A crowd fund event is being held to make Oddees Game House a reality… and make it a reality on Main Street..

Jonathan Smith, the driving force behind “Oddees Game House” explained, “The dream for Oddees Game House is to have the opportunity to engage with the community and its fellow gamers, providing a place where Oddees Game House members can share (with others) the games they are creating during the development process… to ensure the games they create can be enjoyed while giving gamers who wish to be given the chance to learn and be able to create games.

In a press release, Smith said he is looking to secure space for game store and creation shop studio. “At the same time the equipment and inventory to start the game store has presented itself as well, but the time is limited to acquire this opportunity.”

The crowd fund event will run from May 16 to 31 on Rockethub.com. Additionally, on Sunday, May 18 from 12 to 4 p.m., Smith said in the release, he have a table set up to Oddees Game House vouchers to raise the funds for the necessary property, equipment, and inventory.

Smith said the goal is for Oddees Game House to operate for a minimum of three years to see the development of games come to fruition. Smith, in the release said, he is hoping to raise  $ 189,220 to cover the cost of the lease and utilities for the next three years. The initial goal of this coming crowd fund event is to raise $ 37,900.

As part of the crowd fund event, Smith said, there will be four types of vouchers offered in return: Oddees Game House Pack White, $25; Oddees Game House Pack Grey, $50; Oddees Game House Pack Red, $75; and Oddees Game House Pack Black, $ 100. The Game House Pack comes with the Oddees Game House rewards membership and a gift card from $25 to $100 depending on which pack the supporter decides upon. For supporters on Sunday, if they come down to the table Oddees Game House at the time will be able to take cash, check or game trade ins towards the Vouchers.

“The biggest thing I would like everyone to understand is Oddees Game House is neither a game store nor some indie game studio,” said Smith in the release. “In the end, its main function is to give the opportunity to others the chance to make games for people to enjoy. And I am so hoping to see such a dream become a reality and making other dream become a reality as well.”

For more information, call (860) 261-5511 or email Oddeesentertainment@gmail.com

Got junk that’s too big for your rubbish barrel? You can get a curbside bulk collection if you have city rubbish service. Curbside bulk collections must be scheduled in advance by calling Public Works at (860)584-6125. Landlords/property managers must call to schedule a bulk collection for multi-family buildings.

Large items may not be placed at the curb more than 24 hours before a scheduled collection, or can result in a fine per city ordinance.

More information on bulk collection service is available on the web site at www.bristolct.gov/pwbulk

Leaf bag collection concluded in April. Leaf bags will not be collected again until the fall. Residents with leaf bags may bring them to the Transfer Station or hold them until the fall collection season. Yard Waste subscription service (green barrels) is also available, see www.bristolct.gov/yardwaste for more information.

Bristol police are investigating an attempted robbery at the Stop and Shop at 597 Farmington Ave. A press release said the robbery reportedly occurred Wednesday night, a little before midnight, at the Stop and Shop where the suspect pushed a cashier and attempted to open the register with a screwdriver. The only customer in the store at the time tried to hold the suspect until police got there however the suspect was able to escape and was headed toward Jerome Avenue, the release said.
The suspect was unable to steal anything from the store, and no injuries were reported.
The suspect is being described as a light skinned black male, 5 feet 8 inches and was wearing a green sweatshirt and blue jeans.
At this time no suspect has been located and the incident is still under investigation.

Bristol police will be conducting a DWI checkpoint on Thursday, May 15, in the area of Route 72. The checkpoint will be held Thursday evening, and the check is part of a federal grant the Bristol Police Department has received to help reduce crashes and fatalities caused by driving while intoxicated.

The BristolParks and Recreation Department, the Board of Education, and the Sports Hall of Fame sponsored the Local Hershey Track and Field Meet on May 12 at BristolCentralHigh School.

This year over 200 children between the ages of 9 and 14 participated in the event. The recreation department reported that the event was a “big success” thanks to all of the BristolCentralHigh School student volunteers and Parks and Recreation staff that coordinated the event.

2014 Results

Girls 9 and 10 year olds

Softball throw: 1st place- Alexandra Shorette, 2nd place- Samantha Sklenka, 3rd place- Ericka Aponte.

50 meter dash: 1st place- Christina Browne, 2nd place- Reagan Davis, 3rd place- Ericka Aponte.

100 meter dash: 1st place- Reagan Davis, 2nd place- Ericka Aponte, 3rd place- Valentina Breault.

200 meter dash: 1st place- Brooke Treannie, 2nd place- Mia Caruso, 3rd place- Adrienne Esposito.

400 meter dash: 1st place- Brooke Treannie, 2nd place- Rachel Plaskett.  Standing long jump; 1st place- Alexia Roy, 2nd place- Brooke Treannie, 3rd place- Kiara Hoyt.

Girls 11 and 12 year olds

Softball throw: 1st place- Allison Tellier, 2nd place- Amanda Tarnowski, 3rd place- Yalimarie Medina.

100 meter dash: 1st place- Paige Lavoie, 2nd place- Mia Hinton, 3rd place- Allison Tellier.

200 meter dash: 1st place- Faith Roy, 2nd place- Rebecca Bender, 3rd place- Ashleigh Norton.

400 meter dash: 1st place- Kalyssa Muniz, 2nd place- Faith Roy, 3rd place- Alyssa Lavoie.

800 meter dash: 1st place- Kalyssa Muniz, 2nd place- Rebecca Bender, 3rd place- Katie Bardeck.

4 x 100 Relay: 1st place- Paige Lavoie, Ashleigh Norton, Sophia Czertak, Alyssa Lavoie.

Standing long jump: 1st place- Ashleigh Norton, 2nd place- Katie Bardeck, 3rd place- Mia Hinton.

Girls 13 and 14 year olds

100 meter dash: 1st place- Madeline Archangelo, 2nd place- Kendall Davis.

200 meter dash: 1st place- Madeline Archangelo, 2nd place- Kendall Davis.

800 meter dash: 1st place- Addison Davis.

1600 meter dash: 1st place- Addison Davis.

Standing long jump: 1st place- Kalyssa Muniz, 2nd place- Madeline Archangelo, 3rd place- Addison Davis.

Boys 9 and 10 year olds

Softball throw: 1st place- Victor Rosa, 2nd place- Alexander Marshall, 3rd place- Jarrett Boxley.

50 meter dash: 1st place- Victor Rosa, 2nd place- Noah Conrod, 3rd place- Luis Espinosa.

100 meter dash: 1st place- Victor Rosa, 2nd place- Jarrett Boxley, 3rd place- Jack Mulcunry/Scott Petrosky.

200 meter dash: 1st place- Beckett Hennessey, 2nd place- Jarrett Boxley, 3rd place- Alexander Marshall.

400 meter dash: 1st place- Beckett Hennessey, 2nd place- Alexander Marshall, 3rd place- Youssef Hussien.

Standing long jump: 1st place- Victor Carrion, 2nd place- Beckett Hennessey, 3rd place- Austin Shorette/Dominic DeLeon/Evan Daly.

Boys 11 and 12 year olds

Softball throw: 1st place- Jacob Woznicki, 2nd place- Andrew Oren, 3rd place- Kyle Rivera.

100 meter dash: 1st place- Kyle Rivera, 2nd place- Andrew Oren, 3rd place- Xavier Browne.

200 meter dash: 1st place- Delijah LaRonde, 2nd place- Andrew Oren, 3rd place- Mark Petrosky.

400 meter dash: 1st place- Jacob Woznicki, 2nd place- Ethan Sanzone, 3rd place- Mark Petrosky.

800 meter dash: 1st place- Ethan Sanzone, 2nd place- Jacob Woznicki, 3rd place- Josh LaRoche.

