The Cheshire Citizen

TIME TO CELEBRATE

‘Maui’ Otero, 8, finds his field of dreams in Cheshire

By Lau Guzmán Record-Journal staff

CHESHIRE Mauricio “Maui” Otero, 8, hit his first home run earlier this month at Cheshire’s McNamara Legion Field. Otero was jogging to second base when he saw his coach make the “run the bases” sign, twirling his finger in the air. Otero answered with the same twirling sign and jogged all the way to the home plate.

“When I got to home, everyone came out of the dugout and people started cheering,” Otero remembered. The youngster plays with the Cheshire Reds, a new travel team for kids ages 8 and under.

Otero’s home run was the first one in recent memory, or at least since the pandemic paused the training for many of the players in the league.

Cheshire High School staff cheer on the Class of 2023 on Wednesday, June 14 as the soon-to-be graduates walk into the John H. Thorp Auditorium. The threat of severe weather that evening prompted commencement excercises to be moved indoors. The 329 graduates are listedinside. Daniel Passapera, Special to the Record-Journal

Top students were also close friends

By Christian Metzger Record-Journal staff

CHESHIRE Class of 2023 valedictorian Shangyu Andrew Xu kept busy during his time at Cheshire High School. He was involved in athletics, honors societies, clubs and tutoring programs, and was a member of the Connecticut Music Educators Association.

Xu will attend Yale University in the fall. He has not yet decided what he’ll major in, but is interested in pursuing a career in something involving psychology and computer science.

See Graduates, A6

Luxury Retirement Living

Mauricio Otero fields a ball during practice at Doolittle Elementary School in Cheshire on Thursday,June8. Daniel Passapera, Special to the Record-Journal

Marines sought

The Marine Corps League, Hardware City Detachment in New Britain is actively looking for new members. You do not have to live in New Britain to be a member.

The Hardware City Detachment regularly supports local veterans and their families in need, and participates in many local celebrations and remembrances. The Hardware City Detachment meets the first Wednesday of the month, 6:30 p.m., at the Berlin VFW, 152 Massirio Drive. For more information, contact Sal V. Sena Sr. (860614-6188, 4mermarine69@ gmail.com) or Al Urso (860747-0677, alurso@cox.net).

Cheshire FD

Applications for membership to the Cheshire Fire Department are always welcome. Visit cheshirefd.org.

Symphony

The Cheshire Symphony Orchestra is in its 37th season under the direction of Dr. Hilarie Clark Moore. For information about joining, visit cheshiresymphony.org.

Yard clean-up

The Town of Cheshire provides a container at 1304 Waterbury Road (adjacent to the Town Garage) for disposal of residential grass clippings and leaves.

Tip line

In response to growing statewide complaints of a spike in so-called street

takeover events, the FBI rolled out a tip line for residents to report instances of mass gatherings in parking lots and roadways. Residents looking to report a street takeover are encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI and select the “Connecticut Street Takeovers” option from an operator, or visit the website fbi.gov/cttakeovertips.

Tree trimming

Eversource has contracted with Lewis Tree Service, Inc. for the annual tree trimming to ensure the safety of overhead wires.

Lewis Tree Service will be contacting homeowners in Cheshire, and will be trimming and removing debris over the next several months. Approximately 20 miles of corridor will be inspected and trimmed as necessary.

Municipal 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 chil-

Submission Policy

dren 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 History Request System (ct.flexcheck.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 appointment, contact Cheshire police officer Kristian Johnson at 203-271-5544. Arrange to bring your child and all safety seat instructions to the inspection. For more information on child safety and safety seats, visit Safekids.org.

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.

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.

Lineworker 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. On sale now: “Into The Woods,” July 28 to Aug. 12. For ticket information, visit castlecraigplayers.org.

La Leche League

La Leche League of Hamden/North Haven meets the second Wednesday of each month 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.

Boxes to Boots

Berlin-based non-profit Boxes to Boots, 28 Chamberlain Highway, sends care packages to members of the U.S. military serving overseas. To learn more about the organization and its needs, visit boxestoboots.org.

Mentoring

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the 119-year-old national youth mentoring organization. Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters by visiting ctbigs.org.

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.

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.

IJ MASONRY

Property

Tax Bills Are In The Mail

The Collector of Revenue reminds residents that taxes on the Grand List of October 1, 2022 are due and payable on July 1, 2023. The first installment of the Real Property taxes shall become due and payable on July 1, 2023. Personal Property and Motor Vehicle taxes shall become due and payable in a single installment on July 1, 2023. The tax bills may be paid anytime during the month of July without interest penalty.

The Motor Vehicle tax affects everyone who registered a vehicle in Connecticut as of October 1, 2022. Any person receiving a bill for a motor vehicle that they no longer own should not disregard the bill. Contact the Assessor’s office for clarification or an adjustment. The Assessor’s telephone number is (203) 271-6620.

