The Cheshire Citizen

cheshirecitizen.com

Volume 13, Number 8

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Area schools re-work mask policies

Black history explored through gardening

By Joy VanderLek The Cheshire Citizen

“The Gardens of Black America” was the topic of a Feb. 17 presentation co-sponsored by the Suburban Garden Club of Cheshire and the Friends of Cheshire Public Library.

By Michael Gagne Record-Journal staff

Amid rapidly declining COVID-19 cases and pediatric vaccination rates that appear low when compared to other age groups, local school district leaders and health leaders are moving ahead with plans to make mask wearing in schools optional when the state mandate requiring them ends Feb. 28.

Students dismiss at the end of the school day at Platt High School in Meriden last Friday.

Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

The state Department of Public Health’s Feb. 18 COVID-19 report showed Connecticut’s positivity rate had fallen to 3.84 percent.

during the peak of the Omicron surge, the test positivity rate had reached 22.81 percent.

More than a month earlier, on Jan. 6,

Abra Lee, horticulturist and author, was the guest lecturer for this virtual event hosted by the local library.

Lee’s website and blog, “Conquer the Soil,” references Amer-

See Mask policies, A10

See Gardens, A8

Town receives grants for police, mental health services The Town Council recently accepted two grants, one that will help the police department purchase equip-

ment and another that will help target substance abuse issues.

The Cheshire Police Department will receive a $20,000

Justice Assistance Grant from the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management that will help to purchase riot gear, mobile data termi-

nals and other accessories for in-car internet connection.

At the council’s Jan. 25 meeting, police Chief Neil

Deyfe said the department currently has no crowd control equipment outside of a few outdated items.

Spring Soccer Registration!

See Grants, A3

Sign Up Now!

For children age 4 and up. No prior soccer experience required.

Register Today at CheshireSoccerClub.org

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Citizen report

A2

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, February 24, 2022

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Waitkus Landscaping, LLC Our two town aquifers – one on the north end and one on the south end – supply drinking water to about 80 percent of the town. Private wells supply approximately 20 percent.

We can use this moment, while it’s still fresh in our minds, to raise awareness and understanding of the sources of our drinking water – a precious commodity.

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JOE’S LANDSCAPE

Contact me at jvanderlek @ record-journal.com.

will appear in print. Include a phone number so The Citizen can contact you for verification. Letters must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday to be considered for publication the following Thursday.

Executive VP & Publisher — Liz White Notarangelo News Editor — Nick Carroll Assistant News Editor — Olivia Lawrence Senior VP and Editor — Ralph Tomaselli Vice President of Advertising — Jim Mizener Creative Director — Erik Allison

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ADVERTISING: Chaz Elliot — Marketing Consultant (860) 984-2181 | advertising@thecheshirecitizen.com NEWS / SPORTS: (203) 317-2245 | news@thecheshirecitizen.com

joeslandscapedesigns.com Berlin, CT • 860.918.8806 The Cheshire Citizen (USPS 12210) is published weekly by Record-Journal, 500 S. Broad Street, Meriden, CT 06450.

Periodicals postage paid at Meriden, CT and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: send address changes to: Record-Journal 500 S. Broad Street, Meriden, CT 06450

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Let’s not take water for granted.

Letters Policy Email letters to news@thecheshirecitizen.com. Letters are limited to 300 words.

The Citizen will print one letter per person each month. We reserve the right to edit letters. Letters must be signed and names

Lawn Care Services

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A few days after the spill, CHD Director Maura Esposito told me, “In my personal It was worrisome enough to opinion, Cheshire Fire Deknow such a large amount of partment is awesome.” I oil spilled. However, it was agree. unbelievable that just days earlier we’d another oil spill, I also appreciate the actions of one resident who lives in on the other side of town. It was smaller, but a spill, nev- the immediate area of the ertheless. You may not even spill. Andrew Pawlak was at the site because he is on have seen the coverage in well water and was conthe news. cerned. As the incident was The small spill was near a unfolding, he gave us factual storm drain and near the rail and consistent updates on trail. I was unable to track the clean-up effort. down anything on the inciA 2,000-gallon oil spill is dent, but I believe the spill frightening at any level, but didn’t get into the drain.

Still, it was a close call, same when you consider this section of Cheshire is a public for this big spill. water supply area, and most, A resident commenting on if not all, residents in the the community forum said area are on wells, you unemergency crews at the derstand why neighbors are Route 42 spill were quick to nervous. respond. Mitigation efforts by the Department of Energy For many of us, drinking water is under our feet. Only a and Environmental Protecsmall portion of residents tion and local response get their water supply from teams should be lauded. reservoirs.

Chesprocott Health District also was at the scene.

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No one was seriously injured, but the truck spilled just over 2,000 gallons of heating oil.

500 S. Broad St., Meriden, CT 06450

203-250-7100uniformed personnel 203-250-7100

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It was almost lunchtime, Feb. 11, when a truck driving on Bethany Mountain Road, carrying home heating oil ran off the road and landed on its side, closing that stretch of Route 42 from North Brooksvale and into Prospect.

