The Cheshire Citizen

Architectural firm chosen for new elementary schools

Citizen staff

The building committee in charge of recommending an architectural firm to design two new elementary schools for the town has chosen Tecton Architects to lead both projects. The recommendation now goes to the Town Council for final approval.

The Next Generation Building Committee unanimously made the

decision at its March 9 meeting. The committee has been in the process of making a selection for an architect since January, reviewing 12 firms that submitted proposals.

Previously, the committee discussed whether to choose one or two firms to design a new Norton and an as-yet-to-be-named school on the north end,

See Firm, A10

Cheshire Academy names Town Scholar

Press Release

Cheshire Academy has announced that Avery Fowler is its 2023 Town Scholar, earning the student a full four-year scholarship to the academy.

Avery and her family celebrated the Town Scholar designation during a March 10 ceremony at the school.

The scholarship program, which originated in 1938, provides one eighth grade Cheshire student the opportunity to attend CA throughout high school. Applicants must submit an essay explaining why they should be named Town Scholar, among other requirements.

See Scholar, A11

Proposed

legislation

would expand access to maternal health services

By Cris Villalonga-Vivoni Record-Journal staff

The national maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black women was nearly three times higher than that for non-Hispanic women in 2020.

In Connecticut, state health officials reported that babies born to Black mothers were significantly more likely to die before their first birthday than babies born to white women in 2017. Babies born to Black mothers are also twice as likely as babies from white mothers to have a low birth weight, under six pounds, which can lead to severe health and development issues.

“In our state and in this nation, we have a maternal health crisis where Black birthing people are suffering consequences more than any other birthing population,” state Public Health Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani said testifying before the legislature’s Public Health Committee, March 14.

The committee hearing was held to discuss Gov. Ned Lamont’s proposed Senate bill that would implement nu-

merous statutes and programs to increase access to maternal health services.

SB 986 hopes to address these disparities by creating a license category for birth centers, establishing state certification processes for doulas and midwives and opening a universal nursing visitation program for new parents.

Licensed birth centers

Unlike a maternity ward in a hospital, birth centers are freestanding healthcare facilities licensed to provide prenatal, labor, delivery and postpartum care to persons

with low-risk pregnancies, according to the bill. If passed, SB 986 would create a new license category to open more birthing centers throughout the state, said Juthani. “This will allow birth centers to fill both geographic gaps that may exist within our state and also provide lower cost and family-friendly opportunities for earning people to have less medicalized births in our state,” she said in her testimony.

The Connecticut Childbirth and Women’s Center is the only standalone birthing center in the state.

Luxury Retirement Living

Dr. Manisha Juthani, commissioner of Connecticut DepartmentofPublicHealth. Image via CT-N

HAPPY REUNION

At a Town Council meeting in February, four members of the Cheshire Police Department – Sergeant Cara Fortier, Officer Gretchen Ovesny, Detective Sam DeCapua and Officer Joseph Giampietro – were recognized for the life-saving actions they took to save a young man who had gone into cardiac arrest. In a social media post following the council meeting, the Cheshire PD stated, "The quick response of the officers to the scene, performing CPR and using an AED, contributed to his life being saved and allowed him to stand alongside of the officers, with his mother and sister, to extend their gratitude. Congratulations to the officers on their Life Saving Awards and for their continued service, self-sacrificeanddedication." Cheshire PD, Facebook

Eversource initiative aims to develop workforce of the future

Press Release

With a high demand for skilled utility workers across the state, Eversource is partnering with Housatonic Community College and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Unions 420 and 457 to prepare the next generation of electrical lineworkers in Connecticut. The Lineworker Certificate Program provides students valuable training in the electric utility industry and the opportunity to progress into Eversource’s paid apprenticeship program.

“Our industry is seeing incredible growth, and as we look toward a clean energy future, it’s critical that we continue to ensure we have a well-trained workforce to maintain a safe and reliable electric system while delivering excellent service for our customers,” Eversource President of Connecticut Electric Operations Steve Sullivan stated. “We’ve had great success with our popular certifica-

tion program at Capital Community College and are excited to expand that collaboration with Housatonic Community College. We value our partnership with the Connecticut State Community College system and know it will help us train highly skilled lineworkers who will have strong employment opportunities after completing the course.”

Nearly 150 students applied for 15 open spots in the rigorous 13-week certification program. The students began virtual classroom learning and hands-on training at the Eversource outdoor training complex in Berlin in early March. Their extensive course work includes electrical theory, CPR, and safety – preparing them for employment with electrical lineworker responsibilities and tasks.

Visit Eversource.com for more information on the certification program and to stay updated on the next available class.

Blood drive

The community is invited to donate blood in memory of Katherine Toce at a special American Red Cross drive on Saturday, March 25 at Highland School.

In the more than 20 years since Katherine Toce died from aggressive brain cancer at the age of 11, her family has collected thousands of units of lifesaving blood for other hospital patients in need.

The March 25 memorial blood drive will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Book a time to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800RED CROSS.

Street sweeping

The Cheshire Public Works Department plans to begin sweeping town roads Monday, April 3. A map of the areas in the order they will be swept is available on the town website.

Residents can assist Public Works by sweeping sediment from sidewalks into gutters and moving cars which would interfere with sweeping operations. Sweepers cannot pick up brush, branches or yard waste.

