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.

TUESDAY, JUNE 3

SOUTHINGTON

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Held by Central Connecticut Senior Health Services. Southington Community YMCA, 29 High St., Southington.

THURSDAY, JUNE 5

SOUTHINGTON

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS. 11 a.m. to noon. Calendar House, 388 Pleasant St., Southington.

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.

The Hartford Symphony Orchestra salutes the composers of ‘Les Miserables’ in ‘Do You Hear The People Sing’ on Saturday at The Bushnell in Hartford.

FRIDAY, MAY 30

PLAINVILLE

PLAINVILLE WIND ENSEMBLE. 7 p.m. “The Winds of Change” with Cynthia Sims, freelance news writer at Fox. Directed by Christopher Dresko. Music from Persichetti’s “Pageant,” “El Camino Real” by Alfred Reed, Holst’s Hammersmith” and “Royal Fireworks Music” by Handel. Benefit for the Plainville Animal Control Department. PlainvilleHigh School, Robert Holcomb Way, Plainville. Volunteers will be present to accept free will donations. Concert is free.

OTHER

BRANTLEY GILBERT. With Brian Davis, Jack Ingram. 7:30 p.m Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville. $35. Ticketmaster.com, 1-800-745-3000.

LIL JON. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. SHRINE Asian Kitchen, Lounge, and Nightclub, 240 Fox Tower Dr., Mashantucket. ShrineFoxwoods.com, (860) 312-8888.

TONY BENNETT. 8 p.m. The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford. $59 to $129. Bushnell.org, (860) 987-5900.

CHARLES NEVILLE AND JEFF PITCHELL WITH TEXAS FLOOD. 8 p.m. Bridge Street Live, 41 Bridge St., Collinsville. $25, $35. 41BridgeStreet.com, (860) 693-9762.

SATURDAY, MAY 31

OTHER

THE HARTFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. “Do You Hear the People Sing?” 7:30 p.m. Celebration of the music of Alain Boubil and Claude-Michel Schonberg (“Les Miserables,” “Miss Saigon,” Martin Guerre”). The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford. $20 to $67.50. Student tickets are $10 and $25 for patrons age 40 and under. (860) 244-2999. HartfordSymphony.org

THE MACHINE. 8 p.m. Infinity Hall, Route 44, Norfolk. $39, $59. InfinityHall.com

RONNIE SPECTOR’S ‘BEYOND THE BEEHIVE.’ 8 p.m. Bridge Street Live, 41 Bridge St., Collinsville. 41BridgeStreet.com, (860) 693-9762.

BRISTOL

THE CHAPPARALS. 7 to 11 p.m. The Chaparrals play a blend of country and soft rock music from the 1950s and 1960s. New England Carousel Museum, 95 Riverside Ave., Bristol. $12. Snacks and set-ups available for sale. BYOB. Singles open. Pre-paid tables of eight may be reserved. Reservations suggested. Walk-ins available if there is space. (860) 585-5411, info@TheCarouselMuseum.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

BRISTOL

BRISTOL STRING ORCHESTRA ANNUAL SPRING CONCERT. Dedicated to the memory of founder, mentor, Louise Van Gorder, who passed away earlier this year. 3 p.m. “America The Beautiful,” “You Are My Sunshine,” “Red River Valley,” “Swan Lake,” “Les Quebecois,” “Dance Diabolique.” Musicians ranging in age from 7 to senior. Prospect United MethodistChurch, 99 Summer St., Plainville.

ONGOING

BRISTOL

KARAOKE. Every Friday and Saturday night, 9 p.m. to close. Bristol Polish Club, 541 North Main St., Bristol.

KARAOKE WEDNESDAYS. Live with Lauren. 9 p.m. Gateway Café, 211 Riverside Ave., Bristol. (860) 516-4601.

KARAOKE. Thursdays, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. (18 and up to sing), Fridays, 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. (21 and up), Saturdays, 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. (21 and up). All genres of music, full service bar/ restaurant. Karaoke Lounge, 1639 Wolcott Rd., Wolcott. (203) 879-4785.

KARAOKE. 8 to 11 p.m. Music and sound provided by Thunder and Lighting Productions. All ages. Proper ID to buy alcohol. Trinity-on-Main, 69 Main St., New Britain. $5. (860) 306-4584.

The Bristol Police Department reported the following arrests:
•Tracey Valentine, 30, of 108 Greystone Ave., Bristol was arrested on May 16 and charged with using/ tampering motor vehicle without permission, illegal possession, illegal possession of narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance.
•Anthony Diaz, 19, was arrested on May 16 and charged with illegal manufacturing, distribution, sale, and prescription, and illegal manufacturer distribution, sale, prescribing of narcotics.
•Julio R. Baquero, 45, of 39 Landry St., Apt. 2E, Bristol was arrested on May 16 and charged with two counts of first degree forgery and third degree larceny.
•Erin R. Lavoie, 32, of 84 Hull St., Bristol was arrested on May 16 and charged with second degree failure to appear.
•Richard R. Boutot, 45, of 482 Broad St., Apt. 52, Bristol was arrested on May 16 and charged with sex offender address verification.
•Pedro Viera, 47, of 60 Hinkle Rd., Washington, Conn. was arrested on May 17 and charged with operation while under the influence, driving in the right hand lane, and drinking while operating a motor vehicle.
•Jessica Gustafson, 34, of 412 Main St., Apt. 10, Terryville was arrested on May 17 and charged with third degree assault and second degree breach of peace.
•Mario M. Trapanese, 36, of 37 Ashlover Lane, Bristol was arrested on May 17 and charged with second degree breach of peace and third degree assault. He also was charged in another incidence with violation of probation.
•David Messier, 29, of 161 Stearns St., Bristol was arrested on May 17 and charged with disorderly conduct and second degree reckless endangerment.
•Melissa Demers, 5 Forest St., Attleboro, Mass was arrested on May 17 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
•Michelle Morin, 43, of 53 Lancaster Rd., Bristol was arrested on May 17 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
•Brian K. Mallane, 32, of 18 Mallane Lane, Apt. 2B, Naugatuck was arrested on May 17 and charged with third degree assault, second degree breach of peace, and second degree criminal mischief.
•Michael Doucette, 27, off 149 Union St., Apt. 2, Bristol was arrested on May 19 and charged with third degree larceny, conspiracy, first degree burglary, third degree criminal mischief, first degree criminal trespass, second degree breach of peace, and manufacturer of/ possession of burglar’s tools.
•Damon Reed, 26 of 111 Union St., Apt. B1, Bristol was arrested on May 19 and charged with third degree larceny, conspiracy, first burglary, first degree criminal trespass, manufacturer of/ possession of burglar’s tools, and third degree criminal mischief. In a separate incident, he also was charged with second degree breach of peace.
•Karen Leary, 46, of 8 Burnham St., Apt. 3, Terryville was arrested on May 19 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
•Erin B. Lacombe, 38, off 26A Upson St., Apt. 1-1, Bristol was arrested on May 19 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
•Joed Rosado, 31, of 1620 Main St., Hartford was arrested on May 19 and charged with criminal violation of a protective order/ threatening, and first degree criminal trespass.
•Teagan Maties-Budris, 18, of 56 Park St. 1F, Bristol was arrested on May 20 and charged with third degree assault, second degree breach of peace, and interfering with a 911 call.
•Pamela J. Knoblaugh, 60, of 34 Rowe Place, Bristol was arrested on May 20 and charged with criminal violation of a protective order-non-threatening.
•Omar Segura, 33, of 757 Lake Ave., Bristol was arrested on May 20 and charged with two counts of risk of injury/ impairing the morals of a minor, third degree assault, disorderly conduct, unlawful restraint, and second degree harassment.
•