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

In Brief Foster, adoptive parenting Klingberg Family Centers will host a Foster & Adoptive Parent Information Session Tuesday, March 8, 6 to 7.30 p.m., via Zoom.

Learn how you can provide stability to a child as a Therapeutic Foster Parent. This is a no-obligation information session.

To register, contact Nicolin at 860-817-3918 or nicolin.carr@ klingberg.com.

For more information, visit klingbergfosterandadoption.org.

Thursday, February 24, 2022

A3

Athletes are shedding masks as state tournaments begin Citizen report

Coming into alignment with the lifting of the state mask mandate, the CIAC, in consultation with its medical experts, will no longer require athletes to wear masks in competition starting Monday, Feb. 28.

Gov. Ned Lamont, in lifting the state mandate, has left it up to individual school districts to determine their own mask policies.

In districts that continue to require

masks, the CIAC “requests that consideration be given for allowing athletes to compete indoors without masks while wearing masks in all noncompetitive activities” such as sitting on the bench on in the locker room.

Athletes are permitted to continue wearing masks while playing if they prefer.

Just before Christmas, the CIAC updated its mask policy for the winter, requiring all basketball players, hockey players and indoor track ath-

letes to wear them at all times. (Previously, vaccinated athletes were not going to be required to wear them while playing.)

Exceptions were made for winter activities in which wearing a mask during competition is deemed a safety issue — namely, wrestling, gymnastics, swimming and diving, and throwing and jumping events in track. In those instances, athletes were allowed to remove masks during actual competition, but had to wear them at all other times.

Grants From A1

The department plans to develop policies around crowd management and equipment will be part of compliance with the police accountability bill.

The department plans to purchase 10 shields, 10 batons, and 50 helmets with the help of the grant.

The rest of the funds will be used to continue to support automation efforts.

For example, systems have to be updated to support mobile computers installed in new cruisers.

Director of Human Resources Michelle Piccerillo said programs will target alcohol, tobacco and other drug usage and overall substance abuse and the impact on local families.

The programming that the Youth and Human Services Committee offers includes crisis intervention, back to school support groups, and other clinical and groupbased therapy.

Phase 1 Now Open

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Another grant of $9,124 was appropriated to the Cheshire Youth and Human Services Department to help establish a local grassroots coalition that builds community capacity to plan and implement substance abuse use/ misuse prevention.

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A4

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Small Towns council names new leader COST represents 115 smaller communities throughout Connecticut — including Cheshire — and works to

give rural and suburban municipalities a strong voice in the legislative process.

“As First Selectman of Durham, Laura has been successful in addressing the town’s infrastructure needs, including critical water main extensions and natural gas construction,” said Betsy Gara, executive director of

form includes: preserving state aid to municipalities to reduce overreliance on the property tax to fund critical services; supporting continued investment in critical infrastructure; enhancing efforts to tackle Connecticut’s “The experience and leader- solid waste management isship that Laura brings to the sues by expanding recycling table will enhance COST’s efforts and improving materole at the state Capitol as a rials management; assisting strong advocate for Conmunicipalities in upgrading necticut’s smaller communi- school facilities to address ties,” Gara added. indoor air quality issues; faCOST’s 2022 Legislative Plat- cilitating efforts to meet the broadband needs of underserved/unserved areas; and strengthening efforts to address public health and safety issues, including juvenile crime, mental health, and opioid abuse.

COST. “These efforts have helped address longstanding drinking water issues and expand economic development opportunities while preserving Durham’s small town charm.”

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The Connecticut Council of Small Towns has elected Durham First Selectman Laura Francis as president.

“I look forward to working with COST and our member towns to ensure that we have a strong, united voice at the state Capitol on issues of concern to our smaller communities,” Francis said.

elected Anthony Salvatore (Town Manager, Cromwell) as Vice President; Michael Freda (First Selectman, North Haven) as Secretary, Don Stein (First Selectman, Barkhamsted) as Treasurer, Tom Dunn (Mayor, Wolcott) as Past President, and Maria Capriola (Town Manager, Simsbury) as at-large Executive Committee member.

At its annual meeting, COST

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The Connecticut Council of Small Towns elected Durham First Selectman Laura Francis as president at its annual meeting, held Feb. 8 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville.

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, February 24, 2022

A5

In Brief Scholarships

president and co-founder of Honoring veterans laid to rest are remembered, Visit wreathsacrossameritheir families and living vet- ca.org to learn how you can the Jordan Porco Foundation The Cheshire Senior Center for Suicide Prevention; and Wreaths Across America vol- erans are honored, and the help.

Membership Association is next generation is taught Andrea Barton Reeves, CEO unteers work year-round to offering two $500 scholarensure military members of Paid Family and Medical about the value of freedom. ships to graduating Cheshire Leave Insurance Authority.

