The Southington | Plainville Citizen

Town planners approve library; design slammed

By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff

SOUTHINGTON Town officials approved plans for a new library despite concerns about reduced parking and a design they described as looking like a factory. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-2 April 4 in favor of the plan for a new library building on Main Street. The building will be constructed, then the old building will be torn down.

Library building committee members have struggled to get the price of a new library within the $17 million approved by town voters. Their design came to the planning commission for approval.

Planners were worried about the reduction of parking despite assurances from engineers that the original parking lot was overbuilt. There are more than 170 spaces at the library now, which are used as overflow parking by Derynoski School across the street. The new building will have more than 90 spaces.

RAILROADERS TALK

Unattractive library?

None of the planners who spoke at last week’s meeting were happy with the design or aesthetic of the new library either, the harshest criticisms coming from commission chairman Bob Hammersley.

See Library, A8

Animals considered for idle farm

By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff

SOUTHINGTON – Greenleaf Stables may again have animals as the owner decides the next step for the Laning Street farm.

Selling the land to a builder is off the table since the town holds development rights on the 15-acre property.

Paul Greenleaf owns the property and lives next door. Although he had interest from developers, he chose to sell development rights to the town in 2020 for $225,000.

“I didn’t really want it developed,” he said.

“I don’t want to look out my window and see condos.”

See Farm, A12

The Plainville Historical Society will present the program “Time Was ... The Last Generation of Railroaders” Saturday, April 22 at 2 p.m. Al Virelli, pictured on the right, and Bill Sample will detail the history of the railroad in Plainville and surrounding towns. Virelli, who worked on the freight line that came through Plainville, will talk about the job and the customers along the route. Sample was the ticketmaster at the Berlin station and will share his vast knowledge of railroads in the area. The April 22 program will take place at the Plainville Historic Center, 29 Pierce St. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. Register by sending an email to plvhistorical@gmail.com with your name, contact information, and number of people in your party.

Contributed

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Conceptual design of the planned new library in Southington. Photos courtesy of the Southington Public Library

Cava restaurant looks to make addition permanent

By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff

SOUTHINGTON Owners

of Cava are looking to make a temporary building put up during COVID a permanent addition to the West Street restaurant.

To allow for spread out seating during the pandemic, Cava owners put up a tent in 2020. Later that year they built a 30-by-90 foot temporary building for the cold months.

That temporary building is still up and used for seating.

Restaurant owners want to move it to the back of the main building and make it permanent with a basement for storage.

The restaurant has frequent elaborate decoration displays. The basement will allow more storage for those decorations.

Sev Bovino, a planner repre-

senting the restaurant, expects the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission to take up the restaurant’s request at its meeting later this month.

“It’s a temporary that was allowed during the COVID declaration by the governor,” Bovino said. “Now they have to relocate it Also they’re going to dress up the looks

of it to match the existing building.”

Right now it’s just sitting on the parking lot pavement.

Moving the temporary building will keep the space available for seating, according to Bovino. The change doesn’t affect the kitchen or add seating to the bar.

Owners of Cava are looking to make a temporary building put up during COVID a permanentadditiontotheWestStreetrestaurant. Record-Journal file photo See

State legislature begins quiet, but crucial phase

By Mark Pazniokas The Connecticut Mirror

The 2023 session of the Connecticut General Assembly entered a quiet and crucial phase last week.

All but the tax and budget committees have reached their deadlines for reporting bills to the floors of the House and Senate. Complicated and contentious bills on wage and workplace standards, energy regulation, gun control, affordable housing, climate change and recycling all made the initial

cut, winning favorable committee votes.

“This part of the legislative session now is very busy, but it’s mostly behind the scenes, ” said Senate President Pro Tem Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven, a lawmaker for 42 years and the Senate’s top leader for eight.

Some committee approvals were conditional, less an endorsement of a finished product than a decision to keep them alive for further polishing, negotiation or

wholesale revamping. What happens now can broadly be described as screening, a process for assessing the policy and political implications of the committees’ output, as well as whether they have the broader support sufficient for a floor vote.

“Now it’s time to sort out and prioritize,” said House Minority Leader Vincent. J Candelora, R-North Branford. “There’s only so much time on the clock, and what are the priorities?”

Unlike Congress, where bills can gestate over two years, the life cycle of a bill in the Connecticut General Assembly is surprisingly brief, akin to the growing season in a hostile climate.

General Assembly sessions are five months in odd years, three months in even ones. Three of this year’s five months are now gone, and the pace will begin to quick-

House Speaker Matt Ritter, right, and Senate President Pro Tem Martin Looney welcoming Gov. Ned Lamont as he prepared to present his budget on Feb. 8. The trio will shape what bills reach the finish line by midnight June 7. Mark Pazniokas, The Connecticut Mirror

Students to be treated to healthy ‘taste test’

Press Release

PLAINVILLE On Tuesday, April 18, Frank T. Wheeler Elementary School students and special guests will enjoy a “taste test” during lunch, thanks to a collaboration between the “Put Local on Your Tray” organization and the Plainville Community Schools Food Services Department, led by Director Ashley Carl.

