Joan (Conroy) Grenier, 63, of Bristol, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Friday, June 23, 2017.

Joan was born on January 18, 1954 in Key West, FL the only child of Ann (Kennedy) Conroy of Bristol and the late Richard Conroy.  She graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and was a registered nurse.  Presently she was employed at the Park Place Health Center in Hartford.  Joan was an active and faithful member of the Hillside Community Church in Bristol.

Besides her mother, Joan is survived by her children, Nick Grenier and twins Brian and Sara Grenier; grandchildren Kaitlyn Grenier and James Richard Redway, Jr.; an aunt, Judy Kennedy and cousins Sean Kennedy and Meghan Kennedy.

Calling hours for Joan will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2017 between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. at O’Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Ave., Forestville (Bristol).  A service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Associate Pastor Paul Bianca of the Hillside Community Church officiating.  To leave an online message of condolence or to share a memory or photo, please visit Joan’s memorial page at www.OBRIEN-FUNERALHOME.com.

Marcia (Chmieleski) Magoon, of Farmington, passed away peacefully from her long battle with cancer on Monday June 26, 2017 with her family at her side.

Marcia “Marci” was born the daughter of the late Marshall & Helen (Tanski) Chmieleski; she will now join them in heaven.  Marcia was a RN who worked in various areas, from hospital, to practice office management, to managing the Care Coordination office for United Healthcare, as well as consulting work for The Commonwealth of Mass., presenting discharge planning needs.

She leaves her husband, Roger Magoon Sr., her two beloved children, Debbie Leppones and her husband Peter of Plantsville and Kevin Reid of West Hartford.  Four grandchildren who were the loves of her life: Peter Leppones Jr. (P.J.)), Sydney Leppones (Missy), Tyler Reid and Brody Reid, she also leaves two brothers, Dr. Robert Chmieleski and his wife Susan of Farmington and Phillip Chmieleski and his wife Jeneane of NJ. One aunt, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Marcia also wanted to thank her friends Corky Tedesco and Dr. Vicky Biondi who gave assist as much as able and Dr. Craig Bogdanski, Medical Director at Apple Rehab of Farmington.

Marci also wanted to thank her group on Facebook, A Journey Shared, who were always there for her, in the bad times as well as the good times.  Their caring meant so very much, and helped to lighten her load. “Look up at me. I am there… Smiling down knowing you cared”

There will be no calling hours.  A private celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family. Scott Funeral Home, 169 Main St., Terryville is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to American Lung Association or the Smilow Cancer Center at Yale New Haven Hospital.   www.scottfuneralhomeinc.com

Bristol, Salvatore Micucci, 89, of Bristol, CT passed away June 26, 2017 at Countryside Manor. He was the widower of Rose (Keyes) Micucci.

Sal was born in Bristol, CT on April 6, 1928, the son of the late Vincenzo and Rose (Bianca) Micucci.

He was a veteran in China serving with the Marines. In the 50’s he sold insurance for Prudential Insurance Company. Sal was the Democatic  Register of voters for 20 years and was a State Representative from 1981-1983.  He worked as a Tax preparer for over 50 years retiring in 2008. He was a member of Italian Social Club and the American Legion Post # 2.  Sal was one of the first family to join St. Gregory Church and been a member ever since.

He is survived by 4 sons, James, Theodore, Robert and John. A brother, Vito, 3 granddaughters, Eliza, Paisley and Bria and a great grandson, Aiden.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at 11:00 AM at St. Gregory The Great Church.  Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family in St. Joseph Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Dunn Funeral Home 191 West St. Bristol is in charge of the arrangements.

WWW.Dunnfh.com

On Tuesday, July 4, Bristol City Hall and the Transfer Station will be closed. Curbside collections after Tuesday will be on a one day delay for the week.

KYLE SIMON GETS 300TH CAREER STRIKEOUT IN 5-3 DEFEAT

BOX SCORE

In 140 Characters or Less: Kyle Simon records 300th career strikeout, Rosa, Walton notch 3 hits, but Lancaster holds on for a 5-3 win #NewBritainVsEverybody

The Game Changed When…: Lancaster came to bat in the bottom of the 4th inning with the game tied at 3. Anderson De La Rosa would hit a double and then move to third on a single by Vladimir Frias. Then Drew Doty would bring home the game winning run on a fielder’s choice that retired Frias at second. De La Rosa came home to give Lancaster the lead 4-3, and the lead would hold until the final out.

Pitchers of Record: W: Rommie Lewis (4-5) | L: Kyle Simon (4-5) | SV: Anthony Carter (14)

Player(s) of the Game: Caleb Gindl (Lancaster) – 4-4, 2B | Jamar Walton (New Britain) – 3-4, 2B, 2 RBI | Vladimir Frias (Lancaster) – 2-4, HR, RBI

Next Game: Thursday, June 29th, 6:30 P.M.

Tale of the Tape – New Britain Bees (25-41) vs. Lancaster Barnstormers (36-29)
Starting Pitchers – New Britain: RHP Mike Lee (1-5, 4.91) | Lancaster: LHP Jarret Leverett (4-3, 5.59)

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: Tonight’s game was Kyle Simon’s 200th game of his professional career…With the strikeout of Garrett Weber in the bottom of the 5th inning, Kyle Simon has reached 300 strikeouts in his professional career…Michael Crouse stole his team leading 19th base in the 6th inning…With 3 hits tonight, Jovan Rosa is now tied for the team lead with Conor Bierfeldt for the team lead in 3 hit games at 3…Kyle Simon struck out 6 batters in his outing, which ties the season high for most strikeouts in a game by a Bees pitcher…Jamar Walton has recorded multiple RBI in 2 games in the past week…With 1 hit in tonight’s game, Craig Maddox is now 5 hits away from 700 hits in his professional career…Jamar Walton has recorded multiple hits in 4 of his last 7 games. His three hit performance today is his 4th of the season, he is second on the team in that category behind Jon Griffin who has 6 three hit games…In 7 of his last 8 appearances, Brandon Fry has not allowed a run…Both James Skelton and Jamar Walton are approaching 1,000 career games played. After tonight’s game, Skelton is 3 games away, and Walton is 5 games away…Yusuke Kajimoto has tallied multiple hits in 5 of his last 7 games…Jovan Rosa extended his consecutive games played for the Bees streak to 206, and his overall consecutive games played streak to 229, including postseason.

ONGOING

BRISTOL

NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF MENTAL ILLNESS FAMILY AND FRIENDS SUPPORT GROUP. Last Wednesday of every month. Bristol Senior and Community Center, Room 101, 240 Stafford Ave., Bristol. (860) 205-9542, (860) 830-2129.

NAR-ANON FAMILY GROUP MEETING. Thursday at 7:30 p.m. All family, friends of addicts are welcome to attend. Bristol Baptist Church, 43 School St., Bristol.

AL-ANON. Tuesdays at 10 to 11:30 a.m. St. Gregory Hall, Stafford Avenue and Maltby Street, Bristol. Families and friends of alcoholics welcome.

AL-ANON. Thursday, 7 to 8:30 p.m. St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 1024 Stafford Ave., Bristol. Families and friends of alcoholics welcome.

AL-ANON. Fridays 7 to 8:30 p.m. Recovery Club, 67 West St., Bristol.

BRISTOL MS SUPPORT GROUP. 2 to 2:30 p.m. on first Tuesday of the month. Chapter 126, 47 Upson St., Bristol. (860) 478-9429, (860) 769-7051.

PLAINVILLE

HIV SUPPORT GROUP. 5 p.m. on third Friday of the month. St. Philip House, 80 Broad St., Plainville. In the sunroom at the back of the building. Light supper provided. (860) 793-2221.

PLAINVILLE MS SUPPORT GROUP. 7 to 9 p.m., the third Monday of every month. Wheeler Clinic, 91 Northwest Dr., Plainville. (860) 793-9272. CTFightsMS.org

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FRIDAY, JULY 7

PLAINVILLE

THE BEAR REALITY. 10 a.m. Felicia Ortiner, a Connecticut master wildlife conservationist and a bear enthusiast will provide education and facts about bears. Plainville Senior Center, 200 East St., Plainville. Register. (860) 747-5728.

THURSDAY, AUG. 17

BRISTOL

THE ST. STANISLAUS CHURCH GOLDEN AGERS. TRIP TO FRANKIE VALLI SHOW, ‘WHO LOVES YOU?’ Includes family style lunch. Aqua Turf, Plantsville. $76 per person. Drive on your own. Register. (860) 589-5597.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 13

BRISTOL

PILGRIMAGE TO THE NATIONAL BLUE ARMY SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA IN WASHINGTON, N.J. Sponsored by the Legion of St. Stanislaus Church. $42 for non-legion members. (860) 589-5597.

