The United Way of West Central Connecticut’s Adopt–A–Child Back to School Program, which began in 1999, is looking for donors for this year’s program.

If a company or individual wants to help a child in need, call Laura Watson (860-582-9559 x 400) or Kimberly Hernandez (860-

582-9559 x 405). 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 small monetary donation can go a long way to help United Way staff purchase items for these children.

Donations should be dropped off to United Way on either Aug. 13 or Aug. 14 between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., so that they can distribute the gifts before the first day of school.

Police reported that the missing juvenile Elena Sanchez has been located.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10

BRISTOL

SOUL SOUND REVUE. 7 p.m. Part of the Summer Concert Series of Bristol Parks and Recreation. Soul and R&B. Rockwell Park Amphitheater, Bristol.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17

BRISTOL

RAPOET SELF SUFFICE. 7 p.m. Part of the Summer Concert Series of Bristol Parks and Recreation. Hip Hop. Rockwell Park Amphitheater, Bristol.

Helen M. (Mueller) Gartman, 93, of Bristol passed away peacefully on Sunday (July 1,

2018) at the Village Green Nursing Home.  Helen was born in Hartford on May 30,

1925 and was the daughter of the late Frederick and Margaret (Wagner) Mueller. In

1943, Helen graduated from Hartford Public High School. In her youth, Helen was an

accomplished athlete at one time holding the Ct. title in Women’s Downhill Skiing. She

also was a swimming instructor for the American Red Cross for many years and spent

time as a pitcher for a women’s baseball team.   A long time Bristol resident, Helen

worked at the Armstrong Cork Co. followed by the Veeder Root. Co. Where she met

her husband to be Arthur A. Gartman. Together they raised 4 children. During this time,

Helen was very active in the community writing a Woman’s column for the Bristol

Press. She was also an Incorporator for the Bristol Hospital.  Helen is survived by three

children; her daughters Karen Boundy LeBeau of Sandwich, Ma. and Krista Stanhope

and her husband Robert of Southington, and a son A. Karl Gartman of Bristol; 7

grandchildren, Tiffany Boundy Hannoush, Jennifer and Laura Stanhope, Austin,

Victoria, Katelynn, and Lucas Gartman; And 3 great grandchildren, Andrew,

Christopher, and Nicholas Boundy Hannoush. Helen was predeceased by her husband

Arthur, her daughter Kimberly Gretchen Gartman and her brother Frederick W. Mueller

Jr.  Friends may call at the Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol on Friday

(July 6, 2018) between 10:30 and 11:30 AM.  A funeral service will be held at 11: 30

AM at the funeral home followed by burial in West Cemetery, Bristol. In lieu of

flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook

St., I-91-Tech Center, Rocky Hill, CT 06067-3045.  Please visit Helen’s memorial web-

site at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.

Blanche (Michaud) Fournier, 90, of Bristol, loving wife of the late Eugene N. “Bud” Fournier, died on Tuesday (June 26, 2018) at The Pines at Bristol Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation.  Blanche was born on December 26, 1927 in Bristol and was a daughter of the late Charles and Clothilda (Girardin) Michaud.

Blanche retired from the Newington Veterans Hospital. She enjoyed knitting blankets for people in her spare time.

Blanche is survived by three sons and three daughter-in-laws: Paul and Francine Fournier of St. Petersburg, FL, Ronald and Margaret Fournier of Bristol, James and Doreen Fournier of Bristol; a daughter, Patricia DeMay of Ocala, FL; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband and parents, she is predeceased by two brothers: Roger Michaud, David Michaud; and two sisters: Rose Nyerick, Grace Michaud.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Gregory Church, 235 Maltby Street, Bristol on Friday (June 29, 2018) at 10:30 AM.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may call at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol on Friday between 9 and 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to The Pines at Bristol Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation, 61 Bellevue Ave, Bristol, CT 06010.

Please visit Blanche’s memorial web-site at   www.FunkFuneralHome.com

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

Emma Willmann does not come from the most likely of communities to generate a stand-up comedian.

Willmann, who appears Comix at Mohegan Sun from July 12 to 14, came from Blue Hills, Maine—a town with a population of about 2,600 that lies about halfway up the coastline of the Pine Tree State. Her comedy, which has brought her onto television show like “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and “Crashing” and performances on “Late Show,” often evokes the foibles of small town life.

In a phone interview, Willmann said standup comic wasn’t necessarily on her list of career goals growing up.

When she was younger, Willmann said she did know she liked to entertain people.

She was outgoing. She was a member of student government.

“I was the fat, funny kid,” Willmann said.

But that was it. No one, including herself, painted her as someone who would headline at Mohegan Sun.

The stand-up comedy ball began to roll slowly when her parents got divorced, said Willmann.

In order to encourage Willmann to visit, she said her father got cable television.

With this conduit of entertainment, Willmann said she watched hip-hop videos and she became fascinated with word play.

But still, standup comedy was foreign to Willmann in Blue Hills, Maine.

Willmann’s first visit to a comedy club—to see stand-up in a live setting—didn’t come until after college. But still, there was no spark saying, “Hey, that’s the job for me.”

The chord for stand-up comedy finally was struck when Willmann went to a party. A woman at the party went into the corner and started doing an impromptu stand-up routine. It was a bad routine. But all the same, Willmann said she was fascinated by it.

