By Christian Metzger Record-Journal staff
SOUTHINGTON Farms in the local community have been spared the worst of the state’s recent weather. Recent rainfall has exceeded 423% of the average for July, causing significant flooding across the state, damaging farms and destroying an entire season's worth of crops.
Both Gov. Ned Lamont
Although asthma prevalence in Connecticut has been decreasing over the years, the state still ranked among the top 15 in the nation for percentage of asthmatic adults in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Public school systems are microcosms of these high rates, with an estimated one in eight students under 18 years old living with asthma, reported the state Department of Public Health.
Meriden schools have had a particularly high prevalence of asthma cases 21.2% of
students in 2020-21, according to DPH’s Connecticut School-based Asthma Surveillance Report. That was higher than Bridgeport (18.5%), Hartford (17.1%), Middletown (15.3%) and New Haven (14.3%) school districts.
See Asthma, A8
and Sen. Richard Blumenthal have filed a request with the Department of Agriculture for a disaster declaration in all eight of the state’s counties. Between the flooding and a flash freeze that occurred earlier this year in May, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture assessed that 1,500 acres have been impacted with a cumulative $29.4 million projected to have been lost
See Farms, A12
Plainville’s newest ice cream shop, Lacroix’s Homemade Ice Cream, offers a sweet spot for a cool treat on these hot summer days.
The shop offers a variety of
flavors, from white chocolate raspberry to peanut butter cup to orange pineapple. Lauren Minty and Sean Williston, the shop’s owners, are eager to get people to try flavors they had never tried before.
See Lacroix, A6
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• Fully inclusive rates includes personal care.
• Transportation services available.
SOUTHINGTON Republi-
cans are looking to continue their four-year majority on the Town Council, nominating incumbents and current town leaders for this November’s election. Notably absent from the council slate are Chairwoman Victoria Triano and fellow incumbent Tom Lombardi, who are not seeking re-election.
Four of the six Republican councilors are running for re-election. Republicans hold six of the nine council seats in addition to majorities on every other town board and commission.
“We’re there to solve the problems that come up. We’re there to make sure the finances of our town are secure. We’re there to make sure every citizen, every taxpayer is heard,” said Mark Lajoie, Republican Town Committee chairman.
With Southington’s $170 million budget to manage, Lajoie said the town needs serious people to run it. The Republicans’ focus will remain on keeping low taxes and maintaining small government.
“We’ve got a strong team that we’re happy about. Good, talented, ethical people, good quality, integrity,” Lajoie said.
Republican incumbents Paul Chaplinsky Jr., Michael DelSanto, William Dziedzic and Jim Morelli will run for reelection in November. Jennifer Clock, a Planning and Zoning Commission member, and Tony Morrison, a Board of Finance member, are also running for seats on the council, replacing Triano and Lombardi on the slate.
Minority representation rules prevent a party from
holding more than six council seats.
Five of the Board of Education Republicans will run for reelection: board chairwoman Colleen Clark, board vice chairman Joseph Baczewski, Jasper Williams, James Chrzanowski and Sean Carson. Cecil Whitehead, a local attorney and father of six, will run for a seat on the board in November. As expected, incumbent Dawn Anastasio, board secretary, was not renominated.
Three incumbent Republicans on the Board of Finance will be running again in November: board chairman John Leary, vice chairman Joseph Labieniec and Ed Pocock Jr. Wayne Stanforth, a former Board of Fire Commissioners and Board of Finance member, is running for a seat on the finance board.
Todd Chaplinsky and Rob Britton are running for seats on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Commission seat elections are staggered so not all are up for a vote this year. Republicans also chose to run Ron Lamoreaux Jr. for reelection on the Board of Water Commissioners. The party will run Domenic Perone for a seat on the water board.
An experienced team Lajoie said Republicans have had years to work together and have formed an experienced team.
“I think one of our big advantages is that everyone has been working together for quite some time. Everybody gels, everybody works to-
gether, everybody strives to find solutions to issues,” he said.
Chaplinsky served on the Planning and Zoning Com mission years before joining the council in 2019. He was excited about the slate approved by Republicans last week.
“I hope that residents see that the six people that we’re running (for council) have provided very strong, very open, very transparent leadership in the last handful of years, ” Chaplinsky said. “I would say that’s the strongest, fiscally responsible four years the town of Southington has seen in decades.”
