Cheshire Citizen - Dec. 15, 2022

Linear trail holiday fest draws crowd

By Nicole Zappone Record-Journal staff

WALLINGFORD It was cold, and the snow was just beginning to fall, but that didn’t stop the community from gathering to spread the holiday cheer at the Linear Trail at Lakeside Park in Wallingford on Sunday afternoon.

Members of the Quinnipiac River Linear Trail Advisory Committee resumed their annual event after it had been on a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and following a rainout that forced postponement to Sunday.

Cathy Granucci, the committee’s co-chair, said she was happy they could hold the celebration this year.

“We had to postpone the event

See Linear, A10

Cheshire recognized for sustainabilty efforts

By Joy VanderLek The Cheshire Citizen

The town of Cheshire was awarded bronze recertification during the Sustainable Connecticut Awards Celebration held on Nov. 14 at the West Hartford Town Hall. The spotlight on Cheshire focused on the Cheshire Pollinator Pathway’s mission to incorporate native plants back into the local environment.

With the help of a team of volunteers, the Cheshire Pollinator Pathway has embraced supporting native insects, pollinators and birds in a most sustainable way, according to Cheshire Pollinator Pathway Co-Chair Joanna deBear.

“Establishing the native pollinator gardens in town helps connect the fragmented ecosystem that has resulted

Sign returns to Ball & Socket

Press release

Ball & Socket Arts will reveal a newly restored factory sign during a brief ceremony scheduled for today, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m.

The iconic Ball & Socket factory sign will return to Building 1, complete with hand-gilded lettering.

Ball & Socket Arts, 493 W. Main St., has worked for over a decade to plan, renovate, and restore the five buildings onsite into a regional arts destination. Current plans include an intimate gallery and flexible exhibition space in Building

Jessica Hayes, and Jacob Hayes, 3, of Cheshire, hold up a gingerbread man they decorated during a holiday festival held Sunday at Wallingford’slineartrail. Photos by Nicole Zappone, Record-Journal

Horse-drawn carriarge rides took families along the Linear Trail at Lakeside Park in Wallingford on Sunday.

Seniors are staying strong using SilverSneakers program

By Cris Villalonga-Vivoni Record-Journal staff

For many, basic daily movements are mindless. The muscle one uses to put on a seatbelt, carry groceries, or push a vacuum cleaner are often actions that don't require a lot of thought when you are young.

"It seems so basic, but there are a lot of muscles involved in something as simple as reaching up and grabbing a plate out of the cupboard or bending over and emptying the dishwasher … There's a lot involved, your core, your legs, all that," said Carrie Marquardt, health and wellness director of MeridenNew Britain-Berlin YMCA and Crossfit Meriden

However, as a person ages, they begin to lose those motor skills. So, local fitness and senior centers partnered with SilverSneakers, a fitness and wellness program for adults over 65 years that focuses on daily movement as a way to maintain the skills and prevent other health issues all while socializing and having fun.

Health care and fitness

SilverSneakers is one of the first national programs designed for active older adults that combines fitness and healthcare by providing full gym memberships and online resources at no additional cost. A brand of Tivity Health, the program is available through multiple insurances, including Anthem, Aetna, ConnectiCare and Medicare.

SilverSneakers has exponentially grown since its founding in 1992, according to their website.

In its first four years, its founder, Mary Swanson, developed and taught a chairbased workout called SilverSneakers Classic at 15 locations in Arizona. Now, SilverSneakers is available at 22,000 fitness centers in all 50 states. In addition, it has developed numerous spinoff curricula, such as SilverSneakers Yoga and SilverSneakers Circuit.

According to Tivity Health, in 2020, SilverSneakers had two million SilverSneakers.com accounts and more than 18 million adults 65 and older were eligible for the program through Medicare plans.

Connecticut has 32 certified fitness centers, communitybased centers, and parks offering SilverSneakers classes.

Starting in 2023, SilverSneakers will be the only senior fitness program offered through Apple Fitness+.

Marquardt explained that SilverSneakers is subsidized by the insurance company. A member then has access to all certified fitness locations and the online resources such as live and ondemand workout videos,

workshops and the SilverSneakers GO mobile app.

A SilverSneakers membership is equivalent to a gym membership, she added. At the Meriden-New BritainBerlin YMCA, program members have access to all its facilities, services and classes such as yoga, aquatic classes and aerobics.

"Just because you're a SilverSneakers member doesn't mean you have to go to a SilverSneakers class," Marquardt said. "It just means you can be part of a facility that was part of SilverSneakers."

Daily movement classes

Program coordinator at Wallingford Senior Center and liason for SilverSneakers, Erin Ambler, explained that in-person classes focus on balance and strengthening the muscles needed for daily living.

Actions such as getting out of a chair and putting on a seat belt require more movement than people realize

Steve Richards, of Meriden, works out in the Silver Sneakers fitness class at the Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA,Monday,Dec.5. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

High School Football Alliance continues to draw allies

By Bryant Carpenter Record-Journal staff

The inaugural 48-team CIAC football postseason came to a close last weekend, and the 2022 playoffs were validation for the Connecticut High School Football Alliance.

Formed five years ago, the Alliance matches opponents similar in size and success from different leagues during the regular season in hopes of fostering compelling games.

All but two of Connecticut’s high school football conferences participate and this year’s formula of 1-2 Alliance games for most teams seems to have achieved the right balance, allowing for good non-league matchups without interrupting conference schedules.

