New Britains FREE weekly newspaper

Twenty-One
Into Six
By Nicholas Gwiazda
Te Mayors ofce has been buzzing and bustling
as it works to consolidate its twenty-one public de-
partments into six, to increase efciency. Te new
departments to be created are as follows:
Economic Policy Department Includes the
Mayors Ofce, Economic Development,
Community Development, Recreation Pro-
grams and Non-Department Events (for-
merly Cultural Programs)
Legal Services Includes Corporation Counsel,
Civil Service, Town Clerk, Registrar of Vot-
ers (Democrat and Republican) and Probate
Financial Administration Includes Finance,
Purchasing, Central Administration, Revenue
Collections and Information Technology
Public Safety Includes Public Safety Joint Ad-
ministration, Police Operations, Fire Opera-
tions, Telecommunications and Emergency
Management
Public Works Includes Public Works Admin-
2nd Annual Irving S. Black
Track and Field Invitational
In 2011 the inaugural Irving S. Black Track and Field
Invitational was held at the Irving S. Black Track and
Field Facility located inside Memorial Stadium at Wil-
low Brook Park in New Britain.
Tis year the meet will be held Friday, April 27th, start-
ing at 3 PM and Saturday, April 28th 2012 at 10 AM, at
the Irving Black Track and Field Facility in New Britain.
Tis meet was organized to honor the memory of Irv
Black who was a Hall of Fame Coach and the former
track coach of New Britain High School. He was also a
mentor to thousands of young men and women .
Last years meet had 1,700 competitors, and this year
close to 2,000 are expected to participate. Te young
men and women compete in an Olympic style program.
Te organizing committee hopes to expand the event to
reach more students by incorporating middle school s.
Te committee hopes to make this a memorable
event and trusts many will support the scholarship
program.
J & J Pawn Shop
We Buy, Sell, & Trade
Jewelry - Coins - and more!
We Buy Unlimited Items for Top Dollars!
57 Broad Street
New Britain, CT 06053
Tel: 860-223-2223
Vol. 3, No. 8 Friday, April 20, 2012
Continued DEPARTMENTS on page 7
Hall of Famer Coach Irving S. Black
Hardware City Journal 2 Friday, April 20, 2012
The Corporate Citizen
In ancient Rome there were clear distinctions
in the prerogatives of a public citizen and a
private citizen and in order for a Roman to be
a considered a true citizento possess civitas,
one was required to satisfactorily perform both
of these roles. This duality compelled Romans
to behave in certain ways in these two distinct
landscapes. In private, a citizen was expected
to provide for ones family and business as-
sociates in a manner that was befitting a free
man of Rome. He was pretty much left to do
as he pleased with his personal affairs as they
remained private. In the public arena a virtuous
man was expected to treat his fellow citizens
with the respect and reciprocity that was the
due of each Roman citizen. Outwardly great
monuments and spaces were built for the public
that glorified both the might and pageantry of
Rome collectively and also the introspection,
familial strength and good works of the Ro-
man citizen in private action. The remains and
continued functioning of the basic public works
and grand amenities erected by the patrons of
Rome for the benefit of the people of Rome
bear testament to the importance they placed
in fulfilling the virtues of the public citizen.
In our faltering modern times, as the world
economy continues to struggle through this
great recession, the public citizenry struggles
to adapt to the shrinking public wealth of the
nation. Omnipresent budget shortfalls continue
to put the squeeze on public coffers. Local gov-
ernments strain to preserve services, let alone
erect or maintain projects that further amenities
to the public, or serve the greater common good
interest. Even the most basic of public services
are in danger of going the way of the horse and
buggy, becoming quaint niceties from the past
that we can just no longer afford. Public spaces
are eroding. They are becoming private or be-
ing abandoned through neglect. We prefer the
shopping mall to our local downtowns. We
flee from neighborhoods for the safety of gated
communities. Public open land is developed as
private golf courses. More and more, public
natural resources, and assets held in common
trust fall into the hands of schemers and those
who would exploit the common interest for
corporate profit.
As public spaces disappear, one might assume
the modern citizen is retreating into a more
private, personal space; but this is not the case.
The over-exuberant technophilia of the 21st
century is waging an all-out assault on the very
notion of personal privacy. GPS tracking cou-
pled with cheap, ubiquitous personal network
devices have made real-time monitoring of hu-
man movements a reality and not just the edgy
psycho drama of science fiction. The Federal
Aviation Administration has sanctioned and
encourages the use of drones, unmanned fly-
ing vessels within the public airspace for law
enforcement and private surveillance use. How
much privacy does one have within the walls
of his own home? If one indulges in Internet
search or e-commerce, the answer is effectively
nil. In an era where even the most insignifi-
cant or mundane personal detail is posted and
disclosed for all to see on Facebook can any
thought or moment truly be private or remain
so for very long? The assault is not only from
a technological standpoint as the legal protec-
tions to ones private spaces fall victim to the
reach of government subpoenas with an alarm-
ing frequency.
It would seem therefore that a paradox ex-
ists. We can not erode both private and public
spaces at the same time so where does this leave
our virtuous modern citizen? Our friends in
corporate America have taken up the burden
and have created a new space, the corporate
space. In the corporate space there is no such
thing as personal privacythere is sharing
where any compartment of your mind that
is not locked down and completely shuttered
from the reach of marketers is fair game and
open turf for corporate profit. Opinion becomes
intellectual property, historical fact becomes
commodity, knowledge itself becomes nothing
more than business intelligence, rendered in
some form or fashion as a service to you, for a
small monthly fee. In the corporate space there
is no glory or pageantry of public spectacle,
there is only the brutal logic and cold austerity
of efficiency. The artistic vision of individual
agency has been replaced with the dull pastiche
of consensus. In the corporate space, a virtuous
citizen does not contemplate the fulfillment of
public obligations of enlightenment or ennoble-
ment. There is only the analysis of statistical
data and how that data and analysis may affect
the bottom line.
Please send us your letters to the editor about any topic you
choose. Include your full name, address, and phone number. We
will do our best to publish as many as possible. E-mail letters to
hardwarecityjournal@gmail.com
Back Issues
If you would like to receive a previously printed issue of the
Hardware City Journal, mail $1 and a self addressed stamped
9x12 envelope to: 202 Broad St., New Britain, CT 06053.
Limit: one issue per envelope. Proper postage please.
Deadline for Classifeds, Advertising, and Letters to the
Editor is Tuesday 12:00 p.m.
2012 Hardware City Journal
Mail: 202 Broad St.
New Britain, CT 06053
E-mail: hardwarecityjournal@gmail.com
Phone: (860) 348-3516
Contents
COMMENTARY 2
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR 3
EDITORIAL 3
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT 4
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 5
FUN AND GAMES 6
SENIOR EVENTS 7
HARDWARE CITY LAW 10
CITY BRIEFS 11
HUMOR 12
PARKS AND RECREATION 13
LOCAL FICTION 13
HOROSCOPES BY OZZY 14
COMMENTARY
Hardware City Journal Friday, April 20, 2012 3
On Consolidation
I recently presented the Common Council with my
proposed budget for 2012-13. Te budget was crafed
to make city government more efcient by consoli-
dating twenty-one city departments into six.Tis will
reduce expenditures that cause long-term structural
shortfalls and address an estimated $30 million dollar
structural defcit for next year, prioritize our schools,
protect public safety and not raise property taxes.
We are in a vital position of making decisions that
have great gravity for the future of our city. We are
working in the worst economy since the great depres-
sion, trying to bring our city out of a severe and dire
situation, towards a brighter future.