Chaplinsky said the candidates will be focused on budget issues, public safety and open space among other issues important to town residents. Incumbents Triano and Lombardi will be missed in town government, Chaplinsky said, adding he understood they needed time to focus on other pursuits.
Democrats are running a former Republican council chairman, Ed Pocock III, and a former Republican education board chairwoman, Terri Carmody. Democratic leaders have described Republicans as being in disarray. Lajoie said everyone nominated by the party had to meet technical and ethical qualifications for the position.
“I can assure the voters in Southington that the Republican team didn’t have to beg people from the other party to fill our slate,” Lajoie said. “There’s nothing gone awry here at team Republican. The team is stronger than ever. ”
jbuchanan@record-journal.com 203-317-2230 Twitter: @JBuchananRJ
Clark University, Worcester, Mass., named Ethan Wellington to its dean's list for the spring semester.
Bryant University, Smithfield, R.I., named Nicholas Grabowski and Morgan Levesque to its dean’s list for spring semester.
Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, named the following students to its dean’s list for spring semester: Madison Callis, Molly Freitas, Phoebe Gediman, Andrea Nilson, Caroline Sechrist.
Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, awarded Lee Laprise a master's degree in accounting, and Carolyn Sechrist a bachelor's degree in women's and gender studies.
Elms College, Chicopee, Mass., named Mackenzie Alvarado to its dean’s list for the spring semester.
Emerson College, Boston, Mass., awarded Mackenzie Ramsey a bachelor's degree in media arts production.
Husson University, Bangor, Maine, named Beau Lasher to its president's list for the spring semester.
Midway University, Midway, Ky., awarded a degree to Alyssa West at its commencement in May.
Siena College, Loudonville, N.Y., named Emily Fagan, Kelly Kozlowski and Samantha Thompson to its dean's list for the spring semester.
University of Hartford, W. Hartford, named the following students to its presidents list for the spring semester: Madison Albright, Delaney Beausoleil, Alexis Demaine, Emily Desantis, Janessa Freitas, Jennifer Martin, Raymond Moskus, Aidan Plourde, Johann Strasser, Tessa Susco.
University of St. Joseph, West Hartford, named the following students to its dean's list for the spring
semester: Joseph Colaccino, Alyssa Giancarli, Olivia Heslin, Skyler Ibitz, Nicole Kolc, Hannah Peck, Julia Rostkowski, Juan Torres.
University of Tampa, Tampa, Fla., awarded Morgan Gray a bachelor's degree in allied health.
University of Vermont, Burlington, Vt., awarded Julia Restelli a bachelor's degree in environmental studies (magna cum laude).
Western New England University, Springfield, Mass., named Dakota-Marie Dinielli, Vanessa Xiques and Alexander Hernandez to its dean's list for the spring semester.
Western New England University, Springfield, Mass., named Elizabeth Lahoud and Joseph Michalic to its president list for the spring semester.
Recent Southington High School graduates Madison Hendricks, Ryan Ogren and Alyssa Polverari are the recipients of the Southington Education Foundation’s 2023 scholarships; each earning $1,000. Hendricks received the SEF’s Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship, Polverari was named the recipient of the SEF’s STEM Scholarship, and Ogren was awarded the SEF’s Dr. Joseph V. Erardi, Jr. Scholarship, which goes to a graduating senior who is civic-minded and who has demonstrated the desire to help school, community and/or country.
Press Release
The Southington Public Library is launching its adult programming initiative BELONG: Building Equitable Library Opportunities for Neurodiverse Groups.
Neurodiversity is the idea that no one “right” way of thinking, learning and behaving exists. Instead people experience and interact with the world in many different ways.
Adult Program Coordinator
Elizabeth Chubet and Librarian Lynn Pawloski created BELONG specifically for adults with intellectual, developmental and psychiatric differences.
Offerings include musical and visual arts, recreation, guest presenters, book and film groups, and crafts. This series is perfect for any neurodiverse adult or group
home looking for social, educational and entertainment activities.
“We believe BELONG manifests the Southington library’s values of continuous learning and development for the community and celebrating people for who they are,” said Pawloski. Chubet added, “Companionship and socialization with friends are vital in staving off isolation and loneliness while increasing one’s sense of belonging and purpose.”
Funding for BELONG is provided by a $1,460 grant from the KAWFY Memorial Fund at the Main Street Community Foundation. For details about BELONG programming, contact Elizabeth Chubet at chubete@ southington.org or Lynn Pawloski at pawloskil@ southington.org.
