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Articles by Joseph T. O’Leary
Charging station in Vernon park busy, green
VERNON — A charging station for portable devices placed in Henry Park last spring with little fanfare has slowly become one of the best examples yet of the town’s green initiatives, officials say. Parks and Recreation Director Marty Sitler said the charging station, which operates on solar power and had a fairly negligible cost in the low thousands of dollars, is now “extensively used.” Everyone “under the age of 70” is constantly trying to charge their phones, Sitler said recently.
Charging station in Vernon park busy, green
VERNON — A charging station for portable devices placed in Henry Park last spring with little fanfare has slowly become one of the best examples yet of the town’s green initiatives, officials say. Parks and Recreation Director Marty Sitler said the charging station, which operates on solar power and had a fairly negligible cost in the low thousands of dollars, is now “extensively used.” Everyone “under the age of 70” is constantly trying to charge their phones, Sitler said recently.
Organizers seeking food vendors for Hockanum Brew Fest
VERNON — Organizers are ramping up efforts for the second annual Hockanum Brew Fest this spring and are now looking for food trucks and vendors wanting to sell their cuisine to some 1,500 visitors who’ll be sampling craft beers, wines and ciders from local breweries and vintners. The event will be held May 4 in the afternoon at 200 West Main St. in downtown Rockville. “Last year was our first event and it was really successful,” said organizer Tom DiDio.
Organizers seeking food vendors for Hockanum Brew Fest
VERNON — Organizers are ramping up efforts for the second annual Hockanum Brew Fest this spring and are now looking for food trucks and vendors wanting to sell their cuisine to some 1,500 visitors who’ll be sampling craft beers, wines and ciders from local breweries and vintners. The event will be held May 4 in the afternoon at 200 West Main St. in downtown Rockville. “Last year was our first event and it was really successful,” said organizer Tom DiDio.
Vernon contract with civilian Police Department staff OK’d
VERNON — The town has reached a three-year agreement with the Local United Electrical Radio and Machine Workers of America Labor Union, ending an extended period of negotiation that lasted for more than 18 months. Mayor Daniel Champagne said the three-year agreement, which is backdated to 2017 and ends in 2020, affects 12 civilian employees within the police department, including the police records supervisor, records clerks, the evidence technician and police dispatchers.
Vernon’s Book Rack stays open with new owners
VERNON — Local literature fans can breathe easy, as The Book Rack lives on. In November, the used bookstore at 435 Hartford Turnpike announced it had planned to close at the end of 2018, as its retiring owners, Kathy and John Gregory could not find a buyer. When Ellington resident Patti Wendell read a news article about the beloved store’s imminent demise, she said it gave her an idea.
Vernon’s Book Rack stays open with new owners
VERNON — Local literature fans can breathe easy, as The Book Rack lives on. In November, the used bookstore at 435 Hartford Turnpike announced it had planned to close at the end of 2018, as its retiring owners, Kathy and John Gregory could not find a buyer. When Ellington resident Patti Wendell read a news article about the beloved store’s imminent demise, she said it gave her an idea.
Vernon grand list up by 0.6%
VERNON — Buoyed by the opening of a new commercial apartment complex on Hartford Turnpike, the town’s grand list rose by just over half of one percent in 2018. According to documents provided by Town Assessor David Wheeler, the community’s grand list rose to a new total of $1.831 billion, growing by 0.6 percent, or $10.8 million, from 2017 to 2018. That continues the growth the town saw last year, when the grand list rose by 1.54 percent.
Vernon grand list up by 0.6%
VERNON — Buoyed by the opening of a new commercial apartment complex on Hartford Turnpike, the town’s grand list rose by just over half of one percent in 2018. According to documents provided by Town Assessor David Wheeler, the community’s grand list rose to a new total of $1.831 billion, growing by 0.6 percent, or $10.8 million, from 2017 to 2018. That continues the growth the town saw last year, when the grand list rose by 1.54 percent.
