Town Times

Coginchaug Class of 2023 sets sail

By Nicole Zappone Town Times

Jenna DePonte, valedictorian of the Coginchaug Regional High School Class of 2023, told the crowd gathered for commencement on Wednesday, June 14 that she had a difficult time writing her speech.

DePonte said it’s not easy to sum up 12 years of experiences in a 5-minute address. She went through draft after draft trying to find the right words.

“One draft even began with the phrase, ‘four years and three principals ago,’ because Abe Lincoln wrote a good speech, so why not copy him?” DePonte joked. “But anyways, nothing really worked.”

The Class of 2023’s top student is no stranger to pressure, however, and the final draft of her graduation speech hit all the right notes.

“When I worked really hard in school, people would tell

Honored

BOE salutes retirees and student leaders

Town Times report

At the June 7 Board of Education meeting, RSD13 recognized five school employees on their retirement: teachers Carl Bruenn, Kathy Zygmont and Ruth Dwyer, Operations Manager Sue Gaudreau, and Facilities Manager Jim Croteau.

Also, the BOE highlighted local CABE (Connecticut Asso-

See Honored, A7

me to stop being so intense, but as soon as I let up the slightest bit, they would say I had lost myself, and I was failing,” DePonte said.

But through it all, she never lost sight of her goals. “We slayed,” DePonte told her fellow graduates, “and it’s time to realize that we are enough, and we can be

proud of what we have accomplished.”

One hundred and sixteen students collected their diplomas at the ceremony, which was moved indoors at CRHS due to the weather forecast.

In her speech, salutatorian Catherine Taylor said the

Class of 2023 was a family of sorts. And no family is perfect.

“As in a family, any class is likely to have the crazy uncle you just don’t agree with, the aunts who gossip about you behind your back, or the grandmother who is a master at the passive-aggressive judgment,” Taylor said. “We

have our differences, but we begrudgingly love each other anyway. ”

Taylor mentioned some memorable high school moments, both good and bad. “Together, we have overcome and accomplished so much in our time here,” she said. “And now we’re finally done.”

Lions Club welcomes its 67th president

From the Middlefield Lions Club:

On June 15, Hannah Malcolm was installed as the 67th president of the Middlefield Lions Club. The new Lions leader was born and raised in Middlefield. Besides being our creative and committed Parks and Recreation director, she works as a Health and Physical Education instructor in the New Haven School District.

Brenda Hanley, vice president; Rita Kolasinski, secretary; Chris McInvale, treasurer; Scott Casciano, financial secretary; Mike Skelps, membership chair; Summer Lerch, public relations; and Peter Cabelus, “Lion Tamer.”

The Lions’ directors are Marc D’Amato, Nancy Sennick, Jay Dalo and Bob Veeley.

The Middlefield Lions Club’s new president, Hannah Malcolm.

We are grateful that Hannah is our new president. She joins a new Board of Directors that includes:

All of us are looking forward to creating an exciting year for Middlefield.

Commencement excercises for the CRHS Class of 2023 were held Wednesday, June 14. Turn to page A7 to see a completelistofgraduates. Photos by Brett Bogdan

My city kitty just loves her new home

Well, it looks like kitty Shiloh is going to have to share the limelight. As you all know, he has been the star of many of my columns. Now he is going to have a co-star. Her name is Sierra, the kitten I brought home on May 23, and I am head-overheels in love with her, as I am with all of my fur babies. Sierra is the epitome of love. She is affectionate and strong and confident and sweet and not afraid of anything. I think she’s my role model.

She’s like an appendage. She does not want to be more than three inches away from me. As I write this, she is curled up on my lap, sometimes popping up to take a little stroll around the keyboard. It looks like she’s typing a foreign language. Maybe she’s e-mailing a friend. Maybe she needs to get her own column.

We’re in the adjustment period now, and it is going surprisingly well.

At first I kept Sierra in the bedroom, to give Shiloh a chance to make peace with the fact that he now has a roomie. I gradually started letting her out for short peri-

ods of time, to introduce them to each other.

It was touch-and-go there at first. Shiloh was not a happy camper. He hissed, she cowered, and back into the bedroom she went. But it is getting better. Shiloh just watches her as she investigates every nook and cranny. He is probably wondering “What is this new life form that has come hither? If it’s a mouse I’ve got my work cut out for me. This one is big.”

But there’s no more hissing, and I now know he will not hurt her. So she has the run of the house.