Property owners who do not escrow their taxes with a bank and did not receive a tax bill should contact the Tax Collector’s office as soon as possible. Failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve the taxpayer of the requirement to pay statutory interest on their late payment. The Tax Office telephone number is (203) 271-6630.

All taxes must be paid by Tuesday, August 1, 2023 or they shall be considered delinquent. Interest shall be charged on the delinquent tax at the rate of one and one half per cent per month from July 1, 2023. Payments may be made by mail, on-line using the Town’s website or in person at the Tax Office. The Tax Office is located on the first floor of Town Hall, 84 South Main Street. Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The Tax Office no longer provides return receipts by mail. Your canceled check will serve as proof of payment when you make your payment by mail. If you wish a receipt, you must bring the entire tax bill when making your payment so we may stamp the Taxpayer Copy of the tax bill. There is a charge if you do not have the entire tax bill. You can print a paid receipt at no charge through the Town’s website at www.cheshirect.org.

For the convenience of taxpayers, the Tax Office will remain open until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. August 1, 2023 is the last day to pay your taxes without an interest penalty.

The Town encourages taxpayers to use the Drive-Up payment box in the Town Hall parking lot. The stainless steel payment box is located on the circle directly in front of the entrance to Town Hall. The DriveUp payment box may be used any time.

Payment by CREDIT CARD and ECHECK are available through the Town’s website. Go to www.cheshirect.org to look up your property tax bills and pay your tax bills on-line. A convenience fee will be charged for this service.

“The park became paralyzed,” remembered his mom, Joanne AngladaOtero, who was watching from the stands. “Even the parents on the other team stood up. Everybody was cheering.”

8U Reds coach Brian Calhoun has coached three dif-

ferent Amateur Athletic League teams and is noticing his players are starting to gain the same skill level they had before the pandemic.

“There was a lack of skills for some kids coming off the pandemic, because they had been deprived of the opportunity to go out there and get the repetitions on the field,” he explained. “But we’ve seen things really come around. These guys are in great shape.”

The Reds went on to win 159 against the CT Hank's Yanks from Bridgeport, the

result of a long season of training. Baseball season starts in January with indoor

practice on Friday nights and gym practice on weekends. When the weather gets nice, the team goes outside and starts doing two or three practices a week.

Calhoun explained that Sundays are “doubleheaders,” back-to-back games. Each game is six innings and last about two hours. Because of the mental focus required to play, the coach likes to switch up the positions for his players.

“Staying engaged, staying committed, staying up and enthusiastic for two hours, that's a lot to ask of anybody, and then we ask these kids to do four,” he said.

Special training

Otero plays with the number 21 on his jersey, the same number immortalized by Puerto Rican Hall of Fame player Roberto Clemente from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Like his hero, Otero started playing baseball from a young age. He was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and relocated to Connecticut in 2017 after Hurricane Maria when he was three years old. Two years later, he started playing T-Ball with Omar Alcántara, a Dominican baseball coach and retired shortstop from the San Diego Padres.

Mauricio Otero mans first base during a practice at Doolittle Elementary School.

Daniel Passapera, Special to the Record-Journal

Kristian Adlianitski-Pachobut, Ajwad Afzal Adrian Ali, Leah Anderson, Peter Anderson, Anirudh Arunachalam, Connor Atwater, Isabelle Azaula, Luke Banach, Cesar

Barbeau, Ryan Barbieri, Natalia Barbosa, Titus

Barsczewski, Madeline Begnal, Kernyse Benito-Jones, Krishna Benzy, Eileah

Berkowitz, Siddhant Bhardwaj, Mia Blaze, Jeremy Bobruff, Zoe Bobruff, William Borland, Luca Borz-Baba, Jordan Boucher, Michael Bowman, Katherine Bradley, Elizabeth Braun, Audrey

Bronson, Colin Brown, Kaitlyn Buczek, Taya Buntin, Jason Cafourek, Amber Casner, Danielle Cassone, Brady

Chan, Ryan Chasen, Jonathan Chen, Jun Chen, Zechariah Chen, Claudia Chong, June Chung, Jordan

Chymbor, Caitlin Cienki, Timothy Considine, Meaghan

Coyle, Courtney Cronin, Caitlin Curello, Drew D’Addio, Clyde D’Souza, Katelyn Daly, Lily Date, Taylor Davis, Teresa DeMatties, Michael DeJoseph, Clara Dempsey, Anthony DePaolo, Mallory DePaolo, Caitlyn Desmond, Stephanie Dickinson, Matthew Dimech, Samir

Dishnica, Anthony Distante, Marco Donato, Aidan

Downey, Vanessa Dube, Rachel Dubois, Emily Dugay, Charles Dusek, Sarah Dwyer, Alexander Fang, Sulmon

