Southington’s only locally produced paper

Volume 36, No. 51

Southington High School tips off the winter sports season, Page 22

Local man sets karaoke world record, Page 4

Looking for federal help

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State redistricting has a major impact on Southington, Page 3

And a one and a two...

Alfred cost town estimated $994,000 By ROB GLIDDEN Staff Writer

Southington officials are in the process of applying for reimbursement funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the wake of Winter Storm Alfred. Early estimates indicate that the storm cost the town about $994,000. “These numbers are very preliminary and in no way locked in, but we do expect the final numbers to be somewhere around this when we’re done,” said

Town Attorney Mark Sciota. Southington could not begin seeking reimbursement until after a presidential declaration was made in late November. The ongoing process of cleaning up debris, which is being conducted by the Florida-based Wood Resource Recovery, makes up $386,000 of the estimate. Town Manager Garry Brumback has previously said the storm left behind 30,000 to 40,000 cubic yards of debris in Southington. Sciota said the town

was “pleased with the progress.” The storm also resulted in approximately $122,000 worth of costs for the police department, $114,000 for the highway department and $59,000 for the fire department. The bulk of this is attributed to the extreme overtime demanded by a large-scale emergency. The estimates also included costs incurred by the Board of Education,

See STORM, page 5

Youth saves his father’s life

Jeremy Spooner was recently honored by DePaolo Middle School Principal Frank Pepe.

See HERO, page 15

STAFF WRITER

DePaolo Middle School student Jeremy Spooner learned the Heimlich maneuver from his Health class at just the right time. The newfound

knowledge saved his father’s life later that same day. Weeks later, Jeremy was honored alongside many of his peers during one of DePaolo’s Bagel Breakfasts. Teachers can

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Santa Claus leads the Southington Brass during an appearance at Santa at Sloper Saturday. The event was a fundraiser for the Mill Street Foundation. For more photos and info on the event, see page 17

Roadblocks stopping parking disucssion By ROB GLIDDEN



STAFF WRITER

The Parking Authority hopes to restart the discussion on overnight parking in downtown Southington, but differences of opinion between members continue to complicate the process and prevented a new public hearing on the matter from being set. Former Town Councilor Michael Riccio was named the new chairman of the Parking Authority during last week’s meeting. He said the overnight parking issue needed to be resolved and suggested a new public hearing. “We need to start this

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nominate a student who has displayed good citizenship or academic prowess for recognition at the gathering. On the fateful November day, Jeremy had watched a video of the maneuver in class along side his peers. When Jeremy’s father, Michael Spooner, began choking on a piece of bread that evening, he put the Heimlich to its intended use. “I heard a weird sound upstairs,” Jeremy recalled. “I went up there and I saw that he couldn’t talk or breathe.” Middle school students sometimes disparage health classes, but the Spooner family had realized their value firsthand. Jeremy’s mother, Kristen Spooner, told his teacher about the incident.

By ROB GLIDDEN

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town merchants, but the situation became more heated after the Parking Authority’s original vote in July. It passed by a slim 3-2 margin, with Commissioner Mat Florian as one of the affirmative votes. Resident Arthur Cyr filed an ethics complaint, arguing that Florian’s ownership of numerous downtown properties created a conflict of interest he voted on the proposal in June. The Board of Ethics ultimately sided with Cyr, stating in their written decision that Florian “had an obligation to state on the record that he had interest in com-

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Pearl Harbor remembered

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Sunday, Dec. 4 was a cloudy day on the Southington Green, but it did not overshadow the spirits of the men and women who gathered to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. They came dressed in the bright red uniforms of the Southington Memorial Detachment of the Marine Corps League. Some men, like Commandant Jack Savage, were veterans from Vietnam era conflicts. Others were older, World War II or Korean War vets. Some of the people in attendance had family members and friends who had served. All came to pay homage to the lives lost that day Franklin D. Roosevelt called “the date that will live in infamy.” On December 7, 1941, over 300 planes from the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked and destroyed the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack was a surprise unlike any other the U.S. had experienced before, especially since there were still negotiations ongoing with Japan. The following day, the U.S. declared war on Japan. Seventy years later, the crowd of around 30 men and women in Southington remembered the more than 2,000 American lives lost on that tragic day. “We as a country are now better at realizing

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we need to be more vigilant,” said Commandant Jack Savage. “The only worse attack since was 9/11.” The ceremony began with the men of the League marching in a tight line from the doors of the American Legion on Main Street to the memorial on the town Green. President of the League’s Auxiliary, Elaine Schieffer sang the National Anthem. The League’s Connecticut Chaplain, Michael Bolash, opened the ceremony and rifle team commander Edison Occhi also spoke briefly and offered a prayer before the rifle team fired a salute and Jack Savage played the solemn “Taps” on trumpet. The men emphasized while memorializing the attack on Pearl Harbor, it was still important to always honor the service of our troops, in

any conflict. After the ceremony, the rifle team marched back to the American Legion, where a monthly meeting of normal League business was taking place. Elaine Schieffer explained the role of the Women’s Auxiliary in the Marine Corps League. “We are here to help any veteran or their family that needs us, “she said. “But our primary mission is taking care of our Marines.” She said that anyone can join the Auxiliary and attend meetings, not just veterans and their families. The League’s work includes “Operation Little Angel, “which raises money each year for children in need, as well as helping out other charities for children and families.

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Southington The Observer, USPS# 025-218, is Published weekly by The Step Saver, Inc., 213 Spring St., Southington, CT 06489. Phone: 860-628-9645 Fax: 860-621-1841 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, mechanical or electronic, without the expressed consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, staff or advertisers of The Observer. The return of unsolicited manuscripts or other material cannot be guaranteed. Periodicals postage paid at Southington, CT and additional offices. Free by request to local residents. Postmaster: Send changes of address to Southington The Observer: 213 Spring St, Southington, CT 06489

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Friday, December 16, 2011

•Karaoke World Record...page 4

News

•Southington Scene...page 17 •SHS Sports.........page 25

Our Town

Redistricting has big impact on town By ROB GLIDDEN STAFF WRITER

The recent approval of a redistricting plan for the state legislature has a significant impact on Southington, adding a new state representative and expanding the state senate district the town is part of. An area in the southwestern part of town will now be part of the 103rd district, currently represented by Al Adinolfi. The changes will become effective during the 2012 election. Adinolfi, a Republican, also represents portions of Cheshire and Wallingford. “I’m happy with the change and I hope the people of Southington are happy with me,” he said. “I’m excited to start getting to know people there.” Adinfoli has served in the legislature for nine years, but not consecutively. First elected in 1998, he was defeated in 2000, reelected in 2002, defeated in 2008 and re-elected again in 2010. “My district has always been known as a swing district,” he said. “I don’t think that will change with Southington. People there seem to pay more attention to candidates than party affiliation.” Southington’s other three state representatives have also seen minor changes in their district. Representative Rob

Sampson (R-80) will now represent more residents in northwestern Southington while losing the portion now represented by Adinolfi. The 30th district, represented by Democrat Joe Aresimowicz has gotten slightly smaller and the 81st district, which is entirely inside Southington and

represented by Democrat Zeke Zalaski, has gotten slightly larger. Meanwhile, State Senator Joe Markley (R-16) will now represent the entire town of Prospect. The 16th district also includes the entirety of Southington and Wolcott and portions of Cheshire

and Waterbury. Markley said he would be a good match for the people of Prospect. “Prospect is a nice community. I’ve always liked it,” he said. “I believe it’s a conservative community that appreciates small government and personal liberty and constitutional rights and constitutional limits and that’s what I believe in.” With the new districts announced, Southington’s voter registrars are dealing with new challenges. “Because of the way the neighborhoods have been shuffled, there will be a fair amount of changes,” said registrar Ed Malczyk. “We’re in the process of examining these changes. Not only are we in the 103rd district now, but there has been some

resolved before the Republican presidential primary on April 24, 2012. Meanwhile, Town Clerk Leslie Cotton is anxiously awaiting the results of the imminent redistricting of the five United States Congress districts in Connecticut. “Once they redraw those districts, we might be concerned,” Cotton said. “We’re not sure whether we’ll be in the First or Fifth district and if we get divided between them, that will have a big impact on the ballots.” A report from the Citizens News was used in this story.

realignment of the other districts.” Foremost among the concerns of the registrars is that the new 80th district no longer has a polling place within its borders. Strong, Plantsville and Kelley Elementary Schools are all now in different districts, raising the question of where Sampson’s constituents will vote. Malczyk said if voters in the 80th district cast their ballots at a polling place outside the district, the town will need to get state approval. However, the registrars are still exploring the issue, which will need to be

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Friday, December 16, 2011

Local man sings way to a world record By ROB GLIDDEN STAFF WRITER

Jeff McFarlane of Southington now holds the Guinness World Record for longest karaoke marathon after he completed 48 hours and 23 minutes of non-stop singing. To break the record of 48 hours held by New Zealand citizen Karen Davy, he set himself up in a conference room at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cromwell and began the undertaking. While other

people were going to work, sleeping and then going to work again, his singing continued on and on. A software engineer for ESPN, McFarlane said he has been a music buff for most of his life. Before taking on the record, his longest karaoke session had been 8 hours. “I was a DJ in college and I had four siblings who all introduced me to music they liked,” he said. “As soon as I was introduced to karaoke, I was hooked.”

Initially, McFarlane wasn’t sure exactly how he could sing continuously for that long while dealing with important issues like eating or using the bathroom. Would he have to run into the bathroom during long instrumental breaks, such as the lengthy solo that concludes “Hotel California” by The Eagles? He found out Guinness rules allowed him to accumulate 30 second breaks for each completed song. For

Parking: January hearing sought From page 1 mercial buildings” and was “obliged to recuse himself.” At an October meeting, the board voted to rescind the previous decision. At the scheduled November meeting, too many members were absent for a quorum to be reached. The council recently appointed Kelly DelDebbio to the board, replacing Mark Dziubek who had been opposed to

overnight parking. During last week’s meeting, Florian recused himself when the officials began to discuss the issue. With him out of the discussion and Commissioner Dee Babkirk absent, only three members were left. Riccio asked for a motion to schedule a public hearing for January, which DelDebbio made. The remaining member, John Solury, has been opposed to overnight parking and declined to second the

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motion and no hearing was set. Board chairs can entertain motions and seconds, but cannot make them according to Robert’s Rules of Order. Riccio said he hopes a public hearing can be set during the board’s January meeting.

example, ten songs would equate to a five-minute break. However, that still did not leave any time for sleep. “They say you go clinically insane after 24 hours of no sleep,” McFarlane said. “I remember some points of delirium where I thought people were levitating.” Taking up 48 hours of time with music requires a lot of familiarity with various genres, though McFarlane was allowed to repeat a song after 2 hours. Rap songs offered his voice a break, while he mostly saved demanding hard rock and metal songs until the end. “Finishing it gave me an incredible feeling,” McFarlane said. “I’m not sure if anyone noticed but I was crying at the end of [Queen’s] ‘We are the Champions.’ A lot

ROB GLIDDEN

A white board full of well wishes by people who stopped in to watch McFarlane sing. hit me at once, like how awesome it was, how kind everyone had been to stick it out with me, all the support…my kids will now have this to show what persistence can bring you.” The record was only broken by 23 minutes, which

was intentional. McFarlane said he welcomes legitimate challengers and hopes to break his own record before too long. Should he embark on another marathon, he hopes he can make it into a bigger event and incorporate charitable donations.

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Police Blotter Kristen M. Belanger, 35, of 33 Darling Street, was charged on Nov. 30 with violation of a protective order, operating a motor vehicle under suspension, operating a motor vehicle with as suspended registration, failure to insure motor vehicel and interfering with an officer. She was held bonds totaling $10,000 for a Nov. 30 court date. Nicole Lucente, 19, of 78 Farmington Avenue, Plainville, was charged on Nov. 29 with fifth degree larceny. She was held on a $1,500 bond for a Dec. 12 court date. Giuseppe Vitarella, 35, of 42 Victoria Lane, was charged on Nov 30 with second degree breach of peace. He was held on a $1,500 bond for a Nov. 30 court date. Stephen A. Uryga, 54, of 42 Victoria Drive, was charged on Nov. 30 with third degree assault. He

was held on a $1,500 bond for a Nov. 30 court date Dustin William, 32, of 97 Indian Hill Road, Newington, was charged on Nov. 30 with fifth degree larceny and conspiracy to commit fifth degree larceny. He was held on a $5,000 bond for a Dec. 12 court date. William O. Queen, 73, of 99 Birchcrest Drive, was charged on Nov. 30 with interfering with an officer and failure to signal a turn. He was held on a $1,000 bond for a Dec. 12 court date. Samuel S. Mushrall, 23, of 829 Mount Vernon Road, was charged on Dec. 1 with sixth degree larceny, third degree robbery and second degree failure to appear. He was held on bonds totaling $27,500 for a Dec. 1 court date. Amanda E. Towne, 20, of 42 Paul Street, Bristol, was charged on Dec.1 with fourth degree larceny and conspiracy to commit fourth degree larceny. She

was held on a $5,000 bond for a Dec. 12 court date. Aaron C. Kanute, 28, of 2100 Stanley Street, New Britain, was charged on Dec. 2 with sixth degree larceny, third degree robbery and second degree breach of peace. He was held on a $10,000 bond for a Dec. 12 court date. David Lopez, 25, of 81 Vance Street, Bristol, was charged on Dec. 3 with second degree breach of peace, third degree assault, risk of injury, interfering with a 911 call, possession of a controlled substance and third degree criminal mischief. He was held on bonds totaling $51,000 for a Dec. 5 court date. Jonathan Szylobryt, 58, of 228 West Fork Road, Pleasant Hill, TN, was charged on Dec. 3 with third degree criminal mischief and second degree breach of peace. He was held on a $2,500 bond for a Dec. 5 court date.

Richard Santana, 34, of 24 Audette Drive, Wallingford, was charged on Dec. 4 with disorderly conduct. He was held on a $1,000 bond for a Dec. 5 court date. David J. Sieracki, 47, of 105 Poitras Drive, Bristol, was charge don Dec. 4 with third degree burglary. He was held on a $2,500 bond for a Dec. 5 court date. Richard J. Walsh, 51, of 63 Belrose Avenue, was

charged on Dec. 5 with second degree breach of peace. He was held on a $1,000 bond for a Dec. 19 court date. Dennis Cartier, 21, of 40 Darling Street, was charged on Dec. 1 with interfering with a 911 call and disorderly conduct. He was held on a $500 bond for a Dec. court date. Danielle A. Deleon, 21, of 30 Darling Street, was

charged on Dec. 1 with disorderly conduct and operating a motor vehicle under suspension. She was held on a $500 bond for a Dec. 2 court date. Samuel K. Baran, 19, of 54 Haviland Street, Bristol, was charged on Dec. 5 with sixth degree larceny and conspiracy to commit sixth degree larceny. He was held on a $2,500 bond for a Dec. 19 court date.

Storm: Town looks to FEMA for some aid From page 1 which amount to about $109,000. In his brief remarks on the BOE, Sciota emphasized food loss, which created some confusion. Town Councilor John Barry referenced a recent BOE meeting where school

officials said that managed to save a great deal of food by moving it to freezers at different schools or local businesses. After examining the documents further, Sciota clarified that food loss only made up about $7,000 of the BOE’s costs.

“A major problem like that does cost money,” Barry said. “Overall, we did very well when compared to other towns.” FEMA is expected to reimburse about 75 percent of the storm-related costs, which would amount to approximately $750,000.

Woman lets friends leave without paying A Bristol woman was arrested after allegedly allowing friends to leave her place of employment without having to pay for goods. On Thursday, Dec. 1, Southington Police arrested Amanda Towne, 20, of 42

Paul Street, Bristol and charged her with fourth degree larceny and conspiracy to commit fourth degree larceny. She was held on a $5,000 bond for a Dec. 12 court date. It is alleged that, on four separate locations,

while working at a local Home Depot, Towne allowed two males known to her, to leave the store without paying for store merchandise. The value of the merchandise totaled approx. $1,200.

Bristol man arrested for recent bank robbery It took police a day to track down and arrest a Bristol man for the robbery of a TD Bank on Meriden Waterbury Road on Wednesday, Nov. 30. On Thursday, Dec. 1, Southington Police applied for a warrant for the arrest of Brian Jacobs, 26, of Brightwood Road in Bristol. Southington Police detectives were able to

apply for the warrant after receiving numerous tips from the public after the robbery photos were released to the media. Based on the probable cause developed from the photos and other evidence, the court signed the warrant for the arrest of Jacobs. He is currently being held at Hartford Correctional Center on unrelated

charges and will be formally served with the warrant when he is presented to Bristol Superior Court via Habeas Corpus. On Nov. 30, Jacobs allegedly passed to a teller stating he was robbing the bank and that he had a weapon. Jacobs was charged with first degree robbery and fourth degree larceny.

TAMMI KNAPIK

Stuff a Cruiser Members of the Southington Police Department and the Explorers collected toys outside of Walmart on Saturday. The annual Stuff a Cruiser event has grown to the point where the department uses its SWAT van to house all the toys gathered.

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•Sheffy Column...page 8

Commentary

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Our Views

Thinking of others during holidays ED HARRIS editor Established in 1975 Published weekly by The Step Saver, Inc. 213 Spring St., Southington, CT 06489 editorial: 860-621-6751 advertising: 860-628-9645 circulation: 860-628-9438 fax 860-621-1841 e-mail [email protected] All editorials are intended to reflect the position of the publisher and not that of any individual editorial writer. Signed columns, on the other hand, reflect the position of the author and not necessarily those of the publisher.

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Pet holiday safety Christmas is about a week away and we are sure that festivities have already begun. There is no doubt that people are hosting or attending parties, decorating the inside and outside of their homes and otherwise enjoying the holidays. However, amongst all of the festivities, do not forget about your pet. Many holiday items, such as plants and candies, can be harmful, and sometimes fatal, to your pets. So, in an effort to keep your pet healthy and you, the reader, from having any further stress this holiday season, we have highlight some holiday pet tips from the ASPCA. For more info on pets or the ASPCA, visit the group’s website at www.ASPCA.org. Keep an eye on your Christmas tree. Securely anchor it so it does not tip or fall haphazardly if your pet gets into it. Also, do all you can to keep them out of the water bowl, if you have a real tree. The water can contain fertilizers that could upset your pet’s stomach and stagnant water could contain bacteria that could cause trouble. Some people just love to decorate their trees with tinsel. However, if you have a cat, think twice. Cats love to play with the light-catching “toy” that is easy for them to bat around or grab with their mouths. Like with many foreign objects that pets can eat, tinsel can cause a host of problems, some which may require surgery. Spare the mistletoe and holy. Both of these plants can cause various types of gastrointestinal issues with your pet. If you must include these in your holiday decorations, look at the silk or plastic varieties. There are also various pet safe bouquets on the market. The vast majority of pet owners know not to feed their pets chocolate (or anything sweetened with xylitol). However, do not underestimate your pet’s desire to get at it. They could climb, knock over or otherwise find a way to get at it. So be sure to keep it up high or locked away where they can not get at it. Speaking of food, be weary of what, if any, leftovers you give your pet. Fatty and spicy foods, along with bones, can upset or irritate your pet’s stomach, causing them to leave their own little “presents” around the house for you to clean up. Don’t feed your pet alcohol or leave alcoholic drinks somewhere easily accessible. Alcohol, if ingested by your pet, can cause them to become weak, ill, induce a coma or death from respiratory failure. Be careful with candles or any source of open flame. Pets can knock them over, causing a fire or burning themselves. Use candleholders whenever possible and blow out the candle when you leave the room. Also, keep an eye out for loose wires, batteries and ornaments that your pet may be able to get at. Loose wires and batteries can give your pet a jolt and burns. Shards from a broken ornament could also cause damage to your pet’s mouth, paws or beak. Be weary of noise levels and have a place for your pet to retreat to where it is quieter and it can get away if need be. With a little forethought, pets and their owners can have a great holiday season.

It is that time of year again and family, friends and loved ones are asking what I would like for Christmas. They do not like my short answer: I have no clue. I am the kind of guy that is notoriously hard to buy for. For instance, I could not figure out what I wanted for my birthday in November, and when I did, my wife got it for me about two weeks after my birthday. Perhaps I will figure out what I want for Christmas in January. It’s not that I try to be a pain in the butt; I just don’t like other people buying me things. I am a little peculiar when it comes to clothes (not to mention sizing is a pain) and most everything else, be it books or video games, I pick up as the year goes by. Thus it is hard to tell people what to get me for Christmas. And, to be honest, though it sounds cliché, I get more joy out of watching others faces light up when they open what I got them for the holidays. But all of this Christmas wish list stuff got me thinking. What about the brave men and women from Southington currently serving in the military? What would they like or need for Christmas. Given the timeframe, it is likely that it is too late to ship anything overseas to the servicemen from

Ed Harris Thoughts around town town, but there still may be time to ship items nationally. Also, even though it may not make it in time for the holidays, I am sure the Southington American Legion is sending out care packages in the near future. Give the organization a call and see if there is anything you can do. Some of the items that are recommended to pack in potential care packages include lip balm, foot powder (unscented), shoe inserts, beef jerky, protein bars and other non-perishable food items. It is also suggested including knitted hats (black), stationary, games, DVDs, books (paperbacks) and CDs. It is possible for a private resident to send out a care package on their own, but it would be easier for interested parties to go through the American Legion.

The Legion keeps track of names and where people may have moved to or from, things that could hinder a private donation. The American Legion will also handle the postage fees. Also, if possible, make a small donation or gift to the various food banks in town. Both Bread for Life and Southington Community Services, groups that often work together though they are independent of each other, do yeoman’s work throughout the year. It’s just highlighted more during the holidays. The organizations could always use a little more, so if you can spare it, please think of making a donation. I would also like to take a second to highlight the various toy drives in Southington, be it the fill a cruiser run by the police last weekend, the Mill Street Foundation event at Camp Sloper or the recent fill my mother’s SUV run by a local youth. Because of these selfless actions, many children in and around town will have a smile on their faces come Christmas morning. And isn’t that the best present of all? Comments? Email Editor Ed Harris at [email protected].

A Christmas Story Wonderful Life Story I love the Christmas season, especially the traditional Christmas movies. I’ve watched those old movies so many times now, they sort of blend together. Without a doubt, my favorite is the classic film with the young boy, Ralphie, who wants to get a BB gun for Christmas, but his Old Man is really frustrated because he works for a mean old miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, down at the Bailey Brothers Building and Loan in the Bedford Falls section of London. One day Ralphie gets a Little Orphan Annie decoder ring. As he’s trying to decode a message, he goes into a trance and suddenly the Ghost of Christmas Past appears, whose name is Clarence, and he shows Ralphie what London would be like if he had never been born. Ralphie is horrified to discover London has been renamed Pottersville. Also his school, Warren G. Harding Elementary School, is now named Old Fezziwig’s. Ralphie’s spirits are raised a bit when he sees that his 4th grade class is having a joyful Christmas party, but then he gets sad again when Harry Bailey falls through the ice and drowns and his buddy Flick gets his tongue stuck to a frozen flag pole. The clincher is when he sees that Schwartz’s desk is empty, with just his crutch there. The Ghost shakes his head sadly and says, “I see a crutch without an owner. And Mary is an old maid.”

