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Community Raises Money for Bartender Struck by Car

A young bartender suffered severe injuries to her legs when she was hit by a car while standing on the sidewalk in Watertown late Friday.

Jenna Avoletta, 22, will be transferred to Yale-New Haven Hospital for treatment of injuries to her leg, ankle and a rib, according to her sister Jamie, who has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover medical costs.

Watertown police are investigating who is to blame. Police say one driver made a left turn from Route 63/Main Street onto Echo Lake Road and another driver swerved to avoid a collision.

Magenta marks on the sidewalk at the intersection show where Avoletta was standing before she was pinned against the column in front of the Lounge, a bar and music venue on Main Street.

Señor Pancho's in Thomaston, where Avoletta works, is planning to donate half its proceeds Monday to Avoletta, and the restaurant will match any employee's donation of up to $100, said owner Andy Adames.

"She's going to be struggling for a little while," he said. "We're hoping that the community can help us to help her, and spread the word. Whatever we can do to help Jenna and help her with some of the bills, we'll do."

Her manager remembered when he first met Avoletta.

"She was one of those types of people when I interviewed her originally for the position you just knew she was going to be hired," said Rich Volpe. "She has a really good personality, very good with customers."

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