Town Times Feb. 19, 2021 by Record Journal

Friday, February 19, 2021

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Volume 27, Number 8

SCHUCH SETTLES IN

New super shares his educational approach Schuch recognizes that each student is unique and might study at a different pace. Superintendent Doug Learning, he believes, Schuch believes there is an should be competency“amazing potential of work” based and measured by a that can be done in Regional student's ability to demonSchool District 13. strate knowledge of academic content, rather than the Before startnumber of hours spent in a ing his new classroom. role with RSD13 over a “If you can learn algebra month ago, faster than I can but we both Schuch learn it eventually, why do served as su- we call you an ‘A’ student perintendent and call me a ‘C’ or ‘D’ stuof Bedford dent?” said Schuch. “The Schuch County Pub- time should be variable and lic Schools in the constant should be how Virginia, a position he held much we learn.” since 2009. Schuch believes the learning Schuch’s educational philos- process is not constrained ophy is based on a learnerby the classroom walls but centered approach. Unlike happens in a myriad of setthe traditional model of tings and formats. Schools teaching that relies on lecshould give students credit tures as the primary means for “learning experiences of instruction, the learnerthat happen outside of the centered education favors traditional school day,” different modalities to facili- Schuch said. tate learning. Having worked in public edIn a learner-centered educa- ucation for 26 years, Schuch tion, each student is bebelieves a school district lieved to have unbounded should constantly analyze its potential and an innate deeducational approach and sire to learn. Children are adapt it to changing circumencouraged to recognize stances. their strengths and weak“That's a really hard thing to nesses and find a model of do in public education beeducation that suits them cause we’re used to setting a best. plan, following it for the “Successful learning might whole year, and then maklook different for each indiing changes the next year,” vidual learner,” said Schuch. he said. “But I think that “You might learn best from COVID-19 has taught us that listening to lectures, someif something isn’t working, body else might learn better we can’t be afraid to make from doing hands-on exper- changes right now. It’s all iments. Learners should about what’s best for our have some input as to what young learners.” their learning process looks like.” By Nadya Korytnikova Town Times

See Schuch, A36

CVEF creates pandemic resource guide for parents By Nadya Korytnikova Town Times

Fear, uncertainty, and staying home to slow the spread of the coronavirus can make it difficult for families to keep a sense of calm. That’s why the Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation created a helpful online parenting playbook to help Durham and Middlefield parents and children cope with the pandemic. The Pandemic Parenting Playbook features a list of helpful articles on five subjects — mental health, self-care, parent support,

technology, family fun, and community resources. Each article is chosen by the education foundation’s board of directors. CVEF President Nancy Earls said there is a need for this type of resource as many parents feel “burned out” after a year of balancing family and work during the pandemic. “You can do anything for a month, for four, six months, but it has been a year,” said Earls. “Parents often have high expectations of themselves. They want to perform well at work, meet their families' needs and ensure that their children are learning.

These demands, coupled with ever-changing circumstances, produce stress.” See Guide, A7

COVID-19 cases continue to dip The United States is administering an average of nearly 1.7 million coronavirus vaccine doses per day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the Biden administration said Tuesday it was boosting the amount of vaccine sent to states to 13.5 million doses per week, a 57 percent increase from when Presi- Wallingford Fire Department EMS Lt. Michael Krupinski dent Joe Biden took ofadministers the COVID-19 vaccine to Gail Morse, of fice nearly a month ago, Wallingford, at the Wallingford Senior Center on Jan. 28. as well as doubling to 2 Dave Zajac, Record-Journal million the weekly doses being sent to pharmaConnecticut’s most recent The previous report showed cies. coronavirus report, issued 35 positive cases in Durham and 25 in Middlefield, and At the same time, coron- Feb. 11, showed 33 positive cases in Durham and 16 in the Jan. 28 summary showed avirus deaths in the U.S. Middlefield. That works out 43 positive cases in Durham are down sharply over to an average of 33 daily and, again, 25 in Middlethe past six weeks, and cases in Durham and 26.1 in field. new cases have plumMiddlefield per 100,000 meted. people. See COVID, A35

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Friday, February 19, 2021

Letters to the Editor Editor : My wife and I received a telephone call from a volunteer from the Town of Durham a few weeks ago, asking if we would like to be put on the list for a COVID shot. So we signed up, and last Friday went to the Senior Center and got our first shot. Went right in and were out in 15 minutes. All this done by volunteers. The whole thing was very professional and friendly. We would like to commend these people who volunteered their time to help out others. Plus, we are signed up for our second shot in March. Thank you all for your time.

Regressive bills Editor : Please oppose SB 568 (removes all non-medical exemptions from mandated vaccines) and HB 6423 (severely restricts medical exemptions from mandatory vaccines by creating oversight committee.) The Public Health Committee wants to be able to mandate every single vaccine and every single dose for every single child regardless of medical history or religious beliefs. The Advisory Committee on Immunization

The PHC falsely claims that it can expand medical exemptions to prevent children from being thrown out of school in Connecticut. This is untrue. The state follows the federal ACIP recommendations, so legislators do not have that authority.

9-year-old girls and boys is now under consideration. What else should the government be able to mandate without informed consent? Kathryn Joyce

Ban Democrats Editor : To those who wish to ban the Confederate flag, consider that it has hurt no one; committed no acts of racism or slavery. The ban needs to be against agents of racism and slavery. And the supreme agent of same is the Democratic Party.

was home to, Democrats.

The Party goes on

Democratic governors barred schoolhouse doors to stop integration. Democrats fought against Civil Rights legislation. Democrats currently affirm and support legislation – Affirmative Action – that says, purely because of skin color, black folks cannot compete with white folks and need bonus points.

Editor :

If you really want to “raise the bar,” support an ordinance banning the Democratic Party.

Inadvertently, Prohibition helped organize crime. Lesson learned? Our World "War on Drugs" helped car-

Gene Riotte

See Letters, A37

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Our two parties, mom and dad, are now sharing 164 years of baggage, and over 240 years of debt servitude.

The father of the Democratic Party, President Andrew Jackson, made part of his fortune buying, selling and trading slaves. The Confederate States were wholly DemocratAdditionally, the PHC wants ic. Democrats were unanito establish an advisory mously against the 13th, committee to oversee medi14th and 15th amendWilliam J. Witkowski, D.M.D. 360 Main Street cal exemptions. In New York, ments. Jim Crow laws were P.O. Box 177 this resulted in thousands of enacted by Democrats. The Allan A. Witkowski, John Zyzo, D.M.D. D.M.D. fragile children having Durham, CT KKK was founded by, and We will submit claims to all insurances their medical exemptions in860-349-1123 validated by the state, which w w w.linosmar ke t .com means they were expelled MEAT SPECIALS from school.

Letters Policy

500 S. Broad St., Meriden, CT 06450

The Confederate flag was revived to intimidate and stop the Civil Rights Act from supporting the ignored 2nd line of our Constitution: "All men are created equal."

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George and Irene Roberts

Practices has an extremely limited criteria for medical exemptions. This means the parents of children who reacted to vaccines with seizures, developed food allergies, neurological disorders or regressed and now require special education would be barred from school – even if only missing one dose. The religious exemption also provides protection for those who object to vaccines that use aborted fetuses or that are sourced from animals.

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RSD13 kindergarten registration Parents of children living in Durham and Middlefield who will be 5 years old on or before Jan. 1, 2022 must register to attend kindergarten in the fall of 2021 or apply for a waiver of attendance. In Regional School District 13, children may attend kindergarten at Brewster School or John Lyman School. You will need to

choose the appropriate school for your child prior to registration. Brewster houses students in grades PK-2. Lyman serves students in grades K-4. Both schools follow the same curriculum. Due to COVID-19, we are unable to offer in-person building visits. Instead, both schools will post detailed information about kinder-

Coginchaug Honor Roll

garten on their respective websites by late February. The postings will include specific information about the schools along with more general information about kindergarten choice and registration.

Coginchaug Regional High School has named the following students to its honor roll for the second term.

The school choice decision for kindergarten must be made by Monday, March 15. When the time comes, please contact the main office of the school where you wish to register. The school will send you information and instructions for registration. Registration must be completed in accordance with published timelines in the registration packet to guarantee your child’s place in the school that you select. Any parent of an eligible kindergarten child who wishes to hold his/her child out of school for another year must sign a form at the Office of the Superintendent. — Press Release

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Grade 9, high honors: Logan Bender, Riley Biro, Henry Bugai lll, Taylor Connell, Faith Corona, Tiana DiLeone, Isabella DiResta, Carter Fudge, Ryan Grant, Grace Harkins, Rachel Hayward, Norah Healy, Sofia Hurlbert, Kayla Kearns, Paige Konopka, Serra LeDuc, Kevin Lee, Jason Letourneau, Lilliana Mach, Alayna Mariani, Mark Melillo, Abigail Meliso, Preston Mennone, Claire Overton, Claire Pareti, Devan Patel, Diya Patel, Nathaniel Pongetti, Corey Quincy, Jake Raney, Benjamin Rascati, Piper Remillard, Margaret Ross, Justin Rowe, Nicholas Smith, Sophia Stephan, Molly Stoetzle, Sawyer Stone, Drew Turner, Allison Vigue, Logan Watts, Ian Weissberg, Alexandra Woznyk; honors: Micah Ackerman, Samantha Anderson, Matthew Bradanini, John Carafeno, Alan Clark, Ryan Fusco, Natalie Hayward, Caitlyn Hill, Jake Manning, Kristin Ryan, Hayden Stojak, Clayton Wiseman. Grade 10, high honors: Lauren Acevedo, Dalton Bates, Holly

Brunelle, Zoe Carpentino, Marina Chanthinith, Joseph DePaolo, Jenna DePonte, Katherine Farr, Drue Fleck, Serena Fournier, Grace Gaffey, Monica Garbacz, Colin Glidden, Hayden Gonzales, Tatum Hultgren, Braden Johnson, Lauren Konefal, Kiyah Kulpik, Owen Lussier, Alexander Meisenkothen, Ella Milidantri, Samantha Miltenberger, Siena Monthei, Alexandra Nick, Hannah Nielsen, Melana O’Sullivan, Gwynneth Palo-Mack, Jayson Penney, Mia Poturnicki, Allison Sambor, Emma Samperi, Chloe Shafir, Jaide Stach, Allison Strang, Catherine Taylor, Conor Ullman, Christine Waterman, Sophie Whittle, Penelope Wickwire, Hope Wondolowski, Allyson Woodward; honors: Alison Albanese, Chris Barrett, Jacqueline Kelly, Shannon Moore, Luke Paulson, Evan Poggio, Christian Quesnel, Henry St. John. Grade 11, high honors: Cayden Bernard, Elizabeth Carroll, Ava Carusone, Amanda Case, Elliana Castiglia, Evan Clancy, Max Czellecz, Emma DeCaprio, Ava Dell’Orfano, Leo DiLeone, Katerina DiNallo, Madelena DiPentima, Tyler Fusco, Grace Hinsch, Christopher Hoyecki, Jack Huscher, Zachary Infeld, Charlotte Johnson, Janna Jose, Braden Koba, Mark Laudano, Isabella Lenoce, Nicholas Letourneau, Olivia Longley, Alicia Lowry, Jeremy Mangiameli, Ava Marenna, Alison Mariani, Francesco Marotta, Faith Melillo, Morgan Messner, Taylor Milardo, Colin Murphy, Nora O’Connell, Kareena Patel, Samantha Paul, Alex Paulson, Gage Rovelli, Zackery Ryer, Rachel Sorensen, Sydnee Stone, Rebecca Tobin, Emma Ufferfilge, Jenna Ulizio, Leah Wagner, Mekhi Watson, Medori Wheatley, Samuel Whittle, Kayla Wickham, Connor Willett, Alyssa Woodward; honors: Kaden Atwell, Tyler Kobus, Logan Palardy, Alanna Rondinone, Anthony Toth.

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Friday, February 19, 2021

Join Sustainable Durham

In Brief The Durham Farmers Market is held Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Durham Activity Center, 350 Main St. Use the side entrance. There is an elevator for easy access, and a stairwell. Masks are required. For more information, visit farmersmarket@ townofdurhamct.org.

Little League Registration is open for the Spring 2021 Little League season. For more information, visit coginchaugll.org.

Energy monitoring Eversource is making it possible for customers to monitor their energy use with the Kill A Watt electricity usage meter. Along with the meter, each kit contains an instructional booklet that explains how to measure and record the amount of electricity being

used and offers tips to reduce energy use and costs. Kill A Watt kits are available for borrowing from nearly 200 libraries around the state. A list of participating libraries can be found at Eversource.com. Customers can also take advantage of Eversource’s Green Button – an online tool that allows customers to download their energy usage data so they can easily share it with energy-efficiency experts to make home improvements.

