The Cheshire Citizen

‘Where are the monarchs?’ It’s complicated

By Joy VanderLek The Cheshire Citizen

“Where are the monarchs?”

It’s been a hot topic of discussion for gardeners and others this summer.

Schools to offer free breakfast

By Rachel Wachman Record-Journal staff

REGIONAL Gov. Ned Lamont and state Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker announced last week that Connecticut will offer free breakfast to all schoolchildren in Connecticut and make lunch free for students who previously qualified for reducedprice lunches.

With this announcement, Connecticut became the seventh state to institute free school meals, with Mas-

sachusetts joining the ranks as number eight on Aug. 10.

To make the program possible, Connecticut allocated $16 million from funding the state received under the America Rescue Plan Act. During the pandemic, both breakfast and lunch were free for students in Connecticut thanks to federal funding, but this ended when the pandemic program expired.

“There is no curriculum brilliant enough to compensate for a hungry stomach or a

distracted mind,” RussellTucker said at a press conference. “Our students’ physical, mental, social and emotional health and wellness are foundational to learning. Therefore, providing healthy meals without financial stigmas is a strategic investment in fueling students’ growth and educational outcomes.”

This expansion means the participation of approximately 114 districts and the eligibility of an estimated

See Breakfast, A10

For this reporter, it was late June last year when I found my first monarch caterpillar of the season on a milkweed leaf at my home. This year, I encountered no monarch caterpillars, up until recently.

On Aug. 10, I finally saw a monarch butterfly.

Ron Gagliardi, CT Butterfly Association’s Outreach Educator, saw a monarch in West Haven on Aug. 3, but had not noticed any in Cheshire, where he lives, as of the first week in August. “That was my first one this season,” he said.

Monarch populations have been hard hit on both coasts. Myriad sources are responsible, including pesticide use, said Gagliardi. Fragmentation and the re-

sulting lack of host plants and nectar sites normally found in open areas and meadows are also contributing factors.

Gagliardi recalls Xerces Society’s Executive Director Scott Black’s comment on the monarch population's decline, as “death by a thousand cuts.”

“From what I’ve seen, we’re seeing a decline in all butterfly populations,” said Gagliardi. He also points to annual studies done by Connecticut lepidopterist Victor Masi in his hometown of Redding. Gagliardi said there was a year when Masi did not record a single monarch.

“They’re being seen – not in big numbers, but both caterpillars and adults are being reported,” said CT Butterfly Association founder John Himmelman. That was back on July 10. Is it possible that not seeing monarchs locally at

See Butterfly, A8

A Meriden Food & Nutrition Services sign is seen on July 19, 2018, during the Meriden SummerMealsProgramattheMeridenGreen. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

Some surprise finds are better than others

By Joy VanderLek The Cheshire Citizen

The other day my friend Joanna found something in the street as we were walking. Before you get excited, the something she found turned out to be a hole. The hole was about as big as the palm of my hand (I have my father’s hands, I must admit. Okay, to my everlasting embarrassment, I also have his feet.) The hole fascinated Joanna. It was just sitting there in the middle of the road on a side street, off West Main. It had been there she thought for quite some time, pointing out the faded circle someone painted around it.

Did it start as an art project, I wondered. Perhaps it was someone tunneling to who knows. We peered into the hole (hoping not to get picked off by a car turning the corner). It was deep. There was a manhole near it, so I supposed it might have been a test manhole. Maybe the person who started the hole, got distracted by something else more interesting and went on their way? How often, I wonder, do people find interesting things in, on, or by the road?

Apparently, today was the day for “found” items. Today, I was shopping on the south end of town. When I got out of my car, I saw what looked like shelving, sitting on the sidewalk, across the street. Okay, my eyes aren’t what they used to be, but a friend who was with me, and may have better eyesight (that’s debatable now), also thought that’s what it looked like. The weird thing is that the shelving was not near any kind of house or structure where a person might

have set it out for pick-up. Who just leaves shelving in the middle of a long stretch of sidewalk?

After discussing our household needs at length, my friend and I decided we did not really need it and left it there for someone else to scoop it up. I have misgivings about my decision now, thinking perhaps I might put it to use someday. However, I do realize that rationale has not worked in any scenario in my life – whether it’s a button to a shirt, a sheet of plywood, a length of wire, and on one occasion a series of old 12 over 12 pane windows I was going to turn into a project. Most times I put stuff where I can never find it anyway if ever the need arises. Anyone else have this problem?

I can remember many a great find I have happened upon in past years. Once while driving home through a side-street in Cheshire Village, I saw a scaled-down version of an upholstered colonial settee (perfect size for a cat) and a spindle-back chair. I could not resist. I stopped. I looked around to see if anyone was watching me. Nope. It looked as if the owner had moved and probably did not have room for these items and left them out for the trash with a

bunch of other “not interesting” items. Having no fear of the rescued cushioned settee (remember the Big Bang Theory’s red chair episode?), I brought both home. Nothing moving inside the settee cushions and the chair is really well-made. I consider both huge finds! Yay!

Way back when, I lived in the city of Allentown, PA. My roomie and I lived above a pharmacy in the heart of town. She was the one who introduced me to monthly alley furniture shopping. Who knew? I was mortified, until I saw the stuff people threw away. One week, we scored a vintage, heavy metal floor lamp in perfect shape. Another time, it was a solid maple bookcase. By the time the whole apartment was furnished, I had a new job in a state many miles away and had to downsize and unload quite a few of my finds. I know someone had a good “alley run” that month.

As for that hole in the road? My friend called the town to make an inquiry. To her surprise someone else had called minutes before she did. Joanna, as I expected, did a return visit that same day. What did she find?: “The hole was still there, but there were brand new red arrows painted on the road.”

Attention Cheshire Parents

Bus routes can be found on the Cheshire Public Schools Powerschool Parent Portal website in late August. Transportation changes are being made daily right up until the day before school starts. Please check the parent portal right before school starts for updates and changes. Directions for the parent portal are available on the Cheshire Public Schools website.

Local student among Moses/Weitzman scholars

Record-Journal report

Cheshire resident Medha Illindala is part of a group of twenty college students across Connecticut, Colorado and California to receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Moses/Weitzman Health System.

