Cheshire Citizen Jan. 2, 2020 by Record Journal

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Volume 6, Number 12

cheshirecitizen.com

Recap: Farewell, 2019

Estimating snow removal costs is a tricky science

By Michael Gagne Record-Journal staff

Here’s a quick month-bymonth look at the 2019 Cheshire news that made headlines and that often shaped the direction of activities around town and beyond. January The December 2018 suicide of 11-year-old Doolittle Elementary School student Angelita Estrada would lead to forums and other public discussions about bullying and students' mental health over the first few months of 2019. Disagreements and clashes over how officials handle complaints made by parents of bullying would continue in subsequent months. February The Watch Factory Restaurant's long-time owner and chef, Markus Patsch, announced he would be retiring after more than two decades of serving Austrian fare to town clientele.

March Economic development in the North End of town, along I-691, gained some steam, when town officials floated the idea of creating a special tax district that would generate income through incremental increases. That income would reimburse developers for the costs of building infrastructure, like water and sewer, the area would need. Later, in September, the Town Council would adopt a A Tax Increment Financing Master Plan and District, which officials said would generate revenue to enable the town to assist in that yetto-be-conceived project's financing and development. That development comes after years of proposals in the 691-Route 10 area, all of which had failed to come to fruiition. April The town switched over to an automated trash pickup See Recap, A7

By Michael Gagne Record-Journal staff

For state transportation officials and local municipal leaders, the annual task of estimating the resources needed each winter to carry out snow removal operations — including how much road salt to keep in town- and state-owned sheds — is a tricky science, at best. The mix of rain and snow that blanketed the region during December’s first winter storm wasn't noteworthy because of how much snow accumulated. Rather, it was the storm’s duration. It began with snow late on the morning on Dec. 1 that turned to freezing rain, and the pre-

Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

cipitation didn’t taper off until two days later.

Nursick estimated the cost of keeping roads snow- and ice-free throughout that State Department of Transstorm's duration at around portation spokesman $4 million. Kevin Nursick described it as easily a “multi-million See Storms, A6 dollar storm” for the DOT.

Developer proposes new, 3-story medical office building By Michael Gagne Record-Journal staff

Crews pick at the exterior of the Ball & Socket Arts building along Willow Street in Cheshire as asbestos remediation continued there Aug. 28, 2019.

A snowplow parked at the Connecticut Department of Transportation Maintenance Facility on Highway Garage Road off Route 15 in Meriden Dec. 27, 2019.

Control Authority and the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission in A Farmington-based devel- October and November. oper is proposing to build a three-story medical office The WPCA granted preliminary approval for the probuilding on a more than ject's sewer system plans as 27-acre parcel between West Johnson Avenue and presented, but noted developers still need to submit Marion Road. plans for final approval and The building would cover still needed to apply for a an area of 25,000 square sewer connection permit. feet. With three floors, that building would offer 75,000 The IWWC has scheduled a square feet of office space. hearing during its Jan. 7 meeting. The Planning and Representatives from F.I.P. Zoning Commission is exRealty Corporation, which pected to discuss the applihas an office in Farmingcation during its Jan. 13 ton, appeared before the meeting. town's Water Pollution

The property is located in an industrial zone just south of the Interstate 691 east exit off Interstate 84 east. The site so far has been undeveloped. Town property records list F.I.P. Realty Corporation as the owner. Records do not list a sales price for the property. The appraised value is close to $890,000. During the Water Pollution Control Authority's Oct. 23 meeting, Peter Autunno, a senior project manager for See Office, A6

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Future of school buildings discussed By Michael Gagne Record-Journal staff

At the Dec.16 meeting, the committee did not take any votes, but discussed the possibility of hiring a consultant to help develop a plan. School officials provided a timeline of the recent investments made to improve

That number is down from 5,174 students during the 2006-2007 school year. Different enrollment projections conducted in 2016 had forecast either a possible increase in enrollment over a 10 year period or a decline. One projection showed enrollment declining to 3,643 by the 2025-2026 school

An updated projection shows the district's enrollment is on pace for a more slight increase — to 4,283 students. Humiston School, the oldest building, houses the district's central office and alternative high school program. The building was constructed in 1912. Meanwhile, the town's newest building, Highland Elementary School, was completed in 1971.

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The town has more than 4,200 public school students.

year. Another had enrollment increasing to 4,477.

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What was intended to be a brief overview of investments in the existing public school buildings turned into a larger discussion about how the buildings are currently used and the financial impact of school modernization.