Standing long jump: 1st place- Delijah LaRonde, 2nd place- Khaled Hussien, 3rd place- Xavier Browne. 

Boys 13 and 14 year olds

Softball throw: 1st place- Nathan Rosa, 2nd place- Riley McCarthy, 3rd place- Evan Day.

100 meter dash: 1st place- Ariza Kolloverja.

200 meter dash: 1st place- Ariza Kolloverja, 2nd place- Riley McCarthy, 3rd place- Nathaniel Acevedo.

800 meter dash: 1st place- Riley McCarthy, 2nd place- Nathan Rosa.

1600 meter dash: 1st place- Nathan Rosa, 2nd place- Evan Day.

The results from the local Hershey Track & Field Meet have been sent to the state coordinator. They hold a “paper meet” on May 30 to review all times for the region. The top place finishers in the region advance to the state meet in East Hartford on June 21.

This means that because a competitor may have placed first in Bristol, it does not mean they are first in the region.

Parks and Recreation said it will contact parents via e-mail after May 30 if your child will be advancing to the state meet.

If you have any questions, contact Joshua Medeiros, Recreation Coordinator at joshuamedeiros@ci.bristol.ct.us

The Bristol Parks and Recreation Department, the Board of Education, and the Sports Hall of Fame sponsored the Local Hershey Track and Field Meet on May 12 at Bristol Central High School

The Bristol Lions Club is holding its 13^th Annual Fred Soliani Memorial Golf Tournament. The tournament takes place on Thursday, June 26 at Chippanee Golf Club in Bristol. The tournament is a scramble format with men’s, women’s, and mixed foursomes. The cost of $155 per golfer includes: continental breakfast, hot dogs / hamburgers “At the TURN,” free beer, soda, and water on the course all day, putting contest, glass break contest, buffet dinner after the tournament, greens fees, and cart.

For more information, contact Jerry Lefevre at (860) 583-6985 and gerardlefevre49@gmail.com or Bill Waseleski at (860) 212-2636 and wwaseleski@centuryspringmfg.com.

Numerous prizes will be awarded at the tournament: Closest to the Pin (two prizes per hole), lowest team gross (first and second places), putting contest, break the glass contest, raffle prizes, 50/50 chances on all Par 3 holes, plus Hole-in-One Prizes on all Par 3s sponsored by Terryville Chevrolet, LLC (grand prize is $25,000 Chevrolet).

Proceeds from the Fred Soliani Memorial Golf Tournament funds scholarships in Soliani’s memory and the Bristol Lions Club’s initiative with BristolHospital to help the visually impaired – Bristol Lions Club / BristolHospitalMickeyNesticoLowVisionCenter.

This year proceeds will also support a new Lions project: Shepard Meadow Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. Its mission is to improve the lives of children and adults living with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges by providing the highest quality of professional equine assisted activities. Some of the challenges their participants face are ADD, apraxia, autism, Asperger, cerebral palsy, stroke, depression, PTSD, etc. They have recently started a new program for veterans – “Horses for Heroes.”

For more about Shepard Meadows, visit their website: www.shepardmeadowstr.org.

All forms for the golf tournament can be downloaded from the Bristol Lions Club website: www.bristollionsclub.org. Even if you are not a golfer you can support our efforts to help those in need in the Bristol / Forestville communities by making a tax deductible donation to Bristol Lions Charities and mail your donation to: Bristol Lions Club, C/O Jerry Lefevre, 249 Aldbourne Drive, Bristol, CT06010.

Bristol police are investigating an accident that happened on Riverside Avenue Thursday morning that resulted in transporting one of the vehicle occupants to the hospital.
Richard Daponte, 81, of Terryville was listed as being in critical condition at a Waterbury area hospital Thursday afternoon after suffering head and chest injuries in the accident.
A press release said the accident happened a little before 9 a.m. Thursday morning when Daponte was operating a 2000 Chrysler Voyager and was traveling south on Mellen Street and passing through the intersection of Riverside Avenue. The second vehicle was a 2007 Freight Liner flatbed truck, driven by Lydell Gordon, 45, of New Britain, who was traveling west on Riverside Avenue and was passing straight through the intersection of Mellen Street. The release said the vehicles collided, and Gordon was not injured in the crash.
The release said the investigation is ongoing and no enforcement has been taken as of Thursday afternoon. Any witnesses are urged to contact the Bristol Police Traffic Division at (860)584-3030.

Hilary Maiberger as Belle in ‘Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.’

