The Home Depot donates 500 smoke detectors

NORTHWEST CORNER - As a result of a gift from The Home Depot, 500 free smoke detectors are available to area residents, Fire Marshal Bill Baldwin said.
"It’s important," Baldwin said, about having a smoke detector in the home. "A lot of people don’t have them."
To obtain a free smoke detector, residents in Barkhamsted, Goshen, Harwinton and New Hartford must contact their first selectman’s office, Baldwin said.
Residents in Winsted who wish to obtain a detector must contact the fire marshal’s office, Baldwin said.
Anyone with questions may contact Bill Baldwin at 860-601-8940.

Local dressbarns offer Eco-Relief

TORRINGTON - A new initiative, prompted by dressbarn inc., has local women making fashion statements as well as helping the environment, all while shopping at the local retail stores in the Torrington area.
"Bring Your Own Bag," a new intiative by dressbarn and maurices stores, has just been announced where sytlish, reusable bags are now available for customers to purchase at the company's retail store locations. In an added effort, $1 from the sale of each bag will be donated to the Arbor Day Foundation to plant one tree in America's national forests.
"With this initiative, we can plant more trees in our nation's forests while helping the environment and enhancing the beauty of nature," said Vivian Behrens, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for dressbarn inc.

Torrington High School student receives Best Buy scholarship

A Best Buy scholarship has been awarded to Alexander Welford, a member of the class of 2008 at Torrington High School. Alexander is the son of Vilma Mathiesen and Stephen Welford. He plans to attend the University of Hartford this fall.

The scholarship is part of Best Buy's commitment to provide opportunities for teens to succeed, which has included $2.75 million in scholarships nationwide. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, community involvement and work experience. They must be entering an accredited university, college or technical school in the fall.

Anthem warns Rell not to sign bill

HARTFORD (AP) — Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield says it’s poised to raise health insurance rates for state employees because of a bill that opens the program up to nonprofit agencies, municipalities and some small businesses.
Anthem says its rates will increase 4 percent as of July 1 — a $24 million cost for the state. Rates already negotiated for 2009 and 2010 also would change, says Anthem President David Fusco.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell says the bill has not yet reached her desk, andshe’s concerned about the budget implications.
Proponents say the legislation will provide financial relief to cities and towns, and ultimately help local taxpayers.
Anthem and ConnectiCare, another insurer that covers state employees, are urging Rell to veto the bill.

Charlotte Hungerford honors Nurse of the Year

The Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington honored Brenda Sherman as the Hospital’s 2008 Nurse of the Year, in an awards breakfast held May 7.
Sherman has worked at the hospital for more than 30 years and won the award from a field of about 25 candidates.
She works in the Behavioral Health Department with patients dealing with mental health and drug abuse issues.

Bob's "Have a heart day" to help animals

Bob's Discount Furniture is joining with humane societies, animal shelters and rescue centers on "Have A Heart Day" Saturday, May 17, 2008, in an effort to encourage donations of pet bedding, treats, new or gently used toys and new transportation crates for needy dogs and cats. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"This is one of our most favorite family events each year as kids and parents join us to help our furry friends. All of our Bob's Discount Furniture locations will be accepting pet donations. We'll also be helping to find some loving homes for some of these orphan kittens and puppies," said Cathy Poulin, public relations director, who can be seen with Bob in television commercials.

"I look forward to personally greeting all of the families visiting the Bob's Discount Furniture located at 15 Industrial Park Road in Niantic, Connecticut."

There will be a variety of entertainment features, food and prize giveaways at all locations.

"Making a donation, individuals 18 years and older will be able to register for the eight-day Royal Caribbean Cruise Grand Prize valued at over $3,500. These loving puppies and kittens really become part of the family very quickly. So, I look forward to all families helping us in our effort on this special day," added Poulin.

The following Bob's Discount Furniture locations will host the following organizations: Bridgeport, CT - Pups Without Partners; Brookfield, CT - Pups Without Partners/Greyhound Rescue and Rehabilitation; Manchester, CT - Bandits Place/We Adopt Greyhounds; Stamford, CT - Connecticut Humane Society/Greyhound Rescue and Rehabilitation; Newington, CT - Connecticut Humane Society; Southington, CT- Pups Without Partners.

