Rockfall resident says church fest is all about tradition
By Frank LoGiudice Special to Town TimesRockfall resident Mario Mazzotta is among the tri-chairs of the 2023 Saint Sebastian’s Church “100 + 2” Festival in Middletown. The event will take place May 19 to 21.
Joining Mazzotta as chairs of the annual church “feast” are Angela Magnano and Christopher Serra.
Mazzotta said he took on the leadership role in order “to continue the tradition of the St. Sebastian’s festival for future generations,” pointing out that this year is the 102nd anniversary of the feast.
The three-day event offers something for everyone.
vegan versions of the dishes I used to make,” the author said. “[W]e will eat the vegan versions; no complaints.”
Coginchaug Little League held its opening day ceremony on Sunday, April 16. Along with the action on the field, business was brisk at the concession stand. Meanwhile, local Girl Scouts held a cookie sale, and the Middlefield Volunteer Fire Company was on hand with some of its equipment. Send your opening day photos to news@towntimes.com. Coginchaug Little League, Facebook
Budget meeting, vote set
Notice is hereby given to all those eligible to vote in town meetings in the member towns of Durham and Middlefield that the Annual Meeting of Regional School District 13 will be held Monday, May 1 at 7 p.m. in the Julian Thayer Auditorium at Coginchaug Regional High School, 135 Pickett
Lane, for the following purpose: To present the amended proposed budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year as prepared by the RSD13 Board of Education.
The moderator shall adjourn the Annual Meeting at its conclusion and the budget shall be submitted to a vote upon the voting tabulators in the district’s
member towns of Durham and Middlefield on Tuesday, May 2, in accordance with Section 10-51 of the Connecticut General Statutes, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., under the following heading: "Shall the proposed budget of $39,426,575 for the 20232024 fiscal year as prepared
See Budget, A14
Along with restaurants offering “delicious Italian cuisine,” Mazzotta said this year’s festival will feature a vendor tent.
One of the items available there will be the Italian cookbook “Cooking From The Heart,” by Mazzotta’s wife, Nella. The book details traditional Sicilian recipes along with their vegan versions.
Nella Mazzotta wrote the book when her son Nicholas became a vegan. “The traditional Italian food that he used to eat and love, that had meat and fish, he couldn’t any more,” she said.
As a result, “I decided to become very clever and make
On Sunday, the final day of the Saint Sebastian’s feast, before the 11 a.m. high mass, about 100 people will gather at Saint Sebastian’s Church Cemetery in Middlefield for the “I Nuri Run.”
Run organizer Joe Spatola, Jr. said when the “Nuri” leave the cemetery they will go straight down Route 66 into Middletown and pause in front of the St. Sebastian’s statue before turning right into Mellili Plaza and straight to the Sons of Italy Hall. There, they’ll wait for the signal to enter the church.
“That is the way it has always been done historically,” Spatola stated.
It’s not beach-side, but I’ll take it
Those 90-degree days hit us like a ton of bricks, didn’t they? They seemed to come out of nowhere. One minute I had the heat on, so that I could stay nice and toasty throughout those 22-degree nights, and the next minute I was pretty much gasping for air.
Well, it has been said that if you don’t like the weather in New England, just wait a minute. I guess we all waited a minute.
My feet are especially happy. They have kicked off their shoes to the back of the closet, not to be retrieved until the ground is covered with frost. I have, in a short period of time, “summerized.”
All coverings off my kitties’ window boxes, much to Shiloh’s delight. I have taken the cover off the window air conditioner. I have dusted off the fans and gotten them up and running again. In my house it feels like summer is in full swing.
Next on my list is to swap out the winter clothes for the summer ones. This always makes me hold my breath, as I fervently pray that the upcoming season’s garments still fit. I go through the same thing when it is time to drag
the winter clothes out. These naughty garments must get bored waiting for their time to come out of hiding, as sometimes they have seen fit to shrink, just to have something to do. I think they should find another hobby. The real moment of truth is the first time I don the bathing suit. I wouldn’t mind a little white lie. Or a big one.
And I must drag out the doggie pool. As previously stated over the years, its purpose is for bathing a dog. Not my purpose, though. It is for providing a bit of relief from the heat. It is a snug fit, to be sure. I have to wiggle my way down into it and then wiggle back up again when I wish to emerge, and my feet touch the sides, but it is good enough for me. I bring my tea and my books, and I am good to go. My own little oasis.
When I am not in the mood, however, for inching myself down into my pool and then flopping all around in an effort to get back out, I sit on my lounge chair. But that is a true sauna, as there is no shade whatsoever. Oh, there are lots of trees, but they belong to the woods, and I
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don’t think it would work out so well for me if I was to perch in some thicket. But I have a plan. I am going to order a beach umbrella from Amazon, one that attaches to your chair. Now if I can get some waves going in the doggie pool it will truly resemble a seaside experience.
I love this time of year, even
with the desert-like temperatures we just had. It is so exciting to see everything come to life. I swear, I see a difference from the time I leave for work in the morning to the time I come home. “Were those trees starting to pop out before? I don’t think so. ” Every day has more treats and surprises.
By the time you read this the
mercury has dropped a bit, to a more comfortable level, but I am still forging ahead. Doggie pool ready, check. Beach umbrella ordered, check. Fans all working, check.
