Town Times June 11, 2021 by Record Journal

Friday, June 11, 2021

www.towntimes.com

Volume 27, Number 24

Education foundation awards $22K in grants

FLAGS RETIRED, REPLACED

The Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation recently announced their 2021 grant recipients. With a recordsetting number of grant applications received, CVEF awarded 16 grants totaling $22,000. “It was great to see so many applications,” grants committee co-chair Tina Gossner said. “After living through this difficult pandemic year, it was extremely uplifting to see folks submit a record-number of applications with such creative and forward-thinking ideas.”

Girl Scout cookie sales lead to community center renovation A little sugar, a little butter, perhaps some chocolate. But it’s not just the ingredients that make them special. There’s also the box. When you see it, you know. A container of Girl Scout cookies delivers a sweetness that no other cookies can. And deliver they did. Girl Scouts from Durham and Middlefield achieved the biggest jump in sales compared to any other Girl Scout troop in the state, increasing sales by more than 15 percent. If you stopped by one of the Girl Scout cookie sales earlier this year at Strong School or Durham Pharmacy, then give yourself a pat on the

back. You helped our local troops do a lot more than deliver the frozen thin mint-goodness that we all deserve at the end of a long day. You helped create sustainable projects that incorporate initiative, community mindedness, and the opportunity for

young people to plan and succeed. That should make you feel a bit less guilty about that extra Samoa you sneaked before dinner. Of course, in-person sales at schools and local pharSee Renovation, A4

29th Annual

Saturday, June 19, 2021 9am to 2pm Spectator Drive Thru

The grant recipients: Two grants were awarded to study slavery in our communities, one from Strong School and another as an Eagle Scout project. Both will study local history to pinpoint and honor either a slave or abolitionist from Durham/Middlefield.

MOTORCA AGE R NT

By Bronwyn Commins Special to Town Times

Grants committee co-chair Anne Doyle concurred, noting, “We were inspired that many grants were aimed at educating our community on diversity in every age group. We were also excited to see innovative, worldrelated projects from the amazing teachers and students in RSD13.”

• SERIES

•

The Coginchaug Area Transition Team will start a pilot program with the assistance of the Durham Middlefield Interlocal Agreement Advisory Board aimed at educating 100 families about composting. A drop-off spot at the Transfer Station will be provided. The goal is that the program will be a model to transfer costs and help green our communities. Durham Public Library and Levi Coe Library received funding for creative projects, including monthly DIY Take See Grants, A37

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Boy Scout Troop 27 replaced the POW/MIA and American flags on the Durham town green with new ones on Sunday, June 6. See story on Page 6. Pictured: Scouts prepare the old U.S. flag for proper disposal by the VFW. Photos by Denise Pulaski Grodzicki

Complete Streets Durham will use their grant funds to present an education and safety campaign. Complete Streets is a group formed by Sustainable Durham, with plans to enhance walkability and safety on a planned pedestrian loop.

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Friday, June 11, 2021

In Brief

Monthly Tag Sales at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 272 Main St., Durham, will be held Saturdays July 3, Aug. 7 and Sept. 4 from 8 a.m. to to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Outside you will find furniture, records, tapes, CDs, books, pictures and frames, baskets, stuffed animals, electronics, sporting equipment, religious items and more. In the Church Hall there will be clothing, toys, jewelry, China, linens, kitchen and craft supplies, and more.

D.A.R.T. rabies clinic

year, there are two ways to participate. Start by setting up your fundraising page and begin collecting pledges. Form a team with family and friends, no matter where they live. Then complete the 2.2-mile walk where you live, on your favorite walking path or hiking trail; or join us at MxCC inperson. Don’t forget to take photos and send them to Cat Tales to include on our Facebook page. For more information, visit cattalesct.org/ walk-a-thon-run.

Hazardous waste collection

The Lower CT River Council of Governments will hold a free household hazardous The Durham Animal Rewaste collection Saturday, sponse Team (D.A.R.T.) will June 19, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at hold a rabies clinic Sunday, June 20, 9 a.m. to noon, at 58 the East Hampton WPCA, 20 Gildersleeve Dr., East HampMain St. (Brenda's Main ton. The collection is open Street Feed). The fee is $20, cash or check. Dogs and cats to residents of the RiverCOG region, which includes Midshould be on leashes or in dlefield and Durham. No carriers. Previous vaccinacommercial or business tion certificate will allow waste allowed. For deatils, your pets to obtain a threeyear vaccine. For more infor- visit rivercog.org/householdhazardous-waste. mation, call 860-349-0410.

WoW hikes

Cat Walk Cat Tales’ Annual Cat Walk will be held Saturday, June 19, at Middlesex Community College (upper parking lot). Registration will take place from 9:30 to 10 a.m. The walk begins at 10. This

Giving Garden Volunteers will tend to the Middlefield-Durham Giving Garden Wednesdays and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon. Stop by to lend a hand. The Giving Garden is located behind the community center on Main Street.

Farmers Market The Durham Farmers Market will run on the Town Green Thursdays from 3 to 6:30 p.m. through the end of November.

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Women of the Woods (or WoW), a program of Everyone Outside, offers monthly hikes in the Durham/Middlefield area. Durham resident Lucy Meigs is offering two socially-distanced hikes per month. For additional information, visit EveryoneOutside.org or email Lucy at Lucy@EveryoneOutside.org.

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Friday, June 11, 2021

Beware of bloviating snollygosters A month to celebrate By Joy VanderLek Special to Record-Journal

I used to think I had a pretty good command of the English language. Well, maybe not so much. Take a gander at some interesting words that I came across on the Internet. They’re words that I certainly don’t use on a regular – or any – basis. I think some of them will coax a giggle or two out of you.

rumbling and gurgling from your stomach

Bumfuzzled – confused and flustered

Fantysheeny – someone or something that’s fancy or Bloviate – a person who likes ostentatious to ramble on Cattywampus – something that is askew, awry, or lined Gubbins – miscellaneous up in a way that is not totally bits and pieces or gadgets straight Blatherskite – a person who Woebegone – being in a sad can’t self-edit and worries state more about making noise than making sense

Hullaballoo – a ruckus or uproar Argle-bargle – a meaningless argument or chatter Doodlesack – another word for bagpipes

Widdershins – counterclockwise Collywobbles – stomach pain or queasiness Quomodocunquizing – someone who makes money in any way possible

villainous intentions Tittynope – a small amount of something that’s left over Flibbertigibbet – a flighty person

Snollygoster – a person with

See Carr, A37

Gobbledygook – language that is basically incomprehensible

Another June observance is Father’s Day. The first one was celebrated in 1910, at the YMCA in Spokane, Washington, by the daughter of a Civil War veteran, a man who singlehandedly raised six chilSee June, A36

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Nudiustertian – the day before yesterday

Borborygmus – the noisy

Many people might also think of weddings. June brides is a term still wellknown as June weddings are one if not the most popular month for weddings to take place. The reason for June weddings may go back to Medieval times. Back then bathing was infrequent and as tales be told when a bath was had, usually in late spring, it made “scents” to

D-Day is held on June 6 each year and marks the date U.S. troops and allies converged on the beaches of Normandy. This pivotal push was known as Operation Overlord in World War II and is recognized as the beginning of the end of Hitler’s regime.

QUALITY SCREENED

Eeksie-peeksie – referring to things in your world being perfectly balanced

Taradiddle – pretentious nonsense

When you think of the month of June, what comes to mind? Graduations, the end of the school year, the start of summer, long days and maybe a vacation or at least a staycation.

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Winklepicker – a shoe or boot with a sharp-pointed toe

Funambulism – tightrope walking

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Friday, June 11, 2021

Renovation From A1

macies make a difference. Who among us can resist seeing a stand on Main Street, particularly when there is no need to stop at the ATM. Yes, troops take credit cards now, which means you no longer have to choose between Thin Mints and Samoas. (They both taste really good frozen.)

their earnings? They invested it in a resource that will allow them to continue their good work: the kitchen at the Middlefield Community Center. That’s the kitchen where these young people attempted to bake pies for the residents of Sugarloaf Terrace right before Thanksgiving 2019.

The baking of those pies did not go quite as planned when it became apparent It was online sales, however, that the well-used oven was that really made a difference, not baking those desserts to especially during the panthe desired level of golden demic. If there is one thing goodness. that can ease the pain of isoNot prepared to let residents lation, it is a Trefoil cookie down, the group completed or two. the task at the home of Girl What did some of our indus- Scout leader Michelle, and trious Girl Scouts do with

THE BEES ARE BACK!

Of course, Girls Scouts do a lot more than sell cookies. They camp (Annie’s favorite part of being a Girl Scout), they work and learn new skills, (Hailey’s favorite), and they give back (the piece that Brooke likes best). This sense of collaboration does not happen overnight. Many of these young people entered into Girl Scouts as a Daisy in kindergarten, and continued as Brownies, Juniors, and now, Cadets. Along the way, they raised money for Cat Tales, volunteered with the Community Round Up, and learned to work together for a common goal. The cookies are long gone, but the results of the sales effort remain. There’s a new kitchen, resources for continuing community outreach, and the sense of collaboration that makes Girl Scouts a symbol of teamwork and kindness.

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Friday, June 11, 2021

Open House Day returns Saturday Connecticut tourism attractions of all types and sizes, including museums, arts and cultural venues, historical sites, nature centers, farms and galleries, are warmly welcoming back state residents with free or reduced admission or special offers on Connecticut Open House Day, Saturday, June 12.

Boy Scouts replace weathered flags on Durham town green By Nadya Korytnikova Town Times

Boy Scout Troop 27 replaced the old POW-MIA and American flags on the Durham town green with new ones. During the town’s recent Memorial Day ceremony, one of the scout’s fathers, a Navy veteran, noticed that the flags were tattered and needed to be replaced. Five scouts volunteered for the task. On Sunday, June 6, led by First Class Scout Andrew Fazzone-Chettiar, the younger scouts, Gabriel Glomb, Zachary Grodzicki, JZ Lauderdale and Ian Wawrzeniak, took down and folded the weathered flags for proper disposal by the VFW. The scouts then raised the new flags. “Performing a flag ceremony is one of the requirements toward becoming a First Class Scout,” said Robert Wawrzeniak, an assistant Scoutmaster. “They practice how to respect, treat and fold the flag, and also when to perform the scout salute while in uniform, as the flag is raised or lowered.” “We always want to promote that the scouts are a positive influence on the community,” said Wawrzeniak.

Flag Day is Monday, June 14. The U.S. Flag Code specifies that the flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed

in a dignified way, preferably by burning. nkorytnikova@ record-journal.com 203-317-2444 Twitter: @n_korytnikova

More than 140 attractions across the state are participating in the Connecticut Office of Tourism’s 17th annual event, which celebrates the state’s diverse array of history, art, culture, nature and adventure experiences. This year, both in-person and virtual offerings are available. Browse the full list of participants and offers at CTvisit.com/CTOpenHouseDay.

enger hunts, virtual reality games, and wine, beer and spirit tastings. Pre-registration is required at a number of properties, so state residents are encouraged to plan ahead, as well as to check each businesses’ visitor policies. State residents can also access fare-free bus service statewide all summer through the Weekend Wheels program.

