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.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS. Sundays: 10:30 a.m., Bristol Recovery Club, 67 West St., Bristol; 6 p.m., Bristol Baptist Church, 43 School St., Bristol (for women only); 7 p.m. United Methodist Church, 99 Summer St., Bristol. 7 p.m. Plainville Congregational Church, 130 West Main St., Plainville. Mondays: 7 p.m., Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, 145 Main St, Southington; 7:30 p.m., Asbury United Methodist Church, 90 Church Ave., Forestville. Tuesdays: 7 p.m., Church of Our Savior, 115 West Main St., Plainville. 7:30 p.m., Bristol Recovery Club, 67 West St., Bristol. Wednesdays: 7 p.m., Bristol Baptist Church, 43 School St., Bristol; 7 p.m., Plainville Congregational Church, 130 West Main St., Plainville; 7 p.m. Our Lady of Mercy Parish Hall, 19 South Canal St., Plainville (Men only). Thursdays: 7 p.m., United Methodist Church, 99 Summer St., Bristol; 7 p.m., Plainville Congregational Church, 130 West Main St., Plainville; 7:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 145 Main St., Southington. Fridays: 7 p.m., United Methodist Church, 99 Summer St., Bristol; 7 p.m., Plainville Congregational Church, 130 West Main St., Plainville. Saturdays: 6:30 p.m., Plainville Congregational Church, 130 West Main St., Plainville. Hotline phone number, 1-800-627-3543.

By MIKE CHAIKEN EDITIONS EDITOR Classic cars are about style.
Like the latest garments out of New York or Paris, there are different silhouettes. Sometimes the lines are sharply defined. Sometimes, they slope and emphasize the curves. Owners of these cars restore them to color palettes that reflect their taste—sometimes the colors pop, sometimes they exude a quiet elegance. And classic car aficionados like to deck out their vehicles with assorted accessories, such as chrome grills and mag wheels that emphasize their individuality. The classic car owners also like to add those special details that draw the eye in, such as racing stripes or logos.
The style of the vehicle can denote status. And cars can denote demeanor—are you cool, ritzy, or rugged.
At Barrett Jackson’s third annual auction at Mohegan Sun, automotive fashion of every dimension was on display as car fanatics with a little disposable income picked their favorite vehicles and primed themselves to make their bids in the auctions to follow.
For more photographs, go to www.CTFashionMag.com

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

After you catch comedian Tim Dillon at Comix at Mohegan Sun next week, you don’t have to wait till the next time he takes the stage in Connecticut to catch his comedy.

The comedian has two specials coming to a TV or computer near you. Later this year, he has a Comedy Central Half Hour dedicated to his standup. He also has a Netflix Quarter Hour coming up as well.

Dillon, in a phone interview, said recording a comedy special is not much different than an actual live set he would do any other day of the week. “(The producers’) job is to make it feel as close to live as possible… and make you and the audience comfortable.”

“The two shows I did were really comfortable,” said Dillon. “(The networks) want you to do well.”

The primary difference between recording a comedy special and stepping up for a live set at club is that in the recording, you always have the option of going back and doing a bit again if you slip up. “Live is live. The moment is gone, good or bad.”

Dillon said he is appreciative of the opportunity. He wanted to do Quarter Hour because “it will live forever on Netflix.” And “Half Hour” was important because “Comedy Central is iconic.”

In addition to his comedy specials, fans of Dillon can find him on his podcast, “Tim Dillon is Going to Hell.”

Why is he “going to hell?”

“I think we’re in this weird time where comedians want to lead us on social issues,” said Dillon, “which is insane.” Instead, he said, he prefers to mine comedy that is “funny, and darkly humorous.”

“I’m apolitical,” said Dillon.

Today, people are expected to be left or right, liberal or conservative. Dillon said he’s neither and he’s both. “I have nuances of opinions of the world,” said Dillon.

That said, “I am only trying to be funny.”

“If you’re looking to a comedian for political advice, you’re in trouble… If you go to a night club to be educated,” said Dillon, “I can’t help you.”

Dillon’s antiestablishment streak runs deep.

Dillon recently posted on his Twitter a letter to his parents letting them know he was getting suspended from school.

“I was suspended for a treating a lunch lady as subhuman,” said Dillon. “I think we were having frozen yogurt and I wanted sprinkles.” And when she said no, Dillon let the words fly.

“I got suspended all the time… They suspended you for telling them how you felt.”

“I’m not in love with (education as an institution)… You have to censor yourself. You have to be respectful. That wasn’t me,” said Dillon.

However, he said, “That did set me up for comedy.”

When you come to Comix to see his act, Dillon said the audience should expect, simply enough, “Humor.”

“My comedy is smart,” said Dillon. “I want people to really laugh. I riff on what’s going on around me. Sometimes, I go off script.”

But he said, “You’re not going to leave smarter… They’re not going to get a breakdown of the Mueller investigation.”

“Go elsewhere for that.”

Tim Dillon performs at Comix at Mohegan Sun, Uncasville July 5 to 7 with performances Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 and 10 p.m.

For more information and tickets, go to www.comixmohegansun.com

Comedian Tim Dillon comes to Comix at Mohegan Sun next week.

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

The Hartford Symphony Orchestra is vacating the city for the summer to give the fans of orchestral music (newcomers) the opportunity to experience the sounds of the symphony under a canopy of stars.

The symphony will be presenting its annual Talcott Mountain Music Festival, from June 29 through July 27 at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center in Simsbury.

HSO’s assistant conductor Adam Boyles will be wielding the baton as the HSO presents evenings of pop concert repertoires as well as joint ventures with the likes of the legendary Doc Severinsen.

In an email exchange, Boyles spoke about the upcoming summer season.

Observer: What do you like about concerts in the open air and the tradition of a “pops” concert series—rather than the traditional orchestral classical music bent inside a music hall?

Boyles: The experience of the concert hall is geared toward a communal focus and meditation on the music alone. When listening to music al fresco, the music forms one part in the whole of the event, which could also include eating, taking in the scenery, and enjoying the company of others. There’s a certain informality to it which adds a nice balance to the more serious music, which makes up the brunt of the indoor season.

O: What do you like about exposing the sound of an orchestra to a wide variety of age groups?

B: It’s about sharing what I love, and meeting people wherever their musical journey is at the moment. Some people will be hearing a symphony orchestra and symphonic music for the first time, while others might be celebrating multiple decades of coming to concerts. I like to hope that we give a memorable performance for everyone in that spectrum.

O: As a musician and conductor, let’s talk about each of the different concerts coming up and why you like them and why audiences will like them?

B: With the first concert, “Celebrate America” (June 29), and the fourth concert, “Magical Movie Music” (July 20), my HSO colleagues and I assembled these programs from scratch, so apart from the enjoyment of the repertoire itself, I hope our audiences also come away with a satisfying narrative/thematic experience. With the other three shows, Brass Transit – The Music of Chicago (July 6), Doc Severinsen (July 13), and Rewind – The Music of the 80s (July 27), audiences will get to enjoy top-notch musicians from around the country in a wide variety of genres.

O: One of the highlights of the season is Doc Severinsen, the band leader for Johnny Carson’s “The Tonight Show” for many years. What’s exciting about the opportunity to work him?

B: Can you believe that the week before our concert with him Doc will turn 91? He’s a legend, one of the greatest performers and entertainers in this country, and our concert will be his final symphonic performance. (It’s) truly a once-in-a-lifetime event. To say I’m excited about it doesn’t quite do it justice.

O: How much input did you have in selecting the series? What does the HSO look for when crafting a summer series?

