Cheshire Citizen

THROUGH THE RAINDROPS

Local teen dies in accident at UConn

By Mary Ellen Godin Record-Journal staff

Cheshire and the Wilcox Technical High School community are mourning the loss of a student who died while helping an older sibling move into a dormitory at the University of Connecticut in Storrs.

On Aug. 28, Kellen McIntosh, 16, was trying to stop a rolling car that was left out of gear when the car pinned him against a wall in one of the dormitory areas. He was taken to Connecticut Children’s medi-

cal center and died on Sept. 4, according to media reports.

Kellen McIntosh lived with his family in Cheshire and was a junior in Wilcox’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning program, his father Kyle McIntosh said.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for our entire school community, and we want to extend our deepest condolences to Kellen's family and friends,” Wilcox

Principal Stacy Butkus wrote in a message to par-

See Accident, A7

Parks and Rec looking for basketball players

By Peter Prohaska Herald Staff

The inclement weather couldn’t stop many from turning out for Cheshire’s annual Fall Festival and Marketplace, organized by the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce. Storms caused some changes and cancellations to the two-day event - Sept. 8 and 9 - but Festival goers still braved the rain to enjoy a weekend of family fun at Bartlem Park. Levi DiDomiziowasadoublewinnerattheBoyScoutTroop51tent. Tracey Harrington, Cheshire Herald

Cheshire Parks & Recreation Program Coordinator Sarah Straker is encouraging parents to register their children as soon as possible for fall and winter basketball leagues. Unlike in years past, registration will close on Oct. 1, with no late registrations accepted.

Straker says this will allow Parks & Rec to get everything organized in order to maximize the positive experience for participants.

“It’s a bit of trial and error, where we see what works and what doesn’t and keep moving on,” said Straker.

In addition to getting play-

See Ball, A12

Close call for summer tomatoes

Who wouldn’t want a bite of a tasty, vine-ripened tomato? That’s all I wanted this summer.

Sigh.

I am sitting outside this morning with my coffee (and cat on leash) lamenting at what looks like the last of summer.

There are a million more birds than usual, so fall migration has begun. The hummingbird is making rounds on the salvia. For the first time ever, he zips up close to me, almost to my face. Either he’s near-sighted or couldn’t figure out who I was. “I am the lady who plants flowers for you,” I tell him. He seems satisfied with that and flies away.

Many of the summer flowers are spent; the goldenrod and New England asters are in bloom. I am not ready for fall. In fact, I refuse to let summer go. It’s not because I don’t like falling leaves or snow or hot cocoa. It’s because I have not had one decent tomato this season.

I tried. I did. I planted my San Marzano tomato plants and my one, Sun-Gold cherry tomato plant. I recall putting my plant purchases into my cart, I let myself dream of eating bruschetta toast, one after another. I even added organic compost to the purchase to kick-start the dream.

And didn’t it seem fortuitous when showers arrived just as I finished putting those plants in the ground? Certainly, that’s good luck, right? Nope. The showers transitioned to rain, then to

a downpours, monsoon, deluge, inundation – oh yeah, a lot of rain.

What an absolutely sad, tomato-less season for me. I don’t get it.

After spending so much money on soil, compost, mulch, tomato stakes and the plants, I have only gotten three cherry tomatoes out of the deal.

If you are keeping track, I spent the equivalent of a tank of gas, or the cost of having my teeth cleaned at the dentist, or a visit to the vet to get the old cat its arthritis shot. It’s not petty cash.

Hopeless. That’s how I saw it. Here it is September and I haven’t had one good tomato. That is, until by some happy coincidence, a friend in town received an overload of tomatoes from her neighbor Kathryn. I was lucky enough to score a few as my friend’s hubby does not care for tomatoes. My hubby is the same way. While he loves spaghetti sauce and ketchup, the man will not eat a tomato.

How does that make sense? No use arguing about it. It is what it is. Plus, I got tomatoes out of the deal.

Bonus! These tomatoes were knock-your-summer-bon-

nets off delicious. Wow! Life was beginning to look up again for me.

In another random act of good luck, I happened to meet Kathryn, this tomato whisperer of Cheshire, at last weekend’s Chamber of Commerce Cheshire Fall Festival and Marketplace It turns out that Kathryn’s green thumb is not her doing.

Kathryn said she and her husband moved to town in the 90s and the tomatoes magically appeared in the compost pile. It was the former owner’s present to them.

