The Southington | Plainville Citizen

‘Right to Read’ legislation sparks concern in schools

By Jessica Simms Record-Journal staff

After passage of ‘Right to Read’ legislation in 2021, the State Department of Education has approved the implementation of specific reading curricula and programs for kindergarten

through third grade by July 1 of this year. However, many districts across the state are opting to submit a waiver to continue to offer their current curricula.

“At this point, we have significant concerns about the state basically dictating

what program we’ll use to teach students the curriculum,” said Jeff Solan, superintendent of Cheshire Public Schools. “I fully appreciate that the state can articulate what the standards should be, but not how we

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Planners deny West St. day care

By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff

SOUTHINGTON Town planners decided against allowing a day care to open on West Street, citing concerns about traffic on the busy state road.

The Learning Experience, an international day care and early childhood education company, wanted to build a 10,000-squarefoot day care along with a 5,000-square-foot play-

ground area. The site, located at 1268 West St., was designed to hold about 150 children.

A major point of contention for Planning and Zoning Commission members was drivers turning left out of the day care. That would require them to cross a lane of traffic before getting into the northbound lane on West Street.

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Developer planning for 11-building property

By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff

SOUTHINGTON An 11building mixed-use development on West Street is under review by the town’s Conservation Commission.

It’s the next step for Texasbased Anthony Properties, a development company looking to build more than

200 apartments as well as retail space. The Tolles family owns 41 acres at 1303, 1193 and 1177 West St. The land slopes down from the road toward wetlands to the east.

In site plans submitted to the town, Anthony Properties is proposing development that mostly avoids

See Developer, A6

Student Zahira Galindo, 8, works in her third-grade class on Friday, Jan. 6 during a readinglessonatIsraelPutnamElementarySchoolinMeriden. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

Read

should teach it. So at this point, we’re going to be pursuing the waiver process.”

In June 2021, the Right to Read legislation was passed as part of Sections 394-404 of the Budget Implementer Bill (Public Act No. 21-22).

“The legislation systematizes a statewide reading response based on the Science of Reading by requiring the state to oversee all state and local efforts related to literacy, including setting reading curriculum requirements for districts, providing professional development, hiring external literacy coaches and coordinating with teacher preparation programs,” according to the legislation’s website. “A newly established Center for Literacy Research and Reading Success (The Center) will be the hub of that work.”

The Center has various components to its legislative mandates, including establishing the center itself, creating universal K-3 reading

assessments and more.

At a webinar hosted by the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education on Friday, Jan. 6, state Department of Education representatives shared that prior to the pandemic, 54% of Connecticut public school students in third grade were proficient in English language arts (ELA). This means that about 17,000 students in the state’s public schools were not proficient.

Now, after the pandemic, the proficiency rate is 47%, so around 19,000 students are not proficient in ELA.

In Meriden, Daniel Crisipino, director of school leadership for the elementary schools, said kindergarten and first grade classes have adopted one of the approved curricula.

“It was really nothing that shocked us,” Crisipino said.

For grades two and three, Crisipino said the district has its own “homegrown curriculum, so they will be putting in a waiver to con tinue to offer this program.

“It’s a close read model,” Crisipino said. “... We use a lot of programs that give kids multiple opportunities to be able to close that gap, the reading achievement gap, which is really a big piece of what the whole legislation is.”

As of Jan. 6, the state had approved seven curriculum models/programs, with two more being under review. However, district leaders opting to submit a waiver, due Feb. 28 by 5 p.m., would require the district to submit: Data collected from reading assessments that are disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, eligibility for free or reduced price lunches, students whose primary language is not English and students with disabilities; A strategy to address remaining achievement gaps as the existence of a significant disparity in the academic performance of students among and between racial groups, ethnic groups, socioeco-

nomic groups, genders and English language learners and students whose primary language is English.

Along with this, districts must demonstrate that their reading curriculum/model is evidenced-based and scientifically based. It must also focus on areas of reading including: oral language, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, rapid automatic name or letter name fluency, reading comprehension and phonemic awareness.