Now if only those summer clothes behaved themselves over the winter and stayed the same size, I am all set. Wish me luck.
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‘Be Kind’ signs return
By Summer LerchWhen COVID hit and the Durham Fair was canceled, the Middlefield Lions Club had a brainstorm – Let’s fill our town with “Be Kind” signs.
So we did that.
At the height of COVID, our town became filled with the signs. Middlefield had become part of a movement to encourage “acts of kindness, and the belief that the world can be changed by small acts, through words, deeds and art, to raise the vibration of the community.” That’sa quote from the Infinite Love Project (infiniteloveproject.com).
I know as I drove around town, I loved seeing these signs up. I loved feeling a part of a larger, kinder movement, especially as I thought about the changes happening in our greater society around our communications and our news cycles, and how different groups treated one another.
Three years later, the “Be Kind” signs are weathered, or have disappeared. So the Middlefield Lions are bringing them back; bringing back these simple reminders of the difference small acts of kindness make for us all.
Middlefield Lions’ “Be Kind” signs are $30. To place an order, e-mail Lions President
Birdie Curtis, at curtisbirdie@hotmail.com and include your address and phone number so we can connect for delivery. Payment can be made via Venmo (@Middlefield-Lions) or check (payable to Middlefield Lions Club). Send checks to: Middlefield Lions, P. O. Box 1, Middlefield CT, 06455. Include your address, e-mail and cell number. Please join us in expanding the “Be Kind” message in and around Middlefield. You are the best thing about Middlefield. And Middlefield becomes the best because of you. Thank you for your act of kindness. Together we are making the world a better place.
Durham Dental
Thank you
Editor:
Thank you to all who helped make the Durham Garden Club Tag Sale a huge success. We are grateful to those who contributed items for the sale and to those who purchased items or simply cheered us on.
The sale helps us fulfill part of our mission to reuse and recycle items and the proceeds will help fund our yearly scholarship granted to a Coginchaug High School graduate.
In our 90th year, we are currently engaged in restoring and re-planting the atrium garden at the Korn School
Community Center which, when complete, will emerge as a Pollinator Pathway.
Durham Garden Club
Garden celebration
Editor:
This Saturday, April 22, at 10 a.m., the Durham-Middlefield Giving Garden team will be recognizing three young men whose Eagle Scout projects included improvements to the garden.
Sully McCoy installed a sink and washing station so that
gardeners can clean off the produce collected, Logan Watts built a seed cabinet, and Nathan Strang made four raised beds and two picnic tables.
The garden is located behind the Middlefield Community Center.
Everyone is invited to come see the projects and thank the Scouts for their hard work. Light refreshments and an overview of the garden are also on tap.
Regular volunteer gatherings will start on Saturday, April
29 at 10 a.m. and continue Wednesdays and Saturdays through the gardening season. Volunteers of any age and gardening skill level are welcome for whatever amount of time you can give. Hard rain cancels.
For further information, contact Betsy St. John at 860807-5242 or Jen Huddleston at 860-716-0464.
Durham-Middlefield Giving Garden
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
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Vote For Your Favorite Local Businesses!
Our Annual Best of Awards reader’s poll is back. This is your chance to nominate and vote for your favorite people, places and businesses in your local area. It’s a great way to support your local businesses.
VOTE: Online voting begins April 13 and ends Sunday, April 23.
WIN $250: If you nominate at least 25 businesses you will be entered to win a $250 gift card. A random drawing will take place at the end of the contest. We will also give away a $250 gift card for the voting round!
myrecordjournal.com/BestofAwards
BIG HELP
Some 900 members of the Quinnipiac University community took part in the 14th annual Big Event on Saturday, April 15, a day of community service that connects QU students, faculty, staff and alumni with community partners in the Greater New Haven area and beyond. During this year’s Big Event, Quinnipiac formed teams and spruced up sites in Bethany, Branford, Cheshire, Durham, Hamden, Meriden, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Southington, Wallingford, West Haven and Woodbridge. Pictured: Quinnipiac University students Katherine Braccia, Marianna Colabello and Gabriela Moreno volunteer at Camp Cedarcrest in Orange on April 15.
SEWING PROGRAM
Submitted
In Brief
HHW collection
The Lower CT River Council of Governments will hold a free household hazardous waste collection Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Clinton Public Works Garage, 117 Nod Road. No commercial or business waste allowed. The collection is open to residents of the RiverCOG region, which includes Middlefield and Durham. Visit rivercog.org to learn more.
Sneakers sought
Throughout the month of April, Coginchaug Alliance for Racial Equity (CARE) is collecting used sneakers to benefit scholarships at Strong Middle School and Coginchaug Regional High School.
The sneakers will be recycled or reused. Collection boxes can be found at Levi E. Coe Library, the Middlefield Community Center (upper floor) and at the Durham Community Center. Questions? Email coginchaugalliance@gmail.com.
Road clean-up
Middlefield-Rockfall Community Road Cleanup Day is Saturday, May 6. Volunteers can come to Peckham Park between 9 and 11 a.m. to collect bags, gloves and a trash picker. Then, return unused materials and collected trash to Peckham Park by 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 7 for the town crew to pick up. Rain date is May 7.
