The Southington | Plainville Citizen

Annual holiday display pulls in donations for Plainville pantry

By Nicole Zappone The Citizen

PLAINVILLE Each winter, for more than two decades, April and Mark Blethen have welcomed the public to check out the substantial holiday display outside their North Washington Street home.

What the Blethen’s ask visitors for in return is a donation to the Plainville Food Pantry.

“We decorated the front yard for the last 22 years and always left a donation box,” April Blethen said. “We tried leaving a box on the side, but it got so overwhelming

we had to move it to the backyard ... Mark suggested a set-up where there was a walk-through with the lights so that it was a path people could go through.”

“April & Mark’s Cartoon Christmas Display” features

Rise in costs force another look at fire dept. projects

By Christian Metzger Record-Journal staff

SOUTHINGTON The Board of Fire Commissioners voted to approve over $1 million in engine and equipment replacements for the coming 2023/24 fiscal year. In drafting its capital budget, the department aims to space out the needed improvement of its facilities and vehicle replacements over the next several years.

With pressing supply chain issues, parts are more ex-

pensive and construction of new engines is estimated to take upwards of four years at some manufacturers, according to Fire Chief Eric Heath’s report.

With some of the projects costing upwards of $1 million, they would need voter approval in a townwide referendum. But that doesn’t remain a certainty yet, as the department continues to work to slim its proposal ahead of the Jan. 6 deadline.

See Budget, A11

Community services surviving lean season

By Christian Metzger Record-Journal staff

SOUTHINGTON Southington Community Services is on track to meet its seasonal donation goals in spite of having a leaner year. With less food being available to them than in previous years, officials have still been able to provide for residents in need even with an increased number of residents using their services.

See Services, A2

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“April & Mark’s Cartoon Christmas Display” in Plainville has been delighting visitors, and collectingdonationsforthelocalfoodpantry,formanyyears. Nicole Zappone, The Citizen

From A1

It’s an operation that’s been made possible by the collective efforts of the community, Community Services Director Janet Mellon said.

The holiday bell-ringing season in collaboration with the Salvation Army is a critical fund-raising period for Community Services, bringing in nearly half the revenue they’re able to contribute to the pantry for the entire year.

The Salvation Army had four locations set up in town to collect donations this year: Price Chopper, Walmart, Shop & Shop, and Tops Marketplace in Plantsville.

“I would say they’re on target. I think that’s a good word for it because we haven’t had any snowstorms that have affected our time of ringing the bell on a weekend. That’s when we make the most money, it’s on Saturdays. And if we have a snowstorm, that could be a significant $2,000 that we wouldn’t get. So this year has been pretty good,” Red Kettles Campaign Coordinator and Community Services Volunteer Robin Taillie said.

Having an above-average year is a good prospect, officials and volunteers say, as supply chain issues and rising costs have meant being able to stock their pantry with less food. And with the rising cost of utilities into the next year, it’s expected more residents will use the community services.

“It’s been a lot busier this year and a lot less food donations this year in general. But I think the prices of food and the availability of food has been tough,” Mellon said, “We’ve done more energy applications as of today than we did all last year, and it doesn’t end until May 1st. So it’s just been the worst economy I’ve ever seen, as

far as people coming in. It’s the busiest it’s ever been, in the whole time I’ve been here.”

Outside of individual donations, one of the pantry’s biggest sources Foodshare only has limited options to serve them this year. It’s by the efforts of the volunteers that they’ve been able to go out and keep the shelves stocked during their busiest hours.

“We have no canned fruit. We have almost no canned soup. Before, after, and during the holidays we’d be tripping over the food every other year. But this is how the economy has changed,” said Mellon.

According to organizers, it’s the volunteers and collaboration with businesses that keep their operations running and being able to provide for the community.

With a total of 107 volunteers, they’ve been able to go out and secure food, make deliveries and coordinate their operations at the Southington armory in the month of December.

Beyond just providing food, community services has also been able to host several holiday events for children in collaboration with the Calendar House and the Southington Rotary Club. The former held a shopping party that allowed children to buy gifts while the Rotary Club hosted an ornamentmaking event for kids and provided dinner for the families.

