Cheshire Citizen

BACK IN THE SWING OF THINGS

Pittsley: Town should consider different names for new school

By Joy VanderLek Special to The Citizen

As the parcel in the northwest section of Cheshire becomes ever closer to becoming a new, modern elementary school, there are many considerations being set out before the public.

One of those items under consideration is the name of the school.

Cheshire’s Medal of Honor

recipient Harvey C. “Barney ” Barnum has already been publicly advanced as a choice. Other alternate and equally promising recommendations, should be given space to be heard, according to one resident and historian.

“I have no problem naming things after veterans, and I love the idea of nam-

See Names, A8

Palma continues to dance at Merrimack

By Greg Lederer Herald Staff

It was back to school for more than 4,000 local students in Cheshire on Tuesday, Aug. 29. Kindergartners all the way up to seniors at Cheshire High School strapped on their backpacks and headed to class for the first time since early June. From left: Ava Sheppard and crossing guard Robin Jasman were both excited for the first day of school.

Tracey Harrington, Cheshire Herald

teams.

Cheshire’s Charlotte Palma has taken her passion for dance to Merrimack College in Massachusetts, where she has quickly created bonds on the competitive and game day dance

“I’ve danced my whole life and I wanted to keep doing it in college,” explained Palma. “I knew that it would be a time commitment, but I’m glad that I decided to do it.”

See Palma, A12

Scratching the surface of training our indoor cat

I am training our cat. (No snickering please.) I don’t want the cat to fetch my slippers, or balance on a ball. I just want her to go for a walk with her new, blue harness and stylish leash. She looks quite fetching with it on. Never mind that I still have my doubts about all of this. Our family’s history with cats is unwavering: We’ve always had a steady supply of them. We do not go to a pet store to buy a cat. That’s not how this works. Instead, cats magically appear in our lives. More than a few times Lorie and Kerry from Friends of Feral Cheshire Cats, a trap-neuter and release non-profit, have helped us. It didn’t matter the hour of the day, nor the place. Whether it was kittens in a junk-filled barn, or a cat hiding in a tangle of brambles in the woods, Lorie and Kerry would get to work. They’d nab the kitten or cat who needed to be rescued or get medical attention.

Sometimes the cats just showed up to our door, batting their little cat eyelashes, sometimes with a present of some type of rodent. Sometimes a kitten would lie in wait at a spot on the nearby walking trail, eating kat kibbles in the rain, while crying it’s heart out. Obviously, it was setting us up.

This particular cat comes from one of those stories. After we took it in, we let the cat have its way – which meant it went outside. It’s what it was accustomed to doing. I didn’t think twice about it, until the past few years when our cul-de-sac wasn’t such a quiet street anymore. It has become quite busy with car traffic now. Some neighbors worry about their pets being taken

by bobcats or coyotes. We have coyotes, but the cat was only out during the day and was always inside in time for the 5 p.m. dinner bell.

It’s the worst idea to let cats stay out all night.

Wildlife is another concern of mine. My neighbor Bob (remember all the males on my street, I kid you not, seem to be named Bob), feeds birds. He must have at least a dozen bird feeders. That attracts birds (and sometimes a bear or two). Anyway, those birds will then come to my house. They sit on my wash line and sass me. They sit in the backyard bird baths, or they have bird parties in the itsybitsy pond I have off the back door.

More than once, my cat would bring a present to the back door. The present may or may not have a beak or other identifiable part. Sometimes there was nothing but feathers.

One morning, the hubby and I were admiring a cute little bunny in the backyard. Oh yes, you do know where this is going. That afternoon, I went to the back yard and came across a bunny. Not a whole bunny. It was missing something. I won’t go into detail.

I know, I know. That did it for me. Sometimes it takes a while, but I made the decision that it was not right to allow the cat to roam freely

outside. The cat has been inside for more than a year now.

It has not been easy. For any of us.

The hubby works from home. Some days are torture for him as the cat remembers “outside” and howls for hours on end. When the hubby is on Zoom calls with his colleagues, they must wonder who is being murdered as they talk about budgets, team goals and the like.

