GILBLAIR CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY WITH 4TH SAVE OF SEASON

BOX SCORE

In 140 Characters or Less: Bees hit back to back homers for 2nd time in 4 games en route to a 6-4 series clinching win over Sugar Land #ItsBetterWithTheBees

The Game Changed When…: New Britain had a 4-1 lead going into the bottom of the 7th. With 2 outs and the bases loaded, Conor Bierfeldt would bring 2 of the runners home with a double down the left field line. It extended the New Britain lead to 6-1 at the time. The 2 runs would prove vital after Sugar Land battled back late to reach the 6-4 final.

Pitchers of Record: W: Kyle Simon (4-4) | L: Sean Gleason (1-6) | SV: Shawn Gilblair (4)

Player(s) of the Game: Jovan Rosa (New Britain) – 2-2, HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 200th consecutive game as a Bee | Travis Scott (Sugar Land) – 2-4, 2B, RBI

Next Game: Friday, June 23rd, 7:05 P.M.

Tale of the Tape – New Britain Bees (24-36) vs. Somerset Patriots (36-23)
Starting Pitchers – New Britain: RHP Mike Lee (1-5, 5.14) | Somerset: LHP Rick Teasley (6-1, 1.99)

HOME TICKETS: BUY HERE | Available at the New Britain Stadium Box Office | Call 860-826-BEES

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS:

Friday, June 30th vs. Bridgeport: Fat Tire Friday/Foul Pole Friday
Saturday, July 1st vs. Bridgeport: Fireworks!
Sunday, July 2nd vs. Bridgeport: Martin Rosol’s Giveaway/Schaller Hardware City Family Fun-Day
Monday, July 3rd vs. Somerset: Dollar Day Monday
Tuesday, July 4th vs. Somerset: Independence Day/Two-Fer Tuesday
Wednesday, July 5th vs. Somerset: YMCA Fun “4” Everyone Day

Broadcast: The Bees’ Official YouTube Channel (youtube.com/NewBritainBees) and Facebook Live (facebook.com/newbritainbees), starting at 6:50 P.M.

Bees Buzz: Today’s game was Jovan Rosa’s 200th consecutive game as a New Britain Bee. He has played in every game in Bees franchise history. Overall, he has played in 223 consecutive games dating back to 2015, including postseason games…The Bees hit back to back home runs for the second time during this series in the bottom of the 1st inning. Jovan Rosa hit a 2 run home run and Craig Maddox followed with a solo shot…Michael Crouse stole 2 bases in the game, which ties the season high for most steals in a game by a Bees player. He leads the Atlantic League in stolen bases with 18…Jordan Hinshaw extended his team-leading hitting streak to 12 games with a single in the 4th inning…Today’s game was Conor Bierfeldt’s second multi-RBI game of the series…With 5 strikeouts tonight, Kyle Simon is now 5 strikeouts away from 300 in his professional career…With 1 hit in the game, Craig Maddox is now 7 hits away from 700 in his professional career…Stan Cliburn is 5 wins away from 100 wins as Bees manager.

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

Time to strap on your girdle to keep your side from splitting this weekend as Southington Community Theatre tackles a comedy from laugh-meister Ken Ludwig, “Leading Ladies.”

We caught up with director Peter E. Pristic to talk about the latest production from STC.

Observer: Ken Ludwig is known for his variations on the classic farce, as probably best illustrated by his popular “Lend Me a Tenor.” How does “Leading Ladies” fit within his comedic canon?

Pristic: “Leading Ladies” is a powerful cannon ball in Mr. Ludwig’s canon. For me, it’s the way he writes and uses language and physical comedy that makes “Leading Ladies” fit within his comedic canon. Ludwig’s gift for capturing the human condition in such a touching, yet comical way, to which all of us in the audience can instantly relate, is another reason ‘Leading Ladies’ fits in his arsenal. As a director, it is a challenge to bring all these things to life, and that is fun for me.

O: From a directing and performing point of view, what’s fun about Ludwig’s work and what’s fun about this work in particular?

P: Ludwig’s work is always fun to produce because each show has something awesomely unique about it. I just love his characters, the situations in which they find themselves, the fast pace of the dialog, and the physical comedy elements. From an actor’s point of view, I think the fun comes in getting lost in the wonderfully written characters and truly becoming them and living their lives. What’s really fun with “Leading Ladies” is the fact that Mr. Ludwig adds a new element to the mix: men trying to pass off as women. The costume changes become like doors in a traditional farce. It has truly been fun incorporating this element into the mix and bringing it to life.

O: From the audience’s point of view, what will they find most fun about this particular piece?

P: I think the audience will find the most fun in how genuine and real all the characters are. In particular, Leo and Jack. Their friendship truly is strong and inspirational. The situations they get themselves into— and must get out of— will truly be fun for the audience to watch.

O: What is the biggest challenge for the performers in this piece?

P: Every character has an element in which the actor needed to step out of his/her comfort zone. Taking this step for each, I believe, was the biggest challenge for the actors. Whether it be learning to roller skate, wearing high heels and dresses, kissing men that are dressed as a woman, or just looking like a broom, my actors have risen to the challenges of these characters and have succeeded in their efforts to truly bring these elements to life.

O: What do you think is the strength of this particular cast (you can name some of the cast members here)?

P: Camaraderie, collaboration, open mindedness, comical talent, and a deep passion for theatre are just several of the strengths of this cast. Jared Watterworth, for example, who portrays Jack, his facial expressions, well, would really have given Norma Desmond serious competition. Scott Gilbert, who plays Leo, his strength is comedic timing, which aligns with Jared’s. The two together, it’s magic to watch. Carolyn Ciarrochi’s (Meg) and Jyll Perlini’s (Audrey) strengths are bringing these women to life in such a way that their innocence and true selves are not lost in the comedy. Bill Rodman (Reverend Wooley), Smitty Smith (Doc), Elaine Taylor (Florence), and Mike Rabiej (Butch) strengths have been showcased in how they have built their characters.

O: Why do you think fans of SCT will be a fan of this production?

P: I think the cast will capture their hearts. I think the outrageous situations that Leo and Jack get themselves into, and the roles all the actors play in resolving these situations, will make a great experience for the audience. Then there is the fact that you have two men trying to pass themselves off as women, that’s funny.

Southington Community Theatre will present the Ken Ludwig comedy “Leading Ladies”  Thursday, Friday, and Saturday June 22, 23. and 24 at 7:30 p.m. at DePaolo Middle School, 385 Pleasant St., Southington. Tickets are $15 each for children under 18 and seniors 65 and older, and $20 each for adults. Tickets are available at Just For You Gift Shoppe, 979 Meriden-Waterbury Rd., Plantsville, The Music Shop, 405 Queen St., Southington, Domino’s, 200 Main St., Southington, and at the door.

Tickets are also available online via Brown Paper Tickets at brownpapertickets.com/event/2945668.

‘Leading Ladies’ is the latest production from Southington Community Theatre, which opens this weekend.

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

There will be two new representatives in the Miss America Organization crowned this weekend.

But the two days worth of events to declare the next Miss Connecticut and Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen is about more than just finding two young women to represent the Nutmeg State at the national competition.

The Miss Connecticut preliminaries and finals and the Miss Connecticut Outstanding Teen competition also offer a good opportunity for audiences looking to be entertained.

This year’s events will be held at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford Friday and Saturday. There will be 20 contestants vying for a chance to succeed the current Miss Connecticut, Wolcott’s Alyssa Taglia. There will be 18 contestants competing for Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen. The current teen titleholder is Samantha Anderson of Wolcott.

“It is a pageant,” said pageant’s executive director Nakiya Troth of Bristol, “but it is also a show.”

“The talent and intelligence that is brought to the stage will blow your mind,” said Troth. “We have world champion dancers in tap, jazz, and Irish step, and vocalists who have toured the country. We also have some very unique and amazing talents such as speed painting.”

“Our Prince and Princess Camp participants will be performing for us as well,” said Troth.

“It is definitely a family friendly show with something for all ages,” said Troth.

This is the first year in Hartford for the Miss Connecticut competitions, and Troth said, the new location allows the organization to “provide an excellent opportunity to create a really fun night out in the city.