Utility assistance With the start of a new year, Eversource is reminding customers to enroll in one of its payment plans or assistance programs to protect them from service disconnection by calling 800-286-2828. Both residential and nonresidential customers are eligible for payment arrangements at this time. Customers can learn more about payment programs and enroll at Eversource.com/BillHelp. See Briefs, A40

Are you passionate about making Durham a more vibrant and sustainable community? Sustainable Durham needs you! This town committee has openings for regular members, and also welcomes volunteers who are interested in one or more of our important community goals that align with the Sustainable CT certification program. Our Complete Streets Durham CT working group is an example of a group of volunteers who are working on one important community goal. The Sustainable CT website, sustainablect.org, outlines 13 Community Action Categories, including: Inclusive and Equitable Community Impacts Thriving Local Economies Well Stewarded Land and Natural Resources Vibrant and Creative Cultural Ecosystems

Dynamic and Resilient Planning Clean and Diverse Transportation Systems and Choices Renewable and Efficient Energy Infrastructure and Operations Inclusive Engagement, Communication, and Education Strategic Materials Management Optimal Health and Wellness Opportunities Healthy, Efficient and Diverse Housing Effective, Compassionate Homelessness Prevention Innovative Strategies and Practices To learn more about Sustainable Durham, contact Tonya Buddie at tbuddie@ townofdurhamct.org. — Press Release

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Friday, February 19, 2021

It’s cold, but not in my love seat

from my childhood bedroom and a man with an antique business told me that it was made around 1700. I believe the derrieres might Then there are the chairs have been a tad smaller “We know that parents that do not hold up so well – then. Well, at least smallhave little time for selfeither for them or me. As er than mine. If I was to sit care so we have includI write this I am sitting on a on it I would most surely ed a variety of ways to hard-backed chair that overlap the sides, before I help. Even simple keeps wobbling because one went crashing right through breathing exercises can of the connecting pieces be- it. I don’t even let the kitties remind parents and tween two legs keeps falling sit on it. I just think it is awefamilies to take care of out. I could almost be seasome to have something that themselves,” said Earls. sick. has been in the lives of so many people and has seen The CVEF launched the I recently had a chair in several centuries. Oh, if only playbook late last which the entire middle part it could talk. The stories it month and will monitor of it fell out. Just fell out! I do must have. I like to ponder the website traffic and not know how that hapthe lives of all the various reader feedback. To pened. people that must have view the Parent PanBasement Waterproofing Services emesaB Playbook go to perched there. secivreS gnifoorpretaW tndemic I have a chair Over 36that YearsI would combined experience. .ecneirepxe denibmoc sraeYcoginchaug 63 revO vef.org. not dare to sit in. It came See Carr, A36

Region 13 School Superintendent Doug Schuch said the Parent Pandemic Playbook is a “tremendous resource to help our families navigate school and life during these challenging times.” “Regional School District 13 is extremely fortunate to have such an outstanding community partner that strives to meet the needs of our learners and their families here in Durham and Middlefield,” said Schuch. nkorytnikova@ record-journal.com 203-317-2444

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The playbook was created with the aid of a professional social worker and will be updated, Earls said. It includes helpful self-care tips on healthy sleeping and eating habits and easing stress through humor.

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A close second, chair-wise, is the lounge chair I have outside. The mat that insures its comfort is long gone, and I have yet to buy another one, but I pad it with a thick blanket, and all is well. I love

From A1

this chair because it allows me to spend countless hours, in the warm weather, reading and drinking tea and listening to the birds and smelling the wildflowers, and just generally being happy. I do so love being happy.

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Is there anything better than a comfy chair? Well, not to my mind. Especially during the long winter months, when my fanny spends so much time in them. I have an absolute love affair with my love seat. I mean, it’s in the name! My friend gave it to me a few years ago, after listening to my complaints about the discomfort of my rock-hard futon. Ah, but this love seat! It seats two (that would be me and kitty Dakota or kitty Shiloh), with a handle on each side that bequeaths me with a foot rest when I pull it back. (The kitties never use theirs.) I have a quilt draped over the back, and this is no ordinary quilt. My son gave it to me, after he had pictures of him, his father, his brother, my grandson, and my then-kitty transferred onto it. Every evening I am nestled into my BFF (and really, that is not too strong a word), chomping on some goodie or other, with a soft, fuzzy blanket draped over my lap, watching TV and drinking herbal tea. It’s a slice of heaven.

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Friday, February 19, 2021

Obituaries Dian O’Neal SANTA ROSA, CA- The family of Dian Astrid O’Neal (Chevalier) is sad to announce her passing on January 31, 2021 at her home in Oakmont Village, Santa Rosa. She died of heart failure at age 79. Born on January 23, 1942 in Bronxville New York, Dian spent the majority of her life in Connecticut, before moving to Sonoma in 2008. She leaves behind her husband, Bill O’Neal, her three sons, Dwayne, Sean and Bret O’Neal, her niece, Doreen Fender and her three grandchildren, Ella, Logan and Ethan O’Neal. Besides being a great wife and mother, Dian had a remarkable professional career, starting at the University of Miami where she first displayed her flair for writing. She leveraged that talent into an early career in advertising, first in Miami and then in Connecticut. Her love of horses then took over. An avid equestrian since childhood, she turned that passion into a full-time business, importing horses from Europe, training them in classical dressage at her barn The Ridge , in Durham, CT, then selling them to eager American riders. All the while she continued to ride and train her own horses. Her interest in naturopathic medicine prompted her to go back to school, this time to the University of Bridgeport’s

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MOVE YOU College of Naturopathic Medicine and summer programs at Ohio State and University of Nebraska. In 1995, a newly-minted Dr. Dian O’Neal opened her office, Natural Healthcare, in Durham, CT. Dian closed her Natural Healthcare practice in 2008 to move to Sonoma, where she could ride yearround without shoveling snow. It was in Sonoma that she acquired her pride and joy, her magnificent Lipizzaner Siglavy. “Dian was the most amazing person I’ve ever known,” says her husband. “She could walk through walls. There was nothing she couldn’t do if she set her sights on it.” A virtual memorial for Dian will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2021. Memorial contributions can be made in Dian’s name to Sonoma Equine Rescue, Rehab & Adoption, 1971 Crane Canyon Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

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Utility scams on the rise Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, scammers have increased their calls, texts, emails, and in-person visits to convince Eversource customers to make payments to avoid service disconnection. Customers can verify they are speaking with an Eversource representative by asking for some basic information about their account like the name on the account, the account address, and the exact past due balance. Eversource urges anyone who believes they are a target of improper solicitation to immediately contact local law enforcement. Customers are also encouraged to contact the energy company at l-800-286-2000.

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH: listening & learning

Black history can’t be confined to one month. It’s a case of the more you learn the more you realize how much more there is to discover. This is a rich and complex topic. Our goal with today’s special coverage of Black History Month is to highlight a few of the many stories that comprise local Black history — the people and events that have contributed to the vibrant and diverse life of our communities. We also want to provide resources that can help expand our understanding of racism, our historic and ongoing struggles with racial equality and how that impacts our country today. Here at the Record-Journal, we are proud of our long history of providing the local news to our communities. Over the past year, we reassessed and reinvigorated our commitment to serve our communities and add to the diversity of our publications as well as our workplace. As a company, we have formed a Diversity & Inclusion Committee whose members created the mission to “take actions that will create and support a workplace and products that are inclusive, diverse and representative of the communities we serve.” To this end, the Record-Journal is taking steps to ensure that our content, community outreach, and hiring practices remain equitable and representative of our community. One approach to our outreach is listening. This is done through a program called Voices — Community Powered Journalism, a chance for us to hear questions from local community members and answer them through our reporting. Soon, we also plan to launch a Latino Communities Reporting Lab, another opportunity for us to incorporate community listening into our reporting. By listening to our community, we can better provide our readers with focused content to keep you informed and engaged. We’re also supporting local students by offering minority internships and scholarships, and we’re developing new ways to attract and retain diverse and representative talent. We celebrate the diversity of our communities and will continue to explore the many cultures in the towns we cover. We will to listen to the wide variety of voices that contribute to that diversity and welcome their stories to our pages. Today we put the focus on Black History Month and we hope that you’ll enjoy this special edition of the Record-Journal. RJ Diversity & Inclusion Committee

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WALLINGFORD’S FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN VOTERS Commentary by Lorraine S. Connelly

Norwyn Campbell

Meet our Black History Month guest editor Norwyn Campbell is a Digital Advertising Sales professional at RJ Media Group, based in Meriden. He holds an MBA (marketing) and has more than 26 years of sales and management experience in insurance and media/ advertising sales, with another eight years in banking services. Norwyn is proud of his Caribbean roots, being born in Jamaica, birth place of Reggae icon Bob Marley and Usain Bolt — the greatest sprinter of all time. Also the same roots as former Secretary of State Colin Powell and Vice President Kamala Harris. Having settled with his wife and two sons in Connecticut, he has since become involved in serving his community. He is a board member of the Meriden Rotary Club and a planning committee member of Journey Found Inc; a nonprofit organization that helps with the housing of individu-

als with intellectual disabilities in Connecticut. Norwyn hopes that his contributions will make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Words that he lives by: “The Constant Dripping of Water Wears Away the Stone”. In his spare time and when the weather permits, he likes being outdoors playing football/ soccer. Being invited to be the guest editor on the Black History Month project at RJ Media is a special honor and privilege, as this gives him the opportunity to, even in a small way, positively influence the perception of his race as a Black man in America. Norwyn expresses that he never really knew what it meant to be “Black”, until he came to the U.S. to live permanently. He applauds companies and individuals who make the effort to treat everyone fairly and has very optimistic hopes that “we can all get along”.

table of contents wallingford’s first african american voters.......................................... 3 dr. woodson’s vision for black history................................................. 5 nzinga’s daughters bring a message with their songs............................. 5 a wide range of reading options to explore black history...................... 7 violet’s story....................................................................................... 7 cemetery association disputes claim about black burial site.................. 9

resources are available to fight racism............................................... 10 black golfer recalls breaking into the game. ...................................... 13 notables in black history.................................................................... 13 local naacp chapter perseveres during pandemic................................. 14 local woman first vegan chef featured by bon appétit magazine. .......... 16 black-owned businesses take hold and bring new vitality to the city... 17 a leader for change............................................................................ 18

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We look to history to tell us about the past, but how can history inform the present and offer guideposts for the future? This year, the theme of Black History Month is “Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity.” It explores the African diaspora and the spread of Black families across the United States.

Royce House (538 N. Main St., Wallingford), one of two properties owned by the Trust.

In Colonial Wallingford, the enslaved and the enslaver were caught in what the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., while protesting the injustices of the segregated South some 200 years later, described as “an inescapable network The Black Stories Matter History Project, an of mutuality.” initiative of the Wallingford Historic Preser- By the second half of the 18th century, New vation Trust upon the occasion of Walling- London, a bustling seaport on Connectiford’s 350th Jubilee, is uncut’s coast, led the state earthing some interesting in both the number of enfacts about Black Colonial slaved Africans and Black life in Wallingford. residents, with a white Jerry Farrell Jr., president population of 5,366 and a Powder horn owned by of the Wallingford Historic Black population of 522. Dick Freedom. Freedom, Preservation Trust, says, New Haven had a white from Wallingford, was one “The American narrative population of 5,224 and a of approximately 300 Black is missing some key chapBlack population of 160. enslaved or freemen from ters, and the project is our According to the 1762 Connecticut who fought for attempt not to rewrite, but census, Wallingford with the Continental Army. He to add some very critical a population of just under chapters about a signifi- served in the all-Black Second 4,000, had a population Company of the Fourth cant Black population in of 182 Blacks. Merchants, Connecticut Regiment. Colonial Wallingford — ministers, politicians, millives that should be cele- Photo Courtesy of Wallingford itary officers, physicians, Historic Preservation Trust brated for their many conlawyers, and farmers tributions as well as their owned enslaved people. courage, sacrifice, and resolve.” As Menapace has also discovered, “Every Along with Nathan Hale, the martyred soldier of the American Revolution, and Lyman Hall, born in Wallingford and later a signatory of the Declaration of Independence as governor of Georgia, who are other notable local figures “tied in a single garment of destiny”? Slavery scholar Chris Menapace is combing through census, military, and probate records of enslaved and free Black residents of Colonial Wallingford, collecting data points and stories for an exhibit the Trust will have on permanent display at the Nehemiah

prominent family in Wallingford — the Atwaters, Cookes, Halls, Stanleys, Royces and Yales — were all enslavers.” Know their names There is the story of Chatham Freeman, whose headstone lies in the Broad Street Cemetery in Meriden. Freeman, born in Africa in 1750, was enslaved by Wallingford’s Noah Yale. During the Revolutionary War, Yale sent Freeman to fight in his son’s stead Continued on next page 

Chatham Freeman headstone. Broad Street Cemetery. Photo by Lorraine Connelly

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from page 3

with the promise of freedom in exchange for his service. From Freeman’s pension records, it is learned that he served under the command of Captain Eli Leavenworth in the 6th Connecticut Regiment of the Continental Army (1777-1780). Freeman and his wife, Rhea, and son, Jube, were set free in 1782, two years after his return from the war. The Freemans also had a daughter named Kate. Another descendant, Robert Prim, was a popular violinist in Wallingford in the late 19th century. Research has also uncovered the stories of Jack John and Toby Birdseye, who had gained emancipation and then registered to vote in Wallingford, in 1799 and 1803, respectively. The freeman (voter) statute, under early state constitutions, stipulated the qualifications for voting: One had to be 21 years of age, male, and having met a residency requirement, be a taxpayer and/or property owner. John’s land holdings equaled 26 acres, and his estate upon his death in 1816 was valued at $2,800. Birdseye owned three-quarters of an acre of land and a portion of a sawmill.

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While voting records do not exist, it’s likely that both men voted in Wallingford. Birdseye’s registration was not without controversy, according to authors Ramin Ganeshram and Elizabeth Normen in “Constitution of 1818 & Black Suffrage: Rights For All?”

In 1803, Federalist Party members accused Birdseye of a moral disqualification, alleging he had attempted to rape a white woman. No criminal record was ever found to substantiate the claim. Ganeshram and Normen further explain that the Connecticut legislature, in 1814, reversed Black enfranchisement by inserting the word “white” into the freeman (voter) statute. By 1818, a new state constitution was adopted, outlining a white-race requirement for voters, thereby depriving African Americans of equal representation in the state’s electoral process. The authors state, “As it had in matters of slavery, abolition, and enfranchisement, Connecticut continued to take a more southern approach, protesting any federal efforts to delineate the nature of voting rights.”

