Town Times

Durham Fair returns for food and fun

rain or shine

By Grace McFadden Special to The Times

Despite the weekend’s wet weather, the Durham Fair was once again able to attract quite a crowd for its 103rd year.

This year’s event, held Sept. 21 through 24, featured attractions new and old, including the Land of the Giants, a showcase of some of the year’s largest crops. Much of the tent was taken up by hulking pumpkins. First Place went to Ron Wallace of Greene, Rhode Island, for a pumpkin that weighed in at 1,950 pounds – a new fair record.

This year also featured the return of

Reg. 13 set to adjust grade levels

By Michael Savino Special to the Times

Middlefield and Durham will reconfigure grade levels starting next year, a move the school board members said is a stop gap measure until they come up with a longer term plan to address needed upgrades.

The move divided parents, some of whom raised concerns that it would be disruptive for parents and students.

Superintendent Doug Schuch said he and other administrators have plenty of time to sort out plans before next school year starts.

“It is doable, it is practical,” he said.

The Region 13 School District school board approved the change with a 8-1 vote on Sept. 13. Robert Moore opposed the plan, while Mariah Roy abstained. The change means that, starting in September, the grade levels at the two elementary schools and Middlefield Memorial School will be reshuffled.

Brewster Elementary School will house preschool through first grade, secondand third-graders will go to John Lyman Elementary See

See Grades, A8

The 103rd Durham Fair kicked off on Thursday, Sept. 21, and ran through Sunday, Sept. 24, featuring plenty of food, familyactivities,farmanimals,andmusic. Photos courtesy of Brett Bogdan, Special to the Record-Journal

In search of the right pair of new pants

legs. Or oversized and pleated.

A Specialty Floral and Gift Boutique

It has come to my attention that I am in sore need of a new pair of pants.

Rotating my two pairs is starting to get old. I used to buy them at the Guilford Walmart, but that closed some time ago, and I have no desire to travel any further than that. Anything beyond Madison or Guilford is like a field trip for me.

So I cast a wary eye to Amazon, the pants section, to see what my options might be. I am leery of buying clothes online. Even in my Walmart days, it would take me an eternity to find a pair of pants that fit the bill. It was always a tedious affair because there was very little cooperation between pants and body parts. If they fit one part of my body they did not fit another part. It was depressing.

Of course, all the “pants models” on Amazon look like they have only eaten twice in their entire lives. Naturally, their pants and body parts work in tandem. They would not be sympathetic to my plight.

I always thought silly me that pants were just pants. Obviously not. A quick look at the Amazon page puts that notion to rest.

There are, just to name a few: a relaxed fit (I definitely want my pants to be relaxed); straight leg, wide leg, skinny leggings (I don’t think so!); stretchy high waist, high rise tapered, high waist cargo, casual, drawstring, and mid rise slim fit cropped tapered leg; and oversized pleated wide leg (I do like the word “ oversized”). The list goes on and on.

I would venture to say that anything with the words “skinny or slim fit” is out of the picture. Way out. I am wondering about the necessity for high rise. Are we expecting a flood? I don’t know if I need the high waist. I think my waist is about where it should be somewhere in the middle of my body.

And just what is the cargo? Would I be the cargo?

I am thinking along the lines of casual, drawstring, wide

Election Letters

Election Day is set for Tuesday, Nov. 7. Between now and then, anyone seeking to submit a letter to the editor regarding an election-related issue or a political endorsement is asked to limit their letters to 200 words. Any letters that exceed this word limit risk not being published prior to the election. Also, all

I remember when jeans were all the rage, back in the day. (Everything is “back in the day” now.) I so wanted to wear them, but my folks insisted that I always wore slacks. It would be hard to describe to you young’uns what slacks were. I doubt you have ever heard the word.

Suffice it to say that they were not jeans. My mother and stepfather thought that I was always to be ladylike, and slacks were a part of that picture. I don’t know why.

And I never knew exactly what ladylike meant. I don’t think I met that particular expectation. But when I left home for college I went crazy. Nothing but jeans, jeans, jeans. No ladylike behavior for me. Somewhere along the way, though, I lost the body for them. They became, of their own volition, too stiff and confining. Any kind of buttoning requirement no longer worked for me. I would try to suck it in and get each side of those jeans to meet each other, or at least share the same zip code, but when they finally did breathing did not seem to be an option.

