MBI020312

“If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” ~ George Washington

Prst. Std. U.S. Postage Paid Naugatuck, CT #27

FR EE

Bee Intelligencer Informing the towns of Middlebury, Southbury, Woodbury, Naugatuck, Oxford and Watertown A FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Volume VIII, No. 5

Friday, February 3, 2012

State stuns Advance Therapy

By MARJORIE NEEDHAM Thirty-two concerned citizens were waiting for Rep. Anthony D’Amelio (R-71) and State Sen. Rob Kane (R-32) when they arrived at Shepardson Community Center Tuesday night. All but one were there to advocate for Middlebury’s Advance Therapy, a business that was stunned to learn the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) had not chosen it to provide services for the state’s “Birth to Three” program for the next three years.

Citizens Tuesday night told D’Amelio and Kane Advance Therapy offers the best physical, occupational and speech therapy in the area. Each had been notified by Advance Therapy the outpatient clinic services they or their families use will no longer be available as of Feb. 15.

Kane looked around and said, “This is wonderful. We usually end up playing Words with Friends.”

D’Amelio said, “This is the largest crowd we’ve seen.

We’re delighted to see all of you.”

After someone there on another matter spoke, Kane said he first heard about the Advance Therapy situation a week ago and has since met with Advance Therapy owner Filomena Rinaldi and others to discuss the situation.

He said he understood Advance Therapy, which has been providing services to clients in Connecticut’s “Birth to Three” program, was one of 34 companies that responded to a request for proposals from the state to provide these services for the next three years.

It was the first time since 1996 the state put the services out to bid. Twenty-nine of the 34 companies received contracts.

Advance Therapy did not; instead the service area it ap-

plied for was given, at least in part, to an Indiana company, Anthony Wayne Services.

Kane said there is an appeals process, and Advance Therapy can file an appeal, but it’s not clear how long that will take or what the outcome would be.

Cheryl Williams of Watertown, an RN who adopted a six-year-old boy with shaken baby syndrome, said she was there to advocate for him because he received such good care and made so much progress working with Advance Therapy staff members. “Everyone says they want to keep small businesses in Connecticut,” Williams said. “This is a real devastation to the kids who have developed a rapport with their therapists.”

Drs. Maurice and Carolyn Falk of Middlebury both spoke on behalf of Advance Therapy.

Each has been a patient there, and each was pleased with the care and outcome they received.

Rinaldi said Wednesday she started Advance Therapy four years ago with one therapist; now she has 47 therapists. On its website, Anthony Wayne Services, based in Fort Wayne, Ind., says it has more than 2,000 employees and serves clients in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico and Ohio.

Rinaldi said Advance has several programs. The outpatient clinic loses money because insurance reimbursements are so low. But instead of closing the outpatient clinic and pocketing the profit from the 60 clients being served through the “Birth to Three” program, Rinaldi chose to use part of those profits to support the outpatient clinic.

“We saw a need in the community,” Rinaldi said. “It may not be a good business decision,

– See Therapy on page 3

Left to right, 50-year Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department veterans, left to right, Jack Proulx, Rich Nicol and Bob Desmarais hold commemorative mirrors given to them during a ceremony Saturday night honoring their many years of service. In addition, their names have been engraved on a brass plaque at the Tucker Hill fire house. (Marjorie Needham photo)

MVFD honors veteran firefighters

By MARJORIE NEEDHAM The Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) Saturday night honored three firefighters for 50 years of service. John Joseph Proulx Jr., Robert C. Desmarais Sr. and Rich Nicol have together given more than 150 years of service to the department and to Middlebury.

Their fellow firefighters, families and friends gathered at a local restaurant to honor them for that service. Fire Chief Paul Perrotti thanked them for their diligence and commitment and said their names have been added to the names of Lawrence Fortin, Lawrence Rockhill and Thomas O. Proulx previously engraved on the brass plaque inside the entrance to the Tucker Hill firehouse. The plaque honors those with 50 years of service.

Desmarais’s oldest son, Rob, presented the award to his father. He said the fire department was a true family. “It’s a great thing,” Rob said, “I’m lucky to be part of this bigger family, and I think how lucky I am to have this guy as my father.”

After accepting the award, Desmarais quipped, “I’m older than this fire department.” He was born in 1940, and the department was created in 1941. He joined as a junior volunteer firefighter on his 14th birthday, Feb. 5, 1954.

“We used to have to whack the equipment with a hammer to make it work,” Desmarais said. He explained Monday the old mechanical linkages sometimes wouldn’t engage or a valve wouldn’t open unless you hit it. “It was like a ’40s car where you had to bang the carburetor or turn the distributor to time it,” he said.

Desmarais moved from junior firefighter to firefighter in 1961, and served the department as captain drill master and deputy chief. A veteran firefighter, he can be seen behind the wheel most times MVFD equipment rolls in response to a call.

Desmarais said the department is a family. “Because of the nature of what you do, you depend so much on each other and spend a lot of time in training with each other. You rely on each other,” he said.

Proulx’s son Brian presented his father

with the award. He said Jack, as most people call him, joined the department in 1961, following in the footsteps of John Joseph Sr., who joined in 1946.

Jack said when he first joined, the ambulance was staffed by emergency first aiders.

He trained to be one, but parts of the training – such as delivering a baby – were considered unsuitable for a young man his age.

So what happened on one of his first calls?

A woman in labor delivered her baby at home with Proulx and two other first aiders in attendance until Dr. Arnold arrived.

Proulx shared memories of past calls – like the 1957 plane crash at Memorial Middle School. Fortunately, the pilot survived.

There were no pagers 50 years ago. “When the siren went off, you got to the fire house as fast you could,” Proulx said.

In those days, Proulx said, the department was at times like the Keystone Cops. When members responded to a Volkswagen Beetle fire on I-84, no water came out of the fire hose, yet they knew they had a full water

– See MVFD on page 5

Middlebury Elementary Congratulates Dr. Zamary At left: This 8-foot tall Superman Yard Critters sign congratulates Middlebury Elementary School (MES) Principal Dr. Jack Zamary for completing his doctorate degree in educational leadership at Southern Connecticut State University. MES staff members rented the sign through Tuesday, Jan. 31, after Zamary received his degree Jan. 26. At right: Dr. Jack Zamary stands beside a cake MES Occupational Therapist Christie Chipelo, owner of Cake My Day in Southington, made in his honor after he completed his doctorate in educational leadership.

(Cristina Commendatore photos)

Inside this Issue Library Happenings............2 Obituaries.........................5 Opinion.............................4 Parks & Rec.......................6 Puzzles.............................7 Reg. 15 School Calendar...3 Senior Center News...........3 Varsity Sports Calendar......6

Editorial Office: Email: mbisubmit@gmail.com Phone: 203-577-6800 Mail: P.O. Box 10, Middlebury, CT 06762 Advertising Sales: Email: mbiadvertising@gmail.com

Gerald Raimo Scholarship Banquet

Upcoming Events

Adoptable pets.................8 Book Review.....................2 Classifieds.........................7 Community Calendar.........2 Computer Tip....................4 Fire Log.............................2 Frugal Mummy..................5 Legal Notices....................7

Friday Feb. 3

Saturday Feb. 4

Sunday Feb. 5

When: What:

Where: Cost:

7:30 p.m.

Middlebury Democratic Town Committee will honor Edith Salisbury and Robert Desmarais.

Money raised will go toward scholarships for two Middlebury students.

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 937 Chase Parkway in Waterbury $25 per ticket at the tax collector’s office, Parks and Rec, or www.middleburydemocrats.com

Get rid of litter

Page 5

Preschool on the Green Open House

When: 10 a.m. to noon What: Potential students and their parents can tour the school and meet the staff Where: Middlebury Congregational Church at 1242 Middlebury Road

Super Bowl 46 When: What:

6:30 p.m. kickoff on NBC New England Patriots versus New York Giants

Published weekly by The Middlebury Bee Intelligencer Society, LLC - 2030 Straits Turnpike, Middlebury, CT 06762 - Copyright 2012

Our office is at

2030 Straits Turnpike, Suite 1

203-577-6800

Mail: P.O. Box 10, Middlebury, CT 06762

The Bee-Intelligencer

PAGE 2

Friday, February 3, 2012

Savor Connecticut at Naugatuck Historical Society fact, “Water was dangerous unless boiled, so families began drinking hard cider, wine, or brandy with every meal, and the tavern was a central part of early Connecticut life.” (pp. 9-10) With a large Italian immigration into the state in the early 20th century, “winemaking in Connecticut increased tenfold,” according to Lehman and Nawrocki. (p. 12) Though the wine industry suffered during Prohibition (19221933), it has been booming ever since. By 1984 Connecticut had become the leading wine producer in New England. To boost both tourism and agriculture in the state, former Gov. Lowell Weicker dedicated the “Connecticut Wine Trail” in 1992.

A map of the 31 vineyards on the Wine Trail is included in “A

History of Connecticut Wine.”

Well-known vineyards in the A wine tasting and book-signcentral Connecticut area include ing program, “Savor ConnectiDiGrazia Vineyards in Brookcut,” will be held Wednesday, field, Haight-Brown Vineyards Feb. 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the in Litchfield, and Hopkins VineNaugatuck Historical Society yard in New Preston. Each of (NHS). Featured speakers are these wineries offers a tasting Connecticut wine connoisseurs room that often pairs food with and writers Eric Lehman and wine and provides an opportuAmy Nawrocki, who will present nity to socialize with other tourtheir new book, “A History of ists and wine connoisseurs.

Connecticut Wine,” and discuss Some wineries also offer live the history of Connecticut vinemusical entertainment, pig yards. Dr. DiGrazia, founder and roasts, cooking classes, and other winemaker of DiGrazia Vineattractions. yards, also will be on hand to While French wines are usushare samples of his wines and ally named after the region in the unique story of his company. which the grapes are grown (e.g., In their book, the authors Champagne and Bordeaux), quickly dispel the textbook noConnecticut wines often have tion our forefathers spent all whimsical names like “Sachem’s their leisure hours going to Picnic” and “Pink Cadillac.” One church or studying the Bible. In exception is the “Concord” grape, named after a vintner’s hometown, Concord, Mass.

Lehman and Nawrocki say the biggest difference between present vintners and those of previMonday, Feb. 6 ous generations is today’s vintBoard of Selectmen ners often have a university 6 p.m...................................................Town Hall Conference Room degree. Though well trained in Greenway Committee viticulture, most of them will 7 p.m............................................................... Shepardson Room 26 concede that, “Making good wine is science; making great Tuesday, Feb. 7 wine is art.” (p. 61) Tickets for the “Savor ConAARP Chapter 4960 Meeting necticut” program at the NHS 12:30 p.m................................................ Middlebury Senior Center are $10, and can be purchased Land Preservation in advance or at the door. The 6 p.m...................................................Town Hall Conference Room Water Commission 7:30 p.m.......................................................... Shepardson Room 26 Mental Health Support Group 6 p.m............................. Russell Place, 1F, 969 W. Main, Waterbury

By MARY CONSEUR

Middlebury Community Calendar

Connecticut authors Eric Lehman and Amy Nawrocki will present their new book “A History of Connecticut Wine” at the Naugatuck Historical Society Feb. 8.

