Weekly roundup includes chamber dinner on Oct. 26, new author from Bristol publishes a children’s book

Posted By: David Fortier October 18, 2023

133rd annual chamber dinner set at new Bristol Event Center

Tickets are still available for the 133rd Annual Dinner of the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce at the new Bristol Event Center, later this month. Tickets are $85 per person and be purchased by noon on Thursday, Oct. 19.

The event will be held on Oct. 26, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Among the honorees is Special Recognition Award to Jaime Rechenberg and Larry Covino for helping get BristolWORKS!, the region’s workforce development center, off the ground. Community Business Award recipient from Bristol is Computer Development Systems.

Cindy Bombard, former Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce president and CEO, who will receive the E. Bartlett Barnes Distinguisedh Service Award.

The Annual Dinner features a silent auction, music by the Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra, dinner, cocktails and networking. Seats can be reserved, before noon on Oct. 19, by visiting “Chamber Events” at centralctchamgers.org of by calling (860)584-4718.

Bristol author publishes children’s book

Bristol’s Geena Russo has published, “Sydney’s Adventure in New Mexico,” a children’s book for ages 3 to 6 years, featuring 2-year-old adopted pup Sydney and her loving moms, Mommy and Mama.

The release announcing Russo’s debut book says, “This heartwarming story not only entertains but also promotes diversity and inclusivity through the portrayal of Sydney’s two moms. It encourages children to embrace different family structures and the beauty of love and acceptance.

The book is available in paperback or hardcover from Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Bookshop.org and well as other online retailers.

Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation to hold trivia night

Trivia buffs and newbies are welcome at the 2nd annual Trivia Night at the Elks Lodge presented by Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation. The event will be held at the Elks Lodge on Main Street in Southington on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 6:30 p.m.

The night includes raffle prizes, light fare, cash bar and trivia questions. Teams up to four are encouraged to register in advance. A special prize has been donated by Bikers Edge! 

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Hosted by Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation and WhatTrivia.

Dedication ceremony for ‘Traveling Wall Memorial’ display Oct. 28

A new exhibit of memorial and votive items left at the Traveling Wall/Wall that Heals during the time it was installed along Memorial Boulevard will be dedicated on Saturday, Oct. 28 at the Bristol Public Library.

The permanent display honors members of the Bristol community who served in the Vietnam War.

At the same time, there will be a presentation ceremony honoring Vietnam veteran and former Bristol Mayor Arthur “Art” Ward in recognition of his efforts to bring the Traveling Wall to Bristol.

Quinoco sponsors ‘Ugliest Boiler’ contest

Quinoco Energy Services, a 145-year-old business in Bristol and one of the oldest family-owned and -operated energy companies in the state, today announced the launch of the company’s “Ugliest Boiler” Contest.

The fuel-neutral contest, which is open to home heating oil, natural gas and Propane consumers in Quinoco’s service area, runs through Oct. 31. First place finisher will receive a new high efficiency boiler or furnace. Secon place, $1,000 off the installation of a new boiler or furnace. Third place $750 off the installation of a new boiler or furnace.

To enter, homeowners, who need not be Quinoco Energy Services customers, must submit a photo of their existing boiler, along with a completed entry form. Entries may be submitted online at quinoco.com/uglyboiler.

Throughout the contest, select entries will be posted to Quinoco’s Facebook and Instagram account so that entrants can get a sneak peek at their competition. The winner will be announced the week of Nov, 6.

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program accepting applications

The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is now accepting applications through May 31, 2024. CEAP helps Connecticut residents afford to heat their homes. Applications for CEAP typically take 30-45 minutes. Basic benefits towards heating bills range between $180 and $530. Benefits are usually paid directly to the utility company or fuel supplier. Households that heat with deliverable fuels like oil or propane may be eligible for additional free tank fills.

Connecticut residents that meet the following may be eligible: already receive food stamps (SNAP), SSI, TANF or other benefits from the Department of Social Services and have an annual household income falls at or below 60 percent of the state’s median income.

In Bristol, CEAP applications are available at HRA, 55 South St., (860) 356-2000. Email: energyapp@hranbct.org.

Fall leaf bag collection runs through Dec. 1

Fall Leaf Bag Collection will run through Friday, Dec. 1., Public Works announced earlier this week.

The release asks residents to bring leaf bags curbside as soon as they are filled and to leave them curbside until collected. Leaf bag collection is available to all city residences eligible for curbside rubbish and recycling services.

Leaves are only collected in brown, recyclable, paper leaf bags that are available at most home and garden stores. There is no maximum limit to leaf bag collection at a residence.

Leaf bags containing dirt, sand, rocks, sod, or materials other than leaves will not be collected.

Leaf bags must be placed curbside and not within the residence’s property for proper collection. Loose leaf piles will not be collected.

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