Stafford approves $6M bond for street, sewer upgrades
STAFFORD — A packed town meeting at the Community Center on Thursday approved a $6 million bond package for the town in an almost-unanimous voice vote, approving funding for renovation work on town sewers, bridges and roads. Just a single “nay” vote was heard at the special town meeting, countering a sea of “yea” votes from the nearly 100 taxpayers, some of whom were forced to park in muddy overflow lots across the street.
Town meeting tonight for Stafford to decide $6M bond
STAFFORD — A town meeting scheduled for 7 tonight at the town’s Senior Center will allow taxpayers the chance to vote on a $6 million bond that would fund several town infrastructure projects. Town residents on social media discussed the possibility of gathering 200 signatures for a petition to change the town meeting into a referendum, requiring a ballot rather than a voice vote, but Town Clerk Karen Troiano confirmed Wednesday that the town has not received any such petition.
Vernon union contract talks stall in state mediation
VERNON — Leaders of Vernon’s Professionals Union are speaking out as they have been operating without a contract for more than two years after their previous agreement expired in 2016. Jeremy Whetzel, systems analyst for Vernon schools and head of the Professionals Union, and Kevin Murphy, director of collective bargaining and organizing for the regional Council 4 AFSCME, said when the union’s contract ended in June 2016, leaders sought to sign an agreement through 2019.
Vernon officials still looking for fix of brownfield mill sites
VERNON — After five years, discussions continue on the potential re-use and redevelopment of three high-priority mill sites in town, years after they went out of operation, the economic development coordinator said. Since the Amerbelle Mill announced it was closing in 2012, town officials have been discussing options for the downtown site, economic development coordinator Shaun Gately said.
Vernon officials still looking for fix of brownfield mill sites
VERNON — After five years, discussions continue on the potential re-use and redevelopment of three high-priority mill sites in town, years after they went out of operation, the economic development coordinator said. Since the Amerbelle Mill announced it was closing in 2012, town officials have been discussing options for the downtown site, economic development coordinator Shaun Gately said.
Harrison stepping down after nearly 20 years at VCMS
VERNON — After nearly two decades at Vernon Center Middle School, principal Jim Harrison is reflecting on what’s important to him as he prepares to retire this summer. “I’ll always remember my relationships with students, families, and staff,” said Harrison, who has been principal for the last six years and previously served as vice principal and administrator there. “There’s so much to remember and cherish,” he continued.
Strong Family Farm gets special permit to hold events
VERNON — The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously Thursday to grant a special permit with a site plan for adaptive reuse of the Strong Family Farm, allowing the local farmstead to continue operations and add special events. The farm received the permit Thursday after the commission continued a public hearing that started in December.
Strong Family Farm gets special permit to hold events
VERNON — The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously Thursday to grant a special permit with a site plan for adaptive reuse of the Strong Family Farm, allowing the local farmstead to continue operations and add special events. The farm received the permit Thursday after the commission continued a public hearing that started in December.
2 new businesses to open in Rockville
VERNON — An art studio and a construction company are the two latest additions to downtown Rockville, part of a trend that town officials say indicates positive economic growth in that section of town. Ellington native Bree Maxwell is slated to open a new art studio, Studio 467, in the coming months in the former Crystal Blueprint storefront, while New Conventional Builders will soon follow in the same West Main Street strip.
Low turnout leads to landslide vote for $86M water plant referendum
VERNON — While turnout was low, an overwhelming majority of voters in a referendum Tuesday approved an $86 million upgrade project for equipment at the Water Pollution Control Authority, allowing the town to take advantage of state grants and meet stringent water treatment standards. Mayor Dan Champagne announced during Tuesday’s Town Council meeting that the referendum passed by a margin of 725-181, which led to several surprised exclamations in the council chambers.
Low turnout leads to landslide vote for $86M water plant referendum
VERNON — While turnout was low, an overwhelming majority of voters in a referendum Tuesday approved an $86 million upgrade project for equipment at the Water Pollution Control Authority, allowing the town to take advantage of state grants and meet stringent water treatment standards. Mayor Dan Champagne announced during Tuesday’s Town Council meeting that the referendum passed by a margin of 725-181, which led to several surprised exclamations in the council chambers.
