Community Corner

Teacher Union Agrees to Concessions; Historic District Proposed; A 27-Year-Old's Inspiring Story

"The Towns Around Us" takes a look at what's making headlines in nearby communities.

CHESHIRE – Job security. Cheshire teachers now have a guarantee of no layoffs through 2013 under a new contract negotiated this week.

The union opted for that guarantee in a negotiation that spreads a previously contracted 4.6 raise over the next two years. The raise was supposed to take effect in the coming fiscal year, and would have exasperated further the financial difficulties the town faces as it works to balance its 2011-12 municipal budget.

Both the union and the town are hailing the negotiated contract.

Find out what's happening in Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“It would have been horrendous without the help of the teachers union to get through this year and next,” Board of Education Chairman Gerry Brittingham said after the vote.

“That was our goal, to save positions and jobs which in turn helps the children,” said Beverly Jurkiewicz, president of the Education Association of Cheshire, the union representing town teachers. “People [in the membership] are so happy that they’re saving jobs of their fellow colleagues.”

Find out what's happening in Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Check out the full story for more details on the contract and to find out what the next steps are. 

HAMDEN – An application to create an historic district in a portion of the Mount Carmel section of town has received mixed reviews thus far. Some members of the Planning and Zoning Commission think the preservation of history, through this designation, is an important step in preserving the town’s roots; others think the designation could have adverse economic impacts on homeowners and the town as a whole.

When an historic district is created, the homes that stand within it are subject to special regulations regarding the exterior appearance of the properties – rules that are meant to preserve the historical significance of the area.

The Ivesville Historic District would encompass several blocks in the area of Ives Street, Whitney Avenue and Broadway.

The commission will take up the matter again at its next meeting later this month. In the meantime, you can read more about the proposal, various viewpoints on it as well as a brief history of the neighborhood by clicking here

EAST HAVEN – A 27-year-old resident who has defied all odds and led a happy and productive life while battling muscular dystrophy, now faces his greatest challenge.

Jon Bokowski’s condition has deteriorated to the point that he has to decide if he wants quality of life or quantity. He can only move his fingers and talk and doctors want him to get a feeding tube so that he gets the nourishment he needs. But doing so would mean that he could no longer speak.

It’s a decision no one ever wants to have to make, but Bokowski finds himself contemplating this very question. He shares with East Haven Patch his thoughts, and he and his mother reflect on his amazing life journey. Click here to come along for the inspirational ride. 


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