Eventually, Emma started going to open mikes to try her hand at stand-up. She went to comedy classes to sharpen her skills.

Although she still had no firm thoughts of following stand-up as a career, Willmann said she was open to the possibility. As someone with dyslexia, she thought it was a good back-up plan for a career.

Now, firmly entrenched into the world of comedy—either on television or at clubs, Willmann said she wouldn’t know what to do if she didn’t entertain crowds.

With her dyslexia, Willmann said, “My only other (career) option is a greeter at Walmart.”

Willmann’s comedy focuses on her personal life. She talks about her dyslexia. She also speaks about being a gay woman from a small town.

“I try to keep it pretty personal,” said Emma. “That’s part of my life”—albeit exaggerated for comic effect.

“I’m just as problematic as the person next to me.”

Audiences like this approach because they can relate her jokes to their own lives, said Willmann.

Keeping it personal also is not just about relating to an audience, said Willmann. She finds it therapeutic for herself.

“I personally like doing self-deprecating stuff… that’s what I find funny.”

When audiences come to Comix, Willmann said, “It’s just a good time… It’s not too heavy… I’m not going to lecture you… It’s high energy… There will be a few moments where you say, ‘I can’t believe she said that.”

But, Willmann said, “It’s just fun.”

Emma Willmann will appear at Comix at Mohegan Sun, Uncasville July 12 to 14. Performances are Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.

For more information, go to www.comixatfoxwoods.com or www.emmacomedy.com/

Emma Willmann will perform at Comix at the Mohegan Sun starting next Thursday for four performances.

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

Former state representative Chris Wright is stepping back into Connecticut politics by running for state senator in the 31st district on the Democratic ticket.

Wright will run against Henri Martin, a Republican, in the district that includes Bristol, Plainville, Plymouth, Thomaston, and Harwinton.

Previously, Wright served in the 77th district until he lost to the current representative, Cara Pavalock D’Amato.

After being out of office in Hartford for a couple of years, Wright said he wanted to return to the General Assembly “because I believe that the people of the 31st District deserve a senator who is more independent and less interested in following his party’s leadership. Connecticut has always had a strong tradition of parties and politicians working together to address the issues that faced our state. I believe that we have been moving away from this tradition, and I will work to bring it back.”

Wright said, “Our current senator has been voting in a manner that I feel is not in the best interests of the people of the district and I intend speak to the voters about our differences on a number of important issues as the campaign goes on.”

Connecticut’s General Assembly has been embroiled in turmoil the past two years over budget issues. Wright said, “I want to join the conversation because I am someone who is willing to listen to all sides of an issue before I decide how I will vote.”

“As someone with a (bachelor’s degree) in economics and having worked at the FDIC for eight years, I have an understanding of the financial and economic consequences of the decisions that legislators make,” said Wright. “As someone who has been to seminary and studied for the ministry, I am also keenly aware of the human consequences of those decisions as well.”

“During my time in the legislature,” Wright said, “I always strove to learn as much as I could about the different arguments surrounding each issue and then act in a way that would benefit the people I represented the most. While naturally there was no way that I could make everyone happy with the actions that I took as a legislator, I always treated each individual and group with respect and dignity.”

If sent to Hartford as the district’s senator, Wright said, “I hope to make Connecticut a place where people and businesses want to locate, both for economic and personal reasons. I hope to work with others in state government to improve our economy, hold the line on spending and taxes while at the same time making the kind of investments in our state – such as in education and transportation and economic development – that we need to grow and also to encourage the kind of social and cultural attractions that younger people are looking for in their future home. I will fight for sustainable growth principles, such as the reclamation and reuse of brownfields and preservation of our few remaining open spaces, in our development plans.”

“During my previous tenure in the legislature,” said Wright, “I was a member of the bipartisan Manufacturing Caucus and will be a member once again if elected to the senate. As a representative, I was not afraid to oppose my leadership, even voting against me own leadership and opposing the budget and I will bring this kind of thoughtful independence with me to the Senate.”

As for how he will help the district if elected, Wright said, “I believe that both my educational and personal experiences will make me a senator whose presence benefits both the people of the 31st District, and the people of Connecticut. The district has tens of thousands of hardworking middle class workers, and as one of the few legislators who actually punches a time clock, I can best understand their challenges because I am one of them.”

“The district also has thousand of residents who make their living in the insurance and financial services sectors, and I fully appreciate their importance to our district and to our state and I will fight to keep them and their employers right here,” said Wright.

“As an employee in a large, busy emergency room, I see every day the struggles people have finding affordable healthcare, and will work to make sure that people aren’t forced to go without healthcare due to their financial or employment situation, their gender or because of any pre-existing medical condition they may have,” said Wright.

“The 31st is a district which has a large senior population as well as many young people just starting out, and we need programs which will benefit each,” said Wright.

“As the state senator from Bristol, Plainville, Plymouth, Harwinton and Thomaston, I will strive to be the voice of all the people and will work for policies that will benefit all of the people, not just a chosen few,” said Wright.

Comments? Email mchaiken@BristolObserver.com.

Chris Wright

By TAYLOR

MURCHISON-

GALLAGHER

STAFF WRITER

Bristol Development Authority will award $190,033 worth of grants to five businesses as part of their Downtown Grants, Small Business Grants, and Economic Development Grants.