Stafford superintendent proposes $28.4M budget
STAFFORD — School Superintendent Steven Moccio on Monday presented his proposed $28.39 million budget for the 2019-20 school year, representing a 1.78 percent increase over current school spending. Salaries and benefits represent 76 percent of the total $489,601 increase in the budget, he said, with the most significant addition to curriculum being a new French teacher at Stafford Middle School.
Preschool will cost parents under Vernon school budget
VERNON — School Superintendent Joseph Macary introduced a proposed $53.96 million budget for the 2019-20 school year Monday night, with an expected increase of 1.5 percent over current spending. Among the most pressing issues Vernon schools face over the next year, Macary said, is the loss of $650,000 in preschool development grant funding. As a result, the proposed budget calls for development of a new, and possibly tuition-based, preschool system.
Boy Scouts get ready to welcome girls troop
SOUTH WINDSOR — Ahead of the Boy Scouts of America officially allowing girls to participate in programs Feb. 1, a local troop is getting ready to hit the ground running when it reaches that deadline. Adult leaders of South Windsor’s Scout BSA Troop 682 For Girls, as it will be known Feb. 1, have been preparing for months, with eight girls currently serving as an Explorer Club and waiting excitedly to transition to a full troop in February.
Referendum vote Tuesday on $86M water pollution plant upgrades
VERNON — The Town Council has prepared language for a second February referendum, if necessary, as voters on Tuesday decide the fate of an $86 million referendum for upgrades to the town’s water pollution control facility. Voters can cast ballots from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Center 375, the town’s community center at 375 Hartford Turnpike, to approve or reject the $85.97 million project.
Stafford considers creating ‘higher wage’ zones
STAFFORD — The Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday continued discussions of creating a possible “higher wage” floating zone in town, a move that officials hope would draw businesses that pay better salaries and bolster economic development.
Vernon upgrades radio tower
VERNON — A long-discussed upgrade to the town’s Fox Hill communications tower is currently underway, bolstering radio contact for the Fire Department, Public Works and emergency management. “This project will improve our overall ability to mount well-coordinated responses to emergencies,” said Town Administrator Michael Purcaro.
Thieves posing as employees of Water Department
On the same day Manchester Police warned residents that individuals are impersonating Water Department employees in attempts to enter homes, Vernon Police reported burglars successfully stole thousands of dollars of jewelry that way from an elderly couple in their town. According to Vernon Police Lt. William Meier, on Wednesday around 5 p.m., police responded to Grove Street for a report of a burglary.
Former legislator, Town Council member Tom Dooley dies
VERNON — Former Town Council member, state representative and Cigna executive vice president Thomas H. Dooley died this weekend. The longtime Vernon resident was 84. “He was an amazing man,” his granddaughter, Jennifer Buckler, said Tuesday. Former Vernon mayor Ellen Marmer remembered Dooley as “one of the really good guys,” describing his passing as a “loss for many reasons.” A Democrat, Dooley represented the 56th House District for two terms from 1970 to 1974, Buckler said.
Stafford officials respond to concerns over proposed $6.5 million bond
STAFFORD — After hearing a number of concerns from residents about the scheduled Jan. 24 town meeting that will determine the fate of a $6.5 million bond package for road, bridge and sewer repairs, the Board of Selectmen issued a letter to the public explaining the upcoming vote. Residents who attend the Jan. 24 meeting at 7 p.m. in the Stafford Community and Senior Center can vote to approve or reject the package.
Stafford officials respond to concerns over proposed $6.5 million bond
STAFFORD — After hearing a number of concerns from residents about the scheduled Jan. 24 town meeting that will determine the fate of a $6.5 million bond package for road, bridge and sewer repairs, the Board of Selectmen issued a letter to the public explaining the upcoming vote. Residents who attend the Jan. 24 meeting at 7 p.m. in the Stafford Community and Senior Center can vote to approve or reject the package.
