The Cheshire Citizen

Fast start to spring season for CHS

Record-Journal staff

Baseball

Cheshire 1, Stamford 0: First-year CHS head coach Alex LeFevre picked up a road win in his debut.

Cheshire starter Ben Strout tossed five scoreless innings and became the pitcher of record when Daniel Margolies and Bennett Crerar both doubled in the top of the sixth to produce the game’s lone run. Crerar had the RBI.

Jackson Enders took it from there, pitching the final two frames to earn the save. Enders walked four, but kept the Black Knights off the board.

See Sports, A8

cheshirecitizen.com

PD PROMOTION Academy student from Ukraine spearheads fundraising event

Press Release

For Sasha Nikanova the war between Russia and Ukraine is personal. A Ukrainian with family overseas, Nikanova has spent the past year dedicating her spare time to supporting her loved ones and her country, all from the Cheshire Academy campus. And now, she has something big planned. On the evening of Friday, April 14, Nikanova is holding A Night for Kyiv, a concert and fundraising event, on the Cheshire Academy campus. The fundraiser will feature singing and dancing acts, traditional Ukrainian baked goods, and a lively atmosphere.

Kevin Costa, a veteran member of the Cheshire Police department, has been promoted to sergeant. “Sgt. Costa has been a part of the CPD since 2010 and has held the position of Officer and Evidence and Court Officer,” the Cheshire PD shared in a March 30 social media post. “Congratulations on your new position!” Costa, right, and Chief of Police Neil Dryfe are pictured at the promotion ceremony, which also was attended by the new sergeant’s family, friends and colleagues. Cheshire Police Department, Facebook

Ukrainian servicemen hold flags over the coffins of volunteer soldiers Oleg Khomyuk and his son Mykyta, killed in a battle near Bakhmut of the Donetsk region, during a farewell ceremony in Kyiv,UkraineonMarch10. AP Photo, Efrem Lukatsky

Memory and Supportive Care

• Specialized programs for clients with memory issues

• Secured environment

• On-site medical services for both behavioral and medical needs

• Robust activities program.

• Specialized diets available.

• Fully inclusive rates includes personal care.

• Transportation services available.

Magnificent studios and one-bedroom suites. Luxury Independent Living Suits also Available. New amenities: Beauty salon, movie theatre, exercise center.

See Ukraine, A10

Street sweeping

The Cheshire Public Works Department planned 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 midJune, weather permitting.

Office hours

Most Town of Cheshire offices are open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the following exceptions: the Registrars of Voters office is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday; the Human Services office is open 8:30 a.m. to 3

p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment; the Collector of Revenue office is open for extended hours on tax deadline days.

Counseling

Youth and Family Counseling is provided at no cost to Cheshire school aged children and their families. Individual, family and group therapy sessions are available. Clients are seen either in the Town Hall or at school. Daytime or evening sessions can be arranged. For more information or to make a referral or an appointment, contact the Youth and Social Services Department at 203-2716690.

Fingerprinting

Cheshire residents and individuals employed by, or seeking employment with, a

business in town may come to the Cheshire Police Department and have their fingerprints taken. Fingerprinting services are available Mondays and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is a $5 fee. Photo identification is required. Applicants are required to pre-enroll with the Connecticut Criminal Histo ry Request System (ct.flex check.us.idemia.io/ cchrspreenroll). Fingerprints for pistol permit applicants will only be taken when a complete application packet is ready to be turned in.

Car seat inspection

To schedule an appoint ment, contact Cheshire po lice officer Kristian Johnson at 203-271-5544. Arrange to bring your child and all safe ty seat instructions to the in spection. For more informa tion on child safety and safe ty seats, visit Safekids.org.

Upcoming events at the Cheshire Public Library, 104 Main St.

Wags & Tales (Grades K-3).

Monday, April 10, 4 to 5 p.m.; Monday April 24, 4 to 5 p.m. Gromit, a NewtownStrong Therapy Dog will be available to be read to by independent readers. Reading aloud in a relaxed environment is a confidence booster to all readers. 15-minute visits will be available. Registration is required.

