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GUN CONTROL from page 17 summary of the landmark Heller v. D.C. Supreme Court case. According to a press release on the forum, more than 60 people signed up to speak, including residents of Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Granby, Hartland, New Hartford, Simsbury and Torrington. A heated debate Like they had done at a similar hearing in February in Simsbury, hosted by Rep. John Hampton, speaker after speaker rose to the podium bemoaning the idea of tightening the reins on gun owners. Speakers insisted not only that gun control was contrary to the Second Amendment, but also that it would not stop gun violence. Many suggested looking at ways to deal with mental health problems. “We have to do something about the broken mental health program,” said a speaker whose first name was Steve. “ere’s a win, win here if we go after gun violence and mental health and not gun control.” More than one speaker said it was criminals who committed violence, not law-abiding citizens who happen to own guns and that it was those law abiders who would be most adversely affected by more laws. e criminals, they repeatedly pointed out, would get guns whether they were legal or not. “We can’t legislate away evil,” said one speaker. Steve Wallace said there was Day, evening and immersion classes for adults Try the Wesleyan experience for yourself! Sit in on a seminar during Class Visit week. 22 The Valley Press April 4, 2013 no truth to theories that the silent majority favor gun control. “Any open meeting that I’ve gone to has been 90 percent in favor of no gun control and 10 percent want gun control,” he said. “I think that this silent majority that we keep hearing about is a vocal minority.” Another speaker spoke to the idea that high-powered guns belong only in the hands of cops. Everyday folks face the same perils that police do, he said, explaining that in facing such danger, people may call police, but they are also forced to deal with the issue while they wait for those reinforcements to arrive. “It’s the same threats. ey don’t encounter different bad guys than we do,” he said. “If somebody [threatening] comes in [my house], I’m going to be shooting as much as I can in the direction of that threat.” Jane Miller from Simsbury, a single mother of two boys, said she got her pistol permit after the winter storm in 2011. e continued attempts toward the demise of the constitutional right to bear arms needs to stop, she said. “I’m here for my children. I want to keep them from immediate harm,” she said. “e Second Amendment says the right of the people to bear arms shall not be encroached.” Searching for middle ground Mark Warren of Simsbury was the only speaker who spoke in favor of stricter gun control while this re- CLASS VISIT WEEK APRIL 8-11 porter was at the hearing. Warren said he agreed with proposals to ban high-powered assault weapons and that he was in favor of background checks. He also spoke at the hearing in February in Simsbury, saying he had once been held hostage during an armed robbery. “I don’t think that an outright ban on firearms is necessary or the right thing to do,” he said in Simsbury. “ere has to be some middle ground.” Witkos, for his part, quietly listened to the comments, answering questions and clarifying information as needed. On occasion, he asked speakers questions. He asked Miller if she would support measures to restrict people with mental health issues from getting guns for a certain period of time. “Define mental health issues,” was Miller’s curt response, to which the senator replied people who have been involuntarily committed for reasons that they may harm themselves or others. It was unclear if Miller responded directly to the question. “I feel like I can’t even say the word gun without getting arrested,” she said, and reminded the audience about a child who was recently suspended for biting a pop tart in the shape of a gun. “Children can’t play cops and robbers anymore,” Miller said. “What’s happening to this country?” “roughout the evening, I was impressed by the remarkable turnout of concerned citizens to discuss this important topic,” Witkos said at the end of the hearing. “I would like to thank everyone who traveled near or far to attend the forum and those who shared your valuable thoughts about the current legislative gun proposals.” On Feb. 28, Town Manager Bill Smith notified the police of the complaints and stated that “he, personally, doesn’t like seeing the piles,” the report reads. Case said in the report and told e Valley Press that the February blizzard set him back and that he spread the piles on March 1 at 9 p.m. when he was able to get the necessary equipment to the site. He was issued a fine for $219, which he said he is contesting. “e reason for this violation was because of the manure being dumped on the highway right of way,” the report explains. “Case stated he had permission from the landowner to place the manure there to fertilize the maple trees.” Town Planner Fran Armentano explained that the state owns approximately 27 feet between the pavement edge and the property line, “so, the manure piles were clearly dumped on state property,” he said, noting the piles were within a foot of the road. Case argued this justification is confusing and said that based on his research of the Farm Bureau and Connecticut farming laws, he does not think he has done anything wrong. “e people who put the complaint in have absolutely no concept as to what I was doing and why I was doing it,” he said. “As a farmer, you do things when the weather is right. e weather was right to put the manure there. It was cold and it was open winter. en, the day after is when we got the 30 inches of snow. [e police] told me if I didn’t spread the manure in a week, I was going to get a ticket.” e report states, “Case stated he felt it was a waste of time for the police to involve themselves in “We love e having dinner nner ner together...” her h r. . ” Iris and Eric enjoy visiting and d sharing aring SummerWood. Hoffman fman man SummerWood SummerW SummerWood Community nity is is CT’s ppr premier emier senior living g community community. y. It offers many many y options p for your loved ones to to o choose the the lifestyle lifestyle they they want. ant. To learn more, call all Valerie at 860-523-3808. 