This year, I had the brilliant idea to buy a harness and that way the cat could safely go outside with us. I designated the hubby as the cat attendee. We finally swaddled the cat in the wrap. The cat is wrapped in layers of Velcro and tightly snapped in. The hubby takes the cat outside. Hubby takes a seat on a chair on the grass, and the cat takes a seat on the grass right next to him to enjoy the great outdoors. I smile and do some chores inside the house.

Not more than 10 minutes later the hubby appears at the door, minus the cat, harness in hand.

I raise an eyebrow and question the lack of a cat attached to the leash – a cat that was originally on a leash. I am told by this man, who I thought I knew after so many years of marriage,

See Town, A6

2023

Friday, September 8th & Saturday September 9th

Rain Date: Sunday, September 10th

Friday, September 8th:

Food trucks start at 5 pm.

Performance by “The Zoo” at 7-9pm.

Saturday, September 9th:

Vendors & Crafters 10am-4pm • Car Show 10am-3pm Food Trucks 10am-9pm • Fire Works at Dusk

Saturday, September 9th

Farmers Market

Music | Local Businesses | Crafters

Premier Sponsor

Hot Air Balloon Rides from 9-11am on Saturday provide by ReMax Rise at the Parks and Recreation Building

$20donationsuggestedwithfundsgoingtotheChamber. Ridessubjecttotheweatherandoperatorsdiscretion.

Kiwanis will be having a inflatable zone 11am-7pm

$5 for all ages

R263455

CHAMBER CELEBRATES REVAMPED CHESHIRE PLACE

The Cheshire Chamber of Commerce welcomed new member, Cheshire Place Restaurant, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 23. The restaurant is located at 535 West Main Street.

Owners Kiara and Jadan Olger were on hand to introduce the revitalized space and revised menu. The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch six days a week (closed on Tuesdays), from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to standard menu selections they offer crepes and breakfast all day options. They are looking forward to becoming involved in the Cheshire community.

Photo by Joy VanderLek, Cheshire Citizen

Elim Park Christian Women’s Connection

Elim Park Christian Women’s Connection is scheduled for Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. Elim Park Conservatory, 150 Cook Hill Road. Brunch 9:45 a.m. $20.00 (Payable at door); door prizes; fashion show – consignment originals; Speaker, Sharon Palmer; Music – Sharon K.

Make reservations by calling Joann at 203-8832 or email kgill1948@gmail.com

RSVP by Oct. 1, Leave name and contact number

Into the Breach

A 12-week series that challenges men to be seek greatness and virtue. Through video and small group discussions we’ll learn to be stronger fathers, and better husbands, brothers and sons. Saturdays starting Sept. 9, from 7 – 8:15 a.m. at St Bridget’s Church –Epiphany House, 185 Main St. Cheshire. This video series is open to all men of any faith or no faith. Free – no

registration. Start with coffee and continental breakfast, watch a short video, small group discussion to follow. Join us for this engaging series before your busy day begins.

Car Show

The Cheshire Classic Car Show will be back again at the Cheshire Fall Festival Sept. 9, with a raindate of Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A $10 entry fee for all makes and models. Also featuring music, food trucks, farmers market, craft show,

vendor booths, and more. Sponored by the Cheshire Fall Festival, Richard Chevrolet and the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call Rick Ciaburri 203-272-5054 or rick.studio@sbcglobal.com

Drive-In movies

The 2023 summer season at the Southington Drive-In runs every Saturday through Sept. 9. Admission is $20 per carload and $5 for walk-ins, cash only. Gates open at 6 p.m, with the films beginning after sunset.

Cheshire FD

Applications for member-

Town

From A2

that he doesn’t know what happened. “One moment all was fine,” he said. The next thing he knew, he looked down, and there was no cat. Only an empty harness.

This time we were lucky. After an hour, the cat was on the stoop asking to be let in (it was dinner time). As for

ship to the Cheshire Fire Department are always welcome. Visit cheshirefd.org. Postings about Cheshire Fire Department activities can be found on the CFD’s website, as well as on Facebook (Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department) and Instagram (cheshirect.fd).

Land Trust

The Cheshire Land Trust is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization committed to conservation. The organization is wholly funded by members.

For more information, email CheshireLandTrust@ gmail.com.

training? I know dogs can be trained – so can horses, and even mice! I also know this cat is staying inside.

