The Southington | Plainville Citizen

Southington cop named YMCA’s person of the year

By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff

SOUTHINGTON Deputy Police Chief William Palmieri is the YMCA’s person of the year for his tireless efforts on behalf of a host of local organizations. A 37-year veteran of the police force, Palmieri is also president of Southington’s TownWide Effort to Promote Success.

Mark Pooler, YMCA executive director, said honoring Palmieri with the group’s annual award was a matter of “when, not if.”

“I don’t know there’s many individuals in the community that give from the heart like Bill does with his time and resources,” Pooler said.

Deputy Police Chief William Palmieri has been named the Southington YMCA’s person of the year.

“Pick an initiative in Southington and he’s involved somehow, some way. ”

Palmieri credited family,

coworkers and fellow volunteers with any success for which he’s being honored.

Dave Zajac, Record-Journal See Award, A10

Greenway Commons to change hands

By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff

SOUTHINGTON A Branford-based development company is working to take over the Greenway Commons project in downtown Southington. Meridian Development Partners, a New York-based company that’s

had the former Ideal Forging property for years, is selling the land. While the town long ago approved the downtown parcel for residential and retail development, Meridian hasn’t been able to get to the building stage.

See Greenway, A8

SPECIAL MOMENT

Veteran Plainville police officer Roman Blajerski was promoted to sergeant in November, and his son Cole helped pin the badge on his dad. In a social media post announcing Blajerski’s promotion, the Plainville Police Department stated: “Sgt. Blajerski is a 17-year member of the department. He was a member of Central Region (ERT/SWAT), a field training officer, and still is a member of the department PEER support team and accident investigation team. He will make a great addition to the already excellent group of sergeants the department has.” Plainville PD, Facebook

Veterans advocates look to update monument names

By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff

SOUTHINGTON Veterans advocates are looking for funding to update the memorial on the Town Green, a request that received support from Town Council members last week.

Members of the veterans committee say the plaques commemorating local residents who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam have misspellings and omissions. They’re looking for new, corrected plaques that could cost about $30,000.

“There are some veterans whose names were not included on that monument who are Southington residents,” said Joe Woloszyn, a committee member. “We would certainly like to include those individuals and honor them.”

Rachel Wache, veterans committee chairwoman, said the pandemic and the passing of former veterans advocate John DeMello stalled plans to update the monument on the town green.

“Now we’re ready to move forward,” she said.

While the five stones that make up the monument are sound, updating the names list means removing the existing bronze plaques and casting new ones.

“At first we thought we could do it with fundraising. But it’s a big price,” Wache said.

Since it’s on town property, Wache asked the town to put money into its budget for next year to correct the plaques.

“The consensus of the committee is that the town of Southington should be responsible financially to fund this project,” she said to council members Monday night.

Town councilors from both parties supported the idea.

“I’m all for it, whatever I need to do. I’ll go out and fundraise for it with you,” said Michael DelSanto, a council Republican.

“I’m absolutely on board with it,” said Val DePaolo, a Democratic councilor.

She asked about the possibility of grant funding, an idea that veterans committee members said they’d explore. Wache also said veterans groups could contribute to the effort.

Checking names

Wache said it’d be a long process to advertise the project to local residents and encourage them to make sure the names of family members who’ve served are spelled correctly. There’s also an effort to include the names of any World War II, Korean or Vietnam veterans who were left off the original plaques.

“It’s going to take a lot of time and effort,” she said.

DeMello had started this work and Wache said there’s a folder of names that he collected before his death.

Wache wasn’t sure how old the monument is, but said it’s been up for as long as she could remember.

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

Twitter: @JBuchananRJ

www.southingtoncitizen.com

Updated ‘red flag’ law used largely for suicide threats

By Dave Altimari, Andrew Brown and José Luis Martínez The Connecticut Mirror

A recent change in Connecticut’s “red flag” law which allows police to seize weapons from someone who is considered a risk to themselves or others has led to a sharp increase in the number of warrants issued, and documents show police are now using it more often to deal with threats of suicide.

But some police chiefs say their departments dealt with these cases more efficiently before the change and that the new law is placing extra burdens on their investigations.

Legislators, believing that the 1998 law was underused, expanded the “red flag” law this year. The streamlined process, which went into ef fect June 1, allows family and certain professionals to apply directly to the courts for the order, rather than having to first go through police, to restrict a person access to firearms.

In the first five months of 2022, courts issued 96 risk protection warrants through the old, more cumbersome process that took time to im plement and automatically returned guns to a person one year after they were seized.

Between June 1, when the new law went into effect, and Nov. 3, there were 418 risk protection warrants approved by Superior Court judges, according to data obtained by the CT Mirror.

Police chiefs say they plan to meet with legislators in January to suggest “tweaking” the law, according to Cheshire Police Chief Neil Dryfe, who also is the current president of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association.

“One of our agenda items for the next legislative session is to meet with the Judiciary Committee to discuss the practical application of the new statute,” Dryfe said.

