Shayla Colon – Page 2

Hamden’s Lucky Ewe is closing up shop

By Shayla Colon

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As of March 17, 2019, the Lucky Ewe Irish Goods shop on Whitney Avenue will be closed. The store is in the process of selling any merchandise left in a closing sale and shutting down operations.

But the Lucky Ewe Irish Shop is going out with a grand celebration. On St. Patrick’s Day, the shop owner will be hosting its annual party. There will be Irish music, step dancers and a bagpiper to celebrate the holiday and the store’s closing.

Kathleen O’Neill, 56, opened the shop three and a half years ago and is parting with the store on good terms. According to O’Neill, the shop is not closing because it was not doing well- it was actually growing, but O’Neill has come to a crossroads and decided it was time for her to make a transition in her life.

“I’m planning on spending more quality family time. My family has grown, I have three grandchildren and also my kids have moved away. I just want to have more availability,” said O’Neill.

Although O’Neill is closing the location on Whitney Avenue, that leaves the possibility of pop-up stores for her to dabble in. She hopes to have some pop-up locations across Hamden at the Playwright Irish Pub Restaurant and Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum. She plans to donate the store’s heraldic pins to the museum.

“We would like to do whatever we can to support the Hunger Museum. I think it would be a great fit if they [Ireland Great Hunger Museum] do a little gift shop. I’ve been planting those seeds and watering them, so we’ll see what happens with that one,” said O’Neill.

In her time running the shop, O’Neill finds the best part to have been the people she met as a result.

“It’s been amazing that people have come in and shared their stories. It’s been wonderful just getting to know people and when people come into an Irish store they tend to talk, so they’ve been sharing their stories, sharing their families. On a personal level, it has been wonderful because it has helped me to reconnect with my Irish heritage. As much as you think a store is about selling goods, no. It’s been more about the relationship with people that has been the best blessing of all,” said O’Neill.

Hamden celebrity of the week

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, 46, Professional Wrestler and Actor

Though “The Rock” was born in Hayward, California, he attended fifth and sixth grade at Shepherd Glen Elementary and Hamden Middle School when his father, “Rocky Johnson” moved to Connecticut to wrestle professionally for WWE. Johnson, who later moved to Pennsylvania, played collegiate football on scholarship at the University of Miami before beginning his career as a professional actor.

Humans of Hamden

Valerie Smith, 61

“I grew up in the ’70s, this may have been the ‘60s. I remember my mother taking us out of school so we could go and protest the Vietnam War (at the time Valerie was about 10 years old). That was kind of like a big ‘oh God mom, you’re breaking the rules.’ So I was aware that there’s something going on and aware that you’re supposed to do something about it and speak up about it, which makes me feel very empowered in a lot of ways. It was comfortable because I was with my mother and I knew she wasn’t going to let anything happen to me. A lot of it was sitting on the ground and listening to speeches, and then someone would come out and play some music and it was exciting to be involved in a mass movement of people like-minded, knowing that you were doing something that was actually meaningful. I think the marches that we have been having in the last couple of years sort of replicate some of that sense of there’s something really wrong going on here and people need to start absolutely doing some grassroots because otherwise, it’s not going to get fixed.”

Tolling Connecticut – how proposed tolls will impact major roadways throughout the state

By Shayla Colon

Today, Connecticut leaders will hold a meeting to discuss the future of bringing back tolls to the state. Governor Ned Lamont is considering building 53 gantries state-wide as part of his plan to toll all vehicles, according to CT News Junkie. The gantries are bridge-like, overhead structures that will have cameras for tolling purposes. The idea to toll all vehicles came from a 2018 study done by the CT Department of Transportation that initially sought to have 82 gantries with the potential to produce $1 billion dollars annually. Lamont’s plan has the tolling structures mapped out along major interstates (I-95, I-84 and I-91) and routes (15 and 8).

Hamden traffic light cameras not for ticketing drivers- state

By Jeremy Troetti

The operation is simple. A driver runs a red light and in an instant, a camera flash records the incident. The driver then receives a ticket in the mail.