Brantley Gilbert performs at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville Friday night.

FRIDAY, MAY 30

SOUTHINGTON

ART SHOW OF MELISSA BOTSACOS. 5 to 7 p.m. Meet Melissa, view her artwork showcasing nature, animals, cartoon characters, sports, and more. Light refreshments. Paintings are for sale. Free. Open to the public. The Arc of Southington, 201 West Main St., Southington. (860) 628-9220.

BRISTOL

PAINT NIGHT WITH ASHLEY. 7:30 p.m. Step by step style painting night with summer scene. New painters will be guided to a finished water wash style with paint and canvas. Returning artists will learn water color style techniques. Artist Tree Tea House, 156 and 160 School St., Bristol. (860) 919-4356.

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

KNIT-A-HUG FOR CHARITY. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Held by Knit and Pearls. Create prayer shawlettes, chemo caps, preemie hats and booties, security blankets, and lovies. Finished items will be sent to Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center, Connecticut Children’s MedicalCenter, and the UConnHealthCenter. Knit and Pearls, 395 West Avon Rd., Avon.

‘IN PLAIN SIGHT:’ DISCOVERING CAPTIVE PEOPLE IN CONNECTICUT. 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Symposium will focus on captive people and the slave economy that played a significant role in Connecticut in the 17th through 19th centuries. Speakers include Anne Farrow, journalist and writer, Robert S. Wolff of the Department of History at CentralConnecticutStateUniversity, Lisa Johnson, Stanley-Whitman director. Stanley-Whitman House, 37 High St., Farmington. $25 registration. Includes morning coffee and lunch. Register. (860) 677-9222.

HARTFORD COMIC CON. Presented by Epic Conventions. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Features top artists from comic books such as Ed McGuinness, Tim Sale, Joe Benitez, Shawn McManus, Jimmy Cheung, and more. Cosplay celebrities. Vendors and dealers. Show floor events. XL Center, One Civic Plaza, Hartford. $25 for single day passes and $45 for two day passes and VIP packages start at $125. HartfordComicCon.com, 1-877-522-8499.

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) 261-7326, info@CharityCyclingChallenge.com

CLEAN RECYCLING CAN AND BOTTLE DRIVE. Held by Asbury United MethodistChurch and Girl Scouts. Proceeds to benefit Girl Scout troop’s European tour in 2016. AsburyUnitedMethodistChurch, 90 Church Ave., Forestville.Call (860) 585-0538 for a pick up or questions.

CLOTHING DRIVE. 9 a.m. to noon. To help fund a youth mission for a July 2014 event. Items to be donated: useable clothing for all seasons, all sizes, pocketbooks, belts, backpacks, hats, gloves, shoes, boots, sneakers, scarves, ties beanie babies, stuffed animals. Drive by drop off. AsburyUnitedMethodistChurch, 90 Church Ave., Forestville (860) 614-8478, (860)584-0529.

WATCH IDENTIFICATION. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn about the history of your old-American-made watch. Micah Tasker of TheVintageWatchMan.com will be on hand. American Watch and ClockMuseum, 100 Maple St., Bristol. $10 charged per watch. Three watch maximum. (860) 583-6070.

SUNDAY, JUNE 1

SOUTHINGTON

‘WHAT MATTERS TO YOU.’ Presented by The Southington Arts Council, Inc. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Explore your creative self through art, writing, acting, and meditation. Art Space, lower level of the Southington Historical Society building, 239 Main St., Southington. $25. (860)621-ARTS.

THOMAS MAYER OF PLANTVILLE’S ART EXHIBIT. “Views of Florida.” Thomas is mainly an outdoor painter, using oils and acylics. He is a retired Connecticut art teacher. He teaches painting workshops and gives private lessons. Members of Southington Arts and Crafts Association. The Gallery at The Orchards, community room, on the second floor, at The Orchards, 34 Hobart St., Southington. (860) 628-5656.

OTHER

FIRST SUNDAY GALLERY TALK: RUG HOOKING AND CRAFT AS A PATHWAY TO WORK IN EARLY 20TH CENTURY FARMINGTON. 1 p.m. Hill-Stead Museum, 35 Mountain Rd., Farmington. Free with admission to the museum. Hillstead.org, (860) 677-4787.