Game-planners had far more hits than misses. Ten Alliance games pitted teams that eventually went to the playoffs, such as the Southington-Greenwich drama on Sept. 24, when the Blue Knights rallied from three scores down to force OT and win on a two-point conversion.

Six others weighed heavily in playoff races. Alliance losses kept a half dozen 6-4 teams Platt, Windsor, Fitch, Waterford, Bunnell and Darien on the outside looking in and were instrumental in getting their conquerors North Haven, Shelton, Berlin, Branford, Notre Dame-West Haven and Maloney, respectively into the show.

Maloney coach Kevin Frederick doesn’t dispute that. His team’s 21-9 victory in Darien on Sept. 23 in a game pitting 2021 state champions was a huge confidencebooster for a squad that had suffered heavy graduation losses and had a number of new starters.

Rising to the challenge of Darien, Frederick said, helped the Spartans down the road in their No. 1-2 showdown with Southington on Nov. 4 (a 31-28 OT victory for Maloney) as well as in the Class L playoff wins over New Milford and Shelton.

“It helped us as a program to travel to Darien and play in front of a hostile environment,” Frederick said. “How we dealt with that pre-game going up there and the at-

mosphere of that game, it’s something you want your kids to be a part of.

“It told us a lot about our team that week,” he added.

“For us to go down there with a young team without a lot of experience and to beat a team like Darien that’s such a storied program, it injected us with a lot of confidence to know we could play with anyone, that last year wasn’t a one-time thin

See Alliance, A17

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

State program to expunge records faces some delays

By Susan Haigh Associated Press

HARTFORD Most eligible Connecticut residents with certain cannabis possession convictions roughly 44,000 cases should have their records automatically erased within 60 days, or about a month longer than expected under a state law taking effect Jan. 1, Gov. Ned Lamont said last week.

The Democratic governor also acknowledged it should take about six to eight months longer to process petitions to have other drugrelated crimes erased, noting how that part of the state’s “Clean Slate” law is more complicated and requires the creation of a new database. Based on preliminary estimates, hundreds of thousands of convictions are expected to be erased once the law is fully implemented.

“The vast majority of folks can have their marijuana-related convictions which is the vast majority of the convictions cleaned over the course of the next 60 days,” Lamont told reporters Wednesday, Dec. 7 following an unrelated state Capitol news conference. “This has been sort of something

that’s been discussed for the last 20 years. We got it passed in the last year and we’re going to make sure that this is properly and appropriately and safely implemented.”

The Clean Slate provisions were included in a 2021 state law that legalized the recreational use of cannabis. The goal was to help those communities and individuals disproportionately harmed by the nation’s war on drugs.

Retail sales of marijuana in Connecticut are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2023.

Advocates, however, voiced concern last week about anticipated delays in criminal record expungements. They predicted many people would be disappointed after waiting for years to rid their records of old criminal convictions that made it difficult for them to find housing and employment. During a news conference in New Haven on Dec. 7, they urged the Lamont administration to redouble efforts to finish the promised expungements as soon as possible. “Many

The story of Chanukah remains relevant today

By Rabbi Alana Wasserman

On the evening of Dec. 18, corresponding to the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev 5783, Jewish people around the world will celebrate the first night of Chanukah.

We will light the first candle of our Chanukiah (a ninebranched candelabra, also known as a Chanukah menorah), play dreidel, and eat latkes (potato pancakes fried in oil).

Most importantly, we will retell the story of Chanukah.

While the holiday of Chanukah is a fun, lighthearted celebration, the story of Chanukah is much more serious.

It is about fighting for religious freedom in the face of persecution. It is a story whose message rings true for us today.

In the second century BCE, Israel was ruled by King Antiochus, leader of the Seleucids.

It was their mission to force all the Jewish people to Hellenize, thereby renouncing their own faith. If they did not convert, they faced death.

The Seleucid army was large, with massive weaponry.

Yet, that did not stop a small band of Jews from forming their own army.

See Chanukah, A8

Quality never gets old.

We Sell Jewelry

Don Walsh is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced gemologists in the area. He will sit with you and explain everything you need to know about a diamond or colored stone and get you the best deal around. He will work with you to custom design your unique piece of jewelry or you may find it in his vast inventory.

We specialize in unique, one of a kind, pieces of estate jewelry from the Victorian era to modern. Don’s experience and connections in the jewelry industry will leave you confident that you will get exactly what you are looking for at an incredible savings from most jewelry stores. You will always be dealing one on one with the experienced owner in a private office setting with no pressure selling.

We Buy Jewelry

We Buy All Kinds of Antique & Estate Jewelry, Diamonds, Watches, Coins & Flatware.

Why sell to DW Gem Services, LLC?

Don is one of the most experienced and respected antique and estate jewelry experts in the country. He has over 37 years of experience and understands that selling your jewelry is a personal and sometimes sentimental experience. He will fully explain the process and make you feel comfortable about selling to his firm.

At DW Gem Services, LLC you can be assured that you will get a fair and honest evaluation of all of your items.

From left: Lynn Stoddard, executive director; Brian Garcia, Board of Directors, CT Green Bank; Linda Blackburn, Cheshire Sustainability Team; Laura Francis, Board of Directors, deputy director/director of transportation planning.