“We are overwhelmingly supportive of the intent of the law. But we’re having some difficulties in applying it practically on the street by the working police officers who end up having to do these investigations,” he said. The effectiveness of the newly streamlined law is in its speed: It places a person’s name in a national

computer database immediately after a judge orders an investigation into a complaint that a person is a danger to themselves or others, flagging them in background checks as ineligible to purchase firearms while their name remains in the database at least until a hearing is held, required within two weeks.

Dryfe said that change in the law means police now seek risk protection orders, or RPOs, even when they know someone doesn’t have a gun permit or owns guns.

“Before (June 1), you’d go to somebody’s house, and if they were suicidal, you sent them to the hospital and asked them or their family members are there any guns in the house,” Dryfe said. “Then you’d see if they had any guns registered to them or if they had a pistol permit, and if they didn’t, you were done.”

But now, Drfye said, even if police are aware the person has no guns or a valid gun permit, they must still go to a judge and get a risk protection order, which auto-

matically enters their name into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

“So even if somebody doesn’t have guns, now you have to do the risk protection order so that they can be put into NICS and be precluded from from getting a pistol permit at that point,” Dryfe said.

“If you have reasonable cause to send somebody to the hospital for a mental health evaluation because See Red flag, A14

Dryfe

Comedy night

The American Legion Kiltonic Post 72 will host its last comedy night of the year Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. The show will feature comedians Chip Ambrogio, Frank Favia and Jessica Miranda.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

Tickets are available online at tickets.kiltonicpost72.org and at the post lounge.

Post 72 is located across from the town green at 64 Main St.

For more information, contact Post Commander Jason Cap at 860-305-3673 or jcap@kiltonicpost72.org.

50th reunion

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

If you are a 1973 SHS graduate, or know of one, email SHS73_50threunion@ aol.com

Hopko Holiday Cheer

Join Southington Community Cultural Arts for music and holiday cheer Friday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. $15 per ticket. Beer and wine available. Bring snacks and enjoy the sounds.

Winter concert

Wallingford Chorus and Southington Festival Chorale will present a combined winter concert Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 23 S. Main St., Wallingford; and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 232 Bristol St., Southington.

Tickets are available in ad-

vance from the performers, as well as at the door. For more information, call Sue at 860-621-9230 or Louise at 203-284-8992.

Food for fines

The Southington Public Library is offering its annual Food for Fines program through Tuesday, Dec. 27. Patrons can bring their library card and non-perishable food items to the Circulation Desk to remove fines. All proceeds go to Southington Community Services.

Also, new mittens, scarves and hats are being collected.

For more information, contact librarian Shelley Holley at 860-628-0947 or holleys@ southington.org.

West Street Starbucks location progresses

By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff

SOUTHINGTON Construction crews are finishing the building for a new Starbucks location on West Street, the final addition to a shopping plaza near the Courtyard by Marriott.

The Starbucks building is up and the roof construction underway.

The coffee shop chain plans to start building out the interior soon and open in the spring, said Mark Lovley, a local developer who’s built the stores, offices and restaurants in the plaza.

When it opens in Centurion Plaza at 1095 West Street, it will be the second independent Starbucks location in town.

A third location is in the Target at 300 Executive Boulevard South, nearly across the street from Lovley’s development.

He signed a lease with the coffee shop chain earlier this year.

When he first developed the plaza, Lovley had planned to have a Cheshire Coffee location there.

The local coffee shop decided not to expand to the plaza and another tenant took over the storefront.

The Starbucks will have a drive through as well as a walk-up window and outdoor patio.

The pedestrian window is a feature of some new Starbucks locations, Lovley said.

“There’s a walk-up window so if COVID happens again and they have to shut down, people can get their coffee,” he said.

The addition of Starbucks brings the Centurion Plaza to full occupancy.

Starbucks shifting Queen Street location

A Starbucks location just opposite the Interstate 84 ramp on Queen Street closed after the company decided to open a shop just a little farther north.

Late last year, the town approved a drive-through for the 613 Queen St. property across from Exit 32, but not before the coffee shop chain had made the decision to move into a former bank at 812 Queen St.

John Senese, a local developer, owns property on both sides of Queen Street near the West Queen Street intersection.

He’s done extensive development across Queen Street in a former bank building that’s now Starbucks.

Senese has built an Aldi grocery store, an AAA center, restaurants and an urgent care center on land that used to be a factory, a small restaurant and some houses.

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

Twitter: @JBuchananRJ

Work

on the new Starbucks located at the Centurion Plaza in Southington. Aaron Flaum, Record-Journal

Local man, 67, pleads guilty

By Ben Baker Record-Journal staff

SOUTHINGTON A previously convicted sex offender pleaded guilty to charges of child pornography possession on Monday, Nov. 28. A search of his home uncovered “millions” of images and videos depicting sexual abuse of children, according to the US Department of Justice.

Richard E. Smith, 67, of Southington, has two previ-

ous criminal convictions related to sexual assaults of boys in 1990 and 1998 prior to his child pornography charges, according to the Justice Department.

