And, yes, the big sap on the left in the picture is Frank Johnson, longtime Zoning Commission chair and head of the Bristol Downtown Development Corp.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
December 23, 2009
Happy Hollydays
And, yes, the big sap on the left in the picture is Frank Johnson, longtime Zoning Commission chair and head of the Bristol Downtown Development Corp.
*******
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!
It's shortly after eight o'clock on Christmas morning. The sun is shining. The snow is melting. The day looks bright and happy.
I'm sitting in the empty newsroom of The Bristol Press, while my wife is off at the American Legion to write about a breakfast there for the homeless and down-and-out. My children are there, too, playing Christmas carols on the trumpet and piccolo for entertainment.
In a little while, I'll go over, too, and see if I help out in some way. But from the number of cars out front on Hooker Court, I don't think they're short of hands. Those old veterans are amazingly generous with their time and money. You can't help admiring that.
With the possibility of both of our jobs vanishing next month, Santa was a bit skimpy this year, but I know that's true for millions of households around the country, many of whom are in far more dire shape than we are. We're sitting pretty by comparison.
Besides, we have reason for optimism.
There are ever more rumors here that the Journal Inquirer's interest in acquiring The Bristol Press and the New Britain Herald has gone beyond simply considering the option. Some say a deal has been struck, which I cannot verify.
I hope that's true, of course, because the JI has managed to hold on tight to its journalistic mission and stayed true to its readers through these hard years for newspapers. As an owner, it would be worlds better than the Journal Register Co., the current owner, which has long specialized in abusing its papers, employees and communities.
So on this Christmas, I look around at the silent newsroom and I wonder if it will fall dark forever next month or if the new year will bring the kinds of change for which many of us have yearned for what seems like an eternity.
I'm counting on Santa to have one last present in his bag, for us at this little daily and for the people we serve, in this historic city in the middle of Connecticut.
Whatever happens, I do hope that everyone reading this feels the joy of the season and can find the hope that it embodies for a brighter future full of peace and plenty.
Those old veterans serving up breakfast, those men and women who have seen too much of war and death in their time, understand that the future we all want is going to come one tiny miracle at a time. In getting up early to help the neediest this Christmas morning, they are doing what they can to make that happen, as we all should, on this day -- and all days.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
I'm sitting in the empty newsroom of The Bristol Press, while my wife is off at the American Legion to write about a breakfast there for the homeless and down-and-out. My children are there, too, playing Christmas carols on the trumpet and piccolo for entertainment.
In a little while, I'll go over, too, and see if I help out in some way. But from the number of cars out front on Hooker Court, I don't think they're short of hands. Those old veterans are amazingly generous with their time and money. You can't help admiring that.
With the possibility of both of our jobs vanishing next month, Santa was a bit skimpy this year, but I know that's true for millions of households around the country, many of whom are in far more dire shape than we are. We're sitting pretty by comparison.
Besides, we have reason for optimism.
There are ever more rumors here that the Journal Inquirer's interest in acquiring The Bristol Press and the New Britain Herald has gone beyond simply considering the option. Some say a deal has been struck, which I cannot verify.
I hope that's true, of course, because the JI has managed to hold on tight to its journalistic mission and stayed true to its readers through these hard years for newspapers. As an owner, it would be worlds better than the Journal Register Co., the current owner, which has long specialized in abusing its papers, employees and communities.
So on this Christmas, I look around at the silent newsroom and I wonder if it will fall dark forever next month or if the new year will bring the kinds of change for which many of us have yearned for what seems like an eternity.
I'm counting on Santa to have one last present in his bag, for us at this little daily and for the people we serve, in this historic city in the middle of Connecticut.
Whatever happens, I do hope that everyone reading this feels the joy of the season and can find the hope that it embodies for a brighter future full of peace and plenty.