Bill Dunn Laugh or Death Then the Ghost of Christmas Past brings Ralphie to another scene, and he sees his Old Man slaving away in Scrooge’s office, trying to fix the furnace by the faint flickering light of a single leg lamp. Scrooge’s partner, Jacob Marley, lies at the point of death, but Scrooge refuses to call an expensive doctor because Uncle Billy misplaced $8,000 in cash earlier that morning. Even though Sam Wainwright (hee haw!) sent a telegram pledging up to $25,000 to help, Scrooge still decides just to sit there, reading the Sunday comics and cursing out the Bumpus hounds, and waiting for Mr. Martini to show up with some wine. Outside Scrooge’s office, Bert the cop, Ernie the cab driver, and Scrooge’s nephew Fred sing “I Love You Truly” in the rain, but their singing is interrupted when Scut Farkus and Grover Dill jump them

from behind, and twist their arms until they cry, “Uncle!” Ralphie can hear his Old Man grumbling about his longing to leave Bedford Falls and travel the world. But ever since that day when he married Mary Cratchit, the same day there was economic panic and a run on Higbee’s department store, the Old Man was destined to be stuck in that boring town forever. Then the Ghost leaves Ralphie all alone in a dark cemetery, where Raphie sees the graves of Scrooge, Harry Bailey, and the sad remains of the Old Man’s shattered Major Award. He thinks he hears the sound of taps being played, gently. Ralphie is frantic that he has missed Christmas, but then suddenly he is back in his house. He sees his brother Randy sleeping on the floor, cradling a toy zeppelin, while Zuzu is playing with her petals and ringing a little bell on the Christmas tree. So it’s a wonderful Christmas after all! In the final scene, Ralphie takes his Red Ryder BB gun and shoots Mr. Potter in the butt, and says, “God bless us, everyone!” Then he quickly runs through the Minnesota snow to his school, where he will play the part of a shepherd in the Christmas play, directed this year by Charlie Brown. Bill Dunn is a freelance writer who resides in Torrington. He can be reached via his website at: www.boomertrek.com.

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Your Views Southington says Who are you most like around the holidays? The Grinch? Charlie Brown? Buddy The Elf?

"I would say Charlie Brown. I don't go over the top around the holiday. I stay mellow and happy." Photos by Tammi Knapik

Colleen Kusmierski Southington

"Buddy the Elf, I decorate the like crazy, go to all of the holiday fairs and events, and make tons of cookies."

Rita Ferreri Southington

"Buddy, I am so excited to watch my daughter's face filled with joy, while she opens all of her presents." Tonya Zownik with daughter Makenzie

Southington

"Buddy the Elf. I love all gifts, but especially like the family time together. Spending time with my friends is great as well-we spend time breaking in the new toys and games."

Evan Maguire Southington

"Buddy the Elf. He's fun and excited around this time of year, like me."

Caitlyn Krar Southington

Letters

Teacher addresses prior letter Southington is a great place To The Editor, I read with great sadness the letter to the editor in the December 2 Observer, from Karen Turner. I am a teacher at Southington High School who has been teaching social studies for 37 years. While there is much in the letter I do agree with, there are several points I would dispute. Yes, absolutely, every student deserves a high quality public education and high quality teachers. I believe most students in Southington receive that. Yes, absolutely, ineffective teachers should be removed from our very special, important profession. But, I would argue, they usually are, quietly. Over the years I have known of and even represented a number of teachers who have resigned or been fired. The present teacher tenure (Fair Dismissal) law is often misunderstood by the public. First, teachers are evaluated every year, whether it be their first or 35th year. Second, the tenure law clearly lays out the reasons and procedures to fire teachers at any point in their career. These include incompetence, moral misconduct, disability, insubordination and budget cuts. In

Southington, teachers have quietly been fired or let go for each of these reasons. Tenure was created long ago to guard against infringements on academic freedom, to prevent discrimination or political whims (the mayor’s sister needs a job) leading to firings. The present law also gives the power to fire teachers to our Board of Ed—administrators evaluate teachers, and a teacher can ask for a hearing before an arbitration panel, but the BOE can still fire someone for “any other due and sufficient reason” in addition to the ones I listed. In rare cases, this may not happen because of the difficulties of documenting a case, and very rarely a teacher could take their case to court after being fired. Actually, most teachers would have no problem getting rid of tenure, as long as there is a fair process for evaluating and improving teachers and for removing them, and a list of valid reasons (just cause). We want quality and fairness, too! I would also like to address one more complicating factor here—the recent mania towards making high-stakes test-

ing the end-all of everything we do in education. My students are much more than numbers or test scores. I care deeply about each and every one of them. Ask them! But the recent trend towards increased standardized testing (a test cannot measure everything valuable about education—inspiring students, encouraging creativity and caring for others , community service, thinking outside the box) is driving some teachers to become simply teachto-the-testers, data processors and test givers. It is also driving many out of education and sucking the joy out of our noble profession. That may be the biggest culprit in your frustration. We (teachers, parents, administrators, the public) should all strive to work together towards improving public education because, after all, teaching our young people is probably the most vital endeavor a progressing, free democratic society engages in. I am so proud of our students and schools in Southington. Check out the high school Wall of Honor of former student successes. Bob Brown Plantsville

Legion to host Friday night dinners The American Legion Post 72 has announced a Friday Night Dinner program that started earlier this month. Dinners will be served at the Legion Post

on Fridays between the hours of 5 - 8 p.m. In addition, take out orders will also be available buy four and the fifth is free. Call the Post 621-4243 dur-

ing the week to find what the meal of the week is. Tickets can be purchased at the door or prepaid at the lounge during the week.

To the Editor, I just read Art Secondo’s column Repeat after me: Southington is Great. What an inspiring article. You can always tell how much this town means to him. And on most parts I have to agree with him. My husband and I have chosen to live here over 25 years now. We have brought up our three daughters here. We enjoy our town. I am amazed that many people don’t uti-

lize all that we have in Southington. Try something different. We love going to Music on the Green in the summer- its free and fun! And the Drive-In, if you have been there in years past you will still love it. The pavilion is beautiful and driving our 68 Mustang Convertible to the movie Grease was so much fun! Also, I am an avid walker and yes the town does plow the path of Rails to Trails. That is wonderful, because many a neigh-

bor doesn’t clear the sidewalks or there aren’t any sidewalks- so be safe this winter, try the Trails. Sad to say my husband and I have never really explored Crescent Lake until this year. It is absolutely gorgeous there! We now have a new place for us to go in our town. So to all our neighbors in Southington- go out an explore your town. It is a great place. Ann & Tom Lazlo Southington

Legion Auxiliary donates to YMCA By ED HARRIS Editor

The Southington American Legion Auxiliary’s Got Books donation bin is paying dividends for local literacy programs. Money raised from the bin has helped fund donations to the two elementary schools and the library and most recently the Southington YMCAs Before and After School Programs. On Friday, Dec. 2, the

Auxiliary presented Meghan Rosin, the before and after school director, with a $1,000 check that will be used to create book nooks at all of the YMCA’s after school sites. “We bring it back into local literacy programs,” said American Legion Auxiliary President Barbara Pasha, explaining how the money raised from the donation bins is used to help the local community.

Rachel Wache, a former Auxiliary president, said the Auxiliary wanted to help the YMCA because they had stepped forward and allowed for the donation bin to be placed on its property. “Without the YMCA, I don’t see this program taking place,” Wache said of the Got Books initiative. Rosin said the nooks at the YMCA would likely be up and running within the next three months.

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Don’t be robbed of your holiday spirit During the holiday season it is natural to let down our guard. Trust, giving and goodwill are the heart of this special time. Unfortunately, criminals know that the holiday spirit is upon us. This can make us easy targets for theft and fraud. So how do you protect yourself without becoming so guarded that you lose the spirit of the holidays? Here are a few common sense quick tips to keep in mind: Law enforcement encourages making sure your doors and windows are shut and locked before leaving your home whether for an hour or a weekend. Park in a well lit area at the mall. Don’t leave any gifts

Tony Sheffy Off The Record or valuable items on the seat in plain view. Keep your wallet, purse and mobile phone hidden and handy. While theses these practical steps will help protect you at the mall, scams while shopping online are much more difficult to detect. Scambusters.org (which is

an excellent resource whenever you believe an offer or deal doesn’t quite smell right) provides a heads-up list of common holiday scams. These scams include fly by night web merchants, credit card theft scams, charity scams, gift card scams and holiday e-card scams. The Connecticut Attorney General cautions shoppers to know who they are dealing with when making an online purchase. Fly by night web merchants may offer hard to find or “hot” Christmas gifts. Shoppers may give little thought to giving out credit card information or even sending a money order or bank draft to an unknown individual. In this scam,

the “hot” or hard to find gift never arrives. In fact, if a credit card is used for the phony sale, the company offering the product may use your credit card to charge more products for themselves or sell the information to identity thieves that are organized around the world. Specifically, watch out if you are suddenly redirected from a website to a different link. The link may take you to a fake website where you are requested to input personal and financial information. The Attorney General urges consumers to protect themselves when paying online by looking for the companies’ security policy. It is further suggested that

you make sure that your browser is secure and that the website encrypts your financial information. Another common holiday scam can undermine charitable giving. This is unfortunate. Many charities rely on holiday giving to sustain their organizations throughout the entire year. However, watch out for donations sought through email, telephone or in person to charities that do not exist. These charities often have names which sound close to charities which you might know very well. Also, it is common to see bogus charities attempting to con you by pretending to be connected to a good cause, possibly arising out of a recent

tragedy. Do some simple research into the organization seeking your contribution. Please don’t let these scams stop you from giving. By following a few of these tips, you can keep up your guard, but not lose the joy of the season. Don’t let scammers sap the trust, charity and goodwill that set these few days apart from the rest of the year. From my family to yours, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season. Tony Sheffy is a personal injury attorney in Southington. This column is not meant as legal advice. For comments or questions, please contact attorney Sheffy at [email protected] or through The Observer.

Taking a look at some religious holiday traditions By KAITLYN NAPLES STAFF WRITER

During the holiday season, many events and traditions are centered around one’s religious or cultural background. When a family celebrates Christmas, or Hanukkah, past traditions are usually practiced such spinning the dreidel or going to a midnight mass. Hanukkah, which is the Festival of Lights, falls around the same time as Christmas. However, it isn’t the Jewish Christmas. Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration that commemorates the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Barbi Liftman, president of Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation in Southington, said at the time of the destruction of the temple, there was only enough oil for the candle to be lit for one night. By a miracle, the candle stayed lit for eight-days, enough time to find more oil. Liftman said during the eight-day celebration, every night one candle on a nine-candled menorah is lit. While the candle is being lit, a prayer is said. Liftman, who has been a member of the

synagogue for 10 years, said other traditions include special foods, like potato latkes, which are fried potato pancakes served with sour cream and apple sauce; special jelly donuts, or Sufganiyot. “All these foods are fried in oil,” Liftman said, adding that she and her family make potato latkes every night during Hanukkah. There are also traditional games that are played during Hanukkah, like the Dreidel game, which is played with a special four-sided top with a letter on each side signifying a miracle. Children are also given Hanukkah gelt, which are chocolate covered coins. Every year, members of the synagogue or Jewish community gather at a members home for a Hanukkah party. Liftman said every family brings their menorah and they are all lit together. “It is really an amazing sight to see all of the menorahs lit at once,” Liftman said, adding that the party is a pot-luck dinner. She said everyone gathers to sing Hanukkah songs, make potato latkes,

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“and just have a lot of fun.” For information on the annual Hanukkah celebration that will be held next Thursday, Dec. 22, contact the Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation at (860) 2769113. Kwanzaa isn’t a substitute for Christmas; or a religious celebration, said Dayna Snell, who, with her mother, started the Queen Ann Nzinga Center in New Britain. Over 22 years ago, Snell started a youth group with a goal of “encouraging self-esteem and empowerment” among children.

“I put the youth group together to have the children appreciate what African Americans contributed to this country,” Snell said. Snell and her mother Gail Williams are members of a singing group, Nzinga’s Daughters, which performs songs and tells stories from the Underground Railroad. Williams had formed the group after having a desire to create a women’s singing group. Williams plays bass guitar, and was one of the first women to in New England. Snell said she wanted to include both programs “under one

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Kwanzaa, which means “celebration of the harvest,” is a week-long holiday which was first created in 1966 by college professor Maulana Karenga. From Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, seven principles, one for each day, are celebrated in various ways. The seven principles are: unity, self-determination, collective work and

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Kennedy Honor Roll Kennedy Middle School has recently announced its honor roll for the first marking period. Sixth grade, first honors: Jacob Albert, Victoria Aldieri, Kaili Anziano, Bryan Arsan, Meadow Asal, Katarina Aulbach, Aneesh Avancha, Jessica Baillargeon, Chloe Becquey, Amanda Boccio, Christopher Bonomi, Brandy Brinton, Connor Brush, Timothy Budnik, Jacqueline Carbone, Sarina Cardona, Allison Carta, Ryan Case, Amy Cayer, Dylan Chiaro, Steven Cova, Madison Cox, Evan Daddona, Mark D’Agostino, Amber Daley, Thomas Danby, Carlie DeFelice, Kaitlyn DeMaio, Isabella Difusco, Brianna Dixon, Kathryn Dondero, Melissa Drexler, Katerina Eaton, Francesca Ferrante, Michelle Flynn, Ariana Gazaferi, Erica Gerrish, Casandra Govoni, Maegan-Rylee Griffin, Adam Gwara, Taylor Harton, Nathaniel Huff, Kristian Izydorczak, Keegan Jarvis, Mikaela June, Brandon Jurkowski, Allison Kalvaitis, Ashley Kane, Ananya Karanam, Isabelle Kaufmann, Joshua Kerchis, Felicity Keyworth, Maxwell Kim, Alex Klinzmann, Kelly Koba, Brandon Kohl, Allyson Kudla, David Kupcho, Shane Leone, Ariana Llabani, Ariana LoCascio Zachary MacDonald, Teresa Maffiolini, Sydney Marecki, Joseph Martin, Nicole Martocchio, Ariella Matarazzo, Sydney Mauro, Alyssa McDonald, Ashley McMeans, Donna McNeill, Hartlee Meier, Daniel Mendoza, Noah Mendoza, Sarah Minkiewicz, Daniel Minton, Jacob Mohr, Jake Monson, Joshua Moravsky, Kayleigh Moses, Daniel Mullin, Emily Nadile, Zachary Nason, Richard Olson, Katherine Oshana, Timothy O’Shea, Eric Padden, Amisha Paul, Madison Penna, Spencer Perry, Samantha Petro, Jacob Petruzzi, Katryna Pfeiffer, Nicholas Picone, Jonathan Pierson, Megan Posadas, Andrew Potter, Julia Rafferty, Nicholas Ragozzine, Ethan Rathbun, Rebecca Renehan, Emma Reney, Reese Riggs Lombardi, James Ringrose, Rachel Roberts, Julia Rodman, Katarina Rothstein, Christina Sack, Anna Shugrue, Keegan Smith, Ashley Son, Niko Sophroniou, Faith Sporbert, Caitlyn St. Jarre, Spencer Sterling, Jack Storm, John Terry, Cade Testa, Samuel Thomson, Vanessa Tischofer, Amanda Travers, Thomas Tsangarides, Anthony Vecchio, Ester Vynar, David Wadman, Benjamin Wakefield, Stephanie Wang, Joelle Wankerl, Ashley Ward, Tagan Welch, Rosalie Whitehead, Rachel Williams, Nathan Wilson, Brett Wolff, Emily Zakrzewski, Kara Zazzaro, Cameron Zegzdryn, Nicholas Zollo Seventh grade, first

honors: Abigail Alfieri, Hallie Altwies, Alissa Anglis, Makenna Arnson, Lily Baker, Martha Barry, Katherine Bauer, Daniel Berube, Kayla Birmingham, Skylar Blumetti, Jenna Boccio, Alyssa Boucher, Sydney Brault, Robert Bunting, Megan Burke, William Carbone, Andreas Ceta, Dominic Coppola, Tyler Cyr, Annelise D’Abramo, Anthony D’Abramo, Presley Dahn, Michael Defeo, Jack DePaolo-Boisvert, Frank DePaula, Noah Diaz, Matthew Dominello, Nickolina Doran, Kenneth Dowler, Brian Durocher, Victoria Duszak, Emily Dziob, Omar Elhadad, Katherine Estell, Jared Fernandez, Rebecca Gagne, Thomas Goutzos, Matthew Gundersen, Jordan Helton, Kayli Hernandez, Lynia Hilke, Joshua Hilliard, Kailey Hinckley, Evelyn Holbrook, Brigette Horan, Rachel Huff, Hannah Jackman, Emma Jaworowski, Samuel Johnson, Katie Kelley, Dustin Kilgore, Kendra Kochol, Aleia Kolodziejczyk, Kelly Kritz, Sydney Kroll, Patricia Krzynowek, Cobey Kulas, Amanda Lavoie, Kimberly Lebel, Austin Leland, Jaylene Lewis, Lexie Lewis, Rebecca Lo Presti, Michael Loose, Christopher Loring Morgan Maccione, Alexa Maddalena, Crystal Madore, Megan Mahon, Janelle Mangassarian, Kristen Mathew, Marisa Matthews, Michael Mauro, Matthew McLaughlin, Taryn Meenan, Natalie Messner, Alessandra Milardo, Peyton Mitchell, Sean Molgano, Morgan Mueller, Julia Mularczyk, Mark Murdy, Thomas Murdy, Samantha Nardi, Ashley Nelson, Cameron Nelson, Madelyn Nichols, Jillian Noli, Brianna Pellerin, Sophia Penisse, Ariel Perry, Timothy Perry, Justin Phen, Delaney Picard, Samantha Purushotham, Nathan Raposa, Leanne Raymond, Morgan Raymond, Turner Rodman, Kaitlynn Rossi, Benjamin Russman, Samantha Sagnella, Matthew Sciota, Jacob Secondo, Kyle Solomon, Daniel Spatafore, Kimberly Stafko, Brandon Stone, Caitlin Taddeo, Olivia Thomas, Rylee Van Epps, John Vecchio, Gabrielle Veilleux, Stephen Vollaro, Megan Walsh, James Weil, Michelle Woodruff, Jamie Wyman, Alex Zukowsk Eighth grade, first honors: Stephanie Adrovet, Hailee Aldi, Leandro Antonio Alejandro, Ciara Backus, Alicia Badorek, Michael Bernard, Kimberly Biela, Alexandra Bieniek, Nicole Breedlove, Kyle Bunko, Brandon Burns, Ryan Burrill, Rebecca Caisse, Anthony Cammuso, Benjamin Chasse, Jacob Chasse, Payton Chiaro, Anna Christiano, Emmerson Colasanto, Connor Crean, Jacob D’Alessandro, Sarah Delaney, Adam Dorau,

Jonathan Doty, Drew Farkas, Jarod Florian, Katrina Furgalack, Jessica Gagnon, Victoria Gagnon, Cassandra Gaudio, Michelle Glowasky, Megan Hamilton, Julia Izydorczak, Jacob Kligerman, Gregory Kloczko, Laura Koba, Visal Kong, Ryan Kosienski, Ashleigh Kristopik, Reed Kroll, Dylan Kulas, Marissa Langer, Katie Lindberg, Jeffrey Lockwood, Scott Lucian, Bryce Lynch Emily Maciejewski, Lauren Macri, Gage Marshall, Kyle McLaughlin, Morgan McNamara, Caroline Mongillo, Haley Mullin, Gabrielle Napoli, Kasey Newman, Katherine Peccerillo, Dane Penksa, Lauren Perkowski, Niels Peschel, Nicholas Pierson, Jami Pliego, Kali Pliego, Emma Powers, Renz Rebeca, Natalie Rickard, Erin Roach, Jennifer Rodriguez, Trever Rogers, Michael Ruszczyk, Stephen Salmon, Jorge Sanchez, Brenna Sarantides, Lauren Semataska, Amy Serrano, Steven Sokolowski, Jason Soltys, Nicolette St. Amand, Michael Stafko, Alexander Statkevich, Paris Testa, Aaron Tiscione, Kahli Travers, Krysta Tsangarides, Blakely Vinal, Abigail Wallace, Angelina Zollo Sixth grade, second honors: Renn AbramczykDubiel, Michael Abucewicz, Brianna Albanese, Artim Alka, Sarah Allard, Samantha Appelle, Ijlal Aslam, Madeline Belfonti, Brandon Berkowitz, Ali Borkowski, Jordan Brayfield, Logan Brayfield, Ian Brick, Cole Brock, Jenna Bujak, Samantha Bunting, Jasmin Cahill, Jacob Cammuso, Jordan Cammuso, Lauren Cannata, Kaitlyn Carrubba, Carson Chesanow, Jonathan Clark, Mariah Conant, Christian Culp, Brian Davis, Julia Dietz, Chantel Donovan, Daniel Edgerly, Adam Faust, Shawn Fortier, Nathaniel Foulk, Kaylee Gammon, Anthony Gandolfo, Brooke Garcia, Jenna Garcia, Brianna Gee, Danielle Germaine, Jessica Gesnaldo, Matthew Gioia, Ethan Greig, Connor Griffis, Ian Hall, Kenneth Henriksen, Vanessa Hernandez, Cassidy Herrick, Jacob Holbrook, Megan Humphrey, Medina Iljazi, Ethan Kelly, Taylor Klein, Alexander Kuhr, Nathan Kulas, Megan Lamontagne, Timothy Landrette, Cole Langer, Jason Lau, Benjamin Lavertu, Conner Leone, Alexander Lipsky, Jake Lucco Christian Magnoli, Nicholas Marcano, John Marquardt, Lindsay Marziarz, Marissa Mastroianni, Christopher Matusik, Christopher McManus, Jeremy Mercier, Hannah Michaels, Ryan Middendorf, Sameer Mirza, Kyle M’Sadoques, Killian Murray, Delaney Nadwairski, Josie Najam, Michaela Nanfito, Alexis Nelson, Gustaf Nelson, Corey Newhart, Sarah Newhart,

Kara Oakes, Joseph Oddo, Matthew Olson, Lukas Palmieri, Stephen Pannone, Kiara Pastor, Jagvi Patel, Andre Plourde, Sydney Rice, Sean Rivera, Alex Rodriguez, Benjamin Rossi, Lauren Schiffer, Luke Secondo, Tyler Sewell, Steven Sirois, Tia Sola, Kendall Suski, Jacob Symolon, Amanda Szymanski, Janelle Taylor, Richard Tillotson, Timothy Torelli, Sarah Tynan, Quinten Vanduinen, Jared Vath, Nicolina Votino, Victoria Waiksnoris, Jake Walczak, Brandon Willis, Molly Wright, Adam Zakrewski Seventh grade, second honors: Seth Almeida, Kelly Angeli, Owen Bajrami, Rachel Baldick, Bret Baribault, Sean Barile, Rachel Belanger, Nicholas Benham, Timothy Bernetti, Ryan Bjorklund, Daniel Borkowski, Taylor Brown, Xaria Callender, Jason CalviRogers, Zachery Caponegro, Zack Cardoso, Nicholas Casey, Jade Cassidy, Kyle Chinigo, Nicole Chuchro, Kamryn Cochrane, Brayden Cooney, Joseph Coppola, Kayla Coppola, Payton Courtmanche, Paul Crouse, Christian Crowley, Emily Daley, Tyler Dammling, Bianca D’Amore, Olivia Danielson, Hannah DeMaio, Casey Devin, Victoria Donovan, Deven Dow, Lindsay Dzierlatka, Jeremy Fortin, Matthew Gagne, Sarah Gallo, Derrick Gdovin, Louis Gianacopolos, Rachael Haberski, Paige Hadlock, Alexandra Harris, Armand Harris, Veronica Heigel, Kylie Helton, Kyle Hermann, Jordan Hughes, James Iovanna, Samantha Jones, Caroline Kemnitz, Adam Kingsbury, Lucas Kohli, John Lamb, Christina Lebel, Alexander Leblanc, Dylan Levesque, Jamie Lindsay, Dante LoCascio Jacob Madore, Ryan Mailhot, Emily Matukaitis, Connor McDonough, Samantha McEwen, Cynthia McKeown, Jordan McMeans, Kaitlyn McNamara, Tristan Medina, Ryan Meneo, Olivia Michalic, Katlin Misiorski, Tyler Moquin, Mitchel Nappi, Justin Nogueira, Ann Marie Olender, Tyra O’Regan, Anthony Palumbo, Anjali Patel, Garr Puzycki, Laosa Qazimi, Joshua Richardson, Alexyss Roderick, Doyle Roecker, Abigail Roy, Francesca Russo, Marina Salicki, Kelsey Sargent, Brendan Shea, Ryan