MONDAY, SEPT. 25

BRISTOL

MOHEGAN SUN CASINO TRIP. Held by St. Stanislaus Golden Agers. Casino bonus of a food ticket and one Big Wheel ticket. (860) 589-5597.

TUESDAY, OCT. 10

BRISTOL

JIMMY STURR THE POLKA KING. Held by the St. Stanislaus Church Golden Agers. Includes music, family style lunch with salad, pasta, pierogies, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa and sauerkraut, veggie, potatoes, dessert, beverage. Aqua Turf, Plantsville. Register. (860) 589-5597.

OCT. 16, 17

BRISTOL

TRIP TO TERRACOTTA WARRIORS AT THE FRANKIN INSTITUTE, PHILADELPHIA. Held by the St. Stanislaus Golden Agers. Trip includes one night stay at the Holiday Inn Express Midtown, one breakfast, one dinner, sightseeing, and admissions. $309 per person, double or triple. $389 for single. Register. (860) 589-5597.

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

OTHER

QUEEN ANN NZINGA CENTER PARTY WITH A PURPOSE. 5 to 8:30 p.m. Cash bar, free food, dancing, music, games, raffles, live music, dance music, local vendors. Trinity-on-Main, 60 Main St., New Britain. $10 to help keep the Nzinga’s Daughters’ “Music from the African Diaspora Concert” free and support the Nzinga’s Watoto program.

SATURDAY, JULY 1

SOUTHINGTON

OPEN FARM AND GOAT RELAY RACES. 12 to 5 p.m. Meet the herd of dairy goats and spend time on a working farm. Free Goat Relay Races. Work with your goat partner to go through an obstacle course. Bradley Mountain Farm, 12 to 5 p.. 537 Shuttle Meadow Rd., Southington. (860) 385-GOAT. www.BradleyMountainSoaps.com

JULY 1-31

SOUTHINGTON

ART EXHIBIT BY P.R. BAILEY (ABBE WADE) AND JOANNE HATCH. Opening reception, Sunday, July 2 1 to 3 p.m. The Gallery at The Orchards, 34 Hobart St., Southington. (860) 628-5656.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 5

BRISTOL

EVENING BOOK REVIEW. 6 p.m. Informal review of new books at the library. Manross Library, 260 Central St., Forestville. Advance registration required. (860) 584-7790.

THURSDAY, JULY 6

BRISTOL

ARRANGING AND SOURCING LOCALLY GROWN FLOWERS. Part of the Museum After Hours series. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. With Haley Billipp of Eddy Farm, Newington. Wine and cheese. New England Carousel Museum, 95 Riverside Ave., Bristol. Admission is included with general admission. Museum members free. www.TheCarouselMuseum.org (860) 585-5411.

‘A DOG’S PURPOSE.’ 1 p.m. Film. Bristol Public Library, 5 High St., Bristol. Free. Register Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Bristol Public Library. (860) 584-7787, ext. 2023.

SATURDAY, JULY 8

OTHER

SINGLES MINIATURE GOLF. Held by Social Connections. 2 p.m. Safari Golf, 2340 Wilbur Cross Highway, Berlin. After enjoy refreshments. $8 admission. (860) 582-8229.

FRIDAY, JULY 14

OTHER

SINGLES HAPPY HOUR. Sponsored by Social Connections. 5 p.m. Mingle with old and new friends. Amici Italian Grill, 280 Main St., Middletown. (860) 582-8229.

MONDAY, AUG. 7

BRISTOL

CENTRAL CONNECTICUT CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE 26TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT. 10:30 a.m., registration. 11 to noon, lunch. 12 p.m., shotgun start. Tunxis Country Club, 87 Town Farm Rd., Farmington. (860) 584-4718. www.CentralCTChambers.org

THURSDAY, AUG. 17

BRISTOL

18TH ANNUAL REV. ROBERT J. LYSZ MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT. Benefit for St. Matthew School. 11 a.m., registration and lunch. 12:30 p.m., shotgun start-scramble format. 5 p.m., dinner/ reception/ raffle. Chippanee Country Club, Marsh Road, Bristol. $150 per golfer. $50 dinner only. Make checks payable to St. Matthew School Advancement. St. Matthew School, 33 Welch Dr., Forestville, CT 06010. StMatthewGolf@gmail.com, (860) 690-7975.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 16

BRISTOL

THE 17TH ANNUAL HEATHER BAILEY/ REED AND STEFANOW OPEN. 1 p.m. All proceeds of golf tournament to benefit the Heather Bailey Memorial Scholarship Fund. Entry fee includes 18 holes with a cart, Closest to Pin contests, Long Drive, dinner buffet. Simsbury Farms Golf Course, 100 Old Farms Rd., Simsbury. $130 a person. All fees must be paid by Sept. 2. No exceptions please. Make checks payable to HBMSF, P.O. Box 9008, Bristol, CT 06011-9008. (860) 585-5157.

NOW thru JULY 30

BRISTOL

EXHIBIT FEATURING THE PAINTINGS BY JUAN ANDREU. Opening reception on June 16, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Andreu is the master carver for the New England Carousel Museum. New England Carousel Museum, 95 Riverside Ave., Bristol. Admission to the exhibit and opening reception included in general admission.

NOW thru JUNE 29

SOUTHINGTON

ART EXHIBIT BY JANE M. WHITE OF SOUTHINGTON. The Gallery at The Orchards, 34 Hobart St., Southington. (860) 628-5656.

ONGOING

PLAINVILLE

FLYING FINGERS KNIT AND CROCHET GROUP. Wednesdays, 3 p.m. All ages—children, teens, and adults. Learn to knit or crochet. Bring your current project. Group runs for two hours. Plainville Public Library, 56 East Main St., Plainville. (860) 793-1450.

ONGOING

PLAINVILLE

PLAINVILLE LIONS CLUB. 6:30 p.m. Meeting on the first Wednesday of each month. Central Café, 24 Whiting St., Plainville. (860) 747-9402.

OTHER

CASTLE CRAIG CAMERA CLUB MEETINGS. First and third Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. Monthly programs, techniques for enhancing your photography, field trips, and competitions. Gallery 53, 53 Colony St., Meriden. All skill levels are welcome to join and share in photography experiences. Jimski42@gmail.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

BRISTOL

ED POP’S AMAZING FLEA CIRCUS. Features fleas Fifi, Bruno, and Fernando. An entire big top circus in miniature. Bristol Public Library, 5 High St., Bristol. Free. BristolLib.com, (860) 584-7787, ext. 2021.

SATURDAY, JULY 1

BRISTOL

PATRIOTIC DAY AND LO’S SWEET TREAT DAY. 9:30 a.m. .to 5 p.m. Flag weaving and National Ice Cream Month Kick Off. $1 ice cream, 12 to 3 p.m. Imagine Nation, One Pleasant St., Bristol. ImagineNation.org. (860) 314-1400.

JULY 3 to 28

OTHER

SUMMER THEATER PROGRAM BY NEW BRITAIN YOUTH THEATER. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Friday (but July 4). Prepare “The Lion King Jr.” For youths 7 to 14. Berlin YMCA Program Center, 362 Kensington, Berlin. info@nbyt.org, (860) 515-8115.

THURSDAY, JULY 6

BRISTOL

NAPPY’S PUPPET SHOW. 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Explore the history of shadow puppets as an art form. Imagine Nation, 1 Pleasant St., Bristol. ImagineNation.org, (860) 314-1400

JULY 10-21

OTHER

MUSICAL THEATRE PREPARATORY PROGRAM. Two week full-day intensive musical theater program introduces and prepares young actors (third to eighth grade) for future training and/ or performance in music, dance, and theater. Taught by Broadway actors Douglas Lyons and Jason Gotay. Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Rd., West Hartford. $700 for two-week course. Class sizes limited. (860) 523-5900 ext. 10. www.PlayhouseonPark.org

JULY 31, AUG. 21

PLAINVILLE

THREE INTERNATIONAL STORYTIMES. Monday, July 31 at 6:30 p.m., German. Monday, Aug. 21 at 6:30 p.m., Polish. During these programs, Eric Carle’s “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” will be read in both English and another language. Then participate in a craft and sample food from the featured country. 3 years old and up. Register. Plainville Public Library, 56 East Main St., Plainville. (860) 793-1450.

NOW thru AUG. 18

BRISTOL

FREE SUMMER LUNCH. For children 0-18. Served Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Children receive a nutritious lunch of a sandwich, milk, fruit, vegetable. Bristol Public Library, 5 High St., Bristol. Free. www.fns.usda.gov/sfsp/summer-food-service-program

NOW thru AUG. 17

PLAINVILLE

STORYCRAFT. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Each week Miss Margaret will read a story and lead a craft project. The craft also will be available for drop-in visitors until 4 p.m. (while supplies last). Plainville Public Library, 56 East Main St., Plainville. (860) 793-1450.

