As it did last year, rain sent wine tasters inside to the Senior Center in downtown Meriden, as it did last year, spirits were not dampened (yes, that’s a pun) at all as a festive crowd enjoyed sampling a fine variety of vintages. Maybe some year we’ll have dry weather, but it’s not essential.
A public hearing in Meriden for folks to voice concern over Factory H and its demolition was informative for those who came. It also moves this process along so that in a near future, this eyesore will be gone. We wish, though, that instead of rubble at least some dirt and grass could be spread over whatever is left: it looks better.
A good many new Connecticut laws come into effect tomorrow, October 1, as designated when they were enacted. Some new rules are worthy additions, others less effective. Only trouble is that it can be hard to tell until afterwards.
While it’s sensible to make sure that solar panels, either free-standing or incorporated into the integument of roofing materials actually does save money, surely Wallingford’s school system cannot be the first place where such scientific evidence could be collected. And then there’s always an issue with how much savings or how much cost is enough to justify the step.
Southington is considering tax abatements for hotels in the hope of keeping them current and attractive and, hence, well-occupied. It may work out.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Thur.,Sept. 29, 2011
While we’ve sympathy with the impulse which moved councilors to attempt to pull back a proposed rate hike in Wallingford Electric, the approximately 70 cent increase is almost too little to concern anyone. While any decision by the municipal company is certainly open to question by any elected official or the public, it’s best not to try for micromanagement of rates.
The young woman who fell from Mount Beseck in Middlefield last week is recovering, for which we are very glad, and she appears to have decided that “This little fall is going to stop me from going again. I hope people learn from me.”
A small group of “non-permanent” workers in child welfare, Stamford, appear to have been forgotten in the rescission of lay-offs during Connecticut’s budget crisis last summer. Workers in this area are needed on case files and the state can ill-afford the consequences of leaving this work undone.
The nighttime of Center Street Cemetery in Wallingford, set for Friday, with well-known local figures and high school students portraying well-known local figures and dead people is a wonderful history lesson. This is a fine entertainment for the season.
We wish the term “dead language” for Latin would disappear from Meriden and everywhere else. Regardless of a lack of native speakers, it remains the foundation of many important modern languages and cultures, and its orderly processes were used in the creation of many profound and important literary and scientific works.
Congratulations to the Queen and Hostesses of Southington’s Apple Harvest Festival this year, all of whom have worked and volunteered in community service for the honor.
The young woman who fell from Mount Beseck in Middlefield last week is recovering, for which we are very glad, and she appears to have decided that “This little fall is going to stop me from going again. I hope people learn from me.”
A small group of “non-permanent” workers in child welfare, Stamford, appear to have been forgotten in the rescission of lay-offs during Connecticut’s budget crisis last summer. Workers in this area are needed on case files and the state can ill-afford the consequences of leaving this work undone.
The nighttime of Center Street Cemetery in Wallingford, set for Friday, with well-known local figures and high school students portraying well-known local figures and dead people is a wonderful history lesson. This is a fine entertainment for the season.
We wish the term “dead language” for Latin would disappear from Meriden and everywhere else. Regardless of a lack of native speakers, it remains the foundation of many important modern languages and cultures, and its orderly processes were used in the creation of many profound and important literary and scientific works.
Congratulations to the Queen and Hostesses of Southington’s Apple Harvest Festival this year, all of whom have worked and volunteered in community service for the honor.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Sept. 28, 2011
A 20 percent property tax break for 7 years is the deal now approved by Wallingford Town Council for Workstage Connecticut LLC, builder of the future HQ of Anthem Blue Cross, which has succeeded defunct Mortgage Lenders as tenant. Tax abatement may do wonders, but it remains a two-edged sword.
It’s really hard to believe that the answer to how to manage drawing checks for office supplies – not paying for them – at the Cheshire/Southington Probate Court is to have the court do it. That’s the result of two towns jealously guarding pennies from each other and for citizens.
Cost is not the only consideration in considering whether to manage group home care for intellectually disabled people. There are long-term issues with such facilities whether they be state-run Southbury or private non-profits down the street.
It’s hard to believe that only Connecticut has actually banned the kind of “blow-out” pipe “cleaning” which caused an explosion in Middletown last year killing six workers. Other states want explosions of their own?
Mortgage intervention was the topic at Meriden city hall Tuesday evening as Michael Haynes, of the Housing Counseling Coordinator of Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven explained which programs might be available to families in trouble and how they work. There are plenty of folks who could use this kind of help.
Impact of instate tuition to undocumented students, under the law passed this year, so far has a minimal impact on Connecticut finances but a major impact on the lives of those eligible. It’s a situation which can be monitored as time passes.
Meriden Pops Orchestra and Guild seems to be coalescing into an operating and on-going group, which is a definite positive move for the city. A hat tip to Katrina Axelrod, who has worked on this and on the Civic Youth Orchestra, helping to make these ideas a reality.
Looks like the Barnes Museum in Southington will get a new slate roof soon, as the Town Council selected a contractor and as an Historic Preservation Grant will match a part of the cost. Thank goodness the successful bidder included real slate: the original roof has lasted 175 years.
It looks like the end of the road for protracted controversy over where those bullets were coming from. Durham resident Pasquale “Pat” DiNatale had complained that they’d come from the Blue Trail Range in Wallingford, but the expert witnesses did not win the court cases. Now we need to hope that everything remains incident-free.
Kindergarten is not what it was, and to make sure kids are prepared, the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington and Southington Public Schools are hosting a three-day workshop series in October titled “It’s Not Your Mommy’s Kindergarten.” It seems a little rough on kids to set up expectations at so young an age, but that’s the way the world is.
It’s really hard to believe that the answer to how to manage drawing checks for office supplies – not paying for them – at the Cheshire/Southington Probate Court is to have the court do it. That’s the result of two towns jealously guarding pennies from each other and for citizens.
Cost is not the only consideration in considering whether to manage group home care for intellectually disabled people. There are long-term issues with such facilities whether they be state-run Southbury or private non-profits down the street.
It’s hard to believe that only Connecticut has actually banned the kind of “blow-out” pipe “cleaning” which caused an explosion in Middletown last year killing six workers. Other states want explosions of their own?
Mortgage intervention was the topic at Meriden city hall Tuesday evening as Michael Haynes, of the Housing Counseling Coordinator of Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven explained which programs might be available to families in trouble and how they work. There are plenty of folks who could use this kind of help.
Impact of instate tuition to undocumented students, under the law passed this year, so far has a minimal impact on Connecticut finances but a major impact on the lives of those eligible. It’s a situation which can be monitored as time passes.
Meriden Pops Orchestra and Guild seems to be coalescing into an operating and on-going group, which is a definite positive move for the city. A hat tip to Katrina Axelrod, who has worked on this and on the Civic Youth Orchestra, helping to make these ideas a reality.
Looks like the Barnes Museum in Southington will get a new slate roof soon, as the Town Council selected a contractor and as an Historic Preservation Grant will match a part of the cost. Thank goodness the successful bidder included real slate: the original roof has lasted 175 years.
It looks like the end of the road for protracted controversy over where those bullets were coming from. Durham resident Pasquale “Pat” DiNatale had complained that they’d come from the Blue Trail Range in Wallingford, but the expert witnesses did not win the court cases. Now we need to hope that everything remains incident-free.
