Town Times

FIRE AND ICE

Little bottles, big mess

Lawmakers say nips surcharge doesn’t help stop littering

By Kate Ramunni Record-Journal staff

WALLINGFORD It’sa

routine that state Rep. Mary Mushinsky, D-Wallingford, knows well getting off the train and walking home, a trip of just less than a halfmile. Along the way, she encounters nips small bottles of alcohol sold at liquor stores that are frequently strewn along roads, highways and parks.

See Bottles, A2

Middlefield seeks more volunteer firefighters

By Nicole Zappone Town Times

Fire departments throughout the country are seeing a decline in their volunteer numbers, and the Middlefield FD is among them.

“We’re trying to start the year off by hitting the ground running, and get our message out there that we’re looking for help,” Deputy Chief Steven Tyc said. “Since 1934, we have been strictly volunteer, and want to keep it that way. Keep it going.”

With people devoting so much energy to career and family these days, Tyc said many just don't have the time to volunteer.

“Every town is doing different things to recruit,” the deputy chief said.

“Some are doing great, some are not, and we are just maintaining now. ”

Middlefield volunteer firefighters must be at least 18. No experience is required; the department provides the necessary training.

“We have members from all walks of life, from people with full-time jobs, multiple jobs, families, and more,” Tyc said.

“We don’t want this place to become a burden, because that is not what it’s about.”

Middlefield FD volunteers receive a yearly property tax abatement of $2,000, and a Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) provides tax-deferred income benefits.

See Volunteers, A6

Southington-Coginchaug-Westbrook hockey coach Bob Allan talks to his team in the locker room during the first intermission of Monday’s Division III game against Staples at Champions Ice Rink in Cromwell. Allan’s gutsy co-op came back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Staples 4-2. The Southington-Coginchaug-Westbrook squad, which had a five-game win streak snapped on Saturday night, improved to 6-12-0 with its win over Staples to remain in postseasoncontention. Bill Shettle, Special to the Record-Journal

Middlefield Volunteer Fire Company’s Deputy Chief Steven Tyc stands in front of the department’stankertruck. Nicole Zappone, Town Times

Openings mark the coming of spring

need to see the house. There, standing there in all its glory, was the future dispenser of many treats to come.

There are, of course, the usual telltale signs of spring’s imminent arrival birds bursting into song in the wee hours of the morn, buds popping out here and there, days warm enough to kick off, finally, the shoes. But for me the earliest and most reliable signs are the opening of Dari Serve and The Seasonal Shop, both of which are right here in Durham. There could be a foot of snow on the ground

and an Arctic blast of frigid air that takes your breath away, but I will know it’s spring once they’ve opened their doors.

These places hold such good memories for me. Dari Serve was always a mainstay of my boys’ lives, and mine. In fact, when my family and I were checking out the house that would shortly become ours, we passed Dari Serve, and I quickly announced that I was home. I didn’t even

And it has been a neverending love affair. The thrill of my boys and me waiting in line, in great anticipation of what would soon tickle our palette, breaking formation so that we could get up close to read the menu. Then ordering our banana split or hot fudge sundae or soft-serve cone with sprinkles on the top. We’d then mosey over to one of the benches.

I’d like to tell you that we savored our delectables, but we did not. We scarfed them down like there was no tomorrow. On a hot day, if we did not lick our cones fast

enough, the ice cream would trickle down our arms. But I’m not proud. I was not above licking my arm. Every now and then I would announce to my young’uns that we were going to Dari Serve for supper. They never loved me more than on those days. Even though I am a vegan now, and no longer a customer, I still give Dari Serve an appreciative nod as I cruise by. Some friendships are meant to be forever.

The Seasonal Shop is also, for me, a forerunner of spring. I have, over the years, spent countless hours perusing their gardens, taking home hanging baskets, pumpkins, all manner of flowers to perch on my front step, Christmas trees. And

chatting with the owners, who always greeted me by name. We got to know each other well as we swapped stories about our lives.