High School seniors who will Lt. Governor Susan pursue an undergraduate Bysiewicz will be the degree in the area of social keynote speaker at the fowork, recreation therapy, or rum, which aims to “celegerontology. Applications brate the social, economic, are available through the cultural and political CHS Guidance Department achievements of women and Dr. Edward Fitzpatrick has over three decades of (203-250-2556). the importance of inclusion.”

When You Need Eye Care, Experience Matters!

Women’s forum iHeartRadio is hosting an International Women’s Day discussion featuring notable Connecticut women.

The Tuesday, March 8 event — iHeartWomen: Pretty Tough — will be live streamed on The River 105.9, KC101, Kiss 95.7 and Country 92.5 beginning at 1 p.m. The panel includes Berlin police officer and breast cancer survivor Aimee Krzykowski; MaryJane Foster, president and CEO of Interval House CT; WFSB journalist Ayah Galal; Marisa Giarnella-Porco,

experience as an ophthalmologist and retina specialist.

Home, health and garden

Areas of expertise include:

Cheshire Chamber of Commerce will host its Home, Health and Garden Show Saturday, April 2, 8:30 to 2 p.m., at Cheshire High School, 525 S. Main St. Anyone interested in being a vendor or sponsor should call 203-272-2345 or email patricia@cheshirechamber.org.

• diabetic retinopathy

• macular degeneration • retinal occlusions and detachments • any other diseases or conditions that affect the retina

New patients welcome.

(860) 826-4460 1 Lake Street, New Britain

Lacrosse club

www.starlingphysicians.com/eyecenter

The Cheshire Lacrosse Club is organizing a spring season for kindergarten through eighth grade boys and girls.

To register, visit cheshirelacrosse.com. The club offers scholarships and payment options upon request. Questions? Email Nick Mesite (cheshireboyslacrosse@ gmail.com) about boys, or Elissa Tessier (elissamtessier@gmail.com) about girls.

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The local chapter of the Connecticut Daughters of the American Revolution is offering a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior from Cheshire or Prospect who will pursue a degree in pre-law, criminal justice, or American government, history or civics. Visit ladyfenwickdar.org to apply.

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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Winning $185M ticket sold at local store Citizen report

One Stop Convenience, 914 South Main St., sold the winning Powerball ticket, drawn on Monday, Feb. 14 for a grand prize of $185.3 million.

The winner has yet to be identified.

The winning numbers were 16, 25, 27, 49, 55, with a Powerball of 17. The Power Play was x3.

The winner of the jackpot has 180 days to claim the prize. The individual gets a choice of either a lump sum payment, which would be $123.9 million, or to receive

the winnings over 30 annual payments.

Local convenience stores get a financial incentive of $100,000 for selling the winning ticket, as well as a sign to hang on the door.

Mike Sadiq owns One Stop in Cheshire.

This is the second highest jackpot ever sold in Connecticut. In 2011, the Powerball grand prize-winning ticket of $254.2 million was sold in Greenwich.

According to Powerball, the odds of hitting the jackpot are 1-in-292.2 million.

One Stop Convenience, 914 South Main St., Cheshire.

Mariah Melendez, Cheshire Herald

In Brief Blood drive GAS, WOOD, PELLET STOVES 3876 Whitney Ave, Hamden

drives in her honor. Another memorial blood drive will be held Saturday, March 19, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Highland School, 490 Highland Ave. in Cheshire.

In the more than 20 years since Katherine Toce died from aggressive brain cancer at the age of 11, some 3,870 units of blood have been donated at American Red Cross Blood donation appoint-

Welcome to On The Menu.

Let us help you find the perfect place to eat.

Whether it’s a celebration, date night, or just grabbing a bite to eat, this list of local restaurants is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Find great local eats - MenusCT.com

ments can be made by visiting redcrossblood.org, calling 1-800-733-2767 or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Wall of Honor The Berlin Veterans Commission seeks former town residents who served or are currently serving in the U.S. military for inclusion on a “Veterans Digital Wall of Honor” at Berlin's Town Hall. For more information, email petergalgano@comcast.net.

Winter wine trail Adelphia Café 476 Washington Avenue North Haven, CT 06473 203-535-0149 Family owned/operated. Former proprietors of the Neptune Diner in Wallingford. Extensive menu for all tastes. Breakfasts, luncheons and special dinners. All baking on premises.

Colony Diner

611 N Colony Road Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 269-9507 colonydiner.com Wallingford’s place to go for oldfashioned breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Proudly serving up delicious and hearty meals daily. Voted Best Diner 4 years running by Record Journal. Open seven days. Breakfast served all day.

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The Connecticut Wine Trail's popular Winter Wine Trail program has returned.

Visit all 12 participating wineries before April 10 for a chance to win prizes valued at more than $5,000. Visit ctwine.com for details.

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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Maintenance tips for private water wells Private well owners are responsible for the condition of their private well water and maintenance of their well water systems.

