Cheshire Citizen Dec. 26, 2019 by Record Journal

CHESHIRE AT 325

Dedicated to the community, these institutions help it thrive By Joy VanderLek The Cheshire Citizen

As 2019 comes to an end, let’s reflect one last time on Cheshire’s 325th anniversary year with a focus on a few of the local entities that have contributed to the life of the town, withstood the test of time and been part of its long, rich history. Cheshire Nursery Documentation supports an origination date of 1860s for Cheshire Nursery. However, current owners, Bill and Rick Beebe, believe the enterprise may have started

Thursday, December 26, 2019

cheshirecitizen.com

Volume 6, Number 11

By Michael Gagne Record-Journal staff

even earlier. What they definitely know is that their Cheshire business has deep roots.

Mismanagement led to the killing of an estimated 150 small fish in gray polluted water in Cuff Brook last summer during a project intended to rehabilitate and extend the use of the aging and decaying culvert that allows the brook’s waters to flow under Marion Road.

Through the years, the names Philo Sherman Beers (a.k.a. P.S. Beers), N.S. Platt, J. Norris and John R. Norris were associated with the nursery. The 1890 catalog, printed by proprietors Platt & Barnes, is quite extensive, showing a wide variety of flowering, shade and fruit trees. The acquisition of the 100acre Pardee farm located on See 325, A7

Project leads to rift between wetlands panel, town officials

Cheshire Garden Club founder Lucy Evans, 1920.

Cheshire’s Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission issued the environmental permits for the project. Leaders of the town’s Public Works & Engineering Department were responsible for ensuring the requirements were being followed. “This is basically almost like a marriage where trust breaks down because one of the parties fail to meet an obligation. It’s going to take a lot of work to gain it back,” said Robert deJongh, who chairs the wetland panel.

Cheshire Nursery.

Public works officials received a notice of viola-

tion from the state Department of Energy and Environment Protection in October, and the town now faces fines of up to $125,000. DEEP spokeswoman Kristina Rozek said in a Dec. 20 email the matter “remains under investigation and review.” But before that state notification came, the town’s environmental planner issued a separate ceaseand-desist order, halting the project for violating wetlands permit stipulations. The permit required controls to prevent soil erosion and the flow of water through the culvert during the project. Photos taken by town engineering technician Michael Caffrey while work was in progress clearly showed contractors spraying a concrete-fiberglass mixture onto the culvert lining while standing in a flowing stream of water. See Cuff Brook, A6

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Thursday, December 26, 2019

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Thursday, December 26, 2019

In Brief Radon testing

Cancer survivors

The month of January has been designated as “Radon Awareness Month” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Radon is a serious health risk facing tens of thousands of Americans.

Whether in cancer treatment, in remission, or have beaten it, you are eligible to participate in the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. The Cheshire Community YMCA is seeking participants for the next session. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a free, 12-week program designed for adults affected by cancer. It is conducted in the Wellness Center by staff trained in elements of cancer exercise and supportive cancer care. Winter session is scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 to 8 p.m., beginning in The Heronettes, a local synJanuary. chronized swimming team, are again offering Intro To For more information, contact John Phillips at 203-272- Synchro classes for schoolage swimmers. The next ses3150 ext. 511. sion of eight classes starts

To sign-up for a free radon testing appointment, call 203-272-2761.

Christmas tree pickup The annual Cheshire High School Marching Ram Band Tree Pickup fundraiser will be held Saturday, Jan. 11.

Intro to synchronized swimming

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Jan. 6 and runs Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. at the Hamden High School pool. Swimmers who take at least one session of classes during the year will be invited to perform

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Chesprocott will offer free radon testing kits to Cheshire, Prospect and Wolcott residents throughout January and February. Chesprocott staff will visit homes to place test kits and will pick them up within the same week. This initiative is paid through a grant from the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Library

Color Yourself Calm and a Movie: Saturday, Dec. 28, at 2 p.m. De-stress from this busy time of year with coloring and a movie. In addition to coloring we will be watching “Last Holiday” (2006), a

romantic comedy-drama. All supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. New Movie Thursday: “Judy.” Jan. 2, at 6 p.m. “Judy” is a biopic about showbiz legend Judy Garland, who arrives in London to perform her final concerts. Rated PG-13. Registration appreciated for this

adult program. Register at cheshirelibrary.org or call 203-272-2245.

tographer. Register at cheshirelibrary.org or call 203-272-2245.