Kindergarten is not what it was, and to make sure kids are prepared, the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington and Southington Public Schools are hosting a three-day workshop series in October titled “It’s Not Your Mommy’s Kindergarten.” It seems a little rough on kids to set up expectations at so young an age, but that’s the way the world is.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Tues., Sept. 27, 2011
Meriden’s Factory H of International Silver Company will soon disappear, as bids for demolition are expected soon. Public hearings are involved as well, since grant money is involved, but we look forward to being able to move forward with this long-abused property.
Following a presentation by the Board of Parks Commissioners, Southington’s Town Council established a committee to consider an artificial turf field for the high school. This may not be an expense anyone is particularly eager to take on, but it is the wave of the present.
Rents are going up for some Meriden Housing Authority units, but tenants won’t bear the burden since their rents are limited to 30 percent of income. Counterintuitive, but if it works, so much the better.
Wallingford’s Energy Conservation Commission is finishing a report on the use of power in public buildings. Armed with this information, it should be possible to lower costs and use utilities more efficiently.
While Cheshire’s Community Pool is scheduled to close Oct. 15 and won’t reopen until a new bubble and blower have been installed, at least there’s light at the end of the tunnel. It’s too bad there’s a gap in this resource, but it’s good it will be remedied.
Seems to us that if a uniform is deemed acceptable for girls to perform cheerleading in at games and appropriate demonstrations of “Panther Pride” for Meriden’s Platt High School, it ought to be as acceptable in the classroom as any other team uniform is. If there’s truly a problem with the skirts, change the uniform.
Following a presentation by the Board of Parks Commissioners, Southington’s Town Council established a committee to consider an artificial turf field for the high school. This may not be an expense anyone is particularly eager to take on, but it is the wave of the present.
Rents are going up for some Meriden Housing Authority units, but tenants won’t bear the burden since their rents are limited to 30 percent of income. Counterintuitive, but if it works, so much the better.
Wallingford’s Energy Conservation Commission is finishing a report on the use of power in public buildings. Armed with this information, it should be possible to lower costs and use utilities more efficiently.
While Cheshire’s Community Pool is scheduled to close Oct. 15 and won’t reopen until a new bubble and blower have been installed, at least there’s light at the end of the tunnel. It’s too bad there’s a gap in this resource, but it’s good it will be remedied.
Seems to us that if a uniform is deemed acceptable for girls to perform cheerleading in at games and appropriate demonstrations of “Panther Pride” for Meriden’s Platt High School, it ought to be as acceptable in the classroom as any other team uniform is. If there’s truly a problem with the skirts, change the uniform.
Monday, September 26, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Sept. 26, 2011
There’s no question that Easter Seals Goodwill Industries does good work with disabled residents in Wallingford and elsewhere. The clients work with job coaches, who help them with tasks and oversee their efforts, and to find work which helps them live the highest quality lives they can.
As the gates and warnings issued by those concerned with safety on Meriden’s trap rock ridges have demonstrated, disregarding basic safety when hiking or walking, can lead to injury or even death. That said, and recognizing the simple fact that none of the trails on any trail in Meriden, Wallingford, Middlefield, Berlin or Southington is the least dangerous to anyone walking soberly on them, there will, nonetheless, always be those who proceed with disregard for those rules.
Southbury Training School, which has not accepted a new resident since 1985 and still is home to 425 retarded and now aging adults, remains subject to a long-lasting lawsuit. The state is approaching residents with possible transitions to off-campus life, but that can be a highly traumatic idea to folks who have had the institutional shelter for a quarter century or more; this is a situation which must be handled correctly and humanely.
Platt High School in Meriden has a conflict with cheerleader uniforms, deemed too short to meet dress code skirt lengths. Assuming that cheerleaders wear uniform dance shorts beneath their skirts, we see no reason why anything which can be worn when cheerleading and engaging in athletic display shouldn’t be suitable for classroom wear.
As the gates and warnings issued by those concerned with safety on Meriden’s trap rock ridges have demonstrated, disregarding basic safety when hiking or walking, can lead to injury or even death. That said, and recognizing the simple fact that none of the trails on any trail in Meriden, Wallingford, Middlefield, Berlin or Southington is the least dangerous to anyone walking soberly on them, there will, nonetheless, always be those who proceed with disregard for those rules.
Southbury Training School, which has not accepted a new resident since 1985 and still is home to 425 retarded and now aging adults, remains subject to a long-lasting lawsuit. The state is approaching residents with possible transitions to off-campus life, but that can be a highly traumatic idea to folks who have had the institutional shelter for a quarter century or more; this is a situation which must be handled correctly and humanely.
Platt High School in Meriden has a conflict with cheerleader uniforms, deemed too short to meet dress code skirt lengths. Assuming that cheerleaders wear uniform dance shorts beneath their skirts, we see no reason why anything which can be worn when cheerleading and engaging in athletic display shouldn’t be suitable for classroom wear.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Sept. 25, 2011
There will be a benefit for the life of Daniel R. Jakiela III, Meriden police officer, to benefit a Maloney student who wants to pursue a career in public service. As an incentive, golf balls will be sold, uniquely numbered, and then dropped from a plan, so that the person whose ball lands closest to hole wins $1,000. It’s a tempting idea!
Arts program at the Autism Spectrum Resource Center in Wallingford, which displayed work of some of its students. It was a moving moment for Meriden Rep. Cathy Abercrombie who was honored for her work for autism as a legislator.
Arts program at the Autism Spectrum Resource Center in Wallingford, which displayed work of some of its students. It was a moving moment for Meriden Rep. Cathy Abercrombie who was honored for her work for autism as a legislator.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Sept. 24, 2011
It certainly makes sense as a career move for Wallingford’s Town Attorney (a political appointment the incumbent has held for 23 years) to seek to become Corporation Counsel, a civil service position. There are apparently 9 other applicants for the post.
Have we got this right? In order for Southington’s Parking Authority to rescind the June vote at which one member, per Ethics Board, should have recused himself, the parking group must muster at least three members to vote to do so – presumably, not including that now-recused member. Eligible members were evenly split in June, and one of them now must change a vote.
So a Chef’s Emporium is opening where the former VIP store was on the Berlin Turnpike? We imagine most residents will be happy to see this business begun on this long-controversial site.
Sounds as if Wallingford’s Town Council is preparing to renew or extend the tax break for the folks who built for Mortgage Lenders (and were left holding the real estate bag) and who are now redoing that building for Anthem Blue Cross. It would seem that this tax break might well be justified.
Governor Malloy will seek waivers on No Child Left Behind sanctions in Connecticut schools. This is a must.
There’s going to be a Pet Fair on Oct. 1 in Hubbard Park, Meriden, so get ready for the Dog Walk and the 5k Road Race – and most important, bring food to Fill The Truck Campaign, run by city police and firefighters. This vehicle, when full, will go to the Humane Society and replenish stock.
Have we got this right? In order for Southington’s Parking Authority to rescind the June vote at which one member, per Ethics Board, should have recused himself, the parking group must muster at least three members to vote to do so – presumably, not including that now-recused member. Eligible members were evenly split in June, and one of them now must change a vote.
So a Chef’s Emporium is opening where the former VIP store was on the Berlin Turnpike? We imagine most residents will be happy to see this business begun on this long-controversial site.
Sounds as if Wallingford’s Town Council is preparing to renew or extend the tax break for the folks who built for Mortgage Lenders (and were left holding the real estate bag) and who are now redoing that building for Anthem Blue Cross. It would seem that this tax break might well be justified.
Governor Malloy will seek waivers on No Child Left Behind sanctions in Connecticut schools. This is a must.