I think everyone should live life like a kitten. Sierra is curious about everything, and each moment is an adventure. No time to be bored. The days are loaded with delights. “It’s the simple things that make a life,” I think she would say. “Like rolling around on a paper bag or chasing a bottle cap.” (I, personally, do not feel the need to do those things.) She’sa busy girl. I will hear a lamp crashing to the floor or things flying off the table. I always know where she is.

Sierra came from the streets of Bridgeport to the home of

Policy

her foster mother, where she stayed in one room with her two siblings. So my 960 square-foot home a modest abode by anyone’s standards must seem like a mansion to her. I can just picture her thinking that today she will saunter over to the west wing (she doesn’t know yet that there is only one wing), and it is bound to

be a long journey so she better pack some snacks and liquid refreshment.

Of course, in addition to carefully hovering (yes, I admit that I am hovering) over my peanut-sized girl, making sure that she is safe, I also make sure that Shiloh knows that he is loved as much as ever and is not being replaced. I worry about stuff

like that. I don’t think he’s worried, though. He seems pretty confident.

So all is well at 319 Madison Road. We’re just having a peck of fun over here.

@#%&!! That’s Sierra saying hi.

You can contact Diana Carr at 860-349-9542 or princessdi7@sbcglobal.net.

‘Clear Day Thunder: Rescuing the American Chestnut’ to hit screen

From the Coginchaug Outdoor Enrichment Center:

The Coginchaug Outdoor Enrichment Center is proud to host a screening of “Clear Day Thunder: Rescuing the American Chestnut,” a very special film created by the American Chestnut Foundation.

Join us at the Durham Community Center, 144 Pickett Lane, Tuesday, June 27 at 6 p.m. Space is limited. A link to register is available on the Coginchaug Outdoor Enrichment Center Facebook page.

Rabies clinic

Durham Animal Response Team

In Brief

Tag sale

Durham Animal Response Team

“Clear Day Thunder: Rescuing the American Chestnut” tells the story of the passionate citizen scientists and researchers who are working to restore this ecologically and economically important species, during this pivotal moment.

At the June 27 film screening, we will be joined by a representative from the Connecticut Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation, who will answer questions from the audience and provide more information about the group’s mission.

Durham’s 1st Town-Wide Tag Sale

~ Sponsored by ~ Durham Animal Response Team

PLAN A TAG SALE

Saturday July 22, 2023

For more information please call (860) 349-0410

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION:

• You profit from your own tag sale.

• D.A.R.T. will help to promote your tag sale so you reach more customers.

• Your contribution of $20 will help us buy more equipment.

D.A.R.T. is sponsoring a rabies clinics for cats and dogs Sunday, June 25, 9 a.m. to noon, at Brenda’s Main Street Feed, 58 Main St. Proof of previous vaccination required for a three-year rabies vaccine. There’s a $20 fee, cash or check. Bring your animals in carriers, or leashed. For more information, call 860-349-0410.

D.A.R.T. is sponsoring a Town-Wide Tag Sale to be held throughout Durham on July 22. For a donation of $20, your personal tag sale will appear on the Town-Wide Tag Sale map.

Registration forms are available at Brenda’s Main Street Feed, 58 Main St. Or, call 860-349-0410. Registration ends July 1.

DURHAM ANIMAL RESPONSE TEAM WILL PROVIDE:

• Location Maps with sale items descriptions

• Advertising

• Tag sale signs around town

RAIN OR SHINE | facebook.com/DurhamAnimalResponseTeamDart

Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of the Town of Durham that the Town Tax on the Grand List of October 1, 2022, is due and payable in two installments, July 1, 2023, and January 1, 2024. All Motor Vehicle Taxes and Taxes in the amount of $100 or less are due and payable in full July 1, 2023.

If the first payment is not paid on or before August 1, 2023, interest must be charged from July 1, 2023, at a rate of 18% per annum (1.5% for each month or fraction thereof) with a minimum interest charge of $2.00 applied to each delinquent tax bill.

No bill will be sent for the January 2024 installment.

Payments may be mailed to: Town of Durham, P.O. Box 428 Durham, CT 06422, or visit: www.townofdurhamct.org. to find other accepted forms of payment by clicking on “View & Pay Taxes”. Processing fees apply.

The Tax Collector’s office hours are Monday-Friday

French, CCMC Tax Collector, Town of

State providing critical habitats for pollinators

Press Release

June 19-25 is National Pollinator Week and the Connecticut Department of Transportation is highlighting ongoing efforts to help pollinators thrive.