Ben Blackburn, for The Citizen

from years of development. We all need to find ways to make our lives and commu-

nities more sustainable through small steps, and CPP has made a great start in that direction. Maintaining our Bronze status reflects these positive and continuing improvements,” deBear said.

In the past year, the Cheshire Pollinator Pathway took on the additional responsibility for the management of the gardens at West Main Street, an area composed of three gardens, which also includes

the Michaela Petit Memorial Garden. The gardens are located alongside the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, adjacent to Ball and Socket Arts.

The Cheshire Pollinator Pathway also accomplished a major fundraising goal in the past year to create a brandnew garden site adjacent to the parking lot at the Lock 12 Historic Park on North Brooksvale Road. Through Sustainable CT’s Community Match Fund, the group was able to successfully raise $16,000 dollars for the extensive habitat restoration.

The new garden at the entrance to Lock 12, was completed over the summer of 2022. The restoration reopened the water view to the Willow Brook, and as the garden sits directly across from the Cheshire Pollinator Pathway’s original garden, previously neglected areas.

Fiona Pearson, co-chair of the local non-profit, Coalition for a Sustainable

Cheshire, and a volunteer on the town’s Sustainability Team, was elated at the news. “Our Sustainability Team was so proud to see the hard work of our Cheshire Pollinator Pathway volunteers recognized so prominently during the 2022 Sustainable Connecticut award ceremony this year. This grassroots effort is true town gem, and we look forward to supporting our Cheshire Pollinator Pathway team as they continue to collaborate with town leaders and grow this venture long in the future,” Pearson said.

Sustainable CT is a 501(c)3 non-profit, created by towns and encompasses all 169 towns in Connecticut. The group works with municipalities to affect change at the local level with the goal to help towns become more sustainable in myriad ways, from actionable steps in the areas of energy and transportation to arts and culture, environmental, equality and more.

Holiday shopping

Visit the Watch Factory Shoppes on Thursday, Dec. 15, for a Holiday Sip and Shop sponsored by Reread Books & More.

Three floors of holiday vendors will be available to meet all of your shopping needs, offering everything from hand crafted items such as candles, jewelry, soaps, and homemade treats to unique personalized gifts, clothing, and designs.

The event is scheduled to run from 5 to 8 p.m.

Art session

Start the New Year with a new art endeavor, bringing life-long satisfaction. Artsplace offers an exciting array of art classes for most ages, beginning mid-January and lasting for seven sessions.

In Brief ABOUT MIMI’S SALON

View online at www.Artsplacecheshirect.org. Classes are taught by a staff of professional award-winning artists and all supplies are generally included.

Artsplace staff will help you select the right class or workshop for teens/adults in watercolor, oil painting, journaling, and colored pencil.

Children’s classes include drawing, painting, manga/ anime and multi-media. Programs are appropriate for students of any artistic level.

It is always best to register early to avoid disappointment as class sizes are limited. Class sessions are offered Mondays thru Thursdays and Saturdays.

Artsplace is located at 1220 Waterbury Road, Cheshire. The office is closed on Fridays.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Letters to the Editor are limited to 300 words. Send submissions to news@thecheshirecitizen.com. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Friday to be considered for publication the following Thursday.

Led by Judah the Maccabee (which means “hammer”), the tiny Maccabee army,

with its limited amount of weapons and manpower, miraculously defeated the Seleucid army.

After they won the Maccabean Revolt, the Jewish people returned to the Tem-

ple, only to find that it had been defiled by the Seleucid army.

While cleaning the Temple, they discovered that there was not enough oil to light the menorah.

There was only enough oil to last for one day, but another miracle happened – the oil lasted for eight days.

That is why, at Chanukah, we light a nine-branched menorah (one helper candle, called a “shamash,” and eight candles to represent the eight days).

While the Maccabees were able to defeat the Seleucids, they were not able to eradicate anti-Semitism.

anti-Semitism is not with heated words and weapons, but with things like latkes, dreidels, candles and prayers.

Celebrating our holidays is the best way to combat hate. By participating in Jewish life, we are not allowing fear and hate to dictate our future.

Teaching others about our holidays and traditions will help as well.

Thank you for voting us Best Pilates, Fitness Center and Gym

NUTRITION - PERSONAL TRAINING - PILATES Customized One-On-One Personal Training R257531

203.494.9259 www.fitimpressions.net 426 Highland Ave, Cheshire, CT 06410

Hate and prejudice have continued to pervade our world. That is why the story of Chanukah is still so important.

It is a reminder for all of us to keep fighting against hate, no matter the odds.

Whenever we witness prejudice, we must stand up and speak out, even if no one else does.

From Chanukah GO MOBILE /Classifieds R257498

AWARDS Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP (with plaque design) in the U.S. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2022 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation, located at 35 N. Main St in Southington, invites you to join us as we celebrate the first night of Chanukah Sunday, Dec. 18 at 5 p.m. at the home of one of our members.

For more information, contact me at rabbi@gsjc.org.

This year may the light of the Chanukiah extinguish the darkness of hate.

One of the best ways to fight

Keeping your plans on track when times aren’t. Now more than ever, you need sound advice and strong support to help keep your financial life on track. Ameriprise Financial has been working alongside clients to do just that for over 125 years. I’m here to guide you with developing market updates, investment recommendations and personalized advice to help keep you focused on what matters most to you. Call me today to discuss your goals. R248160v4

Jeffrey Jolly, CFP® Financial Advisor | Sr. Vice President Root, Borajkiewicz, Lucarelli Wealth Advisors A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC 203.407.8188 x330 250 State St, Unit E-1, North Haven, CT 06473 jeffrey.t.jolly@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/jeffrey.t.jolly

In Brief

Municipal notice

There will be no holiday trash delay this year as Christmas and New Year’s fall on a Sunday.

