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Town of Cheshire: Town Square Newsletter Stay informed on local happenings in Cheshire, CT. This edition covers critical summer town updates, local recycling schedules, holiday closures, and community health resources like regional cooling center locations.

Town Hall will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026 in observance of Independence Day.png
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Cheshire Community Update: Policy Changes, Grants, and July Events

CHESHIRE, CT (06410) — The Town of Cheshire has announced a series of policy updates, municipal meetings, and community events for the latter half of July 2026. Here is the latest news and information for residents.

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Municipal Meetings and Governance

Following the cancellation of the July 14 Town Council meeting, public government sessions will resume next week. Residents can consult the official Cheshire Town Calendar for full agendas and potential venue changes. Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held at Cheshire Town Hall (84 South Main St).

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  • Veterans Advisory Committee: Monday, July 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM

  • Library Advisory Board: Monday, July 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM (Location: Cheshire Public Library, 104 Main St)

  • Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Commission: Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 7:30 PM

  • Next Generation School Building Committee: Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 7:00 PM

  • Planning and Zoning Commission: Public Hearing and Regular Meeting on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 7:00 PM

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Park Regulations and Open Space

To protect the grounds and maintain a safe environment, the town has officially prohibited e-bikes and e-scooters at Bartlem Park. An exception remains in place for individuals with mobility challenges.

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In environmental news, Cheshire was recently awarded a $723,000 State Open Space Grant dedicated to land preservation. The Parks and Recreation Department is currently promoting 10 ways to utilize local trails and parks this summer, though residents should note that one municipal playground is temporarily closed for maintenance.

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Cooling Centers Activated

In response to high summer temperatures, the town has activated cooling centers for residents needing relief from the heat:

  • Cheshire Senior Center (240 Maple Ave): Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

  • Cheshire Public Library (104 Main St): Available during normal operating hours

  • Town Hall Lobby (84 South Main St): Available during normal operating hours

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Community Events and Entertainment

The Bartlem Beats Summer Concert Series continues at Bartlem Park. On Friday, July 17, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the Great Lawn will host "Best of Times," a tribute band playing hits from Styx, Foreigner, and REO Speedwagon. Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable donations for the "Fill A Truck" food drive taking place at the event.

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For weekend dining and socializing, a Local Social Meetup is scheduled at Long View Ciderhouse for Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Additionally, Cheshire Craft Brewing continues to offer locally produced beer alongside regular live music nights.

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Business and Legal News

A popular local orchard has permanently closed its doors after 75 years of operation in the town.

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In the courts, a legal dispute is unfolding as a Cheshire family pursues a lawsuit against Connecticut hospitals. The civil suit alleges that a medical misdiagnosis led to the death of a Cheshire father. Additional details regarding the lawsuit and court dates remain pending.

CHESHIRE03-viJerry Dougherty.jpg
CHESHIRE03-viJerry Dougherty.jpg

 

🕯️ Recent Passing Notices (July 2026)

  • Helen A. Poirier (Passed away July 12, 2026): 89, lifelong resident born in Cheshire. Her memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, at 11:15 a.m. at Holy Angels Church John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home. [1]

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  • Doreen Iannucci (Passed away July 8, 2026): 80, of Cheshire. A beloved wife, mother, and former branch manager of the Connecticut Savings Bank Legacy/Record-Journal. [1, 2]

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  • Gladys P. Ferraro (Passed away July 7, 2026): 85, of Cheshire. Known affectionately in town as “Ram-Gram” for her dedicated support of Cheshire Swimming and co-ownership of Grannis Corner Pharmacy Alderson-Ford Funeral Home. [1, 2]

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  • Josephine (Sopko) Laub (Passed away July 7, 2026): 75, of Cheshire. Retired long-time employee of SNET-SBC-AT&T Wallingford Funeral Home. [1]

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  • John "Jack" J. Sheehan (Passed away July 7, 2026): 89, formerly raised his family in Cheshire and worked in auto sales Duksa Family Funeral Home. [1]

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  • Robert "Bob" Kareliussen (Passed away July 2, 2026): 78, of Cheshire, passed away peacefully and reunited with his late wife, Mary The Cheshire Herald / Legacy. [1]