Local businesses like MedSpa have made significant donations while Precision Realty has been delivering gifts to families who haven’t been able to be at community services in person.

To organizers, it’s that community cooperation that allows them to keep their doors open even during leaner seasons.

“I usually don’t have that much trouble getting people to be volunteers. Significantly, the groups come back year after year after year they want to do it because it makes them feel good,” Taillie said. “Everybody likes to be a part of it. It’s like being on a winning team. You want to be on the winning team. So that’s how I feel. They want to be part of it.”

That was a similar sentiment echoed by Mellon.

“We have the best employees you could ever want, the best hundred seven volunteers Nobody takes care of their own as the Southington community. And if it wasn’t for the businesses and the people in Southington making this happen you can almost do a Hallmark movie about Southington. That’s how I feel about it,” she said.

For those who aren’t able to make contributions in person, community services also accepts donations online on the Southington town website.

cmetzger@record-journal.com

Volunteer Lou Kapell, of Southington, stocks up the soup aisle at Southington Community Services in Plantsville.

Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

Take small steps to success with those resolutions

By Cris Villalonga-Vivoni Record-Journal staff

As 2023 approaches, many of us are thinking about making New Year resolutions.

“I think we get inspired by the New Year. It’s an exciting time where we think about all the things that we’ve done in the past year and all the hopes and expectations we have for the next,” said Dr. Carla Schnitzlein, doctor of osteopathic medicine and medical director of Natchaug Hospital. “I think it inspires us to want to change things, especially things that we might be struggling with or things that have historically been difficult.”

To ensure success this upcoming year, here are tips from local health experts on making your health and wellness resolutions a reality.

Start small

Most health-related resolu tions are centered on broad goals, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, dieting or getting more active, said Carrie Marquardt, health and wellness director of Meri den-New Britain-Berlin YM

CA and Crossfit Meriden. However, after the “ new year, new me ” energy leaves, Marquardt explained that this “laundry list of things” can become overwhelming and may leave someone burned out.

Instead, “pick the one thing that is your most concern, give it a couple of weeks and then start chipping away,” Marquardt said. “Once you adapt to one healthy habit, it has a trickle-down effect.”

Small, attainable resolutions such as walking once a day

or changing out one food a day for a healthier one allows a person to celebrate their accomplishments while working towards their ultimate goal.

As a way to start your fitness journey, for example, Marquardt suggested that rather than spending 20-minutes on your phone, take a 20minute walk instead. Then, the following week go for a 30-minute walk, and so on. With each increase, the more comfortable you become

See Resolutions, A12

Gavyn Marshall of Meriden works out on the Jacobs Ladder machine at the Meriden YMCA on Dec. 23.

Aaron Flaum, Record-Journal

Healthy brain series

Presented by a certified dementia specialist from Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, the Healthy Brain Series occurs Fridays, Jan. 6, 13, 20 and 27 and Feb. 3 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Rocky Hill Senior Center, 55 Church St.

Participants should select one series and are encouraged to attend all five sessions. Topics include: Session 1: Challenge Your Mind Daily: Activities to Keep Your Mind Sharp; Session 2: Feeding the Brain: The Importance of Diet and Hydration; Session 3: Benefits of a Purposeful Life: Finding Meaningful Engagement as

Senior Health

You Age; Session 4: Good Sleep and Brain Power: The Importance of Sleep and Your Brain; and Session 5: The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. Registration is required. Call 860-258-2786.

Stress reduction

Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., learn more about what stress is, when you are chronically stressed, and how physical activity can help reduce your stress. Presented by Christine Solimini-Swift, exercise physiologist, GoodLife Fitness. Registration is required. Call 1-855-442-4373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.

Cedar Mountain Commons

Cedar Mountain Commons, an independent and assisted living community located at 3 John H. Stewart Drive, Newington, will host an open house Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 3 to 7 p.m. Registration is recommended. To reserve a time, call 860-6657901.

The Orchards

The Orchards at Southington, an independent and assisted living community located at 34 Hobart St., will host an open house Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. Registration is recommended. To reserve a time, call 860-628-5656.