Shooting Vietnam: “Shooting Vietnam: The War By Its Military Photographers,” Tuesday, Jan. 7, at 6:30 p.m. Author Dan Brookes shares hundreds of photographs by men who share firsthand accounts of what it was like to be a military combat pho-

The Roaring 20s Are Back : Thursday, Jan. 9, at 2:30 p.m. Join us for a screening of “Downton Abbey” (2019) the movie. Tea and light refreshments will be served. Feel free to wear your finest 20s’ attire and arrive 30 minutes early

to have your picture taken at a speakeasy. Please bring your favorite teacup. Registration required for this limited-seating. adult event. Register at cheshirelibrary.org or call 203-2722245. Return to Work: Tuesday, Jan.14, 6:30 p.m. Platform to Employment (P2E) addresses the need for the long term unemployed to return to work and the employer need to recruit skilled workers in Connecticut. Register at cheshirelibrary.org or call 203-272-2245.

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Thursday, December 26, 2019

New BOE chair names committee assignments By Michael Gagne Record-Journal staff

Faith Ham, a Republican newcomer to the board, will chair the board's curriculum committee and sit on its finance and public information committees.

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Harrigan, a faculty member at Quinnipiac University, previously chaired the curriculum committee. Overall, town Republicans and Democrats don't differ that much on educational issues, except when it comes to the budget, Harrigan said.

“We all want the success of the school district. We want what's best for the schools and our kids,” Harrigan said.

from years of not funding things and only funding the bare minimum” to maintain those buildings.

But cost has “been a longtime disagreement between the board and the town,” she added.

Republican Adam Grippo, the board vice chairman, will chair both the finance and policy committees.

One of those costs is the expense of maintaining school buildings.

Martelli will chair the planning and public information committees. He will also sit on the liaison committee.

Harrigan said the school district is “in trouble right now,

mgagne@record-journal.com

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Most of the Board of Education's committees are now chaired by Republicans — reflecting the 5-to-2 majority the party now holds on Democrat Kathryn Hallen, the board's former chairthe board. woman who now serves as Long-time incumbent Anits secretary, has been asthony Perugini, a Republisigned as chairwoman of the can who last week was conliaison committee. firmed as the board's new Perugini will chair the legchairman, maintains the islative committee, while almakeup of committees so serving as a member of wasn’t influenced by polithe curriculum committee. tics. He pledged the board Perugini is also one of the and its committees would work in a bipartisan manner, board's representatives on the townwide School Modpointing out most commiternization Committee, tees have members from whose membership also inboth political parties. cludes Town Council memAnother decision, he said, bers and other community was to ensure committees members who do not curwith new board members al- rently hold elected office. so had experienced board Anne Harrigan, a Democrat, members mixed in. and Andrew Martelli, a ReThe transportation commit- publican newcomer, are the tee is the only one of the other two board representanine board-affiliated comtives on the School Modernmittees that doesn't have ization Committee. members listed. Board Harrigan will also serve on member Tim White, a Rethe curriculum, legislative, publican, is listed as the chairman of that committee, personnel and public inforwhose membership is listed mation committees. She said with two words: “as needed.” that she expects the relationWhite will also chair the per- ship between both the Resonnel committee and serve publican-controlled Town Council and the board will as a sitting member of the “be a smoother sailing” than planning and policy comin previous terms. mittees.

If both groups cannot agree on an issue, the excuse that the Board of Education is “being obstructive” can't be used, Harrigan said.

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Cuff Brook From A1

On July 23, several days after the fish kill, Cheshire Environmental Planner Suzanne Simone issued a notice of violation to Department of Public Works & Engineering Director George Noewatne, ordering all work on the culvert be stopped. A week later, public works officials and leaders from National Water

Main Cleaning Co., the contractor on the project, received a notice to attend a show cause hearing before the wetlands panel.

