Bare Bones is offering a six-week progressive series of art lessons with Tiffany Hoxie of Clover Education Consulting. Tiffany has led some unique classes with local children at Bare Bones already and is excited to bring her years of summer camp and youth instructional experience to Bare Bones.

This course is appropriate for ages 6 to12 and a guardian must be present for each child or group of children. (This can be a parent, family friend, older family member, etc.)

Classes were held Fridays, 6 to 8 p.m. throughout the summer. Certain lessons will feature a progressive plan. Children can participate on a walk-in basis as well.

Cost for each lesson is $10 or you may enroll for all 6 for $50. Pre-registration is available online at the www.meetup.com/BareBones. A minimum of 10 students is needed to make this class viable for the instructor and space.

Additional children in the same family will be $30 for entire session or $6 for walk-in. Please note when paying online how many lessons your children plan to participate in. (For example, purchasing for six weeks, buy five tickets and indicate in notes.

You may also make checks payable to Bare Bones, PO Box 2641, Bristol, CT06011.

All materials and snacks provided by instructor.

LESSON PLAN AND DATES:

Friday, July 5: “Tell a Tale with a Mask”

Choose a story (provided) and pick favorite character to make a mask. Group will put on a play.

Friday, July 12: Watercolor Art (two weeks)

Paint 8” x 11” with watercolors. Dry. Paint wood trivet. Dry. Cut paper into triangles. Paste onto thin wooden square.

Friday, July 26: Watercolor Art Part 2 and Cityscape Chalk Art

Trace city stencil with chalk. Add detail with new, learned techniques

Friday, Aug. 9: Coffee Filter Art

Using three techniques, children will tie die coffee filters.Then they will create a chandelier.

Friday, Aug. 16: Stamp and Marble Painting

Tape paper inside tray, put paint on paper, tip marbles side to side. Put foam stickers on cans. Roll in paint. Roll on paper to stamp.

Friday, Aug. 23: Fuse Beads and Noodle Jewelry

Two options: Fuse Bead table. Staff will iron. Or yse variety of colored pasta to make jewelry.

For more information, contact barebonesbristol@gmail.com.

By MIKE CHAIKEN
EDITIONS EDITOR
For herself personally, Jillian Caillouette already felt proud of her performances in St. Paul Catholic High School’s production of “Little Women: The Musical.”
The judges of the Connecticut High School Musical Theater awards agreed she had a lot to be proud of her performance as Jo Marsh in the musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel. Her performance in the show earned her the top honor of “Outstanding Female Vocalist.”
That award now has earned her a chance to perform on Broadway for top honors in the National High School Musical Theater Awards—also known as the Jimmys—on July 1.
“I knew something was really right for this role for me,” said Jillian of her performance in “Little Women.” She said, “I really fit it and I really connected to the character. And throughout the run of ‘Little Women,’ I just felt really, really proud of myself. I was really happy with my performance and when I went to the Connecticut High School Musical Theater Awards (in Norwich), I just could not wait to get on stage and sing my song for everyone because…I became the lyrics for the song. I just really felt it.”
Like the Oscars, the top awards usually come at the end of the evening. So Jillian was held in suspense as she waited for the Connecticut honors to be announced earlier this month.
“It was really crazy,” said Jillian, who had a chance to perform her song on the awards nights. “After my performance… in the beginning of the show, I had to sit through the rest of the show to find out (if I won).”
“I’m just sitting there, enjoying (the evening of other performances), but still, at the back of my mind, I was thinking ‘Gosh, what if I win. What happens? I don’t have a prepared speech. This is not good…’”
“Something that happens when I’m nervous is I shake my foot,” said Jillian.“So (as I’m waiting) my foot is shaking like crazy.”
And when her name was announced as the winner, Jillian said, “I started to cry and shaking I couldn’t walk down the stairs fast enough because we were on the top balcony… I had to go down all these stairs and walk through the crowd. It was crazy..”
“After winning,” said Jillian, “it was a crazy two days. I had to get a lot done. I had to get two songs to sing. I had to get a headshot (photographed) and a five minute video talking about myself. It was a lot of mayhem.”
Now that she has won the Connecticut honors, she will be heading to New York this weekend to prepare for a performance on the stage of the Minskoff Theatre, where “The Lion King” currently has taken up residency.
“Once I get there, Wednesday through Monday, we have workshops (some in groups, some individually) every single day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. It’s very rigorous and very intense. You get to perform for the judges on Sunday night (which is their audition for Monday night.)”
“If I get to the top three, I get to perform my new solo song for the judges (on Monday),” said Jillian.
For her two songs before the judges for the audition, Jillian said, she will be singing “Finding Wonderland” from the musical “Wonderland” and “Superboy and the Invisible Girl” from “Next to Normal.”
“The songs I chose are both strong and passionate songs and I’m very passionate about what I do,” said Jillian. “I’m very determined and both songs I can really connect to them.”
Jillian has already shown her affinity for musical theater during her time at Bristol’s St. Paul.
Last year, Jillian found herself in the lead role of “Elle Woods” in St. Paul’s version of “Legally Blonde the Musical.”
The musical comedy offered up a different shade of Jillian.
“Elle, compared to my character Jo, is completely different. Elle was fun, Jo was fun but in a different way. They’re both determined, passionate young women. Jo was a little more tomboyish. She was more passionate in a different way.”
Jillian also said the two roles also have marked an evolution of herself as a performer. “From last year to this year… I’ve really grown as an actress and singer… It really showed in my character of Jo.”
Besides her stage credits, Jillian also is a singer-songwriter. And if she has her way, she will mine both facets of performance for a career.
“I just love doing different things because a show only runs just so long. In-between, I love writing songs,” she said.
Just as Jillian likes to do different things with her performance talent, she said her music also taps into different sources. “I experiment with different types of music… It’s really interesting. It’s not just pop. It’s not just electronic. It’s just very different how I write music.”
The Jimmys will be held at the Minskoff Theater in New York on Monday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m. 
 

Jillian Caillouette, a student at St. Paul Catholic High School, has won the right to compete for the National High School Musical Awards on Broadway this week.

Reading on the Green will be held on Aug. 4 in Bristol.

The program is designed for preschoolers to age 10. Stories will be read accompanied by costume characters. Two children’s authors, Catherine Gibson and Jacqui Boulter, will be part of the program. Meris Palmer, “Teller of Tales,” will provide a story. Other events will be part of the program. This program will take place on Sunday, Aug. 4. The rain date is Aug. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Federal Hill Green, Bristol. This program is sponsored by the Bristol Public Library, Bristol Historical Society, the CarouselMuseum, and the Early Childhood Alliance.

The program is free and there is no registration required.

Looking for fireworks for the post-Independence celebrations. Lake Compounce Amusement Park on the Southington/ Bristol town line, presents its annual display tonight, July 5. They are scheduled to launch at 10 p.m.

A new series at Nutmeg TV, called “Eye 2 Eye,” is looking for volunteer guests from Avon, Berlin,  Burlington, Bristol, Canton Farmington, New Britain, and Plainville.

The show’s host, Linda Cavanaugh, calls the venture, “talk TV with a twist.”

“My show has two formats,” said Cavanaugh via email. “In one, I interview ‘experts’ like economists,doctors agency heads, etc., about current issues—with an emphasis on jobs and the economy.

For the second format, said Cavanaugh, “I’m asking for volunteer on camera guests… of different ages, and backgrounds, who do not have professional expertise regarding the topic being discussed.”\

Additionally, Cavanaugh said, “I’d also like an on-camera volunteer with a laptop, to participate and provide information that the group might need to keep the discussion on track.”

“Each show will have four guest panelists and an on camera webmaster—so I’d really like older teens and young adults along with older men and women to take part in the discussion,” said Cavanaugh.

If you’re interested, email linda@eye2eyetv.com, and send Cavanaugh their contact information and topics of interest– government, the economy,  business, job development, “then and now”, education, health care.

Taping dates run from July 16 through the end of August at Nutmeg studios in Farmington.

A Bristol man was arrested late Sunday night after an attempted robbery at the Whole Donut on Burlington Avenue. Robert Moody, 49, of 9 Irving St., Bristol was arrested on Sunday night after Bristol police tracked him down not too far from the donut shop. There were no injuries in the attempted robbery, and Moody was unable to get into the restaurant. According to a press release, a police dog was able to track down Moody and evidence that included a bag with a mask, latex gloves, a spare shirt and a power drill that was used to resemble a firearm. Moody was charged with first degree criminal attempt at robbery, sixth degree criminal attempt at larceny, and second degree breach of peace. He was held on a $50,000 bond and was expected to be arraigned Monday morning in court. He was also charged with second degree failure to appear for an earlier incident that was unrelated to the attempted robbery.