ESTATE TOURS WITH BETTY COLLINS. 2 p.m. Hill-Stead Museum, 35 Mountain Rd., Farmington. Free with admission to the museum. Hillstead.org, (860) 677-4787.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4

OTHER

‘THE ABCS OF PHOTO ORGANIZING AND PRESERVING MEMORIES.’ 7 p.m. Professional personal photo organizer Mary Beth Sasso will demonstrate all the ways to save your memories, tell your story, and save your history. Farmington Library, 6 Monteith Dr., Farmington. (860) 673-6791. FarmingtonLibraries.org

AUTHOR KHALED HOSSEINI. 7 p.m. Wrote “The Kite Runner.” Will speak about his new book, “And The Mountains Echoed.” GardeArtsCenter, 325 State St., New London. Free. Tickets needed. (860) 444-7373, ext. 1. GardeArts.org

SYMPOSIUM ON HOWARD ZINN’S ‘A PEOPLE’S ART HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES.’ 7 p.m. Book discussion. Mark Twain House, 351 Farmington Ave., Hartford. Free. Register. (860) 522-9258, ext. 317. MarkTwainHouse.org

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.

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

BRISTOL

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL CRAFT AND TAG SALE. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Held by Gloria Dei Caring for Kids. Proceeds and donations will help the family of 6-year-old Jake Small who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy and needs a wheelchair accessible modification performed on the family van. Crafter, vendor, and tag sale spaces are available for rental for 420. (860) 620-4166, tcarlson01@snet.net, (860) 965-0570. To make a tax-deductible donation, make checks payable to “Caring for Kids,” and mail to Caring for Kids, c/o Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 355 Camp St., Bristol.

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.

SUNDAY, JUNE 15

BRISTOL

BRYON’S SIXTH ANNUAL RUN/ WALK/ STROLL. Registration, 8 a.m. Kids fun run, 9:15 a.m. Race, 9:30 a.m. It has been five years since Bryon was diagnosed with a brain tumor and he is still growing stronger and bigger each day beating back the tumor. Free t-shirts to first 100 applicants. Post race oranges and water. Raffles including Hartford Stage, Stone Age Rock Gym, New EnglandAirMuseum, Roller Magic, Pottery Piazza, Hooker Brewery. DennisM.MaloneAquaticCenter, Mix Street, Bristol. (860) 371-0551.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18

OTHER

5K SOLSTICE RACE TO BENEFIT THE FARMINGTON VILLAGE GREEN AND LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. Held by the Hartford Track Club. Packet pickup at 5 p.m. Race at 6:30 p.m. USATF/CT certified 5K course. MDC Reservoirs, 1420 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. Register. www.active.com/west-hartford-ct/running/races/solstice-spring-5k-2014 Deadline June 15.

SUNDAY, JUNE 22

BRISTOL

‘CRAZY FOR BATS.’ 1 p.m. Presented by Wolf Central. With Gerri Griswold of WhiteMemorialConservationCenter, ‘The Bat Lady.’ Has rehabilitated injured bats for 18 years. Polish Falcon Nest, 33 Knowles Ave., Southington. $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and children under 16. Group rates. Drinks and refreshments available for purchase. Tickets available at wolfcentral.org/store/events-tickets.

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.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25

BRISTOL

3RD ANNUAL MIKE ARBURR MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT. In memory of Arburr, a former Terryville police officer and active volunteer in Bristol sports including a tenure as president of McCabe Waters Little League as well as managerial and coaching positions with McCabe and the CT Titans softball team. Hawks Landing, Southington. Sponsors and participants sought. (860) 584-0491, (860) 261-4826.

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. Consider sponsoring. (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

TUESDAY, JULY 15

PLAINVILLE

FOXWOODS CASINO TRIP. Trip associated with AARP Chapter 4146. Leave Our Lady of MercyChurch, 19 S. Canal St., Plainville at 8 a.m. Leave casino at 4:15 p.m. $21 per person. Bonus package included. Reservations only. No money will be collected on the bus. (860) 747-1732.

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

SATURDAY, MAY 31

PLAINVILLE

FAMILY FEST 2014. Presented by PlainvilleSchool Readiness, Plainville Family Resource Network, Friends of the Library. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Touch a Truck, magician, clowns, special visitors, musical entertainment, arts and crafts activities, stress-reduction activities/ ideas for families to sample and take home, local business/agencies with information, free drawings, books. For all ages. PlainvilleHigh School, Robert Holcomb Way, Plainville. (860) 747-3321, (860) 793-6304.

OTHER

STORY TIME FOR TODDLERS. 10 a.m. This month’s program will focus on “Story Quilts.’ Children will explore the quilts, works on paper, fabric sculptures, and paintings by Faith Ringgold and Aminah Robinson. Mattatuck Musem, 144 West Main St., Waterbury. Free with admission the museum, $7 for adults and $6 for seniors. MattatuckMuseum.org, (203) 753-0381 ext. 130.

BRISTOL

‘THE FAULT IN OUR STARS’ PARTY. 12:30 to 2 p.m. Come celebrate the release of “The Fault In Our Stars,” based on the book of John Green. The book is available in the Manross Memorial Library. For teens 12 to 18. Manross Memorial Library, 260 Central St., Forestville. (860) 584-7790. sararay@ci.bristol.ct.us

JUNE 23-JULY 18

OTHER

SUMMER YOUTH ART. Full or half day art experience for children 5 to 12. Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St., Waterbury. Half day sessions are $65 for members, $130 for non-members, full-day sessions are $130 for members, and $260 for non-members. Supervised after care available 3:30 to 5 p.m. (203) 753-0381 ext. 114, mmalcolm@mattatuckMuseum.org

MAY 31-JUNE 1

OTHER

‘JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH.’ Performed by New Britain Youth Theater. Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Stars children ages 8 through 14 and is appropriate for audiences of all ages. Cast and crew of 34 children comes from New Britain, Avon, Berlin, Bristol, East Hampton, East Windsor, Farmington, Middletown, Plainville, Southington, Terryville, West Hartford, and Windsor. Trinity-On-Main Performance center, 69 Main St., New Britain. $13 for adults, $11 for children, students, and seniors. (860) 515-8115, NBYT.org

JULY 7-10

OTHER

SUMMER SOFTBALL CLINIC. General skills from 9 a.m. to noon. Pitchers and catchers, 12:30 to 3 p.m. For players ages 8-16. Held by USA Elite Training, LLC. BartlemPark, Cheshire. USAEliteTraining.com, (203) 439-0565.

