PRSRT STD US POSTAGE Capture the Moments! PAID PALMER, MA PERMIT #22 Order photos from our paper at our website West Hartford www.TheWestHartfordPress.com PRESS LOCAL NEWS • S P O RT S • E N T E RTA I N M E N T • A N D M O R E In Sports Almost time to ‘play ball’ PAGE 17 Vol. 4, Edition 12 Thursday March 21, 2013 In The Press Van Winkle gives budget presentation Town Manager Ron Van Winkle presented his sixth budget in his position with the town of West Hartford – one that reflects the lowest spending increase in more than two decades – to the Town Council last week. e fiscal year 2013-14 budget he proposed totals $241,554,357 and reflects a 1.58 percent increase, the lowest in 21 years. PAGE 13. Living by every letter Above: Students from the Hebrew High School of New England hold on to the quill of sofer Rabbi Levi Selwyn during a Torah writing experience Monday, March 11. Beth El Temple is celebrating its 60th anniversary by writing a Torah in the “Beth El Torah Experience: Inscribing Our Legacy for Generations” event. Read more on page 3. To read about the 125th anniversary of the oldest Orthodox Jewish synagogue in the Hartford area, Congregation Agudas Achim, turn to page 13. Photo by Alison Jalbert Quotes of Note Orchids in bloom News This week Arts & Entertainment 5 Social Butterfly 8 Kids 6 The Buzz 9 News 11 Editorial 16 Sports 17 Calendar 20 Crossword 21 Classifieds 21 “People sometimes take it for granted that you can trace [a community] back generations. ere are a lot of communities that can’t boast that. It’s a testimony to our history.” -Rabbi Ari Weiss in “... synagogue turns 125” on page 13 Pictured is a scene from the Nutmeg State Orchid Society “Come See Our Bloomers!” show held last weekend at the West Hartford Town Hall. For more details and photos, see page 8. Photo by Abigail Albair -Ron Van Winkle in “Van Winkle gives budget proposal” on page 13 NEWS & Notes 10 CTfastrak project 13 “We have done well and we should be proud of our ability to withstand swings and arrows of outrageous misfortune and bounce back.” Stage one of the Flatbush Avenue reconstruction began Friday, March 15. Flatbush will be reduced to one lane in the eastbound direction from New Park to the I-84 ramps; Newfield will be reduced to one lane in the northbound direction from the shopping plaza drive to Flatbush. Construction will be separated from vehicular and pedestrian traffic with concrete barriers. Gino Giansanti named Police Officer of the Year Detective Gino Giansanti has been named 2013 Police Officer of the Year and will be recognized at a ceremony April 3 hosted by the West Hartford Exchange Club at The Valley’s only Full Service Hand Car Wash its Public Safety Night. Giansanti joined the Police Department in 1995 and has served on SWAT and the Honor Guard. During his career, he was a bike officer and field training officer. He was promoted to detective in 2010 and is currently working in the Youth Services Division where his professionalism and compassion are demonstrated in cases of crimes against children. Public hearings on the budget e community will have an opportunity to voice their opinions on the proposed fiscal 2013-14 budget at two public hearings that will be held March 28 at 2 p.m. and April 11 at 6 p.m. in the Legislative Chambers, Room 314. 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Exp. 4-30-13 2 The West Hartford Press March 21, 2013 vpfs 41 Prescott St • West Hartford, CT M-F 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm www.imperialdecorating.com 860-232-2277 ‘Inscribing our legacy’ Beth El celebrates 60 years with community Torah writing event By Alison Jalbert Editorial Assistant Beth El Temple is celebrating its 60th anniversary by writing a Torah in the “Beth El Torah Experience: Inscribing Our Legacy for Generations” event. e Torah is the central, sacred text of the Jewish religion and contains 613 commandments in it, which are laws and rules by which Jewish people live. e very last mitzvah, or good deed, of the 613 commandments in the Torah instructs Jewish people to personally write a Torah during their lifetime. Event CoChair Dan Kulakofsky explained that this mitzvah is fulfilled by writing a single letter in the Torah, as every one of the 304,805 letters of the Torah is essential. “If you’ve written one letter, it’s as though you’ve written the whole Torah,” he said. Torahs can only be written by a trained scribe, or sofer, so Beth El has brought in Rabbi Levi Selwyn to help in the process. Scribes have to find somebody willing to teach them, then spend years in an apprenticeship to be trained in how to write a Torah. Kulakofsky said that the letters in the Torah have to be perfect. ey cannot be out of shape, misplaced or mis-spaced. If that occurs, the Torah is rendered unusable. is is why a sofer must be present and why the members of the Beth El family are not actually writing the letter themselves, but rather holding the quill as the sofer writes a letter. e Torah has to be written in a very specific way using only certain ingredients, which Selwyn explained during a Torah signing at the Hebrew High School of New England Monday, March 11. e Torah cannot be written on paper, but rather on parchment made from cow hide, as it will hold up over time. e pieces of parchment are sewn together using animal sinew, and the quill used to write the letters is often from a turkey. e ink is kosher and composed of very specific formula/ingredients. As the students lined up to hold on to the quill as Selwyn wrote letters in the Torah, he reminded them that this was not just something that you do, that the act was very holy and very important. “We live by every letter in the Torah. Everything is in the Torah,” he said. Kulakofsky said that at Beth El, they read from the Torah three times a week, and once this Torah is completed, it will be the one they read from. “It’s called a dedication Torah, in that a community participated in writing it,” he said. e Torah writing experience has already been to Hebrew Healthcare, SummerWood, e McCauley and the Hebrew High School of New England, with other planned stops including the Solomon Schechter Day School. Future writing dates include April 21 and 22 and June 9. Anyone interested in participating can contact the Beth El office at 860-233-9696 or e-mail [email protected]. ere is a small charge for non-Beth El members. Part of what’s been so great about the Torah writing project is opening it up to the community, Kulakofsky said. “We had people from other congregations come to Beth El and have been welcomed to join us and fulfill the commandment. It doesn’t happen often. It’s once in a lifetime, once in a generation that you create a Torah,” he said. “It’s been our pleasure to welcome people from other congregations.” MULSHINE LAW 860-387-5506 GOOD PEOPLE GET INJURED IN ACCIDENTS PERSONAL INJURY ACCIDENTS * NEGLIGENCE PERSONAL HANDLING OF YOUR CASE OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE Ask About Our Hundreds Of Judgments And Jury Verdicts LICENSED IN ALL CONNECTICUT COURTS JOE MULSHINE Students from the Hebrew High School of New England hold on to the quill of Sofer Rabbi Levi Selwyn during a Torah writing experience Monday, March 11. Photo by Alison Jalbert Searching for mortgage answers? right this way. 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So bef fore w ecommendations, endations, w ten. credit. before wee mak makee an anyy rrecommendations, wee lis listen. 7KDWo 7KDWoV oV WKH Z ZD\ D\ WWR R ƬQG ZKDWo ZKDWoVV ULJKW IIRU RU R \\RX R RX Center simsburybank.com/mortgages Visit ourr online ne Mortgage Mortgage C enterr at simsburybank.c msburybank.com/mortgages es LQIRUPDWLRQ IIRU R RUU LQI IRUPDWLR R RQ DSSOLFDWLRQV DQG WWR R ƬQG D OORFDO RFDO 6LPVEXU\\ %DQN mortgage mort gage advisor. advisor visorr. SimsburyBank.c SimsburyBank.com ank.com 860.658.2265 65 MEMBER FDIC NMLS #441327 [email protected] March 21, 2013 The West Hartford Press 3 Gardens cropping up at schools for education enhancement By Jennifer Senofonte Staff Writer Students across the nation are headed outdoors for learning this spring – and not just for gym class. UConn College of Agriculture Master Gardener Sarah Bailey has made it her mission to bring a school garden to as many communities as possible so children can learn at an early age where their food comes from and be a part of its growth. She said that over the last five to 10 years, a national movement has begun to bring horticulture to school-aged children through interactive gardens. She has brought together other local interested parties to brainstorm how to make this a reality. “ere is nothing like the look on a kid’s face who pulls the carrot out of the ground and bites into it while it’s still warm and goes, ‘Wow!’” Bailey said, noting that children who grow their own food take pride in being part of the process and therefore are more willing to try vegetables. West Hartford parent-volunteer group Growing Great Schools has been working with Bailey to make it happen in that district’s elementary schools. Duffy parents and Growing Great Schools’ members Rachel Stein and Susan Kamin said a main goal for their work is to bring the food that the children grow into the cafeterias for lunch meals. “e kids are going to benefit from any activities outside just to connect with living organisms and to see how their food is coming out of the ground,” Stein said. “For that alone, it’s so valuable.” A hurdle that the dedicated group – that meets at UConn’s West Hartford campus – has come upon is writing a curriculum around the gardens that meets state standards and will continue to as they shift to the Common Core State Standards. “If you can get your kids outside in a garden, there are tremendous educational aspects from it,” Bailey said, explaining that gardening lessons shed light on a variety of subjects like science, math, language arts and social studies. One curriculum that has been written according to state standards is called “Food, Land and People.” It was developed to help students understand the connections between agriculture, the environment and people. It includes pre-k through 12th-grade science and social studies-based units. What’s already growing West Hartford has school gardens at or in the works at six of its elementary schools. “Each school does what works for them,” Stein and Kamin explained of how and when the gardens are being utilized. At Duffy, teachers are collaborating with Growing Great Schools to develop lessons around the school garden including art and music. Duffy teachers have been enthusiastic in the process and have ideas to develop specific units that align with what the kids are already learning, they said. Another obstacle for Connecticut is working around the prime growing season, which is during summer break. Alice Gold is a master gardener and volunteer for the garden club program at Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford where school gardens are being used to A display during an event earlier this year, promoting efforts to build a garden at Hall High. promote awareness of what students are eating, how it affects their bodies, communities, economy and more. Because funding presents another barrier, Capital Prep has sought donations for seeds, gardening tools and other materials to keep the lessons going through the growing season as they meet yearround and have break for just the month of June. Gold said they have arranged for junior master gardeners to tend to the garden during that month as part of their internship. e Farmington Valley YMCA has year-round programs and, with five school gardens in the works including two in Granby and one in Canton, it is arranging for youth and team leaders from the Y to oversee the care for those in the summer. “ey would take [the harvested produce] to the farmers market,” nutrition for the Farmington Valley YMCA, Alicia Newton said. All of the planned gardens except for one will be for after-school YMCA programs to promote healthy living. “Even just getting the kids into the garden and seeing the process of how their food grows makes them more likely to eat whatever’s in the lunch room,” Newton said, pointing out that, recently, new nutrition standards have brought healthier foods into public schools, but kids are a little reluctant to try the fare. In West Hartford, Growing Great Schools has started a salad bar once a week at some of the schools and, ideally, the group would like to have lettuce grown from the school gardens brought in for the salad bar. West Hartford Scout troops have organized to tend to the gardens for the summer growing season. Another way the schools are not letting the summer season stop the gardens is to plant squash and corn so come fall, they can harvest it. Hall High school is currently NEED TO REPLACE YOUR OLD WINDOWS? We make it as easy as 1. 2. 3. 1. Our Marvin Windows and Doors experts will provide you a worry–free experience with superior service, support and advice. 2. 