Phil Mannarino didn’t post a losing record in 22 seasons of coaching with the Blue Devils.

By KEVIN ROBERTS

STAFF WRITER

There aren’t too many coaches who can boast about never having a losing season on their resumé, but Phil Mannarino happens to be one of them. In his 22 seasons as the Plainville girls softball coach, Mannarino’s teams never had a losing season.

Mannarino led the Blue Devils to over 300 wins, six league championships, and a Class M state final appearance in 1986. His league championships came in bunches: 1982 and 1983; 1994 and 1995; and 2001 and 2002. He coached 10 all-state and 50 all-conference student-athletes.

Mannarino was also coach of girls soccer at nearby Bristol Eastern High School, where he accumulated more than 450 wins in 24 years.

The Blue Devils coach also gave back to Plainville in the classroom, teaching in the Plainville Community School system for 35 years. He graduated from St. Anthony’s High School as a three-sport star and captain of the baseball, basketball and soccer teams. He played baseball at Central Connecticut State College, graduating in 1968.

Mannarino continued to play baseball in the Greater Hartford Twilight League and later served a volunteer baseball coach in Little League, the Pony League and American Legion.

Tickets are available for the Plainville Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet. It will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Nuchie’s Restaurant, 164 Central St., Forestville. This year’s inductees are Harold “Curly” Bartley (Class of 1962); John Mangan (Class of 1964); RoseMarie Havelevitch Dugas (Class of 1975); Jesse Cavallaro (Class of 2004); and coach Phil Mannarino. John Bello will be honored with the distinguished service award.

Tickets are $50 per person or $450 for a table of 10 and are available at the Dental Offices of Dr. Rusty Camp, 359 Farmington Ave.; Angelo’s Modern Barber Shop, 61 East St.; People’s United Bank, 117 East St.; and Gnazzo Food Center, 73 East St. Tickets can also be purchased via PayPal or Venno.

A cash bar social hour opens the festivities at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., followed immediately by the awards.

To sponsor the event or to advertise, contact Mike Bakaysa at (860) 573-8015 or Byron Treado at (860) 836-3377. More info about the hall of fame can be found at www.plainvillesports.com.

To comment on this story or to contact staff writer Kevin Roberts, email him at KRoberts@SouthingtonObserver.com

Jeff Davis, center, owner of Phase to Phase Electric in Plainville, accepts an award from the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce last Thursday. Davis was named as an “emerging leader.” (Photo by Janelle Morelli)

By TAYLOR MURCHISON-GALLAGHER

STAFF WRITER

The Professional Young Visionaries of Tomorrow and the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce held the inaugural emerging leaders event on Wednesday, Sept. 18, where 19 young professionals were recognized for their dedication to their professional lives, as well as the betterment of their communities.

Jeff Davis, owner of Phase to Phase Electric, was honored at the event. The Plainville company is celebrating its first decade in business this year, and Davis said he defines a leader as someone that has a good attitude, a person who does the right thing when nobody’s watching, and someone who has integrity.

“As I think of myself as just a basic electrician it’s kind of cool,” said Davis. “I never thought in a million years that I would be considered a leader of the community, if you will, so it’s pretty cool.”

Chamber board chair Jay Sattler said that the emerging leaders event was created as a way to give young professionals a platform on which to be recognized, and as a way to support all that they have done throughout their careers.

“They’re going to be the leaders of tomorrow, and we just want to help open those doors for them, recognize them for all they’ve done, and just encourage them to keep moving forward,” said Sattler.

Keynote speaker Rafaele Fierro, director of the civic engagement institute at Tunxis Community College, explained that CEI was formed about two years ago, and serves as a campus organization that “has devoted itself to making our students more civically active.”

He described present-day America as “needing some fixing,” referencing issues that touch all Americans, such as the opioid crisis and rising rates of poverty.

“Some say, as one of our community advisory members said recently, we have reached a tipping point in America, or more cynically, we are in the midst of a political civil war over the very nature of what the role of government is, so the problems are apparent,” said Fierro. “But the solutions require energy, civic action, on all levels, especially at the local level.”

Fierro addressed the honorees, saying that they themselves have brought civic action to the forefront, and that their efforts are truly impressive. “In many ways,” said Fierro, “you are all the products of what we at Tunxis envision when we created the civic engagement institute, and what we strive for our students to become everyday.”

He said there are three important qualities that all of the honorees were blessed to possess—to never forget where they came from, to work hard and persevere, and to be kind.

“Our society has become so course and so divisive, civility has passed us by, we seem to strive for unilateralism rather than unity, for one-upmanship over understanding, to demean rather than to discuss, and for slamming rather than seeing the other side,” said Fierro. “It’s up to you the emerging leaders to create a paradigm shift, whereby you continue to incorporate these three qualities, that love and respect for the past, that ability to work hard and persevere, and that civility that is essential for a civil society.”

The 2019 emerging leaders honorees were Halley Allair, an attorney with Allaire Elder Law; Shaun Calhoun, the branch manager of the Burlington office of Torrington Savings Bank; Elizabeth Cowdell, owner of Creative Concepts Kitchen & Bath Design; Brent Davenport, vice president and owner of The Shaffer Company; Jeff Davis, owner of Phase to Phase Electric; Meagan DeFazio, operations manager of the emergency care center, Bristol Health; Dean Greco, VP, banking center manager at Webster Bank; Lucas Karabin, co-president of Acme Monaco; Stephanie L. Kasson, manager of BlumShapiro; Kathryn Krajewski, assistant town manager of the Town of Farmington; Sarah Larson, recreation and community outreach coordinator for the City of Bristol Department of Parks and Recreation; Dr. Joshua T. Medeiros, superintendent of the City of Bristol Department of Parks and Recreation; Jessica Quintero-Villa, owner of Life Family Chiropractic; Samantha Rajotte, scholarship and program officer at the Main Street Community Foundation; Meghan Rickard, account manager at CompuMail Corp.; Anna Savastano, management assistant of the Town of Farmington; Rebekah Stokes, chief financial officer of Thomaston Savings Bank; Nicole Sweeney, owner of Get Up N Dance; and Dante Tagariello, tax reporting and advisory services with Grant Thorton.