There’s going to be a Pet Fair on Oct. 1 in Hubbard Park, Meriden, so get ready for the Dog Walk and the 5k Road Race – and most important, bring food to Fill The Truck Campaign, run by city police and firefighters. This vehicle, when full, will go to the Humane Society and replenish stock.
Friday, September 23, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Sept. 23, 2011
Pumpkins were affected, clearly, by a wet season and by Irene, but there will be no shortages, according to Wallingford farm owners, and some worry and work. Our favorite pumpkin, though, was the one which grew in a tree – obviously avoiding flood conditions on the ground.
Southington’s Board of Ethics has ruled unanimously that a member of the Parking authority should not have participated in a June vote to allow overnight parking. Since that vote was 3 to 2 and with one person not voting and the vote to be taken again, it will be interesting to see what happens with this idea next.
Some folks ruin it for everyone else: a Texas man executed last week had ordered an expansive last supper then left it untouched. Some state senator got huffy at the waste of a couple of chicken fried steaks, triple meat bacon cheeseburger, fried okra, a pound of barbecue, three fajitas, a meat lover’s pizza, a pint of ice cream and a slab of peanut butter fudge with crushed peanuts, and now accommodating last meals is history.
Signs that the Wallingford Housing Authority, which met at full strength for the first time in many months, is beginning to fly right. We certainly hope so.
Seems as if a little more communication was in order among Meriden Republicans and among We The People members, as the GOP endorsed the former leader of the WTP, bumping “placeholder” Bill Godburn, who accepted a place on WTP’s Board of Education slate. This is what keeps politics interesting.
We do hope Meriden Superintendent Mark Benigni finds a way of reopening the foot path from Prann Court to Thomas Hooker School. For anyone who is walking, and not necessarily only to the school, it’s a major timesaver.
Precision Manufacturing Institute on Maynard Street off North Colony Street in Meriden, a program offered by Middlesex Community College. For manufacturers calling for trained workers, this sounds like a fine solution.
Southington’s Board of Ethics has ruled unanimously that a member of the Parking authority should not have participated in a June vote to allow overnight parking. Since that vote was 3 to 2 and with one person not voting and the vote to be taken again, it will be interesting to see what happens with this idea next.
Some folks ruin it for everyone else: a Texas man executed last week had ordered an expansive last supper then left it untouched. Some state senator got huffy at the waste of a couple of chicken fried steaks, triple meat bacon cheeseburger, fried okra, a pound of barbecue, three fajitas, a meat lover’s pizza, a pint of ice cream and a slab of peanut butter fudge with crushed peanuts, and now accommodating last meals is history.
Signs that the Wallingford Housing Authority, which met at full strength for the first time in many months, is beginning to fly right. We certainly hope so.
Seems as if a little more communication was in order among Meriden Republicans and among We The People members, as the GOP endorsed the former leader of the WTP, bumping “placeholder” Bill Godburn, who accepted a place on WTP’s Board of Education slate. This is what keeps politics interesting.
We do hope Meriden Superintendent Mark Benigni finds a way of reopening the foot path from Prann Court to Thomas Hooker School. For anyone who is walking, and not necessarily only to the school, it’s a major timesaver.
Precision Manufacturing Institute on Maynard Street off North Colony Street in Meriden, a program offered by Middlesex Community College. For manufacturers calling for trained workers, this sounds like a fine solution.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Thur.,Sept. 22, 2011
Southington is to receive grants totaling $2.75 million to preserve or acquire aquifers in the Quinnipiac watershed. Apparently, the award is not fully determined, but it certainly sounds like a good piece of news.
Controlling speed of drivers on South Brooksvale Road in Cheshire and other streets is a challenge for police. The latest system involves hash marks gradually decreasing in distance, giving a motorist the illusion of speed. Hey, if it works. . .
Young women climbing Mount Beseck in Meriden and Middlefield at 11:30 pm caused a lot of trouble for themselves and emergency crews when they got in trouble. Will these women be billed for rescue efforts?
Third annual Southington Police Awards held this week at the high school. This is a great occasion to honor officers for challenging and dangerous work.
Evidently, the reconfiguration of Wallingford schools is making it somewhat simpler to maintain class size targets. The school system is to be commended for its smaller classes while other systems struggle.
Meriden deals with “supply side” issues in hiring minority teachers. This is an effort which needs to continue, even though no particular ratio is appropriate.
Congratulations to Meriden's Irene Masse, named Town Clerk of the Year in Connecticut from the Connecticut Town Clerks Association. She’s acquired a lot of experience and finesse in this people-oriented job, where politics really don’t matter.
Controlling speed of drivers on South Brooksvale Road in Cheshire and other streets is a challenge for police. The latest system involves hash marks gradually decreasing in distance, giving a motorist the illusion of speed. Hey, if it works. . .
Young women climbing Mount Beseck in Meriden and Middlefield at 11:30 pm caused a lot of trouble for themselves and emergency crews when they got in trouble. Will these women be billed for rescue efforts?
Third annual Southington Police Awards held this week at the high school. This is a great occasion to honor officers for challenging and dangerous work.
Evidently, the reconfiguration of Wallingford schools is making it somewhat simpler to maintain class size targets. The school system is to be commended for its smaller classes while other systems struggle.
Meriden deals with “supply side” issues in hiring minority teachers. This is an effort which needs to continue, even though no particular ratio is appropriate.
Congratulations to Meriden's Irene Masse, named Town Clerk of the Year in Connecticut from the Connecticut Town Clerks Association. She’s acquired a lot of experience and finesse in this people-oriented job, where politics really don’t matter.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Sept. 21, 2011
Meriden’s We The People party faces an organizational challenge as one founding member changes back to a Republican and accepts nomination for mayor. What’s next?
Wallingford is working on a dog ordinance which is now ready for presentation to the Town Council. The goal is to rid public playing fields of dog feces; the method is exclusion of dogs, which is not quite the same thing.
If Pulaski School in Meriden has third grades of 30, 29, 27, and 27 students, respectively, then hiring an additional third-grade teacher is a reasonable idea. Class size is a pretty good determinant of classroom success.
“Under the No Child Left Behind Act, every student in each school district will be required to reach proficiency on standardized tests by 2014.” This quoted line is the standard for No Child Left Behind, and is certainly one of the most unreasonable, not to say unattainable, propositions ever seriously imposed on schools, a point evident in the list of local schools which have issues in Meriden, Wallingford, Southington and Cheshire.
Under new law, pawn shops in Connecticut will be required to track every item handled. Somehow, this has not always been the law, incomprehensible as it may seem.
Transportation officials, state and national, are discussing some sort of infrastructure bank to fund highway projects. Doesn’t sound like it would be of much benefit to taxpayers to have some sort of banking operation added to whatever it costs to construct roads.
Congratulations to former coach Joseph V. Erardi Jr., who is now Southington’s School Superintendent, to be inducted into Connecticut High School Coaches Hall of Fame. He’s being honored for his creation and management of the girls’ soccer program at Manchester High School from 1980 to 1991.
Wallingford Mayor William Dickinson has his own way of campaigning and his own timetable. It seems to have won arguments at various times in the past.
Wallingford is working on a dog ordinance which is now ready for presentation to the Town Council. The goal is to rid public playing fields of dog feces; the method is exclusion of dogs, which is not quite the same thing.
If Pulaski School in Meriden has third grades of 30, 29, 27, and 27 students, respectively, then hiring an additional third-grade teacher is a reasonable idea. Class size is a pretty good determinant of classroom success.