Although I did not create the problems we now must
contend with it is ultimately my responsibility as
mayor to fx them. Te budget process now underway
is perhaps the most important in our citys history.
Let me be clear. Tis is certainly not a problem our
good public employees created. It is unfair that they
are put in the position of being asked to be part of
the solution through concessions. If we fail to act,
however, we will only make matters worse.
For a responsible future we need to have a balanced
budget constructed in way which meets the needs of
our residents without over relying on risky one-shot
revenue to fund basic services or use budget gimmicks
to conceal shortfalls.
We need to get on a sustainable track as our spending
has, for too long, outpaced revenue. Failing to address
this previously is what created a nearly $30 million
dollar structural defcit for next year. Failing to act
boldly, or punting in hopes that someone else one day
will fx this, will only amplify the awful consequences.
My proposed budget makes some very tough deci-
sions. Tough decisions are easy to talk about in the
abstract but painfully hard to talk about once we get
down to the specifcs of what needs to be done.
In order to make city government better equipped to
address future public needs we must modernize our
public services as well as make our city government
more efcient. We need to ensure that our city gov-
ernment is organized in a way that most efectively
achieves this while reducing costs. Tat is why I am
proposing that we consolidate the existing twenty-
one city departments into six. Te Mayors ofce
itself is being merged into a new department which
will assume greater responsibility over economic
development and city management.
We cannot continue to ask taxpayers to pay for an
unsustainable structure of local government when we
know there is a more efcient way to provide services.
Change ofen is not easy but the ramifcations for
inaction are too great. It is unfortunate that change
ofen does not occur until it is absolutely necessary.
Our city needs us to be able to have a city government
that is equipped to aggressively pursue economic
development by creating jobs and meeting the needs
of the people. Our city needs to make sure that we
are making education, the future of New Britain,
a priority as well as providing strong public safety.
Tese issues are important to the future of our city
and its important that our budget priorities match
these priorities. Tat is why I proposed the frst real
increase in local education funds in years.
Teres much in this proposal I am not excited about
and Im sure you feel the same. We must separate
however the things we want to do with the things we
must do. We cannot continue to go down the same
path. It would be irresponsible. Tis proposal before
you makes city government more efcient, reduces
costs, holds the line on property taxes, provides for
our schools and addresses our enormous structural
defcit for the next fscal year.
We must now work together. I am an optimist. Te
solutions wont always be easy but I know that we
are up to the task and I know that New Britain has a
bright future ahead.
It would be nice if
we could go back
to the family farm
and forget about
the complexities
of urban life. Un-
fortunately thats
not a realistic pos-
sibility in todays
America.
Urbanization brings with it the necessity of social
organization. We call it government. Te greater
the urbanization the more complex the social
organization or government structure.
Te average citizen, undoubtedly on many levels
is confounded by the governmental labyrinth of
bureaucracy. Tis is all the more reason le bon-
homme must strive to make himself conversant
with every aspect of government and the bureau-
cracy through which it is instituted. Let every
man know what government costs and how or
what it really serves.
Whether we like it or not each of us is chattel to
the bureaucracy overtly or sometimes in ways of
which we are not aware. Learn the mechanisms
that govern and what they cost. All citizens should
study governmental budgets and know the sources
of funding and employment of expenditures. Start
with local budgets and question purchases and
salaries. Who is paid for doing what? Index not
only the cost but also the growth of government
bureaucracy and ask what various agendas may
develop into in fve, ten or twenty years in the
future?
Had our antecedents exercised this prudence we
might not be experiencing many of our current
problems. Remember the old adage, Dont solve
one problem with the creation of another.
MESSAGE FROM MAYOR OBRIEN EDITORIAL
Welcome home to
City Place
New Britain
Spacious Studios, 1 & 2 bedrooms. $550-$675
Fully Applianced
Laundry Facilities
On-Site Parking
Some Utilities
On-Site Management
and Maintenance
For more information, call 860-348-9534
Leasing Ofce - 12 Washington Street
Hours by Appointment
Hardware City Journal 4 Friday, April 20, 2012
Connecticut Lyric Opera Presents: Otello
New Britain, CT April 13, 2012On Friday, May 4th at 8:00 p.m., Verdis
1887 tragic tale of passion, jealousy and murder will come to life on the
Trinity-on-Main stage. Co-produced by the CT Lyric Opera and the CT
Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra; It is an opera in four acts by Giuseppe Verdi
to an Italian libretto by Arrigo Boito, based on Shakespeares play Othello.
Tickets are $35 preferred (glass of wine, up front seating), $20 regular, $15
senior, $5 student, and can be purchased at www.trinityonmain.com or by
calling (860) 229-2072.
In Giuseppe Verdis re-telling of Shakespeares play, ofen considered his great-
est Opera, the warrior Otello returns home from battle to fnd the treacherous
Iago, who pretends to be his friend, spinning a web of deceit and lies. Otello
begins to doubt the faithfulness of his beloved wife, Desdemona, and caught
between evil whispers and the voice of his own heart, he must decide what
and who he believes. Presented with English supertitles.
Trinity-on-Main is located at 69 Main St in New Britain. It is central Connecti-
cuts premier venue for live performances, events, and rental space. Housed in
an elegant former church, Trinity-on-Main is a non-proft organization com-
mitted to bringing arts and cultural events to Greater New Britain, as well as
encouraging community revitalization and economic development in the city.
For more information about the show please contact the media manager for
Trinity-on-Main, Katie Jurkiewicz by email Katie@Trinityonmain.org, or by
phone (860) 229-2072.
New Britain Youth Theater
To Perform Rodgers And
Hammersteins Cinderella
New Britain, CT New Britain Youth Teater will present Rodgers and
Hammersteins Cinderella on May 4, 5 and 6 at Jeferson Elementary School
in New Britain.
Te NBYT production of Cinderella is the worlds most magical fairy tale
set to the music and lyrics of Broadway legends Richard Rodgers and Os-
car Hammerstein II. Te musical features songs such as In My Own Little
Corner, Impossible/Its Possible!, Stepsisters Lament, and Ten Minutes Ago.
Tis Getting to Know title from the Rodgers and Hammerstein Library is
adapted specifcally for young performers and audiences. Te production will
be directed by NBYT Executive Artistic Director David Sousa, with musical
direction by Anne Collin and choreography by Adrienne Marie.
Cinderella stars children ages 7 through 14 and is appropriate for all ages. Te
cast of forty-two children has come together from New Britain, Avon, Berlin,
Bristol, Cheshire, Farmington, Glastonbury, Hamden, Meriden, Middletown,
Newington, North Haven, Plainville, Southington, Tomaston, Torrington,
Watertown, Wethersfeld, Windsor and Wolcott. Te productions venue, at
Jeferson Elementary School located at 140 Horse Plain Road in New Britain
near the Farmington border, is a 300-seat community performance space
with recent renovations.
Cinderella will be performed on Friday, May 4, at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, May
5, at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, May 6, at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $12
for adults and $10 for children, students, and seniors. Special group rates are
available for parties of ten or more. Tickets may be reserved by calling New
Britain Youth Teater at 860-515-8115 or may be purchased online through
a link at www.nbyt.org.
For more information about New Britain Youth Teater, visit the companys
website at www.nbyt.org.
April 18-27
Figuring it out
five different views of the body by five different artists
Downtown Gallery
66 West Main Street, New Britain, CT, 06051
Jennifer Knaus Tim Ricker Avis Turner
Nicki LaPorte Samela Aguirre
Parking on the street and in the city garages (free afer 5 p.m. and on weekends)
With special guest Marissa Janczewskas live demonstration
of body painting on opening night only.