NOW thru AUG. 22

PLAINVILLE

BABY AND TODDLER STORYTIME. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. (No class July 4.) For ages birth to 2. Brief story time followed by a play and socialize section. Plainville Public Library, 56 East Main St., Plainville. (860) 793-1450.

NOW thru AUG. 23

PLAINVILLE

LET’S MOVE! WEDNESDAYS. 10:30 a.m., Wednesdays. For ages 2 to 5. Join Miss Jessica for a fast-paced movement and music program for children and their caregivers. Register. Plainville Public Library, 56 East Main St., Plainville. (860) 793-1450.

By BRIAN JENNINGS

STAFF WRITER

The Bristol Blues baseball team has won 11 out of their last 16 games after going 4-3 over this past week. The Blues have also climbed out of the cellar of last place in the West Division to now just three and a half games behind the first-place Wachusett Dirt Dawgs (13-6) in second, third in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League.

Chemistry and camaraderie between the players, along with execution of the game that was absent in the early going of the season, is a big part of why the Blues have been on a tear as of late. However, 15 out of the 22 games the Blues have played in thus far on the season have been decided by three runs or less. The Blues are usually never out of it, and to Blues manager Ronnie Palmer, that’s always a good thing.

“It means that we’ve had the opportunity in a lot of ball games to either win or lose,” the manager said. “Early on, we weren’t taking advantage of those opportunities, but lately, we’ve been extremely opportunistic when we’ve had chances. So any time that we pitch and play solid defense, we’re giving ourselves chances offensively to take advantage of close ball games like we’ve had.”

When they play clean baseball that’s error free, cut down on the walks from their pitchers, and cut down on the strikeouts offensively and put a lot of balls in play, the Blues have been fairly successful with opportunities to win games.

“I think that baseball should be played with a cerebral approach, not too high or low emotionally,” said Palmer. “You just stay constant and consistent with it, and the guys have a little bit of confidence about themselves. They know that if we get chances late in games, we’re going to take advantage of them for the most part.”

The Blues will be back on the diamond next week with games against the divisional Worcester Bravehearts (10-10), Nashua Silver Knights (10-9), Brockton Rox (12-6), and divisional Pittsfield Suns (10-11). Bristol is currently 11-11 overall.

Loss vs. Pittsfield

JUNE 20—Bristol’s four-game winning streak was snapped after the Blues fell by a pair of runs, 13-11, to the Pittsfield Suns in extra innings at home on Tuesday.

After scoring at least one run through the first four innings, the Blues held a 10-5 advantage after the seventh inning, but the Suns rallied to tie the game and send the contest into extra innings with five runs on two wild pitches, a single, fielder’s choice, and walk in the eighth. Sean Phelan shot the Suns out in front with a base hit that drove in a run in the 10th. An RBI single by Alex Parkos and RBI double by Andre Marreo capped off the win for the Suns.

The Blues fell short with a run in the bottom of the inning. The Blues finished with 12 hits and three errors, including three home runs.

Nick Roy went 3-for-5 at the plate with two RBI, two runs scored, and a home run. Jeff Shanfeldt went 2-for-5 with four RBI, two runs scored, and two home runs. Ben Maycock went 2-for-4 with three RBI, two runs scored, and a home run.

Six different pitchers entered the game for the Blues. Tyler Kovalewich started on the mound and went five innings with five strikeouts, allowing seven hits, four earned runs, and four walks. Tommy Curtin (0-1) was credited with the loss after going one and two-thirds innings with three strikeouts, three hits, two earned runs, and a walk. Takoda Sitar (1-2) closed.

Win at Martha’s Vineyard

JUNE 21—The Blues bounced back the next day with a 9-6 victory at the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks. The Sharks held a 5-2 advantage after the fourth inning, but the Blues took the lead for good with seven runs in the sixth and seventh innings combined.

Logan Green (2-for-5) and Mark Tumosa (2-for-4) drove in a pair of runs with base hits, and Jake Frasca rounded out the sixth with a solo home run. In the seventh, Garret Blaylock (2-for-5) scored two with a double, and Nick Roy (3-for-5) capped off the win with a two-run home run.

Martha Vineyard’s rally came up short with a run in the eighth. The Blues finished with 15 hits and two errors.

David Stiehl (0-2) started on the mound and went four innings with three strikeouts, allowing six hits, four earned runs, and two walks. Takoda Sitar (1-2) started on the mound and picked up his first win of the season after relieving Stiehl to go four and two-thirds innings with five strikeouts, four hits, two walks, and an earned run. Ian Halpin closed to earn his first save of the season.

Losses at North Shore

JUNE 22—Thursday brought back-to-back losses in the same night when the Blues took a road trip to the North Shore Navigators.

The Blues rode on a bus for three and a half hours and a ferry for 45 minutes on their trip to Martha’s Vineyard on Wednesday. The team didn’t get back to Bristol until about 3 a.m. the next morning. The Blues were back on the bus around 11:30 a.m. for a 4 p.m. start time in a doubleheader at North Shore, which included a two-and-a-half hour bus ride.

“That was a tough trip for us,” said Palmer. “The guys were tired, and I was tired for crying out loud. We got to the place and it was hot with maybe four or five people in the stands. It was very lackadaisical, and that’s just kind of how we went about things that whole day. We just didn’t have any energy.”

The Blues went scoreless in game one, 3-0. The Navigators posted a run off a base hit in the fourth inning and two off a triple and outfield error in the fifth.

The Blues mustered just two hits. Jacob Wallace (0-2) threw a complete game on the mound with four strikeouts, allowing five hits, three earned runs, and a walk.

The Blues lost game two by a count of 8-1. The Blues knotted the score at 1-1 with a run in the fourth, but the Navigators took the lead for good with seven runs in the fourth and fifth innings combined.

The Blues finished with six hits. Chris Davis went 2-for-3 at the plate with two doubles. Garrett Blaylock went 2-for-3 as well.

Keith Grant (0-1) started on the mound and was credited with the loss after going three and two-thirds innings, allowing seven hits, three earned runs, and two walks. John Natoli (2-0) relieved Grant to go an inning, and Brandon Fox closed.

Win vs. Martha’s Vineyard

JUNE 23—The Blues ended their two-game losing streak the next day with a one-run triumph, 7-6, over the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks at home.

“When we’re rested and ready to go, we could be a pretty good team,” said Palmer. “I just think that Thursday was just one of those days where a lot of teams wouldn’t have competed at a high level. There are moments in the season where you just look at it as tough scheduling.”

The Sharks held a 6-3 advantage until the Blues erupted for four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. With no outs and runners on second and third, Mark Tumosa cut the deficit to a run after driving in a pair of runs with a base hit.

Nick Roy followed up by tying the game on an RBI single, and a batter later, Chris Davis hit the go-ahead run with a base knock. The Blues finished with eight hits and two errors.

Malachi Edmond (0-1) started on the mound and went five and two-thirds innings with three strikeouts, allowing 10 hits, five earned runs, and three walks. Anthony Morrone (2-1) relieved Edmond to pick up the win in one and one-third innings of work. Jake Frasca closed to get the save, tossing five strikeouts.

Win vs. Worcester

JUNE 24—The Blues followed up Friday’s victory with a second-straight win at home on Saturday by edging the Worcester Bravehearts by a run, 5-4, for the third time this season. After scattering runs through the first four innings, the Bravehearts held a 4-0 advantage until the Blues made a late charge.

Chris Davis started the rally after hitting into a fielder’s choice that drove in a run in the sixth. Jayson Gonzalez rounded out the inning by cutting the deficit to two with an RBI single that brought in Davis.

Garrett Blaylock led off the seventh with a base knock and advanced to second on an infield error. A single by Brandon Grover (2-for-3) pushed Blaylock over to third and a fielder’s choice by Josh Zbierski eventually sent him home, but Blaylock was called out on a close play at the plate.

“I think it was close,” said Palmer. “We were playing the ball through the infield because they were up. Garrett thought he could get there and made a read on his own. One thing we’ve let the guys do this summer is become the player they can be, play the game, and trust their instincts.”

Later in the seventh, Davis kept the rally going and brought the Blues to within one with a base hit that scored a run. With two outs and runners on second and third in the eighth, Nick Roy advanced to first on an errant throw from Worcester’s shortstop to first base and scored Grover and Zbierski for the go-ahead runs in the process.

“Roy’s pretty athletic,” the manager said. “He runs extremely well. When he put the ball in play where he put it, honestly, I thought he had a shot at getting to the bag just because of the type of athlete he is.”