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Thursday, January 2, 2020

COMMENTARY

But what about my legal fees? By Lisa Cappelli

Up for an adventure? By Joy VanderLek The Cheshire Citizen

I have a friend who worked in the same downtown New Haven office building for decades. She also drove the same daily route to her job: Rt. 10 south, into Hamden, then turn onto the Rt. 40 connector and then take the entrance ramp to I-91 to her office. When she recently retired, I found out she could not find her way around here, here in Cheshire, the town where she’s lived for 20 years. Picture me laughing. With all due respect, she was just on a course made familiar and comfortable. It suited her for the time. But before I get too far, I’ve since found that she is not the only one.

I love getting out and about in town! I love checking out new things and meeting new people. All kinds of people. All kinds of backgrounds. All kinds of places. I want you to come with me. I also want you to know that, See Joy, A5

“She wants the divorce, I don’t! She should pay my legal fees.” My response to those clients, in the first instance, is “No.” Connecticut follows the “American Rule” – each spouse pays their own legal fees. But there are exceptions.

whether a spouse must pay the other’s attorney’s fees. Where a spouse is in contempt of court for intentionally disobeying a court order, the judge can order that spouse to pay the legal expense incurred by the other in the contempt proceeding. As I explained in a previous column (March), contempt isn’t easy to prove and the purpose is not to punish, but rather to See Cappelli, A4

The court has the power to order one spouse to pay some or all of the other’s attorney’s fees. Legal fees aren’t awarded simply because one

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I have met others who don’t know any of the secondary

roads or may not know where Mixville Park is or that there’s a great little bar where a local group plays set-back during lunch (and that place has awesome food), or know there’s a community garden where you can rent a space — if you hurry, that is, it’s really popular — or realize there’s a veterans’ group that meets monthly and hosts special presentations and welcome vets from all branches, or that you can hike the spine of Prospect Ridge from one end of Cheshire through to Brooksvale Park and on.

“He cheated! He should pay my legal fees.”

spouse can better afford it. The law requires the judge to consider and balance the same factors as for determining Cappelli alimony – the spouse’s age, health or occupation, among others, and the financial ability of each spouse to pay. And other financial components of the judgment may affect

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Thursday, January 2, 2020

In Brief Radon testing The month of January has been designated “Radon Awareness Month” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Radon is a serious health risk facing tens of thousands of Americans. Chesprocott will offer free radon testing kits to Cheshire, Prospect and Wol-

cott residents throughout January and February. Chesprocott staff will visit homes to place test kits and will pick them up within the same week. This initiative is paid through a grant from the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

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Whether in cancer treatment, in remission, or have beaten it, you are eligible to participate in the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. The Cheshire Community YMCA is seeking participants for the

Cappelli

falsely about the sale and had omitted both the painting and the $200,000 sale proceeds from a financial affidavit she filed with the court. On those facts, the judge awarded the amount of the sales to the husband plus $71,000 to cover the attorney’s fees related to the art.

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From A3

correct a violation. So, even if one spouse is in contempt, it is not automatic that the other will get attorney’s fees.

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Where a party acts in bad faith courts will sometimes order attorney’s fees to the other party. For that to happen, the conduct must be extremely dishonest or egregious both to the other spouse and to the court. Here is a real-life example. The husband was to get a particular piece of art. The former wife sold the piece for $200,000. The judge found that she had testified

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Of course, in a prenuptial agreement or divorce settlement agreement, parties can agree to pay legal fees of the other. To support the award, the contract must be clear and meet all other requirements of a valid contract. There are also instances at the beginning of a case and during a case where legal fees can be awarded, gener-

next session. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a free, 12-week program designed for adults affected by cancer. It is conducted in the Wellness Center by staff trained in elements of cancer exercise and supportive cancer care. Winter session is scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 to 8 p.m., beginning in January. For more information, contact John Phillips at 203-2723150 ext. 511. See Briefs, A9

ally, where one party doesn’t have the liquid assets to pay them and the other party does. To be successful on an attorney’s fee claim, the facts need to be right and they need to be presented to the Court in a convincing manner. It makes sense to consult with an experienced attorney to evaluate the strength of your claim before expending time, money and effort pursuing it. Lisa J. Cappalli is Of Counsel at the law firm of Freed Marcroft, LLC, which has offices in Cheshire and Hartford. She can be reached at lisac@ freedmarcroft.com or 203271-3888.