To comment on this story or to contact staff writer Taylor Murchison-Gallagher, email her at TMurchison@PlainvilleObserver.com.

by MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

Rick Wills said he can thank his wife for setting the stage for his arrival in the band Foreigner.

Wills, who had played with the likes of Peter Frampton and Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, said his spouse had heard “Feels Like the First Time” from Foreigner’s first album. She told her husband it would be worth his while to have a listen as well.

In her sales pitch of the band, Wills’ wife told the bassist that the leader of the group was this guy by the name of Mick Jones.

The name immediately rang a bell for Wills.

Wills, who was interviewed from his home in Florida, saidd he met Jones back in 1967. At the time, Jones was the guitarist with Johnny Halliday (who is considered the French Elvis Presley).

That was the first piece of the puzzle to Wills’ membership in the band.

Later, Wills said he traveled to New York City. Wills said he had written two songs with Peter Frampton, which were huge hits: “Do You Feel Like We Do” and “Doobie Wah.” He figured he’d go to America to get the money he was owed for the songwriting credits.

While he was in New York, Wills heard through the musicians’ grapevine that Foreigner, which had two huge hits with its self-titled debut and its follow-up “Double Vision,” might be looking for a new bass player. He was told the band would soon be holding auditions.

Since he knew Jones, Wills said he gave Foreigner’s leader a call and expressed his interest in the gig. Jones told him to come down and try out.

Wills was already familiar with the band and its music. So for his audition, he sat in with the group to playa couple of tracks such as “Cold As Ice” and “Double Vision.”

Immediately, said Wills, Foreigner’s drummer Dennis Elliott wanted him to be part of the group. However, Jones said there were other bassists to look at and he didn’t want to commit to Wills just yet.

So, Wills said, Foreigner spent the next three weeks looking at bassists. Eventually, Wills received a call.

He got the gig.

For Wills, the quality of the songwriting of Mick Jones and Lou Gramm and musician of the band were key to why he wanted to be part of the group. Wills has played with “some excellent” musicians over the years. And he knew Jones and Gramm were at the top of their game.

Wills said the invitation was “life changing.” He found himself in one of the biggest bands in the world. It also meant he had to pull up roots in the U.K. and move to New York state, where Foreigner was based.

Wills went on to becoming the second-longest tenured bassist in the group behind current bassist Jeff Pilson.

Wills joins the original and current members of Foreigner on stage at the Mohegan Sun Arena on Oct. 3 for the ” Double Vision: Then and Now” tour.

These days, Wills has retired with his wife to Sarasota, Fla. Even though he is “retired,” Wills said he still enjoys playing music. And the reunion shows with Foreigner have worked out well for him.

“We’re so lucky the original members are alive, can play, and get on stage,” said Wills.

When he was first approached about reuniting with the original players of Foreigner, Wills said the first question that arose in his mind was, would everyone want to do it? But, to his surprise, the original members (guitarist Jones, singer Gramm, drummer Elliott, keyboardist Al Greenwood, and multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald) all quickly jumped on the idea.

The next question in his mind, said Wills, was how would the reunion work in a live setting with the current members touring with Jones?

These days, Foreigner is vocalist Kelly Hansen, rhythm guitarist and saxophonist Tom Gimbel, bassist Jeff Pilson, keyboardist Michael Bluestein, guitarist Bruce Watson, and drummer Chris Frazier.

The decision was made that the show would open with the current lineup of Foreigner performing, said Wills. There then will be an intermission. When the lights go back up, the original members take the stage. Finally, the show will wrap up with past and present members performing together.

The gigs are a special occasion, said Wills. The gathering of the Foreigner clan only happens about six times a year.

But, when everyone gets together on stage, Wills said, “It really works well.”

Foreigner will perform at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

For information, visit MoheganSun.com or

Mildred Martha (Fruchtenicht) Martin, 85, wife of the late Chester Martin, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at Apple Rehab, Farmington Valley.

Born in Bristol on January 12, 1934, she was one of three children to the late Christian and Martha (Becker) Fruchtenicht.  A lifelong resident of Bristol, she attended local schools, and settled in her hometown with Chester where they raised their family, and shared 57 years of marriage.  Millie, as she was affectionately known, lived her life filled with kindheartedness towards everyone she met, and will forever be the matriarch of her family, keeping them all united.  Remembered for her crocheting and knitting talents, she proudly shared her hand-crafted slippers with everyone (including her mailman and his family!) and in her later years, found serenity in reading, assembling puzzles, and of course, being surrounded by her family.  She will be missed greatly, leaving many cherished memories and her ever-present smile for all to remember.

She leaves her daughter, Bonnie Shields of Southington; her sons, Christian Martin and his wife, Rosemary of Las Vegas, and Daniel Martin of Plainville; and her daughter-in-law, CarolAnn Martin of Bristol.  She was the proud grandmother to her four grandchildren, James Martin, Scott Sturgeon, Jr., Angel Allard, and Danny Therrien and four great-grandchildren, Lillyanna and Gavin Martin and Bella and Ava Therrien.  In addition, she leaves her brother and sister-in-law, Christian and Cynthia Fruchtenicht; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and precious friends that she treated like family.  She was predeceased by her sister, Hedwig Colapietro.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St, Rocky Hill, CT 06067.