Board recognizes realtor of the year, scholarship recipient

Photos by MIC NICOSIA/Register Citizen
Ted Murphy of EJ Murphy Realty, rear, was recognized as the 2008 Realtor of the Year during the annual Litchfield County Board of Realtors’ awards dinner Monday at the Cornucopia in Torrington. Joining Murphy are his fellow nominees, from left, Joanne Donne of The Washington Agency, Andrea Becker-Abbott of Fair Choice Realty, Linda Hull of Coldwell Banker Realty 2000 and Dan Grammatica of Realty Executives Results.

Joined by her mom Heidi Kearns of EJ Murphy Realty, Stephanie Kearns was presented with $2,640 in scholarship money during the Litchfield County Board of Realtors’ annual awards dinner Monday night at the Cornucopia in Torrington. Stephanie will graduate this spring as valedictorian of her class at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village. She will attend Merrimack College in North Adams, Mass., this fall, where she intends to pursue a degree in civil engineering. Purchase glossy prints of these photos and more at www.registercitizen.com

Southington store featured on HGTV

Apple Valley Woodworks, based in Southington, was recently selected for an HGTV segment. Apple Valley Woodworks offers unique kitchens through its Connecticut kitchen dealers, as well as across the country.

Apple Valley Woodworks recently exhibited at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Chicago, Illinois. During the trade show, HGTV hosts Monica Pedersen and Eric Stromer toured the show and selected Apple Valley Woodworks to be one of the feature segments, focusing on the most innovative, and “green” kitchen and bath products available today.

“We are pleased to draw attention not only to our bamboo cabinetry options, but to reinforce that many of our innovative Kitchen Dealers are based right here in Connecticut.” said Lou Lestorti, Apple Valley Woodworks’ President.

Apple Valley Woodworks bamboo kitchen display will be featured on HGTV’s “Kitchens and Baths 2008,” airing through May 2008.

“Caramelized Bamboo exudes a rich beauty in its aesthetic appeal. What’s more, it’s an excellent choice for those who seek a unique material with renewable characteristics,” said Stephanie M. Martin, CKD, Apple Valley director of design.

Bamboo is actually a grass and not a wood, and is one of the fastest growing and most environmentally friendly plants in the world, growing to maturity in just a few short years. Hardwood can take as long as 50 years to mature, compared to Bamboo’s 5 or 6. This means that Bamboo is significantly more quickly and easily renewable. Dealers for Apple Valley Woodworking products are available in Waterbury and Monroe.
For more information contact Stephanie Martin at 860-620-9330.

Otis elevator chief elevated at UTC

HARTFORD (AP) — The president of United Technologies Corp.’s elevator subsidiary, Otis, has been named president of the parent company’s commercial businesses.
Ari Bousbib will oversee Otis, Carrier heating and ventilating, UTC Fire and Security and UTC Power, which produces fuel cells. Bousbib, 47, also will oversee United Technologies international operations, which has offices in Beijing, Brussels, Moscow, Seoul and Singapore.
Didier Michaud, 50, president of Otis’ British and central Europe operations, will take over as head of the elevator manufacturer.
United Technologies companies also include jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney and aerospace manufacturer Hamilton Sundstrand.
The leadership changes were announced nearly five weeks after Louis Chenevert was elected UTC’s chief executive officer.

Women's forum to include familiar CT faces

TORRINGTON – The 2008 WOW! Women of the World Forum returns to Torrington this fall with a slate of prominent Connecticut women to compliment the forum’s theme, “Celebrating Connecticut Women.” This popular, full-day professional development opportunity for women will be held on Friday, September 26, 2008, at The Warner Theatre and its new Carole & Ray Neag Performing Arts Center.

Well-known radio and television personality, Diane Smith, will serve as the event’s keynote speaker. Smith is a popular co-host of the top rated Morning Show on WTIC-AM News Talk 1080 with Ray Dunaway. An Emmy award-winning TV journalist, Diane Smith produces programs for Connecticut Public TV, based on her popular series “Positively Connecticut”. She has published a book by the same name. For more than sixteen years Diane was a news anchor and reporter at WTNH TV in New Haven. She was awarded the Connecticut Tourism Industry's Media Award for "showing Connecticut to the rest of the world in a positive light."

The forum will also feature a morning address by Dr. Joyce Saltman, Ed.D., a Professor of Special Education, a therapist with a private practice and a dynamic speaker. Her innovative teaching style has led to the development of a graduate course on “The Enhancement of Learning Through Humor.” In her previous life, Joyce appeared as a stand-up comic for dozens of organizations and clubs including Dangerfield’s and Good Times in New York City.

