Southington-Plainville Citizen - May 26, 2023

COMMENTARY Honoring vets who didn’t return from war

More than 1.2 million Americans have been killed during war time, with some 600,000 of those casualties coming in our bloody Civil War.

The number of Americans lost in battle also includes 405,399 in World War II, 90,220 in Vietnam and nearly 7,000 in the ongoing War on Terror.

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, we remember the men and women who did not return from war; Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Joseph Campbell quote “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself” comes to mind.

Decades after Memorial Day was declared a national holiday, in 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance was established by Congress.

Car thefts, burglaries climbing in town

By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff

SOUTHINGTON Car thefts and break-ins are on the rise this year and police say they’re undertaking “a lot” of investigations with the help of video footage gathered from residents’ home security cameras.

Police are also distributing steering wheel lock devices to Hyundai owners and urging all residents to lock their cars and keep valuables out of sight.

More thefts, burglaries

While the police department recorded 163 car burglaries last year, there have already been 95 in town to date. April burglaries jumped from 13 in 2022 to 53 this year.

Deputy Police Chief William Palmieri said auto crimes, which have risen in recent years, do ebb and flow. A group of thieves will be active for a time and then either stop or get

See Crime, A40

SHS Cyberknights

recognized at meeting

Wherever Americans are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day, we are asked to pause in an act of national unity for a duration of one minute.

According to a Department of Veteran Affairs’ fact sheet, the inspiration for the National Moment of Remembrance came from a group of

Photo contributed by Peter Galgano

The Connecticut Gold Star Families Memorial Monument is located at Veterans Memorial Park in Berlin. Dedicated in 2022, the monument honors military families and the legacy of their loved ones who died while serving in the armedforces.

children who were touring Washington, D.C. When they were asked what Memorial Day meant to them, they replied, “That’s the day the pools open!”

Those youngsters can be forgiven for not understanding the true meaning behind the

See Memorial, A45

By Christian Metzger Record-Journal staff

SOUTHINGTON The Southington High School robotics team, the CyberKnights, were recognized by the Board of Education following their return from Texas where they placed as semifinalists in the FIRST Robotics Competition World Championship.

A majority of the May 11 meeting was occupied by the team’s demonstration of the robot that was entered at the competition, which consisted of a large hydraulic arm that could autonomously wheel around a set play area to pick up, drop, and throw game pieces.

See Robotics, A44

Luxury Retirement Living

All-inclusive rates- care packages available.

Care available

Rules changes made to high school hoops

By Sean Krofssik Record-Journal staff

There was already a major change coming this winter to Connecticut boys and girls high school basketball: the shot clock.

Now more changes have arrived.

Last week, the National Federation of State High School Associations announced rule changes for the 2023-24 basketball season. The biggest apply to foul shooting.

The one-and-one has been done away with. All trips to

the foul line will be two shots.

How that “bonus” situation is calculated has changed. Team fouls will no longer be counted by halves. They will reset at the end of each quarter.

Two-shot free throws kick in on all fouls when the opposing team reaches five in a quarter.

Under the old rules, a team shot one-and-one when an opponent committed seven fouls in a half, then went to two foul shots when the 10th

foul of the half was committed.

According to Lindsey Atkinson, the National Federation’s director of sports, the Federation’s basketball rules committee studied data that showed higher injury rates during rebounding situations. Scrapping the oneand-one was seen as a way to reduce rough play.

Atkinson also said that resetting the fouls each quarter will improve game flow, and some local coaches agree.

See Hoops, A45

Summer Day Camp at Camp Wheeler is for kids of all ages

Press release

PLAINVILLE The YMCA of Greater Hartford has a long-standing tradition of providing kids with life changing experiences filled with friendship, life skills and adventure for well over 100 years and Camp Wheeler is no exception. This year all Y campers get FREE swim lessons and FREE child care for parents before and after camp from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

At Camp Wheeler’s beautiful outdoor play space campers will enjoy the FREE swim lessons, GAGA pit, basketball court, nature trail, archery and more! Inside our full facility there's the popular multi-purpose pool, gymnasium, climbing wall, and the new virtual ExerGame room. Campers will stay busy, be safe and have fun each and every day!

Camp staff are committed to

helping each camper develop to their fullest potential by teaching our YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.

Camp Wheeler is located at the Wheeler YMCA at 149 Farmington Ave., Plainville. Parents can rest easy knowing their children are being cared for by accredited child care providers in a nurturing environment. This service is provided Free to all enrolled day campers. Day camp hours are 9am to 4pm. Drowning is a leading cause of death among children and the Y, as the largest provider of swim instruction in the country, is dedicated to making sure kids learn to swim and are taught the basic principles of water safety. For this reason, the Greater Hartford Y is providing free swim lessons to campers of all ages as an added bonus to regular camp offerings.

Y day camps start with children as young as 3 years old with preschool camp, traditional camp through grade 8, and leadership programs for teens all the way through high school. Registration is open now and financial assistance is available to families who qualify so that no child is turned away due to economic hardship.

For more information on locations, hours, and programs and registration visit: https://www.ghymca.org/ camps/camp-wheelerwheeler-ymca

Each child enrolled in Day Camp receives free swim lessons. Free childcare is available before and after camp.

Registration open now for Camp Wheeler. Camp starts June 19

Financial assistance is available.

Senior Health

Safer falls

If you are aware of the inevitability of a fall, you can at least prepare properly. Join this virtual class Wednesday, May 31, 10 to 11 a.m.

Presented by Mitchell Nyser, exercise physiologist, Hartford HealthCare, GoodLife Fitness, the class will teach how to fall the correct way –forwards or backwards – and all the details on how to do it safely to reduce the risk or lessen the severity of injury.

Call 1-855-442-4373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.

Call-in support

Looking for a safe space? Every Friday, 2 to 3 p.m., talk to a professional about questions and concerns you may have regarding dementia.

Call 1-646-876-9923 (Meeting ID 92408181873#).

Caregiver support

Do you care for someone diagnosed with dementia?

This virtual support group meets the second Wednesday of the month, 6:30 to 8

p.m.

The group is facilitated by Patty O’Brian, CDP, dementia specialist, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging.

Call 1-855-442-4373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.

Hybrid support group

Join this dementia caregiver support group the third Monday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in-person or online.

Facilitated by a Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging Dementia Specialist.

Call 1-855-442-4373 or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.

The in-person meeting will take place at Berlin-Peck Memorial Library, 234 Kensington Road, Berlin.

Since

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Day care looks to open at redeveloped site on Queen Street

By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff

SOUTHINGTON A day care is looking to open in a long-vacant Queen Street property that was recently redeveloped.

Owners of My Little Rascals want town approval for a day care for 48 children at the former diner site at 36 Queen St. Three buildings are under construction on the land owned by Savino and Mirka Melluzzo between Queen Street and the Quinnipiac River.

Matthew Pereira, a day care owner, said he’s outgrown the building the daycare is currently in at 445 N. Main St.

“That facility just doesn’t fit our needs anymore,” he told planners during a meeting this week. Pereira also wanted a site that was close by to ease the transition for parents.

“Our facility is less than a quarter mile away. Being in close proximity to that (is important) to make sure a parent doesn’t have to travel further to stay with us,”

Pereira said.

He’s been looking for another site for some time before finding the one on Queen Street.

“I bought a piece of land thinking it was going to a perfect spot. It’s still sitting vacant,” Pereira said.

The day care has 32 children now and wants to expand to allow for up to 48 children at the new location.

Questions from planners

Town planners didn’t take

action on Pereira’s request for a special permit to allow the day care to open but did have questions about whether or not the site was suitable.

Peter Santago, a Planning and Zoning Commission member, had some concerns about the location.

“Why is this spot beginning of Queen Street, a really bad turn coming onto Queen Street, a hill and a cliff right behind you appropriate for young children during the day?” he asked.

Pereira said he was planning a six-foot fence around the playground to keep children contained and away from the drop-off in the back. Unlike a school, all the children don’t arrive at the same time and he estimated just a few families dropping off or picking up children at any given time.

“At most you really see about three cars parked in the parking lot at the same time,” Pereira said. “We’ve

One of three new buildings is seen here from above at 36 Queen St. in Southington. A day care has been proposed for this building.

dedicated drop off and pick up spots.”

Long-vacant property

The property was owned by Dennis Repoli for decades until he sold it in 2020. The Melluzzos bought the 3.3acre parcel that year for $135,000.

Owners hope to complete the development, called Riverstone Square, by the fall of 2023.

jbuchanan@record-journal.com

203-317-2230

Twitter: @JBuchananRJ

Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

Baseball tournament dedicated to fallen Bristol police officer

Citizen report

The 2023 CIAC state baseball tournament will be dedicated to Bristol police Lieutenant Dustin DeMonte, who was killed in the line of duty in the fall of 2022.

Each year, the CIAC dedicates its baseball state tournament in honor of an individual closely connected to high school baseball in the state.

DeMonte settled in North Haven, but came of age in Middletown. He was a catcher and pitcher on the Middletown High School baseball team, graduating MHS in 2005.

