Town Times

Local writer discusses her latest effort

By Nicole Zappone Town Times

Local author Leslie Bulion has released a new children’s book, "Galápagos: Islands of Change." She calls the writing style "science poetry."

“I think of a big idea, like in this case, looking at the whole ecosystem of the Galápagos,” said Bulion, a Durham resident. “I do a big, wide general reading on it.”

And her research didn't stop there. She also visited the Galápagos, an archipelago of volcanic islands located in the Eastern Pacific. “The people who live on the Galápagos are learning about sustainability and trying to take care of their island,” Bulion said.

Durham author Leslie Bulion with her latest children’s book, "Galápagos: IslandsofChange."

During a book launch at the new Durham Community Center in April, Bulion took attendees on a ride through the Galápagos, which is home to a diversity of plant and animal species, many found nowhere else on Earth.

"Galápagos: Islands of Change" describes a young volcanic ecosystem

Cicarella, Cohen tout recent efforts

Nicole

influenced by seasonal ocean currents, and the book looks at how "food energy" moves through integrated land and sea communities. Bulion has penned more than a dozen children's books, many of them focused on the natural world.

Deputy Republican Leader Paul Cicarella (R-North Haven) and Chief Deputy Republican Leader Henri Martin (RBristol) applauded the Senate’s passage of S.B. 1165 on Tuesday, a measure that promotes financial literacy for the state’s public high school students.

Cicarella and Martin originally introduced the concept of the bill that requires high school students to complete

Help D.A.R.T. continue its mission

Contributed

You may have heard of D.A.R.T. the Durham Animal Response Team and wondered who we are?

Well, D.A.R.T. is made up of local community members who respond to emergency situations involving animals.

We are a Durham Emergency Management Team which helps assist first responders with animal emergencies, and we’re dispatched through Valley Shore Emergency Communication by calling 911.

D.A.R.T. has responded to barn fires,

downed horses, loose livestock and more.

As a response team, our need for the right equipment is crucial. We use our Durham Animal Response Team trailer filled with emergency gear and supplies, such as glides, blankets, heaters, crates and more. And we are always expanding our wish list.

For D.A.R.T., our rabies clinic and tag sale fundraisers equal needed equipment. Twice in the month of June, our team, along with the help of a veterinarian, will vaccinate your cats and dogs.

This year, our clinics are scheduled for Sunday, June 4 and Sunday, June 25, 9 a.m. to noon, at Brenda’s Main Street Feed, 58 Main St.

Previous proof of vaccination will allow your pet to obtain a three-year rabies vaccine. The cost is $20, cash or check.

New this year, D.A.R.T. has planned Durham’s First Town-Wide Tag Sale, to be held on Saturday, July 22. For a donation of $20, your home’s tag sale will appear on the Town-Wide Tag Sale map, and the event will be publicized.

Zappone, Town Times

Upcoming fundraisers will help the Durham Emergency Management Team procure needed items.

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Take a vacation, I’ll watch the pets

to them as I can, but in truth, they give much more to me. I always leave with a glad heart.

I have always thought that I should build an ark, like Noah did eons ago, with two of every animal (except snakes; they can remain behind when we set sail) because I love animals so and I want them all. Or I could at least have a farm with every conceivable animal. That might be a bit more realistic, since I don’t have any idea how to build an ark.

I fantasize about it often. The farm, I mean. Getting up and greeting my furry and feathered friends. I can even imagine a cow, or a goat or two, wandering into the kitchen. And they would be most welcome. When I was a kid I would bring home every stray I could find, which my mother immediately sent packing. I always told her that it just insisted on following me home there was nothing I could do about it. Of course, I had coaxed it along the whole way. I think she knew that.

Faith

Rock of Refuge

So since I don’t have a farm or an ark, and do not see having either one in the near future, I do the next best thing. I bring animals into my life in any way I can. I have my own furry friends, of course. I work at a kennel, where every dog is a gift. And I pet sit.

Pet sitting is awesome for me. For one thing, I am glad that the dog or cat can stay in their own home, and I do everything I can to keep them happy and comfortable. I love meeting them and getting to know them and, well, just love them. Because I do.