CVEF grants
The Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation is accepting grant applications. If you have a great idea, apply now. The application can be downloaded from coginchaugvef.org and are due Monday, May 1. Questions can be emailed to grants@ coginchaugvef.org. FACEBOOK.COM/ RECORDJOURNAL
Bailey tribute
A Celebration of Life honoring the memory of former Middlefield First Selectman Ed Bailey will be held Sunday, April 23, 2 p.m., at Peckham Park. Attendees are invited to share stories about Bailey and what he meant to the Middlefield community.
Those planning to attend the Celebration of Life are asked to RSVP to 860-840-1543 or celebrate@middlefieldct.org.
Breakfast fundraiser
A pancake breakfast fundraiser benefiting the Coginchaug baseball and softball teams will be held Sunday, May 7, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Durham Community Center.
Adult breakfast (2 pancakes, 2 sausages) is $10. Children’s breakfast (1 pancake, 1 sausage) is $5. Juice, water, coffee included.
Vocal Chords
The Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords will present its 33rd annual spring concert, “It’s a Grand Night for Singing,” Saturday, April 29, 7 p.m., at Portland High School, 95 High St. In addition, the Vocal Chords will present scholarships to graduating students from Middlesex County who will be pursuing a career in nursing or music. Tickets for “It’sa Grand Night for Singing” are $25. Call Diane (860-3472787) or Joyce (860-3423120) to reserve your seats.
Giving Garden
The Middlefield-Durham Giving Garden will officially open for the season Saturday, April 22 at 10 a.m. with an event to honor three local Eagle Scouts whose projects have enriched the garden over the last several years. There will also be a free seed swap and distribution.
Volunteers have been working to prepare the garden, located behind the Middlefield Community Center, Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Saturday work opportunities will begin April 29. Help is welcomed and appreciated. For further information, contact Betsy St. John at 860-807-5242 or Jen Huddleston at 860-716-0464.
Volunteer
The Middlefield Fire Department seeks volunteers age 18-plus. No experience is required; the department provides the necessary training. 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.
Cat Tales
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.
Gift of sight
The Durham Lions Club’s recently-refurbished drop box is ready for your eyeglass donations at the Durham Pharmacy.
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. Register at any time.
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.
From seeds Great things grow. gG , the acorn, is appearing in Community Spaces across Wallingford to inspire grassroots community engagement with social service and arts nonprofits. Be The Seed.
A 36-hour, online-giving event to support local nonprofits
scowinc.org
About The Great Give: Celebrating its 14th year in 2023, The Great Give is returning on May 3-4. This 36-hr, online, community-wide giving event was created by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven to raise visibility and resources for nonprofits serving Greater New Haven.
We are Wallingford nonprofits welcoming you to be the seed. Be our grassroots connections.
#TheGreatGive06492
Since 1972, SCOW has responded to the needs of the Latino Community by assisting in their success as they maintain and share their rich varied cultures with the broader community. SCOW offers several educational opportunities designed to build confidence and enhance skills. SCOW helps newcomers transition to full participation in our community and nation. Your gifts help us help the most vulnerable and underserved clients with social and immigration services, education, advocacy, translation, and interpretation, as well as emergency basic needs.
Follow Us | facebook.com/GreatGive06492
wallingfordymca.org
Founded in 1944, the Wallingford Family YMCA has spent over 78 years bringing the community togetherincluding nurturing the potential of children & teens with an incredible summer experience that helps them build character, form lifelong friendships, and create long lasting memories. Your gift will ensure that the youth & teens of our community will have the best summer ever at Camp Ulbrich, regardless of their ability to pay.
wallingford.lioninc.org
Do you want our community to grow stronger, kinder, and more welcoming? If you help WPL reach its $5,000 goal, you will be a critical part of the plan to create shared and connection-building experiences at “The Table” events. Convening people of different ages, races, ethnicities, identities, abilities, and backgrounds in venues throughout Wallingford is the idea we are asking you to help fund. By bringing the community together to share music, food, cultures, stories, and conversation, we can learn as we welcome each other’s experiences and perspectives at “The Table.”
ctfoodshare.org
Connecticut Foodshare, a Feeding America member, mobilizes community partners, volunteers, and supporters to deliver an informed and equitable response to hunger throughout Connecticut. With a network of more than 650 partner agencies and direct service programs, Connecticut Foodshare provides healthy food to the nearly 400,000 food insecure individuals (including one out of eight children). Our vision is a thriving community free of hunger. You can help.
gaylord.org
bgcgnh.org
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater New Haven fills the gap when school’s out for Wallingford, North Haven and New Haven youth. Since 1963, the Ulbrich Clubhhouse of Wallingford has been helping young people achieve academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. Your investment during The Great Give will help close the academic learning loss caused by the pandemic and ensure those who need us the most will be able to attend the Club.
mastersmanna.org
Master’s Manna, Inc. helps homeless, and low to moderate-income families and individuals obtain essential life needs. Resources at Master’s Manna provide reduction of food insecurity, mental and physical health intervention, and navigating vocational and educational opportunities. We are blessed with a diverse group of volunteers. At times additional hands lighten the load & brighten the day as we strive to benefit our community. Financial support received from The Great Give helps support the actions of those supporting others.
myrecordjournal.com/latino-news
Specialty Healthcare provides medical management and intensive rehabilitation for individuals who have experienced a catastrophic health crisis such as a spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, stroke, or COVID-19. Donations to the Great Give support the Louis D. Traurig House, Connecticut’s only transitional living center for people with a brain injury. This unique program provides four-to-six-weeks of individualized day treatment for patients to successfully transition from hospital to home.
capitalforchange.org
Gaylord
soul-friends.org
Animal-assisted mental health services offer unique positive outcomes. When Soul Friends founder, Kate Nicoll, suffered a spinal cord injury in 2003, she noticed how her dog was responsive to her pain and moods. Soul Friends leverages this special human-animal bond to help children, families, veterans, and first responders living with trauma, loss, and social-emotional challenges. Donations help us care for the therapy animals that help the people.