(Submitted photo) event will be catered by Nardelli’s, New England Bakery, Jesse Camille’s Restaurant, and Fascia’s Chocolates; and a selection

of wines from DiGrazia Vineyards will be served. Signed copies of “A History of Connecticut Wine” will be available for pur-

chase. NHS is at 195 Water St. in Naugatuck. For more information on “Savor Connecticut,” call 203-729-9039.

Conservation Commission notes

Wednesday, Feb. 8

owners George Frantzis II and Eric Anderson for a “Bullet Bowl” water raft ride in the area previously occupied by the Mad Mouse roller coaster was unanimously accepted. Commissioners heard plans for systems to control the recirculation and backwash of water used in the ride.

A permit modification application for Michael Ferrara for a re-subdivision of Lot 1b Burr Hall Estates on Burr Hall Road was accepted. Ferrara told commissioners the 2008 approved placement of a proposed house would not fit an anticipated in-law configuration nor be as aesthetically pleasing as an alternate placement in the protected area. He agreed to stake the new and old locations for a site visit.

A violation notice for a retaining wall at 79 Watertown Road was unanimously voted. Chairman Paul Bowler said Fernando Banco had built a wall of large

concrete blocks at least three times higher than the five feet approved in August 2010 and had spread debris into the wetlands.

Banco told commissioners the wall would help him level the property and make it safer for his twin sons.

A violation notice instructing County Line Nissan to appear Feb. 28 to explain a compliance plan for unapproved waste oil tanks was unanimously voted.

Wetlands Enforcement Officer Deborah Seavey told commissioners she had been informed of the tanks by building officials inspecting the site for a planned Feb. 1 certificate of occupancy.

Seavey said the tanks had no containment area to control spills.

A complaint by Xhenal and Admire Dani regarding upland water washing away soil and uprooting trees at 40 Briarwood Terrace was read into the minutes along with pictures of the

damage. Bowler told the Danis a lawsuit on the water issues was pending between the Town of Middlebury and the upland property owner. He said he was sympathetic with the plight of the Danis, who said they had relocated from their condemned house at 63 Triangle Blvd. only to face more problems beyond their control, but told them the CC could do nothing to help them.

In other matters, Town Engineer John Calabrese described plans by Ridgewood of Middlebury to break construction phase 2 and 3 into 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b to allow work to proceed more slowly and allow for a lower bonding amount as the phases progressed. Commissioners agreed the slower construction pace would not affect the wetland permits.

The next regular CC meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 7:30 p.m.

Middlebury

Naugatuck

Woodbury

Friday Movies

Ethiopia: A World Beyond our Borders

Immortal Love Songs – An Opera Valentine

By TERRENCE S. MCAULIFFE

Board of Finance The Middlebury Conserva7 p.m............................................................... Shepardson Room 26 tion Commission (CC) at its Jan. 31 meeting approved amendThursday, Feb. 9 ments to its wetland regulations, accepted applications for conRetirement Plan Committee 1 p.m...................................................Town Hall Conference Room struction at Quassy Amusement Park and Burr Hall Road, voted Parks and Recreation 7 p.m................................................................. Shepardson Room 1 to send two violation notices, heard a water runoff complaint Calendar dates/times are subject to change and was advised of phasing If your organization would like your event included in the community changes at Ridgewood. calendar, please e-mail the information to beeintelligencer@gmail.com Commissioners unanimously approved two pages of text changes to the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Regulations.

More than half the changes either extended the length of ongoing construction permits or Date Time Address/Incident involved interaction between 1/22/12 11:58 1053 Whittemore Road. Fire alarm activa- state agencies and the Middletion. bury commission. Other changes 1/27/12 17:02 Rtes. 63 and 188. Motor vehicle accident - included the permitted use of No injuries. dry fire hydrants for emergency 1/28/12 21:07 Rtes. 188 and 64. Motor vehicle accident withdrawal of water by the fire with injuries. department.

An application by Quassy

Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department Call Log

Book Review

Library Happenings

“The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook” by Dinah Bucholz “The Unofficial Hunger Games Cookbook” by Emily Ansara Baines (Both Adams Media, $19.95 each) Reviewed by Ealish Waddell For readers who like to cook, two new recipe compendiums will transport them into the pages of two beloved series.

“The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook” pulls delicioussounding dishes directly from the pages of the novels and spices them up with tidbits about their real-life histories in the Muggle world. With its comprehensive selection of pies, pasties and puddings, the book could be considered a guide to British food in general, from the gloriously named “toad in the hole” to frightening-sounding creations like blood pudding and haggis, a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep innards.

But even less-adventurous readers will delight in being able to make the same sort of delicious meals, snacks, cakes and candies they would find on the tables of Hogwarts Castle, the shelves of Honeydukes’ candy

shop and the kitchen counters of both talented cook Mrs. Weasley and not-so-talented cook Hagrid (rock cakes, anyone?).

“The Unofficial Hunger Games Cookbook” seems a harder sell – after all, heroine Katniss Everdeen comes from a starving dystopian community where fresh-shot squirrel is a sought-after delicacy. Fittingly, the book actually includes a section devoted to preparing game meats like rabbit and beaver, which while not entirely practical, does evoke a satisfying devotion to authenticity.

Instructions for simple, hearty stews, soups and salads made from humble ingredients like wild herbs and root veggies follow this same spirit, and of course, no visit to District 12 would be complete without a few of baker boy Peeta’s delicious breads. And when tired of pine needle tea and grilled tree rat, readers can try out the more luxurious fare of the decadent Capitol, recipes which also abound in these pages. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

Children with their parents can enjoy the library’s new surround sound system while watching a PG-rated movie Fridays at 10:30 a.m. The movie will be chosen based on who is present.

Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 6:30 p.m., Christine Ieronimo, a nurse and Naugatuck native, will speak about the children’s book she wrote, “Drinking from Puddles, Through Eva’s Eyes,” to raise awareness of the need for clean water in EthioFriends Seek pia. Ieronimo’s book will be reBook Donations leased by Walker Books for Young The Friends of the Middlebury Readers in 2013. The illustrator is Library is accepting donations Eric Velasquez. of books, audio books, CDs, LPs, Celebrate DVDs, comics, puzzles, computer games, and more for its Valentine’s Day annual book sale May 5 to 8 at Enjoy movies and music to celthe Middlebury Public Library. ebrate Valentine’s Day Tuesday, The sale’s proceeds support li- Feb. 14. A double feature of robrary services and programs mantic movies will be “An Affair beyond the scope of the town to Remember” at 10 a.m. and budget. Please drop off your do- “Moonstruck” at 1:30 p.m. At 6:30 nations at the library during li- p.m., baritone Edwin Kotchian, brary hours. Tax donation re- who also plays piano, and Juan ceipts are available at the Circu- Andrews, who sings tenor and lation Desk. For more informa- plays percussion, will entertain tion, call 203-758-2634. you with a concert.

Homemade baked goods to Bird Feeder Workshop take with you for your favorite perFlanders Nature Center and son will be available for purchase.

Land Trust will offer a workshop The Howard Whittemore Meon making bird feeders Tuesday, morial Library is at 243 Church St. Feb. 28, at 6 p.m. at the library. in Naugatuck. For information, Each bird feeder will cost $20. call 203-729-4591.

Register at the library, or call 203758-2634. Space is limited, so pre-registration is a must.

Southbury

Puzzlemania in March The Sixth Annual Puzzlemania Contest will be Tuesday, March 6, at 5:30 p.m. at the library. Call the library at 203-7582634 to register your team, or stop in and pick up a set of rules at the circulation desk. Pre-registration is a must as entrants are limited to 10 teams.

The Middlebury Library is at 30 Crest Road in Middlebury.

Wednesday Film The Wednesday afternoon movie Feb. 8 at 1:30 p.m. in the Kingsley Meeting Room stars Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn.

She’s an heiress, he’s a zoologist, and she sets out to catch him using her pet leopard, Baby, as the bait.

The room’s surround sound theater has an infrared listening system available. For more information, call 203-262-0626.

The Friends of the Southbury Library and the Leroy Anderson Foundation will host Immortal Love Songs – An Opera Valentine Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. in the Brinker Fireplace room. Baritone Richard Cassell and mezzo-soprano Frances Devine will perform staged duets and arias from opera and Broadway’s greatest hits.

Registration is required. For more information or to register, call 203-262-0626, ext. 130.

Take Your Child to the Library Day

The Children’s Department will host “Take Your Child to the Library Day” Saturday, Feb. 4.

Families are invited to participate in a library scavenger hunt, enter contests, win prizes, and decorate bookmarks. Children also are welcome to drop in between 10 a.m. and noon to play with the library’s huge assortment of LEGO pieces to create their own unique creations or join a round of Bingo between 2 Candy Collage and 3 p.m. to win candy and Valentine’s Day Craft small prizes. No registration is Youth in grades five to 12 are necessary; just drop in and enjoy invited to enjoy a sweet time mak- the fun of taking your child to the ing artistic collages completely library. out of … candy Thursday, Feb. 9, Animal Collage from 6 to 7 p.m.

High School and Beyond Seminar Career counselor and educator Mark Danaher, NCC, MA, will be at the library Thursday, Feb. 16, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to share his knowledge and expertise in the college, career development, and educational technology fields.

Youth in grades seven to 12 and their parents and guardians are encouraged to attend.

Fiber Art Exhibit The Connecticut Fiber Arts Collective, a Connecticut-based group of artists dedicated to fiber and mixed media art, fiber art show, “Identity and Other Things,” at the Gloria Cachion Art Gallery in the library has become the “Red – Read” fiber art exhibit.

It will run through Feb. 26.

Check www.southburylibrary. org for more information. The library is at 100 Poverty Road in Southbury (203-262-0626).

Workshop

Saturday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m. youth in grades six and up will create colorful animal collages inspired by artwork made by Keck (www.moderndogart.com).

Bring a photo of your favorite pet or animal to work with. Register for this free, fun workshop at 203263-3502.

Programs are free and open to area residents. For information, call 203-263-3502 or visit www. woodburylibraryct.org. The library is at 269 Main St. South in Woodbury.

Find the Bee-Intelligencer on

The Bee-Intelligencer

Friday, February 3, 2012

PAGE 3

Visit Preschool on the Green Saturday

By CRISTINA COMMENDATORE Sounds of laughter permeated the rooms of Middlebury’s Preschool on the Green Monday morning as 15 students in the four-yearold class enjoyed playtime. Teachers Shauna Finke and Kristen Lewis and Director Linda Kohler helped students create macaroni necklaces, finger paint, find fake frogs in a raised sandbox and read before it was time to clean up and move on to show and tell.

The preschool staff, which comprises three full-time teachers and an administrative assistant, teaches according to the school’s philosophy, “Childhood is a journey, not a race.”

“We don’t try to cubbyhole the children,” Kohler said. “We watch their interests and abilities and build on their capabilities. We try to teach different concepts in many ways so we tap into the interests of the children.”

The preschool, which is in the lower level of Middlebury Congregational Church, will hold an open house Saturday, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m. to noon. Parents and children can meet the teachers and tour the school. Activities will be set up so children can get a feel for the preschool environment.