After I have taken care of their physical needs I sit with them for a while quite a while and keep them company. I don’t want them to feel lonely, so I pet them and talk to them and tell them how much they are loved and when their people will be back. I give as much

Rock of Refuge Church is a non-denominational Christian Church located at 350 Main St., second floor, in Durham. Sunday services 11 a.m.; Tuesday Prayer Meetings 6:45 p.m. (Houses of worship are welcome to send items to news@towntimes.com).

Of course, the job does have its funny moments, at least in my view. I had just started this particular job, and I walked boldly into the house calling out the dog’s name. Only the dog was not there. A woman that I did not know appeared, and I instantly realized that I had walked into the wrong house.

The house I was supposed to be in was to remain unlocked for my weekly visit, so I thought nothing of gaining immediate entrance to this abode. The woman was very kind and directed me to the house just down the way, where I was supposed to be. I think “Oops!” pretty much says it all.

So if you and the family need to get away for a bit, I would love to look after your fur babies. Just advise the neighbors to lock their doors, lest I wander in. I might pull up a chair if it is time for supper.

Diana Carr can be reached at 860-349-9542 or princessdi7@sbcglobal.net.

Letters

Email Letters to the Editor to news@towntimes.com.

Letters are limited to 300 words. We reserve the right to edit letters. Letters must be signed and names will appear in print. Include a phone number so the paper can contact you for verification.

Letters must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday to be considered for publication that Friday.

Update: Lake Shore Drive culvert challenges

The following message by Middlefield First Selectman Bob Yamartino was posted to the municipal website on May 9.

The Lake Shore Drive Culvert and Beach parking lot have been a construction zone for a while now. Early work on the culvert area, entrance brook and the exit stream zone included site preparation and delivery of earth needed for the project. Travel and appearance of the area are currently challenging.

Shredding

We have contacted the contractors to improve the road surface. The delivery of the precast, concrete structures will be dependent on when construction is ready to install them. The construction schedule currently shows the precast culvert structures being placed during the second and third weeks in June, the cast-in-place wingwalls being installed throughout July, and the precast channel components being installed in early August.

This schedule is dependent on the utility relocation. Re-

In Brief

The Lower CT River Valley Council of Governments will hold a residential paper shredding event Saturday, May 13, 9 a.m. to noon, at the East Hampton Water Pollution Control Authority, 20 Gildersleeve Dr. This event is free to residents of the RiverCOG region, which includes Middlefield and Durham. For more information, visit rivercog.org.

Rabies clinics

Durham Animal Response

Team D.A.R.T. is sponsoring its annual rabies clinics for cats and dogs June 4 and 25, 9 a.m. to noon, at Brenda’s Main Street Feed,

58 Main St. Proof of previous vaccination required for a three-year rabies vaccine. There’s a $20 fee, cash or check. Bring your animals in carriers or leashed. For more information, call 860-3490410.

Tag sale

Durham Animal Response Team D.A.R.T. is sponsoring a Town-Wide Tag Sale to be held throughout Durham on July 22. For a donation of $20, your personal tag sale will appear on the Town-Wide Tag Sale map. Registration forms are available at Brenda’s Main Street Feed, 58 Main St. Or, call 860-349-0410. Registration ends July 1.

location is currently underway, which is a good sign, but far from being completed.

CT-DEEP gave a window for any unconfined in-stream work to be conducted between June 1 and Sept. 30.

The current construction schedule has the work being substantially completed by the end of September.

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Durham Public Library

Youth: Books and Babies. (New time) Wednesdays at 11 a.m., in the Children’s room. A short storytime with play and conversation to follow. For newborns to 18 months, with an adult. Siblings wel-

come. Register at durhamlibrary.org.

Scavenger hunt. Drop by the Children’s Room to do a scavenger hunt and receive a small prize. All ages.

Adults:

Field trip: New Britain Museum of American Art. Saturday, June 3 at 10 a.m. We’ll

meet at the museum and enjoy a free guided tour. Register at durhamlibrary.org.

Book Club. Monday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m. (in person).

“The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter” by Hazel Gaynor. Copies available at the circulation desk. Register at durhamlibrary.org.

Drop-in Mahjong. Tues-

days, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Durham Community Center (former Korn School). For novices or pros. If you have a Mahjong set, please bring it. No registration required.

Spanish conversation. Fridays at 4 p.m. (on Zoom). Practice your Spanish with moderator Marilyn Horn. All levels welcome. Email lredfield@durhamlibrary.org for the Zoom link.