Tween Escape Room: The CPL Art Gallery (Grades 35). Tuesday, April 11, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Work as a team to solve the puzzles and get the final prize. Registration is required.

Adult Loft Knitters. Wednesday, April 12, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Come socialize, learn,

and share your techniques with other knitters. Experience the relaxing and calming effect of knitting. All levels of adult knitters are welcome. Registration is required.

Basics of Chocolate Truffle Making. Wednesday, April 12, 6:30 to 8 p.m. This lecture by Maria Brandriff will include some basic information about chocolate, the various types, and how to work with it. Samples and recipes will include several different types of truffle candies, perfect for giving your loved ones at any time. Space is limited. Registration is required.

No-Sew Upcycled T-shirt

Tote (Grades 6-12). Thursday, April 13, 3 to 4 p.m. Create your own customized t-shirt tote bag made out of

recycled materials. Bring your own t-shirt to upcycle or choose from a selection of washed, thrifted t’s. Registration is required.

Cat Tales Writers Group. Thursday, April 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m. A monthly open writing group that can help answer your questions on writing, editing, grammar and publishing. Read a selection of your work to the group for general constructive feedback, or discuss a book you’ve read that might help someone else. Registration is required.

Builder’s Block (kids of all ages). Friday, April 14, 10 to 11:15 a.m. Block off some time to build freely with LEGOs, Duplos, KEVA Planks, Strawbees, and more. No registration required.

Senior Center Programs Bill to eliminate legal notice rule reprises old debate

The Cheshire Senior Center, 240 Maple Ave., can be reached at 203-272-8286. Senior Center staff is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Elderly nutrition program. Grab and Go lunches are available to be picked up Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 11 a.m. Reservations must be made by noon on Friday the week prior by calling 203-2720047. There is a suggested donation of $3 per meal.

Social Services. Social Services provides information and runs support groups for caregivers as well as providing social support, investigative and referral services to our seniors. Social Services also assists with Medicare counseling (CHOICES), energy assistance, Renters Rebate, long term planning, application completion and navigation of communitybased services. The Social Worker also works with Crisis Intervention and the police department. For more information, call 203-2728286.

Transportation. The Senior Transportation Services offers Elderly and Disabled

Transportation for medical appointments, grocery/ pharmacy shopping, personal appointments and Senior Center programs. Transportation for out-of-town doctor appointments is available on a limited basis.

Senior transportation is available to residents over the age of 55 or those over 21 years of age who are temporarily or permanently disabled. All four buses are liftequipped to handle wheelchairs and individuals who have trouble with steps. Riders make a suggested donation of $1 for in-town service and $3 for out-of-town service per each van entrance. Arrangements for rides can be made by calling 203-272-0047 at least 24 hours in advance.

Also, free transportation is available to seniors and disabled adults every Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., through the Greater Waterbury Transit District Dial-A-Ride. Passengers may go anywhere in Cheshire, Wolcott, Waterbury, Watertown, Naugatuck, Middlebury, Prospect and Thomaston. To apply for this service, call 203-272-0047.

By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff

State lawmakers are again debating repeal of a newspaper notification requirement for bid invitations, policy changes and other legal matters.

Some lawmakers say it’s a way to save towns money, while newspaper advocates argue the notification requirement is an accountability measure for government. State law requires certain measures such as contracts, foreclosures and unclaimed property to be noticed in a newspaper with substantial local circulation.

New bill, old fight

A bill in the General Assembly’s Planning and Development Committee, Bill No. 5186, aims to change the current system by allowing cities and towns the alternative of posting legal notices on their municipal websites exclusively.

It isn’t the first time state lawmakers have attempted to remove the notification requirement.

Chris VanDeHoef, a lobbyist representing the Connecticut Daily Newspaper Associa-

tion, said he’s been fighting the move for years. Requiring towns and cities to publish certain legal actions provides public accountability, VanDeHoef said. The more places such notices are published the better.

“It removes a layer of eyeballs on it that is important,” he said concerning the repeal of the notification requirement.

Legal notices from all the towns and cities in Connecticut are currently available online at mypublicnotices.com. Municipalities are also not prohibited from posting notices on their own websites in addition newspapers.