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Sheehan, Tyler Shoneck, Kayla Sica, Brandon Slade, Kaitlyn Smith, Carly Suzio, Lauren Torino, Kristiana Torres, Joseph Vitali, Evan Winslow, Caitlin Zajac, Zachary Zakreta, Miranda Zygmunt Eighth grade, second honors: Andrew Ackerman, Evan Aiudi, Griffin Alix, Kayla Allaire, Kaitlyn Anderson, Erin Angelillo, Jacob Armstrong, Mikayla Bedell, Jake Bentz, Brandon Birmingham, Thomas Birmingham, Christopher Borkowski, Alexa Bracken, Conor Brennan, Christine Brilla, Grace Cardozo, Taylor Carpenter, Angelina Caruso, Sierra Casciano, Courtney Christino, Aiden Chubet, Sarah Cipollini, Mckenna Colasanto, Hannah Comparone, Hayley Crafts, Olivia Cranney, Andrea Defeo, Gabriella DelGreco, Austin DellaVecchia, Kyra DeLuco, Jack Dietz, Kealey Donahue, Steven Dorzens, Ryan Duncan, Daniel Fagan, Kathryn Falcetti, Luke Ferreira, Riley Freehling, Justin Freeman, Daria Gagnon, Paul Gambardella, Katherine Greer, Jamie Gryk, Matthew Guertin, Garrett

Gugliotti, Richard Hamilton, Ethan Havis, Thomas Infante, Christopher Iverson, Kayla Judd, Timothy Judd, Sana Khan, Kyle Kupstis, Michael Lambert, Dylan LeBlanc, Kaitlyn Lindsay Lindzay Medeiros, Jordan Meier, Christopher Minkiewicz, Kaylah Miron, Brandon Murray, Catherine Najarian, Matthew Natelli, Alexis Negron, Shannon O’Connor, Mitchell O’Keefe, Nicholas Ottalagana, Mackenzie Parks, Sarah Parzych, Kushal Patel, Giavonna Paulus, Christopher Pestillo, Briana Petta, Cassandra Punzo, Rebecca Reinhard, Tyler Roecker, Domenic Rossi, Kalista Ruoff, Fatima Saqab, Emily Sargent, Matthew Schmidt, Jessica Seitz, Sarah Sherwill, Cole Simoneaux, Kane Spielman, Amelia Sponauer, Carmela Stewart, Alyssa Swanson, Hannah Swearsky, Alexa Sweetman, Andrew Szandrocha, Leah Theriault, Veronica Topa, Jennifer Turci, Delana Veilleux, Thomas Venice, Edmond Vitcavage, James Wadman, Codie Wershoven, Lindsey Witte, Alexandra Wyluda

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Friday, December 16, 2011

Our Healthy Lifestyles

You can be a kid again during holidays This is one of my favorite seasons of the year. Summer being my favorite, but this is a close second. I love seeing all the lights covering people’s houses, I love the holiday movies especially Chevy Chase’s “Christmas Vacation,” and I really love seeing smiling, happy faces basically wherever you go. There is something about the holiday season that brings out the “kid” in everyone. It is an amazing time of year. As amazing this season is, it can sometimes be very busy. I remember when I was younger, my parents running around, being stressed out at times during the holiday season. All of the things that need to get done, cleaning the house for 50 family members to come over, did we get that

Justin Hubeny

Southington YMCA present for that person, at the same time still having work to go to and bills to pay. It is a lot in just a few weeks. But, before turning this season into a stressful one, think back in time when you were a “kid” and what Christmas meant to you then. When I was a kid, Christmas was the best. I used to love going to church with my family on

Christmas Eve, then going to see all of my cousins on my dad’s side at my Grandma and Grandpa Hubeny’s house. It was awesome, we never really saw each other much, but on Christmas Eve we got to play together and open our presents from our Grandparents. Then after that I was fortunate enough to go to my Auntie Judy’s house on my Mom’s side and see my other cousins. We would play, eat, and open presents. The best thing about it was my Aunt’s cookies, she makes the best tree shaped Christmas cookies. After that long evening my brother and I would read “A Night Before Christmas” with our parents. Finally we would go to bed and wait for morning so we could see what Santa Clause brought us. That whole scenario is

how every kid acts around Christmas. They do not really understand the amount of hard work that their parents put into it. But parents, the trick is to think like a kid on Christmas during the holiday season. Be thankful for what you have, for the family you get to see, for the people that are involved in your lives. Think about the first time you ever had a really good Christmas cookie, the first time you ever laid your eyes on a house completely covered in Christmas lights, the first time you hung an ornament on a tree. We cannot let ourselves get too stressed and wrapped up in our worries to miss this entire great season. This season is truly magical and if we just step back, take a breath, and look around, you can see that magic like

a kid does almost everywhere you go. Right now, my favorite part about this season is the generosity in people. Now, I do not care what I get for Christmas, I would much rather give than receive. It is awesome to see so many good things going on in our community to give to families and people in need. My cousins, they are older than me and they have families, but there are two brothers and a sister. Instead of buying gifts for themselves and exchanging them, they are adopting a family for Christmas and giving to a family in need. This is the true magic of Christmas. So before we get too preoccupied with ourselves and our worries, take a moment and reflect on all that we are fortunate for right now. If we can do

this, we can truly enjoy the magic of the season as a “kid” does. Once you see that magic, you have the power to bring that magic to others, by generosity and donations, even if it is just your time that you are donating. That is how strong the magic of the season is. So from myself and everyone at the Southington Community YMCA have a happy and safe holiday season, and don’t forget to look at it from a child’s perspective then you’ll see the true magic of the season come to life. For more information on the Southington Community YMCA Outreach program or any other Youth programs contact Justin Hubeny, Youth Sport Director at 860-4269521 or email me at [email protected].

How you feel is a poor judge of your health How much is your health worth? In other words, what would you pay to be healthy? And how much would you have to be paid to give up your health? And what exactly is health anyway? I ask these questions to my patients all the time and the answers are very typical of an American who has been taught and hears constantly on TV: no pain, no problem. How would you answer that question…what is health? Is it being pain free? Is it being able to do whatever you want to do? That is what most people answer when I ask that is their Spinal Health Class that we do every Tuesday.

By the time a woman feels a pea shaped lump in her breast, she has had breast cancer for 8 years. It takes a life time to develop heart disease. And these people have no idea that a disease is growing in their body. They feel great. They can do what ever they want. They have no clue. So the big question is: Are they really healthy? How you feel is a poor judge of how healthy you are. Actual health is when all the systems in the body are working at 100 percent.

Dr. Carol Grant Alternatively Speaking (You are invited by the way…the more the merrier) Then I ask, “How long does it take to develop Heart Disease or Cancer. They have no idea so I ask “Does it happen overnight?” Of course not.

The lungs, the heart, the stomach and intestines, the liver and gall bladder and of course the nervous system all working the way they were designed. So how do you know if you are healthy? Well hopefully you go to your doctor for a yearly physical. Does that make you healthy? In my opinion, having all those tests and blood work is very important for early detection. Is there a way to find out if you are healthy even before all those tests might show a problem? Is there a way to avoid developing a problem? From a chiropractic perspective, I would say yes. But you have to

understand how the body works. The Brain, being the most important organ in the body, sends information to all the parts of the body. That information tells the organs what to do. It tells the heart to beat, the lungs to breath, the stomach to digest etc. And all the parts of the body send information back to the brain saying this is what I am doing. It is a two way information highway going on in split seconds 24 hours 7 days a week. And if all that happens at 100 percent then we are healthy. Any interference with that flow of information, then we are not healthy. What might cause interference?

Trauma is a big one and that can include small repetitive activities. Stress, any of that going around this time of year? Poor nutrition, watch out with all those holiday parties. Lack of exercise, the list goes on and on. And remember this can all go on and you might feel “fine.” If you would like more information about your particular situation, feel free to give me a call. Dr. Carol Grant, a local chiropractor, does not intend this column to substitute for medical advice. She urges you to always consult with your personal physician before changing any current program.

A year in review Along the Quinnipiac River It’s hard to believe that we are at the close of 2011, it seems just like yesterday we were busy shoveling and shoveling and shoveling. As we approach the last few weeks of 2011, let’s take a moment to look back and see what the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association (QRWA) has accomplished this year.

Life Along the Q River In April our thirty-first annual canoe race, the longest running canoe race in Connecticut, was a bit damp for the 48 participants, but in

no way did the weather dampen the spirits of these hardy and waterlogged people. The five mile course, starting in Southington and ending at Red Bridge in South Meriden, once again attracted races from all over New England. Our spring Rivercleanup, led by Board member David James, focused on Hanover Pond and its tributaries. Armed with a dedicated and strong group of volunteers and a bit of heavy equipment, this event netted over thirty bags of trash, a huge pile of junk which included construction materials, garbage cans, tires, shopping carts, several tires, pallets, 5 gallon water bottle and an amazingly a baby garter snake. It just proves not mat-

ter how badly we treat nature, she can and does find ways to survive. In May we held our first “Paddle with the Eagles” on Hanover Pond. Led by Peter Picone, wildlife biologist and Dan Pelletier, certified paddler, these QRWA board members jointly cover the habitat of the resident eagles from land and water. Peter started the event with a lecture followed by a paddle to see if the eagles were out on the pond and they were! We hope to bring more opportunities for eagle observation in 2012. In June, after several years of renovation efforts by QRWA volunteers and several grants from the Cuno Foundation and funds from

CDBG Program, The Meriden Lions Club took on the project to complete our lobby and classroom. Through the efforts of those who paved the way and the generosity of our members and volunteers we now have a place on the water that we can call home. We are planning numerous events in 2012 to showcase the Lions’ work and to let the public see what we have to offer for programs and lectures. The Butterfly & Bee Garden was in its second season with a few new additions, including two new cedar benches, an Eagle Scout project for Justin Pelletier and a delightful butterfly, bee and turtle totem pole signpost made by local artist Frank Basch. We were also able to

add several perennial plants and a vast amount of annual plants thanks to the generosity of several local growers. Many thanks to Becky Martorelli for her technical assistance as a certified master gardener. Next spring we will have a new garden shed for storage of materials, tools and supplies thanks to the Meriden Intermediate Club, Meriden Rotary Club and Justin Pelletier. As a thank you to Yankee Gas Services for their support of the garden, the QRWA hosted its first Midsummer Celebration, complete with speakers, garden tours, canoe rides and vendors. In the start of a long standing partnership with the Meriden Arts Trust, the Central

Connecticut Civil Youth Orchestra performed their recital to their summer session. It was a beautiful day for butterflies and music at Dossin Beach Park. This summer Richard Castiglione, certified professional photographer, hosted a digital photography class at the QRWA and the subject was the Butterfly & Bee Garden and the Meriden Poetry Society held their September meeting in the garden, emphasizing that the garden truly has become a place for conversation, relaxation and inspiration. This fall the QRWA was pleased and proud to rekindle its dormant Rapid Bioassessment by Volunteers

See Q RIVER, page 14

Friday, December 16, 2011

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•Good Times.........page 13

Neighbors

•Southington Scene...page 18 •Sports............Page 20

Our Friends Faces in the Crowd

ESPN surprises kids with new bikes

On Tuesday, November 8, a group of excited kids arrived at YMCA Camp Sloper with their families and left with a brand new BMX bike thanks to the generosity of ESPN of Bristol. The giveaway was part of a teambuilding exercise that resulted in the construction of the bikes. In conjunction with YMCA Camp Sloper, the bikes were given to campers to encourage them to become more physically active. “ESPN employees came out to YMCA Camp Sloper about a month ago and did a teambuilding exercise called ‘A Bike Build’. The best part of the event was that we got to work with them on giving the bikes away to some of our campers”, stated Mark Tammi Knapik Pooler, Outdoor Center Director. Maryssa Ramano The black X Games edition, full size BMX bikes were tested by bike profesEach week we interview a ‘regular person’ like you for sionals after construction our Faces in the Crowd. This week we meet Maryssa and certified to be safe by a technician from Newington Ramano. Bike. What is the best piece of How long have you been In addition to the bikes, advice you have ever connected to Southington? received. I lived in New York My coach has always before moving to advised me to just be myself Southington. I have been and stay active in whatever here nine years. you like to do to better yourWhat do you like about Before Winter Storm self. the town? Alfred rolled into our lives If you could meet anyI am very involved in the there was an evening of fun, one in the world, who would goodwill, and generosity STEPS program. We spend a you like to meet? lot of time at different events from the families of the Derek Jeter. I just like in town. Its lots of fun. Southington-Cheshire him a lot. What is your favorite Community YMCAs’ I would like to just movie? Adventure Guides program. spend some time asking him In celebration of National “Elf.” It is just such a about his life and how he got Make-A-Difference Day, the funny movie and I love to be where he is today. Christmas so much. Adventure Guides did their part to do something positive to impact the community. On Saturday, October 22, 32 kids and their parents gathered at the Southington Community YMCA to do four things: write letters to troops overseas, assemble care packages for the homeless, collect food to donate to the hungry and to have a great time together. The idea came from Debby Popkin, the group’s treasurer. Her idea was to hold a fun event for the Adventure Guides families that would also see them SUBMITTED doing some good for the community. For entertainment Ms. Popkin secured Erik Korp to bring his own On Oct. 21, webelos scouts from Cub Scout Pack 8 in brand of fun and exciteSouthington visited the Southington town council ment and dancers from chambers to meet Town Attorney and Deputy Town Center Stage Dance Studio Manager Mark Sciota. As part of their work for their to teach the kids a few citizen badge, they learned about how Southington’s moves. Dinner was genertown government works and how they can be good ously provided by Subway, Blimpie, and drinks were citizens.

Just be yourself

SUBMITTED

each recipient was given a helmet to encourage safe bike riding. Families were contacted by Mark Pooler about the giveaway. One of the lucky recipients, Shane, stated, “I was really excited, I could not believe it when my mom told me!” The goal of ESPN to help kids be more active will

be met as Kyle remarked, “I’m going to ride my bike more this summer!” Patrick said he felt “honored” to receive one; Conner said he was “grateful”. There also seems to be a sense of paying the kindness forward from Xavier who promised, “I’m going to give my old bike to my cousin.” “ESPN is excited to

support the SouthingtonCheshire Community YMCA, an organization dedicated to youth development. Our employees were grateful for the chance to build and donate 11 bikes to deserving youth in our local community. Donating X Games bikes will provide these kids with the opportunity to be active. The event was an example of what Team ESPN is all about - Fans Helping Fans”, commented Don Brooks, Corporate Outreach Coordinator at ESPN. ESPN has been an active volunteer group out at YMCA Camp Sloper, which precipitated their desire to collaborate with the camp to reach kids who could benefit from their donation. “It was a great evening. There is a great deal of satisfaction when you see a child get a new bike” stated Pooler. “The generosity that ESPN has show to the YMCA and its membership over the last few years has been amazing. They are a first class organization and a model for other companies” said Pooler.

The Adventure Guides give back

Learning about citizenship

provided by Burger King. Admission to the event was free, but all participants were expected to bring a grocery bag full of non-perishable food. Not a can – an entire grocery bag. The food would be donated to the Bread For Life Food Pantry later in the evening. Eldon Hafford, Director of Bread for Life, estimated that the group donated around 800 pounds of food that evening. When he came to pick up the donation, Mr. Hafford spoke to the kids about the importance of giving back to those in need. Upon their arrival, the Adventure Guides participated in two work areas. At one table the kids could

write and decorate letters that are being delivered to our troops overseas. The kids offered their thanks and wished for their safe return home to their families. After dinner, the kids were thanked by one of the participant’s aunt who is currently serving in the U.S. Army. The second table was covered with assorted toiletries and hygienic essentials such as tooth paste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, soap, shaving cream and more. The kids then organized different bags for men, women, and children. The bags were donated to the New Opportunities Shelter, now in Meriden. In all, the kids

made over 70 care packages for the homeless. The YMCA Adventure Guides hope for this to be just the first in a line of many years of Make-ADifference Day events. It was a truly special night for all involved, and while this year’s event was open only to program participants, the hope is that future events will be open and available to the public at large. For more information regarding the YMCA Adventure Guides or their efforts to support National Make-A-Difference Day, please contact Jay Jaronko, YMCA Camp Sloper Outdoor Center Program Director by phone at 860621-8194 or by e-mail at [email protected].

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Friday, December 16, 2011

Obituaries Nancy Andrews, will be missed by those that knew her Nancy (Andres) Andrews, 78, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 2. She was the wife of the late Joseph Andrews. She was born on May 23, 1933 in New Britain daughter of the late Herbert and Eleanor (Rutherforth) Andres. Andrews is survived by daughters Dawn Parizo and husband Mitchell of Burlington and Denise Tripp of Southington, grandchildren Daniel Tripp Heather

Tripp, Kristen Parizo, and Justin Parizo, a great grandson Jaivion Evans, a sister-in-law Barbara Gitchell of Andrews West Hartford, a close friend Debbie Peterson of Berlin, along with several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by a mother- in-law Mildred Andrews and her best friend Dorothy Peterson.

Candice Deprey, worked at Bradley Memorial Hospital Candice “Candie” Darin Deprey, 61, passed away unexpectedly Monday, Dec. 5, at home. She was the wife of the late Roger Deprey. She was born March 16, 1950 in New York, NY, the daughter of the late Joseph J. and Dorothy B. Darin. Deprey had worked as a senior schedule coordinator in the diagnostic radiology dept. at the HCC at Bradley Memorial for 18 years. She enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and neighbors and vacationing at the shore. Candie was a fantastic cook and avid Lady Gaga fan.

She is survived by her daughter Brynn Darin Deprey, PhD, of Cambridge, UK, her brother, Mark Darin Deprey and wife Paula of Cheshire, her nephew, Christopher Darin, the extended Deprey family and many dear friends. Donations may be made in her memory to HCC@Bradley Memorial, Development Office, Women’s Auxiliary Fund, 100 Grand St., New Britain, CT 06050.

Gordon Totire, served in the US Army during World War II Gordon J. Totire, 92, passed away Dec. 4, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Angelina “Angie” (Francischelli) Totire and had been married for 67 beautiful years. He was born Dec. 1, 1919, in New Haven, son of the late Antonio and Catherine (Geannatelli) Totire. Totire had retired from Fafnir Bearing in Newington. He was a veteran of WW II serving in the U.S. Army and a parishioner of St. Dominic Church. He was a member of the

Anthony J. “Max” Blaszczyk, 92, passed away Sunday, Dec. 4, at Hospital of Central CT, Bradley Campus. He was the husband of the late Frances A. (Leach) Blaszczyk. He was born Dec. 21, 1918 in Southington, the son of the late Michael M. and Frances (Myjak) Blaszczyk. Blaszczyk had retired from Colonial Bank and Trust and was a veteran of WW II and Korean War serving in the U.S. Navy. He attended local schools and graduated from Lewis High School, Class of 1936. While at Lewis High School he was an active

participant in football, baseball and basketball, and in 1986 was inducted into the S.H.S. Baseball Hall of Fame. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy at the age of 17, attained rank of Chief Petty Officer, served in two wars, and earned 13 campaign ribbons and a Presidential Unit Citaion. The destroyer tender on which Max served, the U.S.S. Samuel B. Roberts, was sunk by the Japanese at Leyte Gulf in 1943. Max was finally rescued after more than two days in the

water. He retired with 20 years of service. He also worked from the submarine base in New Blaszczyk London. He was parishioner of St. Thomas Church and a member of the American Legion Kiltonic Post #72. Blaszczyk was an active participant of the Southington American Legion Baseball since 1958. He was involved in coaching, raising funds and worked diligently in all capacities with the Legion Baseball program.

He is survived by his son, Joseph A. Blaszczyk and his wife Susanne, a sister, Mary Kloczko all of Plantsville, three grandchildren; Tanis and her fiancé Brad Novi, Darcy Blaszczyk and Meagan McManama and her husband Cody, two great grandchildren; Brady and Jackson, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister Ann Azano, three brothers, Stanley, Joseph and John Blaszcyzk. Donations may be made in his memory to the American Legion Baseball Committee. P.O. Box 217, Southington, CT 06489.

Katherine Chaffee, worked at Aetna Katherine “Kay” (Bayrer) Chaffee, 94, of Southington passed away peacefully on Saturday December 3, at the HCC at Bradley Memorial. She had been the loving wife of the late Milton Chaffee. Born in Hartford on May 30, 1917 to the late Homer and Florence (Burr) Bayrer, she moved to Southington in 1978 after living in Hartford for many years. Chaffee was a WAVE

Veteran of WWII. She was trained in the Red Cross Canteen Corps followed by 40 years in the Blood Donation Unit. Kay worked at Aetna Life and Casualty Insurance for many years. She was a longtime member of Immanuel Congregational Church in Hartford and was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Southington where she served as a Deacon and chairperson of the flower

committee for many years. She is survived by her niece Connie Johnson and husband Lance of East Hampton, CT; her nephew Charles W. Bayrer of Brooklyn, NY; her stepdaughter Deborah Jeanfaivre and husband Roger of Wethersfield, CT; stepson Austin “Tim” Chaffee and wife Tory of Westbrook, CT, two stepgranddaughters, Beth Gracy of Southington and Caroline Chaffee of

Merrick, NY, two greatgranddaughters, Juliet Gracy and Ava Chaffee, two great-nephews: Kirk and Brian Johnson and her great-niece Holly Norton. She was predeceased by her brother William H. Bayrer and sister Marion E. Bayrer. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Kay’s memory may be made to the First Congregational Church, 37 Main St., Southington, CT 06489.