French conversation. First Thursday of the month at 5 p.m. Facilitated by Simone Howe. All levels welcome. Email lredfield@

durhamlibrary.org for the Zoom link.

Levi E. Coe Library

Thursday Night Book Club. Join us Thursday, May 18, 5 p.m., to discuss “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson. Copies available at the library.

Free seeds. Anyone else getting ready for their gardens? Stop by and grab a couple of packets of seeds compliments of the UConn Master Gardener Program and Ocean State Job Lot.

Dream Farm

members of deceased veterans buried in Connecticut cemeteries can raise concerns regarding the upkeep of their loved ones’ graves.

a one-half credit course in personal financial management and financial literacy for graduation. The policy is part of the Senate Republican lawmakers’ comprehensive “A Better Way to a Prosperous Connecticut” series of legislative workforce measures to put young people on a path to a well-paying career.

Cicarella thanked his Senate colleagues “for advancing this very important piece of legislation for Connecticut’s future workforce.”

“The first step of workforce development is understanding the value of a dollar, and the cause and effects of how you earn and spend your money, ” Cicarella said. The bill now awaits action by the House of Representatives. Press Release

Honoring veterans

Tuesday, state Sen. Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) voted for legislation that will ensure that veterans’ graves receive proper care, a bill she introduced in January. The bill will create a working group to ensure family

D.A.R.T.

From A1

MOTHER INEED YOU!WENEED YOU!

“Ensuring that our veterans’ gravesites remain well taken care of is of the utmost importance, not only out of respect for the men and women who bravely served our country, but also for their family and loved ones they have left behind,” said Cohen. “Maintaining their resting grounds is an incredibly important charge.”

Senate Bill 642, “An Act Establishing A Working Group To Address Concerns Regarding The Upkeep Of Veterans’ Graves,” would create a seven-member working group which would develop a process for family members of deceased veterans buried in Connecticut cemeteries to address concerns regarding the veterans’ graves.

This bill came after Cohen received reports from constituents regarding the quality and condition of their loved ones’ gravesites at a number of cemeteries across the state. Press Release

D.A.R.T. also runs a yearly indoor tag sale at Brenda’s Main Street Feed.

For more information about our upcoming events, call Brenda at 860-349-0410 or follow us on Facebook.

Be

BecausetheHouseneedstobe aHOME BecauseourMotherneedstobeOURMOTHER

Today, we arebeingpressuredtodisregardthe erosionof historicmarriage andfamily principlesandpractice.ENCOURAGEMENTtobea normal,healthy familyis noted by its absenceinthemedia,government,etc. whichpresents eventhatwhich iscontrary.Determinationtotrytorightlysteerstraightfacesmanyand varied opponents.Theseopponentsare determinedtoeliminate mother,father,husband, wife–anythingand everythingthatopposesthepursuitoftheir agenda nomatterthe consequences. Eventoday’ssocialviolenceandunresthas at its rootthe absenceofa fatherandmother. We are findingthe wrong roadsigns andthe wrong roads, calling wrongrightandrightwrong,calling evilgoodandgood evil(Isaiah5:20). We face theABSENCEofMORALandMENTALSTANDARDS,tobecaughtupalong withthecrowd, trying tobelong,tobecome,to find oneself,to findpeace,to find love,to find worth,to find values whichinspireand overcome asocietythathas abandonedsuch.ThereislittletonorecoveryofthenormalandnaturalGod-created familysetting.The FAMILYneedstheMOTHER;the NATIONneedsthe FAMILY.

God’sPatter nisSet:

“HONOR thyfather and thymother, asthe LORDthyGodhathcommandedthee” (Deut.5:16;Eph.6:2).“WhoeverCURSEShisfatherorhismother,his lampshall beputoutinobscure[utter]darkness”(Prov.20:20).“Myson,heartheinstruction ofthyfather,andFORSAKENOTthe lawofthy mother”(Prov.1:8). “A wiseson maketh aglad father:but a foolishmanDESPISETHhismother”(Prov.15:20).