“There has never been a better time to discover and rediscover Connecticut’s many tourism treasures, from popular destinations to lesser-known hidden gems,” said Christine Castonguay, interim director, Connecticut Office of Tourism. “After over a year of closures and restrictions due to the pandemic, people are ready to safely explore — and businesses are ready to show State residents can enjoy: off their unique offerings. Free or reduced admission Take advantage of this at 40-plus attractions, inspecial day and kick off cluding some that recently the summer season right.” reopened. Connecticut Open House Free tours at 30-plus sites, Day isn’t just a special day including some rarely for state residents, it’s also open to the public. critical for participating Virtual experiences offered businesses and Connectiby 40-plus businesses, in- cut’s tourism industry. cluding 3D tours and live- Many businesses attract new visitors on Connectistreamed performances. cut Open House Day, Special offers, events or sometimes in record numgiveaways at 60-plus prop- bers, that tend to revisit erties. and share their experiences with friends and Event highlights include family. animal encounters, archaeological digs, artist For the latest Connecticut workshops, author meetOpen House Day updates, and-greets, boat and trol- visit CTvisit.com/CTOpenley rides, crafts, farm, gar- HouseDay and follow den and house museum #CTOpenHouse on social tours, flight lessons, kayak media. and paddleboard rentals, — Press Release live demonstrations, pickyour-own berries, scav-

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Friday, June 11, 2021

Candelora blasts ‘tainted’ legal marijuana legislation By Susan Haigh Associated Press

With the Connecticut House of Representatives poised to take up a long-awaited bill that would legalize recreational marijuana for adults, the Republican leader on Tuesday called for an investigation into how language was tucked into the legislation that could have intentionally benefitted at least one individual. House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora, R-North Branford, said the closeddoor process that led to the massive, nearly 300-page bill is “tainted,” and the House should not proceed with a vote during the remaining hours of the regular General Assembly session, which was to adjourn at midnight on Wednesday. The bill narrowly passed the Senate early Tuesday after the contentious provision was stripped. “It is so tarnished that the

House of Representatives should not be taking up this bill,” Candelora said. “And frankly, there should be an investigation in the governor’s office and in the Democrats offices on how this provision came to be.” Candelora said if the Democrats, who control the General Assembly, decide to bring out the cannabis bill, he predicted the debate could last 12 hours, eating up valuable time on the final day of the regular legislative session. The bill passed the Democratic-controlled Senate just before 2 a.m. on a 19-17 vote, with six Democrats voting against the proposal and one Republican voting in favor of it. The bill originally included a provision which specified that an unnamed “former backer of a (marijuana) producer may apply” to the state Department of Consumer Protection for a “provisional cultivator license and subsequently a fi-

nal cultivator license without being subject to a lottery.” That section was later removed at the behest of Gov. Ned Lamont, who supports legalization. The Democrat told reporters he was unware of the language, which he called wrong. “We got that out of there,” said Lamont, who said an investigation was not necessary and the House vote should be held. “I've got to make sure that people have confidence in what this bill

in particular means and what we’re trying to do in the Capitol.” Earlier in the day, Democratic leaders in the House said they hoped to see the bill pass before Wednesday's adjournment. However, they did not rule out a special legislative session if time runs out. The House was tied up Tuesday debating budget-related bills. “I think it will get done. I think the marijuana vote will happen, I do,” Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, D-Hart-

ford, said Tuesday morning. If the proposal ultimately becomes law, Connecticut will join 18 other states that already allow recreational marijuana possession and use, which federal law continues to ban. Proponents of legalization have been working for years to come up with a compromise bill that not only lays the groundwork for a new, legal industry but also ensures it will benefit those See Marijuana, A9

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Friday, June 11, 2021

COVID-19 VACCINE

ASK THE EXPERT

How does the process work for getting approval to expand vaccine rollout to younger age groups?

¿Cómo trabaja el proceso de recibir aprobación para expandir el lanzamiento de las vacunas a grupos de personas más jóvenes?

Children tend to have brisk immune responses to pathogens and therefore further studies are needed to determine which dose of vaccine is best for children. Currently studies are ongoing in children younger than 12 – starting with those at Now that we have data on the safety the older age range. Children in of COVID-19 vaccines in millions of these studies will receive a range adults, pharmaceutical companies of doses of vaccine to have started testing these vaccines determine which dose Ahora que tenemos in children. Although children tend información acerca de la triggers a strong imto have milder COVID-19 sympseguridad de las vacunas mune response without toms, they can still become sick and de COVID-19 en millones too many side effects. sometimes suffer lingering consede adultos, las comOnce researchers have quences from the virus. Children pañías farmacéuticas han determined which dose comenzado a probar las with underlying health conditions, is optimal for children vacunas en niños. Aunque such as diabetes and heart disin each age group they los niños suelen tener ease may be more at risk of severe will begin randomized síntomas de COVID-19 infection. Vaccinating children is controlled trials to más leves, es posible que also felt to be the key to controlling determine the efficacy se enfermen y a veces this pandemic – as otherwise there Dr. Virginia of these vaccines in sufran consecuencias would be a pool of millions of Bieluch prolongadas por el virus. children just as they children at risk of infection to allow Chief of Infectious Los niños con condiciones did in adults. These continued spread of the virus. Diseases, MidState de salud previas, como researchers will look Medical Center diabetes y enfermedad at development of imThe PfizerBioNTech vaccine was recardiaca, pueden tener mune markers in chilcently authorized for use in children más riesgo de contraer dren, cases of COVID-19 in vaccine una infección severa. También se cree 12-15 years of age after this vaccine and placebo recipients as well as que la vacunación de los niños es la was studied in 2,260 children in this the spread of virus in households to clave para controlar esta pandemia age group using the standard dose. determine how effective these vacporque de otra manera habría un grupo Side effects after vaccination such cines are in children. Completion de millones de niños en riesgo de infecas sore arm, fever, chills, headache, of these studies will take several ción, lo que permitirá la propagación and fatigue were similar to side months and we do not know exactly del virus. effects experienced by adults. The when vaccines will be available for vaccine was 100% effective against Recientemente se autorizó la vacuna children. Researchers hope that COVID-19 infection as none of the de Pfizer BioNTech para uso en niños vaccines may be available for older vaccinated adolescents became de 12-15 años de edad, después de que children in the fall, and at the end infected during the study, while esta vacuna se estudiará en 2,260 niños of 2021 for the youngest children (6 de estas edades usando la dosis nor16 cases of COVID-19 occurred in months to 2 years old). mal. Los efectos secundarios después those who received placebo injecde la vacunación, como dolor en el tions.

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A13

Celebrate Diversity F • rPride • June 10, 2021 | 1 iday, Month June 11, 2021

MORE CONTENT FROM THIS SPECIAL SECTION CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT:

www.myrecordjournal.com/pride

2 | Celebrate Diversity • Pride Month • www.myrecordjournal.com/pride A14 Friday, June 11, 2021

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DIGNITY, EQUALITY, VISIBILITY Early in our discussions about Pride Month coverage, we knew it needed to be about more than journalism. Our involvement needed to be participatory and so the Record-Journal, in addition to putting together this special section, also is coordinating Pride activities this month for employees, their families and the greater community. Some of the activities will include joining in with the Southington Pride festivities. Some will center around education and discussion on LGBTQIA+ topics.

to leadership in their partnerships and into the communities they serve.There are Pride celebrations around the world, often held in June or other summer months. Locally, the town of Southington plans its first formal foray into hosting Pride events from May 22 through June 6.

Mark Palmieri and Jolene Micelli are leading the education committee of the Southington Pride celebration. Palmieri said the local LGBTQIA+ community works to support the community (such as collaborating with local businesses on donations One way we’re encouraging support and to the local food pantry). He’s thrilled that participation is with the Pride Month poster the town is supporting the Pride effort, even found in this special section. Readers can purchasing a rainbow flag for the celebracut it out, tape it to their window or door and celebrate along with all who support the tion. In anticipation of a planned flag raising, inherent rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. Palmieri said, “I might get a little teary eyed when that happens.” We introduce our special coverage of Pride The Record-Journal is committed to continMonth with a statement from the United Nations Free and Equal Campaign for world- ually improving the diversity of our publiwide acceptance of sexual orientation and cations as well as our workplace. We have gender expression. created a Diversity & Inclusion Committee with a mission “to take actions that will “I appeal to all governments and societies to create and support a workplace and products promote the values of tolerance and respect that are inclusive, diverse and representative for diversity, and to build a world where no of the communities we serve.” one has to be afraid because of their sexual orientation and gender identity,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The UN campaign addresses topics from bullying to global business standards – asking businesses to foster diversity and promote a culture of respect and equality that extends

We are taking multiple approaches to ensure that our content, community outreach, and hiring practices remain equitable and representative of our community. One example of our outreach is “listening”. This is done through a program called Voices, a chance

for us to hear opinions, on current topics, directly from local people. We host a Latino Communities Reporting Lab, another opportunity for us to get direct input. By listening to our community, we can better provide our readers with focused content to keep you informed and engaged. We also support local students by offering minority internships and scholarships, and we’re developing new ways to attract and retain diverse and representative talent. As part of the Record-Journal’s ongoing diversity and inclusion initiative, we’re here to tell the stories from the LGBTQIA+ community and excited to bring our readers Pride Month coverage. Many of us are still learning about what all those identifiers – the letters – represent. In these pages you’ll find more about that as well as more resources to promote understanding and to support individuals and families. Jason Collins, the first openly gay athlete in a major American team sport put it this way in a Sports Illustrated essay: “Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it’s a good place to start.” We hope our readers enjoy today’s presentation and will join us on the Record-Journal Facebook page June 14 at noon for a virtual community discussion facilitated by the Stonewall Speakers group, an LGBTQ+ education and advocacy group.

Record-Journal Diversity & Inclusion Committee

RJ DIVERSITY & INCLUSION COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS OLIVIA LAWRENCE, COURTNEY WENGENROTH ADVISORS RALPH TOMASELLI, LIZ WHITE MEMBERS NORWYN CAMPBELL, JEREMY COTE, ERIC COTTON, MARIAH MELENDEZ CONTRIBUTORS LORRAINE S. CONNELLY, LINDA LANKOWSKI, LISA CAPPALLI, NADYA KORYTNIKOVA, MARIAH MELENDEZ, JEFFERY KURZ, JESSICA SIMMS, JOY VANDERLEK, FAITH WILLIAMS, MARIAH MELENDEZ, JEFFERY KURZ, ASHLEY KUS, OLIVIA LAWRENCE , GLENN RICHTER, RALPH TOMASELLI, DAVE ZAJAC GRAPHIC DESIGNERS ERIK ALLISON, MARK DULLEA, GRADY STEPHENSON, BARTOSZ ZINOWKO WEBSITE RON RAINEY, RICHIE RATHSACK

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Celebrate Diversity F • rPride • June 10, 2021 | 3 iday, Month June 11, 2021

Riot

A that rocked the world Record-Journal staff Pride Month events are held worldwide each year, usually in June, and while the emphasis is on celebration, the origins began on a very different kind of occasion. Pride Month has its beginnings in the Stonewall Riots, sometimes called the Stonewall Uprising. While there is a wide variety of histories regarding events surrounding “Stonewall”, here are the basics that most researchers, observers and analysts agree on. In 1969, there were laws prohibiting homosexual activity. During that time, the Stonewall Inn was a popular gay bar on Christopher Street, New York City. Sometime after midnight on June 28, 1969, police raided the inn. Their attempt to disperse or arrest patrons was not successful. From the National Archives: “Officers were forced back into the bar by the crowd until riot-control reinforcements arrived several hours later, but protesters refused to disperse until 4:30 a.m. The riots continued for several days and

Stonewall Inn, Christopher Street, New York City, is the birthplace of Pride Month. | New York Public Library

expanded to the neighborhoods surrounding Christopher Park. By the final day of the riots on July 3, the crowd exceeded several thousand people.” The turmoil brought attention to issues that went beyond the Stonewall Inn and raids on gay bars, putting the spotlight on harassment and discrimination, legal and otherwise, based on sexual orientation. The event sparked the formation of scores of gay rights organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, OutRage! The first Pride parades were held on June 28, 1970, the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. Parades were held in New York City, San Francisco, Chicago and Los Angeles. The anniversary has been celebrated ever since and events and festivities have expanded. In 2019, to celebrate the 50th anniversary, about 5 million people participated in WorldPride NYC. At that event, New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill rendered a formal apology on behalf of the New York Police Department for the actions of its officers at Stonewall in 1969. Numerous historical documents, including information from history. com and harvard.edu, were used in this report.

Join us on Facebook June 14 You’re invited to a virtual community discussion with the Stonewall Speakers, a program of the Connecticut Stonewall Foundation, Inc. The all-volunteer speaker's bureau is comprised of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people and their allies. We’ll talk about this Pride Month special section, including a Q&A session with our panelists.

When: Noon to 1 p.m., June 14 Where: Record-Journal Facebook page

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Connecticut

Pride Factors

Pride Factor: Same-sex marriage has been legally recognized in Connecticut since Nov. 12, 2008, following a state court decision that found the state’s civil unions failed to provide same-sex couples with rights and privileges equivalent to those of marriage. Connecticut was the second state to do so after Massachusetts. As of June 26, 2015 the Supreme Court issued a decision that same-sex couples can marry in all 50 states. This 1974 photo originally captioned “These parents are doing ‘Pride’ right”, is part of the LGBTQ+ History-Archives Collection.