“Under the No Child Left Behind Act, every student in each school district will be required to reach proficiency on standardized tests by 2014.” This quoted line is the standard for No Child Left Behind, and is certainly one of the most unreasonable, not to say unattainable, propositions ever seriously imposed on schools, a point evident in the list of local schools which have issues in Meriden, Wallingford, Southington and Cheshire.
Under new law, pawn shops in Connecticut will be required to track every item handled. Somehow, this has not always been the law, incomprehensible as it may seem.
Transportation officials, state and national, are discussing some sort of infrastructure bank to fund highway projects. Doesn’t sound like it would be of much benefit to taxpayers to have some sort of banking operation added to whatever it costs to construct roads.
Congratulations to former coach Joseph V. Erardi Jr., who is now Southington’s School Superintendent, to be inducted into Connecticut High School Coaches Hall of Fame. He’s being honored for his creation and management of the girls’ soccer program at Manchester High School from 1980 to 1991.
Wallingford Mayor William Dickinson has his own way of campaigning and his own timetable. It seems to have won arguments at various times in the past.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Tues., Sept. 20, 2011
Walter Micowski’s decision to leave the We the People Party, where he has been chairman, to accept the Republican nomination for mayor of Meriden demonstrates once again that in politics, you just never know. It should at least make the remainder of the election season more interesting.
Southington’s Board of Ethics, meeting for the first time in years, heard the parties in a complaint about conflicts on the Parking Commission and its issue of overnight parking. It’s an interesting question and Southington folks will be curious to see how the ruling goes.
Wallingford’s Town Council had a chance to direct questions to the firm in charge of repairing the roofs of 11 schools in town. There seems to be a plan, and if anyone has doubts about it, now is certainly the time to ask them.
When Moran Middle School suffered a power outage, emergency plans included a sojourn across the street at Sheehan High School, and an automated call to Wallingford parents, explaining the situation. The emergency drill seemed to go well, which is a good thing.
Frankly, when one is setting priorities for clean-up after Irene, it would not have been surprising if all the downed trees interfering with recreational activities were left way down on the list, since walking is not emergency. It was very good, therefore, that Meriden went ahead and removed the trees from Quinnipiac Gorge Trail in rather good time so that the trail is once more open to the public.
The possibility of banning dogs – no, make that dog poop – from Wallingford playing fields is a little thorny. The problem is dog owners who do not clean up after their pets, and a nice heavy fine for allowing unscooped poops might straighten out behavior.
Congratulations to Alex Curtis, new head of Choate Rosemary Hall. We hope his tenure at the Wallingford prep school is successful academically and institutionally.
If 47 percent of Connecticut schools are not meeting “improvement standards” under No Child Left Behind, then there’s something wrong with those standards. This law so much needs to be revised.
Newington is apparently negotiating with Covanta, which owns the Wallingford trash to energy plant and operates the CRRA one in Hartford, to switch from Hartford to Wallingford. This will not affect other towns’ contracted prices at either facility, but will presumably adjust burning loads to a more favorable arrangement.
Southington’s Board of Ethics, meeting for the first time in years, heard the parties in a complaint about conflicts on the Parking Commission and its issue of overnight parking. It’s an interesting question and Southington folks will be curious to see how the ruling goes.
Wallingford’s Town Council had a chance to direct questions to the firm in charge of repairing the roofs of 11 schools in town. There seems to be a plan, and if anyone has doubts about it, now is certainly the time to ask them.
When Moran Middle School suffered a power outage, emergency plans included a sojourn across the street at Sheehan High School, and an automated call to Wallingford parents, explaining the situation. The emergency drill seemed to go well, which is a good thing.
Frankly, when one is setting priorities for clean-up after Irene, it would not have been surprising if all the downed trees interfering with recreational activities were left way down on the list, since walking is not emergency. It was very good, therefore, that Meriden went ahead and removed the trees from Quinnipiac Gorge Trail in rather good time so that the trail is once more open to the public.
The possibility of banning dogs – no, make that dog poop – from Wallingford playing fields is a little thorny. The problem is dog owners who do not clean up after their pets, and a nice heavy fine for allowing unscooped poops might straighten out behavior.
Congratulations to Alex Curtis, new head of Choate Rosemary Hall. We hope his tenure at the Wallingford prep school is successful academically and institutionally.
If 47 percent of Connecticut schools are not meeting “improvement standards” under No Child Left Behind, then there’s something wrong with those standards. This law so much needs to be revised.
Newington is apparently negotiating with Covanta, which owns the Wallingford trash to energy plant and operates the CRRA one in Hartford, to switch from Hartford to Wallingford. This will not affect other towns’ contracted prices at either facility, but will presumably adjust burning loads to a more favorable arrangement.
Monday, September 19, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Sept. 19, 2011
Congratulations to the bands which competed in Saturday night’s band competition in Meriden at Falcon Field. Hosted by Maloney High School (which did not compete), it was a U.S. Scholastic Band Association-sanctioned event, of which more and more are taking place.
Arc of Southington is preparing for its first town-wide tag sale Saturday. Local businesses are hosting their own sales and maps of where participating homes and businesses are to be found.
CL&P exec William J. Quinlan is in charge of working on whatever liaison issues did or did not impact his company’s performance and response to Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene. We wish him good luck in trying how to figure out how to prepare Connecticut's utility for whatever may turn up.
Arc of Southington is preparing for its first town-wide tag sale Saturday. Local businesses are hosting their own sales and maps of where participating homes and businesses are to be found.
CL&P exec William J. Quinlan is in charge of working on whatever liaison issues did or did not impact his company’s performance and response to Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene. We wish him good luck in trying how to figure out how to prepare Connecticut's utility for whatever may turn up.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Sept. 18, 2011
Wallingford Community Day took place on Saturday under the auspices of the YMCA. Culminating at Doolittle Park, finish of the Fishbein Road Race, it is great to keep this tradition continuing.
Hi-tech apple sorting at Rogers Orchards in Southington, largest apple grower in Connecticut. New equipment, it’s hoped, will carry on through the next generation, the 8th to run this particular farm.
A lot of folks have a good time looking at cool cars at the third annual Silver City Slam Fest in Meriden’s Hubbard Park on Saturday. A lot of folks came from all over the northeast to enter vehicles or to look at other folks prize cars.
Hi-tech apple sorting at Rogers Orchards in Southington, largest apple grower in Connecticut. New equipment, it’s hoped, will carry on through the next generation, the 8th to run this particular farm.
A lot of folks have a good time looking at cool cars at the third annual Silver City Slam Fest in Meriden’s Hubbard Park on Saturday. A lot of folks came from all over the northeast to enter vehicles or to look at other folks prize cars.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Sept. 17, 2011
Interesting development in marketing: one supermarket chain with outlets in Meriden has decided to remove self-checkout lanes from its operations, based on study of its customers. While other stores say no such change is planned, you can be sure they’ll be watching to see whether the self-checkout is missed.
Congratulations to George Kyriacou, president and CEO of Hanover Hospital in Pennsylvania, who has been selected as the new CEO of Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford. Turns out, he worked (before his stint in Pennsylvania) for local hospitals and so is no stranger to this area.
With the USPS facing a $3 billion annual deficit, it’s no surprise that it’s looking at closing or merging the Wallingford Southern Connecticut Processing and Distribution Center on Research Parkway (among many others) as a possible option. Considering that this site and the Wallingford PO employs 700 people, perhaps we should all consider sending mail instead of emailing, texting, tweeting and so on.
