July 2011 North Central News

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In This Issue• PEOPLE: East Windsor girl scoutreaches highest honor ................p. 3• EAST WINDSOR: Story and picturesfrom high school graduation ............p. 4• EAST WINDSOR: List of the mem-bers of the Class of 2011 ............p. 5• ELLINGTON: Story and pictures fromhigh school graduation ..................p. 9• 2011 BEST OF NORTH CENTRALREADERS’ POLL.... ......................p. 10 • SUNDAY DRIVE: Old Saybrook is a‘Sound’ destination ..................p. 11

• ELLINGTON: List of the members ofthe Class of 2011 ......................p. 15• SOMERS: Senior Summit ......p. 16• SOMERS: List of the members ofthe Class of 2011 ......................p. 17• STAFFORD: Tax bills arrive but townbudget not approved ..................p. 25• STAFFORD: High school celebrates its125th commencement....................p. 27• STAFFORD: Middle schoolannounces honor roll ................p. 28• AUTOS: Hyundai Accent ........p. 37• CLASSIFIEDS:..................pgs. 38-39

• NEXT ISSUE •DEADLINE: July 28, 2011

(860) 698-0020www.thenorthcentralnews.com

At left, Taylor Paige Moskites (centerwith glasses) reacts as she receives herdiploma during the 2011 Ellington HighSchool graduation ceremony on June 24in the school’s gymasium. Above, anEast Windsor High grad sums up herfeelings during that high school’s com-mencement on June 24. Classmateshug, below, at the Stafford ceremony onJune 22. More coverage inside.

Left photo by David Butler IIITop photo by Amy HartensteinBottom photo by Linda Tishler Levinson

Congratulations North Central Class of 2011

JulyNCN1.qxd:NOVNCN.qxd 6/26/11 5:28 PM Page 1

2 North Central News July 2011

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ELLINGTON - Ann Williams, memberand hospitality chairman of the EllingtonWomen’s Club, won “Best in Show” at theannual District 7 banquet of the GeneralFederation of Women’s Clubs inConnecticut.

All GFWC/CT women’s clubs of thenorth-central Connecticut area participatedin the Arts and Crafts portion of the event,which displayed the creations of 60entrants in 22 categories.

Williams’ artistry with the knitting nee-dles awed the judges, who declared “therewas not a stitch out of place!” when theyexamined her handiwork. Williams’ prize-winning sweater was entered into theGFWC/CT state contest at its annual con-vention in May.

The Ellington Women’s Club also wonawards for its contribution toward literacy

programs, excellence in communicationsand community identity, and distinctivedocumentation of the club’s history andachievements.

Ann Williams, left, member and hospitali-ty chairman of the Ellington Women’sClub, and Ellen Karadimas, right, EWCPresident, display Williams’ hand-knittedAran sweater.

North Central Publishing, LLC dba

The NorthCentral News

P.O. Box 427Somers, CT 06071

PHONE: 860.698.0020FAX: 860.394.4262

E-MAIL:[email protected]

WEBSITE:www.thenorthcentralnews.com

PUBLISHER/EDITORGary Carra

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSBarbara Bresnahan

Keith GriffinBarbra O’Boyle

Linda Tishler-LevinsonDeborah Stauffer

PHOTOGRAPHERSDavid Butler II

Stacey Lyn McDonald

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVESGary Carra Sr.

Amy HartensteinJoan Hornbuckle

CIRCULATION Georgia Michalec

PUBLISHER’S POLICY: The information presented in the

North Central News is presented for your consideration

and does not necessarily represent the views of the

publisher or its advertisers. All information is checked for

accuracy but cannot be guaranteed. Liability for errorsin advertising is limited to rerunof the ad. Errors in advertising

should be brought to the attention of the publisher, inwriting, within seven days ofpublication for appropriate

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July 2011 North Central News 3

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Time For Annual‘Best Of’ Poll

In fact, what better time than the occa-sion of The North Central News’ nine-yearanniversary to roll out our most popularseries of the year again - our “Best OfReaders’ Poll”?

That’s right, it was nine years ago thismonth that local residents received thefirst-ever issue of The North Central Newsin their mailboxes.

One of the main reasons for the subse-quent pattern of growth - in addition to ourtalented, dedicated staff and our valuedadvertisers - is the involvement and inputfrom our devoted readers.

In short, we love to hear from you. And with our BEST OF series, it’s your

chance to recognize the area businessesyou know and love in a contest effectivelyrun by the people they care most about:their customers!

So take a few moments and fill out theballot on page 10. There will be some greatprizes randomly selected for those that do.All winners will be announced in ourAugust issue.

- Gary Carra, Publisher

EAST WINDSOR - Rebecca Talaminiof East Windsor, who graduated from EastCatholic High School in June, received thehighest award in GirlScouts, the Gold Award.On Sunday, June 5, shewas among the 45 girlsthroughout Connecticut toreceive the Girl ScoutGold Award at St. Joseph’sCollege.

The Gold Award acknowledges an indi-vidual’s accomplishments, leadership,commitment, creativity and personal effortin trying to make the world a betterplace. Rebecca took her love of photogra-phy and wanted to share it with the kids inher community. For her project she coordi-

nated a Photo Contest for East Windsormiddle school-aged students and hostedtwo photography workshops to demon-

strate what makes a goodphoto. The photo contestwas a new attraction atthe 2010 East WindsorCommunity Day with 38entries.

There were five cate-gories: people, still

life, landscape, architecture and animals.She raised funds for a new waterproof dig-ital camera as a grand prize award for the“best in show” (chosen by the communi-ty’s vote). The EW Community DayCommittee opened up this year’s photocontest to adults as well.

East Windsor Girl Scout Achieves Gold Award

Rebecca Talamini of East Windsor

Ellington Women’s Club Member Wins ‘Best In Show’



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EAST WINDSOR — The 78 membersof the East Windsor High School Class of2011 graduated June 24 at La Renaissance.

It was an evening filled with reflectionson the past and high hopes for the future.

Assistant Principal Helen Thomas, whoalso is the acting principal, told the class tothink about the future and their dreams.She quoted Anatole France, who said, “Toaccomplish great things, we must not onlyact, but also dream, not only plan, but alsobelieve.”

She told the class they are special, herfirst graduating class as an administrator.“Thank you for working with me and con-gratulations. Now go forth, believe inyourself, work hard and make a differencein the world,” she said.

Class President Marisa Prior said thatone of the benefits of being a small class ishaving 12 years of shared memories. Sheasked them to “remember the words ofNehru with our class quote, ‘Time is notmeasured by the passing of years, but bywhat one does, what one feels, and whatone achieves.’ ”

Jillian Bower and Micah Barber-Smithshared a memorial speech dedicated to

classmate Charlie Gonzalez, who died in2010. “Charlie was very strong-willed,smart, ambitious, independent, heartfelt,kind and full of sarcasm. She was verydirect and sometimes blunt with what shehad to say, but we loved her anyway,”Barber-Smith said.

Bower asked the audience to pause for amoment in Gonzalez’s memory.

Salutatorian Nicholas Parker, who hadalready left to begin his studies at the AirForce Academy, had recorded his gradua-tion speech.

He shared the life lessons running hastaught him. “Life, just like running, ismeaningless if you don’t set goals. Part ofthe mental drive when running alone onthose cold, rainy days, is to picture a goal.Reach for the stars and make lofty goals,but make them attainable,” he said.

Valedictorian Jaime Kessler told theclass to think of graduation as a beginning.“We think of graduation as signifying theend of high school, but we should think ofit as the beginnings of the lives that wechoose,” she said. “There are endless pos-sibilities, and each one of us has the powerto set our own course as we venture outinto the world. No one here is sure about

what the future may bring, but we canmake a conscious decision to pursue thegoals that we have and live a life withoutregrets.”

She ended her speech by asking her fel-low graduates not to be afraid to take risks.

“If you never take a risk, you life mayturn out OK, but it will never match up to

the one that you are dreaming of right now.As a previous teacher used to say, ‘Goodenough isn’t good enough.’ Don’t settle forless. You many come to a point where youneed to just blindly take a leap of faith andhope everything turns out OK. When thathappens, you can’t be afraid, you just haveto do it.”

East Windsor High Graduates 78 from Class of 2011

East Windsor High grads are all smiles during the ceremony.Photo by Amy Hartenstein


EAST WINDSOR - The following stu-dents comprised the East Windsor HighSchool Class of 2011, according to an offi-cial list provided by the school administra-tion.