Millie’s life will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville, with the Reverend Stephen Volpe officiating.  Burial will follow at Forestville Cemetery.  Family and friends may gather on Monday, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PLAINVILLEFUNERALHOME.com

by MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

The Chainsmokers “World War Joy” tour, which stopped into the Mohegan Sun Arena on Sept. 28, enthusiastically crosses a variety of entertainment options.
With the heavy-duty pyro on stage, the show was part war movie and part Marvel comic book superhero flick.
With all of the lasers and robotic lights circling like photon torpedoes, it was like a new chapter of the “Star Wars” saga.
With the gigantic animated robotic singers flashing on the jumbo screens behind the band, we were whipped into an update of “Bladerunner.”
With the moving scaffolding and light trusses, it was like watching the construction of a skyscraper in New York City.
The motorcycle stunt riders circling in a cage turned the show into a circus meets “America’s Got Talent.”
The thumping bass synced with the blinding lights gave us an Electric Zoo EDM vibe
With the guest performers, primarily 5 Seconds of Summer and Lennon Stella, “World War Joy” was a variety show.
And oh yeah, there was music since, after all, The Chainsmokers (Drew Taggart and Alex Pall) were in town for a concert.
The production is, to put it mildly, excessive. But, given The Chainsmokers’ tour competition in 2019, like Ariana Grande and Justin Timberlake, the tour is merely keeping up with the Joneses.
The production of World War Joy all worked (in terms of entertainment value and mechanical efficacy). It kept your attention. You couldn’t help but wonder what was next and could they top what they just did.
Sometimes, the gizmos and gadgets distracted from the music. But for the most part, the group let the production take over during instrumental breaks where the music could serve as a soundtrack.
This kind of over the-top production sometimes can cause an act to get lost in the maelstrom. Australian Pink Floyd and Trans-Siberian Orchestra like it that way- the show becomes the thing.
However, the aforementioned Grande and Timberlake are more than happy to allow their considerable charisma to take them above any inanimate electronic upstarts.
The Chainsmokers were smart enough a couple of years ago when they stepped away from the traditional EDM policy of letting only guests grab the spotlight while the DJs stuck behind their electronic whatsits, enveloped in the darkness.
The Chainsmokers, as mentioned, still uses guest singers. But Taggart took up the microphone and have given the group an identifiable face and voice to go with the music. His voice gives The Chainsmokers an identifiable musical DNA from one hit to the next.
Ultimately, for the World War Joy tour, the Chainsmokers are less a musical act than a spectacle.
And fans at the Mohegan Sun loved it.
All around me were smiles, taking video grabs of the stunts, as well as singing along to their favorite tracks from The Chainsmokers, such as “Closer,” “Paris,” and “Something Like This.”
Given the packed house, the Chainsmokers clearly have struck a chord. And the World War Joy tour gives their fans a huge splashy thank you gift wrapped up in an attractive box of pyro and lasers.
5 Seconds of Summer was in an odd spot on the World War Joy tour. After a couple of headlining tours, the lads from Australia were the special guests for the evening.
Although they played an abbreviated set, they still imbued it with energy and charm. Having seen them several times over the years, its satisfying to see how tight their musicianship has become and how catchy and varied their catalogue has developed over the years.
Lennon Stella, who opened the evening, offered up a loping and appealing electronic sound. She offered a chill introduction to the evening. Her performance of her hit, “Bad,” was especially satisfying.
I give The Chainsmokers’ World War Joy tour at the Mohegan Sun Arena on Sept. 28 3 ½ out of 5 stars.

by MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

Right at the start, it’s clear Avril Lavigne’s newest album, “Head Above Water,” is drawing from deeper emotions than her previous efforts.

In the title track, which opens the album, Lavigne sings, “God, keep my head above water/ Don’t let me drown/ it gets harder/ I’ll meet you there at the altar/ As I fall down to my knees.”

On another key track, “I Fell In Love With the Devil,” Lavigne sings, “Shot guns and roses/ Make a deadly potion/ Heartbreak explosions/ In reckless motion.”

Although musically, the songs come from the same DNA as Lavigne’s other efforts, “Head Above Water” finds a more vulnerable Lavigne than fans have head previously.

“I felt I needed to evolve” said Lavigne in a phone interview when asked about the new tone on “Head Above Water.”

“I don’t want to do the same record over and over again,” said the singer who first announced her rock and roll presence with the songs “Complicated” and “Sk8er Boi.”

Speaking of the emotions demonstrated on the new album, Lavigne said, “That was the space I was in, and I was in a vulnerable place.”

For this effort, Lavigne, who is coming to the Toyota Oakdale in Wallingford on Oct. 5, said she wanted to write from “my true core experiences and not hold back.”

Although the songs came from a personal place, Lavigne said she also wanted the stories to be relatable to her audience.

“All the songs have an empowering message,” Lavigne said. She hoped the songs would make a difference for her fans. And, if the words touched her listeners in some way, Lavigne said, “That would be amazing. I would love that.”

Lavigne said she felt no trepidation about being exposing her emotions on “Head above Water.” She said she knew there would be questions about the meaning of the songs and the personal stories behind them. But she decided not to worry about that. She let herself be in the moment.

Although Lavigne has mined a pop rock sound since the beginning, she said the record company supported her as she veered into her current direction.

“They were amazing,” said Lavigne. They respected her vision and told her, “Make the record you need to make.”

Not all of the songs on the album come from a tender place.

“Dumb Blonde” (featuring Nicki Minaj) is a danceable, musical middle finger to an unidentified protagonist. (“I ain’t no dumb blonde/ I ain’t no stupid Barbie doll/ I got my game on (Just watch me)/ Watch me, watch me, watch me prove you wrong.”)

Lavigne explained that when she was making what would become “Head Above Water,” an individual—who she called a chauvinist and a misogynist—treated her poorly, calling her a dumb blonde.

Lavigne shared the incident with songwriter Bonnie McKee. The two decided to use the experience to write an empowering anthem for women.

Lavigne said the song tells women it’s okay to be strong and independent. They can work. They can be the boss.

“No one should put anyone down,” Lavigne said.

But, despite the heavy message, Lavigne said she wanted to deliver it in a playful tone.

“Dumb Blonde” does tap into the political mood of the #metoo movement. But Lavigne said she has been fortunate in her career to have never been taken for granted, or dismissed, because she was a young woman.

“I was always strong-minded and always stood up for myself,” said Lavigne. “I’d fight for songs I believed in.”

Yes, Lavigne said, there were some times when she was told by executives to do things that she didn’t care for. At the end of the day, however, being a musician is a job. “You do your best.”

But, she said, over the course of her career, “I’m proud of everything I did.”

The tour that brings Lavigne to Connecticut this weekend after a five year break.

For the singer, she’s glad she finally can reconnect with her fans.

And her fans have been happy to reconnect with her.