At the webinar hosted by CABE, Melissa K. Wlodarczyk Hickey, director of the Center for Literacy Research and Reading Success for the

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Plainville, CT holcombtree@yahoo.com Office: 860-747-2805 Cell: 860-416-0668

From A1

Teacher Laura Banas works with third-grade students, from left, Jackson Laferriere, 8, Elias Daidai, 8, Nadine Johnson, 8, and Gavin Nadeau, 8, during a reading lesson at Israel PutnamElementarySchoolinMeridenonFriday,Jan.6. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

Food for Fines

The Southington Public Library is extending its annual Food for Fines program until Feb. 1. Patrons can bring their library card and nonperishable food items to the Circulation Desk to remove fines. New mittens, scarves and hats are being collected as well. Billed or damaged library items are not eligible.

Comedy Night

Project Graduation 2023 has planned a Comedy Night fundraiser for Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Plainville VFW, 7 Northwest Drive. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show starts at 8. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 at the door. For more details, contact Judy Autummo at 860-883-2482.

Little League

Registration for the 2023 Plainville Little League baseball and softball spring season is now open. Visit plainvillelittleleague.com.

Wall of Honor

Southington High School’s Wall of Honor committee announced a March 1, 2023 deadline for nominations.

The public is invited to nominate a graduate from SHS that qualifies under at least one of the following criteria – outstanding community service, significant awards received, lifetime achievements or humanitarian work.

Applications available on the Southington Public Schools website.

Wellness Expo

Exhibitors and speakers are sought for the 10th Bi-Annual Passport to Health & Wellness Expo, which will be held April 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton. Contact Shirley Bloethe at 860-9890033 or yourholisticevents@ gmail.com, or visit yourholisticevents.com.

Gala, auction

The Southington Catholic School family’s 7th Annual Gala and Auction, “Shake, Rattle & Roll,” is planned for Friday, Feb. 3 at the Aqua Turf Club. For tickets, and information about donating an auction item or placing an advertisement in the program, email gala@southingtoncatholicschool.org.

Volunteer

Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the

Community Foundation of Greater New Britain’s fourtown service area Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington. Volunteer opportunities can be found at cfgnb.org.

Ski Club

The North Haven Ski Club encourages people interested in winter sports (skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, tubing, snowshoeing) to join and take advantage of the great discounts offered to members.

Contact Annette Murphy: 203-927-3071 or dapdmurph@aol.com.

Nzinga Center

The Queen Ann Nzinga Center, Inc., which provides arts enrichment activities for children age 5 to 17, is accepting new participants. The center promotes positive youth development among children of all races and abilities primarily in the greater Plainville, Berlin, Bristol and New Britain area. Visit QANC.org.

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“West Street’s busy. That shouldn’t be news to anybody who lives there,” said Peter Santago, a commission member. “Going left out of there is going to be hysterical.”

Traffic signals at the Spring Street and Curtiss Street intersections create gaps in the

traffic to allow left turns out of the property according to Scott Hesketh, a traffic engineer representing the builders.

“We are aware that it’s difficult. The thing is that people live both north and south of there, they work both north and south of there. To restrict them to right hand turns would be difficult,” he said.

Hesketh said his projections

show a wait time of about a minute during peak hours to make a left turn as gaps appear in traffic.

“It sounds like you’re describing an unsafe condition,” Santago said.

“Sixty seconds (waiting), a signaled intersection isn’t to me an unsafe condition,” Hesketh replied.

Commission members asked if builders would accept a restriction on left-hand turns from the property.

Eric Spungin, a builder working with The Learning Experience, said it would put the daycare at “a bit of a disadvantage.”

“It’s not impossible, but it’s restrictive. It’s something that the other daycare centers throughout West Street aren’t restricted to do,” he said.

Traffic proceeds past a vacant property at 1268 West St. in SouthingtononThursday,Jan.5. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

Spungin said the daycare company, which operates more than 350 locations throughout the country, staggers pickups and dropoffs to minimize risks of accidents.

“They want nothing more than safety,” he said.

While several commission members said they realized the need and demand for daycare in town, safety con-

cerns outweighed other factors for most of them.