In fact, your family’s health depends on proper well maintenance and regularly testing your well to ensure there are no pollutants, so you always have a safe supply of drinking water. The actions you take every day can either damage or protect these valuable water resources.

Poorly maintained well water systems can act as a tool for pollutants to enter your home drinking water.

Good maintenance and operation of your well water

system is an essential component to protecting the water quality supplied by your well.

For more information and resources on how to test your well water visit the DPH Private Well Program

website, ct.gov/dph/privatewells, or call 860-5098401.

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Here are some ways to keep a healthy well water system: • Keep the area around your well accessible.

• Limit activities around your well that may contaminate your water supply, such as over applying fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides and store these products in watertight containers or in secondary containment.

• Keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, lawn chemicals, or other chemicals away from your well and store these products in watertight containers or in secondary containment.

• Be aware of local land use activities that may affect your well water quality.

CTPrepares The CTPrepares mobile app provides information and alerts in emergency situations, and incorporates text

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In Brief messaging, email, and social networking.

The app can be downloaded on Apple and Android smartphones.

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Proper maintenance and operation of your well water system is an essential element in protecting the water quality supplied by your well.

A7

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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Gardens From A1

agrarians, said Lee, speaking to about 40 attendees via Zoom.

ern.” Her new book, to be published in the fall, is called “Conquer the Soil: Black America and the Untold Stories of Our Country’s Gardeners, Farmers and Growers.”

were doing the work of beautification,” Lee said. ican Civil Rights movement “I’m not saying enslaved icon W.E.B. DuBois. In his people like to garden in book, “The Souls of Black She said, "It’s not Black garbondage. What I am saying Folk,” DuBois said the gifts den history, it’s American is that we sometimes forget enslaved Africans brought to history gardening.” that they are people — they America included strength loved and laughed and had Lee describes herself as a and brawn, and he spoke of In the post-Civil War era, and friends, and still “horticulturist extraordinaire their abilityBasement to “conquer the Waterproofing Services secbumpivreS gnifoorpretthere aW tnemwere esaB formerly enslaved family had lives despite the horrific that is half country soil.”

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Lee’s library talk focused on this particular form, which may be seen as a pre-cursor to today’s shabby chic style.

It is also a form architects and landscape professionals might refer to as “Black vernacular landscapes,” said Lee, adding that Black gardens take all forms, formal and informal and “folk gardens.”

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Lee read an excerpt from “The Passin’ On Party,” written by Effie Graham and

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All plants and all resources, even if just a can or a tire, were put to use, said Lee. “What Williams is capturing is the Black folk garden.”

Delving into assorted photos, books and poems, Lee read passages that evoked heart-felt appreciation for Black Americans who owned and/or tended garden.

“Even though this was the time of Jim Crow, they sought out joy where they could — their gardens were one of those sources,” she said.

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Crow era. “There is hardly any home without flowers in a tin can or tires used as edging,” said Lee, quoting Williams.

See Gardens, A9

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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Gardens

In Brief

From A8

Kindergarten registration

published in 1912, about the homes and gardens of the Exodusters, Blacks who left the south after Reconstruction and lived on the western frontier in Kansas: “The first impression on viewing it was that of a halfpleasing, half-offending jungle of greenery; of bush and vine, of vegetable and blooming flower, of kitchenware and crockery and defunct household furniture. A marvelous mixture it was of African jungle, city park and town dump. It was easy to see, however, flowers dominated the herbaceous tangle: they were everywhere and every time, neither order nor rank defined their placing.”

This passage highlights flowers in the garden of the fictitious character Aunt June and the containers used in her garden: “There in the garden, marigolds bloomed in butter kits, geraniums glowed in punctured deeshpans.” Additionally, Johnny jump-ups bloomed from baby buggies.

In order to be eligible to register for kindergarten for the 2022-23 school year, your child must be 5 years old before Jan. 1, 2023 (born on or before Jan. 1, 2018).

The school your child will attend is based on street address, with the exception of Darcey and Doolittle schools. If you are unsure which school your child will attend, a list of streets and districted schools can be found at cheshire.k12.ct.us.

For Darcey and Doolittle students: All such students are to be registered at Darcey school. We request that you indicate school preference with registration.

While Cheshire Public Schools cannot guarantee placement, we make every effort to accommodate students and families.

Abra Lee, horticulturist and author, was the guest lecturer for a virtual event hosted by the Cheshire Public Library.

In late May, you will receive a welcome letter from the principal of the school your child will attend. If you are in need of a registration packet, contact your child’s districted school.

Volunteer opportunities Free home-based assistance is available to Cheshire residents age 70 and older or adults with physical disabilities thanks to the Cheshire Senior Center’s partnership with UR Community Cares.

Are you or someone you know interested in becoming a volunteer? Learn more at URCommunityCares.org or contact Stefanie at 203-272-8286 or stheroux@ cheshirect.org.

in and appreciate.”

There is symbolism throughout these gardens. The white flowers planted in baby buggies can symbolize youth, life, and death. Wheels symbolize the circle of life.

