Volume 11, Number 37
Thursday, June 25, 2020
cheshirecitizen.com
CHS valedictorian: ‘A beautifully eventful four years’ By Joy VanderLek The Cheshire Citizen
Cheshire High School’s 2020 valedictorian, Andrew Lou, says his classmates, friends, classes and teachers all contributed to the wonderful experience he enjoyed at CHS.
Members of the Cheshire Garden Club gathered on the Town Green on June 17, at exactly 10 a.m., the time when the club was formed a century ago. At left, four former club presidents stand with a “10-decades” poster created by Inge Venus for the celebration. From left: Inge Venus; Marvin Carley, holding up the stained glass cement art prepared by him; Ann O’Hara, current scholarship chair; Nettie Polito, current membership chair. On the right, with the Beauty Spot sign are treasurer and Bird Report chair Carol Goertz; assistant treasurer and corresponding secretary Pat Pavelkops; and hospitality chair Francine Shannon. The poster in the center features the club’s annual group pictures taken over a 25-year-period, starting in 1994. Members briefly removed their face masks for the photo.
While COVID-19 disrupted many senior class plans, Lou’s farewell words to his class strike an optimistic note. In a preview of the re-
Photo courtesy of Diane Calabro
Cheshire Garden Club: 100 years of beautification Could anyone have known 100 years ago, when the fledging Cheshire Garden Club was formed on June 17, 1920, that it would survive into the 21st century? Not only that, but also that it would continue 100 years? A huge bash had been planned in celebration of the club’s 100th Anniversary but that plan fell by the wayside due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who calls themselves a scout? Meet a few local kids who do: Brooke Donovan, Layla Kenkare, Becca Miller, Anna and Daniela Tippner
See Garden, A3
See Valedictorian, A6
Girls join in as scouts forge a new path By Joy VanderLek The Cheshire Citizen
Instead, a smaller gathering of club members took place instead around the blue Town of Cheshire history sign, at 10 a.m., exactly one hundred years later in celebration of this momentous occasion. One of the members in attendance was South Meriden resident Pat Pavelkops who has distinguished herself over the years by exhibiting floral designs at membership meetings and garnering the coveted trav-
marks he’ll make at the August graduation ceremony the school has planned, Lou summed up his high Lou school years this way: “I leave with no regrets. Even though I've had some doubts and disappointment,
These Cheshire pre-teens and teens represent a larger percentage of girls who are joining the Scouts BSA as the Boy Scouts of America
left behind the former branding to welcome inclusivity and catch-up with the changing times. Layla Kenkare,12, started with the newly configured scouts in August 2018. Before that time, she had been in the Girl Scouts for a few years. See Scouts, A2
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203-272-4513 420 South Main St., Cheshire During a past outing, Scouts BSA Troop 5G got a taste of whitewater rafting at the High Adventure Camp in Maine.
Dyer who was a scout himself when he was a kid, said it is a really great group of girls to kick off the Troop. “They have worked well as a team and are highly motivated as well as organized. I personally am looking forward to the future as the group grows and gains momentum,” he said. Dyer is looking forward to having new additions come in from Pack 96 of the next few years. Jenna Grabiec is “crossing over” this year and one of those photos are the Tiger crew with Ella Dyer and Annora Trudeau. Crossing over is the ceremonial process of leaving behind the cub distinction and advancing to the next level in the organization.
The crossing over ceremony was put on hold this year due to the COVID-19, however, the scouts immediately went online with Zoom meetings. Members have worked on advancement, merit badges, skill tests like rope tying, and more, said Dyer, adding that the virtual meetings are “actually an advantage.” The group is a Two girls were in another good size and are run as one BSA Girls’ Troop, but there unit, not a separate boy and was nothing in town, said Dyer. Those girls transferred girl troop. About 40 kids are involved in the troop and when the change was made official. Becca Miller crossed five of them will begin the journey to the rank of Eagle over from Cheshire Pack 96 which is the typical path for Scout, the highest rank in Cub Scouts moving to Scouts the Scouts BSA. The first campout was at Cheshire BSA, Dyer said, adding that High School, Kenkare reLayla Kenkare and Brooke calls. The scouts were tasked Donovan have brothers in with making sure the tents scouting and so were “alfor the Ion Bank Race were ready very familiar with the safe for the next day. “It was group,” he said.
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a rough night because it was so cold,” she said. After that experience, Kenkare said they got their own camping equipment. “Since then, we have been on many more campouts,” she said. Brooke Donovan started with BSA in 2019. “I thought Scouts BSA had a lot of things I was interested in, including camping trips and summer camp. “I have earned five merit badges,” said Donovan. Twelve-year-old Daniela Tippner also chose Scouts because she thought BSA would provide her with learning better life skills. Her sister, Anna, chose BSA for skill-building and adventures she might not otherwise get to do. Daniela really liked the High Adventure Camp. “We went whitewater rafting in Maine, something I never thought I would get to do,” she said. Her accomplishments have included badges in Scouting heritage, swimming, environmental science, sailing and physical fitness. “I am proud to be a scout,” said Tippner. “I am currently in the Scout rank, but I am very close to completing the next rank, which is Tenderfoot,” said Kenkare. “ I strive to become an Eagle Scout just like my brothers,” she said. “I am very proud to be a scout and I hope to achieve the rank of Eagle in the future.”