The reverse is true, too. When these beloved businesses shut their doors in the fall, I know that winter will soon be upon us. I do not need the Farmers’ Almanac. I have Dari Serve and The Seasonal Shop.

So yes, we have been having spring-like weather that has been urging me to toss my winter jacket into the back of the closet. But I am waiting for the nod from Dari Serve as I cruise by on my way home from work, and from The Seasonal Shop as I scoot by on my weekly trips to Madison. They have yet to let me down.

“I’m walking home from the train right now and I’ve already taken pictures of about 10 of them and I just found another four, so that’s 14 and I’ve only gone two blocks,” Mushinsky said during a phone interview last Friday afternoon. By the time the veteran lawmaker got home, she had counted 39 along the way. It’s an issue every city and town faces, and in response, the state legislature in 2021 passed a bill placing a fivecent surcharge on each 50 mL bottle, with the money going to municipalities to help pay for environmental cleanups, including efforts to remove nips from public places. The funds are released to cities and towns in April and October of each year, and payments are based on the number of nips sold in the municipality.

“The money is supposed to go to picking up things like this,” said Mushinsky, a member of the Environment Committee. But lawmakers have doubts that is actually happening.

“Just today, we sent a slight adjustment to the bottle law and it has language in it to have the Council on Environmental Quality find out what happened to the money sent to each town, so

hopefully we will get a report on that,” she said. “I don’t think it works, to be honest, I don’t think the money does anything. It was the liquor industry’s idea but it’s not effective.”

The program is administered by the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut, which collects the money and distributes it to municipalities.

“They put an extra fee on themselves so they wouldn’t have a deposit. They take five cents per bottle and give it to the town to clean up the environment, but clearly it does not work well and their product is all over the streets anyway, ” Mushinsky said. “I personally am unhappy with how it’s playing out and feel we need to put them in the deposit law along with the other liquor containing beverages. ”

In the last round of payments sent to cities and towns, Meriden received $47,069 for the period of

April 1 to Sept. 30, 2022, and a total of $82,592 for the year the program has existed.

Cheshire received $9,766 for the six-month period and $17,360 in the last year.

Southington received $53,825 in the last year, including $31,307 for the sixmonth period, and Wallingford received $59,442 in the last year, of which $32,443 is for the six-month period.

Cheshire hasn’t decided yet what to with the money, according to Assistant Town Manager Arnett Talbot.

A discarded nip bottle is seen in the parking lot of the Grog ShopofMeriden. Photos by Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

Nip bottles are seen here for sale at the Grog Shop of Meriden on Old Colony Road.

SWEET EVENT

Golf classic

The Cove Kids Classic is scheduled for Friday, May 5 at Lyman Orchards Golf Club.

For player/sponsor details, visit covect.org/the-covekids-classic.

Singers sought

The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, announced National Anthem auditions will be held Saturday, March 4, 9 a.m. to

noon, at Dunkin’ Park, 1214 Main St., Hartford. Singers of all ages are welcome to audition for the opportunity to perform at a Yard Goats home game or event. Singers must register at yardgoatsbaseball.com. A time slot will be assigned.

Crisis prep

Masonicare will host the program “Planning Before a Crisis” Wednesday, March 15, 3 to 4 p.m., in the Knapp Auditorium at Masonicare at Ashlar Village, 74 Cheshire Road, Wallingford. Attorney

Steven L. Rubin will share his expertise on the legal aspects of having a plan for your future care vs. making decisions at the time of a health crisis. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP by calling 203-6796460.

Durham Dental

Gabriella Gratton, 9, at left, shows off her festive house and Scarlett Gratton, 4, at right, both of Rockfall, stands beside the sweet house that she built during a Valentine’sDayprogramatLeviE.CoelibraryonFeb.13. Photos provided by Erin Canning Gratton

In Brief

The New Haven Raccoon Club, 853 New Haven Road, Durham, will host its annual ham shoot/ youth .22 shoot Sunday, March 26 starting at 9 a.m. Try your luck at winning a ham for Easter dinner. Refreshments will be available.

