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B10 % Villager Newspapers % Town-to-Town Classifieds % Friday, January 16, 2015 Aut motive 2015 Chrysler 300 Embraces its 60th Anniversary Roots with New Design The 2015 Chrysler 300 gets a bolder front grill and other styling cues as well as an eight-speed transmission for better fuel efficiency with its 5.7-liter V8. Photo by Keith Griffin BY KEITH GRIFFIN Let’s get this out of the way early. You’re not going to see a Chrysler 300 Hellcat. Those creatures are left to the Dodge side of the FCA family. The best you’re going to do is the 2015 Chrysler 300S. Truth be told it’s nowhere near as powerful (slightly half the horsepower) but for most Americans it’s going to be almost as satisfying. Plus it’s a lot more luxurious. FCA, the company formerly known as Chrysler, has decided to make Dodge its performance brand while Chrysler goes more luxurious. That’s also why Ram has its own identity as the maker of pickups and commercial vehicles. You’re going to find little reasons to cross-shop among the three. Is it heretical to proclaim the Chrysler 300S almost as satisfying as the Charger Hellcat Internet trolls will proclaim me grossly ignorant and cast a pox against my future grandchildren. But the numbers don’t lie. The 5.7-liter HEMI V8 puts out 363 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 394 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. Chrysler says its 0-60 time is 5.8 seconds, which I had no reason to doubt in testing around Austin, Texas recently. This car quickly attains and exceeds legal speed limits. It’s not a track car but then against most Hellcat Charger owners will probably never drive theirs on a track either. For $46,275, the Chrysler 300S trumps anything the domestics can throw at it except for the Chevy SS – and it’s nowhere near as luxurious inside. The new 2015 Chrysler 300S is the sporty model in the 300 lineup. It features unique blacked-out accents, large 20-inch Hyper Black finish wheels, more athletically sculpted side sills, unique deck-lid spoiler and a higher output Pentastar V-6 engine with 300 horsepower and 264 lb.-ft. of torque (if you opt not to go HEMI), plus sport mode and paddle-shifting capabilities now as quick as 250 milliseconds with the eight-speed automatic transmission. With that new transmission, the Chrysler 300 with the V8 gets better fuel economy of 16-mpg city and 25-mpg highway for a combined 19 mpg. The V6 version, which will make up the bulk of sales, is rated at 19-city and 31-highway for a combined 23-mpg. The biggest flaw with the V8 HEMI You can’t get it in all-wheel drive, which hampers its appeal for a large segment of the population living in colder climes. Invest in a set of good winter tires and you’ll be fine. If you do opt for V6 power with allwheel drive, you’re going to pay $2500 above base. That’s one of the heftiest AWD surcharges on the market. With AWD, the Chrysler is rated at 18-mpg city and 27-mpg highway for a combined 21-mpg. Across the lineup, all 2015 Chrysler 300s get electronic power steering. Drivers can select among three settings: sport, normal and comfort. New for 2015, the “Sport” button enables sport-tuned steering; pedal, engine and transmission calibration; plus rear-biased torque on AWD models for more dynamic handling Not all of the focus is on performance with the 2015 Chrysler 300. The 300 continues the styling cues first introduced on the smaller Chrysler 200 sedan earlier this year. It’s been redesigned with a focus on getting some of its mojo back. When the modern version of the Chrysler 300 was introduced in 2005 it was a big, stunning car with a bold design. Chrysler execs admit it lost those “epic proportions” when it was restyled for 2011. Now the design once again embraces the “go big or go home” philosophy that made the 300 a hit. Brandon Faurote, head of Chrysler design, said the focus is on a bolder front fascia with a grill that is 33 percent bigger than the 2014 model. It still lacks the boldness of the 2005 version, but the design is heading in the right direction. Where Chrysler really gets it right is with the rear design. From the side view, the trunk gets a lift to give it more of a compact look and the rear spoiler lip adds a sporty flair. The dual exhaust tips are more horizontal and the tail lamps are more vertical with the stop function in the middle and surrounded by bright rings. It adds a more formal feel to the design. The interior is well designed but the rotary transmission shifter feels like a miscue. Chrysler promotes it as modern but it lacks the substantive feel one expects from a transmission shifter. However, the rest of the interior design is nothing short of brilliant. The 7-inch instrument panel features clean, crisp graphics. It sits behind a steering wheel with controls situated horizontally along the center spoke. Heating and cooling controls are easily adjusted on the go in the center stack. Sure, you have to click through a couple screens to heat and cool your seats but