JULY 7-11, JULY 14-18, JULY 21-25

OTHER

HANDS-ON PERMACULTURE PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN AGES 3 TO 13. 9 a.m. to 11: 50 a.m. for Little Sprouts and Explorers and Visionaries until 3:30 p.m. Three week program held by the Sustainable Farm School. Entails holistic learning that will engage a child’s mind, body, and spirit. Together, the group will work toward completing a permaculture landscape design for the Quaker Meeting House. Students may register for one, two, or all three weeks. Age groups: Little Sprouts (3-6), Explorers (7-10), and Visionaries (10-13). Quaker Meeting House, 144 South Quaker Lane, West Hartford. $200 per week for Explorers and Visionaries, and $125 for Little Sprouts. SustainableFarmSchool.com, (860) 577-0883, summer@sustainablefarmschool.com

AUG. 4-8

BRISTOL

CHALLENGE QUEST. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For ages 9 to 18. Fun and respectful atmosphere to challenge yourself to reach your potential. High school students, who successfully complete the week-long program, may participate in a four day, three night camping excursion, Aug. 9 to Aug. 12. PineLake Challenge Course, Bristol. Applications at Bristol Youth Services or download copy at the city of Bristol’s website. Mail completed applications to Bristol Youth Services, attn: Cindy M. Oliveras-Cyr, 51 High St., Bristol. (860) 314-4689.

NOW thru JUNE 2

BRISTOL

PLAY AND LEARN GROUP. Mondays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. except for school holidays. Held by the Parent and Child Center. Helps families meet other parents and children under the age of 5. Offers school readiness skills before children enter kindergarten. Hubbell School, cafeteria, 90 West Washington St., Bristol. Open only to Bristol families. (860) 585-3895, cgaray@bristolhospital.org

By MICHAEL LETENDRE
STAFF WRITER\PLAINVILLE – The Bristol Central baseball team had to dig deep to pull one out against Plainville on Wednesday, May 21.
But as the game seemed to be slipping away, the Rams made its comeback, forced an extra stanza, and then wrecked the Blue Devils for four runs in the eighth inning to put the thing away as Central made a 6-4 come-from-behind victory from Alumni Field in Plainville in a CCC South tilt.
Central (11-7) kept in the game off the strength of the pitching from Jerry LaPenta (4-3) who held the fort from the start.
He didn’t overwhelm the Blue Devils (9-8) and he didn’t rack up huge strikeout numbers but made the big pitch when it mattered and nearly threw a complete game effort, going 7.2 innings to nab his biggest victory of the campaign.
“With Jerry, we talked at length about finishing pitches off,” said Central coach Bunty Ray. “And I think he did that around the third inning on. Early on, he gets hit. He gets the two strikes like he always does. He throws strikes but he throws too many strikes. Today, the location was a lot better. He was (also) on normal rest…I haven’t had him on normal rest all year.”
“I thought as the game wore on, he gave us a good effort.”
This game could have been ended early by the Rams but errors, mental mistakes, and general tomfoolery prolonged the contest.
Central just missed out on breaking open the game off a bases loaded situation – with no outs – in the fifth frame that resulted in only one run, as a huge defensive stop by Marc “Bubba” Milo foiled the Rams in the sixth and a squeeze bunt attempt in the seventh – that would have netted the game-winning run for the Rams – fell short.
But in the eighth, Central put all the players into motion and knocked Plainville out of contention.
With the scored tied at 2-2, Kyle Pileski started the final inning by getting hit-by-a-pitch and Tony Nicoletti slammed a single to left to put two on.
After Jacob Hall was intentionally walked, it was time for Jimmy Godbout to make Plainville pay.
Godbout nailed a deep shot to centerfield as both lead runners crossed the plate, propelling the visitors to a 4-2 push.
“We were flirting with it all game,” said Ray of the big hit. “You know, the squeeze bunt we didn’t get, the opportunities for the run producing situations we didn’t capitalize on. But it was just a matter of time. You have to play the percentages. At some point, something was going to happen.”
“It was nice to see it come off the bat of Jimmy.”
But the Rams weren’t done yet.
With one out, Nick Sassu drew a walk and once again, the bases were loaded.
Joey DeFillippi then sent a grounder to shortstop, which was easily going to score Hall from third base for an RBI tally, but Shane Pugliese threw the ball away – allowing Godbout to cross the plate as well and suddenly, Central’s lead was an imposing 6-2 edge.
“They’re finding ways to win those close games,” said Ray of his squad. “We’ve been in a lot of them. We’re not an offensive machine so we’re out there, pitching, playing defense. We’re in close games and we have to execute.”
But even as Central nabbed its impressive lead, Plainville wasn’t done yet.
Down four runs to open the bottom of the eighth, Mike Munson started the rally off with a double to center.
With one out, Milo slammed a two-base hit to the left field fence – scoring Munson – as Plainville was back in it and trailing by just a 6-3 score.
But off a pop-out, Plainville was trailing by three and down to its last out.
However, the Blue Devils were hardly finished.
Buzz Adams, filling in for Kyle Beloin at first base, slipped in a single up the middle as Milo hit the plate and the Blue Devils were in it but still down 6-4 with no margin left for error.
Pinch hitter Jay Monteleone drilled a base-hit into centerfield and LaPenta’s day was done.
Off reliever Jake Collins, Pugliese drew a four-pitch walk and the bases were juiced with the go-ahead run standing at first base.
But Matt Sauvron popped out at short and Central completed an impressive 6-4 come-from-behind win in what turned into a wild and wooly affair.
“When you go up 2-0, you find a way to go up three, four, five-nothing and momentum is on your side,” said Plainville coach Lou Mandeville. “If you give up two runs in a seven inning game, you should win the ball-game and that didn’t happen.”
Nicoletti had a big day for Central, getting two hits, an RBI and drawing a walk in the fray and his sixth-inning RBI single tied the game at 2-2 and made it a new ballgame.
“Nicoletti has been our leader in terms of our spark plug,” said Ray. “He gets that hit to tie the game and I think you see everybody sort of go from there.”
Pugliese, Munson and Milo all had doubles in the losing effort for the Blue Devils (9-8) while belting Central for 11 big hits.
Starting pitcher Brett Snowden was tough over his five-plus innings and had his curveball working against the Rams.
He only gave up one earned run and while he hit a couple batters in the excursion, Snowden remained calm and poised until he was lifted in the game for Munson in the sixth.
Munson held the fort and Jon Lindgren – absorbing a tough loss – went 1.2 innings but battled throughout.
Over the first three stanzas, Central pretty much looked like a squad who was playing its third game in as many days.
Plainville added a run in the first inning of play but in the third, the home team went to a little small ball to go up in the game by two.
Andre DeGregorio walked to open the third and Pugliese singled as Plainville had runners on the corners.
With Sauvron at the plate, Pugliese baited the Central defense into a rundown between first and second base and DeGregorio waited for his chance to break for home-plate.
Pugliese was in the middle of the pickle and eventually, Central fell asleep on DeGregorio at third as the junior scored and gave Plainville a 2-0 push after three completed frames.
“I didn’t like the way we came out over the first three innings,” said Ray. “I thought we were flat, it was our third game in three days, no excuses. It took us a while to just get going. I think once we got on the board and knew it was a game, I saw some guys getting a little energized. “
Down 2-0, Central scored a run in the fifth off a walk and consecutive hit batsmen.
With the bases loaded and one out, Barry McPhail came in to pinch-hit and delivered a sacrifice fly – plating Nicoletti – as the Rams chopped the deficit in half at 2-1.
In the fifth, it was Nicoletti’s turn as he slipped a single past first base and Jarrett Michaels, who reached base off an error, scored via the RBI offering and quickly, things were notched at 2-2.
“When a young team makes mistakes, you just hope you make more positives than negatives,” said Ray. “And right now, we’re making more positive plays.”
Both team had chances to end the event in regulation but interferences calls, base running blunders and costly outs kept the game at 2-2 with Plainville coming to bat in the seventh inning of play.
Beloin just beat out an infield hit to get on base and off a sacrifice by Andre DeGregorio, the lead runner was in scoring position.
Pugliese was intentionally walked but with two outs, Plainville had runners on first and second.
Pezzulo slammed a one-hopper to Michaels in centerfield as his sharply hit ball was cleanly fielded.
Beloin rounded third base and headed for home.
Michaels zipped the ball in to Nick Sassu at the plate, he quickly applied the tag to the approaching runner and as Beloin bowled over the catcher, he was called out and the Plainville runner was also ejected from the game for nailing the man behind the plate.
“I have to give my kids credit,” said Mandeville. “We battled today, we competed today, and it just didn’t work out.”
But in the opening frame of extra innings, Central notched those four runs to seize ultimate control of the game,  leading to the huge win.
“I have to credit some of the teams that we’ve been playing,” said Ray. “We haven’t been handed anything. They’re going out hitting the ball, pitching and playing defense against us. Today, we were able to capitalize on the few mistakes (Plainville) made. And that’s high school baseball.”
“The team that makes the fewest mistakes usually wins the game.”