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Although, the North is often considered the cradle of the anti-slavery and abolitionist movements, its participation in slavery and “the network of mutuality” cannot be denied. Wallingford should, however, take pride in two African Americans, Jack John and Toby Birdseye, who were the earliest proponents of voting rights for Black Americans in Connecticut. We should know their names. The issue of Black enfranchisement is still relevant today. Black voters, in certain parts of our nation, are still more likely to have their legitimate votes challenged. Dr. King’s “garment of destiny,” like the Shroud of Turin, is an iconic symbol — if only we could touch the hem of its garment, our Beloved Community could be made whole by its lessons. Stay current on The Wallingford Historic Preservation Trust’s Black Stories Matter History Project https://www. wallingfordcthistory.org/visit Lorraine S. Connelly is a writer, a Wallingford resident and member of the steering committee for the Black Stories Matter History Project.

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NZINGA’S DAUGHTERS BRING A MESSAGE WITH THEIR SONGS By Nadya Korytnikova  Record-Journal staff

Carter G. Woodson

DR. WOODSON’S VISION FOR BLACK HISTORY The basic idea that underlies Black History Month has been around in one form or another for more than 100 years. Here are a few highlights outlining how this special month-long designation unfolded through the decades.

tory from Harvard University in 1912, only the second African American to earn a doctorate. More about his life and groundbreaking accomplishments can be found at www.asalh.org.

According to ASALH, Woodson felt that The concept of setting time aside to ac- the American Historical Association had knowledge the struggles and celebrate the no interest in Black history. A dues-paying accomplishments of peomember of the AHA, he ple in the Black communiwas not allowed to attend ty took hold in the summer AHA conferences. ASALH of 1915 when Illinois sponexplains that to be able to sored a national celebrawork as a Black historian tion of the 50th anniversary would require creating an of emancipation. institutional structure that would make it possible for Carter G. Woodson, a UniBlack scholars to study hisversity of Chicago alumtory — so Woodson set out nus, traveled from Washto find the funds to make ington, D.C. to participate this happen. in the event — along with thousands of other Black In 1926, Woodson initiated Americans from around the celebration of Negro the U.S. While inspired by History Week, which corwhat he saw, Woodson responded with the birthalso knew the accomplishments of Black days of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Americans were scarcely recognized. In Lincoln. In 1976, ASALH expanded the 1915, he founded the Association for the celebration to include the entire month of Study of Negro Life and History, now called February, and “today Black History Month the Association for the Study of African garners support throughout the country American Life and History (ASALH). He, as people of all ethnic and social backalong with other like-minded intellectuals grounds discuss the Black experience,” in the Black community, worked to expand states ASALH. The organization views the the knowledge of Black history and was in- promotion of Black History Month as one volved in numerous publications and oth- of the most important components of ader efforts to that end. vancing Woodson’s legacy of “pioneering Woodson, born of illiterate parents who leadership.” were former slaves, earned a PhD in his-

Continued on next page 

PLAINVILLE — For over 26 years Nzinga’s Daughters, a vibrant five-woman performance ensemble, has been sharing their gift of songs and storytelling to educate the public about the history and cultural achievements of Africa and the African Diaspora.

the route North. Some songs gave directions about when, where, and how to escape while others warned of danger along the way.

“Everybody came to listen to the music but not everybody knew where it came from, so that’s what encouraged me to start the band and tell people all about its history,” Williams said.

a way to warn runaway slaves to get off the trail and into the water to hide their scent from dogs.

Nzinga’s Daughters are best known for their interactive “Underground Railroad” performances which invite the audience to experience the creativity, ingenuity, and perseverance employed by African American slaves in their efforts to escape slavery.

slaves were not intimidated by us singing and dancing, they didn’t catch any message in that.”

“If I were picking cotton and somebody was walking down the street singing ‘Steal Away to Jesus,’ I’d know that means The ensemble features Dayna the time for my sister and Snell, Alison Johnson, Taffie brothers to escape is coming,” Bentley, and the band founder, said Dayna Snell. “I am going Gail Williams. While perform- to conduct my business as ing at the Newport Jazz Festiusual but when the sun goes val in 1994, Williams noticed down and the master goes to that the audience was presleep, I am going to that secret dominantly white. While the spot.” listeners enjoyed her music, One of the songs of the UnderWilliams wondered whether ground Railroad was “Wade in they knew the songs’ origins. the Water.” It had been used as

Another song, “Follow The Drinking Gourd” contained essential directions for fugitive Ever since, Nzinga’s Daughters slaves. The verses mention have been deepening pubdrinking gourd, which refers to lic understanding of Afrithe Big Dipper constellation. can-American history through By following the line of the music and entertainment constellation to the North Star, while also running three protravelers had a guide in the grams for children and youth: night sky that pointed them Nzinga’s Watoto, Girls Empow- toward freedom. erment program PRIDE, and “Slave owners were not smartthe Male Mentor Program. All er than the slaves,” Snell said. three promote positive youth “We had to figure out how to development among chilget out and how to survive and dren of all races and abilities how to rebuild our lives with throughout Connecticut. nothing. Those who owned

Since slaves were prohibited from learning to read or write, they developed an elaborate system of communication. They sang songs coded to convey secret information about

Historically, music has been used to help overcome difficult times, Snell believes. The social and political climate of any era is reflected through art, with music being a powerful inspirational expression of ideas. “The history of the Civil War is Continued on next page 

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NZINGA’S DAUGHTERS

Diversity is a core value at allnex.

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from page 5

Nzinga’s Daughters are best known for their “Underground Railroad” performance. They perform both adult and youth adapted versions. The program invites the audience to experience the creativity, ingenuity, and perseverance employed by African-American slaves in their efforts to shepherd runaway slaves to safety. Photo Courtesy of Nzinga’s Daughters

embedded in music. Similarly, when COVID hit Italy, people would come out on their balconies, sing and play instruments,” Snell said. “Music always seems to be helpful in both good and bad times. It helps bring joy and relaxation.”

We are proud to celebrate our differences and are committed to an environment where all colleagues contribute for the benefit of our employees, our products and our communities.

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WOODSON from page 5

Cheshire Adult Education

In 1976, Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford, who issued the first Message on the Observance of Black History Month. He urged the nation to “recognize the important contribution made to our nation’s life and culture” by Black Americans.

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This proclamation stated further that this month was a time “to celebrate the many achievements of African Americans in every field from science and the arts to politics and religion.”

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Black History Month also is celebrated in Canada during February, while in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom it’s observed in October. In honor of all the work that Woodson did to promote the study of African American History, an ornament of Woodson hangs on the White House’s Christmas tree each year. R238314

A decade later, Congress passed the observance into law as “National Black (Afro-American) History Month.” According to the Library of Congress, “National African American History Month in February celebrates the contributions that African Americans have made to American history in their struggles for freedom and equality and deepens our understanding of our Nation’s history.”

This story is compiled with information from the Library of Congress, Wikipedia and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. 

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A WIDE RANGE OF READING OPTIONS TO EXPLORE BLACK HISTORY Want to learn more about the people and events that have shaped Black history and culture? There’s a wide variety of literature available in every genre and for every age group and interest. Below you’ll find just a few examples of these engaging stories gleaned from local library offerings to Black run web and news services. But first, we’ll start with suggestions from guest editor Norwyn Campbell, the Record-Journal’s digital advertising sales manager at Homebase Digital.

Norwyn Campbell recommends The Hate U Give is a young adult novel by Angie Thomas. This debut novel is based on her reaction to the police shooting of Oscar Grant. The book is narrated by Starr Carter, a 16-year-old black girl from a poor neighborhood who attends an elite, private school in a predominantly white, affluent part of the city. Starr becomes entangled in a national news story after she witnesses a white police officer shoot and kill her childhood friend, Khalil. The novel was made into a movie in 2018. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film an approval rating of 97%. The film was nominated for and won numerous accolades. Lead actor Amandla Stenberg won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture.

Meriden Public Library recommends Reading for children and young adults: Meriden Public Library offers two extensive sections of books for children and young adults that relate to Black history. Check out: Conversations about Race as well as the Juneteenth and Slavery sections at meridenlibrary.org. Here are a few samples of those selections by notable Black writers and illustrators:

Discovering Black America, From the Age of Exploration to the Twenty-First Century, by Linda Tarrant-Reid “An unprecedented account of more than 400 years of African American history set against a background of American and global events. The book begins with a black sailor aboard the Niña with Christopher Columbus and continues through the colonial period, slavery, the Civil War, Jim Crow, and civil rights. Includes first-person narratives from diaries and journals, interviews, and archival images. Discovering Black America will give readers an intimate understanding of this extensive history.” — Publisher’s synopsis The Bell Rang, written and illustrated by James E. Ransome A slave family is distressed when they find their young son has run away. A compelling story made even more so by Ransome’s art. He has illustrated over 60 picture books, and has illustrated greetings cards and magazines. Commissioned murals include three for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. —– Publisher’s synopsis, Wikipedia Gordon Parks, How the Photographer Captured Black and White America, by Carole Boston Weatherford

“Gordon Parks is most famous for being the first black director in Hollywood. But before he made movies and wrote books, he was a poor African American looking for work. When he bought a camera, his life changed forever. He taught himself how to take pictures and before long, people noticed. His success as a fashion photographer landed him a job working for the government. In Washington DC, Gordon went looking for a subject, but what he found was segregation.” — Publisher’s synopsis

Black Enterprise recommends (Black Enterprise is a Black-owned multimedia company with digital, print and television divisions.) Song of Solomon, by Toni Morrison. Morrison’s Nobel Prize-winning book traces the history of a Black family and “shows the nuance and complexity of black community rarely highlighted in mainstream literature.” — Black Enterprise How to Succeed in Business Without Being White: Straight Talk on Making It in America, by Earl G. Graves Sr., Black Enterprise founder and publisher. “What it takes to be a great, Black entrepreneur in a white world is just the prescription the black business world needs.” — Black Enterprise

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VIOLET’S STORY: SOLD, AGE 3 FREED, AGE 51 By Glenn Richter On April 20, 1750, it was decided that a little girl named Violet would be moving from Haddam to Meriden; that is, to a farm on Misery Road in Wallingford (gee, I wonder why they changed that name), which is now Paddock Avenue in Meriden. Violet was three years old. I say “it was decided” for good reason; more about that later. The way we know about this stuff is from a document in “A Century of Meriden,” written a century ago; more about that document, too. Anyway, that’s pretty much all we know about little Violet. Obviously she had parents, but we know nothing about them. Siblings? We don’t know. Did she eventually marry and have children? The record is silent. Did she even survive to adulthood? So many children didn’t in those days, when people had huge families in part because they knew that many of their babies wouldn’t make it. (They had nothing we’d recognize as medical treatment, which is why, decades later, all the doctors could do for no less a personage than George Washington was to bleed him, several times, and apply “cataplasms of wheat bran.” It didn’t work.)

Mules and Men, Zora Neale Hurston. Hurston depicts the culture of her native Florida, and New Orleans, and “brings forth the beauty

As I say, we know very little about Violet, but there’s quite a bit we can surmise. Because this was still pretty much a howling wilderness in 1750, with wolves and cougars and other hungry things skulking around; and people had to work from dawn to dusk just to put food on the table; and you had only the spring and summer to coax enough grub out of this rocky soil to last through the fall and the long, dark, cold winter, and the following spring. And if you didn’t manage to do that, there was no backup plan; there was no Stop & Spend, no Pastry Palace with a drive-up window and, of course, no government to turn to. And even if you did everything right, you could consider yourself lucky to go to your rest in your mid 50s, as the old tombstones attest.

Continued on page 11

Continued on next page 

The Marrow of Tradition by Charles W. Chesnutt. A fictional account of the rise of the white supremacist movement, this story portrays the many classes and races in the postbellum southern United States, and depicts the Wilmington insurrection of 1898.

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VIOLET from page 7

And there were no labor-saving devices to speak of — not in the fields and not in the kitchen. So little Violet, as a woman, would have faced a future that consisted mainly of drudgery. And little Violet would have been burdened with another misery, one that we don’t usually think much about when we think of Colonial times in this part of the country. You see, the document about Violet in the history book is not a birth certificate, nor a baptismal record, nor any of the other kinds of papers people accumulate in the course of their lives. It is a bill of sale. So when I say “it was decided,” what I mean is that it was decided by farmer Joseph Shailer of Haddam to sell “one negro girl aged about three years” — little Violet — to farmer Benjamin Roys of Meriden, to be his slave for life, her ownership then to pass on to his heirs; or, for that matter, to anyone to whom farmer Roys might later decide to sell her. Farmer Shailer made this transaction “avouching my self to be the proper and sole owner of the said negro girl and have a right to dispose of the said negro girl during the term of her natural life.”

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Is there a moral here? Sure: By all means, let’s celebrate the accomplishments of our forebears — while asking how on God’s green Earth these people, who supposedly were so pious, could think it was perfectly OK to buy and sell other people’s children. End of story? Maybe not. Although slavery was not outlawed here until 1848 (which would have made Violet a free woman at age 101, if she lived that long), later in the book we find this entry: “Dec. 17, 1798 Abner Rice emancipated negro woman Violet.” If that’s our little Violet, she would have been 51 by then, and free at last — if only because she was past child-bearing age.

The Midstate Chamber of Commerce takes a proactive leadership role in moving, improving and positively changing the communities we serve. Through our daily participation, we cause results and create a roadmap for our future. No projects ever get done by themselves. They require vision and action through leadership; that is where the Midstate Chamber of Commerce makes a difference. We inform and engage our staff and membership in the economic development, workforce development and business development projects in the towns we serve and in the region.

Originally published in the Record-Journal in 2006, in a special section commemorating Meriden’s 200th anniversary.

