Town Times by Record Journal

Farmers market season begins

Business leaders, advocates discuss workforce challenges By Jessica Simms Record-Journal staff

WALLINGFORD — Kevin O’Rourke, owner of Fish Window Cleaning, knows some employees don’t envision themselves working at his business forever. But these days, O’Rourke says, it can be a struggle even getting people to show up.

By Nicole Zappone Town Times

The Durham farmers market returned for its 14th season on April 7. The popular market is always the busiest on opening day, but not this year, due to the thunderstorm that roared by that day. Market Master Jon Scagnelli said he was a bit disappointed at the overall turnout. While more than 30 vendors were expected to show up for opening , but only 13 came that day. However, that did not stop local residents like Simone Howe, who only lives across the street from the town green. “Every year, I always visit the market, and how could I not with it being right across the street?” Howe said. Howe came decked out in her rainbow umbrella checking out all the goodies that ranged from fresh

Friday, April 15, 2022

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Volume 28, Number 15

“I had in the past two weeks four people that I hired, none of them are working for me now,” he said.

O’Rourke was one of 30 business owners, politicians and community advocates who shared a range of perspectives on the challenges companies continue to face attracting and retaining workers during a roundtable event at the HUBCAP on Center Street Friday, April 8. A nonprofit “hybrid-business incubator,” HUBCAP is a collaboration between local schools and the business community designed to inSee Workforce challenges, A2

Simone Howe, of Durham is quite the shopper each year at the farmer’s market on the town green. She is seen at the Market Master’s table on April 7. Nicole Zappone, Town Times

lemonade to pasta, soup to nuts, and more. There was certainly something for everyone at the market. “We still had a decent

turnout and next week will definitely be a busier week with the forecast being around 70 degrees,” Scagnelli said.

State Sen. Paul Cicarella (standing) speaks at a business roundtable discussion with local business, nonprofit and government leaders at HUBCAP Wallingford.

See Farmers market, A7

Contributed photo

Candidate search heats up as parties brace for campaign By Mary Ellen Godin Record-Journal staff

State Sen. Mary Daugherty Abrams’ announcement that she would not be seeking reelection has local party leaders huddling to find candidates who can win in what has become a swing district over the last decade.

Abrams, a two-term Democratic incumbent, has been absent from the legislative session due to an unspecified illness. The 13th Senate district, which covers all of Meriden and Middlefield and parts of Middletown and Cheshire, has been represented by two

Democrats and one Republican since 2011.

elected in 2020 with 52.75 percent.

Republican Len Suzio won the seat in a special election in 2011. Democrat Danté Bartolomeo unseated him in 2012 then lost to him in 2016. Abrams unseated Suzio in 2018 with 52.4 percent of the vote and was re-

The 2020 election increased the Democratic majority in the Senate from 22-14 to 2412 and it now stands at 2313. All 36 seats are up for election in 2022. Abrams is the sixth senate incumbent to opt against a

re-election campaign. Four Republicans and two Democrats are not seeking re-election, most in districts that are competitive, according to The Connecticut Mirror. Before changing hands three times in the last decade, the See Candidate search, A3

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Friday, April 15, 2022

Workforce challenges From A1

crease college and career readiness while expanding downtown Wallingford business.

to address the issue of people not showing up for work or hiring interviews by coming up with ways to make people proud of their work.

nesses that are going under because no one is interested in moving down that path because they just don’t know about it.”

students to want to attend workforce development programs, Kim McLaughlin of the College and Career Center at Sheehan High School, said it’s important to understand the audience.

been driving them from the time they’re young to find that thing that ignites passion, McLaughlin said, “to find something that they believe in, that they’re going to make a difference doing.”