“Notices should be on a town’s website,” he said. “They should be anywhere and everywhere we can put them.”

State Rep. Craig Fishbein, R-Wallingford, introduced the latest bill. When the requirement to publish was first passed decades ago, Fishbein agrees that it did help hold government accountable. With the decline in circulation and publication schedule of certain newspapers, he said it no longer performs that function.

See Notices, A4

“Clearly I think we recognize that newspaper circulation is down. If the intent is to get notice to the general public that they should have notice of, if newspapers are a medium that isn’t being used as widespread as (during) the original statute, then perhaps it’s appropriate to look at other vehicles,” he said.

“It’s unfortunate but it’sa symptom of the times.”

“The dissemination of news has certainly changed over the many years,” Fishbein said. “I think that the current statute is antiquated.”

The bill drew opposition, however, during a legislative hearing from leaders in the newspaper industry who raised concerns about transparency and public access to information.

“Requiring public notices to be posted in newspapers helps ensure that the public has access to important information about government activities and decisions, and that government agencies

are transparent and accountable,” wrote Mike DeLuca, publisher of Hearst Connecticut Media Group and president of the Connecticut Daily Newspapers Association, in public comment. “It is imperative these notices are published by a credible and independent body.”

There is no provision in the bill for monitoring or enforcing that municipalities comply in posting legal notices to their websites. The bill simply states: “That section 1-2 of the general statutes be amended to authorize municipalities to post legal notices on municipal Internet web sites in lieu of publica-

tion in a newspaper. ”

State Rep. Mary Mushinsky, D-Wallingford, said in an interview she supports leaving the current legal notice requirement in place. There are still people who don’t get their news or information online and who depend on printed information, she said.

“There are some people out there, they do not have computer access. That group would get left out if we stopped the requirement,” Mushinsky said. She also saw the notification requirement as providing revenue to local newspapers that have faced challenging years. “It does help the newspapers stay in business, to report local news, which is very important. I’d like to keep them afloat if I can,” Mushinsky said.

Bids, hearings and foreclosures

Recent notices in the Record-Journal include bid invitations from Southington schools and the town of Wallingford for work such as HVAC repair, custodial ser-

vices and clerical services. Meetings in Southington and Cheshire were also posted as well as items that were approved at previous planning meetings in Southington.

Probate issues, such as the sale of an estate and the notification of creditors, are also published.

Towns and cities pay for such postings. In the previous fiscal year, Southington paid just over $40,000 for legal notices from a $160 million budget.

Cheshire spent about $20,000 in the last fiscal year for legal notices. The town’s budget was about $120 million.

Captive clients or providing a service?

The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities has supported the repeal. Kevin Maloney, CCM’s communications director, said local governments spend millions of dollars every year publishing documents in newspapers, saying publications have had municipalities as “captive clients” for years because of the notification requirement.

Fishbein

Mushinsky

From

“In the 21st century, the quickest, most transparent and cost-effective way to get information to the most amounts of residents is via the internet. The internet is where people shop, communicate, do their banking, and share general information,” Maloney said.

“The purpose of notice is to ensure the public is provided information on governmental actions and issues that may impact them. It is not intended to provide a safeguard for an unaffiliated third party to disseminate the information,” he said. “Municipal officials are custodians of public records who have sworn obligations and professional standards to protect the integrity of such records.”

VanDeHoef said publication in a physical newspaper provides a level of permanence that doesn’t exist online. That’s a legal protection for towns and cities since postings in the newspaper can prove legal notices were promulgated.

“Our position is that it’s not an onerous expense, that the towns and cities are getting a service,” VanDeHoef said. “The internet doesn’t provide confidence that something being printed in the newspaper does.”

VanDeHoef said a recent court case involving Fenwick, a small borough of Old Saybrook with just 50 residents, has limited applicability to most other cities and towns.

A Connecticut appeals court ruled in March that putting a notice in the Middletown Press wasn’t enough for Fenwick. The borough’s zoning board passed a policy banning certain short-term rentals, which was challenged by residents saying the move wasn’t properly noticed.

The Middletown Press has no subscribers in the borough and The Hartford Courant has five.

