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

Ruth Romeo, 92, died Nov. 22, 2013 at the Village Green of Bristol. She was the widow of Louis J. Romeo.
Rocco S. “Rocky” Stranieri, husband of Grace (Barlow) Stranieri for 58 years, passed on to his eternal reward on June 19.
Harold William Day, Jr., 87, of Terryville, husband of Elizabeth (Platt) Day died Thursday June 19.Alphonse Castonguay, 82, of Bristol, died on Saturday, June 14 at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, West Haven.
Lawrence E. Zahnke, 94, of Josephine Terrace, died June 18 at his home. He was the husband of the late Blanche M. (Masocco) Zahnke and were married for 52 years.
Peter D. Pelletier, 59, of Bristol, husband of Lise (Dionne) Pelletier, died Tuesday, June 17 at Bristol Hospital after a short battle with cancer.
Clifford “Ron” Langlais, 75, died Sunday June 15 after a nine year fight with cancer.
Shirley C. (Merz) Haden, 87, of Newington, died Tuesday, June 17.
Gary William Kerr, 62, of Farmington, died on Sunday, June 15.
Sandra E. “Sandi” Eighmie, 26, of Bristol, died on Saturday, June 7 in Jacksonville, Fla. from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.
Donald F. Anderson of Bristol died at home with his family by his side on Thursday, June 12, at the age of 101.

By MIKE CHAIKEN
EDITIONS EDITOR
Keyboardist/ vocalist Lawrence Gowan gives The Soundtrack of Summer Tour his stamp of approval.
Gowan’s band, Styx, as well as Foreigner and Don Felder are going out on the road this summer in a classic rock package that will sure to please rock fans. The tour comes to the Grand Theater at Foxwoods this Sunday.
When asked what he liked about the tour, Gowan, calling from Melbourne, Fla., said, “I like the fact we’ve toured with Foreigner in the past… (now) the band is at such a high level (of performance)… They’re at the pinnacle of their power.”
As for Felder, Gowan said liked the familiarity with the former Eagles’ guitarist. Both Styx and Foreigner have been on the same bill with Felder in the past. Additionally, Styx guitarist Tommy Shaw has performed with, and written songs, with Felder.
When the opportunity came up to package the tour, Gowan said, “Our management said this could be a great combination.”
Since this is a “Soundtrack of Summer” tour, Gowan was asked if there is any one particular Styx track that, for him, reminds him of summer.
Gowan said Shaw’s “Renegade” screams summer to him. He said whenever he hears it on his car radio, he knows he has to crank it up.
As for a typical summer Foreigner song, Gowan said he’s always been a fan of “Cold As Ice,” even though it doesn’t seem like a track for summer. But he said the middle of the song, with the keyboards pounding, just seems to drive home the analogy of the lyrics. He also loves the opening piano riff of that classic 1970s rocker. “The whole song is cool.”
As for a typical summer song from his tour mate, Don Felder, Gowan said he’s always been a big fan of“Life in the Fast Lane.” “It’s one of those great Eagles summer songs,” said Gowan. He also said “Hotel California” reminds him of summer, stoking memories of driving around with his then-girlfriend in his old AMC Pacer.
By now, Styx, Foreigner, and Felder are firmly entrenched in the canon of classic rock and permanent residents of the summer touring circuit.
But, were there any classic rock bands that Gowan wishes he could have seen back in the day?
Gowan said there aren’t many classic rockers he didn’t see in his youth. “I was an avid concert-goer.”
However, believe it or not, one of the bands he never saw as young fan— that he wanted to see—was Styx, especially during their “Grand Illusion” tour in 1977. (Gowan joined the band in 1999.)
“By the time, they came to Toronto (his hometown), my band (Gowan) was up and running.” It wasn’t until 1997, when his band Gowan and Styx played on the same bill that he was able to see them at last.
“All kinds of emotions welled up in me,” said Gowan when at last he had the opportunity to catch Styx.
As a way to promote The Soundtrack of Summer Tour, the members of Styx and Foreigner have joined up with Don Felder to record the classic Eagles’ track, “Hotel California.”
“It was our managers’ idea,” said Gowan of the impetus to revisit the classic track. “The idea was to do something that showed the camaraderie (of the three acts).”
“It’s a great song,” said Gowan of “Hotel California,” and the track illustrates how crucial Felder was to the sound of the Eagles.
As for other new recordings from Styx, Gowan said, “We’re tinkering with things all the time, and pretty in-depth.”
But, he said, honestly, the band’s number one priority these days is playing out on the road. And it hasn’t had the time to pull itself away from touring long enough to record a full album.
Gowan said he would like the band to possibly take the “single mentality.” He’d like to see the band release one track here and there, much like they just did for the “Hotel California” collaboration.
The industry has changed from the days when Styx would sell millions of records as it did for their huge hit “Paradise Theater,” said Gowan. And recording a new album is just an unfortunate victim of those changes.
Styx, Foreigner, and Don Felder bring the Soundtrack of Summer Tour to Foxwoods’ Grand Theater in Mashantucket on Sunday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $60 to $90.
For more information, go to Foxwoods.com or Styxworld.com

Styx comes to Connecticut on Sunday as part of the Soundtrack of Summer tour. The tour also includes Foreigner and Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles.

Bristol Eastern High School’s salutatorian Phuong True Nguyen Dinh, left, and valedictorian Caroline Boyce are recognized by State Rep. Christopher Wright at last Thursday’s graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2014.