Carl, who is working closely with Dawn Crayco, Food Corps Northeast Regional Policy Director, to plan the event, hopes the “taste test” will provide the opportunity for students to enjoy a variety of healthy, locally-produced food items that they may not have otherwise had the opportunity to try.

“It’s great that we have the opportunity to expose our students to healthy foods and to build strong relationships with our local farmers,” noted Carl.

The menu for the special event features kale salad, as well as whole grain “Emoji” waffles served with maple syrup from the Lamothe Sugar House, a local producer, and several additional food items.

A number of special guests will be in attendance, including state Sen. Henri Martin and state Rep. Francis Cooley.

“I was raised to just try everything, even if I wasn’t sure how it would taste or whether I would like it. Fortunately, I like almost every food, including kale, so I am looking forward to joining the students and special guests for this fantastic event spotlighting locally-grown and -produced foods,” Superintendent of Schools

Steven LePage stated. “I appreciate our really outstanding Food Services Director, Ashley Carl, and her efforts to make this exciting and tasty event possible.”

School showcase to be held April 20

Press Release

PLAINVILLE Plainville Community Schools will host a “Superintendent’s Update and Informational Showcase” Thursday, April 20, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Plainville High School, 47 Robert Holcomb Way.

The program will begin in the auditorium with opening remarks by Superintendent Steven LePage, including a brief overview of the proposed 2023-24 school district budget and a special recognition for Board of Education member Foster White, who has been named recipient of the Connecticut Association of Schools Distinguished Friend of Education Award.

This will be followed by an “open house” style showcase in the cafeterias.

The showcase event will feature musical performances, demonstrations, information and updates for parents and community members on a variety of school district-related topics.

“This annual district showcase provides our district families an opportunity to see and experience many examples of what makes our school district a true model,

in so many ways,” LePage stated. “This year will be even more special and meaningful with an opportunity to honor a legendary volunteer member of our community, and also an opportunity to access many critical resources related to mental health services and supports. I think everyone will find our showcase to be informative, impressive and inspiring.”

The showcase will also feature a “mental health resource boulevard” in the corridor outside of the cafeterias, and will include representatives and information from a wide variety of local mental health support organizations.

Additionally, the Connecticut Clearinghouse’s “Change the Script” Resource Van will be onsite to distribute mental health resources and substance use prevention information and resources to parents, and the “Hidden in Plain Site” organization will host an interactive “mock student bedroom” space for parents to tour and learn more about youth substance abuse.

Light refreshments will be served. The event is open to the public.

Families join QRWA for trout stocking of the Quinnipiac River

By Ben Baker Record-Journal staff

MERIDEN The Quinnipiac River Watershed Association rang in the spring season with its annual trout stocking on Tuesday night. With an assist from local families and supplier Harding Trout Hatchery, the QRWA made its way to the Red Bridge and deposited 86 fish representing three species of trout.

The QRWA further built on what Harding Trout Hatchery owner Brian Harding called a nearly 30-year partnership between himself and the group.

Harding said he developed a bond with the QRWA and the greater Meriden area, which is rekindled through friendly exchanges each year at the trout stocking.

“It’s great to see some familiar faces and know people are doing well here,” Harding said.

After the release, the Quinnipiac River now has an additional 30 brook trout, 30 brown trout and 26 rainbow trout ranging from 14-24 inches.

QRWA board member Peter Picone said the organization intentionally sought out large trout when restocking the area, hoping to excite prospective anglers with the potential to reel in a hefty catch, particularly after the group suspended the event for three years due to COVID-19.

“These are really large fish,” Picone said. “The smallest is 14 inches and the largest is 24, so we’re trying to get everybody excited about fishing in the Quinnipiac River here.”

The largest of the fish, a two-

See Fish, A23

CT COMPLETE CHIMNEY, LLC SERVICE

Ryan Sullivan, 10, helps a 24-inch rainbow trout get going into the Quinnipiac River during the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association’s annual trout stocking event.

Richie Rathsack, Record-Journal

Words of Wellness

by Dr. Stacey Raya

Chiropractors utilize many adjustment techniques to align segments of the spine and other areas of the body. The Thompson Technique is a complete spinal adjusting technique that uses a specially designed drop table that takes advantage of the natural design of spinal joints to help with misalignment. With the patient’s head supported, the chiropractor applies a high-speed thrust using minimal force. The table then drops slightly to lower the section corresponding to the adjusted spinal region. The Thompson Technique’s primary benefits are improved posture, strength, flexibility, and performance, as well as greater resistance to injury in the area that has been adjusted. It is not unusual for patients to experience complete relief after only a few sessions.

