MBI 03/01/13 by Mario-Design

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

Volume IX, No. 9

Friday, March 1, 2013

Fresh Air Fund needs host families By Marjorie Needham Heather Roy of Middlebury is seeking host families from Middlebury, Southbury and Woodbury to become part of the Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Town program this summer. Roy, who first hosted a Fresh Air Fund child in 2011, is now the Fresh Air Fund chair for the Litchfield County/ Tribury area. “When the program works the way it is supposed to, it’s like magic. It’s like gaining a new family member,” Roy said. The first year Roy participated, three Tribury families served as host families; the second year the number grew to 10. She hopes to have at least 17 Tribury family hosts this year, but her long-term goal is to have 50 host families involved. She said that’s how many families in Weston, Conn., host children every summer. “There are always more kids than hosts,” Roy said. “They always have to turn kids away.” Roy will hold two open houses for those interested in becoming host families. The first will be Thursday, March 7, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Middlebury Public Library’s temporary location at 199 Park Road Extension in Middlebury. The second will be Wednesday, March 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Room 26 at Shepardson Community Center at 1172 Whittemore Road in Middlebury. Those unable to attend an open house still can participate in the program. As area chair, Roy travels to people’s homes to explain the program and enroll participants. As part of the enrollment process, all family members are interviewed, as are any childcare providers who might care for Fresh Air Fund

Heather Roy, center, son Nico, 9, and daughter Annabel, 10, hold the greeting sign for their Fresh Air sister, Catherine Pagan of New York City. They created the sign two years ago, but have kept it so they can hold it up each year when the bus carrying Pagan arrives. (Marjorie Needham photo) children while they visit. Background checks are run on all participants. The Fresh Air Fund started in 1877 when a Pennsylvania minister asked members of his congregation to provide country vacations for children living in New York City (NYC) tenements. Today, more than 4,000 NYC children from low-income communities get on busses to travel to 13 states, going as far south as Virginia and as far north as Canada to visit a host family for a

week or more during the summer. “Some children are on a bus for nine hours,” Roy said. “Those kids tend to stay a month.” The Roy family has hosted their Fresh Air Fund sister for two summers. Nico, 9, a fourthgrader at Middlebury Elementary School (MES) and Annabel, 10, a fifth-grader at MES, will be joined again this summer by Catherine Pagan, 9. They’ll meet Fresh Air fund child Catherine Pagan, left, shares a fun moment at March Farm over Columbus Day her bus at the McDonald’s on weekend with, left to right, Annabel Roy, Jackson Hitchcock, Hannah Hitchcock and Nico Roy. The Roy family hosted Pagan last summer and invited her back Columbus Day weekend. - See Fresh Air on page 3 (Heather Roy photo)

BoE discusses proposed 4.54% budget increase

EIDC considers Pilot Seasoning, Shaker Automotive matters By TERRENCE S. MCAULIFFE The Middlebury Economic and Industrial Development Commission (EIDC) at its Feb 26 meeting agreed to send comments on Pilot Seasoning’s architectural plans to the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) commission without voting on them. It also voted to ask Corey Shaker to rescind the Shaker Automotive Group tax incentive application and resubmit it after supplying missing information. Land Surveyor Curt Smith of Smith & Company used drawings by Bennett Sullivan Associates of Southbury to illustrate the external design, landscaping and building footprint of a proposed 15,600-square-foot metal building for Waterbury’s Pilot Seasoning Company on LI-200-zoned property on North Benson Road. Production will consist of mixing seasonings rather than manufacturing them, Smith said, and two 1,200-square-foot floors will contain offices and a place for sales to the public. Fifteen parking spaces will provide more than enough parking for seven employees and visitors. The plans showed two loading docks in back where only one is currently required and up to 6,600-square-feet available for expansion. The building will be across from Long Meadow School between MD Services

and the Edgewood Bath and Tennis Club and will have vertical 12-inch steel siding and a white standing seam steel roof. He said the building color had not yet been determined. Commissioner Armando Paolino asked how the architectural “skin” and height of the building conformed to other nearby buildings visited frequently by the public. Smith said the 28-foot height was lower than the 35 feet allowed in the regulations and would appear lower when viewed from the road due to the topography of the land. Co-chairman Gerry Matthews said the building would be the only building in that area conforming to LI-200 zone regulations since MD Services and Long Meadow School were preexisting non-conforming buildings, and both Edgewood and nearby Benson Woods were special exceptions to the regulations. He acknowledged the commission might not have jurisdiction on appearance, but noted Watertown and other nearby towns did not allow plain metal buildings, saying he would prefer a split-faced block front façade or something similar. Other commissioners agreed on wanting a better exterior for a building in a high-visibility area. Co-chairman Michael Kenausis asked Smith to reconsider the appearance of the highly reflective white roof. Smith said he was happy to hear the suggestions and

remarked that First Selectman Edward B. St. John had made similar aesthetic comments. Kenausis told Smith he would write a letter to P&Z for its March 7 meeting indicating EIDC support of the rough design, along with comments and suggestions. In a follow-up to the Feb. 6 special meeting to review the tax incentive program application by Shaker Automotive Group, owner Corey Shaker presented a timeline of the reconstruction of Shaker Family Ford-Lincoln. At the February meeting, Matthews asked the board to consider whether the tax incentives caused Shaker to do something he already intended to do, Commissioner Ted Manello said Shaker’s project might not qualify because he thought it started before the program was implemented and Paolino asked whether the application needed to have been submitted before any work was done. Shaker said he had personally filled out the tax incentive application. He said Ford Motor Company had been attempting to consolidate and update antiquated dealerships for many years and said his plans to acquire Family Ford of Waterbury and Watertown Crestwood Ford into his Mercury-Lincoln business were highly supported by regional management. - See EIDC on page 5

By KATHLEEN RIEDEL While Monday night’s Region 15 Board of Education (BoE) meeting served as the first of three workshops in response to Superintendent Dr. Frank Sippy’s proposed 4.5-percent budget increase, discussion culminated in whether students were worth the price of the 2013 monetary climb – including a new $250 parking fee and $150 Pay to Play athletics cost. During public comments, Pomperaug High School (PHS) swim coach Fran Pentino expressed concern over the board members’ majority disagreement with the budgetary increase. “You can’t possibly have zero-percent increase for two straight years and then not expect to have an increase down the road,” he said. “I can’t run my household on a zero-percent increase. It’s impossible. The price of milk goes up, the price of gas goes up. This is the community I chose to live in because I never thought we would be at a zero-percent in-

crease,” Pentino said. When polled, six of the 10 board members, including Chairman Janet Butkus, John Bucciarelli, Joseph Rock, John Cookson, Paul Babarik and Fran Brennan, felt differently. “I’d like to see some give and take,” Bucciarelli said. “If we want to increase somewhere, then we need to decrease somewhere else.” “Right now we offer a very robust course selection, especially at the high school,” he said. “So, and I’m making these numbers up, instead of offering 20 English classes, maybe we can offer 15.” Brennan also questioned whether the region may be overloaded on options or auxiliaries, suggesting a budget increase between 2.5 and 3 percent would be more appropriate. “I’m still with zero-percent increase,” Babarik said. “I think 4.54 is out of the question. I don’t see that 4.54 giving our children any greater education. I see it being absorbed in a lot of other places.” - See BoE on page 5

Adoptable Pets................ 8 Classifieds....................... 7 Community Calendar....... 2 Fire Log........................... 3 In Brief............................ 4 Legal Notices.................. 7 Library Happenings.......... 2

Library Lines.................... 2 Nuggets for Life.............. 6 Parks & Rec..................... 6 Puzzles........................... 7 Region 15 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

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Saturday

March 9

Genetically Modified Foods (GMO) Movie

When: 6:30 p.m. What: Movie and discussion on health threats of genetically modified foods Where: Kingsley Meeting Room at the Southbury Public Library

Middlebury Boy Scout Troop 5 Bottle Drive

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. What: All Connecticut deposit bottles, cans and plastics will be accepted. Where: Village Square Mall at 530 Middlebury Road in Middlebury

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The Bee-Intelligencer

Mary’s Book Review

Library Happenings

“Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power”

Middlebury Tuesday Bookworms

by Jon Meacham (Random House $35) Reviewed by Mary Conseur In recent years, Thomas Jefferson’s reputation has been sullied by DNA testing that proved he fathered several children with his concubine slave, Sally Hemings. However, author Jon Meacham aims “neither to lionize nor indict him, but instead restore him to his full and rich role as an American statesman.” (p. 507) As the subtitle of this biography suggests, Meacham postulates that Jefferson’s main contribution to his country was to expand and solidify the powers of the presidency, the better to be able to make important decisions, such as the Louisiana Purchase (1803) or the embargo against England (1807). Meacham writes, “Philosophers think; politicians maneuver. Jefferson’s genius was that he could do both, often simultaneously. Such is the art of power.” (p.xx) The one huge problem Jefferson was not able to solve was that of slavery. Jefferson lamented, “Nothing is more certainly written in the book of fate than that these people (black slaves) are to be free. Nor is it less certain that the two races, equally free, cannot live in the same government.” (p. 476) and, “The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of the most boisterous passions, the most unremitting despotism on the one part, and degrading submissions on the other. Our children see this, and learn to imitate it; for man is an imitative animal. Thus nursed, educated, and daily exercised in tyranny, the child cannot but be stamped by it with odious peculiarities,” (p. 10) Also, “Justice is in one scale, and self-preservation in the other.” (p. 475) Jefferson promised Sally, his slave concubine, he would free the four children he fathered by her when they reached the age of 21. He kept his promise, but did not free Sally herself or any of his other 600 slaves.