With a full count and two outs with a runner on first in the top of the ninth, Greg Kocinski got on base with a single that advanced Pat Demarco to third. However, Demarco almost made it home to tie the game.

“He’s (Demarco) in motion when the pitch is delivered,” said Palmer. “Instead of just going to second base, he went first to third with the opportunity to almost round the bag and score with a ball to left field like that. But we got the ball in on time.”

Tommy Curtin (0-1) may have allowed runners on first and third with two outs in the ninth, but he managed to get his fourth save of the season with help from his defense. Gonzalez made a diving stop for a groundball at shortstop and flipped the ball to Mark Tumosa at second for the final out of the game.

Ross Weiner (2-0) started on the mound and went five innings with three strikeouts, allowing eight hits, three earned runs, and three walks. Anthony Morrone (3-1) relieved Weiner to pick up the win after going three innings.

Bristol finished with 11 hits and two errors. Logan Green went 3-for-4 at the plate with a run scored and a walk.

Win at Martha’s Vineyard

JUNE 25—Fifteen hits and five home runs earned the Blues their third-straight win and got them back to .500 on the season with a 13-8 victory at the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks the next day. After three meetings, the Blues remain undefeated against the Sharks thus far on the year. The Blues managed to hold an 8-1 advantage following the first two innings of play with six runs in the first, but secured the win by scattering runs over the next five innings.

Ben Maycock went 3-for-5 at the plate with a pair of RBI, a run scored, and a home run. Cooper Mrowka went 2-for-4 with four RBI, two runs scored, and a home run. Jake Frasca went 2-for-4 with three runs scored, two RBI, and a home run.

Kyle Hodgson (2-0) started on the mound and went four innings with three strikeouts, allowing nine hits, six earned runs, and a walk. John Natoli (3-0) relieved Hodgson to pick up the win after going four innings with four hits, two strikeouts, and an earned run. Ian Halpin closed.

To comment on this story or to contact sports writer Brian Jennings, email him at bjennings@ southingtonobserver.com.

Arline Rose Pelletier, 73, of Bristol, died on Sunday (June 25, 2017) at her home.  Arline was born in Bristol on August 27, 1943 and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Marie-Rose (Allard) Pelletier.  A lifelong Bristol resident, she was employed at New Departure until retirement and was a parishioner of St. Ann Church.  Arline leaves her brother, Ronald H. Pelletier of Murray, KY; two nieces: Heidi Caron of Terryville, and Jett Ann Breedlove of Paducah, KY; and several cousins.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday (July 1, 2017) at 10 AM at St. Ann Church, 215 West St., Bristol.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol.  There are no calling hours.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Ann Church Memorial Fund, 180 Laurel St., Bristol, CT 06010.  Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, is assisting the family.  Please visit Arline’s memorial website at www.FUNKFUNERALHOME.com.

BEES SALVAGE A VICTORY IN 4 GAME SET WITH LANCASTER

BOX SCORE

In 140 Characters or Less: Lee goes 7 strong innings, Rosa, Bierfeldt each homer to give New Britain a 2-1 victory over the Barnstormers #NewBritainVsEverybody

The Game Changed When…: The game was tied in the top of the 8th inning, and Conor Bierfeldt came to bat with nobody on base. He would hit his team leading 12th home run with 2 outs in the frame to give New Britain their 2-1 lead. The home run would end up being the game winning run after Gilblair picked up the save to end the contest.

Pitchers of Record: W: Mike Lee (2-5) | L: Kevin Munson (1-3) | SV: Shawn Gilblair (5)

Player(s) of the Game: Jovan Rosa (New Britain) – 2-4, HR, RBI | Vladimir Frias (Lancaster) – 1-4, HR, RBI

Next Game: Friday, June 30th, 6:35 P.M.

Tale of the Tape – Bridgeport Bluefish (37-29) vs. New Britain Bees (25-41)
Starting Pitchers – New Britain: LHP Nick Greenwood (0-0, 2.45) | Bridgeport: RHP Tyler Badamo (4-3, 2.63)

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

PROMOTIONS: Fat Tire Friday and Foul Pole Friday return to New Britain Stadium as the Bees take on their in-state rival Bridgeport! Fans in attendance can sign up to win weekly giveaways presented by Fat Tire! If a designated Bees player hits a home run off of either foul pole, one lucky fan will win $50,000 on Foul Pole Friday!

Broadcast: The Bees’ Official YouTube Channel (youtube.com/NewBritainBees) and Facebook Live (facebook.com/newbritainbees), starting at 6:20 P.M.

Bees Buzz: Jovan Rosa hit his second home run of the series in the game, a solo shot in the 3rd inning…Conor Bierfeldt hit his team leading 12th home run in the top of the 8th inning, a solo shot…The Bees have hit multiple home runs in a game 6 different times in the month of June…New Britain is now 10-8 in one run games…Michael Baca got his first stolen base of his professional career by swiping second base in the 5th inning, and then stole another base in the top of the 7th inning…Jovan Rosa has recorded multiple hits in 3 consecutive games…Jordan Hinshaw has recorded multiple hits in 4 of his last 6 games…Mike Lee pitched 7 complete innings in the game, which ties his longest outing of the season…With 2 hits in the game, Craig Maddox is now 3 hits away from 700 hits in his professional career…Tonight’s game was the first time since Anthony Marzi’s complete game shutout against York on June 14 that New Britain’s opponent did not score in multiple innings…James Skelton and Jamar Walton are both approaching 1,000 career games played. After tonight’s game, Skelton is 2 away, and Walton is 4 away…Tonight’s game was the first time that the Bees and their opponent were tied after 7 innings were played since June 11th against Somerset…Jovan Rosa extended his consecutive games played for the Bees streak to 207, and his overall consecutive games played streak to 230, including postseason.

By MICHAEL LETENDRE

STAFF WRITER

BRISTOL – Continuation games are never fun in American Legion baseball and over the years, the squad from Bristol has been majorly burned by them.

And, once again, that situation came to pass on Thursday, June 22 when Terryville came to Muzzy Field to finish up a contest that was called on June 16 due to on-going rain.

It was a game that saw Bristol etch up a 3-0 lead as ace chucker Wes Lahey was cruising with a no-hitter into the seventh and final inning of play.

But a couple Terryville players were hit by a pitch, two infield hits were dished out and after a fielder’s choice, the tilt was knotted up at 3-3 with only one out gone in the seventh.

Runners were on first and third when things restarted but after a tough 6-5, eighth inning loss to Southington in the previous game of what turned into a doubleheader that night, Bristol could have packed it in entirely.

“It was a very tough loss,” said Bristol coach Jerry LaPenta of the defeat to Southington. “[And then against Terryville], we’re in a tough spot. We give up the run to go ahead. We could have easily just hung our heads and took another loss but [we didn’t].”

The game continued as Terryville’s Dom Zappone suicide squeezed the lead runner home as

Terryville went ahead in the fray, 4-3, in the top of the seventh inning.

And just like that, a 3-0 lead was no more and the locals were down to its final three outs – needing to respond with at least one run.

The new Terryville pitcher, Zappone, came in for relief of the original chucker Drew Collevechio but had trouble finding the plate to start.

Bristol’s Mike Lemke walked on four consecutive balls and the go-ahead run was up at-bat.

After five straight balls, Zappone finally generated a strike but a sacrifice bunt by Ben Mazzone put Lemke into scoring position.

Then Cory Fradette smashed a ball to the shortstop, Lemke distracted the fielder from second base, and the rushed throw to first went high and long, allowing the runners to arrive at second and third safely off the gaffe.

Zach Marquis then struck out but with “Big” Chadd Richardson up at bat with two outs, one hit would bring the winning runs home.

But it was the tomfoolery portion of the game and that big hit, in the end, was not required.

With Fradette on second, he quickly darted off the base, trying to draw a throw which would allow Lemke to score from third and tie things up at 5-5.

But the pitcher opted to throw home, lofting the ball over the catcher’s head, which slowly rolled to the backstop as the wild pitch spelled doom and demise for Terryville.

“I had a play on there, that’s why Cory scored because he was running,” said LaPenta. “And I think by him running, the catcher took his eye off the ball. [Fradette] was supposed to run, fall down, hopefully they would throw the ball…try anything. But I think that caused [the catcher] to take his eye off the ball and then he relaxed. The pitcher almost forgot about the other runner because if he threw the ball hard, he would have been out [at home]. But lobbed it [instead].”

Lemke easily scored to tie the game and a hustling Fradette sprinted in from third, beat the tag attempt at the plate, and Post 2 came-from-behind to win it, 6-5.

“We hadn’t had a walk-off win since 2015” at Muzzy said LaPenta. “That year, we lost in the finals of the [Northeast] Regional. I think we had four walk-offs wins before the playoffs. Those were huge for chemistry. So this win could go a long way for our team chemistry. It’s not over till it’s over.”