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  • Jill L. Symecko (Passed away July 2, 2026): 51, devoted staff member at Dodd Middle School in Cheshire for 10 years and local "Swim Mom" Plantsville Funeral Home. [1, 2]

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⚖️ Recent Arrest Logs (Late June – Early July 2026)

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  • Allen Adriano Cruz (Waterbury, CT): Arrested on July 1, 2026, and charged with 6th-degree larceny. [1]

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  • Paul Joseph Lenoce (Cheshire, CT): Arrested on June 30, 2026, on charges of evading responsibility involving injury or property damage. His court appearance is scheduled for July 20, 2026. [1]

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  • Miracle M. Mcbride (Stamford, CT): Arrested on charges of 3rd-degree larceny and 3rd-degree forgery. She was released on a promise to appear in court today, July 13, 2026. [1]

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  • Katherine M. Krukowski (Cheshire, CT): Arrested and charged with 6th-degree larceny. She was released after posting a $5,000 bond, with a scheduled court appearance on July 29, 2026. [1]

 

🚗 Recent Traffic Citations (June 30 – July 6, 2026)

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  • Michael Esteven Huerta: Cited by patrol officers on July 6, 2026, for operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance, and driving without a license.

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  • Erik Morales Sartillo: Cited by patrol officers on July 2, 2026, for a dynamic traffic infraction. [1]

 

📊 Official Police Department Records

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The Cheshire Police Department updates public documentation weekly: [1]

  • Official Logs: Residents can review full, itemized weekly logs directly on the town's Arrest and Citation Logs portal.

  • Crime Mapping: Daily incident records, minor motor vehicle accidents, and community trend maps are hosted on the interactive Cheshire Crime Dashboard. [1, 2]

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🎡 Major Local Festivals & Processions

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  • Cheshire Fall Festival (September 18–19, 2026): The town's premier community celebration takes over the Great Lawn at Bartlem Park. It kicks off with "Food Truck Friday" and continues Saturday with a massive marketplace of local businesses, crafters, non-profits, live main stage music, and the annual Kiwanis Carnival. [1]

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  • Greater Waterbury Puerto Rican Parade and Bori-Fest (September 18, 2026): Located just a short drive away at Library Park, this major regional event features an authentic cultural parade, live music, and local vendors highlighting Taíno culture. [1]

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  • The Seymour Pumpkin Festival (September 20, 2026): Celebrating its 60th annual milestone, this massive outdoor harvest festival transforms nearby French Memorial Park into a fall wonderland with custom crafts and pumpkin-themed foods. [1]

 

🎵 Summer Concerts & Community Walks

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  • Bartlem Beats Concert Series: Cheshire's popular outdoor live music series continues at the Bartlem Recreation Area. Mark your calendar for Friday, August 7, 2026, for a performance by River of Dreams: The Billy Joel Experience. [1, 2]

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  • Naugatuck Summer Crawl (August 8, 2026): A free nearby downtown music festival organized by the Naugatuck Arts Commission, culminating in a grand finale Grateful Dead tribute performance on the Green. [1]

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  • Cheshire Hot COCO 5K (November 14, 2026): A family-friendly athletic tradition starting at Norton School that winds down the scenic Farmington Canal Linear Park, featuring music, kids' activities, and hot chocolate at the finish line. [1]

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Here are the key highlights from the June 2026 Cheshire Town Square Newsletter:

🏛️ Town Hall & Civic Updates

  • New Look: Town Manager Sean Kimball debuted the newsletter's new engaging, brochure-style format.

  • Summer Town Hours: Starting June 15, Town Hall shifted to summer hours: Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and closed on Fridays (returning to normal on August 31).

  • Dog Licenses: Available starting June 1, with options to renew online, by mail, via drop box, or in person.

  • Recycling Event: A free mattress and electronics recycling day was hosted on June 13.

👮 Police Department Updates

  • Community Highlights: Chief Fred Jortner celebrated several May milestones, including attending the CPCA Executive Training and witnessing the grand opening of Chase Bank at The Shops at Stone Bridge.

  • Cruiser Restoration: H.C. Wilcox Technical High School automotive students completely restored a retired 2011 Ford Crown Victoria police cruiser for the department to use in future town parades and community events.

