By TAYLOR MURCHISON-GALLAGHER

STAFF WRITER

The Board of Education met on Wednesday, July 11, and heard public comments regarding the creation of an arts magnet school, as well as voted on their feasibility study decision.

Bristol teachers, Lea McCabe, Sarah Divenere, Kathryn Morales, and Kelly McCabe, expressed their concern with the plans to convert the Memorial Boulevard School into an intra-district magnet school, and the effect it would have on the rest of the Bristol Public Schools.

Their concerns focused on two main thoughts; will funding an arts specialty school take funding away from other art programs? And, will students enrolled in a specialty school still receive a well-rounded education?

“When I heard about an arts magnet school I was super excited like… And then the union part of me, and the part of me that knows how school systems work, and how teachers are distributed, started to question [how] the opportunities in Bristol for the other schools could be affected with this magnet school. I’m assuming if you’re spending all these millions of dollars on a magnet school, it’s going to have state of the art equipment, and facilities, and instruments, and lighting and all of those things,” said Kathryn Morales, Bristol Federation of Teachers vice president of elementary schools. “I also know… that when high schools put on productions, they have to come up with that money on their own to buy the rights to the play, to pay the orchestra… and they have to raise the money through fundraisers. With an arts magnet school, I don’t know if that would be part of their budget, and then the equity there between these teachers are getting all of these things as part of their budget, and these teachers are struggling to put two dimes together to put a production together.”

Morales also questioned how the supposed lottery system would work, saying, “I don’t understand logistically how you can have a lottery, but then say that you’re going to be placing outplaced Bristol students into a magnet school to keep them here… so, is the lottery fixed? Or, are we just saying that half of it is for people that are already in magnet schools?”

Superintendent of School Susan Moreau said “I welcome the opportunity to share the educational perspectives of this school because I’m not sure you have the right idea about what has been planned.”

Commissioner Karen Hintz gave the operation committee’s report, which included their decision on the feasibility study. The study was performed by architectural firm, Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc, and was originally presented to the board in January, 2018.

“Two years ago, the Board of Finance allocated $60,000 for us to perform a feasibility study… and we do feasibility studies periodically to assess the condition of our buildings, the appropriateness of the buildings, for the program studies that are going on, and to look at demographic information… and how do we best utilize the funds coming from the city and the BOF to maintain our schools,” said Hintz. “The architects who performed the study presented us with a number of options, and one of the options is titled, ‘Do Nothing Option,’ which is kind of a misnomer because we’re never going to do nothing… The ‘Do Nothing’ option was passed in the operations committee, and that’s the option we’re going to put forward.”

Hintz explained that this option entails continuing “to attack the items that need improvement” such as “the construction projects that need to happen… while the administration and the BOE does their work to plan for the preparation of the Memorial Boulevard Arts Magnet.

Much discussion followed, with commissioners Jeff Caggiano, Jennifer Dube, and Kristen Giantonio voting against the decision during the roll call vote.

The decision passed, 4-3.

Comments? Email tmurchison@bristolobserver.com.

By TAYLOR MURCHISON-GALLAGHER

STAFF WRITER

The Boys and Girls Club of Bristol Family Center hosted the 20th annual Mayor’s Cup Golf Outing on Monday, July 16, at Chippanee Country Club, 6 Marsh Rd.

One-hundred-forty-four golfers took to the 18 hole green to raise funds to support the programming the Boys and Girls Club offers across its 12 Bristol locations. By the end of the day, $72,000 was raised, according to Sarah Lucian, director of development and marketing at the BBGC.

Lucian said the first place winning gross team was Atlantic Precision Spring— comprised of Brian Fries, Adam Ward, Neil Fries, and Steve Phelps. The first place net team was from Enterprise— comprised of Mike Eward, Art Baker, Dan Wilson, and Jon Skidmore. Tom Zipp won the closest to the pin contest, and Rich Skelenka was the longest drive winner.

Co-chairs Tony Mattioli and Dave Hrdlicka have been running the tournament since it began, approximately 20 years ago.

“It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year, we have 144 golfers… we have tremendous sponsors… and it’s a fun event too,” said Mattioli. “You can expect to see a lot of fun, a lot of camaraderie, a lot of competitiveness, and then a great social and get together this evening for dinner and our raffle.”

Mattioli said the funds raised will go directly into the Boys and Girls Club, 255 West St., and that Bristol citizens “owe it to themselves to get down there and check out this place, it’s a hidden gem for our community, and it helps these kids; that’s what it’s all about.”

Daneirys Rivera, 2018 Youth of the Year, and club member, Brianna Parker, volunteered to assist during registration, and oversaw the putting contest.

“Everything that comes in today is going to go straight into funding the club,” said Rivera.

Parker, who has been a member since 2014, is also a member of the Keystone Auxiliary program, which promotes volunteerism.

“[Keystone Club members], whenever we get a chance to volunteer, we’re always at it,” said Parker. “I think it’s important because we should be all involved in our community and we should help each other out, especially because we’re in Keystone and that’s what we do,” said Parker.

The tournament’s name, the Mayor’s Cup Golf Outing, can be traced back to the founding of the event, when Art Ward was the mayor, from 2007 to 2013, who was a member of the Boys Club in his youth.

“(T)hey were going to call it the ‘Mayor Ward Tournament,’ and I said “No, if you call it the Mayor’s Cup, then you can do it regardless of who’s in office, and it blossomed with people supporting it and the Boys Club, and it’s grown to a sell-out every year,” said Ward. “I think it [the tournament] is great because you can see the activity of everyone, concerning the boys, girls, youth of Bristol, and I think it takes people out of their normal element, and puts them in an element where they know that what they’re doing makes a difference.”

Former mayor Ward also was joined by past mayors John Leone, Mike Werner, William Stortz, and current mayor, Ellen Zoppo-Sassu.

“Having worked for the Boys and Girls Club for three years, I am well acquainted with all the good work that they do across socioeconomic lines to bring quality programs and sport events, teams, to kids from all corners, as well as a regional basis,” said Zoppo-Sassu. “I think that any program, including their tech programs, that can inspire confidence and help kids build friendships across neighborhoods and schools are a huge benefit for the community.”