3. We will help connect you with a contractor that best suits your projects — making it easier for you. At Miner’s our showroom is your resource for viewing an extensive array of Marvin Windows and Doors. Marvin replacement windows and doors meet your standards for energy efficiency, quality, beauty and performance. M`j`k D`e\iÊj Xk ()0 I`m\i IfX[ :Xekfe# :K '-'(0 fi ZXcc /-'%-0*%(((( ]fi dfi\ `e]fidXk`fe% 860.693.1111 ()0 I`m\i IfX[ :Xekfe# :K '-'(0 nnn%d`e\ij`eZ%Zfd 4 The West Hartford Press March 21, 2013 BUILT IN AMERICA Marvin Windows and Doors are built in America, and are only available from independent, local retailers. Photo by Jen Senofonte working to build a garden at its school, and Whiting Lane is building a greenhouse for a living classroom initiative. Nearby, at the 4H Auer Farm in Bloomfield, a four-season greenhouse is being built. Auer Farm is a statewide farm, which is available to any school and to adults. Funding the gardens Financing can be difficult, and Bailey said as unfunded mandates come from the state level, new programs like the school gardens get put on the backburner, but that there are grants available to cover start-up costs for tools and materials. “e Connecticut Master Gardeners Association offers grants to master gardener projects,” she said, noting grants are also available through the United States Department of Agriculture, Whole Foods and others. “is is a growing interest.” Growing Great Schools has funded the initiative across the elementary schools through fundraising events, donations and food tasting nights at the cafeterias. One way Duffy has used existing supplies is through composting fruit and veggie scraps, “which completes the cycle,” Kamin said, adding another learning feature to the process. Gold said one of the next steps is to survey the whole state to see how many schools actually have school garden programs and how they are running. “It’s all about learning what works and what hasn’t worked,” she said. “If you get enough people that are doing it, it raises the consciousness of everyone and people say, ‘is is what we should be doing.’” e Edible Schoolyard Project, Newton mentioned, is one resource to see what other schools around the world are doing in the realm of bringing kids outside and into a garden. For more information visit edibleschoolyard.org. PRESSA&E West Hartford’s Cookin’ this weekend University of Hartford’s WWUH presents Dervish e best Irish traditional band touring today will return to the University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave., Saturday, March 23 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in Lincoln eater. Dervish made its American debut here June 6, 1996. Since then, it has gained world renown, performing for crowds as large as 100,000+ (Carnival, Rio de Janeiro Brazil, 2006). e band will have a new studio album ready to promote during its March 2013 tour of the USA. Courtesy photo Mandell JCC presents City of Gold, works by Dara Alter e Mandell JCC presents City of Gold, works by Dara Alter, in the Chase Family Gallery at the Mandell JCC, Zachs Campus, 335 Bloomfield Ave. e free exhibit runs Sunday, March 24-Friday, April 26. Alter lives thousands of miles from the place she thinks of as home, Israel. She produces aerial landscapes, examining the North American Jewish nostalgia for an idealized Israel. City of Gold examines place, identity and belonging through aerial landscape ‘We Have a Pope’ film showing e West Hartford Public Library will be showing the film “We Have a Pope” Sunday, March 24, at 2 p.m. e film, by Nanni Moretti, tells the story of a cardinal who suddenly finds himself elected Pope and isn’t sure he is ready for the job. e film uses comedy to explore a serious subject, and it focuses on the human element of the papacy. “We Have a Pope” was an official selection at both the Cannes Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival in 2011. More information about the film is available at www.ifcfilms.com/films/we-havea-pope. e movie is in Italian with English subtitles and the running time is 105 minutes. is event is free, seating is first-come. Doors will open at 1:45 p.m. For more information call 860-561-6993. painting. Shifted points of perspective and the juxtaposition of abstraction and representation foster a feeling of separation or alienation from the land. It is a visual experience that mirrors what all people who have loved a place and then left it feel. e exhibit is free and open to the community. For more information, contact Jill Ziplow, 860-231-6331, [email protected], the Mandell JCC’s Member Services Center at 860-236-4571, or visit www.mandelljcc.org. e 11th annual West Hartford’s Cookin’ fundraiser for the Foundation for West Hartford Public Schools will be held Saturday, March 23 from 6:30-9 p.m. in the West Hartford Town Hall auditorium. e event will celebrate the Foundation’s success in providing over $1 million invested in unique educational opportunities in all 16 West Hartford public schools from preschool through high school. Over 30 education, business and civic leaders will be “celebrity chefs” for the evening, including West Hartford Mayor Scott Slifka, Deputy Mayor Shari Cantor and WHPS Superintendent Karen List. is year’s honorary chair is William Kovel, chef/owner of Catalyst Restaurant in Cambridge, Mass. Kovel and his team have earned rave reviews including a coveted 3 star review from e Boston Globe as well as being named e People’s Best New Chef New England by FOOD & WINE magazine in March 2012. Chef Kovel is a native of West Hartford and a graduate of the West Hartford public school system. Tom Moore, assistant superintendent of WHPS, will serve as master of ceremonies. Contact the Foundation office at 860-561-8755 for more information or to order tickets. Easter Sunday at La Trattoria Brunch 11:00-3:00 Dinner 12:00-8:00 Join us! The Universalist Players celebrates its 30th anniversary season with the production of the musical “Stone Soup.” Courtesy photo e Universalist Players celebrates 30th anniversary with ‘Stone Soup’ e Universalist Players celebrates its 30th anniversary season with the production of the musical “Stone Soup” for its annual intergenerational production March 22-24 at the church, 433 Fern St. e musical – based on the classic folk story – will be performed by student and adult actors, whose ages range from 10 to 70 years old, with connections to the Universalist Church of West Hartford. e blend of ages – along with the mix of drama, live music and memorable songs – add to the magic that makes for another family-friendly production. “Stone Soup” is the story of three traveling soldiers and their multitalented horse – carrying nothing more than an empty cooking pot – which come upon a village of very “unneighborly” residents. With the help of a magical stone, these hungry strangers teach the ** HOMESELLERS ** Find out what the home down the street sold for. Free computerized list of home sales and current listings. www.WestHartfordPropertyValues.com eXp Realty High quality roofing systems at a great price! Serving The Farmington Valley for 40 Years Route 44, Canton (860) 673-5000 www.latrattoriact.com local townsfolk a valuable lesson of cooperation. e cast features Sam Lanza, Nikhil Saxena and Katie Konigsberg as the traveling soldiers, Mish, Mash and Mush. e entire intergenerational cast includes more than 20 actors who embody the storyteller, the “unneighborly” townsfolk (the butcher, baker and candlestick maker families) and, of course, the horse. Susan Jane Stamm directs the production, and the book and lyrics are written by Anne Glasner, with music by Betty Hollinger. Performances are Friday, March 22 at 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24 at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students, and audience members are encouraged to bring a can of soup to donate to the West Hartford Food Pantry. Tickets are available at the door or by calling 860-233-3669, ext. 309 for reservations. All roofs installed by company, no3rd rate subcontractors. • roofing • siding • windows Fully Licensed & Insured Lic#626550 24 years in the business 860-670-0330 March 21, 2013 The West Hartford Press 5 PRESSKIDS Accomplished author speaks at NWC as part of Black History Month education Northwest Catholic High School welcomed Dr. Mark Naison Feb. 25 for a special multimedia Black History Month presentation. Naison, a professor of history and African American studies at Fordham University, used music and videos to educate students on hip hop music’s original purpose and its multicultural origins in the poor and forgotten neighborhoods of the Bronx in the 1970s. “It is important to recognize where hip hop came from,” he said. “While it was created in hardship, in areas of segregation and poverty, it was shared in joy with everyone. e young people who created it reached out to the broadest audience, crossing racial, cultural, ethnic, economical and even national lines.” e presentation struck a chord with students, encouraging them to participate in the demonstration. Several students showed off their dance moves, while another beat boxed to Naison’s rapping. Other students clapped and cheered from their seats. Naison is the author of four books and over 100 articles on African American politics, social movements and American culture and sports, and is the principal investigator of the Bronx African American History Project, one of the largest community-based oral history projects in the nation. During the last five years, he has presented historical "raps" in Bronx schools under the nickname of "Notorious PhD." Northwest Catholic junior Barre Mohamood shows off his beat boxing skills as he accompanies Dr. Mark Naison during a Black History Month hip hop presentation. Courtesy photo Bugbee Yellow Jackets are pictured last October presenting their team second place trophy from the Annual UConn K-8 Scholastic Tournament to Bugbee Principal Noam Sturm. From left to right are: Ethan Striff-Cave, grade 2; Teddy Braiewa, grade 1; Samuel Lumelsky, grade 2; and Sean Dyson, grade 4. Courtesy photo Bugbee Yellow Jackets best elementary chess team in the state By Jennifer Senofonte Staff Writer 3.09 TIME TO SAVE $ 9 Become A New Preferred Automatic Delivery Account. E-Z Oil Call for details. Expires 3/28/13. HOD 58 860-645-3758 www.ezoil.net Tank Removal & Replacement e Bugbee Yellow Jackets have been named the number one elementary school chess team in the state after winning first place at the Scholastic State Championship. e state competition is held annually in New Haven at Hopkins School and is sponsored by the Connecticut Chess Association. is year was the Bugbee Yellow Jackets’ first time at the competition and they outperformed their opponents in the elementary school division. e team of Sean Dyson, Tobey Siegel, Sam Aronow, Samuel Lumelsky, Connor Farquhar, Ethan Striff-Cave, eodore Braiewa and Jake Lumelsky scored 12.5 out of 20 possible team points to take first place overall in the K-6 section of the event, which lasted over 10 hours. “[Playing chess] adds a degree We Sell Old Lights Congratulations on your new home! Now that you’ve spent all that money, how about spending a little more to make it REALLY great.We buy and sell restored antique lighting at good prices. We offer a wide variety of period lighting from the late 1800’s through the 1930s – Victorian,Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and more.Whether it’s an amazing chandelier for your dining area or an unusual sconce for the bedroom, no one works harder than we do to create that perfect look.You’ll love our lights. We Guarantee It! 676-2713 11243 Please leave a message if we’re not there 6 The West Old Lights On • Farmington email: [email protected] Hartford Press March 21, 2013 of maturity with the elementary kids,” parent and coach Alex Lumelsky said. He started the chess club and team at Bugbee Elementary School last April and said he has a group of dedicated youngsters who meet once a week to improve their game. ere are about 20 students who participate in the club and, of those, eight are team members who compete. “You can see a difference between what they were like before chess and what they are like now,” he added, explaining that the game of chess hones life skills for the elementary kids like logic, self-confidence, decision making and tactical thinking. e Bugbee Yellow Jackets have competed in seven competitions since they started last year and have always scored first or second place. At the Scholastic State Championship, which was held March 9, the team brought home the first place trophy and also had an individual second place winner, Jake Lumelsky. A Bugbee kindergartner, Jake scored 2.5 out of 5 against mixed opposition of first graders and kindergartners, thereby becoming the second best kindergarten player in the state, Alex Lumelsky, who is his father, said. “ey are dedicated kids who like to win,” he said. Lumelsky cited a research study done by the Fairfield County Chess Club that proves the benefits of chess for children like using chess as a classroom tool for a stimulating and rewarding activity that teaches discipline, concentration, planning and other skills. e game also brings basic principles into play like memory, pattern recognition and reasoning, and enhances reading skills, according to the research. “Chess creates a pattern or thinking system that, when used faithfully, breeds success. e chess-playing students had become accustomed to looking for more and different alternatives, which resulted in higher scores in fluency and originality,” as stated in the research summary, which was derived from a study that tested over 400 elementary students. “You can see a difference between what they were like before chess and what they are like now,” Lumelsky added, explaining that the game of chess hones life skills for the elementary kids like logic, self-confidence, decision making and tactical thinking. -Parent volunteer coach Alex Lumelsky ‘Care beyond self:’ Students challenge one another in food drive In the days following a Martin Luther King Jr. Day assembly about economic injustice, students at Kingswood Oxford School were haunted by the information and images that were shared – especially about the prevalence of hunger among children just blocks away in Hartford. So, 18 of these students – two separate “advisee groups” – decided to do something about it. Advisee groups are clusters of 8-10 KO students who meet for a short time during each school day with an adult adviser; they are almost like little families within the larger student body. e adviser, a KO faculty member, helps the students with the full range of intellectual, physical and emotional challenges of teenage life, including homework, stress, time management and social issues. e students in Nancy Solomon’s advisee group started a food drive in response to the MLK Day Assembly and challenged another advisee group, led by history teacher David Baker ’04, to see who could bring in more contributions. By the end, no one seemed to notice who won, because the real winner was the West Hartford Food Pantry, which received 160 food items. “David and I feel that it's important to keep the KO mission and core values in the forefront with our advisees, and we try every day to live up to those tenets,” said Solomon, the KO librarian. “Our food drive challenge demonstrated our commitment to ‘care beyond self,’ one of KO’s core values, and we're both very proud of these 18 students.” Pictured right: Two Kingswood Oxford advisee groups collected 160 items for the West Hartford Food Pantry in response to a Martin Luther King Jr. Day assembly about economic injustice. What Exciting Things Could You Do with a Home Equity Line of Credit? 