The Cheshire Citizen

Fireworks at the farm

Record-Journal staff

Kurtz Farms in Cheshire will hold a fireworks show on Tuesday, July 4 around 9:15 p.m. “It’s a private fireworks show we have every year and people come from around town to watch it,” said Earl Kurtz.

Capital plan eyes HVAC school improvements

By Christian Metzger Record-Journal staff

CHESHIRE The Town Council voted this month to move forward with several large projects as part of its capital budget, which will be formally voted on and approved at

its next meeting on July 11. There are six project items that are planned that could be up for referendum, the largest of which is a comprehensive HVAC improvement to Doolittle Elementary School and See HVAC, A8

Mike Krzyzewski, former men’s basketball coach at Duke University, poses with Cheshire residents David and Diana Hunter and their children Aaralyn, 10, Leo, 8, and Aniela, 6, during the 37th annual Franciscan Sports Banquet and Silent Auction, held June 6 at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington. “Coach K” was being celebrated for his contributions to communityserviceandfaith.

Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

In this photo from 2010, fireworks light up the sky over KurtzFarmsinCheshire. Kurtz Farms, Facebook

A vacation to forget

By Joy VanderLek The Cheshire Citizen

I have just returned from vacation. I don’t think it could’ve been worse, unless perhaps it also included a plague of locusts. I kid you not.

We used an online booking site for this year’s adventure. Rhode Island was the spot. To be sure, it has beautiful state parks with beaches, dramatic coastline vistas from high atop rocky perches (not unlike Maine) and restaurants, hiking trails and lots of nature. What’s not to like?

The trouble began before we even got in the door of our rental. In fact, getting in was the first problem. The owner of this million-dollar waterfront house gave us detailed directions on where to find the lockbox with the keys. It would be on the backside of the lattice, about five feet up, on the first floor of the house.

No, it was not. I looked. The hubby looked. The kid looked. Nothing. We looked again. We looked under the deck. We looked under the first-floor open storage area. It was nowhere to be found.

I called the owner. I texted the owner. No reply. By the time the in-laws and extended family from North Carolina arrived, an hour after the official check-in time, I had left a handful of messages for the owner with no success. All of us, including the cousins scoured the property. Someone finally found the lockbox – it turned up on a shed near the boat dock. By the way, there was no lattice on the shed.

Our victory celebration was short-lived. The combination to the lockbox did not work. I tried. The hubby tried. The kid tried. The cousins gave it a go. Nothing. It’s two hours after our appointed check-in time. Grandpa wants to go

home. The cousins are trying to break in a window (“Stop that!” yelled Joy), and someone is complaining they have to use the bathroom.

As I am on the phone talking with the vacation booking service about a refund, the owner texts me. He apologizes for not getting back to me sooner (he was at the gym) and he is sorry he forgot to update the lockbox location and the new combination.

I could tell you everything went perfectly smoothly after that, but it would be a lie. A number of lights in the house did not work. Not a problem –unless you have to go up a flight of steep stairs in the dark. Then there was the boat dock. As it turned out, it was a public dock. Couple the fishing and boating traffic with the next-door neighbors, who had an easement through our small parking lot, and there was non-stop vehicle traffic. No privacy.

The online description of the perfect vacation rental also failed to mention the working marina next door, complete with loud, salty sailors and salty language, plus boat polishing and grinding beginning at 8 a.m.

And then there was the train. No one had mentioned that a high-speed railroad passenger train was located behind the house. It reminded us it was there every 20 minutes, all day and all night. It got to the point that when the mismatched China dishes in the cabinets started clinking and the floors began to vibrate, ev-

eryone in the house would scream, “Train!”

Apparently, I am not the only one who has experienced vacation angst of one kind or another. My girlfriend Helen (name changed to protect the innocent) remembers a trip she and her husband took to Florida. Their plan was to drive to Key West. However, Helen was fascinated by the lure of Key Largo, a destination made famous by the movie with Bogart and Bacall. “Please, please, please,” she begged her husband. Could they please go and stay the night? Helen said it was the biggest surprise when they arrived at their run-down, peeling paint Key Largo motel with a rundown town to go with it, topped off by beerdrinking, cigarette-smoking fishermen with peeling sunburns.