Philip Nanfito, served in the US Navy Philip J. Nanfito, Sr., 71, passed away on Saturday, December 3, at home, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Patricia (Lawlor) Nanfito. Born in Middletown on April 25, 1940, he was the son of the late Vincent and Josephine (Lastrina) Nanfito. Prior to his retirement from self-employment, Nanfito owned and operated Nanfito Window and Siding. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1959-1963 achieving the rank of

Elks, a BCO driver for the Plainville Senior Center, a loyal Yankee fan, enjoyed woodworking and his family Totire gatherings. He was the beloved father to Patricia Babowicz and Tom of Middlefield, Diane Brooks and late husband George, and Gregory Totire and wife Aleta all of Southington, loving grandfather to eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He leaves a brothWilliam A. Simone, 78, er Matthew Mazzone and passed away Wednesday, wife Sophie “Cookie” of Nov. 23, at Middlesex Bristol and many nieces Hospital. He was the beloved and nephews. husband of Dorothy (Burdick) Simone. He was born in Southington on April 22, 1933, the son of the late his wife Anthony and Mildred (Fusco) Maria, Dan Simone. Prior to his retireViolette, ment he was a Salesman for Tony Tuxis-Ohr’s Oil Co. He along Violette and with his brother Tom, ran his wife Sue Simone Hardware on Main and Michael St. until the fire that Violette, five grandchildren, destroyed their business, preAshley, Matt, Drew, Ross, and vious to that he was involved Caroline, one great-grandwith Simone Bros. Oil Co. daughter Kayleigh, his brothHe was a long time resier Henry Violette and his dent of Southington and very wife Denise; and his ex-wife active in the community. He Catherine Reilly. was a volunteer firefighter for

William Violette, served in the US Air Force during Korean War William A. Violette Sr., 77, of Southington, and formerly of Plainville, passed away on Friday December 2, at the HCC at New Britain General. He was born on August 14, 1934 in Edmundston, NB Canada to the late Walter and Blanche (Theriault) Violette. Violette served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He is survived by four sons, William Violette Jr. and

Anthony Blaszczyk, served in the Navy

Petty Officer 3rd Class and received the Naval Good Conduct Medal and CT Veterans Wartime Nanfito Service Medal. He was a member of St. Aloysius Church, Knights of Columbus #7 of Portland, a Past Grand Knight, American Legion Post #72 of Southington, Sons of Italy, and the Mangia Faccia Society. He was an avid Redsox fan

and UCONN men’s and women’s basketball fan, often referred to as “Coach Phil” by his family. Phil is survived by his children Philip Nanfito Jr., Deborah Beaudoin and husband Kevin, Patricia Donahoe and husband Anthony, and Michael Nanfito and wife Kellee, all of Southington, seven grandchildren Nicholas, Talia, Michaela, Madison, Avielle, Noah and Jordan, brothers, Joseph Nanfito and wife Polly of Venice, FL, Ronald Nanfito and wife Peggy of Moodus, CT

and Vincent Nanfito and wife Stacy of Southington, uncle, Philip “Joe” Nanfito of Portland, sisters-in-law Carolyn Tehan and husband Martin of Waterbury, Patricia Lawlor of Naugatuck and a special cousin Pamela Pollard of Miami, FL, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bristol Hospital Home Care and Hospice, 222 Main St., P.O. Box 977, Bristol, CT 06011.

William Simone, coached midget football for years Southington for 37 years. Simone was a fire commissioner for the town of Southington for several Simone terms. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Elks Club and the UNICO Club of Southington. He coached Midget football for a number of years. Bill was an avid model railroad buff and he loved the outdoors especially spending time with his wife Dottie at their cabin in Vermont. In addition to his wife,he is survived by stepsons, Joe Wankerl and wife Erica King

of Plantsville and Glenn and wife Melinda Wankerl of New Britain, five children Joelle, Cody, Frank, Mina and Andrew, a brother Thomas and wife Roberta Simone of FL, two sisters Rita and husband Jack Susco of Plainville and Jeannette and husband Michael Pepe of Westbrook,

• • • •

he also leaves many nieces nephews and dear friends. Private services were held. Donations could be made in his memory to the East Haddam Food Bank, P.O Box 572, Moodus, CT 06469 or East Haddam Volunteer Fire Dept. 440 Town St. Moodus, CT 06469.

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•Observing the Arts.......page 14

Good Times

•Southington Scene......page 17 •SHS Sports.........page 25

Our Night on the Town

Jaimoe wears his musical genes well By MIKE CHAIKEN EDITIONS EDITOR

As soon as the first notes sound on Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band’s latest album “Renaissance Man,” there’s no mistaking the genetic lineage of the group. Jaimoe, a Connecticut resident, is a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band. And his swinging drumming on classic Allman Brothers Band tracks such as “Dreams” on the first selftitled album to “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” from “Idlewild South” to “Melissa” from “Eat A Peach” (remade on the new album) set the Allmans apart from the rest of the Southern rock pack. And Jaimoe’s jazzinflected playing infuses this latest set. And like his other group, Jaimoe’s Jassz Band weaves its way through a tasty journey of jazz, blues, and R&B. The new album will be

presented to the public for the first time at a gig at Bridge Street Live in Collinsville on Saturday. Saturday’s gig is also the opening of Jaimoe’s Jassz Band’s latest tour. We caught up with Jaimoe via email to talk to him about “Renaissance Man” and the gig in Connecticut. Observer; First of all, what can fans expect from the new album? Jaimoe: It’s real simple. I’m sure they’ll enjoy it. O: Talk to me about the musician line-up on the new album and what did they bring to the table creatively? J: Dave Stoltz is the bass player. He plays upright and electric bass. Bruce Katz is the piano player. He’s a writer, composer, arranger and one hell of a pianist. Junior

Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band comes to Bridge Street Live in Collinsville Saturday. Mack is the guitarist and vocalist. Paul Lieberman plays sax and flute. He’s also a professional teacher at UMass. He also has a brand new album out himself. Kris Jensen plays sax and flute. He also is a composer and arranger. Reggie Pittman plays big band trumpet. He is also a teacher. Everyone has a distinct style. They have more of a variety of music than one person could possibly bring. They bring in much more personality.

O: Why launch your new album here at Bridge Street Live? J: In September 2010, we were supposed to open at Bridge Street Live but we had another gig scheduled a few towns over so we weren’t able to play. This is like us making up that missed show. I’ve been to Bridge Street Live a few times before. It’s a really nice place. O: Given your background in the Allman Bros., how much did jazz/ blues influence your playing in that band and how has the rock and roll sound of that band influence who you are today as a drummer? J: Everyone had their own style. We always played how we were feeling. I brought jazz to the band, while the other guys were playing what they were interested in. You just play how you’re feeling.

O: As a drummer, who are some of your favorites? J: All of them. Everything everyone does is just a little different than what everyone else does. Everyone is different whether it’s in a big way or small way. I was influenced by a lot of New Orleans drummers like Charles “Honeyboy” Otis and Smokey Johnson. O: In this day and age of computerized music, live drummers are getting more and more scarce. How do you feel about that? J: It’s no big deal. It’s still an instrument, just another way of getting your feelings out. Just like the electric piano, until people started hearing it, they hated it. If you don’t have the sound or idea in your head in the first place, it’s not going to work. If you do, it will work regardless of what instrument

you’re playing. O: You’re also launching your current tour with the Dec. 17 gig, what kind of itinerary do you have planned? J: We’re sticking to the U.S. and going down south. O: Given your years of touring, other than the States where is your favorite place to play? J: Just the stage. Any stage. O: Finally, what can fans expect from the Dec. 17 show? J: A great time and great music. Jaimoe’s Jassz Band plays Bridge Street Live, 41 Bridge St., Collinsville on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and $35. For more information, go to 41BridgeStreet.com or Jaimoe.com.

Our Fashions

‘Project Runway’ designer launches new holiday line By MIKE CHAIKEN EDITIONS EDITOR

You can own a little piece of Lifetime’s hit show “Project Runway” thanks to fashion retailer maurices, which has stores nationwide including one in nearby Torrington. The Midwest-based retailer has teamed up with Christopher Straub, a popular designer from “Project Runway” to offer a stylish line of holiday wear, including dresses and a line of accessories. Calling from his home in Minnesota, the former reality TV star explained that when he dreamt up the collection for maurices, “I definitely had a more wearable collection in mind.” Straub said the holiday collection for maurices, which was launched just after Thanksgiving, is intended for the woman who wants “to go out with the girls… and will go out to house parties and holiday events.” “It’s fun and flirty,” said Straub. “These are clothes that are meant to be accessible.” The designer’s line includes dresses as well as separates. The clothes run

‘Project Runway’ designer Christopher Straub has launched a new holiday fashion collection, which is available at maurices. maurices in Torrington carries the accessories line of the new collection. from size 1/2 to 13/14 for the dresses and XS to XL for the separates.

Before he started putting designs to paper for the collection, Straub said

he met with the staff of maurices, since they were the ones who knew the retailer’s customers best. (maurices describes its customers in press materials as “a savvy, fashionconscious girl with a twentysomething attitude.”) Armed with maurices expert knowledge, Straub said began pulling together a collection that met the needs of maurices’ entire customer base and was sellable. “Every step of the way, I went back to maurices (to check if I was on the right track),” said Straub. Besides a collection of holiday dresses and holiday appropriate accessories—such as jewelry, scarves, and handbags— Straub also has launched a fragrance called “Be Amazing.’ “That’s really exciting,” said Straub of “Be Amazing.” He explained, “I’ve done dresses and clothing all my life. This was a great opportunity to build a collection around not only what (my woman) looks like, but where she is going and what she will smell like.” To come up with the fragrance, Straub said he again turned to the experts at maurices.

One of the dresses from Christopher Straub’s new collection. Perfumers and chemists worked with Straub to come up with several different versions of the scent. And from these recipes, Straub picked his favorite. Then he ran the scent past the corporate offices at maurices to see if the scent worked for them. The overwhelming majority agreed with his

selection, Straub said. The resulting fragrance, Straub said offers up a floral/ citrus scent. As for the origin of the name of the fragrance, “Be Amazing,” Straub said the phrase dates back to his appearance on “Project Runway.” On one of the episodes, Straub said, “I never went to college nor design school but thought, ‘Someday, I’ll be amazing.’ This is my some day.” “This all come together with this fragrance,” said Straub. “I wanted to inspire women to be amazing.” As for what’s next for Straub, he said he is already working with maurices on a new spring collection. While the holiday collection was more about going out to parties, Straub said the new line will be more professional, focusing on clothing to wear to work as well as after work. Straub’s line of accessories is available at maurices at 59 South Main St., Torrington. For more information, call the store at (860) 482-4107. Christopher Straub’s holiday collection of dresses and separates is available on-line at maurices.com.

14

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Friday, December 16, 2011

This ‘Nutcracker’ gets a little ‘suite’ then mighty ‘spicy’

Kellie Lambert McGuire Observing The Arts In the mood for some sugar plum fun? CONNetic Dance’s “Nutcracker Suite and Spicy” will be performed at 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday at The Aetna Theatre at The Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford. This modern version of the famous ballet features the company’s signature fusion of athletic dance forms, including tap, jazz and hip hop, seasoned with their signature sense of humor. The show features an Ugly Sweater Party Scene, breathtaking Snow Ball and high-kicking Florettes. The music is a fun compilation of diverse music inspired by Tchaikovsky’s classic score. Local artist Ethan Boisvert created the con-

temporary backdrop for the show. Tickets are $30. For more information, visit www.conneticdance.com or (860) 251-9194. KIDS MUSIC: Due to demand, Nickelodeon’s The Fresh Beat Band have added a second performance to its stop at the Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford. The group will perform on March 22, at 2 and 5:30 p.m. The Fresh Beat Band, which is a group created for the TV show of the same name, features Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer as Kiki, Thomas Hobson as Shout, Tara Perry as Marina, and Jon Beavers as Twist. The musicians will perform hits from seasons one through three of the live-action music series. Fresh Beat Band party packages, which include a meet and greet with The Fresh Beat Band, will also be available for purchase. Tickets are available online at LiveNation.com. For more information on the tour, visit www.freshbeatbandlive.com. COOL “TOY” EXHIBIT: “Munny Madness,” a special exhibit featuring locally decorated Munny characters, will open with a gala from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday. A portion of the proceeds from the exhibit will bene-

CONNetic Dance presents ‘Nutcracker Suite and Spicy’ on Saturday in Hartford. fit The Starlight Foundation. Paris in Plantsville Gallery and Studio is located at 15 West Main St., Plantsville. Call (860) 4261149 or visit parisinplantsville.com. LOCAL HOLIDAY TUNES: Talking to Walls has also released its annual holiday EP for its Asylum fan club members. Find it at asylum. talkingtowalls.com. Fan club membership is free and details are available on the site. A limited edition signed CD will also be available at the band’s holiday show on Dec. 22 at SoNo Caffeine, 133 Washington St. in South Norwalk. Leila and Bobbi “Funkee Boy” Tammaro

are offering a free download of “Merry Christmas, Darling” at www.funkeeboy.com/holidaypage.html. Local rockers Farmertan have released its version of a modern classic on YouTube. Search for Farmertan’s “Run, Rudolph, Run!” and you’ll find the video. HOLIDAY TALE: Master storyteller Tom Lee will perform “The Green Knight” at 2 p.m. Saturday at The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford. In the story, The Green Knight, an otherworldly character, interrupts a Christmas feast at Camelot and challenges the assembled company to a gruesome game. Sir Gawain, the hero of the tale, pursues the Green Knight through

the winter landscape of North Wales, and encounters challenges along the way. The performance is not meant for children under the age of 14 years. Admission is $10; tickets may be obtained by calling (860) 280-3130. The museum is located at 351 Farmington Ave. For more information, visit www.marktwainhouse.org. NEW DATE: The Palace Theater’s presentation of The Charlie Daniels Band, originally set for October, has been rescheduled for 8 p.m. on April 21. Tickets for the new date can be purchased at (203) 346-2000, online at www.palacetheaterct.org or in person at the box office at 100 East Main St. in Waterbury. Concertgoers who did not request a refund for the original date will be able to use their same tickets. The concert was postponed due to the untimely death of the band’s keyboardist, Joel “Taz” DiGregorio. In addition to the concert, the Palace’s Motorcycle Ride fundraiser and pre-show festival, which were also scheduled to take place on Oct. 15 and canceled out of respect for the band, have been rescheduled for April 21. The Motorcycle Ride will

take place from 1 to 4 p.m., and the pre-show activities, which will feature live entertainment and various vendors, will begin at 4. BAND CONTEST: Maurices Hometown Sound is searching for an up-and-coming American band. The winner wins a trip to Los Angeles to shoot a music video as well as the chance to perform live at their local Maurices, prizes and the opportunity to perform at Maurices showcase at the SXSW 2012 music festival in Austin, Texas. All eligible bands will enter a round of public voting, with the potential to get their music to online visitors to the contest Web site. The top 50 bands will be considered by a panel of music industry judges who will then select four finalists. The four bands will have their music features in maurices stores and on the its website during a seven-day period for another round of voting to determine the grand prize winner. For more information, visit maruicesmusic.sonicbids.com. Send arts and entertainment news and listings, including information on local musicians, artists, theater, film, books and more, to [email protected].

QRWA: Loooking back at the year and to the next From page 10 (RBV ) program thanks to a generous grant from the 3M Foundation. Over 50 citizen scientists assisted in taking samples for ten locations throughout the watershed. These samples were then sorted, categorized and labeled; the vouchers were then sent to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Next spring the DEEP will present their findings to the QRWA. Another fall event was Family Day, a joint venture with the Meriden Linear Trail Advisory Committee, in which paddle rides were offered to the public and

Peter Picone led an autumn walk along the trail, pointing out flora and fauna to many interested walkers. David James hosted another river cleanup in October; again gather much trash from along the shores of Hanover Pond. Truly a much needed event for the health of the Quinnipiac River. One pleasant surprise about having our own meeting place was that we could offer our space and lovely view to other organizations. The QRWA enabled the South Meriden Lion’s Club, Meriden Lion’s Club and the opportunity to have their meetings in our building. We look for-

ward to hosting other organizations for a variety of events in the future. Organizationally, several board members and staff were able to visit other Connecticut watersheds to see what we have in common and how they operate, very interesting indeed. This past year the QRWA added fifty-nine new members to our ranks, has a blog on Patch.com and enhanced our Facebook group page with postings, pictures and event notifications. Please visit www.facebook.com/group s/ORWAPage/#!/groups/O RWAPage/ and join the QRWA group. We are looking forward

to 2012 we have planned a number of events and programs to continue with the mission of the QRWA: river cleanups, annual canoe race, rapid bioassessment, seasonal hikes and such, but we want to expand our horizons and add just a bit more, like a monthly speaker series, nature art show and our Midsummer Celebration, boat and bike rentals just to mention a few – check our web site frequent to see more events and programs in progress. As a final note to this final article for the year we are reminding you that your tax-deductable donations are always appreciated and gratefully accepted.

And, if you think you’d like to help us out with any of our events or with the building, feel free to contact us at 203-237-2237. As always, we are thankful for your continued support of the QRWA and wish you a happy holiday. To learn more about the QRWA and to confirm information, dates and times for upcoming events, please visit our website at: www.qrwa.org. QRWA provides water activities, events in education, outreach, advocacy, scientific monitoring, conservation, restoration, recreation and public access to the watershed area. The Quinnipiac River

Watershed Association (QRWA) is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization whose mission is to restore the Quinnipiac for the health and enjoyment of all citizens and communities along its reach and to educate all students, families, individuals, businesses and governments to be informed stewards of the river. Thank you for your support and remember your donations are tax deductable.

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Hartford County Tattoo inks up your creative side By MIKE CHAIKEN EDITIONS EDITOR

If you have preconceived notions of what a tattoo parlor looks like Hartford County Tattoo, now open in a second location in Plantsville, probably doesn’t fill that notion. Walking into the lobby of the tattoo parlor on South Main Street, which has been open since February, you would think you were walking into something different entirely. With the framed artwork hanging on the wall, you might be excused if you thought you had entered another one of the art galleries that have begun to dot the Plantsville section of Southington. In fact, Hartford County Tattoo proclaimed its presence to the area on Nov. 20 with an open house in Plantsville that put the focus on the frame art creations of the tattoo artists that work at the Southington and Bristol facilities. (The artists include Plantsville’s Marco Torres, Miss Jess Huard, Angel McCully, Bronwyn Cyr, and Sam Stiles, and Bristol’s Red Gomme, Calvin von Crush, Kevin Stiles, Izzy Rodriguez and Beaner Rinaldini). The evening was accompanied by a live acoustic performance. Mike Micari, the manager of the Bristol facility of

MIKE CHAIKEN

The artwork of the tattoo artists working at Hartford County Tattoo in Plantsville hang on the wall at the business. Hartford County Tattoo also has a branch in Bristol. Hartford County Tattoo at 253 West Washington Street, said the open house— besides letting the community know about the Plantsville store—also was about showcasing the more “homey” feel of the second location. Although Hartford County Tattoo now has two different locales, Micari said the facilities have two

different atmospheres. The Plantsville location at 991 South Main Street has the feel of a living room and art gallery. On the other hand, Bristol has a more edgy atmosphere. Art is a key component of both the Bristol and Plantsville branches of Hartford County Tattoo. Micari said Hartford County Tattoo is unique in

that each of the tattooists is also a visual artist. And each artist is encouraged to hang their own artwork beside their work space out back or in the lobby upfront. The visual artistic skills of the tattoo artists also make Hartford County Tattoo different than the typical parlor. Jamie Palmer, the

Plantsville manager, pointed out that if you look in the lobby of the Plantsville location you won’t find the cookie cutter tattoo templates you might find in other parlors. All of the tattoos out of Hartford County are custom made. The customer comes in with some ideas and sketches and the artists come up with something totally original for

them. Jamie said you’re not going to see your tattoo on anyone else. The back rooms at Plantsville’s Hartford County Tattoo, where the artists work, also don’t fit the stereotype of a tattoo parlor. The atmosphere is professional and wouldn’t look out of place at a doctor’s or dentist’s office. The atmosphere over at Hartford County Tattoo makes sense given the demographic change in who is getting a tattoo. Asked what kind of people are getting tattoos these days, Palmer said she is seeing people from 16 to 85 years old getting tattoos. These days, people are getting past the stigma of tattoos, said Micari. Shows such as “LA Ink” have helped in this regard, said Micari. In fact, during a recent visit to the Plantsville location, a woman came in carrying her young child— looking no different than any other soccer mom— asking how to take care of her new tattoo. The recent open house at the Plantsville facility will be probably repeated, said Micari. The parlor is looking at future nights offering acoustic music and gallery type showcases for their artists. For more information about Hartford County Tattoo, go to HartfordCountyTattoo.com.

Traditions: Taking a look at other religious holidays From page 8 responsibility, family, purpose, creativity and faith. “It is celebrated with the rituals that are rooted in African American cultural,” Snell said. “It allows for people to

embrace diversity.” She said the Queen Ann Nzinga Center is multi-cultural and multigenerational, allowing everyone to “come together as a community.” Snell referred to the “melting pot,” which is a

common metaphor used to describe the various cultures that entered the United States when it was being established. “We want to celebrate what we have brought to that melting pot,” Snell said, adding that African

Americans, among many things, contributed to music, creativity, strength, wisdom and more, in the country. “We want everyone to know about the positive contributions African Americans brought to this

Hero: Youth uses lessons learnt From page 1 “I was so proud when I heard the full story,” said DePaolo health teacher Michele Andrews. “It’s wonderful to know that he used the skills he learned in my class. It doesn’t get

more important than that.” She immediately nominated her student for the Bagel Breakfast, an event that happens three times a year. DePaolo Principal Frank Pepe reads comments made by the

teachers out loud and each student receives a certificate. “We’re all safe during Bagel Breakfast with him here,” Pepe said while presenting Jeremy his award. While he fully understood the weight of the

incident, Jeremy kept a humble attitude. “I’m thankful for the award, and I’m thankful my dad is still alive,” he said. Comments? Email [email protected].

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country,” Snell said. She added that Kwanzaa is “all about inclusion; not exclusion.” The annual Kwanzaa children’s program will be held on Friday, Dec. 30, at 7 p.m., at Trinity on Main, 69 Main St., New Britain.

Snell said guests will enjoy music, dancing and diversity at the event, and more. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and children. For tickets or more information call (860) 229-2072 or visit www.trinityonmain.org. Serving the Community for over 25 years Now offering same day service Mon-Fri

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The Observer is now on Facebook. Look us up and help spread the word around town.

16

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To advertise, call (860) 628-9645

Friday, December 16, 2011

Miscellaneous listings FRIDAY DEC. 16 SOUTHINGTON DENTAL PAIN FREE DAY. 1-5 p.m. Colite Family Dentistry, 33 Meriden Avenue.

FRIDAY DEC. 16 SOUTHINGTON

with paper airplanes and feed Jabba the Hut. Costume contest.

ONGOING SOUTHINGTON PARKS AND REC TRIPS. May 28 and 29, Gettysburg and Lancaster. Departs TBA, $365/ PP, $465 single, $285 child. April 16, Statue of Liberty, departure, TBA, $65

JEDI TRAINING. 3 p.m. at Southington Library. Pictures with storm troopers and rebels. Attack the Death Star

per adult $52 for child. April 30, New York City-do your own thing, departs TBA, $45 PP. June 18, Gloucester and Rockport, Lobseter Bake, Departs TBA. $95 PP.

SOUTHINGTON PARENT SUPPORT GROUP. Are you tired of your kids running your life? Call us, Pat and Dick, 621-4889 or Bill and

Marriette, 276-9734.

SOUTHINGTON DISCOVERY/CHALLENGER BASKETBALL. Mondays through Dec. 20, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. (younger players) or 7 p.m.-8 p.m. (older players), at Bristol Boys Club, 105 Laurel St., Bristol. Open to athletes aged 5 and up. This program introduces the game of basketball to the players and teaches

Last Saturday of the month during the school year, 9:15 a.m. at Brunswick Super Bowl Lanes, Plantsville. Open to any Southington elementary school students with special needs. Peer volunteers from Southington High School’s Best Buddies program. will be participating in helping the elementary students with their bowling game! Cost is $2.05, which includes shoe rental.

them various phases of the game as the child advances in their dribbling, passing and shooting of the basketball. Cost is $20 per child, $25 for 2 or more; scholarships are available. Volunteers are also needed to buddy with the children. Contact: Dee ValerioMatyka, (860) 584-1828.

SOUTHINGTON BOWLING WITH A BUDDY.