What is PRIDE all about? There are many definitions when it comes to the concept of Pride Month, but the underlying message of equality is always at the core. Here are a few takes from a variety of sources. “It’s a movement that celebrates sexual diversity. For lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people it’s a way of protesting about discrimination and violence. It promotes their dignity, equal rights, self-affirmation and is a way of increasing society’s awareness of the issues they face.” – International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association “Pride Month commemorates the ongoing pursuit of equal justice for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community and celebrates the accomplishments of LGBTQ individuals.” – Britannica “PRIDE stands for Promote Respect, Inclusion, and Dignity for Everyone. There’s also a gay political organization that uses the acronym as Personal Rights in Defense and Education. – Wikipedia “Gay pride or LGBT pride refers to a worldwide movement and philosophy asserting that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity. The movement has three main

premises: that people should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity, that sexual diversity is a gift, and that sexual orientation and gender identity are inherent and cannot be intentionally altered.” – National Women’s History Alliance “Gay pride events, including gay pride parades and festivals were started in major urban centers to improve the visibility, acceptance and legal protections for LGBTQ+ people living in those communities. While the aim of Pride Day started with a political nature, many cities around the world have such wide acceptance and legal protections that many events have become a celebration of pride for the local LGBTQ+ community.” – International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association “The word ‘pride’ is an integral cultural concept within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex community, representing solidarity, collectivity, and identity as well as resistance to discrimination and violence. Its associated symbolism (e.g., rainbow colors) – communicates to individuals that LGBTQI members are welcome as valuable members of the community.” – University of California, LGBT Resource Center – Record-Journal staff

Pride Factor: Connecticut is regarded as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly U.S. states, due to its early adoption of LGBTQ+ rights legislation. According to a 2017 survey by the Public Religion Research Institute showed 73 % of Connecticut residents support same-sex marriage. Pride Factor: Hartford ranks among the places with the highest percentage of adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, according to a 2015 Gallup Poll study of the top 50 U.S. metropolitan areas. A total of 4.6 percent of residents in Hartford identify as LGBTQ+, putting the Connecticut capital in a tie with Denver and Los Angeles. For the purposes of the study, Hartford includes West Hartford and East Hartford. The national average, among the top 50 metropolitan areas, is 3.6 percent. San Francisco ranked No. 1. Pride Factor: Southington Pride Week brought the celebration to town this spring. Local members of the gay, lesbian and bisexual community planned the festivities. Events included: raising a rainbow flag, painting a rainbow crosswalk on Apple Alley and youth events at Camp Sloper. “Our main goal was to come together as a town and celebrate pride,” said Alicia Novi, a committee member. – Record-Journal staff

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a brief

history of pride

Pride milestones go back long before the modern day celebrations. Here are just a few highlights from history – with a focus on progress in the LGBTQ+ movement. For a deeper look at the timeline check out resources used to create this outline: lgbtqhistory.org and the Out in All Directions Almanac, the National Archives as well as numerous other sources.

1732 Lesbian as a term, meaning women who loved women, was first used by William King in his book, The Toast, published in England.

1852

Meet our Guest Editor

When I was in college, I wrote one of my senior papers on the importance of LGBTQ+ community centers in Trump’s America, and I can safely say many of the points I made in that essay still I lived in Cheshire my whole life Guest editor Mariah Melendez ring true today. No matter who with my parents until recentwith her bulldog, Khaleesi. you are, you should be able to ly when I moved into my own live your life 100% authentically, apartment in Wallingford. My family circle now includes bulldog Khaleesi, and most regardless of gender or sexuality. recently my new cat, Elmer. I hope some of the articles in this section speak to you The LGBTQ+ community has been my safe place for most of my life. When I started high school in Cheshire, I noticed the severe lack of LGBTQ+ di-

Writer J.D. Bothwick reports his attendance at a “miner’s ball” – a men’s only dance held in Angels’ Camp in California.

1890 Birth of Alan Hart, who pioneered the use of the X-Ray for tuberculosis diagnosis and one of the first transgender men in history.

1907 Gertrude Stein meets Alice B. Toklas, sparking a legendary romance. In Paris, the two women set up a salon for writers and artists, including gays. Stein publicly declares her love for Toklas in print in The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, published in 1933.

1917-1935 The Harlem Renaissance. Many historians say the renaissance was Continued on page 7

and help widen your idea of sexuality and gender. – Mariah Melendez

COMMENTARY

LGBTQIA CENTERS

1886 Henry James writes the book, The Bostonians, about a long term relationship between two women and the term “Boston Marriages” develops to describe two women living together, independent of financial support from a man.

versity in our community, and wanted to make a change. A few of my friends and I started Cheshire High School’s very first GSA (gay/straight alliance) and I am proud to say the club is still running to this day.

Hey everyone! My name is Mariah Melendez and I am 26 years old. I graduated from New York University in 2017 with a dual degree in journalism and anthropology (and I was just one credit away from a minor in American Sign Language). I’ve been working at The Cheshire Herald (part of the RJ Media Group) as a general assignment reporter for the past two years and I love it.

provide supportive community

By Mariah Melendez Herald Staff Finding a sense of community is hard. When I was in high school, I knew I stood out but I couldn’t understand why. I had frizzy curly hair, a flair for the dramatic, and a nearly non-existent self-esteem from years of unprocessed trauma and general confusion over my own gender identity. For many aspects of my early life I was forced to fit into boxes that I knew were either temporary or disingenuous, at least it was until I learned I could create my own box. When I entered my sophomore year at Cheshire High School, a

few friends and I thought of the idea of creating a Gay Straight Alliance. We talked about the overall lack of any kind of LGBTQIA awareness at our school, and how rampant anti-LGBTQIA bullying was at the time. If only we could create a safe place for LGBTQIA students, and a place to educate our peers on LGBTQIA issues that were important to us. Luckily, we received a lot of support early on from many school administrators. We quickly got a class advisor, Mrs. Milone, and were set on the path to start holding club meetings and planning events, with no idea how much this club would impact the entire

school community. From the first meeting held in early September, we were onto something. Mrs. Milone’s classroom was standing-room only as we passed around a contact sheet for students to write their email addresses. Students were spilling out into the hallway as they clamored for a pencil, piece of paper, anything to get their information written down. They were just as hungry for a sense of community as I was. While our numbers thinned out as the year went on, the club’s first year was incredibly successful. Continued on page 13

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COMMENTARY

a catalyst for

Business & Growth By Paul Whitman

Over one third of the Fortune 500 recognize this certification and partner with NGLCC to create fully LGBT-inclusive supply chains. A ‘Certified Business’ designation levels the playing field.

The Connecticut Gay and Lesbian Chamber is the voice of the LGBTQ+ business community in Connecticut. Members also include allied business professionals, those supportive of LGBTQ+ causes including diversity and inclusion in and outside of the workplace. Together, as a group, the CTGLC seeks to increase the economic strength of both LGBTQ+ and allied organizations through business development, leadership, advocacy, and visibility. The chamber represents more than 165 businesses from all major industries around the state. Locally, some members include Comcast in Berlin, the law practice of Mancini, Provenzano & Futtner in Southington, the Wheeler Clinic in Plainville and Pilothouse Communications in Cheshire. The beginnings Since the group’s founding in 2007 as the Connecticut Alliance for Business Opportunities, it has become and remains an important voice in the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, one can safely say that it’s now an integral part of the state’s small-business engine. The CTGLC is an affiliate of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. It is non-partisan, but will always remain politically concerned, especially regarding health,

Executive Director John Pica-Sneeden and former Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman at the One Big Event in 2018. Courtesy of the Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

equality, justice, fairness, and the many civil rights issues that impact the LGBTQ+ community Chamber President Martin L. Heft says that the CTGLC promotes business networking among its members and within our community at large. This network fosters a sharing of information, ideas, contacts, and products and services. In the end, it strengthens and expands our businesses, careers and our community. ‘Certified Business’ The CTGLC is the exclusive third-party certifying body for Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (Certified LGBTBE®) companies.

Noack’s Meat Products Home of the Finest Bratwurst

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On its website, The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (formerly NGLCC) states that its Supplier Diversity Initiative offers businesses a tool to make connections and opens doors with America’s top corporations, several federal government agencies and other certified businesses. The SDI certifies Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender owned Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs) and works to provide opportunities for LGBTBEs to gain exposure within government and corporate procurement processes either as a contractor or a subcontractor. Major impact There is a major impact on small businesses that choose to affiliate with a chamber of commerce, according to the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. It’s interesting to note that a national survey of 2,000 adults conducted in 2012 by The Schapiro Group, revealed that 49% of consumers were more likely to think favorably of a local business if it was a member of the local Chamber. What is more, there is a 73% increase in consumer awareness, a 68% increase in its local reputation, and an 80% increase in the likelihood that consumers will patronize the business in the future. LGBTQ+ and ally business professionals are encouraged to join Connecticut’s most influential LGBTQ+ business organization. For more information, contact John Pica-Sneeden, Executive Director at 860-612-8351, john@ctglc.org. Or visit ctglc.org. Paul Whitman is secretary for the Connecticut Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

LGBTQIA+ What do the letters represent? Record-Journal staff Most of us are familiar with LGBT, LGBTQ and LGBTQ+ – referring to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender/transexual identities. The Q is for the broad concept of “queer” but also frequently understood to represent those who are questioning any aspect of their gender expression or sexual identity. The “plus” is for any and all other aspects of human sexual expression or identity. In recent years, “I” and “A” have been added to the mix to acknowledge intersex, asexual, agender and aromantic individuals. Often included as part of the “A” are “allies” – people who don’t necessarily identify as part of the community but who support and advocate for those who do. You may see an added “P” for pansexual/polyamorous. But more likely, you’ll see LGBTQIA expanded with a plus. At Texas Tech, the Office of LGBTQIA Education and Engagement explains the categories this way: “When thinking about all these different identities, they all fall within several buckets: Gender Expression; Gender Identity; Sex Assigned at Birth; and Sexual and Romantic Orientation. The terminology used for these identities is extensive and that is a good thing as it gives added ability for labeling (labels are not all bad some are very affirming).” The use of the terms LGBT, LGBTQ, and LGBTQ+ continue to be widely used, especially in speaking – and are the accepted style for news organizations - but the broader abbreviation that includes “I” and “A” has gained acceptance and also is widely used.

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Leadership from the LGBTQ+ community Record-Journal staff In the 2018 state election cycle, 10 candidates who identified as LGBTQ+ ran for office, six Republicans and four Democrats. While not all were successful in their bid, the fact that a significant number of LGBTQ+ individuals were looking for political leadership roles was noted in the media. The Hartford Courant dubbed this activism a “rainbow wave.” State Sen. Beth Bye of West Hartford and Rep. Jeff Currey of East Hartford are Democrats. Both won re-election and both are openly gay. Bye married Dr. Tracey Wilson on Nov. 12, 2008. They were the first gay couple to be married in Connecticut. Tracey Wilson is West Hartford town historian and the couple live with their four children. Bye was the first member of the legislature to enter into a civil union Raghib Allie-Brennan, a Democrat from Bethel, won his 2018 bid for state representative. State Sen. Alex Kasser, a Democrat from Greenwich, won a second term in 2020. The six Republican candidates who ran in 2018 were from all corners of the state. While many were new to the state level of campaigning, most had held local leadership positions. Those candidates were: John Scott of Mystic; A.J. Kerouac of Brooklyn; Ken Richards of Groton; Mary Fay of West Hartford; Robert Smedley of New Britain; and Shaun Mastroianni of Stonington.

Celebrate Diversity F • rPride • June 10, 2021 | 7 iday, Month June 11, 2021

Books, Movies, events & more Pride Month is an opportunity to explore and there are many fun, inspirational, entertaining and educational ways to go about that. Families, friends, book clubs, church groups and other gatherings might look to books, film, music, art exhibits and other cultural activities as a way to discuss their experiences and ideas about gender, sexual orientation and the changes in attitudes, law and society over the past decade or so. Whether you are learning, celebrating, validating, experimenting, curious, questioning or otherwise interested in LGBTQ+ topics, here are a few favorites curated by guest editor Mariah Melendez along with contributions from LGBTQ+ educator and advocate Linda Lankowski.

Books Giovanni’s Room, by James Baldwin. Adult fiction. In the 1950s Paris of American expatriates, liaisons, and violence, a young man finds himself caught between desire and conventional morality. Annie on My Mind, by Nancy Garden. Youth fiction. The story of two teenage girls whose friendship blossoms into love despite pressures from family and school that threaten their relationship.

Transgender History, by Susan Stryker. Nonfiction. An in depth walk through the history of transgendered individuals in the United States. Fun Home, by Alison Bechdel. Graphic novel, now also a Broadway show. The story of a closeted father and his lesbian daughter. Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and the fight for Trans equality, by Sarah McBride. A story of trans acceptance through told through McBride’s own transition. The Deviants War: The Homosexual vs. The United States of America- by Eric Cervini. First LGBTQ+ history book to make the NYT best seller list in over 25 years. Documents gay activism in the early ‘50s and ‘60s. Broken Horses, by Brandi Carlile. The five-time Grammy Award winner’s autobiography tells how she overcame the barriers of poverty and sexual orientation. This is the Fire: This is What I say to my Friends About Racism, by Don Lemon. Autobiography by the CNN News anchor and gay activist. One Life, by Megan Rapinoe. A professional soccer player, Rapinoe tells her story and advocates for gender, fiscal and racial equality, especially in women’s sports. Continued on page 15

history Continued from page 5 “as gay as it was Black.” Lesbian, gay or bisexual people in this movement includes writers and poets such as Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston; and entertainers Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Ethel Waters and Gladys Bentley.

1924 The Society for Human Rights, the first gay rights organization, was founded in Chicago by Henry Gerber, a German immigrant. The organization ceased to exist after most of its members were arrested.

