Remembering Those Who Were the Cheshire Jaycees

A Legacy of Leadership, Service, and Community

When Cathy Dempsey became a member of the Cheshire Jaycees in 1996, the organization was thriving with around 200 members actively engaged in organizing local events, fundraisers, and civic initiatives that benefited the town's residents.

However, by the time the organization dissolved, membership had dwindled to approximately six regular participants, most of whom were unable to commit the necessary time due to work and family obligations. Consequently, the Cheshire Jaycees made the difficult decision to disband.

"We realized that if no one else was willing to take on the responsibility, there was no point in continuing," Dempsey stated.

The dissolution also marked the end of one of Cheshire's most popular annual events—the Jaycees Carnival. Traditionally held in late May or early June, the carnival featured rides, games, food, and entertainment, drawing large crowds. In recent years, with fewer active members, the Cheshire Jaycees relied on neighboring Jaycee chapters for assistance in organizing the event. Additional challenges arose when Parks and Recreation informed the group that they could no longer use the Bartlem Recreation Area parking lot, necessitating a change of location.

"If we weren't already considering ending the group, we might have contested that decision," Dempsey explained. "But honestly, it felt like the final straw. It just didn't seem worth it."

Distinguished Community Members and Jaycee Leaders

David Borowy and David Veleber embody the spirit of civic engagement promoted by the Jaycees. David Veleber, in particular, dedicated nearly three decades to Cheshire, spending the last eleven years serving on various boards and commissions. His leadership roles included President of the Cheshire Jaycees, Chairman of the Housing Authority, member of the Water Pollution Control Authority, Zoning Board of Appeals alternate, and five years as a full member of the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Arne B. Solli served his country in the United States Army and was deeply involved in the Jaycees and the JCI Senate. His dedication to leadership and community service earned him numerous awards and lasting respect throughout the region.

Colonel Kenneth D. Gertz, Sr. was renowned for his unwavering community involvement. He served as President of the Jaycees and was an active member of both the Meriden Kiwanis Club and the New Haven Elks Club.

David James Curran dedicated much of his life to the Cheshire community. He was an active member of the Cheshire Jaycees and St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, where he served within the Legion of Mary.

James A. Nankin made a significant and lasting impact on Cheshire. His involvement spanned the Jaycees, Cheshire Junior Football, Special Olympics, and town government. He served as Chairman of the Cheshire Parks and Recreation Commission for 27 years and as a Commissioner for 25 years, including 21 years as Chairman. Under his leadership, major projects such as the Cheshire Community Pool and the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail were approved and developed. Beyond meetings, Nankin frequently volunteered as an emcee for summer concerts or assisted with town programs, reflecting his hands-on commitment to the community.

Andrew Davis Coleman practiced law for many years, initially with the firm of Hitt, Mihalakos, Sachner & Coleman and later as a sole practitioner. In 1981, he was appointed by Governor Ella Grasso to the State Elections Enforcement Commission, where he served for 14 years, several as chairman. His local involvement included leadership roles in the Cheshire Jaycees, the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, and the Cheshire Gridiron Club.

Wayne Winters, owner of Winters and Winters Law Firm, was an active member of the Jaycees, The Farms Country Club (where he served on the board), and the Cheshire Youth Baseball League as a coach.

William J. Lacourciere served on the Board of Directors of Friends of the Children’s Hospital at Yale–New Haven and the Miller-Johnson Company of Meriden. In Cheshire, he was Chairman of Parks and Recreation, a member of the Republican Town Committee, and a past president of the Jaycees.

Robert C. “Bob” Marinaro was a pillar of community service. A past president of the Cheshire Rotary Club and recipient of the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship, he also served as a two-term president of The Farms Country Club. Bob was an honorary member of the Cheshire Fire Department, a board member of Cheshire Academy, and an avid supporter of organizations such as COCO, the Cheshire Jaycees, Cheshire Youth Baseball, Special Olympics, and St. Bridget Church. He also received the Book of Golden Deeds from the Cheshire Exchange Club.

Betsy Durkee, a lifelong Cheshire resident, served as President of the Cheshire Women Jaycees. She shared her love of music through the St. Bridget Choir, folk group, and the Cheshire Community Choir, while also teaching catechism and serving on the St. Bridget Ladies Guild.