Those old veterans serving up breakfast, those men and women who have seen too much of war and death in their time, understand that the future we all want is going to come one tiny miracle at a time. In getting up early to help the neediest this Christmas morning, they are doing what they can to make that happen, as we all should, on this day -- and all days.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
December 22, 2008
Federal holiday on Friday crimps City Hall
A decision by President Bush to declare the day after Christmas a federal holiday this year may wind up socking city taxpayers for extra cash to keep City Hall open Friday.
A number of city offices – and the city libraries – will be shuttered to save money, while others will operate with less than full service.
The reason is that for the past 30 years, union pacts have required the city to grant days off to its clerical and “outside” workers if the state or federal government declares a special holiday.
Mayor Art Ward said that anyone in the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Workers’ Local 233 or Local 1338 is entitled to a day off with pay on Friday, which means that if they are required to work, they earn double time.
Those that already had the day off, which many had requested already, won’t have to use up a vacation day to stay home because of Bush’s decision.
Ward said Monday he’s not too happy with the president.
“Why they even think of something like this at this time is beyond me.” Ward said. His voice dripping with sarcasm, the mayor added, “it sure gave a big boost to our economic stimulus.”
The White House said that since 1952, federal workers have been excused from duty eight straight times on Dec. 26 when Christmas fell on a Thursday. The last time was in 2003.
In his Dec. 12 declaration of the holiday, Bush ordered that that executive branch agencies and departments close on Dec. 26.
The order doesn’t apply to the U.S. Post Office and it leaves the door open for key personnel to be called in to work, at holiday pay rates.
Bristol has agreed since 1978 to give its two biggest unions the day off whenever the state or federal government declares a holiday, which happens most often on the Friday after Thanksgiving and the days before and after Christmas.
Most of the time in the past decade, the city treated such presidential holidays the same as every other holiday.
This time, Ward said he wants department heads and others who are not covered to come to work and do what they can.
But union members won’t be called in unless it’s absolutely necessary, he said.
“It’s not an option. If it’s a paid holiday, it’s a paid holiday,” the mayor said.
But the day does pose some burdens for departmental operations.
For instance, the tax collector’s office is required to have one of its staff review money that comes in to make sure it’s all counted correctly. Without them, the office can’t operate, Ward said.
So the tax collector and her deputy will simply do paperwork behind closed doors, Ward said said.
Generally, the day after Christmas is almost painfully slow at City Hall, with almost nobody from the public showing up and phones mostly dead. It’s been a day for catching up with backlogged material for most of those who have worked.
Ward said the city is still reviewing exactly what’s going to happen on Friday.
He suggested that before anyone heads to City Hall for something on Friday, they call ahead and make sure the relevant office can handle it.
The libraries will reopen Saturday. City office will be functioning normally on Monday.
On Christmas Eve, City Hall is open only in the morning.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
December 18, 2008
Getting in the Christmas spirit
Reporter Jackie Majerus wrote this story:
City organizations are planning charitable meals on Christmas this year, offering a hot breakfast and a mid-day meal to anyone in need.
The Bristol Veterans Council is hosting its second annual breakfast at the American Legion Seichepry Post on Hooker Court on Christmas morning from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Pat Nelligan, chairman of the veterans council, said there isn't anywhere for the less fortunate to go on Christmas morning, even to get a cup of coffee.
"That's pretty sad," said Nelligan.
So volunteers will be cooking up 40 dozen eggs, along with bacon and sausage, homefries, pancakes, juice and coffee.
"We'll have plenty of food. It's for anybody that feels less fortunate and would like a hot breakfast," said Nelligan. "That's really what the Christmas spirit's about."
Last year, the Christmas breakfast brought 75 adults and about 10 children to the Legion, said Nelligan, including about 35 homeless veterans, a proportion he called "huge."
They're expecting a larger crowd this year, said Nelligan.
Later in the day, Meals for the Needy, a soup kitchen operated out of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, will offer a Christmas dinner from noon to 2 p.m.