Even better, these tomatoes self-seed year after year. It also turns out these are not just any tomatoes – they are heirloom varieties.

Heirloom tomatoes are a cultivar that harken back before large-scale production agriculture became the standard.

A lot of folks believe these non-hybrid, open-pollinated veggies taste better than what we normally find in supermarkets.

I happily agree.

I can’t wait for the next batch that Kathryn has promised me.

CT’s high cost of living has slowed economic recovery, report says

By Erica E. Phillips © The Connecticut Mirror

Connecticut’s economic growth has lagged the rest of the country since both the pandemic recession and the Great Recession, costing the state an estimated 250,000 jobs and potentially billions of dollars in tax revenue, according to a report from child advocacy and economic policy group CT Voices for Children.

The annual “State of Working Connecticut” report, released Thursday, attributed much of the state’s lackluster economic performance to its high costs of living particularly housing and child care expenses for families and certain regressive taxes that “exacerbate inequality,” said Patrick O’Brien, research and policy director for CT Voices.

“By not sufficiently addressing the housing affordability problem in the state, by not sufficiently reducing barriers to entry in the workforce, by not sufficiently addressing the child care problem, and by not sufficiently addressing the tax fairness problem, it’s become too expensive for a lot of families to move here and or to stay and grow here,” O’Brien said. “That has hurt the state’s economy and in turn the state’s budget.”

A broad middle-class tax cut, passed this year by the state legislature, was an improvement, O’Brien said, “but it’s likely insufficient.”

Since the Great Recession, economic growth, or GDP, in Connecticut has trailed the U.S. rate by 37.9 percentage points, and since the pandemic it’s 7.5% behind. Job

growth since the pandemic lags the U.S. by 3.1%, and since the Great Recession it’s fallen 14.4% behind, the report found.

“That’s just an eye-popping stat,” said Chris DiPentima, president of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association.

But he noted the economic climate following each of the recent recessions was distinct. “We weren’t able to really create jobs during that ‘08 to 2018 period of time because we were in this period of budget deficits and tax hikes,” DiPentima said. “From the pandemic, it’s been the opposite. We have the job opportunities, and the people haven’t come.”

Like O’Brien, DiPentima attributes the recent troubles to the state’s affordability.

He said the state needs to invest in reducing the costs of living and the costs of doing business in Connecticut, while also paying down the state’s long-term debt obligations. Connecticut put $4 billion toward retiree health care debt during Gov. Ned Lamont’s first term, but it still has a long way to go toward paying it off.

“You have to have a balance

of the two,” he said. “You don’t want to be moving to a state where it seems affordable today, but the next thing you know, the rug gets pulled out from underneath you, and whether you’re an individual or business, we’re in a budget deficit and we’re raising taxes again.”

O’Brien took a different

Drive-In movies

The 2023 summer season at the Southington Drive-In runs every Saturday through Sept. 9. Admission is $20 per carload and $5 for walk-ins, cash only. Gates open at 6 p.m, with the films beginning after sunset.

Cheshire FD

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

Visit cheshirefd.org. Postings

about Cheshire Fire Department activities can be found on the CFD’s website, as well as on Facebook (Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department) and Instagram (cheshirect.fd).

Land Trust

The Cheshire Land Trust is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization committed to conservation. The organization is wholly funded by members.

For more information, email CheshireLandTrust@

gmail.com.

Alert system

Residents can register to receive emergency notifications from the town. Examples include evacuation notices, bio-terrorism alerts, boil water notices and missing child reports. Visit cheshirect.org to register.

Office hours

Most Town of Cheshire offices are open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Fri-

day, with the following exceptions: the Registrars of Voters office is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday; the Human Services office is open 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment; the Collector of Revenue office is open for extended hours on tax deadline days.

Counseling

Youth and Family Counseling is provided at no cost to Cheshire school aged children and their families. Individual, family and group therapy sessions are available. Clients are seen either in the Town Hall or at school. Daytime or evening sessions can be arranged. For more information, contact the Youth and Social Services Department at 203271-6690.

Fingerprinting

Cheshire residents and individuals employed by, or seeking employment with, a business in town may come to the Cheshire Police Department and have their fingerprints taken. Fingerprinting services are available

Mondays and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is a $5 fee. Photo identification is required. Applicants are required to pre-enroll with the Connecticut Criminal History Request System (ct.flexcheck.us.idemia.io/ cchrspreenroll). Fingerprints for pistol permit applicants will only be taken when a complete application packet is ready to be turned in.