Two Hartford men were arrested this morning after being charged with stealing $5,000 in cigarettes from a vendor truck that was unloading at the Quick Mart on Stafford Avenue.
A cigarette vendor was making a delivery to the convenience store at 916 Stafford Ave., and had his unlocked truck outside when two men were found unloading cases of cigarettes into their vehicle. The truck driver took down the registration number of the car and Manchester police were able to locate the suspects on Interstate-84 a short time later, a release said.
The cigarettes were recovered and the two suspects were taken into custody and brought to the Bristol Police Department
LeRoy E. McCoy, 48, of 134 Oakland Terrace., Hartford, and Alphonso G. Williams, 53, of 404 Barbour St., Hartford were arrested and charged with first degree robbery, first degree conspiracy to commit robbery, third degree larceny, and third degree conspiracy to commit larceny. They were both held on $100,000 bond pending their arraignment on Tuesday morning.

Miscellaneous listings

FRIDAY, JULY 12

OTHER

SINGLES HAPPY HOUR. Sponsored by Social Connections. 5 p.m. Stonewell Restaurant, 354 Colt Highway, Farmington. No charge. (860) 582-8229.

SUNDAY, JULY 14

PLAINVILLE

GENERAL ELECTRIC 5K ROAD RACE. 9 a.m. Begins on East Street just north of Maple Street, Plainville.

BRISTOL

FUND RAISING BAKE SALE. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Children’s MiracleNetworkHospitals and the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization. Walmart, 1400 Farmington Ave., Bristol.

MONDAY, JULY 15

PLAINVILLE

ART CLASSES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. With graphic designer/illustrator, Joe Molnar. 6 to 8 p.m. for six weeks on Mondays. Plainville Public Library, 56 East Main St., Plainville. Free. Waiting list. (860) 793-1446.

JULY 17-19

BRISTOL

HORSEMANSHIP SEMINAR. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open to persons 16 years of age and older who can commit to volunteering at Shepard Meadow for the fall of 2013 and the spring of 2014. Shepard Meadows, 733 Hill St., Bristol. Space is limited. C.languerand@shepardmeadows.org, (860) 314-0007.

SATURDAY, JULY 20

BRISTOL

CIVIL WAR LIVING HISTORY DAY. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Presented by the Bristol Historical Society. Encampment will consist of soldiers and civilian re-enactors from Company F of the 14th Regiment CT Volunteer Infantry. Glimpse of daily life during the Civil War with military drill and firing demonstrations, preparation for the noon meal on an open fire pit, and presentation of camp skills such as rifle loading, knapsack, and blanket rolling. Federal Hill Green, Maple Street, Bristol. BristolHistoricalSociety.org

JULY 23-AUG. 15

BRISTOL

BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU: SELF DEFENSE CLASS. BristolParks and Recreation Department in conjunction with Hammer Strike. Tuesdays or Thursdays for one-hour. The adult program will focus on how to deal with real life situations. Classes, which will be taught by Nathan Prescott, meet at 842 Clark Ave., Bristol. BristolRec.com, (860) 584-6160. JoshuaMedeiros@ci.bristol.ct.us

MONDAY, AUG. 5

BRISTOL

CENTRAL CONNECTICUT CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE 22ND ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT. 9:30 a.m., registration. 10:45 a.m., shot gun start. Tunxis Plantation, Farmington. (860) 584-4718. CentralCTChambers.org

THURSDAY, AUG. 8

BRISTOL

THE BRISTOL CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GOLF TOURNAMENT. Registration and lunch at 11:30 a.m. Shot gun start, 1 p.m. Dinner, 6 p.m. Registration includes round of golf with cart, pullover jacket, lunch and dinner, and a gift bag. Prizes for first, second, third place, Hole ‘n One, Longest Drive, as well as raffles. Chippanee Golf Club, Marsh Hoad, Bristol. Register. BristolCentralFootball.com, BristolCentralfootball@gmail.com

SATURDAY, AUG. 17

BRISTOL

ROCKWELL PARK SUMMER FESTIVAL. Presented by the West End Association. Sponsored by Thomaston Savings Bank. 10 a.m. Music, dance performances, competitions, food vendors, crafters. Free basketball and volleyball tournaments. Skateboard competition at noon. Bristol Car Club Invitational Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. RockwellPark, 128 Jacobs St., Bristol. Free.

SUNDAY, AUG. 18

BRISTOL

BRISTOL HALF MARATHON AND RELAY RACE. 7:30 a.m. Benefit for Fisher House CT. Begins and ends at Healthtrax Fitness and Wellness Center, 842 Clark Ave., Bristol. Bristol firefighters will hold a barbeque, live music, “Touch a Truck” and more. First, second, and third place winners. BristolHalfMarathonandRelay.com, 1-860-583-4800, 1-888-300-4469.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21

BRISTOL

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS. 5 to 7 p.m. Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce. LakeCompounceAmusement Park. Ride all day. Buffet. Registration begins July 17. $15 per person. (860) 585-1694.

SATURDAY, AUG. 24

OTHER

NEW BRITAIN HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1977 REUNION. If interested, contact nbhsclassof77@yahoo.com

SUNDAY, SEPT. 1

BRISTOL

HARLEY DAVIDSON 110TH ANNIVERSARY RALLY. 1 p.m. Held by Yankee Harley-Davidson and Fisher House CT. Starts at Yankee Harley, Farmington Avenue, Bristol. Ride ends at New Britain Stadium for a New Britain Rock Cats Game. $30 per rider, $20 per passenger, includes tickets to the game. $25 for raffle ticket to win a 2013 Harley-Davidson Street Glide. (860) 583-4800, 1-888-300-4469, KCreedLaw.com and click on the Harley Ride button.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 6

BRISTOL

65TH REUNION OF BRISTOL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1948. Noon to 4 p.m. Chipannee Golf Club, Marsh Road, Bristol. Contact Rita Kenyon, (860) 583-8440, wrkenyon@hotmail.com.

SEPT. 6-7

OTHER

NEW BRITAIN HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1958 55TH REUNION. Informal gathering on Friday at the Stanley Golf Course, 245 Hartford Rd., New Britain in the Winstone Tavern. Reunion celebration on Saturday at Hawk’s Landing Country Club, Southington. (860) 828-6858, (860) 828-1916. NBHS1958.com

TUESDAY, SEPT. 10

PLAINVILLE

PLAINVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GOLF OUTING. Chippanee Country Club, Marsh Road, Bristol. (860) 747-6867. plvchamber@snet.net

FRIDAY, SEPT. 27

OTHER

GOLDEN KIELBASA VETERANS OPEN. Shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. with registration at 10 a.m. Stanley Golf Course, New Britain. $125 per player. GoldenKielbasa.org

SEPT. 27-28

OTHER

COMBINED REUNION OF 1963 GRADUATES OF ALL NEW BRITAIN SCHOOLS. Pat Wysocki Anderson, (860) 229-4536, Jane Reynolds Pallokat, (860) 485-1501. nbhs_phs1063@yahoo.com

FRIDAY, OCT. 4

BRISTOL

BRISTOL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1943 70TH REUNION. Information sought on Jean Latrop Santy, Marion Cori Blum. Chippanee Country Club, Marsh Road, Bristol. Call Angie Baher (860) 582-4651 or Charles Aldieri (860) 582-5553.

SATURDAY, OCT. 12

PLAINVILLE

WHEELER CLINIC’S THIRD ANNUAL ‘EVENING OF WONDER.’ 6 p.m. Celebration of hope, healing, and transformation. Proceeds will benefit Wheeler. Entertainment from Timmy Maia and his band. Marriott Hartford Downtown, Hartford, CT. give.wheelerclinic.org/eveningofwonder, (860) 224-6375, jmchale@wheelerclinic.org

NOW thru JULY 31

SOUTHINGTON

ARTWORK BY RESIDENTS OF THE ORCHARDS. Works by Betty Bolduc, Natalie Gillette, Toni Height, Ray LaBouliere, June Meeker, and Lloyd Sherwood. The Gallery At The Orchards, Community Room, second floor, 34 Hobart St., Southington. Call (860) 628-5656 for hours. SouthingtonArtsandCrafts.homestead.com

NOW thru JULY 19

BRISTOL

ART OF GEORGE NOWAK. Former illustrator at the New Britain Herald and Hartford Courant. Pop culture illustrations. Sales of work will benefit George, who is suffering from the effects of MS. Prints for sale $15 and $25. Bare Bones, 156 ArtGallery. Facebook.com/BareBonesBristolCT for hours, (860) 506-5980.