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more stories on myrecordjournal.com/bhm Artist couple navigated race issues each in their own way 21 Artists speak of race, color and creating a new culture 21 Changing the course of events through philanthropy 23 Hayes’ historic role representing the 5th District 23 Plainville Historical Society celebrates local Black history 25 Local resident active in anti-slavery movement 26 Cape Verde families who migrated to the area focus of discussion 27 Plainville’s rich legacy of African American musicians 28

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CEMETERY ASSOCIATION DISPUTES CLAIM ABOUT BLACK BURIAL SITE By Mariah Melendez  Cheshire Herald staff

CHESHIRE — Hillside Cemetery is chock-full of the histories and mysteries of the town and its former residents.

are already buried there,” Pittsley said. “They cannot be doing this.” Pittsley’s research is extensive, and lists names of people — specifically members of the Freeman family — who she believes were buried in that location and have been disturbed by the Hillside Cemetery Association.

But one current resident claims that her research has uncovered some controversial information about activities that have gone on within the cemetery’s gates. Christine Pittsley, a historian who works for the Connecticut State Library, published a blog post on Oct. 20 presenting her research regarding the northeast corner of Hillside Cemetery, where she claims African Americans, including some former slaves, had been buried over decades. “In the northeast corner of the old section of Hillside Cemetery is a roughly quarter-acre area that was used as the African burying place until at least 1935,” she explained. “Most are in unmarked graves, some have stones with their names on them, but a majority of them have no (identification) whatsoever.”

The issue, according to Pittsley, is that the Hillside Cemetery Association had been performing burials on these grounds until 2011, despite knowing, Pittsley claims, that individuals had already been buried there, and having offered no notifi-

cation to the state or the families of those involved.

“In the 1980s, the Hillside Cemetery Association decided that this area was empty and began to sell plots,” she wrote in her post. “Never mind that in the center of this section were four stones that belonged to Prince Freeman and his wife Lucy (d. 1831 & 1833); Prince’s son Henry Peter Freeman (d. 1882); Henry’s second wife Flora (d. 1880); and Henry’s grandson Lewis Freeman (d. 1935). Clearly, there were already some people there.”

Pittsley states that she presented her findings to the cemetery association “Thirty years ago, the Association 10 years ago with the hopes of stopstarted selling those plots as if no one ping the continued burials, but was was buried there. They (were) digmet with resistance. In her blog post, ging graves for modern burials and Pittsley describes the meeting as disturbing the African remains that

Claims about an old African burial ground in the northeast portion of Hillside Cemetery have become a source of controversy. Photo: Tracey Harrington, Cheshire Herald

Continued on page 11

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Sojourner Truth

RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO

FIGHT RACISM BRAIN FOG SHORTNESS OF BREATH PHYSICAL WEAKNESS STAMINA ISSUES

Difficult issues related to race and racism have been interwoven with our nation’s history since the beginning and recent events show that much more needs to be done when it comes to equality for all. Black History Month provides another opportunity to put the focus on this topic and there are many resources available for those who’d like to deepen their understanding. We’ve highlighted a few below. Meriden-Wallingford NAACP, 74 Cambridge St., Meriden. Telephone, 203-237-6907. From its website http:// www.mwnaacp.org, the organization states its purpose: “The NAACP ensures the political, educational, social and economic equality of minority groups and citizens; achieves equality of rights and eliminates race prejudice among citizens of the United States.”

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Connecticut Health Foundation at Cthealth.org states: “Our vision is that Connecticut’s next generation will be free from racial and ethnic health disparities.”

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Check out the Cthealth.org website for information on racial justice efforts in the areas of housing, health, education, criminal justice and more. Among the many topics are: a TED talk on “How Racism is Making US Sick”, asking the question: why does race matter so profoundly for health?; and from The Smithsonian’s partnership with the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, “Talking About Race.” The topic “although hard, is necessary. We are here to provide tools and guidance to empower your journey and inspire conversation.”

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Desegregate Connecticut at www.desegregatect.org promotes “inclusive growth by design”. The organizaContinued on next page 

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RESOURCES

CEMETERY

from page 10

tion states: “Most people in Connecticut support equity, inclusive growth, and a clean environment. Now is the time to align our laws with our vision. Our century-old land use laws need to be refreshed.”

often aren’t heard, especially women.” Before she died, in February 2018, she was honored with the “Washington Women in Public Relations” award.

Among the notable speakers on the “29 Speeches” list “Uncomfortable Conversaare: Sojourner Truth, Ida B. tions with a Black Man” the Wells, Josephine Baker, Myrlie series can be found on YouEvers-Williams (Medgar Evers Tube, hosted by Emmanuel widow at President Obama’s Chinedum Acho. second inauguration), Coretta The former NFL linebacker sits Scott King, Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm (introducdown with celebrities, police, ing the Equal Rights Amendfamilies, sports figures and others to engage in thoughtful ment), Fannie Lou Hamer, Barbara Jordan, Anita Hill, and revealing discussions Rep. Gwen Moore, Edwidge about race and racism. Danticat, Viola Davis, Lupita At denisegraveline.org check Nyong’o, Kerry Washington, out a Black History Month Gabourey Sidibe, Maya Angehighlight: “29 Speeches by lou, Michelle Obama, Shirley Black Women”. Chilsom, and Barbara Jordan. Also included is Rashema The late Denise Graveline Melson’s 2014 high school was an expert in communivaledictory speech that made cations and held a degree headlines because the speakin that field as well as in journalism. During her career er overcame homelessness to graduate at the top of her she coached over 100 TED class and get into Georgetown Talk speakers. She was born University. "A short, fierce, and raised in New Britain fantastic speech." and dedicated her life to  “giving voice to those who

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS from page 7

of common folk; their voice, their diction, their living, their way.” — Black Enterprise Learn more at www.blackenterprise.com/best-blackbooks-black-history-month

Urban Faith recommends (Urban Faith is a media/ news company with an online magazine of diverse Christian voices sharing news and commentary on faith and culture.) Here’s a sample from 11 Must Read Books for Black History Month compiled by Urban Faith; check out more suggestions at urbanfaith.com.

Selected Poems of Langston Hughes, by Langston Hughes. An extensive collection of poems hand-picked by Hughes. “They offer a breathtaking look at being Black in America that is contemplative, celebratory, gut-wrenching and praiseworthy.” – UrbanFaith Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention, by Manning Marable. Marable “provides new perspectives and information on the controversial leader. Marable connects Malcolm’s life with other leaders, faith, and Black Nationalism in a masterful, historical context and call for social change.” — UrbanFaith 

respectful, but states that some cemetery association members were aggressive in disputing her presentation. Pittsley told The Herald that the reaction went beyond just questioning her research. “Some of the members began attacking my credibility, me personally, which is just disappointing and sad,” she stated. The Hillside Cemetery Association disputes Pittsley’s claims, stating that they had no records of grave sites in the north end of the cemetery when burials were taking place there and that, after 2011, when the state told them to halt all such activity, no new burials took place. “… We have no idea where she is getting her proof,” said Phyllis Perry, the Hillside Cemetery Association’s secretary and treasurer, of Pittsley’s accusations that the group knowingly disturbed existing graves. “We have erected monuments (In the northeast corner) recently, and maybe that is what she is referencing. There was an incident where a family member, who had purchased a burial plot in that location with their other family members, needed to be buried in that area. We tried to call the state and let them know what was happening, but we never got a call back, so we proceeded with the burial with no issue.” In Pittsley’s blog post, she references stakes in the ground that served as grave markers on the site in question, some of which even had the names of those buried etched on the side. However, Perry, whose family has taken care of the cemetery for multiple generations, rebuts Pittsley’s claim that there are stakes in the ground at the northeast location. “She says that there are stakes in the ground there, but we have no clue what she is talking about,” Perry added. “Even our groundskeeper, who knows the land well, has no idea where (on the property) she is referencing or what stakes she is talking about.” Perry, however, does acknowledge the meeting with Pittsley a decade ago, insisting that she was unaware of the African American grave sites until that time. “A lot of the old cemetery documents I have are not very detailed. They didn’t keep good track of who was being buried where back then, so it can get very confusing,” Perry said. Regarding the stakes, Pittsley acknowledged that they were likely removed or had decayed before the HCA became

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involved with the cemetery. However, she questions how the HCA would not have known about the burial site, given the available information. “In larger cemeteries, like Hillside, the surveyors split the cemetery into sections to divide the work. These records were then compiled, printed, and made available to the public. Every library and historical society in the state has a copy and I am sure many cemeteries around the state have them as well,” she explained. “I pointed to this research when I addressed the HCA more than 10 years ago, so they were aware. But if the HCA maintains that they were unaware of these records, it would show a serious lack of interest or concern with their own history.” Another assertion made by Pittsley in her post is that a member of the HCA admitted to her that human remains had been uncovered during more modern burials, but that burials continued and neither the state nor families of individuals buried in the area were notified. Pittsley, in her post, does not name the individual who allegedly divulged this information. Perry, when asked about this accusation, strongly denied the claim that any bones or remains were uncovered while performing any modern burials at that location. “There have been no bones dug up during any of our modern burials or in the process of preparing a grave for a burial,” Perry said. “We would have to notify the state if that happened.” After Pittsley published her findings on her blog, the post began attracting all kinds of attention. “The response has actually been very positive,” she said. “A lot of people are horrified to find out this information. My goal is to hopefully start a (general) discussion about racism and how Cheshire has a complicated history with that.” Two local groups — Rams Against Racism and the Cheshire Coalition for Change — approached Pittsley and invited her to present her research findings via a Zoom meeting last month. “I know the descendants of the people who were buried there, and they are disgusted. I want to bring light to this issue so we can deal with this as a town and, hopefully, come to grips with this uncomfortable history,” she explained. 

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NOTABLES IN BLACK HISTORY: INVENTORS, INTELLECTUALS, INFLUENCERS & MORE By Nadya Korytnikova and Jessica Simms American history resonates with the names of great African American men and women. Here are 14 men and women who made their mark on history — in many cases as the first Black Americans to succeed in their chosen fields.

Frank Eaton

Gwen Reed

BLACK GOLFER RECALLS BREAKING INTO THE GAME By Sean Krofssik  Record-Journal staff MERIDEN — Meriden’s Frank Eaton is 78 and is playing some of the best golf of his life.

municipal course in Stamford, which is now E. Gaynor Brennan golf course, he recorded a hole in one still wearing a neck and back brace. The first of nine in his career.

Eaton, an African American, first picked up the game as a 9- or 10-year-old in his native North Carolina in the 1950s. During a time before golf carts, the caddies at that time were mainly Black children, according to Eaton. That was how he discovered the game. He caddied for a tobacco tycoon, Harold Beasley, and also picked up some pointers along the way. “I lived a mile or two from the golf course and I would make 50 cents for being a caddie,” Eaton said. “Fifty cents was a lot of money back then. I could go to a movie, get popcorn, soda and a hot dog and still have money left over” In addition to getting paid, Eaton also learned how to hold a club and properly hit a golf ball. He made his own “golf sticks,” as he called them, put a tin cup in two areas near his home and hit a ball back and forth.

Eaton fully recovered and was back shooting under par again.

him to go to the driving range and courses. In his later teens he moved to Stamford, acquired his first set of golf clubs and played his first round of 18 holes. “My first ever round I shot a 97,” Eaton recalled. “No one believed I had never played before. By the next year I was shooting in the high 80s, the following year I was in the low 80s. Three or four years later I was in the 70s.” When he was 22 years old, he finally shot even par. “The next day I broke my neck in a car accident,” Eaton said. “I was temporarily paralyzed on my left side and I was in the hospital for three months.”

A few years later, he moved to Long Island with his sister. Her During his first round three neighbor was a semi-pro golfmonths after the accident, in er and Eaton latched on with 1964 at Hubbard Heights

“I was so good but I had no money,” Eaton said. “I came along at the wrong time. No Blacks were playing on Tour and you can’t play on Tour if you have no money.” Eaton did find some inspiration at Hubbard Heights. He crossed paths with the man who broke the Major League Baseball color barrier, Jackie Robinson. Robinson, who lived in North Stamford, played at the municipal course after not being allowed to be a member at the High Ridge Country Club, a course he played many times as a guest.

Hartford History Project, Hartford Public Library

The actress who played Aunt Jemima was a Hartford native From 1946 to 1964, Gwen Reed, an actress, an advocate for childhood literacy and a theater director, played the role of Aunt Jemima, the face of the Quaker Oats Company products. Reed traveled to promote the brand at pancake festivals, state fairs, school assemblies and grocery stores, but her real name was never revealed. While playing the role of Aunt Jemima (in 1951), Reed became the director of the Hartford Community Players. She directed “A Raisin in the Sun,” “Rain” and “Purlie Victorious.” — CT Post Connecticut freedman wrote one of the first examples of African American literature In his autobiography that was published in 1798 in New London, Venture Smith, a captured slave, documented his life. He shared how he overcame slavery, became a businessman, freed his family and acquired more than 130 acres of land in Connecticut. This was one of the earliest examples of African-American literature. Smith, a child of a Guinean prince, ended up marrying another slave, Meg, in 1753, and together they had three children. — CT Post Inspiration of modern home security systems Mary Van Brittan Brown, an African American nurse from Queens, New York, developed a home security system that has since inspired modern home security systems that are used today. She created this invention as a result of the risks her home faced due to the crime rates in her neighborhood. Her security system allowed her to know who came to her home and gave her the opportunity to contact the authorities quickly. — History.com

“I played with Jackie after he retired from baseball...” Eaton said. “He lived about a half mile from the course. They didn’t let him play as a member at the Country Club, so he had to play public courses.