Holiday concert

The Cheshire Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Hilarie Clark Moore, will perform its Family Holiday Concert Friday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m., at St. Peter’s Church in Cheshire. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the door with cash or check.

For more information about the orchestra, visit cheshiresymphony.org or find the group on Facebook.

Wreaths

Across America

The annual Wreaths Across America ceremony will take

place Saturday, Dec. 17, at noon, at Veterans Memorial Plaza in front of Cheshire Town Hall.

This national event is sponsored locally by the Cheshire Veterans Council, which consists of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Army Air Force Roundtable of Connecticut, Disabled American Veterans and other veterans groups in Cheshire.

The purpose of the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony is: first, to remember and honor our veterans through the laying of a Remembrance wreath at the Paradox monument for our country’s fallen heroes; and, second, to remember our armed forces presently serving who are away from home at the holidays.

The Dec. 17 event will be brief about 15 minutes and will take place rain or shine.

Linear

already due to the weather, so we were delighted to have it today,” Granucci said. “I just hope the weather holds up, and so far, it looks okay.”

Jonathan Judd, secretary of the committee, has been part of the group for 13 years and was very happy to be part of the first horse-drawn carriage ride around the

park on Sunday.

“I have been a part of the event from the start, and it’s nice to get back here for the event,” Judd said.

The event ran from 1 to 4 p.m. It included all of its original activities: horsedrawn carriage rides, a visit with Santa Claus, carolers, a scavenger hunt, and holiday-themed refreshments, such as cookies and hot chocolate.

The event was free for guests

Cathy Granucci, Jeshua Rodriguez, 11, of Cheshire, Itzel Rodriguez, 8, of Cheshire, Eliezer Rodriguez, 14, of Cheshire, and Ava Palladino, 8, of North Branford, pose with Santa.

in attendance, but the committee accepted donations.

Three-year-old Jacob Hayes of Cheshire enjoyed participating in the scavenger hunt and Christmas crafts.

His mother, Jessica Hayes, said he was a little scared of Santa initially, but that didn’t stop him from enjoying an afternoon of decorating a little gingerbread man and Christmas tree. He also enjoyed some cookies and hot chocolate.

Members of the Spanish Community of Wallingford (SCOW) sing Christmas carols in both English and Spanish.

Carolers from the Spanish Community of Wallingford sang Christmas carols in English and Spanish.

The horse-drawn carriages were pulled by horses Dolly and Silk from Double M Ranch out of Lebanon.

Allyn Miller, who has been around horses since he was eight years old, was very excited to be part of the festivities and said it brought him joy seeing the kids and families get excited for the rides.

In previous years, the event brought over 500 visitors to the park.

New members Sheila Cosgrove and her husband Jay were among the volunteers helping pass out hot chocolate to children and their families.

“We’re excited to be here,” Cosgrove said.

nzappone@record-journal.com

From A1

Quinnipiac River Linear Trail Advisory Committee members Jonathan Judd and Cathy Granucci pose in front of horses Silk and Dolly for their annual holidaycelebrationthatreturnedafteratwo-yearhiatus.

Photos by Nicole Zappone, Record-Journal.

CT State Graduates to Benefit from Charter Oak State College Tuition Match

Connecticut State Community College (CT State) and Charter Oak State College have re-established a tuition match partnership that offers the state’s most affordable bachelor’s degree.

CT State graduates can attend Charter Oak and complete a bachelor’s degree at the same cost per credit as their associate degree. Separate agreements between Charter Oak and Connecticut’s 12 community colleges have been in place since 2018 and benefitted over 600 students. Leadership from both colleges signed a statewide agreement at a ceremony earlier this month.

The match provides a potential savings of $145 per credit, or $8,700 over the credit hours typically needed to complete a bachelor’s degree. In order to qualify, students need a GPA of 2.0 or higher and to register for six credits at Charter Oak within 12 months of completing their associate degree.

“We know how challenging balancing work, family and school can be... we want to be sure that our students have access to every tool they may need to successfully complete a bachelor’s degree,“ stated John Maduko, M.D., President of CT State Community College.

Ed Klonoski, President of Charter Oak State College added, “Increasingly, students are looking for

online educational opportunities. By partnering with CT State, we can offer students the greatest flexibility to pursue a bachelor’s degree, at a more affordable price.”

Charter Oak is Connecticut’s public online college, offering associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in many high-demand fields. Since 2018, the most popular majors have been nursing, business administration and psychology; twelve other bachelor’s degree offerings complete the program.

The Charter Oak tuition scholarship is good for five years. In order to maintain the scholarship, students must be enrolled in at least six credits in the fall and spring semesters. This would allow them to graduate in five years if attending part-time or sooner if taking more credits. Students who complete a Transfer Ticket program with CT State will be able to attain a bachelor’s degree at Charter Oak without incurring extra expense or requiring extra credits.

Connecticut’s 12 community colleges are merging on July 1, 2023 to become CT State Community College. Students will benefit from one college transcript and catalog, standardized financial aid including free college for first time students and the ability to take courses at any campus.