NOW thru AUG. 31

BRISTOL

THE POWERFUL WORK OF JUAN ANDREU. Art exhibit. Andreu is a self-taught painter. He is also a master carver and restoration artist of antique carousel horses. New EnglandCarouselMuseum, 95 Riverside Ave., Bristol. (860) 585-5411, TheCarouselMuseum.org

NOW thru JULY 14

OTHER

OUR EXPANDING CIRCLE 5TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW CELEBRATION. Presented by Paper New England. Saturday and Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m. Artists include Alexis Brown, Susan Clinard, Pat Carrigan, Maggie Nowinski, Robert Dente, Walter Kendra, Jenny Freidman, Matt Best, Anne Hebebrand, and more. Artspace, Asylum Avenue, Hartford. (860) 236-4787, Michael@PaperNewEngland.org

NOW thru AUG. 28

PLAINVILLE

‘PLAINVILLE IN THE CIVIL WAR.’ Exhibit presented by the Plainville Historical Society. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 12 to 2:30 p.m. Plainville Historical Center, 29 Pierce St., Plainville. Closed July 6 and 7. (860) 747-6577.

NOW thru SEPT. 29

OTHER

‘THE BRILLIANCE OF LOUIS COMFORT TIFFANY: PAINTER AND CRAFTSMAN.’ Exploration of the paintings of Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933) within the wider context of his creative output. He was a successful, influential glass, jewelry and interior designer associated with the Art Nouveau and Aesthetic movements. New BritainMuseum of American Art, 56 Lexington St., New Britain. $12 adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for students, children under 12 free. Free admission 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays. NBMAA.org

NOW thru DEC. 8

BRISTOL

‘ART DECO TIMEPIECES: TREASURES OF THE JAZZ AGE.’ Guest curated by Strickland Vintage Watches of Tampa, Fla. Celebration of the timepieces produced in the Art Deco era. Includes 25 watches from the 1920s to 30s, as well as advertisements from that period. American Clock and Watch Museum, 100 Maple St., Bristol. Info@clockmuseum.org, (860) 583-6070, ClockandWatchMuseum.org

ONGOING

OTHER

ONE-ON-ONE COMPUTER CLASSES. Available by appointment. Learn to search the internet, set up an email account and use Word. Farmington Library, 6 Monteith Dr., Farmington. (860) 673-6791, ext. 2.

MONDAY EVENING BOOK GROUP. Meets on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Farmington Library, Monteith Dr., Farmington. List of dates and books available at the library. (860) 673-6791.

SOUTHINGTON

BEGINNER LINE AND PARTNER DANCE LESSONS. Sunday at 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m. No partner needed. Cadillac Ranch, 45 Judd Lane, Southington. $5 per person. dance@caddyranch.com

JAZZ JAM. Local band looking for musicians who simply want to play. You don’t need to read music. Just pick-up and play. Drum set available. Location and times to be determined based on availability. (860) 302-3664.

BRISTOL

MICROSOFT OFFICE TRAINING WORKSHOPS.Bristol Public Library, 5 High St., Bristol. No charge. Register. For schedule, go to BristolLib.com

BINGO. Fridays. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. First ball called at 6:45 p.m. St. Anthony Church, 111 School St., Bristol.

BINGO. Every Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. Free coffee and cookies. Bristol Polish Club, 541 North Main St., Bristol.

PLAINVILLE

FREE MEAL, ‘FOOD FOR FRIENDS.’ Wednesdays, 3 to 6 p.m. Church of Our Saviour Episcopal Church, 115 West Main St., Plainville.

AMERICAN LEGION POST NO. 33. Returning veterans are invited to support this organization. 7 Race Ave., Plainville. (860) 747-9074.

Music listings

FRIDAY, JULY 12

BRISTOL

TURBULENCE. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Gateway Café, 211 Riverside Ave., Bristol. (860) 516-4601.

80S METAL NIGHT. 9:30 to 10:30 p.m., Streets. 11 to 1:30 p.m., Spirit Shaker. Bleachers, Middle School, Bristol.

1800. Downtown Café, 118 Main St., Bristol. DowntownCafeCt.com

OTHER

SINATRA UNDER THE STARS. 7:30 p.m. The Hartford Symphony Orchestra with guest vocalist Rob Zappulla and his Big Band. TalcottMountain Music Festival. Performing ArtsCenter at Simsbury Meadows, Simsbury. Adult lawn, $20 ($25) at the gate. Child lawn (12 and under), $5. Single table seat, $40 in advance ($45 at the gate). HartfordSymphony.org

ESTEBAN. 8 p.m. Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den, Uncasville. MoheganSun.com

KID ROCK. With Uncle Kracker. Comcast Theatre, Hartford. $20. LiveNation.com, KidRock.com

SATURDAY, JULY 13

BRISTOL

TRIPLE DARE. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Gateway Café, 211 Riverside Ave., Bristol. (860) 516-4601.

LOCKED AND LOADED. Downtown Café, 118 Main St., Bristol. DowntownCafeCt.com

OTHER

CRAIG MORGAN. 8 p.m. Mohegan Sun Wolf Den, Uncasville. MoheganSun.com

WATERBURY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. 6 p.m. Gates open at 4 p.m. Picnic and Pops. HollowPark, Woodbury. $15 at the gate. Children free.

SUNDAY, JULY 14

OTHER

RUSTED ROOT. 8 p.m. Mohegan Sun Wolf Den, Uncasville. MoheganSun.com

MARSHALL TUCKER BAND. 1:30 p.m. Benefit for Channel 3 Kids Camp. Also performing is Shovelhead. Sun ValleyBeach Resort, 51 Old Springfield Rd., Stafford Springs. Includes barbecue lunch. $30 in advance, $50 per couple. Day of show is $40 per person and $75 per couple. Channel3kidscamp.org, (860) 742-2267.

TGT. Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket. Foxwoods.com

WARPED TOUR. 11 a.m., Comcast Theatre, Hartford. WarpedTour.com

MONDAY, JULY 15

BRISTOL

BEER PONG. Downtown Café, 118 Main St., Bristol. DowntownCafeCt.com

RED LIGHT. 8 p.m. Mohegan Sun Wolf Den, Uncasville. MoheganSun.com

TUESDAY, JULY 16

BRISTOL

KARAOKE. Downtown Café, 118 Main St., Bristol. DowntownCafeCt.com

VOODOO RIVER BAND. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Rock, blues, and party music. Rockwell Park, Jacobs Street, Bristol. BristolRec.com, joshuamedeiors@ci.bristol.ct.us, (860) 584-6160.

OTHER

CHESTER MAIN. 8 p.m. Mohegan Sun Wolf Den, Uncasville. MoheganSun.com

RHYTHMS OF THE WORLD WITH JUDY HANDLER AND MARK LEVESQUE. 6:30 p.m. The Barney Library, 71 Main St., Farmington. (860) 673-6791.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17

BRISTOL

MUG NIGHT KARAOKE WITH DJ CHRIS AND JT. Downtown Café, 118 Main St., Bristol. DowntownCafeCt.com

OTHER

THE MAESTRO’S MEN-POLISH MUSIC. 6 p.m. Town of Plymouth Chamber of Commerce Summer Concert Series. Baldwin Park, Route 6, Plymouth. Free. (860) 584-4718.

JOE FLETCHER AND THE WRONG REASONS. 8 p.m. Mohegan Sun Wolf Den, Uncasville. MoheganSun.com

THURSDAY, JULY 18

BRISTOL

OPEN MIC WITH GARY AND PETE PATRONE. Downtown Café, 118 Main St., Bristol. DowntownCafeCt.com

OTHER

STEEL MAGNOLIA. 8 p.m. Mohegan Sun Wolf Den, Uncasville. MoheganSun.com

THE EAGLES. Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville. $195, $125. MoheganSun.com

JUSTIN BIEBER. With Hot Chelle Rae, Mike Posner, Ariana Grande, and Cody Simpson. XL Center, One Civic Plaza, Hartford. AEGLIVE.com

ONGOING

BRISTOL

KARAOKE. Every Friday and Saturday night, 9 p.m. to close. Bristol Polish Club, 541 North Main St., Bristol.

KARAOKE WEDNESDAYS. Live with Lauren. 9 p.m. Gateway Café, 211 Riverside Ave., Bristol. (860) 516-4601.

Performance listings

FRIDAY, JULY 12

OTHER

CAROLINE MANZO OF ‘THE REAL HOUSEWIVES.’ 8:30 p.m., live discussion. 9 p.m., free signing. The Shops at Mohegan, Mohegan Sun, Uncasville. MoheganSun.com

CEDRIC THE ENTERTAINER. 9 p.m. MGM Grand Theater, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket. ComixatFoxwoods.com, 1-800-200-2882.