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March 21, 2013 The West Insurance products are provided by Berkshire Insurance Group, a Berkshire Bank affiliate: insurance and investments products aare re not not FDIC FDIC or or DDIF IF insured, may ins ured, m ay llose ose value value and and aare re nnot ot a bbank ank deposit deposit or gguaranteed. uaranteed. Hartford Press 7 Nutmeg State Orchid Society presents ‘Come See Our Bloomers!’ Photos by Abigail Albair Jamie Bellenoit PhD, LMFT, LLC Counseling for individuals, couples, and families. Make a choice to make a change. 805 Farmington Avenue Office #1 West Hartford, CT 06119 (860) 216-9000 [email protected] 8 The West Hartford Press March 21, 2013 e Nutmeg State Orchid Society held its fourth “Come See Our Bloomers!” show and sale last weekend in the West Hartford Town Hall auditorium. e show was judged by the American Orchid Society. e show chairperson was Diane Dean. e show committee is pictured above. Members include: Society President Jeanne McDermott, Tom McDermott, Alan Stauch, Jeannie Falco, Troy Jordan, Russ Muller, Julie Haverl, Ginna Plude, Walter Doer, Harriett Doer, Darcy Peterson, Sue Lofgren and Jim Lebandowski. e Nutmeg State Orchid Society was awarded best display. Best in Show went to Belle Ribicoff of the Nutmeg State Orchid Society for her dendrobium “Adera Nighi.” e award for best hobbyist-grown went to Susanne Parsons of the Ocean State Orchid Society for her cymbidium “Sleeping Angel.” For more photos and for photos in full color, find e West Hartford Press on Facebook. USJ appoints director of Teaching and Learning Center omas McManus, Ph.D. has been appointed as the inaugural director of the Teaching and Learning Center at the University of Saint Joseph. A Texas native, he has recently relocated to Connecticut and is a resident of Farmington. In his new role, McManus will provide strategic vision and leadership to support faculty development, enrich pedagogical practices and student learning outcomes. His responsibilities will encompass new faculty orientation; the effective use of technology by faculty in all educational settings; assisting faculty in adapting teaching strategies for diverse learners; and supporting the development of professional and scholarly pursuits within the faculty. “McManus brings a wealth of faculty development, administrative and teaching experience along with an impressive record of scholarship to the University of Saint Joseph,” said USJ Provost Michelle M. Kalis, Ph.D. Prior to joining USJ, McManus served as associate professor and director of educational methodology and technology at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa. He was previously an associate professor and department chair of educational leadership at Saginaw Valley State University (University Center, Mich.). McManus was recognized as a Fulbright Scholar in 2001, serving as a lecturer/researcher at the University of Oulu in Finland. In 2004, McManus was a visiting professor at the University of Shikoku in Japan where he taught English and American culture. His background also includes private sector expertise in film and video production for clients such as IBM, Dell and PBS. McManus earned his Ph.D. in instructional technology from the University of Texas at Austin. Additionally, he holds an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction and a B.S. in radio-television-film from the University of Texas at Austin. e Teaching and Learning Center at USJ is partially supported by a grant awarded from the Davis Educational Foundation established by Stanton and Elisabeth Davis after Mr. Davis’ retirement as chairman of Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. We’ve formed a new family to better care for yours. We’re bringing together five of the area’s top physician groups— Hartford Medical Group, Hartford Specialists, Doctors of Central Connecticut, MidState Medical Group and Windham Family Medical Services—in a new, multi-specialty practice: Hartford HealthCare Medical Group. Connecting our practices provides easier access to a broad range of primary and specialty care; and connecting our records helps to ensure that care is well coordinated. With more than 225 physicians, surgeons and advanced practitioners, 60 locations and more than 30 specialties, we’re confident our new family can better care for yours. To make an appointment, call us today at 877-707-4442. HartfordHealthCareMedicalGroup.org March 21, 2013 The West Hartford Press 9 Hoffman SummerWood celebrates Dr. Seuss Children from the Beatrice Fox Auerbach Early Childhood Center, Lollipop Tree Nursery School, Solomon Schechter Day School and Noah’s Ark Preschool attended a Dr. Seuss 109th birthday celebration at Hoffman SummerWood Community on March 3. e children donned red and white “Cat in the Hat” hats as they enjoyed some Dr. Seuss stories read by SummerWood residents Silvia Pasternak and Kayleen Goldstein. After cupcakes and popcorn, the children and their families viewed the movie “e Lorax.” A large number of new and gently used books were collected to be donated to e Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford. For more information, call 860-523-3808 or visit www.hoffmansummerwood.org. Pictured left: Gennifer Delay Pasternak and her daughter Hayden Grace Nelson '14 of Manchester as Maria; on Maria's left, Sophie Brown '19 of West Hartford; on Maria's right, Idalis Garcia '16 of Windsor. Far left, Isabel Fitzsimmons '18 of Hartford; middle left, Elena Wallace '18 of Bloomfeld; top left Zacary Hodkin '17 of Simsbury. Top right, Strother Cech '17 of West Hartford, and bottom far right, Sophia Volpe '16 of West Hartford Courtesy photo Local residents participate in ‘e Sound of Music’ Watkinson School recently presented “e Sound of Music,” written and originally directed by Rodgers & Hammerstein II and a favorite among generations. e ensemble of 35 actors in grades 6-12 played multiple roles with demanding vocals. Watkinson's production was directed by Angela Boratko and under the musical direction of Luke Nelson. Members of the Creative Arts Program, Cyrus Duff, '14, and Katherine Adomeit, '14, both of West Hartford, provided the musical score along with Nelson. Isabel Volpe, '13, played Sister Berthe, while Kate Needle, '13, played Frau Schmidt and Hayley Madigan, '16, was a Nonnberg Abbey nun and Ursula. e role of Liesl Von Trapp was played by Sophia Volpe, '16. Sophie Brown, '19, performed as Gretel Von Trapp, Strother Cech, '17, played Friedrich Von Trapp, along with Jessie Feingold, '15, who played Rolf. GET READY FOR SPRING • Lawn Maintenance • Fertilizing Programs •Plantings, Shrubs, Trees, Plants, Flower Gardens, etc. Walkways • Patios • Driveways, Retaining Walls & Steps • Landscape Design & Installation • New Lawn Installations • Drainage • Poolscapes and more! SAVE $150 on a $900 and over project. exp. 6-30-13. 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KloterFarms.com Klo lo t er F a rms.com Sale Ends 3/23/1 3/23/13 3 March 21, 2013 The West Hartford Press 11 PRESSBUSINESS People on the move Relay For Life of West Hartford co-chair wins national award American Cancer Society Relay For Life of West Hartford co- chair Stephanie Sokolowski is a recipient of the 2013 Sandra C. Labaree New England Volunteer Values Award. Sokolowski’s passion and values live on through this award to support communities in their fight against cancer. She is one of 45 volunteers from throughout New England to receive the award. After just a few short years as a volunteer-at-large, Sokolowski started her own team, became an active committee member, leading to her being the obvious choice for co-chair of the Relay For Life of West Hartford Committee. Her enthusiastic dedication and ability to show appreciation initiated relationships with e Home Depot, TD Bank North, the Knights of Columbus, A Little Something Bakery and many other local businesses. West Hartford Relay For Life will take place on June 1 and 2 at Northwest Catholic High School. Last year, over 500 people participated in the event, which raised more than $140,000 for research, education and patient services. M OO BLE R ED LA 2 B AVAI & 1 ITS UN Boulder Ridge OF CANTON New weight loss clinic helps patients lose pounds By Alison Jalbert Editorial Assistant A new West Hartford business seeks to help residents lose weight in a medically supervised way. Pounds Medical Weight Loss, located at 125 LaSalle Road, has been open since the beginning of the year. Owner Michelle Cavo explained that Pounds is a medically supervised weight loss program. is means they take into account that obesity is a disease and that it is usually a metabolic dysfunction that prevents people from losing weight. Not all Pounds patients are classified as obese. Anyone age 12 and up who wants to lose 10 or more pounds can be a Pounds patient. Cavo said that new patients are given a full physical and health evaluation before starting the program. “Pounds is special because the FDA has now approved a few new By Alison Jalbert Editorial Assistant Parents and caregivers in West Hartford and the Farmington Valley looking for all things kid-friendly can now find that in one place: Hu- Whispering Pines II OF AVON Active Adults 62+ - 1 & 2 bedroom affordable apartments for rent. Income restrictions apply. The Village at Hunter’s Ridge OF UNIONVILLE Active Adults 62+ 1 & 2 bedroom apartments for rent. Units are both affordable with income restrictions and market rate. 1 & 2 bedroom affordable apartments for rent. Income restrictions apply. OF FARMINGTON Active Adults 62+1 & 2 bedroom apartments for rent. Units are both affordable with income restrictions and market rate. Peachtree Village OF AVON Active Adults 62+ 1 & 2 bedroom single-level apartment homes. Fully appl’d kit., gas heat, c. air, washer/dryer. Units both income restricted & market rate. For more information call 860-674-5639 www.metro-realty.com Professionally Managed 12 The West Hartford Press Pounds Medical Weight Loss is located at 125 LaSalle Road in suite 208. The building is located across from Max Burger. Photo by Abigail Albair there is not a lot of thinking, counting or points to keep track of.” Patients are required to come in for a weekly visit to monitor their progress and make any necessary adjustments. e weekly visits provide accountability, Cavo said. Maintenance is also a major part of Pounds’ program, with clients coming back every year to weigh in. Cavo, a West Hartford resident, is a physician’s assistant who worked in primary care for 12 years. She said she got frustrated with hearing overweight patients say, “I know there’s something wrong with my blood,” as they struggled to lose weight. She became certified through the American Society of Bariatric Physicians and decided to “jump and open up a place to help people.” “Weight loss is so overwhelming,” she said. “We simplify the process. We focus on education so you have everything you need to be successful.” Pounds is located at 125 LaSalle Road. For more information, e-mail [email protected], call 860906-1289, or visit www.poundsmedicalweightloss.com. Parents launch local online community guide in national network Active Adults 55+ The Village at Yorkshire medications that assist in weight loss. We prescribe them,” Cavo said. “We use medically supervised dietary products to help us with aggressive weight loss.” Patients can expect to lose about three to five pounds a week, which Cavo said is like surgical results without an invasive surgery. Nutritional counseling begins at the start of the program, but exercise is not added until about three to four weeks in. “[e program] is 90 percent diet, 10 percent exercise,” Cavo said. Along with the nutritional counseling, Pounds also offers its patients tips on behavioral modification and ways to maintain the weight loss. Pounds offers a complete menu of grocery store foods. It offers over 90 products from three different companies. Cavo said that every person who comes in gets an individualized program. “We’re not a franchise. … is is an easy program; Financed by CHFA,DECD March 21, 2013 lafrog.com. Hulafrog is a national network of local community guides for parents that offers a daily look at the best activities, destinations, deals and other family resources. Both a Farmington Valley guide, published by Debbie Szczepanski, and a West Hartford guide, published by Annie Steckroth, are now available for area parents. According to a press release, Hulafrog was launched in 2010 by two entrepreneur mothers in the New York City area who were looking for a better way to keep track of all there was for kids to do in their community. Since then, local Hulafrog sites have developed across the country. Each site is run by a mother, who is the site’s publisher, as a part-time business that covers about a dozen towns within a 15mile radius. Steckroth said Hulafrog sites list child-friendly events, activities and restaurants, as well as a list of pediatricians and pediatric dentists. “is is not just an activity site,” she said. Szczepanski explained that each Hulafrog site has a directory component and a calendar component. Along with events in area towns, the Hulafrog sites highlight significant events happening outside the 20-mile radius, such as a kid-friendly show at the Oakdale eatre in Wallingford MAGLIERI construction & paving inc. 