by MIKE CHAIKEN EDITIONS EDITOR The party tunes like the opening song “Pontoon” and its immediate follow-up “Day Drinking” are fun and engaging. But when country act Little Big Town slows things down and turns up the harmonies, that’s when you’re really drawn in. The four member group–Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook—are able to wrap their voices around a harmony like a clean blanket pulled out warm and cozy from the dryer. As they blend their voices, you forget about your surroundings and melt into their stories. The fact that their harmonies could be so precise in a wide open space like the Mohegan Sun Arena on Sunday, July 7 illustrates their abilities to work their magic as one entity on stage. I’ve heard some groups known for harmonies struggle to pull together on stage. But throughout the evening, I never heard any of the foursome hit a bum note or careen into each other’s way. Some of my favorite moments on this Sunday night were from the group’s most recent recorded efforts. I adored the melancholic, and familiar, tale they shared in “When Someone Stops Loving You.” The poignant—and relevant — story in “Daughters” also […]
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Review: The magical vocal blend of Little Big Town
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Review: The magical vocal blend of Little Big Town
by MIKE CHAIKEN EDITIONS EDITOR The party tunes like the opening song “Pontoon” and its immediate follow-up “Day Drinking” are fun and engaging. But when country act Little Big Town slows things down and turns up the harmonies, that’s when you’re really drawn in. The four member group–Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook—are able to wrap their voices around a harmony like a clean blanket pulled out warm and cozy from the dryer. As they blend their voices, you forget about your surroundings and melt into their stories. The fact that their harmonies could be so precise in a wide open space like the Mohegan Sun Arena on Sunday, July 7 illustrates their abilities to work their magic as one entity on stage. I’ve heard some groups known for harmonies struggle to pull together on stage. But throughout the evening, I never heard any of the foursome hit a bum note or careen into each other’s way. Some of my favorite moments on this Sunday night were from the group’s most recent recorded efforts. I adored the melancholic, and familiar, tale they shared in “When Someone Stops Loving You.” The poignant—and relevant — story in “Daughters” also […]
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Review: The magical vocal blend of Little Big Town
by MIKE CHAIKEN EDITIONS EDITOR The party tunes like the opening song “Pontoon” and its immediate follow-up “Day Drinking” are fun and engaging. But when country act Little Big Town slows things down and turns up the harmonies, that’s when you’re really drawn in. The four member group–Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook—are able to wrap their voices around a harmony like a clean blanket pulled out warm and cozy from the dryer. As they blend their voices, you forget about your surroundings and melt into their stories. The fact that their harmonies could be so precise in a wide open space like the Mohegan Sun Arena on Sunday, July 7 illustrates their abilities to work their magic as one entity on stage. I’ve heard some groups known for harmonies struggle to pull together on stage. But throughout the evening, I never heard any of the foursome hit a bum note or careen into each other’s way. Some of my favorite moments on this Sunday night were from the group’s most recent recorded efforts. I adored the melancholic, and familiar, tale they shared in “When Someone Stops Loving You.” The poignant—and relevant — story in “Daughters” also […]
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Pour étudier le commerce
The French Businessmen Association handed out five $2,000 scholarships to high school graduates of French descent. From the left, President Michael Simard, Jacobi Bouchard (Bristol Eastern High School), Caitlyn Barker ( Plainville High School), Jonathan Letourneau ( Bristol Eastern High School), Gabriel Pelletier ( Farmington High School), Julia Michaud (Bristol Eastern High School), Scholarship Committee Chairperson Dan Letourneau.