Taking the podium as hosts this year are Forever Miss Connecticut 2002, Tanisha Brito-Chea, said Troth. “She will be co-emcee with Dana Rosengard, a long time MAO volunteer and supporter. Both have amazing experience on stage and have supported our program tremendously over the years.”

One of the biggest changes for the pageant, as noted is the location in the state’s capital. Last year, the pageant was held at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville. Prior to that, the pageant was held at the Garde Arts Center in New London for many years.

Troth explained, “When I became executive director of the organization a year and half ago, it was important to me that we listen to our supporters and followers. We loved our years at both the Garde Arts Center and Mohegan Sun, however bringing the pageant to a centralized location will provide us more exposure and support across the state of Connecticut.”

“The venue is dynamic and the show will be too,” said Troth. “We are excited to, once again, award over $30,000 in scholarships to our 2017 contestants.”

At the end of the evening, after the last toe is swept across the floor, the last musical note is sounded, and the last drop of paint is applied to a canvas, two new representatives—a Miss and a teen will have been crowned by the Miss Connecticut organization. From there, the new Outstanding Teen will compete in the national event in Orlando in July. The new Miss Connecticut will be heading to Atlantic City in New Jersey in September to seek the Miss America crown.

Troth said Connecticut residents should support the winners as their journey continues fro the next year.

“Service is one of the greatest pillars of the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Organization. Though the winners of the pageant will move on to compete in their respective national pageants… their focus for the year will be to serve the state of Connecticut in many different aspects,” said Troth.

“They will serve as ambassadors for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (whose local institution is Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford) and participate in hundreds of community events throughout their reign,” said the state’s executive director. “We cannot wait to see the impact these young woman make, not only on the national stage, but also throughout the great state of Connecticut.”

Local representatives competing are Miss Forestville Erika Farrell, Miss Bristol Gina Salvatore, Miss Southington Bridget Oei, Miss Forestville’s Outstanding Teen Cassandra Lechner, Miss Bristol’s Outstanding Teen Victoria Kilbourne, Miss Southington’s Outstanding Teen Ava Onofreo, and Miss Plantsville’s Outstanding Teen Taylor Plourd (of Bristol).

Miss Connecticut and Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen scholarship competitions will be held Friday and Saturday at the Connecticut Convention Center on Columbus Boulevard, Hartford. The Miss preliminary competition is at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The Outstanding Teen competition is at 2 p.m. on Saturday. The crowning of the teens and the Miss Connecticut finals is 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information about all of the contestants, go to MissCTAmerica.org

PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN

Miss Connecticut Alyssa Taglia, seen here at Miss America in Atlantic City last September, will crown her successor this weekend.

Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen Samantha Anderson, seen here last August at Miss America’s Outstanding Teen in Orlando, will crown her successor on Saturday.

High school seniors, college students, and adults returning to college were all on hand for the annual Main Street Community Foundation Scholarship Reception on June 13.

In all, $183,695 in scholarship money was distributed at the event where students were given the chance to sit with representatives from the assorted scholarship benefactors who allow the foundation serve as the clearinghouse for applications.

The dollar amount this year for scholarships was the largest since the foundation was established, said Susan Sadecki, the foundation’s executive director. She said 239 students applied for scholarships and 185 scholarships were awarded.

“College prices are so these days, so any scholarship helps,” said Nickolina Doran of Southington, who received the Dr. Joan T. Wallace Prize for Highest Achievement in English at Southington High School. “I’m so thankful for the scholarship I got,” said Doran, who will be heading to Yale University this fall and is this year’s valedictorian..

“I tried to apply for as many (scholarships) as I could because it just makes paying it so much easier for me and my family. We won’t have so much debt when I come out (of school).”

Rebecca Lo Presti, who also shared the Dr. Joan T. Wallace Prize with Doran, said “It was very important (to receive scholarships) because I’m going into drama (at Hofstra Univerfsity in New York). That career path after college is very unstable. It’s very hard to get jobs afterward. I would really like not to be in a lot of debt after college.”

When she was applying for scholarships, Doran said, “People told me to apply for as many as I could. They also told me to start way in advance.”

“I don’t think I listened to that as well as I should have,” said Doran. “The deadlines come up so fast you don’t realize how much you put into each scholarship.”

“But definitely apply,” said Doran.

Lo Presti also was told to apply to as many scholarships as possible. But another piece of helpful guidance she received was to “keep a running list of every club and activity I did so it would be easy to put them on an application.”

The 2017 Scholarship Recipients were:

4 Burns Scholarship – St. Joseph/St. Paul Fund

Luke Hines

Gianna Houle

Christian Arndt Scholarship Fund

Jennifer Fisher

1. Bartlett Barnes Award of Journalism Fund

Jaymie Bianca, Meghan Conlin, Catherine Gullotta.

Because of 26 Kindness Award Scholarship Fund

Emily Gibney

Sid Bernard Memorial Art Scholarship Fund

Amanda Palladino

Stanley P. Bitel Memorial Fund

Natallie Jesionka

Peter and Marjorie Bossi Educational Fund

Kayla Rozanski

Bowerman Scholarship Fund

Feryal Al Hamadani

Bristol Boys & Girls Club Schulman Fund

Isabella Castrogiovanni

Anthony Lozier

Bristol Lions Club F. Fred Soliani Memorial Scholarship Fund

Mikayla Lewandoski

Bristol Police Scholarship Fund

Anthony Lozier

Bristol Yale Club Scholarship Fund

Feryal Al Hamadani

Gabriella Williams

Burlington Lions Charities Scholarship Fund

Patrick Currier, Kevin Kryzwick, Jacob Paciotti

Conn Acoustics Scholarship Fund

Angela DeFilippo, Cody Donofrio, Angelika Muter

Peg Coughlin Nursing Scholarship Fund

Isabella Castrogiovanni

Rit Croce Academic and Vocational Scholarship Fund

Christine Burrill

Richard A. DellaVecchia Scholarship Fund

Jesse Rasten

Karen Finder Scholarship Fund

Zada Gonzalez

Carolyn Fisher Scholarship Fund

Christian Robinson

Olivia Fusco Memorial Art Scholarship Fund

Katerina Belales

GE’s Industrial Solutions Scholarship Fund

Justin Greenwood, Hannah Jackman, Hank Leitzke, Jarod Romankiw, Alexandra Schulz, Hannah Schulz, Renukanandan Tumu

Andrew and Murielle Giacomini Scholarship Fund

Taya Watson

Azilda Hebert Music Scholarship Fund

Lauren Santiago

Dorothy Micloskey Ives Award Fund

Lauren Santiago

Grace & Norma Joy Scholarship Fund

Francess Luna

Keating-Monaghan Memorial Scholarship Fund

Jaletzex Arroyo, Marisol Barresi, Cole Beland, Abagale Benoit, Brandon Benoit, Nathan Carlson, Ethan Casinghino, Elizabeth Connelly, Joseph Dess Jr., Amy Dognin, Gabriela Drewniak, Donovan Durham, Madison Durham, John Fontanez-Ceballos, Jordan Gayle, Michael Haddon, Kylan Kelly, Jayme Lopez, Elijah Martin, Ryan Martin, Nina Mattioli, Chase Mendela, Nicholas Middlebrook, Peter Miller, Genevieve Mowad, MaKendra Jae Mowad, Alejandro Ojeda, Cydney Pelletier, Gisselle Pena, Bella Peterson, Michael Rigsby, Annette Rodriguez, Elizabeth Ruffino, Gianna Soto, Hannah St. John, Noah Stevens, Kaia Underwood, Brian Wilson, Cody Wilson, Danny Wilson, Emilia Wilson

Lena M. & Peter L. Korotie Scholarship Fund

Jonathon Passander

Vincent T. Kozyrski Scholarship Fund

Simon Andrews

Sean Landry Memorial Basketball Scholarship Fund

John Grimes

John J. and Doris Lazorik Memorial Scholarship Fund

Mikayla Lewandoski, Casey Walters

Leger Initiative for Education Fund

Kaitlin Steinen

Dave Lepore Journalism Scholarship Fund

Taylor Hartz

Therese MacCallum “Great Kid” Scholarship Fund

Deep Aluria, McKenna Belury

Nicholas P. Maglio ACE Fund

Christopher LeBeau

Malerbo Memorial Scholarship Fund

Gabrielle Bernier, Madison Bernier, Amarion Brooks, Emma Daly, Jenna Fulvi, Adrian George, Patrick George, Sophia Gerst, Priscilla Godlewski, Lexi Gosselin, Thomas Lorenzetti, Evan Mendela, Rudolph Otero, Christian Peterson, Barbara Retartha, Sean Rozmajzl, Walker Sharp, Jade Udoh, Noah Waters, Darek Wiecki, Nina Zwolinski, Stefan Zwolinski

Elizabeth I. and Louis J. Matt Medical Scholarship Fund

Laura Furtak, Nancy Ongany, Lauren Tanner, Nicole Truszkowski

Robert E. and Angeline P. McCormack Scholarship Fund

Samantha Steeves

McMaster-Moulthrop Scholarship Fund

Simon Andrews, Marianna Apergis, Morgan Begin, Autumn Blasi, Marco Guzman, Natallie Jesionka, Scott Larson, Nancy Ongany, Sofia Patria, Colin Savino, Sarah Strilkauskas, Nicole Truszkowski, Molly Watstein, Ashley Yung.