Andrew ArcariValori BancroftSarah BanningMicah Barber-SmithKendall BarlockBarrett BeahnKyle BensonStephanie BerardiEric BlanchardChristopher BonaBethany BourgoinJaisean BowensJillian BowerRyan BriggsAmanda CampbellJoshua CanningMichael ClynchLyndsey CohenKyle CoutureChristine D’AquilaTyshawn DavisKyle FaheyErin FitzsimondsLisa GallipoEmilee GoldenConnor Griffin

Charles GriswoldConnor HalloranWilliam HansonWayne HarrellKyle HendersonKayla HersomKeith HillLashanda HilsonShannon HutchinsonDevin HutchinsonAishia Ike

Sarah KerbyJaime KesslerJacob KocumDaniel LaurinCameron LawlorKelly LemayJames LovettBriana MattesonCaitlin McGuireAlicia MeyersSeth Miller

Jamie MotickaJustin MotuzickJoshua MozzicatoJustin NielsenJustin ParadisNicholas ParkerRachel PincinceDevon PowellJohnathan PrestonMarisa PriorEric RabbettFrancesco RoccaSijal SaleemEmily SimonelliAngela StoneEric StrbaKelly StrbaRobert StricklandAlexander SzymanskiTimothy TedfordRomell ThompsonDouglas TitusSamantha TurmenneChantle TurnerShavon WebbDevyn WeidnerDaniel WellspeakKody WeltonCharisse WilliamsHaley Wormstedt



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The East Windsor High School ceremony was held at La Renaissance on June 24.Photo by Amy Hartenstein




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East Windsor GraduationScores of group shots were taken of the graduates from East Windsor High School’s ceremony on June 24.

Photos by Amy Hartenstein

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Vernon recently graduated from StonehillCollege with a Bachelor of Science inBusiness Administration degree.




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EAST WINDSOR — The future maybe bright for the town when it comes tosolar energy.

As part of the federal stimulus package,the town may be eligible for a no-cost,

five-year lease for solar panels for townbuildings. The program was outlined to theBoard of Selectman at its June 7 meetingby Deb Donovan of DCS Energy andDatacam Services. The federal programthat would fund the solar panels is

designed to help government and nonprof-it agencies receive solar equipment,Donovan said.

Under the proposal, the town wouldidentify potential locations that have asouthern exposure with no obstructionsand a newer roof. The town would thenapply for the program, and its proposalwould be reviewed by a project managerand an electrician. The process takes 60 to90 days for application and funding

approval, according to Donovan.Selectman Richard P. Pippin Jr. said he

was concerned about who would beresponsible if the process damaged a roof,particularly a rubber roof. Selectman MarkSimmons agreed with the concern. Theboard asked First Selectman DeniseMenard to research the liability issuebefore the town moves further with thisproposal.

Town Pondering Installation of Federally Funded Solar Panels

Golf & Track Presenting Fee Acoustic ConcertsEAST WINDSOR - East Windsor Golf

& Track will have free acoustic classicrock concerts this summer. This year’sconcerts will take place the first Fridaynight in July (July 1) and August (Aug. 5)from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The concerts are free

and open to everyone. East Windsor Golf& Track is located at 20 North Rd. (Rt.140) in East Windsor. For more informa-tion, call 860-254-5572 or visitwww.ewgolfandtrack.com.

EAST WINDSOR - The East WindsorEconomic Development Commission andThe East Windsor Chamber of Commercehave joined together to create “Welcometo East Windsor” packets for new employ-ers and their workforces as well as newpossible residents and tourists who haverequested information about the town ofEast Windsor and the area. Requests forpackets of this type has grown in the lastfew months.

Items sought are menus from restau-rants, promotional discount cards, busi-ness pamphlets, etc. This free service is

available to all businesses located withinEast Windsor as well as members of theEast Windsor Chamber of Commerce.

To include promotional material inthese packets at no charge, contact EDCCommissioner Jim Richards at 860-292-6776 or 860-221-8821 or [email protected].

This collaboration between a govern-ment commission (EDC) and business(EWCC) shows why East Windsor is“Where the Sun Rises” on business andcommunity.

Development Commission, Chamber Launch‘Welcome to East Windsor’ Program

Daisy Petal CelebrationMembers of East Windsor Daisy troop 10124 celebrated their first year as Girl Scoutsand the completion of earning all of their Daisy Petals with a Build a Bear party onJune 4.


By Deborah Stauffer

ELLINGTON - The weather forEllington High School’s graduation didn’tshine on Friday, June 24, but the graduateswithin the gymnasium walls certainly didas they learned that life doesn’t always goas planned.

Although the weather ruled the locationof graduation, the theme of the night wasfinding your path and persevering. Thegraduates were led into the gym filled tothe brim with awaiting family and friendsby a lone bagpiper. Principal Neil Rinaldigreeted them and congratulated them ontheir many achievements over their fouryears at the school.

Class officers Lauren Arbeiter, EmilyBarnhart and Brittany Rhodes welcomedfamily and friends and thanked them fortheir support and sometimes embarrassing

moments that made them who they aretoday. The officers emphasized the manyroles their fellow classmates have playedand hoped their legacy lingers in the townas long as the smell of fresh manure sowell known to Ellington. LaurenArbeiter’s advice to her classmates wasthat hard work will not take you anywherewithout a little faith in yourself.

The Class of 2011 has been a highlycompetitive class throughout their fouryears and the many messages during theevening were about hard work paying off.Student Council President Kelly Staufferknows this well. It wasn’t until she becamea senior that she learned that in order tomake a difference, she had to step up andtake the lead. It was hard work and wasn’t


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Graduates Shine During Ellington High School Graduation

Brittany Rhodes, left, and Emily Barnhart stand with a cutout figure of Senior ClassAdvisor Lindsay McGinn, who was supposed to introduce the senior class during theEllington High graduation ceremony June 24 in the school’s gymasium, but could notattend because she was giving birth to a new baby.

Photo by David Butler II

GRADUATES/page 13




Welcome back to The Sunday Drive,the column that aspires to be your com-plete entertainment itinerary for some less-er known/off the beaten path day trips.

This installment, we set our sights onOld Saybrook, a quaint little seaside townwith a historic past and hip, new additionsto its local dining and concert scene.

Before delving into the burgeoningnightlife, however,no trek to OldSaybrook is com-plete without soak-ing in sun and surf.After all, OldSaybrook is knownas the town wherethe ConnecticutRiver meets the Sound, and in addition tobeing a great marketing slogan, the naturalphenomenon makes for some breathtakingbeaches.

Not the least of which can be found atHarvey’s Beach (860-395-3152) on Rte.154. Blink and you’ll miss it ... catch it atlow tide and it offers miles-long sand barsnormally reserved for the extreme tides ofMaine or New Hampshire. Although theactual beach area itself is only 100 yardswide, even high tide provides a copiousstretch of shallows (perfect for the lil’ones) before opening up into swimming

waters proper. For the $10 admission price($15 on weekends and holidays), this littleoasis also includes a playground, changingrooms, restrooms, shower and watchfullifeguards during its operating hours - nor-mally, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Memorial Daythrough Labor Day. As implied by the sig-nage around the parking area - and evi-denced personally by yours truly during a

recent visit -Harvey’s Beach isalso teeming withmarine life includ-ing, but not limitedto, oysters, mus-cles, minnows andhorseshoe crabs.

Once changed upand ready to hit the town, Old Saybrookoffers no fewer than 20 eateries within amile radius, ranging from the JamesGallery & Soda Fountain to local notableThe Monkey Farm and the trendy PennyLane Pub. True foodies may very well findAspen (aspenct.com) - opened in 2008 anddeemed ‘Best New Restaurant’ byConnecticut Magazine readers in 2009 - tobe its crowning jewel, though. An open,upscale eatery with a granite laden bar anda double-sided fireplace at its core, Aspenallures with ambiance, then delivers thegoods in the form of mouth-watering

soups, salads, small plates, main plates anddesserts.

Nestled in the streetview corner of the87-seat main floor, Chef De CuisineMacKenzie Zadroga enlightens us abouther storied, culinary past - a journey thathas seen her at the helm of kitchens fromColorado to nearby Mystic - whilst dolingout tantalizing Aspen favorites. “GrilledHearts of Romaine,” where pancetta, redonions and roasted tomatoes mingle withbrioche croutons and creamy avocadosamid an ever-so-light dill dressing, givesway to seared, rare “Yellow Fin Tuna” on

wonton crisps with chili mayo beneath abed of Tobiko caviar, only to reappear asfig-laden “Grilled Flatbread” with shrimpand Black River gorgonzola and culminatein the plated perfection that isMacKenzie’s “Seared Salmon Filet,”served with crab and sweet potato hash,Beurre Blanc and a zesty broccoli rabe.

“So much about what I cook, specials orwhat gets me excited, has to do with theingredients,” she concludes. “I am in con-stant contact with local vendors, so when


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The Yellow Fin Tuna at Aspen in Old Saybrook.Photo by North Central Photography

SUNDAY/page 12



EntertainmentEntertainment

From a hair raising drop tower to thrilling roller coasters, kid friendly rides and a FREE water park,

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they get something different, exceptional,or ‘just in’ fresh, I immediately run over tocheck it out.”