1950 The Mattachine Society formed in Los Angeles, California by activist Harry Hay and is one of the first sustained gay rights groups in the U.S. It continues to this day.

1952 Christine Jorgensen became one of the most famous transgender people when she underwent a sex change operation and went on to a successful career in show business.

1966 Compton’s Cafeteria Riot, San Francisco. Transgender and drag queens in San Francisco react to ongoing police harassment. One result: the National Transsexual Counseling Unit in support of transgender people.

1967 The Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop is opened in New York City by Craig Rodwell. The bookshop — devoted to gay history and gay rights — is believed to be the first of its kind in the U.S.

1969

State comptroller Kevin Lembo, a Democrat, won re-election. He was Connecticut’s first openly gay statewide official and was

The Stonewall Riots, New York City. The Stonewall Inn was a gay bar in Greenwich Village in New York City. In response to an unprovoked police raid on an early

Continued on page 13

Continued on page 9

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legal issues for LGBTQ are the specialty of this connecticut BAR GROUP By Nadya Korytnikova Record-Journal staff

Same sex couples who say

“I do”

By Joy VanderLek Special to the Record-Journal

involved with helping same sex partners tie the knot since the start.

Since same-sex marriage became legal in Connecticut in 2008, thousands of couples have taken the plunge. From 2009 to 2018, the state has seen more than 12,087 same-sex marriages officiated. Same-sex marriage has been legally recognized in Connecticut since Nov. 12, 2008, following a state court decision that found the state's civil unions failed to provide same-sex couples with rights and privileges equivalent to those of marriage.

Justice of the Peace Lea Pomaszewsk, owner of “The Wedding Ladies of Middlesex County”, with her mother, the late Eleanor Pomaszewski, also a justice of the peace and founder of the Wedding Ladies service.

Taking the rights of same sex couples a step further, on July 16, 2014, the Connecticut Supreme Court, reversed judgments in lower courts and ruled unanimously that a same-sex couple in a relationship established before the state afforded legal recognition to their relationship has the same rights as other married couples.

After a bump in 2009, after legalization took hold, the number of same sex couples choosing marriage has remained fairly consistent in recent years: 543 in 2008; 2,706 in 2009; 1,791 in 2010; 1,262 in 2011; 668 in 2012; 1,356 in 2013; 1,057 in 2014; 689 in 2015; 704 in 2016; 672 in 2017; and 639 in 2018. Across the country, according to estimates from the 2019 Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement, there are 543,000 same-sex married couple households and 469,000 households with same-sex unmarried partners living together. None of this is news to local justices of the peace. The Wedding Ladies of Middlesex County have been

Second generation justice of the peace, Lea Pomaszewsk, is the owner of “The Wedding Ladies of Middlesex County.” Her mother, the late Eleanor Pomaszewski, was a justice of the peace and the original “Wedding Lady of Middlesex County.” Her father also was a justice of the peace.

Her mother officiated same sex weddings “as soon as it became legal in Connecticut,” said Lea Pomaszewski. “I am proud of my mother. I am proud of her being an early proponent of same sex marriages,” she said, adding, “She was one of the first.” Same sex unions didn’t always receive that level of support. According to a headline in the Connecticut Post, July 7, 2008, “For civil unions Justices of the Peace can say ‘I won’t.” The Post wrote that “Connecticut Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, said public employees, such as town clerks who give marriage and civil union licenses, are prohibited from discriminating. But justices of the peace are simply nominated by their political parties and are therefore in a different category. Just like a lawyer can refuse a case, a JP can say no to civil union request.”

The LGBTQ Section of the Connecticut Bar Association is a professional association of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender attorneys, judges, paralegals, and law students who provide an LGBTQ presence within Connecticut’s legal community. “We try to provide support and resources to people who are practicing law and are providing services to LGBTQ clients,” said Grayson Holmes, chair of the LGBTQ Section of the Connecticut Bar Association. “At the end of the day, it really does take a community of LGBTQ lawyers to help protect and promote the legal rights of LGBTQ members in our state.” According to the LGBTQ Section, the organization strives to create an open, inclusive, and engaging space for all federal practitioners - LGBTQ and allies alike. It promotes recognition of civil and human rights, sensitivity to legal issues faced by the LGBTQ community, and enhances the practice and professional expertise of lawyers who serve or who are members of the LGBTQ community. In addition to providing resources, the LGBTQ Section is providing educational seminars for all members of the bar association. On April 28, it held a webinar teaching lawyers to create a safe and welcoming environment for transgender clients and colleagues. The LGBTQ Section will continue holding similar programs, which can be found at ctbar.org/events.

Lea Pomaszewski recalled that when same-sex marriage was first legalized the calls started coming in and couples would say they had searched for officiants to marry them, and often would get negative feedback.

“You would be amazed by how many different areas of the law, LGBTQ people are affected,” Holmes. “We provide a collective resource for attorneys who need to solve legal issues that are

Continued on page 13

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history Continued from page 7 Saturday morning in June, over 400 lesbian, bisexual, transgender and heterosexual people protested for days.

1970 A gay Hispanic group, Unidos, meets for the first time.

1972 “Coming Out!” a play by Jonathan Ned Katz, is performed for the first time in New York and provides a historical perspective of gay life from the colonial period to the present.

a deeper look at the

Wedding Cake Case By Lisa Cappalli In 2012 Messrs. Craig and Mullins asked Mr. Phillips’ bakery to bake them a wedding cake to celebrate the couple’s upcoming marriage. Mr. Phillips declined because of his religious opposition to same sex marriage. He offered to sell them other cakes. The couple then complained to the Colorado Civil Rights Commission that Mr. Phillips’ refusal was a violation of a state law that prohibits a place of business engaged in the sale of goods or services to the public from discrimination based on sexual orientation. The Commission agreed with the couple. It ordered Mr. Phillips, among other things, to stop selling wedding cakes only to heterosexual couples. Mr. Phillips appealed, ultimately, to the United States Supreme Court. The Supreme Court decided in favor of Mr. Phillips. It nullified the Commission decision because it found that the Commission acted improperly by failing to give Mr. Phillips the respectful and neutral hearing that his Constitutional right to freely exercise his religion required.

Because the decision was based on improper conduct of the Commission, the case was neither a win nor a loss for same-sex couples or those with religious opposition to same-sex marriage. The Supreme Court did set out principles to be considered in cases like this: “The first is the authority of a State and its governmental entities to protect the rights and dignity of gay persons who are, or wish to be, married but who face discrimination when they seek goods or services. The second is the right of all persons to exercise fundamental freedoms under the First Amendment [of the US Constitution] … both the freedom of speech and the free exercise of religion.” It recognized that it is a “delicate question” to reconcile the constitutionally protected rights of decent people, like Messrs. Craig, Mullins and Phillips, who, when you get behind labels, are simply trying to live their lives according to genuine and legitimate beliefs. The Supreme Court opinion concluded: “The outcome of cases like this in other circumstances

must await further elaboration in the courts, all in the context of recognizing that these disputes must be resolved with tolerance, without undue disrespect to sincere religious beliefs, and without subjecting gay persons to indignities when they seek goods and services in an open market.” Time will tell when and how the next “Wedding Cake Case” or cases like it will be resolved. Read the Supreme Court decision at: www. lcappalli-familylaw.com/masterpiece-cakeshop-ltd-et-al-v-colorado-civil-rights-commission-et-al. Lisa J. Cappalli is Of Counsel at the law firm of Freed Marcroft, LLC. She can be reached at lisa@ freedmarcroft.com or 203-2713888. This column should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion Lisa J. Cappalli or Freed Marcroft, LLC on any specific facts or circumstances. The content is intended for general information only and you are urged to consult an attorney to advise you personally concerning your own situation and any specific legal questions you may have.

1973 American Psychiatric Association removes homosexuality as a mental illness.

1977 Harvey Milk is elected county supervisor in San Francisco and becomes the third “out” elected public official in the U.S. and the first in California.

1978 In San Francisco, the Rainbow Flag is first flown during the Gay Freedom Parade, June 25.

1978 Harvey Milk is assassinated Nov. 27 at San Francisco City Hall by former county supervisor Dan White. Also killed in the incident was the city’s mayor, George Moscone. White was later convicted of voluntary manslaughter, a verdict that sparked the “White Night Riots.”

1979 Chapters of the national organization of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) are founded across the United States.

1980 Continued on page 11

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college campuses create centers of support and connection By Jessica Simms Special to the Record-Journal As a way to support the LGBTQ+ community on campus, area colleges and universities have a variety of support groups, student clubs and resources available to students.

Quinnipiac University At Quinnipiac University, the Gender Sexuality Alliance is a student-run organization that serves as a safe space for students who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Along with support, the alliance educates students on issues facing the LGBTQ community. “I think that GSA gives a lot of young adults experience in LGBTQ+ culture because they’re away from their families for the first time,” said Mary Vidallon, GSA president. “It’s kind of a new space where (students) can feel safe and step into finding themselves especially being alone and independent. I think the club offers that in a way.” Before COVID-19, the GSA held in-person events and activities. However, meetings and events were via Zoom this past year. “I feel like COVID-19 really changed things, but I feel like we still found a way to have fun events,” said Athena Cuttle, past president of GSA. “We’ll have game nights, sometimes we’ll have more educational meetings depending on holidays or other things happening within the week and just do different things to make sure everyone has a safe space and a comfortable place to come spend time with friends.” Cuttle also worked with the university to create gender inclusive housing options for the 2021-22 school year and Vidallon expressed optimism that more initiatives can be put in place for the LGBTQ+ community on campus. “I know Athena has made a ton of strides especially including gender inclusive housing,” Vidallon said. “... Even more accessibility for LGBTQ+ students and maybe opening more gender inclusive bathrooms or maybe opening a women or LGBTQ center would be ideal in the next steps...”

University of Connecticut The Rainbow Center at the University of

Connecticut is one of five cultural centers on campus, with the “mission to operate in the service of a more equitable world for all students, faculty and staff,” according to its website. It officially opened in September 1998 and provides resources and services to the UConn community. One program is the FAMILEE mentoring program, which stands for Fostering Academics, Maturity, Independence, Leadership, Empowerment & Excellence. It “pairs new first-year students and second-year students with continuing students for participation in one-on-one meetings and larger group events. This program is designed to assist students in their first and second year at UConn-Storrs (including those coming from regional campuses and transfer students) with their transition,” according to the website. The center’s Out to Lunch Lecture Series is another program that includes academic lectures and discussions with guest scholars and community activists. Due to the pandemic, this past year’s presentations were held online.

Wesleyan University The Queer Resource Center was created by students who were looking for a space for the LGBTQ+ community to gather. In 2015, students started to advocate for an expansion to the center to include more staffing and two years later, the resource center was created to serve the LGBTQ+ community, students of color, students who identify as women and first generational low income students. The center focuses on race; ethnicity and nationality; gender and sexuality; socioeconomic status; social and political activism; and disability, sustainability and spirituality. “We really have to think about the whole person and not just little bits of it,” said Demetrius Colvin, center director. “How can we learn about, develop and teach about the whole person?” The resource center works with student leaders across campus to support the LGBTQ+ community. This includes implementing programming and events. “We have our pride reception at the begin-

ning of the year during orientation where the new incoming queers end up meeting the old returning queers and faculty and staff as well,” Colvin said.

Central Connecticut State University The school’s LGBT Center opened in 2009. “We have a lot of students who come up to the center and take part in the activities we do,” said WIlliam Mann, center director. “We have programming, we have support groups and we have resources as well — both health resources and also just resources for the community. It’s become a very vital cultural center at Central.”

Connecticut College At Connecticut College, there are three student groups on campus. CQ2, which stands for Connecticut College Queer and Questioning, is a biweekly closed group for students who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. QTPOC, Queer and Trans People of Color, is a biweekly group for queer and trans people of color to come together to discuss their experiences. PRISM is the queer student association on campus that acts as more of a social group and is open to allies of the LGBTQ community. “The LGBTQIA Center also offers our queer peer mentorship program which matches typically queer upperclassmen with queer first year and sophomore students,” said Erin Duran, center director. “Connecting folks with maybe more experience within the queer community and navigating queerness… with folks who are a little newer to the community.” Duran also expressed hope that the center and the groups will continue to help individuals within the community to connect. “I’m very proud of the progress (Connecticut College) has made in terms of being a really queer inclusive institution and a lot of that really manifests on campus in forms of these groups and the opportunity for connections,” Duran said. jsimms@record-journal.com 203-317-2208 Twitter: @jessica_simms99

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history

Continued from page 9 The American Psychiatric Association adds Gender Identity Disorder as a mental illness. This categorization refers to depression, anxiety and other issues related to orientation.