Opening Reception
April 20, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Gallery Hours
Mon - Fri 10 a.m. -5 p.m.
Sat 10 a.m. -2 p.m.
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Hardware City Journal Friday, April 20, 2012 5
Rally for Education
To the Editor,
It was an honor to speak at the recent pro-educa-
tion rally at New Britain High School.
I was encouraged to see so many parents, teachers
and students supporting our eforts to improve
our education system.
Many thanks to School Board President Sharon
Beloin-Saavendra, who did a tremendous job in
organizing the event, as well as to all those who
helped make it a success.
As the youngest member of the New Britain Board
of Education and a proud product of the New
Britain Public School System, I think I brought
an important perspective to the conversation.
Te New Britain school system gave me so much
and helped me to grow, to think critically, and to
mature. Tats a refection of my teachers, class-
mates and coaches who pushed me to excel every
step of the way.
At the rally, I stressed the following:
Attending school in New Britain prepared me
for the real world. Some of my best friends
lived in mansions, while some of my best
friends lived in the projects. In New Brit-
ain, we dont see people in social classes
or in colors. We see people for whats in
their hearts.
Te reality is that in New Britain, we arent able
to put an iPad in every students hands, we
dont have brand new equipment in every
classroom and many of our school facilities
are outdated. We make do with what we
have, but despite all that we lack, we still
expect our children to succeed. We need to
make sure that we have the best and most
skilled teachers in our classrooms even
though we may not have all the modern
technology and state-of-the-art features
that other school districts have.
Until the state addresses education funding
inadequacies and that could take quite
some time - we can still be great teachers
and great students.
A focus on early childhood development
would enable us to begin teaching our
children how to read at earlier ages in
the classroom and at home. Studies show
that when a child starts elementary school
with a skills defcit, it is very expensive and
very difcult to make up that diference in
later grades.
Successful students in New Britain fnd sup-
port at home, in school, in church, in a club
or somewhere else in their community. If
we keep letting the children of New Britain
know that we care about them and their
futures, they will continue make us proud.
It is not just the adults who bear the respon-
sibility for our communitys future. Te
students have the most power to decide
whether we succeed or fail. Tey may not
realize that, but they do. Teachers will
teach, but students have to choose to learn.
Tey must make the most of their opportu-
nities. Tere is no excuse for talking back
to your teacher, or cutting class, or drop-
ping out of school. Tere is no excuse for
not trying.
It was a spirited, productive evening, and I look
forward to future positive rallies. Our challenge
now is to keep the lines of communication open.
Te community must keep in close contact with
local ofcials and take a stronger role in our
schools. Each and every one of us can help to
create positive, lasting change right here in
New Britain.
Te quickest change happens closest to home with
your Board of Education, your City Councilmen
and your Mayor. Get to know who they are. In-
troduce yourselves to them. Ask them questions.
We all want to hear from you. We have the ability
to make changes that afect your everyday lives.
So get up, stand up, and speak out.
Let us know whats working and what isnt. Speak
out about what we can do better to help educate
our youth. Let your voices be heard loud and
clear. Keep fghting for the future of our chil-
dren. Working together as a community, we will
see progress.
Tere is no limit to how much we can accomplish.
Sincerely,
Erin E. Stewart
New Britain BOE Member.
Smile for the
Camera
Putting cameras on school buses to record
those not stopping for the flashing red lights
may not be a bad idea. Once installed the end
result could mean the saving of the life of a
student(s). However when red-light enforce-
ment cameras at intersections are employed we
are not only subject to an intrusion of privacy
we are burdened with another tax or fine to
increase municipality revenue without formally
raising taxes.
This bill has gained backing from the state Fi-
nance Committee as well as legislative leaders
and Governor Malloy. Opponents such as Sen.
Roraback, R-Goshen called the proposal an
example of giving up our liberty in pursuit of
security. Who is to say how this red-light cam-
era footage would be used? He also compared it
to technology in which a chip is placed in your
car to determine if you are speeding. Whats
next, cameras in bathrooms or odor sensors
to make sure you are not emitting toxic waste?
The way the bill is currently written calls for 19
cities and towns with a minimum population
of 48,000 to enforce this re-light compliance.
What does population have to do with running a
red light? More people probably do this in rural
areas since there is usually less law enforcement
per square mile.
This bill has been referred to a work in prog-
ress among other things. It is a work alright
and it is far from progress as it is helping us
redefine liberty and justice for all.
Big Brother
New Britain, CT.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Hardware City Journal 6 Friday, April 20, 2012
Cryptograms by Maximilian Schreibermann
EACH LETTER CORRESPONDS TOA LETTER INTHE ALPHABET. FINDTHE CORRECT CORRELATIONTOSOLVE THIS PUZZLE.
SOLUTION FOR 4/13/12
When you go down the street, dont drive, better to use your feet. Youll
be surprised by the people youll meet.
G C P T F M R G J V X W I I Q D J Q D A I W G H I
B G S S U W G J X P T F W I S G I C , P T F W I T J S P
X T G J X Q T B J M R I W T D Q M T D M W D G J
B W I H V T C X W G I C .
1
2
3
4 4
6
7 8
9
10 11 12
13 14
15
16
17 18
19
H R
U F O
M I C
C A R T E R M K
N D C A R E Y
L D
F J E F F E R S O N
W A T S O N R N
R C A
B B M A R S H A L L
L E C E M D
J O H N S O N X P S
C A T P
K T H O M P S O N E
A N B A R O N
R R
S H E R M A N L A C E
NEW BRITAIN DOCTORS
ACROSS
3. Dark color with reddish hue
4. Capital of France
7. Goods on hand or inventory
9. Beer mug
10. Firm or strict
13. 1st black woman elected to
house of Rep.
15. Star of Rockford Files
16. Gangster Lucky
17. Braveheart patriot Sir
William ________
19. Bow and arrow shooter
DOWN
1. It would be an ______
2. Jack_____ on your
windowpane
5. _____ Rogers and Dale Evans
6. Type of screwdriver
8. Ike, Tina or Ted ________
11. Gone with the Wind
character
12. Last King of Scotland actor
Forrest ________
14. _______ and Garfunkel
17. Walking in water partially
submerged
18. ______ and Clark Expedition
CROSSWORD SOLUTION FOR 4/13/2012
How many words can you make from the letters in the word:
DOC T OR
Answers on page 11.
Brain Teaser
E v e r y g r e a t d r e a m b e g i n s w i t h a d r e a m e r . A l w a y s r e m e m b e r , y o u h a v e w i t h i n
y o u t h e s t r e n g t h , t h e p a t i e n c e , a n d t h e p a s s i o n t o r e a c h f o r t h e s t a r s t o c h a n g e
t h e w o r l d . H a r r i e t T u b m a n .
HEADING FUN AND GAMES
Hardware City Journal Friday, April 20, 2012 7
NEW BRITAIN SENIOR CENTER
55 PEARL STREET
NEW BRITAIN, CT 06051
PHONE: 860-826-3553
FAX: 860-826-3557
PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
The senior center is taking appointments for
the homeowners, additional veterans and freeze
property tax relief programs. Individuals 65 or
older in 2011 or who received social security dis-
ability benefits are eligible for a discount on their
property taxes if their total income was less than
$32,300 for single applicants or $39,500 for mar-
ried couples. These homeowners income limits
include 2011 social security benefits. Those who
have received benefits under the old freeze pro-
gram are eligible to maintain their property tax
relief if their income, excluding social security,
was less than $6,000. Those who have been en-
rolled in either program in past years have re-
ceived a letter from the tax assessor if they must
reapply this year. Finally, if a married couple
wishes to apply, it is only necessary for one of
the spouses to have been over 65 to be eligible
for the program.