  • Veterans Honored: Over 160 attendees gathered for the town ceremony recognizing local Korean and Vietnam War veterans.

🏆 High School Sports Milestones

  • Softball: The undefeated Rams (25-0) won their second SCC title in three years and advanced to the Class LL semifinals, extending an incredible 29-game winning streak. Senior Jenica Matos also cracked her 1,000th career strikeout milestone.

  • Lacrosse: The Girls' Lacrosse team secured their first SCC crown since 2023. The Boys' Lacrosse team advanced to the state final four for the fifth consecutive year.

  • Other Programs: Updates highlighted deep postseason runs for Boys' Volleyball, Baseball, Tennis, and Track & Field, as well as Girls' Golf celebrating its 25th season.

🎉 Community & Senior Happenings

  • America 250th Birthday Party: The town officially invited residents to a massive historic celebration coming up at the Bartlem Park Great Lawn on Saturday, July 4, 2026, featuring a color guard, a time capsule opening, and readings.

  • Bartlem Beats Concert Series: The Summer 2026 lineup was revealed, kicking off on Friday, July 17 with Best of Times (a Styx/Foreigner/REO Speedwagon tribute band).

  • Senior Center: Announced the availability of $40 Senior Farmers' Market nutrition gift cards for eligible seniors over 60, alongside a new monthly Parkinson's Support Group starting on June 4.

  • Registrar of Voters Spotlight: Featured elected Registrars Matt Hall and Sylvia Nichols, detailing the massive job of maintaining a registry of 21,000 local voters. Fun fact: The town's entire voter list from 1940 (2,019 people) equals what just one of Cheshire’s medium-sized polling locations processes today!

Cheshire Connecticut 06410 Park and Recreation Cheshire Ct Phoenix News.png The Cheshire Department of Recreation, Artsplace, Pool, and Youth Services provides diverse community programming, including youth camps, specialized art workshops, swimming, and facility rentals. Specialized services, counseling, and activities are also offered through the Yellow House Youth Center and other town facilities. For more details, visit cheshirect.myrec.com.

The Cheshire Department of Recreation (FaceBook)

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 Artsplace, Pool, and Youth Services provides diverse community programming, including youth camps, specialized art workshops, swimming, and facility rentals. Specialized services, counseling, and activities are also offered through the Yellow House Youth Center and other town facilities.

 

For more details, visit cheshirect.myrec.com.

Cheshire Connecticut 06410 Cheshire Ct Phoenix News Liz Linehan Athletic Turf field fundinding. Cheshire Connecticut 06410 Cheshire Ct Phoenix News Liz Linehan Athletic Turf field funding

Liz Linehan "the thousands of people and their families who use Alumni Field are thrilled. Without this fix, the turf would have been the oldest in New England. We may not have been able to be insured to play on it and wouldn't be able to have all CHS sports, Music In Motion, Cheshire Junior Football play at home."

Class LL Softball
Cheshire 2   Southington 0
Videos from the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) and the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC)

Jenica Matos went the distance, ending the game with her 15th strikeout as top-seeded Cheshire won its second consecutive CIAC Class LL state championship with a 2-0 victory over No. 2 Southington at UConn’s Burrill Family Field on Saturday.

Cheshire Connecticut 06410 Cheshire Ct Phoenix News.png Town of Cheshire Ranked among Connecticut's best places to live, Cheshire proudly carries the title “The Bedding Capital of Connecticut.” With a population of over 29,000, residents remain rooted in agriculture, with farms across its 33 square miles offering seasonal activities for all to enjoy. Cheshire’s rich history unfolds at the Hitchcock-Phillips House, a 1785 colonial home open for tours that provide a glimpse into 18th-century life. The town also offers a variety of dining options, unique shops, parks, and the Barker Character Comic & Cartoon Museum, showcasing 80,000 antique toys and collectibles.

Town of Cheshire

Ranked among Connecticut's best places to live, Cheshire proudly carries the title “The Bedding Capital of Connecticut.” With a population of over 29,000, residents remain rooted in agriculture, with farms across its 33 square miles offering seasonal activities for all to enjoy. Cheshire’s rich history unfolds at the Hitchcock-Phillips House, a 1785 colonial home open for tours that provide a glimpse into 18th-century life. The town also offers a variety of dining options, unique shops, parks, and the Barker Character Comic & Cartoon Museum, showcasing 80,000 antique toys and collectibles.