Farid, James Fasano, Blake

Feero, Damir Fell, Julia Fielding, Taylor Fitzgerald, Pierce Flynn, Madelyn Forlenza, Corbin Forselius, Bradley Fowler, Allie Fox, Joseph Franco, Micah Galloza, William Gaudet, Leah Gentile, Andrew Gershfeld, Maya Gessman, Monica Ghaly, Julianne Giordano, Rachel Goldstein, Isabella Golino, Samuel Gravel, Katelyn Gray, Colin Grevelding, Kasey Gronbach, Emma Grove, Grayson Guerci, Isabelle Guillotte, Somya Gulati, Liam Harkins, Ava Harris, Kaitlyn Hartman, Thomas Hayden, Tyler Hayden, Emory Hendon, Michael Herscovici, Austin

Hewu, Sydney Hidalgo, Sean Horton, Ildi Hoxha, Katherine Huang, Julia Hummel, Elise Hurlburt, Anna Hurlbut, Emma Ingerson, Matthew

Irizarry, Jake Isaacson, Matthew Jauchler, Evan Joaquim, Gabrielle Johnson, Sofia Johnston, Iiana Jones, Kyla Kampf, Elizabeth Klem, David Ko, Tyler Kochol, Shivaika Kumar, Charles Kurtz, Hailey Lacroix, Paola Larios, Audrey Lawlor, Jack Leary, Vincet Lin, Kaela Ljungquist, Helene Lopez, William

Lovelace, Alexandra Lucas, Emma Luchina, Denes Lulo, Gabriel Magriz, Anish Mandava, Jeremiah Mann, Muluken Marchand, Marisa Markowski, Alexis Martin, Ava Matikowski, Hannah Mayer, Myles Mayer, Alexa McPadden, Izabela Meta, Elizabeth

Miller, Erin Miller, Jason Miller, Kayla Mingo, Avery Mola, Hailey Mola, Jordi Monreal, Falonte Moore, Connor Moran, Samantha Mudry, Julia Murcko, Ryan Murphy, Maxwell Nemec, Trevor Nielson, Andrew Norcross, Aeryn Northway, Christopher O’Neal, Rocco Ocone-Krause, Lauren Opin, Sarah Orlinsky, Alexandra Palladino, Catherine Palma, Charlotte Palma, Daniel Parent, Eunsuh Park, Colby Paul, Amelia Perlini, Lauren Peronace, Ryan Piccerillo, Anna Pociu, Kaitlyn Post, Avery Potyrala, Violet Putnam, Ryan Rajan, Gianna Ranoldo, Carly Raucci, Irelyn Richard, Caitlyn Rivera, Emily Rivera,

Marissa Rivera, Martin Roberg, Noah Rockoff, Emily Rodin, Lilly Rosier, Morgan Rossi, Justin Rua, Mariana Samaniego, Lauren Samela, Lukas Sargolini, Zackary Schnitzer, William Searles, Haley Shaw, Madison Shaw, Audrey Sheehan, Devyn Sheehan, Valeriya Shlyk, Ava Simeone, Michael Simeone, Kristina Sirois, Kyra Smith, Starr Snider-Drysdale, Lianna Sogliuzzi, Karissa Spring, Vanessa Squillante, Sagarika Srinivasan, Neve Stanziale, Alaina Stephenson, Benjamin Strout, Kevi Sulollari, Sophia Surato, Paige Suttile, Julia Swartz, Ima Talipan-Pinedo, Hannah Tao, Asya Tarabar, John Tarca, Luka Themel,

Benjamin Thompson, Lazaro Torres, Blake Tripodina, Luigina Troiano, Dylan Tu, Julianna Tyler, Taryn Ugrin, Kathryn Ulicki, Andrew Vagts, Andrew Vaill, Kylee Vazquez, Arjun Vedere, Veronika Verbitsky, Sofia Villarreal, Katherine Voong, Erika Waibel, Caleb Walendziak, Samantha Wang, Silas Wang, Hannah Warzycha, Lila Watkinson, Jack Watson, Lily Watson, Gavin Werner, Reilly Whalen, Luke Wiedemann, Alyssa Wilkinson, Carolyn Wilson, Riley Wilson, Michael Wynn, Kaylee Xie, Andrew Xu, Grace Xu, Sophie-Ana Yale, David Yehe-Nara, Hannah Yong, Klinta Zajaku, Katherine Zarra, Jake Zawel.

“It's really an honor to have this recognition,” Xu said. “There's a bunch of other people who helped me so much throughout the journey. And I think, it is like ‘ us ’ who are getting the recognition ... I'm really honored to be a part of the group.”

Xu had high expectations to live up to. His brother graduated as valedictorian of the Cheshire High Class of 2016. Clyde D’Souza was named salutatorian of the Class of 2023. He moved to the U.S. from Britain when he was two years old, and during high school, was a member of the Science National Honor Society and the Greater New Haven Math League.