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There is officially a boy and girl troop at this point, Troop 51B and 51G, said Scout Master Mike Dyer, explaining the set up. “We share many of the adult leadership positions and on our outings, we travel as one group. On outings we make sure to keep in mind when separation is required, are required to have female leaders on all outings, etc. BSA already has excellent youth protection policies in place and we require all adults to take the online training before coming on trips. Especially considering our girls came from a strong background of scouting, our transition to 51B/G has been fairly seamless.”
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When the opportunity to join the Boy Scouts presented itself, Kenkare “jumped at it.” She also recruited the five girls needed for a troop. “We were the first girls in the Connecticut River Council area, and at our first Court of Honor, we became an official Scout troop: Troop 51G,” said Kenkare.
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“I have two older brothers, and they went to scouts once a week. I liked going with them, and I saw how they learned new skills very often. I have always looked up to them and I wanted to join the Boy Scouts with them,” said Kenkare. “In scouts, I realized that the leaders make you learn and earn the skill,” she said.
The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com
From A1
eling silver award for several years in a row. Historian and former club president Inge Venus gave a brief 10-minute presentation highlighting the many significant milestones the club had reached over the last 10 decades. The club became a charter member in 1929 of the state organization, The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc., and has sponsored over 50 standard flower shows since, with the bicentennial “Our Town” flower show winning the top National award in 1976. The club’s huge project of relandscaping our Town Green in 1942 earned it the Bronze Medal, the Federation’s highest award. Two club members also earned the Bronze Medal – Ellen Carder (1936) and Tekla Tedesco (1985). The hugely popular Beauty Spot of the Month was established in 1968 and just a couple of years ago its 50th anniversary was celebrated at the Andrews residence on Payne Drive. Furthermore, each year since 1974 a $1,000 scholarship has been awarded to a graduating high school senior. The club
has also sponsored many town-wide garden tours, including the popular water garden tour several years ago. Supporting local and National conservation organizations is possible by virtue of the handsome proceeds from the club’s popular Holiday Luncheon held each December. Since 1982, the club has been actively involved with the Connecticut Flower and Garden Show staged in Hartford each year in February, with two of its members serving as chairman – Peg Mischler and Ginni Donnovan. Also, two of its members have served as president of The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut – Sally Shumway 1983-1985 and Inge Venus 2017-2019. — Submitted
School News The Women's Club of Cheshire recently announced the winners of this year's scholarships.
plans to attend the University of Connecticut, majoring in marketing.
Nichole Neeley plans to Yulianna Tsapar, a Cheshire transfer to the University of High School graduate, California, majoring in vet-
erinary medicine. The Women's Club wishes both of them success in their future endeavors.
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Thursday, June 25, 2020
In Brief Grange event The Cheshire Grange and the Cheshire Grange Community Fair will sponsor a town-wide drive through for the Cheshire Food Pantry on Saturday, July 18, on the Grange Hall grounds on Wallingford Road from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. With so many of our friends and neighbors in our community impacted
by the Covid 19 virus, the Grange wants to address these concerns in our town. Collections will be received in the upper Grange Hall parking lot with exiting to the lower parking lot to Walnut Street. Summer time is always a difficult time for the Food Pantry to keep the shelves full. Critically need items include jar sauce, jams and jelly, Mac and cheese,
clam chowder, canned fruits, rice, crackers, cookies, pudding cups, canned chicken, paper towels, tissues, toilet paper, hand and dish soaps, sponges and any personal care products. The Grange is a community service organization, and we look forward to supporting the Food Pantry. For any questions call Ruel Miller, 203 2728255.
Road closure Due to bridge reconstruction, West Johnson Avenue will be closed to all through
traffic, including buses and emergency vehicles day and night between Dickerman Road and Reinhard Road, for three months, commencing on or about July 1, and remaining closed through Sept. 30. Access to local businesses up to the barricades will be maintained. Peck Lane and Schoolhouse Road have been designated as the detour route during this construction period; check the Town website at www.cheshirect.org to view a map showing the road closure and detour. Questions may be directed to the De-
partment of Public Works and Engineering at 203-2716650.
Resume workshop Due to popular demand, we are offering a Zoom class on writing the perfect resume. An employment specialist, along with a hiring business owner will help us all lead the program, Thursday, July 16, at 1 p.m. This class is being offered free of charge to members and $10 for non members. Call today or reply to RSVP 203-272-2345.
Kidney stone info Hartford Healthcare and the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce will present a webinar “Understanding Kidney Stones,” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 25, with John Griffth, MD. Registration is required by calling 1-855442-4373.