Chiropractic care is based on the premise that the body has an innate ability to heal itself if spinal abnormalities are found and corrected. The Thompson Technique allows us to work smarter, not harder. We use this technique to gently clear pressure from the nerve system and allow your body to function optimally. Please call 860-621-2225 to schedule an appointment. We are located at 200 Queen St., Southington.

P.S. The Thompson technique was created by Dr. Clay Thompson.

“There’s nothing attractive about the building that I saw, to be blunt,” he said. “I don’t like the way that this looks.”

Library building committee members didn’t present plans for a library sign, but Hammersley said he wasn’t reassured by the building itself. “I want to see a sign we all can be proud of. It is a gateway, it is a central piece in our downtown,” he said.

“Based on this rendering, I’m not confident that this sign is going to be anything attractive. It’s going to be bland.”

Bob Salka, the commission vice chairman, was among those commission members who said the library design

wasn’t similar in design with surrounding buildings on Main Street. “When I first saw the building, the first thing I thought about is it looks like a factory,” Salka said. “When you first look at it, it doesn’t fit the character of the town. It looks like a factory or a school building It does nothing for me.”

Jim Barrett, a principal with DRA Architects, said the building’s colors of terra cotta red, white and tan reflected surrounding buildings. The building’s shape was intended in part to deal with the elevation of the property and to give portions of the interior a unique character.

Reduced parking

Todd Ritchie, a civil engineer with SLR Consulting, said parking had been far overbuilt at the library. During a week-long study of the site,

he said the peak times saw fewer than 60 cars using the lot for both the library and for overflow parking at Derynoski.

With the reconfiguration of the site and to reuse existing lots, he proposed 92 parking spaces for the new library. “That’s sizable reduction in parking, mainly because the parking lot was oversized to begin with,” Ritchie told planners.

Based on the size of the new library, the minimum parking would be 57 spaces. The planned amount of parking allowed for event parking as well as some use from Derynoski School.

Planners worried about the reduction, however, saying a new, larger library could draw more people and may be added to in the future. Ritchie said the new building’s service window will al-

low more people to come and go faster. He also doubted the feasibility of an addition. “Most likely, there’s not going to be an expansion of this building. This is pretty much it for this site,” Ritchie said.

Pedestrian safety

Parking was split between a lot near Meriden Avenue and one at the south end of the site. Town planners wanted a sidewalk along that internal road and worried about pedestrians walking near cars.

Dave Lavallee, assistant town planner, said the commission was restricted in what it could require, however. Due to the steep slope at the back of the property, there might not be room for a four-foot sidwalk without redesigning the library building itself. “The stipulation is difficult on a site plan,” he said.

Instead planners included a recommendation that the library building committee consider a sidewalk or other measures to protect pedestrians.

Town officials want to begin construction this summer. The Town Council will take a vote on the project after the recommendation from the planning commission.

jbuchanan@record-journal.com

203-317-2230

Twitter: @JBuchananRJ

Conceptual design of the planned new library in Southington.

Image contributed by Southington Public Library

Support group

If you are a grandparent or relative who is raising a grandchild, niece or nephew, you are not alone. A support group will meet Tuesday, April 18, 10:30 a.m., at the Plainville Senior Center, 200 East St. Funding for this program is made possible in part by the Older Americans Act through the North Central Area Agency on Aging. Call 860-747-5728 to register.

Roundnet tourney

CJK Foundation, a central Connecticut-based nonprofit focusing on depression and mental illness, has announced that the CJK Classic Roundnet Tournament will be held at YMCA Camp Sloper in Southington Saturday, May 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In Roundnet, teams of two take turns ricocheting a ball towards their opponents off of a round net on the ground. Similar to volleyball, teams aim to return the ball so their opponents cannot control it and send it back,

enabling them to score. To register a team, visit cjkfoundation.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Shred-it Day

The Arc of Southington’s 13th Annual Community Shred-It Day will be held Saturday, May 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at The Arc of Southington, 201 W. Main St., Plantsville. Make any size donation to shred up to two boxes (per vehicle) of old documents for safe disposal. Please remove all plastics

and binders before shredding. Call 860-628-9220 for more information.

Spring Dance

PARC, Inc.'s Spring Dance will be held Saturday, May 6, 7 to 11 p.m., at Testa’s, 26 South Center St. in Southington.

The $60 ticket price includes a dinner buffet, music with DJ David Robinson, and dancing. A reduced ticket price of $35 is offered to members and students. Tickets can be purchased via

parcdisabilitiesct.org or by calling 860-747-0316.