Holiday listings DEC. 16, 17 OTHER ‘NUTCRACKER SUITE AND SPICY.’ Sneak preview on Friday Dec. 16. Saturday 2 and 8 p.m. Aetna Theatre at the Wadsworth Atheneum, 600 Main St., Hartford. Conneticdance.com

SATURDAY, DEC. 17 BRISTOL SINGLES HOLIDAY HOUSE PARTY. Sponsored by Social Connections. At the home of Gail Fuller in Bristol. Dress to impress. $10 grab gift. 1-860582-8229. HOLIDAY CONCERT. Bristol String Orchestra. 3 p.m. Liberty Baptist Church, 265 Maple Ave. Free. (860) 589-3724.

orate holiday cookies and watch a holiday event. Young Adult Department, Bristol Public Library, 5 High St., Bring your own dough. Registration required. Registered at the young adult desk. WINTER HOLIDAY CRAFTS FOR CHILDREN AGES 5 AND UP. 10:30 a.m. Manross Memorial Library, 260 Central St., Forestville. Limited to 24 participants. Bristollib.com, (860) 584-7790. CRAFT FAIR. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsored by the Bristolk Elks. Proceeds benefit the local St. Vincent de Paul Society. Tables still available for crafters. Bristol Elks, 126 South St., Bristol. (860) 583-3350.

OTHER VIENNA BOYS CHOIR. 7:30 p.m. Mortensen Hall at the Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave.,

HOLIDAY SUGAR RUSH. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Bake and dec-

Hartford. $19.50. (860) 9875900, Bushnell.org

DEC. 17, 18 BRISTOL AMERICAN MADE PROFESSIONAL CRAFT FAIR. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 40 juried professional artisans from Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York selling their creations. Bristol Eastern High School, 632 King St., Bristol. $2. Bring this listing to receive a free raffle ticket to win a hand-painted iris heart tray made by participating artist Mark A. Bentz. Raffle tickets for $1.

SUNDAY, DEC. 18 OTHER CANDLELIGHT FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS. 4 p.m. South Church, 90 Main St., New Britain. Free will donation. MASTER STORYTELLER TOM

LEE. 2 p.m. The Christmas at Camelot tale of “The Green Knight.” Mark Twain House, 351 Farmington Ave., Hartford. Not recommended for those under 14. Admission is $10. (860) 2803130.MarkTwainHouse.org

NOW thru DEC. 23 BRISTOL CHILDREN CAN MAKE A HOLIDAY ORNAMENT. To be placed on the Manross Library tree. Craft materials are available on a drop-in basis in the Children’s Area during regular library hours. Manross Memorial Library, 260 Central St., Forestville. No charge. Registration not required. (860) 584-7790.

FRIDAY, DEC. 31 OTHER

Starfires. Dinner (filet mignon and chicken), and party favors. The French Model Club, 1375 East St., New Britain. (860) 2239309.

THE 26TH ANNUAL SANTA’S WORKSHOP AT MRS. ROCKWELL’S PAVILION IN ROCKWELL PARK. Sponsored by Bristol Parks and Recreation Department. Thursday and Friday 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Visit the Winter Wonderland, talk with Santa Claus, receive a free candy cane, and make a holiday craft. Memorial Boulevard All Star Chorus sings on Thursday. Bristol Children’s Library presents story time on Friday and Saturday. A live petting zoo and horse drawn wagon rides, sponsored by the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, will be offered Saturday and Sunday. (860) 5846160.

NOW BRISTOL HOLIDAY PLANTS FOR SALE. Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Saturdays through Dec. 3. Cyclamen and Christmas cactus. Candy Kitchen has turkey and pilgrim pops. Quarter-pound boxes filled with four candies and jams and relishes. The Growing Center at the Bristol Adult Resource Center, 621 Jerome Ave., Bristol.

NOW thru DEC. 18 BRISTOL

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY. 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Ring in the New Year with Norm Flash and

International professional dancer to highlight Holiday Dance Spectacular This year’s Holiday Dance Spectacular performance presented by Dance City & the Arts LLC will include professional dancer Lorelei Chang. The performance is on Sunday, December 18 at 1 p.m. at Derynoski School. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at Dance City & the Arts, The Pepper Pot, The Music Shoppe and The Southington Parks and Recreation Department. The event is a fund raiser for The Southington Social Services and Salvation Army. This event is sponsored by The Southington Park and Rec Department, The Calvanese Foundation and The Southington Arts Council. Chang is the Artistic Director of dancEnlight, a professional modern dance company currently in residence at Connecticut Concert Ballet in Manchester. She has performed nationally and internationally including TIRED OF RISING CABLE RATES?

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performance with her twin sister, Mai Nakanishi, who is the co-director of the company, received overwhelming feedback. She was commissioned to choreograph and guest

teaching for many schools and festivals locally and globally including GuangDong Modern Dance Company, many Art Institutes in Beijing, China; Trinity College; Full Force Dance Theater; Greater Harford Academy, Connecticut Concert Ballet, Rebound Dance Festival; 5x5 Dance Festival, Montessori Schools in both AZ & CT, Miss Porter’s school and more. Her choreography was presented at the Beijing International Dance Festival in China (1990), American Dance Festival (1991), International Dance Festival in Hong Kong and Dance Festival in India(1992), and various other colleges, schools and museums around the world. She is currently an adjunct faculty member of Theater & Dance at Trinity College, Connecticut Concert Ballet, Pilates and Yoga teacher at South Windsor Senior Center.

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TAMMI KNAPIK

Local Christmas Shopping Ilse Linkletter picks out an ornament with her great grandaughter Emma Piatek.

Blue Christmas organized First Baptist Church of Southington, recognizing that the holiday season is not always of joy and gladness for everyone, is offering Blue Christmas in cooperation with Plantsville Congregational Church. The event will be held Monday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m., with a time of singing, candle lighting and prayer. There will also be an opportunity to hang a dove

ornament on the sanctuary tree in remembrance of a loved one. This program is not only for those whose loved one has died this year but for people who have difficulty handling the holidays for whatever reason, a job loss, divorce, estranged family, displaced, etc. All are welcome. For more information, call the Rev. Jerrie S. Matney, (860) 628-8121.

Homestyle Italian Cooking...

Gift Certificates Available Voted “Best Pizza in Bristol” by Bristol Residents and “Best Pizza in Town” by Bristol Press Readers

Like Mom Used to Make! $2.00 Budweiser Bottle During Happy Hour Bar Only

VOTED BEST Italian Restaurant in Bristol

THIN OR THICK CRUST BRICK OVEN PIZZA • Seafood • Steaks • Chops • Pasta

OUR ENTIRE DINNER MENU IS AVAILABLE FOR TAKE-OUT! Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials

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50% OFF LUNCH OR DINNER With This Coupon • Dine In or Take Out • Food Only Buy 1 Lunch or Dinner & Receive the Second of Equal or Lesser Value at 50% Off. Entrees Only. Not Valid with Other Offers. Expires 12/23/11

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Friday, December 16, 2011

The Step Saver/ The Observer

To advertise, call (860) 628-9645

17

Southington Scene

Christmas at Sloper YMCA Camp Sloper and The Mill Foundation for Kids joined efforts once again this year to present “Santa at Sloper” on Saturday, Dec. 10. The cost for attendance was $10 per family and one unwrapped, new toy. All toys will be donated to the local children’s hospitals and the YMCA’s Outreach program. Santa was present to greet the children and families can take a ride on one of his horse drawn wagons. Cookies and hot chocolate were served while participants were entertained with Christmas carols.

Just some of the presents gathered during the event.

Photos by TAMMI KNAPIK

Lauren Krak and Mia Leahy enjoy a drink during the Santa at Sloper event.

Bianca. 10, Isabella, 3,and Mario Ferreri, 5, make some crafts. Below, Kim Hull and Marie Norton serve hot chocolate.

Madeleine Tessier, 3, gets a hug from Santa Claus.

The Castonguay family, Gabrielle, 7, Noelle, 5, Juliette, 2, and Kevin and Christine get a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

18

The Step Saver/ The Observer

To advertise, call (860) 628-9645

Tasty Bites

Photos and text by Stacey McCarthy

Zingarella Pizzeria and Ice Cream

A pear and walnut salad at Zingarella Pizzeria and Ice Cream Cafe. Each week, The Observer hits up the local restaurant scene, offering you an inside look at the culinary delights in central Connecticut.

The Basics Zingarella Pizzeria and Ice Cream Café Open on Tuesday through Sunday. The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. On Sunday, dinner starts at 4 p.m. but the rest of the menu is available all day. The hours on Friday and Saturday are from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

83 West Main St., Plantsville Phone: (860)628-9464 www.zingarellas.com

The Buzz Zingarella Pizzeria and Ice Cream Café is now open. In the spring, there will be outdoor dining and the ice cream café will open right along the walking trail. They will be opening a banquet room that will be able to accommodate up to 50 people.

The Scene Zingarella means “little gypsy” and the décor of the restaurant reflects the Bohemian theme through-

PRIME RIB $995

TUES WED THURS Potatoo & Vegetable

pp

FRI • SAT • SUN

LOBSTERR FEST WEEKENDS WEEKENDS at FARMINGBURYY HILLS Lobst er, Potato Lobster, & Vegetable

Reservations Strongly Suggested

9

$ 95 *

EAST STREET EATERY

141 East St, Wolcott 203 879-8823

out. The dining room is a fun and lively place filled with gleaming dark wood, dramatic lighting, and colorful walls.

In Your Glass Full service bar with many signature drinks including: Zingarella’s Hard Lemonade (Lemoncello and tonic water), Basil Grande Martini (Bombay Sapphire Gin and muddled basil, lemon, and strawberries), and Strawberry Cheesecake Martini (Three Olives Vanilla Vodka, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, and Dark Crème de Cacao.) They serve a

An Italian Flag Pizza from Zingarella Pizzeria and Ice Cream Cafe. variety of wine from California and Italy.

On Your Plate Traditional Italian fare served with an elegant touch. The Gnocchi Caprese is made with light, house made dumplings, diced tomato, basil, fresh mozzarella, and arugula. The Lasagna Pasticciata features house made lasagna ribbons with veal and a tomato béchamel sauce with parmigiano regiano. They also serve grinders, stuffed pizza, stromboli, and salads.

Your Wallet

N OO M B LU E 1169 Meriden-Wtby Tpk RTE 322 • Exit 28 off I84 PLANTSVILLE

860-863-5963 Pub Menu

OPEN 7 DAYS

FRI & SAT

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY

KARAOKE $1 Domestic Draf ts

FRIDAY NIGHT 12/16

MELT T DOWN SATURDAY 12/17

PRIM M O SUNDAY

OPEN N MIKE NITE 6:30--10 PM

NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH 9 PM $30ppp

EUPHORIA

BlueMoonSouthington.com

Buffet, Favors, Champagne Toast

WE PATRONIZE FERRAZZI LIMOSINES

203-753-5140

Appetizers range from $6 for Mozzarella Frita (house made mozzarella that is breaded, fried, and served with marinara sauce) to $8 for lunch prices start at $7 for a Chicken Caesar Wrap (grilled chicken breast with romaine lettuce and Caesar dressing) and go up to $9 for an Antipasto (prosciutto, capicola, genoa salami, roasted red peppers, calamata olives and shaved parmigiano regiano drizzled in extra virgin olive oil.) Dinner entrees range from $12 for Penne A La Vodka (penne pasta in a creamy vodka sauce) to

$22.50 for Bistecca Ai Ferri (14 ounce New York Sirloin steak served with choice of pasta or potato and vegetable.) All entrees include a house salad. Pizza starts at $14.99 for a small Genovese (pesto, mozzarella, ricotta, sausage, garlic, parmigiano, and white sauce) and goes up to $19.99 for a large Clams Casino (crisp bacon, baby clams, garlic, mozzarella, and red sauce.) If you’re interested in being featured in a future “Tasty Bites,” email mchaiken@BristolObserver .com.

SUPER SAVINGS AT SPARE TIME BRISTOL BOWLING SPECIALS $1.99 PER GAME SUNDAYS 9am-Noon

*With Purchase of Drink • NO Take-Out Orders

Live Bands

Friday, December 16, 2011

EASY AS 1, 2, 3

MON. TUES & WED 8pm-Close $3 entry fee gets you $1 games and $2 shoe rental.

SPARE TIME FAMILY FUN CENTER 177 Farmington Ave Bristol • 860-583-1669

Go To: sparetimebristol.com

Friday, December 16, 2011

The Step Saver/ The Observer

19

To advertise, call (860) 628-9645

Montage Jewelers Celebrating our 38th Year

A Full Service Nail Salon

WE’VE MOVED

860-426-0158 Full Hair Care and Nail Center with Private Men’s Styling

621-6860 or 621-7139

Call for your appointment Tuesday - Saturday

• Nails • Pedicures •

COME SEE OUR NEW LOCATION! Southington on Route 10 826 South Main Street • 860-276-8815

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We are All Blessed and Thank All of Our Patrons Gift Certificates Available APPLE VALLEY PLAZA

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STORE HOURS: Sun 11am-3pm • Mon-Thurs 10am-7pm • Fri 10am-6pm • Sat 9am-4pm

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ALL TYPES OF JEWELERY REPAIRS WELCOMED 817 FARMINGTON AVE., BRISTOL • 860-589-5056

20

The Step Saver/ The Observer

To advertise, call (860) 628-9645

INSETTIAS PO

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STARTING AT $25 & UP

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE 421 Buckland Street, Plantsville • 860-621-6506 Open 7 Days: Mon-Sat 7am-6pm; Sun 9am-5pm • www.AlisNursery.com

Since 1780

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384 Belleview, Southington, CT • 860-628-9736 Open 7 Days: Mon-Sat 8am-6pm; Sun 8am-5pm

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* only available with catering menu

ATES GIFT CERTIFICE AVAILABL

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(860) 583-3191 • (860) 314-0828 64 Matthews Street, Bristol (1/4 mile from rail-road trestle off Rt.6) Monday Closed • Tuesday - Sunday 10-7

Friday, December 16, 2011

Friday, December 16, 2011

The Step Saver/ The Observer

To advertise, call (860) 628-9645

THERE’S MORE:

THIS YEAR COULD BE WORSE!

100 Stafford Ave., Bristol

Daily Breakfast Specials

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Forget about trekking through the snow to get your mail and give us a call about our Winter Month Mailbox Sale. You can get a free box for the entire winter! Just call us for details.

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*Our Surcharges (incl. Fed. Univ. Svc. of 15.3% of interstate & int’l telecom charges (varies quarterly), 13¢ Regulatory & 83¢ Administrative/line/mo., & others by area) are not taxes details: 1-888-684-1888); gov’t taxes & our surcharges could add 6% - 40% to your bill. Activation fee/line: $35. IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Subject to Cust. Agmt, Calling Plan, rebate form & credit approval. Up to $350 early termination fee/line & add’l charges apply to device capabilities. Offers & coverage, varying by svc, not available everywhere; see vzw.com. Limited-time offer. Rebate debit card takes up to 6 wks & expires in 12 months. Double your data applies to data paks 2 GB or higher. 4G LTE is available in 179 cities &114 airports in the U. S.; see vzw.com. LTE is a trademark of ETSI © 2011 Verizon Wireless.

You Think I’m Cute?

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the hair salon

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979 Meriden-Waterbury Rd., Plantsville

• 860-628-8948 •

Open 7 Days!

Like us on Facebook

21

218 Queen Street • Southington, CT 06489

• 860·620·9736 • [email protected]

22

To advertise, call (860) 628-9645

We Buy GOLD

Your one-stop shop for: • TV’s • Home Goods • Jewelry • Home & Car Audio Equipment • DVD’s Video Games • Tools • Much More!

We Give LOANS

The Step Saver/ The Observer

PET PLAYHOUSE “All Pet Foods, Supplies & Accessories”

PETS ALWAYS WELCOME 1656 Meriden Waterbury Rd., Milldale, CT 06467 • 860 426-9640

10% OFF FREE On All Bird, Small Animal & Fish Supplies

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294 Middle Street BRISTOL, CT 06010

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Friday, December 16, 2011

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WITH ANY DOG FOOD PURCHASE

OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE!

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$ 00

ANY PURCHASE of $40 or More

Expires 12-24-11

21 Whiting Street, Plainville, CT

860-747-9500

www.ireneslingerie.com

815 Pine Street, Forestville Commons (Stop & Shop Plaza) Bristol, CT 06010 Right off I-84 & Rt 72

860-582-JUMP

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit www.jump-n-jammin.com

Ski & Snowboard

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DIAMONDS & FINE JEWELRY, INC. 74 Farmington Ave., Bristol, CT 06010 • 860-582-8858 www.shannonsjewelers.com

SHOP ONLINE AT

www.bobschalet.com

860•582•1449 800•677•1479

Friday, December 16, 2011

The Step Saver/ The Observer

23

To advertise, call (860) 628-9645

Keep fitness off your New Year’s resolution list (ARA) - You’ve vowed to get fit with the start of each New Year. This year don’t. Why not? First, because resolutions don’t work. Second, because fitness isn’t something you start, it’s something you live. Stop starting. Start living. Here’s how: * Don’t wait. Leave the December binge/January purge cycle behind. If you tend to blow off moderation in favor of “treating” yourself and justifying poor choices, it’s time to reframe your approach. Vow to conquer the holidays in healthy ways. Start by taking the initiative to cook holiday meals so you can prepare healthy options, and during the party circuit, don’t succumb to the pressure to indulge. “Learn to say no thank you,” says Tom Nikkola, director of nutrition and weight management for Life Time Fitness. “Not ‘No thank you, I’m on a diet,’ or ‘No thank you, I’m trying to stick to my nutrition plan,’ because friends might give you a hard time and egg you on.” Keep in mind that the satisfaction of any cookie

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Friday, December 16, 2011

Five tricks for celebrating the holidays with smart choices (ARA) - Celebrating with friends and family over the holidays can lead to one too many glasses of eggnog and slices of pumpkin pie. But just because the holidays include decadent indulgences, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the celebrations and treats you love. There is a way to dive into the holidays with smart

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Friday, December 16, 2011

The Step Saver/ The Observer

To advertise, call (860) 628-9645

25

•SHS boys basketball preview...page 26 •SHS wrestling preview...page 29 •SHS hockey preview...page 30 •Lincoln College basketball...page 31

Sports Our Athletes

Figuring it all out Knights rebound from opening night loss; O’Keefe powers the Lady Knight attack SPORTS WRITER

Meg McLaughlin caught a pass on the left side of the threepoint line and launched a perfect arc with seven minutes remaining in the first half. On Simsbury’s next possession, McLaughlin swiped the ball and fed it to Stephanie O’Keefe for an easy lay-up. On Friday, Dec. 9, the Trojans and Knights battled for just eight points in the opening quarter, but McLaughlin sparked the offense in the second quarter, and Southington never slowed. The Knights outscored their conference rival, 20-8, in the second quarter and cruised to a 46-26 win. Just like that, they avenged a 37-point loss on opening day.

Girls Basketball “I think we picked up the intensity tonight, and we were able to do a few more things,” said Southington girls basketball coach Mike Forgione. “We were able to run a little bit more, and we weren’t able to do those things against Weaver because of their speed. We have a lot of work to do, but our effort is certainly there.” The Lady Knights tipped off the winter season with a pair of contests last week, but it was no easy task for the young team.



Dec. 7

Weaver 73 Southington 36

We've really got to take it one game at a time. We're not good enough to keep looking ahead, but we're good enough to compete with anybody.



By JOHN GORALSKI

Mike Forgione, SHS girls basketball coach

They opened their campaign against a preseason favorite and faced a conference opponent with little time in between. Weaver was a tough draw for opening night. The Beavers struggled against Southington’s press in the opening quarter, but

Dec. 9

Southington 46 Simsbury 26 rallied to a 14-point lead at the half on their way to a 73-36 win. Forgione didn’t mind the loss against last year’s Class M runner up, but it was the way that the Knights lost that he didn’t like. Southington struggled to get good looks against the Weaver zone, and the defense struggled in the second half as Weaver attacked the Lady Knight press. The Knights converted 9 of 22 shots (.409) in the first half, but completed just three of 26 shots (.115) after the break. Two days later, it served as motivation for Southington’s first win. “I think that was a learning experience for us,” he said. “Obviously, we were a little undermanned and Weaver played well, but Weaver’s not that much better than us. We kind of used that as a motivation going into tonight’s game. We don’t mind losing, but we had a bad taste in our mouth with the way it got away from us.” O’Keefe paced the Knights in

VINNY ROSSITTO

Maeghan Chapman drives past a Weaver defender during Southington’s season opener on Wednesday, Dec. 7. both contests. She scored 17 points with six rebounds against Weaver and led all scorers with 15 points against Simsbury in the second game. “I’m not surprised by it,” said Forgione. “She’s probably one of the hardest working kids that I’ve ever coached in my 13 or 14 years as a high school girls basketball

coach. Everything that she does this year is because of what she’s done in the offseason.” Chrissy Swol scored eight points with five rebounds against Weaver. McLaughlin had seven points in the first contest and 10 in the second. Weaver held

See GIRLS, page 33

Indoor track is developing quickly SPORTS WRITER

Southington shuffled six boys into a pack of 184 sprinters for the 55m dash. Coaches sent six distance runners to challenge the field of 136 boys in the 1600m race. Three Lady Knights elbowed past more than 50 runners in the 1600m girls race.

Indoor Track Developmental meets are designed to pare down rosters for the indoor track invitational meets, and Southington made the most of the opportunity at the Westleyan Developmental Meet on Friday, Dec. 9. “We were out there just trying to get a feel for where the kids stood, what kind of times we ran, and



We were out there just trying to get a feel for where the kids stood, what kind of times we ran, and how we matched up against other teams



By JOHN GORALSKI

Scott Ottochian, SHS indoor track coach

Cherraine Davis how we matched up against other teams,” said Blue Knight indoor track coach Scott Ottochian. “Actually, we did pretty nice job. Now that we have a good idea about where they stand, we can really push them to do better. I think we can match up pretty well against the bet-

ter teams, especially in the distance and sprinting events.” There were no big surprises at the meet. Cherraine Davis didn’t throw a personal best in the shot put (39’8.5”), but she captured the title by almost 10 feet. Kyle Hamel paced the boys distance

crews with a top 25 performance in the 1600m (4:58.85), and sprinters continued to close the gap. The meet was designed as a measuring stick, and the Knights held their own. “We see some really good things coming,” said Ottochian. “We’ve got

some good experience coming back. We’re going to do okay this year.” Cyndy Woolley was the biggest surprise with a 14foot long jump that earned her seventh place at the meet and qualified her for the highly competitive invitational meet in New Haven on Friday. “That’s really hard to do because they only take the top 30 times or distances from across the state in each event,” said the coach. “We’re expecting very big things from her. She looks strong in practice. She ran well in the meet. She’s bigger, stronger, and faster this year, and that’s going to help her.” Junior sprinter Ben Gibbons (7.55) edged sophomore Kyle Summa (7.65) in the 55m, which featured three Blue Knight

freshmen. Hamel edged Damiean Florian (5:00.65), Nick Garcia (5:04.41), and Joe Pappalardo (5:09.43) in the 1600m, and all four finished in the top fourth of the field. “The three freshmen had really good times,” said Ottochian. “They’re still a ways away, but they did a really nice job.” Steve Boyington set his standard in the long jump (14’3”) and high jump (4’9”). Myles DiValentino (35’2.5”) placed in the top 15 in the boys shot put. Gibbons, Summa, Chad Madore, and Pappalardo teamed up for a 14th place finish in the 1600m sprint relay (4:13.09). The girls were strong from top to bottom. Micaila Dean (8.38) fin-

See TRACK, page 33

26

The Step Saver/ The Observer

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Friday, December 16, 2011

Winter Sports Previews

Knights rebuild with young talent Boys basketball tries to fill the holes left by the Class of 2011 SPORTS WRITER

A

mixture of apprehension and optimism has settled like a blanket on the high school gym as fans anxiously await the Blue Knights’ opening tip. What can they expect? What will the team look like? Who will step up? Southington graduated seven players from last year’s tournament team, including three division one athletes with one opting for professional baseball. The Knights lost 72 percent of their rebounding. They graduated 87 percent of their scoring, their assists, their blocks, and their steals. The offense will change. The defense will change. All that remains of last year’s team is the uniforms and the memories.

decided by one possession at the buzzer. The postseason marked Southington’s first win in the conference tournament and their first trip into the second round of the Class LL tournament since 2002. Now, the Knights will face their toughest challenge, but Lasbury’s next generation is hard at work in the gym to continue their recent success. “We’re young. We’re inexperienced, but we’re working on some new offensive concepts this year to get our players moving a little bit more,” said the coach. “In our system, we always want to push the ball up and get easy looks. We don’t have a player like Tyler Dube or Jordan Chapman that we can just give the ball to and have them get to the front of the rim, so we’re trying different things right now in the preseason.” At the start, the Knights will rely on a small core of experienced players led by junior forward Alex Borofsky. He leads the returning play-



I'm excited about this year. Yeah, we lost a lot of talent, but there's some coming up, too.