Bristol Central pitcher Jerry LaPenta fires a pitch to a Plainville batter during last Wednesday’s victory in Plainville.

By MICHAEL LETENDRE
STAFF WRITER
HARTFORD – Over the first half of the scholastic season, the Bulkeley baseball team – though winning all of its games – went a credible 3-7 and certainly have given squads heartburn on the field.
But that’s all changed over the last half of the campaign.
And Bristol took its medicine before arriving to play the Bulldogs and simply cured all of its wrongs over the last four games and buried Bulkeley 9-0 in a CCC South from Colt Park in Hartford on Wednesday, May 21.
Eastern moved to 8-10 overall and snapped its four game losing streak while Bulkeley fell to 3-14 and will not be in the postseason picture.
That eighth win of the season for Eastern meant the Lancers qualified for state tournament.
In fact, all scholastic baseball and softball squads in the Mum City have now all punched its postseason tickets.
The win also ended a brutal stretch of road games for Eastern in which the team went 3-5 but did just enough to qualify for the states against the Bulldogs.
And once again, the Lancers turned to one of its “young veterans” to get the job accomplished from the mound.
Sophomore left hander Nate Carney threw a complete game gem, upping his record to 5-2 on the season.
Carney allowed just three singles, walked three, and struck out five in the complete game effort.
No Bulkeley base-runners advanced past second base. 
Carney did a nice job spacing out his hits as he gave up two singles in the third and one in the fifth.
The Lancers had nine hits in the contest and also benefited from 12 Bulkeley walks.
Once again, Eastern’s Jake Colello came up big in the showdown
Colello tallied up three hits – two singles and a double – scored twice and drove in two runs. 
While no other Eastern batter had more than one hit, the visiting team still found ways to move runners around the bases.
Eastern took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first and that’s all the Lancers needed to zip up the game.
Three Eastern base-on-balls opened the fray as Bulkeley was in trouble with the bases loaded and without the Lancers putting the ball into play.
The trio of Colello, Kyle Baker, and Jourdon Wydra earned free passes before the lead runner – Colello – scored off a fielder’s choice to push Eastern to a 1-0 lead.
The game remained a 1-0 affair until the fourth stanza when Eastern added a few runs to its side of the scoreboard.
In the fourth, a single by Eric Therrien, followed by a walk to Adrian James, put two runners on with no outs. 
Bulkeley starting pitcher Wilmer Vasquez, who was cruising right along, retired the next two batters, but Colello followed through with a single to right center for a run.
Later, Baker sliced a two-run single to left as Eastern led 4-0 and was in control of the game.
But the Lancers weren’t done putting crooked numbers up on the board.
Eastern added three more runs in the fifth to make it a 7-0 tilt.
Two walks by Therrien and James opened the fifth inning and a passed ball moved the duo up a base.
A costly Bulkeley infield error scored both runners and Jordan Lowrey ending up on second off the gaff.
Quickly, Lowery scored on Colello’s double and the Lancers led 7-0 as Bulkeley was in a deep hole with no easy way out with Carney on the mound.
The last two Lancer runs came in the sixth and ended the scoring on the afternoon.
A single by Bryce Lebron and a double from Rod Green put two runners on. Joe Dorsio followed up with a sacrifice for a run and an infield single by Ben Derosier, good for an RBI tally, gave Eastern its final run and a 9-0 cushion.
Eastern hosted Platt on Friday and played its final two games from Bristol.
Comments? Email mletendre@BristolObserver. com.