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

The deadline to get on the priority list of school conThe town has made investstruction projects for the ments to improve its school Department of Administrabuildings. Voters this past tive Services, which oversees November approved projects the grant, is June 30, 2021. that include boiler replacements in several elementary Solan called that timeline “pretty aggressive,” if the school buildings and wincommittee were to develop dow replacements at a plan to be considered Cheshire High School. among the next cohort of Vincent Masciana, chief op- projects. erating officer for the public schools, and Superintendent Town Council Vice Chairof Schools Jeffrey Solan said man Paul Bowman suggested the committee needs to that many of the previous know the Board of Educacapital projects were designed to bring school build- tion's vision for education in the future before it makes a ings into code compliance final recommendation on and improve security. renovations, closures or new The town's current reimconstruction. bursement, via the state's “We have to design around School Construction Grant that vision.... What Cheshire program, for new school needs to have,” Bowman construction is 36.43%. The said.

From A2

Town Council chairman Rob Oris Jr. agreed the committee needs to look at what's best for education, but cautioned the plan has to be affordable. “We have to do what's best for these schools. But it has to be based in fiscal reality. If we cannot marry the two, this project will be dead upon arrival,” Oris said, referencing the previous proposal for a new middle school building that the Council rejected two years ago.

Joy From A3

not unlike my friend I talked about earlier, I have since found out that there’s so much more to Cheshire that I have yet to discover. I love adventures, so we’ll go together. I am looking forward to it. How about you? Are you game?

In case you wondered, I have since dragged my newly retired friend with me to a million different places and events. And yes, it’s been fun and she’s learned how to get around herself. Feel free to write me with any suggestions you may have about people, places or ideas you’d like to check out. Contact me at jvanderlek@ record-journal.com.

mgagne@record-journal.com 203-317-2231 Twitter:@MikeGagneRJ

A Classified ad is an easy way to sell your merchandise, and it’s easy on your wallet, too.

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current reimbursement for renovations is 46.43%.

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Schools

Thursday, January 2, 2020

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Office From A1

F.I.P., explained that the firm had developed the industrial park near the vacant lot in the 1970s and the 1980s, according to minutes from that meeting. During the Nov. 7 IWWC meeting, Guy Hesketh, an engineer who spoke on behalf of the applicants, told the commission the property contains just shy of 15 acres of wetlands. The plan is to locate the building on the center of the parcel, where its elevation is highest and the soil is dryest.

Minutes from that meeting noted that Constitution Surgery Alliance is expected to become that building's owner once it is completed. Minutes from that meeting also indicate that developers hope to begin construction on the project by next spring. Attempts to reach Autunno or another representative from F.I.P. were unsuccessful. When asked about the proposal last week Town Planner William S. Voelker said, “The plan is still under review.” mgagne@r ecord-journal.com 203-317-2231 Twitter:@MikeGagneRJ

Representatives for the developers had also appeared before the Town Beautification Committee on Dec. 4.

Storms

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Townwide, a crew of 25 employees who operate 14 large dump trucks and seven smaller trucks will treat and plow about 152 miles of roadway in Cheshire. Noewatne explained the DPW will receive deliveries from different vendors throughout the winter. The department typically restocks its shed fully at the end of the season, when the cost of salt is lowest, to prepare for the next season. “There have been some years when salt is slow coming due to demand, but we have not run out,” Noewatne said. “We try to restock it after each storm so that it is full during the winter.” He said in years when the department has exceeded its snow removal budget, officials tried to balance the budget by scaling back on other spending. “Snow removal is a public safety issue that is the highest priority,” Noewatne said. “So all other departmental funding would be diverted to that task. If we exceeded that, we would seek [town] council authorization for additional funding through the town manager.”

During storms earlier this month, city crews used about 700 tons of road salt due to the durations and the amount of ice that accumulated.

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In Cheshire, Department of Public Works and Engineering Director George Noewatne said the town currently has 350 tons of road salt in storage at the town’s DPW garage. “We can handle approximately three routine storms out of our salt shed,” Noewatne said.

The city’s salt shed and dome combined can hold around 4,500 tons of salt. The city also has a 3,000 gallon tank to fill three trucks for pre-treating roads.

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freezing,” said city communications specialist Belen Michelis.