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Thursday, June 25, 2020
haven’t expired; small packaging in order to serve more families (unless it is prepackaged within a large Costco or BJs type pack); open items unless the inner items are sealed in original packaging. Granola bars sealed, even if box is open or missing, are OK.
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gmail.com, be sure to include your address, grocery list, phone number and desired drop off time. You may pay with Venmo, Cash App or check.
ly. All drop offs during the week, call 203-272-5083, to arrange a time. Items in need: canned food-think Cheshire easy, lunch type foods like Chef Boyardee, soups, mac MediQuick and cheese dinners; cereHartford HealthCare is now als, canned/cups of Online Mass fully transitioning urgent fruit, bottled water, kids snacks-pre-packaged/indiRegister for Sunday services care services in Cheshire vidual portion packages are at cornerstonecheshire.com. from the MediQuick at 680 South Main St., to Hartford best; microwaveable shelf Services times are 8:30, 10, HealthCare-GoHealth Urstable meals-Dinty Moore; and 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. gent Care, which is located canned meats; frosting, perat 1008 South Main St. Effecsonal care items-toothbrushtive immediately, the Grocery delivery es/paste, shampoo, ladies MediQuick at 680 South items, shave cream, razors, College student Brian Fox Main St., is closed. GoHealth hair spray, lotions, sunhas organized a volunteer is open from 8 a.m. to 8 screen; paper goods-paper initiative called Project Sup- p.m., Monday to Friday, and towels, toilet paper, paper port CT that focuses on con- from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Satplates napkins; cleaning tactless grocery delivery for supplies-sanitizing products,Services Basement Waterproofing civreS gnifoaorpreturday aW tnemand esaB Sunday, including senior citizens. Toserequest holidays. For more informahand sanitizer, wipes, dish Over 36 Years combined experience. .ecneirus epxeatdenibmoction, sraeY visit 63 revGohealthUC.com/ O grocery order, email soap, (small) laundry deter- projectsupinitiativeCT@ Fully Transferable Written Guarantee*, Sump Pumps, , s p m u P p m u S , * e e t n a r a u G n e t t i r W e l b a r e f s n arT ylluF C T. gent. Guidelines: Items that
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Memory of Leo P. Lavallee Jr. for Tuesday, July 21, at the Wallingford Country Club, 195 Long Hill Road, Wallingford. Social distancing will be practiced. Register at cheshirechamber.org.
Dog licenses Town Clerk Laura Brennan reminds owners of dogs six months or older that their pets must be licensed on or before July 31. Governor Lamont has issued an executive order extending the start date for the imposition of a late fee to Aug. 1. Visit cheshirect.org.
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need of the following items: tuna, canned beets, spinach, carrots, frosting, cat food, toothbrushes, paper towels, toilet paper, laundry detergent, dish soap and cleaning supplies. Dairy products also are needed. The pantry has plenty of refrigeration. For more information, contact Kerry Walsh, executive director, at kwalsh@cheshirefoodpantry.org, or April Duquette at aduquette@ cheshirefoodpantry.org.
The CDC recommends the use of masks to help control Blood drive the spread of COVID-19. The Cheshire Senior Center has Cornerstone Church will host a blood drive Saturday, created a new service: “Masks for Members.” Senior June 27, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at center members or any older 1146 Waterbury Road. To person in the community in make an appointment visit need of a mask, should conredcrossblood.org and search Cornerstone Cheshire tact Stefanie Theroux, 203272-3165; stheroux@ or zip code 06410. cheshirect.org. Leave your name, address, telephone and email address Donations needed number to have a handmade, cloth The Cheshire Food Pantry is mask delivered to you.
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Thursday, June 25, 2020
MxCC celebrates To the Class of 2020 ... graduates virtually At this time, August is the projected date for Cheshire High School senior graduation. Class of 2020 Valedictorian Andrew Lou provided a condensed version of the recollections he will share in his address to his classmates.
Middlesex Community College (MxCC) conducted its 53rd annual commencement ceremony online Thursday, June 4. In total, 364 students earned 406 associate degrees and certificates, with several students receiving multiple diplomas.
Four years have come and gone — each with its own unique set of challenges and memories. In these four whole years, we have spent one of the most influential points in our lives within the same building. We’ve been in the same incredible classes, attended the same roaring football games and joined the same diverse clubs. These experiences have shaped and molded us. Yet, with so many things in common, the rather abrupt end of our senior year has seemingly left a lot unsaid.
Among the Class of 2020 are 18 military veterans, 20 foreign/international students and two incarcerated graduates from Cheshire Correctional Institute who will receive degrees during a later ceremony. The oldest graduate is 66 years old, and the youngest is 15. One graduate began classes at Middlesex in 1987 and attended on and off during the next 33 years before completing the necessary requirements to graduate this year. The class also includes two pairs of siblings (a brother and sister and two sisters) plus a mother and daughter. Jacob Murphy, who grew up without a standard formal education, said he was understandably nervous when he first considered attending college. Murphy, an engineering science major from Berlin, gave the Class of See MxCC, A8
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we were freshmen, carrying nothing but expectation and without an inkling of what was ahead. We stumbled through this building, our only reference to this mysterious place came from High School Musical, or even worse: our older siblings. We were convinced a third floor pool existed and eyed the Senior Walk with longing eyes. One by one, these mysteries unfolded themselves. And before we know it, we’re the ones of the Senior Walk, wondering why the freshmen are goggling at us.