And then there’s my friend Mitch. Poor Mitch. He and his wife rented a “cute little beach cabin with a kitchenette in Old Orchard Beach in Maine, a few years back. Mitch said the vacation started great: “We spent the morning shopping and stocking up on live lobsters for dinner. The beach was gorgeous, but the water was ice cold. We bobbed around for two hours and got blistering sunburns. Then the sky opened up. It poured so hard that the ant colony living underneath the cabin came up through the floorboards and overtook every available inch of indoor space. They were even inside the refrigerator. We drove back home to CT that night.”

Wild Wisteria

A Specialty Floral & Gift Boutique

What is a Seed Library?

The following was posted to cheshirelibrary.org

Just like the rest of the library, the Seed Library is here to make free resources available to you, our community. Visitors will find flower, herb, and vegetable seeds to take home and plant in their own containers and gardens. You’ll find the seed library on the lower level of our building near the Gardening section of books. You may take up to five packets of seeds and peruse our garden resources while you’re here!

Where did you get the seeds?

These packets are from seed companies that either sent us the seeds for free or (more commonly) at a steeply discounted rate. The Friends of the Library provided the funds for what you see here. You can see which companies’ seeds are in our library on the flyer over on the table holding the Seed Library drawers.

What, they just give them to you?

They generally send last year’s leftover stock. These are still “good” and have not expired due to age, although you might see slightly lower germination rates than brand new packages.

Do I need to check them out, bring the packaging back?

All we ask is that you fill out the log giving us an idea of how many packages you took and which types. You don’t have to check anything out or bring anything back, although we are happy to take donations if you find you have extra seeds lying around!

Why can I only take 5?

We want every person who wants free seeds to get some, and that means we have to share.

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor are limited to 300 words. Letters must be signed and names will appear in print. We reserve the right to edit letters. Include a phone number so The Citizen can contact you for verification.

Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Friday to be considered for publication the following Thursday. Send submissions to news@thecheshirecitizen.com.

Community forms around a passion for pickleball

By Christian Metzger Record-Journal staff

CHESHIRE Local Bob

Magyar has received accolades for participating in the Connecticut Masters’ Games Pickleball Tournament at Rocky Hill Fitness Center.

The 80-year-old took home two gold medals for his performance in mixed doubles and men's singles matches in the 75 and above category, and he collected one silver in men's doubles in a higher competitive bracket.

Magyar and his wife took up pickleball when looking for a way to get active during the pandemic, and they’re not the only ones. An entire community has sprung up in Cheshire and the surrounding area around the sport, with many people participating across ages and skill levels, competing both casually and competitively.

the pandemic, Kieffer has since played in half a dozen tournaments and received medals in most of them.

For both Kieffer and Magyar, playing and competing is only half the fun of pickleball. What keeps them both in the sport is the friendly and welcoming sense of community.

tive. Having played racquetball since he was 35, Magyar has ranked as number one in the state in the sport and competed in several national tournaments. He and his wife, who were both active in athletics, had stopped after having to undergo medical procedures.

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Having a plan for your aging loved one’s care can relieve anxiety for you and them. Elder law attorneys can help by providing some of the following services:

One of them is The Reverend Kenneth Kieffer, who presides over the Cheshire United Methodist Church. Having also taken up the sport when looking for something to do during

“When the pandemic hit, I was just looking for something to do outside with other people, some kind of exercise. I didn't want to go to the YMCA where it was indoors. Pickleball just seemed to be kind of like a mishmash of every racket sport I ever played in my life, and just kind of put them all together. And it was fun, good exercise, and a great way to meet people,” Kieffer said. “I don't really warm up to people easily. And so pickleball is just a great way to do that. You have a common interest, you're mixing and matching partners all the time, so it's not just you and one person playing everybody.”

For Magyar, pickleball was a great way to get up and ac

Looking to get back into a sport, Magyar was drawn to pickleball, as it is similar to racquetball, but not as strenuous to pick up and play. It’s easy to learn, but difficult to master, said Magyar. “I've always had competitive instincts or feelings. And so when I started playing pickleball and I found out about this tournament, I decided it'd be fun to play,” he said. Many people seem surprised that Magyar is continuing to be out and active at 80 years old. He hopes that seeing him out on the court will encourage people his age, and others, to “keep on moving as long as you can.”

“It's a combination. You have to be blessed, you have to work at it,” Magyar said.