Car seat inspection

To schedule an appointment, contact Cheshire police officer Kristian Johnson at 203-271-5544. Arrange to bring your child and all safety seat instructions to the inspection. For more information on child safety and safety seats, visit Safekids.org.

La Leche League

La Leche League of Hamden/North Haven meets the second Wednesday of each month at Grace & St. Peter’s Church, 2927 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Attendees from throughout the greater New Haven area are welcome. RSVP to Anne.M@ LLLCT.org.

State hospitals unsure if patient records were breached in cyberattack

By Dave Altimari and Jenna Carlesso © The Connecticut Mirror

A lawyer for the parent company of three Connecticut hospitals that were victims of a cyberattack told the state attorney general’s office they are still unsure if patients’ personal information has been compromised. The letter also confirmed that not all of the hospitals’ systems are back online more than a month after the attack.

“Prospect Medical’s information technology teams are continuing to work around-the-clock to securely restore access to its system as quickly and safely as possible, and in a manner that prioritizes its ability to provide patient care,” attorney Sara M. Goldstein wrote in an Aug. 21 letter to Attorney General William Tong’s office.

Goldstein is an attorney for BakerHostetler of Philadelphia, which is representing Prospect Medical. The sys-

tem operates 16 hospitals in California, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

In Connecticut, Prospect’s Eastern Connecticut Health Network consists of Manchester Memorial Hospital and Rockville General Hospital and Waterbury HEALTH.

ECHN declined to answer specific questions about the cyberattack on Friday, such as whether the hospitals have yet determined if patient records were compromised. Instead, ECHN’s Director of Community Relations Kimberly A. Forbes issued a statement echoing Goldstein’s letter to the attorney general’s office, writing that “because our investigation is ongoing, we do not have additional information to share at this time.”

“ECHN continues to work around-the-clock to recover critical systems and restore their integrity. We are making progress and some operational systems are coming online. We do not yet have a

definitive timeline for how long it will be before all of our systems are restored,” Forbes said.

The hospitals were victims of a ransomware attack that was first discovered on Aug. 1, according to a previous letter to Tong’s office.

They initially notified the attorney general’s office of the possible breach – as required by state law – on Aug. 4. At that time Goldstein wrote “there had been unusual activity in its IT environment.”

The breach forced the hospitals to divert emergency care patients to other hospitals for more than 24 hours, cut off access to online medical records and forced them to cancel elective surgeries.

In the most recent letter, Goldstein acknowledged that the hospital chain still doesn’t have a timeline for when all of its systems will be restored.

Services currently not being offered include outpatient

imaging services at the Women’s Center, Manchester Memorial and Rockville General hospitals, and Evergreen Imaging locations, as well as outpatient blood draw at three loca-

tions, ECHN said Friday.

State Department of Public Health Spokesman Christopher Boyle said the agency’s Facility Licensing and InvesSee Records, A13

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program

The Cheshire Human Services Department will be taking applications for the Connecticut Energy Assistance program for Cheshire residents only. The Energy Assistance program provides

financial assistance to income eligible households in paying for a portion of their heating cost during the winter months.

Program eligibility is based on income and family size. Applicants must provide documentation of current income of all household family members over the age of 18 to apply for assistance.

Applicant must provide current primary heating source bill and a copy of the most current utility bill.

All heat sources are considered, including oil, propane, electricity, gas and wood. Renters who have their heat included in their rent must provide proof of rent and copy of lease. Applications will be taken by appointment only beginning the week of Oct. 9. Contact Kristen Cherry at Cheshire Human Services at 203-2716690.

*Note the Cheshire Human Services office is moving. As of Oct. 2, we will be located at 19 Wallingford Road, Cheshire, CT 06410. The office hours and phone number will remain the same.

11th Annual Fore St. Pete’s Sake Tournament

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

in Cheshire is hosting its 11th annual golf tournament on Friday, Oct. 6 at Lyman Orchards Golf Club in Middlefield. “Fore St. Pete’s Sake” is the church’s biggest annual fundraiser, and this year it will honor the Rev. Ray Andersen, the founder of this popular event and longtime friend and supporter of the parish.