Despite a Feb. 11 report by NBC Connecticut detailing mayor Curt Leng’s plan to have new traffic light cameras catch red light offenders on Whitney and Dixwell avenues, the use of cameras for that purpose is not permitted by Connecticut state law.

As of December 2018, 21 U.S. states, along with the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, have some form of red light camera detection systems, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

According to Connecticut Department of Transportation spokesman Kevin Nursick, the traffic cameras in Hamden are being used to monitor traffic flow.

“These are not enforcement cameras,” Nursick said. “They are not to scan people’s license plates or taking pictures or anything of that nature. They are detection cameras.”

Nursick explained that the cameras are being installed all across the state to replace loop detectors – aging in-ground traffic signal technology that is no longer able to operate adequately.

“We have been moving toward installing cameras in place of the loop detector systems across the state, and we’ve got a lot of work to do still, but we’re slowly making headway in terms of transitioning from loop detector systems to the camera systems,” he explained.

Although the cameras are not being utilized for detecting red light offenses at this time, 22-year-old Quinnipiac student, and Connecticut resident, David Gassel, does see potential in using the cameras for more than just managing traffic.

“If they used them to monitor potential accidents, and they catch a drunk driver running a red light, they could use that in the case against them,” Gassel said. “I think that could be a good use for (the cameras).”

As for why loop detector systems are being replaced statewide at this time, Nursick explained that a string of recent complaints has expedited the camera installations.

“The loop detectors are probably the single biggest failure issue that we have with traffic signals across the state of Connecticut,” Nursick said. “We’ll get complaints from people… they’ll call us up and say ‘Hey, I was out at this traffic light at 11 p.m. and there’s no traffic and it’s making me sit there for two minutes before it turns green’ or ‘Hey, in the middle of rush hour, we’re getting off the exit ramp and this light just isn’t turning for us.”

Nursick also raved about the new technology’s ability to offer real-time access to the Connecticut Department of Transportation – allowing the department to monitor potential traffic issues, something loop detectors cannot do.

“They are much less prone to failure and the technology is really improving on these things – you can access them remotely and make adjustments,” he said. “You can remotely monitor them to make sure they are functioning properly.”

Gassel feels that having the Department of Transportation monitor the cameras can have additional benefits beyond traffic management.

“If they’re using them like they say they are, it gives someone a job… someone has to check that camera. It puts money on someone’s table.”

While loop detectors are able to sense vehicle movement through an underground wiring system, the new traffic light cameras allow for easier digital detection of traffic flow due to 360 degree viewing capabilities.

“If you looked at one of the screens from these things, it basically sets up a customized grid for each location and it digitally sees vehicles at the intersection and it sends that information to what we call the control cabinet, which typically looks like a metal cabinet somewhere near that intersection,” Nursick explained.

In addition to regular traffic jams, Nursick explained that other factors, such as construction, could impact the capabilities of loop detectors.

“You still have the traffic signal there operating with the loop detector, even if you mill the thing out when you’re ready to pave, but you have to go to a pre-programmed, one-size-fits-all setting on the traffic signal – and that doesn’t work very well,” he said. “It is not dynamic, it is not live, it is not real-time, dynamic capability. So it causes problems. And that contributes to congestion.”

While the new camera systems have been installed at locations across the state, the cameras in Hamden are maintained by the town’s Department of Traffic.

The Hamden Department of Traffic has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the matter.

Hamden residents welcome plastic bag ban

By Michaela Mendygral

Shoppers leaving ShopRite on Dixwell Avenue in Hamden on one recent Saturday afternoon generally supported Hamden’s new single-use plastic bag ban, saying the reduction in litter and damage to the environment outweighed any inconvenience or expense the new law may impose.

“(Plastic bags) blow all over the place, people throw them around and it is a litter nuisance for sure,” Hamden resident, Jerry Gogliotto said.

In a meeting Tuesday evening, Feb. 19, Hamden’s town legislative council passed an ordinance with two abstentions, introduced in January and to be in effect come fall, banning single use plastic bags at checkout.

