Prominent local restaurant operators JR and Leeanne Rusgrove are moving their popular Pure Foods to Centre Square Village this month, and By Carrier is negotiating with a company to open another restaurant that will measure 5,000 square feet.

By Carrier’s contractors are grading part of the old Bristol Centre Mall site to be ready for major construction beginning in March.

“We’re bullish on Bristol,” company Vice President Ryan Carrier said Wednesday during a tour of the site with JR Rusgrove and Mayor Jeff Caggiano.

By mid-2026, By Carrier expects all of Centre Square Village to be completed: 104 apartments in two twin buildings, with extensive retail and restaurant space on the ground floors.

The company has tenants signed up for about 70% of the apartments in its newly completed 52-unit first building, Carrier said Wednesday.

“It got slow during the holidays, but after that we’ve been doing four or five showings a day,” he said.

Amenities include a fitness center, dog washing station at the building entryway, a private dog park, EV charging stations, a conference room and work-from-home area, and an outdoor gazebo with fireplace.

About 20 to 25% of tenants have dogs, and the dog wash station has been an important selling point to them.

“We said from the start that we have to cater to animals. People are more likely to have to have dogs than kids,” Carrier said.

All of the one-, two- and three-bedroom units have stainless steel appliances, a balcony or patio, quartz kitchen countertops, 9-foot ceilings and open floor plans. Parking, wi-fi and amenity fees are included in the rent.

For all of those features, Carrier has emphasized to rental agents that they should also stress the new vitality of Bristol’s downtown.

“You’re not just selling apartments, you’re selling a lifestyle,” he said.

During a tour of the fourth-floor corner penthouse, Carrier and Caggiano noted the views are far different than they would have been a few years ago. Bristol has suffered more than a decade of delays in revitalizing downtown after it bought and demolished the failing mall; the property stood as a vacant eyesore for years.

Six years ago, Bristol Hospital built its 60,000-square-foot downtown medical center on a corner of the old mall property, and several years later Wheeler Health built a 46,000-square-foot headquarters and health center. The city built Hope Street, a new road cutting through the former mall site, and in 2023 completed a multimillion-dollar renovation and modernization of city hall across North Main Street.

The result is that Centre Square Village is now mostly surrounded by modern multi-story buildings. Caggiano said downtown’s renaissance has created a genuine work-live-play center that should boost sales for nearby businesses as well while generating a massive addition of foot traffic downtown.

The Rusgroves are confident of that. As owners of the long-time Parkside Cafe, they moved the popular business from a small location on Federal Hill to North Main a few years ago. Now, they’re relocating their Pure Foods restaurant to the ground floor of ByCarrier’s new building.

“We have a lot more room here, the kitchen is going to be several times bigger than what we have,” JR Rusgrove said on a tour of the new space.

The restaurant will seat 35 and in warm weather can accommodate another 35 on the patio. JR Rusgrove himself will be the chef, and tentatively plans to open Feb. 3.

ByCarrier has already pre-leased 5,500 square feet of retail in the second building, leaving about 2,500 square feet available. Vertical construction of that four-story structure should start in late winter or early spring and be completed by the end of spring 2026, Carrier said.

Majestically sited on just over two carefully landscaped acres at at 41 Mountain Road in Farmington that border the Hill-Stead Museum, it is within walking distance to Miss Porter’s School and historic Farmington Village. Yet it is secluded and private, thanks to a generous setback from the road and a border of mature trees. The property also features direct access to the walking trails at the Hill-Stead Museum.

“This home is one-of-a-kind in the area,” said Caitlyn Cleary of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty. She is handling the sale with Diane Barry. “It abuts the Hill-Stead Museum property, and was originally part of that estate.” However, “In the 1950s, they sold off two parcels,” one of which was used to build what Cleary described as this “…very stately Georgian Colonial home. Prepare to fall in love.”

Visitors will be impressed by the long private approach and graceful circular drive. A fieldstone walkway lined with boxwoods connects the driveway to the front door, which leads to a classic entry vestibule framed with sidelights. It features a open stairway to the upper level. The focal point, however, is the arched doorway to the formal living room, which spans the rear of the home. The foyer has French doors leading to the kitchen and, on the other side, the library and powder room.

“Gazing from the formal living room to the front door, the arched opening is complemented by a charming curved built-in on the side of the wood burning fireplace, which has a custom mantle. The architectural detail is phenomenal,” Cleary said. This built-in features enclosed storage and open shelves; ideal for displaying fine objects and books. Custom molding adds to the elegance of the living room, which has a large opening to the formal dining room.

Despite this wide passageway, Cleary noted that the home’s layout, “…feels more like a traditional floor plan, with designated rooms. However, the back of the home, which overlooks sprawling lawns, stone walls, and a perennial garden, flows beautifully to accommodate large gatherings.”