Mushinsky agreed that there are some good jobs out jsimms@record-journal.com there that do not require a “When it comes to the high 203-317-2279 “If we can come up with a college degree, so within the school students, we have Twitter: @jessica_simms99 “There seems to be a lack of way to encourage people to school district, Tony Loomis, communication and that’s take pride in being self-suswellness coordinator for why we’re going to have the taining, I think we can solve Wallingford Public Schools, conversation today,” said a lot of the problems that we said once students reach the state Sen. Paul Cicarella, Rare talking about,” said Cerhigh school level, they North Haven, who co-hosted voni, a Republican. should know what their pasthe event. “... But there are a sions are so they need to atlot of workforce developEven though people were tain the skills to be able to ment ideas out there.” encouraged to stay home the get the future job they want. past two years due to the Confused by your insurance options? When discussing ways to im- pandemic, state Rep. Mary “College, for many, is an improve the workforce, Maria Mushinsky, D-Wallingford, portant step toward that caCampos Harlow, executive who did not attend, pointed reer and you have to build director of the United Way of to the ongoing challenges If you are 64 and thinking about medicare insurance, don’t pay those skills in high school to Meriden and Wallingford, workers face due to a lack of prepare you to get accepted more than you have to and get the benefits you deserve. stressed the idea of paying child care. to a college for that,” Loomis attention to “the boots on Contact us for a no-cost consultation! said. “But, there’s a very the ground.” “If you’re lower income, it’s good chance college is not even harder to get (child Tom Arisco going to be a step that you “I think that it is significantly care),” Mushinsky said. Independent need.” important that we underInsurance Agent stand the value that it is to (203) 379-7852 Future of workforce When it comes to getting work with local nonprofits *Independent insurance agent, not employed by Medicare or any other government agency. and local organizations that Along with discussing the current labor climate, the have a direct relationships participating business and with the individuals,” CamIf you need a tub organization leaders and pos Harlow said. “They can really educate them, inspire government officials or shower replaced, touched upon the future of them, guide them to enroll in all of these amazing train- the workforce and shifting views on the role of college. ing programs that are available everywhere.” “I’m not discrediting college, but unfortunately a four-year An issue many of the busidegree is just like a diploma nesses and organizations that attended the discussion now and I just think that we talked about was the lack of need to educate our children people showing up for either on the other great opportunities that are out there and training or to work. the community needs it, the Vincent Cervoni, chairman businesses, they need help,” We offer tub and shower conversions Includes demo, haul of the Wallingford Town Cicarella said. “More imporaway, sub-floor, Council, said it’s important tantly, there are jobs or busiplumbing, Kohler fixtures, R250704

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Candidate search From A1

13th Senate seat had been a Democratic stronghold, with Republicans last holding the seat in the 1970s, prior to Suzio’s victory in 2011. Suzio could not be reached for comment, but state and local party leaders said he was not expected to run in 2022. With both Abrams and Suzio out of the race, party leaders on both sides in four towns are screening and recruiting potential candidates before next month’s party conventions. “I think the opportunity is very good,” said Republican state chairman Ben Proto. “It’s a seat that has swung back and forth over the years. I think the opportunities for the Republicans are excellent.” Candidates have traditionally come from Meriden, where the Democratic Party is not only interviewing candidates for the 13th Senate district but also the 83rd House seat being vacated by Democrat Cathy Abercrombie. The newly redistricted 83rd now includes part of Cheshire in addition to parts of Meriden and Berlin. Meriden Democrats may also have to fill the 84th House seat should state Rep. Hilda Santiago win the party’s endorsement for Secretary of the State next month. “In my memory, the Democrats have not had three open seats,” said Meriden Democratic Town Committee Secretary Jeff Freiser in an email.

ed Republican incumbent Jim Tavegia in the 83rd House district. The vacancies could mean the traditional four-member “Meriden delegation” could be made up of candidates from other towns. However, the city does have a weighted number of convention delegates to vote on candidates. In the 13th Senate district, Meriden has 28 delegates to Middlefield’s two, Middletown’s 12 and Cheshire’s 12, according to Meriden Democratic Town Chairwoman Millie TorresFerguson. The party is not making official candidate announcements as discussions are ongoing, Torres-Ferguson said. In Cheshire, the Democratic Town Committee met recently to discuss potential candidates for House and Senate races but made no announcements. Cheshire Democratic Town Councilor Jim Jinks said there isn’t an accepted belief that candidates from Meriden are favored to win. Jinks, who lost a close race in the 90th House district to Republican Rep. Craig Fishbein in 2020, said the 13th Senate district requires a strong candidate who can appeal to the electorate.