Ken E. Micloskey Award

Bradley Kozikowski

Al and Joan Monico Scholarship Fund

Felicity Irizarry, Francess Luna

NESMA Scholarship Fund

Natallie Jesionka, Ashley Nelson

AJR Nocera Memorial Fund

Alexa Cahill, Kayla Rozanski

Anthony Norton Scholarship Fund

John Grimes

Scott W. Organ Student-Athletic Scholarship Fund

Cole Staples

Ralph Papazian Memorial Scholarship Fund

Autumn Blasi

Estelle Delano Peterson Scholarship Fund

Kelsey Turgeon

Dorothy Dewey Picard Music Scholarship Fund

Lauren Santiago

Plymouth Community Club Scholarship Fund

John Grimes

Max and Ruth Rabin Scholarship Fund

Gabriella Williams

Radcliff Family Education Fund

Alexa Cahill, Tyrah Green, Katie Pelkey, David Poniatowski,

Radcliff Plainville High School Fund

Jared Demmons, Stephen Gallo, Gregory Sileo, Nicholas Zaleski

Louis J. Rascoe Scholarship Fund

Gillian Strahowski

Julie A. Roche Nursing Scholarship Fund

Isabella Castrogiovanni

Douglas Roland Aid for the Trades Scholarship Fund

Marena Baldyga

Clement J. Roy Scholarship Fund

Feryal Al Hamadani

St. Matthew School Scholarship Fund

Luke Crowley

Lawrence (Larry) Selza Memorial Scholarship Fund

Audrey Gallo

Glo Sessions Fund for Art Education

Amanda Palladino

Jill Lynne Shackett Educational Scholarship Fund

Marissa Brevetti, Ashley Yung

Southington Observer/StepSaver Scholarship Fund

Rachel Wrinn

Jay W. and Elizabeth M. Tyrrell Scholarship Fund

Pia Barlotta, Alexa Cahill

Louise (Humphrey) Van Gorder Music Camp Scholarship Fund

Luke Ashworth

Dr. Joan T. Wallace Prize for Highest Achievement in English at Southington High School

Nickolina Doran, Rebecca Lo Presti

Peggy Ann Walsh Memorial Scholarship Fund

Feryal Al Hamadani, Raina Lambert, Mikayla Lewandoski, Ashley Yung

Kristen Warner Scholarship Fund

Jesse Rasten

John Whitcomb Scholarship Fund

Tejal Monteiro

Eva Brodowicz Wickwire Volunteer Scholarship Fund

Isabella Castrogiovanni

Yarde Metals Memorial Scholarship Fund

Carly Brunelle, Melody Catalano, Nicole Collin, Gary Gagnier, David Kaminski, Nicole Ledesma, Dillon Murphy, Alexis Thompson, Jennifer Thorpe

By LISA CAPOBIANCO

STAFF WRITER

From economic growth to legislative advocacy to business development, all six honorees of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce’s 128th Annual Awards Dinner have made a difference in a variety of ways.

This year, Webster Bank received the Distinguished Business of the Year Award. A community-minded bank that dates back to 1935, Webster has expanded with over $26 billion in assets and 167 banking centers in the northeast.

Although the company has grown, its core values have not, said Webster Bank Regional President Timothy Bergstrom during the dinner, which took place last Thursday at the Aqua Turf. Whether volunteering for events like United Way’s annual Day of Caring or supporting the new West Street facility for the Boys & Girls Club, Webster Bank has shown core values like citizenship and teamwork.

“Webster continues to have a deep, meaningful relationship with organizations that align with our core values,” said Bergstrom, adding that the Bristol community has been part of Webster’s family for a long time.

The former executive director of Bristol Community Organization, Tom Morrow received the Outstanding Community Service Award. Morrow, who retired late last year, started out as a neighborhood services coordinator at BCO in 1973 before becoming executive director. Co-founder of the Bristol Emergency Shelter, Morrow started Bristol’s first AIDS Task Force and brought the Head Start preschool program to Bristol.

During his speech, Morrow thanked many who made the award possible, including the staff members at BCO, which consolidated with the Human Resources Agency of New Britain early this year.

“My fellow employees and board members at BCO allowed me to pursue my passion,” said Morrow, who has served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board.

The chamber also honored two other individuals who have worn many community hats over the years: John Lodovico and John Smith.

A member of the Board of Finance, Smith received the Spirit of Bristol Award. When he moved to Bristol in 1962, Smith taught English at the former Bristol High School, where he also coached football and baseball. He then served as assistant superintendent of schools and chief business administrator for 20 years before he became the senior vice president of Bristol Hospital. He retired in 2006, and served as an independent project consultant until 2012.

When defining what the “spirit of Bristol” means to him, Smith said, “it’s omnipresent, yet one can feel it.”

“It’s about people helping people, people helping organizations, organizations helping people and organizations helping organizations,” said Smith.

The current vice chairman of Bristol Hospital’s Board of Directors, Lodovico received the E. Bartlett Barnes Distinguished Service Award. Over the years, he served on the Zoning Board and the former Bristol Downtown Development Corporation. A veteran who served in the Vietnam War, Lodovico also serves on the Bristol Veterans Council and the Archdiocese of Hartford Pastoral Council.

“Find your purpose in life and make the community a better place for all,” said Lodovico, who recognized Smith as one of his mentors.

This year, the Bristol Exchange Club received the Volunteer of the Year Award. A non-profit organization that supports the Parent and Child Center at Bristol Hospital, the Exchange Club is involved in many ways, such as awarding scholarships to local high school seniors every year, directing the Mum Festival Parade and more.

Last year, the club helped revive the Mum Festival, which will return as a four-day event this September.

“This award would not have been possible if it weren’t for all the dedicated individuals who give their time and talent to this club, enabling us to do so much for our community,” said Bristol Exchange Club President Jack Ferraro.

While the chamber honored the Exchange Club for its longtime presence in Bristol, it also honored a new group of volunteers. Comprised of young professionals and entrepreneurs, the Professional Young Visionaries of Tomorrow  received the Special Recognition Award. PYVOT launched in May 2016 as an organization within the Central Connecticut Chamber that provides constructive input to businesses, organizations, ensuring that the region attracts, empowers and grows the young professionals base statewide.

PYVOT co-chairs Michael Prentiss and Michael Sweeney accepted the award on behalf of the group, which holds social and business networking events while hosting civic service, professional education events and activities.

“They truly are our future leaders,” said Cindy Scoville, the president and CEO of the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce.

During the dinner, the chamber recognized Tunxis Community College President Dr. Cathryn Addy, who is retiring later this month after 23 years of community leadership in the greater Bristol community.

The community also stood in applause when Hall of Fame Coach Jim Calhoun made his way to the podium as the dinner’s keynote speaker. In taking the University of Connecticut from a regional contender to a three-time national champion, Calhoun is known as one of college basketball’s legendary leaders.

“I believe it takes a village,” said Calhoun, who was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005. “It’s about giving to each other.”

Comments? Email lcapobianco@BristolObserver.com.

John Lodovico listens to his introduction prior to receiving the E. Bartlett Barnes Distinguished Service Award at the Bristol Chamber of Commerce’s 128th Annual Awards Dinner last Thursday. (MIKE CHAIKEN)

By MICHAEL LETENDRE

STAFF WRITER

As per every spring, the scholastic squads of the Mum City had several standouts that competed in the various sports Bristol offers.