that’s not a deal breaker. The rest of the uConnect system is intuitive and easy to navigate. It’s a user interface that embraces the time tested philosophy of “Keep it simple stupid.” Too many manufacturers “smarten” up their infotainment systems beyond the simple comprehension required when driving. Safety improvements for 2015 include adaptive cruise control with full stop up to two seconds. Forward collision warning plus offers alerts both visual and audible. The 300 will also brake without input in certain conditions. Under 20 mph the system brings it to a complete stop. The most-used piece of technology ultimately might be the optional remote start. Download the app and your smartphone becomes your car keys. Just remember to lock your phone to keep it away from your kids. Pricing for the 2015 Chrysler 300 Limited starts at $31,395 and works its way up to the fully loaded 300C starting at $42,395. Most buyers will be in the Limited segment and that’s a good place to be. VITAL STATISTICS Wheelbase: 120.2 in. Length: 198.6 in. Width: 75.0 in. Height: 58.7 in. Curb weight: 4326 lbs. Engine: 5.7-liter V8 Horsepower: 363 @ 5,200 rpm Torque: 394 @ 4,200 rpm EPA estimated mpg city/highway: 16-city/25-highway/19-combined Base price: $38,990 As-tested price: $46,275 Also consider: (a comparative vehicle) Chevrolet SS, Ford Taurus, Nissan Maxima (For the latest new car news, follow me on Twitter @ indepthauto. You can also read the latest automotive news at BoldRide.com, where I am a contributor, or learn about buying and selling a used car at UsedCars.About.com.)
Villager Newspapers % Town-to-Town Classifieds % Friday, January 16, 2015 B11 OBITUARIES are published at no charge. E-mail notices to obits@stonebridgepress. com or fax them to (860) 928-5946. Photos are welcome in JPEG format. Eleanor H. Thornton, 88 ABINGTON — Eleanor H. Thornton, 88, of Abington, died Tuesday, Jan. 6, at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam. She was wife of the late Fred Neal Thornton, who died in 2002. She was born Jan. 15, 1926, in Danielson, daughter of the late Joseph and Clarinda (Thomas) Bernier. She was a communicant of Most Holy Trinity Church in Pomfret. Eleanor worked for Idle Wild Farm in Pomfret. She loved to crochet, cook, garden, listen to country music, shop and watch old movies. She leaves her children George and his wife Sandra Thornton of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Patty Allegra- Babcock of Abington, a sister Jeannette PUTNAM — Leanne Donais, 90, of Providence Pike, Putnam, died Monday, Jan. 12, at the Westview Nursing Home in Dayville. She was the beloved wife of Raymond Donais. She was born Feb. 10, 1924, in Putnam, daughter of the late David and Olivine (Beaudry) Gothreau. She had made her home in Putnam all her life, a communicant of St. Mary Church in Putnam. Her family always came first. She had worked at Wellington Curtain, January 17, 5-7 pm All You Can Eat Soup & Grilled Cheese Dinner, 7 Soups and Grilled Cheese, Rolls, Desserts, Coffee. $10 per person, Come and Warm Up with lots of soup! Putnam Lodge #46 A.F & A.M 265 Rt.169 Woodstock. www.putnam46.com January 17, 5:30-7pm Creation Church at 47 W. Thompson Road in Thompson will be hosting a parenting series called Grace-Based Parenting continuing on the third Saturday of each month through June. Cost is $20.00. Childcare is provided. For more information go to www.creationchurch.org or call (860)923-9979. January 17, 10am-1pm Killingly Grange No. 112, 801 Hartford Pike, Dayville. Local produce, fruit, winter vegetables, cheeses, eggs, jams & jellies, maple syrup & more. Local artists selling handmade gift items & crafts. Vendors needed call 860-481- 9102 leave a message. Breakfast also available from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. January 18, 4:30pm Cabaret - A concert from the American Songbook at Hampton Community Center, 178 Main St. Admission $15, accompanied children free. Doors open at 4pm, music begins at 4:30. Advance reservations are recommended - send your check and table requirement to Hampton Rec Commission, Box 143, Hampton, CT 06247 Info, 860-455-9875. January 18, 1-3pm TLGV Ranger Marcy’s Acorn Adventure: Walk along the Air Line Trail in Thompson, then up to the Tri- State Marker, where we can be in 3 Leanne Donais, 90 OBITUARIES Meader of Panama City, Fla., grandchildren Tammy of Baton Rouge, La., Michelle of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., William of Putnam, Mark of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., six great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son Dennis Thornton, he died in 1994, siblings Wilfred Bernier, Florence Colburn and Lorraine Day. A Chapel Service was held Tuesday, Jan. 13, in Holy Cross Cemetery, Danielson. Calling hours were held Monday at Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds St., Danielson. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to her family to help with final expenses, c/o Patty Allegra-Babcock, 769 Hampton Road, Abington, CT 06230. For more information, visit www. gagnonandcostellofh.com. Laurion’s Cleaners, and as a cashier at Putnam High School. She enjoyed reading, ceramics, latch hook rugs, sewing and singing and helping others. She was predeceased by her husband Raymond in 2002 and her beloved daughter Janice Leanne Donais in 1963. She was the last of her family — she leaves only nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, Jan. 15, at St. Mary Church, 218 Providence St., Putnam, burial followed in St Mary Cemetery. There were no calling hours. Smith and walker Funeral Home, Putnam is directing the arrangements. For more information, visit www. smithandwalkerfh.com. Gertrude L. Panasuk, 88 PLAINFIELD — Gertrude L. Panasuk, 88, of Plainfield died on Jan. 6, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Putnam on Nov. 2, 1926, daughter of the late Joseph and Clara (Vivia) Walters. She was the wife of the late William Panasuk. Mrs. Panasuk worked at American Thread and later as a home health aide until the age of 81. She enjoyed her home, bingo, the casinos, traveling, polka music and spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her daughter Gloria Burdick McCormick who resided with and took care of her; two granddaughters, Paula Nash and husband Don of Brooklyn, Lisa Guido and husband David of Brooklyn, eight great grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her son William Burdick Jr.; sisters, Vivian Potts and Claire Rita Burdick; brothers; Pete and Donald Walters; great grandson Ernest Hart Jr. and great-greatgrandson William Nash. A graveside service will be held in the spring. There are no calling hours. For more information, visit www. tillinghastfh.com. Villager Newspapers COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT “Shining a light on community events” states at the same time! Dogs on leashes welcome, Meet at E. Thompson Rd. & New Rd. Dress warmly. Extreme weather will cancel this event. January 20, 4:30-5:30pm A Flu Vaccination Clinic for children and adults will be held at the Northeast District Department of Health, 69 South Main St., Brooklyn. Medicare and most insurances accepted, or pay only $30 by cash or check. January 22, 10am-12noon Free Online Courses - Learn new skills to find a job or enhance your career. Free 2-hour “Wired for Work” Workshop about online training. E-Training licenses allow 90 days of unlimited free access to over 5,000 courses. American Job Center, 95 Westcott Rd., Danielson. For info and to register, 860-412-7000. January 24, 5-7pm The East Woodstock Congregational Church will host a Ham & Bean Supper in Fellowship Hall. Tickets are $10/ adult. Children under 10 eat FREE. Join us for ham, baked beans, coleslaw, assorted breads, pickles, cake and ice cream. Special Entertainment this year! January 27, 11:30am-1pm United Services will present the first in an 8-week FREE Child and Family Lunch Speaker Series at Killingly Public Library, 25 Westcott Rd, Danielson. The first topic will be: The ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Autism Epidemic. A light lunch provided. To register call 860-564-6100, email kscaplen@usmhs. org or visit www.UnitedServicesCT.org. January 27, 7pm NAMI (National Association of Mental Illness) meeting dedicated to improving PUTNAM — Joseph Michael Hauser, 29, of 65 Ballou St., Putnam, died unexpectedly Monday, Jan. 5, at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester, Mass. He is survived by his father, William Hauser of Putnam, and his mother, Cheryl Briere of Willimantic. He is also survived by his stepmother Lyn, of Putnam, brother William of Willimantic, community friends Stewart and Barbara Morse and Family of Woodstock, Laurie Walaszkieicz and Family of Putnam, girlfriend Naomi, aunts, uncles, many cousins and old friends from Camp Quinebaug. Joseph was born July 28, 1985 in Putnam and was a resident of Putnam the lives of those affected by mental illness such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, and personality disorder. Hosted by Bill and Terri Pearsall. At First Congregational Church of Woodstock, 543 Rt. 169, Woodstock (in the library). January 29, 6pm Curious Creatures At The Killingly Public Library in Danielson. Live animal program. For ages Kindergarten and up. Registration required. Call the Library at 860-779-5383. January 31, 5:30pm Soup n’ Silents – Featuring Clark Wilson, Hampton Congregational Church, 263 Main Street (Route 97), Hampton. Church Phone Number: 860- 455-9677 Adults are $15, children 5 - 12 are $5, and families are $30. Admission includes the dinner and movie. January 31, 4:30-7:30pm Boy Scout Troop 36 Moosup is having it’s annual Spaghetti Supper fundraiser. Tickets available at the door for $8 adults-$6 Seniors. (Includes Pasta with sauce, meatballs, salad, garlic roll, drink, and dessert). Location is Moosup American Legion, 66 Prospect St., Moosup. January 31, 5:30 pm The First Congregational Church of Pomfret presents Potluck and Movie night at the Pomfret Senior Center - featuring “The End of the Spear.” This