“It’s just been over the top,” said Lavigne of the fan response to the tour. “The shows have been insane. The audiences have been screaming to every song.”

“It’s so much fun,” said Lavigne. “I’m enjoying myself.”

Beyond the tour in the United States, the Canadian singer has her gaze set next for a bunch of dates in Europe. “I’m excited about that.”

Avril Lavigne performs at the Toyota Oakdale in Wallingford on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. For information, go to Oakdale.com or AvrilLavigne.com.

Avril Lavigne comes to the Toyota Oakdale in Wallingford on Oct. 5.

The Plainville Police Department announced the following arrests and citations from Monday, Sept. 23 to Sunday, Sept. 29:

• Roberta L. Giangrave, 55, of 68 Cooke St., lot 27, Plainville, was arrested on Monday, Sept. 23, and charged with sixth degree larceny.
• Martrell L. Storey, 20, of 60 Pinebrook Ter., Bristol, was arrested on Monday, Sept. 23, and charged with risk of injury, and second degree reckless endangerment.
• Daniel Mizura, 27, of 26 Perron Rd., Plainville, was arrested on Tuesday, Sept. 24, and charged with illegal possession of assault weapons, and three counts of illegal possession of large capacity magazines.
• Shirleena L. Wilds, 28, of 44 Concord Dr., Rocky Hill, was arrested on Tuesday, Sept. 24, and charged with sixth degree larceny.
• William C. Savage, 40, of 40 Prentice St., Plainville, was arrested on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and charged with failure to respond to an infraction.
• Sylvana T. Drouin, 39, of 131 North St., Norwich, was arrested on Saturday, Sept. 28, and charged with possession of a controlled substance, the sale of a narcotic substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Michael J. Hopkins, 39, of 72 Loomis Ave., Plainville, was arrested on Saturday, Sept. 28, and charged with sixth degree larceny.
• Jamal R. Abdelaziz, 32, of 100 Townline Rd., Plainville, was arrested on Sunday, Sept. 29, and charged with disorderly conduct, and third degree assault.
• Charles F. Michalak, 19, of New Britain, was arrested on Sunday, Sept. 29, and charged with carrying dangerous weapons, and sixth degree larceny.
• Craig M. Nolan, 54, of 14 Linda Dr., Plainville, was arrested on Sunday, Sept. 29, and charged with second degree strangulation of suffocation, first degree unlawful restraint, second degree threatening, third degree assault, disorderly conduct, and second degree reckless endangerment.

by MIKECHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

Collective Soul may have a 1990s alt-rock pedigree.

But when they took the stage at the Ridgefield Playhouse on Oct. 1, they loudly demonstrated that their music is not a museum exhibit tied to a particular rock and roll era or genre.

Plain and simple, they rocked Fairfield County, no sub-category necessary.

From the start, the band from Atlanta, Ga.– lead singer E Roland, rhythm guitarist Dean Roland, bassist Will Turpin, drummer Johnny Rabb and lead guitarist Jesse Triplett- slashed and burned across the stage in this refurbished high school auditorium.

E Roland drew generously from the lead singer playbook. He was the occasional shaman. He was the occasional charismatic and benevolent prince. And he occasionally was a bit of a goofball (specifically, when he explained how he met his wife).

Triplett’s and Roland’s periodic twin lead guitar moments were incendiary, drawing from the template of the Allman Brothers, who also found their origins in the state of Georgia (Macon to be exact). When he was handed the keys to the lead for a ride by himself, Triplett easily helped propel the tracks to a higher ground.

And Rabb and Turpin drove the rhythms like a finally tuned race car.

Guided by this musical arsenal, songs such as Collective Soul’s hits “Shine,” “Gel,” and “Where the River Flows,” crunched and munched in classic rock style – far outpacing their alt-rock origins.

The highlight of the evening came about four songs in to the set list when the group performed the previously mentioned “Shine.” As soon as the opening notes sounded, the crowd, which slowly had been migrating to their feet, finally leapt up as one. The energy brought by the fans to the show, clearly boosted the band’s performance as E Roland took command of the crowd.

There were some moments when the tempo slowed down, where the audience took a break and settled back into their seats. But, for most of the show, the fabric seats in the auditorium barely had time to warm up underneath any fannies as the crowd opted to stand through most of the show.

Another highlight of the evening was when Collective Soul stepped out of their catalogue and thumbed through the catalogue of another little Georgia group by the name of R.E.M. Tackling R.E.M.’s “The One I Love,” Collective Soul showed off their musical skills as well as offered some more lessons about the genetic code that runs through all rock and roll.

There was plenty of energy crackling throughout the whole evening. Collective Soul, which is celebrating its 25^th anniversary, seems to be having as much fun in 2019 as they did when they released their debut album,” in 1994.

I give Collective Soul at the Ridgefield Playhouse on Oct. 1 4 out of 5 stars.

Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) Commissioner Selia Mosquera-Bruno announced that $13 million will be awarded to 13 municipalities in Connecticut. Funding, provided through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) small cities program will allow municipalities to provide infrastructure upgrades that will modernize and rehabilitate housing for low and moderate-income individuals.

“These grants go a long way toward improving neighborhoods so that we can make our communities more attractive and encourage continued growth for the benefit of all our residents,” Lamont said in a press release.

The CDBG Small Cities program is administered by DOH with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Eligible projects must be in a municipality with fewer than 50,000 residents and have a focus on improving neighborhoods, eliminating blight, and attracting economic development. Projects can include aiding families in completing essential renovations such as repairing a leaking room, making senior living facilities ADA compliant, improving the habitability of a domestic violence shelter, and many more.

Plainville was awarded $1.5 million, which will be used by the town and the Plainville Housing Authority to begin work on Centerview Village and Woodmoor Manor. The project will include modernizing the housing complexes for seniors by replacing existing bathtubs in all 80 units with walk-in showers, and making ADA improvements to five kitchens.

“These awards will help to improve the lives of Connecticut residents,” Commissioner Mosquera-Bruno said in the release. “This federal funding is essential to low and moderate income residents and without these dollars, we would likely be unable to assist as many of our low and moderate income residents as they make these kinds of repairs.”