TRIPS PLANNED
A number of day trips are being planned by the
Stanley Seniors Group and senior center mem-
bers are welcome to join up. Listed below are
some definite trips as well as some future planned
trips.
April 10th Mohegan Sun Casino
May 8th Mohegan Sun Casino
April 26th Jersey Dreamers presents Last of
the Clean Comedians staring: Glen Anthony
Thursday, April 26th. Bus leaves 7:30 a.m. from
Stanley Tools parking lot and returns approxi-
mately 6:00 p.m. Trip includes Deluxe Motor
Coach, Lunch, Show and Dancing and all tips.
Lunch includes: Salad/Pasta/Roast Beef/Chicken
Parmigianino/Salmon/Potato and Vegetables/
Special Desert/Coffee & Tea-Soda Plus one
complementary drink. Cost $80.00 Per Person /
$25.00 Deposit due at sign up.
MOTHERS DAY BRUNCH AT THE DELANEY HOUSE
Monday, May 14th. Package includes Round
Trip Motor Coach, Brunch Buffet, Music Enter-
tainment and Drivers gratuity. COST: $66.00
Per Person.
For more information on any of these trips call
Richard Macchietto at 860-223-9144
SPRING BUS TRIP
Monsignor Bojnowski Manor & Advanced Home
Healthcare
We would like to plan a bus trip to Newport
RI for a day in April. The cost would be about
$25.00 per person and we would need 52 people
in order to go for this price. If you are interested
or have any questions, please contact Mary Car-
penter at 860-229-0336
REBUILDING TOGETHER
Every year Rebuilding Together New Britain as-
sists low income New Britain homeowners with
home repairs that they are unable to take care
of on their own, due to physical and/or financial
limitations. These repairs are done by communi-
ty volunteers free of charge for eligible, selected
homeowners. Tasks range from yard work and
general cleaning, to painting, light carpentry,
electrical and plumbing jobs, as well as installa-
tion of grab bars and other simple modifications
designed to allow seniors to age safely in place.
If you would like to apply to be considered for
assistance, please contact our office today at
860-832-4389. If you would like more informa-
tion or have any questions, please do not hesitate
to call.
FREE SMOKE ALARMS
The New Britain Fire Department will come
out to your home and install (or replace) smoke
alarms. These new alarms have a 10 year lithium
battery so the batteries do not need to be replaced
each year. This service is free of charge to New
Britain seniors. Call Don King at 860-826-4213
to set up an appointment.
BENEFIT PANCAKE BREAKFAST & BAKE SALE
Sunday, April 29th 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
A special Benefit Pancake Breakfast & Bake Sale
will be held at the Senior Center on Sunday, April
29th from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The Breakfast
includes Pancakes, Bacon, Hash browns, Coffee,
Tea, Orange Juice and Milk. The cost is $5.00
for adults and $4.00 for children 10 and under.
ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO THE AMERI-
CAN CANCER SOCIETY - RELAY FOR LIFE
so make a point of stopping by and support this
great cause.
Continued from page 1
Departments
istration and Public Works Maintenance
Community Services Includes Disabilities/Se-
nior Center/Veterans/Youth Services, Human
Rights, Nursing, Health Admin/Evictions and
Licenses and Inspections
Te consolidation is anticipated to create administra-
tive efciencies among previously separate depart-
ments, which will in turn should translate into cost
savings. Te presence of fewer departments is also
expected to result in more public accountability in
the form of increased transparency. Hopefully fewer
departments will be easier to monitor and direct.
Te city will also be cutting redundancies in the
New Britain Water Department, as well as stream-
lining technology across departments. Information
Technology, which includes computer sofware and
hardware, is a cost that the Mayors Ofce hopes to
reduce through the use of free Internet sofware
such as Google Documents and GMail.
One point Mayor OBrien clarifed was the increase
in the Board of Education budget. Although a very
slight increase, OBrien emphasized that the city
will maintain its commitment to local education.
Te mayor went on to mention that there have
been many years where the annual budget did not
increase its allocation to the local school system.
Te increase in the Mayors 2013 budget allocation
to education is both functional and representative
of how much the city values the quality of educa-
tion. It is about reversing a trend and maintaining
a strong commitment to continuous improvement
in local education.
Senior Specials
Monday: Cofee with reflls $1.00
Tuesday: 10% of egg breakfasts
Wednesday:
1 pancake or 1 french toast
with small juice or cofee
$2.50
Tursday:
Senior biscuit & gravy
with small juice or cofee
$2.50
Friday:
Cup of oatmeal with
blueberries or strawberries
and small juice or cofee
$2.50
860-224-3772
SENIOR EVENTS
Total Care By Maria
Adult care only. Days or nights.
Experienced with dementia,
Alzheimers, Parkinsons, diabetes
and more. Responsible and dedicated
caregiver with medical education.
Excellent cook.
Leave message.
860-229-2038
Hardware City Journal 8 Friday, April 20, 2012
Holy Cross Church invites you to
Spring Wine Tasting
on
Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 5:00 to 9p.m.
at
John Paul II School Hall
Come and sample new, award winning, and exotic wines from
vineyards in the United States, South America, Europe, and Australia!
Cost per person is $20.00 for tickets purchased ahead of time
($25.00 at the door).
Must be 21 years of age or older for admission. (ID required).
The ticket price includes a delicious selection of hot and cold hordoeuvres
and homemade desserts.
Please contact Olivia at 860-678-0597, the church office at 860- 229-2011,
or stop by
Discount Package Store, Teresas Herbs and Flowers, Pulaski Delicatessen,
Max Mart, Royal Oak, Quo Vadis, Polmart,
and office of Dr. Barbara Malz
Paul A. Shaker
Farmingdale
Funeral Home L.L.C.
Creator of Meaningful Memories
764 Farmington Avenue
New Britain, CT 06053
Tel: (860) 229-9006
Fax: (860) 229-9007
www.shakerfuneralhome.com
e-mail: shakerfuneralhome@snet.net
Serving all Faiths
Si, Parla Italiano
Order Sons of Italy in America
Angelo Tomasso, Sr. Lodge #2165
P. O. Box 1373
New Britain, CT 06050
OSIA CHARITY BREAKFAST
e Order Sons of Italy in America, Angelo Tomasso, Sr.
Lodge #2165 will be holding a Charity Breakfast in sup-
port of Cooleys Anemia Foundation, Alzheimers Asso-
ciation, Coaches vs Cancer, and the Doug Flutie Jr. Foun-
dation for Autism. e event will take place on Sunday,
April 22, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon at the New
Britain Senior Center at 55 Pearl Street, New Britain, CT.
e menu will feature, pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage,
coee, tea, milk, and juice. In addition to a delicious meal,
the morning will feature a teacup auction with many great
prizes. Donation is $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for children 3 to
12. To order tickets, or for more information, please call
860-827-8050 or email crescimanno@hotmail.com.