Join
Tues., Aug. 15 | 6:30–8pm
PRESENTER: Ryan Dorin, MD
REGISTRATION
After
The name Lacroix comes from Minty’s grandfather, who was a very big part of her life and her inspiration for the ice cream business itself.
Her grandfather was obsessed with ice cream. When she would go up to visit her grandfather, they always went out for ice cream. The two would visit a homemade ice cream shop in Rhode Island.
His favorite ice cream flavor was orange pineapple, a flavor that Minty’s shop carries. The flavor resembles a creamsicle.
“I worked at an ice cream shop in high school and college,” Minty said. “We both love ice cream, and Sean has always wanted to enter the food industry.”
Minty’s father found the business on Loopnet an online site that lists businesses for sale.
“We came and looked at the shop and made the jump,” Minty said.
Minty and Williston bought the shop just after Memorial Day and opened at the beginning of July.
The couple is excited to work in the ice cream business. Williston quit his fulltime job to run the shop, while Minty still works in the fashion industry, in sales. She sells to big department stores and commutes to the city daily while working at the ice cream shop on nights and weekends.
The couple moved from Stamford to Plainville to be closer to their new business.
Peanut butter cup has been a hit
So far, peanut butter cup is their top selling flavor, selling more than they had planned.
“We ran out of peanut butter cup one night, and people
were angry, ” Williston said. They are still debating whether to run the shop seasonally or stay open yearround. It all depends on the demand.
“The response so far has been incredible,” Minty said. “Everyone seems to like it, so we’re super excited and thankful.”
The couple had to close a few times to restock, and Williston said people were very understanding.
Williston will often come in at 9 a.m. and work until midnight making ice cream. To keep up with the demand, the shop is closed on Mondays and Thursdays to be able to stock up and make fresh ice cream. The couple came to Plainville not knowing what to expect.
We never officially announced when we opened,” Minty said. “Word just blew up over Facebook, and everyone came in.”
The shop was previously owned by Roger Leardi, who had shops in Plainville, Old Saybrook and Cheshire. When his kids graduated from college, he closed the Old Saybrook and Cheshire shops, then decided to go wholesale out of Plainville.
Leardi was in the business for 20 years. When he closed the retail shop, he sold wholesale to local restaurants, nursing homes, and hospitals. When COVID-19 happened, Leardi decided he was finished and put the shop up for sale.
Minty said Leardi wrote down a list describing the type of person he wanted to sell the shop to. Minty recalls he told her that he wanted the new owners to think of the shop as their baby. It was just a little after COVID-19 when the couple purchased the shop from Leardi and went through training for the ice cream business.
Erica Donovan, a Plainville resident, decided to see what all the hype was about after seeing people talking about Lacroix’s Homemade Ice Cream on Facebook.
“I don’t even like ice cream, but I hate being left out of things, so I decided to stop and see what all the fuss was about,” Donovan said in a Facebook post. “I now believe that I never liked ice cream because I wasn’t eating the right ice cream. This place is spectacular, and as everyone has said, they’re incredibly friendly. I’m definitely an ice cream fan now.”
The ice cream shop is located at 161 Woodford Ave. It is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. nzappone@record-journal.com
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare has presented the National 2023 PHIL Award to respiratory care practitioner Brittany Brown, BS, RRT, of Southington.
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is a nonprofit rehabilitation-focused healthcare system headquartered in Wallingford.
An eight-year Gaylord employee and a well-respected resource for the night shift, Brown was nominated for the PHIL Award (Pulmonary Health and Illnesses of the Lungs) by a former patient.
"I was admitted on a ventilator and had a lot of questions and concerns,” the patient wrote, “but Brittany spent a lot of time patiently explaining everything. She gave me the courage and the reassurance to get through the process of ventilator weaning. Because of her care and her compas-
sionate approach, I was liberated from the vent and am ready to return to my former quality of life.”
The PHIL Award was established by The FACES Foundation to recognize outstanding respiratory therapists who provide care and treatment for patients with respiratory illnesses.
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare takes pride in presenting the PHIL Award annually to honor extraordinary respiratory therapists.
Brown said that she is
“humbled” to be recognized for doing what she loves most: taking care of patients.
“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to build trusting relationships with my patients and keep them in a positive mental state so that they can get better,” said Brown. “I truly enjoy working with my close-knit team of Gaylord colleagues across different departments as we find treatment options for our patients’ best outcomes.”
Sunday Services, 10 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion (celebrated w/ glutenfree bread), Sunday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m.