I, for one, will miss the little things. Like having breadstick dunkers on Fridays. Like hearing Liam’s voice during morning announcements. Like arriving at the school at 7:31 am. Like the people who I’m used to seeing in the hallway everyday
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As for his GPA, Lou said, “My guidance counselor said they don’t have the final GPA quite yet; however, I know it is just shy of five.” Excelling in math and sci-
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ence, Lou has taken 16 AP classes, including AP calcuI've experienced all I wanted lus, which he tackled in to experience and made last- sophomore year. ing relationships along the way. In every way possible, Swimming is another it has been a beautifully achievement, though Lou is eventful four years. I am quick to downplay his athproud to call you my peers leticism, simply stating he is of the class of 2020. I feel a short distance freestyle privileged to be allowed on swimmer, who has been at it the ride.” for nine years. He does concede he has been to NationLou, 17, says he didn’t conals with the Cheshire YMCA sciously set his eye on the Sea Dogs and has had reprize of being the top stuspectable showings while dent, but notes that in his with CHS Swim and Dive freshman year, “I definitely team. (He also made the inwanted to take as many augural All-Record-Journal classes as I could,” he said. Boys Swimming Team.) One experience Lou spoke about, with enthusiasm, is the American Legion Boys State. The event is sponsored by the local Cheshire
even though I don’t know their names. I’ll miss all of these things. Yet, I leave with no regrets. Even though I’ve had some doubts and disappointment, I’ve experienced all I wanted to experience and made lasting relationships along the way. In every way possible, it has been a beautifully eventful four years. I am proud to call you my peers of the class of 2020. I feel privileged to be allowed on the ride. As for the underclassmen, I leave you with some advice: treasure the little things. Perhaps that’s what you’ll miss most as well. Oh, and I would advise you not to procrastinate. But, then again, I’m not sure that that’s possible. After all, time flies when you are having fun.
American Legion post. He explained that it’s like a camp, and initially he wasn’t interested in attending. He was persuaded otherwise when friends urged him to go. He found out he really enjoyed learning about civics and engaging in debate teams. Lou will enter Cornell in the fall to study economics and looks forward to “expanding his horizons.” Lou was impressed with Cornell’s welcoming campus, as well as its world-renowned professors and students who come from all over, he said. Lou says he will always have fond memories of Cheshire, where “I’ve lived my whole life,” and is grateful to his parents – his mother, Pei Ding and his father, Rongliang Lou – for all they’ve given to him.
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Thursday, June 25, 2020
MxCC
FATHER’S DAY ON DECK
Officer Steven Minkler, Ed.D., presided over the online recognition ceremony.
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2020 student address. “When I considered my MxCC experience, I’m reminded of what it takes to facilitate student self-actualization. It takes a dedicated team of faculty and staff members and students alike — all working toward the same goal,” said Murphy.
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To his classmates, he added, “I have faith you will take the skills you have learned here, in conjunction the innate competence and willpower to get you to this point, and use them to usher us through these strange times.” MxCC Chief Executive
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Middlesex Dean of Academic and Students Affairs Sharale Mathis introduced the class valedictorian, Abigail Brooke Ingalls, a veterinary technology major from Ledyard. Ingalls has worked at a veterinary clinic in Mystic and taught piano while in school. Her volunteer work includes building cat shelters and feeding stations.
As faculty members, academic program coordinators announced the names of every graduate. An audience of nearly 500 devices watched the event live. The college hopes to conduct an in-person commencement at a later date.
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Gov. Ned Lamont offered his congratulations from Hartford, saying this is a graduation “you will never forget.”
Ingalls, a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, was selected to be on the All-Connecticut Academic Team and is Connecticut’s only recipient of the New Century Workforce Pathway Scholarship.
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“Tonight we gather as one. We are a united community that believes in this college, believes in our mission to put students in the center of everything we do, and believes in each and every member of the Class of 2020,” Minkler said in his remarks.
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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Your Local Chambers...
Here for you before. Here for you now. We’re here to help our local businesses during this crisis and beyond. We would love to partner with you to help your business too. Rosanne P. Ford President r.ford@midstatechamber.com 203-235-7901
Dee Prior-Nesti Executive Director dee@quinncham.com 203-269-9891
midstatechamber.com
quinncham.com
FACEBOOK:
FACEBOOK:
Midstate Chamber of Commerce
Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce
■ Helping businesses secure critical PPP and other loans and grant funding ■ Providing free services, webinars and advice ■ Publicizing businesses and restaurants that are open and/or have offers and specials ■ Communicating quickly about state business assistance tools, programs and key information
Barbara Hekeler Executive Director barbara@southingtonchamber.com 860-628-8036
Yetta Augur President yetta@cheshirechamber.org 203-272-2345
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cheshirechamber.org
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Cheshire Chamber of Commerce
You’re helping your local businesses AND you’re helping your local chamber.