The Latino Communities Reporting Lab (Reportajes de la Comunidad Latina) is a long-term initiative with a mission to amplify the voices of our local Latino communities. Your donation during the Great Give will support Lau Guzmán, the Lab’s multimedia reporter from Report for America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities. Report for America will match every dollar we raise during the Great Give up to $25,000.
Capital for Change’s mission is to provide flexible, creative and responsive financial products and services to benefit low and moderate income persons, and minority and otherwise disadvantaged individuals, businesses and communities. The vision for C4C is to be Connecticut’s premier community development financial institution offering capital solutions that will create and sustain lasting, positive change to low-income communities, including broadened social and economic participation, economic growth and environmental sustainability. You can help.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Narcan will soon be sold over the counter
By José Luis Martínez The Connecticut MirrorIn the past five years, over 7,000 people in Connecticut died due to opioid overdoses.
That’s enough to overflow the Hartford Yard Goats’ Dunkin’ Park or fill the main theater at the Bushnell more than twice.
“I literally have lost count on how many people that I know, love, have worked with my family that have died from this,” said Jess Morris, the mobile outreach worker at Perception Programs, a behavioral health services nonprofit. “I’ve re-
LYMAN EVENTS
sponded to more overdoses off the clock than on.”
Every day of the week, Morris drives the organization’s van to various locations where she provides services such as wound care kits, safe sex supplies, recovery support referrals and opioid use treatment, among other things.
One of the things Morris distributes is naloxone, an opioid antagonist that has successfully reversed more than 2,000 overdoses statewide since 2016. Morris’ handouts resulted in 78 of them.
Either as an injection or nasal spray, naloxone is cur-
rently available with a prescription through a physician or pharmacist, without a prescription at pharmacies that have a standing order, or through a community health organization like the one Morris works in.
But starting in late summer, a brand of nasal spray naloxone, Narcan, will be available over-the-counter after approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last month.
Access may be difficult in rural areas
Despite the FDA approval, some people in Connecticut may still have a difficult time
obtaining Narcan over-thecounter. Currently, 28 towns in the state, mostly rural, don’t have a store that is eligible to sell over-the-counter medication, according to permit data from the Department of Consumer Protection. In these towns, since 2018, there have been at least 104 opioid overdose deaths.
And while a store with Narcan could be just a town away for those with access to transportation, it’s not as simple for individuals with opioid use disorder that are also experiencing homelessness or those that don’t have access to a car.
Drug Take Back
Until then, one of the most direct ways to access naloxone is through a pharmacy, since they’re conveniently located in many neighborhoods, providing quick and direct access to residents.
Yet, there are 45 towns where a pharmacy with a certified pharmacist is not available to prescribe and dispense naloxone or solely dispense it through a standing order. And in these towns, since 2018, there have been at least 149 opioid overdose deaths.
Towns in the Record-Journal coverage area, including See Narcan, A14
In Brief
Residents can clear their homes of no-longer-needed prescription drugs Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the resident state troopers office in both Middlefield (405 Main St.) and Durham (144 Pickett Lane). The communities have hosted Drug Take Back events since 2014, resulting in more than 1,000 pounds of unused or expired medication being disposed of. For more information, email Dena Miccinello at dmiccinello@dmyfs.org.
Lineworkers
Eversource is partnering with Housatonic Community College and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Unions 420 and 457 to prepare the next generation of electrical lineworkers in Connecticut. The Lineworker Certificate Program provides students valuable training in the electric utility industry and the opportunity to progress into Eversource’s paid apprenticeship program. For details, visit Eversource.com.
Reading challenge
The Hartford Yard Goats
Baseball Club, 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. Parents/ guardians can register students on yardgoatsbaseball.com through May 6.
Boxes to Boots
Berlin-based non-profit Boxes to Boots, 28 Chamberlain Highway, sends care packages to members of the U.S. military serving overseas. To learn more about the organization and its needs, visit boxestoboots.org.
Mentoring
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the 119-year-old national youth mentoring organization. Based in Hartford, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut offers lifechanging programs to at-risk children in all of the state’s 169 municipalities.
Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters by visiting ctbigs.org.
Sunblock, hat—bring
Transit-
Meriden, Wallingford, Southington, North Haven, Durham, Cheshire and Berlin, have no stores that lack over-the-counter permits or do not have a pharmacist that can prescribe naloxone. Middlefield is among the 28 towns without a store eligible to sell overthe-counter medication.
Emergent BioSolutions, Narcan’s manufacturer, will set the price of over-the-counter Narcan and is already facing pressure from officials, such as U.S. Sen. Blumenthal, urging it to make it affordable.