Connecticut State Community College (CT State) y Charter Oak State College nuevamente han establecido una colaboración de pagos correspondientes de matrícula, la cual ofrece el título universitario más económico en el estado.

Los graduandos de CT State pueden asistir a Charter Oak y completar su título universitario por el mismo costo por crédito que un título de asociado. Otros contratos entre Charter Oak y las 12 universidades comunitarias de Connecticut han existido desde 2018 y han beneficiado a más de 600 estudiantes. Los líderes de ambas universidades firmaron un contrato estatal durante una ceremonia a principios de este mes.

Los pagos correspondientes proveen un posible ahorro de $145 por crédito, o $8,700 por las horas de créditos normalmente necesarias para completar su título universitario. Para poder ser elegibles, los estudiantes tienen que tener un ACP de 2.0 o mayor, y registrarse para tomar seis créditos en Charter Oak dentro de 12 meses después de completar su título de asociado.

“Sabemos lo difícil que es balancear el trabajo, la familia, y la escuela... queremos asegurarnos que los estudiantes tengan acceso a todas las herramientas necesarias para completar su título universitario,” comentó John Maduko, M.D., Presidente de CT State Community College.

Ed Klonoski, Presidente de Charter Oak State College añadió, “Cada vez,

más estudiantes buscan oportunidades educativas en línea. Al colaborar con CT State, podemos ofrecerle a los estudiantes la mayor flexibilidad para alcanzar su título universitario, a un precio más económico.”

Charter Oak es la universidad virtual pública de Connecticut, la cual ofrece el título de asociado, título universitario y de maestría, en ámbitos escolares de alta demanda. Desde 2018, las especialidades más populares han sido enfermería, administración comercial y psicología; doce ofertas adicionales de titulación universitaria completan el programa.

La beca del total de la matrícula en Charter Oak es válida por cinco años. Para mantener la beca, el/la estudiante tiene que estar matriculado para, por lo menos, seis créditos en los semestres de otoño y primavera. Esto permitirá que se gradúen en cinco años si asisten a tiempo parcial, o antes, si toman más créditos. Los estudiantes que completan un programa de Transfer Ticket con CT State podrán alcanzar su título universitario en Charter Oak sin incurrir en gastos adicionales y sin necesitar créditos adicionales.

Las 12 universidades se unirán el 1 de julio de 2023, cuando se volverán en CT State Community College. Los estudiantes disfrutarán de los beneficios de registros y catálogos unificados, paquetes de ayuda financiera, incluyendo universidad gratuita para los estudiantes primerizos, y la habilidad de tomar cursos en cualquier universidad.

Graduados de CT State se Beneficiaran de Pagos Correspondientes de Matricula en Charter Oak State College

3, a public-friendly outdoor plaza, direct entrances to the bicycle trail, with the centerpiece of a large-scale exhibition space in Building 1.

Other plans for the spaces include: a music venue, food service spaces, and creative businesses tenants.

Long a fixture over the arched doorway of Building 1, the sign had seen better days and had lost two letters.

When it was removed for preservation, Ilona Somogyi, Ball & Socket’s longtime founder and executive director, discovered that the back of the sign had the original stenciling of the historic letters, which matched the original photographs.

Working from those stencils, along with historical photographs, the Ball & Socket

team partnered with the Eli Whitney Museum & Workshop to recut, gild, remount and restor the entirety of the sign.

Ball & Socket representatives called the sign’s return symbolic of the revitalization of the campus.

Besides art spaces, the transformation includes retail spaces for food, bars, and creative businesses.

Ball & Socket Arts has received significant support from local community members, as well as the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, towards the planning and construction costs.

Building 2’s first floor and ‘Artcade’ re-opened this summer.

The project’s lead architecture firm, Maier Design Group, lef by local resident, David Arai, was awarded the Elizabeth Mills Brown award for excellence in historic

renovation

Ball & Socket Arts is currently working with the Town of Cheshire to develop the back of the site into a shared municipal parking lot that will simultaneously offer trail parking for cyclists and joggers, as well as parking for Ball & Socket Arts facilities.

In tandem with the parking lot construction, the town plans pedestrian and streetscape improvements to sidewalks around the perimeter, particularly on Willow Street.

The team hopes to open the second floor of Building 2, Building 3’s new exhibition and gallery space, and the new parking area with direct access to the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail by the summer of 2023.

For more information on getting involved with Ball & Socket Arts, please contact info@ballandsocket.org or visit https://ballandsocket.org/.

have a healthy distrust of state government already. But if they keep this up, then that’s only going to make it worse, ” warned Rodney Moore, a co-chair of the Congregations Organized for a New Connecticut, or CONECT, criminal legal reform team. He estimated as many as 300,000 could be impacted.

Democratic state Sen. Gary Winfield of New Haven, and Rep. Steve Stafstrom of Bridgeport, co-chairs of the General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee, said they understood it is a complicated process to review so many records and believe the delay is legitimate. However, they stressed the importance of helping people who made a mistake decades ago.

“We can’t hold them to who they were in a moment in their lives,” Winfield said. “We can look at who they are and move forward.”

Under the law, convictions for possession of under four ounces of marijuana imposed between Jan. 1, 2000 and Sept. 30, 2015 would automatically be erased on Jan. 1. Those affected don’t need to take any action to have their conviction expunged, allowing them to tell employers, landlords and schools the conviction never occurred.

