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Program grabs kids’ interest with bikes
NEW BRITAIN -- From the outside, Recycle Bicycle Shop looks like an ordinary bike shop with wheels dangling from the ceiling and bike frames stacked neatly on the racks, but step inside and you’ll discover much more
NEW BRITAIN -- Webster's Dictionary defines influence as "the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways." But three of New Britain's influential black powerhouses share varying views on what influence really means.
New exhibit highlights history
NEW BRITAIN -- The fabric of New Britain is woven with the rich history of its diverse population, in landmarks like Trinity-on-Main, and in places such as the New Britain Youth museum, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
Endurance test selects new female firefighters
NEW BRITAIN -- The YWCA is helping women interested in becoming firefighters make their dreams a reality.
Giving comes early at Salvation Army
NEW BRITAIN -- Salvation Army volunteer Hiram Luciano waits patiently in the doorway of the Army Chapel for a number to be called. He hears the number, "61" and he darts inside the sanctuary to pick up the corresponding black bag where hundreds of similar bags rest against the walls, sit in the pews and line the altar.
A nonreligious holiday, Kwanzaa reaffirms seven African cultural values
NEW BRITAIN --Most people who celebrate Kwanzaa want you to know that it’s not a "Black Christmas," nor a substitute for the holiday. It’s a holiday that is rooted in strong values and messages.
In its time of need, HITW received a guardian angel
NEW BRITAIN -- To Hole in the Wall Theater, Jacek Smigelski is not your typical landlord. He has volunteered his time in helping clear away debris and knock down walls; identified outside grant-funding opportunities; and is dedicated to helping the city theater group win community support.
NEW BRITAIN -- As one of the first black men in American history to help integrate the Marine Corps, Howard Hunter believes the struggle for black men continues to be an uphill battle.
Moms find creative solutions to work, parenting
NEW BRITAIN-For many working mothers, the challenge of balancing home and career seems overwhelming, but for YWCA Co-Directors Robin Sharp and Leslie L. Eza, thinking outside of the box has afforded them opportunities that other working mothers may only see in their dreams.
New Britain family gives face to MS
NEW BRITAIN -- A New Britain family has opened their lives up to a national audience to help raise awareness about multiple sclerosis. In an effort to develop a new method for raising awareness and compelling others to join the fight against MS, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has encouraged local chapters to develop creative methods of inspiration.
Reverend inspires young members
NEW BRITAIN -- For some people, carrying the legacy of 104 years on your back may seem like a heavy burden to bear, but for 42-year-oldRev. Charles Tillet Jr., presiding over a congregation of 600 members and standing at the helm of the oldest church in New Britain is more than destiny -- it was his calling.
Former spy-catcher joins NB Fire Commission
NEW BRITAIN -- Pick a number between five and 10 and look deep into the eyes of former U.S. counterintelligence agent Dr. Archie Savage. Avoid a quick blink of your eye and that twitch in your cheek, or else he’ll guess your number every time.
Center offers solace, assistance for sufferers of sickle cell disease
NEW BRITAIN -- Less than one week ago, 35-year-old Shauntel Brown was comatose as a result of her sickle cell anemia. Monday night, she was sharing her experiences with others who understood what she had been through.
Soldiers welcomed home in New Britain
NEW BRITAIN -- A formal welcome home ceremony for more than 70 soldiers from the 141st Medical Company of New Britain who were mobilized and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom was held Saturday at the New Britain Armory.
City man puts disability to good use
NEW BRITAIN -- Staying awake throughout the day may be an easy task for some, but for New Britain resident Stacy Hall, having narcolepsy has been a blessing in disguise.
NEW BRITAIN -- For some residents of the Latino community, the Three Kings Day event is more than just tradition.
Past leaders tell youth to step up
NEW BRITAIN -- There are some people who like to be led, and then there are those people like Connie Wilson Collins and Alton Brooks who like to walk ahead of the crowd, reach back and pull others along.
Christmas dinner continues to bless
NEW BRITAIN -- Over 150 people gathered Sunday in Cooper Hall at South Church on Main Street to enjoy a Christmas meal, share time with friends and family and to give thanks for the blessings they’ve received throughout the year.
NEW BRITAIN -- It was a day of remembrance for those affected by HIV and AIDS -- here in New Britain and around the world -- Thursday.
Ex-NFL player lines up for his latest challenge
NEW BRITAIN -- Although newly appointed Board of Education member Clarence Woods has played football for the last 20 years of his life, these days he spends his mornings in the kitchen. He’s in charge of making breakfast for his family before heading to his corporate position in West Hartford.
Deck the town City lights tree at Central Park
NEW BRITAIN -- Free hot chocolate, horse-drawn carriage rides, and one of the warmest November evenings on record set the stage for the annual tree-lighting ceremony Tuesday at Central Park sponsored by the New Britain Downtown District.
Soldier prepares for deployment
ROCKY HILL -- It was all hugs, kisses and smiles for Andrew Chunis and his family even though he will be heading to Afghanistan for active duty in less than six months.
NEWINGTON -- Tears streamed down many faces outside of the Newington Memorial Funeral Home Saturday afternoon where police officers from around the state, Newington High School students and the local community paid their respects for slain Police Officer Ciara McDermott.
Program teaches girls to be SMART
NEW BRITAIN -- The SMART Girls Express Yourself program at the Boys and Girls Club was developed to attract more girls to the club.
Capacity crowd cheers Stewart’s inauguration
NEW BRITAIN - Amid hopes for a bright future, a near-capacity crowd gave Mayor Timothy Stewart and other elected officials a standing ovation Tuesday as the officials took their oaths of office at Trinity-on-Main.
