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cheshirecitizen.com

Volume 11, Number 60

Thursday, November 26, 2020

Turkey bus stuffed with food drive supplies & goodwill By Joy VanderLek The Cheshire Citizen

No, you were not hallucinating. You did see a turkey on wheels, driving around town recently. The bus, owned by Cheshire Academy, was dressed up as larger-thanlife turkey, complete with a Pilgrim hat. It was all a part of a community service event created by Cheshire Academy students. The academy had a Stuff-aBus event just prior to the Cheshire Food Drive, explained Kristin Ornato-Giano, Cheshire Academy stu-

dent activities coordinator. Ornato-Giano and the student activity committee wanted to engage students in a project. Ich Dien Society, a community service group on campus, also wanted to help. We were like, “Let’s have fun with this and join forces,” Ornato-Giano said. The groups then decided on doing the Stuff-a-Bus event at the academy. “We turned it into a class competition,” said OrnatoGiano. It was a quick turnaround, she added. About a week before the annual Cheshire Food Drive on

the green, Nov. 7-8, student whipped up interest throughout the campus, involving students and teachers, to get approximately 1,000 items donated for the Cheshire Food Drive. There was a real camaraderie to all of it, she said. Donations included cereals and juices and all non-perishables. Transforming the school bus into a turkey was a whirlwind of student creativity, as students worked during their lunch periods. Ornato-Giano said the students paintSee Turkey bus, A2

Shop Local kicks into high gear for the holidays By Joy VanderLek The Cheshire Citizen

Cheshire is open for business. It’s the rallying cry of local businesses as Shop Local, Small Business Saturday lays out the welcome mat the weekend of Nov. 28 and 29. The promotion was created by American Express in 2010 as tool for small businesses to get recognition and gain traction in their communities. The following year, the movement went national. According to the Small

Business Administration, there are more than 28 million small businesses throughout the country. This year’s Shop Local event See Shop, A3

Staff member and part-time elf Tracy Wilson plays Santa’s Helper during The Red Owl’s recent virtual Holiday Open House. Photo courtesy of Nelson Acosta

This Cheshire Academy bus was dressed up as largerthan-life turkey to collect items for a recent food drive.

Helpers find a way to make a special delivery to the North Pole By Joy VanderLek The Cheshire Citizen

The way 2020 has been going, Cheshire’s Amy Giovannucci and her fiancé Mark Sergi did not want to take any chances with Christmas. That’s why they set up Santa’s mailbox in the front yard of their Waterbury Road home well before Thanksgiving. See Delivery, A2

Emergencies are always emergencies. And we’re here 24/7. Don’t delay care that could save your life. Our emergency rooms are open and safe. Visit HartfordHealthCare.org/Emergency to see ER wait times, and to let us know you are on your way. Nearby, at:

MidState Medical Center 435 Lewis Ave., Meriden

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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, November 26, 2020

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“We love Christmas,” Giovannucci said.

“We had a festive idea and wanted to see if anyone else would be interested,” Giovannucci said, adding that Santa mall visits were being canceled, too. Giovannucci and Sergi just wanted a safe way to let kids socially distance and get their letters off to Santa in time. Once the mailbox was installed and finishing touches of green holiday lights and candy canes were added, word got around town.

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It just so happened they had a Santa Christmas mailbox from another adventure. They explained that when their other event was canceled due to COVID this year, they decided to get Santa’s mailbox out of the basement, where it was collecting dust, and put it up for kids to mail their letters to Santa.

Dawn Cronin and co-presidents Carolyn Dudeck and Wendy Rivera. The group has been assisting Santa forever. “I’m not sure how long CJW has been writing letters, but it has been a very long time from what I’ve heard,” said Cronin. “We are so excited to collaborate with the Cheshire Junior Women and provide a festive activity for kids during this crazy time,” Giovannucci said.

Thanks to the new collaboration, there are three ways for children to contact Santa this year. Santa’s mailbox can be found in the front yard of the Giovannucci and Sergi home at 2289 Waterbury Road. Another location is the Cheshire Public Library in the Children’s room. Make sure to write your letters at home, as there are no tables available for writing at the library. Masks and social distancing are required and the library does follow COVID protocols in that there is limited capacity in the library. The third and final way to contact Santa is via email. Send your letter to cheshirejrwomen@yahoo.com.

ed huge feathers to put on the bus, along with the turkey’s hat and then placed giant-size googly eyes on the front windshield of the bus.

ing their car horns and waving. Ornato-Giano has plans to expand the Stuff-a-Bus event next year., “It was a lot of fun and it was rewarding for the kids,” she said.

It was done with great deal of teamwork from the freshman officers, said OrnatoGiano, extending special

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thanks to decorators Jennifer Purslow, Eliana Orlinsky and Molly Golden. The turkey bus traveling to the town green, stuffed with donations, certainly made people smile. People responded to the absurd scene by honk-

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signed by Santa.

One CJW member reminisced about writing Santa letters to children when her son was in first or second grade. The young man is now in his early 20s. Back Soon the Santa Mailbox pro- then, the family was “all so ject took on a life of its own. amazed that Santa knew that he swam for the Fins and Who would answer the letters? Suggestions flowed like had a brother and sister,” she To receive a letter from Santa: make sure your child’s water through the communi- quipped. name and address are inty forum. The letters that CJW voluncluded in your letter. The teers create are embellished deadline to submit your letA helping hand came from the Cheshire Junior Women with stickers, a North Pole ters is Friday, Dec.11. stamp and each one is organization with member

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The couple moved into town about two years ago and this year, more than any other, wanted people to be happy as the holidays got closer.

HELP KEEP Cheshire

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. secondstreet.com/Cheshire-Citizen-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 Cheshire Citizen to your home or business, will end.