Open house

Wesleyan University has scheduled a Archaeology and Collections open house Saturday, March 4, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Exley Science Center (third/fourth floor).

Explore archaeological artifacts, fossils, bones and more.

From A2

Bottles Raccoon Club

“The Solid Waste Committee of the Town Council is considering a combination of programs and some cleanup events,” said Talbot. “They are in the process of planning how to spend this money and any future money we might get. Hopefully within the next month or so we will have that in place.”

In Wallingford, the issue came up recently when Long Hill Road resident Bob Gross asked the Town Council and Mayor William Dickinson Jr. how the town would be spending its share of the money.

“We have received the money, ” Dickinson said. “It hasn’t been appropriated yet. My chief concern now is the 2023-24 budget, so that’s occupying time and concerns. ”

“It’s a shame it’s just sitting there,” Gross said. “It could be used to fix parks.”

According to the State Office of Legislative Research, “the law requires municipalities receiving the funds to use them for environmental efforts to reduce the amount of solid waste generated in the municipality or impact

of litter. These efforts can include such things as hiring a recycling coordinator; installing storm drain filters to block debris or buying a mechanical street sweeper, vacuum, or broom to remove litter from streets, sidewalks, and abutting lawn and turf areas. ”

“It’s not working,” Mushinsky said.

“They’re all over the streets and people like me and volunteers, we clean them up every year, but I get tired of cleaning up the liquor in the streets. I really get tired of it.”

“They’re all over the place.

SUDOKU

My personal preference would be either to put a deposit on them as soon as possible or if we can’t do that, to ban them. But they’re here now and they’re all over the streets of Wallingford, I can tell you that,” she said.

It’s a problem that is costing taxpayers money because municipalities and the state have to devote time and staff to cleaning them up, Mushinsky said.

While the payouts are supposed to fund those efforts, Mushinsky hasn’t yet seen any results, she said.

“When the stuff is left along the roads and parks, the public volunteers, the Department of Public Works, the Parks Department and the Department of Transportation, they all have to clean up this stuff,” Mushinsky said.

“And it’s every year, and in some of these neighborhoods it’s every week depending on how close you are to the liquor store, and it’s pretty bad. So I don’t think this fund works very well. I’m not a fan of this fund because it doesn’t make a dent in the problem.”

Rep. Mary Mushinsky looks on during opening day of the 2019legislativesessioninHartford. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

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

Levi E. Coe Library

Snacks in the Stacks. This is a five-week program beginning Monday, Feb. 27, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Bring your bag lunch; we will read stories and make a snack. For ages 3 to 5. Registration is required.

Book, bake sale. Friday, March 24, 12 to 5 p.m., $10 entry fee; Saturday, March 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., no entry fee; Sunday, March 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., no entry fee. Senior Center Book Club. Come to the library Tuesday, March 14 at 2 p.m. to discuss “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng. Copies are available at the library.

Thursday Night Book Club. Come to the library Thursday, March 16 at 5 p.m. to discuss “Killers of a Certain Age” by Deanna Raybourn. Copies are available at the library.

Storytime at the Library. Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Crafting with Susan. Sign up on the library’s Facebook page for an adult/teen takehome craft.

In Brief

Let’s Talk Prevention

Durham Middlefield Local Wellness Coalition will host the Let’s Talk Prevention program “Fentanyl 101 –What you need to know”

Tuesday, Feb. 28, 6 to 7:30 p.m., via Zoom. For the meeting link, contact Dena Miccinello: 860-349-0258, dmiccinello@dmyfs.org.

Cookie season

For the second year in a row, William Raveis realtor Debbie Huscher will purchase two boxes of cookies from local Girl Scouts who reach out to her. The treats will be donated to the Durham and Middlefield food pantries. Huscher can be reached at debbie.huscher@raveis.com.

Durham Public Library

Book Club: Wings of Fire. Monday, Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. For grades 3 to 5. Join Miss Alex to discuss “The Lost Heir.” Registration is required.