Hardware City Journal Friday, April 20, 2012 9
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PICTURE FRAMES and MIRRORS
CUSTOM FRAMING DEPOT LLC
Marvin Janows
Hardware City Journal 10 Friday, April 20, 2012
Attorney Adrian Bar-
on is a partner in the
Connecticut law frm
of Podorowsky Tomp-
son & Baron. A na-
tionally recognized
award winning legal
writer, Attorney Bar-
on was recently named
to the 2012 Superlaw-
yer New England Ris-
ing Star list, a distinc-
tion given to only 2.5%
of attorneys in the
state. His unique background includes former work
as an aide for Robert F. Kennedy Jr and as chair of
the Ethics Commission for the City of New Britain.
Te preceding column is provided for informational
purposes only. Always consult with an attorney be-
fore proceeding. For more information, please visit
him on the web at hardwarecitylaw.com or contact
him directly at abaron@ptblegal.com. Podorowsky
Tompson & Baron is located at 202 Broad Street,
New Britain.
Dear Attorney Baron
I lent $200 to my cousin to help him pay his rent.
Despite several emails and facebook pokes, he still
hasnt paid me back. What drives me crazy is that
he just bought a new Mustang Convertible for his
girlfriend. My husband says its too late to sue. Is
that true?
My Cousin Vinny, Plainville
Dear Cousin:
In my opinion, a lawsuit should always be your
last resort. I know what youre thinking. What
kind of lawyer are you? Dont you guys love
suing people? In reality, lawsuits can eat up
your time and money. Considering you are
dealing with a family member, I am sure it is
even more difficult. If you are considering
suing your cousin, try to think of the outcome.
Will this cause a rift in my family? Will this
make family gatherings awkward? Now I am
not suggesting you shouldnt try to get your
money back. Far from it. But consider how
much it will cost you to go to court. Will you
hire a lawyer? Do you need to take time off
from work? In a study done by the National
Center for State Courts, it was determined that
only 32% of cases resulted in a plaintiff getting
a 100% of their claim. With that in mind, it
is probably a good idea to first try to talk to
your cousin. By talking, I mean face to face.
In an age of twitter, facebook, and texting,
people tend to forget what its like to talk to
a person face to face. You may consider offer-
ing a compromise. Are you willing to accept
a payment plan or a lower amount?
Keep in mind that if your compromised offer
is turned down by your deadbeat cousin, you
can still sue him for the full amount in court.
Unfortunately, just the filing fee in superior
court is $300. Because you are suing for less
than five thousand dollars, small claims court
may be your best bet. The filing entry fee is
$75 and the process is easy enough to do on
your own. If you win your case, the entry fee
and your costs of service will be added to the
judgment against the defendant. If you do
decide to sue, you have to remember that their
are deadlines you need to meet. If you wait too
long, you can lose your ability to sue. Whether
you can still sue your cousin depends on vari-
ous factors. Statute of limitations deadlines are
different for various situations For example,
was your agreement with your cousin oral
or written? Chapter 926 of the Connecticut
General Statutes deals with deadlines. You
can usually find information on small claims
at your local courthouse. In New Britain,
they have a very helpful and professional staff
manning the court service center. The service
center has self help information available free
of charge to the public. If you find the pro-
cess a bit too perplex, you may also consider
hiring an attorney. But dont rely on bus ads
and billboards. Ask your friends for refer-
rals or check with your local bar association
for suggestions. If
your cousin Vinny
is constantly ask-
ing you for money
you might take a
cue from a differ-
ent movie. If you
saw A Bronx Tale,
you may remember
the scene where
Sonny gives advice
to his prodigy who
has been chasing a
guy for an old debt.
To paraphrase the
movie Look at it
this way, it cost you
two hundred dollars
to get rid of him,
Right? Hes never
gonna ask you for
money again. Hes
out of your life for
$200. You got off
cheap. Forget about
it.
220 Broad Street
New Britain, CT 06053
860-223-4000
ptblegal.com
Since 1940, Podorowsky, Thompson & Baron has represented both individual and
corporate clients throughout the state of Connecticut. Applying rigorous energy,
resourcefulness and experience to every project we accept, our members are dedi-
cated to the success of your case.
Areas of Practice:
Criminal Defense
Personal Injury
Family Law
Workers Compensations
Real Estate Closings
Immigration
Will Preparation
24 Hour Emergency Arrest Line
1-888-50LAWHELP
220 Broad Sreet
New Britain CT 06053
Attorney Adrian Baron (right) with actor Chazz
Palminteri of A Bronx Tale
HARDWARE CITY LAW
Hardware City Journal Friday, April 20, 2012 11
NEW BRITAIN STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN
SPELLING BEES
Te most talented spellers in the Consolidated
School District of New Britain are getting ready to
compete against their peers in the districts annual
spelling bees. On Tuesday, April 24 and Wednes-
day, April 25, the district will host its 11th annual
District Spelling Bee for elementary and middle
school students.
The elementary competition, which includes
fourth and fifth graders from nine New Britain
elementary schools, will take place on April 24
in the auditorium at Smith Elementary School,
142 Rutherford St., at 6:30 p.m.
The middle school competition, which includes
students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade
from New Britains three middle schools, HALS
Academy and DiLoreto Dual Language Magnet
School, takes place April 25 in the auditorium
at Louis P. Slade Middle School, 183 Steele St.,
at 6:30 p.m.
All participants who compete in the District
Spelling Bee have been finalists in their respec-
tive classroom and grade level school spelling
bees. Each grade will have a winner at the
district level. The winner will receive a trophy
and a $50 U.S. savings bond.
BOLDLY GO TO A SOCIAL SECURITY WORKSHOP!
Te New Britain Social Security Administration
Ofce will hold a Social Security Workshop on
Tursday April 26, 2012 at 1:00 P.M.-2:30 P.M. at
New Britain Public Library-Community Room,
20 High Street, New Britain, CT
Topics covered in this workshop include: Retire-
ment Benefts, Disability Benefts, Survivor Ben-
efts, Benefts for your Family, Update Your Address,
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) Program,
Medicare and so much more
Te New Britain Social Security Administration
Ofce will cover how to use the online beneft and
claim website.
Tis is an informational workshop-no cost or ob-
ligation.
Please RSVP to R. Rodriguez at 1 (866) 931-7102
ext. 18636
Presenters: Robert Rodriguez, Public Afairs Spe-
cialist & Mrs. K. Goulias, Claims Representative
Discover What Benefts You Can Apply for Online
at www.socialsecurity.gov.
SOCIAL CONNECTIONS COMMUNITY EVENTS
Social Connections is a non-proft social club for
singles in Connecticut. Our goal is to give singles
the opportunity to meet new people, have fun, and
network.
MAY 4 - SINGLES 50s, 60s, 70s DANCE at Nu-
chies, 164 Central Street, Bristol from 8 pm to
12 am. Enjoy the sounds of this fabulous music.
Remember listening to the oldies? Tis is going
to be a blast! Tere will be a delicious bufet from
8 to 9:30 pm for everyone to enjoy. DJ Rockin
Ron, dress casual, and door prizes. Member $12,
Guests $17. For info, call Gail at 860-582-8229.
Sponsored by Social Connections, LLC.
MAY 11 - SINGLES HAPPY HOUR at Tools Bar
& Grill, 136 Main Street, New Britain starting at
5 pm. Come join us afer work and relax with old
and new friends. Tere will be live jazz at 9 pm.
Tere is no charge. For info, call Gail 860-582-8229.
Sponsored by Social Connections, LLC.
MAY 20 -SINGLES WALK AND LUNCH at Ses-
sions Woods, Burlington Avenue, Burlington at 11
am. Tis is a beautiful place with streams, beaver
dam, and waterfall. Aferward, well go nearby for
lunch. For info, call Gail 860-582-8229. Sponsored
by Social Connections,
LLC.