Samuel said she’s discussing issues and evaluating support with GOP leaders in the district. Samuel was a Democrat who became unaffiliated in 2016. She later became a Republican because Republicans at the

state level were talking accountability, something desperately needed in the state, she said. She should have a final decision soon. Proto called Samuel a wellknown candidate for her work on parent and educa-

tion issues statewide.

“Gwen is at the forefront of education and parenting,” Proto said. “Across the state, it comes down to how the voters see Biden and Lam-

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“It’s a district that has changed hands often,” Jinks said. “It’s going to be someone focused on wanting to get things done and move these communities forward.”

On the Republican side, Meriden resident and acAfter checking with former tivist Gwen Samuel has filed Democratic Speaker of the papers with the Secretary of House Chris Donovan, Freis- the State to begin an exer said the last time the ploratory committee for the Meriden Democrats did not seat in the 13th Senate dishave incumbents in three trict. Samuel is known in the races was 1994. Donovan community as an advocate was running for his second for education and parent term. Thomas Gaffey ran rights. and replaced retiring Demo“For me, as an activist who cat Amelia Mustone in the is organizing, it always Senate. Emil “Buddy” Altocomes down to politics,” bello ran and replaced Tom Luby in the 82nd House dis- Samuel said. “We have a one-sided government. trict and James W. Abrams — Mary Daugherty Abrams’ There needs to be more diversity.” husband — ran and defeat-

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Torres-Ferguson said Proto’s assertion that Republicans have an excellent opportunity to pick up the Senate seat is premature given the Democratic candidate hasn’t been named yet. mgodin@record-journal.com 203-317-2255 Twitter: @Cconnbiz

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Friday, April 15, 2022

Library Durham Public Library

ter at durhamlibrary.org.

The library will be closed Friday, April 15, Good Friday.

Peeps slime. Thursday, April 21 at 3 p.m. For teens. Register at durhamlibrary.org.

Youth :

Adults :

Egg dyeing. Saturday, April 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. A fun family activity for all ages. Bring your own eggs. Regis-

Passport to Connecticut Libraries. Pick up your passport at the circulation desk

then visit at least five libraries during April to be eligible to win a Visa gift card. The Probate Process: What Is It and Why Do We Need it? Thursday, April 28 at 6 p.m. (in person). Register at durhamlibrary.org. Drop-in Mahjong. Tues-

days, from 2 to 4 p.m. For novices or pros. Bring your Mahjong set, if you have one. No registration needed.

days, 10:30 a.m., at the Community Center. Ages 3 to 8, with adult. Bring a yoga mat or blanket. Call or stop by the library to register.

Levi Coe Library

Thursday Night Book Club. Thursday, April 28, 5 p.m., at the library’s media room. “Rebecca” by Daphne Du Maurier will be discussed.

Storytime. Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., at the Community Center. Radiant Child Yoga. Satur-