B: All of us on the HSO staff contribute ideas during the course of the year with the goal of crafting a summer with variety and fun. From there, it’s a matter of finding the right performers, and working out the puzzle that is scheduling.

O: This summer also will be a first for you in that you will be conducting the entire series. How does it feel?

B: I’m deeply grateful and honored that the HSO has given me the entire series. Making music with my supremely talented and dedicated colleagues is one of the great joys in my life, and I’m anxious for our month-long collaboration to begin.

O: Ultimately, why will audiences enjoy coming out to the summer series?

B: Great music, a great setting, something for audiences of all ages…what’s not to love?

The schedule for the Talcott Mountain Music Festival is as follows:

“Celebrate America!” is Friday, June 29 at 7:30 p.m. (Rain date is Saturday, June 30.) Fireworks will follow. The concert will feature the Asylum Hill Congregational Church Choir, the Newington Church of Christ Congregational Choir, and soprano Sonja Dutoit Tengbland. This program will include patriotic favorites, plus a tribute to Leonard Bernstein.

“Brass Transit – The Musical Legacy of Chicago” is Friday, July 6 at 7:30p.m. The concert is rain or shine. This Chicago tribute will team up with HSO for songs such as “Saturday In The Park,” “If You Leave Me Now,” “25 or 6 To 4,” and “You’re The Inspiration.”

“HERE’S DOC! Celebrating 60 Years in Show Business is Friday, July 13, at 7:30 p.m. It’s rain or shine. Doc Severinsen will pay homage to the American songbook and highlights some of his favorite tunes of the Big Band era and beyond.

“Magical Movie Music” is Friday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m. It will be held rain or shine. The evening will include music from Academy Award-nominated films, including “Chicago,” “The Godfather,” “Forrest Gump,” “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” “Amadeus.

“REWIND: Celebrating the Music of the 80s” will be Friday, July 27 at 7:30 p.m. (Rain date is Saturday, July 28 at 7:30 p.m.) “REWIND: Celebrating the Music of the 80s” will include a rock band and vocalists, who will join HSO to play music from Wham, U2, INXS, Kool and the Gang, REM, Billy Joel and more.

Visit www.hartfordsymphony.org for further details.

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

For fans of 10,000 Maniacs waiting for an album of new material, the wait shouldn’t be much longer.

Mary Ramsey, the vocalist for 10,000 Maniacs, who are coming to the Infinity Hall in Norfolk, Conn. Friday night, said the group is in the midst of preparing a new album.

“Every year, we try to have some sort of recording,” said Ramsey.

But the last two efforts have put the focus elsewhere than original tracks from the band that gave the world classic alternative rock tracks such as “Like the Weather,” “These Are Days,” and “What’s The Matter Here.”

2015’s “Twice Told Tales” found the band reinterpreting traditional British folk tunes. And 2016’s “Playing Favorites” and “Live at the Belly Up” were live recordings focusing on the group’s catalogue.

But Ramsey—who took over lead vocals from Natalie Merchant in 1993—said, “We have a lot of ideas.” The effort is now focused on refining those ideas and to prepare them for a recording in September or October.

Songwriting for 10,000 Maniacs— which also includes Steven Gustafson on bass guitar, Dennis Drew on keyboard, Jeff Erickson on guitar, Jerome Augustyniak on drums, and Ramsey’s musical partner John Lombardo on guitar (the duo John and Mary)– can come from many different directions.

“Sometimes we get together and jam and chord structures and words will come up.”  Sometimes, Ramsey said she and Lombardo will team up for a song for 10,000 Maniacs since they already have a partnership as John and Mary. Sometimes, someone will come in with a chorus and Ramsey will come up with a melody for it.

For the moment, however, the writing will be on the backburner as 10,000 Maniacs hits the road, said Ramsey. Their focus will be on playing live for the fans.

Ramsey’s tenure in 10,000 Maniacs is 25 years on. But as part of her vocal duties, she also gets to delve into the band’s material written before she joined. One of the dimensions of the older songwriting that she finds appealing is “the political content of the songs.”  Singing those songs is a peek back at the time period and when she sings them, she tries to find ways to correlate those issues with today’s issues.

“It’s like taking a book and finding its relevance now.”

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of 10,000 Maniacs’ platinum selling album “MTV Unplugged.” The album turned out to be one of the group’s biggest sellers. And although she wasn’t the group’s lead singer at the time, Ramsey was part of the recording as a backup vocalist and string player.

Ramsey said the group already knew that they were being asked to be part of something that was “really cool” because legendary acts such as Eric Clapton and Nirvana also recorded an MTV Unplugged album. And on set, “We felt something good was going to happen.”

When fans come to the Infinity, Ramsey said the group knows there are certain songs that they always have to play, the fan favorites and the hits. But the group also will add in some of their Celtic material from “Twice Told Tales” and they also will try out some of the new songs as well.

Audiences will hear a “very tight, very strong band,” said Ramsey. And they will be “very happy’ with what they hear.

10,000 Maniacs will perform Friday, June 29 at 8 p.m. at The Infinity Hall, Route 44, Norfolk. Tickets are $60 to $80. For tickets, go to www.infinityhall.com

10,000 Manics will perform at The Infinity Hall in Norfolk Friday night.

By MICHAEL LETENDRE

STAFF WRITER

PLAINVILLE – The Bristol American Legion senior baseball team greeted Zone 1 newcomer Plainville rather forcefully on Tuesday, June 19.

Wrapping up a season-high 15 hits, Bristol pounded Plainville for over a dozen runs as Post 2 defeated Post 33 by a 13-1 final from the grounds of Plainville high school.

Bristol’s Cory Fradette was a beast from the plate, going 3-for-4 with two doubles, a triple, a sacrifice fly, three runs scored, and a couple RBI to complete a busy day.

Ryan Greene also cashed in on three hits and nabbed an RBI while Mac Goulet had two hits – including a double – to go along with an RBI.

Noah Plantamuro added two hits and two RBI while winning pitcher Steve Warkoski and Kenny Knox also had hits in the game.

The hit parade continued as Jake Violette, Zach Marquis, and Mike Lemke all added hits over the winning endeavor.

And through six innings of work, Bristol’s defense was nearly flawless to keep Plainville – who had four total hits in the game – off both the base paths and the scoreboard.

But Plainville (1-5) was pesky from the start and it took Bristol’s line-up one time around in the order to finally crack Plainville pitcher, and 2018 class valedictorian, Nate Michalek.

“Plainville was a little shorthanded [and] you can’t take it lightly,” said Bristol coach Jerry LaPenta. “It was 0-0 there for a couple innings and then all of a sudden, if Plainville gets the lead, then everybody gets tight so when you come in like this, you have to win the games you’re supposed to win.”

And Post 33 got right into the swing of things as Plainville’s Brady Callahan reached base via a little nubber that catcher Dave Bernier made one heck of a dive for – making everything but the catch.

Trying to steal a base on a pitch-out, Bernier easily threw out Callahan at second but the next two batters managed to get onboard.

Jaylen Dias (from Bristol Central) smashed a double to left while Michalek was hit-by-a-pitch to keep the rally going.

Two ground-ball outs ended up sending Post 33 packing and – despite three runners reaching base for Plainville – there wasn’t any score after one completed frame.

Greene greeted Michalek with a double down the line in left in the second and quickly, Post 2 had a runner in scoring position.

He advanced to third on a fly-out by Violette but did not advance further as Michalek and Plainville kept it a 0-0 stalemate.

With one gone in the second, Post 33’s Tyler Davis just snuck a single past Goulet at third base but Juan Camacho looked at strike three and Ryan Millette also struck out to end the threat.

Michalek racked up two strikeouts to open the third tilt but Fradette looped a double just out of reach of the fielder in right to end up on second base and begin a two-out rally.