D’Souza will attend the University of Connecticut. Like Xu, he doesn’t know exactly what he wishes to major in, but is considering going into pre-med.

D’Souza and Xu are close friends. They met in their freshman year when they were both on the cross country team. The pair have worked closely over the past two years, helping each other with labs and other school projects.

Both were grateful to end up as the top performing members of their class.

“I remember there's definitely been very many nights where Andrew and I have worked on labs together.

We've reviewed each other's writing,” D’Souza said. “There's nobody I would rather have next to me than Andrew I wish that other people can be recognized, you know, but feel incredibly lucky.”

Both reflected on their high school careers, saying that it felt shorter than they were expecting, largely due to the pandemic causing them to stay virtual for around two years.

Administrators were proud to have D’Souza and Xu be the front-facing ambassadors for their class.

“They’re amazing,” said CHS Principal Dr. Mary Gadd. “They’re wonderful students, they’re leaders, they’re kind, they’re really, I think, great ambassadors for our high school.”

Both students had similarly positive things to say about their experiences at CHS.

“I'd just like to thank the phenomenal administration,” D’Souza said. “I've had phenomenal teachers, a phenomenal guidance counselor who's always been there ... And I know that there are other districts that may not have been as tolerant or as helpful as Cheshire High is. I'm just lucky that we graduated from here.” Xu said, “I know we've all had our fair share of complaints about the school, especially during and after COVID. But it's unbelievably difficult for an administration to manage that. And we turned out fine. So I'm really glad for that.”

Class of 2023 valedictorian Shangyu Andrew Xu, 17, left, and salutatorian Clyde D’Souza, 18, pose in a lab at CheshireHighSchoolonJune8. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

THANK YOU!

The Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce has supported the business community of Wallingford & North Haven since 1915. We thank you for voting us the best chamber in the region for our work - we are honored! It is because of you that we are a success!

The Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce has supported the business community of Wallingford & North Haven since 1915. We thank you for

region for our work - we are honored! It is because of you that we are a success!

The Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce has supported the business community of Wallingford & North Haven since 1915. We thank you for voting us the best chamber in the region for our work - we are honored! It is because of you that we are a success! Serving

Serving over 400 member businesses, our goal is to foster economic more about our events, intiatives, and benefits? Contact us today:

Serving over 400 member businesses, our goal is to foster economic growth and support our local business community! Want to learn more about our events, intiatives, and benefits? Contact us today: 50 North Main Street 2nd Floor, Wallingford, CT, 06492 203.269.9891 • gary@quinncham.com

50 North Main Street 2nd Floor, Wallingford, CT, 06492 203.269.9891 • gary@quinncham.com

Picture from left to right:  Garrett Sheehan, President & CEO, Ray Andrewsen, Executive Director, Maribel Carrion, Operations Manager, Gary Ciarleglio, Vice President Sales & Relationship Management

• On-site staff available

• Fully furnished accommodations, if desired.

• Complimentary cable, wireless, and telephone.

• All-inclusive rates- care packages available.

• Respite/vacation stays available

• Secured environment

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

• Robust activities program

• Specialized diets

• Fully inclusive rates includes personal care

• Transportation services available

Tom prides himself in placing individuals who are Medicare eligible in the correct plan for their needs and wants. His passion for the business comes from being able to change individuals and their families financial situation for the better.

Estate Planning | Probate Elder Law |

Since 1945, Connecticut individuals, families, and business owners have turned to us for sound legal guidance. You can trust us to serve your complex needs – for you, your family, and your business.

Estate Planning | Probate Elder Law | Real Estate

Since 1945, Connecticut individuals, families, and business owners have turned to us for sound legal guidance. You can trust us to serve your complex needs – for you, your family, and your business.

Since 1945, Connecticut individuals, families, and business owners have turned to us for sound legal guidance. You can trust us to serve your complex needs – for you, your family, and your business.

Since 1945, Connecticut individuals, families, and business owners have turned to us for sound legal guidance. You can trust us to serve your complex needs –for you, your family, and your business.

Pre-School - Carver Preschool

Summer Camps - Elevation Camp

Private School - Carver Academy

Place to Worship - New Life Church

Religious Leader - Pastor Will Marotti

3 Years In a Row 2020-2022

Nominate Us For Best Home Inspection Company

You’ve found the home you want to buy. Now choose how you want it inspected. The Miranda Team offers Three Different Home Inspection Packages, Plus, Premium & Prestige, that allow you to select the range of services you prefer. This allows you to have Peace of Mind about buying the home you Love.

• Referred by Realtors & Clients

• Mold & Radon Testing

• Termite & Septic Inspections

• Well/Water Testing

• 203K Consulting

• Chimney & City Sewer Scoping

You’ve found the home you want to buy. Now choose how you want it inspected. The Miranda Team offers Three Different Home Inspection Pa ckages, Plus, Premium & Prestige, that allow you to select the range of services you prefer . This allow s you to have Pea ce of Mind about buying the home you Love. Always Non-Alarmist Inspection W/in 48 hrs.