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Szczepanski said when her oldest child was born, she remembers “scouring the Internet” for things to do. “ere are so many great local businesses to go to, but I had to piece things together from different websites to make our day complete,” she said. Steckroth started using Hulafrog with one of its New Jersey sites, which is where she lived in between her husband’s naval stations. She would wake up and go into Hulafrog to see what she and her kids were going to do for the day. “Hulafrog centralizes everything in one place,” she said. “We probably have about 15-20 events a day.” For the Farmington Valley Hulafrog page, visit farmingtonvalley.hulafrog.com. For the West Hartford Hulafrog page, visit westhartford.hulafrog.com. PRESSNews Van Winkle gives budget proposal Spending increase the lowest in 21 years By Abigail Albair Editor Town Manager Ron Van Winkle presented his sixth budget in his position with the town of West Hartford – one that reflects the lowest spending increase in more than two decades – to the Town Council last week. “I’m personally very proud of the work we’ve done together over the past five years and you should be, too,” he told the Council on Tuesday, March 12, noting the economic recession the country has endured over that time. “If financial market storms weren’t enough, Mother Nature had several surprises for us,” he added, referencing both Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012 as well as the freak October snowstorm in 2011 and the most recent blizzard just over a month ago. “We have persevered and managed our way through these trying times,” he said, adding that union negotiations on the board side resulted in changes that will benefit the budget and he anticipates the same will be true on the town side. “We’ve run surpluses in the budget over the years – not deficits – and we expect and will have surplus this coming year.” e fiscal year 2013-14 budget he proposed totals $241,554,357 and reflects a 1.58 percent increase, the lowest increase in 21 years. e new mill rate would be See BUDGET on page 15 Lambing season on the farm Westmoor Park welcomed two new additions earlier this month when Daphne, a ewe, gave birth to Tenley and Katie, both female lambs. They are currently being kept inside, but "as the weather warms and they gain strength, they will be out and about in the farmyard," a post on the park's website reads. The park is a self-funded environmental education center located on Flagg Road. Farm Day will be held at Westmoor Park Saturday, May 18. Courtesy photo Oldest Orthodox Jewish synagogue in the area turns 125 By Alison Jalbert Editorial Assistant A common Jewish blessing is to wish another person to live until 120. Congregation Agudas Achim in West Hartford will be celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. “Celebrating 125 years is like taking a glimpse beyond someone’s life,” Rabbi Ari Weiss said. Agudas Achim, located at 1244 North Main St., opened Oct. 4, 1887, according to synagogue President Gary Sigal. It originated in Hartford, where it was in three separate locations before moving to the North Main Street building 44 years ago. Over the synagogue’s 125 years, 10 rabbis have provided leadership to the congregation. e synagogue’s first rabbi, Isaac Hurewitz, served for 42 years, from 1893 to 1935. e second longest-serving rabbi was Abraham AvRutick, who held the position for 36 years from 1946 to 1982. Weiss, who has served as rabbi for four years, said Agudas Achim has always been blessed with outstanding leadership. “ere has been something spectacular about the various spiritual leadership over the years; the lay leadership as well. e board has always been very committed and devoted,” he said. Agudas Achim is the oldest orthodox Jewish synagogue in the Hartford area, Weiss said. “As a newcomer, I’m always struck by the history that this synagogue really has within the Jewish See SYNAGOGUE on page 15 BEST PLACE FOR DINNER & LIVE MUSIC Route 44 • Norfolk, Connecticut Bistro on the Mezz Dine on the Mezzanine before or during any show! Toll Free 1-866-666-6306 • InfinityHall.com 860-542-5531 • InfinityBistro.com AMY HELM JOAN OSBORNE w/ Jill Andrews Fri. 3/29 • 8:00 PM Sat. 3/30 • 8:00 PM THE SECOND CITY Thu. 4/4 • 8:00 PM JANE MONHEIT Fri. 4/5 • 8:00 PM PAULA POUNDSTONE Sat. 4/6 • 8:00 PM AN EVENING WITH RENAISSANCE Wed. 4/10 • 8:00 PM w/ Kerri Powers March 21, 2013 The West Hartford Press 13 CIP proposal includes school security improvements, repairs to roads and bridges By Abigail Albair Editor More than 250 people attend 2013 Greater Hartford MS Taste of Hope National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, President Lisa Gerrol (left) poses with Peter Wade, M.D., and his wife, Joyce, while at the 2013 Greater Hartford MS Taste of Hope, held March 13 at The Society Room in Hartford. More than 250 people attended, helping to raise almost $17,000 to benefit people in Connecticut battling the potentially debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis. Gerrol lives in West Harford. Peter Wade, who is medical director of neurology at The Mandell Center for Comprehensive MS Care, and his wife reside in Farmington. For more information on multiple sclerosis and the many ways the National MS Society assists people living with MS, visit www.ctfightsMS.org. Courtesy photo As part of the proposed 201314 fiscal year budget, $72,350,000 in capital improvement project funding is proposed for the years 2014 and 2015. Of the total project amount proposed, $40,334,000, or 56 percent, is to be funded through bonds, $2,068,000, or 3 percent, is to be funded through the Capital and NonRecurring Expenditure Fund, and $29,948,000, or 41 percent, is to be funded through grants according to the budget proposal. “e Capital Improvement Program for fiscal years 2014 and 2015 continues the long-term commitment to the maintenance of public schools, roads, storm sewers, parks and other public infrastructure,” the proposed budget document reads. “In addition, it addresses several new projects such as school security improvements ($250,000), a new financial management system ($1 million), and repairs to the North Main Street ($400,000) and Still Road bridges ($250,000).” Transportation and circulation projects account for $9,248,000 of FREE LECTURE SERIES u d cing o r t n I 3D Mammography the plan over the two years, parks and recreation accounts for $2,184,000, town building improvements accounts for $2,930,000 and other miscellaneous improvements account for $5,093,000. Education accounts for the largest portion totaling $52,895,000, but $45 million of that amount is a placeholder for the Charter Oak School project. After state funding, it is anticipated that the local cost will be $16,650,000, officials have said. Included under transportation and circulation, in addition to street resurfacing and arterial and neighborhood street reconstruction among other things, traffic system management accounts for $366,000 of the cost in year one. In the past six years, 43 of the town’s traffic signals were replaced, according to the proposal. ree of the remaining 17 need to be replaced, and the goal is to replace one every other year beginning with the signal at the intersection of King Philip Drive and Mohawk Drive for $200,000. Also included is a proposed increase of $100,000 for relamping in the downtown area of Farmington Avenue, LaSalle Road and South Main Street to inprove energy efficiency via LED lighting. Asbestos removal, heating and ventilation system upgrades, school building improvements, athletic field improvements, and stage and auditorium renovations are all included as education capital projects. Additionally, a partial roof replacement will be done at Conard High School and masonry repairs will be done at Sedgwick Middle School in 2014. In 2015, a partial roof replacement will be done at King Philip Middle School, and masonry repair will be done at Sedgwick and Hall High School. School security improvements will include card access entry systems, exterior lock changes, installation of a “panic button” and automatic buildingwide notification systems at all schools. Exterior camera systems at secondary schools will also be upgraded to provide for secure Internet access to video by administrative and public safety personnel. In Parks and Recreation, improvements and renovations will be made to Cornerstone Pool, and repairs will be made to outdoor pools and playscapes, among other things. Also included in the capital improvement plan are the purchase of a new pumper/ladder truck for the fire department in year one and a quint, and a combination ladder truck and pumper truck, in year two. “e town’s capital program has always to a large extent been a financially driven program that carefully considers the community ability to pay along with the assessment of our capital needs,” the proposal reads. “is recommended program reflects the reconsideration of the community’s ability to pay within the content of the current economic conditions.” e Town Council will adopt the Capital Improvement Plan separately when it adopts the fiscal year 2013-2014 budget in April. “I have peace of mind and mom’s happy...” Friday Friday, y, April 5 – 10 to o 11 a.m. Avon Library A von Free Public Librar Librrary Country 281 Countr y Club Road, Ro oad, Avon, Avon, CT There’ss a new tool that’ There’ that’ss improving imprroving breast cancer screening by detecting de etecting the tiniest of abnor malities using 3D technology, techno ology, and it’s it’s only available at the UConn Health Center. 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To T o register register, r, call 800-535-6232 800-535-6232. 263 Farmington Avenue Farmington, CT 06030 www.uchc.edu 160 Simsbur Simsburyy Road, W West est Hartford rtford www.hoffmansummerwood.org www.hoffmansummerwood.org ood.org A member off the Hebrew Health Care family family. y. 14 The West Hartford Press March 21, 2013 BUDGET from page 13 36.35, an increase of .06 of a mill or 1.68 percent from the current fiscal year. While Van Winkle said, “In the past, the mill rate didn’t reflect necessarily the increase in taxes an individual might pay,” the 1.68 percent will be the actual tax increase. Van Winkle said the budget is driven primarily by the school budget that also reflects a minimal increase: .93 percent, the lowest in at least 30 years, and totals $140.06 million. e town side of the budget totals $87,512,545, an increase of 3.13 percent, while the capital budget totals $13,985,913, a decrease of 1.31 percent. Van Winkle touched on the pension plan, the market value of which has declined since the beginning of the century to just under $150 million. e normal cost of the pension plan has declined since 1998 from 12 to 6 percent, reflecting progress, Van Winkle said. “We have a plan to return the pension fund to health, although we recognize it is in a precarious position,” he said, explaining that last year the town updated longevity tables, reduced the longterm expected investment returns, fully funded the [Annual Required Contribution] and negotiated employee benefit changes. e capital budget is driven by the proposed investment in a new Charter Oak school building that would carry a local cost of $16.65 million after state reimbursements for the $45 million project. Van Winkle referenced the “avoided costs” that come with constructing a new building thereby eliminating certain ongoing renovation costs as a benefit. “From an economic perspective, it makes this somewhat of a no-brainer,” he said. Of the total revenues in the budget, 86.6 percent are taxes. “Property taxes themselves are the workhorse of our system,” Van Winkle said. “We collect 99 percent of the taxes [levied] and will continue to project this collection rate.” Other revenues include $20.8 million in intergovernmental revenues, $4.79 million in charges for services and $1.95 million in miscellaneous dollars. e grand list has increased by what Van Winkle called a “relatively slow” .23 percent, or $13,564,933, to a total of $5,893,896,106. A problem for West Hartford will be the fact that the grand list is becoming dominated by the value of realty, Van Winkle said. “We used to tax manufacturers’ equipment ... at was taken away last year and a reimbursement was given to us, which the governor’s budget this year takes away,” he said. ... “at which we tax is shrinking.” He referenced the governor’s currently proposed car tax elimination, which would eliminate the tax on cars assessed below $20,000 and would be mandatory by the summer of 2015 – a plan which is not considered in the 2013-14 proposed budget as it has not yet passed the legislature. He said that of the 47,090 vehicles on the 2012 grand list, 93 percent of cars registered were below the $20,000 mark. e governor’s plan would therefore reduce tax collections by $14,978,000, which could result in an increase of 2.77 mills on real estate and personal property, an increase of 7.7 percent. “We’re sort of stuck,” Van Winkle said regarding the need to rely on realty. “If we can grow our grand list, we can increase our tax base … but we’re a fully [developed] town. … Obviously, we’re never going to be able to do a new Blue Back Square.” Regarding the budget overall, Van Winkle said, “I think we’ve really made some great progress. We can’t turn this organization in a moment and we really have been able to make some adjustments to our budget to get us into a better place.” Two public hearings will be held on the budget: March 28 at 2 p.m. and April 11 at 6 p.m. e budget is scheduled to be adopted April 23. “We have done well and we should be proud of our ability to withstand swings and arrows of outrageous misfortune and bounce back,” Van Winkle said. “I’m proud to be your town manager.” SYNAGOGUE from page 13 community in Hartford.” He said he finds it interesting that just three years before the synagogue opened, Mark Twain was penning his classic novel “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” “He was living down the street.” e history of Hartford and its Jewish community can be traced through the synagogue, Weiss said. “All the things that happened in Hartford went through the synagogue. is is a historic occasion and a historic location.” Agudas Achim marked the historic occasion with a celebration Sunday, March 17. e evening consisted of an address by the congregation’s former spiritual leader, Rabbi Shlomo Yaffe, and a keynote address by Rabbi Avi Weiss of Riverdale, N.Y. Sigal described Avi Weiss as being very prominent in the Jewish community. “He has a different perspective from some people.” Rabbi Ari Weiss is Avi Weiss’ nephew, but he said having his uncle speak at Agudas Achim was a great honor. “He’s a world-renowned speaker and in very high demand. He’s known for his activism, both Jewish and on every front. He used to rally when it was not popular. … We’re proud to be Not all Organics are Equal “Most people don’t make decisions looking 125 years in the future. We’re very blessed to be in this position.” -Rabbi Ari Weiss able to feature him at such an event.” Avi Weiss has been vocal on many issues, Weiss explained. He was an early leader of the Student Struggle for Soviet Jewry in 1964, working to free Russian Jews who were not allowed to emigrate during Soviet leadership. “He protests wherever a voice was needed,” Weiss said, which relates to the mission of Agudas Achim. e synagogue’s byline is “warm and welcoming,” and Weiss said that his uncle’s idea and mission is defined in the synagogue. “Everything he does reflects a lot in what we believe. Grandview Farms Equestrian Center Organic Lawn, Tree & Shrub Care 280 South Road, Harwinton CT 06791 Under new ownership • No Bridge Products • No Biosolids • No Organic BASED products (860) 243-8733 HarringtonsOrganic.com Organic since 1987 FREE Soil Test and Consultation* with an Annual Program a $79 value when you sign up for one of our annual organic land care programs. Expires 5/31/13. We have signs in front of the synagogue for Darfur and Israel. When nobody else was putting up signs, we put up signs. We thought there should be a voice.” Both Sigal and Weiss are proud of the synagogue’s anniversary. “We do a wonderful job and make people’s lives better,” Sigal said. “We hope to continue doing this for years to come.” Weiss thought that the anniversary reflects the idea of history and the history of a community. “People sometimes take it for granted that you can trace [a community] back generations. ere are a lot of communities that can’t boast that. It’s a testimony to our history.” Weiss said he wondered if the people who started the synagogue in 1887 ever thought that it would last for 125 years. “Most people don’t make decisions looking 125 years in the future. 