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Baseball: Blues start hot, end week with 3-game skid
By KEVIN ROBERTS STAFF WRITER The Bristol Blues won three of their first four games last week and were a season-high four games above .500 (16-12) entering the weekend. The good start was highlighted by back-to-back games where Bristol won in its final at bat. The first was a 5-4 comeback victory over the North Shore Navigators on July 3 at Muzzy Field. “They didn’t give up on the game when we got behind early, they just stayed the course. We strung some hits together in the eighth, and everything just kind of worked itself out,” manager Ronnie Palmer said. On July 4, the Blues again thrilled the home crowd with an 8-7, 10-inning walk-off win over the Brockton Rox. The good vibes left as quickly as they came. Bristol dropped its last three games of the week, at and fell to 16-15 on the season. Southington native Wes Lahey pitched in two games last week. Lahey threw three innings, gave up two hits, struck out two and walked two. Lahey lowered his ERA to 2.79. Here’s what happened last week: Blues 8, Silver Knights 2 JULY 1—Matt Shane (Colchester) notched his first win of the season with five innings […]
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Softball championship final out is in the running for CIAC fan’s favorite moment
The CIAC is giving fans a chance to vote for their favorite championship moment from the 2018-19 high school seasons. Southington has an entry on the list, and it comes from the 2019 Class LL state championship win, 7-6, over NFA at Frank DeLuca Hall of Fame Field in Stratford. It’s video of the final out of the game, which was a foul pop caught by first baseman Katie Gundersen. It’s one of 17 moments that can be voted upon, one from each CIAC sport. The video is from the NFHS Network broadcast of the game. To vote for Southington, go to http://ciacsports.com/site/?p=13657. The moments will also be shared on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Any likes equal a vote, and fans can vote on those platforms as well. All posts will use the hashtag #CIACMomentsVote. Voting closes on July 20 at noon, and the top five will be released on CIACsports.com in a daily countdown the following week.
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Boys soccer championship goal is in the running for CIAC fan’s favorite moment
The CIAC is giving fans a chance to vote for their favorite championship moment from the 2018-19 high school seasons. Plainville has an entry on the list, and it comes from the 2018 Class M boys soccer championship win over Ellington, 1-0 on Nov. 18 at Veterans Stadium in New Britain. It’s video of the lone goal of the game, which was scored by James Raucci. It’s one of 17 moments that can be voted upon, one from each CIAC sport. The video is from the NFHS Network broadcast of the game. To vote for Plainville, go to http://ciacsports.com/site/?p=13657. The moments will also be shared on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Any likes equal a vote, and fans can vote on those platforms as well. All posts will use the hashtag #CIACMomentsVote. Voting closes on July 20 at noon, and the top five will be released on CIACsports.com in a daily countdown the following week.
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Road paving underway: expect delays
The highway and parks department announced milling, reclaiming, and paving operations began on July 8. The department requests that no vehicles be parked on the roadway during the work hours of 7 a.m. through 5 p.m. Officials urge residents to find alternate routes when possible to avoid delays because of construction traffic. The following streets will be affected: Long Lane, Shweky Lane, Dunham Street, Woodruff Street, Annelise Avenue, Curtiss Street, Spring Lake Road, Flanders Street, Laning Street, Hart Street, Flanders Road, Lazy Lane, Rourke Avenue and Hill Street. For more information, contact (860) 276-9430.
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Tennis: Wayton Open draws crowds on opening weekend
By KEVIN ROBERTS STAFF WRITER Carolyn Callahan took a deep breath and prepared for match point against Kristen Bell this past Saturday on opening day of the 2019 Wayton Open. When the point went in Callahan’s favor, she had secured a three-set women’s singles division win over Bell, 3-6, 7-6(8), 7-5. It was Callahan’s first singles win in her third year of competition, but she had to earn it in the heat against a solid opponent. “I just kept taking deep breaths and reminding myself, it’s a new set, you can restart, reload,” Callahan said about losing the first set. “I’ve got to keep it together because it’s not over yet.” Callahan’s match was one of two women’s singles matches to go the full three sets. “She kept serving to my forehand side, which is my weaker side,” Callahan said. “I had to get used to that, and she also had a lot of low balls, so I had to make sure I bent down and got it over the net.” About 200 players began the tournament in nine divisions this past weekend, according to tournament founder and director Matt Wayton. “People are coming out, good turnout. A lot of […]
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Baseball: Blue Devils baseball camp a hit with youngsters
By KEN MORSE CORRESPONDENT The Plainville High School athletic fields were a flurry of activity last week when the 26th annual Blue Devils baseball camp ushered in over 50 eager players looking to improve their game on the diamond. Plainville High School head baseball coach Lou Mandeville, his coaching staff and a large contingent of his baseball players were on hand to offer individualized instructions on the finer points of the game. “The camp was started by former head coach Bob Freimuth and former Plainville Athletic Director Greg Ziogas,” said Mandeville. “The camp focuses on fielding, hitting, throwing, catching and base running fundamentals.” “We divide up the teams by age group and not only do we go through the basic fundamentals, they play actual games against one another. Having a great attitude, giving your best effort and being a good teammate helps to establish the core values to allow them to become better ball players.” Plainville junior varsity coach Cody Charneski and varsity assistant coach Ryan Raponey help coach Mandeville cover the three age brackets on the softball field, the varsity baseball field and on the football field, along with assistant coach Matt Gingras. Former Blue Devil player Mike Munson […]