MirandaTeam.PillarToPost.com

Referred by Realtors & Clients Radon Testing, Termite, Well/Water Testing, Mold Testing, Septic Inspections, 203K Consulting, Chimney & City Sewer Scoping

$25 OFF Any Home Inspection OR

• Radon Testing, Termite, Well/Water Testing, Mold Testing, Septic Inspections, 203K Consulting, Chimney City Sewer Scoping

has been awarded Readers Choice “Best Diner” 9 Years in a row by the Record Journal!

“Our #1 priority is to continue to offer our loyal customers the best quality food & service”

Alcántara moved to Torrington and now coaches at DBAT in Cheshire. He teaches five tools necessary to reach the professional level: Discipline, Ball Skill, Positioning, Fielding and Batting. Among some of his more unusual training techniques are 25 daily hits to a rubber tire. “This special training helps give kids extra strength,” he said in Spanish. “If you have the mechanics, you can achieve your dream of being a pro. ”

Alcántara highlighted Otero’s talent and discipline. He said Otero is a huge asset to his team and added that hitting a home run was “incredible” for an 8-year-old, since home runs are usually hit by 12 or 13 year olds.

Family tradition

Baseball is an important sport for the Otero family.

Joanne Anglada-Otero is half Puerto Rican and half Dominican. On her Dominican side, all her uncles were baseball players. Her grandfather was a coach and one of her great uncles owned a Dominican baseball team. Even though the Oteros are proud of their son and support his game, they say they take a relaxed approach.

the cheshire herald, March 21, 2019 twenty

“We don’t pressure him,” Anglada-Otero said in Spanish. “I don’t want him to stop loving the sport. Because the second you feel that your parents are pressuring you, you don’t want to play anymore.”

Now that Otero is part of a team, his extended family follows his games online in Puerto Rico, Florida and

Connecticut. Otero’s parents have noticed that the sport has taught him maturity, discipline, respect, time management skills and resilience.

Otero looks up to Aaron Judge of the New York Yan-

kees and hopes to play professionally someday. “He’s focused,” AngladaOtero said. “If you want something, you have to work for it.”

lguzman@record-journal.com

Twitter: @lguzm_n

Grace S. Dillon

ELLINGTON, CT,FORMERLY OF CHESHIREGrace S. Dillon, 93, passed awaypeacefully ather daughter’shome inEllington, Connecticut,on Monday,June 12,2023.Grace wasborn inWethersfield, Connecticut, on January 15,1930,themiddledaughterofRichardSmithandAngela CurtinSmith. Grace was a kind,generous, selflessanddignifiedperson,a devoted wifeand mother. Resiliencewasamajorpart ofhercharacter,asshewas abletolivealongandhappy life despite experiencing considerable adversity in herlife. Herfather diedof cancer in1948 whenGrace was18yearsold.Hermotherwas ableto seeGrace marry Dr.David Morganin 1952 and see the birth of Grace’s first two children, butalsodiedprematurelyin 1957. Grace and her first husband set up a household in Cheshire, Connecticut andsuccessfully raised

Obituaries

fivechildren,butDr.Morgan died in 1976after a marriageof 24years.Grace held her family together afterher firsthusband’s death,and thoughshehad been a stay-at-home mom duringher firstmarriage, she began a new career at age46asamanagerofchiropractic offices, culminating in servingas the office manager of Dr. Edward Hartney’sofficeinPlainville, Connecticut, for more than 20 years. Fortunately, in early1981 shemetBernie Dillon, whowas alsoa widower,andtheyweremarried

inOctober1981.Graceand Bernie then liveda loving and contented life together, attheir homeonBelridge Roadin Cheshire,from 1981until2007,andthenat Elim Parkin Cheshire,from 2007until Berniepassed awayatage94in2020.Duringher otherwiseidylliclife atElim Park,however, Graceendured thetragic deathofherdaughter,KathleenPompa,in2017.Grace continuedto liveatElim Park after Bernie’s death, but becauseof declining health she movedin with her devoteddaughter JoanneBedardinlate2022, andlived there,receiving superb carefrom her daughter,until herdeath. Grace is survived by four of herchildren, DavidRussell Morgan, Jr., and his wife, Elizabeth, ofWindermere, Florida,and Potsdam,New York,ThomasMichaelMorgan, and his wife, Amy, of LasVegas,Nevada,Joanne MorganBedard, andher husband,Richard,ofEllington, Connecticut, and Su-

sanMorganMauro,andher husband, Michael,of Davenport,Florida,herstepson Gregory Dillion of North Haven, Connecticut,her sister, HelenSmith RossmanofSt.Paul,Minnesota, as wellas tengrandchildren, andeight greatgrandchildren. She was predeceased byher husbands,David RussellMorgan andBernard A.Dillon, her daughter, Kathleen MorganPompa, andher sister DorothySmith. Visitinghourswere heldatthe Alderson-Ford Funeral Homeof Cheshire615S.