movie tells the real life story in which four missionaries were killed by the Waodani tribe. Free; bring a dish to share. For more info 860-928-7381. February 2, 10am-1pm United Services presents a free 10- week Parent Project ® series at This page is designed to shine a light on upcoming local nonprofit, educational and community events. Submissions are limited to 50 words or less and are FREE to qualifying organizations, schools, churches and town offices. To submit your event contact: Teri Stohlberg at 860-928-1818 ext. 104, or teri@villagernewspapers.com. Deadline for submission is Monday at Noon Joseph Michael Hauser, 29 his entire life. He was a friend of the Living Faith United Methodist Church in Putnam, and enjoyed most of all riding his bike around town and hanging out with friends. For many years he helped out at Sunny Discount Liquor and Mainely Seafood, both in Putnam. Joe was also active in Special Olympics for several years. A 2004 graduate of Putnam High School, he recently enjoyed his 10th reunion with fellow classmates. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, at 11 a.m. at the Living Faith United Methodist Church, 53 Grove Street, Putnam. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Friends of Camp Quinebaug, 783 Cook Hill Road, Danielson, CT 06239, Attention, Kevin Fazzina. Share a memory at www.smithandwalkerfh.com. Katherine A. Leveille, 64 THOMPSON — Katherine A. Leveille, 64, of O’Leary Rd., died Saturday, Jan. 3, in Matulaitis Nursing Home. Born in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late George Stanley and Katherine Elois (Logee) Leveille. Katherine provided foster care to many children throughout the years. She loved her Appaloosa horses. Through the years she showed, boarded, bred and gave lessons with her beloved horses. She enjoyed sewing and earned her black belt in karate. Katherine is survived by her son, BROOKLYN — Ellen Richardson, 84, died Thursday at Windham Hospital in Willimantic. She was born in Westport, Mass., on Aug. 20, 1930, daughter of the late Harold and Amelia (Ratcliffe) Wilks. She was the wife of the late Leslie A. Richardson Jr. She was an avid gardener. She is survived by her son Robert W. Richardson of Texas; sisters, Annie Silvia of Westport, Mass., and Edith Tindle of Pueblo, Colo.; grandchildren, Ellen Richardson, 84 Michael Leveille of Thompson; her sister, Mary Ann and her husband ChuckWexler of Thompson; her three brothers, Philip his wife Susan Leveille of Thompson, Bruce Leveille of Pomfret and Timothy and his wife Julie Leveille of Thompson. She loved and was loved by her many nieces and nephews, as well as her great nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother William Leveille who died in 1995. Graveside service for Katherine was held Saturday, Jan. 10, in Munyan Cemetery, Munyan Rd., Putnam. Memorial donations may be made to Matulaitis Nursing Home, 10 Thurber Rd. Putnam, CT 06260. For memorial guestbook please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com. Kevin Devolve and wife Melissa and Robert Devolve and wife Amy; great grandchildren, Alex, Noah, Allison, Benjamin and Austin Devolve and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter Barbara Devolve. Funeral Service will be held in Tillinghast Funeral Home, 433 Main Street, Danielson on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in South Cemetery, Brooklyn. A calling hour will be held on Saturday morning at the funeral home prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. To leave an online condolence please visit tillinghastfh.com. United Services, 303 Putnam Rd, Wauregan for 10 weeks at 2-3 hours per class. Parent manual $20. Classes run from 2/2 to 4/13. No child care provided. To register call 860-564- 6100, email kscaplen@usmhs.org. or visit www.UnitedServicesCT.org. February 3, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. United Services presents a free 10- week Parent Project ® series at the Wauregan office, 303 Putnam Rd, Wauregan for 10 weeks at 2-3 hours per class. Parent manual $20. Classes run from 2/3 to 4/7. No child care provided. To register or call 860-564- 6100, email kscaplen@usmhs.org or visit www.UnitedServicesCT.org. February 4, 6pm Free Pet Loss Support Group, at NECCOG Animal Services, 125 Putnam Pike, Dayville. We offer support and resources to help with the loss of a pet. No fee/reservations required. Attend as often as you like throughout your grief process. February 6, 6pm Bracken Memorial Library, 57 Academy Road, Woodstock, presents their Author Series: Bee Ridgway will be discussing her novel The River of No Return. For more information, call 860-928-0046. February 10, 10am-10:30am Twists Tunes and Tales, listen to a story, dance to some music that will help you and your children dance away the winter blahs. Tuesday mornings at the Killingly Library in Danielson, February 10, 17, 24 & March 3, For ages 3-5 years, To Register Call: The Killingly Public Library @ 860-779-5383.
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