The spring campaign was headlined on the public school level by several strong finishes from the track squads in town while the Bristol Eastern softball team earned an 18-2 mark during regular season play this year.

All three scholastic baseball teams in town were tournament qualifiers while Andrew Owsianko of St. Paul Catholic earned Class S All-state honors.

Both public school lacrosse programs are still on the rise and had more than a few CCC South All conference performers while the Rams and Lancers had six total boys make the squad.

Once again, the Bristol Central boys track team had 10 members on the All-Conference team while on the girls side, nine athletes earned postseason honors.

Here’s a look at Bristol’s top performers who earned CCC South All Conference honors this year:

2017 Baseball All Conference

South Region

BLUE Division

Bristol Central- Noah Plantamuro, Jeremy Ganavage

Bristol Eastern-Gary Gagnier, Zach Marquis

2017 Softball All Conference

South Region

BLUE Division

Bristol Central- Jenna Ptak, Kayla Bealieu

Bristol Eastern- Jordan Fitzsimons, Erin Girard, Mikayla Martin, Makenzie Jankowski

2017 Boys Lacrosse All Conference

South Region

Bristol Central – Cody Hildebrand, Connor Staubley

Bristol Eastern – Alex Durand

2017 Girls Lacrosse All Conference

South Region

Bristol Co-Op: Meghan Hamel

2017 Boys Tennis All Conference

South Region

Bristol Central – Alex Bernier, Mike Kaminski, Colin Savino

Bristol Eastern – Ridhwan Abdulsalam, Noah Cyr, Justin Trottier

2017 Boys Tennis All Conference

South Region

Bristol Central – Abby Goralski, Abby Gorneault, Ava Gomeault, Emily McAllister,

Bristol Eastern – Hannah Langlais, Gabby Reymont, Kasey Simpson

2017 Boys Track All Conference

South Region

Bristol Central – Simon Andrews, David Bowes, Adam Chawner, Kaynan Conrod, Sean Fitzgerald, Alrick Grant, Pat Kjornrattanawanich, Luis Medina, Elijah Ortiz, Matt Roy

Bristol Eastern – Chris Lebeau

2017 Girls Track All Conference

South Region

Bristol Central – Ashley Cummings, Meghan Curtis, Mia Hinton, Hannah Jones, Sydney Johnston, Adalia Malick, Paige Hinton, Olivia Savino, Shy-Ann Whitten

Bristol Eastern – Kailey Laprise

2017 US Connecticut Academic All-American (Lacrosse)

Bristol Central – Scott Larson

2017 CHSCA All-State Baseball Team

St. Paul Catholic – Andrew Owsianko

2017 Boys Golf – Naugatuck Valley League

All Cooper Division

St. Paul Catholic – Adam Ward

All-NVL

St. Paul Catholic – Ryne Salius

Andrew Owsianko of St. Paul was selected for the 2017 CHSCA All-State Baseball Team. (KELLY MAY DEL DEBBIO)

By MICHAEL LETENDRE

STAFF WRITER

Both the Bristol Central and Bristol Eastern baseball squads ended the season with 11 victories apiece this past spring.

The Lancers have been playoff performers since 1999 but Eastern (ranked 19th in the Class L fray) was stopped in first round play by No. 14 New Canaan 7-2 on May 30.

Eastern concluded the year at 11-10.

No. 25 Central advanced to the second round in Class L – squaring off against No. 9 Guilford – and dropped a tough 7-1 decision to the squad, ending play at 11-11.

Guilford was a casualty of soon to be Class L champion, No. 32 Foran (10-8) in the quarter final round but Central defeated No. 8 Platt Tech 16-1 to earn a tournament victory in first round play.

The Lancers had several performers step up throughout the campaign as did the Rams.

A couple players from both Central and Eastern recently made the CCC South All-Conference team while a few athletes played in postseason all-star games.

Here’s a special look at those players honored:

All Conference – Bristol Central

Player: Jeremy Ganavage

Year: Senior

Position: Catcher

The stats: Batted .368 on the season, scored 12 runs, and blasted out 11 RBI.

Coach Bunty Ray’s take: “[A] steady defensive player that became the steadiest performer on offensive.

Big Games: Collected a double and went 2-of-3 in six-run win over Simsbury back on May 4…Demolished Platt Tech in Class L first round with two doubles, going 3-of-5 overall…Had a big single in Central’s 9-8 come-from-behind victory over Berlin to open the season.

Other Honors: Played in the Senior All-Star Game

Player: Noah Plantamuro

Year: Junior

Position: Shortstop

The stats: Scored 11 runs this year while driving in 18 RBI

Coach Bunty Ray’s take: “[He had an] outstanding fielding percentage and also is a two time all league player.”

Big Games: The defensive guru blasted out a double in the one-run win over Berlin…Collected three RBI in the 14-run thrashing of Middletown…The first time around against Farmington, was 2-of-3 with an RBI…Had an RBI single in the tough 3-2 extra inning loss at South Windsor.

Other Honors: Played in the Junior All-Star Game

All Conference – Bristol Eastern:

Player: Gary Gagnier

Year: Senior

Position: Catcher

The stats: 65 at-bats, team high 22 hits, seven doubles, eight RBI, .338 batting average, .427 on-base percentage

Opposing Coach Bunty Ray’s take: “[He’s an] excellent defensive catcher that emerged as a team leader.”

Big Games: Smashed a single and a double in the 9-2 win over Maloney…Netted three of the Lancers five total hits in BE’s 7-3 home victory over Plainville…Added two hits versus Glastonbury…Dropped in a double during the season-ending loss at New Canaan.

Other Honors: Played in the Senior All-Star Game.

Player: Zach Marquis

Year: Senior

Position: Pitcher/outfielder

The stats: Pitching – 5-2 overall, 1.49 ERA, tallied, 45 strikeouts in 47 innings pitched, yielded only 10 earned runs all season; Batting – .254 over 59 at-bats, 15 hits, six RBI, nine walks

Opposing Coach Bunty Ray’s take: “[He had the] only perfect game in school history and put his team on his shoulders in every big game.”

Big Games: How about the perfect game? Striking out five, walking none, 80-percent strikes thrown, and not one ball was hit to the outfield on Monday, May 15 against Rocky Hill…Tripled in victory over Norwich Free Academy (4-2) while drilling out the game-winning hit – a two-run homer – in the 3-2 win at East Catholic.

Other Honors: Played in the Senior All-Star Game.

Notable Performers – Bristol Central

Player: Ken Knox

Year: Senior

Position: Pitcher/Outfielder

The stats: 5-4 overall, 49 strikeouts

Coach Bunty Ray’s take: “[On the] receiving end of some tough losses but emerged as a number one starter and kept Central in many games.”

Big Games: Scored 4-2 win over Farmington (three hits, seven K’s)…Shutout Plainville at Muzzy Field in a 4-0, three-hit win…Threw six innings and did not allow an earned run during Central’s 16-1 smashing over Platt Tech during the state tournament.

Other Honors: Played in the Senior All-Star Game.

Player: Alex Balfour

Year: Junior

Position: Pitcher

The stats: 4-4 overall, 1.59 ERA, earned wins over four teams with 10 or more wins.

Coach Bunty Ray’s take: “[He was a] very steady on the mound and was a key contributor.”

Big Games: Picked up 5-1 victory over Maloney back on April 18…Earned a 7-1 win versus Simsbury (5.1 IP)…In a complete game gem, Balfour topped Newington 6-2 on May 9 – giving up just one earned run…Went five innings (two hits, 5 K’s) in 2-1 win against Platt on May 19.

Notable Performers – Bristol Eastern

Player: Mike Massarelli

Year: Senior

Position: First Base

The stats: Batted .339 overall in 56 at-bats, .439 on-base percentage, three doubles, five RBI, six walks, was hit-by-pitch a team-leading four times.

Big Games: Nabbed two hits in the win over Glastonbury…Had his biggest hit of the season against Bristol Central, tallying a two-run double off Kenny Knox – leading to the 2-0 win over the Rams.

Player: Jake Violette

Year: Senior

Position: Pitcher/ Centerfield

The stats: Pitching – 5-3 overall, 3.00 ERA, 44.1 innings pitched, 37 strikeouts, 19 earned runs; Batting – .299 average, 20 hits, eight RBI, two doubles, seven base-on-balls.

