The Plymouth Connection Volume 8, Issue 11 • November, 2014 © Presrt STD ECRWSS US Postage PAID southington, CT Permit No. 12 Local Postal Customer Connecting Plymouth, Terryville and Pequabuck Updates Include Road Project and New Businesses It looks as if my prediction of last month about outdoor work and leaves has come true. My yard is now buried in leaves. All the raking must be Mother Nature’s way of giving us something to do on the weekends. As a result of the last prediction, I will avoid predictions about snow, and, instead, talk about good news in town. We will soon be welcoming Inland Fuels to our community as our newest business. Inland Fuels, a company that is part of Santa Energy, is one of New England’s premier suppliers of wholesale heating fuel products. This town will be the company’s fifth terminal in Connecticut; the company also has terminals in Rhode Island. The company, which will service all of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, will use the rail line located at the South Main Street site to receive their products. We still have a little more work to do, but, if all goes well, I do expect the construction of this facility to begin within the next month or so. I feel very good about this company, and I am sure that it will be a good neighbor and a good citizen in our community. I will update you as we move forward. Thank you to the seniors, who invited me to attend this month’s meeting for the purpose of updating them on all the positive happenings in town. Thank you all for your interest in the town and for your thoughtful questions. I hope that I was able to give you the answers that you sought. I recently attended an event at the Learning Center where I met the new PLTI (Parent Leadership Training Institute) class. PLTI is a program which operates through the United Way. The class meets weekly for 20 weeks Continued on page 5... Why Your Friends are Supporting to Re-Elect Whit Betts! “Whit Betts is a man of great integrity who has truly been our representative. He has consistently informed his constituents of actions being taken in the legislature. He is pro-active in making voters aware of issues and his position on the issues through emails, personal contact, civic meetings, and even phone calls. He truly listens to what the voters have to say, studies the issues, and acts in the best interests of the community. He is what all representatives should be -- a true servant of the people. We cannot afford to return to the days of secrecy, covert deals, and a complete disregard for the voting public.” -Sandra J. Klimkoski “Whit Betts is a true representative of the people. He stands for what’s right for the citizens of Connecticut and Plymouth. Representative Betts has stood behind common-sense ideals and conservative principles that too many of our elected officials simply ignore because of party politics. A vote for Whit Betts is a vote for sensible governing and smart decision-making.” -Dennis Fowler “It has been an honor to serve with Representative Betts the last four years. During that time, I have known him to be a man of his word and to always put the people of Plymouth before politics. He is my State Representative and will surely get my vote again this November.” -Jason Welch, State Senator “Whit Betts doesn’t just talk the talk he walks the walk for our seniors.” -Lynne Bobroske, Owner of Quail Hollow Village Senior Housing, Terryville “I have had the pleasure of working with Whit over the past 5 years. When wells in the Plymouth section of town were found to be contaminated and unusable we turned to Whit for help. We now have a waterline for these folks. Whit is always available to offer his help, he is quick to praise volunteers and is always part of the solution not part of the problem. Please support Whit Betts for our representative of the 78thDistrict.” -Marty Sandshaw “As the November election approaches, I feel we all need to decide for whom we should vote -- a politician or a representative. Whit Betts is a representative, which means he is in office to serve his district and our town, He has done that for the last four years! He has worked with town officials and listened to our concerns. Now, more than ever, with the way the state is spending our hard earned tax dollars, we need to re-elect a man of integrity and fiscal conservatism. That man is Whit Betts. I know I will be voting for Whit in November; I hope you will do the same.” -Cathy Paskus “Whit has been an extremely responsive and dedicated Representative for the 78th District. I look forward to casting my vote for him again on November 4th. I encourage everyone to join me in doing the same.” -William A. Hamzy, Esq. “Whit Betts is and has been a great asset to the town of Plymouth. In my first year as the Mayor of this great community I have looked many times to Whit for help at the State Level and he is always there for us, working to make this community a better place to live. Most recently helping us with the State Department of Housing to alleviate a huge problem that we have in town. Whit is the man that we need to represent us in Hartford.” -Mayor Dave Merchant Re-Elect Paid for by Betts for the 78th State Rep., John Letizia, Treasurer, approved by Whit Betts. Please Join the Plymouth Police Department for our 2nd Annual "Stuff a Cruiser" Toy Drive The Plymouth Police Department is hosting its 2nd Annual stuff a cruiser toy drive. Please Join us at the Bristol Walmart, Located at 1400 Farmington Avenue, Bristol, Connecticut, on November 22, 2014 from 1:oo pm to 6:00 pm. New, Unwrapped toys needed for less-fortunate children between the ages of newborn to 18years old. Items can also be dropped off at the Plymouth Police Department, 80 Main Street Terryville, CT. Small Wonders Holiday Gift Program Before you know it, the holiday season will be upon us! Please consider helping a low income child from Plymouth this year, by signing up as a donor for the Small Wonder’s Holiday Gift Program. Donors will be provided with the child’s age and a short wish list. This year the theme will be “Something They Want, Something They Need, Something to Wear, Something to Read”. Last year, 146 local children received toys through this program. Parents can receive the holiday gift signup sheet at the Plymouth Community Food Pantry any time before November 7th, 2014. All backgrounds and religious affiliations are welcome to participate in this program. Please contact Eric McCoy 860-309-5506 or Karen Saccu 860-583-4717 if you would like to be a donor this year. Honoring Veterans - page 7 Nov. 1, Food Fair At the Lyceum - page 12 Nov. 2, Poppy’s Food Drive At Adam’s IGA, for the Food Pantry - page 5 From the Candidates Read what they have t say - page 21 Table of Contents... Animal Rescue Foundation.....................................12 Business, Chamber, Rotary.....................................23 Church News..................................................... 28-29 Classified.................................................................12 Counselor’s Corner, by Bill Hamzy........................14 Family Gaming Tips by Stephen Duetzmann...........8 Financial Strategies, by Julia Weston.......................8 From the Candidates...............................................21 Health & Seniors .............................................. 24-27 I Remember When, by Dick Foote.........................17 Letters to the Editor.......................................... 18-21 Library News.................................................... 20-21 Local New........................................................... 1-16 Plymouth Historical Society (Veterans)....................7 Plymouth Human Services .......................1, 6, 25, 26 Plymouth Park & Rec.............................................32 School Lunch Menu................................................34 School News ................................................... 34-35 Senior Menu............................................................24 Sports, Leisure & Activities.............................. 32-33 Terryville Fire Department............................... 22-23 www.plymouthconnection.org 12/31/14. Page 2 • The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 12/31/14. 12/31/14. 655 Main Street Plymouth, CT 860-283-4566 Home of The Sweet Tooth Ice Cream & Candy Shop Hours: Featuring: Bucks Ice Cream Featuring: Fascia’s Chocolates Mon.-Fri. 6am-9pm Sat.-Sun. 9am-9pm Open Year Round Indoor/Outdoor Seating Breakfast: Eggs & Cheese................................ $2.99 Bacon Eggs & Cheese..................... $3.99 Ham or Bacon................................. $3.99 Buttered Roll................................... $3.99 Bagel & Cream CHeese................. $1.49 Variety Muffins..................................$.99 English Muffins..................................$.99 • All sandwiches can be served on a Bagel, English Muffin, Roll or Toast. Soups & Salads • Soups: $3.99-$5.99 New England Clam Chowder Lobster Bisque or Soup of the Day • Salads: Garden............................................. $3.99 Chef ’s............................................... $5.99 Tuna................................................. $5.99 Caesar............................................... $4.99 Chicken............................................ $5.99 Christmas Trees (Coming Black Friday) Sandwiches: Roll $3.99 Your Choice: Ham & Cheese Turkey & Cheese Roast Beef Ham, Bologna & Cheese Italian Combo 6” $4.99 12” $7.99 Meatball Eggplant Parmesan Tuna Egg Salad Seafood B.L.T. We carry a variety of gourmet foods decoratively packaged for holiday gift giving! Cold Cut Combo Buffalo Chicken Pastrami Philly Cheese Steak Veggie Carrying all natural products from all over New England! Country Candles & Gifts Cabot Cheese Nodine’s Smokehouse Products Pure Vermont Maple Syrup Gluten Free Products Neighborly Farm Cheeses 5.99 lb. $ 1 off Sandwich and $ beverage purchase McCalls Candies and Scents Paine Products Berries and Baskets Products Balsam Fir All natural products Halladys Farm Dips Monks Meadow Products Berries and Baskets Products Side Hill Farm Products in Vermont Lyndsay Farms Products Boars Head Meats & Cheeses Special Artisan Meats & Cheeses Robert Rothschild Farm Products Crowley’s Handcrafted Cheeses American Cheese Every-Day Low Price! 3 off Any purchase $ of $15 or more 5 off Any purchase $ of $25 or more $ 10 off $25 off Any purchase Any catering Cleveland’s Country Store Plymouth, CT • 860-283-4566 Cleveland’s Country Store Plymouth, CT • 860-283-4566 Cleveland’s Country Store Plymouth, CT • 860-283-4566 Cleveland’s Country Store Plymouth, CT • 860-283-4566 of $50 or more purchase of $125 or more With this coupon, not valid with other offers, expires 11-28-14 With this coupon, not valid with other offers, expires 11-28-14 With this coupon, not valid with other offers, expires 11-28-14 With this coupon, not valid with other offers, expires 11-28-14 With this coupon, not valid with other offers, expires 11-28-14 Cleveland’s Country Store Plymouth, CT • 860-283-4566 The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 • Page 3 Plymouth Local Prevention Council Update November is KIDS Month at Smile Haven Dental Center D E N TA L C E N T E R Not Negotiable For the rest of 2014 It pays to have a healthy smile! Receive a free and clear $50 cash bonus when your youngsters became an active Smile Haven Patient and complete their treatment plan! Limit: Offer limited to patients 21 years and younger. Enter our drawing to win a brand new Apple iPad Air 2 16GB ($500 value) Enter our drawing to WIN at every scheduled dental appointment; emergency appointments do not count! One entry per patient per appointment. Drawing will be Saturday, December 20th! Winner will be announced on our Facebook page! Also will be contacted by phone. Limit: Patient must be 21 years or younger to be eligible. 195 Main Street, Terryville • 860-584-2051 Patient Referral Refer your friends and get $25 - $50 depending on insurance. Call for Details! $99.00 for $99 for in-office cleaning, exam, light activated Teeth Whitening. and x-rays. October proved to be a busy month for the Plymouth Local Prevention Council. The members of the Local Prevention Council organized and orchestrated Red Ribbon Week throughout the schools and involving the community. It ran from October 24th to the 31st. There were daily messages and activities in the schools and presentations all designed to help youth make good choices and prevent substance abuse. The community was invited to hear Chris Herren speak at the High School on Wednesday the 29th of October. He delivered a message about substance abuse, prevention, and recovery to adults. This was a follow up to the daytime presentation that all 8th to 12th graders saw earlier in the day. Red Ribbon week was just some of the projects The Local Prevention Council worked on this month. Adult members Pat Borda, Lisa Aiudi, and School Resource Officer Patrick Walsh began putting together our 2nd annual World Café Community Discussion. The youth members of the Local Prevention Council had a lot to do. In addition to their work with Red Ribbon week, they went to the state capitol. There they met with Representative Whit Betts to talk about substance abuse prevention efforts in Plymouth. They also put their Public Service Message on youtube.com. To take their efforts to the next step, the youth members attended a training session sponsored by the Substance Abuse Action Council. The training was about community organizing and leadership. Keeping in mind that there is always more work the youth members recruited additional youth help and began the process of creating two presentations that they will be providing to the parents at the Park and Recreation Basketball league. They are working with Mike Ganem and Jodiann Tenney to organize and coordinate these events. The focus of the presentations will be in line with the “Talk Early…Talk Often!” campaign to keep talking to youth about the expectations, dangers, and consequences of substance use. The students are planning on interactive and engaging activities to make the learning fun and relevant. Below is the list meeting dates and times for the Plymouth Local Prevention Council. Please come and see what you can do to help with the community wide task of preventing substance abuse. Meetings are held at town hall, from 3 to 4pm. November 5, 2014 December 3, 2014 January 7, 2015 February 4, 2015 March 4, 2015 April 1, 2015 May 6, 2015 June 3, 2015 If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email us or call. Email/calls can be directed to our Project Coordinator Chris Perkins 860-314-2777 ext. 5433 or perkinsc@plymouth.k12.ct.us FOOT PROBLEMS? Get the professional treatment you deserve! Treat your foot and ankle disorders quickly with Dr. McHugh and Associates, P.C. “Voted TOP DOC by CT Magazine” Here at Dr. McHugh and Associates our team of expert podiatrists provides gentle foot care that keep wait times at a minimum. John M. McHugh D.P.M Darren A. Winkler D.P.M David S. Mullen D.P.M Ezra J. Dottino D.P.M Visit one of our close to home offices! WATERTOWN- 51 Depot St., Suite 202 Ph(860) 274-1773 Fax(860) 945-6820 WOLCOTT- 464 Wolcott Rd Ph(203) 879-3646 Fax(203) 879-7191 TORRINGTON- 333 Kennedy Dr. Suite L103 Ph(860) 489-1900 Fax(860) 482-5804 Podiatrists, Dr. McHugh and Associates, P.C. Page 4 • The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 Local News Continued from page 1... and learns how to advocate for children, as well as how to better our community. Congratulations to you all for being part of this great organization; we are looking forward to your community projects in the spring. Our Safe Walks to School Project, which I addressed in last month’s newsletter, is very close to the awarding the project. The bid process is complete, and our Public Works director is reviewing the bids to make sure everything is as it should be before awarding the contract. Depending on how cooperative the weather is, you may even see some work started on the project during this fall. I am very happy to report that we have company expansions occurring in our Business Park. Nutmeg Spice will be doubling its building size and adding new employees. Other company expansions are going through the process, as well, and another new building will soon be underway. Three Leaf Landscaping is in the process of erecting its new building. Currently, we are in preliminary talks with another large company interested in moving to Plymouth. We are making progress, and I hope to give you more information soon. Economic development continues to be on the top of the priority list. At last month’s Council meeting we formed a new Real Estate Committee. This committee is charged with evaluating all town-owned property that is not being utilized. The committee will determine what is in the best interests of the community regarding the disposition of properties. I will be working with the members, and we hope to report our progress in the coming months. Looking out my window, I can see that the Skate Board Park, which is coming along very well. When I recently visited the property, work crews were in the process of pouring concrete. They are hopeful that this task will be completed during the last week of October. Once that job is completed, we will complete the site work. We are hoping to have the park landscaped and seeded before the weather turns cold. Again, thank you to all of the volunteers that have given their time so that this project could become a reality. Thank you to Lenny Johnson who has spent so many hours driving the bulldozer while keeping one step ahead of the contractors! Speaking of parks, if you haven’t had a chance to check out our new park area at the North Street Reservoir Recreation, I suggest that you take a drive to visit. This facility provides passive recreation in a beautiful lake setting. I have had some very positive feedback, and I have received so many great photos that people have taken while out on the lake. It is a beautiful setting of which we can be proud! I am sure that residents in the of Hillside Avenue are very happy that the road has been paved with the final coat and should be complete by the time you read this newsletter, although we may have just a few punch list items to bring the project to closure. Hillside Avenue is the last road from the bond package which we initiated couple of years ago. With its completion, I am also very happy to report that we will finish with a surplus from that bonding. This surplus will, in turn, allow us to work on other roads. We should know in the next couple of weeks exactly how much money we will have for further work. I will work with my Public Works Committee to go over the road priority list and then take it to the Public Works Commission for its input. Once we agree on what we want to do next, we will bring it forward. I hate to keep suggesting that winter will get in the way, but it’s about to do so. Consequently, additional work will probably not take place until spring when we should have plenty of projects under way as soon as the spring thaw arrives. As I promised previously, we are going to have an “open house” at the new Highway Garage. Crews are finishing the paving this week, and we should be ready to show it off! The Open House is on Saturday November 8, from 10:00 A.M. until Noon. By then, we will have everything spruced up and ready for company! Please stop by and take a look at this new facility, one of which we will be very proud to have in this town! Wow! The next time I write the monthly newsletter, I will be talking about Christmas. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Let’s keep our community moving forward. Stay Safe! Mayor Dave Thank You Casanova Remodeling and The Plymouth Connection will be holding Poppy’s 7th Annual Food Drive in memory of Mr. John Casanova, SR. who passed away during the first food drive while the Casanova Brothers were on a shopping spree for the Plymouth Food Pantry. All food and cash donations go directly to the Plymouth Community Food Pantry! Sunday, November 2nd 10 am - 1 pm The Plymouth Beautification Committee would like to thank all those that helped to make the Fifth Annual Pumpkin fest a success. Plymouth Fire Dept and Women’s Auxiliary, Plymouth Baptist Church, Back to Basics, Carol Rivard, Jerry Milne, American Septic, Tractor Enthusiasts, Terryville Pizza, Hometown Pizza, Hilltop Pizza and Chute Gates Restaurant. Special thanks to the Plymouth Congregational Church. Your continued support is what makes this a great event for all. This year’s Jack o lantern winners are!!! held at Youth up to 6 Adults 18+ 1st Juliet Karlak 1st Scott Brede 2nd Leah Pesce 2nd Rick Acker 3rd Maci Wolf 3rd Cindy Peterson Ages 7-13 Best of Show-Tom Vaugh 1st Rebecca & Caelyn Thomas Silliest-Kara Hein 2nd Blake Sanford Scariest-Gary Kozikowski 3rd Mersadez David Most Unique-Ian Russell Ages 14-18 Adams IGA Turkeys Especially Welcome! Pantry shelves are in need with the failing economy and the upcoming holidays. Please help us help each other! Businesses can also make cash or food donations by calling 584-1750. 1st Tom Vaugh 2nd Cara Jones St. Casimir Men’s Club Annual Cemetery Box Sale  Boxes - $17.00 Pots - $12.00  Orders taken through Thanksgiving Day Pick-up Saturday, November 30th at St. Casimir Rectory from 9am to 11am Please Contact Jim Butler at 860-582-3350 to place your order. Terryville Lions Club Annual Christmas Lighting Display Contest CA$H for CARS We Will pay up to $2000 for your used car Open to All Plymouth, Terryville & Pequabuck Residents depending on condition. Foreign or Domestic 24/7 Call Joe: 203-982-8780 The Plymouth Connection Categories: Publishing on the 1st of each month for the residential and business communities of Plymouth, Terryville and Pequabuck. Deadline for submission is the 19th of the month prior to publication. Published by The Plymouth Connection 75 Kearney Street, Terryville, CT 06786 Best Colored Light Display Best White Light Display Best Theme Display (Judged on use of props, light effects, etc.) Lisa Phillimore News and Advertising Information Phone: 860-261-5859 Fax: 860-589-1918 E-mail: plymouthconnection@comcast.net Prizes are: (awarded in each category) $50 for 1st Prize $30 for 2nd Prize $20 for 3rd Prize Nominate a Neighbor or Yourself! Nomination/Entry blanks are available on-line at http://terryvillelions.org/holidaylights.htm or at Terryville Public Library, Plymouth Public Library and Mayfair Garage. Entry Deadline: December 17, 2014 Judging will be December 20, 2014 Advertiser’s Responsibility -The advertiser assumes liability for all content (including text representation and illustrations) of advertisements printed and agrees to indemnify The Plymouth Connection and its agents against all claims whatsoever of any nature arising from printing such advertisements in The Plymouth Connection, and all related costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees) associated with defending against such claims. Settlement - The Plymouth Connection or its agents assumes no responsibility for typographical errors in advertisements, but will reprint without charge the portion of the ad that was incorrect. Claims for allowance must be made in writing within seven days. Credit for errors is at the discretion of The Plymouth Connection. The Plymouth Connection does not guarantee any article will be in a specific issue, and reserves the right to refuse any article or advertisement for printing. www.plymouthconnection.org The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 • Page 5 Local News “Be Patriotic” Free Home Repairs! KNOW ANYONE WHOSE HOME NEEDS HELP HomeFront volunteers are ready to repair homes at no cost to qualified homeowners in Spring 2015. For more information, please call: HomeFront 1-800-887-HOPE (4673) Small Wonders BIG Success! Human Services would like to thank everyone who made year’s Small Wonders Backpack Program so successful. Donations came from local residents and organizations within the community! The businesses who supported the program are: AllRead Products, Grela Well Drilling, Lions Club, Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance, Plymouth Explorer’s Post #111, Plymouth Police Dept, Plymouth Oil, various offices at the Plymouth Town Hall, Terryville Fire Dept and Thomaston Savings Bank. We would also like to thank First Baptist Church of Plymouth, Holy Trinity, Immaculate Conception, Plymouth Congregational, St Casmir, St Cyril and Methodius, St Paul Lutheran Church and Terryville Congregational for their ongoing support of this program. With their assistance we were able to provide 126 kids with packs and supplies. Thank-you. Questions About Reverse Mortgages? The State of CT Department of Banking will be doing a one hour presentation about Reverse Mortgages on Wednesday, November 12th at 10 am. The presentation will be at Plymouth Town Hall, in the community room. For more information or to register, please contact Plymouth Human Services at 860-585-4028. I got started after 9/11 when my grandchildren asked if I could make quilts for them. They picked out some red, white and blue fabric as I suggested. It then was decided that every grandchild should have a patriotic lap quilt. So I made fourteen over a period of about five years. Then I made seven more for my children, and four for my great grandchildren. The size of each lap quilt was 50” x 60”. Soon I started to wonder, where would I be able to use all the red, white and blue fabric that I collected over the years? We were making lap quilts in Port Orange, Florida for people in rest homes. I belong to a sewing group at my church. I suggested the red, white and blue fabric would be great for our veterans who are in wheelchairs. I had the idea of passing out these lap quilts on Veteran’s Day. We Page 6 • The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 all agreed it was a good time to do it. So for 1 year we have been sewing quilts, 32” x 42”. (A sincere “Thank You” goes out to the people of our church for donated fabric and other supplies. ) Veteran’s Day is arriving and it’s time to send out approximately 50 quilts but more is needed to show our appreciation for those who serve and have served our country. Our next task will be to make veterans quilts for wheelchairs & wheelchair bags as long as we can. Our group sews once a month. All fabric is donated, so we humbly ask if you have extra fabric you’d like to donate please call Doris Strilkauskas at 860-620-4843. GOD BLESS, Doris Strilkauskas Thank you to our veterans! This is part 1 of our Veterans Photo Jounal Series. Please continue to send in your family photos and information so we can continue to honor those who have ser ved! Please call 860 314-2777 ext. 5412.ttt This is Part One of our Veterans Photo Journal Series! Please send in family photos and info so we can continue to honor those who have served in our community! Call 860 314 2777 ext. 5412 for further information! Special thanks to Mrs. Arlene Wood for her hard work. US Navy Radarman USS Allen M Sumner DD692 1969-1975 Anthony Basile Army Specialist 4th Class Heavy Field Artillery Nuremberg Germany Charles Herr Derald Demerchant Edward A. Herr George Chaivanik Peter Gianesini US Army 1st Lt. Vietnam 1964-1966 US Army Private 1st Class 82nd Division WWI France 1918 Ken E. Micloskey US Army Selective Service 82nd Airborne Div. 1968-1969 Died S. Vietnam David Merchant US Army Specialist 4th Class Korea 1968-1971 Michael Z. Sulkazi Les Norton David Francis Boilard Andre St. Laurent Rev. John Sheriden Rev. Zelie Army Sgt 1st Class 1940-1945 Army 10th Mountain Division Camp Hale, Leadville CO US Coast Guard 1972-1976 US Navy US Marines /US Army Special Forces 1954+ Vietnam/Korea US Army Korea US Navy WW II Red Cross Army Chaplain WWI France 1918 Ed Klepps US Navy Pearl Harbor 1935-1945 With wife Alma John R. Bull US Marines WWII 1940 Marine and Chaplain WWI France 1900 The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 • Page 7 Troop 75 Boy Scouts of America October Events The scouts and leaders of Troop 75 assisted the community this month by volunteering to wait tables at a benefit dinner for Sandy McCann, the mother of one of our scouts. Sandy has been diagnosed with stage four thyroid cancer and the family needs support The scouts and Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance Explorers joined together to assist in making the event successful. Thanks to all in the community, including local business support, that contributed to the evening’s success! The troop will also be travelling to New York this month to introduce some of the younger scouts to backpacking. The scouts will be trekking a section of the Appalachian Trail that is relatively flat so it is not too strenuous. Once in camp the boys can practice their fire building skills and cooking with a small backpacking stove while also enjoying the fall foliage. Recently, the troop began to have the Webelos of Pack 75 Terryville meet on the same night as the Boy Scouts. The Cub Scouts still have their separate meeting but we are introducing the younger scouts into the troop to ultimately enhance their transition to Boy Scouts. Troop 75 BSA Leaders, Scouts and family members would like to collectively thank the continued generosity of the Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation. This year’s grant will aid in the purchase of new cook kits for each of our patrols. The patrols use this equipment to prepare meals and learn skills such as meal planning, preparation and cleanup. Troop 75 welcomes new boys aged 11 to 17 and meets at 7:00 pm every Wednesday night at the Terryville Congregational Church on Main Street in Terryville. No prior Scouting experience is necessary. If you would like additional information about joining Troop 75 and having your son participate in our activities, please email the following address: email755-t75@yahoo.com Share your financial and care inventory with those who need to know By Julia Weston Thrivent Financial Each year, thousands of Americans are thrust into the uncomfortable role of making long-term care decisions for their family members. These emotional decisions may create stressful situations for the entire family in addition to being time-consuming and expensive. Fortunately, there is a way to help reduce the stress connected to these situations: communication. Discussing plans for long-term care before the need arises can greatly reduce the stress that may arise while dealing with an illness or disability. Raising the subject may create some momentary awkwardness for both parents and their adult children. However it is far better to discuss long-term care options ahead of time and together decide what makes the most sense for the family. Thrivent Financial recommends that families ask certain questions regarding a long-term care strategy: ▪ Where and how you would like care delivered, if you were to need it. ▪ The level of independence you’d like to maintain. ▪ The role you’d like your family to play in your care. ▪ How you want to fund your care, while protecting your assets. Clear communication can help eliminate the problem of catching a spouse or adult child off guard. It can also help eliminate the burden of uncertainty with difficult decisions. Spelling out the location of important documents, as well as care wishes, ensures that family members have the information they need to provide for their loved one’s desired care. Create a financial and care inventory It is also important to update family members on the location and status of financial and care documents. Having an inventory of these documents provides family members with a roadmap to critical information. It is focused on the “where” information on financial holdings is located; not specific details about the financial holdings. The inventory is not a legal document, and it need not divulge personal or confidential details you are not prepared to share. It should, however, enable loved ones to quickly locate where you keep your financial, legal, care and legacy records should a crisis occur. This inventory should be updated at least annually, and copies given to family members - a lawyer or executor – or placed in a secure location where those who might need it can access it. While each family’s inventory will differ, the inventory should include information related to where someone can find the following: Black Friday Advice By Stephen Duetxmann editor at EngagedFamilyGaming.com The holiday shopping season is almost upon us and will kick off very soon on Black Friday. Video games will find their way onto a huge number of kids’ wish lists this year. The following is a lis of tips to help get the most smiles per dollar possible. “Experience • Integrity • Compassion” Re-Elect ANDRE Dorval Judge of Probate Democrat Pull Lever 9B November 4th Election Day Paid for by Andre D. Dorval. Approved by Andre D. Dorval. ▪ Living wills/health care directives ▪ Insurance and other contracts (health, life, long-term care, annuities, auto, homeowners, etc.) ▪ Wills, trusts and deeds ▪ Bank accounts and investment accounts ▪ Credit card accounts and other outstanding debt ▪ Contact information for lawyers, accountants, brokers, agents ▪ Jewelry and other valuables ▪ Essential keys ▪ Instructions related to funeral arrangements ▪ Personal instructions or messages ▪ Location of birth, marriage and military discharge certificates ▪ Information related to charitable gifts While it may be a difficult topic, open and honest communication about your long-term care strategy can be one of the best ways to prepare for a stress-free financial future. This article was prepared by Thrivent Financial for use by Julia Weston. She has an office at 934 Terryville Ave. in Bristol and can also be reached at 860-261-7562. Thrivent Financial is looking for talented individuals to join the organization. Those interested in a career with Thrivent Financial can visit www.thrivent.com/careers. 