Janet Peckinpaugh will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the day. As a 30-year veteran of television and radio news, Janet Peckinpaugh has been a well-known journalist in Connecticut for many years. Janet was most recently news anchor for WVIT television and has also reported and anchored for the ABC and CBS affiliates in Connecticut. Now retired from television news, she operates Peckinpaugh Digital Media, a full-service multimedia company. Janet is currently producing a pilot television program called 180 Degrees with Janet Peckinpaugh.

Another highlight of the fourth annual WOW! Forum will be a leadership panel featuring Hon. Anne C. Dranginis (ret.), Principal, Rome McGuigan P.C., Ellen Griesedieck, artist and president, American Mural Project, Patricia Mayfield, Commissioner of Labor, State of Connecticut and Sara Laschever, author of ‘Women Don’t Ask’ and ‘Ask For It’. This group will discuss their path to the top of their professions.

The event includes a continental breakfast, lunch at Bogey’s Restaurant at the Yankee Pedlar Inn, breakout seminars, closing reception and an expanded WOW! Bookstore & Boutique. Ticket prices are $99 through July 15, 2008, and $125 thereafter. More details are available online at www.wowforum.org. The WOW! Forum is a program of the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce. Please call the Chamber of Commerce at 860-482-6586 for more information.

Doc's reopened at Kent Village Barn Shops

KENT – Doc’s Trattoria and Pizzeria is opened a new restaurant on April 24, that offers outdoor and fireside dining, two private dining rooms, a full bar, take-out window and the same signature southern Italian food that attracted a loyal following at its former location on Lake Waramaug.

Located in the Kent Village Barn Shops just off Main Street, the spacious new restaurant is housed in an 1840s Federal-style building with an awning-covered terrace that overlooks a courtyard and massive maple tree that dates back to the 1700s. The trattoria offers 80 seats inside and 30 seats on the patio and will be open daily for both lunch and dinner.

With owner/executive chef Roberto Pizzo and head chef Edinson Ruilova remaining at the helm, the restaurant will serve the same Italian fare for which it has become known. Dishes like Zuppa di Pesce and Penne Vessuviana place an emphasis on fresh seafood, vegetables and pastas. The restaurant also offers some northern Italian dishes such as Chicken Milanese and Bolognese, as well as weekly specials that change with the seasons. A new addition will be a dedicated lunch menu, featuring lighter options and smaller portions.

Doc’s will also continue to offer its thin-crust pizza with an assortment of unusual toppings, but the pizzas will now be fired in a brick oven. Rounding out the menu are luscious homemade desserts and a full-service bar with an extensive selection of wine.

With exposed brick and taupe-colored walls, hardwood floors, and French doors and large windows to let in light, the newly renovated interior features a fireplace, curved mahogany bar topped with black granite and a dedicated espresso bar. Two different rooms can be rented for private parties: one accommodates up to 15 people; the other up to 40.

White butcher paper-covered tables and black linen napkins make the restaurant comfortable for families, as well as upscale patrons. Doc’s, which opened in a tiny clapboard building in New Preston, was acquired by Roberto and Paulette Pizzo in 1999. With only 11 tables, the intimate restaurant was beloved by locals and luminaries alike. Joan Rivers, Conan O’Brien, Milos Forman and Arthur Miller were among those who dined there. That location served its last meal on April 13.

Located at 9 Maple Street with parking available in the Kent Village Barn Shops lots off Old Barn Road, Doc’s will be open seven days a week: Monday through Thursday from noon until the last seating at 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from noon until the last seating at 9:30 p.m.; Sunday from 12:30 to 8:30 p.m. For reservations and information, call (860) 927-3810. For more details, visit www.kentvillagebarns.com

Dept. of Consumer Protection plans shredding events

HARTFORD, May 6 – Although the skies continually threatened rain, hundreds of state residents turned out on Friday in Meriden and on Saturday at six locations statewide, with their boxes, bundles and bags of personal documents to be shredded at a free event sponsored by the Department of Consumer protection and Shred-it..

“More than nine tons of paper containing personal information was destroyed at this event, saving hundreds of individuals from the potential headache and heartache of finding themselves victim to identity thieves,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr. said today. “Visitors to the shredding sites were amazed at how quickly and easily years’ worth of paper was safely shredded, and most commented on their relief that the burden had been lifted.”

Farrell said the shredded paper (91 trees worth) will be recycled into paper towels, so natural resources are preserved.