By KATERINA BELALES
CORRESPONDENT
After being released more than 20 years ago in 1991, “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” has become one of the most classic and iconic movies throughout time, due to its loving, charming, and passionate storyline.
“Beauty and the Beast” focuses on the relationship between the Beast, a prince who is magically transformed into a monster as punishment for his arrogance, and Belle, a beautiful young woman who he imprisons in his castle. In order for everyone in the castle (besides Belle) to become human again, the Beast must learn to truly fall in love by his 21st birthday. Accompanied by the servants of the castle, who were also transformed into magical inanimate objects, Belle and the Beast soon fall in love, which creates excitement throughout the castle, how everyone will be human again.
This beautiful storyline and gorgeous score, composed by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, made the movie become the first animated movie to ever be nominated for “Best Picture” at the 64th Academy Awards.
In 1994, the movie became a musical, and it opened on Broadway at the Palace Theatre on April 18, 1994 and ran there until Sept. 5, 1999, transferring to the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Nov. 11, 1999, with an official opening date of Nov. 16, 1999. The musical closed on July 29, 2007 to make way for Disney’s next musical venture, “The Little Mermaid.”
I had the pleasure to see this show at the Bushnell in Hartford on the opening night, May 6, of its touring production
Along with many of the classic songs in the original movie, such as the title song “Beauty and the Beast,” “Be Our Guest,” and “Belle,” Alan Menken and Tim Rice, who took the place of Ashman after his death, came together and composed more than 10 new songs and instrumental cues together for the Broadway musical, including “Home” performed by Belle when she first becomes a prisoner in the castle, “If I Can’t Love Her” performed by the Beast when he realizes that Belle could be the girl to break the curse, and “Me” performed by Gaston when he proposes to Belle.
One of the most powerful new songs is “A Change in Me,” which was written in 1998 specifically for Toni Braxton when she joined the show, and has stayed in the program ever since. Belle performs this song when her and her father, Maurice, return to their home when Belle is released from the castle and is able to go to her father’s care. She tells her father that her stay in the palace has affected her in a great, and positive, way. It definitely is one of the best parts of the show.
The storyline in the musical is still the same story that everyone knows and fell in love with. However, there are a few changes that didn’t affect the story too much. The most prominent change is that the magic behind the transformations is slightly modified: Instead of being fully transformed (as shown in the movie), the characters are slowly transforming into their respective objects. Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, and Babette the Feather Duster lament this fact, revealing that some of the servants have already completely transformed and cannot speak, see, or move; they fear the same will happen to them if the spell is not broken soon. Some characters in the movie who were nameless have now been given names, such as the feather duster, who is now named Babette, and the wardrobe, who’s now named Madame de la Grande Bouche and is revealed to be a former famous opera diva.
I enjoyed the show greatly. “Beauty and the Beast” has always been one of my favorite Disney movies. I was pretty impressed with most of the cast members.
First, the ensemble was wonderful. I loved the choreography during the prominent dance numbers, such as “Gaston,” “Be Our Guest,” and “Human Again.” Each member of the ensemble executed each step and movement perfectly.
I also thought the singing was excellent from everyone.
Hilary Maiberger, who played Belle, captured Belle’s personality perfectly. She had a lovely singing voice, and was very beautiful. She was one of the best Belles that I have ever seen. Her versions of “Home” and “A Change in Me” were beautiful. I loved her for the part.
Darick Pead played the Beast. He had a wonderful singing voice, and I was brought to tears by his version of “If I Can’t Love Her.” However, his portrayal was a little different than other Beasts that I’ve seen. Personally, I had to get used to his portrayal. He added something new to the Beast’s personality, which, personally, made him less masculine to me. Even though the Beast was funny in the movie, Pead tried making him even funnier, and, to me, took away the Beast’s masculine personality. However, I can understand why he chose to play the character like that, as there were many children in the audience. He tried to make the role lighter, and honestly, I applaud him for that.
Next, there’s Gaston. Tim Rogan played Gaston, and he seemed to be the same exact character that you saw in the movie, which I loved. His cocky, self-loving personality was spot-on. I felt that the cartoon Gaston from the movie came to life and played himself on this tour.
Lefou, Gaston’s sidekick, was also greatly played. Plus, his role was greatly expanded in the production. Lefou was portrayed by Jordan Aragon, and he was great in the role, as well.
All of the servants in the castle, Lumiere (Hassan Nazari-Robati), Cogsworth (James May), Mrs. Potts (Kristin Stewart), Babette (Stephanie Moskal), Madame de la Grande Bouche (Roxy York), and Chip (at my performance he was played by Jack Mullen), were wonderful. Lumiere’s personality was captured perfectly by Nazari-Robati, and James May was wonderful portraying Cogsworth’s “tightly-wound” personality. Again, like Gaston, I felt as if that both characters popped out of the movie and decided to play themselves. Kristin Stewart captured Mrs. Potts’ mother-like personality perfectly, and Jack Mullen, despite his short stage-time, was very cute as Chip. I was very happy to see that the characters of Babette and Madame de la Grande Bouche were greatly expanded (like Lefou). Both actresses, Stephanie Moskal and Roxy York, perfected their roles. I loved watching them. Paul Crane, who portrayed Belle’s father, Maurice, perfected the character’s kooky, silly personality. Finally, I enjoyed Gaston’s three Silly Girls so much. They were portrayed by Bonnie Kelly, Sarah Gawron, and Tiger Brown. Whenever they were onstage I laughed. I wish they appeared during Act II. It was a breath of fresh air when they were performing.
Like any other production, however, there were flaws. First off, the sets didn’t thrill me too much.
The entire production was very much scaled down from the original Broadway production. While the sets were gorgeous, there wasn’t much to them. They were pretty small and simple. For example, the sets for the village were only three small houses and a background that looked more like a mural than a backdrop. Also, the sets for the castle were mostly small golden stairs. The only set that really impressed me was the set during “Be Our Guest.” That set had the most of the “spectacle” to me. Other than that, the sets were a let down from the original production. Also, the special effects were a little cheap looking and didn’t have as much of the magic and spectacle like the effects in the original production. However, this is a non-equity production. Therefore, I can understand why the sets and special effects weren’t all that much. If you are expecting extravagent, gigantic sets and special effects, don’t get your hopes up. I was expecting the same thing, and was let down. But, I still enjoyed the show greatly, and didn’t let those components lower my perception about the show.
Also, if you have children, be aware that the show is about two hours and 30 minutes long. Many children in the audience were getting bored, restless, and tired, while others were just fine. However, many of these children were causing a distraction to the other audience members. Many parents also were not doing anything about their child’s behavior, which felt very rude to me and other members in the audience. So, please be aware if your child will be able to see the show without so much of a hassle.
Overall, I would give this production 3 1/2 out of 4 stars. It was a very good show for the most part, and I would definitely recommend it for a fun family night. If you have little girls whose favorite princess is Belle, or they just love Disney, take them. There was nothing that I found too scary in the show. The Beast’s costume might scare your child a little bit, but, as stated before, Darick Pead adds a funnier side to the Beast to make him less scary to the younger ones. So, if you have a child who loves Disney and “Beauty and the Beast,’ if you yourself love Disney and “Beauty and the Beast,” or if you just like theater in general, I suggest you go see this show. It’s such a fun and magical night for the whole family.
Katerina Belales is a freshman at Southington High School.

By KAITLYN NAPLES
STAFF WRITER
Despite nearly two years of rallies, petitions and outcries from cafeteria workers and the public, the Board of Education voted, along party lines, to privatize the cafeteria work to Long-Island company Whitsons Culinary Group.
All Republican board members, chair Larry Amara, Genard Dolan, Jill Fitzgerald, Jennifer Dube, and Jeffrey Morgan, voted in favor of outsourcing the cafeteria work to Whitsons in an attempt to eliminate the deficit the cafeteria budget has been struck with over the last few years. Democratic board members Karen Vibert, Karen Hintz, and Thomas O’Brien voted against the motion to privatize.
At last Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting, supporters of the cafeteria workers packed the auditorium at the school administrative building in an attempt to change the board’s mind about privatizing.
City Councilor Calvin Brown called the move to privatize “bad politics and bad leadership” to privatize and said there are many students, parents and city leaders, who are against it.
“The money that you would save on privatization has already been lost on this ridiculous legal battle,” Brown said as he referred to the arbitration and mediation between the Board and Union Local 2267.
Jim Jankoski also spoke in support of the cafeteria workers and said it isn’t the fault of the café workers because of “this board’s lack of basic budgetary skills.”
In the 2010-11 school year, Board Chair Larry Amara said the board reduced the amount of workers in an attempt to lower or eliminate the ongoing deficit the café budget faces each year. This year, the café budget is over $200,000 in debt.
In its contract with the board, Whitsons has said it will interview all current cafeteria workers and hire those who are qualified to fill the positions.
Amara said “none of the Union’s attempts” to block privatization have been successful to date.
“We need to focus on the business we know best, mainly education, and let the contractors focus on the business they know best, food service,” Amara added.
Board member Karen Vibert had made a motion to hold off on privatizing for another year. However, that motion failed. Vibert said the board has seen a lot of members of the public upset about many issues. However, she said she has never seen the same amount of people in support of the same thing in the past six years she has been on the board, suchas the amount of people in support of the café workers.
Thomas O’Brien said, while the board understands the current practices for the café budget aren’t sustainable, “I believe we have a commitment to our employees.” He added he believed the board and union could continue to work together to resolve the issue.
Jill Fitzgerald said the decision to outsource isn’t a political one, but a decision that will be able to still provide food to the students and provide jobs, but without an ongoing deficit.
Newer board member Jennifer Dube said she isn’t a politician, and will only vote for the best interest of the students, as she has two children in the school system.
“Anything I vote for is for the benefit of the students,” Dube, a Republican, added.

Last Wednesday, protesters voice their opinion regarding the Board of Education’s plans to turn to a private contractor to operate the school cafeterias.

FRIDAY, MAY 16

BRISTOL

DAVID LAPOINTE. Art show opening. 7:30 p.m. ArtistTree Tea House and Gallery 156, 156-160 School St., Bristol.

SATURDAY, MAY 17

BRISTOL

‘REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM.’ Crime prevention program. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Refuse to Be A Victim is from the National Rifle Association. Presented by Dr. Mike Ptaszynski, a NRA-certified facilitator. Four-hour seminar promoting awareness and prevention of criminal confrontations. Seminar topics include home, automobile, phone, technology, travel and personal security. Instruction is not “Hands-on” and it excludes firearms. It involves training your primary weapon, your brain. BristolHospitalWellnessCenter, 842 Clark Ave., Bristol. Space is limited. $30 per student. 80-page booklet and certificate of participation are provided. Register by May 16. (860) 582-4388.

POETS COLLECTIVE. 1 to 3 p.m. Join the poets of Buttonwood Tree in Middletown. Afterward, at 4 p.m., join a handmade book making class with artist David LaPointe. ArtistTree Tea House and Gallery 156, 156-160 School St., Bristol.