The Tuesday Bookworms group will meet March 5 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle. In the matter of slavery, Jeffer- Books are available at the library. son has been charged with hy- Please call the library to sign up. pocrisy. Yet to some extent, each Brown bag of us is the product of the society book discussion in which we live. In Jefferson’s time, slaves were considered an The group will meet Wedneseconomic necessity, and that day, March 6, at 1 p.m. to discuss trumped the moral issue. Also, “Moloka’i” by Alan Brennert. Jefferson was a politician who The Middlebury Public Liknew he would lose the support brary is temporarily at the Midof half the nation’s voters if he dlebury Timex Building at 199 dared to espouse abolition. He Park Road Extension, Suite D, in advocated deporting the slaves Middlebury. Call 203-758-2634 back to Africa as a solution, but or visit www.middleburypublimost did not want to go. clibrary.org for more informaUltimately, he deferred the tion. slavery problem to future generations, writing, “The march of events has not been such as to render its (the slavery question’s) Lessen your stress completion practicable within Brian Vaugh will teach “The the limits of the time allotted me; and I leave its accomplishments Balanced Life: The Way to Live the work of another generation.” with Less Stress” Tuesdays, March 5 and 12, from 6 to 7:30 (p. 478) Meacham concluded, “Ren- p.m. The class will teach how to dering moral judgments in ret- manage and lessen stress to rospect can be hazardous. It is achieve a more balanced lifeunfair to judge the past by the style. Come for one class or come standards of the present. “ (p. for both classes. Call 203- 729477) Finally, Jefferson cannot be 4591 to register. blamed for failing to resolve the Snacks & shows slavery issue; many plantation owners, including George Washfor seniors ington, also felt conflicted. And, Tuesday, March 12, at 1 p.m., nearly 200 years after Jefferson’s the library’s monthly Snacks & death, the U.S. is still coping with Shows for Seniors will feature the racial prejudice and inequality. 1947 Academy-Award winner for Neither has history been kind Best Picture, the romantic drama, to Jefferson on the issue of reli- “The Best Years of Our Lives” gion. Summarily criticized as an starring Fredric March, Dana atheist, he embraced Jesus’ Andrews and Myrna Loy. Before teachings without accepting his the film, participants will make divinity. Jefferson wrote, “We are Peanut Butter Dream Dip. This to be saved by our good works, free program is open to patrons which are within our power, and who are at least 50 years old and not by our faith, which is not their guests. Registration is rewithin our power.” Jefferson pre- quired. To sign up, call the referdicted that, “There is not a young ence desk at 203-729-4591. man now living in the U.S. who will not die a Unitarian. (p. 471) Bangles and Bags Meacham applauds Jefferson fundraiser in April for his “thirst for knowledge, the Save the date for the second capacity to create, the love of annual Bangles and Bags Social family and friends, the hunger for accomplishment, the ap- Fundraiser Saturday, April 27. plause of the world, the marshal- Please donate your costume jewing of power, and the bending of others to one’s own vision.” (p. 499).

Naugatuck

Board of Selectmen 6 p.m. .................................................Town Hall Conference Room Greenway Committee 7 p.m............................................................... Shepardson Room 26

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Southbury Spring Story Times Registration to Start The Children’s Department will begin registration for its sixweek Spring Story Time sessions Friday, March 1, at 9:30 a.m. The story time schedule is as follows: • Babies & Books will begin Tuesday, March 19, at 10:30 a.m. • Stories & Crafts for 3 to 5-yearolds will begin Wednesday, March 20, at 10:30 a.m. • Stories & More for 2-year-olds will begin Friday, March 22, at 10:30 a.m. All story times include stories, songs and crafts. Registration is not needed for Drop In Story Time and Crafts every Monday at 10:30 a.m. or PJ Stories and Crafts every Thursday at 6 p.m. Register by stopping in the Children’s Department or calling 203-262-0626, ext. 3.

Social Media for businesses, nonprofits The library will host two informational sessions for small businesses and nonprofits on how to generate more business and growth through social media marketing. Sessions will be Friday, March 1, from 12 to 2 p.m. or Tuesday, April 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Kingsley Room. Refreshments will be served, and attendees are welcome to bring a brown bag lunch March 1. This free program is open to the public. Register at the Reference Desk or call 203-262-0626, ext. 130. Or register online at conta.cc/RWJwIe for the March 1 program or conta.cc/RWJP5W for the April 2 program.

This photo of people traveling through the jungle by elephant is among the images Dr. Ira Mickenberg will share with armchair travelers at the Woodbury Public Library March 14. He will discuss the trip to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam he and his wife took two years ago. (Submitted photo) our health will be screened Thursday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m. in the Kingsley Room. A short discussion led by local naturopathic physicians Alice Bell and Carolyn Graham will follow. The website geneticroulette. com/ says this seminal documentary provides compelling evidence to help explain the deteriorating health of Americans, especially children, and offers a recipe for protecting ourselves and our future. The film is narrated by Lisa Oz and is 85 minutes long. Registration is not needed for this event. If you have questions, call the Reference Desk at 203262-0626, ext. 130.

PHS art work on exhibit

Region 15 is observing Youth Art Month again this year by displaying local student art work in the Gloria Cachion Gallery in the Southbury Public Library from Wednesday, March 6, to Wednesday, March 27. The majority of the art will be two-dimensional paintings and drawings, but there also will be selected three-dimensional pieces, sculpture and photography. Region 15 GMO movie March 7 has collaborated with the library A special evening movie about for more than 25 years, displaythe serious threats genetically ing creative art work during modified foods (GMO) pose to Youth Art Month.

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

Woodbury Take an armchair trip to Southeast Asia Thursday, March 14, at 7 p.m., Dr. Ira Mickenberg will bring library visitors to the ancient Khmer empire, now known as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Two years ago, Mickenberg and his wife visited this area that has been of critical political and economic importance to the U.S. from the 1960s to the present. Current U.S. foreign policy is emphasizing a closer relationship with these Asian countries. Photos taken on their trip will facilitate a discussion of the cultural, political and economic aspects of this region. Mickenberg is a retired physician who was a founding partner and practiced with Southbury Medical Associates since 1971. For more information, call 203-263-3502 or visit www. woodburylibraryct.org. The library is at 269 Main St. South in Woodbury.

New library books to read in March By DONNA HINE

othing like an old-fashioned winter to bring people into the library! Looking for books and DVDs to pass the time, people have been Wednesday, March 6 braving the longer trek to our Land Preservation & Open Space temporary location and been 6 p.m...................................................Town Hall Conference Room pleasantly surprised to find we have settled into our smaller Zoning Board of Appeals 7:30 p.m.......................................................... Shepardson Room 26 quarters with very few problems. It is cozy and comfortable – and almost the entire collection is Thursday, March 7 here for you to peruse. All fines Planning and Zoning are still being waived – first be7:30 p.m......................................................Shepardson Auditorium cause of the move, then the blizCalendar dates/times are subject to change zard, now because we can’t put If your organization would like your event included in the community out the book drop until the snow calendar, please e-mail the information to beeintelligencer@gmail.com melts a little! Spring, when are you? March 20 can’t come soon enough! Find the Bee-Intelligencer on Beginning with the birth of Michael to Daisy Scudamore, “The Redgraves: A Family Epic” (791.43 SPO) by Donald Spoto explores this richly artistic family of actors. Based on numerous interviews and close relationships with family and friends, this is an in-depth account of a fascinating and uniquely individual family. Peek behind the scenes, and read of their relationships with giants in the movie industry, as well as familial relationships. Vanessa and Lynn Redgrave are revealed to have a typical sisterly bond, and the next generation (the late Natasha Richardson, Jemma Redgrave and Joely Richardson) carry on the family acting tradition. Who can resist the heavenly scent and taste of simple vanilla?