The CTDOT Pollinator Program was implemented in 2017 and has grown to 123

conservation areas comprised of approximately 205 acres of state right of way.

The goal of the Pollinator Program is to provide critical habitats for pollinating insects, such as bees and monarch butterflies, through strategic plantings and vegetation management.

“Pollinators are important to our food supply and health of the environment, and we are proud to join the national effort to increase pollinator habitats on properties throughout Connecticut. We’re reclaiming these areas along the highways with wildflowers and vegetation to help protect pollinators that are at risk,” said Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “Each year we’re identifying additional conservation areas that we can add to this program as part

of our broader goals to create a more sustainable environment. However, our rights of way cannot provide the pollinators with everything they need. I encourage the public to join our efforts to help pollinators flourish in Connecticut.”

CTDOT pollinator corridors are marked with conservation area signage and consist of warm season grasses, native wildflowers and low-growing vegetation. They bloom in late June and continue through the summer months.

Some examples of plants found in conservation areas include milkweed, goldenrod, joe pye weed and aster.

Varying species with staggered bloom time promotes biodiversity, healthy habitats, and increases the survival rate of pollinators in the area.

These corridors along the highways provide an extensive network for pollinators. Motorists traveling throughout Connecticut can see these corridors near highway ramps, medians, and along roadside shoulders.

While the blooms are beautiful to see, motorists are asked not to stop on the highway to take photos or videos of the conservation areas.

For more information about National Pollinator Week and the importance of pollinators, visit pollinator.org.

Giving Garden

Help is welcomed and appreciated at the MiddlefieldDurham Giving Garden, located behind the Middlefield Community Center. For further information, contact Betsy St. John at 860-807-5242 or Jen Huddleston at 860-716-0464.

Cat Tales

Join a wonderful and dedicated group of people a few hours a week to help care for homeless cats at Cat Tales’ main shelter. The volunteer application can be found at cattalesct.org. For more information, email: info@cattalesct.org.

Volunteer

The Middlefield Volunteer Fire Company seeks volunteers age 18-plus. No experience is required; the department provides the necessary training.

In Brief

To learn more, visit middlefieldfirect.org, email info@ middlefieldfirect.org or stop by the firehouse Mondays before 7 p.m.

The department also has an Explorer program for youth ages 14 to 18.

Gift of sight

The Durham Lions Club’s recently-refurbished drop box is ready for your eyeglass donations at the Durham Pharmacy.

Lions have recognized the

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

Food bank

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

Wreath laying

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

The group’s mission Remember, Honor, Teach is carried out in part each year

by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.

For more information on how to volunteer locally or sponsor a wreath, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Obituaries

Joan Martin Quick

SANFORD, NC - Joan Martin Quick, 87, entered the gates of Heaven peacefully at her home in Sanford, NC, on June 7th following an 18-month battle with brain cancer. She was a long-time resident of Durham, Connecticut, but lived the last 20 years in North Carolina, where she and her husband shared the early years of their marriage in Fort Bragg and Chapel Hill.

Joan was born March 19, 1936, in Boston, Massachusetts, the daughter of William and Doris Martin. While her parents settled in Durham, Joan spent her high school years in preparatory school graduating from Mary Burnham School in Northampton, Massachusetts, in 1954. She met Russ in the winter of 1953 and eloped to Valhalla, New York, on January 18, 1955, after a whirlwind court ship that lasted 68 special years filled with family, lifelong friends, and a myriad of good times.

Settling in Durham following six years in North Carolina, Joan and Russ established a real estate business where she was broker in charge for 30 years. Active throughout her life she was an enthusiastic Republican, helped as an assistant in the Durham Town Clerk office, and was an EMT for many years.

During her years in the Carolina Trace community, she actively contributed to her Sedgemoor POA as the architecture chairperson and for many years she was a special contributor

Services

to the Carolina Trace Association.

A statuesque beauty Joan graced everything she touched with a warm and welcoming style. A nature lover of many talents, she was a gourmet cook who enjoyed entertaining and had a gifted green thumb and a flair for flower arranging. In many ways, she was a very special and tender lady.

Joan is survived by her husband, Russ, daughters Beth Armitage (James) of Chester, CT, Kim Garvis (Frank)of Durham, CT, sons Donald Quick (Jeanne) of Cromwell, CT, and David Quick (Maria) of Sanford, NC. She is also survived by her brother Bill Martin (Lorrie) of Durham, CT, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a nephew.

