FEATURED STORIES:
After Several Failed Motions, Wethersfield Co... MARK DIPAOLA In a voting process that resembled something out of The Price is Right, the Wethersfield Town Council last Wednesday, May 8, approved a $53.09 million Board of Education budget--part of an $89.47 million total town figure--amidst heate... FULL STORY | MORE WETHERSFIELD NEWS
Rocky Hill Council Adopts Budget KATELYN KELLEHER The Rocky Hill Town Council approved a $66.26 million 2013-14 fiscal year budget unanimously at its budget workshop last Wednesday, May 8. Within the total expenditures are a $31.66 million Board of Education budget, a $32.92 million ... FULL STORY | MORE ROCKY HILL NEWS
Cromwell Budget Passes Low Turnout Referendum... KATELYN KELLEHER All three budget items passed at Cromwell’s 2013-14 budget referendum last Thursday, May 9, thought few voters actually turned out. Republican Registrar of Voters Bonnie Anderson said only 420 cast budget votes at Cromwell High Scho... FULL STORY | MORE CROMWELL NEWS
Students Using iPads Show Reading Level Impro... MARK DIPAOLA The idea of elementary school students as young as first-graders using iPads in class might turn some heads, but the results of a recently implemented technology program suggest that they are helping, said Newington Superintendent of S... FULL STORY | MORE NEWINGTON NEWS
CROMWELL - In recognition of Connecticut Drinking Water Week, a Cromwell resident visited his daughter’s first grade class at Edna C. Stevens School last week to present on the im...
WETHERSFIELD - Thundering across a field at a full canter toward his “adversary,” an 18th century horseman raises his sword and slashes through… a melon? Bolton resident David Lod...
NEWINGTON - The out-matched Rocky Hill Terriers managed to keep it close for a little bit, but it was only a matter of time before the surging Newington High School girls’ lacrosse...
CROMWELL - North Branford took an early lead against the Cromwell High School baseball team, securing a 6-0 victory against the Panthers at home Monday. North Branford scored thre...
Business Spotlight
Fire Finesse
By KATELYN KELLEHER
WETHERSFIELD - As summer finally approaches, Fire Finesse in Wethersfield has many ways to enjoy the heat with or without the sun with a selection of hot tubs, grills and indoor and outdoor fireplaces. Owners Kevin and Brenda McMeans opened Fire Finesse on the Silas Deane Highway in 2006, offering a wide selection of fireplaces, wood and pellet stoves, and outdoor gas fire pits as well as a variety of charcoal, gas and infrared grills. Three years ago, they took over the retail space next door to display even more of their products and add hot tubs to the mix. Carrying several different brands, Fire Finesse has hot tubs from small to large and from basic to all the bells and whistles--including multi-colored lights in the water, speakers and iPod adapters. Whether a first or a replacement, customers enjoy hot tubs for both recreation and health. “It could be for therapeutic reasons--they hurt their back--or someone that does a lot of strenuous exercises,” Brenda McMeans said. “They’re good for arthritis, diabetes--they have a lot of health benefits.” Fire Finesse also carries swim spas and spa chemicals. To keep warm outdoors without a hot tub, Fire Finesse has outdoor heaters and fireplaces. For indoors, they specialize in fireplace remodeling and construction and carry mantles, surrounds and doors as well as wood and pellet stoves and gas fireplaces. “A lot of people want to save money on heating costs by adding a wood or pellet stove,” McMeans said. “And gas products will heat whether or not you have power.” McMeans added they were especially popular after the lengthy power outages after the October 2011 snowstorm. Turning on the fireplace is as easy as the flip of a switch. For those upcoming cookouts, Fire Finesse carries high quality freestanding and built-in grills. “Our grills are good quality--they’re going to last you a long time. They’re not the disposable grills you get at the big box stores,” McMeans said. “People are tired of having their grills rust or not being able to get parts or service for it.” Fire Finesse is having a grilling event this Saturday, May 18, for customers to come check them out and enjoy the food. Fire Finesse, 644 Silas Deane Hwy., Wethersfield, can be reached at 860-526-3473 or visit www.firefinesse.com.

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