Not surprisingly, such passion and ded-ication virtually ensures that every item toexit MacKenzie’s kitchen is worth check-ing out. Chief among these for this review-er was the espresso creme brulee, inciden-tally. An amazing amalgam of two of myfavorite foodstuffs that succeeded on everylevel.

So now you’re beached out ... belly full.But thanks largely in part to the newestedition of Old Saybrook’s nightlife - TheKatharine Hepburn Culture Arts Center- the night is far from over. Opened in

2009, the former Town Hall-turned theateraffectionately known as “The Kate” offersalmost daily doses of movie screenings,theatrical productions and other live per-formances in a cozy, 250-seat atmosphere.

This particular evening, your friendly,neighborhood Sunday Driver soaked in thesounds of “Big Shot” - a Billy Joel tributeband long on talent and song choices forany given performance.

“We had to do this one tonight becausethere is actually some history here,” singerMichael Delguidice declared in his pream-ble to “River of Dreams.” “Our managertold us they shot the video for this songright down the street.”

Other highlights included a spot-on“Scenes From An Italian Restaurant,”

“Anthony’s Song” and of course, showcloser/on your feet/arm-swayer “PianoMan.”

Upcoming “Kate” shows include EileenIvers & Immigrant Soul (July 16), BerkleeCollege alum/Old Saybrook resident KellyRile (July 17), R&B icon Aaron Neville(July 24) and power pop princes TheSmithereens (July 29).

For full schedule, prices, more informa-tion or to purchase, kindly point yourbrowser to www.thekate.org.

A final note: Yet another new additionto Old Saybrook’s Main Street - an eclec-

tic club/bar called the Rabbit Hole,appears to have become the official “afterKate” meeting place based on our experi-ence. How eclectic? Well, when was thelast time you had to decide between a hotdog or steak carpaccio to eat and a custommojito or Bud Light to drink?

Do you own a facility or know of a hiddengem in the region that would be the perfectfocus of a future Sunday Drive? If so,please email your suggestions to [email protected]

Sunday Drive to Old Saybrook(continued from page 11)

Examples of the wildlife at Harvey’s Beach in Old Saybrook.Photos by North Central Photography


easy but worth it. She also realized that shecan’t do everything, but refused to donothing.

She expressed to her classmates that themost important way of life they learned inhigh school did not come from the class-room. School has been the place theytransformed from students into teachers.“We all wanted to fit in, so following thecrowd seemed like the best option,” saidStauffer as she related her experience as afreshman. But as a senior she learned itwasn’t about fitting in. “Instead, it’s aboutfinding your voice.”

The Class of 2011 president AaronDaley along with secretary MarcCastonguary presented a gift of severalcherry blossom trees that will be plantedalong the front of the school. They will

symbolize growth and rejuvenation. Boardof Education Chairman Daniel Keunegratefully accepted the gift and left themwith some words of wisdom from EleanorRoosevelt.

Salutatorian Christopher Wing told hisfellow classmates they are all authors,poised with pen in hand and eager to writethe next chapters in their lives. By settingtheir minds to something, they have theability to reach their goals. He quotedRalph Waldo Emerson with his very popu-lar quote, “Do not go where the path maylead; go instead where there is no path andleave a trail.”

Wing also expressed his appreciation tothose family and friends who providedguidance and support.”Let us not forget,there is a reason why our family andfriends have stood by us for so manyyears,” Wing said. “It is because they

believe in us and our infinite potential.”He advised his classmates to thank thosepeople and let them continue to aid themduring their life-long journey.

Perhaps the highlight of the eveningwas valedictorian Nicholas Larew telling

the crowd that the great memories and lifelessons he learned on the golf course havemade him the person he is today. As a mat-ter of fact, he quoted golf legend Bobby

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Graduates Learn How They Found Their Voices in School(continued from page 9)

Chris Philavong reacts as he receives his diploma during the Ellington High Schoolgraduation ceremony June 24 in the school's gymasium.

Photo by David Butler II

GRADUATES/page 14



EllingtonEllington

Jones who once said, “Golf is the closestgame to the game we call life.” When youhear that at first it seems like an outlandishidea, but as Larew explained it further, itbecame quite clear. Golf is not easy. Youhave to play the ball where it lies. Thesame goes for life. “There are so fewthings that go exactly how we hope orplan,” Larew said. “But no matter what,we have to find a way to deal with it.”

Larew has been golfing for 10 years andstated he still has not come close to his fullpotential. “If you want to excel in any-thing, you have to have dedication, perse-verance, and the will to push on evenwhen it gets difficult,” he said. Larewexplained that as in golf if you have a badhole you don’t just pack up and walk offthe course. “You trudge on to the next holeand find a way to deal with it. Just like inlife, if you make a mistake or hurt some-one, the best thing to do is make up for itand move on.”

Larew also reminded his classmateshow important it is to keep family andfriends close and to move forward withoutfear and to follow their dreams. “Stayclassy, EHS” were his final words to them.

Senior class adviser Lindsay McGinn,who left to have a baby about a month ago,

could not be there in person but recorded amessage for them. Class officers held acardboard cut-out at the podium as hermessage was played. McGinn left themwith five pieces of advice. They includedeverything you need in life you learned inkindergarten, work hard and play hard,you have to make yourself happy beforeyou can make anyone else happy and thefifth piece of advice was sung to them byMcGinn and was the song fromCinderella. “No matter how your heart isgrieving, If you keep on believing. Thedreams that you wish will come true.”

Graduates Celebrate at Ellington High(continued from page 13)

Valedictorian Nick Larew delivers hisspeech on golf and life.

Photo by Deborah Stauffer


ELLINGTON — A state grant is serv-ing up four new tennis courts for the town.

At a June 1 Town Meeting, residentsvoted for the tennis court project, which isprimarily funded by a $170,000 stateSmall Town Economic AssistanceProgram grant. Additional funding for theproject will come from the U.S. TennisAssociation, First Selectman MauriceBlanchette said.

The tennis courts will be located imme-diately to the east of Ellington HighSchool, across from the school driveway,he said. “We’re supplying the property,”

Blanchette said.The tennis courts will be available to

the high school tennis team, as well as tothe public. “There is a pretty elevatedinterest in tennis,” the first selectman said.

Currently, the town has two tenniscourts located at Brookside Park. “Thosecourts are again showing their age,” hesaid.

The town is now in the process ofremoving trees from the site. “We’re stillin the process of putting together the bidspecs,” Blanchette said.

The specifications are being createdwith input from the tennis association.

Voters Approve Building FourState Financed Tennis Courts

ELLINGTON - The public is invited toVacation Bible School at the EllingtonBaptist Church, 264 Pinney St., Ellington.“Rev It Up! Full Throttle for God” will beheld Monday through Friday, July 11-15,from 9 a.m. to noon for ages 4 throughcompleted grade 6.

There will be Bible lessons, crafts,music, missions, recreation, and refresh-ments. This year the mission emphasiswill be the Japan Earthquake Relief Fundthrough World Venture. During missions

the children will be going to “TheMissionary Room” to listen to a mission-ary story about Hudson Taylor, who start-ed Overseas Missions Fellowship, whichnow ministers in Japan.

A program for junior and senior highstudents will be held Monday throughThursday, July 11-14, from 7 p.m.-9 p.m.There will be a recreational time followedby refreshments and a short devotional.For more information and pre-registration,call the church office at 860-872-8444.