Winchester Industrial Controls will be moving to 39 Dell Manor Drive.

“The company has been awarded a $40,000 grant as reimbursement for the relocation of 27 existing full-time positions and the creation of 13 new full-time positions,” according to a release from the BDA.

$69,070 will be presented to Curtis Products, who will be moving into the 229 Technology Park on Halcyon Drive.

“The company is requesting a $69,070 grant as reimbursement for the relocation of 35 existing full-time positions and the creation of 15 new full-time positions in the future,” according to the BDA.

Firefly Hollow Brewing “was awarded a Downtown grant of $65,000 to assist with the expansion of the business footprint at 139 Center St., the purchase and installation of new brewing and bottling equipment, and new full-time employee hiring,” according to the BDA.

Get Up N Dance, currently at 40 Barlow St., will be moving to 255 N. Main St., with a grant of $6,599.77, which will be used to purchase new dance floors to outfit their three studios, new mirrors, and ballet barres.

“Real Cafe was awarded a Downtown grant of up to $9,363.50 to assist with the purchase of equipment required to open a coffee shop at 156 School St.,” according to the BDA.

Justin Malley, executive director of the BDA, said it’s important to support businesses as they move to Bristol or expand in Bristol because each company brings possible employment opportunities to the citizens of Bristol.

By TAYLOR MURCHISON-GALLAGHER

STAFF WRITER

Bristol Board of Education Finance Committee met on Monday, June 25, to discuss the 2017-2018 budget, end of year transfers, and the 2016-17 ED-001 filing.

An ED-001 form, according to the Connecticut Department of Education, is an “end of year school report… primary source of financial information… data used in providing statistical information to local, state, and federal decision-makers… designed to collect all expenditure data for public school grades pre K through 12.”

At the Wednesday, June 6 meeting of the BOE, business manager, Jill Browne, said “We received an adjustment, as many districts do, as is typical, to our ED-001 report, the adjustment was a little over half a million dollars – it was $501,702.”

Browne said a letter was received in January, saying the adjustment would be in the BOE’s favor of $114,209. Browne explained that this letter was sent to City comptroller, Diane Waldron. Waldron did not receive all of the funding she had anticipated, and as a result, Browne contacted the state, to find out that further adjustments had been made but no alert was sent out from the state.

“It hurts the bottom line because the swing from a positive $114,000 to a negative $501,000 is almost $616,000,” said Browne on June 6. “So we’ve been investigating this since the moment we found out. What we are doing is recreating the report that accounts for every single dollar of our high cost special education spending in the 16/17 school year.”

Browne explained that the BOE received 52 pages of adjustments to the ED-001. Those adjustments were performed by The Management Solutions, who had been hired as the interim business office director. The BOE compared the adjustments with what was filed with the ED-001 report, and the information matched.

“Then we took that list of students with a blank page, and we went and pulled all of the purchase orders, invoices, check numbers, and so forth, and added up everything that City of Bristol expended for those high cost students in the 16/17 school year, and there’s a $467,333 difference; we spent more than what the state is recognizing that we spent,” said Browne.

Six high cost students had been left off of the list, and “all of those students qualify for excess cost grant funding, which means that all of those students exceed the 4 1/2 times per pupil expenditure threshold number to qualify for funding.”

Superintendent of Schools Sue Moreau said that she and the BOE did not know why those six students had been left off of the list, but that was “bulk” of the problem.

The BOE is currently looking into ways to rectify this situation.

Browne gave a report about the current school year budget, using the numbers as of Friday, June 22.

“As of Friday afternoon, we were almost $1.5 million in deficit,” said Browne, “that is before the application of the current revenue of $195,036.”

After applying the current revenue, Browne said the deficit became about $1.29 million.

“As of this afternoon [Wed., June 25] that $1.5 million is down to $1.373 million, so as we’re closing out purchase orders we’re dwindling, yelling for everybody to “Close! Close! Close!”, but we have to receive all of our June invoicing, so long story short, we’re still hopeful we’re going to be between a million dollar deficit and $1.15-ish; I’m hesitant to commit to any closer to that, that’s about where we stand for now.”

The schools transferred $105,568 from the “substitute paraprofessional salaries” line item.

“The end of the year transfers, the transfer that we just did was for purposes of expenditure, taking from one line putting into another line, and we know that we’re going to have an expense there,” explained Browne. “In order to close the year, the city will request that we do a series of journal entries which are not transfer for purposes of expenditure, they are a series of debits and credits to zero out the lines.”

Browne said that her office will still keep a list of where the numbers were at the end of the year, and where “we fell short”, in order to track accurate numbers to “better budget” for upcoming school years.

Comments? Email tmurchison@BristolObserver.com.

The Bristol police reported the following arrests:

Joshua Bilodeau, 25, of 472 Broad St., Bristol, was arrested on Friday, June 22, and charged with operation of a motor vehicle with registration or license suspended or revoked, possession of drug paraphernalia with less than one-half ounce of cannabis, possession with intent to sell narcotic substance, possession of controlled substance or more than one-half ounce of cannabis, first offense possession of less than one-half ounce of a cannabis-type substance, sale or use or possession of fireworks, and for having weapons in a motor vehicle.