And then Plantamuro roped a hit – just an eyelash away from Michalek’s glove – which bounced off the second base bag and made a funny hop forward that easily scored Fradette to make it a 1-0 game.

Goulet followed up with a hit up the middle to put two out with two outs.

And then Greene zipped an RBI single passed the third baseman as the run made it a 2-0 game with runners on the corners.

The infamous Bristol pickle play was then applied as Greene broke for second and on the play, Goulet headed home.

But the tag to Greene never came to pass as he got to second base with ease and when Goulet tagged the plate, Post 33 was quickly trailing 3-0.

“It’s going to come down to who hiccups (first),” said LaPenta. “But in baseball, you get a hot pitcher [and] that lefty was throwing pretty well in the start. These games, you’ve got to come in and [close the door].”

The Bristol defense helped Warkoski go 1-2-3 in the bottom of the third as the visitors kept its 3-0 push intact.

In the bottom of the fourth, Fradette made one heck of a play to get Alec Couture from shortstop for the second out.

Warkoski retired eight of nine batters since allowing that hit to Davis in the second inning as Bristol entered the fifth frame with that 3-0 lead.

Lemke opened the fifth with a fly-ball to right no one could find in the sun as the leadoff batter was on for Post 2.

And then Fradette unleashed a triple to the gap in left-center to score Lemke to make it 4-0 and when Plantamuro dropped an RBI single into short center, the Bristol cushion reached five.

Greene then raced out an infield hit to third as runners were on first and third and the offensive onslaught continued.

A passed ball allowed Greene to get into scoring position and Marquis walked to load the bases with just on gone.

Plantamuro scored on a passed ball as the Plainville deficit reached 6-0.

In the bottom of the fifth, Warkoski allowed a leadoff walk but then struck out three straight batters to keep it a 6-0 game.

DiLoreto opened the sixth with single to center and advanced to second on a Lemke groundout.

Fradette then zipped out a double to left-center field as DiLoreto scored to give Bristol a 7-0 lead.

And then Plantumuro’s grounder to shortstop was bobbled, Fradette scored, and halfway through the sixth, Post 2 was leading by a comfortable 8-0 push.

Warkoski allowed two walks in the sixth but the Bristol defense did its job – not allowing a run to cross the plate – as the visitors kept that 8-0 lead intact.

Warkoski got to bat in the seventh and cracked a single to center to get on base while Violette also nabbed a base hit to put two on with no one out.

Knox then added a base hit past first base and when Bernier grounded out to second, Warkoski scored as Post 2 led 9-0 with LaPenta getting excellent production from his bench.

“It was nice that I got everybody in,” said LaPenta. “Everybody got a hit pretty much.”

Lemke then walked as Fradette looked for his fourth hit of the game.

But he ended up flying out to right, scoring Violette, as Plainville trailed 10-0.

And the runs kept coming.

Plantamuro reached via error as runs scored and to end the inning, Goulet slammed a double to left as the RBI tally propelled Bristol to a 13-0 cushion.

Plainville scored a run late in the seventh but in the end, the Bristol offense was too much to overcome and Post 33 fell 13-1.

“It was a good team win, a good chemistry win,” said LaPenta.

By KEN MORSE

CORRESPONDENT

The weather has created a much needed break for the (13-8) Bristol Blues as they prepare to wrap up the month of June in hot pursuit of the first place (14-5) Martha’s Vineyard Sharks. The pitching, which carried the team to its fast start, has been getting a workout lately having played 21 games in a span of 25 days and it’s beginning to show signs of wear.

Over the past seven games, the batting is beginning to make consistent contact showing an uptick in runs scored boosting the team average from .218 to .242 and runs per game has increased from 3.6 over the first 14 games to 6 runs per game over the past seven contests.

The schedule called for an off day on Friday June 22 and then the rain came in postponing Saturday and Sunday games with the Worchester Bravehearts. Having three days off in a row for the first time since the season started has really helped the team, according to head coach Ronnie Palmer.

“It’s really kind of a blessing to have these three days off like that,” said Palmer. “The guys should be rested and when we get back on the field we should be ready to make a go of it.”

“We’ve added a few pieces offensively in Pat Winkel and Justyn Malloy and that has helped some of our other guys to get back on track and given us some depth allowing us to move guys up and down the batting order. We plan on adding a few more arms as well and hopefully that will assist us to making a run at the playoffs and capturing the first FCBL title for Bristol.”

The offense began to come on in a 6-4 win over Brockton on June 15 when Peyton Stephen belted the first Blues homer of the season a grand slam to carry Bristol to victory.

The Blues followed that up with a 13-6 win over the first place Sharks last Monday putting up the most runs and hits (13) in a game this season. Matt Bonvicini made the most of his two hits driving in four runs and Malloy had two hits and three runs scored.

“Peyton really broke out of his slump and has been hitting the ball real well over the past week,” said Palmer. “He got a huge hit for us in the win over Brockton. He was down in the count and fouled one off then came back and drove it a long way.”

Emmet Sheehan got his first start of the season and surrendered just five hits over five and one-third innings against the Bravehearts last Tuesday in a 4-2 win. But with the league down to seven teams in the circuit it seems gaining a little momentum is a tough go as the Blues dropped back-to-back games 9-7 to Pittsfield last Wednesday and 6-4 to Brockton on Thursday.

Bristol in their 21 games has faced the Bravehearts six times and the Pittsfield Sun seven times while facing the rest of the league in just eight games. Familiarity with your opponent can be a double-edged sword.

“Now that the league is down to seven teams all the league is in the same situation,” said Blues General Manager Brian Rooney. “You end up playing a lot of the teams back-to-back.”

The Blues had the Bravehearts on the schedule four times over an eight game span. It may prove to be nothing at all but trying to gain some momentum with a team that is well adjusted to your team could be an issue.

“I’m sure every team over the course of the season is going to be able to read you and what you are trying to do,” added Rooney. “I know the league commissioner Chris Hall is looking to add a few teams and the teams that did drop out this year have field issues that should be resolved next year.”

The FCBL lost the Wachusett Dirt Dawgs and the Seacoast Mavericks from last year bringing the circuit from nine teams down to seven. In 2016, the Torrington Twisters made up the 10th team in the league before they departed after the season.

“I guess you could look at it as an advantage in some instances and a disadvantage in others,” said Palmer. “While they are making adjustments to prepare for us, we also have to make adjustments to combat with them.”

The Blues will be back in action this week as they will be away on Monday to take on the Sharks and on Tuesday against Brockton. Bristol returns for a home stand beginning Wednesday against the Bravehearts and again on Friday hosting the Nashua Silver Knights and finish out the week on Saturday in Nashua.