By NICOLE JACQUES
CORRESPONDENT
Master downtown Bristol developer Renaissance Downtowns urged citizens to “stay the course” in supporting Phase 1 development plans for Depot Square during a public dinner held at Nuchies in Forestville on May 19.
Following weeks of public meetings at which some Bristol residents expressed doubt in the slated actions proposed by the development company, Renaissance officials sought to use the Nuchies dinner as an opportunity to describe the progress they made over the last four years under partnership with the city, as well as answer questions from the public while providing explanations of the next steps to come.
“We’re at a crossroads—now it comes down to the general public” said Nuchies co-owner Dave Pasqualicchio, who introduced the Renaissance team and urged residents to continue their support of the long-awaited development plans.
“Anything can work, but it’s going to take work, and hard work,” said Pasqualicchio. “Everyone has challenges, even Renaissance…[Downtown development] is not going to happen overnight.”
Ryan Porter, director of planning and development for Renaissance Downtowns, said that over the four years Renaissance has been involved in Bristol, progress has been made.
Since aligning with the city in May 2010, Renaissance has brought over 2,600 members to revitalization support organization Bristol Rising, and has held over 150 public outreach meetings. Physical developments such as the demolition and reconstruction of 11 Summer St., the relocation of McDonald’s, and encouraging and supporting the opening of downtown businesses such as Barley Vine and Bare Bones have also been part of the process, said Porter.   Porter also addressed concerns raised at the May 13 City Council meeting, at which a number of residents expressed disapproval for what they called a “change of plans” on Renaissance’s part in the development corporation’s decision to continue Phase 1 with the construction of an apartment complex.
“The plan has not changed,” said Porter, who called the the concern a misconception. “We still are going to be delivering [the originally proposed project] here in Bristol.”
Some residents also expressed concerns over the pace of Renaissance’s accomplishments over the last four years, saying more progress should have been made during the time period. Porter explained that the track of development has been normal, if not faster than other communities, citing similar projects such as West Hartford’s Blue Back Square, which took years to complete after initial ideas surfaced in 1999 and construction began in 2005.
Renaissance’s next steps in the Phase 1 plan (which included the relocation of McDonald’s) includes construction of a five-story apartment building, with a first floor reserved for retail spaces. Rental prices for those apartment spaces are expected to range from $750 per month for a studio apartment and upwards of $1,000 to $1,400 or more per month for one- and two-bedroom spaces (approximately $1.85 per square foot).
Construction on that part of the phase, however, may not begin until anywhere between nine months to about a year from now. Porter said financing the project is the current roadblock, with an estimated $11.7 million in private funds still needing to be raised.
Renaissance finance plans have asked the city for $6 million in public funding for the construction. In addition, officials from the organization are currently exploring state CHAMP grants, EB3 financing, and bonding as supplementary financing options.
Renaissance stressed the financing issue should not be viewed as a setback.
“The answer cannot be that we abandon the thought of downtown development,” said Don Monti, president and CEO of Renaissance, continuing on to say that the public investment is necessary.
Despite the presentation, some residents remained skeptical, saying the project may be giving Bristol something that it does not want.
“I know [Renaissance’s] intentions are good, but I’m nervous—I’m very nervous about what’s happening. I don’t like it,” said Steve Cohen, an early supporter of Renaissance, who said he does not feel comfortable with the city zoning changes made for the project.
Others who voiced their opinions at the dinner said that although the project may make some people nervous, that does not mean the city should halt work on it.
“The Bristol residents keep saying not here—I say why not here?” said Linda, a current West Hartford resident and long-time Bristol homeowner. “If you want to change Bristol stop trashing it and change your town—it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.”
Fred Hall, a Bristol resident, is also optimistic about the project.
“This is not a lot of pie-in-the-sky talk—this is real,” said Hall. “Let’s make this happen and have us be looked back on as the greatest generation in the [history of] Bristol for what we’ve done.”
While construction for the next steps of Phase 1 remains months away, Renaissance said it is important now and in the coming months that citizens remain active in supporting the 75 businesses that surround the downtown area.
“Nobody is going to take this project seriously if we don’t get things going, so we need to get things going,” said Porter. 
Renaissance’s finalized Phase 1 plans for Depot Square are due to the City Council by June 16.