The golf outing had many sponsors, including presenting sponsor, Conveyco Technologies; raw bar sponsor, ESPN; raffle sponsor, Atlantic Precision Spring, Inc.; lunch sponsor, Starkweather & Shepley Charitable Fund, and more.

Raymond Cocozza, president and CEO of Conveyco, was just one of the 144 golfers to try their hand at the course.

“We’ve seen the impact that it makes…, and the privilege to get to meet some of the kids that have gone through the program, and watch them grow into amazing young adults and talk about how impactful the Boys and Girls Club was to their lives, it’s very touching and it’s nice to see your resources go directly back into the community and make an impact,” said Cocozza.

ESPN was represented by four members of their security team, led by security supervisor, Sean Malenfant.

“We do a lot with the Bristol Boys and Girls Club, this is one of the fun things that we get to do with the team and with the Bristol Boys and Girls Club and it’s a great experience for our folks here,” said Malenfant.

“[I want to] give my sincere thanks to the mayors, to the city, to all of the people that support us, and most of all to the incredible staff that we have in 12 sites around the city, serving up to 1,000 kids a day,” said Michael Suchopar, president and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club at Bristol Family Resource Center, “they really have an incredible impact on the lives of our children, and thanks to the kindness of the people that support us, that’s how we get it done, so, thanks to everybody in the community, and most of all, like I said, to our wonderful staff.”

Comments? Email tmurchison@BristolObserver.com.

Bristol Boys and Girls Club staff and volunteers with former mayor Art Ward, third from the right, at the Mayors Golf Cup fundraiser at Chipanee Country Club last Monday. From the left, Abby Hadlock, Sarah Lucien, Ward, and Judy Murrone. (JANELLE MORELLI)

Some of the former city mayors and current mayor who attended the fundraiser. From the left, Mike Werner, John Leone, Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, William Stortz, and Art Ward. (JANELLE MORELLI PHOTO)

By TAYLOR MURCHISON-GALLAGHER

STAFF WRITER

In the July meeting of the City Arts and Culture Commission, the commissioners approved their logo, tagline, began planning their involvement in upcoming events, and began to discussion their role in the City and how they plan to execute that role.

Vice chair, Kim Villanti, passed out packets with the new logo, the vision statement, and the roles of the commission. The CACC vision statement reads, “The CACC serves to provide guidance on enhancing the lives of the citizens of Bristol through the arts; stimulate public awareness of the arts and culture of Bristol; and develop ways to improve the experience of living, working, playing and visiting the city.”

Villanti will be in charge of performing arts, a role that includes “providing ideas and venues throughout the city that promote and celebrate theater, singing, film, comedy, poetry, theater workshops and fostering new talent.”

CACC chair, Lindsay Vigue, will be in charge of public art, bringing “art into our everyday living by making it accessible in places that we walk, drive and frequent throughout the city.” This work may include mural projects, sculpture gardens, crosswalk art, and a public art map.

Commissioner Aly Thomas was charged with outreach and education, “connecting our different communities, including those who have been historically marginalized. Our reach must be accessible and include ability, language, age and cultural differences. Educationally, we will plan and execute events that seek to teach and foster creativity for our community through the arts.”

The visual arts will be overseen by commissioner Juliet Norton, who will do so by “sourcing exhibition space throughout the city” and promote “artists through live art, scholarships and the exhibiting of their works.”

Commissioner Jesse Gallagher will be working with all aspects of music, which will “identify and support current providers of live music, including both vendors and performers.”

Commissioners Sam Cloutier, and former mayor Bill Stortz, have been charged with culture and tourism. Their work will “seek to promote culture as well as cultural differences in our city while partnering with other organizations to bring people from the outside into Bristol.”

The CACC has also agreed to host the Mum Festival art walk and artist gala, which will be held in September.

The commission meets on the third Wednesday of each month, at 6:30 p.m.

By TAYLOR

MURCHISON-

GALLAGHER

STAFF WRITER

City personnel director Diane Ferguson will be retiring.

At the Tuesday, July 10, meeting of the City Council, Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu said with Ferguson’s departure, the position will be reevaluated.

Zoppo-Sassu explained that as part of her efficiency initiative, “any time a position becomes vacant” the city will review the job description, functionality of the position, and begin to decide “whether the duties can be split up amongst other existing positions,” in order to ensure that “city government is operating at peak efficiency and that all of our resources are directed to the delivery of effective city services.”

“That is not a position that we’ll be evaluating for elimination, but we may tweak the job description which hasn’t been changed in 14 years,” said Zoppo-Sassu. “There are little tweaks that I might make to the job description, but other than that I think it’ll just be a regularly, publicly advertised solicitation for qualified candidates, and we’re going to do that [advertising], I’d say, within the next couple of weeks.”

The mayor did say that one aspect of the job that would be changed would be the name. Instead of the position being called the personnel director, Zoppo-Sassu believes “human resources director” is a more apt description of the position.

Zoppo-Sassu did not know whether the possible creation of a personal advisory committee had anything to do with Ferguson’s retirement, but believes that committee will “provide guidance” in situations such as what occurred in the former administration, where “the personnel director, who really was in an untenable situation last year, where she was put in a position of having to evaluate the behavior of the mayor, who she reports to.”

Former mayor Ken Cockayne was accused of sexual harassment in two separate occasions—one involving a city employee and another involving a councilor— before he lost to Zoppo-Sassu in last November’s election.

Zoppo said Ferguson has served the city for 22 years. Initially, she was hired as a personnel analyst, and worked her way up to the role of personnel director, said Zoppo-Sassu.

“I wish her well in pursuing new opportunities,” said Zoppo-Sassu.

Until a new personnel director is hired, Zoppo-Sassu said the assistant personnel director, Linda Milia, and the personnel department will continue to function in a “business as usual” capacity.