The Class of 2014 at Bristol Eastern High School is as follows:
Syed Coumal Abbas, Kathryn Anne Adams, Juanita Marin Adolphus, Cassandra Elizabeth Aiken, Sean Donald Aiudi, Alexis Makaila Ashby, Malaika Alanis Ashby, Courtney Lynn Aubin, Christopher Adrien Avila, Jennifer Rose Bak, Kyle David Hollis Baker, Samantha Lynn Bard, Nicole Amber Barkley, Macie Elizabeth Barnett, Chandler Ives Barry, Brandon Ronald Beaudet, Corey Joseph Beecher, Brett Philip Belanger, Sarah Ashley Beliveau, Michael Marquice Belton, Cesar Nicolas Beltre, Nicole Marie Bender, Nicholas Peter Benvenuto, Emily Marie Berube, Michael Paul Berube, Ryan Michael Berube, Samantha Lynn Bevivino, Julia Rose Biernat, Erica Adeline Bolduc, Andrew James Bouchard, Dominic Marshall Boucher, Emily Margaret Bourassa, Chandler Nicholas Boutin, Caroline Frances Boyce, Victoria Ann Brewer, Ashley Nicole Brown, Tanisha Brown, Melissa Ashley Burke, Charles Edward Bush, Courtney Elizabeth Bush,
Clayton Jeffrey Caggiano, Isabella Miranda Camasura, Adam W. Canfield, Elizabeth Marie Carbonell, Marissa Leigh Carlson, Joshua Jasper Carney, Nicole Marie Caron, Jessica Lynne Carter, Anthony Michael Casasanta, Paul Joseph Chabot, Erika Lyn Ciccio, Christopher Abimael Claudio, Ember Cherie Cloutier, Isaiah Lawrence Cochran, Brianna Marie Colangelo, Chloe Michaila Conner, Erika Renee Corriveau, Christian Jonathan Cote, Alexander Peter Crameri, Nicole Teodosia Crapser, Christian Anthony Craven, Saige Terese Crowley, Justin Cruz, Kaylee Renee Cruz, Rodolfo Cruz-Santos, Elizabeth Mary Curto, Dylan John Cyr, Samantha-Jo Harley Czarnecki,
Andrew Kenneth Daigle, Mahrang Danish, David Antonio DaSilva, Michael John Davey, Chante Jacqueline Davis, Joshua Aaron Davis, Eric Julius DeBerry, Ramon Luis Delgado, Emily Rose Deltano, Nicholas Ryan Deltano, Benjamin Joseph Derosier, Marisa Denise Desjardins, Phuong Truc Nguyen Dinh, Tyler Jack Dionne, James Robert DiYulio, Jenna Marie Donaghy, Thomas Joseph Dowling, Scott Michael Drouin, Alana Mary Dubois, Aimee Lin Dufresne, Meghann Crystal Dunn, Brendan Dyer, Benjamin Ronald Edgerly, Jahmar Duane Effend, Elijah Lemmuel Encarnacion, Jack William Englehart, Da’malisha Marie Ervin, Mia Elizabeth Farias, Kaylee Marie Feldblum, Adrian Pavil Femiak, Jacob Emmett Finn, Melina Florine Floyd, Brian James Fomenko, Douglas Todd Fongemie, Noah Tyler Fradette, Richard William Franklin, Kendalyn Catherine Frawley,
Ryan Arthur Gallagher, John Lawrence Gangl, Phillip Jr. Garcia, Sylvia Krystyna Garcia, Tyler Christopher Gardner, Seth Alan Garthwait, Jr. , Adam Matthew Gauvin, Abigail Marie Geda, Margaret Dena Getler, Anna Maria Gill, Tyler Marc Gionta, Kara Lynn Girouard, Katie Marie Girouard, Carly Marie Giuliani, Jessica Lynn Goodwin, Kaylee Marie Goral, Kaitlin Marie Goulet, Jared James Grabowski, Alexandra Marie Grant, Andrew Peter Green, Ashley Nicole Green, Roderick Lamont Green, Hannah Karen Grenier, Hailee Savanna Gunn, Jesse Henry Gutaukas, Nicole Lee Hammer, Rafi Hamzy, Victoria Marie Harrington, Shayne Avery Harris, Shawn Gary Harter, Naqi Hasan, Sarah Elizabeth Hayes, Jasmine April Hilliker, Wyatt Robert Hiltbrand, Sarah Elizabeth Hochman,
James Robert Jackie, Sierra Rose Jalbert, Justin Michael Jankoski, Kaleigh Marilyn Jankowski, Breann Marie Johndrow, Ashleigh Rose Johnson, Brooke Taylor Johnson, Gavin Christopher Johnson, Savanna Rose Johnson, Desare Dayja Jones, Sophia Rolande Joseph, Annie Elizabeth Kaczmarczyk, Ruba Khan, Alyssa Katherine Kilpatrick, Marjorie Ann King, Zethe Daniel King, Jenna Elizabeth Klimek, Breanna Nicole Knox, Joanna Korpanty, Katherine Marie Kosenko, Stien Nangoy Kountur, Angelica Kraska, Rebecca Carol Krosnicki, Emily Jeanine Kulesa, Michelle Elizabeth Kulowski, Jenny Elizabeth LaRochelle, Ashlyn Paris LaVallee, Jessica Lynn Lavertu, Jamie Kathryn Lavigne, Katherine Monique LeBeau, Kristy Lee Lescrynski, Alanna Noelle Levesque, Brittany Elanna Lewandoski, Jared Peter Lombardo, Gerald Thomas Lorenzetti, Cynthia Sundara Louro, Brandon Michael Lumbra, Benjamin Ly,
Cooper Robert Madden-Hennessey, Mallory Rose Madore, Brandon Joseph Maghini, Serinda Mak, Floyd Quentin Malone, Alyssa Jacqueline Mancuso, Sally May Manning, Stephen Thomas Maroney, Kayla Ashley Marquis, Allison Marie Martin, David Joseph Martone, Jack Ryan McCarthy, Shawn Michael McConnon, Sean Patrick McKenna, Andrew Thomas Michaud, Gabrielle Marie Michaud, Cole David Middleton, Lance Lewis Mitchell, Tanika Laurie Mitchell, Rachel Anne Moderacki, Shantell Shana Moore, Daniel Sebastian Morocho, Alex Matthew Morrissey, Brett M Mortimer, Dilenia Ann Mota, Victoria Saydah Moun, Kyle Christopher Munette, Heather Anne Murray, Prianka Rani Naha, Savannah Lee Nash, William Joseph Newell, Clayton Michael Nogiec, Peter Joseph Norris, Jason Christopher O’Keefe, Jake Richard O’Leary, Magdalena Arelys O’Neill, Joshua Barry Oakes, Bishop Joel Olivo, Chanel Nelis Olivo, Cheyenne Janay Orsi, Zachary Jose Orsi, Endder Ortiz,
Sean Michael Palzere, April Anne Pandolfio, Alyssa Marie Paradis, Savannah Mae Pare, Matthew Ryan Parker, Austen Steven Parks, Tiffany Ann Pasqua, James William Pavelchak, Cassandra Rose Pearson, Dallen Joseph Pearson, Anthony Amede Pellerin, Jacob Rick Pelletier, Nicole Lynn Pelletier, Tomas Pesta, Dean Phillip Pierce, Brendan David Plasczynski, Timothy Robin Plourde, Alyssa Tarese Pompei, Kelsey Mary Laura Porter, Alyia Shanique Pothemont, Jill Lynn Power, Kelly Ann Quirion, Rachel Elaine Raleigh, Andrew Ivan Ratajczak, Victor Manuel Recinos, Courtney Elizabeth Rehmer, Nemesis A. Rivera Lopez, Shane Kenneth Roche, Jenna Lee Rodjenski, Theresa Ivette Rodriguez, Korina Romanauskas, Andrew William Rosado, Bethany Lynne Rosado, Brianna Theresa Rosado, Daniel Joseph Rosborg, Gilbert Roy, Ryan Douglas Roy, Rebecca Lyne Rusgrove, Valerie Emily Russo, Morgan Johnston Rzonca,
Gabrielle Sarah Sacharko, Jonathan Mayhew Salch, Alizha Jeaneira Sanchez, Raymond E. Sanchez, Guillermo Santos, Victoria Elizabeth Saravia, Zakary Ryan Sargent, Agata Felicja Sarna, Lauren Dominique Scerra, Ali Shahbaz, Ayisha Ann-Marie Shaw, Dalton Matthew Shields, David Steven Sills, Joseph Thomas Simpson, Allyson Lyn Sirois, Grzegorz Jerzy Skrzypek, Kenneth James Smith, Nicole Ann Spaulding, Rachel Elizabeth Sperduti, Molly Elizabeth Stadnicki, Taylor Nicole Starr, Emily Elizabeth Steck, Sonja Alexis Stokes, Michael Stypulkowski, Samuel Friday Suchinski, Joseph Xavier Taillon, Shanon Marie Taunton, Kayla Marie Theriault, Eric Michael Therrien, Dimerey Watson Thurston, Samantha Shanez Tirado, Vincent Edward Torello, Kelly Ann Toutain, Amber Marie Trahan, Patryk Ufniarz, Joshua Benjamin Unkrich, Brad Michael Urbanowicz,
Tamara Lynn Vermette, Anna Lyn Vertefeuille, Ivan Ernesto Viteri, Rachel Ann Waag, Savion Isaiah Wade, Daniel William Wagner, Bianca Robin Waite-Landrette, Ernest Manuel Wallace, Paul Emmenual Wehbe, Sean Michael Welch, Jeston Lamar White, Mikaila Williams, Jacob Joseph Wilson, Leah Rochele Winiarski, Meghan Winters, Monica Rae Wislocki, Sylvia Ann Woods, Brianna Marie Worthen, Samantha Erin Woznicki, Sarah Elaine Wrisley, Jourdon Matthew Wydra, Kacper Wyskiel, Destiny Marie Zayas, Amanda Jane Zdun

UPDATED AT 6:32 A.M.

Bristol police reported the suspect in a string of Bristol burglaries has been arrested after a detective spotted the suspect in a vehicle near his home. Police said the vehicle turned out to be stolen.

Police said this morning that Luis D. Cantre, 28, of 50 Davis Dr. in Bristol was arrested at 2:49 a.m.  by Bristol detectives.

A press release from the police said an arrest warrant was issued for Cantre charging him with burglary in the first degree and larceny in the fourth degree, a class “B” Felony.

. A detective recognized Cantre operating a vehicle on Davis Drive and subsequently stopped the car, said police. 

The vehicle Cantre was operating was later reported stolen and Cantre was additionally charged with larceny in the third degree, said police.

Police said Cantre “remains a strong suspect in several other residential burglaries that are being actively investigated by the Bristol Police. The burglaries involved forcible entry into homes while occupied by the residents at night.”

Police said Cantre was held on a $100,000 bond for the burglary and an additional $25,000 bond for the stolen car.