Four charged in break-in at Vernon’s Sacred Heart Church
VERNON — Three men from New York and another from New Jersey were arrested Sunday afternoon after they were found trying to break in to the Sacred Heart Church on Hartford Turnpike, police said. Local police said the four saw a social media post about the iconic “abandoned church” and drove up from New York City to photograph the inside of the concrete pyramid-shaped building and post videos of their exploits online.
Voters to decide $86M bond for water pollution plant next week
VERNON — The proposed $86 million in upgrades for the town’s water pollution control authority, necessary because of stringent state standards, will go to voters next week at a townwide referendum. Voting will take place Tuesday, Jan. 15, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Center 375 community center at 375 Hartford Turnpike. While the total cost of the project is listed at $85.97 million, town officials have said state grants and other neighboring towns would pay part of the price tag.
Homeless man avoids jail in man’s death from fall
VERNON — A homeless man with 26 prior convictions escaped jail time Friday in connection with the July death of a man found in an alley in the Rockville section of town. James King Jr., 49, pleaded guilty to negligent homicide and second-degree breach of peace Friday in Vernon Superior Court. He was sentenced by Judge Jorge Simon to a one-year suspended prison sentence with two years’ conditional discharge. King was charged in July after the death of Robert A.
Vernon man used laser pointer to disrupt fireworks display: police
VERNON — Police last week arrested a local man who they said shined a laser pointer toward the launch site of the town’s 2017 Independence Day fireworks display, hitting personnel who were arranging the light show. Daniel Brahier, 45, of Oak Street, was arrested Dec. 27 and charged with second-degree breach of peace, second-degree reckless endangerment and an infraction for the illegal use of a laser pointer. According to a police warrant filed by Capt.
Stafford student test scores low, trending down during ‘transition’
STAFFORD — The most recent student standardized test scores were low and trended down from past years, but school officials say the assessment comes during a “transition” period. Ahead of a Jan. 28 presentation to the Board of Education, School Superintendent Steven Moccio on Wednesday explained the results on a number of standardized tests.
Late guitarist’s Stafford home is in foreclosure
STAFFORD — The home of Oli Herbert, the guitarist for the Springfield-based metal band All That Remains who was found dead in October, may soon be foreclosed upon, according to court documents. The Springfield Republican reported in October that Herbert, 44, whose full name is Oliver, was found dead in a pond near his Stafford property on Oct. 16. The state medical examiner’s office said today that Herbert died from drowning, adding that the manner of his death is still undetermined.
Calendar sales to support those battling addiction
VERNON — A local nonprofit organization that supports individuals battling addiction is selling calendars to raise funds for those people, just the latest of its near 30 years of recovery efforts. Chris Luginbuhl, co-founder of Become Part of the Solution, said the organization’s 2019 “Scenes from Tolland County” calendar has already sold more than 250 copies, with another 50 recently printed and stocked for sale.
Holiday light show to benefit Stafford food banks
STAFFORD — A local light show is giving “rockin’ around the Christmas tree” a whole new meaning this holiday season, all for a good cause. Jay and Robin DeNigris have assembled an eye-popping, 17-minute synchronized light show at their Magauran Drive home, with nearly 20,000 lights blinking and flashing in time with six different Christmas songs, complete with a tree. Every night on the hour through Dec.
French breakfast brings City of Lights to middle school students
VERNON — Students at Vernon Center Middle School got a little taste of Paris last week as they got a chance to enjoy a French breakfast as part of their classes. Signe Damdar’s five eighth-grade French classes recently had the opportunity to enjoy baguettes, croissants, brioche, and other regional delicacies on Dec. 14. Damdar said the lesson came as part of a segment on French breakfast and cuisine and represents an opportunity for the students to continue learning in a hands-on, interactive way.
$6M bond sent to town meeting
STAFFORD — The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday approved a resolution that sends a $6 million bond question for various town projects to a town meeting vote. Taxpayers can vote on whether to approve the authorization, which would fund sewer line replacements, a replacement pump station, and improvements to town infrastructure, at the special town meeting on Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. in the town’s community center.