And it was an important bounce back win for the program after dropping two consecutive one-run games.

The formula for winning Zone 1 is still obtainable for the Post 2 squad.

“We’ve lost three games. We lost two in the bottom of the seventh [on the road] and we lost to [Southington] in the eighth inning,” said LaPenta. “It’s not like we’re not in the games. We just need to finish. Our goal is to win two-out-of-three [against each Zone 1 team]. The games we lost have been to individual teams so we can still win our two-out-three series. If we do that, we can win the zone.”  

NOTES…Lahey won the game off a two-hit effort, striking out six and not allowing a hit to get out of the infield…Fradette went two-of-four in the game, while Jake Violette went two-of-three with a double and as run scored…Lemke had an infield hit and garnered two RBI.

By MICHAEL LETENDRE

STAFF WRITER

BRISTOL – The Southington Legion baseball team snuck out a 6-5, eight inning victory on Thursday, June 22, against Bristol from Muzzy Field in a back-and-forth affair that either program could have come away with.

Several lead changes were the norm and by the completion of seven innings, an extra frame was needed in the 5-5 stalemate.

And in the top of the eighth, a passed ball led to the winning run of the game as Post 72 came away with the one-run triumph over Post 2.

A late game error helped lead to the final run in the eighth – an inning Bristol should have been out of 1-2-3 – to keep it a tied game going into the bottom of the inning.

“It was a very difficult loss,” said Bristol coach Jerry LaPenta. “I told the guys [after the game] I don’t get mad at errors because errors are part of the game but I get disappointed. I did get mad though about the way we handled ourselves after that. Guys were dropping their heads, not running out pop-ups…my biggest thing is don’t disrespect the game. Make an error, make a mistake, you’ve got to keep your head up and play hard.”

Southington’s John Gray opened the game with a walk but was picked off via a 1-6-3 putout and Post 72 went down in order.

Post 2 earned a run in the bottom of the first tilt when Ben Mazzone (1-for-4, run) dropped a blooper into right and with two outs, “Big” Chadd Richardson (2-for-4, run) slipped a base hit by first base to put runners on the corners.

And once again, it was tomfoolery time from Muzzy Field.

The double steal was on and when Richardson was heading for second, the ball went to the bag.

As the ball was bobbled at second, Richardson was eventually tagged out, but Mazzone easily stepped on the plate before that could happen as Bristol surged in front 1-0 to start things off after one.

In the second frame, Southington’s Dan Topper hit a grounder to right field but was retired via a 9-3 putout but Bailey Roberge (3-of-4, run) managed to sneak out an infield hit.

But Jake Weed grounded out to send Post 72 back into the field.

Connor McDonough pitched a flawless second inning and going into the third, it was still a 1-0 tilt in Bristol’s favor.

In the top of the third, Southington finally got to work offensively with one out on the board.

Mason Dibble (2-for-4, two RBI) and Gray smoked out back-to-back singles before a walk to Josh Panarcella loaded things up.

Bristol starting pitcher Jake Violette (4.1 IP, eight hits, 3 K’s) got a nine-pitch strikeout on Brayden Cooney for the second out but Jake Babon drew ball four – scoring Dibble – as Southington tied things up at 1-1 apiece.

In the bottom of the stanza, Post 2 couldn’t get anything going and entering the fourth frame, the 1-1 stalemate was the score of the contest.

But Southington rallied as Robarge singled and when Brandon Kohl (1-for-4, double, 2 stolen bases) scorched a double towards the line in left, two men were in scoring position.

And when Dibble sent a roller through the middle of the infield, he emptied the bases as Post 72 surged in front 3-1.

Bristol attempted to answer when Cory Fradette (2-for-3, sac fly, RBI), Zach Marquis (1-for-3, run walk), and Richardson scratched out back-to-back-to-back singles as the squad had three on with no outs in the bottom of the fourth.

Noah Plantamuro then hit a ball to the pitcher but when the throw got away at first base, Fradette scored from third to make it a 3-2 game.

And the runs kept coming.

Then, in attempt to get Marquis at third off a pick-off play, the ball got away from the third baseman – plating the runner – as the game was all tied up at 3-3.

Finally, Jalen Benoit (1-for-2, sac fly, RBI) lofted a fly to short left for the second out of the inning but the speedster at third base, Richardson, was off and running.

The throw came in ahead of Richardson but as he slid into the plate, the ball was dropped, the runner was safe, and Post 2 retook the lead at 4-3 going into the fifth inning.

With one out in the fifth, Babon walked for the second time and a sacrifice bunt saw the runner arrive to first safely off a botched catch.

From there, Robarge earned his second infield hit of the game and third overall to juice the bases.

Weed then roped a base hit to right, scoring Babon and Topper, and quickly, Southington was back in front at 5-4.

With runners on, reliever Kenny Knox (six K’s, one hit) came in for Violette and Post 72 did not score again in the frame.

A bungled double-steal attempt saw the lead runner for Southington get cut down and when Kohl was fanned by Knox, Bristol was looking to take back the lead, down by a run.

Ganavage walked on four straight balls to get on base in the bottom of the fifth and stole second to get into scoring position.

Lemke battled back from a 1-2 count to draw a base-on-balls and off the final ball, a wild pitch allowed Ganavage to take third base.

With runners on the corners, Mazzone popped-up, but when Fradette sent a fly ball to right for the second out, Ganavage scored the tying run at the game was knotted up at 5-5 via the sacrifice fly.

Marquis then sent a grounder to third that was misplayed to first base and runners were on the corners once again.

But when Post 2 tried its same tomfoolery play for the second time, Marquis was just tagged out as Lemke stepped on the plate – nullifying what would had been the go-ahead run – as the game when into the sixth tied at 5-5.

Post 72 went down quietly in the sixth, as did Post 2, and moving into the final inning of regulation, just one run was needed to win the game.

Cooney led off the top of the seventh with a deep double to center and Southington had the game-winning run on.

Babon then looked at strike three and a groundout by Topper allowed the lead runner to reach third base with two outs.

But Knox fanned Robarge to give his mates a chance to win it in the bottom of the seventh.

It didn’t come to pass as Bristol was retired in order and extra innings quickly commenced.

A dropped pop-up at third with one out put Kohl on and after consecutive stolen bases, he ran home on a passed ball and going into the bottom of the eighth, Post 2 trailed 6-5 and needed a run to draw even.

Southington reliever Justin Verrilli came in to throw but had to face the top of the Bristol order.

Mazzone popped out but when Fradette raced out an infield hit to short, the tying runner was at first.

Marquis then walked to put two on as Richardson was due up.

The cleanup hitter flew out to second and Plantamuro, after Fradette swiped third base and Marquis took second to get both runner in scoring position, struck out as Southington hung on to win it, 6-5.

“In the bottom of the seventh, we still had a chance to win that game,” said LaPenta. “We had the winning run at second base,” said LaPenta. “We didn’t get it done.”

By LISA CAPOBIANCO

STAFF WRITER

Despite the drops of rainfall that fell from the sky before their graduation ceremony began last Wednesday, Bristol Eastern High School seniors “pushed through” to share that final moment together on the varsity baseball field.

Pushing through together was among many lessons that the Class of 2017 learned from their high school experience.

“No matter what you’re going through, you can always get help,” said Sondra Keltner, who will study chemical engineering at Arizona State University this fall. “You’re not alone.”

“If you don’t ask for help, you’re going to be left behind,” said Israel Ortiz, who will study criminal justice at Tunxis Community College.

“Never stop trying,” added Caleb Pagan, who will study theology and business at Belmont University.

Whether they attended Bristol Eastern all four years or transferred there, the graduates recognized teachers who helped prepare them for success.

Jaime Mitchell said the support she received from teachers in her AP classes helped prepare her for Salve Regina University, where she will study nursing this fall.

“I can’t wait for college, and I’m definitely ready for the next step,” said Mitchell.

“There were quite a few teachers who helped me a lot when I transferred,” said Natalie Vasquez, who also plans to pursue a career in nursing.

Just moments before the graduation ceremony took off, the sun pushed through the clouds that lingered over the baseball field where dozens of families and friends gathered to cheer on over 300 graduates.

“We’re supposed to fall four times and get up five. That’s what’s really being tested,” said graduate Ryan Palzere, addressing his class. “The real test is whether or not we have the perseverance and strength to get back up even after life is doing its absolute best at knocking us down.”

Bristol Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ellen Solek also echoed this lesson when she addressed the graduates about what it means to meet adversities and failures “head on.”

“We must take a long look in the mirror, deep inside ourselves at the very core of who we are,” said Solek. “We must be willing to grow, even though it may hurt for a little while.”

