside Ave., Bristol. Admission to the exhibit and opening reception included in general admission.

The New England Carousel Museum holding a Volunteer Open House on Thursday, July 20, from 6 to 7 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a tour of the building at 95 Riverside Ave., Bristol while they snack on light refreshments, learn about the volunteer program, and mingle with museum staff and other volunteers.

If you have an appreciation for art, history and the preservation of the past, or are simply looking to join a group, consider joining the roster of museum volunteers. As a volunteer, you can set your schedule as you are available and willing to donate your time. Volunteers receive a free one year membership to the museum, invitations to museum events and enjoy a sense of community within the organization.

For more information or to register, call the Carousel Museum at (860)585-5411, email manager@thecarouselmuseum.org, or visit http://www.thecarouselmuseum.org/book-online.

Police have arrested and charged the suspect connected to an act of vandalism at South Side Meat Market yesterday.

According to a press release from the Bristol Police Department, 18-year-old Brandon Langan of Bristol was charged with third degree criminal mischief after he was identified on a surveillance camera showing the vandalism incident at 145 West Street. The video, which was posted on the Facebook, shows the suspect outside the meat market where he walked up to a flowerpot and kicked it several times before trying to tip it over. He then tips over the plant after multiple attempts, and is seen ripping out a nearby plant when he walks away.

Langan was released on a non-surety bond, and is due in Bristol Superior Court on July 17, the release said.

To see the full video, visit www.facebook.com/dan.gallant3/videos/10207270623682267/.

On Monday, Aug. 7, the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce will hold its 26th Annual Golf Tournament at Tunxis Country Club in Farmington, Conn. The event includes 18 holes of golf, opportunities for prizes at selected holes, gifts for golfers, lunch, snacks and dinner. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by lunch in the pavilion from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Lunch includes hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage, chips, soda, water, and beer. Shotgun, four person scramble starts at 12 p.m. The day will conclude with dinner, a raffle and awards. A portion of the proceeds from the golf tournament will benefit the chamber’s community projects including supporting local service organizations, Route 6 flags, holiday lights, Mum Festival and more.

The tournament, which utilizes Tunxis’s two 18 hole courses, will feature refreshments on the course, contests including closest to the pin, longest drive, and closest to the line, free gifts for all golfers, and hole in one prizes including $10,000, two Harley Davidson motorcycles, and two cars. Awards will also be presented to the best foursome on each course. The night will be capped off with a raffle with prizes including a flat screen TV, a social membership to Chippanee Country Club, an overnight stay at the Hartford Marriott Farmington, Palace Theater tickets, gift certificates, camping gear, gift baskets, and much more. The evening will be emceed by Maxwell McGee of 102.9 The Whale.

In addition to foursomes and individual golfers, there are many sponsorship opportunities available. The Platinum Sponsorship includes a foursome with two tee signs, deluxe gifts, program recognition, and digital recognition at dinner. The Diamond Sponsorship includes a foursome with two tee signs, special gifts, program recognition, and digital recognition at dinner. The Gold Sponsorship includes a foursome with a tee sign, gifts, program recognition, and digital recognition at dinner. A lunch and dinner are also included. There are also options for beverage, lunch, dinner, raffle, and driving range sponsorships where the sponsor’s name will be displayed at the corresponding location.

Other options include two tee signs with one sign on each course, or one tee sign on one course.

Anyone interested in donating a raffle prize or golfer gift bag item for this event, contact the chamber at (860)584-4718 or info@centralctchambers.org. All donors will be recognized at the tournament and raffle donors will be announced when their prize is drawn. Contact the chamber at (860) 584-4718 for more information on how you can contribute to this event.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

To register for the golf tournament, visit www.centralctchambers.org/events, email Info@CentralCTChambers.org or call (860) 584-4718.

By MICHAEL LETENDRE

STAFF WRITER

BRISTOL – There’s never a night off in Connecticut Twilight League baseball play.