Vacation Bible School Offered for Students


ELLINGTON – The fol-lowing seniors were gradu-ated from Ellington HighSchool in the Class of2011, according to a listprovided by the schooladministration.Angela April AlbeeNicholas Walter AlcuttKirsten Alix AndersonRyan AndersonLauren Kathleen ArbeiterSara Emilia ArbelaezJennifer Nicole ArtesaniKaleigh Amanda AveryLukas Simon BabellaEmily Alyssa BakerWilliam A. BakerRachel Erin BallasyEmily Carol BarnhartAnthony J. BaroneBrandon James BartellSydney Bassett-WooleyWilliam E. Beaudry Jr.Sarah C. BedfordKevin James BernardinoStephen BerubeRobert BerzenskiNina Frances BetancourtBrian Steven Borbas Jr.Alyssa Paige BrawnChristopher Bruno

Kiersten Noelle BurkeMarc Maurice CastonguayAlyssa Marie ChaseJonathan CheesmanAlexandria ClemsonDylan Joseph ColesMeaghan-Rose CostelloThomas Patrick CottleDakota D’AchiardiAngela Marie DaigleAaron Astley DaleyDanielle Evangeline

DeCarliConnor Michael DefemiaNicholas DiGiacomoJoanna Rose DiStefanoJacob W. DonzellMatthew Jameson DuguayKevin James DwireDeonna Marie FabryckiNicole Ashley FinkleRebekah Louise FoxKrystal D. FraserJulia Marie GageEric Steven GarveyRyan Matthew GayCarolyn Jayne GillKatryna Aleksa GouinZachary Taylor GravesMichael James GreshIan Charles GrinaskiTaylor Marie Haggerty

Jacqueline Rae HalloranFrancis Patrick HammJordan R. HayesKelly Rose HayesSamuel HendersonBrendan HomeAlexander N. IversonMatthew Aaron JanigaKelsey JanssenSamantha Rose JohnsonCallahan Damian JonesClaiborne Ashley JonesKady Lynn JoyMeghan Elizabeth

KacmarcikBhrighde Eileen KehoeAlexandria KingSamantha Anne KingZachary KrausAriel Amber KresgeRyan KuczynskiJoseph R. LaChanceRenee Elizabeth LandryKevin M. LapointeNicholas R. LarewElizabeth Nicole LeonardBenjamin LindblomChelsea Marie LundebergMichele MacchiarellaAlexandra Paige MaciolekKelly Anne MaguireBrian Thomas Malone

Kara L. MaloneyAustin James ManiatisMichael Logan MarcusAlexandra Jane MarellaTracy Nichole MarholinJustin Henry MarkowskiChristina Marie MartinAnastasia MatveevaMorgan Elizabeth

McPartlandBrianna Hope MellenBenjamin MidyetteDustin James MocadloElliot T. MontoyaTiffany Jeanne MorissetteTaylor Paige MoskitesHaley Katherine MossAlexandrea MouttasEmily St. Clair NedwickKaylee Marie NiemannSarah Rebecca NolanRyan Andrew OrszulakAlyssa Marie OstroutRyan Craig OstroutOlivia Lanz PalozejMichael PatsunJoAnna Mary PaulClaudia-Marie PerezStephen David PernalChristopher Philavong

Amy Marie PinardDylan PlanetaNatalie Marie PoitrasMegan Ann PotamianosKrista Elizabeth PregonyChelsy Amanda QuilesAmy Leigh RafanielloEmily Anastasia RancourtAmir Arsalan RanjbarKelly Maureen RemenikZachery RemingtonBrittany Ann RhodesElizabeth Jayne RisleyAndrew RoetsKeena Patricia RomeoJeanette RoweKenneth Brian SageAlyssa Mae SavageCharles Vincent SavonaCurt Joseph Schiessl Jr.Andrew Douglas

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SOMERS — The town is working toimprove services for senior citizens.

More than 40 residents attended aSenior Summit held June 22. The programwas held to find out if the town was meet-ing the needs of its senior citizens, FirstSelectman Lisa Pellegrini said.

In general, the seniors in attendancesaid they were happy with town programs,particularly since new ones have beenadded, Pellegrini said.

Their major concern was how to com-municate their needs to the town in case ofan extended power outage. They want toknow who to call and what shelter optionsmay be available.

“They’re unsure of what to do,”

Pellegrini said. “We need to have somekind of information available to them.”

She said this demonstrates the need forimprovements to the town’s emergencyplan and that she intends to bring this mat-ter before town civil preparedness offi-cials.

The town also held a Senior Centercookout June 10 with more than 100 sen-iors in attendance, which Pellegrini, who,along with her husband, served hot dogsand hamburgers, described as a lot of fun.

STEAP Grant

The town has some remaining fundsfrom its 2009 Small Town EconomicAssistance Program grant. That money isbeing used for painting and fencing atField Road Park.

Solar Panels

The town has signed a contract for theinstallation of solar panels at SomersElementary School and the Department ofPublic Works garage.

A roof membrane will be installed at theschool as part of the project.

“That will eliminate us going out and

bonding for a roof,” Pellegrini said. “Thatextends the roof for 20 years.”

The solar panel project is being fundedthrough the town’s Capital ImprovementProgram. Work on the school roof isscheduled to begin after July 4. The publicworks garage solar panels will be doneafter the school project is completed.

Seniors Address Concerns with Town Officials about Communication

First Selectman Lisa Pellegrini with a senior at the first-ever Senior Summit held atthe senior center.

Seniors enjoy refreshments during the Senior Summit.

SOMERS - PandaMania 2011 VacationBible School at the CongregationalChurch of Somersville, 22 Maple St.,Somersville, will be held from 9 a.m. tonoon on July 11-15. Kids ages 3-8 willjoin in a celebration of God’s uncondition-al love. The children will learn Bible sto-ries, sing songs, play games, make crafts,do science projects and share in tastysnacks, all the while learning about God’slove for them and how to respond by lov-

ing God, loving others, and loving our-selves.

The cost is $25 per child for the week,but that cost is fully refundable if the childattends all five days or is scheduled withthe church in advance to be absent one ortwo of the five days. If your child or chil-dren can benefit from this great program,please call the church office at 860-749-7741 or email the church at [email protected]. Space is limited.

Somersville Church Plans Vacation Bible School


SOMERS - The Somers High SchoolSenior Awards were presented on June 13.The following awards were presented inthe Robert Percoski Auditorium.

Art-Faith Ferguson Art Medal: SaraLaplante

Art-Ceramics: Brandon RobertsArt-Independent/Advance Ceramics:

Megan Davis, Megan Mitchell, MollyRockett

Art-Intro to Drawing & Painting :Christopher Mashiak, Sara Laplante,Arianna Bliss

General Federation of Women’s Club ofCT/first prize in Acrylic Award: SaraLaplante

Robert Mulak Art Book Award: JuliaGlybin

Art-Sculpture: Nicholas MarocchiniBusiness-Marketing: Kelsey FalconeBusiness-Accounting 1: Marissa Lucey,

Kaylee AlbertiCSCPA Outstanding Accounting

Student: Kathryn SquillaceEnglish-Grade 12 - Achievement

Award: Kyle GaskellEnglish-Grade 12 Outstanding Writer:

Thomas GayEnglish-Grade 12 Outstanding Student:

Molly RockettFood Service Award: Andrea Reutter,

Luke CassarinoMath-Consumer Math: Millicent

SawtelleMath-AP Statistics: Kathryn Squillace

Math- Statistics: Daniel O’GradyMath- Calculus: Neil CardwellMath- Trigonometry: Thomas GayMusic - Senior Choral Award: Marissa

LuceyMusic- Senior Band Award: Lauren

AstoneMusic-Jazz Choir Award: Lee-Ann

PercoskiMusic-Eastern Region Chorus: Amanda

ConnorMusic-Wall of Fame Award: Kelsey

RichardsPE/Health-Grade 12 Male: Ryan

DonovanPE/Health-Grade 12 Female: Elizabeth

PoitrasPE/Health-Senior Health: Justin LiquoriPE/Health-Senior Health: Kayla StetsonScience-Physics: Thomas GayScience Achievement Award: Brianna

HerbertSocial Studies-Career Awards: Julia

GlybinSocial Studies -Student Advisory

Council President: Lauren AstoneTech.-Outstanding Achievement in R &

D: John KelleyTech.-Outstanding Tech. Ed.

Achievement Award: Justin LiquoriWorld Language -Spanish 5: Shaelyn

KillohWorld Language -French 5: Thomas

GayCongressional Certificate of Merit:

Molly RockettUCONN - Presidential Scholars

Awards: Thomas Gay, Molly Rockett,Christopher Mashiak

CABE Student Leadership Awards:Molly Rockett

Continuous Honor Roll: Kaylee Alberti,Arianna Bliss, Andrea Braica, GeorgiaBurke, Aaron Elman, Kelsey Falcone,Thomas Gay, Shaelyn Killoh, SaraLaplante, Christopher Mashiak, Jo-AnnMeunier, Daniel O’Grady, BrandonRoberts, Molly Rockett, Kathryn Squillaceand Samantha Zawistowski.

Presidential Award for AcademicAchievement: Andrea Braica, Aubrey-Anna Brink, Neil Cardwell, Amber Davis,Linzi Furnari, Kyle Gaskell, Kaily Jones,Keisha Morales, Lee-Ann Percoski, AustinPortal, Meghan Regan, Kelsey Richards,Rosemary Richi, and Kayla Stetson.

Presidential Award for AcademicExcellence: Kaylee Alberti, Arianna Bliss,Georgia Burke, Aaron Elman, KelseyFalcone, Thomas Gay, Sarah Goodman,Shaelyn Killoh, Sara Laplante, JustinLiquori, Marissa Lucey, ChristopherMashiak, Jo-Ann Meunier, DanielO’Grady, Molly Rockett, KathrynSquillace and Samantha Zawistowski.