Maiden Names and Dower Rights: Documenting Your Female Ancestors. Monday, Feb. 27 at 6 p.m., via Zoom. Registration is required.

Teen Art Workshop Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. For grades 6 to 12. Registration is required.

Lotus Lantern workshop. Thursday, March 9 at 6 p.m., via Zoom. Supplies must be picked up at the library. Registration is required.

Books and Babies. Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. A short storytime with playtime & conversation to follow. Babies up to 18 months, with an adult (siblings welcome). Registration is required.

Library

Move & Groove Storytime. Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. Ages 2 to 5. Registration required.

Drop-in Mahjong. Tuesdays, 2 to 4 p.m. For novices or pros.

If you have a Mahjong set, please bring it. No registration required.

Adelphia Café

476 Washington Avenue North Haven, CT 06473 203-535-0149

Family owned/operated. Former proprietors of the Neptune Diner in Wallingford. Extensive menu for all tastes. Breakfasts, luncheons and special dinners. All baking on premises.

Colony Diner

611 N Colony Road Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 269-9507 colonydiner.com

Wallingford’s place to go for oldfashioned breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Proudly serving up delicious and hearty meals daily. Voted Best Diner 4 years running by Record Journal. Open seven days. Breakfast served all day.

Obituaries

MERRITT ISLAND, FL

- Nancy Lee Herrington, 83, of Merritt Island, FL, passed away on February 15, 2023. She leaves her husband of 63 years, Dave.

Nancy was born in Cambridge, NY, on June 21, 1939 to the late Albert Sr. and Irene Burgess. She is also predeceased by her brother Albert ‘Sonny’ Burgess. Jr.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her three sons, David Jr. (Monica) of Chestertown, NY, Daniel (AnneMarie) of Lynchburg, VA, and Darryl (Patti) of Middlefield, CT.

Middlefield resident Gloria Ahlgren celebrated her 99th birthday on Valentine’s Day. A longtime participant in the Senior Center exercise program, Ahlgren is pictured with Sue Schade, instructor of the center’s Monday-Wednesday-Friday fitness classes; and Dian Sayers, Jeanette Treat, Nancy Gossman, Sally Lyons, Aleta Cromack, Chris Kramer, Lynn Johnson and Sandy Frederick.

Middlefield Community Center

AARP tax prep. Tuesday, March 21. Call 860-349-7121 to make an appointment.

Senior Lunch Bunch. Join us Monday, Wednesday and Friday for lunch at the Middlefield Café. Lunch is provided by CRT for a suggested donation of $3. For more information, call 860349-7121.

Super Soup Cook-off

Energy assistance. Applications are being accepted in-person for energy assistance. Call 860-349-7121 to make an appointment.

Food bank. The food bank is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., by appointment only. For more information, call 860-349-7121.

Faith

The Women’s Society of Christian Service of the United Churches of Durham in conjunction with members of the Middlefield Federated Church invite all to attend Super Soup Cook-off Sunday, Feb. 26, 4 p.m., at Fellowship Hall, United Churches of Durham, 228 Main St. Tickets will be available at the door; adults $7, age 6-plus $3.

The Cook-off menu includes tastings of 12 homemade soups in the competition, along with bread and butter, beverages and a special dessert. Each ticket comes with a token to vote for the best soup. The winner will receive the coveted Silver La-

Dial-a-Ride. Curb to curb service. Cost is $7 for round trip transportation. For details, call Middletown Area Transit, 860-346-0212. Zoom exercise classes. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. For Middlefield/Rockfall seniors. To register, call 860349-7121.

Her favorite title was grandma to 13; Sara and David (Sammy), Jordan, Britney (Nathan), Morgan (AJ), Drew, Hunter, Cassidy (Dom), Noah (Bethany), Hannah, Chloe, Gage (Katie), and Olivia. and blessed with 10 great-grandkids; Hayden, Harrison, Scarlett, Tobyn, Elias, Penelope, Delia, Hazel, Quinn, and Luca.

