The New Britain Herald

NEW BRITAIN — The Roly Poly Bakery has been a landmark of the city Polish community for about a century. Today it has a Polish owner as well. Full Story »

NEW BRITAIN — Christmas carols and joyful songs of praise rang out from South Church Sunday evening during the annual Candlelight Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. Full Story »

In case you haven’t noticed, an "arms race" appears to be developing along the Berlin Turnpike. The submarine in front of Modern Plumbing in Berlin and the missile-carrying British mini-tank which draws the curious to the Army Barracks Store in Newington, have a been joined by a massive 105mm Howitzer self-propelled gun. Full Story »

As an academic club at Central Connecticut State University, the Education Club strives to provide future teachers with opportunities to deepen their knowledge of the teaching profession as well as gain valuable experience working with children. Truth be told, we are not only interested in developing our own knowledge and skills, but we also want to do things that benefit the local community ... Full Story »

Warm the Children Volunteer Coordinator Mark Bernacki is a man who still sees the importance of helping others in need after a decade of volunteer work. Full Story »

PLAINVILLE — Sixth-grader Jacob Vicinus knows that his father, 1st Sgt. Paul Vicinus, will soon be sent to Afghanistan. But he and his classmates are making sure the Connecticut National Guard member is not lonely or bored during the long months of his deployment. Full Story »

SOUTHINGTON — Plantsville does not have a mayor, town council, first selectman, alderman or any governing entity. It’s a part of Southington, like Marion and Milldale. But it has its own Congregational Church, a small downtown business district and many residents who, if asked where they are from, will reply “Plantsville” instead of “Southington.” Full Story »

NEW BRITAIN — Michael Larochelle admitted that the arroz con gandules and pernil dished up by the Puerto Rican Society of New Britain Saturday would likely be his only holiday meal and he was savoring every bite. Full Story »

PLAINVILLE — Shoppers along Whiting Street received a pleasant surprise Saturday afternoon when they wandered past JP Jewelers and the store displays suddenly waved and smiled. Full Story »

Area towns prepared in advance for a possible foot of snow by pre-treating roads and issuing parking bans. Full Story »

New Britain’s South Church, as part of its acclaimed Music Series, will be hosting “A Candlelight Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” featuring the South Church Chancel Choir. Full Story »

NEW BRITAIN — Police are investigating a bank robbery where two men held up the TD Bank on Allen Street at gunpoint Saturday afternoon. Full Story »

NEW BRITAIN — The week before Christmas has almost always been celebration time for companies in the city. Admill Machine Co., LLC had more than one reason to celebrate Friday. A choice present under its Christmas tree was the UTC Supplier Gold award from Pratt & Whitney. Full Story »

NEW BRITAIN — Natalia Wrobel swept the floor while her classmates from DiLoreto Magnet School and Slade Middle School opened canned carrots and buttered bread to help feed dozens of people who otherwise wouldn’t have a nutritious meal Friday. Full Story »

NEW BRITAIN — Paul Martinook and his wife of 57 years Elinor watched Friday as hundreds of city children clapped to the beat of rap music and watched three mini Michael Jackson impersonators at the annual Boys & Girls Club Christmas Party. Full Story »

NEW BRITAIN — If the weather cooperates, the ice-skating rink at the corner of Main and Chestnut streets should welcome its first skaters sometime next week. Full Story »

Special to the Herald PLAINVILLE — In a gesture of support and thanks for the service to 700 members of the Connecticut National Guard and their families, Crowley Ford has joined Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s initiative to get all those troops home for the holidays. Full Story »

NEW BRITAIN — Parking fees in the downtown shopping district have been waived through Dec. 27, in hopes of encouraging additional shoppers to come out. Full Story »

WETHERSFIELD — Police have identified the remains of a man found Dec. 12 as a local resident who hasn’t been seen by family members since the end of October. Full Story »

NEW BRITAIN — The state Department of Consumer Protection Liquor Control Commission has issued a city cafe a two-day suspension for allegedly serving alcohol to a minor. Full Story »

NEW BRITAIN — About two dozen women from greater New Britain left for work earlier than usual Friday morning to attend the “Women’s A.M. Network” meeting at 8 a.m. Full Story »

NEW BRITAIN — Students from Sacred Heart stayed after school on Thursday, while members of the Astronomy Society of Greater Hartford set up telescopes in the parking lot for a round of early-evening stargazing. Full Story »

BRISTOL — More people would ride a train — to commute to work or college, to travel to New York for business or pleasure — than would use the proposed busway from New Britain to Hartford, a group of local and state lawmakers said Thursday. Full Story »

NEW BRITAIN — On the coldest night of the year so far Mayor Timothy Stewart vowed Thursday to help the Friendship Center address the overflow of homeless people seeking shelter. Full Story »

NEWINGTON — The Town Council this week discussed a proposal to create an Open Space Subcommittee to deal with the acquisition, preservation and protection of remaining open space in town. No action was taken at the Dec. 8 meeting. Full Story »