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How can you help? We are funded by our members, so here’s how to support your local chambers so we can continue to help our business community:
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Visit your local Chamber’s website and click on Membership
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Thursday, June 25, 2020
The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com
Celebrate with us! Whether it is your Senior Class Pix, Virtual Prom, Graduation Pix or that special Home Schooling Selfie, please share your best 2020 picture with us!
Submit your photos at: www.myrecordjournal.com/seniorpictures
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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Area Fourth of July fireworks canceled
EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT
Fourth of July celebrations in communities around the area, including Cheshire, have been canceled as public health advisories related to the COVID-19 pandemic have prompted municipalities to forego firework displays.
Liam Covitz from Cheshire Troop 92 is shown standing in front of his Eagle Scout project with Cheshire Land Trust's Brooke Preserve Steward, Katie Bateson. The new informational trailhead kiosk will receive finishing touches including maps, document cases and a shade garden at the base. Covitz chose Brooke Preserve for his Eagle Scout project since his troop has a history with the property. Troop 92 has been holding shelter camps and trail maintenance projects here for many years. Joy VanderLek, The Cheshire Citizen
Mad Science delivers lessons with a twist of fun By Joy VanderLek The Cheshire Citizen
Take one ebullient, quirky science instructor by the name of Astro Annie of Mad Science, add some equally quirky science experiments, like exploding cow farts, and you’ve got an instant hit with kids. The Friends of the Cheshire Public Library’s recent Mad Science virtual offering “Exploring Ecosystems” was definitely a blast—especially when Astro Annie filled a tube with methane gas to simulate cow flatulance and created a mini-blast to wow the audience. The June 17 Zoom program was attended by approximately 21 children, ages up to 12 years old, who participated in various experiments. Arriving via iPhone, PCs, laptops and tablets, the children were prepared with an assortment of materials from around the house, ranging from soda bottles to spoons and crayons to use in their experiments.
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Astro Annie, from Mad Science, gives a lesson to kids during a Zoom program hosted by the Cheshire Public Libary, June 17. Courtesy of the Cheshire Public Libary
combined with discussion and demonstrations to meet specific learning objectives, all the while making the subject matter fun.
“Ecosystems are where living and nonliving things interact with each other,” said Astro Annie introducing the concept. The kids, however, showed their smarts right away. When asked for examples of living things, the children’s hands quickly shot up. “Humans!” said Wai Li, as the first to The Mad Science Group is a company that answer. Even living things smaller than specializes in educational and entertainbugs, like bacteria, count as well, along ing science programs for children, prewith living things bigger than us, like senting concepts in a visual and interacwhales, Astro Annie said. Even puddles, it tive manner, according to its website. Its was agreed, can be an ecosystem. “Can a curriculum is based on the STEM concept, house be an ecosystem?” asked Astro Anof educating students in science, technol- nie. ogy, engineering and mathematics in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. See Mad Science, A36 Mad Science uses hands-on activities
In Cheshire, a decades-long tradition of launching fireworks from the Kurtz Farms property on Peck Lane to commemorate Independence Day has temporarily halted. The Kurtz family’s self-funded fireworks display has essentially served as the town’s annual Fourth of July celebration throughout a run that’s been ongoing for decades. The family announced recently that they
will not be putting on the show, due to uncertainty around large public gatherings. Addtionally, no fireworks will be launched from Hubbard Park in Meriden, an annual event city officials have said typically attracts between 1,500 to 2,000 spectators. Wallingford too will not hold its annual celebration, said Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr., also citing virus concerns. Lake Compounce in Bristol also has canceled its annual Fourth of July display. — Record-Journal staff
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Miyar, 88 Elmwood Drive, $293,000. Bernard Pitterman and Frederica Pitterman to Daniel Peragallo, 500 S. Brooksvale Road, $525,000. Stephanie Vasiljevs to Yucel Aydin, 35 Currier Place, $191,000. T &B Development LLC to David E. Tammaro, 365 Spruce St., $247,000.
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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com
Thursday, June 25, 2020
Pickleball courts open The newly-completed pickleball courts at Cheshire Park on Stony Hill Road and Highland Avenue opened over the weekend. The old tennis courts on the south end of the park were in disrepair and so it was decided to convert these for pickleball, a popular sport that has quickly been taken up in recent years by those looking for an alternative to more rigorous court games. The game can be described as a blend of badminton, tennis and ping pong. Players use a lightweight ball similar to a wiffle ball and paddles instead of rackets. The new pickleball courts were given the finishing touches on Friday and players were on them by Saturday morning. Steve and An-
Mad Science From A35
Yes!” exclaimed Eve Decesare, answering correctly.
