Town Times by Record Journal

Friday, December 8, 2023

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Volume 29, Number 49

Something for everyone at Winter Market By Rachel Wachman Special to The Times

Held twice a month on Sundays from now to March, the Durham Winter Market features a combination of food and craft vendors selling everything from pasta sauce, baked goods and hot chocolate bombs, to Christmas ornaments, candles, and soap. This year’s market takes place in the newly finished community center, which opened at the beginning of November. Recreation Chair Amanda Betty explained that vendors come from all over Connecticut to set up shop in the market. A typical market day sees between 20 and 25 different stalls. “Durham is small and there’s not much in town, so this gives people the chance to come out and find things they normally wouldn’t find elsewhere,” Betty said. “We don’t have a candle store in town. There’s nothing shopping-wise for Christmas gifts, etc, so the market gives people the chance to go out, mingle, meet up with friends, walk around, and find things that interest them.” This iteration of the market includes more artisanal goods than in past years. At many of the stalls, shoppers can customize what they buy, such as embroidered products or engraved wood. Visiting the market in the new community center also gives people the opportunity to get to know the

Photo courtesy of Amanda Betty

building and explore what it has to offer, per Betty. “There’s a lot that goes on in this building that a lot of people may not be aware of and people may not realize what it has to offer,” Betty said. “This market highlights one of the types of activities that can happen there, and people can see firsthand what those opportunities are.”

Angela Massimino of the Cheshirebased Angela’s Kitchen will be selling her pasta sauces and salsas at every Sunday installation of the market this winter. “The very best part of selling Angela’s Kitchen at the markets or in public demos is meeting new customers, being able to talk to them about our products’ freshness, taste

and quality, sharing family stories and of course watching their priceless reactions when tasting our products,” Massimino said. Her family-owned business sells its products at farmers markets around the state and in over 100 grocery stores. Massimino especially enjoys See Market, A6

Hearst CT Media close to buying Record-Journal Record-Journal staff

MERIDEN — After more than a century and a half of independent, family ownership, the Record-Journal announced on Nov. 27 that it had reached a preliminary sales agreement with Hearst Connecticut Media Group.

Under the agreement, HCMG will take ownership of all print and digital operations of RJ Media Group, including the Record-Journal, its seven weekly publications, and its digital advertising agency, according to Record-Journal Publisher Liz White Notarangelo.

White Notarangelo, the fifth generation of her family to lead the Record-Journal, shared the news with employees last Monday, citing Hearst’s “ongoing commitment to strong local journalism as well as a culture of innovation and serving communities.

“We feel it’s a great fit and next chapter for our family company,” White Notarangelo wrote, in a column to readers Nov. 27. Mike DeLuca, group publisher and president of HCMG, said he was “thrilled to welcome the Record-Jour-

nal to the Hearst Connecticut Media Group family,” while “embracing a new chapter in journalism.” “This union underscores our commitment to fostering strong local voices and delivering impactful stories See Hearst, A8

A2 Friday, December 8, 2023

Town Times | towntimes.com

Sharing a special letter from Santa along on their end, toy-wise. I have seen so many changes over the years in that regard. Kids used to want BB guns and cowboy boots and dolls and sleds

they have been working out. They have a gym membership. I think they are in the Silver Sneakers program. I will remind them to tread very softly on your roof, so as to not disturb any shingles. Maybe I can talk them into wearing slippers.

presents for everybody!