Jessica M. Bolesta, 34, of 218 Blakeslee St., Apt. B, Bristol, was arrested on Friday, June 22, and charged with operation of a motor vehicle with license suspended or revoked, operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence, and following too closely.

Luis K. Clark, 25, of 22 North Turnpike Rd., Wallingford, was arrested on Friday, June 22, and charged with illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension due to alcohol, evading responsibility of injury or property damage, criminal impersonation, and interfering with an officer.

John L. Plantamuro, 57, of 51 Broadman St., Bristol, was arrested on Friday, June 22, and charged with second degree threatening.

Victor Joan Quiles, 31, of 19 Pratt St., Bristol, was arrested on Friday, June 22, and charged with violation of probation.

Sean Bailey, 41, of 60 Pine Brook Terrace., Apt. A5, Bristol, was arrested on Saturday, June 23, and charged with second degree breach of peace, and second degree threatening.

Jennifer Ann Dacosta, 39, of 104 Chestnut St., Bristol, was arrested on Saturday, June 23, and charged with second degree breach of peace, and operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence.

Michelleaje Torres, 19, of 104 Chestnut St., Bristol, was arrested on Saturday, June 23, and charged with second degree breach of peace, and third degree assault.

Jason A. Willard, 39, of 56 Park St., Bristol, was arrested on Saturday, June 23, and charged with first degree criminal trespassing, and criminal violation of a protective order.

Kelvin Jorge Borrero, 27, of 78 Lincoln St., Apt. 3F, Bristol, was arrested on Sunday, June 24, and charged with violation of a protective order.

Daniel P. Lango, 33, of 39 Kelly St., Bristol, was arrested on Sunday, June 24, and charged with littering.

Eldred Patton, 57, of 267 Main St., Apt. A, Bristol, was arrested on Sunday, June 24, and charged with second degree breach of peace, and third degree assault.

Wilson Rodriguez-Torres, 41, of 23 Lone Oak Ave., Waterbury, was arrested on Sunday, June 24, and charged with operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence, and unsafe backing.

Julianna Maria Bardales, 18, of 781 Farmington Ave., Bristol, was arrested on Monday, June 25, and charged with second degree breach of peace, and third degree assault.

Randy Braddock, 47, of 27 Rosemont St., Bristol, was arrested on Monday, June 25, and charged with operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of liquor or drug or with an elevated blood alcohol content, illegal operation of a motor vehicle without an ignition device, failure to signal on a restricted turn, and failure to comply with fingerprint request.

Ashley Chance, 32, of 37 Morris Ave., Bristol, was arrested on Monday, June 25, and charged with third degree larceny.

Shawn Hanscom, 46, of 19 Jacobs St., Bristol, was arrested on Monday, June 25, and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance or more than one-half ounce of cannabis.

Robert Garnell Hunter, 20, of 447 Tudor St., Waterbury, was arrested on Monday, June 25, and charged with following too close, and first offense possession of less than one-half ounce of cannabis.

Erin B. Lacombe, 42, of 218 West St., Bristol, was arrested on Monday, June 25, and charged with second degree failure to appear.

Jay R. Pelletier, 46, of 179 Rethal St., Southington, was arrested on Monday, June 25, and charged with first degree criminal mischief.

Hector Rivera, 24, of 279 Summer St., Bristol, was arrested on Monday, June 25, and charged with three counts of second degree failure to appear, criminal violation of a protective order, and first degree failure to appear.

Angel Guy Rosado, 34, of 12 Locust St., Meriden, was arrested on Monday, June 25, and charged with illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension due to failure to appear.

Jason A. Viel, 23, of 31 Addison St., Apt. 1F, Bristol, was arrested on Monday, June 25, and charged with third degree burglary, and sixth degree larceny.

Amy B. Beliveau, 40, of 1192 Burlington Ave., Bristol, was arrested on Tuesday, June 26, and charged with disorderly conduct.

Michael Maurice Costello, 25, of 152 Jerome Ave., Bristol, was arrested on Tuesday, June 26, and charged with being a fugitive from a justice warrant, first offense possession of less than one-half ounce of cannabis, and interfering with an officer.

Barbara J. York, 57, of 3 Hemmingway St., Plainville, was arrested on Tuesday, June 26, and charged with possession of a controlled substance or more than one-half ounce of cannabis.

Tyler Dorsey, 25, of 215 Birch St., Bristol, was arrested on Wednesday, June 27, and charged with third degree criminal mischief, two counts of sixth degree larceny, possession of a shoplifting device, third degree burglary, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance or more than one-half ounce of cannabis.

Timothy Edward Harrison, 22, of 8 Lexington St., Bristol, was arrested on Wednesday, June 27, and charged with traveling unreasonably fast, operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence, failure to drive right, and failure to obey control signal.

Kelly David Nixon, 27, of 115 Louisiana Ave., Bristol, was arrested on Wednesday, June 27, and charged with two counts of sixth degree larceny.

Paige L. Blancato, 27, of 147 Park St., Bristol, was arrested on Thursday, June 28, and charged with violation of a protective order.

Cynthia M. Gonzalez, 34, of 76 Chestnut St., Bristol, was arrested on Thursday, June 28, and charged with illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension,  and for not having insurance.