Vice President of Communications at Community Health Center, Inc. Leslie Gianelli said that they have offered the scholarship to employees’ families since 2019 as part of an effort to support their employees and families seeking higher edu-

cation.

Scholarship recipients are randomly selected through an electronically-generated raffle system. However, Gianelli said participants are required to submit a brief essay and school transcripts as proof of enrollment.

She explained that the essay doesn’t influence who receives a scholarship; instead, it provides an opportunity to learn more about the applicants, their passions and thoughts on issues impacting the modern day, such as healthcare access.

Cheshire resident Medha Illindala, 20, is entering her junior year at UConn and keeps busy studying physiology and neurobiology. She’s also developing her own coursework for a “individualized” third major that combines her passion for healthcare and addressing criminal justice issues.

Illindala’s mom works as a dentist for the Meriden Community Health Center Inc., and recommended she apply for the scholarship to help cover college costs, such as transportation and textbooks.

“In the grand scheme of paying for college tuition, $1,000 might not seem like a lot, but at the individual level, that $1,000 is going to help me,” Illindala said. “Tuition is a big, grand number, right? But then you have food, transportation, the books, technology that you need, all sorts of small things that also go in part of the expenses of a college student.”

Her scholarship essay focused on an imagined conversation between herself and Helen of Troy written in the style of “The Iliad” by Homer. Since Helen is often the scapegoat of the Trojan War, Illindala said her essay’s goal was to try to understand Helen’s actual role in the war and what she thought as Greek men went to war in her name.

Between her three majors, Illindala is studying for medical school exams, but she has a conditional acceptance to the eight-year UConn Special Program in

Medicine. She said she’s also exploring what field to pursue, specifically focusing on pediatrics, emergency medicine or neurology.

“I’m just exploring all the options right now and not crossing anything off the list just yet,” Illindala said.

Medha Illindala

Photo provided by Sandi Kornblum, Moses/Weitzman Health System Communications and Events

Young Sea Dogs have their day

By Greg Lederer Special to the Record-Journal

CHESHIRE With just two seniors on the roster, this summer, the Cheshire Y/Sea Dog Swim Club took a mostly new squad to Greensboro, N.C. for the YMCA Long Course National Championship.

Despite being on the younger side, the local swimmers held their own against top competition. The Sea Dogs compiled 93 points to tie the Wilton Y/ Wahoos for 20th place overall. The girls placed 18th (71) and the boys team came in 26th (22).

“I didn’t have any expectations going in this year; I thought let’s see what we can do,” said Cheshire coach Sean Farrell. “The kids did a tremendous job. I think they were more excited than nervous. ”

Peter Zalewski of Southington was the leading pointscorer for the men’s team. He contributed a 13th place in the 200-meter backstroke (2:09.93) and in the 400-meter freestyle (4:12.83).

Zalewski additionally nabbed 18th in the 400-meter individual medley (4:46.09) and 22nd in the 100-meter backstroke (1:01.04).

“Peter had a great meet,” said Farrell. “He has come a long way. He bought into the process early in the long course season and it showed at that meet.”

Joey Milhomens supplied 18th place in the 200-meter backstroke (2:11.32), 25th in the 200-meter IM (2:15.27) and 26th in the 400-meter IM (4:48.45).

“He did great,” Farrell remarked. “Joey went to the short course (nationals), but he made the finals in multiple events this time. We’ve been waiting for him to have

that breakout meet.”

Also for Sea Dog boys, Anthony Tomasko (50-meter backstroke, 19th, 28.37), Connor Booth (50-meter freestyle, 20th, 24.60), Brendan Matos (200-meter butterfly, 21st, 2:12.92), Kellen Booth (800-meter freestyle, 22nd, 9:34.91), and Michael Gauthier (200-meter freestyle, 23rd, 1:59.90) made the Top 25 individually.

For relays, Gauthier, Connor Booth, Tomasko, and Zalewski swam on the 200(19th, 1:39.95) and 400-meter (14th, 3:38.01) freestyle squads. Connor Booth, Kellen Booth, Gauthier, and Zalewski combined to take 13th in the 800-meter freestyle event (8:07.80).

Cheshire medley teams both came in 20th place. Zalewski, Gauthier, Matos, and Connor Booth clocked a time of 1:53.11 in the 200meters. For the 400-meters, Zalewski, Brayden Green, Matos, and Gauthier touched the wall in 4:07.20.

“When you put new people on relays, you don’t always know how they are going to perform,” stated Farrell. “For all of the kids, there were no off swims for relays over the course of the five-day meet.”

For Cheshire women, Kylie McKirryher was the team’s top individual finisher in the 50-meter butterfly (ninth, 28.34). She finished 18th in the 100-meter butterfly (1:04.44), 19th in the 200meter backstroke (2:24.38), and 25th in the 100-meter freestyle (59.40).

“This is only her second Y/ National (meet), but she keeps on getting better,” said Farrell. “She needs to learn to swim faster in the morning, but when the lights go on at night, she turns it on.”

McKirryher teamed with Kaya Tray, Sophie Milhomens, and Laura DeGennaro to finish eighth in the 400-meter medley relay (4:28.09). In the 200-meter medley, Milhomens, Tray, and McKirryher combined with Carly Cahill to finish ninth in 2:01.29.

Tray, McKirryher, Cahill, and DeGennaro made the top-20 in the 200- (16th, 1:51.55) and 400-meter (12th, 4:02.03) freestyle events. McKirryher, Milhomens, Julia Tejeda, and DeGennaro added 15th place in the 800meter freestyle (8:59.22).

“With not having some of our older swimmers at the meet, it opened the door to

Southington’s Peter Zalewski led the Cheshire Y/Sea Dog Swim Club at the 2023 YMCA Long Course National Championship in Greensboro, N.C. with strong performancesinthebackstroke,freestyleandIM.

Blumenthal announces legislation aimed at regulating ghost guns

By Donato Davis The Connecticut Mirror

On the same day that the U.S. Supreme Court voted to allow new regulations on ghost guns to go into effect, Connecticut’s Democratic Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy unveiled new federal legislation that would ban the weapons.

On Aug. 8, Blumenthal gathered in Hartford with city officials and community leaders to introduce the Ghost Gun and Untraceable Firearms Act, just days after three people were shot and

killed in the city.