By MIKE CHAIKEN
EDITIONS EDITOR
The musical “Rent” takes place in a New York City that no longer exists.
Originally staged in 1996, the show debuted at a time when many members of the cast in the Connecticut Theatre Company production of the show weren’t even born yet. And if they were born, they were too young to have experienced what the characters on stage have gone through.
The Pulitzer Prize winning musical, based on Puccini’s “La Boheme,” is about the lives of a group of 20-somethings trying to find their way in New York City. It is told against the backdrop of the ravages of HIV, drug abuse, and rampant homelessness.
Although the story takes place before he was born, Zach Cote of Bristol (who plays the character, Angel, a drag queen with HIV) said he can still relate to the show. He knows, for instance, the lessons his peers have received on the prevention of HIV/ AIDS is directly related to the historical context of “Rent.” He said, “We’re so lucky they still educate us and speak to us about how it was then.”
The story is about people who have AIDS, said Sarah Boilard of Bristol, who is a part of the ensemble. But it’s more than that. It’s about the characters’ passion to overcome their HIV status. Given that passion, said Sarah, “Rent” is “easily relatable.”
Jayson Beaulieu of Bristol, who was a senior in high school when “Rent” was released, said, yes, the characters have AIDS. But the musical also is about “struggling and trying to find happiness at the same time.”
“Everybody can relate to that,” said Jayson.
Zach, like the characters on stage is an artist, studying performance in New York City. So he said he can relate to the travails of trying to find your way as an artist. In New York, said Zach, “I was doing auditions out there. It’s a very tough road. I wasn’t used to it. It’s a whole different world out there to be honest.”
“Everybody has a journey,” said Sarah, when asked how she related to the show as an artist. “It’s just a matter of what that journey is. Some people are a little different. Some people want to go and be artists and be that star on stage. My passion is a little bit different than that. But it’s still relatable because it’s still a struggle regardless.”
There are several story arcs in “Rent” as each character takes their own journey.
Of those story arcs, said Sarah, “Who I feel are most relatable are Joanne and Maureen and their relationship.” Joanne is a performance artist. Maureen is an attorney. But Sarah said the couple “accepts each other and (they) get through their problems together. It is a great message for everybody because they’re so passionate with each other. But they’re also so different. Somehow, they work it out.”
As for “Rent” as a piece of entertainment, Zach said, “Musically, it’s amazing. There’s not one song that’s like another song in the show. There are all of these different genres. There are jazz songs, pop songs, rock songs.”
“It’s probably the most entertaining show I’ve been in if only for the fact that it attracts the younger crowd,” said Sarah.
“It’s not really like any other musicals,” said Jayson, who is part of the ensemble. “It’s very sad at times. It’s upbeat. It’s got a little humor. It has everything in it.”
In terms of the Connecticut Theatre Company production, the actors say audiences should check it out.
“It’s not like any other show they’ve seen. I guarantee that,” said Zach.
“There are theaters who put on this show but I think we’ve got one of the best groups in this show,” said Jayson. “People will enjoy the experience.”
“It’s so worth coming out to New Britain to see this show, said Sarah. “There’s just a lot of good young talent, the most amazing talent you’ll find. Coming out of Bristol (to check it out) will open your eyes.
“Rent” continues through till July 6 with performances on Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m., and two Sundays, June 29 and July 6, at 2 p.m. Performances are at The Repertory Theatre on 23 Norden St. in New Britain.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors and children under 18. Tickets can be purchased at the door. For show times and tickets, visit www.connecticuttheatrecompany.org or call and leave a message at (860) 223-3147.
 

Zach Cote, left, of Bristol has the role of Angel in the Connecticut Theatre Company production of ‘Rent,’ now playing at the Repertory Theater in New Britain.

The cast of ‘Rent,’ produced by Connecticut Theatre Company, rehearse the opening of the show at The Repertory Theater of New Britain last Thursday.

The Miss Connecticut Scholarship Pageant gala is typically the kick off for the final countdown to the Miss Connecticut and Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen pageants (which began Thursday in New London with semifinals and continues through Saturday night for the final crowning). At this year’s gala at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville, young women pulled out their stylish finery and had fun before the hard work really began this week.

PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN

PHOTOS by TAMMI NAUDUS

By MICHAEL LETENDRE
STAFF WRITER
BRISTOL – The Bristol American Legion baseball team’s showdown against Avon on Wednesday, June 18 from Muzzy Field, felt more like a public tar and feathering than anything.
And Bristol was on the wrong side of the festivities.
Avon, the Zone 1 leader, smashed Post 2 for 10 quick runs to absolutely zap Bristol by a 10-2 final.
It was a battering from pillar to post as Avon (7-0) notched three runs right off the bat before Bristol (4-3, 1-2 in Zone 1 play) even had any chance to get to the plate.
And before the game really got moving, Avon blasted Bristol for seven additional runs in third frame and quickly, the visitors held a 10-0 cushion – move than enough to cruise for the remainder of the game.
“We’re not ready to play right now,” said Bristol coach Jerry LaPenta. “Guys, for whatever reason, their heads aren’t in it. And when you make five errors, you’re not going to win. You’re not going to win too many games.”
Post 2 managed to put up eight hits on the board but most of that came to fruition when the game was already out of reach.
Starting pitcher Andrew Martin battled for Bristol but Avon – an outstanding hitting club – just got big hit after big hit to lead a very potent attack and eventually knocked the chucker out of the game.
In all, Avon managed 13 total hits and played flawlessly in the field behind pitcher Noah Hahn.
Hahn was certainly impressive in his five inning jaunt, allowing just one run off four hits and getting out of a bases-loaded jam in the fifth tilt with no outs on the scoreboard.
Only Eli Minella crossed the plate for Post 2 in that bases loaded situation.
It was an important run because down 10-0 going into the bottom of the fifth, Bristol was nearly mercy ruled in its own home stadium and needed to score at least once to prevent that from happening.
It wasn’t all bad as a couple of bench players got some important time on the field, starting with catcher Greg Lozier.
Lozier showed he had an arm behind the plate and gunned down two Avon runners attempting to steal second base.
He also did an outstanding job directing traffic behind the plate which also helped out a brilliant throwing performance from Jaeden Rasmus.
Rasmus showed ability and poise on the hill, going four innings and not allowing a run.
His final ledger also carried two hits, two walks and five strikeouts to keep Avon from doing anymore damage offensively.
‘I told the players I don’t care who you are, I’m going to play the guys I that I think are going to give me the best effort,” said Lapenta. “I was happy with some of the kids’ play.”
What foiled the home team were errors as five miscues in the field prolonged already long innings of work.
And when the Bristol defense allowed those mistakes, Avon was ready to pounce and certainly capitalized off those gaffs.
Ben Lombardi led the hit parade with a smooth 3-for-3 performance at the plate while teammate Sean Delgallo went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI.
Bristol’s Jake Martel zipped up three hits to lead the offensive charge while Jake Colello and Minella also spaced out hits over the course of the afternoon.
Minella also drew two walks and scored a run, Vinny Nocera grounded into a fielder’s choice for an RBI and Tony Nicoletti unleashed a sacrifice fly to score a run.
Troy Micale smashed out a double and Kyle Pileski drilled a single for Post 2.
In the first, Avon’s first three batters zipped up hits – the last being an RBI single by Matt Williamson – while back-to-back sacrifice flies scored two more as Bristol found itself in a quick 3-0 hole.
But in the top of the third, 12 Avon batters came up to the plate and off seven hits, seven earned runs were tallied.
Off one final RBI single by Delgallo, the visitors were in firm control and up by a 10-0 score.
Rasmus quieted the Avon bats as Minella scored off a grounder by Nocera in the fifth and one inning later, Nicoletti’s sacrifice scored Michaels but after six frames, Avon was still leading by a 10-2 tilt and that score was the final result of the contest.
It was certainly a long, tough afternoon for the Bristol outfit going into two weekend games with Simsbury and Torrington.
“I just want intensity,” said LaPenta. “If we lose, we lose. But we didn’t come to play today.”
Comments? Email mletendre@BristolObserver. com.