Though most of the students attending the preschool are from Middlebury, the school welcomes students from all towns. Kohler, who has been at the school for 13 years and took on the role of director after the former director, Jeanne LaPorta, lost her battle with cancer last year, said she most looks forward to watching her students build friendships and work together every day.

“They’re very good hearted people and very empathetic,” she said of the students.

“It’s good to see that in young children. They make us laugh every day; we’re always laughing here.”

The three-year-old curriculum mainly focuses on social skills and learning shapes, colors and numbers. Four-year-olds build on those skills, but they also prepare for kindergarten and learn the alphabet, math and science. Both age groups go on field trips to the Middlebury Public Library, and the threeyear-olds visit Flanders Nature Center in Woodbury. Four-year-olds also visit Blue Jay Orchards in Bethel to learn about apple trees and pick apples and the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, Conn., and every year they see Brass City Ballet’s spring performance.

“We create a very warm, friendly environment that makes children happy to be here and willing to participate because they feel safe,” Kohler said. “We try to put learning in a fun, hands-on way so they enjoy learning.”

Betty Ives, wife of a former Middlebury

Applications are available for Middlebury residents who qualify for the Elderly Homeowners, Totally Disabled Homeowners and Additional Veterans’ Tax Credit programs. Qualifications for these programs include residency, income, age or disability.

Applications must be accompanied by all income statements and Social Security benefits and must be filed no later than Tuesday, May 15, 2012. No application will be accepted without proof of income and Social Security statement.

Qualifying income is based on 2011 adjusted gross income; married applicants must submit combined adjusted gross inMiddlebury Preschool on the Green teacher Kristen Lewis of Middlebury helps Mason come PLUS 2011 Social Security Karpovich, 4, of Thomaston with his macaroni necklace as Andrew Despres, 5, of benefit payments. 2012 income Middlebury strings a piece of pasta onto his necklace during playtime Monday morning. limits are $0 to $32,300 for single applicants and $0 to $39,500 for married applicants.

Elderly Homeowner applicants must reside in Middlebury, qualify under the income

The next AARP Driver Safety course will be Monday, Feb. 6, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. The nation’s first and largest driver refresher course uses new materials and new videos to present new defensive driving techniques, a refresher in laws and regulations, new laws and regulations, how to deal with aggressive drivers, and how aging affects reaction time, vision and hearing.

Drivers who complete this class get a certificate that may entitle them to a discount on automobile insurance (contact your insurance company for details). AARP membership is not required, and drivers of all ages are invited to attend.

The fee is $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers. Make checks out to “AARP.” You must register before the class begins by calling 203-577-4166 or going to the Senior Center Office in the Shepardson Community Center at 1172 Whittemore Road in Middlebury.

Life’s Simple 7 Nutritionist Judy Prager will share tips on seven simple steps

Audition for “Gypsy”

Ava Despres, 5, of Middlebury mixes colors at the painting table during playtime Monday at the Preschool on the Green.

(Cristina Commendatore photos) Congregational Church minister, Charles Ives, established the preschool in 1953. Though the school is in the church, it is a separate entity. There is a 20-student maximum per class, allowing for a total of 80 enrolled students.

During Saturday’s open house, parents can register for morning or afternoon classes for their three and four year olds. For class times and information, call 203-577-2275 or visit www.preschoolonthegreen.org. Call Kohler at the above number for tuition rates.

you can take to live better Tues- ested in learning to play table day, Feb. 7, at 11:30 a.m. at Shep- tennis, here’s your chance to learn strokes, play games, and ardson Community Center. even play in tournaments. If you AARP Meeting are interested, call 203-577-4166.

The AARP Chapter 4960 Computer Classes monthly meeting will be TuesThe next two computer classes day, Feb. 7, at 12:30 p.m. It will include a bingo party, and re- with Don are Cruising the Web freshments will be served. For and How to Make My Computer more information or to reserve Safe?

Cruising the Web will be ofa seat, please call 203-577-4166. fered Monday, Feb. 6, from 9:30 Free Hearing Screening to 11:30 a.m. In this fun class, join The next free hearing screen- Don in exploring the worldwide ing offered by the Middlebury web. Visit fun, challenging and interesting new sites. See what’s Senior Center and And-How going on at the South Pole, what’s Hearing will be Wednesday, Feb. with YouTube, Google Earth, etc.

8, from 9 to 11 a.m. Screenings The fee is $10. will be in 15-minute increments How to make my computer starting at 9 a.m. The screening safe? will be offered Friday, Feb. is a simple PASS/FAIL evaluation 10, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Are of a persons’ hearing. And-How you safe?? This class is a must if Hearing also will clean existing you are concerned about comhearing aids during the puter security. Learn how to 15-minute allotment. safeguard your personal inforFor an appointment, call 203- mation while using the Inter577-4166 or stop in at the Mid- net, what to look for in avoiding dlebury Senior Center. those nasty computer viruses, find out who’s tracking you Table Tennis Anyone? and how to limit your personal The Middlebury Senior Center information exposure. Find out offers free table tennis lessons how to safely access and protect Tuesdays and Wednesdays from your financial accounts/infor9 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you are inter- mation. The fee is $10.

Trips Christmas Tree Shops The Senior Center minibus will travel to the Christmas Tree Shops in Orange, Conn., Thursday, Feb. 9, leaving the center at 10:30 a.m. The cost for transportation only is $7 per person.

West Point Dress Parade Travel to West Point Academy in New York to view its famous dress parade Saturday, April 28.

With great pomp and circumstance, the cadets march in full uniform in cadence with military music, presenting arms in unison. Enjoy a bountiful buffet at the Hotel Thayer, which offers an assortment of salads, hot and cold entrees and an extensive sweets table. Also included in the excursion are guided tours of West Point’s highlights: the Cadet Chapel, Trophy Point and the Hudson River Lookout.

A Friendship Tours luxury coach will depart from Shepardson Community Center at 8 a.m. and return to the lot at 6 p.m. The cost is $83 per person. Call Middlebury Parks and Recreation at 203-758-2520 to reserve a seat.

Warner Master Class The Warner Theatre Center for Arts Education first 2012 Master Class will be Saturday, March 10, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Carole and Ray Neag Performing Arts Center Studio Theatre Lobby with best-selling Magic Tree House Series authors Mary Pope Osborne and Will Osborne.

Join the Osbornes for a oneof-a-kind master class and talkback session for children and adults ages 5 and up. They will discuss the world of writing and publishing, as well as exciting upcoming Magic Tree House projects being developed to bring the love of reading and culture into the lives and hearts of children all over the world.

A book signing will follow the class for students who wish to bring their favorite Magic Tree House books with them to be signed by the authors. The cost for the class is $25. Seating is limited, so reserve a seat early.

To register for the class, call the Warner box office at 860-4897180.

Region 15 School Calendar Monday to Friday, Feb. 6 to 10 PES.....................................................................Celebration of Reading Kindergarten.......................................................... Parent conferences

Tuesday, Feb. 7 PES PTO.....................................................................................9:30 a.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 8 PHS Concert ...........Jazz Band, Chamber Singers & Orchestra, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 9 PES Grade 5 Concert........................................................... PHS, 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 10 Saturday, Feb. 11

blood pressure can show up through the generations. By knowing what diseases are common in the family, the generations that follow will be able to guard against diseases that might have a hereditary basis. Their doctors will be able to assess which diagnostic and screening tests to run at various times based on family history.

If you’d like to create your own family health file, visit https:// familyhistory.hhs.gov/ to access the online tool. You’ll start with baseline questions like your age, gender, whether you were born a twin, and your height and weight. You’ll move into the section on diseases or conditions you have or have had in the past.

Then it gets a bit tricky when you have to list your relatives. It’s set up like a family tree: You start with your mother and father, if possible, and what you know about their health. Ideally, you can gather information for a to-

tal of three generations.

At the end you can save the file and update it later as you gather more information, or print out what you have and share it with your family.

Matilda Charles regrets she cannot personally answer reader questions, but she will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Write to her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send email to columnreply@gmail.com.

pany I feel good about.”

Rinaldi has laid off her receptionist, plans to close the outpaContinued from page 1 tient clinic and may have to lay but all I wanted was to have a com- off some of her therapists. “They pany that made a difference and are going to be at least cut back, at the end of the day have a com- if not laid off,” she said. “Knowing

we don’t have the contract for the next three years, we have to make these decisions now to survive.”

Kane and D’Amelio said Tuesday night they would help in any way they could. Kane was to contact DDS to try to get more infor-

mation on the selection process and the appeals process. “We’ll try to raise as much attention as we can,” Kane said.

D’Amelio said, “We’ll advocate for any business in our district.”

Therapy -

Auditions for “Gypsy” at the Warner Theater will be Monday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. (child roles/ seeking kids ages 9 to 14) and 8 p.m. (adult roles/ensemble) and Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 8 p.m. (adult roles/ensemble). Callbacks will be Thursday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m.

Performances will be May 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20.

Auditions will be by appointment only. Email auditions@ warnertheatre.org to schedule an appointment. An audition confirmation email will be sent with full details on what will be expected at your audition. If you do not have access to email, call the Warner Theatre audition line at 860-489-7180, ext.151. Please be specific as to the date you would like to schedule your appointment.

All roles are open to audition.

The theater seeks an ensemble cast of adults and children (ages 9-14) for this production. Auditioners must bring sheet music with them and be prepared to sing 32 bars, but no more than one minute, of a fully memorized Broadway-style musical selection (preferably one that is in the style of “Gypsy,” but not from the show itself) that showcases their vocal range. An accompanist will be provided. Auditioners should mark their selection with a highlighter. A cappella singing and instrumentals on CD, Tape, iPod, MP3 Player or digital recorder will not be allowed. Auditioners also will be asked to read from the script and perform a brief

dance combination that will be taught at the audition.

Rehearsals will be Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Tuesday, Feb. 28. One midweek rehearsal will be Thursday, May 17. The theater will not cast those unable to make all the performances and the midweek rehearsal.

A list of available roles is at www.warnertheatre.org/auditions.htm.

MMS Student Government Social & Dance...Social 2:45 to 4:15 p.m. grade 6 only; Dance 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. grades 7 and 8 only

Your family’s health history When it comes to leaving something for the next generations, there’s something even more valuable than albums with carefully identified photos – and that is your family’s health history.

The U.S. surgeon general has created the “My Family Health Portrait,” an online tool that helps organize the specifics of your family’s health. The potential benefits to the next generations are big. There are certain diseases that can run in the family, like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. The risk for high

limits, and must be 65 years of age or older.

Totally Disabled Homeowner applicants must be eligible to receive permanent total disability benefits under Social Security or another federal, state or local plan. Completed applications and proof of income and disability must be submitted by May 15, 2012.

Additional Veterans’ applicants must have filed their Honorable Discharge DD-214 papers with the town clerk by Oct. 1, 2011. The deadline to file Additional Veteran’s Application with the assessor’s office is Oct. 1, 2012.

Applications can be picked up at the Assessor’s Office in the Town Hall at 1212 Whittemore Road, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or call 203758-1447, or at the Social Services Department from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Shepardson Community Center at 1172 Whittemore Road.

Theater Opportunities

Senior Center News AARP Driver Safety Program

Middlebury Tax Credit Programs

(c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

PHS ................................................................................................... ACT Gainfield Gala..................................Heritage Hotel, 6:30 to 11:55 p.m.