1982 Wisconsin becomes the first state to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation.

1988 The first national Coming Out Day is celebrated Oct. 11.

1991 Microsoft recognizes the first gay employees group in the U.S. Amanda Strom, art teacher and GSA Advisor, talks about the "Did You Know" display set up by the Gay–Straight Alliance club for Pride month at Maloney High School in Meriden, Fri., Apr. 30, 2021. The display lists facts, flags and famous people to help bring awareness to the LGBTQ community. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

At area high schools, students promote unity, education for LGBTQ+ By Faith Williams Record-Journal staff

how to respond when witnessing bullying.

Local high school students are raising Pride awareness through Gay-Straight Alliance clubs.

“When you feel like you don’t belong, it hurts and it affects you so much,” Lentini said. “So I want to make sure those kids know that they do belong.”

Gay-Straight Alliance clubs are student-run organizations to unite LGBTQ+ and allied youth to build community and organize around issues impacting them in schools and communities, according to GSA Network. Fe Lentini, a senior at Cheshire High School, said it is important to educate other students about the issue. “I’m presenting to select freshmen health classes,” Cheshire’s GSA club president said. “It teaches them about the LGBTQ community, gender identity, sexuality, romantic identities and how to support those in the community.” Lentini offers tips to students and teachers on what she calls “acts of allyship” — such as asking someone what their pronouns are and

Maloney and Platt high schools combined their GSA clubs following the pandemic. Platt is lead by Bryan Sorak and Peggy Borrelli, while Maloney students are lead by Amanda Strom and Keith Lombardo. “At Platt, I decided to go with GSA because it’s a long standing club with national recognition,” Sorak said. “I figured it’s good to create a safe space to give our LGBTQ+ students.” The clubs use virtual meetings to educate and discuss what students are experiencing personally. “It’s helpful if there is anything I am questioning or trying to figure out about my identity.” said Brooke Montalvo, a club member.

“These are people that have gone through what I’m going through and can help me.” The schools declared May “High School Pride Month.” There will be a display that includes little known facts and photos as well as books, movies and music anthems that reflect the community. “Pride Month is about queer people finally being accepted more, celebrating their queerness openly and not be as fearful as they would have before,” Montalvo said. The Maloney group has other plans like a gender-neutral bathroom, while Platt is working on getting students to have graduation stoles to wear to represent their position in the LGBTQ+ community.

1995 Executive Order signed by President Clinton establishes uniform policies for allowing employees of the federal government access to classified information, stating the government “does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation in granting access to classified information."

1996 The Defense of Marriage Act is signed into law by Clinton. This defines marriage for federal purposes as the union of one man and one woman, and allows states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages granted under the laws of other states. In 2013, the act's provisions were ruled unconstitutional or left effectively unenforceable by Supreme Court decisions.

1998

Sheehan High School’s GSA club participates in “Ally Week” and “Day of Silence” to bring more awareness to the LGBTQ+ community.

Matthew Sheppard, a gay student at the University of Wyoming, is beaten, tortured, and left to die near Laramie on the night of Oct.6,1998. One month later the Matthew Shepherd Bill added

Continued on page 15

Continued on page 13

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Town Times | towntimes.com

Resources The Southington PRIDE Resource Center provides this list for access to local and national community resources. Here you will find 24-hour help/text lines, websites, and a variety of local community resources. In a true medical emergency, please dial 911 or proceed to your nearest local Emergency Room. Local community organizations that would like to be listed in in the resource guide or if you have a suggestion for a resource/organization, please message Southington PRIDE via Facebook Messenger. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24 hours - for everyone of all ages) Call: 1-800-273-8255 Online Chat: suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat Crisis Text Lifeline (24 hours - Serving Everyone of All Ages) Text "HOME" to 741741 Facebook Messanger Option: www.facebook.com/crisistextline Website: www.crisistextline.org The Trevor Project (24 hours - Serving LGBTQIA+ youth ages 13-24) Call: 1-866-488-7386 Text: "START" to 678678 Website / Online chat option: www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now Trans Lifeline (24 hours - Serving trans/questioning individuals) Call: 1-877-565-8860 Website: https://translifeline.org National Runaway Safeline (Serving runaway youth, parents/ guardians) Call: 1-800-786-2929 Text: 66008 Website / Online chat option: www.1800runaway.org

RAINN - National Sexual Assault Hotline (Serving all ages) Call: 1-800-656-4673 Online chat option hotline.rainn.org/online

National Human Trafficking Helpline (Serving all ages) Call: 1-888-373-7888 Online reporting of human trafficking: humantraffickinghotline.org

Telling a parent or other close family or friend about one’s sexual orientation or gender identity can be a big step. A “coming out” letter can help. This sample letter from pointofpride.org is in regards to a transgender reveal, however there are similar resources online for other coming out announcements. The points made in this letter illustrate the many feelings and concerns individual members of the LGBTQ+ community may have when seeking acceptance. Point of Pride also recommends that individuals planning to come out, especially youth, get support first, and make sure that it is safe to do so in their situation. One resource for support is https:// www.lgbtcenters.org/LGBTCenters. Dear [parent], This letter is a bit difficult for me to write, but I feel that it is important for me to write it. There is something I have been carrying inside of myself for some time now, and I now feel ready to come to you with it. I am transgender. Specifically, I identify as [insert gender identity here], which means that I [insert either the proper definition of your gender, or the most easily understood explanation for your gender identity that you feel they will understand (i.e. “I feel like a girl on the inside.”)]. I know this may be a bit difficult to understand at first, and it may be very new to you, but it is something I have known for some time. I trust you with this information about who I am, and I would like if in return that you start calling me by my chosen name, which is [if applicable, here], and using my pronouns, which are [here]. I plan to [insert aspects of social transition you plan to pursue here, such as changes to your presentation. If you plan to pursue a medical transition in the near future, such as hormone replacement therapy or surgery, you may mention this here, too.] This is to help me feel more at home in my body as well as the world, and it’s a feeling I hope that you can understand. I’m still your child, with the same likes and dislikes – I’ll just be living more authentically as the true me. And I know that you may have some slip-ups calling me [Name] or using [pronouns] at first, and that is okay. I would just like to know that you are trying your best to learn, understand, and support me. If you do slip-up, you do not have to make a big deal out of it. Correcting yourself is enough for me to see that you care about and respect who I am. If you have questions, I want to talk about them and help answer them. I also understand you may want to speak with other parents of trans children to learn more. There are plenty of resources for parents and families in person and online, and I am happy to show you some of them. Thank you for your understanding and your support, [Your name] For more information go to: pointofpride.org/coming-out-as-a-trans-ornon-binary-youth-sample-coming-out-letter-support-resources/ Compiled by Record-Journal staff.

Department of Defense Safe Helpline (Serving military individuals of all statuses) Call: 1-877-995-5247 Online chat option safehelpline.org/live-chat

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) (Serving all ages) Call: 1-800-662-4357 Website: https://www.samhsa.gov

Remedy Live (Serving all ages) Text: 494949 Website / Online chat option: www.remedylive.com Housing and Homeless Services for Connecticut (Serving all ages) Call: 211 or 1-800-203-1234 Website: portal.ct.gov Search for Homeless Services Connecticut Department of Children and Families Careline (Reporting of child abuse/neglect) (Serving individuals reporting child abuse/neglect in Connecticut) Call: 1-800-842-2288 Website: portal.ct.gov/dcf Southington Youth Services (Serving youth in grades 6-12) Services: supportive counseling for grades 6-12, volunteer opportunities for 13-15 year olds, substance misuse prevention, parent education series, and mentoring. Call: 860-276-6284 Email: youthservices@southington.org Website: www.southington.org Search for youth services Southington Bread For Life (Serving all ages) Services: food pantry, senior services, meal delivery, lunch/dinner program, Fuel For School (school snack program), children's summer program. Call: 1-860-276-8389 Website: southingtonbreadforlife.org Email: Info@southingtonbreadforlife.org Southington-Cheshire Community YMCAs (Serving all ages) Services: health/wellness, sports performance and personal training, childcare, day camp, community outreach and special fundraising programs, financial assistance, diabetes prevention program, LIVESTRONG (cancer survivor program), youth sports/programs, teen programs, family activities, aquatic programs and swim team. Call: 860-628-5597 Website: www.sccymca.org

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LGBTQ+ LEADERSHIP

CT BAR GROUP

Continued from page 7

Continued from page 8

the only LGBTQ statewide candidate in 2018. Andrew J. McDonald is an associate justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court. He previously served as a member of the Connecticut State Senate from 2003 to 2011, representing the state’s 27th district in Stamford and Darien as a Democrat.

affecting the LGBTQ community, whether it’s criminal defense, housing, employment, family.”

McDonald married Charles Gray in 2009. He is one of 10 LGBTQ+ state supreme court justices currently serving in the United States. Joseph Grabarz, who served in the Connecticut House of Representatives from 1989 to 1993, was Connecticut’s first state legislator to come out as gay.

For more information about LGBTQ Section of the Connecticut Bar Association, visit www.ctbar.org Andrew J. McDonald, associate justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court.

history

LGBTQIA CENTERS

Continued from page 11

Continued from page 5 Teachers would stop me in the hallway and tell me how thankful they were we had started the club. Students that I never met before would come up to me and say “thank you” — and I had finally felt as though I was making a difference. The year culminated with a trip to the UCONN conference called “True Colors” where GSA’s from all over the state share experiences and learn from each other. I came home from the first True Colors conference sobbing. For the first time I was able to open up to my peers and explain to them the inner tumult I was going through, and the same was true for my classmates. When I went to college at NYU I fully immersed myself in the New York City LGBTQIA culture. I attended weekly drag shows, volunteered at LGBTQIA home-

less shelters, and even lived in an apartment above the legendary Stonewall Inn for a semester. I found my tribe and I was doing all that I could to support a community that had opened its arms to me. Then Donald Trump got elected as the 45th President of the United States, and my community was under fire. As he began rolling back rights, I saw firsthand my friends, coworkers, and peers begin to crumble under the weight of his policies. As things became more dire for those in the trans community, I began to notice an important pillar which stood between his discriminating policies and the people they were aimed at. LGBTQIA community centers are so much more than what the name suggests. They not only create a

sense of safety in a community that is often targeted, but they provide valuable resources which otherwise would not be available. They provide STD/STI testing and HIV/ AIDS screenings. In some cases they can even provide housing for those who need it the most.

crimes related to a victim’s sexual identity to the existing definition of hate crimes.

The LGBTQIA community is resilient but, like any marginalized group, needs support from the communities they live in. Southington has done an excellent job at creating that sense of safety for those in the LGBTQIA community, and I hope many other towns follow suit. It is my wish that from this PRIDE issue, and the efforts going on by many local organizations, that we can generate LGBTQIA centers all over Connecticut to help address the growing needs that the community faces day-to-day.

2003

Continued from page 8

The first same sex ceremony Pomaszewski’s mother officiated was for two men. The couple lived in Washington, D.C., but was getting married in Middletown at one of their sister’s houses, she said, adding that a lot of weddings are done at private homes.

Another memorable ceremony was for a couple who came all the way from Alabama, where same sex marriage was not legal at the time. “The women also had their entourage follow—in three cars from Alabama,” said Pomaszewski. The women were married on the beach in Old Saybrook. Initially, Pomaszewski. and her mother created a ceremony specifically for same sex couples. However, “We found same sex couples didn’t want to be treated different,” Po-

2000 CT voted to allow same-sex civil unions.

Coretta Scott King calls on civil rights advocates to include gay rights in their efforts. Some criticized her for this position.

2004 First legal same sex marriage happens in Mass.

2011 Don't Ask Don't Tell was repealed

2015

SAME SEX MARRIAGE Pomaszewski said, “when they asked my mother if she would marry them, she would say, ‘sure.’ We are big believers in love. We wanted to be a part of it.”

nKorytnikova@record-journal.com 203-317-2444 Twitter: @n_korytnikova

maszewski said. “We found that everyone wanted the same thing. They wanted the traditional ceremony,” Pomaszewski said same sex couples want to choose between the traditional wedding vows; add or leave out portions, or some couples write their own vows. “Your wedding, your way,” is how Pomaszewski sums up the way her mother officiated and how she carries on. “It just has to be meaningful to you. Not a cookie-cutter ceremony but tailored to the person.”

Obergefell v. Hodges, Supreme Court Decision. The Court votes 5-4 that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples nationwide.

2016 Aug. 16, the U.S. Navy ship Harvey Milk is dedicated, the first named for an openly gay leader. Milk had served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War aboard the submarine rescue ship USS Kittiwake (ASR13) and held the rank of lieutenant (junior grade) at the time of his honorable discharge. – Record-Journal staff

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OPINION

the question of fair play No need to take pre-emptive measures against transgender athletes By Jeffery Kurz Record-Journal staff

grilled about the transgender issue during his nomination hearing.

When I was in high school my football team lost a game by the score of 44-0.