Operations are expected to be completed by mid-June, weather permitting.

Spring concert

The Cheshire Symphony Orchestra will perform its spring concert Friday, March 24, 7:30 p.m., at St. Peter’s Church, 59 Main St. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors.

Formed in 1987, the CSO is a civic orchestra comprised of 50 dedicated, volunteer musicians drawn from many communities.

Theater

Castle Craig Players, Meriden is celebrating its 30th season. Shows on sale now:

“The Marvelous Wonderettes: Dream On,” May 5 to 20; “Into The Woods,” July 28 to Aug. 12. For ticket information, visit castlecraigplayers.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the 119-year-old national youth mentoring organization. Based in Hartford, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut offers lifechanging programs to at-risk children in all of the state’s 169 municipalities.

Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters by visiting ctbigs.org.

Wellness expo

Exhibitors and speakers are sought for the 10th Bi-Annual Passport to Health & Wellness Expo, which will be held April 23 at The Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton.

Also, vendors are sought for expos taking place May 21 and Sept. 17 at the VFW in Plainville. Contact Shirley Bloethe at 860-989-0033 or yourholisticevents@ gmail.com, or visit yourholisticevents.com.

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.

Cheshire Land Trust

The Cheshire Land Trust is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization committed to conservation. The organization is wholly funded by members. For more information, email CheshireLandTrust@gmail.com.

Executors have a high level of responsibility during the probate process. Your main objective? Prevent estate assets from being damaged or depreciated. You must make decisions based on the best interests of beneficiaries and creditors.

Let us review the job of executor:

You need to decide whether probate is necessary. Consult a probate attorney. Notify the post office, utility companies, credit card companies, banks and any other businesses that you are the executor and that the holder of the accounts has passed. Once formally appointed by the Probate Court, open an account in the name of the estate to manage assets.

Manage the decedent's home/vacation home and other property.

Manage vehicle loan payments. Manage money and investments.

Manage business assets.

Determine if it appropriate to sell assets if they are depreciating rapidly or to pay debts. Selling an asset may be inevitable if beneficiaries don't want to share the asset.

R-J editorial: Women’s history shines in Connecticut

March is Women’s History Month, a time set aside to “commemorate and encourage the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history,” as the National Archives states. In recogni-

tion of this, let’s take a look at a few entries in the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame, a roster of distinguished women, some familiar, some perhaps surprising, who have made their mark on the state and

in many cases the world.

Rosa Ponselle, a Meriden native, is an excellent example of a distinguished member of the Hall. She became a world famous opera singer, debuting at the Metropolitan Opera, in 1918, at just 21 years of age, according to her CWHF biography. Enrico Caruso had invited the young soprano to audition for a leading role and this was the start of a triumphant 20-year career at the Met and worldwide fame. Ponselle and her older sister Carmella had performed together on Broadway.

Other inductees include Kristin M. Griest, of Orange, the first female infantry officer in the U.S. Army. A 2011 West Point graduate, she is one of the first two women to graduate from the U.S. Army Ranger School when the “grueling” program, as

it’s widely described, first opened to women as a pilot program. Griest now is an instructor at the Ranger School. In 2016, she was on Fortune magazine’s list of the World’s Greatest Leaders.

Hartford native and Nobel Prize winner Barbara McClintock is “one of the greatest geneticists of the 20th century,” states her CWHF biography.

Inductees in 2022 include Susan Whaley, professional golfer and first woman president of the PGA of America and Lhakpa Sherpa, a Nepal native who now resides in West Hartford, who reached the summit of Everest 10 times.

The inductee list is full of many names that may be familiar, women from sports, sciences, politics, the arts

and other domains. Helen Keller, Katherine Hepburn and her mother (a political activist), Rebecca Lobo, Dorothy Hamill, Jane Pauley. What may not be as familiar are the many areas of accomplishment these women became involved in, beyond the obvious. For instance, Pauley is an advocate for mental health awareness due to her own struggles with a bipolar diagnosis. The CWHF offers programs and other support to help women and girls succeed and “believe in their unlimited potential.” The 118 inductees serve as “role models for women of all ages and their stories are proof of all that women can accomplish,” according to a statement by the organization.

What’s written here is only a glimpse into the impressive roll call of Connecticut’s women of note. Those 118 stories are well worth a read, from earliest days to the current era, women with roots in Connecticut have emerged as leaders, shaping the landscape where we live and far beyond.

Whether a well-known name or one who worked in relative obscurity, their accomplishments loom large and have opened doors for all women.

Cheshire Equestrian named Microenterprise of the Year

Press Release

Carol DiCarlo’s Cheshire Equestrian has been named Microenterprise of the Year by the Small Business Association of Connecticut.

DiCarlo was among the honorees the SBA selected in recognition of Small Business Week 2023.

The others are: Small Business Person of the Year: Dennis Nash, Control Station (Manchester); Exporter of the Year: Andrew Zeppa, Element 119 (Thomaston); Minority Owned Small Business of the Year: Jay McLaurin & Henry Smith III, FAD Mechanical (North Haven); Manufacturer of the Year: Pedro Soto, Hygrade (Plainville); Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Brianna Regine Walston, Brianna Regine Visionary Consulting (Bridgeport); Veter-

an-Owned Small Business of the Year: Jeffrey Nodden, Manchester Awning (Manchester); WomanOwned Small Business of the Year: Alisha Lynn Simpson-Watt, Collaborative ABA (Middletown).