During last week’s commission meeting, five of the seven commission members voted against a special permit to construct the daycare.

Bob Hammersley, the commission’s chairman, was among those opposing the plan. He had concerns about queuing vehicles within the parking lot and onto West Street, as well as cars lining up on West Street waiting to turn into the daycare property.

Robert Salka, the commission vice chairman, supported the plan.

“I think it’s badly needed in Southington,” he said. “That kind of daycare facility will be filled on day two.”

jbuchanan@record-journal.com 203-317-2230

Twitter: @JBuchananRJ

Foundation honors community champions

Press Release

The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, “Where Good Begins” in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington, announced the recipients of four Champion Awards for 2022. This year, the CFGNB honored Atty. Robert Scalise & Firm, Dr. Bill Petit, Atty. Barbara Lindsay and business owner Devione Tanksley.

Atty. Robert Scalise & Firm – For consistently educating clients about opportunities for them to be philanthropic through our foundation, serving on our 80th committee, and consistent high level Civic Leadership Fund support.

Dr. Bill Petit – For his philanthropic service to the community through his family foundation, service in the legislature to benefit

the community and for rallying all legislators in our service area to sign onto the General Session Citation celebrating our 80th anniversary, and his own long-standing financial support of our foundation’s work.

Atty. Barbara Lindsay –For being a long-standing resource on nonprofit community foundation legal matters and providing professional services at a consistent and generous discounted rate.

Devione Tanksley of My Wife Didn’t Cook – For setting aside a day in 2021 where a percentage of proceeds from all meals were donated to our Greater New Britain Disaster Response Fund.

The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain established its Champion Awards in order to cele-

brate and recognize individuals, businesses, organizations, civic groups, and others who have supported

the activities of the foundation in a manner that allowed it to fulfill its mission even more effectively

and efficiently. To learn more about the CFGNB and its Champion Awards, visit cfgnb.org.

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Properties’ plan but took no action.

and what alternative building plans could be.

the wetlands but does require filing in about 3,000 square feet of wetlands near the two commercial buildings planned for the corner of West Street and Curtiss Street. The development is also in a buffer area around the wetlands that’s also regulated by the town’s Conservation Commission.

Building in the wetlands

During the commission’s Jan. 5 meeting, the panel got an overview of Anthony

Christopher Borowy, the Conservation Commission chairman, said he’s planning a visit to the site so commission members can better understand the company’s plans. “Ninety-nine percent of their work is outside of any regulated areas,” Borowy said. “There is a very small portion that is proposed to take place within the regulated wetlands itself.”

It’ll be up to the commission to decide if that work in the wetlands should be allowed. Borowy said the commission will look at the impacts of the proposed construction

The two areas regulated by the commission are wetlands themselves along with the buffer around wetlands, called an upland review area.

“It’s our goal, minimize activity in those areas,” Borowy said.

Mixed-use development

The developer’s plans call for eight residential buildings, two commercial buildings on the corner and a clubhouse on Curtiss Street.

Residential buildings are

spread in an irregular pattern on the property to avoid wetlands according to maps submitted to the town.

Company officials said the development’s apartments will cater to young professionals and empty-nesters. They believed the project would cost about $54 million.

The Tolles’ property falls in the West Street business zone which has requirements about the ratio of residential to commercial development allowed.

Anthony Properties said the ratio of two-to-one residential to commercial square feet wasn’t achievable with

the decline in demand for commercial space. In April, the Planning and Zoning Commission agreed to change the requirement in favor of a five-to-one ratio of residential to commercial space.

“They wanted to make it a little bit more residential and little less business,” said Bob Hammersley, the planning commission chairman.

He said other changes approved included a requirement that 10 percent of the housing in the development be deed-restricted as affordable.

Last year’s vote allowed the project to move forward but the planning commission will have to approve the development’s site plan, which first must get Conservation Commission approval.

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Plainville Knights name scholarship winners

Press Release

For many years, the Rev. Gerald T. Corrigan Council 3544 of the Knights of Columbus in Plainville has awarded $1,000 annual scholarships to a graduating student from Plainville High and St. Paul who are entering a Catholic college or university.