Valedictorian Alexandra Allen grew through her role as a student representative for the Board of Education this past school year.

For Allen, this leadership role gave her an opportunity to address a concern she had as a freshman: the midterm schedule. After proposing a half-day schedule for midterms, school officials unanimously approved the change, which will now take effect this upcoming school year.

“The only way to make a change right now is by using your voice,” said Allen, urging her peers to speak up in order to make a change. “No one will be there to force you to take action—only you can make the choice to stand up for what you believe in.”

The midterm schedule was not the only change for Bristol Eastern. In October, the high school welcomed Rachel’s Challenge— a non-profit organization based on the life of Rachel Joy Scott—the first victim of the 1999 Columbine shooting. Like Rachel, Bristol Eastern students pledged to start a chain reaction of kindness throughout the year, such as raising over $5,000 through the Friends of Rachel Club to support a Bristol elementary school student who is fighting against cancer.

“Rachel Scott said that, ‘tomorrow is not a promise, but a chance,’” said Bristol Eastern High School Principal Carly Fortin in her address to the graduates. “I know that all of you will use that chance to do big things in your future—not only for yourselves, but for each other.”

“You’re about to embark on a life that will be full of opportunities—they will be all around you,” Mayor Ken Cockayne told the graduates.

The Bristol Eastern High School Class of 2017:

Fatima Zehra Abbas, Muhammad Ridhwan Abdulsalam, Alexander Antonio Acevedo, Casey Ann Adams, Christina Marie Adkins, Christian Lee Agosto, Feryal Al Hamadani, Alexandra Louise Allen, Courtney Elise Anderson, Donavan Curtis Anderson, Riley Gladys Anderson, Allison Nicole Anulewicz, Sean Austin Arasimowicz, Morgan Rose Armour, Derek Paul Armstrong, Emily Rose Aston, Christopher George Baehr, Rachel Ann Bairrington, Sarah Kay Barkley, Natalie Jean Barnes, Andrew Simon Beale, Elizabeth Anna Beaulieu, John Joseph Beaulieu, Ethan Joseph Begin, Nathan Andrew Begin, Samantha Rose Bender, Brianna Elizabeth Beyers, Justin Matthew Blais, Justin Patrick Blake, Christopher James Bleau, Tyler Alan Bourgoin, Kyle Michael Boutote, Christine Danielle Boyce, Alexis Marie Brown, Kayla Elizabeth Brown, Melina Teresa Brown, Savanna Rose Brunet, Sarah Mae Buchas, Tia Marie Burey, Camryn Sarah Burke, Gabriella Taylor Cadogan, Shane Randall Caggiano, Keymari Camacho, Andrew Dakota Carlson, Jonathan Robert Carlson, Amanda Marie Caron, Heather Jean Carroll, Adam Edward Carter, Federica Castaldi, Alivia Elyse Castle, Joseph Alexander Checovetes, Matthew Jonathan Checovetes, Aimee Allison Choquette, Ashley Mary Clark, Jonathan Clark, Kacey Alistair Clementson, McKenna Kayla Cloutier, Tamhja Elizabeth Coe, Kyuzylia Martine Colon, Ayanna Marie Correa, Gian Domenico Costantiello, Emerald Tatum Coviello, De’Shawn Arnold Cox, Zachary Charles Crameri, Kellie Corinne Crandle, Jose Crespo, Mallory Antoinette Crisafulli, Larry Julian Crossman, Kiana Nicole Cruz, Aubrey Alexis Cyr, Noah Austin Cyr, Janey Marie Czertak,

Gavin Hale Daddario, Christian Michael Dailey, Nicole Patricia D’Amato, Dylan Joshua Davenport, Zoey Monique Davis, Harrison Werner Dayton, Corey Robert Deeves, Destiny Lenee DeMontigny, Frank Salvator DeNoto, Jake Robert Desmarais, Katlynn Lee DiYulio, Jacob Arnold Dossias, Benjamin Dowd, Nevan Thomas Doyle, John Wyatt Doyon, Paul John Dziala, Emily Dailanee Dziubanski, Samantha Courtney Eilerman, Matthew Joseph Faggaini, Zachary Richard Ferland, Rebecca Lynn Figueiredo, Emily Louise Fillmore, Logan James Flis, Francis Timothy Flood, Vanessa Marie Floyd, Connor Alexzander Folsom, Tychelle Foreman, Clifford Allen Fort, Chandler Dante Foss, Alexus Denise Fusco, Gary Roger Gagnier, Adrian Noel Garcia, Alexandra Danielle Garcia, Lissy Marie Garcia, Adrian Zbigniew Gasior, Karisma Lyann Gilhooly, Evan Michael Gionta, Thomas Quinn Gonzales, Hannah Rose Goodwin, Michael Thomas Grabowski, Allison Joan Graham, Caitlin Dorothy Gravelle, Nicholas Bordes Grokoski, Elizabeth Grace Guilmette, Brenden Ray Hall, Sadarius T. Harris, Kahari Monet Hawley, Matthew David Hebert, Ivan Hernandez, Nicholas Patrick Hill, Nicholas Russell Holcomb, Jacob Andrew Hooks, Roland Horvath, Jamarcus Bernard Hunt, Felicity Brooke Irizarry, Damaris Marie Jackson, Cailee Jayne Jacquette, Amy Elizabeth Jakiel, Brandon Edward Janelle, Makenzie M. Jankowski, Roderick James Jenkins, Britney Shion Mahelia Johnson,

John Levon Kachidurian, Elizabeth Marie Kalfayan, Emma Breanne Kelly, Sondra Leigh Keltner, Jessica Marie Kenney, Vaziuddin Yusuf Khan, Elijah Israel King, Autumn Lee Klemonski, Igor Pawel Korpanty, Nicholas Taylor Kurandy, Cody Edward Kurpaska, Jacob Kustra, Jeremie Eric LaChance, Donato Jax Laferriere, Katelyn Rose LaFleur, Lex Jacob Lagace, Jackson Thomas LaMar, Adiya Marie LaMarre, Raina Anne Lambert, Hannah Rose Langlais, Paul Anton Medina Lapaan, Logan Brian Laprise, Miya LeAnn Laprise, Alyssa Paige Latko, Christopher Michael LeBeau, Jillian Rose LeBeau, Mikayla Xiao Bing Lewandoski, Jacob Thomas Lincoln, Rose Lynne Lombardi, Alexis Suzanne Longo, Anthony Edward Lozier, Francess Capili Luna, Kolby Joseph Lynch, Michael Daniel Maccio, Ian Alexander Mace, Jillian Rose Maghini, Connor Robert Maguire, Krista Leanne Malenfant, Mary Kathryn Manning, Zea Jadyn Manning, Zachary Michael Marquis, Issabella Marie Marrotti, Mikayla Ann Martin, Michael John Massarelli, Lexie Nicole Mastroianni, “David Charles Maxfield, II”, Jessica Nicole McCarron, Owen Paul McCarty, Taylor Tajmone McKay, Matthew Raymond McLaughlin, Abigail L. McMenemy, Jared Michael McQuarrie, Tate Ryley Mendez, “Emilio Mercado, Jr.”, Amy Alicia Merriam, Alexander Taylor Michaud, Cole Joseph Michaud, Nel Rose Mielcarek, Ashley Kathleen Mitchell, Jaime Camille Mitchell, Natasha Esther Molina, Tejal Leigh Monteiro, Cord D. Moore, Lukas Franciszek Morin, Myranda Marie Morneault, Jeremy David Mosieur, Ryan Christopher Muller, Brooklynne Rayann Murdock, Brett Logan Myers, Mone’t Leeona Rose Naha, Emily Nelson, Samantha Lee Newell, Rubi Adriana Nieves, Mikaela Marie Norton, Mason Giovanni Nozzolillo, Sabrina Laci Oakes, Ethan Richard O’Day, Georgia Ann Ogonowski, Noah Donati Ogonowski, Riley Anne O’Hanlon, Alexandra Opoka, Israel Ortiz , Edgar Ortiz-Hernandez, Alexander Antonio Osorio, Jarid Michael Ouellette, Caleb Elias Pagan, Devin Malik Pagan, Ryan Thomas Palzere, Rochelle Joyce Pare, Zachery Ryan Parker, Julia Ann Pearlingi, Victoria Lynn Pearlingi, Ethan Tyler Pearson, Johnathan Nathaniel Peddlar, Alexis Marie Pelletier, Kylie Rachel Pelletier, Lorenzo Edgar Perez, Leah Marie Perri, Jacob Larsen Perry, Gillian Rose Piazza, Chadwick Allan Pitcher, Devon Andrew Plourde, Jared Dominick Procko, Tiffany Amber Quirion, Ashley Taylor Redman, Angel Jossue Reyes-Colon, Gabriela Bailey Reymont, Jason Ruben Rivera, Mike Jesus Rivera, Sheyna Jaleez Rivera, Emily Kate Rivoira, Savannah Renee Robinson, Jacob Thomas Rodjenski, Felipe Rodriguez, Alexander T. Rollins, Lauren Taylor Rooney, Jenna Michele Roy, Subro Simon Roy, Sarah Ashley Ruest, Evan Robert Ruszczyk, Morgan Irene Ruszczyk,