The dining room opens to the kitchen, which will undoubtedly serve as the “heart of the home” for daily living and entertaining. Cleary described the focal point as a grand center island, which is expansive, features a granite work surface, dual kitchen sinks, and room to seat four people comfortably. Additional kitchen highlights include a Lacanche Cluny stove. “It’s high end, imported from France, and has double ovens,” Cleary said. One oven features gas cooking, the other is electric. Five gas-fueled burners sit above the range.

“The epicurean’s kitchen has everything you desire,” Cleary added. “The range has a custom hood and a pot filler. There is a Sub-Zero refrigerator with a custom panel, a Wolf wine cooler and convection microwave, double Bosch dishwashers, and a wet bar. It is all very high end, including the Visual Comfort lighting fixtures. The Colby and Martin custom cabinetry was handsomely distressed by an artisan in Collinsville. So, while everything is updated, the design choices go very well with the aesthetics of a charming antique home.”

Adding to the kitchen’s appeal is the light filled sitting area. This occupies what was originally a breezeway connection to the attached garage. The current owners enclosed it, added a steel I-beam, French country style fireplace, and opened the space to the kitchen. “The attractive fireplace mantle is a custom antique piece, hand selected and refurbished by the owners,” Cleary said. “The result is fabulous space with many potential uses.”

The library is exceptional. “The custom mahogany paneling was hand picked by the owner from an antique shop in Woodbury. The floorboards are wide Kingswood, pre-1773, which speak to the classic charm of the home. It is fantastic,” Cleary said. In addition to the handsome paneling and crown molding, the library features custom built-ins and the home’s third fireplace.

The primary bedroom was remodeled within the last two years. “It is not only on the main level, but it is also tucked away in a private wing,” Cleary said. The space is accented with French doors leading to a private bluestone patio, which is also accessible using French doors in the living room.

“The primary bedroom has a vaulted ceiling and a classic Visual Comfort chandelier casting a warm glow in the center of the room. Faux grass cloth wallpaper and a feature wall of Thibaut ‘Asian Scenic’ in blue and cream lines the walls of the spa bath. Carrera marble trims the bath’s dual vanity, floor, and shower. Radiant heat in the floor warms the bath, and the lower walls have picture frame custom molding. It is very stylish and thoughtfully designed,” Cleary said.

The second floor is well appointed with four bedrooms. Two are ensuite and two share a bath. “The generous size rooms are well proportioned and offer hardwood floors, dual walk-in closets, and custom built-ins. All the baths were recently updated,” Cleary noted.

Only three families have lived in the home, with the first being the builder’s family. The current homeowner has lived in the home for 38 years and has been associated with the interior design business for 20 years. This has given them access to custom furniture, fabrics and materials that have enhanced the home, which “… offers exquisite custom millwork, antique finishes and the perfect blend of efficient, modern amenities. No detail was overlooked,” Cleary said.

Info:

Built: 1958

Price: 1,599,000

Style: Georgian Colonial

Rooms: 10

Bedrooms: 5

Baths: 4 full; 2 half

Square footage: 4,242

Acreage: 2.06

Mill rate: 25.45

Best Feature: This move-in ready home has the elegance, comfort and style to meet the needs of multi-generational living. Exceptional design choices eliminate the need to spend time and money on design updates.

Contact:  Diane Barry and Caitlyn Cleary

William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty

Diane Barry:  (860) 614-1569

Caitlyn Cleary: (860) 798-1589

dbarry@wpsir.com, ccleary@wpsir.com

The decision upheld a judge’s ruling that Live Nation cannot be held liable for the actions of Jacob Coffey, who was so intoxicated that he was denied entry into a ‘‘Beers On Me’’ concert at the Xfinity Theatre before he was involved in a crash that killed 17-year-old Luke Roux on June 25, 2022, according to a lawsuit filed by the teen’s parents. Coffey, in June 2023, pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree manslaughter and was sentenced to 66 months in prison followed by five years of probation.

The civil appeal, filed by an attorney representing Roux’s parents, was argued on Nov. 13 before Connecticut Appellate Court Judges Bethany J. Alvord, Nina F. Elgo and Melanie L. Cradle. Their decision on the matter was released on Tuesday.

Appeal in suit by family of CT teen killed by drunken driver heads for court. Here are the issues.

“We are extremely disappointed that Live Nation claims no fault and sees no need to change their procedures reflecting their lack of interest in preventing future tragedies,” Steve and Carri Roux said in a statement following the appeal decision. “While this lawsuit cannot bring our son back, we will continue to seek accountability and change to reduce lives lost to impaired driving, sparing other families from our heartbreak.

“Mr. Coffey, their ticketholder, was denied entry for intoxication and also displayed combative behavior, yet they chose to ignore the problem despite medical staff and police officers in close proximity,” the statement continued. “The denial of this appeal supports the lack of interest in creating change to this true story and saving lives from future encounters of intoxicated drivers leaving their venue.”