“The town would not have been notified had it not been for a vigilant neighbor to call it to the attention of the state.”

“The problem arose when you have a paid employee, onsite, overseeing the project. He was appointed to be the site inspector. Here he is overseeing the project, taking pictures of the violation and not taking steps to shut the project down and notify the town,” deJongh said.

In fact, the alert the wetlands panel received regarding the project had come via DEEP, deJongh and others said.

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During the wetlands panel’s Nov. 7 meeting, deJongh told Noewatne directly the relationship between the commission and public works “has been damaged” as a result of how the project and the permit were managed. “We trust and hope that public works will go the extra mile to restore that faith,” deJongh said. “I think it will take longer than perhaps you guys would like. It's just the situation we're dealing with right now.”

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Noewatne, who did not respond to requests for comment for this story, would state later during that same meeting, “I understand we have to come back and earn the trust of the commission. We absolutely will do that, or

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A motorist travels over the Cuff Brook culvert on Marion Road in Cheshire, Friday, Dec. 20. Mismanagement led to the killing of an estimated 150 small fish during repair of the decaying culvert last summer.

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Thursday, December 26, 2019

325

aside, Bates and Brubaker have streets behind the nursery named after them.

From A1

South Main Street, also referred to as “the College Highway,” transferred the land from G.F. Pardee to Yale School of Forestry professors Ralph Hawley and J.W. Toumey in 1910. It set the modern business model for the years that followed. Hawley and Toumey’s company would be known as the Northeastern Forestry Co. and according to the 1910 Norwich Bulletin the company would produce young trees for large-scale reforestation across the country. The business was a first of its kind. It would supplant Cheshire Land Trust Vice president VP Karen Schnitzer snowshoes at CLT Ive's Farm. the need to continue to buy trees from Germany for ager of the wholesale deCohen and E. Bowles. Acnurseries and woodlot own- In 1953, a corporation to the Cheshire Herpartment and J.R. Brubaker cording bought the nursery from the ers, as had been the praccontinued on as landscape retiring Hawley, and officers ald, (Dec. 31, 1953), Phillip tice. department manager. As an of the new business were A. Bates was retained as man-

Aaron Cohen owned the business from the ‘50s to the ‘70s. Bill Beebe was just a teen when he began working at the nursery in the early ‘70s. In 2000, Bill purchased the business with his brother Rick. “I always wanted to buy the nursery,” said Beebe. “It was in my blood.” Today, Cheshire Nursery is Cheshire Nursery, Garden Center and Florist. The business is known for trees, shrubs, conifers, perennials, annuals and an ever-growing selection of native plants. Landscaping services are also available. Come April 2020, the Beebe brothers will have owned Cheshire Nursery for 20 years, and look forward to celebrating that milestone. See 325, A8

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Thursday, December 26, 2019

325

Additionally, CGC has funded and maintained a number of public spaces in town, From A7 including the green, Artsplace, the Colonial Garden Cheshire Garden Club at the Phillips House and the This past June was the club’s Cheshire Public Library. “We are very proud of funding 100th anniversary. CGC and support of the recent President Anupa Simpatico recalled the inception of the renovated gardens at the library with native plants that garden club. “On June 17, 1920, 17 women gathered at are selected to support pollinators and birds. Check out the home of Mrs. Alfred our blueberry bushes and (Lucy) Evans on Twin Oaks the new planting on the Drive in Cheshire to form a garden club in Cheshire. Ac- sloped front garden. These plant groupings can spark tive membership was limited to 50, with a membership ideas for your own gardens,” Simpatico said. fee of 50 cents. Meetings were held monthly and adMilestones for the club invertised in the local paclude the Beauty Spot of the per. The members focused Month, which began in 1968. on gardening, horticulture That same year, the group and floral design.” began its annual scholarship for high school or college The Cheshire Garden club students majoring in plant was a charter club of the science, environment or restate organization in 1929, lated fields. Garden therapy said Simpatico. Over the was started in 1975 and feayears, the club has won natures members going to the tional, New England and Connecticut awards for civic local retirement center to engage residents. projects, flower shows and member participation, she Dot Edwards and Inge Venus said. are two women who must be