“There is a lot going on in this Black landscape,” said Lee. What was created in Aunt June’s garden, not unlike other folk gardens, is a place for laughter, for tears, and a place to reminisce.

A slide of a modest home comes up, showing a garden with the words, “a mess of These old items may have homey flowers, planted been used for washing or without a plan, but bloomcooking, but nothing went to ing cheerily from their helwaste. They became a part of ter-skelter places. The fence the garden, Lee said, adding and house were whitethat these gardens in the ru- washed,” phrases taken from ral south are “a dying art the works of Zora Neale form. It’s something to take Hurston.

All the receptacles are “experienced objects.”

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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Mask policies From A1

DPH data on COVID-19 vaccinations reported on Feb. 17 showed that statewide, 37.6 percent of children between the ages of 5 and 11 had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. That rate is a little more than half of the vaccination rate among 12- to 15-year-olds across the state. The state reported the vaccination rate for that age group is 72.4 percent.

Overall, Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccination rate among all eligible age groups is just over 75 percent, according to DPH. In communities around the Meriden area, most local pediatric vaccination rates were below statewide averages. In Wallingford, 34.79 percent of children between 5 and 11 years old were considered fully vaccinated. In Southington, the vaccination rate for that age group was 33.08 percent. In Meriden it was 27.53 percent.

In Cheshire, pediatric vaccination rates were considerably higher: 51.79 percent.

Vaccinations among older children and among staff members in all four districts are considerably higher.

Meanwhile, a COVID-19 vaccine for children under five years old has yet to be federally authorized.

Last week Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey Solan sent a message to families that outlined school and health officials’ rationale for going mask optional when the state mandate expires.

“As the pandemic appears to be loosening its grip, we still have that goal of providing safe access to all kids and staff every day. When the Governor announced it would be a local decision, I solicited the opinion of the same three people I have turned to who helped us ensure that we were in school full-time last year and this year. They are our Executive Director of the Chesprocott Health District, our district physician, and our district

nursing supervisor,” Solan wrote. The group identified three criteria for determining whether to mandate masks locally: test positivity rate, the rate of cases per 100,000 and the rate of COVID-19 vaccinations.

“The team felt that meeting 2 of the 3 of these criteria would provide a strong likelihood that our ability to have people access school would be uninterrupted,” Solan wrote. The superintendent stated the district had met two of the three metrics “to safely transition to a mask optional environment” effective March 1.

They are what Solan said was “extraordinarily high vaccine prevalence” in the community and the school district, and a test positivity rate which has dwindled to 6.1 percent, below the 10 percent threshold officials had set as a rate for concern.

The third metric, case rate per 100,000, was still above the 15 cases per 100,000 threshold, meaning that factor still hadn’t been met, Solan explained.

Meanwhile, in all districts masks will still be required on school buses, where federal directives will continue to be followed.

Solan and other district leaders acknowledged the importance of ensuring the safety of immunocompromised students, staff and their families. Solan said early on in the pandemic, tools to protect those populations weren’t available.

“We reached the point where they are,” he said. “...

The good news is there are more tools available to protect individuals who are immunocompromised.”

On Friday, Feb. 18 the state Department of Public Health issued updated guidance to local school and health leaders that appears to be in line with steps local leaders were already planning to implement. That guidance stated, “our communities can begin to transition the management of COVID-19 in

Oscar Castro Villagomez, 10, left, works in a technology lab with fellow students at Nathan Hale Elementary School in Meriden in this Dec. 7, 2021 photo.

Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

schools from a pandemic emergency response model toward a model that aligns with a more standard public health approach to the management and control of respiratory viral diseases (e.g., influenza).”

This model, the guidance stated, would focus COVID19 response efforts to clusters of outbreaks in schools and when community transmission significantly increases.

In its guidance, DPH listed COVID-19 outbreak response strategies that would include a temporary local universal masking policy, reinstating student cohorting measures depending on the level of transmission, limiting outside visitors and notifying potentially exposed students and staff for possible testing.

Southington, Wallingford In Southington, Superintendent Steven Madancy alerted families that the district would no longer require nor enforce mask wearing in schools starting Feb. 28.

In the Feb. 17 letter, Madancy emphasized that continu-

ing to wear masks is a personal choice “and it is important to respect the privacy and individual choice staff and students may make relevant to mask wearing.

No one should question, judge, or ostracize anyone for their individual choice as they are not aware of everyone’s unique circumstances that may impact their decision whether to mask or not.

Please reinforce this with your children at home,” he wrote.

Officials say mitigation strategies other than mask wearing, including protocols around cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, along with distancing during lunches, will continue.

Wallingford schools’ Superintendent Danielle Bellizzi similarly notified families on Friday that mask wearing on school grounds would be optional as of Feb. 28.

Bellizzi explained that mask wearing, while welcome, would not be enforced by school district staff unless required through public health orders, or if a localized outbreak of the coronavirus should occur.