Roux’s parents filed the wrongful death lawsuit in Hartford Superior Court in December 2022 against Coffey, Live Nation Worldwide Inc. and other defendants. According to the lawsuit, Roux was driving home from a baseball game when his car was struck by a vehicle being driven by Coffey, who sped through a red light going more than 80 mph at the intersection of Colt Highway and Birdseye Road. Coffey’s blood alcohol content was later found to be 0.191, the lawsuit states.

The crash occurred after Coffey had been tailgating at Xfinity prior to a concert where he was denied entry based on his alleged level of intoxication. According to the lawsuit, Coffey allegedly became combative with security at the venue and was directed to the parking lot area where he entered a portable toilet and passed out for an “extended period of time.”

Coffey was later pulled from the portable toilet by two of his friends who reportedly alerted staff at the venue, the lawsuit states. Staff members ‘‘responded to the friends’ request for assistance’’ but ‘‘took no action to address the concerns regarding’’ Coffey, the lawsuit contends.

Coffey was allowed to drive away from the venue without any of Live Nation’s employees notifying police, including any of the officers who were working the event, according to the lawsuit.

According to court records, a judge overseeing the civil litigation ruled in favor of attorneys representing Live Nation who filed a motion to strike counts of negligence and public nuisance filed against the concert promoter. In the ruling, the judge cited a previous case, Demond vs. Project Service, LLC, which involved a homeless man who consumed alcohol at a service station in Montville in March 2012 before getting behind the wheel and causing a fatal crash on Interstate 395. The precedent in that case determined that a property owner “cannot be held liable in negligence for harms caused by adults who consume alcohol on that property but cause injury only after leaving to drive on the public roads.”

The judge ruled that Live Nation “had no duty to take any action” and noted that that legal principles established in Connecticut “deem the sole proximate cause of the crash” to be the intoxicated driver and that individual’s “choice to consume alcohol immoderately and then drive….”

The appeal filed on behalf of Roux’s parents, however, did not seek a decision to “overrule Demond” but to make a finding that upon turning Coffey away from the concert and directing him to the parking lot area, the Live Nation “did owe a duty to the foreseeable victims of Coffey’s intoxicated driving….”

“In other words, the plaintiffs contend that a duty arose based on the defendant’s ‘direct contact with the intoxicated invitee and its action that caused him to drive drunk,’” the Appellate Court wrote.

In its ruling on the appeal, the Appellate Court wrote that it was “not persuaded” by the argument that Live Nation’s contact with Coffey, including the decision to turn him away and direct him back to the parking lot, was “sufficient to distinguish the present case from Demond.”

“Demond’s reliance on the public policy against imposing liability on a defendant for the harm caused off premises by a drunk driver is equally applicable to the present case,” the Appellate Court wrote.

“We agree with the court that Demond is controlling of the plaintiffs’ negligence and public nuisance claims,” judges wrote in the appeal decision.

“We conclude, therefore, that the court properly granted the defendant’s motion to strike the plaintiffs’ negligence and public nuisance claims.”

The lawsuit against Coffey and others remains pending.

Spokespersons for Live Nation did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment Wednesday.

While New Haven often takes the crown for best pizza in Connecticut (and even the country), there are a bevvy of fantastic choices in Hartford County to enjoy a slice or two for National Pizza Week.

Don’t believe us? We have gone ahead and collected a list of over 100 restaurants in 10 towns and cities that serve pizza. These restaurants all have at least a 4 stars on Google with at least 10 or more ratings.

The list is ordered alphabetically after Hartford, with each town’s restaurants then ordered by rating. This list is not all-inclusive, so let us know if we missed one!

Hartford

• Hartford Pizza Garden on 535 Farmington Ave (4.9 stars)
• Angelina’s Pizzeria on 41 Prospect Ave (4.7 stars)
• Salute on 100 Trumbull St (4.7 stars)
• The Brownstone on 114 Asylum St (4.5 stars)
• George’s Pizza Restaurant on 2027 Park St (4.5 stars)
• First and Last Tavern Hartford on 939 Maple Ave (4.5 stars)
• Al’s Pizza and Deli on 427 Main St (4.5 stars)
• Bro’s Dough Pizzeria on 448 New Britain Ave (4.4 stars)
• Sorella on 901 Main S (4.4 stars)
• Pietro’s Pizza on 942 Main St (4.3 stars)
• Sampizza Bar on 40 John St (4.3 stars)
• Pietro’s Pizza on 942 Main St (4.3 stars)
• City Pizza on 498 Farmington Ave (4.3 stars)
• Mr Pizza on 671 Blue Hills Ave (4.3 stars)
• NY – NY Pizza Restaurant on 547 Franklin Ave (4.3 stars)
• HFC Chicken & Pizza on 271 Farmington Ave (4.3 stars)
• A-1 Pizza on 306 Farmington Ave (4.1 stars)
• Sisson Avenue Pizza&Wings on 495 Farmington Ave (4.0 stars)
• Ranch House Pizza 17 Asylum St #1 (4.0 stars)
• Kinder Pizza and Ranch House on 2543 Main St (4.0 stars)