976203-072814 Have a Plan Holiday shopping can be insane, especially if you go shopping on Black Friday. It is important to make sure that you have a plan. Black Friday flyers are being published earlier and earlier each year. Make sure you look them over early. The good news is that many sites (including my own) give a roll up of the good deals before the big day. The Last Generation is Not Dead This is going to be a great year to buy into the last generation of consoles. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 have been around a long time and are currently overshadowed by their newer, shinier PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. But, they are still more than viable systems especially for families that don’t need the latest and greatest Both of these consoles have massive catalogs of family friendly games and will continue to receive support for a few more years. The next generation is in full swing so we can expect all the marketing dollars to be pushing the newer consoles, but I would expect to see some very good bundles this holiday as retailers try to move their remaining stock. PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold These might not be the biggest or flashiest gift you will give, but both of these services are a great value on their own Page 8 • The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 and have been heavily discounted during past Holiday seasons. These programs are the key to online multiplayer on their respective consoles, but both of them come with free games every month. These free games are often older, but multiple free games every month adds up to a great value. Going Digital Sony and Microsoft are both making strong pushes towards digital sales. This is understandable because it would cut out the need to pay a portion of their sales to retailers. This can be a great deal for parents as well. This may not be as much of a deal on Black Friday itself, but Cyber Monday is getting bigger every year so keep an eye out for deals on “digital downloads”. The key here is that with no discs to ship, there is no shipping required and that can be significant. Digital downloads come in the form of codes that are just strings of letters and numbers. This gives creative and crafty parents all sorts of opportunities to disguise gifts. This is especially useful for those pesky teenagers who know all of their gifts by the shape of the package. (Make sure to save the original code online somewhere just in case though!) When Toys Come to Life Our Wallets Scream in Fear Skylanders and Disney Infinity figures have been draining parents bank accounts across the country for a few years no. This holiday season will be no different. Just keep in mind while shopping that figured that were released with previous games will still work. They may not feature the new gimmick, but they will still be a new character to enjoy. Many retailers have heavily discounted older figures and you can save a lot by shopping smart and picking a few up. Best of luck to you on Black Friday and we’ll be back next month! Tour and Restore St. Matthew’s Cemetery on Nov. 9 The Plymouth Historical Society will host a “Tour and Restore” event at the historic St. Matthew’s cemetery in East Plymouth on November 9 from 1-3pm. The graveyard dates to 1796 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Participants should meet at the cemetery on East Plymouth Road (near the intersection of Marsh Road) at 1pm for the tour. Bring shovels if you want to help reset grave- stones. The “Tour and Restore” event is free but registration is required by emailing plymouth.historical@yahoo.com or calling 860-921-6118. For more information, go to www.plymouthhistoricalsociety.org. Learn More about Girl Scouts What did you do today? Join Girl Scouts and you could be spending time having fun with your friends while you try new things, visit exciting places, and explore the world around you. Come see the amazing things Girl Scouts in Thomaston and Plymouth are doing and learn how you can be a part of it all! Girls in grades Kindergarten and up can join. As a Girl Scout, you can try many new things. You can learn about technology, play sports and games, experiment with math and science, earn badges, attend fun workshops, travel to new places, and much more! Girl Scouts gives every girl access to fun-filled experiences that inspire her and show her she can do anything she sets her mind to. Girl Scouts of Connecticut offers girls the lifetime skills needed to discover their personal best, connect with others, and take action in their communities to make the world a better place. For more information about joining Girl Scouts in Thomaston or Plymouth contact Teresa Allen, tallen@ gsofct.org , 203-7571340 ext 3615. Troop 64123 made thank you cards for the Fire Department for fire prevention week. Eagle’s Nest Thomaston Savings Bank Grant Will Honor Dorence Atwater, Plymouth’s Civil War Hero. The Plymouth Historical Society received a grant from the Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation to restore the Dorence Atwater monument at Baldwin Park. The monument, consisting of a large cannon and plaque, was installed in 1908 to honor Plymouth’s Civil War hero. Atwater served in the Union Army, was captured, and sent to the Confederate prisoner camp in Andersonville, Georgia, where 13,000 Union soldiers died from the horrible conditions. They were buried in mass trenches. Atwater kept a secret list of the dead and smuggled it out when he was released. After the War, he returned with Clara Barton, who later founded the American Red Cross, to properly document the graves and notify the soldier’s families about the fate of their loved ones. With the grant, the Historical Society will restore Atwater’s monument and install a new interpretive sign. The dedication will be on May 30, 2015, the 150th anniversary of Atwater’s return to Terryville after the War. There will be a living history demonstration with Civil War reenactors. For more information and to donate for this project, go to www.plymouthhistoricalsociety.org, or email plymouth.historical@yahoo.com. Family Restaurant Now Open, Remodeled and Ready to Serve You! 10% Discount for Veterans! on November 11th, Veterans’ Day Open 6 Days - Plus Every Holiday! Gift Certificates Now Available! Takeout Orders Available Our Own Homemade Corned Beef Hash 3 eggs, homefries & toast $ 795 Tues. - Sat. 6am - 2pm, Sun. 7am - 2pm Our Popular Italian Sausage Breakfast 3 eggs, Italian Sausage, homefries & toast $ 795 Our Famous Biscuits & Sausage Gravy 2 eggs, biscuits, sausage gravy & homefries $ 695 163 Main Street (Rt. 6) • Terryville • 860-584-5265 t Instan ity il $ 750 Ut e! Rebat The Plymouth Local Prevention Council, in cooperation with the Carol M. White PEP Grant, is hosting former NBA star player Chris Herren to speak at Terryville High School. The event took place on Wednesday, October 29, 2014, during the day and again for an evening performance. Former NBA player Chris Herren shared his powerful message of hope and inspiration and his personal journey. Herren was a high school basketball legend in Fall River, Massachusetts, who realized his lifelong dream of playing for the Boston Celtics only to lose it all to alcohol and drug addiction. He shared his story of abuse and recovery with Terryville’s 8th12th grade students during a daytime presentation. His challenging message to students is to embrace who they are, and not to resort to substance abuse in order to become someone different. Herren hopes that his presentation will have an impact on at least one person in attendance, because that would make what he does worthwhile. During an evening presentation that was open to the public, Herren shared more of his story and also addressed how parents can help their teens make good decisions. He will share with parents that a high percentage of adult drug addicts started as teens, usually through alcohol and smoking marijuana. Herren will talk about the uncomfortable reality that more often than people would like to admit, many parents are aware that their teen abuses substance either socially or chronically. Herren encourages those in attendance to remember that addiction can begin with as little as one drink or one pill and is not a path easily reversed. Students who have attended previous presentations call Herren “one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met” and “amazing,” saying that Herren “had a really strong message and a great presentation.” Herren’s story has been chronicled in Sports Illustrated and Rolling Stone, on 60 Minutes, and in the ESPN documentary Unguarded. He currently mentors young basketball players and has launched a national anti-substance abuse campaign, Project Purple, to encourage people of all ages to stand up to substance abuse. The evening presentation ) at 7pm at Terryville High School and all adults and high school age teens are welcome to attend. Any Plymouth residents who would like to come at 6pm will be served free pizza but are asked to RSVP to Perkinsc@plymouth.k12. ct.us or 860 314-2777 ext. 5433 with number of persons planning to attend. Heating Loan Approved Contractor. 0% Interest Financing for Residential Energy-Efficient Heating System Upgrades. The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 • Page 9 Strengthening Our Community Connecticut State Archivist Appointed Row #1 (starting on the left) : Thomas Broadus, Bailey McCann, Scott Amendola, Megan Soucy, Connie Kapralos, Amber Barriault, Samantha Stone Row #2 (starting from the left) :Trey Belanger, Joe Klopp, Amihya Brock, Joe DeLorenzo, Kaitlyn Bednaz, Valerie Bush, Camron Rivera, Matt Kozer, Sandy McCann, Lisa McCoy PECC Holds Pre-Election Forum on October 15 We would like to take a moment to THANK all the organizations and people who came out to support the Sandy McCann Pasta Diner Fundraiser that took place on 10/9/14. Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance Explorer Post 111 would not have been able to make this vision a reality without all the support from the community. During the initial planning phase we thought we would be successful if we served dinner to 200 people. We nearly doubled that amount with 361 people being served a full dinner and dessert. We would like to personally thank the Boys Scouts from Pack 75. If it weren’t for them, we would have never been able to serve all the guests as efficiently. From concept to execution Lisa McCoy and Scott Amendola, the coorganizers, kept Sandy McCann in mind. The energy and efforts of so many people made this fundraiser wildly successful. This event and the other activities the Ambulance Explorer Post 111 gets involved with are always geared to help others. This fundraiser was especially important because it was to directly support the mother of one of their own. To do an event in our very own community for a community member is a life lesson. You have surely heard the saying “it takes a community to raise a child”. Well, in this incident the community support taught the Explorers that powerful things can be accomplished when people and organizations come together. Lisa and Scott would like to Thank all the family, friends, groups, organizations and sponsors that help prove to one person is loved by the community. This support also shows our youth program that the work they do does matter. The Lyceum Event Center was a fantastic place to hold this event and the Explorers were so happy that this Event Center was also a sponsor for this fundraiser. The staff was so wonderful, when the room was nearing capacity they stepped up to help arrange things to allow for more guests to join the party. For the people that attended, you saw in the middle of each table, many of the corporate sponsors and a special thank you to each of the 3 Emergency Service the serve our community. The Terryville Fire Department stepped up to the challenge by providing the fundraiser with a Fire Truck along with a crew even though it was the night of their EDITH Drill. Many Fire Department members came to the event with their family to show support as well. Another special thanks to the Plymouth Police Department for providing us with a Police Officers and a dedicated Police car to stage in the front of the building along with the Ambulance. It was touching to also have on-duty police officer and off-duty police officers showing their support. Nothing shows community support more than a showing like this. A huge Thanks goes to Charlene McCann Clayton for requesting donations from business in our community and surrounding communities for the tea cup auction. Her time and energy is what allowed this event to have so many Tea Cup Auction Baskets and such wonderful Grand Prizes. In the kitchen working feverishly was Mark Nadeau, Eric McCoy, Connie Kapralos, and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Busch. Their behind the scene work is the reason why 361 people had a full belly at the end of the night. Without all the hands and help from the Explorers and Troop 75 this event would not have been so successful. All we can say is YOU ALL ROCK!! Thank You to the organizations and companies that donated to this event (random order) : Guida’s Dairy, Shannon jewelers, Harvest Bakery Inc. Greer’s Chicken, Winterberry Gardens, Adams IGA, Yogurt City, Wojtusik Nursery, Moe’s, Home Depot, Warner Theater, Lake Compounce, Rock Cats Baseball, Hartford Wolf Pack, Pilgrim Furniture, Thirty-One, Sunrise Market, Treasure Hands, Price Chopper, Terryville Chevrolet, Spare Time & City Sports Grille, PLTI Class of 2012, Pampered Chef, Trumpf Inc., Santa Maria & Schneider, LLC, Image Ink and The Lyceum. Please remember as the holidays approach that the Town of Plymouth has many families who are less fortunate than us. Please remember that the Ambulance Garage is a drop off spot for the Food Pantry. The Human Services Dept for the Town of Plymouth will also be looking for sponsors for the Small Wonders Christmas Program. Please keep these two wonderful programs that are providing services to the less fortunate in our community in your mind as the holiday season approaches. The Connecticut State Library is pleased to announce the appointment of Lizette Pelletier to the position of State Archivist effective October 3, 2014. For the past 8 years, Lizette has worked as Public Records Archivist (Librarian 2) in the Office of the Public Records Administrator. Lizette served as Assistant State Archivist from 1988-1998. Her experience includes 8 years as a records and information management consultant and serving as a project archi- vist for CIGNA and on the CCSU Polish American Archives. Lizette holds a B.A. in History from the College of St. Benedict and a M.A. in History and an MLS with a major in Archives and Records Management from the University of Maryland, College Park. Since 1855 the Connecticut State Library has acquired historical records from the three branches of State government. In 1909, the General Assembly made the State Library the official State Archives. The Archives contains more than 42,000 cubic feet of records documenting the evolution of state public policy and its implementation, the rights and claims of citizens, and the history of Connecticut and it's people. Candidates for the 31st Senatorial District, Rob Michalik and Henri Martin, were present for the Forum. The Forum was co-sponsored by the Bristol Early Childhood Alliance, Plainville Family Resource Network, Plymouth Early Childhood Council and the CT Early Childhood Alliance. "We Vote for Kids" is a project of the CT Early Childhood Alliance to raise awareness of the importance of investing in young children. The campaign does not endorse candidates or political parties, but this is the time to publicly debate issues. For more information on We Vote for Kids, please visit: www.wevoteforkids.org Candidates for the 31st Senatorial District (Bristol, Harwinton, Plainville, Plymouth and Thomaston), at left, Rob Michalik, of Plainville and at right, Henri Martin, of Bristol. Photo by CT Early Childhood Alliance. 4th Annual Wine Gala to Benefit United Way The Young Professionals for United Way will be holding its 4th Annual Wine Gala on Friday, December 5th at Chippanee Country Club in Bristol. Doors open at 5:30pm and tastings will occur until 8:30pm. Proceeds will benefit the United Way of West Central Connecticut. The community is invited to attend this exciting wine tasting fundraiser to sample over 70 wines, try many delicious hors d’oeuvres and enter to win raffle prizes! Maple End Package Store in Bristol will be providing the wine for the event and will be taking orders for the holiday season. Wines will be available to be picked up in midDecember to give as gifts or bring to holiday gatherings! Tickets for this fun holiday event are $40 if purchased before November 24th; after that date, tickets will be $50. This event has been sold out the last few years, so make Volunteers Needed for United Way’s Income Initiatives If you’re willing, you’re able! United Way of West Central Connecticut is seeking volunteers to help with two of our Income Initiatives: our free tax preparation site and financial coaching programs. Our programs serve the communities of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville and Plymouth/Terryville. Volunteers make a real difference in people’s lives! VITA Program - The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program provides low- to moderate-income workers and families, disabled, and elderly with free tax preparation and filing. With your help, United Way can bring unclaimed tax credits to these individuals, and thus help our community grow and prosper. Tax preparers assist low- to moderate-income wage earners in completing their federal and state tax returns using an online tax software program. Tax preparers receive free training and are certified by the IRS. No tax experience needed! VITA Volunteer Requirements: Be willing to commit four hours per week during the tax season (hours are Tuesdays from 4:00-8:00PM or Saturdays from 10:00AM- Page 10 • The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 sure to get your tickets early. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time by calling United Way at (860) 582-9559 or logging onto their website – www.uwwestcentralct.org/ young-professionals-united-way. The group responsible for this event, the Young Professionals for United Way, is a group of 21 to 40 year-olds who are all interested in giving back to the community and making it a better place to live and work. They are a group of young professionals, who work at local businesses and schools, who offer fundraising, volunteering, and networking opportunities to other people their age. If you are interested in joining this group, please call Emily at (860) 582-9559. This is the fourth year the group will be holding this event and they are hoping the community will come out to support it and raise money for United Way! COUNTRY MANOR REALTY 2:00PM); must be comfortable working with diverse populations; no experience is necessary; all training is provided at no cost by United Way; bilingual volunteers are needed; and some positions require computer use. Financial Coaching Program - Our Financial Coaching Program is designed to help low- to moderate-income individuals address common financial concerns. As a financial coach, you will be given the tools and resources necessary to help individuals and families make smart money choices and improve their personal finances. Volunteer Financial Coach Requirements: Attend a Volunteer Orientation and an eight-hour training course / Be willing to commit a few hours per month to meet in-person with your client / Must be comfortable working with diverse populations / No experience is necessary / All training is provided at no cost / Bilingual volunteers are needed. If you are interested in volunteering, please call Elizabeth Bohmier at (860) 582-9559 or email ebohmier@uwwestcentralct.org for more information. Petrin’s Upland Tree Farm The Best At What We Do! Res. (860) 283-8938 Cell (860) 689-2611 508 Farmington Avenue • Bristol, CT 06010 Office (860) 589-2104 x131 • Fax (860) 589-7712 Email: lynnrob@snet.net • www.CMRBristol.com All Trees $40 Come and Tag Early! 5 Varieties • 2,000 Trees • Most 6' Plus Cut Your Own or We Will Cut For You! Cross Road, Terryville Call Ann or Wes, 860-582-1879 Back-to-Basics 31 Main Street Terryville 06786 phone 860-589-8858 fax 860-589-7968 Helping you live the simple life Mon.-Fri. 9-6 Saturday 9-5 Sunday 9-3 Weatherstripping Now In Stock! Large selection to choose from! Black Oil Sunflower Seeds 24 $ 99 50lb. Bag Personalize with name & phone number Engraved Pet ID Tags Several styles available! Suet Cakes 1Each $ $ 1 off Propane Fill Up Coupon must be presented. Good 11/1-11/31/2014. Stop by and let us help you get your stove ready this month! Now In Stock: Complete Line of Single Wall and Double Wall Stove Pipe, Chimney Brushes, Stove Gaskets & More! Wood Pellets, Bio Bricks & Coal In Stock WOOD STOVES and FIREPLACE INSERTS KUMA is a family owned and operated manufacturer that prides itself in producing products of only the highest quality. Every KUMA Stove is made in the USA and over 90% of the materials come from US sources, including US milled steel and despite industry trends, cast iron from US foundries. www.kumastoves.com The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 • Page 11 Local News Pizza with Santa! Save the Date: Santa Claus is coming to Town on December 11 (snow date 12/12) please come have pizza with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus! You can enjoy some yummy pizza with jolly old St. Nick and help support the Plymouth Early Childhood Council’s (PECC) Preschool Scholarship Fund. Tickets will be available mid-November by calling (860) 314-2763 Enrichment Classes Foothills Adult and Continuing Education, a program of EDUCATION CONNECTION is offering Enrichment classes on Tuesday evenings at Terryville High School. November offerings include iPad Usage, Powerpoint Essentials, Painting, Crocheting. Please see PDF of our catalog (Pg 35) online at www.educationconnection.org. Please register early 1-800-300-4781. The Gift Of Life Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance Explorer Post 111 is a youth program that is active with Emergency Medical Services. The Explorers doctrine is “Mission – LifeSaver”. Therefore the youth of this organization performs acts and deeds that assist the general public in various ways that follow this credo. The explorers want to help you give a loved one a special gift this holiday season. The gift is called a “File of Life”. United Way to Accept Letters of Intent for New Funding Cycle St. Casimir's Women's Guild Hosts Its Annual Food Fair At The Lyceum, 181 Main St., Terryville On Saturday, November 1, 2014 From 9 Am-2 Pm Everyone Is Invited To Attend! (Polish Foods Available For Eat-In And Take-Home: Various Crafts Available For Holiday Purchase) Plymouth Early Childhood Council The Plymouth Early Childhood Council (PECC) is working towards its mission to ensure that all Plymouth Children are healthy, safe and successful. Please do not hesitate to contact us as plymouthearlychildhoodcouncil@plymouthct.us or via phone at (860) 314-2763 with any questions or concerns. If you would like to help us in our work, the Plymouth Early Childhood Council (PECC) would be delighted if you could attend our upcoming meetings. Upcoming Plymouth Early Childhood Council Meetings (Free Dinner and Childcare available at evening meetings only): Friday, November 21, 2014 – 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Please frequent our website for updated meeting schedule at http://plymouth.k12.ct.us/PECC Classified Small Sewing Jobs & Custom Made Slipcovers For Your Home Pick up service available, please call Maryann Pelz at 860-283-5638. Hometown Pizza (860) 583-2555 124 Main Street Terryville, CT 06787 Verdi Rizvani, Owner Closed Thanksgiving Day Happy Thanksgiving! $2.00 OFF $2.00 OFF TERRYVILLE STORE ONLY TERRYVILLE STORE ONLY Any Large or Extra Large Pizza Any Large or Extra Large Pizza Not combined with any other coupon. Limit Not combined with any other coupon. Limit 1 per person per day. Valid 11/1/14 - 12/31/14. 1 per person per day. Valid 11/1/14 - 12/31/14. $1.00 OFF Any Dinner TERRYVILLE STORE ONLY Not combined with any other coupon. Valid 11/1/14 - 12/31/14. 15% OFF Catering for the Holidays Valid through 12/31/14. Catering For Any Occasion "File of Life" is an informational sheet designed to help you in those first few critical minutes during an emergency. The "File of Life" contains important information such as Medical Conditions, Medications, Allergies, Doctors, and other important information. This well organized informational sheet can save time and possibly a life. “File of Life” can be acquired in person on Monday & Tuesday evenings from 6p.m.-9p.m. until the start of the New Year at Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance Headquarters or by calling (860) 589-2313. We ask that you simply donate $2 for each unit so the Explorer Post can purchase more to continuously help others. United Way of West Central Connecticut (UWWCC) will begin accepting letters of intent for their 2015-2018 Funding Cycle. Any non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that serves the communities of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville or Plymouth/Terryville may submit a Letter of Intent for a program they wish to have funded. The program applying for funding must address one or more of the three UWWCC Building Blocks and at least one Outcome (listed below). It is United Way’s responsibility to ensure that it has a measurable and verifiable impact on the critical needs identified in the community. The UWWCC Board of Directors will allocate the undesignated funds raised through its Community Campaign among the three Building Blocks: 1) Education - Helping Children and Youth Achieve Their Potential As part of the Education Building Block, programs must address one of the following – Families are actively engaged with their children in programs, activities and/or experiences; children are prepared for success in kindergarten; youth demonstrate age-appropriate social, emotional and cognitive skills; and youth become engaged in their community through increased volunteerism. 2) Income – Promoting Financial Stability & Independence As part of the Income Building Block, programs must address one of the following – Adults improve/develop life skills necessary for self-sufficiency; and families and individuals work toward self-sufficiency by meeting basic needs. 