The Small Business Resource Expo and awards ceremony will be held Thursday, May 4 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.

“We are extremely excited to honor and shine a spotlight on such an accomplished group of small business owners, whose achievements over the past year stand out,” said Catherine Marx, SBA’s Connecticut District Director. “This year, we placed a greater emphasis on the tenacity of America’s diverse entrepreneurs who play an integral role in powering our nation’s economy while navigating chal-

lenges from various variant COVID waves, supply chain disruptions, and inflation. Entrepreneurs are not only making a living for themselves; they are making their neighborhoods vibrant places to live and work, demonstrating their resiliency and flexibility that is contributing to our nation’s economic strength.”

The U.S. Small Business Administration has celebrated National Small Business Week for more than 50 years, recognizing the contributions of America’s entrepreneurs.

Letters to the Editor

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.

State presidential primary would move if bill passes

By Mark Pazniokas The Connecticut Mirror

Connecticut’s Republican and Democratic state party chairs offered a united front Monday by jointly testifying in support of liberalizing state party fundraising rules and moving the presidential primary from the last to the first Tuesday in April.

Given the hyper-partisan nature of contemporary politics, cordial lobbying by the GOP’s Ben Proto and the Democrats’ Nancy DiNardo might seem odd, but the pair long has found common cause on the mechanics of politics.

“And contrary to popular belief, we work together more often on things than

might otherwise be known,” said Proto, a long-time operative and elections lawyer who became state chair in 2021.

The state party chairs testified before the legislature’s Government Administration and Elections Committee in support of House Bill 6904, the fundraising measure, and House Bill 6908, the pri-

mary scheduling bill.

Proto and DiNardo share a goal of making Connecticut an attractive place for presidential candidates to campaign and not just raise money, always a challenge for a small state with a limited cache of delegates.

“For too many presidential elections, Connecticut voters

have been shortchanged in the primaries by being scheduled on the last Tuesday in April,” said DiNardo, who was state chair from 2005 to 2015 and returned in 2020.

Too often, the winners of the nominations are known before the end of April.

See Primary, A9

ARTS HEALS program has returned

Press Release

ART HEALS is a free program for Cheshire adult residents who are temporarily or permanently homebound because of a medical, emotional or physical difficulty.

The confidential program was suspended during the pandemic and is now open. It involves up to six lessons with a professional art teacher from Artsplace in the client’s home.

Sponsored by “The Friends of CPFA/Artsplace, Inc.,” the lessons are scheduled at the client’s convenience.

No experience or art ability is necessary. At the conclusion of the ART HEALS program the artwork is framed and returned to the client. For more information or to enroll in the ART HEALS program, contact Joan Pilarczyk at 203-272-2787, or jpilarczyk@ cheshirect.org.

Includes demo, haul away, sub-floor, plumbing, Kohler fixtures, installations of Kohler tub or shower enclosure, fiberglass units+

Mulberry Gardens

Mulberry Gardens, an independent and assisted living community located at 58 Mulberry St., Southington, will host an open house Wednesday, March 29 from 3 to 6 p.m. Registration is recommended. To reserve a time, call 860-276-1020.

Understanding Lymphedema

The World Health Organization estimates that over 250 million people worldwide live with Lymphedema or chronic swelling.

It is a disease that can cause pain, limit mobility and cause us to be insecure about ourselves.

Senior Health

Friday, March 31, from 11 a.m. to noon, join a Certified Lymphedema Therapist from Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network, to learn more about the causes and effects of swelling, ways to manage it.

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

Call-in support

Looking for a safe space? Talk to a professional about questions and concerns you may have regarding dementia, Fridays from 2 to 3 p.m. This call-in support group is facilitated by Kristine Johnson, dementia specialist, Hartford Health-

Care Center for Healthy Aging. Call 1-646-876-9923 (Meeting ID 92408181873#).

Dementia caregivers

Are you a caregiver and feeling overburdened? Are you responsible for making financial decisions, managing changes in behavior or even helping a loved one get dressed in the morning? Join this call-in support group Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m.

Facilitated by Michelle Wyman, dementia specialist. Call 1-646-876-9923 (Meeting ID 92408181873#).

Suspect in custody following fatal shooting in Meriden

Record-Journal staff

MERIDEN A suspect is in custody following a shooting Monday that left one man dead and a female injured in the area of West Main Street and Lewis Avenue.

Warren Watson, 33, of Meriden was located by police a short time after the shooting in a parked vehicle at 235 Grove St., according to a statement from police Tuesday morning.

Watson was also suffering from a gunshot wound and was taken to an area hospital for treatment as police continued to investigate. At approximately 6 p.m. Monday evening, officers were dispatched to West Main Street and Lewis Avenue after receiving a report of shots fired.

See Shooting, A8

•Income Tax Preparation

•Individual and Business

•Electronic Filing

•Tax Planning- Year Round Service

•TSAs, Life Insurance

•IRAs, 403(b)s, 401(k)s

•IRAs, 403(b)s, 401(k)s

•Tax Representation Enrolled to represent clients before the IRS

•Tax Representation Enrolled to represent clients before the IRS

•Financial Services

•Financial Services

•

• Retirement and Tax Planning

Maternity

Located in Danbury, the center is staffed by midwives and focuses on natural childbirths, according to its website. The two-story clinic has numerous birthing rooms with queen-sized beds and a big bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub.