God’sProvisionisNeeded:

“Thisknowalso,thatinthe lastdaysperilous[difficult]timesshallcome.Formen shallbeloversoftheir ownselves...DISOBEDIENTTO PARENTS,unthankful, unholy”(2Tim.3:1-2).“ThereisagenerationthatCURSETHtheirfather,and dothnot blesstheirmother.Thereisa generationthatare pureINTHEIR OWN EYES”(Prov.30:11-12).Thisispromoted by the ageold“everymandidthatwhich wasRIGHTINHIS OWNEYES”(Judges21:25).And“letuseatanddrink; for tomorrow we shalldie”(Isaiah22:13). Take heartandknow.

God’sPersonis Found:

“IwillLIFTUPMINEEYESuntothehills,fromwhencecometh my help.MY HELPCOMETHFROMTHE LORD,whomadeheavenandearth”(Psalm121:12). “AndYESHALLSEEKME,ANDFINDME, when ye shallsearch forMe withALL YOURHEART, andIWILLBEFOUNDBY you,saiththe LORD” (Jeremiah29:13-14).“COMEUNTOME,all ye thatlabourandareheavyladen, and Iwillgive yourest. Take My yoke upon you,andlearnofMe; forI ammeekand lowlyinheart: and ye shall find restunto yoursouls.ForMy yoke is easy,andMy burdenislight” (Matthew 11:28-30).TheNation,the Familyand YOUneedGod andHissureandcertain Word,theBIBLE.

TheLordJesusChrist is waitingtoprovidefor youtherightand real relationship thatGod’sRIGHTEOUSNESS requiresandin whichGod’sLIFEisfound.This makes forlifethatisworththeliving. Youcan find God’sHELP andHOPEand ENCOURAGEMENTtoday. WhynotbeginRIGHTNOWand receive Himas yourpersonalSaviourandLord(John1:10-13)!“Believe ontheLordJesusChrist andthoushaltbesaved”(Act16:31).

MiddletownBibleChurch

•860-346-0907

349EastStreet,Middletown,CT06457

Route217(EastStreet, Westfield)midwaybetweenRoutes66and372 SUNDAY:

BIBLELINE: Call860-346-0021for

Cohen

More ways to move you

Church holding May Care & Share drive

Contributed

Members of the Middlefield Federated Church invite the public to join them in their May Care & Share Mission to help mothers and fathers of young children.

Diapers are a large expenditure in most families’ budgets. Day care providers require disposable diapers. Disposable diapers of any

Author

"I have been reading and writing poetry since the fourth grade. I love the musical sounds of words in poems – words that make my heart and mind soar, words with rhythm and words that rhyme," the author states on her website, LeslieBulion.com.

She adds, "I didn't always know I wanted to be a writer, but I've always been interested in learning about people, science and nature. I studied science in college, and oceanography in graduate school. I also studied social work in graduate school, and then worked with chil-

size may be left at the church during office hours. Most needed by the Diaper Bank at this time are sizes 4, 5, 6 and 7. Call 860-349-9881 for office hours.

Additionally, checks may be made payable to “MFC” with “diaper bank” in the memo section, and mailed to Middlefield Federated Church, P.O. Box 200, Middlefield, CT 06455-0200.

dren and families in hospitals and schools. So you could say I studied science, worked with children and families, and now I learn and write about science for children and families!"

Bulion said, for her, writing a book can take anywhere from several months to more than a year. Once completed, the story is sent to an illustrator.

In "Galápagos: Islands of Change," Bulion worked with artist Becca Stadtlander, who created the front cover image and the pictures throughout.

From A1

Be Kind

Middlefield Lions’ “Be Kind” signs are $30. To place an order, e-mail Lions President Birdie Curtis at curtisbirdie@ hotmail.com. Include your address and phone number. 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.

Get your diploma

Ready for a second chance to earn your high school diploma? Middletown Adult Education will help. Register at any time.

Giving Garden

Help is welcomed and appreciated at the MiddlefieldDurham Giving Garden, located behind the Middlefield Community Center. For further information, contact Betsy St. John at 860-8075242 or Jen Huddleston at 860-716-0464.

In Brief

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.

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.

Middlefield Community Center

Food Bank. The Food bank is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., by appointment only. Current needs: cleaning products, toilet paper, paper towels, pasta, sauce, peanut butter, jelly, gift cards to local grocery stores.

Antique sewing machine program. Tuesday, May 23, 6 p.m. Have an antique machine you’re curious about? Want to know its value? Join us for this informative program presented by Walling Sew & Van.