So the issue between Southington and Cheshire appears to be which town has to actually do the paperwork to support the probate court? That is, how is the “burden” of writing out checks for copier rental, microfilm and office supplies to be allocated? This question answers itself.
Probabilities seem good that a $1.1 million bond issue to cover the Columbus Avenue Bridge reconstruction effort to control Meriden flooding will be on the State Bond Commission’s agenda next week. It’s a one step at a time process, but each step is welcome.
Congratulations to George Kyriacou, president and CEO of Hanover Hospital in Pennsylvania, who has been selected as the new CEO of Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford. Turns out, he worked (before his stint in Pennsylvania) for local hospitals and so is no stranger to this area.
With the USPS facing a $3 billion annual deficit, it’s no surprise that it’s looking at closing or merging the Wallingford Southern Connecticut Processing and Distribution Center on Research Parkway (among many others) as a possible option. Considering that this site and the Wallingford PO employs 700 people, perhaps we should all consider sending mail instead of emailing, texting, tweeting and so on.
So the issue between Southington and Cheshire appears to be which town has to actually do the paperwork to support the probate court? That is, how is the “burden” of writing out checks for copier rental, microfilm and office supplies to be allocated? This question answers itself.
Probabilities seem good that a $1.1 million bond issue to cover the Columbus Avenue Bridge reconstruction effort to control Meriden flooding will be on the State Bond Commission’s agenda next week. It’s a one step at a time process, but each step is welcome.
Friday, September 16, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Sept. 16, 2011
Connecticut has made a start on addressing problems at the State Crime Lab in Meriden, which needs new staff and new funding to handle the huge increase in business it has been receiving as more and more police and prosecutors realize the benefits of forensics. It makes sense, also, to phase out state troopers from work at the lab, since the training they receive as law officers would seem to be quite different from that needed in this scientific environment.
Southington is being a little stand-offish about the perfectly legitimate expenses of the probate court, but that’s to be expected since that was how the situation worked out. The expenses are Southington’s whether the court is there or in Cheshire (and Southington could have made a better offer to house the court), and it’s going to be less than whatever it cost to have a separate court in Southington.
Wallingford’s decision to hold a vote on the parking issue a week after the general election has ruffled supporters’ feathers; they fear the needed 20 percent may not vote to make the poll valid. On the other hand, a separate election could be argued also to draw out supporters of an issue to a greater extent than those not involved or concerned, which might well improve chances of winning.
United Way of Meriden and Wallingford had its kickoff dinner and showcased the directors and officers of the non-profits the umbrella charity helps to fund. This is an important part of these agencies’ annual support process and deserves as much community support as everyone can provide.
The Connecticut state troopers union is fighting layoffs in court on the basis of a 1998 legislative mandate of a certain level of staffing. Troopers are one of the unions which turned down the budget deal and so do not – should not, perhaps – enjoy the same job protection of those unions which did embrace the deal.
Borders has closed its doors for good in the Westfield Meriden Shopping Town. This is a book we are sad to have reached the end of.
Push to add storm drain decals to alert Southington residents to where anything emptied into such a drain winds up. This is a worthwhile project, begun Saturday and continued . . . until it’s completed.
Band competitions are an increasing phenomenon and Maloney High School’s band program has been a mover and shaker in the process, bringing regular competitions to Falcon Field in Meriden. Let the music sound!
Southington is being a little stand-offish about the perfectly legitimate expenses of the probate court, but that’s to be expected since that was how the situation worked out. The expenses are Southington’s whether the court is there or in Cheshire (and Southington could have made a better offer to house the court), and it’s going to be less than whatever it cost to have a separate court in Southington.
Wallingford’s decision to hold a vote on the parking issue a week after the general election has ruffled supporters’ feathers; they fear the needed 20 percent may not vote to make the poll valid. On the other hand, a separate election could be argued also to draw out supporters of an issue to a greater extent than those not involved or concerned, which might well improve chances of winning.
United Way of Meriden and Wallingford had its kickoff dinner and showcased the directors and officers of the non-profits the umbrella charity helps to fund. This is an important part of these agencies’ annual support process and deserves as much community support as everyone can provide.
The Connecticut state troopers union is fighting layoffs in court on the basis of a 1998 legislative mandate of a certain level of staffing. Troopers are one of the unions which turned down the budget deal and so do not – should not, perhaps – enjoy the same job protection of those unions which did embrace the deal.
Borders has closed its doors for good in the Westfield Meriden Shopping Town. This is a book we are sad to have reached the end of.
Push to add storm drain decals to alert Southington residents to where anything emptied into such a drain winds up. This is a worthwhile project, begun Saturday and continued . . . until it’s completed.
Band competitions are an increasing phenomenon and Maloney High School’s band program has been a mover and shaker in the process, bringing regular competitions to Falcon Field in Meriden. Let the music sound!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Thur.,Sept. 15, 2011
So the Wallingford referendum on parking will take place a week after the general election, it seems, because of timing issues. It seems kind of ridiculous for elections to be held on two different weeks because of timing rules established in a mechanical age.
Arrival of West Nile Virus in Southington, where a man of 70 is experiencing its dubious delights. Cool weather arriving this week, though, should put an end to the stinging and itching carriers of this unpleasant disease.
Southington fire department is buying a new $560,000 pumper to replace an out-of-date vehicle that’s 20 years old and past its prime. Such acquisitions are welcome at almost any time to the members of the force and the public they guard.
Situation which saw Connecticut’s state treasurer, driving a state car, arrested and expelled from her car which was impounded on the basis of erroneous computer information used by police. Although the charges have been dismissed, it remains to be said that there is no reason to take such actions over registration offenses, real or in error.
Comparisons of Connecticut high school students’ average scores on SATs to other states’ scores are meaningless, since it’s not an official test and since a far higher percentage of students here take the test than in many other states. Nevertheless, where there’s a statistic, education officials express concern.
Arrival of West Nile Virus in Southington, where a man of 70 is experiencing its dubious delights. Cool weather arriving this week, though, should put an end to the stinging and itching carriers of this unpleasant disease.
Southington fire department is buying a new $560,000 pumper to replace an out-of-date vehicle that’s 20 years old and past its prime. Such acquisitions are welcome at almost any time to the members of the force and the public they guard.
Situation which saw Connecticut’s state treasurer, driving a state car, arrested and expelled from her car which was impounded on the basis of erroneous computer information used by police. Although the charges have been dismissed, it remains to be said that there is no reason to take such actions over registration offenses, real or in error.
Comparisons of Connecticut high school students’ average scores on SATs to other states’ scores are meaningless, since it’s not an official test and since a far higher percentage of students here take the test than in many other states. Nevertheless, where there’s a statistic, education officials express concern.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Sept. 14, 2011
Changing rules to allow LED digital signs on gas stations in Southington, mainly because, probably, they’re allowed everywhere else, although it’s an interesting argument about changing signs in bad weather. But if rules are changed for gas stations, what reason is there not to change the rule for everyone else so the town can be full of lighted signs – it will be “business friendly” we guess.
Wallingford’s council has affirmed its decision on Simpson Court parking, setting stage for referendum. Signing a petition is not the same as saying “no,” though that’s what everyone seems to think, and there’s still an alternative, the Wooding-Caplan property, which has defied planning for many years now.