Funding was also awarded to Chester, Derby, East Windsor, Enfield, Farmington, Groton, Guilford, Hebron, Madison, Trumbull, Wallingford, and Windham.

This week, my Big Blue award for the outstanding performance of the week goes to Olivia Gajor. In a tense five-game standoff with Old Lyme last Friday, Gajor was there. In fact, whenever the Plainville volleyball team needed something to go their way, Gajor was there. The Blue Devils senior gave her team every chance to be successful, scoring 28 service points, dishing out 15 assists, coming up with 10 digs, and ripping 10 aces across the net.

Here’s the week in review:

Football

The Blue Devils remain unbeaten at 3-0 following last Friday’s 17-7 win over Jonathan Law of Milford. Mason Sarra got the Blue Devils on the board booting a 35-yard field goal in the first quarter.

Plainville put the game away with two touchdowns in the second quarter to grab a 17-0 lead. Sarra (25 carries, 81 yards) pounded one in from two yards out and the Blue Devils defense added a score when Adrien Marcos returned an interception 20 yards for a touchdown.

The Lawmen closed the gap, scoring on a 48 yard touchdown pass just before the half. The Plainville defense has allowed just four touchdowns in three games picked up their effort shutting out Law in the second half with Alex Santini recovering a fumble and Christian Collin making an interception.

Plainville will be home on Friday at Tinty Stadium for a 6:30 p.m. showdown with unbeaten Bloomfield (3-0). The following week the Blue Devils will have a bye week before resuming their schedule at Tolland on Friday Oct. 18.

Boys Soccer

The Blue Devils ended up on the short end of a 5-2 final last Tuesday against the Rams of Bristol Central. Patrick Gryczewski scored both goals with Trevor Rau lending an assist.

Plainville (1-4) got on track picking up their first win of the season last Thursday in a 3-2 win over Platt. Trevor Rau scored two goals and sophomore Gavin Bravado tallied a goal with Gryczewski and Logan Miller recording assists.

The Blue Devils are at home this week hosting Middletown on Tuesday for a 6pm start at Tinty Stadium and finish out the week at South Windsor on Friday.

Girls Soccer

The Lady Blue Devils battled with Bristol Central (3-1-1) last Tuesday and wound up on the wrong side of a 1-0 final. Defensively Plainville was up to the task but came away short on the offensive end of things.

Plainville (1-4) ramped it up last Friday and unleashed an offensive attack that deposited eight goals into the back of the net recording their first win of the season 8-1 over Platt.

Delaney Beausoleil scored four goals and added two assists to spark the offense. Nayelle Heredia and Cortney Ouellette scored a goal and added one assist each. Skyler Ibitz and Michelle Gryczewski added goals to complete the scoring and Amber St. Onge made three saves in the net for the Blue Devils.

Plainville is back on the pitch this week at Middletown on Tuesday and will host EO Smith on Thursday for a 3:30 p.m. start at Tinty Stadium.

Girls Swimming

Last Tuesday, Plainville took on Conard (last year’s 10th place team in Class L) and fell by a 95-81 margin. Natalie Basile (1:09.14) swam to victory in the 100 backstroke. Olivia Sleszynski (1:23.29) had a first place finish in the 100 breast stroke, 400 freestyle relay team of Isabella Samperi, Basile, Phoebe Gediman and Emma Miller took first place with a time of 4:24.93.

The Blue Devils (0-3) faced another tough opponent last Friday taking on Windsor and dropped a 99-82 decision. Basile was a double winner taking first in the 200 IM (2:30.37) and the 100 backstroke (1:09.64). Sleszynski raced to a first place finish in the 100 breast stroke (1:22.33).

The foursome of Gediman, Samperi, Basile and Miller took first in the 400 freestyle relay. Caitlyn Quilter (136.45) finished third place in diving. Ashleigh Bantz took second in the 500 freestyle and Olivia Unwin took second in the 100 breaststroke.

Plainville will have two away meets this week at Haddam-Killingworth on Tuesday and finish out the week at East Hartford on Friday. The Blue Devils will be back in their home pool hosting Bristol Central on Monday Oct. 7.

Cross Country

The Plainville (2-4) boys and girls cross country team had their meet against Southington last Thursday postponed. The Blue Devils will be back on the course on Tuesday at Hubbard Park in Meriden taking on Maloney and Middletown.

The Blue Devils will have a final regular season home meet at the Plainville Middle School course on Tuesday Oct. 8 going up against Lewis Mills. The team will then begin preparations for the CCC championship meet on Wednesday Oct. 16.

Emily Savage, left, scores a dig to keep a rally alive during a hard-fought loss against Old Lyme.

By KEN MORSE

CORRESPONDENT

Learning to compete does have its share of growing pains associated with the process. The Plainville volleyball team felt the sting of that reality last Friday in a heart wrenching, 3-2 loss to Old Lyme.

“I’m so proud of these girls. They left it all on the court,” said Plainville coach Bob Moffo. “Yes, we are disappointed not coming out of here with a win, but they have every reason to hold their heads high. They played their hearts out.”

The Blue Devils were pounding on the door twice, being at game point, and ended up on the short end both times. Old Lyme had enough left in its tank to escape with a win over a very determined Plainville team. The set scores were 25-13, 12-25, 26-24, 20-25, 17-15.

Volleyball is a game marked by ebbs and flows, and the Wildcats of Old Lyme had it going on in game one. The visitors pulled out to an 11-5 advantage and then just stepped on the throttle winning handily by a 25-13 margin.

After not being able to do anything right in game one the Blue Devils came back with a flurry and could do no wrong. Olivia Gajor stepped into serve and rattled off a run that built a quick, 8-1 lead.

Every time Plainville needed something to happen there was Gajor (28 service points, 15 assists, 10 dig saves and 9 aces) to get the job done. Katherine Tanguay (12 kills, 11 service points, 3 blocks) and Wiktoria Galazyn (12 kills, 7 service points) went to work in the front row.

The team focus was razor sharp as evidence of two consecutive balls played off the net from Gajor and Tanguay only to have Annie Roux come from the back row to send it back over the net.