Birthing centers would be licensed through the state and may have specific service guidelines. Juthani explained that each certified birth center would work with nearby hospitals, in case emergency care was needed.

Committee Co-Chair, state Sen. Saud Anwar, D-South Windsor, raised concerns about the mandatory relationship between the birth centers and the larger healthcare system.

Anwar, a physician, noted that the legislation could lead to unintended selection bias as the major hospitals would receive more complicated pregnancy cases. Similarly, the Connecticut Hospital Association submitted testimony saying that the bill’s language doesn’t mandate regulations and protocols for the license. Instead, they write that the language needs to be updated to ensure that “mandatory clinical guidelines” are met.

State Rep. Liz Linehan, DCheshire, told the RecordJournal she fully supports birthing centers but wants to ensure that their patients receive adequate post-delivery education, such as essential screening tests for newborns and vitamin K injections for blood clots caused by vitamin K deficiency bleeding.

Certifying doulas

Founder and host of Labors of Love podcast, Hafeeza Ture, highlighted the importance of certifying doulas by speaking about her own pregnancy journey at Tuesday’s hearing. The mother of three described the “sacred experience” of her delivery, saying that she did not use any medications or experience any complications, which she attributed to the constant support from her birth team and doulas.

Ture said her “birth team” consisted of friends, family, a doula and a midwife. A doula is a trained, nonmedical professional that helps a pregnant person before, during and after birth.

The passage of SB 986 would create an optional state certification pathway for working doulas seeking those credentials and streamline certification. State Rep. Lezlye Zupkus, R-Prospect, raised concerns about cost and its affordability, but noted the importance of doula services.

Universal nursing

State Early Childhood

Commissioner Beth Bye spoke on the benefits of

having a nurse visit new parents after birth. The first few weeks are crucial and scary for both the baby and new parents, she said, so having a nurse can help ease the transition. “You don’t need any kind of degree to bring that baby home, but a little guidance can go a long way,” she said.

A pilot of the universal nursing program is set to launch in May, Bye said. Based out of Bridgeport, new parents will be paired with a nurse who would visit their home one to three times to provide suggestions and guidance as they settle into their new life. Afterward, the nurse will connect the parents with a local community health worker so they have easy access to resources.

Bye said the nursing program follows the Family Connects International model.

According to its website, FCI nurses are trained to assess the needs of the family and provide services at no cost to the families. The model is currently used in 19 other states. However, a community health worker is a unique addition.

Year Round Tree Service

Once on the scene, police said they discovered one man and one woman inside of a parked car. Both individuals were injured with what appeared to be gunshot wounds and a handgun was discovered inside of the vehicle, according to police.

Police described Watson as a person of interest in the shooting.

After officers discovered Watson in a car on Grove Street, Meriden police detectives received several search warrants for vehicles as well as for the 2nd floor apartment at 235 Grove St., where they found a handgun.

Watson was arrested after being treated at the hospital on five counts of probation violation and operating a motor vehicle under suspension. He is being held on $500,000 bond for the probation violations and an additional $25,000 bond for the motor vehicle charge.

Police said Watson had a lenghthy criminal history, includidng sale of hallucinogens, dating back as far as 2017.

The man who died of a gunshot wound in a vehicle in the area of Lewis Avenue and West Main Street has since been identified as Shawn Mojica, 31. Police have not released the name or age of the female victim, but said the wounds she sustained were non-life threatening. Officers said they beleive Watson, Mojica and the injured woman were known to each other prior to Monday’s incident.

Meriden Police said officers received “assistance with traffic control and crime scene security,” from units dispatched by the Wallingford, Cheshire and Southington police departments, as well as the Connecticut State Police.

Police say the investigation is continuing and additional criminal charges may be filed.

In 2020, for example, Bernie Sanders ended his presidential campaign on April 8 and endorsed Joe Biden on the 13th.

(Thanks to COVID-19, and the fact that Biden and Donald J. Trump had their nominations assured, the presidential primary was delayed in 2020 to August, when the primaries for state offices in Connecticut are held.)

Under current law, the state’s 2024 presidential primary wouldn’t be held until April 30. The bipartisan bill would move it to April 2.

Voter interest and the state economy benefit when the primary is held when the outcome is in play, Proto said.

“We know that when the candidates come to a state they spend a lot of money, not only on their media buys, but also within our hospitality industry, on salaries, on staff,” Proto said.

“So there’s a tangential benefit to doing this to making a competitive state that candidates want to come to.”

Connecticut was one of 20 states that made a bid for an early primary to the Democratic National Committee, which had made clear it was intent on shaking up the primary calendar by raising the profile of states with populations more diverse than the early primary caucus state of Iowa and primary state of New Hampshire.

State legislatures set the dates in conjunction with the political parties and sometimes at odds with them.

The parties establish a window for the states to hold their primaries, which can only be enforced by threatening to deprive states of delegate spots if they do not comply.

The Democrats’ new calendar would strip New Hampshire of its first-in-the-nation primary status by scheduling South Carolina for Feb. 3, Nevada and New Hampshire for Feb. 6, Georgia for Feb.