In 2014, the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering published a study regarding the DOT’s current From A1 use of a wet road salt solu“If you get six inches of snow tion to pre-treat roadways in two hours, that's much prior to storms. The mix is less expensive than six inch- three parts magnesium es of snow over 12 hours,” chloride to seven parts waNursick said. ter. The department uses about five gallons of the soWith 2020 just days away, lution for each ton of road the height of the winter salt. storm season hasn’t yet begun. 2019 appears poised to Nursick said the cost of salt end on a slightly warm note, is “fairly steady,” at around with high temperatures in $60 per ton. the low 50s and mid-to-high In Meriden, city officials set 40s. “It gets very difficult to aside $750,000 for snow and compare one winter to anice control, a figure City other winter in terms of Manager Tim Coon said incost,” Nursick said. cludes road salt, police Personnel costs represent overtime, contractors and the largest expense in snow the cost to patch roads removal, followed by vehidamaged during winter cles and equipment. Nursick storms. said the DOT has about $39 million set aside for snow re- “Of course there are outlier moval this winter. About $10 years where costs exceed budget and years where it million is for road salt. was less than budgeted, but DOT has about 173,000 tons over the long haul, these of road salt stored in 88 numbers don’t vary a great sheds across Connecticut, deal,” Coon said. “I strongly including a large shed off feel our crews are prepared Route 15 in Meriden. and ready to remove snow and ice when more significant storms move through.”

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service using trucks with mechanical arms, hoping to save costs, such as gas and labor, on trash pickups. May In a close vote, the Board of Education hired Marlene Silano, formerly the Cheshire Public Schools' K-8 curriculum coordinator to become the district's new assistant superintendent. The vote was 4-3. Silano was chosen from nearly 100 applicants to fill the position. The position had been vacated the year before when the previous administrator took a job with the Windsor Locks school district. June U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy lists his home on Paul Ney Road for sale, initially hoping fetch $520,000 for the property. The house would be sold about a month later for $478,000, lower than the asking price. Meanwhile Murphy's office stated at the time the senator was looking for a home in the greater Hartford area to be closer to his state office and to extended family. July Long-time Board of Education member Cathy Hellreich submits her resignation from the board, via a handwritten letter to the Town Clerk's office stating she had sold her home and was no longer a town resident. The Democratic Town Committee subsequently votes to appoint Richard Gusenburg, a retired long-time educator to fill Hellreich's seat until the expiration of her term in December. August A local nonprofit group's efforts to restore the former the Ball & Socket Factory complex into a multi-purpose art studio, perfor-

Construction and historic restoration work is currently ongoing. Leaders of Ball & Socket Arts, the volunteer group that has led the effort, through private fundraising and state grants, to revitalize the former factory, expressed hope that the building would ready to open within 18 months, by early 2021. September Police responded to a 911 call on Sept. 11 for a Mountain Road address. Upon arrival officers found a woman, suspected to have been stabbed as many as 30 times, laying in a pool of blood. The woman had filed for a divorce two months prior in a homicide that has prompted local and statewide advocates to raise awareness to domestic violence. The mother of two young children died days after she she had been brutally stabbed multiple times by her husband at the couple's home, police alleged. Emanual Dominguez-VillaGomez, the victim's husband, not only has been charged with murder, but faces a litany of charges, which include firstdegree assault, risk of injury to a minor, and first-degree reckless endangerment. Also this month, the ongoing expansion of Viron Rondos Osteria continued with the opening of a new veranda and outdoor bar that month. Other additions, including the construction of a subterranean kitchen, the addition of a second bar and installation of a new chandelier, would also be completed in the coming months. October Town officials name the members of the Town Council, Board of Education and community, who would be

chosen to serve on the new School Modernization Committee, a group that has been tasked with making recommendations regarding the use, renovation or closure of Cheshire's aging public school buildings and forwarding those recommendations to the council by the fall of 2020. November Town Republicans emerge victorious in the Nov. 5 election, sweeping all at-large seats that were up for election on the Town Council, and tilting the balance of polical power on the Board of Education in its favor, with five Republican mem-

bers to two Democrats. A month later, Republican board member Anthony Perugini would be voted by his board colleagues as the group's new chairman. Meanwhile, townwide voters would approve all of the referendum questions on the ballot, including a $1.8 million bond request to repair the West John Avenue Bridge. December A public records sought and received by the Record-Journal reveal the town has received a notice of violation from the state Department of Energy and Environmental protection after mistakes

overseeing a culvert rehabiliation project at Marion Road led to the pollution of Cuff Brook and the killing off of an estimated 150 small fish. Meanwhile, the town faces possible financial penalties as a result of the pollution, and members of the town's Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, which had permitted the project, stated they had little trust in the leadership of the town's Public Works & Engineering Department to ensure permit regulations would be followed in future projects without other engineering oversight. mgagne@record-journal.com 203-317-2231 Twitter:@MikeGagneRJ

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From A1

mance, restaurant and commercial space, got under way when contractors began work to remediate on one of its two buildings on the West Main Street site.