By JOHN GORALSKI

Bob Lasbury, SHS boys basketball coach

Boys Basketball Coach Bob Lasbury welcomes the challenge, and it’s one he’s faced before— rebuilding a team after a successful senior laden season. “It was a special group of kids. Not only were they good basketball players, but they demonstrated excellence in multi-level sports and many different areas,” said the coach. “They’ll be missed tremendously, but I think that our program has kids that are ready to step in. I don’t like to think of it as a rebuilding year. I think we’ll always compete, and that’s a product of a strong freshman team and a strong JV program. I’m excited about this year. Yeah, we lost a lot of talent, but there’s some coming up, too.” Last winter, the Knights rallied to a 14-6 record and finished second overall in the CCC West. Of their six regular season losses, three were

Boys Basketball Coach: Bob Lasbury. 2010-11 season: 14-6 (10-4 in the CCC West). 2011 Postseason: The Knights advanced in a pair of postseason tournaments in 2011. The boys beat Manchester before losing to Hartford Public in the conference tournament and beat Cheshire before losing to Holy Cross in the Class LL brackets. Key returning players: Billy Queen, Shane Cooper, Jordan Gray, Sean Hammell, Chris Sherwill, Steve Mierzejewski, Ted Shaw, Shane Cooper, Alex Borofsky. Key losses: Sal Romano, Tyler Dube, Jordan Chapman, Drew Aylett, Bryan Jannetty, Evan Nyerick, Zak Nichols. Outlook: With the loss of seven talented seniors, the Knights are rebuilding in 2011-20121. “In the early games, we may struggle a little bit with some of those youthful mistakes, but I'm excited about our opportunities when we get to the middle of the season and the heart of our divisional schedule,” said Coach Bob Lasbury. “I think we're going to surprise a lot of people.”

With 138 points in 2010-11, Alex Borofsky, above, is the top returning scorer.

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ers in four major scoring categories. Last winter, he averaged 5.8 points per game and 5.1 rebounds per game with 15 steals and 12 blocked shots. Billy Queen, a senior, had 12 assists and 69 rebounds last winter, and junior guard Ted Shaw came on late in the season. Those three will form the nucleus of Southington’s offense. “With Shaw and Borofsky having a little bit of varsity experience, we have a pretty talented back court,” Lasbury said. “Billy Queen is a three-year varsity player, so that provides a lot of stability on the forward position. He brings a lot of intensity to the defensive end, and that’s going to be really important for our younger kids to see and model.” Shaw will start the season as the main ball handler, but he’ll be joined in the backcourt by Shane Cooper and Chris Sherwill. Borofsky will spend a bulk of his time at small forward, but at 6 feet, 4 inches he will give added depth to the Knights in the paint. Queen will anchor the big men with Stephen Mierzejewski, Jordan Gray, and Borofsky shar-

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Friday, December 16, 2011

The Step Saver/ The Observer

27

To advertise, call (860) 628-9645

Athletes of the

Stephanie O’Keefe

Joe Pappalardo

Southington High School girls basketball

Southington High School indoor track

Class:

Junior

Class:

Junior

Reason:

Led the Lady Knights with 17 points against Weaver and 15 points against Simsbury.

Reason:

Ran the 1600m in 5:09.43 and anchored the sprint medley team to a 14th place finish at Wesleyan.

shooting. “I'm not surprised by it,” said Coach Mike Forgione. “She's probably one of the hardest working kids that I've ever coached in my 13 or 14 years as a high school girls basketball coach. Everything that she does this year is because of what she's done in the offseason.” If the girls are going to be successful with their four-guard lineup, they’ll have to be able to shoot. That’s why O’Keefe’s performance was so impor-

S

tephanie O’Keefe stepped to the top of the arc and calmly stroked a long range jumper. In the season opener, the Knights were desperate for scoring against one of the state’s top teams. O’Keefe calmly embraced the challenge. The junior guard went 3-for-3 from the threepoint line in the second quarter, and she went 4for-5 in the opening half. Southington didn’t win, but O’Keefe answered a lot of questions about their

Week

tant. The Knights won their next contest, 46-26, and O’Keefe paced the team with a pair of three pointers. In two games, she’s already scored 32 points. Forgione said that the best is yet to come. “That kid works as hard as anybody I've been around to get better,” he said. “I think you'll see that reward this year. I think it’s going to continue. For her outstanding athletic accomplishments, O’Keefe is our highlighted female athlete of the week.

J

oe Pappalardo took the final turn, and his coach double checked his watch. Could it be right? The junior runner wasn’t about to set a personal best in the final leg of the 1600 sprint medley, but his time was well beyond expectations for the first meet of the season. Coach Scott Ottochian had a lot to brag about after the Wesleyan Developmental Meet, but it was Pappalardo’s speed in the middle distance that really

stood out. “When I watch Joe at practice, I can see how hard he's working and the efforts he's making. That's what paid off at this meet,” said the coach. “He’s been working extremely hard to be successful in the weightroom and on the track. I was very impressed with that time.” Pappalardo wasn’t finished. The junior was thrust into the mix for the 1600m race, and he matched Southington’s fastest guys step for step. He finished

TOP FEMALE PERFORMANCES

TOP MALE PERFORMANCES

• Cyndy Woolley, SHS indoor track & field team: Placed 7th overall in the girls long jump at the Wesleyan Developmental Meet on Friday, Dec. 9.

• Marcus Marshall, Lincoln College basketball team: Scored 41 points in 3 games, including 14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 steals in a 90-80 win over Bunker Hill.

• Lorie Saunders, Lincoln College basketball team: Scored 44 points in three games, including 22 points during a 66-21 win over Bard’s College at Simon’s Rock on Dec. 9.

The week ahead in Southington sports

the mile in 5:09.43, and that raised expectations again. “He's not a miler, but we asked him to do it and he did. He's that kind of kid,” said Ottochian. “Whatever you need him to do, he does. He's been really helping to lead the distance team for us, even though he’s only a junior.” Pappalardo is just getting started. For his outstanding athletic accomplishments, Pappalardo is our highlighted male athlete of the week.

• Steve Boyington, SHS indoor track & field team: Finished 16th in the high jump (4’9”) and 27th in the long jump (14’3”) at the Wesleyan Developmental Meet.

Unforeseen schedule changes or weather conditions may cause a change in the schedule. You may call (860) 628-3229, ext. 425 to check the status of a contest. For afternoon contests, call after 1:30 p.m. and for evening contests, call after 4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

MONDAY

Indoor Track at 10th New Haven Varsity Invitational Meet (V-4:00 @ Hillhouse HS, New Haven). Girls Basketball at Northwestern (JV-5:30,V-7:00).

Boys Basketball vs. Masuk (JV-5:00,V-6:30). Ice Hockey vs. Rocky Hill-RHAM-Middletown (V-1:00 @ Veteran’s Rink, West Hartford). Indoor Track at 10th New Haven JV Invitational Meet (JV-10:00 @ Hillhouse HS, New Haven). Wrestling at Lancer Tournament (V-6:00 @ Waterford HS). Wrestling hosts the Pete Sepko JV Tournament (JV-7:00).

Boys Basketball vs. Newington (FR-3:45, JV-5:30, V-7:00). Girls Basketball at Newington (FR-3:45, JV-5:30,V-7:00).

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

No games scheduled.

Boys Basketball at Windsor (JV-5:30, V-7:00). Girls Basketball vs. Windsor (FR-3:45, JV-5:30,V-7:00).

Wrestling at Conard (V-6:00).

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29

Winter Sports Previews

Turning the corner SHS wrestlers are ready to reap the harvest By JOHN GORALSKI



SPORTS WRITER

F

Wrestling “Last year’s focus was getting better, and we got a lot better. This year, we’re hoping to turn that into placing at states and pulling home some medals,” said Blue Knight wrestling coach Derek Dion. “I think we’re still pretty young. We do have a lot of seniors, but we’re still young in their development. I think we’re going to turn the corner this year.” This could be the beginning of another Southington rally. The freshmen and sophomore class has cut their teeth in previous years, and now they’re ready to make some noise. Most of the seniors have multiple years of experience on the mat, and this could be the beginning of the harvest. “In almost every weight class, we have a person that could place if he turns the corner,” said Dion. “I don’t know whether they will or not. Some will. Some won’t. Some will have to deal with a little more difficult weight classes at the Class LL championships, but almost everyone is at that point where they can turn around and do something this year.” Southington’s top returning is Tyler Mirando, who finished fifth overall in the 103-pound division last season. Nate Solomon, Zach Maxwell, and Travis Daly each scored multiple wins in last winter’s tournament, while Noah Sheffy, Mark Jaffer, and Don Rinaldi each collected at least one postseason victory. Based on their work in the preseason, Dion expects the team to take the next step in their development. “We’re spread out okay, and we’ve got some modicum of experience in every weight class. We’re looking to keep getting better, and hopefully when the states come around we’ll be prepared to get ourselves some medals,” he said. “I’ve got a good bunch of kids that are working hard, and they are a really good group to be around. That makes it really fun to come to practice every day.” Once again, Dion has saddled his wrestlers with a regular season calen-

Danbury can probably make their argument, but I think that we have the toughest schedule in the state. Every week is going to be a battle.

dar that reads like a Who’s Who of high school wrestling, including matches against more than half of the state’s top 10. The Knights will try to defend their conference title for the 13th time in the last 15 years, and they’ll travel across New England for weekend tournaments that include almost every preseason favorite in the region. “Danbury can probably make their argument, but I think that we have the toughest schedule in the state,” Dion said. “Every week is going to be a battle. Every Wednesday night is a really good match because our conference is talented and deep. Our inter-conference matches against South Windsor and Bristol Eastern are really tough matches, and every weekend we’ve put the toughest tournaments that we could find in and out of the state.” It’s designed with one single purpose—get ready for the postseason. That’s where the team’s success will finally be measured. “I think we’ve got a couple of really young kids that I’m expecting to turn that corner. I think that some of our seniors are going to turn the corner into placewinners,” said the coach. “If we continue to get better during the season—like I think we can—we can start making our way up the double-Ls and win a couple of

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Coach: Derek Dion 2010-11 season: 8-3 (5-1 and first place in the CCC West). 2011 Postseason: The Knights finished 18th overall at the Class LL championships, and nobody advanced to the state open. Key returning players (captains*): Don Rinaldi*, Mark Jaffer*, Noah Sheffy*, Tyler Mirando, Alex Martin, Alex Richardson, Brandon Lariviere, Connor Morrell, Gino Camputaro, Nate Solomon, Ryan DuPuis, Travis Daly, Tyler Hyde, Zach Maxwell. Key losses: Christian Bowles. Outlook: The Knights lost just one wrestler to graduation, and that has raised expectations this winter. Southington has its eyes on the postseason and hopes to return to the championship round. “The kids are coming in here ready to work,” said Blue Knight coach Derek Dion. “They’re excited, and they’re getting better. When we get them on the mat, I hope we can show them that the hard work will pay off.”

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or two years, Southington wrestlers have been on the outside looking in during the Class LL championship round. For two seasons, the Blue Knights have been leading with their youth. Southington graduated just one injured wrestler from last season’s roster. Could this be the season that Southington grapplers make their return to the center mat?

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those matches.” So clear your schedules and get ready for some wrestling. The Knights are looking to turn some pins and turn some heads this winter. As the temperatures drop, the Southington gym will just be heating up. “We had matches come down to the last match against almost every team last year, and I expect it to be the same this year,” said Dion. “We’ll go back and forth with really tight and exciting matches. It will be fun, and I’m looking forward to it. We have a good bunch of kids, and they’re really working. The practice room is smoking. The kids are coming in here ready to work. They’re excited, and they’re getting better. When we get them on the mat, I hope we can show them that the hard work will pay off.” To comment on this story or to contact sports writer John Goralski, email him at [email protected].

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Winter Sports Previews

The Cannon’s roar Ice Hockey co-op expects to return to their winning ways

I'd like to make a showing in the playoffs, but we've got to get there first. I definitely believe that we have a team that can do that, and I'd like to think we can make an impact or impression once we get there.

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Ice Hockey He knows the team’s weaknesses. He’s confident about their strengths, and the first-year coach is committed to a postseason return. That’s why Cannon is pulling no punches and raising the bar. “I think we underperformed and underachieved last year. On paper, we should have been better,” he said. “We shouldn’t have been hanging in the balance at the end of the year, waiting for teams to win or lose in order to figure out if we were a playoff team or not. I felt that we were a playoff team, but we didn’t prove it. We have to get better.” It’s been two years since the Hall-Southington co-op burst onto the scene as a potential postseason power, but the team has struggled ever since. Last year, they averaged just over two goals per game as they stumbled to a 5-13-2 record and a winless march through the CCC South (0-6-2). Coaches expected it to be the turning point in the Warrior-Knights rebuilding process, but Cannon believes that this season will turn out to be the one. Southington’s youth is finally coming of age. “We took in 13 freshmen two years ago, and now they’re juniors,” said the coach. “If we have one

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By JOHN GORALSKI t’s almost laughable to call Brian Cannon a first-year coach. After all, he’s been coaching ice hockey teams for more than two and a half decades and been roaming the HallSouthington sidelines for past three seasons as the associate head coach. Now, he assumes the top position in the coaching staff, and Cannon has come out firing.



thing this year, it’s depth. We have three solid lines, and even the fourth line could play in nearly any situation.” With an offensive depth that promises fresh legs, Cannon expects his team to overwhelm opponents at the net. They’ve been focusing on skating skills and conditioning at their early practices, and that could result in a strong rush toward the net. “At least in the beginning, we’ll just have to get shots on net and follow them to see what we can bang in,” he said. “We’ve certainly got some skill, and we’ll know in the first three or four game whether we can put together a fast-break attack or whether we’ll be an opportunistic team. We have the ability to score goals. We just have to prove it.” Senior co-captain Sam Sloan is a savvy playmaker that can lead the rush or hang back to defend. Junior skaters Chris Anderson and Trey Lerner and sophomore scorer Kevin Cop are all expected to score as the WarriorKnights throw their numbers at opposing defenses. “We’re going to try to

CERAMIC TILE

play a fast, uptempo game,” said Cannon. “We’ll run three lines and spot a fourth. Hopefully, we can get some physicality into the kids and use that as our best weapon against most teams that can only field two lines.” Cannon can afford to take chances in the offensive zone because the Warrior-Knights boast one of the top goalies in the state. Senior co-captain John Gradante was an allstate defender last year. Even when the offense has sputtered, he’s kept his team in the hunt. “He’s our strength. He’s our rock. Very rarely has he gotten himself into trouble or put himself in a position where we had to yank him,” Cannon said. “He held us in some games, particularly against [division one rival] Cheshire. We went into the third period, and it was 11. I think they were really wondering how that could happen. We didn’t play them that strongly, but Gradante just kept them out.” On the other hand, Cannon doesn’t want to rely solely on his last line of defense. Last season, the Warrior-Knights struggled at times in their own zone, and that could still be the biggest question

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Brian Cannon, Hall-Southington ice hockey coach

2011-12 Preview Ice Hockey Coach: Brian Cannon 2010-11 season: 5-13-2 (0-6-2 in the CCC South). 2011 Postseason: None. Key returning players (captains*): John Gradante*, Sam Sloan*, Chris Anderson, Trey Lerner, Colin Grodzki, Kevin Cop. Key losses: Kevin SanAngelo, Nick Carpenter, Nick Mastroianni, Alex Zaliszewski, Dan O’Malley. Outlook: Coach Brian Cannon expects the Warrior-Knights to turn the corner in 2011-2012 as they try to return to the postseason after a two-year drought. “We have a large contingent of juniors with pretty good depth,” Cannon said. “I hope to be solid throughout the lineup.”

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mark at the start of the season. Senior skater Colin Grodzki will anchor the defense, but the defense is not as deep as the forward lines. Cannon will rely heavily on junior defensemen Will Thompson and Paden Cipolla. Evan Dawicowicz, Gavin Veilleux, Brian Mahon, and Joe Gambardella will all figure prominently, but that’s been a big focus during the preseason. “The biggest question mark is going to be our defense and our defensive zone responsibility even amongst the forwards,” said Cannon. “We’ve got two or three really talented kids that have historically disappeared when it comes to taking responsibility on defense. We’re going to work on that, but it’s a long process. We want them to commit to defensive responsibilities without feeling like we’ve tied them to a stake. We’ll see how it goes. That process is just starting.” The team will have plenty of chances to prove themselves as the division three co-op continues to

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Our Athletes

Wildcat women reach .500 By JOHN GORALSKI SPORTS WRITER

The Lincoln College women’s basketball team raced past one opponent and outlasted another as they clawed their way to .500 for the first time this season. With two wins in their last three attempts, the Wildcats have improved to 4-4 overall as they approach the semester break.

Basketball Bowled over by Bunker Hill Shana McIntyre and Lorie Saunders scored 10 points apiece. Stacey Plant scored six points. Sara Guzman and Linda Saunders scored five points apiece. On Sunday, Dec. 4, the Wildcats out-scored Bunker Hill Community College by six in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a double-digit deficit. Bunker Hill rolled out to a 30-16 lead at the break and held on for a 56-36 win in Boston. Fredrika Lawson scored a game-high 26 points to lead the Bulldogs. Shaquila Anderson added 11 points, and Patrice Washington scored 10. No player from either team was able to secure a three-point shot, and Bunker Hill improved to 5-2.

Sweeping past Simon’s Rock Three Wildcat scorers reached double-digits as Lincoln College emerged from a five-day layoff to dominate Bard’s College at Simon’s Rock. The Wildcats led from start to finish as they cruised to a 66-21 victory on Friday, Dec. 9 in Great Barrington, MA. Lorie Saunders led the way with 22 points, edging her sister Linda (20 points) by one basket. Stacey Plantt

Dec. 4

Bunker Hill 56 Lincoln College 36 Dec. 9

Lincoln College 66 Simon’s Rock 21 Dec. 10

Lincoln College 39 Bristol CC 37 added 13 points. Shana McIntyre finished with 7 points and 10 assists, and the Wildcats earned their third win of the season. V. Ogundipe scored 14 points to lead Simon’s Rock, but Lincoln College was able to build a 34-10 lead by the break. Nobody else reached double digits and Simon’s Rock (1-3) fell to the Wildcats for the second time this season.

Outlasting Bristol With 20 seconds left in regulation, Stacey Plantt sank a pair of free throws to give the Wildcats the lead. On Saturday, Dec. 10, Lincoln College battled Bristol Community College to a 1717 tie in the first half, and Plantt’s freethrows were the difference. Lincoln College earned back-to-back wins for the first time this season with a 39-37 win in Fall River, MA. Plantt led the Wildcats with 14 points. Lori Saunders added 12 points, and the defense did the rest. Rebecca Pereira led Bristol with 19 points. Maritza Gustava added 12, but nobody else scored more than two baskets as the Bees fell to 1-7 with the loss. With the victory, Lincoln College (4-4) has one more chance to enter the break with a winning record. The women will face the US Naval Academy Prep School on Dec. 16.

Hockey: preview From page 30 test their mettle in a tough regular season schedule that boasts a number of division one and division two opponents. Cannon said that he prefers to earn a postseason berth rather than scheduling an easy path to the tournament. “I would like to think that we’re one of the teams to watch in our division and our conference. I like our prospects against the division three teams in our conference. I’d like to think that we

can compete against the division two teams,” he said. “I’d like to make a showing in the playoffs, but we’ve got to get there first. I definitely believe that we have a team that can do that, and I’d like to think we can make an impact or impression once we get there. I’m optimistic.” Cannon expects his team to come out firing. To comment on this story or to contact sports writer John Goralski, email him at jgoralski@ southingtonobserver.com.

STACEY MCCARTHY

Spreading holiday cheer Southington High School cheerleaders perform a medley of holiday hits for visitors at Hospitality Night on Friday, Dec. 2 on the town green. Our favorites were ‘Silent Knight’ and ‘O Holy Knight.’

Lincoln rebounds from 2 losses By JOHN GORALSKI SPORTS WRITER

The Lincoln College men’s basketball team snapped their first back-toback losing streak with a 10point win over Bunker Hill. The Wildcats had opportunities in a loss to Springfield Tech. They stayed competitive in a loss to Gateway, and Wasielewskicontinues to be impressed with his team’s development. “We played hard [against Gateway] and showed we are able to compete with some really good teams, some established programs,” he said. “Just think, last year we played Gateway in the second game of the season and lost by 67 points. What a difference a year can make.” With the victory, the Wildcats improved to 5-3. With two more games scheduled for December, the Lincoln men have clinched at least a .500 record at midseason for the first time in the program’s history.

Basketball Mistakes prove costly in Springfield It wasn’t the way that Wasielewski expected the month to start, as his Wildcats fell behind by 14 points in the opening half. On Thursday, Dec. 1, Springfield Tech Community College rolled out to a 14point lead at the half before the Wildcats shifted into gear. “Our focus seemed to break down in the middle of the first half,” said the coach. “Simple things like not get-

Dec. 1

Springfield Tech 84 Lincoln College 73 Dec. 2

Gateway CC 87 Lincoln College 73 Dec. 4

Lincoln College 90 Bunker Hill 80 ting to our spots on the 2-3 zone and not boxing out underneath really hurt. In the second half we put on a full-court zone press, and that really worked great.” Conrad Booker converted a trio of three pointers, stole a pair of Springfield passes, and paced the Wildcats with 15 points. Sean Douglass added 11 points and eight rebounds. The Wildcats trimmed the deficit to four points with 4:30 remaining, but Springfield answered with three scores on three possessions to put the game out of reach. Christian Morales led the Rams with 30 points. Taj Bedford and Iaron Briscoe added 16 pints apiece, and Springfield (2-9) held on for an 84-73 win.

Wildcats scare Gateway CC There was no rest for Wasielewski’s crew. The following day, the Wildcats traveled to New Haven to face Gateway Community College. The Lions entered the game at 5-1 with a win over a nationally-ranked team and a comfortable lead atop the regional standings.

The Lions jumped out to a 14-4 lead, but the Wildcats clawed their way back. “We tried to slow the pace of the game down a bit to keep the ball out of Gateway's hands, use some of the shot clock, and try to convert,” Wasielewski said. “We didn't want them turning the game into a track meet with them fast-breaking every time down.” Ché McCoy (15 points) launched the comeback with three consecutive three pointers. Lincoln trimmed the lead to four points at the break. Marcus Marshall scored 10 of his 14 points in the second half, but Gateway held on for an 87-73 win. Kevin Smith scored 15 points with four rebounds. Eric Riley scored nine poins, and Sean Douglas came off the bench for a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Four Gateway players scored in the double digits. Jerome Parkins led the way with 23 points. Nate Campbell added 21. Mario Darden scored 18, and Michael Davis contributed 13 to the victory.

The Battle of Bunker Hill Lincoln College was out-sized but not outworked as they outlasted Bunker Hill in a 90-80 victory in Boston on Dec. 4. The Bulldogs fielded three players over 6’7”, but the Wildcats combined for 39 rebounds, executed a 2-3 zone, and rallied past the Bulldogs for their fifth win of the season. “I was really impressed by our focus in this game

and how we were able to keep our composure. It truly was a team effort,” Wasielewski said. “We jumped out to an early lead and never looked back.” Kevin Smith scored a career best 27 points with 12 rebounds. Ché McCoy added 17 points, but left the game midway through the second half with an ankle sprain. Marcus Marshall collected 12 points with six rebounds, three blocks, and two steals. Greg Daniels collected nine rebounds as the Wildcats built a 23-point lead before things got interesting. Donald Celestin scored 18 points for Bunker Hill. Cesar Castro added 17, but no other Bulldogs managed to score in the double digits and the Wildcats held on for a 90-80 win. “We became a little too relaxed on the defensive end, and let them back into the game,” said Wasielewski. “Bunker Hill was also playing very hard. Three of our guys took elbows to the face. They were very, very physical, but we showed a lot of composure by not retaliating or letting that get into our heads and take our focus off the game. That was a key for us.” Now, the Wildcats will look to build on their best start with two more December games against Massachusetts powerhouses. Lincoln will face Mass Bay Community College (94) on Dec. 17 and Roxbury Community College (10-0) the following day. To comment on this story or to contact sports writer John Goralski, email him at jgoralski@ southingtonobserver.com.

32

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Scoreboard Southington High School

Classical, 5:48.72; 5, Monique LaBarre, suffield, 5:55.86; 6, Lauren Izabel, Suffield, 5:56.9; 7, Helen Chavey, Hall, 5:57.68; 8, Hannah Gardocki, Suffield, 5:59.91; 26, Eileen Germain, Southington, 6:23.24; 32, Hannah Chamis, Southington, 6:37.79; 54, Alyssa Lombardi, Southington, 7:06.56. Long jump—1, Michele Otaluka, S. Windsor, 15-5; 2, Jasmine White, Classical, 15-3; 3, Gabrielle Hodges, Wethersfield, 14-9; 4, Savannah Dubay, Hall, 14-6; 5 (tie), Ashley Riley, Woodland, and Gabija Pileika, Suffield, 14-4; 7, Cyndy Woolley, Southington 14-0; 8, Jocelyn Cramer, Coventry, 13-2. High jump— 1, Jasmine White, Classical, 5-0; 2 (tie), Gretta Ingraham, Coventry, amd Eibhilin McKenna, Litchfield, 4-9; 4 (tie), Kelly Ferris, Seymour, and Julianna Dodge, Lyman Memorial, 4-6; 6, 7 people tied, 4-3; NH, Cyndy Woolley, Southington. Shot put—1, Cherraine Davis, Southington, 39-8.5; 2, Blerta Mulla, Kennedy, 29-3; 3, Robin Chambers, Hall, 29-2.5; 4, Ruth Onyirimba, Hall, 26-9; 5, Mariah Piela, N. Fairfield, 26-8.5; 6, Tiana Wilson, Conard, 26-1; 7, Catherin Marshall, NW Catholic, 25-3; 8, Emma Banevicius, NW Catholic, 25-1. 1600m sprint medley—1, NW Catholic B, 4:32.23; 2, Classical, 4:41.08; 3, NW Catholic A, 4:41.08; 4, Suffield, 4:48.58; 5, E. Hampton A, 4:53.52; 6, Granby, 4:56.83; 7, Southington (Micaila Dean, Rebecca Pappalardo, Cyndy Woolley, Alyssa Lombardi), 4:58.07; 8, E. Hampton B, 4:59.28.

Girls Basketball Weaver 73, Southington 36 Wednesday, Dec. 7 At Southington Weaver 16 26 12 19 — 73 Southington 11 17 04 04 — 36 Weaver (73)—Fifi Walcott, 7-1126; Quiana Dean, 0-0-0; Kenya Stewart, 6-2-16; Alyassa Stewart, 7-418; Destinee Jackson, 0-0-0; Catherine Cruz, 3-0-7; Della Gunn, 10-2; Amanda Stewart, 2-0-4; Asha Chen Phang, 0-0-0;Tanesha Richards, 0-0-0. Totals: 26-17-73. Southington (36)—Lauren Zazzaro, 0-0-0; Maeghan Chapman, 0-0-0; Megan McLaughlin, 3-0-7; Taylor Waters, 0-0-0; Jenna Pesce, 00-0; Nicole Fischer, 0-0-0; Crissy Swol, 2-4-8; Kaitlin Paterson, 0-0-0; Stephanie O’Keefe, 6-1-17; Emily Durocher, 1-2-4. Totals: 12-7-36. Three point field goals—WHS (4): Walcott, Stewart (2), Cruz. SHS (5): McLaughlin, O’Keefe (4). Records—WHS, 1-0. SHS, 0-1.

Southington 46, Simsbury 26 Friday, Dec. 9 At Southington Simsbury 02 08 04 12 — 26 Southington 06 20 10 10 — 46 Simsbury (26)—Amanda Beland, 1-0-2; Taylor Perry, 1-0-2; Allie Davis, 2-0-4; Jaz Schwapp, 0-0-0; Nicky Rounseville, 3-0-6; Kelsey Moon, 1-0-2; Caroline Murphy, 1-0-2; Katie Martensen, 1-0-2; Kim Dag, 2-04. Totals: 13-0-26. Southington (46)—Lauren Zazzaro, 0-0-0; Maeghan Chapman, 5-0-10; Megan McLaughlin, 3-2-10; Taylor Waters, 0-0-0; Jenna Pesce, 10-2; Nicole Fischer, 1-0-2; Crissy Swol, 0-1-1; Kaitlin Paterson, 1-0-2; Rachel Mongillo, 0-0-0; Stephanie O’Keefe, 53-15; Emily Durocher, 2-0-4. Totals: 186-46. Three point field goals— Simsbury: none. Southington (4): McLaughlin (2), O’Keefe (2). Records—SiHS, 0-2 (0-1). SoHS, 1-1 (1-0).

Lincoln College New England VINNY ROSSITTO

Youth movement Freshman Kaitlin Paterson, above, is one of a handful of freshmen to make an immediate impact on the winter season. Paterson and Nicole Fischer have helped lift the Lady Knight basketball team to an early 1-1 record, while Peter Majchrzak, Bailey Kahl, Dan Williams, and Jack Myers helped the indoor track season to make an impact at the Westleyan Developmental Meet on Dec. 9.

Indoor Track Wesleyan Developmental Meet Friday, Dec. 9 At Wesleyan University, Middletown

SELECTED INDIVIDUAL RESULTS Boys Team 55m—1, Gerald Davis, Rocky Hill, 6.76; 2, Joe Pacheco, N. Fairfield, 6.93; 3, Falcon MacGillis, Hall, 6.99; 4, Aaeron Sykes, Sports Med, 6.99; 5, Anthony Scirpo, Woodland, 7.01; 6, Colin Kuntz, Conard, 7.06; 7, Kitson Roussaunte, Classical, 7.07; 8, Nick LaPerriere, Woodland, 7.09; 49, Ben Gibbons, Southington, 7.55; 67, Kyle Summa, Southington, 7.65; 100, Peter Majchrzak, Southington, 7.9; 104. Bailey Kahl, Southington, 7.92; 113, Dan Williams, Southington, 7.98; 145, Chad Madore, Southington, 8.36. 1600m—1, Zack Gardner, Hand, 4:41.56; 2, Alex Tan, Rocky Hill, 4:41.66; 3, DJ LaBarre, Suffield, 4:44.02; 4, Joe Wihbey, Litchfield, 4:45.29; 5, David Biederman, Suffield, 4:45.31; 6, Jimmy Clark, Suffield, 4:45.74; 7, Jeremy Brown, Coginchaug, 4:46.28; 8, Jake Downham, Coventry, 4:46.69; 21, Kyle

Hamel, Southington, 4:58.85; 23, Daemian Florian, Southington, 5:00.65; 31, Nick Garcia, Southington, 5:04.41; 37, Joe Pappalardo, Southington, 5:09.43; 67, Jacob Harton, Southington, 5:36.37; 72, Jack Myers, Southington, 5:37.62. Long jump—1, Aaeron Sykes, Sports Med, 20-1; 2, Pat Donohue, Hand, 19-9; 3, Kitson Roussaunte, Classical, 18-11; 4, Jon Walker, NW Catholic, 18-10; 5, Mike Lang, Woodland, 18-4; 6, Chris Gibb, Lyman Memorial, 18-0; 7, Kenneth Esttlle, Bloomfield, 17-11; 8, Levi Petersen, Coventry, 17-6; 27, Steve Boyington, Southington, 14-3. High jump—1, Pat Donohue, Hand, 6-2; 2, Mike Lang, Woodland, 5-9; 3, 5 people tied, 5-6; 8, 6 people tied, 5-3; 16, Steve Boyington, Southington, 4-9. Shot put—1, Isaiah Brooks, Bloomfield, 48-1.5; 2, Jaquelle Grant, Bloomfield, 42-11.25; 3, Tahir Parks, Bloomfield, 41-11; 4, Sam Kaczmarek, S. Windsor, 40-6; 5, Owen Dawson, Conard, 40-4; 6, Chris Gonzalez, Coventry, 39-6.5; 7, Robert Seaman, N. Fairfield, 38-0.5; 8, Andrew Marino, Litchfield, 37-9.25; 15, Myles DiValentino, Southington, 35-2.5. 1600m sprint medley—1, Rocky Hill, 3:49.81; 2, Wilby, 3:53.12; 3, Woodland

A, 3:57.47; 4, Bloomfield A, 3:59.14; 5, Bloomfield C, 4:01.61; 6, Conard, 4:02.51; 7, Hand, 4:03.04; 8, Woodland B, 4:04.81; 14, Southington (Ben Gibbons, Kyle Summa, Chad Madore, Joe Pappalardo), 4:13.09.

Girls Team 55m—1, Gabrielle Hodges, Wethersfield, 7.74; 2, Jaquin Peeke, Classical, 7.78; 3, Imani Braxton, Kennedy, 7.81; 4, Savannah Dubay, Hall, 7.86; 5, Taylor Boncal, Woodland, 7.93; 6, Michele Otaluka, S. Windsor, 7.94; 7, Katurah Muhammad, Wethersfield, 7.95; 8, Stephanie Dumond, Woodland, 7.97; 17, Micaila Dean, Southington, 8.38. 55m hurdles—1, Peri Stevens, Suffield, 9.44; 2, Emily Andrulis, Litchfield, 9.59; 3, Sam Conyers, Kennedy, 9.92; 4, Jenae Stunkard, N. Fairfield, 9.96; 5, Megan Oliphant, Coventry, 10.03; 6, Brittany Williams, Seymour, 10.09; 7, Kim Nowakowski, E. Hampton, 10.23; 8, Baily Maus, Coginchaug, 10.45; 11, Katie Wendt, Southington, 10.92. 1600m—1, Megan Almagro, Granby, 5:42.55; 2, Lindsay Stoldt, E. Hampton, 5:45.76; 3, Ashley Piccirillo, Granby, 5:48.42; 4, Lindsey Cadwallader,

Mens Basketball Springfield Tech 84, Lincoln College 73 Thursday, Dec. 1 At Springfield, MA Lincoln College NE 35 38 — 73 Springfield Tech CC 51 33 — 84 Lincoln College (73)—Marcus Marshall, 5-4-14; Conrad Booker, 6-015; Kevin Smith, 2-1-5; Matthew Correa, 3-0-6; Gregory Daniels, 1-0-2; Howell McFarlane, 0-0-0; Quashon Moore, 0-0-0; Ché McCoy, 5-0-12; Issac Delgado, 0-0-0; Sean Douglas, 4-3-11; Eric Riley, 4-0-8; Devour Strother, 0-0-0. Totals: 30-8-73. Springfield Tech (84)—Taj Bedford, 7-4-16; Iaron Briscoe, 6-4-16; Kevan Cuffie, 1-3-5; Angel Gonzalez, 3-0-8; Jacques Jarrett, 0-0-0; Christian Morales, 9-10-30; Derrick Whitley, 3-39. Totals: 29-24-84. Three point field goals— Lincoln (5): Booker (3), McCoy (2). Springfield (4): Gonzalez (2), Morales (2). Record—LCNE, 4-2.

Gateway 87, Lincoln College 73 Friday, Dec. 2 At New Haven Lincoln College NE 41 32 — 73 Gateway CC 45 42 — 87 Lincoln College (73)—Marcus Marshall, 5-2-12; Ché McCoy, 5-2-15; Gregory Daniels, 5-0-10; Kevin Smith, 5-5-15; Matthew Correa, 0-1-1; Howell McFarlane, 0-0-0; Conrad Booker, 0-00; Quashon Moore, 0-1-1; Sean Douglas, 4-2-10; Eric Riley, 3-0-9. Totals: 28-13-73. Gateway (87)—Mario Darden, 4-9-18; Damian Gay, 1-1-3; Tyshan Smith, 0-0-0; Jerome Parkins, 10-3-23; Montre Holmes, 0-0-0; Davon Pratt, 10-2; Daniel Litevich, 3-0-7; Michael Davis, 5-1-13; Quincy Johnson, 0-0-0; Nate Campbell, 10-1-21. Totals: 34-15-

87. Three point field goals— Lincoln (4): McCoy (3), Riley. Gateway (4): Darden, Litevich, Davis (2). Record—LCNE, 4-3.

Lincoln College 90, Bunker Hill 80 Sunday, Dec. 4 At Boston, MA Lincoln College NE 52 38 — 90 Bunker Hill CC 35 45 — 80 Lincoln College (90)—Marcus Marshall, 4-4-14; Ché McCoy, 7-0-17; Gregory Daniels, 1-2-4; Kevin Smith, 8-9-27; Matthew Correa, 1-2-4; Howell McFarlane, 1-0-3; Conrad Booker, 4-09; Quashon Moore, 0-0-0; Sean Douglas, 1-3-5; Eric Riley, 1-1-3; Isaac Delgado, 1-0-2; Emanuel Barbosa, 00-0; Devour Strother, 1-0-2. Totals: 3021-90. Bunker Hill (80)—Cesar Castro, 5-3-17; Francis Riddick, 1-0-2; Richie Warren, 3-2-8; Trevor Jackson, 1-0-2; Victor Washington, 1-1-3; Emmanuel Abioye, 0-0-0; Nathan Qualls Belts, 1-1-3; Chris Phanard, 10-2; Donald Celestin, 7-2-18; Derek McIntyre, 1-1-3; Matt McQuaid, 0-0-0; Lamar Tate, 6-0-12; Terry Cineus, 3-28. Totals: 24-6-80. Three point field goals— Lincoln (9): Marshall (2), McCoy (3), Smith (2), McFarlane, Booker. Bunker Hill (6): Castro (4), Celestin (2). Record—LCNE, 5-3.

Womens Basketball Bunker Hill 56, Lincoln College 36 Sunday, Dec. 4 At Boston, MA Lincoln College NE 16 20 — 36 Bunker Hill CC 30 26 — 56 Lincoln College (36)— Samantha Hanna, 0-0-0; Sara Guzman, 2-1-5; Lorie Saunders, 5-010; Linda Saunders, 2-1-5; Stacey Plantt, 4-2-6; Shana McIntyre, 3-4-10. Totals: 16-8-36.

Bunker Hill (56)—Ester Sainterling, 0-0-0; Deeqa Abdi, 0-1-1; Shaquila Anderson, 4-3-11; Fredrika Lawson, 11-4-26; Qualiah Johnson, 40-8; Patrice Washington, 5-0-10; Evanah Bernard, 1-0-2; Kristina Giunta, 0-0-0. Totals: 24-8-56. Three point field goals— Lincoln: none. Bunker Hill: none. Record—LCNE, 2-4

Lincoln College 66, Simon’s Rock 21 Friday, Dec. 9 At Great Barrington, MA Lincoln College NE 34 32 — 66 Simon’s Rock 10 11 — 21 Lincoln College (66)—Sara Guzman, 1-0-2; Lorie Saunders, 10-222; Linda Saunders, 9-2-20; Stacey Plantt, 6-1-13; Shana McIntyre, 3-0-7; LaToya Credle, 0-0-0; Ahja Schade, 10-2; Brianna Biba, 0-0-0. Totals: 30-566.. Simon’s Rock (21)—J. Jaggers, 0-0-0; G. Sanders, 1-0-2; V. Ogundipe, 7-0-14; A. Wint, 0-0-0; P. Ghaise, 1-0-2; D. Rivkin, 0-0-0; D. Deriggs, 1-1-3. Totals: 10-1-21. Three point field goals— Lincoln (1): McIntyre. Simon’s Rock: none. Record—LCNE, 3-4.

Lincoln College 39, Bristol CC 37 Saturday, Dec. 10 At Fall River, MA Lincoln College NE 17 22 — 39 Bristol CC 17 20 — 37 Lincoln College (39)—Sara Guzman, 1-0-2; Lorie Saunders, 5-212; Linda Saunders, 2-0-4; Stacey Plantt, 6-2-14; Shana McIntyre, 2-3-7. Totals: 16-7-39. Bristol CC (37)—Benita Langston, 2-0-4; Christine Charbonneau, 0-0-0; Rebecca Pereira, 8-3-19; Andrea Donnelly, 1-0-2; Brianne Gill, 0-0-0; Maritza Gustave, 42-12. Totals: 15-5-37. Three point field goals— Lincoln: none. Bristol (2): Gustave (2). Record—LCNE, 4-4.

CT High School athletic polls Preseason wrestling coaches poll Team (First place) 2012 record Pts Prev 1. Xavier (7) 16-3 254 3 2. Bacon Acad. (2) 15-5 219 1 3. Danbury (2) 14-1 215 5 4. Hand (2) 25-1 206 4 5. New Milford (1) 21-0 203 2 6. Ledyard 17-1 144 8 7. Fairfield Warde 20-5 108 9 8. Bristol Eastern 12-2 85 7 9. South Windsor 17-0 84 6 10. Windham 22-6 73 13 Others receiving votes: Trumbull (23-5) 54; Griswold (121) 34; Glastonbury (17-5) 20; Middletown (16-9) 9; Old Saybrook/Westbrook (15-3) 9; Waterford (10-7) 9; Berlin (17-6) 8; Farmington (24-3) 8; Greenwich (15-2) 7.

CT Sports Writers Alliance final football poll Team (First place) Record Pts Prev 1. Xavier (29) 13-0 435 1 2. Daniel Hand 13-0 402 4 3. Ansonia 13-0 380 3 4. Staples 11-1 321 5 5. Masuk 11-1 317 2 6. New Canaan 11-2 302 7 7. Windsor 11-1 247 6 8. Holy Cross 12-1 201 NR 9. New London 9-2 173 8 10. Notre Dame-West Haven 8-3 140 9 Others receiving votes: Ledyard 11-2 114; Norwalk 9-2 106; Newtown 9-3 85; Cromwell 10-3 80; North Haven 9-2 60; Greenwich 8-2 32; Hall 9-2 21; Berlin 10-2 19; Valley Regional/Old Lyme 10-2 16; Shelton 8-2 8; Northwest Catholic 93 5; Conard 9-2 4; North Branford 4; Wolcott 8-4 3; Darien 2; Farmington 9-1 2; Bunnell 1.

Boys basketball: 2011-12 winter preview From page 26 ing time in the middle. Southington will be tested right at the start. “Early on we’re facing Windsor and Cheshire out of conference and out of division, and both of those teams are going to be extremely tough,” said Lasbury. “Every year’s a battle against Bristol Eastern,

and I think that we have to find our identity early on. We need to find the kids that are ready to step up and be varsity basketball players.” The Knights will need to hit the ground running if they are going to return to the postseason in 2012 because their conference is littered with talented opponents. NW Catholic is the preseason favorite with all-

state forward Kuran Iverson leading a contingent of proven players. Farmington returns 6 foot, 8 inch forward Ben Pollack, and New Britain returns their entire team. “At the top, it’s going to be really tough, but it’s the same as always—competitive,” said Lasbury. “In the early games, we may struggle a little bit with some of

those youthful mistakes, but I’m excited about our opportunities when we get to the middle of the season and the heart of our divisional schedule. I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people.” Lasbury expects Southington’s defense to level the field of play while their shooters gain confidence in the early season. Lasbury’s teams pride them-

selves on their blue collar defense, and this winter should provide more of the same. “I say the same thing every year. We’re going to compete and compete hard,” said the coach. “It doesn’t matter our opponent. It doesn’t matter the level of talent that our opponent has or we have. We have an exciting style of bas-

ketball. We get up and down the court, and we play hard.” Can they return to the postseason in 2012? Can the Knights navigate their way through a grueling regular season schedule? It will be fun to find out. To comment on this story or to contact sports writer John Goralski, email him at jgoralski@ southingtonobserver.com.

Friday, December 16, 2011

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Our Athletes

Girls basketball: Knights rebound from first loss From page 25 Maeghan Chapman scoreless in her first game back from injury, but she countered with 10 points in the second game. Defensively, the Knights held their own, limiting Weaver’s high-powered offense to just 11 points in the first quarter and holding Simsbury to single digit scoring in all but one quarter. Southington’s press and halfcourt trap kickstarted their offense against

Simsbury. “We talk about defense all the time. You don’t have to be the most athletic kid, but you have to have that desire,” said Forgione. “Ninety percent of defense is attitude, hustle and desire. The other 10 percent is seeing the floor.” Forgione said that it will take a total team effort if the Knights are going to be successful this winter. It will be a dogfight, and the Knights will need to make the most out of every opportunity like they did against Simsbury.

Track: Wesleyan From page 25 ished 17th out of 140 sprinters in the 55m dash. Katie Wendt just missed the top 10 with an 11th place finish in the 55m hurdles (10.92). She is less than one second from an automatic qualifying time for the postseason. “She was a really nice surprise. I actually had her in the first heat, and she finished in the middle of the pack,” said Ottochian. “She wasn’t able to run track for us in the spring because she had some conflicts with work, so to get her back for the indoor season was great.” Eileen Germain (6:23.24) and Hannah Chamis

(6:37.79) finished in the top third of the 1600m. Dean, Rebecca Pappalardo, Woolley, and Alyssa Lombardi combined for a seventh place finish in the 1600m sprint medley (4:13.09). Next up, the Knights will compete at the 10th annual New Haven Invitational Meet at the Floyd Athletic Center in New Haven. The varsity competition will be held on Friday with the JV competition the following day. “We match up pretty well,” said Ottochian, “so I'm expecting some really good things from them.” To comment on this story or to contact sports writer John Goralski, email him at [email protected].