Steve and Andrea Joseph try out the newly-completed pickleball courts at Cheshire Park on Stony Hill Road and Highland Avenue. Joy VanderLek, The Cheshire Citizen
drea Joseph were among the first to try them out. The game “clears the field” for players, said Andrea Joseph, meaning one player can’t overpower another player, and is “way easier” to play than traditional court sports.
Pickleball does not require the same amount of “intensity” as regular tennis, she said.
The Earth is an ecosystem, too, along with deserts and rainforests. Whatever ecosystem you live in, you would adapt, said Annie. “If you lived in the desert, where it’s really hot and really dry, how would a cactus survive?” she asked. Sam and his sister Charlotte said the cactus stores water for when it’s needed.
pig; Eli, Sam and Charlotte drew flowers and Astro Annie exclaimed “Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!” Drawing a cat, Astro Annie asked, “What would a cat eat?” Fish was the resounding answer to which she asked, “What do fish need to live?” “Water,” said the children. These plants and animals need energy to survive, so one source for that energy is the sun, said Astro Annie. Astro Annie had the children simulate the water cycle using warm water and ice cubes in enclosed systems, creating condensation. Annie pointed out how ecosystems recycle water, over and over again. “It is the same water. We’ve been drinking the same water the dinosaurs drank,” she said.
Astro Annie sang her ecosystem song as the children drew animals and showed off their creations—Tane drew a — Joy VanderLek bird, Wai Li drew a shark, Jack had a crocodile, Finley drew a The group then moved on to turtle; James drew a giant make their own real-life ecosystems. Each creator used a soda bottle, cut in half, filled it with soil, put in seeds or real plants, decorated with rocks and added just the right amount of water before sealing it up. Putting Whether it’s a celebration, date night, or just grabbing a bite to eat, it on a window ledge to get this list of local restaurants is sure to satisfy your taste buds. light would jumpstart the process warming the enviFind great local eats - MenusCT.com ronment, creating condensation and then seeing droplets of water rain Athena II Diner down. 320 Washington Ave, You don’t run around as much either, said Steve Joseph.
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Ecosystems also have a hierarchy and food webs. Astro Annie had the children write down an animal, then asked what it would need to eat to live and what predator might then eat their animal. Eve had a panda who ate bamboo and maybe a lion would eat the panda. Tane had a shark that would eat fish, who would eat smaller fish, who would eat tiny critters who would eat plankton and then teeny-tiny algae that would then thrive on sunlight and water. What was the lesson learned? If something gets taken away or is missing, a reaction occurs through the whole chain. Take away the shark as a predator and maybe you get too many big fish, Jack commented. “Balance is important,” said Astro Annie.
The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com
Thursday, June 25, 2020
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COMMENTARY
We love our local restaurants By Joy VanderLek The Cheshire Citizen
I like to cook. However, we have been doing our fair share of take-out for a few months now. One reason is because the kid is back home and she doesn’t necessarily want what I am cooking. I think she got used to delivery, take-out and microwave meals while at college. It makes sense. It was convenient since she had a job and two internships on top of studies. Another reason for take-out? We feared that the restaurants (and restaurant owners) we love might not make it through this time if we didn’t support them in whatever way we could. Our family also ended up trying restaurants new to us. One of our all-time favorites for lunch is Main Street Caffe, run by the very capable Linda DeSilva. Main Street is the place everyone in town goes to … and I mean everyone! It’s a good vibe, too. Friendly. Clean. Delicious food. People come here for the quality coffees, teas, salads and sandwiches. The hard rolls they use for their lunch sandwiches are so fresh, they’re addictive. The salads are so creative and scrumptious. Here’s maybe the best part: the prices for a super-filling sandwich, drink, crunchy deli pickle, bag of chips and cookie – the prices are silly! I’ve told Linda for years that she charges too little.
dive bar. But we love it now because the food is so delicious. We laugh our heads off when we order a salad. They aren’t just big. They are jumbo! It’s like Fred Flintstone portioning. C.J. Sparrows did a lot of “familysize” trays for take-outs during the quarantine. Good for them to improvise and think out-of-the-box.
A new food find for us, believe it or not, was Bella’Gio. I’ve had lunch meetings here, but we just didn’t think to go for dinners before. We didn’t know what we were missing. First off, the whole take-out set-up was perfect. Call to order and then when you get there, you call and they come out to the car. And the food? It was superb. As for portions? It was such a surprise to find there was enough food to have a lunch from it the next day and even another meal after that.
fast with egg and bacon and Hollandaise sauce.
My family has also done take-out with Yougo Hibachi and Sushi in Maplecroft Plaza. It’s always delicious. Our fallback favorite though is Toro Sushi. Owner Tony Chen, his wife and their son and crew always do an excellent job. It’s fresh and so well done. The rolls are really creative. When we first moved to Cheshire, we would go to a New Haven sushi bar, but after we tried Toro, we were sold. The kid loves the affordable bento lunchbox deal. Overall, it’s just been a staple for our family and their family is wonderful.