Landmark technology inventions at IBM were developed with the help of Mark Dean As a part of a team of 12 that worked at IBM, Mark Dean, a Black inventor and engineer, helped create the first IBM PC in 1981. Later on, Dean also helped develop the color monitor and led his team in the invention of the first gigahertz processor. This chip was built in 1999 and allowed for PCs to have faster and higher processing rates. Not only that, this piece of technology allowed for

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NOTABLES

FRANK EATON

from page 13

the PC to do a billion calculations a second. — History.com

Jackie was good,” Eaton added. “He could play and shoot even par.” Eaton turned pro in 1967 and was playing regularly in Black golf tournaments along the East Coast in the United Golfers Association. He would total more than 150 career tournament wins. But it wasn’t easy at first.

Marian Anderson Library of Congress

A singer who lived in Danbury was the first African American to sing at the Met On Jan. 7, 1955, Marian Anderson, who lived on a farm in Danbury, became the first African American to sing as a member of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Anderson then became a goodwill ambassador for the United States and a delegate to the United Nations in September 1958. As a result, President Lyndon B. Johnson awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963 and she received many other honorary honors, such as the Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1991. — CT Post and NPR America’s first Black diplomat was from Derby In 1869, 36-year-old Ebenezer Bassett was appointed as U.S. Ambassador to Haiti, becoming the country’s first African American diplomat. Bassett was also the first black man to graduate from Connecticut Normal School — now known as Central Connecticut State University. After receiving his diploma, he taught at Whiting School in New Haven, befriending the legendary abolitionist Frederic Douglass. Later, Bassett became the principal of Philadelphia’s Institute for Colored Youth. — Connecticuthistory.org Yale’s first Black alumnus In 1874, Edward Alexander Bouchet became the first African American to graduate of Yale University. Just two years later, Continued on next page 

Meriden/Wallingford NAACP President Kim Fisher speaks at a Black Lives Matter protest in Meriden on June 7, 2020. Photo: Devin Leith-Yessian/Record-Journal

LOCAL NAACP CHAPTER PERSEVERES DURING PANDEMIC By Jessica Simms  Special to the Record-Journal As a way to continue to have important conversations, the Meriden-Wallingford NAACP chapter has been meeting online during the pandemic. “We are all Zooming,” said chapter president Kim Fisher. “Everything is through Zoom. We had our state conference through Zoom, we do all of our conference calls through Zoom, we have meetings once a month, those are all through Zoom. We stay in touch.” Fisher said that it has been important for the organization to stay active during the year despite the pandemic. “We did a lot of the rallies even though it was in the midst of the pandemic,” Fisher said. “We took our precautions, wore our masks, but we felt that it was very important for us to be visual and be out there and be seen, so we did that.”

involved with the organization is because she has two Black children. “Seeing the way things are in this world and how I feel like there is a difference between whether you’re white or whether you’re Black or brown, I felt like it was important for me to have a say and get out there and talk and be seen and be heard,” Fisher said. “I want my kids to have the same as any other kids just like any other mother wants for their child to have the same as any other. We should all be treated the same. None of us should be treated differently and I felt like it was important for me to get out there and speak on that.” Before the pandemic, the Meriden-Wallingford NAACP’s youth council used to work out of Maloney High School. Many of the youth involved have since graduated.

“We were meeting once a week at the school before everything hit with coronavirus...so what we’re looking to do now, we’re looking to revamp things,” said NicKimmy Hayes, second vice president and head of the “We talk about some of the issues that education committee for the Merare going on, how we can talk to the iden-Wallingford NAACP. Hayes also kids in the schools about these is- has worked with the youth council. sues,” Fisher said. Hayes said two high school teachers One of the reasons Fisher became Fisher is on many different NAACP committees to help facilitate conversations. One is the Wallingford Diversity, Equality and Inclusion committee.

Continued on page 17

“The first year I turned pro I played in six or seven tournaments and played well until the last three holes and I didn’t make a quarter,” Eaton said. “I was nervous about making money and my wife said we couldn’t afford me playing.” The next year he went back on the tour and won the first tournament that year in Springfield, Mass. “I made $300 and that was more than I was making in 40 hours of work in a week,” Eaton said. “That was like a million dollars for me. The next week I played at Keney Park in Hartford and won it with a 65 and won $600. After that I never looked back.” Meanwhile, Eaton was working in the computer center for Union Trust Bank. He lived in Stamford, New Haven and Middletown before settling in Meriden. Eaton became a fixture in tournaments around the state and New England for the next few decades. One of his crowning achievements on the course was claiming Connecticut Section PGA Senior Open championships in 1995 and 1996. He also had stops on the New England Circuit and played all of the big open tournaments. He also played in the Florida Mini-Tour. His best round ever was Sept. 10, 1989. He carded a course record 11-under-par 61 at Stamford’s Red Course at Fairchild Wheeler. He also holds course records at Hubbard Heights (Stamford), Keney Park (Hartford), Sterling Farms (Stamford), Alling Memorial (New Haven), Banner Lodge (Moodus) and Fairchild Wheeler (Bridgeport) Continued on nrxt page 

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FRANK EATON

NOTABLES

from page 14

Eaton said there were as many as 150 Black golfers during his heyday. “Now there only a couple of Black pro golfers,” Eaton said. The main reason for fewer Black golfers compared to back then, Eaton said, is because of the lack of caddies. “Years ago all caddies were Black,” Eaton said. “That’s how they got into golf. But when carts started coming in, caddies were shut down.” In addition to playing, Eaton has given back at youth programs. “Anywhere I do a youth program, 98 percent of the kids are white and maybe there are three Black kids,” Eaton said. “When I ask Black kids about golf, they say it’s too expensive and they would rather play football or basketball.” Eaton feels his race was a big reason he never made it to the highest level. “If I had been white, they would have put me on the Tour and you know damn well I could make money,” Eaton said. Eaton said he never felt outright racism at tournaments. “Many tournaments I’m with about 130 other guys and I was the only one that wasn’t white,” Eaton said. “I was by myself. I knew people used to look at me. They didn’t say anything, but when I walked in, everyone stopped eating and looked. I would tell myself, ‘They can’t rattle me.’ I didn’t let it get to me.” Eaton is married to his second wife, Juanita. He has four children: Frankie Jr., Dean, Jere and Kim.

Eaton said he’s playing great golf now. He plays three or four times a week and said he’s gotten better with age. He said he’s shot under his age every year since he turned 66. He’s a 2 handicap now. “If I shot a 78 now, I would be mad as hell,” Eaton said. Eaton travels every Thursday throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts with a group of 24 guys in the Players Club.

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Bouchet completed his dissertation, becoming the first African American in the nation to earn a Ph.D. as well as the sixth American of any race to earn a Ph.D. in physics. Despite his excellent credentials and extraordinary gifts, Bouchet was never offered a faculty position and spent most of his career teaching science to high school students. — Connecticuthistory.org

James E. West Photo: Blackpast.org

“I wish I was 25 years younger the way I’m playing right now,” Eaton said. “It’s unbelievable. I guess I’m blessed.” Eaton is also a member of the New Haven-based Knickerbocker Golf Club. He was honored by the club in the 75th anniversary ceremony in 2019. “That was one of my big moments,” Eaton said. “I help the best I can with the club. I teach for free. I never charge.” The Knickerbocker Club, a predominantly African-American group, was formed in 1944. The Knickerbockers are the second-oldest African-American golf club in the country, behind Wake Robin Golf Club in Washington, DC, a female club started in 1937. The Knickerbockers currently has 43 members. Knickerbockers past president Willie Holmes said Eaton is “one of the greatest golfers to come out of Connecticut.” Holmes is 92 and still plays regularly. “I’ve known him for a number of years. He’s a great golfer, father and gentleman. He’s been instrumental as far as promoting golf to the younger generation.”

Frank Eaton of Meriden, at Hunters Memorial Golf Course in Meriden on Jan. 19, 2021. Photos: Aaron Flaum, Record-Journal



The invention of the foil electret microphone Dr. James E. West, an African American inventor, helped develop a more sensitive and compact microphone at Bell Laboratories in New Jersey in the 1960s. He worked with his colleague Gerhard Sessler on this invention. This foil electret microphone was less expensive to make than other condenser microphones and was licensed in 1964. By 1968, the microphone was universally produced and used in devices such as telephones, baby monitors, hearing aids and tape recorders. Now, about 90% of the microphones are based on this invention. — History.com A New Haven developer of the modern ironing board In the 1890s, an African American dressmaker was awarded a patent for her improved ironing board with collapsible legs. Her name was Sarah Boone. She was born into slavery in North Carolina but migrated to New Haven using a network closely linked to the Underground Railroad. In her design, Boone expanded upon the original ironing board, which was essentially a horizontal wooden block. With Boone’s additions, the improved board featured a narrower and curved design, making it easier to iron garments, particularly women’s clothing. — CTexplored.org Bridgeport inventor of the longer-lasting light bulb While Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, a black member of his research team, Lewis Latimer, improved Edison’s original design. Latimer increased the life span and practicality of light bulbs, which had previously died after just a few days. Latimer also worked closely with telephone inventor Alexander Graham Bell. In 1880, after relocating to Bridgeport, Latimer was hired to work in the U.S. Electric Lighting Co., which was owned by Edison’s competitor, Hiram Maxim. — History.com Inventor of the automatic elevator doors African American inventor Alexander Miles was born in 1838 in Minnesota and is best known for being awarded a patent for an automatically opening and closing elevator door design. Before Miles’ invention in 1887, people had to manually shut both the shaft and elevator doors before riding. Forgetting to do so led to multiple accidents as people fell down elevator shafts. — History.com Inventor of the three-position traffic signal Garrett Morgan was one of the country’s most successful African American inventors. In 1923 he came up with the device that led to the modern three-way traffic lights. He saw that existing mechanical stop-and-go signals were dangerous since they had no caution signal to buffer traffic flow. So, he patented a three-armed signal. Morgan also invented a revamped sewing machine, a hair-straightContinued on page 17

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We always have, and always will serve all races, creeds and religions.

Chrissy Tracey

LOCAL WOMAN FIRST VEGAN CHEF FEATURED BY BON APPÉTIT MAGAZINE By Mariah Melendez  Cheshire Herald staff CHESHIRE — Cooking has proven to be one of the most popular pandemic pastimes for many as they look for ways to spend their time while in quarantine. For some, however, it didn’t take COVID-19 to spark their interest in what happens in the kitchen. The passion for making and serving food has always been there. … Just ask one of Cheshire’s own. Chrissy Tracey, a 2012 graduate of Cheshire High School, has been cooking up special dishes for several years now, and was just recognized for her skills by the popular Bon Appétit magazine. Tracey is the magazine’s first featured vegan chef, but for Tracey, who comes from a large Jamaican family, the recognition goes beyond her love of cuisine. “Let me just start by saying that the power of your voice and the power of social media and connecting is larger than you’d ever imagine,” she said. “When George Floyd was killed in May, riots began, and attention started to turn toward companies and individuals — forcing them to think about their behaviors when it came to inclusion, racism, etc. As a result, many companies would get on Instagram and share their faults within the realms of racism and be vulnerable to their followers. Typically it would be followed up with an action plan of sorts on how they plan to move forward. Bon Appétit did that.”

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Tracey first reached out to the magazine during the May riots, and commented on a post of theirs highlighting how she, as a Black vegan chef, would love to work with a brand like Bon Appétit, and they answered. “My comment sort of went viral from a ‘likes’ perspective,” she recalled. “Next thing I knew, I had an email Continued on page 18

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NOTABLES from page 14

ening product, and a gas mask. — History.com

Constance Motley Photo: Library of Congress

A New Haven-born warrior for justice Constance Baker Motley was a longtime Connecticut resident and a trailblazer for women of color. In 1946, she became the first Black woman to graduate from Columbia University School of Law. She also was the first African American to serve as a New York state senator and the first African American woman to serve as a federal judge. — Connecticuthistory.org

Deja Durant, owner of Mind, Body & Soul Food, right, and brother Drew Durant, left, reflect on the success of the business at 511 W. Main St., Meriden, Wed., Jan. 13, 2021. Photo: Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES TAKE HOLD AND BRING NEW VITALITY TO THE CITY By Faith Williams  Record-Journal staff MERIDEN – In recent years, Meriden has seen a rise of Black-owned businesses in various industries and some are saying that Black Lives Matter has helped encourage the increase. City Economic Development Director Joseph Feest said that although there is no record, he has noticed an increase of Black-owned businesses in Meriden.

police officer, on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis. Chauvin pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck while he lay on the ground and pleaded for more than eight minutes, “I can’t breathe.” Floyd’s death led to a summer of protests and marches calling for justice.