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Speaking of which: You mentioned in your letter that you would be open to receiving a present from me. Well, my dear, who do you Now it’s all electronics. But I think brought you that pream managing to keep up cious kitten back in May? with the times. A Santa must She was an early Christmas I think I will take your advice present. Most people don’t Dear Diana, sured me tastes like the real be able to go with the flow. and follow the Great Pump- know this, but I can work my thing. I am going to hold you The reindeer are fine. I got your letter. As always, I to that. kin’s example, in respect to magic from the North Pole, Thanks for asking. They real- scrapping the “naughty or was thrilled to hear from too, without even taking ly look forward to Christmas nice” list. It is a lot of presyou. You really mean it when Oh, and about that visit. I flight. Because I’m Santa Eve. It’s the only time they you say that you are a lifewill take you up on your ofsure, and the lines are getClaus! get to fly. Oh, they leap and long fan, don’t you? Well, fer to leave a key under the ting really blurred these that works for me. You just mat. I am getting on in years bound about the rest of the days. I am not always so sure See you soon. year, but they are not what can’t have too many fans. — about 500, last count — exactly what constitutes Your Fan, you would call airborne. Yes, naughty and nice. So okay, and that chimney thing is Santa You’re right. The Missus has starting to be a bit of a chalexpressed some concern lenge. So thank you. I will be over my expanding girth. I sure, upon your request, to blame her for it. Years of wake you up ever so gently. I cookies will do that to a fella. do not want you using your She is starting to see the ertai chi on me. And yes, a ror of her ways and has tak- Hallmark Christmas movie en to low-fat, gluten-free and a refreshing cup of tea baking. Blah! would fit the bill. And the Nada Moo, of course. I remind her that a Santa needs to sport an ample I do remember your boys. enough midsection to live You are right-they were cute up to the poem. You know, as a button. And I remember the one that says that I have the long lists. I hope I did a little round belly that okay. They always seemed to shakes when I laugh, like a be happy on Christmas bowl full of jelly. She has in- morning. formed me, and not too kindly I might add, that now To answer your question there are just too many mov- about how I have spent the ing parts. year — a lot of Netflix. Playing in the snow with Anyhoooooo, I am looking Rudolph and the gang, with We will take care of you from forward to your Nada Moo lots of snowball fights. (Of vegan ice cream on Christour Garden Center to your lawn! course, they have an unfair mas Eve, which you have as- advantage, since they have more limbs with which to poinsettias, christmas flower arrangements, hurl the snowballs.) Polishcemetery arrangements, wreaths and so much more! Correction ing up the sleigh and making sure it is in tip-top shape. Checking in with the elves to In an article entitled “New Council majority to focus on make sure things are moving MSP renovations,” published in the Dec. 1 edition of the Town Times, Rebecca Martinez was erroneously identiNo job too small or too big! fied as the Plainville Town call for a free consultation Council Vice-Chair. RoseWe grow with our customers and their plants mary Morante is the Vice RECYCLE YOUR OLD Chair of the Town Council. 191 MERIDEN RD., MIDDLEFIELD, CT 06455 NEWSPAPERS Martinez is the vice-chair of (860) 704-8414  UNCLEBOBSGARDEN.COM Please & Thank you. the Board of Education. R265911

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Friday, December 8, 2023

Kindergarten age change: What to know Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, Connecticut will require that all children enrolling in kindergarten turn 5 years old by Sept. 1. Lawmakers approved the kindergarten age change during the 2023 legislative session. The previous cutoff was Jan. 1 of the following year. But there’s an exception to the rule — parents/ guardians of younger children can apply for a waiver to enroll their child in kindergarten early. Here’s what to know about Connecticut’s kindergarten age change and the waiver process.

Is the new age requirement in line with other states?

Yes. Connecticut was the only state to have a Jan. 1 kindergarten cutoff date as of 2020, and most states require that children be 5 years old by the end of September. There’s generally support for that age requirement among educators and developmental experts, though experts also stress that child development is not linear and varies child-to-child.

How can a parent/ guardian apply to enroll their child early? Families of younger children can submit a written request to their principal to enroll their child at a younger age. The student must then undergo an assessment, conducted by school leadership, to “ensure that admitting such a child is developmentally appropriate,” according

to the law. That assessment is not discretionary and must be implemented if a parent or guardian requests it in writing, the state said in guidance titled “New Entry Age for Kindergarten: Considerations for Connecticut Schools.”

How will school districts assess children’s readiness for kindergarten? The Department of Education has not provided specific guidelines for what the assessments must show or how schools should test students — and its “New Entry Age for Kindergarten” guidFACEBOOK.COM/ RECORDJOURNAL NEWSPAPER TWITTER.COM/ RECORD_JOURNAL INSTAGRAM.COM/ RECORDJOURNAL

ance says it will not identify an assessment tool for schools to use. But the guidance did reference the CT Early Learning and Developmental Standards, which provide an overview of benchmarks for children ages 0-5, as a potential tool for schools. Fran Rabinowitz, executive director of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, said she doesn’t expect school dis-

tricts to form one standardized assessment; rather, each school district will create its own test. She said the assessments will likely involve looking at a child’s attention span, knowledge of letters and numbers and ability to pay attention and follow directions. “Certainly it’s not a paperand-pencil test, and it is a test that’s assessed one-onSee Kindergarten, A7

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A4 Friday, December 8, 2023

Town Times | towntimes.com

Check out these local tree farms this season By Lauren Sellew Record-Journal staff

price. Wreaths are also available.