MAY 26 - SINGLES
MEMORIAL WEEK-
END PICNIC at Gail
Fullers beach cottage at
46 Swan Avenue, Sound
View, Old Lyme starting
at 2 pm. Singles from
the Southeastern CT
Singles Assoc. will be
joining us. You can just
hang out or walk on the
beach. A great way to
start the holiday weekend! For the picnic, bring
a salad, entree, or dessert to share. Members $10,
Guests $15. If you dont want to bring food, add
$5. To reserve, call Gail in Bristol 860-582-8229
or Old Lyme 860-434-6426. Sponsored by Social
Connections, LLC.
OIC NEW BRITAIN HOSTS ANNUAL AWARDS
RECEPTION MAY 31, 2012
If you have enjoyed the many awards banquets
the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC)
New Britain previously hosted at the Aqua Turf,
you are in for a real treat as OIC celebrates 41 years
of service to the New Britain community with its
annual awards reception being held on site at the
OIC ofce, 114 North Street, New Britain for the
frst time. Te event will begin at 5:00 p.m. on May
31, 2012 with social networking and the awards
celebration beginning at 6:00 p.m. A special selec-
tion of hot and cold hors doeuvres, cash bar and
special treats for our sponsors will be available at
this unique gala event.
Board members, Rachel Young, Assistant Principal
at Roosevelt Middle School and George Springer,
Jr., Attorney at Rogin Nassau, LLC are the Com-
mittee Chairpersons for this years awards recep-
tion. OIC New Britain will recognize a long time
business partner, Dattco Inc. who will receive the
highest award, the Leon Howard Sullivan Award.
Tis years recipient of the Angelo Tomasso, Jr.
Community Award is John Geragosian, former
State Legislator and long time friend of OIC. Te
recipient of the OIC Essence Award is Michael
Foran, Principal of New Britain High School, win-
ner of the Principal of the Year Award and former
OIC board member. Te theme for this years
awards reception is Building and Sustaining Qual-
ity Relationships. Te Honorary Co-Chairpersons
are Ronald, Jason and Nicholas Jakubowski. Tis
father and sons team will enlighten the audience,
as Ron, a long time supporter and friend of OIC is
retiring from the New Britain Consolidated School
District. Tis is an evening you wont want to miss
with many expected to be in attendance. Music
will be provided by Henry Hank Bentley. If
you would like to provide a sponsorship and/or
purchase a ticket for the event, call OIC for res-
ervations.. Donation is $40.00 per person. OICs
phone number is (860) 224-7151.
Answer: Tere are 32 possible words you can make from the
word DOCTOR:
doctor, coot, cord, door, odor, ordo, rood, root, roto,
torc, toro, trod, cod, coo, cor, cot, doc, dor, dot, oot,
orc, ort, roc, rod, rot, tod, too, tor, do, od, or, to.
Brain Teaser
CITY BRIEFS
Michael Fazzino
Plumbing & Heating, LLC
Commercial - Industrial - Residential
Phone & Fax:
860-666-3422
Cell: 860-202-2236
MIKE FAZZINO - OWNER
73 Winslow Drive
Newington, CT 06111
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Hardware City Journal 12 Friday, April 20, 2012
My Dead Friend, John Belushi
By Mike Ostroski
Staff Writer
On March 5, 1982 my friend John Belushi died. I only
met him once but the impression he made on me will
last the rest of my life. Two years earlier on December
8, 1980 John Lennon died and the world mourned.
I mourned Lennons death but I was absolutely shell
shocked when Belushis death of an apparent overdose
fltered out over the news. Everybody knew Belushi was
self-destructive but Kathy Evelyn Smith didnt need to
give him that fnal fatal injection as he slept.
I was in the audience at 30 Rockefeller Center on No-
vember 11, 1978 watching John Belushi in action.
Saturday Night Live was the biggest thing on television
and John Belushi was at his peak. I attended the dress
rehearsal with my aunt Teresa. Te dress rehearsal of
Saturday Night Live is actually better than the live show.
First of all you get to see skits in more detail. Tey have
to be edited to bring the show to an hour and a half.
Secondly Belushi and the rest of that great cast could
improvise and appear uncensored and raw in front of
the dress rehearsal audience. I remember Buck Henry
was the guest host and the Grateful Dead were the
musical guests. National Lampoons Animal House
has recently been released and Belushi was on fre.
Afer the dress rehearsal Belushi and I had a conver-
sation. For some reason I brought my writings with
me and Belushi seemed to get a kick out of some kid
bringing in his writings.
Belushi: Ah, this is good and this one is very bad and
this one is so, so.
Mike: So you think I can hack it as a writer?
Belushi: If you really want to write you have to experi-
ence life. So listen, get rid of your aunt and stay for the
live show and Ill show you afer what I mean.
I indeed got rid of aunt Teresa and stayed for the
live show. Afer the live show I showed a plastic card
which Belushi had given me and I found myself in his
dressing room or ofce as he called it. Tere were a
lot of hanger ons. Sponges. Dan Aykroyd was there
too and he was Johns best friend. Te next thing I
knew Belushi, Aykroyd and myself were in a limo
going to a private bar they owned together. Hunter S.
Tompson was there as well as Bill Murray who was
trying to get Hunters mannerisms down for a possible
part in a movie about Hunter. It was a weird night
indeed. Belushi stuck his face his face in an ice bucket
for no apparent reason and Aykroyd kept calling him
Te Black Rhino. Ten John took all of the writings
I brought and set them on fre.
Belushi: Kid, forget all of this stuf and just remember
whats happening all around you.
Mike: You just burned all of my writings!
Hunter: So what, writing is easy, living is hard kid.
Aykroyd: Listen to Te Black Rhino, kid. Just live
in the moment.
Te rest of the night Belushi had Aykroyd show me his
webbed toes and Hunter got angry with Murray over a
sports bet. About four oclock in the morning Belushi
told his limo driver to take the kid home.
Limo driver: Where do you live kid.
Mike: In Connecticut.
Belushi: Hey Mike, I really had a good time tonight.
Tats when Belushi decid-
ed to accompany me all the
way back to Connecticut.
During the ride home Be-
lushi told me he felt like a
freak but that he was really
happy he could provide for
himself and his wife Judy.
Belushi: Te public is very
gullible so thats why I can
say But Nooooo! and get
the public to repeat and
think about a catch phrase
that I introduced.
Mike: But you are a great
comedic actor. Your pres-
ence on camera shows your
ability.
Belushi: I also have the
ability to lif each of my
eyebrows separately.
And yes dear readers I could
tell you a tale of excess during
that limo drive up Interstate
95 but I wont. All I know is
Belushi was a natural and
my friend. We kept in touch
through letters but sadly I never saw the man again.
Over the years I ofen wondered if I would have been
in Los Angeles what I would have done when Belushi
was self-destructing. I fnally came to the conclusion I
probably would have been toe-tagged because Belushi
could just drag anyone into his world. I was very mad
when he died. Animal House, Te Blues Brothers,
Continental Divide, Neighbors were a handful of
movies but also a resurrection of all of his Saturday Night
Live skits. Te man was a meteor crisscrossing the sky.
I usually write about myself and my excesses but I was
feeling kind of nostalgic and sufering from a gin and
bourbon hangover. John Belushi I love you and thanks
for taking this kid under your wings.
Stay Loose,
Mike Ostroski
STAFF MEMO
Mr Ostroski dropped of his column wearing a full suit
of armor and stated if we didnt publish this particular
column he would never publish anything in this rag
again and move to the Arctic Circle. Afer we read it
we were very impressed.