A writeup on the CIAC website states, “Coaches and friends recall Dustin as a quiet leader, who led by example.”

DeMonte’s uniform number in high school was 51, and the Middletown High baseball team honored the former player this season by wearing No. 51 patches on their jerseys.

The CIAC baseball state finals will be played at Middletown’s Palmer Field on Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10.

A brief pregame ceremony will take place on June 10 to formally honor DeMonte and his family.

Choral concert

The Plainville Choral Society (PCS) will present the concert, “Sounds of Joy: Music to Make You Happy,” Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27, 7 p.m., at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 355 Camp St. in Bristol. Audiences will be treated to an ecclectic collection of songs from Broadway and the “Great American Playbook.” Tickets purchased in advance for “Sounds of Joy: Music to Make You Happy” are $12 ($5 for children under 12). At the door, tickets will be $15. Tickets can be purchased from members of the chorale society, and online at pcsmusic.net. For further information, contact Debi Wishart-Parker at 860-5738526.

Drive-In movies

The 2023 summer season at the Southington Drive-In runs every Saturday from June 3 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. Ahead of every movie, local gym coach Eric Korp will host activities for children on the multi-purpose field adjacent to the drive-in park. Coming up -June 3: “Jaws,” Southington UNICO; June 10: “Inside Out,” Southington Education Foundation; June 17: “Aladdin” Southington Rotary; June 24: “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” Mill Foundation.

Marines sought

The Marine Corps League, Hardware City Detachment, New Britain CT is actively looking for new members. You do not have to live in New Britain to be a member. The Hardware City Detachment regularly supports local veterans and their families in need, and participates in many local celebrations and remembrances. The Hardware City Detachment meets the first Wednesday of the month, 6:30 p.m., at the Berlin VFW, 152 Massirio Drive. For more information, contact Sal V. Sena Sr. (860614-6188, 4mermarine69@ gmail.com) or Al Urso (860747-0677, alurso@cox.net).

Hall of Fame

Entering the Plainville Sports Hall of Fame this year are Christie Matteo (Class of 1992), Brian Sparks (Class of 2000), Todd Pagano (Class of 2001), Vito Barbagallo (Class of 2003) and Desiree Pina

(Class of 2008). The 2008 Plainville High School baseball team will also be inducted and longtime director of athletics John Zadnik will be presented with the Distinguished Service Award. The induction dinner will be held Sept. 30 at The DoubleTree by Hilton in Bristol. For additional information, visit plainvillesports.com, find the Hall of Fame on Facebook, or contact Phil Cox (860-250-6484) or Mike Bakaysa (860-5738015).

Balloon fest

The Plainville Fire Company’s Hot Air Balloon Festival will take place at Norton Park the evening of Friday, Aug. 25, and all day Saturday, Aug. 26.

Anyone interested in helping is encouraged to sign up. Volunteers are needed from Friday through Sunday. To access the volunteer application, visit plainvillefireco.com.

Renters rebate

State law provides a reimbursement program for Connecticut renters who are elderly or totally disabled, and whose incomes do not exceed certain limits. Persons renting an apartment or room or living in cooperative housing, or a mobile home may be eligible for this program. Applications are accepted between April 1 and Oct. 1. Visit portal.ct.gov/ OPM.

Mentoring

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the 119-year-old national youth mentoring organization.

Based in Hartford, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut offers life-changing programs to at-risk children in all of the state’s 169 municipalities. Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters by visiting ctbigs.org.

SCHOOL BUSINESS COMMUNITY BREAKFAST

26-Day Challenge starts on June 1

Press Release

The Southington-Cheshire Community YMCAs are preparing for their annual 26-Day Challenge to raise $36,500 total for both communities to support the Race4Chase Youth Triathlon program.

The goal is to raise $20,000 in Southington and $17,000 in Cheshire ($10,000 of that goal has been raised to date). Each participant in the 26-Day Challenge has been asked to raise monetary donations with an overall goal of $510 per person to help make up the remaining $27,000.

The challenge will kick-off on June 1 with YMCA CEO Mark Pooler, followed by 26 volunteers in both Southington and Cheshire. Volunteer athletes include YMCA board members and staff, teachers and faculty, business owners, Y members and community leaders. All will be running, biking or swimming 2.6 miles for 26 consecu-

tive days in memory of Chase Kowalski and the other students and teachers who lost their lives at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Dec. 14, 2012.

Chase Kowalski competed in his first triathlon in the fall of 2012 and now his memory lives on in the young athletes he inspires each summer.

The Race4Chase Youth Triathlon program, offered for free to young athletes, is run at over 29 sites across Connecticut, Rhode Island and South Carolina.

On June 1, Mark Pooler will begin running and exercising for 26 days in a row. Each day after June 1 another runner in each community will join him and run or exercise each consecutive day until June 26. If you are interested in joining the challenge and helping the SouthingtonCheshire Community YMCA reach its $37,000 goal, contact Julie Gianesini at jgianesini@scccymca.org.

On Wednesday, May 10, Plainville Community Schools held a School Business Community (SBC) appreciation breakfast. Since its introduction during the 2017-2018 school year, the SBC has partnered with local businesses through collaboration with students, faculty and staff.

Photos by Nicole Zappone, The Citizen

Southington Bread Company offers food, experience, community

By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff

SOUTHINGTON Paula

Rouleau is one of the workers at Southington Bread Company preparing food on Fridays, the latest Bread for Life venture that gives the soup kitchen’s clients a chance to get work experience and community.

“I’ve never made bread before,” Rouleau said. “I’ve learned a great deal.”

After baking bread and chocolate chip cookies on Friday afternoon, Rouleau and others offer their products to the community for a suggested donation on Saturdays. They started this month and will run until Bread for Life’s other effort,

Southington Honey Company, starts up with farmer’s market season.

Missy Cipriano, Bread for Life’s operations director, said the bread company can run when the honey operation is dormant. Both give clients a chance to get work experience and get to know people in the community.

“It’s to offer foundational work experience to the clients who come to the kitchen to help them build skills whether it’s cooking, baking sales, taking orders on the table,” Cipriano said. Part of the goal is “giving them the confidence they need for the next steps in their lives.”

How to Prepare for a Smooth Home Closing

Are you in the process of selling your home or thinking about selling? There are certain steps in the process that have to be navigated to ensure you reach the closing table.

Disclosing Issues: When selling your home, you will fill out a home disclosure statement. This includes things like the age of the roof and water heater, any major repairs or additions, and more serious concerns like asbestos and lead paint.

Deadlines: There are deadlines to respond to offers and for completing home inspections and appraisals. To ensure a smooth process, stay organized and stay in contact with your agent.

Indecision: As a seller, it is common to want to wait and see if a better offer gets presented. Be mindful of your timeline and do not let indecisiveness cost you your best offer.

Appraisals: If the buyers are seeking financing, the mortgage lender will require an appraisal to ensure it is worth the amount that the bank is lending. A low appraisal means the buyer will have to produce the difference, a new offer must be negotiated, or the offer may fall apart.

Getting to the closing table of a home sale is not always easy. Rely on the advice of trusted professionals, including the lawyer who will handle the closing

It’s difficult for people without work experience to gain it, Cipriano said. The bread company and the honey company, which started three years ago, offers that. There’s more benefit than just work experience though. Cipriano said those who work get to be a part of the

community and meet people as volunteers, not just food kitchen clients.

“We all want to belong,” she said. “Food is what we do and we do that well but there are other hungers.”

“It’s work and it’s communi-

ty. They’re building relationships with each other,” Cipriano said. “It’s been really good to watch them.”

Rouleau was glad to help Bread for Life and those who visit.

“I get a lot of emotional support here from different people I meet. It’s a wonderful place,” she said. “We’ve become a little community. You get to know each other, you become friends… A year ago, I had no clue who these people were, now they’re part of our family.”

The group bakes about 30 or 40 loaves plus a few dozen chocolate chip cookies. Suggested donation is $8 for the loaves and $3 for the cookies. Those donations go back to Bread for Life’s operations.

Rouleau and Dan Smith, another volunteer and client, helped make products for the Southington Honey Company. Those have included lip balm, key chains and seed bombs which are made from ground up newspaper and pollinator plant seeds.

Smith was enjoying also working on the bread baking, which is all done by hand.

“I’ve never made bread. I

Paula Rouleau, of Southington, left, helps knead the dough while making Italian bread with Heather Thomas, social coordinator, right, at Bread for Life at 31 Vermont Ave., in Southington. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal See Bread, A39

Southington library bookstore offers online sales

By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff

SOUTHINGTON Book

lovers looking for a summer read can browse titles for sale at the library’s bookstore online, thanks to a volunteer who set up the system.

In addition to looking through donated books for sale at the Friends of the Southington Library bookstore, customers can look at hundreds of books online, buy and pay for books and then pick up their order at the library.

Rose Belanger, a volunteer with the bookstore and a substitute librarian, said the online component gives people more options to buy books and can help highlight things the library is doing.