My thinking about it could be characterized as flummoxed, but that generalized uncertainty has gained some clarity thanks to a recent letter Clearly, we didn't belong on the to the editor by Lexie Farkash, of same field that day, but as I recall there were no calls for us to form our Wallingford. She also experienced own league or, better yet, for them to challenges as a student athlete, in her form their own league. Let's call it the case playing field hockey. "I know there will always be those who have league for overachieving jerks. a natural edge over me," she said. Such lopsided results are far from She found the more proper response uncommon and take place every to be working harder, as opposed to year, all over the nation, all over the "insisting there be a separate league." world. It's an integral part of the The transgender population is small, whole wide world of sports. One of and the percentage of transgender the last games I saw in person, before athletes tiny, but the issue surroundthe pandemic, was a lopsided win by ing them has become huge. You Daniel Hand over Wethersfield. You could say it has hit a nerve. wonder how there's enough time in a high school football game to accom- As The Associated Press just recently reported, more than 20 states are modate such high scoring. fielding legislation that would ban There are all sorts of reasons for transgender girls from participatuneven outcomes, including size, ing with high school girls' sports speed, natural ability, coaching teams. "Yet in every case," says the skills - you can go on and on trying to report, "sponsors cannot cite a single explain it. instance in their own state or region Sometimes it seems to result from an where such participation has caused problems." unfair advantage. That perspective was at play in Connecticut when transgender runners Terry Miller and Andraya Yearwood won 15 championship races over a couple years, sparking a lawsuit and a national conversation, to put it mildly.

It's the Connecticut case that has sparked the upsurge in proposed legislation. "It's their Exhibit A, and there's no Exhibit B - absolutely none," Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, told the AP.

The new education secretary, Miguel Cardona (you don't need me to tell you he's from Meriden, right?), was

States are taking action as a preemptive measure. In one case, it's to counter the possibility that "the next generation of female athletes

in South Carolina may not have a chance to excel," as Rep. Ashley Trantham was quoted as saying. In Tennessee, the bill is necessary to be "proactive," said House Speaker Cameron Sexton. This is a big response. Yet there's no "authoritative count" of the number of trans athletes who have competed in high school or college sports, according to the AP, and what count there is says it's minimal. In her letter, Farkash talked about competing against players who had been playing since kindergarten, similar to my experience, and found that "instead of getting upset or insisting there be a separate league,

we embrace our diversity and train harder." And, it's worth noting, as the AP did, that one of the Connecticut cisgender girls, Chelsea Mitchell, "defeated Terry Miller - the faster of the two trans sprinters - in their final two races in February 2020." My own feeling when it comes to what's to come is that more worrisome competition will involve artificial intelligence. When it comes to human beings, the path toward acceptance and inclusiveness is the better way forward. Jeffery Kurz is the Record-Journal’s editorial page editor. This column originally appeared on March 5, 2021.

Times are changing I write in response to the letter by Mr. Frank Milano Jr. on March 2 regarding the "fairness" of integrating transgender athletes with cisgender athletes and his resulting opposition to Dr. Cardona's nomination. I encourage Mr. Milano and residents who may feel similarly to consider the facts and implications. First, there is no single biological factor that determines sex. Scientists have said this, advocates have repeated this, yet critics seem to ignore this when it's time to support discrimination. Second, how exactly should we confirm the gender of each student-athlete, given that hormone levels and body-types naturally vary? Should referees pull down students' pants to verify before each game? Finally, even if transgender women did have some magical athletic ability that outshone cisgender women - which, to be clear, they don't just 0.42% of the population is transgender (according to one survey). An even smaller number are transgender women. This is not some astronomical amount that will upend sports teams and suddenly dominate. On a personal note, as a former student-athlete, I know there will always be those who have a natural edge over me. My stubby legs will never outrun those whose legs reach my eyebrows. Likewise, the difference between my high school in Wallingford playing field hockey against Cheshire was stark; one team had players who had been playing since kindergarten while my school, well, typically did not. Instead of getting upset or insisting there be a separate league, we embrace our diversity and train harder.

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!

Times are changing and becoming more inclusive.

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There will always be naysayers complaining about progress and shouting at the sky that the world is turning upside down. But I, for one, applaud Dr. Cardona for his compassion and dedication to students of all genders. Lexie Farkash, Wallingford Originally published in the Record-Journal March 5, 2021.

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Books, Movies, events & more Continued from page 7 Memorial,by Bryan Washington. A novel. A gay, African American man living with his Asian American lover in Texas, delivers an unexpected lesson in how little we really know ourselves Less, by Andrew Sean Greer. A Pulitzer Prize winning novel about a gay writer fleeing an invitation to the wedding of his ex to another man. Boy Erased, by Garrard Conley. In his autobiography, Conley writes about his struggles after he is outed in college and his parents force him to attend a faith-based “school” to cure him. Raising My Rainbow, by Lori Duron. The author and her family navigate the challenges and rewards of learning how to accept their gender-variant son into their home and community. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, by Benjamin Saenz. A young adult novel that depicts the relationship between two Mexican-American teens who must overcome familial and societal cultural biases, and peer bullying. October Mourning- A Song For Matthew Shephard, by Leslea Newman, who is also the author of Heather Has Two Mommies. Newman wrote 68 poems about an attack on Shephard, due to his sexual orientation, that led to his death.

Music Betty, by Taylor Swift. This song from Swift’s Foklore album is interpreted by some listeners as a gay anthem due to the ambiguity of lyrics that don’t specifically refer to the gender of the song’s characters who are involved in a love triangle. You Need To Calm Down, by Taylor Swift. A song about the hate she has received for having gay friends. Considered by some listeners to be a gay acceptance anthem. Same Love, by Macklemore. Written about Macklemore’s gay uncles and his own experience with sexuality, and as a rallying cry for the Marriage Equality Act. Born this way, by Lady Gaga. Written as a response to the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, which allowed LGBTQ+ members of the armed forces to be out and proud. It’s about celebrating yourself no matter who you love and who you are. A variety of songs by RuPaul: CoverGirl, Born Naked, Modern Love. RuPaul was the first drag superstar. He’s a musician and host of a popular television shows, RuPaul’s Drag Race, a drag competition show seen internationally. Him, by Sam Smith. A boy’s experience with coming out and grappling with his religion at the same time.

Todos Me Miran, by Gloria Trevi. Spanish song about loving yourself the way you are. The song translates to literally mean “Everyone looks at me”.

Film Paris is Burning. Documentary about the drag/ gay underground culture in New York in the ‘80s. A pivotal time in LGBTQ+ history. Directed by Jennie Livingston. RENT. New York in the ‘80s-’90s. This story of an apartment building and its tenants references AIDS, LGBTQ+ culture, and shines a light on people who were considered to be living on the “fringe” during the time. Cast includes Taye Diggs, Idina Menzel, Rosario Dawson, just to name a few. Directed by Chris Colombus. Moonlight. A story about growing up Black and gay. Released in 2016, directed by Barry Jenkins MILK. The life and death of Harvey Milk, San Francisco’s first openly gay mayor. Directed by Gus Van Sant. Carol. A story about two lesbian women in the 1950s. Directed by Todd Haynes How To Survive a Plague, by David France. Documentary film. An exploration of the AIDS epidemic.

Event

UConn True Colors Conference

This event brings together Gay/Straight Alliance groups from local schools and communities to focus on a wide variety of issues with workshops for students and teachers. Check it out at www. ourtruecolors.org/conference. and rainbowcenter. uconn.edu/true-colors-conference/#. – Record-Journal staff

Students promote unity Continued from page 11 Peter Borzillo, Sheehan’s GSA club president, said students participating in “Day of Silence” go the entire school day without speaking and then at the final bell, they all gather to finally break the silence, which could be a collective scream or simply conversation. This day symbolizes how silenced members in the community feel and to give those not in the community a symbolic glimpse into their life. “It’s less about trying to force our beliefs” Borzillo said. “We are just trying to promote an atmosphere where people feel safe and accepted.” Cheshire Academy offers LBGTQIA student clubs and groups on campus. The focus of the groups is determined each year by club members and student leaders. One year, they focused on pride through arts activities, said Julie Anderson, head of school. The club has also focused on other issues, including microaggression or how to garner support. “Everyone is on a different place in their journey,” said Anderson. Anderson said the school encourages language and norms that are inclusive. She cites examples such as using the term “partners” and “family” and not husband or wife or mom and dad. In another instance, students wanted a change to the dress code, to make it gender neutral. The protocol of girls wearing skirts or dresses and boys wearing blazers and shirts was changed. “It’s really (about) listening and understanding how the world is changing, and how we need to be supportive,” Anderson said. fwilliams@record-journal.com 203-317-2373 Twitter: @faith_williams2 Joy VanderLek contributed to this story.

16 | Celebrate • Pride A28 FridaDiversity y, June 11, 2021Month • www.myrecordjournal.com/pride

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MXCC STUDENTS PROMOTE EQUALITY, ACCEPTANCE & KNOWLEDGE iddlesex Community College (MxCC) LGBTQ+ students have found safe space with like-minded individuals through many supportive programs and activities as they navigate through their collegiate experiences. For more than a decade, the campus club SPEAK (Students Promoting Equality, Acceptance and Knowledge) has brought LGBTQ+ students together with each other, staff members and alumni. The primary purpose of the club is to provide support and assistance to those within the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning community and allies who seek it. “Middlesex Community College gives SPEAK members participated me a chance to stay connected with in events such as the Connecticut the queer community, to contribute to Health Information Management a student union that is both diverse Association Conference, where and inclusive, and for that I am they presented a panel about immensely grateful. Having queer role models such as the club advisors, how LGBTQ+ individuals face allows me to put my trust in this difficulty when giving information college, live authentically, and have related to health matters. the peace of mind to excel in my In 2019, SPEAK and college academic endeavors.” community members marched — Josh Rushworth, in the state’s first Pride parade, SPEAK president, manufacturing which took place in Middletown. “MxCC gave me a place to feel The group is also appearing in like I wasn’t broken or that I Middletown’s 2021 virtual parade on June 5. The club regularly conducts needed to be fixed for who I ally trainings, drag events, dances, Karaoke nights, fundraisers as well as was. It expanded my worldview participates in the True Colors youth event at UConn each year. In 2018, to different orientations and MxCC hosted the Connecticut State College and University (CSCU) Pride identities, and made them Conference, an all-day forum with workshops, discussions, networking and more normalized to myself and entertainment. others.” Last year, the college formally established the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion — Marina Capezzone, Council to reaffirm its commitment for maintaining a campus environment MxCC class of 2018 where all are valued, respected and included. Register now for summer and fall classes at mxcc.edu

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“While I was never a member of SPEAK, I did always appreciate the ally trainings SPEAK would do. Especially when they created an atmosphere where it felt safe to ask any honest questions you have and not be judged on it.” — Benjamin Palazzo, MxCC class of 2016

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Friday, June 11, 2021

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Friday, June 11, 2021

Library Durham Public Library

how genetics contribute to pet health. Visit durhamlibrary.org to register.

Hours. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday, 2 to 8 p.m.

Mother Goose Storytime. Join Miss Diana on YouTube. French Conversation Visit durhamlibrary.org for (Zoom). The first Thursday the link (Kids tab). of the month at 4:30 p.m. All levels welcome. Email kmcDungeons & Dragons nally@durhamlibrary.org for (Zoom). Wednesdays, 7 the weekly meeting link. p.m. Visit durhamlibrary.org to register. Practice tests. Planning to get your learner’s permit or driver's license this year? Practice with free DMV driving tests. Visit durhamlibrary.org for more information (Digital Resources tab).

HelpNow. The library offers HelpNow – an on demand eLearning service for students in kindergarten through college. HelpNow offers personalized homework help in core subjects, as well as SAT preparation. Resources for adult learners are also included. To learn more about HelpNow, visit durhamlibrary.org.

Levi E. Coe Library

Lawn games. The library has bocce, cornhole, croquet, horseshoes, Kan Jam, ladder toss, and more. This project is supported by a grant from the Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation. Book sale. The library book sale is ongoing, sponsored by The Friends of Levi Coe Library. New items are being added. Stop in during library hours.

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Friday, June 11, 2021

Schools Locals in college Assumption College, named Carol D’Agostino to its dean’s list for the spring semester. Bryant University, Smithfield, R.I., awarded Trevor Dell’Oso a bachelor’s degree in data science. Georgia Tech, Atlanta Ga., awarded Paul Konikowski a master’s degree in cybersecurity. Nazareth College, Rochester, N.Y., named Jayde Avery to its dean’s list for the spring semester. Plymouth State University, Plymouth, N.H., named Sean Backstrom to its dean’s list for the spring semester. Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, N.H., named Anthony Gavrilovic to its dean’s list for the winter semester. University of Mississippi, Oxford, Miss., named Elizabeth Whitaker to its chancellor’s list for the spring semester.