Presumably, New Life Church on Bee Street, Meriden, will have its plans examined for compliance with zoning rules, just like anyone else, and we see no sign that the church wants or expects anything different. It’s a growing group, which is great, but that can create parking and traffic issues which may need to be addressed.
Cheshire continues to be pleased with the job performance of Michael Milone, town manager, and to advance his employment terms. It is good to have found a good fit for town and administrator.
Wallingford has received another possible plan for a relocated train station. This one, on Parker Street, is a bit farther from the town center.
United Way of Meriden and Wallingford’s annual Day of Caring, which took place on Tuesday. About 300 people from local employers were dispatched to non-profits in the area to paint or draw or perform other labor intensive tasks which have been beyond the budgets of these helping agencies.
Someone was evidently hoping to make a bit of agricultural profit on an illegal crop in a small field off West Street, Southington. Arrests may or may not follow, but the crop has been sequestered, thwarting plans.
Good results are happening with Meriden's Maloney High School’s career courses. The technical and job-related courses have caught on and the students have been doing significantly better on state testing programs.
An ambitious Eagle Scout candidate has proposed to build for Southington a concrete entrance and platform to the dog park. That will allow those in wheelchairs to enter the park with their pets.
Wallingford’s council has affirmed its decision on Simpson Court parking, setting stage for referendum. Signing a petition is not the same as saying “no,” though that’s what everyone seems to think, and there’s still an alternative, the Wooding-Caplan property, which has defied planning for many years now.
Presumably, New Life Church on Bee Street, Meriden, will have its plans examined for compliance with zoning rules, just like anyone else, and we see no sign that the church wants or expects anything different. It’s a growing group, which is great, but that can create parking and traffic issues which may need to be addressed.
Cheshire continues to be pleased with the job performance of Michael Milone, town manager, and to advance his employment terms. It is good to have found a good fit for town and administrator.
Wallingford has received another possible plan for a relocated train station. This one, on Parker Street, is a bit farther from the town center.
United Way of Meriden and Wallingford’s annual Day of Caring, which took place on Tuesday. About 300 people from local employers were dispatched to non-profits in the area to paint or draw or perform other labor intensive tasks which have been beyond the budgets of these helping agencies.
Someone was evidently hoping to make a bit of agricultural profit on an illegal crop in a small field off West Street, Southington. Arrests may or may not follow, but the crop has been sequestered, thwarting plans.
Good results are happening with Meriden's Maloney High School’s career courses. The technical and job-related courses have caught on and the students have been doing significantly better on state testing programs.
An ambitious Eagle Scout candidate has proposed to build for Southington a concrete entrance and platform to the dog park. That will allow those in wheelchairs to enter the park with their pets.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Tues., Sept. 13, 2011
The discussion over the cost-effectiveness of the “pay to participate” plan for sports at Wallingford high schools is being discussed, and that’s a good development. As the news story indicates, although the total money involved is minor compared to the school budget of around $90 million, $97,800 is too much money not to be fully documented and accounted for, and the only people to do it is coaching staff.
Expansions along Route 5 in Wallingford are good news for the town’s coffers and good for businesses. They will be welcome additions in lots of ways.
Southington’s Superintendent Joseph V. Erardi is going to blog on the school system’s revamped website, and, to begin with, he wants to discuss the middle school project which will be coming before voters. This is an excellent approach for Erardi to try and we are glad he feels comfortable with it.
Spending $15,000 to extend the purchase agreement on Southington’s Primus property seems worthwhile. Pending applications for a state grant for this 24-acre property is expected to be decided next month.
New twists on the parking proposal in Wallingford seem not to change the basic issue. There is an apparent need for parking behind Simpson Court: the town wants to provide it by improving it under a lease rather than by purchasing it outright, certainly a more expensive option.
Meriden walkers and anyone else who uses the Quinnipiac Gorge Trail or trails in Hubbard Park have reason to be grateful for crews, both city and private individuals, who are working to remove Storm Irene’s windfalls. There is a lot of work being done to restore trails to good condition, and it is much appreciated.
Expansions along Route 5 in Wallingford are good news for the town’s coffers and good for businesses. They will be welcome additions in lots of ways.
Southington’s Superintendent Joseph V. Erardi is going to blog on the school system’s revamped website, and, to begin with, he wants to discuss the middle school project which will be coming before voters. This is an excellent approach for Erardi to try and we are glad he feels comfortable with it.
Spending $15,000 to extend the purchase agreement on Southington’s Primus property seems worthwhile. Pending applications for a state grant for this 24-acre property is expected to be decided next month.
New twists on the parking proposal in Wallingford seem not to change the basic issue. There is an apparent need for parking behind Simpson Court: the town wants to provide it by improving it under a lease rather than by purchasing it outright, certainly a more expensive option.
Meriden walkers and anyone else who uses the Quinnipiac Gorge Trail or trails in Hubbard Park have reason to be grateful for crews, both city and private individuals, who are working to remove Storm Irene’s windfalls. There is a lot of work being done to restore trails to good condition, and it is much appreciated.
Monday, September 12, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Sept. 12, 2011
A CL&P executive will be working with Connecticut municipal officials to improve emergency response after the remnants of Hurricane Irene knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of customers. We’re not quite sure what that means, but the idea of coordinating, where possible, between utility and responders makes a lot of sense – and hurricanes will continue to happen.
Meriden seems to have gotten the go-ahead to begin working on the kindergarten classroom at Hanover School, and, though it may not be ready by start of school in 2012, the students will start somewhere. Delay was caused by a single PCB-contaminated brick: must have been some brick!
Meriden seems to have gotten the go-ahead to begin working on the kindergarten classroom at Hanover School, and, though it may not be ready by start of school in 2012, the students will start somewhere. Delay was caused by a single PCB-contaminated brick: must have been some brick!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Sept. 11, 2011
Reading the stories of local people who had connections to the Twin Towers or to people who died there ten years ago, or who were supposed to be there and were not, brings great sadness to the heart as well as many chills to the spine. It is a time of remembrance.
It is good to read that first responders in Meriden are well-equipped for emergencies and have plans in place to cope with a variety of disasters. It remains true, though, that we all tend to figure out how to cover the last disaster better and when the future arrives it does so with surprises.
Cheshire’s 23rd Fall Festival, a fundraiser for the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, offered plenty of entertainment and fun this Saturday at Bartlem Park. The money raised winds up coming back to the community.
Visitors from Egypt who had been active during the recent revolution which overthrew Hosni Mubarak stayed with a Wallingford family as part of Friendship Force — an international effort where local hosts open their homes to visitors from other countries and cultures. This is a fine idea for the world.
It is good to read that first responders in Meriden are well-equipped for emergencies and have plans in place to cope with a variety of disasters. It remains true, though, that we all tend to figure out how to cover the last disaster better and when the future arrives it does so with surprises.
Cheshire’s 23rd Fall Festival, a fundraiser for the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, offered plenty of entertainment and fun this Saturday at Bartlem Park. The money raised winds up coming back to the community.
Visitors from Egypt who had been active during the recent revolution which overthrew Hosni Mubarak stayed with a Wallingford family as part of Friendship Force — an international effort where local hosts open their homes to visitors from other countries and cultures. This is a fine idea for the world.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Sept. 10, 2011
Change is in the works for Wallingford Housing Authority, as Stephen Nere has reportedly told WHA members he plans to resign. Looking forward, wouldn’t it be a good plan to include among the requirements for a new director of the agency some experience in public housing management?