For friends and family of drug users
“Narcan is not for people who use drugs. It is for people who may encounter someone who uses drugs … You can’t ‘Narcan’ yourself,”
said Morris. But a bystander, such as a friend or family member, could. And CDC data shows that almost 40% of overdose deaths involving opioids or stimulants occurred with someone else present, creating a need for widespread availability of naloxone among non-drug users.
“That is definitely part of my spiel all the time: You don’t use alone. If you have to use alone, use the Never Use Alone Hotline or one of those apps [NORA] or wear
your Narcan so that if you fall out and somebody comes upon you, they will be more likely to administer it for you,” said Morris.
Morris used to have an active opioid use disorder, using the opioid-based painkiller Percocet in amounts far larger than recommended. In 2012, she decided to go to treatment.
“I was just sick and tired of living the way I was and being sick and chasing not being sick. I wasn’t even being high. It was just to get out of
bed and function. And so I went to treatment,” said Morris.
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Since then, Morris has been in long-term remission for over a decade. Besides being a certified community health worker, she runs a blog about topics related to substance use and harm reduction, is organizing a network that provides support for people that experience or are at risk of experiencing vicarious trauma through their work, and her story is appearing in a federally sponsored documentary about opioid use.
CT legislation aims to increase access to naloxone
Before the FDA approval, there were four bills regarding access to naloxone that made their way out of the Public Health Committee and could be considered in the full General Assembly in the coming weeks.
One of the more expansive bills is Senate Bill 9, which would do two things. It would create the Opioid Antagonist Bulk Purchase Fund to provide grants to certain entities that purchase large quantities of opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, in bulk at a discounted price. Those able to access the fund include municipalities, local or regional boards of educa-
See Narcan, A17
Budget
From A1
and presented by the Regional School District 13 Board of Education be approved?"
Those in favor shall vote yes. Those opposed shall vote no.
Voting will be at the following polling places: Korn Community Center, 144 Pickett Lane, Durham; Middlefield Community Center, 405 Main St., Middlefield.
Copies of the proposed budget will be mailed to every postal patron in Durham and Middlefield.
MERIDEN REPUBLICAN
TOWN COMMITTEE
Chicken Tenders, Sweet Potato Fries, Italian Wedding Soup, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
COUNCIL OF NEIGHBORHOODS
Silver City Waffle, Strawberry Sundae, Hot Fudge Sundae, Water
MERIDIAN LODGE #77
Mini Donuts
AMERICAN LEGION
Meatball Grinders, Water
NESIT
Snow Cones, Slushy Frozen Drinks
NOAH’S ARK OF HOPE
Kettle Korn: Small, Medium, Large or Jumbo, and Gatorade
NORTH ITALIAN
HOME CLUB
Fried Dough, Water
SUNDAY, APRIL 30TH 10 A.M. – 5 P.M. &
FOOD VENDORS
DEMOCRATIC TOWN
COMMITTEE
Pizza Slice, Brownie Sundae, Italian Ice, Water, Powerade
ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CLUB
Steamed Cheeseburgers, Homemade French Fries, Homemade French Fries with cheese, Corn Dogs, Hot dog on a stick, Water, Soda
MERIDEN TURNER SOCIETY
German Bratwurst with Kraut, Pork
Schnitzel, Deep Fried German Hot Dog with Kraut, Ribbon Fries with Cheese, Deep Fried Oreos, Funnel Cakes, Gatorade, Soda, Water
A.O.H
Kielbasa Sandwich w/wo Kraut, Kielbasa on a Stick, Breakfast Sandwich, Water
SOUTH CHURCH M2
Cannolli, Coffee, Iced Coffee, Water
MERIDEN KIWANIS CLUB
Fried Dough, 1/2 Piece Fried Dough, Water
IGLESIA DE DIOS CASA DEL ALFARERO
Dinner (Rice/Chicken/Macaroni Salad), Empanadas - Chicken & Beef, Shish Kabobs - Pork & Chicken, Non-alcoholic Pina Coladas, Passion Fruit Juice, Soda
AMICI DELLA VIGNA
Sausage & Pepper Grinder, Jumbo Hot Dog, Jumbo Chili Dog, Pasta Fagioli, Pink Lemonade
MERIDEN RAIDERS
Walking Tacos, Beef Patties, Chicken
Patties, Cocoa Bread, Pickles, Soda, Water
MERIDEN LIONS CLUB
Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Hot Dogs, Chili Dogs, Bowl of Chili, Egg Sandwiches, Water
MERIDEN/WALLINGFORD
NAACP
Chicken & Waffles, Water
MAKE A WISH
Hot Lobster Rolls, Cold Lobster Rolls, Water, Craft Soda
ST. ANDREWS CHURCH
Corn on the Cob, Hot Pretzels
LITTLE MISS DAFFODIL & HONOR ESCORT CEREMONY
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26 6:30 P.M • TENNIS COURTS
SATURDAY, APRIL 29 “DAFFODILS ON PARADE” 11:30 A.M.
GRAND MARSHAL: BUDDY ALTOBELLO
ONGOING
CRAFT FAIR: Juried crafters from all over the eastern United States will be displaying and selling their artistic products by Mirror Lake, occupying over 70 spaces from 10am to 8pm Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday.
AMUSEMENTS: will operate Friday from 5pm to closing; Saturday from 10am to 8pm and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Wristbands on Sunday for $25.O0 from 10am-1pm - ALL AMUSEMENTS ARE WEATHER DEPENDENT!!