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Thursday, January 2, 2020

RECORD-JOURNAL SCHOLAR-ATHLETES

Cheshire’s Stevens delivering a fine finishing kick Record-Journal staff

It was one of the best stories of the fall season. Cheshire girls swimming extended its dual-meet win streak to 67 during the regular season, dethroned ninetime reigning champ Greenwich in Class LL and then — prize of prizes — captured the overall championship at the State Open.

status by placing fourth in the 100-yard backstroke at the State Open in 57.21 seconds. Stevens was also part of the vaunted 200 medley relay that was second in the SCC, second in Class LL and fifth at the State Open. For good measure, Stevens qualified for the State Open in a second individual event: the 200 IM.

expectations and is a member of many extracurricular clubs. In the pool, Jillian is an All-SCC performer, All State performer and a great team leader.” Stevens was one of eight Record-Journal Scholar-Athletes selected by their coaches at Cheshire High School for the 2019 fall season.

All eight will be invited to the Record-Journal’s fifth annual “Best of the Bunch” As deep as the Rams are, “Jillian was a senior captain awards brunch at the Aqua you need good senior capThese are Cheshire High School’s Record-Journal Scholarthis year and helped orgaTurf Club in late June. All tains to lead the way, and Jil- nize all of our team events as eight are in the running for Athletes for the 2019 fall season. In the back row, left to lian Stevens was one of well as our community efScholar-Athlete of the Year. right, are Owen Fiore, Thomas Bonitz, Jason Shumilla and those captains. forts,” noted coach Dave Jillian Stevens. In front, left to right, are Izzy Dzuira, Emma Modzelewski. “In the classShalagan, Audrey Kiesling and Lindsey Abramson. She’s a heck of a swimmer, room, Jillian always exceeds See CHS, A9 Aaron Flaum, Record-Journal too. Stevens earned All-State

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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

CHS From A8

Stevens comes away from the fall season with a 4.93 GPA. The All-SCC Academic is a member of the National Honor Society as well as Mu Alpha Theta, the national math honor society. She’s earned a National Latin Exam Award. Next year, Stevens will be off to Bryant University, where she’ll continue swimming and major in managerial accounting and finance. n Lindsey

Abramson, girls volleyball: Lindsey Abramson has been an All-RecordJournal volleyball player since her freshman year. That did not change this season. The senior led the Rams in kills (194) and aces (71) and was second in digs (84).

Those numbers helped land Cheshire a fourth straight SCC divisional championship during a 14-4 regular season and returned Abramson to the All-SCC First Team. And, for a second straight year, she was named All-State Second Team. At season’s end, Abramson was selected to play in the Senior All-Star Game. “Lindsey has been a consistent offensive threat for us the past two seasons. When she’s not getting kills, she’s getting aces,” said coach Sue Bavone. “I know that when she goes back to serve she will pressure the passers across the net.” Academically, meanwhile, Abramson upped an already formidable game. With a first-semester GPA of 4.98, Abramson raised her overall GPA to 4.33. A year from now, she’ll be studying Biomedical Engineering on a Pre-Med track at Kenyon College in Ohio, where she’s also committed to play volleyball. Abramson, who also plays softball, is a member of both

the National Honor and Science National Honor societies. She was Cheshire’s English Student of the Year as a sophomore. She participates in Best Buddies and Peer Advocates. “She is a strong all-around player who excells in the classroom as well as on the volleyball court,” said Coach Bavone. “She has been a great asset to our team.” n Thomas

Bonitz, boys soccer : With a 4.773 GPA, senior Thomas Bonitz is setting his college sights high. He’ll be applying to Harvard, William & Mary and Washington University in St. Louis. Bonitz has been on the Harvard radar, having won a Harvard Book Award earlier this year. A member of three honor societies — National, Science and Mu Alpha — the AP Scholar with Honor is interested in geographic information science and environmental studies. He’s a member of Model U.N and has attended conferences at Johns Hopkins and Cheshire Academy.

Thursday, January 2, 2020

He’s played for the Rams in that sport since his freshman year and was named Cheshire’s Most Valuable Player in 2018. A musician, Bonitz has been playing viola in the Cheshire High School Orchestra since his freshman year. He also played in the New England Music Festival Orchestra during the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 school years. This year, he’s with the Connecticut Southern Region Orchestra. Dzuira, girls soccer: Izzy Dzuira has been a varsity soccer player for Cheshire for two years and she’s only a sophomore. n Izzy

A verstile one, too. While playing defense, Dzuira also scored seven goals and assisted on two others as the Rams went 14-4-2. “She stepped up and played a position that is not normal for her and excelled,” head coach Kylee McIntosh noted.