School News Locals in College Endicott College, Beverly Mass., has named Kevin

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Friday, April 15, 2022

Not so welcome springtime visitors By Diana Carr

slept with one eye open. And I worried that they The fragrance of blooming would chomp and gnaw on flowers wafting through the my house until it was nothair. Trees decked out in their ing but a pile of rubble. But green finery. Birds singing reliable sources have asunder your window in the sured me that they are not morning. Light breezes, carpenter ants, and I need ON OUR TOP longer days. These are COLORS & STYLES* not worry. I tend to think harbingers of spring for most they are right, as all these people. But for me, it’s the years later my house is still ants. Big black ones. standing and does not seem to have shrunk down in size. They come every year, and It seems to be holding at 960 spring is always right on square feet. their heels. Without fail. Family Owned I American Made I Award Winning When they first arrived some They stay for about three years ago, I was horrified. weeks and then they vanish They looked big enough to as quickly as they came. carry me off in the night. I *Details apply. May not combine with other offers or prior purchases. NP-263. HIC.0638822 “See you next year,” they call out over their shoulders as they head out the door. By then I am ready for them to go, as they have already delivered their message and Let us help you find the perfect place to eat. are now in the nuisance Whether it’s a celebration, date night, or just grabbing a bite to eat, stage. They can sniff out the tiniest morsel of food, like this list of local restaurants is sure to satisfy your taste buds. nobody’s business. So everything must be guarded at all Find great local eats - MenusCT.com times, topped with lids or put away in the refrigerator. They even take nose dives Adelphia Café Athena II Diner into my green tea, so I in476 Washington Avenue 320 Washington Ave, spect my cup thoroughly beNorth Haven, CT 06473 North Haven, CT 06473 fore every sip. I can’t imag203.239.0663 203-535-0149 www.athena2diner.com Family owned/operated. Former ine why they think they need Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. proprietors of the Neptune Diner a cup of tea. Perhaps they Serving breakfast, lunch, & dinner. in Wallingford. Extensive menu for are having a mid-afternoon Accept Q Cards. Serving North all tastes. Breakfasts, luncheons Haven for 30 years. Daily specials slump. and special dinners. All baking on

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And they are not just interested in people food. Apparently they see my kitties’ food as a culinary delight also. I had read that peppermint is disagreeable to the little beasts, so at this time of the year I soak cotton balls in peppermint essential oil, stick them in a glass jar, poke holes in the lid so that the fumes can escape, and put the jar by Dakota’s and See Carr, A9

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Friday, April 15, 2022

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Friday, April 15, 2022

Obituaries Kathleen Crete

Gregory George Jacenko NEW HAVEN- Gregory George Jacenko, age 55, of Durham, passed away unexpectedly on February 5, 2022. Greg was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on July 21, 1966, to George and Jacquelene (Erskine) Jacenko. Greg was a graduate of Guilford High School. He started the Clinton Floor Store with his partner in Clinton, CT and it is still in operation today. He was an expert in marble glazing and as a tile setter. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and held a certificate in basic pistol marksmanship since 1989. Greg enjoyed playing guitar and all types of music especially church revival choirs and classical. He was part of the Ski Patrol at Powder Ridge and some of his favorite things were snowmobiling, NASCAR, Limerock, target shooting, billiards, and golf. Mostly, he loved the water and taking his 32 foot sailboat out on weekends. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the CT Humane Society.

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MIDDLEFIELD- Kathleen (Malone) Crete, 66, of Middlefield, beloved wife of James Crete, died after a long illness on Monday, March 21, 2022. A mass will be held at Middlefield Federated Church, 402 Main St., Middlefield, May 7 at 11 o’clock and a funeral service will follow at Middlefield Cemetery. A Celebration gathering will be held after at the Elks Club, 44 Maynard St., Middletown.

High school artists honored by CAS was the master of ceremonies.

The Connecticut Association of Schools hosted its 27th annual high school arts awards banquet at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville April 5. Each spring, CAS honors two seniors from each member high school who excel in the performing or visual arts, and who possess qualities of scholarship and leadership. This year, Elliana Castiglia and Ava Carusone were the Coginchaug Regional High School students deemed most worthy of the

“The arts matter, and there is never a time that the arts don't matter,” Lammers told the crowd. “Congratulations for everything you have done. You are making Connecticut proud.” Coginchaug senior Ava Carusone. Nicole Zappone, Town Times

recognition. Plaques were distributed to all the artists at last week’s banquet. FOX61 Morning News anchor Tim Lammers

Kim King, 2022 Connecticut State Teacher of the Year, was the keynote speaker. King teaches art at Annie E. Vinton Elementary School and Southeast Elementary School in Mansfield. — Nicole Zappone

In Brief HHW collection

Spaghetti dinner

The Lower CT River Council of Governments will host a household hazardous waste collection event Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Clinton Public Works, 117 Nod Road. The collection is open to residents of the RiverCOG region, which includes Middlefield and Durham. No commercial or business waste allowed.