Homeland Security Investigators searched Smith’s home in October 2020 and discovered four computers. One was connected to a child pornography website and a second contained a spreadsheet with multiple child pornography hyperlinks and filenames. “Investi-

gators seized Smith’s computer and electronic devices,” according to the statement from the Department of Justice. “Forensic analysis of the seized devices revealed millions of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.”

Smith will return to court for a sentencing hearing on Feb. 17, 2023 and faces a minimum term of 10 years imprisonment due to his previous record and the nature of his crimes.

Words of Wellness

by Dr. Stacey Raya

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION

Prolonged back pain can make daily life challenging and adversely affect a person’s quality of life. Spinal decompression is effective for treating lower back pain that results from bulging, herniated, degenerated, and slipped discs. It utilizes a special table that works by carefully stretching the spine, which takes pressure off the spinal discs. This promotes the healthy flow of water, oxygen, and other essential fluids into the discs and throughout the spine.. Treatments typically last 30 to 45 minutes and may also involve other therapies such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and heat or cold applications. A skilled chiropractor can determine which patients will most benefit from spinal decompression based on medical history and particular ailment.

Spinal decompression can help alleviate symptoms of other conditions too, such as sciatica. At Raya Clinic, our chiropractor will determine which type of chiropractic care treatment is effective for your pain, including spinal decompression or another type of treatment. By combining spinal decompression with other treatments like chiropractic adjustments or cold laser therapy for your muscles, you can experience what it’s like to live pain free from disc injuries, acute back pain, and chronic back pain. To learn more, please call 860-6212225 or make an appointment to see us at 200 Queen St., Southington.  P.S. Spinal decompression can also be done in the cervical spine for neck issues.

Greenway

Last December, Michael Massimino of GR Realty asked for a tax abatement to help offset the costs of lead, oil and PCB abatement on the former factory site.

GR Realty is based in Branford.

The Town Council granted the tax abatement a year ago and members hoped the change of ownership would spark progress at the Center Street location.

The value of the abatement will depend on how much the developed property is worth.

Howard Schlesinger, of Meridian, is president of the Greenway Commons improvement district.

On Thursday, Dec. 1 the district board met via telephone to appoint new directors and accept the resignation of previous ones.

Town Manager Mark Sciota said the meeting was held for a vote on new district board members who will take over once the property is transferred to GR Realty.

“The Greenway Commons Improvement District was

set up by state statute because this is a special taxing district,” Sciota said. “It is not connected with the town but the council under the statute appoints one member to the district board.”

Michael DelSanto, a Town Council member, said he’s encouraged by the prospect of a new company taking over the Greenway Commons project.

In an email to DelSanto and other councilors, Sciota said the closing should take place within the next few days.

“They’re forging ahead,” DelSanto said. “I’m very excited to see something get done down there. It’s been a long road. This is a step in the right direction.”

While the former Ideal Forging factory buildings were demolished and some of the property remediated, environmental cleanup work may not be complete.

Late last year, Massimino estimated the land cleanup would cost $10 million to $13 million.

When GR Realty buys the property, the company will also inherit a $3 million state loan that Meridian used for initial cleanup.

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

From A1

Dave Zajac, Record-Journal file photo

“Any success that I’ve had is a result of great people around me. It’s parents that support me, it’s the community that’s supported us. It’s not anything about Billy Palmieri,” he said.

tremendous gentleman’

Pooler cited Palmieri’s work helping revamp the DARE curriculum with STEPS as well as efforts with the Dementia Friendly Southington initiative and other safety programs. Palmieri is often the police department’s representative when law en-

forcement input is requested and he’s also worked on resolving neighbor disputes. “He’s a tremendous gentleman, wears his heart on his sleeve, does the best for Southington,” Pooler said.

Palmieri will be honored at the YMCA’s annual dinner Feb. 15 at the Aqua Turf Club.

Family supported

Palmieri is a life-long Southington resident. His parents volunteered with town organizations and instilled in him a motivation to serve others through their work with town sports or social services.

“My dad and my mother, they always ingrained in us to help,” Palmieri said. “That’s kind of what we’re put on this earth for.”

While Palmieri had his share of troubles growing up, he said caring adults kept him on a good path.

“I could have had a very different outcome if there weren’t people who cared,” he said. In addition to substance abuse prevention, STEPS also works to ensure that local youth also have those caring, trusted adults in their lives. Young people have even more challenges than when he grew up, according to Palmieri.

“Kids need to be seen, they need to be heard, they need to be listened to,” he said.

Not a normal job

Police Chief Jack Daly said the department is proud of Palmieri for earning the YMCA’s award. He and Palmieri started in the department around the same time. “It just shows the type of individuals that work for this police department and that work for the town,” Daly said. “It’s not a nine-to-five job. When you care about the community, you’re doing over and above your normal day ... A lot of the stuff the deputy chief does is on his own time.”

Palmieri is married with two sons. Community involvement does cut into nights and weekends but Palmieri said his wife Christine is very supportive. While it’s unusual to remain in the same police department for nearly forty years, Palmieri t see it any other way.