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

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Shop

Sitko contacted Clem Kasinskas with Bozzuto’s Media to

“It’s a nice way to show everybody what is new and

what is coming in,” said Acosta. The number of Watch Party customers totaled well over one hundred. Black Friday and the Small Business Saturday promotions include extended shopping hours and will feature amazing deals on some our favorite brands and items, said Acosta. For instance, The Red Owl will offer a free thank you gift with any online or instore purchase. “Our deals will run for five days to allow time and space for customers to shop,” Acosta said. Cheshire resident, Deb DeMeo, has also been thinking out-of-the-box during COVID in order to keep her business going. DeMeo is the owner of Jazzercise, Hamden Fitness Studio. It shut down in March. “The online classes have essentially saved my business for the time being,” said DeMeo. Six people are allowed in class with 12-foot spacing as required by the state, DeMeo said. People are not necessarily comfortable coming to in-person classes, so the ability to come to their living rooms is huge, DeMeo said. Most classes are done

via Facebook with privacy protocols and other online platforms are being developed, she said. People are excited to get back to exercise, said DeMeo, with a selection of low-impact, cardio and strength formats in the offerings. The online classes have allowed her to bring back some of her instructors, too. On Small Business Saturday, DeMeo will offer a “try before you buy” $20 for the rest

of 2020 deal. “This way you can try something out before you make a commitment. For long-time Cheshire photographer, Rick Ciaburri, his action plan includes this statement: “We are sanitized, ventilated, masked and ready for your family portrait.” Ciaburri will offer discounts on family portraits, with a first 12 greeting cards free offer.

Are You Prepared For The Unexpected? With all of the uncertainty that we have seen this year, now more than ever it is important to understand your risk tolerance and have a financial plan in place that has a long-term outlook. During the pandemic your goals may have shifted. One thing stayed constant, the need to help ensure that your family is protected.

I am here to help you make informed decisions.

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get the project off the ground. “He’s a good guy and a virtuoso with the camFrom A1 era,” said Sitko of Kasinskas. What followed was a series of is likely to be more important professionally produced than in year’s past, in light of videos highlighting various COVID and its deleterious Cheshire small businesses. impact on businessThe videos can be seen on es. Chamber of Commerce the town’s webPresident Yetta Augur and site, cheshirect.org and feaJerry Sitko, Cheshire Ecoture Olive & Henry’s, nomic Development CoordiVespucci’s Restaurant, Capnator collaborated on ideas pola-Brokaw Art of Hair, to help the local business PAWS Resort and Spa and community. The outcome The Red Owl Jewelry and Gift was a series of videos, Shop. “Cheshire is Open for Business.” Laurie Acosta’s The Red Owl has done a lot of creative The goal was to remind citimarketing during COVID, zens that despite the panwhich had the store shut demic, residents could supdown from March until June. port local businesses safely, She found her niche with sosaid Sitko. “We also wanted cial media, including weekly to urge everyone to support Facebook Live Watch Party their small businesses, many events. “I needed a way to reof which have been strugconnect and keep things gogling,” he said. ing,” Acosta explained. Social media, curbside pick-up “Cheshire would not be the town it is if it were not for its and online orders were all used. The Red Owl recently small businesses,” Sitko emphasized time and again. It’s hosted a live Holiday Open House on Facebook, comthe small businesses who provide support for commu- plete with Tracey the elf decnity events, programs, sports orating the Christmas tree, leagues and charitable caus- and a tour of the shop’s latest arrivals. es, he said.

Thursday, November 26, 2020

David Nastri, Esq.,

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Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are: Not Insured by FDIC or Any Other Government Agency Not Bank Guaranteed Not Bank Deposits or Obligations May Lose Value Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Webster Bank and Webster Investments are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Webster Investments, and may also be employees of Webster Bank. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Webster Bank or Webster Investments.

Dr. Marc Bernbach, DPM is proud to welcome Dr. Steven Massucci, DPM to his practice. Dr. Massucci was raised in Southington and has relocated back to the area with his family after completion of a three-year surgical residency program in Providence, Rhode Island at Brown and Boston University affiliated hospitals. While there, he completed over 1,000 surgical cases, achieved his reconstructive rearfoot/ankle certification, and served as the chief resident in his final year of training. He is looking forward to returning to the area to continue his practice of podiatry and establish roots in the community. His areas of interest include heel pain, neuromas, ingrown nails, diabetic wound care, limb salvage, and forefoot/rearfoot surgery.

Dr. Massucci is currently accepting new patients and most insurance carriers.

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Thursday, November 26, 2020

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Thursday, November 26, 2020

Land trust insect observation event results in notable discoveries By Joy VanderLek The Cheshire Citizen

Creepy, crawly, and fascinating is how Cheshire Land Trust billed its recent online presentation “Bugs!” with entomologist Ray Simpson from the Yale Peabody Museum. Approximately 40 participants attended, including one young girl, who expressed a keen interest in all kinds of bugs. That, no doubt, pleased Simpson, who has been “into insects for as long as he can remember, carrying glass jars around and collecting crickets as a kid,” he said. As for most people’s aversion to bugs?

Simpson, along with colleagues Danny Brass and Steve King made observations of the insects they found at the Cheshire Land Trust Fresh Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary on Cook Hill Road over the summer and early fall. Observations were taken late at night and into the wee hours of morning, with some sessions lasting as long as eight hours. There also were daytime visits. The set-up was contained to the property’s large meadow, where the plant diversity was a typical mix of exotics, such as purple loosestrife and natives and ubiquitous

ferns, said Simpson. Plants of interest to pollinators, butterflies, and moths at Fresh Meadows included Joe

Pye weed, Ironweed, Solida- some nights in the summer. go and other goldenrods and Black lights and bright merasters, he said. The insect di- cury vapor lights (similar to versity can be quite epic on

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night,” said Simpson. “All in all, I think insects are misunderstood and that if you actually take the time to learn about them, insects aren't any more scary than your average human is. In fact, to an insect, humans would be absolutely terrifying,” he said.