And that was the case on Wednesday, June 28 when the Wethersfield Dodgers – new to the CTL in 2017 – took on the Central Division leading Bristol Knights in a showdown from Clem J. Roy Field on the campus of Bristol Eastern High School.

Wethersfield, entering the contest with just one win on the season, played Bristol tit-for-tat into the eighth inning when the Knights finally found the combination to bring home the game-winning run.

This time around, Bristol’s Tommy Stagis (2-for-3, double, RBI) smashed a game-winning double into right field – plating Tyler Pina – as the Knights held off the Dodgers 1-0 in eight innings, moving to 11-3-1 overall on the year.

Wethersfield fell to 1-10-1 in the losing effort.

Bristol veteran Earl Oakes set-up the eighth frame with a single down the left field line, Pina then came in to pinch run, and Stagis dropped a shot into right to tally the game’s only RBI.

“We had chances to get the big hit with runners in scoring position on a few occasions and Tommy’s been hitting the ball really well lately,” said Bristol Knights manager Brian LaRochelle. “He hit that ball hard at right field and it beat a guy.”

“It was good.”

On the mound, Bristol newcomer Mike Castellani earned the win for the squad in relief but the table was set-up off another outstanding effort from veteran chucker Marco Ross.

Ross allowed just three hits, all over the first two innings of play, while fanning seven in what turned into a dominating effort in six strong innings of work.

“Marco did what Marco does,” said LaRochelle. “He throws a lot of strikes. He kept defense on their toes. Mike, we just picked up this year. He’s a good, young left-handed pitcher and he’ll be a nice asset for us down the stretch.”

“He was excellent.”

Credit belonged to Wethersfield as starting pitcher Nico Spuches allowed just four hits over his five innings as the defense behind him made several big plays.

Overall, Bristol generated 10 hits but the Dodgers made two putouts at home plate to keep the game a scoreless affair, forcing the extra frame in the end.

“They gave us a tough game,” said LaRochelle of Wethersfield. “They made all the plays defensively and their pitcher did a great job bearing down when they had runners in scoring position with less than two outs.”

The game was a make-up affair between the teams as the Knights were the away squad that evening.

Bristol had something brewing over most of the innings but simply couldn’t get that elusive run across.

Julio Osvaldo Ortiz Rivera got hit by the very first pitch of the game but was later picked off second.

Steve Clout (3-for-3) then sent a single to right but could not advance as the scoreless tone of the contest was set.

In the bottom of the first, Wethersfield’s Zach Smith sent a screamer down the third baseline but the Dodgers could not put up a tally while in the top of the second, Pina slammed a double to right with two outs on the board but was stranded to end the frame.

The Dodgers staged a two-out rally in the bottom of the second as Chris Luczak and Nate Corriveau (two singles) had back-to-back hits but when Ross fanned Brian Fanelli, the game remained a scoreless affair.

From that point of the contest, Bristol pitching held Wethersfield to just one hit the rest of the game which came with two outs gone in the final inning.

The Knights went down in order in the third inning – as did the Dodgers – as the showdown quickly moved into the fourth stanza.

Clout nabbed another hit as his fourth inning nibbler was slowed down by the pitcher but died behind him – allowing the runner to reach base safely with one gone.

Two fly-outs later, the rally was crushed but Ross picked up strikeout four and five to close out the fourth as the pitcher’s duel proceeded into the fifth tilt.

And then Ross helped his own cause as he slammed a deep double to center to lead off the fifth and Pina slipped down a bit of a sacrifice bunt to move the runner along to third.

And then Oakes hit a grounder to short as Ross broke for home but was tagged out at the plate to preserve the 0-0 tie.

Ross retired his 10th straight batter as the sixth inning commenced with Stagis smashing a ball up the middle for a base hit – the third time in the game the lead batter got on base for the Knights.

But three outs later, Wethersfield slipped out of the jam and quickly back at the plate.

However, Ross posted his 13th straight retired batter as the seventh inning was quickly upon the game.