’t see myself wearing another uniform for another community,” he said.

‘A

HCC welcomes new team member

Press Release

SOUTHINGTON The Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging welcomes Andrew Jackson as its new department coordinator in Southington.

“I’m excited to get to know my coworkers and be able to learn and discover the different resources available in each community that can help change an individual’s life,” Jackson said.

Previously, Jackson was a patient access coordinator at Optum UnitedHealth Group in Farmington, where he responded to

medical inquiries and scheduled medical service appointments.

Although Jackson is located in Southington, his work covers the entire state.

He is the initial point of contact for anyone referred to the Center for Healthy Aging for support, and he will direct them to local services, or connect them to a resource coordinator or dementia specialist.

“A lot of the time, information is needed to improve someone’s situation, and just being able to be the initial contact for the majority of the people who reach out to us is a blessing,” Jackson said.

To schedule an appointment or to learn more about the Center for Healthy Aging call Andrew Jackson at 1-877-424-4641.

Jackson

SOUTHINGTON- Joshua Ryan Chevalier, 18, of Southington, passed away suddenly on Sunday, December 4, 2022, after sustaining injuries from a motor vehicle accident. Josh was born on December 8, 2003 in Hartford, the middle son of Karen (Moniz) Chevalier and the late Glenn Chevalier. He graduated from Southington High School, Class of 2021 and was currently attending CCSU. Josh was a huge car enthusiast and passionate about music. He enjoyed playing basketball, working out, snowboarding and hanging out with his friends. He will be remembered for always making people laugh and living life to the fullest. In addition to his mother Karen, Josh is survived by 2 brothers, Matthew and Evan Chevalier, both of Southington, his maternal grandparents, Katherine and Raymond Moniz of FL and multiple aunts, uncles and cousins including the Cosenza, Moniz, Chevalier, Hannington, Ritchie and Champagne families. In addition to his father Glenn, Josh was predeceased by

his paternal grandparents, Richard and Rolande Chevalier. Donations in Josh’s memory may be made to his memorial contributions page at https://gofund. me/6f2c7538. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 12, 2022 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be held from 2 - 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 11, 2022 at the Plantsville Funeral Home. For online condolences and directions, please visit www. plantsvillefuneralhome. com.

SOUTHINGTON- Marion (Aldrich) Barnes, 99, of Southington and former resident of Harwich, MA, passed away on Monday, November 21, 2022. Born September 4, 1923, in Tariffville, CT, to the late Louis and Fannie (Winter) Aldrich. She attended Simsbury High School, Trinity Episcopal Church in Tariffville, South Congregational Church in Granby and First Congregational Church in Bloomfield. She worked at Veeder-Root in Hartford where she met and soon after married Henry W. Barnes in 1944. Marion was a full-time homemaker enjoying her life as a wife, mom, aunt and grandmother. She was creative and inquisitive about everything in life. Her kindness and caring were apparent, and she was often referred to as a “lovely” woman. She had many diverse interests including music, dancing, writing poetry, playing games and sports, walking, gardening, cooking, fishing, swimming and boating, hooking rugs, counted cross stitch, traveling and a deep affection and love for animals. Marion is survived by a daughter, Karen B. Forster and her husband John of Southington, a son, Bruce A. Barnes of Yarmouth Port, MA and

grandchildren, Justin Barnes, Kimberly Forster Thompson and family, and Daniel and Tina Forster and family. She was predeceased by her husband, Henry Barnes in 2002 and her youngest son, Jeff in 1999. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 11a.m. at the Plantsville Congregational Church, 109 Church Street, Plantsville, CT 06479. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service in the Fellowship Hall. Memorial donations may be made to The Family Pantry of Cape Cod, 133 Queen Anne Road, Harwich, MA 02645. Plantsville Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www. plantsvillefuneralhome. com.

In Brief

Art exhibit

Southington Community Cultural Arts’ All Access art program holiday exhibit, “Aim For The Stars,” is on display through Jan. 31, 2023. An opening reception will take place Thursday, Dec. 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information, call 860-276-1581.

Wall of Honor

Southington High School's Wall of honor Committee announced a new application deadline for nominations. The date is March 1, 2023. The public is invited to nominate anyone who graduated from SHS and qualifies under at least one of the following criteria – outstanding community service, significant awards received, lifetime achievements or humanitarian work. Applications are available on the Southington Public Schools website.

Marion Barnes

Joshua Ryan Chevalier

PLAINVILLE- Douglas Grant Dayton, 75, longtime resident of Plainville, passed away after a short illness on Friday, November 25, 2022 at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport. He was the devoted husband of Nancy (Okenquist) Dayton and together they shared 49 loving years of marriage. Douglas is now reunited with his beloved son, Douglas Theodore Dayton, who predeceased him in 1999.

