Final Goodbyes Said to Victim of Jan. 20 Car Crash
The funeral for Tyler Priore, a Wallingford native killed in a deadly car crash on the 20th was held on Friday the 25th. He and George McLean were driving back from a birthday party around 10P.M. when they crashed into a tree and were killed instantly. A third passenger was reportedly sleeping in the back seat when the crash occurred and was able to leave the scene with minor injuries. Police Lt. Alan Zakrezewski said, “It appears excessive speed was a significant factor in the collision.” The two were reportedly good students, and overall, good kids. McLean, 16 years old, was a student at Xavier High School in Middletown and Priore, just 15 years old, attended Notre Dame High School in West Haven. A friend of Tyler’s, Zac O’Malley, spoke at the funeral. O’Malley said, “I’m sure just about anyone you ask would tell you Tyler was their best friend.” Many of Priore’s classmates attended the funeral and sang hymns during the hour-long service. Funeral arrangements for George McLean have not been finalized.
Fate of $87.2 Million Education Budget to Be Decided
The Wallingford Board of Education will vote on a $87.2 million budget plan on Monday. The budget plan was reduced from the $87.3 million budget proposed by the superintendent because of a unanimous vote to remove much of the maintenance spending. The budget plan shows a 7.7% increase in spending from last year. If the board of education approves the plan on Monday, it will go to Mayor William Dickinson Jr. and the town council for final approval.
Café Ra Moves into Book Vault
The popular Café Ra is opening a second location on North Main St. The restaurant, which makes wraps, sandwiches, breads, teas, coffees, and smoothies, but traditionally specializes in breakfast items, will provide good competition for Half Moon, a long time favorite of Choate students. The café is moving into the old location of the Book Vault, an independent book store which was shut down Oct. 31 of last year. Its original shop on Broad Street will continue to operate. The specifics of the operations for the new store have not been worked out. Says owner Christian Rao, “I need to get an architect in there. I am not sure if it will be breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All of that needs to be worked out.” Rao stated that he loved the location: “I always like to support downtown.” Of the many restaurants already in the area Rao said, “The more, the better.”
YMCA Open House
On Sunday the 14th, the YMCA of Wallingford held an open house. Everyone got a chance to try all the fitness equipment and enjoy all of the fun the YMCA provided for free. Visitors were offered Tai Chi and Zumba training, though many just took the chance to take a dip in the Y’s pool. Operations director Danielle Bradley said of the event, “It gives people a chance to come to the Y and experience it.”