Joseph Weisbecker, 32, of 426 Emmett St., Apt. 426J, Bristol, was arrested on Thursday, June 28, and charged with possession of a controlled substance or more than one-half ounce of cannabis.

Veterans in and around Plainville are invited to this free presentation on veteran’s benefits on Thursday, July 12 at 10 a.m. at the Plainville Senior Center.

Jason Coppola, Veterans Service Officer from the State Office of Advocacy and Assistance will give an overview of the numerous benefits available to veterans and their families. He also will answer questions.

The Plainville Senior Center is at 200 East St., Plainville. Register by calling the Senior Center at (860)747-5728.

An emergency blood shortage is prompting the American Red Cross to issue an urgent call for eligible donors of all blood types – especially type O – to give now and help save lives.

The Red Cross escalated its call for blood and platelet donors after a difficult Independence Day week for donations. More than 550 fewer blood drives were organized by businesses and other community groups last week than during a typical week as individuals across the country celebrated the holiday and enjoyed summer activities. This could equate to as many as 15,000 fewer donations than needed, causing donations to now be distributed to hospitals faster than they come in.

To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Rita (Kennerson) Bunnell, 76, of Terryville, passed away Sunday July 8, 2018 at home.

Rita was born in Grand Falls, New Brunswick Canada March 30, 1942, daughter of the late Harold and

Martha (McCarthy) Kennerson. Prior to her retirement she worked for General Motors. She was a member

of the Immaculate Conception Church Terryville. Rita was an avid scrap booker and card maker. She loved

and was devoted to her family and friends.

She is survived by, her sons Robert Bunnell and his wife Doris of Rocky Hill, Gregory Bunnell and his wife

Monica of Newington; her daughter Kathleen Urban of SC; her brother Eugene Kennerson of Bakersville; her

sisters Madeline Kelley of FL and Linda Caissie of Canada; her grandchildren Stephanie and her husband

Shawn Perkins, Jennifer Bunnell, Sean Urban and his wife Jamie and Kelly Urban; several nieces and

nephews. She was predeceased by 9 brothers and sisters.

The family would like to give special thanks to her dear friend Janet Losee for all her love and support and

to the Bristol Hospital Hospice nurses Katie and Ariel.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday 11 AM at the Immaculate Conception Church

Terryville. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery Bristol. Scott Funeral Home 169 Main St. Terryville is

assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to

Bristol Hospice, P.O. Box 977, Bristol, CT 06011

www.scottfuneralhomeinc.com

Throughout the months of June, July, and August, the Higher Ground Christian Church, 550 King St., invites you to celebrate summer.

Every Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., HGCC invites the public to enjoy giveaways, a cookout, games and music. These summer block parties are free and open to the public, and will be held in the field, unless weather moves the party inside.

Their flyer also said, “Need a ride? Call 888-578-9248 for pick up locations in Bristol.”

The monthly Meeting of the Republican Town Committee will take place on Saturday, July 21 at the GOP’s third Annual Blues Picnic at Muzzy Field. The picnic starts at 4 p.m. For more information and tickets to the visit the Facebook page. Bristol Republican Town Committee. You can also call (860) 266-7812 for more information.

The City of Bristol was recently awarded the Certificate of Achievement for the Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada, according to a press release from the Mayor’s office.

“The City of Bristol is honored to have received these awards and recognition and will strive to continue the success in the upcoming fiscal year,” said Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu in a press release.

The award of Financial Reporting Achievement was awarded to Robin Manuele, assistant comptroller, for her successful efforts in coordinating and preparing the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, read the press release.

According to the press release, this achievement is the highest form of recognition given in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

“Both of these awards awards are indicative of the dedication of the staff  in the comptroller’s office to continue to receive these awards. This is the 31st year the city has received the CAFR award and the 16th year the city has the PAFR award. Both awards are viewed very highly by the rating agencies. I want to give special recognition to the efforts of Robin Manuele, assistant comptroller, Jodi McGrane, assistant to the comptroller, Skip Gillis, senior accountant, and Sharon Chaika, budget/finance analyst,” said Diane Waldron, comptroller.

The Bristol Police Department reported the following arrests:

• Gabor Cirok, 42, of 34 Williams St., Bristol, was arrested on Friday, June 29, and charged with sixth degree larceny.
• Ninamarie Cloutier, 56, was arrested on Friday, June 29, and charged with simple trespassing.
• John Carlos Crespo-Lopez, 31, of 57 Union St., Apt. 8, Bristol, was arrested on Friday, June 29, and charged with being a fugitive from justice.
• Devon Crussana, 32, of 267 Main St., Apt. 3, Bristol, was arrested on Friday, June 29, and charged with sixth degree larceny.
• Scott Doucette, 28, of 74 Divinity St., Bristol, was arrested on Friday, June 29, and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Isiah R. Jones, 25, of 489 Wolcott St., Apt. 7, Bristol, was arrested on Friday, June 29, and charged with traveling unreasonably fast.
• Barbara G. Nanfito, 68, of 376 South St., Bristol, was arrested on Friday, June 29, and charged with following too closely.
• Maryrene Trigila, 46, of 517 Church St., Newington, was arrested on Friday, June 29, and charged with operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence, and failure to obey a control signal.
• Jeremy Thomas Bayne, 36, of 4 Higgins Ave., Plainville, was arrested on Saturday, June 30, and charged with operation of a motor vehicle without carrying a license, and operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence.
• Emily Gallgher Dobruck, 30, of 140 Bassett St., New Britain, was arrested on Saturday, June 30, and charged with interfering with an officer, and second degree falsely reporting an incident.
• Jacob John Koczur, 39, of 27 Concord St., Bristol, was arrested on Saturday, June 30, and charged with operation or towing an unregistered motor vehicle, misuse of plate, traveling unreasonably fast, failure to drive right, operation or permitting of operation of a motorcycle without liability insurance, first offense operation of a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle without a license, interfering with an officer, and second degree falsely reporting incident.
• Luis Rogelia Medina, 19, of 157 South Street Extension St., Bristol, was arrested on Saturday, June 30, and charged with operation of a motor vehicle by a minor with elevated blood alcohol content, possession of a controlled substance or more than one-half ounce of cannabis, and for having weapons in a motor vehicle.
• Christopher Nieva, 25, of 84 Barlow St., Bristol, was arrested on Saturday, June 30, and charged with second degree failure to appear, and first degree failure to appear.
• Terrance P. Reinhard Jr., 38, of 277 Divinity St., Bristol, was arrested on Saturday, June 30, and charged with operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence, and failure to drive right.
• Brandon Deprey, 20, of 130 Michael Ln., Newington, was arrested on Sunday, July 1, and charged with reckless driving, driving with an intent to harass, second degree breach of peace, and second degree reckless endangerment.
• Jamel Rashed Guest, 21, of 52 Putnam St., New Britain, was arrested on Sunday, July 1, and charged with creating a public disturbance.
• Torrance Pettway, 40, of 161 Washington St., Bristol, was arrested on Sunday, July 1, and charged with operation of a motor vehicle with license or registration suspended or revoked, and failure to signal on a restricted turn.
• Cheryl Prenez, 52, of 24 Wooding St., Bristol, was arrested on Sunday, July 1, and charged with operation or towing an unregistered motor vehicle, operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence, and for not having insurance.
• Ashley Therrien, 26, of 40 Main St., Apt. 111, Terryville, was arrested on Sunday, July 1, and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance or more than one-half ounce of cannabis, first offense possession of less than one-half ounce of a cannabis-type substance, and for having weapons in the motor vehicle.
• Ashley L. Cunha, 31, of 17 Lyman Rd., Wolcott, was arrested on Monday, July 2, and charged with operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence, failure to keep drugs in their original container, and possession of a controlled substance or more than one-half ounce of cannabis.
• Correana Morin, 29, of 81 Seymour St., Bristol, was arrested on Monday, July 2, and charged with second degree failure to appear.
• Waleska Otero, 24, of 61 Davis Dr., Bristol, was arrested on Monday, July 2, and charged with violation of a protective order.
• Robert D. Pelkey, 27, of 91A Barnes St., Bristol, was arrested on Monday, July 2, and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia with less than one-half ounce of cannabis, possession of a controlled substance or more than one-half ounce of cannabis, and possession of less than one-half ounce of a cannabis-type substance.
• Eldianne V. Raftery, 35, of 25 Hicks Dr., Windsor Locks, was arrested on Monday, July 2, and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Valerie Sanchez, 22, of 111 Louisiana Ave., Bristol, was arrested on Monday, July 2, and charged with injury or risk or impairing the morals of a child, second degree breach of peace, and third degree assault.
• Robert C. Lemire, 34, of 48 Academy St., Southbury, was arrested on Tuesday, July 3, and charged with evading responsibility of injury or property damage, failure to keep route on a curve or hill, and for not having insurance.
• Tasha G. Marshall, 24, of 38 Stearns St., Apt. 2, Bristol, was arrested on Tuesday, July 3, and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Kimberly M. Prescott, 28, was arrested on Tuesday, July 3, and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance or more than one-half ounce of cannabis, and for being a fugitive from justice.
• Patrick Summa, 34, of 121, Proctor St., Waterbury, was arrested on Tuesday, July 3, and charged with injury or risk or impairing the morals of a child, second degree breach of peace, and third degree assault.
• Rochelle Trzuskoski, 21, of 38 Stearns St., Apt. 2, Bristol, was arrested on Tuesday, July 3, and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Matthew Carl Bengston, 22, of 89 Surry Dr., Bristol, was arrested on Wednesday, July 4, and charged with speeding.
• Paul Bolduc, 34, of 37 George St., Bristol, was arrested on Wednesday, July 4, and charged with first offense operation of a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle without a license.
• Sarah Clark, 34, of 218 West St., Apt. B2, Bristol, was arrested on Wednesday, July 4, and charged with first degree failure to appear.
• Duane L. Duff, 54, of 103 Cypress St., Bristol, was arrested on Wednesday, July 4, and charged with failure to obey a stop sign.
• Tara Ilic, 36, of 6 Earl St., Bristol, was arrested on Wednesday, July 4, and charged with speeding.
• Avery F. Marek, 23, of 18 Benham St., Apt. A, Bristol, was arrested on Wednesday, July 4, and charged with operation or towing an unregistered motor vehicle, speeding, operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence, and first offense operation of a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle without a license.
• Candice A. Morgan, 30, of 125 Gridley St., Bristol, was arrested on Wednesday, July 4, and charged with speeding.
• Robert Opalacz, 42, of 43 Roxbury Rd., East Hartford, was arrested on Wednesday, July 4, and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Gina G. Teti, 45, of 14 Quaker Ln., Bristol, was arrested on Wednesday, July 4, and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Edward Anderson, 58, of 426 Emmett St., Apt. E, Bristol, was arrested on Thursday, July 5, and charged with interfering with an officer, second degree breach of peace, and assault on a victim at least 60 years of age.
• Christen Baldwin, 26, of Bristol, was arrested on Thursday, July 5, and charged with disorderly conduct and third degree assault.
• Patricia Davis, 51, of 288 Pine St., Apt. 3C, Bristol, was arrested on Thursday, July 5, and charged with disorderly conduct.
• Scott Tony Johnson, 59, of 500 Stafford Ave., Apt. 10C, Bristol, was arrested on Thursday, July 5, and charged with second degree breach of peace, and third degree assault.
• Erinn M. Kalak, 27, of 319 Brainard Hill Rd., Higganum, CT, was arrested on Thursday, July 5, and charged with operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence, and failure to drive right.
• Melissa A. Ouellette, 47, of 6 Round Hill Rd., Bristol, was arrested on Thursday, July 5, and charged with illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension, second offense operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence, and littering.
• Edward Anderson, 58, of 426 Emmett St., Apt. E, Bristol, was arrested on Friday, July 6, and charged with first degree criminal trespassing, and second degree violation of conditions of release.
• Patrick Butler, 39, of 84 Brentwood Dr., Bristol, was arrested on Friday, July 6, and charged with operation of a motor vehicle with registration or license suspended or revoked, second offense illegal operation of a