Note: After all these years, Friends of Feral Cheshire Cats, has a different model of operation. Lorie and Kerry, however, still continue to offer assistance for spay/neuter and vaccinations. You can learn more at https://feralct.org/

CT has required police body cameras for two years. What’s changed?

By Mark Pazniokas © The Connecticut Mirror

The call of a domestic disturbance came at 6:39 p.m.

As Officer Haylee Ouellette approached the apartment in Manchester, a body-worn camera recording a cop’seye view of her arrival, a man inside could be heard screaming, “Shut your mouth!”

“Hey, hey, hey! What’s up? What’s happening?” Ouellette called out, her voice casual. She opened a screen door and leaned in. “Why are we yelling at each other?”

Joseph Diloreto was profanely berating a woman inside the apartment. He did not directly answer Ouellette until she stepped inside. Then his attention shifted from his female acquaintance to the officer, anger coming to a rapid boil.

In quick succession, he slapped at the officer, dodged a shot from a nonlethal Taser, grabbed a knife and advanced on Ouellette.

“Oh, my God,” said Diloreto’s companion.

Ouellette backed from the apartment to a courtyard, now aiming her handgun, not the Taser. Diloreto called her a “wimp.” Ouellette told him to drop the knife, or she would shoot. Diloreto hesitated by the door, then came out. He waved his arms and yelled, “Hit me. Hit me. Hit me. ”

He kept coming. Ouellette fired.

“Shots fired,” she radioed, her voice tight. “Multiple shots fired.”

Ouellette was the first of three Connecticut police officers to shoot someone this summer. Shootings in Manchester in July and West Hartford and Middletown in August left one man dead and two wounded.

Two incidents involved men who seemed impaired the one with a knife in Manchester, another with a claw hammer in Middletown as they inexplicably attacked armed officers.

In the other, a car chase and brief manhunt preceded a K9 officer in West Hartford shooting and killing a suspected car thief in a chaotic, claustrophobic confrontation involving the cop, his dog and the suspect on the front seat of a moving car.

All three shootings were recorded by the body-worn cameras that police call BWCs. Each time, public release of the videos came quickly and without prodding from the press, transparency mandated by a 2020 police accountability law.

Introduced elsewhere a

decade ago, BWC use in Connecticut has evolved from a voluntary pilot project authorized by the General Assembly in 2015 to their required use, effective July 1, 2021. Every use of deadly force by a local or state police officer since then has been captured by an unblinking camera.

“It’s transformative,” said Robert J. Devlin Jr., a former prosecutor and judge who is approaching the midpoint of a four-year term as Connecticut’s first inspector general, responsible for assessing every police use of deadly force.

Centralizing use-of-force investigations in the Office of Inspector General is one of the reforms in the 2020 law, Connecticut’s reaction to the citizen video of a handcuffed George Floyd dying while a

Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for 9 minutes while other cops watched without intervening.

The Connecticut law requires police to intervene when witnessing brutality by fellow cops, mandates body and dash cameras, bans chokeholds in most circumstances and clarifies that deadly force can be used only when police exhaust all

reasonable alternatives.

Brilliant Basement

And it resolves any question about when or whether to release BWC and dash-cam videos after critical incidents. The law mandates release within four days, and Devlin generally has posted them online even faster, accompanied by brief summaries identifying the officers involved.

Brilliant Basement Waterproofing,

ing it (the school) after Nora Adams, because she was one of the first female veterans in the Navy, and she was a reading teacher,” said Christine Pittsley, Special Projects Director for Connecticut State Library, and director for CSL’s award-winning World War One programs.

Pittsley, herself a veteran and a fourth-generation Cheshirite, said Cheshire veteran and teacher Nora Adams would be an excellent choice to name a school after.

Adams was Pittsley’s reading teacher at Norton School, and taught in the Meriden schools as well.

Years later, Pittsley became reacquainted with her former teacher, and learned Adams was a veteran and had served in the Navy Reserve in the WAVES (Women Accepted for Voluntary Service) in WWII.

“We tend to think of historical figures who died long before we knew them. But there were a lot of people in this town who knew Nora and she is part of our history. And she’s a vet,” stated Pittsley. “I know from her obituary that she was one of the first WAVES. She only died a couple of years ago, but she is a part of our history and so many of us have a connection to her. I think it would be an amazing way to honor her legacy in this town.”