Opposing Coach Bunty Ray’s take: “[He was] steady on the mound and was also a good all around player for the Lancers.”

Big Games: Pitched Eastern past East Catholic in that 3-2 win (seven hits, four strikeouts)…Defeated Maloney for Eastern’s first win of the season (four hits, two runs, 5 K’s)…Fanned eight in the Lancers’ 10-2 demolition of Glastonbury.

Charlotte (Scheuering) Frasario, 96, of Bristol, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 21, 2017.

Born in Brooklyn, NY on February 1, 1921, she was the last surviving child of the late Christian and Martha Scheuering.  She was the wife of the late Ferdinand “Fred” Frasario for 56 years until his passing in 2000. Together they raised two loving daughters and were proud grandparents.  They relocated from New York to Bristol after Fred’s retirement in the early 1980’s.  Charlotte was a woman of great faith and a longtime member of St. Matthew Church in Forestville. She spent much of her time as an active volunteer at the Bristol Senior Center where she met her angel,  Anthony Scapellati, whom she married at the age of 80 and shared fifteen years as “recycled teenagers” with until his passing in 2015.  She will forever be remembered for her selflessness, and love for her family, and will be greatly missed.

Charlotte leaves her daughters, Judy Miceli and husband, Chuck of Wolcott and Janet Ebert and her husband, Ed of Southington; her adored grandchildren and their families, Mike and Jen Miceli and their children, Kaelyn and Eiryn; Jason and Jolene Miceli and their children, Alex, Lillyanna, and Logan; Karen and Mike Soccodato and their children, Justin and Jacoby; and Ryan and Kathy Ebert and their children, Rileigh and Amie.  She was predeceased by her brother, Frank and her sister, Marie, and leaves many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Southington Community YMCA Camp Scholarships, 29 High St, Southington, CT 06489.

A Memorial Mass in celebration of Charlotte’s life will be held on Tuesday at 9 a.m. at St. Matthew Church, 120 Church Ave, Forestville.

Plantsville Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlantsvilleFuneralHome.com

By LISA CAPOBIANCO

STAFF WRITER

Patients who undergo post-mastectomy surgery will no longer have to travel outside Bristol Hospital for the procedure thanks to a donation from the Beekley Family Foundation.

Within the past year, the hospital’s Center for Surgery and Endoscopy has used the SPY Elite System—a machine that helps ensure adequate tissue perfusion during post-mastectomy breast reconstruction surgery.

Dr. Vinod Pathy, a plastic surgeon at Bristol Hospital, has experience using the technology for six to seven years now.

The goal of using SPY, said Pathy, is to determine how healthy a patient’s skin is after a mastectomy.

If the patient’s skin is not healthy, there is an increased risk for a wound healing issue. During reconstruction, a dye is injected into the patient to tag red blood cells. Through real-time fluorescent imaging, the technology enhances a surgeon’s ability to visualize and analyze tissue perfusion. These images can help surgeons like Pathy make critical decisions in the operating room.

“We can see things happening in real time—you can actually see blood flow, the difference in discoloration, which you cannot see with the naked eye,” said Pathy, who has been working at Bristol Hospital for nearly a year now. “You can tell what’s healthy and what’s not healthy.”

Last Thursday, Bristol Hospital staff and the Beekley Family Foundation held a dedication event for the new equipment, which Pathy has used for three cancer patients so far.

The surgery center team said this kind of technology is unique for a community hospital.

“At other large institutions, this is the cutting edge technology being used,” said Pathy. “The fact that we have this at Bristol Hospital is fantastic.”

“We have the ability to draw patients to our center for this kind of technology, which isn’t offered every where,” added Patricia Coppola, the director of perioperative services at Bristol Hospital. “We thought it was very important for our patients to have it.”

In the past, Bristol Hospital had to refer patients elsewhere for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction surgery. But now that the machine is available to them, cancer patients can stay at the hospital for full treatment.

When Ayn LaPlant, the president and CEO of Beekley Corporation, found out about these referrals, she was inspired to help improve patient care at Bristol Hospital through a $125,000 donation, which covered the purchase of the equipment.

A partner of Bristol Hospital for the past 20 years, the Beekley Family Foundation also donated funds for a 3D mammography at the Beekley Center for Breast Health and Wellness in 2015.

“No woman should have to go through that,” said LaPlant. “Patient care is so important to us, and this to me, was giving us better patient care at the hospital—to have a piece of equipment like this that women going through this traumatic experience could be right there with their doctors with their care team and have this procedure done at the hospital.”

The Bristol Fire Department reported the following incidents last week.

June 9

Clean Harbors, 51 Broderick Rd., chemical spill or leak.

18 Broadview St., outside rubbish, trash or waste fire.

Crowley RV, 9 Barber St., passenger vehicle fire.

June 10

22 Talmadge St., vehicle accident, general cleanup.

FMC Dialysis, 135 Middle St., unintentional transmission of alarm, other.

Ability Beyond, 47 Nicholas Dr., smoke detector activation, no fire.

21 Reilly Place, natural vegetation fire, other.

Main St. and Memorial Blvd., motor vehicle accident with injuries.

June 11

Barnes Group, 123 Main St., sprinkler activation due to malfunction.

303 Main St., water problem, other.

Beacon St. and Mechanic St., unauthorized burning.

209 Middle St., electrical wiring/equipment problem, other.

37 Haig Ave., gas leak (natural gas or LPG).

536 Redstone Hill Rd., smoke detector activation due to malfunction.

171 Sherwood Rd., assist police or other governmental agency.

June 12

King St. and Fifth St., motor vehicle accident with injuries.

ESPN Building 11, 220 Ronzo Rd., arcing, shorted electrical equipment.

Jerome Ave., vehicle accident, general cleanup.

Memorial Blvd. and Main St., outside rubbish fire, other.

371 West St., power line down.

153 Jacquelne Dr., unauthorized burning.

150 Central, 150 Central St., rescue, EMS incident, other.

June 13

Higby Apartments, 267 Main St., 267 Main St., lock-out.

233 Summer St., lock-out.

69 West St., system malfunction, other.

Collins Rd. and Farmington Ave., motor vehicle accident with injuries.

95 Terryville Ave., unauthorized burning.

June 14

13 Willis St., carbon monoxide incident.

241 Sperry Rd., power line down.

Oakland St. and Farmington Ave., motor vehicle accident with injuries.

Brandon Run and Corbin Ridge, natural vegetation fire, other.

322 Park St., vehicle accident, general cleanup.

95 Terryville Ave., unauthorized burning.

Rent-A-Center, 443 North Main St., lock-out.

June 15

139 Center St., arcing, shorted electrical equipment.

67 Maiden Lane, natural vegetation fire, other.

Home Depot, 1149 Farmington Ave., lock-out.

East Rd. and Union St., grass fire.

170 Enterprse Dr., motor vehicle accident with injuries.

9 Memorial Blvd., motor vehicle accident with injuries.

HINSHAW EXTENDS HITTING STREAK TO 14 IN 12-3 LOSS

BOX SCORE

In 140 Characters or Less: Crouse plates 2 runs, but Bees drop series finale with Somerset 12-3. 4 game set with Lancaster begins tomorrow #NewBritainVsEverybody

The Game Changed When…: After a scoreless first inning by Brian Dupra, Somerset would force him to run into some trouble, scoring 4 runs in the 2nd frame. Kyle Roller would lead off with a solo shot, followed by a 3 run home run from Christian Marrero, and then a sacrifice fly by Chris Grayson would cap it off. The sacrifice fly would prove to be the game winning play after the 12-3 final was reached.

Pitchers of Record: W: Will Oliver (3-0) | L: Brian Dupra (3-5)

Player(s) of the Game: Christian Marrero (Somerset) – 2-3, 2 HR, 5 RBI | Michael Crouse (New Britain) – 2-4, 2 RBI

Next Game: Monday, June 26th, 6:30 P.M.