Belanger is also planning for construction to begin on a new library building. The current building will remain open while a new one goes up on the same site. Parking will be restricted during that time due to construction and she wanted a way for patrons to easily get books.

“The parking will be limited, I thought it’d be a way to keep sales moving,” Belanger said. “(Customers) can be in and out, they can pick up their orders and don’t have to worry about parking for more than a few minutes.”

Books listed online can only be purchased online. Belanger picks out newer books or those from popular authors for listing online. To browse what the Friends of the Southington Library offers online, visit southingtonfol.square.site.

After buying a book or books online, customers can pick them up at the library’s bookstore once they receive an email notification that the order is ready. Since the bookstore is only open a few hours per day, customers can also pick up an order at shelves at the library.

“This gives people more flexibility to come whenever the library’s open, ” Belanger said.

She’s used the online sales, which started two weeks ago, to highlight upcoming events. The library is having a Comicon on June 16 and Belanger has posted pictures of all the comics that’ll be available.

“They’re posted up there. You can’t buy them, you have to buy them the day of the Comicon,” Belanger said. She talked to other library groups that offer online book sales and decided to use Square to process the payments. While there aren’t any surrounding towns that

203.640.3464

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Rose Belanger, online administrator for Friends of the Southington Library, stands in the bookstore of the nonprofit located on the lower level of the Southington Public Library. Customers can now look at hundreds of books online, buy and pay for books and then pick up their order at the library.

Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

Congregational Church of Plainville to hold festival

The Congregational Church of Plainville, 130 West Main St., Plainville, presents a Festival on the Green on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 7 p.m.

Join us on the C.C.P. front lawn for a Music & Art Festival! Bring a chair or blanket to relax on while you listen to the music of our featured band Featherless or browse one of our local artist's tables. Rain or Shine!

For questions, please contact the Church Office at 860-747-1901 or via email at churchoffice@uccplainville.org. www.uccplainville.org

Tag Sale

A tag sale will be held Sat-

urday June 3, 9am to 2pm at First Lutheran Church, 232 Bristol St Southington Come for great deals on vintage items, household items,books, clothing and much much more.

Also a bake sale so come buy a goodie and a cup of coffee. No early birds please.

Preservation CT

Preservation Connecticut is a statewide nonprofit historic preservation organization, established in 1975 by a Special Act of the Connecticut General Assembly as the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation.

For over four decades, Preservation Connecticut has championed the protection of community assets all over the state.

For more information, visit preservationct.org.

For

Books

do it, she found some in the state and one in California.

“I thought it might add to our revenue and be a better presence in our community,” Belanger said.

The library friends group raises money for the library

and has donated $400,000 since it formed in 1996.

Elizabeth Chubet, the library’s adult program coordinator, praised Belanger’s efforts with the bookstore.

“She has brought this forward, she’s amazing,” Chubet said. “It’s such a huge move for us. It just broadens our audience.”

Chubet was glad that friends of the library were offering inexpensive books to people and said the prices are “incredible.”

“They work so hard on trying to get books into people’s hands. Its amazing what they’ve been doing,” she said. “You’re talking a dollar a book, two dollars a book.”

Belanger hopes the service grows in popularity with patrons.

“We’re hoping it takes off. We’re very happy to offer this service to the community,” she said.

jbuchanan@record-journal.com

203-317-2230

Twitter: @JBuchananRJ

From A9

Donna Mangene, volunteer for Friends of the Southington Library, passes the time reading a book while working in the bookstore of the nonprofit organization located on the lower leveloftheSouthingtonPublicLibrary. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

The

Southington & Plainville Citizen is Honored to Present the 2023 Winners of the Best of Awards

BEAUTY & HEALTH BARBER SHOP

WINNER

Lombardo’s Barber Shop

RUNNER UP

Barbers Unlimited

Barber Shop Originals

BEST DAY SPA

WINNER

Amada Lash Studio

RUNNER UP

A Moment Away

Aria Medical Aesthetics

CHIROPRACTOR WINNER

Raya Clinic - Stacey K. Raya, DC

RUNNER UP

Life Family Chiropractic of Southington

Southington Chiropractic Center - Dr.

Michael Della Volpe D.C.

DENTIST WINNER

Jared Percyz DDS

RUNNER UP

Southington Family Dentistry

Constant Dental Care

DERMATOLOGIST

WINNER

Correale Dana M MD

DIET CENTER

WINNER

Aria Medical Aesthetics

RUNNER UP

Raya Clinic

Pounds Transformation

EYEGLASS & CONTACT STORE

WINNER

Eye Life Vision Center

RUNNER UP

Costco Wholesale

EYELASH EXTENSIONS

WINNER

Polaris Lash Studio

RUNNER UP

Amada lash studio

Style By Katelyn Salon

HAIR SALON

WINNER

Jillian & Company

RUNNER UP

Peter Dominic Salon & Spa

The Network Salon

HEARING AID CENTER

WINNER

Bristol Hearing Aids, LLC

RUNNER UP

Hearing Health & Wellness Center: Dr.

Linda Vasile Au.D.

HOSPITAL WINNER

The Hospital of Central Connecticut

Emergency Room

RUNNER UP

The Hospital of Central Connecticut

Bristol Hospital

NAIL SALON WINNER

From Tips To Toes & More RUNNER UP

A Moment Away

Sister Nail Spa

OPTOMETRIST WINNER

Bezahler Ronald MD

RUNNER UP

Oronoque Eye Care Inc.

ORTHODONTIST

WINNER

Team Demas Orthodontics

PEDIATRICIAN WINNER

Pediatric Care Center-Southington

RUNNER UP

Onyirimba Maureen MD

James O’Connor Pediatric Asso. of Cheshire

PHARMACY WINNER

Beacon Prescriptions Pharmacy

RUNNER UP CVS

Walgreens

PODIATRIST WINNER

Leo M. Veleas, DPM RUNNER UP

Gambardella Paul T DPM

RADIOLOGY WINNER

The Hospital of Central Connecticut

Emergency Room

RUNNER UP

Midstate Radiology Associates

Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute

TANNING SALON WINNER

Tommy’s Tanning

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE WINNER

From Tips To Toes & More

RUNNER UP A Moment Away

Infinity Massage

URGENT CARE WINNER

Hartford HealthCare Medical Group

RUNNER UP 828 - Urgent Care

WEIGHT LOSS CENTER WINNER

Raya Clinic

RUNNER UP

Southington Community YMCA

Aria Medical Aesthetics

CLOTHING

CONSIGNMENT STORE

WINNER

Uptown Consignment

RUNNER UP

Consignment Originals

Cindy’s Unique Shop

DINING

AMERICAN WINNER

Craft Kitchen RUNNER UP

Anthony Jacks Wood Fired Grill

Smokin’ With Chris

BAGELS WINNER

Fancy Bagels Inc.

RUNNER UP

New England Muffin Factory

Fancy Bagels Xpress

BAKERY WINNER

Sassy Mama Sweets

RUNNER UP

Lewis Farms

Endless Sweets Bakery

-4 Friday, May 26, 2023

DINING

BBQ WINNER

Smokin’ With Chris

RUNNER UP

MISSION BBQ

Que Whiskey Kitchen

BREAKFAST WINNER

Pepper Pot RUNNER UP

Southington Coffee House

Paul Gregory’s

BREAKFAST SANDWICH WINNER

Fancy Bagels Inc.

RUNNER UP

Paul Gregory’s

Kettle Bagels 1 (Queen Street Location)

Breakfast & Lunch

BURGER WINNER

Hop Haus Southington

RUNNER UP

Plan b Southington

Wood n Tap

CATERER WINNER

Tops Marketplace

RUNNER UP

Ragazzinos

IGA

CHICKEN WINGS WINNER

Sliders Grill & Bar - Southington, CT

RUNNER UP

The Groggy Frogg

Craft Kitchen

CHINESE WINNER

Somewhere In Bangkok

RUNNER UP

Zheng’s Chinese Restaurant

Hong Kong Kitchen

COFFEE WINNER

Southington Coffee House

RUNNER UP

Lions Den Coffee Shop

Perkatory Coffee Roasters

DELI

WINNER

Little Red Store

RUNNER UP

Ragozzino’s Deli & Catering

Deli 66

DINER WINNER

Grace’s Restaurant

RUNNER UP

Bell City Diner

Kizl’s Restaurant

DOUGHNUTS WINNER

Neils Donuts

RUNNER UP

Lewis Farms

Southington Coffee House

EARLY BIRD DINNER WINNER

Manor Inn Restaurant

FAMILY RESTAURANT WINNER

Flair Restaurant & Bar

RUNNER UP

Sweet Mango

Paul Gregory’s

FINE DINING WINNER

New Mill Restaurant

RUNNER UP

Anthony Jacks Wood Fired Grill

Flair Restaurant & Bar

GREEK WINNER

Crazy Greek RUNNER UP

JD’s Pizzeria Bar & Grill

HOT DOG WINNER

Saint’s Restaurant & Catering RUNNER UP

Blackie’s Hot Dog Stand

New Guida’s

We are

Our awards include:

Best Hospital: MidState Medical Center

ICE CREAM WINNER

Pat’s Main Street Ice Cream

RUNNER UP

Praline’s Cafe

Hidden Valley Miniature Golf and Waterfront Grille

INDIAN WINNER

Namaste India

ITALIAN WINNER

Fratelli’s Italian Restaurant

RUNNER UP

Tuscany Restaurant & Pizzeria

Aziago’s Restaurant

JAPANESE WINNER

Sweet Mango RUNNER UP

Noble Japanese Steak House

JERKY WINNER

Mister B’s Jerky Co.