A committee including volunteers from many churches in the community organizes the dinner, according to Shirley Dickau, associate in ministry at the church.
Last year, Meals for the Needy provided more than 300 meals, said Dickau, about half of them delivered.
"It's been very well received," said Dickau. Many of the deliveries, she said, are to elderly or homebound people who have a hard time getting to the church for the meal.
"People in the community deliver the meals," Dickau said.
People who want to have a meal delivered must call in advance, said Dickau. She said it helps organizers if people who are planning to attend the dinner at the soup kitchen also register, but said it is not an absolute necessity.
Dickau said she expects single people, couples and families to enjoy the meal of turkey and ham.
"It's the soup kitchen crowd and more," said Dickau.
At both the breakfast and the dinner on Christmas day, those who come to take part in the meal won't walk away empty handed.
Christmas presents will be part of the deal.
"Everybody that gets a meal also gets a gift," said Dickau.
She said the soup kitchen is still in need of donated gifts for the distribution. She said gift cards for small amounts – like $5 – for a coffee shop or supermarket would help because nearly everyone could use them.
Nelligan said those who come to the breakfast at the Legion will get a bag of "basic survival type of stuff" like long underwear, stocking caps, socks and gloves, a fleece blanket, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss and cleansing wipes.
The Crowley Auto Group covered the cost of the breakfast, said Nelligan, and Ocean State Job Lot gave the veterans a break in the price of the clothing and other items to give out.
The veterans group put posters about the breakfast up in churches, shelters, convenience shops and package stores, hoping to reach those in need.
The veterans are offering rides for anyone who needs one, said Nelligan.
For a ride, call Diane at (860)331-1167, Neal at (860)573-1523 or Tim at (860)977-2152 on Christmas morning.
As they did last year, the veterans will probably deliver some food and gifts to some of the known homeless who don't come to the breakfast.
The Salvation Army will not be offering a meal on Christmas Day, said caseworker Marge Rivera, but instead is distributing Christmas baskets this weekend. She said about 200 baskets, including a turkey and other food and gifts for parents to give their children, will be handed out.
This Sunday, toys will be distributed to children who come to the service at the Christian Fellowship Center, said Michelle Palmer, the promotion director at the church on Prospect Street.
She said the 10:30 a.m. Christmas service is open to anyone and that they'll be distributing toys collected by the United Way to children from newborn to age 16. She said 480 children are already registered for the toys, including 25 families from the congregation.
Registration ends today, but Palmer said the church will find something for any child that attends on Sunday.
On Saturday and Sunday, the soup kitchen operated by the Christian Fellowship Center will serve a hot meal from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Sunday meal will be a Christmas dinner, said Palmer.
From 9:30 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Christmas Eve, the Storehouse, the food pantry operated by the Christian Fellowship Center, will be distributing groceries. Palmer said people can register that day, but said the food pantry verifies income for grocery distribution.
Dickau said ShopRite supermarket donated most of the food that will be served at the Christmas dinner and the Clarion hotel will cook the turkeys and hams for the meal.
Nelligan said there are plenty of volunteers for the veterans breakfast. He said giving to others in need is a great feeling.
"It's probably one of the best gifts we're going to get on Christmas," said Nelligan.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
December 4, 2008
Lots of holiday cheer this weekend in Bristol
Reporter Jackie Majerus wrote this story:
There's plenty of fun in store this weekend as the city kicks off the holiday season with a house tour, book sale, Christmas concerts, the annual reverse children's parade and more.
The parade is for children, their parents, grandparents, older siblings and other guardians. The participants in this event walk the parade route, while the more than 40 attractions, or vendors, are stationary along the route, handing out trinkets, candy and other small goodies.
Set for 1 p.m. sharp on Sunday, the parade starts at the Federal Hill Green. It will be led by the Bristol Fire Department, the Children's Holiday Festival Committee, Rocky the Rock Cat and elected officials.