Douglas was born on September 2, 1947 in New Britain, son to the late Wilbur Theodore and Priscilla (Grant) Dayton. Douglas attended local schools and following high school graduation went on to serve our country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, honorably discharged in 1972. He worked at Parson’s Buick in Plainville for many years, where he was a well-known, respected, and master auto mechanic. Over the years of working at Parson’s, Douglas was awarded many recognitions for his talented skills and was very proud of his work, but always remained humble. He was “mister fix-it” and a natural at all things hands on. He enjoyed tinkering, crafting things, and dabbled in wood-

working, creating many beautiful pieces of furniture for his home. Douglas had a love for Ocean Park in Maine and looked forward to the many family vacations that were enjoyed there, starting from when he was a child. In addition, he enjoyed his home away from home, his cabin in Corinna, Maine that he built from the ground up. It was one of his most favorite places to be and he was so proud when family could join him. Douglas was a true man’s man and was kindhearted, willing to lend a helping hand at every chance he was given. He was tough as nails but had a great sense of humor. His family takes great comfort in knowing that he is no longer in pain and is now eternally resting with his son and other

In Brief

family members who have passed on before him.

In addition to his wife, Nancy, Douglas is survived by his son, Christopher Dayton and his wife, Brenda; his daughter, Samantha Gerke and her husband, Paul; his grandchildren, Alexander Dayton, Christian Roberts, Gavin Cote, Lex Roberts, Emma Roberts, Benjamin Dayton, and Matthew Dayton; his sister-in-law, Miriam Dayton and her children, Julie Marie Cole and “Chip” (Bruce Dayton). He also leaves behind his five feathered friends and his fury companion aka “daddy defender,” Linus, who brought much joy to him for twelve treasured years. He was also predeceased by his brother, Bruce Dayton.

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Monday, December 5 from 10 to 11:30 AM at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St., Plainville. A service in celebration of Douglas’ life will begin at 11:30 AM. Full military honors will be accorded following the service. Douglas will be laid to rest with his son in Fairview Cemetery in Hyde Park, Boston, MA privately. For more information or to leave online expression of sympathy, please visit www. PlainvilleFuneralHome. com.

SELFLESS STUDENTS

Hearing

The Plainville High School Chapter of Future Business Leaders of America raised $128.86 for the Plainville Community Food Pantry for the holiday season. FBLA officers Valiantsin Kasabrukhau, Matthew Collado and Zeel Patelarepictured. Contributed photo

Barnes Museum

Saturday, Dec. 17 from 4 to 6 p.m., The Barnes Museum in Southington will host Tea with Santa.

Perfect for little ones, the evening includes tea and light refreshments, photos with Santa, songs played on the historic Steinway Player Piano, and a small present to take home. Admission is $20.

The Barnes Museum will open its new exhibition, “Christmas From the Front: Captain Andrew Upson’s

For more information, call the museum at 860-6285426.

Chamber Choir concert

The Plainville High School Chamber Choir is honored to be presenting a 25-minute caroling concert at the Plainville Senior Center, 200 East Main St., on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 3 p.m.

All are welcome. RSVP to 860-747-5728.

Holiday craft

A perfect craft class for holiday gift-giving will be held at the Plainville Senior Center, 200 East Main St., on Friday, Dec. 9 and Friday, Dec. 16 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

First, paint a snowman on a paper lampshade, then decorate the lampshade with snow and snowflakes. As a finishing touch, the bottom edge is laced with a ribbon and bow. Once complete, attach the decorated shade to a wine glass. The class is $12. All materials included.

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Douglas Grant Dayton

From

you feel that they are a danger to themselves or others, then you have probable cause to apply for the risk protection order for that same reason, and that’s what I think is happening.”

But not all police departments in Connecticut are interpreting the law the same way.

How the law changed

Connecticut was one of the first states to pass a red flag law, following a mass shooting inside the Connecticut Lottery’s offices in Newington in 1998. The shooter, Matthew Beck, was a disgruntled lottery employee who was placed on leave after making threats against some of his supervisors.

Beck had a gun permit and owned the 9 mm gun used in the shooting despite a history of mental health issues. He killed four people before killing himself.

The original law allowed officers to ask a judge to take away someone ’ s weapons when they posed an “ extreme risk.” Police would get a warrant from a judge and seize the guns.

Lawmakers said there were other holes in the original law besides the requirement that guns be held no more than one year, so last session, they decided to make more changes.

person poses an imminent risk requires a judge’s order for an investigation, which police must conduct within a day, if reasonable.

The beginning of an investigation also requires the person’s name to be entered in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or NICS, immediately which should flag them in background checks as ineligible to purchase a firearm.

somebody else. But I would say probably in excess of 90% of the orders are suicide threats where a person is saying they are going to harm themselves,” Dryfe said.

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The new law gives family members or medical professionals the ability to initiate the process of taking away someone’s weapons. It eliminated the requirement that police officers need to prove that there are no other “ reasonable alternatives” to taking away someone’s weapons. And it eliminated a judge’s discretion in deciding whether to take someone’s weapons away in cases where there is probable cause that the person is in possession of a gun and is a threat to themselves or others. A “good faith” affidavit from family members or loved ones stating that the

If police in the course of their investigation find probable cause that the person poses an imminent risk, they must tell the court. Then, if the judge issues the protective order which keeps the person’s name on the NICS and there is probable cause that the person possesses weapons, the judge must also issue a risk warrant to seize the weapons.