The Fore St. Pete’s Sake golf package includes 18 holes of golf, breakfast, use of the driving range and putting greens; tips and assistance from golf pros; post-golf dinner with an open bar (beer, wine, soft drinks); prizes; raffle and silent auction.

The cost is $150.00 for individual players; $. non players can have dinner/dessert and participate in the raffle for $25.

For more information and to sign up as a player or sponsor, visit St. Peter’s website: www.stpeterscheshire.org

Young Democrats Rally

This year the Young Democrats Rally will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at Cheshire Senior Center, Maple Ave. This is a free event; refreshments will be served.

Elim Park Christian Women’s Connection

Elim Park Christian Women’s Connection is scheduled for Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. Elim Park Conservatory, 150 Cook Hill Road. Brunch 9:45 a.m. $20.00 (Payable at door); door prizes; fashion show – consignment originals; Speaker, Sharon Palmer; Music – Sharon K. Make reservations by calling Joann at 203-8832 or email kgill1948@gmail.com. RSVP by Oct. 1, Leave name and contact number.

ents and students. “Our thoughts are with them during this unimaginable tragedy. Kellen was a cherished member of our school community, and his absence will be deeply felt by all of us. ”

Butkus called upon parents and teachers to come together to offer support for each other and Kellen’s friends and family. School counselors will be available to provide emotional support to students, parents and staff members. She asked students to watch out for those who are struggling and offered guidance to parents on how to discuss the loss with children.

“We encourage you to lean on one another during this difficult time,” Butkus stated. “Whether you knew Kellen personally or not, we are all part of the Wilcox family, and together we can offer strength and comfort to one another.”

A GoFundMe page to help the family with arrangements has been set up in Kellen’s name at https://gofund.me/30975b32.

According to organizer Steve Brainard, Kellen leaves behind his mother (Carmen Valle), father (Kyle McIntosh), sister and brother. The family will have medical bills and funeral expenses to contend with, Brainard stated on the GoFundMe page. Funds will be used to reimburse the family for medical and funeral costs. The page had raised more than $10,304 as of Sept.12.

The family has spent the past week visiting Kellen at the hospital until he died on Monday, said his father Kyle McIntosh. The family was making final arrangements Wednesday.

“He was a great kid,” McIntosh said. “He was helping his sister.”

mgodin@record-journal.com

203-317-2255

Twitter: @Cconnbiz

→

→

stance on the balance of spending on social services versus paying off the state’s long-term debt. By investing more of the state’s recent surplus funds into programs that make Connecticut more affordable for low- and middle-income families, the state would see an immediate increase in consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of GDP, he said.

“When GDP grows, the tax base increases, making it easier for the state to generate the revenue it needs to service those long-term obligations, while also both increasing spending on critical public investments and providing tax cuts to low- and middle- income families,” he said.

Brilliant Basement

Federal pandemic emergency funds have helped boost Connecticut’s financial position. The state ended the 2021 fiscal year with a $1.7

billion budget surplus. In 2022 the surplus reached a record $4.3 billion, and this year’s surplus landed at $2.9 billion.

And since the legislature enacted caps on spending and borrowing in 2017 along with aggressive savings programs the state has amassed a record-setting

Coming

In order to continue delivery to your home or business, we need to have each resident or business let us know that, by filling out our online requester form at myrecordjournal.com/cheshire-requester Or, you can call us at 203-634-3933 and we can mail you a postage paid postcard to fill out and return. Without the necessary requester information, delivery of your Cheshire Citizen to your home or business, will end. Cheshire Citizen will be delivered to anyone who is not already a Cheshire Herald or Record-Journal subscriber only.

HELP US HELP YOU, CONTINUE RECEIVING “YOUR”

$3.3 billion in its rainy day fund while also paying an extra $5.8 billion against its massive pension debt.

One bright spot for Con-

necticut, relative to the rest of the country, was the wage gain among low- and middle-income workers over the course of the pandemic which surpassed the national rate. The increase in Connecticut can be attributed, in part, to the state raising its hourly minimum wage annually between 2019 and 2023, reaching $15 an hour in June of this year.

While it’s possible for minimum wage increases to impede job creation or economic growth, that wasn’t likely the case here, experts said. Connecticut currently has nearly 100,000 job openings, and the competitive job market has been driving up hourly starting wages well beyond the legal minimum.