Jennifer Sabatis, Stephanie Diane Sacharko, Diego Alexander Sanmartin, Allison Jasmine Santiago, Erik Gabriel Santiago, Javier Antonio Santos, Mason Tai Santos, Paul Decker Saraceno, Zachary David Sassu, Shamili Satheesan, Shawn Michael Savoir, “Krister Clement Schonrock, Jr.”, Jasmine Dorianne Scott, Paulina Serafin, Kayla Brooke Sledzik, Tyler Michael Smith, Donovan Bryant Soucy, Emily Jane Stadnicki, Joelle Marjorie Stairs, Gavin Scott Sullivan, Veronica Ann Sullivan, Alexis Nichole Sylverne, Neeley Jordan Tedd, Matthew Thornton, Ethan Michael Tillbrook, Faith Amor Tirado, Jenalle Angelie Tobon, Jacqualynn Nicole Trevarthen, Justin Roland Trottier, Connor James Trowbridge, Marina Rose Truiolo, Natalie Janae Vasquez, Nicolas Gordon Vega, Antonela Velaj, Jonahibi Ventura, Jacob Robert Violette, Justin James Walden, Lyndsay Lee Watt, Desiree Nicole Wiley, Anna Louise Paige Wilson, Donovan Michael Wilson, Cody James Witkowski, Diana Izabela Wnuk, Ivy Marie Wnuk, Alessandra Antualet Wong, Deja Lynn Woods, Nicholas William Woods, Mackenzie Margaret Worley, Emily Paige Worthen, Joseph Richard York.

PHOTOS by JOE CZAJKOWSKI

The Bristol Police Department reported the following arrests last week.

• Carmine Moffo, 39, of 250 Old Watertown Rd., Middlebury, was arrested June 16 and charged with second degree failure to appear.
• Randall R. Ciccio, 53, of 245 Middle St., Bristol, was arrested June 16 and charged with second degree failure to appear, restricted turns fail signal, misuse of plate, no insurance, illegal operation of motor vehicle under suspension, and operating an unregistered motor vehicle.
• Vedra E. Torres, 40, of 25 Dudley St., Bristol, was arrested June 17 and charged with operation while under the influence, failure to drive right and operation while registered license suspended/revoked.
• Maria Davis, 58, of 34 Boulder Ridge, Canton, was arrested June 17 and charged with sixth degree larceny and risk of injury to a minor.
• Brooke A. Miselis, 24, of 475 Hancock St., Apt. 1, Brooklyn, N.Y., was arrested June 18 and charged with operation while under the influence, evading responsibility through serious physical injury, and failure to drive right.
• Makayla M. Whelahan, 21, of 503 Jordan Lane, Wethersfield, was arrested June 18 and charged with operation while under the influence and operation while registered license suspended/ revoked.
• Ashton Christopher, 28, of 29 Bidwell Ave., Apt. 29B, East Hartford, was arrested June 18 and charged with evading responsibility through injury/property damage, traveling too fast for conditions and restricted turns fail signal.
• Michael Cyr, 39, of 46 Hull St., Bristol, was arrested June 18 and charged with operation while under the influence, failure to drive right and no insurance.
• Bartosz Okon, 28, of 125 East Rd., Bristol, was arrested June 18 and charged with criminal violation of restraining order.
• Joseph M. Texidor, 23, of 129 Bedford St., Apt. 2D, Hartford, was arrested June 18 and charged with evading responsibility through injury/property damage and disobey officer’s signal.
• David H. Smith, 60, of 68 Collins Rd., Bristol, was arrested June 19 and charged with operation while under the influence.
• Shanny M. Roldan, 21, of 4 Stanley Dr., Enfield, was arrested June 19 and charged with first degree failure to appear and second degree failure to appear.
• Kayla Huminski, 26, of 101 Beacon St., Bristol, was arrested June 19 and charged with second degree breach of peace, second degree violation of conditions of release and first degree criminal trespass.
• Eric Trudel, 44, of 101 Beacon St., Bristol, was arrested June 19 and charged with second degree breach of peace and operating an unregistered motor vehicle.
• Bartosz Okon, 28, of 125 East Rd., Bristol, was arrested June 19 and charged with first degree criminal trespass, criminal violation of protective order and first degree violation of conditions of release.
• Richard Grandy, 65, of 41 Gina St., Bristol, was arrested June 19 and charged with second degree threatening.
• Luke A. Ouellette, 22, of 152 Sheffield Lane, Bristol, was arrested June 19 and charged with first degree criminal mischief.
• Normando Moquete, 43, of 5 Pinnacle Rd., Farmington, was arrested June 19 and charged with second degree threatening and disorderly conduct.
• Matthew D. Lantieri, 25, of 11 Mulberry St., Naugatuck, was arrested June 19 and charged with criminal violation of protective order and second degree threatening.
• Carmen J. Nicastro, 53, of 58 Upson St., Bristol, was arrested June 20 and charged with third degree assault and second degree breach of peace.
• Joshua Derosier, 30, of 109 Winthrop St., New Britain, was arrested June 21 and charged with evading responsibility through injury/ property damage, restricted turns fail signal and operation while registered license suspended/ revoked.
• Mussa Mwanilelo, 27, of 126 Penrose St., Springfield, Mass., was arrested June 21 and charged with criminal violation of protective order, first degree criminal trespass, misuse of plate, interfering with an officer and unsafe movements of a stopped car.
• Andrew Grosky, 19, of 60 Divinity St., Apt. 1, Bristol, was arrested June 21 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Kevin W. Grosky, 48, of 60 Divinity St., Apt. 1, Bristol, was arrested June 21 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Tianna Smith, 20, of 28 Irving St., Bristol, was arrested June 21 and charged with third degree larceny, second degree criminal trover and operating a motor vehicle without a license.
• Shawna L. Carrara, 29, of 18 Frances St., Bristol, was arrested June 22 and charged with second degree failure to appear.
• John P. Zarcone, 37, of 162 Park St., Apt. 2, Bristol, was arrested June 22 and charged with second degree breach of peace.
• Antonio Powell, 40, of 149 Park St., Bristol, was arrested June 22 and charged with interfering with an officer, operation while registered license suspended/revoked and traveling fast.
• Angel J. Gonzalez-Castro, 20, of 254 Divinity St., Apt. 1R, Bristol, was arrested June 22 and charged with third degree assault and second degree breach of peace.
• John J. Truiolo, 51, of 12 Bittersweet Lane, Apt. C, Bristol, was arrested June 22 and charged with public indecency, risk of injury to a minor and second degree breach of peace.
• James F. Poland, 54, of 9 Irving St., Apt. 3, Bristol, was arrested June 22 and charged with third degree identity theft and sixth degree larceny.

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

Bristol Central High School sent off  284 graduates into the world during commencement exercises last Tuesday.

It was a time for some students to reflect on the past four years.

Alexandria Winarski, who will be studying forensic biology at Western New England University in the fall, said her fondest memory of Bristol Central will be “all the friends I made and all the teachers I interacted with.”

“Doing sports” was Kallie Clark’s fondest memory of high school. Clark, who will be going to the University of St. Joseph in the fall to study nursing, also said she will remember “coming out of my comfort zone to meet new people and force myself to go out and do things I enjoy.”

Julian VanBeveren said she will remember “all my friends and how my teachers inspired me a lot.” As for her future, she is looking forward to getting a good job in nursing.

Angela Reynolds, who currently has a job at First Bristol Credit Union, said she will remember how hard her freshman year was. And she will remember what a hassle the past four years have been. “But here I am graduating with my best friend (VanBeveren) and I’m the happiest person in the world.”

“I have no idea how my future or any other’s future will turn out,” said valedictorian Molly Watstein during her speech to graduates, faculty, friends, and family. “Our high school experience threw obstacles at us we never though we’d face,” such as budget cuts, political divide, poverty, abuse, tragedy, and more. However, she said, “For every challenge there was incredible triumph” such as Bristol Central’s victory in the Battle of the Bell football game or Bristol Central Principal Peter Wininger winning the national “Principal of Principle award.”

“Growing up isn’t easy,” said Watstein. “We were lucky to have our BC family to lighten the load.”