Pickleball, A6 Long-Term Care Planning

Create

Combating

The right elder law attorney can help you keep your elderly loved ones safe, support their care, and protect their legacy.

AT THE LIBRARY

The Cheshire Public Library hosted local author Richard Deluca on June 21, for his talk, "Connecticut in Motion: How Four Centuries of Transportation Shaped our State." While the transportation choices made early on were not always economical, nor sensible, Deluca said the decisions ultimately led to private toll roads, public paved roads and highways. Deluca is the author of "Post Roads & Iron Horses" and "Paved Roads & Public Money." Deluca, on the right, is pictured with audience member Jerry Esposito.

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.

Throughout June, works from students of Artsplace teacher Rita Paradis are being shown in the Mary Baldwin room at the Cheshire Public Library. The painting "The Grandmothers," by Toni Erikson, is pictured. The work features Erickson's grandmothers from both sides of the family.

Photo by Joy VanderLek

Photo by Joy VanderLek

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 seats

To schedule a car seat inspection appointment, contact Cheshire police officer Kristian Johnson at 203-2715544. 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.

ART HEALS

ART HEALS is a free program for Cheshire adult resi-

Pickleball

A4

“We're not crazy. We like to work out and exercise and do everything in moderation. My wife and I don't smoke, which is fortunate, but just have a decent lifestyle. And I think it really helps you mentally to get out there and play with people your age or younger. ”

Jessica Coughlin is one of those younger pickleball players. A Durham resident

dents 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.

Castle Craig Players

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.

and student at Albertus Magnus College, Coughlin picked up the sport during the pandemic as well, and now plays across the state and competitively. She also maintains several social media accounts where she talks pickleball.

“I think the thing about pickleball is it's so addicting for a variety of reasons. One is the social aspect. You meet so many great people playing pickleball, and the more people you meet, the more people they introduce you to. And you just meet all

these different communities all around Connecticut,” Coughlin said. “Pickleball is probably the most inclusive sport there is. And that's because everybody can play it. It doesn't matter what age you are. ”

To continue bolstering the local pickleball community, Kieffer is aiming to found a league with other Methodist churches in the area, like Southington and Wallingford.

“We're going to start a fun and friendly rec. league. It's kinda like the old days when the churches used to have a softball league or something like that,” Kieffer said. “There's lots of different ways that you'll be able to meet people if you're interested in playing pickleball; just find one and enjoy it.”

From

Stephen Charles Greenwood

CHESHIRE Stephen CharlesGreenwood, 56,of Cheshire,belovedhusband of JenniferGreenwood, passed away on June 19, 2023.Stephenwasbornon November 9, 1966 in Palo Alto,CA,toAnnMarieWozmak and thelate George Greenwood.

Althoughborn inCalifornia, Stevegrew upin Cheshire, Connecticut.He attendedalllevelsofschool in Cheshire,and graduated from Cheshire High School.

Stephenbeganhiscareer inwineworkingatWineand Whiskey inCheshire. He movedto Hartley&Parker wherehislove ofwinefirst developed and enduring friendships were born. Oncehe joinedSanFranciscoWine Exchange,he wasableto travelwhileenjoyinggoodfood,wine,and friends.His mostrecent position with Vina Robles Winery is wherehe found a familybeyondhisown.

Stephen hada life-long love of baseball. When he was young,he enjoyed playing thesport andbeganhisdeeprootedlovefor the RedSox. However, Steve founda newreason toenjoythe sportwhenhe begancoaching hisson through yearsof little league baseball.He loved hisconnection withallthe players and thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow inskillsandlife.Helovedto umpirealllevelsofbaseball and enjoyed coordinating andfostering youngumpiresthrough theCheshire YouthBaseball youthumpire program. Hejoined the Greater New Haven Baseball Umpires Association. He umpiredfrom theAA level to the Varsity High School level and served as a MemberRepresentative totheorganization.

Hespent thecolder monthslearning aboutand devising newways tosimplifyandcraftMapleSyrup. Steve enjoyedlive music and proudly enjoyed per-

Obituaries Arts partnership ‘a perfect marriage’

formances by bothhis children, frequentlyattending events with the Cheshire HighSchoolMarchingRam Band, fromhalftime shows to Music in Motion, and Christmas Tree Pick-up. Steve was amember of the FreeMasons.Hewasanofficerin hisbowlingleague forover twentyyears.He lovedgatheringfriendsnew and old fora spirited evening of bocce,or for a nightofcards.