The law also allows people to file a petition in Superior

Court to have certain violations erased. The list includes convictions for possession of less than or equal to four ounces of a cannabis-type substance, imposed before Jan, 1, 2000, and between Oct. 1, 2015, and June 30, 2021.

It also includes convictions for possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia for cannabis, imposed before July 1, 2021; convictions imposed before July 1, 2021, for manufacturing, selling, possessing with intent to sell, or giving or administering to another person a cannabistype substance.

The amount must be less than four ounces or six plants grown inside a person’s home for personal use.

Republican Rep. Craig Fishbein of Wallingford, the top House Republican on the Judiciary Committee, called for public hearings in the new legislative session to hear the concerns of state agencies about the criminal expungement law. He characterize the law as “poorly crafted” and said it had no plan for implementation.

The General Assembly convenes Jan. 4.

“These highly technical issues are too important to leave solely to interpretations between committee chairs and judicial branch staff and must be addressed by the full legislature,” Fishbein said in a statement.

“There should be no ambiguity when it comes to a person’s freedom and the state’s ability to restrict their rights.”

10 unique gift ideas for the holidays

By Caitlin Houston Special to the Record-Journal

We all have those hard to buy for friends and family members on our holiday gift list. People we’d like to surprise with something different and meaningful for their presents and in a style that also reflects our thoughtfulness. Here are a few ideas to check out.

1.A week of meals from a local meal delivery service.

2.Crafty night out buy a gift certificate to a local painting or craft studio.

3.At home movie night kit candy, popcorn, cozy socks, a wearable blanket (wearable blankets for kids at the Comfy storeonline for any size/style).

4.Fill-in-the-Blank Book –there are so many different kinds of books for someone to fill in with their own story and then pass along to a loved one or friend.

5.For the person who is always cold: electric hand warmers or heated mattress pad.

6.Weighted eye mask buy one for yourself, too.

7.Homemade Popcorn Pop-

per for Microwave this is easy to use and makes homemade delicious popcorn.

8.One of my favorite gadgets everyone can use is a Portable Fabric Shaver.

9.Find out your gift recipient’s favorite salon, spa, or place to get pampered and surprise her/him with a gift certificate for a service. My daughters love receiving mini manicure gift cards from family – they’re a great ‘ experience’ gift, too.

10.It’s not just for travel – it’s the greatest tool for anyone who despises ironing. Surprise someone who hates wrinkles with a Travel Steamer ($50+ Option) or (Under $50 Option).

One of the most unique gifts you can give to someone is an experience together so consider gift certificates to restaurants, concerts, theater, skiing, yoga class or other outings that you can all enjoy together.

Caitlin Houston is a Wallingford blogger and mom of three who loves sharing all of her favorites on the Caitlin Houston Blog, www.caitlinhoustonblog.com

In Brief

Gallery reading

A gallery reading by medium Karen Hollis will take place Friday, Dec. 16 at the Southington Elks Lodge, 114 Main St. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event starts at 7. Tickets are $45. Call 860-628-6682.

Pajama Program

The Pajama Program provides new pajamas and books to children in need, many of whom are waiting to be adopted.

These children live in situations such as group homes, shelters and temporary housing facilities; and many have

never enjoyed the simple comfort of having a mother or father tuck them in with warm, clean pajamas and a bedtime story.

Artsplace, 1220 Waterbury Road, is collecting new pajamas in all sizes. Pajamas must be complete sets (top and bottom) or a nightgown.

Pajamas are especially needed for the winter months.

Artsplace is also collecting new children’s books.

Drop off items in the marked plastic bin outside the front door, under the purple awning, through Thursday, Dec. 15.

The Cheshire Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony Nov. 2, at Albi’s Barber Shop. The fullservice barber shop is located at 1059 South Main St. The owner, Albion Lumani, along with his wife Geta, treated guests to a luncheon and a tour of the newly renovated space. The shop welcomes new clients for haircuts and beard edge-up services. Initially, the shop will be open Tuesday through Saturday. Appointments can be booked on-line by visiting at www.albisbarbershop.com, or call 203-806-1629. Pictured are owners Albion and Geta Lumani and family members, along with members of the Cheshire Chamber.

and focusing on those muscle groups acts as preventative care. For example, Ambler said some classes teach the best way to recover from a fall to avoid what she called the "long lie."

"We always focus on those [movements] so that people can enhance their act of dai-

ly living– Picking up the laundry basket, getting into the car, getting out of the car, putting on your seatbelt," she said. "These motor skills need to be practiced over and over and over again, so the body keeps it in check."

The fitness classes vary in difficulty and intensity to accommodate all ranges of motions. In addition, instructors can easily modify all of the movements and workouts, said Ambler.

She added that by providing a variety of classes with modifications, seniors feel more comfortable working out to keep essential muscles healthy.

All instructors are certified by SilverSneakers through their educational program, explained national trainer Dina Sexton. They are taught on the foundations of working with older, active adults then trained in a specialized course and recertified every two years.

Sexton said recertification ensures all instructors are updated on the latest studies on senior physical activities and are an opportunity to brainstorm new choreography or workout circuits.

"Whether you're a senior or not, sometimes starting a new fitness program, if fitness is new to you, it might feel a little intimidating. It's something new," she said. "SilverSneakers instructors are aware of that and understand that. So, if you go to an in-person class, you're going to be welcomed Maybe it'll take away some of that hesitancy that they might have."