Balloon fest

The Plainville Fire Company's Hot Air Balloon Festival will take place at Norton Park the evening of Friday, Aug. 25, and all day Saturday, Aug. 26.

Anyone interested in helping is encouraged to sign up. Volunteers are needed from Friday through Sunday.

To access the volunteer application, visit plainvillefireco.com.

WORLD-CLASS CARE IN SOUTHINGTON.

UConn Health offers comprehensive health care, including primary care, specialty care, X-ray, and blood draw services at our Southington location, conveniently located off of I-84.

Services in Southington

Blood Draw

Comprehensive Spine

Dermatology

Ear, Nose & Throat/Audiology

Endocrinology

Internal Medicine

Neurosurgery

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Podiatry

Pulmonary

Radiology

Vascular Surgery

health.uconn.edu/southington

50th reunion

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@

In Brief

aol.com. Send checks payable to Maureen Cassidy to: 46 Dunham St., Southington, CT 06489.

Class of 1973

The 50th reunion planning committee for the Plainville High School Class of 1973 is looking for classmates.

If you are a 1973 PHS graduate, or know of one, email contact information to crczellecz@comcast.net.

Reading challenge

The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, in partnership with Eversource, has announced the return of a student reading challenge for the 2023 season.

Students (K through 8th grade) who read five books outside of the school cur-

riculum will earn two tickets to a Yard Goats game at Dunkin’ Park in Hartford. A parent or guardian can register students on the Yard Goats website (yardgoatsbaseball.com) through May 6.

Transfer station

Plainville’s transfer station on Granger Lane is open for the season. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays only. The transfer station is for Plainville residents only. ID is required. Direct questions to 860-7930221 ext. 7176.

Certification

Eversource is partnering with Housatonic Community College and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Unions 420 and 457 to pre-

Year Round Tree Service

pare the next generation of electrical lineworkers in Connecticut.

The Lineworker Certificate Program provides students valuable training in the electric utility industry and the opportunity to progress into Eversource’s paid apprenticeship program. For details, visit Eversource.com.

Boxes to Boots

Berlin-based non-profit Boxes to Boots, 28 Chamberlain Highway, sends care packages to members of the U.S. military serving overseas.

To learn more about the organization and its needs, visit boxestoboots.org.

Community grants

The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain approved its first round of grants for 2023, awarding more than $436,000 to a wide variety of programs serving Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington.

The second round of CFGNB grant applications will be accepted this summer. Letters of Intent are due July 1. Visit the “grantmaking” section of the foundation’s website at cfgnb.org.

Narcan will soon be sold over-thecounter, but not in 28 towns

By José Luis Martínez The Connecticut Mirror

In the past five years, over 7,000 people in Connecticut died due to opioid overdoses.

That’s enough to overflow the Hartford Yard Goats’ Dunkin’ Park or fill the main theater at the Bushnell more than twice.

“I literally have lost count on how many people that I know, love, have worked with my family that have died from this,” said Jess Morris, the mobile outreach worker at Perception Programs, a behavioral health services nonprofit. “I’ve responded to more overdoses off the clock than on.”

Every day of the week, Morris drives the organization’s van to various locations where she provides services such as wound care kits, safe sex supplies, recovery support referrals and opioid use treatment, among other things.

One of the things Morris distributes is naloxone, an opioid antagonist that has successfully reversed more than 2,000 overdoses statewide since 2016.

Morris’ handouts resulted in 78 of them.

Either as an injection or nasal spray, naloxone is currently available with a prescription through a physician or pharmacist, without a prescription at pharmacies that have a standing order, See Narcan, A22

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venues.

answers to your questions.

Horse boarding

Paul Greenleaf rented the pasture and barn to Circle G for years. The company boarded, leased and sold horses.

Greenleaf and his brother also managed horse boarding themselves as Greenleaf Brothers Stables. The work became demanding, particularly two winters ago when water lines froze and workers quit. Greenleaf said he decided to board only two horses this winter, but both went elsewhere so he was left with none.

Now he’s looking for the next step.

“Some of my old boarders are interested in returning,” Greenleaf said. “I’m looking around for my own best opportunity.”

He’s also considering getting alpacas.

“It’s going to stay a farm, I

just don’t know what kind of farm yet,” Greenleaf said.

Preserving farms

Paul Chaplinsky, Town Council vice chairman, was on the council in 2020 when it voted in favor of buying development rights for the farm. That purchase followed others, such as development rights for the 88acre Hawk’s Landing Country Club.

Chaplinsky said the agreement for the Laning Street property allows Greenleaf to improve his house but not to develop more houses or switch the use from farming. Greenleaf and his brother who had an interest in the property gave the town a very fair deal, Chaplinsky said.

“I think that’s reflective of their desire to preserve it,” he said.