I need expandable clothing. Yeah, I’m definitely going with the drawstring.

letters are subject to review for content and appropriatness and can be rejected if determined to not meet the standards set forth for both.

While we will endeavor to print all letters submitted, publication is not guaranteed as it will be dependent on space limitations.

15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

FALL OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, September 7th • 10-5

Saturday, September 30th • 10–5

The Store is transformed for Fall New Products Arrive Daily

331 Main St. Durham (860) 349-1550

(Next to Carolyn Adams Country Barn)

Join us for our Celebration! Specials throughout the store! R264310

Durham Dental

William J. Witkowski, D.M.D.

Brilliant Basement

Waterproofing, LLC

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HELP KEEP

Coming to your home or business

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

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

Time to get excited

Editor:

Time to get excited about Durham’s municipal government election! The slate of party-endorsed candidates, on both sides of the aisle, are all viable contenders worthy of consideration.

For many past local elections, I based my vote on two questions. Did my taxes go up? Did anything objectionable happen in my proverbial “back-yard”? If I was satisfied with the answers, I would usually vote to keep the status quo. Considering how impactful municipal elections are, this isn’t a very informed way to vote. I decided to pay attention to some of the Town’s meetings; Board of Selectmen, Planning and Zoning, Board of Finance, and Board of Education. I’ve learned about so many issues and possibilities that weren’t even on my radar while getting a sense of the personalities making the decisions that affect us.

In this age of misinformation, voters need to rely on themselves to understand what is happening in

Letters to the Editor

Durham. Most Town meetings are open to the public and allow public comment. Attend in person, via Zoom or catch-up by reviewing the minutes and watching the Zoom recordings. Go to www.TownofDurhamCT.org for a listing of all meetings, agendas, and minutes/Zoom recordings.

Linda Torres

Vote for Suzanne Coughlin Uznanski

Editor:

Suz Uznanski is a candidate for Middlefield Treasurer. She has been an employee of the library for many years, as well as an independent businesswoman. In her business for the last 5 years, she has fashioned tote bags, which are occasionally shown at “consignment boutiques. ” A distinctive feature of each bag is a “Last Chance Freelance” button.

Suzanne has shown dedication in her work and in her craft. She will give the same attention to her duties as Middlefield Treasurer.

Susan L.

Voigt, Middlefield

The BOE has a public relations problem

Editor:

The RSD13 Board of Education has consistently made a series of missteps that have eroded any public trust in them over the past decade.

The current configuration of our schools is a consequence of their past decisions to reconfigure the district with a lack of forethought and buy-in from the people. They have led by telling us what is best for the district instead of showing us.

Their recent vote to implement an ‘interim’ K-5 grade reconfiguration is just the latest blunder. Even the claim that this in an ‘interim’ plan is flawed. Without a long term vision in place for the district, this ‘interim’ plan has the potential to be permanent.

The board’s current long term plan consists of one of

4 potential options, ranging from keeping this ‘interim’ plan in place up to building a new K-5 school at Memorial and knocking down three buildings. No matter what they do, they will need to ask the people of the district for $20-80M. I support them in their plan for a new K-5 school, but worry that their latest actions will burn any remaining goodwill in these towns and when they come to ask for the money to fix, build, or close schools the answer will once again be ‘ no. ’

Instead of expending energy on this ‘New Every Two’ plan they should put the work into making their long term K-5 plan the best it can be and really prove to the town that they are committed to transparency and the long-term success of this district. They should involve the community in their process and get people on board and in support before demanding the money and telling us what needs to be done. Don’t tell us, show us.

Mark Simmons, Durham

LEGAL NOTICE

TOWN OF DURHAM

NOVEMBER 1ST FILING DEADLINE

PURSUANT TO CONNECTICUT

GENERAL STATUTES SEC 12-40

Owners and lessees of all tangible personal property located in the Town of Durham as of October 1, 2023 must file Personal Property Declarations in the Assessor’s Office on or before November 1, 2023. Declarations, extension requests, and exemption applications are available on the Town website and in the Assessor’s Office. Tangible personal property includes, but is not limited to, UNREGISTERED MOTOR VEHICLES, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT OF COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES, FARM MACHINERY, BUSINESS COMPUTERS/ COMPUTER EQUIPMENT, OFFICE FURNITURE & FIXTURES, LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS, etc. Failure to file will result in a penalty per CGS Sec 12-41. Questions may be directed to the Assessor’s Office at (860) 343-6709.