“We recognize that the newspaper industry has undergone significant changes since the legislature first imposed the obligation on municipalities to publish notice in a newspaper with ‘sub-

stantial circulation,’ in that municipality,” the court’s opinion says. “We also are mindful, of course, that the widespread availability of access to the Internet may justify, from a public policy perspective, permitting a municipality to publish legal notices on its website.”

Notices State to experiment with speed cameras

By Mark Pazniokas The Connecticut Mirror

But, the decision says, it’s the job of the legislature to make that call.

Since the ruling, the borough has opted to print notices in a free weekly publication, according to The Connecticut Mirror.

There are legislative changes that could be made to update the requirement statute, but the Fenwick example is a unique case, VanDeHoef said.

“I don’t think that speaks to the broader issue of areas in the state where there are papers of record in a reasonable distance,” VanDeHoef said. “It creates additional questions about news deserts, which is something the larger legislature and town and cities and general constituency in the state of Connecticut needs to figure out.”

The unblinking eye of cameras will begin enforcing the speed limits at highway work zones in Connecticut in a tightly constrained pilot program that begins on April 10, the day after Easter.

To Carl Chisem, the experiment is long overdue. As the president of Connecticut Employees Union Independent, Chisem repre-

sents 3,600 state employees, including 1,500 at the Department of Transportation.

“The data does not lie,” Chisem said last week. “In the last four years, there have been 3,674 crashes, resulting in 13 fatalities and 32 serious injuries in work zones alone.”

A simple memorial in the DOT lobby lists names of See Cameras, A6

the 13 and 24 other workers killed in work zones. Where someone might ordinarily leave flowers, there are orange traffic cones marked CT DOT and wrapped in black ribbon.

Gov. Ned Lamont joined Chisem, DOT workers and others in a parking lot near

the DOT headquarters in Newington on March 29 to publicize the start of a pilot program that transportation officials hope will become a permanent check on reckless drivers.

“It’s gotten pretty dodgy since COVID,” Lamont said.

“A lot of people driving like a bat out of hell. It’s these folks who are at risk.”

They stood by a white SUV equipped with cameras

linked to automated systems that will issue tickets. Cars sped by on the Berlin Turnpike, occasionally drowning out the speakers.

“What if this press conference was scheduled for behind a set of cones on I-95 at midnight or even better, after the bars get out?” asked Donald J. Shubert, the president of the Connecticut Construction Industries Association.

The highway construction season is a three-season affair, with overnight shifts common.

“Construction workers are going to be out there eight to 10 hours a night, spring,

summer and fall, focusing on their fellow employees, the trucks, the heavy equipment and the quality of their work with their backs towards the traffic,” Shubert said. “Think about that. How would you feel?”

On the night of Nov. 16, 1995, David Ferraro was a construction inspector in a closed southbound lane on I-95 in Greenwich, about 1,000 feet from the New York border, when a motorist sent safety cones flying, struck a truck and sped away.

“It was at the beginning of the night at the point where all workers were preparing to start paving,” Ferraro said.

He felt the impact of the cones, not realizing he had been hit by the car until a trooper pointed to his torn and bloodied jeans.

Troopers caught the driver in New York. He was drunk. Ferraro said things only have gotten worse.

“Over my years on the job, I’ve seen it all,” he said.

“People not just going five or 10 miles an hour over the speed limit, they’re going 30, 40 or plus miles an hour over the speed. So what can we do to slow people down? We do this by joining other states around the country and adding automated speed control devices and cameras to active construction projects.”

The General Assembly has placed tight limits on the DOT. Only three camera-enforcement vehicles can be used at one time, each limited to a work site posted with signage warning motorists of automated speed enforcement.

Resources for infants, toddlers and preschoolers available at the Cheshire Public Library, 104 Main St.

Parenting collection. This collection covers a wide range of relevant topics for parenting, including pregnancy, developmental milestones, styles of discipline, homeschooling and potty training.

Lit Kits. A great way to take storytime and learning home with you. These kits

Cameras

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The cameras are unblinking, but they are programmed for leniency. They cannot issue a ticket unless someone is 15 miles per hour over the limit.