Bloomfield

• Carbone’s Kitchen on 6 Wintonbury Mall (4.5 stars)
• Bloomfield Village Pizza on 34 Tunxis Ave (4.4 stars)
• Pasticceria Italia on 10 Wintonbury Mall (4.4 stars)
• Gino’s Pizza & Ranch House on 407 Cottage Grove Rd (4.2 stars)
• Michael John’s Pizza on 1393 Blue Hills Ave (4.2 stars)
• Sarah’s On Park on 774 Park Ave (4.2 stars)

East Hartford

• Savvi’s Pizza Restaurant on 1555 Main St (4.6 stars)
• Carmine’s Bar • Grill • Stage on 389 Main St (4.5 stars)
• Queen Pizza on 310 Silver Ln (4.4 stars)
• Charlie’s Pizza on 386 Prospect St (4.3 stars)
• Burnside Roma Restaurant on 358 Burnside Ave (4.3 stars)
• C&E Pizza Restaurant on 1111 Burnside Ave (4.3 stars)
• Anna’s Restaurant & Pizza on 1489 Silver Ln (4.2 stars)
• Cavros Pizzeria on 184 Main St (4.2 stars)
• Villa Milano’s Pizza on 456 Main St (4.1 stars)
• East Hartford Pizza Restaurant on 1160 Burnside Ave (4.0 stars)
• Gino’s Original Pizzeria on 50 Main St (4.0 stars)

New all-day brunch spot coming to CT features creative comfort food and cocktails

Farmington

• Naples Pizza on 838 Farmington Ave (4.5 stars)
• Farmington Pizza + Kitchen on 1019 Farmington Ave (4.4 stars)
• Galleria Restaurant on 2 Spring Ln (4.4 stars)
• Mama Luke’s on 372 Scott Swamp Rd Route 6 (4.2 stars)
• Olee’s Pizza Farmington on 222 Main St (4.0 stars)

Manchester

• Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana on 221 Buckland Hills Dr (4.6 stars)
• CJ’s Pizza and Giant Grinders on 273 Broad St (4.6 stars)
• Al Madina Restaurant on 246 Broad St (4.6 stars)
• Andi’s Pizzeria on 290 Broad St (4.5 stars)
• Hartford Road Pizza on 250 Hartford Rd (4.5 stars)
• Pepe’s Restaurant & Lounge on 300 Middle Turnpike W (4.5 stars)
• Mulberry Street Pizza on 981 Main St (4.4 stars)
• Pizza Mia Restaurant, And Bar on 55 E Center St (4.3 stars)
• Filomena’s Pizzeria on 775 Main St (4.3 stars)
• Joey Garlics Manchester on 31 Redstone Rd (4.2 stars)
• Mike’s Pizzeria on 267 E Center St (4.2 stars)
• Husky Pizza on 46 W Center St (4.2 stars)
• Manchester Pizza & Grill on 316 Green Rd (4.1 stars)
• Maggie McFly’s | Manchester on 194 Buckland Hills Dr Suite 1023 (4.1 stars)
• Woodbridge Pizza Manchester on 489 Middle Tpke E (4.0 stars)
• Randy’s Wooster Street Pizza on 285 E Center S (4.0 stars)
• BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse on 320 Buckland Hills Dr (4.0 stars)

Newington

• Phoenix Pizzeria on Starbucks’s Plaza, 995 Main St (4.8 stars)
• Elm Hill Pizza on 625 Maple Hill Ave (4.7 stars)
• Turnpike Pizza on 2331 Berlin Tpke (4.7 stars)
• Bella Gourmet Pizzeria on 125 Fenn R (4.6 stars)
• Yannis Pizza Restaurant on 296 Main St (4.5 stars)
• Newington Pizza Restaurant on 75 Market Square (4.5 stars)
• Joey Garlic’s Newington on 150 Kitts Ln (4.5 stars)
• Town Line Pizza & Restaurant on 736 New Britain Ave (4.5 stars)
• TJ’s on Cedar on 14 E Cedar St (4.4 stars)
• Village Pizza & Halal Restaurant on 425 New Britain Ave Unit A (4.3 stars)
• Wood-n-Tap – Newington on 375 Berlin Tpke (4.3 stars)
• Best Pizza on 82 Pane Rd (4.2 stars)
• Nicolas Pizza & Mexican Eatery on 1125 Willard Ave (4.1 stars)

New Britain

• City Pizza Grill & Grocery on 662 East St (4.9 stars)
• South Main Pizzeria on 450 S Main St (4.8 stars)
• BYG DADDY’S PIZZA on 972 W Main St (4.6 stars)
• Marathon Pizza on 850 W Main St (4.6 stars)
• Adinas Pizzeria on 2012 Corbin Ave (4.5 stars)
• Brick Oven Pizza & Restaurant on 427 Osgood Ave (4.5 stars)
• New Britain House of Pizza on 952 Stanley St (4.4 stars)
• Town & Country Pizza Restaurant on 685 Farmington Ave (4.4 stars)
• Pizza Pal Restaurant on 264 S Main St (4.4 stars)
• Peppino’s Pizza on 10 Main St (4.3 stars)
• Express Ranch House & Pizzeria on 389 Allen St (4.3 stars)
• Paradise Pizza & Restaurant on 10 East St (4.2 stars)
• Tony’s Central Pizza on 1523 Stanley St Ste B (4.1 stars)
• Pizza Corner on 36 Broad St (4.1 stars)
• Elmer’s Place & Great Oak’s Restaurant on 1433 East St (4.0 stars)