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Now someone whose guns were seized can petition the court, after 180 days, to have them returned and prove to the court that they are no longer a risk to get them back. There is no longer a time limit on how long the state can hold the seized weapons.

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A review of the 28 RPOs issued at Middlesex Judicial District court since June 1 shows that in 24 of those cases, the police were responding to a possible suicide. In 18 of those cases, there were no weapons involved, according to police affidavits.

University of Connecticut police at Storrs have obtained 12 risk protection orders from September to early November after responding to calls of students threatening to kill themselves, according to police affidavits filed in Rockville Superior Court.

UConn spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz said most of their cases have been students who experienced mental health challenges that required immediate intervention and for which they were transported by ambulance to off-campus care.

back from the Connecticut Judicial Department or Rockville Superior Court that suggests they have concerns about the numbers of cases originating from UCPD or questions on our interpretation of the statute,” she said.

“The expansion of applying for a protective order was developed as a way to possibly prevent mass shootings, but it has always been an important tool for preventing suicides,” said Jeremy Stein, executive director of CT Against Gun Violence.

Stein said research has shown nationally that for every 10 protective orders issued, one life is saved.

“So, by that measure, we’ve saved over 40 lives since June,” Stein said.

Only one case brought by a family member

Data from the Judicial Department show that only one of the 418 protection orders issued since June 1 was sought by a family member. That was in early September, when the brother of an East Haven man made threats against his ex-wife.

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Police are increasingly using the new law in cases where there is a threat of suicide.

Anecdotally, from across the ve had some homicidal threats, like somebody says they re going to kill

“Our interpretation of the public act’s provisions led us to enact the risk protection order request processes as an additional attempt to safeguard their health and well being,” Reitz said.

She said UConn police have acted “based on what the department believes is required under the public act.”

“We have not received feed-

In his application to Judge Peter Brown, the East Haven man’s brother said he had talked with him the night before, and he had told him his ex-wife was filing for sole custody of their child and that “if I had a gun, I would shoot her.”

The judge signed the risk protection order investigation and notified East Haven police, who went to the man’s home.

The officers got the man to agree to go to the Hospital of St. Raphael for a psychiatric evaluation.

In

order to continue delivery to your home or business, we need to have each resident or business let us

Police charged the man with threatening and also completed a risk protection order that was submitted to New Haven court. A judge kept the order in place at a hearing that was held 14 days later.

The story of Chanukah is still so important

By Rabbi Alana Wasserman

On the evening of Dec. 18, corresponding to the Hebrew calendar date of 25 Kislev 5783, Jewish people around the world will celebrate the first night of Chanukah.

We will light the first candle of our Chanukiah (a ninebranched candelabra, also known as a Chanukah menorah), play dreidel, and eat latkes (potato pancakes fried in oil).

Most importantly, we will retell the story of Chanukah.

While the holiday of Chanukah is a fun, lighthearted celebration, the story of Chanukah is much more serious.

It is about fighting for religious freedom in the face of persecution. It is a story whose message rings true for us today.

In the second century BCE, Israel was ruled by King Antiochus, leader of the Seleucids.

It was their mission to force all the Jewish people to Hellenize, thereby renouncing their own faith. If they did not convert, they faced death.

The Seleucid army was large, with massive weaponry.

Yet, that did not stop a small band of Jews from forming their own army.

Led by Judah the Maccabee (which means “hammer”), the tiny Maccabee army, with its limited amount of weapons and manpower, miraculously defeated the Seleucid army.

After they won the Maccabean Revolt, the Jewish people returned to the Temple, only to find that it had been defiled by the Seleucid army.

While cleaning the Temple, they discovered that there was not enough oil to light the menorah. There was only enough oil to last for one day, but another miracle happened – the oil lasted for eight days.

That is why, at Chanukah, we light a nine-branched menorah (one helper candle, called a “shamash,” and eight candles to represent the eight days).

While the Maccabees were able to defeat the Seleucids, they were not able to eradicate anti-Semitism. Hate and prejudice have continued to pervade our world. That is why the story of Chanukah is still so important.

It is a reminder for all of us to keep fighting against hate, no matter the odds. Whenever we witness prejudice, we must stand up and speak

out, even if no one else does.

One of the best ways to fight anti-Semitism is not with heated words and weapons, but with things like latkes, dreidels, candles and prayers.

Celebrating our holidays is the best way to combat hate. By participating in Jewish life, we are not allowing fear and hate to dictate our future.

Teaching others about our holidays and traditions will help as well.

Gishrei Shalom Jewish Congregation, located at 35 N. Main St in Southington, invites you to join us as we celebrate the first night of Chanukah Sunday, Dec. 18 at 5 p.m. at the home of one of our members.

For more information, contact me at rabbi@gsjc.org.

Letters to the Editor

Vital work

Editor:

While recent times have been difficult for all of us, those served by Bread for Life have faced situations that have proven overwhelming.