The rather easy 25-12 win tied the match at one game each and it was on to game three where the match was essentially won or lost. Gajor again served up the lead putting the Blue Devils out in front, 8-3.

Margaret Cronkhite (10 digs) and Kaylie Hall (6 digs) were doing their part in the middle row, but Old Lyme got a run going and pulled ahead, 16-14. The marathon game continued with seven ties and five lead changes down the stretch.

The match was tied at 23-23 when Tanguay served up a ball that Gajor set up and Mackenzie Alvarado drove to the open floor for a kill and game point. Needing just one more successful return to close the deal, the next one sailed out of bounds.

Getting another crack at the Wildcats seized the opportunity and rattled off an ace and then a deflection that went out of bounds to escape with a 26-24 win and take a 2-1 edge heading into game four.

Coach Moffo kept going to the bench and each time the Blue Devils were making plays a crucial moments. With game four tied at 9-9, Vanessa Xiques came in to shore up the middle row. Alivia Bialko set up Lillian Wazorko with a cross court kill to forge an 11-10 advantage.

But the Wildcats were feeling it and were determined to put an end to this match and not force a game five winner take all. Old Lyme went back out in front 18-16 until Emily Savage made a dig save in the back row that set up Tanguay with the side out kill.

Makayla Caron (13 service points, 16 digs) took over serve and brought the Blue Devils to game point ripping off a seven point run. A return in the net gave Old Lyme the serve back only to have Tanguay set up Galazyn with the game winning kill.

In game five Samantha Barbagallo (14 digs) the libero defensive specialist was all that and then some coming up with 9 dig saves from the back row. Plainville held a slim 6-5 lead until the Wildcats went on a run trying to close it out.

The eight-point flurry survived two Plainville timeouts before Tanguay took an assist from Cronkhite and drove it to the open court for a side out. Old Lyme was at game point and it appeared over but someone forgot to tell the Blue Devils.

Tanguay took up serve and began tearing off point after point and before you knew it the Blue Devils were at game point holding a 15-14 lead. Plainville was called for a double hit and the serve went back to Old Lyme.

The Wildcats didn’t waste the opportunity as a pair of returns landed out of bounds and what looked like a stunning comeback turned into a tough loss for the Blue Devils.

“They are learning to compete, and this was a good test for us after facing three teams in row that are 5-1,” said Moffo. “Now we just need to learn how to finish. We were at game point twice and lost them both. It’s a lesson to be learned.”

Plainville is back at it on Tuesday hosting Middletown and will be on the road Wednesday against Rocky Hill and again on Friday at Enfield.

As the field of animal therapy continues to gain popularity as a form of healing, Plainville High School is just one of the many schools country-wide that integrates a therapy dog within the school community.

This past May, PHS said goodbye to Duke, the school’s second therapy dog, who accompanied physical education and health teacher Sarah Centore in several classrooms over the past three years.

Centore recently introduced Willow, a therapy dog-in-training, to the PHS community.

“Each of my therapy dogs has had a unique personality, but I’m excited to have Willow in the building because she’s very affectionate and loving,” Centore said in a press release. “She loves people and attention, and her youthful enthusiasm helps lift the spirits of students and staff members.”

Willow, a one-year old chocolate lab, was found wandering the streets in a local community, with no tags, collar, or microchip. She was available for adoption in June after no one claimed her, and has proven to be a very friendly, loveable, and energetic pup.

Therapy dogs are different from service animals—service animals are trained to perform tasks related to a person’s disability, while therapy dogs provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support to those they interact with.

In the past, the high school’s therapy dogs have been part of the Integrated Physical Education classes, teaching students about pet care responsibility, improving students’ social skills, and enhancing physical activity time. Many students over the years have benefited from the companionship of the therapy dogs, through one on one time with the dogs, or in group settings throughout the school year. The therapy dogs have also been particularly helpful for students in coping with stressful situations over the years.

“The addition of Willow at PHS is a benefit to our students, faculty, and community,” Plainville High School principal Carl Johnson said in the release. “It is one of the many things that makes PHS unique and a great place to learn and work.”

Volunteers load a tire that they found in the woods onto a trailer to be hauled away during a clean-up behind West Cemetery, near the Pequabuck River. The clean-up was organized by the Plainville Conservation Commission. Volunteers, from left, Jessie Salley, Darren Sepko, Sandy Talbot, and Katja Sepko.

Photos by JANELLE MORELLI

By TAYLOR MURCHISON-GALLAGHER

STAFF WRITER

This weekend, Plainville residents will conclude their celebration of the 150th anniversary of the town’s incorporation, with a guided tour of historical sites, held from 10a.m., to 4p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Ben Gediman, chair of the 150th committee, said the main goal of the tour is to give people information on each location since Plainville’s incorporation in 1869. Plainville Historic Center member Nancy Eberhardt said another goal is to help residents understand the significance of historical sites and their lasting impact on Plainville.

The tour takes about an hour and will stop at 20 locations, including the old railroad station, the Charles H. Norton House, Cooke’s Tavern (which is now known as J. Timothy’s), the Plainville Historic Campground, the Congregational Church, the Bristol Basin, and several others.

Plainville town historian Ruth Hummel described the town as “the crossroads of Connecticut,” while documenting the long history of travel means through the town. After separating from Farmington, Plainville’s “lack of good roads and efficient transportation” held development at bay until 1828 when the Farmington canal connected the “Great Plains” as far south as New Haven, and north into Massachusetts and eventually, Vermont.

Tours will begin and end at the Plainville Municipal Center parking lot at 1 Central Sq., where plenty of parking will be available. There will be two shuttle buses—a trolley that was donated by Dattco and a handicap-equipped by provided by the Plainville Senior Center. The trolley will depart at 10 a.m. for the first tour, and the shuttle will depart at 10:30 a.m. for the second tour. The final tour will depart from the municipal center at 3 p.m.

Upon arriving at the municipal center, attendees will be able to pick up a map and a brochure containing information on each location. Each tour will be led by a narrator, able to give further information than what has been included in the brochure.