JULY 12 to AUG. 10

OTHER

‘ANYTHING GOES.’ Fridays and Saturdays, at 8 p.m. Matinees on Sundays, July 21, 28 at 2 p.m. Hole In the Wall Theater, 116 Main St., New Britain. $25, $20 for seniors and students. Aug. 2 is “Pay What You Want Night.” HITW.org, (860) 229-3049.

SATURDAY, JULY 13

OTHER

JEFF DUNHAM. Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville. $195, $125. MoheganSun.com

JULY 16, 18

OTHER

DIRECTING WORKSHOP FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS.  With Sean Harris, co-founder and artistic director for Playhouse on Park. Two part series. Hall High School, West Hartford. $125. Advanced registration. PlayhouseonPark.org, (860) 523-5900 ext. 10, info@playhouseonpark.org

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17

OTHER

BILLY GARDELL. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville. $30. MoheganSun.com

JULY 18-20

OTHER

MARK VIERA. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 10:30 p.m. Comix at Foxwoods, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket. $20 for general advance and $40 for VIP. Add $10 day of show. Two drink minimum. ComixatFoxwoods.com. 1-800-200-2882.

NOW thru JULY 13

OTHER

TONE BELL. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 10:30 p.m. Comix at Foxwoods, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket. $20 in advance for general admission and $40 for VIP. Add $10 for day of show. Two-drink minimum. ComixatFoxwoods.com, 1-800-200-2882.

NOW thru JULY 21

OTHER

‘CABARET.’ Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Rd., WestHartford. $32.50 to $42.50. (860) 523-5900 ext. 10. PlayhouseonPark.org

NOW thru JULY 14

OTHER

‘BECOMING DR. RUTH.’ Starring Debra Jo Rupp from “That ‘70s Show.” Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Weekend matinees at 2:30 p.m. TheaterWorks Hartford, 233 Pearl St., Hartford. $50 general admission. $13 for center reserved upgrade. Student rush, $17. Senior Saturday matinees, $35. (860) 527-7838, TheaterWorksHartford.org

NOW thru JULY 27

OTHER

‘THE ANDREW BROTHERS.’ A swinging musical comedy. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Connecticut Cabaret Theatre, off Route 9 (exit 22, Mill Street) and the Berlin Turnpike, Berlin. (860) 829-1248, CtCabaret.com

Senior listings

FRIDAY, JULY 12

PLAINVILLE

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS. 11 a.m to noon. PlainvilleSeniorCenter, 200 East St., Plainville. Held by ConnecticutCenter for Healthy Aging. (860) 224-5278, (860) 276-5293.

SUNDAY, JULY 14

OTHER

PET-A-PALOOZA. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Have your cat or dog groomed by Mo’s Mobil Grooming. 2 p.m., seminar on basic pet care and grooming tips. Village Gate, 88 Scott Swamp Rd., Farmington. For appointment, call Mo’s, (860) 584-5611.

MONDAY, JULY 15

SOUTHINGTON

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS. 10 to 11 a.m. Price Chopper, 410 Queen St., Southington. (860) 276-5293.

ONGOING

OTHER

WEEKLY BRIDGE CLUB. 1:30 p.m. Learn the game and become a member. The Orchards at Southington, 34 Hobart St., Southington. SouthingtonOrchards.org. (860) 628-5656.

Support group listings

ONGOING

SOUTHINGTON

HEALING EMOTIONALLY ABUSED LIVES (HEAL). Second Tuesday of the 5:30 to 7 p.m. Hospital of CentralConnecticut, 81 Meriden Ave., Southington, Conference Room B, Second Floor. Free. Emotionalheal.org., (203) 305-2137.

BRISTOL

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS SUPPORT GROUP. Saturdays at 11 a.m. BristolHospital Small Dining Room, Brewster Road, Bristol. All are welcome. (203) 755-8922.

AL-ANON. Tuesdays 10 to 11:30 a.m. St. Gregory Hall, Stafford Avenue and Maltby Street, Bristol. Families and friends of alcoholics welcome.

AL-ANON. Fridays 7:30 to 9 p.m. St. Andrew’s LutheranChurch, 1024 Stafford Ave., Bristol. Families and friends of alcoholics welcome.

BRISTOL MS SUPPORT GROUP. 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. Bristol Public Library, 5 High St., Bristol. Wheelchair accessible, off-street handicapped accessible. CTFightsMS.org, 1-800-FIGHT MS.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY. 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Covers all hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Bethel Christian Church, 750 Stevens St., Bristol. There is a dinner at 5:30 p.m. for $4 and all adults are welcome. (860) 582-3995.

AL-ANON MEETING - 7 p.m. every Friday at Bristol Recovery Club, 67 West St., Bristol. For anyone affected by someone else’s drinking. (888) 825-2666 or www.ct-al-anon.org.

AL-ANON MEETING - 9:30 a.m. every Saturday at First Congregational Church, 31 Maple St., Bristol. For anyone affected by someone else’s drinking. Newcomers welcome. No fee for attending. 1-888-825-2666 or www.ct-al-anon.org.

AL-ANON MEETING - For anyone affected by someone else’s drinking. 9:30 a.m. every Saturday at First Congregational Church, 31 Maple St., Bristol. 7 p.m. every Monday, United MethodistChurch, 56 Redstone Rd., Plainville. 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday, BristolBaptistChurch, 43 School St.www.ct-al-anon.org (888) 825-2666.

AL-ANON MEETING - 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday at BristolBaptistChurch, 43 School St., Bristol. For anyone affected by someone else’s drinking. Newcomers welcome. No fee for attending. 1-888-825-2666 or www.ct-al-anon.org.

AL-ANON MEETING- 8 p.m. every Friday night at St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 1025 Stafford Ave. Has someone else’s drinking affected your life? No charge to attend.

PLAINVILLE

DEBTORS ANONYMOUS. 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. For men and women trying to recover from compulsive debting and spending. Wheeler Clinic, Room A, 91 Northwest Dr., Plainville. (860) 793-3766, DANewEngland.org

AL-ANON MEETING. For families and friends in different locations throughout the week. 10 a.m., Mondays at Plainville Congregational Church, 130 Main St., (Route 372), Plainville. Mondays at 7 p.m., United MethodistChurch of Plainville, 55 Red Stone Hill Rd., Plainville and Fridays at 7 p.m., Wheeler Clinic, 91 Northwest Dr., Route 177. ct-al-anon.org, 888-825-2666.

PLAINVILLE MS SUPPORT GROUP. 7 to 9 p.m. Wheeler Clinic, 91 Northwest Dr., Plainville. (860) 793-9589. CTFightsMS.org

OTHER

GRIEF RECOVERY AFTER A SUBSTANCE PASSING. A support group for families or individuals who had a loved one die as a result of substance abuse or addiction. The last Thursday or each month, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Beacon Falls Congregational Church, 69 Wolfe Ave., Beacon Falls. GraspValleyCt@aol.com, GraspValleyCt@att.net, (203) 231-6705, (203) 305-98-9. Pre-registration required. Grasphelp.org.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS SUPPORT GROUP. Do you suspect food rules your life? Overeaters Anonymous may be the answer for you. It is not a diet club, but a group of people recovering from compulsive overeating. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively. There are no fees or weigh-ins. No need to register. All are welcome. Connecticutoa.org, (860) 218-8550.

Kids listings

JULY 15-26

OTHER

YOUTH MUSICAL THEATER PREPARATORY PROGRAM. Every day from 9 a.m to 3:30 p.m. with final performance on last day of class. Introduction course to prepare young actors. Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Rd., WestHartford. $650 per student. Food will not be provided. PlayhouseonPark.org

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17

BRISTOL

THE SUNSHINE ROAD. 6:30 p.m. Bristol Public Library, 5 High St., Bristol. (860) 584-7787, ext. 2021. BristolLib.com

PLAINVILLE

HOOKED ON LLAMAS. 6:30 p.m. Part of the Plainville Public Library summer reading series. Plainville Public Library, 56 East Main St., Plainville. (860) 793-1450.

SUNDAY, AUG. 4

BRISTOL

READING ON THE GREEN. Sponsored by the Bristol Public Library, Bristol Historical Society, the New EnglandCarouselMuseum, and the Early Childhood Alliance. 2 to 4 p.m. For children preschool to age 10. Stories will be read accompanied by costume characters. Children’s authors Catherine Gibson and Jacqui Boulter, on hand. Meris Palmer, Teller of Tales, will provide a story. Other events planned. Free. No registration necessary. Rain date, Aug. 11. Federal Hill Green, Bristol.