Looking for the perfect Christmas tree? Whether you prefer a precut one or want to take a saw out into a field yourself, there are options for everyone in our area that wants to head to a farm for their tree.

Connecticut Alpaca & Tree Farm : 235 Talmadge Road, Cheshire, Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Kogut’s Hemlock Hill Tree Farm, Inc: 304 Parker Ave., Meriden, opened Nov. 24. They are closed Monday and Dumas Tree Farm: 190 Little Tuesday. Open on Wednesday, noon – 5 p.m.; Thursday Lane, Durham. Open seasonally beginning the day af- 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Saturday ter Thanksgiving. Monday – and Sunday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday: Closed. ThursThey offer a variety of precut day and Friday: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 9 trees, wreaths, roping, cena.m. – 4 p.m. Precut and cut terpieces, cemetery boxes, custom wreaths and a Charyour own trees up to 8 feet tall start at $70 and increase lie Brown “for kids only” area trees. They accept cash, based on size. Cash, check credit card and check. and credit cards accepted. Taxes, bailing and shaking of Karabin Farms: 894 Andrews the tree is included in the

They are open Saturdays and Sundays until sold out, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cut-your-own trees ar $70. They also offer wreaths, decorated wreaths, tree stands, tree disposal bags, farmmade ornaments, and hot cocoa. Miller Tree Farm: 328 Tri Mountain Road, Durham. Cut-your-own trees are $70, and they accept cash and check.

St., Southington. They are open for Christmas tree-cutting on Saturdays and Sundays before 4 p.m. Cut-yourown trees are $90 plus tax. They have a variety of trees,

tree care products, removal bags and long strem tree water funnels. Herzig Family Tree Farm: 310 Maiden Lane, Durham.

They will bale your tree for you and offer rope to tie your tree to the car. Wreaths, roping, Christmas tree stands, locally made decorated products and their own pure maple syrup, made on the farm, will also be available.

In Brief Cardio Drumming The Town of Durham Recre-

ation Department will host Cardio Drumming at the Community Center.

The date of the session will be Dec. 8. Each session will run from 11 to 11:50 a.m.

END-OF-THE-YEAR HOLIDAY SPECIALS!

Catholic Cemeteries Association is making it easier than ever to pre-plan your cemetery arrangements in one of our 30 cemeteries. Why pre-plan? • It ensures your wishes are carried out • It is the greatest gift you can leave your family and loved ones • It locks in your pricing, without being subjected to price increases in the future

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And Catholic Cemeteries Association is making it even easier with our End-Of-2023 Specials!

Purchase any grave or mausoleum crypt and receive 0% ﬁnancing, with no money down! Any space more than $ 7,500, pay 24 equal monthly payments for two years*

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Call one of our Family Service Advisors today for more details! Offer expires 12/31/2023 * Cannot be combined with any other offers. Special applies to Pre-Need sales only.

To register, call 860-343-6724 or email recdirector@ townofdurhamct.org.

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Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, December 8, 2023

Nixing tipped minimum wage proposed By Erica E. Phillips © The Connecticut Mirror

Members of the Connecticut General Assembly want to revisit a legislative proposal to eliminate the lower minimum wage assigned to hourly employees who earn tips — establishing instead a single minimum wage that would apply to all workers. The legislature’s Labor and Public Employees Committee approved a similar bill, S.B. 1177, during the 2023 session, but it didn’t come up for a vote in either chamber. In a press conference Tuesday, committee cochair Sen. Julie Kushner, DDanbury, said she intends for the ‘One Fair Wage’ proposal to be on the table again in 2024. Kushner said when the legislature agreed to raise Connecticut’s minimum wage in 2019 — via incremental annual increases and now pegged to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics index — “we left some people behind.” Connecticut’s minimums for tipped workers remain where they’ve been since 2017: $6.38 for wait staff and $8.23 for bartenders. Tips are expected to bring those wages up to at least the full minimum wage, and in cases where they don’t, employers are required by law to pay the difference — known as a tip credit.

right now,” said State Rep. Tim Ackert, a Coventry Republican and ranking member on the Labor Committee. But Kushner and other advocates said restaurant workers are often reluctant to raise the issue — let alone seek legal recourse. “What we don’t do in other industries is allow employers to pay less than the minimum wage, and that’s where we really run into trouble here,” Kushner said. “If we guarantee one fair wage, then we are actually lifting the bottom, we’re closing that crack, and we’re making it possible for people to have a more stable existence.” Representatives from the restaurant industry argued that servers prefer the tipped-wage model as it is. A recent survey of servers and bartenders conducted by the Connecticut Restaurant Association found the average hourly wages for these positions, including tips, came out to more than twice the statewide minimum wage.