‘KNOW YOUR RIGHTS’ WORKSHOP. 10 a.m. to noon. Keynote speaker, Kenneth Barone, policy and research specialist with The Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy for the state of Connecticut. Bristol Public Library, 5 High St., Bristol. CTRP3.org

PLAINVILLE

4TH CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC FUND RAISER. Register at 10:30 a.m. Tee time at noon. Benefit for PARC Inc. Healthy Living Programming and the Frederick Franklin Masonic Lodge No. 14 of Plainville college scholarship fund. 18-hole scramble format with cart. Individuals and foursomes are welcome. Dinner catered by Gnazzo’s Food Center of Plainville. Silent auction, raffle items, award presentations, and door prizes. Southington Country Club, Plantsville. (860) 747-0316.

DOO-WOP CONCERT. 7 p.m. Proceeds to benefit young couple looking to adopt a child. Tickets in advance at Gnazzo’s Lucky Strike, Liberty Diner. PlainvilleHigh School, Robert Holcomb Way, Plainville. Call Dan Hurley (860) 793-0642, Mike Turcotte at (860) 747-9687,

ANNUAL TAG, PLANT, AND BAKE SALE. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. GraceLutheranChurch, 222 Farmington Ave., Plainville.

INFORMATIONAL SESSION FOR PROSPECTIVE FOSTER PARENTS. Noon to 2 p.m. Wheeler Clinic, 88 East St., Plainville. (860) 793-7277, FosterCarePrograms@WheelerClinic.org

OTHER

PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 275TH ANNIVERSARY LIVING HISTORY FESTIVAL. 11 to 11:30 a.m., graveyard tour with Terry Goodwin. Noon, Mattatuck Fife and Drum Concert. 1 p.m., Historic clockmakers bus tour. 3:15 p.m., mock trial. Also ongoing activities throughout the day. Multi-church bake sale. Food and drink. Plymouth Congregational Church, 10 Park St., Plymouth. PlymouthCongregational275thfestival.com

GIANT TAG SALE. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Clothing, toys, furniture, jewelry, trinkets, kitchenware, collectibles. Home-made bakbka, soup, bread, pierogi, golabki. Polish kitchen. St. Lucian’s Residence, 532 Burritt St., New Britain. (860) 223-2123.

SUNDAY, MAY 18

BRISTOL

VISION BOARD CREATION WORKSHOP TEA CEREMONY. 3 p.m. With Dori Green. $12 class, $5 for materials. ArtistTree Tea House and Gallery 156, 156-160 School St., Bristol.

BIRD BANDING DEMONSTRATION. 8 to 11 a.m. Bird banding is a research technique that helps scientists keep track of the health of bird populations and learn about their movements and habitat preferences. Indian Rock Nature Preserve, 501 Wolcott Rd., Bristol. (860) 583-1234.

PLAINVILLE

BENEFIT HOLISTIC FAIR. 12 to 4 p.m. Local authors, readers, tai chi, handmade scarves, massage, healers, custom jewelry, reiki, henna, unique bottle lights, essential oils, hypoallergenic personal care products, natural wellness supplements, tarot cards, craniosacro, sage, access consciouness, more. Free healing ceremony open to all. Fund raiser for Plainville Food Pantry and the Connecticut Humane Society. The Loops event venue, 161-B Woodford Ave., Plainville. (860) 989-0033, ShirleyBloethe@sbcglobal.net

OTHER

IWO JIMA SURVIVORS VICTORY RIDE. Motorcyclists, cars, and walk-ins welcome. Volunteers and sponsors needed. Special guest is son of Rene Gagnon, who raised the flag at Iwo Jima. All World War II veterans invited free as part of “Operation Thank You.” RSVP. Call for times. (860) 291-9666.

BOOK/MARK. 2:30 p.m. With author Dean H. King, “The Feud: The Hatfields and the McCoys, the True Story.” Mark Twain House, 351 Farmington Ave., Hartford. Free. (860) 280-3130, MarkTwainHouse.org

TUESDAY, MAY 20

BRISTOL

ACADEMY AWARD WINNING MOVIE. 1 p.m. “In 1841, Solomon Northrup, an accomplished, free citizen of New York, is kidnapped and sold into slavery. Stripped of his identity and deprived of all dignity, Northrup is ultimately bought by a ruthless plantation owner and must find the strength to survive.” Refreshments provided by Friend of the Bristol Public Library. Manross Memorial Library, 260 Central St., Forestville. Register. (860) 584-7790.

PLAINVILLE

DRUMMING CIRCLE. 6:30 p.m. Led by Maria Eberle. Participants can learn to play the African drums (djembes) as well as some basic rhythms. Improvise, experience finding their own rhythm, and bring it into collective drumming. Plainville Public Library, 56 East Main St., Plainville. Register. (860) 793-1446.

SCHOOL DAYS IN PLAINVILLE. Presented by Plainville Historical Society. Talk about school days from 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. Display about topic as well. Plainville Historical Society, 29 Pierce St., Plainville. Handicapped accessible. (860) 747-6577.

OTHER

BOOK LAUNCH. 7 p.m. “Live These Words: An Active Response to God.” Mark Twain House, 351 Farmington Ave., Hartford. Free. Reservations. (860) 280-3130. MarkTwainHouse.org.

MAY 20-22

BRISTOL

‘MOSES’ IN LANCASTER, PA. The St. Stanislaus Golden Agers. Trip to the Sight and Sound Theatre in Lancaster, Pa. Two nights at the Cork Factory Hotel, a family-style meal at Plain and Fancy Restaurant, a tour of Hershey Chocolate World, a dinner at Shady Maple Smorgasbord and a tour of Wheatland, the home of the nation’s 15th president. Call Penny Sobolewski, (860) 589-5597.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21

BRISTOL

WARBLER WEDNESDAYS. 7 to 9 a.m. Join birders of all abilities. Walks led by executive director Scott Heth, birder and bird bander. Indian Rock Nature Preserve, 501 Wolcott Rd., Bristol. (860) 583-1234. Rain cancels.

THURSDAY, MAY 22

BRISTOL

POETRY, DRUMS, MUSIC SHARE CIRCLE. 6:30 p.m. Instruments to share or bring your own. ArtistTree Tea House and Gallery 156, 156-160 School St., Bristol. $5 suggested door fee.

22ND ANNUAL BENEFIT DINNER AUCTION: HIDDEN TREASURES. 6 to 10:30 p.m. Hill-Stead Museum’s signature fund raising event. Enjoy evening under a grand tent on the west lawn. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, live auction, silent auction. Hill-SteadMuseum, 35 Mountain Rd., Farmington. $225 basic ticket prices. $500 Monet’s Circle. Hillstead.org, (860) 677-4787. ext. 131.

MONDAY, MAY 26

BRISTOL

ST. MATTHEW SCHOOL FIRST ANNUAL SPRING FLING. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Live music by ECHO11, crafters, local food vendors, school/parishioner sponsored food tables, petting zoo and pony rides, face painting, bouncy houses, wine tasting, guest appearance by Rocky the Rock Cat. St.MatthewSchool, 33 Welch Dr., Forestville.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28

BRISTOL

ST. STANISLAUS GOLDEN AGERS TRIP. “Who Loves You.” Musical tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. You drive in on your own. Lunch included. Aqua Turf, Mulberry Street, Plantsville. $72. Reservations. (860) 589-5597.