S-t-r-e-t-c-h

elry and new or gently used bags. The library thanks you in advance for your generosity. The Howard Whittemore Memorial Library is at 243 Church St. in Naugatuck. For information, call 203-729-4591 or visit whittemorelibrary.org.

Library Lines

Middlebury Community Calendar Monday, March 4

Friday, March 1, 2013

It would be like resisting chocolate! “Pure Vanilla: Irresistible Recipes and Essential Techniques” (641.5 SEV) by Shauna Sever would tempt anyone to try cooking with real vanilla beans instead of the vanilla extract we all have in our spice cupboards. Think recipes like Vanilla Bean Honey Butter (spread on vanilla wafers, of course!), Vanilla Cream Pie, or oooh! How about Vanilla Bean Marshmallows in your cocoa? I’ve copied the recipe for Frosted Vanilla Almonds and can’t wait to try them – and possibly share them! Even the history of vanilla is rich and interesting as the book traces its appeal from 1519 to present day. Yum! “My Beloved World” (B SOTOMAYOR SOT) by the first Hispanic appointed to the Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor, is as easily readable as it is an absorbing book about her struggle and triumph in the world of law. She writes simply and clearly about her difficult childhood with an alcoholic father, her education, how she copes daily with type 1 diabetes, and naturally, being a lawyer. Writing simply but eloquently, she is an inspiration to any person – man or womanwho is following a childhood dream. Room to Read has created more than 10,000 libraries (and distributed more than 12.1 million books!) in parts of the world where books are a great luxury and cherished beyond imagining. The organization was started by former Microsoft exec John

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Wood and continues to flourish today. His current book, “Creating Room to Read” (374.01 WOO) is an inspiring tale of this amazing accomplishment – personal and thought-provoking, his story proves that one person really can change the world. Maeve Binchy enfolds us in her lovely imaginary world so effortlessly with her many novels – with “A Week in Winter” (BIN) she promises to continue this custom. This is a dangerous book; it’s impossible to put down, and the characters engage you from page one. Open to any page, and you will be sucked into another story about another situation that you absolutely need to read to its resolution! The characters could be your neighbors and family – and by the end of the book, they will be your friends. Put in your request for this book quickly – it will not be back on the shelf for a while. We still have such a fascination with the Lindberghs! It may be because Charles was a daring and adventurous figure – or is it because of the horrific kidnapping and murder of their child? Anne Morrow Lindbergh also was a well-known writer and amazing woman in her own right – at any rate, we love any books written about them. “The Aviator’s Wife” (BEN) by Melanie Benjamin is historical fiction written in Anne’s voice. We see an intimate portrait of their meeting, marriage and life through the eyes of someone not prepared for public life. A difficult life – a challenging life filled with excitement and, ultimately, loneliness. It must be the month for historical fiction books to be eyecatching, because we have another one from Jennifer Chiaverini, “Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker” (CHI). Better known for her “quilting” fiction, Chiaverini explores the relationship between Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley – her seamstress chosen from among many for

her talent in creating beautiful gowns for the elite of the day. Gradually, a friendship develops between the first lady and the former slave – until Elizabeth writes a memoir about their years together ... Timothy Hallinan is on a roll: Last fall he published “Crashed,” “Little Elvises” (HAL) was just released and this summer the third of the series will come out, “The Fame Thief.” All follow the antics of Junior Bender, a burglar/private investigator who has developed a reputation for finding stolen goods, a thief’s thief. It seems everywhere I looked for new books, this one especially was reviewed as an outstanding mystery. “Little Elvises” is a comedic mystery written in a style similar to Westlake or Lawrence Block’s Bernie Rhodenbarr. Looks like a light and fun read – it’s always a treat to see a new mystery series begin! A debut novel by Tara Conklin also is garnering a lot of attention in literary circles. “The House Girl”(CON) alternates between modern-day New York and slavery–wracked Virginia. Is the art of Lu Anne Bell during pre-Civil War times really the work of her slave? A junior law partner hungry for recognition follows the trail left long ago to its conclusion in this historical mystery. No peeking! The writing is excellent, so you wouldn’t want to miss a word! As a final note, we realize it is a little more difficult to find us, but we do appreciate you all making the effort to do so. It is a cozy location, and we are more than happy to help you find the items you need to help the winter pass more quickly. Spring really is just around the corner, and soon those crocuses (croci?) will be peeking through the snow! Adult Services Librarian Donna Hine is writing Library Lines for the newspaper once a month while the library is at its temporary location.

The Bee-Intelligencer

Friday, March 1, 2013

Region 15 School Calendar Saturday, March 2 CMEA Connecticut Debate Association Tournament at PHS

Sunday, March 3

Eagle Scout Ceremony

No Events Scheduled

Monday, March 4 PHS CAPT Week March 4-8

Attending Christopher F. AzarBrandes' Eagle Scout award ceremony are, left to right, Assistant Scoutmaster Michael Zinko, Eagle Scout Azar-Brandes and Scoutmaster David Redline. Troop 5's Azar-Brandes earned his Eagle Award last September and had his Eagle Ceremony Jan. 27, 2013, at the Middlebury Congregational Church. (Submitted photo)

Tuesday, March 5 PHS CAPT Week March 4-8 CMT Writing CAPT Writing March 5-7 RMS PTO.........................................................................................7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 6 PHS CAPT Week March 4-8 CAPT Writing March 5-7

Thursday, March 7 PHS CAPT Week March 4-8 CAPT Writing March 5-7 PTO Advisory Council..................................................... CO/9:30 a.m. MMS Faculty vs. Students Dodgeball.............................. 2:45 - 4 p.m.

Friday, March 8 PHS CAPT Week March 4-8 RMS March Madness at PHS

Saturday, March 9

Fresh Air -

Continued from page 1 Reidville Drive in Waterbury, and they’ll be holding up the welcome sign they made for her first visit in 2011. The Roy family hasn’t limited Pagan’s visits to the summer weeks. They invited her back for a Columbus Day Weekend visit. They drove into NYC to pick her up and then took her with them as they went apple-picking and pumpkin-picking that weekend. Included in the return trip to NYC was a visit to the Bronx Zoo before they delivered her back home. Participation in the program is not limited to families with children or to families with one stay-at-home parent. Empty-nesters, for example, often enjoy hosting children. Since their children are grown and no

longer living at home, Roy said the Fresh Air Fund will send two girls or two boys to these homes. The program also is not limited to those who have guest bedrooms. “Think about what you would do if your nephew was coming for a visit,” Roy said. She said you might provide a sleeping bag or an air mattress for him. “Think of it as a sleepover,” she said. In families where both parents work outside the home, a childcare giver is usually in place. As long as the childcare giver agrees with the plan to host a Fresh Air Fund child and is willing to undergo a background check, those families can host, too. Both Maria and Derrick Dumoulin of Middlebury work outside the home, but last year for the first time they hosted a boy from the Fresh Air Fund. “I grew up in Wilton (Connecticut, which is a Fresh Air Fund host town),

so I’ve known of the program, but my family never hosted a child. Last year, our lifestyle for our children lent itself to hosting a child,” Maria said. She said they discussed the idea with their babysitter, who cares for their sons Marcus and Terrence (then 7 and 9) while they are at work, and she really liked the idea as well. “It’s easy to add one more kid into the mix,” Maria said. “And it’s such a great experience for our kids.” She said her most memorable event during the visit was July 4, when the family was headed to an evening event. The Fresh Air Fund child opened the door from the house just as a deer walked onto the driveway. “There is a giraffe in the driveway!” he exclaimed. As a city child, he had never seen wildlife except in a zoo. This year, families can choose to host the week of July 8 to 15 or

Middlebury Senior Center News AARP Driver Safety Program

Annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner

The next AARP Driver Safety course will be Monday, March 4, 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.

The Middlebury Knights of Columbus will hold its annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Wednesday, March 13, at 5 p.m. Traditional corned beef and cabbage with side dish, beverage, coffee or tea and dessert included. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $8 for youth, and children 8 and under are free. A family dinner ticket for a maximum of five is $40. Tickets are available at the door.

Don’s Computer Classes Basic Digital Photography – Tuesday, March 5, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., learn the basics of how to take, manage, print and attach your photos to emails. The fee for this one-session class is $15. Basic Computer Security – Wednesday, March 6, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., learn how to avoid computer bugs and attacks and protect your data while online. The fee for this one-session class is $15. Basic emailing – Thursday, March 7, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., learn simple tips and tricks for attaching photos, files and data. Learn email protocol and etiquette. Set up contact, event and birthday reminders easily. Find email providers that suit you. The fee for this one-session class is $15.