Volunteer. Volunteers are needed as servers at our

Senior Lunch Program. Call 860-349-7121.

Set Back. Tuesdays at 1 p.m. Don’t know how to play? We’ll teach you.

Senior bus trips. May 17, Mohegan Sun Casino; May 24, Van Wilgen’s Garden Center/lunch at Rose’s Orchard; May 31, Book Barn/ lunch at Skipper’s Restaurant. Call Middletown Area Transit at 860-346-0212, press 2.

Knit2gether. Knit or crochet every Thursday, 9:30 a.m., at the Middlefield Community Center. Also seeking donations of yarn.

See Seniors, A8

Pension reforms could save towns millions

By Mark Pazniokas

The Connecticut Mirror

Comptroller Sean Scanlon announced municipal pen-

sion reforms last week that could save 107 participating communities $32.3 million in the coming fiscal year and $843 million over the next

three decades. A labor-management working group Scanlon convened six weeks ago produced a six-point plan that drew bipartisan praise from Gov. Ned Lamont and legislative leaders for the process and product. “This is what trying looks like. This is the result of people trying to fix things,” said Scanlon, a former Democratic lawmaker who has been comptroller for four months.

The savings, some of which will require the passage of legislation to achieve, primarily would come from changing how cost-of-living increases are calculated and by re-amortizing the unfunded liability of the municipal pension fund from 17 to 25 years. The plan also would create a deferred retirement option aimed at keeping employees working longer, addressing both a labor shortage and taking some pressure off the retirement system.

The deal was rolled out at a press conference that drew attention to a constitutional office whose duties are relatively arcane: Tracking the state’s expenses and administering state employee benefits.

House Minority Leader Vincent J. Candelora, R-North Branford, said Scanlon had addressed a long-neglected issue that threatened to destabilize CMERS, the state-run Connecticut Municipal Employees Retirement System.

“We have always talked about that collapse on the horizon. But it really hasn’t gotten the attention it has needed,” Candelora said.

CMERS was created in 1947 and is used by at least some bargaining units in 107 of the state’s 169 cities and towns.

Two decades ago, Gov. John G. Rowland and the legislature decoupled cost-of-living

adjustments from investment performance, pegging them exclusively to inflation. The combination of high inflation and a down market drove a need for higher contributions to the pension fund.

The regular contributions required annually of member municipalities grew from a collective $82 million in the 2017-18 fiscal year to $134.8 million in 2021-22. The system is administered by the comptroller’s office.

Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett said the deal struck by the working group could save her community $3 million next year and $40 million over the coming decades.

Cost of living increases still will be pegged to inflation, though to a lesser degree. No longer will increases have an annual minimum, a change that mirrors a deal negotiated years ago with state employees.

Retirees had been getting a minimum annual increase of 2.5%, regardless of inflation.

In return for giving up the minimum, the annual cap on cost of living increases will be raised to 7.5% from 6%.

This story originally appeared on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, ctmirror.org.

Seniors

From A7

Renter’s Rebate. The Renter’s Rebate program is available to area residents. Contact Pamela Deizel, Middlefield Assessor, at 860-3497111.

Senior Lunch Bunch. Join us Monday, Wednesday and Friday for lunch at the Middlefield Café. Lunch is provided by CRT. A $3 donation is suggested. For more information, call 860-349-7121.

Sunblock, hat—bring

Transit-

Lawmakers push to protect exploited kids

By Mary Ellen Godin Record-Journal staff

MERIDEN Children who were exploited in sexual photos and videos are often haunted by those internet images years later because of shield laws that protect Big Tech.

But U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, and U.S. Sen. Lindsay Graham, R-South Carolina, hope to hold them responsible through a bipartsan bill that holds platforms accountable to report and remove such images, or be held accountable in civil courts.

The Earn It Act was approved unanimously by the Judiciary Committee last Thursday. The photographs and video exhibits were so graphic, lawmakers could not show them during the hearing, Blumenthal said.

Blumenthal was joined by members of the state Department of Children and Families and state police to share details of the act Friday at the State Police Division of Scientific Services on Colony Street. This is the third time the Earn It Act has cleared the Judiciary Committee.

“From 29 to 32 million of these images are on the internet,” Blumenthal said.