Bristol led off the frame with a base hit to right by Eddie Dickman and Clout followed with a two-base smash as Dickman hustled into third and two runners were in scoring position with no outs on the board.

Wethersfield, some how, managed to get out of the jam without allowing a runner to cross the plate.

Kyle Lentini dropped a single just on the grass behind second base but Dickman was cut-down trying to take home – the second time the Knights were denied the plate in the game.

Ricky Barrett then grounded out and when Ross looked at a third strike, the Dodgers sidestepped a huge hole.

Suddenly, Wethersfield was in position to steal the game in the bottom of the seventh tilt if the squad could just push a run across.

Castellani came in to relieve Ross and finally, the Dodgers got on base when Stagis misplayed a ball hit by Juan Bisono with two outs.

And when a pickoff attempt to first base went awry, Bisono was off to the races.

But as he got to third base, Bisono advanced just a step too far off the bag and Barrett made a quick tag for the out – ending the seventh – as the two errors did not harm the Knights and the game went into extra innings.

“We had a couple situations where we had defensive snafus,” said LaRochelle. “We had fielding errors or mental errors that could have cost us against a team that got the big hit. Fortunately, we had dominant pitching today.”

In the top of the eighth, Oakes rolled a grounder down the third-base line to get on base.

And then the two-out RBI double by Stagis plated Pina to make it 1-0 and Wethersfield was down to its final three outs.

However, with two gone in the bottom of the eighth, the Dodgers went for broke.

Luczak reached base via error and when Corriveau slapped a single to right, for his second hit of the engagement, two men were on.

But Fanelli fell to strikes as Bristol held on to win it by a 1-0 final.

“So far so good and feeling good about it,” said LaRochelle of the season. “We’re still trying to hit our stride offensively. But our pitchers have been good and our young players have been excellent.”

Comments? Email mletendre@BristolObserver.com.

The Bristol Police Department reported the following arrests last week.

• Richard Iffland, 19, of 14 Herold St., Bristol, was arrested June 23 and charged with restricted turns fail signal and evading responsibility through injury/ property damage.
• Janette A. Carrasquillo-Aponte, 38, of 177 West St., Apt. 3, Bristol, was arrested June 23 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Sean McPhee, 26, of 27 Burlington Ave., Bristol, was arrested June 24 and charged with second degree breach of peace, third degree assault and third degree criminal mischief.
• Sean McMahon, 35, of 112 Indiana St., Bristol, was arrested June 24 and charged with operation while under the influence and failure to drive right.
• Brian D. Melendez, 25, of 336 Brook St., Bristol, was arrested June 25 and charged with operation while under the influence.
• Henriquez F. Ledesma, 20, of 25 High Gate Rd., Apt. C5, Newington, was arrested June 26 and charged with first degree burglary and first degree criminal mischief.
• Louis P. Shavell, 32, of 10 Joseph St., Terryville, was arrested June 26 and charged with possession of an assault weapon and possession of a large capacity magazine on or after Jan. 1, 2014 that was obtained prior to April 5, 2013.
• David Nieves, 38, of 1 Divinity St., Apt. 3E, Bristol, was arrested June 26 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• April J. Sliger, 31, of 1 Divinity St., Apt. 3E, Bristol, was arrested June 26 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Dwight Lewis, 59, of 6 Birge Ridge Rd., Burlington, was arrested June 27 and charged with traveling too fast for conditions, operation while under the influence, and failure to drive right.
• Donald Nelson, 51, of 335 Washington St., Bristol, was arrested June 27 and charged with second degree breach of peace, third degree assault, and second degree strangulation.
• Jordan Trent, 28, of 68 Bull Ave., Wallingford, was arrested June 27 and charged with second degree failure to appear, first degree criminal trespass, second degree breach of peace, violation of protective order, third degree assault, second degree threatening, second degree strangulation, and first degree unlawful restraint.
• Blake Bevilaque, 19, of 178 Davis Dr., Bristol, was arrested June 28 and charged with second degree failure to appear.
• Sean McPhee, 26, of 27 Burlington Ave., Bristol, was arrested June 28 and charged with violation of probation.
• Evelyn Santiago, 28, of 328 Maple St., New Britain, was arrested June 28 and charged with second degree failure to appear.
• Evon Griffith, 22, of no certain address, was arrested June 29 and charged with third degree criminal mischief, sixth degree larceny, second degree breach of peace, and second degree threatening.
• Karon Thomas, 18, of 41 George St., Bristol, was arrested June 29 and charged with criminal violation of protective order.