Stephen wasa devoted Husband, Father and Friend toall. Heknew how to takecharge andget things done, always willing to help thosearound him. His supportand dedication touched countless communitymembers.

In addition tohis wife, Jennifer, he is survived by his children Charles and Caroline,motherAnnMarie Wozmak, brothersMichael Greenwood (Lorraine)and Robert Greenwood (Susan), and hisnephews and nieceJake, Dustin,andJadyn. Hewas predeceased by his father George and nephewScott.

Familyandfriendsareinvited to paytheir respects onThursday,June29,2023 from5p.m.to 8p.m.atthe AldersonFord Funeral Home,615 SouthMainSt., Cheshire,CT. AMasonic Service will conclude the evening at7:45 p.m.To honor Stephen’s lovefor his family, and in lieu of flowers, monetarydonationstowardsthechildren’s education andactivities can be made out to Jennifer Greenwood.Mailed: c/o Kiki Nugent, 95 Pound RidgeRd., Cheshire,CT 06410.To sharea storyor leave onlinecondolences, please visit www.fordfh.com.

The following is from Ilona Somogyi, executive director and co-founder of the Ball & Socket Arts facility.

On the evening of June 21, at an executive session, the Cheshire Town Council voted to accept a 20year lease agreement (with a 10-year extension) between CPFA Artsplace and Ball & Socket Arts.

The motion was unanimously passed in a resoundingly favorable bipartisan vote.

The decision comes after over a year of designing, budgeting and term negotiations between the entities.

The leadership at Ball & Socket Arts and Artsplace are thrilled to move forward with this partnership.

I think this is a perfect marriage for Ball & Socket Arts. Artsplace is a mission-appropriate tenant and it brings a dedicated group of artists, educators and students of all ages within our walls.

I admire Joan Pilarczyk so much for her championing of the arts since 1987.

She built Artsplace through sheer determination – despite many obstacles – deeply believing in the importance of art education for all ages.

I have taken classes there, my son has, my mother has! It is a great asset to the town.

I am thrilled about this collaboration and can't wait to see where it takes us.

Dodd Middle School over the next three to five years, respectively.

“There’s going to be six of them, I guess that’s how it’s going to work out. It’s a little more than what we probably normally would have expected to have but there are a couple of them that threw us for a loop,” said Town Councilor David Borowy.

One of those projects would be a bridge on Industrial Avenue, though the details were not elaborated on at the recent meeting.

Another would be for the construction of a firehouse on the north side of town, though Borowy noted that local funding may not be necessary if they can’t get enough funds through the state’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to build it, and should wait until there is more development to warrant another firehouse.

There are also other projects like the improvement of the police jail cells or the construction of a storage shed that would total over half a million dollars, but Borowy noted that they wouldn’t be looking to pursue all 10 projects with that pricetag for the next year.

One of the major developments from the recent adoption of the state’s budget, is that the state is offering a 50% reimbursement for HVAC improvements in

Fireworks

From A1

schools one of which includes Cheshire.

While many of the details for the HVAC plans for the schools are not concrete, they have been part of the Town Council’s plans more broadly as part of a modernization initiative for the district’s schools.

“We don’t know yet what the design of those HVAC systems for Doolittle and Dodd will look like, but we know that’s a council priority that we’ve discussed in the future as a part of the overall school modernization effort,” said Town Manager Sean Kimball, who thought it best the town capitalize on the opportunity by allocating the design money for the HVAC improvements into the budget. “It’s really great news for us.”

According to members of the council, the reimbursement could also help the town get an increased payback once officials re-evaluate their energy performance contract.

One of the major factors in the cost for the HVAC replacement was the upgrade of the energy infrastructure at both schools.

Of the two schools, Dodd may take priority, as some of the units on the roof are nearing 30 years old.

At the end of the meeting, the council voted unanimously to move forward with the capital plan as presented, though an official vote for its full adoption will be next month.

neighboring businesses are very friendly and they let you park in the parking lots.”

“It's just a show, we don’t have refreshments or anything like that,” Kurtz said. “And we don’t block anything off or charge for parking. The neighbors and

Kurtz Farms hires a professional company to do the fireworks for them. “They are licensed; they get the approval of the location, get the permit and they set up,” Kurtz said. “Just like they would do for the town, or ball park or an amusement park if they had something.”

