cheshirecitizen.com
Volume 12, Number 52
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Libraries monitor rise in COVID-19 cases By Devin Leith-Yessian Record-Journal staff
Area libraries are largely keeping existing COVID-19 safety protocols in place while monitoring the rising positivity rates in conjunction with local public health officials.
While Cheshire Public Library resumed some in-person programming in the fall, it has held off on bringing back activities for children due to the lower vaccination rates for the age group. “We are concerned about the fact
that children are a vulnerable population and not all the age groups are able to be fully vaccinated or have their booster shot yet,” said library Director Beth Crowley. “So with the current variant we want to make sure we’re not exposing anyone unnecessarily.”
Although mask mandates, plexiglass barriers and capacity limitations remain in place, she said the library’s operations are fairly close to the prepandemic level. Visitors have mostly been understanding of the safety See Libraries, A2
Hundreds expected for Sloper Plunge fundraiser The Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA announced the 17th Annual Sloper Plunge is set to take place Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022 at 1 p.m. at YMCA Camp Sloper. Hundreds of individuals from the area are expected to “take the plunge” into Sloper Pond’s chilly water in an effort to raise $80,000. The proceeds from this event provide financial assistance to send children and teens, from Cheshire and Southington, to day camp in the summer. Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA CEO Mark Pooler said, “This is my favorite time of year. There is always a great buzz around this event and such wonderful community support
... Everyone seems to really rally around the cause of sending kids to camp, especially after the last couple of years and the challenges for kids with the pandemic.” The Sloper Plunge has been a staple fundraiser for the towns, particularly in Southington. Justin Hubeny, Outdoor Center Director at Camp Sloper, said, “all children deserve the opportunity to experience the magic of summer camp. The Sloper Plunge gives children the opportunity to come to camp who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford to.” Southington and Cheshire plunge teams are listed on the YMCA Sloper Plunge Event Page and those wish-
From left, Cheshire High School football head coach Don Drust, Brad Krutz and Nick DiDomizio, and CHS Athletic Director Steve Trifone take to the air during the See Plunge, A3 16th Annual Sloper Plunge. Photo courtesy of Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA
Microgreen farmer produces tasty, nutrient-packed product John Vojtek, of Cheshire, has launched a new business, Vitality Greens, producing as much as 250 pounds of microgreens each week. Joy VanderLek, The Cheshire Citizen
By Joy VanderLek The Cheshire Citizen
For those who make a commitment to eating healthier in the new year, John Vojtek’s Vitality Greens might help with keeping that resolution.
Cheshire residents, Vojtek and his wife, Cathryn, have three children. A registered nurse, Vojtek practices healthy, clean eating for himself and his family, in part, by growing his own microgreens. See Vitality, A4