3) Health – Improving People’s Health As part of the Health Building Block, programs must address one of the following – People in physical or emotional distress ac- cess timely services resulting in improvement in functioning; and older, isolated adults access services to increase their connection to their communities. Prior to accepting full proposals for this funding opportunity, the United Way of West Central Connecticut invites Letters of Intent from all interested organizations. Based on the viability and strength of the proposal as presented in this letter, select organizations will be asked to submit a full proposal for consideration. A Letter of Intent should include the following: - Name of organization (must be a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization) - Brief description of the organization and its mission (no more than one paragraph) -Information on intended program/services, including target population and communities served -Identify Building Block(s) to be addressed and how it relates to this program -Identify corresponding Outcome(s) and explain how it will be addressed -Amount requested from UWWCC. Letter should be no longer than two pages. Letters must reach the United Way office by 12:00 Noon on Friday, November 7, 2014. Email submissions are acceptable and you will receive electronic confirmation upon receipt. Please address Letter of Intent to: Elizabeth Bohmier, Community Impact Coordinator, United Way of West Central Connecticut, 200 Main Street, Bristol, CT 06010. Or email: ebohmier@uwwestcentralct.org Animal Rescue Foundation Adoption MORRIS. Morris is a beautiful, very friendly cat. He seems to be fine with other cats; but likes to retreat to the safety of his cage, not so much because he is afraid; but that he does not want to be bothered GEORGIA. If you love distinctive tabby markings, you will just love Georgia. She is chocolate brown with black stripes and dots and velvety black feet. Shelter life scared her at first; but she soon came around and feels right at home with the other cats. She also soon figured out that good things come from people. Now she comes running toward us, instead of running away. She probably prefers a quiet home; but does not object to other cats. Haven't tried her with dogs. She is not afraid, when she hears them barking. www.hometownpizzaofct.com Page 12 • The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 PERIWINKLE. This beautiful little silver-blue 6 mos. old was a surprise at the shelter gate. She had a note with her, saying that neighbor kids had terrorized her until she got mean. We have not noticed any mean streak in her. As a matter of fact, she is very friendly. She is a bit defensive, when she gets scared; who can blame her? She will soon learn to trust. Oh, did I mention she is gorgeous? MURPHY. Murphy was left on our doorstep. She is 17 years old and possibly deaf; but in excellent health. She gets along well with other cats and enjoys being brushed. She is friendly and happy to find a cozy place to snooze. She definitely deserves better than to be abandoned in her old age. To adopt, please visit our shelter and at 366 Main St. in Terryville, or call (860) 583-3089. Our adoption hours are Saturday and Sunday from 1pm - 4pm. • arfCT.org • facebook.com/arfct (100 gal. min.) The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 • Page 13 Local News United Way Seeks Holiday Food & Toy Donations The United Way of West Central Connecticut is asking for your help this holiday season to make great things happen. We are hoping that you will help us make positive changes in the lives of local individuals and families by donating non-perishable food items and gifts. These contributions will help provide numerous local families with a holiday meal and gifts for children to open at Christmas. These small changes can help to put a family back on the path of financial stability and independence. United Way’s Annual Joy of Sharing Program has been providing food, toys, and gifts to needy children, teens, and families in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, and Plymouth/Terryville for over fifteen years. Last year alone, over 2,000 toys and gifts were donated, along with hundreds of food items. This year, the need is greater than ever and we need your help! There are two different ways that you can “LIVE UNITED” this holiday season: □ Thanksgiving Food Drive – You can collect and donate food products that are the most needed during Thanksgiving (this list will be provided to you). Food can be dropped off at the United Way office on either Nov. 13th or Nov. 14th (9:00am – 4:00pm each day). □ Holiday Toy and Gift Drive – You can collect and donate toys and gifts for children between the ages of 3 and 14. Donations can be dropped off at the United Way office on either December 8th or 9th (9:00am – 4:00pm each day). If you, or your company, are willing to participate in the following initiatives, please call Emily at United Way (860) 582-9559 to sign up. By supporting United Way, you are supporting YOUR community. Thank you for joining together with us. Because great things happen when YOU Live United! The De-stuffing of My Life By Lisa K. Watson-Barcia Pastor, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Terryville Recently I read an article by Mark Manson writing in the Huffington Post that your 30s are all about tearing down what you spent your 20s building. There were a lot of good insights in the article, such as not hanging on to relationships and circumstances that don’t ultimately serve you and to risk more and worry less, but at 51, I am finding that something even more fundamental is happening in my life. I am, for lack of a better word, “de-stuffing” it. I will preface by saying that for most of my adult life, I have been a wanderer. Sometimes by choice, sometimes not, I have found that I am not one of those people who get to sit on their porch and watch the seasons change and the years progress, each carefully deposited into a lifetime of memory and continuity. Nope, I have been what my grandmother used to call, a person with “itchy feet”; eager to see what is over the next hill, around the next corner and beyond the horizon. This means I have had some really exciting adventures and some pretty good scares. But it also means that I have been preoccupied with stuffing my life full of people and places and, well, stuff. Recently a dear friend died in the UK, and I realized that in the whirlwind of my life, I hadn’t actually seen him in 15 years. Oh, I always meant to get back around to visit, stayed in touch via facebook and occasionally daydreamed the practicalities of the reunion – but it never really came to anything because I was so often distracted by the stuffing of my life with the next adventure, riding the next wave or chasing the shiny bits of whatever that crossed my path. And what his death revealed to me was that I was too full, too stuffed to do the one thing I truly wanted to do. The time has come to look at my life and, instead of stuffing it full, begin to “de-stuff” it so that I might pursue that which really has value to me. So I have set myself a challenge. As a person of faith, prayerfully, I am asking God to help me get rid of all the things that do not matter to His will for my life. I am working on learning to see that which has lasting value and merit – that which will feed me for a lifetime, rather than a day. I am not tearing down what I have built up – nope, I quite like the treasures that my often traveling “itchy feet” have brought me – but I am seeking to find new criteria, to bring new eyes to the journey, so that I might apply better care to the things that I pick up, and spend more time tending to them. The path will still twist and turn – I am not at all sure that God is calling me to that coveted porch sitting vantage point – but I have determined that I will take better care to tend the treasures I have already been given and be careful in picking up new ones. I will choose to not pick up that which - although beautiful and tempting does not allow me to be free to follow the path God reveals. I have no idea at this moment in time what that will mean. But I am more than ready to find out. the hair’s inn salon Are you ready for the holidays? They are right around the corner! Time to make an appointment to look your very best for all your seasonal gatherings! The Hairs Inn Salon offers all color services and stylish haircuts for the whole family! Open Tues-Thurs 10:30-6:00, Fri 9-4 and Sat 8-3. Appointments available online at: www.hairsinnsalon.com or by phone: 860-845-5613. Like us on Facebook for the latest updates! Located at 153 Main Street, Terryville, right next to The Whole Donut. Page 14 • The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 “Counselor’s Corner” by William A. Hamzy, Esq., The Hamzy Law Firm, LLC, Bristol, CT Credit It seems that we can’t survive these days if we don’t have good credit. But, how can you get good credit and if you don’t have it, how can you improve it? In order to be an informed consumer, you have to be proactive in learning about credit. There is a wealth of information available online but when you boil it all down, as a general rule, good credit results from good decisions. One of the most important ways to achieve good credit is to budget, budget, budget. I’m not talking about taking an informal and lax approach to budgeting. I’m talking about sitting down and putting pencil to paper to create an actual document which will dictate how you spend your money. First, calculate your net monthly income. If your earnings fluctuate, take an average over a period of time such as your last six months. Then, subtract all of your recurring monthly expenses. Again, for those expenses which may be seasonal such as heat, average those out over the course of one year. Then you should include all of those unexpected expenses which come up every month. However, you should be disciplined enough to determine which of them are wants and which of them are needs. Once the budget is created, you need to stick to it. It will do you no good to take the time to put a budget together and then ignoring it. The key to successfully implementing the budget you created is to constantly monitor how much you spend as well as how much you make. None of it is set in stone and the document you come up with will need to be adjusted. However, once you get into the habit of adhering to the budget you created, the decisions you make will be second nature and you’ll find it pretty easy to do. One of the most difficult things for all of us to do is to change habits. While it’s never easy, I guarantee the results will be worth it. Have too many debts? Give us a call. The Hamzy Law Firm, LLC Attorneys at Law 140 Farmington Ave. (Route 6) Bristol, CT 06010 (860) 589-6525 www.HamzyLaw.com Real Estate Closings – Bankruptcy – Family Personal Injury – Estate Planning William A. Hamzy, Esq. Misty Simmons, Esq. • Small Engine Repair & Maintenance • Servicing Most Makes & Models • New Equipment Sales • Lawn Tractors & Mowers • Tillers & Trimmers • Leaf Blowers Start Right Power Equipment, LLC 860-583-2711 Pick Up & Delivery Available, Fully Insured • 7 Makara Street, Terryville The “READY’s” visit the Lyceum Your Friend, Your Neighbor, Your REALTOR®! Devlin G. Toth By Jim Lajewski Knights of Columbus Terryville Council 1090 sary supplies close at hand and be READY take necessary shelter safely and quickly. The US Department The Knights of of Homeland SecuColumbus Council rity urges everyone to 1090 of Terryville learn about potential hosted an instructional emergencies and to presentation on Emertake time to prepare by gency Preparedness having two emergency entitled the “READsupply kits, one full kit YS!” The program at home and a smaller is the creation of the portable kit at your New Britain Emergenworkplace. cy Medical Services In addition to the Maryann Consorte displays the contents of a Academy and was preREADY’s program, recommended “Grab-and-Go” emergency supply kit. sented by Connecticut the Knight of ColumCommunity Care. It was open to the general public. bus collected non-perishable food donations for the “You can never be over prepared to deal with natural di- Terryville Food Pantry sasters, terrorist attacks, or community wide emergen- Those attending left feeling more informed and cies” says Julie Follo and Christine Moulis of the Con- more “READY” in the event of an emergency. Attendnecticut Community Care, Inc. who gave insightful and ees were given an informational brochure with easy instructional information during the hour long seminar to follow suggestions. Joe Consorte, Grand Knight of held Tuesday evening on October 14th at the LYCEUM. Council 1090, said, “the Terryville community should Whether you need to �Shelter-In-Place’ or �Grab- look for another program hosted by our council 1090 And-Go’ depends upon the severity of the emergency and this spring.” the conditions in the environment. In any case you need For more information on emergency preparedness to be prepared by having a suitable collection of neces- visit: WWW.ctcommunitycare.org 740-361-1924 DevlinToth@bhhsNE.com Call your local Terryville agent. Like on Facebook! ©2014 An independently operated Facebook.com/DevlinTothRealtor member of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Nancy S. Henderson Accountant (860) 584-2165 Small Business and Individual Accounting, Bookkeeping and Taxes 185 Main Street Terryville, CT 06786 John Casanova Casanova John Owner Owner Fax: (860) 584-4654 Email: nshenderson@comcast.net FreeEstimates Estimates Free FullyLicensed Licensedand andInsured Insured Fully HIC #0618953 #0635095 HIC 92 Main Street • Terryville, CT 06786 Sunrise Market Deli & Catering 589-4086 655Hewey Main Street 161 Street Plymouth, CT CT 06782 Waterbury, 06708 Grinders • Cold & Hot Oven Sandwiches • Delicatessen Dairy • Groceries • Newspapers • Cigarettes 860-283-8158 Toll 877-283-8158 Toll Free: Free: Cell: 877-283-8158 203.843.3058 Catering Menu Baked Chicken Pieces Roasted Chicken Pieces Chicken Parmigiana (add $1.00 per person) Lemon Pepper Chicken (add $1.00 per person) Stuffed Cabbage (add $2.00 per person) Seafood Newburg w/Rice (add $2.00 per Scalloped Potatoes with Ham Pieces Pork & Beans with Cocktail Franks Cavatelli & Broccoli- Served Warm (add $.50 per person) Sausage & Peppers Eggplant Parmigiana Lasagna (add $1.00 per person) Hot Roast Beef, Sliced (add $2.00 per person) person) Store Baked Turkey, Sliced w/Gravy (add $2.00 per person) Store Baked Ham, Sliced, w/Brown Sugar Sauce (add $2.00 per person) Kielbasa & Cabbage Baked Macaroni & Cheese Ziti with Meat Sauce Meat Balls in Sauce Sausage in Sauce Oven Brown Potatoes Green Beans Almondine Fresh Garden Salad Potato with Egg Salad Macaroni Salad with Tuna or Shrimp Cole Slaw Party Grinder ($12.00 per foot) Cold Cut Platter - Made with Roast Beef, Imported Polish Ham, Genoa Salami, Turkey Breast, American Cheese, Imported Swiss Cheese and Provolone Cheese Hard Rolls Includes: Dinner Rolls w/Butter, Coffee, Cups, Sugar, Milk, Plates, Napkins and Plastic Ware Free Delivery for orders over 30 people. Group 1 - $12.00 per person 4 Hot Items 1 Salad Cold Cut Platter P & T Garage Collision Repair Specialists All Repairs 100% Guaranteed Group 2 - $12.00 per person 5 Hot Items 1 Salad Group 3 - $10.00 per person 4 Hot Items 1 Salad 52 Main Street (Route 6) Terryville, CT 06786 Telephone (860) 589-7235 Fax: (860) 589-4511 Group 4 - $10.00 per person 3 Hot Items 1 Salad • No party too large or too small! • We use only fresh vegetables in all of our catering! • All items are cooked fresh the day of your affair! • Desserts Available Upon Request Start Planning Your Holiday Events Now! Call for daily Specials! 569 Main Street • 860-484-7311 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 5:30am-9pm, Sun. 7am-7pm Made-To-Order Breakfast Sandwiches! Green Mountain Coffee • Muffins Convenience Store Items at Grocery Store Prices! Quality, Store-Made Deli Products! We Make Great Party Platters! Featuring all store-made salads, variety of deli meats including store-cooked roast beef!  Grinders • Sandwiches • Soups • Salads The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 • Page 15  Local News Strengthening Our Local Community, Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. Awards Grants for 2014 Stephen L. Lewis, Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. president and Thomaston Savings Bank president and CEO, is photographed addressing the audience at the annual Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation’s Grant Award night at the Thomaston Opera House. American Legion Clifford R French Post 22 American Legion Post 195 American Legion Post 27 Morgan-Weir Animal Rescue Foundation Beacon Baptist Fellowship Church Bethlehem Ambulance Association Bethlehem Christian Fellowship Bethlehem Senior's Commission Bible Church of Waterbury/Kids Against Hunger Boy Scouts of America Troop 303 WARC Boys & Girls Club of Greater Waterbury Brass City Charter School Brass City Harvest, Inc. Bridge to Success Community Partnership Bristol Board of Education Bristol Brass and Wind Ensemble Bristol Community Organization Bristol Historical Society Bristol Hospital, Inc. Bronc Callahan Community Fund BSA Troop 11 Cemetery Commission and D.A.R. Katherine Gaylord Chapter CHD Adult Mental Health Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. has reconfirmed its financial commitment to the people within the communities it serves and is proud to announce total grant distributions exceeding $400,000 for the year 2014. With total assets of $5.8 million, the Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. is a cornerstone to the charitable needs of its communities helping to make a difference in hundreds of peoples’ lives. According to Foundation President, Stephen L. Lewis, grants in excess of $3.8 million have been awarded since the Foundation’s inception in 1997. The Foundation has positively impacted area youth by enhancing local school and library programs, athletic facilities and programs, family literacy, safety awareness and other educational enrichment programs. The grants also support the needs of local fire departments, ambulance corps, senior citizens, crisis funds, disabled citizens, religious organizations and numerous other charitable entities. “We are proud to contribute to the betterment of 2014 Grant Recipients Children's Community School Chime In! Music with a Mission Christmas Town Festival Corporation of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament Covenant Church of Thomaston CT Institute for the Blind Cub Scout Pack 364 Eagle Rock Congregational ChurchEast Litchfield Volunteer Fire Company Falls Avenue Senior Center Fine Arts Connection of Thomaston, Inc. First Baptist Church First Church of Bethlehem First Congregational Church First Congregational Church of Plymouth First Lutheran Church Waterbury First United Methodist Church of Torrington FISH/Friends in Service to Humanity of NW CT, Inc. Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust Forestville Little League Friendly Hands Food Bank, Inc. Friends of Hospice, Inc. Friends of the Thomaston Opera House Garden Club - Chippens Hill Middle School Gilbert Library ~ Needs List ~ Pasta (Except Spaghetti) Jelly Cereal Nuts & Other Nutritious Snacks Shampoo And Conditioner Deodorant Toothpaste Band-Aids Peroxide Baby Food, Wipes Diapers Size 4 & Up Statistics for the month of September: • Total # of Individuals served 351 • We received 4,336 pounds of food donations or • Total # of Adults 18-64 served 213 41% of total food. • Total # of Children under 18 served 96 • The total amount of food entering the pantry was • Total # of Senior over 65 served 42 10,651pounds. • Total # of New Families 9 • 10,392 pounds of food were given away by the pantry. • We purchased a total of 6,315 pounds of food or • Since January, 2014 we have distributed 88,634 59% of Total Food. pounds of food. Donate on-line via our website plymouthfoodpantry.org To learn how to donate or volunteer call (860) 584-1750. Erin Kennedy, Director; 20 Dewey Ave., Terryville Chute Gates fundraiser for the Plymouth Food Pantry Sunday, Nov. 23rd 1-6 pm Featuring nationally renowned Nashville recording artists: The Mammoth Jack Band • $10 per person 100% of your ticket price goes to the Food Pantry to END HUNGER IN OUR COMMUNITY Page 16 • The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 our communities by supporting various non-profit organizations,” said Stephen L. Lewis, President, Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. The Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation, Inc. hosted a reception for this year’s 184 grant recipients at the Thomaston Opera House on October 14, 2014. The Trustees of the Foundation and Thomaston Savings Bank officers awarded grants and enjoyed the evening by meeting those who share their commitment to area charitable causes. This Foundation could not have been established if it were not for loyal Thomaston Savings Bank customers that have facilitated the Bank as a leader in the community. The Foundation believes it will grow substantially acknowledging our true spirit of giving back to the communities we serve. A complete listing of the 2014 grant recipients is available at any of Thomaston Savings Bank locations or from Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation Secretary, James R. Nichol, who may be reached at 860.283.3402. Girl Scouts of Connecticut Greater Torrington Family Development Center Greater Waterbury Campership Fund Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministries, Inc. Greater Waterbury YMCA Har-Bur Middle School Team Harwinton Ambulance Association Harwinton Congregational Church Harwinton Fire Marshal Office Harwinton Fire Police Harwinton Public Library Harwinton Senior Center Harwinton Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. Harwinton West Side Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. Harwinton Youth Sports Association Hispanic Coalition of Greater Waterbury, Inc. Holy Cross High School Immaculate Conception Church Joyful Noise, Inc. Landmark Community Theatre Light Up Thomaston Lions Club of Harwinton Lions Low Vision Center Litchfield Fire Company, Inc. Litchfield Montessori School Literacy Volunteers of Greater Waterbury, Inc. Main Street Community Foundation, Inc. Mattatuck Museum Melanie Ilene Rieger Memorial Foundation Memorial Hall Committee Memorial Military Museum, Inc. Middlebury Elderly & Social Services Middlebury Elementary School PTO, Inc. Middlebury Police Department Morris Congregational Church Morris Housing Authority Morris Public Library Morris Senior Center Naugatuck Valley Community College New Beginnings/Our Savior Lutheran Church Northwestern Connecticut YMCA OakvilleAmerican Legion Auxiliary Unit 195 Operation PEACCE Robotics Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Our Lady of Mount Carmel School Our Savior Lutheran Church Pack 53 Cub Scouts Thomaston Pink 4 All, Inc. Plymouth Center School Plymouth Community Food Pantry Plymouth Historical Society Plymouth Parks and Recreation Plymouth Police Department Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance Corps Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance Explorer Post 11 Prudence Crandall Center, Inc. Railroad Museum of New England Regional School District 10/Lewis Mills High School Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury Saint Casimir Church Saint Thomas Church Corp. Special Olympics Connecticut St. Anthony SchoolSt. John of the Cross St. John the Evangelist School St. Joseph School St. Margaret Willow Plaza NRZ, Assoc. Inc. St. Mary Magdalen School St. Matthew School St. Paul Catholic High School St. Peter's Trinity Church St. Vincent DePaul Mission of Waterbury, Inc. Supportive Environmental Living Facility Susan B. Anthony Project, Inc. Team Beta Terry Nursery School Terryville Congregational Church Terryville High School Booster Club Terryville Volunteer Fire Department Terryville Youth Soccer Club The Family Center The McCall Foundation, Inc. The New England Carousel Museum The Salvation Army The United Way of Greater Waterbury Thomaston Center School Thomaston Fire Department Thomaston Fish and Game Club, Inc Thomaston High School Thomaston Ladies Choral Club Thomaston Leo Club Thomaston Lions Club Thomaston Police Department Thomaston Police Explorers Thomaston Public Library Thomaston Regional Dive Team Thomaston Volunteer Ambulance Corp. Thomaston Volunteer Fire Dept. Troop 53 Town of Harwinton Town of Middlebury Public Library Town Plot Neighborhood Association Town Plot Sports Association Troop 54 Woodbury B.S.A. Troop 75 Boy Scouts Terryville Trumbull-Porter Chapter DAR Union Congregation Church of Oakville United Methodist Church of Watertown United Way of West Central Connecticut VNA Health at Home VNA Northwest, Inc. Warner Theatre Waterbury Youth Service System, Inc. Watertown Area Assoc. for Special Citizens Watertown Art League Watertown Association for Youth Soccer Watertown First Robot, Inc. Watertown Historical Society Watertown Land Trust, Inc. Watertown Police Department Watertown Schools Special Services Department Wellspring White Memorial Conservation Center Wisdom House Wolcott State Fire Training School YMCA Camp Mohawk I Remember When... Respect For the Flag By Dick Foote I'm not a flag waver. Some of our worst citizens, in order to “cover their tracks”, wrap themselves in the flag and/or their religion, spouting “family values”, motherhood and apple pie. Patriotism has become super patriotism, which during the '60's was a bad word; witness the presidential election of 1964. Whenever I see this, I'm reminded of those black and white movies taken in Nazi Germany during the '30's, with spotlights sweeping over the crowds; swastikas glaring overhead, and Germans swooning over their hero Adolph Hitler. This is simplistic, unreasoned adulation for a tyrant who promised everything, but delivered the destruction of his own country. Love of country, and with the willingness to die for it cannot be expressed by waving the flag at a sporting event. Patriotism is not a football game. I'm proud to be an American. I grew up during the Second World War, when flag waving was popular, even necessary. I've written in the past about some of the things we did during the war to keep us focused on the ultimate defeat of the Axis powers. Singing the National Anthem between features at movies, etc. were all necessary. Flags were flown from houses and commercial buildings; stars were displayed in windows of homes where there was a member of the military in the service. I have seen somewhere a picture of my cousin, Dorothy Ann Norton, nee Foote, holding a Douglas MacArthur doll and an American flag in her crisscrossed arms in front of her house on Scott Road. There's even a photograph of me , taken around the same time, in a Navy blue topcoat and cap, holding a small flag. We learned to never allow the flag to touch the ground, and to hold our hand over our heart when the flag passed by in a parade, or when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. If a flag-bearer is lost in battle, other soldiers rush to pick up the flag. It is the banner by which the troops sustain their fighting spirit, and is a beacon of hope, pride, and assurance that America's cause will prevail. My problem with what is being done to the flag nowadays is that, with all good intentions, it is nonetheless being disrespected, even abused. Flags, small and large, can be seen flapping in the breeze from the backs of pickup trucks and mounted on fenders of automobiles, eventually becoming torn and dirty. Evidently, the driver feels that, in some way, this will help win the war. Wouldn't it be more patriotic to actually get off the couch and go down to the recruiting office? The real disrespect is shown when these mobile flags break off from the car or truck to land in the road to be run over by countless cars and trucks; grinding them into the dirt, mud and oil; leaving nothing but an unrecognizable piece of cloth in the road. Another form of flag abuse can be called institutional. Many towns and cities place flags on telephone poles along highways leading into and out of the center or business district. These flags look beautiful at certain times of the year; Memorial Day, Veterans' Day, Flag Day and the Fourth of July, and announce to everybody the town's respect for the flag, their thanks for the sacrifices made by their servicemen and women, and their pride in America. The problem I have with this is that these flags become forgotten. Just take a look; even in our town, there are flags, torn and dirty; sometimes wrapped around the telephone pole where they have been for several months. Some even end up in the road, where, like an old rag, are trampled under the wheels of passing traffic, What began as an institutional respect for the flag ends up as pure and simple disrespect. These flags should be removed after every use. Dick Foote Pecan Pie Cookie Recipe Submitted by Niles Hilton 1 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup dark corn syrup 2 large eggs, separated 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup butter 1/2 cup powdered sugar 3 Tablespoons dark corn syrup 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans Preparation Beat 1 cup butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add 1/2 cup corn syrup and egg yolks, beating well. Gradually stir in flour; cover and chilli hour. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat; stir in powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons corn syrup. Cook, stirring often, until the mixture boils. Remove from heat. Stir in pecans; chill 30 minutes. Shape mixture by 1/2 teaspoonful's into l/4-inch balls; set aside. Preheat oven to 375 F. Shape cookie dough into i-inch balls; place 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheets. Beat egg whites until foamy; brush on dough balls. Bake at 375 F for 6 minutes. Remove from oven, and place pecan balls in center of each cookie. Bake 8 to 10 more minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool 5 minutes on baking sheets. Remove cookies to wire racks, and cool completely. Dream Big with a Home Equity Line of Credit. With rates at historic lows, there’s never been a better time to apply for a Home Equity Line of Credit. An equity line of credit is a way to access the equity you’ve built in your home. Call or visit your local branch today to learn more. Local 860.283.1874 | Toll-Free 855.344.1874 thomastonsavingsbank.com Member FDIC | TSB HELOC AD for the Plymouth Connection, October 2014 Size = Half-Page, 10" x 7.3"; Black & White The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 • Page 17 Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, With the opening of the new Plymouth Reservoir Recreation Area (PRRA), I would like to thank the many residents involved in this very worthy town project. Even prior to when the property was purchased in May 2012, to its opening on October 9, 2014, considerable effort and time were expended by community members who volunteered their time and expertise to help make this beautiful recreation area a reality. Much appreciation and sincere thanks go to the members of the North Street Reservoir Ad Hoc Committee and Town Councilors, both past and present, in getting this project off the ground. The torch to bring the project to fruition was then passed to commissioners from the Parks & Recreation Commission and their Reservoir SubCommittee, and Parks & Recreation staff, Inland Wetlands Conservation Commission and staff, the Planning and Zoning Commission and staff, the Police Commission and staff, and the Department of Public Works. Additionally, the enthusiasm and leadership of both Mayor Dave Merchant, and former mayor, Vincent Festa, was invaluable to enable the united efforts of all parties, resulting in a project that was extremely successful. Special thanks also go to Wollenberg’s Inc. Bus Co., of Terryville, for providing shuttle transportation, and Tonn’s Orchard, of Terryville, for their fresh picked apples enjoyed by many attendees of the opening ceremony. The PRRA is a product of our community’s efforts, which we should all be proud of and take the time to enjoy. Sincerely, Michael Ganem, Director of Parks & Recreation Dear Editor, I would like to thank the Harwinton Fair for having a Nursing Home Division at the fair. At no charge to our facility and that everyone who participates gets a ribbon. You do not know how much that means to our residents. They love to see their items on display for their families to see how well they are doing. They love to make the items that go into the fair and to see the joy on their faces when they see the ribbons that they are awarded, is heartwarming. The dedication of these people that put on this fair every year is greatly appreciated by all the Staff and Residents at Cook Willow Health Center. We look forward to next year and the fun we will have making our award winning crafts. Thank you again to all of you! Lee Ann Ward, Therapeutic Recreation Director Cook Willow Health Center, 81 Hillside Ave, Plymouth, CT The following letters are the opinions of the individuals who submitted them, and in no way reflect the views or opinions of the Plymouth Connection or it’s editor. Whit Betts’ Strategic Plan to Restore Growth and Prosperity in Connecticut Increase income by: -reducing property taxes by suspending unfunded state mandates -reducing state sales tax by ½% -eliminating the $300 business entity tax Impose fiscal discipline and prioritize the state budget by: -spending no more than revenue collected -examining the feasibility of flat spending for 2 years -restricting bonding to capital expenses only -prohibiting the raiding of dedicated funds -building up the Rainy Day fund for future emergencies -making significant investments upgrading transportation infrastructure We can create more good paying jobs in the private sector by: -eliminating excessive regulation and govt. bureaucracy -expanding the partnership between job training and job opportunities in manufacturing, health care, media technology, and bio-technology -marketing trade schools as an alternative to colleges -developing internships between between public schools and private sector industries -continuing to make excellence in education a CT hallmark Vote Rep. Whit Betts for State Representative! Re-Elect Paid for by Rep. Betts for 78th Representative, John Letizia, treasurer, approved by Whit Betts. Page 18 • The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 Who is Dan Santorso? A great listener, a quiet listener, a good friend. What is Dan Santorso about? Asking questions, getting answers, and calling people back with results. While working at the after school program a parent mentioned a concern with a bus route, so I told him I knew just the person to help him out. Dan was on the Board of Ed at the time, I called Dan and gave him the person’s phone number. The next day the parent told me Dan had called him to find out what he could do to help. I did not hear what the outcome was, but the bottom line is Dan went out of his way to help someone. That is the kind of State Representative we need in Hartford. Not someone that I personally asked a question to, and to this day, never received an answer. This story and this statement are both true. With Dan you will get answers. Vote Dan, along with everyone else on Row B. Sincerely, Linda Kazmierski , Terryville, CT Dear Editor, As a candidate for the 31st Senate District Rob Michalik promises “to work tirelessly to ensure a better future for my community, to create jobs, hold the line on spending and taxes, and support funding for our schools.” And based upon his accomplishments as a Town Councilor in Plainville, his past performance is a great indicator of his future success as a Senator for the 31st Senate District. As a member of the Plainville Town Council, Rob was successful in controlling costs and keeping taxes low. Whether he was focusing on increasing collections of delinquent taxes to prevent tax increases, supporting property tax relief for seniors, advocating savings through the purchase of the town’s streetlights, or utilizing an on-line municipal bonding service to lower bonding costs, Rob has always looked to lower costs and decrease the tax burden on his community. Due to Rob’s creative solutions and ability to gather consensus across party lines, Plainville had the 11th lowest equalized tax rate out of the 169 cities and towns in Connecticut during the ten year period from19992009. Rob helped accomplish this feat, while maintaining strong funding levels for the Plainville School System. That is a strong record of achievement, that I know Rob can duplicate in the State Senate. Please join me in supporting Rob Michalik on November 4th. Christopher Wazorko, Plainville, CT Letter to the editor in support of Henri Martin for State Senate in the 31st: When people ask me why I am supporting Henri Martin for State Senate, I not only talk about his integrity, his professionalism, his business background, his volunteerism, his record of helping others, his love of Connecticut and how I have known him for over 20 years, I also talk about the facts. And, the facts are that Connecticut is in deep trouble, and the one party leadership we currently have in Connecticut government lacks a check and balance and quite frankly is not working. How many of us would agree that is harder to live in Connecticut and that it just seems as though no one is listening or working to get us out of this mess? Things are not getting better and in fact things are getting worse. How many of us believe or who know others who believe that the only answer seems to move out of the State to get ahead or find a good job or even retire? It’s pretty hard to ignore the facts. For example, in a recent survey by CNBC on America’s Top States for Business our home state ranked 47th in cost of doing business, 49th in state of the economy, 46th in the top states for business, 48th in cost of living and 42nd in infrastructure and transportation. In a study by Arizona State University, Connecticut ranked 44th in terms of job growth and the Yankee Institute recently reported that 49% of state residents say they’d move to another state if they could, that Connecticut is the worst state for retirees and Connecticut has the 3rd highest gas taxes in the nation, ranks in the Top 10 states for the most foreclosures and has the worst debt burden at $46,000 per tax payer. Is it no wonder that more people and businesses are leaving the state than are moving here? Unfortunately, the list of facts goes on and on. If you are like me, you are beyond frustrated with how the government of Connecticut is being run and want to see a real change in what has become the status quo of out of control spending and higher taxes. I want Connecticut to be great again. I believe it is time to have our voices loudly heard and a time for new leadership at the state level. I applaud Henri for stepping up and taking on the challenge of working to take our state in a new direction. A direction we can all be proud of. I personally know the type of person Henri is, and I truly believe that with your support he would make an excellent State Senator. What I like most about Henri is that he actually takes the time to listen, weight the facts, analyze the different courses of actions and then make a decision based on all of this. He has demonstrated time and time again that he is a strong voice of reason even when it is not easy or popular. I believe Henri will work tirelessly on our behalf to stop the insane runaway state government spending that not only continues to increase our tax burden but is driving people and businesses away from our state. One party state leadership is not working, and we need people like Henri in the senate who will actively work to restore fiscal responsibility in Hartford, to hold government accountable to us, to create a business friendly environment that promotes job creation and most of all makes listening to the people of Connecticut a top priority. I’d like to see Connecticut become a great place to live, work and retire again so on November 4th I hope you will join me in voting for Henri Martin for State Senate in the 31st. Marvin (Mickey) Goldwasser, Bristol, CT 06010 Transparency in government: As defined by the White House, transparency promotes accountability and provides information for citizens Letters to the Editor about what their Government is doing. Many politicians seem to use transparency as a campaign slogan when seeking elected office , yet once elected, the transparency seems to become very opaque. Such seems to be the case in the Town of Plymouth with our current administration. Example: the Charles Street Project. The Charles Street project has recently been introduced as a plan to provide access to the Eli Terry Jr. Middle School from the rear of the building. The purpose of the stated project is to promote a safe means of access to the school building for parents, students, busses, and emergency vehicles. While this sounds good in theory, the fact is this administration has been very deceptive in the implementation of this project. For the project to come to fruition, the Town of Plymouth must acquire the property located at 10 Charles St. This is a property which had been vacant for well over 10 years. The property was purchased by its current owner who began aggressively fixing up the long vacant property, it would seem with the intent of �flipping’ the property once completed. Approximately a month after the work began, it suddenly came to a halt. This raised suspicion amongst the area residents and a rumor began to circulate that the owner had been approached by the Town of Plymouth about the town purchasing the property. At the town council meeting of May 13, 2014, a resident posed a question of the mayor regarding a Charles Street project. The mayor promptly responded, “There is no Charles St. project.” On July 23, 2014, a social media website exposed what could be described as a conflict to the mayors’ statement of no Charles Street project, followed by an article in an area newspaper on July 27, 2014 regarding the towns’ interest in the aforementioned Charles Street property. At this point, semantics came into play. Was Charles Street a project or just an idea? Was it a plan or possibly just a discussion? From the hallowed halls of 80 Main Street, no concrete answer was provided. Move the clock forward to the Town of Plymouth Board of Education meeting of October 8, 2014. Business manager Michael Santogatta introduces a Charles Street project, stating that he’d been in discussions with the mayor and others for some time about the acquisition of 10 Charles Street and the development of a rear egress to the Eli Terry Jr. Middle School. The Charles Street project was discussed in detail with preliminary sketches provided of the project. So there really is a Charles Street project! Why was this administration not forthcoming back in May? Or July? What will this project cost we the taxpayers and where will this money come from? Why is this project being brought forward by the Board of Education? Most importantly, what about the individual property rights of the current residents of Charles Street when their once quiet, dead end road becomes a throughway for all of this traffic? Mr. Mayor, where is the transparency you promised as a candidate? Sadly, it seems to be lacking when political expediency takes precedence. Robert Wilcox, Terryville, CT Letter to the Editor I am writing in support of Dan Santorso, Democratic candidate for state representative in the 78th House District. Dan possesses many of the qualities and experiences necessary to make this office work for the citizens of Plymouth, Terryville, Pequabuck and western Bristol. First of all, he is young and energetic, articulate and full of the ideas and enthusiasm that we desperately need in Hartford. Second, he is highly aware of the economic and social needs of our community and is committed to represent the best interests of all our residents and taxpayers, not just the rich and influential. Like many in his generation, he is tech-savvy and brings a fresh perspective to helping solve waste and inefficiency in state government by applying modern technological solutions. Dan also would have another advantage in representing us – he is a member of the majority party. This is a huge benefit we should not overlook. Our current representative, Whit Betts touts his “common sense leadership” skills. While he is an earnest and well-intentioned gentleman, the truth is that he cannot apply those skills in the House given the existing political situation. As one of the lowest seniority members of the minority party, Mr. Betts has virtually no influence or power over the legislative process in the General Assembly. Under the current parliamentary rules, he cannot bring legislation to the floor, offer any amendments to bills or even have a hearing scheduled in committee without co-sponsorship and approval of the Democratic majority. Unless his initiatives align with the Democrat’s agenda, it dies in committee and never gets a vote. Case in point was the vain effort to kill the wasteful Busway project. For better or worse, this is the cold, hard reality of the partisanship in Hartford, and Republicans this year have virtually zero chance of being elected into the majority in either chamber. Consequently, our voices are simply not being heard at the Capitol. So why not vote for Dan? He is a lifelong resident of Plymouth, served on the Board of Education and is currently holding office as a town constable. Dan will work to protect education funding, defend the rights of the average working person and support programs to create skilled jobs within our region. He can join with other Democratic state reps in our area to bring attention to the unique needs of Litchfield County, while fighting against the corrupting influence of wealthy corporate special interests. The time has come to elect a young, enthusiastic Democrat like Dan Santorso as our representative in the 78th District. Ralph S. Zovich To Whom It May Concern: On Election Day, voters in Bristol, Harwinton, Plainville, Plymouth and Thomaston will elect a new state senator. I’m voting for Rob Michalik and I encourage everyone to do the same. Rob is a capable, dedicated and knowledgeable individual. He has a grasp of the issues that are facing the 31st State Senatorial District. His RESTART THE ECONOMY AND CREATE JOBS THROUGH command of the facts and ability to articulate pragmatic proposals and solutions was very obvious to those of us who attended the debate at St. Paul’s High School. The 31st Senatorial District has been short-changed by a largely invisible incumbent Republican. The district requires and deserves a fierce advocate for the towns of the district. Rob has the skills and background that can lend support to the businesses and people, old and young, of the district. Rob has a proven record of being able to work in a bipartisan manner to implement practical solutions that benefit taxpayers. His understanding of economic policy will allow him to work for those same types of goals as a state senator. The 31st Senatorial District deserves an effective and energetic presence in Hartford. Please join me in voting for Rob Michalik for State Senator on November 4th. Joyce Krinitsky, Terryville, CT I was fortunate enough to attend the political debate held on October 6th at St. Paul High school. In my mind, the contrast between the two candidates vying for the open State Senate seat couldn’t be greater. I found Rob Michalik to be well prepared, articulate, and on point. He spoke to the audience about his view of the future of our state and briefly explained how he would get us there. He also touched on his expertise in economic development and the dozens of small businesses that are still operating because of the policies he has championed. He additionally made a point of his willingness to work across the aisle. This is obviously one of the biggest issues facing the taxpayers - the inability of politicians to get things done because of intense partisanship. Rob noted that, above all else, he is a practical guy who is willing to roll up his sleeves to make the state a better place. Henri Martin, on the other hand, came off ill-prepared. He mentioned that Bristol would do well with “unique businesses”, but was vague on what this meant. He also pointed out how he would be fiscally responsible but did not outline any plan as to how he would make this happen. I know Henri personally. He is a nice guy, but what this district needs is a man who will stand up for what’s best for Connecticut workers. I don’t feel that Henri Martin is prepared for the job. Based on what I saw in the debate, Rob Michalik is the clear choice and should be our next State Senator. Dave Butkus Henri Martin is running for State Senate in the 31st District which covers Bristol, Harwinton, Plainville, Plymouth and Thomaston. Henri, like a majority of us, think Connecticut is moving in the wrong direction and that we need new leadership. He has pledged to work to reduce licenses for small businesses, end income tax on pensions and reduce gas taxes. His experience as a small business owner and current Bristol Town Council Member will help him tackle these tough issues up in Hartford. Henri Continued on the following page... Agree or Disagree If you agree with these statements, Henri Martin in the right choice for you for State Senate. It’s time for NEW leadership and a NEW direction! “ I’ll be the voice for the people without a special interest group... the taxpayer! - Henri Martin Taxes in Connecticut are too high? It cost too much to retire in Connecticut? Gasoline tax is out of control? Business tax and license fees keep growing? Electrical rates are the highest we’ve ever seen? Connecticut roads and bridges are failing? “ Paid for by Henri Martin for State Senate. Denise Albert Treasurer. Approved by Henri Martin. The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 • Page 19 Letters to the Editor Continued from the previous page... also believes that Connecticut’s fiscal health is in “dire straits” with a projected deficit over the next two years of approximately $2.8 billion. I believe that Henri will be a “voice of reason” instead of a rubber stamp for the policies of our current Governor. So please join me in voting for Henri Martin on November 4th. Andrea Saunders, Plainville On Election Day, we will have the opportunity to elect a new state senator. On that day, I intend to vote for Rob Michalik, and I hope you will do the same. Rob and I served together on the Plainville Town Council for 4 years. Though we were from different parties, we worked well together. Rob and I didn’t always agree, but I always found him to be someone who put the interests of the community before any political party or special interest. I was consistently impressed by Rob’s efforts to save the town money. For instance, he pushed for Plainville to purchase its streetlights from CL&P, thus saving the town approximately $50,000 per year in maintenance costs. He advocated that the community implement an Ebay-like auction procedure for the sale of bonds, which saved thousands of dollars in interest costs. In addition, Rob championed an aggressive delinquent tax program, which led to hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes being collected and reduced the tax burden on those who pay their taxes on time. We need more people like Rob Michalik in Hartford – people who can work across party lines to get the job done. I ask that you join me in supporting him on November 4th. Johanna Petit Chapman, Plainville, CT On November 4th, I’m supporting Rob Michalik for State Senate. Rob understands that moving the city and the state forward starts with investing in our future—our kids. It’s refreshing to hear a candidate emphasize education when talking about improving our economy. Rob knows you can’t meet the needs of a 21st century economy without a 21st century education system. Rob is committed to high quality education, and he will oppose unnecessary mandates that only increase costs for local taxpayers and overburden teachers. He believes in high standards, but not at the expense of local autonomy. He understands the need to hold the line on spending, but not at the expense of our kids. Rob’s opponent, Henri Martin, is the leading anti-education voice on the Bristol City Council. His opposition to education is so extreme that he was the only vote against full-day kindergarten in the city. The vote was 14-1, and Henri was the only one opposed. Bristol is the last town in the region to institute full-day kindergarten—and if Henri had his way, the city still wouldn’t have it. Bristol and the other towns in the 31st district will never get ahead by starting from behind. Apparently Henri doesn’t understand that. Fortunately, we have a candidate in this election who does understand. Rob Michalik is the clear choice for State Senate. Thank you, Karen Hintz Scott Funeral Home, Inc. Established 1906 Owned and operated by the Scott Family for 108 years Jeffrey K. Scott Francis M. Scott • Irrevocable Trust for Title 19 • Burial and Cremation Services • Pre-Paid Funeral Planning Martin Responds To Criticism For the past several weeks, the pages of various newspapers have been used by operatives of my opponent to launch unjustified attacks on me and on my performance as a City Councilman. I refuse to dignify the bad behavior of these misguided individuals by retaliating or refuting against groundless criticism or claims. Instead, I want to take this opportunity to address what I believe are three of the most important problems facing citizens across our state. First, in the area of public safety: Legislation that allows the early release of violent criminals from prison must be repealed. Just last week, it was reported that Desmond James of Waterbury was arrested for sexually assaulting a ten-year-old girl. He is a product of the early release program as was Arthur Hapgood who allegedly stabbed a 1-year-old baby to death in Bristol earlier this year. These are only the latest examples of violent criminals who participated in the early release program and subsequently committed violent crimes. I will work to repeal this ill-conceived legislation. Second, in the area of fiscal responsibility: Connecticut is one of the most indebted states in the nation; it ranks 3rd highest in public debt. A major cause is the use of bonding to pay for operating expenses. This is like paying your monthly rent or electric bill with a credit card. Nothing is really paid; the cost is deferred and also increased because of interest charges. I will work to curtail this practice. Third, is in the area of tax policy. We have all been subject to Gov. Malloy and his Democrat partners in the legislature enacting the largest tax increase in our state’s history. Whether you have paid more in sales tax, had your property tax eliminated or dealt with sky-high electric rates, that tax increase is to blame. I intend on being the advocate for taxpayers and to protect them from further increases. My goal in writing this letter is to counter the misleading information that has appeared in these pages, by giving voters a clear picture of how I intend to represent them in the state Senate. I ask for their vote on November 4th and ask that they support the entire Republican team. Henri Martin, Candidate 31st Senate District Michalik will be a Malloy Rubber Stamp I am extremely concerned about the direction our state has been heading under Gov. Malloy’s “leadership.” Gov. Malloy’s economic polices, raising taxes on the middle class and giving hundred’s of million of dollars to large corporations has resulted in our state having one of the worse economic recoveries in the nation. Robert Michalik Jr. has been a member of Gov. Malloy’s administration and worked in the agency that gave away our hard earned tax dollars to profitable corporations. He is now trying to repaint his image as someone who is above party politics and for the middle class. I urge you not to fall for this election season change of heart. Mr. Michalik has repeatedly voted to raise taxes as a member of the Plainville Town Council and will certainly support the next round of tax increases Gov. Malloy will propose. Henri Martin is a Bristol resident, small business owner and job creator. Henri has the life experiences that will lead him to make the right decisions in Hartford in order to turn our economy around and get job and income growth on the rise. On November 4th, I hope you will join me in voting for Henri Martin. Only by electing an independently minded state Senator, not a rubber stamp for Gov. Malloy, will we be able to experience a comeback of the Connecticut economy. Sincerely Robert Pugliese, Plainville, CT Negativity; Just what are we talking about? Negativity (or Being Negative) has several definitions which apply to political discourse. #1) Indicating opposition or resistance. #2) Demonstrate to be false, disapprove. #3) Lacking positive or constructive features. The definition listed above as #3 seems to be the one most often applied to those who question their elected leaders. It almost seems like sport to those who are absent most of the time but come out to declare with effervescent exuberance their perceived negativity of other, those looking to make government more accountable, transparent and responsible. While decrying the negativity of others, these same people attack with sanctimonious ferocity those working to make government better. So why is this negativity acceptable for one group but not the other? Why the double standard? Just who exactly determines what is right and what is wrong for the Town of Plymouth? As an elected official, I generally leave that determination to the voice of my constituents. The primary difference between the two factions in my opinion is, one group thinks “nice things” make Plymouth better and the other thinks a fiscally responsible, civically responsive and politically accountable government makes Plymouth better. While both are valid points of view I would certainly consider myself a member of the latter group. I truly do not understand what is negative about wanting government to be transparent and honest? What is wrong with wanting your government to be fiscally responsible? What’s the down side to wanting government to obey the Town Charter and ordinances? Answer………absolutely nothing. Yet those who want a trustworthy government are ridiculed and mocked. They are treated as pariah simply for wanting, not physical things from government but peace of mind. What people expect from government is changing, the face of government is evolving. Governments can no longer operate as they have in the past when no one was watching……. and the number of eyes are growing every day. I connect with people on a daily basis who have had quite enough of the status quo. They are questioning what is going on, more and more people are participating in their government, and to me this is a great thing. I personally believe the more eyes watching the better our town becomes. Everything should be questioned. The easiest way to keep things going smoothly would be for government to be as transparent as humanly possible. What I personally find “negative” are those in positions of authority and their associates ridiculing, intimidating or castigating those trying to improve the inner workings of government. This tells me they either do not understand just what goes on in their government, they benefit from the status quo, or follow blindly those in power. I would encourage people to get informed and never, ever, follow blindly……… anyone. “Trust but verify” is a motto to live by and it doesn’t matter who is speaking. Yes, there are those who do not understand the constant questioning and suspicion. They can see no problems and therefore no reason to question. I would ask those who feel this way to learn about their government, learn how it is supposed to run and the rules and laws that are supposed to be followed. Once you know these things, questions are not difficult to come by, in fact the more you know the more questions simply appear. The suspicion comes from leaders misleading the citizens, it comes from trust placed in the hands of government and citizens realizing that their trust was misplaced. The suspicion is not unwarranted but the end result of governmental arrogance. It is not negative to hold your elected officials to a higher standard. It is not negative to want elected officials to follow the rules and laws or be transparent. It is not negative to question what is going on in town. It’s not negative to be against political favoritism or unnecessary spending. We as a community/society have been complacent and apathetic………that is negative. I welcome those looking into just what is going on in town and encourage others to do the same. Apply pressure to your elected officials, you as citizens have that power and sometimes that pressure is the only thing keeping them honest. Keep up the good work, whether the community at large realizes it or not you are doing this town a huge service! Councilman William Heering I admit walking into the recent legislative debate between senate candidates Henri Martin and Rob Michalik I had my mind made up, as I assume most in the audience of 120 had. It was a bit uncomfortable at times for me because until July I was scheduled to be the one debating Henri Martin. Since I did not have the chance to formally debate and challenge Mr. Martin on the issues brought up during the debate, I offer my thoughts on what I saw and what I know. Henri Martin has never stood for anything on town council. During the cafeteria workers dispute he was the only city council member who refused to let the issue die, which cost Bristol tax payers thousands. Here is a guy who voted against the Bristol city budget in 2013 because of taxes yet refused to take a stand on a dead issue which cost the city thousands. During the debate he took the same route and instead of speaking from the heart he read off of prepared note cards. When asked how to keep young people from leaving the city of Bristol he responded by saying “ we need more cool places that kids want to go to such a barely vine and Starbucks”. What will keep young professionals in Bristol is having high quality jobs that will support a living wage not the number of bars and coffee shops in the area. One of the disappointing things about that debate was that all the candidate had the questions in advance. The most disappointing thing was that even though all candidates had the questions in advance Henri Martin sounded unprepared for what was asked. We need a state senator who can speak from the heart and represent the values of the people of the 31st district. Walking out of the debate, the choice was clear. Dave Roche, Bristol Resident To the Editor of the Plymouth Connection: I am writing in support of Rob Michalik, an outstanding candidate for the State Senate from the 31st District that encompasses Plymouth along with Thomaston, Bristol, Plainville and part of Harwinton. Rob began his government service at the local level as a member THOMASTON MEMORIAL WORKS, LLC 860-583-7358 169 Main Street, Terryville www.scottfuneralhomeinc.com Page 20 • The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 Family Owned Company • Cemetery Monuments • Markers • Lettering • Plaques • Etchings • Pet Markers Monday through Friday - 10 am - 4 pm Saturday & Evening appointments are available 31 Pine Hill Road Thomaston, CT 06787 (860) 283-5571 Wayne Norton Rhonda Norton Sue Gerace, Broker 203-631-5382 $63,000 – Retire to Jensen’s Community in Terryville. 2 BR, 2 bath mobile home. MB has full bath & walk in closet. Spacious 22x17 4-season porch overlooks Lake Winfield. Central Air. $451 land lease fee covers water, sewer & trash. 