A fact that Pittsley also notices is that “when we talk about Cheshire history, we’re focused on the men, but there were women who made significant contributions to our community; historically and in the present. So, naming a school for one of those women just makes sense. ”

“There is only one building in town named after a woman, and that’s Humiston, and I doubt if most people realize it’s named for Julia Humiston. The idea for naming a building after a woman it’s time,” she

continued.

Lucinda Foote is a noteworthy candidate as well, in Pittsley’s view.

Foote was the daughter of Rev. John Foote and when she was 12, she sat exams for Yale, with Yale President Ezra Stiles in 1783. “She’s listed as the first woman to take exams at Yale,” said Pittsley.

According to the certificate given to Lucinda, Stiles wrote: “She has made commendable progress giving the true meaning of passages of Euclid, of Virgil, the select orations of Cicero and in the Greek Testament and that she is fully qualified except in regard to sex to be received a pupil of the Freshman class of Yale College.”

Before marrying Dr. Thomas Cornwall in 1790, she pursued studies learning Hebrew from Stiles.

“She (Lucinda Foote) is a name we do not talk about. We talk about her father. We talk about her brother, Samuel Augustus, the governor; and we talk about her nephew. We talk about all the male Footes. Well, what about her?” asked Pittsley. That story has always stayed with Pittsley, and so, to name a school after her would be fitting, she said.

Another person who could be among the names considered is a man by the name of Cuff. Cuff was a free captive.

In the writings of late 19th century historian Edward R. Brown, Cuff is mentioned as having lived at the bottom of Huckins Road on Marion Road and the brook that runs parallel is Cuff Brook, named for him, according to Pittsley.

“I think that would be another fantastic name, “The Cuff Brook School,” because it would recognize the contributions of our early African descendant population, which was much larger than it is today. That would also be fitting, as those people were not afforded educational opportunities at that point in time,” she said.

The practice and clear legal requirement stands in contrast to other states.

In Cambridge, Mass., as the Boston Globe reported last week, officials have yet to identify the police officer who shot and killed a college student on Jan. 4, saying the legal authority for disclosure is unclear. There was no requirement to wear a BWC, and Cambridge officials had not provided one.

Connecticut is one of at least seven states mandating the statewide use of body-worn cameras, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Regardless of state laws, most larger police departments now employ them throughout the United States.

There is a consensus that body-worn cameras are game changers, at least in assessing police on their worst days, when a firearm is unholstered and fired, as well as resolving complaints.

Was a cop rude? Did they really use a racial epithet? Did they strike someone without cause?

“Well, now you watch the body cam,” said Paul Melanson, the chief of police in Avon and current chair of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association.

BWC videos are downloaded

and logged at the end of every shift, a cinematic record of everything from the most mundane of police interactions with the public to confrontations involving deadly force, like the ones from Manchester, Middletown and West Hartford.

Most of the devices have automatic triggers. When an officer activates a cruiser’s

lights or siren responding to call, the body and dash cams begin recording, Melanson said. In other situations, the BWC must be manually acti vated, a habit most officers have developed, he said.

Michael P.

justice professor and former prosecutor, lawmaker and gubernatorial adviser who sits on the New Haven Police Commission and the state board that sets police training standards, said the videos are neutral witnesses, allowing quicker resolutions of complaints.

Research has found that complaints drop when the cameras are used.

Harder to assess is how the BWCs are changing policing.

Early studies are inconclusive, said Chuck Wexler, the executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, a Washington, D.C.,

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A body-worn camera on a Middletown police officer captures Winston Tate, 52, attacking with a claw hammer on Aug. 12 right before he was shot and wounded.

Image via Office of Inspector General

Donald Hellerman

CHESHIRE Donald Hellerman, 61,of Cheshire, CT,passed away on August 21, 2023. Donaldwas born on September21, 1961, in Doylestown,PA, to Doris Mellor Hellerman and the late Richard Hellerman.

Donald graduatedfrom Penn State with a B.S. in Quantitative Chemistry whichled toa careerfocusedon QualityManagement. Duringhis career, he completed certification asa LeanSix Sigma Black Belt which lead to his most recent position asSite Quality Leaderfor PerkinElmer Shelton. Donald was an avid fishermanand boaterwho lovedoffshore tunafishing trips. Donald was also a cyclist who cycled more than 2000 miles ayear. Donald was also a marksman

Obituaries

who is larger than life (at least 10times hisactual size). Don had taken up cooking inthe recent years andwas perfecting some of his favorite dishes including sausage biscuits andgravy, Black Seabassor Mahitacos, and breakfast burritos.

