We liked this week

Ulbrich Heights in Wallingford was one of 11 locations across 10 states chosen for a geothermal heating and cooling pilot project as part of the Biden Administration’s Justice40 initiative. The initiative, as the Record-Journal reported, “seeks to place 40% of all new green energy investments in underserved communities.” The plan was a collaboration between the University of Connecticut, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Wallingford Housing Authority.

Meriden’s Castle Craig Players debuted “The Marvelous Wonderettes: Dream On,” a 1960s/70s era musical, on the opening night of the theater company’s 30th anniversary season. Alumni were invited to help celebrate. “This was sort of a really simple dream that my dad had 30 years ago,” said Melanie Del Sole, president and co-founder of Castle Craig Players and daughter of founder Warren M. Stephan. “We all just have wanted to take that, his dream, and keep expanding. So we’ve just, over the years, done bigger shows and better shows. Our goal has always been to bring really high-quality theater to Meriden and to honor my dad's dream of what this could be.”

Unanimous approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission means Choate Rosemary Hall can move forward with plans to build a new admissions building at the corner of Wallingford’s North Main and Elm streets. While the plan had faced opposition from neighbors concerned about traffic at the intersection, others were supportive. “Quite honestly I think this property fits into the aesthetics of the neighborhood,” said Jennifer Hillgen-Santa, of North Elm Street. “My home was built in the late 1700s. I obviously believe in neighborhood preservation based on the age of my home, and given the nature of this property, I appreciate the effort Choate has put forth in coming up with a compromise plan that fits within the aesthetics of my neighborhood.”

The Spanish Community of Wallingford has surpassed 100 vaccination clinics, an effort that started when Covid-19 vaccines became available. SCOW plans to host clinics until the end of June. SCOW partnered with the Wallingford Health Department in April 2021. “We are proud to have partnered with SCOW and help make vaccines accessible to the community,” said Wallingford Health Director Vanessa Bautista.

State House members representing Wallingford, Republican Craig Fishbein and Democrat Mary Mushinsky, co-sponsored House Bill 5575, which changes rules governing municipal animal shelters, including setting minimum and maximum indoor temperatures. The absence of air conditioning at Wallingford’s shelter has been an issue for years. “Wallingford became a living, breathing example of why you need to update the [temperature] standard,” Mushinsky said. “We have more days over 90 now than we used to because of climate change, and it will grow.”

Congratulations to Alan Giacco, who following a successful run has closed the doors of Alan’s Cup n’ Saucer Restaurant, on Meriden’s Colony Street. As the Record-Journal reported, the building was offered for sale in 2020, during the 35th anniversary celebration. “I was very fortunate to find the right buyers,” Giacco said. “If everything goes correctly they're looking to buy it all (the building) and maintain it as a small restaurant, as I had. So hopefully that all turns out well for them.”