Balazs Zelity, assistant professor of economics at Wesleyan University in Middletown, pointed out that New York and Massachusetts “also embarked upon similar minimum wage increases over the past few years, yet they have been able to keep up with and even surpass the country as a whole in real GDP growth.”

Zelity said that could be because low-wage jobs in those states tend to be in sectors that can’t easily change location, like the service sector. Connecticut’s relatively weak performance may also be related to its aging population, many of whom are retiring from the workforce, Zelity said.

DiPentima said the key to growing the workforce is attracting people to the state, and that means bringing down the cost of living.

“That’s where the legislators and the governor and all elected officials need to be hyper-focused: How do we make Connecticut affordable not the most affordable, but certainly the most competitive in the Northeast when it comes to the cost of living and the cost of doing business?”

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

Gov. Ned Lamont answers questions from Chris DiPentima, president of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, at an association-sponsored event on September 23, 2022. Advocates and policy researchers attribute Connecticut’s lackluster economic performance to the state’s lack of affordable child care and housing for working families.

Courtesy of Connecticut Business and Industry Association

Dad Enis gives daughter Elida Alimi a boost when apple picking at Norton Brothers Fruit Farm over the Labor Day holiday weekend. From Danbury, the Alimis have made going to Norton Brothers a special event with extended familyforyears.

Photo courtesy of Joy VanderLek

Unlock Your Business Potential with a Partnership that Delivers Results

Obituaries

CHESHIRE - Florine

“Mickey” (Plumb) Wheeler passed away on August 25, 2023.

A long-time resident of Cheshire, Mickey was born to Frank and Annie Plumb on July 6, 1930, in Waterbury and grew up in Prospect. After graduating from Wilby High School, she attended Post Junior College. In 1950, she married Ernest Wheeler, her husband of 52 years, and moved to Cheshire.

At RJ Media Group and Homebase Digital, we forge strong partnerships to propel your business forward. With a legacy since 1867, our award-winning team drives local business success.

Why Choose Us?

Unparalleled Experience

Serving locals for a century, we understand the market dynamics like no one else.

Comprehensive Solutions

From print to cutting-edge digital strategies, we cater to your unique needs.

Impactful Results

We measure success by your tangible growth.

Local Expertise

Deeply rooted, we connect you with your target audience effectively.

Award-Winning Team

Fuel

Robberta Rose-Bernard I Digital Media Sales Manager rbernard@homebasedigital.com

Mickey lived a full life and was active in the Ladies Aid Society of the First Congregational Church in Cheshire, the Prospect Grange, the Prospect Cemetery Association, the Prospect Historical Society, the Order of Eastern Star, and the Lady Fenwick Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution. She especially enjoyed her “pool group” and swam regularly at the Cheshire Community Pool. Mickey was known for her beautiful quilting, knitting, crocheting, and embroidery, and frequently donated her handiwork to charitable organizations. Her parents Frank and Ann Plumb, her husband Ernest Wheeler, and her siblings Sylvia O’Dell and Frank Plumb, preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children, Joyce Schreitmueller of Plano, TX, Donna Crnkovich (William) of Lewes, Delaware, Thomas Wheeler (Dr. David Rubino) of Bethany, Carol Leonard (Robert) of Cheshire, and daughter of her heart Clarines Rincon (Dr. Hassan Khalili) of St. John’s, NFLD, Canada.

She also is survived by her grandchildren Kristen Reeves (Spencer) of Plano, TX, Matthew Crnkovich (Dr. Maria Carolina Witkowski) of Falls Church, VA, Daniel Crnkovich (Dr. Jessica Vasquez) of, Astoria, NY, Andrew Leonard of Cheshire, Dr. Sammy Khalili (Lindsay) of South Barrington, IL, Donnamarie Jenkins (Alastair) of St. John’s NFLD, Canada, and her great-grandchildren Maya, John, Sarah, Nicolas, Lucas, and Sofia, as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family thanks Felistus Mogocha for her care and companionship over the past two years.

A celebration of Mickey’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on September 15, 2023, at the First Congregational Church in Cheshire. A private burial will be at the family’s convenience. Memorial gifts may be made to the First Congregational Church, 111 Church Dr., Cheshire, CT 06410. For online condolences, to share a photo or a story, please visit www.fordfh. com.

Florine Wheeler

Maryellen Hardy

GREENWICH, NYMaryellen (King) Hardy, 81, passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at her home. She was the wife of the late David T. Hardy.