By MIKE CHAIKEN
EDITIONS EDITOR
Flip on a classic rock station— just wait a minute— whena familiar guitar riff rings out, chances are pretty good that it’s a Foreigner song.
With such hard rocking hits as “Feels Like the First Time,” “Double Vision,” and “Urgent,” or ballads like “Waiting for a Girl Like You” or “I Want to Know What Love Is,” Foreigner was a staple of rock radio and top 40 radio for most of the late-1970s and 1980s. And even in 2013, the band’s music is ever present.
Foreigner is teaming up with two other stalwarts of classic rock—Styx and Don Felder, late of the Eagles—for the Soundtrack of Summer Tour. The tour stops at the Grand Theater at Foxwoods this Sunday.
“It’s just great music,” said the band’s bassist Jeff Pilson when asked why he thought Foreigner’s music has stood the test of time and become part of the classic rock canon. “It’s great, timeless music that resonates (with fans).”
Pilson was a later addition to Foreigner, which started off initially as leader/ guitarist Mick Jones, singer Lou Gramm, multi-instrumentalist Ian MacDonald, bassist Ed Gagliardi, and keyboardist Al Greenwood.
The personnel has changed over the years. But the music remains.
In addition to Pilson, Foreigner these days is founder Jones on lead guitar, keyboards, synthesizer, bass, vocals; Thom Gimbel on rhythm guitar, saxophone, flute, keyboards, backing vocals; Kelly Hansen on lead vocals, and percussion; Michael Bluestein on keyboards, synthesizer, and backing vocals; Chris Frazier on drums, percussion.
“Foreigner’s had so many great songs,” said Pilson in a phone interview. He said he has to “pinch myself” when he realizes the unique opportunity he has to be a part of that legacy.
With Foreigner so ingrained into the psyche of classic rock fans, Pilson was asked if fans had ever shared stories with him about how Foreigner’s music affected their lives. Pilson said he is amazed how often he hears from married couples who say that “Waiting for a Girl Like You” was their wedding song.
In fact, Pilson shared a story about the wedding of former Foreigner bandmate, drummer Jason Bonham (who was in the group from 2004-08).
Bonham is the son of the laste legendary Led Zeppelin drummer, John Bonham.
At the wedding, Pilson explained, Jason Bonham invited his dad’s former bandmates Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and Robert Plant to attend the nuptials.
But, Pilson said, even though three-fourths of Led Zeppelin was in attendance, when the bride walked down the aisle, Foreigner’s “Waiting for a Girl Like You” was playing.
Looking back on the catalogue of Foreigner, Pilson was asked what he thought was the quintessential Foreigner song.
Pilson said he remembered that moment when “Feels Like the First Time” initially came on the radio, proclaiming Foreigner’s arrival on the music scene.
“It’s the greatest rock song ever (from a new group),” said Pilson of the track from the band’s eponymously-named debut, which was released in 1977. “It was high energy. It had amazing singing and great guitar playing.”
Pilson also cited the follow up track to “Feels Like the First Time”— “Cold As Ice” — as another great example of Foreigner’s music. “I loved that.” And, he also loves, “Waiting for a Girl Like You.” (“It’s an amazing song.”)
For the “Soundtrack of Summer” tour, Foreigner will be heading out on the road with Styx (with the pair alternating the headlining slots) and former Eagles’ guitarist Don Felder.
Pilson said Foreigner likes the combo with Styx because “not only is Styx a great band, and they put on a great show every night, they’re a great bunch of guys.” Pilson said the members of Styx are “fun” and “good friends” with the members of Foreigner.
Also, like Foreigner, Pilson said Styx’s mission “is to deliver as quality a performance as they can.” And each night, they put on a “one helluva show.”
Pilson also said Styx gives the guys in Foreigner some healthy competition since they are such a great act live. “I like that I know we have to do our best to compete.”
“It always should be like that,” said Pilson of the health competition between the acts, “I hate when bands just phone in their parts.”
As for Foreigner’s other tourmate, Pilson said he saw Felder perform several years ago on a radio station concert show. “I was blown away,” said Pilson. He knew Felder was a great guitar player from listening to the classic songs from The Eagles’ albums, “Hotel California” and “The Long Run.” But he had not realized what a good singer Felder was. And when he watched Felder, Pilson said he realized what a great songwriting legacy the guitarist represents.
“They’re both fantastic,” said Pilson of Styx and Felder.
While Foreigner does a great job with the classics, Pilson was asked if there is any new music on the way.
Pilson said the guys are focusing first on the summer tour. But, he said, fans should expect some new music from the band at the end of the year.
The plan this year, in terms of touring, was to head to Europe in April and then off to Israel for the first time, said Pilson. Then at the end of the year, the group was going to do an acoustic tour of Europe.
“I love doing that,” said Pilson of the acoustic approach to Foreigner’s catalogue. “It’s so much fun.” It offers the band a chance to focus on the vocals and making the “acoustic guitars sing.” Pilson said it helps also to have some great songs, “You can do anything with them.”
The Soundtrack of Summer Tour with Foreigner, Styx, and Don Felder comes to the Grand Theater at Foxwoods at 7 p.m. Tickets are $60 to $90.
For more information, go to Foxwoods.com or Foreigneronline.com
Comments? Email mchaiken@BristolObserver. com

Foreigner, along with Styx and Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles, is coming to The Grand Theater at Foxwoods on Sunday.

FRIDAY, JUNE 27

BRISTOL

PET SHOW WITH ROCKY THE ROCK CAT. 9 a.m. Bring your real pet and/ or stuffed animal for a pet parade. Register. Manross Memorial Library, 260 Central St., Forestville. BristolLib.com, (860) 584-7790.

PAY IT FORWARD PROGRAM FOR TEENS. 1 p.m. Summer reading kick-off includes pizza, movie, and discussion on how they can “pay it forward.” Manross Memorial Library, 260 Central St., Forestville. BristolLib.com. (860) 584-7790.

SATURDAY, JUNE 28

BRISTOL

READING ON THE GREEN 2014. 1 to 3 p.m. Kick-off to the summer reading program designed for younger children of reading age, however older children welcome. Sponsored in conjunction with the Bristol Public Library, Kids in the Middle, Early Childhood Allieance, and the Bristol Historical Society. Program includes author Christine Ieromino, Meris Palmer-Teller of Tales, and the Raggedy Ann Lady-Mary Forcier. Children’s books given away. Reading to Dogs will be in attendance. Win prizes. Wearing of the color green is encouraged. Bring blankets or beach chairs. Free. No registration necessary. Federal Hill Green, Bristol. Rain date, June 29.

MONDAY, JUNE 30

BRISTOL

‘IT’S BOOK TIME WITH RONALD MCDONALD.’ 10 a.m. Afternoon of music and games. Ronald McDonald will teach children about the magic of books and introduces them to “Book Time.” Also meet “Stoogie,” a sock-puppet bookworm. Bristol Public Library, 5 High St., Bristol. (860) 584-7787, ActiveAchievers.mcConnecticut.com

TUESDAY, JULY 1

BRISTOL

ART TRUCK, ‘LET’S MAKE A ROBOT PARTY.’ 2 p.m. Register. Manross Memorial Library, 260 Central St., Forestville. BristolLib.com, (860) 584-7790.

JULY 1-AUG. 5

BRISTOL

DROP-IN STORYTIME. 10 a.m. on Tuesdays. Manross Memorial Library, 260 Central St., Forestville. No registration necessary. www.BristolLib.com, (860) 584-7790.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 2

BRISTOL

SPARKY’S PUPPETS ‘TIME MACHINE.’ 2 p.m. Register. Manross Memorial Library, 260 Central St., Forestville. BristolLib.com, (860) 584-7790.

JULY 3-AUG. 14

BRISTOL

NUTMEG LUNCH BRUNCH. Thursdays at 1 p.m. For children in grades 4 to 6. Manross Memorial Library, 260 Central St., Forestville. BristolLib.com, (860) 584-7790.

MONDAY, JULY 7

BRISTOL

KITCHEN SCIENCE AND YUMMY EATS. 2 p.m. Jodie Fitz, from Price Chopper’s Cooking With Kids. Register. Manross Memorial Library, 260 Central St., Forestville. BristolLib.com, (860) 584-7790.

TUESDAY, JULY 8

BRISTOL

MOBILE PETTING ZOO. Presented by Sharon Family Farm. 3 p.m. Register. Manross Memorial Library, 260 Central St., Forestville. BristolLib.com, (860) 584-7790.

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

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9

BRISTOL

BANNED BOOKS PROGRAM FOR TEENS. 2 p.m. Book discussion and DIY Free Speech tote bags. Manross Memorial Library, 260 Central St., Forestville. BristolLib.com, (860) 584-7790.

JULY 9-AUG. 6

PLAINVILLE

PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 7 TO 12. Wednesdays, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Taught by retired journalist and publicist Judy Humphrey. Classes include introduction to photography, walking field trips to Plainville center to take photographs, class on naming, matting, and framing photos. Photographs will be displayed at the New Britain Museum of American Art over the week of Aug. 22 with an opening reception on Thursday, Aug. 21. Class limited to 10. Students may use digital camera or smart phone for the class. Limited number of digital cameras for students who don’t have one. Registration is open now. Students need to fill out a registration/ parental permission form to enroll. Sponsored by a grant from the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain. Plainville Public Library, 56 East Main St., Plainville. (860) 793-1446.