The new ordinance “will allow paper checkout bags, but only those that are 100 percent recyclable and are made from at least 40 percent recycled material,” according to the New Haven Independent.

Jerry Gigliotto and his wife Barbaraare just two of several shoppers to leave ShopRite with recyclable bags in hand.

The Gigliottos said that reusable bags have been easily acquired over the years. They are usually a dollar to purchase, but many are often given out for free.

The Gigliottos found out about the plastic bag ban from the news. However, not everyone using recyclable bags is even aware of the ordinance passed by Hamden.

New Haven resident Lydia Santiago uses recycled bags because it makes sense.

“I keep them in the car in a bag and I take the whole thing into the store,” Santiago said.

Santiago was unaware of the new ordinance Hamden recently passed, but welcomes it openly.

“[The plastic bag ban] is so cool,” Santiago said. “I went to Washington [D.C] a few years ago and they have no plastic bags. In Washington D.C. they would ask you if you would want a plastic bag and you would have to pay for it.”

Several shoppers expressed concern over the lightweight plastic bags.

North Haven resident Ellen Perrotti saidd, “I don’t want plastic bags anymore, I never did want them. I was mad when they took paper away and they don’t offer it anymore.”

One Quinnipiac student agrees. “Paper bags are more recyclable and wouldn’t be as much of a harm if it gets into the ocean,” said Destiny De Jesus, 21..

However, the change expected to take place come fall may be an adjustment period for some.

“I think it’ll be a little inconvenient for people that aren’t prepared for it, but I do think it’s a good thing in the long run,” Barbara Gigliotto said.

The ban came as a surprise for 68-year-old Hamden resident, Jack Allen.

“To tell you the truth I use plastic bags for everything,” said Allen. For him, reusing plastic bags within the home has become routine and the plastic bag ban means purchasing more reusable bags.

Mayor Curt Leng asked Hamden residents their thoughts on the ban back in January, posting on Facebook a call for opinions on both a plastic bag and straw ban.

Residents are quick to weigh in on the topic, with the majority in favor of the new ordinance. The post is currently at a total of 455 comments.

How safe is the town of Hamden?

By Shayla Colon

Recent reports of a Citgo gas station robbery where the victim was pistol whipped and another armed robbery last Sunday, Feb. 17, has left Hamden residents wondering about their safety.

An employee at the Shell gas station on Whitney avenue, Grishma Shah of Hamden, shared her concern for safety in Hamden.

“Gunpoint is scary, I wouldn’t be able to work here if it happened to me,” Shah said.

The most calls for service made to police in January 2019 were for burglaries, according to Hamden Police Department statistics. In January alone, of the 493 emergency calls made to police, 294 were regarding a burglary. The other 199 calls were about holdups, fires or false reports.

Photo via Hamden Police Department statistics

But the amount of calls made to police this January was significantly smaller than the total calls made to police in January of last year. Since last January, some crime rates have risen. Recently, the Hamden police have reported that drug arrests and seizures for weapons or drugs are up, and so are motor vehicle infractions.

While some residents said they were concerned about their safety in light of the recent robberies, others still believe Hamden is a generally safe town. Local small-business owner of the Whitneyville Food Center, Patrice Notarfrancesco, finds Hamden to be a safe town and she is not alone.

“I feel safe here in Whitneyville,” said Notarfrancesco. “I think it’s a pretty safe area and we always have police presence coming back and forth.”

Results from a Twitter poll by HQ Press revealed that of the 36 responses, only half of participants say they feel safe in Hamden. Of the rest who participated, 11 percent said they did not feel safe, while the remaining 39 percent said they only feel safe sometimes.

“I’m not overly concerned, I still feel like Hamden is really safe and still proud to be residents of Hamden,” Hamden resident Jessica Hazan said.

Quinnipiac facilities workers prepare for the snow

By Ross Lager

With another snow squall predicted for Wednesday evening, the Facilities Department at Quinnipiac University is gearing up to ensure the safety and accessibility of all three campuses for students and faculty.