R264730

Mush is easy

Editor:

Are you aware of the literary term ” mush”? Do you know what mush is? Anyone can write mush. Mush is easy to write. Week after week after week of mush. Good God, deliver us all from MUSH!

Mark J. Czaja, Rockfall

Letters to the Editor

Hogan is right choice for Middlefield Town Clerk

Editor:

Over the last several years, I have sought help from the Middlefield Town Clerk’s office on numerous occasions.

Tonya Hogan’s service was extremely helpful and timely. It is rare to encounter this level of service. She is very competent, amicable, and eager to be helpful. As an independent voter, Tonya has my vote since she has and will continue to provide Middlefield/Rockfall with outstanding public service.

Carl Zanoni, Middlefield

Tonya Hogan for Town Clerk

Editor:

Tonya Hogan makes interacting with the Town Clerk’s Office an efficient and pleasurable experience. Whether

it is issuing a marriage license, directing someone to the minutes of a Town Committee, providing an attestation, registering a dog or researching the deed to a historic property, she is there to assist. Appointed to the position by the Board of Selectmen in 2022, she learned the job working for Donna Golub, the former Town Clerk, and earned her State Certification. This November vote for capability and experience, vote for Tonya Hogan for Middlefield Town Clerk.

Glenn McNamara, Middlefield

DURHAM - Harold John

Ruhl, Jr., affectionately known as Hal, peacefully passed away at the age of 79 on September 17, 2023, in Durham, Connecticut, surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy illness. Born on June 12, 1944, in Queens, New York, Hal was the son of the late Harold John Ruhl, Sr. and the late Margaret Irene (O’Keeffe) Ruhl. He will be deeply missed by his devoted wife of 56 years, Madelon (Kiel) Ruhl, his sons Stephen Ruhl of Durham, CT, and Jason Ruhl, as well as his daughter-in-law Sherri Ruhl and his cherished grandchildren, Justin, Katherine, and Madeline, all residing in Clayton, CA. He is also survived by his sister, Jeannie Haber of Morristown, NJ, and his brother, J.B. Ruhl of Brentwood, TN.

Hal was a brilliant mind with a passion for engineering. Hal earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1966 from the University of Illinois and went on to complete his Master of Science degree in 1970 at the University of Syracuse. While a student he was admitted into the Eta Kappa Nu and Tau Beta Pi engineering honors societies. He was a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of New York and an active member of both the National Society of Engineers and American Mensa Limited. Hal spent much of his career working in the semiconductor and aerospace industries and published articles for the Institute of Electrical and

Giving Garden

The Durham-Middlefield Giving Garden is located behind the Middlefield Com-

Obituaries

problem-solving that he passed down to his children, who would also go on to pursue careers in engineering.

Electronics Engineers. His final professional engagement was as a contractor at Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, CT, where he contributed to the Qualification Engineering organization.

Throughout his life, Hal demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. He served as a dedicated volunteer in the Volunteer Fire Department in Mottville, NY, and lent his expertise to the Powder Ridge Ski Patrol in Middlefield, CT, where he served for 10 years including as Director from 1987 to 1991. Additionally, he was a proud member of the NRA and The Durham Rod and Gun Club in Durham, CT.

Hal had a rich tapestry of personal interests, including flying private single-prop airplanes, exploring the wonders of astronomy, engaging in ham radio communication, and indulging in the thrill of motorcycle rides. He was also an enthusiastic hunter, an avid boater, and an accomplished angler. A true tinkerer and inventive “modifier,” Hal nurtured a sense of curiosity and

In Brief

munity Center and the Middlefield Firehouse.

