Energy forum to be held this evening at the Bristol Public Library
State Rep. Mary Fortier will be hosting an Energy Forum at the Bristol Public Library this evening, Wednesday, April 5, at 6 p.m. Among the topics to be discussed are how energy rates are determined and energy assistance programs.
Panelists include representatives from Operation Fuel, HRA of New Britain and the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.
Bristol Parks System to pilot program to encourage the growth of natural habitats
The Board of Park Commissioners in conjunction with the Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services Department (BPRYCS) will be piloting a program that reduces the amount of times different sections of Page Park are mowed in a year to encourage native habitat restoration.
The national ‘Low Mow” program has been adopted by municipalities and campuses including New Milford, Conn., Greenbay, Wisc., and Iowa State University. Its ecological benefits include enhanced habitat for native species of plants and animals, improved hydrology, and the reduction of carbon emissions linked to mowing.
Areas identified as part of the Low Mow pilot program at Page Park include the Moody Street entrance, the sledding hill adjacent to Page Pool, the Woodland Street bank, and areas of the old Orchard.
“Not only does the program have a number of ecological benefits,” said Robert Fiorito, vice-chair of the Board of Park Commissioners in a press release announcing the program, “but it also creates cost savings and efficiencies for BPRYCS, allowing the department to focus on more active recreational areas.”
The designated 3.6 acres will be mowed once a year in late fall. Throughout the growing season, borders and trails will continued to be mowed to encourage park visitors to interact with the restored habitat. Signs will be installed near the Low Mow areas to inform the public on this initiative.
For more information, please visit www.BristolRec.com
Bristol chef wins 2 Connecticut culinary awards
Bristol’s Mike Rock, the former owner and chef of the Stir the Pot restaurant in East Windsor, was awarded the Connecticut Assisted Living Association’s (CALA) Chef Challenge Meat and People’s Choice awards, beating out chefs from other senior living communities throughout the state, at the March 23 competition.
His winning dish, Pistachio Crusted Lamp Chop with Mint Chimichurri, Robuchon Potatoes and Roasted Root Vegetables combined international flavors with classic French techniques, according to a press release by Rock’s current employer, The Village at Kensington Place. The culinary awards are specific to the senior living industry.
This is Rock’s second time winning the CALA Chef Challenge award. In 2017, he won first place in the Chef Challenge for chicken while working at Kensington’s Place sister community, The Village at Buckland Court in South Windsor.
Wheeler officers COVID-19 boosters at Plainville Clinic on April 10
Wheeler Family Health & Wellness Centers is offering a free COVID-19 booster shot clinic at the Plainville Senior Center through Wheeler’s Mobile Family Health & Wellness Center, 200 East St., Plainville, on April 10, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. No appointment or referral is needed, and insurance cards and IDs are recommended.
Boosters for children as well as adults will be provided.
RTC Lincoln Dinner set April 14
The Bristol Republican Town Committee will hold its 2023 Lincoln Day Dinner on April 14, at the Double Tree By Hilton Banquet Facility.
With the theme, “Building A Better Future,” the evening features Mayor Erin Stewart of New Britain and State Senator Ryan Fazio of the 36th District. Bristol Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano is master of ceremonies.
Tickets are $65 a person and are available on the RTC Facebook page. Click here.
Monthly fundraiser supports American Legion Boys State program
The monthly American Legion Breakfast will be held Saturday, April 15, from 8 to 11 a.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Hall, 355 Camp St. Donation $8, all proceeds go to The American Legion Boys State Program.
Breakfast includes two eggs, bacon or sausage with melted American cheese on a hard roll or pancakes plain or chocolate chips, including coffee and a variety of juices.
2023 Dinner on the Diamond’ tickets on sale
Tickets for the “Second Annual Dinner on the Diamond,” benefiting the Friends of Bristol Parks and Recreation Fund, are now on sale.
The date for the fundraiser is Saturday, May 13, from 5 to 8 p.m. The event includes dinner and entertainment directly on the infield at historic Muzzy Field. The celebration not only kicks off summer in style but celebrates Bristol’s local parks and recognizes community partners.
The Friends of Bristol Parks and Recreation Fund is administered through the Main Street Community Foundation. For information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Exchange Club to hold ‘Honoring Heroes’ program in June
The Greater Bristol Exchange Club will be honoring the late police officers Lt. Dustin DeMonte and Sgt. Alex Hamzy, along with Officer Alec Iurato as this year’s “Police Officers of the Year” at its “Honoring Heroes” program at the Aqua Turf Grand Ball Room on June 29.
DeMonte and Hamzy were struck down in the line of duty in an Oct. 12 shooting. Iurato, who was injured in the same incident, is credited for stopping the shooter.
Proceeds from the event will go to the “Fund the First,” a fund which was set up in honor of our deceased officers, and to assist their families.
Tickets are available online at Honoring Heroes Tickets. For sponsorships, go to Sponsorships.
For information, contact Exchange Club program director, Jack Ferraro at TheBristolExchangeClub@gmail.com.
Bristol Hospital bed capacity
As of April 4, 61.3 percent or on average 82.1 of 134 adult staffed hospital beds, the same as the previous week, were occupied at Bristol Hospital, according to the State of Connecticut’s Data and Analytics division.
During the same week, the number of occupied staffed ICU beds remained at 64 percent or 9 of 14 from the previous reporting period.
Latest COVID-19 stats
Bristol’s COVID-19 positivity rate is 3.6 percent up from 2.9 percent the previous week, with nine positive cases up from eight positive cases the previous week, leaving Bristol in the high category with more than 15 cases per 100,000 people. Hartford County is in the low category again this week.
The CDC recommends that people at high risk for severe illness, talk to their healthcare provider about whether to need to wear a mask and take other precautions. In addition, the CDC reminds people to take the following measures:
- Wear a mask indoors in public and on public transportation.
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
- Get tested if you have symptoms.
- If you are at high risk for severe illness, consider taking additional precautions.
All TBE readers, supporters and donors
The Bristol Edition will be limiting the number of stories non-members and free readers may access each week. This decision is based on our financial projections and, most certainly, to remind people that TBE is serious about providing accurate, timely and thorough reporting for Bristol. To do this we have devised a financial support structure that makes unlimited access extremely affordable, beginning with a $6 monthly donation.
- Non-members will be able to access four (4) articles per week.
- Free readers and people who have subscribed by email will be able to access four (4) articles per week.
- Donors and financial supporters will have unlimited access as long as they log in.
Note: Donors may have to contact TBE if they find they are being limited, since we will need to set up a membership account for you. Email editor@bristoledition.org for instructions. Sorry for any inconvenience. People with financial difficulties may write editor@bristoledition.org to be considered for free access.