Walter Project

He declined the offer, but said he would appreciate a coffee. So, that's what they got for their new friend, Walter.

Since the start of the pandemic, homelessness has grown steadily in the United States. For Lillian, meeting a homeless person got her thinking about the struggles many people face. And from that spark, the “Walter Project” was born.

Now, each year around her birthday, Lillian donates money to St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen in Middletown. The funds come from the sale of the girl's hand-drawn wooden ornaments, which feature a Nordic bear named Walter.

The most recent "Walter Project" effort pulled in more than $700.

“Lillian’s principal, Noelle Durkin, and her teacher JoAnn Poach at Middlefield Memorial School, were very supportive of Lilly’s project and allowed her to speak at school about the origin of the project and why it is important to her,” Rachel Spinks said. “Many of the faculty and staff at her school purchased Walter ornaments, and we are grateful for the level of support from her school community.”

Spinks described her 9-yearold daughter as “empathetic.”

At one point, the girl even asked if Walter could come live with their family. nzappone@record-journal.com 203-317-2212

Each year, Lillian McMinn, of Rockfall, raises money for St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen in Middletown by selling wooden ornaments featuring a hand-drawn Nordic bear named Walter.

In Brief

Reading challenge

The Hartford Yard Goats, in partnership with Eversource, has announced the return of a student reading challenge for the 2023 season. Students (K through 8th grade) who read five books outside of the school curriculum will earn two tickets to a Yard Goats game at Dunkin’ Park. A parent or guardian can register students online at yardgoatsbaseball.com through Sunday, May 6.

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.

Bailey

From A1

Celebration of Life attendees are invited to share stories about Bailey and what he meant to the Middlefield community.

In an email to the Town Times, local chaplain Lisa Irish said, “What we are doing is ‘enfranchising our grief,’ which is a concept in bereavement theory that is needed now, more than ever. Our gathering will be a Celebration of Life, because while we grieve Ed’s passing, we are celebrating the Gift that he was to the town of Middlefield.”

Prior to becoming first selectman, Bailey served on the board for six years.

A Dec. 9, 2021 press release from the Town of Middlefield announcing Bailey’s passing stated, in part, “He helped Middlefield to thrive and improve the lives of all its citizens. A mariner at heart, he navigated our town through many challenges; the great recession, COVID19 pandemic, always with an optimistic outlook for the future of our town.”

Those planning to attend the April 23 Celebration of Life are asked to RSVP to celebrate@middlefield.org or 860-968-7028.

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

Get your diploma

Ready for a second chance to earn your high school diploma? Middletown Adult Education will help. Students may register at any time. Call for more information, 860-343-6044.

Food bank

The Middlefield Food Bank is in need of the following: peanut butter, jelly, jam, sandwich/freezer bags, coffee, tea, crackers, snacks, laundry detergent, dish soap, cleaning supplies, toothpaste, tooth brushes, pasta, pasta sauce, tuna, and grocery store gift cards.

Police Officer

The Wallingford Police Department is seeking qualified applicants for Police Officer.

$1,301.20 weekly plus an excellent fringe benefit package to include a defined benefit pension plan. The written and oral exam processes will be administered by the South Central Criminal Justice Administration. To apply, candidates must register through the South Central Criminal Justice Administration webpage found under the “Associations” menu at www.policeapp.com by the registration deadline of Wednesday, April 5, 2023. The registration requires a fee of $ 85.00. EOE

Records Associate

Town of Cheshire invites qualified candidates to apply for FT (35 hours), civilian position in records division of the Cheshire Police Department.

Starting rate: $21.97/ hr. Work hours are 7AM to 2:30PM, Monday through Friday. Excellent benefit package. Job description & info on how to apply available at www. cheshirect.org A letter of interest, resume and Town application must be submitted by the close of business on Friday April 14, 2023 to Louis A. Zullo, HR Director, 84 South Main Street, Cheshire, CT 06410. Town of Cheshire is an EEOE, M/F/D/V.

OFFICE ASSISTANTPart- time. Apply in person to Century Tool, 260 Canal St., Milldale, CT 06467. 860-6216748.

ALWAYS BUYING

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

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.

ANTIQUES - Always buying old; Toys, military, jewelry, art, watches, musical instruments, signs, arcade games, cameras, pre 1970 sports memorabil-

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.

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

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

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

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.

Whether it is a lost ring, wallet or a Parrot named Oliver, a Classified ad can help track it down.

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

MADAM ALEXANDER DOLLS - Merrythought Teddy Bear Collection. Call Dennis, 203 6417333.

1, 2, 3 CASH FOR YOUR ANTIQUES & JEWELRY - Call Todd Shamock at 203-494-1695.

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

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

Let Us BEAR Your Junk! Junk Removal in CT

JM Lawn Care Comm. & Res. Lawn Mowing, Spring Cleanup, Hedge Trimming, Tree Service, Mulch, any color. 860.796.8168

#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

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

SPRING SPECIALSWhole House up to 5 rms. $269. 6’ sofa, $109. CarpetCare Solutions, 203.427.5165.

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

Sm. Yard Mowing. Spring Clean-Up. Light Hauling. Sr. & Veteran disc. 203.600.3836.

Mike’s Helping Hands.

OVER 28 YEARS EXP

Stonewalls, patios, sidewalks, chimneys, pool areas, fireplaces, fire pit steps, all types of masonry work. Free est. (860) 274-4893.

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

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

JT’S

A pressureless house washing system can save you money, ask how! The Power-Washing Kings. House & roof washing, decks, patios, etc. Others Wash We Clean! 860.839.1000 thepowerwashing kings.com

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

ALEX EUROPEAN MASONRY - 30 yrs. exp. Patios, ret. walls, steps, brick, stone, chimneys. Lic#580443. 203-2320257 or 203-596-0652