Finding new purpose

Friday, Jan. 20, from 11 a.m. to noon, learn more about physical changes that come with aging and what we can do, mental changes and how to combat them, and how to continue to live an active and engaging life as we age. Presented by Erica Bruno, exercise physiologist, Hartford HealthCare, GoodLife Fitness. Registration is required. Call 1-855-442-4373 or go to artfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.

In Brief Choral society

For its spring concert, the Plainville Choral Society will perform standards from the Great American Songbook. Rehearsals will begin Monday, Jan. 9 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Bristol. Those interested should arrive at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Debi Wishart-Parker at 860573-8526.

Little League

Registration for the 2023 Plainville Little League baseball and softball spring season is now open. Visit plainvillelittleleague.com.

Wall of Honor

Southington High School's Wall of Honor committee announced a March 1, 2023 deadline for nominations.

The public is invited to nominate a graduate from SHS that qualifies under at least one of the following criteria – outstanding community service, significant awards received, lifetime achievements or humanitarian work.

Applications available on the Southington Public Schools website.

Grants aim to boost community vibrancy, equity

By Nicole Zappone The Citizen

Gov. Ned Lamont announced last week that Connecticut is awarding approximately $36.5 million in grants to eight cities and towns under the second round of the administration’s recently launched Connecticut Communities Challenge Grant program.

One of those towns is Berlin, which will receive a $1,560,947 grant award for a $3,630,177 total project cost. This grant money will be used for 848 and 880 Farmington Avenue and 362 Main St., where business partners Tony Valenti and Mark Lovley of Southington-based Newport Realty Group are marketing a mixed-use project near the Berlin train station.

“We created this grant program as a component of our efforts to spur economic growth and the creation of new jobs as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandem-

ic,” Lamont said Dec. 20. “Each of these approved state grants are going toward projects that improve the livability and quality of life in communities and will make these neighborhoods even more attractive for private investments and opportunities for residents.”

Berlin and its private partner, Newport Realty Group, will construct 10 mixed-income rental units at Newport Center. Half will be affordable to families making less than 80 percent of the area’s median income.

“These projects will bring foot traffic, mixed-use environments, and a significant number of new housing units to eight Connecticut communities,” Department of Economic and Community Development Deputy Commissioner Alexandra Daum said.

Additional partners include the Meriden-New BritainBerlin YMCA, the KensingSee Grant, A13

Stephen is excited to join doctors Peter Harris, David Roy, Oosman Tariq and Ashley Bogue, PA-C to continue to serve the Plainville community.

For an apponitment, call 860.747.5766 or visit starlingphysicians.com for information.

Starling Welcomes Stephen Sales, PA-C to our Internal Medicine Department at 184 East Street, Plainville.

Skilled nursing facilities’ earn top ranking in short-term care

Press Release

Three Hartford HealthCare Senior Services skilled nursing facilities are among the best in the country for shortterm rehabilitation care according to high-performance rating from U.S. News & World Report. The facilities recognized are Southington Care Center, Jefferson House and Jerome Home (affiliated with Hartford HealthCare

The Best Nursing Homes rating process factors in resident care, safety and outcomes. Each skilled nursing facility was evaluated on its performance using a variety

of data including consistency of registered nurse staffing, use of antipsychotic drugs and success in preventing emergency room and hospital visits.

The short-term rehabilitation rating also includes measures of a nursing home’s success in preventing falls, preventing serious infections and making sure residents can return home.

Southington Care Center, 45 Meriden Ave., offers 130 long-term skilled nursing beds, in-patient short-term rehabilitation and outpatient rehabilitation services.

Jefferson House, with 104 beds, offers short-term/outpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing and palliative care at 1 John H. Stewart Drive, Newington.

With 94 skilled nursing beds, Jerome Home, 975 Corbin Ave., New Britain, offers short-term rehabilitation and 26 residential care beds as well as memory care and assisted living.

For 13 years, the U.S. News Best Nursing Homes ratings system has evaluated more than 15,000 facilities on care, infection rates, safety, staffing and health inspections.

This is the first year the ratings measured weekend staffing and infection rates leading to hospitalizations.