SATURDAY, MAY 31

OTHER

FASHION RUNWAY SHOW DEBUTING 2014 COLLECTION, ‘ETERNALISM,’ BY EBONY AMBER DESIGNS. Benefit for Make-A-Wish CT. 7 to 11 p.m. Each ticket holder receives cupcake from Hardcore Sweet Cupcakes, cup of coffee from Giv Coffee. Entertainment by hip hop dancer Morris Parker, singer Krizta Moon, belly dancer Anatolia Firegoddess, drum and bass duo Helmholtz and Wiley, and Jennifer Hill and Co. Also, the avant garde fashions of Ebony Amber Designs. CoeMemorial Park Civic Center, 101 Litchfield St., Torrington. 16 and over. $20. Showclix.com/event/EternalismFashionShowFundRaiser

BRISTOL

CHARITY CYCLING CHALLENGE’S 2ND ANNUAL SWING FORE SPECIAL OLYMPICS GOLF TOURNAMENT. Registration at 11 a.m. Shotgun start at noon. Includes 18-hole scramble, continental breakfast, luncheon, dinner, cart, and beer/snacks on the course. Prizes. Southington Country Club, Southington. (860) 26107326, info@CharityCyclingChallenge.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 12

BRISTOL

BRISTOL CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL BOOSTER CLUB GOLF TOURNAMENT. Chippanee Golf Club, Marsh Road, Bristol. (860) 582-2494, BristolCentralFootball.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

BRISTOL

2ND ANNUAL WALK FOR A CURE. To benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation of Connecticut. Sponsored by the Bristol Central High School Interact Club. 7 to 9 p.m., Light the night walk. Pizza slices, and drinks for sale. 41 raffle tables. Music while you walk. BristolCentralHigh School track, 480 Wolcott St., Bristol. Dedicate a luminary bag for $3. Glow stick necklaces for sale for $1. Additional donations welcome. Make checks payable to The Susan G. Komen Foundation of Connecticut.

TUESDAY, JUNE 24

PLAINVILLE

TRIP TO GLOUCESTER AND ROCKPORT. Held by AARP Chapter 4146. Bus leaves Plainville at 8 a.m. and returns at 7 p.m. Lunch include at Gloucester Lobster House on the wharf. Free time in Rockport, the artist colony, for shopping. Everything included $97. (860) 747-1732.

THURSDAY, JUNE 26

BRISTOL

13TH ANNUAL FRED SOLIANI MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT. Held by the Bristol Lions Club. Chippanee Golf Club Marsh Road, Bristol. $155 includes continental breakfast, hot dogs/ hamburgers, free beer-soda-water on the course all day, putting contest, glass break contest, buffet dinner after the tournament, greens fees, cart. (860) 583-6986, geraldlefevre49@gmail.com, (860) 212-2636, wwasleski@centuryspringmfg.com

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9

BRISTOL

ST. STANISLAUS GOLDEN AGERS TRIPS TO ALL YOU CAN EAT LOBSTER AND COMEDY SHOW. Leaves St. Stanislaus Church, 510 West St., Bristol at 10:30 a.m. Delaney House, Holyoke, Mass. Reservations. (860) 589-5597.

THURSDAY, JULY 10

OTHER

THE PLYMOUTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT. Pequabuck Golf Club, Plymouth. (860) 584-5718, (860) 584-4722, info@CentralCTChambers.org, PlymouthCTChamber.org

MONDAY, AUG. 4

BRISTOL/ OTHER

23RD ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT OF THE CENTRAL CONNECTICUT CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE. Tunxis Plantation, Farmington. CentralCTChambers.org, (860) 584-4718.

SUNDAY, AUG. 10

BRISTOL

BUS TRIP TO YANKEE STADIUM. Offered by the BristolSeniorCenter. Game time to be announced Yankees vs. Cleveland Indians. Open to the public, first-come, first-served. $87 due at time of registration. Deluxe motor coach bus, trip director, and reserved main level seats in section 232A. Register now at BristolSeniorCenter, 240 Stafford Ave., Bristol. (860) 584-7895.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 18

BRISTOL

BRISTOL ROTARY CLUB 28TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT. Registration, 10 a.m. 11 a.m., lunch on the patio. 12:30 p.m., shotgun start. Chippanee Country Club, 6 Marsh Rd., Bristol. $175 for a single golfer. $50 for dinner only. Make checks payable to Bristol Rotary Club, send the name, address, email and phone number, along with your fee, to Bristol Rotary Club, P.O. Box 1674Bristol, CT06011-1674.

NOW thru JUNE 8

OTHER

‘OBSERPRETATION.’ An exhibit by artist Paul Gobel presented by the Art League of New Britain. Surreal floral paintings. The Red Barn, 30 Cedar St., New Britain. ALNB.org/About.html, PaulGobellstudio.com

NOW thru JULY 20

OTHER

NEW/ NOW: JOE FIG. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Solo exhibition featuring a series of sculptures and paintings by Joe Fig representing the studios of some of today’s leading contemporary artists, including Petah Coyne, Tara Donovan, and Ursula Von Rydingsvard. $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens. $8 for students. Children under 12, free. Free admission from 10 a.m. to noon. New BritainMuseum of American Art, 56 Lexington St., New Britain. NBMAA.org.

NOW thru MAY 31

SOUTHINGTON

P.R. BAILEY ART EXHIBIT. The Gallery at The Orchards, Community Room, second floor, 34 Hobart St., Southington. SouthingtonArtsandCrafts.homestead.com. SouthingtonOrchards.org

ONGOING

BRISTOL

BINGO. Tuesdays at 10:45 a.m., Fridays at 6:45 p.m. Benefits St. Anthony School. St. Anthony Church, 111 School St., Bristol.

BINGO. Every Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. Free coffee and cookies. Bristol Polish Club, 541 North Main St., Bristol.

THE BARGAIN CENTER. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9 a.m. to noon. Prospect United MethodistChurch, 99 Summer St., Bristol. $5 bag sale is on.

THE GROWING CENTER AT BRISTOL ARC SELLING SPRING PLANTS. Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Saturdays in May. Geraniums, petunias, marigolds, impatiens,hanging baskets, plus flats of annuals and vegetable plants. The Growing Center at Bristol ARC, 621 Jerome Ave., Bristol.

OTHER

MONTHLY ADOPTION INFORMATION SESSIONS. Held by Connecticut Adoption Services. First Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. Barnes and Noble, 1599 S. East Rd., Farmington. (860) 678-9494. Register by 3 p.m. the Wednesday before, (860) 886-7500, CTAdoptions@waterfordcs.org

There will be a Multi-Cultures Celebration of Music and Dance from Around the World presented by East Culture Arts., Inc. and Trinity-On-Main of New Britain on Saturday in New Britain at Trinity-On-Main.

FRIDAY, MAY 16

OTHER

‘MADAMA BUTTERFLY.’ 8 p.m. Connecticut Lyric Opera featuring the Connecticut Virtuosi Orchestra. GardeArtsCenter, 325 State St., New London. $40, $60. (860) 444-7373 ext. 1, GardeArts.org

MAY 16-JUNE 22

OTHER

‘LOVE/SICK.’ Tuesday to Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; weekend matinees, 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, 11 matinees, 2 p.m. TheaterWorks, City Arts on Pearl, 233 Pearl St., Hartford. $50. Additional $15 service charge for center reserved seats. Student rush with ID (subject to availability), $15. Seniors 60 and up, Saturday matinees, $35.(860) 527-7838.

SATURDAY, MAY 17

OTHER

MULTI-CULTURES CELEBRATION OF MUSIC AND DANCE FROM AROUND THE WORLD. Presented by East Culture Arts., Inc. and Trinity-On-Main of New Britain. 2 to 4 p.m. Features Victoria Andino of Southington. Trinity-on-Main, 69 Main St., New Britain. Free. (860) 978-4452, (860) 978-2949. EastCulture.org. (860) 978-2949.