Ghost guns are unregistered, untraceable weapons produced by unlicensed manufacturers that can be purchased online or in-person and assembled anywhere with no background checks. These guns can be produced by kits or through 3D printed parts that have no serial number or identifying mark to indicate its manufacturer.

“There is no reason for any law-abiding citizen to have a ghost gun,” said Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin. “They exist only to evade detection and to evade the law … This

is not an abstract issue. This is not a theoretical threat. These guns are being used for violent crimes in this community and across our state.”

Bronin said a significant portion of these guns come from the states of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. He encouraged leaders in those states to support the federal legislation, stressing that the problem of ghost guns is a national issue.

“The awful, stark truth about ghost guns they look like a gun, they shoot like a gun,

they kill like a gun. They ought to be regulated as guns, ” said Blumenthal. “The other awful truth about ghost guns: They are growing exponentially. If you ask me what is the biggest emerging threat in gun violence, it’s ghost guns.

“This legislation basically requires, any time a frame or receiver of any kind is sold, the cards have to be serial numbered, there have to be background checks on the number, the manufacturer has to be licensed, and anybody who possesses this kind of unserialized and untraceable weapon is violating the law.”

Blumenthal said he will work to gain bipartisan support on this bill once congress returns from recess, despite the challenges facing such a contentious issue.

“I am very, very passionately going to work to get bipartisan support,” Blumenthal said. “There ought to be no political controversy about a ghost gun ban with law enforcement supporting it, with common sense supporting it, and with gun owners also hopefully supporting it.”

Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody and Director of the Greater Hartford Youth Leadership Academy Eddie Brown spoke about how it would bring change to the city and improve the lives of its residents.

“As an investigative tool we have to be able to trace these firearms when they are used in a crime, when we find them in places they don’t belong, when they’re used to do things that you shouldn’t do with a firearm,” said Thody. “That tracing is what helps us close some of these cases and find out who’s supplying illegal guns to people that will do violent

acts in the city. That’s a huge investigative tool for us that we lose when you’re talking about a ghost gun.”

Brown urged people to take proactive steps to prevent violence instead of calling for change only after tragic events.

“Attention does tend to focus on the issue of gun violence when catastrophic events befall our communities,” Brown said. “These are complicated problems, not curable with sound bites. It’s what happens when the cameras go away that really matters.”

Connecticut has taken steps to slow the spread of ghost guns. In March, Attorney General William Tong filed a civil lawsuit against four outof-state manufacturers that were shipping ghost gun parts into Connecticut, and in June, Gov. Ned Lamont signed legislation that would upgrade the state’s 2019 ban on ghost guns to include those assembled prior to the ban’s enactment. These guns must be registered with the state by Jan. 1.

Supreme Court allows Biden regulations, but lawsuit continues

In April 2022, President Joe Biden announced a plan to curtail the sale and distribution of ghost guns without the help of congress. The plan aims to change and expand federal law’s definition of a “firearm” under the 1968 Gun Control Act to include unassembled parts that can be purchased and quickly assembled into a working firearm and to require that guns and gun kits come equipped with licensed serial numbers and be distributed only by licensed manufacturers and sellers. The rule also requires that background

See Ghost, A54

Chamber welcomes ATTIVA Wellness

Press Release

On July 27, The Cheshire Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony and Business After Hours event at ATTIVA Wellness, a new Chamber member located at 123 Union City Road in Prospect. ATTIVA founder Brooke Dragon was on-hand to give tours of the space, explain their wellness philosophy, and offer incentives for new members. AT-

Swim

From A5

relay possibilities for a lot of kids,” stated Farrell. “They did a great job.”

Tray swam into the top 20 of the 100- (17th, 1:15.82) and 200-meter (11th, 2:44.00) breaststrokes.

“She had a great meet, too,” stated Farrell. “She has the best attitude. Kaya knows how to manage the pressure and keep the right approach.”

In her national debut, Tejeda cracked the top 25 of the 1,500-meter freestyle (24th, 18:42.95).

“We rested her at the Senior meet and she did awesome at nationals,” added Farrell. For backstroke, Milhomens

TIVA Wellness is a complete wellness center featuring monthly gym memberships, personal training and inhouse wellness services which include holistic health & wellness coaching, and a medical aesthetic spa. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook: @attivact. The center’s attentive staff is available to answer any of your questions at 475-3213454.

recorded 18th in the 100meters (1:06.88), 19th in the 50-meters (31.44), and 22nd in the 200-meters (2:25.68). Due to having a concussion back in June, she had to stay out of the pool for three weeks, but was still able to get back in shape for nationals.

“When she came back, we limited her workload, but, she worked hard to get back,” recalled Farrell. “What she has been able to do is exceptional.”

With a young group, Farrell was pleased to have Milhomens and Connor Booth provide leadership as the lone seniors.

“They set the tone and showed the kids what they had to do,” explained Farrell. “Their presence being there was huge.”

From left: John Mariotti, Yetta Augur; Brooke Dragon, Tami Dragon, Madison Mariotti, Michael Begin and Mayor Robert J. Chatfield.

this time is just a misperception on the part of the public?

Checking in with CT Agricultural Experiment Station entomologist Dr. Kelsey Fischer, it’s interesting to note that the question of “Where are the monarchs?” comes up every year. Fischer has worked with the Eastern subpopulation of monarchs, those east of the Rocky Mountains, since 2016. Their lowest population point was in 2013, she said.

When working in Iowa, and when she was getting her master’s degree in Delaware, Fischer was asked by friends, family and colleagues about monarchs every year. “Now, in Connecticut, the story is no different,” she said. “Every year, without a doubt, I get the question 'where are all the monarchs?'”

Fischer said she never judges how the monarch butterfly population size is

doing based on summer observations. “Because the monarch migrates, the monarchs we see in CT are a direct result of earlier gener-

ations of monarchs in different parts of the country," she said. “Monarchs could be anywhere. Check out the Journey North website. It

looks like they’re distributing well.”

According to Fischer, if you study the migration patterns and the time needed to go from egg to adult, “the monarchs arrived in CT right when I expected to see them – in the middle of July – and I’ve been seeing adults, eggs, and larvae ever since.” In her opinion, “everything ap-

pears to be on track.”