The scholarship started with a donation from the Ringrose family more that two decades ago, expanded for a number of years with a donation made in memory of Paul Bogdanski, and is now supported primarily by the Matteo family with the initiation of the Eugene Matteo Memorial Knights of Columbus Scholarship.

Congratulations to the 2022 recipients: Samantha Thompson (Plainville High School) and Kiera Dubitski (St. Paul).

The scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic performance, and participation in extra-curricular activities.

Obituaries

Elaine Paige

SOUTHBURY- Elaine Paige, 70, of Southbury, formerly of Naugatuck, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 16, 2022. Born in Southington, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Victoria (Romajas) Paige. She was employed as an accountant for many years prior to her retirement and was a devout parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church, Waterbury. Elaine is remembered as a beautiful soul of light shining for the world to see. She was kind-hearted and made everyone smile. Elaine enjoyed camping and spending time at the beach. She had an adventurous spirit and encouraged others to try new things. She was an avid Yankees and UCONN Husky fan and also enjoyed playing cards and board games. Although Elaine battled multiple sclerosis for over 20 years, and faced many complications and procedures, she never complained and always kept a positive outlook. A

devoted and loving mother, she leaves her son Brian Gauthier, her best friend, Lorraine Marzinotto, and her God daughter Manika Rosado who cared for her as a nurse in her final days. She was predeceased by her brother Edward Paige. Funeral services will be held in April with Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. To share a memory with her family, please visit us at www. duksa.net.

state Department of Education, said that all waivers will have to undergo a review process.

“Reviewers may have questions so it may become more of a back and forth than just a, ‘This is what you provided to us to review, therefore that’s all we’re going to be looking at,’” Hickey said. “So right now we really can’t assign a date because we want to make sure we’re doing each and every review in a very meticulous way.”

Hickey did ensure that the districts who submit waivers will hear back by the July 1 deadline of when the new curricula has to be adopted.

Superintendent Danielle Bellizzi of Wallingford Public Schools said her district is also planning on submitting a waiver, but at the Dec. 19, Board of Education meeting, Carrie LaTorre, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said the dis-

trict will continue reviewing the state recommended plans due to not knowing when the district will hear back from the state.

“We firmly believe that we align with the science of reading and what we’re doing is best practiced for students,” LaTorre said. “We feel that after looking at some of these programs, in a lot of areas what we’re doing

we feel the materials are a better fit for our students.”

Tammy Raccio, chair of Wallingford’s board of education, said that the district has been working with Literacy How, a nonprofit that goes into the schools to teach teachers how to properly teach students how to read, for about four years.

According to a survey by Education Week Research Cen-

ter, 65% of higher education professors teach the threecueing system, which is not in line with the scientific evidence base around teaching reading.

“The fundamental problem here is not just getting a better boxed program, one of the 6 or 7 that the state picked out,” Raccio said. “The state really needs to look at the reading programs in the higher education institutions.”

In case the waiver doesn’t pan out, LaTorre said she has “earmarked” a budget of$700,000.

“It is for K through three, so that’s four grade levels and, you know, each program has its core program and then the a la carte that comes with it,” LaTorre said. “... We haven’t bought an elementary program in quite a few years. ”

At the webinar, Hickey did mention that the state is hoping to offer grants for districts to assist with the costs of purchasing materials.

“We were very fortunate, the Black and Puerto Rican caucus were able to devote some of the ARPA funding from the governor’s office, from the state level, to the Connecticut State Department of Education to support district local and regional Boards of Education to support the legislation around the (Center for Literacy Research and Reading Success),” Hickey said. “It is $25 million over the next two years, so approximately $12.5 million each year. The intent of that money is to support all of the legislation initiatives.”

In Cheshire, Solan said that at this time, the district is not budgeting to implement a new reading curriculum for K-3.

