The Cheshire Citizen

PANTRY PARTNERS

The Cheshire Community Food Pantry gave some shout-outs recently. First, the pantry thanked Sharon, Ron, Mario and Nick D’Aquila and Tom Daly for the $2,000 donation they made on behalf of Assisted Living Home Care Services in Cheshire. “They run a ‘Blue Jean’ dress down day on Fridays that generates small donations throughout the year,” the pantry stated in a social media post. “Coupled with a corporate match, these small donations accumulated into quite a large sum over the course of the year. We appreciate the generosity, and we especially appreciate the thoughtfulness of the employees throughout the year. Thank you.” The Cheshire High School hockey team also came through for the pantry, donating an “assortment of brand-new warm weather gear that they collected,” the pantry shared in another social media post. The CHS Hockey Parents Association, headed by Drew Fraser, spearheaded the winter clothing drive. “We make these donated items available to our clients, who are very appreciative and grateful. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity,” the pantry stated.

Cheshire Community Food Pantry, Inc., Facebook

Legislators expect to focus on mental health support

By Ginny Monk and Jessika Harkay The Connecticut Mirror

Mental health support for kids may be a theme in committees that deal with children’s issues this session, a continuation of the work legislators started last session with the passage of three sweeping bills focused on children’s mental health. Both the education and children’s committees plan to focus on mental health, as well as other issues, including more support for educators and preventing sex crimes against children, committee leadership and advocates said.

Library permanently drops most fines

Record-Journal staff

Cheshire Public Library will no longer collect fines on most items, a decision approved by the Town Council after a public hearing Jan. 10. The library had temporarily suspended fines but the move is now permanent and brings the local facility in line with the national trend. Larger library systems, including the New York Public Library, have also done away with fines since the American Library Association first proposed eliminating them back in January of 2019.

• Robust activities program.

• Specialized diets available.

• Fully inclusive rates includes personal care.

• Transportation services available.

Linehan

Superintendent proposes 6.46% increase to Cheshire school budget

Record-Journal staff

Superintendent of Schools Jeff Solan presented a proposed 2023-2024 budget to the Board of Education Jan. 12, asking for a 6.46% increase over last year’s budget.

Solan attributed the requested increase to a number of factors beyond the school district’s control and said Cheshire’s spending reflects excellent efficiency relative to peer districts in Connecticut.

The proposed increase would bump the district’s budget up from $80,664,420 to $85,872,591. Solan described the plan as a “maintenance budget,” sustaining the current performance levels. The superintendent said some federal funding, such as that used for the “Bounce Forward” program, had al-

ready been used to advance the district; for example, professional development for staff.

The main external factors driving costs, include: increasing enrolments, medical benefits and global energy costs, according to Solan. He noted that inflation is another factor and that personnel costs comprise the bulk of the budget.

Included in the request is funding for additional teaching staff, including four new elementary school teachers to help balance student-toteacher ratios. Also requested are additional health spe-

cialists, including a districtwide behavioral health analyst and a part-time speech pathologist. The projected cost for the additions is $2,188,671, or 42% of the overall budget increase.

The other major cost is medical benefits, which are set to increase almost 30%, according to Solan. However, District Chief Operating Officer Vincent Masciana clarified that the budget request for medical benefits is lower than last year.

The BOE was scheduled to review Solan’s request at Dodd Middle School Jan. 17. Possible adoption of the superintendent’s budget is scheduled for Jan. 26.

A BOE-approved budget is submitted to the Town Manager for approval and ultimately sent to the Town Council.

Experts discuss seasonal depression

By Jessica Simms Record-Journal staff

Despite this winter being a bit warmer than in past years, people are still struggling with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression.

“We think the most important factor is the light dark cycle, so even if the season is a little bit warmer, usually it is still cold so it’s not like people are going outside and getting more light,” said Paul Desan, associate professor of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. “So we’re certainly seeing many patients complaining of seasonal affective disorder this year. The truth is, it’s just plain dark when people get up in the morning and dark when

they are on their way home from work.”

Desan said that it is normal for human beings to feel worse during the winter months, but some people

experience bigger changes in mood and behavior in the winter months, meaning they might meet the criteria for SAD.