JUSTIN PICCIRILLO’S sale and signing of his new book on the history of Hubbard Park both Saturday 4/29 and Sunday 4/30 from 11am to 4pm on the Midway.
MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC...
SATURDAY, APRIL 29
THE JEFF CROOM’S WELCOME STAGE
1:00
-
SUNDAY, APRIL 30
THE JEFF CROOMS
WELCOME STAGE
10:45 - 11:30 JEFF PRZECH WITH DENNIS FANCHER
12:00 - 12:45 A PALLET FOR THE SHOAL
1:15 2:00 SPARKLE AND FADE
2:30 - 3:30 BROTHER OTHER
4:00 - 5:00 BEPW
JAMES J BARRY BAND SHELL STAGE
RODGERS 1:30 - 2:30 EDDIE SEVILLE & STEEL RODEO 3:00 - 4:30 WON’T BACK DOWN TRIBUTE TO TOM PETTY 5:00 - 6:00 HANNAH’S FIELD 6:30 - 8:00 THE ULTIMATE MICHAEL JACKSON EXPERIENCE JOBY ROGERS FOOD TENT STAGE 11:30 - 12:30 HOT CLUB OF BLACK ROCK 1:00 - 2:00 AUSTIN JAMES AND THE NOMADS 2:30 - 3:30 THE BARGAIN 4:00 - 5:00 MIGHTY SOUL DRIVERS 5:30 - 6:30 BERNADETTES 7:00 - 8:00 FUSTER CLUCK
11:30 - 12:30 RAMBLIN DAN STEVENS
1:00 - 2:00 JAKE KULAK AND THE MODERN VANDALS
2:30 - 3:30 SHADED SOUL
4:00 - 5:00 SMALL TOWN GAMBLERS
FOOD TENT STAGE
11:30 - 12:30 GOZA LATIN BAND
1:00 - 2:00 SETH ADAM
2:30 - 3:30 ORQUESTA AFINKE
4:00 - 5:00 THE BLUE RHYTHM BAND
THE 2023 MIDSTATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS & COMMUNITY EXPO
AT THE 43ND ANNUAL DAFFODIL FESTIVAL APRIL 29 - APRIL 30 UNDER THE EXPO TENT ON THE TENNIS COURTS - OPEN TO ALL DAFFODIL FESTIVAL VISITORS. Free Admission. HOURS: Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM & Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
CHILDREN’S SHOWS
SATURDAY, APRIL 29
SUNDAY, APRIL 30
SOLOMON GOFF HOUSE demonstration of 1700 living, both days from 11am to 4pm in Hubbard Park near the Skatehouse.
FREE: CASTLE CRAIG SHUTTLE will take you to the Castle at 1,000 feet above sea level both Saturday and Sunday. Please check Shuttle schedule upon arrival.
FREE: Round trip SHUTTLE BUS service from Platt High School and the Meriden Mall both Saturday and Sunday starting @ 8am.
ACTION ZONE STAGE
2:00 & 5:00PM
WHACKY CHAD STUNT COMEDIAN
12:00 & 3:00PM
DANIEL GREENWOLF CELTIC MAGICIAN
MIKE
STEIDLEY’S
www.daffodilfest.com
CRHS girls shine at R-J Invitational track meet
Record-Journal report
WALLINGFORD The Record-Journal Track and Field Invitational celebrated the 30th year on Saturday at Sheehan High School. To maximize participation, there is a two-event limit per athlete at the RJ meet. There is also JV competition in the majority of the events.
No teams scores are kept and the relay races are co-ed. The seven squads in action on Saturday were Southington,
Cheshire, Lyman Hall, Platt, Coginchaug, Maloney and host Sheehan.
Coginchaug finished the track events with the quartet of Estella Perez, Cali Beebe, Charlie Dalles and Alexander Meisenkothen taking the 4x400 meter relay in 3:59.68. In individual events, Coginchaug had three female winners: Grace Harkins (100 meters, 13.31), Allison Vigue (pole vault, 10-6) and Elizabeth Sorensen in the shot put (35-6).
Durham Public Library
Youth:
Graphic Novel Book Club: Wings of Fire. Monday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m. Book 4, “The Dark Secret.” For grades 3-5. Book available at the front desk. See durhamlibrary.org to register.
Adults:
Field Trip: Florence Griswold Museum. Saturday,
April 22 at 10 a.m. We’ll meet at the museum and enjoy a free guided tour. See durhamlibrary.org to register.
Spanish Conversation on Zoom. Fridays at 4 p.m. Practice your Spanish with moderator Marilyn Horn. Email lredfield@durhamlibrary.org for the Zoom link to the meeting. All levels welcome.
French Conversation Circle on Zoom. First Thursday of the month at 5 p.m. Facilitated by Simone Howe. Email lredfield@durhamlibrary.org for the Zoom link to the meeting. All levels welcome. Book Club. Monday, May 1 at 6:30 p.m., in person. “On the Roof Top” by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton. Book available at the front desk. See durhamlibrary.org to register.
Levi E. Coe Library
Storytime. Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Crafting with Susan. Sign up on the library’s Facebook page for an adult/teen takehome craft.
Scholarships
Huscher Team
The Huscher Team of William Raveis Real Estate will award a $500 scholarship to a graduating senior from Coginchaug Regional High School who will attend college or a trade school in the fall.