AA, Sundays, 7 p.m.
Single Purpose Women’s Group, Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. American Red Cross Blood Drive, Monday, Aug. 28, 1 to 6 p.m. For appointments, call 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org.
The feet bear the impact of a person’s entire body weight, striking the ground and flooring thousands of times a day, which can damage the bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments and cause significant pain. Chiropractic care may be the answer for those seeking a nonsurgical solution to their foot problems. A chiropractor will conduct a physical examination, assess the gait and foot function, and perform diagnostic imaging to determine the nature of the pain before crafting a personalized treatment plan. Traditional medical doctors often prescribe medication or give cortisone shots. However, chiropractors take a natural approach to pain management. Treatments can include posture adjustment, teaching patients how to balance their weight equally between their feet, and specific at-home exercises.
We all need our feet every day, so when foot pain occurs, it can be very disruptive. When you have foot pain, the chiropractors at Raya Clinic can help you find relief. We are a total health and wellness center with all holistic fields under one roof. The practice is based on the premise of the Triad of Health, a combination of chiropractic, acupuncture, and nutrition. To schedule an appointment, please call our clinic at 860-6212225. We are located at 200 Queen St., Southington.
P.S. Advanced treatments like Cold laser and NeuroMed are also used to relieve pain and inflammation in our office.
Jessica Hollenbach, senior manager of the Asthma Center at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, said students often deal with various triggers at school. From scented cleaning products to having gym class outside to the idling buses waiting to take the kids home, students may be exposed to their typ-
ical irritants and new ones throughout the school day.
“When our students come back together, and they’re in close proximity, and they’re indoors, they’re just more likely to spread germs,” Hollenbach said, which leads to illnesses that can worsen a child’s asthma.
A comparison of almost a decade of state data from the DPH shows the disparate
impact of asthma on local school districts, with Meriden continuing to have one of the highest percentages of asthmatic students.
Since 2009, asthma prevalence in Meriden has hovered just over 20%. By comparison, Southington and Cheshire’s asthma prevalence has remained at around 12% and 10%, respectively.
Meanwhile, Wallingford Public Schools have significantly decreased their asthma rates over the last decade. The town’s nurse coordinator, Kathy Neelon, attributes this to the ongoing collaboration between school nurses and primary care physicians to address overcounting.
DPH data shows asthma has decreased among Wallingford students from 14% to 11% since 2009.
Since asthma is a dynamic condition that may change as a child ages, many students might have asthma medications maintained with the school but haven’t experienced asthma attacks in many years. After identifying the asthmatic students, Neelon said the school nurses connect with all their primary care doctors to see when the most recent attack occurred, or the last time they administered a rescue inhaler.
“Some of our children that are diagnosed with asthma don’t really have asthma,” Neelon said. “They took an
inhaler once or twice in their entire life because they had a respiratory illness and then they’ve been diagnosed as having asthma.”
The most common irritants in schools often exist everywhere else in the world, like dust, air fresheners and pollen. However, schools have many unique triggers that can impact a student’s health and ability to learn, Hollenbach said. These triggers range from as simple as a flu outbreak to as complex as poor indoor air quality.
Hollenbach said, for example, that some teachers might swing open the classroom windows to let in fresh air throughout the day without realizing the residual impact that the pollen may have on their students with asthma. Other common allergens found at schools include scented cleaning products and hand sanitizers.
“You’d be surprised how many schools and teachers and staff think that these essential oil diffusers are beneficial to children because it helps calm them not knowing that they might be releasing particles,” Hollenbach said.
A school’s proximity to sources of outdoor air pollutants also increases the chances of the student experiencing an asthma attack, said Jessica Brockmeyer from the DPH’s Epidemiology and Emerging Infections Program.
From 2005 to 2006, across the nation, an estimated 6.4 million children attended schools within 250 meters of a major roadway, according to a study by the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology. Exposure to these high concentrations of air pollution has been shown to harm students’ physical and behavioral health.
The 2023 State of the Air report by the American Lung Association found that cars and trucks often emit particulate pollutants, with shortterm exposure resulting in increased emergency room and hospital admissions for people with chronic heart and lung conditions. Children with asthma may also experience worsened symptoms. Long-term exposure, however, raises a person’s likelihood of developing diabetes, lung cancer and dementia.