The Laning Street land is adjacent to town-owned open space. “The town would never relinquish the preservation rights” of the farm, Chaplinsky said.

Greenleaf’s grandparents started the farm. Paul Greenleaf said they had one horse, which was sold when they switched to a tractor. “The horse became no longer useful,” he said.

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

A barn at Greenleaf Stables at 553 Laning St. Farm owner Paul Greenleaf is deciding the next step for the farm.

Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

Obituaries

MERIDEN - Bruce M. Cotton, 78, of Meriden and formerly of Southington, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 9, 2023 at MidState Medical Center. He was the loving husband of Leslie G. (Smith) Cotton for 55 years.

Bruce was born in Hartford on July 2, 1944, one of six sons, to the late Floyd Sr. and Irene (Buckley) Cotton and had been a longtime Southington resident.

A cum laude graduate of St. Michael’s College in Vermont, Bruce proudly served his country as an officer in the U.S Air Force during the Vietnam War era stationed at K.I. Sawyer AFB in Michigan. He worked as a salesman for many years, retiring in 2012. Bruce was very active in the Southington community. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, longtime member of the Republican Town Committee, including serving as town chairman, a member of the Board of Police Commissioners, and a member of the American Legion.

Known for his terrific sense of humor, Bruce loved to make people laugh. He also enjoyed hiking and was a huge fan of the NY Yankees and UCONN Basketball.

In addition to his wife Leslie, Bruce is survived by his daughter, Aimee Cotton Bogush and husband Paul of Bethany, his son Eric Cotton and wife Katie of Southington and four

Legislature

From A4

en as more bills ripen, vetted by committees and the nonpartisan staffs at the Office of Fiscal Analysis and Office of Legislative Research. The former must produce fiscal notes for every bill, the latter a plain-language summary.

tle, in search of a majority. Lawmakers referred to major bills sent to the floor this year as a “work in progress” and a “conversation in progress ” at this time of the year.

grandchildren: Emma, Annie, Julia and Madeline. He is also survived by his brother Keith of Broad Brook, CT, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his grandson, Nathan, and his brothers, Philip, Floyd Jr., Norman and David.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bruce’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association/ Bridge the Gap fundraiser by visiting act.alz.org/ goto/BridgetheGap.

Calling hours will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St. The family invites all to join them immediately after the calling hours for a celebration of Bruce’s life at Kinsmen Brewing Co., 409 Canal St., Milldale. Burial will be held privately in the State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown. For online condolences and directions, please visit www. plantsvillefuneralhome. com

“People often raise the question: ‘Why is it you guys are in session doing marathons in the last several weeks of the session and not in session much early on?’” Looney said. “But really, it’s built into our process, because we do respect the committee process, and bills are vetted through the committee.”

Anything with a tax implication or significant cost must be voted on by the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee or the Appropriations Committee, whose respective deadlines are April 20 and 21.

While the non-partisan analysts do their work, there also is a political analysis, a less formal screening by legislative leaders to measure the broader support for a bill in their caucuses and the risks and benefits of calling a vote.

Connecticut voters maintained the Democrats’ firm control over lawmaking in November, easily reelecting Gov. Ned Lamont and electing Democratic majorities of 97-53 in the House and 2412 in the Senate.

With the huge majorities come challenges of potentially conflicting priorities and goals: For example, House Speaker Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, leads a caucus whose members represent some of the richest and poorest census tracts in the U.S.

What bills come to floor vote are the purview of Ritter in the House and Looney in the Senate.

Assessing the ramifications of those bills is a dynamic process, one that weighs whether legislation is calibrated to do too much or lit-

Take the long-running struggle to increase multi-family housing in Connecticut, which lacks more than 89,000 units of housing that are affordable and available to the lowest income renters, according to estimates from the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

A bill endorsed by the Housing Committee would create a process for setting regional goals for housing production, which would be updated every 10 years, and press communities to meet them. One question now in talks: Exactly how would communities be pressed?

The Labor and Public Employees Committee, which tends to be both progressive and aggressive with its agenda, sent 50 bills to the floor, some attempted in previous sessions, including measures that would provide jobless benefits for strikers and predictive scheduling for shift workers.

Predictive scheduling is a prime example of a bill

whose future will rest on its reach which businesses are covered. As written, the bill would apply to companies that employ at least 500 in the U.S. or globally, but it would also cover small restaurants that might be individually owned under the banner of a national franchise.

Some lawmakers are unwilling to include small restaurants, even if they are franchisees in a national chain.

A version passed the Senate two years ago but never has come to a floor vote in the House, where the ideologically and geographically diverse Democratic majority failed to coalesce around parameters for whom the law would apply.

“We have caucused predictive scheduling for few years now, and each time it falls short,” Ritter said.

Read the full story on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, www.ctmirror.org.