St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon Monday, March 18, at 11:30 a.m., the senior center will serve a St. Patrick’s day luncheon in the main dining room at Shepardson Community Center. On the menu are corned beef and cabbage and the works in the authentic Irish tradition. The cost is $10 per person. The deadline for reservations is is Wednesday, March 13. Call 203-577-4166 to reserve your seat.

AARP CT Tax Aide Free income tax assistance is provided at the Middlebury Senior Center at 1172 Whittemore Road in Middlebury by the AARP Tax Aide program for low- to moderate-income taxpayers of all ages, with special attention to those 60 and older. Call 203-577-4166 for more information or to schedule an appointment with a certified AARP Tax Aide counselor.

Daffodil Days Fundraiser Daffodil Days the week of March 18 is one of the American Cancer Society’s oldest and most beloved fundraising programs. To the Society, the daffodil represents the hope for a future in which cancer is no longer a life-threatening disease. Buy some daffodils, and help fund American Cancer Society research. Call 203-577-4166 to place your order.

Social Security gets online access If you have a computer with Internet access, you can have your own account at Social Security, even if you’re not yet collecting benefits. You’ll be able to do a number of things with your account, including check your payment history, look at your earnings record, get your benefit verification letter and make changes to your direct-deposit information. The benefit letter can come in handy if you need to apply for other benefits or loans. There’s no waiting for the letter to be mailed. If you don’t receive benefits yet (but are age 18 or older), you can get information and estimates of benefits you’ll receive in the future, your earnings record and estimates of the Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid in.

Why would you want to do this? There’s the convenience, of course. But it also will save Social Security some money. Instead of having people send out the benefit verification letters, you’ll be able to print it immediately. To open an online account, click on the My Social Security tab at www.socialsecurity.gov. Be prepared to answer questions to which only you would know the answer. You’ll set up a user name and password. The requirements are that you have an email address, a Social Security number, a mailing address in the

U.S. and be at least 18 years old. First, though, make sure your computer’s virus program is up to date, including your firewall and WiFi settings, if you have a router. If you’ve had a My Social Security Account in the past and you already get benefits, your password will no longer work. They’ve revamped the website and you’ll need to create a new account. 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 e-mail to columnreply@gmail.com. (c) 2013 King Features Synd., Inc.

the week of July 29 to Aug. 5. They can host either week or two different kids each week. Children on first-time visits range in age from 6 to 12 and stay for one or two weeks. Host families often re-invite children year after year, and re-invited children may visit through age 18 and stay the entire summer. Roy said some families host teenagers who work summer jobs during their stay. See videos of Fresh Air Fund children at www.youtube.com/ user/thefreshairfund. The Friendly Town hosting program is one of three programs offered by the Fresh Air Fund. An additional 3,000 children attend five Fresh Air camps in Fishkill, N.Y., and close to 2,000 children participate in year-round education programs at the camp and in New York City. For more information on the program or to volunteer to host a child, call Heather Roy at 203758-1351 or email her at heatherroy74@gmail.com.

No Events Scheduled Region 15 website: www.region15.org

Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department Call Log Date Time Address/Incident 2/21/13 11:17 775 South St. Fire alarm activation. Food on the stove. 2/21/13 ---- I-84 east at South Street. Motor vehicle accident with injuries. 2/22/13 15:37 161 Algin Drive. Carbon monoxide detector activation. Started up snowblower in garage.

We’d like to hear from you! Got a hot news tip for us? Please email it to: beeintelligencer@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.

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The Bee-Intelligencer

Friday, March 1, 2013

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 Contributing Writers: Mary Conseur, Terrence S. McAuliffe, Kathleen Riedel 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 communities Editorial Office: 2030 Straits Turnpike, Suite 1, Middlebury, CT 06762 Direct mail to P.O. Box 10. 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 © 2013 by The Middlebury Bee-Intelligencer Society, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

2013 Healthy Air Agenda EAST HARTFORD, Conn. – The American Lung Association in Connecticut has released the priorities of its 2013 “Healthy Air Agenda,” a plan of action for the administration and Congress that will ensure the Clean Air Act is implemented and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains its authority to ensure all Americans can have air that is safe and healthy to breathe. Despite ongoing interference from big polluters and some members of Congress, the Lung Association and its allies have made progress on cleaning up the air and will work to continue to do so throughout the coming year, using the agenda as a roadmap. The agenda is organized into four key areas of focus. These are: Smokestacks – Clean up coalfired power plants (both existing and new). Power plants, in particular those fired by coal, are a major source of hazardous pollutants and also are the biggest source of carbon pollution, which is linked to climate change. Tailpipes – Clean up gasoline and vehicles. The EPA needs to update standards to prevent smog from forming and control particle pollution from passenger vehicles by reducing the amount of sulfur in gasoline and setting tighter tailpipe pollution limits on new vehicles. Funding Research & Enforcement – Preventing additional cuts to the EPA will enable the agency to effectively monitor air quality, implement critical air quality programs to protect public health and meet national clean air goals. Implementation without weakening or delays – To truly improve the health of millions of people across the nation and

save thousands of lives every year, full implementation of all Clean Air Act updates, rules and standards is needed, without threats to these life-saving protections. The Healthy Air Agenda is intended to serve as a tool to educate partners and supporters as to what needs to be done in 2013 in order to continue to successfully clean up our air and save lives. The American Lung Association is calling on Senators Blumenthal and Murphy, as well as the state’s entire congressional delegation, to start taking immediate action to limit the dangerous air pollutants that cross state lines and drift into Connecticut. “In the coming year, it is important that polluted air continue to be viewed and understood as a pervasive threat affecting our most vulnerable populations here in Connecticut,” said Michelle Marichal, acting director of health education and public policy at the American Lung Association in Connecticut. “It’s time to end the attacks on the Clean Air Act and start advancing a Healthy Air Agenda.” More than 159 million Americans live in areas where the level of air pollution threatens their health. Some of the most vulnerable are children; seniors; those with lung disease, heart disease and diabetes; people with low incomes; and those who work and exercise outdoors. By identifying these four critical areas of focus and key solutions for addressing each, the American Lung Association believes it will be able to better direct efforts to the life-saving work that protects the Clean Air Act and the health of millions of people across the country and here in Connecticut.

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In Brief Donate a Prom Dress Support “Princess and the Prom” by dropping off a prom dress at Defining Moments Salon and Barbershop at 344 Middlebury Road March 1 to 15. In April, the “Princess and the Prom” nonprofit organization will provide prom dresses and accessories to any area high school girl who might not otherwise be able to afford one. Those who donate a dress will receive a salon voucher for $10 off a special occasion updo or $15 off a wash, cut and style. For more information, call 203-758-8899 or visit www.definingmomentsct. com.

Boy Scout Bottle Drive

meetings during the American Revolution. The public is invited, and admission is free. Check radio WTIC-AM, TV WFSB and internet www.wfsb. com for storm cancellations. For more information, visit the club website, www.naugatuckvalleygenealogyclub.org or call Dick Kreitner at 203-881-8181.

Oxford High Musical The Oxford High School Wolverine Players will present the musical, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” Thursday and Friday, March 14 and 15, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 16, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors/ students at www.showtix4u.com. They also are available at the high school and will be available at Will Call one hour before the beginning of the show. For details, call the high school at 203-8882468.