In addition to his mother,Doris, Donaldleaves behindhis brother,Tracy and Tracy’swife Jennifer, nephew Matthew,and niece Lili. He was predeceased byhis father Richard.

Fingerprinting

Johnson at 203-271-5544. Arrange to bring your child and all safety seat instructions to the inspection. For more information on child safety and safety seats, visit Safekids.org.

La Leche League

who enjoyedtarget shooting and had recently won a target shooting contest at thelocal gun range where hewas a member. Donaldwas perceived as Grumpy but had ahuge heartand would helpall who asked.Donaldwasavery proud owner of a dachshund nameStoli

CHESHIRE - Donald Hellerman, 61, of Cheshire, CT, passed away on August 21, 2023. Donald was born on September 21, 1961, in Doylestown, PA, to Doris Mellor Hellerman and the late Richard Hellerman.

Donald graduated from Penn State with a B.S. in Quantitative Chemistry which led to a career focused on Quality Management. During his career, he completed certification as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt which lead to his most recent position as Site Quality Leader for Perkin Elmer Shelton. Donald was an avid fisherman and boater who loved offshore tuna fishing trips. Donald was also a cyclist who cycled more than 2000 miles a year. Donald was also a marksman who enjoyed target shooting and had recently won a target shooting contest at the local gun range where he was a member. Donald was perceived as Grumpy but had a huge heart and would help all who asked.

Family and friends are invited topay theirrespects onSunday, September24,2023from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home, 615South Main St., Cheshire, CT. Memorialcontributions maybe made to the ASPCA for hislove ofStoli. Toshare a storyor leaveonline condolences, please visit www.fordfh.com.

Cheshire residents and individuals employed by, or seeking employment with, a business in town may come to the Cheshire Police Department and have their fingerprints taken. Fingerprinting services are available Mondays and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is a $5 fee. Photo identification is required. Applicants are required to pre-enroll with the Connecticut Criminal History Request System (ct.flexcheck.us.idemia.io/ cchrspreenroll). Fingerprints for pistol permit applicants will only be taken when a complete application packet is ready to be turned in.

Car seat inspection

To schedule an appointment, contact Cheshire police officer Kristian

Welcome to On The Menu.

La Leche League of Hamden/North Haven meets the second Wednesday of each month at Grace & St. Peter’s Church, 2927 Dixwell Ave., Hamden. Attendees from throughout the greater New Haven area are welcome. RSVP to Anne.M@LLLCT.org.

Alert system

Residents can register to receive emergency notifications from the town. Examples include evacuation notices, bio-terrorism alerts, boil water notices and missing child reports. Visit cheshirect.org to register.

Office hours

Most Town of Cheshire offices are open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the following exceptions: the Registrars of Voters office is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday; the Human Services office is open 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment; the Collector of Revenue office is open for extended hours on tax deadline days.

Counseling

Donald was a very proud owner of a dachshund name Stoli who is larger than life (at least 10 times his actual size). Don had taken up cooking in the recent years and was perfecting some of his favorite dishes including sausage biscuits and gravy, Black Seabass or Mahi tacos, and breakfast burritos.

In addition to his mother, Doris, Donald leaves behind his brother, Tracy and Tracy’s wife

Youth and Family Counseling is provided at no cost to Cheshire school aged children and their families.

Individual, family and group therapy sessions are available. Clients are seen either in the Town Hall or at school. Daytime or evening sessions can be arranged. For more information, contact the Youth and Social Services Department at 203-271-6690.

Donald Hellerman

body-worn cameras,” Wexler said. “And I think that the answer to that is that bodyworn cameras by themselves will not change policing body-worn cameras with new training, new policies and new oversight will.”

Wexler said BWC videos already have been a training tool, showing real-life examples of police shootings that could have avoided with different tactics, especially when confronted with someone acting irrationally.

“From our standpoint, it has been an epiphany in how you think about force and how you train police to prevent unnecessary force, so that ultimately everybody can go home safe,” Wexler said.