GET A CLUE TOUR. 7 to 10 p.m. Live action version of the classic board game, “Clue,” featuring the comedy troupe Sea Tea Improv as characters from Mark Twain’s novels. Tours step off every 15 minutes. Mark Twain House, 351 Farmington Ave., Hartford. Reservations required. $22. Museum members, $17. Children 6 to 17 are $15. (860) 280-3130, MarkTwainHouse.org

JO KOY. 8 p.m. Fox Theater, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket. $30, $45, and $60. Foxwoods.com

SUNDAY, MAY 18

OTHER

GARRISON KEILLOR. 7 p.m. Mark Twain House, 351 Farmington Ave., Hartford. $15. MarkTwainHouse.org. (860) 280-3130.

MAY 22-24

OTHER

APRIL MACIE. Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 10:30 p.m. Comix at Foxwoods, Foxwoods Resort Casino. $20 for general admission and $40 for VIP. Add $10 on the day of show. Two-drink minimum. 21-plus. ComixatFoxwoods.com. 1-800-200-2882.

NOW thru MAY 18

OTHER

‘THE TRESTLE AT POPE LICK CREEK.’ Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Rd., WestHartford. PlayhouseonPark.org, 1-860-523-5900 ext. 10.

NOW thru JUNE 7

OTHER

‘THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK-THE MUSICAL.’ Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Connecticut Cabaret Theatre, just off Route 9, exit 22 and the Berlin Turnpike, Berlin. Patrons invited to bring whatever they like to eat or drink. Dessert bar. $30. (860) 829-1248. CTCabaret.com

MONDAY, MAY 19

BRISTOL

‘PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR KINDERGARTEN.’ Presented by the Parent and Child Center. 6 to 8 p.m. Greene-Hills School library, 718 Pine St., Bristol. Free to Bristol families and child care providers based in Bristol facilities. Residents from other towns are welcome. The fee for non-residents is $10 per parent or $12 per childcare provider. Pre-register. (860) 585-3895. cgaray@BristolHospital.org

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21

OTHER

BARIATRIC WEIGHT LOSS INFORMATION SESSION. 6 to 7:15 p.m. Center for Metabolic Health, 11 South Rd., Suite 130, Farmington. Register. 1-866-668-5070.

BRISTOL

“HOW SHOULD WE NURTURE CHILDREN TO BE HEALTHY AND MAKE BETTER CHOICES? Presented by the Bristol Early Childhood Alliance. 4:45 p.m., registration. 5 p.m., dinner. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., conversation. BristolSeniorCenter, 240 Stafford Ave., Bristol. Free dinner. Children’s activities. Register. (860) 585-3895. cgaray@BristolHospital.org.

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 17

BRISTOL

HAM DINNER FUND RAISER. Held by OSIA Lodge, No. 1826. 5 to 7 p.m. Tea cup auction, 50/50 drawing. St. Anthony Church Hall, 111 School St., Bristol. $8, adults. $5 for children 6 and older. (860) 583-9738.

SOUTHINGTON

SPRING THEMED DINNER. 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Adult workshop. Menu to include spring chicken, roasted asparagus, beet and goat cheese salad. Christina’s Gourmet, 35 North Main St., Southington. $65. ChristinasGourmetCookies@yahoo.com, (860) 426-9499.

OTHER

HANDS-ON SUSHI MAKING CLASS. 1 to 3 p.m. Red Lantern Restaurant and Lounge, Foxwoods Resort Casino, 240 MGM Grand Dr., Mashantucket. $175 per pair. Two drink maximum. (860) 312-8480. 21-plus.

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.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21

BRISTOL

KIM CHI CREATION WITH LISL OF HERBALISLA. 6:30 p.m. Be part of the studio audience and learn how to make healthy Kim Chi, a fermented cabbage side dish. ArtistTree Tea House and Gallery 156, 156-160 School St., Bristol. $15.

MAY 21, 27, JUNE 1

BRISTOL

FUND RAISERS FOR RELAY FOR LIFE. Wednesday, May 21 and Tuesday, May 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Wendy’s Farmington Avenue, Bristol. Sunday, June 1 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Dunphy’s Ice Cream, Stafford Avenue, Bristol. Fund raisers for Relay for Life by Team St. Gregory to benefit American Cancer Society.

THURSDAY, MAY 22

BRISTOL

BRISTOL ELKS FAMILY NIGHT DINNER. 5 to 6:30 p.m. End of season buffet. Bristol Elks Club, 126 South St., Bristol. $8 per person. All inclusive.

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.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21

OTHER

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Arbor Rose at Jerome Home, 975 Corbin Ave., New Britain. RSVP. (860) 229-3707.

ONGOING

SOUTHINGTON

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS SUPPORT GROUP. Do you suspect food rules your life? Overeaters Anonymous may be the answer for you. It is not a diet club, but a group of people recovering from compulsive overeating. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively. There are no fees or weigh-ins. No need to register. All are welcome. Connecticutoa.org, (860) 218-8550.

BRISTOL

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS SUPPORT GROUP. Saturdays at 11 a.m. BristolHospital Cafeteria Level E, Level E Conference Room, Brewster Road, Bristol. All are welcome. (203) 755-8922.

AL-ANON. Tuesdays 10 to 11:30 a.m. St. Gregory Hall, Stafford Avenue and Maltby Street, Bristol. Families and friends of alcoholics welcome.

AL-ANON. Fridays 7:30 to 9 p.m. St. Andrew’s LutheranChurch, 1024 Stafford Ave., Bristol. Families and friends of alcoholics welcome.

BRISTOL MS SUPPORT GROUP. 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. Bristol Public Library, 5 High St., Bristol. Wheelchair accessible, off-street handicapped accessible. CTFightsMS.org, 1-800-FIGHT MS.

BRISTOL RECOVERY CLUB. Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Wednesdays at 10 a.m., 67 West St., Bristol.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY. 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Covers all hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Bethel Christian Church, 750 Stevens St., Bristol. There is a dinner at 5:30 p.m. for $4 and all adults are welcome. (860) 582-3995.

AL-ANON MEETING - 7 p.m. every Friday at Bristol Recovery Club, 67 West St., Bristol. For anyone affected by someone else’s drinking. (888) 825-2666 or www.ct-al-anon.org.

AL-ANON MEETING - 9:30 a.m. every Saturday at First Congregational Church, 31 Maple St., Bristol. For anyone affected by someone else’s drinking. Newcomers welcome. No fee for attending. 1-888-825-2666 or www.ct-al-anon.org.

AL-ANON MEETING - For anyone affected by someone else’s drinking. 9:30 a.m. every Saturday at First Congregational Church, 31 Maple St., Bristol. 7 p.m. every Monday, United MethodistChurch, 56 Red Stone Hill, Plainville. 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday, BristolBaptistChurch, 43 School St. www.ct-al-anon.org (888) 825-2666.

AL-ANON MEETING - 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday at BristolBaptistChurch, 43 School St., Bristol. For anyone affected by someone else’s drinking. Newcomers welcome. No fee for attending. 1-888-825-2666 or www.ct-al-anon.org.

AL-ANON MEETING- 8 p.m. every Friday night at St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 1025 Stafford Ave. Has someone else’s drinking affected your life? No charge to attend.

PLAINVILLE

AL-ANON MEETING. For families and friends in different locations throughout the week. 10 a.m., Mondays at Plainville Congregational Church, 130 Main St., (Route 372), Plainville. Mondays at 7 p.m., United MethodistChurch of Plainville, 55 Red Stone Hill Rd., Plainville and Fridays at 7 p.m., Wheeler Clinic, 91 Northwest Dr., Route 177. ct-al-anon.org, 888-825-2666.