MainStreet onThursday, June 15, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated onFridayJune 16at10:00 a.m. at SaintBridget of Sweden Parish/St.Bridget Church in Cheshire. Burial followed atSaint Bridget Cemetery.Inlieuofflowers, donations maybe madein Grace’smemory toElim ParkBaptist Home,Resident BenevolentFund, 140 Cook Hill Road, Cheshire, Connecticut, 06410.For additionalinformation orto leavewords ofsympathy pleasevisitfordnh.com.

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.

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

Irene Flora Pehr

ORMOND BEACH,FL -

Irene Flora Pehr,99, treasuredmother ofnine, passed peacefullyat the Bridgeview Nursing Home in Ormond Beach, Florida, onJune 11,2023.She leavesbehind herchildren:

FrankJ.Pehr,IreneL.Pehr, JanetPehr, SusanBiron, Nancy and husband Norman Lemonik, Rosemary andhusband PaulVoegeli, TeresaPehr, Johnandwife

Tina Pehr,son-in-law William Callahan, and a dear friendand “Frankies runner” whowas likeanotherdaughter,SandyBassett. Shewas predeceased by herprecious daughter Elizabeth AnnCallahan, and beloved husband of sixty-seven and a half yearsFrank SigmondPehr. Sheleavesnineteengrandchildren, thirty greatgrandchildren, many niecesand nephews,two sisters-inlaw Jeannieand MargaretUllman,andasis-

Obituaries

Diane, and anephew Clifford. She isalso pre-deceased byher lifelong friends Betty and Pomp Lentini, Fred and Lucille Krasnovsky, Barbara Voegeli, Bob and Chloe Patterson,and herretiredlife friends Donna Rae, Alice,Beaand Sid.Ourfamilieshad manygoodtimes together.

ter-inlawwho waslikea sister, Florence Bessenhoffer. Shewas pre-deceased bysomanydearfamilyand friends,including herparents(WilliamandAlidaCrochetiere), twobrothers and their wives(Norman and GladysCrochetiereandBillyand ErnaCrochetiere), two sisters-in-lawand their husbands (Mitziand Rudy Pfluglerand Theresaand LouisPflugler),anumberof brothers-in-law (Eddie and JohnnyUllman andLeo Bessenhoffer), a daughterin-law Susan, a godchild

Irene wasa devoted motherand homemaker,a WWII veteran’s wife, and assisted in her husband’s business officefor Pehr Designed Kitchens and Pehr Construction Company in Cheshire,CT, for over 30years.Irene wasalife-

longavid gardener,avery “creative” hand-and-foot card player,and atalented watercolor artistandoil painter. Irene was also a member ofthe women’s auxiliaryof theCheshire Rotary Clubfor many years. Irene andFrank fulfilledtheir lifelongdreamof retiring to Florida in 1979, where many oftheir children migrated after them.

Donationscan bemade to St. Jude,or visit www. cardwellfuneral.com to plant a tree. There will be a private memorial service for the familyat Prince of Peace Church.

Spencer Wyatt Rutberg

LOSANGELES, CASpencer Wyatt Rutberg, 44, ofLos Angeles,California,passedawaypeacefully at Cedars-Sinai Hospital on March17, 2023,after a battle withmetastatic colorectal cancer.

Spencergrew upin Cheshire, CT,graduating from Cheshire High School in 1997. Hewas a Cum Laude graduate of Hunter College in Manhattan, NY, and later went on to get his Juris Doctoratedegree from Thomas Jefferson School of Lawin San Diego, California.After passing boththe California andConnecticut BarExams,Spencer’scareerpath took a turnand he accepted ajob as aSenior Production Accountantwith the animation studio Titmouse, Inc. Thispath later tookhimontoaroleinProductionFinance withinthe animation department at Netflix,wherehewasloved and respected.

Spencer’s most treasuredposition wasaslife partner and husband to the loveof hislife, BetsyGussack-Rutberg, and their twobeloved dogs,Myla and Rosie. Spencer was known forhis enormous heartand generosity.He was happiest in front of the grill,listening to90’s hip hop onthe stereo,surroundedby friendsand family. Spencer was an avid reader anda phenomenal chef who’shumor and wisdom willbe sorely missedby allthosewho knew andloved him. Throughout his illness Spencer wasthe imageof courage and strength. He continued to be generous and funny even in the face of adversity.

Spencer is survived by his wife, Betsy GussackRutergandalso byhisparents,Michael andHilary Rutberg, aswell ashis brother, Evan Rutberg, and his niece and nephew.

