Sen. Martin Helps Honor Bristol WWII Vet [Bristol Press]

Article as it appeared in the Bristol Press

WWII veteran Arlington Rollins celebrated his 90th birthday at a party in his honor at Grace Baptist Church on Saturday. With the Fiddle Dee Dees performing and Ed Little as emcee, friends, family and others filled the church hall.

The birthday boy received a citation from the state’s General Assembly, with State Rep. Henry Martin making the presentation. Dan Thurston, a past commander of the Connecticut American Legion, also spoke as did City Councilor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu; Clifton Berry, pastor of the Grace Baptist Church; and myself.

“We’re here to honor one of our living treasures,” Zoppo-Sassu told the audience.

Married to Iona (Moran) Rollins for 62 years, the couple have five sons, Brent, Cary, Dwight, Wagner and Tim, along with 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A Navy man, the Bristol resident served in the Guam campaign.

His working career started with Hood ice cream, then as a salesman for Chic Miller Chevrolet before retiring from Superior Electric.
Bristol native promoted at Edith B. Jackson Child Care

Amy Peatman Angelo, a 1991 graduate of Bristol Eastern, the daughter of Dave and Geri Peatman, the head teacher, was recently named the executive director at the Edith B. Jackson Child Care Program (EBJ) in New Haven. This from a pool of 30 candidates to replace Donna Bella who is retiring in June.

Affiliated with Yale University, EBJ has been central to family lives since 1972 and is a National Association for the Education of Young People accredited program, offering early childhood care, intended for those between the ages of three months to five years, and promotes year-round education in a warm and nurturing environment. The following is part of a letter written by the EBJ board of directors:

“This selection of a new EBJ director is the result of a thorough search led by board member Joya E. Marks, whose extensive professional background includes experience as an early childhood consultant and as a former school administrator. The position attracted several qualified applicants, many of whom recognized EBJ’s low-teacher-to-child ratios and commitment to high quality care as uniquely attractive features of the program.”

Combination license plate 01

This plate sits on a vehicle owned by area resident David Putterman, a retired state trooper. While working on a project for the DMV in 1987, he asked the commissioner of the department at the time if he could get that special plate. Three days later he was notified that it was his. He’s been offered a large sum of money for the plate, but wants to keep it. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. And, who would have a plate with a number better than his?

Bristol Monopoly

I put a call out for the old Bristol Monopoly game and two folks responded that have it, Carol Denehy and Ruth Lipski. A reader asked if I could find someone who had the game and Carol and Ruth came through. Ruth contacted me first, so I’m going to pick it up from her and get it to the reader. Thank you Carol and Ruth.

Rewind — 2005 (10 years ago)

After serving on the Board of Education for five years, former chairman Beverly Bobroske was unanimously appointed to the state Board of Education Tuesday, becoming the first representative from Bristol to sit on the panel. Bobroske was contacted by Gov. Jodi Rell weeks ago to discuss the possible nomination.

“She’s such a good person,” said Bobroske. “She’s excited that I accepted.”

Aside from work on the city level, the new appointee also had experience on the state and national levels regarding boards of education.
St. Paddy’s Day

My best to fellows like Fran Murphy and Gerry Burns, two avid St. Patrick’s Day celebrators. Every year at this time, I recall the annual St. Patrick’s Day party at fire headquarters that “Murph” organized — “Murph” doing the jig and Gerry on the spoons.

Shoutout to Peggy Godbout

I met her at the bottle and can redemption center the other day, where she offered me some assistance. Brian’s wife, she’s my ‘good-deeder’ of the week.

To suggest an item for Bristol Bits, write to Bristol Bits with Bob Montgomery, c/o The Bristol Press, 188 Main St., Bristol, CT 06010. Call (860)584-0501 or e-mail: [email protected].