The City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 14 has been moved to Wednesday, Aug. 15 due to the Democratic and Republican primaries being held on Aug. 14, The Joint Board meeting will begin at 6:45 p.m. on Aug. 15 and the city council meeting will be held at 7 p.m., both in Council Chambers. “Our City Charter requires that City Council meetings are shifted to the next day when there are elections and primaries on the second Tuesday of the month,” said Mayor Ellen Zoppo- Sassu in a press release.

Both the state Democratic and Republican Parties have primaries for some of the state constitutional offices. There are no local primaries.

All polling places will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 14.

In a press release from the office of Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, the city’s top elected official is asking citizens to suggest street names for the new roadway on the old Centre Mall property.

“This street was constructed to create easier access to the new Bristol Hospital Ambulatory Care Center as well as future businesses. The city has been planning the development of the olde Centre Mall property for years, and this is an exciting step in moving forward. We believe the community should be involved in naming this new street as we begin a new chapter for Bristol’s downton,” said Zoppo-Sassu.

The mayor is asking that citizens email their suggestions to the “Mayor’s office,” mayorsoffice@bristolct.gov, or write a letter with their suggestions to arrive no later than 5:00 PM on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018.”

Once all submissions are in, the will be reviewed by the Bristol Development Authority, “and a vote on the list of potential names will be presented to the community to vote on the final name,” according to the press release.

“This project has been moving along nicely and we are excited to open up this opportunity for Bristol residents to choose a name,” said Justin Malley, executive director of the BDA.

The PCS Youth Theater, now in its thirty-third season, will be presenting Sandy Wilson’s “The Boy Friend” on Friday, Sept. 7 and Saturday, Sept. 8 at the Plainville High School Auditorium. The curtain time is 7:30 p.m. and admission is only $15 per person. Tickets will be available from any cast member or at the door.

The cast consists of 61 performers between the ages of 8 and 15 from the Central Connecticut Community: Bristol, Farmington, New Britain, Plainville and Southington. The artistic director of the PCS Youth Theater is Peter Peluso. Maryjane Peluso is music director. Chris Kuzia is choreographer. Foster White is producer.

“The Boy Friend” is musical theater from the 1920s. The musical is set in the Villa Caprice where Maisie, the girls (Dulcie, Nancy, Fay), and Polly, Hortense  (the maid), and Mme Dubonnet live at Mme Dubonnet’s School for Young Ladies. Polly’s widowed father, Percy, then arrives at the school to discover that the headmistress, Mme Dubonnet, is an old flame of his. Polly, though a millionaire’s daughter, feels left out because she is the only one of her friends who does not have a boyfriend and she needs a partner for the fancy dress ball. The errand boy, Tony, arrives to deliver her Pierrette costume and they are immediately attracted to each other, and sing “I Could Be Happy With You.” Other songs from the show include “Perfect Young Ladies,” The Boy Friend,” “Won’t You Charleston With Me,” “Fancy Forgetting,” “Sur La Plage,” “A Room In Bloomsbury,” “Nicer In Nice,” “The You-Don’t-Want-To-Play-With-Me Blues,” “Safety In Numbers,” “The Riviera,” “It’s Never Too Late To Fall In Love,” “Carnival Tango,” and “Poor Little Pierrett. ”

Jeannette Dominguez-Porrini, 43, of Bristol, passed away peacefully with her loved ones by her side on Friday, July 27, 2018. Jeannette was born on July 6, 1975, in New York City, the daughter of Rosa (George) Dominguez.

Jeannette is known for the love and light that she consistently poured out to everyone she met. Her incredible faith and strength in the way she handled challenges was an inspiration to many of us: “Don’t let life’s challenges paralyze you, LEARN and RISE from every outcome with a SMILE” – JP.

Jeannette was a woman with an incredible drive that led to many accomplishments, including her career as an insurance broker for the Willis Group for twenty years.

The light of the Lord shined through Jeannette every day and her vast love for all will never perish.

In addition to her mother, of Bristol, she is survived by her husband Francis J. Porrini, Jr.; daughter Arianna; and son Frankie, all of Bristol; sister Rebecca Dominguez; and brother Jason Dominguez, both of Bristol; her maternal grandparents, Sergio and Maria George of NY; uncle Sergio George of FL; and niece and nephews Natalie Feliciano, Rudy Otero and Sparks Dominguez, all of Bristol. She was predeceased by her aunt Maria George.

Services will be held at The Waterbury Church of Christ (3211 N Main St. Waterbury, CT) on Saturday, August 4, 2018. Calling hours will be from 10:00a-12:00p, with a service and burial immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to OneLife Foundation (P.O. Box 1602, Bristol, CT 06011), a nonprofit corporation inspired by Jeannette’s desire to use her life experiences to bring communities together in wellness through awareness.

To leave an online message of condolence, share a memory or a photo, please visit Jeannette’s tribute page at www.OBrien-FuneralHome.com

Credit registration for the fall 2018 semester is under way at Tunxis Community College in Farmington. For information on how to apply and register, contact the Admissions Office at (860)773-1490, or visit tunxis.edu/apply.

Those who would like to register can make an appointment or walk in Monday through Friday all summer. Late registration will take place Saturday, Aug. 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tunxis has expanded its Saturday courses this fall for students with busy schedules, or those who want to pursue their degree at a quicker pace. Among Saturday options is an accounting certificate that can be completed in three semesters.

Tunxis Community College is located at the junction of Routes 6 and 177. Visit the Tunxis website at tunxis.edu.

Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center’s Early Learning School located at One Pleasant Street in Bristol is a Reggio Emilia inspired program with 12 interactive museum studios serving as an extended classroom.

Children attending the museum’s NAEYC accredited Early Learning School benefit from low student-to-teacher ratios, interactive cooking lessons with a creative food coordinator, and regular instruction from the atelierista, Imagine Nation’s in-house teaching artist.

The program uses the State of Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards. Application is open to residents living in Bristol and beyond.

A family membership to Imagine Nation’s museum studios is provided upon enrollment in the Early Learning School. Fewer than 10 openings remain for the 2018-2019 academic year.

For further information about the Reggio Emilia approach, including a tour of the school, call Alexandra at (860) 314-1400 x 100 or visit www.ImagineNation.org/school.