Solan

Sharon Clayman, a clinical psychologist based in Cheshire. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal See Depression, A11

Free radon test kits available

Press Release

The month of January has been designated as “Radon Awareness Month” by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless and invisible gas naturally released from rocks, soil and water, that can have a big impact on indoor air quality and your health. Radon can get into homes or buildings through small cracks or holes and build up to higher levels.

Exposure to radon gas causes more than 20,000 deaths annually and it is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to the EPA.

“We can’t see, smell, or taste it, so it’s easy to forget that radon may be a problem in any home, school, or building. The only way to know if you have radon is to test for it,” said Chesprocott Health District director Maura Esposito.

This month, Chesprocott is offering a free radon test kits program. Residents of Cheshire, Prospect and Wolcott may visit the Chesprocott office at 1247 Highland Ave. in Cheshire to pick up their kit.

To ensure residents place their radon test kits and return them in a timely manner, Chesprocott asks that a $20 deposit be left when the kit is picked up. Once the resident returns the completed test kit to the office, the $20 will be returned to the owner. Quantities are limited.

The radon test kit initiative is a great opportunity to increase your own awareness of radon and the risk associated with it. Mitigation information will be provided to those who test with high levels.

To sign-up for a free radon testing appointment, call 203-272-2761. This initiative is paid through a grant from the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Letters Policy

Letters to the Editor are limited to 300 words. Letters must be signed and names will appear in print. We reserve the right to edit letters. Include a phone number so The Citizen can contact you for verification. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Friday to be considered for publication the following Thursday. Send submissions to news@thecheshirecit izen.com.

Savings talk

In Brief

Tired of living in a drafty home? Tired of spending a fortune to heat and cool your home? Want to know which improvements pay for themselves quickly? These questions, and many more, will be addressed in a Wednesday, Feb. 1 talk at Cheshire’s First Congregational Church. The program is free, and begins at 7 p.m. Guest speaker Walter Gayeski, a Cheshire resident, has some 25 years of experience making homes more comfortable, cost-efficient, and environmentally-ethical. For more information, call 203-272-5323.

From

“I cannot imagine a time when children’s mental health will not be a focus,”

said Rep. Liz Linehan, a Democrat from Cheshire and co-chair of the Committee on Children. “We’re going to focus entirely on helping kids grow into happy, productive members of society.”

The continued focus on mental health comes as many youths across the country are dealing with heightened anxiety, depression, eating disorders and substance abuse. Isolation and disruptions to routine during the pandemic exacerbated many existing mental health issues for children, and in 2021 the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory on a national youth mental health crisis.

A December 2022 report from the Task Force to Study Comprehensive Needs of Children in the State also discussed the need for more mental health care for people of all ages, including more support for kids who experience trauma and more places where people can access health care.

Lawmakers called mental health the defining issue of last session, and the conversation is expanding beyond students, as legislators plan to emphasize educators themselves and how to curb the onset of stress and burnout and address a teaching shortage that

heightened throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We can’t do any of the work in education unless we have the teachers in the classroom, ” said Rep. Kathleen McCarty, a Waterford Republican who serves as a ranking member on the Education Committee. “We know that in this past pandemic, we really put an awful lot of new responsibilities on our teachers to look at the social, emotional and academic restorative practices. There were more and more responsibilities put on the teachers, and they went through an awful lot of stress and anxiety trying to meet these needs.”

In a joint press conference, lawmakers and members of the Connecticut Education Association discussed the importance of making education a more attractive profession, which begins with allocating funds to raise salaries and provide better retirement options in hopes of diversifying the field, they said. “Specifically in those communities of color [students] are seeing their

teachers stressed to the max with everything they’re asked to do,” said Rep. Jeff Currey, Education Committee co-chair and a Democrat from East Hartford. “So why, in any world, would they want to do that? It just makes absolutely no sense. So, if we can get the additional resources to alleviate some of their pressure, hopefully we’ll see additional folks want to try to get into that profession.”

Likewise, several members of the CEA advocated that although financial investment is a priority, so is providing in-class solutions, including offering more prep time to educators, reducing class sizes and offering mentorship opportunities to young teachers.

“We have an opportunity to be creative and to make positive, and proactive, changes to education,” CEA Vice President Joslyn DeLancey said. “This is an investment that goes down to supporting kids’ needs.”