Applicants will submit an essay on “What I Love About My Town and/or Community.” Essays should be at least one page or 500 words, but can be longer.
Essays, along with the writer’s name, contact information and post-high school plans, are due by the end of day Friday, April 28.
Essays can be submitted to the CRHS guidance office or emailed to Debbie.Huscher@Raveis.com.
Narcan
From A14
tion, district or municipal departments of health and law enforcement agencies.
The bill would also create a pilot program to create harm-reduction centers in three undetermined municipalities in the state.
A harm reduction center is a place where individuals can safely take controlled substances under the supervision of health care providers who can provide treatment if necessary. These centers rely on a harm reduction approach that acknowledges that some cannot fully abstain from using drugs and that minimizing harm is the most effective approach.
A different bill, Senate Bill 1163, would allow funds from the Opioid Settlement Fund to be used to provide municipal police departments with opioid antagonists such as naloxone.
While this is a win for advocates who say it will help in cases where a bystander without naloxone calls 911, Morris suggests taking further steps and having a rapid response team of trained volunteers, such as ORRS, the Indiana University School of Public Health’s Opioid Rapid Response System. If emergency services are unable to reach the person overdosing in time, they send trained citizens who have the ability to administer naloxone.
“They [ORRS] have volunteers in whatever area they’re serving all around the town to cover all the space. If an overdose is called, it’s kind of like Uber, where you put your app on when you’re available, you turn it off when you’re not, they reach out to whoever is closest to go,” explained Morris.
Another approach being considered is similar to Morris’ day-to-day job. Senate Bill 1102 would allow pharmacies to operate a mobile pharmacy that would provide naloxone and train people on how to use it, among other services. The bill states
that mobile pharmacies must operate in underserved communities, opening up opportunities for towns where there is a lack of access to naloxone.
A more administrative approach not directly related to naloxone is being considered in House Bill 6698, which would create the Office of the Chief Drug Policy Officer. The office would col-
Liability for Injuries to Workers: One of the biggest risks to a homeowner is potential liability if a worker is injured while on the job on their property. If a contractor is unlicensed and uninsured, the contractor and his employees are automatically considered employees of the property owner. Thus, if a worker is injured while working on the property, the injured worker may sue the homeowner. An injured employee might be able legally to collect worker’s compensation from the homeowner’s insurance policy.
lect information regarding services to individuals with substance use disorder and would also be the point of contact for the expanded statewide peer navigator program.
To advertise, contact Rebekah Larsen at (203) 317-2302 rlarsen@rjmediagroup.com
SEWER LABORER
Involves manual work in construction and general maintenance activities for The Town of Wallingford’s Sewer Division. Operates vehicles, trucks and a variety of power equipment. Must have a minimum of six (6) months experience in performing related manual work at the laborer level and a High School Diploma or G.E.D. Must also possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut motor vehicle operator’s license.
Wages: $20.26$24.02 Hourly. Application Forms may be obtained at the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Fax: (203) 294-2084 Phone: (203) 294-2080. The closing date will be the date the 50th application or resume is received or May 2, 2023, whichever occurs first. EOE
PUBLIC HEALTH
SANITARIAN
Professional public health work in the enforcement of statutes and regulations relating to public and environmental health. Applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree in environmental health or closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting on a year for year basis. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Must be able to obtain within 6 months CT certification as a food inspector. Salary: $63,116 - $80,755 annually plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Apply to: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Phone # (203) 294-2080, Fax #: (203)294-2084. The closing date will be May 8, 2023 or the date the 50th application is received, whichever occurs first. EOE.
OFFICE POSITION -
TRUCK DRIVERS
Geremia Greenhouse is looking for customer friendly individuals to drive a 26’ box truck to make deliveries of live plants, full- or part-time. A valid driver’s license and clean driving record is required. CDL is desired but not required. Apply in person Mon.-Fri., 9am to 12pm at 415 Barnes Road, Wallingford, CT.
PT BUS DRIVER - For Senior Center, 1 day per week and as needed. Public Service license with Passenger endorsement required. Applications now being accepted at the Wallingford Senior Center, 238 Washington St. 203-265-7753 Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran.
/Classified
2005 VW BEETLE CONV - 102K miles, running but needs work, asking $2,000. Call 203-5359193.
ROOMS FOR RENT$575, $625 or $675 mo., modern rooms, plenty of parking in Meriden. Nice neighborhood. Must have refs. & sec. Call Charlie, 347641-1135.
FURNITURE - Sofa, 91” Ashley Dorsten, color Sisal, less than 2 yrs old, $250; 2 end tables, espresso, $25 ea.; Coffee table, deep brown, $50; all in great condition. (860) 736-5092.
Whether it is a lost ring, wallet or a Parrot named Oliver, a Classified ad can help track it down.
GRASSY HILL AUCTIONS, - an Estate
SHIPPING
TEAM MEMBER
Geremia Greenhouse is looking for greenhouse workers to ship seasonal plants. Previous experience is not necessary, but helpful. Must have reliable transportation and be willing to work flexible hours, including some weekends. Apply in person Mon.-Fri., 9am to 12pm at 415 Barnes Road, Wallingford, CT.
We are looking for a self-motivated, friendly and responsible person who has strong customer service skills and computer knowledge to work in our Self Storage office. Secure facility with longterm tenant base.
