We liked this week

A workshop at the Wallingford Public Library introduced girls in grades seven through 12 to fields that they might not otherwise have considered as a career. “Don't be intimidated by anyone,” said Kelly Flynn, a plumber apprentice with Charles Flynn Plumbing and Heating in Wallingford. “Just work hard and learn as much as you can and if anyone gets to you, prove them wrong." Her comments were in a story previewing the event, “Unique Careers: An Exploration Event for Teen Girls.”

An exhibit featuring about 100 pieces of art is on display at the Meriden Historical Society Museum & History Center, at 41 W. Main St., until the end of April. The exhibition coincides with the release of a book by Justin Piccirillo, a local artist and teacher – and Record-Journal editorial cartoonist, titled “Art and Artisans of Meriden.”

The 48th Meriden St. Patrick’s Day parade drew crowds to downtown Meriden. Organized by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the parade has been city tradition and thanks to fundraising efforts returned for the second year in a row following two years of cancellation due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Photographs by the Record-Journal’s Dave Zajac over a couple of days featured local signs of spring, including the opening of Meriden’s Hunter Golf Course for the season, the opening of Les’ Dairy Bar on East Main Street, and the first blooming of daffodils at Hubbard Park. The Daffodil Festival is set for April 29-30.

The Meriden City Council’s Economic Development and Zoning Committee took an initial look at an ordinance establishing a Fair Rent Commission. Meriden is among municipalities required by a state statute to establish a fair rent commission by July 1.

Efforts in Wallingford to allocate money from the federal American Rescue Plan Act continue to meet complications. At a recent meeting, Councilor Jason Zandri questioned whether Councilor Craig Fishbein should vote on an application after having the opportunity to vote as a member of a review committee. Town Attorney Janis Small also expressed concern over the process of approving applications and releasing funding. "It's basically my office, which is understaffed, and (the Finance) office,” she said. “The applications, particularly the nonprofits, they're each unique, so doing them all at once, you're going to hear me screaming from wherever you are in the town of Wallingford. It's really going to be an incredible burden.”