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flies and pollinators to the large meadow at Fresh Advocating for conservation Meadows each spring and and environment has been summer. A habitat restorathe Cheshire Land Trust’s tion project begun last mission for the past 50 spring was completed in an years. area of the property with a The non-profit conservation grant from CT Society for Women Environmental Progroup incorporated in 1969 fessionals. CLT’s marquee at the cusp of the nation’s property, Ives Farm, is a environmental movement. Venus recently stepped working farm; however, CLT down as president but conOne of CLT’s first acts was to stewards keep the Ives tinues to be an active mem- rally the town as the fate of Woodlands trails, located on ber who promotes national Roaring Brook Falls was be- the eastern side of the farm, contests for children. ing decided. CLT was instru- open for public use on mental in conserving Roarweekends and holidays. As the reigning president, ing Brook Falls, which is Simpatico leads with a misnow a town-owned park and In recent years, the land sion to encourage Cheshire a popular visit for many hik- trust has stepped up its eduresidents to attend the CGC cational and outreach proers throughout the state. programs, for education on grams. CLT has joined with horticulture, design and en- The following years have UConn’s Natural Resources vironmental issues. seen the Cheshire Land Conservation Academy, Trust become stewards of mentoring local high school “We have a lot of fun at our almost 600 acres protected students doing environmenhands-on workshops where “forever” as open space in tal research. CLT has worked we learn horticultural and with local, state and federal design techniques, and wel- the town. These properties agencies and environmental come visitors and new mem- include the 50-acre Brooke Preserve property on Sperry groups to create water qualibers. My mission is to proRoad and the 35-acre Fresh ty awareness of the Quinmote native plantings that Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary nipiac River and within the thrive in our climate and that support insect and bird on Cook Hill. These proper- Mill River Watershed area. Cheshire Land Trust’s curpopulations. Gardeners have ties offer a network of trails for the public to enjoy lowrent project is the installaan important role to play in impact recreation. Birding is tion of a native plant Pollireversing environmental nator Pathway along the damage through the choices popular at Fresh Meadows and there’s an abundance of Farmington Canal Heritage we make when we buy wildflowers that bring in trail. The purpose is to bring plants and products for the Monarchs and other butter- awareness to the decline of garden,” she said. Monarch butterflies and other pollinators. CLT’s Pollinator Pathway plans to break ground in the spring.

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acknowledged for the impact they made within the group and the community, said Simpatico. Dot Edwards was the founder of the Holiday Fair, which was the scholarship fundraiser. Edwards recently passed away at the age of 94 and attended programs to the end.

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"The Cheshire Land Trust is dedicated to protecting and preserving land for posterity. This is clean water and clean air. It’s also important not only for us humans so we have a pleasant and livable town, but also for wildlife of all kinds, from spring wildflowers to fireflies, birds and bats, opossums to bobcats,” said CLT Vice President Karen Schnitzer. “By protecting landscapes in our town, we are shoring up the foundation of the natural environment that we depend on for so much.” Future goals, according to the group, will be to increase membership and bring in new faces to assist in the important message of conservation and serve as continuity as it heads into the next 50 years.

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Joey’s Falafel is a hidden gem inside gas station By Bailey Wright Record-Journal staff