Kurtz Farms has held the fireworks show for the past few decades.

The free show is held near the farm, located at 1604 Peck Lane.

strive to promote pride in the Puerto Rican culture, share this culture with a wider community and bring families together. Come celebrate with us in beautiful Meriden!

Tina S. Swezey

CHESHIRE Tina SusanneSwezey, 70,of Cheshire, CT,passed away peacefullyon June21, 2023,at MidStateMedical Center in Meriden,CT, surrounded byclose family. Shewas bornonDecember 13, 1952, in New Haven,CT, toLouisa Gough and the late Donald Gough. She attended NorthHaven HighSchool with the classof 1971. Tina was a belovedmother, sister, daughter, and friend who willbe deeplymissed byall whoknew her.Tina was aproud nutritionist and “Lunch Lady” at Norton Elementary School and Cheshire HighSchool for manyyears, oftenshowing up in a festive costume or hat, andalways witha welcomingsmile. Shecared deeply forthe studentsshe served andwas highlyinvolved inall herchildren’s and grandchildren’s activities. Betweendance studios, marching band shows, lacrosse games, and sportsfields, Tinaactively participated in supporting each event in her own, special way.She devoted much freetime as a skilled seamstress who

Obituaries

handcrafted countless dance costumes,stage props, uniforms,and marching bandflags over the years. Additionally, she lovedattendingandparticipatingin theNorthHaven FairandGardenClubactivities withher mom,Lois. She was known for her feistyspirit, gentledemeanor,and warm,loving energy. She loved spending time onthe beach in Florida,traveling withher family,andattendingavariety ofshows andlocal events. Tina issurvived by her former spouse and devoted “lifepartner in crime,” Franklin DeWitt Swezey,Jr., ofCheshire, CT; herdaughter Kristin Francis (Swezey) Grasse of Windsor, ME, and soninlaw Timothy Grasse; her son Franklin DeWitt Swezey,III,ofCheshire,CT,

and daughter-in-law Maria Andrea (Campos) Swezey; her daughter Lynn Anne SwezeyofGlastonbury,CT; her mother Louisa (Glennon) Gough of Hamden, CT;herbrotherChristopher Goughof Lakewood,CO, and sister-in-lawCindy Gough; herbrother-in-law Bruce Swezey and family; her grandchildrenCody Grasse, SpenserGrasse, Tori Grasse,Drew Noel, Franklin D.Swezey, IV, Miguel Pinos, Sebastian Pinos,and CollinMerritt; and her great-grandchildrenHunterGrasseandRiley Grasse,along with manymembers ofherextendedfamily. Tinawas preceded indeath byher father DonaldGough, brother GaryGough, and parentsin-law Franklin D. Sr.and PaulineSwezey. Tina will becherished in memoriesandleavesanindelible mark onthis world. We willlove andmiss you forever. The familywill hold asmall, privateserviceto honor Tina’slife. Inlieuof flowers,please considera donation to: The School Nutrition Association of CT (SNACT)Or yourpreferred LungCancer charitableorganization. With Gratitude, TheSwezey Family.The AldersonFord Funeral HomeofCheshireisassistingwith herarrangements. To leavecondolences for herfamily, pleasevisit www.fordfh.com

Carolyn Hardin Engelhardt

BLOOMFIELD Carolyn HardinEngelhardt, age79, of Bloomfield,CT, passed away onSunday, June18, 2023.She wasmarriedfor over53 yearsto thelate Reverend GeorgeChristian Engelhardt. Carolyn was bornonMay 10,1944in Memphis, TN, daughter of the late Melvin Loyd Hardin and HelenHarriet Hardin (Morrison). Carolyn grew upin Arkansasandremained verytied toher Southern rootsthroughout her life.

Carolyn graduatedfrom MalvernHigh Schoolin Malvern, AR.She received a BAfrom HendrixCollege inConway,ARandanMDiv fromPerkins Schoolof Theology atSouthern Methodist Universityin Dallas,TX, whereshemet George. Carolynworked in thefieldofChristianeducation for her whole career, servingasaconsultantand diaconal minister,writing curriculum, teaching courses, andfor morethan 30years, asthe Directorof theMinistryResourceCenter at Yale Divinity School.