“This determination will be

made through consultation with local health officials,” Bellizzi said.

Dr. Juan C. Salazar, physician-in-chief for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, said local leaders are making decisions around masks based on a determination of risk, similar to the measures Solan described. That starts with assessing the level of disease transmission and then assessing test positivity rates. Vaccination rates and protective immunity based on previous infections are the third factor.

Salazar noted in the state’s largest cities transmission rates are still high and pediatric vaccinations are still considerably lower than in other municipalities.

Salazar said although masks won’t be required by many districts, that fact does not mean they should not be worn. Parents should assess what is the risk of their children becoming sick themselves or the risk that they might bring home the virus, and thus infect someone else in their household.

“If you have a parent at home who is immunocomSee Area schools, A11

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

In Brief Tax time The filing deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file and pay tax owed is Monday, April 18. Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until Monday, Oct. 17 to file. To speed up refunds, the IRS urges taxpayers to file electronically with direct deposit information.

For the latest IRS forms and instructions, visit IRS.gov.

Walk with Me Walk with Me is a new specialized outpatient treatment track for LGBTQ+ identifying young people age 10 to 25 who are seeking therapeutic, medical, and/or peer support to address their specific needs. It is available exclusively at Wheeler’s Hartford and Plainville Family Health & Wellness Centers.

House of Heroes Founded in January 2000, House of Heroes is a nonprofit organization serving our nation's military and public safety veterans (and their spouses) who are disabled, living on a fixed income, or facing other physical and/or financial challenges. Volunteers perform minor repairs and make improvements to the homes of veterans and their spouses at no cost to the veteran.

For more information, visit hohct.org, or email info@ houseofheroesct.org.

Thursday, February 24, 2022

A11

Area schools From A10

promised, whether because of Illness, cancer, chronic lung disease, you’re not going to want to bring the virus back to your house,” Salazar said.

“Those children should mask.”

Meriden Meriden officials similarly opted to make mask-wearing voluntary in school buildings. The decision was formally announced during the Meriden Board of Education’s meeting on Feb. 15.

Lea Crown, the city’s director of Health and Human Services, stated in an email she and school department leaders regularly discuss COVID-19 mitigation strategies and had deliberated over the school mask mandate over the past two weeks. Crown said she anticipates further guidance from the state DPH regarding the use of scientific metrics to inform decision making.

Local health providers, including the Community Health Center, will continue to offer vaccines to all individuals five years old and older.

CHC hosts clinics at its State Street, Meriden location on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Meriden Board of Education President Robert Kosienski Jr. said the local decision to lift the school mask mandate “didn’t come just at a drop of the hat.” It was a common sense decision, he said.

“Our mitigation strategies will continue. The extra people we hired to sanitize and clean will continue to do so.

We will keep doing lunches the way we’re doing and the classroom setups the way they’re doing them,” Kosienski said. “We’re going to continue to follow the rule.”

executive board and building representatives have discussed the phase out of masks as well.

“I feel that masking is here to stay for many. In schools, we work daily on the social emotional aspect of our students, and frankly our peers,” Mancini-Averitt wrote. “We should continue to encourage those who feel comfortable with mask wearing to continue to do so. Some of our staff and students will double mask, wash tables, and continue all mitigation strategies until this pandemic is truly over.

“We should as humans, teachers, colleagues, and peers continue to allow people to come to this masking issue in whatever way makes them comfortable and for as long as they like,” she continued. “I for one will continue to mask in the classroom and the Meriden Federation of Teachers Presi- building.” dent Lauren Mancini-Averitt exmgagne@record-journal.com 203-317-2231 plained in an email that the union’s

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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, February 24, 2022

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under Next Generation, one of the new elementary The “Next Generation” schools will take on Darcey school modernization plan School’s birth-to-three prowas approved by the Town gram instead of Highland ElCouncil at its Feb. 8 meeting. ementary School adopting it, At this time, the Next Gener- as was suggested in Scenario ation Phase One costs to the 6. town are expected to be be- The school district has been tween $73.3 million and eyeing the Casertano prop$88.2 million, and the total erty for the north end locacost of the plan, before state tion, while the new Norton reimbursements, would be School will likely replace the between $109 million and existing one on the current $131 million. property.

The Next Generation plan is The Feb. 8 vote was nearly almost identical to the Sce- unanimous. Councilor Jim nario 6 proposal that the Jinks abstained.

Town Council had been Town Council Chair Tim considering since April of 2021 and is the primary op- Slocum said approving the plan is the next step in the tion presented by the School Modernization Com- Board of Education timeline as the board couldn’t act furmittee. ther on the Next Generation The only difference between plan until the council apthe two proposals is that, proved it.

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

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Thursday, February 24, 2022

VISIT MYRECORDJOURNAL.COM/ATHLETES TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE NOMINEES!