Principal’s Award - Greatest PersonalGrowth: Meghan Regan

Principal’s Award - Leadership/Service:Evan Woicik

Rotary Award for Outstanding Service:Elizabeth Poitras

Lions Bowl - Grade 12SCHOLARSHIPS: Craig Arnone Mem. Scholarship:

Kathryn SquillaceSomers Fire Dept: Jonathan SchiesslAsnuntuck Robert Burke Memorial:

Aubry Brink, Amber Davis and KaylaStetson

Beta Club Award: Brianna Herbert,Shaelyn Killoh, Kathryn Squillace

Pat Bowles Memorial Scholarship: SaraLaplante

Sean Brown Memorial Scholarship:Matthew Traceski

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AWARDS/page 22



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Somers High SchoolClass of 2011

SOMERS – The following 140 studentswere graduated June 21 from the SomersHigh School Class of 2011, according to alist provided by the school administra-tion.

Victor J. Albaugh, Gabrielle AmandaAlbert, Kaylee Amber Alberti, AshleyLynn Anderson, Quinn C. Aslin, LaurenTerese Astone, Christopher Balaska, RyanMichael Bartolf, Daniel Jacob Bell,Matthew James Benoit, Michael PaulBenoit, Michael J. Berger, Courtney LynnBlewett, Arianna McKnight Bliss, AndreaRose Braica, Christel Bransford, Aubrey-Anna Rachael Brink, Michael RobertBujnowski, Georgia Christine Burke,Alexander M. Bych, Neil Cardwell, LukeS. Cassarino, Kristen Marie Conley,Amanda Dorothy Connor, Brian Coope,and Nicole Aurelia D’Angelo.

Also, Amber Kathleen Elizabeth Davis,Megan Janet Davis, Madeline AdelaMarie Dawson, Jon Dion, Ryan MichaelDonovan, Stephanie Nicole Doyon,Patrick Drohr, Ashley R. Duncan, JamesM. Dussault, Aaron Brett Elman, KelseyLynn Falcone, Morgan Rose Falcone,Olivia Marie Fenton, Garrett S. Ficara,James Folger, Madeline Claire Folsom,

Joshua Abel Fredette, and Linzi K.Furnari.

Also, Tricia Marie Galinski, Colin

Gallerani, Matthew Garcia, Kyle DavidGaskell, Thomas Joseph Gay, Taylor Geas,Derek Geoffroy, Christopher James Giza,

Mark Gladu, Julia Glybin,Sarah V. Goodman, AdamB. Guerrette, Annette T.Hailer, Michael LawrenceHanna, Terri LaineHaslem, Alec W. Heagie,Brianna Rose Herbert,Jessica Higgins, KevinHuang, Jordan Irish, KailyJones, John ThomasKelley, Shaelyn AdeleKilloh, Haley M. Kinel-Frey, and Ryan CarlsonKing.

Also, Ashley NicoleKinney, Andrew Koehler,Bianca GabrielleKrzynowek, Shelby MarieLaDue, Jennifer ChristinaLam, Sara Lynn Laplante,Ian Leiching, Justin E.Liquori, Justin Locke,Marissa Jean Lucey,Matthew B. Lynch,Catherine ElaineMachnicki, Nicholas PaulMarocchini, ChristopherMichael Mashiak, DanielShamus McDonald, LauraAnne McLaughlin, Jon M.

Merrick, Jo-Ann K. Meunier, PatrickMark Milikowski, Megan Teresa Mitchell,

Somers High School senior and class president Elizabeth Poitras, right, claps and looks on as her fel-low classmates receive their diplomas during the 2011 commencement ceremony on June 21.

Photo by David Butler III



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Somers High School senior Marissa Lucey celebrates with her fellow classmates after receiving their diplomas during the 2011commencement ceremony on June 21. Photo by David Butler III

Keisha Morales, Justin John Murdza,Michael L. Nason, Chelsea Rose Nitch,Daniel P. O’Grady, J. Michael Oakley,Dillon J. Peel, and Jon AnthonyPellegrino.

Also, Lee-Ann Margaret Percoski,Trevor Richard Percoski, Melissa KayPerry, Audry Catherine Persano, JosephPiscottano, Elizabeth Rose Poitras, AustinJ. Portal, Mehrdad Razavi, MeghanJessica Regan, Molly J. Regan, AndreaLouise Reutter, Kelsey Faye Richards,Rosemary A. Richi, Alan T. Roberts,Brandon M. Roberts, Molly Rockett,Cody Jacob Rush, Siobhan Anne Ryan,Millicent Patricia Diane Sawtelle, Jacob J.Scheuer, and Jonathan Robert Schiessl.

Also, Amanda Louise Smith, AprilLynn Smith, Samantha Leigh Smith,Christopher R. Socha, Kristine JeanSooter, Kathryn Anne Squillace, KaylaMarie Stetson, Brandon Stinson,Katherine Elyse Suschana, Andrew J.Thomas, Zachary Thomas Thresher,Matthew Timothy Traceski, PeterNicholas Vamvilis, Connor Varnet,Damien A. Vine, Andrew Joseph White,Jeffrey Wiese, Evan James Woicik, AshleyTheresa Wright, Nicholas Wylot, MadisonRenee Zachary, and Samantha EmilyZawistowski.



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CANDIDATES WILL BE SELECTED BY JULY 31, 2011.

Barbara Bushnell Memorial: JustinLiquori

Cath. Daughters of AmericaScholarship: Elizabeth Poitras

George R. Couch TechnicalScholarship: Andrea Reutter

David N. Drake Memorial Scholarship:Brian Coope

ELKS-M. Fergurson Enfield EmblemClub: Lee-Ann Percoski

ELKS John & Rose AlbericiScholarship: Lee-Ann Percoski

Stacie & Jose Fonseca Memorial:Austin Portal

Generations Dental Care (Cummiskey):Ashley Anderson

Mr Mrs. Gengenbach Mem.Scholarship : Luke Cassarino

Kristen Hammond MemorialScholarship: Daniel O’Grady

Joan Hayes Memorial Scholarship:Kelsey Falcone

Barbara Henderson MemorialScholarship: Ashley Kinney

Keeney Foundation: Thomas Gay,Kathryn Squillace, Christopher Mashiakand Shaelyn Killoh.

Keeney Memorial: SamanthaZawistowski, Arianna Bliss, Austin Portal,Kaylee Alberti, Rosemary Richi

Knights of Columbus: Justin Liquori

and Audry PersanoKnights of Columbus-Richard Lech:

John PellegrinoRobert & Eddie Mulak Alumni

Scholarship: Andrea BraicaStanley Mulak Memorial - Art:

Madeline DawsonNational Honor Society: Molly Rockett

and Brianna HerbertFrancine Orton Memorial: Andrea

BraicaSomers Health and Wellness

Scholarship: Ashley DuncanGerald Perreault Memorial: Brandon

RobertsGene Pitney Memorial: Amanda

Connor Somers Beautification: Kathryn

Squillace and Matthew TraceskiSomers Booster Club (Ath/Leadership

Award): Michael HannaSomers Booster Club

(Athletic/Leadership Award): ElizabethPoitras

Somers Cultural Committee - VisualArts: Sara Laplante

Somers Dem. Town Committee-WillardPinney Good Citizenship Award: MollyRockett

Somers Education Association: RyanDonovan and Daniel McDonald

(continued from page 17)

AWARDS/page 23

Awards for Class of 2011 Seniors



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Awards for Class of 2011 Seniors

Somers Education Support Association-: Justin Liquori

Somers High School Alumni -Scholarship: Thomas Gay, Kevin Huangand Keisha Morales

Somers Lacrosse Association-PaulBowers Memorial: Kaylee Alberti andNeil Cardwell

Somers Lions- Macie GraceMcCloskey Scholarship: Justin Liquoriand Keisha Morales

Somers Lions-Richard Weingartner:Elizabeth Poitras

Somers Lions- Timothy DaileyScholarship: Madison Zachary

Somers Music Patrons - Christine TaftMemorial: Lee-Ann Percoski

Somers Music Patrons: MorganFalcone, Brianna Herbert and SaraLaplante

Somers PTSA Scholarship: JustinLiquori and Kathryn Squillace

Somers Rotary -Technology Award:Jonathan Schiessl

Somers Rotary -Contributions toSchool and Community: Justin Liquori,Matthew Traceski, Ashley Kinney, MollyRockett and Kathryn Squillace

Somers Rotary -Peter ChipourasMemorial: Christopher Balaska

Somers School Nurses Scholarship:Ashley Duncan

Carol A. Dion Scholarship sponsoredby Somers Senior Center: Brian Coopeand Kathryn Squillace