Joan was predeceased by her parents and brother Glenn. Per her wish, there will be no formal services but rather a celebration of her life in Connecticut in the coming months. In lieu of flowers please pay it forward and as she would have it, be kind to one another.

May God bless the Queen of the Quick family.

Strong Middle School Fourth Quarter Honor Roll

Grade 6, high honors: Ashley Allen, Tanner Allen, Robert Belisle, Rebecca Booth, Jack Brady, Eleanor Brayshaw, Ethan Broomfield, Carter Collin, Jayden Costa, Christian Dionne, Sophia Dumais, Leah Ekblade, Madison Falana, Benjamin Finch, Brayden Fraschilla, Faith Gerardi, Genevieve Kilroy, Ronan LeDuc, Ellison Loh, Jisselle Lopez, Joshua Luca, Jacob McDowell, Karleigh Melendez, Lenna Molina, Tenzin Moore, Elijah Morton, Abigail Muro, Riley Nelson, Isabella Panico, Brieann Pascarelli, Luke Pizzo, Juliet Prout, Shawn Quinn, Kendall Raney, Alexa Saraceno, Theodore Schaffer, Jacob Schilling, Brooklyn Smolley, Daniel Szymanski, Katerina Talbert-Slagle, William Taylor, Matthieu Thiel, Jenni Velleca, Adam Young, Braeden Zupnik; honors: Angelina Alfano, Gianni Baumhor, Richard Braccidiferro, Lily Bryck, Dominic Casillo, Ellory Connell, Luna Cooley, Evelyn Crocker, Savannah Davidson, Ariana Defalco, Andrew DelGrego, Izabella Diaz, Haley Dionne, Brady Doweyko, Brooklyn Dragan, Phinnaeus Dreyfus, Gia Falero, Cecelia Fenwick, Logan Finn, Tyler Flewelling, Ava French, Jeremiah Fuggi, Lena Funke, Dimitri Gaudino, Dani Greco, Tyler Grodzicki, Chace Hartline, Aidan Healy, Paisley Kalinchak, Samantha Kehlenbach, Charlotte Lombardi, Chloe Loner-

Shakespeare Garden

The Midlea Garden Club will hold a program of interest to both gardeners and Shakespeare fans Monday, June 26 at 6:30 p.m. Club members have been working hard over several months restoring the Shakespeare Garden behind Levi E. Coe Library in Middlefield, and they are excited to share this journey with you. All are welcome.

Faith

gan, Adeline Magoon, Brody Manning, Keegan Maschio, Mason Noyes, Sanskar Pandey, Addison Poetzsch, Ryan Samperi, Aaron Schlicker, Bruno Suraci, Asa Trayes, Noah Trifilo, Kiernan Walsh.

Grade 7, high honors: Taryn Adams, Whitney Aingworth, Noelle Babbitt, Gavin Burke, Alivia Christopher, Kylie Clark, Sienna Clark, Kylie Dailey, Shay Fisher, Draya Gohagon, Kacey Greco, Elizabeth Gust, Marcus Helenski, Natalie Kobus, Audrey Kurtin, Haily Lamoureux, Olivia Longo, Jillian Meurs, Carson Miller, Tucker

Morello, Addison Nappi, William Overton, Jillian Parmelee, Elizabeth Putnam, Stella Reny, Kylie Rybak, Isaac Samuel, Margaret Taylor, Liam Tietjen, Nathaniel Tompkins, Cecelia Wilson;

honors: Jacob Almodovar, Stella Biancardi, Sonia Calamita, Ryan Champagne, Grayson Collins, Camilo CoutinVazquez, Abigail Cyrus, Logan Dahlheimer, Paige DeCantillon, Benjamin Eddinger, Nahimiana Faiella, Gavin Farnsworth, Gavin Gerchy, Riley Gontarz, Julia Hahn, James Halibozek, Aurora Kobus, John Lauderdale, Ivan Li , Daphne Liss, Kaelin Lobo, Seth McInvale, Annaliese Meisenkothen, Adrianna Monarca, Madeline Niland, Ryan Olszewski, James Overton, Bennett Paganetti, Joseph Piscitelli, Simone Salamanca, Oliver Sass, Addison

In Brief

Paper shredding

The Lower CT River Valley Council of Governments (RiverCOG) will hold a residential paper shredding event Saturday, June 24 from 9 a.m. to noon at Westbrook Town Hall, 866 Boston Post Road. This event is free to residents of the RiverCOG region, which includes Middlefield and Durham. For more information, visit rivercog.org/householdhazardous-waste.