JUSTIN HACKETT

DARLA JAGROSSE

Baseball, for the most part, has been Justin Hackett’s claim to fame. He led Lyman Hall to the Class L state semifinals last spring and he’ll be playing D-I ball next year at Bryant University. Yet the 6-foot-4 senior has enjoyed a strong run in basketball, too. He was part of last year’s SCC Division II title team and led the Trojans this season at 13.3 ppg., scoring 26, 28 and 26 points in three of his final four games.

Having a strong post player has been a recipe to Sheehan’s success in girls basketball for the past several seasons, and Darla Jagrosse has proven to be a worthy successor to the likes of Liv Robles and Caitlyn Hunt. The 5-11 senior has averaged 11.4 points this season.

More telling: When Jagrosse went down with an injury earlier this year, the Titans were 2-3 without her. With her in the lineup, they’re 11-6.

JOE MAZZARELLA

ELLA KULAS

One Cinderella story of the CIAC class wrestling tournaments last weekend was Southington’s big man, Joe Mazzarella. The senior heavyweight was seeded No. 6 in Class LL, yet he advanced all the way to the championship round by knocking off the No. 3 seed 6-1 in the quarterfinals and then pinning the No. 2 in the semifinals at 2:46 despite trailing 6-1.

Mazzarella now advances to the State Open.

Sophomore guard Ella Kulas started the season coming off the bench. Then injuries hit the Rams and Kulas was moved into the starting lineup. Chances are she’ll be staying there for good. Kulas averaged better than nine points as a starter since debuting with 12 against Lauralton Hall on Jan. 29. She had 17 in the regular season finale at Coginchaug and then 14 in the SCC Tournament last Friday at Guilford.

CAIDEN TALENTO

GRACEY MASSICOTTE

The loss of the 2020-21 wrestling season meant there were two sets of rookies on the mat this winter, sophomores and freshmen.

In that light, here’s the area rookie of the year, Platt sophomore Caiden Talento. The 152-pounder went 27-1 in his first regular season, then captured the Class M state title last weekend. Talento dominated, riding a major decision and two pins to the final, where he won 8-2.

It’s been a heck of a four-year run in volleyball and basketball for Gracey Massicotte, who becomes the first two-sport Athlete of the Week nominee of 2021-22 after being a catalyst in Maloney’s 15-5 regular season in hoops. Maloney’s leading 3-point shooter scored 12 points in the regular season finale vs. Harding and then 11 vs. her uncle Howie Hewitt’s Southington team in the CCC Tournament.

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Thursday, February 24, 2022

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Thursday, February 24, 2022

A15

Star science students honored Students at St. Bridget School in Cheshire created and shared elaborate display boards at the 2022 Middle School Science Fair.

The projects were based on unique topics they learned about in school.

Fifteen students in grades 6 to 8 were Certificate of Merit winners :

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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, February 24, 2022

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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Former state correctional officer is arrested, accused of selling inmates marijuana CHESHIRE — A former Connecticut correctional officer has been accused of selling marijuana to inmates and getting paid through a Cash App account.

State Police arrested the former officer on Feb. 17, charging him with conveying an unauthorized item into a correctional institution. He was released on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned on March 17.

An investigation by the Department of Correction discovered a note informing the inmate to “have his peoples go to a Cash App.” The note included a phone number that was eventually linked to the officer, according to a warrant cited by the Waterbury Republican American.

An inmate told correctional officials the officer would leave marijuana in a garbage can for inmates to pick up, according to the warrant. The inmate said the officer had been providing the marijuana since November 2020.

The now-former officer has denied using the Cash App account and his lawyer said he is contesting the allegations.

In Brief RISE program

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Thursday, February 24, 2022

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Lawn and Garden 860-707-9350 wheels, Barbie’s, Folk vehicles, Toyota’s etc.

Art, Statues, Bronzes, 203-235-1661 Please call Mike @ 203Trains, Cameras, Mid 284-8562 8am-5pm.

ACCELERATED Century Modern FurANTIQUES - Always niture, Straight Razors, PROPERTY buying old; Toys, Shaving Items, Political military, jewelry, art, Trucks and Vans MANAGEMENT Items, Comic Books, watches, musical Sports Cards & Autoinstruments, signs, DODGE RAM 1999 1500 FREE CLEAN FILL graphs…& THE LIST arcade games, - Hardcover over bed AVAILABLE FOR COST GOES ON! So please cameras, pre 1970 body. 2 spare snow tires give us a call at your sports memorabilOF TRUCKING! on rims. Alot of new earliest convenience. ia, plus more. One PRICED PER LOAD DEparts not listed. AskGrassy Hill Auctions item or entire estate ing $4,000 o.b.o. Cash PENDING ON LOCATION 203-868-1816 - Grassy contents. Call 860Only. 860.299.5496. $100 minimum.

HillAuctions.com 718-5132.

CALL JIM 860-982-4819

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Looking for a friend?

Need to Earn Income ASAP? Earn up to $1,200 mo. + Tips!