The parade route travels down Bellevue Avenue and takes a right turn onto High Street. Participants will pass in front of the Bristol Public Library and then turn left onto Main Street and end at Riverside Avenue. If the weather is bad, the parade will be held Sunday, Dec. 9.
But kids don't have to wait for Sunday for the fun to begin.
The Imagine Nation is holding a Grinch festival on Friday from 5-8 p.m. at the Pleasant Street children's museum.
Taking a page from Dr. Seuss' book, the museum is turning itself into Whoville for the night, with crafts, sing-a-longs and readings, as well as character visits. Admission is $4 – or $2 with a new, unwrapped toy for the United Way toy drive – and members get in free.
Breakfast with Santa, now in its 15th year, is Saturday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Giamatti Little League complex on Mix Street. Tickets are $5 or an unwrapped toy for the Secret Santa Society and children under 12 get in free.
A craft fair is scheduled for Saturday at St. Matthew School most of the day Saturday, running 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Quota International Club of Bristol hosts its annual Holiday House on the Hill Tour. This year marks the 12th annual tour, which features 176 and 177 Brewster Road and 94, 117 and 120 Belridge Road. It also includes admission to the American Clock and Watch Museum, which is located in the Miles Lewis House at 100 Maple St.
Tours of the historic homes are $15 in advance and are available at CV Mason, The Chalkboard and at The Window Shop in Plainville. On Saturday, they'll be available at the clock museum.
On Saturday evening, the Bristol String Orchestra will provide a free Christmas concert at Liberty Baptist Church at 265 Maple Ave. The performance will include small group and solo numbers and sacred as well as secular music.
More music is set for Sunday at 2:30 p.m. – just after the children's parade – when the Bristol Brass and Wind Ensemble perform their holiday concert at Prospect United Methodist Church on Summer Street.
Children who miss out on seeing Santa this weekend need not despair. Jolly Old St. Nick will be holding court in Mrs. Rockwell's Playground Pavilion in Rockwell Park from Thursday, Dec. 18 through Sunday, Dec. 21.
The annual Christmas display at the park, put on by the Bristol Parks and Recreation Dept., includes special attractions depending on the day. It is open from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 18 and 19 and from noon to 4 p.m. on Dec. 20 and 21.
On opening night, the Memorial Boulevard All Star Chorus will perform at 6:30 p.m. There will be stories by the fireplace Dc. 19-21.
There's a petting zoo on Dec. 20 and 21, and horse drawn wagon rides, too. The rides cost 50 cents, and are sponsored by the Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce.
Visitors every day can see the "Winter Wonderland" done by the Art Honor Society at Bristol Central High School and make crafts in Santa's workshop.
A visit with Santa is free, but a photo costs $3. Parents are allowed to bring their own cameras, too.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
There's plenty of fun in store this weekend as the city kicks off the holiday season with a house tour, book sale, Christmas concerts, the annual reverse children's parade and more.
The parade is for children, their parents, grandparents, older siblings and other guardians. The participants in this event walk the parade route, while the more than 40 attractions, or vendors, are stationary along the route, handing out trinkets, candy and other small goodies.
Set for 1 p.m. sharp on Sunday, the parade starts at the Federal Hill Green. It will be led by the Bristol Fire Department, the Children's Holiday Festival Committee, Rocky the Rock Cat and elected officials.
The parade route travels down Bellevue Avenue and takes a right turn onto High Street. Participants will pass in front of the Bristol Public Library and then turn left onto Main Street and end at Riverside Avenue. If the weather is bad, the parade will be held Sunday, Dec. 9.
But kids don't have to wait for Sunday for the fun to begin.
The Imagine Nation is holding a Grinch festival on Friday from 5-8 p.m. at the Pleasant Street children's museum.
Taking a page from Dr. Seuss' book, the museum is turning itself into Whoville for the night, with crafts, sing-a-longs and readings, as well as character visits. Admission is $4 – or $2 with a new, unwrapped toy for the United Way toy drive – and members get in free.
