www.southingtoncitizen.com
Volume 19, Number 32
Friday, August 12, 2022
National trend: Fewer teens are driving By Jessica Simms Record-Journal staff
The number of teen drivers has decreased nationally for a variety of reasons, a trend noticed by officials at local driving schools.
Mary Buschmann wears a bra and outfit designed by the friends at the Barrel House during Art Bra 2022 as part of the After the Storm Inc. fundraiser at the Aqua Turf Club on Aug. 4.
Model/survivor Lara Hajak wears a bra and outfit designed by Joan Aceto. Photos by Aaron Flaum, Record-Journal
ArtBra raises money for integrated medicine in fight against cancer By Cris Villalonga-Vivoni Record-Journal staff
a bra and skirt outfit inspired by the Roman huntress “Diana.”
SOUTHINGTON — Cheers and hollers erupted from guests at the ArtBra Fundraiser hosted by After the Storm Inc. as the first model came strutting down the runway in
The outfit was completed with a toy bow and arrow and the model posed at the end of the walkway, even going as far as pointing her toy weapon at audience members. She
continued entertaining the crowd as the auctioneer began. “This isn’t an art bra. It’s an art outfit,” he exclaimed while enticing audience members to raise the bidding, which soon reached a winning bid of $550. See ArtBra, A4
“These days, people are not motivated to get their license,” said Jay Alvarez, owner of Shield Driving School in Meriden. “The younger driver, they don’t want their license. They don’t want that responsibility. A lot of the parents are forcing their kids to get their license at 16 because they need them to get a job, they need them to go to practice, they need them to go to school.” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that out of the 228.2 million licensed drivers in the United States in 2020, only 11.6 million (5.1%) of them were considered to be young drivers, ages 15 to 20 years old. This is an 8.3% decrease from the young licensed drivers in 2011 and a 4.7% decrease from 2019. Alvarez said the average age of his See Teenage drivers, A8
Restaurant owner living out his American Dream By Nicole Zappone The Citizen
PLAINVILLE — Juan Carlos Juarez came to the United States at the age of 16 to seek the American Dream. For him, that vision included opening a family-run Mexican restaurant. While it took some time, Juarez achieved his goal. On July 5, he opened the doors to Don Taco, located at 135 Whiting St.
“We’re very excited. This has been a long-time dream," said Juarez, who co-owns Don Taco with his wife Mimy Hernandez, his brother Mario Juarez, and his sister-in-law Luisa Hernandez, Mimy's sister. All are restaurant industry veterans. Don Taco is focused on preparing Mexican food in a traditional way, without cutting corners. See Don Taco, A2
Don Taco is Plainville's newest Mexican restaurant. Pictured, from left, are: Yessi Cruz, Rocio Cruz, Mario Juarez (owner), Naomi Juarez-Hernandez, Luisa Hernandez (owner), Mimy Hernandez (owner), Juan Carlos Juarez (owner), Mya Juarez, Karia Juarez, and Giovanni Miguel Antonio. Nicole Zappone, The Citizen