13, and Michigan for Feb. 27. New Hampshire is expected to defy the Democrats calendar, since state law re quires its presidential prima ry to be at least seven days before any other state mary.

Republicans still would be gin with a New Hampshire primary on Feb. 13.

The state party chairs, Republican Ben Proto and Democrat Nancy DiNardo, jointly testified. Image va CT-N

Obituaries

Frank M. Loehmann, Jr.

CHESHIRE Frank M. Loehmann, Jr., was born July 5,1945, andpassed awayMarch 19,2023,after a long battlewith cancer. He was the son of Francis M.Loehmann andCatherine (Welch)Loehmann. He grewup inHamdenwhere, onablinddateasasophomoreinhighschool,hemet the loveof his lifeand his wifeof 55years,Carol (Spignesi) Loehmann,who survives him. Frank and Carolmoved toCheshirein 1978and havelivedthere eversince.

In 1984,Frank cofounded ResourcesManagement Corp, an investment advisoryfirm currentlyoperatingas RMCInvestment Advisors and headquartered inWest Hartford,CT. Frank spentmore thanthirtyyears withthe firm,includingas itsChairman andCEO from2005until

hisretirementin2017.

Frank will foreverbe remembered as a man who cared deeplyabout others. As afather ofyoung sons, hewasa fixtureatsporting events and activities, rotatingthrough theroles ofLittle League coach, timer at swim meets,chauffer, and cheerleader.Laterinlife,he delightedin playingthe part of Papa Frank with his grandchildren.

He wasa lifetimesupporter of hisalma mater, Colgate University.

Throughout hisadult life, he returned toColgate to visit,to reminisce,andto contribute as an active volunteerwiththeColgateAdmissionsOffice.In1992,he was aproud recipientof a Maroon Citation, the University’s second-highest AlumniAward.

Frankwas agenerous contributor withinhis community,including asaformer Director of the Cheshire EducationFoundation, a founding Director and the first Treasurer of the CheshireCommunity Food Pantry,AdministrativeTrustee oftheBALSO Foundation,ChairoftheSt. Bridget of Sweden Parish FinanceCouncil, andChair of the Cheshire Public Safety Commission. He was alsoa Trustee,Director,andthePresidentofthe JohnG. MartinFoundation for many years, and was extremely proudof the Foundation’s charitable efforts inthe Hartfordarea

Design

however, after reviewing proposals from the four finalists for the job, the committee voted to recommend Tecton Architects to do both of the schools.

andin hishometownof Cheshire.

As amember ofthe FarmsCountry Clubfor over40 years,he spent14 years on the Board of Governors, two as its President, and five as Treasurer. In addition, he served as Chair ofthe FinanceCommittee for over25 years. Hiscommitment tothe Club was recognized when he receivedthe thirdever BoardofGovernors’DistinguishedServiceAward.

Frank leavesbehind three lovingsons, Francis Loehmann III of Cheshire, CT, Jeffrey (Sara) Loehmann of Orono, MN, and Gregory(Kiri) Loehmannof SanJose, CA. Heis alsosurvived by his grandchildren, Claire, Julia, Sonia,Grace, Hazel, andCharlie,as wellashis sister, Kathy (George) Zocco ofHamden, CT,his brotherJohn“Jack”(Leslie) ofEast Haven,CT,nieces and nephews, grandnieces

Tecton has offices in Hartford and Westerly, Rhode Island.

According to Next Generation Building Committee member Chuck Neth, candidates for the project generally broke their fees down into seven categories, including: schematic design, design de-

and grandnephews, and his K-9 companion “Gabby.” He waspredeceased bynewborntwingrandchildren,OliverandIsabella.

Arrangements - Family andfriends areinvitedto pay theirrespects on Thursday, March 23, 2023, from4p.m.to 7p.m.atthe Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire,615 S. Main St. On Friday, March 24, 2023, guestsare requestedtogodirectlytofuneralservicesatSt.Bridget of SwedenParish, 175 MainSt., Cheshire,CTat 10:00 a.m.Burial willfollow atSt. BridgetCemetery, Cheshire, CT.In lieuof flowers, donationscan be madeto theFranciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, 405 AllenAve., Meriden, CT 06451,or St.Bridget’s School,171 MainSt., Cheshire, CT 06410. For online condolences, to shareaphoto orastory, please visit www.fordfh.com.

velopment, construction management, technology design, close-out and moving allowances.

Tecton’s proposed fees are $3,545,089 to design a new Norton and $4,109,640 for the north end school. Building committee members noted that there is a cost savings to having one firm for both schools and better continuity as well.