The Police Executive Research Forum has developed a use-of-force protocol for handling people who are behaving erratically and dangerously but do not possess a firearm. It is dubbed ICAT for “integrating communications, assessment and tactics.”

ICAT preaches against moving quickly when a subject is

safely confined but showing signs of mental illness.

“The last thing they want is a police officer aiming a firearm at them and barking orders. But that’s how police have been taught,” Wexler said.

It is the scenario that unfolded on Jan. 15, 2020 when 19year-old Mubarak Soulemane of New Haven was shot to death by State Trooper Brian North after an onand-off chase on I-95 from Norwalk to West Haven.

As recounted by Devlin’s investigative report, Soulemane led police on a chase at speeds reaching 100 miles per hour before police boxed him in just off I-95 in West Haven. He sat alone behind the wheel of the car he had stolen from a Lyft driver after acting erratically at a cell phone store.

His eyes were closed, and he ignored shouts to exit the car. Soulemane’s family says he was diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 14. North stood outside the driver’s door, aiming his handgun at Soulemane’s chest through the closed window. A West Haven officer, Robert Rappa, broke a passenger side window. At North’s urging, another

trooper fired his Taser, which failed to penetrate Soulemane’s jacket.

“He’s reaching,” Rappa yelled.

Souleman pulled a serrated knife from his pocket and pointed it at the roof of the car. North fired seven times. Devlin took over the investigation in November 2021, two months after becoming inspector general. His task was to assess whether North’s use of force was “objectively reasonable,” a legal standard that gives police the benefit of the doubt.

To find an officer criminally culpable, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that police did not act in defense of themselves or others. In a scathing report issued in April 2022, Devlin concluded that North’s actions could not be justified,

nor were they reasonable by any measure.

He charged North with manslaughter, the first officer to be criminally charged under the new accountability law.

“At the time Trooper North fired his weapon, neither he nor any other person was in imminent danger of serious injury or death from a knife attack at the hands of Soulemane, ” Devlin wrote. “Further, any belief that persons were in such danger was not reasonable.”

North told investigators that he believed that Rappa was about to enter the car, and he feared that Soulemane might stab the West Haven officer.

There is body and dash camera video from various angles of the shooting, but the images from North’s

BWC may be of limited use in resolving whether North saw anything justifying that belief.

James W. Borden, a retired Nevada police officer and court-certified expert witness in use-of-force cases, said in an interview that not every BWC video will show precisely what an officer saw and reacted to in a matter of seconds.

“They have to make sense of what’s occurring in front of them. And at that point that starts to drive a decision,” said Borden, who reviewed North’s shooting and concluded the trooper could have had a reasonable belief of an imminent threat.

Read the full story on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, www.ctmirror.org.

Palma

From A1

She has already helped her competition squad earn a special honor. In the National Dance Alliance Camp from Aug. 2-4, Merrimack women placed first in the Division I category at Bryant University in Rhode Island.

“It was a lot of work, but it paid off to get first place,” said Palma.

The 17-member squad performed on the last day of the camp.

“The judges scored how we did on the dance and how our spirit was over the course of the week,” Palma explained.

Along with taking first place as a team, the Warriors received a gold bid to 2024 NDA College Nationals to be held April 10-13 in Daytona, Florida.

“Everyone starts with a bronze bid, but you can move up. We got the highest one, so we’ll get more mon-

ey toward the competition,” explained Palma.

This year is Merrimack’s first year as a D-I program. The dance team has shifted from a club to a varsity sport.

“We got most of our gear paid for this year,” stated Palma. “It is nice to be respected by the school and in D-I.”

(The full version of this story appears in the Sept. 7 edition of The Cheshire Herald. To subscribe to The Herald, visit www.cheshireherald.com.)

Representing Eastman Dance Company (North Haven) in July, Cheshire's Charlotte Palma was a national contestant for America Dance Awards Senior Dancer of the Year in Providence, Rhode Island. The 2023 Cheshire High School graduate is now dancing for two teams at Merrimack College in Massachusetts. Submitted

To register for the following programs, or for a complete calendar of programs offered by the Cheshire Public Library, 104 Main St., visit www.cheshirelibrary.org.