While many committees

See Health, A9

Since then, Cheshire Public Library Director Beth Piezzo said, 118 of Connecticut’s 176 public libraries have done the same.

The ALA’s reasoning for getting rid of late fees, according to Piezzo’s remarks to the council, is that assessing late fees is a punitive measure that creates a barrier to access, which is an equity issue.

According to Piezzo, fines make up less than 1% of the library’s annual budget. She is skeptical of the logic of looking at fines as a revenue source as, in effect, it means hoping to get a benefit off people misusing the library.

Other issues that make fines an ineffective solution, include patrons who decide to keep materials, rather than return them; and also how paying fines can create a negative service experience at the desk.

Materials returned late do not represent a financial loss to the library, Piezzo explained. However, materials that are not returned do.

Library patrons returned books on average 12.7 days before the due date, prior to the suspension of fines. With the suspension of fines in place, Piezzo said, it was 12.3 days.

A replacement for lost items can usually be worked out with patrons. Materials lost in a car crash or a house fire may be forgiven.

Among library offerings still subject to fines are the museum passes, subject to a $10 per-day overdue fine, due to their limited availability and steady demand.

The Cheshire Public Library is also part of the Connecticut Library Consortium, which provides users access to inter-library loans.

As not all of those participating libraries have eliminated late fees, users should check on the policy when borrowing from another library.

Quality and Value.

Countless Experience

Don Walsh began his career in the jewelry industry over 40 years ago as a teenager. In 1982, after achieving a degree in Business Economics, he started at Michaels Jewelers. Within 2 years he received his Graduate Gemologist title from the Gemological Institute of America. He went on to became one of the first Certified Gemologist Appraisers in the country. During his career at Michaels, Don was the lead gemologist and managed the appraisal department and estate division as well as lead many management training seminars. He has built a strong reputation for honesty and integrity in all of his business practices. Because of his vast appraisal background, he has served as an expert witness for numerous cases for the state of Connecticut and various police departments. He was a guest lecturer on Estate Jewelry for the American Gem Society Conclave. He has spoken before a number of civic groups on jewelry, gemology, appraisals and selling your jewelry.

Community Focused

Don is also a civic minded individual. He and his wife, Jenifer, started the charity Cheshire’s Lights of Hope in 2005. Since its inception, this charity has raised over $1 million to help those in need within the Cheshire community.

He also captain’s “Team Jenifer”, a WalkMS team started in 1999 to raise funds for multiple sclerosis. To date, this charity has raised over $400,000.

Don served as an alternate on Cheshire’s Planning and Zoning Commission from 2018-2019. In 2019, Don was elected to serve on the Cheshire Town Council representing the 3rd District and was elected as Vice Chairman in 2021.

Family Oriented

Don and Jenifer have lived in Cheshire since 1996 and have 2 children, Cara and Patrick, as well as a dog named Sweet Caroline.

Cheshire, CT 06410

don@dwgems.com

Residents express frustration at increased electric bills

By Crystal Elescano Record-Journal staff

MERIDEN Local residents and solar energy consultants are speaking out about steep increases in supply rates that are spiking energy costs for Eversource and United Illuminating customers since the start of the year. The rate will increase from 12.05 cents kilowatt per hour (KWh) to 24.2 cents per kWh for Eversource customers,

which will result in an $84 per month increase for the average user. United Illuminating supply rates will increase from 10.6 cents per kWh to 22.5 cents per kWh, which will result in an $83.09 increase for the average user.

For Anaira Heredia, owner of La Patrona Cafe in Meriden, managing the newly increased electricity bill from Eversource is stressful.

“It’s hard starting a business and having to deal with the increase as well,” Heredia said. “My equipment runs on electricity all the time because I have coolers, and I have to leave it on while I’m not there.”

“Paying double is ridiculous,” she added.

Rob García, solar energy consultant and former Meriden resident, said the supply side is doubling up.

“Basically whatever you paid for in December doubled in one month,” he said. “They always have an excuse whether it’s inflation or because we’re buying from fossil fuel companies.”

ulation of gas supplies, he said in the statement.

The oil and natural gas markets are global and the price can be affected by many factors. According to Eversource, Russia’s war on Ukraine has created volatile energy markets, putting pressure on oil and natural gas prices. In the United States, New England heavily relies on natural gas.