Carolyn was an ardent advocatefor manycauses. SheservedontheCheshire Board of Education for 18 years. She was a delegate to the General and Jurisdictiona Conferences of the UnitedMethodist

Church, activelysupporting the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ peoplein church life andministry andthe work ofthe MethodistFederation forSocial Action (MFSA). Shewas veryinvolvedintheCheshireUnited MethodistChurch, where Georgeserved as pastor for closeto 30 years,participating inthe music ministryand leading an adult Sunday School class for several decades.

Carolyn relishedbeing unique.She hadapassion for exploring the world, traveling extensively with George to off-the-beaten pathplaces.Onhertravels, shecollected fossilsand other naturalspecimens and displayed them proudlyat home.She alsotreasured her children and grandchildren’s artwork andadorned herwallswith it.Carolyn lovedtocrosscountry ski and play the piano.

Carolyn is survived by her children, Hardin Engelhardtand herhusband, RonWilderofCary,NCand JeffersEngelhardt andhis wife, Triin Vallaste of Pelham,MA,andsiblingsBeverlyJackson ofHot Springs, AR, Larry Hardin of Malvern, AR, and Diane Carver of Grand Junction, CO. Carolynwas theproud grandmother, knownas CheChe, ofLacy and Amelia Wilder and Miira and ElliEngelhardt and found joy injoining in their play.

A celebration of Carolyn’slife willbeheld atthe Cheshire UnitedMethodist Church.Details willbeannouncedat alater date.In lieuof flowers,thefamily requests donationsto MFSA or Cheshire United Methodist Church’s Mission Fund. The AldersonFordFuneral Homeof Cheshire, hasbeen entrusted with her care. To leave onlinecondolences, please visit fordfh.com.

Anthony G. Smaldone

CHESHIRE Anthony

Gerard “Tony” Smaldone, age 76, ofCheshire, enteredinto restonWednesday,June 21,2023, aftera courageous battlewith Leukemia,with hisloving familybyhis side.Hewas the devotedhusband of Jennifer (Johnson)Smaldone for over 44 years. Anthony wasborn onDecember22, 1946inBrooklyn, New York,the sonof the late Anthony G.and Serafina (Balestrieri)Smaldone. Tony was bornand raised in Brooklyn and graduated from St.Augustine High School. Hereceived afull scholarship to City College in NewYork, graduatingin 1968, and later earned his MBA from Columbia University. Anthonyserved his countrywith honorasan Officer in theUS Army duringtheVietnamEra,returninghome towork forvarious companiesas anauditor,including CBS,where he met his wifeto-be, Jennifer. Anthonyand Jennifer relocatedto Londonbefore

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.

Obituaries

returningto theStatesto settleand starta familyin Cheshireover 37years ago. Most recently, before hisretirementin2018,Tony was theCFO forCalcagni Associates. Hewas aloving husband,father, and grandfather and will be missed by his family and many friends. n addition to his wife,Jennifer, heis survivedbyhislovingchildren, Nick Smaldone andhis fiancée, AnnaGalazka of Trumbull; andKatie SmaldoneofNewHaven.Tonyis also survived byhis grandson,DeclanAnthonySmal-

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.

done;aswellashisbrother, PaulSmaldone andhis husband, JohnThompson of Brooklyn.Tony’s family would liketo extendtheir sincerest gratitude to the doctors,nurses, andstaff at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven Hospitalas wellas theFranciscanHomecare andHospice forthe compassionate carethat theyprovided Tony during his illness. Friends greeted Tony’s familyat theAlderson-Ford Funeral Homeof Cheshire, 615So. MainStreet, Cheshire, CT 06410 on Tuesday, June27, 2023 from 4PM to 7PM. His Funeral Service washeld during thevisitation at6PM. Burial will beprivate and at theconvenienceofhisfamily. Memorialcontributions may be made to Smilow Cancer Hospital,https:// www.givetoynhh.org/ ways-to-give/supportourfunds/donate-closerfreefund-smilow-cancerhospital/ To leave online condolencesforhisfamily,please visit www.fordfh.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.