West Hartford

• Dino’s Pizzeria West Hartford on 439 New Park Av (4.6 stars)
• Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana on 1148 New Britain Ave (4.5 stars)
• Savoy Pizzeria & Craft Bar on 32 LaSalle Rd (4.4 stars)
• Harry’s Bishops Corner Pizza Napoletana on 732 N Main St (4.4 stars)
• Joey’s Pizza Pie on 353 Park Rd (4.4 stars)
• Jimmie’s Pizza West Hartford on 765 Farmington Ave (4.4 stars)
• Bert’s Pizzeria and Mexican Cuisine on 264 Park Rd (4.4 stars)
• Sparrow Pizza Bar on 977 Farmington Ave (4.3 stars)
• Elmwood Pizza & Grinders on 1154 New Britain Ave (4.0 stars)

Wethersfield

• Stella’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant on 620 Silas Deane Hwy (4.8 stars)
• Lenoci’s Italian Kitchen on 285 Main St (4.8 stars)
• Sfizio Italian Kitchen on 70 Wolcott Hill R (4.8 stars)
• Wethersfield Pizza House on 955 Silas Deane Hwy (4.7 stars)
• Village Pizza Restaurant on 233 Main St (4.6 stars)
• Leo’s Pizza on 689 Wolcott Hill Rd (4.5 stars)
• Sora My Way on 446 Silas Deane Hwy (4.5 stars)
• Sofia’s Brick Oven Pizzeria on 1279 Silas Deane Hwy (4.3 stars)
• Vito’s Restaurant and Pizzaria on 673 Silas Deane Hwy (4.3 stars)
• Fratelli Pizzeria on 804 Silas Deane Hwy (4.3 stars)
• Sally’s Apizza on 1178 Silas Deane Hwy (4.2 stars)

Windsor

• Tunxis Grill & Pizzeria on 3 Tunxis St (4.5 stars)
• Wilson Pizza Palace on 340 Windsor Ave (4.4 stars)
• Jim’s Pizza on 124 Poquonock Ave (4.2 stars)
• Family Pizzeria on 181 Broad St (4.1 stars)
• Pizza Rama on 645 Poquonock Ave (4.0 stars)

Prospective buyers have already reserved more than a quarter of the 58 condos, including 10 of the 13 premium sixth-floor units, according to real estate agents working with developer Arapahoe.

A 2,700-square-foot penthouse unit with three bedrooms and four baths that was listed at over $2.8 million has been reserved, said Kate D’Addabbo of Coldwell Banker. One buyer decided to merge two condos to create a single 3,600-square-foot unit that was priced north of $3 million, she confirmed.

Mayor Shari Cantor said Monday that the Center Park adds to the diversity of housing opportunities near West Hartford’s center, one of the most popular retail and dining destinations in Connecticut over the past two decades.

“It shows an incredible interest in the center. People want to live here because of its vibrancy,” she said.

Contractors demolished two small buildings on Arapahoe Road last month to make way for the project.

Just a few blocks away, builders are completing The Camelot, a 44-unit apartment complex dedicated entirely to affordable housing. At the same time, Avner Krohn’s Jasko Development is completing The Byline and Continental Properties has largely completed the framing for the 172-unit One West Hartford; both are upscale apartment complexes.

Adding rental and ownership housing along with offerings at various points on the income spectrum means a wide range of people can live in West Hartford, Cantor said.

D’Addabbo said the town’s center is the key factor attracting people to Center Park Place,

“Our typical clients, the people we’ve seen and the calls we’re getting, are looking to downsize. A lot of them are from the area, or grew up in the area and have come back to the area. They really want to be in West Hartford center,” she said. “They love the idea this is new construction in West Hartford center and they don’t have to do anything, it’s already done.

“With a lot of the calls there’s some connection at some point in their life to West Hartford. They lived here at one time, raised their kids here and moved away, now maybe their kids have moved here and they want to be closer to their grandchildren,” she added. “Or they lived here when they were younger, moved to New York or Boston and want to come back.”

Many are retirees or nearly retired, but D’Addabbo and her colleague Maggie Brennan said there’s a range of ages. The project has drawn interest from young professionals who left for careers in bigger cities but want to return to West Hartford, they said.

When asked if the success of West Hartford center and Blue Back Square is important to buyers, D’Addabbo replied “It’s the factor. For people who already understand West Hartford, it’s obvious. You are in the middle of West Hartford center. You are in walking distance to everything. You would never have to move your car if you didn’t want to leave West Hartford center.”