Air pollution also adversely impacts students’ behavioral health and educational success, according to a study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Students who moved to a school downwind of a major highway reported having lower test scores, higher chances of acting out and missing school than when they attended a school not downwind. The study noted that the effects were more intense for students attending schools on heavily trafficked roads.
“The effects appear to last even after the child moves away from a downwind school,” the study found.
“This suggests that once damage from pollution is done, even during middle childhood, it might persist, potentially affecting outcomes far into the future.”
Meanwhile, poor air filtration and ventilation play a role in the circulation of asthma irritants throughout the schools, said Mel Collins, a doctor with Connecticut Children’s.
Although air purifiers are a good “stopgap” to the indoor air problem, she explained
See Asthma, A13
The vibrant world of Plainville's Hamlin Pond throughout the seasons is captured in a collection of photographs exhibited this summer at the Plainville Historic Center, 29 Pierce St. The photos in “Life on Hamlin Pond” are the work of Plainville resident Francis Rexford Cooley. On Sunday, Aug. 20, the Plainville Historical Society will host a special reception and meetand-greet with Cooley from 3 to 5 p.m. Register by emailing plvhistorical@gmail.com with your name, number of people attending and a telephone number.
Grace United Methodist Church, 121 Pleasant St., Southington, has planned a Giant Tag Sale for Saturday, Aug. 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and
Sunday, Aug. 13, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain or shine. Baked goods and jewelry will be available as well.
The Southington High School Class of 1983 will celebrate its 40th reunion on Oct. 7, 6 p.m., at Hawk’s Landing Country Club. Tickets are $65. RSVP to shs1983classreunion@ gmail.com.
The John E. DeMello Veterans Coffee Hour at the Calendar House is on hiatus but will resume in September.
The Catalyst Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain is accepting grant applications
for one grant of up to $15,000 to be awarded in November addressing the 2023 topic of prison reentry. Organizations in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington are invited to respond. Visit cfgnb.org/requests-for-proposal. Proposals are due by Aug. 21.
The Catalyst Fund is a giving circle of community donors interested in helping to improve the quality of life in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington. Organizations in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington are invited to respond. Visit cfgnb.org/requests-for-proposal. Proposals are due by Monday, Aug. 21.
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.
Entering the Plainville Sports Hall of Fame this year are Christie Matteo (Class of 1992), Brian Sparks (Class of 2000), Todd Pagano (Class of 2001), Vito Barbagallo (Class of 2003) and Desiree Pina (Class of 2008).
The 2008 Plainville High School baseball team will also be inducted and longtime director of athletics John Zadnik will be presented with the Distinguished Service Award.
The induction dinner will be
held Sept. 30 at The DoubleTree by Hilton in Bristol. For additional information, visit plainvillesports.com, find the Hall of Fame on Facebook, or contact Phil Cox (860-250-6484) or Mike Bakaysa (860-573-8015).
State law provides a reimbursement program for Connecticut renters who are elderly or totally disabled, and whose incomes do not exceed certain limits.
Persons renting an apartment or room or living in cooperative housing, or a mobile home may be eligible for this program.
Renters rebate applications are accepted between April 1 and Oct. 1. Visit portal.ct.gov/OPM.
The Southington Town Clerk’s office held a random drawing in July which included all the local dogs that had been licensed during the month of June. The winners received tag numbers 1, 2 or 3, a bucket of goodies, and a Top Dog certificate. Top Dog 1: Bandit Hausman, a 1-yearold Golden Doodle owned by Jen Hausman; Top Dog 2: Joshua Hall, a 14-year-old Bichon Frise owned by Ruth Hall; Top Dog 3: Charlie Lebrocquy, a 9-year-old Miniature Schnauzer owned by Keith Lebrocquy. Above: Bandit.
Hearing Solutions
Hearing Solutions
In Loving Memory of Robert J. Grigerek
August 5, 2022
John Diakun, M.S. Audiologist
John Diakun, M.S. Audiologist
John Diakun, M.S. Audiologist
Celebrating over 20 years
Celebrating over 30 years
Celebrating over 20 years
Kensington Hearing Services 211 New Britain Rd. Kensington • (Next to McDonald's) 860-826-6450
Kensington Hearing Services 211 New Britain Rd. Kensington • (Next to McDonald's) 860-826-6450
Hearing evaluations.
Hearing evaluations.
Hearing aid fittings, repairs and batteries.
Hearing aid fittings, repairs and batteries.