Middlebury Boy Scout Troop 5 will hold a bottle drive Saturday, March 9, in the parking lot at Village Square (530 Middlebury Road) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All Connecticut deposit bottles, cans and plastics will be accepted. If Music Program for Kids you need bottles and cans picked Soulshine Arts invites parents up, please call Michael Zinko at 203-758-8599 before March 9. or other caregivers and their inThe Boy Scouts thank you for fant, toddler and preschool children to an open house Saturday, your donations. March 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Program about Studying at Tula Family Enrichment Cenat 489 Middlebury Road in Cemetery “Residents” ter Middlebury. See demonstration The Naugatuck Valley Gene- classes of Music Together®, a paralogy Club will meet Saturday, ent/child music and movement March 9, at 1 p.m. at the Nauga- program developed by the Center tuck Historical Society at 195 for Music and Young Children in Water St. in Naugatuck. After a Princeton, N.J. brief business meeting, Jolene Call 857-998-0780 to schedule Mullen, a member of the Con- a demonstration class time. Enjoy necticut Professional Genealo- refreshments, door prizes and gists Council, will present “A enter the grand prize drawing for Prosopography of a Cemetery,” $100 off tuition. regarding how to do a study of The registration deadline for the “residents” of a cemetery. the spring semester of Music ToMullen is a frequent genealog- gether classes is April 5, when ical research speaker and has classes begin. Classes will be held done extensive research and at Tula Family Enrichment Cenwriting about Connecticut town

ter. Call Leslie Pratt at 857-998- Therapy Program. The home is 0780 for more information or visit offering complementary sessions www.soulshineartsct.com. Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. beginning April 25 to help prepare feline “Take-A-Peek” Tuesdays lovers to become part of its feline pet therapy team. The sessions at Wooster School Want to learn more about will enhance a handler’s underWooster School? Wooster School standing of basic feline behaviors is an independent, college-pre- as well as provide simple, gentle paratory day school in Danbury, training techniques to prepare Conn., that serves boys and girls for registration through “Love On from early childhood through A Leash” – The Foundation For grade 12 in small classes averag- Pet-Provided Therapy. Sessions will be facilitated by ing 12 students. Terri Jennings, certified cat Take a peek any Tuesday to see if Wooster is right for you. “Take- trainer, and will run for five A-Peek” tours Tuesday mornings weeks. Space is limited, so please include individual time with a RSVP to Rita Nadeau-Breive at member of the admissions staff. 860-356-8236 or breiver@jerCall the Admissions Office at 203- omehome.org. 830-3916 for more information, or visit www.woosterschool.org/.

PHS 5K Run The Pomperaug High School (PHS) Class of 2015 is sponsoring the first “Run with the Panthers” 5K race Saturday, March 30, at PHS. Registration will be from 9 to 9:45 a.m., and the race will start at 10 a.m. The $25 entry fee includes a race tee-shirt. The 3.1-mile course will begin and end at PHS. All participants will be entered in a raffle. Should cancellation be necessary, it will be posted on the PHS website. For more information, contact Maegan Bollin at mbollin@region15.org or Marlanea Elsdon at melsdon@region15.org. For a sign-up form or a sponsorship form, go to www.region15.org and then to the PHS page.

Pet-Assisted Therapy with Kitties Is your kitty calm and confident? Does your kitty love people? Maybe your kitty has what it takes to become a member of Jerome Home’s Pet-Assisted

Vote for Middlebury Senior Center The Middlebury Senior Center received funds from the Naugatuck Savings Bank Foundation last year based on votes cast for it. This year, it is again asking people who have accounts with Naugatuck Savings Bank to cast a vote for the Middlebury Senior Center. Pick up a ballot at the Middlebury Senior Center or any Naugatuck Savings Bank location, or vote online at naugatucksavingsbank.com. Ballots can be returned to the bank or to the senior center or mailed to Naugatuck Savings Bank Foundation, 251 Church St., Naugatuck, CT 06770 by March 31, 2013.

Woodbury has Zoning Commission opening The Town of Woodbury is seeking a full member for the Zoning Commission. Due to a resignation, the vacancy must be filled by a Republican candidate. For more information, contact Ed Decortin at 860-417-9005.

Garden club program on Boxwood Blight The Southbury Garden Club will launch its 2013 season Friday, March 8, at 1:30 p.m. with a presentation by Dr. Sharon M. Douglas from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) in New Haven, who will describe a serious blight that is attacking boxwoods and pachysandra. Douglas will describe the symptoms and latest management and reporting measures gardeners can take to help limit the spread of this disease. The blight was confirmed in Connecticut last year and was especially prolific in Fairfield County. Douglas is a plant pathologist and head of the Department of Plant Pathology & Ecology at CAES. She has diagnosed plant health problems for arborists, growers, green professionals and homeowners for more 30 years. The CAES, garden clubs and environmental groups are working to control this latest garden threat, in part by educating residents about the danger. A business meeting in the Kingsley II Room at the Southbury Public Library at noon will be followed by light refreshments and then Douglas’ hourlong program. Space is limited, and reservations are suggested. For more information, call Program Chairman Ingrid Ferenczy

Boxwood plant infected with C. pseudonaviculatom, a fungus that can infect both boxwood and pachysandra plants in Connecticut gardens. (CAES photo) day of the month from March bership information is available at 203-262-8982. The Southbury Garden Club through December. Prospective at www.southburygardenclub. meets at the library the first Fri- members are welcome. Mem- org.

The Bee-Intelligencer

Friday, March 1, 2013

EIDC -

Continued from page 1 He admitted he would have gone forward with modernization without the incentive, but also said Middlebury was where he grew up, citing his roots on Yale Avenue, and Middlebury is a friendlier economic environment, leading to his reconstruction of the facilities from being 97 percent in Watertown to being almost evenly divided on the town line. He said he needed to follow building plans and timetables promised to Ford in early 2010 with specific targets for completion. Paolino and Kenausis both thanked Shaker for his honesty, saying it was refreshing to have such candor. Responding to questions on why he hadn’t applied earlier, Shaker said he had heard early concepts of the tax incentive from former EIDC commissioner Joe Rock and planned to apply, but had gotten involved with consolidating the

businesses, managing cash flow and protecting employee jobs. He told commissioners he was particularly distracted by the unnecessary requirement for permits and engineering studies for taking over Crestwood Ford and the temporary use of the old Straits Turnpike Dodge Dealership by Watertown P&Z Chairman David Minnich. Minnich was removed from office July 2, 2012, by vote of the Watertown Town Council, which found he had engaged in misconduct detrimental to the town in his dealings with Shaker. Kenausis said there were factors that weighed for and against recommendation of the incentive, citing timing and retroactive approvals as the major concerns. He then said there were gray areas in the process and noted the incentive was designed to help businesses get through cash flow crunches. Paolino said it was most important to gather as much information as possible before making a decision, and Shaker ad-

BoE -

Continued from page 1

Land Surveyor Curt Smith presents the Pilot Seasoning Company’s building plans to Middlebury’s Economic and Industrial Development Commission Tuesday night. The building will be on North Benson Road in Middlebury. (Terrence S. McAuliffe photo) vised Kenausis to get the blessing of town counsel if they decide to approve his application. After some discussion on whether to try to meet a pending 15-day decision deadline, commissioners voted to ask Shaker to rescind the application and reapply after providing some missing infor-

mation on acquisition and construction dates and permits, thus resetting the decision time to 30 days. The next regular EIDC meeting is Tuesday, March 26, at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Hall conference room.

It Happened in Middlebury

Cowan women make mark in education and medicine By Dr. Robert L. Rafford Even before the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920 provided for more equal treatment for American women, there were great personal strides among individual women in the fields of education and medicine as exemplified by the Cowan family of Middlebury. The William and Jane (English) Cowan family was one of the most distinguished families ever to settle in Middlebury. William Cowan (1832-1889) and his wife, Jane English (18381931), emigrated from Ireland about 1864. The family originally settled in Irvington, Westchester County, N.Y., and moved to Middlebury about 1877. Unfortunately, William was struck and killed at a grade crossing in Naugatuck in 1889 while delivering milk, necessitating that the family leave their Middlebury home and move to Waterbury, which they did about 1892. They settled into a large house (still standing) at 134 Highland Avenue. The Cowans had 10 children – the first two were boys, Stuart and Samuel. They were followed by eight girls in a row: Rebecca, Isabella, Elizabeth, Jane Mary, Margaret Anna, Clarissa Achley, Lena Laight and Martha Lucinda. All the girls became distinguished teachers. William and Jane’s first eight children were born in New York, but the last two, Lena Laight (1878-1949) and Martha Lucinda (1881-1958), were born in Middlebury. Son Stuart (1859-1933) became a lawyer, and his son, Stuart Jr., was a founder and former head of the advertising firm, Cowan & Dengler. Their other son, Samuel, died at 16. Lena Cowan became a Latin teacher at Crosby High School. Her sister Martha became principal of the Bunker Hill School, after which she served as supervisor of the practice teachers’ course at Danbury State Teachers College, where her husband, John Russell Perkins, was principal. Margaret Cowan (18721961) taught at Duncan School. A sister, Isabella Cowan (18651951), became a physician and surgeon in Waterbury after becoming principal of Long Hill