The Bristol Police Department along with the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Office, has announced today the continuation of the “U DRIVE. U TEXT. U PAY.” campaign. Through this initiative, officers will be cracking down on motorists who text, talk, or distract themselves with a hand-held mobile phone while driving.
“The fact is, whether it’s for music, email or texting, having a phone in close proximity to us when we are driving has become a bad habit,” stated Councilman Josh Medeiros, who sits on the Police Commission. “We need to raise public awareness similar to the anti-smoking and drunk driving campaigns done previously.”
“The members of the Bristol Police Department and the Connecticut Department of Transportation urge you to put your phone down when you get behind the wheel. If you need to text, pull over and park your vehicle in a safe place first,” stated Chief Brian Gould.
“As the parent of teenagers, I know that their phone is their life, but we don’t want it to cost them or someone else their life,” stated Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu. “This campaign is a great opportunity to have that conversation again, and remind them of the tragedy they would live with if they harmed another person, as well as the financial impact to their insurance and bank account if they receive tickets.”
During the first wave of this campaign, in April 2018, more than 10,000 citations were issued to motorists who chose to ignore Connecticut’s distracted
driving laws. While this is a start, there is still more work to be done.
The second run of this two-part campaign will go from August 1st to August 15th. Throughout the campaign, The Bristol Police Department will mobilize by adding special patrols aimed at catching distracted drivers – especially those on their phones. Over 50 law enforcement agencies, including both state and local police, who were previously involved in the April 2018 campaign, will again be participating.
The special patrols that will be running during this campaign are funded by Connecticut’s special distracted driving prevention funds. Connecticut qualifies for this federal funding source through a mix of tough laws and a proven track record in strong enforcement of distracted driving laws. Over $9.1 million has been awarded to the state over the last three years specifically to fund campaigns like this one.
Under Connecticut’s cell phone and texting law, violations involve heavy fines, ranging from $150 for a first offense, $300 for a second violation, and $500 for each subsequent violation.
In 2016, there were 3,450 distracted driving related deaths and in 2015 an estimated 391,000 were injured in distracted driving motor vehicle crashes nationally.
For more information about national distracted driving issues, visit www.distraction.gov.

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

Journalist James Campion had interviewed Counting Crows’ lead singer Adam Duritz a number of times over the years.

But after one particularly long interview, Duritz explained in a conversation by phone that Campion told him, “We’ve got way too much… you should write a book.”

The suggestion laid dormant for a while, said Duritz, who is promoting Counting Crows’ upcoming tour, which comes to Hartford Aug. 15. A year after Campion put the bug in Duritz’s ear, the singer called the journalist up and said, “Let’s try the book.”

Duritz said Campion would come over and they would talk about stories for the book. Four to five hours later, they would call it a day. Then, Campion came out on tour with Counting Crows and he and Duritz again spoke for hours.

Finally, Duritz said, Campion said the pair had so much to talk about so he suggested they team up for podcast where other people can listen in on their freewheeling conversations.

Thus was born, the podcast, “Underwater Sunshine.”

“It’s been growing,” said Duritz.

The first seven entries they tried were terrible, said Duritz. They opted not to release those. But they have now have found their groove.

The podcast finds the two talking about a myriad of subjects. For instance, one found them debating which “Star Wars” film was the best. Some episodes of the podcast are planned, and supported by pages and pages of research Duritz undertakes. Some episodes have a particular theme. Other episodes are more freewheeling.

Although the subjects can vary, mostly, Duritz said, the pair talk about music. And typically, they talk about music that has nothing to do with Duritz’s day job with Counting Crows.

Some episodes have found Campion and Duritz speaking about funk music, he said. The duo did an episode talking about punk rock. They also recorded an episode on background vocals (in which Duritz spoke about his band’s collaborations with Ryan Adams).

“I really enjoy (music),” said Duritz. “I am a music geek… I love music. I love writing and playing music. I love talking about it.”

The book, by the way, is still in process.

Another project that Duritz has in process is the Underwater Sunshine Festival, which is planned for this coming October in New York City. Artists on the bill include Art Alexakis, formerly of Everclear, as well bands such as Monks of Doom, Mikaela Davis, Yellow House Orchestra, and Boom Forest (which is opening the Aug. 15 show).

Duritz said the festival is an outgrowth of the Outlaw Roadshow, a free festival Counting Crows organized several years ago in New York. Duritz said a lot of people involved with that venture are now part of organizing the Underwater Sunshine Festival.

“The idea is to find great music and support it,” said Duritz.

One of the dimensions of the Underwater Sunshine Festival Duritz enjoys is the opportunity to interact with his musical peers.

When you start out as a musician, working in clubs, you meet a lot of your peers and you become friends, said Duritz. The more successful a band gets, “you miss out on that.”

As you get more successful, about the only time you can rub elbows with your musical peers are at big events like the Grammys , said Duritz. And for him, that’s not his kind of scene.

Another dimension of the festival is the chance not only to introduce people to good music, but music you will like.

“There’s so much good music out there,” said Duritz. “if we show it to people, they’ll probably like it.”

The tour coming to Connecticut in August is called, 25 Years and Counting, which acknowledges the band’s 25th anniversary.

Duritz said the band will draw songs from all of its albums to acknowledge the landmark. However, in many ways, he said this isn’t too different from what they’ve always done. The band’s set lists typically find the band playing what songs they’re interested in on a particular night.

But, said Duritz, the anniversary is something he is “still trying to get a grip on.”

“I’m pleased,” sai Duritz. “It was always our intent to be around for the long haul… I’m pleased that paid off… It’s quite an accomplishment.”

Counting Crows comes to the Xfinity Theater in Hartford on Wednesday, Aug. 15 at 8 p.m. with Live. Boom Forest opens.

For more information abou the Underwater Sunshine Festival, go to https://underwatersunshinefest.com/

To check out Adam Duritz and James Campion on their Underwater Sunshine blog, go to countingcrows.com/podcast

Counting Crows comes to Hartford on Aug. 15.

Miss Connecticut Bridget Oei danced her way to the state title demonstrating her agility with Irish Step Dancing.