The perfect and easiest part time job - Newspaper Delivery Routes Available - Earn up to $600.00 every Two weeks +Tips (Depending on area)

Looking for a friend?

Routes available in the following towns: MIDDLETOWN, MERIDEN, NEW BRITAIN AND WALLINGFORD Must be 18 or older. Must have valid drivers license, reliable vehicle and be available early mornings. Make extra cash before you go to work making early morning newspaper deliveries using your own vehicle. NO experience necessary.

Must able to deliver early mornings, 7 days a week. MUST be dependable, and be able to read a route list with specific delivery instructions. We will demonstrate the route to you.

Routes average 1.5 to 3 hours daily. No collections required.

Find litters of critters in Classifieds.

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

248314

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

Classified ads are the best way to find what you need.

Find litters of critters in Classifieds.

They are also the best way to sell your services, goods or items.

Call Monday thru Friday 8:30am - 5pm 203-238-1953

WANTED Individual firearms, collections & estates including military & related items.Federally licensed firearms dealer.

Gunsmith, appraisals, Richard Pleines, (860) 663-2214.

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Businesses & Services Attics and Basements Cleaned GARY WODATCH Demolition Svs Sheds, pools, decks, garages, debris removal. Quick, courteous svc. All calls returned. Ins. #566326.

Cell, 860-558-5430

Carpentry

Junk Removal A&R CLEANOUT SERVICE - Partial or total cleanouts of homes, garages, basements, businesses. We Clean homes top to bottom and do demolition work also. Free estimates.

No job to small or large.

203-281-6387 or 203623-0166.

Landscaping

Electrical Services TEC ELECTRICAL

Masonry

Repairs, Decks & Porches, Sheetrock & Taping Water Damage Repairs.

Free Est. Ins. MC & Visa.

Call Bill (203) 901-2136.

CT. Reg. # 0647093

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

Cleaning Services

HOUSECLEANING

Condos, offices, windows. Oven & Fridge free. Refs. 16 Years Exp. Fabiana, 203.565.7745.

Service LLC All Phases of Electrical Work. 24 hr. Emergency Service.

Small Jobs Welcome.

203.237.2122

Home Improvements

Specializing in roofing, siding, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, basement remodeling.

Senior citizen discount Insured. Free est.

203-265-5200 HIC#0631937

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

Let Us BEAR Your Junk!

Junk Removal in CT

203-238-1953

Get Listed. Get Calls. Get Results.

Plumbing

Roofing

GEORGE J MACK & SONS - Servicing the Meriden area since 1922. Toilet, faucet, sink & drain repairs.

Water heater replacements. 15% Sr citizen disc. 203-238-2820.

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. DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817

CARPENTRY

Moving and Storage

A19

RT RELOCATION Your moving and storage specialists.

Call for a free estimate.

833-668-3978.

/Classified

Power Washing

POWERWASHING

Painting Int. & Ext. Gutters Cleaned Free Ests. Ins. Refs.

Rodrigo, (203) 565-7745.

Roofing

Local listings online!

Roof Repair or Replacement, Chimney Repair, Skylight Replacement.

Free est. CT #0651199 (860) 877-3006 Business Owner / Service Provider?

LIST YOUR SERVICE

In Our Business / Service Directory

203-238-1953

Painting Wallpapering

#1 PAINTER’S EDGE 15% off Interior Painting. Sheetrock.Popcorn Repair. Wallpaper removal. 25 yrs exp. Free est. Sr. disc. #0656136.

Ins. 860.538.5520

Insurance claim.storm damage.roofing.siding. gutter.chimney flashing.

Office:203.754.3071 Cell:203.510.3830 Stormshieldct@gmail. com HIC.0664452

Since 1867 We Are Proud To Be Your Local News and Advertising Source

Please & Thank you.

Yalesville Construction Specializing in all phases of residential & commercial roofing.

Senior citizen discount Insured Free est.

203-265-5200 HIC#0631937

OVER 28 YEARS EXP Stonewalls, patios, sidewalks, chimneys, pool areas, fireplaces, fire pit steps, all types of masonry work. Free est. (860) 274-4893.

Call Monday thru Friday 8:30AM - 5PM

ace toA20

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, February 24, 2022

A G R E AT P L AC E T O

WORK 43 Candee Road • Prospect, CT 203-387-2267 • Email: Info@Holidayhilldaycamp.com Or Visit Us Online: HolidayHillDayCamp.com

&PLAY

R249083

Join Our Team!

Be a Camper!

 Competitive Rates  Fun Place to Work  Work Outside and with Kids All Summer  Great Resume Builder

There’s an abundance of fun to be had at Holiday Hill Day Camp as our campers play, master new skills, overcome challenges, and build confidence.

At the same time they develop special friendships and come away with memories that last a lifetime.

Transportation is included, our Bus stops all over CT!

Visit HolidayHillDayCamp.com to Apply Today!

Breakfast, Lunch & Snacks included!

Visit HolidayHillDayCamp.com to Sign Up Today!