PLAINVILLE MS SUPPORT GROUP. 7 to 9 p.m., the third Monday of every month. Wheeler Clinic, 91 Northwest Dr., Plainville. (860) 793-9589. CTFightsMS.org

OTHER

GRIEF RECOVERY AFTER A SUBSTANCE PASSING. A support group for families or individuals who had a loved one die as a result of substance abuse or addiction. The last Thursday or each month, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Beacon Falls Congregational Church, 69 Wolfe Ave., Beacon Falls. GraspValleyCt@aol.com, GraspValleyCt@att.net, (203) 231-6705, Pre-registration required. Grasphelp.org.

The following press release was recently issued by the Bristol Police Department:
“The 2014 national Click It or Ticket (CIOT) seat belt enforcement mobilization begins May 19 and runs through June 1.
Bristol Police are joining other law enforcement officers and highway safety advocates across the country to help save more lives by strongly enforcing seat belt laws around the clock.
With the 2014 Memorial Day weekend upon us, Connecticut’s law enforcement agencies intend to promote safe driving and increase protection for all motorists.
Officers are enforcing the seat belt requirements and issuing citations to those who are unbuckled.
As a reminder, all front seat occupants in a vehicle must wear their safety belts. Only rear seat passengers under the age of 16 are required to wear safety belts. If the operator of a vehicle is 16 or 17 years of age, all occupants in the vehicle are required to wear safety belts.
While this year’s mobilization runs through June 1, motorists should know that officers are out enforcing seat belt laws year-round.”

By MIKE CHAIKEN
EDITIONS EDITOR
After all, it is called, “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.”
So the musical, which was at The Bushnell May 6 to 11, was bound to show its family friendly roots.
And it did that in spades with broad humor, animation inspired costumes, and brightly colored sets to appeal to the many, many, many children who turned out to see the story of the beautiful and independent Belle and her stubborn— at times, childish— and eventually gallant Beast. And for the parents and adults, it offered the stellar music of Alan Menken and clever lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.
But, at times, this attempt by this production to appeal to the young and old undercut one or the other. This particular direction seemed to offer an a la carte feel to the scenes, with each having its own mood and approach. It gave one the sense that there wasn’t one hand directing and honing the final product.
For instance, I laughed at the clowning around and rubbery faced acting by Jordan Aragon, who played the sidekick Lefou to the loutish Gaston—the town hunk who felt entitled to Belle’s hand in marriage. All the bouncing around by Aragon had me rolling around in giggles, as it did all of the children. And he did a great job. But the tomfoolery seemed pasted on as an afterthought, something to keep the young audience members’ attention.
Hilary Maiberger was stunning as Belle. I loved her voice. Her musical numbers, such as “Home” and “A Change in Me,” were the highlights of the evening. She helped bring out the best in the show’s score. And she seemed to have a great understanding of the strength of Belle.
But, that said, Maiberger’s Belle didn’t fit with the cartoonish, two-dimensional characters directed for the rest of the story. Her character is supposed to be the “fish out of water” in her village, yes. But Maiberger’s performance would have been more appropriate for a straight play rather than the over-the-top cartoonish, go-for-the-laughs-first performances of most of the performers.
Darick Pead, as the Beast, offered some strong dramatic moments such as his performance of “If I Can’t Love Her.” But there were a couple of moments where he broke character, by offering up more contemporary mannerisms, that were somewhat distracting. The audience loved it. But, from the point of view of theatrical performances, it seemed noticeably out of place for the world that was supposed to enfold before us.
Gaston, played by Tim Rogan, also was a delight as the actor successfully mined a performance that was one half-Elvis and, appropriately enough, Cartoon Network character, “Johnny Bravo.”
Of course, this all goes back to the source material. Full-length Disney animation films have always been about appealing to the entire family… with something for the kids, something for the teens, and something for the adults. While beloved, it doesn’t necessarily make for a cohesive piece of art.
As stage shows go, the production of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” that I saw on May 6 was worth the price of admission. And it definitely kept my attention.
Yes, it might have been improved with a little theatrical cohesion that could have been accomplished with stronger direction and less pandering to the audience. But that’s the theater critic in me talking.
From the audience’s point of view, judging by the laughter and the smiles around me, and the applause at the end of the night, “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” was a definite success and exactly what the people wanted.
I give “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” at The Bushnell on May 6, 2 ½ stars out of 4.
Comments? Email mchaiken@BristolObserver.com.

ArtzFest 2014 will be held in Thomaston and Plymouth on Saturday.

ArtzFest is a celebration of arts, culture and history at a free family event. The history of clock making, including historical industrialists Seth Thomas and Eli Terry, will be celebrated through music, art, traditional crafts, historical bus tours, exhibits, demonstrations and children’s activities. All events are free. Food will be available for purchase.

Thomaston activities run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include the music of Native American flutist Joseph FireCrow and the world music sounds of Sirius Coyote. An artisans market featuring traditional crafts will include exhibits and demonstrations. These activities will be outside at the ThomastonCenterSchool, downtown, with additional programs at the Crescent Gallery, the HistoricalMuseum, the Thomaston Public Library and the Seth Thomas Bradstreet House. Steampunk has been added this year and along with vendors, Landmark Community Theatre is sponsoring a Steampunk Sidewalk Paint Competition. All events are listed on our website at www.artzfest.org.

Plymouth activities run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and in collaboration with the Congregational Church of Plymouth’s 275th Anniversary the Plymouth Historical Society will be offering exhibits, demonstrations, walking and bus tours, children’s activities, re-enactments and the Mattatuck Fife and Drum Corps performing. Activities are focused on the Green, with shuttles available from the PlymouthCenterSchool. All of these events are also listed on the website: www.artzfest.org.

A full program with maps is available on the website and programs will be available the day of the event at the information tents in both towns.

If you have questions, email artzfest@gmail.com.

ArtZfest is sponsored by the Arts & Culture Roundtable, a volunteer organization committed to bringing arts and culture to all people.

By MICHAEL LETENDRE
STAFF WRITER
BRISTOL – The St. Paul tennis team faced a bit of adversity against Watertown on Monday, May 5 in what turned out to be a very competitive affair.
But off the power of its single performers, the Falcons held off the pesky Indians and picked up a 4-3 match victory from the Tennis Courts at Crestbrook Park in Watertown.
The Naugatuck Valley League affair saw St. Paul – winners of 9 of its 11 past matches – move to 9-2 while Watertown fell to 3-7.
And even in doubles action, where the Falcons got swept, the three duel challenges were very competitive affairs.
In singles, top performer and NVL standout Emily Lindsley had no trouble defeating Amanda Orsillo by an 8-1 final and even at the number two slot of the order, it was more of the same.
In that match, Natasha Kempes turned back Sarah Martineau, 8-1, while Meghan Collins won her match over Miranda Squillace by the same tally.
And finally for the Falcons, Olivia Kilbourne was an 8-5 victor over Joana Teixeira to complete the sweep in singles action.
In doubles, the team of Brooke Harris and Maureen Pflomm barely snuck by St. Paul’s Brittany Kennedy and Isabella Sabino (9-7) and the Falcons duo of Brianna Cheng and Nadia Langer-Marshall pushed its opponents to the limit before finally falling late into things.
The combination of Brittany Beveridge and Maddie Cacciato hung on to defeat the St. Paul team by a final of 9-8, which included a 7-4 overtime session to determine the ultimate victor.
In the other doubles bout, the team of Kelly Frascona and Brianan Rogers fell to Rachel Martineau and Mary Zaborowski by a score of 8-1.
And then two days later, the Falcons sank Holy Cross by a 5-2 final from Peck Park in Bristol.
The Falcons took the first three spots in singles action and defeated the Crusaders by a combined 24-1 score during those matches.
Lindsley defeated Lauren Saideravage 8-0 while Kempes sank Jen Dente by the identical tally.
And finally, Collins turned away Rachel Bernier by an 8-1 final.
In doubles action, the Falcons won two of the three challenges to wrap up the event.
The team of Kennedy Sabino got past Angela Hickey and Carina Yabut, 8-4 and the combination of Frascona and Rogers defeated April Zhao and Andi Sun, 8-4.