Open Art Studio

Fridays from 1 to 3 p.m., in The Loft, upper level. Bring your works in progress and supplies to this weekly dropin art program, an opportunity to create in a collaborative environment with other artists. No formal instruction will be provided, but informal critiquing for those who want it is encouraged. Table covers will be provided, and there is a sink in the room for basic cleanup. (Do not bring turpentine; turpenoid is an odorless agent to use in its place.)

Novels the group will be reading for the year are:

Sept. 21 – “The Dry” by Jane Harper

Oct. 19 – “The Windsor Knot” by S.J. Bennett

Cheshire Library Programs

Nov. 16 – “The Twist of the Knife” by Anthony Horowitz

December – No meeting

Mango Language Learning

Take your career to the next level, plan the trip of your dreams, or get in touch with your heritage.

Challenge yourself to learn something new about the world we share by learning a new language. Mango even has English classes for nonnative speakers!

Visit www.cheshirelibrary.org to see the full list of the library’s online resources, then click “Mango Languages” to get started.

Art at the Library

Thursday, Sept. 7 from 6-8 p.m. The month of September will feature the oil paintings of Laura Johnstone. An opening reception with food & refreshments will be held with the artist.

All are welcome to attend!

Banking Scams

Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m.

The

Grandparent Scam

-

The IRS Scam- The Lottery

Scam

These all share a common goal: to access your personal financial information and steal your hard-earned money.

Don’t let con artists get the best of you. Learn from Kathleen Titsworth of the Connecticut Department of Banking about common banking scams and tips to avoid being a victim.

Knowledge is your best defense!

To register visit https:// cheshirelibrary.libcal.com/ event/11120964

The Life & Art Collection of Peggy Guggenheim

Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 6:30

p.m. | Online

“I was a liberated woman long before there was a name for it,” according to heiress and art collector Peggy Guggenheim.

Learn about Ms. Guggenheim’s fascinating life including her efforts to get socalled “degenerate art” safely out of Europe on the eve of World War II, as well as her encouragement of European artists to wait out the war in the United States. To register visit https:// cheshirelibrary.libcal.com/ event/10717734

Ready to Try Something New? Join Our Cookbook Club!

Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Join us for a crowd-sourced feast as we prepare recipes from the cookbooks of Dorie

Greenspan then bring them to the library to share.

We have copies of Greenspan’s cookbooks at the Information desk on the lower level so you can start perusing today!

To register, visit https:// cheshirelibrary.libcal.com/ event/10822801

Kids and Teens

Tweens Make: Personalized Hats (Grades 3-5)

Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 44:45 p.m.

Get hands on with the Cricut Machine to make some custom hat designs! Bring your own hat (blank works best) or personalize a blank trucker hat provided by us.

Registration required at https://cheshirelibrary.libcal.com/event/11105319

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

MAINTAINER II COLLECTIONS SYSTEM

The Town of Wallingford Sewer Division is seeking qualified applicants to perform a variety of skilled tasks in the operation, maintenance, repair and construction of sanitary sewers, including CCTV inspection and high velocity flushing. Requires a H.S., trade school or vocational school diploma or H.S. equivalency diploma, plus 3 years employment in a field related to sanitary sewer construction, operation or maintenance, or 1 year of training in a skilled trade substituted for 1 year of experience up to 2 years plus a minimum of 1 year of employment for a sewer utility or in the construction field with work experience in the installation and maintenance of pipelines, or an equivalent combination of experience and training. Must possess or have the ability to obtain within 6 months of appointment a valid State of Connecticut Class B CDL. Wages: $26.16 to $31.18 hourly, plus an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, medical insurance, life insurance, paid sick and vacation time. Applications may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and can be mailed to the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, or emailed to: wlfdhr@wallingfordct. gov by the closing date of October 3, 2023. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

The Town of Wallingford is seeking highly qualified and experienced applicants for the position of Executive Secretary. This position provides high-level administrative support and assistance to a Town department head and performs difficult clerical and administrative work requiring considerable independent judgment and confidentiality. The position requires excellent public relations and office management skills. Must have 6 years’ experience in responsible office work, some of which must have been in a supervisory capacity, or an equivalent combination of experience and college-level training. Pay rate $28.75 to $34.86 per hour plus an excellent benefit package. Application forms may be obtained at the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from Town of Wallingford

Department of Human Resources Web

Page and emailed to wlfdhr@wallingfordct.

gov. Phone: (203)-2942080. Fax (203)-2942084. The closing date will be September 11, 2023. EOE

LIBRARY CLERK

Town of Cheshire seeks qualified candidates for PT, 15 hr/wk position in the Materials Management Department of the Cheshire Library $15.50/hr to start. Refer to Town’s website at www.cheshirect.org for additional information on how to apply by 9/15/2023 and job description. The Town of Cheshire is an EEOE, M/F/D/V.