And now she will be teaching others some fleet-footed steps in Irish Step, ballet, contemporary, and jazz over the coming weeks. And it is intended to help raise funds for the Children’s Miracle Network, the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and the Miss America Scholarship Fund.

Irish Step and conditioning classes will be offered at Griffin Academy, 275 Main St., Wethersfield on Saturday, Aug. 4. Students 8 and under meet from 10 to 11 a.m. and students ages from 11 a.m. to noon.

Then on Saturday, Aug. 11, Oei teaches jazz dance at Triple Threat Dance Studio, 1261 Meriden Ave., Wolcott from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Finally, on Friday, Aug. 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oei arrives at Connecticut Dance City and the Arts, 37 Center St., Southington to teach ballet and contemporary.

All classes are a $30 donation.

To sign up for the classes, email bookmissct@missct.org

Main Street Community Foundation is currently accepting grant applications from area nonprofit organizations. All guidelines, eligibility criteria and links to the online applications are available on the Foundation’s website, www.mainstreetfoundation.org.
The following grant cycles are open; the deadlines and basic eligibility criteria are:
Men & Boys’ Fund: Available to organizations serving men and boys in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott; the deadline to apply is Sept. 7.
Women & Girls’ Fund: Available to organizations serving women and girls in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott; Sept. 14 is the deadline to apply.
Interested organizations are required to contact Jarre Betts, vice president of programs, or Kate Kerchaert, program officer, at (860)583-6363 to discuss the proposal before submitting an application.
In addition, the Women & Girls’ Fund of Main Street Community Foundation is hosting a Lunch & Learn for local nonprofit professionals and volunteers to discuss the fund’s grant process as well as the critical needs and issues local girls and women face. This luncheon will be held on Thursday, Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tunxis@Bristol, which is located at 430 North Main St. in Bristol. RSVP your attendance to Julie Matthews at Main Street Community Foundation by Friday, Aug. 18 by calling (860)583.6363 or emailing julie@mainstreetfoundation.org.

By MICHAEL LETENDRE

STAFF WRITER

BRISTOL – The Southington 66ers of the Tri-State Baseball League made quite an impression in game one of its best-of-three series against the Bristol Greeners – belting out 12 hits in its 6-1 win from Bristol Central High School on Thursday, July 26.

Bristol (11-8) hung around in the thing, trailing 3-0 through six innings but was limited to only five hits in the showdown.

“We threw the ball over the plate, maybe we threw it over a little bit too much today and they took advantage,” said Bristol coach A.J. Lorenzetti of Terryville. “Hats off to them. They hit the ball very well.”

The 66ers (9-10) used a two-pronged attack to augment its offense as Southington pitchers Joe Rivera (3 IP, one hit, 6 Ks) and old friend Kyle Dube (6 IP, four hits, four Ks) limited Bristol offensively.

The Greeners simply couldn’t string together anything offensively as the 66ers notched a run in the second and went for three more in the third to stake a 4-0 push that would never be challenged.

Lorenzetti paced Bristol with two hits including an RBI single in the eighth inning.

With two away in the first stanza, Southington’s Timmy Jalbert (3-for-4, home run, 2 RBI) dropped a ball in front of Bristol shortstop Kyle Torok that died, putting a man on via the infield hit.

But when he looked to advance, Lorenzetti gunned Jalbert down at second base for the third out as the Greeners came up to the plate.

Ben Mazzone reached base via error in the bottom of the first when his offering to third was thrown way over the first base bag.

66ers pitcher Joe Rivera was then able to fan Lorenzetti to end the first as the game was scoreless going into the second tilt.

In the second, Pat Smith (2-for-4, two doubles, RBI) canned a leadoff double to the gap and when Joe Daigle (3-of-5, double, 2 RBI) singled to right, runners were on the corners.

And Dube ended up flying out to right but on the play, the sacrifice fly plated Smith as the visitors led 1-0.

Joe Rivera then dropped in a base hit in short right to put two on again with one out.

But back-to-back Ks from Bristol pitcher Jerry LaPenta Jr. ended the threat as Bristol got a base runner on with one out in the second.

Torok walked with one out in the second frame and when Jake Dubrosky dropped a single into right, runners were on first and third.

And then off a wild pitch, Torok took off for home plate.

He appeared to get in under the tag in a bang-bang play but Torok was called out and the 66ers 1-0 edge remained intact.

Over the third inning, Josh Dobratz (double, RBI) walked and Jalbert slipped a single into center as the 66ers had something brewing again.

And then Smith jerked in a double to left – plating Dobratz – as the 66ers edged up a 2-0 lead with runners on second and third.

Daigle followed suit with a two-base, two-RBI hit to deep center as Southington scooped up a 4-0 push.

An error allowed Dube to arrive safely at second base and, in the theme of the evening, the 66ers had two runners on.

LaPenta then made way for Torok on the mound and a neat 1-4-3 double play finally got the Greeners out of the inning as Bristol had the top of its order up.

Rivera stayed in the groove, though, as he zipped up two quick Ks before Jaeden Rasmus walked to get something going for the home team.

But Mazzone popped up to short center and the contest moved into the fourth with the Greeners trailing 4-0.

Torok started the inning with zest as he struck out Sean Rivera and Matt Santovasi before Pat Raymond (2-for-5, double, run) beat out a hot shot off an infield hit to first base.

Nothing came of it as Dube took the mound for the 66ers in the bottom of the fourth.

Lorenzetti greeted Dube with a single to right but a 5-4-3 double play ended the threat.

Torok hit Jalbert with a pitch to open the fifth and Smith walked to put two on with no outs.

And then an errant pick-off play put runners on the corners with Dube at the dish.

But Dube whiffed and Joe Rivera flew out to deep center as Southington settled for its 4-0 lead with Torok doing a solid job in relief.

“Kyle [Torok] pitched very well,” said Lorenzetti. “He was around the plate with his three pitches. He got ground balls and the defense fielded them behind him. It becomes an easy game that way.”