For burgers, sliders and more, Vic House doesn’t disappoint. Pizzas are a routine for us, and most of Cheshire I think, on Friday night. My husband swears by Rossini’s for white clam pizza. He usually has the white clam Friends of ours, Alan and pizza during Super Bowl or Barbara are loyal to Paul’s other momentous occasions, Restaurant. Alan said they are regular Sunday cuslike Father’s Day. However, I tomers where he can make a believe he squeezed in a few feast from the Blackstone “extra” special occasions Benedict, a delectable break- during this time. We also
What I do know is that I am heavier than I was when this pandemic started. That outcome seems to align with the thought that in times of uncertainty, stress or turbulence, good food is a comfort. I’m just happy we have abundant choices to find comfort.
Now restaurants are opening for outdoor dining. Viron Rondo had a huge line for its Contact me at jvanderlek@ outdoor dining the other day record-journal.com.
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and quite a few of the others have outdoor dining patios, decks and designated outdoor areas like Peters II, the breakfast place on South Main. They have a big tent set-up outside. I am not sure I am ready for any of that yet.
SINCE 1974
It took us by surprise, but C.J. Sparrows has great food! I mean at first glance, it’s a FACEBOOK.COM/ RECORDJOURNAL NEWSPAPER TWITTER.COM/ RECORD_JOURNAL
pick up at Vespucci or go with delivery from Cheshire Pizza. I don’t know what it is, but I am addicted to the pizza crust at Cheshire Pizza. I mean, I think I could be quite happy with it even if I scraped all the toppings off. When we have Chinese takeout, hands down, it’s China Dragon on West Main. It’s perfect. We missed them when they took a break for a while. When they came back, they had a long, long line of customers waiting to pick up their food. Seems as if everybody else missed them too.
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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com
Thursday, June 25, 2020
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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com
Thursday, June 25, 2020
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The Christopher Columbus monument in front of the John Weichsel Municipal Center. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal
YES! WE’RE OPEN! CALL NOW: (203) 888-5560
By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
SOUTHINGTON — Town leaders want to hear residents’ opinions on the Christopher Columbus statue in front of the John Weichsel Municipal Center at a public hearing next month. Chris Palmieri, a Democrat and Town Council minority leader, suggested the public hearing. His idea was unanimously approved Monday night by the council, which has a Republican majority. “We’ve received a lot of communication from the public. It’s not unique to our community,” Palmieri said. “I think it’s important to offer the public an opportunity to speak for or against the statue.” Councilors said they prefer not to vote on the statue on the night of the public hearing, scheduled for July 13 at 7 p.m. Michael DelSanto, a council Republican, said he’d like to just “listen, learn and digest” without taking action that night. The council unanimously approved the placement of a Columbus bust in front of the Municipal Center on North Main Street in 2015. When the bust was set to be erected
two years later, some residents protested. Local ItalianAmerican civic groups raised the money for the bust. Four people spoke about the statue during public comment Monday, two for keeping the statue and two for moving it.
Susan Zabohonski questioned why the council was again spending time on the issue. She also predicted that a public hearing on the issue would heighten division. “It’s almost inflammatory in my opinion, causing a divide in the community,” she said. “My concern is it just keeps coming up over and over and over again.” Anna Terrill started an online petition to remove the statue from public property. She said Monday that there wasn’t enough time to elaborate on Columbus’ atrocities against Caribbean natives. She said recent events have caused “many to reconsider our relationship with our history.” “It’s on public property and I don’t feel it represents the spirit of our town,” Terrill said. jbuchanan@record-journal.com 203-317-2230 Twitter: @JBuchananRJ
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Southington council to hold hearing about Columbus statue
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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com
Thursday, June 25, 2020
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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com
Thursday, June 25, 2020
A41
Municipal pools to reopen with new rules By Sean Krofssik Record-Journal staff
Area towns are finalizing plans to open public pools, one of the activities allowed under Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan, which started June 17. In Cheshire, the Cheshire Community Pool will open this summer at a date yet to be determined. “We will set up the pool according to the guidelines that Gov. Lamont has put into place,” pool director Sheila Adams said. “We will be practicing social distancing and there will be limited spaces available.” The Cheshire pool is asking swimmers to reserve a time to come swim. There will be three hour and 15 minute blocks to be at the pool before the next group comes in. The pool will be shut down for a period of time for
cleaning before the next group comes into the facility. “We will also be sanitizing on a regular basis throughout the day,” Adams said. The locker room and showers will be closed. Swimmers are asked to arrive in their bathing suits and showered. The family bathrooms will be open for use. In Southington, the town pools at Recreation and Memorial parks will open June 27. Not all of the details are finalized yet. Last week, the tentative plan was 50 people at a time at each pool. “We are finalizing those guidelines. It’s most likely going to be 50, but it’s not set in stone,” Southington Director of Recreation David Lapreay said. “But we will be marking off the pool deck for