Tale of the Tape – New Britain Bees (25-38) vs. Lancaster Barnstormers (32-29)
Starting Pitchers – New Britain: LHP Anthony Marzi (5-4, 2.87) | Lancaster: LHP Nate Reed (1-4, 3.92)

HOME TICKETS: BUY HERE | Available at the New Britain Stadium Box Office | Call 860-826-BEES

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS:

Friday, June 30th vs. Bridgeport: Fat Tire Friday/Foul Pole Friday
Saturday, July 1st vs. Bridgeport: Fireworks!
Sunday, July 2nd vs. Bridgeport: Martin Rosol’s Giveaway/Schaller Hardware City Family Fun-Day
Monday, July 3rd vs. Somerset: Dollar Day Monday
Tuesday, July 4th vs. Somerset: Independence Day/New Britain Day
Wednesday, July 5th vs. Somerset: YMCA Fun “4” Everyone Day

Broadcast: The Bees’ Official YouTube Channel (youtube.com/NewBritainBees) and Facebook Live (facebook.com/newbritainbees), starting at 6:15 P.M.

Bees Buzz: Jordan Hinshaw extended his team leading hitting streak to 14 games…Conor Bierfeldt and Jordan Hinshaw have both notched multiple hits in 2 of their last 3 games…Michael Crouse has 12 RBI in his last 10 games after driving in 3 today…James Skelton drew his league leading 50th walk of the season in the game…This is the second instance that the Bees have given up 10 or more runs in back to back games against the same opponent. Bridgeport scored 10 runs on May 17th and 18th against New Britain this season…New Britain’s streak of scoring in the 1st inning was snapped at 3 consecutive games…Brandon Shimo has not allowed a run in his last 4 outings, striking out 7 combined hitters (5 2/3 innings)…Michael Crouse drove in 2 runs for his 10th multi-RBI game of the season. He is second on the team in multi-RBI games behind Conor Bierfeldt (11)…Jovan Rosa extended his consecutive games played for the Bees streak to 203, and his overall consecutive games played streak to 226, including postseason.

New Britain Bees relief pitcher and 13 year MLB veteran Joe Beimel has announced his retirement from professional baseball.

“Joe was a great, veteran clubhouse presence and he will be missed,” said Bees manager Stan Cliburn. “I wish him and his family the best in his retirement.”

The 40-year old Beimel was drafted in the 26th round of the 1996 MLB Amateur Draft by the Texas Rangers, and began his professional career after being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 18th round of the 1998 MLB Amateur Draft out of Duquesne University. The 6-foot 3 left hander made his major league debut on April 8th, 2001 for the Pirates against the Houston Astros. During his Major League career, Beimel suited up for the Pirates (2001-03, 2011), Minnesota Twins (2004), Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2005), Los Angeles Dodgers (2006-08), Washington Nationals (2009), Colorado Rockies (2009-10), and Seattle Mariners (2014-15), appearing in 676 Major League games. Beimel was the first player to wear the number 97 in Major League history.

Beimel twice played in the MLB postseason, in 2008 for the Dodgers and in 2009 for the Rockies. During the 2008 postseason, Beimel made three scoreless appearances for Los Angeles during the National League Championship Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Beimel signed with New Britain on March 22, 2017, and appeared in 22 games for the Bees, registering six saves and a 3-2 record. Across 19 professional seasons, the native of St. Marys, Pennsylvania appeared in 938 games, tallying 57 wins, 777 strikeouts, and 13 saves across 1254 innings.

In a corresponding roster move, RHP Kyle Simon has been reinstated to the active roster.

The Bees return to New Britain Stadium on Friday, June 30th to take on the Bridgeport Bluefish in the final series of the Atlantic League’s first half, featuring a chance to win $50,000 and great prizes from Fat Tire on Friday, postgame fireworks and a Stanley Tape Measure giveaway on Saturday, and Schaller Hardware City Family Fun-Day on Sunday! For tickets, call (860) 826-BEES, visit the New Britain Stadium Box Office, or online at NBBEES.com.

BIERFELDT HITS 11TH HR OF THE SEASON AS PATS EVEN SERIES

BOX SCORE

In 140 Characters or Less: Bierfeldt homers, Hinshaw extends hitting streak to 13 games as Pats even series at 1 game apiece, 12-3 the final #NewBritainVsEverybody

The Game Changed When…: The Patriots came to bat in the bottom of the 5th inning with the Bees leading 3-1. In that frame, 12 Somerset batters would come to the plate, and 7 of them would come across to score. 6 of the 7 runs scored would come with 2 outs in the inning, including a grand slam by Tyler Bortnick. The offensive surge gave Somerset an 8-3 lead, which would stand until the end of the game, eventually reaching the 12-3 final.

Pitchers of Record: W: Lucas Irvine (4-1) | L: Jason Jarvis (1-4)

Player(s) of the Game: Tyler Bortnick (Somerset) – 2-4, GS, 4 RBI | Jordan Hinshaw (New Britain) – 2-4, 3B, 13 game hitting streak

HOME TICKETS: BUY HERE | Available at the New Britain Stadium Box Office | Call 860-826-BEES

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS:

Friday, June 30th vs. Bridgeport: Fat Tire Friday/Foul Pole Friday
Saturday, July 1st vs. Bridgeport: Fireworks!
Sunday, July 2nd vs. Bridgeport: Martin Rosol’s Giveaway/Schaller Hardware City Family Fun-Day
Monday, July 3rd vs. Somerset: Dollar Day Monday
Tuesday, July 4th vs. Somerset: Independence Day/New Britain Day
Wednesday, July 5th vs. Somerset: YMCA Fun “4” Everyone Day

Broadcast: The Bees’ Official YouTube Channel (youtube.com/NewBritainBees) and Facebook Live (facebook.com/newbritainbees), starting at 6:50 P.M.

Bees Buzz: Jordan Hinshaw extended his hitting streak to 13 games…Conor Bierfeldt hit his team leading 11th home run in today’s game. His last 2 home runs have come against Lucas Irvine…Jordan Hinshaw hit a triple in today’s game, his first of the season and his first since 2015…The Bees allowed 10 or more runs on the road for the first time since August 8th of last season in York…Nick Greenwood’s consecutive scoreless innings streak as a Bee was snapped at 22 innings after a solo shot by Olmo Rosario in the 4th inning. His Atlantic League career ERA is now 0.40…Yusuke Kajimoto has notched multiple hits in 3 consecutive games…Somerset scored 7 runs in the bottom of the 5th inning, which ties the most runs the Bees have given up in a single inning this season. When they took the lead in the bottom of the 5th, it was the first time that the Bees have trailed in a game since the top of the 8th inning on June 21st against Sugar Land…The Bees have never given up more than 12 runs this season. They’ve given up exactly 12 runs 3 different times this season, all 3 coming against Somerset…Tonight’s game was Jordan Hinshaw’s first start as the designated hitter of the season, and the first time he batted out of the 6th spot in the batting order this season…Jovan Rosa extended his consecutive games played for the Bees streak to 202, and his overall consecutive games played streak to 225, including postseason.

BEES WIN 6TH CONSECUTIVE EXTRA INNING GAME 5-4 OVER PATS

BOX SCORE

In 140 Characters or Less: Bees outlast Pats thanks to Maddox’s solo shot in the top of the 12th for their 6th consecutive extra innings win 5-4 #NewBritainVsEverybody

The Game Changed When…: Craig Maddox came to bat with the bases empty in the top of the 12th inning. He would send the first pitch he saw over the wall to give New Britain the 5-4 lead. It would prove to be the game winning home run after Brandon Shimo would get the final 3 outs in the bottom half of the 12th.

Pitchers of Record: W: Brandon Shimo (4-1) | L: Kyler Newby (1-3)

Player(s) of the Game: Jamar Walton (New Britain) – 2-5, 2 2B, 2 RBI | Craig Maddox (New Britain) – 1-6, HR, RBI | Tyler Bortnick (Somerset) – 2-6, 2B, 2 RBI

Next Game: Saturday, June 24th, 7:05 P.M.

Tale of the Tape – New Britain Bees (25-36) vs. Somerset Patriots (37-24)
Starting Pitchers – New Britain: LHP Nick Greenwood (0-0, 0.00) | Somerset: RHP Lucas Irvine (3-1, 4.56)

HOME TICKETS: BUY HERE | Available at the New Britain Stadium Box Office | Call 860-826-BEES

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS:

Friday, June 30th vs. Bridgeport: Fat Tire Friday/Foul Pole Friday
Saturday, July 1st vs. Bridgeport: Fireworks!
Sunday, July 2nd vs. Bridgeport: Martin Rosol’s Giveaway/Schaller Hardware City Family Fun-Day
Monday, July 3rd vs. Somerset: Dollar Day Monday
Tuesday, July 4th vs. Somerset: Independence Day/Two-Fer Tuesday
Wednesday, July 5th vs. Somerset: YMCA Fun “4” Everyone Day

Broadcast: The Bees’ Official YouTube Channel (youtube.com/NewBritainBees) and Facebook Live (facebook.com/newbritainbees), starting at 6:50 P.M.