Nancy is also survived by a large extended family.

Nancy grew up in Schenectady, NY, and after marrying Dave, they moved to Middlefield, CT, where they put down roots and raised their family. They moved to Florida, full time, in 2021 to Nancy’s ‘Paradise’.

In 1969, Nancy became

Volunteers

dle award and bragging rights for the next year. Recipes for all the soups will be available.

The decision to postpone due to inclement weather will be made by 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25. The snow date is Sunday, March 6. For more information, call 860-349-2023.

Rock of Refuge Church

Rock of Refuge Church is a non-denominational Christian Church located at 350 Main St., second floor, in Durham. Sunday services 11 a.m.; Tuesday Prayer Meetings 6:45 p.m.; Bible Studies, to be announced.

From A1

To maintain active membership, volunteers have to attend weekly drill and respond to at least one call for service each week.

According to Tyc, the Middlefield FD receives roughly 350 calls annually; about six to seven per week.

The department's new brush truck is expected to arrive before the end of the year. In late 2022, the Middlefield FD

a Real Estate Broker and had a very successful career, retiring in 2009 after suffering a stroke. She was well respected by her peers and honored with being named Realtor of the Year and Top Salesperson of the Year several times. She had many friends that she loved, that lasted until this day or their death.

She loved to tell stories with her sharp memory to anyone who would listen! She was very well read and loved history!

Nancy spent her last few years going to poker twice a week at their clubhouse, sitting on her sunporch watching the ducks in her pond, reading, napping, and painting!

There will be a service announced at a later date.

was awarded a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant totaling $225,450 to replace its 1973 brush truck. Middlefield was one of only 89 fire departments nationwide awarded grant funds for vehicle acquisition.

To learn more about the Middlefield FD, visit middlefieldfirect.org, email info@middlefieldfirect.org or stop by the firehouse Mondays before 7 p.m. The department also has an Explorer program for youth age 14 to 18.

nzappone@record-journal.com

203-317-2212

Nancy Lee Herrington

Work scheduled along 4,300-plus miles of electric lines

Press Release

BERLIN When the power goes out during a storm, it’s usually caused by trees falling on power equipment – and with the changing climate driving more frequent severe weather, tree trimming and removal near overhead lines is imperative to help fortify the electric system.

Eversource’s team of arborists works year-round developing and implementing its comprehensive, data-driven maintenance program to enhance system reliability. This year, the energy company is investing $74 million in tree management as part of a continuing goal to balance

Wellness expo

Exhibitors and speakers are sought for the 10th Bi-Annual Passport to Health & Wellness Expo, which will be held April 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton. Also, vendors are sought for expos which will take place May 21 and Sept. 17 at the VFW in Plainville. Contact Shirley Bloethe at 860-989-0033 or yourholisticevents@ gmail.com, or visit yourholisticevents.com.

the need for electric reliability with the natural beauty communities value.

“Connecticut’s roadside forest is not only getting older, it continues to suffer the effects of a variety of environmental factors ranging from stronger storms and recent droughts to a growing list of insect infestations and diseases,” said Eversource Vegetation Management Manager Sean Redding. “Tree trimming is one of the most cost-effective solutions to strengthening the electric grid, and we’re constantly working to improve day-to-day reliability for our customers as we continue to see fewer power outages where this work has been done.”

Everyone Outside

Everyone Outside’s afterschool Nature Explorers program meets Thursdays at Memorial School. Youngsters in grades 3 through 6 enjoy some outdoor fun at Wadsworth Falls State Park and the Rockfall Forest. Everyone Outside also offers a program for girls in grades 2 through 4 on Tuesdays at Wadsworth Mansion. Visit EveryoneOutside.org, or email Lucy@EveryoneOutside.org.

To enhance collaboration on tree trimming and removal with the communities it serves, Eversource launched a “scorecard” program last year to share critical information on the reliability and public safety impact trees are having in their city or town.