Everyone is welcome to come to the twice-weekly

Hal possessed a deep fascination with the intricacies of human nature and was a selftaught scholar in the realm of scientific theories of complex systems. Together with his younger brother, J.B., Prof. of Law, he co-authored an article in 1997 titled “The Arrow of the Law,” which was published in the prestigious University of California (Davis) Law Journal. This work shed light on how complex systems theory enhances our understanding of legal systems. Over the decades, the brothers continued their research on complex systems and, in 2022, collaborated once more to publish an article in Futures, a renowned scientific journal, discussing the imperative need for transformative planning to address climate change and other global challenges.

There will be no calling hours. A celebration of Hal’s life will be held at his Adirondack camp on Great Sacandaga Lake next summer. In lieu of flowers, we kindly request that contributions be made in memory of Harold J. Ruhl, Jr., to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, which can be done online at www. lbda.org/donate/ or Middlesex Hospice at Middlesexhealth.org/ hospicedonation. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www. doolittlefuneralservice. com.

i

From A1

workdays at the garden Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m. All ages welcome, for any amount of time.

r

Main Stage entertainment, which included Rick Springfield, the artist behind the popular song “Jessie’s Girl.” Other

sources of entertainment featured the non-human variety, including animals and livestock.

Harold John Ruhl, Jr.

through a small obstacle course called the Bunny Hop. At the Pull Ring, visitors could watch an ox pull. The many tents throughout the fairgrounds had demonstrations on everything from robotics to sewing.

For Lauren Reynolds of Middletown, the reasons to come to the fair were plentiful.

“I like it all – the animals, the food, the entertainment, the concerts,” Reynolds said. Reynolds was sitting outside one of the tents with Jessica Stanwix of Southington, whose favorite part of the fair was sweeter in nature. “The ice cream. The ice cream is the best part,” Stanwix said.

There were a wide selection of food tents besides ice cream, including Del’s Lemonade and Colossal Kielbasa. Several vendors had fair favorites such as cotton candy and candy apples.

Stanwix and Reynolds attended on Friday, when the weather was sunny and cool. On Saturday and Sunday, fair-goers had to battle through a near-constant rain.

Some of the attendees and volunteers were shielded from the weather. Daniel Amorando of DiGiorgi Roofing and Siding was one of those tabling for a local business in the Marketplace Tent. Amorando said DiGiorgi had been coming to the fair for about five years, and that it was a joy to see

the visitors.

“Kids make me laugh, they’re a lot of fun to watch. The grown-ups, they’re like big kids,” Amorando said. While there were many fresh faces lining up for the rides, there were also some returning fans from the area, including Tracy Olsen.

“I’ve been coming to the fair or working at the fair since I was nine years old. So that would be 51 years,” Olsen said. “That’s nothing! We had a church member who was here for the 100th anniversary she was 100 years old. And she rode the ferris wheel.”

Olsen used to come with her mother, who was the head of the Fire Department Auxiliary. The two ran the chicken booth, which Olsen said is now the baked potato booth.

“It’s changed a lot. But the one thing that’s wonderful is that they’re trying to keep the traditions while going with the new things for the younger kids,” Olsen said.

Adelphia

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place to go for oldfashioned breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Proudly serving up delicious and hearty meals daily. Voted Best Diner 4 years running by Record Journal. Open seven days. Breakfast served all day.

School, and fourth- and fifth-graders will attend Middlefield Memorial.

Regional School District 13 school board members said they continue to sort out options for a long-term plan to address several issues, including a drop in enrollment, inequities in programming, and needed upgrades and renovations.

The reconfiguration of grades is meant to be a short-term

solution, particularly to make sure all students have access to the same programs and resources.

Chairwoman Lindsay Dahlheimer said state law dictates “that we have a duty to not only the curriculum, but to the educational experiences” each student receives.

Some parents said the plan was rushed, especially without a long-term plan in place. They also questioned whether the plan will cost more than the school board has estimated.

“How can we make informed decisions about the future of our education system without a clear understanding about where we are headed?” Mark Simmons said.

Opponents also said the plan will be disruptive to students, forcing them to change schools more often.

“If any of these moving pieces go awry, we’ll be stuck with this interim plan moving our kids between schools every other year,” Sam Eddinger said. Others pushed back, saying

parents were evenly divided but opponents have simply been more vocal during board discussions over the summer.

“We are all here because we want what’s best for our children and it is OK if we disagree on what that looks like,” Russ Quick said. He also stated that some parents have blocked other attempts to streamline the district and address inequities, including a failed referendum to close Lyman school.