Bees Buzz: The Bees have won 6 consecutive extra inning games, 5 of those 6 were on the road…Before tonight, Somerset starter Rick Teasley had not given up a run in the 1st inning in any of his starts all season. The Bees scored 2 in the first inning against him tonight…All 9 Bees starters had at least 1 hit in the game…Jamar Walton hit 2 doubles in the game, his first multi-double game since August 30th of last season, also against Somerset…Jon Griffin recorded 3 hits in the game, making tonight his third 3 hit game this month…Craig Maddox has hit a home run in back to back games for the first time since May 27th-28th of last season, both coming against Long Island…Jovan Rosa has recorded multiple hits in back to back games…Mike Hepple reached 200 career innings pitched after coming in to the game in the bottom of the 6th with 2 outs, and recording the final out…Today’s game was the longest game for the Bees this season by 13 minutes (4:07)…Stan Cliburn is 4 wins away from 100 total wins as Bees manager…Jovan Rosa extended his consecutive games played for the Bees streak to 201, and his overall consecutive games played streak to 224, including postseason.

Police arrested and charged a Bristol man after an exposure complaint last week.

According to a press release from the Bristol Police Department, 51-year-old John Truiolo was charged with risk of injury, second degree breach of peace and public indecency after officers received a report last Thursday about four children seeing a naked, middle-aged man who made a lewd act in front of his apartment window on Bittersweet Lane.

Triuolo was released after posting bond and is scheduled to appear in court on July 3.

ROSA HITS 7TH HR OF THE SEASON IN 3-1 LOSS

BOX SCORE

In 140 Characters or Less: Marzi picks up 100th career strikeout, fans 6 total batters, but Bees fall in series opener to Lancaster 3-1 #NewBritainVsEverybody

The Game Changed When…: Rico Noel led off the bottom of the 7th inning with a triple for the Barnstormers. Lastings Milledge would follow, notching an RBI single to score Noel. Lancaster’s lead would be extended to 2-0, proving to be the game winning play as the 3-1 final score would be reached.

Pitchers of Record: W: Nate Reed (2-4) | L: Anthony Marzi (5-5)

Player(s) of the Game: Nate Reed (Lancaster) – 9 IP, CG, 1 ER, 12 K, 1 BB | Jovan Rosa (New Britain) – 1-4, HR, RBI

Next Game: Tuesday, June 27th, 6:30 P.M.

Tale of the Tape – New Britain Bees (25-39) vs. Lancaster Barnstormers (34-29)
Starting Pitchers – New Britain: RHP Jonathan Pettibone (1-2, 2.61) | Lancaster: RHP Bryan Evans (4-2, 4.82)

HOME TICKETS: BUY HERE | Available at the New Britain Stadium Box Office | Call 860-826-BEES

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS:

Friday, June 30th vs. Bridgeport: Fat Tire Friday/Foul Pole Friday
Saturday, July 1st vs. Bridgeport: Fireworks!
Sunday, July 2nd vs. Bridgeport: Martin Rosol’s Giveaway/Schaller Hardware City Family Fun-Day
Monday, July 3rd vs. Somerset: Dollar Day Monday
Tuesday, July 4th vs. Somerset: Independence Day/New Britain Day
Wednesday, July 5th vs. Somerset: YMCA Fun “4” Everyone Day

Broadcast: The Bees’ Official YouTube Channel (youtube.com/NewBritainBees) and Facebook Live (facebook.com/newbritainbees), starting at 6:15 P.M.

Bees Buzz: The strikeout of K.C. Hobson in the bottom of the 6th inning of today’s game was Anthony Marzi’s 100th strikeout of his professional career…Jordan Hinshaw’s hitting streak was snapped at 14 games. That streak is now the longest in Bees franchise history…Anthony Marzi struck out 6 batters in his outing, which ties the season high for most strikeouts in a single game by a Bees pitcher…Yusuke Kajimoto has recorded a hit in 4 of his last 5 games…After Jovan Rosa’s 9th inning home run to break up the shutout, Anthony Marzi is still the only pitcher in the Atlantic League this year to have a complete game 9 inning shutout this season. Nate Reed carried one through 8 2/3 innings…Jovan Rosa extended his consecutive games played for the Bees streak to 204, and his overall consecutive games played streak to 227, including postseason.

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

A young woman from Bristol is hoping to become America’s next “Distinguished Young Woman.”

Jaymie Bianca, a recent graduate of St. Paul Catholic High School and a soon-to-be freshman at Trinity College in Hartford, will be in Mobile, Ala. to participate in the scholarship competition, which was previously known as American Junior Miss. Bianca will be representing Connecticut in the event, squaring off against 50 young women, who represent the other 49 states and Washington D.C.

Bianca, before she took a road trip down south with her family, said the Distinguished Young Women scholarship competition judges high school senior girls on five components, interview, scholastics, business, talent, and self-expression.

Although the event is similar to a pageant, Bianca—who has competed in Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen and was crowned in the Junior Miss Southington pageant—said the Distinguished Young Women competition is all about scholarships.

“You don’t have to be an overall winner to get scholarships,” said Bianca. One can be a state winner or just a participant to earn a scholarship through the Distinguished Young Women. Some scholarships will provide full-tuition and some may even offer full tuition and board.

“It’s an incredible opportunity,’ said Bianca.

Her experience in pageants in Connecticut inspired Bianca to apply to be part of the Distinguished Young women competition as a high school senior. She also said the DYW emphasis on service and scholarship represented the best parts of what she enjoyed when she held previous titles.

As part of the Distinguished Young Women organization, Bianca is promoting the national platform of “Be Your Best Self.” Locally, she said she was able to work with seventh graders in Hartford to convey the importance being true to who you are. If she is crowned as the national title holder, Bianca will be expected to bring that platform to the nation at venues such as local Boys and Girls Clubs and other community-based organizations that serve youth.

Prior to the commencement of the competition in Mobile, Bianca said the contestants will participate in a variety of events within the community. For instance, they will offer a performance for residents of Mobile. They also have all been assigned a Girl Scout troop to network with, said Bianca.

“There will be a lot of really cool and interesting community events,” said Bianca.

The national finals will be held June 29, 30, and July 1. And Bianca said she already has been in contact with the other contestants via social media.

“They all have great accomplishments (in school or within the community),” said Bianca of the other competitors. “I can’t wait to talk with them and network with them and hopefully they’ll inspire me as well.”

Win or lose, said Bianca, “When I come back to Connecticut I’ll be stronger and well aware of who I am and where I want to be in the future.”.

For more information about the Distinguished Young Women organization, go to http://distinguishedyw.org/

To view the live webcast of the Distinguished Young Women National Finals, visit www. DistinguishedYW.org Thursday through Saturday, June 29 through July 1 at 8 p.m. EST.

To see photos of participants during their time in Mobile, Ala., visit www. fpvision.com

Jaymie Bianca is Connecticut’s representative at this month’s Distinguished Young Women’s competition.

Bank of America’s Charitable Foundation has awarded a grant of $2,500 to the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol Family Center to underwrite the E (Entrepreneurial) Program at their Cambridge Park Clubhouse. Located within public housing, the club’s Cambridge Park Clubhouse serves over 40 youths each day who live in the community. Designed by facilitator, Michael F. Crane, the E-Program will teach teens at the Club basic skills they would need to repair their home or apartment. Using a series of mocked up frames called “learning walls”, members in the program will learn how to repair and replace sheet rock, fix minor electical problems, paint the interior of thier homes, fix minor plumbing problems, and learn how to use a variety of tools.

Once members have mastered repair skills, they will use their newly developed skills to build projects that can be used at home or sold to the public. Members will be involved with the marketing and sale of the finished products which will familiarize them with the business and finance components of running a small business.

The program’s goal is to create a work enviroment that will prepare it’s members for life’s challenges and give them the confidence to purse endeavors that are foreign to them, explained the press release. Working as at team in the E-Program will provide members with skills that will enhance their abilities to be  productive and reliable members of a structured, positive workplace.