“Not only is it a crime against children, but these images stay on the internet haunting children for their whole lives. That’s why it’s such a horrifying crime. Unfortunately many of our major platforms refuse to report it or remove them. The tech companies are complicit. They should be held accountable by law enforcement and the survivors themselves. Right now there is no law.”

Technology platforms are shielded by Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, which states that “No provider of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information by another infor-

mation content provider. Blumenthal supports a repeal of Section 230, allowing civil action against platforms that don’t report and remove abusive content is a start. That legal phrase shields tech companies that can host trillions of messages from being sued by anyone who feels wronged by something someone else has posted whether legitimate or not.

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, Snapchat, Youtube and other more obscure sites have abused that protection and should lose immunity or at least have to earn it by satisfying requirements set by the government, Blumenthal said.

But the measure faces opposition from technology lawyers and lobbyists, backed by millions of dollars in campaign contributions, Blumenthal said. Parents, victims and 250 advocacy groups, including the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, back the Earn It Act.

Cybersecurity advocates fear that such changes could prompt tech companies to

stop offering end-to-end encryption for their users. Such encryption helps protect data from hackers, governments and other snoops. Law enforcement officials

have argued that cybercriminals also use end-to-end encryption to share CSAM

Child Sexual Abuse Material and plan other crimes, and they’ve criticized tech

companies’ efforts to expand their encryption offerings, according to the Washington Post.

See Children, A13

State House passes bill to bring early voting to CT

By Mark Pazniokas The

Connecticut

Mirror

Tradition-bound Connecticut, a laggard among states in modernizing voting practices, would offer 14 days of early voting next year under a bill passed last Thursday on a 107-35 vote by the House of Representatives.

“It’s not for nothing Connecticut is called the Land of Steady Habits,” said Rep. Matt Blumenthal, D-Stamford. “For almost three centuries now, we have had some of the most restrictive voting laws in the country.”

One of only four states not allowing early in-person vot-

ing, Connecticut can make the change only since November’s passage of a constitutional amendment that struck a prohibition against expanding the days of voting. “We saw this not only as a policy decision that we support but also as a mandate and an obligation dictated to us from the voters, ” Blumenthal said. “So that’s how we see it: The voters have given us a charge. We’re making good on it today.”

Fifteen Republicans voted with 92 Democrats for passage. No Democrat was opposed. A four-hour debate began at 3:20 p.m. on House Bill 5004, a measure that still was being tweaked hours before being called for debate. Final passage in the Senate is assured, as is a signature from Gov. Ned Lamont.

House Minority Leader Vincent J. Candelora, R-North Branford, complained about the late availability of the final language and the length of early voting.

Republicans urged a more modest start, with three days of early voting spread over five days.

“Take a few steps towards early voting. See how it works,” said Rep. Tom O’Dea, R-New Canaan. “See how it works for an election cycle or two, and then perhaps go to 10 days or 14 as is proposed.”

The 14-day window was the most expansive of four options proposed by Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, based on a study commissioned by her predecessor, Denise Merrill, from the Center for Election Innovation and Reform.

A shorter early voting period would be offered for elections other than the November general election: seven days for state and local primaries, and four days for special elections and presidential primaries.

With a local option for additional sites, municipalities would have to offer early voting at a minimum of one location from the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on 12 days and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the Tuesday and Thursday before Election Day.

“We didn’t want to force one version onto the towns, especially as we’re starting out here,” said Blumenthal, a key sponsor as the co-chair of the Government Administration and Elections Committee.

Legislative leaders have pledged to include funding in the state budget for municipalities to cover the added costs of early voting, including staffing over two weekends.

Republicans said even with state reimbursement, 14 days of early voting would be an unnecessary burden for small towns, which already struggle to recruit temporary workers for election day.

“I understand that we’re going to fund it, but it’s getting the people to work it, to run it and to make it safe,” said Rep. Jay Case, R-Winsted.

“Some of our registrars are part time. How are they going to take 14 days to see this in a small town?

“That to me is the epitome of inefficiency,” said Rep. Doug Dubitsky, a Republican from Chaplin, an eastern Connecticut community with a population of 2,200.

Republican amendments to limit the length of voting to either three days or 10 failed on party-line votes.

A longer version of this story originally appeared on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, ctmirror.org.

Encryption is the process of encoding information. This process converts the original version of the information, known as plaintext, into an alternative form known as ciphertext. Ideally, only authorized parties can decipher a ciphertext back to plaintext and access the original information.