The Greeners went down in order in the fifth as Sean Rivera walked and the 66ers were back at it to open the sixth.

But nothing came of it as Bristol’s top of the order was due up.

Zach Bartolome opened the sixth with an infield hit to shortstop and it looked like Rasmus had beat out a bunt down the first base line but the play was called foul.

Bartolome quickly stole second and a groundout from Mazzone put the lead runner on third base.

But Dube made one final out and Southington continued to control the contest at 4-0, going into the seventh.

“Dube’s definitely a bulldog,” said Lorenzetti. “I made a joke earlier [as] they’d be nothing to keep Kyle Dude off a baseball field.”

And then Jalbert unloaded one in the top of the seventh as he took a Torok offering over the fence in right field as his solo home run made it a 5-0 game.

And then with one out, Daigle dropped in a single to right but a sweet flip by Torok to first base retired Dube and eventually end the inning.

Torok walked in the seventh but Dube wiggled out of the jam as Southington led 5-0.

Back-to-back doubles from Raymond and Dobratz scored a run to make it 6-0 in Southington’s favor after seven completed innings.

Ryan Bodley then dropped in a ball that was unplayable behind shortstop as the Texas leaguer put a Bristol runner on.

Rasmus reached via fielder’s choice – retiring Bodley – and nabbed second off a passed ball.

Dube bobbled a Mazzone offering, giving him first base, and then Lorenzetti slapped a single to center as Rasmus scored to make it a 6-1 game.

And then the Greeners put together a 1-2-3 ninth inning and going into the bottom of the stanza, Bristol trailed by five.

Dube closed the thing out in the ninth, retiring the side in order, as the 66ers edged up a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series over the Greeners by a 6-1 final.

“They have a lot of guys that we’ve played with here in Bristol and a few from Southington,” said Lorenzetti. “They played well.”

However, with Brad Burney on the mound the following evening for the second game, the Greeners had a chance to even up things.

“We’re definitely not going to give up,” said Lorenzetti. “We have a lot of confidence in ourselves and we’re going to go out [Friday], play like it’s 0-0.”

NOTES…In the second game of the series, Bristol led 2-0 early but ended up falling 7-2. The Greeners finished the season at 11-9. The story about the Greeners’ final tournament game will be in next week’s edition of the Bristol Observer.

By TAYLOR

MURCHISON-

GALLAGHER

STAFF WRITER

The city council held a public hearing on Thursday, July 19, to receive public input regarding proposed changes to the charter, as proposed by the Charter Revision Committee.

The Charter Revision Committee proposed changes to seven sections of the Charter: section 39, “to create staggered terms for the Board of Education members”; section 56, “to prohibit unlawful workplace harassment by elected and appointed officials”; sections 44 and 48A, “to remove responsibility for sanitary sewers from the Director of Public Works and assign it to the Water Department”; section 54, “to create an oversight personnel committee and change the Personnel Director’s title to Director of Human Resources”; section 25, “to re-name the joint board as the joint meeting and clarify the membership and types of bond obligations”; and, section 4, “to clarify the process and types of bond obligations regarding the issuance of bonds.”

Three individuals, city clerk, Therese Pac, director of public works, Walter Veselka, and board of public works commissioner, Donald Padlo, spoke. Pac recommend corrections to section 39, and Veselka and Padlo were both opposed to sections 44 and 48A.

Pac said there was information “missing with respect to notifying the party chairs, the nominations, and clarifying the two and four year terms.” She drafted language that was presented to the council members and corporation counsel, which would differentiate if an individual was being nominated for a two year term or a four year term.

“Basically, minority representation said that they wouldn’t be able to nominate more than six people, but those six people could be all for the four year term, so you have to apportion them… and what that does is it still means that only six people can be of the same party, but again, it apportions them between those two terms,” said Pac.

She also referred draft language to corporation counsel regarding the specification that the “election of the BOE shall coincide with the municipal election for that year.”

“I’m not sure it’s necessary because BOE terms are always on the municipal election year and even when they go to a staggered term, it will always be on a municipal election year, so, it may not be necessary, but I’ll let corporation counsel do that review before they send it on to anyone else,” said Pac.

Veselka and Padlo were both opposed to the proposed change that would move sewer sanitation from the Department of Public Works to the water department. Veselka said “water pollution control is very much integrated into the public works department.”

“The work that they do is very closely related to work done by the street division in terms of storm sewers, sanitary sewers. There’s also a lot of shared resources between the different divisions and there’s support that is given because they are part of public works, and that language would all be separated,” said Veselka. “Right now, the Board of Public Works is designated as the Sewer Authority, and having three council members and the mayor, there’s a lot of direct interaction as we do sewer projects and we look at concerns from the public. With that move and potentially going to the water board, it’s very different in that the water board has one council liaison with them… I would ask you to reconsider… this move because I think right now it’s integrated, there is a very integrated operation in water pollution and we would lose several efficiencies with this move.”

Veselka said this recommendation was put forward as an energy and cost savings plan, but to his knowledge, analysis had not been done. He also stated that several ordinance changes would be required because the Board of Public Works serves as the city sewer authority, and “even though that’s not part of the charter, there’s many things that this change would result in” what Veselka believes are “some oversight and accountability changes” the council “needs to be aware of.”

Padlo, whose family lost children due to water pollution in the 1920s, also felt that moving sewer sanitation would result in more issues than solutions.

“This motion here, to make the sewer department part of the water department concerns me in a number of ways,” said Padlo. “Having worked on the sewer committee for many years, the engineering department has been crucial… Now, having worked for the city engineer, you’re taking this apart, you’re going to interrupt a lot of things, and I’m afraid of how it’s going to affect the water department too… I think you’re making things very complicated where right now they’ve been working halfway decent.”

The council met in a special meeting following the hearing to either accept, reject, or refer the proposed changes back to the charter revision commission.

Councilor David Mills asked for more information regarding charter changes regarding the changes at the sewer department and water department. Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu asked the gathered charter revision commissioners to bring information regarding their discussions, and the viewpoints of the directors of public works and the water department, to the council.