AUG. 12-14, SEPT. 9-11

BRISTOL

BRISTOL YOUTH LACROSSE YOUTH GIRLS CLINICS. 6 to 8 p.m. Held in conjunction with BristolParks and Recreation Department. For girls in grades fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. Sticks will be provided. Mouth guard recommended. For details, download registration form at BristolCTLacrosse.com, (860) 540-5894.

NOW thru AUG. 6

BRISTOL

SUMMER DROP-IN STORY TIME. 10 a.m., Tuesdays. Manross Public Library, 260 Central St., Forestville. No charge, no registration necessary. (860) 584-7790.

ONGOING

BRISTOL/ SOUTHINGTON/ PLAINVILLE

MOM’S CLUB OF SOUTHINGTON STORYTIME. Third Thursday of every month at 10:30 a.m. Bristol Public Library, 5 High St., Bristol in the children’s department.

PLAINVILLE

TRIATHLON CLUB. Ages 5 and up. Held by Wheeler YMCA in Plainville. Plainville High School, Robert Holcomb Way, Plainville. April.Chevalier@ghymca.org, (860) 793-9631.

Health listings

JULY 13, AUG. 24

OTHER

LEARN TO MEDITATE. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Odiyana Center, 52 National Dr., Glastonbury. $15 or free for members. Pre-register. info@odiyana.org, (860) 266-6041.

Dining listings

WEDNESDAYS thru AUG. 28

SOUTHINGTON

PASTA NIGHT. Every Wednesday night from 5 to 7 p.m. Held by Southington Elks Lodge. At the lodge, 114 Main St., Southington. $8 for adults, $4 for children. Includes pasta, bread, salad, and dessert.

TGT performs Sunday at Foxwoods Resort Casino on Sunday.

A summer pool party extravaganza at Rockwell and Page Park pools will be held Thursday, July 18 from 6 to 8pm with Rockin Out at Rockwell. This night will include music, treats, and games in and out of the pool
Admission is completely free.
For any questions please contact Joshua Medeiros, Recreation Coordinator at joshuamedeiros@ci.bristol.ct.us or the pool at (860)584-3837

By MIKE CHAIKEN
EDITIONS EDITOR
Caroline Manzo of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” said she always gets questions from her fans.
Certain questions would arise over and over again.
And those questions… and the resulting answers from the reality TV personality… have been pulled together for a book, “Let Me Tell You Something.”
Manzo was set to be in Connecticut at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville on July 12 to sign copies of the book and have a meet and greet with fans.
Manzo, in a phone interview, said viewers would ask her about a variety of topics. They would ask how she was able to stay true to herself while being on a reality television show like “Real Housewives…” They also would ask about how to be a successful business woman, how to have a happy marriage, how to raise three successful, happy children, and so on.
Given all the questions she would get from fans, Manzo said some people said she should write an advice book to provide her fans with the answers they were looking for.
But Manzo said she felt kind of foolish writing an advice book. After all, she’s not a doctor or a credentialed expert.
However, Manzo finally gave in to writing the book. But she opted to do it her way.
Rather than giving answers to the questions like a Dr. Phil or someone of similar ilk, she decided to provide anecdotes about how she personally approached situations that reflected her fan’s question.
“This is how I did it,” said Manzo of her approach, “if it works for you, cool.”
So, within the book, she said she shares some “silly stories” to answer some questions. She also shares more serious tales about her marriage that reflect those questions. She even tackles tougher topics, going deep by sharing stories about her miscarriages.
Additionally, the book responds to other queries from fans. For instance, Manzo said there are a handful of recipes that were requested. Manzo also shares some behind-the scenes-information “Real Housewives of New Jersey” She let’s viewers know what was really happening during some of the more unforgettable moments on the show.
“It’s a very easy read,” said Manzo, who described “Let Me Tell You Something” as an “airport/ beach” book. If you have three hours to set aside, she said, you can easily finish “Let Me Tell You Something.”
Asked about the task of writing the book, Manzo said it was a “very enjoyable” process.
Manzo explained she is an avid reader, and typically will read a 500 page book in an evening. “That’s my night, that’s my passion,” said Manzo.
But when the time came to work on the book, Manzo said she switched out her evenings of reading for evenings of writing.
Manzo and her writing partner Kevin Dickson would spend their evening Skype-ing to work on the book. She would write a passage and Dickson then would help clean it up.
The only challenge in pulling together the book was deciding what anecdotes to share, Manzo said.
“The stories were a lot of fun,” said Manzo. “(Dickson) and I had a lot of laughs… I had a good time with it.”
As for feedback about the book, Manzo said fans have been overwhelmingly positive with their praise. Many of them said they could relate to her stories. They also said told her they loved her sense of humor, which was something they didn’t expect from watching the show.
Manzo is used to having her personal life made public because of “Real Housewives…” But she said the book was a different, better experience than the television series. “It’s my voice.” She felt great about sharing her stories to the public straight from her own mouth.
The signing event at Mohegan Sun where she gets to meet the public is not something new for Manzo. But it’s an opportunity she relishes. “It’s insane… (But) it’s something I still enjoy.”
However, Manzo said she still isn’t used to the notoriety brought to her family by the show. “It’s surreal.”
Manzo shared a story about a trip she and her family took to Italy after the first season of “Real Housewives of New Jersey” wrapped up. She said the family figured they would slip into the scenery of Europe and go unnoticed.
Not so.
“My son were chased down the piazza (in Italy) by a bunch of college girls,” said Manzo. She thought to herself, “What is this, the Jonas Brothers?”
One of the reasons why “Real Housewives of New Jersey” succeeds is “people can relate to us,” said Manzo. “We’re everybody,” she said. Everyone seems to know someone like the characters on the show.
While on the topic of the show, which is in the middle of its latest season, Manzo was asked if there were any surprises on tap as the season moves forward.
“There’s lot of them,” said Manzo. “You haven’t seen anything yet.”
For more information about Caroline Manzo and “Let Me Tell You Something,” go to http://afterdarkpromotions-online.com/carolinemanzo or go to MoheganSun.com

Fans of the AMC television show “Mad Men” may not know that main star Jon Hamm, who plays Don Draper in the show, is a “diehard sports fan.”
Hamm was charged with the task of hosting this year’s ESPY Awards, formerly known as ESPN’s Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards. On Thursday afternoon, Hamm took a break from filming his upcoming movie “Million Dollar Arm” to talk to reporters from around the country, and fielded questions about sports, the awards ceremony and his new film.
Even though he is an avid sports fan, particularly of the St. Louis Cardinals, his acting has “hindered the ability” to go to as many games has he’d like. However, he said he has been able to participate in many sports festivities, like playing third baseman once in St. Louis.
“It’s nice, obviously, to have that access (to different sporting events),” he said.
The St. Louis Cardinals are “number one in my heart,” Hamm said, with the St. Louis Blues hockey team coming in as “1A.”
Hamm was always a sports fan, and was a three-sport athlete in high school where he played football, baseball, swam competitively. He said he is still friends with some of his classmates from high school as well.
“I hated to work out,” Hamm said, so playing sports was a fun way to get exercise for him
According to Maura Mandt, executive producer of The ESPYs, a host must have an appreciation for the sports world and just be a fan of sports all-around.
The host “needs to have the knowledge and appreciation for what happened this year in sports,” Mandt said, adding that it is difficult finding the right person for the job, however she said Hamm has those qualifications and more to bring to the awards ceremony.
“Jon is a perfect fit,” Mandt said.
Hamm isn’t a stranger to performing in front of a live audience. He has hosted “Saturday Night Live,” and was a presenter at past ESPY awards programs.
“This is an opportunity to do something fun (for something) I am truly passionate about,” Hamm said to reporters. He added he wasn’t very nervous about hosting, and laughed it off by saying “I have never had a problem with standing up in front of people and making a fool out of myself.”
Hamm said the ESPYs will be different from “Saturday Night Live,” as it is a time to “celebrate the achievements of athletes,” and what they have done.”
He said he hopes to bring the “innate charisma” that past presenters of the ESPYs have brought, and overall wants the night to go well.
When asked what his favorite sports film was, the actor couldn’t pick just one and started listing movies like “Caddyshack,” “Bull Durham,” “Miracle,” and more.
“I’m a fan,” he said.
Hamm is finishing up his film “Million Dollar Arm” which is based on the story of when baseball’s Pittsburgh Pirates signed Dinesh Patel and Rinku Singh, both from India. Hamm plays a sports agent. The film is expected to be released next year.
The ESPYs will air live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Wednesday, July 17, at 9 p.m. on ESPN.