Commemorative 150th anniversary t-shirts will be available for purchase on tour day. Shirts are now on sale for $12 each, or, two shirts for $20.

Residents and visitors are then encouraged to visit the Plainville Historical Society, 29 Pierce St., which will be open from 10a.m., to 3p.m.

To comment on this story or to contact staff writer Taylor Murchison-Gallagher, email her at TMurchison@PlainvilleObserver.com.

By MIKE CHAIKEN

EDITIONS EDITOR

Although the song itself is about a rough and tumble bruiser, there is a line in the Foreigner song, “Head Knocker,” that clearly sums up vintage rockers’ show at the Mohegan Sun Arena on Thursday, Oct. 3.

“Boy does he love to play,” the song goes.

And it’s clear that Foreigner certainly loves to play.

This was a special evening for the rockers, who emerged in 1977 from the ashes of several other venerable bands to release its eponymous debut.

Not only were the current members of the band that gave us “Urgent,” “Juke Box Hero,” “Double Vision,” “Cold As Ice,” “I Want to Know What Love Is,” and so on and so on take the stage, but several former members also joined in as well.

Original members, multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald and keyboardist Al Greenwood, as well as long-time bassist Rick Wills joined their old bandmate Mick Jones and the current members to bang out some of the group’s extensive catalog. Among the tidbits the early members played were the aforementioned “I Want to Know What Love Is.” They also played deep tracks such as “Long, Long Way from Home” and Blue Morning, Blue Day.”

(For the record, Foreigner is now Jones, Kelly Hansen, Jeff Pilson, Tom Gimbel, Mike Bluestein, Bruce Watson, and Chris Frazier.)

Unfortunately, longtime lead singer and Jones’ writing partner Lou Gramm was unable to attend the show as originally anticipated. He was struck ill the day before the Connecticut show.

The key for the evening was that everyone on stage looked as if they were having fun playing so many of the classic tracks that dotted the charts through the 1970s and1980s. The audience couldn’t help but be infected by the energy exuded by the band.

Seeing the older members take the stage was the biggest treat for longtime fans. And my ears told me the veterans seemed to be fitting right in with current members even if some years have intervened since they last regularly performed with Jones and Co.

Current lead singer Hansen was a true showman throughout the evening. He knows what is expected of him as the lead singer. He swung the microphone stand. He mugged for the audience. He monkeyed around with the other band members. And his voice fit nicely for songs like “Urgent” and “Hot Blooded,” and “Juke Box Hero.”

Jones also is a wonder, still offering up some stinging guitar licks and commanding the stage.

I also found it cool to hear the group, new members and older members, dust off some of Foreigner’s deep tracks such as “Long Long Way from Home” and “Head Knocker.” Those tracks were useful reminders that the group had talent beyond just hitting the top 10.

Foreigner’s Oct. 3 show was a great opportunity for fans to stir up some old memories and create new ones watching a band who clearly loves to play four decades into their career.

I give Foreigner 4 out of 5 stars.

PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN

By TAYLOR MURCHISON-GALLAGHER

STAFF WRITER

Jason Coppola, veterans service officer from the State Office of Advocacy and Assistance, addressed a room full of veterans on Thursday, Sept. 12, breaking down how to access their service-sworn benefits for defending the nation in times of war and crisis.

Plainville Senior Center director Shawn Cohen said the center worked for many years to have “a good social services delivery with veterans services” but found that it was difficult to find information and to ensure that the information was understandable and easy to follow.

That was, it was difficult until they forged a partnership with Coppola.

“From that point on we have been able to offer you an opportunity to meet with Jason, and have him work individually with you to get what you need,” said Cohen. “It’s really been phenomenal—the people that he’s helped.”

Coppola, and coworker Peter DiMaria, said their office can aid veterans and their families in understanding how to navigate the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“We love to come out and meet with veterans and their families and talk about benefits because we all know that when veterans, their widows or whoever is trying to get VA benefits, it can be a very daunting task,” said Coppola.

One of the many tasks handled by their office is enrolling people in VA healthcare. They also offer assistance in enrolling in service connected disability benefits, veteran wartime pensions, and how to fill out the paperwork involved in gaining access to these benefits.

Coppola meets with veterans on an individual basis each month at the senior center, to aid with veterans’ assistance, completing forms, applying for programs, eligibility, and many other topics. To schedule a meeting with him, please contact Coppola by calling, (203) 805-6340.

The Plainville Senior Center, 200 East St., offers veteran coffee hour events, open to all veterans and spouses over the age of 60, hosted by Wayne Rioux, a veterans’ liaison for Hartford HealthCare at Home. Discussions touch on topics like benefits, entitlements, and services; aid and attendance; service-connected disabilities; presumptive diseases; military burial and military honors, amongst others.

Attendees are asked to sign up by calling the senior center, (860) 747-5728.

Veteran coffee hours are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:30a.m. The remaining meetings of 2019 are Nov. 5, and Dec. 3.

To comment on this story or to contact staff writer Taylor Murchison-Gallagher, email her at TMurchison@PlainvilleObserver.com

John Bello is one of Plainville’s most famous grads. After leaving his mark on town and with the Blue Devils, Bello went on to become president of NFL Properties and the founder of South Beach Beverage Company (SoBE). He’ll be inducted into the Plainville Sports Hall of Fame on Oct. 5.

By KEVIN ROBERTS

STAFF WRITER

“If I can do it, so can you,” John Bello said. “But you have to do the work.”

Bello has worked hard and attained national success time and again, but the Plainville High Class of 1964 graduate has never forgotten where it all started.

Bello earned Eagle Scout status at the age of 12 in 1959. At the time, he was the youngest person ever to earn Eagle Scout.

At Plainville High, he played football alongside Hall of Famers John Mangan and Larry Amara. Bello was student council president and was inducted into the National Honor Society.

Long after he graduated, Bello remains a consistent behind the scenes supporter of sports and civic causes in Plainville. Bello has been willing to share the benefits of his success and experience, and he continues to be a genuine, caring and proud supporter of Plainville.

