Is winter getting you down? Shake off those blues

By Francesca Fontanez Special to the Record-Journal

February can feel like kind of a drag; the cold lingers, nature is gray, and the sun still sets earlier than most would prefer. If you have a touch of the winter blues consider looking into some of these winter-worthy activities.

Visit an independent bookstore

There’s nothing like cozying up with a good book on a chilly winter day. If you feel like getting out of the house, but aren’t looking for a highenergy activity, exploring local bookstores is a great way to treat yourself. If you’ve grown accustomed to the local bookshop in your town, try to branch out and explore surrounding areas to change things up. Local highlights include Reread Books and More in Cheshire, an incredible integrated work setting for workers of all abilities, and Connecticut’s two R.J. Julia Booksellers stores, a family business that’s found great success here in the nutmeg state.

Take a one-night class

Don’t let your learning stop after your schooling ends –Connecticut has dozens of fun classes and workshop opportunities popping up, and the content is getting more diverse. From woodworking and home decor classes to cooking and sip and paints, there truly is something out there for everyone. Local highlights to look into include The Art Bar, a new family-owned art studio located inside the Meriden Mall, and Woodcraft of Manchester, a hands-on woodworking school that offers classes for all levels of crafters.

Dine fireside

For an ambiance that can’t be beat, snuggle up to some fiery heat. Besides setting the mood, most flames serve a purpose when it comes to keeping a place comfortably toasty – many establishments with fireside dining also have an interesting, sometimes historical backstory. Ask your server if there’s any intriguing lore in your surroundings. Fire at the Ridge in Middlefield is a must when it comes to fireside dining due to their signature open flames found both indoors and mountainside. If you’re looking to hold an event or celebration, check out the Aqua Turf Club in Southington or The Inn at Middletown; these spaces can accommodate larger groups, but maintain a cozy atmosphere due to their rustic decor and roaring fireplaces.

Visit a museum

While it may seem obvious, it should be reinforced that in the winter, museums are an excellent escape from the bitter cold. Museums across the region are constantly cycling out pieces to make room for new artists and ex- hibits to be featured, so if you think you’ve seen all a place has to offer, you should think again. The Bicycle Game is a fabulous new exhibit that the Connecticut Historical Society has up until now through fall, and the Wadsworth Atheneum is currently highlighting female-focused art and flamework via glass art. The New Britain Museum of American Art, in New Britain, offers free admission if you arrive between 10 a.m. and noon on Saturdays.

Senior Health

Dementia caregivers

Chat with those who come from the same walk of life every third Monday of the month (Feb. 20) from 1 to 2:30 p.m., in-person or online. In-person: Berlin-Peck Memorial Library, 234 Kensington Road. Facilitated by a Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging Dementia Specialist. Registration required. Call 1-855-4424373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.

Healthy aging

Join this class Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to noon to learn more about: benefits of daily activities to shape physiology, how exercise can be used as a tool to fight disease and age-related decline and the best types of exercise for you. Presented by Michelle Boisvert, exercise physiologist, Hartford HealthCare GoodLife Fitness. Registration required. Call 1-855-442-4373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/ VirtualClasses.

Mulberry Gardens: Open house

Mulberry Gardens, an independent and assisted living community located at 58 Mulberry St. in Southington, will host an open house Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 3 to 6 p.m. Registration is recommended. To reserve a time, call 860-276-1020.

Meet Snowflake

Snowflake is a black and white female. She is FELV/FIV negative and current on vaccines. She will be spayed this month. Snowflake can be a little moody but we think it’s because she keeps going in and out of heat.

An adoption form is available at fobac.org. For more information, email fobacadoptions@ gmail.com or call 860-8287055.

Press Release

The Assessor’s Office would like to remind property owners and taxpayers that they must file a written application with the Board of Assessment Appeals by Friday, Feb. 17 if they are appealing their assessment. Application forms are available on the municipal website and at the Assessor’s Office, and by State Statute must be completed and received by the Assessor’s Office no later than close of business Feb. 17 (close of business that day is 1 p.m.).