LUNCH SPOT WINNER

Craft Kitchen RUNNER UP

Paul Gregory’s

Hop Haus Southington

MEXICAN WINNER

Salsa’s Southwest Grill And Bar

RUNNER UP

El Sombrero

Señor Pancho’s of Prospect

MUFFINS

WINNER

New England Muffin Factory

RUNNER UP

Southington Coffee House

Paul Gregory’s

OUTDOOR DINING

WINNER

Viron Rondo Osteria RUNNER UP

Kinsmen Brewing Company

Back 9 Tavern

PASTRY WINNER

Sassy Mama Sweets

RUNNER UP

Lewis Farms

Southington Coffee House

PIZZA WINNER

Domenic’s and Vinnie’s Pizza RUNNER UP

Angela’s Pizza & Deli

South Town Apizza

Best Emergency Room: The Hospital of Central Connecticut, Bradley Memorial Campus

Best Urgent Care: Hartford HealthCare Medical Group and MidState Medical Center Emergency Room

Best Assisted Living Facility: The Orchards at Southington Radiology: Midstate Radiology Associates

Thank you for this recognition.

HartfordHealthCare.org

proud to bring our communities the best care, and to be recognized by our neighbors as the best.

DINING

POLISH

WINNER

PolishPlate

ROMANTIC RESTAURANT WINNER

Flair

RUNNER UP

New Mill Restaurant

Nataz Restaurant (Southington)

SEAFOOD

WINNER

Close Harbour Seafood Restaurant & Market

RUNNER UP

Sam The Clam Pub & Grub

Anthony Jacks Wood Fired Grill

STEAKHOUSE

WINNER

Anthony Jacks Wood Fired Grill

RUNNER UP

LongHorn Steakhouse

J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood

Glastonbury

Outback Steakhouse

SUSHI WINNER

Sweet Mango

RUNNER UP

Sushi House

IGA

Somewhere In Bangkok

THAI WINNER

Somewhere In Bangkok

RUNNER UP

Sweet Mango

Thai Kitchen 4

ENTERTAINMENT & LEISURE

BOWLING WINNER

Apple Valley Bowl

RUNNER UP

Lessard Lanes

DIY ART STUDIO

WINNER

Rocking Berlin CT

HAPPY HOUR

WINNER

Kinsmen Brewing Company

RUNNER UP

The Salty Dog Tavern

Friends Cafe

HAPPY HOUR - LATE NIGHT

WINNER

Kinsmen Brewing Company

RUNNER UP

Cadillac Ranch Restaurant

Friends Cafe

KARAOKE BAR

WINNER

The Groggy Frogg

RUNNER UP

Kinsmen Brewing Company

The Salty Dog Tavern

LIVE MUSIC WINNER

Kinsmen Brewing Company

RUNNER UP

Friends Cafe

The Salty Dog Tavern

NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

WINNER

Hop Haus Southington

RUNNER UP

Kinsmen Brewing Company

Back Nine Tavern at Southington CC

SPORTS BAR

WINNER

Sliders Grill & Bar - Southington, CT

RUNNER UP

Kinsmen Brewing Company

Back Nine Tavern at Southington CC

HOME, HOME SERVICES & FINANCE

ACCOUNTANT WINNER

Massucci & Associates

RUNNER UP

LaQuerre Audi LLC

Rinaldi James P CPA

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY

WINNER

The Orchards at Southington

RUNNER UP

Southington Care Center

Mulberry Gardens of Southington

BANK

WINNER

Liberty Bank

RUNNER UP

TD Bank

Wells Fargo Bank

CREDIT UNION

WINNER

American Eagle Financial Credit Union

RUNNER UP

UBI Federal Credit Union

Connex Credit Union

ELECTRICIAN WINNER

Casner Electric LLC

RUNNER UP

CT Electrical Contractors

Nyerick Electric

FLOORING COMPANY

WINNER

Don Petits Store of Floors

HOME BUILDER

WINNER

Lovley Development Inc

HOME CONTRACTOR

WINNER

V. Nanfito Roofing & Siding

RUNNER UP

Performance Builders

Boscarino home improvement

HOME REMODELING

WINNER

V. Nanfito Roofing & Siding

RUNNER UP

Marchetti Cabinet & Furniture Refinishing

DiGiorgi Roofing & Siding, Inc.

INSURANCE AGENT

WINNER

Holly McLin

RUNNER UP

Quadrato Insurance LLC

Southington Insurance Center

INVESTMENT FIRM

WINNER

Bannon & Company, LLC

LANDSCAPING

WINNER

JR’S Ground Maintenance

RUNNER UP

Ali’s Nursery & Landscaping

Landscapes Unlimited

The caring and experienced professionals at Plantsville Funeral Home are here to support you through this difficult time.  We offer a range of personalized services to suit your family’s wishes and requirements.  You can count on us to help you plan a personal, lasting tribute for your loved one.  And we’ll carefully guide you through the many decisions that must be made during this challenging time.

You are welcome to call us at any time of the day, any day of the week, for immediate assistance.  Or, visit our funeral home in person at your convenience.  We also provide a wealth of information on our web site so you can learn more from the privacy of your own home.

It is our privilege to serve each of our families. Your satisfaction is our goal.

HOME, HOME SERVICES & FINANCE

LAW FIRM

WINNER

Sheffy, Mazzaccaro, DePaolo & DeNigris, L.L.P.

RUNNER UP

Jeremy Taylor LLC Law Office

Martocchio & Oliveira LLC

LAWN CARE WINNER

JR’S Ground Maintenance

RUNNER UP

Mullins Lawn Care

Winterberry Gardens

REAL ESTATE AGENT

WINNER

Sandi Liquindoli

RUNNER UP

Shelly Meister, Realty 3 CT - Broker

Mary Bouchard, Realty 3 CT

REAL ESTATE COMPANY

WINNER

Realty 3 CT

RUNNER UP

Best Real Estate

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices NE Properties

ROOFING

WINNER

V. Nanfito Roofing & Siding

RUNNER UP

City Roofing & Siding Inc.

NorthEast Roofing Southington

SIDING

WINNER

V. Nanfito Roofing & Siding

RUNNER UP

City Roofing & Siding Inc.

DiGiorgi Roofing & Siding, Inc.

SWIMMING POOLS

WINNER

Brennan Pools Inc

RUNNER UP

Tanguay Pools LLC

Southington Community YMCA

TREE SURGEON

WINNER

E.C. Tree LLC

RUNNER UP

Chris’s Landscaping LLC

KIDS & EDUCATION

DANCE SCHOOL

WINNER

Mid Connecticut Dance Company

RUNNER UP

Project Dance Center

DAY CAMP

WINNER

Fast Camp Llc

RUNNER UP

YMCA Camp Sloper

Valentin Karate

DAY CARE

WINNER

YMCA Learning Center - Southington

RUNNER UP

Southington Community YMCA

RUNNER UP

Valentin Karate

LEARNING CENTER/TUTOR

WINNER

The Nurturing Nest Early Learning Center

RUNNER UP

YMCA Learning Center - Southington

Southington Community YMCA

MARTIAL ARTS

WINNER

Leadership Martial Arts

RUNNER UP

Valentin Karate

PRIVATE SCHOOL

WINNER

Southington Catholic School

RUNNER UP

The Nurturing Nest Early Learning Center

Xavier High School

PEOPLE & PLACES

EVENT VENUE

WINNER

Titanium Theatre Event Hall

RUNNER UP

Aqua Turf Club

Testa’s Banquet Facility

FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS

WINNER

Sassy Mama Sweets

RUNNER UP

Tops Marketplace

New England Muffin Factory

HOTEL

WINNER

Residence Inn by Marriott Southington

ORCHARD

WINNER

Rogers Orchards

RUNNER UP

Karabin Farms

Rogers Orchards - Sunnymount Farm Store

PLACE TO WORSHIP

WINNER

The Church of St. Dominic

RUNNER UP

Grace United Methodist Church

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

WEDDING VENUE

WINNER

Aqua Turf Club

RUNNER UP

Testa’s Banquet Facility

Titanium Theatre Event Hall

SERVICES

CAR WASH

WINNER

Southington Auto Wash & Quick Lube

RUNNER UP

D-hand car wash

Russell Speeders Car Wash Of Southington

CARPET CLEANING

WINNER

Ameri-Best Carpet Cleaning

COMMERCIAL INSURANCE WINNER

Quadrato Insurance LLC

RUNNER UP

Southington Insurance Center

DRY CLEANER WINNER

Tide Cleaners

RUNNER UP

Jenny K Cleaners

Best dry cleaners Plainville

FUEL & OIL CO. WINNER

Quality Oil Co. LLC.