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Thursday, November 26, 2020

In Brief Join noted floral designer and Cheshire resident Sylvia Nichols in her design workroom as she prepares to “dress up” her home for the holidays.

Letters must be received by Dec. 11 to ensure a return letter from Santa prior to Christmas.

This fun fast-paced, virtual 45 minute program will be filled with easy, affordable, practical ideas.

Decorate for the holidays The Cheshire Public Library presents, via Zoom, Decorate Your Home for the Holidays, Monday, Nov. 30, at 6:30 p.m.

Please register at cheshirelibrary.org. We will email you an hour before the program begins with a link to join the Zoom virtual program.

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Feral cat aid Friends of Feral Cheshire Cats has received an early holiday surprise. A passionate advocate for cats in the Cheshire area has pledged to match all donations made to the local nonprofit by Dec. 25 — up to $15,000. The challenges of COVID-19 have impacted animal welfare organizations throughout the country and FFCC has not been spared. During the spring, area spay/neuter clinics were closed as spay/ neuter surgery is considered to be elective surgery by the American Veterinary Medical Association and personal protective equipment used by clinics were needed for hospitals treating large numbers of COVID-19 patients. This closure happened at the most critical time of the year for spay/neuter — kitten season. Experts agree spay/ neuter surgery is the one humane way to stop unneces-

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Letters can be delivered in three ways beginning Satur-

special mailbox located outside 2289 Waterbury Road. (This is a residence.)

It’s that time of year again, and Santa is looking for boys and girls to write him letters. The Cheshire Junior Women’s Club — Santa’s helpers — will ensure that all letters are delivered to Santa.

day, Nov. 21: E-mail to cheshirejrwomen@yahoo.com ; Drop off at the Santa Mailbox in the children’s room at the Cheshire Public Library. Letters must be written at home and masks are to be worn in the library. There is limited capacity in the children’s room and there are no tables or chairs; Drop off in Santa’s

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Briefs

participate.

Dr. Brian Coyle Board-certified Vascular Surgeon

firstcheshire.org or visit firstcheshire.org/candles.

Scholarships Applications for the Cheshire Academy Town Scholarship are being accepted for the 2021-2022 academic year. This prestigious scholarship annually awards one upcoming Cheshire ninth-grade day student a full four-year scholarship to the Academy. Upcoming ninth-grade students who reside in New Haven County are also invited to apply for Cheshire Academy’s New Haven County Day Student Scholarship for the 2021-2022 academic year. Recipients of this merit-based scholarship will be awarded half the cost of a day tuition, renewed annually as long as the student remains in good standing.

Big Y program The Cheshire Land Trust has been selected for November’s Big Y Community Bag Program, designed to make it easy for customers to make a contribution to their favorite non-profits. For November, the Cheshire Land Trust will receive $1 for every reusable Community Bag purchased at the Cheshire Big Y ($2.50 purchase price). This is a great way for residents to help raise awareness and support conservation in the town. Spread the

news to friends and family. The more people who learn about the program and purchase the Community Bag during the month of November, the more money that can be raised for CLT. To learn more about the Big Y Community Bag program, visit bigy.bags4mycause.com.

Al-Anon During the pandemic most Connecticut Al-Anon meetings are accessible via Zoom meetings. For more informaSee Briefs, A8

Year Round Tree Service

Learn more about the scholarship and how to apply by visiting cheshireacademy.org/scholarships.

Dr. Antoine Ferneini Chief of Vascular/Endovascular Services at MidState Medical Center

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During those four weeks, First Church parishioners will display special 6-footsary suffering of innocent high candles in the yards of animals and end the ongotheir homes. “Clues” to the ing crisis of cat homelesslocation of these candles will ness, abandonment and be given on the church webabuse. Supporters can help site (https:// by donating online at www.firstcheshire.org/canwww.feralct.org or by senddles). Paper copies will also ing a check to FFCC, P.O. be available outside the front Box 946, Cheshire, CT 06410. of the church. Each candle will have a different “word of the season” with it; searchers will submit lists Scavenger hunt of these words to the church, either electronically or at the The First Congregational church. Church will host a Holiday ‘Candle Scavenger Hunt.’ In Correct answers will be put light of the current circuminto a drawing for prizes, instances, the First Congregacluding gift cards to lotional Church will not be cal restaurants and stores. hosting its annual Christmas The church invites the comFair. Hoping to provide some munity to celebrate the seaChristmas excitement for all son at a weekly Advent cancommunity members in a dle lighting on the Church different way during this Green as well as a Christmas COVID-19 year, First ConEve “Journey to Bethlehem” gregational Church will event, also on the Green. “Light Up The Season” with For more information about a town wide candle scavthe candle scavenger hunt, enger hunt from Nov. 29 to email candles@ Dec. 24. All are invited to From A6

Thursday, November 26, 2020

Dr. Ralph DeNatale Board-certified Vascular Surgeon

more vascular expertise MidState Medical Center is proud to welcome new experts to the Hartford HealthCare Heart & Vascular Institute Vascular Center. Our surgeons offer the most innovative techniques for treating vascular disease. We’ve built a center of excellence at MidState to ensure the highest level of care for our patients in abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, carotid intervention, and limb-preservation procedures. Our experts are accepting new patients in North Haven, Branford, and Wallingford. To learn more, visit MidStateMedical.org/vascular

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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, November 26, 2020

Briefs From A7

tion, visit ctalanon.org/meetings.