Gala, auction

The Southington Catholic School family’s 7th Annual Gala and Auction, “Shake, Rattle & Roll,” is planned for Feb. 3, 2023 at the Aqua Turf Club. For tickets, and information about donating an auction item or placing an advertisement in the program, email gala@southingtoncatholicschool.org.

Volunteer

Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the Community Foundation of

Greater New Britain’s fourtown service area Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington. Volunteer opportunities can be found at cfgnb.org.

Ski club

The North Haven Ski Club encourages people interested in winter sports (skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, tubing, snowshoeing) to join and take advantage of the great discounts offered to members. Contact Annette Murphy: 203-927-3071 or dapdmurph@aol.com.

Nzinga Center

The Queen Ann Nzinga Center, Inc., which provides arts enrichment activities for children age 5 to 17, is accepting new participants. The center promotes positive youth development among children of all races and abilities primarily in the greater Plainville, Berlin, Bristol and New Britain area. Visit QANC.org.

Tree disposal

The website pickyourownchristmastree.org

says if some tree needles scatter inside, it is better to sweep them up; as needles can clog vacuum cleaners. Also, the online Christmas tree resource warns against burning your Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove. Pines, firs and other evergreens have a high content of flammable turpentine oils, and burning the tree may contribute to creosote buildup and risk a chimney fire.

According to the website, a Christmas tree can be placed in your garden or

backyard and used as a bird feeder and sanctuary. Fresh orange slices or strung popcorn will attract the birds and they can sit in the branches for shelter. Within a year, the branches will become brittle and you can break the tree apart by hand or chip it in a chipper.

More Local Coverage

SWAT response leads to arrest, several charges

By Lauren Sellew Record-Journal staff

SOUTHINGTON The regional SWAT team responded to a report of a suspicious man in a car on West Main Street last week.

Police responded on Friday, Dec. 23 around 11:42 p.m. to the area of 9 West Main St. for a report of car stopped in the road for 10 minutes, Lt. Keith Egan said in a statement.

Officers found a Nissan Altima in the road and noted a man was in the driver’s seat with a handgun in his lap. The car was in drive, Egan said. Officers tried to make contact with the man, but were unsuccessful.

Police called in the Central Region Emergency Response Team and cleared the area, Egan said.

Officers blocked roads, and moved people to safety and evacuated local businesses.

Police contained the vehicle and safely approached it, making contact with the man.

The man was detained and police found two handguns, a 9mm Glock 19 and a 9mm APX Beretta, inside the vehicle, police said.

The man was charged with driving under the influence, reckless endangerment, two counts of carrying a firearm under the influence, breach of peace, failure to maintain lane, and failure to obey a traffic signal. He was released on $20,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in New Britain Superior Court next month.

lsellew@record-journal.com 203-317-2225 Twitter: @LaurenSellewRJ

Over 300,000 Local

Obituaries

SOUTHINGTON- William Roger Colite, DMD, lifelong resident of Southington and a recent resident of Middletown, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at the age of 74. Bill was the son of the late William and Helen (Swienton) Colite. He was predeceased by his brother, David Colite and is survived by his sister-in-law, Laurie Colite, son Stephen Colite and his two children, James and Alexis and son Mark Colite and his wife Rachel and their daughter Willa. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and cousins. William attended Southington schools and graduated in 1966. In addition to his academic achievements, he was an outstanding football and track and field athlete. He attended the University of Connecticut where he continued his athletic success as a pole vaulter for the UCONN Track & Field team. After graduation, he attended the University of Pennsylvania where he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. He had a long career caring for patients in his practice in Southington, the town he grew up in and loved. Bill was a very special person; always kind and caring and ready to give a helping hand to whomever needed it. He had a big joyful voice when he entered any room but also a quiet confidence that put everyone who knew him at ease. He touched the hearts of many people. He was an avid Uconn sports fan, being a season ticket holder for football and basketball. Hardly a football game went by that Bill, his family members and friends wouldn’t gather for the big pre-game tailgate party. Rain, snow, sleet or hail didn’t matter, as long as he could support his