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ELITE FLOORING SPECIALISTS 930 Meriden-Waterbury Tpke. Southington, CT 06479 860-426-9774 Three two-week sessions ons are offered Session nI Session II n III Session July July July 1 – J u y 12 ul July July July 15 5–J uly 26 July 29 29 – A August 9 July Bus service and extended hours urs rs options ons are available. 860.768 68.44 68.4 4432 32 March 21, 2013 The West Hartford Press 15 PRESSOPINION EDITORIAL West Hartford lost one of its greatest supporters when Richard Patrissi passed away on March 7. During his 76-year lifetime, Patrissi had five children and 10 grandchildren: but he will be missed by not just family and friends, but an entire community through which his presence resonated, even to those who never knew him personally. Patrissi lived in West Hartford all his life. He graduated from Hall High School where he served as class president in 1955. He owned Patrissi Nursery for many years in town. He was a member of the Chamber and various committees and he led revitalization efforts in the Park Road area by, among other things, chairing the Park Road Parade and organizing and serving as vice president of the Park Road Association. Dubbed unofficially the “Mayor of Park Road,” Patrissi was loved by many. In 2008 he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Park Road Association for his dedication to the neighborhood. Mayor Scott Slifka said last week before asking for a moment of silence to begin the Town Council meeting on March 12 in Patrissi’s memory, “We lost one of our own and perhaps maybe the best guy any of us had ever met.” He spoke of how Patrissi served the town regardless of party designation and how he influenced so many celebrations of town pride. Slifka called Patrissi an extraordinary man, West Hartford’s greatest supporter and, arguably, most importantly, he called him a friend. Even to those who never knew him, or those who spoke with him only briefly in passing, the legacy he left is already extremely evident in the words of those who grieve for him and the memories they share. It is not the grief, but the joy that the community must carry forward. Do not take the celebrations that this man poured his heart and soul into for granted. It is clear that he loved his hometown and believed in all that was good in it. He had pride as a business owner and for the business owners, and dedicated so much of his life to sharing his devotion to West Hartford with others. West Hartford lost one of its greatest supporters. It is important that the community keep his spirit alive; that all remember him with each Park Road Parade and every day. It is important that everyone works to keep West Hartford the place Richard Patrissi helped it to be. 16 The West Hartford Press West Hartford Honor the memory of Richard Patrissi PRESS 540 Hopmeadow St. Simsbury, CT 06070 Phone 860-651-4700 Fax 860-606-9599 www.WestHartfordPress.com guest column Mermaid for a day: my experience swimming with dolphins By Abigail Albair Editor Doesn’t every little girl at one time or another imagine herself as a mermaid, swimming with the dolphins? Maybe not, but then I suppose my confession of the day is that I did imagine myself as such. As a young child, I fancied myself a future marine biologist until I realized I was more of a Walt Whitman than a Jacques Cousteau. My grades in English far surpassed those in any of the sciences, but I did have an undying love for certain creatures of the sea. For years I hung onto the dream of one day swimming with the dolphins. Given the fact that I cannot breathe under water and thus stay submerged for long periods of time while I flip my nonexistent fins, once I finally had the chance at this swimming with flipper experience, it wasn’t quite the gliding underwater with one hand gripping the dolphin’s dorsal fin that I had pictured. But it was magical. To begin with, I had imagined that dolphins would feel like rubber to the touch. eir dark, gray skin seems as though it must be so sturdy, but in reality, dolphins feel more delicate that human adults. As part of my swimming with the dolphins experience on Blue Lagoon Island in the Bahamas, one of the two adult female dolphins my group swam with passed in front of us as we floated in a line donning life jackets and allowed us to gently rub our hand along first its back and then it’s belly. Its body was as soft as a baby’s and gave to slight pressure as a down comforter or pillow does. e dolphins were playful. Each time they accomplished a task their trainer commanded them to, they jumped in the air – one reaching 25 feet in height – and clicked and whistled at one another. Each of the dolphins had a baby that swam in the same cove as us, though as these young ones were not fully trained, we were not permitted to interact with them. However, they would occasionally almost tease us by swimming near us and brushing against us. On more than one occasion, one of the babies – either feeling neglected or simply bored – used its nose to toss a ball at the trainers who were working with us and our adult dolphin partners. At one point, the ball caught a trainer off guard and bounced off March 21, 2013 her shoulder. She laughed. “Not right now, we’re working,” she said to the baby. After we became acquainted with our dolphin friends, we first were able to hug them. Two at a time we came forward and stretched out our arms toward them. Suddenly, they dove down and then popped out of the water, resting their heads on our shoulders. As I wrapped my arms around my dolphin, I was startled by its size as it floated vertically against me in the water. It’s tail extended below my toes and I reveled for a moment in the full body hug. Next, the dolphins retrieved a small fish from their trainer and brought it to us. We were meant to hold it up in the air and they would jump to take it from us. A bird dove at my husband and snatched the fish from him, much to his dolphin partner’s dismay. “Did he let your fish get stolen?” the trainer said to the dolphin. “Tell him to get it together.” e dolphin eagerly turned and began spitting water at Mike and clicking at him. We then had the chance to dance with the dolphins. As we tapped our hands on the water’s surface, they popped up and allowed as to grab their fins as they rapidly moved their tails, bopping back and forth and occasionally doing a full spin. e dolphins kissed us on the cheek and “giggled” at us and let us touch their teeth. It was amazing, but nothing was as thrilling as the grand finale. Each one of us was sent out into the middle of the cove where we floated on our stomach with our arms stretched out in front of us and our feet behind us, toes pointing toward the ocean floor. Suddenly, both dolphins in perfect synchronization each placed their nose on the bottom of one of my feet and began to push me forward. For several yards I traveled this way, the top half of my body curved up out of the water as the dolphins carried me away. I wasn’t quite a mermaid, but I felt like King Triton in his chariot pulled by dolphins. It was a feeling unlike anything I’ve ever had before. e intelligence and emotion of the dolphins that I experienced in a mere 45 minutes was overwhelming and incredible: something I hope I have the chance to encounter again. The West Hartford Press is a publication of Valley Press Publishing Inc. Delivering local news, sports, entertainment and more to the West Hartford community. Abigail Albair Editor [email protected] David Heuschkel Sports Editor [email protected] Melissa Friedman Advertising Director 860-978-1345 [email protected] Chris Melnyk Advertising representative [email protected] Barbara Ouellette Classified Sales [email protected] FOLLOW US ON THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special. Jim Valvano PRESSSports Matters By Scott Gray Left: Hall right-hander Jacob Kochen, in the foreground, and Aaron Jones were among the eight pitchers who threw off a mound inside the school gymnasium March 12 during the weeklong conditioning period. Right: The baseball season doesn’t start until April 3, but Northwest Catholic pitcher Zach Niziolek had his game face on last week during a five-day conditioning stint. Photos by David Heuschkel It’s beginning to sound a lot like baseball season By David Heuschkel Sports Editor e sound of a splash signaled the official end to the winter sports season for the West Hartford high schools as swimmers and divers from Conard, Hall and Northwest Catholic competed in the state championship meets last week. is week, the crack of a bat and the smacking sound of a ball hitting a glove indicated that the spring season is just around the corner. March 18 officially marked the first day baseball, softball and other teams could begin holding full-squad practices. e CIAC, the statewide sanctioning body for high school sports, allowed baseball teams to work on conditioning and other drills. Pitchers and catchers at Conard, Hall and Northwest began throwing and receiving inside the school gymnasiums on March 11. “To me, this is the most important part of the year,” Conard coach Ty Bongiovanni said. “is is the only time we get to focus solely on pitching.” Conard had four indoor mounds and Hall used three. Northwest Catholic pitchers threw on the flat wooden floor. “We do a lot of running, a lot of conditioning and kind of simulated bullpen [work],” Northwest coach Cory Carlson said. “It’s my 10th year doing it, so we stick with the program that works for us.” e Indians have one of the top pitchers in the CCC West, Fairfield-bound righthander Mac Crispino. Northwest Catholic also has one of the biggest hurlers, 6-foot-6 John Arel. Connor Dunn, a promising sophomore, rounds out a strong rotation. “We’ve got our whole pitching staff back,” Carlson said. “We got some other guys See BASEBALL on page 19 New lacrosse coach at NW Catholic is a pro By David Heuschkel Sports Editor Peter Vlahakis has been playing lacrosse since the third grade. e Long Island native played at a high level in high school and college. He’s played professionally for the past decade and plans on resuming his career this summer for a team in Canada. Most recently, he played indoor lacrosse for the Boston Rockhoppers. His resume also includes coaching, both in high school and college. So, Vlahakis had strong credentials to become the new head coach at Northwest Catholic. He was appointed to the position over the winter. He succeeds Chris Gallagher, who began the program 12 years ago. When the coaching position was vacated following Gallagher’s departure last year, Vlahakis, who had moved to West Hartford in September 2011, decided to apply for it. “I love the area,” Vlahakis said. But Vlahakis will be a familiar face on the sidelines and in the immediate area. Last spring, he was a few blocks away from Wampanoag Road, coaching the JV team at Hall and occasionally working with the varsity squad, coached by Phil Orzech. “I’m definitely going to come in more organized right from the get-go,” said Vlahakis, who also assisted Orzech at Central Connecticut State University. “I’ve seen the level of play. I know what to expect.” In some ways, though, Vlahakis feels he is starting from scratch. “I’m coming in pretty cold,” he said. Vlahakis began to impart his vast knowledge of the sport See LACROSSE on page 19 You'd think we'd know better by now, but we don't. Every year, we get drawn in again, believing our head-scratching, brain-wracking, watched-everygame-we-could-absorb-beforeour-brain-turned-to-mush analysis of all things college basketball is going to beat the receptionist who doesn't know basketball from water polo but has a particular fondness for certain uniform colors in the office bracketology pool. Never has happened, never will happen. e more you know about college basketball, the worse your chances of filling in the most accurate bracket. Knowing too much leads to way too much second-guessing. With that in mind, here's a brief primer on what you can pretty much expect every year from the men's NCAA basketball tournament. 