Bruce M. Cotton

BRANDON ALVARADO WILCOX TECH BASEBALL

Wilcox baseball opened the season with an 11-5 win over Platt and followed with three CTC victories to stand at 4-0. In the vanguard of this fairly young team is senior Brandon Alvarado. With two hits in four at-bats in Monday’s 11-1 win at Whitney Tech, Alvarado raised his average to .563 (9-for-16). Six of his nine hits have been doubles. Alvarado also earned the pitching win vs. Bullard-Havens.

RYAN BARBIERI CHESHIRE BASEBALL

This past Monday turned out to be all about the walk-off for area baseball teams. Three locals won in their last at-bat, none more loudly than Ryan Barbieri and the Cheshire Rams. After letting a 4-2 lead get away against Fairfield Prep in a 3-run top of the seventh, the Rams pulled out a 6-5 victory when Barbieri followed Bennett Crerar’s leadoff single with a home run over the left field fence.

TYLER DUFFY MALONEY BASEBALL

The Spartans took down two potent neighbors, Southington and Berlin, to open the baseball season at 2-0. Junior left-hander Tyler Duffy was in the middle of both wins. He pitched 6 2/3 innings of four-hit ball to earn the win against Southington and also drove in two runs. Against Berlin, Duffy scored the winning run after doubling to lead off the 8th. He also pitched 5 2/3 innings in that game.

VOTE AND WIN!

Vote for your favorite AOTW and automatically be entered for our year end $500 drawing! One lucky person will be randomly selected as our $500 winner. A single vote gets you entered, vote every week to earn more chances to win!

CALLIE CHORDAS LYMAN HALL SOFTBALL

It seems like we were just talking about Callie Chordas and her accomplishments in basketball. Now it’s softball season, the game the Lyman Hall senior is going on to play at Keene State. On Saturday, on the road against Weston, Chordas belted two home runs to fuel a 14-4 Lyman Hall victory. Batting out of the No. 3 slot, the center fielder went 3-for-5 on the day and drove in three runs.

BROOKLYN CIVIDANES PLATT SOFTBALL

When Brooklyn Cividanes connected for a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning against East Hartford last Wednesday, it helped the Panthers grab a 6-0 lead in a game they would win 15-0. There was added significance to the ball Cividanes deposited over the center field fence at John Phostole Field. It was the 10th career HR for the senior catcher, and that’s the new program record.

CHLOE ENGER WILCOX TECH SOFTBALL

Chloe Enger has been excellent so far this season for Wilcox Tech. Actually, she’s been better than excellent. She’s been nigh perfect. In guiding the Wildcats to a 4-0 start, the sophomore has thrown three 5-inning perfect games. In 20 total innings, she’s struck out 45. Enger is also tearing it up at the plate. She’s got 13 hits on the season, including two HRs, and has had a pair of 5-RBI games.

or through a community health organization like the one Morris works in.

But starting in late summer, a brand of nasal spray naloxone, Narcan, will be available over-the-counter after approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last month.

Access may be difficult in rural areas

Despite the FDA approval, some people in Connecticut may still have a difficult time obtaining Narcan over-thecounter.

Currently, 28 towns in the state, mostly rural, don’t have a store that is eligible to sell over-the-counter medication, according to permit data from the Department of Consumer Protection.

In these towns, since 2018, there have been at least 104 opioid overdose deaths.

And while a store with Narcan could be just a town away for those with access to transportation, it’s not as

Brilliant

simple for individuals with opioid use disorder that are also experiencing homelessness or those that don’t have access to a car.

Until then, one of the most direct ways to access nalox-

one is through a pharmacy, since they’re conveniently located in many neighborhoods, providing quick and direct access to residents.

Yet, there are 45 towns where a pharmacy with a certified pharmacist is not available to prescribe and dispense naloxone or solely dispense it through a standing order.

And in these towns, since 2018, there have been at least 149 opioid overdose deaths.

Emergent BioSolutions, Nars manufacturer, will set the price of over-the-counter Narcan and is already facing pressure from officials, such as U.S. Sen. Blumenthal, urging it to make it affordable.

For friends and family of drug users

“Narcan is not for people who use drugs. It is for people who may encounter someone who uses drugs

You can’t ‘Narcan’ yourself,” said Morris.

But a bystander, such as a friend or family member, could. And CDC data shows that almost 40% of overdose deaths involving opioids or stimulants occurred with someone else present, creating a need for widespread availability of naloxone among non-drug users.

Read the full story on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, www.ctmirror.org.

Morris, the mobile outreach worker at Perception Programs, a behavioral health services nonprofit, converses with a person who came to the van to receive harm reduction supplies and ask about the effects. The supplies provided for free include fentanyltestingkits,woundcarekits,andNarcan. Yehyun Kim, The Connecticut Mirror

Medical office building plans dropped

More ways to move you

In 2017, the restaurant undertook a major expansion with the addition of rooftop dining. Seating was increased by 130, including a 20-seat bar.