“This is not that complicated. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t tweet and drive. Stop

Library Resources

help support success in school by providing families with hands-on strategies for building pre-reading and literacy skills while having fun and bonding with your child. Our Early Lit Kits are designed for our youngest “readers,” and contain three or four books on a theme, toys or manipulatives, and a caregiver guide with suggested songs and activities. Talking books. These combine picture books and nonfiction with audio recordings

speeding,” Lamont said. “Look at the wrong-way deaths. We see what’s happening to pedestrians getting hit. And look at the folks behind me.”

Behind him were DOT employees and private-sector construction workers.

“These guys are going to be really busy for the next 10 years. We’re upgrading our roads and bridges in a way

that capture children’s attention and make learning and literacy development fun. The permanently attached reader transforms an ordinary print book into an all-in-one read-along. There’s no need for computers, tablets or CDs. Children simply push a button to listen and read.

Playaway Launchpads: PreK Academy. Launchpad Pre-K Academy gives preschool-aged children five different paths to ex-

that the state hasn’t seen since Dwight Eisenhower,” Lamont said.

Eisenhower was the president who pushed for passage of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 and the creation of an interstate highway system not deemed to be finished until 1992.

plore on their way to kindergarten. Using this Academy can help little learners develop the skills needed to enter their first year of school and inspire them to try new things with confidence.

Books on DVD. These audiovisual adaptations bring

outstanding children’s picture books to life and help children fall in love with books and reading. Our DVDs are word-for-word adaptations of the books they are based on, and help all readers improve their fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.

Strout allowed just three hits in his five innings. He struck out two and walked one.

Softball

Cheshire 10, Shelton 0: Karissa Spring and Jenica Matos combined on a 17strikeout no-hitter on opening day in Ramland. Spring also sprung Cheshire on of-

fense, going 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored. Ava Pearson, Molly Fleming, Tai Byrd and Marina Gronbach had two hits apiece for CHS. Gronbach doubled and drove in a run.

Boys lacrosse

Cheshire 17, LaSalle Academy, R.I. 8: Cheshire’s returning All-Americans Charles Kurtz and Matt Jeffery tallied five goals and two assists apiece to power the Rams in their seasonopening victory at Alumni Field.

Adam Vernon added a hat trick for Cheshire while also pocketing an assist. Sean Grevelding was in on three goals, coupling two assists with one net-twanger. Brady Potyrala and Colin Grevelding added single goals. Ryan Grove also scored a goal and went 18-for-28 on face-offs.

Connor Atwater chalked up 12 saves in the cage.

Girls lacrosse

Cheshire 19, North Haven 1: The Rams outshot the Nighthawks 27-3 and had 15 of their goals by halftime in their season opener at Alumni Field.

Lauren Samela, Ava Harris and Ava Matikowski all had three goals apiece. Stella Tessier and Tema Caplan both connected twice.

Single goals were delivered by Sophia Surato, Alex Lucas, Allie Grove, Sophie Harris, Mollee Merritt and Quinn Clark 1.

Ava Harris and Sophie Harris led the play-making with three assists each. Lucas and Matikowski had one apiece.

ART HEALS

ART HEALS is a free program for Cheshire adult residents who are temporarily or permanently homebound because of 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. No experience or art ability is necessary. At the conclusion of the 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.

Certification

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.

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

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.

La Leche League

La Leche League of Hamden/North Haven will meet Wednesday, April 12, 9:30 a.m., at Grace & St. Peter’s

Church, 2927 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Attendees from throughout the greater New Haven area are welcome. RSVP to Anne.M@ LLLCT.org. Led by accredited LLL leaders, the group meets the second Wednesday of each month.

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

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.

Newbrook Kitchen: Accessible fine dining

Press Release

On March 30, the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce welcomed Newbrook Kitchen to our business community. Owner and chef Danielle Hartog proudly shared her vision of this unique business with chamber members and guests.

Located at 106 Elm St., in the Watch Factory Shoppes, the fully renovated space has an eclectic, speak-easy vibe to welcome diners.

Letters Policy

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

Hartog hopes to break the stigma of fine dining by making it accessible and fun for everyone.