Medicare, HMOs, Medicaid Claims
Medicare, HMOs, Medicaid Claims
Celebrating over 20 years
www.kensingtonhearing.com
Kensington
R256975
The morning coffee group spoke of you often this year as we recalled how much we miss our dear friend. We smiled remembering the animated way you told your stories. We missed you being our leader, the man in the corner. In other words, we missed you being you, the one and only Bobby G. Love, Your Friends.
in sales revenue. If approved, the farmers impacted can file for emergency loans from the government to recoup their lost revenue. Most of the farms impacted, however, are located in low-lying areas around the Connecticut River. For farms situated in Southington, Cheshire and Wallingford, the impact on their crops and fields has been less pronounced.
“Where we're located, we didn't get hit with the freezing cold earlier in the year,” said Diana Karabin, owner of Karabin Farms in Southington. “That took out a lot of orchards and we aren't in a flood zone, so we haven't lost crops due to heavy rains. So thus far we're doing pretty good.”
Karabin’s story is not a unique one, as the hillier environment of the local region has seemingly spared most of the local farms from the worst impacts of the rainfall. And for others, such as Beaumont Farm in Wallingford, their crops were spared from the sudden flash freeze by planting later, only days after it had happened.
Not all farmers were quite as lucky, though, as Old Bishop Farm in Cheshire, an orchard and country store, lost a percentage of its peaches during the freeze. Thankfully, their store allows them to rely on baked goods and ice cream, supplementing the income from their produce, unlike other farms which rely on it exclusively.
“It's definitely been a challenge. I would say that the freeze in May really was a big issue for us and took out
a percentage of our peaches. That was kind of unprecedented; usually by Mother's Day, you're safe to plant outside,” said Old Bishop Farm owner John Torello.
“Every year presents a challenge. This year, it seems to be a lot wetter than it has been. But again, these things kind of seem to move in cycles. I wish we could predict them, but we really can't.”
Considering the dry season
A variety of fruits and vegetables are seen here on July 27 on the shelves at Karabin Farms.
Dave Zajac, RecordJournal
which usually accompanies the summer season, the rainfall has made the fields wetter than usual. While that’s made the soil better for the crops, it has also caused issues to arise for farmers who haven’t had to deal with severe flooding namely with weeds and insects.
“We got all this rain and that's made everything kick in. Terrible problem with weeds, the weed control has
been just terrible trying to cultivate it,” said Billy Beaumont, owner of Beaumont Farm. “But I'm doing okay. I got 50 years of cultivating under my belt, so I guess I can do it as good as any.”
The insects have been another issue altogether, though, as Beaumont had entirely lost all of his eggplant crops due to the rise of insects brought on by the humid environment.
Old Bishop Farm has experienced similar troubles, having to spray more often to keep away the pests from their own crops. With the bad weather, they’ve also had less people coming into their store.
“Insects love hot, humid, wet weather,” Torello said, “We've seen more activity than usual. The flooding, we have pretty decent drainage here, so that has not been an issue. It does keep customers away, though, so when you sell ice cream and you sell other stuff like that, we're seasonal. So in bad weather, people don't come out.”
Despite these troubles, the local farms are anticipating a better yield on their crops over the year previous due to a drought. Karabin Farms has already harvested a portion of its produce and put it up for sale.
“We're looking good. We're expecting a good crop,” Karabin said. “And barring any weather events, we should be starting to harvest in the middle of next month. I look forward to a healthy crop. ”
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.
Still, Karabin and the other farmers held sympathy for those who were devastated by the recent flooding, knowing that many relied on their seasonal crops to make it through the year.
“What they produce and harvest during the summer and the early fall is their annual income,” Karabin said.
“And if that's decimated early in the season, well, there's their income, there goes their income. So I have great, great sympathy for them.”
that many schools need a total ventilation system replacement but can’t afford it or are housed in buildings too old to update. Improving indoor air quality “is not equitable across the state,” said Collins. She added that respiratory viruses, such as the flu and coronavirus, often worsen asthma symptoms.
According to the Mayo Clinic, even a common cold can lead to difficulty breathing, chest tightening and wheezing in children.
Collins explained that masking helped curb virus-induced asthma attacks since students were less exposed to each other’s germs, so researchers are waiting to see the true impact now that COVID-19 is no longer considered an emergency.
“When you have cold after cold after cold, asthma is an inflammatory disease, so we start to stack inflammation on top of each other and then (you’re) more likely to get sicker with a lower stimulus,” she said.