On a national level, Yelp reported a huge increase in searches for Black-owned businesses during that same Additionally, last summer, NBC timeframe — more than a 7,000% increase, with more News Connecticut reported than 2,500,000 searches for that Black-owned businesses around the state were seeing a Black-owned businesses comspike in sales and gave numer- pared to approximately 35,000 ous examples of increased traf- over the same time period the fic for both start-ups and estab- year before. lished businesses. This wave of Here are some of the local new engagement came as the Black-owned businesses: Black Lives Matter movement American Soul Kitchen, gained greater recognition and 164 Scott St. support coinciding with the Meriden native Richard PenGeorge Floyd protests. nyman opened American Soul Floyd, a Black man, was killed Kitchen and Bar in late 2019 by Derek Chauvin, a white just before the COVID pan-

demic. Although in a struggling industry, the restaurant has been able to maintain steady business. Pennyman said it was essential to bring a new experience to Meriden and be able to share his culture and passion with the community he grew up in. “It was important to me to want to have soul food showcased in a setting where if you want to be at a table, booth or bar, you can do that,” the owner said. “Growing up, the soul food restaurants that were here in Connecticut were mostly takeout.” Mind, Body & Soulfood, 511 W. Main St. On the other side of Meriden, Deja Durant, co-owner of Mind, Body & Soulfood, spoke of the significance of being a Black man with a business in his hometown. “Growing up, my friends’ Continued on page 19

Revolutionizer of refrigeration industry Frederick McKinley Jones was a self-taught, African American engineer. He also was an inventor, entrepreneur, winner of the National Medal of Technology, and an inductee of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Jones patented more than 60 inventions in his lifetime. While more than 40 of those patents were in the field of refrigeration, Jones is most famous for inventing an automatic refrigeration system that’s used to refrigerate goods on trucks and railroad cars. — History.com nkorytnikova@record-journal.com jsimms@record-journal.com

NAACP from page 14

have since joined the Meriden-Wallingford NAACP and can offer support to the youth council. “We’re looking to cultivate through them to start back up and get students from Platt and Maloney,” Hayes said. “We have a good program to really help to cultivate leaders and help them with leadership skills and everything.” jsimms@record-journal.com

Meriden-Wallingford NAACP Board of Directors Photo courtesy of Kim Fisher

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BL ACK HISTORY MONTH 2021

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CHEF TRACY from page 16

from a talent manager from Condé Nast (owner of Bon Appétit), and then interviews happened very quickly after that.” In one of the three videos she has with the magazine, Tracey is challenged to create a vegan banh mi (Vietnamese baguette) sandwich faster than take-out can deliver; which, for the video, meant in under 30 minutes.

Dr. Aleesha Grier-Rogers, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Cheshire Academy. Photo: Michael Torelli, Cheshire Academy

A LEADER FOR CHANGE: CHESHIRE ACADEMY’S DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION By Joy VanderLek  Special to the Record-Journal CHESHIRE – Dr. Aleesha Grier-Rogers, director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, at Cheshire Academy oversees a wide range of diversity initiatives for the campus. She’s also a member of the school’s class of 1990. “In my work, I always focus on the individual and all of the experiences that the individual is bringing to the table,” Grier-Rogers said. “So, from that perspective, you cannot ignore the different experiences that a person of color has versus someone who is white. It’s just different. So, yes, someone of color would be impacted differently by different experiences because they have these experiences of discrimination and disparity and bias that are also a part of their lives.” As a Black woman, Grier-Rogers said it’s important for her to serve as a mentor to other women of color, just as she herself received encouragement from women in academia. “You cannot separate gender from race,” she said. “When I think about my intersecting identities as a person of color and as a woman, the obstacles I have encountered — I have overcome them through the support of my family, my friends and the phenomenal women

who have mentored me along the way.” Her mentors include Katurah Bryant, who she met at Yale. Bryant is a marriage and family therapist, registered nurse and detox specialist. Bryant gave the keynote address, “Updates on the Dream”, at the academy’s recent Martin Luther King Jr. Day event. Another mentor was Dr. Tami Sullivan from Yale School of Medicine, who taught Grier-Rogers to push herself in Yale’s competitive environment. Kathy McCloskey was Grier-Rogers’ mentor in graduate school at the University of Hartford’s Department of Psychology. McCloskey focuses on diversity issues in psychology. “She was the first person to get me to think more about multiculturalism and the impact of diversity in individual backgrounds of a client’s mental health and wellness,” Grier-Rogers said. Grier-Rogers is a licensed clinical psychologist who worked with underserved populations in community healthcare before coming full circle to return to her hometown and her alma mater at Cheshire Academy. She was promoted to director this year, Continued on next page 

“I chose to do a banh mi sandwich because it is one of my favorites,” she explained. “I was introduced to a little holein-the-wall (restaurant) called Pho Saigon in West Hartford that made the best vegan banh mi sandwich, and I wanted to showcase the delicious food that Vietnamese culture brings to the table and highlight a dish people might not know about, because those sandwiches are truly delicious!” Tracey’s talents don’t just stop at Bon Appétit videos. She also runs a vegan meal delivery and meal prep service. “My hobbies have always been food and art, and my life is currently a conglomerate of all of that.” she said. “I spent many years in technology working for Apple, but realized I would only be happy doing things I was passionate about. (So) in 2020, I took a chance and made food and art my focus. I am a freelance web developer and graphic designer, and I run a vegan meal delivery company called Vegan Vibes Meal Prep, which is a subsidiary of my business, Chrissy’s” Tracey is also conscious of the current economic climate, and aims to use her passions to help others “When I can, my team donates meals to food-insecure families in New Haven” she added. “I always believed that if you have a gift, you should use it to help others, so I do just that.” Tracey credits her entrepreneurial beginnings to a few

teachers she had at Cheshire High School, who helped spark her ideas and guide her talents. “I do want to shout out two of my high school teachers, Michael Earley and Leslie Paier, for inspiring my artistic and entrepreneurial journeys,” she said. “Those were two teachers who always truly encouraged me and embraced my thoughts and ideas while I was in high school. “Ms. Paier is the reason I pursued entrepreneurship — I’ve had this idea to run a vegetarian/vegan meal company since I was in high school, and now I am living that dream and still creating a lot of art, “ she continued. “I am so thankful for them and wouldn’t be here without their endless encouragement and inspiration.” While 2020 was an exceptional year for Tracey, she has her eyes set on 2021 and all that is in store for the future. “I hope that in 2021 I can continue my mission of fighting food insecurity, as well as continuing to highlight how delicious plant-based food can be and bringing it to the masses,” she said. “Everything my company brings to the table is fresh, organic, and made from scratch. Many people question why the pricing is low for my business — and the truth is, I know I can charge more, but that defeats my purpose of making plant-based meals accessible to the masses. One thing I can say is, we never compromise on quality and I hope people are encouraged to try the meals that I create with so much love.” But what is Tracey’s biggest dream? To own and operate her very own vegan food truck. Visit www.veganvibesmealprep.com to learn more about Tracey’s business. Her Bon Appétit videos are available at www.bonappetit.com/ search/chrissy%20tracey. 

BL ACK HISTORY MONTH 2021

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Friday, February 19, 2021

A29

BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES

DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY

from page 17

from page 18

The Lab, 34 High St.

parents that owned businesses were usually Caucasian,” Durant said. “I didn’t really see any Black-owned businesses. “

The Lab: A Creative Space for the Arts is still working on gaining traction as it has only been open for a little over a year.

Durant and his brother Drew Durant opened the restaurant in the midst of the pandemic, knowing the community would support them. The brothers said they appreciated the awareness that the Black Lives Matter movement brought to social injustices past and present. “As a Black man, I’ve always known what’s been going on,” Durant said. “But, I like that more people are more aware and calling things out.” B.L.A.C.K. apparel Parrish Holloman, NAACP youth president for Middlesex County and a self-proclaimed activist, organized a march in Meriden this past summer in remembrance of George Floyd. However, his activism didn’t begin in 2020. “My mother was the president of the Meriden-Wallingford NAACP when I was younger so I’ve been involved with this my whole life,” he said. Holloman said his goals include mentoring youth and increasing diversity in all aspects of the community, including schools and jobs. A new apparel line he created — B.L.A.C.K. — is set to release next month. The acronym stands for “Building Leaders And Cultivating Knowledge.” “I just want to be the voice of the youth,” Holloman said. “I want to be the person in the middle that can bridge that gap, that’s kind of what my brand is saying.” Derell’s Andre Collins created Derell’s to be an outlet for people to express with colors in a way they wouldn’t have before. The brand specializes in using

“Being a Black-owned business, it is something to be proud of,” owner Gerald Lovelace said. “I noticed there isn’t a lot in Meriden which led to me doing what I am doing now: being a Black man with my own business.”

stepping up from her position as Diversity, Equity, Inclusion coordinator the previous year. Earning her pre-doctoral and postdoctoral degrees at Yale School of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry, Division of Addictions, Grier-Rogers serves as a clinical faculty member at Yale. She also has taught at Southern Connecticut State University for more than a decade. Grier-Rogers is on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion task force which works on issues such as updating policies and procedures, and looking at hiring and retention.

Since he was a teenager, he has been interested in photography, videography and dance. Dance classes are often recorded and posted to the studio’s Instagram account.

Niche.com ranks Cheshire Academy, located at 10 Main St., as number seven on its list of most diverse private high schools in Connecticut, out of more than 70 schools, and gives it an A-plus rating on this count. According to usaschoolinfo.com, the academy’s student body includes five ethnicities. The largest ethnic group of the approximately 365 students is white, 63.9 %, followed by: Asian, 27.3 %; Hispanic, 5.2 %; Black, 3 %; and Indian, .6 %.

The Lab is not a typical studio where a class has one dance instructor for a year. Students can come to classes when they like, with rotating instructors teaching various genres of dance.

Grier-Rogers’ work at the academy includes program and event planning that often is developed with student input. “We have speakers who come to talk about diversity issues during the course of the year,” Grier-Rogers said. This year’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration is one such event Grier-Rogers helped plan with academy students. Another program Grier-Rogers helped students get involved with was The Students Diversity Leadership Conference, the youth portion of the annual People of Color Conference was held in late November, early December. Four students from the academy attended the virtual conference as a delegation of affinity students.

“2020 was the year where people had the courage to actually act on things and speak up,” the stylist said.

“It’s a great opportunity for others who look like me and people who don’t look like me to see me with this skin color and say, ‘He’s able to do it and the possibilities are endless,’” Lovelace said. “After George Floyd, I changed our logo to a fist with Black Lives Matter under it. Yeah, we are a business and we are diverse, but at the end of the day this is a Black-owned business and Black Lives Matter.”

Because he is a new business and designs, sews and markets his brand entirely himself, Collins has experienced the hardships of being a business owner.

The city also has several other Black-owned businesses listed on shopBlackct.com including Brosily Bath and Body, Legendz Barbershop and Bentley’s Little Jamaican Cuisine.

“Working to promote awareness of social justice on campus is also a huge part of my job,” said Grier-Rogers.

“I do think I have to work harder, being that I am a gay, Black male trying to start up a business,” Collins said, comparing to larger brands with white people behind them. “Being a Black-owned business, the more you believe in your business, the more attraction and customers you’ll gain.”

“Meriden has always seen various races and cultures opening new businesses and the ever-growing trend of Black-owned businesses is great and we wish them the best,” Economic Development Director Feest said.

Andre Collins created “Derell’s” to be an outlet for people to express with colors in a way they wouldn’t have before.The brand specializes in using rare fabrics to create one-of-a-kind custom pieces. Photo courtesy of Andre Collins

rare fabrics to create one-ofa-kind custom pieces. More about Derell’s can be found at https://fashionmingle.net/ The former Meriden resident said the Black Lives Matter movement helped open his eyes to his own history. He also appreciates that more people are aware of social injustice.

fwilliams@record-journal.com 203-317-2373 Twitter: @faith_williams2

“They learned so much and said it was one of the most amazing experiences they ever had,” said Grier-Rogers. Helping the academy’s student affinity groups is still another way Grier-Rogers supports students with diversity, equity and inclusion issues, often referred to as DEI.

Serving as a faculty advisor for a couple of the groups on campus is another dimension of her work she enjoys. The Black Student Union is dedicated to promoting awareness on campus, she said. The Student Equity Team, new this year, is an affinity and leadership group which allows students to learn about social justice and DEI concepts and “we teach them to be allies and advocates for other students in the community,” said Grier-Rogers. Additionally, she is part of the academy’s leadership team. “I get to collaborate with all of the departments on campus and have the opportunity to look at things through the DEI lens,” she said. 

Friday, February 19, 2021

BL ACK HISTORY MONTH 2021

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“Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day.” – Anonymous Recognizing the trailblazers and history-makers in the field of medicine.

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Friday, February 19, 2021

Enchancements made to CHET

Library Durham Public Library Hours. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday, 2 to 8 p.m. Curbside pickup is available by request. Film discussion (Zoom). Scene at the Library: Connecting through Film, Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. Discuss the Oscar-winning film “Moonlight.” Visit durhamlibrary.org to register.

Understanding Social Security (Zoom). Find out how to get the most out of your social security benefits, Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. Visit durhamlibrary.org to register. Teen Self Care D.I.Y. Kits. Pick up is Feb. 22-26. This session is about using your creative side. Visit durhamlibrary.org to register.

COVID testing: Middletown Transit District provides free transportation to COVID test sites in the area. Trips must begin in Middletown, Middlefield, East Hampton, Portland or Durham and may be to any testing site in those towns. All residents, regardless of age or ability, are eligible, and up to four people may travel together. Trips must be booked at least one day

Spanish Conversation (Zoom). Fridays at 4 p.m. All levels welcome. Email kmcnally@durhamlibrary.org for the weekly meeting link. French Conversation (Zoom). The first Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m. All levels welcome. Email kmcnally@durhamlibrary.org for the weekly meeting link.

Levi E. Coe Library

Dungeons & Dragons (Zoom). Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Grades 7 & up. Visit durhamlibrary.org to register.

Update. The library has reverted to Park 'n Pick Up only. No appointments will be available.

Community Center Energy assistance: The CT Energy Assistance Program is available to residents to help offset winter heating costs for lower income households. Contact Susan D’Orvilliers at 860-349-7121 for an appointment.

in advance. Call 860-4431655 between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Food Bank: Needed items include dish soap, laundry detergent, toothpaste, shampoo, cleansers, coffee, tea, toilet paper, tissues, paper towels and napkins.

You will still be able to place holds, pick up holds and other items in our upper lobby, access eBooks and eAudio, use your card at other libraries and access our programs on social media. Contact the library: 860349-3857, levicoelibrary@ gmail.com.