Part Time: Friday, 9-5 p.m., Saturday 9-2 p.m. (can be alternate Saturdays). Call 203-605-1494.
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.
WALLINGFORD - 1 BR apt., 3rd fl., $900 per mo + 1 mo. sec. Fully appl. KIT. Call (203) 269-5980.
MATERIALS DISTRIBUTION
Screened Topsoil $30/ per yd; 2.5” screened gravel, $18 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 @ 860-9824819 for delivery
PREMIUM SCREENED
TOPSOIL
$30/yard delivered, 3 yd, $100 min. delivery Call Jim 860-982-4819
. Top Soil . Compost . . Wood Chips . FOR SALE. Catering to small deliveries. Call Bob (203) 415-0723
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
TREE LENGTH FIREWOOD CALL FOR DETAILS
203-238-2149
1, 2, 3 CASH FOR YOUR ANTIQUES & JEWELRY - Call Todd Shamock at 203-494-1695.
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 AUCTIONS -
Is looking to purchase estate contents. From single items to entire estates. Clean-out services available. Call Bill (203) 494-2496.
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
WANTED Individual firearms, collections & estates including military & related items.Federally licensed firearms dealer. Gunsmith, appraisals, Richard Pleines, (860) 663-2214.
Whether it is a lost ring, wallet or a Parrot named Oliver, a Classified ad can help track it down.
150 TAG SALES
In one location under the Festival Tent on Saturday, April 22, 2023, 9AM to 2PM Hubbard Park, 999 W. Main Street, Meriden, CT THE MERIDEN DAFFODIL FESTIVAL COMMITTEE Presents CT’s LARGEST TAG SALE 150 vendors gathered in one convenient location offering for sale an eclectic collection of goods, trinkets & treasures; vintage household items, toys, tools, collectible items and so much more. Food will be available for purchase.
RAIN OR SHINE www.daffodilfest.com
GARY WODATCHDemolition Svs Sheds, pools, decks, garages, debris removal. Quick, courteous svc. All calls returned. Ins. #566326. Cell, 860-558-5430
CARPENTRY Repairs, Decks & Porches, Sheetrock & Taping Water Damage Repairs. Free Est. Ins. MC & Visa. Call Bill (203) 901-2136. CT. Reg. # 0647093
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
JT’S LANDSCAPING LLC - Spring CleanUps, we specialize in weeding all types of beds, mulching, top soil work, pruning hedges & shrubs, & all your landscape needs. Residential & commercial. Lic. #616311. Call today for free estimate, 203-213-6528.
RT RELOCATION
Your moving and storage specialists. Call for a free estimate. 833-668-3978.
#1 PAINTER’S EDGE MOBILE WASH Chemicals safe for house & plants. House wash, roof cleaning, decks. 25 yrs. exp. Sr Disc. #0656136 Ins. 860.538.5520
A-1 QUALITY POWERWASHING Low Rates Call Dennis 203.630.0008
Insurance claim.storm damage.roofing.siding. gutter.chimney flashing. Office:203.754.3071
Cell:203.510.3830
Stormshieldct@gmail. com HIC.0664452
TREE REMOVAL Storm Damage, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Lots Cleared, Trees/ Shrubs Inst’d, Free Ests. Fully Ins’d. Lic #558031. 203.619.2301.
TEC ELECTRICAL Service LLC All Phases of Electrical Work. 24 hr. Emergency Service. Small Jobs Welcome. 203.237.2122
GUTTERS DON’T WORK
If they’re dirty! For gutter cleaning, Call Kevin (203) 440-3279 Fully ins. CT# 569127
SPRING CLEANUPS JUNK REMOVAL Tree Removal, Fence Work & more! No job too small or large. 860.719.3953
#1 PAINTER’S EDGE Ext. & Int. Painting. Sheetrock.Popcorn Repair. Wallpaper Remv’l. Decks. 25 yrs exp. Free est. Sr. disc.
POWER WASHING
Roof Repair or Replacement, Chimney Repair, Skylight Replacement. Free est. CT #0651199 (860) 877-3006
HOME DOCTOR - 48 yrs exp. Odd jobs & remodeling, former US Navy, 15 yrs, #640689, 203.427.7828.
ACCEPTING - New customers for wkly mowing, thatching, aerating, hedge trimming . Ryan 860.515.1302
ALEX EUROPEAN MASONRY - 30 yrs. exp. Patios, ret. walls, steps, brick, stone, chimneys. Lic#580443. 203-2320257 or 203-596-0652
Is Spring Cleaning on THE OUTSIDE FREE Estimates #569127 Call Kevin 203-440-3279
POWERWASHING
Painting Int. & Ext. Gutters Cleaned Free Ests. Ins. Refs. Rodrigo, (203) 565-7745.
Specializing in tree removal, chipping & grinding. Call for free estimate. 203-945-1808.
ED’S JUNK REMOVAL (203) 494-1526
Fully ins. Free Estimate. Call Ed, we will take it to the dump for you!
DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817 860-575-8218
OVER 28 YRS EXP Stonewalls, patios, sidewalks, chimneys, pool areas, fireplaces, fire pit steps. Free est. 860.274.4893.
W. BOOBER MASONRYOver 35 Years Experience All Types of Masonry CT License #626708 (203) 235-4139