Alert system

Residents can register to receive emergency notifications from the town. Examples include evacuation notices, bio-terrorism alerts, boil water notices and missing child reports. Visit cheshirect.org to register.

Land trust

The Cheshire Land Trust is an all-volunteer, private 501(c) 3 non-profit organization committed to conservation. The land trust is not affiliated with the Town of Cheshire and does not receive taxpayer money. The organization is wholly funded by members. For more information, email CheshireLandTrust@gmail.com.

Historical society

The Cheshire Historical Society keeps “Cheshire’s unique and continuing history alive by creating connections that engage the community through new and existing collections, exhibitions, and programs.” Consider supporting these efforts. Visit cheshirehistory.org to learn more.

Health district

The Chesprocott Health District provides essential public health services and information to the communities of Cheshire, Prospect and Wolcott. Chesprocott staff is dedicated to improving and maintaining a high level of health in the community by offering

prevention programs and services as well as responding to urgent public health situations. Visit chesprocott.org.

Wellness Expo

Exhibitors and speakers are sought for the 10th BiAnnual Passport to Health & Wellness Expo, which will be held April 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton. Contact Shirley Bloethe at 860-989-0033 or yourholisticevents@gmail.com, or visit yourholisticevents.com.

Ski Club

The North Haven Ski Club encourages people inter-

ested in winter sports (skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, tubing, snowshoeing) to join and take advantage of the great discounts offered to members. Contact Annette Murphy: 203-927-3071 or dapdmurph@aol.com.

Open house

Prospective students are invited to attend an open house at Quinnipiac Uni-

versity School of Law, 370 Bassett Road, North Haven, on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Attendees will tour the law school and learn about its rigorous academic program and how the faculty works closely with students to develop a course of study that matches their goals.

For more information, email law@qu.edu or call 203-582-3400.

Steve Sullivan, president of Eversource Connecticut, said in a release: “We know how challenging increased energy costs are for our customers, especially during these times, and want to do everything we can to help. As an energy delivery company, we can’t control the cost of electricity on the sup-

ply side of our customer bills, but it is critically important to us to uncover any and all options to provide relief for our customers.”

Gov. Ned Lamont said he is working to advance a shortterm customer relief plan to reduce the cost of energy supply prices.

“I appreciate Eversource and UI working with us to identify creative near-term actions that will help provide Con-

necticut residents with some relief from high energy costs and the significant impending rate increase on January 1.” Lamont said in a statement.

The state’s Energy Action Plan , announced on Wednesday, takes shortterm and long-term strategies in to consideration to address the cost increase and improve energy affordability, respectively, the state said.

For the short-term plan, Lamont announced that the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is allowing all participating households that heat with deliverable fuels, such as heating oil, to receive additional crisis assistance. This has a benefit worth $439 this winter season.

The additional benefit means those families can now access up to $2,320 per household to help pay their heating bills, the press release said. The long-term strategy to improve energy

affordability is building a cleaner, affordable, and reliable energy supply, the plan said. This includes offshore wind, hydropower, and nuclear.

Kile Higgins, a Cheshire resident and solar energy consultant at Elite Energy Consulting, advises going solar to reduce the cost of electricity. “What happens though is not everyone can go solar because their home

doesn’t get enough sunlight so they don’t qualify,” she said.

If someone is looking to save money, Higgins encourages them to look into solar energy. “The customers that I’ve had are very happy with their decision to go solar,” she pointed out.

Higgins can be reached at kile.higgins@elitesolarpros.com.

Anaira Heredia, of Meriden, owner of La Patrona, a new cafe at 163 Springdale Ave. in Meriden. Heredia opened thebusinesslastfall.

Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

From

started the session with organizational meetings that contained few action items, the legislative Committee on Children kicked off the session by voting to work on nearly 20 measures with details to be filled in as the session progresses. Ideas and details in the bills will go through the public hearing process, Linehan said.

Republicans on the committee objected to that method of passing bills, saying they didn’t have enough details to vote on an idea.

“I think that we do need to be a little bit more frugal with what we are doing in terms of cost and effectiveness, ” said Rep. Anne Dauphinais, a Republican from Killingly and a ranking member on the Children’s Committee. Dauphinais added that she hopes to look at parental rights this session.