Virtual gallery The Voice of Art Virtual Gallery will host “Warren: The Secret Garden.” The Warren Community Art Show, runs through Dec. 31. For more imformation, call 203-379-0015 or email thevoiceartorg@ gmail.com.

Leaf collection

Route 10.

The Town of Cheshire’s leaf collection began Monday, Nov. 2. Residents may bring leaves in biodegradable bags for disposal at the Public Works Garage, 1286 Waterbury Road, Mondays — Nov. 23, 30, and Dec. 7 — from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. For curbside collection, leaves must be placed in biodegradable bags before 7 a.m. Mondays for pick-up by the Public Works Department according to the following schedule:

Week of Nov. 30 — All residences on the west side of Route 10.

Week of Nov. 23 — All residences on the east side of

Week of Dec. 7 — All streets. Inclement weather or unexpected emergencies can delay leaf collection.

Adopt-A-Family The holiday season is fast approaching and it’s of great importance to the Cheshire Human Services Department to be able to assist those in need. HSD will be

continuing the annual Adopt-a-Family Holiday Program. However, due to the pandemic and in order to comply with public health guidelines, necessary modifications have been made. Many individuals and organizations may prefer to donate gifts and toys, but out of concern for the safety of recipient families, donors and staff, we will not be able to accept these types of donations. Instead, HSD is asking that donations be made in the form of gift cards that will be distributed to

St Bridget School

Cheshire families facing financial hardship during the holidays. Popular retailers include Target, Walmart, Marshalls, Dunkin, Kohl’s and Amazon, and HSD will always encourage supporting Cheshire’s local businesses. The pandemic has had a negative financial impact on many households in the community and it is HSD’s hope that those who are able will support struggling Cheshire families this holiday season. Human Services is so grateful to be a part of such a generous and compassionate community. Contact Kristen Schechter at Cheshire Human Services with questions, 203-2716690.

Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten Programs

Red Cross Our Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten (3 & 4) Programs Offer:

Red Cross blood donors have a new opportunity to help patients fighting COVID-19. Donors are needed this fall to maintain blood supply amid the ongoing pandemic.

Shop Small for the holidays and let us help you get ready for the winter season!

Large, open inviting classrooms along with age-appropriate outdoor spaces including a separate Pre-K play scape; Individualized learning space for both programs; Differentiated instruction to attend to the needs of the whole child; Enrichment activities, including STREAM;

Poinsettias • Wreaths • Christmas Trees

Flexible scheduling, Before & After Care;

Our store is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We have implemented social distancing for everyone’s safety. We want to send our appreciation to our loyal customers, and hope that our plants continue to bring you enjoyment.

24/7 Security Monitoring; All classrooms adhere to all health and state guidelines. Our Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs will remain OPEN during any COVID-19 closure. Please call us to set up a tour of our school.

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The Red Cross encourages eligible individuals to schedule an appointment, download the free blood donor app, visit redcrossblood.org, call 1-800-733-2767 or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

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Hartford HealthCare is now fully transitioning urgent care services in Cheshire from the MediQuick at 680 South Main St., to Hartford HealthCare-GoHealth Urgent Care, which is located at 1008 South Main St. EffecSee Briefs, A9

Support Your Community. Shop Locally.

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Briefs From A8

tive immediately, the MediQuick at 680 South Main St., is closed. GoHealth is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, including holidays. For more information, visit GohealthUC.com/CT.

School News Xavier High School honor roll Xavier High School has named the following students to its honor roll for the first term:

Thursday, November 26, 2020

Donations needed The Cheshire Food Pantry is in 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. For more information, contact Kerry Walsh, executive director, at kwalsh@cheshirefoodpantry.org,

Masks for Members

How We Feel app

Download the free app in the Apple App Store or People in Connecticut – Google Play store or comhealthy or sick – can help in- plete the survey at howweThe Cheshire Senior Center form heath officials and doc- feel.app. has created a new service: tors by using the How We “Masks for Members.” Senior Feel app and self-reporting center members or any older their daily symptoms person in the community in through a series of short need of a mask should conprompts. tact Stefanie Theroux, 203272-3165; stheroux@ The smartphone or webcheshirect.org. based application was created in response to the need Leave your name, address, for health officials and doctelephone number and tors to obtain more informaRECYCLE YOUR OLD email address to have a tion on COVID-19 in the handmade, cloth mask deNEWSPAPERS face of widespread testing livered to you. shortages. Please & Thank you.

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A10

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, November 26, 2020

No holiday break for scammers With sophisticated scammers constantly finding unique ways to exploit utility customers, Eversource is always working to help customers protect themselves from being targeted. In addition to an increase in scam activity related to the COVID-19 outbreak, the energy company is warning its customers of the seasonal spike in utility scams as the holidays approach. In recog-

scammers use to steal people’s money and sensitive personal information,” said Eversource Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Penni Conner. “If you suspect that you’re being targeted by a scammer, please call your local police “The health and safety of our to report the incident right customers is paramount, away. Eversource will never and that’s why we’re always demand instant payment working to raise awareness over the phone or ask for for the deceptive tactics personal information in an nition of Utility Scam Awareness Week, Eversource is joining energy companies across the country in helping customers identify the signs of scammers to keep themselves and their families safe.

unsolicited call, text message or email. If someone shows up at your home or calls you and demands immediate payment, don’t panic, and don’t pay. Please call us directly at 800-2862000 to verify that it’s not us.” The most common utility scam involves customers receiving a phone call warning that their service will be shut off because of unpaid bills.