Maryellen was born December 20, 1941, in Cleveland, OH, the daughter of the late John and Ellen (Strachan) King. She was preceded in death by her sister Betsy (King) Lincoln.

Maryellen graduated from North Haven High School and Lasell College. She worked as a Medical Technologist for several years, then worked for many years alongside her husband at S.P. Skinner and Portmeirion USA, businesses they coowned. She volunteered at several community organizations including Cheshire Hospice, Special Olympics, and Cheshire YMCA, where she was proud to have taught many children to swim. Later in life she was an avid golfer. She was a longtime Cheshire resident before moving to NY several years ago.

Maryellen is survived by her children Richard Hardy and his wife Melissa of Madison, WI and Carolyn Shafer and her husband Robert of Greenwich, NY; as well as

her four grandchildren, Emma, William, Davis, and Elizabeth. She is additionally survived by her sister Lois (Ted) Willis. In addition she is survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members and many cherished friends. Arrangements - A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023, at 11 am at the First Congregational Church of Cheshire, 111 Church Dr. The Alderson-Ford Funeral home is assisting with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866. For online condolences, to share a photo or a story, please visit www.fordfh. com.

Obituaries

Kellen Patrick Henry McIntosh

Kellen Patrick Henry McIntosh

SOUTHINGTON Kellen

PatrickHenry McIntosh,16, of Southington,CT, passed away on September 4, 2023, inStorrs,CT. Hewasbornon August18,2007,andbrought joy to everyone he encountered withhis boundlessenergy, infectious laughter, and unwavering love.Kellen’s legacyis oneof kindness,resilience,and thecherished memories we shared with him.Althoughhistimewithus was tooshort, theimpact he made onour liveswill endure forever.

Kellen Patrick Henry McIntosh, 16, of Southington, CT, passed away on September 4, 2023, in Storrs, CT. He was born on August 18, 2007, and brought joy to everyone he encountered with his boundless energy, infectious laughter, and unwavering love. Kellen’s legacy is one of kindness, resilience, and the cherished memories we shared with him. Although his time with us was too short, the impact he made on our lives will endure forever.

Kellen was a remarkable youngman whohad apassionfor gaming,buildingand fixing things.He wasvery handyand lovedtocook, earninghimthe titleofa Foodie. Additionally, Kellen adored his two dogs, Neela andBo, andcherishedthe timehespentwiththem.

Kellen was a remarkable young man who had a passion for gaming, building and fixing things. He was very handy and loved to cook, earning him the title of a Foodie. Additionally, Kellen adored his two dogs, Neela and Bo, and cherished the time he spent with them.

Heissurvived byhisloving mother,Carmen Valle;father, Kyle McIntosh;stepmother, RosaMuñoz Xicola;hissib-

He is survived by his loving mother, Carmen Valle; father, Kyle McIntosh; stepmother, Rosa Muñoz Xicola; his siblings, Kameron McIntosh, Liliana McIntosh and Elia McIntosh; maternal grandparents, Alicia Valle and Jesus Nova; and paternal grandparents, Jerry and Diane McIntosh. Kellen is also survived by his aunts, uncles, and cousins. Kellen’s presence in their lives will be deeply missed, but his spirit will forever live on in their hearts.

Kellen’s educational journey included attending Highland Elementary in Cheshire, Celentano Magnet School in New

New Haven and Southington MiddleSchool.Hewasonthe vergeofbeginninghiseducationat WilcoxTech, wherehis curiosity andlove forlearning shonebrightly.

A Celebration ofLife for Kellen McIntoshwill beheld onFriday, September15th, from3 p.m.to 7p.m. atthe Alderson-Ford FuneralHome located at615 SouthMain St, Cheshire, CT06410. Following the callinghours, a receptionwilltakeplacefrom7p.m. to 12 a.m.at Kinsmen Brewery, Clark Hall,409 Canal Street,Milldale,CT06467.

Haven and Southington Middle School. He was on the verge of beginning his education at Wilcox Tech, where his curiosity and love for learning shone brightly.

lings, KameronMcIntosh, LilianaMcIntosh andEliaMcIntosh; maternalgrandparents, Alicia Valleand JesusNova; and paternalgrandparents, Jerryand DianeMcIntosh. Kellenis alsosurvived byhis aunts,uncles, andcousins. Kellen’spresenceintheirlives will bedeeply missed,but his spiritwillforeverliveonintheir hearts.