Children’s Committee leadership plans to tackle issues ranging from licensure of municipal summer camps to the safe storage of cannabis to the creation of a state police sting operation unit focused on the online sexual abuse of minors.

The committee passed four bill titles that broadly address children’s programs, safety, health and services. They also voted to draft a committee bill “concerning

the mental, physical and emotional wellness of children.”

“We’re jumping in and getting started,” Linehan said.

This story originally appeared at ctmirror.org, the website of The Connecticut Mirror.

Library Briefs

For a complete calendar of programs offered by the Cheshire Public Library, 104 Main St., and to register for those listed below, visit cheshirelibrary.org.

Artist Reception: Pamela Sorensen – Today, Jan. 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the Mary Baldwin Room.

Concert: World Café! – Saturday, Jan. 21, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., in the Mary Baldwin Room. Experience an exuberant celebration of cultures with this exceptional program of music from around the world performed by Judy Handler and Mark Levesque. Their sophisticated and expressive arrangements on guitars and mandolin blend classical, Brazilian, Latin American, klezmer, gypsy, jazz, Celtic and folk music influences to create a unique and extraordinary sound.

The Happy Place – Tuesday, Jan. 31, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, in The Loft, upper level. Find your happy place with soothing music, hot drinks, socializing, crafting, and other self-care activities. A low-stress craft will be provided, but feel free to bring your own crochet, scrapbook, cross stitch, or other projects. Registration is required.

with answers, not questions. Inspiration, tips and techniques will be provided to organize all of the “facts” of your life using your head and heart. Confidently plan ahead for the “just in case.”

Monthly, weekly programs

Books Over Cocoa: “Wintering” – Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 7 to 8 p.m., in The Loft, upper level. Meet new people, enjoy a hot beverage, and share your thoughts on books. This month, the group is reading “Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times.”

Books Over Coffee: “Wintering”–Wednesday, Jan. 25, from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m., in The Loft, upper level.

Murder by the Book Mystery Book Club: “Light on Bone” (online) – Thursday, Jan. 26, from 1 to 2:15 p.m., via Zoom. If you like to read and talk about mysteries, join monthly online book discussions for fresh perspectives, new authors and a friendly atmosphere, hosted by Barbara Ritchie (baritchie30@gmail.com).

Upcoming Murder by the Book discussions:

in

"After

months and hours of in house training and

school training," the department said in a social media post. Also, firefighter Tim Brown earned his Life Member badge. The department stated that Brown has given more than 20 years of service to the fire company, including many as a lieutenant. Deputy Chief Dan Ford handed Brown the Life Member badge, and conducted the swearing-in for Schiavi and LeWonka.

Life Planning Series

Downsizing Doesn’t Need to be Painful – Monday, Jan. 23, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., in the Mary Baldwin Room. Join professional organizer Jan Baltrush, whose presentation will focus on tips for purging unwanted items, time frames, places to sell and/or donate unwanted items, and techniques to get through the process of downsizing for a move or for its own sake.

Your Children Don’t Want It (online) –Monday, Jan. 30, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., via Zoom. Your children don’t want your stuff. It’s happening all over America. What can you do? Mike Ivankovich will share 15 Tips & Strategies designed to help you not only deal with your “stuff,” but also hopefully make some good money when selling it. Ivankovich’s book “Home Downsizing in Four Easy Steps” can be found on Amazon.com.

Leave Your Loved Ones with Answers … Not Questions (online) – Monday, Feb. 6, from 6:30 to 7:40 p.m. Organize your life, not just your stuff. Leave your loved ones

February – “A Dying Fall: A Ruth Galloway Mystery” by Elly Griffiths.

March – “Daughter of Time” by Josephine Tey.

April – “Lavender House” by Lev A.C. Rosen.

Cat Tales Writers Group – Thursday, Jan. 26, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., in The Loft, upper level. Do you write in secret or publish your own blog? Are you working on your dream novel, Nanowrimo, memoir, or poetry? Interested in being published or selfpublishing? This open writing group can help answer your questions on writing, editing, grammar, and publishing. Join once or every month.