And the focus, according to Fischer, should be how well the monarchs are doing overwintering in Mexico. The population is all together there, she said, and is measured consistently each year. “At this time, they are all in the same place huddled together and we can get a real, strong estimate of population size,” Fischer pointed out.

Overall, she said it’s hard to answer the question, “where are all the monarchs?”

“Insect populations fluctuate and what we see in CT may be completely different than what our friends in Iowa, Georgia, Florida, or Ohio, just a few examples, are seeing,” said Fischer. If we are doing what we can do to help monarchs – most importantly, establishing habitat with milkweed and nectar resources from spring to fall – we are doing everything we can, she said.

For a source of real-time summer observations, Fischer advises checking out Chip Taylor’s blog (monarchwatch.org/blog/). Founder of The Monarch Watch program, Taylor is a scientist/researcher who has been working with monarchs the entirety of his career.

Cheshire resident Ron Gagliardi, CT Butterfly Association Outreach Educator, is pictured attheCheshirePollinatorPathwaygardenonNorthBrooksvaleRoad.

Photo by Joy VanderLek

Is CT’s sales tax holiday real relief — or just a gimmick?

By Keith M. Phaneuf © The Connecticut Mirror

In one week, Connecticut will offer back-to-school shoppers another opportunity to buy clothing and footwear sales-tax-free, savings millions of dollars in total.

But these sales tax holidays available this year in 19 states are too limited to provide any meaningful tax reform, with wealthier households generally benefitting the most, according to a new analysis from a progressive policy group.

While politicians often turn to these flashy promotions because of their popularity, the Washington, D.C.-based Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy says states could provide far more direct relief to low- and middle-income families through income tax credits.

“Sales tax holidays are poorly targeted and too temporary to meaningfully change the regressive nature of a state’s tax system,” wrote Marco Guzman, a senior policy analyst with ITEP. “Lawmakers must understand that they cannot resolve the unfairness of sales taxes simply by offering a short break from paying these taxes.”

Tax relief doesn’t always reach those most in need

Connecticut’s sales-tax-free week will run from Aug. 20 through Aug. 26, waiving the standard 6.35% sales tax charge on clothing and footwear items costing less than $100.

It marks the 23rd promotion

since the state first launched the program in 2000.

In recent years, these Connecticut holidays have saved consumers between $5 million and $6 million per year. And some of that savings goes to consumers from neighboring states who cross the border to take advantage of the Connecticut holiday.

And the ITEP analysis also noted that “Wealthier taxpayers are often best positioned to benefit from a temporary exemption since they have more flexibility to shift the timing of their purchases to take advantage of the tax break an option that isn’t available to families living paycheck to paycheck.”

Guzman cited a 2010 study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago that surveyed households in three income ranges: less than $30,000; $30,000 to $70,000; and greater than $70,000.

It found households across all ranges, on average, increased their clothing-item purchases by 49% during sales tax holidays, while those in the top group increased by 136%.

The sales tax rate in Con-

necticut and in most states is regressive, meaning the rate doesn’t rise or fall proportional to the purchaser’s income or wealth.

Not surprisingly, the ITEP analysis found, most of the relief goes to consumers who can afford to spend more.

And since the coronavirus pandemic and the 40-yearhigh in inflation reached in mid-2022, Guzman told the CT Mirror, it’s not just poor families that often aren’t financially ready to buy when the sales-tax-free week arrives.

“Middle income [households] can be living paycheck to paycheck,” he said.

Sales tax holidays are popular with politicians

A second problem, Guzman noted, is that the actual relief from a sales tax holiday is not substantial.

A family spending $300 on clothing and footwear in

Connecticut later this month would save $19.05 thanks to the holiday.

That savings is paltry considering the gap between the federal poverty level and at least one assessment of Connecticut’s high cost of living.

Legislators and lobbyists in the Connecticut state Capitol on Jan. 4, 2023, the first day of thelegislativesession. Stephen Busemeyer, The Connecticut Mirror

177,243 students for free breakfast. For lunches, the state estimates that 128 districts are eligible for funding to serve 13,197 qualifying students who will now receive free rather than reduced-fee meals.

“We have to make sure kids are ready to learn, and that

starts first thing in the day, a good meal, a good breakfast, no stigma,” Lamont said at the press conference.

In Connecticut, nearly 400,000 people are food insecure. This number includes 90,000 children, according to Connecticut Foodshare, a food bank which works to feed individuals and families across the state.

“People often think there’s

no problem with hunger in Connecticut,” President and CEO of Connecticut Foodshare Jason Jakubowski said. “That’s 100% not true. We serve the whole state, all 169 towns. There is at least one food insecure family in each one, no matter whether it’s an urban city, the wealthy suburbs, or a rural town.”

Free meals in local schools

In Southington, the state’s expanded program provides a continuation of services the district offered through School Meals Assistance Revenue for Transition (SMART) funds last spring after the pandemic-era program expired. Southington’s School Nutrition Director Nya Welinsky said the district has run a breakfast program for years. However, with the state’s changes, Southington Public Schools will now be able to offer breakfast for every student.

“Seeing how many more students participate when it’s free for all makes you see that there’s a real need and want for this program,” Welinsky said.

District staff in Wallingford must act quickly to have free breakfasts available to all students by the time school begins on Aug. 31. The town has an 8.7% food insecurity rate, according to Connecticut Foodshare.

“It is unfortunate that the State and Federal Government did not announce this sooner, as we now need to go back and alter all plans, documents, and parent info,” Food Service Director Jim Bondi said. “We will have information on Wallingford's school breakfast and lunch

program going out to all parents as soon as we can.”

In Meriden, the state’s announcement creates no changes to the district’s current operations. Designated a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) district under the USDA, Meriden has a 12.9% food insecurity rate. The district has offered free breakfast and lunch to all students since 2017.

Director of Meriden’s Food and Nutrition Services Susan Maffe said that last year, free breakfast had a 50% participation rate among students, with an 85% participation rate for free lunch.

“Eating school breakfast has been associated with so many positive things such as better attendance, increased attention spans, and fewer visits to the nurse’s office with problems such as headaches or stomach aches,” Maffe added.

The free meals in Meriden’s schools follow USDA standards and contain whole grain, low sodium, and reduced fat foods. Per Maffe, the expansion of the state’s program presents an opportunity to reach more students.