social distancing. We will have our ID checker with a clicker all day to keep track of the number of people.” Lapreay said when the pools reach capacity, the gates will be locked. When people leave, others will be allowed to enter. There will be no time limit. “It’s not going to be a normal pool season by any stretch but we are looking forward to opening,” Lapreay said. “Everyone’s been cooped up for a while. We are excited to get it going. It will be difficult at times, but we hope people will abide by the rules. As we move along, we hope to increase capacity.” Pool hours are noon to 8 p.m. during the week and 11 a.m to 8 p.m. on the weekend. The pool is open to residents only. Lapreay said residents can call the Parks
& Recreation office during the week for a status of the capacity. “When you get hot days it’s going to get crowded but I don’t think it’s going to be a major issue during the week,” Lapreay said. “Weekends we will play it by ear. We will do our best.” In Meriden, the Hubbard Park pool will open on July 1. The pool will be open from 1 to 5:30 p.m. To purchase pool passes, visit meridenct.myrec.com or call 203-630-4259. Season passes for non-residents are $20 for adults and $10 for children 17 and under. Season passes for residents are $15 for adults and $5 for children 17 and under. Meriden Parks and Recreation Recreation Coordinator Kathy Matula said the pool will be at half capacity
compared to a typical swim season. They are still calculating precisely how many swimmers that will allow. Pool staff will be keeping count on the number of swimmers and everyone will have their temperature taken. “We are asking that everyone arrive with their bathing suits on to limit the traffic into the dressing room. The dressing rooms will only be open because they are attached to the bathrooms,” Matula said. There will be a separate entrance and exit at the pool. Preparations will be made to tape off areas so families can stay six feet apart. The Wallingford Community Pool will not be opening for the season. The pool and park were scheduled to be renovated, but the work has been put on hold.
Capital budget proposed, more workshops underway Earlier this month, Town Manager Sean Kimball presented the 2020-2021 proposed capital budget to the Town Council. The proposed five-year capital budget plan for town departments and the Board of Education totals around $68 million, an increase of $9,218,000 over last year’s adopted five-year capital
plan. Some of the increase reflects the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. For fiscal year ’21, the recommended ‘first year’ project appropriations total about $12.1 million, an increase of about $598,000 over fiscal year ’20 adopted capital budget, according to Kimball. There are currently 16 pro-
jects slated for this fiscal year. These include HVAC and locker improvements for the Police Department, roughly $1.4 million; and several smaller projects such as street light pole replacements, at approximately $110,000.
ments and property upgrades. These include administration, finance and technology developments at approximately $3.6 million; a few public property projects, approximately $3.8 million; and Public Works projects at about $19.1 million.
Other projects under consideration for the next five years Board of Education projects include technology improve- that may be implemented in
the next five years, include: school cafeteria renovations, ADA code compliance work, and window replacements for all schools in the district. The Town Council plans several capital budget workshops over the course of the next few weeks, for more information go to www.cheshirect.org. — Record-Journal staff
Officials urge more testing as businesses reopen By Susan Haigh Associated Press
HARTFORD — State officials urged Connecticut residents Thursday, June 18 to get tested for COVID-19 as more businesses reopen and people return to work, noting there’s greater availability of tests and they’re free. Plainville state Rep. William Petit, a retired endocrinologist, said he believes there’s
currently “less motivation” for people living in Connecticut to get tested, given the state’s declining numbers of infections, deaths and hospitalizations. But he said residents should still be wary about the novel coronavirus. “Those are statistics but one death to the people involved, that’s a tragedy,” said the Republican, during a news conference with
Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz at the Community Health Center of New Britain. Petit also advised that residents continue to wear masks, avoid tightly confined areas with little air flow, practice social distancing and frequently wash their hands. Wednesday, June 17 test results represented the lowest percentage of positive
COVID-19 tests in Connecticut since the pandemic began. Out of the 6,430 tests reported since Tuesday, June 16 only 80 were positive. That represented a 1.2% positivity rate. Nearly 366,000 tests have been performed in the state.
such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or lead to death.
Lamont said last week he’s willing to consider a proposal to pay workers a $450 People can call 2-1-1 or visit stipend to return to work, an idea supported by President the state’s testing locator to find available sites. For most Donald Trump’s top ecopeople, the virus causes nomic advisor and some mild or moderate symptoms, congressional Republicans.
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Thursday, June 25, 2020
Legal Notices & Classifieds
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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com
Thursday, June 25, 2020
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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com
Thursday, June 25, 2020
We’re Open for Business!
Eat, Shop Local & Win in Cheshire
Make a purchase at a Cheshire business and get entered to
WIN A $100 GIFT CARD!
MINIMUM PURCHASE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN is $25. Either a product, service or the purchase of a gift card to the business is eligible.
ENTER TODAY through Sunday, July 19
TO ENTER VIA EMAIL Send an email and attach a copy of your receipt to: jean@cheshirechamber.org
TWO WINNERS WILL BE DRAWN on Monday, July 20 for a $100 gift card in the Restaurant category and a $100 gift card in the Retail category (includes salons and barbershops)
TO ENTER VIA USPS MAIL Mail your contact info and copy of your receipt to: Cheshire Chamber 195 S. Main Street, Cheshire, CT
Support Our Local Businesses! R231343