By LISA CAPOBIANCO

STAFF WRITER

Although the impact of the state budget remains uncertain for six Central Connecticut communities, progress in economic development and infrastructure is certain.

Last Thursday, the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce held the State of the City and Towns Breakfast at Chippanee Country Club where local leaders gave an update on the current economy of Bristol, Plainville, Farmington, Burlington, Bloomfield, and Plymouth. All of these communities have affiliate chambers within the Central Connecticut Chamber, which is the second largest chamber statewide.

With ESPN as its largest taxpayer, Bristol continues to be a leader in manufacturing. Last year, the city saw expansion in the Southeast Bristol Business Park where GMN USA continues operate its new 30,000 square-foot facility. The first lot of the business park also is the home of Uniprop AM, LLC, which recently celebrated a grand opening of its 127,000 square foot storage/distribution center for Connecticut Portable Storage, the Connecticut/Western Massachusetts PODS franchise.

 “Since 2013, we have approved 20 economic development grants worth more than $1.4 million to help businesses grow in Bristol,” said Cockayne.

While Bristol saw job growth with the arrival of Faneuil, Inc.’s new call center on Valley Street, more job growth is expected as a result of Bristol Hospital’s planned medical office building at Centre Square. The 60,000-square-foot building will house sub-specialty practices of the Bristol Hospital Multi-Specialty Group and a dedicated space for laboratory, and physical and occupational therapy services.

“This project lays the groundwork needed to jump start future development in our downtown,” said Cockayne, adding that the first roadway and streetscape will be constructed on the 15-acre site.

Another project in the works is the first phase renovation of the former Memorial Boulevard School theater project, which the City Council voted to accept last week. The Memorial Boulevard Building Committee and the Memorial Boulevard Cultural Center’s Board of Directors continue to working together with the architect and construction manager for the project, which has an estimated cost of $13 million, said Cockayne.

“Our historic Memorial Boulevard experienced a resurgence of excitement,” said Cockayne.

Besides improving blight and crime rates, Bristol has seen financial growth with a AA bond rating from Moody’s in addition to a AAA bond rating from Fitch Ratings.

“The rating agency has said that Bristol has a strong, local economy,” said Cockayne, adding the city will continue to have a ‘watchful eye” on the state budget.

The town of Farmington also reported a strong financial status with the lowest mill rate and a bond rating of AAA.

Besides infrastructure projects like the Rails to Trails and the water pollution control facility upgrade, the town of Farmington continues to thrive in its medical corridor on Farmington Avenue.

“Two new medical office buildings are under construction,” said Farmington Town Manager Kathy Eagen.

Meanwhile, Bloomfield and Burlington continue to see activity in business expansions and new restaurants within the past year, which also has marked a time of both challenges and successes for the town of Plainville.

Although the passing of longtime legislator, State Rep. Betty Boukus and water quality complaints were among Plainville’s challenges, Town Council Chairperson Kathy Pugliese reported many accolades in areas like volunteerism, road improvements and other infrastructure projects.

“During the past year, we’ve had successes, challenges and unique situations that help define us as a little town with great opportunity,” said Pugliese.

Noting how the real estate value for dropped in his town, Plymouth Mayor David Merchant also said the state budget has been a big concern this year, especially if municipalities end up contributing one-third of the $1.2 billion annual cost of teacher pensions as proposed in Gov. Dannel Malloy’s FY 18 budget.

Merchant noted the need for regionalization, especially for small towns like Plymouth.