Eversource has provided the scorecards to each town to show the number of miles scheduled for tree work, how trees have affected electric service or caused blocked roads and a thorough explanation of the scope and importance of work planned.

Every year, Eversource trims or removes trees near ap-

Compost program

Participate in the Coginchaug Area Transition compost program. Compost kits

proximately one-quarter of its more than 16,000 miles of overhead power lines around the state.

This year, work is scheduled to be done along more than 4,300 miles of lines with some of the most extensive work being done in these communities: Greenwich: 140 miles of electric lines; Manchester: 100 miles; Newtown: 100 miles; Redding: 98 miles; Watertown: 92 miles; Berlin: 80 miles; Enfield: 80 miles; Meriden: 80 miles; Southbury: 80 miles; Stamford: 80 miles.

Eversource always notifies customers in advance if tree work is necessary on their property.

In addition to all the work Eversource crews do to minimize the effects of trees on reliable electric service, the company reminds homeowners that they are responsible for tree maintenance on their own property. This includes keeping branches away from the lower-voltage service wires connecting their homes and businesses to the main utility lines on the street.

Eversource strongly recommends contacting a professional tree service to perform this work.

For details on the company’s comprehensive vegetation management program, visit eversource.com.

office in Town Hall. For further information, email carolbufithis@ gmail.com.

In order to continue delivery to your home or business, we need to have each resident or business let us know that, by filling out our on-line requester form at myrecordjournal. com/town-times-requester

Or, you can call us at 203-634-3933 and we can mail you a postage paid postcard to fill out and return. Without the necessary requester information, delivery of your Town Times to your home or business, will end.

CONTINUE RECEIVING “YOUR” LOCAL WEEKLY. 257949

We offer tub and shower conversions

Coming to your home or business Matt’s Pro Plumbing www.mattsproplumbing.com 860-922-9976

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Middlesex County orthopedic practices unite

Press Release

Middlesex Orthopedic Surgeons and Orthopedic Associates of Middletown have joined forces to form Middlesex Orthopedics & Spine Associates (MOSA), the largest orthopedic practice

in Middlesex County. This new alliance provides patients in Central Connecticut with best-in-class orthopedic expertise in several convenient locations and offers easy access to advanced imaging, physical therapy and more.

“Our two practices have a history of collaboration and have come together to offer elite care and a superior experience to more patients in our community,” said Terry Reardon, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon, Middlesex Orthopedics & Spine Associates.

Letters Policy

Email Letters to the Editor to news@towntimes.com. Letters are limited to 300 words. We reserve the right to edit letters. Letters must be signed and names will appear in print. In-

“The collective expertise of our fellowship-trained orthopedic and spine specialists makes our combined practice not just bigger but also better as we collaborate to provide the best orthopedic and spine care in the region.”

clude a phone number so the paper can contact you for verification. Letters must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday to be considered for publication that Friday.

You need someone you can trust to do the digging. Call Randy Whitehouse,

David Hergan, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon, Middlesex Orthopedics & Spine Associates, stated, “Our team uses the latest minimally invasive techniques and cutting-edge technologies to ensure the best result and fastest recovery possible without traveling far from home.”

For more information, visit middlesexortho.com or call 860-685-8940 or 860347-7636.

In Brief

Get your diploma

Ready for a second chance to earn your high school diploma? Middletown Adult Education will help. Enrollment is free. Students may register at any time. Call for more information, 860-3436044.

Gift of sight

The Durham Lions Club’s recently-refurbished drop box is ready for your eyeglass donations at the Durham Pharmacy. Donating used eye glasses can make a big difference for people all over the world.

Refractive errors can be easily corrected with eyeglasses, yet millions living in lowand middle-income countries lack access to basic eye care services.

Lions have recognized the urgent need for corrective lenses and collect usable glasses in their communities to support the Lions Recycle For Sight Program.