Fiore’s built for the long run academically, too. He’s carrying a 4.45 GPA. An AP Scholar with Honor, Fiore is a member of the Mu Alpha Theta math honor society and is a National German Exam silver medalist. Fiore also participates in Best Buddies, DECA and the Spikeball Club. “Owen is a very hard-working and dedicated student and athlete,” said cross country coach Pam Gunneson. “He always gives his best effort, which can be demonstrated through his academic accomplishments maintaining a 4.45 GPA and as a reliable team member. “It has been a pleasure to work with Owen and I know that he will have much success in his future endeavors. He will be greatly missed by the coaches and his teammates next year.”

Kiesling, girls cross country: This young Dzuira earned Distinguished lady was not an overnight sensation for the Rams. She Honors throughout her freshman year and currently is, however, a testament to a holds a 4.19 GPA. She volun- never-quit work ethic. teers at the Cheshire Public “Audrey is a talented runner Library and participates in who worked and worked unLights of Hope. Then there’s soccer. His til she finally secured a spot Cheshire coach, Artur Bran- “Izzy is a brilliant individual on the CHS varsity team,” reco, can see Bonitz playing on and off the field,” McInported coach Rob Schaefer. the game at the next level. tosh said. “Every day for “Health issues stopped her practice she is always ready in her first three seasons, but “Thomas Bonitz is an enjoy- to go and eager to get better. nothing got in her way this able player to watch and one That same attitude is year. of the better players in the brought into the classroom. “She worked as hard as anySCC,” Branco remarked. “He As her coach and being a has been a vital player for us teacher as well, I see a fire in one on our team, led her teammates by example, this year. He is one of the Izzy’s eyes to always better worked very well with her reasons why we have been and push herself. coaches and was admired by able to compete this year. “This drive is something I all on the team.” “He is very committed to the would love to see in all my players and students. Alteam and the game of socthough she is young, she is a cer. He is extremely technileader in all areas of her cal, understands and reads the game very well. Thomas life.” will be a very effective colle- n Owen Fiore, boys cross giate soccer player.” From A4 country: A year-round runner for the Rams, senior A four-year player with the Census jobs Owen Fiore helped the Rams, Bonitz was named Rams finish fourth in the In preparation for the 2020 All-SCC Second Team this team standings at the SCC count, the U.S. Census Buseason, which saw Cheshire Cross Country Champireau is hiring for a variety of go 11-5-1. In the end, Bonitz onships at East Shore Park temporary jobs, including was selected to play in the and again at the CIAC Class census takers, recruiting asSenior Bowl. L state meet at Wickham sistants, office staff and suPark. pervisory staff. Bonitz also plays volleyball. n Audrey

Briefs

Kiesling wound up becoming one of the team’s senior captains. She usually ran in the 6-7 position for the Candy Stripers. Kiesling’s work ethic extends to the classroom. She started her senior year taking four Advanced Placement classes and is carrying a 4.826 GPA. English is the major she might pursue in college. Shalagan, field hockey: The R-J welcomes Emma Shalagan to its Scholar-Athlete roster. It’s one of several that she’s on. This senior is an All-SCC Academic as well as a National Field Hockey Coaches Association All-Academic.

n Emma

Shalagan holds a 3.887 GPA and will study speech pathology in college. At Cheshire High, she sings in the V.I.P. choir. At work, she’s a chief assistant at the Kumon Math and Reading Center. At the YMCA, she’s a member of the Leaders Club. n Jason

Shumilla, football: Back to full health after seeing his junior season cut short by an injury, Jason Shumilla returned to his job at quarterback and helped lead the Rams to their first state playoff appearance since 2009. Shumilla completed 91 of 168 passes for 1,253 yards and 14 touchdowns as the Rams went 8-2 in the regular season. Shumilla also ran 57 times for 282 yards. It wasn’t all play for Shumilla. During the season, the senior boosted his GPA to 4.07.

The pay rate for a census taker is $21 per-hour plus reimbursement for work-related mileage and expenses. To be eligible, you must be at least 18, have a valid Social Security number and be a U.S. citizen. Candidates must complete an online job application (2020Census.gov/ jobs). The application includes assessment questions about your education, work, and other experience.

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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Legal Notices & Classifieds

Reach over 310,000 readers. Call us today 203-238-1953

A Classified ad is an easy way to sell your merchandise, and it’s easy on your wallet, too.

Autos Wanted

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

Wanted To Buy ALWAYS BUYING CASH PAID Vintage Electronics, Musical Instruments, Amps, Ham Equipment, HiFi, Radios, CB, Guitars, Audio Equipment, Antiques. 860-707-9350

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.