The Bristol Blues are celebrating the fast start of their season. (KEN MORSE PHOTO)

Bristol police reported the following arrests:

• Melissa Elizabeth Przygocki, 30, of 16 Pinegrove Rd., Southington, was arrested on Monday, June 18, and charged with second degree failure to appear.
• Luis R. Vaca, 46, of 39 West St., Bristol, was arrested on Monday, June 18, and charged with third degree larceny.
• Hector Rafael Vega, 27, of 165 Rockwell Ave., Bristol, was arrested on Monday, June 18, and charged with two counts of third degree criminal mischief, two counts of second degree breach of peace, second degree reckless endangerment, third degree assault, second degree threatening, and second degree unlawful restraint.
• Joseph Telfer Garcia, 36, of 78 Chestnut St., Bristol, was arrested on Tuesday, June 19, and charged with two counts of sixth degree larceny, and third degree burglary.
• Christine M. Goodine, 56, of 58 Baldwin Dr., Bristol, was arrested on Tuesday, June 19, and charged with traveling unreasonably fast.
• Alejandra M. Guzman-Carreno, 25, of 78 Anderson Ave., Bristol, was arrested on Tuesday, June 19, and charged with traveling unreasonably fast.
• Eden E. Hartman, 27, of 35 Haviland St., Bristol, was arrested on Tuesday, June 19, and charged with operation or towing an unregistered motor vehicle.
• Matthew Theodore Mcphee, 52, of 30 Belgain Cir., Bristol, was arrested on Tuesday, June 19, and charged with traveling unreasonably fast.
• Julianna Alexis Spring, 21, of 31 Sterling Dr., Berlin, was arrested on Tuesday, June 19, and charged with failure to obey a stop sign.
• Jeremy Stevens, 35, of 128 Skyridge Rd., Bristol, was arrested on Tuesday, June 19, and charged with traveling unreasonably fast.
• James Frederick Healy, 63, of 154 Mechanic St., Bristol, was arrested on Wednesday, June 20, and charged with injury or risk or impairing the morals of a child, and fourth degree sexual assault on a victim under 15 years old.
• Christopher Howard, 29, of 25 Landry St., Apt. 3, Bristol, was arrested on Wednesday, June 20, and charged with first degree assault, and first degree unlawful restraint.
• Randol Robles, 31, of 654 Flatbush Ave., Apt. 3F, West Hartford, was arrested on Wednesday June 20, and charged with six counts of second degree failure to appear, and first degree failure to appear.
• Mayleen Torres, 34, of 43 Sherman St., Bristol, was arrested on Wednesday, June 20, and charged with second degree breach of peace, third degree assault, second degree violations of the conditions of release, and possession of a controlled substance or more than one-half ounce of cannabis.
• Cora Dever, 45, of 10 Haig Ave., Bristol, was arrested on Thursday, June 21, and charged with animal nuisance.
• Colby J. Gary, 35, of 38 Upson St., apartment 1W, Bristol, was arrested on Thursday, June 21, and charged with disorderly conduct.
• Christopher Howard, 29, of 25 Landry St., apartment 3, Bristol, was arrested on Thursday, June 21, and charged with first degree larceny.
• James Stamatopoulos, 49, of 21 Merriman St., Bristol, was arrested on Thursday, June 21, and charged with second degree breach of peace, and third degree assault.
• Chelsea Vialpando, 25, of 18 Cynthia Ct. 2F, apartment 1W, New Britain, was arrested on Thursday, June 21, and charged with disorderly conduct.
• Shane Erik Wilson, 30, of 1175 Farmington Ave., apartment 415, Bristol, was arrested on Thursday, June 21, and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, and sixth degree larceny.

The Bristol Eastern High School Class of 2018 is:

Shaima Hani Abuhussein, Alexander A. Acevedo, Christian Antonio Adorno, Amal Mohamed Ahmed, Dylan Joseph Albright, Marc Anthony Aldana, Josean Aviles, Maria Christina Baez, Alondra Del Mar Barbosa, Philex Lee Barriault, Keegan James Bartis, Alexander Ryan Bartucca, Jason Joseph Battistoni, Nathan Joseph Beaudet, Alexander Wolfe Beckwith, Bryce Austin Beebe, David Christian Beicke, David Ryan Bernier, Samantha Paige Berube, Amy Bhagaloo, Jessica Bhagaloo, James Patrick Bishop, Jordyn Alice Bonville, Natalie Michelle Boria, Madelyn Rose Bourassa, Skylar Bean Bourbeau, Chloe Elizabeth Bourgoin, Emily Lynn Brandi, Isabella Mary Britt, Valerie Christine Bush,

Tyler John Camisa, Ashley Rose Caron, Shane Dominick Caron, Nicholas Anthony Carrozza, Adam Ronald Case, Valareese Lisa Cecil, Jade Nicole Cefaly, Andrew Jaeson Cercone, Jordon Gavin Champagne, Evan James Chipman, Courtney Jean Clark, Garrod Chase Clute, Rajon Dimario Collins, Andrew James Consalvo, Noah Dyami Corliss, Kristen J. Cormier, Nicholas Joseph Cote, Celena Naomi Cross-Alamo, Nicole Maria Cuevas, Shannon Rose Cully, William Dylan Cushing, Lucas John Cutler, Matthew John Daigle, Ryan Michael Dall’Aste, McKenna Rae Damiano, Sarah Elizabeth Daniels, Brooke Vanessa Dauphinee, Justin Michael Davies, Emily De La Torre, Azelia Deleon, Christian James Deltano, Alex Jay DeNote, Jack Anthony DeNote, Hailey Elizabeth Deschamps, Zoe Meghan DiChello, Julia Rose DiMattia, Emily Ann Douglas, Cassandra Jodie Doyon, Grace Ashley Dubois, Lauren Grace Dudzinski, Jason Paul Dumont, Alexandre Durand, Caitlin Dionne Farken, Macy Grace Fernance, Benjamin Joseph Ferraro, Linda Marie Ferreira, Jordan Louise Fitzsimons, Amari Jenele Floyd, Dayton Ryder Forges, Madison A. Fostervold, Cory Michael Fradette, Ethan Ross Friedman,

Kara Gabrielle Friedman, Emily Allison Gdovin, Angela Genovesi, Matthew John Girard, Janeliz Gonzalez, Tanisheanna Marie Gonzalez, Andrew Jacob Gorneault, MacGregor Louis Goulet, Kyle James Grady, Kendall M. Graham, Rachel Lynn Grivois, Emma Kathryn Guilmette, Tina Guo, Kayla Marie Hardin, Emily Elizabeth Hayes, Zanaii Niche Hickey, Zachary Robert Hill, Josephine Rao Hintz, Rebecca Hopkins, Steven Robert Hopkins, Angelika Horvath, Dayna Beth Houle, Jaxon Alexander Hoyt, Kayla Marie Irvin, Justin Joseph Jacques, Miranda Rose Janick, Olivia Rose Jankowski, Rachel Elizabeth Jappinen, Peter Jamie Jeski-Robinson, Kaylah Nyesha Jewell, Hope Celia Johnsky, Sophie Paige Johnsky, Nicholas Joseph Jones, Tyler John Jones, Nicolas Sebastian Kaczan, Hope Ann Kaluzny, Fadima Kamano, Anthony Leng Kim, Tyler Matthew King, Noah Louis Klemonski, Raechel Danette Klouda, Lacey Morganne Knox, Jia-lin Kayla Koh, Ariza Kolloverja, Anna Korpanty, Rohan Koshy, Thaddeus Jack Kutarba, Rachel Irene LaBarre, Nicholas Ryan LaBelle, Nathaniel Jay Laboy, Donato Jax Laferriere, Jake Thomas Lafferty, Breanna Jean LaFleur, Joshua Michael LaFleur, John Anthony Landry, Callie Rose Laprise, Julianna Rose Larue, Eric Joseph Latko, Sean Nicholas Lavoie, David Michael Leba, Dylan Raymond Levesque, Logan Joseph Levesque, Gina Carol Lombardi, Thomas William Lombardi, David Alexander Lopez, Domenik Dismus Losacano, Paige Elyce Lowrey, Anthony Lawrence Lubrico, Sabrina Marie Lumbra, David Nicholas Luukko,