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

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

Barbara Louise Budd

CHESHIRE Barbara Louise(Johnson)Budd,90, of Cheshire, Connecticut, passed awayon March16, 2023, followinga briefillness.Barbara wasbornon March 23,1932, inBoston, Massachusetts, to Arthur and Doris(Patten) Johnson, and raisedin Milton, Massachusetts, marrying Henry Hartley Budd, Jr., in 1959. Afterbeginning to raisetheir familyin Franklin, Massachusetts, BarbaraandHartleymoved in 1970 to Cheshire, where shelivedfor thepast53 years. Barbara was predeceased by Hartley in 1982, andis survivedbytheir three children, Susan (Robert)SmithofSouthington,David (Barbara)Budd ofCheshire, andJonathan Budd ofCheshire. Barbara isalsosurvivedbyhereight grandchildren, Abigail (Greg) Kessler,Elizabeth (Hays) Carson,Hannah (Mat) Fox,Joshua (Quin) Budd, TimothyBudd, Jessica Budd, Andrew Budd, and BenjaminBudd, as wellas hersevengreatgrandchildren, Madison Kessler,ColeCarson,East-

Obituaries

ynCarson, CalebCarson, NathanFox,AvonleaBudd, andIndigoBudd,hersister, Elizabeth (Richard) Bruce of NorthCarolina, andseveralniecesandnephews.A graduate of Milton High Schooland theChandler School for Women, Barbara worked inthe dietary departmentatElimParkfor 30years,retiringinherearly80s, andwas proudof her independence, including knitting,driving, and visiting favorite spots right up until herillness. Above all,Barbara cherishedtime andconversationwithfamily and friends, and would encourageothers tocherish such opportunities as well. Barbara willbe laid to restonSaturday,March25, at 11:00 a.m.at Milton

Cemetery; Barbara’s family and friendsinvite allto join inacelebrationofherlifeat a Memorial Service at the First Congregational Churchof EastHaven(the OldStoneChurch),onSunday, March 26, at 2:00 p.m., withreception tofollow. In lieu of flowers, Barbara’s familyencourages you to considera donation to Franciscan Ever There Care (franciscanetc.org), which enabledBarbara to live supportedin herhome throughtheendofherjourney.Barbara livedherlife asa womanwhose strengthcame fromher faith, such asPsalm 121: “I liftupmyeyestothemountains- wheredoes myhelp come from?/ Myhelp comes from theLord, the Makerofheavenandearth.

/.../TheLordwillkeepyou from allharm -he will watchoveryour life;/the Lordwill watchoveryour comingand goingboth now andforevermore.” The Alderson-Ford Funeral HomeofCheshireisassistingwith herarrangements. Toleave onlinecondolencesortoshareastoryof Barbara, pleasevisit www.fordfh.com.

Scholar

In her essay, Avery wrote about her aspiration to become a science communicator, inspired by Bill Nye the Science Guy, Emily Calandrelli and Neil deGrasse Tyson. “I believe that my unique voice and perspective would be able to shine a new light on CA and help

Avery Fowler and her family during a celebration for the announcement of Cheshire Academy’s 2023 Town Scholar.

From left: Danielle Fowler, Avery Fowler, Gregory Fowler, Allison Fowler. Contributed

everyone to love (science) as much as I do,” Avery wrote.

“I am also excited about how CA will help me develop into the science communicator that I want to be.”

Fowler will attend Cheshire Academy in the fall as a member of the Class of 2027. Her sister, Allison, is a member of the Class of 2025.

From A1

Lamont signs order on plan for child care system

By Erica E. Phillips The Connecticut Mirror

Gov. Ned Lamont signed an executive order Friday establishing a “Blue Ribbon Panel” of public and private sector leaders, early childhood experts, educators and parents tasked with designing a strategic plan for the state’s child care system by the end of this year.

During a visit to pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim’s on-site child care center in Ridgefield, which hosted the signing ceremony, Lamont emphasized the role child care plays in enabling parents to work at a time when many employers have open jobs to fill.

“We’re never going to get this state going again unless everybody has the opportunity to work,” Lamont said. “We have tens of thousands of folks, often single parents, often moms, who can’t get back into the workforce.

That’s why child care is so absolutely vital to what we have to do.”

Lamont also took the opportunity Friday to plug one of his legislative proposals, a 25% tax credit for companies who subsidize child care costs for their employees whether through direct benefits to those employees, contracting with outside child care providers or building their own facilities on site, as Boehringer Ingelheim has done. “What a difference that’s gonna make,” he said. Boehringer Ingelheim is among the companies represented on the 23-member Blue Ribbon Panel, along with submarine manufacturer General Dynamics Electric Boat, hospital system Yale New Haven Health, Travelers Insurance and the Connecticut Business and Industry Association many of whom came forward last year to ask lawmakers to fund child care.

Paul O. Robertson, deputy commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, said including the private sector in developing the strategic plan will “bring scale to the situation.” The panel could use the extra help, given the task before it.

By December of this year, Lamont’s Blue Ribbon Panel will deliver a five-year strategic plan for the state’s child care system, with recommendations across four broad areas: equity and access; workforce and quality; early childhood systems; and funding and costs.

The panel will hold monthly meetings and public hearings through the spring and summer. After an initial meeting next month, there will be a forum in May focusing on what Early Childhood Commissioner Beth Bye said will be the group’s “biggest focus”— the early childhood workforce.

Child care workers, several of the panel members noted in their remarks Friday, are among the lowest-paid professionals in today’s labor force.

Bye said the panel marks the culmination, in some ways, of work the early childhood office has been leading for several years, funded in part by federal grant money. Beginning around 2018, early childhood leaders in Connecticut have been planning, developing research questions and conducting a wide range of in-depth analyses of the child care market that will inform the panel’s decisions.