The council unanimously voted to refer Pac’s suggestions regarding the staggered election of BOE members, as well as her language clarifications for the section on “unlawful workplace harassment by elected and appointed officials” back to the charter revision commission.

Councilor Joshua Medeiros raised a question of confidentiality regarding section 54, the creation of a personnel advisory committee. Councilor Mary Fortier said the board of ethics is made up of civilians, and have been completing their tasks without any known issues. Zoppo-Sassu hopes to have a similar structure for the personnel committee, but would require a human resources background in each of the commissioners.

Comments? Email tmurchison@BristolObserver.com.

By TAYLOR MURCHISON-GALLAGHER

STAFF WRITER

The Bristol Development Authority held their monthly meeting on Monday, July 23, and approved a manufacturing equipment grant.

Precision Threaded Products, 220 Business Park Rd., requested a grant of up to $47,111.62 in order to purchase new equipment.

“We make aerospace fasteners, specialized ones – inserts and studs,” said Lincoln Thompson, president of Precision Threaded Products. “[The grant will] go towards…  new equipment to make us more efficient and improve our capabilities and our capacity, because we need to be able to make new products, new things, better and faster.”

The BDA “offers manufacturing equipment economic development grants to manufacturers investing in equipment purchases of $50,000 and above that will result in a business expansion.”

According to the grant application, approximately $46,111.62 will be allocated for equipment purchasing, which “represents five percent of purchase and install cost.” The equipment being purchased includes “CNC machine ($310,900), tooling for the CNC machine ($16,043.38), a lathe ($12,999), a press ($23,890), measurement system ($61,000), CNC automatic lathe ($310,900), tooling for CNC automatic lathe ($16,500), and two thread rolling machines ($170,000).

The remaining $1,000 will go towards job creation, and “the company will receive $1,000 reimbursement for each full-time position filled by a Bristol resident and $750 reimbursement for each full-time position filled by individuals that reside elsewhere.”

“Precision Threaded Products is as an example of the type of growing manufacturer that the city has supported for decades,” said Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu. “As one of the first businesses to build in the Southeast Bristol Business Park, PTP is committed to growing in Bristol but must purchase new, innovative equipment to do so. The Bristol Development Authority’s Manufacturing Equipment Grant Program helped encourage PTP to make significant equipment investments to ensure it continues to expand in Bristol.”

Executive director of the BDA Justin Malley also announced that the Tax Increment Financing, TIF, draft plan was approved by the ordinance committee. It will make its way to the city council, and should the plan be approved, there will be a public hearing in August.

Malley also said that the Bristol Hospital Ambulatory Care Center official beam signing ceremony will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 7, at 10:30 a.m.

Bristol police reported the following arrests:

• Jennifer Gardner, 35, of 94 Kenney St., Bristol, was arrested on Monday, July 23, and charged with evading responsibility of injury or property damage.
• Eric Marino, 36, of 46 Neapaug Rd, Burlington, was arrested on Monday, July 23, and charged with second degree failure to appear.
• David Armand Rogers, 23, of 250 Terryville Ave., Bristol, was arrested on Monday, July 23, and charged with two counts of violation of probation.
• Kevin Diaz, 18, of 68 Hill St., Bristol, was arrested on Tuesday, July 24, and charged with following too close.
• Edwy Medrano, 29, of 572 Brook St., apartment A3, Bristol, was arrested on Tuesday, July 24, and charged with sixth degree larceny, receipt of goods or services obtained illegally, and third degree identity theft.
• Elanda Crelan, 19, of 101 Stewart St., Bristol, was arrested on Wednesday, July 25, and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Nicole Pearson, 55, of 321 Stonecrest Dr., apartment 106 W, Bristol, was arrested on Wednesday, July 25, and charged with violation of probation.
• Shaun Reed, 55, of 69 Dix Ave., New Britain, was arrested on Wednesday, July 25, and charged with three counts of first degree failure to appear.
• Connor Wright Cummings, 24, of 236 Rambler St., Bristol, was arrested on Thursday, July 26, and charged with traveling too fast for conditions, evading responsibility of injury or property damage, and failure to signal on a restricted turn.
• Christopher Floyd, 28, of 260 Terryville Ave., Bristol, was arrested on Thursday, July 26, and charged with second degree breach of peace, and assault on a victim at least 60 years of age.
• Paul Grozik, 48, of 1516 Stafford Ave., Bristol, was arrested on Thursday, July 26, and charged with third degree criminal trespassing, third degree criminal mischief, second degree larceny, conspiracy to commit second degree larceny, third degree burglary, conspiracy to commit third degree burglary, second degree criminal mischief , third degree larceny, conspiracy to commit third degree larceny, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Cord Moore, 22, of 82 Lexington St., Bristol, was arrested on Thursday, July 26, and charged with injury or risk of injury or impairing the morals of children through child selling, and second degree sexual assault on a victim between the ages of 13- and 15-years-old.
• Roberto Acevedo, 36, of 57 Tuttle St., Bristol, was arrested on Friday, July 27, and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Brian K. Beaupre, 46, of 133 Wilcox St., Bristol, was arrested on Friday, July 27, and charged with failure to wear a seat belt, reckless driving, operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence, and failure to drive right.
• Marco H. Cacuango, 45, of 42 Davis Dr., Bristol, was arrested on Friday, July 27, and charged with fifth degree larceny.
• Elvin L. Garcia, 52, of 467 Farmington Ave., apartment 15, Bristol, was arrested on Friday, July 27, and charged with second degree criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, and first offense possession of one-half ounce of a cannabis-type substance.
• Louis Pitch, 58, of 86 North Pond St., Bristol, was arrested on Friday, July 27, and charged failure to wear a seat belt, operation or towing an unregistered motor vehicle, misuse of plate, 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 not having insurance.
• Mileidy Ramirez-Polanco, 21, of 70 Boardman St., Apt. C8, Bristol, was arrested on Friday, July 27, and charged with violation of a protective order.
• Jasmine F. Thomas, 28, of 57 Tuttle St., floor one Apt. 2, Bristol, was arrested on Friday, July 27, and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Jason E. Murphy, 38, of 258 Morningside Dr., Apt. E, Bristol, was arrested on Saturday, July 28, and charged with operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence, failure to drive right, and failure to have lights lit or device illuminated.
• Ramon Delgado, 28, of 116 Chestnut St., Bristol, was arrested on Sunday, July 29, and charged with operation of a motor vehicle with registration or license suspended or revoked, failure to obey a stop sign, possession of drug paraphernalia, sale of a controlled substance that was not a narcotic or hallucinogenic, and possession of a controlled substance or more than one-half ounce of cannabis.
• Edward Gadalinski, 57, of 62 Norris Dr., Bristol, was arrested on Sunday, July 29, and charged with second degree breach of peace, and first degree threatening via the use of hazardous substances.
• Robert D. Pelkey, 27, of 185 Enterprise Dr., apartment 32, Bristol, was arrested on Sunday, July 29, and charged with possession of a controlled substance of more than one-half ounce of cannabis.
• Marlene Denise Shepard, 48, of 516 Farmington Ave., Apt. 1, Bristol, was arrested on Sunday, July 29, and charged with first degree criminal trespassing, and obstructing free passage.