NEW BRITAIN -- The New Britain High School addition and renovation project is approximately $2 million over budget, due to several factors.
Supervisors to aid city plowing efforts
NEW BRITAIN -- Department of Public Works supervisors will take added responsibility the help plow snow this winter.
Grant to raise health awareness
NEW BRITAIN -- The McKesson Foundation, a division of Moore Medical, presented a $25,000 check to the New Britain Community Health Center Wednesday. The grant will be used for the center’s Healthy Living Campaign, which focuses on adolescent health.
NEW BRITAIN --Some children look forward to the holiday season, asking for special gifts and toys from their parents. Some children may sit on Santa’s lap at the mall.
NEW BRITAIN -- State Rep. Pam Sawyer of Bolton stood in on behalf of Gov. M. Jodi Rell at a press conference Wednesday afternoon urging everyone to support Operation Fuel.
Interim appointed head of Rec Dept.
NEW BRITAIN - After five years as acting director of the Parks and Recreation Department, William DeMaio officially won the title at the Common Council meeting Wednesday evening.
NEW BRITAIN - Although the possibility of an outbreak of bird flu may seem distant to some New Britain residents, the city Department of Health is developing a plan of action in the event of an outbreak.
Professor contrasts highs, lows of black achievement
NEW BRITAIN -- A journalism professor contrasted the achievements of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the status of black men in the United States today during a speech at Central Connecticut State University Monday
NEW BRITAIN -- New Britain Fire Chief Mark Carr is looking once again to the Common Council to approve an assistant fire chief position, but Fire Union President Eddie Preece believes that the impact on department finances should be taken into consideration
NEW BRITAIN - The Common Council has barred individuals affiliated with a funeral home from serving as members of the Fairview Cemetery Commission.
City fined $50K for violations
NEW BRITAIN -- The city of New Britain will have to pay $50,000 in fines to the Environmental Protection Agency for violations of fines at city facilities where municipal vehicles were washed and maintained.
Agency fears impact of CL&P rate hike
NEW BRITAIN -- The increase in power bills may mean fewer people will receive energy assistance from the Human Resources Agency of New Britain, leaving many of New Britain’s poor struggling to meet their basic needs.
CTown blamed for downtown parking woes
NEW BRITAIN -- Some downtown businesses blame CTown for loss of business and escalating customer parking problems, however, Don Courtemanche, executive director of the downtown district believes the businesses are gaining a great reward.
Dial-a-Ride to include night, weekend service
NEW BRITAIN -- Elderly and disabled Dial-a-Ride users will now have transportation evenings on weekends.
NEW BRITAIN -- Students at E.C. Goodwin Vocational Technical School are helping to renovate an apartment house, bridging the gap between school and community, as well as school and the workplace
GOP alleges auditor’s job is superfluous
NEW BRITAIN -- Common Council mayor pro tempore Suzanne Bielinski (D), and majority leader Mike Trueworthy (D) have hired a part-time city auditor at a salary of $36,000.
Holy Cross head denies rumors school is closing
NEW BRITAIN -- Holy Cross School Principal Donald Belizzi doesn’t know where the rumors began, but he wants area residents to know that Holy Cross School isn’t going anywhere.
City has high hopes for lead abatement
NEW BRITAIN -- City officials are hopeful that a recently received grant will go a long way to abating lead in city homes, educating residents about the risks of lead and protecting young children from lead poisoning.
City schools chief says NCLB robs citizens of local control
NEW BRITAIN -- Doris Kurtz, the city’s schools superintendent says she’s 100 percent behind the recent decision by the school board to support a lawsuit by state attorney general Richard Blumenthal challenging the federal No Child Left Behind law.
Have a seat ... Council OKs outdoor seating for city eateries
NEW BRITAIN -- Outdoor seating is now an option for city eateries thanks to changes in city zoning regulations adopted Wednesday night by the Common Council. Due to increased interest by restaurant owners in creating outdoor dining spaces in the form of a deck or patio, the City Plan Commission crafted the amendment to the current zoning ordinance which will allow outdoor dining space as an accessory use to a restaurant.
City police offer businesses tips on security
NEW BRITAIN -- Before you spend thousands of dollars on security surveillance equipment for your business, you may want to speak to the New Britain Police Department’s Forensic Video Analysis Unit first. They may be able to save you money, as well as make nabbing a criminal much easier.
Got stamps? Post office seeks stores to host satellite offices
NEW BRITAIN -- With more than 400 customers a day, the New Britain Post Office is looking at options to relieve crowding and long lines.
NEW BRITAIN - Some New Britain firefighters have been working together at the same firehouse for years but Fire Chief Mark Carr is changing that, much to the chagrin of the fire union.
In city, $300K for Trinity-on-Main
NEW BRITAIN - The local New Britain delegation has apparently secured $300,000 for Trinity-on-Main, and State Sen. Donald DeFronzo, D-New Britain, says that it was the support of Gov. M Jodi Rell who helped get the bonding initiative on the agenda,.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
NEW BRITAIN -- Take a tour of the city at night and you’ll see many houses decorated with lights, inflatable Santas and candy canes dangling from the rooftops, but only one house can win the city’s annual Holiday House Decorating Contest.
NEW BRITAIN -- Thanks to the strong support of U.S. Rep. Nancy Johnson, over $6 million of new federal funds have been secured to help improve transportation in the region, enhance security at the Hill Stead Museum and expand the Arch Street neighborhood.
NEW BRITAIN -If your house was built prior to 1986, you may have lead levels in your drinking water that exceed recommended EPA exposure levels, posing a health risk to you and your family.