55+ only. Call Sue @ 203-631-5382. Hassle free living. of both the Planning & Zoning Commission and then the Town Council in his hometown of Plainville. During his time on the Council, Rob was known for his reasoned approach to the issues, his integrity and the professional and respectful way in which he worked with others including the public at large. Rob’s job experience is another critical factor. After working in the private sector with a marketing firm, he went on to direct a district congressional office and then to working specifically in the area of economic policy and development at the federal and state levels. Rob is not only exceptionally qualified but he will also bring fresh insight and ideas to the process. He is committed to supporting business, strengthening the middle class and focusing on job training. I have known Rob for many years and know that he can make a real difference in the legislature. I hope that the voters of the 31st District will join me in electing Rob Michalik as our new State Senator on November 4th. Rosemary Morante (Chairperson, Plainville Democratic Town Committee) To the Editor: In the upcoming election I will be voting for Rob Michalik for State Senate. I feel he is the upmost qualified candidate for this position. I know he will work tirelessly for the people of Connecticut. I do like his viewpoints such as “to allow more seniors the option of in-home health care instead of being forced into nursing homes—a change that will give seniors more flexibility and save money for taxpayers.” Rob will work for Veteran’s benefits that I feel all veterans deserve for their service to our country such as job training, education and employment opportunities. Rob will also fight for the middle class and help get more good paying jobs here in Connecticut. He is someone that can get the work done. Rob has experience as a state economic development director which he helped secure millions of federal dollars for Connecticut and also served on the Plainville Town Council for a number of years. This is why I am voting for Rob Michalik Sherry Cole, Plainville, CT Independent Voter Stands For Henri Martin A wise person once told me, “There are two things you should avoid talking about with people: politics and religion”. I have stayed quiet when it comes to the race for state senate, but can no longer contain my thoughts. I represent an under 30 voting demographic. I am a Bristol resident born and raised and an avid reader of the Bristol Press. I am a registered Independent and vote whenever possible. This Election Day, my independent self will be voting for Henri Martin. I have read a lot of articles slaughtering Henri in the past few weeks, some from local politicians, residents of Bristol, and writers from the Bristol Press. However, I choose to take a different spin on things. I will be voting for Henri Martin because he stands for something I believe in: good moral character. I vote for Henri because he has shown unwavering positivity throughout both city counsel and state senate elections. He has endured bad mouthing, negative writing, and damaging political ads, all without retaliation. He has believed in his cause so whole-heartedly, that he risks being the one person to vote against the majority. That is who I want representing me in Hartford, someone who risks standing against the mass because he believes in the taxpayers. My last point: on one of Henri’s mailers he states: “It’s getting hard to live in Connecticut.” I am a 24 year-old woman in graduate school. Financially, I live week to week with the hope that there is a reason behind me spending more money on my education. Connecticut is not where I plan to live after graduation. Young professionals are leaving because the economy is the one of the worst in the country. I need someone in Hartford that is going to be my voice and stand up for my demographic. Henri Martin will be that person. This Election Day, I urge you to ignore the negativity and focus on the politicians who don’t sink to that level to get attention: the one guy who holds his own without needing to bring others down. Henri Martin. Jordan Sileo, Bristol, CT Dear Editor, Democratic candidate Rob Michalik has shown he has what it takes to be the next great Senator from the 31st district. Rob’s work in both the private sector and on the Plainville Town Council give him a diverse background and a wealth of knowledge as to how both government and business work. Rob will also work restlessly to make education a top priority in our state because he understands that a highly educated workforce is essential in moving our economy forward. I am proudly casting my vote for Rob on Election Day and I hope you will too. Respectfully, Pat Perugino II, Terryville, CT As a resident of Plymouth and a senior citizen, I have been thoroughly impressed by one of the candidates running for state Senate this fallRob Michalik. Even though Rob is vying to represent five towns (Bristol, Harwinton, Plainville, Plymouth and Thomaston), he’s taken the time to create a legislative agenda just for our Town of Plymouth! I must say that Rob’s plans - including improving Plymouth’s roads and fighting for a special zone to attract businesses - are spot-on. Senior citizens will also like Rob’s plan to reform our local property tax system so more of us can stay in our homes, and -especially! --to bring a senior center to Plymouth. We’re one of only 14 towns in Connecticut without our own senior center and that’s a shame. After many years of waiting, I have never heard of another candidate advocating for senior center for our town. With Rob as our Senator, I’m confident that we will see one in my lifetime. I hope you’ll join me in voting for Rob Michalik for state Senate on November 4th. Linda Kazmierski, Terryville, CT From the Candidates From Dan Santorso Dan Santorso is the Democrat running for State Representative in Plymouth and West Bristol. Dan was raised in Terryville and his father and grandfather were raised in Bristol. He went through Terryville public schools K-12, and then got a bachelor's degree in Public Administration from Central Connecticut State University. Dan is 29 years old and has been persistently involved in volunteering for the community. In the past he has served as an elected Trustee of the Terryville Library, as well as on the Plymouth Board of Education. He is currently an elected constable, and has coordinated serving legal process through the Bristol probate court. He has also worked in the Plymouth Mayor's office under Vin Festa, and in the state legislature as staff. Dan is passionate to give back to the community, to listen to the public, and to fight for grass-roots representation. Dan is a workingclass candidate whose priority is to represent working families and small businesses. He realizes that the government needs to pay it's own bills, that there is a lot of waste built into the system, that regulations can be excessive, and that taxpayer money needs to be respected. At the same time, there are many investments in the state budget that improve the quality of life for our seniors, that help small businesses and struggling families, and that create new opportunities for children to earn success. Dan understands that the state is too dependent on property taxes. Schools and municipal government seek to maintain funding or keep up with inflation and the default way to pay the bill is with property tax increases. Education and infrastructure can be extremely effective investments, but property taxes are unaffordable for seniors on fixed income, as well as small businesses and homeowners. Dan sees that the state and federal government have larger revenue sources, and should pass the money to towns to relieve the property tax problem and to energize local economies. This can be done by maintaining and increasing the ECS grant to schools. Local economy does not improve merely from cutting spending and eliminating programs that serve seniors, children, and working families. One major way to help seniors is to ensure that healthcare costs are affordable. Dan's opponent supports selling Bristol Hospital to a Texas corporation, which will likely result in increased cost of treatment, as well as money leaving the state. One major way to help the working poor is to raise the minimum wage, which big businesses can afford to do. Dan supports breaks for struggling small businesses to improve their stability. Without public education investments, families have little opportunity to escape from poverty, special needs children get left behind, and the future of our community is put at risk. Early childhood education has been shown to be especially effective in improving student success, so programs like Smart Start, among others, require public support. Positive Happenings in Our District Dear Friends & Neighbors, Every day, there are residents from our wonderful towns of Bristol, Plymouth, and Terryville, who are committed to making their communities a better place to live and work. For some, it’s simply through doing their job. They are protecting us, serving us, providing us with enriching experiences, and adding to our quality of life. Volunteering is a huge part of what makes our community special. Time after time, our residents spring into action to help their neighbors in need. This month over twenty volunteers from Rebuilding Together: Litchfield County and Wells Fargo showed up in Plymouth to assist long-time residents David and Heather Folmsbee with updating and repairing their home. Rebuilding Together has a national volunteer base of nearly 100,000 and provides muchneeded updates, repairs, and modifications to homes of low-income families. In addition to helping our neighbors, Connecticut residents are dedicated to growing our economy. Thriving local businesses, such as Plymouth Spring, provide much-needed jobs within our community. Located at 281 Lake Avenue in Bristol, Plymouth Spring employs close to 50 people and has been a leading manufacturer of custom springs, four slide parts, wire forms, and precision pins since 1959. Because of its 50+ years of dedication to quality service, Plymouth Spring was chosen as CONNSTEP’s Made in Connecticut Manufacturer for October. I proudly attended the company celebration and presented a citation from the General Assembly in honor of their recognition. Our residents are also dedicated to enhancing the lives of those with disabilities. Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Chapter 126 Sports & Fitness grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. Located at 47 Upson Street in Bristol, Chapter 126, which is an Oak Hill Center, provides state-of-the-art resources to individuals with disabilities. Aimed at promoting an active, healthy lifestyle, Chapter 126 will provide access to quality amenities, fitness trainers, and specialized equipment. There are countless examples of these feel-good stories happening. Although far too many to include in a short column, I’d like to thank each and every one of you, who, through your business, your work, your community, or volunteer service, contribute to making the communities of our 78th district a wonderful place that we proudly call home. Please contact me if you’d like to share your thoughts on this or any legislative issue. Please call my office at 800-842-1423 or email whit.betts@housegop.ct.gov Stay connected, stay informed: www.repbetts.com. Sincerely, Rep. Whit Betts Preparing Connecticut’s Workforce: Michalik Tours Bristol TEC Rob Michalik, candidate for the State Senate in the 31st District, highlighted the need to link technical high school education with local employers, while touring the Bristol Technical Education Center (TEC) on Tuesday October 21st. The tour was led by Joyce Mowrey the principal of Bristol TEC and was joined by former State Senator Tom Colapietro - a longtime supporter of the school. “When I speak with our local businesses, they constantly stress the importance of linking the skills taught in the classroom to the jobs that make up our local economy,” said Michalik who earlier this month toured local manufacturing businesses in Plainville, Bristol, and Plymouth where he touted his plans to bring good-paying jobs to central Connecticut. “With its Work Based Learning (WBL) program, Bristol TEC provides students with an opportunity for realworld experience on actual job sites with area employers. We need to encourage such business/school partnerships to ensure that our schools are meeting employers’ workforce needs.” Bristol TEC offers programs in automotive technology, culinary arts, electronics technology, HVAC/R, welding/metal fabrication, and manufacturing technology. Students receive a ten-month intensive technical education that results in certification upon completion. High school juniors and seniors are eligible for the program. These students graduate from their local high school while receiving credits from BTEC toward their diploma. “Bristol TEC is the only school like it in Connecticut,” added Michalik “With its 95% student placement rate after graduation, the school obviously is doing something right. We should be looking at ways to duplicate that success throughout the state.” In addition to its WBL program, BTEC gives students the chance to utilize their trade skills in the local community for a modest fee. For instance, the general public can bring their cars in for repairs at the school’s automotive shop. Additionally, the public can eat lunch at Bristol TEC’s Bristol Bistro, as Michalik did following his tour. Martin Pledges to Fight Attempts to Reduce Drug Free School Zones Henri Martin, candidate for state Senate district 31, pledged that he would fight any efforts to reduce the size of drug free zones around schools and daycares. State law prescribes that dealing or possessing drugs within 1,500 feet of schools, daycares or public housing facilities results in enhanced penalties for the individuals that violate these laws. Over the last several legislative sessions, Democrat lawmakers have attempted to dramatically reduce the drug free zones around schools and daycares. They have repeatedly proposed legislation that would reduce the zones from 1,500 feet to 200 feet, nearly an 87% reduction. “We should be doing all we can to protect our children from the dangers of drugs and drug dealers. Reducing the drug free zones to a mere 200 foot would roll out the welcome mat to drug dealers and would send the wrong message to the children in our cities and towns.” Said Martin. “If we were to change the drug free zone law at all, it should be to make the punishments even more severe.” Henri Martin is a Bristol Town Council member, small business owner and life-long Bristol resident. He is running for the 31st Senate District to fill the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Jason Welch. The 31st is comprised of Bristol, Harwinton, Plainville, Plymouth and Thomaston. The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 • Page 21 Terryville Fire Department Fireplace and Wood Stove Safety Tips With the increased cost in utilities, more homeowners are using fireplaces or wood stoves for additional heating. With this in mind, there are some safety precautions that need to be followed to insure a safe heating season. • Clear the area around the fireplace / wood stove. Debris too close to the fireplace / wood stove could cause a fire. • Always use a fireplace screen or have the wood stove doors closed. • Never overload the fireplace / wood stove with too many logs. Do not use your fireplace or wood stove as an incinerator. Never burn garbage or trash. • Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and place smoke detectors throughout the house. Test the smoke detectors and batteries regularly. Also install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors. • When building a fire, place logs at the rear of the fireplace, preferably on a grate. • Never leave a fire in a fireplace unattended. Be sure the fire is extinguished before you leave the house or go to bed. • Make a fire that fits your fireplace / wood stove. A fire too large or too hot not only wastes fuel, but it can crack your chimney. • Keep fire wood stacked, covered, and out-of-doors, away from the house and off the ground. Bring in only as much fire wood as you need for one evening to prevent insects that may be in the wood from entering your home. • Keep your fireplace in good working condition. If you notice any cracks in your fireplace and/or chimney, any loose mortar or bricks, have your chimney and/or fireplace repaired. Have the chimney liner inspected for cracking or deterioration. • Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually. • Choose the right fuel. In general, hardwoods, such as oak, hickory, ash, etc., burn cleaner than softwood such as fir, pine, cedar, etc. • Use seasoned wood. Wood with a moisture content of less than 20% burns much cleaner than green (high moisture content) wood. • Burn smartly. Good fireplace / wood stove habits can decrease fuel consumption in your home while maintaining the same level of warmth. Make sure the fire gets enough air to burn properly. Adjust air inlets according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. • Properly dispose of fireplace and wood stove ashes. Place all ashes in a metal container which has a metal cover. Never leave this metal container, with ashes in it, in your home. Store the metal container of ashes outside, at least three feet from any combustible surface. Until next month be safe! Submitted by Captain Tony Orsini, Terryville Fire Department Health & Safety Officer Source: FireCall Magazine The Facts about Chimney Fires What Causes Chimney Fires? Chimney fires are usually caused by the accumulation of creosote in chimneys. Creosote is a natural by-product of burning wood. It accumulates in chimney flues overtime and is highly flammable. Creosote is especially likely to accumulate when wood is not burned at the proper temperature. Since creosote is flammable, when it accumulates on the walls of your flue, hot flue gasses can ignite it. The result is a chimney fire. Depending on the condition of your chimney, such a fire can pose a significant threat to the rest of your house. Flames from the fire can find their way through cracks in a clay chimney liner or mortar and ignite framing around the chimney. The flames can also spread onto the roof and cause a fire there. No One Welcomes a Chimney Fire A chimney fire in progress can be frightening. It has been described as creating loud cracking and popping noises, a lot of dense smoke, and an intense, hot smell. Chimney fires can burn explosively. Flames of dense smoke may shoot from the top of the chimney. Homeowners report being startled by a low rumbling sound that reminds them of a freight train or a low flying air plane. However, those are only the chimney fires you know about. Slow-burning chimney fires don’t, however, get enough air nor have enough fuel to be as dramatic or visible. But, the temperatures they reach are very high and can cause as much damage to the chimney structure – and nearby combustible parts of the house – as their more spectacular cousins. With proper chimney care, chimney fires are entirely preventable. Creosote & Chimney Fires: What You Must Know Fireplaces and wood stoves are designed to safely contain wood-fueled fires, while providing heat for a home. The chimneys that serve them have the job of expelling the by-products of combustion – the substances given off when wood burns. These include smoke, water vapor, gases, unburned wood particles, hydrocarbon volatiles, and tar. As these substances exit the fireplace or wood stove, and flow up into the relatively cooler chimney, condensation occurs. The resulting residue that sticks to the inner walls of the chimney is called creosote. Creosote is black or brown in appearance. It can be crusty and flaky…tar like, drippy and sticky… or shiny and hardened. Often, all forms will occur in one chimney system. Whatever form it takes, creosote is highly combustible. If it builds up in sufficient quantities – and catches fire inside the chimney flue instead of the firebox of the fireplace or wood stove – the result will be a chimney fire. Although any amount of creosote can burn, homeowners should be concerned when creosote builds up in sufficient quantities to sustain a long, hot, destructive chimney fire. Certain conditions encourage the buildup of creosote. Simply put, restricted air supply, unseasoned wood and cooler-than-normal chimney temperatures are all factors that can accelerate the buildup of creosote on chimney flue walls. Air supply in fireplaces may be restricted by closed glass doors or by failure to open the damper wide enough to move heated smoke up the chimney rapidly (the longer the smoke remains in the flue, the more likely it is that creosote will form). A wood stove’s air supply can be limited by closing down the stove damper or air inlets too soon and too much, and by improperly using the stovepipe damper to restrict air movement. Burning unseasoned wood keeps the resulting smoke cooler, as it moves through the chimney system, than if dried, seasoned wood is used. In the case of wood stoves, fully-packed loads of wood may also contribute to creosote buildup. Cool flue temperatures increase creosote production, too. Condensation of the unburned by-products of combustion occurs more rapidly in exterior chimneys rather than in a chimney that runs through the center of a house and exposes only the upper reaches of the flue to the elements. How Chimney Fires Hurt Chimneys Masonry chimneys. When chimney fires occur in masonry chimneys – whether the flues are an older, unlined type, or are tile lined to meet safety codes – the high temperatures at which they burn (around 2000 degrees F) can “melt” mortar, crack tiles, cause liners to collapse and damage the outer masonry material. Most often, tiles crack and mortar is displaced, which provides a pathway for flames to reach the combustible wood frame of the house. One chimney fire may not harm a home. A second can burn it down. Special Effects on Wood Stoves. Wood stoves are made to contain hot fires. The connector pipes that run from the stove to the chimney are another matter. They cannot withstand the high temperatures produced during a chimney fire and can warp, buckle and even separate from the vibrations created by air turbulence during a fire. If damaged by a chimney fire, they must be replaced. Eight Signs That You Have Had a Chimney Fire Since chimney fires can occur without anyone being aware of them…and since damage from such fires can endanger a home and its occupants, how do you tell if you’ve experienced a chimney fire? Here are the signs to look for: • “Puffy” creosote, with rainbow colored streaks, which has expanded beyond creosote’s normal form. Page 22 • The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 • Warped metal of the damper, metal smoke chamber, connector pipe or factory-built metal chimney. • Cracked or collapsed flue tiles or tiles with large chunks missing. • Discolored or distorted rain cap. • Creosote flakes and pieces found on the roof or ground. • Roofing material damaged from hot creosote. • Cracks in exterior masonry • Evidence of smoke escaping through mortar joints of masonry or tile liners If you think a chimney fire has occurred, have your chimney inspected by a professional chimney sweep. If it is determined that a chimney fire did occur, you may need to replace a few flue tiles, reline the chimney system, or rebuild the entire chimney. Proper Maintenance Clean chimneys do not catch fire. Make sure your chimney is inspected and cleaned annually. If repairs are needed, make sure they are done. Ways to Keep the Fire You Want From Starting One You Don’t Chimney fires do not have to happen. Here are some ways to avoid them. • Use seasoned woods only. • Build smaller, hotter fires that burn more completely and produce less smoke. • Never burn cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, or trash; these can spark a chimney fire. • Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures where wood stoves are in use in order to adjust burning practices as needed. • Inspect and clean your wood stoves on a regular basis. What to Do if You Have a Chimney Fire If you realize a chimney fire is occurring, follow these steps: • Get everyone out of the house, including yourself. • Call the fire department. If you can do so without risk to yourself, these additional steps may help save your home. Remember, however, that homes are replaceable, but lives are not. • Close the glass doors on the fireplace. • Close the air inlets on the wood stove. Once the chimney fire is over, call a professional chimney sweep to inspect your chimney for damage. Chimney fire damage and repair normally is covered by homeowner insurance policies. Until next month be safe! Submitted by Captain Tony Orsini, Terryville Fire Department Health & Safety Officer Sources: Chimney Safety Institute of America Inc Terryville Fire Department Terryville Fire Department Operation E.D.I.T.H. October 9, 2014 Our community fire drill, that was held on Thursday, October 9, 2014, was a tremendous success. It was reported by the TFD firefighters, who were touring town roads, that the participation by the residents in Operation E.D.I.T.H. (Exit Drill In The Home) was fantastic. It was reported that 1,861 households participated in conducting a home fire drill. It is extremely important for all family members in a household to know what to do in the event of a fire. Prior planning is the key to fire safety in the home. The goal of the Terryville Fire Department is to educate the residents of Plymouth about the life saving value of having a fire escape plan from their home. Exit Drills In the Home can help people prepare for an emergency. Most home fires occur at night, when people are the least prepared. Home fires can become a disaster if you and your family are not familiar with how to escape during an emergency. Have a safe and joyous holiday! Captain Tony Orsini, Terryville Fire Department Health & Safety Officer T.F.D. Fire Calls September 21 - October 26, 2014 09-21-14…..Carbon Monoxide alarm – South Main St 09-24-14…..Investigation – Main Street 09-25-14…..Camp fire – High Street 09-27-14…..Alarm activation – North Main Street 09-29-14…..Wires down – Seymour @ Ridge Road 10-05-14…..Terryville Fair Grounds Stand by 10-05-14…..Illegal burning – Bernice Avenue 10-07-14…..Mutual aid to Thomaston 10-07-14…..Fire prevention program 10-08-14…. Wires down – North Riverside Avenue 10-08-14…..Tree limb on wires – Allen St. @ Old Waterbury Rd. 10-08-14….. Fire prevention program 10-10-14…..Vehicle leaking gasoline – Seymour Road 10-10-14…..Smoke investigation 10-11-14…..Transformer failure – Main Street 10-12-13…..Natural gas leak – Smith Street 10-16-14…..Gasoline leak – Fountainhead Road 10-16-14…..Gas investigation – Lovely Street 10-17-14…..Investigation – Old Waterbury Rd. @ Tunnel Rd. 10-22-14…..Vehicle roll over – South Street 10-22-14…..Vehicle fire – Greystone Road 10-25-14…..Assist Plymouth PD – North Main Street 10-25-14…..Smoke investigation – Dillon Drive 10-26-14…..Alarm activation – Stevens Street Submitted by Chief Mark Sekorski Fire Department Selling T-Shirts for Breast Cancer Terryville Fire Department Hose Company Number 1 to Sell T-shirts for Breast Cancer Awareness Terryville Fire Department Hose Company Number 1 will continue selling Breast Cancer Awareness T-shirts to show support and to help sustain momentum of this vital awareness campaign. This event is as much about raising funds for breast cancer research and support, as it is about raising awareness. Hose Company #1 firefighters will be selling T-shirts throughout the month of November at the Terryville Fire Department Station 1 21 Harwinton Avenue, Terryville. The shirts will be selling for $20. All proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Through this activity, the Hose Company members want to show their continued support for cancer research and to raise breast cancer awareness. For additional information or to purchase a Breast Cancer Awareness T-shirt, contact FF Rob Cataldi at (860) 605-8151 or at racfirefighter00@ yahoo.com. Business/Chamber/Rotary “Side Businesses and the Holiday Season” By Janet Johnson A “side business” is what an entrepreneur would call a business they operate while they have a full time job, family, or both. There are so many people in this town who have side businesses and yet we don’t really know who is doing what. If we knew – perhaps we would purchase more from them. Buying from our friends and neighbors in our community is exactly what we need to do to support one another. If you have a side business, I encourage you to do this exercise. First, write down how much money you are profiting per month (sales minus expenses equals your profit). Second, write down how much money you want to profit per month. If there’s a gap between what you want to make VS what you are making now, that’s a goal to work toward. A few strategies here would be to reduce expenses, increase, sales, or do both simultaneously. In regard to increasing sales, here are a few strategies for people owning side businesses who want to achieve greater profits. These are low-cost ideas that take very little time to implement. The idea here is consistency. 1) Network. People love to help so tell everybody you know what you’re doing. Oftentimes, I’m surprised when a long-time acquaintance tells me of their “side business” because they tell me when it’s too late and I’ve already found someone. Let’s take painting for example because we had our old house on High Street painted. If you are my friend, of course I’m going to want to hire you. Bottom line. But if you don’t tell me what you’re up to, I don’t know and I would have missed out on the opportunity. 