Sen. Julie Kushner, D-Danbury, will raise legislation next year — for the second year in a row — to eliminate the tipped minimum wage. Erica E. Phillips, CT Mirror

give an inherent advantage to large national chains, harming Connecticut small businesses and resulting in less local choice for Connecticut consumers.” Ackert pointed out that the tipped minimum wage helps keep prices down for consumers. “The reason why we have a tipped wage in the state of Connecticut is really the cost of going out to dinner, going out to a bar, to get a meal,” Ackert said. “That reduces the overall cost that an employer or a restaurant has to charge.”

In an emailed statement, Scott Dolch, president of the Still, Ackert said, he’s open Connecticut Restaurant Association, said, “If passed, this legislation would completely change how servers in Connecticut are paid, putting at risk a system that currently benefits thousands of servers, small business restaurant owners, and Con“That’s why we have a Denecticut’s local economy.” partment of Labor and wage Dolch went on to say if inspectors, and that’s how restaurants paid servers the you resolveBasement this. We already Services Waterproofing secivthat reS gnifoorpretaW tnemesaB full minimum wage, have lawsOver in place get experience. 36 Yearsthat combined neirepxe denibmoc sraeY 63 revO could discourage.ecpatrons them minimum wageGuarantee*,from tipping. FullytoTransferable Written Sump Pumps, ,spmu“It P pmwould uS ,*eetnalso arauG nettirW elbarefsnarT ylluF

to eliminating the state’s tipped minimum wage, incrementally over a few years, as long as restaurant owners and employees are included in the conversation and agree that it would work for them. “I don’t see why not,” he said. The ‘One Fair Wage’ movement is gaining momentum nationally. Lawmakers in at least half a dozen states are considering legislation similar to Connecticut’s proposal, and several other states could see the issue come before voters on the 2024 bal-

lot. Seven states already require most or all employers to pay tipped workers the full minimum wage. Advocates for eliminating the tipped minimum wage often point to the historical origins of the system. “The subminimum wage for tipped workers was a direct legacy of slavery,” Saru Jayaraman, president of the national One Fair Wage campaign, said at the press conference Tuesday. “It was created after Emancipation to allow restaurants to hire newly freed Black people — See Tipped, A7

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Town Times | towntimes.com

Market

every piece we make and truly enjoy every minute when working on our pieces,” Treloar added. “We welcome custom orders and offer laser engraving on most pieces.”

From A1

market days because they allow her to connect with the people she meets there.

The market line-up changes every time, with some vendors like Angela’s Kitchen and JMT’s Wood Shop returning regularly and other vendors swapping out. Betty encouraged people to attend each time to experience the variety.

“Seeing returning customers each week or every other week and catching up with them as they have, as we say, a snack with us is a bonus—a snack being a small piece of Italian bread with their favorite pasta sauce sample or a Tostito with their favorite salsa.” The market strives for an even balance of food and craft goods to give customers as wide a variety as possible.

Photo courtesy of Angela’s Kitchen

Michelle and John Treloar, who run JMT’S Wood Shop in West Haven, got involved with the market after seeing a post on Facebook. They opened their shop a year ago and\ plan to have a booth at every Durham Winter Mar-

ket this season. “Our favorite part about working the market is meeting all the other talented vendors and talking with the customers that come by,” Michelle Treloar said. “It is a

well-organized event with plenty of parking and convenient access for vendors and customers. There is such a great variety of vendors! A little something special for everyone.”

They sell a mix of big and small decorative and functional pieces, with their colorful wooden flags as their most popular ware. “John and I are so passionate and meticulous about

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“I’d love to see people support the market,” Betty said. “The more people we have coming out there, the more it helps small local businesses and helps the market grow. We can expand it to offer more, and it helps with the summer farmers market to have vendors coming back and see the support, it’s huge.”

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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.

Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, December 8, 2023

Kindergarten

In Brief

What will the kindergarten age change mean for preschools next year?

From A3

Wreath laying

one with the child,” Rabinowitz said. “Each district will go into and do that assessment in a way that they think is appropriate for them.”

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

Early childhood educators and parents of infants and toddlers are particularly concerned about the additional strain the requirement will place on the early childhood education system, soon forced to accommodate 4-year-olds with fall birthdays for another year.