Memorial contributions toward funeraland medicalexpensescan bemadeto agofundme via the funeral home website.

A Celebration of Life for Kellen McIntosh will be held on Friday, September 15th, from 3pm to 7pm at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home located at 615 South Main St, Cheshire, CT 06410. Following the calling hours, a reception will take place from 7pm to 12am at Kinsmen Brewery, Clark Hall, 409 Canal Street, Milldale, CT 06467.

Kellen’s educational journey includedattending Highland Elementaryin Cheshire, Celentano Magnet School in

AswebidfarewelltoKellen, let us remember him not with tears ofsorrow, butwith smilesthatreflect thejoyand love he brought into our lives. Mayhisspirit beatpeace, andmaywe findsolaceinthe cherished momentswe shared together with Kellen. To sharea storyor memory, pleasevisitwww.fordfh.com.

Memorial contributions toward funeral and medical expenses can be made to a gofundme via the funeral home website.

As we bid farewell to Kellen, let us remember him not with tears of sorrow, but with smiles that reflect the joy and love he brought into our lives. May his spirit be at peace, and may we find solace in the cherished moments we shared together with Kellen. To share a story or memory, please visit www.fordfh.com.

ers registered in a timely fashion, Straker is also asking for parent volunteers to serve as coaches at all levels. Those who sign on will be expected to help young players “do rotations correctly” and are, according to Straker, crucial parts of making the leagues work.

“We couldn’t do what we do without the volunteer coaches, ” she admitted. Those interested can contact Straker through the Parks & Rec website.

Those wishing to register will be using the new MyRec system which the Town rolled out over the summer. Straker says it’s “ super userfriendly” and an upgrade on the previous registration and payment system.

Straker wants to “take time to bring back the fun aspects” but she also wants to emphasize “progression skills” for the early grade levels.

“When you’re young it’s important to work on skills each practice. It will make kids into stronger players,” she explained.

Those skills even include basics such as where to be on the court.

“Once they have the basics, they can get into scrimmages and eventually games later in the winter,” Straker stated.

(The full version of this story appears in the Sept. 14 edition of The Cheshire Herald. For more information, or to subscribe, visit www.cheshireherald.com.)

tigation team, and its Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response, continue to receive facility status updates from Prospect Medical in regard to the recent data security incident.

“DPH conducted several unannounced on-site visits to each of the hospitals during the incident. In addition, DPH monitored patient census data daily and met with the hospital system’s incident management team to keep apprised of the response, ” Boyle said. “DPH also continues to share information regarding this incident with its federal partners, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response.”

In a statement, the Connecticut Hospital Association said the state’s hospitals are committed to safeguarding patient information but “even the most sophisticated data systems can be vulnerable to intrusion when attacked by motivated bad actors.

“Globally, health care has become a target for attacks and defending against them is an integral part of all health care operations,” CHA’s statement said. “Here in Connecticut we’ve also seen recent breaches impact banks, insurance companies, schools, and utilities. We are encouraged by the state’s creation of a collaborative Cybersecurity Task Force this year which can build upon the work that hospital teams have led to ensure high quality care is matched with the highest quality security.”

While ECHN initially referred to the data breach as an “IT issue,” the letter from Goldstein makes clear it was a targeted attack. She wrote that the cybersecurity firm ECHN hired to investigate the incident determined “Prospect Medical data was taken by unauthorized actors.”

While the letter doesn’t divulge details about what happened, the Rhysida ran-

somware gang has claimed responsibility for the cyberattack, according to an Aug.

27 article by BleepingComputer, an online information security and technology

news publication.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in August issued a security bulletin warning that Rhysida was behind several recent attacks on health care organizations. BleepingComputer reported that Rhysida claims to have stolen up to a half million personal records of patients and employees of the three Connecticut hospitals but neither ECHN nor Prospect Medical have confirmed any patients’ personal information has been exposed.

Goldstein wrote that Prospect Medical is “working diligently to analyze the files that were taken.

“If the investigation determines that any protected health or personal information is involved, Prospect Medical will provide the appropriate notifications.”

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

Manchester Memorial Hospital is one of the Connecticut hospitals impacted by a cyberattacklastmonth. Eastern Connecticut Health Network

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.