2) Remind. More than flyers and business cards, remind people of what you’re doing at minimum on a monthly basis. If you sell candles, don’t just go to craft fairs, set up a booth, and expect to sell as much as you want. Remind your friends, “In 6 weeks, I’m going to have a booth at the craft fair. I’ve got some great products on sale. Please come and please tell everyone you know.” 3) Share and serve – don’t “sell.” Oftentimes, we think of the sleazy, cheap suit sales person and of course we don’t want to be this person so we don’t want to sell. Of course, this can hurt our business! Think of sales as sharing and being of service. A friend of mine sells women’s jewelry but she doesn’t market to women. Right before the holidays, she markets to men. She brings her showcase to restaurants and places where men gather and she helps them choose gifts for the women in their lives. This saves them time, a car trip, and the worry of choosing the perfect gift. This holiday season, if you are a “side-business” entrepreneur in Terryville, I challenge you to get out there in a really big way. This is your moment! Especially if you sell products that could make great gifts, let others know. Have your friends and family members help you spread the word. Buying a gift from you, a person who’s local, cares about our town, and has roots in this town means far more to most people (your community) than running to the mall and buying something cold and off the shelf. Please do us all a favor and sell to us! Terryville Rotary's 25 Anniversary Please join us as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of Terryville! Saturday evening, November 22, 2014 Chippanee Golf Club 6 Marsh Rd, Bristol, CT Cocktail Hour 6 pm, Dinner 7 pm $50 per person, Cash bar Buffet with carving station RSVP to: Lisa Aiudi, aiudil@plymouth.k12.ct.us or Marissa McGee, mmcgee@thomastonsavingsbank.com Please make checks payable to Terryville Rotary Club FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS APPRECIATED! Chamber and Beautification Committee Partner to Raise Funds for Main St. Banners The Plymouth Chamber has partnered with the Beautification Committee and is raising funds for the seasonal banners that are being installed on the light post in the village district, and will soon be at the waterwheel. Contact Chamber President, Michael Ganem, 860-589-3377 ext. 201 for more information or to contribute towards the beautification of your Main Street. Network Group Nov. 4 RSVP Requested The Thomaston Business Association monthly meeting will be held on Election Day, November 4, 2014 at the Thomaston Savings Bank Operations Center, 140 Main Street Thomaston (the original bank building) on the lower level. Members are asked to enter from the back to get to the lower level. We will munch on Tony’s Coffee Shop goodies and coffee. Membership is free…. Just rsvp and join us at 8:00 am to 9:0 am. The only cost is food on a cash basis. The relatively new group is an opportunity to meet new local business owners, to share business cards, upcoming events at your business and collaborate to increase your bottom line. The group meets monthly on the first Tuesday mostly for breakfast with a few evening meetings interspersed. The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 • Page 23 Terryville/Plymouth Senior News - November, 2014 Just wanted to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving. Remember to vote on November 4th. I want to welcome Pat Crisco and Jacqueline Merchant as new members of the senior group. Our October door prize was won by Carole Kozikowski. A big thank you goes to Mayor Merchant for taking time from his busy schedule to be our guest speaker on October 14th. He gave us an update on projects that are happening in town. There was a question and answer period after. By the time this article is published we will have had our pie and ice cream social on October 28. I want to thank all who baked and brought pies for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget that our only meeting in November will be held on the 18th and we will enjoy pizza after the meeting. Remember to sign up for the Christmas party on December 9th at noon at Pequabuck Golf Course. On November 19th at 9:30am at the Bristol Library, another TRIAD program will be presented entitled Holiday “Safe-Tea”. All seniors are welcome, but please call before November 9th. Cookies and teas will be served. We have started Tia Chi on Monday mornings at 9am in the Community Room. We are now in our fourth week and everyone enjoys it. S OMETHING NEW FOR SENIORS - Mid-morning Movie Madness at Terryville High School. One Wednesday of each month will be sponsoring a Mid-Morning Movie Madness starting on November 12th in the high school auditorium from 1am to 12pm. The dates for the movies (so you can mark you calendars) are December 10th, January 14th, February 11th, March 11, April 15 and May 13. Hope to see you there. Again I remind you that we have a group of ladies who meet on Wednesday afternoons 1pm in the Library Room, Thursday morning 10am -11am senior exercise in the Community Room, Mag Jongg from 11am and Cards from 1pm in the Library Room. All are welcome beginners or experts. I invite you to come, and join us at a meeting or activity. We meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. We have friendly conversation and refreshments. Please call me, 860-589-7837 with any questions you might have regarding any of the above. Helena Schwalm, President P.S. Happy Halloween Senior Community Café November 3 Monday - Meatless Monday - Baked Cheese Ravioli with Tomato Sauce, Italian Mixed Veggies, Three Bean Salad, Italian Bread, Fresh Apple Crackers, Eggplant Rolette with Meat Sauce, Buttered Ziti, Green Beans, Oatmeal Bread, Vanilla Chocolate, Ice Cream 4 TUESDAY - Happy Birthday - N.E. Clam Chowder, Unsalted Crackers, Philly Cheese Steak, Onions and Peppers, Sweet Potato Fries, Green Beans, Sub Roll, Birthday Cake* 13 THURSDAY - Chicken Patty , French Fries, Lettuce and Tomato, Coleslaw, Hamburger Bun, Banana 24 Monday - Meatless Monday - Pineapple Juice, Vegetarian Chili Au Jus, Brown Rice, Carrots, Corn Muffin, Pears 14 FRIDAY - Eye of the Round, Beef Gravy, Egg Noodles Broccoli, 100% Whole Wheat, Citrus Selections 25 Tuesday - Lemon Chicken Au Jus, Buttered Orzo, Scandinavian Veggies, Multi Grain Bread, Fresh Apple 17 Monday - Meatless Monday - Orange Juice, Ziti, Cannellini Beans, Broccoli and Alfredo Sauce, Stewed Tomatoes, Italian Bread,Oatmeal Cookies 26 WEDNESDAY - Orange Juice, Beef Stew, White Rice, Chucke Wagon Veggies, Biscuit, Applesauce 5 WEDNESDAY - Chicken Pot Pie, Carrot Coins, Garden Salad with Ranch Dressing, Biscuit, Fresh Orange 6 THURSDAY - Grape Juice, Crab Cakes with White Sauce, Buttered Tri-Color Pasta, Tuscany Vegetables, Rye Bread, Brownie* 7 FRIDAY - Sliced Ham** with Pineapple Glaze, Yams, Spinach, Multi Grain Bread, Apricots 10 Monday - Meatless Monday - Egg Bake with Mushrooms and Peppers, Hash Brown, Carrot Coins, Pumpernickel Bread, Pineapple Chunks 11 Tuesday - Closed for Veteran’s Day! 12 WEDNESDAY - Hearty Vegetable Soup, Unsalted 18 Tuesday - Chicken Ala King over Wild Rice, Romaine Salad, French Dressing, Multi Grain Bread, Pears 19 WEDNESDAY - Thanksgiving Special - Apple Cider, Roast Turkey with Giblet Gravy, Stuffing, Mashed Potato, String Bean Casserole, Cranberry Sauce, Dinner Roll, Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Topping 20 THURSDAY - Cranberry Juice, Lasagna Rollette, Meat Sauce, Italian Blend Veggies, 12 Grain Bread, Vanilla Pudding 21 FRIDAY - Baked Filet of Sole with Lemon Sauce, Couscous, Spinach, Oat Bread, Fresh Apple 27 THURSDAY - Closed for Thanksgiving 28 FRIDAY - Closed for Thanksgiving Elderly Nutrition Program meals are served at the Gosinski Park Community Room Mon.-Fri., 12:00 p.m. to persons and their spouses 60 years of age or older. All meals are served with a variety of bread and margarine, coffee, tea and 1% milk. DONATIONS: $2.50 (or whatever you can afford). Please call 670-8818 1 day before between 10:00AM and 12:30 PM. **Menu Subject to Change** Thank You Veterans! With experts in medications, health and nutrition, we’re proud to play a part in making our community stronger (and healthier). Page 24 • The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 Senior Citizen Mid-Morning Movie Madness! at Terryville High School FREE! A sense of community is an important part of the vision and mission of our school. We have residents, community wide, who have been dedicated and committed to the well-being of others and the welfare of Plymouth over many decades and we want to recognize and thank you. Please join us; this is open to all senior citizens!!!! One Wednesday each month, the Terryville High School student body and faculty, in conjunction with our Local Prevention Council (LPC), will be sponsoring a Mid-Morning Movie in the high school auditorium from 10:00am to 12:00 pm as a symbol of appreciation and gratitude to those who have paved the way for the opportunities that we now experience. Each month we will poll the audience and by popular vote pick the movie to show the following month. Please join us from 10am-12pm on the dates below! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate in contacting Joann Basile School to Career at 860-314-2777 x5413 November 12 December 10 January 14 February 11 March 11 April 15 May 13 MRSA – It’s bad but can usually be tackled. Dr. Joe Cherneskie Terryville Medical Center Recently there has been a lot of talk about the “New Bacteria” called MRSA, technically known as Methacillin Resistant Staph Aureus. Staph germs commonly cause skin infection and until recently these infections were easily taken care by common antiobiotics such as Keflex. Then came along resistant staph germs that did not respond to these and other common antibiotics and they were named “methacillin resistant”. So now antibiotics that were not normally used for skin infections are needed to fight MRSA and frequently patients will need to be treated with two antibiotics if it is unclear if an infection is the old staph or MRSA If the staph bacteria enters the body through a cut or scrape it may cause an infection. The infection is usually minor and localized, like a small pimple or boil, but sometimes can cause a more serious infection involving the lungs blood or bone. Most serious infections occur in people with weak immunity or hospitalized patients. MRSA infections that occur in the community can cause small “epidemics” among athletes who share equipment and children in day care. It has also been seen in the military and with tattoos. Staph infections cause red, swollen and painful areas on the skin. These infections can turn into boils and abscesses that need to be drained. Since this germ can be contagious and serious, any drainage should be done by a doctor, do not try to squeeze the area or drain it with a needle. Antibiotics will frequently be prescribed after the drainage and it is very important to take all of them to prevent further bacterial resistance. More serious infections may need to be treated with IV antibiotics. Though the MRSA infection can be scary, prompt medical treatment will almost always result in a cure. The most important thing is to realize that you have a skin infection and see the doctor as soon as possible so you can get treatment to keep a small problem small. Terryville Medical Center Joseph Cherneskie M.D. Primary Care/Internal Medicine Certified DOT/CDL Medical Examiner 27 Main Street • Terryville, CT 06786 Phone (860) 314-6818 Fax (860) 314-6899 Health & Senior An Evening of Wonder Raises $100,000, Honors Health Care Leaders Photo credit: Cindy Lang October 16, 2014 – Wheeler’s fourth annual An Evening of Wonder on October 11, 2014 brought another unforgettable evening of hope, healing and transformation to the Marriott Hartford Downtown and raised $100,000 to support Wheeler’s continuum of coordinated, integrated primary and behavioral health care services. The event, attended by more than 300 business and community leaders, honored five outstanding individuals and organizations for their commitment to building health equity in underserved communities. Pictured, from left to right are Jake Biscoglio, event co-chair and Wheeler trustee; Susan Walkama, LCSW, president and chief executive officer, Wheeler Clinic; Dick Salmon, M.D., Ph.D., national medical director for performance management and improvement, Cigna; Christopher Dadlez, FACHE, president and chief executive officer, Saint Francis Care; Kurt Barwis, FACHE, president and chief executive officer, Bristol Hospital and Health Care Group, Inc.; Patricia Baker, president and chief executive officer, Connecticut Health Foundation; Louise Murphy, MPA, LPC, CEAP, president, Aetna Behavioral Health; and William Gombatz, event cochair and Wheeler trustee. Connecticut Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman served as the event’s Honorary Chair, and Fox CT News Anchor Jenn Bernstein served as the event emcee. Aetna was the event’s Presenting Sponsor, and Cigna, Deloitte and C&R Marketing Services of Bristol also were among top sponsors. Jake Biscoglio and William Gombatz, Wheeler trustees, served as event co-chairs. Cancer Survivors, Caregivers Invited to November 6 Survivor’s Day Celebration at The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center (HLRCC) invites all cancer survivors and caregivers to their 2014 Survivor’s Day Celebration on Thursday, November 6 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at its facility on 1075 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT. The event will kick off with sign-in and a complimentary light dinner at 5:30 pm followed by special guest speaker Suzy Becker at 6:00 pm. Ms. Becker, author of “I Had Brain Surgery, What’s Your Excuse?” will share her inspirational story of over- Foot Care Clinic Do you have trouble reaching your feet to care for your toenails? Help is available from an APRN (nurse practitioner) who has many years of experience providing foot care. Caring for your feet and toenails is essential to your overall health and wellbeing. There is a five dollar charge for the clinic and appointments are necessary. Please call Plymouth Human services for information about clinic times and location 860-585-4028. Recreational Vehicles • Mobile Homes • Office Trailers Mobile Home Fix-it Service • Parts • Supplies From Top To Bottom, Inside And Out, We Have Supplies You Need 385 S. Leonard St. Waterbury, CT coming a terrifying medical condition and reclaiming her funny bone. In addition to being an author, Ms. Becker is also an artist, entrepreneur, a former White House Fellow (the Clinton administration), a Bunting Fellow at Radcliffe College, and the founder of Ride FAR (Ride for AIDS Resources). She began her career as an award-winning advertising copywriter, and then founded the Widget Factory, a greeting card company. Her books also include the #1 New York Times bestseller “All I Need to Know I Learned from My Cat” and “My Dog’s the World’s Best Dog.” She lives with her family in central Massachusetts. Space is limited and registration is required. To reserve your place, please call (203) 575-5544 or e-mail dparkinson@leevercancercenter.org. Holiday “Safe-Tea” Event on November 19th Fraud & Scams: What you need to know Date: Time: Where: Wednesday, November 19 10:00 a.m. Bristol Public Library 5 High Street, Bristol, CT 06010 All are welcome. Casual attire. Tea and cookies will be served. *Snow Date: Thursday, November 20 203-755-0739 203-754-5962 RV Electric Service • Parts • Supplies Master RV Electrical Technical Full Electrical Services on All Types of RV-Trucks, Boats, Busses, Trailers & More - From wiring to everything electrical! Tips to Safeguard you from Holiday Scams People’s United Bank, Cigna, and West Central Connecticut TRIAD* invite you to a special event designed to help safeguard you from common scams that occur during the holiday season, which could lead to financial exploitation, identity theft or other fraudulent activity. To RSVP contact Liz Bohmier, United Way at (860) 582-9559. The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 • Page 25 Help Keep Vulnerable Sheriden Woods Health Care Center Open House In honor of National Alzheimer’s Disease month, Sheriden a private tour, please call 860-583-1827. Or, to learn more about our Citizens Safe Woods Health Care Center at 321 Stonecrest Drive in Bristol, will facility, please visit our website at: athenahealthcare.com/Sheriden. The Town of Plymouth Human Services Department is updating the town wide list of its vulnerable citizens and would like to hear from you if you are homebound elderly or if you rely on electric equipment for medical reasons (oxygen, hospital bed, etc.) The list is used before anticipated natural disasters to communicate information about sheltering in place, going to stay with family or if the town opens a shelter. Please call the Human Services office at 860-585-4028 if you or a loved one needs to be placed on this list. Dial-A-Ride for Seniors & Disabled Monday-Thursday 11am-3pm, and Friday 9am-12pm (parked) • Covers Terryville/Plymouth and Bristol • Available earlier (9am) if needed and out of area for medical appointments only • First come first serve • Not available for weekends or any major holidays This program is for local appointments (ex: medical, hair appts, shopping) with 2 day notice. Local is considered Plymouth/Terryville/Bristol. It is available for service out of area for medical appointments only, with at least one week notice. Call 860-283-0060 to schedule as soon as possible, at least 2 days notice for in-area and at least one week notice outside of area. Medicare Open Enrollment The annual open enrollment period for Medicare Part D (prescriptions) and for Medicare Advantage plans begins on October 15th and ends on December 7th. If you would like to change the plan that you are enrolled in, you need to decide and notify Medicare by December 7th. If you are satisfied with the plan you are on, you do not have to do anything, however it always a good idea to review your plan and make sure it is still meeting your needs. You might even be able to receive assistance to help cover the costs of your insurance coverage. (Monthly income limit for one person is $2393, for two people is $3225) If you would like any assistance with making the decision to change plans or to find out if you are eligible for extra help, please contact Plymouth Human Services (860)-585-4028. Blood Pressure Clinic Once a month Bristol Hospital Home Care provides free blood pressure screening right here in Terryville! No appointment needed. Call Human Services for more information 860-585-4028. November 25th, 12:30-1:30pm Plymouth Town Hall (senior lounge)-80 Main Street Terryville. The Town of Plymouth Human Services Department is updating the town wide list of its vulnerable citizens and would like to hear from you if you are homebound elderly or if you rely on electric equipment for medical reasons (oxygen, hospital bed, etc.) The list is used before anticipated natural disasters to communicate information about sheltering in place, going to stay with family or if the town opens a shelter. Please call the Human Services office at 860-585-4028 if you or a loved one needs to be placed on this list. AARP Driving Course The AARP will present their “Smart Driver Course” on November 21st from 09:30 AM to 02:30 PM at the Plymouth Town Hall Community Room, 80 Main Street Terryville. It is open to all ages. The cost of the course is $15.00 for AARP members and $20.00 for non-members with checks made out to “AARP” (Sorry, AARP is no longer offering free tuition to veterans). This course has been revamped with new materials and information! Those individuals completing the program may be eligible for a discount on their auto insurance. Per the AARP policy, please plan to arrive early, as people arriving more than 15 minutes late will be excluded from the class. A light lunch will be provided. Class size is limited and will fill up quickly, so please call Plymouth Human Services to sign up 860-585-4028. be having an educational talk on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please join us in welcoming special guest speaker, Patty O’Brian, North Central Regional Director of the Alzheimer’s Association of Connecticut. Patty will be giving an informational talk titled, “Keeping Connected in the Unconnected World of Alzheimer’s.” Following her talk, O’Brian will answer questions. Light refreshments will be served and the opportunity to tour Sheriden Woods will be available. Please RSVP to the facility at 860583-1827, by November 4th. Sheriden Woods Health Care Center the home to 16 residents on their Secure Dementia Wing, “Whispering Pines”. In addition to caring for those with Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, Sheriden Woods Health Care Center also specializes in providing Short-Term Rehabilitation, Long-Term, Respite, and Hospice Care. If you are unable to join us on November 11, 2014 and would like to schedule Sheriden Woods Health Care Center is managed by Athena Health Care Systems. Terryville Senior Trips Getaway Tours No Minimum Day & Overnight Tour Options for 2014/2015 For more information or to book a space on any of the tours listed below, please contact the Getaway Tours office at (800) 247-5457 or (860) 582-9741 between 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday. November 6, 2014 - Costa Azzurra – “It’s All About The 50’s” - LV: TBA - $67.00 Per Person - Includes: Transportation, Luncheon & Show at Costa Azzurra Restaurant and Driver’s Gratuity. November 20, 2014 - Radio City Christmas Spectacular - LV: TBA - $161.00 Per Person - Includes: Transportation, Lunch at Carmine’s, Ticket to Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Driver’s Gratuity. December 4, 2014 - Boar’s Head Feast at Williams Inn & Bright Lights at Forest Park, MA LV: TBA - $97.00 Per Person - Includes: Transportation, Boar’s Head Procession, Christmas Buffet & Cabaret at Williams Inn, Admission to Bright Nights Light Display at Forest Park, and Driver’s Gratuity December 7-8, 2014 - Atlantic City – A Hollywood Christmas Show at The Trump Taj Mahal - LV: TBA - $139.00 PP Double, $173.00 Single, $134.00 PP Triple - Includes: Transportation, Hotel Accommodations, Taxes and Baggage Handling, Matinee Performance “Hollywood Christmas” at the Tropicana Casino & Resort, Casino Bonus package and Gratuities for the Driver & Tour Director. December 21, 2014 - UConn vs. UCLA – Women’s Basketball at Mohegan Sun - LV: TBA - $61.00 Per Person - Includes: Transportation, Tickets to the UCONN Women’s Basketball Game, Food Voucher and Casino Bonus, Driver’s Gratuity January 4, 2015 - UConn vs. St. John’s Women’s Basketball –Maggie Dixon Classic at Madison Square Garden - LV: TBA Cost to be announced soon February 17, 2015 - Mardi Gras at Hunt’s Landing LV: TBA $95.00 Per Person - Includes: Transportation, Complete luncheon & full day of activities at Hunt’s Landing, and Driver’s Gratuity February 19, 2015 - CT Flower Show - LV: TBA $76.00 Per Person - Includes: Transportation, Luncheon at the Chowder Pot, Admission to the CT Flower Show, Driver’s Gratuity March 8, 2015 - AAC Semi-Final Game – Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mohegan Sun Arena - LV: TBA $66.00 Per Person - Includes: Transportation, Tickets to the Games, Food Voucher & Casino Bonus at Mohegan Sun, and Driver’s Gratuity Bristol Hospital November Classes & Programs Look Good… Feel Better- November 3, 12 – 2 pm, Free. Bristol Hospital Cancer Care Center. To register, please call Debbie at the American Cancer Society at 860.227.2345. by calling 860.314.0632. Alzheimer’s Support Group- November 3, 6-7:30pm, Free. Ingraham Manor Skilled Nursing Facility. Reiki Share- November 15, 9am, $10. Register online at bristolhospital.org/events Kids Cook- November 3, 6-7:30pm, $15. Register by calling 860.585.3895. Nutrition and Young Children- November 4, 6-7:30pm,$5. Register by calling 860.585.3895. First Aid for Daycare Providers- November 15, 8 am – 2 pm, $60. Register by calling 860.134.0632. Families Are First Maternity Unit Tour- November 16, 7pm, Free. Register online at bristolhospital.org/events Circle of Hope Cancer Support Group- November 4, 6pm, Free. Bristol Hospital Hughes Auditorium. Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers. Full certification: November 17, 8am – 2pm, November 18, 5-8:30pm. Recertification: November 13, 8-11:30am. Full certification: $85, Recertification: $55. Register by calling 860.314.0632. Evening Diabetes Support Group- November 5, 6:30pm, Bristol Hospital Center for Diabetes, Free. Free Discussion on Joint Health- November 17, 5:30pm, Bristol Hospital Hughes Auditorium. To register please call 860.584.8306. Potty Training Boot Camp- November 6, 9:30-10:30 am, Free. Register by calling the Farmington Library at 860.673.6791. Breastfeeding Workshop- November 18, 6-9pm, $35/couple. Register online at bristolhospital.org/events Beginner & Mixed Level Yoga- Thursdays, November 6 – December 18, 6:45-7:45, $60. For more information or to register, please visit bristolhospital.org/events Heartsaver/AED- November 19, 6 – 9:30 pm, $70. Register by calling 860.314.0632. New Baby Care Class- November 10, 6-9pm, $25/couple. Register online at bristolhospital.org/events Cancer Caregivers Support Group- November 11, 6pm, Free. Bristol Hospital, Cancer Care Center. Handling Children’s Anger- November 11, 6-8pm, $6. Register by calling 860.585.3895. Support Group for Parents of Children with Challenging Behaviors- November 12, 6-7:30pm, Free. Call 860.585.3895 for more information. Free Balance Screening- November 13, 9:30am, Bristol Hospital Wellness Center. To scheduled an appointment, please call 860.582.9355 x.223. Basic First Aid- November 14, 9 am – 12:30 pm, $45. Register by calling 860.314.0632 Pet Emergency First Aid- November 15, 9am-1pm, $35. Register Page 26 • The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 Free Weight Loss Surgery Informational Seminar- November 20, 6pm, Bristol Hospital, Hughes Auditorium. Register by calling 860.585.3339. One-Day Express Birth Preparation- November 22, 9am-4pm, $100/ couple or $50 for WIC. Register online at bristolhospital.org/events Free Weight Loss Surgery Support Group- November 24, Pre Op: 5:30 pm, Post Op: 6:30pm, Bristol Hospital Hughes Auditorium. Diabetes Support Group- November 25, 1aam-12pm, Bristol Hospital Center for Diabetes, Free. Free Blood Pressure Clinics: Bristol Hospital Wellness Center- November 13, 10am- 12pm Gnazzos- November 21, 10 am – 12pm Pat’s IGA, Wolcott- November 17, 10 am – 12 pm Plymouth Town Hall- November 25, 12:30 -1:30 pm For more information about these programs, please visit bristolhospital.org/events Health & Senior Back pain? Don’t walk… Run to your Chiropractor! Did I mention October was National Chiropractic Health M o n t h ( N C HM ? ) Perhaps only 100,000 times to anyone who will listen! October was a busy month. In addition to NCHM we also celebrated breast cancer awareness, down syndrome awareness, domestic violence awareness, lupus awareness, to name a few. Please let us be aware of and lend our support to all these campaigns in addition to NCHM. This year the NCHM’s theme was “Conservative Care First!” An absolutely appropriate theme based on how we as doctors are trained to practice. Talk to your primary care provider, or any health care provider that you know for that matter, and they will concur that when managing patients, starting with conservative care and reserving more invasive modalities for patients who fail conservative care is the cornerstone of evidence based practice. With that in mind however, it is interesting to note that this is very often not what we see in practice. Instead a majority of our patients come in suffering from chronic pain. They may have tried other more invasive and in some cases even high risk procedures with less than satisfactory results and it is at that time that conservative therapy is considered, often as a last resort, and more often than not with excellent results. In many cases it is unfortunate that patients endured suffering that could be avoided, however it is no one’s fault. Many patients just did not know what conservative therapy options are available. 80% of Americans will suffer from back pain. The good news for these patients is that more and more patients are learning to seek conservative care first. Patients with a variety of musculoskeletal complaints can now go directly to their local neighborhood chiropractor, and in most cases these visits are covered by health insurance. Chiropractors are extensively trained and extremely skilled at diagnosing these complaints and determining if conservative care is appropriate, as well as determining when referral for more invasive or a different type of treatment is indicated. At the end of the day, conservative care first is indeed in the best interest of the patient. All very well and good, you may say… but what does that mean for me with my low back pain that started yesterday from fall clean up; or me sitting at a desk job for years only to recently notice back pain and pain going down the leg; or me with: (insert your particular musculoskeletal problem here?) This means you know what many patients wish they knew years ago: conservative care first is the best approach. Now you know where to go first to get the help you need, and as we learned as kids “knowing is half the battle.” :) Regards in Health, Dr. Shepherd Quick and Convenient Service. the hair’s inn salon The Hair’s Inn Offers a Shampoo & Set for Seniors for Only $20! Haven’t tried us yet? Come see us at 153 Main Street in Terryville. We are located right next to The Whole Donut. Print our $5.00 off coupon on our website! Open Tues-Thurs 10:30-6:00, Fri 9-4 and Sat 8-3 Appointments available online at: www.hairsinnsalon.com or by phone: 860-845-5613 Please join us in welcoming Licensed Massage Therapist: Angelica Macaraeg. • Do you have headaches, joint pain, neck or back pain? • Have you tried other options with less than satisfactory results? You are not alone. 80% of Americans have suffered from back pain. Our patients are getting great results! Just see their success stories at SaporitoChiropractic.com Interested in getting similar results? Please call today for your no obligation, complimentary get acquainted visit. Call Today: (860) 589-1491 www.SaporitoChiropractic.com 665 Terryville Ave., Bristol, CT 06010  Senior Health Fair Hosted By Cook Willow Health Center 81 Hillside Avenue, Plymouth Friday, Nov 21st 9am‐11:30am Bristol Hospital’s Terryville Laboratory Draw Station *local vendors   *giveaways   *screenings  No Appointments Necessary! • Fasting Services *Complimentary Bingo & Prizes 11:00am* • 1-Hour Glucose Tolerance Testing Conveniently located within the office of Dr. Joseph Cherneskie: 27 Main Street, Terryville Monday – Friday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm Phone: 860.314.1955 Fax: 860.314.1956 Visit our facility and meet our dedicated staff. Offering excellent short term rehab in addition to meeting your long term care needs  We are looking for vendors, there is no cost.  