During a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting Tuesday, April 4, the restaurant’s request was tabled. Commission chairman Bob Hammersley said there were questions that town engineers had for the restaurant owners ’ representatives that hadn’t been answered yet. The commission plans to revisit the issue at its meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 18.

Restaurant owners declined to comment since the town hadn’t yet given approval for the move.

Restaurant owners had plans to build a medical office building on land adjacent to Cava’s West Street location. Town planners narrowly approved the special permit to put two buildings on one lot in 2020.

Bovino said those plans for a medical building have been scrapped. Restaurant owners had planned for a building of about 15,000 square feet, too small to attract most medical office tenants. “There was no demand for that building,” Bovino said. “Nowadays they look for larger buildings.”

jbuchanan@record-journal.com

203-317-2230

Twitter: @JBuchananRJ

From A2

Cava

The “Frozen” room inside a temporary building at Cava restaurant in Southington is pictured in December 2021.

Record-Journal file photo

In Brief Garden club

The next meeting of The Orchard Valley Garden Club of Southington will be held Tuesday, April 25 at the American Legion Hall, 64 Main St.

The program will feature Sebby Milano, head grower at Winterberry Gardens.

Doors open at 9:45 a.m. and the program begins at 10. Guests are welcome for a $5 donation. For more information, visit orchardvalleygardenclub.weebly.com or follow the club on Facebook.

Mentoring

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the 119-year-old national youth mentoring organization.

Based in Hartford, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut offers life-changing programs to at-risk children in all of the state’s 169 municipalities.

Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters by visiting ctbigs.org.

Theater

Castle Craig Players, Meriden is celebrating its 30th season. On sale now: “The Marvelous Wonderettes: Dream On,” May 5 to 20; “Into The Woods,” July 28 to Aug. 12.

For ticket information, visit castlecraigplayers.org.

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.

LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF PLAINVILLE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

The Plainville Zoning Board of Appeals conducted Public Hearings and other actions on Monday April 10, 2023, and rendered the following decision(s):

1. Application #23-04-01, TNT Fireworks, Virginia Hightower, Florence, Alabama approved a variance in accordance with Article 8, Administration, Section 8.06 Board of Appeal, Sub-section 1C to vary the Zoning Regulations on a temporary basis to operate a commercial operation, from June 20, 2023 to July 5, 2023, for the sale of fireworks, without the required site plan approval from the from the Planning and Zoning Commission for a property known as 282 New Britain Avenue

Dated at Plainville, Connecticut this 11th day of April 2023

Peter Autunno, Chairperson Plainville Zoning Board of Appeals R260534

1, 2, 3 CASH FOR YOUR ANTIQUES & JEWELRY - Call Todd Shamock at 203-494-1695.

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

ALWAYS TOP CASHFor Your Grandma’s Costume Jewelry Stash. I’ll Come to You. Julie, 203-443-9602.

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.

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.

ROOMS FOR RENT$575, $625 or $675 mo., modern rooms, plenty of parking in Meriden. Nice neighborhood. Must have refs. & sec. Call Charlie, 347641-1135.

FERRIS 48” WALKBEHIND LAWNMOWER - 5 SPEED KAWASAKI 14 HP ENGINE W/ GRASS CATCHER, $300. (860) 302-2561.GOOD PAVERS - Left over from redoing whole backyard area, $1 ea. 203.537.0612.

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

. Top Soil . Compost . . Wood Chips . FOR SALE. Catering to small deliveries. Call Bob (203) 415-0723

TREE LENGTH FIREWOOD CALL FOR DETAILS 203-238-2149

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.

BUYING MACHINIST

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

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

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

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

DISPATCHER

The Town of Wallingford is seeking responsible candidates to perform 911, police, fire and EMS emergency dispatching duties. Must be able to work under stressful conditions and be able to type information with a high rate of speed and accuracy. Must be able to work all three shifts including weekends and holidays and be able to work additional shifts beyond the regular shift schedule. Requires a H.S. or business school diploma with courses in typing and 2 years of responsible office work experience. Wages: $ 23.72 ~ $28.28 hourly plus shift differential and excellent fringe benefits. Closing date is April 24, 2023, or the date of receipt of the 50th application, whichever occurs first. Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main St., 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, Fax: 203-294-2084. EOE

ELECTRIC

Metering and Substation Maintenance

Supervisor – The Town of Wallingford’s Electric Division is seeking a highly qualified supervisor whose responsibilities will include the supervisory and administrative work involved in the supervision and management of the meter and electrical departments of the Electric Division, including substation operations and maintenance.