Frank & Charlotte Stopa Scholarship:Megan Mitchell

Somers Women ‘s Club: Molly Rockettand Kathryn Squillace

Tobacco Valley Teachers Credit Union:Brianna Herbert

National Honor Society Student -President: Sarah Goodman

National Honor Society Student:Lauren Astone, Arianna Bliss, AndreaBraica, Georgia Burke, Aaron Elman,Kelsey Falcone, Morgan Falcone, ThomasGay, Adam Guerrette, Brianna Herbert,Kevin Huang, Shaelyn Killoh, AshleyKinney, Sara LaPlante, Justin Liquori,Marissa Lucey, Catherine Machnicki,Christopher Mashiak, Elizabeth Poitras,Austin Portal, Megan Mitchell, Lee-AnnPercoski, Melissa Perry, Rosemary Richi,Brandon Roberts, Molly Rockett, KathrynSquillace, Matthew Traceski andSamantha Zawistowski

Co-Valedictorian: Thomas Gay andKathryn Squillace

SPORTSMillerick Award - Michael Hanna and

Elizabeth Poitras


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Somers Rangers Win Memorial Day TournamentMembers of the Somers Rangers baseball team display their championship trophies after winning the 2011 U-12 EnfieldMemorial Day Tournament. Pictured, front row (left to right): Aaron Young, Stefan Lesco, Peter Garlick, Austin Kertenis, JeffSuschana. Back row (left to right): Frankie Rinaldi, Ethan Belisle, Nick Gray, Sam Pruden, James Chaisson, Robby Nadler.Coaches (not pictured): Manager Ken Young, Coach Frank Rinaldi, Coach Mike Lesco, Coach Bob Nadler, Coach SteveSuschana.

Bourbon Slush FamilyDay Attracts 120

SOMERS - Lindy Farms, in conjunc-tion with the Harness Horse YouthFoundation, sponsored a Family Day formembers of the Bourbon Slush StableSunday, June 19. About 120 attendees,ranging from a few weeks old to 91-years-old met stable member Lil Miss Bourbon,a two-year-old American Ideal filly ownedby Bourbon Slush Stable who jogged forthe group. They also had a chance to expe-rience a jog cart ride with the sevenTrottingbred members of the HHYF sta-ble. More than 80 participants took advan-tage of that opportunity.

The Lindy Farms staff and manage-ment, including Frank Antonacci and farmmanager John Belskie were in attendance,with Antonacci hosting a question andanswer session and Belskie providing atour of the breeding farm. Lunch wasserved under a tent at nearby Somers GolfCenter, as attendees took advantage of themini-golf, batting cages, driving range,rock wall and monkey motion attraction.

The Harness Horse Youth Foundationstable and staff are currently quartered atthe historic Wayne County Fairgrounds inHonesdale, Penn., and will take part inTunkhannock Founders Day Saturdayand will also be at the festivities surround-ing Hall of Fame weekend in Goshen, NYduring Independence Weekend.



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STAFFORD — Residents may havealready received their tax bills, but thatdoes not mean the town has a budget inplace.

A decision was made at the June 6 TownMeeting to postpone a second budget ref-erendum until the state finalizes its budget,and the referendum that had been sched-

uled for June 14 was canceled, FirstSelectman Michael Krol said.

The Board of Selectmen voted to set amill rate of 28.96 for the town and 1.95 forthe Service District so that property taxbills could be sent out.

Krol stressed that mill rate set a tax rateonly and that a spending budget was notyet in place. The selectmen will propose a

final spending plan, which will then go toa Town Meeting and a budget referendum,after the state budget is firmly established.

The state Legislature has passed a budg-et, which has been signed by Gov. DannelP. Malloy, but it is contingent on stateemployee unions agreeing to the conces-sions called for in the budget. The employ-ee unions have since voted against the con-cessions, leaving the budget in limbo.

Residents voted 847-637 against thefirst budget proposal at a May 18 referen-dum. The town had been seeking a totalbudget of $36,313,886 for the 2011-2012fiscal year. That included $10,863,336 for

the Board of Selectmen’s budget, a 1.7percent decrease from the current budget.

The Board of Finance has asked for$76,000 in cuts from the original proposal.With those cuts, the budget would carry a0.94 mill increase, compared to the 1.52mill increase of the defeated budget plan.A mill represents $1 in tax for every$1,000 of assessed property value.

Tax bills were sent out assuming a 1mill increase over last year’s budget, Krolsaid. If a lower budget figure is adopted,the leftover funding would be used the fol-lowing year to offset any tax increases, headded.

Tax Bills in Mailbox Don’t Mean Town Budget in Place Yet

STAFFORD - The Stafford Communityand Civic Affairs Commission will beholding Stafford’s annual Summerfest onSaturday, July 2. The rain date is Sunday,July 3. Activities begin as early as 8 a.m.and run until after the fireworks, whichbegin at 9:15 p.m.

This year’s Summerfest, as in the past,will center around good old-fashionedfamily fun. The annual kickoff event forthe Summerfest is the Fishing Derby,which will be held at Dennis Pond begin-ning at 8 a.m. Then at noon the mainSummerfest activities begin at the StaffordHigh School track. There will be tons offun, music, contests, lots of delicious sum-

mer food, kids games, vendors and more.Frog jumping, egg relays, three-leggedsack race, pie eating and a water balloontoss are all scheduled.

Featured bands and local musicians willprovide music throughout the afternoonand evening right up until the fireworksbegin. You can beat the traffic by takingthe shuttle. It will run from 5 p.m.-9 p.m.with return trips after the fireworks haveended. Pickup/dropoff locations are theTown Hall and Olympic Field. Grab thekids, a friend, the family or a partner andhead on over for a great day of fun. Formore information, call Cindy Kabel at 860-604-1509 or Gail Fisher at 860-684-5188.

Stafford’s Annual SummerfestIncludes Fireworks and Fun

STAFFORD – The Stafford ArtsCommission’s sixth annual Fine ArtsFestival, “Autumn in the Park,” will takeplace on Saturday, Oct. 1 at Hyde Park inStafford Springs. The commission inviteslocal and regional artists and full-time artstudents to submit samples of their workfor juried selection by a panel of art pro-fessionals.

The wide range of media categoriesincludes: painting, sculpture, photography,drawing, glass, ceramics, wood, metal,fiber and jewelry.

The application fee of $35 ($20 for full-time students) is still one of the most mod-erate for any comparable festival in theNew England region.

Artists interested in participating at“Autumn in the Park” can visit theCommission’s website atwww.staffordct.org for application infor-mation and entry forms. Application dead-line is Aug. 31. For more information orquestions regarding applications, call 860-684-5211 or email [email protected] .

Artists Needed for 6th Annual Autumn in the Park





STAFFORD — In a sea of blue andwhite gowns, the Stafford High SchoolClass of 2011 graduated June 22 in theschool gymnasium.

This was the 125th commencement forStafford High. The Class of 2011 present-ed a tree to the school as its class gift inhonor of the 100th graduating class. JohnMadden, president of the Class of 1986,was there to receive the class gift. Hisclass had presented a tree to the school inhonor of the 50th graduating class.

The graduation was particularly specialfor four members of the Board ofEducation, whose children were graduat-ing. Among the graduates were ThomasSzymanski, the valedictorian and the sonof board member Stephen Szymanski;Andrea Finch, daughter of board memberLisa Finch; Anna Bombard, daughter ofboard secretary Sandy Fowler; and TuckerFontanella, son of board Chairman MarkFontanella. It also was a special for classadviser Lauretta Dillon, whose daughterJulie Dillion was both the salutatorian andclass president.

“Thank you for keeping Stafford HighSchool a place of great pride,” PrincipalFrancis Kenney told the class. “You havetriumphed … You are ready, and I wishyou every continued success and happi-ness.”

Mark Fontanella, the board chairman,told the class that he is proud of them.“You provide us with the validation ofwhat we do on the board.” He said thatparents start out thinking that they havecreated their children, but as they grow,they realize that is wrong. “It hit us that wewere not the creators, you were.”

Julie Dillon, as class president, thankedtheir teachers, advisers, parents and every-one else at the school for all they havedone to help them reach this point.

After Class Vice President AnnaBombard rang the original school bell 11times, Dillon reminded the graduates thatthis was everyone involved with theschool or ever involved with it. As in life,she said, “It’s not just about us, the Class

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Stafford Class of 2011 Celebrates 125th Commencement

CLASS/page 30

A grad is greeted with an enthusiastic hug.


STAFFORD - KennethValentine, principal ofStafford Middle School,announced the names ofthe following students whohave achieved honor rollstatus for Term 5.