Hannah Grace Maghini, Sarah Taylor Maglio, Hidekel Jesus Mangual, Samantha Jean Martel, Gabrielle Ginette Martin, Jaicelynn Keli Martin, Karly Lyn Martin, Nicole Mary Martinez, Kaylie Marie Deanna Masi, Tyler Justice Mason, Aaron Christopher Matthews, Maura Kelly McCormick, Alexandra Grace McMahon, Brendan Joseph McMahon, John Daniel McPhee, Tyler Jacob Melecio, Alexander Thomas Mika, Sean Christian Lagamson Millare, Zachary Matthew Miller, Michael Sipe Miskell, Ashlie Lynn Moderacki, Karlie Ann Moderacki, Sabrina Brianna Muccino-Salgado, Collin James Mulcunry, Keagan Joseph Mullan, Carly Francis Myers, Thomas Andrew Nardi, Nicole Marie Nogiec, Joshua Thomas Nohilly, Brianna Ashley Norton, Julia Madeleine O’Leary, Austin James O’Meara, Christian Luis O’Neill, Skyler William Ogonowski, Michael David Onofrio, Jhoan Alexander Ordonez, Aaron John Orie, Lizabeth Marie Orsi, Milenis Lean Ortiz Ramos, Dillon Andrew Ortiz, Fiona Sky Pare, Sara Jane Parish, Andre’ Paul Pelletier, Wisnamary Perez Vazquez, Chelsea Perez, Megan Catherine Perry, Isaiah Timothy Petteway, William Joseph Phillips, Jonathan James Pierce, William Michael Pierce, Bruce Allen Pinette, Sofia Plaku, Marie Anne Plourde, Mason James Poirier, Abigail Erin Poznanski, Angela Nicole Prokop, Travis Xavier Purvis, Ocean Rose Rahmankhan, Jacob Ryan Reynolds, Heather Danielle Ritchie, Silvio Rivera, Britney Amber Rokosa, Kenneth Atwood Rondeau, Nicholas Logan Ropp, Arianna Edith Rudolph, Julio Angel Ruiz,

Damani Frankie Samuel, Nathan Thomas Sandstrom, Maggie Elizabeth Santacroce, Kathiria Santana-Francis, Elvin Yamil Santiago, Naysha Yariana Santiago, Yaleska Dayan Santiago, Jennifer Alexandra Santos, Cedell Nakita Sapp, Cheyenne Ciara Sargent, Kayla Leanne Savage, Amelia Claudette Schrager, Samantha Lynn Schuelke, Colin Rey Scinto, Michael Shepard, Nolan Wallace Short, Nathan John Silva, Kasey Anne Simpson, Emily Rose Skinner, Dempsey Rae Skovich, Zoe Ann Smyth, Irissa Juliette Soto, Jenna Nicole Soucy, Miya Rose Spinella, Natalie Stypulkowski, Rachel Joyce Szabo, Katelynn Marie Szubka, Edison Luke Szymanski, Jacob Carter Taillon, Camryn James Tate, Thomas James Tefoe, Sara Theresa Teodoro, Kaylee Elaine Thorpe, Jason Tyler Tompkins, Sara Marta Tyminski, Tyler James Varasconi, James Arthur Varley, Destiny Fransline Vega, Mariah Avianna Vega, Alex Vincent Vertefeuille, Haley Christine Vess, Stephanie Marie Vita, Alexis Marie Waag, Elizabeth Marie Walden, Tyler Joseph Wasta, Savannah Jade Watts, Sierra Lee Watts, Mykala Denise Wedler, Ethan Joseph Weisbecker, Ian  Andrew Wessels, Hannah Rose Wheelock, Justin David White, Sienna Olivia White, Justin Andrew Wietrzykowski, Sienna Elizabeth Wilkie, Lyle Edward Winiarski, Ian Thomas Wishart, Logan Edwin Wojnarowski, Bruce Michael Worley, Lauren Grace Wrisley, Emilee Mee-Jin Wuesthoff, Victoria Nalubwama Wuesthoff, Kelsea Rose Larson Wyrebek, Rei Xhindole, Brianna Ann York, Natalie Marie Zayas, Halle Anne Zebrowski

By TAYLOR

MURCHISON-

GALLAGHER

STAFF WRITER

Bristol Central High School’s 278 members of the class of 2018 received their diplomas during the Wednesday, June 20, graduation ceremony.

The theme, “The past – our heritage; the present – our responsibility; the future – my challenge,” was invoked in speeches made by Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, assistant superintendent Catherine Carbone, salutatorian John “Nick” Osuch, and valedictorian Michael Kaminski.

Principal Peter Wininger, who handed out diplomas, said the advice he would give the class of 2018 would be, “Come back to Bristol, help us grow, help us get better, and change the world.”

“I’m feeling bittersweet, I’m excited for these guys to start their future, but I’m equally sad because I guess we’re saying goodbye to a lot of great kids tonight, so it’s bittersweet,” said Wininger. “I think their sense of togetherness and the community they’ve created with us is probably the biggest part of it, also, between their academic achievement and their dedication to the community, whether it be through volunteer work or fundraising or anything that they’ve done locally, it’s been a great year.”

Kaminski, who said he felt “pretty normal” about graduation day, said it was “a good four years, but it’s time to move forward.”

“The premise of my speech is you wake up, check your phone, and time flies, and you end up short on time and you have to make the decision whether you show up to school late with a break fast, or you rush to get to school on time and you choose that uncomfortable path,” said Kaminski.

His speech, “Beat the Bell or Take the L[oss]”, asked fellow graduates to consider two paths; remaining inside your comfort zone, or pushing yourself forward, into the unknown and uncomfortable, in order to accomplish your aspirations.

Osuch’s speech, “Individually Unique, Together Complete,” allowed the salutatorian to “talk about the uniqueness of everybody in” the class of 2018, “but also how” they are “all one together, like a big family,” said Osuch.

Chairman of the Bristol Board of Education, Chris Wilson, said graduations are “family events, they’re pathways to the next stage in one’s life, it’s a great benchmark to see all of your achievements for the last four years.”

Wilson also offered a bit of advice to the class of 2018, “experience everything that the next phase of life has to offer you.”

“I’m really excited to go onto college, but mostly upset to leave my friends so it’s sad,” said Madison Cyr.

Cyr plans to pursue an education in early childhood education at Keene State College in New Hampshire.

Chloe Cyr, who felt nervous and excited, and said she would miss her friends the most, will be heading to the University of Hartford to study elementary education.

PHOTOS by JANELLE MORELLI

Marie Jeanne (Grenier) Grondin, 88, of Bristol, beloved wife of Marc A. Grondin, died

Wednesday (June 27, 2018) surrounded by her loving family at her home.  Marie was born

and raised in St. Ludger, Quebec, Canada on March 14, 1930 and was a daughter of the late

Ernest and Ludivine (Dumas) Grenier.  She was married on September 29, 1956 then moved

to Bristol where they started their family of five children.  As a devout Catholic, she was a

member of St. Ann Church in Bristol where she was a member of the Ladies of St. Ann.  She

was also a member of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception for over 20 years.