The Assessor’s Office is located at Town Hall, 240 Kensington Road.

If you have any questions regarding this appeal process, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 860-828-7039.

Special

“A

Economic Development Marketing Specialist

The Town of Wallingford is seeking a qualified individual to develop and implement the marketing, business recruitment and retention programs for the Town of Wallingford. This full-time position is responsible for working closely with the Economic Development Commission, related town staff and departments for planning and coordinating of community development projects, assisting business applicants with local and State permitting processes and providing research for Town sponsored projects. Applicants should possess three (3) years’ experience in economic development, industrial/commercial development, business recruitment/ retention, marketing or related field; a degree from a college or university in economics, business, public administration, planning, marketing or related discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a yearfor-year basis. Salary:

$76,720 to $98,162 annually plus excellent fringe benefits that include medical insurance, pension plan, paid sick and vacation time for a total compensation package in excess of $100K. Applications may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and can be mailed to the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, or emailed to: wlfdhr@wallingfordct. gov by the closing date of February 17, 2023. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

Junior Accountant

Performs accounting tasks and duties in the Business Office of the Wallingford Electric Division. The position requires six (6) years of accounting experience with some accounting classes; or in lieu of thereof, a B.S. in accounting or an equivalent combination of experience and training. $27.47 - $34.36 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford , 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/ resume is received, or February 21, 2023 whichever occurs first.

School Bus Drivers

Needed for Southington/ Meriden/Berlin/Rocky Hill - Must be 21yrs or older and possess a driver’s license for at least 3yrs – Paid training to acquire CDL license and endorsements available –The opportunity to bring your children to work, No Childcare$$ - Contact Sheila at New Britain Transportation (860) 8280511 ext. 221 or visit us at, 257 Woodlawn Rd., Berlin, CT

Waste Treatment

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

ATTENDANT I

Operates and maintains equipment and processes in a municipal sewage treatment plant. Requires a H.S. diploma or GED plus a State of CT Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection

(DEEP) Class I Operators License or higher certification, or a Class I Operator-in-Training certification. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

$ 23.07 to $ 27.28

(hourly) / $ 21.92 to $ 27.28 (hourly) based on certifications & experience plus an excellent fringe benefit package.

ASSOCIATE PERIODONTIST

Dental Implants and Periodontics of Connecticut, LLC, has a job opening for an Associate Periodontist at its location at 546 South Broad Street, 2D, Meriden, CT 06450.

Education Requirements: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Equivalent.

Special Requirements: Certificate in Periodontology; Board Certified in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery; Licensed to practice Dentistry in CT

To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to Allison Barasz at dentalimplantsandperi odontics@gmail.com

Materials Distribution

Screened Topsoil $25/ per yd; Sand-$18 per yd; Millings-$22 per yd; Screened Millings $30 per yd; $100 minimum delivery. No pickup truck service. Minimum 16 yd pickup at our yard. Call Jim @ 860-982-4819 for delivery

BUYING ALL - Costume Jewelry, Old Watches, Gold Jewelry, Silver Jewelry, Gold & Silver Coins, Sterling Flatware, In Any Condition. Please Call Jude M. Dichele @ (203) 8681816.

TIMELESS TREASURES ESTATE AUCTIONS -

Is looking to purchase estate contents. From single items to entire estates. Clean-out services available. Call Bill (203) 494-2496.

OFFICE ASSISTANT FT or PT (M-F 9 -3:30). Some bookkeeping exp. req. Attention to detail and reliability a must. PTO, 401k & Health Ins. Call 203.235.4830.

Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/ resume is received, or February 21, 2023 whichever occurs first.

EOE

TOP CASH PAID For any Toyota any condition, running or not, crashed okay. Will take other makes and models. (203) 600-4431.

TOP CASH PAID

For Junk or unwanted vehicles, Toyota’s etc. Please call Mike @ 203284-8562 8am-5pm.