HUMOR
Sales Blitz of the Week (6-10am M-F):
Pancake
(with purchase of a Small Coffee
$1.00
860-224-3772
Now with
FREE WIFI!
Hardware City Journal Friday, April 20, 2012 13
Youth Programs
START SMART BASEBALL
Ages 3-5
Day Start/End Date Start/End Time Fee Activity #
Th 05/17-06/21/12 5:00-6:00pm $55 1735-1
Program Content: Start Smart Baseball is a developmentally appropriate introductory baseball
program for children 3-5 years old. The program prepares children for organized tee ball, baseball
and softball in a fun non-threatening environment. Parent and child pairs take part in age appropri-
ate lessons on throwing, catching, batting, running and agility. Held once a week for 6 weeks, and
each week the exercises become increasingly more difcult as the class progresses and the children
show improvement.
Location: A.W. Stanley Park
START SMART TENNIS
Ages 5-7
Day Start/End Date Start/End Time Fee Activity #
W 05/02/12-06/06/12 5:00-6:00pm $55 1736-1
Program Content: Start Smart Tennis teaches children (ages 5-7) the basic motor skills necessary
to play organized tennis while they work one-on-one and spend quality time with their parents.
The program focuses on teaching children and their parents skills in serving, striking (forehand,
backhand, and running/agility without the threat of competition or the fear of getting hurt. Held
once a week for 6 weeks,
and each week the exercises become increasingly more difcult as the class progresses and the
children show improvement. Parents work directly with their children for
the six weeks.
Location: Walnut Hill Park.
Camp TotalRec
CAMP TOTALREC, GRADES 1-2
at A.W. Stanley Park
Class Name Day Start/End Date Start/End Time Fee Activity #
Week 1 M-F 06/25/12-06/29/12 9:00am-3:00pm $20 2001-1
Week 2* M-F 07/02/12-07/06/12 9:00am-3:00pm $20 2001-2
Week 3 M-F 07/09/12-07/13/12 9:00am-3:00pm $20 2001-3
Week 4 M-F 07/16/12-07/20/12 9:00am-3:00pm $20 2001-4
Week 5 M-F 07/23/12-07/27/12 9:00am-3:00pm $20 2001-5
Week 6 M-F 07/30/12-08/03/12 9:00am-3:00pm $20 2001-6
Week 7 M-F 08/06/12-08/10/12 9:00am-3:00pm $20 2001-7
A.W. Camp TotalRec is for COMPLETED 1st and 2nd graders (NO EXCEPTIONS).
WILLOW STREET TOTALREC, GRADES 3-5
at Willow Brook Park
Class Name Day Start/End Date Start/End Time Fee Activity #
Week 1 M-F 06/25/12-06/29/12 9:00am-3:00pm $20 2011-1
Week 2* M-F 07/02/12-07/06/12 9:00am-3:00pm $20 2011-2
Week 3 M-F 07/09/12-07/13/12 9:00am-3:00pm $20 2011-3
Week 4 M-F 07/16/12-07/20/12 9:00am-3:00pm $20 2011-4
Week 5 M-F 07/23/12-07/27/12 9:00am-3:00pm $20 2011-5
Week 6 M-F 07/30/12-08/03/12 9:00am-3:00pm $20 2011-6
Week 7 M-F 08/06/12-08/10/12 9:00am-3:00pm $20 2011-7
Willow Brook Camp TotalRec is for COMPLETED 3rd to 5th graders (NO EXCEPTIONS).
Program Content: Camp Totalrec is a camp-liketotal recreation program with daily activites such
as sports, games, arts and crafts, swim lessons and free swim. Weekly themes and special events
highlight the summer fun. Campers meet new friends, explore new interests, develop life skills and
discover their creative talents. Supervisors, counselors, and special guests ofer guidance and support.
Camp Includes:
Breakfast and lunch
Morning and afternoon bus transportation
Children are required to dress APPROPRIATELY (swimwear, shorts, sneakers, t-shirt, socks) take
swim lessons; and participate in free swim
Children must have completed 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th grade in 2012 in order to participate
Children may be bussed of site for free special events such as Lunchtime Concert, June 27,
Carnival Day, Wednesday, July 11 and Mayors Pencil Hunt, Thursday, July 26. Additional trips
may be planned. Read the weekly TOTALREC GAZETTE for details. Again this year:
Morning and afternoon extension hours are avaliable (See Camp Care Club for details)
Paid feld trips: Registrations for optional, grade-specifc trips close two (2) weeks prior to trip
date or when flled.
Fee: Registration is by session (1,2,3,4,5,6,7). Each session is one week. Cost is $20.00 p/week.
Note: In case of extreme misbehavior by a child, parents will be contacted and the child may be
subject to appropriate discipline as outlined in discipline procedures in the Summer & Fall Program
& Event Guide (page 6).
T-Shirts: Camp TotalRec T-shirts are $10.00 each. Previous style shirt available for $5 while they
last!
Continued Shadows on page 15
PARKS AND RECREATION
LOCAL FICTION
In the Shadows of Trees
By Rich Longo
Stanley Mckalister had it all, a beautiful wife, two
children, a cushy job working for the state, where he
made well over what was necessary for the amount
of exertion required to be a supervisor. He landed
the position with the help of his brother-in-law
who knew a guy, who knew a guy, earning him a
salary that allowed his family to occupy a newly
constructed raised ranch just outside of town. His
wife was tall with milky white skin and long fowing
blonde hair. His two daughters mirrored the angelic
appearance of their mother, just smaller and more
innocent. On Saturdays they would ofen escape
the confnes of their house and father by retreating
to their aunts for the entire day. Tis was a result of
something very strange that happened to Stanley
some where in the mist of his life. For some reason
he became more and more agitated and unhappy
by daily activities, everything became nothing more
than an annoyance to him. Tis progressed to the
point of alienation from other people and more
importantly his family. It was not always like this
however, there was a time when Stanley was a happy
man but that was long ago. Something happened to
him over the years. Somewhere along the way he lost
sight of what is most important in life, and once he
forgot what it was he lost, it was too late, idleness
and pride ensnared him in a web of meaningless-
Hardware City Journal 14 Friday, April 20, 2012
Aries (3/21- 4/19)
Te spotlight will be on your fnances
this week. Your creative powers will kick up a
notch on Tursday.
[
Leo (7/23 -8/22)
You might feel the need to travel this
week. A new job opportunity could appear
on Wednesday. Consider all your options.
p
Sagittarius(11/22- 12/21)
A relative could pay you an unexpected
visit on Tuesday. Dont believe everything you
hear at work on Friday.

Taurus (4/20- 5/20)

Follow your hunches this week. You might
meet someone who could change your life on
Wednesday.
_
Virgo (8/23- 9/22)
A project may be put on hold this week.
Clear your schedule Tursday to spend time
with a close friend. Tey will be grateful.
]
Capricorn (12/22- 1/19)
If your single you can meet your someone
special this week .A close friend will give you
some valuable information on Friday.
_
Gemini (5/21- 6/ 21)
Make a wish on Monday. Your love life
could become complicated on Tursday. Take
a chance on Friday.
}
Libra (9/23- 10/22)
A loved one could ask you to fght his or
her battles this week.Try not to interfere. Spend
time alone on Tursday.
-
Aquarius (1/20- 2/18)
You will be walking on air on Tuesday.
Wednesday could bring some unexpected cash.
Celebrate on Friday.