For many people we serve, their daily routine has been wearying and unmanageable for as long as they can remember.

And more continue to join their ranks.

This year alone, the need for homebound meal delivery has risen by 30 percent and our Children’s Summer Lunch Program expanded to seven sites and we served 41 percent more lunches to children in need.

One mom of three told us: “I have had to make really tough choices between groceries, paying my rent, or putting gas in my car. The price of everything is going up, but my income is not going up to keep up. It was a huge relief to know that my kids were going to have a nutritious lunch every day.”

At Bread for Life, we offer hope to our neighbors.

The generous support from our community has enabled us to provide hot meals, connections to services, a friendly face, and a listening ear.

Bread for Life receives no town, state, or federal funding for the work we do to serve Southington citizens who experience food insecurity on a chronic basis.

All funding comes directly from our community.

As 2022 comes to a close, please consider making a donation to Bread for Life to help continue the vital work we do for our neighbors in need.

Donations can be made online at SouthingtonBreadForLife.org or mailed to Bread for Life at P.O. Box 925, Southington, CT 06489.

Your gift helps to change the world one meal at a time.

Donna Ayer, Bread for Life Executive Director

Mike Soltys, Bread for Life Board of Directors Chairperson

Plainville Historic Center prepped for the holidays

Press Release

The Plainville Historical Society will host special holiday hours Saturday, Dec. 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Plainville Historic Center, 29 Pierce St. The Victorian Parlor has been decorated for the holidays. Other museum attractions include the African-American display,

vintage kitchen, children's room, and the Canal and Tunxis rooms.

The museum store features many Plainville-related items, including hats, afghans, miniatures, books and maps, as well as other great gift options and stocking stuffers. Merchandise will be specially priced.

Regular hours for the Historic Center are Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Other times can be

Plainville United Methodist Church

56 Redstone Hill Road, Plainville

scheduled by appointment. The center will be closed Dec. 26 to Jan. 2. For more information,

Faith

email plvhistorical@ gmail.com or call 860-7476577.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship. Saturday, Dec. 24 at 5:30 p.m.

Blood drive. Wednesday, Dec. 28, 1 to 5:30 p.m. Call 1-800-733-2767 or go to redcrossblood.org.

First Baptist Church

581 Meriden Ave., Southington

The church will host worship services on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m., and

Christmas Day, Dec. 25 at 10 a.m. The Christmas Eve service, led by the Rev. Sharon Holt, will include special music, scripture, the Christmas message and lighting of candles. The Christmas Day service is casual and worshipers are welcome to wear pajamas. All are welcome.

Zion Lutheran Church

531 Woodruff St., Southington

“Bells and Blessings” musical program. Sunday, Dec. 18 at 5 p.m.

Christmas Eve Worship - The Nativity of our Lord. Saturday, Dec. 24 at 3, 5 and 11 p.m.

The Town of Plainville has added an outdoor exercise area at Norton Park. The equipment is from Miracle Recreation Company. On its website, Miracle states: “After working with hundreds of communities to introduce innovative outdoor exercise solutions, we’ve seen firsthand how our equipment encourages exercise and provides a fun place for all ages to gather outside.” Each piece of excercise equipment at Norton Park has a sign explaining howtouseit.

Photos by Nicole Zappone, The Citizen

Vaccine clinic

Griffin Health will conduct a free COVID vaccine/booster shot clinic at the Plainville Senior Center, 200 East St., Monday, Dec. 12 from 10 to 3:30 p.m.

The clinic is open to those age 12 and up. Moderna and Pfizer vaccines available.

Call 860-747-5728 to make an appointment. Walk-ins welcome. Bring photo ID, insurance card and COVID vaccine card.

Dental clinic

The Community Health Center Mobile Dental Clinic will offer preventative dental services at the Plainville Senior Center, 200 East St., by appointment on Dec. 28 and 29.

Services include x-rays, cleaning, fluoride and oral health education.

For patients with no dental insurance, a standard fee of $30 for cleaning, x-rays and fluoride applies.

To schedule an appointment, call Monica Caseley at 475-471-5011.

Caregiver support

Join this dementia caregiver group the second Wednesday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Facilitated by Patty O’Brian, CDP, dementia specialist, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. Registration required.

Call 1-855-442-4373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.

Virtual meet-up

Chat with other dementia caregivers the third Monday of the month (Dec. 19) from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Facilitated by a Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging Dementia Specialist. Registration required. Call 1-855-442-4373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.

Health

Arbor Rose

Arbor Rose at Jerome Home, an independent and assisted living community located at 975 Corbin Ave. in New Britain, will host an open house Monday, Dec. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Registration is recommended. Call 860-229-3707.

Online support

Do you care for someone diagnosed with dementia? Join this online support group

the last Monday of the month (Dec. 26) from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Topics include: communication techniques, benefits of activities, stages of the disease, family dynamics and safety issues.

Facilitated by Michelle Wyman, dementia specialist, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging.

Registration required. Call 1855-442-4373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.

Welcome to On The Menu.