Help wanted

Join a wonderful and dedicated group of people a few hours a week to help care for homeless cats at Cat Tales’ main shelter. Must be age 15-plus or be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

The volunteer application can be found at cattalesct.org. For more information, email: info@cattalesct.org.

Locals in college

Curry College, Milton, Mass., named Taylor McDermott of Durham and Sarina McCoy of Rockfall to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

Purchase College, Purchase, N.Y., named Claire LindenDionne of Durham to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

University of Hartford, W. Hartford, named the following students to its dean’s list for the fall semester: Abbey Brandt, Alex Brandt, Jeremy Mangiameli, Mekhi Watson and Molly Yale, all of Mid-

Scholarships

Vocal Chords

The Executive Board of the Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords is requesting applications for its annual scholarships to be awarded to students from Middlesex County pursuing a career in nursing or music. The $1,000 scholarships will be paid directly to the recipients at the Vocal Chords’ Spring Concert. Applications are available at school guidance offices and by calling Dianne at 860-344-0743. Application deadline is Friday, March 24. Visit vocalchords20.org for more information.

Rockfall Foundation

The Virginia R. Rollefson Environmental Leadership Scholarship, offered by The Rockfall Foundation since 2018, recognizes outstanding contributions by a high school senior residing in the Lower Connecticut River Valley for carrying out a program, project, or activity that benefits preservation, conservation, restoration or environmental education.One $1,000 scholarship is awarded yearly to a student who demonstrates leadership and initiative. For full details about the Virginia R. Rollefson Environmental Leadership Scholarship, visit rockfallfoundation.org.

School Notes

dlefield; Maxwell Harvey and Amber Ostrander, both of Durham; and Braden Koba, of Rockfall.

Kindergarten

Parents/guardians of children living in Durham and Middlefield who will be 5 years old on or before Jan. 1, 2024 must register to attend kindergarten in the fall of 2023 or apply for a waiver of attendance. In Regional School District 13, children

may attend kindergarten at Brewster School or John Lyman School. Both schools will post detailed information about kindergarten on their respective websites. The school choice decision for kindergarten needs to be made by Friday, March 10. Parents/guardians of an eligible kindergarten child who wish to hold their child out of school for another year must sign a waiver of attendance at the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.

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

TOP CASH PAID

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

PART-TIME ASSEMBLY WORK OF SMALL PARTS

Unholtz-Dickie Corporation is a global leader of the design and manufacture of vibration test equipment. We have been supplying product for more than 60 years domestically and internationally from our factory centrally located in Wallingford, CT. We are currently seeking a part-time person to join our team to perform a variety of small part assembly working with metal springs, rubber and tape. This position offers a flexible work schedule and onsite training. Please reply to this email address only, michaelh@udco.com No phone calls or walk-ins. EOE

BARBERINO NISSAN

Is looking for a Parts Driver ASAP! Must have a clean driving record. Call Pete to apply. (203) 265-1611 ext. 343.

MERIDEN - 2 Rooms for rent, $575 mo., plenty of parking. Light chores for reduced rent. Call 347-641-1135.

MERIDEN - Room for rent, utils incl., shared BA. Free Wi-Fi. Call (203) 217-7122.

MATERIALS DISTRIBUTION

Screened Topsoil $25/ per yd; Sand-$18 per yd; Millings-$22 per yd; Screened Millings $30 per yd; $100 minimum delivery. No pickup truck service. Minimum 16 yd pickup at our yard. Call Jim @ 860-982-4819 for delivery

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

TREE LENGTH FIREWOOD

CALL FOR DETAILS 203-238-2149

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

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

ANTIQUES - Always buying old; Toys, military, jewelry, art, watches, musical instruments, signs, arcade games, cameras, pre 1970 sports memorabilia, plus more. One item or entire estate contents. Call 860718-5132.

ANTIQUES WANTEDComic books, toys, adv. signs, military items, motorcyles, mini bikes, etc. All items considered, appraisal & estate sale services, incl. clean-outs. 40 years exp. Call or text, Gary at 203-237-4124.