A variety of dining experiences will be offered to guests; from interactive cooking classes and High Tea, to BYOB Charcuterie nights and Saturday Supper Clubs.

There is also space for private dining events. Danielle will prepare all meals on site in front of guests. Pastry Chef Cindy will round out the elegant meals with delectable desserts. You can see their offerings and book an event by visiting newbrookkitchen.com.

The Chamber welcomes Danielle and Newbrook Kitchen to our community!

Mary Beth Hurley

CHESHIRE - Mary Beth Hurley, age 69, of Cheshire, entered into rest on Friday, March 31, 2023 at her home with her loving family and dear friends by her side. She was born on October 20, 1953 in Somerville, MA, daughter of the late William O. M. Hurley and Mary Pauline (King) Hurley. Mary Beth was a lifelong resident of Cheshire and a successful optician who loved the Cheshire community. She was an animal lover, most recently comforted by her cat, Mamie; and was recently predeceased by her adored Golden Retriever, Lady. Mary Beth was committed to her family, and devoted to her parents, caring for them as they aged. The past few years were a struggle for her personally, but she always stayed positive, a warrior with a “never give up” stance on life. She is the beloved sister of Michael G. Hurley and his wife, Alicia of Wolcott; Timothy J. Hurley of North Berwick, ME; Noreen M. Hurley-Storace and her husband, Frank of Boston, MA; and Dorothy King of Boise, ID. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Casey and Kerry Storace, Tabitha (Bryan) Talbot, and Nancy (Kam) and William Hurley; and will be missed by all of her many friends which she cherished, to include

Linda, Kathy, Barbara, Yvonne, Chavon, Tammy and Annie. Her family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the staff, nurses and doctors of Gaylord for the compassionate care they provided for Mary Beth during her illness. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at 12PM in St. Bridget of Sweden ParishSt. Bridget Church, 175 Main Street, Cheshire, CT 06410, family and friends were invited to meet directly at church. The Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, is assisting the family with her arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org or to Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, P.O. Box 400, Wallingford, CT 06492. To leave online condolences for her family or to share a story of Mary Beth, please visit www.fordfh.com

Police: Aaron Hernandez’s brother arrested in ESPN incident

Associated Press

BRISTOL The brother of the late New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez is facing criminal and motor vehicle charges in Connecticut, accused of throwing a brick onto the ESPN headquarters campus and eluding police during brief pursuits in other towns.

Dennis John Hernandez, 36, who also has been known as D.J. and Jonathan, was given a misdemeanor summons for breach of peace by Bristol police Thursday, March 23 in connection with the ESPN incident, according to a police report.

Hernandez, who played quarterback and wide receiver at UConn in the mid2000s, went to ESPN in a car, possibly an Uber, and threw a bag containing a brick and a note onto the property, police said. He then left. The note said: “To all media outlets, It’s about time you all realeyes the affect media has on all family members. Since you’re a world wide leader maybe you could lead how media and messages are delivered brick by brick. Clean it up! Yours truly, Dennis J. Hernandez,” according to police.

Hernandez grew up in Bristol and recently had lived in Riverview, Florida.

His younger brother, Aaron Hernandez, a tight end for the Patriots, killed himself in 2017 in a prison cell while serving a murder sentence.

Earlier in the day on March 23, Bristol police said they received an anonymous complaint from someone who said they were concerned about Dennis Her-

nandez because he said he wanted to destroy property at the state Capitol and at ESPN.

An ESPN spokesperson said the company was cooperating with police and declined further comment.

Also on March 23, Cheshire police charged Hernandez with reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit and other motor vehicle charges in connection with events on

March 8, court records show.

Police said Hernandez eluded Southington and Cheshire police during chases but was later caught in Bristol. Bristol police said Hernandez was having a mental health problem and was taken to a hospital for an evaluation.

Police said Hernandez told them he had been driving around Connecticut that day trying to get arrested “because he no longer wanted to stay at his mom’s house.”

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. HELP

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (EMT)

The Town of Wallingford is accepting applications for EMT. Must possess a H.S. diploma or G.E.D., plus one (1) year of recent experience as an EMT

Must be 18 years old and be a Connecticut or National Registry

Certified EMT with CPR Certification and a valid State of Connecticut motor vehicle operator’s license.