Audrey Joyce Helming Dubay, 87 died in the home she has lived in since 1956 on July 5,2018. Audrey leaves her husband of 68 years, Keith Dubay. They were married on April 15th in Bristol CT in a dress she had made. Unable to conceive early in their marriage and unable to adopt due to their mixed marriage (she was Lutheran and he was Catholic) they became foster parents – hosting dozens of children in their home. Together they had five children Keith Jr, Kevin, Keryl, Kiernan, and Kristin. Their youngest was adopted in 1970, across racial lines and Audrey was often unaccepting of the small-mindedness of people who were confused by their family photos.  Audrey graduated from Bristol High School in 1949 and St Joseph College in 1990. Her thirst for and drive to continue her education was never-ending.  Audrey worked in a Credit Union in Bristol (Hildreth Press which became City Graphics) where she worked way up from Teller to Manager.  She was known to walk to the office in the snow when roads were closed so that shift workers could access their checks. In 1981 she left to run the Teachers Credit Union for Hartford, West Hartford and Bloomfield Schools. Under her leadership that credit Union (now known as Franklin Trust Federal Credit Union) grew from $4.5million to $34.5 million. At the request of the National Credit Union Administration, she saved many other credit unions in danger of failure by merging with them including Colt Firearms and Atco Thread. At Franklin Trust, she began the internship program there that brought hundreds of high school students for work experience to her offices and assisted in the launch of an entirely student-run branch in Hartford at Bulkeley school. She believed that financial institutions should serve those most in-need – rather than shareholders and served the Credit Union movement for more than 43 years. Her son, Kiernan is President and CEO of Franklin Trust today. The mission she established to be a community centered organization was realized when the Credit Union became a “community” rather than employed based organization. Today more than 8200 people are provided financial services from this low-cost, high-quality organization. Each of her children took roles that serve those less fortunate through law, financial services, nursing and public health.  Audrey travelled the world with her husband Keith – largely on cruise ships and with her closest friends Dixie and Gordon Losey and Arthur and Esther Gatzuras. She visited all seven continents. Among her favorite trips were to the South of France, Africa, and a family trip to Italy where all 25 of her immediate family members spent two weeks in a villa outside of Florence.   Audrey supported dozens of charities including her church of 65 years – St Andrew Lutheran Church in Bristol, CT – Southern Poverty Law Center, American Diabetes Association, NAACP, Urban League, Planned Parenthood, and their beloved UCONN. She was an avid baker and knitter, always happy to brighten someone’s day who was struggling with a personal challenge or celebrating the birth of a child. She sent more than 120 baby hats to warm the tiny heads of newborns in Africa as part of a knitters movement to encourage President Bush to continue funding vaccination campaigns abroad.  Audrey taught those around her by example – and those who came in contact with her learned from her keen financial management skills. One nurse’s aide wrote to her years after leaving them to let her know that she had indeed opened an account at a credit union and saved for her wedding – rather than charging it. Audrey shared all she had. Audrey’s 1949 Yearbook (The Torch) stated that she was a “shining streak of vim and vitality” and that was true until her final days. Her bright blue eyes and wide smile were present as her children and grandchildren visited her and she thanked every nurse who tended her.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Southern Poverty Law Center – to continue her life-long mission of helping those in need and toward social justice for all. There will be no wake or funeral – but a celebration of life will be held at her home, 62 Hardwick Rd, Bristol, CT on August 4, 2018 from 3pm-6pm. as she requested a dance floor and amazing food and the opportunity to celebrate her life with others who knew and loved her.

