DECA

From A1 ternational Career Development Conference to participate in the Thrive Leadership Academy. in a four-minute span. With 6½ minutes left in the second period, Drew Nafis scored an unassisted goal.

At the recent career development conference, Coginchaug DECA advisor Ryan Donecker was recognized for 10 years of service to the group.

As an integral part of the classroom curriculum, DECA’s industry-validated competitive events are aligned with the National Curriculum Standards in the career clusters of marketing, business management and administration, finance, and hospitality and tourism. DECA’s competitive events directly contribute to every student being college- and career-ready when they graduate from high school.

Southington maintained the mojo and scored another goal four minutes later, with Jake Nafis scoring off assists from his brother Drew and junior Tyler Schmarr.

“We knew we could [get back into the game]; I don’t think the belief ever stopped for this team right up until the final buzzer,” Allan said. “They played us really tough in the first period; they took us out of our game. We came out in the second period, played our game, and then we got the results for it in the period.”

Its lead halved to 4-2, and with social media abuzz about Rocky Hill’s budding 3-0 upset in New Milford, Masuk responded with urgency in the third period. Suftin scored his second goal one minute into the final frame to restore a threegoal lead and, 90 seconds later, sophomore Christian LaBella made it 6-2 off a feed from Suftin.

Two minutes later, it was Deering lighting the lamp for a 7-2 lead.

With 4:20 left in the game, the Blue Knights scored their last goal of the night and, as it turned out, of the season.

Drew Nafis got it on the power play assisted by Gabe Mohr and Nikolas Allan.

Suftin answered with his third goal, completing the hat trick on the power play off assists from Deerin and LaBella.

The Panthers haven’t lost since suffering a 7-6 loss to Branford on Dec. 21. They set a program record with their 17 regular-season wins.

As for Blue Knights, they will look to prepare for next season. Coach Allan is anticipating the return of key players such as Tyler Schmarr, starting goalie Max Scirocco, Jack Ford, Jasen Hurley and Nik Allan among other underclassmen.

Southington will graduate Mohr, the Nafis twins, John Frechette, Tom Czarkosky, Eli Vernick and Cody Pettola. The team had a turnaround season toward the end of the year after a 2-18 season a year ago.

Family

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

Annual report

The 2022 MS4 Annual Report, which summarizes municipal stormwater compliance activities conducted within the Town of Middlefield during calendar year 2022, was posted on the town website on Feb. 15 for a 45-day public review and comment period prior to the draft being finalized and submitted to the CT DEEP. Residents are encouraged to review the report and submit written comments by Friday, March 31. Address comments to MS4 Consultant Wade Thomas at wthomas@ nlja.com.

Setback tourney

The New Haven Raccoon Club of Durham will host a setback tournament Saturday, March 25, 5:30 to 10 p.m., at 853 New Haven Road. The tournament is a fundraiser for the CRHS Scholarship Committee.

Players of all abilities are welcome. Register online: bit.ly/3IZx1ZO

Volunteer

The Middlefield Fire Department seeks volunteers age 18-plus. No experience is required; the department provides the necessary training. To maintain active membership, volunteers have to attend weekly drill and respond to at least one call for service each week.

To learn more, 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.

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

Whitehouse

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.

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.

Schools

Open house

Middlefield Children’s Center, 390 Main St., will host an open house Saturday, March 11 and Saturday, April 29, 10 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, visit middlefieldchildrenscenter.com, email middlefieldcc@gmail.com, or call 860-349-0202.

Locals in college

Clark University, Worcester, Mass., named Connor Rulnick of Middlefield to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

Quinnipiac University, Hamden, named the following students to its dean’s list for the fall semester: Carmine Andranovich, Ryan Genest, Naomi Gorero, Tess McIntyre, Thomas Peters, Nicholas Planeta, Trevor Scotto and Alyssa Woodward, all of Durham; Amanda Case, Meghan Crocetto, Kelly Frier and Anna Yusza, all of Middlefield.

The consolidation took place on Jan. 1, 2013. Mayor Liz Lempert told New Jersey Monthly that the combined municipality has saved more than $3 million each year, mostly by elimination of redundant jobs, and said creating a single 911 dispatch center and a single emergency operations center has significantly improved emergency operations.

The Princeton consolidation illustrates some of the plusses advocates see in merging communities. For one, it saved money. This often comes with a caveat, according to the League of Cities: Municipal spending can increase in the short term as towns pay for severance agreements and the like but can achieve savings in the long term.

Mark Korber of Wethersfield, a retired lawyer who discusses regional issues on his "Hartford Today and Tomorrow ” blog, did a back-of-theenvelope calculation and believes a merger of eight towns in Greater Hartford could save as much as $100 million a year.

But, as he acknowledged, no one has actually done a close analysis to determine what the savings might be. “When budgets are tight, giving up a little bit of control in exchange for tax savings is typically a good deal,” Mayor Lempert said. Whether Connecticut town officials agree is an open question.