COMPLETE CHIMNEY, LLC

Dorene A. Merante

CHESHIRE Dorene A. FosterMerante, 80,of Cheshire, passedaway peacefully on Friday, June 23rd, 2023, atElim Park, Cheshire,withherfamilyby her side.She wasthe beloved wife of the late RobertM.Merante.Dorene was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on April 16th, 1943, and was the daughterofthe lateEugeneand Theresa Volpe Foster. Dorene was a graduate of WilburCross HighSchool, NewHaven,andtheformer Stones Business College. Shehad workedforthe SNET Company, Professional Pensionsand later for PrincipalFinancial whereshe retiredasVice President of Marketing. Dorene was anavid reader and enjoyed watching the Hallmarkchannel ontelevision.Mother ofFrancis Mitchell Merante(Virginia “Ginger”), RobertChristopher Meranteand Jaime Lee Nardecchia(Joseph). Grandmother ofJames Poulton, MitchellRobert Merante, TaylorDavid Merante, JosephMichael Nardecchia, Jr. and Sophia

JaimeNardecchia.Sisterof Forest“Rusty”Foster(Ruth Lippin). Aunt ofRachel Lippin-Fosterand JesseLippin-Foster. Also survived by many other nieces and nephews.

The visitinghours willbe Sunday, July 2nd from 3:00 to 6:00 PMat The Havens Family NorthHaven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A Massof Christian burial will be celebrated in St.Thomas Beckett Church, 435 North Brooksvale Road, Cheshire on Mondaymorning, July 3rdat 10:00.Intermentwill followin AllSaintsCemetery.

Providing critical habitats for pollinators

Press Release

The Connecticut Department of Transportation Pollinator Program was implemented in 2017 and has grown to 123 conservation areas comprised of approximately 205 acres of state right of way.

The goal of the Pollinator Program is to provide critical habitats for pollinating insects, such as bees and monarch butterflies, through strategic plantings and vegetation management.

“Pollinators are important to our food supply and health of the environment, and we are proud to join the national effort to increase pollinator habitats on properties throughout Connecticut. We’re reclaiming these areas along the highways with wildflowers and vegetation to help protect pollinators that are at risk,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “Each year we’re identifying additional conservation areas that we can add to this program as part of our broader goals to create a more sustainable environment. However, our rights of way cannot provide the pollinators with everything they need. I encourage the public to join our efforts to help pollinators flourish in Connecticut.”

The CTDOT pollinator corridors are marked with conservation area signage and consist of warm season grasses, native wildflowers and low-growing vegetation.

They bloom in late June and continue through the summer months. Some ex-

amples of plants found in conservation areas include milkweed, goldenrod, joe pye weed and aster.

Varying species with staggered bloom time promotes biodiversity, healthy habitats, and increases the survival rate of pollinators in the area.

These corridors along the highways provide an extensive network for pollinators. Motorists traveling throughout Connecticut can see these corridors near highway ramps, medians, and along roadside shoulders.

While the blooms are beautiful to see, motorists are asked not to stop on the highway to take photos or videos of the conservation areas.

For more information about the importance of pollinators, visit pollinator.org.

Robert Max Cornwell

CHESHIRE Robert Max Cornwell passed gentlyfromthis worldonMay 4th,justafterhis84thbirthday.

Robert& RheaAlmaleh metonablinddatein1963, and theirfate wassealed. They were “doomed to be happy in wedlock,” as a fortune cookieforetold on their honeymoon-and they were,for 58years ofmarriage.

Natives of Los Angeles, Robert &Rhea raised2 children andworked together in Bob’s dental office,an arrangementthat might have driven others to divorce,but onlymadethis love stronger.

Bobshowedhisdevotion by sprinklinglove notes& handwritten poems around their home for Rhea to find.

Bobloved aviation,fast cars &spending timewith hisadoring family.He servedin theAir Force&

Obituaries

Army in peacetime. He willforever bemissed by his daughter Deb

Kaszas (James) of Cheshire, CTand byhis son MichaelCornwell (Kristina)ofOceanside,CA, by his grandsonsAdam & Aaron Kaszas &his granddaughter Ryan SousaCornwell-andofcourseby his bride, Rhea Cornwell. Robert is predeceased by his brother Ronald. A celebration of life will beheld attheconvenience of the family.

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

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

WASTEWATER OPERATOR IN TRAINING

Town of Cheshire seeks interested candidates to fill this newly created, funded position which can lead to an excellent career opportunity. Job description available on Town web site at www.cheshirect.org

& also at the Human Resources Office, Room #217, Cheshire Town Hall, 84 South Main Street, Cheshire. Excellent benefit package with a starting hourly rate of $25.08. Semi-skilled entry level position in the operation and maintenance of the Town’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, Pump Stations and Collection system that could lead to Wastewater Operator I position upon successfully obtaining Wastewater Class I & CDL Class B licenses.

