For Cheshire author and publisher, the past is never that far away

By Peter Prohaska Record-Journal staff

CHESHIRE In the words of author, publisher, and Cheshire resident Peter J. Malia, “History has the advantage of knowing what happens next.”

Such knowledge in one’s life is a rarer thing, as Malia himself can attest. His own professional career as a researcher, writer, and journalist led him into industries including geo-spatial satellites and paper manufacturing. The combination may seem incongruous, but it matches up well with his academic training as a historian, one whose life work has involved combing through reams of recorded data and other evidence in order to bring back to life the stories of those who lived in the past.

As publisher of The Connecticut Press based now out of his Cheshire home and an author of several books on colonial history,

Cheshire resident Peter J. Malia’s newest book, “New Haven Town Records, 1769 – 1819.” Contributed photo

Malia continues to tell those stories and look forward to what comes next.

Malia has a raconteur’s talent for recounting the lives

See Malia, A8

Local couple looking to bring private room karaoke to the area

By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff

SOUTHINGTON A

Cheshire couple are looking to bring the Los Angeles karaoke experience to town later this year.

Dipo and Allison Oseni are working on space in Factory Square to open SoLa Karaoke, which will offer private, stereo systemequipped rooms for groups as well as open karaoke.

They got approval from the town’s Zoning Board of

Appeals last week to serve alcohol. Dipo Oseni said they still have to build out the space in the former factory on Center Street before opening.

The LA experience

The couple’s second date was at a private karaoke suite while they lived in Los Angeles.

After moving back to Connecticut four years ago, they realized there wasn’t anything like that in the area.

See Karaoke, A7

Around Town

Library closure

Due to the ongoing parking lot renovation project, the Cheshire Public Library will be closed to visitors through Monday, May 29.

In a letter to patrons, Library Director Beth Piezzo said, “We apologize for any inconvenience this closure may cause but look forward to welcoming you back to an expanded and improved parking area.”

The letter states that the library was to close on May 17, and plans to reopen Tuesday, May 30.

See Around Town, A11