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The Cowan family headstone is in the Middlebury Cemetery. The eight girls from this family of 10 children born to William and Jane Cowan became distinguished teachers. School. Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman in America to be graduated from a medical school, in 1849, so Isabella was not among the first. However, it still was difficult for women to gain entrance to medical schools throughout the 19th century, and they were routinely turned away. A number of medical schools for women were founded in the latter half of the 1800s to provide quality medical education for them. Isabella graduated from the Woman’s Medical College of the New York Infirmary in 1895, after which she spent a year at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and entered active service in 1896. Her practice was in the Castle block on North Main Street in Waterbury, and she was a member of the American Medical Association (William J. Pape, “History of Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley,” 1918). Another sister, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Sturgis Cowan (1868-1945), began as a teacher in Middlebury. In 1890 Lizzie was brutally attacked by a Middleburian, Daniel S. Webster, uncle of Bessie Webster Wakefield (there will be more about her in a later ar-

The gravestone of Rebecca Cowan Smith (1863-1945) is in the Middlebury Cemetery. Smith was one of eight sisters who all became distinguished teachers. (Submitted photos) ticle). But she survived and was a teacher for more than 50 years and principal of several schools, including Columbia (later Kingsbury) School. All the family members belonged to the Methodist-Episcopal Church in Middlebury and later Waterbury. This remarkable family shows

but you likely won’t get that warning until you select which credit card you’ll use while in the shopping cart. There are 10 states, however, that have chosen to use the power of their own legislation to ban the extra fees. Those states are California, Colorado Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma and Texas. If you’re in a state that allows the fees, you’ll need to do your homework even more when considering whether to use a credit

card, especially for big-ticket items such as online travel arrangements, furniture and car rentals. There are two solid reasons to reconsider your use of credit cards: 1. The prices merchants charge for goods and services already include the fees (known as “swipe fees”) they must pay to the credit-card processors, as they’ve had to pay that for many years. By paying an additional fee for using a credit card, you’re paying that amount twice. 2. Credit-card use comes with interest charges. With the addition of the surcharge just for using the card, consumers need to consider whether purchases are worth it. Check whether a particular mer-

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there is no shortage of prominent women from Middlebury. M-SAT Bob Rafford is the Middlebury Historical Society president and Middlebury’s municipal historian. To join the society, visit MiddleburyHistoricalSociety.org or call Bob at 203-206-4717.

Watch for extra fees to use credit card If ever there was a reason not to use credit cards, we now have another one: Merchants in most states are now permitted to tack fees onto your purchase if you pay with a credit card. A class-action lawsuit filed in 2005 and settled last summer permits merchants to charge varying percentages for your use of plastic. The allowed fees will range from 1.5 percent to a maximum 4 percent of your total purchase. Warnings, however, are required. Merchants will need to give before and after warnings about the fees. There must be a notice at the store entrance, at the checkout and on your receipt. Shopping on the Internet won’t necessarily relieve you of the surcharge. You’ll need to be warned there in advance, too,

Pentino disagreed, saying the academics and programs available in the region encouraged families, including his, to settle in Region 15. And, although Sippy and Director of Finance Keith McLiverty could not supply him with exact figures reflecting the proposal’s impact on each local family, he felt whatever the effect, he was willing to make the necessary sacrifice. He went on to say after-school programs like the region’s athletic offerings are an outlet for students – a way to keep kids busy and out of trouble. He said cautiously that throughout his career he had coached boys like Adam Lanza, the young man associated with the December 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. “I’m not sure how to bring this up, but I’ve coached that kid. I’ve coached 50 of that kid,” he said. “And if [swimming] made a difference in their lives, what’s the cost then if we don’t have athletics or band and we don’t have a place to send these kids after

school? Factor that into a budget, and that’s nothing.” Board members Sharon Guck and Jennifer Connelly expressed similar sentiments in support of the proposal. “I don’t support any cuts in curriculum,” Guck said. “I don’t think that should even be a part of the discussion.” Connelly agreed saying, “I support something close to the proposed increase … and I don’t agree with any sort of substantial programming reduction.” She felt the roughly $300,000 cost for 1,400 students to play a wide variety of sports was impressive. “With kids to be competing at the level they’re competing, in the programs they are competing, I think it’s amazing. I think the athletic department deserves a congratulations,” Connelly said. The BoE will continue its discussion at the next budget workshop, Thursday, March 7, 2013, at 7 p.m. in Pomperaug High School All-Purpose Room No. 113. The meeting will be open to the public. The next regular BoE meeting will be Monday, March 11, at 7:30 p.m. in Pomperaug High School All-Purpose Room No. 113.

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chant is adding on the fees (they’re not required to) and BEST CRAFT BEER SELECTION make a point of avoiding that establishment. Let the manager in Greater Waterbury Area. or owner know why you won’t be shopping there. If enough customers do that, they’ll notice. –Patch Readers If you plan to use your credit MONof aspecial special card to take advantage sale, FRI Happy Hour 3-6 pm Starting Friday, March 1, enjoy a draft of inquire about a fee to use your TUES SelectedWoodchuck Drafts.....Private ..$2 Reserve Pink byHalf Price Vermont HardAppetizers card and reconsider whether Cider Company, and help support Dragonheart's you’re actually going to saveBuy any one flatbread SAT After 9:30 pm money once you add that fee The Pizza, Wings Getto One Survivorship 50% Off NOW (Network on Wellness). 1/2 Price your credit card interest. program offers exercise, nutrition and education & Flatbread Dine-In Only WED close David Uffington regrets heLadies can- 9 pm ‘til to help cancer survivors live life well. ........$1 Well Drinks SUN Happy Hour 3-6 pm not personally answer reader questions, but he will incorporate 1 Appetizers 1/2 Price Buy one pizza FRIDAY, MARCHGet them into his column whenever Drink Pink Kickoff Party Getof One 50% Off possible. Write to him in care with drink purchase at bar music by "Changes" from 8-11 pm King Features Weekly Service,Martinis P.O. THUR &Live Margaritas ....$5 Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853Buy one burger, Get One 50% Off 6475, or send email to columnreply@gmail.com. FIND US ON

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The Bee-Intelligencer

Friday, March 1, 2013

Middlebury Travel Basketball roundup Middlebury Girls Travel Basketball The Middlebury Girls Seventh- and Eighth-Grade Travel Team won its two games in week 13 of the Western Connecticut Girls Basketball League season. Saturday, Feb. 23, the team defeated Town Plot Travel 41–40 at Duggan Elementary School in Waterbury. Down by as many as 13 points in the final quarter, Middlebury switched to a pressure man-to-man defense that produced several turnovers that led to transition baskets and shut down the Town Plot perimeter game. With less than a minute remaining, Middlebury took the lead on a Lauren Stango jump shot and, with 3.8 seconds remaining, got a final defense stop to win by one point. Stango led Middlebury’s scoring with 12 followed by Lauren Pelosi with 7, Ciara Con-

nelly and Allie Orsini with 6 and Abby McCasland with 4 points. Monday night, the girls defeated Plainville Travel at the Middle School of Plainville by a score of 28–24. Although the game remained close throughout, Middlebury had an early 14–6 lead with Connelly, Orsini and Stango each scoring 4 points in the first quarter. Plainville kept it close, due in large part to Emmendorfer, who was 9 for 10 from the foul line. With these two wins, Middlebury improved to 8 and 3 in league play with two games remaining in the regular season.

weekend, which brought their record to 164. In the first game, a victory over Bristol, the boys played great defense by continuously putting pressure on their opponent. Michael Kowalasky did an outstanding job defensively down low and chipped in with 4 points. Matt Wynne scored 10 points while Danny McNamara and Will McDonald scored 4 points each. In their second game, the boys were defeated by Harwington 66-64. Middlebury got off to a rough start and trailed the entire game. They kept fighting back while never giving up, but just came up short at the buzzer. Chase Belden scored 40 points in Middlebury Boys the losing effort, and McDonald added 10 points. Travel Basketball The team has two games remaining before The Middlebury Boys Seventh- and the playoffs start in a few weeks. Eighth-Grade Travel Team went 1-1 over the

Meg Moore, center, ran alongside track teammates Erin Gibbons, left, and Kelly Gaffney, right, to complete two races at the SWC Invitational track meet at Wesleyan University in January. Many spectators in attendance said Moore’s performance was the highlight of the meet. (Karen Kirk photo)

Moore anchors relay team only at this meet but throughout the entire season,” said Prajer. Jeffrey Craig, a physical education teacher at Rochambeau Middle School, reflected upon Moore’s success this season. “Meg worked very hard and improved her time in the 55-meter race by an entire second; most runners are happy to see improvements of only a few tenths of a second each season. By the end of the season, she challenged herself and increased the distance she could run enough to move up to a leg on the 4x200 meter relay. She was a great inspiration to not just our athletes, but to the SWC conference as a whole. Meg brought the whole field house to their feet during her anchor leg of the relay,” Craig said.

Pomperaug High School Varsity Games March 2 - 9, 2013 Girls’ Basketball

Monday, March 4................. CIAC Tournament (H)............................. 7 p.m.