With Meriden's Chris Donovan’s announcement that he is running for Congress, there are now eight announced candidates for the seat Chris Murphy is giving up to try for the Senate. That’s a large crowd, but more notable is that the election is not for 14 months.
Connecticut state agencies think they may be able to cut overtime by 10 percent. Out of overtime expenses last year ($232 million) that’s a respectable number and will help, but will not balance the budget by itself.
Southington Democrat Mike Williams (in the company of the other Democratic candidates for Connecticut’s 5th District Congressional seat) is right to support repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, which forbids federal recognition of state-approved same-sex marriage.
Scheduling magic in Wallingford elementary school enables kids to have more computer time, more outdoor time and more arts time – while teachers in special subjects get to have longer blocks of time in each school. We’re not sure how it was done, but it seems to be a good idea.
With Meriden's Chris Donovan’s announcement that he is running for Congress, there are now eight announced candidates for the seat Chris Murphy is giving up to try for the Senate. That’s a large crowd, but more notable is that the election is not for 14 months.
Connecticut state agencies think they may be able to cut overtime by 10 percent. Out of overtime expenses last year ($232 million) that’s a respectable number and will help, but will not balance the budget by itself.
Southington Democrat Mike Williams (in the company of the other Democratic candidates for Connecticut’s 5th District Congressional seat) is right to support repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, which forbids federal recognition of state-approved same-sex marriage.
Scheduling magic in Wallingford elementary school enables kids to have more computer time, more outdoor time and more arts time – while teachers in special subjects get to have longer blocks of time in each school. We’re not sure how it was done, but it seems to be a good idea.
Friday, September 9, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Sept. 9, 2011
At the meeting of Meriden’s building committee Thursday night, is was announced that O&G Industries, of Torrington, will build the renovations at Platt High School and Gilbane Building Co., of Glastonbury, will do that job at Maloney High School. So it’s off to the races we all go as this project gathers momentum.
Congratulations to Patricia Hogan, chosen first elected tenant representative to the Wallingford Housing Authority by residents on Thursday. She has had experience with the job and we hope she can make a difference along with other commissioners: change is needed.
There are no winners and losers in union contract negotiations in Wallingford, and while it is necessary to be thrifty with the taxpayers’ cash, it is also the case that by being too hard line in talks, matters go to arbitration where chances are good that some variety of difference will be split -- and arbitration must be paid for.
Southington’s Board of Education hired 5.5 literacy tutors to help relieve some classroom pressure at hot spots in the elementary system. Sounds like a good idea.
Connecticut’s open government community mourns the death of Nelson Brown, 92, former Speaker of the Connecticut House and long-time lobbyist for freedom of information.
We also remember Phil Wright, a fixture in Wallingford politics, of course, but also a guest member at one time of this newspaper’s editorial board. He served, it is worth noting, with his grandson, Robert Kirschmann, who at that time lived and went to school in Meriden
Congratulations to Patricia Hogan, chosen first elected tenant representative to the Wallingford Housing Authority by residents on Thursday. She has had experience with the job and we hope she can make a difference along with other commissioners: change is needed.
There are no winners and losers in union contract negotiations in Wallingford, and while it is necessary to be thrifty with the taxpayers’ cash, it is also the case that by being too hard line in talks, matters go to arbitration where chances are good that some variety of difference will be split -- and arbitration must be paid for.
Southington’s Board of Education hired 5.5 literacy tutors to help relieve some classroom pressure at hot spots in the elementary system. Sounds like a good idea.
Connecticut’s open government community mourns the death of Nelson Brown, 92, former Speaker of the Connecticut House and long-time lobbyist for freedom of information.
We also remember Phil Wright, a fixture in Wallingford politics, of course, but also a guest member at one time of this newspaper’s editorial board. He served, it is worth noting, with his grandson, Robert Kirschmann, who at that time lived and went to school in Meriden
Thursday, September 8, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Thur.,Sept. 8, 2011
It appears as if there has been some high level communication between Meriden’s city manager and its chief of police regarding the sensitive topic of encryption of police radio messaging. A possibility has been raised of a police website with a 15-minute delay of information, which addresses some of the accessibility issues, but the jury is still out on this suggestion.
The combined Southington-Plainville Health District will see some higher fees, most of which people may dislike, but which tend to bring the district into a cost position comparable to other towns in the area. The highest fees seem to be reasonable costs which businesses starting up might well expect to incur.
The rate at which Connecticut municipalities are bonding for school projects has dropped by about 50 percent in the last four years, reflecting the continuing sour economy. Would building more schools and bonding – with resulting increases in taxes to pay for them – put more people back to work in significant numbers?
Difficulties in filling boards and commissions reported in Cheshire (and in other communities as well). This sort of service is voluntary and used to be relatively nominal, but many public bodies now require many hours of attendance and confrontational sessions to which lots of folks, even those with time to spare, don’t care for.
The combined Southington-Plainville Health District will see some higher fees, most of which people may dislike, but which tend to bring the district into a cost position comparable to other towns in the area. The highest fees seem to be reasonable costs which businesses starting up might well expect to incur.
The rate at which Connecticut municipalities are bonding for school projects has dropped by about 50 percent in the last four years, reflecting the continuing sour economy. Would building more schools and bonding – with resulting increases in taxes to pay for them – put more people back to work in significant numbers?
Difficulties in filling boards and commissions reported in Cheshire (and in other communities as well). This sort of service is voluntary and used to be relatively nominal, but many public bodies now require many hours of attendance and confrontational sessions to which lots of folks, even those with time to spare, don’t care for.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Wed., Sept. 7, 2011
With FEMA eligibility declared by the federal government, some of those folks in Meriden, Wallingford, Southington and Cheshire who suffered losses during Irene will be considering filing claims.
Meriden has a grant to provide healthy snacks at four of the eight elementary schools (those where 50 percent qualify for the reduced-price or free lunch program). Last year, at one school where such treats as apple slices and broccoli florets were served, the program did well.
Wallingford will force a Town Council vote on the parking lot, now that the petition drive has collected ten percent of the registered voters’ signatures. It remains to be seen if the council will reverse its decision on the parking lot behind Simpson Court and avoid a referendum.
Gov. Malloy has revealed that Connecticut can save $135 million by eliminating vacant positions. Well, that’s part way to $700 million; we’ll wait for the other shoe to drop.
The combined Southington-Plainville Health District will see some higher fees, most of which people may dislike, but which tend to bring the district into a cost position comparable to other towns in the area.
Walliingford’s first ever tenant housing authority commissioner will be elected on Thursday, with polling at each authority property. There are two candidates, Tom Zappala and Patricia Hogan, both with significant presence in the community, so it should be a good race.
Meriden has a grant to provide healthy snacks at four of the eight elementary schools (those where 50 percent qualify for the reduced-price or free lunch program). Last year, at one school where such treats as apple slices and broccoli florets were served, the program did well.
Wallingford will force a Town Council vote on the parking lot, now that the petition drive has collected ten percent of the registered voters’ signatures. It remains to be seen if the council will reverse its decision on the parking lot behind Simpson Court and avoid a referendum.
Gov. Malloy has revealed that Connecticut can save $135 million by eliminating vacant positions. Well, that’s part way to $700 million; we’ll wait for the other shoe to drop.
The combined Southington-Plainville Health District will see some higher fees, most of which people may dislike, but which tend to bring the district into a cost position comparable to other towns in the area.