Starting wage $779.00 (weekly), plus an excellent fringe benefits 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. Phone (203) 294-2080. The closing date will be the date of the 50th application or resume is received or April 14, 2023, whichever occurs first. EOE

OFFICE ASSISTANTPart- time. Apply in person to Century Tool, 260 Canal St., Milldale, CT 06467. 860-6216748.

PUBLIC WORKS

MAINTAINERS

Town of Cheshire seeks qualified candidates for open FT positions. Must possess CDL to be considered. Current rate: $31.74/hr. Excellent benefits package. For more information on how to apply, see Town web site at www. cheshirect.org. Deadline to apply: 4/17/23.

EEOE, M/F/D/V.

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.

. Top Soil . Compost . . Wood Chips . FOR SALE. Catering to small deliveries. Call Bob (203) 415-0723

TREE LENGTH FIREWOOD CALL FOR DETAILS 203-238-2149

MADAM ALEXANDER DOLLS - Merrythought Teddy Bear Collection. Call Dennis, 203 6417333.

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

GRASSY HILL AUCTIONS, - an Estate

Sale, Liquidation, Attic & Basement Cleanout Company is Always Buying and providing services all over Connecticut. These are just a FEW of the things we are looking for: Antiques, Collectibles, Old/ Vintage Toys, Musical Instruments (Saxophones, Trumpets, Violins, Flutes, Clarinets, Trombone & SO MUCH

MORE) Advertising

CNA/COMPANION For your loved one. Many years experience, good references. Call Joanie, (203) 600-3234.

BY OWNER - 488B Radmere Rd., Cheshire: 2 BRs, 1.5 BA. Finished bsm’t. $235,000 obo. 860.839.3707 or 860.655-8983.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

PREMIER ESTATE JEWELRY - Is interested in buying your fine jewelry, watches, coin collections, silver flatware, and costume jewelry. Call Bill, (203) 4942496.

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

FREE DOG

Yellow Labrador Retriever, 9yrs old. Very happy and loving. We’re moving. Please only reply if you’re interested. He needs lots of attention. Joe 475-301-2983 or Lorraine 203-508-0385.

150 TAG SALES

In one location under the Festival Tent on Saturday, April 22, 2023, 9AM to 2PM Hubbard Park, 999 W. Main Street, Meriden, CT

THE MERIDEN DAFFODIL FESTIVAL COMMITTEE Presents CT’s LARGEST

TAG SALE 150 vendors gathered in one convenient location offering for sale an eclectic collection of goods, trinkets & treasures; vintage household items, toys, tools, collectible items and so much more. Food will be available for purchase.

GARY WODATCHDemolition Svs Sheds, pools, decks, garages, debris removal. Quick, courteous svc. All calls returned. Ins. #566326. Cell, 860-558-5430

CARPENTRY

Repairs, Decks & Porches, Sheetrock & Taping Water Damage Repairs. Free Est. Ins. MC & Visa. Call Bill (203) 901-2136. CT. Reg. # 0647093

SPRING SPECIALS -

Whole 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

GUTTERS PLUS 25+yrs. Exp. Call today for Free estimate. 203-440-3535 Ct. Reg. #578887

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

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

RT RELOCATION

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

A-1 QUALITY POWERWASHING

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

Cell:203.510.3830 Stormshieldct@gmail. com HIC.0664452

OVER 28 YEARS EXP

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

Low Rates Call Dennis 203.630.0008

Roof Repair or Replacement, Chimney Repair, Skylight Replacement. Free est. CT #0651199 (860) 877-3006

ED’S JUNK REMOVAL (203) 494-1526

Fully ins.

Let Us BEAR

Your Junk! Junk Removal in CT

#1 CHEAP Sm. Yard Mowing. Spring Clean-Up. Light Hauling. Sr. & Veteran disc. 203.600.3836.

Mike’s Helping Hands.

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 & shrubs, & 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

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, chipping & grinding. Call for free estimate. 203-945-1808.

POWER WASHING Is Spring Cleaning on THE OUTSIDE FREE Estimates #569127 Call Kevin 203-440-3279