beloved Huskies and have a ball doing it! He enjoyed golfing and was a longtime member of the Chippanee Country Club in Bristol. His summer pastimes took place at his residence in Misquamicut, R.I., where he could always be seen sitting on his front porch and enjoying whatever and whomever was around him. He loved boating on the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound and was well noticed in his boat, the “Rock and Roll,” a fitting nod to his personality. His winter activities included snowmobiling and skiing with his family members and friends in the Old Forge and Tug Hill regions of New York. Bill was a shining example of living life to the fullest. He will truly be missed and will never be forgotten. Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 from the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville, with a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Mary Our Queen Church, 248 Savage St., Plantsville. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be held from 4 - 7 p.m. on Monday, January 2, 2023 at the Plantsville Funeral Home. For online condolences and directions please visit www. plantsvillefuneralhome. com.

FLORENCE, SC- Debra Sue Solis, 66, of Florence, SC, passed away on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. She was born in Lewiston, Maine, a daughter of the late Albert Michaud and Maxine Hardy Michaud. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by a brother, Ronald Michaud and a sister, Denise Crocco. Debra was a wonderful guitar player and singer and loved to travel, the ocean being one of her special loves. Spending time with her family was her favorite pastime. Surviving is her husband, Javier Solis; three sons, Michael, Jason and Matthew Mongillo; a brother, Albert Michaud; four sisters, Sandra McGovern, Lynn Graveline, Cheryl Fox, and Chrissandra Michaud; and five grandchildren, Samantha Cintron, Leena Mongillo, Matthew Mongillo, Jr., Brielle Mongillo and Bella Mongillo.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Debra at a later date. Cain Calcutt Funeral Home is honored to serve the Solis family.

Display

From A1

Disney characters, ScoobyDoo, and other popular animated stars. Along with the decorations, Christmas films are projected onto the side of the Blethen’s garage.

“Often, we have kids running through so excited to see everything, that they have to come through a second time because they missed something,” Mark Blethen said.

This annual winter wonderland can be seen from the nearby highway. Between that free advertising, wordof-mouth, and social media, the Blethen’s have had a lot of visitors.

Weather permitting, the display will be up through New Year’s Eve. Details can be found on the “April & Mark’s Cartoon Christmas Display” Facebook page.

William R. Colite

Debra Sue Solis

Each winter, Plainville residents April and Mark Blethen transform their North Washington Street home into a winter wonderland. Photos by Nicole Zappone, The Citizen

Budget

From A1

“I don’t see any big issues. We brought the budget in where the town manager wants it. I don’t see any real holes anywhere,” Chairman Mark Lajoie said.

One of the biggest items in the capital budget is a replacement of an engine, which will cost the town over a million dollars.

To alleviate the financial burden to the town, the committee seeks to split the price in two, spending $500,000 this year, and the remaining amount the following fiscal year.

“The committee is looking at ways to thin the [budget] out a little bit and change some things on the spec, try and get that number down. But as pricing increases come up it’s getting tighter and tighter.” Heath said. “The reason for splitting it, we have split fire trucks in the past. That’s just because of the build time. I don’t see any reason to outlay all of the money now, when we’re not going to see the truck in two years anyways.”

The fire department is also seeking to replace one of its wildland fire engines also known as brush trucks at station two.

The smaller vehicle is a 1990 Ford F350, which while still in good service condition lacks modern safety features that necessitate the replacement.

With supply chain delays, which makes all of the equipment difficult to get, it could be upwards of a year before the new truck would be put into service.

Other smaller service vehicles were also placed into the budget for the coming years, including a $70,000 replacement for one of the training chief or inspector’s vehicles and an $85,000 earmark the following year to purchase a new shift commander’s vehicle, which usually responds to calls alongside the larger engines.

Another earmark in the budget was a renovation of fire station five, which was built in 1974 and wasn’t designed for full-time operation like

it’s run currently.

While some upgrades have been made to the building, the committee was seeking

to replace the inefficient windows along with installing a new fire alarm system, drop ceilings, and asbestos abatement.

An overhaul of the restrooms is needed as well since they’re not ADA-compliant.

The cost of the project will total over $200,000 with increasing material costs.