Motorcyles and ATVs WILL PAY CASH - For old motorcycles, mini bikes & go carts. Gary, (860) 558-5430.

Lost and Found LOST - Friday, Dec. 20 at Meriden Y parking lot; photo album with sentimental value. Generous reward. Please call 203.634.4128 Leave message if no answer.

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Classifieds Open 8–5 Monday thru Friday. Call Us.

203-238-1953

Wood Fuel Heating Equipment QUALITY SEASONED FIREWOOD - Approx. 18” long, full cord $200. Lavignes Tree Service, BUYING MACHINIST 203.294.1775. TOOLBOXES - Tools & tooling, contents of TREE LENGTH machine shops, home workshops and small FIREWOOD lathes. Call anytime CALL FOR DETAILS 860-985-5760

203-238-2149 Wanted To Buy

1,2,3 Items or an Estate $$$CA$H$$$ Todd Shamock 203.494.1695Estate Sale Service Costume Jewelry, Antiques, paintings, Meriden-made. 1-2 ITEMS: China, Silverware, Glass. Furn., 50’s. Whole Estates. 203.238.3499

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

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Wanted To Buy 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

Wanted To Buy

Wanted To Buy WANTED - Old antique, Napier, new & junk jewelry. I pay top cash for your Grandma’s Costume Jewelry Stash. Julie 203.443.9602.

Pets For Sale ***NEED EXTRA CASH?*** Always buying coins, gold, silver, antiques, collectibles, estate & broken or unwanted jewelry. Live auction & estate services. Rick’s Antiques & Coins, 428 N. Colony Rd., Rt. 5, Wlfd. 203.269.9888. ricksantiques andcoins.com

AKC - German Shepard puppies, have shots & dewormed. Only 3 left. Female. Call 203-2322590

STUFF TO SELL? Call Us. 203-238-1953

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

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Yorkies, Yorkipoos, Old English Bull dogs, Shih Tzu puppies, Frenchies, $950+. 860.930.4001.

Pet Services

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

ATTENTION DOG OWNERS! Obedience Classes Starting January 6th MONDAY Evenings at Cheshire Park & Rec. 8 wk class-$125-$135 Beginners - 6:15pm Novices - 7:15pm Pre-Reg online or call Chesh. Park & Rec at 203-272-2743 9-4 AFTER 5pm Call INSTRUCTOR Bruce 203-715-1489

Classified ads are the best way to find what you need. They are also the best way to sell your services, goods or items. Call Monday thru Friday 8:30am - 5pm 203-238-1953

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, January 2, 2020

Businesses & Services

MORE WAYS TO

Get Listed. Get Results.

MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Junk Removal

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

Electrical Services

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. 203-535-9817 or 860-575-8218.

Looking for a friend?

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Gutters

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

RJ Media Group

Handyperson

RJ Media Group means world class marketing solutions for your local business. No one covers more customers in your area. And no one offers more ways to reach them.

HOME DOCTOR - 48 years exp. in all trades, we do small odd jobs to remodeling, former US Navy, 15 years, Senior discount. Ins. #640689, 203.427.7828.

Targeted Advertising in print, online and mobile platforms. Digital Solutions including SEO, social media campaigns, retargeting, reputation management and total website development.

Roofing

HAVE DUMP TRUCK. Reg. Ins. Free on-site est. Attics, basements, garages, appliances & more. Any questions?

Landscaping

Roofing.Siding.Gutters. Skylights. Chimney Repair. Flashing. #0649808 203.510.3830. lmmasonryconstruction.com

ROOFING, SIDING, WINDOWS, DECKS & REMODELING. 203-639-0032 email: info@ gonzalezconstruction llc.com Fully Licensed & Insured Reg #577319

A Classified ad is an easy way to sell your merchandise, and it’s easy on your wallet, too.

Home Improvements AHEARN BUILDERS Additions, Decks, Siding, Doors, Windows, Remodeling. 860.346.0409

Direct Marketing solutions from custom mailings to email blasts. Expert Guidance from dedicated marketing professionals. To see how RJ Media Group can make your business more successful, contact Jim Mizener at 203.317.2312 or jmizener@rjmediagroup.com.