Tucked inside a Gulf gas station convenience store, Joey’s Falafel is easy to miss at first glance. Signs outside tell customers to come inside for fresh, made-to-order American and Middle Eastern food. “It’s where you have to eat,” one sign says. For the past five months, Joey’s Falafel has operated in Joey's Falafel owner Joseph Shehada prepares a a roughly 250 square foot chicken shawarma wrap at his business, 197 Main St. space at Gulf Food Mart, Bailey Wright, Record-Journal 197 Main St. Owner Joseph Shehada runs the business with his brother Roger. The two serve middle eastern food like hummus, falafel, chicken and beeflamb shawarma and grilled kafta kebab. Shehada said his relatives own restaurants in Lebanon and all the food at Joey’s Falafel is prepared the same way it would be overseas. A chicken shawarma platter “It’s homemade food, freshly at Joey's Falafel in made, and no frozen stuff is Cheshire. used,” Shehada said. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal On a recent Wednesday, a customer ordered the chicken shawarma and Shehada began cooking the marinated chicken on the grill top. He then pulled out a pita and layered on homemade garlic sauce, lettuce, and homemade pickles. The brothers purchase the pita

from an authentic Lebanese store in Canada. The menu includes some American classics, like burgers, steak and cheese sandwiches, and salads. They also offer breakfast sandwiches, with choices of cheese, bacon and sausage.

Shehada said he’s seen successful restaurants operate inside convenience stores, mostly in the South. Shehada hopes to expand at some point. The reviews they’ve gotten so far have been positive. “Everybody who came here ... they loved the food,” he said. Joey’s Falafel also offers catering, with platters of falafel and pita bread, grilled kafta kebab fingers, chicken kebab, beef-lamb shawarma and more. Roger Shehada, head chef, said they have a 50-person order for Christmas. Joseph Shehada has owned and operated a combination convenience store, liquor store and deli-style restaurant in Bridgeport for 25 years. This is his first business in Cheshire. Joey’s Falafel is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. everyday except Sunday. They offer delivery on DoorDash and mrdelivery.com. 800-709-7191

Falafel dish made at Joey's Falafel in Cheshire. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

bwright@ record-journal.com 203-317-2316 Twitter: @baileyfaywright

Cuff Brook From A6

next few months, until Nov. 7 — when the wetlands panel approved a new permit allowing the project to continue. The permit came with new stipulations, including that an outside consultant with engineering credentials oversee the project. But it only took a few days before Public Works & Engineering officials would receive another notice of violation — for failing to convene a pre-construction meeting with IWWC staff, failing to notify the commission that work would resume on the project and for allowing that work to resume “without the required supervision” of a third party engineer, according to a notice dated Nov 13.

lating permit stipulations at the time, but did not enforce adhering to those stipulations. A review of the personnel files for Noewatne and Caffrey showed no disciplinary action has been taken in connection with the project.

Under review Cheshire Town Manager Sean M. Kimball, in an email, said the town's “investigation into this matter from a standpoint is ongoing pending the results of the DEEP review.” Kimball noted Caffrey had supervised a similar project for a previous employer. He wrote Caffrey “was given responsibility for the daily inspection and oversight of this project.”

“Mr. Caffrey had authority to stop the work at any time, During the show cause hear- and took responsibility for his failure to do so at the Auings, public works and Nagust IWWC meeting,” Kimtional Water Main Cleaning ball said. Co. leaders expressed remorse over the incident and The cost of hiring the outthe failures to adhere to the side engineering firm, permit requirements. Milone and Macbroom, to During those hearings, wet- provide an engineering assessment of the project's relands panel members did not mince words in convey- vised plans and to then supervise its completion, was ing their disappointment with the Public Works & En- around $16,000. gineering Department. Kimball said despite that adIn particular, members took ditional cost, the overall project cost still was expected to issue with the fact that Cafbe $39,000 under-budget. frey had been at the site on July 17-18, taking phoMeanwhile, DEEP officials tographs that documented are weighing whether to pethe permit violations as they nalize the town for the enviwere occurring, but not tak- ronmental violations. DEEP ing action to halt the project. has the authority to levy fines up to $25,000 for each Email correspondence day the violations had ocshowed town officials were aware workers had been vio- curred.

Briefs From A3

Census jobs In preparation for the 2020 count, the U.S. Census Bureau is hiring for a variety of temporary jobs, including census takers, recruiting assistants, office staff and supervisory staff.