“To just adopt a program is not something that we enter lightly,” Solan said. “It takes a lot of money to either buy the program and train the teachers that we have in implementing that program, so at this point, we’re hopeful that there might be some

Third-grade student Charlotte Barnes, 8, works on a reading lesson on Friday, Jan. 6 at Israel Putnam ElementarySchoolinMeriden. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

Alex Mankevich

PLANTSVILLE- Alex Mankevich, loving husband of Vera (Koziol) Mankevich for 65 years, passed away on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Born in Bronx, NY, on May 22, 1930, he was the son of the late Zena and Ignatz Mankevich. He had attended Brooklyn College. On February 16, 1957, he married Vera. He was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Meriden.

Alex was a teacher at Fred D. Wish School in Hartford, Lyman Hall in Wallingford and Lincoln Lewis High School in Southington, CT.

PLANTSVILLE- Alex Mankevich, loving husband of Vera (Koziol) Mankevich for 65 years, passed away on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Born in Bronx, NY, on May 22, 1930, he was the son of the late Zena and Ignatz Mankevich. He had attended Brooklyn College. On February 16, 1957, he married Vera. He was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Meriden. Alex was a teacher at Fred D. Wish School in Hartford, Lyman Hall in Wallingford and Lincoln Lewis High School in Southington, CT.

Alex was Scout Master Pack #19 of Marion, CT, in the 1960s, head coach of Oilers team of Southington Valley Midget Football League in the late 1960s and early 1970s, member

Alex was Scout Master Pack #19 of Marion, CT, in the 1960s, head coach of Oilers team of Southington Valley Midget Football League in the late 1960s and early 1970s, member of Southington Gridiron Club and member of the Senior’s Club and Brotherhood of Saints Peter and Paul Church of Meriden.

Alex traveled with his family throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. He enjoyed gardening and stamp collecting. He made his own maple syrup. Besides his wife, he is

ing. He made his own maple syrup.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his two sons Alexander and Gregory, his niece Janet Hussman and his three nephews, Alex Murenia, John Koziol and Mike Koziol. Alex was predeceased by his sister, Vera Smith.

of Southington Gridiron Club and member of the Senior’s Club and Brotherhood of Saints Peter and Paul Church of Meriden.

survived by his two sons Alexander and Gregory, his niece Janet Hussman and his three nephews, Alex Murenia, John Koziol and Mike Koziol. Alex was predeceased by his sister, Vera Smith.

Alex traveled with his family throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. He enjoyed gardening and stamp collect-

Family and friends were invited to attend a funeral service on Saturday, January 7th at 9:30 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, 54 Park Ave., Meriden, CT 06450.

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Family and friends were invited to attend a funeral service on Saturday, January 7th at 9:30 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, 54 Park Ave., Meriden, CT 06450. Calling hours were held prior to the service from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Burial was private in Yonkers, NY. Arrangements are under the direction of the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 E. Main St., Meriden, CT 06450. For online condolences, please visit jferryfh.com.

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SOUTHINGTON- Rachel V. Aldieri was born on April 20, 1936 and passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 2, 2023. She was the loving wife of Michael J. Aldieri for the past 67 years.

In addition to her husband, Rachel is also survived by her daughters, Rachel Dixon (husband Michael), and Cheryl Aldieri; two brothers, Leon Cormier (Fern) and Roger Cormier; a sister, Aurora Saucier; her grandchildren, James Martin, Nathan Nadeau and Jason Nadeau; and her great-grandchildren, Alex, Justin, Collin, Jaxon, Emelia, and Joey. Rachel enjoyed seeing and hearing stories of her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023 at 10 AM at the Immaculate Conception Church, 130 Summer St., Southington. Burial followed at Immaculate Conception Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home is entrusted with handling arrangements. Please share a memory of Rachel with the family in the online guest book @ www.ericksonhansen.com