Amy McCauley

CHESHIRE -Amy L.McCauley,94, passedaway

Tuesday,June 6,2023at

The HebrewCenter for Health&Rehabilitation.She was a fifty-year resident of Cheshire,and aparishioner ofSt. BridgetofSweden Parish. She was the wife of the lateDonald J.McCauley.

Amywas bornJanuary

17, 1929, inNew Bedford, MA,daughter ofthelate

John H. andHelen (Wilson)

Obituaries

many years. Amy belonged totheNewcomersCluband theGourmet Group,when she first moved to Cheshire withher familyin 1971.She sang with thechurch choir formanyyears,wasanavid gardener, and enjoyed her monthly cardgames with theladies.

Amy leaves behind her sons,James (Paula),John (Polly)and Michael(Ann) McCauley, her daughter, Barbara McCauley (Peter Kulak), and hersister, Ann

Milhomme. She willalso be missed by her grandchildren; Erin, Jessica, Curtis, Ryan,andAvery.Inaddition to her parents,Amy was predeceasedbyherdaughter,LynneM.McCauley,and her son, Brian P. McCauley, her brothers;Malcolm Wilson, FrancisMcDonald, and JamesMcDonald, and hersister,BarbaraWatson.

Arrangements: AMass of ChristianBurial wascelebratedonTuesday,June13, 2023 at 10:30 A.M., at St.

Bridgetof SwedenParishSt. BridgetChurch, 175 Main Street, Cheshire, CT 06410. Friendsgreeted her family atthe AldersonFord Funeral Homeof Cheshire, 615SouthMainStreet,prior to services, from9:00 A.M until departure. Burial was held onWednesday, June 14,2023at11:00A.M.atSt. Mary’sCemetery,NewBedford,MA.Foronlinecondolences,toshareaphotoora story, pleasevisit www.fordfh.com.

BOYNTON BEACH, FL & COVENTRY, CT -John R Fowler of Boynton Beach, FL and Coventry, CT, passed away unexpectedly onFeb27,2023inBoynton Beach, FL. Johnwas born in Derby,CT, February6, 1944,son ofHerbertand Eunice (Mellon)Fowler. He attended Shelton schools and played football in high school. After serving six yearsinthe USNavyhe was employed bythe Regional WaterAuthority in New Haven, CT, for 37

years.Hewasamemberof the CheshireCongregationalChurch for40+ years, servingon many committees including leadingthe YouthGroup,the

Search Committee for ministers and singingin the Choir.He wasaMason, and memberof theAmateur Radio Relay League formanyyears. Heandhis wiferetired toBanyan Springs in FL, where he ran the ComputerClub, Chaired theArchitectural Control Committee,served on the Web development committee and ran the MensCanasta Groups.He was thego toperson for

computers. Heis predeceasedby histwinbrother Charles Fowler and leaves his wife of20 years, Dr. AlyceFowler, ason,Jeffrey Fowler ofMelrose, MA,a daughter, JenniferFowler of New Britain, CT, a stepson,Charles Milton,of Coventry, CT and a step grandson,Charles MiltonII ofMaine, severalnieces and nephews and great nieces andnephews. The Service of Remembrance

and Mason’sceremony will be held at Cheshire Congregational Church in Cheshire, CT, on June 24, 2023at10AM,followedby buriel atRiverside Cemetery,wherehewillbelaidto rest alongsidehis twin brotherand parents.Following the ceremony, a Reception will be held at Rossini’s Restaurantin Cheshire. Donations can be made to the American Heart Association.

McDonald. Sheworked at AsU LikeIt Cleanersin Cheshire, retiring after

John R. Fowler

SALT WATER CUSTOM

CLERK III

BUICK GRAND NATIONAL PARTS - 1986 Thru 1987, body and mechanical, call Scotty, (860) 218-5459.

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.

Administrative Assistant

Town of Cheshire

seeks qualified candidates for nineteen (19) hour per week position of Administrative Assistant at its Wastewater Treatment Plant. The starting minimum hourly rate will be $20.61/hour. Position provides administrative support to maintain records & reports while providing general oversight to office operations.

Microsoft experience preferred. For further information including the full job description & application process, visit the Town’s web site at www.cheshirect.org or applicants can pick up a copy from the Human Resources Office, Room #217, Cheshire Town Hall, 84 South Main Street, Cheshire. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and/or Town application by the close of business on Friday June 30, 2023 to Human Resources Office, Town Hall. Town of Cheshire is an EEOE, M/F/D/V.

The Wallingford Public Schools are looking for candidates to performs a wide variety of clerical duties requiring excellent computer and interpersonal skills. This position requires 1 year of office work experience and a H.S. diploma. Wages: $19.61 to $26.32 hourly (effective July 1, 2023) plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford 45 South Main Street, Room 301, Wallingford, CT 06492. Applications 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 Fax: (203) 294-2084. The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/resume is received or June 28, 2023 whichever occurs first. EOE

RODS - 4 St. Croix and 3 Lamiglass, fishing reels on 6 of the poles, ready to fish. If interested call Ralph, 203-9278376.