The pay rate for a census taker is $21 per-hour plus reimbursement for work-related mileage and expenses. To be eligible, you must be at least 18, have a valid Social Security number and be a U.S. citizen. Candidates must complete an online job application (2020Census.gov/ jobs). The application includes assessment questions about your education, work, and other experience.

A10

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Thursday, December 26, 2019

Legal Notices & Classifieds

Reach over 310,000 readers. Call us today 203-238-1953

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Thursday, December 26, 2019

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A11

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A12

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Thursday, December 26, 2019

READERS’ CHOICE

DIRECTORY MEET THE WINNERS: BONGIOVANNI INSURANCE & FINANCIAL / BSP INSURANCE

107 E Main St, Meriden, CT (203) 237-7900 • https://www.bifct.com/

WINNER for Best Investment Firm, Business Insurance, Place to Work (1-25 Employees) and Insurance Agent FINALIST for Best Commercial Insurance, Home & Auto Insurance and Business Insurance ......................................................... CINDY’S UNIQUE SHOP 32 N Colony St, Wallingford, CT (203) 269-9341

WINNER for Best Antique Store and Consignment Store FINALIST for Best Furniture Store ......................................................... COLONIAL FLOORING AMERICA

1116 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT (203) 774-5856 • colonialflooringamerica.com

WINNER for Best Flooring Company FINALIST for Best Floor Covering Store ......................................................... COLONY DINER & RESTAURANT 611 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT (203) 269-9507 • colonydiner.com

WINNER for Best Diner, Early Bird Diner ......................................................... HERITAGE FLOOR COVERING CO

892 N Colony St, Wallingford, CT (203) 269-8626 • heritagefloorcoveringco.com

WINNER for Best Floor Covering Store FINALIST for Best Flooring Company ......................................................... J.CHRISTIAN’S 9 N Main St, Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 265-6393 • jchristians.com

WINNER for Best Fine Dining FINALIST for Best Romantic Restaurant .........................................................

MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS SOLUTIONS

665 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 269-8000 • medweightlosssolutions.com

WINNER for Best Weight Loss Center ......................................................... KEYS & STRINGS MUSIC STUDIO

321 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT (203) 265-1500 • keysandstringsmusicstudio.com

WINNER for Best Music Instruction ......................................................... MESLIN PEDIATRIC AND FAMILY DENTISTRY

60 Church St # 15, Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 774-0019 • meslindentistry.com

WINNER for Best Pediatric Dentistry ......................................................... PETRUZELO INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

4 Research Pkwy, Wallingford, CT (866) 479-3327 • petruzelo.com

WINNER for Best Home & Auto Insurance FINALIST for Best Business Insurance, Commercial Insurance, Insurance Agent ......................................................... SERENITY SALON & DAY SPA 118 Center St, Wallingford, CT (203) 265-4419 • serenityofwallingford.com

AWARDS

2019 There are over 15,000 businesses across four cities, Meriden, Southington, Wallingford and Cheshire, whose hard work, dedication and success make our communities a great place to live and work. The Readers’ Choice program was created to recognize and reward our local businesses and to be a resource when you might be looking for a dentist, car repair, or even a place to have dinner with your family. Over 210,000 votes were cast, and over 500 businesses have earned the right to call themselves the Best of the Best and be celebrated at an exclusive first-class gala all for them. Congratulations again, to our 2019 Readers’ Choice winners.

For more details visit:

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READERSCHOICE

WINNER for Best Day Spa FINALIST for Best Hair Salon, Skin Care Treatment Center ......................................................... ULTRA COIN 2 LAUNDROMAT 1118 N Colony Rd, Wallingford, CT (203) 623-9621

WINNER for Best Laundromat ......................................................... VINCENT CERVONI, CERVONI LAW OFFICE, LLC 221 N Main St, Wallingford, CT (203) 265-5789 • attorneycervoni.com

FINALIST for Best Law Firm

COUNTRY FLOWER FARMS

320 Baileyville Rd, Middlefield, CT 06455 (860) 349-3690 •countryflowerfarms.org

WINNER for Best Garden Center

Were you a winner? Interested in having your business listed here? Contact Jaime at 203-317-2306