Volume 29, Number 8
www.towntimes.com
Friday, February 24, 2023
Little bottles, big mess
FIRE AND ICE
Lawmakers say nips surcharge doesn’t help stop littering By Kate Ramunni Record-Journal staff
Southington-Coginchaug-Westbrook hockey coach Bob Allan talks to his team in the locker room during the first intermission of Monday’s Division III game against Staples at Champions Ice Rink in Cromwell. Allan’s gutsy co-op came back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Staples 4-2. The Southington-Coginchaug-Westbrook squad, which had a five-game win streak snapped on Saturday night, improved to 6-12-0 with its win over Staples to remain in postseason contention. Bill Shettle, Special to the Record-Journal
WALLINGFORD — It’s a routine that state Rep. Mary Mushinsky, D-Wallingford, knows well — getting off the train and walking home, a trip of just less than a halfmile. Along the way, she encounters nips — small bottles of alcohol sold at liquor stores that are frequently strewn along roads, highways and parks. See Bottles, A2
Middlefield seeks more volunteer firefighters By Nicole Zappone Town Times
Fire departments throughout the country are seeing a decline in their volunteer numbers, and the Middlefield FD is among them. “We’re trying to start the year off by hitting the ground running, and get our message out there that we’re looking for help,” Deputy Chief Steven Tyc said. “Since 1934, we have been strictly volunteer, and want to keep it that way. Keep it going.” With people devoting so much energy to career and family these days, Tyc said many just don't have the time to volunteer. “Every town is doing different things to recruit,” the deputy chief said.
“Some are doing great, some are not, and we are just maintaining now.” Middlefield volunteer firefighters must be at least 18. No experience is required; the department provides the necessary training. “We have members from all walks of life, from people with full-time jobs, multiple jobs, families, and more,” Tyc said. “We don’t want this place to become a burden, because that is not what it’s about.” Middlefield FD volunteers receive a yearly property tax abatement of $2,000, and a Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) provides tax-deferred income benefits. See Volunteers, A6
Middlefield Volunteer Fire Company’s Deputy Chief Steven Tyc stands in front of the department’s tanker truck. Nicole Zappone, Town Times