“Childhood hunger exists a kid may not look hungry, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t,” Maffe said. “Sometimes a family may also just not have the resources to feed them healthy food.”

Cheshire’s Food Services Director Erica Biagetti explained that the state’s expanded program builds on the federally and state-supported free and reducedprice meal program that Cheshire has previously offered. She views the state’s

expansion of the free meals program as a show of support for its students.

“I see this program as a step towards being able to hopefully be able to offer meals (breakfast and lunch) to all students at no cost,” Biagetti said. “It will help to relieve any stigma and reassure students that if they need a meal then can access food at school without any worry of the income status.”

Fighting food insecurity

Making free meals accessible for all students helps level the playing field, and Welinsky has seen firsthand the impact this can have on students.

“There’s a feeling of equity that the students have mentioned to me,” Welinsky said. “It’s more equitable, and it’s a wonderful way to start the day well-nourished.”

For families experiencing financial strain, Welinsky emphasized the importance of the free and reduced-price meal application. She will hand out applications and answer questions at the Southington Farmers Market on Friday, Aug. 18 from 3 to 6 p.m. and said people can also access the form online.

“It’s more than a meal application in many ways,” Welinsky said. “We really encourage families to fill it out. With the information they provide, families can end up receiving fee waivers for different things in schools.”

None of this would be possible without the support of the legislature to help get kids the food they need, Jakubowski explained.

“We’re lucky here in Connecticut that our delegate to the legislature is very supportive of programs that help kids get the food they need,” Jakubowski said. “It’s a big leap in the right direction. We’re hopeful that in the next year or two we will see universal free lunches in Connecticut.”

Jakubowski added that he hopes future federal action

Pools and spas bring family and friends together and help make  Wholesome memories that will last a lifetime!

Everything we do at Wholesome Pool and Spa is full of goodness, heart and soul. Our expert team is here for all of your pool and spa needs.

• Inground Fiberglass Pools

• Inground Liner Replacements

• Above Ground Pools • Marquis Spas

• Bullfrog Spas • Patio Furniture • Free Water Testing

• Pool Chemicals, Auto Vacs, Pool Covers, Toys and More

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 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 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:

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:

Serving over 400 member businesses, our goal is to foster economic 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

Please consider voting for us again this year.

The Greco family thanks you for voting us #1 Florist consistently year after year.

We have strived since 1950 to provide the freshest, most beautiful floral designs for our customers and the Wallingford community.

We are humbled by your continued business, support, friendship and for your votes.

190 Center St., Wallingford | (203) 265-1514 wallingfordflower.com

Yetta

Pre-School - Carver Preschool

Summer Camps - Elevation Camp

Private School - Carver Academy

PLEASE VOTE FOR US BEST

Place to Worship - New Life Church

Religious Leader - Pastor Will Marotti

VOTE FOR US Best Diner, Early Bird Dinner, Family Restaurant & Pancakes AWARDS

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”

CT Lottery begins CEO search at a crucial juncture

By Mark Pazniokas © The Connecticut Mirror

The Connecticut Lottery is beginning a search for a new chief executive in a time of tumult: A new point-of-sales system has wrongly invalidated a few winning tickets, its sports-betting vendor is quitting in the second year of a 10-year deal, and an iLottery promised years ago has yet to launch.

Greg Smith, who has been seen as a stabilizing presence since being hired as the lottery’s president in 2018, when the quasi-public agency was struggling with turnover, staff dissension and other issues that damaged its credibility at the state Capitol, intends to retire in 2024.

Board members say they have been aware of Smith’s plans for months, and “Discussion of Executive Compensation and Succession Planning” was added to their public agenda in June. But neither Smith nor the board appears to have made his plans public.

The omission, combined with the ticket-verification problem and other issues, invited speculation Thursday after the lottery’s board voted with little explanation

Breakfast

From A10

will help other states make this goal possible as well.

“The U.S. Congress absolutely should have free school breakfasts and free school

to formally begin a search by assigning the task to its executive committee.

“The lottery obviously had a very difficult few years going back a little bit. And I have to say that things seemed to stabilize for a while,” said House Speaker Matt Ritter, D-Hartford. Now, he said, the confluence of issues prompts a question: “Was it really as stable as we thought?”

Rob Simmelkjaer, the chair of the board, clarified in a brief interview after the meeting’s conclusion Thursday that Smith remains the CEO and the vote did not signal an imminent departure.

“He’s going to retire at the end of 2024. It’s a planned retirement,” Simmelkjaer said Thursday. On Friday, Simmelkjaer said he had not seen a need for further public explanation at the meeting. “It was a technical thing. We had to make the executive committee be the search committee.”

Ritter said he intends to ask a legislative committee to seek further information about the ticket verification issue, but he was happy to hear that Smith is not departing immediately.

breakfasts for every child no matter where in the country they live,” Jakubowski said.

To access the free and reduced-price meal application for your town, visit your school district’s food services website.

rwachman@record-journal.com

“It makes me feel better if it’s a planned transition than sort of an abrupt resignation or something like that,” Ritter said. “Yes, we need to understand what happened with this terminal thing, and it’s not good. But I give Greg credit. I think he’s done a pretty good job here the last couple of years.”

Smith declined comment, and Simmelkjaer referred further questions to Chris Davis, the former state representative who is the lottery’s government affairs director and acts as its spokesman. Davis said the

vote Thursday might have seemed abrupt but came as no surprise to staff.

“It’s been a few months in the making,” Davis said. “So at this point, the board has been in discussions about the potential retirement of Greg Smith, and he did notify the board a few months ago of his intention to do so.”

The lottery recently acknowledged that a few tickets, perhaps as few as 18 out of millions sold, had been incorrectly read as invalid by the point-of-sale terminal system launched on May 21

by its new vendor, IGT. The vendor bills itself as “trusted partner to the world’s most successful lotteries.”

On July 31, the lottery wrote the first of two public notices it would not be posted until the next day on the lottery’s web site –to gamblers about potential problems validating winning tickets:

“The Connecticut Lottery Corporation (CLC) is advising players that there is an issue with the lottery terminal response when Retailers are manually validating

See Lotto, A53

Obituaries

Vivian KaceyVivian Kacey

WEST CHESTER, PA

VivianEloise ClarkKacey, 88, peacefullypassed awayonJuly 20,2023in West Chester,PA. Born March 9, 1935, in Berlin, NH, to the late Clarence Bernard andMyrtle Pearl (MacFarlane) Clark,Vivian movedtoBathattheageof 2 years,along withher late siblings ClarenceBernard Clark, Jr., Ruth Janet (Clark)Collins, andShirley Ann (Clark) McPhail.