Cat tales will host a spaghetti dinner fundraiser Friday, April 29 at the Elks Club in Middletown. The gathering will include a raffle, door prizes and a cash bar. For tickets, visit cattalesct.org or email info@cattalesct.org.

Sewing projects

The Middlesex Chamber of Commerce will host a free training on the administration and uses for Narcan Tuesday, April 26, 9 to 10:30 a.m. You may attend in-person at the Chamber office or via Zoom. Upon completion of training, Narcan will be dispensed to those who are in need. The training is presented by the Chamber’s Recovery Employment Program, Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council, the Connecticut Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, Alliance for Prevention and Wellness Program of BHcare, and the Durham Middlefield Youth and Family Services. To register, visit middlesexchamber.com.

The Durham Fair Needlework Department and American Sewing Guild invite you to participate in four fun projects during the months of April, May and June. Each project is designed to teach a new skill; all levels of sewing skills are welcome. Three sewing machines will be available for use, or bring your own. Classes are $10 and will be offered Saturday, April 23: tote bag (material not included); Saturday, May 7: pillow case (material included; pillow case will be donated to the Hole in the Wall Camp); Saturday, May 21: zippered cosmetics bag (material included; cosmetics bag will be donated to the Hole in the Wall Camp); and Saturday, June 4: pajama pants (pattern included). To reserve your spot, call Susan D’Orvilliers at 860-306-9024.

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Spring concert The Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords will present their 32nd Annual Spring Concert Saturday, May 7, 7 p.m., at Portland High School, 95 High St. Samuel Tucker will make his debut as the group’s musical director. Tickets are $20. For more information, visit vocalchords20.org.

The Dudley Farm Museum in Guilford will host a community-wide tag sale and flea market Sunday, May 15, from noon to 4 p.m. Plot rentals are available for $20. Call Jerri at 203-457- Farmers Market 0047. The farm can be reached at 203The Durham Farmers Market has re457-0770.

turned for its 14th season. The popular market is held on the town green Thursdays through the end of October. It runs from 3 to 6:30 p.m. In addition to its array of vendors, the market features live music and a 5 p.m. story time for the little ones courtesy of the Durham Public Library.

Spring clean-up The Durham Public Works Department’s annual spring brush pick-up begins the week of April 18. Residents should place brush along the curb prior to that date. Each house is limited to one truckload of brush. The intent of the annual spring brush pickup is to allow homeowners to dispose of branches and limbs that have fallen naturally over the course of the winter. Land clearing or evidence of newly-cut trees does not comply with these regulations. These types of piles will not be removed by the town crew. Public Works can be reached at 860349-1816.

Parade returns For the first time since the start of the pandemic, Durham’s Memorial Day Parade will return Monday, May 30. Veterans are strongly encouraged to participate. Immediately following the parade, a ceremony honoring our nation’s military will take place on the town green. Organizations wishing to participate in the parade should contact Bob Francis at 610-295-3904 or rfranwp80@yahoo.com. See Briefs, A9

Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, April 15, 2022

Community Center

Bus trips. Tuesday, April 20, lunch at Lenny & Joe’s and Hammonasset Beach walk;

Carr From A6

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other houses to go to, in order to announce the coming of spring? They needn’t bother, I should think. Most people are relying on flowers, not ants, to tip them off. I did see a couple of little ants the other day. “Not to be rude,” I told them, “but you are not the right kind of ant. You are in no way big enough. Where are your cousins?” Perhaps I could lure them in by opening the front door and yelling, “Dinner is ready. And I have tea.” Just for the record, though, I really do love the flowers and the singing birds, too.