YAMAHA OUTBOARD4 stroke, 90 h.p. lower unit, used, $800 obo. 203-599-5204.

TREE LENGTH FIREWOOD CALL FOR DETAILS

203-238-2149

1,2,3 CASH FOR ANTIQUES - Call Todd Shamock, 203-4941695.

ALWAYS BUYING CASH PAIDVintage Electronics, Musical Instruments, Amps, Ham Equipment, HiFi, Radios, CB, Guitars, Audio Equipment, Antiques. 860-707-9350

ALWAYS TOP CASHFor Grandma’s Costume Jewelry Stash! Not a Pawn shop. 203.443.9602, Julie.

ANTIQUES - Always buying old; Toys, military, jewelry, art, watches, musical instruments, signs, arcade games, cameras, pre 1970 sports memorabil-

ANTIQUES WANTED -

Comic books, toys, adv. signs, military items, motorcyles, mini bikes, etc. All items considered, appraisal & estate sale services, incl. clean-outs. 40 years exp. Call or text, Gary at 203-237-4124.

GRASSY HILL AUCTIONS, - an Estate Sale, Liquidation, Attic & Basement Cleanout Company is Always Buying and providing services all over Connecticut. These are just a FEW of the things we are looking for: Antiques, Collectibles, Old/ Vintage Toys, Musical Instruments (Saxophones, Trumpets, Violins, Flutes, Clarinets, Trombone & SO MUCH MORE) Advertising Items, Wristwatches (Broken or Not), Pocket Watches, Tools (Machinist, Woodworking, & MORE) Doorstops, Clocks, Oil Paintings, Old Signs, Old Photographs, Old Postcards, Brewery Items, Hunting & Fishing, PEZ Dispensers, Costume Jewelry, Broken Jewelry, Gold & Silver Jewelry, Gold & Silver Coins, Military Items, Swords & Bayonets, Helmets & Patches, Medals & Uniforms, Pocket Knives, Lighters & Pipes, Fountain Pens, Mechanical Pencils, Fraternal Order Items, Religious Items, Industrial Items, Winchester Items, Sikorsky Items, Pratt & Whitney Items, Colt Items, Na tive American Items, Vintage Electronics, Slot Cars, Toy Trucks, Matchbox & Hot wheels, Barbie’s, Folk Art, Statues, Bronzes, Trains, Cameras, Mid Century Modern Fur niture, Straight Razors, Shaving Items, Political Items, Comic Books, Sports Cards & Auto graphs…& THE LIST GOES ON! So please give us a call at your earliest convenience. Grassy Hill Auctions 203-868-1816 - Grassy HillAuctions.com

WANTED Individual firearms, collections & estates including military & related items.Federally licensed firearms dealer. Gunsmith, appraisals, Richard Pleines, (860) 663-2214.

CARPENTRY

Repairs, Decks & Porches, Sheetrock & Taping Water Damage Repairs. Free Est. Ins. MC & Visa. Call Bill (203) 901-2136. CT. Reg. # 0647093

IF YOU Mention This Ad FALL Yard Clean-Ups Brush, branches, leaves, storm damage **JUNK REMOVAL**

Appl’s,

TEC ELECTRICAL Service LLC All Phases of Electrical Work. 24 hr. Emergency Service. Small Jobs Welcome. 203.237.2122

CLEAN & REMOVE Furniture, appliances, entire contents of: homes, sheds, estates, attics, basements, garages & more. *FALL YARD Clean-ups* FREE ESTIMATES. LIC & INS. DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817 860-575-8218

HOME DOCTOR - 48 yrs exp. Odd jobs & remodeling, former US Navy, 15 yrs, #640689, 203.427.7828. Let

#1 PAINTER’S EDGE Ext. & Int. Painting. Sheetrock.Popcorn Repair. Wallpaper Remv’l. Decks. 25 yrs exp. Free est. Sr. disc. #0656136. Ins. 860.538.5520