The majority of fitness locations provide one or more SilverSneakers classes. For example, the Meriden-New

Britain-Berlin YMCA offers five courses while the Southington-Cheshire YMCA offers three, according to the SilverSneakers center database.

Similarly, the Wallingford Senior Center offers the classic course, SilverSneakers Enerchi and online courses, said Ambler.

However, with the outbreak of COVID-19, Sexton explained that SilverSneakers underwent some of the most significant changes she had seen in her 10 years with the program. Due to social distancing and quarantine, all classes were moved online. Instructors relied on numerous streaming services to teach their courses.

According to its website, SilverSneakers offers over 100 online classes and hosts numerous workshops and workouts.

Sexton said that although inperson classes are now available, SilverSneakers will continue to provide virtual courses.

Since Aug. 2022, SilverSneakers has held the Guinness World Record for most viewers of a dance fitness lesson on Facebook Live with over 3,000 viewers in a 30-minute workout session, beating the previous 1,500

record. "It was pretty amazing to see seniors using technology in a way that maybe they hadn't before and really embracing it, so SilverSneakers Live is still going strong today," Sexton said.

Benefits

Physical activity is a proactive tactic to avoid health complications down the road, Marquardt said.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that adults ages 65 and older exercise at least 150 minutes a week with at least two days of muscle-strengthening and balance activities.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, physical activity can help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, numerous cancers, blood lipid profile, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Furthermore, regular exercise helps improve quality of life by reducing anxiety and depression, improving sleep and physical functions and maintaining a healthy weight. In addition, for older adults, physical activities lower fall risk and fall-related injuries.

A 2021 study by Avalere Health found that average healthcare expenses for SilverSneakers Medicare clients were reduced by 16 percent compared to nonprogram recipients.

In addition, SilverSneaker members saw a decrease in hospitalization costs by 26 percent and noted that members used outpatient services at higher rates than non-members, which indicates better health management.

"[The program] gives seniors incentives to not only get healthy but to stay healthy, so things don't happen down the road," said Marquardt.

She added that many YMCA SilverSneakers clients often leave feeling refreshed and energetic. Many make plans to grab lunch or run errands after a workout.

Alliance

From A3

g. ”

Coaches like the variety and vigor Alliance games provide. They flavor an otherwise same-old, same-old league slate and get a good team prepped for the postseason.

At the same time, coaches don’t want to lose the sovereignty of their conferences. They want a full league schedule, in which all teams in a division or tier play one another, to be sacrosanct. Ditto for Thanksgiving rivalries.

“I think it’s better this year than a year ago,” remarked North Haven coach Anthony Sagnella. “One of the things our league wanted the (SCC) Tier 1 coaches wanted was a champion. When we were playing four Alliance games, that made it difficult to do that. Playing two was good; it spices up the schedule.

“But, again, that’s predicated on how many teams are in Tier 1,” Sagnella added. “There might be eight teams in Tier 1 next year. That may impact your ability to play out of league, because we’re always pencilled in with Amity on Thanksgiving. If there are eight Tier 1 teams or nine Tier 1 teams, we only have wiggle room for one. But, yeah, it’s good to get out.”

Ansonia coach Tom Brockett would like to see the Naugatuck Valley League get out and about, too. The NVL and the Pequot League are the two conferences that don’t participate in the Alliance.

Both leagues feature 16 teams. Both leagues play entirely within conference during the regular season.

In the NVL, Brockett is a minority voice when it comes to the Alliance.

“I voted in favor of it last year and I’ll vote in favor of it again this year,” he said. Will the result be any differ-

ent?

“I don’t know,” Brockett replied. “The league is really an old traditional league. We’ve got a couple guys who were in the Alliance in other leagues that are head coaches now that didn’t necessarily love it.

“When I was on the (CIAC) Football Committee,” he added. “I thought every team should have to play one out-of-league game in order to qualify (for the playoffs).”

Brockett also puts forward this argument: As good a

concept as the Alliance is, as compelling as the matchups are, the scheduling of games should be left to athletic directors and coaches.

“What if you’re getting on a bus going to Putnam or something, and that game doesn’t work for you?” Brockett reasoned. “I’d like to see it the way where you schedule a game that works for your community.

“I’d rather see Sheehan go play Platt than Sheehan get on a bus and play someone else two hours away. I’d like to see Amity and Seymour

play an old Thanksgiving rivalry, or Ansonia-Shelton. Things like that I’d like to see. ”

It would seem the way forward lies in a sort of flexible balance between home rule and outside influence, between tradition and new wrinkles.

“I hope they continue it; I think it gets you battle-tested,” Frederick said. “They did a good job matching

teams up with similar programs with similar success.

“As long as they don’t take away that Thanksgiving Day game, I’m OK with everything,” the Maloney coach added. “Living in Meriden, playing in Meriden, that Thanksgiving Day is so special to everyone. I know Ansonia, Tom Brockett thinks the same way about that. That tradition, keeping it alive, is special.”

HELP KEEP

Cheshire

Coming to your home or business

In order to continue delivery to your home or business, we need to have each resident or business let us know that, by filling out our on-line requester form at myrecordjournal. com/cheshire-requester

Or, you can call us at 203-634-3933 and we can mail you a postage paid postcard to fill out and return. Without the necessary requester information, delivery of your Cheshire Citizen to your home or business, will end.

HELP US HELP YOU, CONTINUE RECEIVING “YOUR” LOCAL WEEKLY.