Region 15 website: www.region15.org

Please support the advertisers who help us bring you this free weekly newspaper.

Middlebury Road (Opposite the Shell Station) Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Anthony Calabrese 203-758-2765

Bird Seed Headquarters

Black Oil, Premium Mix, Sunflower Hearts, Niger Seed (thistle for finches)

Deer Corn • Livestock and Poultry Feed Local eggs. Fresh daily. $3 per dozen

The Bee-Intelligencer

PAGE 4

Friday, February 3, 2012

Bee Intelligencer in•tel•li•gencer: n. One who conveys news or information The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th ed.

Issued every week by: The Middlebury Bee-Intelligencer Society LLC Bee-Intelligencer Staff: Editor-In-Chief/Publisher: Marjorie Needham Editorial Assistant: Cristina Commendatore Correspondents: Mary Conseur, Jonathan “Chip” Longo, Terrence S. McAuliffe Art & Production: Mario J. Recupido Advertising Sales: mbiadvertising@gmail.com - Submit press releases in person, by mail or email The Bee-Intelligencer welcomes news, press releases and advertising from all surrounding communitie Editorial office: 2030 Straits Turnpike, Suite 1, Middlebury, CT 06762 Telephone: 203-577-6800 • Email: beeintelligencer@gmail.com Advertising Information: Telephone: 203-577-6800 • Email: mbiadvertising@gmail.com Deadlines: Display Advertising: 5 p.m. Friday preceding publication Classified Advertising: 5 p.m. Monday preceding publication Editorial/Press Releases: Noon Monday preceding publication Copyright © 2012 by The Middlebury Bee-Intelligencer Society, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Basic Combat Training Graduate In Brief Beth El Celebration Beth El Synagogue will celebrate “Shabbat Shira,” the Sabbath of song, with a weekend of song and dance Friday and Saturday, Feb. 3 and 4. Celebrations will begin Friday at 7:30 p.m. The 9:30 a.m. Shabbat service Saturday will include a chanting of “Song of the Sea,” a teaching of the song and lunch.

Beth El is at the Walzer Family Jewish Community Campus at 444 Main St. North in Southbury.

For more information, call 203264-4500 or email info@bethelsyn.org.

Annual Chocolate Expo

Army Pvt. Scott M. Dowling, son of DanaLynn and Michael Dowling of Middlebury, is shown after graduating from basic combat training at Ft. Jackson in Columbia, S.C. Dowling is 2011 Pomperaug High School graduate. He is studying to be a medic at Ft. Sam Houston in Texas.

(Submitted photo)

Letters to the Editor Don’t be stupid with ashes To the Editor: I recently received an award for completing 50 years of service as a member of the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department. I have witnessed great change in the fire service over that time; it has become a much more technology-driven profession with vastly improved equipment, tactics and strategy. This has led to a much safer environment in which to perform the still– demanding job firefighting always will be.

I write to express my concern that, in spite of all we have learned, there continue to be simply stupid actions causing fires, death and destruction. One would think, in light of the recent high-profile tragedy in Stamford that led to the horrible deaths of five innocent people, more attention and care would be taken in tending to our woodburning devices.

Be they wood stoves or fireplaces, at some point the accumulated ashes must be removed and disposed of. That means placing them in a fire-safe container and removing them to a safe location outside, away from our homes, structures, and even flammable brush and grass.

Filling the container with water certainly will eliminate any flareup.

We have recently responded to instances of people placing ashes in plastic containers and

placing them in the garage.

Fortunately, the problem was discovered before another tragedy occurred. It can never be too cold or stormy to remove that smoldering time bomb to a safe and secure place.

It also is important to properly inspect and maintain the fireplace, stove and related flues, chimneys, dampers and controls.

Above all else, the presence and proper maintenance of smoke detectors can and will protect us from ourselves when we fail to do the careful thing. It’s also wise to have a carbon monoxide detector.

While firefighters tend to live for the “big one,” we do not enjoy seeing one’s home destroyed or, even worse, the loss of one’s life.

Please be careful. The easiest fire to fight is the one that doesn’t happen.

Robert C. Desmarais Sr. Middlebury

Letters to the Editor Letters to the editor may be mailed to the Bee-Intelligencer, P.O. Box 10, Middlebury, CT 06762 or emailed to beeintelligencer @gmail.com.

Letters will be run as space permits. Please limit letters to 500 words, avoid personal attacks, and understand letters will be edited.

For verification purposes, please include your name, street address and daytime telephone number.

The 19th Annual Chocolate Lovers Expo Gifts and More to benefit Easter Seals will be Sunday, Feb. 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Southbury. Vendor and sponsor opportunities are still available. Adult tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

Children’s tickets (ages 5-12) are $5. For information or tickets, call Edna Bruneau, 203-7545141, ext. 251.

Friendly’s Cones for Kids

tion on how to make the most of your doctors visits Thursday, Feb. 16, at 12 p.m. at The Hospital of Central Connecticut at Bradley Memorial at 81 Meriden Ave. in Southington. Lunch will be provided.

RSVP to Marc Levesque, senior resource case manager, at 860-276-5293. Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging, a nonprofit member of Central Connecticut Senior Health Services, is a resource and assessment center designed to enhance access to services and information related to attaining optimal quality of life for seniors and their caregivers.

Through Monday, Feb. 13, each Friendly’s® guest who makes a $1 donation to support Easter Seals will receive five Kids’ Valentine’s Day cards redeemable for free Friendly’s® Kid Cones and a $5 off a $25 purchase coupon.

Participating locations are 544 Reidville Dr. in Waterbury, 130 Rubber Ave. in Naugatuck, Heritage Village in Southbury, 408 Queen St. in Southington, 497 Farmington Ave. in Bristol, 81 Newtown Road in Danbury, 108 Danbury Road in New Milford, and 48 Berlin Road in Cromwell.

Friendly’s Restaurants, LLC continues its traditional Valen- Naugatuck Garden Club tine’s Day fundraiser, Celebrating Meeting Cones for Kids, to benefit local The Naugatuck Garden Club Easter Seals programs and serwill hold its first general meeting vices. For more information, visit www.waterburyct.easterseals. of the year Thursday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. in the St. Michael’s Church com or www.friendlys.com.

Hall on Meadow Street in Naugatuck. Tovah Martin will present Lunch and Learn Sign up now for the Connecti- the evening’s program, “Terrarcut Center for Healthy Aging and iums and You.” Martin is a popular horticulFrank Zimmitti, PA-C, presentaturist and author. Her most re-

cent book, “The New Terrarium,” was published in 2009. In addition, Martin is a perennial, heirloom vegetable and cottage gardener, who is an honorary member of The Garden Club of America and the Litchfield Garden Club.

All Naugatuck Garden Club members are encouraged to attend; guests are welcome. A $5 donation is requested. For more information, call 203-729-8804.

Scholarships Available Middlebury Fund scholarships through the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving are available for high school seniors who are Middlebury residents and will enter college in the fall.

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need. Applications are available at Middlebury Town Hall in the first selectman’s and the town clerk’s offices, the Pomperaug High School guidance department, or by contacting Committee Coordinator Ronald Vitarelli at 203-758-1130.

The application deadline is March 2, 2012.

Can your ashes at Woodbury Fire Department

By MARJORIE NEEDHAM Woodbury Fire Chief Janet B. Morgan, also the town fire marshal, said Monday the department usually promotes fire prevention this time of year by pulling into residents’ driveways with lights and sirens going. They go to the door, and ask, “Did you call?” When the response is “No,” they ask if the residents have a smoke detector. If they do, firefighters give them a pizza. If they don’t, firefighters give them a smoke detector.

This year, following the tragic Stamford fire that claimed five lives after improperly stored fireplace ashes caught the house on fire, Morgan decided to do something different to promote fire safety. The Woodbury Fire Department launched a “Can Your Ashes” campaign. Firefighters will hand out free ash cans to the first 60 Woodbury residents who go to the main firehouse at 25 Quassuk Road Saturday, Feb. 4, starting at 10 a.m.

The department also prepared

a “Can Your Ashes” handout that informs residents hot coals can remain hot for up to four days. It says “never empty ashes into a paper or plastic bag, cardboard box, or other similar container,” and reminds readers the only suitable container for ash storage is a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. The contents also can be wet down before the lid is put on. Even with the lid on, it’s important not to store the can where heat from it could ignite flammable materials (on the deck, in the garage, etc.) The ideal spot for the can is in a location cleared to the dirt and with all dried leaves, brush and other combustible items removed in a circle 3 feet wide around the can.

Once the 60 cans have been given out, local merchants C. L. Adams, Green Acres and Ken’s Hardware will sell cans at their cost – $10 per can – to those who say, “I want to be part of the ‘Can Woodbury Fire Chief Janet Morgan holds one of the ash cans the Your Ashes’ campaign.” For more department will give to the first 60 Woodbury residents to show information, call the firehouse up at the firehouse Saturday starting at 10 a.m. at 203-263-3100.

(Marjorie Needham photo)

Chapin’s Computer Tip

Resetting your IP address If your computer’s connec- messages, you can try renewing tion is a bit frantic, disconnecting your IP address. and reconnecting, or if you’re To do this, click on your Start getting IP address conflict error Menu; in Windows 7, you’ll have

to select Search on the bottom, and search for Run, then hit enter. For other versions of Windows, Run should be on the right-hand side of the Start Menu. stay informed all week long!

When you’ve got Run open, FOLLOW US at type in CMD, and hit enter. This www.twitter.com/ will open a DOS window. When mbinews there, type ipconfig (space) /release and hit enter; this will rekeep up to date with breaking news, lease your IP address and discon-

weather alerts, traffic advisories and more.

nect you from the network. Then, type ipconfig (space) /renew; this should reconnect you to the network, and give you a new IP address. Once that is done, you can close the DOS window and use your computer normally.

For more tips, visit chapinbusiness.com. For answers to your technology questions, call us at 203-262-1869. We’re here to help.

The Bee-Intelligencer

Friday, February 3, 2012

PAGE 5

Obituaries Alfred F. D’Alfonso Sr.

nieces and nephews.

Burial was in Calvary Cemetery.

Father of Memorial contributions in Jim’s Edward William D’Alfonso name may be made to the Silas Bronson Library, 267 Grand St., WaterMr. Alfred F. D’Al- bury, CT 06702. For more informafonso Sr., 78, of Wa- tion and online condolences, visit terbury died Jan. 31 www.maioranofuneralhome.com. at Waterbury Hospital. He was the widower of Rosemary (Bordner) Mother of Diana Guiliano D’Alfonso.

Mrs. Victoria C. Alfred was born in Waterbury Oct. “Vickie” (Albini) 8, 1933, the son of the late Alfred and Rinaldi, 87, of MidNancy (Paris) D’Alfonso. He was dlebury, formerly of employed at Eastern Color Printing Waterbury, passed Company for more than 40 years. He away peacefully Jan. also worked in cleaning services for 27 at Waterbury various companies for 17 years. He Hospital, surrounded by her loving graduated from Leavenworth High and was a communicant of Our Lady family. She was the widow of David (Vito) Rinaldi. Her funeral was Feb. of Loreto Church.

He leaves two sons, Alfred F. D’Al- 2.