Their work will also be informed by research and recommendations from national organizations. Bye highlighted the participation of national education policy organization The Hunt Institute, which will provide expertise to the panel. She said it will also examine and con-

sider child care policy recommendations from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Bipartisan Policy Center think tank.

“This is critical for child care right now, because the pandemic just put a magnifying glass on the problems that child care had been facing for decades,” she said. “Programs are having a hard time making it because they can only charge parents what parents can afford.”

Primary

From A9

Even with a primary on April 2, Connecticut still would be relatively late. In addition to the five states with February primaries, another 14 will hold primaries on March 5, dubbed “Super Tuesday.”

The Super Tuesday lineup includes the New England states of Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont, along with delegate-rich California and Texas.

The other issue on which DiNardo and Proto agree is money. They want the maximum contributions to the state party to be raised from $10,000 to $15,000.

Lamont and the legislature have vowed to make child care a priority this year, but advocates say the proposals don’t go far enough. Expanding access to all parents while raising wages for teachers and boosting program capacity would cost the state an estimated $738 million annually, advocates say. That’s nearly three times the state’s current allocation. Whether

THERE’S A NEW FAMILY IN TOWN

Cheshire High School will present “The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy,” March 23, 24 and 25 at Thorp Auditorium. The story of the Addams Family’s antics, as staged by CHS players, features junior Ainsley Dziura as Morticia and sophomore Nathan Markman as Gomez, with juniors Ella Paul as Wednesday and Drake Snyder as Cousin Fester. The background group of the “Ancestors” involves nearly two dozen students in supporting roles. CHS English teacher Dawn DeMeo is the musical director. Music will be provided by a 10-piece orchestra.

Contributed photo

ELECTRIC UTILITY GENERAL MANAGER

The Town of Wallingford Electric Division seeks a strong manager and leader to direct all aspects of a municipal-owned electric utility located 10 miles from New Haven, CT. The electric utility serves 25,000 customers in a 50+ square mile distribution area with a peak demand of 130 MW and an excellent rate structure. This executive-level position involves responsibility for planning, directing, and coordinating all of the activities necessary for the efficient operation of the utility. Applicants should possess 12 years of progressively responsible experience in the electric utility field including at least 5 years in a management position, plus a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university in electrical, mechanical, civil, or environmental engineering, business or public administration, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a year-for-year basis.

Salary: $137,774 to $176,287 annually, plus an excellent fringe benefits package that includes medical insurance, pension plan, paid sick and vacation time. Applications may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and can be mailed to the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, or emailed to: wlfdhr@wallingfordct.gov by the closing date of April 17, 2023. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

TOWN CLERK

TOWN CLERK

Responsible for public records management and supervision of a Municipal Town Clerk’s Office The position requires a H.S. Diploma or GED with five (5) years of responsible office experience in records management. (1) year of supervisory experience is required. Municipal government experience is preferred. Wages: $66,273 $84,794 plus an excellent fringe benefit package.

Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page or emailed to: wlfdhr@ wallingfordct.gov by the closing date of April 10, 2023. EOE

MEDICAL RECEPTION-

IST FT - Friendly, organized & computer savvy, for front desk, scheduling patients & working phones. (203) 887-9065 to apply.

DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Town of Cheshire seeks highly qualified, experienced HR professional to fill vacancy due to pending retirement. A draft of the proposed, revised job description & information on how to apply can be found on the Town web site at www.cheshirect.

org Knowledge of development & administration of personnel structures & management of modern municipal human resources program to include recruitment, examination, retention, classification, compensation, training, safety, wellness & workers’ compensation. Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or related field, preferably with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or Government.

PAYROLL

PAYROLL CLERK

Performs responsible office work in the processing of all general government payrolls and maintain all payroll records. The position requires a H.S. diploma or G.E.D, plus 5 years of experience in responsible office work involving typing, accounting, bookkeeping, data entry and payroll processing. $27.22 to $32.68 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492.

Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or maybe downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page.

The closing date will be the date that the 50th application form/ resume is received, or April 10, 2023, whichever occurs first. EOE

TEMPORARY SUMMER HELP

The Town of Cheshire is seeking applicants for temporary summer help to fill Laborer positions in our Public Works Grounds Division. Applicants must hold a valid Connecticut driver’s license and be at least 18 years of age. Applications may be obtained online at www.cheshirect. org and sent to the Department of Public Works, 84 South Main Street, Cheshire or they can be hand delivered to the Public Works Department in the Town Hall (Room 213), Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM. The Town of Cheshire is an EOE/ MFH.

GRASSY HILL AUCTIONS, - an Estate

Five (5) to ten (10) years of increasingly responsible technical & supervisory experience in public or private administrative or human resources management, or any combination of training & experience. Salary: DOE/DOQ. Interested candidates must apply NLT the close of business on 4-10-23. Town of Cheshire is EEOE, M/F/D/V

MATERIALS DISTRIBUTION

Screened Topsoil $25/ per yd; Sand-$18 per yd; Millings-$22 per yd; Screened Millings $30 per yd; $100 minimum delivery. No pickup truck service. Minimum 16 yd pickup at our yard. Call Jim @ 860-982-4819 for delivery

PREMIUM SCREENED TOPSOIL

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

1, 2, 3 CASH FOR YOUR ANTIQUES & JEWELRY - Call Todd Shamock at 203-494-1695.

