Gov. Lamont: Frito-Lay Investing $235 Million to expand Killingly operations, create 120 new jobs
HARTFORD – Gov. Ned Lamont and the Town of Killingly today announced that Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo and a leading snack manufacturer, is embarking on a $235 million expansion project at its Killingly manufacturing site in a plan that includes the creation of 120 new jobs in the town.
“As we emerge from this pandemic, we are seeing Connecticut companies of all sizes increase their workforce and expand operations,” Lamont said. “What is particularly significant is the fact that much of this growth is coming from companies like Frito-Lay that already have a presence here and know first-hand the benefits of doing business – and investing – in Connecticut.”
NORWICH – Feeding off of a live audience is in Lily O’Neil’s bones.
It’s the reason the junior at Norwich Free Academy turned to theater: the energy of a full auditorium, the thrill of making hundreds of people laugh.
But navigating through what has been a sometimes paralyzing worldwide pandemic, O’Neil also found comfort in the prospect of a year of empty seats.
“No matter what the distance is between us, we are all connected in the grand scheme of things,” said O’Neil, a 17-year-old who lives in Bozrah. “That’s especially important this year, since everyone has been so isolated, to be reminded of that message.”
NORWICH Kevin Saythany knows racism against Asian Americans is hardly new.
As a recent rise in violent crimes against them has ignited fear and drawn national attention, Saythany, a member of the city’s Board of Education, has a message:
“As a collective group in America, we can defeat racism, discrimination, and hatred,” he said. “It may not be 100%, but we can significantly reduce the numbers through education, political legislation, and common sense moral behaviors that are positive in nature (i.e. to show respect to others that do not share the same skin color as you or ideas).
“Humans are not born to express the negative traits listed above. They are only taught or shown. We are in the second decade of the 21st century now, and our country should not be progressing in these primitive behaviors or attitudes.”
Green Valley Glass seeks to educate the masses on CBD, medical marijuana
COLCHESTER – For Kyle Provencher, his mom was the inspiration behind opening an upscale, cannabidiol wellness products and accessories store nearly two years ago in Putnam.
“My mother became very sick and was given a Medical Marijuana Rx to help with her conditions,” said Provencher, the majority owner of Green Valley Glass LLC.
“I remember she always felt uncomfortable walking into traditional locations, so we set out to provide a place anyone would feel comfortable shopping or just asking questions.”
Provencher and his business partners, who created the company in 2019, expanded their retail operations to a second store in Colchester. Green Valley Glass of Colchester, located at 44 Main Street, opens to the public Wednesday.
NORWICH – Every inch of wall space in a one-story building on Clinic Drive is covered in colorful portraits of famed Sikh leaders and framed recognitions; a cozy place of inclusion.
The Sikh Art Gallery sits a short drive from Backus Hospital, created during the middle of the pandemic in November 2020 in the cultural soul of one of the most diverse cities in eastern Connecticut.
“Art is one of the languages which can connect people’s hearts,” Swaranjit Singh Khalsa, the gallery’s owner and creative director, said,” and we hope to bring unity in this community.”
Khalsa, who also owns a gas station in Norwichtown, has made it his mission since he came to Norwich more than 11 years ago to help residents explore different cultures, including his own. Since the Black Lives Matter movement has put the spotlight on diversity, equity and inclusion, Khalsa’s message has never been more important.