Vickie was born in Waterbury fonso Jr. and his wife, Angela, of Kissimmee, Fla., and Edward Wil- Aug. 23, 1924, the daughter of the liam D’Alfonso of Middlebury; a late Pasquale and Maria Grazia daughter, Roseann D’Alfonso and (Pesce) Albini. In 1938, she was her wife, Nancy D’Alfonso, of Water- awarded the “Palmer Method of bury; and a granddaughter, Andrea Business Writing” certificate for her degree in excellence in muscular D’Alfonso.

His funeral is today, Friday, Feb. movement business writing.

She was employed as a matron 3, at 8 a.m. at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral for the City of Waterbury Police DeHome at 430 Chase Parkway in Wa- partment for 23 years before retiring terbury to Our Lady of Loreto Church in 1998. Prior to working at the police for a Mass at 9 a.m. Burial will follow department, she worked for Lux at St. Boniface Cemetery in Meriden. Clock Shop; Waterbury Garment For more information or to send Company; Ovidio Sausage Come-condolences, visit www. pany; Three Cousins Restaurant, where she was a short order cook; chaseparkwaymemorial.com. sold greeting cards out of her home; and was a caregiver for the elderly.

For many years she was the “hat check girl” for the annual New Year’s Timex Retiree Eve party at the Pontelandolfo ComMr. James B. LoRusso, 85, of Wa- munity Club, where she was a memtertown passed away peacefully, ber of their women’s auxiliary, and surrounded by his family, Jan. 29 at worked with her brothers at the Albini Wolcott Hall Health Center. He was Funeral Home for more than 35 years.

Vickie always was the life of the the devoted husband of Mary (Donahue) LoRusso. His funeral was party. She was known for telling funny stories and for her explicit Feb. 2.

Mr. LoRusso was born Sept. 4, language. She always had a special 1926, in Waterbury, the son of the place in her heart and at her table late Frank A. and Mary D. (LoRusso) for everyone. She loved singing ItalLoRusso. He was a graduate of Leav- ian songs, and her passion was playenworth High School and held an ing cards with her family and friends. associate’s degree in mechanical Her favorite foods were pizza and engineering from New Haven Col- ice cream, and she often joked about lege received in 1956, and a bache- going on an “ice cream diet.”

Vickie is survived by her children, lor’s degree in industrial engineering Diana Guiliano and her husband, from the University of New Haven received in 1971. Jim worked as a Ralph, of Middlebury; David A. Rimachinist apprentice in 1944 at Sco- naldi and his wife, Rosemary, of vill Manufacturing. He continued Reno, Nev.; and Debra A. Ruffino and there as a machinist until November her husband, David, of Las Vegas; 1952, when he joined Bernell Tool two brothers, Mario Albini and Raymond J. Albini and his wife, Patricia, working as a general machinist.

Between 1956 and 1957, Jim all of Waterbury; five grandchildren, worked as a process engineer, qual- Anthony and Victoria Guiliano, Niity control engineer, project engi- cole Ruffino, and Sarah and Emily neer, and assistant foreman of the Rinaldi. She was predeceased by her bearing assembly department in the brother, Salvatore Albini.

The family would like to thank the Bearings Division of the Torrington Company in Torrington. In 1967, Jim staff at Candlewood Valley Health joined Timex Corporation as a man- and Rehab and Abbott Terrace for ufacturing engineer for the fuse di- the compassion and care given to vision in Watertown during the Ko- their mother during her battle with dementia. They also would like to rean War. At war’s end he transferred to the thank the staff at Waterbury Hospiwatch division in Middlebury as a tal for their kindness and support process engineer working on the first during this difficult time.

Burial will be at the family’s conladies’ electrical watch (the model venience.

For more information or 69). He was later designated a manufacturing engineer working on to send e-condolences, visit www. mechanical, electric, quartz digital chaseparkwaymemorial.com.

Victoria C. Rinaldi

Jack Salisbury spears a beer can on South Street Monday. Salisbury In a short time picking up trash along Middlebury’s Greenway, has been picking up litter along Middlebury streets, but volunteers Jack Salisbury filled these two garbage bags and found an old, are needed to help with the job. rusty car muffler.

(Marjorie Needham photos)

Get rid of litter

By MARJORIE NEEDHAM Jack Salisbury has already made one pass the length of Middlebury’s Greenway, and now he’s retracing his footsteps. As he goes, he fills trash bags with litter people have thrown out or lost – paper coffee cups, plastic bags, mittens, gloves, even an old, rusty car muffler. Salisbury also has picked up trash along South Street, Country

MVFD -

Continued from page 1 tank. It turned out the pumper had rolled forward slightly, so a tire was on top of the hose. After they filled the car to the windows with water, Proulx said, they ended up putting the fire out with sand because it was a magnesium fire.

Once the department got pagers, Proulx’s went off one night. The address sounded very familiar to him, but it wasn’t until he rushed out of the house into a cloud of smoke that he realized why. The basement of the house where he and his wife rented an apartment was on fire.

Proulx joined the department when he was 17. He became a captain in 1971 and a deputy chief in 1972. He served as chief from 1978 to 1986 and became the fire marshal, his current po-

Club Road and Tucker Hill Road.

Tucker Hill was really bad.

“That was messy. It took two or three days to pick up,” he said.

Country Club Road is also bad.

He said that’s because it is a main route to the transfer station. When trash blows out of vehicles on the way there, many people don’t stop to pick it up.

First Selectman Edward B. St. John is behind Salisbury’s efforts.

He’s the one who contacted Parks and Recs Director Betty Proulx and asked her to help with the litter problem. “Betty welcomed the challenge with open arms,” St. John said Tuesday. He encourages anyone who wants to volunteer to help clean up litter around town to contact Proulx at 203-7582520.

“We don’t have the resources we once had and we probably

won’t have them again,” St. John said. “We have to resurrect our volunteers.”

Proulx said Tuesday night an Eagle Scout is going to take on the litter issue as his project and will set up sections of the Greenway that can be adopted by people willing to keep their area clean and free of litter. Contact Proulx if you would like to help with this project.

sition, in 1979. Proulx said, “I think the best thing to me about the firehouse is the friends I’ve made. We used to have tons of fun – carnivals, parties after the carnivals and dances. It wasn’t like work to us. We also did good things for the community.”

Saturday night’s award made it two Middlebury mirrors for Proulx. In 2006, he received a mirror (with a different design on top) for being a veteran firefighter.

Kevin Kowalski, a fire marshal in Simsbury, who is vice-chairman of the Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control (CFPC), presented Nicol’s award. He said of Nicol, “Fifty years of service is quite an achievement. Not many reach that.”

He said Nicol has been a member of CFPC since 1984 and makes about every meeting. He said Nicol also goes to Washing-

ton, D.C., to fight for federal issues. Kowalski congratulated Nicol for his 50 years of service to the MVFD. Nicol extended his appreciation to Perrotti and the officers and said the MVFD is like Middlebury – made up of many dedicated men and women who make it work. Nicol served as chief from 1986 to 1990 and also served as secretary, lieutenant, captain drill master, and deputy chief. Like Desmarais and Proulx, he began as a junior firefighter.

Nicol said Monday the CFPC focuses on training and educating firefighters at the Connecticut Fire Academy in Windsor Locks and its satellite for firefighter agility testing on Berlin Turnpike. It also reviews and approves certification programs for testing 24 different levels of firefighters.

When he was the captain drill master, Nicol joined the Con-

necticut Fire Department Instructors Association to meet people and interact and learn programs on training he could bring back to MVFD. He is a past president of that organization and also served on its board of directors.

Nicol served as an emergency medical services instructor and taught vehicle rescue for many years. He said he trained a number of Waterbury-area emergency medical technicians.

Nicol said of his 50 years with the MVFD, “It’s been a rewarding experience. I’ve met a lot of good people. When I served as chief I concentrated on improving the training in the department and modernizing the department. I was able to change the type of personal gear, and I also concentrated on upgrading self-contained breathing apparatus to the state of the art.”

Frugal Mummy

My frugal valentine

By CLAIR BOONE Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you’ve got children, you know that means gifts. Gifts for their school friends, that is, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve got at least 15 children to get something for, which can quickly add up. As no child wants to feel left out, you’re going to need a frugal plan. Here are my frugal valentine ideas.

Hershey Kiss Cookies – Nothing says valentine quite like Hallmark or those adorable little chocolates with the perfect name. Have your child help you mix the batter for sugar cookies, and after cooking them, add a kiss to each one while they’re still warm. Put a couple in a plastic

bag with a note from your child, and they can give a sweet treat for about 25 cents a child.

Dum-Dum Pop Card – Have your child hold a long piece of pipe and take a picture of them.

After printing the picture out, simply make holes at the top and bottom of the pipe on the photo and add a dum-dum pop so the illusion is the child holding a giant sucker. Photos are as low as 10 cents this week at Walgreens, and you can get about 20 suckers from the dollar store for $1, making this around 20 cents a child.

Hot Cocoa Bath Mix – In a large bowl, mix 6 cups powdered milk, 3/4 cup cocoa, and 6 tablespoons cornstarch. Add 3 tablespoons of the mixture to a cello-

phane bag, tie with a piece of raffia or ribbon and add a note: “Add 1 tablespoon of hot cocoa bath mix to your bath.” This makes enough for about 20 children with some leftovers.

Pinwheel Pencil – Create a pinwheel using instructions from online or a book. It’s basically a simple square folded. Use festive hearts or red paper for more fun.

Add a valentine’s pencil as the stick you hold and watch as your children giggle as they make it spin. Open stock paper is 25 cents this week at Michael’s coupled with a pack of 10 pencils from the dollar store for $1, this is 35 cents per child Bubbles ­– With all the food allergies nowadays, it’s tough to know what’s safe for your kids to

take to school unless they don’t take food. Buy some of those wedding bubbles from the dollar store (around none for $1) and attach a small ribbon and a note.

This is 15 cents per child.

Heart Paperclips – Don’t forget teachers. Give them school supplies: Simply grab some large pink or red paperclips from the office supply store. Bend the open-ended half of the paperclip at the middle, and then fold it until it creates a heart. Put a handful in a cellophane bag for $1 per teacher.

Join Clair Boone and thousands of other savvy shoppers at www.facebook.com/mummydeals.org, or read her other tips at www.mummydeals.org.

Grocery sticker shock Have you seen the price of hamburger lately? During the past year, the price of beef has skyrocketed, with that made-athome burger costing 10-percent more than it did a year ago.

The Economic Research Service arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture keeps track of forecasts, and it’s taken a close look at 2011. We know it costs more to feed our families, but just how bad is it?

As a general rule, food prices go up 2.9 percent each year. In 2011 the average increase was a whopping 4.5 percent, and where it got us in the wallet was in the staples.

A pork chop costs 6.9-percent more than it did a year ago. A chicken leg costs 10.5-percent

more. Eggs are up 10.2 percent.

Cheese up 8.4 percent. Turkey up 10.5 percent. Milk up 9.8 percent. Even potatoes soared by 12 percent.

Cereals, on the other hand, went up only 6.2 percent. Is it any wonder people are feeding their kids cereal for dinner?

Supply and demand is given as the reason: More of us are sticking to basics, which pushes up the demand, which pushes up the price. The things we’re not buying – steaks, for example

– didn’t see much of a price increase because there wasn’t much of a demand.