Fire marshal discovers dead body at Vernon center for homeless veterans
VERNON — Police said they found a badly decomposed body Thursday at a renovated Ellington Road mansion that’s been converted into a nonprofit that helps veterans struggling with homelessness. Lt. William Meier said police received a call around 10:16 a.m. Thursday reporting the discovery of a body in one of the apartments at 1 Ellington Ave.
Rockville High students serve lunch, raise $800 for food pantry
VERNON — As part of the nationwide Empty Bowls project, Rockville High School culinary students this week raised $800 for charity by serving soup to school staff. Rockville High culinary teacher Lori Gilmore said Thursday that her students set up a makeshift restaurant in the high school on Wednesday and Thursday, with students running the show and staff members giving donations in return for being served a hot and delicious lunch.
Stafford PZC approves new veterinary clinic
STAFFORD — The Planning and Zoning Commission Tuesday unanimously approved a special use permit and site plan for construction of a veterinary clinic at 73 West Stafford Road. Wildcat Investments LLC filed the application to build the veterinary hospital in the Big Y grocery store plaza. According to planning documents, the clinic is expected to be two stories high and stand at 7,400 square feet.
Strong Family Farm seeks zoning change
VERNON — The iconic Strong Family Farm is seeking a zone change to allow programming on its West Street site that’s been running since the organization became a nonprofit entity five years ago. The farm will return to the Planning and Zoning Commission in January to continue its efforts to obtain the zone change, in an effort to comply with town regulations.
Stafford boards approve $6M bond for January referendum
STAFFORD — The boards of Finance and Selectmen and the Water Pollution Control Authority on Monday all approved sending a $6 million bond referendum forward, with a possible vote of the electorate slated for January. All three boards met in a joint special meeting Monday, voting separately to approve the $6 million figure for the bond referendum.
Fire rips through Windham junkyard
WINDHAM — Firefighters worked for hours Monday afternoon to extinguish a serious blaze at an auto recycling facility in the Willimantic section of town. There were no injuries, but between 27 and 30 cars were destroyed in the fire, Willimantic Fire Chief Marc Scrivener said this morning. Scrivener said firefighters responded to reports of a fire around 3:30 p.m. at the Boston Post Road facility.
Keep bedbugs off your holiday guest list
Travelers who aren’t mindful while visiting family and friends this holiday season may find themselves receiving an unwanted, uninvited, and expensive present: bedbugs. There’s “definitely a trend” of bedbug infestations on the rise locally, said Jeff Davis, owner of Enfield-based extermination company Nukingstreet Pest & Wildlife Control. Davis said his company performs between five and 20 exterminations weekly, with that number “consistently growing.” That coincides with national rates, he said.
Bedbugs can be unwanted present from holiday travel
Travelers who aren’t mindful while visiting family and friends this holiday season may find themselves receiving an unwanted, uninvited, and expensive present: bedbugs. There’s “definitely a trend” of bedbug infestations on the rise locally, said Jeff Davis, owner of Enfield-based extermination company Nukingstreet Pest & Wildlife Control. Davis said his company performs between five and 20 exterminations weekly, with that number “consistently growing.” That coincides with national rates, he said.
Stafford PZC OKs new church
STAFFORD — The Planning and Zoning Commission last week approved a new place of worship on Main Street. The commission voted unanimously Nov. 27 to approve an application filed by Shawn Teats to establish the Eternal Life Fellowship at 63 Main St. During a public hearing at that meeting, Teats, a Stafford resident, explained that he has been holding services out of his home for the Eternal Life Fellowship, but a growing congregation made the move necessary.
Vernon Winterfest starts Friday with tree lighting, Santa House
VERNON — The town will begin the holiday season Friday evening with the tradition of Winterfest in the Rockville section of town. “The best part: The whole town will get together,” said organizer Diane Wheelock. A torch light parade of firetrucks through town will lead to the simultaneous lighting of the town’s Christmas tree, wreath, and decorative snowflake in Central Park downtown. Festivities are slated to kick off at 5:45 p.m. and Mayor Daniel Champagne will light the town tree.
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