1. "First round" is an arbitrary designation. e NCAA refers to the four games in Dayton, Ohio, on Tuesday and Wednesday as the first round. ose games in Dayton serve myriad purpsoses for the NCAA, none of them has anything to do with providing competition for any round beyond the round of 64 teams. e "First Round" (NCAA definition) teams give the NCAA an opportunity to brag a little about how many mid-major teams now get at-large berths. ose teams are like Woolworth's turtles (remember them?). Don't give them names, they won't be around long. In this case their names are Liberty, North Carolina A&T, LIU and James Madison, mid-majors who earned automatic berths by winning their conference tournaments, and Middle Tennessee State, Saint Mary's of California, Boise State and LaSalle, mid-major at-large entries, of which there are 11 this year for the NCAA to brag about. e four "First Round" games in Dayton give the NCAA four extra games to sell to television. Translation: It's all about the money. To college basketball purists, the real "First Round" tips off on ursday. 2. A number one seeding is no guarantee of success. As recently as two years ago, UConn came out of the bottom half of its bracket to win the entire tournament. A lot of it has to do with which team is hot at the moment, but then, hot against what kind of competition? UConn entering the tournament off five straight wins in the Big East Tournament is a far cry from Albany going in off five straight wins in the America East. But, that can also be a double-edged sword. A team coming into the tournament out of the Big East Tournament is likely to be a bit more beat up than a team coming out of the comparatively gentle PAC 12 or Conference USA. 3. Speaking of double-edged swords, pay particular attention to veteran teams. A team primarily made up of juniors and seniors may have been to the tournament before, but players who play four years in college aren't the same talent level as freshmen and sophomores over whom NBA teams are salivating come draft time. It's hard to take a veteran team to a tournament when your freshmen and sophomores are being picked off every year. A good example of that philosophy this year could come up in the South region, where I expect top seed Kansas and 2nd seed Georgetown to advance all the way through to the final. Georgetown's key player is sophomore Otto Porter Jr. Kansas is See GRAY MATTERS on page 19 March 21, 2013 The West Hartford Press 17 Boys swimming: top three finishes for Warren, DiBella; top 10 for Conard, Hall By Reid L. Walmark Correspondent MIDDLETOWN – e two West Hartford public high schools finished a bit lower than a year ago at the CIAC Class L boys swimming and diving championships March 12 at Wesleyan University, though each placed in the top 10 among the 21 teams competing. Conard, which placed fourth a year ago, slipped to seventh place with 356 points. e Chieftains were two spots better than Hall, which finished ninth (284). e Warriors were eighth a year ago. Conard senior Chris Warren finished third in the 100 backstroke (53.65 seconds), improving his finish and time from last year when he was sixth (55.29), and also took third place in the 100 butterfly (52.85). Both times were personal bests, Conard coach John Smachetti said. “No one works harder than Chris both in the water and out of the water with his dry-land training. He had an excellent day. He was All-State in both,” Smachetti said. “He’s still chasing the school record in the backstroke. He’s within 0.35 of a second. It would be a nice way for him to end his high school career [in the State Open] by taking that record down.” “My goal was to be in the 52s,” Warren said. “If I did my time, I’d be happy no matter what [place].” Hall senior Jacob DiBella also swam a personal best and broke his school record by finishing second in the 500 freestyle (4:42.15), eclipsing his previous mark of 4:42.54 he set in last year’s Class L meet. DiBella was a couple body lengths behind Wilton sophomore Stephen Holmquist (4:40.23) and edged Wilton senior Mason Molina (4:42.16) for second. In plain view, it appeared to be a tie, but the digital timing gave second to DiBella, who was also the runner-up in the Class L 500 free Hall senior Jacob DiBella finished second in the 500-yard freestyle (4:42.15) at the Class L swimming and diving champiPhoto by David Heuschkel onships March 12, breaking his own school record (4:42.54) he set as a junior. last year. DiBella placed eighth in the 200 freestyle as well. His senior teammate, Charles Blaschinski, was eighth in the diving on March 6 at Wesleyan. Ethan Swain was fifth in the 100-yard breaststroke and seventh in the butterfly. Brendan McClure finished eighth in the backstroke. In the relays, Hall finished fifth in the 200-yard medley relay with DiBella, juniors Swain, McClure and Ethan Freund. The Warriors were one place ahead of Conard, which had Warren, freshman John Rinald, senior Tyree Seymour and junior Ryan Josiah. Hall (DiBella, senior Aaron Meyers-Weinerman, Freund, McClure) was seventh and Conard (sophomore Christian Bouzyk, junior David Walsh, Josiah, Warren) eighth in the 400 freestyle relay. Conard was 10th and Hall 12th in the 200 freestyle relay. No other Chieftains, besides Warren, placed in the top eight in any individual events. Conard, though, outscored Hall with more points from more finishes in the two slower heats of eight swimmers. Those heats were each worth fewer points than the fastest heat reserved for the swimmers with the eight best times from the trials. Johnny’s Jog e third annual Johnny’s Jog for Charity 5K is scheduled for March 23 in West Hartford Center. e event is inspired by Johnny Moran, the 6-year-old son of West Hartford residents Dan and Laura Moran who has battled an unknown neuromuscular condition since birth. Proceeds from the St. Patrick’s Day-themed event will benefit three local nonprofit children’s organizations: Sadie Martinez First Tee Outstanding Participant e Covenant Preparatory School of Hartford, e Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation and e Miracle League of Connecticut. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.; the 5K starts at 11 a.m. Free parking will be provided at the Town Hall outdoor lot at 50 South Main St. To register for the 5K, make a donation, or to inquire about corporate sponsorship visit www.johnnysjog.com. Northwest Catholic senior Sadie Martinez, a member of the girls’ golf team, was chosen as the lone representative from Connecticut to attend the inaugural First Tee Outstanding Participant Leadership Summit from Feb. 28 to March 2 in Nashville, Tenn. Her selection was based on academic achievement, community service, chapter involvement with the First Tee of Connecticut, leadership, essay responses and letters of recommendation. She has been a member of the First Team of Connecticut since she was 7. Courtesy photo NEVER SEAL YOUR GRANITE COUNTERTOPS AGAIN! Permanently Seals Stain Proof - No Etching Maintenance Free Lifetime Warranty Marble Polishing Grout Cleaning Grout Coloring Natural Stone Restoration Polishing • Honing • Deep Cleaning • Countertops • Floors & Showers HOD 0000962 STONE &TILE SERVICES ZIGGY OSKWAREK 860-913-4473 P.O. BOX 433, AVON, CT 06001 EMAIL: [email protected] Visit us at stonepolishingct.com NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS 18 The West Hartford Press March 21, 2013 S1-0300612 Cell: 860-558-5948 Office: 860-728-5431 Fax: 860-528-4321 [email protected] We are there when you need us. Automatic Delivery. Competitive Prices. We are a full service heating oil company. Michael J. Deitch, 40 Woodland Street (Rear), Hartford, Ct 06105 Retail Fuel Distributor • HVAC Sales & Service Attention high school coaches: West Hartford Press spring sports preview forms were emailed to coaches earlier this week. Please take a few minutes to complete and return to sports editor David Heuschkel at [email protected]. There will be several new faces on the mound for the Hall High baseball team this spring. The pitchers went through the motions inside the school gymnasium last week, practicing their delivery to the plate under the watchful eyes of new pitching coach Nick Winn. BASEBALL from page 17 who might throw. We’ve got six guys who can chuck it.” Conard senior right-hander Charlie Fisher resumes his role as the No. 1 starter for the Chieftains. LACROSSE from page 17 this week when the Indians held their first official practice under the new coach. It began with a 30-minute Power Point presentation before heading to the field at St. omas Seminary. “I’m very organized with paying attention to details. e motto is play hard, play smart, play together,” Vlahakis said. “I don’t focus on winning. I focus on those three things, and, hopefully, if you do those things you will win. I don’t go out and say we need to win, win, win.” Northwest went 9-8 last year, GRAY MATTERS from page 17 stocked with veterans. Georgetown plays offense at a deliberate pace and defense with alarming ferocity, Kansas has been struggling (see primer subheading #2). I'm picking Georgetown to survive to the final four. 4. All the top seeds advancing to the final four is as rare as feet on fish. If you have all the number one seeds advancing to the final four, you're likely to lose someone along the way who's going to cost you a lot of wins as the brackets play out. Most prognosticators make their selections on which top seeds won't make it based on the difficulty of the bracket; the more difficult the bracket, the more likely the top seed will get knocked out. I take an opposite view. I believe the greater the challenge, the more likely the cream will rise to the top. This year's most difficult bracket is the East, with five past national champi- Conard pitcher Charlie Fisher isn’t throwing in the towel. However, he is working on his extension and building muscles by slapping a towel in the glove of a teammate. He’ll be throwing to All-State catcher Brendon Rossmeisl. Max Vogel-Freedman, a junior lefthander, is also expected to take a regular turn in the rotation. Unlike his counterparts at Conard and Northwest Catholic, Hall coach Jeff Billing has to fill the top two pitchers. All-CCC West pitcher George Lund and Pat Kearney graduated, as did catcher T.J. Cook. Among the pitchers competing for spots in the rotation are Zach Dobbins, Neil Kelley, Aaron Jones, Jacob Kochen and Patrick McHale. losing to Ledyard in the first round of the Division S state tournament. e Indians open April 4 against Conard. “I don’t think Northwest has ever beaten them,” Vlahakis said. “I actually played summer league with a lot of Conard guys that I have become friends with.” Vlahakis said two of them, Hoang Vu and John Frobel, will be his assistants. Both played at Central Connecticut State University and were all-conference players. Vlahakis said he will stress up-tempo game and preach the importance of transition. He wants his players to push right off the faceoff. His experience – expertise, really – of winning draws will be a huge benefit to the team. In college, Vlahakis played at Fairfield and was the school’s alltime leader in faceoff wins and percentage. After graduating in 2004, he played in Major League Lacrosse and set several MLL faceoff records, including career wins and percentage. “We’re going to spend a lot of time on that every day,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot. I’m going to kind of use a lot of box, indoor game, hybrid style. It should be pretty exciting.” ons and three other teams that have advanced to a regional final. But in many cases, that's ancient history and, while quality programs do have a tendency to regenerate themselves, the past has little bearing on the here and now. I have the top seed in the East, Indiana, advancing to the final four, one of only two top seeds I string out that far, Louisville being the other, from the Midwest. I have Louisville beating West number two seed Ohio State and Indiana beating Georgetown to advance to the final, where I have Louisville winning it all. 5. And this is the most important part of this primer. The chances of anyone picking a perfect bracket are 9.2 quintillion to one. Your chances of analyzing all this information and beating the receptionist in the office pool are worse than that. Math & Science Tutoring All Levels including SAT/ACT Test Prep 860-833-6252 [email protected] • www.Just-solve-It-math-tutor.com 10 Dale Street, 2nd Floor, West Hartford, CT 06117 Photos by David Heuschkel “I think the most important part of [conditioning week] is learning the routines,” Billing said. “e guys are going through the drills that they need to do.” e Warriors are scheduled to play their season opener April 3 at Weaver. Conard and Northwest Catholic also open on the road that day. e Chieftains play East Hartford and the Indians travel to Manchester. e second annual Mayor’s Cup Classic between Hall and Conard is May 3 at the University of Hartford’s Fiondella Field. All-American girl Northwest Catholic senior Sarah Gillespie took home a medal and earned All-American honors when she finished fifth in the mile race at the New Balance Indoor Track and Field Nationals March 10 in New York. Her time was 4:52.53, a personal best for an indoor event. The top six finishers in all the events were named All-American. Courtesy photo FREE SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH ANY INSTALLATION* *Expires 3/31/2013 (only one coupon per order, mention coupon at time of call) “We offer Duct Cleaning as well!” www.ductworkshvac.com 860-621-6295 Lic # S1-0400300, S1-400301, SM1-5943 March 21, 2013 The West Hartford Press 19 To submit an event for the calendar, e-mail Sally at [email protected] Pops ‘n Jazz Pops ‘n Jazz, featuring Hall High School’s jazz bands, dancers and singers, continues ThursdaySaturday, March 21-23 in the school’s auditorium, 975 North Main St. Doors open at 7 p.m., performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Scott Wendholt (trumpet) will be the invited guest March 21 and Gregg Kallor (piano) March 22. The King Philip Jazz Band will perform March 21 and the Sixth Dimension March 22. Tickets are $15 and available at the Hall High box office. following, for info call 860-233-9696: • Shabbat Experience Saturday, March 23, 10:45 a.m., grades K-2 • Tumbling with Torah Saturday, March 23, 11 a.m. (860-233-9891) • The Jews of China with Dr. and Rabbi Richard Freund Wednesday, April 3, noon-2 p.m., R.S.V.P. by March 29 to Lois Reiner at 860-233-6507 or Dr. Morton Goldberg at 860-523-0608 • Family Service and Shabbat Dinner Friday, April 5, 6 p.m., R.S.V.P by noon on April 4 Kindergarten registration For those who have a child who will be eligible to enter kindergarten in the fall of 2013 (he or she will be 5 years of age on or before Jan. 1, 2014), plan on attending the kindergarten parent orientation night at the elementary school where the child will be enrolled. Whiting Lane School, 47 Whiting Lane, orientation will be Thursday, March 21 at 6 p.m. Contact the school so that the child’s name can be added to the list of incoming kindergarten students. Johnny’s Jog for Charity 5K Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in “style” while benefiting three non-profit children’s organizations – Covenant Preparatory School of Hartford, Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation and the Miracle League of Connecticut. Come out to run, walk, push strollers or just be festive Saturday, March 23 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The event starts and finishes at Town Hall, 50 South Main St. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. There will be bagpipers, prizes for best Irish garb, face painting, Irish music and dancing and more. An afterparty will be hosted by McLadden’s Irish Publick House in West Hartford Center. For registration, donation or corporate sponsorship, visit www.johnnysjog.com. Horticultural Society’s Eat the View Learn from Roger Doiron of Kitchen Gardeners International, based in Scarborough, Maine, why one might want to grow fruits and vegetables in your flower beds and how to do it. Doiron’s talk to the Connecticut Horticultural Society will be Thursday, March 21, 7:30 p.m., at Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Drive. Fee: $10, nonmembers; free to CHS members. Visit www.cthort.org. Daffodil Days Celebrate the arrival of spring and bring hope to cancer patients by purchasing fresh cut daffodil bouquets Thursday, March 21 at Stop & Shop, 1235 Farmington Ave. and Thursday and Friday, March 21 and 22 at Crown Market, 2471 Albany Ave. Magnet school applications due Magnet school enrollment applications must be received by the Residency Office, Room 154, town Hall, 50 South Main St., by 4 p.m. on Friday, March 22. The lottery results will be mailed April 5. Trip to Grand Oak Villa There will be a trip to Grand Oak Villa Friday, March 22 to see “Serenata” starring Rob Zappula singing favorite Italian songs and his sevenpiece band. There will be crackers, cheeses and pepperoni followed by a family style meal of garden salad, pasta, chicken parmesan or sliced pork loin, potato, vegetable, desserts and complimentary wine. Depart 10 a.m., estimated return is 4:30 p.m. Cost is $68 members, $73 residents, $74 nonresidents. Contact the West Hartford Senior Center at 860-561-7583. Music Together Around the World Party! Music Together of West Hartford and Farmington Valley presents a participatory family music concert to celebrate 25 years of Music Together, an internationally recognized music and movement program for children and the grown-ups who love them, Friday, March 22, 5-6 p.m., at Elmwood Community Center Auditorium, 1106 New Britain Ave. Live musical performances will be by Music Together recording artist “Uncle” Gerry Dignan, local modern-folk band The Auburn Mode, local Music Together teachers and more. Advance tickets: $7 per person or $25 per family, children under 1 free. Tickets at door: $8 per person, or $30 per family, children under 1 free. Purchase tickets at www.musictogetherwhfv.com or by calling 860-206-8962. Craft and karaoke There will be a special needs event of a craft and karaoke Friday, March 22 from 7-9 p.m. at the Elmwood Community Center, 1106 New Britain Ave., for high school and older friends with special needs. Have fun and take home a project. The karaoke machine will make one want to sing along after doing the craft. Desserts will be available. Pre-register at 860-561-8160. $12. ‘Peter Pan – The Musical’ at Conard High Conard High School will present “Peter Pan The Musical” Friday and Saturday, March 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. at Conard High School. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased on the website www.conardhighschoolmusical.com. Tickets will also be available at the box office two hours prior to each show. Beth El Temple events Beth El Temple, 2626 Albany Ave., will offer the 20 The West Hartford Press West Hartford’s Cookin’ West Hartford’s Cookin’ will take place Saturday, March 23 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in the West Hartford Town Hall auditorium. Join West Hartford’s “celebrity” chefs as they don chefs’ aprons for an evening of food sampling, fun and silent auction to benefit The Foundation for West Hartford Public Schools. Tickets are $50 in advance/$60 at the door. Visit www.fwhps.org, or call 860-561-8755. Junior League’s Denim & Diamonds Join in the fun with friends and fellow volunteers during the Junior League of Hartford’s Denim & Diamonds – the “un-Gala” Saturday, March 23, 7-11 p.m. at Wampanoag Country Club, 60 Wampanoag Drive. Tickets are $75 per person (cash bar). Visit www.jlhartfor.org or call 860233-4300. It will be an evening of food, spirits, dancing and live entertainment by the Rock Bottom Band, a seven-piece band. Proceeds support the mission of the JLH and its programs and projects. A Sparkling Celebration to benefit Autism Families CONNECTicut Autism Families CONNECTicut will host its fourth annual fundraising event, “A Sparkling Celebration” Saturday, March 23, 7-10 p.m., at The Clubhouse at Gillette Ridge Residences, Bloomfield. The event will benefit AFC’s recreational, social and family activities for children living with autism and their families. The Celebration will feature catered food and wine, champagne and desserts, and live and silent auction items. The honorary chair of the event is Tizziana Weber, director of communications at Pratt & Whitney, while the presenting sponsor is Pratt & Whitney. Tickets are $40 and are available at www.autismfamiliesct.org or by sending a check to AFC, P.O Box 370162, West Hartford, 06137. For more information, e-mail [email protected]. Senior Center events West Hartford Senior Center, 15 Starkel Road, 860-561-7583 • Movie Thursdays, 1 p.m.: March 21 “The Words” and March 28 “To Rome with Love” • Book Discussion Tuesday, March 26, 10 a.m., “Mount Vernon Love Story” by Mary Higgins Clark • Diabetes presentation Wednesday, March 27, 1 p.m. with Ann Lanza, pre-register • AARP Safe Drive Class March 27, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., $12/$14, pre-register • Free help with state and federal tax return Mondays thru April 15, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Elmwood Senior Center, 1106 New Britain Ave., 860-561-8180 • Trip to Portofino’s Restaurant in Kensington March 27, 11:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m., choice of chicken marsala, veal parmigiana or sole stuffed with fresh crabmeat, $20/$23/$24, call to register • Free help with state and federal tax return Thursdays thru April 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Arts in the Center, a concert The musical talent of First Church of Christ Congregational will perform in a spring concert Sunday, March 24, 4 p.m., at the church, 12 South Main St. The first half will feature the Whitechapel Bell Choir and vocal soloists. In the March 21, 2013 second half there will be a complete performance of Faure’s “Requiem” by the Adult Choir of First Church. A donation of $10 is requested; children under 12 with a nonperishable food item are free. Sponsored by the Music Ministry, the concert will benefit the Music and Fine Arts Fund of the church, a fund used for special events such as the summer carillon series. This concert is the second of a series entitled “Arts in the Center,” presented by First Church of Christ Congregational. For more information call the church at 860-233-9605. Auditions for ‘Cabaret’ Playhouse on Park is seeking AEA and non-AEA actors for male and female roles for the musical, “Cabaret.” A production of the 1998 revival “Cabaret” will be directed by Sean Harris, with music direction by Colin Britt and choreography by Darlene Zoller. See www.playhouseonpark.org for full character list and descriptions. All positions are paid. Must be 18 or older to audition. Rehearsals begin May 21 and performances run June 12-July 21. Auditions by appointment only will be held Monday, March 25 beginning at 6 p.m. To make an appointment call 860-523-5900, ext.10. Keefe-Bruyette Symposium The School for Young Children at the University of Saint Joseph will host its 11th annual Keefe-Bruyette Symposium on Early Learning in Math and Science Monday, March 25 beginning at 8:15 a.m. (registration followed by the keynote address at 9 a.m.) in the Bruyette Athenaeum’s Hoffman Auditorium, 1678 Asylum Ave. The daylong symposium draws early childhood and elementary educators from throughout the state who participate in workshops led by their peers. This year’s keynote speaker is Diana Wehrell-Grabowski, Ph.D., chief executive officer and principal owner of Mobile Science Education Consulting Services. Registration is required. Contact Diane Morton at 860-231-5565 or [email protected] or Sue O’Donnell at 860-231-5561 or [email protected]. Presentation on language Hall High School PTO & Hello! West Hartford will have a joint presentation on Language, Diversity & Identity – Revealing how language shapes learning and self-image. Professor Harry van der Hulst, University of Connecticut Department of Linguistics, and Professor Enrique Sepulveda, University of Saint Joseph Department of Education, will present on the topic Wednesday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m. at Hall High School in Room E131. Contact [email protected] with any questions. WH SEPTA discussion There will be a panel discussion presented by the special education PTA Wednesday, March 27, 7 p.m., at Whiting Lane School, 47 Whiting Lane. The panel will discuss estate and insurance planning, guardianship and trusts, transitioning and Social Security issues. The panel will be: Suzanne Neville, parent and attorney; Chera Gerstein, parent and financial planner; Mary Stark, DDS transition coordinator; and Dave Hampton, professional secure assistance. Contact Lisa Roland at [email protected] if there are any questions. To ask one of the panel members a question, e-mail Roland ahead of time. The meeting is free and all are welcome. Economic development update Join the West Hartford Chamber for Rob Rowlson’s economic development update Thursday, March 28, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at 1877 Club, Gray Conference Center University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave. See what is in store for the local economy and learn how the region will be impacted. Rowlson, director of Community Services, will give his annual economic development report. Be prepared for a lively discussion with lots of information and the up-to-theminute report on each section of West Hartford. A buffet luncheon will be provided by the 1877 Club. Limited amount of tickets available – first come, first serve. $15 for Chamber members; $25 for non-members. Pre-registration is required; walk-ins will not be accepted. To reserve a seat for the event, www.whchamber.com/calendar_detail.aspx?ID=887. Artbeat exhibit Artbeat, an exhibit that showcases work by West Hartford public school students, is currently on display at the West Hartford Art League through Friday, March 29. ArtBeat is sponsored by West Hartford public schools and check it out the West Hartford Art League. Selected student work, kindergarten-12th grade, is on exhibit. The display showcases artistic talent and highlights the valuable role of the visual arts in West Hartford’s public schools. The Saltbox and Clubhouse Galleries are located at 37 Buena Vista Road. Gallery Hours are Thursday-Sunday from 1-4 p.m. (860-231-8019, www.westhartfordart.org) Youth acting classes at Playhouse on Park At Playhouse on Park, children and pre-teens ranging from kindergarten-aged to fifth grade and teens from grades 6-8 can discover their inner performer in theater classes to be offered this spring. Through a variety of group games, skits and learning exercises, young actors will learn how to create characters using their voices and bodies and develop the basic skills needed to bring them to life for friends, family, or an audience. Classes, led by Dawn Loveland, for grades 6-8 begin April 6 and for kingergarten to grade five begin April 8. Class size is limited and advanced registration is required. For registration forms and more information visit www.PlayhouseOnPark.org or call 860-5235900, ext 10. Note: If a child is registered at least 10 days in advance of the first class of the session, receive a voucher for one student ticket to an upcoming show free. Also, inquire about sibling deals. All new students receive free “Actor in Training” T-shirt. Jazz Brunch The West Hartford Rotary Club will present its Jazz Brunch at the Hartford Club Sunday, April 7 from noon-4 p.m. with featured artist Renee Rosnes, jazz pianist and composer. Tickets are $75. Call Hap Leabman at 860-409-6883. Swim, Pedal and Sprint triathlon The Mandell JCC’s 7th annual Women’s Indoor Spring Triathlon will take place Sunday, April 7 at 1 p.m. at the Mandell JCC, Zachs Campus, 335 Bloomfield Ave. Registration is $25 for Mandell JCC members, $30 for non-members and $15 for students. Teams of two or three are $30/$36 per team. Registration ends Wednesday, April 3. Call 860-236-4571. DJ Skate Every Friday night from 6:45-8:15 p.m. is DJ Skate at the Veterans Memorial Skating Rink, 56 Buena Vista Road. For more information, visit www.skatevmsr.com. Miracle League registration The Miracle League of Connecticut announces that registration is open for the spring baseball season. The League is open to Connecticut children age 4-18 who have physical or