WEST CHESTER, PAVivian Eloise Clark Kacey, 88, peacefully passed away on July 20, 2023 in West Chester, PA. Born March 9, 1935, in Berlin, NH, to the late Clarence Bernard and Myrtle Pearl (MacFarlane) Clark, Vivian moved to Bath at the age of 2 years, along with her late siblings Clarence Bernard Clark, Jr., Ruth Janet (Clark) Collins, and Shirley Ann (Clark) McPhail.

where shemeticulously cared for thebeautiful gardenssurroundingherhome andin-ground pool.Viv wasarecipientofthe“Garden of theMonth” award fromCheshireGardenClub twice. Awardsthat she treasured. After retirement, she became an active memberof theCheshire Garden Club, a community shehelddearly,anenthusiasticadvocate tothesayingbyAudreyHepburn,“To plant a gardenis to believe in tomorrow.”

things in life:reading, a game of Scrabble with Jim, movies,anddiningoutwith friends. One traitthat her friends rememberfondly was hercontagious laugh, her vibrantspirit bringing joy to those around her.

Vivian attended Bath schools, graduating from Morse High School, 1953, and went to Gorham State Teachers College, earning a Bachelors of Science in Education, 1957. Further earning a master’s in Education from University of Maine-Orono, 1967.

Vivian attendedBath schools, graduating from Morse HighSchool, 1953, andwent toGorhamState Teachers College, earning a Bachelors of Science in Education, 1957. Further earning a master’sin Education fromUniversity of Maine-Orono, 1967.

Witha commitmentto helping young minds bloom,Vivian taught1st grade in Mainefrom 19571959.Moving toCheshire,

With a commitment to helping young minds bloom, Vivian taught 1st grade in Maine from 19571959. Moving to Cheshire, CT, in 1959 to teach 2nd grade eventually moving to 3rd grade, 1964 until retirement, 1995. Her love for teaching was evident in her ability to remember her students’ names even after retirement.

Vivian’s passion for nurturing extended beyond the classroom and into her home in Cheshire, CT, where she meticulously cared for the beautiful gardens surrounding her home and inground pool.

Viv was a recipient of the “Garden of the Month” award from Cheshire Garden Club twice. Awards that she treasured. After retirement, she became an active member of the Cheshire Garden Club, a community she held dearly, an enthusiastic advocate to the saying by Audrey Hepburn, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”

Viv’s sense of adventure fueled a love for travel, from trips to her beloved Maine, Pennsylvania, Canada, Texas, and Bermuda, just to name a few. All done with the love of her life, late husband, James Matthew Kacey of 53 years. She

during the game but would always call you back.

CT,in 1959to teach2nd grade eventuallymoving to 3rd grade, 1964until retirement,1995. Herlovefor teaching was evident in her abilitytorememberherstudents’namesevenafterretirement.

Vivian loved the simple things in life: reading, a game of Scrabble with Jim, movies, and dining out with friends. One trait that her friends remember fondly was her contagious laugh, her vibrant spirit bringing joy to those around her.

Vivian’spassion fornurturing extendedbeyond the classroomand intoher homein Cheshire,CT,

Vivian’s life was a journey that inspired, like Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children... to know even one life has breathed easier because you had live. This is to have succeeded.”

Vivian Eloise Clark Kacey was an exceptional woman whose life was marked by love, laughter, and adventure. Vivian’s legacy is etched into the hearts and minds of her family: nieces, nephews, greatnieces, and nephews all held a special place in her heart. Vivian also leaves behind many great friends from teaching and garden club communities, as well as neighbors. Vivian will always be remembered and deeply missed.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Logan Funeral Home in Exton, PA and the Desmond Funeral Home in Bath. A Graveside service was held at Oak Grove Cemetery, Bath, Aug. 9.

Vivian loved flowers but she also loved children, so in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude

Viv’s senseof adventure fueledalovefortravel,from trips to her beloved Maine, Pennsylvania, Canada, Texas,and Bermuda,just to namea few.All done withthelove ofherlife,late husband, JamesMatthew Kaceyof53years.Shewas an avid UCONN Girls Basketball and Red Sox fan and wouldn’t take calls duringthe gamebutwould always call youback. Vivian lovedthe simple

Vivian’slifewasajourney that inspired,like Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “To laughoften andmuch;to win therespect ofintelligent people and the affection ofchildren... toknow even one lifehas breathed easier becauseyou had live.This isto havesucceeded.”

Vivian Eloise Clark Kacey was an exceptional woman whose life was marked by love, laughter,and adventure. Vivian’slegacy is etchedinto theheartsand minds of her family: nieces, nephews, greatnieces,and nephews all helda special placeinherheart.Vivianalso leavesbehind many greatfriends fromteaching and garden club communities, aswell asneighbors.

Vivian willalways beremembered anddeeply missed.

Funeral arrangements werehandledbyLoganFuneral Home in Exton, PA and theDesmond Funeral Home in Bath. Graveside service washeld atOak Grove Cemetery,Bath, Aug. 9.

Vivian loved flowers but she also lovedchildren, so in lieu of flowers memorial contributionsmaybemade toSt. JudeChildren’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Whether it is a lost ring, wallet or a Parrot named Oliver, a Classified ad can help track it down.

scratch tickets by keying in the ticket number. The lottery terminal response may say the ticket has been Previously Paid.”

On August 2, they broadened the warning by advising players to double check if they believe an uncashed winning lottery ticket in any game might have been invalidated as paid. Retailers manually validate tickets when the scanner cannot read them, Davis said.

Sen. Cathy Osten, DSprague, whose district is home to both of the state’s tribal casinos and closely monitors gambling issues, said Davis assured her the problem was limited.

“Relative to the tickets that were not read correctly, out of 18 million, there were 18 that were not read correctly, is my understanding,” Osten said.

That ticket snafu came two months after the lottery’s split with its sports-betting vendor.