JULY 10 to AUG. 21

BRISTOL

SUMMER 2014 PROGRAM YOUTH SYMPHONY. Thursdays, 6 to 8 p.m. Open to students of string, wind, brass, and percussion instruments ages 10-17. Keep skills sharp through the summer. Meet up with other local musicians. Space limited to 50 members. Fiddlin’ Around MusicCenter, 248 Main St., Bristol. $25. (860) 589-3724.

JULY 31, AUG. 1

BRISTOL

STUFFED ANIMAL SLEEPOVER. Friday, July 31 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., children encouraged to drop-off their favorite stuffed animal to sleepover any time. Saturday, Aug. 1 at 9 a.m., children to come for breakfast and find where their stuffed animal is hiding. Manross Memorial Library, 260 Central St., Forestville. Register. www.BristolLib.com. (860) 584-7790.

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.

FRIDAY, AUG. 8

BRISTOL

PUPPET SHOW, ‘JACK AND THE BEANSTALK.’ Presented by Nappy’s Puppets. 11:30 a.m. Register. Manross Memorial Library, 260 Central St., Forestville. www.BristolLib.com, (860) 584-7790.

detour_slides

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has issued the following advisory about I-84 through Southington this weekend. Both directions of I-84 will be shut down.

CLOSURE SCHEDULE

Friday, 6/27/14

Monday, 6/30/14

By LISA CAPOBIANCO
STAFF WRITER
Pictures of senior year memories were scattered on the blue cap of Amber Trahan as she gathered with her friends and classmates outside Bristol Eastern High School, waiting to line up for the 2014 senior class graduation.
From sports banquets to prom to other school events and activities, Amber said she had so many memories with her friends and family it was hard to choose which pictures to include on her graduation cap. Out of the 15 to 20 pictures she glued onto her cap, Amber said her favorite is the one of her best friend, whom she has known for years.
“It’s the first time in 14 years we’re going to be separated,” said Amber, who will attend Southern New Hampshire University this fall while her best friend attends the University of Connecticut.
For Amber, missing her friends and family is something she is certain about after spending four years with them at Bristol Eastern. With plans to pursue a major in environmental science, Amber said she also will remember her time spent as a student athlete playing soccer and indoor track. Despite the memories she will always hold onto, Amber said she looks forward to new experiences in college.
Although he also looks forward to the next step in his life, senior Syed Abbas also said he will miss the memories he made at Bristol Eastern.
“I will miss the safety net,” added senior Syed, who decorated his cap with a picture of the front cover of Kanye West’s album titled “Graduation.” “It was a really small community—going somewhere new is always scary.”
Planning to attend Pace University with a major in marketing and finance, Syed said he will always remember the people he met in high school and the friends he made while missing his mother’s cooking at the same time. As a high school student, Syed played tennis, served on the Yearbook Committee, and volunteered to make music mixes for various school functions, such as the prom fashion show.
Senior Kayla Theriault said the teachers at Bristol Eastern are something about her high school years she will never forget. Planning to attend Curry College in Milton, Mass. with a major in elementary education, Kayla said she became close to some teachers.
“They were very welcoming and friendly—they helped us guide us through our four years,” said Kayla, adding how prom and homecoming are also on her top list for high school memories.
“They helped me a lot in certain classes,” added senior Sylvia Garcia, who will attend Tunxis in the fall.
During the commencement ceremony held last Thursday, rays of sun beamed on the high school seniors as each one received their diploma on the school’s outdoors field. As the graduates received their diplomas, they placed a colored beaded necklace on Bristol Eastern High School Principal Carly Fortin to show a token of their gratitude.
While addressing the senior class, Fortin recalled how as a former student of Bristol Eastern High School herself, she never imagined becoming the principal one day. Fortin began her administrative career as the assistant principal of Bristol Eastern when the seniors were freshmen at the time.
“Today is only the beginning of your journey,” said Fortin. “This moment is so bright because I’ve seen how far many of you have come.”
During the ceremony, Senior Class President Jenna Rodjenski, who was one of the speakers at the ceremony, thanked the support of teachers, administrators, family members and friends on behalf of her classmates. Before the seniors received their diplomas, Jenna presented the class gift—a giant welcome mat, which will be placed outside the front office with the school lantern logo, along with phrase “Class of 2014.” The senior class also will donate $500 to the Bristol Eastern athletic field and lights fund, and $500 to the incoming freshmen class to help them begin their fundraising efforts. The remaining funds will benefit the B.E. Closet, an organization the senior class hopes will continue at the high school.
“Over the past four years, each and every one of us has faced challenges and overcome barriers which have shaped us into the people we are right now,” said Jenna.
“We started from the bottom, and how we’re here,” added Senior Rafi Hamzy, another speaker at graduation.  “These years are the most memorable years of our lives thus far.” “Whether you had a good experience here or a bad one, we’ll always remember this place.”
As the class valedictorian, Caroline Boyce noted how she has known some of her classmates since kindergarten, recognizing all of the qualities that make Bristol Eastern students unique. From writers to athletes to musicians and dancers, Boyce recognized the intelligence, creativity, talent, and passion of her fellow classmates, expressing her pride for the accomplishments of many student groups, such as the math team, marching band, and football team.
“We did it all because we wanted to be great at something—we wanted to achieve these things,” said Caroline, who will attend Harvard University this fall. “We may encounter adversity in our future endeavors, but we always have the option, especially with our level of talent, to find our way far above these obstacles instead of merely accepting them.”
Other speakers at the ceremony included Board of Education Vice Chairman Genard Dolan, State Representative Frank Nicastro, and Deputy Superintendent of Schools Dr. Susan Kalt Moreau. City Councilor Henri Martin also addressed the seniors, reminding them to not let fear get in the way of making a decision.
“Use fear as an instinct for a call to action, a call to make a decision,” said Martin.

PHOTOS by TAMMI NAUDUS

Bristol Eastern High School seniors listen to the assorted speeches offered up on graduation day last Thursday at the school. See page 14 for a list of graduates.

By MIKE CHAIKEN
EDITIONS EDITOR
Bristol Central High School’s Class of 2014 said farewell to where they’ve been for the past 13 years and said hello to their futures as the seniors accepted their diplomas at commencement exercises last Thursday night.
Prior to walking through the gym in front of family and friends, the soon-to-be graduates waited in the hallways of their home for the past four years— waiting and contemplating.
Asked how he felt about the impending graduation, senior Bob Jacques said, “I’m really excited. I’ve had a good time at the school. It’s going to be sad to see it end. But I look forward to the future.” He will be attending Boston College in the fall to major in business.
Brianna Mahaney, as she waited for her diploma, said in a straight-forward fashion, “I feel like I’m going to puke.” As for how she felt about her future in beauty school and beyond, “I’m excited but I’m scared.”
“I’m nervous,” said Jennifer Fannon,”I don’t want to trip.” Regarding her life beyond Central and Tunxis Community College, Fannon said, “I feel good. I’m excited. Hopefully, all will go well.
Regarding the graduation, Ileish Burney also said she felt excited. As for her future beyond the Bristol public schools (Wesleyan University in Virginia), Burney said, “I’m pretty excited, anxious, but a little nervous.”
As for Lauren Vallee, who will be attending Baypath University in Massachusetts, “I’m pretty scared (to go on from here) because I don’t want to go into the real world. But I have to. It’s inevitable.”
During her valedictory address, Skylar Wright told her fellow graduates, “Although our stories will never entwine again, our alma mater will still connect us. It wasn’t easy for any of us, but we’re all here, with some help along the way.”
Working from the theme of the graduation, “Carpe Diem” (“Seize the Day”), salutatorian Brittany Murphy cited a variety of different days such as “mental health days,” “birthdays,” and “snow days.” “Which of these should we seize? The answer is all of them…We should make the most of every day, no matter what day it is.”
Mayor Ken Cockayne also addressed the graduates, noting that at one time he was in their place. And like them, he said also was excited, as well as a little fearful. But, mostly, he told them, their excitement was well placed.
In her remarks, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ellen Solek gave some advice to the graduates, “Along your journey, may you find the courage to conquer your fears, and overcome your failures with strength and grace.”
And as for the BCHS Class of 2014 as a unit, BCHS principal Pete Wininger told the students they made the high school “a better place.”

PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN

Ileish Burney, left, and Lauren Vallee pose for a ‘selfie’ prior to last Thursday’s Bristol Central High School graduation.

Prior to Bristol Central High School’s graduation last Thursday at the school, Jenna Croasdale, left, and Melissa Jalbert share a fun moment to be posted on the web. See page 13 for a list of graduates.

Salutatorian Brittani Murphy

Mayor Ken Cockayne yesterday announced in a press release the city has torn down another blighted property in the City of Bristol.