Being the matriarch of the family, she loved being around her family and cherished her

grandchildren.  Marie worked as a self-employed seamstress.  Some of her hobbies she enjoyed

included sewing, knitting, crocheting blankets, dancing, cooking, gardening, playing cards, and

traveling back to Canada to visit her family.  In addition to her husband, Marc, of 61 years,

Marie is survived by four children: Shirley Mone and husband, Joseph of Bristol, Jean-Marc

Grondin of Bristol, Jacques Grondin and partner, Tannan Morris of Las Vegas, NV, and Lise

Mangiafico and husband, Joseph of Newington; daughter-in-law: Sally Grondin of Bristol;

seven grandchildren: Chandalise, Chelsea, and John Mone, Marc and Meghan Grondin,

Alexandra Hernandez, and Amalia Mangiafico;  four sisters: Rollande Lachance, Madeleine

Grenier, Laurette Tanguay, and Hermance Marquis, all of Quebec, Canada; and many nieces

and nephews.  She was predeceased by a son, Michel Grondin, and siblings: Antoinette

Grondin, Claudette Blanchard, Pierre Grenier, Jean-Luc Grenier, Frank Grenier, Eugene

Grenier, and Jean-Noel Grenier. The family offers a special thanks to those at Bristol Hospital

Hospice especially her home health aide, Oxana, and to Nicole, Marlene, Rebecca, and

Adriane.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday (June 30, 2018) at 9 AM from Funk

Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, to St. Ann Church, 215 West St, Bristol, for a Mass

of Christian Burial at 10 AM. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol.  Relatives and

friends may call at Funk Funeral Home on Friday between 5 and 8 PM.   Please visit Marie’s

memorial web-site at www.FUNKFUNERALHOME.com

Carolyn Dell Bonalli, 89, of Bristol, formerly of Plainville, passed away on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at the Hospital of Central CT in New Britain. She was the loving wife of 71 years to John Bonalli.

Carolyn was born July 4, 1928 in Lockney, Texas, daughter to the late James Otis and Jozac (Riley) Harris. She grew up in Texas and by the age of 20 moved to Plainville where she resided for many years before establishing a home in Bristol. She was very active in her neighborhood and community by volunteering her time to help others. Carolyn was a communicant of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Plainville and was a member of the Ladies Guild. In her former years, she loved to knit, bake, garden especially flowers, and read. In addition, she loved traveling to Vermont and New Hampshire. She was a special woman who will be missed deeply by her family.

In addition to her husband, John, Carolyn leaves behind her daughters, Celeste Raboin and her husband, Leo, of Plainville, and Laura Bonalli, of Deep River; her grandchildren, Jason, Meghan, Sarah, Jill, and Nathan; her great-grandchildren, Madeleine and Vera; her brother, James Otis Harrris, Jr., of TX; her sisters, Sherwynn Callaway, of TX and Jo Merle Hansen, of TX; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her infant son, James Bonalli.

Funeral services in celebration of Carolyn’s life will begin on Monday, July 2 at 9 AM from Bailey Funeral Home, 48 Broad St., Plainville for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 94 Broad St., Plainville. Burial will follow in Saint Joseph Cemetery in Plainville. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the funeral home on Sunday, July 1, between 2 and 4 PM. To carry on Carolyn’s tradition of donating, donations in memory of her can be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215 or to the Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215. For more information or to leave online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.BAILEY-FUNERALHOME.com.

June 15

1400 Farmington Ave., natural vegetation fire, other.

36 Wooding St., lock-out.

164 Mechanic St., smoke detector activation, no fire.

27 Middle St., vehicle accident, general cleanup.

420 King St, smoke or odor removal.

21 Divinity St., motor vehicle/ pedestrian accident.

June 16

26 Dino Rd., system malfunction, other.

44 Falls Brook Rd., cooking fire, confined to container.

Louisiana Avenue and Dallas Avenue, natural vegetation fire, other.

Brightwood Road and West Street, motor vehicle accident with no injuries.

9 Irving St., good intent call, other.

42 Century Dr., removal of victims from stalled elevator.

June 17

70 Bernie Ave., carbon monoxide incident.

50 Emmett St., alarm system activation, no fire- unintentional.

Main Street and South Street, motor vehicle accident with injuries.

1175 Farmington Ave., good intent call, other.

June 18

20 Lardner Rd., carbon monoxide incident.

Willis Street and South Street, power line down.

24 Mountain View Ave., power line down.

525 Waterbury Rd., lock-out.

James P. Casey Road and Lawrence Lane, vehicle accident, general cleanup.

180 Riverside Ave., lock-out.

77 Gridley St., arcing, shorted electrical equipment.

87 Seymour St., heath from short circuit (wiring), defective/ worn.

185 Oakland St., dispatched and cancelled en route.

527 Middle St., lock-out.

June 19

Farrell Avenue and North Park Road, power line down.

249 Terryville Rd., power line down.

122 Stewart St., electrical wiring/ equipment problem, other.

75 George St., smoke detector activation, no fire.

Waterbury Road, dispatched and cancelled en route.

502 South St., vehicle accident, general cleanup.

81 Lexington St., medical assist, assist EMS crew.

321 Stonecrest Dr., hazmat release investigation, with no haz mat.

234 Greystone Ave., motor vehicle accident with injuries.

June 20

34 Holden St., building fire.

94 Rockwell Ave., arcing, shorted electrical equipment.

127 Willis St., passenger vehicle fire.

441 Clark Ave., brush or brush-and-grass mixture fire.

108 Pleasant View Ave., unauthorized burning.

Spark Avenue and Rich Lane, motor vehicle/ pedestrian accident.

South Street Extension and Police Street, police matter.

June 21

41 Brewster Rd., system malfunction, other.

41 View St., lock-out.

90 Butternut Lane, accident, potential accident, other.

Franklin Street and Terryville Avenue, oil or other combustible liquid spill.

9 Prospect St., natural vegetation fire, other.

62 Coventry Rd., medical assist, assist EMS crew.

16 Root Ave., electrical wiring/ equipment problem, other.

Eaton Road and Terryville Avenue, vehicle accident, general cleanup.

Britton Road and Farmington Avenue.

70 Gaylord St., heat from short circuit (wiring), defective/ worn.

Bristol Central High School Class of 2018 is:

Gabriele Abramczyk, Joseph Michael Acampora, Cesar David Acosta, Lewis Acosta, Nana Ekua Ossey Affainie, Preston Dale Akerley, Joseph Luke Allaire, Elizabeth Alvarez, Kyrie Andrews, Stephanie Melissa Antonio, Jayce T. Antrum, Alex Arango, Amani Abele Ashley, Tahsin Oruc Aslan, Aliyah Nicole Atkinson, Victoria Faith Balboni, Alex Earl Balfour, Alexis Javier Barbosa, Mollie Lauren Barkoski, Tiffany Ann Bartlett, Alyssa M. Bartley, Victoria Benites, Isaiah Matthew Bernazal, Alex Bernier, Brandon James Bianca, Robert James Bibisi, Ethan Blackwood, Audra Elizabeth Blake, Camren G. Blauvelt, Kyle Devon Boibeaux, Jose Bonaparte III, Evarista Renee Bonilla, Jalen John Boxley, Avery Michael Braga, Angelyca Rose Brevetti, Carlos A. Brown, Spencer Patrick Brunet, Taylor Elizabeth Brunet, Alexa Bugryn, Zackery J. Bunker, Jorge Luis Burgos Velez, Neftali Cabiya, Joshua J. Cahill, Devin Kade Camden, Alexis Jean Campbell, Dorsye Asusena Cantarero, Sydney Elizabeth Capezzone, John Carlos-Samuel Caraballo, Xia’ian Aloni Carrasco, Joshua Carrasquillo, Kyle N. A. Cassidy, Samantha Catucci, Mersadez Maria Aida-Iris Chaleman, Brent Michael Chamberland, Kaitlyne Anne Clark, Kenneth Ryan Cockayne, Janelly Marie Colon, Jayshlanie Yvellise Colon, Joshua James Cordero, Terrence James Cote, Zachary Tyler Cote, Alexia Rose Cox, Elizabeth Cox, Morgan Michelle Crumrine, Meghan Michelle Curtis, Chloe Adele Cyr, Jorden Joshua Cyr, Madison Joan Cyr, Timothy James Cyr, Cecilia Dallaire, Rautinet T. Dam, Hunter Michael Daniele, Dylan Daniels, Devon James Dawson, Andreia Faith DeAngelo, Giuliana Marie DeFilippis, Josue Joel DeJesus, Jake Antonio Dell’Aera, Marcello J. Delvalle, Desmond Christian DeVille, Randall Bruce Devoe Jr., Emmanuel E. Diaz-Rodriguez, Derek W. DiCicco, Ryan Edward DiNoia, Nataly Nicole Domitrz, Hunter Mark Drapeau, Nicholas Patrick Dumond, John Duncan, Jacob Alexander Dunphy, Aidan Tyler Dutkiewicz,

