SOUTHINGTON Recre-
ation Park pool will be closed for the 2023 season for extensive renovations to the pool and changing room facilities. The project marks the first significant overhaul of the pool facilities in 30 years since construction. The town has identified the need for renovations for the past decade.
BERLIN A restaurant
well-known to local foodies and beer connoisseurs is coming to town. Hop Häus, which bills itself as an "upbeat, casual craft eatery that features locally sourced food with craft beer and cocktails from Connecticut’s best brewers and distillers," is set to open its third location in late March, at 9 Steele Blvd.
“I used to work in Berlin for a number of years and spent a lot of time growing up in town,” said Hop Häus owner Mike Miller, a Meriden native. “I spent much of my youth here, so I know it’s a good town and geographical location for the restaurant.”
Dubbed The Steele Center, 9 Steele Blvd., is a mixed-use property adjacent to the Berlin Train Station.
See Pub, A5
Though the Recreation Park pool has seen spot-fixes over the years, town officials say it’s been largely living on borrowed time.
The current pool is made of concrete, but the Town Council decided that for the renovation a vinyl liner would be added, which according to town officials should largely eliminate a need for resurfacing and repairs should leaks arise.
The pool house and changing facilities will also see refurbishment and repair. The town contracted Millennium Builders Inc., a Bloomfield-based company, to handle the work.
Members of the Parks and Recreation board hope demolition work can begin sometime this month.
“It's going to take this up-
SOUTHINGTON Lake
Compounce is seeking to hire over 1,000 new employees for its upcoming 2023 summer season. Looking for hires as young as 16, the park is offering open positions from ride operations, lifeguards,
concessions, and security, with wages ranging between $16 and $18 per hour depending on the position.
The park plans to open on April 29 for its 177th season and is seeking a large number of employees for
See Hire, A6
• Transportation services available.
Press Release
Frank T. Wheeler Elementary School’s wolf mascot has “come to life” thanks to a unique piece of art created by former Wheeler faculty member Matthew Guarino.
Guarino, a longtime Plainville Community Schools employee, also served as the Middle School of Plainville’s principal prior to his retirement in 2021, and currently works as a tutor at Wheeler School.
Guarino logged many weekend hours planning for and bringing the new Wheeler wolf sculpture to fruition, on-site, at the elementary school.
“It was my pleasure to give my time to carve the Wheeler Wolf,” said Guarino. “I enjoyed every minute of it.”
According to Wheeler Principal Andrew Batchelder, the wolf commission was born from a conversation he had with Guarino while walking through the school together. “I pointed out the old, iconic oak tree in the back of Wheeler to Matt one day, and explained that the tree would be cut down due to its age and condition. Several Wheeler parents had suggested something be made from the tree if possible, since it is such an integral part of the Wheeler landscape. I asked Matt, who is also a talented artist, what he thought about possibly carving a wolf sculpture into the stump of the tree once it was cut down, and without hesitation he agreed, saying ‘Yes, I can do that!’”
The stump measured 10 feet in height, and Guarino cut off approximately two feet to
Third graders Autumn Sic and Caroline Thibedeau at the new “Reading Partner Chair.” See Wolf, A8
With over 35 years of experience as a PA, he prides himself on his kind and empathetic care.
Stephen is excited to join doctors Peter Harris, David Roy, Oosman Tariq and Ashley Bogue, PA-C to continue to serve the Plainville community.
For an apponitment, call 860.747.5766 or visit starlingphysicians.com for information.
plaque, which is displayed in the school’s awards showcase.
Wargo was nominated by staff members Sarah Centore, Michele TavernierMorel, Melissa Moore, Deb Pikiell and Ken Fusco.
ber of our school community and I look forward to seeing what great things Lily will accomplish in the future.”
Wargo and Feyerabend were honored at the high school on Jan. 4.
best awards a student can earn at PHS,” school principal Carl Johnson said.
Plainville High School seniors Nolan Wargo and Lily Feyerabend are the recipients of the first semester
“Student Rocks Award,” recognizing their outstanding contributions to Plainville High School.
The Student Rocks Award was established by three teachers in 2010 as a way
to honor those students who “do the right thing” every day without looking for acknowledgement. Once a semester, teachers nominate and then vote for two students they believe are worthy of this award. The students are honored, along with their family members and guests, at a staff meeting where they are awarded a book and presented with the engraved Student Rocks
“Nolan is one of the nicest young men I have ever had the pleasure to know. He is not only academically superior, but his joy of life and sense of humor are inspiring. Nolan is the kind of individual who gives 100 percent in whatever he does,” Fusco noted in his nomination.
Feyerabend was nominated by staff members TJ Riccardo, Dominic Talotta, Jeff Roberts, Eileen Hebert and Sandi Dowsett.
“Lily is deserving of this award because she truly gives every day her best shot and seems to have fun while doing it,” Dowsett stated. “She is a valuable mem-
“The Student Rocks award is one of the most prestigious, and in my opinion,
“It recognizes the impact these students have had on our school culture. Both of the students honored this semester embody what we hope for from all of our Blue Devils at PHS.”
■ Signs and symptoms
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■ New treatment options in neurosurgery
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Thurs., Feb. 23 | 12-1pm
PRESENTER:
Nazer Qureshi, MD
Board certified in Neurosurgery Director, Brain Tumor Program The Hospital of Central Connecticut
After you register, you’ll receive an email with easy instructions on joining the virtual class.
Using items that would otherwise end up in the trash, students in the Middle School of Plainville's Trashion Fashion Club created one-of-a-kind, wearable pieces of art. Club members also learned about the environmental impact of the paper, plastic and fashion industries. Items made by the Trashion Fashion Club included jackets, a two-piece dress with cape, handheld purses and a backpack. The club is comprised of Amari Robinson, Olivia Foley, Emerson Roche, Josia Perez, Raveyn Garrow-Cooke and Izabella Plucinik. MSP Office Professional Michele Fischer-Paul is the club's advisor.
Tony Valenti, of Newport Realty Group, and partner Mark Lovley, of Lovley Development, Inc., are the team behind the Steele Center development.
“Tony Valenti and (Berlin Economic Development Director) Chris Edge approached me about coming to Berlin,” said Miller, who also has Hop Häus restaurants in Plainville and in the Plantsville section of Southington.
“Chris has been stalking me for about four years to come to Berlin with the restaurant,” Miller quipped.
The Berlin Hop Häus will offer indoor and patio dining, as well as curbside pick-up.
“We were getting ready to launch Steele Center when Chris Edge introduced us to Mike, and it was easy to see that he was the right fit for that spot,” Valenti said. “We are excited to have him in Berlin.”
what the company anticipates to be a big year. This season sees the debut of a floating stage in the lake where the amusement park plans to host concerts throughout the summer.
With their positions, employees gain complimentary park passes, discounts on
food and retail items, and flexible hours for full and part-time positions. Applications are available online at lakecompounce.com
Organizers aim to begin hosting their first employee orientations on Tuesday, Feb. 14, running them up through the park’s opening. This includes complimentary certification for those in lifeguard positions, as well as food-handling licenses for those at the con-
cession stands. Unlike years prior, they’ve sought to streamline the process by offering both visual and virtual courses to take the place of several hour-long lectures from previous years.
Wages offered by the park are higher than in the past and were put in place to keep the park competitive, according to Human Resources Director Natalie Scinto, along with making it attractive for younger hires to work in a unique environment.
“We're lucky because we are who we are, we just naturally attract employees that want to work here. It's not mundane, it's not your typical job at a retail store. It's really an amazing experience, and a really great job for some of these young adults,” Scinto said.
The park is also looking to implement a more comprehensive outreach program for this season, looking to get recruiters at high school job fairs and coordinating with Connecticut state universities to let prospective young adults know about their opportunities at the park.
This is in part to make up for what the park feels was a shortfall in employees last season.
The large number of positions Lake Compounce is looking to fill for the year is needed to keep the park running smoothly throughout the busy summer season, officials said.
“There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes that our guests don't even see. They see our ride operators front and center, but you know,
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 on-line requester form at myrecordjournal. com/southington-plainville-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 Southington & Plainville Citizen to your home or business, will end.
there's an entire maintenance team that's working behind the scenes day and night to make sure our rides are safe,” Marketing Director Lynsey Winters said.
“That all plays into the guest experience. So we really have been trying to staff the park as best as we can, since COVID. And just ensuring that we have every department as filled as possible so that guests have a seamless experience. The more team members we can get here helping us at the park, the better guest experience we're going to be able to provide.”
Having already brought on over 200 returning employees, with the applications only having been open for less than a week, park officials say they are confident they’ll have the staff they need to put their best foot forward on opening day April 29, especially with the strong rebound in attendance post-pandemic.
“We saw a strong rebound post pandemic and post COVID. We were really excited with just the overall turnout at the park for the season. And we were pretty confident that we're gonna have a fantastic season this year with the addition of the stage and trying to grow We're looking forward to a fantastic season. I think it's going to be a good one here at the park,” Winters said.
cmetzger@record-journal.com
The Orchard Valley Garden Club of Southington will meet Tuesday, Feb. 28 at American Legion Hall, 64 Main St. The program will feature Joey Listro from New Britain Roots, who will present “Starting Seeds and Growing Gardeners." Doors open at 9:45 a.m.; program begins at 10. Guests are welcome for a $5 donation. For more information about The Orchard Valley Garden Club, visit orchardvalleygardenclub.weebly.com or follow the group on Facebook.
The Southington High School Class of 1973 will celebrate its 50th reunion Oct.
7 at the Back Nine Tavern. Tickets are $50. RSVP to Shs73_50threunion@ aol.com. Send checks payable to Maureen Cassidy to: 46 Dunham St., Southington, CT 06489.
The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, will hold its annual job fair at Dunkin’ Donuts Park (1214 Main St., Hartford) Saturday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Yard Goats are seeking applicants to fill a wide range of game day positions and are looking for upbeat, fan-friendly individuals to help make the upcoming season in Hartford another huge success.
More than 90 scholarship funds administered by Main Street Community Foundation are accepting applications. The scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors, current college students, adult learners who are or will be attending two- or four-year colleges as well as technical schools and career certification programs.
The deadline for all application submissions is Friday, March 10.
A full list of scholarships available, their eligibility criteria and links to the online application are available on the foundation website, mainstreetfoundation.org.
Exhibitors and speakers are sought for the 10th Bi-Annual Passport to Health & Wellness Expo, which is scheduled for April 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton.
Also, vendors are sought for expos which will take place May 21 and Sept. 17 at the VFW in Plainville.
Contact Shirley Bloethe at 860-989-0033 or yourholisticevents@gmail.com, or visit yourholisticevents.com.
The Senior Center is located at 200 East St. To register for programs, call 860-747-5728.
Connect with other care givers Tuesday, Feb.14 at 10 a.m. at the Plainville Senior
Center. Support eachother’s journeys and recognize the challenges and frustrations associated with this 24/7 labor of love.
The Plainville Senior Center will host a Memory Café
Thursday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. Memory Cafés are safe and supportive social gatherings for people with changes in their memory, and their care partners.
Relax and socialize with others experiencing similar life challenges.
If you are a grandparent or relative who is raising a grandchild, niece or nephew, you are not alone. Come to the support group Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 10:30 a.m. at the Plainville Senior Center. Share resources, ideas, struggles and joys with others who are raising their grandchildren.
Join the Veteran’ Social Hour Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. at the Plainville Senior Center. For veterans age 60 and over and their spouses. These monthly information and support meetings are conducted by Veteran’s Liaison for Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, Sherri Vogt.
project. With the extra tree piece, he created a “Reading Partner Chair” where students enjoy sitting, hanging out and reading together.
After many hours of work and three shades of stain, the Wheeler wolf carving was completed and now sits proudly on the school grounds.
“On behalf of the Wheeler school community, we thank Mr. G. for his selfless, ex-
traordinary act of kindness and we are grateful to him for showing his love and commitment to Wheeler School through his rare, artistic, wood carving, sculpting ability,” Batchelder said.
Guarino was recognized at the Jan. 9 Board of Education meeting, where he received a “PCS All Star Award.”
“Having a beautifully-crafted, 8 foot Wheeler Wolf carving for all to admire is a wonderful thing, made only more meaningful and special because of its creator,” Superintendent of Schools Steven LePage stated.
Senior Transportation Services, Inc. is looking for safe, reliable volunteers willing to use their own car to help some of Berlin, New Britain, Meriden, Wallingford, Southington & Plainville’s elderly residents get to medical appointments in the area.
neighbors!
DRIVERS:
• Will be reimbursed for mileage
• Will be given supplemental automobile insurance
• Will be given supplemental liability insurance
• Must be willing to donate your time at least twice a month and our staff will provide you with a schedule ahead of time
Join this class on Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. to learn more about: the causes of arthritis, how arthritis can be diagnosed, what to do from there, and prevention tips. Presented by Christine SoliminiSwift, exercise physiologist, Hartford HealthCare GoodLife Fitness. Registration required. Call 1-855-4424373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.
Join this class on Friday, Feb. 17 from 12 to 1 p.m. to learn more about: bone and joint health, benefits of moving to maintain bone health, and exercises to promote healthy bones and joints.
Presented by Erica Bruno, exercise physiologist, Hartford HealthCare GoodLife Fitness. Registration required. Call 1-855-442-4373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/ VirtualClasses.
The Orchards at Southington, an independent and assisted living community lo-
cated at 34 Hobart St., will host an open house Saturday, Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is recommended. To reserve a time, call 860-628-5656.
Arbor Rose at Jerome Home, an assisted living community located at 975 Corbin Ave., will host an open house Sunday, Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is recommended. To reserve a time, call 860-229-3707.
Chat with those who come from the same walk of life every third Monday of the month (Feb. 20) from 1 to 2:30 p.m., in-person or online. In-person: Berlin-Peck Memorial Library, 234 Kensington Road. Facilitated by a Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging Dementia Specialist. Registration required. Call 1-855-4424373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.
The Plainville Unified Sports basketball team topped a squad made up of faculty members and administrators from across the school district in a friendly game played Jan.19 at Plainville High School. Unified Sports is a registered program of Special Olympics that combines athletes with and without intellectual disabilities or other developmental delays on sports teams. As of last year, Plainville Community Schools was approved to run three seasons of Unified Sports for middle and high school students in Plainville, including soccer and kickball in the fall, basketball and bowling in the winter, and track and field, volleyball, and cornhole in the spring.
Six Middle School of Plainville robotics teams kicked off the New Year by taking part in a competition at the STEM Academy in Wallingford. Five of the six MSP teams finished in the top 20, earning a spot in the finals.
Connecticut
MirrorState legislative leaders and Gov. Ned Lamont have agreed to renew for 10 years a package of budget controls that have helped generate $9 billion in surpluses since 2017.
But even though those controls will ease savings requirements modestly, the plan which the General Assembly is expected to adopt Thursday will not immediately redirect that savings to bolster education aid for cities and towns, as some legislators had hoped.
Faith Welcome to On The Menu. Let
9 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m. In addition to ashes, participants may request prayers from the clergy. All are welcome. Extremely inclement weather may affect the gathering. For more information, call 860-628-8486.
476 Washington Avenue North Haven, CT 06473 203-535-0149
Find great local eats - MenusCT.com
Athena
Lamont See Budget, A14
Still, leaders of the House and Senate’s Democratic majorities say accelerating an ongoing plan to grow the
PLAINVILLE- Kevin
Walter Gallagher of Plainville, passed away suddenly on February 3, 2023 from a heart attack. He was 40 years old. Kevin was born on May 27, 1982 in New Britain, CT, to Richard and Karen Gallagher. He grew up in Southington and was a graduate of Southington High School. After high school, he attended Eastern Connecticut State University, where he met his wife of 12 years, Kristina (Gembala) Gallagher. He resided in Plainville with Kristina and his two daughters, Rileigh Kaine (age 9) and Delaney Carolynn (age 5). Kevin was the absolute life of the party. His presence, and laugh, would light up any room. He had a knack for making connections with people because his character and sincere nature made him so easy to love. Kevin was a true friend to all; he was everyone’s “person.” He was fiercely loyal, dependable, and thoughtful. He was the type of father and husband who served as a role model for all those around him. Kevin was devoted to his family, especially his two girls; he loved spending time with them, playing any game they wanted, making them laugh, cheering them on at whatever they were doing. Outside of time with his family, Kevin enjoyed live music, movies, going to breweries, and watching football with friends. In addition to his wife Kristina, Kevin is survived by his children: Rileigh and Delaney of Plainville, CT; his mother Karen of Southington, CT; his sister Emily of Boston, MA; his in-laws, Raymond and Elaine Gembala of West Hartford, CT; his sister-
Press Release
in-law Jennifer (Gembala) Otte, and brother-in-law Jonathan Otte of West Hartford, CT; his maternal grandmother, Alice Skrzpiec of Southington, CT; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and his incredible close friends who have known and loved Kevin his whole life. Kevin is predeceased by his father, Richard. A Mass of Christian Burial for Kevin will be held on Friday, February 10, 2023 at 10:00 AM in St. Dominic’s Church, 1050 Flanders Rd., Southington, CT 06489. Everyone is asked to please meet at the church that morning. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery (New Section). Calling hours for Kevin were held on Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington, CT 06489. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the attached GoFundMe page, which has been set up to support Kristina, Rileigh and Delaney during this difficult time. https:// linktr.ee/gallagher23 For directions or to leave an online condolence, please visit www. dellavecchiasouthington. com.
SOUTHINGTON- William
“Billy” J. Tully, 75, of Southington, passed away on October 15, 2022 at The Hospital of Central Connecticut (New Britain Campus) after a brief illness. He was born on September 21, 1947 in Southington, the son of the late Francis and Anna (Maiorano) Tully.
Billy Worked as a Mason for many years. He also enjoyed planting flowers and taking care of the family graves at St. Thomas and South End Cemeteries. He was a member of the Sons of Italy. He also served as a referee official for the men’s softball league in town.
He is survived by a brother Richard Tully of Southington, a sister-inlaw Patricia Tully and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was predeceased by his siblings Francis Tully, John Tully, Florence Kiewra, Jean Beharry, Patricia Lepore and Kathy Tully.
A graveside service was held at St. Thomas Cemetery. DellaVecchia Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
SOUTHINGTONElizabeth “Betty” C. (Hlavka) Anderson, 94, of Southington, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on February 4, 2023 at MidState Medical Center. She was the loving wife of the late Robert W. Anderson, Jr. Elizabeth is survived by her son, Robert W. Anderson III of Edgewater, FL and daughter, Christine Anderson and her husband Thomas Macklosky of Burlington, one grandson, Trenton J. Anderson of Plantsville and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Robert, Betty was predeceased by 4 sisters, Estelle Dearduff, Margaret Gierymski, Eleanor Hlavka and Helene Thomas and 4 brothers, Joseph, Stephen, John and Michael Hlavka. A graveside service will be celebrated at 12 noon on Friday, February 10, 2023 at St. Thomas Cemetery, Southington. Plantsville Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. For online condolences and directions, please visit www. plantsvillefuneralhome. com.
The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain –“Where Good Begins” in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington –has been selected by store leadership at the Berlin Stop & Shop, 1135 Farmington Ave., as the benefiting organization in the Bloomin’ 4 Good Program in February.
During this month, a $10.99 bouquet in the sleeve marked “Bloomin’ 4 Good” from this Stop & Shop store will brighten a home or make someone’s day while also directing a $1 donation to the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain. This is a great way to broaden awareness in the local community and raise donations for our organization to make grants that help fight hunger.
Share the news with friends and family. Call, send emails, and post on social media. The more bouquets sold, the more we can raise.
To learn more about the Bloomin’ 4 Good Program, visit stopandshop.2givelocal.com.
Established in 1941, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain works to inspire philanthropy, responsibly manage permanent charitable assets, and partner to address key community issues through strategic leadership.
For more information, visit cfgnb.org.
SOUTHINGTON- Eric
S. Perry, 72, of the Plantsville section of Southington, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. He was the loving husband of Debbie (Martin) Perry for 33 years.
Eric was born on June 8, 1950 in Island Falls, ME, to the late Nathan and Geneva (Wellington) Perry. Eric proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He worked for the Southington Highway Department for many years and retired from the Southington Parks and Recreation Dept. in 2012. Eric enjoyed watching sports, especially the New York Yankees, New York Giants and UCONN Huskies. In addition to his wife Debbie, Eric is survived by 5 siblings; Trenner Perry (Linda) of Meriden, Duska Kupec (Kevin) of Bristol, Jace Perry (Mary Glynn) of Plainville, Nathan “Bo” Perry (Karen) of Plainville and Anna Jordan (Jeff) of Plantsville. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Rick Martin (Jane) of TX, sisterin-law, Anita Santa Maria
Press Release
The Barnes Museum, 85 North Main Street in Southington, has announced the opening of its new exhibition, "Be Mine: Victorian Valentines." These dainty and delicate hand-crafted works of paper art are timelessly beautiful. They reveal that Valentine's Day is not, in fact, a fabricated holiday, but a long-honored tradition of showing loved ones affection. Included in the exhibit are examples of vinegar valentines. In the opposite spirit of Valentine's Day, these undesired notes, often known as "comic valentines," were occasionally harsh and always a little emotionally hurtful. The exhibition will be on display throughout February.
Tickets are $30 for two; $50 for four.
Treat your Valentine to an exclusive evening at the museum Friday, Feb. 10, at our Prohibition Era Mocktail Hour. Tickets are $15 and include mocktail tasting, light refreshments from The Lab @ Kraftwich, and live music. Also, this event will feature never-before-displayed items from the collection, including several prohibition-related pieces.
of Plantsville, his beloved cat, Ziva Sue and many nieces, nephews and one great-niece. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased his sister, Theda Scheidel. Donations in Eric’s memory may be made to the Notre Dame School of Dallas Attn; Elizabeth Garrison, 2018 Allen St., Dallas, TX 75204 (www.notredameschool. org). Funeral services will be celebrated privately. Plantsville Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www. planstvillefuneralhome. com.
Celebrate with us on Saturday, Feb. 11 from noon to 2 p.m. at our Valentine's Day Tea.
On Thursday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m., join Barnes Museum curator and historian Christina Volpe at Witchdoctor Brewing Company, 168 Center St. in Southington, for "History Pints," a program about the history of the Factory Square building, Southington Cutlery Company and the town's industrial past. Select items will be on display. This is a free program..
The Southington Recreation Department will hold an instructional volleyball program for girls in grades 3 through 8 (Southington residents only). The program will take place Tuesdays, March 7 through May 9
(no classes April 11 and 18) at the Derynoski Elementary School gymnasium, 240 Main St. The fee to participate is $70. Space is limited; advance registration and payment are required.
See Parks and Rec., A17
Whether it is a lost ring, wallet or a Parrot named Oliver, a Classified ad can help track it down.
still be approved before the regular session ends in early June.
Education Cost Sharing program remains very much under discussion and could
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Lawmakers plan to vote on the budget controls bill Thursday through an “ emergency certification” that
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“This bipartisan agreement to extend the bond covenants and associated guardrails for the next decade sends a strong signal to our residents, businesses and rating agencies that Connecticut is committed to continuing the fiscal discipline that has been a hallmark of the past few years,” Lamont said Tuesday. “Setting these guardrails into place will ensure that the progress we have made over the past five years continues. ”
Those “guardrails,” as the governor calls them, include: A spending cap that keeps growth across most sections of the budget in line with changes in personal income or inflation, whichever is larger.
A $1.9 billion annual cap on the total value of bonds state government can issue to finance municipal school construction, renovations to state buildings, open space and farmland preservation, and various community projects supported with state borrowing. The cap does not apply to borrowing for transportation projects or for the capital programs at public colleges and universities.
A “volatility adjustment” that restricts legislators’ ability to spend quarterly income and business tax receipts in excess of a $3.2 billion threshold. These funds, which are tied heavily to capital gains and other investment earnings, historically have fluctuated greatly from year to year.
A revenue cap designed to stop legislators from creating budgets with little fiscal room for error, a periodic problem in the past. For example, the 2009 legislature approved a $17.4 billion General Fund for the 200910 fiscal year with a built-in
cushion of just $2.1 million, a margin of less than 1/80th of 1%.
And the rainy day fund now can hold an amount equal to 18% of General Fund expenditures, an increase from the current 15%. In the context of the current budget, that would allow the $3.3 billion rainy day fund to be expanded to roughly $4 billion.
Lawmakers initially enacted the first four guardrails as part of a bipartisan compromise in the fall of 2017, following nearly a decade of state budgets mired by frequent deficits and modest revenue growth.
To prevent future legislatures from tampering with these controls, the 2018 General Assembly agreed to guarantee them contractually.
Read the full version of this story on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, www.ctmirror.org.
PLATT BASKETBALL
One half of Platt’s Dynamic Duo with Anthony Nimani, Makhai Anderson is averaging 22.8 points a game as the Panthers head down the homestretch ranked No. 4 in the CIAC Division III playoff points at 12-3. The 6-foot-5 junior forward had consecutive double-doubles last week, collecting 25 points and 14 rebounds vs. Eastern and 21 points and 10 rebounds vs. Southington.
CHESHIRE HOCKEY
The Cheshire Rams aren’t just winning hockey games these days, they are winning in dramatic fashion. The recurring script has been the comeback capped by the late game-winning goal. A leading star has been Drew DePodesta, who in one stretch had the game-winning goal in three straight games, including two in overtime. The junior forward now has six goals on the season.
SOUTHINGTON HOCKEY
Did the Southington Co-op really start the season 0-11? Seems hard to believe given the last three games for the Blue Knights, who beat Rocky Hill, Milford and Wilton by a combined score of 19-8. Senior forward Gabe Mohr factored into the offense in all three victories. He got the win streak rolling with a hat trick vs. Rocky Hill and followed with single goals vs. Milford and Wilton.
Like a number of freshman girls basketball players this winter, Maloney’s Skyler Burke made it clear starting on opening night she was ready for varsity prime time, scoring 15 points vs. RHAM. Over the ensuing two months, Burke has only gotten stronger. The guard matched her season high when she hit for 27 in Monday’s 52-24 win over Platt. She’s now averaging 15.1 ppg.
LYMAN HALL BASKETBALL
You’ll notice that photo of Callie Chordas isn’t from basketball. It’s from softball. But it works, because Chordas is a Trojan for all seasons. Now in the midst of a 9-8 basketball campaign, the senior forward is a big part of Lyman Hall’s imminent return to the CIAC state tournament. On Friday night, Chordas notched a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds against Career.
In this remarkable Season of the Freshmen, add another remarkable rookie to the list: Sheehan’s Susie Hotaling. A starting forward since Game 1, Hotaling has been making steadily increasing contributions. Last week, she hit the go-ahead basket in a 44-40 win over Lauralton Hall, scored a team-high 13 points vs. Canton and had a 14-point, 13-rebound outing at Guilford.
Winners will be posted here as well as your next group of nominees.
WEEK’S AOTW WINNERS AS VOTED BY YOU!
GO ONLINE AND VOTE. CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK TO SEE WHO YOU VOTED THE ATHLETES OF THE WEEK!
Simply go to
once a day now through February 12th to enter.
A random drawing for our five prizes will take place on Monday February 13th, 2023. Winners announced on the contest page Monday February 13th, 2023.
coming summer to really do the necessary repairs. But when it's done, it's going to be like brand-new pool,” Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee Michael Fasulo said. “We feel that it's something that needs to be in the best shape it can be because it gets so much use and people love it. The whole park is important to us, but that particular spot for the summer really needs to be in the best condition it can be for the people.”
Though the announcement was made Feb. 3, discussions about the renovations occurred early last year, with $33,500 put forward for design work for the final plan to be implemented this year.
The improvements are a necessity, officials say, not just in the interest of safety but in being able to satisfy the demands of the town.
The Recreation Park pool has always been among the most popular of the town’s public recreation areas, leaving officials to lament over having to close it for the season, but they insist the im-
provements will be worth the wait.
They encourage residents to make use of the Veterans Memorial Park Pool at 776 Woodruff St. for the 2023 summer season instead, which will open sometime in June.
For Mike DelSanto, town councilor and chairman of the Public Works Committee, he wants to make the new pool something that he feels will only add to Recreation Park’s legacy for swimmers in the local community.
“Recreation Park has been a rite of passage for swimming for 100 years. Before there was a swimming pool, there was a swimming hole, which I remember swimming in in the ’70s. And then in the late ’80s, they built the pool. It's a mainstay, people use it all the time. It's always packed there, it's a great place,” DelSanto said. “It's unfortunate that it can't be done in a time where the pool can open for the year so it stinks that we have to close it for a year. But that's just the best course of action so we can get the work done quickly.”
Further details about Southington’s pools are available on the town’s website.
Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, named the following students to its dean’s list for the fall semester: Madison Callis, Molly Freitas, Phoebe Gediman, Isabella Rosati. Quinnipiac University, Hamden, named Ania Scott to its dean’s list for the fall semester.
Siena College, Loudonville, N.Y., named Samantha Thompson to its dean’s list for the fall semester.
UConn, Mansfield, named Dylan Kyle to its dean’s list for the fall semester.
University of New England, Biddeford and Portland, Maine, named Malena VanBeveren to its dean’s list for the fall semester.
University of New Hampshire, Durham, N.H., named Brianna Bartley to its dean’s list for the fall semester.
University of Rhode Island, Kingston, R.I., named Patrick Gryczewski and Samantha Lozefski to its dean’s list for the fall semester.
University of Vermont, Burlington, Vt., named Julia Restelli to its dean’s list for the fall semester.
Letters to the Editor are limited to 300 words. The Citizen will print only one letter per person each month. We reserve the right to edit letters. Letters must be signed and names will appear in print. Include a phone number so The Citizen can contact you for verification. Email letters to news@thesouthingtoncitizen.com or news@theplainvillecitizen.com. Letters must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday to be considered for publication that Friday.
The Southington Recreation Department is offering an 8-week running clinic for children age 7 to 15. “Fundamentals of Youth Running” will focus on form, stamina, pace, stretching, hydration and building the confidence to complete a 5K race. The clinic will take place Thursdays, April 20 through June 8 at the Derynoski Elementary School track, 240 Main St. The fee to participate is $80. Space is limited; advance registration and payment are required.
PLAINVILLE Planning and Zoning Commission
The Plainville Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a Public Hearing Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at the Plainville Municipal Center, One Central Square, Plainville, CT to consider the following item:
PZ 01-23 #01 – Resubdivision – Trumbull Homes – Phase III (lots 10 through 15, and open space “E”) of an approved open space subdivision at 161 Camp Street.
Information is available for public inspection in the Planning Department. At this hearing, interested persons may appear and be heard, and written communications may be received.
Respectfully submitted, Mathew Weimer, Secretary, Plainville Planning and Zoning Commission. Dated at Plainville, CT January 25, 2023. R258602
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.
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.
PREMIER ESTATE JEWELRY - Is interested in buying your fine jewelry, watches, coin collections, silver flatware, and costume jewelry. Call Bill, (203) 4942496.
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.
TREE LENGTH FIREWOOD CALL FOR DETAILS 203-238-2149
BUYING MACHINIST TOOLBOXES - Tools & tooling, contents of machine shops, home workshops and small lathes. Call anytime 860-985-5760
TIMELESS TREASURES ESTATE AUCTIONS -
Is looking to purchase estate contents. From single items to entire estates. Clean-out services available. Call Bill (203) 494-2496.
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
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
ALWAYS TOP CASHFor Grandma’s Costume Jewelry Stash!
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
ASSOCIATE PERIODONTIST
Dental Implants and Periodontics of Connecticut, LLC, has a job opening for an Associate Periodontist at its location at 546 South Broad Street, 2D, Meriden, CT 06450.
Education Requirements: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Equivalent.
Special Requirements:
Certificate in Periodontology; Board Certified in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery; Licensed to practice Dentistry in CT
To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to Allison Barasz at dentalimplantsandperi odontics@gmail.com
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MARKETING SPECIALIST
JUNIOR ACCOUNTANT
Needed for Southington/ Meriden/Berlin/Rocky Hill - Must be 21yrs or older and possess a driver’s license for at least 3yrs – Paid training to acquire CDL license and endorsements available –The opportunity to bring your children to work, No Childcare$$ - Contact Sheila at New Britain Transportation (860) 8280511 ext. 221 or visit us at, 257 Woodlawn Rd., Berlin, CT
WASTE TREATMENT
Operates and maintains equipment and processes in a municipal sewage treatment plant. Requires a H.S. diploma or GED plus a State of CT Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Class I Operators License or higher certification, or a Class I Operator-in-Training certification. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
CARPENTRY
Repairs, Decks & Porches, Sheetrock & Taping Water Damage Repairs. Free Est. Ins. MC & Visa. Call Bill (203) 901-2136. CT. Reg. # 0647093
CLEAN & REMOVE
Furniture, appliances, entire contents of: homes, sheds, estates, attics, basements, garages & more.
RT
Your moving and storage specialists. Call for a free estimate. 833-668-3978.
TEC ELECTRICAL
Service LLC All Phases of Electrical Work. 24 hr. Emergency Service. Small Jobs Welcome. 203.237.2122
*FALL YARD Clean-ups* FREE ESTIMATES. LIC & INS. DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817 860-575-8218
LICENSED CDL
DRIVER
FT or PT. Driving and shop work at Meriden, CT location. PTO, 401k, Health Ins. Call 203-235-4830.
GUTTERS PLUS 25+yrs. Exp. Call today for Free estimate.
203-440-3535 Ct. Reg. #578887
$ 23.07 to $ 27.28 (hourly) / $ 21.92 to $ 27.28 (hourly) based on certifications & experience plus an excellent fringe benefit package.
OFFICE ASSISTANT FT or PT (M-F 9 -3:30). Some bookkeeping exp. req. Attention to detail and reliability a must.
PTO, 401k & Health Ins. Call 203.235.4830.
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. The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/ resume is received, or February 21, 2023 whichever occurs first.
EOE
#1 PAINTER’S EDGEExt. & Int. Painting. Sheetrock.Popcorn Repair. Wallpaper Remv’l. Decks. 25 yrs exp. Free est. Sr. disc. #0656136. Ins. 860.538.5520
HOME DOCTOR - 48 yrs exp. Odd jobs & remodeling, former US Navy, 15 yrs, #640689, 203.427.7828. Specializing
EOE Insurance claim.storm damage.roofing.siding. gutter.chimney flashing. Office:203.754.3071 Cell:203.510.3830 Stormshieldct@gmail. com HIC.0664452 facebook.com/ recordjournalnewspaper twitter.com/ Record_Journal instagram.com/ recordjournal CONNECT TO US SOCIALLY Call Monday thru Friday 8:30AM - 5PM FACEBOOK.COM/ RECORDJOURNAL NEWSPAPER TWITTER.COM/ RECORD_JOURNAL INSTAGRAM.COM/ RECORDJOURNAL CONNECT WITH US SOCIALLY Interested in Classified Advertising? Call Us. 203-238-1953 Handyperson Junk Removal Tree Services Gutters Roofing Help Wanted Carpet and Flooring Carpentry Moving and Storage Paving Businesses & Services Get Listed. Get Results. 203-238-1953 Help Wanted Help Wanted Landscaping Painting Wallpapering Help Wanted Electrical Services