RUNNER UP

Arctic Oil & Propane

Daniels Energy

FUNERAL HOME WINNER

Plantsville Memorial Funeral

RUNNER UP

Della Vecchia Funeral Home

Wallingford Funeral Home

HEATING & A/C SERVICE

WINNER

Bosse Heating & Air Conditioning LLC.

RUNNER UP

Billy Carlson Heating & Air

Saucier Mechanical Services

Thank You For Voting For Us Southington’s

and Contact Store

We are so fortunate to now have won this category 4 years in a row! We would not have this recognition if it weren’t for all the wonderful and supportive staff, patients, and customers. We love what we do, which is providing the best patient care with our state of the art equipment and finding that perfect pair of eyeglasses that best fits your personality, look, and visual demand. We are proud to be a boutique optical shop where you can find a unique style from different parts of the world!

Our staff and doctors look forward to seeing our returning patients and hope to meet some new ones too! Thank you again for choosing us!

SERVICES

INDEPENDENT LIVING

WINNER

Southington Care Center

MOBILE / PHONE STORE

WINNER

Verizon

PAINTER WINNER

Southington Painting Company LLC

RUNNER UP

4A Painting

PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER

WINNER

Anthony Sheffy

RUNNER UP

Dombrowski Law Group, LLC

PEST CONTROL

WINNER

AC Exterminating

PET GROOMER

WINNER

Fur Babies Self Service Dog

Wash,LLC & Dog Grooming

RUNNER UP

Village Pet Grooming

Lather & Laughs Dog Groomer and Daycare

PHOTOGRAPHER

WINNER

Art Rich Photography

RUNNER UP

Leslie Germain Photographer

Joshua Licursi

PLUMBER

WINNER

George Du Dac Plumbing

RUNNER UP

Ralph Warner & Son Inc

Mirando Plumbing

SCREEN PRINTING AND EM-

BROIDERY

WINNER

Ink Center

RUNNER UP

Micro Print Shop

TATTOO PARLOR

WINNER

Propaganda Ink LLC

RUNNER UP

A WildSide Tattooing

Hartford County Tattoo

TRAVEL AGENT

WINNER

Fantastical Vacations by Jordan

VETERINARIAN

WINNER

Southington Veterinary Associates

RUNNER UP

Mountain Lore Animal Hospital Apple Valley Veterinarians, LLC

WASTE MANAGEMENT

WINNER

HQ Dumpsters & Recycling LLC

RUNNER UP

Waste Material Trucking Co Inc

All Waste, Inc.

SHOPPING

ANTIQUE STORE

WINNER

Cindy’s Unique Shop

APPLIANCE STORE

WINNER

Connecticut Appliance & Fireplace

Distributors

RUNNER UP

The Home Depot

CHILDREN’S STORE

WINNER

Bricks and Minifigs

FINE JEWELRY

WINNER

Pergjoni Family Jewelers

FLOOR COVERING STORE

WINNER

Don Petits Store of Floors

RUNNER UP

Dalene Flooring Carpet One

FLORIST

WINNER

Nyren’s of New England Florist

RUNNER UP

Wallingford Flower Shoppe

FORMAL WEAR

WINNER

Modern Formals

FURNITURE

WINNER

DePaolo Furniture

RUNNER UP

Pilgrim Furniture & Mattress - Southington

Cindy’s Unique Shop

GARDEN CENTER

WINNER

Ali’s Nursery & Landscaping

RUNNER UP

Dietrich Gardens

Winterberry Gardens

GIFT STORE WINNER

Just for You Gift Shoppe

RUNNER UP

Artisan’s Marketplace

The Gift Box

GROCERY WINNER

Tops Marketplace

RUNNER UP

ALDI

Stop & Shop

HARDWARE STORE

WINNER

Superior Products Distributors, Inc

RUNNER UP

R W Hine Ace Hardware

Lowe’s Home Improvement

JEWELRY STORE

WINNER

Pergjoni Family Jewelers

MATTRESS STORE

WINNER

Connecticut Mattress

MEAT MARKET

WINNER

Tops Marketplace

RUNNER UP

Southington Beef & Pork

IGA

MEN’S CLOTHING

WINNER

Walmart

MUSIC STORE

WINNER

JC Music

PACKING & SHIPPING STORE

WINNER

The UPS Store

RUNNER UP

UPS Access Point location

R261094

YOGA

VEHICLES

BEAUTY & HEALTH BARBER SHOP

WINNER

Modern Barber Shop

BEST DAY SPA

WINNER

A Moment Away

RUNNER UP

Mari J Salon & Spa

DENTIST WINNER

Plainville Dental Group, David R.

Edelson DMD

DIET CENTER WINNER

Reps 2 Results Fitness LLC

EYEGLASS & CONTACT STORE

WINNER

Plainville Optical RUNNER UP

Starling Physicians Eye Center

EYELASH EXTENSIONS

WINNER

Mari J Salon & Spa

HAIR SALON WINNER

Salon One 29

RUNNER UP

Mari J Salon & Spa

The Hair Spa & Wig Loft

HEARING AID CENTER

WINNER

Bristol Hearing Aids, LLC

RUNNER UP

Hearing Health & Wellness Center: Dr. Linda Vasile Au.D.

HOSPITAL WINNER

The Hospital of Central ConnecticutNew Britain General Campus

NAIL SALON

WINNER

D J Sweet Nail Spa

RUNNER UP

Mari J Salon & Spa, Full Service Salon And Spa Services!

LA Nails

PHARMACY

WINNER

Plainville pharmacy RUNNER UP

CVS

RADIOLOGY WINNER

Midstate Radiology Associates

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

WINNER

Mari J Salon & Spa

RUNNER UP

A Moment Away

DINING

AMERICAN WINNER

J Timothy’s Taverne

BAGELS WINNER

Bagels Plus Plainville Inc.