Rush Street Interactive, the Illinois company chosen to operate the lottery’s online sport book, PlaySugarHouse.com, and the Connecticut Lottery jointly announced an end to their partnership on March 27, offering little reason for the split.

In an earnings call in May, the Hartford Business Journal reported, the company said it was not seeing “ appropriate return on investment.”

The company, known as RSI, continues to run the sports book online and at nine retail locations. A 10th is scheduled to open next month at the XL Center in downtown Hartford, with a bar and views into the arena on game days.

The legislature authorized 15 locations. In April, the lottery reported that revenues were 29% below what had been anticipated had all 15 been open.

Davis said a successor had been tentatively chosen in June.

“We’re currently in negotiations with that vendor,” Davis said. “Unfortunately, I can’t really comment much more beyond that because of the procurement process. But we are moving along with finding a new vendor. And RSI has agreed to stay on through that transition.”

Penn National, which was among the bidders in 2021, has since established a Connecticut connection: a sports betting partnership with ESPN, the network based in Bristol. Davis would not comment on who is seeking to replace RSI. MGM Resorts, which competes with Connecticut casinos, also was a bidder in 2021.

Connecticut legalized sports betting in 2021 after negotiating new gambling compacts with the state’s two federally recognized tribes, Mashantucket Pequots and Mohegans, which operate Foxwoods Resort and Mohegan Sun. The tribes and lottery were the only entities allowed to operate sports books.

The lottery is by far the biggest gambling money maker for Connecticut, providing the state’s general fund with more than $410 million a year in each of the past three years.

By comparison, the tribes now produce less than $250 million a year, primarily under a longstanding slots-revenue sharing deal that outpaced lottery revenues be-

monthly take from sports bookmaking is less than $1 million.

In June, the state’s cut of sports betting: $501,970 from Mohegan, $329,091 from Foxwoods and $84,631 from the lottery.

The tribes’ sport books are run by two top sports gambling companies: DraftKings for Foxwoods and FanDuel for Mohegan. Osten said the tribal casinos had lined up DraftKings and FanDuel even before the legalization law was passed.

“They knew what they were doing,” Osten said of her constituents, the two tribes. “They knew what they needed. And they got it done.”

fore competing casinos opened in New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. But the lottery has badly trailed the tribes in grabbing market share of sports betting, which produces relatively little for the state. On a monthly basis, the traditional lottery games produce about $34 million for the state, while the state’s

Under the terms of the deal negotiated by the tribes, no casino-based sports book could do business under their brand name in Connecticut, a condition intended to keep the MGM brand out of the state, had they been selected.

MGM Resorts operates casinos in Springfield, Mass., and Yonkers, N.Y.

This story originally appeared on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, www.ctmirror.org.

Glitter falls after Gov. Ned Lamont made his first sports bet in September 2021 at Foxwoods Resort Casino. The lottery badly trails Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun in sportsbettingmarketshare. Mark Pazniokas, The Connecticut Mirror

Paper shredding fundraiser

Press Release

The Cheshire Lions Club will hold its annual paper shredding event, Saturday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m. to noon, in the parking lot behind Town Hall, 84 South Main St. (off of Wallingford Road). Prices for shredding are as follows: boxes (24 inches by 15 inches), $10; larger sized boxes, $15. There is no box limit. No paper clips, please. The shredding will be performed on site by ProShred of Wallingford. For peace of mind, you may observe your paper items being shredded.

Proceeds go to local projects and charities, and activities the Lions Club organizes annually, such as the Easter egg hunt and Trunk-or-Treat. Also, at the paper shredding event, the Lions will be collecting used eyeglasses and hearing aids.

checks be conducted before the sale of these weapons.

The Biden plan was challenged in the Supreme Court by a Texas district judge who ruled that the administration had exceeded its authority under the Gun Control Act, ruling that definition of a firearm “does not cover

weapon parts, or aggregations of weapon parts, regardless of whether the parts may be readily assembled into something that may fire a projectile.”

However, the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, issued a ruling that grants the Biden administration’s request to reinstate the rule pending further legal challenges. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett sided with the

court’s three liberal justices on the decision.

“I am pleased that the Supreme Court has reinstated the Biden Administration’s ghost gun rule, but this ruling is merely a temporary measure, ” Blumenthal said in a statement shortly after the court’s decision. “The ongoing litigation underscores the urgent need for Congress to pass strong legislation banning ghost guns once and for all. Regulating ghost guns is a common-sense public safety measure. ”

According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, 70% of Americans support legislation that requires ghost guns to have serial numbers and be created by licensed manufacturers.

In 2020, seven ghost guns were seized in Hartford. That number grew to 58 in 2022. So far this year, 24 ghost guns have been seized in the city.

This story originally appeared on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, ctmirror.org.

From A6

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin with U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and community leaders at a press conference on federal ghost gun legislation at the Hartford Police Department. Donato Davis, The Connecticut Mirror

While the FPL for a family of four is $30,000, the United Way of Connecticut’s ALICE methodology an acronym for Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed households says that same family needs to earn more than $90,000 annually to cover a basic “survival budget” here.

When Gov. Ned Lamont was in West Hartford last year promoting the sales tax holiday, he declared, “This is Christmas in August.”

But Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly, who was frustrated by the Democratic governor’s focus in 2022 on temporary relief rather than larger, recurring tax cuts countered that “If it’s ‘Christmas in August,’ they’re giving the people a lump of coal.”

But sales tax holidays are uncomplicated and relatively easy to understand, and Guzman said political leaders in many states like to hype them, despite the modest dollars involved.

“These are often times just really politically popular options for quote-unquote providing relief,” he said.

But Tim Phelan, president of the Connecticut Retail Merchants Association, said the holiday isn’t just good for the state’s consumers but gives the retail industry an important boost heading into the fall.

said, adding that retailers count on the tax holiday every year. “It’s part of the retail marketing schedule.”

ITEP analysis: Income tax credits provide more substantial relief

States looking to ease tax burdens on poor and middle-income households would have far more impact, according to ITEP, by providing income tax credits.

While the sales tax holiday costs state government about $5 million to $6 million per year, the changes that tax reform advocates are seeking stretch into the tens and hundreds of millions of dollars.

Connecticut already has endorsed one of those recommendations, boosting its Earned Income Tax Credit’s value from 30.5% to 40% of the federal EITC. This move, which Lamont and the General Assembly approved in June, will add an average of $211, starting next spring, to the income tax refunds of working households that generally earn less than $60,000 per year.