Please contact Cristina Freimuth      860‐637‐2752 ccfreimuth@yahoo.com  bristolhospital.org Plymouth/Terryville residents: Call Dial‐A‐Ride for transportation to the event 860‐283‐0060  The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 • Page 27 News from Immaculate Conception and Saint Casimir Churches During the month of November, the Roman Catholic Church traditionally remembers those whom God has called through death to eternal life. Beginning with the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls, it is a time to celebrate those who have gone before us. All Saints Day celebrates all the men and women, blest in the eyes of the Lord, who are in the heavenly presence of God. On November 2nd, we celebrate the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day). Each year, this day is observed by the Church to remember all those who have died and “gone before us marked with the sign of faith.” In faith, we believe that we remain united with our loved ones because the Kingdom of God is not bound by death. The Roman Catholic Community of Terryville invites you to our annual Mass of Remembrance, on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 2 p.m. in St. Casimir Church. At this special Mass, we will remember, by name, those who died within the past year and who were part of or connected to our parishes. A candle will be lit and will remain in the church throughout the month of November. In addition, the Book of Remembrance, a compilation of names submitted by parishioners of all loved ones they wish remembered, will be kept in the sanctuary of both Immaculate Conception and St. Casimir Churches. We will pray for all those named in these books at all Masses in November. As Catholics we also believe that the bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. As such, respect for the dead requires that cemeteries be properly kept and respected. In respect for the dead, we ask that you help keep our cemeteries clean and respectful sanctuaries for remembrance and prayer. This means no dumping and no walking of pets. As a reminder, our cemeteries close at dusk. Some of you may have noticed some work being done at St. Mary Cemetery on Route 72. Beginning next year, in addition to the traditional burial plots, we will have new cremation plots available to all Catholics. If you are interested, please contact our Parish Center at (860) 583-4697. Giving Thanks by Rev. Joel D. Kotila, serving as pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Terryville As a Christian pastor, I advocate that there is certainly much more to giving thanks than the rituals we find ourselves doing at the dinner table on Thanksgiving Day. Indeed, as some pastor smarter than I expressed it: “Thanksgiving is THANKS-LIVING.” Thanks for what? I guess you could consider my article here as a sequel to last month’s article, entitled: “God Who Graciously Gives.” God gives all that we have—and I mean everything. The Fourth Petition of the Lord’s Prayer is as follows: “Give us this day our daily bread.” What does that mean? What is daily bread? God gives us everything we need to live. And the list can be quite lengthy, when you think about it. Make a list of what must happen for you to live. The more we put our lives under magnification, well then, the list just gets longer and longer and becomes a list of countless blessings. To understand what is meant by “daily bread,” I share what Martin Luther (1483-1546) wrote in his Small Catechism about the meaning of it. He wrote: Daily bread includes everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband or wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, self-control, good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like. Luther’s list is far from exhaustive. But he points out a good starter list of those things which are good gifts from God, and they are daily gifts from His gracious hand. Jesus Christ taught His disciples and His Church to pray this petition of the Lord’s Prayer so that we know that our lives depend on God and that we would be thankful for God’s kind and generous gifts. The ultimate of God’s gifts is His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior of the world. And whoever believes in Him has eternal life. This supreme Gift moves the Christian to thanksgiving—even thanks-living—every day! Page 28 • The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 Plymouth Congregational Youth Group Spreads Some Seasonal Cheer! On Friday, October 10th, the Plymouth Congregational Youth Group sat down together and painted 65 mini-pumpkins. There were all sorts of designs, faces, animals and scenes, not to mention a few monsters! The pumpkins were brought to Cook Willow and given to each resident so that they could enjoy a little fall spirit. If you would like information about the Youth Group, please contact Tracy Dupont at 860-283-0553. News from Immaculate Conception and Saint Casimir Churches During the month of November, the Roman Catholic Church traditionally remembers those whom God has called through death to eternal life. Beginning with the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls, it is a time to celebrate those who have gone before us. All Saints Day celebrates all the men and women, blest in the eyes of the Lord, who are in the heavenly presence of God. On November 2nd, we celebrate the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day). Each year, this day is observed by the Church to remember all those who have died and “gone before us marked with the sign of faith.” In faith, we believe that we remain united with our loved ones because the Kingdom of God is not bound by death. The Roman Catholic Community of Terryville invites you to our annual Mass of Remembrance, on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 2 p.m. in St. Casimir Church. At this special Mass, we will remember, by name, those who died within the past year and who were part of or connected to our parishes. A candle will be lit and will remain in the church throughout the month of November. In addition, the Book of Remembrance, a compilation of names submitted by parishioners of all loved ones they wish remembered, will be kept in the sanctuary of both Immaculate Conception and St. Casimir Churches. We will pray for all those named in these books at all Masses in November. As Catholics we also believe that the bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. As such, respect for the dead requires that cemeteries be properly kept and respected. In respect for the dead, we ask that you help keep our cemeteries clean and respectful sanctuaries for remembrance and prayer. This means no dumping and no walking of pets. As a reminder, our cemeteries close at dusk. Some of you may have noticed some work being done at St. Mary Cemetery on Route 72. Beginning next year, in addition to the traditional burial plots, we will have new cremation plots available to all Catholics. If you are interested, please contact our Parish Center at (860) 583-4697. News from St. Paul Lutheran Church November will be off to a roaring start at St. Paul Lutheran Church Terryville with the Annual Sauerkraut Supper November 01st. “There are four - count �em, FOUR! – seatings!” laughs Pastor Lisa Watson-Barcia. “It is, in many ways, our signature event. We serve pork loin, meatloaf – from a special recipe of course! – vegetables and pie – lots and lots of pie. And not to be forgotten – SAUERKRAUT!” Turning serious for a moment, Watson-Barcia reflects, “There may be some that find the supper to be anachronistic. After all, it has been a very long time since our services were held in German, and our congregation today boasts people of colour and all sorts of ethnicities, but it is always good to remember our roots. We have people involved in the supper that we may not see at other times during the year – it is for many in this church and community a touchstone, a symbol of all the hard work and sacrifice of their parents and grandparents. Besides,” she adds with a smile, “it’s great food!” The women of St. Paul will enjoy a weekend retreat on the 14th to 16th , gathering at the Lutheran campground of Calumet in New Hampshire. “It is a time to relax and reflect before the holidays shift into high gear,” says Watson-Barcia. “And this year we have the largest crowd in our history going! When I attended last year, it was remarkable how the weekend spoke to those women who attended. I think the word got out about peaceful and restorative the retreat was. It is wonderful to see seeds planted begin to sprout! ” November will also see the community of St. Paul continuing to participate in the Plymouth Community Food Pantry and work to supply Thanksgiving supper to about 15 families. “The Brauer family are the food pantry gurus for us at St. Paul. Louise Brauer has got us all in the routine of bringing a weekly food donation and our congregation (along with many others in the community) supports the pantry through dollars, donations and volunteers. And Sharon Grey is the worker behind the Thanksgiving suppers. Once you begin to be aware of how many folks are in need this time of year, you can’t help but hear the words of Jesus – �As you have done to the least of these so have you done to me.’ And this community is bound and determined to make sure Jesus has enough to eat!” At the end of November, on the 23rd at the Plymouth Terryville Congregational Church, Pastor Watson-Barcia will be delivering the sermon at the community Thanksgiving service. “Last year I read the Governor’s letter, and I must not have messed it too badly since they are asking me back. Although the more senior pastors in the area did mention something about my being a newbie and therefore �up’!” says Watson-Barcia. “I guess I am new enough to it all that I am actually honoured and excited to do it – the holiday is a great time to reflect on both the blessings of those who were fed and to challenge ourselves to address the needs of those who were disenfranchised. It can be a tricky path to walk.” She pauses, and grins mischievously. “Hmmm. Maybe the old folks knew something!” The last Sunday in November will be the first Sunday of Advent – and the community of St. Paul invites you to spend the time awaiting the Christ child with them. Pastor WatsonBarcia smiles, saying, “If you haven’t a church home, please think of us as a place to come and worship with peace and joy. No pressure, just grace freely offered. Communion is open to all, dress code is relaxed, the coffee is pretty good and treats are on offer. All we ask of you is an open mind and expectant heart. And on the days when even that is too much, come anyway. We want you to see how Jesus can help in any situation. Come and be fed.” Pet Blessing Church News Thank You from Rev. Marcin P. Pluciennik Dear Friends, I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the estimated 600 people who attended our Catholic Community Picnic: United In Christ on September 14, 2014 – what a lovely way to spend a Sunday! The day’s events including: a special community Mass, Polish and American food, music, activities, entertainment, and a rocket launch were enjoyed by all that attended! Through God’s blessing of perfect weather and the hard work of numerous volunteers from the Catholic Communities of Terryville: Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Saint Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, and Saint Casimir Roman Catholic Church, we were all able to spend a wonderful afternoon, with family and friends, relaxing, and enjoying the abundance of God. The spirit of service to God and community that was present throughout the day are greatly appreciated and truly inspiring. A very special thank you to Fr. Paul Luniw, Fr. Ed Przygocki, and Deacon Lee Conrad for their support of this special day. Again, thank YOU for making our first Catholic Community Picnic a successful day United in Christ! I hope to see you again soon at a service or event in one of our parishes or next year, at our Catholic Community Picnic! Sincerely yours in Christ, Rev. Marcin P. Pluciennik Pastor, Roman Catholic Community of Terryville Ladies of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Thanksgiving What’s your earliest memory of Thanksgiving? I remember this: my family always ate ham. That’s right, for some reason my family got into a tradition of eating ham at Thanksgiving (followed by eating turkey at Christmas). I always thought that was odd, but it worked for us, and that’s all that mattered. I also remember sitting around a table and passing the various side dishes: green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls, corn, etc. Each person would take a dish, spoon some on their plate, and pass it to the next person. And the dishes kept coming! Then, my family would say this prayer: “God is great, God is good; let us thank him for our food. By his hands, we all are fed. Thank you, Lord, for daily bread. Amen.” I often ask people about their individual family traditions, because I think they are all beautiful and wonderful - even if you eat ham at Thanksgiving! Over the years I have compiled a list of three of my favorite Thanksgiving prayers that families have shared with me, all of which I have found to be simple and beautiful. I hope you’ll find them meaningful and perhaps use them at your own gathering this year: “Thank you for the world so sweet, thank you for the food we eat, thank you for the birds that sing, thank you for everything. Amen.” “For food, for friends, for loving care; for gifts to us, for gifts to share; for all that makes life sweet and true; dear God, we give our thanks to you. Amen.” “Thank you, God, that you are God, and that we are not. Thank you for being you, and please continue being you. Amen.” Rev. Zachary Mabe Terryville Congregational Church Happening this month at Terryville Congregational Church: Nov. 8: Christmas Bazaar 10am-3pm! Nov. 15: Meal for residents of Gosinski Park 4pm! Church Christmas Bazaar “They Call Me Old Glory”© By Charlie Zahm, www.charliezahm.com They call me Old Glory, I fly over this land I love And I am more than just a flag that you’ll see wave above. I’ve stood for freedom and for faith two centuries and more, Your fathers’ fathers cherished me, and their fathers gone before. I was there in Philadelphia where they wrote the Declaration, Now I’m in the homes of patriots yes all across this nation. You’ll see my sweet Red, White, and Blue on Rocky Mountain towers… But mostly, I’m in the hearts of those who love this land of ours. Now my red is for the blood that stained the grass of Bunker Hill. My white is for the light that shines on soldiers’ graves so still. My blue is for the hope that morning skies give us each day, These colors join to make me strong and they’ll never fade away. I flew above the brave young men in the jungles where I’d lead �em You’ll see me at the Alamo, the shrine to Texas freedom. I wave above Pearl Harbor where some forever sleep, You’ll see me in old veterans’ eyes and in the memories they keep. I’m above the hills of Arlington, where just the other day Another hero found his rest, now with the best he lays. I was wrapped in a tight triangle for the grieving widow there, I felt her tears fall on my cloth as she closed her eyes in prayer. I know today misguided souls might say you’d be a fool To teach your children some old rhyme that you once learned in school. But I tell you now that pledge you make with your hand upon your chest Is a pledge to honor those who gave it all that you’d be blessed… That you’d be blessed to live in freedom, without hunger without fear, That you’d be blessed to raise your family, so for all your given years Remember those who fought and died for me, they’d do it all again So when you pledge allegiance, you thank all veterans then. So for this Country’s sons and daughters, this pledge I make so true: You fight to keep me flying high, and I’ll inspire you, Annual Christmas Bazaar Saturday, December 6, from 9am to 2pm 8 Maple St,. Terryville Breakfast and lunch will be served. Many delicious soups along with hot dogs and sauerkraut, cheesecake and apple crisp. All can be purchased for take out. Also a great “cookie walk”, baked goods table, Christmas crafts including hand knit items. Clip & Save - Call Today! 30 Off $ 00 Service Call November 8, 2014 • 10:00m-3:00pm. The featured activities will be: crafters and vendors, luncheon, Christmas Past room, Cookie Walk, Tea Cup Auction, and, of course, SANTA! Expires December 15, 2014 We Specialize in Residential and Commercial Repair Work Plymouth Congregational Church’s Plymouth Connection Remembering our Veterans With Veterans Day coming up please remember to honor veterans everywhere. If you walk by someone in uniform thank them for their service. We tend to be so busy we forget how important the role our veterans have played in the freedom of our country. Take this time to reflect on how lucky we are in the USA thanks to them. Following is a poem I was given permission to use that honors veterans and the flag that inspires them. In celebration of St. Francis of Assisi Day on Sunday, October 5, a pet blessing took place at 12:00 p.m. Saint Casimir and Immaculate Conception Churches had a great turnout in front of The Lyceum. • No Problem Too Small - We Handle Them All • From a Drippy Faucet - To a Whole New Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning System • Mobile Homes • Unthaw Frozen Pipes • Drain Cleaning • Water Heaters - Water Pumps/Tanks - Boilers • Same Day Service Available FREE FULLY • We Take Pride In Our Work ESTIMATES INSURED • Call a Company That Cares - We Will Be Right There. You’ll see me waving in the breeze above the old town square And you’ll know that by my colors that’s Old Glory flying there. Yes, they call me Old Glory and I’ve been around a while And I may have a rip and tear from a long and dusty mile, But I’ll ne’er forget the morning when God first planted me And I swear I’ll fly forever, as long as you believe in me. Please consider donating to a worthy cause to help those who have helped us such as the American Legion or the VFW, or one of the following: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ http://www.operationrestoredwarrior.org/ www.qovf.org/ http://www.operationhelpahero.com/ Check out Charlie Zahm on Youtube reading this poem and his great song Prayer for a Soldier https://www.youtube.com/ user/charliezahm/videos On Friday night, November 14, Nelson Hall at Elim Park in Chesire will present a special tribute concert in honor of U.S. Veterans, and is offering a limited number of free tickets to local Veterans. Charlie is a patriotic American whose patriotic songs were recently noticed by the US Military, which flew him to Qatar to perform for the troops for Memorial Day 2014 Veterans of Cheshire and surrounding towns are eligible for a free ticket to the show, while supplies last, and tickets for guests are $20, $15 for seniors. For tickets and information, contact the Nelson Hall box office: 203-699-5495, or visit www.nelsonhallelimpark.com. Concert Date: Friday, November 14, 2014 at 7:30 PM. Nelson Hall at Elim Park, 150 Cook Hill Road, Cheshire Please come by and join us some good faith and good times. Thank You, Raymond Dupont (Head of Church Council) Plymouth Congregational Church Upcoming Events Veterans Sunday November 9, 2014 Quilts of Valor will be given out to Veterans at the 11 AM Service Saturday November 15 Christmas Bazaar from 10:00 to 3:00. Featured will be Crafts, Quilts, Baked Goods, Basket Raffles, White Elephant Sale with a Soup & Sandwich Luncheon served in our Fellowship Room from 11:00 to 2:00. November 23rd 10AM commemorative service for the 275th anniversary Products For All Your Plumbing And Heating Needs 24 HOURS A DAY! • CT. Master Plumbers Lic# P-1 00203021 • CT. Sheet Metal Contractor Lic# SM-1 5600 • CT. Heating/Cooling • CT. Home Improvement Lic# S-1 00302972 Contractors Lic# 00560881 • Bristol Chamber Member • SAVE MONEY On Your Fuel Bill • Get Your Heating System Tuned Up For Winter! For An Instant Response Please Call Today! 860-589-2527 James J. Rybczyk PLUMBING, HEATING and Air Conditioning, INC. The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 • Page 29 Terryville Public Library 238 Main Street Terryville, CT 06786 http://www.terryvillepl.info Circulation/Children’s: (860) 582-3121 Reference: (860) 583-4467 Library Hours Monday - Wednesday: 10am - 8pm, Thursdays: 10am - 6pm Fridays and Saturdays: 10 am - 5pm Closed - Tuesday, November 11, for Veteran’s Day and Thursday, November 27 for Thanksgiving. From Hula Hoops to High Fashion: G.Fox & Co. in the 1950’s Saturday, November 15, 2:00 p.m. This presentation will take you back in time to Fox’s heyday as we go from floor to floor and recall departments ranging from accessories on the “street” floor to designer dresses on 6, and ending at Toyland on 11. You’ll also learn about Beatrice Fox Auerbach, the remarkable woman who made every visit to Fox’s so enjoyable and set the standard for customer service. We promise to stir pleasant memories of date nut bread in the Connecticut Room, back to school shopping, and Raggedy Ann and Andy! Registration required, refreshments served. hoopla - COMING SOON! We’re excited to announce a unique digital entertainment/media service, hoopla, enabling you to borrow movies, videos, music and audiobooks straight from your browser, tablet, or smartphone! Terryville Public Library has never offered a service quite like hoopla, but we think this could be the beginning of a beautiful, new, digitally-driven friendship between us!! More information to follow in the coming weeks. Artist of the Month Leo Raia – acrylic painting Upstairs Display Case Artifacts from the Terryville/Plymouth Room Downstairs Display case Sadie Wilson - Lalaloopsy Friends of the Terryville Public Library Monday, November 10, at 6:30 pm The Friends of the Terryville Public Library is a voluntary, non-profit group of interested citizens whose purpose is to enhance the value of the library. Find your favorite authors and books at great prices at the Friends of the Terryville Public Library’s ongoing Book Sale! The Booktique also holds a book sale every third Saturday. Come see us at 244 Main St. (Next door to the Library) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. this month on November 15th. Knitalong Night Every Wednesday 6:30—8:00 PM Bring along a project in progress, projects to share or questions to ask. Newbie knitters welcome. This is not meant to be an instructional class but there will be people there willing to help. For more information, please call Lisa Courtney at (860) 583-4467. Library Board of Directors Meeting Wednesday, November 19, at 6:30 pm The Library Board of Directors usually meets the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm. Members of the public are invited to attend. FICTION LOVERS BOOK DISCUSSION Monday, November 17, 6:30 p.m. Frankenstein by Mary Shelly At once a Gothic thriller, a passionate romance, and a cautionary tale about the dangers of science, Frankenstein tells the story of committed science student Victor Frankenstein. Obsessed with discovering the cause of generation and life and bestowing animation upon lifeless matter, Frankenstein assembles a human being from stolen body parts but; upon bringing it to life, he recoils in horror at the creature’s hideousness. Tormented by isolation and loneliness, the once-innocent creature turns to evil and unleashes a campaign of murderous revenge against his creator, Frankenstein. Frankenstein, an instant bestseller and an important ancestor of both the horror and science fiction genres, not only tells a terrifying story, but also raises profound, disturbing questions about the very nature of life and the place of humankind within the cosmos: What does it mean to be human? What responsibilities do we have to each other? How far can we go in tampering with Nature? In our age, filled with news of organ donation genetic engineering, and bio-terrorism, these questions are more relevant than ever. Pick up your copy at the Circulation Desk. New Materials @ Your Library Adult Fiction Fighting Chance – Jane Haddam Bagmen – William Lashner Blood on the Water – Anne Perry Lovely, Dark, Deep – Joyce Carol Oates California – Edan Lepucki Angels Walking – Karen Kingsbury The Rest is Silence – James Benn The Queen of Tearling – Erika Johansen The Last Breath – Kimberly Belle Life is Sweet – Elizabeth Bass The Perfect Witness – Iris Johansen A Sudden Light – Garth Stein The Wonder of All Things – Jason Mott The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher You – Caroline Kepnes The Lost Key – Catherine Coulter Butternut Summer – Mary McNear Up at Butternut Lake – Mary McNear The Boy Who Drew Monsters – Keith Donohue Wicked Ways – Lisa Jackson Deadline – John Sandford Paris Match – Stuart Woods Undead and Unwary – Mary Janice Davidson Mr. Miracle – Debbie Macomber The Silent Sister – Diane Chamberlain Leaving Time – Jodi Picoult Winter Street – Elin Hilderbrand The Remedy for Love – Bill Roorbach Keep Your Friends Close – Paula Daly The Undertaking – Audrey Magee Adoring Addie – Leslie Gould Stone Mattress – Margaret Atwood Vampires of Manhattan – Melissa De La Cruz Rose Gold – Walter Mosley Hit and Run – Sandra Balzo Bones Never Lie – Kathy Reichs Love Song – Elizabeth Lowell Getting Even – Sarah Rayner Rooms – Lauren Oliver Autumn Fire – Tom Wither Burn – James Patterson A Life Intercepted – Charles Martin Adult Non-Fiction The Half Has Never Been Told – Edward Baptist Living with Bipolar Disorder – Karen Brock, M.D. The Thief-Taker Hangings – Aaron Skirboll No-Drama Discipline – Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. The Marshmallow Test – Walter Mischel Hate Crimes in Cyberspace – Danielle Keats Citron Gluten Freedom – Alessio Fasano, M.D. Invincible – Brian Martin The Sense of Style – Steven Pinker The Handmade Marketplace – Kari Chapin The Grain Brain Cookbook – David Perlmutter, MD Enough: our fight to keep America safe– Gabrielle Giffords and Mark Kelly You Can You Will: 8 undeniable qualities of a winner – Joel Osteen Wheat Belly Total Health – William Davis, MD The End of Absence – Michael Harris Killing Patton – Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard The Irish Revolution – Fergal Tobin World of Order – Henry Kissinger The Organized Mind – Daniel J. Levitin Unretirement – Chris Farrell The Untold Stories of 33 Men Buried in a Chilean Mine – Hector Tobar Unworthy: how to stop hating yourself – Anneli Rufus 100 Days of Real Food – Lisa Leake Minecraft Guide for Parents – Cori Dusmann Thirteen Days in September – Lawrence Wright What If?: answers to absurd hypothetical questions – Randall Munroe On Immunity: an inoculation – Eula Biss The Best Yes: making wise decisions – Lysa Terkeurst teen Revealed – Margaret Peterson Haddix The Infinite Sea – Rick Yancey Sway – Kat Spears On a Clear Day – Walter Dean Myers Afterworlds – Scott Westerfeld Eyes Wide Open: going behind environmental headlines – Paul Fleischman Hunt for the Bamboo Rat – Graham Salisbury Belzhar – Meg Wolitzer Found – Harlan Coben Unmarked – Kami Garcia Perfectly Good White Boy - Carrie Mesrobian The Perfectionists—Sara Shepard Very Good Girls Are You Here Edge of Tomorrow Page 30 • The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 DVD’S X-Men: days of future past Mr. Peabody & Sherman Poltergeist Million Dollar Arm Fed Up: time to get real about food Neighbors Childrens Programs Under the Sea Math Literacy Night Wednesday, November 12 Join the library and other community organizations at Under the Sea Math Literacy Night on Wednesday, November 12 at 6:00 PM in the Fisher Elementary School Gym. There will be a lot of fun math games and activities geared toward children ages 3-5. Color in the sea creature provided by the library and bring it along to help create a Sea of Math! We will also be collecting nonperishable food items for the Food Pantry. We hope to see you there! New Book Clubs! Series Starters (ages 9-12) • Series Starters Jr. (ages 6-8) Explore new worlds and meet new characters! Join us as we discover a new children’s series each month! Registration is required. See a librarian to sign up and get your first book! New Sections! We have two new sections in the children’s department. A beginning reader non fiction section (easier reads meant for pre k to second grade) located at the end of the non fiction area after the biographies. Also a new picture book section located on top of the smaller picture book bookcase near the windows. Come in and check them both out! Books 4 Little Guys: ages 6-8 - First and Third Saturdays from 11-12pm; Will be held June 14th and 28th this month. “Boys Only” book club for beginning readers. We will meet twice a month to have a snack, play some games and have a book discussion. Join us for some group fun! Registration required. Books4Guys ages 8-12 - Second Tuesday, June 10th, from 4:305:15pm; Read awesome books dudes will dig – explosive action and strange circumstances! Then talk ’em over with the guys, play games, wolf down some food and meet new friends Join us for some group fun! Registration required American Girl Club: Fourth Tuesday, June 27th, from 4:30-5:15 pm–Girls from 6-10 years old. Once a month we will have a snack, play some games and discuss American Girl books. No dolls required. Bring a friend! Registration required. Wild Wednesdays: November 5, 4:15– 5:00 pm - Lego Block Party- Come build towering buildings, unique ships, cars and airplanes! We provide the LEGO Blocks, you put them together! Ages 4 and up November 12 4:15– 5:00 pm - Sharpie SuncatchersCome use your imagination to create eye catching designs to hang in your window! Ages 6-12. Registration required November 19, 4:15– 5:00 pm - Marshmallows & spaghetti. Ready, set, build! How big you of a tower can you make out of just marshmallows & spaghetti? Ages 7-12. Registration required.. Saturday Movie Matinees Saturday, November 1, 2:00 pm - Stuart Little (PG; 85 minutes) Popcorn and juice will be provided– bring a blanket to sit on and a friend to share the fun! Saturday, November 8, 2:00pm - Mulan (G; 90 minutes) Popcorn and juice will be provided– bring a blanket to sit on and a friend to share the fun! Saturday, November 22, 2:00pm - Maleficent (PG; 97 minutes): Popcorn and juice will be provided– bring a blanket to sit on and a friend to share the fun! Saturday, November 29, 2:00pm - Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (PG; 94 minutes) Popcorn and juice will be provided– bring a blanket to sit on and a friend to share the fun! Storytimes: Fall II session will begin the week of November 3rd and end the week of December 8th. Registration will continue until all spaces are filled. Come join us for stories, music and more! Mother Goose on the Loose– prewalkers up to 15mo - Mondays October 6th and 20th only - Stories, nursery rhymes, music and play-time Night Owls - 3-5 yr. olds - Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm Stories, finger plays, music, movement and craft Busy Bees - 2-3 yr. olds - Wednesdays, 10:30-11:15am Stories, finger plays, music, movement and craft Toddlertime -Walkers 9 to 24 mo. old - Thursdays, 10:3011:15am - Stories, nursery rhymes, music, movement and playtime Christmas Tree Festival and Drawing Library News Plymouth Library Association Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 11:00am-4:00pm, Wednesday Nights: 6:00-8:00pm, Saturday: 10:00am-2:00pm 692 Main Street, Plymouth, CT 06782 860-283-5977 • plymouth.library.ct@gmail.com Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/plymouth.library.ct Thanks to the generosity and creativity of Ms. Arlene Wood, and Friend of the Library and member of the Library Board, the Friends of the Terryville Library will be holding a Christmas Tree Festival! Beginning on December 1, small, decorated artificial Christmas trees will be on display in the library. The Friends will decorate the trees for the holidays and put them on display in the library until December 20. All trees will be entered into a teacup drawing, which will be held on December 20 at the Booktique during its regular monthly book sale. The community is invited to stop in, view the trees, and purchase a few tickets. The tree could be in your home just in time for Christmas! The Friends are very grateful to Arlene Wood for her generous donation of 11 adorable little trees and for her inspiration to have our own little Festival of Trees. Thank you, Arlene! Book Donation During a recent visit to the Booktique, Diane Klepps Finger donated a wonderful biography of her father to the Friends and the Terryville Public Library. The book, entitled “Memories of Edmund Kleeps, A Story of War and Family, “ was written by Kenneth Finger, the grandson of Edmund Klepps and Michael Michaud, the great grandson of Edmund Klepps. The book deals with the life of Edmind and his wife Alma Wondrovski Klepps as they endured the hardships of the Depression and World War II and the wonderful life of 68 years together that they created for themselves and their daughters Nancy and Diane. The book addresses his naval career aboard the USS Helena until three Japanese torpedoes sank the ship, leaving Edmund to swim for hours to avoid drowning or capture. he was plucked from the ocean by the USS Nicholas. He then found his way to the USS Detroit, where he saw the end of the war in Tokyo Bay. The book also addresses the love Edmund and Alma had for their family and the faith that kept them strong throughout their lives. The book, which was published on February 5, 2014, onehundred years after his birthdate, February 5, 1914, will be available in the Terryville Public Library. The Friends and the library thank Diane Klepps Finger for her very generous donation of this publication. The Plymouth Library is a quiet, one-room establishment located within walking distance of the town green. It features a small but varied collection, from bestselling fiction and nonfiction to local history and cemetery records. There is also a selection of board games and a telescope complete with star maps. The library offers internet access, copying, and printing. New Adult Fiction: Destroyer Angel – Nevada Barr Personal – Lee Child The One From the Other – Philip Kerr Prayer – Philip Kerr Stolen Prey – John Sandford New Adult Non-Fiction: Shakespeare: The World as Stage – Bill Bryson It Takes a Village and Other Lessons Children Teach Us – Hillary Rodham Clinton W.E.B. Du Bois – The Fight for Equality and the American Century, 1919-1963 – David Levering Lewis New Graphic Fiction: Snowpiercer 1: The Escape – Jacques Lob and Jean-Marc Rochette Snowpiercer 2: The Explorers – Benjamin Legrand and Jean- New youth Fiction: Breaking Dawn – Stephenie