Both Rabinowitz and Andrea Brinnel, an adjunct faculty member at UConn’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, said they expect some school districts will take a parent’s wishes for their child into account.

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.

And without the funding to hire more teachers, the slots those older children remain in will no longer be available for new children to enroll, meaning many new parents could

“I’ve heard that there are some districts who are just saying, ‘If a parent asks, we’re gonna let them start ear-

have a harder time returning to work as they wait for their children to be accepted off growing waitlists. The annual cost of one year of child care is about $13,000 in Connecticut. The legislative change could affect as many as 9,000 families, a coalition of groups including Child Care for Connecticut’s Future Coalition, Women’s Business Development Council, United Way of Connecticut and Social Venture Partners CT said in an open letter to Gov. Ned Lamont and legislative leaders this fall. This story originally appeared on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, www.ctmirror.org.

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From A5

Jayaraman is now testifying before state legislatures around the country to end the system for good. And she’ll likely be back in Connecticut during next year’s legislative season, when Kushner, Ackert and the rest of the Labor Committee hear testimony for the second time on the proposal.

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A8 Friday, December 8, 2023

Town Times | towntimes.com

Hearst

and continued disruption in the overall economy.

From A1

“Our company and our loyal team members have worked hard to innovate, evolve and transform our company over the years from a newspaper company to a multimedia company,” she wrote. “However, at this point, we’ve determined that being a single property, independent family-owned media company is no longer a sustainable business model for the Record-

DeLuca said the move strengthens local journalism. “With this news, we embark on a journey to elevate the essence of local journalism, fortifying our shared dedication to informing, inspiring, and connecting the hearts of Connecticut,” he said. “We look forward to the exciting possibilities that lie ahead, amplifying our reach and influence in the pursuit of truth and community enrichment.” The Record-Journal will re-

File photo — Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

tain its name and local presence serving communities in the greater Meriden-Wallingford area, according to both companies, while offer-

HELP KEEP

Hearst Connecticut Media Group has seen dramatic subscription growth in recent years, while continuing to invest in news coverage.

Coming to your home or business 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.

HELP US HELP YOU, CONTINUE RECEIVING “YOUR” LOCAL WEEKLY.

ing subscribers access to more statewide news, sports and features — including high-impact investigative journalism and UConn basketball coverage.

Subscription growth, investment

HCMG launched the statewide website CT Insider in 2021 and last year expanded both state and local news coverage in Hartford County on its way to a goal of 100,000 print and digital subscribers in Connecticut. 257949

In discussing the reasons for selling, White Notarangelo acknowledged the economic realities small publishers face amid seismic changes in the news industry over the last two decades, as well as the impact of the pandemic

Officials with both companies hope to finalize the acquisition by late December.

SUDOKU

The Hearst network consists of 16 websites, eight daily newspapers — including the Stamford Advocate, Connecticut Post and New Haven Register — and more than a dozen weekly news publications, with a total newsroom staff of around 170 people, the largest in the state. DeLuca referenced shared values between HCMG and the Record-Journal.

R258059––-

“As we welcome the RecordJournal into the Hearst Connecticut Media Group family, we extend our deepest appreciation to the White family for their longstanding commitment to local journalism,” DeLuca said. “The White family’s legacy, marked by a dedication to truth and community, aligns seamlessly with Hearst’s values. R258060

that resonate with our communities,” DeLuca said.

Journal.”

“We honor their enduring See Hearst, A9

Town Times | towntimes.com

Advent and Christmas at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 50 Emanuel Church Road, Killingworth, Phone: 860-663-1800 “The Little Church in the Wilderness” Please join us for our Holiday Services; ALL are welcome! Advents Services, Wreath Lighting, Jesse Tree Presentations Sunday, Dec. 10, and 17 at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. Prayer of Remembrance; Remembering and praying for all who have died. Sunday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Service, Carol Sing at 5 p.m.; Service at 5:30 p.m. Come and join us!

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Welcome to On The Menu.

White expects HCMG will retain a majority of RecordJournal employees including most of its journalists, he wrote, while maintaining the current office at 500 S. Broad St. in Meriden until at least March 31, with “a continued local presence thereafter.”

Religion

We offer tub and shower conversions Includes demo, haul

Let us help you find the perfect place to eat.

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

611 N Colony Road Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 269-9507 colonydiner.com Wallingford’s place to go for oldfashioned breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Proudly serving up delicious and hearty meals daily. Voted Best Diner 4 years running by Record Journal. Open seven days. Breakfast served all day.