According to the CDC, asthma management needs to be well-rounded, balancing education, trigger avoidance and behavioral changes. Since irritants can never be fully eliminated, Collins said continuous education is critical to finding what works best for you. “Life is a balance of mitigation of triggers but also appropriate treatment of your disease,” she said. “It wouldn’t be very fun if the only place you could exist with your asthma was in this bubble of perfection.”
Several educational programs are hosted throughout the state to support children with asthma, their parents, school nurses and primary care providers.
At the schools, nurses play significant roles in educating students and parents about asthma. Still, with only a handful of on-hand staff, many are stretched thin as they deal with emergencies and students who need daily
medications, Collins said. She added that some other health issues present at schools, such as the mental health crisis, may unintentionally impact students with asthma. For example, stress hormones released during anxiety can trigger an asthma attack.
Regarding irritant management, Hollenbach said that schools have been trying to address as many triggers as possible, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, she explained that many school districts had updated their cleaning regimen to use allergyfriendly, unscented products.
Asthma Action Plans are a crucial tool that help facilitate open communication between students, their parents, school nurses and their primary care physician. These plans include submitting yearly forms submitted for students with asthma that outline their symptoms, triggers and needed medications. Statewide, an estimated 17% of students with asthma have an action plan with their school, according to the state DPH. Private school students are nearly twice as likely to have an asthma action plan as public school students.
Over the last decade, Wallingford Public Schools have increased the number of students with an action plan. Neelon attributes these changes to an increasing effort by doctors to educate students, parents and nurses. She explained that action plans act as a “doctor’s order,” dictating what the nurse can do in an emergency.
Action plans are submitted on behalf of the student by their primary care physician, and any student diagnosed with asthma can have an action plan with the school regardless of the severity of their condition. She added that these plans are crucial,
especially for students who use their inhalers for both day-to-day symptom management and as a rescue medication.
Stephanie Denya, assistant director of health and human services in Meriden, explained that the city’s asthma rates have hovered around 1,700 to 1,800 students since 2015. Of them, 300 to 400 students use asthma medication in the schools.
Denya also noted that Meriden saw a drop in asthma numbers last year, but she attributes this to the decreasing school population.
476 Washington Avenue North Haven, CT 06473 203-535-0149
Family owned/operated. Former
PLAINVILLE, CONNECTICUT
The Zoning Board of Appeals of Plainville, Connecticut will hold a Public Hearing(s) on Monday August 14, 2023 at 7:30 PM to hear and consider the following application(s):
FAIRBANKS STREET
Request to Reconsider the July 10, 2023 denial of Application #23-06-01 Michael Pelton, 57 Fairbanks Street, Plainville seeking a variance to Article #1 Residential Zones, Section 1.03 Dimensional Standards, Sub-Section C Maximum Building Limitations – Maximum Lot Coverage 30% to install a 12-foot pool which would cause the lot coverage to exceed 30% at a property known as 57 Fairbanks Street
CHAPMAN AVENUE – (Orrin Avenue)
Application #23-07-04 AMCO Development LLC, Avon, CT seeks a variance to Article 6 Special Standards, Section 6.01 Non-conforming Lots -construction of a single-family house with no frontage on a public roadway for a property identified as Map 37, Block A, Lot 08.
Application #23-08-04 Dan Covaleski of New Britain seeks approval for an Automobile Repair License(s) automobile repair license as required by Section 14-54 of the Connecticut General Statues for property located at 0 Neal Court, (Map 24, Block R, Lot 2.9)
Neal Court
Application #23-08-05 Dan Covaleski of New Britain seeks a variance to Article 4 Basic Standards, Section 4.03 Signs, Section 4 Signs in Commercial and Industrial Zones, Sub-section B Detached Signs, Paragraph 1 (ii) to erect a detached sign 3.5 feet from the property line in leu of the required minimum of 12 feet from the property line for a property located at 0 Neal Court, (Map 24, Block R, Lot 2.9)
Plainville, Connecticut this 28th day of July 2023
Peter Autunno, Chairperson Plainville Zoning Board of Appeals
R263295
The Town of Plainville Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct the following Public Hearings Tuesday, August 8th, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at the Plainville Municipal Center, One Central Square, Plainville, CT to consider the following item:
1. PZ 04/23 #24 – Special Exception – Ianinni Development, LLC – Creation of 3 rear lots at 5 Autumn Lane in an R-20 Zone.