“Overall, the experience was so positive that we intend to collaborate with Shred-It on another widespread shredding event on Saturday, September 13th, to provide this service to anyone who may have missed us this time around,” Farrell said. “Exact locations will be posted in the next few weeks on our website at www.ct.gov/dcp.”

NCCC gets grants to introduce health care careers

WINSTED — As a result of a State Department of Higher Education’s Health and Education Initiative, Northwestern Connecticut Community College is one of three Connecticut Community Colleges that has been awarded a grant, funded through the Connecticut Office of Workforce Competitiveness to support a new program this summer. Health Careers: Explorations and Preparation Workshop will introduce students to various health care career opportunities, enhance academic skills and provide a health occupation shadowing experience, according to a statement released from the college. This program is targeted for current high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who are interested in health care fields.
The program, which is free of charge, will run from July 7 to July 31 on Mondays thru Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Classes will not he held on Fridays.
Some of the activities students will experience during this 4-week workshop include, Metrics in Medicine, Medical Terminology/Body Systems, Mathematics in measuring body mass, Cultural Diversity Issues in Health Care, Interpersonal & Professional Communication Skills and Dosage calculations; mathematics in documentation. Those who successfully complete the workshop will have completed HLT 103 – Investigation in Health Careers and will earn three college credits.
High School students, who are interested in attending this selective Northwestern Connecticut Community College Health Careers Summer Program, should download an application from the college’s Web site at www.nwcc.commnet.edu. The deadline for submitting applications is May 16.
For more information on Health Careers: Explorations and Preparation Workshop, contact Barbara Berger at 738-6308 or bberger@nwcc.commnet.edu.

Children's Bins sold at Lowes recalled for lead

HARTFORD – Department of Consumer Protection Product Safety Inspectors are conducting recall effectiveness checks in response to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s voluntary recall of Children’s Storage Bins, due to excessive levels of lead. This product was manufactured in Taiwan by Magus Industry Co. Ltd., and imported by L G Sourcing, Inc., of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. The Children’s Storage Bins were sold nationwide at Lowe’s retail outlets for approximately $6.00, from March 2007 through February 2008. The pastel green or pink bins are wood with scalloped edges. No other colors are involved in this recall. The recalled Item Numbers are as follows: #226782 (pastel green) or #226781 (pink). The Item Numbers are located on the bottom of the storage bin. Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr., recommends consumers check their children’s belongings for this product and if found, immediately remove from their possession and return the storage bin to any Lowe’s store for a full refund. Although no injuries/incidents have been reported, the potential for lead exposure is high. For additional information, please contact L G Sourcing any time, toll free (866) 493-6563 or visit website at http://www.lowes.com/.

Otters opens new outdoor dining area

By KAITLIN McCALLUM
TORRINGTON — Just in time for warm weather, the first rooftop dining patio has opened up in Torrington.
Mayor Ryan Bingham cut the ribbon on the 1,600 square-foot patio on Otters Pub at 131 Water St. Thursday, joined by Otters co-owners Scott Kleczkowski and Bonnie McLoud, their eight-month-old daughter, Emma, and the building’s owner, Dave Kleczkowski.
“We do a ton of nighttime business and we really want to expand to more lunchtime and happy hour,” Scott Kleczkowski said.
The patio, which is enclosed with an intricate steel fence, is scattered with umbrella tables and lounge furniture.
He hopes the open-air patio will encourage people to come in and try out the pub’s new and expanded menu. The menu features “otterizers” which include fried pickles and home-made spinach and artichoke dip, flatbread sandwiches, homemade dressings and hamburgers.
The atmosphere is relaxed, Kleczkowski said, with a little bit of everybody coming in to have a good time.
The patio was designed by New Concepts in Winsted with custom floors and fences.
“This is the first rooftop dining in the downtown area,” the mayor said, admiring the space. “It’s incredible, a huge boost for downtown.”
With the birth of their daughter, and construction underway on the patio, the past year has been very busy for the couple.
“If you could name something that could have gone wrong, it did,” Kleczkowski said.
The process took a year and a half because of weather and construction delays, he said.
But with the construction behind them and a beautiful new rooftop space now open for business, McLoud said they are excited to have it done.
“Two years ago, it was in our thoughts and then it was in the process. It’s nice to have it finally done,” she said.
Otter Pub is open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. weekdays and until 2 a.m. on weekends.
Kaitlin McCallum is available by email at kmccallum@registercitizen.com.