Seely, Hannah Stern, Annabella Tosto, Landon Watts, Ruby Wiseman.

Grade 8, high honors: Madison Allen, Frances Augur, Jake Bernier, Allison Booth, Allison Bradanini, Arabella DiPentima, Aiyana Donecker, Lucy Eddinger, Makayla Fazzone-Chettiar, Julianna Fuggi, Marcy Funke, Ruby General, Sofia Hempel, Sara Holder, Beth Johansen, Sara Kaliszewski, Maggie Kilroy, Molly Kulas, Paige LaPointe, Ryan Legge, Camryn LeTourneau, Reegan Lynch, Emerson McGoldrick, Sara O'Rourke, James Parmelee, Siya Patel, Corra Perez, Ava Pizzo, Lily Ramadanovic, Julia Reynolds, Sabrina Stephan, Gabriella Tammaro, Ella Ullman, Shayla Vazquez, Madelyn Ventola, Evangeline Volenec, Aaliyah Watson; honors: Shya Ahmed, Benjamin Albanese, Ava Almodovar, William Bachinsky-Kremzar, Parker Carroll, Jilliana Casillo, John Cella, Joshua Cronk, Lauren DelGrego, Hayden Farnsworth, Jack Fenwick, Rodolfo Fraschilla, Kyle Hebert, Kayla Huertas, Brooke Jacobson, Kiara Kaczor, Taylor Kestenbaum, Gianna Kirschner, Alex Labaty, Briley McKenna, Dylan Montemurro, Jonathan Morehead, Rhys Noyes, Isabella Oakley, Xara Ollennu, Jack Quinn, Gannon Remillard, Caden Schlicker, Logan Smith, Brianna Vargas, Travis Weckesser.

Renters rebate

State law provides a reimbursement program for Connecticut renters who are elderly or totally disabled, and whose incomes do not exceed certain limits. Persons renting an apartment or room or living in cooperative housing, or a mobile home may be eligible for this program.

Applications are accepted through Oct. 1. Visit portal.ct.gov/OPM.

Durham. Sunday services 10 a.m. (in person and live streamed).

Rock of Refuge Church is located at 350 Main St., second floor, in Durham.

Sunday services 11 a.m.; Tuesday Prayer Meetings 6:45 p.m.

United Churches is located at the corner of Route 68 and Main Street in

Church of the Epiphany is located at 196 Main St. in Durham. Sunday services 9:30 a.m.

(Houses of worship are welcome to send items to news@towntimes.com).

Andrew Abely

Lauren Susana Acevedo

Alison Rose Albanese

Ava Grace Alfano

Lia Marie Amadon

Anna Michele Amendola

Sky N Andrews

Caleb Joshua Baker

Chris True Barrett

Dalton David Bates

Payton Eli Breault

Holly Elizabeth Brunelle

Ethan James

Bufford-Cournoyer

Micayla Alexa Caramanello

Zoe Lynn Carpentino

Marina Chanthinith

Ethan Richard Covello

Katherine Marie DeFlora

Joseph Michael DePaolo

Robert John DePaolo

Jenna Rose DePonte

Charlotte Alice Dunleavy

Jake David Evans

Zackery Michael Evans

Jaide Makenna Fagan

Katherine Louise Farr

Delilah Marguerite Christine

Anna Ferreira

Alyssa Lucille Ficara

Vanessa Rita Ficara

Autumn Lee Fisher

Shane Aiden Fitzpatrick

Drue Denver Fleck

Serena Laine Fournier

Grace Marilyn Gaffey

Monica Garbacz

Colin Thomas Glidden

Hayden Patrick Gonzales

Katelyn Marie Grenier

Dominick Ciro Hall

Grace Elizabeth Hartline

Emilie Anne Hatje

Grayson Leigh Hesser

Honored

From A1

ciation of Boards of Education) award winners Dalton Bates, Monica Garbacz, T.J. Helenski and Julia Reynolds. The students, nominated by their teachers, exhibited the following: willingness to take on challenges, capability to make difficult decisions, concern for others, ability to work with others, willingness to commit to a project, diplomacy, ability to understand issues clearly, and the ability to honor a commitment.