Janina Eddinger said she

was initially opposed, but credited the school district with answering her questions.

“I know there’s a lot of questions and I know there’s a lot of unrest, because I was one of those parents five years ago, eight years ago, 10 years ago going, ‘What is going on?’” she said.

Board member Linda Darcy responded to some of the research each side circulated. Some parents shared studies indicated school changes were disruptive, while others pointed to reports stating the board’s plan is beneficial.

“There’s no research that is applicable to our situation,” she said.

Part of the problem, she said, was that most of the studies either looked at students moving from elementary to middle and then middle to high school, or individual children who regularly move.

Moore, meanwhile, said his opposition was a response to the tension around the plan and a desire by opponents for a long-term plan. He wanted the board to take more time to build consensus.

“We’re not in a situation, I think, as a board to move forward on something that gets the community angry and at the same time say ‘let’s come back and support this long-term plan,’” he said.

While some parents complained about a lack of details for the configuration, Schuch said he wanted to wait for board approval first.

Now that the board’s stance is clear, he said he’ll work with teachers and administrators on a plan. He was confident the timing gives the district plenty of time.

“The sooner we can be told, especially ahead of the budget season, the better,” he said.

Dahlheimer suggested Schuch have regular engagement with the community, including monthly updates for the school board.

For Nicole Charest

Editor:

It is with great satisfaction that I recommend Nicole Charest for the position of Town Clerk for the town of Durham. It is very unusual that I write on behalf of a candidate.

I had Ms. Charest as a student at Middletown High School. I cannot write in full detail about her years in school. What I can write about is her time after school. Nicole worked on

Project Grad kicks off 34th year of fundraising

The CRHS Project Graduation Committee is kicking off its 34th year of fundraising efforts for the Class of 2024.

Project Graduation provides an all-night, fun, safe, substance-free, adult-supervised graduation party for Coginchaug's entire graduating class!

For over 30 years, dedicated parents, teachers, friends and business and non-profit partners have run this nonprofit event. Nationwide, Project Graduation events have been shown to reduce or eliminate tragedies in the days after graduation. It is only through the generosity of community partners, grants, and private donations that this event is possible. This event is not funded or sponsored by the school district or town budgets.

Support and volunteers are always greatly appreciated! Donations can be mailed to Project Graduation, P.O. Box 81 Durham, CT 06422. Volunteer, sponsorship or other inquiries can be directed to our Facebook page or our email crhsprojgrad@ gmail.com.

Letter to the Editor

the senior mural for the class of 2018. Anyone that visits MHS will see this piece of art as you enter the side of the school. For this high school student to have the dedication to work on this even after graduation denotes the quality of her character.

She knew it would take many hours and it was important to finish. She was a true leader on this project, her knowledge and her ability to work with others were a

great example for classes that would follow. I found Nicole approached many things in the way she approached the mural. It is no wonder that the two parties endorsed Ms. Charest for the position of “Town Clerk”

It is my hope that the Town of Durham will get to experience the same qualities of Nicole Charest that I experienced in Middletown.

Patrick M. Shugrue, Middletown

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ACCOUNTANT

The Town of Wallingford seeks qualified applicants for Apprentice Accountant. Performs accounting tasks and other related duties of a financial nature in the Town’s Finance Department. Applicants should have 2 years clerical and general office experience plus a H.S diploma or GED. $27.22 to $32.68 hourly (wages under negotiations), plus an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, medical insurance, life insurance, 13 paid holidays, paid sick and vacation time, and deferred compensation plan. 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 4, 2023. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

The Town of Wallingford is offering an excellent career opportunity for a technical leader in the wastewater treatment industry to assist the Superintendent in providing managerial direction in the operation and maintenance of the Town’s wastewater treatment plant, pumping stations, and sanitary sewer collection systems. Applicants should possess 4 years of progressively responsible experience in water pollution control and a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, chemical engineering or other engineering with courses in chemical qualitative analysis, biochemistry or microbiology, or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a year-for-year basis. Must possess and maintain a State of Connecticut Class IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator’s license or the ability to obtain the same within the probationary period. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Salary: $80,555 to $103,068 annually plus an on-call stipend when assigned. The Town offers an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, paid sick and vacation time, medical insurance, life insurance, 13 paid holidays, and a deferred compensation plan. 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 24, 2023. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

FOR SALE - Pewter Chandelier, Made in Spain, Asking $85.00, Call 203-443-0916.