Civic Leadership, Public Service, and Education

Bruce Melburn Saulnier was an internationally recognized scholar in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning and earned numerous honors, including Connecticut Professor of the Year (2002) and JCI Senator (1986).

James V. Lauber helped establish the Cheshire Junior Football Program, served as a past president of the Cheshire Jaycees, chaired the Cheshire Booster Club, and led both the Miss Cheshire Pageant and the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Program.

Selina McArdle was honored as the first recipient of the Junior, Senior Citizen of the Year Award for her continued dedication to Cheshire’s senior citizens.

Joseph F. Barba served on the Cheshire High School Addition Building Committee, the Public Building Commission, and was a trustee at St. Thomas Becket Church. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Cheshire Jaycees.

Richard E. Drescher, a longtime Cheshire resident, served as President of the Cheshire Jaycees and was named Outstanding Chapter President in 1966.

Athena Elaine Ulozas worked in administrative roles for the Connecticut Jaycees and Cheshire Academy, contributing to both civic and educational development.

Arthur D. McMellon Sr. served multiple terms as Kiwanis President and was a recognized Master Craftsman within the Freemasons, while remaining active in the Jaycees.

Christine Stewart (Class of 1974) dedicated her career to the Cheshire Public Schools and received numerous awards, including the U.S. Jaycees Senator Award and the Cheshire YMCA Community Service Award.

Attorney Walter A. DeAndrade was remembered for his wit, generosity, and support of the Cheshire Jaycees in his youth.

Howard and Joanne Peters, married for over 50 years, were active Jaycee members, with Joanne continuing to volunteer at the Cheshire Food Pantry.

John Milton served as an officer of the Cheshire Jaycees and held leadership roles on the Zoning Board of Appeals, Board of Education, and multiple Parent Teacher Associations.

The Candidacy of Jim McKenney for Cheshire Town Council. Doreen Pulisciano of Cheshire has known Jim and his family for over 30 years, during which he has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to his community, his friends, and his family, as a fellow Jaycee. Doreen's husband, Mike, was also a Jaycee.

Frank A. Smith was born on September 18, 1952, in Middletown and grew up in Cheshire, where he graduated from high school. After high school, he joined the Air Force, serving most of his tour in Kansas. He returned to Connecticut to assist with the family business in Cheshire. He moved his family to the state of Washington 22 years ago when he went to work for Boeing. He was involved in the Jaycees in both Connecticut and Washington.

The Roots of the Cheshire Jaycees

The Cheshire Junior Chamber of Commerce received its official charter in May 1954 at Cheshire Academy. Early leaders included President William Sandwick, Treasurer F. Alden O’Neal, Projects Chairman Warren H. Dougherty, and Publicity Chairman Richard Haury. Leadership training was central to the organization’s mission, and Cheshire Jaycees played a significant role at the state level.

A notable moment reflecting the strength and continuity of the organization’s leadership occurred at a ceremony held at the Copper Kettle Restaurant, where Daryl E. Kirkendale was formally installed as president of the Cheshire Jaycees. He succeeded Edward R. Ulozas, whose service and leadership left a lasting mark on both the organization and the broader community. Supporting Kirkendale was a strong slate of officers, including vice presidents Edward Coulter, Jordan Kaplan, and James Lauber, each of whom contributed their time and talents to advancing the Jaycees’ mission.

The board of directors further reflected the depth of leadership within the organization and included George Bene, Kenneth Gertz, Joseph Mazzacane, Robert Wilson, and Clarence Gable. Together, these individuals represented the collaborative spirit that defined the Cheshire Jaycees—united by a shared commitment to community improvement, civic pride, and service to others.

A Lasting Creed

Former Jaycee Ron Gagliardi, Cheshire Town Historian, encapsulated the spirit of the organization when reflecting on the Jaycee Creed:

"They trained for us some great leaders.

Yearly fairs for fried dough eaters.

Haunted houses for trick-or-treaters.

Service to humanity was always the work of life."

The Cheshire Jaycees may have closed their doors, but their legacy of leadership, service, and community spirit endures.