By MIKE CHAIKEN
EDITIONS EDITOR
It’s time for art to go Pop! in New Britain.
It’s all for a good cause. And everyone is invited.
Bristol artists Josh Blumenthal and Nick Foreman, who are both former Paris in Plantsville compadres, are co-curating an art exhibition dubbed “…Make It Pop,” which will open Aug. 3 at Community Central, a space at 117 West Main St., New Britain.
The exhibition will give local artists the opportunity to offer up a contemporary take on Pop Art.
The open call exhibition is a charity event. Entry fees and all commissions from the sale of an artwork on exhibition will be donated to New Britain Public Schools to enrich their art programs.
Blumenthal said, “The idea came to mind with my experiences while I was enrolled as an art education student at (Central Connecticut State University).”
“Before I started student teaching my final semester: I spent countless observation hours in various schools,” explained Blumenthal. “It really saddened me when I visited some urban schools, seeing art programs that had such a big heart but a small if not non-existent budget. The art teachers in those areas are some of the most empathetic – determined people I’ve met… It really hits home seeing these people do such extraordinary things with close to no resources.”
“So,” said Blumenthal, “I started brainstorming ideas for an event that, number one, advocates for the local urban community, number two, is open to all demographics, and is a multi-cultural/ multi-generational idea, and, number three generates money to help fund the art programs in New Britain. It just so happened that Nick and I were talking for a while about putting together a show and it all fell into place from there.”
Foreman explained, “I came up with the idea while working at Paris In Plantsville and helping facilitate their annual summer open call exhibition ‘We The People.’ It was open call/ juried but there was no limit to what type of art or how many submissions you could enter. It ended up being this crazy anything goes sort of vibe, which was awesome, but I thought the concept for the show would be better serviced with a more honed in, ‘genre specific’ exhibition. Pop Art just happens to be one of my favorite kinds of fine art and I know Josh shares that sentiment so it just made sense to make it pop (no pun intended).”
The show will benefit New Britain but Blumenthal said that should not preclude residents from Bristol, Southington, and Plainville participating.
“We may be helping ‘only’ New Britain, but New Britain is part of a much larger national, if not global, community,” said Blumenthal. “I grew up around individuals who taught me that if one of your family members or friends is in need of help, if you’re capable, do what you can do to help them out. So bridging that analogy to reality, we see New Britain is in need of help..”
“Bristol, Southington, and Plainville all have budding arts communities,” added Foreman. “The arts, while neglected to a certain extent, are generally supported by our public schools systems so that kids can begin learning about art from ages as early as 5 or 6. I’m from Bristol and I remember art class at Greene-Hills Elementary school being one of my favorite classes because the teachers are usually very excitable, passionate, positive and they are constantly working with you, not teaching at you.”.
“But,” Foreman said, “that’s our public schools. Bristol, Southington, and Plainville may not be the wealthiest areas of the state but we’re hardly impoverished. Students in our public schools are lucky to have the resources and opportunities they do. But just a few miles up the road, the children aren’t as fortunate.”
“New Britain Public Schools have virtually no funding for their students,” said Foreman. “I believe the figures are something like $10 per student, per year in New Britain while most school systems have in the upwards of $1,000 per student annually. That alone is absolutely deplorable.”
“Everybody should be standing up for New Britain just because it’s the right thing to do,” said Foreman.
Foreman added, “Our exhibition is not going to solve New Britain’s problems overnight financially, but our hope is that it will raise 10 times in awareness what it can raise financially.”
As for why the exhibit should appeal to artists in general, Blumenthal said, “It gets your work out there to a different venue. When I had a residency in Plantsville – I found it easy to trap myself in just one community that really only caters to a specific aesthetic.”
“For artists trying to get the work seen by a diverse crowd – get it to New Britain,” said Josh. “New Britain, if you don’t already know, is a cultural hub. Artists looking for feedback shouldn’t just rely on one group of people ‘telling’ you what is good or bad art. My work could do poorly in Hamden but make me a bundle in New York; you never know. It’s a risk and chance for artists to step outside their comfort zone.”
As for what the show means by Pop Art, Blumenthal said, “When I refer to Pop Art, I refer to what it meant contextually during its time in the ‘50s. It’s art that challenges what was defined ‘fine art’ of its time in terms of its imagery. It was imagery of popular culture: celebrities, political figures, advertisements, etc.”
“In my opinion,” said Foreman. “Pop Art is an incredibly broad term and always has been. While it has meant soup cans and corporate logos, it can also mean something entirely different. Pop Art isn’t always just a direct reference to pop culture, it can also be a representation of pop culture as it is in 2013. You don’t necessarily need logos and celebrities to contribute to Pop Art, you just need to represent popular culture, which is an aspect of the genre that I think a lot of people ignore.”
“I find it very hard to articulate what makes Pop Art ‘pop,’” said Foreman. “I guess for me it’s just kind of an intuitive gut feeling. You just know when something is pop art.”
The show asks artists to offer up a contemporary take on Pop Art. “Making the idea contemporary is going to be up to the artists who want to participate. If they do some research, and think of the idea in terms of what defines today’s pop culture, they have free range to tell a story, express social issue concerns, or flat out just be absurd.”
“The theme is the only criteria,” said Blumenthal. “We are accepting paintings, photography, printmaking, sculpture, installation, ceramics, fiber arts, – anything under the sun is welcome.”
As for any limitations on what can be submitted in terms of subject matter, Foreman said, “As long as it fits Josh’s and my collaborative idea of ‘Pop Art,’ for the most part anything goes. If it’s vulgar for the sake of being vulgar and there’s no artistic merit, than it will be declined. We’re also encouraging artists to keep in mind that this is as much a fund raiser for the public school system of New Britain as it is an open call Pop Art exhibition, so this is not the place to be making a spectacle out of yourself with all kinds of controversial statements. We’re promoting positivity first and foremost.”
“…Make It Pop” is a juried exhibition with a grand prize of a $100 gift card to Dick Blick, which also is a sponsor. Ron Crowcroft is the juror.
Submissions are $5 for one to three pieces and $10 for four to five. There is a 25 percent commission on all works sold. Proceeds go to the New Britain Public School.
Art can be dropped off at the Community Central, a space at 117 West Main St., New Britain from July 18 to 23.
The show will be up Aug. 3 to Sept. 3.

‘…Make It Pop!’ is a juried art show and a fund raiser for arts programs in the New Britain Public Schools.

The Bristol Public Library is open Monday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. as a cooling center. The Manross Library opens at 10 a.m. and is also a cooling center. The libraries are closed on Saturday and Sunday from June through August.

http://www.bristollib.com/

Three were arrested Monday night after police responded to a report of an armed robbery at Fast Freddies gas station on North Street. Bristol police received the call Monday night, just before midnight, that reported a masked male walked into the gas station and pulled out a gun while demanding money, a press release said. The suspect was able to obtain $130, and then ran towards Burlington Avenue. A description of a vehicle that was involved in the robbery was given, and police were able to locate it a short distance away, and made three arrests.
Amanda Leroy, 20, of Waterbury was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit sixth degree larceny, conspiracy to commit first degree robbery, and was held on a $25,000 bond.
Dennis Muratovski, 21, of Bristol was arrested and charged with weapons in a motor vehicle, conspiracy to commit sixth degree larceny, conspiracy to commit first degree robbery, and was also held on a $25,000 bond.
Paul Martinez, 37, of Bristol was arrested and charged with first degree robbery, sixth degree larceny, criminal use of a firearm, breach of peace, conspiracy to commit sixth degree larceny, and conspiracy to commit first degree robbery. He was held on a $100,000 bond.

The following obituaries will be published in the July 19 issue of the Observer. For further details, look to the print edition or e-edition published on Friday.

John D. Lapman, 71, of Bristol, served in the U. S. Marines. He died on Sunday, July 7.

Dorothy S. Barnett, 91, of Forestville, wife of 72 years to John R. Barnett Sr.,died on Saturday, June 1.

Leo Neil Gonthier, 78, of Plainville, husband of Elaine (LaBranche) Gonthier, died on Friday, July 5.

Alice (Klimkosky) Lasrich, 90, of Terryville, died Friday, July 5.

Dr. Anastasia “Tess” Makris, of Jamaica Plain, Mass. and West Harwich, Mass. died May 28.

Leo J. St. John Jr., 60, of Terryville, husband of Marcia (Coates) St. John died Friday, July 5 at his home.

Harley Lewis Golder, 89, of Bristol, died Tuesday, July 9 at Aurora Senior Living of New Britain. He was the husband of Elizabeth (Kinney) Golder.

Hermel J. Gagnon, 82, of Bristol, husband of Ramona (Martin) (Bouchard) Gagnon, died on Sunday, July 7 at Bristol Hospital.

Lisa (Levesque) Foxx, 62, of Bristol, died on Saturday, July 6 at her home.

MaryBeth L. Fiorvante, 50, of Bristol, died on Sunday, July 7 at Ingraham Manor, Bristol.

John “Jay” J.  Morin, 56, of Plymouth, former Bristol, resident, husband of Denise (Michaud) Morin, died July 8 in Plymouth.

Robert Francis Graveline, 90, of Terryville, husband of the late Yvette (Barbeau) Graveline died Tuesday, July 9 at Southington Care Center.

Joan (Pratt) Armbruster Lassy, of Terryville, wife of Walter K. Lassy Jr. and the late Raymond R. Armbruster, died Wednesday, July 10.

John J. Doris, 63, of Plantsville, and former Bristol resident, husband of Monica A. (Martin) Doris, died Saturday, July 6 after a battle with cancer.

By MIKE CHAIKEN
EDITIONS EDITOR

If you listen to Filter’s most recent album, you will hear Richard Patrick’s life oozing through the grooves.
The tough times and tribulations that has been the lead singer’s life informs the tracks of the new album, “The Sun Will Come Out Tonight.”
Filter is part of the Summerland Tour, which comes to Danbury Friday, Jan. 19. Also on the bill is Everclear, Live, and Sponge.
“I’ve been through… a lot in the past 10 years,” said Richard, who was calling from New York City. And he said as he wrote the songs, he wanted that frustration to drive the songs. “I really want to bitch.”
Although the tales that inspired the songs were his alone, Richard said he felt everyone could relate to that feeling of being screwed over and betrayed by those he thought were on his side.
Despite the darkness, though, Richard said the album also offers a ray of light. Hence, the title “The Sun Will Come Out Tonight.” It refers to that sense of hope that despite all the darkness, Richard explained, the sun eventually will rise and break through the clouds.
Richard has had his share of darkness in his life. And he’s not afraid to share his stories.
Prior to Filter, Richard was a member of the touring ensemble for Nine Inch Nails. When he left Nine Inch Nails, he said, “I had nothing to do except for writing demos.”
With so many idle moments sitting in his hands, Richard said he would spend his nights hanging out with some kids in Cleveland who had fell through the cracks. “All we could do was take LSD.”
As they rode their highs, Richard said, they would climb up on a drawbridge and ride that edifice as it traveled up and down. They also would break into an abandoned jail, and shuffle through the police arrest records from the 1920s.
Some of those experiences have made their way into Filter’s music, said Richard.
Besides the dark moments behind his lyrics, Richard said he wanted to bring back some edge for the new album.
The intent behind “The Sun Will Come Out Tonight” was “to get back to that industrial vibe…,” said Richard. “(It’s) way more electronic… and heavier (than previous efforts).”
But, as much as the album gets heavier, Richard said he wanted to offer some sweeter songs as well to reflect the sunlight behind the clouds. He wanted the “full impact of a luscious dream in the middle of the chaos.”
Filter released its first album “Short Bus” back in 1995. And over the ensuing decades, besides Filter, Patrick has had a couple of musical detours such as the super group Army of Anyone (which featured members of Stone Temple Pilots).
Asked why he still remains tied to Filter, Richard said, “It’s my outlet.”
“It’s the perfect life and perfect job (to be a musician),” said Richard of his career in Filter. “I can work with anyone I want. I can make art and I can make music.”
“There’s so much freedom being in a band,” said Richard.
As noted, Filter is heading out on the road with other 1990s compatriots, Everclear, Live, and Sponge
When fans turn out for the Summerland Tour, Richard said fans can expect Filter to play some of the new songs from “The Sun Will Come Out Tonight.”
However, Richard said he will not turn his back on old favorites such as “Hey Man Nice Shot” or “Take a Picture.” Those are staples of any Filter set, said Richard.
Besides the new tracks and old favorites, Patrick said the band also will be playing its recent hit, “Happy Together,” which was featured in the film “The Great Gatsby.”
Beyond the Summerland tour, Richard said, “There’s a lot of good stuff coming up.”
Filter is making plans to go to Europe. After its visit overseas, Richard said Filter is trying to make arrangements to tour in the fall. “We’re talking to a lot of bands… it could be cool.”
Filter will be at the Ives Concert Park in Danbury on Friday, July 19. Gates open at 6 p.m. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for reserved seats and $20 for lawn seats.
For more information ,go to summerlandtour.net or IvesConcertPark.com.

The Bristol Police reported the following incidents:
•Jermaine T. Marshall, 38, no address provided, was arrested on July 8 and charged with criminal violation of protective order, non-threatening.
•Robert Moody, 49, of 9 Irving St., Apt. No. 1, Bristol was arrested on July 7 and charged with second degree failure to appear. He was arrested in another incident and charged with second degree breach of peace, sixth degree larceny, and first degree robbery.
•William E. Pawlina, 59, of 90 Boardman St., Apt. No. A9, Bristol was arrested on July 7 and charged with evading responsibility.
•Heriberto Velez, 18, of 149 Park St., Bristol was arrested on July 7 and charged with disorderly conduct and threatening.
•Shane R. Cote, 21, of 47 Burnham St., Terryville was arrested on July 6 and charged with criminal violation of protective order non-threatening.
•Desiree A. Rioux, 25, of 24 Atkins Ave., Bristol was arrested on July 6 and charged with second degree false statement and interfering with an officer.
•Ronald P. Savage, 58, of 41 Miller Rd., Apt. No. 14, Bristol was arrested on July 6 and charged with third degree assault and second degree breach of peace.
•Hansel A. Gonzalez, 22, of 142 Tremont St., Apt. No. 1, New Britain was arrested on July 10 and charged with interfering with an officer.
•David J. Hof, 54, of 919 33rd St., Cape Coral, Fla. was arrested on July 10 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
•Nicole M. McPhee, 45, of 24 Fisher Ridge., Bristol was arrested on July 10 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
•Joshua H. Daniels, 23, of 68 Ingraham St., Apt. No. 2F, Bristol was arrested on July 9 and charged with second degree failure to appear. He was arrested in another incident and charged with third degree assault, second degree breach of peace, criminal violation of protective order non threatening, and interfering with a 911 call.
•Daniel N. Sharavolli, 25, no address provided, was arrested on July 9 and charged with second degree breach of peace, second degree harassment, and threatening.
•Christina A. Foley, 28, of 343 King St., Apt. No. 103, Bristol was arrested on July 9 and charged with violation of probation. She was arrested in another incident and charged with second degree reckless endangerment.
•Monica S. Pinette, 44, of 38 Kimbal Dr., New Britain was arrested on July 9 and charged with failure to drive right and operation while under the influence. She was arrested in another incident and charged with third degree arson and first degree criminal mischief.
•Christian I. Sinche-Arpi, 24, of 79 Laird Dr., Bristol was arrested on July 9 and charged with second degree failure to appear.
•Andrew R. Salisbury, 21, no address provided, was arrested on July 9 and charged with third degree burglary and fifth degree larceny.
•Daniel D. Brisson, 25, of 98 Maple St., Bristol was arrested on July 9 and charged with second degree failure to appear.
•Christopher A. Field, 35, no address provided, was arrested on July 8 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
•Alphonso G. Williams, 53, of 404 Barbour St., Hartford was arrested on July 8 and charged with third degree larceny and first degree robbery.
•Jeffrey P. Summa, 47, of 111 Westside Rd., Torrington was arrested on July 8 and charged with illegal use of credit card, third degree larceny, and illegally obtained recreation goods/services.
•Leroy E. McCoy, 47, of 134 Oakland Terrace., Hartford was arrested on July 8 and charged with third degree larceny and first degree robbery.
•Christopher M. Stilwell, 28, of 31 Butternut Lane., Bristol was arrested on July 12 and charged with second degree failure to appear. He was arrested in another incident and charged with second degree criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.
•Jennifer E. Brule, 31, of 200 Blakeslee St., Apt. No. 126, Bristol was arrested on July 12 and charged with failure to drive right, operation while under the influence, and restricted turns fail signal.
•Miguel O. Colon, 28, of 48 Taillon St., Bristol was arrested on July 11 and charged with distribution of controlled substances less than 1500 feet from school, and illegal manufacturing, distribution, sale of prescription of narcotics. He was arrested in another incident and charged with illegal possession of marijuana less than four ounces and possession of drug paraphernalia.
•Jeffrey D. Doyle, 41, of 239 Summer St., Bristol was arrested on July 10 and charged with third degree assault and second degree breach of peace.
•Dana C. Schulze, 31, of 239 Summer St., Bristol was arrested on July 10 and charged with third degree assault and second degree breach of peace.
•Douglas R. Desjardins, 32, of 91 Pleasant View Ave., Bristol was arrested on July 10 and charged with second degree failure to appear.
•Patricia J. Lewis, 30, of 48 Taillon St., Bristol was arrested on July 10 and charged with distribution of controlled substances less than 1500 feet from school, illegal possession near school, illegal possession of less than 4 ounces of marijuana, illegal possession of narcotics, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
•Ronald Cooper, 42, of 196 Foster Dr., Willimantic was arrested on July 10 and charged with second degree breach of peace, sixth degree larceny and threatening.