A letter of interest & Town application must be submitted by the close of business on Monday July 10, 2023 to the HR Office.

Town of Cheshire is an EEOE, M/F/D/V.

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.

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.

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 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

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

WANTED - 30+ HP Tractor with Loader & Backhoe; Also, looking for 3pt hitch Brush Hog. (203) 715-6489.

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

BUYING MACHINIST

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

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.

PARAKEETS - Young male and female parakeets ready to mate, $20 ea. 475-343-0402.

CARPENTRY

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

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.

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

Let Us BEAR Your Junk! Junk Removal in CT

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.

FRONTLINE PLUMBING

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

POLISH/ENGLISHSpeaking woman to clean house w/care.

3rd cleaning 30% off. Ins & bonded. Refs. 860-268-2301

GUTTERS

DON’T WORK

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

CT# 569127

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

HEDGE TRIMMING

Top soil, grass seed, gutter cleaning, brush removal, comm./res. HIC0622783. (203) 530-4447.

OVER 35 YRS EXP Stonewalls, patios, sidewalks, chimneys, pool areas, fireplaces, fire pit steps. Free est. 860.274.4893.

IF YOU Mention This Ad SPRINGYard Clean-Ups

Brush, branches, s torm damage

**JUNK REMOVAL** Appl’s, Furniture, Junk, Debris, etc

WE CAN REMOVE ANYTHING

Entire house to 1 item removed!

FREE ESTIMATES

Sr. Citizen Discount

LIC & INS.

DUMPSTER RENTALS

203-535-9817

860-575-8218

SPRING CLEANUPS

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

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

LUNO MASONRY - We deal in all types of masonry, stonewalls, walkways, patios, decks. Refs. avail. Free ests. Lic. HIC0643330 & Ins. Call 203.770.9273.

W. BOOBER MASONRYOver 35 Years Experience All Types of Masonry CT License #626708 (203) 235-4139

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

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

Roof Repair or Replacement, Chimney Repair, Skylight Replacement. Free est. CT #0651199

(860) 877-3006

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

POWER WASHING Is Spring Cleaning on THE OUTSIDE

FREE Estimates #569127 Call Kevin 203-440-3279

TREE REMOVAL

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

QUESO QUESO FOR A CAUSE CAUSE

QUESO QUESO FOR A CAUSE CAUSE

QUESO QUESO FOR A CAUSE CAUSE

TUESDAY, JULY 11TH 5 PM - 8 PM

893 North Colony Rd. Wallingford, CT

TUESDAY, JULY 11TH 5 PM - 8 PM

TUESDAY, JULY 11TH 5 PM - 8 PM

893 North Colony Rd. Wallingford, CT

Visit the Wallingford Pancheros location on Tuesday, July 11th between 5 PM & 8 PM to support the Latino Communities Reporting Lab! Simply present this flyer inrestaurant at purchasing and Pancheros will donate 30% of your sale during this time to the organization!

Visit the Wallingford Pancheros location on Tuesday, July 11th between 5 PM & 8 PM to support the Latino Communities Reporting Lab! Simply present this flyer inrestaurant at purchasing and Pancheros will donate 30% of your sale during this time to the organization!

Visit the Wallingford Pancheros location on Tuesday, July 11th between 5 PM & 8 PM to support the Latino Communities Reporting Lab! Simply mention this ad in-restaurant at purchasing, and Pancheros will DONATE 30% OF YOUR SALE to the organization during this time!

SCOW School of Music’s Mariachi Los Laureles will play between 7:00 - 8:00 PM

SCOW School of Music’s Mariachi Los Laureles will play between 7:00 - 8:00 PM

SCOW School of Music’s Mariachi Los Laureles will play between 7:00 - 8:00 PM

893 North Colony Rd. Wallingford, CT Visit the Wallingford Pancheros location on Tuesday, July 11th between 5 PM & 8 PM to support the Latino Communities Reporting Lab! Simply present this flyer inrestaurant at purchasing and Pancheros will donate 30% of your sale during this time to the organization!

SCOW School of Music’s Mariachi Los Laureles will play between