Walliingford’s first ever tenant housing authority commissioner will be elected on Thursday, with polling at each authority property. There are two candidates, Tom Zappala and Patricia Hogan, both with significant presence in the community, so it should be a good race.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Tues., Sept. 6, 2011
Southington town officials and school officials are preparing a unified wish list – proposed and prioritized bonding projects – so that the Town Council and Board of Ed can look at lists simultaneously and with any other departments which plan work. It’s a good way to avoid mix-ups and duplication.
While poking your neighbor and doodling are certainly “mischief” students can get into with pencils, such is not on the order of looking up answers on smart phones, as authorities in local systems in Cheshire, Wallingford, Southington and Meriden well know. Yet trends seem to be in the direction of incorporating such devices into the curriculum rather than on excluding them.
Meriden Boys and Girls Club’s annual golf tournament and auction is set for Thursday of this week. It has an ambitious fundraising goal and we wish it the best of luck.
Meriden’s a Playful City. For those who aren’t sure, be advised that this designation, by the non-profit organization KaBOOM, has grants to give out to help residents, especially kids, have places to play.
While poking your neighbor and doodling are certainly “mischief” students can get into with pencils, such is not on the order of looking up answers on smart phones, as authorities in local systems in Cheshire, Wallingford, Southington and Meriden well know. Yet trends seem to be in the direction of incorporating such devices into the curriculum rather than on excluding them.
Meriden Boys and Girls Club’s annual golf tournament and auction is set for Thursday of this week. It has an ambitious fundraising goal and we wish it the best of luck.
Meriden’s a Playful City. For those who aren’t sure, be advised that this designation, by the non-profit organization KaBOOM, has grants to give out to help residents, especially kids, have places to play.
Monday, September 5, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Mon., Sept. 5, 2011
As Wallingford begins dealing with the roofs of its schools it would indeed be appropriate to be clear about purpose. Apart from the matter of how any original directive was worded, it should now be clarified: is this committee and the expensive work to focus only on portions of roofs which qualify for state reimbursement, or on roofs as a whole?
Everyone is surely glad that the annual Muscular Dystrophy Labor Day Telethon at Zandri’s Stillwood Inn, Wallingford, went off properly and was a success for the cause of ending muscular diseases. But don’t you still want to know what founder Jerry Lewis and the association argued about?
Despite all those mosquitoes, the Brown & Lewis Open Space Parcels near East Street in Southington is a fine acquisition for the town’s open spaces. This 35-acre undeveloped area has a variety of wildlife and offers passive recreation.
Everyone is surely glad that the annual Muscular Dystrophy Labor Day Telethon at Zandri’s Stillwood Inn, Wallingford, went off properly and was a success for the cause of ending muscular diseases. But don’t you still want to know what founder Jerry Lewis and the association argued about?
Despite all those mosquitoes, the Brown & Lewis Open Space Parcels near East Street in Southington is a fine acquisition for the town’s open spaces. This 35-acre undeveloped area has a variety of wildlife and offers passive recreation.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sun., Sept. 4, 2011
Education officials in Meriden, Wallingford, Southington and Cheshire use electronic devices to various extents as school texts. Officials agree that they likely represent the future – but no one seems quite ready to abandon books just yet.
The “grow local, buy local” movement in our area and across Connecticut. In the past 20 years there has been a five-fold increase in the number of markets, growing from 22 farmers markets in 1986 to around 125 today, including Meriden, Wallingford, and Southington
An unexpected bump in Cheshire’s school census has surprised officials but not over-stressed any part of the school system. A change of a couple of percent shouldn’t bother any system very much, but when the census moves the wrong way, it does suggest that assumptions on which population projections were prepared should be examined.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Sat., Sept. 3, 2011
Story reveals another defendant in a potentially capital murder case from Milford was allowed to plead guilty with life imprisonment, in contrast to the Cheshire home invasion case where such a request has been denied. Hard cases make bad law, is the legal aphorism, but in fact, every case is different, and it is in distinguishing cases that our legal system has been shaped.
Indications from orchardists in Southington and Middlefield that this year’s apple crops were relatively undamaged by Irene. This is good for them and for apple fanciers.
Digitalization of Meriden police helps communications and eliminates dead spots around the city and helps the public. Encryption in effect hides police operations under a blanket which excludes the public, and, ultimately, separates the department from scrutiny which the public is entitled to make.
New cafeteria-style lunch room at Dodd Middle School in Cheshire seems to make life more attractive to students and eases different types of food service. It saves time as well, which is a distinct plus.
Managers’ union in Wallingford has won an award which will cost $230,000. If Mayor Dickinson’s past reaction to such awards is any guide, he will be consistent and look for ways to find necessary funds by leaving positions unfilled and by, if necessary, reducing staff.
Indications from orchardists in Southington and Middlefield that this year’s apple crops were relatively undamaged by Irene. This is good for them and for apple fanciers.
Digitalization of Meriden police helps communications and eliminates dead spots around the city and helps the public. Encryption in effect hides police operations under a blanket which excludes the public, and, ultimately, separates the department from scrutiny which the public is entitled to make.
New cafeteria-style lunch room at Dodd Middle School in Cheshire seems to make life more attractive to students and eases different types of food service. It saves time as well, which is a distinct plus.
Managers’ union in Wallingford has won an award which will cost $230,000. If Mayor Dickinson’s past reaction to such awards is any guide, he will be consistent and look for ways to find necessary funds by leaving positions unfilled and by, if necessary, reducing staff.
Friday, September 2, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Fri., Sept. 2, 2011
Good thinking and hard work on the part of Susan Maffe, Meriden schools’ food services director. With Irene bearing down on the city and a $50,000 load of food arriving just in time to meet possible power outages, she secured a refriverated truck which kept all that food cold and safe until the power emergency was over.
Our sympathy to State Sen. Len Fasano whose Silver Sands Beach Club in East Haven was severely damaged by Irene. We hope he can put the pieces back together again.
Connecticut residents had a fine chance to see the stars in the clear dark skies following the departure of Irene. Such formerly familiar features such as the Milky Way was pronouncedly visible especially due to the absence of electric power in so much of the state.
Columbia University Teachers College has had a partnership with the Southington school system: consultants and teachers come into elementary schools twice a year to mentor faculty on reading and writing techniques and strategies. What an excellent idea and a fine resource.
Our sympathy to State Sen. Len Fasano whose Silver Sands Beach Club in East Haven was severely damaged by Irene. We hope he can put the pieces back together again.
Connecticut residents had a fine chance to see the stars in the clear dark skies following the departure of Irene. Such formerly familiar features such as the Milky Way was pronouncedly visible especially due to the absence of electric power in so much of the state.
Columbia University Teachers College has had a partnership with the Southington school system: consultants and teachers come into elementary schools twice a year to mentor faculty on reading and writing techniques and strategies. What an excellent idea and a fine resource.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
The Editor's Notepod, Thur., Sept. 1, 2011
Southington decided to open its transfer station Thursday and Friday this last week for homeowners to bring in their “windfall” brush, while Meriden’s transfer station is extending its hours today. That debris has got to go somewhere.
It’s a fact of life: extra work clearing debris and restoring power lines is going to cost someone something somewhere. If CL&P and UI don’t add to customers’ rates, these charges could be covered by Connecticut or federal authorities – ultimately, it will be either ratepayers or taxpayers.
It’s a fact of life: extra work clearing debris and restoring power lines is going to cost someone something somewhere. If CL&P and UI don’t add to customers’ rates, these charges could be covered by Connecticut or federal authorities – ultimately, it will be either ratepayers or taxpayers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)