TREE LENGTH

FIREWOOD CALL FOR DETAILS

203-238-2149

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

A-1 SERVICE - Is what you will receive from me when purchasing your Old Costume & Fine Estate Jewelry. Napier, QVC, ETC, Jewelry Wanted! “I Pay Top Cash For Your Grandma’s Costume & Fine Jewelry Stash!” I’ll come to you. Julie, 203.443.9602.

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

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.

MATERIALS DISTRIBUTION

Screened Topsoil $30/ per yd; 2.5” screened gravel, $18 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 @ 860-9824819 for delivery

PREMIUM SCREENED

TOPSOIL

$30/yard delivered, 3 yd, $100 min. delivery

Call Jim 860-982-4819

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

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, Mu sical Instruments (Sax ophones, Trumpets, Vi olins, Flutes, Clarinets, Trombone & SO MUCH MORE) Advertising Items, Wristwatches (Broken or Not), Pocket Watches, Tools (Ma chinist, Woodworking, & MORE) Doorstops, Clocks, Oil Paintings, Old Signs, Old Pho tographs, Old Post cards, Brewery Items, Hunting & Fishing, PEZ Dispensers, Costume Jewelry, Broken Jewel ry, Gold & Silver Jewel ry, Gold & Silver Coins, Military Items, Swords & Bayonets, Helmets & Patches, Medals & Uni forms, Pocket Knives, Lighters & Pipes, Foun tain Pens, Mechanical Pencils, Fraternal Or Items, Religious Items, Industrial Items, Win chester Items, Sikorsky Items, Pratt & Whitney Items, Colt Items, Na tive American Items, Vintage Electronics, Slot Cars, T Matchbox & Hot wheels, Barbie’s, Folk Art, Statues, Bronzes, Trains, Cameras, Mid Century Modern Fur niture, Straight Razors, Shaving Items, Political Items, Comic Books, Sports Cards & Auto graphs…& THE LIST GOES ON! So please give us a call at your earliest convenience. Grassy Hill Auctions 203-868-1816 - Grassy HillAuctions.com

Right employer.

Right job.

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 JEW ELRY buying your fine jewel ry, watches, coin col lections, silver flatware, and costume jewelry. Call Bill, (203) 4942496.

TIMELESS TREASURES ESTATE AUCTIONS

Is looking to purchase estate contents. From single items to entire estates. Clean-out ser vices available. Call Bill (203) 494-2496.

WANTED tor with Loader & Back hoe; Also, looking for 3pt hitch Brush Hog. (203) 715-6489.

Right here:

Find what you’re looking for, with CTjobs.com CTjobs.com is Connecticut’s most comprehensive online job board, offering hundreds of the best jobs with top local companies in almost every industry throughout the state. Find the right job, right here, at CTjobs.com www.ctjobs.com

CARPENTRY

Repairs, Decks & Porches, Sheetrock & Taping

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

HOUSECLEANING

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

HOUSECLEANINGHousekeeper. Offices. Have many years of exper. Refs. 203 4999992, (203) 630-7921.

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

DON’T WORK

If they’re dirty! For gutter cleaning, Call Kevin (203) 440-3279 Fully ins. CT# 569127

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.

JT’S LANDSCAPING

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

FRONTLINE PLUMBING

- Plumbing repairs & replacements, toilets, tubs, sinks, showers, 30 yrs exp., 100% free quotes. #0286296-P1. Bob 203-213-0691.

A-1 QUALITY

POWERWASHING

Low Rates Call Dennis 203.630.0008

Insurance claim.storm damage.roofing.siding. gutter.chimney flashing. Office:203.754.3071 Cell:203.510.3830 Stormshieldct@gmail. com HIC.0664452

POLISH/ENGLISHSpeaking woman to clean house w/care. 3rd cleaning 30% off. Ins & bonded. Refs. 860-268-2301

Let Us BEAR Your Junk! Junk Removal in CT

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.

OVER 35 YRS EXP

Stonewalls, patios, sidewalks, chimneys, pool areas, fireplaces, fire pit steps. Free est. 860.274.4893.

W. BOOBER MASONRY -

Over 35 Years Experience

All Types of Masonry CT License #626708 (203) 235-4139

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

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

Roof Repair or Replacement, Chimney

SPRING CLEANUPS JUNK REMOVAL Tree Removal, Fence Work & more! No job too small or large. 860.719.3953

POWERWASHING

RT RELOCATION

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

Painting Int. & Ext. Gutters Cleaned Free Ests. Ins. Refs. Rodrigo, (203) 565-7745.

TREE REMOVAL

Storm Damage, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Lots Cleared, Trees/ Shrubs Inst’d, Free Ests. Fully Ins’d. Lic #558031. 203.619.2301.