In her salutatorian address, Nicole Truszkowski told her fellow graduates, “At Bristol Central, it’s never really hard to find a reason to feel humble and blessed.”

In her comments to the graduations, Susan Moreau, the deputy superintendent of schools, said, “Each of you will be remembered (at Bristol Central), go forward, and make a point to make a difference in the world.”

“Whatever path you choose, I wish you immense success,” said Councilor and Deputy Mayor Anthony D’Amato. “After today’s celebration ends, the hard work begins.”

Bristol Central Graduates for 2016-2017:

Brett Patrick Adams, Matthew Aguero Wilson, Branden A. Alvarado, Justin Alves, Jadon Angel Amaez, Nevin C. Anderson-Tulloch, Simon Christopher Andrews, Jadyn T. Anton, Marianna Apergis, Jasmine Marie Applegate, Caitlyn Marie Archambault, Daniel Eduardo Avila, Aracelis M. Ayala, Jeremey M. Baldeo, Janessa Bartolucci, Kayla Elizabeth Battle, Morgan A. Begin, Steven M. Behmke, Zachary N. Bell, Olivia Ashley Bernardoni, Sierra R. Blake, Autumn Marie Blasi, Joel S. Boder, Joshua Arthur Bodley, Dominic Vincent Borrelli, Aries Borysewicz, Nicholas C. Bouchard, Anthony Joseph Boucher , Morgan Katie Boucher, Sara Ashley Bouley , Alexis Heather Bourgoin, Logan Jacob Brennan , Emily Cristina Brito, Alonzo Jah’lil Brooks , Britney A. Brown, Riley N. Burrell, Kaltrina Bushi, Jonathan Cabrera, Alexa Jessica Cahill, Tyeisha J. Camp, Gabriella M. Capasso, Christina Jade Caputo, Joshua Cardona Toledo, Amanda Jo Carlucci, Ethan Michael Caron, Eyleen K. Castillo, Johnny K. Chea, Benjamin W. Cherwinski, Jordan A. Chokshi, Brock Michael Clark, Kallie A. Clark, Ryan Matthew Coderre, Aaron M. Collins, Justin Colon, William Colon III, Kaynan James Conrod, Ethan Cote, Marisol Crespo, Rebecca M. Croce, Keith Gordon Cross Jr., Ashley N. Cummings, Abigail F. Cyr, Emily M. Daigle, Taylor N. Dale, Hunter James Damon-Smith, Kailey Bryanne Davis, George DeLeon, Julius J. Delgado, Devon Christie DeNoto, Shaunna Marie Deprey, Isabelle Derosier, Abigail Sarah Deschaine, Giovanni Diaz, Luis Javier Diaz, Precious Aaliyha Diaz, Mariah K. Dignazio, Tyreek S. Dixon, Melanie Doak, Ethan J. Dorazio, Aaren Dutkiewicz,

Devon Esposito, Andrew Charles Ewart, Carmelo Ferraro, Sean Michael Fitzgerald, Seth Cohen Florian, Barbara L. Fowkes, Benjamin D. Funk, Isabella Rose Gagliardi, Jeremy D. Ganavage, Felipe Andres Garay-Ortega , Kailee Garcia, Hope Alexus Marie Garetta, Eric Danny Gaudreau, Kassandra Giammatteo, Ramoo Giles, Brianna Nicole Glenn, Dakota Walter Gomez, Alejandro Gonzalez, Ava Dalani Gorneault, Garrett John Gottschall, Alrick Anthony Grant, Logan Ashley Greger, Seth Gregory Griswold, Marcus Samuel Grumley, Brenna Guerrette, Andrew Christopher Guzman, Marco Sebastian Guzman, Brianna Brooke Hamel, Meghan Hamel, Angelina C. Hamm, Elizabeth Marie Harter, Ryan D. Havel, Noah S. Hicking, Jessica Marie Higginson-Calabro, Cody B. Hildebrand, Alison Holden, Jamie Elizabeth Houlihan, Richard A. Iffland, Edward Orlando Irizarry, Brandon M. Jacobs, Natallie Jesionka, Jeffrey Rafael Jimenez , Hannah Catherine Jones, Alysha Marie Kalahan, Olly Nicole Kay, Patrick Michael Kenney Jr., Dominik Jan Kluk, Kenneth Martin Knox Jr., Rezarta Kolludra, Mark Anthony Krawiec, Brianna Christine Kriscenski, Kayla L’Italien,

Ashley M. Labbie, Sarah A. Labbie, Joana Lalaj, Scott Thomas Larson, Danielle Elena Lavigne, Emilie M. LeBlanc, Michael Robert Lemke, Spencer James Leszko, Matthew Thomas Ligi, Denis C. Little, Jordan Alexander Lopez , Kenyelle Lora, Chabelkis Lorenzo Nova, Lynndora Mae MacMillan, Emily Grace Maglio , Tyler Mahaney, Jose I. Manguia Galindo, Nicholas Joseph Marcantonio, Hannah Rose Marcil, Janitza M. Marrero, Weston Marshall, Michael Ryan Matthews, Emily Anne McAllister, Alicia Marie McCormack , Morgan McCurda, Ryan Anthony McKenna , Luis Rogelio Medina, Kristina Leigh Mendela, Ashley Nicole Michaud , Kevin David Michaud, Melanie Anne Michaud, Kyle J. Mickel, Dezirae Bry’Anna-Marie Miller, Virginia M. Mills, Emily Rose Mitchell, Madison Riley Moriarty, Breana Lee Morin, Joshua Morrell, Max Richard Naranjo, Thomas M. Nardi, Thomas C. Nelligan, Cristian Nugra, Allen Ivan O’Brien, Peter Daniel O’Dell, Quinn James O’Donnell, Patrick M. O’Keefe, Nancy Helen Adongo Ongany, Liam O’Rourke, Hannah Danielle Ouellette, Thalia Esperanza Palacios, Amanda Rose Palladino, Michael Paloka, Macey Michele Paradis, Susan Angel Paradis, Travis Michael Parsons, Alyssa L. Pasniewski, Adam Manuel Passander, Sofia Marie Patria, Christianna M. Peabody, DeVante Pearson, Steven Patrick Pelletier, Tyler John Perkins, Edward James Perkowski, Nathan James Pileski, Brandi Marie Pinette, Nicole Miosotiz Pizarro, Katherine Rose Plourde, Marcus Raymond Poteau, Daniel Charles Potz, Nicholas Pratt, Lauren Angelina Putnam, Jenniffer Marie Quinones Batista,

Andrew James Rajotte, Facundo Sebastian Ramos, Julianna Paige Ranaldi, Desarae Elizabeth Rankin, Nicholas M. Ratta, Cameron J. Reed, Dylan T. Reed, Fallon Finn Repeta, Angela Marie Reynolds, Kemani Richards, Trenessa Claudine Rioux, Michael L. Rivera, Anthony M. Rivera VanBeveren, Ravan C. Rodriguez, Ryan Lee Rodriguez, Anthony Titus Ross, Kaylee Brooke Roy, Cody Joseph Runkle, Amanda Maria Saccente , Hunzla Sajjad, Sean Elijah Sandy , Luis Matthew Santana, Mariah Lynn Santana, Jacinto Maneul Santiago, Lauren Mae Santiago, Colin James Savino, Olivia A. Savino, Anthony Richard Scarola, Ashley Ann Schulze , Brett D. Scully, Jesse Rafael Serrano, Ronin James Shaknaitis, Damien Alexander Shepherd , Mehar Singh, Shanaya C. Siriwardene, Austin Sloane, Noah Nathan Soucy , Kaitlyn R. Spann, Justin Tyler Spitze, Brianna Leigh St. Onge, Kara Marie Stakey, Cole Anthelm Staples, Connor James Staubley, Endya Reshae Stewart, Morgan Lyn Strickland , Sarah Ann Strilkauskas, Ryan Conner Suiter, Hadyn Robert Sundgren, Steven Suon, Jennifer Lynn Swiger, Catherine Thai, Kevin Thai, Klaudio Thanasi, Kaylene Elizabeth Thomas, Erin Leigh Treloar , Nicole Truszkowski, Cheyanne Ruby Lynn Upham-Roberts, Haley Marie Vadella , Juliann VanBeveren, Lindsay Nicole Vannest, Devon A. Varela, Brendan Patrick Varnum, Alexandria Vigue, Stephen Alexander Vitale, Tommy Vongsamany, Casey Rose Walters, Taya Rose Watson, Molly Hannah Watstein, Jurnee Weymer, Kevin White, Carrie Whitney, Gabriella Marie Williams, Caleb Shane Willis, Alexandria Love Winarski, Joseph C. Wosilis, Caeli Wygant, Ashley Yung, Amber D. Zarick, Arben Zhuta, Brianna Jane Zipke.