“Obviously with cost increases that becomes substantial. In the last year, most manufacturers [have increased prices] anywhere between 25 and 40% since the end of 2021. And we’re looking at probably another 15% increase,” Heath said.

The operating budget for the rest of the fire department’s facilities will not see significant changes from the previous fiscal year, the largest alterations being an increase in tuition reimbursement for firefighters on staff and a decrease in allocated volunteer pay based on engagement from this year.

The department also set aside more for their legal fees in anticipation of potential issues next year though they hope it won’t be necessary.

cmetzger@record-journal.com

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Lt. Robert Moquin talks about the 2006 ladder truck currently out of service at Southington headquarters. The Southington Fire Commissioners board voted to approve more than $1 million in engine and equipment replacements for the coming fiscal year.

Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

with the training, the more you push yourself.

If walking isn’t your thing, then find the activity that is, she added.

“Set small, attainable goals for yourself because when you achieve them, you’re going to feel phenomenal. It’s going to make you feel great,” she said. “It’s going to give you the confidence to keep going and keep going and keep going.”

However, Marquardt emphasized patience as results

show in small increments over a long period.

Nutrition and fitness are individualized journeys that impact people’s bodies differently, thus creating unique results. You must push yourself further out of your comfort zone after reaching each small goal to see them.

“Make those small changes, do things that are attainable to you, eat the foods you like to eat, exercise in the manner that you’d like to exercise and you will feel better about yourself, you’ll be comfortable doing that, it will help you to push forward,” Marquardt said.

Be active

Much like fitness resolutions, mental health-related ones require small steps and a lot of patience.

Schnitzlein, who uses they/ them pronouns, said that the best way to approach your resolutions is by focusing on little actions rather than depriving yourself. For example, if your goal is to complain less, start a gratitude journal and write one positive thing a day, they said. Likewise, if you want to lose weight, work out just 10 minutes a day and slowly increase your workout time.

“Before you set the resolution, make sure you know what your action plan would be and to help keep you mo-

tivated, break it down into small achievable steps because we’re more likely to get excited when we meet those smaller goals rather than setting one big goal that we end up disappointed when it doesn’t come to fruition,” Schnitzlein said.

However, Schnitzlein added that taking time to rest, relax and celebrate the small victories, whatever they may be, is important.

“Depending on where we’re at in our lives that accomplishment might just be checking the mail or simply cooking a meal at home,” they said. “I think it’s important that we celebrate the little wins and the little things we do to keep ourselves healthy.”

Be kind

No matter the resolution, Schnitzlein said it is inevitable that you will experience a bad day.

In those moments of vulnerability, Schnitzlein emphasized the importance of being kind to yourself and acknowledging what you were able to accomplish that day. They recommend practicing positive self-talk, self-kindness and not punishing yourself for it.

“Today may not have been the day that I went and walked that mile, but maybe I walked for five minutes. That’s still a win,” Schnitzlein said. “So, reframing those moments where you don’t go all the way as it’s a step in progress can be helpful.”

To start, just set aside five minutes a day to do an activity you love, said Schnitzlein. Albeit gardening or playing with pets, they explained that giving yourself the time to decompress is crucial to self-care. They added that gratitude journals could be used to reflect on the things that went right that day and identify where boundaries need to be set.

Schnitzlein explained this method builds self-care “ as part of our daily routine, so it becomes second nature to take care of ourselves.”

cvillalonga@record-journal.com 203-317-2448

From A5

ton Volunteer Fire Department, the Berlin Board of Education, the Cromwell Board of Education, and the Berlin Land Trust.

The funds will also support improvements to enhance the pedestrian live/work experience, including pedestrian access and open-space walking trails.

“We are very excited that the private and public sector has been able to come together on two great projects in our Kensington Village near the train station to help in the modernization of the transition education,” Berlin Economic Development Director Chris Edge said.

Edge said that part of this grant funding would go towards the Central Connecticut Transition Academy on Main Street. The academy helps students transition from high school to adult life through classroom and community-based experiences.

Edge said that this effort was spearheaded by Jim Maloney, who works with him in the economic development office. Maloney works with state agencies and grant projects.