GRASSY HILL AUCTIONS, - an Estate

Sale, Liquidation, Attic & Basement Cleanout Company is Always Buying and providing services all over Connecticut. These are just a FEW of the things we are looking for: Antiques, Collectibles, Old/ Vintage Toys, Musical Instruments (Saxophones, Trumpets, Violins, Flutes, Clarinets, Trombone & SO MUCH MORE) Advertising Items, Wristwatches (Broken or Not), Pocket Watches, Tools (Machinist, Woodworking, & MORE) Doorstops, Clocks, Oil Paintings, Old Signs, Old Photographs, Old Postcards, Brewery Items, Hunting & Fishing, PEZ Dispensers, Costume Jewelry, Broken Jewelry, Gold & Silver Jewelry, Gold & Silver Coins, Military Items, Swords & Bayonets, Helmets & Patches, Medals & Uniforms, Pocket Knives, Lighters & Pipes, Fountain Pens, Mechanical Pencils, Fraternal Order Items, Religious Items, Industrial Items, Winchester Items, Sikorsky Items, Pratt & Whitney Items, Colt Items, Native American Items, Vintage Electronics, Slot Cars, Toy Trucks, Matchbox & Hotwheels, Barbie’s, Folk Art, Statues, Bronzes, Trains, Cameras, Mid Century Modern Furniture, Straight Razors, Shaving Items, Political Items, Comic Books, Sports Cards & Autographs…& THE LIST GOES ON! So please give us a call at your earliest convenience. Grassy Hill Auctions 203-868-1816 - Grassy HillAuctions.com

BUYING ALL - Costume Jewelry, Old Watches, Gold Jewelry, Silver Jewelry, Gold & Silver Coins, Sterling Flatware, In Any Condition. Please Call Jude M. Dichele @ (203) 8681816.

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

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

TIMELESS TREASURES ESTATE AUCTIONSIs looking to purchase estate contents. From single items to entire estates. Clean-out services available. Call Bill (203) 494-2496.

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

FREE DOG - Winnie age 2. Crate and potty trained. Has all shots. PITBULL MIX/PUG. Light tan brown with a white chest. Good with all kinds of people. Please call Tony at 203-9013308.

CARPENTRY

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

CarpetCare Solutions 2 rooms, $89. Sofa, $75. 20% disc. new customers w/ad. 203-427-5165.

HOUSECLEANING

Condos, offices, windows. Oven & Fridge free. Refs. 16 Years Exp. Fabiana, 203.565.7745.

HOUSECLEANINGHousekeeper. Offices. Have many years of exper. Refs. (203) 6307921; 203 499-9992.

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

GUTTERS CLEANED Painting Int. & Ext.

JUNK REMOVAL

Hot Tub Removal, Furniture, appliances, entire contents of: homes, sheds, estates, attics, basements, garages & more. *SPRING YARD Clean-ups* FREE ESTIMATES. LIC & INS. DUMPSTER RENTALS

203-535-9817 860-575-8218

ASPHALT DRIVEWAYS

When quality Counts

3 Year Guarantee Meriden, CT . Fully Ins. Lic.#575852

FRONTLINE PLUMBING

- Plumbing repairs & replacements, toilets, tubs, sinks, showers, 30 yrs exp., 100% free quotes. #0286296-P1. Bob 203-213-0691.

Roof Repair or Replacement, Chimney Repair, Skylight Replacement. Free est. CT #0651199 (860) 877-3006

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

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

IF YOU Mention This Ad SPRINGYard Clean-Ups Brush, branches, s torm damage **JUNK REMOVAL** Appl’s, Furniture, Junk, Debris, etc WE CAN REMOVE ANYTHING Entire house to 1 item removed! FREE ESTIMATES Sr. Citizen Discount LIC & INS. DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817 860-575-8218

CustomColonial Painting.com Since ‘99 Lic’d 0630904 & Ins’d Senior Discount Warranty. Financing 860-306-0270

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

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

Let Us BEAR Your Junk! Junk Removal in CT