Boys’ Indoor Track

Saturday, March 2................ N.E. Championships (A)....................... 11 a.m.

Boys’ Swimming

Wednesday, March 6............ CIAC Class L Diving (A)..................... 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9................ CIAC Class L Qualifying (A)............... 6:15 p.m. (H) Home (A) Away

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Memorial Middle School basketball players, left to right front, Managers Kyle Calitri, Jack Messina, Kyle Moser, and Alex Hummel; middle, Besart Hoxha, Chris DeRienzo, Chris Shortell, Chris McFarland and Emmett Lytle; and back, Will McDonald, Chase Belden, Matt Wynne, Jake Mendicino, Andrew Minchella, Marty Perrotti, Danny McNamara and Coach Jim Percival, finished an undefeated season with a final record of 15 wins and 0 losses. (Karen Kirk photo)

Strive to be present now I talk of this a lot, I know. Being in the moment. Staying open, clear and aware of the gifts in each present moment. Being in the now is so important to living well because this moment contains all you need to be happy, healthy and peaceful. You are full of healing energies. The body is in many instances able to heal itself if allowed to rest deeply and completely; be fed the right combinations, amounts and variety of foods and pure water, along with herbs and spices; and offered loving tender care through consistent exercise and seasonal cleanses. The mind creates your reality. What you believe to be true is true for you. How you perceive

Nuggets for Life By CYNTHIA DE PECOL what you can do creates your achievements when action is added to the mix. Your mind can free you or imprison you depending on what you feed it, how you still it and where you take it. Allowing your spirit to guide the way by being in touch with your essential nature through a short simple daily meditative practice can keep your heart open and allow gut instinct to inform your life. Life is filled with pairs of opposites, and our ways

of living tend to be electronic in nature, fast-paced and sometimes exhausting. Take a deep breath, quiet down and indulge in living in the moments of your day to enhance life and build positive vibes all around you. This week’s nugget for life is to be as calmly present to the now as you can, as often as you can, each day for the next week. It’s the beginning of March, and there’s so much to notice. I hear the first bird of spring – do you? Are you noticing how the light in the sky welcomes you in the morning hours? How about the extra time before darkness settles in when you can take advantage of a brisk after-supper walk to digest, notice your breathing and connect with nature? Maybe you

Differences between hepatitis B and C DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My husband and I are in our 50s. Both of us had an exam this year from different doctors. Blood tests showed we both have hepatitis C. Neither of us feels sick, and neither of us ever remembers acquiring this infection. Our doctors say we don’t need any treatment. What is the treatment if we ever do? Are we infectious to others? – K.K. ANSWER: In North America, hepatitis B and C are the two most common kinds of viral hepatitis. In the U.S., about 1.25 million are infected with hepatitis B virus. Five percent of infected people go on to develop a chronic infection, one in which the virus remains in the liver, and these people face the possibility of coming down with liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. A vaccine for the prevention of hepatitis B is available. Hepatitis C infects around 3 million Americans. In contrast with hepatitis B, around 70 percent to 80 percent will have a chronic infection. A sizable number will come down with liver cirrhosis or cancer, but that doesn’t happen right away. It takes 20 or more years before those complications arise. When treatment of hepatitis C is advised, two medicines have been given simultaneously for many years. Those drugs are peginterferon and ribavirin. About 50 percent of chronic hepatitis C patients respond well to

this regimen. However, blacks have a poorer response, with only 25 percent achieving viral suppression. A true breakthrough has arrived in the treatment of hepatitis C. Two new drugs, telaprevir (Incivek) and boceprevir (Victrelis) have had a huge impact in improving treatment success. Either of these drugs, given in conjunction with the standard treatment of ribavirin and peginterferon, greatly increases the cure rates for blacks and whites. An initial sickness after acquiring hepatitis C virus is rare, and, that’s why you and your husband didn’t realize you were infected. The virus can be transmitted through blood transfusions (no longer a threat), sharing needles for drug injections, rarely through sexual relations and household contact, but more possibly through promiscuous sex and in ways yet to be determined. You’re not a threat to others. The booklet on hepatitis describes these infections and their

treatment, not including the latest treatments. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue – No 503W, 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: My brother cracks his knuckles. It gives me the shivers, and I know he does it to annoy me. Can you give me any information that will scare him, like coming down with arthritis? – L.C. ANSWER: I’d love to give you some information that would stop your brother from cracking his knuckles. It bothers me, too. I can’t come up with any. It doesn’t cause arthritis. To produce the cracking sound, a person pulls his finger in such a way that it creates a bubble in the joint fluid. Then the bubble bursts and makes a cracking noise when it does. I can’t understand why people do this. 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) 2013 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

begin to notice changes in your appetite or desire for certain foods as we round the corner of deep winter? What are some of the ways you keep yourself present to the now? I’d love to hear from you! De Pecol is a Yoga instructor, Reiki master and life coach who lives in Washington, Conn. See lifecoachingllc.com or email lifecoach3@aol.com.

1. Who was the last pitcher before the New York Mets’ Johan Santana in 2012 to toss a no-hitter against the defending World Series champs? 2. Which two major-league teams have had the overall No. 1 pick the most times in baseball’s amateur draft? 3. Name the first black player to win an NFL Most Valuable Player Award? 4. How many times has Coach Jim Boeheim led Syracuse’s men’s basketball team to the Final Four? 5. When was the last time before 2012 that the Los Angeles Kings reached an NHL conference final? 6. Who was the last American swimmer before Nathan Adrian in 2012 to win an Olympic gold medal in the men’s 100-meter freestyle? 7. Name the three golfers who won six PGA Tour events by the age of 23.

Answers

1. Texas’ Nolan Ryan no-hit Oakland in 1990. 2. The New York Mets and San Diego each have picked No. 1 five times. 3. Joe Perry of the San Francisco 49ers won UPI’s NFL MVP award in 1954. 4. Three times. 5. It was 1993. 6. Matt Biondi, in 1988. 7. Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

Pomperaug High School (PHS) sophomore Meg Moore inspired many who witnessed the SouthWest Conference Invitational Indoor Track and Field meet at Wesleyan University in January. Moore ran the 55-meter dash, where she achieved her personal best time of the year. She also ran the anchor leg of the 4x200 meter team relay with Allison Meyer, Samantha Granja and Catherine Calandro. Teammates Erin Gibbons and Kelly Gaffney ran alongside Moore as she competed in her events. Moore is a second-year member of the track team, training under PHS Indoor Track Coach Steve Prajer and Assistant Coach Jeffrey Craig. “I am impressed by the teamwork everyone displayed, not

The Bee-Intelligencer

Friday, March 1, 2013

Classified Ads Classified Advertising Deadline: 5 p.m. Monday Classified Advertising Cost: $10 per week, up to 40 words. 25¢ 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 knowFor Rent Education ingly accept advertising which is deceptive, fraudulent, or which MAINTENANCE WARM WEATHER IS YEAR might otherwise violate the law or AVIATION ROUND In Aruba. The waTRAINING Financial Aid if accepted standards of taste. Howter is safe, and the dining qualified. Job Placement ever, this publication does not waris fantastic. Walk out to the Assistance. Call National rant or guarantee the accuracy of beach. 3-Bedroom. Weeks Aviation Academy Today! any advertisement, nor the quality available. Sleeps 8. $3500. FAA Approved. CLASSES of the goods or services adverEmail: carolaction@aol.com STARTING SOON! 1-800tised. Readers are cautioned to for more information. 292-3228 or NAA.edu thoroughly investigate all claims made in any advertisements, and to ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE Instruction use good judgment and reasonable from Home. *Medical,*Busicare, particularly when dealing with ness,*Criminal Justice,*Hospersons unknown to you who ask pitality. Job placement assis- LANGUAGE TUTOR: English, for money in advance of delivery of French, English as a second tance. Computer available. the goods or services advertised. language, SAT, PSAT, and Financial Aid if qualified.