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“Scammers use a variety of tricks to prey on utility customers, including creating a sense of urgency to convince consumers that payment must be made immediately,” said Connecticut Better Business Bureau Spokesperson Luke Frey. “That’s always a red flag. If you feel pressured for immediate action by a caller, hang up the phone and call the customer service number on your utility bill. This will ensure that you are speaking to a real representative. Never give your personal or banking information to an unverified or unsolicited caller.” For more information on how to protect personal information and avoid becoming a victim of utility scams, visit Eversource.com and the Utilities United Against Scams websites. Concerned customers can also report scams and fraudulent activity by calling the Connecticut Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Unit at 860-808-5420.

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The scammer claims to be a representative from Eversource and tells the customer that in order to avoid an immediate shutoff, they need to settle an overdue bill by providing a credit card number or a prepaid debit card. In many cases, the scammer can manipulate the caller ID to display “Eversource,” creating a greater sense of confusion and urgency. Both businesses and homeowners have been targeted by this type of scam, with businesses often contacted at a time of day when losing power would have a devastating impact on their ability to serve customers.

— Press Release

Support Your Community. Shop Locally.

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, November 26, 2020

A11

Cheshire Senior Center Cheshire Senior Center, 240 Maple Ave. 203-272-8286 Due to the uptick in Covid cases and recent guidelines set by the State of Connecticut, all indoor programs scheduled for the Cheshire Senior Center have been cancelled until further notice. Upcoming Series with the Cheshire Senior Center: Reflections Café A virtual café that will be our social gathering place for persons with memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer’s or other dementia along with their family and friends to share an hour of exploring positive topics such as cooking, art, music, poetry, movies, show & tell plus more! We will meet twice per month to make connections, to have fun and talk! A place to make new friends, share stories, including any feelings about the challenges of living with memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer’s or other dementia. Enjoy our Reflections Café from the comfort and safety of your own home or comfortable place. The group will be led by Andrea Sidoruk, MSW Intern. The program will be Mondays: Dec. 7, 21, Jan. 11 and 25, from 5 to 6 p.m. Call 203-272-8286 or email lgravel@cheshirect.org to register. December 2020 Events with the Cheshire Senior Center:

Demystifying Hearing Loss: Hearing Care is Health Care Friday, Dec. 4, at 10:30 a.m. Join us via Zoom for a discussion on warning signs of hearing changes, hearing loss & dementia link. Review hearing tests and the hearing aid evaluation process and effective communication strategies. Presented by Masonicare Hearing Center. Call 203272-8286 or email lgravel@ cheshirect.org to register. Holiday Trivia: Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 1 p.m. Join us via Zoom to test your knowledge of Holiday facts. Call 203-272-8286 or email lgravel@cheshirect.org to register. Seniors 4 Seniors Intergenerational Book Club: Thursday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. Join local Senior Citizens and High School students via Zoom to discuss “The Book of Two Ways” a novel by Jodi Picoult. Call 203- 2728286 or email lgravel@ cheshirect.org to register. Monday, Dec. 14: Grab & Go Lunch and a Holiday Concert with Sal via Zoom. Grab & Go Lunch Pick up starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Cheshire Senior Center. Holiday Concert with Sal via Zoom beginning at 1:30 p.m. You MUST Register by Dec. 4, to participate in the Grab & Go Lunch, additional details will be given at time of registration. Sign up by calling 203-2728286 or email lgravel@

cheshirect.org. This event is sponsored by Whitney Rehabilitation Care Center & New England Young At Heart. How Could Covid-19 Change My Estate Plan: Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m. Join us via Zoom to discuss three rules to successful estate planning and how to plan using legal tools for health care de-

cisions to meet your goals Presented by Drazen Rubin Law. Call 203-272-8286 or email lgravel@ cheshirect.org to register. Sit Down Online with Stefanie: Thursday, Dec. 17, at 10:30 a.m. You are invited to this “informal” online Zoom meeting, during this time Stefanie hopes to answer any questions that you may have regarding the Senior

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A12

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, November 26, 2020

Share Your Voice. Shape Our Coverage.

What questions do you have about the surge in COVID-19 cases?

A healthcare worker uses a medical swab stick to check a patient in the drive-thru testing area at Community Health Center in Meriden. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

owered P y t n u m m Co Journalism

Are there specific issues related to health and safety, education, the local economy or other topics youâ€™d like to see addressed in our news coverage? Share your question with us. Weâ€™ll research it and report the facts. Your voice matters to us. We want to hear from you.

Help shape our coverage. Share your voice with your community at:

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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, November 26, 2020

Trust

tena hudsonias, the blackheaded flea beetle.

From A11

From A5

That was really cool, said Simpson, since there are only a few records throughout New England.