Let

TREE

LEGAL NOTICE

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

PLAINVILLE, CONNECTICUT

The Zoning Board of Appeals of Plainville, Connecticut will hold a Public Hearing(s) on Monday December 12, 2022 at 7:30 PM to hear and consider the following application(s):

SOUTH WASHINGTON

Application #22-12-01, A & D Pizz, LLC of Southington seeks a variance to Article 2 Business Zones, Section 2.03 Dimensional Standards, Sub-section B Minimum Yard Requirements Side Yard Requirements to permit the reduction of the required minimum rear yard of proposed Lot A from twenty (20’) feet to eleven (11’) feet, the required minimum northerly rear yard of proposed Lot B from twenty (20’) feet to six (6’) feet and the required minimum westerly side yard of proposed Lot B from twenty (20’) feet to eleven (11’) feet for the proposed subdivision of a property known as 344 South Washington Street.

Plainville, Connecticut this 23rd day of October 2022

Peter Autunno, Chairperson Plainville Zoning Board of Appeals R257165

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

AARON’S BUYING

Old Machinist Tools, Lathes, BenchTools, Hand Tools & more. (203) 525-0608.

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.

NEED TO STORE - A collector car on a monthly basis at a reasonable rate. Call (203) 415-6214.

ACCELERATED PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

FREE CLEAN FILL AVAILABLE FOR COST OF TRUCKING! PRICED PER LOAD DEPENDING ON LOCATION $100 minimum. CALL JIM 860-982-4819

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

TORO 11 HP - 32” cut, riding mower, very good condition, $350 o.b.o. (203) 213-5204 for details.

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.

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.

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

BEADED BANGLE BRACELETS - Slip ons, great Christmas stocking stuffers. Call (860) 384-2978.

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

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

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

CONTROL ROOM OPERATIONS

DISPATCHING

The Town of Wallingford Electric Division is seeking qualified candidates for the position of System Operator/Dispatcher for a municipal electric utility serving 25,000 customers. Coordinates electric system switching and places equipment in and out of service during routine and emergency operations. Requires HS diploma/GED with 2 years experience in the operation of Distribution SCADA equipment and/or switchboards used in the distribution of electricity or other qualifying experience in a related field. Experience and training may be substituted on a year for year basis. Must maintain valid system operation certification from Connecticut Valley Exchange (CONVEX) or other approved agency or be able to obtain the same within 90 days of hire. Must possess and maintain a valid State of CT Driver’s License. $34.63 - $41.15 hourly plus an excellent fringe benefits package to include a defined benefit pension plan. Apply to: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Application materials can be emailed to wlfdhr@wallingfordct. gov . Application forms will be mailed upon request by calling the Department of Human Resources, (203) 2942080 or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Fax #: (203) 294-2084. Closing date will be December 29, 2022. EOE.

OFFICE CLEANINGEvenings. Must have own car. Southington: 755 Queen St: MonSat. Flexible start time from 7p, Sat start from 5p. 2.5 hrs/day, 15hrs/wk. Pay is $840 per month. Newington: 123 Costello Rd. Mon, Wed, Fri. Flexible start time from 6p 2.5 hrs/day, 15hrs/ wk. Pay is $420 per month. Call Cheryl at 860-937-8310.

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

GARY WODATCH

Demolition 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

TEC ELECTRICAL

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

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

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.

GUTTERS

DON’T WORK

If they’re dirty! For gutter cleaning, Call Kevin (203) 440-3279 Fully ins. CT# 569127

you go to work making early morning newspaper deliveries using your own vehicle. NO experience necessary. Must able to deliver early mornings, 7 days a week. MUST be dependable, and be able to read a route list with specific delivery instructions. We will demonstrate the route to you. Routes average 1.5 to 3 hours daily. No collections required. Not Temp Work. Retirees, Stay at Home Mom’s, and Veterans are also welcome to apply. Make extra cash to pay rent, mortgage, bills, save money, or a great vacation. Text or call Peter at 860-846-0216 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and start as soon as tomorrow morning.

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 FALL Yard Clean-Ups Brush, branches, leaves, storm damage **JUNK REMOVAL** Appl’s, Furniture, Junk, Debris, etc WE CAN REMOVE ANYTHING Entire house to 1 item removed!

FREE ESTIMATES Sr. Citizen Discount LIC & INS. DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817

JT’S LANDSCAPING LLC - FALL CleanUps, Call today, for free quote. 203-2136528. Lic. #616311.

RT RELOCATION

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

BRADLEY’S PAINTING 203.715.0771. 30 years in the business. Watch our video at bradleys housepainting.com

CLEAN & REMOVE

Furniture, appliances, entire contents of: homes, sheds, estates, attics, basements, garages & more.

*FALL YARD Clean-ups* FREE ESTIMATES. LIC & INS. DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817

ALEX MASONRY - 30 yrs. exp. Patios, Ret. Walls, Steps, Brick, Stone, Chimneys. #580443. 203-232-0257 or 203596-0652

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

Specializing in tree removal, trimming, chipping & grinding. Call for free estimate. 203-945-1808.