Cancer (6/ 22- 7/22)

Go with the fow on Tuesday. A partner
may give a jealous vibe on Wednesday. Have
an honest talk on Friday.
C
Scorpio (10/23- 11/21)
Dont be afraid to speak your mind this
week. A relationship will take center stage on
Tursday. Take it easy on Friday.
]
Pisces (2/19- 3/20)
You will have a strong sense of personal
power on Monday. Get out and mingle with
others on Tursday.
)
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HOROSCOPES BY OZZY
USAT 2012 NY & CT State
Taekwondo Championship
Queens, NY Recently Ceana Elise Rodriguez of New Britain, represented
Connecticut, and the City of New Britain in the USAT 2012 New York & Con-
necticut State Taekwondo Championship Tournament hosted in Queens, New
York. She won First Place in the Black Belt division in Olympic Style sparring
under the World Taekwondo Federation rules. Over 900 competitors in the
tournament from diferent part of the country, including US National Team
Members who competed in the event. Ceana has won & qualifed to compete
and represent Con-
necticut & New
York State in the
2012 USA Tae-
kwondo National
Tournament being
held in Dallas, TX.
Taekwondo is one
of only two Martial
Art Sports, along
with Judo, that is
recognize by the In-
ternational Olympic
Committee (ICO) &
World Taekwondo
Federation.
Ceana Elise Rodriguez (right) delivers a point-winning
kick.
Hardware City Journal Friday, April 20, 2012 15
MEETINGS
City Plan Comm. Room 313 6:30
MONDAY- JULY 12, 2010
Civil Service Comm. Room 201 6:30
Comm. on Persons w/Disabilities Room 202 5:00
TUESDAY- JULY 13, 2010
Building Comm. Room 201 6:00
Fairview Cemetery Comm. Room 504 6:15
Environmental Task Force Room 305 6:30
Conservation Comm. Room 313 7:00
Parking Ticket Appeals Room 305 2:00-4:00
WEDNESDAY- JULY 14, 2010
Common Council Chambers 7:30

ZBA Room 201 6:00
THURSDAY- JULY 15, 2010
Consolidated Comm. Chambers 7:00
NO MEETINGS SCHEDULED
FRIDAY- JULY 16, 2010
Meetings
MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2012
Piano & Voice Room 210 4:00-6:00
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2012
Registrar of Voters Room 504 11:00-8:00
Piano & Voice Room 210 4:00-6:30
Board of Finance Room 201 6:00
Board of Fire Comm. Room 202 6:30
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012
Juvenile Review Board Room 201 12:00-2:00
Piano & Voice Room 210 4:00-6:00
Common Council Chambers 7:00
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012
Piano & Voice Room 210 4:00-6:30
FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2012
NO MEETINGS SCHEDULED
Contact
or
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Continued from page 13
Shadows
ness. Tis is when he began to fll his life up with
things such as cars, TV sets, lavish food, expensive
jewelry for his wife, iPads and new clothes for his
daughters and so on in a feudal attempt to win his
family over and over indulge himself. At frst this
seemed to work, but in the end they respected him
less and less and always wanted more.
Today afer the girls lef he sat at the kitchen table
watching a morning mist slowly dissipate over the
meadow just outside the kitchen window. He de-
cided to go on a hike rather then tool around the
house as he did most Saturdays. Today something
was really calling him to the woods. He headed for
a dense woodland in the northwestern corner of
Connecticut, to a place he frequented ofen with
his father in youth but had not been there in the
thirteen years since he passed away.
When he arrived the opening of the trail was over-
grown and appeared no one had entered this area
of the old forest in years. Te trail was no longer
marked and the old sign that used to greet visitors
saying, WELCOME TO ARCADIAN FALLS, had
fallen from the tree it was nailed to and was rotting
on the ground. Forcing his way through overgrown
shrubs and vines he came upon a path that ascended
gradually for several miles before reaching a summit.
At the summit the mountain terrain rapidly changed
from hardwood trees to gigantic evergreens. He trav-
eled for several miles until he reached a rock wall
which had a natural staircase etched into it. When
he climbed to the top a thick canopy of trees blocked
out most of the sunlight and multitudes of birds
chattered from within the shadows of the mysteri-
ous grove. Something was very familiar about this
place, although he could not recall ever setting foot
there, it was like he had been there in a dream. Of
in the distance a patch of sunlight shined through
the dense canopy like a beacon. He walked over to
it and sat down on a rock . He listened to the sounds
of the forest.
Meanwhile a large elk quietly studied him in the
shadows not too far from where he sat. Te enor-
mous beast slowly and without sound moved closer
to get a better look. Te beast was so close Stanley
could smell a strong musty odor and turned around
only to fnd himself peering into the eyes of the
beast. He frst felt fear then amazement. Slowly the
majestic animal turned around and vanished into a
dense thicket of trees. Awestruck he perused the elk
to a ravine, where it swifly jumped to the bottom
of the gully and drank from a stream . When he at-
tempted to get a better look and ease his way down
the ravine without warning the underbrush below
his feet gave way and he slid some thirty feet falling
hard on jagged rocks. A sharp burning sensation ran
down his legs and spread throughout his entire body
while drifing in and out of consciousness.
When he came to he was surprised to feel no pain,
only a stifness throughout his body. He decided to
make his way to the car and began to climb back up
the ravine. When he reached the top he searched
around for the path that led him there but could fnd
no trace of it. He searched endlessly for a familiar
landmark or trail when he came upon dozens of gi-
gantic evergreens that lay side by side. Tey appeared
to have fallen recently because life still fourished
in the furthest branches from the bottoms of their
broken bodies. Deeper and deeper he wandered
into an unknown valley. A voice called out to him
in an unknown tongue. He scanned the forest for
the origins of the voice but only found shadows of
trees. Fighting of any notion of the supernatural and
drudging forth, he thought to himself how nice it
would be to be home lying with his wife, or sitting
at twilight with his daughters watching the sunset.
Oh how he cherished those seemingly insignifcant
hours spent in the comforts of home. Tose mo-
ments seemed so far away now.
Afer walking aimlessly he came upon an open
meadow which had a small brook running through
a sea of tall grass and wild fowers. When he drank
from the stream the water instantly cured the dreary
spell that had befallen him in the valley. He drifed
into the sky as he lay in the tall grass and all the cares
of the world lef him. He forgot all about his wife
and children and all the things of the world. Soar-
ing through the sky he heard the voice of a woman
playfully laughing. When he looked up he saw a
beautiful woman bathing in the brook. Desire over
took him and he pursued her. As he followed her,
she eluded him and enticed him to follow. She called
for him when she was out of sight and fed when he
was near. Tis musing went on for some time until
they reached the edge of the meadow. Beyond the
meadow was marshland. He could no longer see her
but he could hear her call for him from within the
dark shallows of the marsh. Compelled he entered
the wasteland beyond the enchanted meadow and
hastily made his way over decaying logs and rocks
and fell into the bog. Drawn into its deep darkness
he noticed the refection of the trees behind him and
realized he could not see his own refection. Terri-
fed he looked down and saw he had no hands and
when he tried to scream he had no voice. Soon his
thoughts fed from him and before he could salvage
any memory of who he was it all faded away into the
deep darkness of the bog that stretched everywhere
in a horrifying silence.
Two weeks afer Stanley had set out on a midsum-
mer hike, a group of hikers who were venturing in
the same region came upon Stanleys unnaturally
contorted body that lie broken at the bottom of a
gully.
Hardware City Journal 16 Friday, April 20, 2012
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