Open Art Studio – Fridays, from 1 to 3 p.m., in The Loft, upper level. Bring your works in progress and supplies to this weekly drop-in art program, an opportunity to create in a collaborative environment with other artists. No formal instruction will be provided, but informal critiquing for those who want it is encouraged.

The Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department had some positive news to share following its monthly meeting on Jan. 9. Firefighters Zach Schiavi and Rob LeWonka were voted

as regular members that night,

many

fire

Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department, Facebook

Health

From A2

“Nine out of ten people will tell you they feel worse, in at least one domain, during the winter at this latitude,” Desan said. “... The surveys would suggest that up to five percent of people at this latitude, Connecticut, that is, this mid-Atlantic latitude, have seasonal affective disorder.”

People who have SAD experience changes in their mood, their energy levels, their sleep patterns, their appetite and their self esteem.

Desan said there is also Subsyndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is when people have some of the symptoms of SAD, but not all of them.

“They don’t have the full set of symptoms,” Desan said. “The most common kind of Subsyndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder are people who report very poor energy in the winter.”

Elizabeth Calandra, licensed marriage and family therapist at Silver City Counseling in Meriden, said that she has seen a steady rate of clients that come in with SAD.

“The one thing that I have noticed is that the people that are living with this diagnosis is that they are asking to come into the office because it gets them out of the house,” Calandra said. “Give them the ability to break up the day a little bit. I have seen that, as opposed to doing telehealth.”

Tips

Desan said that for people who had SAD or Subsyndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder, it is imperative for them to use a bright light right in the morning. He suggests people use a light with 10,000 lux.

“The research now is for half an hour, seven days a week before 8 a.m,” Desan said.

“So in other words, bright light probably makes people feel better any time of the day, but it’s the most power-

ful first thing in the morning 10,000 lux is a lot of light. That’s like being outside in the middle of the summer.”

Along with light therapy, opening blinds or curtains can also help, Calandra said.

“I recommend when you’re waking up, lift up the blinds, open the curtains,” Calandra said. “Try to do things that will help with light.”

Calandra also suggests that people try to interact with others during the day. “It’s really easy to want to isolate and not stay connected with friends or family or coworkers, ” Calandra said. “Try your hardest to reach out. Make plans. Planning for the positive. Try to set something in the future that’sa positive activity that you’re looking forward to.”

Both Calandra and Sharon Clayman, clinical psychologist based out of Cheshire, said staying active is important.

“Even if you can’t get outside, some movement in the house,” Clayman said.

“Movement, good diet, really make sure you’re eating well.”

For people who work at home, Calandra said to start small.

“Maybe you crack a window in your house, so you get a little bit of fresh air,” Calandra said. “Pick up the phone and call somebody. You start with the things you can do with your resources at hand and then you build upon it.”

If someone is really struggling with SAD or Subsyndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder and they are a remote worker, Clayman said to either see if you can start working in the office again or go somewhere else, outside of the home, to work.

“Some people just do better by getting out of their space,” Clayman said. “It’s hard if it’s not a good match for you to be working from home and you’re working from home, in which case I would see if you could work from another space Get up, go for a walk during lunch,

have a bite to eat. Go out, get yourself a coffee.”

Lastly, if someone is having a tough time battling SAD finding a therapist may be a next step. Calandra said “psychotherapy is one of the best things you can do” and typically the treatment model is cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps the patient become aware of negative thinking so they can respond to it in effective ways.

“Therapy might be a really great thing to consider,” Clayman said. “… Sometimes just our problem solving with a therapist can be enough to help.”

Whether it is a lost ring, wallet or a Parrot named Oliver, a Classified ad can help track it down.

Finding new purpose

Friday, Jan. 20, from 11 a.m. to noon, learn more about physical changes that come with aging and what we can do, mental changes and how to combat them, and how to continue to live an active and engaging life as we age. Presented by Erica Bruno, exercise physiologist, Hartford HealthCare, GoodLife Fitness.

Senior Health

Registration is required. Call 1-855-442-4373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.

Arbor Rose

Arbor Rose at Jerome Home, an independent and assisted living community located at 975 Corbin Ave., New Britain, will host an open house Saturday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Registration is recommended. To reserve a time, call 860-229-3707.

Proper posture

Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 11 a.m. to noon, learn how poor posture can lead to numerous muscular-skeletal problems, including back pain, neck pain and joint issues, as well as what you can do to improve it.