By MIKE CHAIKEN
EDITIONS EDITOR
Time can be cruel to singers.
With the passing years, through the process of aging or through mistreatment, a singer’s voice in his/ her later years can be a mere shadow of itself.
There are many rockers of Colin Blunstone’s age who have had to rework their entire repertoire—either by transposing the songs to lower keys or eliminating them from their set lists— as they no longer can reach the high notes or low notes of their heyday.
But Blunstone, the lead singer of the Zombies, proved to be a bit of a Dorian Gray during his performance at Bridge Street Live in Collinsville on Friday. His voice, 53 years after he began singing, is still as youthful as ever. During his evening before an appreciative crowd, Blunstone’s voice reached high notes that singers in their 20s would be envious of. And high or low, there was still a power behind his vocals.
That’s not to say his voice hasn’t changed at all since he was a mere 18 years old. Out of curiosity, I tracked down a performance of The Zombies when Blunstone was a fresh-scrubbed kid out of the U.K. The vocals then definitely reflected his age and perhaps were a bit wobbly due to his then-teenage youth.
However, five decades later, Blunstone is surely a master of an instrument that is limber and lithe.
Although, Blunstone is best known as the vocalist for The Zombies, this solo jaunt finds him displaying his other career as a solo performer. Yes, he did perform The Zombies’ “Time of the Season” and “She’s Not There,” both of which received standing ovations from the audience. But, most of the material was drawn from his new album (in the U.S.) “On The Air tonight” and from moments throughout his non-Zombies career.
What was interesting in this “Deep Tracks” approach to his set list, with many of the songs quite obscure in the U.S., is how well the approach worked and how well it held my attention. Although some of the songs I had never heard before, I wanted to hear them again. When I got home, I wanted to backtrack through Blunstone’s career and discover the songs and the songs that surrounded them on the original albums. And that’s exactly what a concert should do.
Another appeal of the show was Blunstone’s charming demeanor on stage. He chatted with the audience, weaving tales about some of the songs so we gained some familiarity in our consciousness. His banter made it feel like we were watching an old friend perform at a backyard party.
Watching Blunstone, in many ways, is like catching a moment in history. After all, The Zombies were one of the highlights of the British Invasion in the 1960s and their music still holds appeal today.
But Blunstone gave proof that he is very much a vibrant artist who still has much to say in 2014 even as we enjoy his past glories.
Opening for Blunstone was a New York singer, by way of Birmingham, U.K., by the name of Edward Rogers. He was a good match for Blunstone. Like the headliner, he had an enchanting way of telling a story, either with his between song-patter or within the songs themselves.
To me, Rogers felt in tune with some of the singers that arose alongside the punk music scene of England in the 1970s. Artists like early Elvis Costello, as well as Wreckless Eric, Ian Dury, and the crew at Stiff Records (pull out your Wikipedia) stepped forward during that creative outburst in music history. And Rogers definitely takes a page out of their book, albeit from the point of view of a man who has moved beyond that of an angry young man in his 20s.
Rogers definitely caught my ears. And he definitely caught the audience’s as well as the new fans lined up after the show to buy advance copies of his upcoming album, “Kaye,” which is his tribute to singer songwriter Kevin Ayers (formerly of the Soft Machine), who passed away last year.
I give the evening with Colin Blunstone at Bridge Street Live in Collinsville on May 9 four out of four stars.

Edward Rogers opened for Colin Blunstone at Bridge Street Live Friday.

Edward Rogers opened for Colin Blunstone at Bridge Street Live Friday.

At Bridge Street Live, last Friday, Colin Blunstone sings a song from his solo career. Blunstone is best known as lead singer of The Zombies.

At Bridge Street Live, last Friday, Colin Blunstone sings a song from his solo career. Blunstone is best known as lead singer of The Zombies.

By MIKE CHAIKEN
EDITIONS EDITOR
It’s one of those signs that summer is around the corner.
Lake Compounce Amusement Park opened for the season on Saturday.
At 11 a.m., little by little, guests started filing into the park that sits along the Bristol/ Southington border. By that time, the morning’s rains had finally subsided. The temperatures turned up enough to reach short-sleeve and shorts weather. And brave souls realized that, yes, it was a good day for a ride on the Boulder Dash roller. (A little later in the afternoon, unfortunately, rain and thunder put a damper on opening day activities.)
General Manager Gerry Brick, offering a tour of the park, said there was a push to finish last minute maintenance tasks before the public was let through the front gates for the season’s debut. He noted a spot where some pavement had been restored the day before. He pointed out the mulch freshly raked across a patch of earth near the opening gates. But the park was definitely ready for its guests.
Brick said the opening day crowd tends to be primarily season ticket holders or, in the case of this year, patrons taking advantage of the day’s two-for-one ticket promotion. The initial lighter crowd on Saturday morning (Brick expected things to get busier as the day progressed) was probably advantageous, the general manager said. It allowed the staff members to get in the groove before the larger crowds arrive as the summer proceeds.
In past years, new amusement rides were the big news at the nation’s oldest continuously operating amusement park. This year, however, the big news came in the form of a couple of other attractions adding to the park’s experience.
Around the corner from the Starlight Theater and the historic carousel, Brick pointed out the new Pink’s Hot Dogs, the iconic Los Angeles restaurant that has now set up stakes with a new Connecticut location. Inside Brick pointed out a décor that kept in line with the spirit and traditions of the iconic Hollywood brand. On the walls, images of Pink’s history mingled with highlights from Compounce’s history.
Although all was ready inside for Pink’s to open this past Saturday, Brick said the park opted to hold off until this coming Saturday. That’s when the founders of Pink’s will be on hand to see the unveiling of their new location.
Another new attraction at Compounce will be opening in July.
Bear Creek campground takes the park into an entirely new realm as a destination spot in central Connecticut. Bear Creek is built on 20 acres of land on the Southington side of Compounce’s property. Taking a trip in a four-wheel drive vehicle along a muddy trail, Brick pointed out the improvements to the property in preparation for the arrival of campers. When the property is ready, the park will place cabins (including ones that are specifically constructed as handicapped accessible) and teepees for campers. There also will be space for tents and parking for RVs. There also is a lodge being built that will offer a store, food services, laundry, and showers. And when guests are ready, there will be a shuttle that will take them from Bear Creek into the amusement park.
Brick described the construction of Bear Creek as a huge undertaking for the park. He pointed out the areas where new sewer and water lines were extended. He pointed out where the landscape has been re-contoured. Even the park’s neighbor, Tilcon, has gotten into the act by reshaping some of its hills for the benefit of the coming campers, said Brick.
The campground, in addition to drawing tourists, also will add to the park’s full-time benefitted staff, said Brick. How many employees will be added to the work force is yet to be seen, said Brick. The park will have a better idea of its staff needs once the campground is operational.

PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN

The rides were up and running for opening day at Lake Compounce Saturday.

The rides were up and running for opening day at Lake Compounce Saturday.

The rides were up and running for opening day at Lake Compounce Saturday.

The rides were up and running for opening day at Lake Compounce Saturday.

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.

The rides were up and running for opening day at Lake Compounce Saturday.

The new Bear Creek campground, on the Southington side of Lake Compounce’s property, is in process to get ready for its July opening.