Mayar Eli, Giuseppe Esposito, Adam Ewart, Madison Lorraine Faulds, Jasiel Marie Feliberty Melecio, Oskar Fernandez, Megan Lynn Ferraro, Corey John Finn, Jaylytsa Flecha Medina, Jokarly Flete Gomez, Joseph Frechette, Trey Frechette, Lucas Dominick Gajecki, Cadre Xavier Garcia, Dyamond Jennelle Garcia, Isaiah Sunny Garcia, Andrew Ryan Gauvin, Debrah A. Gerena, Sophia Eve Gomez, Joseph Micheal Gonzalez, Abigail Madeline Goralski, Alexandra Lily Goralski, I’deara Gordon, Mason Kenneth Graff, Kristopher Heinz Grocholl, Sarah Rose Guerin, Michael Fabian Guzman, Sophie Anne Hale, Damar David Hamilton, Jacob Robert Harvey, Savanna Irene Hazelwood, Dathan J. Hickey, Paige C. Hinton, Ryan Thomas-Tae Hislop, Victoria Kelsey Hunt, Andrew Robert Iffland, Kaya Jackson-Singleton, Destiny Jimenez, Desarae Raquel Johnson, Taylor Marie  Johnson, Emily Marie Jusino, Marcus Anthony Kabel, Kamil W. Kalinowski, Michael Kaminski, William David Kargle, Christopher J. Keller, Aubrey Anne Kelley, Brett Kempton, Naniloha Danell Keyes, Pat Kjornrattanawanich, Zakary J. Klimkoski, Cassidee Faith Knapik, Eric Dale Knox, Alexander Koci, Magda Kozlowska,

Aimee-Lee Alexia Lamanna-Chasse, Noah Andre Langlais, Alexander C. Lape, Alexis Victoria Lape, Emily Jessica Lemek, Mackenzie Kelly Lindroth, Giselle Lorenzo-Ruiz, Kiana Kimberely Love, Kory Matthew Luba, Ashley Ellen Macdonald, Derrick Mackiewicz, BettyAnn MacMillan, Damian Andrew Mahaffy, Elizabeth Manzone, Eliezer Martinez, McKenna Matthews, Aliya Skye McClelland, Kevin Mejia-Balbuena, Abner Melendez, Destiny Melton, Mikayla Rose Milhomme, Isaiah Jordan Miller, Gabriel Orion Misluk, Kimberly Marie Molina, Nahiomy Montijo Velez, Aliyah Morse, Katelyn Cheyanne Mullock, Austin Tyler Nadeau, Jacob Cameron Nelson, Selena Norton, Makenzie R. O’Brien, Brianna Olandt, Shazara Marie Orama Colon, Elijah Ortiz, Jose Ortiz Jr., John Nicholas Osuch, Carissa Marie Ouellette, Christian Manuel Pabon, Nelson Pabon, Marlon D. Paltoo, Gabriela Alisia Paredes, Payton Elise Pechulis, Alexis Monique Pelletier, Amber R. Pelletier, Bella Christine Pender, Isaiah Perez, Destiny Reyanne Perry, Cassidy Rae Peters, Robert Peterson, Alexis M. Piccirillo, Sydney R. Pina, David William Pineda, Noah Jeffrey Plantamuro, Taylor Lynn Plourd, Isaiah Matthew Plourde, Alyson Shea Policarpio, Sarina Rose Pompei, Jason Dean Porrini Jr., Malakai Elijah Powell, Dante Emilio Prado, Steffanie Amber Pratt,

Abdul Rafay, Olivia Noel Rajotte, Fabian Ramirez, Tahlia G. Ramos, Cameron Lamar Randall, Rachel Taylor Raymond, Sierra Reed, Jonathan Valentin Rindfleisch, Angelica Marie Rivera, Elizabeth Marie Rivera, Analyse Taylor Rodriguez, Scarlett Ruby Rodriguez, Juan Pablo Rodriguez Latorre, Anthony Michael Rosa, Matthew Christopher Roy, Nathan Roy, Chanttel Enid Ruiz, Shabeer Sajid, Kristopher Arthur Salls, Richard Evan Santana, Kyle Thomas Santos, Cedell Nakita Sapp, Kylie Mae Sassu, Brianna Maria Saverino, Deven Gerard Scott, Rebecca Nichole Sears, Jacob A. Senick, Jenna Marie September, Marice Anna Severino, Anastasia Belle Shepherd, Zoe Anise Sinclair, Hannah M. Slowkowski, Hayley Madison Smith, Taylor Lea Soucy, Sierra Southworth, Jaekwon L. Spencer, Amanda Nicole St. Pierre, Kyleigh M. Stone, Stephanie Suon,

Owen John Tacinelli, Raymond Tattersall, Soriya Yorn Tep, Jordyn Alyssa Testa, Kimberly Thai, Jake Ronald Therrien, Destiny Torres, Christopher Nathaniel Trelli, Nathalia Trujillo-Sanchez, Titania Mnemosynie Turtem, Gabriel Patrick Updegraff, Hayden Utley, Dorotka Varela, Lindsey Ann Verbitsky, Alyssa Ann Voisine, Stephen R. Warkoski, Jakhi Devon Washington, Tanysha Louise Washington, Timothy R. Webb, Chase Thomas Wescott, Nigel Winston West, Brendan Robert White, Jacob White, Norman Edward Whitney, Shy-Ann Elizabeth Whitten, Dillon Willis, Meghan Lyndsay Woolley, Monica Paige Woolley, Jamal Anthony Wynn, Justin Thomas Yetke, Harland Duane Zeno III, Collin M. Zukowski, Iryna M. Zyma.

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

The Bristol Eastern High School Class of 2018 said hello to their future with mixed feelings at last Wednesday’s graduation ceremonies.

When thinking about the future ahead of her, graduate-to-be Emily Douglas said she felt “a little bit nervous but excited… (I’m nervous about) being away from home but that’s also why I’m excited. It’s a little bit of both.”

Graduation senior Nicole Cuevas also was of two minds about the future. “I’m very excited to pursue my career in nursing. But I’m also a little bit nervous to see what college is like and if it’s different from high school.”

Emma Guilmette, another senior, however, had no qualms of what lies ahead. “I can’t wait. I’m so excited. I had such a great high school experience but I’m looking forwrad to the future… I know that my school is really great. I’m going to get a great education and create new experiences.”

In his speech before classmates, friends, family, and dignitaries, class president Nick Cote told the graduates, “Anything you wish to achieve can be done. It only takes your courage and your drive to achieve it. The first step to success is to say you can get there. I will, rather than I might. I know, instead of I think. I can, over I’ll try… Our generation will be the greatest the world has ever known. We will be the generation to cure cancer and solve world hunger. We will be the generation to end climate change and to bring about world peace.   We need only to step up and do what needs to be done.”

Anna Korpanty, class valedictorian said, “It takes courage to go through every day of high school, and it’s going to take a lot more courage to walk off with our diplomas tonight. We have to determine what our desired path is and how we’re going to travel through those windy roads now presented to us.”

