Thursday, January 16, 2020
cheshirecitizen.com
Volume 6, Number 14
Cheshire teacher expands her art school By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
SOUTHINGTON — When Lori Holm decided to teach art and music classes out of her home five years ago, she wasn’t sure enough people would be interested to keep it going. Now, she has several children’s summer programs with up to 30 participants, a black box theater converted from her garage, art classes and music lessons. Most of her Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike home does double duty during theater performances or summer camps and has been transformed over the past five years.
Lori Holm, owner of Arts at Angeloria’s, stands next to the “art barn” at the expanded home art school and performance theater at 223 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike in Southington. Holm provides music and art lessons and has added to her house several times, building decks, gardens and fish ponds to help inspire visiting artists.
“It’s rewarding to know I’ve helped some people in their art journey,” Holm said. “It’s a special thing that Arts at Angeloria’s can bring to the community.” She got her home business approval from the town five years ago. Late last year, she received approval after building a barn that’ll be used for performances during warmer months and for children’s camps in the summer. The steady expansion has drawn opposition from Holm’s neighbor, who objected to the town granting her more leeway to run the school from her house.
Dave Zajac, Record-Journal
Arts opportunities Holm, who teaches the academically gifted program for Cheshire Public Schools, was prompted to start her
school after an arts program in the district was canceled. Giving children opportunities to practice art, music and theater is still a large
REMARKABLE RIDE
part of the business, she said, but she also wants to give adults those same opportunities through beginSee Art school, A2
Taxes, insurer requirements among new state laws By Susan Haigh Associated Press
HARTFORD — A host of new laws took effect in Connecticut at the first of the new year including expanded sales taxes, mental health parity requirements for insurers, an effort to help rehabilitate more blighted properties, and extended periods between driver’s license renewals. Jan. 1 marked one of several dates when large blocks of new laws take effect in Connecticut. Some of the latest new laws: Take a look at the background in this photo at Cheshire Skate Park. The local landscape as seen Saturday, Jan. 11 looks a bit like spring. The region experienced a warm ride for a few days with temperatures in the mid-60s, breaking records, according to local meterologists. Pictured here, taking advantage of the exceptionally nice weather, is 5-year-old Graham Atkin, who made flying down the ramps on his scooter look like he's been riding these skate hills forever. Graham's parents, Alison and Scott Atkin, watched from the sidelines. Joy VanderLek, The Cheshire Citizen
Tax changes A handful of items and services will be subjected to the state’s 6.35% sales tax as of Jan. 1. They include See New laws, A8