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

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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.

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COSTUME JEWELRY WANTED - Old & New. “I Pay Top Cash For Your Grandma’s Costume Jewelry Stash!” Julie, 203-443-9602.

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, Na tive American Items, Vintage Electronics, Slot Cars, Toy Trucks, Matchbox & Hot wheels, Barbie’s, Folk Art, Statues, Bronzes, Trains, Cameras, Mid Century Modern Fur niture, Straight Razors, Shaving Items, Political Items, Comic Books, Sports Cards & Auto graphs…& THE LIST GOES ON! So please give us a call at your earliest convenience. Grassy Hill Auctions 203-868-1816 - Grassy HillAuctions.com

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FOR SALE - 7ft Slimline, Lighted Christmas Tree. Excellent Condition, $50, Call 860-3840190.

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

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

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HOUSECLEANING Sm House $75; Med. House $95; Lrg House, $120. Oven/Fridge free. 16 years exp. Refs. Fabiana, 203.565.7745.

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"Ser Amable con La Comunidad"

(Be Community Kind)

by Rona Mann

What is it like to relocate to another part of the country and a completely different culture when you’re just seven years old where everyone is speaking a different language than the one your family speaks? What is it like to move to a brownstone in the Bronx and live crowded in together with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, then to move to Connecticut and live in the projects? What is it like?

That was the early life of Rosa Carrero who eventually moved out of the projects, grew up, became educated, went to work, and 20 years ago became the Assistant Vice-President and Community Outreach Officer for Liberty Bank covering all of Central Connecticut. In working with low to moderate income families, Carrero brings more than her bi-lingual skills to the position. “I bring a compassion and understanding that stems from my personal life. People tell me things they wouldn’t tell others,” she says.

The people with whom Carrero relates are hardworking citizens, but people who often put their money in a shoe box and hide it under the bed because they are mistrustful of financial institutions, most likely because they don’t understand the relationship benefits they can have with a bank like Liberty Bank.

“Our culture is to be sympathetic to these needs,” Rosa says. “I try to teach them that it’s never too late to learn, that if you have a fire and your house burns down, that money in the shoe box is lost forever, but in our bank your money is protected for $250,000 up to $1 million dollars per account.”

As the oldest mutual savings bank in Connecticut, Liberty Bank learned long ago that being a successful banking institution is not just about people investing money in the bank; it’s about the bank investing in the people. That’s why they hired Rosa Carrero 20 years ago, why she’s still there working to educate and create trust with people. Why now every branch has a list of Spanish-speaking employees, even those who speak in different dialects. It’s all about relationships, not just forging them, but maintaining them. Helping people manage their money is a sacred trust, one that often takes years to solidify. That’s why Liberty Bank does not just have a slogan that brands them, but a working blueprint that continues to define them in the community. That blueprint leaves a lasting footprint.

Just to mention a few of the initiatives Liberty has created within the Hispanic community. During the throes of the pandemic they partnered with the Meriden Chamber of Commerce to sponsor a workshop on PPP loans for small businesses so that they could understand how the Paycheck Protection Program worked and could apply for it successfully. Since there are many Hispanic-owned businesses where only Spanish is spoken, Rosa has run ESL (English as a second language)workshops for budgeting and establishing credit through secured credit cards and collateral loans, and these were conducted totally in Spanish. “It is not enough to teach people how to get from Point A to Point B, you then have to continue and teach them how to get to C,” she says.

Additionally, Liberty Bank supports the Puerto Rican Festival, the Parade, and many other events and activities within the community throughout a 12-month period.”Hispanic Heritage Month should not be just a month,” says Rosa Carrero. It should be Hispanic Heritage Year because we are constantly working all 12 months to strengthen our relationships within the community and to promote the bank’s efforts of diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

We’re all in this together.

Liberty Bank proudly supports the people and organizations that make our community a great place to live and work. We are proud to support the Record-Journal Latino Communities Reporting Lab and its mission:

To amplify the voices of our local Latino communities