Zoom. Contact Andy Tranquilli at a sunlamp) were used to tranquilli@hotmail.com if you attract insects to white wish to attend. New members sheets the group set up. and guests are always welcome. Community Yoga Online for Labeling as “state first” The work paid off and the the Food Pantry: Friday, may only apply as it relates group was rewarded with a Dec. 18, 1:15 p.m. Join Stefanie to records found in iNatunumber of notable records. online via Zoom for Gentle Flow ralist until further research Yoga with, chair modifications Micro moths, those comis completed, said Simpavailable, to benefit the Cheshire ing in at under a half inch, son. The number of obserCommunity Food Pantry. The led the observations. vations and species is pro“cost” is a monetary donation di“They are one of the rectly to the Cheshire Community visional—as the count will groups that are very poorly Food Pantry. Call 203-272-8286 likely increase as it’s comstudied,” said Simpson, or email lgravel@ piled and vetted, he said. adding their observations cheshirect.org to register. However, he found “there Jukebox Holiday Binof them were impressive was a pretty significant go: Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 1 since there were little if amount of diversity in the p.m. Join us via Zoom for Jukeany in iNaturalist (an onsmall patch surrounded by box Bingo. This is the same Bingo line mapping and sharing game just with a musical houses basically,” Simpson database). twist!! Call 203-272-8286 or email said. lgravel@cheshirect.org to register Steve King’s finding at and for Bingo kit distribution. In terms of the larger Fresh Meadows include a Ongoing Weekly Event: “more charismatic big Come join members of the Lofirst in state for stuff,” Simpson said Fresh cal Senior Community for a walk Diploschizia impigritella, a Meadows has a huge popon the Farmington Trail tiny moth which lives in ulation of Chinese manin Cheshire or the Quinnipiac Trail wet meadows, and the onin South Meriden. Walking is a tids. Maybe too many. In ly state observation of wonderful way for older adults to July, he said they found Coptotriche citrinpennella stay physically and mentally acthe wingless nymphs, the and possibly a state first tive. For more information call babies. When his group reMarge at 203-272-3316. for Sonia constrictana, a turned in August and Transportation Services: Bemoth measuring 14mm. September, the mantids ginning Aug. 24, the Cheshire SeHe also had a first for Sysnior Center started offering transportation to out of town medical appointments on the following THE LAW OFFICES OF schedule: New Schedule for Out of Town Medical AppointRapid relief for the 90 million adults who snore ments: Monday – Meriden; Tuesday – North Haven & Hamden; Wednesday – Walling® ford; Thursday – New Haven;Solea Fri- Sleep is a simple to administer, low-power application that day – Southington. Rides are accepted for ap-provides rapid relief for snoring by tightening the soft palate and pointments scheduled between reducing vibrations that cause patients to snore. Unlike other laser 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the above days. Please call for availability sleep treatments that require up to 4 sessions lasting 30 minutes within 1 week of appointment. Dial-A-Ride is available on Frieach, Solea Sleep 163 is a single, non-surgical treatment that who takes 5 CT South Main Street, Rapid relief for the 90 million Cheshire, adults snore days for the Waterbury area. The Cheshire Senior Center minutes to administer with long-lasting results. Treating snoring has continues to offer transportation Solea® Sleep is a simple to administer, low-power application that for Cheshire medical appoint-never been easier! provides rapid relief for snoring by tightening the soft palate and ments, grocery shopping and reducing vibrations that cause patients to snore. Unlike other laser pharmacy visits. ** New Client Evaluations besleep treatments that require up to 4 sessions lasting 30 minutes • Ultra-low power, easy to perform procedure gan Sept. 1, for Cheshire Senior each, Solea Sleep is a single, non-surgical treatment that takes 5 Center Transportation ** • Single, five minuteminutes treatment to administer with long-lasting results. Treating snoring has

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“I’m a moth fanatic,” Simpson said laughing before telling the audience that one of “the coolest finds” was Papaipema, the ironweed borer. The group found at least 20. “We went there and ran into them in large numbers. It is a state listed species, so it is good to see numbers like that. They tend to be localized, near their host plants,” he said. The biodiversity of the study was quite high for the short period of time it was undertaken this year, said Simpson. The number of insects See Trust, A14

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The group was pleased to find mantid flies. These insects are like a mini-mantis, said Simpson. They have a lacewing butt and a mantid front, he said, describing them as ambush predators who are bold and pretty vo-

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were fully winged out adults. The insect is an exotic species, and Simpson called it “ravenous.” They do eat native pollinators, too, he said. “An audience member asked about the CT state insect. The European mantis is the state insect, said Simpson, who added that having an exotic species for the state insect is “kind of strange.”

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The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, November 26, 2020

COMMENTARY

On sustenance, gratitude and kindness By Joy VanderLek The Cheshire Citizen

Thanksgiving is about gratitude. Above any other time in my life, I am determined to honor the word. A recent conversation with a newly graduated young woman drew my thoughts to the topic. The year 2020 has been an absolute train wreck. How did the tarot card reader across from Stop & Shop not see this coming? The spread of the pandemic, COVID-19, sealed the deal. So many plans for so many have been waylaid, including for the young woman. I feel for her and others like her. Pulled from college and her apartment in her final

months of her graduation year due to COVID, she and her friends did not even get a real graduation. All that hard work and nothing tangible to show for it. All the networking, all the internships and possible open doors, now closed. A diploma arrived in the mail

months later, no frame, no fanfare, no stage to walk across. “We did not sign up for this,” she said to me, answering for all the young people that are also in her situation. I do hear her. At the same time, I also want to tell her

to be grateful. I want to tell her she is loved. There are those in the world who do not have that. I want to tell her she has a support system of friends and family. Some people are walking alone in life now due to severed connections: deaths, estrangements, or physical distance. She has a roof over her head. My heart hurts for the ones who have been left without one, those who live in cars, shelters or have absolutely nowhere to go. She has, in her anger, the idea of selfworth. That is key. To feel worthy means you are still fighting the fight. It is a sign of optimism, which means she is not giving up. Fight the good fight.

Her frustration should not, however, be dismissed. She and her friends should be allowed to vent and work through this. At the same time, however, all of us go through rough spots, things we cannot control. I think back to times, when even as a child myself, I knew my family was going through rough times. Whether it was food or family crisis of one type or another. Even once on my own, there were difficulties. And here again, with a family of my own. There are always challenges in every season of our lives. How we meet and deal with those challenges is what is most imSee Joy, A15

Grant to support child advocacy

Trust

Dr. William Petit, president of the Petit Family Foundation, recently presented Klingberg Family Centers with a $5,000 check to support Klingberg’s Children’s Advocacy Center. The center offers forensic interviews to help children and youth who allegedly have been victims of abuse or exploitation become survivors.

and diversity of species might be higher if studied for a full season. Daylight surveys would probably produce more butterfly records and different trapping techniques may also deliver more findings. Therefore, a more formal project at the property is possible sometime in the future, Simpson speculated.