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NEWSLETTERS

Middlefield Senior & Social Services Office, 405 Main St. Sign up to receive our newsletter: sdorvilliers@middlefieldct.org, 860-349-7121. Foot Care Clinic. Wednesday, June 16. Call Sue D’Orvilliers at 860-349-7121. Food Bank.The Food Bank is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only. Call Sue D’Orvilliers at 860-349-7121. The Food Bank is in need of pasta, sauce, cereal, peanut butter and jelly.

Letters Policy Email Letters to the Editor to news@towntimes.com, or mail to 500 South Broad St., Meriden, CT 06450. Town Times will print only one letter per person each month. Letters should be no more than 300 words. We reserve the right to edit letters. Letters must be signed and names will appear in print. Include a phone number so Town Times can contact you for verification. Letters must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday to be considered for publication that Friday. Business Owner / Service Provider?

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Senior Meals. Seniors will receive three frozen meals each Monday. Call Sue D’Orvilliers at 860-349-7121 by Wednesday of each week. Meals are available for pickup Monday after 12 p.m. Knitters. The Senior Center is once again hosting knitters. The local knitting community has been busily knitting for individuals in the community who are homeless or in shelters. Donations of yarn are sought. Call Sue D’Orvilliers at 860-3497121. Zoom Exercise Classes. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Call Sue D’Orvilliers at 860-3497121. Energy Assistance. The CT Energy Assistance Program is available to residents. Call Sue D’Orvilliers at 860-349-7121 to schedule an appointment.

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Friday, June 11, 2021

In Brief Car show

Drive during the event (two or more signs: $75 each). The sign will be available to pick up after the show. Show cars will be positioned throughout the campus, and spectators will drive their own vehicles along a predetermined route to view the show. To learn more, visit KlingbergMotorcarSeries.org. Funds raised by the show benefit Klingberg Family Centers, a private nonprofit providing

An array of fathers’ smiling faces will line Fatherhood Drive at the Klingberg Motorcar Drive-Thru Event on Saturday, June 19, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 370 Linwood St., New Britain. For a donation of $100, individuals can send in a photo of a dad, grandfather, or a significant father figure to be turned into an 18-inch x 30-inch sign and posted along Fatherhood

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help to thousands of children and families throughout Connecticut each year whose lives have been traumatized by abuse and/or neglect. For more information, visit Klingberg.org.

Community cash American Eagle Financial Credit Union members and the general public are invited to view this quarter’s list of Cash Back to the Community nominees and vote by visiting americaneagle.org/ cashbacktothecommunity. The voting period ends Monday, June 21. Winners of this latest round of Cash Back to the Community will be announced in early July. Now in its second year, AEFCU’s Cash Back to the Community provides thousands of dollars in donations each quarter to three nonprofit and/or 501(c)(3) organizations within American Eagle’s service areas.

Revaluation Middlefield has contracted Vision Government Solutions to conduct the 2021 Revaluation. The first step that involves the general public is a Data Mailer, which was mailed to every residential property owner in town. Review the information and return the questionnaire to: Vision Government Solutions Inc., 1 Cabot Road, Suite 100, Hudson, MA 01749, as indicated. Field inspectors will be seen throughout town, measuring and reviewing properties, taking photos of homes and commercial properties, and conducting door-to-door building permit inspections. Field inspectors will be carrying identification.

Walk with Me

peutic, medical, and/or peer support to address their specific needs, available exclusively at Wheeler’s Hartford and Plainville Family Health & Wellness Centers. Call Wheeler’s Navigation Center for more information or to schedule an appointment, 888-793-3500.

Singers wanted The Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords is looking for singers. The group will be performing a 20th anniversary musical tribute to the heroes of 9/11 at the Bushnell in Hartford on Sept. 11, 2021. Rehearsals started June 8. New members will be accepted through June 22. No auditions necessary. For more information, visit vocalchords20.org or call 860-347-2787 or 860-3423120.

Walk with Me is a new specialized outpatient treatment CHET update track for LGBTQ+- identifying young people age 10 to Connecticut State Treasurer 25 who are seeking theraand Trustee of the Connecticut Higher Education Trust, Shawn T. Wooden, has relaunched the state’s 529 college savings plan under new program manager, Fidelity perfect place to eat. Investments.

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Whether it’s a celebration, date night, or just grabbing a bite to eat, this list of local restaurants is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Find great local eats - MenusCT.com Adelphia Café 476 Washington Avenue North Haven, CT 06473 203-535-0149 Family owned/operated. Former proprietors of the Neptune Diner in Wallingford. Extensive menu for all tastes. Breakfasts, luncheons and special dinners. All baking on premises.

Colony Diner

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Duchess of Wallingford 124 Church St. Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 265-9431 www.facebook.com/pages/ Duchess -of-Wallingford/119682821380599 Celebrating Over 25 Years in Wallingford! Our Success comes from dedication to quality,freshness & variety! Breakfast cooked to order. Open 7 days for breakfast lunch & dinner.

New enhancements to the CHET plan include no minimum amount to open a CHET Direct 529 account, no annual account fees, and free planning and guidance for families. For more information, visit AboutChet.com.

Foster parenting Klingberg Family Centers are looking for families, couples and single adults to provide a safe and supportive home environment for children and teens in Connecticut. To learn about the foster parenting licensing process and how you can make an impact as a Therapeutic Foster Parent, visit klingbergfosterandadoption.org or contact Nicolin Carr: nicolin.carr@klingberg.com, 860817-3918.

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Friday, June 11, 2021

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June is National Adopt a Cat Month Cats star in some of the most viral videos on the Internet and some even grow to celebrity status on Instagram with millions of followers (looking at you, Nala Cat). Yet some of the coolest cats remain undiscovered at shelters and rescues across the country. Since cats are also the most at-risk pets across America, accounting for 69 percent of animals killed in shelters, it’s crucial to find them loving homes.

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Busy? There are cats for that : Shelters and rescues often have two adult cats who have grown up together and would be happy to go home together. It’s heart-

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Bell offers the following tips on how to pick the right cat or kitten for your lifestyle:

See Adopt, A36

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According to Bell, cats make great pets for just about anyone. “Whether you are hardly ever home or you are a total couch potato, there’s a ‘purrfect’ cat waiting for you at a shelter or rescue,” she added.

Four-year-old Rose is very affectionate, but hates to be picked up. She will need a family willing to give her treats in a cat carrier daily so that when it's time to go to the vet she’ll step right in. Or, her family will need to find a vet that does house visits. For more information, visit CatTalesCT.org/cats/Rose, call 860-344-9043 or email info@CatTalesCT.org.

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“By adopting a cat, you’re not only saving that particular cat, but you also make space for the next cat coming into a shelter,” said Samantha Bell, cat expert at Best Friends Animal Society. “Adoption is also very costeffective, as cats are usually fixed, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go home with you for one low fee.”

Extroverts need love, too: If you are home quite often, then you’ll have more time to play with an active kitty who needs lots of wand toy play time. Some cats can even be trained to walk on a leash or go for stroller rides.

MEET ROSE

Consider a solo artist: There are many cats who are great with people but terrified of other cats. They don’t always make a great first impression on potential adopters, especially if they’re in a shelter surrounded by other cats. But once they’re in a home with you, they’ll flourish.

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Adopt a Shelter Cat Month takes place every June to highlight the immense need for cat adoptions and why a shelter is the best place to find your next feline friend.

warming to see a pair of cats who are already friends get to stay together. And while you're away, they’ll have each other for company and security.

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Friday, June 11, 2021

June

or around June 19 to commemorate the freeing of more than 250,000 enslaved From A3 Black people in Galveston Bay, Texas. Although the dren. However, Father’s Day Emancipation Proclamation was not made a national ob- went into effect Jan. 1, 1863, servance until 1972. This it took over two years for year it falls on June 20. news to reach outlying comAs for Flag Day, it commem- munities. Also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, orates the adoption of the Liberation Day, and Emancistars and stripes as the official flag of the United States. pation Day – Juneteenth is It was in 1916 that President the oldest nationally celeWoodrow Wilson proclaimed brated commemoration of June 14 as the official date to the ending of slavery in the U.S. It’s traditionally marked celebrate Flag Day. by festivals, barbeques, readJuneteenth is celebrated on ings as well as concerts.

The Summer Solstice or June Solstice marks the beginning of summer, usually occurring June 21 or thereabouts (this year it’s June 20) and is a period where one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt toward the sun. On this day, the sun reaches its highest point bringing the longest period of daylight. Festivals and celebrations mark the day around the world, one of the most famous summer solstice gatherings happens at Stonehenge in England.

Adopt

Other June observances and celebrations include LGBTQIA Pride Month.

From A35

Light-hearted observances are found in June’s Yo-Yo Day, celebrated on June 6. The first yo-yo was used in 500 B.C. Yo-yos made their way to the United States in 1930 and were the first toy to go into space with the astronauts. National Corn-onthe-Cob Day is June 11.

Involve the whole family: It’s important to take everyone in the home, especially children, to meet all prospective cats so you can observe how they interact with the cat. Every child has their own unique energy, and every pet reacts differently to every child.

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Keep an open mind: Don't get hung up on color, sex or age. Not all cats’ personalities fit into stereotypes. Every cat is an individual, so don’t discount a cat because they aren’t male or female or orange or fluffy. By doing so, you'll have the best odds of finding a great match.

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With kitten season in full swing, many people will be tempted to adopt one (and let’s be honest, it’s hard not to succumb to that level of cuteness). But as Bell noted, kittens require an extra level of care.

Finally, the great American picnic day is celebrated on the last Saturday in the month of June.

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“Kittens are adorable but be aware that they are more work than an adult cat. Kittens need to be fed more often and use the litter box much more often,” she said. “Single kittens need lots of positive reinforcement training so that they don’t end up being bitey or scratchy adults.” That is why Best Friends encourages adopters to open their home to a pair of kittens, if possible. Bell explained why. “All cats have to bite and scratch; it's feline instinct,” she said. “A pair of kittens learns that biting and scratching is something they should do to each other during playtime, and not to their humans.” To find your new best feline friend, visit bestfriends.org, Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters by 2025. — Press Release

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Each year, CVEF awards and Make Creative Kits and grants to local groups or inStamping Craft Kits. Levi dividuals who plan to offer Coe will also offer Conscious a program which includes Kids Reading Kits with innovation and creativity books that will cover topics and promotes lifelong learnsuch as social justice, wom- ing for community members en in science and belonging. of any age. Over the past 13 years, CVEF has awardThe Durham-Middlefield ed 112 grants, totaling more Racial Justice Team, in conthan $150,000. For more injunction with the town liformation, visit coginbraries, will continue to offer chaugvef.org. monthly conversations about racial justice is— Press Release sues and how to create a comfortable and equitable place for all.

Carr

Lollygag – to dawdle or be overly slow

From A3

Brouhaha – an overexcited response

Wabbit – weary or exhausted

Malarkey – nonsense

Well, my friends, I won’t keep you any longer. I Finifugal – a fear of finimagine you would like to ishing things; also, a term slip on those winklepickers referring to any time you and head out the door for a have a desire to prolong walk. a final moment or prevent a seemingly inI hope you don’t meet any evitable moment snollygosters along the way,

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Also, grants were awarded to several RSD13 projects: Memorial School will have access to a Cricut machine, allowing students to create paper prototypes of creative projects. CRHS students in Probability and Stats courses will partner with a nonprofit in Africa to perform real-life data analysis of success rates of their programs, and students will be able to make recommendations based on their findings. Flexible seating will be purchased for kindergarten students at Brewster School, allowing work station options for children. Also, goatscaping will be added to an ongoing project at Brewster School aimed at clearing invasive plants on school property. Informational programs on the project will be held for both students and the community. Memorial School will offer a new program called

I’d better go now, before I become a bloviate, or leave you bumfuzzled.

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Strong Middle School plans to offer monthly Open Mic Nights for residents of Durham and Middlefield. Durham-Middlefield Youth & Family Services will offer creative art kits based around themes such as kindness, gratitude and affirmation. For a second year, Distance Theater will allow local youth to produce a live musical.

Xertz – to drink or eat quickly

Maltipoo – a cross between a Maltese terrier and a toy poodle

lest you become woebegone. I am having some tummy borborygmus now, so I am going to scoot on over to the fridge for a tittynope of chili, which, of course, I will take care not to xertz. After lunch I might want to take up the doodlesack.

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From A1

The Snowshoe Squad, teaching students how to snowshoe during recess.