Briefs From A8

Scouting fundraiser A golf scramble slated for Saturday, May 21 at Indian Springs in Middlefield will generate funds for local Cub Scout Pack 33. The golf scramble will include contests throughout the day, and dinner. Also, people are welcome to skip the golf and just come for dinner. For more information about the golf scramble, email pack33golftournamenr@ gmail.com.

Women of the Woods Women of the Woods (WoW), a program of Everyone Outside, offers monthly hikes in the Durham/Middlefield area. In addition to hiking, the group takes the time to admire the beauty around us, learn a bit about the flora and fauna, and do some exercises to connect with the natural world. Visit EveryoneOutside.org.

Singers sought for GMChorale GMChorale is comprised of a diverse group of individuals of all ages and walks of life who are united in their love of music and a desire to create community. Rehearsals are held Tuesdays, 7 to 9:30 p.m., at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cromwell. Visit gmchorale.org to learn more.

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A10

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Friday, April 15, 2022

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Friday, April 15, 2022

Expiration would end subsidies for many residents By Karla Santos Record-Journal staff

tional $11 million per month or $132 million for Plan Year 2022 to help ensure that healthcare coverage remains affordable,” she explained. Ruwet noted that Advance Premium Tax Credits are not discounts as the premium amount is the same, but there are larger subsidies that provide consumers with monthly savings on premiums.

According to Ruwet, more than 65,000 Connecticut residents are receiving additional financial help for their insurance coverage through ARPA, more than 2,500 Access Health CT customers in the Meriden-Wallingford area.

For example, a family of four with an annual income of $107,000 a year, was paying $3,323 a month in premiums before ARPA. Now the same family is paying $8 a month, representing monthly savings of $3,315. “ARPA has ARPA funds are possible helped to get more people through the federal government, and under those funds covered and also to have Connecticut residents are el- higher levels of coverage,” she said. igible to receive “an addi-

Community Health Center Inc. Access to Care Director Marie Yardis explained the organization primarily serves low-income and vulnerable communities, and understands “it’s not easy for individuals and families to find a plan they can afford that meets their needs.”

The expiration date of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds this year may impact the cost of health insurance for many local residents.

250649

“Financial help from ARPA virtually eliminates or vastly reduces monthly payments, premiums, for many people with low and moderate incomes who enroll through Access Health CT in the form of Advance Premium Tax Credits,” said Caroline Lee Ruwet, director of marketing at Access Health CT.

Low-income and vulnerable communities

“Unfortunately, patients often choose to forgo purchas-

ing health insurance coverage, seeing it as an added expense that isn’t justified,” Yardis said. She noted that although the ARPA funds were helpful to some, Community Health Center didn’t see a significant uptick in enrollments among its patients. Yardis said that although the majority of patients at Community Health Center are eligible for Medicaid, the center recognizes the importance of providing information to patients that fully encompasses what may be available to them. “We actively spread the word on the importance of having health insurance, how to connect to resources, and where to apply,” Yardis said.

Local voices State Rep. Hilda Santiago, DMeriden is in favor of an extension. “I believe that we should still at some point continue to help people with health insurance because it’s so expensive,” she said. “The premiums are high, and the subsidies, the discounts that folks are getting are really helpful in order to maintain health care.”

She said the ARPA funds are needed by working families; people that are feeling the effects of inflation and need to get more help related to child care and mental health. Santiago explained that the pandemic has impacted the mental health of young children, youth and parents that have had to stay home for the past two years. “That’s something we are still making sure that the money is used for.” Santiago said they are also advocating for funding for afterschool programs, “an extension of what helps kids recover from mental health” and workforce development. State Rep. Vincent Candelora, R-Durham, Guilford, North Branford and Wallingford, said there needs to be an analysis to ensure accessibility and affordability of healthcare are being met. “As we start to lean off the federal money, we have to look at making sure that there’s appropriate income threshold levels for people who need those kinds of subsidized benefits,” he said. However, he explained that when he learned of the subSee ARPA, A15

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From A14

“We are going to have to take another look at how that program operates and to what degree the states can afford to subsidize those programs,” Candelora added.

