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.