As for increased efficiency, Mayor Walsh sees opportunity every day. At present, snow plows stop at town lines, a task that would be more efficient if organized regionally. He said his emergency call center could cover neighboring South Windsor and Glastonbury, and his fire department could cover South Windsor, eliminating duplicative services.

Larger cities mean enhanced planning capacity for land use, service delivery and economic development.

Regional economic development is almost unheard of in Connecticut, but elsewhere, metro or county governments build airports, hospitals and convention centers, among other things, and offer an array of services.

Larger governments can also streamline approval processes, improve coordination with the private sector and improve accountability, according to the League.

Korber observes that larger cities can offer the compensation and challenges that attract top job candidates.

“There are benefits to being bigger,” he said. “Look, no one is following Hartford’s model and breaking up big cities into eight or 10 smaller ones."

Challenges

With all of the potential advantages, why is urban consolidation such a hard sell? As the poet said, let me count the ways.

Most Connecticut towns were founded around autonomous Congregational churches, which imbued their congregants with a deep and abiding sense of localism and self-reliance, characteristics that seem to remain in the state’s DNA and may be the foundation for the region’s longstanding aversion to change and embrace of local control.

“There is so much (local) culture, tradition, community identity,” said Robert DeCrescenzo, a municipal lawyer who has served as mayor of East Hartford.

Indeed, many towns, especially small towns, have distinct personalities. Propose a merger, and “there would be a major debate over what the new town seal should look like,” said Sen. Cathy Osten, a former first selectman of Sprague.

Access to government is an issue.

“Some people like to walk into town hall and bend my ear, ” said Scotland First Selectman Gary Greenberg.

Legal Notice Durham BAA

The Durham Board of Assessment Appeals (BAA) will meet at Durham Town Hall, 30 Town House Rd, Durham, CT on Thursday, April 27, 2023 starting at 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 29, 2023 starting at 9:00 a.m. to hear appeals related to property assessments. To be heard, a completed BAA petition must be received at the Town Hall on or before March 20, 2023. The BAA petition is available at the Town Hall and on the town website at www.townof durhamct.org

R259639

Collision Tech Needed

Skrips Auto Body is searching for a qualified collision A or B tech, that is detail oriented, and interested in working in high quality shop. Applicant should be capable of performing quality repairs on a continual basis. We are a Non DRP shop using only OEM parts. We offer health ins, 401k, paid vacations, holiday pay, ongoing training, etc.

Skrips has been a well-respected and recognized leader in the collision industry for 45 years, and we plan on continuing on the same path, and hopefully you can assist in our goals..

Skrips Auto Body Inc. 104 Cheshire Rd. Prospect 203-758-6605

Bob@Skripsautobody. com

GENERAL MANUFAC-

TURING HELP - At our millwork facility, M-F, 6 a-2:30 p. Will train. Must have own transportation. Come in & fill-out an application at Jawor Lumber, 1068 N. Farms Rd., Wallingford.

Entry Level Technician Needed

Skrips Auto Body is offering a unique opportunity to an entry level, detail-oriented individual that is willing to grow with our company. We are looking to train someone who has some basic automotive knowledge, and a strong willingness to advance in the Auto Collision Industry. We offer a clean, safe, and up to date facility that has a commitment and strong desire to share our knowledge of this ever changing automotive industry to the right candidate. We offer health insurance, 401k, uniforms, paid vacation as well as continual ongoing training to keep you in the know.

Skrips has been a well-respected and recognized leader in the collision industry for 45 years, and we plan on continuing on the same path, and hopefully you can assist in our goals..

Skrips Auto Body Inc.

104 Cheshire Rd. Prospect 203-758-6605

Bob@Skripsautobody. com

EXPERIENCED GUTTER INSTALLER

Contact Tony at 203-807-9908.

CNA/HHA - Needed to care for a 57yo female with a severe brain injury to provide assistance with ADLs, meal prep and light housekeeping. Please call 860680-1476 to arrange an interview.

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.

RETIRED COUPLEFrom NC seeking to rent Mother-in-Law apartment in Wallingford, CT area, to be used as home base, when visiting area. If interested, contact by email: manduffer@ya hoo.com

GRASSY HILL AUCTIONS, - an Estate

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 YOUR ANTIQUES & JEWELRY

- Call Todd Shamock at 203-494-1695.

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

ALWAYS TOP CASHFor Your Grandma’s Costume Jewelry Stash. I’ll Come to You. Julie, 203-443-9602.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

FRONTLINE PLUMBING - Plumbing repairs

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.

RT RELOCATION

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

Insurance claim.storm damage.roofing.siding. gutter.chimney flashing. Office:203.754.3071 Cell:203.510.3830

Stormshieldct@gmail. com HIC.0664452

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

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

#1 PAINTER’S EDGE

Ext. & Int. Painting. Sheetrock.Popcorn Repair. Wallpaper Remv’l. Decks. 25 yrs exp. Free est. Sr. disc. #0656136. Ins. 860.538.5520

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