Senior meals: Meals are available for pick-up Monday after 12 p.m. Call 860349-7121 for details.

“CHET is dedicated to helping families save for their children’s future education, and we are proud to offer a number of enhanced benefits to make the CHET plan more accessible than ever before,” said Wooden. “Fidelity’s focus on providing an unparalleled customer experience and their strong investment heritage will help Connecticut families meet their future education savings goals.” Existing CHET Direct Plan account owners should visit Fidelity.com/CHETactivate to activate their accounts. The CHET Advisor Plan will be effective on March 22. As the cost of education rises, a recent study by Fidelity shows 78 percent of parents

nationwide have started saving for higher education, with Connecticut parents just above the national average at 79 percent. Nearly all Connecticut parents surveyed (92 percent), said they hope to cover at least some of the cost of higher education for their children. The reason to start saving early and often has never been clearer, as Americans currently owe an estimated $1.67 trillion in student debt. New enhancements to the CHET plan include no minimum amount to open a CHET Direct 529 account, no annual account fees, and free planning and guidance for families in their college savings journey. For more information, visit AboutChet.com. — Press Release

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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. secondstreet.com/Town-Times-Request. 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 Town Times to your home or business, will end.

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Friday, February 19, 2021

Mass vaccination sites located across state By Mary Ellen Godin Record-Journal staff

Square in New Britain between Feb. 22 and March 1.

Hartford HealthCare has agreements with towns and property owners to open four new mass vaccination centers statewide — including one at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford.

In addition to Liberty Square, HHC secured rights to properties at the Xfinity Center, Foxwoods, Central High School in Bridgeport and the Oakdale in Wallingford, Flaks said. The new sites are in addition to mass vaccine sites already opened at the Hartford Convention Center and the Torrington Armory.

The centers will open and operate based on pending vaccine supply, HHC officials said last week. “We are in position to dramatically scale up, and we are completely committed to using our resources in this way,” Hartford HealthCare President Jeff Flaks told reporters Wednesday, Feb. 10. “This is Connecticut at its best … our community rising to the challenge to protect citizens. It’s part of our commitment to have no community left behind.”

Hartford HealthCare is now equipped to dispense 35,000 doses of the Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna vaccines weekly and has vaccinated 82,000 people across its network. The new sites will allow the network to dispense 75,000 doses weekly, Flaks said.

Lamont expects the state’s vaccine allotment from the federal government to increase from 45,000 doses to 65,000 doses a week and is awaiting even more supply as vaccine manufacturing ramps up.

Underserved groups The opening of the mega vaccine center in New Britain is part of the state’s effort to break down barriers for populations that are currently underserved in the state’s vaccination rollout.

“COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted older individuals and individuals in traditionally underserved communities,” state Public Health Acting Commissioner Dr. Deidre GifGov. Ned Lamont anford said. “We want to ennounced this month that sure that within this high those over age 65 may risk group, we focus on Feb. 10, the health care net- schedule vaccine appointgetting vaccine to individwork, and parent of MidState ments in addition to those uals within the group who Medical Center in Meriden, over age 75, health care come from communities announced the opening of a workers and first responders. that have been hardest hit mega-vaccine site at Liberty

by the virus, namely our Black and Latino communities. We are working with our vaccine providers and other community partners to identify underserved areas and focus vaccine resources into those areas, including providing transportation assistance and other solutions to address barriers to vaccine access.” HHC’s real estate arm has been working to identify potential mass vaccine sites in metropolitan areas that can be easily accessed. It has also begun running mobile centers at churches, community centers and homeless centers. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Henry Anyimadu, of The Hospital of Central Connecticut, said the virus has, unfortunately, disproportionately affected people of color. Yet minorities are also less likely to be vaccinated, he See Sites, A35

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Executive Order No. 10 explained Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Connecticut has issued the following: EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 10: Suspension of Reapplication Filing Requirement for the Additional Veterans Tax Relief Program The biennial filing requirements imposed by Sections 12-81g, 12-81f, 12-81ii, and 12-81jj of the Connecticut General Statutes for taxpayers who were granted tax relief benefits pursuant to those sections for the Grand List year 2019 and who are required to recertify for the Grand List year 2021, are suspended and such taxpayers shall automatically maintain their benefits for the next biennial cycle ending in Grand List year 2023. Suspension of Reapplication Filing Requirement for the Homeowners’ – Elderly/Disabled Circuit Breaker and Freeze Tax Relief Programs The biennial filing requirements imposed by sections 12-170aa (e) and (f ), 12170v, 12-170w, 12-129b, 12129c and 12-129n of the Connecticut General Statutes, for taxpayers who were granted tax relief benefits for the Grand List year 2018 and who are required to recertify for the Grand List year 2020, are suspended and such taxpayers shall automatically maintain their benefits for the next biennial cycle ending in Grand List year 2022.

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Friday, February 19, 2021

Sites

Middletown Area Transit Out-of-county medical trips. This service is curb-to-curb transportation for older adults and disabled residents of Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall to out-of-county medical appointments on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. Seventy-two hours notice is required for out-of-county medical trips. Under current circumstances, booking is available up to three months in advance. Call 860-346-0212 and press 2. Mention what town you are calling from and what type of trip you are looking to book. If you do not hear from MAT one day before your planned trip, please contact them to confirm. Dial-A-Ride. This service is curb-to-curb transportation for the elderly and disabled residents of Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall to appointments in Middlefield, Durham, Middletown, Portland and East Hampton. This service can be used for medical appointments, shopping, banking and other places. Fare is $3.50 each

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way. This service is available six days a week, Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. An application must be completed. It can be found at middletownareatransit.org under ADA/Dial-ARide. Or, contact the Human Services office for a hard copy. Reservations can be made two days in advance. Call MAT at 860-346-0212 and press 2. COVID testing. This service provides free transportation within the Middletown Area Transit service area and is available seven days per week. The service is available to all residents within the Middletown Transit District. The trip must begin in Middletown, Middlefield, East Hampton, Portland or Durham. You may book a trip by calling the taxi provider, Curtin Transportation, at 860-443-1655. Reservations may be made between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Reservations must be made at least one day in advance.

business reopening in March. If the trendlines continue, starting March 19, private, social and recreational events at commercial venues will be able to increase indoor capacity to 50 percent, capped now at 100 people — an increase from 25 people. Outdoor events capacity can now be up to 200 people — an increase from 50 people.

From A1

As of Feb. 11, the total of laboratory-confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases reported among Connecticut residents was 267,337, including 250,915 laboratory-confirmed and 16,422 probable cases. Six hundred seventy-four patients were hospitalized with laboratoryconfirmed COVID-19. There had been 7,381 COVID-19associated deaths.

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From A34

said, referring to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing that, from Dec. 14 to Jan. 14, only 5 percent of eligible African Americans and 11 percent of eligible Hispanics were vaccinated. A second study by the Pew Research Institute revealed that while about 70 percent of African Americans know someone affected by COVID, only 42 percent were willing to get the vaccine. “I can see hope,” Anyimadu said of mass vaccination. “I see that our families can get together again, businesses can open, life can get back to some form of normalcy.” Major retail pharmacy chains also have begun scheduling appointments for eligible persons. Connecticut is among 10 other states where CVS Health and Walgreens will begin receiving a limited amount of doses.

VAMS online system: The Vaccine Administration Management System can be used to schedule appointments at multiple clinics across the state. To make an appointment using this system, click on portal.ct.gov. COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Assist Line: Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccine appointment assist line is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. To make an appointment, call 877-918-2224. Hartford HealthCare: Hartford HealthCare has multiple locations throughout the state, including large clinics in the Hartford area. To make an appointment using this system, go to hartfordhealthcare.org. Yale New Haven Health: Yale New Haven Hospital has multiple locations throughout the state, including large clinics in the New Haven area. To make an appointment using this system, go to ynhhs.org.

— Town Times report FACEBOOK.COM/ RECORDJOURNAL NEWSPAPER TWITTER.COM/ RECORD_JOURNAL

While reminding the public to continue social distancing and mask wearing, the lower case numbers and increased vaccinations, has led to Gov. Ned Lamont calling for more

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Before heading RSD13, Schuch was an active member of the Virginia Association of School Superintendents, serving as the group’s president during the 20192020 school year, as well as an executive coach for new superintendents. Additionally, he has served as an Adjunct Professor at Longwood University and the University of Mary Washington. In 2018, Schuch was named Virginia’s Region 5 Superintendent of the Year. Prior to starting his career as an educator, Schuch served in the Navy and is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm. He attended Duke University, earning a degree in engineering, then received a master's degree in education and a doctoral degree in philosophy from George Mason University.

Town Times

...serving Durham, Middlefield & Rockfall

Joy Boone, Advertising

500 South Broad Street • Meriden, CT 06450 203-317-2313 • Fax 203-235-4048 advertising@towntimes.com

R227009

860-719-1917

From A1

nkorytnikova@ record-journal.com 203-317-2444

DESIGNS • INSTALLATIONS • RENOVATIONS Kitchens • Baths • Drywall • Painting • Ceilings • Flooring • Interior • Doors

Well, I hope as you read this you are all comfy and cozy in your very own chair.

Schuch

Residential & Commercial CT Lic. Arbor # S-5765

Insured Arborist Service Lic. #S-5428

My boys had the same thing going on. Back then we had two couches, with Jordan claiming one and Ryan claiming the other. And they always sat in the exact same spot on their respective couches. Oh, we do love our spots. I had a green recliner that had my name on it.

Don’t let anyone else sit in it!

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TR E E M A N , C

cell 860-539-5879 office 860-349-8029 email petethetreeguy@yahoo.com

E TH

• Expert large tree and limb removal • Crane, bucket and climbing service Call for • 24 hour emergency service cut and split • Logs also available for delivery firewood • Locally owned and operated with 20 years experience

Specializing in Removing Large Trees in Small Spaces

336 Main Street Durham, CT

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"Electrical Construction Built on Quality" “ N o J o b To o S m a l l ”

AUTO PARTS

R237398

Purpose Electrical Contractor

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All

APEC ELECTRIC

ways the same spot, leaning up against the couch. I was young and nimble, so it was okay. Places everyone!

RECYCLE YOUR OLD NEWSPAPERS Please & Thank you.

Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, February 19, 2021

Letters

School Notes Scholarship Applications for the Coginchaug High School Scholarship Fund will become available on Feb. 25 and will be accepted through March 26 at 2 p.m. Graduating seniors are encouraged to complete an application via Naviance. For more information, email crhsscholarshipfund@ gmail.com.

From A2

Stonehill College, Easton, Mass., named Isabella Santoro to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

tels that spread violence, causing caravans to run from their country, coming here. Also, it turned into Jim Crow law.

University of Tampa, Tampa, Fla., named Jessica King to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

Anyone think liberals assassinated Lincoln, JFK, MLK Jr. or RFK? How about lynchings?

Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Mass., named Connor Sullivan to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

The Boston Massacre consisted of five deaths. Charles

A37

Manson had four of his followers murder nine white people to start a race war. He touched no one; his death sentence was commuted to life in prison.

cence of boys and nuns, worldwide. AIDs was ignored; how many infected? Bush ignored Clinton’s warning that Bin Laden was the greatest threat to the U.S.

D.C. rioters acted as if Trump was the "law, and order”-ed the attack. This is after a Michigan militia planned to kidnap their Governor.

Were Republicans fishing, abusing power, or incredibly incompetent?

For years, the former "conservative" Pope protected the Church, not the inno-

The Party goes on, however. Eighty million votes stopped the unmasked genius, but aquittal saved the conservatives' cash cow. Brian Harlow

Locals in college

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Marist College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., named Alex DiVincentis to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

Trees to Tables LLC

Custom live edge tables, river tables, trestle bases and other wood pieces from local trees.

From A4

Business Law | Employment Law Estate Planning ( Wills / Trusts/ Probate)

Visit us on Facebook

Main Office: 64 Thompson Street, B101, East Haven, CT 06513 860.670.3535 | info@jeflegal.com | Jeflegal.com

LET IT SNOW. And let us dig your business out. Commercial snow removal services you can count on. Call Randy Whitehouse, 860-349-1904.

WHITEHOUSE CONSTRUCTION INC. Durham, Connecticut | CT Lic. #554559

860-349-1904 | whitehouseconstructioninc.com

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Snowplowing Paving Gravel Driveway Restoration Top Soil Retaining Walls Drainage Septic Systems Excavator, Backhoe + Dozer Work Light & Heavy Hauling Q

1289953 102794R

Family Pest Control LLC “Our family serving Your family”

Locally Owned and Operated Since 1977

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Wallingford: (203) 265-7328 Toll Free: (800) 269-0948 www.RidOfBugs.com

Connecticut Business License # B-2045

Lic# PL204680

TRAY RACKI - OWNER CT HIC.0559832

CALL: 860-349-1758 WWW.ROCKFALLCO.COM

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ADDITIONS - REMODELING - ROOFING - SIDING GUTTERS - DECKS - HOME REPAIRS QUAILITY WORK - GREAT PRICES

1283529

Advertise with us. 203-317-2312

s e r v i c e s

Joseph E. Fournier, Esq.