AFFORDABLE HOME FOR SALE

In Wallingford. Detached two story condominium, 1250 sq. ft, 3BR, 1.5BA, and 1 car garage, available to those persons whose combined household income does not exceed $69,826.00. The maximum price of unit number Nine (9) Sycamore Way, Wallingford, CT is $213,955.00. For additional info contact: John Smolenski at JohnSmolenski @bhhsne.com

MATERIALS DISTRIBUTION

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

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

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

HELP WANTED - Full time Machine Operator, grinding carbide. Will train. Apply in person to Century Tool, 260 Canal St., Milldale, CT 06467, M-F, 7-3:30 P.M. 860-621-6748.

TRUCK DRIVERS

Geremia Greenhouse is looking for customer friendly individuals to drive a 26’ box truck to make deliveries of live plants, full- or part-time. A valid driver’s license and clean driving record is required. CDL is desired but not required. Apply in person Mon.-Fri., at 415 Barnes Road, Wallingford, CT.

MOVING SALE

Solid Rose Wood Handmade Living Room Sets and Piano. Call for Pricing 203-621-4008.

PREMIUM SCREENED

TOPSOIL

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

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

CANNON PRINTERCopier, fax, used 1 X, $70. Call 860-4613078, will text pic.

POOL CLOSING/OPENINGS - Avoid the hassle of closing or opening your pool, call Steve! (Service all types of pools). 203-506-6329.

1, 2, 3 CASH FOR YOUR ANTIQUES & JEWELRY - Call Todd Shamock at 203-494-1695.

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

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

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

BUYING MACHINIST

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

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

TIMELESS TREASURES ESTATE AUCTIONSIs looking to purchase estate contents. From single items to entire estates. Clean-out services available. Call Bill (203) 494-2496.

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

TOP CASH PAID For any Toyota any condition, running or not, crashed okay. Will take other makes and models. (203) 600-4431.

TOP CASH PAID

For Junk or unwanted vehicles, Toyota’s etc.

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

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

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

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

DECKS & PORCHES

Give some new life to your old decks and porches. We can repair or replace stairs, deck boards, railings. We also construct new decks.

HIC#647093 Insured. Call Bill for a free estimate, (203) 901-2136.

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

GUTTERS DON’T WORK

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

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

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

CEILINGS & WALL REPAIRS - Free estimates, Call Erik, 203-5924242. HIC0565857.

Gutter cleaning, brush removal, comm. snow plowing, HIC0622783. (203) 530-4447.

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

RT RELOCATION

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

Insurance claim.storm damage.roofing.siding. gutter.chimney flashing. Office:203.754.3071 Cell:203.510.3830 Stormshieldct@gmail. com HIC.0664452

GOOD RATES BEST SERVICE Fully ins. Free Estimate. Call Ed, We’ll take it to the dump for you!

JT’S LANDSCAPING

Let Us BEAR Your Junk! Junk Removal in CT

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

OVER 35 YRS EXP Stonewalls, patios, sidewalks, chimneys, pool areas, fireplaces, fire pit steps. Free est. 860.274.4893.

#1 PAINTER’S EDGE Ext. & Int. Painting. Sheetrock.Popcorn Repair. Wallpaper Remv’l. Decks. 25 yrs exp. Free est. Sr. disc. #0656136. Ins. 860.538.5520

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

SPRING CLEANUPS

JM Lawn Care Lawn Mowing, Fall Cleanup, tree service, junk removal. 860.796.8168 POWER

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

PATIOS, WALKWAYS, Stonewalls, Steps, Concrete, Repairs, Etc. Free Ests. #0648556 203.808.6886 arnoldsmasonry.com

W. BOOBER MASONRYOver 35 Years Experience

All Types of Masonry CT License #626708 (203) 235-4139

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

TREE REMOVAL

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

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