2. PZ 04/23 #24 – Resubdivision (4 lot) – Ianinni Development, LLC at 5 Autumn Lane in an R-20 Zone.
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, July 14th, 2023.
R262943
Entry-level position performing a variety of maintenance, repair and construction tasks. Must have a valid State of CT driver’s license and a clean driving record, a CDL Class B is preferred. Requires 3 years experience in construction, grounds or building maintenance or in work involving the operation and care of construction equipment. Pay rate: $22.48 to $26.66 hourly (wages under negotiation) plus an excellent fringe benefits package. Applications may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and can be mailed or faxed to the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, or emailed to: wlfdhr@ wallingfordct.gov. by the closing date of August 14, 2023. Phone: (203)294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE
RELIABLE AIDE NEEDED
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
MERIDEN - Room for rent, utils incl., shared BA. Free Wi-Fi. Call (203) 217-7122.
. Top Soil . Compost . . Wood Chips . FOR SALE. Catering to small deliveries. Call Bob (203) 415-0723
890 GREEN LANTERN COMIC BOOKS - 1960s to 2000s, plus more for sale, good cond., call Gail, 203.506.8435.
HYDRAULIC PATIENT LIFT - Invacare 9805P, w/wheels, 450 lb. lift capacity, w/harness & sling, brand new, $195. (203) 675-8604.
TOP CASH PAID
For Junk or unwanted vehicles, Toyota’s etc. Please call Mike @ 203284-8562 8am-5pm.
LOOKING FOR:
1-st piece inspector, QC manager, Shop manager, programmer, Swiss screw machine setup and operator. Contact: gary@bnaerospace. com or at 860-665-0134
- To help individual with exercises, walking, and climbing stairs. Call after 4 p.m., (860) 3842978.
MATERIALS DISTRIBUTION
Screened Topsoil $30/ per yd; 2.5” screened gravel, $18 per yd; Sand$18 per yd; Millings-$22 per yd; Screened Millings $30 per yd; $100 minimum delivery. No pickup truck service. Minimum 16 yd pickup at our yard. Call Jim @ 860-9824819 for delivery
$30/yard delivered, 3 yd, $100 min. delivery Call Jim 860-982-4819
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
BUYING MACHINIST
TOOLBOXES - Tools & tooling, contents of machine shops, home workshops and small lathes. Call anytime 860-985-5760
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
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.
GARY WODATCHDemolition Svs Sheds, pools, decks, garages, debris removal. Quick, courteous svc. All calls returned. Ins. #566326. Cell, 860-558-5430
GOOD RATES BEST SERVICE
Fully ins. Free Estimate. Call Ed, We’ll take it to the dump for you!
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.
WANTED Individual firearms, collections & estates including military & related items.Federally licensed firearms dealer. Gunsmith, appraisals, Richard Pleines, (860) 663-2214.
ADORABLE - MALTESE YORKIE, BICHON SHIH TZU, BICHON CHIHUAHUA. 1st shots & worming. Call 603.630.2258.
YARD SALE - August 5th and 6th, 10am to 3pm, antiques, collectibles, Household and kitchen items, furniture, tools, many other items, 496 Main St., Southington.
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
JUNK REMOVAL Hot Tub Removal, Furniture, appliances, entire contents of: homes, sheds, estates, attics, basements, garages & more.
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.
W. BOOBER MASONRYOver 35 Years Experience All Types of Masonry CT License #626708 (203) 235-4139
POWER
SPRING CLEANUPS
JUNK REMOVAL
Tree Removal, Fence Work & more! No job too small or large. 860.719.3953
Insurance claim.storm damage.roofing.siding. gutter.chimney flashing. Office:203.754.3071 Cell:203.510.3830 Stormshieldct@gmail. com HIC.0664452
ALEX EUROPEAN MASONRY - 30 yrs. exp. Patios, ret. walls, steps, brick, stone, chimneys. Lic#580443. 203-2320257 or 203-596-0652
GARY WODATCH
Hedge & tree trimming. Trim overgrown properties. Calls returned. #620397. 860.558.5430
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.
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
#1 PAINTER’S EDGE
MOBILE WASH Chemicals safe for house & plants. House wash, roof cleaning, decks. 25 yrs. exp. Sr Disc. #0656136 Ins. 860.538.5520
Roof Repair or Replacement, Chimney Repair, Skylight Replacement. Free est. CT #0651199 (860) 877-3006
GARY WODATCH - Tree Removal. All calls returned. CT# 620397. Quick courteous service. 860-558-5430.