Allan Poole 860-250-6742  Bob Mueller 860-638-7976

129826R 1287233

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

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Grade 12, high honors: Jaden Astle, Hanna Balay, Nicole Bartolomeo, Paul Beisler, Jessica Berens, Dana Boothroyd, Kelly Boothroyd, Lia Branciforte, Shane Buckheit, Madison Burt, Talia Caramanello, Philip CaseyLeonard, Nina Ciarleglio, Owen Clancy, Madeline Climie, Meghan Crocetto, Marceline D’Errico, Claire DeFlora, Amalia DeMartino, Ellie Domian, Evan Faiella, Alexandra Fitzpatrick, Lily French, Aidan Garcia, Olivia Hesseltine, Cadence Hurlbert, Alexander Infeld, Jireh Irby, Dylan Kaczor, Jack Konopka, Lena Kozik, Audrey Labasi, Jorn Layman, Bryan Lecza, Gregory Lenoce, Michael Malek, Megan Mancarella, Ava Meliso, Matthew Moreno, Bayla Patel, Rhea Patel, Nicholas Planeta, Jackie Pongetti, Kevin Ryan, Caroline Smith, Noelle Sorensen, Brandon Tang, Ariana Velez, Andy Zhou; honors: Griffin Biro, Abbey Brandt, Aaron Faiella, Jacob Fazzino, Noah Gyllenhammer, Griffin Landry, Keith Miarecki, Jackson Moore, Caitlyn Nelson, Kolby Pascarelli, Ryan Prout, Maura Zettergren.

l e g a l

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Honor roll

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Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, February 19, 2021

Legal Notices & Classifieds

Reach over 310,000 readers. Call us today 203-238-1953

CUSTOMER SERVICE

WATER DIVISION MAINTAINER I

REPRESENTATIVE The Wallingford Electric The Town of WallingDivision is seeking a ford’s Water Division is skilled individual to hanseeking an individual dle all inquiries, applito perform a variety of cations and complaints unskilled & semi-skilled from the public related tasks in the mainteto utility billing, service, nance, installation, and accounts receivable, repair of water lines and customer billing and related equipment. The delinquent accounts. position requires High The position requires a School diploma / GED or high school diploma / GED or business school, the equivalent in experience and training. Wages plus two (2) years $22.38 - $27.11 hourly, employment involving plus an excellent fringe customer contact and the receipt, custody and benefit package. Applications may be obtained accounting for sums of at the Department of money OR an equivalent combination of the Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South above experience and training. Wages: $23.36 Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will - $28.36 hourly, plus an be mailed upon request excellent fringe benefit from the Department package. Applications of Human Resources may be obtained at the or may be downloaded Department of Human from the Department of Resources, Town of Human Resources Web Wallingford, 45 South Page. The closing date Main Street, Wallingford, will be the date the 40th CT 06492. Forms will application or resume be mailed upon request is received or March 2, from the Department 2021, whichever occurs of Human Resources first. EOE or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web WELDER/ Page. The closing date FABRICATOR will be the date the 40th Custom Sheet Metal application or resume is Fabrication, light strucreceived or February 24, tural, min 5-10 yrs exp & 2021 whichever occurs SHEET METAL first. EOE MECHANICS, APPRENTICES & HELPERS: Steady /Classified work, good benefits. Call for interview. Local listings online! 860-828-3762

CASH PAID For any Toyota any condition, running or not, crashed okay. Will take other makes and models. (203) 600-4431.

TOP PRICES PAID

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

Apartments For Rent

MERIDEN 1st fl., 2 BR apt., fully remod., W/D & GAR incl., $1,200 mo. + sec. dep. Call Ken, (702) 445-5646.

WALLINGFORD - 1 BR, LR, KIT, cable TV, all utilities, furnished. Available now. Call 203-265-1990.

Rooms For Rent MERIDEN - Clean, Safe Room. 203-605-6522. Utils & fridge incl. Share KIT/BA. Parking. $140/ wk + security dep.

Lawn and Garden

Delivery Routes Available Newspaper Delivery

$400-$600 every 2 weeks+ Tips (Depending on area)

Routes available in the following towns: MERIDEN • WALLINGFORD • SOUTHINGTON CHESHIRE • MIDDLETOWN • DURHAM

Call Vinny @ 860-846-6399

before 11 a.m. and start tomorrow

237783

Make extra cash before you go to work making early morning newspaper deliveries using your own vehicle. NO experience necessary.· Must be able to deliver early mornings, 7 days a week starting at 2:00a.m. MUST be dependable, able to read a map and 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, Long Term Contracts.

MATERIALS DISTRIBUTION Screened Topsoil $25/ per yd; Sand-$15 per yd; Millings-$10 per yd; Screened Millings $30 per yd; Clean Fill $8 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

PISTOL PERMIT - Cer- GRASSY HILL AUCtification, for groups of TIONS, - an Estate 4 or less, masks req’d, Sale, Liquidation, Attic 1 session only, $140. & Basement Cleanout (203) 415-1144. Company is Always Buying and providing Wood Fuel Heating services all over Connecticut. These are just Equipment a FEW of the things TREE LENGTH we are looking for: Antiques, Collectibles, FIREWOOD Old/ Vintage Toys, MuCALL FOR DETAILS sical Instruments (Sax203-238-2149 ophones, Trumpets, Violins, Flutes, Clarinets, Trombone & SO MUCH Wanted To Buy MORE) Advertising Items, Wristwatches 1,2,3 Items or an Estate (Broken or Not), Pocket Watches, Tools (Ma$$$ CASH $$$ chinist, Woodworking, Todd Shamock & MORE) Doorstops, Estate Sale Service Clocks, Oil Paintings, Costume Jewelry, Old Signs, Old PhoAntiques, Dolls, Toys, tographs, Old PostPaintings,Meriden Items cards, Brewery Items, Hunting & Fishing, PEZ 203-494-1695 Dispensers, Costume Jewelry, Broken JewelAARON’S BUYING ry, Gold & Silver JewelOld Machinist Tools, ry, Gold & Silver Coins, Lathes, BenchTools, Military Items, Swords Hand Tools & more. & Bayonets, Helmets & (203) 525-0608. Patches, Medals & Uniforms, Pocket Knives, Lighters & Pipes, FounALWAYS BUYING tain Pens, Mechanical CASH PAID Pencils, Fraternal Order Vintage Electronics, Items, Religious Items, Musical InstruIndustrial Items, Winments, Amps, Ham chester Items, Sikorsky Equipment, HiFi, Items, Pratt & Whitney Radios, CB, GuiItems, Colt Items, Natars, Audio Equiptive American Items, ment, Antiques. Vintage Electronics, 860-707-9350 Slot Cars, Toy Trucks, Matchbox & Hotwheels, Barbie’s, Folk Art, Statues, Bronzes, ANTIQUES - Always Trains, Cameras, Mid buying old; Toys, Century Modern Furmilitary, jewelry, art, niture, Straight Razors, watches, musical Shaving Items, Political instruments, signs, Items, Comic Books, arcade games, Sports Cards & Autocameras, pre 1970 graphs…& THE LIST sports memorabilGOES ON! So please ia, plus more. One give us a call at your item or entire estate earliest convenience. contents. Call 860Grassy Hill Auctions 718-5132. 203-868-1816 - Grassy HillAuctions.com $$$BEAT ANY PRICE$$$ Antiques, military Whether it is a items, oddities, anything of value, motorlost ring, wallet or cyles, minibikes, go a Parrot named Oliver, carts. Estate & free apa Classified ad praisal services. Gary, can help track it down. 24/7, 203-237-4124.

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

CONNECT WITH US

SOCIALLY

FACEBOOK.COM/ RECORDJOURNAL NEWSPAPER TWITTER.COM/ RECORD_JOURNAL INSTAGRAM.COM/ RECORDJOURNAL

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

Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, February 19, 2021

Businesses & Services Attics and Basements Cleaned GARY WODATCH

Home Improvements

Landscaping

Roofing

A39

203-238-1953

Get Listed. Get Calls. Get Results. Roofing

Tree Services

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

Carpentry CARPENTRY

Repairs, Decks & Porches, Sheetrock & Taping Water Damage Repairs. Free Est. Ins. MC & Visa. Call Bill (203) 901-2136. CT. Reg. # 0647093

Specializing in roofing, siding, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, basement remodeling. Senior citizen discount Insured. Free est. 203-265-5200 HIC#0631937

Electrical Services TEC ELECTRICAL

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

A Classified ad is an easy way to sell

House Cleaning POLISH CLEANING SERVICES - Houses and offices, please give us a call, Aneta, (860) 8395339.

Junk Removal

IF YOU Mention This Ad FALL Yard Ice Damage Removal. Clean-Ups Snow removal from Roof. Brush, branches, leaves, #0649808 203.510.3830. Yalesville Construction storm damage Financing avail. www. Specializing in all phases **JUNK REMOVAL** lmconstructionct.com of residential & Appl’s, Furniture, Junk, commercial roofing. Debris, etc Senior citizen discount WE CAN REMOVE Insured Free est. ANYTHING 203-265-5200 Entire house to HIC#0631937 1 item removed! FREE ESTIMATES Sr. Citizen Discount LIC & INS. 203-535-9817 or 860-575-8218

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

List Your Items To Over 300,000 Local Readers.

GROW YOUR BUSINESS Advertise with us. 203-235-1661

Moving and Storage

your merchandise, and it’s easy on your wallet, too.

Gutters

CLEAN & REMOVE Furniture, appliances, entire contents of: homes, sheds, estates, attics, basements, garages & more. *FALL YARD Clean-ups* FREE ESTIMATES. LIC & INS. 203-535-9817 or 860-575-8218.

GUTTERS PLUS 25+yrs. Exp. Call today for Free estimate. 203-440-3535 Ct. Reg. #578887

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

Plumbing GEORGE J MACK & SONS - Servicing the Meriden area since 1922. Toilet, faucet, sink & drain repairs. Water heater replacements. 15% Sr citizen disc. 203-238-2820.

Classifieds Open 8:30–5 Monday

Handyperson

thru Friday. Call Us.

HOME DOCTOR - 48 yrs exp. Odd jobs & remodeling, former US Navy, 15 yrs, #640689, 203.427.7828.

203-238-1953

Let Us BEAR Your Junk! Junk Removal in CT

A classified ad is an easy way to sell your merchandise, and it’s easy on your wallet, too.

Call Monday thru Friday 8:30am - 5pm • 203-238-1953

Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, February 19, 2021

Community conversations The Middlefield Durham Racial Justice Team is excited to announce a year-long calendar of community conversations about racial justice. Before these discussions, participants will be invited to watch a film, read a book or listen to a podcast. Upcoming programs:

she is living in two worlds: the poor neighborhood in which she was raised, and the predominantly white private school she attends in an affluent nearby town. When Starr witnesses a white police officer shoot and kill her childhood friend, she finds herself grappling with her role in a national news story. To sign up for this Zoom discussion, email durhamlibrary.org/ racial-justice-book-discussion/.

EXECUTIVE OFFICES 860-349-70006 Way6Road, WayMiddlefield Road in Middlefield www.execoff.com 860-349-7000 excutiveofficesmfld.com Personable & Compassionate Live-in and Hourly Caregivers are needed for in-home non-medical care for elderly in the area.

Briefs From A6

Xavier fundraiser

Flexible schedules, supportive staff, one-on-one care

Dr. William Dr. WilliamBoylin, Boylin, Ph.D. Ph.D

Family Therapist

Specializing in: in: Specializing

Substance Abuse • Teenagers Substance Abuse Grief &Teenagers Loss Grief & Loss

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Call us at 860-349-7016

Now offering daytime hours

206423

6 WayMiddlefield Road, Middlefield 6 Way Road, 860-349-7033 Our caregivers are as valuable as our customers Tel. Now 349-7033 offering daytime hours

William J. Lema, D.M.D. Serving Durham & Middlefield for 26 Years

School meals

William J. Lema, D.M.D. General Family Dentistry & Adults Accepting New• Children Patients

State of the Art Dentistry in a Caring, Small Office Atmosphere

General Family Dentistry • Children & Adults Saturday & Art Evening Appointments Available State of the Dentistry in a Caring, Small Office Atmosphere Cosmetic & Bonding Saturday Evening Appointments Available Regular Hours: Gum Therapy Bonding • Gum Therapy • Cosmetic

Tues.-Fri. 9 am-6 pm

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Crowns & Bridges • Crowns & Bridges • Dentures & Repairs

• Emergencies Dentures & Repairs• Fillings • Root Canals

(860) 349-7006

EmergenciesHours: Tues–Fri 9am–6pm Regular William J. Lema, D.M.D. Fillings 6 Way Road, Middlefield William J. Lema, D.M.D.

Root Canals (Near Powder Ridge Ski Area) 6 Way Road, Middlefield (near Blackbird Tavern) 860-349-7006

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RSD13 has been approved to offer free lunch and breakfast. Students participating in remote learning order lunch by going to their school’s webpage. Under the Reopening tab, there’s an order form and instructions on when and where to pick up lunches. Breakfast bags are available daily for students to take home.

First Month Rent Free!

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Professionals

Thursday, March 11, 7 p.m., “The Hate U Give” Book Discussion. “The Hate U Give” is a 2017 awardwinning Young Adult novel written by Angie Thomas. Starr Carter, a 16-year-old black girl, feels as though

Xavier High School's $20K raffle will yield one winner. It could be you. The winner will be chosen on April 30 at 11 a.m., For more information contact the Advancement Office at 860-346-7735 or email advancement@ xavierhighschool.org.

9-month-old Arthur is recovering from a diaphragmatic hernia surgery that saved his life. While he required a fair amount of care, he responded well to his treatments and is now ready for adoption. Arthur is a loving and affectionate cat who likes to be held. But he will require time and patience to adjust. A single person or couple would be ideal. Check out CatTalesCT.org/cats/Arthur. For more information, email info@CatTalesCT.org or call 860-344-9043.

1234405 863556

Thursday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m, “Hidden Figures” Film Discussion. This is the true story of three brilliant African American women who worked at NASA and played a significant role in launching the first American into space. The film is set in the 1950s and ‘60s and offers a glimpse into the inequalities of the work environment for people of color and at the racial tensions of the civil rights era. To sign up for this Zoom discussion, email levicoelibraryjess@gmail.com.

MEET ARTHUR

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