“Little towns need to help each other out—we need to combine services,” said Merchant, adding how the town’s mill rate increased substantially. 

by LISA CAPOBIANCO

STAFF WRITER

St. Ann and St. Anthony parishes may have merged, but both church buildings will remain open for masses.

Since the Archdiocese announced the merge as part of its reorganization plan in May, the transition into the newly-formed parish, St. Francis de Sales, has continued for Father Al Fontana and parishioners of St. Anthony and St. Ann.

“Everyone has been positive. This is going very well,” said Fontana, who is the reassigned pastor of the new parish. “We’re not divided by buildings. We’re united by our faith.”

Last weekend, the parish kicked off its new mass schedule. While the Saturday 4 p.m. vigil has continued at St. Anthony’s, it has not at St. Ann’s. Sunday masses at St. Ann’s will take place at 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., and 11 a.m. at St. Anthony’s. During the week, 8 a.m. masses will take place at St. Anthony on Mondays and Tuesdays and on Wednesdays and Fridays at St. Ann.

In addition, last weekend marked the first baptism for the newly-formed parish.

“This is significant for a milestone,” said Fontana. “It’s very exciting.”

St. Francis de Sales is one of 59 newly-merged parishes that resulted from the pastoral plan, which began two years ago. As of last Thursday (June 29), 68 of the 212 parishes overseen by the Archdiocese remained as they were, while 26 closed. The remaining 144 parishes merged.

Factors like shifts in demographics, financial sustainability, and a decline in Sunday Mass attendance.

While the number of active priests has decreased by 65 percent, as reported by the Archdiocese, so has the number of people attending Mass. In the last 50 years, Sunday mass attendance has declined by nearly 70 percent, according to the Archdiocese.

A member of the Pastoral Council for the Archdiocese, Lodovico was baptized and married at St. Anthony Church. He also attended St. Anthony Elementary School and served as an altar boy from third through seventh grade—a time he recalled when his parish had four to five priests.

Lodovico said the merge did not come as a shock, but rather a reality of how these parishes would survive moving forward.

“It was something that had to be done,” said Lodovico, who is optimistic that the merge will make the community stronger. “The alternative was: we do this, or something has to close.”

“It’s human nature to resist change, but in reality, it’s necessary for spiritual growth,” said Fontana.

For St. Ann parishioners, the reality of this change was apparent since the merge.

Like Lodovico, lifelong Bristol resident and practicing attorney Andre Dorval has seen changes in the church from the time he was baptized at St. Ann. Growing up, Dorval recalled arriving to church 20 minutes early with his mother to make sure they got a seat.

Although parishioners have expressed concern about what the future, Dorval said they seem to realize the facts of today’s challenges for the Catholic Church.

“There’s sorrow, in the sense that people remember how things were in the past, but I think people are willing to accept that this is a necessity moving forward,” said Dorval, who serves on the Pastoral Council.

Although the name of their newly-formed parish may take some time for the community to recognize, the faces parishioners now see at Mass may not. Whether they grew up together in the West End or volunteered together, many parishioners of St. Anthony and St. Ann have known each other for years.

“We’ve been intermixing for years,” said Lodovico, adding how he felt happy to see no church closings in Bristol. “When someone couldn’t make a certain mass at St. Anthony’s, they went to St. Ann’s, especially during the week.”

“Going back, although the parishes were ethnic in nature, the vast majority of individuals who attended those churches lived in the West End,” added Dorval.

Since 1908, St. Ann Church has served generations of French-Canadian families who settled in Bristol. Just 12 years after that, St. Anthony Church began serving generations of Italian families who came to the city.

“It’s hard because people have been coming to churches all their lives, and they built their milestones around them. The world around us changes, and eventually, the churches are going to face that change as well,” said Fontana. “That can be tough—especially for our senior members, who have been coming here all their lives. But the positive thing is both campuses are here.”

While some parishes have shown resistance to the reorganization plan, said Deacon Ernie Scrivani of the Archdiocese of Hartford’s Office of Pastoral Planning, the majority of them have expressed a positive response.