“This was a competitive project, and this wasn’t something that anyone could throw their hat into the ring to get,” Edge said. “There were a lot of pieces that had to come together when it came to the project and the application.”

Edge said he is very thankful to the DECD for the opportunity and said this grant money would make a difference in the town.

The grants given under this second round will leverage approximately $143.5 million in private dollars and

In this January 2020 photo, Southingtonbased developer Mark Lovley, holding scissors at center, cuts the ribbon for the renaming ceremony of Newport Center @ Farmington Ave., formerly Depot Crossing. Record Jounal file photo

support projects that improve areas throughout Connecticut in distressed municipalities.

A third round of grants is expected in the first quarter of 2023.

nzappone@record-journal.com 203-317-2212

LEGAL NOTICE

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

PLAINVILLE, CONNECTICUT

The Zoning Board of Appeals of Plainville, Connecticut will hold a Public Hearing(s) on Monday January 9, 2023 at 7:30 PM to hear and consider the following application(s):

WHITING STREET Application #23-01-01, Xtreme Auto LLC 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 16 Forestville Avenue

Plainville, Connecticut this 20th day of December 2022

Peter Autunno, Chairperson Plainville Zoning Board of Appeals R257811

POLICE OFFICER

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

TOP CASH PAID For Junk or unwanted vehicles, Toyota’s etc. Please call Mike @ 203284-8562 8am-5pm.

TREE LENGTH FIREWOOD CALL FOR DETAILS 203-238-2149

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.

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

MATERIALS DISTRIBUTION

PREMIUM

SCREENED TOPSOIL $25/yard delivered, 3 yd, $100 min. delivery Call Jim 860-982-4819

buying old; Toys,

art,

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.

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ANTIQUES - Always Need to Earn Income ASAP? Earn up to $1,200 mo. + Tips! The perfect and easiest part time job - Newspaper Delivery Routes Available - Earn up to $600.00 every Two weeks +Tips (Depending on area) Routes available in the following towns: MERIDEN, WALLINGFORD, SOUTHINGTON/ PLANTSVILLE, CHESHIRE AND MIDDLETOWN Must be 18 or older. Must have valid drivers license, reliable vehicle and be available early mornings. Make extra cash before 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

COSTUME & FINE ESTATE JEWELRY WANTED - New, Old, Napier, QVC, Gold, Silver, etc. “I Pay Top Cash For Your Grandma’s Costume Jewelry Stash”. I’ll come to you. 36 yrs exp. Julie Rees-Gorneault, 203-443-9602.

PREMIER ESTATE JEWELRY - Is interested in buying your fine jewelry, watches, coin collections, silver flatware, and costume jewelry. Call Bill, (203) 4942496.

TIMELESS TREASURES ESTATE AUCTIONSIs looking to purchase estate contents. From single items to entire estates. Clean-out services available. Call Bill (203) 494-2496. FACEBOOK.COM/ RECORDJOURNAL NEWSPAPER TWITTER.COM/ RECORD_JOURNAL INSTAGRAM.COM/ RECORDJOURNAL CONNECT WITH US SOCIALLY List. Sell. Repeat. A Classified ad is an easy way to sell your merchandise, and it’s easy on your wallet, too. Lawn and Garden Help Wanted Legal Notices Autos Wanted Wanted To Buy Wanted To Buy Houses For Sale Help Wanted Wanted To Buy Wood Fuel Heating Equipment Reach over 310,000 readers. Call us today 203-238-1953 Legal Notices & Classifieds RJ MEDIA GROUP | Record-Journal | myrecordjournal.com | HOMEBASE Digital | Berlin Citizen | Cheshire Citizen | North Haven Citizen | Plainville Citizen | Southington Citizen | Town Times | The Post

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

GARY WODATCH

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

CARPENTRY Repairs,

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

Let

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

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

RT RELOCATION

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

BRADLEY’S PAINTING203.715.0771. 30 years in the business. Watch our video at bradleyshousepainting.com

POWER WASHING

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

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.

JM Lawn Care Tree service, junk removal. Comm/Res. 860.796.8168

Insurance claim.storm

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

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