cognitive issues. All games are played on a specially designed baseball field in the Little League complex at the corner of Trout Brook Drive and Asylum Avenue. All players are paired with “buddies “who can assist them as needed. The league also needs volunteer buddies and coaches for the upcoming season. Buddies should be at least 12 years old. Players and volunteers can register online at www.miracleleaguect.org. at the library Noah Webster Library, 20 South Main St., 860-561-6980 • iPad and Photographs, ursday, March 21, 1:30 p.m. • Film: “We Have a Pope” Sunday, March 24, 2 p.m., doors open at 1:45 p.m. • Favorite Lecture Series: Professors’ Choice Monday, March 25, 6-7 p.m., “Music of Our Time, e Forgotten Corner” (significant recent music works that touch upon events all have experienced) with Arthur Hernandez, DMA, Capital Community College • Backstage: Hartford Stage at the Library ursday, March 28, 7-8 p.m., discussing “Abundance” • Art Scholz: Watercolors & Whimsical Wood Sculptures in the art gallery until March 31 • Author Sue Miller appearing April 15, 7 p.m. Faxon Branch Library, 1073 New Britain Ave. • Race Matters 2013, “Let’s Talk About It – A Film and Book Discussion Series” Wednesday, March 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m., “Elizabeth and Hazel: Two Women of Little Rock” by David Margolick Coming Attractions Trout Unlimited annual banquet Friday, March 22, 6 p.m., at the USS Chowder Pot, Brainard Road, Hartford, tickets $40, public invited, call Bill Case at 860678-7245 for reservations “Jamaica, Farewell,” one-woman play about escape from Manley Era, Friday, March 22, 7:30 p.m., in The Bruyette Athenaeum’s Hoffman Auditorium, University of Saint Joseph, 1678 Asylum Ave., tickets at 860-231-5555 or tickets.usj.edu At Bridge Street Live, 41 Bridge St., Collinsville, 860-693-9763: March 21, Johnny A., 9 p.m.; March 22, 9 p.m., Andy McKee w/Craig D’Andrea; March 23, 7:30 p.m., benefit concert for lupus featuring Jr Krauss & The Shakes, Steven Jones and Becky Kessler; March 28, 9 p.m., Grayson Hugh At Hartt School, 200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford: Hartt Community Division Piano Honors Recital March 23, 23:30 p.m., 4-5:30 p.m., 6-7:30 p.m., Berkman Recital Hall; Irish band Dervish March 23, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Lincoln Theater; Musical Club of Hartford – History of Piano Ensemble, March 24, 3-5 p.m., Lincoln Theater; West End String Quartet Concert March 24, 7-8:30 p.m., Berkman Recital Hall At Infinity Hall, Rte. 44, Norfolk, toll free 1-866-666-6306: March 22, 8 p.m., Soul Band Revue; March 23, 8 p.m., Ronnie Earl and The Broadcasters; March 24, 1:30 p.m., Jasper Sstring Quartet; March 24, 7:30 p.m., Lucy Kaplansky and Eliza Gilkyson; March 25, 8 p.m., Bacon Brothers; March 27, 8 p.m., The Stick Men; March 28, 8 p.m., Arrival from Sweden-Music of Abba “Iphigenia and Other Daughters” Friday and Saturday, March 22 and 23 at the Black Box Theater at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts at the Learning Center, 15 Vernon St., Hartford In honor of Women’s History Month and Sesquicentennial of the Civil War, Windsor Historical Society presents “They Called Me Lizzy: From Slavery to the White House” Saturday, March 23 at 3 p.m., at the historical society, 96 Palisado Ave. Friends of Northwest Park Pancake Breakfast Saturday, March 23, 8-11 a.m. at Northwest Park in Windsor, tickets $6/$4 (860-285-1886) Baby Grand Jazz Series with Earl MacDonald Sunday, March 24, 3 p.m., at the Hartford Public Library (Atrium), 500 Main St., Hartford, free Connecticut Guitar Society and MCC on Main CD release free concert for guitarist and composer Norman Johnson’s “Get It While You Can” Sunday, March 24, 3 p.m., at Manchester Community College, 903 Main St., Manchester; Johnson is a teacher at the Artist Collective and instructor at The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts “Play It Again, Sam” at Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road, West Hartford, thru Sunday, March 24, tickets $22.50-$32.50, www.PlayhouseOnPark.org – Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Bach! By CONCORA and the Hartford Symphony Orchestra Sunday, March 24, 4 p.m., Immanuel Congregational Church, 10 Woodland St., Hartford (860-2930567) “The Shadow Box” thru March 30 at Hole in the Wall Theater, 116 Main St., New Britain, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sunday matinee at 2 p.m., tickets at www.hitw.org or at 860-229-3049 CLUES ACROSS 1. Mexican President Camacho 6. Egyptian statesman Anwar 11. March 17, 2013 14. Don't know when yet 15. Russian country house 16. No longer is 18. E.g. club soda or fruit juice 21. Hindu holy man 23. Viverridae cat 25. Long sound diacritical mark 26. Yellow-fever mosquitos 28. Dead and rotting flesh 29. Those who are present 31. Royal Mail Service 34. Not in 35. Slope stability radar (abbr.) 36. Fast ballroom dance 39. A writ issued by authority of law 40. Lots 44. Concrete ingredient 45. Counterweights 47. Lower in esteem 48. Having the head uncovered 50. A way to plead 51. Henry __ Lodge, American politician 56. Before 57. Portable communicator 62. Marten having luxuriant dark brown fur 63. Game table fabric CLUES DOWN 1. Inability to coordinate muscular movement 2. Biden or Cheney 3. Farm state 4. Confined condition (abbr.) 5. Macaws 6. Space Center Houston 7. Alias 8. "Chevy Show" star initials 9. A public promotion 10. More meretricious 11. Invests in little enterprises 12. Integrated circuit 13. Rednecks 14. Atomic #69 17. Legume hemp 19. Adam's garden partner 20. The color of blood 21. Orange-red chalcedony 22. Units of land area 24. Green, sweet or Earl Grey 25. Any member of the family Hominidae 27. Received thrust (Geology) 28. Mexican treasury certificates 30. Ancient Egyptian king 31. Searches through 32. Silent actors See answers at right 33. Biscuitlike tea pastry 36. Largest Canadian province 37. Chess horseman (abbr.) 38. Theater orchestra area 39. One who replaces a striker 41. The bill in a restaurant 42. A major division of geological time 43. Imperturbable 46. Used esp. of dry vegetation 49. Delaware 51. A passage with access only at one end 52. Brew 53. Common degree 54. Shape of a sphere 55. Yearly tonnage (abbr.) 58. City of Angels 59. Pound 60. Hello 61. Wizard of __ Administrative Assistant Part time for a small beverage company located in Newington. Computer knowledge a must. Good customer services skills phone and collections. Flexible daytime hours. Fax resume to 860666-7876. FOR SALE $6,750 1991 Nissan 300 ZX 109,000 miles. Fun Fast Ride. Very Cool Rare Car. Excellent motor. New clutch, alternator, water pump, radiator, & belts. Very clean. No rust. Extremely rare to find in such good condition. 860-808-9104. Help Wanted Full Time Driver Drive box truck for small beverage company to deliver soda. Good people skills. Able to work independently. Capable of using handheld device. Drug free environment. Drug test required. Fax resume to 860-666-7876. 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CPA REG. #593039 860-521-6942 Senior Citizen Discounts • Insured & Guaranteed PLUMBING POOP 911 provides pet waste removal services for homeowners and communities in your area. We offer service weekly, bi-weekly, monthy, or a customized schedule just for you. ROOFING 860-236-8450 Become A New Preferred Automatic Delivery Account. Call for details. Expires 3/28/13. 860-645-3758 www.ezoil.net Call Jake (860) 995-7490 [email protected] MARK’S PLUMBING $ E-Z Oil PAINTING G PAINTING Power Washing, Deck Staining, Light Carpentry Reg #0562179 • ADDITIONS • REMODELING • GARAGES • COMPOSITE DECKS • PORCHES Don DeLeo Home (860) 232-6917 • Cell (860) 883-6703 Ct. Lic. #0626103 ROOF SNOW REMOVAL Interior & Exterior Painting 25 years of experience in Farmington Valley BUILDERS LLC N BRECHUN PAINTING EPA CERTIFIED [email protected] Serving the Farmington Valley since 2004 Insured and ct licensed # HIC.0605076 Free estimates, fully insured. License # 611901 AAA Dump Runs DELEO BR LANDSCAPING Fully Insured. You take pride in your home… I take pride in my work. My prices are fair and your satisfaction is guaranteed. DESIGN AND REMODEL YOUR HOME Professional Service Office: (860) 426-1578 Fax: (860) 426-1676 Email: [email protected] Bathrooms • Kitchens • Additions Basements • Doors • Windows • Decks Fire & Water Damage Restoration Exclusive Renovations, LLC Renovations and home repairs of all kinds, From kitchens to baths, from basements to porches. [email protected] Old Fashioned Carpentry & • Installation and Repair of doors, windows, decks, stairs, siding and trim Offering Harvey Doors and Windows • Grab Bars & Handrails with seasonal promotions • Crown Molding • Interior Trim & Cabinetry HOME IMPROVEMENT Creative designs for your home Home Improvement Contractor So Many Amateurs . . . So Few Professionals!! Jim Barrett, Owner HOME IMPROVEMENT HOME IMPROVEMENT HOD 58 Tank Removal & Replacement ROOFING JP Carroll Roofing is our only business! Call us for a Free Estimate at 860.586.8857 jpcarrollroofing.com We specialize in: Architectural Asphalt shingles • EPDM Rubber Slate • Cedar • Copper fabrications • Gutters Established Leak Response Team! We have served Central CT for over 20 years Fully Licensed and Insured; CT Reg # 544304 - No Dumpsters on-site - Join us in our efforts to go green...we recycle all tear-off materials. Family owned & operated $ 3.539 cod, subject to change Complete Tune-ups & Cleaning $135 Full Service HOD.0001011 860-698-9472 TOOLS Complete Plumbing Service AFFORDABLE, PROMPT & DEPENDABLE Lic #:HIC0607969 Repair or Replace all your plumbing needs. Lic. #277593 & Insured For immediate response anytime call 860-712-9461 TREES The TOOL CONSIGNMENT Store 560 NEW PARK AVE., WEST HARTFORD We Buy & Sell Used Tools Thousands of TOOLS in stock...at great prices We SELL REBURBISHED TOOLS TOO! ) D O O &O H D Q X S / D ZQ 0D L Q W H Q D Q F H &R PPH U F L D O 5H V L G H Q W L D O WINDOW WASHING Jonathan’s Window Washing Invest in a bright future, have Jonathan clean your windows! Commercial & Residential Glass Restoration Specialists 860-693-6898 NOW OFFERING REPAIRS - DUMP RUNS www.jwwct.com (860) 263-7908 Visit our web site for more information. Serving the Valley since 1990 Free Estimates • Insured www.A2ZToolConsignment.com March 21, 2013 The West Hartford Press 23 Fresh Prices good from March 14, 2013 through March 20, 2013 Lobster Tails $ 4/ 20 Meat Department Tilapia Fillets $ 99 Reserve your Easter Meats Today! John Morrell E-Z Cut Hams Triple M Budaball Boneless Hams Spiral Hams Fresh American Leg of Lamb Crown Roast of Lamb or Pork 3 6 lb. Center Cut Bone-In lb. THE TEN PACK - TEN 1” FILET MIGNON STEAKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .each 6 oz. avg. $39.90 pkg. 10 LB. BAG ALL NATURAL BONELESS SKINLESS bag CHICKEN BREASTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$19.90 20 BLACK ANGUS 1/2 LB OR MIX AND MATCH 8 OF YOUR FAVORITE GOURMET FLAVORED BURGERS BOX OF BURGERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ONLY box GROUND SIRLOIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 lbs. or more $2.99 MEATLOAF MIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 lbs. or more Fresh Seedless Grapes 1 $ 99 lb . Convenient parking in the rear & our lot to the east of Hall’s The West Hartford Press $2.99 lb. March 21, 2013 9 lb. Deli Honey Ham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.99 lb. Hall’s Own Roast Beef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$7.99 lb. Perdue 5 Star Roast Turkey Breast . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5.99 lb. Land O’ Lakes American Cheese . . . Sliced - 1 lb. minimum $2.99 lb. Cheddar Cheese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5.99 lb. Pepperjack Cheese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6.99 lb. Egg Potato Salad . . . . . . . . . . .$3.99 lb Coleslaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2.99 lb. Fuscilli Pasta Salad . . . . . . . . . .$4.99 lb. with sun dried tomatoes, corn & fresh asparagus! Our best Pulled Pork . . . . . . . .$6.99 lb. Tuna Pasta Salad . . . . . . . . . . .$4.99 lb. Weekly Hot Soup Schedule: Monday: Tomato Tortellini, Chicken Noodle & Chili Tuesday: Beef Barley, Split Pea & Chili Wednesday: Cream of Broccoli, Sausage Soup & Chili Thursday: Beef Stew, Chicken Noodle & Chili Friday: New England Clam Chowder & Chili Saturday: Tomato Basil & Chili Oven Fresh GREEN HOUSE TOMATOES . . . .lb.$1.99 ICEBERG LETTUCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .each $1.69 LARGE GREEN PEPPERS . . . . . . . . .lb. $1.69 SWEET POTAOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .lb. 79¢ D’ANJOU PEARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .lb $1.49 331 Park Road, West Hartford, CT • 860-232-1075 24 lb. Produce Red & Green lb. each +tax our own tuna salad with tomato & cheddar on toasted wheat bread ............. FRESHLY GROUND STORE MADE 9 pkg. $ 99 Tuna Melt $4.99 $16.95 FRESHLY GROUND STORE MADE BLACK ANGUS $ 99 Sandwich of the Week - Egg Salad . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.99each + tax Grinder of the Week - Hard Salami . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2.99each + tax Gourmet Sandwich of the Week buy one get one FREE PORK TENDERLOINS 6 lb. $ 99 3 $ 49 Pork Chops 2 SAVE $1.50 lb. Salmon $ 99 lb. Fillets Fresh Market Salmon Smoked Salmon Florentine Cod Fillets 8 oz. avg $ 99 Beef Briskets Fresh, Atlantic New! Hall’s Prime Rib Fresh Store Made Kielbasa Nutmeg Smoked Kielbasa Fresh American Rack of Lamb Lamb Loins Fresh USDA Choice Whole Seafood Bakery Pie o f the Week Apple 3 $ 99 each 8” C oo kie o f th e W ee k Oatmeal Raisin $ 49 10for 2 Hot Cross Buns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pkg. $3.99 ASSORTED EASTER CUPCAKES & COOKIES Freshly Baked French Bread . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .loaf $1.69 Freshly Baked Blueberry Muffins . . . . . . . . .4 pk. $3.99 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9am to 6pm; Sat. 8am to 6pm; Closed Sundays Follow us on facebook and visit hallsmarket.net and sign up to receive our specials in email!
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