In the past the child/youth has had to answer questions and tell the same horrible facts over and over again to different professionals — teachers, DCF workers, therapists, guidance counselors, school nurses, lawyers, prosecutors, etc. The CAC model provides the resources for a one-time telling, with Forensic Interviewers who are specifically trained in conducting these interviews effectively, allowing for accurate details for all those who need them and the least trauma for the child.

“Bugs are beneficial in lots of ways,” Simpson said. “They form the major part of food webs as predators, herbivores, and decomposers. They are the main food of many birds, mammals, and freshwater fish. They are the main pollinators of almost all flowering plants. Parasitoid wasps and flies are important biocontrol agents for pests and help prevent certain species from getting out of control. They are the most abundant organisms on the Earth larger than bacteria,” said Simpson, adding that bugs are “also amazingly beautiful and diverse.”

The Petit Family Founda-

Dr. William Petit and Gail Lebert, Klingberg Family Centers.

tion honors the memories of Jennifer Hawke-Petit, Hayley Elizabeth Petit, and Michaela Rose Petit by continuing the kindness, idealism, and activism that defined their lives.

The foundation’s funds are given to foster and to support efforts to protect and help those affected by violence. In remarks while presenting the grant, Dr. Petit praised Klingberg Family

Centers, saying, “The work that Klingberg does is valuable to the community, healing children and helping them towards a bright future.” — Press Release

From A13

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, November 26, 2020

A15

Joy

TURKEY FEAST TO GO

From A14

portant. We can choose to remember and be grateful for kindnesses gifted to us. When I was young and living on my own, in a state far away from family, I found myself without a job. Newly unemployed, I will never forget a kindness shown to me by a friend. Although she had children of her own, she made it a point to have me join them for dinner several times a week. Some days, it was the only meal I had. I never told her that. She might have known, but never gave her invitation as if she was doing me a favor. Her friendship gave me sustenance as much as the meal.

Cheshire Lions Club members made the season brighter for families in need this holiday season. On Sunday, Nov. 15, the group put together Thanksgiving dinner baskets. The baskets held the makings of a feast with canned green beans, stuffing mixes, dinner rolls, garden fresh potatoes, mashed potato mix, cranberry jelly, fresh bread and a pumpkin pie. A gift card for a turkey was also given with each basket. In all nine baskets were prepared. The baskets were presented to, Cheshire Community Food Pantry Director Kerry Walsh, at left, by Lions Club Vice President Nancy DeFrancesco. Photo courtesy of Anthony Cipriano

Kindnesses big and small, those we give and those we receive, go a long way. In doing so, it lifts us up, gives us strength and determination to persevere. Choose to be grateful for all you do have. Choose to do for others, be grateful for the chance to do so if possible, even if you, yourself, are faced with hardships. Your kindness will come back tenfold.

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Thursday, November 26, 2020

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

More headache expertise. Right in your neighborhood. A photoshopped picture of where the Gold Star Families Monument will stand at the Berlin Veterans Memorial Park.

Berlin will be home to Connecticut’s Gold Star Families Monument BERLIN — The Town of Berlin Veterans Commission is proud to announce that Berlin has been chosen to be the home of the Gold Star Families Monument in Connecticut. This monument is being built to: To honor, recognize, and serve Gold Star Families and the legacy of their Loved Ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

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is a charitable 501c(3) nonprofit organization that pursues specific endeavors and goals through the vision of the Medal of Honor recipient. The foundation encourages, with the assistance of the American public and community leaders, establishing permanent Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments in communities throughout the United States, conducting Gold Star families outreach across the country, providing Living Legacy scholarships to eligible Gold Star children, and advocating for educational benefits for all Gold Star family members. The impact of the foundation’s work helps to raise public awareness about Gold Star families’ enduring sacrifice and the ultimate sacrifice made by their loved See Monument, A18

Letters Policy Email letters to news@ thecheshirecitizen.com; mail to 500 South Broad St., Meriden, CT 06450 or fax to 203-6390210. Letters are limited to 300 words. The Citizen will print only one letter per person each month. We reserve the right to edit letters. We do not list names of people, organizations and

businesses being thanked. Names of businesses are not allowed. Letters must be signed and names will appear in print. Include a phone number so The Citizen can contact you for verification. Letters must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday to be considered for publication the following Thursday.

The Cheshire Citizen | cheshirecitizen.com

Thursday, November 26, 2020

A17

A18

Train depot completes restoration of signal

Monument

By Devin Leith-Yessian Record-Journal staff

From A16

“It makes it look like the railroad is operational again,” said Assistant Stationmaster Robert Belletzki.

Monday have completed the restoration of the station’s train order signal, a mast topped by a light and system of blades which instruct trains on if they can pass by the station or if they must stop. The mechanical parts, including the blade system, were completed in July, leaving just the installation of EASY OIL LLC | Truck Graphics the electric lamp, which sits behind green and red filters that allow it to act like a trafColors fic light. PMS 335C Bill Voorvaart, volunteer, left, and Bob Belletzkie, assistant station master, talk about a new lamp recently Digital / RGB R: 255 installed for the train order signal, below, on the G:199 B:44 See Signal, A19 Milldale Train Depot along the Farmington Canal Print / CMYK C: 0% Heritage Trail in Southington. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal M: 19%

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

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

Colony Diner

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.