A member of the Athletic Leadership Council and the high school varsity soccer team, Charlotte Dunleavy was recognized by the Board of Education as its scholarship recipient.

CRHS Class of 2023

Arianna Jean Holahan

Tatum Erin Hultgren

Braden Tyler Johnson

Ava Alexandra Kelly

Jacqueline Grace Kelly

Lauren Marissa Konefal

Amanda Estelle Kowalczyk

Douglas James Kozik Jr.

Kiyah Elizabeth Kulpik

John Patrick Legge

Michael Erik Limosani

Claire Isabelle LoSacco

Owen William Lussier

Robert P. Martin

Henry Mulvey Mattison

Sullivan John McCoy

Alexander James

Meisenkothen

Susan Meneses

Christian Bryce Mennone

Christa Paige Messner

Glen Allen Miarecki

Ella P. Milidantri

Samantha Elizabeth

Miltenberger

Angelina Bernadette Monarca

Siena Josephine Monthei

Ryhan Rabbie Moore

Shannon Farrell Moore

Natalie Rose Ness

Ryan Thomas Newberry

Alexandra Catherine Nick

Hannah Marie Nielsen

Melana Rose O'Sullivan

Malone Anna O’Sullivan

Gwynneth Anne Palo Mack

Luke Paulson

Jayson Albert Penney

Nadia Brooke Piascik

Joseph Daniel Pinto

Rachel Erin Plaskett

Evan Donald Poggio

Mark James Polansky

Mia Diane Poturnicki

Christian Daniel Quesnel

Nomar Reyes Campusano

Curt David Rollka

Allison Nicole Sambor

Emma Maria Samperi

Blake Anthony Sartor

Adam Gregory Schaffer

Carson Taylor Sewell Jr.

Chloe Elizabeth Shafir

Riley Silver

Ethan Donald Sirois

Nicholas Andrew Sklutovsky

Julia Annmarene Slight

Elizabeth Lynn Sorensen

Cameron Xavier Spencer

Henry Louis St John

Tyler John Stagon

Allison Barbara Strang

Alyssa Marie Szymaszek

Julia Marie Talbert-Slagle

Catherine Witherspoon Taylor

Elena OBrien Lara Tellez

Conor James Ullman

Alexander Joseph Vassiliou

Tyler William Warner

Christine Wright Waterman

Sophie Rose Whittle

Penelope Ruth Wickwire

Ryan Andrew Wirger

Hope Lynn Wondolowski

Allyson Nicole Woodward

Hannah Elizabeth Wright

In order to continue delivery to your home or business, we need to have each resident or business let us know that, by filling out our on-line requester form at myrecordjournal. com/town-times-requester

Or, you can call us at 203-634-3933 and we can mail you a postage paid postcard to fill out and return. Without the necessary requester information, delivery of your Town Times to your home or business, will end.

What to know about state’s new gun law

The Connecticut Mirror

On June 6, Gov. Ned Lamont signed into law the first comprehensive update of Connecticut’s gun laws since the sweeping reforms enacted a decade ago in response to the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. House Bill 6667, An Act Addressing Gun Violence, was proposed by Lamont and expanded to include measures sought by urban mayors

What changes does the law make to Connecticut’s gun policies? Here’s what to know.

Bill updates several aspects of state’s existing gun laws

H.B. 6667 bans the open carry of firearms and strengthens rules for gun storage and reporting stolen firearms. It also expands a ban on AR15s and other so-called assault weapons passed in

1993 and updated in 2013. AR-15s purchased prior to the bans still can be legally owned, if registered with the police. But the new law closed what proponents called a loophole that allowed the legal sale of nowbanned weapons if manufactured prior to 1994.

The legislation also further tightens restrictions on military-style weapons and highcapacity magazines that

were largely banned after the Sandy Hook school shooting.

Additionally, the bill regulates the sale of body armor to civilians, generally limits the sale of handguns to three in any one month, increases training requirements for gun permit holders, and raises the minimum age to purchase a semiautomatic rifle from 18 to 21, the same threshold as handguns.

The bill also bans the online sale of kits used to assemble “ghost guns,” firearms that have no serial number and are largely untraceable.

Was largely approved along party lines

House Bill 6667 cleared the House on a vote of 96-51, with seven Republicans in favor and five Democrats opposed. In the Senate, Sen. Tony Hwang, R-Fairfield, joined 23 Democrats in favor. One Democrat, Sen. Cathy Osten of Sprague, did not vote.