Though meteorologists predicted another large storm earlier in the week, a wintry mix of snow, sleet and rain blanketed the Hamden area Sunday evening into Monday morning. This messy mix caused Quinnipiac University to delay classes until 10 a.m.

Regardless of the amount of snow, the Quinnipiac Facilities Department has to be prepared to meet any challenge.

Associate Vice President of Facilities Operations, Keith Woodward finds the key to storm preparation is equipment management.

“We talk, prepare and communicate well in advance of any storm, and trying to be prepared for anything that happens. As an example, a day after the storm we are checking our supplies, evaluating our equipment and (making) sure we are ready for the next one,” said Woodward.

The morning following a snowstorm, students and faculty find roads and lots “magically” clear and free of snow. Yet, it is the preparation of the Facilities Department that makes that magic happen. Last week, a sudden drop in temperature caused dangerous sub-zero conditions that forced the cancellation of all classes on Tuesday, Feb 12. The following morning, roads and lots were cleared so that students and faculty could proceed with business as usual.

Woodward understands the responsibility the Facilities Department has in keeping all Quinnipiac campuses safe for everyone, regardless of the weather.

“We are fortunate to have a group of dedicated employees and making sure they are prepared as best as they can be for when winter conditions arrive.

“We have our groundskeepers and mechanics working to make the campus safe for the community… (members of the facilities department) combined with some contractors are roughly 50-60 people,” Woodward said.

Woodward also said that one of Hamden’s top priorities is to clear the roads surrounding the university for the safety of commuting students and Hamden residents.

“The Town of Hamden does great work and has a dedicated staff in their Public Works area,” Woodward said. “I’m sure we help a little… but between the State of Connecticut trucks and the town, they do a great job.”

Even with the drastic changes in weather, Quinnipiac students seem to be pleased with the job the facilities department has done to clear up remnants of past storms. Senior psychology and sociology major Destiny DeJesus watched the clean-up efforts last Tuesday at the York Hill campus from the comfort of her dorm room and was impressed.

“My room’s window on York gives me a clear view of the Eastview parking lot and the path to the parking garage,” she said. “I saw custodians cleaning out there before, during and after the snow, so I think they did a good job.”

Quinnipiac needs to be ready to thoroughly clear the snow from roads, walkways and parking lots, and is a task the department is ready well in advance.

“The preparation is a year-round process, from equipment evaluation at the end of the season, to the time spent in August or September when we are purchasing magnesium chloride (salts that help with traction) to help with sidewalks and roads,” Woodward said.

The university keeps students, faculty and staff informed via email, phone calls and texts about delays, early closings and cancellations.

Last week, members of the Quinnipiac community received a notification the night before the impending storm, sparking excitement and surprise. Unlike the usual notifications that have typically gone out in the early morning hours. The day after the storm had passed through the Hamden area, students received an alert around the expected time (5:39 a.m.) announcing a delayed opening due to inclement conditions.

Junior marketing major Luke Ahearn getting to class in inclement weather causes problems for more than just those working with the Facilities Department.

“The weather has been rough for students, faculty and staff,” Ahearn said. “Other than the obvious inconveniences that come with weather like this, students’ commute and even the walks to class become dangerous.”

Ahearn said he thinks facilities personnel do the best they can working through the night to clear the snow.

“Facilities have done a wonderful job clearing snow,” he said. “Their job is under-appreciated as they are out in the cold in the middle of the night making sure the campus is as safe as it can be. They are always well prepared for inclement weather.”

Hamden restaurants in violation of public health code

By Shayla Colon

In the latest Hamden restaurant inspection, the Quinnipiack Valley Health District graded 38 establishments, including Eli’s on Whitney, as less than acceptable for failing to comply with the Connecticut Public Health Code.

Among the 38 restaurants not meeting safety standards are some other Hamden favorites including: Droogie’s, Mickey’s restaurant and Wood-n-Tap.

