Three Choices In Play For Town Pool

by Michael Torelli
The Cheshire Community Pool has had a taxing couple of years.
In 2011, winter storms battered the pool’s bubble covering until, in February of that year, it was torn and had to be taken down. Last winter, the new bubble protecting the pool was destroyed again, this time by Blizzard Nemo.
To decide what the future holds for the pool, a Cheshire Pool Committee has been created.

Wet Friday Soaks Cheshire Relay For Life

by Michael Torelli
The impending rain didn’t stop survivors, family members, and local residents from turning out for Cheshire’s 17th Annual Relay For Life on Friday, June 7.
With the rain pouring down, volunteers were forced to push pooling water off the tents with chairs while both new and updated survivor registrations were filled out.
Bob and Dixie Finn, Cheshire residents and cancer survivors, were two of those registrants.

Silano In At Chapman

by Michael Torelli
Marlene Silano was recently appointed to the Chapman Elementary School principal position by the Board of Education.
The Board, at its June 6 meeting, voted unanimously for the hiring.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Greg Florio presented the appointment to the Board, offering a few kind words about Silano and her work in Cheshire.
“I am very confident that this will be an excellent move for our school system, and an excellent choice for the Chapman School community,” Florio said. “She understands the sense of community and will help maintain that.”

A Cheshire Staple For Five Decades, Bovano Decides To Close

by John Rook
Jim Flood admits that he probably hung on for too long.
Over the last several years, the president of Bovano of Cheshire, at 830 South Main St., has seen the writing on the wall. An economy in decline and a change in the way in which customers purchase items meant that operating the storefront was no longer viable.
But that’s the economics of it.
For Flood, whose family has been attached to this business since 1964, and whose father, David, became owner of Bovano of Cheshire in 1975, the store is more than bottom lines and product movement.
For him, it’s very personal.
“I can’t tell you how grateful I am,” said an emotional Flood, sitting in his office in the back room of Bovano this past Tuesday. “I was able to live in Cheshire and grow my children up here, and it’s all because of the people of this community.”

SPORTS

Gailey Pitches CA To First NE Crown

by Greg Lederer
Family ties helped bring junior softball pitcher Emma Gailey to Cheshire Academy four years ago.
“My old hitting coach, Mr. Allen, recommended me to his daughter (Emily) who coached Cheshire Academy at the time,” said Gailey, a four-year starter who has compiled 577 strikeouts (school record). “When I was being recruited, I liked the atmosphere and feel of the campus. My goal was to put a banner in the gym before I graduated.”
She accomplished that mission on May 20. Gailey pitched the Fighting Cats into the Western New England Prep School Athletic Conference Class C title game where they beat host Millbrook Prep School (N.Y.) 5-2 for their first regional title.

AROUND TOWN

Explorers Program Provides Close-up Look At Police Work

by Michael Torelli
At the 2013 Memorial Day Parade, residents of Cheshire may have noticed Officer Lorin Webber, the town’s school resource officer, riding in the Police Department’s ATV. They may have also noticed a much younger, 17-year-old officer riding alongside him. That co-pilot goes by the name of Brent Bouteiller.
Brent, who is graduating from Cheshire High School this year, has grown up with special needs. With issues of delayed development and epilepsy, Brent’s only goal in life is to become a police officer.

SCHOOLS

Academy Seniors Say “Goodbye”

by John Rook
The sun shining above helped dry up the rain-soaked ground that lay beneath the massive tent set up on the campus of Cheshire Academy. Less than 24 hours previously, heavy downpours—the remnants of Tropical Storm Andrea—battered the area and an uncertain Saturday forecast left the school wondering whether its 219th Commencement Ceremony would be forced inside.
However, by the time the hundreds of family and friends had arrived on June 8, the skies were a brilliant blue and the sun shone brightly down upon the procession of students being celebrated.