Democratic mayors urged provisions

The measure incorporates elements of a tougher approach to gun crimes urged by the Democratic mayors of Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven and Waterbury, where 80% of all shootings occur in Connecticut.

At the mayors’ request, the bill would target what they described as a relatively small cohort of repeat gun offenders with dedicated court dockets, higher thresholds for bail and probation,

Gun law

and tougher penalties. Supporters pointed to research showing the effectiveness of laws

Democratic supporters of HB 6667 have argued it was a data-driven, public health measure, and said a growing

In Brief Tip line

In response to growing statewide complaints of a spike in so-called street takeover events, the FBI rolled out a tip line for residents to report instances of mass gatherings in parking lots and roadways.

Residents looking to report a street takeover are encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI and select the “Connecticut Street Takeovers” option from an operator. Or, visit the website fbi.gov/cttakeovertips.

body of research shows that the states with the strongest gun safety laws have the lowest rates of suicides and murders by firearms. The majority of gun death are suicides.

Opponents said bill is too focused on guns, not individuals

Republican opponents argued the Connecticut General Assembly is too focused on law-abiding gun owners and the mass shootings that

generate headlines and not enough on more commonplace gun crimes: Street shootings with illegal handguns, often involving shooters and victims with criminal backgrounds.

H.B. 6667 could face legal challenges

Even before final passage, the bill has survived one legal challenge a request for a temporary restraining order sought by gun owners, which was rejected by a fed-

eral judge. Others are expected.

Connecticut’s gun laws have survived repeated legal challenges, whether brought in state or federal court.

CT’s gun legislation is strict compared to other states

Connecticut has some of the strongest gun safety laws in the U.S., with universal background checks to purchase a firearm or ammuni-

tion and the nation’s earliest risk warrant law allowing the seizure of guns from people deemed a threat to themselves or others.

The state has the fifth-lowest per-capita rate of gun suicides after Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Hawaii.

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

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING

TOWN OF MIDDLEFIELD June 29, 2023

NOTICE is hereby given that The Town of Middlefield Charter Revision Commission will hold its 2nd public hearing in meeting Room 2 at the Middlefield Community Center, 405 Main Street, Middlefield, CT, on June 29, 2023, at 6:30 P.M. for the following purposes to wit:

1. To hear comments and testimony from the public concerning the draft changes to the Middlefield Charter and comments on the Charter.

Copies of the draft Town Charter changes are available at the Town Clerk’s Office and on the Town’s website: www.middlefieldct. org

CLERK III

The Wallingford Public Schools are looking for candidates to performs a wide variety of clerical duties requiring excellent computer and interpersonal skills. This position requires 1 year of office work experience and a H.S. diploma. Wages: $19.61 to $26.32 hourly (effective July 1, 2023) plus an excellent fringe benefit package.

TREE LENGTH FIREWOOD CALL FOR DETAILS

203-238-2149

GRASSY HILL AUCTIONS, - an Estate

TOP CASH PAID

For Junk or unwanted vehicles, Toyota’s etc.

Please call Mike @ 203284-8562 8am-5pm.

Administrative Assistant

Town of Cheshire seeks qualified candidates for nineteen (19) hour per week position of Administrative Assistant at its Wastewater Treatment Plant. The starting minimum hourly rate will be $20.61/hour.

Position provides administrative support to maintain records & reports while providing general oversight to office operations. Microsoft experience preferred. For further information including the full job description & application process, visit the Town’s web site at www.cheshirect.org or applicants can pick up a copy from the Human Resources Office, Room #217, Cheshire Town Hall, 84 South Main Street, Cheshire.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and/or Town application by the close of business on Friday June 30, 2023 to Human Resources Office, Town Hall. Town of Cheshire is an EEOE, M/F/D/V.

Apply: Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford 45 South Main Street, Room 301, Wallingford, CT 06492. Applications will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Phone: (203) 294-2080 Fax: (203) 294-2084. The closing date will be that date the 50th application form/resume is received or June 28, 2023 whichever occurs first. EOE

A-1 SERVICE - Is what you will receive from me when purchasing your Old Costume & Fine Estate Jewelry. Napier, QVC, ETC, Jewelry Wanted! “I Pay Top Cash For Your Grandma’s Costume & Fine Jewelry Stash!” I’ll come to you. Julie, 203.443.9602.