Lamont and lawmakers also ordered the first income tax rate reduction since the mid-1990s, expected to send about $300 to $500 extra to middle-income filers with returns filed in the spring of 2025.

These two changes, coupled with a new expansion of exemptions for pension and annuity earnings, are expected to cost the state about $500 million per year.

“Connecticut’s overall tax structure is heavily weighted toward equity, with lower income earners paying a lower

income tax rate than higher income earners,” added Chris Collibee, spokesman for Lamont’s budget office.

ITEP also recommended states embrace a concept Connecticut legislators have been debating heavily in recent years: an ongoing state income tax credit for lowand middle-income households with children. State Comptroller Sean Scanlon, a Guilford Democrat, was serving in the legislature in 2021 when he spearheaded a push for an ongoing credit.

Scanlon pitched a $600 credit per child up to $1,800 per household. He also recommended that 70% of the credit be refundable, mean-

ing even the poorest working families, with no income tax liability, still could get up to $420 per child added to their refunds.

But while the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, which Scanlon chaired, endorsed that plan two years ago and its $300 millionper-year projected cost Lamont and many of his fellow Democrats in the legislature’s majority wanted to start smaller.

They approved a one-time, $250-per-child income tax rebate in 2022, which Republicans called a partisan effort to buy votes in a state election year.

Lisa Tepper Bates, president

and CEO of the United Way’s Connecticut chapter and a strong advocate for a permanent child tax credit, said many inside and outside of government don’t fully appreciate Connecticut’s poverty issues. Nearly 40% of all households don’t earn enough to cover a basic survival budget calculated by an ALICE methodology that assesses many costs ignored in other poverty assessment formulas, such as housing, utility and child care expenses.

“ALICE describes in data based information why so many people are on the brink, every month, of running into a crisis,” Bates said, adding the need for substantial tax reform in Connecticut even after the latest state tax cuts is significant.

“There is no silver bullet,” she said.

This story originally appeared on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, www.ctmirror.org.

“When [customers] are out and shopping and doing stuff, there is some dynamic effect that takes place,” he

“Connecticut’s overall tax structure is heavily weighted toward equity, with lower income earners paying a lower income tax rate than higher income earners.”

Chris Collibee, spokesman for Gov. Lamont

USPS delivery is available in the towns of Berlin, Cheshire, Durham, Middletown, Middlefield, Meriden, Plantsville, Southington and Wallingford. Delivery is Tuesday-Saturday by USPS.

Long-lost ring back in family’s hands

Our Saturday Weekender edition has all the weekend inserts along with our new feature, EXTRA EXTRA, our 12-page entertainment/puzzles section.

($5.12 per week billed monthly), full price in month four. Available to new subscribers only.

PLUS All print subscribers who activate their free digital access will receive our daily Record-Journal Story Break emails with up to date stories, and have 24-hour access to our five-day online E-Edition available Tuesday-Saturday by 5AM.

Enjoy the same digital access benefits as a print subscriber, including 24hour access to our fiveday online E-Edition available TuesdaySaturday by 5AM.

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.

MECHANIC

Mechanic III: Highly skilled mechanic needed in the repair and maintenance of all types of motor vehicles including heavy construction equipment. The position requires 6 years’ experience in the repair and maintenance of mechanical equipment with a minimum of 2 years repairing heavy construction equipment. Technical or trade school training may substitute for up to 3 years’ experience. Must have own tools. $31.85 to $38.28 per hour, (contract currently under negotiations) plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply to: 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 and can be mailed to the above address, faxed to (203) 294-2084, or emailed to wlfdhr@wallingfordct.gov. Phone #: 203-294-2080. Closing date will be September 8, 2023 or the date the 50th application is received, whichever occurs first. EOE.

PUBLIC HEALTH

SANITARIAN

Professional public health work in the enforcement of statutes and regulations relating to public and environmental health. Applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree in environmental health or closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting on a year for year basis. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Must be able to obtain within 6 months CT certification as a food inspector. Salary: $63,116 - $80,755 annually plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply to: 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 and emailed to wlfdhr@wallingfordct. gov. Phone # (203) 294-2080, Fax #: (203)294-2084. The closing date will be September 5, 2023 or the date the 50th application is received, whichever occurs first. EOE.

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

7’ POOL TABLE - Inquire (860) 919-8364.

HYDRAULIC PATIENT LIFT - Invacare 9805P, w/wheels, 450 lb. lift capacity, w/harness & sling, brand new, $195. (203) 675-8604.

EXERCISE BIKE - New, needs assembly, $100. Call 860-461-3078, will text pic.

TREE LENGTH

FIREWOOD

CALL FOR DETAILS

203-238-2149

(203) 217-7122.

DURHAM 765 SQ.FT.

OFFICE SPACE - Bathroom, open room incls. heat, AC, electric, no internet, 2 parking spaces. $800 mo. (860) 349-5449

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

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 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, oy Trucks, Matchbox & Hotwheels, Barbie’s, Folk Art, Statues, Bronzes, rains, 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

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,

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

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

ADORABLE - MALTESE YORKIE, BICHON SHIH TZU, BICHON CHIHUAHUA., 1st shots & worming. $500 ea. Call 603.630.2258.

MERIDEN - Room for rent, utils incl., shared BA. Free Wi-Fi. Call

- Emilie Buchwald

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

INSIDE & OUTSIDE

REPAIRS - Decks, porches, sheetrock, taping, bath & kitchen remodels, finished basements. Call Erik, 203.592.4242. HIC 0565857.

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.

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

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

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.

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

#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

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

GUTTERS

DON’T WORK

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

CT# 569127

SPRING CLEANUPS

JUNK REMOVAL

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

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

Over 35 Years Experience All Types of Masonry CT License #626708 (203) 235-4139

-

#1 PAINTER’S EDGE MOBILE WASH Chemicals safe for house & plants. House wash, roof cleaning, decks. 25 yrs. exp. Sr Disc. #0656136

A-1 QUALITY POWERWASHING

Low Rates Call Dennis 203.630.0008

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

RT RELOCATION

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

TREE REMOVAL

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

W. BOOBER MASONRY