RUNNER UP

Kettle Bagels 1

BAKERY WINNER

Mozzicato DePasquale Bakery and Pastry Shop

RUNNER UP

Magnifico’s bakery and pastry 104 East main st plainville

BREAKFAST WINNER

Nina’s Kitchen RUNNER UP

Rob’s Kitchen

Saint’s Restaurant & Catering

BREAKFAST SANDWICH

WINNER

Rob’s Kitchen RUNNER UP

Jim’s Grocery & Deli Angelo’s Market

BURGER WINNER

Big Steves Grill

RUNNER UP

J Timothy’s Taverne

CHICKEN WINGS WINNER

J Timothy’s Taverne

CHINESE WINNER

Lee’s Garden Kitchen RUNNER UP

Tong Sing Restaurant

COFFEE WINNER

Rebel Dog Coffee Co. & Tavern

RUNNER UP

Dunkin’ Starbucks

DELI WINNER

Jim’s Grocery & Deli

RUNNER UP

Gnazzo Food Center

DINER WINNER

Main Street Diner

DOUGHNUTS WINNER

Bolo Bakery & Cafe

FAMILY RESTAURANT WINNER

Saint’s Restaurant & Catering

FINE DINING WINNER

Pagliacci’s Restaurant

GREEK WINNER

Kiki’s Kitchen

HISPANIC WINNER

Taqueria La Grande

HOT DOG WINNER

Frankies RUNNER UP

Capitol Lunch

ICE CREAM WINNER

Dairy Queen RUNNER UP Pralines of Plainville

INDIAN WINNER

Namaste India

ITALIAN WINNER

Pagliacci’s Restaurant

-24 Friday, May 26, 2023

DINING

LUNCH SPOT

WINNER

Saint’s Restaurant & Catering

RUNNER UP

Jim’s Grocery & Deli

MEXICAN WINNER

El Paso Mexican Restaurant RUNNER UP

Rob’s Kitchen

OUTDOOR DINING

WINNER

Puerto Vallarta Southington

PASTRY WINNER

Mangifico’s

PIZZA WINNER

Sax Restaurant & Pizza

RUNNER UP

Roma Pizza and Deli

POLISH WINNER

Roly Poly Bakery

ROMANTIC RESTAURANT WINNER

Cava

STEAKHOUSE WINNER

LongHorn Steakhouse

SUSHI WINNER

Yummy Sushi

ENTERTAINMENT & LEISURE

BOWLING WINNER

Lessard Lanes

HAPPY HOUR WINNER

Butchers & Bakers

KARAOKE BAR

WINNER

Five Churches Brewing

SPORTS BAR

WINNER

Sliders Grill & Bar - Plainville, CT

HOME, HOME SERVICES & FINANCE

ACCOUNTANT WINNER

LaQuerre Audi LLC

BANK WINNER

M&T Bank

CREDIT UNION WINNER

UBI Federal Credit Union

ELECTRICIAN WINNER

Phase to Phase Electric, LLC

HOME BUILDER WINNER

Revival Chimney & Masonry

HOME CONTRACTOR WINNER

Phoenician Home Improvement LLC

RUNNER UP

Bencar Building Systems LLC

HOME REMODELING WINNER

Award Kitchen & Bath RUNNER UP

Revival Chimney & Masonry

Bencar Building Systems LLC

INSURANCE AGENT WINNER

Edward J

PEOPLE & PLACES

MOBILE / PHONE STORE

WINNER

AT&T Store

PAINTER WINNER

4A Painting

PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER WINNER

Dombrowski Law Group, LLC

PET GROOMER

WINNER

Dirty Tails PLUMBER

WINNER

The Field Of Plumbing & Heating

SCREEN PRINTING AND EMBROIDERY

WINNER

Threads

SELF STORAGE COMPANY WINNER

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Pinnacle Rock

TATTOO PARLOR WINNER

A WildSide Tattooing

TRAVEL AGENT WINNER

One Travel, llc

VETERINARIAN WINNER

VCA Old Canal Animal Hospital

RUNNER UP

Ragged Mountain Veterinarian

WASTE MANAGEMENT WINNER

CWPM, LLC

SHOPPING

FINE JEWELRY WINNER

DBK Family Jewelers

FLORIST WINNER

Garden path

FORMAL WEAR

WINNER

Modern Formals Inc

GROCERY

WINNER

Gnazzo Food Center

HARDWARE STORE

WINNER

R W Hine Ace Hardware

JEWELRY STORE

WINNER

DBK Family Jewelers

MEAT MARKET WINNER

Gnazzo Food Center

MEN’S CLOTHING

WINNER

Old Navy

MUSIC STORE WINNER

Martel Music Store

PAINT STORE WINNER

R W Hine Ace Hardware

PAWN SHOP

WINNER

Silas Deane Pawn Shop Plainville

SPORTING GOODS WINNER

DICK’S Warehouse Sale

VAPE SHOP WINNER

Mighty Vape & Smoke Shop

WOMEN’S CLOTHING WINNER

Old Navy

SPIRITS

LIQUOR STORE

WINNER

Cheers Wines & Spirits

WINNER

Lostocco’s Country Liquors

RUNNER UP

Big Saver Wines & Spirits

WINERY WINNER

Lostocco’s Country Liquors

SPORTS, FITNESS & EXERCISE

BICYCLE STORE WINNER

Renaissance Cyclery

FITNESS CENTER/GYM WINNER

Big Sky Fitness RUNNER UP

Reps 2 Results

VEHICLES

Whether

Bread

find it enjoyable though, it’s nice and therapeutic,” he said.

Janet Mellon, Southington’s Community Services director, said offering work experience was a great addition

Year Round Tree Service

to Bread for Life’s work. The two groups refer clients to each other.

“I think it’s very innovative,” she said. “I’m dying to try their bread.”

“They’re giving people self esteem, they’re making people feel good about themselves,” Mellon said. “That’s

the kind of skill (with which) you can get a job at a bakery, a grocery store… It’s preparing you, it’s having you do something different, it’s opening your mind and eyes to something different.”

jbuchanan@record-journal.com

203-317-2230

Twitter: @JBuchananRJ

Words of Wellness

by Dr. Stacey Raya

Many may be surprised to learn that chiropractic care can help with gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, acid reflux, and frequent stomachaches. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective option for managing digestive problems. By reducing nerve interference, improving circulation, relieving tension, and addressing spinal misalignments, chiropractic care can help improve the function of the digestive system, reducing the likelihood of digestive problems. Digestive health begins with a healthy spine. All nerves in the spine affect a person’s digestion because the digestive and nervous systems are connected. Depending on the nature of the digestive issue, soft tissue massage and other therapeutic techniques may be part of the treatment plan.

Acupuncture is very effective in helping digestive issues by balancing the body’s meridians. To schedule an appointment, please call 860-621-2225 or visit us at 200 Queen St., Southington.

P.S. Raya Clinic also does food inflammation testing. Which is very helpful with digestive issues.

The answers you need. The Care you Deserve. Visit our website: RayaClinic.com

From A8

BreadforLifeat31VermontAve. inSouthington. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

Paula Rouleau, of Southington helps knead the dough while making Italian bread at Bread for Life at 31 Vermont Ave.,inSouthingtononFriday. Dave Zajac, Record-Journal

caught.

“You see spikes and then you see decreases,” he said. “April was a large driver.”

Car thefts too are up this year. In 2022, there were 62 vehicles reported stolen. To date there’s already 43 for the year.

“There’s groups of people who are going through and hitting all the cities and towns ... We have our auto theft task force working on it,” Palmieri said.

Several years ago, the department formed an auto theft task force to address vehicle thefts and burglaries. The task force works with police in surrounding towns to catch criminals. Town res-

idents have also formed neighborhood watches to share video evidence and other information on car thieves. Those videos, often shared on social media, do help police, according to Palmieri.

“The videos that we get we use to further our investigations. There’s a lot of investigations in the works at this time and that’s basically all I can say, ” he said.

License plate reading cameras

Earlier this year, Cheshire officials approved the purchase of a dozen license plate reader cameras for strategic locations around town. Police Chief Neil Dryfe said the camera company is determining the best placement for the cameras and that they should be installed by this summer.

Cameras with license plate reading technology can identify vehicles that have been reported stolen.

“A lot of the people who are coming into town to commit these crimes are already driving cars that are stolen,” Dryfe said. “The chances of them passing a police vehicle that has a reader on it are pretty thin If we can get fixed license plate readers around town, the main arteries, we can at least get an alert.”

Cheshire has three cruisers with license plate readers.

“The goal is to take the people driving the stolen car into custody safely and recover the car,” Dryfe said.

Cheshire’s car thefts and burglaries thus far match last year’s although they’re much more common than a decade ago.

Southington police are considering similar cameras and are looking to get grants to help pay for them.

James Verderame, a South-

ington Board of Police Commissioners member, said it’s difficult to catch thieves.

“You only have so many people. It’s hard. We have a pretty big area in the town … These guys are pretty smart that come into town,” he said. “There’s not much more you can do, except get those readers.”

The department could use 10 officers to just focus on car crimes but Verderame didn’t believe that type of expansion would be realistic.

Video footage from residents that capture a thief’s face or license plate are helpful in solving crimes, Verderame said.

“The detectives will run it,” he said. “If we can get that, we have a chance.”

Steering wheel locks for Hyundai owners

Southington police are giving away steering wheel locks to local Hyundai owners after the company provided the devices to the

town. The car company has been making efforts to reduce thefts of cars made between 2011 and 2021, including software updates that make the cars harder to start without a key.

Hyundai donated 240 locks to Southington police who are giving them away to residents with proof of ownership of such a car on a first come-first serve basis.

Cheshire police contacted the company to also get steering wheel locks for local Hyundai owners, Dryfe said. Thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles have been surging across the U.S. The automakers announced May 19 they reached a settlement in a class-action lawsuit over the recent surge in thefts, according to a statement from attorneys appointed by the court to lead the case.

In the automakers’ 20112022 models, the vehicles did not come equipped with an antitheft device that in most modern cars transmits a code from the smart key to the vehicle before it will start, according to the statement. Without the device and with design flaws, several online videos showed thieves stealing the cars using a screwdriver and a USB cord in less than 90 seconds.

Palmieri said departments are trying a host of ways to prevent car thefts, including encouraging residents to secure their valuables and vehicles.

“I don’t think there’s one magic solution that’s going to stop this. Collectively, we need to work together and get as many tools as we can to gather evidence,” he said.

“That’s how we’re going to be successful in trying to curb what’s going on.”

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/southington-plainville-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 Southington & Plainville Citizen to your home or business, will end.

While some residents have been frustrated by the need to take preventative measures, Palmieri said those measures are important to avoid becoming a victim of theft.

jbuchanan@record-journal.com

203-317-2230

Twitter: @JBuchananRJ

JESUS ARRAEZ

MALONEY BASEBALL

This installment of Athletes of the Week completes the spring season, and the prevailing theme of the final candidates is year-long production. Exhibit A: Jesus Arraez of Maloney baseball. With Monday night’s win over Platt, the Spartans closed the regular season at 14-6. Arraez, a senior infielder, led Maloney regulars in batting average (.428), hits (24) and RBI (21).

CHANCE DECRESCENZO

LYMAN HALL TRACK

We can’t let the spring go by without tipping a final Athlete of the Week cap to Chance DeCrescenzo. The Lyman Hall senior is putting the wraps on a stellar scholastic career in pole vault. He recently cleared 14 feet to break his own school record, won the SCC East Sectional at 13 feet, 8 inches and is among state contenders in Class MM. He’ll continue to vault at Bryant University.

NOAH ZAMORANO

WILCOX TECH BASEBALL

You read the rankings right. Wilcox baseball goes into the Class L state tournament as the No. 1 seed at 18-2. Noah Zamorano earned five of those wins. The junior left-hander improved to 5-0 on the season throwing six shutout innings last Wednesday against Vinal Tech at Palmer Field, home of the CTC and state finals. Zamorano allowed Vinal just two hits and struck out five.

GO ONLINE AND

CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK TO SEE WHO YOU

THE ATHLETES OF

Winners will be posted here as well as your next group of nominees.