Most Center Park Place units are in the 1,500 to 1,970 square foot range, and the price per square foot runs from $900 on the third floor and $1,000 on the fourth and fifth floors to $1,150 on the sixth floor. In addition to a basement parking level, the second and third floors will be parking. Some spaces will be a public parking garage; the level for Center Park Place residents will have a separate entrance.

Units are advertised with 10-foot ceilings, 8-foot windows and doors, wideboard hardwood floors,

Amenities include a large heated pool and pool deck, a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, a two-story lobby, bike room and more.

The crash occurred shortly after 6 p.m. in the area of Exit 36 where 29-year-old Eloi Batista Da Silva was heading east in a Honda Civic when the driver of a Toyota Corolla struck the Civic “for an unknown reason,” according to Connecticut State Police.

The collision sent the Civic across the center median and onto the westbound side of I-84, where it collided with a 2021 Toyota Tacoma, state police said. That collision then led to a “chain of events” involving a 2024 Subaru Legacy, a 2021 Jeep Renegade and a 2020 Ford cargo van, according to state police.

The Jeep and the cargo van ended up in a wooded area off the highway. The other vehicles settled in different areas of the highway.

Batista Da Silva suffered injuries “not compatible with life” and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to state police. The Civic he was driving was registered to a cleaning services company in Hartford, state police said.

The driver of the Corolla, a 43-year-old Wethersfield man, evaded the scene of the crash and was later located, according to state police. He did not report any injuries.

The drivers of the other vehicles reported minor injuries and were taken to area hospitals, state police said.

The collision led to both sides of the highway being shut down for several hours while the state police Collision Analysis Reconstruction Squad responded to investigate. The highway later reopened.

The crash remains under investigation.

Any witnesses or drivers in the area with dashboard camera footage have been asked to contact Trooper Michael Dean at 860-534-1098 or michael.dean@ct.gov.

But ask the Hartford Foundation For Public Giving leader about the organization’s Greater Together Community Funds, and he gets truly excited and doesn’t mind sharing why.

Through the Greater Together Community Funds program, which includes all 29 of the towns in the foundation’s area, $2.5 million in grants have been made since 2019, he said. That’s more than 650 grants, and every one of them was decided by a committee made up of volunteers from each of those towns.

Now, as part of marking the foundation’s centennial year in 2025, it will make another $2.9 million investment in the Greater Together Community Funds, Williams said.

In addition to support for all of its communities, the foundation wants all of them to “truly see us as their community foundation,” he said. “We couldn’t be more excited.

“For all of these communities, this is a permanent part of the foundation’s commitment to all 29 of our towns,” Williams said. “They are equally important.”

How it started

The program, Williams said, grew from a 29-town series of listening session during which the foundation learned that “these are needs that may have not been met that were important to these communities.”

So in 2019, the Hartford Foundation launched an initial investment of $2.9 million to create what was dubbed the Greater Together Community Funds.

The key, he said, is that community volunteers in each of the towns make the decisions (with foundation guidance) on how the money is going to be spent. “They know the needs,” he said.

“We heard from … hundreds and hundreds of resident in these towns,” Williams said.

Under this parameter of a committee of local volunteers making the decisions, an example of 2023 grants in Farmington included, among many others, $5,000 to Interval House to support Farmington victims of domestic violence; $4,250 to Services for the Elderly of Farmington to purchase wheelchairs and walkers for the Farmington community to borrow; and $5,000 to Greystone Foundation to provide short-term financial assistance to individuals and families who have unexpected events disruptive to household finances.

In Marlborough, among many others, grants were made to Marlborough Arts Center for $4,600 for a sustainable Art Trail; $4,842 to the Marlborough Education Association to make the Elementary School Library adaptive and inclusive; and $4,500 to the Marlborough Food Bank to establish a fund for a Fuel Bank, according to the foundation.

Williams said the committees in the towns receive support from the foundation staff, but there are also hundreds of volunteers helping when considering all of the communities.

He noted that “many of these towns have decided to collaborate with neighbors in some regional” ventures, and “not only did we say yes, it is ok it exactly what we hoped would come out of it.

“We learned over the past four or five years how to tweak it, how to make it more collaborative,” he said. “We wanted to make is a flexible as possible. …”

Williams said the foundation staff did basic grant training for the committees, which do not include any elected officials and reflect the diversity of the towns. Each town has a different way of soliciting or generating ideas, he said.

“Part of the excitement is actually getting to see, to watch every one of these grants as the towns make them,” Williams said.

“Being a part of the Bolton Greater Together Community Fund effort has been such a rewarding experience,” said Bolton committee member Shandra Scott-Brown.