“When you make the kinds of changes we’ve made, there’s likely to be some people who would rather have things the way they have always been,” said Scrivani, noting how everyone reacts to change differently. “But we’re confident that going forward, the new business as usual will take over and everyone will settle in.”

In helping the newly-formed parishes with their transition, the Archdiocese has provided a 200-page manual to guide them in policies and procedures.

“We’re trying to give them as many resources as possible,” said Scrivani.

Fontana said the Archdiocese has guided the new parish “every step of the way,” such as offering assistance from people who work in buildings and grounds, human resources and finance. A finance manager of the Archdiocese recently visited the church buildings of both St. Anthony and St. Ann.

“He delineated very clearly all the things we needed to do to complete the merger,” said Fontana.

As time goes on, more structural changes will emerge for St. Francis de Sales, such as the creation of a new parish council and finance council. Before the merge even happened, both Bristol parishes combined their religious education program.

“Those things just happen as we go,” said Fontana. “We’re getting strength through unit, so when you do that, you have more resources to draw from.”

Besides bringing their resources together, both churches also will bring parishioners together through meet-and-greets and other activities, as the transition continues.

“It’s important we get to know each other, especially for me as pastor,” said Fontana, adding how grateful he feels to serve as the new parish’s pastor. “Our aim is to bring these communities together.”

Looking ahead, Dorval said he is optimistic that the merge will bring a successful future for the newly-formed parish.

“You’re going to have more people at Masses, and hopefully it will help energize the parishes as we move forward,” said Dorval.

The Archdiocese also expressed confidence in the pastoral plan. Scrivani said he has already witnessed a “new energy” just at his parish alone in North Haven.

“There are fewer masses, and more people attending, so the liturgies are just more dynamic—there are more people singing, there people meeting other people from other parishes,” said Scrivani.

For more information about the pastoral plan, visit www.stewardsfortomorrow.org/.

By LISA CAPOBIANCO

STAFF WRITER

The old Bristol Press building underwent a facade improvement project last week after owners received a grant from the city.

Last week, the gray, discolored stucco material was peeled off of the front half of the building, located at 99 Main Street. The project was funded by a grant from the Downtown and West End Façade Improvement Program.

“It is a face you see when you drive down the Boulevard,” said Bob Desmarais, the owner the building, who also owns Bikers Edge. “There’s life in the building. Now we hope to do it with the front portion as well by putting some tenants in there.”

Recently, the Bristol Development Authority board’s Neighborhood Preservation Committee approved this grant for the project, which marks the last one for the program.

Desmarais said the goal of the project was to expose the original brick of the oldest part of the building.

Operating since 1972, Bikers Edge moved to the rear part of the old Bristol Press building just after Thanksgiving last year.

“It gives us a comfort feeling knowing the town is behind preservation as much as we are, and willing to help out,” said Desmarais, noting all of the stories he hears from folks about the building. “We always talked about restoring the front half of the building to the original red brick look.”

Removing the existing stucco is just one part of the façade improvements that Desmarais has planned for the building, which dates back to the 1900s. The business owner said custom-made windows are expected to go up, along with a roof before winter.

“The outside will go back to a similar window design and window size,” said Desmarais. “We won’t do anything inside until we get a firm commitment from a prospective tenant.”

BDA Executive Director Justin Malley said the state-funded program will close. Before Malley began his current BDA role, the city received an Urban Act grant, which provided funding for downtown activities and streetscape work on North Main Street.

“The state has basically asked us to close it out,” said Malley, noting the possibility of the program closing temporarily.

When he came on board as BDA Executive Director, Malley said he became aware of $100,000 in funds that this program left. This leftover funding has helped 14 facade improvement projects over the past several years.

“I worked with the state at that point to run a facade improvement program for the downtown, West End area,” said Malley. “Over the last several years…we’ve provided grants to either business owners or in some cases, business owners to basically improve the facades of their properties…to improve the look and feel of the downtown environment.”