TRINITY LAVALLEY

SHEEHAN SOFTBALL

The pitcher Karissa Spring beat in her no-hitter last Wednesday? Sheehan junior Trinity LaValley, and it was no easy feat. With LaValley shackling the Rams, that May 17 game was scoreless until the bottom of the 5th inning. LaValley allowed only four hits and reached the 200-strikeout milestone for her career. She next leads the 11-9 Titans into the Class M state tournament.

AMELIA GOSTKOWSKI PLATT SOFTBALL

The next wave of Platt softball players is already on the field for the Panthers. It’s a group that includes sophomore Amelia Gostkowski, a third baseman who is senior Emily Hart’s heir apparent in the pitching circle. In Friday’s rivalry game with Maloney, Gostkowski connected for a RBI triple, raising her batting average to .291 and driving in her 16th run of the season.

KARISSA SPRING CHESHIRE SOFTBALL

Karissa Spring was determined to make her Senior Day game at Cheshire unforgettable. The senior pitcher made it easy to remember, no-hitting Sheehan in a 3-0 victory last Wednesday. Spring struck out seven and walked two. She also brought home one of Cheshire’s three runs with a sacrifice fly. Spring will continue playing softball at Division I Manhattan College.

WEEK’S AOTW WINNERS AS VOTED BY YOU!

VOTE.

VOTED

THE WEEK!

50th reunion

The Southington High School Class of 1973 will celebrate its 50th reunion Oct. 7 at the Back Nine Tavern. Tickets are $50. RSVP to Shs73_50threunion@aol.com.

Send checks payable to Maureen Cassidy to: 46

Dunham St., Southington, CT 06489.

Class of 1973

The 50th reunion planning committee for the Plainville High School Class of 1973 is looking for classmates.

If you are a 1973 PHS graduate, or know of one, email

contact information to crczellecz@comcast.net.

Transfer station

Plainville’s transfer station on Granger Lane is open for the season. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays only. The transfer station is for Plainville residents only. ID is required. Direct questions to 860-7930221 ext. 7176.

Certification

Eversource is partnering with Housatonic Community College and the International Brotherhood of Electrical

Workers (IBEW) Local Unions 420 and 457 to prepare the next generation of electrical lineworkers in Connecticut.

The Lineworker Certificate Program provides students valuable training in the electric utility industry and the opportunity to progress into Eversource’s paid apprenticeship program. For details, visit Eversource.com.

Boxes to Boots

Berlin-based non-profit Boxes to Boots, 28 Chamberlain Highway, sends care packages to members of the U.S. military serving overseas. To

learn more about the organization and its needs, visit boxestoboots.org.

Community grants

The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain approved its first round of grants for 2023, awarding more than $436,000 to a wide variety of programs serving Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington. The second round of CFGNB grant applications will be accepted this summer. Letters of Intent are due July 1. Visit the “grantmaking” section of the foundation’s website at cfgnb.org.

Understanding and mitigating youth fire-setting

Press Release

National Arson Awareness Week is marked each year during the first full week of May. The focus of this year's campaign was “Understanding and Mitigating Youth

Firesetting Issues.”

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than half of all intentionally set fires are started by youths under the age of 18. Each year in the U.S., fires set by

SUDOKU

children and adolescents are responsible for hundreds of deaths, thousands of painful burn injuries, and millions of dollars in property loss. Youth often set fires due to easy access to ignition materials, lack of supervision, curiosity and experimentation.

The U.S Fire Administration recommends the following: Inspect your house for fire hazards; Keep lighters and matches out of reach and away from children; Install residential sprinklers in your house; Ensure your house is equipped with working smoke alarms on every level inside and outside of sleeping areas; Plan and practice your house fire escape plan; Talk to your children about the legal consequences of firesetting; Increase adult supervision around flammable materials; Teach children of all ages that fire, even small fires, can spread quickly; Teach children to alert an adult if they find unattended lighters or matches.

For more information, visit the U.S. Fire Administration website.

The FIRST Robotics Competition, which is hosted in late April, instructs each team to build a robot to exacting design standards to compete in a game against other robots from schools across the country. The team had around six weeks, starting in January, to prep for the project fully developing, programming, and assembling the robot in that time.

ty.

“We work closely with our immediate community in order to make our town a better place. Each year we hold multiple toy, food, and clothing drives for multiple local organizations,” said Uptej Singh, an SHS student on the CyberKnights team.

The CyberKnights were one of 3,000 teams to compete and ultimately ranked at the top of their division for a portion of the competition, though a technical issue with the robot caused them to fall in the ranking and end up as semi-finalists.

The group also hosts several events throughout the year such as “STEM for All” where team members teach participants important skills alongside fun activities like building robots. They’ve also partnered with local nursing homes to build with the residents using LEGOs, as it helps reinforce fine motor skills and prevent neurocognitive disorders which can develop with old age.

for 30 years, noted how the group had started many years ago with relatively simplistic LEGO robotics builds.

Please call for corrections at 203-317-2308 - after 5 pm call 203-317-2282

couldn’t be prouder,” board member Zaya Oshana said. “You guys should be incredibly proud of what you’re doing and how you’re handling yourselves.”

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Despite that, the board wanted to recognize the achievements of the team as one of the top-ranked robotics groups in the world, alongside all the work the group has done teaching skills to other students and giving back to the communi-

Outside of the Southington community, the CyberKnights have also made donations of supplies and technology to countries like Ukraine and Uganda part of an initiative to make team members aware of the broader global community and inform them that they can help make a difference.

The skills of the students in the CyberKnight group have gained the attention of the many sponsors 70 in total who support the team financially in addition to offering students internships and part-time positions.

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The board was impressed with their accomplishments, and noted that the team had evolved significantly since its inception not only in the number of team members but the complexity of their projects. David Derynoski, who has been on the board

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“The type of work you’re doing, the citizens you’re going to become, you’re doing us really proud here,” school board Vice Chairman Joseph Baczewski added. “Thank you so much. You’re emulating what we stand for here in Southington.”

“To have this group of people as the ambassadors for our town and our district, we

The board intends to continue its support of the CyberKnights and STEM programming as a whole. The robotics group continues to expand its numbers and overall community outreach, and is confident about what can be accomplished next semester.

& DAFFODIL FESTIVAL iPad mini Prize Winner

Daffodil Festival 2023 Contest Winner

Congratulations to Holly Roberts

Congratulations to Chris Brosnan!

Chris is our Daffodil Festival 2023 Contest winner and he takes home a $100 gas card courtesy of the Record-Journal.

“My wife and I stopped at your booth at the daffodil festival to comment about not minding the paper coming in the mail. My Wife Sue always wants to tell folks when they are doing a good job!!” - Chris

The FIRST robotics championships took place late last month in Houston, Texas. Photo courtesy of FIRST

And remember to keep an eye out for the Record-Journal tent at other local events for even more contests!

holiday, a May 2000 Gallup poll revealed that only 28 percent of Americans actually did.

Originally known as Decoration Day, what would be known as Memorial Day originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.

By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held throughout the nation. It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars.

In his 1914 Memorial Day address, President Woodrow Wilson said of fallen soldiers, “They do not need our praise. They do not need that our admiration should sustain them. There is no immortality that is safer than theirs. We come not for their sakes but for our own, in order that we may drink at the same springs of inspiration from which they themselves drank.”

Wilson continued, “Therefore this peculiar thing comes about, that we can stand here and praise the memory of these soldiers in the interest of peace. They set us the example of selfsacrifice, which if followed in peace will make it unnecessary that men should follow war any more.”

While many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or attending patriotic ceremonies, for the majority of us, the holiday is not a solemn occasion; it’s just a day off, a cause for revelry.

Certainly, we should enjoy some relaxation Monday, but let’s also take time to ponder the meaning behind the holiday, perhaps at 3 p.m., the National Moment of Remembrance. Think about the 1.2 million Americans who went off to war and never came home. It’s the least we can do to honor their memory.

“I like the five fouls and cleaning the slate each quarter,” Southington boys coach Ed Quick said. “You can get in situation where the referees are calling a game tight and get to five fouls really quick in the first quarter and then you can adjust to that in the second quarter. I like cleaning the slate.

“Doing away with the oneand-one is interesting.”

After years of deliberation, the 35-second shot clock

was already arriving this winter for Connecticut boys and girls basketball.

“The shot clock is well overdue; it’s good Connecticut has caught up,” Quick said. “They are trying to get the games flowing. You don’t know until you try it.”

Another change deals with inbounding after a foul. When the defensive team commits a violation in the frontcourt before the fivefoul bonus, or the ball becomes dead, the offensive team will inbound at one of four designated spots either the nearest 28-foot mark along each sideline or the nearest spot 3 feet out-

side the lane on the end line.

The spot will be determined by where the infraction took place.

The one exception is when the defensive team causes the ball to go out of bounds. The resulting throw-in will be at the spot where the ball went out.

Those rule changes might seem arcane, but according to Quick, they’re not.

”Spotting the ball is bigger than you think, and having four spots where you take the ball out and knowing those four will be helpful as far as preparing, because

there are parts of the floor where you would rather not take out the ball,” the Southington coach said.