The USDA predicts food prices for 2012 will “only” go up 3 to 4 percent, which still is above the long-term average.

How to survive until prices come down? Here are some ideas: • Shop the ads. This is no time to be loyal. If another nearby store has a special, go there.

Stock up within reason.

• Use your customer cards to take advantage of discounts.

• Invest in a big box “club” membership. Be aware the food comes in large bulk sizes, and be prepared to split the costs with a friend. Divide and freeze meal-size portions. If you don’t

have a freezer, barter with a friend to share the bounty in exchange for freezer space.

• Study nutrition. Learn how to combine cheaper protein sources, such as beans and rice. Get creative with pasta.

Go online to www.eatingwell. com and put “cheap” in the search box. Try www.cheapcooking.com and other similar sites.

David Uffington regrets he cannot personally answer reader questions, but he will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Write to him in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328536475, or send email to columnreply@gmail.com. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

James B. LoRusso

and quartz analog watches as well as preparing quotes for the manufacturer of various products for other companies. He traveled extensively to destinations such as Little Rock, Ark.; Abilene, Texas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Taipei, Taiwan; Manila and Cebu City, Philippines; Lisbon, Portugal; and Mexico to review manufacturing processes and to assist in solving any manufacturing problems. He retired from Timex Corp. in 1988.

With an entrepreneurial spirit, Jim, along with his wife, Mary, daughter Eileen and son-in-law Mark Poulin, purchased J-C Pharmacy in Thomaston in 1982, Neal Pharmacy in Prospect in 1985, and a Nutmeg Pantry convenience store franchise with Mary and son, Donald, in 1990. Other business ventures included General Power Mower, Spectrum Sales Co. and National Marketing Co. Jim grew up in Waterbury and in 1956 built a home in Watertown, where he resided and raised his family with his wife, Mary.

He was proud to have been a spotter in World War II and was an avid reader.

He was interested in genealogy and traveled with family members to his ancestral village of Avigliano, Potenza, Basilicata, Italy. While there, he discovered and met with other LoRussos living in Frusci, Italy.

He loved spending time with his family and found great pleasure in bringing the entire LoRusso family together for family reunions. Breakfast with his boys was a highlight of his week.

In addition to his loving wife of 64 years, Mary, Jim is survived by his sons, James K. LoRusso and his wife, Linda, of Thomaston and Donald LoRusso and his wife, Marilyn, of Waterbury and his daughters, Kathleen Gostanian and her husband, Gregory, of Windham, N.H. and Eileen Poulin and her husband, Mark, of Harwinton. He also leaves his grandchildren, Mark Poulin II, Donald Poulin, James K. LoRusso Jr., Michael LoRusso, Kerensa Salvietti and Bethany Gostanian; his sister, Donna Sacco and her husband, Dr. John, of Norwalk as well as several

Arthur Volta

Father of Simone Volta Mr. Arthur Volta, 87, of Waterbury died Jan. 29 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the loving husband of Anellina (Santopietro) Volta. His funeral was Feb. 2.

Arthur was born in Pontelandolfo, Benevento, Italy Jan. 5, 1925, the son of the late Simone and Maria (Volta) Perugini. He lived in Venezuela for nine years, where he learned the masonry trade. He moved back to Italy and started his own construction company that he successfully ran until settling to Waterbury in1971. He then worked for Somers Thin Strip for 17 years before retiring in 1988. He was an avid gardener and loved spending time with his family.

Besides his wife, Anellina, of 60 years, he leaves two sons, Simone Volta and his wife, Gina, of Middlebury; and Angelo Volta and his wife, Judy, of Cheshire; a daughter, Pat Romanelli and her husband, Michael, of Wolcott; a mother-in-law, Pietruccia Santopietro of Waterbury; a brother, Nicola Volta and a sister, Rosina Perugini, both of Pontelandolfo; a brother-in-law, Domenic Santopietro and his wife, Cathy, and a sister-in-law, Antoinette Perugini, all of Waterbury; eight grandchildren, Simon Volta of Vernon; Andre Volta and his wife, Amaris, of Bristol; Sabrina DaSilva and her husband, John, of Waterbury; Kelly Romanelli of Wolcott; Michael Romanelli and his fiancé, Lauren Lattanzio, of Southington; Jason Romanelli of Wolcott; and Mia and Lindsey Volta, both of Cheshire; and two greatgrandchildren, Nellina and Johnny DaSilva of Waterbury.

Entombment was in Calvary’s Queen of Peace Mausoleum. Contributions can be made to Alzheimer Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871.

For more information and online condolences, visit www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com.

The Bee-Intelligencer

PAGE 6

Middlebury Parks & Recreation First Aid Classes Instructor Terry Schmidt will teach Standard First Aid Tuesday, Feb. 7, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Shepardson Center in Room 4. The fee is $82 for residents; $92 for nonresidents.

Laughter Yoga Instructor Kristin Barber will teach laughter yoga for students age 21 and up alternating Saturdays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. starting Feb. 4 and ending April 14.

The fee is $50 for residents and $60 for nonresidents for six classes. Please note: Classes meet EVERY OTHER Saturday, Laughter Yoga combines yoga breathing exercises and simulated laughter in a group setting that provides health and psychological benefits to its participants.

Guitar Lessons Woodbury Music Shop coowner David Zemper will teach beginner/intermediate guitar lessons for youth and adults this winter. Classes for youth ages 8 to 13 will meet Saturdays, Feb. 4 to March 17, from 10 to 11 a.m. in Room 28 at Shepardson Community Center (No class Feb. 25).

Classes for adults age 20 and up will meet Wednesdays, Feb. 8 to March 14, from 7 to 8 p.m. in Room 7 at Shepardson Community Center.

The classes will cover tuning, scales, rhythm, chords and techniques. No experience is necessary, and guitars are available to rent for $35 per month. Class sizes are limited to four to 10 students, so please register early.

The fee is $112 for residents; $122 for nonresidents for six classes.

let and jazz) on various days of the week starting Monday, Feb. 6, in Room 8 at Shepardson. Returning students please note: Payment is due prior to first class.

No classes Feb. 13 and 20 and April 6 and 16 to 20.

Connecticut Combination 1-Day Safe Boating & PWC Certification Course This single session, 8-hour course for ages 12 to adult will be taught by Professional Marine Education Saturday, Feb. 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Shepardson Community Center, Room 26. The course provides a certificate of completion as partial fulfillment of the requirements to obtain the Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation, which allows operation of motorized recreational vessels up to 65 feet and sailboats 19.5 feet or longer. The certificate is a one-time, lifetime certification.

Students should bring a pen/ pencil to class. The fee is $52 for residents; $62 for nonresidents.

Fitness at the Edge Classes

The following classes for ages 16 and up will be offered at the women-only Fitness at the Edge facility in Middlebury Edge at 1625 Straits Turnpike in Middlebury: Step-n-Weights Mondays, Feb. 6 to March 12, from 4:30 to 5 p.m.; Zumba Fridays, Feb. 3 to March 23, from 9:30 to 10 a.m.; Pilates Reformer Bar Thursdays, Feb. 9 to March 1, from 5 to 5:50 p.m.; Kickin’ Boot Camp Wednesdays, Feb. 8 to March 14, from 5 to 5:30 p.m.; and Spinning Express, aka Group Spinning, Mondays, Feb. 6 to March 12, from 5:30 to 6 p.m.

Youth Dance Program Call 203-598-7721 for more inInstructor Linda Rice offers a formation. variety of dance classes (tap, bal-

Friday, February 3, 2012

Warner’s “Titanic” features local actors

By CRISTINA COMMENDATORE Middlebury residents and community theater actors Lucia Dressel and Chuck Stango had heard of each other through the community theater circuit, but they had never met until they both decided to climb aboard the Warner Theatre’s musical “Titanic,” which opens Saturday, Feb. 4, at 8 p.m. in Torrington.

“That’s the wonderful thing about doing theater,” Dressel said. “I have a wonderful group of theater friends.”

Dressel, a former registered nurse and teacher at Nonnewaug High School who has lived in Middlebury the last 18 years, first saw Stango perform in Thomaston Opera House’s “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” last summer. Her immediate thought: “I have to be in a play with him.”

“He’s very natural on stage, which is what I love in an actor,” she said, with a bright-eyed smile. “As an actor, it’s tough to watch theater and forget they’re acting, but he made me forget.”

Stango, who moved to Middlebury from Waterbury in 2008, also knew of Dressel from her previous area performances.

“She’s fantastic in this show,” he said Monday over the phone.

“Her voice knocks the roof off the Warner Theatre.”

Stango, a state prosecutor, could not meet with Dressel and this reporter for an interview Monday because he was preparing for a murder trial that was to begin Tuesday.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking.

This production, which is in its second run at the Warner, depicts authentic scenarios and is based on the lives of the people

Left to right, Middlebury residents Lucia Dressel and Chuck Stango are shown during rehearsal for "Titanic," which opens Saturday at the Warner Theatre in Torrington.

(Submitted photo) who boarded and died on the Titanic in April a century ago.

Dressel’s character, Ida Straus, was the only first-class woman to die on Titanic. She refused to get on a lifeboat without her husband of 40 years, Macy’s coowner Isidor Straus. In the play she tells her husband, “I’ve been with you 40 years. I’m not going to leave you now.”

“That’s been sometimes the sadness, but the beauty of the play – that you’re playing people who died, and you want to honor them,” Dressel said.

Stango is playing Edgar Beane, a combination of what many people in second class may have resembled. Beane was a hardware store owner content to sail second class, but his wife longed to be in first class. Beane makes

sure his wife gets on a lifeboat, and he goes down with the ship.

“That’s emotional,” Stango said. “You can relate because we all have loved ones of our own.

These people were put in a situation they didn’t deserve.”

When Dressel becomes Ida, she uses her own marriage as inspiration. “I have been with my husband 30 years,” she said. “To prepare, I’ve been asking myself, ‘What would I do if I were in Ida’s situation?’”

Warner Theatre Production Manager Sharon Wilcox said when “Titanic” first came to the Warner 10 years ago it had a cast of 47; now it has a cast of 76. Rick Doyle directed both shows.

“This cast has incredible passion for representing these people with heart and soul and try-

Pomperaug High School Varsity Games Feb. 4 to 11, 2012 Boys Basketball

Tuesday, Feb. 7..................... Joel Barlow (A)...................................... 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 10...................... Notre Dame-Fairfield (H)........................ 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball

Tuesday, Feb. 7..................... Joel Barlow (H)...................................... 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 10...................... Notre Dame-Fairfield (A)........................ 7 p.m.

Cheerleading

Tuesday, Feb. 7..................... Joel Barlow (H)...................................... 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 10...................... Notre Dame-Fairfield (H)........................ 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 11................. Competition (A)......................................... TBA

Gymnastics

Tuesday, Feb. 7..................... Oxford, et al (H)..................................... 6 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 9................... SWC Championships (A)....................... 5 p.m.

ing to tell their story with respect,” Wilcox said. “It’s our duty to tell their story and to tell it well. It’s a production about people’s aspirations and about three people – the ship builder, captain and ship owner – and the decisions they made that night that affected the lives of 1,500 forever.”