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Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, April 15, 2022

PAC sets sights on Connecticut governor’s race The new super PAC’s chair

and initial contributor is Sean Fieler, a hedge fund manager and conservative Catholic philanthropist who has kept a relatively low profile in Connecticut since moving from Princeton, N.J., to a sprawling Tudor home on four acres in Stamford in 2018.

ont, a first-term Democrat, is at odds with parents over critical race theory, sexually explicit curricula in public schools and the participation of transgender athletes in girls’ sports.

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versial issues, at least not when you poll them. The residents of Connecticut, the electorate of Connecticut, oppose this kind of stuff.”

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A donor to national efforts opposing abortion, gay marriage and, more recently, critical race theory and transgender rights has

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Parents Against Stupid Stuff is his first foray into Connecticut politics outside of limited contributions: $10,000 to the state GOP in 2021 and 2022, $1,000 to the Family Institute of Connecticut and $250 to Rep. Kim Fiorello, R-Greenwich, in 2020, and $3,500 to Bob Stefanowski’s gubernatorial campaign in 2018. Whatever his broader interests, Fieler emphasized his PAC will be tightly focused on issues relating to the influence of parents and families in the schools, not abortion or gay marriage. He said he sees parental rights resonating in Connecticut in ways that other social issues do not. “So there’s obvious political application to these issues in a way that there aren’t for some of the other social isSee PAC, A17

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“That’s why it got life in the Virginia governor’s race,” said Mark Bergman, a Democratic consultant who has advised campaigns in Virginia and Connecticut.

The Connecticut Republican Party generally has shied from the culture wars, though a former state chair, J.R. Romano, gave a “courage After months of silence, Laaward” in 2020 to the three mont promised to defy the female athletes. administration: “We’re gonna stand up, fight against “When you have biological discrimination.” males beating girls in girls’

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“We’re looking forward to working closely with a number of the parents’ groups that have spontaneously formed over the last six months to a year here,” Fieler said.

Some Connecticut operatives in either party are skeptical about whether that can be replicated here. Last year, the election was held while Virginia parents were furious over continuing mask mandates and long school closures due to COVID-19, as well as concerns about what was being taught.

In 2020, the Trump administration threatened to withhold federal education aid over the CIAC’s policy and a Connecticut law prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity.

“Look, I’m 66 years old. This is a tough situation — trans,” Lamont said at a press conference in September 2020. “We’re going to work through this as a state, but I don’t need the heavy hand of the federal government coming in and penalizing schools and shortchanging kids to do this. I think we’re going to do this at the community level. We’re going to figure this out with our leagues. And I just wish the federal government butt out on this subject.

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Fieler declined to say when or how its messaging would begin. CT Truth PAC, another independent expenditures group with a budget of at least $1 million, already is running ads on television and the web attacking Lamont, who is independently wealthy and largely selffunding his campaign.

The influence of critical race theory on local education was an issue in several Connecticut towns in 2021, most notably in Guilford. A slate of insurgents used the issue to unseat Republican incumbents in a GOP primary, but they were defeated in the general election.

But he clearly was discomforted by the issue.

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His new PAC was registered March 1 with the State Elections Enforcement Commission, and its first quarterly report showed initial contributions of $80,000 from Fieler and a payment of $60,375 to Evolving Strategies of Bethesda, Md., for “messaging test research.”

sports, that’s something that Gov. Lamont has really, I think, tried to avoid as an issue,” Fieler said. “And to the extent that he said anything about it has been on the wrong side of the electorate.”

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sues in a state like Connecticut,” he said.

sports became an issue in 2020, albeit a narrow one arising from a lawsuit filed against the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference on behalf of three female track athletes who objected to competing against a transgender girl, as allowed by CIAC rules.

A17

R250300

From A16

Democrat Terry McAuliffe didn’t help his cause when he seemed dismissive of parents, saying, “I don’t think parents should be telling schools what they should teach.”