Specializing in roofing, siding, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, basement remodeling. Senior citizen discount Insured. Free est. 203-265-5200 HIC#0631937

203-238-1953

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Attics and Basements Cleaned GARY WODATCH

500 South Broad Street | Meriden, Connecticut 203.235.1661 | rjmediagroup.com

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House Cleaning

POLISH/ENGLISH Speaking woman to clean house w/care. 3rd cleaning 50% off. Ins & bonded. Refs. 860-268-2301

IF YOU Mention This Ad FALL Yard Clean-Ups Brush, branches, leaves, storm damage **JUNK REMOVAL** Appl’s, Furniture, Junk, Debris, etc WE CAN REMOVE ANYTHING Entire house to 1 item removed! FREE ESTIMATES Sr. Citizen Discount LIC & INS. 203-535-9817 or 860-575-8218

Yalesville Construction Specializing in all phases of residential & commercial roofing. Senior citizen discount Insured Free est. 203-265-5200 HIC#0631937

Tree Services

Plumbing GEORGE J MACK & SONS - Servicing the Meriden area since 1922. Toilet, faucet, sink & drain repairs. Water heater replacements. 15% Sr citizen disc. Member of BBB. 203-238-2820.

Specializing in tree removal, trimming, chipping & grinding. Call for free estimate. 203-945-1808.

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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, January 2, 2020

READERS’ CHOICE

DIRECTORY MEET THE WINNERS: BONGIOVANNI INSURANCE & FINANCIAL / BSP INSURANCE

107 E Main St, Meriden, CT (203) 237-7900 • https://www.bifct.com/

WINNER for Best Investment Firm, Business Insurance, Place to Work (1-25 Employees) and Insurance Agent FINALIST for Best Commercial Insurance, Home & Auto Insurance and Business Insurance ......................................................... CINDY’S UNIQUE SHOP 32 N Colony St, Wallingford, CT (203) 269-9341

WINNER for Best Antique Store and Consignment Store FINALIST for Best Furniture Store ......................................................... COLONIAL FLOORING AMERICA

1116 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT (203) 774-5856 • colonialflooringamerica.com

WINNER for Best Flooring Company FINALIST for Best Floor Covering Store ......................................................... COLONY DINER & RESTAURANT 611 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT (203) 269-9507 • colonydiner.com

WINNER for Best Diner, Early Bird Diner ......................................................... HERITAGE FLOOR COVERING CO

892 N Colony St, Wallingford, CT (203) 269-8626 • heritagefloorcoveringco.com

WINNER for Best Floor Covering Store FINALIST for Best Flooring Company ......................................................... J.CHRISTIAN’S 9 N Main St, Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 265-6393 • jchristians.com

WINNER for Best Fine Dining FINALIST for Best Romantic Restaurant .........................................................

MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS SOLUTIONS

665 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 269-8000 • medweightlosssolutions.com

WINNER for Best Weight Loss Center ......................................................... KEYS & STRINGS MUSIC STUDIO

321 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT (203) 265-1500 • keysandstringsmusicstudio.com

WINNER for Best Music Instruction ......................................................... MESLIN PEDIATRIC AND FAMILY DENTISTRY

60 Church St # 15, Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 774-0019 • meslindentistry.com

WINNER for Best Pediatric Dentistry ......................................................... PETRUZELO INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

4 Research Pkwy, Wallingford, CT (866) 479-3327 • petruzelo.com

WINNER for Best Home & Auto Insurance FINALIST for Best Business Insurance, Commercial Insurance, Insurance Agent ......................................................... SERENITY SALON & DAY SPA 118 Center St, Wallingford, CT (203) 265-4419 • serenityofwallingford.com

AWARDS

2019 There are over 15,000 businesses across four cities, Meriden, Southington, Wallingford and Cheshire, whose hard work, dedication and success make our communities a great place to live and work. The Readers’ Choice program was created to recognize and reward our local businesses and to be a resource when you might be looking for a dentist, car repair, or even a place to have dinner with your family. Over 210,000 votes were cast, and over 500 businesses have earned the right to call themselves the Best of the Best and be celebrated at an exclusive first-class gala all for them. Congratulations again, to our 2019 Readers’ Choice winners.

For more details visit:

MYRECORDJOURNAL.COM/

READERSCHOICE

WINNER for Best Day Spa FINALIST for Best Hair Salon, Skin Care Treatment Center ......................................................... ULTRA COIN 2 LAUNDROMAT 1118 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT (203) 623-9621

WINNER for Best Laundromat ......................................................... VINCENT CERVONI, CERVONI LAW OFFICE, LLC 221 N Main St, Wallingford, CT (203) 265-5789 • attorneycervoni.com

FINALIST for Best Law Firm

COUNTRY FLOWER FARMS

320 Baileyville Rd, Middlefield, CT 06455 (860) 349-3690 •countryflowerfarms.org

WINNER for Best Garden Center

Were you a winner? Interested in having your business listed here? Contact Jaime at 203-317-2306