Ninety Nine Re-Opens With Hyperlocal Look

The interior motif at the Vernon Ninety Nine was always pretty local. 

Now it's very local. 

And a grand re-opening event on Thursday not only showcased the new stuff, but a check was presented to the local school system after the restaurant chain auctioned off the old stuff.

The total raised was $5,235 and it will be equally divided among the town's seven schools, education officials said. Mayor George Apel and Superintendent of Schools Mary Conway were on hand to accept the check. 

The restaurant used to feature memorabilia about Vernon's past - like replica signs for the old mills. Now, it is a showcase of the Rockville High School sports scene and old team pictures, courtesy of the Historical Society, adorn the walls. 

Pictures and memorabilia from the area's favorite sports teams - like a rebounding Bill Russell and a Bobby Orr jersey - are now featured. 

Also, the wall that used to separate the pub area from a section of the dining room was removed, giving the place more of an open feeling.