Eli’s was docked four points for failing to keep foods at proper temperatures, not cleaning rags regularly enough and for having a “filthy” vacuum for the sous vide cooking process, the New Haven Register reported.

According to Eli’s general manager, Shawn Reilly, anything other than an A is a failure and “embarrassing.” He explained that a former employee turned up the temperature of the walk-in refrigerator from the standard 41 degrees to 45 degrees causing the violation. The employee was let go the week of the incident.

The Connecticut Public Health code outlines inspection violations can include anything regarding improper sanitization, improper food temperatures, or cross-contamination.

“You could have an A and have 10 different violations or get a C with just two violations, it just depends on the type of violation,” Reilly said.

Reilly further noted that the Eli’s staff does line checks daily, but was not able to catch these issues because the sanitarian arrived beforehand.

Going forward, Reilly looks to regain Eli’s A status. “I’m not going to change anything, this is a blip. We do things properly, this is human error that should of never happened. He (the sanitarian) is coming back next week, there will be an A on the door next week,” Reilly said.

America’s next Miss USA could be from Hamden

By Savannah Giammarco

Hamden’s Acacia Courtney now wears a crown — but she is no stranger to the limelight.

Though the 26-year-old was crowned Miss Connecticut USA on Jan. 5 at the Palace Theater in Stamford, she’s frequently on television in her role as a horse racing correspondent for the Stronach Group, which owns the Gulfstream and Pimlico race tracks.

“I’ve been around horses my whole life and I grew up riding in Connecticut,” Courtney said. “I never thought I could make a career out of horses. Its something that I always loved, but I never thought that I could make it a profession.”

A graduate of Fordham University, Courtney has commentated on notable horse races including the “Triple Crown” which include the Preakness, Belmont and Kentucky Derby races as well as the Pegasus World Cup. She has appeared on national sports channels, including FOX Sports, and has a following that extends on an international scale.

Her love of horse racing came from her own adventures as a child equestrian. Courtney’s passion for horses brought her to the realization that after retirement, whether it’s an unsuccessful career or due to an injury, race horses are often inhumanely disposed of. Most of the time these horses are sent to Canada or Mexico to be slaughtered.

“I sat there and I said, ‘I really wish something could be done about that.’ And then I said, ‘I can do something about that,” Courtney said.

Then, at just 17-years-old, Courtney set out to create her own non-profit 501(c)(3), Racing for Home.

“I went to Suffolk Downs (a racetrack in Boston) on the last day of racing when people were wrapping up, and for a lack of a better term, getting rid of some of these horses that weren’t making the cut,” she said.

Racing for Home takes these horses in and finds them new, loving homes and sometimes, a new purpose. One of the organization’s rescues, Firestar, was repurposed as a hunter/jumper and won second-place overall at the Shallowbrook Cabin Fever Winter Show Series.

Courtney also keeps busy with her preparations for the upcoming Miss USA pageant. At the pageant, Courtney will compete in three phases of overall competition: swimsuit, evening-wear and interview. The top five contestants will then go on to compete in an on-stage question portion.

However, Courtney isn’t new to the pageant stage. In 2015 she took home the title of Miss Connecticut for the Miss America Scholarship Organization, where she went on to place in the top 15 at Miss America. During her teen years, she competed at the 2011 Miss Connecticut Teen USA pageant, where she placed third runner-up, and in 2009 she was awarded the title of Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen.

When Courtney’s not working out to ensure she’s swimsuit ready or “mock interviewing” to prepare to “wow” the judges during the interview phase, she’s tending to her busy travel schedule.

Courtney just returned home to Connecticut Monday morning after attending the red-carpet MusiCares Person of the Year Gala in Los Angeles.

MusiCares is an effort put on by the Recording Academy that supports artists in times of need. This year Dolly Parton was the honoree, and the gala featured performances by artists such as Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry.

Yet, despite her busy yet philanthropic lifestyle, Courtney said she has a mission for her year.

“Whatever it is that you are passionate about, even if you feel like it’s going to be something so small, you can make a difference.”