Cheshire July 4th, 2026 Celebration for America's 250th on the Great Lawn at Bartlem Park. Enjoy the holiday weekend and continue to be safe! Connecticut Fire Department july fourth celebrations chehire ct Phoenix news.png

The Cheshire Fire Department (CFD) was organized in 1912 and is responsible for protecting the residents of Cheshire, CT

Ron Kochman Here is a link to my photos taken at Cheshire’s 4th of July celebration at Bar
Ron Kochman Sugbug link to my photos taken at Cheshire’s 4th of July celebration at Bartl The town-wide July 4th, 2026 celebration in Cheshire, CT took place at Bartlem Park, which is the central gathering hub for the community's major patriotic events.While Ron Kochman is a prominent Cheshire local figure—widely known as the webmaster and co-founder of the local volunteer digital magazine Cheshire Today and the town's 2026 Grange Community Service Award recipient—the official holiday festivities were organized by the town's municipal committees as part of the nationwide America 250 semiquincentennial milestone.

The town-wide July 4th, 2026 celebration in Cheshire, CT took place at Bartlem Park, which is the central gathering hub for the community's major patriotic events. [1, 2, 3]

While Ron Kochman is a prominent Cheshire local figure—widely known as the webmaster and co-founder of the local volunteer digital magazine Cheshire Today and the town's 2026 Grange Community Service Award recipient—the official holiday festivities were organized by the town's municipal committees as part of the nationwide America 250 semiquincentennial milestone.

Local band Peaches and Diesel will be performing as part of ReReads 2026 Summer Concert Se

Local band Peaches & Diesel will be performing as part of ReRead’s 2026 Summer Concert Series on Saturday, August 29 from 7 to 9 pm! Bring some friends to the upper level courtyard at The Watch Factory Shoppes on Elm Street in Cheshire and have a blast listening to this Eric Clapton tribute band!

We'll be kicking off the 2026 Concert Series in beautiful Bartlem Park. Show is open to al

Best of Times Band

Come experience the sights and sounds of an authentic re-creation of the music from 3 of rock’s most iconic bands -

Styx, Foreigner and REO Speedwagon!

We'll be kicking off the 2026 Concert Series in beautiful Bartlem Park. Show is open to all ages. Going to be a great night for music

Shaping the Future: The North End's Massive Transformation

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The landscape in the North End is changing faster than ever, driven by a massive influx of municipal and retail investments:

  • The New North End Elementary School: Crews are making steady progress out on the intersection of Jarvis Street and Marion Road. This massive $90 million project features a modern "Farm and Field" architectural design theme that pays homage to Cheshire's agricultural roots and will be entirely powered by eco-friendly hybrid geothermal energy systems.

  • The Shops at Stone Bridge: Positioned strategically at the North End corridor near Route 10 and I-691, this 155,000-square-foot master-planned development is moving forward rapidly. The retail side will be anchored by a highly anticipated Whole Foods Market, while the residential side is set to introduce hundreds of new luxury housing units to the area.

  • Blackberry Woods Subdivision: To support the inevitable population boom coming to the North End, developers are moving full steam ahead with this new residential pocket. Located on 94 acres just off Marion Road, the project will introduce 30 premium single-family homes, blending the town's growing modern footprint with its classic residential charm.

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Municipal Operations & Voter Updates

  • District 4 Polling Relocation: Residents who previously voted at Norton Elementary School will temporarily vote at the new YMCA Building (the former St. Thomas Becket Church at 435 North Brooksvale Road). This temporary shift is strictly for the upcoming August 11, 2026 Primary and the November 3, 2026 General Election. 

  • New Single-Mailing Tax Structure: Starting this fiscal year, Cheshire Real Estate Tax Bills will only be mailed once in July. Separate reminder bills will no longer be issued for the January installment. Each July document will contain distinct remittance stubs for both the July and January payments, alongside physical reminder stickers. 

  • Holiday Town Hall Closure: In observance of Independence Day, Cheshire Town Hall will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026. Curbside municipal trash and recycling collections will maintain a standard schedule without any holiday delays.