The property at 41 Rose St. in Bristol had been condemned by the city Building Department and the property owner was given ample time to comply with the order to clean up the property, said the press release from the mayor’s office.

“I am pleased as to the progress we are making in this war on blight in our community,” Cockayne said, according to the release, “For years; these properties have been allowed to deteriorate while the city hesitated to aggressively address the problem.”

The release from his office said the mayor made combating blight a cornerstone of his campaign last fall and “has kept his word that he intended to be more assertive in combating the problem.”

“Our effort to remove blighted properties in our city has resulted in several property owners taking out permits to fix up their properties,” Cockayne said in the release.

“The most serious offenders to our blight problems are the banks who have foreclosed on some of these properties and have let the properties sit vacant and become an eyesore to their neighborhoods,“ Cockayne added, according to his release. “I am hopeful that these out of town banks and mortgage companies get the message soon that we will not allow this practice to continue.”

In his press release, the mayor urged any Bristol resident who is under order to clean up their property to work with the Building Department to comply with the order.

Bristol Police reported the following arrests:
Justin M. Crahan, 33, of 11 Fall Mountain Rd., Terryville, was arrested June 13 and charged with operation while under the influence, traveling too fast for conditions, operation with registration, license, suspended, revoked, and failure to drive right.
•Charles B. Butler, 49, of 222 Bradley Ave., Apt. 17-A, Waterbury, was arrested June 13 and charged with second degree breach of peace and second degree harassment.
•Tracy A. Field, 41, of 196 Woodland St., Bristol, was arrested June 13 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
•Jennifer M. Zaleski, 32, of 400 Burlington Rd., Harwinton, was arrested June 13 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
•Steven Boyington, 20, of 113 Stewart St., Apt. 3, Bristol, was arrested June 13 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
•Richard Walker, 26, of 30 Orchard St., Bristol, was arrested June 13 and charged with sixth degree larceny.
•Beatrice Colby, 24, of 75 Burnham St., Kensington, was arrested June 13 and charged with first degree reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct, and third degree assault.
•Rachel P. Wirtes, 30, of 178 Goodwin St., Bristol, was arrested June 13 and charged with illegal possession of narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia.
•Paul Gressak, 32, of 20 George St. Bristol, was arrested June 14 and charged with operation with registration, license, suspended, revoked, evading responsibility, and restricted turns fail signal.
•Jane Kramer, 45, of 2 Northridge Dr., Burlington, was arrested June 14 and charged with operation while under the influence.
•Alexandra Warzecho, 20, of 62 Beach Ave., Terryville, was arrested June 15 and charged with operation of a motor vehicle by a minor having elevated blood alcohol content and restricted turns fail signal.
•James M. Dunn, 29, of 371 Emmett St., Apt. 90, Bristol, was arrested June 15 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
•Mallory Dunn, 28, of 371 Emmett St., Apt. 90, Bristol, was arrested June 15 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
•James J. Pellerin, 39, of 48 Mountainview Ave., Bristol, was arrested June 15 and charged with disorderly conduct, third degree assault, and injury, risk, impairing morals.
•Dominic Madigan, 30, of 24 Pulaski St., New Britain, was arrested June 16 and charged with first degree criminal trespassing and disorderly conduct.
•Kevin Marsala, 41, of 67 Daley St., Bristol, was arrested June 16 and charged with fifth degree larceny.
•Grant H. Hopkins, 49, of 165 Matthews St., Bristol, was arrested June 16 and charged with second degree harassment.
•Placida Cintron, 61, of 371 Oak St., Waterbury, was arrested June 16 and charged with third degree assault and second degree breach of peace.
•Sasha F. Gonzalez-Cepeda, 22, of 99 Jefferson Ave., Apt. L, Bristol, was arrested June 16 and charged with second degree assault and disorderly conduct.
•Richard P. Luzietti, 41, of 10 Beckwith Dr., Plainville, was arrested June 16 and charged with first degree criminal trespass and second degree harassment.
•Diane Gaiser, 51, of 226 Prospect St., Apt. 1, Bristol, was arrested June 16 and charged with third degree burglary, third degree criminal mischief, sixth degree larceny, and criminal violation of a restraining order.
•Jessica Velazquez, 38, of 139 Federal St., Bristol, was arrested June 17 and charged with second degree breach of peace, third degree assault, first degree burglary, and criminal use FM or electronic.
•Tina M. Sandoval, 43, of 21 Irving St., Apt. 6, Bristol, was arrested June 17 and charged with second degree breach of peace, third degree assault, interfering with an officer, threatening, and failure to comply with fingerprint requests.
•Matthew Coan-Graves, 21, of no certain address, was arrested June 18 and charged with third degree assault and second degree breach of peace.
•Richard Walker, 26, of no certain address, was arrested June 18 and charged with sixth degree larceny, first degree criminal mischief, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
•Richard J. Kozikowksi, 60, of 10 Marine Ct., Bristol, was arrested June 18 and charged with interfering with an officer and second degree breach of peace.
•William Colon, 51, of 126 High St., Bristol, was arrested June 19 and charged with threatening.
•Mathew Brague, 32, of 44 Chestnut St., Bristol, was arrested June 19 and charged with disorderly conduct.
•Alan R. Lebeau, 60, of 511 Emmett St., Apt. 13, was arrested June 19 and charged with first degree reckless endangerment, weapons in a motor vehicle, and unlawful discharge of firearms.
•Joseph King, 26, of 35 Yale St., Bristol, was arrested June 19 and charged with second degree breach of peace and threatening.
•Eileen Pierce, 55, of 46 Munchausen Ave., was arrested June 19 and charged with second degree harassment and threatening.
•Daniel J. Zettervall, 52, of 45 Ward St., Waterbury, was arrested June 19 and charged with failure to register: sexually violent offense and sex offender address verification.

Miss New Haven County Alexandria Puglisi, who owns a business in Southington, won the preliminary lifestyle and fitness award at Miss Connecticut and Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen pageant on Thursday night.

Cynthia Dias, Miss Wolcott’s Outstanding Teen, won the lifestyle and fitness award in preliminaries for Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen Thursday night.

Miss Farmington Valley’s Outstanding Teen Jillian Duffy, left, and Miss Forestville Molly Westfall celebrate winning the preliminary talent awards in the first night of competition for Miss Connecticut and Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen in New London.

Molly Westfall, Miss Forestville, performs in the talent portion of the Miss Connecticut pageant Thursday night. She won the talent preliminary award for her tap dance.

Miss Farmington Valley’s Outstanding Teen Jillian Duffy, a former Miss Mum, performs her talent Thursday night. She received the teen preliminary talent award at the competition.

It was a Central Connecticut kind of night at the first set of preliminaries at the Miss Connecticut and Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen scholarship pageant Thursday night in New London.

Miss Forestville, Molly Westfall, took the preliminary talent award with a comical tap dance. A former Miss Mum and Miss Forestville’s Outstanding Teen, Jillian Duffy, who is competing as Miss Farmington Valley’s Outstanding Teen, took the preliminary talent award with a vocal performance.

In addition, Alexandria Puglisi, a business owner in Southington competing as Miss New Haven County, took the preliminary lifestyle and fitness (swimsuit) award. And Cynthia Dias, representing Bristol and Southington’s neighbor as Miss Wolcott’s Outstanding Teen, took the teen preliminary lifestyle and fitness award (workout wear).

The preliminaries mark the end of the reign of former Miss Southington, and current Miss Connecticut, Kaitlyn Tarpey.

In the preliminaries, Miss Bristol Liz Wong competed in evening gown and lifestyle and fitness. Miss Southington Jennifer Binversie competed in talent with a ballet dance performance. Miss Forestville’s Outstanding Teen Erika Farrell and Miss Bristol’s Outstanding Teen Amber Ouellette competed in talent. Miss Plainville’s Outstanding Teen Brooke Murdock and Miss Southington’s Outstanding Teen Jenny Bukowski competed in evening gown and lifestyle and fitness.

Farrell had one of the more memorable moments of perseverance of the evening during her talent performance. As she stepped on stage, her music queued up but her microphone was dead silent. She continued with her performance, occasionally being overheard past the amplified music. She plugged along as if nothing was wrong. She later was allowed to perform again, this time with her microphone working.

The evening also had a scary moment during the teen’s on-stage interview. An alarm went off, urging everyone to vacate the building. It turned out to be someone had pulled the fire alarm and the event was allowed to resume.

Preliminary competition continues tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Garde Arts Center in New London. Finals are on Saturday, where the top 10 in Miss and Teen categories compete for the crown.

PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN

By MICHAEL LETENDRE
STAFF WRITER
BRISTOL – After a miserable three-game home stand that saw the Bristol American Legion baseball team go 1-2, the squad knows it has a lot of work to do in order to get the season back on track.
On Tuesday, June 17, Bristol slipped by Wallingford in a 2-1 non-exhibition victory but fell to Torrington 6-2 in a contest which was error plagued.
But even in that one-run win against Wallingford, the tying and go-ahead run were forced in by consecutive bases-loaded walks and not off base hits.
“I didn’t think we played that well yesterday,” said Bristol coach Jerry LaPenta of the 1-1 split. “We got a win [against Wallingford] but we didn’t earn it. We just kind of got it.”
Post 2 can’t expect that kind of fortunate luck to cross their path on a daily basis like that because when opponents come to Muzzy Field, Bristol always seems to encounter squads who are on their “A” games that day.
Torrington was certainly on its “A” game against Bristol and when Post 2 made a move, the visiting team countered to stuff out any gathered momentum.
And then the following day on Wednesday, June 18, Zone 1 leader Avon nearly buried Bristol in a 10-2 stomping.
Avon is certainly a very good program but Post 2 is much better than it showed that day.
In fact, the Bristol squad was three outs away from being mercy-ruled before Post 2 shook off some late cobwebs to tally a couple runs on the scoreboard to stave off a possible shortened game.
But it was too little too late in terms of a victory.
“I told them if they aspire to be professional players, you play every day,” said LaPenta. “When you come to the field, you’ve got to be ready to play. They’re still kids and they haven’t figured that part out.”
Dastardly errors and miscues – both physical and mental – have zapped some of the zip from the Bristol squad over the first portion of the campaign.
Sure the errors hurt but after the Avon contest, LaPenta had his squad running and sprinting on the field.
LaPenta is a supreme motivator and certainly sent a message to his squad when he didn’t like the squad’s body language off the losing effort.
“I told them I never get mad about errors,” said LaPenta. “I’m disappointed when they happen but I’m not mad about them. I’m more upset about the way the guys carried themselves after [the Avon game].
“It’s unacceptable and I told them that.”
LaPenta also doesn’t mind turning to his younger core if that will produce the desired results.
Against Avon, Bristol Central’s Jaeden Rasmus threw four innings of excellent relief ball and Bristol Eastern’s Greg Lozier threw a couple of runners out in the contest from the catching position.
And Post 2 also has gotten contributions from youngsters like CCC South All Conference performer Nate Carney, Central catcher Nick Sassu along with pitcher Ricky Lemke. It’s a young core that’s eager to compete and eager to learn.
LaPenta won’t hesitate to put those players into key positions, even if that means taking a lump or two along the way.
“If that means we’re going to lose 30 games, we’re going to lose 30 games,” said LaPenta. “I’ve just got to change the attitude about the way Legion baseball is going to be played.”
With that stretch of 11 games in 10 days, the squad got a much needed day off on Thursday, June 19 before getting back into the Zone 1 mix.
LaPenta has hope that this team can turn things around and get back into the Zone 1 race.
“I can’t play for them and, now, we’ll see what happens,” said LaPenta. “We [had a day off] for graduation and we’ll see what we get. We have talent, we just need to figure out how to put it together and have some chemistry.”
NOTES…The team bounced back nicely from the day off and walloped previously undefeated Simsbury 5-1 in a Zone 1 affair from Muzzy Field in Bristol.
After collecting 14 total hits over its previous three games, Bristol belted Post 84 for 11 hits and on the mound for Post 2, Jerry Lapenta got the job done.
After allowing a run to cross the plate in the first frame of play, LaPenta was nearly untouchable as he limited Simbury to just five total hits in the contest.
Post 2 made just one error in the game.
And then one day later on Saturday, June 21, Bristol fell again to Torrington by a 3-1 final.
Post 2 outhit Torrington 7-6 but it wasn’t enough as Jarrett Michaels absorbed another tough luck loss.
He went the distance and pitched well.
Bristol was ahead 1-0 halfway through the fifth inning before Torrington notched three runs in the bottom of the stanza to go ahead by two.
Post 2 never led in the contest again and for the first time in quite sometime, Torrington won the season series against Bristol.
In a special Sunday challenge, Post 2 dropped a 12-2 non-league decision to Warwick, R.I. in a nine-inning affair from Muzzy Field.
Warick smashed Bristol for 19 hits as Troy Micale pitched the loss for the home team.
Bristol was limited to just four hits in the contest and fell to 5-5 overall on the season.

Miss Farmington Valley’s Outstanding Teen Jillian Duffy, left, and Miss Hamden Acacia Courtney celebrate their preliminary lifestyle and fitness awards Friday night at Miss Connecticut and Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen competition on Friday night. The competition finals are today in New London.

Alexandria Puglisi, Miss New Haven County, and Cynthia Dias, Miss Wolcott’s Outstanding Teen took the preliminary talent awards at the Miss Connecticut and Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen competition on Friday in New London. The final competitions begin today at 2 p.m. with the teens and 7 p.m. with the misses.

Central Connecticut contestants continued their run of success in the second evening of preliminary competition for the Miss Connecticut and Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen crowns.

Although the Bristol, Southington, and Plainville specific competitors did not win any preliminary competitions, contestants with ties to the towns and located in surrounding towns did well, with three contestants repeat winners from the first night of competition.

Miss Forestville Molly Westfall, Miss Bristol Liz Wong, and Miss Southington Jennifer Binversie all competed in lifestyle and fitness (swimwear) on Friday night. But the preliminary winner was Acacia Courtney, who is competing as Miss Hamden.

Alexandria Puglisi, who owns a business in Southington, won the preliminary talent award. This comes a night after the contestant, who is competing as Miss New Haven County, won the lifestyle and fitness award.

Miss Southington’s Outstanding Teen Jenny Bukowski and Miss Plainville’s Outstanding Teen Brooke Murdock both competed in the talent event on Friday. But the preliminary winner was Miss Wolcott Cynthia Dias. Dias won lifestyle and fitness in the teen division on Thursday.

Miss Forestville’s Outstanding Teen Erika Farrell and Miss Bristol’s Outstanding Teen Amber Ouellette competed Friday in lifestyle and fitness (workout wear). But the preliminary award went to former Miss Mum and former Miss Forestville’s Outstanding Teen Jillian Duffy.

Contestants also competed in evening gown and on-stage interview events. However, no preliminary awards are given in those categories.

The finals competition begins today with the contestants winnowed down to the top 10 before a winner is crowned. The top 10 for teens will be selected in a 2 p.m. competition at the Garde Arts Center in New London. The Miss top 10 will be selected at a 7 p.m. competition. Winners in both categories will be selected in the evening event.