Breakfast with Santa, now in its 15th year, is Saturday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Giamatti Little League complex on Mix Street. Tickets are $5 or an unwrapped toy for the Secret Santa Society and children under 12 get in free.
A craft fair is scheduled for Saturday at St. Matthew School most of the day Saturday, running 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Quota International Club of Bristol hosts its annual Holiday House on the Hill Tour. This year marks the 12th annual tour, which features 176 and 177 Brewster Road and 94, 117 and 120 Belridge Road. It also includes admission to the American Clock and Watch Museum, which is located in the Miles Lewis House at 100 Maple St.
Tours of the historic homes are $15 in advance and are available at CV Mason, The Chalkboard and at The Window Shop in Plainville. On Saturday, they'll be available at the clock museum.
On Saturday evening, the Bristol String Orchestra will provide a free Christmas concert at Liberty Baptist Church at 265 Maple Ave. The performance will include small group and solo numbers and sacred as well as secular music.
More music is set for Sunday at 2:30 p.m. – just after the children's parade – when the Bristol Brass and Wind Ensemble perform their holiday concert at Prospect United Methodist Church on Summer Street.
Children who miss out on seeing Santa this weekend need not despair. Jolly Old St. Nick will be holding court in Mrs. Rockwell's Playground Pavilion in Rockwell Park from Thursday, Dec. 18 through Sunday, Dec. 21.
The annual Christmas display at the park, put on by the Bristol Parks and Recreation Dept., includes special attractions depending on the day. It is open from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 18 and 19 and from noon to 4 p.m. on Dec. 20 and 21.
On opening night, the Memorial Boulevard All Star Chorus will perform at 6:30 p.m. There will be stories by the fireplace Dc. 19-21.
There's a petting zoo on Dec. 20 and 21, and horse drawn wagon rides, too. The rides cost 50 cents, and are sponsored by the Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce.
Visitors every day can see the "Winter Wonderland" done by the Art Honor Society at Bristol Central High School and make crafts in Santa's workshop.
A visit with Santa is free, but a photo costs $3. Parents are allowed to bring their own cameras, too.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
December 12, 2007
Singing in Forestville
The free and fabulous Forestville Village Association annual carol sing will be held at 6:30 p.m. next Wednesday, Dec. 19 at the Central Square, where people can enjoy the new clock tower beside the old train station.
Santa will appear, assuming he can get away from the North Pole, and hand out candy canes.
"We got hot chocolate" said Dave Pasqualiccio, the unofficial mayor of Forestville. The Salvation Army will provide the hot chocolate and coffee, he said.
Mary Lynn Gagnon is the director. Painter Peter Roberge is hosting the event.
A special Forestville Christmas ornament, made of pewter and featuring the clock tower, will be available for $10.
Go and sing! And be grateful they're not holding it at 7 a.m.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Santa will appear, assuming he can get away from the North Pole, and hand out candy canes.
"We got hot chocolate" said Dave Pasqualiccio, the unofficial mayor of Forestville. The Salvation Army will provide the hot chocolate and coffee, he said.
Mary Lynn Gagnon is the director. Painter Peter Roberge is hosting the event.
A special Forestville Christmas ornament, made of pewter and featuring the clock tower, will be available for $10.
Go and sing! And be grateful they're not holding it at 7 a.m.
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 27, 2007
Tree lighting ceremony at City Hall today
From Mayor Art Ward:
Today at 4:45 pm, the Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony in front of City Hall.
Refreshments will be served outside the Council Chambers.
The All Star Chorus from Memorial Boulevard will perform an array of holiday tunes.
Please join us in the festivities!
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Today at 4:45 pm, the Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony in front of City Hall.
Refreshments will be served outside the Council Chambers.
The All Star Chorus from Memorial Boulevard will perform an array of holiday tunes.
Please join us in the festivities!
*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)