By LISA CAPOBIANCO
STAFF WRITER
For Bella Hamelin of Bristol, traveling to Japan is the trip of a lifetime. An eighth grader of St. Anthony’s School, Bella will soon travel to the “Land of the Rising Sun” through a program provided by the People-to-People Ambassador programs, which have created global citizens through educational travel opportunities for students nationwide for 50 years.
Bella was accepted into the Student Ambassador Program, which offers youth in grades 5 through 12 (as well as college students) an opportunity to take part in activities abroad that enhance their global awareness while fostering maturity, independence, and a love for learning about other cultures.
“I’ve always wanted to go outside the country, and going to Japan would be a great opportunity,” said Bella, who will receive academic credit for her participation in the program.
Bella’s interest in the program began after receiving an anonymous letter that recommended her as a potential candidate. She then attended an informational meeting where she learned more about the Student Ambassador Program, hearing about the experiences of other students who traveled abroad. Bella said what struck her the most was hearing the perspectives of the parents, who recalled how the trip changed their children’s lives forever.
“It sounded very interesting,” said Bella. “If an experience like this can change someone so much, it’s worth pursuing.”
After the informational meeting, Bella underwent an interview, which entailed a series of questions about “what she would do” in a given situation while abroad. Since her acceptance into the program, Bella has started her experience even though she has not yet boarded on the plane. Between learning different Japanese traditions and completing civics worksheets or projects on aspects of Japanese culture, Bella is preparing for the trip in a number of ways.
“I find it interesting how their clothing has changed,” said Bella, adding the girls in Japan wear “Hello Kitty”-style clothing. “Now, it’s more modernized.”
Bella will spend over a week in Japan this July, and has spent the past eight months raising funds for the trip, which costs thousands of dollars. She has made chocolate pops with her mother Donna, selling the treats at various community events.
“She has been working hard for this,” said Donna, adding she hopes the trip helps build more confidence, independence and growth in her daughter.
Although her fund raisers have been successful, Bella will continue her efforts with an upcoming pasta dinner this Saturday, with the hope of reaching her goal, so she can give back to tsunami victims in Japan.
“We are going to clean up the beach where the tsunami hit,” said Bella, who will stay with a family in Japan. “Being there, being able to help, will make a difference for those who lost loved ones.”
From visiting schools to experiencing home stays to learning world culture through exploration, student ambassadors have the opportunity to increase their global awareness in a variety of ways while strengthening their leadership and teamwork skills, reported People to People’s website. During the trip, Bella will record her daily experiences in a journal, noting the activities she engaged in and the people she met. She will also travel with a delegation of 40, including individuals from Massachusetts and Illinois.
Bella said she looks forward to her role as student ambassador, which she hopes will provide her a unique cultural experience.
“I just want the entire experience—I want to see how the tsunami affected people,” said Bella, adding she also hopes to learn more about Japanese culture during the trip.
The pasta dinner will take place this Saturday, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Bethel Christian Church, 750 Stevens St., Bristol. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children age six to 12. There is free admission for children ages five and under. For tickets and more information, contact Donna Hamelin at (860) 583-9864 or Tracy Carlson at (860) 620-4166. Tickets are also available at the door. All proceeds benefit People to People Student Ambassador Bella Hamelin.

Bella Hamelin, an eighth grader, has been selected by People-to-People to travel to Japan. A pasta supper will be held Saturday to help pay for her journey as a ‘Student Ambassador.’

Following bomb scares at Bristol Central and Bristol Eastern high schools last week, today, there was a bomb scare at Northeast Middle School, police reported.
Police said at approximately 12:34 p.m., police and fire personnel responded to Northeast Middle School, 530 Stevens St., for a reported bomb threat.
Police said a student found a note stating a bomb was set to go off in the building.
Police said students and faculty were evacuated from the building, while police secured the building and immediate area. Police said once the building was evacuated, a decision was made by school administrators to let students go home early. Parents were notified and students were transported home by bus, said police.
At this time, approximately 3 p.m. on Tuesday, the scene is active and the state police bomb squad was called for assistance in searching the building. Bristol’s Criminal Investigation Division is also on scene investigating the incident.
There were no reported injuries.
Police said once more information is available it will be released.

The Bristol Police Department has sworn in a new police officer.

Harrison Pollock has joined the force after two years with the Orange Police Department. While in Orange, Bristol police said in a release, he was “recognized in 2013 for his outstanding police work.”

The release from Police Chief Thomas R. Grimaldi said the department “continues to add officers to its ranks in an effort to fully staff the police department.

To encourage and facilitate a community dialogue about how the currently vacant O’Connell and Bingham schools might be re-used, the Bristol Planning Commission has scheduled a public outreach meeting (“listening session”)for Saturday, June 14.

The two-hour meeting will be held in Meeting Room #1 at the Bristol Public Library, 5 High St., between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.

The discussion that takes place during this listening session will help guide and inform the Planning Commission as part of its process of developing a community vision for the potential re-uses of the O’Connell and Bingham school buildings and sites, said a press release from the commission.

Members of the Planning Commission and its staff will be in attendance at the session, and interested persons are encouraged to attend and participate. Written communications may also be submitted prior thereto.

Two police officers from Bristol—Sgt. Craig Duquette and Officer Timothy O’Brien—will be honored at the 28th annual Mothers Against Drunk Driving Connecticut’s Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony on June 12.

The ceremony honors those in law enforcement who have assisted in their mission to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime, and prevent underage drinking during the year 2013.

The Bristol Police Department put forth Duquette (15 driving under the influence arrests) and O’Brien (13 DUI arrests) as the award recipients.

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

Lee J. Cogswell, 72, of Bristol, died early Friday, May 30. He was the husband of Alice (LeRoy) Cogswell.
William (“Bill”) A. Archambeault, 69, died unexpectedly on April 23 in El Paso, Texas.
David “Corky” Papapietro, 65, of Enfield, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 27.
John E. Mihalko, 84, of Forestville, husband of Elizabeth (Checovetes) Mihalko, died on Sunday, May 25 at Bristol Hospital.
Margaret (O’Connell) Kuchka, 82, of Bristol, widow of William Kuchka, died on Saturday, May 24.
Doris M. Perfetto, 89, of Bristol, died on Saturday, May 24, at Bristol Hospital.
Josephine W. Parenti, 96, of Forestville, died on Saturday, May 24 at Bristol Hospital.
Judy Melnick died May 21 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Richard H. “Dick” Inglis died Sunday, May 18 at Hartford Hospital. He was 82.
Drew F. Grosof, 19, of Terryville, son of Robert R. & Deborah (Vinton) Grosof died Saturday, May 24 at his home.
Mary Ann (Bader) Poulin, 68, of Wolcott died on May 26 after a short battle with an illness.
Eugene C. Torvinen Sr., 77, of Bristol, husband of Eleanor (Santor) Torvinen died May 23 at his home.