Doyle’s set includes an 18-foot tall three-tiered “sinkable” ship and a full-stage drop of Titanic in port in Southampton, N.Y. Maury Yeston wrote the music and lyrics for Peter Stone’s story.

It first opened on Broadway in 1997.

“Titanic” opens at the Warner Saturday at 8 p.m. with shows Sunday, Feb. 5, at 2 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10 and 11, at 8 p.m. An exhibit, “The Making of Titanic,” will be open before, after and during intermission of each show. The exhibit, which includes a timeline, will highlight production renderings, media archives, and a firsthand account from Connecticut survivor Margaret Graham Moore, a first-class passenger who escaped Titanic on lifeboat three. She lived in Fairfield County. Her grandson, Douglas Graham Moore, will attend opening night and share her experience.

Tickets for the musical and exhibit can be purchased through the box office. Only those with show tickets can attend the exhibit. Visit warnertheatre.org, or call 860-489-7180.

Ice Hockey

Saturday, Feb. 4................... Newington-Berlin (A)........................ 8:30 p.m.

Boys Indoor Track

Saturday, Feb. 4................... SWC Championships (A).................. 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 11................. Class L Championships (A).................... 1 p.m.

Girls Indoor Track

Saturday, Feb. 4................... SWC Championships (A).................. 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 11................. Class L Championships (A).................... 1 p.m.

(Kathleen Brown-Carrano cartoon)

Tuesday, Feb. 7..................... Oxford (H)............................................. 7 p.m.

Yeast infection tends to recur

Wrestling

Saturday, Feb. 4................... Seymour Duels (A).............................. 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 7..................... Oxford (A).............................................. 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 11................. SWC Championships (A)....................... 9 a.m. DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I haven’t seen an article about vaginal (H) Home (A) Away yeast infections. The doctor gave me an oral antiyeast medicine for it and a cream to apply. In addition, he gave me something to stop the itching. It seemed Southbury Youth Baseball and Pomperaug Youth Baseball are worse after the treatment, so the accepting online registration for the 2012 spring season. Registra- doctor gave me five more days tion is online only at www.southburyyouthbaseball.com. Southbury of the oral medicine. What would residents ages 5 to 12 and Southbury and Middlebury residents you suggest if it comes back ages 13 to 18 have until midnight March 16, 2012, to register. again? Could it be something I Coaches and team assignments will be made the week of March am eating or taking? – N.F. 26, and pre-season practices will begin in early April (weather ANSWER: Candida is the name permitting). If you have any questions, email southburyyouthba- of the yeast responsible for vagiseball@hotmail.com. nal infections. Itching is a prominent sign. The vaginal lining also often is irritated and painful.

Intercourse can be uncomfortWe want to cover local sports! Our readers want us to cover able. White patches adhere to local sports. We just need reporters to attend games/matches/ the vaginal lining, and there may meets and write about them. Reporters can be students or adults. be a white discharge. Close to 75 Would you like to help us cover sports? We’ll help you learn percent of all women will expenewspaper style, you’ll get a byline so everyone will know what rience at least one Candida inyou have written, and you’ll have clips to show colleges/potential fection during their life. It has employers. If you write well, love sports and would like to report nothing to do with what you eat on them for this newspaper, please call us at 203-577-6800 or email or take.

Somewhere between 20 and us at beeintelligencer@gmail.com.

50 percent of woman harbor this yeast in their vagina but don’t have any symptoms of it. If these women are put on an antibiotic for an unrelated infection, the vaginal bacteria that keep the population of Candida at small numbers die off. Without those good bacteria, the Candida yeasts reproduce at a rapid rate and lead to symptoms.

You were put on a standard treatment for Candida. Those treatments are antiyeast medicines that come as ointments,

Register for youth baseball

We need sports reporters

creams or vaginal suppositories.

There are many of them. The oral antiyeast fluconazole (Diflucan) is another approved treatment.

Recurrence of this infection is common and hard to abolish. If it happens, longer treatment with vaginal antiyeast medicines coupled with a weekly dose of oral Diflucan for six months is a reasonable action. If that fails, referral to a center that has the capability to check Candida’s sensitivity to antiyeast medication can end the problem.

Unproven but popular ways of attacking this infection include eating yogurt with live lactobacillus in it to repopulate the vagina’s normal bacterial population. Another unproven approach is to treat the male partner. It hasn’t been shown that such an approach works, but some experts resort to it.

Vaginal infections are discussed at length in the booklet on that topic. To obtain a copy, write to Dr. Donohue – No. 1203W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or

money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada. with the recipient’s printed name and address.

Please allow four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: What can you tell me about hypothyroidism? Does taking iodine help? I hear that taking thyroid hormone is a lifetime commitment. – C.N. ANSWER: Hypothyroidism is a thyroid gland that’s putting out way too little thyroid hormone.

All body processes slow. People become weak and are exhausted.

They’re cold when others are pleasantly warm. They gain weight without overeating. Their skin dries. The face becomes puffy. The heart beats slowly.

Worldwide, iodine deficiency is the main cause of a sluggish thyroid gland. It is not in North America. Here, the main cause is an attack on the gland by the immune system.

The appropriate treatment is supplying the hormone in pill form. It usually is a lifelong treatment, but it’s not an onerous one.

It’s taking only one pill a day.

Dr. Donohue regrets he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible.

Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. (c) 2012 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

1. In 2010, Texas’ Josh Hamilton became the third Ranger to lead the A.L. in batting average for a season. Name either of the other two.

2. Who is the all-time leader in stolen bases for the Toronto Blue Jays?

3. Name the first team to win 15 games in a regular season once the NFL went to a 16-game schedule in 1978.

4. Which was the lowest-seeded men’s basketball team to win a game in the 2011 NCAA Tournament (not counting the First Four games)?

5. When was the last time Canadian-based NHL teams won at least five consecutive Stanley Cups?

6. In 2011, Tony Stewart became the second driver to win the first two races in NASCAR’s Chase playoff format. Who was the first?

7. Roger Federer holds the record for most singles titles won at the ATP World Tour Finals. How many has he captured?

Answers: 1. Julio Franco hit .341 in 1991, and Michael Young hit .331 in 2005.

2. Lloyd Moseby with 255.

3. San Francisco went 15-1 in 1984.

4. No. 13 Morehead State beat No. 4 Louisville.

5. Canadian-based teams won seven Cups in a row between 1984 and 1990.

6. Greg Biffle in 2008.

7. Six, including in 2011.

Boys Swimming

(c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

The Bee-Intelligencer

Friday, February 3, 2012

Classified Ads Q: Classified Advertising Deadline: 5 p.m. Monday Classified Advertising Cost: $10 per week, up to 40 words. 25c each additional word.

Submit ad with your name, address, telephone number, and payment to: Mail: Bee-Intelligencer, P.O. Box 10, Middlebury, CT 06762 Email: mbisubmit@gmail.com Office: 2030 Straits Turnpike, Suite 1 This publication does not knowDONATE YOUR CAR FOR ROUND In Aruba. The water Adoption ingly accept advertising which is CASH ON THE SPOT & is safe, and the dining is fandeceptive, fraudulent, or which IRS TAX DEDUCTION. tastic. Walk out to the beach.

A CARING, LOVING WOMAN might otherwise violate the law FREE $2,000 Grocery 3-Bedroom weeks available SEEKS TO ADOPT. Will Be or accepted standards of taste.

Shopping Coupons. FREE in May 2012 and more.

Stay-At-Home Mom With However, this publication does Towing. All Cars AcSleeps 8. $3500. Email: carFlexible Schedule.

Finannot warrant or guarantee the cepted. 1-855-WE-CUREolaction@aol.com for more cially Secure.

Expenses accuracy of any advertisement, KIDS/1-855-932-8735, information.

Paid. Lisa Or Adam 1-800nor the quality of the goods or CarsCureKids.org 790-5260 services advertised. Readers For Sale are cautioned to thoroughly Autos Wanted Auto Donation investigate all claims made in HUGE MIRRORS: NEW GYM any advertisements, and to use LEFTOVERS. 72”x100” good judgment and reasonable DONATE YOUR VEHICLE CASH FOR CARS: Any Make, Model or Year. We Pay Mirrors, 7 Available, $145 care, particularly when dealing LOVE IN THE NAME OF MORE! Running or Not, Sell Each. Perfect Condition, with persons unknown to you CHRIST. Free Towing & Non who ask for money in advance you Car or Truck TODAY. Free Delivery, Can Install!

-Runners Accepted. 800of delivery of the goods or serFree Towing! Instant Offer: GYM RUBBER FLOORING, 549-2791 Help Us Transform vices advertised.

1-800-871-0654 4íx25íx1/2” Thick, Black w/ Lives In The Name Of Christ.

SELL YOUR CAR, TRUCK White Fleck, 1 Roll Available, OR SUV TODAY! All 50 $250. 1-800-473-0619 states, fast pick-up and payHealth ment. Any condition, make or model. Call now 1-877-8188848, www. MyCarforCash. IF YOU HAD HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY net between 2005 and present Contractors and suffered problems, you may be entitled to compenHAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTsation. Attorney Charles ED? Contact Woodford Bros., Johnson 1-800-535-5727 Inc. for straightening, levHelp Wanted eling, foundation and wood frame repairs at 1-800-OLDBARN, www.wood-fordbros. ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER, CT Hands on! Must com, MAHIC#155877; CTHIC have proven track for recruit#571557; RICRB#22078 ing, training, and leading Education display advertising team for shopper publications. Cover AVIATION MAINTENANCE/ letter, compensation requireAVIONICS Graduate in 15 ments & resumé: ctadmgr@ months. FAA approved; figmail.com nancial aid if qualified. Job Instruction placement assistance. Call National Aviation Academy Today! 1-800-292-3228 or LANGUAGE TUTOR: English, French, English as a second NAA.edu. language, SAT, PSAT, and For Rent TOEFL preparation. Middlebury: 203-758-1888 FOR RENT: One week at the Music largest timeshare in the world. Orange Lake is right INSTRUMENTS next to Disney and has many MUSICAL CLARINET/ FLUTE/ VIOLIN/ amenities including golf, tenTRUMPET/Trombone/Amplinis, and a water park. Weeks fier/Fender Guitar, $69 each. available are Feb. 26 to Mar. Cello/Upright Bass, Saxo4 & Mar. 4 to Mar. 11, 2012. phone/French Horn/Drums, (Sun. to Sun.) $850 inclusive. $185 ea. Tuba/Baritone Horn/ Call Carol at 978-371-2442 or Hammond Organ, Others 4 email: carolaction@aol.com WARM WEATHER IS YEARsale. 1-516-377-7907

PAGE 7

Prevent pipes from freezing

Last winter, a couple pipes in my basement burst. The plumber said they froze and burst. How can I prevent this from happening again? – Darla G., Dothan, Ala.

A:

Frozen pipes, as you unfortunately discovered, are a serious problem that quickly can become costly, especially if flooding occurs and damages furniture and other items.

Before talking about prevention, let’s quickly look at emergency measures. When the worst occurs – a burst pipe – the water feed to the pipe must be shut off immediately to prevent flooding, and then contact a plumber to fix the problem as soon as possible.