  • Bulky Waste Drop-Off: The town's next monthly bulky waste disposal drop-off event is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2026. 

 

Land Use & Local Economy

  • West Main Street Housing Proposal: A new 74-unit housing development application is being reviewed by local boards for an 11-acre site known as the "Gateway" at West Main Street and Mountain Road. A similar residential plan for this location was denied by the Planning and Zoning Commission due to traffic safety and a preference to preserve the zone for commercial operations. 

Cheshire Connecticut News

The Town of Cheshire will host a free Electronics and Mattress Recycling Event on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 9 AM – 1 PM at 1304 Waterbury Road (the old transfer station). Also accepted on this day: grass clipping, leaves, branches & brush. This event is open to Cheshire residents only, proof of residency is required.

Town Hall will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026 in observance of Independence Day.png

Drazen Orchards Closes Permanently:

The iconic, family-owned Drazen Orchards announced it has shut down for good after 75 years of business. The family cited rising production costs, intense labor demands, and severe winter/spring weather that decimated this season's crops.

Patch News

$723K Open Space Grant:

Ned Lamont announced that Cheshire will receive a $722,800 state grant to preserve 18.5 acres of open space. The funds allow the Cheshire Land Trust to acquire and protect crucial farmland along the eastern bank of the Quinnipiac River

Patch News

America 250 Celebration:

The town will host an Independence Day celebration marking America's 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, at 9:30 AM. Held on the Great Lawn at Bartlem Park, the event includes a reading of the Declaration of Independence, games, and a Patriotic Promenade.

Cheshire Town News Flash

State Senate Primary Set:

A notable political race has locked in for the August 11, 2026, State Primary. In the 13th State Senate District, Meriden House Representative Jack Fazzino and Cheshire Town Council Vice Chair Jim Jinks will face off in a highly competitive Democratic primary election

Ct Examiner

Breaking Cheshire CT News From Other Sites.

Category Cheshire Trail Trekkers.png

Group Overview & Mission

The Cheshire Trail Trekkers is a community walking and hiking organization affiliated with the Cheshire Parks and Recreation Department. Its core mission is to promote healthy lifestyles for all ages by providing accessible walking events in the greater Cheshire area. The outings emphasize:

  • Socialization: Gathering local residents together to walk, talk, and build community connections.

  • Exploration: Introducing participants to hidden local gems, town parks, and neighboring nature trails.

  • Education: Incorporating local history, nature guides, and ecological education into their excursions.

Recent Historic Walks & Outings

The photo gallery highlights several of their successful group treks through Cheshire’s distinct open spaces:

  • DeDominicis Property (September 20, 2023): The photos showcase the group gathered in the dense woodlands of this protected open space property, pausing for a group photo atop a large boulder.

  • Cheshire Park (October 18, 2023): The group is captured meeting up by the pavilion/wooded trailhead at Cheshire Park on a classic New England autumn morning.

  • Other Notable Adventures: The group frequently branches out to nearby historical paths, such as the Butterfly Loop Trail in Wallingford, the Red Bridge Meriden Linear Trail, and hosted walks featuring special guests like the Town Historian at Mixville Park.

How the Program Runs

  • Organization: It operates as a structured program under Cheshire Parks & Recreation (located at 559 South Main Street).

  • Community Integration: It works alongside local health and wellness initiatives, such as the Chesprocott Health District's Community Health Improvement Plan, to encourage active, outdoor lifestyles.

  • Registration: Local residents sign up through the town's recreation portal or by reaching out directly to the Parks and Rec coordinators to get schedule updates for their regular mid-week and special weekend treks.

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From The Cheshire Connecticut Fourums

Chicane swinging arm bars at the West Main Crossing

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Greg St Martin 

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The Original Cheshire CT Community Forum, Est 2016

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Firefighter Sean Ayotte on being selected as Cheshire Fire department’s firefighter of the year for 2026.

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Cheshire Fire Department

Facebook

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Website​​​​​​

Liz Linehan

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WE ARE FIXING THE FIELD!​​

I'm proud to announce that as your State Rep, I secured state funds to fix CHS Alumni Field and Track at a reimbursement rate of 95%.

Cheshire CT Community Forum

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