Bello established a Plainville scholarship in his parents’ names for high school graduates and has made it a point to attend the award ceremony to remind students to thank their parents, teachers and coaches for all of their support, love and attention. Bello has made personal donations, featured a local firefighter on energy drinks and entertained his former football coach, Charlie Palmer, and his entire family at Super Bowl XXIII in Miami.

Bello graduated from Tufts University, then went into the Navy. As a lieutenant, he volunteered for Vietnam and served supporting river boats in the dangerous Mekong Delta. He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V for meritorious service. In 1969, he married the former Nancy Nelson, whom he met at Tufts.

After the Navy, Bell earned his MBA and was an Edward Tuck Scholar at Dartmouth College. He worked at General Foods and PepsiCo in marketing roles, then joined NFL Properties, where he became president in 1986. During his 14 years, NFLP, the marketing and merchandising arm of the NFL, grew from $6 million in yearly revenue to over $3 billion in 1993.

In 1993, the Boy Scouts of America recognized Bello, but he used the night to recognize Frank Flanagan, his scoutmaster. Bello brought the entire Flanagan family to the event.

In 1995, Bello established the South Beach Beverage Company, better known as SoBE. Sales climbed to $275 million by the time the company was sold to PepsiCo. In 2001, Ernst and Young named Bello its national entrepreneur of the year in the consumer product category.

Bello supports Plainville through donations of NFL and SoBe merchandise, beverages, tickets, financial support and scholarships. He lives in Scottdale, Ariz., with his wife Nancy. They have three grown children; Lauren, Lindsay and John Michael. Bello is also a proud grandfather to four grandchildren.

Tickets are available for the Plainville Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet. It will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Nuchie’s Restaurant, 164 Central St., Forestville. This year’s inductees are Harold “Curly” Bartley (Class of 1962); John Mangan (Class of 1964); RoseMarie Havelevitch Dugas (Class of 1975); Jesse Cavallaro (Class of 2004); and coach Phil Mannarino. John Bello will be honored with the distinguished service award.

Tickets are $50 per person or $450 for a table of 10 and are available at the Dental Offices of Dr. Rusty Camp, 359 Farmington Ave.; Angelo’s Modern Barber Shop, 61 East St.; People’s United Bank, 117 East St.; and Gnazzo Food Center, 73 East St. Tickets can also be purchased via PayPal or Venno.

A cash bar social hour opens the festivities at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., followed immediately by the awards.

To sponsor the event or to advertise, contact Mike Bakaysa at (860) 573-8015 or Byron Treado at (860) 836-3377. More info about the hall of fame can be found at www.plainvillesports.com.

To comment on this story or to contact staff writer Kevin Roberts, email him at KRoberts@SouthingtonObserver.com

Judy (Page) Tucker, 79, of Plainville, widow of Norman Tucker, passed away following a brief illness on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Bristol Hospital.

Born in Ashland, Maine on May 30, 1940, she was the last surviving of three children to the late Sherman and Ada (Graham) Page.  She and Norman shared over 30 years of marriage, and settled in Plainville where they raised their daughter and two sons.  A true caretaker from a young age, Judy was a loving mother who created priceless memories of feast-filled holidays, endless whoopee pies, Sunday ski trips, and car rides with no official destination for her children and grandchildren to enjoy and reflect upon.  She stayed close to her northern Maine roots, making frequent trips back and spending summers with extended family in her hometown.  After her children grew, she became a caretaker and companion to area residents both young and elderly, continued her love for road trips, and enjoyed the peace and serenity of watching the hummingbirds in her yard.  She was a special woman with a heart of gold who will be deeply missed, leaving many cherished memories.

She is survived by her daughter, Norma (Pinky) Carlson; her sons, Dale Tucker and Kevin Tucker and his girlfriend, Karen Hedman-Ouellette and was the proud and loving Grammy to Emily, Dale, Cole and Skylar.  She also leaves her only surviving Uncle, Calvin Graham, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends, including the Larsons, who were her second family; along with her four-legged companions, her dogs, Sheba and Teddy.  She was predeceased by her brother, Richard and sister, Ella (Sissy).

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held and announced at a later date.  Plainville Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PLAINVILLEFUNERALHOME.com

Jeannette M. Vallee, 99, wife of the late Ovide Vallee, of Plainville, passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at Southington Care Center. Jeannette was born in St. Ludger, Quebec, Canada on March 5, 1920 and was a daughter of the late Joseph and Marie (Lessard) LaChance.

Jeannette was a parishioner of St. Ann Church, Bristol before she moved to Plainville in 2002 and then became a parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Church, Plainville. Jeannette married Ovide in 1940 and was happily married for 47 years until he passed away in 1987. She worked at Rowley Spring in Bristol until her late seventies and was a self-taught artist and enjoyed all arts and crafts.

Jeannette is survived by her four sons: Andre of Arizona, Jean of Plainville, Maurice of Southington, Yves-Jean of Plantsville; her daughter: Diane Merrill and her husband Steve of Arizona; her brother: Dennis LaChance and his wife Louise of Canada; her three sisters: Emile Grenier and her husband Jean Marie, Candide Beaudoin, Francoise LaChance, all of Canada; her eight grandchildren; her seven great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, Jeannette is predeceased by her brothers: Armand, Reginald, Evaris; her five sisters: Gabrielle, Marriette, Simone, Irene, Bertha; and her grandson: Jason Scott Vallee.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 7, 2019, at St. Ann Church, 215 West St., Bristol at 10 AM. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Southington Care Center, 45 Meriden Ave, Southington, CT 06489.

Please visit Jeannette’s memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com

Students gather around an experiment during a summer school STEM program.

As part of the Plainville Community Schools summer school program, a group of middle school students in Karen Troiano’s class participated in a variety of team building exercises through a variety of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related activities.

Using teamwork and collaboration, the students were tasked with building bridges out of marshmallows and toothpicks, creating games from a variety of unusual items, and building boats from straws and duct tape.

In addition, they conducted several scientific experiments using candy and other materials, and created mazes with marbles to be shared with district elementary school students.

The students also made “rock candy.” In doing so, they made predictions of what the candy solution would look like on multiple days and used their math skills to determine how much of the solution they would need to make enough for each student.