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ones. The foundation wishes to educate the community about these sacrifices, reminding us all that freedom has not been and is not free. The foundation developed the mission and goals for honoring Gold Star families based on five philosophical pillars representing Homeland, Family, Patriot, Sacrifice and Legacy. These were important to the fallen loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice, the families who continue to endure their sacrifice and the legacy they have left behind. These pillars are so profound that they inspired the creation and model of the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument as it is today. The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument is two sided. The front specifically honors Gold Star families with the statement, “A Tribute to Gold Star Families and Relatives Who Sacrificed a Loved One for Our Freedom.” The reverse of the monument shows the pillars and representative images for each. And, within the monument there is an open silhouette that represents the missing family member surrounded by the pillars and the legacy they left behind. — Press Release

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For the first time in over 50 years, a red light shines out from the train order signal above the Milldale Train Depot, now encouraging runners along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail to stop and take a look rather than directing trains to halt.

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Signal

senger trains scheduled every day, in addition to freight trains, and commuters disembarking at Milldale could hop onto trolleys that traversed the town.

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ing the winter months and Belletzki hopes its positioning alongside the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail will allow it to act as a beacon to inspire further interest in the trail’s history as a railroad and shipping canal. While work was ongoing on earlier this month, scores of people enjoying a walk on the trail stopped to ask about the signal, which was often mistaken for a flag pole before the restoration began taking shape. “We already had people stopping ... saying, ‘It’s lit up!’” Belletzki said.

dleithyessian@record-journal.com 203-317-2317 Twitter: @leith_yessian

Bill Voorvaart, volunteer, engages one of two levers that control the paddles for the train order signal at the Milldale Train Depot along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail in Southington on Monday. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

River. Goods could be shipped north as far as Northampton or south to the ports of New Haven. “I hope it brings a sense of history and perspective to people who are going by,” Wooding said. “ ... we can show the history all the way back to the canal basin and the progression of trans-

portation and how it benefited the whole valley from New Haven up through Northampton, greatly enhancing trade and moving manufactured goods. It was a very active area at the time from a manufacturing standpoint.”

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At the station’s peak in the 1920s there were four pas-

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Though other similar signals exist in Connecticut, Belletzki said it’s unique in the New England region in that museum visitors can pull the levers in the former railroad agent’s office to operate the controls themselves. “What's unique about this more so is it's now all hooked up and patrons, visitors who come in, can actually play with the levers,” he said. Southington Town Historian Philip Wooding, who curates the depot, said the completion of the project is the culmination of years of work of volunteers and donations of parts. The renovation work began around two-and-a-half years ago and required replacing portions of the mast which were sawn off when the station was shuttered.

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Many younger residents and transplants to the area are unaware of the trail's history as a transportation hub that allowed industries in Southington, Plainville and Farmington to compete with factories lining the Connecticut

navirus pandemic, it’s set to reopen between Memorial Day and Labor Day next year on Saturdays and Sundays.

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The setup is the same that controlled the flow of trains from 1917 — when the signal mast was erected — through the 1960s when the rail segment through Southington ceased operations. The depot itself was built in 1892 and converted into a museum in 2013.

Though the museum has been closed due to the coro-

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Thursday, November 26, 2020

Fate of this year’s powder puff football games unclear By Devin Leith-Yessian Record-Journal staff

uled around Thanksgiving, ules later in the year and while Meriden and Walling- work with the high schools ford are holding out hope to determine if powder puff Local school districts are still that they can be held later in is an option,” he wrote in an deciding the fate of annual the year. email. powder puff football games, Meriden School Superinten- Spiking coronavirus rates in which pit senior girls from dent Mark Benigni said disthe region has led to conlocal high schools against cussions are ongoing and no cerns over close-contact each other in flag football. decision has beensemade. the CIAC Basement Waterproofing Services civreS gnifoorpretsports, aW tnemeprompting saB Cheshire and Southington to delay the high school Over 36 Years combined experience. . e c n e i r e p x e d e n i b m o c s r a e Y 6 3 r e v O “We will evaluate health da- football season to late have canceled their games, Fullyare Transferable Written Guarantee*,taSump ,spmsports uP pmuSsched,*eetnarauG nettirW elbarefsnthrough arT ylluF mid-April. andPumps, CIAC which normally schedPumps Eliminated in most homes. .semoh tsom ni detaFebruary nPowder imilE spmpuff uP football games, Deal Direct with owner - no middle man. .nam elddim on - renwohowever, htiw tceriD are laeD run individualFrench Drains, Gravity Drains, Landscaping Drainage,,eganiarD gnipacsdnaL ,sniarDlyytiby varGdistricts ,sniarD hcand nerF are not Gutter Downspout Drains sniarD tuopsnwgoverned oD rettuG by the CIAC.

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MERIDEN — Black Friday shopping will be different in 2020 as the U.S. battles steep spikes in the coronavirus. The Meriden Mall will be closed Thanksgiving Day but will open at 7 a.m. Friday, with some stores opening at 5 a.m. Mall personnel will be deep cleaning and store capacities, mask wearing and distancing will be enforced. There will be no doorbuster sales, mall management said.

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“At Meriden Mall, we are working hard to bring the Christmas spirit into the shopping experience. It is our goal to make the Christmas season as ‘normal’ as possible, while adhering to all CDC guidelines and regulations to ensure the health and safety of all our patrons during these uncertain times,” read a statement from Mall Manager Chris Powers.

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“COVID has claimed them like most other gatherings and events,” he said.

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Cheshire School Superintendent Jeff Solan said the pandemic has forced the district to cancel its powder puff games and the homecoming dance this year.

Retailers adjust operations for Black Friday in pandemic

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have a powder puff game, it would not be until the early or late spring depending on how things pan out with the pandemic,” he said.

Most retailers began offering Black Friday deals as early as October. See Shopping, A24

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