By MIKE CHAIKEN
EDITIONS EDITOR
As soon as the notes fly through the speaker, you just know.
There are some rock and roll performances that emblazon themselves into the musical psyche.
And Don Felder’s riff and solo on the Eagles’ “Hotel California” is one of those performances.
In 2008, Guitar World voted the solo on the song as one of the most recognizable in rock history.
Then this year, the magazine voted “Hotel California” the top12-String Guitar Songs of All Time. The magazine wrote: “Don Felder’s 12-string acoustic guitar intro (and every other note and chord he plays on this song) is, at this point, a part of our collective consciousness. This song, the ubiquitous soundtrack to 37 trillion barbecues, elevator rides and long trips through the desert at 3 a.m., has never gone away — and probably never will.”
Felder—along with Foreigner and Styx—are coming to the Grand Theater of Foxwoods on Sunday, June 29 at 7 p.m.
In a phone interview from California, Felder was asked how it felt to have his performance on “Hotel California” recognized by Guitar World magazine.
“It’s an honor, quite frankly,” said Felder. “No one thinks when they start writing a song, it’s going to have that life long impact.”
Felder said he realized how far reaching the impact of the song was when he played a show recently for the United Nations. There were 450 world leaders in the room, many of whom did not speak English. But when he ripped into “Hotel California,” Felder said every one of them knew the lyrics to the song.
Looking back on the track’s genesis back in the mid-1970s (the album of the same name was released in 1976), Felder said the song pretty much followed the arrangement he created for the original demo with the exception Joe Walsh’s guitar parts.
Felder said he recorded the demo in his home studio in Malibu, laying down the bass, 12-string guitars, acoustic guitars, and harmonies. Listening recently to the original cassette he recorded for “Hotel California,” he said he was amazed at how much of the original arrangement The Eagles had kept.
But the arrangement was key for the other members of the Eagles, said Felder. After he and Walsh recorded their famous guitar dual, the Eagles’ singer and drummer Don Henley listened to the effort and was disappointed. He said it didn’t sound like the original demo. Henley said he wanted the track exactly as Felder had written it.
Well, Felder explained, he had recorded the demo a year before the Eagles had gotten hold of it. And he couldn’t remember what the guitar parts were from the original demo. He said he ended up calling his home. He then had his housekeeper play the cassette over the phone again and again as he relearned his original guitar parts. Eventually, Henley got what Henley wanted, the guitar duet as it was written. At least on Felder’s part.
Felder said Joe Walsh was Joe Walsh. Felder said no one can rein in Walsh when he begins to roll.
Felder is currently touring behind his solo effort, “Road to Forever,” which is now available in an “extended edition” just in time for the Soundtrack to Summer tour with Styx and Foreigner.
Asked why he decided to revisit the album and give the fans a little something extra, Felder explained he originally wrote 27 songs for the album. He then whittled those down to the 16 best tracks. But when he went to the record company with the completed effort, he was told iTunes wanted an exclusive track for its release. Amazon also wanted an exclusive song on their verson of the album. And the Japanese label wanted a special track as well. So, Felder said, he ended up having to trim four songs from the original album so everyone who wanted an “exclusive” would be satisfied.
Felder wasn’t necessarily satisfied with how the album was released, because with those four tracks missing, he felt there also was something missing from the album. A year after the release, Felder decided the time was right to restore those four tracks to the original concept. And he said he decided to add yet another four more songs that could have been on the album in the first place because they fit the overall concept.
On “Road to Forever,” Felder was able to pull in some musical heavy hitters to help him out. For instance, Crosby, Stills and Nash make an appearance. The members of 1970s, 1980s supergroup Toto also chip in. Felder also was able to pull in bassist extraordinaire Randy Jackson (you, the former “American Idol” judge). Felder said people forget what a great musician Jackson is.“He just killed the bass parts.”
CSN, said Felder, was an easy choice to bring on board. He said he and Stills played in a band together when Felder was a mere 15.
As for the tour with Styx and Foreigner, connections were in place even before the contracts were signed.
Felder said he and Styx guitarist Tommy Shaw had written two songs together previously. And Shaw, whenever he is in the same town as Felder, will come over to his house and the pair will jam.
“I know all the guys in Styx,” said Felder, who has been on the same bill with the band in the past. “They’re good people.”
And, Felder said he knew being out on the road with Styx, “There wouldn’t be any drama. There are no boisterous egos. And they’re a lot of fun.”
Felder said he only more recently met the members of Foreigner. But he said, “They’re a great group of guys.”
Given his relationships with both tourmates, when he was approached to do the Soundtrack to Summer tour, Felder said he was all for it. “This is going to be fun.” All three bands are fantastic live acts, he said. And they all appeal to the same concert going demographics. Fans know the music of each of the acts.
“There’s a lot of great music,” said Felder of the bill.
As for what he will be playing, Felder said he will be doing some of the tracks he wrote for the Eagles, such as, of course, “Hotel California,” “Heartache Tonight,” and “Life in the Fast Lane.” He also will tackle some of his solo material, such as “Heavy Metal,” the title track from the animated film of the same name. He also will be doing several tracks from “The Road to Forever,” such as “You Don’t Have.” He also will make a nod to the memory of guitar great Stevie Ray Vaughn when he performs, “Pride and Joy.”
“There’s a lot of full out rock and roll in the set list,” said Felder.
And, Felder said you may never know who might pop up on stage. He said all three acts have been working on some songs together, so they may just join each other for a few tracks here and there.
As for what’s next for Felder beyond the Soundtrack to Summer, Felder said he will continue to tour through February 2015. And then, he said he has about 15 to 16 songs germinating that will probably find their way to a new album once he has a clear two to three weeks to hit the studio.
Don Felder, along with Styx and Foreigner, perform at the Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino on Sunday, June 29 at 7 p.m. Tickets run from $60 to $90.
For more information, go to DonFelder.com or Foxwoods.com.

Don Felder comes to Connecticuton Sunday as part of the Soundtrack of Summer tour. The tour also includes Foreigner and Styx

Jillian Duffy, left, and Erika Farrell dance in a choreographed routine during Saturday’s Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen finals. Farrell made the top 10. Duffy was first runner-up.

Miss Forestville Molly Westfall, left, hugs Valerie Voccio, Miss Shoreline, after both achieved the top 10 in the Miss Connecticut Scholarship pageant in New London Saturday.

Miss Bristol Elizabeth Wong performs a tap dance routine at Saturday’s finals for the Miss Connecticut Scholarship pagent.

The new Miss Connecticut Acacia Courtney, left, and the new Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen Cynthia Moura Dias.

PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN

by MIKE CHAIKEN

The local representatives for the Miss Connecticut and Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen scholarship pageant got a glimpse of the crown.

But in the end, at Saturday’s finals at the Garde Arts Center in New London, Acacia Courtney was crowned Miss Connecticut and Cynthia Moura Dias is the new Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen.

Courtney was competing as Miss Hamden, and Dias as Miss Wolcott’s Outstanding Teen.

Of the local representatives, Miss Forestville Molly Westfall and Miss Bristol Elizabeth Wong both earned top 10 status to earn the right to compete in the finals Saturday night. Both, however, did not make the top five.

Wong did receive the Miracle Maker award in the Miss category for raising the most funds for the Children’s Miracle Network. (Dias won similar honors in the Teen category.)

Erika Farrell, Miss Forestville’s Outstanding Teen, also achieved top 10 status to earn the right to compete in Saturday afternoon’s competition. However, she did not make it into the top five.

Two contestants with local ties, however, reached the top two.

Jillian Duffy, a former Miss Mum in Bristol and a former Miss Forestville’s Outstanding Teen, was first runner-up. She was competing as Miss Farmington Valley’s Outstanding teen. During preliminaries, she received the talent and lifestyle and physical fitness awards.

Alexandria Puglisi, who owns a business on Spring Street in Southington, was first runner-up in the Miss category. She was competing as Miss New Haven County. In preliminaries, she received the talent and lifestyle and physical fitness awards.

Also competing from the area were Miss Southington Jennifer Binversie, Miss Bristol’s Outstanding Teen Amber Ouellette, Miss Plainville’s Outstanding Teen Brooke Murdock, and Miss Southington’s Outstanding Teen Jennifer Bukowski.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy today announced in a press release that the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s  weekend bridge replacement project of I-84 over Marion Avenue in Southington is virtually complete with I-84 EB opening at 4:30 p.m. today –  12-plus hours ahead of schedule.  Interstate 84 Westbound, also well ahead of schedule, is tentatively set to open between 7 and 8  PM.

“After months of diligent planning, design, stakeholder outreach  and  around-the clock-prefabrication, I was informed by CTDOT that the project is nearly completed and I-84 Eastbound is reopening shortly to vehicular traffic,” said Malloy in the release.” A lot was riding on this project getting done without any problems and with very little inconvenience to the nearly 85,000-plus people that travel on this portion of I-84 every day.  This is another great example of ConnDOT thinking outside the box to deliver a major bridge project with as few interruptions as possible for the public.”

Beginning in the summer of 2013 the department’s contractor, Northern Construction, utilizing Accelerated Bridge Construction  techniques,  prefabricated new bridge superstructures to replace the existing units that were built in 1963 and were in poor condition, said the governor’s release.  By employing ABC principles, the DOT virtually eliminated what would have been many months or even years of traffic disruptions and congestion on Interstate 84 and local roads.   Only one weekend closure of Interstate 84 was required for the replacement and installation of two new 102-foot-long bridges weighing 2 million pounds each.

“Our agency has consistently looked for better ways to deliver projects while minimizing the impacts to traffic, businesses and local communities,” said ConnDOT Commissioner James P. Redeker in the press release. “I’m happy to say that this major project, using ABC technologies, has been a phenomenal success. My thanks and appreciation goes out to the CTDOT’s construction team, Northern Construction, the Town of Southington, the Southington Police Department and the Connecticut State Police in this endeavor.  The cooperation and partnership exhibited with this project sets the standard for us on future ABC projects.”

The CTDOT  has used ABC in the past on a smaller scale, but the replacement of the I-84 bridges in Southington over Marion Avenue marks the first time that the technique has been used on a large-scale construction project, said the release.  While not every bridge project is suitable for ABC, CTDOT will continue to use this technology in other locations around the state after the success of this major bridge replacement.