Alex Mika, the class essayist told his peers, “Be courageous, because it is with courage that we take steps on new roads. Be passionate about whatever it is you choose to do, whether it is further education, work, or military service, because it is passion that makes a job a career, and a chore a hobby. Be curious, because although your days at Bristol Eastern are over, your education never is. Always strive to learn new skills, new facts, new pieces of useless trivia that make your friends question why they even bother with you.”

In her poem, graduating senior Rachael Kuda reflected on the mixed feelings of the day, “Four years flew by/Like flailing chickens or graceful herons/ You choose./So this goodbye is teary-eyed,/And exciting.

Maybe in the future,/ Big steps won’t be as terrifying as this one./ At least we won’t be back anytime soon.”

“All of you will experience some sort of failure,” said principal Marisa Calvi-Rogers to begin the proceeds. “These challenges should fuel you to work hard and never give up.”

“As you continue your life’s journey, keep that having a strong voice (of your generation) and keep fighting for what you believe in,” said Board of Education vice chair Karen Vibert. Plus, she told the graduates, “Never stop learning.”

And in her advice to the graduates, Superintendent of Schools Sue Moreau said, “Go forth, be innovative, be flexible, and be dynamic.”

PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN

First Sergeant Michael P. Sklarsky, USAF Reserves, of Miami Beach, FL, formerly

of Bristol, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 26, 2018, in Miami Beach

Florida.  Mike was born on May 14, 1968 in Bristol and was the only son of Mark P. (Philpott) Sklarsky Shorette of Bristol and the late Philip T. Sklarsky, Jr. Raised

in Bristol, he was a graduate of St. Joseph Grammar School and St. Paul Catholic

High School Class of 1986.  He entered the Air Force in 1987 and has remained an

active Reservist for over 25 years.  Stationed at Homestead Air Force Base, he was

responsible for the supervision of 126 Airmen, and did four tours of duty overseas.

Mike assisted in the recovery mission of Value Jet Flight 592 that crashed in the

Florida Everglades in 1996.  He received a degree in Criminal Justice from Florida

International University and was currently employed as a Criminal Investigator

Special Agent with Homeland Security.  He was previously a Canine Handler with

Border Protection for several years.  In addition to his mother, he is survived by his

longtime partner: Susy Insignares of Miami Beach, FL: his two sisters and brothers-

in-law: Marcia and Joe Collin of Bristol and Marianne and Mark McCarthy of New

Hartford; four nieces and nephews whom he adored and they considered the fun

uncle: Jessica and Nicole Collin of Bristol, Jonathan Zeiner of Long Beach, CA and

Hunter Zeiner of New Hartford; his only uncle, Michael Philpott, who was like a

father to Mike after his own father passed away when he was 14 years old; step-

brothers: John (Kathy) Shorette of Bristol, Randy (Linda) Shorette of Terryville,

Glenn (Jodi) Shorette of Southington and Eileen Shorette;  his “brother” Ken and

wife Lauri Roy, who’s wedding he officiated, and their daughters, Kylie and Leah,

his original Connecticut to Florida buddies David Hession and Peter Marcoux, and

MANY, MANY friends.  In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his step-

father, Donald Shorette, and his step-brother, Lawrence Shorette.  Funeral services

will be held on Tuesday (July 3, 2018) at 11:30 AM at Funk Funeral Home, 35

Bellevue Ave., Bristol.  Burial with honors bestowed as an Air Force Reservist and

Law Enforcement Officer will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol.  Relatives

and friends may call at Funk Funeral Home on Monday between 5 and 8 PM.

Memorial donations may be made to the Bristol Boys and Girls Club, 255 West

Street, Bristol, CT 06010.  Please visit Mike’s memorial web-site at

www.FunkFuneralHome.com

Robin S. Day, 53, formerly of Burlington, passed away Wednesday June 27, 2018.

Robin was born March 12, 1965 in New Britain, son of the late Arvid and Audrey (Bidwell) Day. Robin had a

big heart and loved to help people. He was a very talented artist and mechanic and loved motorcycles.

He leaves his brother, Jeffrey Day and his wife Christine of Bolton; his nephew Colin Day of Bristol; a

special friend Beth Reese of Terryville and many other friends.

A graveside service will be held 2:30PM Wednesday July 25, 2018 in Peacedale Cemetery Bristol. Scott

Funeral Home 169 Main St., Terryville is assisting the family with arrangements.

www.scottfuneralhomeinc.com

by MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

You put a country star in a concert hall in the middle of a casino, you shouldn’t be surprised if there were a lot of rhinestones, glitter, and Las Vegas-style cheesiness on stage.

And if you take a country star who crossed over to pop success during the big shoulder pads and big hair days of the 1980s, you would expect a dose of nostalgia and no steel guitar or fiddle.

Finally, if you take a country star who made it big in television, you’d expect a lot of medleys that briefly touch upon the hits and a lot of reminders that they were a multi-media success.

So, Reba McEntire’s performance at the Grand Theater at Foxwoods was not what one would expect.

Yes, there was a reminder about her stint on the sitcom, “Reba” and her role in the horror film “Tremors,” she didn’t belabor the points. And there were a couple of medleys (but they were seamless and seemed more an artistic choice rather than an effort to squeeze in as much music they can so they can get on the tour bus).

But mostly, McEntire presented a night of good, classic-style country music and gospel music. It was more early Loretta Lynn than Elvis in Vegas, more Grand Ol’ Opry than the 2018 Grammys.

McEntire reminded the audience with her fabulous performance that the best country music puts the focus on a story, rather than a clever catch phrase. Her songwriters told little short stories in verse and chorus, and McEntire’s voice provided the superb medium to make these tales come to life.

In songs like “Whoever’s in New England” and “Somebody,” McEntire evoked a context and characters through her voice. Both songs made me a little misty-eyed as I followed the travails of the protagonists.

I must confess, my knowledge of McEntire’s catalogue is entirely lacking. Except for the brief moment of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” in an early medley and her version of the powerful “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” I didn’t recognize anything I heard.

But at no point in the evening was I bored because the music was unknown to me. After hearing her performances, I wanted to hear more Reba McEntire’s catalogue.

That’s the sign of a strong concert.

The power of McEntire was that her performance made me interested in the song, her voice drew me in. And she was ably abetted by a wonderful band.

McEntire also helped her cause at the Grand Theater June 30 with the way she connected to the audience. A couple of times, she took the time to talk about her family and her career. And her approach was so intimate it felt as if each of us in the audience was engaged with her in one-on-one conversation over coffee.

Country music labels have put their cash and energy into artists that are new. And there’s nothing wrong with bringing in fresh talent.

But there’s something to say about listening to country artists who have lived, who have honed their craft, and acknowledged and represent the genre’s heritage.

Reba McEntire is a veteran act who clearly loves country music and loves performing.

And the packed house at the Grand Theater clearly appreciated where McEntire has been and where she’s still going.

I give Reba McEntire’s June 30 concert at the Grand Theater at Foxwoods four out of four stars.

PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN

State Reps. Whit Betts (R-78) and Cara Pavalock D’Amato (R-77), and State Sen. Henri Martin (R-31) invite Bristol residents to join them for their monthly Coffee Hour event on Friday, July 6 at Rodd’s Restaurant (854 Farmington Ave., Bristol).

The public is invited for coffee and conversation from 8 to 9 a.m. to meet with their legislators in a relaxed setting and hear the latest updates from the State Capitol, including the issues that shaped the 2018 Legislative Session.

All residents are encouraged to attend and discuss any legislative or local concerns. Coffee will be provided.

Those unable to attend the event but would like to discuss any concerns may contact Betts and Pavalock-D’Amato at 1-800-842-1423 and Martin at (860)240-0022.