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For this 9-year-old, summer break is a great time for ice cream…fundraisers
Nine year old Plainville resident Michael Ahern is supporting injured veterans and their children from the Travis Mills Foundation with his very own campaign, “Scoops for Troops.” Because of Ahern’s appreciation for the service and sacrifice of military veterans, he is treating those children with ice cream from Lakeside Scoops in Belgrade, Maine this July 4 during his family’s annual trip. “I knew a little about veterans before, but now I’m learning a lot more,” Ahern said in a press release. “They keep our country safe and they can really get hurt. This is my way of saying thank you.” Ahearn will be heading into fourth grade at Linden Street School in September, but he is making this summer one of fun and fundraising. He will do this by engaging in a campaign to—not only treat children of these veterans to free ice cream all summer—but to treat eight such families to an all-expenses paid vacation at the foundation’s retreat in Rome, Maine. His campaign had already raised over $6,500 by June 23 and is on its way to reaching a $30,000 goal—enough to send eight families on a vacation. In February, Ahern announced to his parents that he didn’t […]
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SEF awards over $10K in educational grants
The Southington Education Foundation grant committee awarded $10,890 during the spring 2019 grant period. A total of 10 grant applications were submitted to the committee and reviewed. Hatton Elementary School principal Robert Garry received $5,000 for a STEaM-robotics lab. The lab will present a year-long learning opportunity for students in preschool through fifth grade. A secondary level of students will also work along-side their younger peers. Ellen Roy of South End Elementary School received $3,657 for a project called “Stop! Create and Animate” and $1,910 for a robot design project that integrates research, coding and technology while promoting collaboration and speaking skills. The project-based learning will teach children to tackle problems effectively, take innovative approaches to problem solving, and work together as a group. Jessica Monson, who runs the Southington Public Schools STELLAR program for ages 18 to 21, received $320 for a “prospector theater” program to provide a private tour of the premises to increase employment opportunities for adults with disabilities. The STELLAR program works with adults with disabilities to focus on exploration and the transition into the workplace upon exiting the school system. Saralyn Wright of Plantsville Elementary School received $493 for interactive alphabet books, which she described […]
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Southington chamber announces new executive director
By SHERIDAN ROY STAFF WRITER The Southington Chamber of Commerce has hired Barbara Hekeler as their new executive director. Hekeler worked her first day on July 9, but she is not new to the chamber—she served in this same position from 1993 to 1999, tripling the membership while establishing the organization as a key leader in the community for economic and business growth. “At the time that I left, we had an incredibly thriving organization in all aspects. We were strong economically with close to 600 members,” said Hekeler. Ultimately, though she loved her job, she left after the birth of her two twin daughters. She had her interview with the chamber board of directors on the same day as her daughters’ 20th birthdays. “It’s a little ironic. Not many people get the opportunity to go back to the same position they loved,” she said. “I feel very fortunate.” Under Hekeler’s watch, the chamber earned national accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Hekeler was named Chamber Executive of the Year in 1998. “The board of directors was impressed with Barbara’s knowledge for our community and her past experience at the helm of the Southington chamber,” said board of […]
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Classic cars and classic rock
On Wednesday, June 3, residents swarmed the town green to be treated to classic cars and classic rock for last week’s installment of Southington’s Music on the Green concert series. Hundreds danced and rocked to Neil Diamond classics performed by The Diamond Collection, while others wandered the collection of classic and antique cars between songs. Above, John Tattersall, of Southington, displays his 1926 Ford Model T at the car show. Weekly concerts and car shows are held each Wednesday, from 7 to 9 p.m. More at www.southington.org/music. Photo by LISA SANCHEZ GONZALEZ
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‘Last Fair Deal’ kicks off Independence Day celebrations
On Tuesday, July 4, Last Fair Deal, featuring, from left, Tom Hagymasi, Paul Howard and Phil Zimmerman, kicked off Independence Day festivities in town with a concert at Norton Park. The trio performed a mix of old-time string-band, bluegrass, swing, and popular music as part of the Norton Park free summer concert series. This week features the Nzingas Daughters. Upcoming concerts include Center Stage Jazz (July 23) and Old Tyme Fiddlers (July 30). Check it out on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. Photo by LISA SANCHEZ GONZALEZ
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Southington Observer delivery in Plantsville, Milldale, and Marion
Due to production problems, there may be some delays or missed delivery with this week’s Southington Observer in the towns of Plantsville, Milldale, and Marion. Southington delivery should be unaffected. As always papers are available at our office at 213 Spring St. in Southington and stories are available online or with our e-Edition. We apologize for any inconvenience.