Of course, this problem tends to occur at the worst possible times and in the worst way – the first prolonged cold snap of the year, when no one wants to be wading through freezing water to the shutoff valve. Or, when homeowners are on vacation and flooding occurs for hours ... or days. (This happened to me sev-

By Samantha Mazzotta eral years ago: My upstairs neighbor’s pipes burst, and the water flooded my condo.)

To prevent this problem, take steps to keep the temperature around those pipes above freezing. Pipes in an uninsulated basement should be wrapped in pipe insulation (available at the hardware or home-improvement store). Outdoor spigots should have the water flow to them turned off during the coldest months and then be drained; if you can’t turn off the water, purchase insulated spigot covers.

During freezing weather, turn on the cold-water tap in the highest and lowest parts of your house, as well as the outdoor spigot. Keep it at a thin trickle or fast drip.

Check all your pipe runs throughout the freezing period.

Run your hand along the pipes when you can. If you feel a spot that’s significantly colder than the rest of the run, there’s a good chance water is freezing in that spot. If you see frost or condensation on a section of a pipe, or if you see a bulge in the pipe run, those also are telltale signs.

Immediately wrap the freezing pipe in a towel soaked in near-boiling water. Pour hot water over the towel periodically to keep it warm.

If a bulge in the pipe occurs, or you can’t thaw it, contact a plumber immediately to take additional measures to save the pipe.

Send your questions or tips to ask@thisisahammer.com, or write This Is a Hammer, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

Insulating your basement or crawlspace can not only prevent frozen pipes, it can make a big difference in your heating, electric or gas bills.

Entertainment Listings

Legal Notices LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF MIDDLEBURY In accordance with the provisions of Section 7-394 of the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut, notice is hereby given that the Auditor’s Report of the Town of Middlebury for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011 is on file in the office of the Town Charlie Ross in “One Man Star Wars Trilogy” Clerk, and is available for public inspection during regular office hours, which are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Dated this 3rd day of February, 2012.

Waterbury

(Submitted photo)

Torrington

“Shrek the Musical” national Broadway tour Desultory Theatre Club & Studio 59 present “A

Edith Salisbury Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10 and 11, at the Palace Romantic Evening” with Chrissy Gardner and Middlebury Town Clerk Theater. Tickets are on sale at 203-346-2000, www. Robert Messore Saturday, Feb. 4, at 8 p.m. at Studio

Find the Bee-Intelligencer on

Cynthia Muñoz, E.A.

Call 203-577-6800 for information

Tax & Insurance Professional • Income Tax Preparation • Life Insurance • Auto & Home Insurance • Health & Dental Insurance 2030 Straits Turnpike, Suite 5 Middlebury, CT 06762 • 203-232-1299 www.cynthiamunozea.com

Residential • Commercial Maintenance • New Construction

Serving The Area For 25 Years Full Service Electrical Contractor 24 Hour Emergency Service

203-758-2444 Mark Donofrio - Middlebury

• Come see our line of Jamestown pellet stoves • Middlebury showroom 492 Middlebury Road Glenn Sartori, proprietor

203-577-2409

Insured Lic# 121960 • markelectricllc.com

www.preferredpellet.com

Butkus Plumbing

Accurate

P1-204815

INSURED

• Free Estimates • Jobs Big & Small

Including: Water Heaters/Well Tanks Boiler Changes/Frozen Pipes

Electrical Contractors Small jobs are our specialty Commercial • Residential www.accurateelectricalcontractors.com

Joseph D. Butkus

Fully Insured Lic. # E1-189172

203-264-0559

203-509-7027

owner/operator

Cela’s Masonry

• Stone Walls • Walkways • Patios • Chimneys • Fireplaces • Roofing • Tile Floors Commercial and Residential • Stone & Brick Siding & Insured • Brick and Block Works Licensed CT LIC/REG • Old & New Construction #0607918

Adrian Cela Co-owner

Cell 203-568-5645 • 203 573-0366 celaadrian@gmail.com Free Estimates celasmasonry.com

• Openings • Closings • Weekly Service • Repairs

palacetheaterct.org or the box office at 100 East Main St. in Waterbury. Groups of 15 or more should call the group sales hotline at 203-346-2011.

The theater is offering a 50-percent discount on family four packs of tickets purchased for the Friday and Saturday evening performances of the show. The offer is valid on select mezzanine seating and only available by phone or in person.

59. Gardner is a songwriter/singer/musician originally from Chicago who embodies the spirits of soul, folk and contemporary music. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $15 at 860-482-6801. 59 Barber St.

Fairfield Charlie Ross’ “One Man Star Wars Trilogy” Friday, Feb. 3, at 8 p.m. at Fairfield University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. A post-show screening in HD of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” the 2008 animated feature film chronicling the further adventures of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, will be shown.

Tickets are $30 and $25 at 203-254-4010 or www. quickcenter.com. The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is at Fairfield University at 1073 North Benson Road. Entrance to the Quick Center is through the Barlow Road gate at 200 Barlow Road.

Forbidden Love Saturday, Feb. 11, at 8 p.m. in the Naugatuck Valley Community College Fine Arts Center at 750 Straits Tpke. Snow date Sunday, Feb. 12, at 3 p.m. Shakespeare’s enduring romance inspires passionate music from Tchaikovsky, Bernstein, Guonod, Prokofiev and Berlioz while actors from Shakesperience Productions bring the story to life throughout the concert hall.

Concert patrons are invited to enjoy complimentary Valentine’s chocolates courtesy of Fascia’s Chocolates. Tickets are $20, $30 and $50 and $5 for students (rush only) at 203-574-4283 or waterburysymphony.org.

Chucho Valdés and the Afro-Cuban Messengers Saturday, Feb. 4, at 8 p.m. at Fairfield University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. Winner of five Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammy Awards, Dionisio Jesús “Chucho” Valdés Rodríguez, born in Quivicán, Cuba, in 1941, is one of Cuba’s most famous pianists, bandleaders, composers and arrangers.

Tickets are $40, $35, and $30 at 203-254-4010 or www.quickcenter.com. The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is at Fairfield University at 1073 North Benson Road. Entrance to the Quick Center is through the Barlow Road gate at 200 Barlow Road.

Call now for a free in-home consultation and free design plan.

203-598-0185

Winter hours by appointment

Call 203-577-6800 for information

We’d like to hear from you!

Got a hot news tip for us? Please email it to: mbisubmit@gmail.com Please include your name and telephone number.

We also welcome your ideas for articles you’d like to see in the newspaper. If you don’t have email you can call us at 203-577-6800.

The Bee-Intelligencer

PAGE 8

Dog hates bathtub DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My German shepherd, “Silky,” is 10 years old and has developed hip dysplasia, which makes her pretty uncomfortable. She avoids slippery floors and hates the tub, but I need to give her a bath. Any way I can do this better to keep her comfortable? – Jack T., Oklahoma City DEAR JACK: There are a few ways to help Silky stay comfortable while being bathed. First, try placing a large, wet towel in the tub that she can stand on to gain traction. Lift her into the high-sided tub rather than make her jump in. Shepherds are large dogs, so if need be, work with a second person and tandem lift her, with one of you cradling under her chest and the other cradling her midsection and then

tucking the other arm between her back legs and supporting her belly.

A step-in shower is an even better option, if you have one.

Again, put down a wet towel so she feels secure standing or sitting.

In warm weather, you could set up an inflatable kiddie pool and fill it with warm water. This gives big dogs enough room to sit or even lie down during their bath, and they can just walk into it over the low sides.

Adopt a Rescue Pet

During the bath itself it’s important to work fast. Keep Silky’s collar and leash on so you can hold her still as you wet her down (either with warm water scooped in a cup or using a sprayer attachment), add soap (only soap formulated for use on dogs), then rinse. Talk soothingly through the whole process. Once complete, lift her out of the tub onto a nonslip rug and towel-dry her fur, then give her lots of praise and a treat.

Send your questions or tips to ask@pawscorner.com, or write to Paw’s Corner, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. For more pet care-related advice and information, visit www. pawscorner.com. (c) 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS:

We Sell & Service All Brands

ESSA Essa is a pretty brindle mix who is very social, likes other dogs and is between 1 and 2 years old.

Essa is a real chowhound who loves, loves, loves to eat! But she is gentle and easy to handle. If you like to take walks, Essa would love to join you! And she walks beautifully on leash, too! To meet her, please visit the AFL shelter.

Send in your pet photos

160 Rubber Ave. Naugatuck, CT

(203) 723-7230

stay informed all week long!

FOLLOW US at www.twitter.com/ mbinews keep up to date with breaking news, weather alerts, traffic advisories and more.

1255 Middlebury Road (the Hamlet)

Offering beer, wine & distilled spirits

Roses & Rosé

- the perfect combination We don’t have roses, but we do have rosé!

Sparkling and nonsparkling available.

Stop in today for your Valentine’s Day rosé.

203-527-6651 Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

the air...

Love is in at

MARIE’S JEWELRY

VALENTINE’S DAY EVENT

Thur Feb 2 10:30 AM-6 PM • Fri Feb 3 10 :30 AM-6 PM Sat Feb 4 10AM-4PM

100 on Chamilia Products

$

and Receive a

FREE Chamilia Bracelet 50 value

$

MARIE’S JEWELRY

Bring in your ticket for your chance to win a FREE Door Prize Drawing Sat February 4th, 2012

_________________ Phone _________________ Email _________________ Name

SIMBA Simba is a great cat whose only request is he be the only feline in his new home. He is vetted and ready to go, but because he is FHIV positive, he cannot reside with other cats. Simba was rescued from the cold after he was left to fend for himself.

Sadly, his owner passed away, and no one else in the family could take him. Luckily for Simba, a neighbor got involved and called Animals For Life (AFL). This kitty is about 5 years old. He is extremely loveable and often kneads and purrs when someone comes by to give him attention. To meet Simba, call AFL.

For more information on these pets, call 203-758-2933 or visit Animals For Life at the Middlebury Transfer Station on Rte. 63 at the corner of Woodside Ave. Adoption hours are Mondays and Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 3 p.m. For more about the adoption process, visit www.animalsforlifect.org.

Ferrari’s Appliance

Spend

Friday, February 3, 2012

2012

Limited Edition Valentines Bead

MARIE’S JEWELRY 2457 East Main St � WTBY 203-755-GOLD (4653) www.mariesjewelryonline.com

FREE

SHIPPING

Your pet could be featured as “Pet of the Week” in this picture frame. Send us your pet’s photo by email to mbisubmit@gmail or by regular mail to P.O. Box 10, Middlebury, CT 06762 along with your pet’s name, your last name and your town.

Your pet’s photo could be here PET OF THE WEEK

Valentine’s Day Specials & Gifts Ladybug Cake & Candy Supply Valentine’s Day Classes & Supplies

Classes: Valentine’s Cake Balls Feb. 8

Kids Valentine’s Cupcakes Feb. 11

Adult Valentine’s Cupcakes Feb. 13 Supplies: Valentine’s theme cake pans, cookie cutters,

candy molds. 10 different Valentine’s sprinkles

and decor for cakes and cupcakes.

Gift Certificates

134 Main St. South

72G Bennett Sq., Southbury, CT (behind Leo’s Restaurant)

203-264-BAKE (2253)

LadybugCakeandCandy.com

Don’t Forget ~ Tuesday, February 14th is Valentine’s Day!