Cheshire’s Adam Vernon returns a punt during the season opener against New Milford. James Brandolini, Cheshire Herald

WASTE TREATMENT

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (Attendant III): Operates and maintains equipment and processes in a municipal sewage treatment plant. Requires a H.S. diploma or GED. A State of CT Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Class III Operators License or higher certification plus three (3) yrs. of experience in the operation of a class II or higher wastewater treatment facility, with one (1) yr. in a supervisory capacity of foreperson level or higher. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. $ 30.76 to $ 35.10 hourly / $ 28.53 to $ 35.10 based on certifications & experience 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 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 January 10, 2023 whichever occurs first.

EOE

Need to

The perfect and easiest part time job - Newspaper Delivery Routes Available - Earn up to $600.00 every Two weeks +Tips (Depending on area) Routes available in the following towns: MERIDEN, WALLINGFORD, SOUTHINGTON/ PLANTSVILLE, CHESHIRE AND MIDDLETOWN

Must be 18 or older. Must have valid drivers license, reliable vehicle and be available early mornings. Make extra cash before you go to work making early morning newspaper deliveries using your own vehicle. NO experience necessary. Must able to deliver early mornings, 7 days a week. MUST be dependable, and be able to read a route list with specific delivery instructions. We will demonstrate the route to you. Routes average 1.5 to 3 hours daily. No collections required.

Not Temp Work. Retirees, Stay at Home Mom’s, and Veterans are also welcome to apply. Make extra cash to pay rent, mortgage, bills, save money, or a great vacation.

Text or call Peter at 860-846-0216 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and start as soon as tomorrow morning.

TREE LENGTH FIREWOOD CALL FOR DETAILS 203-238-2149

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

AARON’S BUYING

Old Machinist Tools, Lathes, BenchTools, Hand Tools & more. (203) 525-0608.

TOP CASH PAID

For Junk or unwanted vehicles, Toyota’s etc.

Please call Mike @ 203284-8562 8am-5pm.

NEED TO STORE - A collector car on a monthly basis at a reasonable rate. Call (203) 415-6214.

WALLINGFORD - 1 car GAR for rent. $120/mo. 1st mo. & sec. dep. due at signing. Please call John 203.269.1426.

TORO SNOW BLOWER

- Power shift 824, well maintained, $400, call for details, after 4:30 p.m., (860) 302-0265

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

PREMIUM SCREENED

TOPSOIL

$25/yard delivered, 3 yd, $100 min. delivery Call Jim 860-982-4819

TORO 11 HP - 32” cut, riding mower, very good condition, $350 o.b.o. (203) 213-5204 for details.

ANTIQUES - Always buying old; Toys, military, jewelry, art, watches, musical instruments, signs, arcade games, cameras, pre 1970 sports memorabilia, plus more. One item or entire estate contents. Call 860718-5132.

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, Native American Items, Vintage Electronics, Slot Cars, Toy Trucks, Matchbox & Hotwheels, Barbie’s, Folk Art, Statues, Bronzes, Trains, Cameras, Mid Century Modern Furniture, Straight Razors, Shaving Items, Political Items, Comic Books, Sports Cards & Autographs…& THE LIST GOES ON! So please give us a call at your earliest convenience.

Grassy Hill Auctions 203-868-1816 - Grassy HillAuctions.com

PREMIER ESTATE JEWELRY - Is interested in buying your fine jewelry, watches, coin collections, silver flatware, and costume jewelry. Call Bill, (203) 4942496.

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

TIMELESS TREASURES

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

FOR SALE - 7 Foot Slim Line Christmas Tree with lights. Excellent Condition. $50.00. Please call 860-3840190

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.

BUYING MACHINIST

TOOLBOXES - Tools & tooling, contents of machine shops, home workshops and small lathes. Call anytime 860-985-5760

COSTUME & FINE ESTATE JEWELRY WANTED - New, Old, Napier, QVC, Gold, Silver, etc. “I Pay Top Cash For Your Grandma’s Costume Jewelry Stash”. I’ll come to you. 36 yrs exp. Julie Rees-Gorneault, 203-443-9602.

SUDOKU ANSWER

CROSSWORD ANSWER

GARY WODATCH

Demolition Svs Sheds, pools, decks, garages, debris removal. Quick, courteous svc. All calls returned. Ins. #566326. Cell, 860-558-5430

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

GUTTERS PLUS 25+yrs. Exp. Call today for Free estimate. 203-440-3535 Ct. Reg. #578887

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

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

GUTTERS

DON’T WORK

If they’re dirty! For gutter cleaning, Call Kevin (203) 440-3279 Fully ins. CT# 569127

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

Let Us BEAR Your Junk! Junk Removal in CT

RT RELOCATION

Your moving and storage specialists. Call for a free estimate. 833-668-3978.

BRADLEY’S PAINTING203.715.0771. 30 years in the business. Watch our video at bradleyshousepainting.com

Specializing in tree removal, trimming,

POWER WASHING Is Spring Cleaning on THE OUTSIDE FREE Estimates #569127 Call Kevin 203-440-3279

Insurance claim.storm damage.roofing.siding. gutter.chimney flashing. Office:203.754.3071 Cell:203.510.3830 Stormshieldct@gmail. com HIC.0664452

Roof Repair or Replacement, Chimney Repair, Skylight Replacement. Free est. CT #0651199 (860) 877-3006