The utility serves approximately 24,500 customers in a 50+ square mile distribution area with a peak demand of 143 MW.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university in engineering, plus five years of progressively responsible supervisory or management experience in a utility, or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a year-for-year basis.

Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Salary: $ 93,254 - $ 119,313 plus an excellent fringe benefit package.

Apply to: 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.

Fax #: (203) 294-2084.

Closing date will be May 9, 2023 EOE

LINEMAN M/F (FIRST CLASS)

Electric utility is seeking highly skilled candidates for First Class Lineman M/F. Applicants must be a H.S. graduate with 4 years’ experience as a second-class lineman in electric line construction and maintenance. Also, must be experienced with energized 13,800volt equipment and must be able to work extended periods of time off the ground and under conditions requiring extreme care.

Hourly rate: $41.46 to $46.09, plus an excellent fringe benefits package. The closing date for applications is May 9, 2023 or the date we receive the fiftieth (50) application whichever occurs first. Apply: Human Resources Department, 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) 2942080, Fax: (203) 2942084. EOE.

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS

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

DEPENDABLE AIDESeveral hours a day, 5 days per week, good hourly rate, will train right person. Male of Female. 860-384-2978.

150 TAG SALES

In one location under the Festival Tent on Saturday, April 22, 2023, 9AM to 2PM Hubbard Park, 999 W. Main Street, Meriden, CT THE MERIDEN DAFFODIL FESTIVAL COMMITTEE Presents CT’s LARGEST TAG SALE 150 vendors gathered in one convenient location offering for sale an eclectic collection of goods, trinkets & treasures; vintage household items, toys, tools, collectible items and so much more. Food will be available for purchase.

RAIN OR SHINE www.daffodilfest.com

GARY WODATCHDemolition Svs Sheds, pools, decks, garages, debris removal. Quick, courteous svc. All calls returned. Ins. #566326. Cell, 860-558-5430

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 estimate, (203) 901-2136.

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

ED’S JUNK REMOVAL (203) 494-1526

Fully ins. Free Estimate. Call Ed, we will take it to the dump for you!

GARY WODATCH

Hedge & tree trimming. Trim overgrown properties. Calls returned. #620397. 860.558.5430

GOOD PAVERS - Left over from redoing whole backyard area, $1 ea. 203.537.0612.

RT RELOCATION

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

POWERWASHING

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

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.

JUNK REMOVAL

Hot Tub Removal, Furniture, appliances, entire contents of: homes, sheds, estates, attics, basements, garages & more. *SPRING YARD Clean-ups* FREE ESTIMATES. LIC & INS.

DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817

860-575-8218

Let Us BEAR Your Junk! Junk Removal in CT

IF YOU Mention

This Ad SPRINGYard Clean-Ups Brush, branches, s torm damage

**JUNK REMOVAL** Appl’s, Furniture, Junk, Debris, etc WE CAN REMOVE ANYTHING

Entire house to 1 item removed! FREE ESTIMATES

Sr. Citizen Discount LIC & INS.

DUMPSTER RENTALS

203-535-9817

860-575-8218

OVER 28 YRS EXP

Stonewalls, patios, sidewalks, chimneys, pool areas, fireplaces, fire pit steps. Free est. 860.274.4893.

CustomColonial Painting.com Since ‘99 Lic’d 0630904 & Ins’d Senior Discount Warranty. Financing 860-306-0270

A-1 QUALITY POWERWASHING

Low Rates Call Dennis 203.630.0008

Insurance claim.storm damage.roofing.siding. gutter.chimney flashing. Office:203.754.3071 Cell:203.510.3830 Stormshieldct@gmail. com HIC.0664452

#1 CHEAP Sm. Yard Mowing. Spring Clean-Up. Light Hauling. Sr. & Veteran disc. 203.600.3836. Mike’s Helping Hands.

ACCEPTING - New customers for wkly mowing, thatching, aerating, hedge trimming . Ryan 860.515.1302

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.

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

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

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

W. BOOBER MASONRY -

Over 35 Years Experience

All Types of Masonry CT License #626708 (203) 235-4139

A pressureless house washing system can save you money, ask how! The Power-Washing Kings. House & roof washing, decks, patios, etc. Others Wash We Clean! 860.839.1000 thepowerwashing kings.com

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

Vote For Your Favorite Local Businesses!

Our Annual Best of Awards reader’s poll is back. This is your chance to nominate and vote for your favorite people, places and businesses in your local area. It’s a great way to support your local businesses.

VOTE: Online voting begins April 13 and ends Sunday, April 23.

WIN $250: If you nominate at least 25 businesses you will be entered to win a $250 gift card. A random drawing will take place at the end of the contest. We will also give away a $250 gift card for the voting round!

myrecordjournal.com/BestofAwards