160 Simsbury Road, WWest est Hartford Har rtford www.hoffmansummerwood.org ood.org A member of f the the Hebrew Hebrew Health Health Care Care family family. . DUMPING from page 17 “e people who put the complaint in have absolutely no concept as to what I was doing and why I was doing it. As a farmer, you do things when the weather is right. e weather was right to put the manure there. ... en, the day after is when we got the 30 inches of snow. [e police] told me if I didn’t spread the manure in a week, I was going to get a ticket.” -Arlow Case what he felt was an agricultural process. Case felt the police did not understand what manure was being used for.” Armentano told e Valley Press that Granby has a strong reputation for being pro-farming, partly due to the appointment of an Agricultural Commission, which was set up in support of the farms in town. “We have very open zoning regulations that support farming,” he said. “ose regulations have been copied by many communities because they encourage farming and support farming.” Case was charged with a 22a- 250(a), which states “no person shall throw, scatter, spill or place or cause to be blown, scattered, spilled, thrown or placed, or otherwise dispose of any litter upon any public property in the state, upon any public land in the state … highway, road, street.” Case is contesting the fine using the Right to Farm Act, which states that farming and agricultural operation is not deemed a nuisance. “is is something that’s kind of bothered me all throughout my life,” he said, citing instances where new people who move to town complain about farming operations. “But, I kind of let it go. I just want to live and be left alone and try to come up with new and creative ways to improve my way of living so I can currently function with the cost of fuel, cost of taxes and cost of living.” He said the one nice thing to come out of the situation for him is that he has had some great conversations with really good people who he would not have otherwise met. After Sweet Wind Farm expressed its concern through its blog and Facebook page in March, e Valley Press received e-mails from residents expressing concerns. One resident, Heather Monty, said she wonders “exactly what direction this small farm town is taking.”
PRESSBUSINESS Financial considerations for women who’ve been widowed Most women will at some time or another be the sole financial decision-maker for themselves or for their families and, because it is estimated that over 80 percent of wives will outlive their spouses, for many this will happen upon the death of their husbands. For those who had not taken an active role in financial matters before, the fears and uncertainties that follow can be especially paralyzing. And yet, the days and weeks to come are a time when some crucial actions must be taken. While listening carefully to client concerns is always an essential part of a successful client-financial planner relationship, it is critical now. “How can I be of help?” is a much more productive way to begin a difficult conversation than “here’s what you need to do” – what needs to be done will become clear soon enough. Financial planning normally takes into account both shortterm and long-term objectives, but a woman who has just been widowed feels that what she is going through now is anything but her Nancy Fellinger version of normal. Life is happening a day at a time, even at times in slow motion, and looking much beyond what she can see right in front of her can be overwhelming. Profound disruptions in the rhythms of a familiar daily life are often accompanied by moments of forgetfulness, and the physical and mental stresses that are so universally experienced can temporarily affect her capacity to think clearly – especially in matters less familiar or emotionally charged. Widowhood often creates a state of vulnerability that, sadly, can open the door to a form of financial victimization by product providers who look upon her as more of a sales opportunity than a long-term client, taking advantage of that vulnerability. Bear in mind that there are plenty of advisers out there calling themselves “financial planners,” but that is only a description, not a credential. True financial planning takes expertise, time and careful review of all aspects of a client’s circumstances well before the sale of any products. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the consequences of products bought without the ben- efit of planning and, more often than not, they’re not good. While not exclusive to widows, one development I’ve witnessed over the past few years and with growing concern as I talk with individuals and meet with prospective clients seems to be annuity products – whether fixed, variable or equity-indexed – in dollar amounts or designs that are out of proportion to the client’s needs, assets and family situation. While these can be enormously valuable financial tools, without careful consideration of the bigger picture they can be potentially disastrous at worst or just not the most financially rewarding choice ( for the client at least) at best. Especially at a vulnerable time, words like “safety,” “security,” and “guarantee” are enormously appealing, but unfortunately, it may be difficult at the same time to grasp the product’s down-sides or limitations and how those might play out over time. ere is rarely a cause for urgency in the purchase of a financial product, particularly those that are often far more complicated than they appear on the surface. A widow who has had limited Sev Shack leaves Avon for West Hartford By Alison Jalbert Editorial Assistant Fashion boutique Sev Shak has relocated to West Hartford Center. Sev Shak, owned by Sevanne Ngamariju, opened in 2011 on East Main Street in Avon. Ngamariju said that the move from Avon to West Hartford is for visibility reasons. “Exposure is key for us as a very new business,” she said. Sev Shak’s new location is at 981 Farmington Ave., near Grants Restaurant. Sev Shak carries fashion apparel and accessories for women and juniors, delivering the latest fashion trends at affordable prices, according to the store’s website. Ngamariju said that the change in location will not affect the variety of clothes and accessories that she offers. “We’re always evolving, but it’s pretty much going to be the same quality styles,” she said. “We’re just focusing more on women, but we do still have juniors. We’re focusing on quality, the same great styles and personal service.” Ngamariju said she opened Sev Shak because of her passions – for retail, for the fashion business and for design. She has no background in fashion, but has always been fascinated by it. MULSHINE LAW 860-387-5506 GOOD PEOPLE GET INJURED IN ACCIDENTS PERSONAL INJURY ACCIDENTS * NEGLIGENCE PERSONAL HANDLING OF YOUR CASE OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE Ask About Our Hundreds Of Judgments And Jury Verdicts LICENSED IN ALL CONNECTICUT COURTS JOE MULSHINE mulshinelaw@att.net “I’ve been sketching and drawing since I was 6 years old,” she said. “Fashion is something that was always in me. It was always there.” Prior to 2011, Ngamariju worked in the insurance agency, but said she felt very drawn to the idea of opening a boutique. “It felt like it was something I had to do,” she said of opening Sev Shak. “I took the plunge. I’m here, still plugging away.” Ngamariju has no regrets about her career change. “is is a very volatile and aggressive industry, but it’s very exciting to me. Retail is either something you love or you hate,” she said. For more information about Sev Shak, visit www.sevshak.com. experience with managing her financial assets might consider creating a “buffer zone” around her of experienced, trusted advisers who can help actively discourage the commitment of dollars before a careful and thorough review of her circumstances has been done and a financial plan with a path forward developed. And a woman who has been widowed who finds that she is not entirely satisfied with the relationship she has with the financial adviser she and her husband might have once shared should listen carefully to that inner voice and take heart. A number of recent studies have suggested that upwards of more than half of all clients who leave an adviser do so because of communication issues, feeling taken for granted, or generally not feeling understood. A study done by Fidelity Investments earlier last year found 134 Farmington Ave Bristol, CT 860.584.1222 Your SMILE is your best accessory that nearly 70 percent of responding widows had transferred their accounts to a new adviser within a year of the husband’s death. So, if you find that you’re not getting what you want and need from the adviser you have now, do some research, interview a few and find another you can call your own. You’d be in excellent company. Nancy B. Fellinger, CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®, CRPC® Nancy Fellinger is a Certified Financial Planner practitioner and a VP of Investments at Coburn & Meredith, Inc. in Simsbury. She is past president and board chair of Financial Planning Association/CT Valley. Her practice is designed to serve the investment, income and financial planning needs of women who are single, widowed or divorced and of couples who are retired or interested in planning for retirement. Contact her directly at 860-784-2605 or nfellinger@coburnfinancial.com. paramountgallery.hdwfg.com 121 Talcott Rd. West Hartford, CT 860.231.7884 Custom Window Shades, Shutters, Draperies, Curtains, Bedding, Flooring, Custom Closets, Shade Repair, Shade Cleaning & More Save 15% or $250 o a purchase of $10000 or more on any window shade purchase Not valid with any other coupons or offers. Cannot be used on past purchases or already contracted work. Coupon must be presented at time order is placed. Exp. 9/30/13 Canton Valley Dental 860-693-0887 www.CantonValleyDental.com April 4, 2013 The Valley Press 23
Page 1 and 2: FIGHTING OVER GRADES? We can help.
Page 3 and 4: Tips from local experts to spruce u
Page 5 and 6: CRABGRASS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! O
Page 7 and 8: Simsbury artists to open their stud
Page 9 and 10: This project is supported, in part,
Page 11 and 12: By Sloan Brewster Senior Staff Writ
Page 13 and 14: Photo by Allan Civitate Solar tour
Page 15 and 16: By Jennifer Senofonte Staff Writer
Page 17 and 18: FHS has new principal By Jennifer S
Page 19 and 20: Town applies for HeartSafe designat
Page 21: District seeks to create welcoming
Page 25 and 26: TALK from page 20 contact with the
Page 27 and 28: PRESSSports Granby senior Dawson Te
Page 29 and 30: Senior Walker Lohrey shot the secon
Page 31 and 32: Canton senior righthander Patrick S
Page 33 and 34: Who Does It? $ 29-1 week $ 150-6 we
Page 35 and 36: Classifieds Call Mon-Fri. 9::00-4:0

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