Athena II Diner

320 Washington Ave, North Haven, CT 06473 203.239.0663 www.athena2diner.com Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Serving breakfast, lunch, & dinner. Accept Q Cards. Serving North Haven for 30 years. Daily specials and full liquor available.

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256932

Hearst is the right buyer, White wrote, to continue that mission.

Continued local presence

For most of its history, the

TUB MAN

Earlier this year, the RecordJournal reduced delivery of its print edition to five days a week as part of a switch from morning carrier delivery to postal delivery.

Record-Journal President Eliot C. White addressed readers in a separate column last week. In his column, White cited the Record-Journal’s long “The Hearst Company history dating back to 1867 brings strong online reand “core belief that journalsources that will help sustain ism is the lifeblood of a the Record-Journal for years healthy democracy and a to come,” White said. “Their watchdog for public interest. digital sales, advanced technologies, training and exper- “We have been proud to protise together with their vide a source of local news strong strategic news plan and advertising for the will benefit the community, greater Meriden/Wallingford readers and advertisers.” community for many years.” HCMG most recently acquired the Journal Inquirer of Manchester in June.

CALL THE

presence in shaping the narrative of Connecticut, and we are excited to build upon their rich tradition,” DeLuca said. “Together, we forge ahead, uniting our strengths to ensure the continued vibrancy of local storytelling, connecting with hearts and minds across Connecticut.”

If you need a tub or shower replaced,

From A8

Record-Journal operated out of 11 Crown St. in downtown Meriden, before relocating to South Broad Street in 2015 after outsourcing printing six years earlier. The renovated offices provided a smaller footprint and modern workspace to support digital publishing and innovation.

Lic

Hearst

Friday, December 8, 2023

A10 Friday, December 8, 2023

Town Times | towntimes.com Autos Wanted

Sporting Goods and Health

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE PRIMARY CONFIRM YOUR PARTY AFFILIATION BEFORE JANUARY 3, 2024 is TOP CASH PAID For any

Connecticut voters who have been registered with a political party prior to January 3, 2024 (90 days prior to the primary) may vote in their party’s primary. In Connecticut, unaffiliated voters are not permitted to vote in a primary election. It has come to the attention of Registrars of Voters throughout Connecticut that residents who completed a form at the Department of Motor Vehicles for a change of name, change of address, or for any other reason, may find that their voter registration status was inadvertently changed from a member of a political party to “unaffiliated” due to a glitch in the DMV’s system. The Secretary of the State is aware of this issue and is working with DMV officials to address it. To protect your right to vote in the April primary, voters are strongly encouraged to confirm their party affiliation status before January 3, 2024. By law, only Connecticut voters registered with a political party may vote in a primary election AND voters must have been a registered member of that party for at least ninety (90) days prior to the date of the primary. There are several ways to confirm your party affiliation status. Middlefield Registrars of Voters can be reached by phone at 860349-7119. Office hours are limited, so you may have to leave a voice message. Your call will be returned as quickly as possible. Registrars can be reached by email at voter@middlefieldct.org or at jskelps@middlefieldct.org. Both Registrars can confirm party affiliation for voters of all political parties as well as for unaffiliated voters. The quickest and easiest way to check your party affiliation status is to go to the website of the Secretary of the State of Connecticut at https://portaldir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx. After entering your name, date of birth, and the town where you live, you will immediately be provided with your voter registration information including your party affiliation. After you confirm your current party affiliation status and determine that it is correct, no further action is needed. If your current party affiliation status is incorrect, or if it is correct but you wish to change it, a new Voter Registration Form must be completed, signed, and submitted prior to January 3, 2024. Voter Registration Forms may be picked up from the bulletin board outside the Registrar of Voters office at the Middlefield Community Center or from the Town Clerk at the Town Hall. You can request that a form be mailed to you by calling or emailing the Registrars of Voters office. Once completed, the Form should be mailed or delivered to the Registrar’s Office or to the Town Hall. The voter’s signature is required to make a change in party affiliation, so be sure to sign the Voter Registration Form before submitting it to protect your right to vote in the April 2024 Presidential Preference Primary election. R266162

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NEWSLETTERS CROSSWORD ANSWER

SUDOKU ANSWER

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Myrecordjournal.com/

R258058

Legal Notices

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Friday, December 8, 2023

Legal Notices & Classifieds

A11

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A12 Friday, December 8, 2023

>> Town Times | towntimes.com

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