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

ALWAYS TOP CASHFor Your Grandma’s Costume Jewelry Stash. I’ll Come to You. Julie, 203-443-9602.

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

ANTIQUES WANTEDComic 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.

Sale, Liquidation, Attic & Basement Cleanout Company is Always Buying and providing services all over Connecticut. These are just a FEW of the things we are looking for: Antiques, Collectibles, Old/ Vintage Toys, Musical Instruments (Saxophones, Trumpets, Violins, Flutes, Clarinets, Trombone & SO MUCH MORE) Advertising Items, Wristwatches (Broken or Not), Pocket Watches, Tools (Machinist, Woodworking, & MORE) Doorstops, Clocks, Oil Paintings, Old Signs, Old Photographs, Old Postcards, Brewery Items, Hunting & Fishing, PEZ Dispensers, Costume Jewelry, Broken Jewelry, Gold & Silver Jewelry, Gold & Silver Coins, Military Items, Swords & Bayonets, Helmets & Patches, Medals & Uniforms, Pocket Knives, Lighters & Pipes, Fountain Pens, Mechanical Pencils, Fraternal Order Items, Religious Items, Industrial Items, Winchester Items, Sikorsky Items, Pratt & Whitney Items, Colt Items, Native American Items, Vintage Electronics, Slot Cars, Toy Trucks, Matchbox & Hotwheels, Barbie’s, Folk Art, Statues, Bronzes, Trains, Cameras, Mid Century Modern Furniture, Straight Razors, Shaving Items, Political Items, Comic Books, Sports Cards & Autographs…& THE LIST GOES ON! So please give us a call at your earliest convenience. Grassy Hill Auctions 203-868-1816 - Grassy HillAuctions.com

PREMIER

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

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

TOP CASH PAID

For Junk or unwanted vehicles, Toyota’s etc.

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

NEW MOTORIZED WHEELCHAIR - Permobile M3 Corpus. Best offer. (203) 2353794.

TREE LENGTH FIREWOOD CALL FOR DETAILS 203-238-2149

BUYING ALL - Costume Jewelry, Old Watches, Gold Jewelry, Silver Jewelry, Gold & Silver Coins, Sterling Flatware, In Any Condition. Please Call Jude M. Dichele @ (203) 8681816.

BUYING MACHINIST

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

TIMELESS TREASURES

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

BOXER PUPPIES - Brindle/black, 2 males, 1 female avail. Call (860) 329-4210

YORKIE POM PUPPIESReady now. 1st shots & wormed. $750 ea. Call 603.630.2258.

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

CARPENTRY

Repairs, Decks & Porches, Sheetrock & Taping

Water Damage Repairs.

Free Est. Ins. MC & Visa.

Call Bill (203) 901-2136. CT. Reg. # 0647093

SPRING SPECIALSWhole House up to 5 rms. $269. 6’ sofa, $109. CarpetCare Solutions, 203.427.5165.

DECKS & PORCHES

Give some new life to your old decks and porches. We can repair or replace stairs, deck boards, railings. We also construct new decks. HIC#647093 Insured. Call Bill for a free estimate, (203) 901-2136.

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

JUNK REMOVAL Hot Tub Removal, Furniture, appliances, entire contents of: homes, sheds, estates, attics, basements, garages & more. *SPRING YARD Clean-ups* FREE ESTIMATES. LIC & INS. DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817 860-575-8218

IF YOU Mention This Ad SPRINGYard Clean-Ups

Brush, branches, s torm 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 860-575-8218

JM Lawn Care Comm. & Res. Lawn Mowing, Spring Cleanup, Hedge Trimming, Tree Service, Mulch, any color. 860.796.8168

JT’S LANDSCAPING LLC - Spring CleanUps, we specialize in weeding all types of beds, mulching, top soil work, pruning, hedges & trees, & all your landscape needs. Residential & commercial. Lic. #616311. Call today for free estimate, 203-213-6528.

PATIOS, WALKWAYS, Stonewalls, Steps, Concrete, Repairs, Etc. Free Ests. #0648556 203.808.6886 arnoldsmasonry.com

RT RELOCATION

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

A pressureless house washing system can save you money, ask how! The Power-Washing Kings. House & roof washing, decks, patios, etc. Others Wash We Clean! 860.839.1000 thepowerwashing kings.com

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

GUTTERS PLUS 25+yrs. Exp. Call today for Free estimate.

203-440-3535 Ct. Reg. #578887

Let Us BEAR Your Junk! Junk Removal in CT

ALEX EUROPEAN MASONRY - 30 yrs. exp. Patios, ret. walls, steps, brick, stone, chimneys. Lic#580443. 203-2320257 or 203-596-0652

W. BOOBER MASONRYOver 35 Years Experience All Types

#1 PAINTER’S EDGE Ext. & Int. Painting. Sheetrock.Popcorn Repair. Wallpaper Remv’l. Decks. 25 yrs exp. Free est. Sr. disc. #0656136. Ins. 860.538.5520

CustomColonial Painting.com Since ‘99 Lic’d 0630904 & Ins’d Senior Discount Warranty. Financing 860-306-0270

Insurance claim.storm damage.roofing.siding. gutter.chimney flashing. Office:203.754.3071

Cell:203.510.3830

Stormshieldct@gmail. com HIC.0664452