The Mum Festival committee announced that the Miss Mum Pageant will once again be a part of the festivities. The pageant will take place on Friday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m., at Chippens Hill Middle School, 551 Peacedale St., Bristol. Applications are now available, and can be found on the pageant website, missmumbristol.org.

“The Mum Festival is delighted to once again be partnering with the Nutmeg Performing Arts Center under the direction of Jessica Leopizzo, who will be directing and producing the event,” said Maria Salice, Mum Festival entertainment chair in a press release.

In the press release from the committee, Salice announced that the pageant will be hosted by Taylor DiChello, Fox61 news reporter, and Emma Guilmette, the reigning Miss Mum. DiChello and Guilmette will be joined by other current titleholders.

Miss Mum is open to all Bristol, Forestville, Plainville, Plymouth, Terryville, and Wolcott young women. There will be four age divisions: Petite Miss Mum for contestants aged kindergarten through second grade; Miss Mum Mini for third through fifth graders; Junior Miss Mum for middle school students; and, Miss Mum for high school students.

Rehearsals will be held in the Nutmeg PAC in Bristol, 154 Church St. Contestants will be judged by local judges in three on-stage categories, and an essay submission for Miss Mum contestants.

“Important dates and details for this year’s essay question are also available on the pageant website, missmumbristol.org,” said Salice in the press release.

Throughout the year, Miss Mum titleholders will participate in a variety of community events such as the Mum Festival in September, the Thanksgiving Food and Turkey Drive in November, the Showcase of Stars, Bristol Carol Sing, and Bristol Holiday Parade in December, the Bristol Home Show in February, the Duck Race and Memorial Day Parade in May, Bristol Blues Baseball games in July and August, and the West End Summer Festival in August.

“The Miss Mum Pageant is truly a celebration of the young ladies and future leaders in the greater Bristol area,” said Jack Ferraro, Mum Festival chairman, according to the press release. “Working with our friends at Nutmeg Performing Arts, we are thrilled that this wonderful event continues as part of Mum Festival under Jessica’s direction.”

by MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

Tom Bailey first came to the ears of America through his band the Thompson Twins.

The group hit the charts and found itself on heavy rotation on MTV starting in 1983 with songs such as “Hold Me Now,” “Lies,” and “Lay Your Hands On Me.” It’s triumvirate of albums, “Quick Step and Side Kick,” “Into The Gap,” and “Here’s To Future Day” set the trio up as one of the top pop groups in the world.

The band finally called it a day after 1991’s “Queer.”

Although his profile has been lower in the United States, Bailey never walked away from music. He shifted to the group Babble with his Thompson Twins co-conspirator Alannah Currie. Then, performing as International Observer, he released 10 albums. In the mid-00s, he travelled up the River Ganges writing and recording – and performing at festivals to thousands at a time – as part of the Holiwater project. It spawned two albums: 2012’s “Holiwater” and 2014’s “Maya,” both of which were produced by Tom and written in collaboration with Sarod virtuoso Pandit Vikash Maharaj.

Bailey is reintroducing himself to America by going back to where it all began. His new solo album, dubbed “Science Fiction,” finds himself back at the pop music bar.

Bailey is on tour in America as the opener to another 1980s pop icon Culture Club. The tour stops into Foxwoods’ Grand Theater on Aug. 5.

Bailey, in a phone interview from his tour bus, said he always had been interested in exploring different avenues and genres in music. “I did that before the Thompson Twins became well-known.”

However, said Bailey, “The cost of success is you lose all of your spare time.” So all of his labors of love and creative endeavors beyond the Twins had to be set aside.

But, Bailey went into the success of the Thompson Twins with a sense of perspective. He knew that pop music success had an arc, building up to success, and then sliding back down after the pinnacle. Once the Thompson Twins success had begun to ebb, Bailey decided it was time to take a break from mainstream success. And the exploration resumed.

Although he pursued other directions over the year, Bailey said he never grew bored of the pop music art form. And, he said, “Pop at its best is art… The pop song is as a noble a cause as all these other things.”

“Science Fiction” finds Bailey working in a pop mode that would be familiar to fans of the Thompson Twins.

“I picked up where I left off,” said Bailey. The songs are intended to appeal to fans of pop. “It was a conscious decision.”

However, said Bailey, his musical exploration over the decades has not been shelved. It infuses the new tracks, which he said should be expected. Otherwise, he said, “What was it all for?”

For fans coming out to the Aug. 5 show, Bailey said fans should expect to hear the hits from his Thompson Twins. They may also hear a few tracks from “Science Fiction.”

As for what’s next, Bailey said he’ll be returning to London in August for a show during a break in the American tour. Then he will return to the States for the second half of the tour, which will run through October.

Tom Bailey plays with Culture Club on Sunday, Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket. For more information, go to www.Foxwoods.com or http://thompsontwinstombailey.co.uk/

Tom Bailey, formerly of the Thompson Twins, will perform in Connecticut on Sunday.