Keith Edward Dubay, died in his home – mad as hell because he wasn’t ready – the afternoon of July 9, 2018.  (Keith insisted that that sentence open his obituary).  Keith passed away four days

after his wife of 68 years, Audrey Joyce Helming Dubay. Keith graduated from Bristol High School in 1945. Keith and Audrey had five children, Keith Jr, Kevin, Keryl, Kiernan and Kristin. Keith was a grandfather to eight grandchildren: Andrew Santaniello, Liz Vaughn, Patience (Mackey) Dubay, Savannah Dubay, Grace Dubay, Clara Horton, Katherine Horton, and Charlotte Horton, and three great-grandchildren CJ, Madison and Ethan Vaughn.  Keith led a life of public service – enlisting in the Navy during World War II – because he had heard there were snakes (he detested snakes) in the foxholes of Europe. He was a gedunk tender  – which meant he ran an ice cream shop aboard ship and that he made sandwiches during active fire drills.  Keith was always a pacifist. Upon returning from the war, Keith enrolled at UCONN utilizing the benefits provided under the G.I.Bill.  He graduated from UCONN in 1951 and became a Certified Life Underwriter in 1962.  Keith was head of young Democrats in CT, served as first selectman from 1953-1955 and as State Representative from 1955-57 and 1959-1961. Perhaps most importantly to him, he served as Chairman of the Bristol Board of Education from 1976-1979 where he championed gifted and talented programs in public schools. Always a modest man, he was slightly embarrassed when a Bristol Press Editorial at the termination of his Board of Education service referred to him as “his brother’s keeper.” Keith was an avid supported of sensible gun legislation and from 1975-2000 he cut every gun death from the paper and copied them at the local library or post office with a stack of dimes. Keith sent copies to every state representative and senator who did not yet support sensible limits to gun ownership. He worked as a volunteer lobbyist for Bread for the World – working tirelessly for the passage of WIC and the school breakfast program. Keith believed that adequate food was a basic human right.  Keith worked at RJ Vicino Agency selling insurance from 1958 to 1992. Keith also served as a Justice of the Peace – marrying people all over Bristol. Upon his retirement Keith divided his time equally between world travel and volunteerism. Keith was a mentor to children in Bristol Public Schools, a worker for Hartford Habitat for Humanity with his closest friend Arthur Gatzuras, and supported  his beloved UCONN huskies. Even when in the far East or Caribbean he would find a local bar to catch games.  He and Audrey always felt that they had been incredibly blessed. They in turn were a blessing to all fortunate enough to know and love them. Per their wishes there will be no calling hours and a private internment. Donations in Keith’s memory may be made to Foodshare , Habitat for Humanity or to the organization of the donor’s choice.A celebration of their life at their home at 62 Hardwick Rd, Bristol, CT 06010 will be held on August the 4^th from 3pm-6pm. Stop by to raise a glass in thanksgiving for the grace they shared. All are welcome. On-line guestbook available at www.FunkFuneralHome

The Mayor’s Office is looking for additional musical talent to perform at the Bristol Farmer’s

Markets.

We are seeking artists who are eager to volunteer and have their music heard by local residents.

The

Saturday market on North Main Street, across from City Hall runs 10am-1pm through October

27th.

The newly initiated Federal Hill Green Market runs on Wednesdays from 3pm-6pm during July

and

August.

“We have been getting great crowds at the Farmers Market and in conjunction with our newly

formed

Arts, Culture and Tourism Commission, we want to feature local talent and give them a place to

perform.” said Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu.

“In addition to local veteran performer, Jason Gerrish, the July 7th Farmers Market featured ‘The

Missing Peace’, a band comprised of college aged kids from Bristol,” said Greg Hahn, a member

of the

City Council, “we would like to feature other talented musicians and artists as well.”

To express interest in performing, please call the Mayor’s Office.

Contact: Cathy Savino, Mayor’s Office: 860-584-6250

Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation will host its annual community-wide summer picnic on Sunday, Aug. 5 at Recreation Park in Plantsville (Rain date is Aug. 12). This annual social event is an opportunity for individuals and families interested in learning more about the congregation to meet members in a relaxed setting and find out more about events and the community as a whole.

This year it is also an opportunity for the congregation’s new rabbi, Alana Wasserman, to introduce herself to the greater Southington Jewish community. Wasserman begins her work with the congregation on Aug. 1. She is new to New England, having re-located this summer from South Carolina with her husband, Rabbi Jeremy Master and their two children.

Wasserman was born in Paramus, N.J., raised in Texas, and was ordained at the Hebrew Union College in New York in 2004. She has worked previously in New Jersey, South Carolina and Florida.

Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation makes its spiritual home in the Southington First Congregational Church on the Town Green. Although small, the congregation has taken on large responsibilities including becoming guardians and restorers of a saved Holocaust Torah which dates from the 17th century.

The congregation will observe High Holiday Services beginning Rosh Hashanah on Sunday night, Sept. 9 and Monday, Sept. 10. Yom Kippur services will begin with Kol Nidre on Sept. 18 and will continue on Sept. 19, concluding with a community breakfast.

Directions to the picnic and general information about the congregation can be obtained by calling them at (860) 276-9113, writing to events@gsjc.org, visiting their website at www.gsjc.org or visiting their

Facebook page at Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation.