TUESDAY, MAY 13

BRISTOL

CHILDREN AND SELF-ESTEEM. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Parent and Child Center, 9 Prospect St., Bristol. Partially funded by grants from the Petit Family Foundation and the Fuller and Myrtle Barnes Fund for Education at the Main Street Community Foundation. $4 per parent, $5 per childcare provider. (860) 585-3895, cgaray@bristolhospital.org

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14

PLAINVILLE

DENTAL CLINIC. By appointment. Registered dental hygienist will provide dental hygiene exam, dental cleaning, sealants when appropriate and x-rays when appropriate. Intended for adults who have not received dental care in the last year and have difficulty accessing dental care in the community. Individuals without dental insurance will be billed a falt rate of $30 for the visit. Dental services will be billed to insurance companies for those who have dental insurance. Enrollment form needs to be picked up prior to the appointment. PlainvilleSeniorCenter, 200 East St., Plainville. (860) 747-5728.

OTHER

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING. 10 to 11 a.m. Held by Central Connecticut Senior Health Services. Stop and Shop, 1309 Corbin Ave., New Britain.

ONGOING

BRISTOL

POWER YOGA. Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Will cover basic postures and flow them together to bring up your heart rate. All levels welcome and modified versions of each posture will be available for those that need it. There will be an additional series of postures to practice balance and build strength. Class will wind down with mindful stretching and deep relaxation. Music will set the mood and help carry the flow. Bring yoga mat and yoga props, block, strap, a small towel, and a bottle of the water. $10 per participant. Indian Rock Nature Preserve, 501 Wolcott Rd., Bristol. (860) 583-1234.

SATURDAY, MAY 10

BRISTOL

PROSPECT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ANNUAL RENAISSANCE DINNER. 6 p.m. This year’s theme is a “Scottish Fling.” Good food, fellowship, fun, and men in kilts. Prospect United MethodistChurch, 99 Summer St., Bristol. $25 for adults. $15 for children under 10. Reservations must. No tickets at the door. (860) 582-8383.

SOUTHINGTON

BREAKFAST WITH NATIONAL COMMANDER DAN DELLINGER. Held by the American Legion. 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Omelets cooked to order (cheese, ham, onions, peppers), eggs any style, chocolate chip pancakes, home fries, toast, bacon, sausage, hash, coffee, and juice. $10. American Legion Post 72, 66 Main St., Southington.

MAY 10-11

OTHER

PANCAKE BREAKFAST WITH CURIOUS GEORGE. 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. ConnecticutScienceCenter, 250 Columbus Blvd., Hartford. $20 for members, $35 for non-members. (860) 724-3623, CTScienceCenter.org

SUNDAY, MAY 11

SOUTHINGTON

ANNUAL MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST. 9 a.m. to noon. Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, pancakes, French toast, pastries, coffee and juice. $8 per person No charge for children under 5. Southington Elks Lodge Hall, 114 Main St., Southington. Tickets available at the Lodge Tap Room. (860) 628-6682.

MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST. Held by the American Legion. 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Omelets cooked to order (cheese, ham, onions, peppers), eggs any style, chocolate chip pancakes, home fries, toast, bacon, sausage, hash, coffee, and juice. $10. American Legion Post 72, 66 Main St., Southington.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14

SOUTHINGTON

SHERIDEN WOODS BAKE SALE. 11 a.m. until sold out. Fund raiser for Relay for Life at SouthingtonHigh School on May 30. Sheriden Woods, 321 Stonecrest Dr., Bristol.

SUNDAY, MAY 18

PLAINVILLE

BOY SCOUT TROOP 76 FLAPJACK FUND RAISER. 8 to 10 a.m. $6. 75 percent of proceeds benefit the troop. Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 270 New Britain Ave., Plainville. $6. jrsolomon@comcast.net.

SUNDAY, JUNE 1

PLAINVILLE/ SOUTHINGTON

FLAPJACK FUND RAISER BREAKFAST. Held by the Giving Back Girls of Southington. 8 to 10 a.m. Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill, 270 New Britain Ave., Plainville.

By KAITLYN NAPLES
STAFF WRITER
Last week, Renaissance Downtowns, the city’s downtown developer, released its financial information for what it wants to do with the vacant Depot Square lot. However, the plan has changed a bit from what was originally proposed.
Renaissance Down-towns has, so far, spent over $2 million on planning, architecture, market research, marketing, legal costs and more for the proposed downtown project, and is anticipating that the first phase of its plan could ultimately cost more than $17 million, with about $6 million coming from the city.
The developer has decided to split the original first phase of the project, so that it is more cost effective, into Phase 1A and 1B. The first phase would include constructing a 101 residential unit building with about 2,200 square feet of retail space, parking, temporary event space, and an enhanced public green space, the report said. The second phase would construct 140 residential units and about 20,000 square feet of retail space with parking, a permanent piazza, and also green space.
The first phase, Phase 1A, could come with a price tag of $17.7 million, and the developer is looking at a public/private partnership to pay for the cost. In the city’s contract with Renaissance, there are no stipulations addressing whether or not the company can use public or private funding. However, some residents don’t want to see government funding for the project, as it could require some Section 8 housing to be incorporated in the plan.
“Low income scares a lot of people,” said former mayor Bill Stortz at last Wednesday’s special Bristol Downtown Development Corporation meeting.
Don Monti, president of Renaissance Down-towns, said there will be no federal funding included in this project, however the company is looking to see what could potentially be available on the state level.
“The numbers either work or they don’t,” Monti said. “Bristol either wants to see economic develop ment, or they don’t; we will do our best to come up with a plan that will either be accepted or rejected.”
One possible financing measure that is being proposed is an incremental tax that would cover the cost of bonds sold to acquire, clear and improve the land for development. Renaissance is expecting to raise $11.7 million in private capital, with the remaining $6 million coming from the incremental tax or other public funding sources.
Bristol resident Matt Zarrell said he understands financing plans can be difficult, but he is concerned with the city losing control of what happens and is not in favor of a tax increase for this project.
Other residents spoke about not wanting all residential spaces in the downtown area with little retail because they don’t see it being sustainable.
Andrea Adams, an individual who has been very much involved in championing the project, said she wants to see both residential and retail and commercial space so that Bristol becomes a destination for people.
In its report to the BDDC, Renaissance also provided a letter from Eastern Bank, of Boston, stating its interest in the project and interest in further discussion of potentially funding 65 percent of the project, provided the first phase is full built. The letter encouraged Renaissance to turn the original Phase 1 into two sub-phases, because of the cost in renting apartments in the area is low.
The entire Renaissance plan is available on the city’s website at www.bristolct.gov.
The BDDC is scheduled to have its next meeting on Monday, May 12, and Renaissance Downtowns is planning an informational session at Nuchie’s Restaurant in Forestville for Monday, May 19, where the public is invited to attend to listen to the plan and ask questions.
Comments? Email knaples@BristolObserver. com.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has designated this Saturday, May 10, as a “Free Fishing Day” where no license is required to fish recreationally in Connecticut waters (both inland and marine.

The DEEP in a press release said this is a “great opportunity” for experienced anglers to both share their passion for fishing and protect its future by introducing a family member, friend or acquaintance to the sport of fishing, and a great time for visitors to the state to try out the many fishing opportunities found in Connecticut. 

There are a number of fishing events scheduled to take place on “Free Fishing Day.” A “Family Fishing Day” is scheduled as part of DEEP’s “Great Park Pursuit Spring Sprint” at ChatfieldHollowState Park (Killingworth). This event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and there will be plenty of activities including fishing on Schreeder’s Pond, fish sampling, fish stocking, a fish fry, games and prizes. The Great Park Pursuit is a part of the agency’s No Child Left Inside initiative.

For more information on the “The Great Park Pursuit Family Fishing Day” email diane.joy@ct.gov, call DEEP at (860)424-397, or visit www.NoChildLeftInside.org. Information on the other events can be found at www.ct.gov/deep/fishing.

By MICHAEL LETENDRE
STAFF WRITER
BRISTOL – The Bristol Central baseball team turned away a very stern challenge from a pesky Plainville squad in a CCC South affair on Friday, May 2.
The young team from Bristol had to battle early but finally secured a lead midway through the fray. In the end, the Rams nabbed a satisfying 6-3 victory from Muzzy Field.
With the win, Central improved its ledger to 7-4 on the campaign while Plainville evened out at 4-4 in the losing effort.
Early miscues put the home squad behind on the scoreboard in the first inning, prompting Central coach Bunty Ray to make a trip out to the mound to get the battery, including winning pitcher Jerry LaPenta, on the same page.
However, Central quickly settled down, the defense picked up the slack and then it was all about the offense as the Rams put up 10 hits on the board to secure a big win over a very hungry opponent.
“I like the way we’ve been playing,” said Central coach Bunty Ray. “We’re a young team, we’re going to make mistakes. There were some mistakes on some miscommunications, that’s why I was a little upset because down the road, those things are going to show up. But, it’s a mark of a good team that can turn around, take those miscommunications, put it behind them, and go out and play some good baseball.”
But Plainville didn’t hand the game over to the Rams and put up one heck of a fight until the final out was recorded.
Plainville led 1-0 after just a half inning of work, tied the game at 2-2 through two frames of action and loaded the bases in the sixth – with no outs – and had a chance to snuff out a 5-2 deficit.
“(Plainville) scrapped, I have to give them credit,” said Ray. “They came here with a purpose. But I have to give my kids even more credit because they were able to go out and win a close game. They came up with some big hits.”
LaPenta pitched well over his five innings of work, yielding just five hits and two earned runs while striking out two to earn a big win, his second victory of the campaign.
Jarrett Michaels relieved LaPenta in the sixth – with the bases loaded and no one out – and struck out the side to keep Central in front by that 5-2 count.
On the other side of the ball, Central got an outstanding effort from Tony Nicoletti at the plate as he went 3-for-4 with two runs scored while Michaels was 2 of 3 with a walk, a run scored and two RBI.
Most of Central’s line-up connected with a timely hit as Eli Minella, Kyle Pileski, Jacob Hall, Nick Sassu, and Barry McPhail all produced at the plate during the winning effort.
“I thought our at-bats were great all day,” said Ray. “We’ve been working on shortening our swings. Even our outs today, I thought, we hit pretty well. I’m very pleased with our offense.”
Marc Milo (3-for-4) had a big day while Jon Lindgren (2-for-3) kept Plainville in contention at the plate while Matt Sauvron, Rob Pezzulo, and Kyle Beloin all nabbed a hit in the losing effort.
Plainville had some big hits early. However, over the final three innings, the Blue Devils left six runners on base as the hitting dried up a bit.
“The hitting’s getting better, we’re getting better,” said Plainville coach Lou Mandeville. “The first three of our five games, we didn’t score a run. We’ve been working hard on it and it’s getting better. The bottom of the line-up is starting to get on more.”
“We’re getting better.”
Plainville had some outstanding efforts from the outfield to keep the thing within reach.
Munson made a diving catch in right field to rob LaPenta of a extra-base hit in the second frame while Sauvron gunned down a runner at home off a slick tag-out by catcher Cody Charneski later in the game.
“You come here, you play the game hard, you hustle, that’s all you can ask,” said Mandeville of the defensive. “And then look at the scoreboard at the end and hope you have a larger number than the other team.”
“And today, you can’t fault the effort. They hustled, they played hard, they played good defense.”
Rob Pezzulo battled for Plainville on the mound but absorbed a tough loss.
In 3.2 innings of work, Pezzulo gave up five runs off eight hits while walking two and striking out a runner in the losing effort.
Jon Lindgren threw a scoreless 1.1 innings of work and struck out two in the fifth inning alone; Beloin also threw a frame, giving up a run off two hits, while walking one and posting a strikeout.
But in the first, Plainville pasted together a drive and scored the first run of the game.
With two outs, Pezzulo smoked a double to left-centerfield, advanced to third off a passed-ball and scored on a wild pitch to put the Blue Devils ahead 1-0.
But Central scored two runs in the bottom of the first during a two-out rally of its own.
Nicoletti singled, Jimmy Godbout drew a two-out walk; with two on, Pileski smashed a single to center – scoring the lead runner – to tie the game at 1-1.
But as the ball was thrown home, Godbout broke for third base and Plainville’s Charneski attempted to throw the runner out.
But the ball got away from Lindgren at third and rolled into left field.
Godbout sprinted home to make it a 2-1 game in Central’s favor.
In the second, Plainville got right back into it and knotted the game at 2-2.
Milo slapped a double to left and Lindgren executed a perfect sacrifice bunt to advance the lead runner to third base.
From there, Beloin slammed an RBI single to center, scoring Milo, as the Blue Devils tied the event at 2-2.
Buzz Adams drew a walk and a past-ball put runners on second and third with one out as Plainville continued to threaten.
But off a grounder from Charneski to third, Beloin was tagged out – at third base as he was attempting to get back to the bag – and Central eventually got out of the inning still tied up at 2-2.
Central opened the game up in the third as an RBI double from Michaels scored Nicoletti and a sacrifice fly by Godbout plated Minella to post Central to a 4-2 push.
With two outs, Hall pasted an RBI single to right-center – scoring Michaels – as the Rams led by a 5-2 tally after three completed frames.
“On our side, we didn’t make those pitches when we had to,” said Mandeville. “They got a couple guys on, they dug in and we left it out over the plate. It’s one thing to get guys on but it’s another thing to battle out of it and make some pitches when you have to and find a way to get out of the jam.”
With Jon Lindgren slowing down the Central offense in his relief appearance on the mound, Plainville nearly got back into the game off what could have been a game-changing sixth frame at the plate.
Munson started the drive, reaching base off an infield error; back-to-back singles from Milo and Lindgren juiced the bases for the Blue Devils.
LaPenta left the game in favor of Michaels and the reliever quickly caught fire.
With the go-ahead runner at the plate three different times during the inning, Michaels struck out the side – needing just 11 pitches – as the Rams got out of a huge jam and maintained its 5-2 edge.
“He needs to get more credit for what he’s done,” said Ray of Michaels. “(Michaels) comes in, he pitches, he hits, he plays defense, he makes a diving catch.”
Michaels continued his stellar play with an RBI single in the sixth as Central rode up a 6-2 lead going into the final stanza of play.
But Plainville hardly went away and remained defiant to the end.
Sauvron and Pezzulo stroked out back-to-back singles and with two outs, Milo sent a single into left field – scoring Sauvron – as Plainville got within three at 6-3 and once again, the tying run was batting at the plate.
But Lindgren flew out to end the game as Central wrapped up an impressive 6-3 win from Bristol.
“We’re far better off than we started on March 17,” said Ray of his squad. “And I’ve got to keep building on that with this young team. We have a lot of inexperience out there but you know me, I’m never happy. We’re going to keep coaching them (and) they’re going to keep responding.
Comments? Email mletendre@BristolObserver.com.

By KAITLYN NAPLES
STAFF WRITER
Since the fall of 2011, the Friends of the Bristol Public Library has been handing out grants for programs the library might not be able to fund.
Earlier this year, the group contributed $500 each to four programs that are geared toward a variety of age groups and interests.
“We pick things we think the public would be interested in attending,” said Nancy Turski, chairperson of the Grants Committee at the Bristol Library.
The funding each year comes from profits at the Friends of the Bristol Public Library’s book sales. (However, as of June this year, the grants will be distributed twice per year, rather than four times.)
“We have always been very successful at the book sales,” Turski said, adding that there is always a major sale in February and another in June, then a holiday sale.
Funding for these grants comes from sales at the book store at the main branch of the library, as well as books sold at the Manross Library. The book store also has regular hours on Monday from 1 to 3 p.m., Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Turski said one of the funded programs was held earlier in the spring, and her granddaughter participated and “absolutely loved it.”
The program was Yoga for Children, where youngsters learned about different yoga poses and were evaluated at the end of the classes.
“You’d be surprised at  how much they learned,” Turski said.
The next program will be in June and will be “An Evening with the Gillettes,” where a couple will portray William and Helen Gillette, a prominent Connecticut couple from the late 1800s to early 1900s. William Gillette was an actor and a playwright who is known for his role as Sherlock Holmes on stage and in a 1916 silent film. This program will be held on June 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the main branch of the library, and then on June 26 at 1 p.m. at the Manross Library, and registration is required.
The next program that was grant funded will be held in July and will be a children’s program where Mystic Aquarium will visit the library with a live exhibit. The “Spark a Reaction-The Science of CT Comes to the Library” event will have three parts. In addition to the Mystic exhibit, the Connecticut Children’s Museum and then the Connecticut Science Center visiting.
The third program, “Guns of August: Commemorating WWI,” will be held in August and will provide information and speeches about World War I and local Bristol soldiers and the role they played in the war.
All information for these programs will be available on the Bristol Public Library website at www.bristollib.com, and anyone with questions should call the library at (860)584-7787.

Bristol Youth Services is accepting applications for the 2014 Summer Challenge Quest Program to be held from Monday, Aug. 4 through Friday, Aug. 8 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pine Lake Challenge Course.

Challenge Quest is an adventure-based summer escape that provides youth 9 to 18 years of age a fun and respectful atmosphere to challenge themselves to reach their potential. High school students, who successfully complete the week-long program, may participate in a four day / three night camping excursion from Saturday, Aug. 9 to Tuesday, Aug. 12.

Applications can be obtained at Bristol Youth Services or download a copy online at City of Bristol/Youth Services/Pine Lake C.C. Completed applications can be mailed or dropped off at Bristol Youth Services, Attention: Cindy M. Oliveras-Cyr, 51 High Street, Bristol, CT06010.

By MIKE CHAIKEN
EDITIONS EDITOR
Connecticut model Margot Paul has been featured in fashion spreads in the Observer. And the teen has walked several runways in her home state.
But April 27, Margot had the opportunity to take her modeling career to the next level when she walked the catwalk in New York City.
Margot was one of the models selected for VIP-Exclusive’s fashion showcase at 404 on 10th Avenue in the city.
The show featured a full slate of designers: Mina D Jewelry, Anna Maria La Bianca, CK-DF Designs, Arthlene Laudat, Kenya Smith, Patrica MARSA ALAM Collection, and Victor Hou-Designs.
Margot’s family invited The Observer to tag along to New York City to catch the teen behind the scenes as she prepared to step out before a Big Apple fashionista crowd. With the permission of VIP-Exclusive CEO Terrance Shaw, the Observer was given free reign to photograph behind the scenes.
The day was a long one for Margot, who is also a ballet student, with a 9 a.m. call to begin hair and make-up. Then there was an afternoon of fittings where designers figured out what garments she would wear. Finally, there was the wait until the 8 p.m. go-time where she could walk the runway—actually opening the show— in front of a phalanx of New York fashion photographers and glitterati.
Along the way, she networked and befriended other New York models, make-up and hair professionals, and fashion industry insiders.
After the day was done, we caught up with Margot to speak about the experience.
Observer: How did it feel to get a chance to walk the runway in New York City?
Margot: I felt very privileged to have the opportunity to be in a real New York City fashion show. It was a once in a lifetime chance for someone my age, who’s from a small town in Connecticut. I am thankful that my dance instructor Carolyn Paine, who is also an actress, forwarded that casting call notice to my mom. Many of my other instructors at Ballet Theatre Company (in West Hartford) have also given me the confidence and skills to present myself in a positive professional way on stage.
O: You were the first model to step onto the runway that night… what was going through your head before you stepped out in front of the fashion fans who came out to VIP-Exclusive?
M: (It) was unreal to me. I expected the best, most experienced, model to take this place. It was a major confidence booster. All I was thinking about before I received the signal to go was not to fall, act professional, keep my chin up, and show everyone that a small town girl— who isn’t the stereotypical model— can be just as good and work it on the runway just like the others.
O: There was an army of New York photographers waiting the end of the runway. What was it like knowing that your photograph was going to show up in a fashion magazine or fashion blog?
M: The army of photographers at both ends of the runway was overwhelming at first but I quickly got used to it and I actually loved the feeling of having so many lights flashing and all the shutters snapping. It felt as if I was a celebrity with paparazzi following me. It’s hard to wrap my head around knowing that my face will be on pages of popular magazines and fashion blogs. It was very exciting for this 15 year old girl.
O: You got to wear four outfits. Tell me a little bit about each.
M: I wore four outfits for four different designers in the show. The first outfit I wore was all white; a tutu, tight-fitting top and leggings. It showed off the beautiful white and blue necklaces and bracelets by Mina Deutsh of Mina D Jewelry. The second outfit was a blue, black, and white A-line dress by Carissa Krametz of CK-DF Designs. The third outfit was a black ruffled tank top paired with black and white couture summer shorts by Arthlene Laudat Legair Designs. This was my favorite outfit. For my fourth and final outfit, I wore a black leather motorcycle dress, bright red leather gloves, and carried a helmet under my arm. This outfit was by designer Kenya Smith.
O: Did you get to mingle with some of the fashion professionals? Any nibbles for future gigs?
M: After the show, I got to mingle with many producers, designers, and talent scouts. I passed out my comp cards and networked. It was encouraging to know that so many people want to work with me and help me with my career. A few of them asked if I have been in movies. I told them “I haven’t… yet.”.
O: Your entire family was there that night. How did it feel to have their support for your rookie event as a New York model?
M: (It) was fantastic and kept me going. I’m fortunate to have their support and help in achieving my career goals in the fashion and dance industries.
For more information about VIP-Exclusive, go to VIP-Exclusive.org

PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN

Margot Paul, in her first look for Mina D Jewelry, was the first model on the runway for the VIP-Exclusive fashion show in New York City.

Margot Paul sits for the hair team to prepare for the April 27 VIP-Exclusive fashion show.

Margot Paul, right, and fellow model Perpetua Smith, chat backstage during downtime on April 27.

In the dressing room for fittings, Margot Paul, right, and Perpetua Smith learn what they will be wearing.

Before the crowds come in and the VIPs take their seats– and check their gift swag, Margot Paul poses on the empty runway at 404 in New York City.

Margot Paul, center, listens to VIP-Exclusive CEO Terrance Shaw give a pep talk to all the models in the April 27 show at 404 on 10th Avenue in New York City.

On Monday, May 19 at 6:15 pm at Nuchie’s Restaurant, Renaissance Downtowns, the master developer for Bristol’s downtown revitalization, will host an Informational Session open to the general public to discuss updates and next steps for the first phase of revitalization.

To accommodate the anticipated turnout, Renaissance has reserved Nuchie’s entire facility and a complimentary buffet dinner will be served to the first 400 attendees beginning at 6:15 pm. The informational session will start promptly at 7 p.m. During the session Donald Monti, CEO of Renaissance Downtowns, as well as the Renaissance team will update all attendees on the following:

Review of accomplishments by the city, Renaissance and the Bristol community

Detailed discussion on project’s current status and steps moving forward

Financing options explored and paths proposed to implement the community’s vision

Open question and answer session to address any community concerns

A press release from Renaissance said, “This public-private partnership has always demonstrated an open, transparent and inclusive process and May 19th’s meeting will serve as a continuation of this approach. Renaissance recognizes

that there are certain challenges that exist and feels very strongly that the amount of progress made to date should serve as a motivation for continued collaboration by all parties. We are fully aware that people may have certain opinions as to how we move forward. Those opinions can be very constructive in coming up with solutions based upon a healthy and productive dialogue. Progress made to date has centered on this inclusionary approach, and we should all roll up our sleeves and build upon our collective successes as starting over should not be an option.”

“Together, we have all helped the project reach the cusp of realizing the dream of breaking ground and kickstarting what we believe will be the cornerstone economic development engine for the city,” said Mark Walerysiak Jr, community liaison for Renaissance Downtowns and Bristol Rising, said in the press release. “We are excited to discuss with the community how we can soon accomplish this historic reality and encourage all who are interested in downtown becoming great again to attend.”

The Kern Park Association has rescheduled its trail maintenance and clean up to Saturday, May 17. The association maintains five main trails and several side paths throughout the 29 acres of wetland.

“Kern Park is 29 acres of wetland habitat rich in bio-diversity,” explained Mary Rydingsward, Kern Park Association co-chair, in a press release.

“The wetlands of Kern Park are vital to preventing flooding throughout the Ivy Drive School neighborhood and along Route 6.  Acting as a natural sponge, wetlands store up to 1.5 million gallons of water per acre”, said Carl Swanson, president of the Pequabuck River Watershed Association, in a press release. PRWA is co-sponsor of the event. “Also, the wetland soil is a natural filter, purifying water that flows into our drinking supply. This is critical for a town such as Bristol, which operates its own Water Department.”

The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Volunteers should meet at Ivy Drive School between 8 and 8:15 a.m..

“Let’s show our pride for Bristol’s abundant natural water supply and its own chartered water company”, stated Rydingsward in the press release.

For more information on the Kern Park Association spring cleanup, contact Mary Rydingsward at (860)670 4761 or Richard Johnson at (860)582-5258.

Farmington Bank will host a Home Buyer Seminar on Thursday, May 15, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Plainville Public Library, located at 156 East Main St.

The seminar will offer information concerning all aspects of purchasing a home, including flexible loan programs, getting pre-approved, home inspection and the home closing process.

Leading the discussion will be Christa Semple, residential mortgage specialist for Farmington Bank, and Jason Famiglietti, attorney for Famiglietti & Famiglietti, LLC of Plainville.

To register or for more information about Farmington Bank’s Home Buyer Seminar on May 15, please contact Farmington Bank’s Solidea Pitruzzello at (860)284-4590.

Bristol Preschool Child Care Center, Inc. is accepting applications for 3 and 4-year old children for enrollment. Bristol Preschool is a non-profit, NAEYC accredited agency funded by the State Department of Education and the United Way of West Central Connecticut.

Tuition is based upon a sliding fee scale depending on family size and income. Fees start at $8 with the maximum fee being $145 per week. Breakfast, lunch and snack are provided at no cost and served family style.

For more information, call (860) 314-0597 (West Street) or (860) 589-7135 (School Street).

McDonald’s restaurants in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts have once again partnered with Telemundo to host a local singing competition, “Solo Tu Voz.” This is the fourth year of the local talent search, where participants audition in front of Telemundo cameras at various McDonald’s restaurants. Audition videos are posted on holaciudad.com where visitors can vote for their favorite contestants, and finalists then go on to perform at Telemundo’s “Feria de la Familia” event in September where someone will be named the winner. All Solo Tu Voz auditions are held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at various McDonald’s restaurants.

The 2014 Solo Tu Voz audition schedule is as follows:

May 29 -  McDonald’s, 40 MLK Drive, New Britain, Conn. 

June 26 – McDonald’s, 360 S. Main St., Springfield, Mass. 

July 24  – McDonald’s, 280 Kimberly Ave., New Haven, Conn.  

August 21 – McDonald’s, 533 Broad St., Meriden, Con..

September – Finalists will perform at “Feria de la Familia” in Hartford.

Follow the singing competition on Twitter via McDonald’s @McD_CTWMA, @TelemundoCT @holaciudad or hashtag #SoloTuVoz.

The Bristol String Orchestra will be performing their Annual Spring Concert at the ProspectUnitedMethodistChurch on Saturday, June 7, at 3 p.m. The show is being dedicted to the memory of its founder, mentor, and friend Louise Van Gorder, who passed away earlier this year.

The orchestra will celebrate Van Gorder’s spirit and dedication. Audiences will be asked to sing along  with the orchestra for tunes such as  “America The Beautiful,” “You Are My Sunshine,” and “Red River Valley,” followed by Van Gorder’s hand chosen songs including “Swan Lake,” “Les Quebecois,” “Dance Diabolique” and more.

The Bristol String Orchestra is a collection of motivated musicians ranging in age from 7 to senior. This is the 13th season of bringing music to the community and providing a positive learning environment for beginners and experienced musicians alike.

HARTFORD – In support of military veterans, State Representative Whit Betts (R-Bristol, Plymouth) voted in favor of legislation aimed at assisting those who have been discharged from service transition back into civilian life and workforce. The measure will allow credit for military service and waive fees on certain licenses and exams for veterans entering the workforce.

H.B. 5299 – An Act Concerning the Findings of the Military Occupational Specialty Task Force – requires various governmental entities to certify, waive, grant, or award certain licenses, registrations, examinations, training, or credit for veterans with military experience or qualifications.   

“This bill goes a long way toward supporting our veterans as they assimilate back into their civilian lives,” said Betts in a press release from his office. “It also validates the training and learning they’ve gained during their military tenure. It is my hope that this legislation not only will honor their service to our country, but will also assist veterans in their employment searches.” 

Under the bill, unless specifically noted, a veteran is anyone honorably discharged or released under honorable conditions from active service from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force and any of their reserve components.

The legislation also would waive operators’ license exams at the Department of Motor Vehicles and the apprentice requirement for certain occupations before sitting for licensing exams. Additionally, the legislation outlines conditions under which military service can be substituted for college credit.

Additionally, veterans upon discharge from the armed forces or National Guard may submit an application for military training evaluation to the Department of Labor (DOL) apprentice training program. If the DOL commissioner determines the applicant’s military training is equivalent and transferrable, the applicant’s hours of qualified military training may be applied toward specific trade apprenticeship training requirements.

The bill passed in the House by a unanimous vote of 143-0 and awaits further action by the Senate. 

The General Assembly of Connecticut will adjourn the 2014 legislative session at midnight tonight.

Representative Betts represents the towns of Bristol, Plymouth, and Terryville in the General Assembly.

Pink’s Hot Dogs is ready for its opening day this Saturday, May 17.

Pink’s Hot Dogs is ready for its opening day this Saturday, May 17.

On Saturday, May 17, Pink’s Hot Dogs will celebrate the Grand Opening of the first East Coast location at LakeCompounce in Bristol, Conn. The celebration will commence with a Wiener Dog 100 Race, Dachshund Fashion Show, and a Hot Dog Bobbing contest.

In conjunction with the Connecticut Dachshund Rescue and Pet Services

(CTDRPS) organization, the Wiener Dog 100 Race will feature 50 Dachshunds competing in heats of five, racing for the ultimate distinction of ‘Fastest Hot Dog’. The top three winners will be donned with first, second and third place metals on a three-tiered podium and each will receive a basket of dog treats courtesy of the LakeCompounce.

The race will be followed by a Dachshund Fashion Show and a Hot Dog Bobbing contest, where the dachshunds will be the ones bobbing.

Donations will be accepted at all registers to benefit the CTDRPS and help them as they work to ‘rehome’ loving and adorable dachshunds who have been displaced.

Dachshund Rescue and Pet Services founder Anne Jordan said in a press release, “We are tickled pink to be invited to conduct our dachshund races at LakeCompounce to commemorate Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs. We are thrilled with the number of racers attending and the wide variety of Dachshunds you’ll get to see. It’s going to be fun for everyone.”

Pink’s Hot Dogs, a Hollywood legend since 1939 is a family owned business and was named by Fox News as number one in a list of Top Ten Hot Dog Stands in the U.S. The famous hot dogs attract celebrities such as, Jay Leno, Martha Stewart; and Food Network superstars, Giada de Laurentiis, and Guy Fieri.

“Their long standing history, family oriented culture, and guest service makes them a perfect fit for LakeCompounce”, said Lake Compounce General Manager, Jerry Brick in a press release. “The story of how they started is really neat, and now it’s probably one of the most famous hot dog stands in the country.”

“Bringing Pink’s to Connecticut is like having a little bit of Hollywood on the East Coast” said family member and co-owner, Richard Pink. “We love that our hot dogs have been made famous in TV and movies and are the favorites of countless movie stars who visit our Hollywood location. We’re excited to bring that fun and delicious experience to LakeCompounce for their guests to enjoy.”

For more information and the park’s operating schedule, go to lakecompounce.com.

The following obituaries will be published in Friday’s Observer. For further details, look to our print or e-editions on Friday.

Olga Klachany, 90, died Friday, May 2 in Bristol. She was the wife of George Klachany for 67 years.
Joyce M. (Daniels) Dirrigl, 81, of Plainville, died on Friday, May 2. She was the wife of Herb Dirrigl, with whom she shared 61 years of marriage.
Albert F. Branchaud, 82, a lifelong Bristol resident, died on Sunday, May 4 at Bristol Hospital. He was the husband of Grace A. (LaRoche) Branchaud.
Jacqueline (Lavoie) Godbout, 79, of Bristol, died on Wednesday, May 7 at The Pines at Bristol.
Robert L. Draper, 88, of Terryville, widower of Theresa (Cassista) Draper died Saturday, May 3 at The Hospital of Central Connecticut – Southington Campus.
Mildred P. (Hintz) Buchanan, 87, of Bristol, wife of 66 years, to George R. Buchanan, Sr., died on Friday, May 2.
Rodney “Houlie” G. Houle, 66, of Terryville, husband of Carol (LeBeau) Houle died suddenly on Friday, May 2
John D. Pelkey, 48, died Tuesday, May 6 in Somers.
Carolyn J. Fliss, 81, of Bristol, widow of Robert J. Fliss, Sr., died on Thursday, May 1.
Ronald E. Doyon, 68, of Bristol, died Sunday, May 5, at Bristol Hospital.
Alice S. (Simard) Guimond, 87, of Bristol, widow of Lucien Guimond, died on Thursday, May 8 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Waterbury.
Carol Neill, 74, of Southington, wife of Richard Neill, died at Bristol Hospital Wednesday, May 7.
Blake Cameron Levesque, infant son of Joseph Levesque and Ceylon Perez, on Friday May 2, 2014 at the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Hartford.

State police have arrested a former Bristol school bus driver on child pornography charges. Wolcott resident Michael O’Brien, 29, of 54 Longmeadow Dr., was arrested on May 12 and charged with third degree possession of child pornography, a press release said.
After an investigation was conducted by the State Police Computer Crimes Unit, a search warrant was issued on May 7 for O’Brien. A press release said electronic items were seized and examined which lead to the arrest.
O’Brien drove a bus for elementary and pre-kindergarten students in Bristol, however he is no longer employed with the district.
O’Brien was released on a $10,000 bond and is expected to appear in Waterbury court on May 27.

The Connecticut Republican Party announced Henri Martin has been unanimously selected as the Republican candidate for State Senate District 31, which includes Bristol, Plainville, Plymouth, Thomaston, and Harwinton.

Martin, who is looking to take over for fellow Republican Jason Welch who has opted not to run again, is a longtime real estate broker and land use developer in Greater Bristol and is currently serving a second term as Bristol City Councilman in the First District.

The Democratic hopeful is Dave Roche.

A press release from the Connecticut GOP said, “Martin brings a depth of experience and knowledge concerning economic development, budget management, contracting and small business creation and operation. He is a graduate of BristolCentralHigh School and St. Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire.  He also organized the Bristol Soccer League and has served on several Boards of Directors and Committees for numerous civic, professional and religious organizations across the region.”

Martin lives in Bristol with his wife Roxanne, his parents, and a large extended family. They have four grown children who live in the area.

On Thursday, May 15, U.S. Re. John B. Larson will present the “Congressional Award” Silver Medal to St. PaulCatholicHigh School student and Bristol resident Matthew Gwozdecke. Designed for individuals from 14 to 23 years of age, the Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ award recognizing personal achievement and volunteerism.

In order to win this year’s Silver Medal, a press release from Larson’s office said, Gwozdecke completed 200 voluntary public service hours, 100 hours of personal development, 100 hours of physical fitness training, and two-consecutive nights for an “expedition”, where Matthew traveled to various sites on the Freedom Trail.

Larson will present the award as part of St. Paul Catholic’s Annual Academic Awards Night at the school at 7 p.m on Thursday.