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Friday, June 11, 2021

A38

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Friday, June 11, 2021

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WATERSHED LABORERS - Pallet reADMINISTRATIVE ANTIQUES - Always cycling, PT & FT. Call ASSISTANT - Mt Carbuying old; Toys, CARETAKER (203) 265-1313. mel Congregational military, jewelry, art, Church, Hamden CT, Patrols & performs genwatches, musical is looking to hire a PT eral care & upkeep of the instruments, signs, Town’s potable (drinkadministrative assisarcade games, tant. Must have good ing) water reservoirs, cameras, pre 1970 computer & social mesports memorabilwatershed lands and dia skills. Please send properties. Responds to ia, plus more. One resume to hayes641@ item or entire estate Part-Time (19.5 hours emergency calls & percomcast.net contents. Call 860per week). Dynamic MATERIALS forms scheduled overWANTED Individual 718-5132. municipal economic DISTRIBUTION time patrol work. Hourly firearms, collections & ELECTRICIAN development office Screened Topsoil $25/ rate: $25.53 - $30.92. BUYING MACHINIST estates including military Skilled tradesman M/F in per yd; Sand-$15 per seeks an individual NEW RESTAURANT Some knowledge of TOOLBOXES - Tools & related items.Federally all facets of alterations/ yd; Millings-$10 per yd; VERY BUSY PLACE! with exceptional digital State of CT public health & tooling, contents of licensed firearms dealer. renovations, mainteScreened Millings $30 Now hiring for line cooks, marketing skills to machine shops, home Gunsmith, appraisals, regulations relating to nance and repair of per yd; Clean Fill $8 workshops and small perform a variety of Richard Pleines, (860) dams, water supply and bartenders, servers, and electrical equipment for lathes. Call anytime per yd: $100 minimum food runners, offering confidential, responsible 663-2214. watershed maintenance 860-985-5760 the Wallingford Public delivery. No pickup truck full- or part-time. For administrative duties in and the ability to operate Schools. Applicants service. Minimum 16 yd GRASSY more details, call creating and implementHILL AUCsimplified mechanical must be a High School pickup at our yard. Call (860) 550 5842. TIONS, - an Estate Pets For Adoption ing marketing programs equipment is required. or Trade School graduate Jim @ 860-982-4819 for Sale, Liquidation, Attic to support economic Must possess & maintain & Basement Cleanout delivery plus seven years’ expedevelopment activities Autos Wanted a valid State of CT Motor Company is Always rience in the electrical within the Town of WallVehicle License. H.S. Buying and providing PREMIUM trade equivalent to ingford. The successful services all over Condiploma or GED plus 2 Journeyman Electrician SCREENED necticut. These are just applicant must maintain yrs. experience in related M/F. Must have a Class a FEW of the things TOPSOIL active engagement with fields such as landscapwe are looking for: AnE-2 and/or possession $25/yard delivered, local businesses, State ing, grounds maintetiques, Collectibles, of a Master Electrician 3 yd, $100 min. delivery of Connecticut economic nance etc. The closing Old/ Vintage Toys, MuLicense Class E-1. Call Jim 860-982-4819 development agencies, sical Instruments (Saxdate for applications/reWages: $30.01 - $36.71 commercial real estate ophones, Trumpets, Visumes is June 22, 2021 hourly. Application . Top Soil . Compost . olins, Flutes, Clarinets, brokers, and other Town or the date we receive MIA NEEDS A Forms: May be obtained Trombone & SO MUCH . Wood Chips . of Wallingford departthe 40th application LOVING HOME! MORE) Advertising at the Department of FOR SALE. Catering to CASH PAID For any ments in order to best whichever occurs first. Mia is a 7 year-old Items, Wristwatches small deliveries. Call Bob Toyota any condition, position the community Human Resources, 45 S. Apply: Department of (Broken or Not), Pocket domestic, short-haired Main Street, Room 301, (203) 415-0723 running or not, crashed as a destination for Watches, Tools (MaHuman Resources, Town tabby who is very Wallingford CT 06492. okay. Will take other chinist, Woodworking, business expansion and of Wallingford, 45 South affectionate. She is an Forms will be mailed Wood Fuel Heating & MORE) Doorstops, makes and models. relocation. The position indoor-outdoor cat. She Main Street, Wallingford, Clocks, Oil Paintings, upon request from the (203) 600-4431. Equipment requires a bachelor’s CT 06492, Forms will Old Signs, Old Pho- would not do well kept Department of Human degree from an accredinside all day. She is be mailed upon request tographs, Old PostTOP CASH PAID TREE LENGTH Resources or may be ited four-year college or cards, Brewery Items, accustomed to roaming from the Department For Junk or unwanted downloaded from the FIREWOOD university in marketing, Hunting & Fishing, PEZ around and receiving of Human Resources vehicles, Toyota’s etc. Department of Human Dispensers, Costume lots of love. Her surviving business administration or may be downloaded Please call Mike @ 203- CALL FOR DETAILS Resources Web Page. Jewelry, Broken Jewelhuman parent is now in or related field, plus one 203-238-2149 from the Department 284-8562 8am-5pm. ry, Gold & Silver Jewel- assisted-living where Mia Fax: (203)-294-2084 (1) year of experience of Human Resources ry, Gold & Silver Coins, Phone: (203)-294-2080. in marketing, digital Web Page. Phone: (203) Military Items, Swords would not thrive. Please The closing date will Wanted To Buy marketing, economic & Bayonets, Helmets & contact me as soon as 294-2080 Fax: (203) 294be the date the 40th Patches, Medals & Uni- possible if you are interdevelopment, business 2080. EOE. application or resume forms, Pocket Knives, ested so that we can talk 1,2,3 Items or an Estate development, or an Lighters & Pipes, Founis received or June 16, more! Mia is currently $$$ CASH $$$ equivalent combinatain Pens, Mechanical located in Durham, CT. 2021, whichever occurs Classified Advertising Todd Shamock tion of education and Pencils, Fraternal Order first. EOE. 860-977-3699. Estate Sale Service Call 203-238-1953 qualifying experience Items, Religious Items, Costume Jewelry, substituting on a yearIndustrial Items, WinHelp Wanted Antiques, Dolls, Toys, chester Items, Sikorsky for-year basis. Wage Items, Pratt & Whitney Paintings,Meriden Items Rate: $22.00 hourly. Find litters Items, Colt Items, Na203-494-1695 Cover letter and resume tive American Items, of critters can be sent to: EconomVintage Electronics, A-1 LOOKING - For Old ic Development Office, Slot Cars, Toy Trucks, in our Classifieds. Costume & Sterling Matchbox & HotTown of Wallingford, 45 Jewelry Box Lots & wheels, Barbie’s, Folk South Main Street, WallThe perfect and easiest part time job - Newspaper Other Doodads.”I Pay Art, Statues, Bronzes, ingford, CT 06492. (203) Top Cash For Your Delivery Routes Available - Earn up to $600.00 Trains, Cameras, Mid Grandma’s Costume 294-2062. Email: edc@ every Two weeks +Tips (Depending on area) Century Modern FurJewelry Stash” Julie wallingfordct.gov. EOE niture, Straight Razors, Routes available in the following towns: 203-443-9602. Shaving Items, Political Items, Comic Books, MIDDLETOWN, CROMWELL, OLD SAYBROOK, AARON’S BUYING Sports Cards & AutoMERIDEN, PLAINVILLE, NEW BRITAIN, WATERBURY A Classified ad graphs…& THE LIST Old Machinist Tools, GOES ON! So please Lathes, BenchTools, Must be 18 or older. Must have valid drivers license, reliable give us a call at your is an easy way to sell Hand Tools & more. vehicle and be available early mornings. Make extra cash earliest convenience. (203) 525-0608. before you go to work making early morning newspaper Grassy Hill Auctions your merchandise, deliveries using your own vehicle. NO experience necessary. 203-868-1816 - Grassy Must able to deliver early mornings, 7 days a week. MUST HillAuctions.com and it’s easy on ALWAYS BUYING be dependable, and be able to read a route list with specific CASH PAID delivery instructions. We will demonstrate the route to you. your wallet, too. Vintage Electronics, Routes average 1.5 to 3 hours daily. No collections required. Musical Instruments, Amps, Ham Not Temp Work. Retirees, Stay at Home Mom’s, and Veterans Equipment, HiFi, are also welcome to apply. Make extra cash to pay rent, Find litters of critters Radios, CB, Guimortgage, bills, save money, or a great vacation. in Classifieds. tars, Audio EquipText or call Peter at 860-846-0216 from 9 a.m. ment, Antiques. 860-707-9350 to 6 p.m. and start as soon as tomorrow morning. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MARKETING SPECIALIST TOWN OF WALLINGFORD

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Need to Earn Income ASAP? Earn up to $1,200 mo. + Tips!

STUFF TO SELL? Call Us.

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203-238-1953

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Friday, June 11, 2021

Businesses & Services Attics and Basements Cleaned

CARPENTRY

Electrical Services

Plumbing CLEAN & REMOVE 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

SPRING CLEANUPS Tree Removal, Stump Grinding & more! Seasons Prop. Maint. DUMPSTER Rentals avail. 860.719.3953

GEORGE J MACK & SONS - Servicing the Skylights. Flashing. Meriden area since Financing Available. 1922. Toilet, faucet, sink & drain repairs. #0649808 203.510.3830. Water heater replacelmconstructionct.com ments. 15% Sr citizen disc. 203-238-2820.

Power Washing

Masonry

TEC ELECTRICAL

GUTTERS DON’T WORK

If they’re dirty! For gutter cleaning, Call Kevin (203) 440-3279 Fully ins. CT# 569127

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

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

Home Improvements

Specializing in roofing, siding, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, basement remodeling. Senior citizen discount Insured. Free est. 203-265-5200 HIC#0631937

Roofing

Over 25 yrs exp. Paving, Seal Coating, Concrete, Reg#1312085, 203-237-6058

Service LLC All Phases of Electrical Work. 24 hr. Emergency Service. Small Jobs Welcome. 203.237.2122

Gutters

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Paving

203-238-1953

Get Listed. Get Results.

D & G PAVING

GARY WODATCH

Repairs, Decks & Porches, Sheetrock & Taping Water Damage Repairs. Free Est. Ins. MC & Visa. Call Bill (203) 901-2136. CT. Reg. # 0647093

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Landscaping

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

Carpentry

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Junk Removal

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#1 PAINTER’S EDGE MOBILE WASH Chemicals safe for house & plants. House wash + roof cleaning. 25 yrs. exp. Sr Disc. #0656136 Ins. 860.538.5520

Let Us BEAR Your Junk! Junk Removal in CT

Landscaping

IF YOU Mention This Ad SPRING Yard Clean-Ups Brush, branches, leaves, storm damage **JUNK REMOVAL** Appl’s, Furniture, Junk, Debris, etc WE CAN REMOVE ANYTHING Entire house to 1 item removed! FREE ESTIMATES Sr. Citizen Discount LIC & INS. DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817

JT’S LANDSCAPING LLC - Spring CleanUps, we specialize in weeding all types of beds, mulching, top soil work, pruning, hedges & trees, & all your landscape needs. Residential & commercial. Lic. #616311. Call today, 203 213-6528.

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Local listings online!

Yalesville Construction Specializing in all phases of residential & commercial roofing. Senior citizen discount Insured Free est. 203-265-5200 HIC#0631937

Tree Services

A-1 QUALITY POWERWASHING Low Rates Call Dennis 203.630.0008

OVER 28 YEARS EXP Stonewalls, patios, sidewalks, chimneys, pool areas, fireplaces, fire pit steps, all types of masonry work. Free est. (860) 274-4893.

Painting Int. & Ext. Gutters Cleaned. Free Ests. Ins. Refs. Rodrigo, (203) 565-7745.

Moving and Storage

Is Spring Cleaning on THE OUTSIDE FREE Estimates #569127 Call Kevin 203-440-3279

POWER WASH

POWER WASHING

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

Roofing

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

Painting Wallpapering

#1 PAINTER’S EDGE 15% off Houses.Decks. Sheetrock.Popcorn Repair. Wallpaper removal. 25 yrs exp. Free est. Sr. disc. #0656136. Ins. 860.538.5520

HONEST WORK!!! Major Contractor (EVERYTHING FLAT ROOFING & REPAIR +LIC. SHINGLE EXPERTS!) (203) 8005545; Chris.V@ EliteRRLLC.com; HOME RENOVATIONS (203) 300-2013 Benny; PLZ, LET US beat your QUOTE! /Respectful;) HIC0673695

ROOFING, SIDING, & STORM DAMAGE

100% Financing Avail. GAF MASTER ELITE LA-RICH ROOFING LLC 860-747-4427 860-622-9800

GROW YOUR BUSINESS Advertise with us. 203-235-1661

A40

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Friday, June 11, 2021

PROFESSIONAL ROOFING CONTRACTORS

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL

HONEST • DEPENDABLE • AFFORDABLE Licensed & Insured Complete Clean Up Reliable Fast and On Time! Satisfaction Guaranteed!

Best Connecticut Roofing was excellent to work with. We had several roofers come out to give us quotes and we picked Jose. He and his crew were the best and really easy to work with. Did an excellent job, efficient, and professional. Highly recommend this company for all roofing needs. – Katie L.

203 442 4165

GET A FREE QUOTE! bestconnecticutroofing.com