Contract talks ongoing between ambulance service, union leaders

Record-Journal report

MERIDEN In late June, the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics Local 294 warned its employees of a potential strike after it failed to reach a contract with Hunter’s Ambulance and parent company Hartford HealthCare. Negotiations regarding the contract for 215 unionized workers have been ongoing for a year and a half. Talks were scheduled to resume into July. Hunter’s Ambulance management informed munici- pal leaders in its service area that it has a contingency plan should the paramedics and EMTs vote to strike.

“We are in a deadlock with Hartford HealthCare over its See Contract, A15

Church social

The Congregational Church of Plainville, 130 West Main St., will host an ice cream social Sunday, July 9 at 3 p.m. Join us for a picnic on the front lawn.

Feel free to bring chairs or blankets and a picnic meal to enjoy while listening to the sweet sounds of Center Stage Jazz. Complete your meal with a $3 bowl of ice cream and toppings. Questions? Call 860-747-1901 or email churchoffice@uccplainville.org.

Veterans coffee

The Town of Southington Veterans Committee hosts the John E. DeMello Sr. Veterans Coffee Hour the third Friday of the month at the Calendar House, 388 Pleasant St. This coffee hour is for local veterans and is a place to learn about veteran resources, and to socialize and have refreshments.

Questions? Leave a message at 860-276-6299 or email veteranscommittee@southington.org.

Rally for animals

North Haven-based Bikers Against Animal Cruelty is a nonprofit which advocates against animal cruelty and neglect, promotes responsible pet ownership and helps provide the cost of emergency care for ownerless victims of animal cruelty and neglect.

BAAC’s annual fundraising rally will be held Saturday, July 29, noon to 5 p.m., at Town Center Park, 2761 Dixwell Ave., in Hamden. The event will include food trucks, vendors, bands, pet adoptions, and more.

Admission is $5.

45th Reunion

The Southington High School Class of 1978 will celebrate its 45th reunion Oct. 7 at the Mountain RoomMount Southington.

Tickets are $75.

RSVP and purchase tickets by visiting shsreunion78.com.

To all my dear Friends:

This past week has been my most joyful, rewarding, thankful and gratifying of all time.

We had an incredible amount of people stop by at Friends to celebrate my retirement.

We had people reminiscing from times as far back as the Hi-Way Restaurant. I was honored to see Nancy and Denise stop by, two longtime employees from Giovanni’s restaurant. They followed me to the 1615 West Restaurant and retired from Alessandro Restaurant.

I heard so many stories that brought joy to my heart. One in particular really brought tears to my eyes. A couple stopped in to see me, someone I hadn’t seen in years and scarcely recognized. The husband shook my hand and proceeded to explain that they had to stop by to thank me before my retirement. They had met at Friends Cafe in 2016 and ended up getting married in 2018. Both husband and wife were giving me too much credit for their happiness. I provided a venue, all of you created a legacy and beautiful memories!!

I am honored and to paraphrase another one of our patrons, “I’m a lucky man”.

A special thanks to all my employees, past and present. Without you, there would have been no Friends Cafe. A special thanks to Pam and Kasandra for reaching out and helping behind the bar due to the high volume.

Love you all, Al

Just a little update:

FRIENDS CAFE will reopen soon under new ownership.

I truly believe the new owner will continue the Friends traditions and I hope to see you all once again. This time I’ll just be playing pool, like always. LOL.