“It’s going to be this way every night,” he said. “Obviously, the conference schedule is going to get a lot tougher with teams like Farmington, Hall, NW Catholic, and New Britain, but we’ve really got to take it one game at a time. We’re not good enough to keep looking ahead, but we’re good enough to compete with anybody.” Southington will try to build their momentum against a pair of non-conference foes. The girls will travel to Plainville (1-1)on Tuesday and will return home on Friday to face Northwestern (0-2). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday. To comment on this story or to contact sports writer John Goralski, email him at [email protected].

SUBMITTED

St. Bridget wins soccer title St. Bridget swept past St. Thomas, 4-0, in the championship game to claim the Greater New Haven Athletic Parochial League soccer champtionship in a game that highlighted two regional teams. St. Bridget draws from Southington and the surrounding areas, and St. Thomas is a Southington school. St. Bridget finished with a 9-3 record. Front, from left, Christian Hakim, Victoria Fiore, Alex Matos, Jack Klaas, Ashlee Pyne, Thomas Dobensky, Taylor Wade, Rachael Krawiecki, Patrick Klaas, and Hannah Lawlor. Rear, Charlie Borecki, Nick Dobie, Dan Herlihy, Carly Hunter, Justin Mercugliano, Coach Nelson Alino, Aidan McCormack, Ava Coleman, Sean Harnish, Maria Parenteau, and Andrew Camissa.

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Friday, December 16, 2011

Sports Calendar FUNDRAISERS BLUE KNIGHTS AT TD HOMERS—Wednesdays at TD Homer’s Sports Grill, Queen Street. Mention that you would like to support Southington Athletics. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the entire Southington High School Athletic Program. UCONN MEN’S HOOPS TICKETS—Through Tuesday, Dec. 20. The SHS Band Backers are offering discounted tickets to UConn men’s basketball games against West Virginia (Jan. 9, 7 p.m.) and Notre Dame (Jan. 29 at noon) at the XL Center in Hartford. Cost is $20 (regular $30) and part of the ticket proceeds will benefit the Band Backers. The order form can be found at www.shsbands.com/bandbackers/fundraisers/UCONN_flyer.p df. Contact: Jeff Bender, (860) 681-9610 or Kevin Palladino, (860) 919-8748. HARLEM GLOBETROTTER TICKETS—Through Tuesday, Dec. 20. The SHS Band Backers are offereing tickets to the Harlem Globetrotters on Saturday, Feb. 25 (8 p.m.) at the XL Center in Hartford. Cost is $23 (regular $26), and part of the proceeds will benefit the Band Backers. The order form can be found at www.shsbands.com/bandbackers/fundrai sers/Globetrotters%20flyer.pdf. Contact: Jeff Bender, (860) 681-9610 or Kevin Palladino, (860) 919-8748.

REGISTRATION BLUE KNIGHT HOLIDAY HOOP CLINIC—Registration open through Tuesday, Dec. 20. The three-day clinic runs from Dec. 27- 29, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., at the Southington High School gym. Open to boys and girls in grades K-5. Coach Bob Lasbury and his Blue Knights will teach the fundamentals of shooting, passing, and dribbling. Cost is $60. Contact: Bob Lasbury, (860) 621-6571 or at rlasbury@southingtonschools. org. 2012 SHOPRITE NUTMEG STATE GAMES—Registration is underway for the annual Nutmeg Games, July 21-29, in

New Britain. Team sports include baseball, basketball, flag football, fastpitch softball, field hockey (7 vs. 7), football, hockey, lacrosse (7 vs. 7 and 11 vs. 11), roller hockey, rugby 7s, soccer, and Wiffleball. Individual sports include archery, cycling criterium, fencing, figure skating, golf, gymnastics, jai alai, judo, shooting, squash, swimming, tennis, track & field, wrestling. Registration forms available at www.nutmegstategames.org.

SOUTHINGTON YMCA Registration for the following classes and programs, unless otherwise noted, can be made at the Southington Community YMCA Membership Services Desk at (860) 628-5597 or on-line at www.southington-cheshireymca.org. 8 WEEKS TO A BETTER YOU (OPEN TO NON-MEMBERS)— Registration is underway. Program meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from Jan. 2-Feb. 24, 10:30 a.m.11:30 a.m. This free fitness program is offered by the Southington Community YMCA through collaboration with the Southington Health Department. Participants must be Southington residents aged 18 years and older. This program is open to non-YMCA members. Participants will be guided through a fitness consultation and equipment orientation by certified staff and progress will be charted. Women have the option of using the Women’s Health and Wellness Center for this program. Babysitting service is available for a fee. Enrollment is limited to one session per participant and must be made in person at the membership services desk. PRESCHOOL & YOUTH GYMNASTICS—For children ages 16 months and up in a state-of-the-art facility located at 26 Putnam Place, Plantsville. The programs are designed to enhance the child’s strength, flexibility, hand eye coordination, and social and listening

skills. The YMCA also offers a competitive gymnastics program where participants compete in YMCA and USAG meets.YMCA instructors encourage and support children and serve as positive role models. Contact: Nancy Bauman, (203) 272-7688.

PARKS & REC Registration for the following classes and programs, unless otherwise noted, can be made at the Southington Parks & Recreation Department at (860) 276-6218. Checks should be payable to Town of Southington. To learn more check out the activity schedule at www.southington.org. ZUMBA CLASSES—Mondays & Wednesdays from Jan. 4 through March 7, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. (Session I) or 7:15 p.m.-8:15 p.m. (Session II), at Plantsville Elementary School Gymnasium, 70 Church Street. Cost is $70 per session, and pre-registration and pre-payment is required. SOUTHINGTON YOUTH BASKETBALL (LATE REGISTRATION)—Registration is still open for the Southington Youth Basketball League. The program is open to Southington boys in grades 3-12 and Southington girls in grades 3-8. A Parent/Guardian must sign the registration form. Students participating in the Town Travel Leagues MAY NOT participate in the Youth Basketball League. Participants must register first in order to be considered for the travel teams, and any player who is a member of a CIAC sanctioned team is ineligible to play. GENTLE YOGA—Tuesdays, Jan. 10-March 13, 6:30 p.m.7:45 p.m., at Strong Elementary School’s gym. Cost is $50. Preregistration and payment is required, and class size is limited. NIA FITNESS CLASSES— Thursdays, Feb. 2-March 29, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., at the Strong Elementary School gym. Nia classes are taken barefoot to soul-stirring music using movements from the martial

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ADULT FITNESS CLASSES— Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 16-June 5, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., in the Kennedy Middle School gym. The program will consist of low/high aerobics and strength training with free weights. Cost is $50, and this program is open to Southington residents only. Registration is ongoing. OPEN GYM—Sundays through March 18, 9 a.m.-noon, at Derynoski Elementary School gym. Open to Southington residents over 18 years of age. There is no pre-registration necessary, but proof of residency is required. Cost is $5 per session collected at the door. The gym will be closed on holidays and in the event of inclement weather.

PARKS & REC TRIPS Registration for the following classes and programs, unless otherwise noted, can be made at the Southington Parks & Recreation Department at (860) 276-6218. Checks should be payable to Town of Southington. To learn more check out the activity schedule at www.southington.org. UCONN MENS BASKETBALL (OVERNIGHT)—Saturday, Feb. 11-Sunday, Feb. 12 for UConn game against Syracuse on Feb. 11 at 1 p.m. Cost is $296 single, $235 double, $225 triple/quad, $165 child w/two adults and includes 1-night Embassy Suites, tickets to the game, full American breakfast buffet. A tour director will accompany the trip. RED SOX VS. YANKEES— Sunday, April 22 at Fenway Park. Cost is $145 per person and includes round-trip motor coach transportation, tickets (boxes 94 and 95). A tour director will accompany the trip.

SPECIAL NEEDS BOWLING WITH A BUDDY— Last Saturday of the month during the school year, 9:15 a.m.,

at Brunswick Super Bowl Lanes, Plantsville. Open to any elementary school student with special needs from Southington. Cost is $2, which includes shoe rental. Bowling with a Buddy is not run or sponsored by the Southington Board of Education. Contact: Gwen, (860) 307-4589.

MISCELLANEOUS SHS INDIVIDUAL, FAMILY & SENIOR GOLD CARD PASSES—Available at the SHS Athletic office, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Family passes cost $100 and includes immediate family members for boys/girls volley-

BRISTOL-A GORGEOUS 2400 sq. ft Colonial at end of cul de sac, with nice open floor plan dream kitchen w/ granite, SS appliances, center island, pantry and opens to the FR w/FP & door to large deck, FDR/LR combo with vaulted ceiling & French doors to another deck w/ views of Cedar Lake, 2.5 BAs,1st floor MBR suite,4 BRs, finished walkout LL & 3 car garage. DRASTICALLY REDUCED TO $379,900.

BRISTOL-RAISED RANCH WITH A VIEW!! Chippens Hill area features this unique RR with many updates, 1660 sq. ft including 2 finished rooms lower level w/FR and full BA, FP and walk-out onto a stone patio, 3 BRs, 2.5 BAs, sliders onto a large covered deck, plus a 2nd deck around the beautiful newer above ground pool all nicely landscaped with beautiful views from the deck. A lot of house and yard for the REDUCED PRICE OF $229,900.

THE BEST AT WHAT WE DO!

860-589-2100

cmrbristol.com

BRISTOL Look No Further, this Donald Gardner built home is unique in a class by itself with four bedrooms, 5.5 baths, custom designed kitchen with Corian counter tops, oak paneled appliances, a two story entry with pillars, spectacular décor thru out, possible in law suite. $550,000

ACREAGE SOUTHINGTON-This 1/2 acre lot has a babbling brook, just waiting for that special person to build the home of their dreams. $134,900

SOUTHINGTON-Located in Wild Oak Ridge this 4.5 acres captures the beauty of woodland privacy, we will sell lots separately or build to suit. $249,900 SOUTHINGTON-This .28 acre is in the area of a new subdivision of Colonial homes for you to build your home, call the listing agent for details. $99,900

PUTNAM AGENCY REAL ESTATE, LLC Southington Commons, 943 Queen Street, Southington

860-628-5691 • Serving Your Real Estate Needs for Over 47 Years • Fax 621-7054 email: [email protected] Visit our Website putnamagencyrealestate.com

ball, football, boys/girls basketball, wrestling, and night baseball. Individual passes cost $40 ($30 for students). Senior gold cards are free for Southington residents ages 62 and over and are good for all regular season home games. Those who already have gold cards do not need new ones. Contact: SHS Athletic Office, (860) 628-3229 x 425.

If you would like to your event announced in The Observer, please e-mail information to [email protected]. The Observer reserves the right to edit for content and space.

PLAINVILLE-BEAUTIFUL ONE OWNER CUSTOM BUILT Cape w/1st floor MBR suite, large eat-in kitchen, FDR, sunken LR, full walkout basement ready for expansion, 2 car garage all beautifully landscaped and priced to sell at $299,000.

BRISTOL-MOVE IN CONDITION, this immaculate Cape circa 1994, with a nice open floor plan, hardwood floors throughout, a nice eat-in kitchen w/sliders to deck, 2 full baths, and a really nice home. ASKING $185,000.

BRISTOL-THIS IS LIKE NEW! Quality rehab with a brand new kitchen w/center island, vaulted ceiling in dining area, beautiful HW floors in the LR, 2 BRs, full basement with 1 car garage, new driveway, large deck half open half covered. A nice sized yard w/ a stone wall with outside lighting a real plus. DRASTICALLY REDUCED TO $149,900.

www.SouthingtonObserver.com

Point & Click Read it all on the Web. www.SouthingtonObserver.com

Southington (860) 628-8180

Lil-1 Associates, Inc. INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

www.c21lill1.com Goo too c21lil.com m forr openn housess thiss week!

 Now w Hiringg Experiencedd Agents  Qualityy Servicee Officee 2010  LOT 3 WINDING RIDGE • SOUTHINGTON

BRISTOL-Gorgeous views overlooking Cedar Lake, .89 acres this is an approved building lot for a three bedroom home, beach rights included, the lake association dues are $150/year

PLAINVILLE This Ranch is maintenance free with newer windows, furnace, roof, hot water heater, air conditioning and so much more, a great kitchen, the living room with built ins, finished LL w/a great addition bar area, one car detached garage. $169,900

arts, dance arts and healing arts. Cost is $60. Class size is limited. Pre-registration and payment is required.

OPEN SUNDAY 1:00-3:00

Under Construction... 4 BR, 3200 sq ft Colonial home on approx 2 acres. You’ll delight over the feeling of spaciousness, the quality amenities, hardwood floors throughout, gourmet kitchen, stainless steel appliances, crown molding and finished bonus room. 3-car garage. $706,000. Lil Polak x310. MLS# G560312. [email protected]. Dir: Marion Ave to Mount Vernon Rd to Winding Ridge

BRISTOL Move In Condition... For this 2 BR, 11⁄2 bath, open floor plan condominium. Eat in kitchen, sliders to patio, walk-in closet, low condo fees and conveniently located. $135,000. Dick Rubino x319. MLS# G602817. [email protected].

BRISTOL Contemporary Cape... Set back private setting, custom driveway. Open floor plan, Vaulted ceilings, sunroom with skylights looks out to 2.2 private acres with two level decks. Wonderful level yard. Finished lower lever with game room, bar, etc. Location Location!! Must see.. $389,900. Linda Kaverud x328. MLS# G606132. [email protected].

208 ANNELISE AVENUE • SOUTHINGTON

OPEN SUNDAY 1:00-3:00

Colonial…Gem of a colonial on lovely level half acre. 4 BRs, formal dining room and living room, spacious family room with skylight and lots of windows overlooking patio and inground pool. Fully landscaped, private fenced in yard with Trex deck. Additional room for office, sunroom, workout room. $379,900. Lynne Prairie x302. MLS# G589321. [email protected] Dir: Route 10 to Flanders to Annelise

SOUTHINGTON • NEW LISTING Ranch…2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, hardwood floors, finished lower level, fenced in level yard. Quiet neighborhood, new roof, new bathroom, c/air. Close to recreation park, deck with patio. $155,000. Linda Kaverud x328. MLS# G588558. [email protected].

SOUTHINGTON • NEW CONSTRUCTION Mountain View Estates!!...New Construction...This highly detailed quality built home is an Energy Star green home. 4 BRs, c/air, 2 1⁄2 BAs, upscale kitchen and trim package, hardwood floors, granite, walk-up unfinished attic, 1st floor family room with fireplace and more. City water, city sewer. $469,900. Lil Polak x310. MLS# G606072. [email protected]

Calll uss Todayy forr a FREE E Markett Evaluation!

Friday, December 16, 2011

The Step Saver/ The Observer

To advertise, call (860) 628-9645

35

Miscellaneous listings DEC. 16, 17 OTHER WINTER THANKSGIVING: THE WINTER SOLSTICE. 11 a.m., 1 p.m. Puppet show and story teller. Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, 110 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket. 1-800-411-9671, PequotMuseum.org

SUNDAY, DEC. 18 BRISTOL ELKS FAMILY BREAKFAST. 811 a.m. at the Elks. $7 for adults, $4 children under 11.

THURSDAY, DEC. 22 BRISTOL ELKS FAMILY NIGHT DINNER. 5-6:30 p.m. at the Elks. Christmas buffet. $8 per per-

son.

JUNE 22-30, 2012 BRISTOL

SUNDAY, DEC. 18 BRISTOL MEET THE AUTHOR. Bristol Public Library. Meet author Amy McKeaney, who will be highlighting her new book “Teaching kids to ski.”

JAN 17-MARCH 22 BRISTOL ADULT VOLLEYBALL. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. Two or three nets. Teams formed each night. $25 per session. Chippens Hill Middle School, Bristol. Register at Parks and Recreation Department, Bristol City Hall. Registration proof must be presented prior to participation.

TRIP TO MONTREAL, QUEBEC and New England Cruise. Held by St. Stanislaus Travelers. Nine days/ eight nights. One night in Montreal includes dinner, and guided tour. Seven night cruise. (860) 589-5597.

NOW OTHER WINTER SESSION AT TUNXIS. Registration is currently under way for Dec. 27 to Jan. 13 session. Courses meet Monday through Friday at accelerated pace. Art, management, computers, economics, history, mathematics, Spanish.

Tunxis Community College, Route 6 and 177, Farmington. 1-860-255-3500. Tunxis.commnet.edu.

NOW PLAINVILLE PLAINVILLE AMERICAN LEGION POST 53. SAL Recruitment Drive. Restrictions apply. Call Jason (860) 5185130.

NOW OTHER BINGO. Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. Bingo starts at 6:50 p.m. Franco American War Veterans’ Place at 209 Smally Street, New Britain. (860) 223-9610, (860) 620-2735.

Kids’ listings DEC. 16, 17 OTHER WINTER THANKSGIVING: THE WINTER SOLSTICE. 11 a.m., 1 p.m. Puppet show and story teller. Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, 110 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket. 1-800-411-9671, PequotMuseum.org

MONDAY, DEC. 19 BRISTOL TRIVIA NIGHT. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Young Adult Department, Bristol Public Library, 5 High St., Bristol. No registration is required.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 21 BRISTOL

EXTREME GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Young Adult Department, Bristol Public Library, 5 High St., Bristol. Registration is erquired. (860) 584-7787, ext. 2020.

NOW thru DEC. 31 BRISTOL WINTER WONDERLAND. Stroll through joyful treasures and displays surrounded by a holiday backdrop. New England Carousel Museum, 95 Riverside Ave., Bristol.

NOW thru JAN. 9 BRISTOL MUSIC MAKERS. 10 to 10:45 a.m. on Mondays. Forty-five musical workshop for children

ages 2 1/2 to 5. Sing, dance, and enjoy musical books. Bristol Hospital, Brewster Street, Bristol.

FROGS YOUTH GROUP. Thursdays 6 to 7:30 p.m. For middle school students. Group outings, Bible studies, make new friends, serve in your community. Through May. Grace Baptist Church, 736 King St., Bristol. (860) 402-7555. BANANAS SPLIT TOO! Mondays or Thursdays from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. For children of divorce, separation or of a single parent family. For children 5 ½ to 7, 8 to 10, 11 to

Eachh officee is independentlyy owned andd operated BRISTOL: Don’t miss out on this lovely 3 BR full dormered Cape featuring 2 full baths, formal DR & LR, FR w/bar in LL, attached oversize 1-car gar. New roof, newer gutters, siding & full casement windows, newly remodeled kitchen, new hot water heater & newer hatchway. Storage shed & patio in fenced-in backyard. ASKING $178,000

BRISTOL ~ Victorian Colonial on .35 acres. Hardwood floors, remodeled kitchen, 3-4 bedrooms with 2 full baths. Beautiful stained glass. New gas boiler, 200 amp electrical. Move in condition.

ANIMATION. A new exhibit in conjunction with the Cartoon Network. Connecticut Science Center, downtown Hartford. CTScienceCenter.org.

Place Your Classified Ad Online

BURLINGTON: Custom built 7 RM Colonial with 3 BRs 3 BAs, great room w/FP, FDR, EIK, w/island/ breakfast bar, granite C/Tops, 3 car garage, expansion for 4th BR/ bonus room over garage ad best of all it sits on 7 acres. $419,900

NOW thru JAN. 15, 2012 OTHER

INDIVISIBLE: AFRICANNATIVE AMERICAN LIVES IN THE AMERICAS. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, Mashantucket. Free with museum admission. PequotMuseum.org

‘DIANA, A CELEBRATION.’ The award-winning exhibition that chronicles the life and work of Diana, Princess of Wales. Princess Diana’s royal wedding gown and other designer dresses are on display. $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and Dream Card Holders, $15 for children 11 and under. Great Cedar Exhibition Area, Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Boulevard, Mashantucket. Foxwoods.com. DianaExhibiton.com.

NOW to MARCH 18 OTHER SHARED SENSIBILITIES: THE ART OF SOL LE WITT AND HIS FRIENDS. Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St., Waterbury. MattatuckMuseum.org (203)

SOUTHINGTON • OPEN SUNDAY 1-3 PM 2118 MERIDEN WATERBURY RD • $177,900

SOUTHINGTON • $149,900 GREAT NEW PRICE

New Construction... 2 BR Townhome w/loft, 2.5 BAs, SS appliances, HW floors, conveniently located. GREAT NEW PRICES. DIR: I84 (west towards Wolcott) look for Winterberry Woods sign.

Roomy Ranch featuring 3 bedrooms, some HW floors, updated electrical, furnace, windows & more. Great private back yard. Convenient to everything.

GIBSON TEAM 203-213-4141

www.stepsaver.com

ROSE 860-324-7617

SOUTHINGTON • $317,000 GREAT NEW PRICE

PLANTSVILLE CONDO RENTALS

“A Home for all Seasons” This spacious Cape is conveniently located and features 3 BRs, 2 baths, remodeled kitchen, FR w/FP, 2-car garage, fenced yard w/ingrd heated pool, patio, trex deck & more.

JOANNE 860-919-2532

Pine Meadow rentals starting at $800/mo for a 1 or 2 bedroom Ranch Style Unit. Some with loft and carport. Age restircted complex. Call for details

SANDRA 860-378-3230

SOUTHINGTON • 860-621-6821 • 441 North Main Street

BAY-MAR REALTY 860-582-7404

OPEN EVENINGS & WEEKENDS BRISTOL: JUST LISTED! New Construction at an unbeatable price! Still time to pick & choose! 6 room Colonial, 3 BRs, 2.5 baths, hardwood floors, front porch, fully applianced! ONLY $199,900

BRISTOL: JUST LISTED! Two Family Home in good condition. Each apartment has 4 rooms, 2 BRs, 1 bath, newer roof, windows & siding. Walk-up attic for extra room. Plenty of parking. ASKING $169,900

BRISTOL ~ Great Starter Home! 6 room Cape with 4 bedrooms, eat-in kitchen, hardwood floors, level lot, located near park. BEST OF ALL IT’S ONLY $127,900

BRISTOL ~ Absolutely perfect Country Cape. Take a look at this 7 RM, 4 BR, home that features a country kitchen w/FP, LR w/FP, rec room w/FP, deck off dining area overlooking the inground pool and private rear yard. A MUST SEE $274,900

BRISTOL: Lovely 6 RM Ranch, 3 BR, 2 bath Ranch set on a large level lot. LR w/ fireplace, updated kit, roof, siding, three season porch overlooking large rear yard. REDUCED $235,900

BRISTOL: Well maintained 6 room Colonial with 3 BRs, new kitchen, new windows, enclosed yard, vinyl sided, hardwood floors, 2 car garage. REDUCED $139,900

BURLINGTON ~ Loads of potential in this 8 room, Colonial with 3 bedrooms, 1 1⁄2 baths, LR with FP, 2 car garage, almost 2 acres of wooded land.

BRISTOL ~ Super clean 6 room Cape with 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, large MBR, nice level yard, 1 car garage, views of Birges Pond, great private setting.

OFFERED AT $200,000 SOUTHINGTON: Spectacular Victorian Colonial. Completely renovated. 8 RMs, 3 BRs, 2 BAs, large kitchen, dining area, FR, LR w/stone FP, whirlpool tub, C/Air, 3 car garage, workshop and plenty more to look at! REDUCED $279,900

753-0381.

13. October through June. Bristol Youth Services, 51 High St., Bristol. (860) 314-4690.

OTHER zNOW BRISTOL

NOW thru DEC. 30 OTHER

ASKING $159,900

ASKING $155,000

36

The Step Saver/ The Observer

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Friday, December 16, 2011

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