The coronavirus pandemic forced millions of children into isolation where they spent increased time in front of computers and tablets and smart phones. Reports of sexual exploitation and abuse, blackmailing and cyberbullying jumped exponentially, experts said.

“Last year, we received 310 reports of possible sex trafficking,” said Tammy Sneed, director of human trafficikng for the state Department of Children and Families.

“These are the largest numbers we’ve seen. Bad actors are using these images and are exploiting children and abusing children. We know there has been a 90% increase in actors trying to lure children since the pandemic.”

DCF and other agencies work closely with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, which helps state and local law enforcement agencies develop a response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and Internet crimes against children. The task force encompasses forensic and investigative components, training and technical assistance, victim services, and community education.

“We receive 4,500 tips every year, ” according to Lucinda Lopez Phelan, deputy director of the Identification Section of Scientific Services for Connecticut State Police. “We work under the task force to investigate and provide services, offer training assistance, victim services and protect against child enticement, exploitation and abuse against children.”

The task force prioritizes tips

and assigns a top priority when it’s believed a suspect has imminent plans to harm a child, followed by investigating those who are preplanning an event. The task force also deals with blackmail crimes, where a minor has sent a photo and is being blackmailled over it. The repayment is either cash, or producing more child sexual content. The children are usually afraid to report it to their parents or school. They also address cyberbullying, doxing, or revealing someone’s wherabouts to harass and intimidate.

“These tips come in hard and fast,” said Sgt. Kenneth Ventresca, a supervisor in the Computer Crimes Unit for the State Police. “It’s our job to determine where the IP address is coming from. Much of it is peer to peer, like the old music pirating platforms. There are other

software used to spread child pornography.”

Ventresca recalled a case involving a local hotel owner who was actively looking online to purchase a minor for production of child porn.

Police staged a sting and arrested the man on site.

“There were multiple victims

with this. In fact, one of them was his own daughter,” Ventresca said. “It’s become a very big issue. We are working tirelessly every day to keep up with the latest technology,”

But while the predators can be pursued by law enforcement, the tech companies

are immune right now, Blumenthal said.

“We need to eliminate that section of the law that gives them complete immunity,” he said, “and end this sickening sexual abuse and exploitation.”

mgodin@record-journal.com

203-317-2255

Sgt. Kenneth Ventresca, a supervisor in the Computer Crimes Unit for the Connecticut State Police, speaks on Friday, May 5 next to U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal at the Connecticut State Police Division of Scientific Services on Colony Street in Meriden.

MAINTAINER III COLLECTIONS SYSTEM

The Town of Wallingford Sewer Division is seeking qualified applicants to supervise and perform highly skilled tasks in the operation, maintenance, repair and construction of sanitary sewers, including CCTV inspection and high velocity flushing. Requires a H.S., trade school or vocational school diploma or H.S. equivalency diploma, plus 4 years’ employment in a field related to sanitary sewer construction, operation or maintenance, or 1 year of training in a skilled trade substituted for 1 year of experience up to 2 years plus a minimum of 2 years of employment for a sewer utility or in the construction field with work experience in the installation and maintenance of pipelines, or an equivalent combination of experience and training. Must possess or maintain a valid State of Connecticut Class B CDL. NEWEA Collection System Certification Grade II or higher is preferred.

Wages: $29.21 to $33.40 hourly, plus an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, medical insurance, life insurance, paid sick and vacation time.

Applications may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and can be mailed to the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, or emailed to: wlfdhr@wallingfordct. gov by the closing date of May 30, 2023. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

OFFICE POSITIONWe 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 Soil . Compost . . Wood Chips . FOR SALE. Catering to small deliveries. Call Bob (203) 415-0723

PISTOL PERMIT - Certification class for CT Pistol Permit, 1 session only, small groups, $140. (203) 415-1144.

TREE LENGTH FIREWOOD CALL FOR DETAILS 203-238-2149

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.

WANTED - Short term rental, 3-6 months maybe longer, whole house must have 2 BRs, must accept little dogs, (203) 470-1828.

1, 2, 3 CASH FOR YOUR ANTIQUES & JEWELRY

- Call Todd Shamock at 203-494-1695.

ALWAYS BUYING

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

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.