Two more bomb threats occurred in Bristol schools today.
At Chippens Hill Middle School, the mayor’s office announced, a threat was found in a girls bathroom.
At St. Paul Catholic High School, the mayor’s office reported, another bomb scare occurred.
The city said it will keep the public updated as information is available.

Police chief Thomas Grimaldi announced a press conference will be held today at 5 p.m. to discuss the recent rash of bomb scares in the city.

Over the past nine days, five schools have had bomb scares. Bristol Central, Bristol Eastern, and St. Paul Catholic high schools as well as Chippens Hill and Northeast middle schools have been the victims of these threats.

In the chief’s press release, he said the Police Department, the Board of Education, and mayor’s office will address the matter.

The Bristol Police Department, Fire Department, and EMS responded to two bomb threats today.

At 11:31 a.m., public safety crews responded to St. PaulHigh School, 1001 Stafford Ave.

Subsequently, at 1:02 p.m., police, fire, and EMS responded to ChippensHillMiddle School on Peacedale Street.

In a press release, police said at both schools, the administration was made aware of the threat and evacuated students and faculty. The schools were closed, parents were notified, and busses were dispatched to transport students. There were no reported injuries, police said.

Police said they secured the school perimeters and an investigation was initiated. The State Police bomb unit was called and conducted searches and cleared each of the schools.

A press conference is scheduled for today at the Bristol Police Department with school officials, police officials, and the mayor’s office addressing the five bomb scares within nine days at Bristol schools.

A husband and wife died on Henderson Street, this morning, leaving behind three children, police said. Police said preliminary investigation indicates this may have been a murder/suicide.

A press release issued by the Bristol Police Department said that today, June 4, at about 7:14 a.m. police received a phone call reporting that there had been a shooting at 73 Henderson St. in Bristol.

Police said responding officers made entry into the home and located two parties with apparent gunshot wounds. Both victims were deceased.

Police identified the deceased as Alexander Ryng, 26, and Kyla Ryng, 27, both of 73 Henderson Street.

Police said the couple were married and had three children, ages 4, 3, and 20 months. Police said the children were present in the house during the incident, but were not injured.

Police said the state Department of Children and Families was notified of the incident and the children are currently being cared for by family members.

Police Chief Thomas Grimaldi, left, Mayor Kenneth Cockayne, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ellen Solek, and Fire Chief Jon Pose address the recent spate of bomb threats targeting city schools. A press conference was called this afternoon to emphasize the repercussions of the threats, which are seen as isolated incidents at each of the schools where they have occurred.

By MIKE CHAIKEN

After five bomb scares at Bristol schools since last week, city officials made it clear tonight that the culprits will be caught and there will be severe consequences—including criminal charges and the pursuit of full financial restitution for the cost of dispatching city emergency personnel to the scene and the disruption of the education process.

Bristol Central, Bristol Eastern, and St. Paul Catholic high schools and Northeast and Chippens Hill middle schools were all the target of bomb threats via a variety of methods, starting last week. St. Paul and Chippens Hill were both targeted today.

The city is offering a $1,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction of those responsible, said Bristol’s Mayor Kenneth Cockayne.

Police Chief Thomas Grimaldi said it appears each threat was an isolated incident, with no one person being responsible for all of them. He said it appeared to be a case of “copy cats.”

“We take it very seriously,” said Grimaldi of the threats. As of Wednesday night, he said it is an active investigation

The suspects have the potential of facing felony charges and school sanctions, said Grimaldi. The charges could even include committing an act of terrorism.

Grimaldi said the suspects may feel the threats are a joke. However, Grimaldi said the incidents have serious consequences.

Grimaldi said the incidents have an impact beyond the schools and reaches into the community at large. He said 60 police officers, as well as other emergency personnel, were occupied with assuring the safety of the students at each of these bomb threats. And these emergency personnel were not available for true emergencies in the rest of Bristol.

Fire Chief Jon Pose echoed Grimaldi’s comments. On each of these false threat calls, two fire companies were sent out. If there were true emergencies, those fire personnel would not have been available to respond as quickly as they could have. Additionally, the calls put the lives of the emergency personnel at risk as they rush to the scene for these false threats.

“It’s not joke,” said Pose. “The perpetrators will be caught and will be prosecuted.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ellen Solek said the Bristol Public Schools has provided the police department with surveillance footage that is currently being examined to find those who were responsible for the threats.

Solek said for most of the staff in the city schools, this rash of bomb threats was the first time they have experienced such incidents.

In the four previous incidents, students were evacuated from the schools and relocated to a safe location. The students then were sent home.

In light of these incidents, Solek said the schools are changing their protocols on how to respond to these threats. Students and staff will still be evacuated and fire and police personnel still will give a thorough search of the building. But when emergency personnel deem the buildings to be safe, students will be returned to the building.

Four the four instances in the city’s public schools, students were sent home early.

The consequences for the false bomb threats will extend to the parents as well, said city officials—if the perpetrators turn out to be juvenile.

Cockayne reiterated the city’s intent to seek full restitution for the funds expended to respond to these calls. That cost likely will be borne by the parents of any juveniles.

Additionally, said Grimaldi, if the suspects are indeed juveniles, they will have to appear in juvenile court. Then their parents will have to accompany them through the lengthy court process, resulting in lost time at work, lost wages, and legal expenses.

“There are a lot of consequences for parents,” said Grimaldi.

Solek said parents in the community should take the time to speak to their children regarding the seriousness of these bomb threats. They should also encourage their children to come forward if they have any information regarding who is responsible.

Grimaldi said there are plans in the works to more formally address parents about this issue. The city is coming up with a game plan, perhaps participating in special speaking engagements, forums, or sending mailers home to parents.

Text messages and other electronic means of communication were used to help alert parents about the threats. Solek said this is an opt-in system, in which parents sign up for the alerts. If a parent is not signed up for the alerts, and is interested in registering in the wake of the bomb threats, Solek said they can call their child’s school and register for the messages.

City officials said if anyone has information about the threats and who was responsible, they should call the Bristol Police Department at (860) 584-3011.