Presented by Michelle Boisvert, exercise physiologist, Hartford HealthCare GoodLife Fitness. Registration is required.

Call 1-855-442-4373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.

Mulberry Gardens

Mulberry Gardens, an independent and assisted living community located at 58 Mulberry St. in Southington, will host an open house Wednesday, Jan. 25, from 3 to 6 p.m.

Registration is recommended. To reserve a time, call 860-276-1020.

GRACE MIK LYMAN HALL BASKETBALL

This school year is proving to be the Year of the Freshman. A number of area teams across a number of sports feature rookie standouts. Include Lyman Hall girls basketball in the conversation. The Trojans have a 1-2 frosh punch in Grace Mik and Ellie Madancy. Miss Mik gets the nomination here for her team-high average of 10.4 points a game, fed by a season-high 20 vs. Maloney.

ANTWANETTE TANN PLATT BASKETBALL

While the freshman phenoms have shined, so have certain upperclassmen, such as Antwanette Tann of Platt. The 5-foot-10 frontcourt force is the area’s leading scorer in girls basketball with an average of 20.0 points a game. Tann hit for 31 on Thursday against Bristol Eastern. She also grabbed 19 rebounds that night. It was all part of a 69-point stretch of three games for the senior.

KIARIANA WILLIAMS MALONEY TRACK

February is usually the month when indoor track records come tumbling down. That’s when the area’s best hit their stride and rise to the occasion of conference and state championships. Kiariana Williams, though, has already gotten busy. The sophomore lowered the Maloney girls record in the 55 meters from 7.79 seconds to 7.78 placing 5th Wednesday at the James Barber Invitational.

COLIN BROWN CHESHIRE TRACK

When it comes to authoring track records, Cheshire senior Colin Brown is like James Patterson. He just keeps pumping ’em out. Connecticut’s reigning sprint champion broke his own school record as well as the meet record when he ran a 6.42 to win the boys 55 meters at last Wednesday’s James Barber Invitational. Brown also won the 300 meters that afternoon in 37.60 seconds.

MORRISON BECK WILCOX TECH

The Wildcats are doing their best to make do without injured senior Griffin Neilander, one of their top scorers. At the vanguard is Morrison Beck. The junior sharp-shooter is filling the breach with 17.0 points a game. Launched by a 35-point outing against Vinal Tech on Monday, a performance that featured eight 3-pointers, Beck delivered 71 points and 17 treys in three games last week.

MAX FESTA SHEEHAN HOCKEY

After setting Sheehan’s rookie scoring record last year, Max Festa wasn’t going to catch any opponent by surprise this season. Everyone knows No. 5. Not that it’s helped in keeping him contained. Festa went into Monday’s game with Lyman Hall with 20 goals, 11 assists and a state-high four hat tricks, including a pair of 4-goal outings. The sophomore had 9 points Wednesday vs. North Branford.

CLERK III

In the Wallingford Public Schools, performs a wide variety of clerical duties requiring excellent computer and interpersonal skills. This position requires 1 year of office work experience and a H.S. diploma. Wages: $19.42 to $25.85 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package.

Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford 45 South Main Street, Room 301, Wallingford, CT 06492. Applications will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Phone: (203) 294-2080 Fax: (203) 294-2084. The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/resume is received or January 25, 2023 whichever occurs first. EOE

SHEET METAL MECHANICS & HELPERS

Full time, apprenticeship program offered, health insurance, 401(k) plan. Pay range $20 - $30/hour. Call 860-828-3762.

WELDER/ FABRICATOR

TOP CASH PAID

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

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

ALWAYS PAYING TOP DOLLAR - For gold and silver jewelry, Sterling flatware, Gold and silver coins and bars, costume jewelry and more!!! Over 30yrs experience. Call Sandy at Pawn Queen (203) 7682443.

860-828-3762.

2013 FORD TAURUS97,000 miles, excellent condition, $9,000. Call (860) 840-5199.

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

PREMIUM SCREENED TOPSOIL

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

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

ANTIQUES

LICENSED CDL

DRIVER

FT or PT. Driving and shop work at Meriden, CT location. PTO, 401k, Health Ins. Call 203-235-4830.