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, Vi olins, Flutes, Clarinets, Trombone & SO MUCH MORE) Advertising Items, Wristwatches (Broken or Not), Pocket Watches, Tools (Ma chinist, Woodworking, & MORE) Doorstops, Clocks, Oil Paintings, Old Signs, Old Pho tographs, Old Post cards, Brewery Items, Hunting & Fishing, PEZ Dispensers, Costume Jewelry, Broken Jewel ry, Gold & Silver Jewel ry, Gold & Silver Coins, Military Items, Swords & Bayonets, Helmets & Patches, Medals & Uni forms, Pocket Knives, Lighters & Pipes, Foun tain Pens, Mechanical Pencils, Fraternal Or Items, Religious Items, Industrial Items, Win chester Items, Sikorsky Items, Pratt & Whitney Items, Colt Items, Na tive American Items, Vintage Electronics, Slot Cars, T Matchbox & Hot wheels, Barbie’s, Folk Art, Statues, Bronzes, Trains, Cameras, Mid Century Modern Fur niture, Straight Razors, Shaving Items, Political Items, Comic Books, Sports Cards & Auto graphs…& 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 JEW

WANTED Individual firearms, collections &

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

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

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

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

ELRY - Is interested in buying your fine jewel ry, watches, coin col lections, 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 ser vices available. Call Bill (203) 494-2496.

Find what you’re looking for, with CTjobs.com

As Connecticut’s most comprehensive online job board, CTjobs.com attracts the most qualified local job seekers in almost every category throughout the state. With thousands of career candidate profiles, it’s the one place to find the employees you need.

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

DECKS & PORCHES

Give some new life to your old decks and porches. We can repair or replace stairs, deck boards, railings. We also construct new decks. HIC#647093 Insured. Call Bill for a free estimate, (203) 901-2136.

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

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

IF YOU Mention

This Ad SPRINGYard Clean-Ups

Brush, branches, s torm damage

**JUNK REMOVAL**

SPRING CLEANUPS

JUNK REMOVAL

Tree Removal, Fence Work & more! No job too small or large. 860.719.3953

RT RELOCATION

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

A pressureless

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

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

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

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

POWER WASHING Is Spring Cleaning on THE OUTSIDE

FREE Estimates #569127 Call Kevin 203-440-3279

Let Us BEAR Your Junk! Junk Removal in CT

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

OVER 28 YRS EXP

Stonewalls, patios, sidewalks, chimneys, pool areas, fireplaces, fire pit steps. Free est. 860.274.4893.

#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

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

Stormshieldct@gmail. com HIC.0664452

JASPER’S GENERAL CONTRACTOR - Roofing, painting, siding and remodeling, free estimates. 10% off with this ad. (203) 535-9817.

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.

W. BOOBER MASONRYOver 35 Years Experience All Types of Masonry CT License #626708 (203) 235-4139

A-1 QUALITY POWERWASHING Low Rates Call Dennis 203.630.0008

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

TREE REMOVAL Storm Damage, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Lots Cleared, Trees/ Shrubs Inst’d, Free Ests. Fully Ins’d. Lic #558031. 203.619.2301.

Attention Consumers:

What Are the Risks of Hiring an Unlicensed Contractor?

Do not hire your local “HOMETOWN BOY” until a contractors insurance certificate is provided (not vehicle insurance) and a workers comp. certificate is received! Also make sure the contractor is registered with CT Dept. of consumer protection and CT secretary of state! It is the law and it is illegal to hire an unlicensed, uninsured contractor.

{New Law (Public Act 21-197) Effective July 1, 2022}

Connecticut

State

Department of Consumer Protection

Liability for Injuries to Workers: One of the biggest risks to an owner 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.

Attention Homeowners:

Consequences of Hiring Unlicensed Contractors

Do not hire your local “HOMETOWN BOY” until a contractors insurance certificate is provided (not vehicle insurance) and a workers comp. certificate is received! Also make sure the contractor is registered with CT Dept. of consumer protection and CT secretary of state! It is the law and it is illegal to hire an unlicensed, uninsured contractor.

New Law (Public Act 21-197) Effective July 1, 2022: All Home Improvement Contractors

• All applicants must obtain general liability insurance of no less than $20,000 to be eligible for a home improvement contractor registration. Applicants will be required to provide the name of their insurance provider and policy number in their application. dcp.licenseservices@ct.gov