MATERIALS DISTRIBUTION

Screened Topsoil $30/ per yd; 2.5” screened gravel, $18 per yd; Sand$18 per yd; Millings-$22 per yd; Screened Millings $30 per yd; $100 minimum delivery. No pickup truck service. Minimum 16 yd pickup at our yard. Call Jim @ 860-9824819 for delivery

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

ANTIQUES - Always buying old; Toys, military, jewelry, art, watches, musical instruments, signs, arcade games, cameras, pre 1970 sports memorabilia, plus more. One item or entire estate contents. Call 860718-5132.

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

Sale, Liquidation, Attic & Basement Cleanout Company is Always Buying and providing services all over Connecticut. These are just a FEW of the things we are looking for: Antiques, Collectibles, Old/ Vintage Toys, Musical Instruments (Saxophones, Trumpets, Violins, Flutes, Clarinets, Trombone & SO MUCH MORE) Advertising Items, Wristwatches (Broken or Not), Pocket Watches, Tools (Machinist, Woodworking, & MORE) Doorstops, Clocks, Oil Paintings, Old Signs, Old Photographs, Old Postcards, Brewery Items, Hunting & Fishing, PEZ Dispensers, Costume Jewelry, Broken Jewelry, Gold & Silver Jewelry, Gold & Silver Coins, Military Items, Swords & Bayonets, Helmets & Patches, Medals & Uniforms, Pocket Knives, Lighters & Pipes, Fountain Pens, Mechanical Pencils, Fraternal Order Items, Religious Items, Industrial Items, Winchester Items, Sikorsky Items, Pratt & Whitney Items, Colt Items, Native American Items, Vintage Electronics, Slot Cars, Toy Trucks, Matchbox & Hotwheels, Barbie’s, Folk Art, Statues, Bronzes, Trains, Cameras, Mid Century Modern Furniture, Straight Razors, Shaving Items, Political Items, Comic Books, Sports Cards & Autographs…& THE LIST GOES ON! So please give us a call at your earliest convenience. Grassy Hill Auctions 203-868-1816 - Grassy HillAuctions.com

PREMIER ESTATE JEW-

ELRY - Is interested in buying your fine jewelry, watches, coin collections, silver flatware, and costume jewelry. Call Bill, (203) 4942496.

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

$30/yard delivered, 3 yd, $100 min. delivery Call Jim 860-982-4819

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

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

BUYING MACHINIST

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

WANTED - 30+ HP Tractor with Loader & Backhoe; Also, looking for 3pt hitch Brush Hog. (203) 715-6489.

HOUSECLEANING

Condos, offices, windows. Oven & Fridge free. Refs. 16 Years Exp. Fabiana, 203.565.7745.

HOUSECLEANINGHousekeeper. Offices. Have many years of exper. Refs. 203 4999992, (203) 630-7921.

DECKS & PORCHES

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

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

GUTTERS

DON’T WORK

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

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

POLISH/ENGLISHSpeaking woman to clean house w/care. 3rd cleaning 30% off. Ins & bonded. Refs. 860-268-2301

IF YOU Mention This Ad SPRINGYard Clean-Ups Brush, branches, s torm damage

**JUNK REMOVAL** Appl’s, Furniture, Junk, Debris, etc WE CAN REMOVE ANYTHING Entire house to 1 item removed!

FREE ESTIMATES

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

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

Cell:203.510.3830

Stormshieldct@gmail. com HIC.0664452

TREE REMOVAL

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

JUNK REMOVAL Hot Tub Removal, Furniture, appliances, entire contents of: homes, sheds, estates, attics, basements, garages & more. *SPRING YARD Clean-ups* FREE ESTIMATES. LIC & INS. DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817 860-575-8218

Sr. Citizen Discount LIC & INS. DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817 860-575-8218

JT’S LANDSCAPING

LLC - Spring CleanUps, we specialize in weeding all types of beds, mulching, top soil work, pruning hedges & shrubs, & all your landscape needs. Residential & commercial. Lic. #616311. Call today for free estimate, 203-213-6528.

OVER 35 YRS EXP

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

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

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

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

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

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

SPRING CLEANUPS

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

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

RT RELOCATION

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

FRONTLINE PLUMBING - Plumbing repairs & replacements, toilets, tubs, sinks, showers, 30 yrs exp., 100% free quotes. #0286296-P1. Bob 203-213-0691.

A-1 QUALITY POWERWASHING

Low Rates Call Dennis 203.630.0008