MAINTAINER II

The Town of Wallingford is seeking applicants for Maintainer II. The position requires 2 years’ experience as a laborer in construction work involving the operation and care of trucks and other mechanical equipment, or 2 years training in one of the skilled trades and 1 year of experience in construction operations, or an equivalent combination of experience and training. A valid (CDL) Class B is required and a copy included with your application.

Wages: $23.73$27.82 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package that includes pension plan, paid sick and vacation time, 13 paid holidays. medical, dental and life insurance. A complete job announcement and application may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and can be mailed to the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, or emailed to: wlfdhr@ wallingfordct.gov by the closing date of September 25, 2023. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

FOR SALE - Walnut bedroom set. Dresser, bureau, headboard w/ storage, good cond. $150. 203-999-0604

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

BUYING ALL - Costume Jewelry, Old Watches, Gold Jewelry, Silver Jewelry, Gold & Silver Coins, Sterling Flatware, In Any Condition. Please Call Jude M. Dichele @ (203) 8681816.

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

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

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

ALWAYS BUYING OLD TOOLS - Old, used, and antique hand tools wanted. MACHINIST, woodworking, engraving, and workbench hand tools. Hunting equipment and firearms also of interest. Fair and honest offers made in your home. Please call with confidence Cory (860) 322-4367.

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.

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

PREMIER ESTATE JEWELRY - Is interested in buying your fine jewelry, watches, coin collections, silver flatware, and costume jewelry. Call Bill, (203) 4942496.

ZANDRI’S - Restaurant Equipment, Landscape, Household, 9/18 – 9/24 9AM-6PM, at CubeSmart 1074 S. Colony, Wallingford.

TREE LENGTH

FIREWOOD CALL FOR DETAILS 203-238-2149

POOL CLOSING/OPENINGS - Avoid the hassle of closing or opening your pool, call Steve! (Service all types of pools). 203-506-6329.

& JEWELRY

- Call Todd Shamock at 203-494-1695.

ANTIQUES WANTEDComic books, toys, adv. signs, military items, motorcyles, mini bikes, etc. All items considered, appraisal & estate sale services, incl. clean-outs. 40 years exp. Call or text, Gary at 203-237-4124.

Items, Pratt & Whitney Items, Colt Items, Native American Items, Vintage Electronics, Slot Cars, Toy Trucks, Matchbox & Hotwheels, Barbie’s, Folk Art, Statues, Bronzes, Trains, Cameras, Mid Century Modern Furniture, Straight Razors, Shaving Items, Political Items, Comic Books, Sports Cards & Autographs…& THE LIST GOES ON! So please give us a call at your earliest convenience.

Grassy Hill Auctions 203-868-1816 - Grassy HillAuctions.com

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

CARPENTRY

Repairs, Decks & Porches, Sheetrock & Taping Water Damage Repairs. Free Est. Ins. MC & Visa.

Call Bill (203) 901-2136. CT. Reg. # 0647093

DECKS & PORCHES

Give some new life to your old decks and porches. We can repair or replace stairs, deck boards, railings. We also construct new decks. HIC#647093 Insured. Call Bill for a free esti-

TEC ELECTRICAL

Service LLC All Phases of Electrical Work. 24 hr. Emergency Service. Small Jobs Welcome. 203.237.2122

GUTTERS

DON’T WORK

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

GUTTERS PLUS 25+yrs. Exp. Call today for Free estimate. 203-440-3535 Ct. Reg. #578887

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

Let Us BEAR

Your Junk!

Junk Removal in CT

SPRING CLEANUPS

JUNK REMOVAL

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

PATIOS, WALKWAYS, Stonewalls, Steps, Concrete, Repairs, Etc. Free Ests. #0648556 203.808.6886 arnoldsmasonry.com

#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

CEILINGS & WALL REPAIRS - Free estimates, Call Erik, 203-5924242. HIC0565857.

Gutter cleaning, brush removal, comm. snow plowing, HIC0622783. (203) 530-4447.

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

GOOD RATES

BEST SERVICE

Fully ins. Free Estimate. Call Ed, We’ll take it to the dump for you!

JM Lawn Care Lawn Mowing, Fall Cleanup, tree service, junk removal. 860.796.8168

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.

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

RT RELOCATION

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

#1 PAINTER’S EDGE

MOBILE WASH Chemicals safe for house & plants. House wash, roof cleaning, decks. 25 yrs. exp. Sr Disc. #0656136 Ins. 860.538.5520

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

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

TREE REMOVAL

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