HIGH HONORS –

GRADE 6

Michael BachiochiRachel BergeronLuke BroadhurstJenna CastonguayIsaac CombsLindsey EatonMatthew FaberMatthew FrankDanielle GarnelisValerie GirardJustin GrantKatelyn HendersonNiomi Hunter-MuellerBrandon KallenbachKaitlyn KirchhofferEthan LawlorMegan LuekelCameron MacGregorSaylee MissellTimothy NotoSarah ProvencherSana QureshiDamon Reynolds

HONORS GRADE 6

Brett AurettoWilliam BernierKaitlyn CollierEthan CombsNoah CombsRiley DeaneAshley DempseyEva DiazJeremiah DowdThomas EatonChristopher FishChristopher FletcherTyler GeboBrianna GillAiden GoodwinMegan GregoryMiranda GriffithEvan GuzzoEmily KopecJulia LachanceAlexandra LambertSchuyler LamoureuxConnor LubyWendelin MarmolJacob MokrzeckiMadison MurphyKyle PiccoliHaylie PruckerCourtney RidzonAndrew SyphersSummer SzallHannah Vail

Hannah Van DykChase Walbridge

HIGH HONORS –

GRADE 7

Alyson BlytheCurtis CampoAlyssa FeckoBridget KeleherShannon KennedyRowan LongmoreEmma MilikowskiNayyara NaseerZachary PelletierAlison PisciottaBrianna ReevesSamantha RoySophia SargentJordan SierraDylan SnayShannon StuartHeather TetraultJames TitusPatrick VincentiHONORS GRADE 7

Samad AhmadVeronica AllevoAaron BernierMichael BladekSabrina CzelazewiczLindsay DobitskyMarissa DwyerJohn Fagerquist

Nathan FishNicholas FitzpatrickRachel GallisonBrendan HoseyAnna Hunter-MuellerMackenzie KoelschSandra KorzenieskiBrooke MaloneKaitlyn MathieuStephanie MilnesKelsie PaceHannah Pinney Elizabeth PisciottaAllison SchoolnickHannah SeddonPeyton TeskeCameron ThayerCaitlyn ToneyEmily WestShelby WestallHIGH HONORS –

GRADE 8

Garrett CarlsonRenee ChasseHailey Ebenstein

Nicholas GirardShane KaletteErica LawlorKaela MaloneyKathryn MolitorisMatthew MooreKyle RamseyAnyamanee SaksriAnna SmithCorine SylvainKeighlee SzafirJeffery ZakHONORS GRADE 8

Adam Beaucage

Kailey DemersHeather DolbyCaitlyn EatonTaylor Glaeser-CharterAlex HossConnor HutchinsCassandra JenkinsStephanie MurthaMathew ProulxLisa RisleyJoshua SimpsonSamantha ThompsonRaeanna Tumel


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Stafford Middle School Announces Honor Roll Students for Fifth Term

Vacation Bible SchoolSTAFFORD - The Stafford Community Vacation Bible

School is called “Kickin’ it Old School by Go Fish.” Itincludes dinner, crafts, games, music and more.

Cost is $7 per child or $10 for family. Scholarships areavailable. The weeklong program is sponsored by theStafford Area Clergy Association. It will be held July 24-28 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Register at First UnitedMethodist Church by calling 860-684-2468.



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Rotarians Raise Funds for Tornado VictimsOn June 6, the Stafford Rotary Club hosted its 38th annual Golf Tournament atHampden Country Club in Hampden, Mass. At the awards dinner following a day ofgolf and fellowship, the club auctioned off a basketball autographed by the entireBoston Celtics basketball team with all proceeds benefiting the tornado victims inMonson, Mass. The ball was donated by Keena Memorials of East Hartford. Picturedare Rotarian and golf committee chairman Tony Scussel and auction co-high biddersRaymond Fallon, of Fallon Moving and Storage, Windsor, and Nicholas Vamvilas ofMaine Fish Market Restaurant, East Windsor. The $1,000 in proceeds from the auc-tion, along with individual donations from Stafford Rotarians, will be forwarded to theMonson, Mass., Rotary Club for direct distribution to meet the many needs of Monsonresidents and business owners.

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Free Health FairWanda Alter, an Asnuntuck Community College student enrolled in a Medical AssistantClinical Laboratory class, checks Hallmark Card employee Jose Correa’s blood pres-sure during a free Health Fair at Hallmark Cards on Bacon Road in Enfield.

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of 2011.”For her salutatory address, she sang

“For Good,” a song about being changedfor the better.

Valedictorian Thomas Szymanski urgedthe class to “be proud of yourselves, per-severing even in the most difficult times.Look forward to the future, but don’t for-get your experience here,” he said.

The guest speaker was Lt. Gov. NancyWyman, who told that class that no matterhow firm your plans in life, they oftenchange in unexpected directions. “Often

what really matters most is how yourespond to those turns,” she said.

She told the class that her politicalcareer began when she was a motherunsatisfied with her children’s education.She had wanted to impeach the schoolboard in her town, completely unawarethat isn’t even possible.

Wyman urged the class to go off and gettheir educations, but also to come back.“This is your home, and we hope you willcome back and stay here,” she said.

First Selectman Michael Krol also askedthe class to come back to Stafford, but “toyour own home, not your parents’.”


StaffordStaffordClass of 2011 Celebrates Graduation


Salutatorian and Class President Julie Dillon and Class Vice President Anna Bombard.

A couple of happy graduates.



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Annual Highland GamesAfter roughly six weeks of research and studying a specific clan, the clans got together for a full day outside com-peting in various Scottish games at Stafford High. At right, freshman Pierce Ceniglio, of the Clan Fraser, tries hisstrength in the Caber Toss during the ninth annual Highland Games on June 3.

Photos by Amy Hartenstein



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SOMERS — The landmark PlayhousePlaza restaurant has a new owner, but shemay seem more like a familiar face.

Kathleen Birkenshaw of Somers, whohas worked for the Playhouse Plaza for 27years, has purchased the restaurant — nowcalled Kathy’s Playhouse Plaza.

Birkenshaw and her husband, David,are also familiar faces around town. Bothhave lived in Somers for years, withKathleen being originally from Enfieldand David being a Somers native. DavidBirkenshaw is the owner of Birkenshaw

Electric, a local business founded in 1976.The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch

and dinner daily. Its specialties includefresh seafood, home-roasted turkey serveddaily and prime rib served on the week-ends.

“Everything is good,” DavidBirkenshaw said. “Everybody comes back.They love the fish. It’s cooked perfectly.”

Kathy’s Playhouse Plaza is located at48 South Rd., open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.Sunday through Thursday and 6 a.m. to8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Longtime Employee Buys Somers’ Playhouse Plaza Restaurant


SOMERS — After years of serving hiscustomers Indian food at his restaurant,Kuldeep Sandhu can help them fill theirwine cellars too.

The Tolland resident opened SomersWines at 102 Main St. on May 13. He isthe owner of The Garden in Agawam,Mass.

Somers Wines has a full selection ofwine and liquor, Sandhu said. Their spe-cialty is wines from this area.

“We like to promote local wines,” hesaid.

Among the services Somers Wines

offers are custom labels. Customers canorder wines with a label specially made fortheir wedding or other special occasion, hesaid.

Sandhu said he chose to open his storein Somers because of its small-town char-acter and chose the Main Street locationfor the busy, high-traffic neighborhood.

“Somers is a small town, a good town… we’d like to be part of the community,”Sandhu said, adding that he plans to jointhe local chamber of commerce.

Working in the business with Sandhuwill be his wife, Mini. The couple havethree children, ages 5, 14, and 15.

Restaurant Owner Opens Wine Store

Bank Branch Ribbon CuttingRep. Christopher Davis (R-Ellington) served as the ribbon cutter at the official grandopening of the New England Bank branch on Shoham Road in East Windsor. JoiningRep. Davis in welcoming the business to the community were East Windsor Chamberof Commerce members and other business and community leaders. The bank wasrecently rebranded after the merger of several local banks in the area. The EastWindsor Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event also served as an opportunity forRep. Davis to meet with other local business officials to discuss issues important to jobgrowth and tourism in the community. “It is always an honor to be invited to welcomebusinesses to our community,” said Rep. Davis. “As our state representative, it isvery important to show support for community members who are providing servicesand jobs in our town. With the addition of New England Bank, we are working towardsmaking East Windsor an even better place to live and start a business.”



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VERNON - Ilene Whitmarsh has joinedReMax Destination as the newest memberof this sales team. Whitmarsh brings to theoffice 41 years of experience in real estateand was formerly with Century 21 H.J.McQuaid Agency in Stafford, and Century21 Alaimo & Corrado in Enfield. She spe-cializes in residential sales including shortsales.

“I am proud to be a part of the ReMaxDestination team and affiliated with theRE/MAX organization,” Whitmarsh said.“Connecting with RE/MAX will be a sig-nificant benefit to my clients, because it

has the most powerful and efficient refer-ral system in the business. There are near-ly 100,000 RE/MAX affiliates in morethan 70 countries, meaning that when I lista property here in North CentralConnecticut it is exposed to a huge audi-ence. And the technology tools thatRE/MAX has to offer can help my clientsget the best possible price for their home inthe least amount of time.”