“It is a way for me to really connect to the community that I live in, and it was an opportunity for me to just get involved and help others. Who doesn’t like having the opportunity to meet with other people in town and give away money to service people that live in your community? It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Avon committee member and Avon High School student Panya Khattar said, “Inspiring people I work alongside dedicate their time and effort because they genuinely believe in the betterment of our community, they show that when larger, more powerful institutions fall short, smaller, passionate groups can step up to create real, meaningful change. It’s truly ‘the people doing for the people.’ As a high school representative, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a dedicated force, one that uplifts and empowers our community in profound ways. “

The initiative created separate funds in each of the towns in the foundation’s region, including Andover, Avon, Bloomfield, Bolton, Canton, East Granby, East Hartford, East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield, Farmington, Glastonbury, Granby, Hartford, Hebron, Manchester, Marlborough, Newington, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, Somers, South Windsor, Suffield, Tolland, Vernon, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor and Windsor Locks.

Williams said the foundation plans more major project during its centennial year, which will be announced as they are launched. “This is the first of several significant announcements that are going to abe associated with our centennial year,” he said.

He said future grants also will go to the Greater Together Community Funds, but the amount hasn’t been determined yet.

“I never fail to appreciate and just smile when you go through that (grants) list,” he said. “To me that means just that much more activity and engagement.”

Jhoan Enrique Mina Lopez, 28, was charged Saturday after being extradited from Nebraska, according to the Farmington Police Department. He faces charges of attempted first-degree burglary and conspiracy to commit first-degree burglary.

Police said Lopez was extradited by the Avon Police Department who arrested him on similar charges.

Farmington police held a warrant for Lopez’s arrest in connection with a burglary reported on May 7, 2024, in the area of Mountain Spring Road. According to police, the owner of the home called 911 after hearing a window being broken.

Officers who responded found a broken window in the rear of the home and a damaged screen, police said. No intruders were found in the home.

Farmington police said they were assisted by authorities in Avon during a lengthy investigation that led to the identification of three suspects.

In November, police arrested 32-year-old Misael Agustin De La Colina Palomino and 27-year-old Alexandria Ninoska Bravo Valencia. They each face charges of conspiracy to commit first-degree burglary. Palomino was also charged with attempted first-degree burglary.

Out-of-state pair charged in attempted residential burglary in Farmington

Farmington police said Palomino and Valencia were also arrested by investigators in Avon on similar charges.

Police said they are still investigating the attempted burglary and anticipate charging more suspects.

“The department remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community and appreciates the public’s ongoing support,” Farmington Lt. Kyle A. Noddin said in a statement.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact the Farmington Police Department at 860-675-2400.

When you first drive up to the home “You see a charming colonial in a lovely part of Bloomfield,” said Mollie Abend of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England. She is handling its sale.

The location at 1 Stone Hill Road in Bloomfield is exceptional. Stone Hill Road is a cul-de-sac that abuts Penwood State Park. Set on almost 800 acres, these beautiful woodlands offer hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Farmington Valley. Come spring, colorful wildflowers will add to the scenery when they bloom throughout the park.

“We’ve lived here for 35 years and loved it. The location is the best kept secret in Bloomfield and Greater Hartford,” said Janis Milroy, the current owner. “It’s only a five minute walk to the trails in the park. Hike to the top and you can look down on Simsbury and Bloomfield,” she added.

As for the home, it is unique. “When you walk in you notice beautifully refinished hardwood floors and the original African zebrawood trim throughout. It is lovely. You’ll also note all the light that pours in from multiple doors and windows,” Abend said.

Then, visitors will notice the floor plan. “This is not a typical center hall colonial,” said Abend. As a result, “The main floor offers a lot of optional spaces.” This is a home with rooms that can be used in many different ways to suit a wide range of needs and desires. The den, for example, would also make an excellent home office, or since it can be seen from the kitchen, it could be used as a playroom.

Even the home’s main entrance may offer a surprise. It faces Stone Hill Road and is protected from the elements by a large porch. The side entrance, which faces Duncaster, is the door that is most often used. It is close to the oversized detached two-car garage.

“The kitchen is large, very sunny and quite functional,” Abend said. Based on its size, “It would allow for a center island or an eating area.” The kitchen also has generous counter and cabinet space along with immediate access to the dining room, which is just a few steps away. The beautiful hardwood floors add to the kitchen’s visual appeal while a small nook in its east wall would be perfect for a breakfast table that could capture views of the morning sun.

The living room is also spacious, has a fireplace with a wood-burning stove, which will be included in the sale, and two sets of French doors leading to a sunroom. This sunroom is large, has tile flooring and a wall of windows facing south. From the sunroom, residents can access the large level yard or use a third set of French doors to enter the dining room. “The flow of the house is really charming when you are entertaining,” Abend said. A half bath and ample closet space, with a double closet accessible from the den or the library, complete the first floor.

Upstairs, there are three bedrooms, including a main suite that includes a large walk-in closet and a private bath. It has a dual sink vanity, a Jacuzzi tub and a separate shower.

The other two bedrooms are spacious, have large closets, and are served by a second full bath. One of these bedrooms, however, has an unusual feature. From this room, “If you walk out through an atrium door you step on to a private rooftop terrace,” Abend said.