Sheehan girls basketball coach Mike Busillo said he likes the changes.

“I know the Federation’s rational is less contact, but this gets the game more in line to what is happening in college,” Busillo said. “I think it would be better for high school basketball in general if it was played with the same rules that are used at the higher levels. I would like to see a standard game for all levels and genders.”

TIMELESS TREASURES

LEGAL NOTICE

OF PLAINVILLE REVENUE COLLECTOR’S NOTICE

TOWN

Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of the Town of Plainville that the second installment of Sewer Usage Bills are due May 1, 2023. The bills were sent November 1, 2022, with two payment stubs. No bills are mailed for the May installment.

If the second installment of the Sewer Usage Bill is not paid on or before Thursday, June 1, 2023, by 7:00 pm, the tax becomes delinquent and is subject to 3% interest, charged from May 1, 2023, including June, and from then on, additional interest of 1 ½ % per month (18% annually) will be added. The minimum interest charge is $2.00 per installment. Sec. 12-146.

Hours at the Revenue Collector’s Office, Town Hall, 1 Central Square Plainville, CT, and each business day during May are as follows:

Monday through Wednesday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Thursday 8:00 am to 7:00 pm Friday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm

Ana M. LeGassey C.C.M.C.

Plainville Revenue / Tax Collector

Dated at Plainville, Connecticut this 12th day of April 2023. R260530

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS

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

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

TREE LENGTH FIREWOOD CALL FOR DETAILS 203-238-2149

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

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

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

Needed for Southington/ Meriden/Berlin/Rocky Hill - Must be 21yrs or older and possess a driver’s license for at least 3yrs – Paid training to acquire CDL license and endorsements available –The opportunity to bring your children to work, No

Childcare$$ - Contact Sheila at New Britain Transportation (860) 8280511 ext. 221 or visit us at, 257 Woodlawn Rd., Berlin, CT

VETERINARY ASSISTANT

Capable of answering phones, animal restraint, assisting in medical procedures and surgery. Experience preferred. (860) 828-4717.

TOP CASH PAID

For Junk or unwanted vehicles, Toyota’s etc. Please call Mike @ 203284-8562 8am-5pm.

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.

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.

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

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

MOVING SALE - Friday, Sat. & Sun., 5/26-5/28, 9-3 No early birds. Furniture, tools, housewares. Everything going moving in 2 weeks! 55 Edgewood Circle, Southington.

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

Businesses & Services

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

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

LUNO MASONRY - We deal in all types of masonry, repairs & new projects, decks. Refs. avail. Free ests. Lic. HIC0643330 & Ins. Call 203.770.9273.

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

IF YOU Mention This Ad SPRINGYard Clean-Ups Brush, branches, s torm damage

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DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817 860-575-8218

RT RELOCATION

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

A pressureless house washing system can save you money, ask how! The Power-Wash ing Kings. House & roof washing, decks, patios, etc. Others Wash W Clean! 860.839.1000 thepowerwashing kings.com

POWER WASHING Is Spring Cleaning on THE OUTSIDE

FREE Estimates #569127 Call Kevin 203-440-3279

TREE BROTHERS TREE

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*SPRING YARD Clean-ups*

FREE ESTIMATES. LIC & INS.

DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817 860-575-8218

JT’S LANDSCAPING 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

BLACK MAGIC - Sealcoat, asphalt repair, line striping, stone drives instal’d. HIC0666763. Ins. 860.997.0637.

Insurance claim.storm damage.roofing.siding. gutter.chimney flashing. Office:203.754.3071 Cell:203.510.3830

Stormshieldct@gmail. com HIC.0664452

As Connecticut’s most comprehensive online job board, CTjobs.com attracts the most qualified local job seekers in almost every category throughout the state. With thousands of career candidate profiles, it’s the one place to find the employees you need.

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

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

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

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Connecticut’s Newest College will be a Hispanic-Serving Institution

Connecticut’s 12 community colleges will finish merging in July to become Connecticut State Community College (CT State). The new school will be eligible to be designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution, or HSI. Prior to the merger, Capital, Gateway, Naugatuck Valley and Norwalk Community College were designated as HSIs.

So, what is a Hispanic-Serving Institution? As defined by the US Department of Education, an HSI is a college or university whose enrollment comprises more than 25% Hispanic/Latino students. In the US, there are currently more than two million Hispanic students enrolled in 451 HSIs across 24 states. So while only 19% of all higher education institutions qualify, 62% of all Latino undergraduates are enrolled in HSIs.

The HSI designation is more than a reflection of a school’s enrollment, however; it’s a commitment to equity for Hispanic/Latino students and advancing their success. On a large scale, this means having access to federal grant programs that enhance and strengthen HSIs.

At CT State, being an HSI means paying particular attention to the unique needs of the state’s Hispanic/Latino college students.

La Más Nueva Universidad De Connecticut Será Una Institución

Que Sirve a Los Hispanos

ty-Serving Institution) status is consistent with our mission to serve all Connecticut residents. At CT State, we recognize that where you come from (e.g.: geography, culture, identity) is a strength that can be catalyzed to help our students feel that CT State is where they belong. In turn, that sense of belonging is what helps our students reach their goals.”

In 2020, Capital Community College received a five-year, $3 million grant to fund the Cultivating All-Inclusive Student Achievement (CASA) program. The program supports career and financial planning from enrollment through graduation. The program also aids faculty and staff in incorporating high-impact success strategies into their courses and student services. It assists students returning to college semester-to-semester and it increases the number of Hispanic students earning a degree or certificate. The program also has a cultural enrichment component, “Herencias Latinas,” that facilitates arts and humanities programming throughout the academic year.

Las 12 universidades comunitarias de Connecticut completarán su unión en julio, cuando será llamada Connecticut State Community College (CT State). La nueva escuela será elegible para ser nombrada una Institución de Servicios para Hispanos (Hispanic-Serving Institutions), o HSI. Antes de la unión, Capital, Gateway, Naugatuck Valley y Norwalk Community College estaban nombradas como instituciones HSI.

¿Así que, qué es una Institución de Servicios para Hispanos? Como lo define el Departamento de Educación de los Estados Unidos, un HSI es un colegio o universidad, donde más del 25% de sus estudiantes matriculados son hispanos/latinos. En los Estados Unidos, actualmente hay más de dos millones de estudiantes hispanos matriculados en 451 instituciones HSI en 24 estados. Así que, aunque solo el 19% de todas las universidades califican, el 62% de los estudiantes universitarios están matriculados en instituciones HSI.

(Institución que Sirve a la Minoría) es consistente con nuestra misión de servir a todos los residentes de Connecticut. En CT State, reconocemos que de donde usted viene (ej. Geografía, cultura, identidad), es un punto fuerte, el cual puede ser el catalizador que le ayuda a nuestros estudiantes a sentir que CT State es el lugar donde pertenecen. Sucesivamente, ese espíritu de pertenencia es lo que ayuda a nuestros estudiantes a lograr sus metas.”

En 2020, Capital Community College recibió una subvención de $3 millones a lo largo de un periodo de cinco años, para financiar el programa Cultivating All-Inclusive Student Achievement (CASA). El programa apoya la planificación de carrera y financiera, desde la matrícula hasta la graduación. El programa también ayuda a los miembros de facultad y el personal a incorporar estrategias de éxito de gran impacto en sus cursos y en los servicios para los estudiantes. Ayuda a los estudiantes que regresan a la universidad semestre por semestre y aumenta el número de estudiantes hispanos obteniendo un título o certificado. El programa también tiene un factor de enriquecimiento cultural, “Herencias Latinas,” el cual facilita programación de artes y humanidades a través del año académico.

There are more than half a million residents of Connecticut who are of Hispanic/Latino descent, and CT State is proud to serve more than 10,000 of them each semester. To learn more about CT State, visit CTState.edu.

HSI and MSI (Minori-

According to Dr. John Paul Chaisson-Cardena, Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, “Our seeking the

Sin embargo, la designación de un HSI es más que solo una reflexión de la inscripción de la universidad; es un compromiso de equidad para los estudiantes hispanos/latinos y en el avance de su éxito. A mayor escala, esto significa el acceso a programas de subvenciones federales para mejorar y fortalecer las instituciones HSI. En CT State, ser una institución HSI significa que se presta particular atención a las necesidades únicas de los estudiantes universitarios hispanos/latinos. Segun el Dr. John Paul Chaisson-Cardena, Vicepresidente de Diversidad, Equidad e Inclusión, “Nuestra intención en lograr el estatus como institución HSI o MSI

Hay más de medio millón de residentes de ascendencia hispana/ latina en Connecticut, y CT State está orgulloso de servir a más de 10,000 de estos residentes cada semestre. Para aprender más acerca de CT State, visite a CTState.edu.

After decades of helping to expand student horizons, we’re expanding ours.

Connecticut’s twelve community colleges are unifying into CT State Community College. One application opens the doors to more than 12 locations around the state. Discover a full landscape of opportunities with more offerings than ever before.