Whitmarsh said another advantageoffered by the company is RE/MAXMainstreet, an extranet that allows itsagents to share referrals, marketing tech-

niques and the latest information abouttechnology, advertising and similar topics.“Ongoing education is a strong priority atRE/MAX,” Whitmarsh said. “No otherreal estate organization has a higher per-

centage of affiliates with advanced, pro-fessional designations.”

ReMax Destination is located at 44Hyde Ave. in Vernon. Whitmarsh may bereached at 860-508-9757.

Whitmarsh Brings 41 Years of Sales Experience to ReMax Office

WILLIMANTIC - The following stu-dents were named to Eastern’s Dean’s Listfor the spring 2011 semester: DanielArsenault of Rockville; Analia Bertucci ofVernon; Chelsea Clay of Vernon; MeghanClough of Vernon; Craig Collin of Vernon,Andrew Deane of Vernon, RobertLaPlante of Vernon Rockville, RachaelLee of Vernon, Kelly McSorley of VernonRockville, Gregory Murphy of VernonRockville, Courtney Ojard of VernonRockville, Hannah Ojard of VernonRockville, Kimberly Perna of Vernon,Alexander Rouleau of Vernon, DyanaRyba of Vernon Rockville, Jamie Vallarelliof Vernon, and Samantha Army of Somers.

Also, Christopher Cox of Somers, IanHills of Somers, Brian Milliken ofSomers, Mindy Oswell of Somers, SarahPotrikus of Somers, Chelsea Socha of

Somers, Amber Wassmuth of Somers,Alexandra Byrne of Stafford Springs,Angela D. Colon of Stafford Springs,Melissa Dwelley of Stafford Springs, SeanKellarson of Stafford Springs, GregoryKrol of Stafford Springs, JenniferLevesque of Stafford Springs, KristaLevesque of Stafford Springs, DanielleNelson of Stafford Springs, KimberlyRobbins of Stafford Springs, SarahSmialek of Stafford Springs, DeonarineSumeersarnauth of Stafford Springs,Corey Summers of Stafford Springs,

Eastern Connecticut State University ispart of the Connecticut State UniversitySystem (CSUS) and is the state’s publicliberal arts university. Eastern serves morethan 5,000 students each year on itsWillimantic campus.

Local Students Named on Spring 2011 Dean’s Listat Eastern Connecticut State University

CHICOPEE - The following students atElms College in Chicopee, Mass., werenamed to the Dean’s List for the spring2011 semester (to qualify, a student musthave a grade point average of 3.5 or betterfor the semester and complete at least 12credits): Caytlin Woodtke from Vernonand Samantha Rush from Somers.

Elms College is a co-educational,Catholic college offering a liberal arts cur-riculum that gives students multiple per-spectives on life. Founded in 1928 by theSisters of St. Joseph, Elms College has atradition of educating reflective, princi-pled, and creative learners.

Pair Named to Elms College Dean’s List




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ENFIELD – Each year, fourth- andfifth-grade students from throughout thetown of Enfield participate in a specialFire Prevention Poster Contest. MichaelGiugliano, a talented fourth-grade studentfrom Enfield Montessori School, repre-sented the Town of Enfield in thestatewide contest. Michael is the HartfordCounty winner of the Connecticut FairPlan Everyone Everyday, receiving a $200savings bond.

This Connecticut Fire Prevention PosterContest is a cooperative effort of the

Office of State Fire Marshal, theConnecticut State Fire Marshal’sAssociation, Connecticut Fire Chief’sAssociation, State Board of Education,and the Connecticut Fair Plan (represent-ing the insurance industry). The contest isdesigned to develop fire safety awarenessin youngsters and to encourage them totake the message home to their families.

At right, Enfield Montessori Schoolteacher Cliona Beaulieu with contest winner Michael Giugliano.

Montessori Student Wins Fair Plan Fire Prevention Contest

ENFIELD - The Woman’s Club ofEnfield recently awarded scholarshipstotaling $4,150 to the following highschool graduates in Enfield.

The Woman’s Club Of EnfieldScholarships recipients were:

Nicole Schlask, Enfield High School -$1,000

Mary Megan Hastings, Enfield HighSchool - $1,000

Faye Koenigsmark, Fermi High School- $1,000

Grace Sroka, Fermi High School -$1,000

The Phyllis Berger Memorial

Scholarship:Hanna Sleiman - $150 – Enfield High

SchoolEach year, the General Federation of

Women’s Clubs of Connecticut offers thePhipps Memorial Award to Connecticutwomen to pursue advanced courses ofstudy at accredited colleges.

The Woman’s Club of Enfield wasrecently notified by the GFWC/CTMemorial Scholarship Chair that a $1,000Phipps Memorial Scholarship has beenawarded to Heather Schultz of Enfield.

Enfield Woman’s Club Scholarship Winners


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An interesting question was posed by afellow journalist the day after driving the2012 Hyundai Accent: What is this goingto do to sales of the white-hot 2011Hyundai Elantra?

The Hyundai Elantra is theseventh-best selling sedan inthe United States (just a cou-ple spots behind its bigger sib-ling, the Sonata). Its perch hasto be threatened by theHyundai Accent, which isarriving in four-door versionin dealers now, soon to be fol-lowed by the five-door hatch-back model.

After all, the four-door model starts at$12,445 with the five-door hatch being$14,595 (before the $760 delivery charge).Plus, the Accent is rated at 30 mpg city and40 mpg highway. The only thing it reallygives up to the Elantra, besides price, is 10horsepower and four inches of wheelbase.

OK, that's being a bit simplistic, thereare lots of other differences between thetwo models. While I agree with the senti-ment that the Accent could siphon offsome Elantra sales, I think it's going to dosome real damage among the competition,which is chiefly defined as the Ford Fiesta,Toyota Yaris, Chevy Aveo (soon to be

Sonic) and the Mazda2.Of that group, Ford should be the most

concerned because the Accent compares toit in looks, beats it in price, and wins thepower game while providing better fuel

economy. The Yaris, Mazda2and Honda Fit will lose somecustomers, too, but the Fiestawill be most challengedbecause Hyundai now offersthe best sub-compact in theUnited States. The Fiesta hadthat honor until now.

The model I drove during amedia preview in Las Vegaswas the five-door hatchback

with six-speed manual transmission. Itsshifter was seamless as it effortlesslyclicked through the gears under briskacceleration. A good manual transmissionhits all the gears the first time out with lit-tle thought from the driver. You don't wantto distracted while hunting for gears.

It is powered by an all-aluminum 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder engine that pro-duces a class-leading 138 horsepower and123 lb-ft of torque. It uses gas direct injec-tion, a first in the sub-compact class,which helps improve its fuel efficiency 18percent overall from last year's model. Justto keep piling on to the Fiesta, the Accent

has 15 percent more horsepower whiledelivering roughly 3 percent better fueleconomy. The next most powerful sub-compact would be the Aveo and that's awhopping 23 percent less powerful.

The strongest safety feature on theAccent is four disk brakes that providestrong stopping power of 138 feet from 60mph. I tested the brakes twice while driv-ing around Lake Mead in Nevada and bothtimes stopping power was instant andstraight.

All this power, safety and fuel efficien-cy combines to create a car that is just funto drive. It rides quietly for a vehicle in thisprice class. Is it Lexus quiet? No, but nei-ther does engine noise invade the cabinexcept under the hardest of shifts. You canquietly zip around at speeds north of 80mph in relative solitude.

The interior of the Hyundai Accent issurprisingly upscale for an entry-levelvehicle. Its plastic interior is soft to thetouch because of the integration of vol-canic ash into its materials. It's a littlething but the grain of the plastic flowedsmoothly from door to dashboard with nodiscernible break.

Interior space is also good because theAccent is actually rated as a compact bythe EPA. Shoulder room is more thanample. The space in the back would be

tight for two six-footers with similar sizepassengers in the front but kids are goingto find it more than spacious. Cargo spacein the hatchback is also best in class.

So what's wrong with the Accent? Forits starting price of $12,445? Nothing.There might be things you don't like butnot when you compare it to other vehiclesin its price range. (For instance, the driver’sside window is automatic down but not up,which is useful when driving a standard.)

(For the latest new car news, follow meon Twitter at aboutusedcars. You can alsolearn about buying and selling a used carat UsedCars.About.com.)

VITAL STATISTICS

Wheelbase: 101.2 inchesLength: 162.0 inchesWidth: 66.9 inchesHeight: 57.1 inchesCurb weight: 2430 lbs.Engine: 1.4-liter, four-cylinderHorsepower: 138 @ 6,300 rpmTorque: 123 lb-ft @ 4,850 rpmEPA estimated mpg city/highway:

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Documents

July 2011 North Central News