SOUTHINGTONGeorge M. Powers, 97, of Southington, beloved widower of Vivian (Guimond) Powers, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 5, 2023, in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by his family. George was born in Fall River, MA, on February 24, 1925 and was the son of the late Thomas and Mary (Mercer) Powers. As a devout Catholic and man of faith, he was one of the founding members of The Church of St. Dominic in Southington, where he and his family were instrumental in the building of the church. George was also a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving during World War II. In his leisure time, he loved to read, cheer for the Boston Red Sox and spend quality time with his family. George is survived by his five children: Kathleen Donahue of Southington; Nancy Salamon (Frank) of Southington; Keith Powers (Jacquelyn Ball) of Rockport, MA; Christopher Powers Guimond (Jocelyn Géliga Vargas) of Boquerón, Puerto Rico; and Steven Powers of Portland, ME. He was a loving grandfather to Sarah Kastner, Jocelin Donahue (Greg Santos), Emily Souza (Peter), Bailey Berardino (Jason), Michael Donahue, Frazer Powers (Tiffany Walker), Carter Powers (Mary Geletka), Ámbar Powers Géliga and Sol Powers Géliga. He is also survived by his beloved great-grandchildren, Eleanor Jones, Abigail Berardino, June Souza, Joseph Berardino and Bennett Souza. In

addition, George is mourned by others who called him Dad: April Powers of Riverview, FL, Harry G. Kastner, Jr., of Plantsville and Ruth Maasen of Rockport, MA. George is predeceased by his infant son Lawrence, his two brothers, Thomas Powers, Jr. and Robert Powers and also by his son-in-law Mike Donahue. George’s family would like to thank Masonicare Hospice and his neighbors Tom and Lisa Spooner for their support and friendship. A Mass of Christian Burial for George was held on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 10:30 AM in the Church of St. Dominic, 1050 Flanders Road, Southington, CT 06489. Burial with military honors followed in St. Thomas Cemetery. There were no calling hours. Memorial contributions in George’s memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven, 37 Union St., New Haven, CT 06511. The DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington, CT 06489 is honored to be assisting the Powers family during this difficult time.

Rachel V. Aldieri

George M. Powers

legislative intervention or that the state Department of Education may kind of shift their stance.”

Southington Public Schools is also going to be pursuing the waiver option, said Superintendent Steven Madancy. “The district has invested substantial time and funds, both in materials and related professional development, over the past 15 years and it

would be a shame to see that go by the wayside and force the district to abandon a curriculum that we have made an enormous investment in to adopt one of five approved programs used by only 11 of 164 districts across the state with a very history of success at this point,” Madancy said.

Both Raccio and Madancy told the Record-Journal that the implementation of this new program is coming at the peak of budget season.

“The list of approved pro-

grams wasn’t released until late September providing little to no time for districts to properly vet or budget for inclusion in a fiscal year 2024 budget and the waiver wasn’t released until Dec. 15,” Madancy said. “Given the late release of the waiver, and little time for the district to even consider a stance, coupled with the enormous costs associated with this unfunded mandate, how can the state expect any district who may not already be using one of these five programs to be able to adhere to this legislation within the established timelines. Because of this, many superintendents I have discussed this with have indicated that they will be pursuing waivers or extensions.”

As a result of this legislation, Frances Rabinowitz, executive director of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS), sent a letter to Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker to propose solutions in regards to the Right to Read Legislation.

Some of these including not requiring the districts to purchase instructional materials, having the state Department of Education work with school district leaders and reading specialists to identify and approve curriculum models, not new materials, to support reading success and accept and grant waiver applications from districts who have curricula that are:

Evidence-based and scientifically based; Focused on the competency of these areas of reading: oral language, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, rapid automatic name or letter name fluency, reading comprehension and phonics.

“CAPSS members have long valued their collaborative, productive working relationship with the CSDE,” Rabinowitz wrote. “This relationship has been sorely tested by the actions and edicts set forth in the September 29th Memorandum. We implore the CSDE to reconsider and rescind its September 29th Memorandum (and the subsequent CSDE Waiver Clarification) so that school districts throughout the state and the CSDE can work collaboratively on behalf of the students we all serve on this important issue.”

jsimms@record-journal.com 203-317-2279 Twitter: @jessica_simms99

SOUTHINGTON- Gloria (Madore) Nichols, 81, of Southington, passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2022. She was the wife of Richard Nichols for 20 years.

Born December 16, 1941 in Ft. Kent, ME, she was the daughter of the late Maynard and Freida Madore, Sr.

Prior to her retirement, Gloria was employed by several local establishments including the Hen House and Towne Cleaners.

In addition to her husband she leaves her daughter Kathy Stimpson of Waterbury; seven grandchildren, Anson Chastain, Jonathan and wife Lynn Mastrianni, Christopher Mastrianni, David and wife Chelsea Mastrianni, Raymond and Rebecca Stimpson and Zachary Lewis. She also leaves several greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her first husband Raymond Wright; daughter Roberta Mastrianni; son David Wright; three brothers, Maynard Jr., Kenneth and Merton and a sister Georgiann Martel.

Calling hours for Gloria were held on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. For online condolences please visit, www. dellavecchiasouthington. com

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For Junk or unwanted vehicles, Toyota’s etc. Please call Mike @ 203284-8562 8am-5pm.

1,2,3 CASH FOR ANTIQUES - Call Todd Shamock, 203-4941695.

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

MERIDEN - Room for rent, utils incl., shared BA. Free Wi-Fi. Call (203) 217-7122.

OFFICE SUITE - Avail. for lease, 550 sq.ft., ground level, Clocktower Square, 710 Main St., Suite 1, Plantsville, CT. $800 per mo. Call (860) 276-8068 ask for Tony or Gail.

ALWAYS PAYING TOP DOLLAR - For gold and silver jewelry, Sterling flatware, Gold and silver coins and bars, costume jewelry and more!!! Over 30yrs experience. Call Sandy at Pawn Queen (203) 7682443.

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 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

LOOKING TO BUY - Holiday print fabric. Please call Carla at (203) 5148012.

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

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (EMT)

WASTE TREATMENT

WATER DIVISION

MAINTAINER I

MATERIALS

DISTRIBUTION

Screened Topsoil $25/ 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 @ 860-982-4819 for delivery

PREMIUM

SCREENED

TOPSOIL $25/yard delivered, 3 yd, $100 min. delivery Call Jim 860-982-4819

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.

(203) 4942496.

TIMELESS TREASURES

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

CLERK TYPIST

Performs a wide variety of routine clerical duties requiring excellent computer and interpersonal skills. This position requires 1 year of office work experience of a responsible nature and a H.S., GED, or business diploma.

Wages: $21.83 to $26.43 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492.

Forms will be mailed upon request form the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page.

Phone: (203) 294-2080 Fax: (203) 294-2084. The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/ resume is received or January 23, 2023 whichever occurs first. EOE

The Town of Wallingford is accepting applications for EMT. Must possess a H.S. diploma or G.E.D., plus one (1) year of recent experience as an EMT Must be 18 years old and be a Connecticut or National Registry Certified EMT with CPR Certification and a valid State of Connecticut motor vehicle operator’s license. Starting wage $632.56 (weekly), plus an excellent fringe benefits package. Apply: 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. Phone (203) 294-2080. The closing date will be the date of the 50th application or resume is received or January 27, 2023, whichever occurs first. EOE

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (Attendant II): Operates and maintains equipment and processes in a municipal sewage treatment plant. Requires a H.S. diploma or GED. A State of Connecticut DEEP Class II Operator or higher certification; or a Class II Operator-in-Training or higher certification. Wages: $27.13 to $32.33 or $24.16 - $32.33 hourly (based on certifications & experience) plus an excellent fringe benefit package.

Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492.

Applications may be obtained at the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page.

The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/ resume is received, or February 07, 2023, whichever occurs first.

EOE

The Town of Wallingford’s Water Division is seeking an individual to perform a variety of unskilled & semi-skilled tasks in the maintenance, installation, and repair of water lines and related equipment. The position requires High School diploma / GED or the equivalent in experience and training. Wages $23.26 - $28.18 hourly, plus an excellent fringe benefit package.

Applications may be obtained at the 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.

The closing date will be the date the 50th application or resume is received or January 18, 2023, whichever occurs first. EOE

SHEET METAL MECHANICS & HELPERS

Full time, apprenticeship program offered, health insurance, 401(k) plan. Pay range $20 - $30/hour. Call 860-828-3762.

mornings, 7 days a week. MUST be dependable, and be able to read a route list with specific delivery instructions. We will demonstrate the route to you. Routes average 1.5 to 3 hours daily. No collections required.

Not Temp Work. Retirees, Stay at Home Mom’s, and Veterans are also welcome to apply. Make extra cash to pay rent, mortgage, bills, save money, or a great vacation.

Text or call Peter at 860-846-0216 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and start as soon as tomorrow morning.

WATER SUPPLY & TREATMENT

The Town of Wallingford is seeking qualified applicants for Assistant Superintendent for Water Supply and Treatment. The position is responsible for providing technical and managerial direction in the operation and maintenance of the Town’s water supply and treatment facilities. The qualifications are a bachelor’s degree in civil, environmental, chemical or sanitary engineering, biology, chemistry, or related field plus five years of progressively responsible experience in water operations with at least three years in water treatment and water quality, or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience. Applicants must have or being able to obtain within twelve months, a State of Connecticut Department of Public Health Class IV Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification and a Class II or Class III Distribution System Operator Certification. Certification as a General Backflow Preventer Tester and Cross Connection Survey Inspector is preferred. Must possess and maintain a valid CT driver’s license. Salary: $80,555 to $103,068 annually plus an excellent fringe benefits package. 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 February 7, 2023. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

WATER JUNIOR ENGINEER

The Town of Wallingford’s Water Division is seeking a responsible and skilled individual to prepare and maintain permanent utility location records. Requires an associate’s degree or equivalent in civil engineering plus two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in the water/sewer utility field, or an equivalent combination of education and qualify experience substituting on a year-for-year basis.

Salary: $63,116$80,755 annually. Plus, an excellent fringe benefits package.

Apply: 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. Phone #: (203) 2942080 Fax #: (203) 2942084. Closing date will be February 7, 2023 or the date the 50th application is received, whichever occurs first. EOE.

WELDER/ FABRICATOR

Custom sheet metal fabrication, light structural, 45-50 hour per week with good benefits, health insurance, and 401(k) plan. Pay range $25 - $35/hour. Call 860-828-3762.

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

GUTTERS CLEANED

Painting Int. & Ext. Powerwashing Free Ests. Ins. Refs. Rodrigo, (203) 565-7745.

IF YOU Mention This Ad FALL Yard Clean-Ups Brush, branches, leaves, storm damage **JUNK REMOVAL** Appl’s, Furniture, Junk, Debris, etc WE CAN REMOVE ANYTHING Entire house to 1 item removed! FREE ESTIMATES Sr. Citizen Discount DUMPSTER RENTALS

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

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.

CLEAN & REMOVE Furniture, appliances, entire contents of: homes, sheds, estates, attics, basements, garages & more. *FALL YARD Clean-ups* FREE ESTIMATES. LIC & INS. DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817

RT RELOCATION

Your moving and storage specialists. Call for a free estimate.

Senior Health

New purpose

Friday, Jan. 20, from 11 a.m. to noon, learn more about physical changes that come with aging and what we can do, mental changes and how to combat them, and how to continue to live an active and engaging life as we age.

Presented by Erica Bruno, exercise physiologist, Hartford HealthCare, GoodLife Fitness.

Registration is required. Call 1-855-442-4373 or go to artfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.

Arbor Rose

Arbor Rose at Jerome Home, an independent and assisted living community located at 975 Corbin Ave., New Britain, will host an open house Saturday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is recommended. To reserve a time, call 860-2293707.

Proper posture

Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 11 a.m. to noon, learn how poor posture can lead to numerous muscularskeletal problems, including back pain, neck pain and joint issues, as well as what you can do to improve it.

Presented by Michelle Boisvert, exercise physiologist, Hartford HealthCare GoodLife Fitness. Registration is required. Call 1-855442-4373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.

Mulberry Gardens

Mulberry Gardens, an independent and assisted living community located at 58 Mulberry St. in Southington, will host an open house Wednesday, Jan. 25, from 3 to 6 p.m.

Registration is recommended. To reserve a time, call 860-276-1020.