OFFICE

ASSISTANT

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

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.

ANTIQUES WANTED -

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

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.

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

LOOKING TO BUY - Holiday print fabric. Please call Carla at (203) 5148012.

PREMIER ESTATE JEWELRY - Is interested in

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.

BUYING MACHINIST

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

TIMELESS TREASURES

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

Classes at Connecticut’s Community College Start in January

The spring semester starts January 20 for Connecticut’s community colleges. The 12 college locations, spread across the state, offer a full menu of credit-bearing courses, both online and on campus. Students can earn up to four credits per class and can attend either full-time or part-time. And unlike at many four-year colleges and universities, students can begin their college career during the spring semester, and do not have to wait until fall.

Registration is now open for spring classes and students can apply online at ct.edu/admission. There is no application fee, and all students are encouraged to submit an application for financial aid (fafsa.gov), even if they do not believe they will qualify.

Once accepted, students can make an appointment with a Guided Pathways Advisor for one-on-one assistance in planning a course of study, creating a schedule and laying out a timeline that will meet their educational goals. Advisors are also available to work with students who plan to transfer after graduation to earn a bachelor’s degree.

New Student Orientation also offers important tips for success and navigating each campus. The Connecti-

cut State College and Universities (CSCU) Transfer Tickets and a price match scholarship with Charter Oak State College both ensure that Connecticut residents can earn the most affordable bachelor’s degree available to them.

Non-credit career programs will also start up in the spring at the community colleges. Certificates in IT and computer technology, allied health and manufacturing are just a few of the areas of study that can prepare students for a career while contributing to the workforce needs of the state.

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 and the ability to take courses at any campus without transferring.. As part of the consolidation, students continuing their studies beyond Summer 2023 can expect to be matched with the CT State program that most closely aligns with their Spring 2023 major. In all cases, the colleges are committed to students completing their education with minimal disruption.

Click here for more information: ct.edu/admission

Las clases en en las Universidades Comunitarias en Connecticut comienzan en enero

El semestre de primavera para las universidades comunitarias de Connecticut comienza el 20 de enero.

Las 12 localidades, alrededor del estado, ofrecen un menú completo de cursos con créditos en línea y en persona. Los estudiantes pueden obtener hasta cuatro créditos por clase y pueden asistir a tiempo completo o parcial. Y a diferencia de muchos colegios y universidades de cuatro años, los estudiantes pueden comenzar su carrera universitaria durante el semestre de primavera, y no tienen que esperar hasta el otoño. La registración está abierta para las clases de primavera y los estudiantes pueden aplicar en línea en ct.edu/admission. No hay costo de aplicación, y se aconseja que todo estudiante entregue una aplicación para ayuda financiera (fafsa.gov), aunque no piense que es elegible. Una vez que sean aceptados, los estudiantes pueden programar una cita con un consejero (Guided Pathways Advisor) para asistencia directa para planificar su curso de estudio, la creación de su lista de clases, y el plazo de tiempo apropiado para cumplir sus metas educativas. Los consejeros también están disponibles para trabajar con los estudiantes que planifican trasladarse después de la graduación, para completar su licenciatura.

La Orientación para Nuevos Estudiantes también ofrece información importante para ser exitoso y para navegar cada campus. Los Boletos de Traslado para los Colegios y las

Universidades Estatales de Connecticut (CSCU) y una beca de pagos correspondientes con Charter Oak State College, aseguran que los residentes de Connecticut tengan la licenciatura más económica disponible para ellos.

Los programas de carreras que no otorgan créditos también comenzarán en la primavera en las universidades comunitarias. Certificados en TI y tecnología en computadora, auxiliar sanitario y manufactura son algunas de las áreas de estudio que pueden preparar a los estudiantes para una carrera mientras contribuyen a las necesidades de la fuerza laboral estatal.

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, y la habilidad de tomar cursos en cualquier campus sin trasladarse. Como parte de la consolidación, los estudiantes que continúen sus estudios después del verano de 2023 serán emparejados con el programa de CT State que se adapte más cercanamente a su especialidad de la primavera de 2023. En todos los casos, las universidades se comprometen a ayudar a los estudiantes a completar su educación con mínima interrupción.

Haga clic aquí para mas información: ct.edu/admission.