By MIKE CHAIKEN
EDITIONS EDITOR

Get your white wardrobe cleaned and pressed. And get your car gassed up to get ready to roll at moment’s notice on Aug. 3.
Why?
The first ever Nuit Blanche in Bristol is ready to launch. And organizers say you don’t be the one to miss it.
The organizers, who asked the Observer to keep their identity a secret until the party gets rolling (although they promised that they are a well-known entity in the city), explained in an email, “Nuit Blanche/White Night Bristol is an event created to bring people together to celebrate art, culture, food, music and community — and hopefully have people dressed in white to have fun with the theme. Come in a wedding dress if you want. Wear white shorts and a tank top if that is your style. Just like the Kentucky Derby has a theme of wearing hats, this Nuit Blanche/White Night has a white theme.”
As for where the original idea for a “White Night” arose, the organizers explained, “Nuit Blanche events (are) held around the world and… they exist to celebrate all that is cultural.”
The organizers continued, “It started in Paris 30 years ago and has grown to other cities like Montreal, Rome, Barcelona, New York City and Boston just to name a few…. A Nuit Blanche typically has museums and art galleries open free of charge, art installations, music, performances and is often a themed social gathering for a city. Bristol’s Nuit Blanche will be a micro version.”
Asked why they wished to bring this event to Bristol, organizers said, “(We) wanted to celebrate Bristol in a way that highlights its love of arts, culture, and music.”
Organizers said Bristol needs an event like Nuit Blanche because it “is a changing city that is on the cusp of a transformation.  Bristol is going through a renovation of its downtown, has two nationally recognized museums, a regional amusement park and several world renowned corporations, Barnes and ESPN to name a few. Bristol is moving in a forward direction and the event was created to highlight that.
The hope for the event, said organizers, “is that this event brings the community together and builds on this event to sponsor it next year, making it even bigger. We have no idea how many people will show up, but I guarantee if you don’t come, you will wish you had.”
As for how Nuit Blanche will work, organizers said, once the location is revealed people will go there.
To find out what that location is, organizers said, “People can follow on Facebook and Twitter (White Night Bristol) for clues… given out over the next several weeks leading up to the event. If you go onto the Facebook page and ‘Like’ the event, you will get updates and clues posted on your newsfeed.”
Additionally, organizers said the location will be revealed to the Bristol Observer before the event. (Look to the July 26 issue and www.BristolObserver.com.)
Participants are expected to bring food and beverages, as well as their own seats. There will be a tent with a limited number of tables and seats. Organizers said, “We encourage groups of friends to come and make an evening of it.”
If you don’t have any white clothes for the event, organizers said don’t fret. “Come no matter what,” they said, “but I am sure everyone has at least a shirt that is white to join in the fun.”
As a final pitch, organizers said, “People should come so we can build on the momentum that Bristol is going through right now. We want people to come to our city and say, ‘Wow, this is cool town, with cool people, doing cool things.’”
Bristol’s Nuit Blanche is Saturday, Aug. 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. Keep an eye on Facebook, Twitter, and BristolObserver.com for the location. Admission is free.

By KAITLYN NAPLES
STAFF WRITER

President and CEO of the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce Michael Nicastro said he is “pleased with the way things are going” regarding economic development.
Right now, he said, business isn’t as busy because of the summer months. People have hit the beach, or are away on vacations, but despite that Nicastro said the hustle and bustle of Bristol’s business community is still going strong.
“We have seen a very marked pick-up in activity,” Nicastro said about the city’s industrial parks.
Last year, the chamber and the Bristol Development Authority decided it would hit the road to meet with site selectors that work with businesses looking to expand or relocate, in an effort to “put Bristol on the map.”
During the summer months, Nicastro said there won’t be any physical meetings since schedules are inconsistent due to members’ time off. However, in the fall, he said meetings will resume.
“We are continuing communication, sending updates to the people we’ve met with,” Nicastro said, adding there are potential clients that are interested in vacant pieces of property in Bristol.
“You have to be pleased with the way things are going, especially since people are being very cautious now and are careful with their capital,” Nicastro said, adding businesses want to make sure they are relocating for the right reasons, can be in operation for a long time, and will make a profit off their investments.
Nicastro said Bristol is appealing to businesses because of the incentives offered to businesses. Just recently, the city was able to secure funding to two long-time city businesses –Harvest Bakery and Century Spring.
Harvest Bakery received a $12,000 grant for improvements to its facility and the addition of two employees.
Century Spring Manufacturing was considering moving from its current location on Middle Street, to Farmington. However, the mayor and Nicastro were able to help the company get an economic development grant. The company received $100,000 for economic development, and up to $6,000 for job creation, which will assist in its move to 100 Wooster Ct.
Nicastro said Bristol is also attractive to manufacturers because of its skilled workforce. Bristol is the home to Bristol Technical Education Center, better known as Bristol TEC, where students go to learn a variety of trades. The skilled workforce has been thinning out over the years, mostly due to retirement, Nicastro said. However, businesses and schools are trying to work together to fill that gap by encouraging education in the trades.
Moving forward, Nicastro said he expects there to be many ribbon cuttings. Just this week, the new Walmart Neighborhood Market opened up, which is expected to bring 95 new jobs to Bristol. Liberty Bank is also opening in August on Farmington Avenue.
Nicastro also said there is a business interested in a large space in the industrial park on Route 229. Just recently the former Clarion Hotel was transformed into a new Hilton DoubleTree.
“Every day, there are new calls, and new inquiries,” Nicastro said, adding, however, it can take a long time for businesses to commit to a location and open up shop.
There are currently two businesses in the Southeast Industrial Park, which is located off of Route 229, and there are 10 spots available. Bristol’s website also lists vacant properties for sale at www.bristolct.gov. The city also has a Request for Proposals for a real estate firm that would assist the Bristol Development Authority, in the marketing and possible sale of commercial properties within the Southeast Bristol Business Park. That RFP closes on July 25 at 1 p.m.

By MICHAEL LETENDRE
STAFF WRITER

SIMSBURY—When it comes to the playoff picture for the top five teams in the American Legion Zone 1 standings, it’s quite clear who is qualifying for state tournament play. Just the final order of the teams might be a bit mixed from now to the completion of the regular season.
Bristol’s squad will be part of the grouping of Zone 1 teams to make the post-season but its final resting place could be anywhere from third to fifth.
As the games play out, Post 2 will have a better understanding of where things lie. However, losing a 3-0 decision to Simsbury on Thursday, July 11 might have dire consequences in the grand scheme of things.
With the loss to Post 84, Bristol fell from third to fourth in the standings with just games remaining with Torrington and Terryville on the docket.
“This was disappointing because this game actually meant something,” said Coach Dave Nocera of the Simsbury loss. “We’re trying to get a bye in the sectionals and if we would have won this game, we would have had that bye. Now, we’re going to have to hope to look for some help.”
But there’s still room for movement as several of the squads still have to make up games and play through suspended contests which included a huge grudge match between Zone 1 leader Avon and second place Southington. Both of those squads won their season series against Bristol 2-1.
In the 2013 playoff format, the top five teams qualify for the state tourney – 40 teams in all will venture into the fray – which will be seeded by place finish in their respective zones and by overall record.
Bristol wants that bye badly and, if things work out, let some of the fifth place seeds pull some upsets to knock higher rated teams out of the way before Bristol enters the mix.
Avon, Southington, Simsbury, Unionville and Bristol will all qualify for the post-season and from there, it’s all up to Post 2 to maneuver through a tough slate of action to keep its season alive.
“The good news is that we’re in the sectionals,” said Nocera. “We’re in the playoffs. Our objective is to get ready for that and the most important games are the ones that start on July 20.”
Once things are all sorted out, state tournament games will take place from both Torrington and Stamford of all places.