Meyer Eclipse – Stephenie Meyer New Moon – Stephenie Meyer Twilight – Stephenie Meyer Brisingr – Christopher Paolini Eldest – Christopher Paolini Eragon – Christopher Paolini Inheritance – Christopher Paolini New Science Fiction: Baltic Gambit: A Novel of the Vampire Earth – E.E. Knight Magazines: • Car and Driver • American Patchwork and Quilting • American Hunter • Better Homes and Gardens • Consumer Reports • Martha Stewart Living • National Geographic • Smithsonian Don’t forget to visit our ongoing book sale! Hardcovers - $1.00 Paperbacks - $0.50 Magazines - $0.50 Video Cassettes - $0.25 Welcome Back Denise Fosse & Essie’s Garden Library Bake Sale receives The Friends thank those so graciously dosigned copy who nated baked goods to James Hannon, our recent guest to the Booktique, signed his book for the Friends, who have donated it to the Terryville Public Library. It is now available at the library. Marc Rochette Boxers & Saints – Gene Luen Yang the Booktique Book and Bake Sale. Your contributions are gratefully acknowledged and appreciated by the many who will benefit from the programs that you help sponsor. The Friends of the Terryville Library are excited to welcome back Denise Fosse of Essie’s Garden on November 15. Denise has been hard at work making all kinds of homemade hand crafted toys and herbal products, ranging from balms to creams to eye pillows, bath salts, and neck wraps, to name a few. She recently finished making a number of buckwheat therapy neck wraps, pictured here. During the summer she was busy picking dandelions and calendula flowers for dandelion and calendula salves She has also been making balms for insect bites -- a perfect stocking stuffer for children! Of course, her craft items are lovely and whimsical. She has beautiful Victorian flower pins and pins and delightful toys. Join us at the Booktique next to the library on November 15, 10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. and treat yourself to some wonderful products and good books -- all of which could make some great gifts. Think Christmas! John Casanova Casanova John Owner Owner 655Hewey Main Street 161 Street Plymouth, CT CT 06782 Waterbury, 06708 FreeEstimates Estimates Free FullyLicensed Licensedand andInsured Insured Fully HIC #0618953 #0635095 HIC 860-283-8158 Toll 877-283-8158 Toll Free: Free: Cell: 877-283-8158 203.843.3058 The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 • Page 31 October 9th Marked the Official Opening of Plymouth Reservoir Recreation Area Plymouth Parks and Recreation New Activities for Fall and Winter Visit www.PlymouthTownRec.com for Details & Updates on the Following Programs: NEW Programs Starting: • Horseback Riding • Art & Tea (Special Class) • Open Gym for Families (under 17 yrs old to be accompanied by an adult) • Tai Chi: Moving For Better Balance • Gymnastics/Hip Hop • Combo Class - Tap, Tumbling, Hip Hop • Excel Martial Arts • Dog Obedience with Val • Men’s Adult Open Gym • Cheerleading, Boys & Girls • Adult Volleyball • Senior Exercise • Adult Active Yoga Youth Basketball: • It's not too late to register for Youth Basketball! • Clinic session starts November 1st, games start in January. • Now accepting registrations for kindergarten age. Four Levels: Grade: K-1 1:15 pm - 2:15 PM; Grade: 2-3 12:15 pm - 1:15 PM; Grade: 4-5 10:30 am - 12:00 PM; Grade: 6-8 9:00 am - 10:30 AM • All Levels: Saturdays at Eli Terry Middle School Gym • 11/01/2014 - 03/14/2015 • Clinic: November through December • League: January through March • Starting around 01/01/2015, there will be a new schedule Travel Basketball: • Girls and Boys, Grades 5-8 • By Invitation Only • Dates to be announced Upcoming Trip: Coach Bus to New York City, A Day On Your Own - Saturday, December 13th: Departs 8:00 AM, leaves NYC 6:00 PM, $49.00 R, $49.00 NR (Persons under 18 years old need be accompanied by adult.) Register for this trip online or at Town Hall. More detailed information is available about the trip on the Park and Rec website, please visit www.Plymouth TownRec.com. General Information: Some programs may qualify for a $10 Early Registration Discount! Please check online frequently for new Like us on facebook for programs and availability. More detailed special announcements information is available about each proand updates, and share us with your friends! gram on the Parks and Rec website: www. PlymouthTownRec.com. Current up- facebook.com/plymouthcttownrec dates will also be printed each month in e-mail: plymouthtownrec@hotmail.com the Plymouth Connection! Parks & Rec: 860-585-4031 Photos by: Peter Gianesini & Briana Brumaghim The Town of Plymouth has a new town treasure with the opening of the Plymouth Reservoir Recreation Area (PRRA) on Thursday, October 9, 2014. The PRRA is located on North Street, near Plymouth Center Elementary School, and is now open for "carry-in" watercraft and fishing (catch and release/artificial lures). Development of the PRRA was initially researched by the North Street Reservoir Ad Hoc Committee, who submitted their recommendations to the town council on June 9, 2013. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP) was consulted in all aspects of the planning and construction of the ADA compliant dock and parking area, as well as any current and future recreational uses of the area. A "soft" opening ceremony took place in the afternoon, with approximately 50 people in attendance, at which Mayor Dave Merchant and former mayor, Vincent Festa, jointly "cut the ribbon," opening access to the state of the art facility. Enjoyment of the PRRA began immediately thereafter with fishing lines cast and kayakers in the water. A beautiful Columbus Day weekend followed, keeping the parking area filled to capacity with enthusiasts exploring and utilizing our new town park. Phase Two of developing the PRRA for passive recreation is in the works, which includes hiking trails throughout the 178 acres. The PRRA is maintained by our Parks & Recreation Department and managed by the Parks & Recreation Commission. Stop by and check out this beautiful new recreation area. Michael Ganem, Director Plymouth Parks & Recreation Page 32 • The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 Plymouth Parks and Recreation Gift Certificate on i t a e r c e R f o ft Give the Gi oliday Season! This H To: From: For: Purchase online: www.PlymouthTownRec.com or Message: at the office: 80 Main St., Terryville • 860-585-4031 Plymouth Skate Park Is Rolling Along Construction taking place at Skate Park location behind Town Hall. With cooperating weather, the park should be open soon! Photos by: Briana Brumaghim & Marty Sandshaw Sports, Leisure & Activity "5 O'Clock Shadows" Baseball Try-Outs The Water-Oak Athletic Club is conducting try-outs for the 2015 season on Saturday November 8th from 11am 2pm at Veterans Park in Watertown field #3. All players ages 7-14 should attend. In the event of inclement weather tryouts will be held at our indoor facility at the Old pin shop in Oakville 3rd floor. Players trying out should send a confirmation email to 4jbiello@optonline.net The Water-Oak Athletic Club is an organization that provides youths ages 7-16 the opportunity to play baseball at all abilities and skill levels. Players will be evaluated by experienced coaches and will be placed at the appropriate level. For additional information visit the clubs website at WOACbaseball.org �The Joker’ Keeps On Rockin’ 40 Years Later Steve Miller Band Returns to Waterbury To Celebrate Palace Anniversary Season Mini watercolors by Fredricka Schwanka, extra large acrylic by David Verdosci. The Fine Arts Connection of Thomaston presents "Dimensions", Crescent Gallery, 158 Main St., Thomaston. November 13th - Dec 31st Artwork extra small to extra large and everything in between. One size will fit all. Consider giving original art and supporting local CT artists this Holiday Season. Art-2-Go includes free gift wrapping. Gallery hours: every Thursday from 10am-1pm (meet the artists); Friday, December 5th and Saturday, December 6th from 7pm-8pm; Sunday, December 7th from 1pm2pm; Friday, December 12th and Saturday December 13th from 7pm-8pm; Sunday December 14th from 1pm-2pm. For more information, please contact Pat Piscopo 860283-2155. Terryville Fish and Game Club Terryville, Connecticut Founded 1905 Annual Turkey Shoot The Steve Miller Band returns to Waterbury forty-one years after their original 1973 appearance for a special concert in celebration of the Palace Theater’s 10th Anniversary and iconic Rock and Roll history. The concert will take place on Saturday, November 15, at 8 p.m., almost ten years to the day following the venue’s restoration and grand-reopening on November 12, 2004. Tickets for the anniversary concert range from $55 to $75 and can be purchased by phone at 203-346-2000, online at www.palacetheaterct.org, or in person at the box office, 100 East Main Street in Waterbury. Before the show, the Palace will start the celebration early with an anniversary pre-show party in the orchestra lobby by Riverhouse Catering. For an additional $75 per ticket, guests will enjoy heavy and hearty hors d' oeuvres, specialty drinks and an exclusive commemorative gift. Admission can be purchased when buying tickets online or by calling the Box Office. As one of rock music’s all-time greats, the Steve Miller Band has sold more than 30 million records in a career spanning more than 40 years. Featuring their classics hits “The Joker,” “Jungle Love,” “Abracadabra,” and “Take the 13th Annual Wild About Animals Festival November 16, 2014 The Terryville Fish & Game Club will be holding its Annual Turkey Shoot on Sunday, November 16, 2014, on the Middle Pond clubhouse grounds on Grove Street, Terryville. The Turkey Shoot will start at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. The public is invited. Refreshments, including Uncle Bill’s world famous New England clam chowder and the tasty TFG hot dogs with or without kraut or meat sauce and much more, will be available throughout the day. For additional information call Tony Orsini at 860-589-6684 or Bill Arlofski at 860-589-7399. The Terryville Fish & Game Club will be collecting food for the Plymouth Food Pantry. Please bring a nonperishable food item to the Turkey Shoot. Collection boxes will be in the clubhouse. Directions to the TFG clubhouse grounds: From Route 6 (Main Street), at the waterwheel, turn onto Benedict Street. At the Y, bear left onto Emmett Street. Take the first left turn, stay on Emmett Street. Continue on Emmett Street then turn right on to Grove Street. The entrance to the Terryville Fish & Game Club parking lot is at the top of the hill on the left. Look for the Terryville Fish & Game Club sign. Bus Trip to Mohegan Sun November 22, 2014 The Terryville Fish & Game Club will be sponsoring a bus trip to the Mohegan Sun Casino for Saturday, November 22, 2014. The casino goers will be traveling in a 55 passenger Land Jet bus. The bus will be leaving the Town hall parking lot, at 80 Main Street Terryville, at 9:00 a.m. and returning at approximately 6:45 p.m. The cost is $30.00 per person. Each person going will receive a $15 food voucher and a $15 coupon for a game of chance from the Mohegan Sun Casino. Reservations will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. No reservations will be accepted without payment in full. The cutoff date is Friday, November 14, 2014. For additional information or to make a reservation contact Tony Orsini at (860) 589-6684 or Bill Arlofski at (860) 589-7399. Money and Run,” this anniversary concert is one classic rock fans will not want to miss. The Palace Theater’s presentation of the Steve Miller Band is sponsored in part by Webster Bank; Shaker Automotive Group, Ion Bank, CT DECD Office of Tourism, Comcast, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Bank of America; Secor, Cassidy & McPartland, P.C. ; Waterbury Hospital; Thomaston Savings Bank; Crystal Rock; Powerstation Events; CBS Radio; and Worx. Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center, located at One Pleasant Street in Bristol presents our always popular 13Th Annual Wild About Animals Festival on Saturday, November 15, from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Join us as we celebrate with a variety of furry, feathered, and scaly creatures to learn about their habitats. Live animal demonstrations will be presented by local organizations throughout the museum. Pet a pony, rabbit, tortoise and snake. See chickens, degus, turkeys and more! Play animal games and make fun animal crafts. Pizza and snacks will be available for purchase at an additional cost in our Old Fashioned Soda Fountain. Admission of $6.00 per person, museum members and children under one year of age are free. ACM and Library passes are not valid for this Festival. For further information call 860314-1400, or visit www.imaginemuseum.org. This event is sponsored by the Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation. The Imagine Nation Museum is a division of the Boys & Girls Club and Family Center of Bristol. Imagine Nation Museum - Family Volunteer Day The Imagine Nation Museum celebrates National Family Volunteer Day, Saturday, November 22, from 8:30am to 10:30am at One Pleasant Street in Bristol, Connecticut. For the eighth year in a row the Imagine Nation Museum will be joined by Team ESPN employees and volunteers from the United Way of West Central Connecticut. Families from across Connecticut, committed to help make a difference in their communities, are invited to join-in and participate in volunteer events at the Imagine Nation Museum. National Family Volunteer Day is a Points of Light signature day of service that demonstrates and celebrates the power of families who volunteer together, supporting their neighborhoods, communities, and the world. For 24 years, it has been held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving to “kick-off” the holiday season with giving and service. This year it’s being powered by generation On and sponsored by Disney Friends for Change, a global initiative that inspires kids and families to take action to help people, communities, and the planet. The Imagine Nation Museum has helped to promote programming for this national effort to bring families together to help those in need throughout the community of Bristol and Connecticut. Doreen Stickney, Imagine Nation Museum Director said “We look forward to Family Volunteer Day, a wonderful collaborative community project each year”. Children and families are invited to work on projects including special Gobble Thanksgiving Crafts like making colorful Thanksgiving napkin ring holders for patients at Bristol Hospital, nursing homes, and shelters in the community. ESPN employee Sandy Maier notes how fun it is to bring her family in joining their community, to help others ---“The great opportunity about the National Family Volunteer Day is that it helps set an example for our children that communities should work together to help others. I have brought my family every year to give back to our local community.” Families are also invited to join other families for free refreshments and entrance to the Imagine Nation Museum between 11am and 5pm. For more information please call the museum directly at 860-314-1400 or go to www.imaginemuseum.org. The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 • Page 33 School News Roos On The Rise - Terryville High School Booster Club As the fall season comes to a close the THS Booster Club is excited about the how the 2014-2015 year has started out. The Girls Volleyball team is in the hunt for the Berkshire League Title. By time the paper goes to press they will have hopefully put their name on the title. Come watch some of the last of the regular season games when you get a chance. The Boys Soccer Team has worked hard to grow as a program and is seeing success this year and great potential for the future. There has been a marked increase in the numbers of the Boys and Girls Cross Country team this year. Coaches Dean Martin and Steph Konopaske continue to push the program to improve. Top runners Connor Levins and Emma Caisse have been setting a great pace this season. The big news this issue from the THS Sports programs is that the Girls Soccer team is headed to the State Tournament for the first time in 5 years. With a solid win over Northwestern on Friday the 24th of October they punched their ticket to the big show. With two regular season games left they hope to improve their seeding. It has been a long haul. After 2 full seasons without a win the team has grown under the leadership of Varsity Coach Brian Rosano and Junior Varsity Coach Chris Perkins and volunteer assistant Patrick Norton. The team put some wins on the board last year during the final season of the Co-op with Thomaston and looked to improve this year. For seniors Molly Northrop, Sara Leger, Bridget Sullivan and Jenna Roberts, this has been a dream come true. After fighting hard to keep in the fight during winless seasons during their freshman and sophomore years, they have played an integral part in the turnaround of this team. Under their example, coupled with the new coaching staff during the last two years, the freshman and sophomores have helped round out an effective and skilled team. The THS Booster Club and the community looks forward to seeing how far they can take this season. On a final note the THS Booster Club will be starting their raffle calendar fundraiser, please support the Booster Club’s efforts by buying a ticket that is good for 30 chances to win one of the great donated prizes. The money raised goes to scholarships, training, and equipment for the athletes. Photo Caption- Members of The Girls Soccer Team working out Saturday Morning following their tournament entry winning game on Friday night. They don’t plan on resting on their laurels. Give to Get is their motto….Give(hard work and effort) to Get (Victory/Respect) Plymouth Elementary Terryville High School Drama Club Fall Play hand. Lead Painter and Production fall play for 2014 is “And Then Students Perform at The Artist Alexandra Belanger is doThere Were None”, Aka Ten Little Ining a good job putting the details dians, it was written by Agatha ChrisXL Center in the set for student Producer Bri tie. This production is made possible On Sunday, October 26, members of the Plymouth Center School and Fisher Elementary School's 4th and 5th Grade Chorus, under the direction of Stephanie Fauss and Anne DeMichiel, performed "God Bless America' at the XL Center at the Hartford Wolfpack game. Ripa and Club President Maranda by: Samuel French Licensing. The Gallo. They are all working very Terryville High School Drama Club hard to put suspense into the air is presenting this show November 6th, as you wonder who will fall at the 7th, 8th in the Borkowski Family Auhands of the unknown murderer ditorium at Terryville High School. It and who will escape, if anyone can is a tale of mystery and whodunit as escape. Please come support these one by one each character meets an great students at one of the followuntimely but possibly justified end. It ing shows-Show Dates: November is a tale of justice served in an unjust Students practice while the set is being built 6th,2014 at 7pm, November 7th world of secrets and deceit. A cast lead by seniors Connor Murphy, Natalie around them. Abbey Elias, Natalie Selavka, and 2014 at 7pm, and November 8th, Cameron Lopez going over lines. 2014 at 1:30pm and 7:00pm. StuSelavka, Maranda Gallo, Joe DeLorenzo, Lindsay Bouchard, Briana dent and Senior Tickets are $8.00 Ripa, and Sarah Leger. They are supported by a strong group of up- per person, Adult Tickets are $10.00 per person, tickets may be purand-coming underclassmen, some of which are Michael Calderon, chased from any Drama Club Member and at the door prior to each Jakob Buckley, Abbey Elias, Alissa Genest, and Alyssa Renick. The show. Any questions can be directed to the Drama Club Advisor Mr. behind the scenes support from both the booth and the crew headed Chris Perkins at 860-314-2777 ext. 5433 or perkinsc@plymouth. by Stage Managers: Jessica Hawrylo and Keri Genest and Light- k12.ct.us. Also, be sure to check out our facebook page “Terryville ing and Sound: Director Tori Campbell, who have the show well in High School Drama Club” and our twitter page “TvilleDramaClub”. School Lunch Menus for November, 2014 • Plymouth Center School – PCS • Fisher Elementary School – FES • Terryville High School – THS • Eli Terry Jr. Middle School – ETJMS 3 Monday - FES & PCS cheeseburger on whole grain bun, french fries ETJMS Early Dismissal No lunch served THS Mashed potato bowl, creamy mashed potatoes, popcorn chicken, roasted carrot fries, Homemade chicken gravy, breadstick 4 Tuesday - No School Election Day 5 Wednesday - FES & PCS chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes, with gravy, steamed carrots ETJMS Early Dismissal No Lunch Served THS macaroni and cheese bowl, creamy macaroni & cheese, chicken nuggets, warm biscuit, steamed broccoli 6 Thursday - FES & PCS breakfast for lunch, maple burst waffles, turkey sausage, tater tots ETJMS Early Dismissal THS cajun rice bowl, savory sausage and peppers with pasta, spicy tomato sauce, fresh biscuit and mixed vegetables 7 Friday - FES & PCS Cheese pizza tossed salad ETJMS & THS burrito bowl, beef and bean chili, Fiesta rice, golden corn, shredded cheese, whole grain tortilla 10 Monday - FES & PCS Beef nachos, cheese sauce, brown rice, steamed corn ETJMS & THS fajita bowl, spicy fajita chicken, cilantro lime chips, seasoned black beans, roasted peppers & onions, shredded cheddar cheese 11 Tuesday - No School Veterans Day 12 Wednesday - FES & PCS chicken patty on whole grain bun, french fries ETJMS backyard BBQ bowl, BBQ chicken, macaroni and cheese, seasoned green beans, fresh baked biscuit THS Early Dismissal No Lunch Served 13 Thursday - FES & PCS grilled cheese, Campbells tomato soup, tater tots ETJMS Italian pasta bowl, roasted Italian vegetables, Italian meat balls, garlic breadstick THS Early Dismissal No Lunch Served 14 Friday - FES & PCS pizza dunkers, tossed salad ETJMS pork rib sandwich, on whole grain bun, seasoned carrots THS Early Dismissal No Lunch Served 17 Monday - FES & PCS chicken stir fry, brown rice, broccoli ETJMS grilled cheese, chicken noodle soup, tater tots THS backyard BBQ bowl, BBQ chicken, macaroni and cheese, seasoned green beans, fresh baked biscuit 18 Tuesday - FES & PCS chicken nuggets, dinner roll, mashed potatoes, seasoned green beans ETJMS popcorn chicken bowl, crunchy popcorn chicken, steamed brown rice, stir fry vegetables THS orange ginger chicken bowl, crunchy popcorn chicken, steamed brown rice, stir fry vegetables, Homemade orange ginger sauce 19 Wednesday - FES & PCS roasted turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, steamed carrots ETJMS & THS italian pasta Page 34 • The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 bowl saucy italian meat balls, curly rotini pasta, steamed vegetable medley, marinara sauce, toasted garlic bread 20 Thursday - FES & PCS Meatball grinder on whole grain bun, tater tots ETJMS & THS homestyle chicken dinner bowl, roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, seasoned peas, dinner roll 21 Friday - FES & PCS Cheese pizza, tossed salad ETJMS taco bowl, beef and bean chili, Fiesta rice, golden corn, whole grain tortilla chips THS fajita bowl, spicy fajita chicken, cilantro lime chips, seasoned black beans, roasted peppers & onions, shredded cheddar cheese 24 Monday - FES & PCS hotdog, whole grain bun, sweet potato fries ETJMS breakfast bowl, french toast sticks, turkey sausage, scrambled eggs, strawberries THS sausage and pepper bowl, roasted Italian sausage, pepper and onions, whole grain pasta, green beans, dinner roll 25 Tuesday - FES & PCS chicken nuggets, dinner roll, mashed potatoes with gravy, peas & carrots ETJMS & THS stuffed potato bowl, baked russet potato, diced ham, steamed broccoli, Homemade cheddar cheese sauce, dinner roll 26-28 Wednesday-Friday - NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Break Head Start Button Day! School News News from Eli Terry Jr. Middle School Kids in the Middle Kids in the Middle had their first meeting and invited Aaron Saindon, and Allison Trudeau, officers of the Leo’s Club at the high school. They came to explain the club, and how our students will transition from KIM to Leos when they leave ETJMS. They have been busy this month painting milk jugs for the Lion’s Club Halloween Party, and helping with Red Ribbon activities EMR Dr. Doughty-Jenkins' Academic Discovery students are currently taking part in the State of Connecticut Emergency Medical Responder course. Throughout the course, they will be learning emergency action and be trained in safety, and patient care. At the end of the course, students will take a state written test and a state practical test to be certified as an emergency medical responder. This will enable them to ride as an Explorer with the Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Lt. Col. Greg Fortier addresses THS Students Lieutenant Colonel Greg Fortier is a graduate of Terryville High School. He went on to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. LTC Fortier holds Bachelors of Science in Operations Research from the United States Military Academy and a Masters of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Central Florida. LTC Fortier's numerous military awards include the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and many more. He returned to Plymouth, CT to speak at Terryville High School on October 24, 2014. He spent time meeting with student leaders of the Local Prevention Council about peer leadership. He also addressed the entire student body about the consequences of personal decision making- both good and bad. The Plymouth Local Prevention Council sponsored this event as part of the Red Ribbon week efforts to spread the word about substance abuse prevention and recovery among youth in the community. Terryville High School PTSA-After-Grad The PTSA of Terryville High School has started the year finding ways to help reach our financial goal to make a safe After-Grad Party for our graduating seniors. The event is to promote the idea of a drug and alcohol free celebration on the night of graduation. This may be the last chance for some of the graduates to get together. Safe Grad is a parent sponsored night of fun at the Shelton Sports Center. Graduates have the opportunity to explore all that the Sports Center has to offer from miniature golf, batting cages, basketball to ice skating, laser tag and more. To help make this event successful we are having a variety of fundraising. One of the upcoming events is a bus trip to New York City, on December 6th. The cost of this trip is $45.00 per person, if you THE LYCEUM in Terryville Space Available for Large or Small Events BUSINESS MEETINGS or CONFERENCES Seating for 25 in each of 4 meeting rooms WEDDING RECEPTIONS or BANQUETS Seating for 250 at tables in our main hall • • • • • • Let our event manager help you plan Full kitchen facilities if desired Bandstand and sound system available Air conditioned comfort Internet, laptop/projector available Off street parking in our full size lot Call Toll Free: 1 855 T LYCEUM (1 855 859 2386) www.lyceumterryville.com are interested please contact Carol Andrews at andrewsc@ plymouth.k12.ct.us. We are also having Jake's Wayback Burger night on November 11th, Wendy's nights on November 25 and December 16, and Moe's night on November 25, December 17, and January 14. At every event we get a portion of the sales, so just stop by have some dinner and mention you are there for Terryville High School. Also, if you haven't been to Adams Supermarket, on November 2ndNovember 15th, you can round up all of your purchases the nearest dollar and all donations will go to support our cause. Please keep a look out in the community for other upcoming events and thank you to the community for all your support. EDUCATION CONNECTION Head Start: Prenatal to Five is planning great things this year to celebrate Head Start and Early Head Start Awareness month in October and Head Start's 50th Anniversary in January! On October 24th everyone in Head Start across the country will wear a Head Start Works button. This will spread our message far and wide and let the entire nation know how proud we are to provide opportunities for success in school and life for more than 31 million children and their families! Please wear your button on Friday, October 24th to your child’s center. We will be taking photos of the event. Optional: children can dress in red, white and blue to help us to celebrate the day as well. Magnum Attends Cops in the Middle Magnum came to the first Cops in the Middle Meeting at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School. He, as well as some of Plymouth’s finest get acquainted with our students. Thanks to all the officers that participated Update from the Board Chair In an effort to keep the public informed of the workings of the Plymouth Board of Education, I will be submitting a monthly update to keep parents and community members current on the workings of the Board of Education. First, I have been getting inquiries from parents and teachers as to when we will be re-starting the Superintendent Advisory Group that we initiated last June. Please know that it is our intent to move forward with this again once a new superintendent begins service. Presently we have an interim superintendent who is contracted for a short period of time and works three days a week. During a period of interim leadership, the school system moves ahead without any “drastic” changes made or new initiatives brought forward. Please know that Board members wish to hear constructive feedback and comments. Anyone can feel free to contact any Board of Education member, superintendent or member of the administration to do so. On another note; the Board has begun the process to seek a new Superintendent to lead the Plymouth Public schools. The first step is to interview search firms to assist the board in the process. It is our desire that the search firm will be gathering input from the public on what they would like to see in a new superintendent. Further information will be available once the search firm is selected. Lastly, the negotiations subcommittee of the Board has begun negotiations with the Plymouth Education Association. Once we reach an agreement, and it is approved by the Association and the Board an announcement will be made. I hope this communication helps to provide you with some information. . As always you are free to contact a board member or the administration directly if you have a concern. Sincerely, Ray Engle, Plymouth Board of Ed Chairperson. The Plymouth Connection • November, 2014 • Page 35 We Accept Aftermarket Warranties and/or Used Car Warranties at Beware... expensive wrecker costs! Winterize Your Vehicle Today and Stay Off the Hook! 201 Terryville Road • Bristol, CT 06010 (860) 589-1255 Michael Colasanto, Owner economytransmission@hotmaiI.com Visit our website at www.economytransmissionllc.com Same Day Services at Comparable Prices! Economy Transmissions and Auto Repairs LLC is a One Stop Auto Shop Specializing in Transmission Repair, Diagnostic and Rebuilding Full Automotive and Truck Repair Gas, Diesel, Hybrid and RV Economy Customs Speed Shop Has All of Your Performance Needs - Street, Strip, Off-Road Posi Traction and Performance Gears Done Here! 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