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PAC

Friday, April 15, 2022

A18

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Legal Notices & Classifieds

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248314

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R247766v2

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A19

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A20

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mon sense,” he said.

From A17

Leave our kids alone.” Fieler could not say why he was confident Stefanowski, the presumptive GOP for governor, would support banning transgender athletes. Citing a state law banning a super PAC’s coordination with a candidate it is supporting, he said he has not spoken to the Republican candidate. Stefanowski could not be reached Monday on the issue. Lamont’s campaign manager, Dan Morrocco, was quick, however, to brand Fieler as “an anti-choice, anti-gaymarriage, Trump-supporting zealot” whose support will reflect on Stefanowski. Stefanowski has broadly signaled solidarity with parents who complain of lacking influence in their children’s education. In a video posted on social media last week, Stefanowski and his wife, Amy, talked about issues on which Democrats, Republicans and unaffiliated voters can agree.

Fieler moved his family and eventually his business to Connecticut after his wife, Ana Cecilia Fieler, an economist, began teaching at Yale. They are the parents of six children: the youngest is 2, the oldest a freshman in high school.

2022 PRE-DAFFODIL FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

GOURMET FOOD TRUCK FROM ACROSS CT

In a speech in 2018 at the Catholic Information Center annual gala, where he received the “John Paul II Award for the New Evangelization,” Fieler said his own evangelical work began with his checkbook, a description that could apply to his political activism or his philanthropy. As described by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the New Evangelization is a recognition that relatively few Catholics practice their faith and a call for all Catholics to evangelize to others.

Sat, April 18 9 AM—7 PM Sun, April 19 10 AM—7 PM

CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL RID

“One is giving our kids a solid education,” Stefanowski said. “Amy and I were fortunate to have great schools for our kids. We had a say in their education. We had a say in looking at their homework and watching what they’re learning, and parents deserve that.”

“I immediately gravitated towards the easiest way to evangelize. I gave money to others to evangelize,” Fieler said. “And, to be very frank, that is the vast majority of my involvement in what might be loosely called ‘The New Evangelization’ until I met Cecilia and we had a family.” He challenged his audience to be evangelicals willing to confront fellow Catholics who have fallen away from the faith and accept the “Gnostic heresies” of modern life.

“Let me sum up the moment this way: By the time the government has decided that guys who claim to be girls should have access to the girls’ locker room because they are really girls, you can be pretty certain that the gnostic heresy is well adFieler said he is aware of cas- vanced,” he said. “We, the co-conspirators in the New es of sexually explicit or inEvangelization, are kidding appropriate materials being ourselves if we think that we used in the schools, mencan boldly proclaim what we tioning a controversy over a lesson about sexual consent believe and sidestep the mistakenly offered to eighth- dominant heresy of our time.” grade students in a family health and human sexuality class in Enfield. A longer version of this story originally appeared on the “Sexually explicit material website of The Connecticut being taught to young chilMirror, www.ctmirror.org. dren in schools defies comThat, of course, is a long way from banning transgender athletes who identify as girls from competing in high school sports or participating in a debate about which books might be appropriate for which ages.

TAG SALE!

CONNECTICUT’S LARGEST

Sat, April 18 Sun, April 19

Saturday, April 23

9 AM–2 PM, Rain or Shine

Under the Festival Tent Hubbard Park, West Main Street, Meriden, CT

CHILDREN’S

10 AM—7 PM

CARNIVAL RIDES

$25 wristbands available Saturday, NOON—7 April 23PM SAT & AM – Closing Individual tickets10also available. $25 wristbands available. Individual tickets also available. 10 AM – Closing (weather permitting) PARKING IS PERMITTED IN HUBBARD PARK FOR ALL EVENTS ON SAT, APRIL 23 & SUN, APRIL 24

Refreshments for purchase will be available to all park visitors all weekend

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PARKING IS PERMITTED IN www.daffodilfest.com HUBBARD PARK FOR ALL EVENTS ON SAT, APRIL 18 & SUN, APRIL 19