“It is with great pleasure that we support the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol with this grant. Bank of America believes in strong collaborations with organizations that provide skills to their members in order to break the cycle of poverty. Boys & Girls Club of Bristol is one of those organizations. ” stated Jill Hutensky, Hartford Market Manager-Enterprise Business and Community Engagement for Bank of America’s Charitable Foundation.

Martha Jean (Mullaney) Pellegrino passed away, surrounded by family on Thursday June 22, 2017 at Yale New Haven Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

She leaves behind her loving husband of 38 years, Frank Pellegrino Jr who courageously stood by her side throughout her illness, embodying their wedding vows with his loving actions. She also leaves her beloved children Frank, Anthony, Lena, and Margaret along with their spouses Kathryn, Beth, Jason, and Sean. Being one of eleven Mullaney children Martha was loved by and leaves behind four sisters Lennie, Kathy, Lizzie, and Mary; along with three brothers, Richard III, Gene, and Jamie, and the in-laws whom Martha loved as extended siblings including Don Brabant, Donald Jones, Gloria, Robin, Charlene, Nancy, Harry, Theresa, Dick, Jimmy, Sharon, and Linda.  She also loved the many nieces and nephews from these wonderful families.   Most heart breaking she leaves behind her 9 grandchildren Derek, Frank IV, Charlie, Tyler, Cameron, Joseph, Sammy, Collin and Quinn Elizabeth, as well as one more on the way Jordan, whom she never met but loved just as much.  These grandchildren were the light of her life and kept her spirit high throughout her illness.  Lastly she leaves behind Chase, her lovably neurotic yellow lab whom she tolerated for many, many years.

Friends and family will remember Martha as a fantastic mother and grandmother, who up until the last hours of her life was more concerned for others than herself.   She loved being outside, whether she was hiking through the woods by her grandparent’s farm in New Hampshire, gardening in her yard or swimming in the ocean with her grandchildren.

Martha was a graduate of St. Paul High School in 1973 and studied to become an X-Ray technician at the Bristol Hospital School of Radiology.  She spoke often of the pride she took in caring for the sick and injured.   After her marriage in 1979 she quickly became a mother and transitioned to working in the home.  Her efforts created a nurturing environment for her children to grow in.

Martha’s boundless affection for children showed through not only with her own family, but in the way she cared for other children as well.  When her family was young she managed her own in home day care, and still enjoys as friends many of the parents and children whom she cared for.  As her family aged she transitioned again and worked as a para professional in the Plymouth school system, helping children with special needs.  In addition, she spent many years volunteering in the Terryville community most memorably on the board of directors for the Terry Nursery School.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. at O’Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Ave., Forestville (Bristol.) A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at11:00 a.m. directly at the Carlyle F. Barnes Memorial Chapel, at West Cemetery, 49 Pound St. in Bristol.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (TEAM MULLANIACS).  To leave an online message of condolence, share a memory or photo, please visit Martha’s memorial page at www.OBRIEN-FUNERALHOME.com.

David A. Spielman II, 36, of Waterbury, former Terryville resident passed away Wednesday June 21, 2017 at home.

David was born April 21, 1981 in Bristol, CT, son of David A. Spielman of Terryville and Roberta (Hazelton) Spielman of Terryville.  He was employed as a carpenter for Custom Barns. He loved his family especially his nieces and nephews He was a big kid with a playful personality, he had a beautiful smile and gave the best hugs.

Besides his parents he is survived by his paternal grandmother, Edith Spielman of Terryville; his brother, Michael Spielman of Terryville and his nephews and niece, Adam, Cali and Ethan.

Relatives and friends may call at the Scott Funeral Home, 169 Main St., Terryville on Sunday June 25, 2017 from 3:00 to 5:00PM.   www.scottfuneralhomeinc.com

Philip F. Koboski, 76, of Bristol, beloved husband of Carolyn McCarthy Koboski and widower of Susan (Lubinski) Koboski, died on Friday (June 23, 2017) at home after a long illness.  Phil was born in New Britain on April 8, 1941 and was one of two children of the late Edward and Angeline (Foligno) Koboski.  He was raised in New Britain graduating from Goodwin Technical High School.  A master woodworker, he worked as plant manager for Modern Woodcraft in Farmington for over 20 years before retiring.  A Bristol resident since 1974, he enjoyed woodworking as a hobby having completed many projects for his family.  He also loved to cook and was known for the way he made people laugh.  In addition to his wife of 18 years, Phil is survived by a son and daughter-in-law: Philip E. and Brenda Koboski of South Windsor; twin daughters: Annette Marrero and husband, Mario and Angela Bonola and husband, Michael, all of Bristol; two step-sons: Scott McCarthy of Bristol and Craig McCarthy and Kelly Smith of Burlington; his sister and brother-in-law: Rita and Robert Walko of New Britain; four grandchildren whom he adored: Theo and Eric Koboski, Danielle Gorner, and Nicole Marrero; and a great-granddaughter: Briana.  He was predeceased by a nephew, Paul Walko in addition to his parents and first wife.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday (June 29, 2017) at 11 AM at Prospect United Methodist Church, 99 Summer St., Bristol.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family.  Relatives and friends may call at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, on Wednesday between 5 and 8 PM.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Prospect United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 99 Summer St., Bristol, CT 06010.   Please visit Phil’s memorial website at www.FUNKFUNERALHOME.com

Thomas F. Flynn, Jr., 68 of Bristol, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, June 23, 2017.

Tom was born on February 11, 1949 in Hartford, son of the late Thomas F. Flynn, Sr. and Dorothy (LeBeau) Flynn.  He was a graduate of Northeastern University, Boston MA and earned a degree in accounting.  An avid skier, Tom was a volunteer of 40 years with the National Ski Patrol.  A car enthusiast, full of humor and caring, he was most recently staying active working at Lake Compounce as a grounds man.

He leaves his son, Thomas F. Flynn, IV and his fiancée Kylene Wood of Bristol; daughter Jennifer Lynn Flynn of Wappinger Falls, NY; twin sisters Maureen Drzewiecki of Farmington and Marilyn Coppola and her husband Angelo of Southington; and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 30, 2017 between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. at O’Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Ave., Forestville (Bristol).  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 33 Queen St., Bristol.  Those attending are asked to meet directly at the church.  Committal service and interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol.  In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to go to the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Dr, Wallingford, CT 06492 or to National Ski Patrol, 133 South Van Gordon St., Suite 100, Lakewood, CO 80228.  To leave an online message of condolence or to share a memory or photo, please visit Tom’s memorial page at www.OBRIEN-FUNERALHOME.com.

Charlotte (Scheuering) Frasario, 96, of Bristol, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 21, 2017.

Born in Brooklyn, NY on February 1, 1921, she was the last surviving child of the late Christian and Martha Scheuering.  She was the wife of the late Ferdinand “Fred” Frasario for 56 years until his passing in 2000. Together they raised two loving daughters and were proud grandparents.  They relocated from New York to Bristol after Fred’s retirement in the early 1980’s.  Charlotte was a woman of great faith and a longtime member of St. Matthew Church in Forestville. She spent much of her time as an active volunteer at the Bristol Senior Center where she met her angel,  Anthony Scapellati, whom she married at the age of 80 and shared fifteen years as “recycled teenagers” with until his passing in 2015.  She will forever be remembered for her selflessness, and love for her family, and will be greatly missed.

Charlotte leaves her daughters, Judy Miceli and husband, Chuck of Wolcott and Janet Ebert and her husband, Ed of Southington; her adored grandchildren and their families, Mike and Jen Miceli and their children, Kaelyn and Eiryn; Jason and Jolene Miceli and their children, Alex, Lillyanna, and Logan; Karen and Mike Soccodato and their children, Justin and Jacoby; and Ryan and Kathy Ebert and their children, Rileigh and Amie.  She was predeceased by her brother, Frank and her sister, Marie, and leaves many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Southington Community YMCA Camp Scholarships, 29 High St, Southington, CT 06489.

A Memorial Mass in celebration of Charlotte’s life will be held on Tuesday at 9 a.m. at St. Matthew Church, 120 Church Ave, Forestville.

Plantsville Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlantsvilleFuneralHome.com