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Man arrested for domestic violence
On Thursday, July 4, Kenneth Jones, 41, of Seymour was arrested by Southington police on an outstanding warrant. The warrant stemmed from a report from a minor on June 5, 2019 about several domestic violence incidents that occurred since November 2018. As a result of the investigation, police found probable cause and applied for the warrant. Jones was charged with risk of injury to a minor, second degree breach of peace, second degree harassment, third degree assault, second degree reckless endangerment, and first degree unlawful restraint. He was held on a $25,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in Bristol Court on July 5. The identity of the victim and additional information was withheld due to this being a domestic violence incident.
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Obituary: Steven Ouellette, 41
Steven Ouellette, 41, of Bristol, CT passed away suddenly on Friday, July 5, 2019 in a motor vehicle accident. He was born on February 18, 1978 in New Britain and was the son of Patricia Ouellette of Bristol. Steve was a graduate of Bristol Eastern High School and received his Bachelors degree in business from Post University. He was employed by Ensign Bickford in Simsbury for over 18 years, and was most recently employed by Rowley Spring, Bristol. Steve enjoyed the camaraderie of sports in his youth, pitching for his baseball team and playing lineman for the Bristol Eastern football team. Steve earned the nickname “MEATBALL” which he treasured and carried with him wherever he went. He enjoyed helping other people: Steve had been a member of the Burlington Volunteer Fire Dept. where he attained the rank of LT; he was a State of CT fire instructor and a member of the dive team; many of those relationships were cherished by him, especially that of his “brother” Lance. Steve had also been an EMT with Bristol Hospital EMS for 18 years. Steve had a passion for golf and had been a member of the Ensign Bickford golf league. In addition […]
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Obituary: Celestina (Bianchi) Martin, 84
Celestina (Bianchi) Martin, 84 of Plainville, passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2019 at the Hospital of Central Connecticut, New Britain. She is now reunited with her husband, James Martin who predeceased her in 1960. Born in New Britain on March 14, 1935, she was the youngest of seven children to the late Meliziade and Rosa (Valeri) Bianchi. Raised in New Britain, she attended local schools and worked for many years at the Human Resources Agency until her retirement. She was proud of her Italian heritage and was a longtime member of the Italian Fraternal Society, and enjoyed her retirement years fulfilling her love for reading keeping her mind active with word puzzles. A loving mother and “Nina”, she will be missed by her family and friends, leaving many cherished memories. She is survived by her daughter, Laura McDonnell of Middletown, RI; her grandchildren, Edwin James, Jessica Rose, and Elias Daniel McDonnell; her brother, Richard and sister Mary; along with many nieces and nephews and her dear friend, Elsie Gadowski. She was predeceased by her siblings, Rudy, Alveto, Pinotore “Pete”, and Leona. Celestina may be remembered with contributions to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, […]
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CT Tool and Manufacturing: Blumenthal visits Plainville factory
By SHERIDAN ROY STAFF WRITER Connecticut Tool & Manufacturing, a Plainville branch of Whitcraft, LLC, was visited by U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) on July 2. The local branch is responsible for the production of flight safety parts, complex assemblies and prepackaged kits for military and commercial engines for Pratt & Whitney, GE, Sikorsky, Honeywell, Rolls-Royce and several other industry leaders. “Sen. Blumenthal is a tireless supporter of a lot of programs that are very important to us here at Connecticut Tool & Manufacturing, important to Whitcraft, LLC and important to the whole Connecticut supply base,” said co-executive chairman of Connecticut Tool & Manufacturing Colin Cooper. “He’s been a big advocate for us and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to show him what we’re doing here.” Whitcraft, LLC operates nine facilities—six in Connecticut, one in Massachusetts, one in New Hampshire and one in Arizona. The company has expanded significantly, now employing over 650 people, as several of their operations are recent acquisitions from within the last few years. “What you do is so critical to our nation, and I hope you do know it,” Blumenthal told employees. “We would not have the air superiority in the world that we […]
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