“The terrace is over the sunroom and has an electrically powered awning, which is lovely if you want to enjoy the terrace in the rain, or be protected from the sunlight. And the view is wonderful. The lot is level, but there are trees surrounding it, and they have a private gazebo and gardens in the backyard. You see that from the terrace, and you see stone walls surrounding the property, as well as the charming homes in the neighborhood,” she added. Laminate flooring is used throughout the second floor.

The lower level is also fully finished. Included on this level are a rec room, a separate game room with outside access, an office, and a large laundry room with space for a full-size washer and dryer, a laundry sink, and ample room for folding and ironing. The lower level also has two mechanical rooms and good closet space in the game room, rec room, and office.

Solar panels are on the roof next to the rooftop terrace and on the garage roof. These are owned, not leased, and they produce electricity “that takes a big chunk out of electricity expense,” Milroy said.

Stonewalls add charm, with the one facing Duncaster Road having been refurbished. During that process, the mason found an old horseshoe. Milroy mounted it at the back door and says it will stay with the house to bring good luck to the next owner.

The location is also worth noting. In addition to its proximity to a state park, it is close to businesses and services in Bloomfield, West Hartford, and Simsbury. Bradley International Airport is only 20 minutes away, according to Milroy. “I’ve made that trip many times,” she said.

Asked to sum up this property, Abend said, “The flexibility of the floor plan allows for so many different uses and options. And the screened gazebo is perfect for warm weather entertaining. Overall, it is a simply charming house.”

Info:

Built: 1986

Price: $485,000

Style: Colonial

Rooms: 11

Bedrooms: 3

Baths: 2 full; 1 half

Square footage: 3,282

Acreage: 0.94

Mill rate: 36.78

Best Feature: The location, which is very convenient and very private. This adds to the charm of this unique colonial.

Contact:  Mollie Abend

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England

860-997-0313

mabend@bhhsne.com

He does have a good team; the Rams are 6-0. He has seen some of Ava’s games and sometimes he watches video of her playing for Farmington. Monday night, he got a chance to see her play in person, although maybe it was not quite the way he wanted to – against his own team in the Bristol Central Holiday Tournament championship game. And Bristol Central, behind a barrage of 3-pointers, won big, 76-44.

It was the first time the two had faced each other in an official game. Farmington and Bristol Central have scrimmaged in the past. Ava is in her first year playing varsity. She had six points off the bench Monday.

She was good-natured about the loss after the game and said yes, they would talk after the game at home.

“If we lost by one, maybe I wouldn’t talk to him,” she joked.

“It was fine. It was what I expected. They’re very aggressive and we were kind of not ready for that at the beginning. But we came back and fought as hard as we could.”

Steve has been the coach at Bristol Central for 21 years and the gym is a familiar place for Ava. When she was very small, Steve recalled, she sat on the bench next to him for games and he remembers her coming to practice and watching and dribbling basketballs when she was young.

When she was 6, she started to play, and Steve coached her and some of her current Farmington teammates in travel basketball starting in fourth grade. The Bristol Central players are familiar figures at the Gaudet house, so everybody knows everybody.

But it was still hard for Steve.

“Yeah, it was not fun leading up to it,” Steve said “I wanted her to be successful and have a good night. And I have to beat her. So that was difficult. But I’m proud of her. I’m super proud.”

Bristol Central, which lost in the first round of the Class L tournament last year, has improved after adding transfer Kamaria Bowens, who played at Windsor High last year as a sophomore after moving from New Jersey. Bowens, a junior guard, led the Rams with19 points, including four 3-pointers, Monday night and Gabby Bernier hit five 3s (four in the first quarter) and had 15 points.

The Rams led 22-0 before Farmington scored and 51-17 at halftime. Farmington played better in the second half but Bristol Central was already ahead comfortably.

Steve said it might be difficult at first to talk about the game at home later.

“Yeah, we’ll talk,” Steve said. “I’ll give it some time and then we’ll talk. We’re both ultra-competitive. We’ll go home and my wife will make some joke about it or something and it will be OK.”

They’re going to have to get used to it. On Jan. 29, Farmington will play at Bristol Central again.

Bristol Central Holiday Tournament championship

Bristol Central 76, Farmington 44

Farmington 2 15 18 9 – 44

Bristol Central 35 16 16 9 – 76

Farmington: Bella Audi 2 0 6, Kathryn Watson 1 0 2, Elise Albert 2 0 5, Briella Rich 0 1 1, Rachel Bergin 8 1 18, Ava Gaudet 2 0 6, Emma Glick 2 2 6. Totals: 17 4 44.

Bristol Central: Laylani Cespedes 5 0 12, Olivia Louis 1 1 3, Sydney Ray 1 0 2, Kamaria Bowens 6 3 19, Olivia Stafford 1 0 2, Gabby Bernier 5 0 15, Molly McMahon 2 0 6, Nicole Reimer 7 3 17. Totals: 28 7 76.

Records: Farmington, 4-2; Bristol Central, 6-0.