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CASH FOR CARS: Any Make, Model or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not, Sell your Car or Truck TODAY. Free Towing! Instant Offer: 1-800-871-0654

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MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CLARINET/FLUTE/VIOLIN/ TRUMPET/Trombone/Amplifier/Fender Guitar, $69 each. Cello / Upright Bass / Saxophone / French Horn / Drums, $185 ea. Tuba/Baritone Horn/ Hammond Organ, Others 4 sale.1-516-377-7907 TOEFL preparation. Middlebury: 203-758-1888

SCHEV authorized 877-2031086, www.CenturaOnline. WANTED com. MISCELLANEOUS AIRLINE CAREERS begin WANTED: ALL MOTORCYhere - Become an Aviation CLES BEFORE 1980. RunMaintenance Tech. FAA ap- DIVORCE $350* Covers Child ning or not. Top cash paid. Support, Custody, and Visitaproved training. Financial 315-569-8094 tion, Property, Debts, Name aid if qualified - Housing available. Job placement assistance. Call AIM 877LEGAL NOTICES 534-5970. Legal Notice of the Middlebury Flea Market Planning and Zoning Commission

HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED? Contact Woodford Bros., Inc. for straightening, leveling, WOODBURY ANTIQUES & foundation and wood frame FLEA MARKET open Saturrepairs at 1-800-OLD-BARN, days year-round 7:30 a.m. to www.wood-fordbros.com, 2 p.m. Rte. 6 and Rte. 64 in MAHIC#155877; CTHIC# Woodbury, Conn. 203-263571557; RICRB#22078 6217.

The Planning and Zoning Commission of the Town of Middlebury will hold a public hearing on March 7, 2013, 7:30 p.m. at the Auditorium, Shepardson Community Center, 1172 Whittemore Road, Middlebury, Connecticut regarding two applications submitted by Pilot Seasoning Company/Stacey J. Drubner /68 North Benson Rd. for a Certificate of Zoning Compliance and an Excavation & Grading Permit. The public is invited to attend and be heard. Written comments may be sent and will be read into the record. They should be addressed to the Zoning Office at 1212 Whittemore Road, Middlebury, CT 06762. A copy of the application is on file for public inspection during normal working hours of that office.

(Kathleen Brown-Carrano cartoon)

Fitting new tile around toilet

I need to replace some cracked and chipped tile in the bathroom. Some of it was shaped to fit around the base of the toilet. Is it difficult to shape replacement tiles in the same way? – Sarah S., Fort Worth, Texas

For first-timers, cutting ceramic tile to fit takes Dated this 19th day of February, 2013 a bit of practice. At the Curtis Bosco, Chairman home-improvement store, grab a few extra tiles of the same type as your replacement tiles, along LEGAL NOTICE with a tile cutter and a scoring BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS HEARINGS ASSESSOR’S OFFICE – TOWN HALL tool. Practice cutting tiles in half, 1212 Whittemore Road, Middlebury, CT then in quarters, working to get All real estate or personal property owners in the Town of Mid- a smooth break by first scoring

dlebury who have submitted an appeal to the Board of Assessment Appeals of the Town of Middlebury will be informed by the Board of the appeal hearings schedule (letters will be issued no later than March 1, 2013). These appeals will be heard and decided on: Monday, March 11, 2013, Friday, March 15, 2013, Monday, March 18, 2013, Saturday, March 23, 2013 and Saturday, March 30, 2013. Weeknight meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m. and end at 10:00 p.m., Saturday meetings will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The meetings will be held in the Assessor’s Office in the Town Hall. These appointments are for the sole purpose of hearing appeals related to the assessments of real estate or personal property; and only for those property owners who have already submitted an appeal to the Board of Assessment Appeals by February 20, 2013.

Stephen R. Ferrucci, III Chairman – Board of Assessment Appeals Thursday, February 28, 2013 Middlebury, CT

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By Samantha Mazzotta along the cutting line (drawn with a pencil) across the top of the tile, then making the final cuts with the tile cutter. Next, practice cutting tiles to shape. For an arc, you may need to score deeper – repeating along the cutting line a few times – and then score down the middle of the arc before cutting.

Working from a template can make things a bit easier. If the chipped tiles haven’t been removed, place as many of them back in place as possible. Trace the outline of the tile on a piece of paper, and use that trace as the template. If the tiles are too badly damaged to use as a template, trace the contours of the toilet pedestal base on a sheet of paper. Now let’s look at fixing the damage. Keep in mind this repair works best if just a few tiles are damaged. If the damage is extensive, consider redoing the entire floor. If you pick the “redo” option, use the opportunity to look at how the toilet is set. In newer buildings, flooring is placed all the way up to the flange (the mouth of the wide drain pipe the toilet base is set on) rather than cutting it to fit around the toilet base. If it’s practical, you may want your replacement floor to do the same thing. This would require removing the toilet and perhaps adding an extension to the flange so the toilet base fits securely on the newly raised floor, but it may be worth the extra effort. To replace the damaged tiles, tap a chisel gently along the edges to loosen the grout, and then try to lift the tile. If it’s stuck, place the chisel edge in the center of the tile and tap it with a hammer until the tile cracks. Then pry out the pieces, being careful not to mar the surrounding undamaged tiles. Once the damaged tiles are up, brush away the debris. This is a good time to inspect the underlayment (the flooring underneath the tile, often a plywood sheet) for water stains, swelling or other damage. Contact a flooring professional if you detect a problem. Replace the damaged tiles with new ones that closely match the old ones. (Take one of the removed tiles to the home-improvement store to match them.) Make sure to buy a few extra in case your initial cutting efforts don’t work. Score and cut the new tiles to fit the spaces left by the old tiles. Working one tile at a time, coat the bottom with a thin layer of grout or tile adhesive. Press the tile into place as close to the toilet base as possible. Once they’re set, apply grout generously to the spaces between each tile (about a 1/8-inch gap) using a wide putty knife to work in the tight area. Wipe away excess grout with a damp (not wet) cloth, and let the tiles set for at least 24 hours. To finish, scrub tiles with a lint-free cloth, soap and water to remove the hazy layer of excess grout. Dry completely; then apply a thin bead of silicone caulk between the toilet base and the edges of the tiles. Send your questions or home tips to ask@thisisahammer.com, or write This Is a Hammer, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328536475. (c) 2013 King Features Synd., Inc.

Clean ceramic tile floors with a nonabrasive soap and warm water to keep from scratching the glossy surface.

The Bee-Intelligencer

Friday, March 1, 2013

Send in your pet photos 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.com or by regular mail to P.O. Box 10, Middlebury, CT 06762 along with your pet’s name, your last name and your town.

Pies & Pints co-owner Theo Anastasiadis holds the handle that will used to dispense draft Woodchuck Private Reserve Pink hard cider starting Friday. He sits next to a poster announcing the monthlong effort to raise money to support breast cancer survivors. (Marjorie Needham photo)

Pies & Pints plans busy month By MARJORIE NEEDHAM Pies & Pints will kick off the month of March Friday night with a “Drink Pink” party that starts a month of fundraising for breast cancer survivors. Woodchuck Cidery in Middlebury, Vt., brewers of Private Reserve Pink hard cider, will use a portion of the proceeds from sales of the brew during the month of March to donate $50,000 to Dragonhearts NOW, an organization that supports breast cancer survivors. Dragonhearts says its mission is to empower breast cancer survivors to live life to the fullest through vigorous exercise, education, camaraderie and community service. The “Drink Pink” party Friday night starts at 7 p.m. and includes live music by “Changes” from 8 to 11 p.m. In Pies & Pints first event since it increased the number of draft taps to 26 from 12, Pink cider will be among the brews on draft that night.

Another fundraiser at Pies & Pints, one for the Leary Firefighters Foundation in conjunction with Guinness, is collecting donations for the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department. Proceeds from this fundraiser will go to the Firefighter’s Annual Ball. Donors put their names on a card in the shape of a firefighter’s hat, and the cards are posted in the bar area. Pies & Pints co-owner Theo Anastasiadis said his goal is to get 150 donations. A “Dine to Donate Benefit” fundraiser Wednesday, March 13, will help support “Autism Speaks.” From 5 to 8 p.m. that day, Pies & Pints will donate a portion of the proceeds from all food orders, dine in or take out, to the organization. Then St. Patrick’s Day rolls around Sunday, March 17, which means Irish food will be served Friday, Saturday and Sunday; Irish beers will be on draft; Irish music will fill the air Saturday night; and on Sunday Middlebury resident and bagpiper Terry

Manning will pipe for folks at 4 and 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, the first day of spring will be celebrated with a beer and food pairing dinner for 25 people featuring draft brews from Sixpoint Brewery in New York. Reservations are required for this event. Saturday, March 23, the focus will be on helping the environment as Pies & Pints participates in Earth Hour (see earthhour.org) by switching to acoustic music, turning off all the lights and replacing them with candles during the 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. earth hour intended to encourage participants to help preserve our planet. Saturday, March 30, at 10 a.m. Pies & Pints hopes to have a team running in the Pomperaug High School Class of 2015 5K Run with the Panthers. Team or not, Pies & Pints will supply post-run pizzas to participants. Anastasiadis said of all the fundraising activities, “They are just another thing we can do to help the community.”

No bad breath, so why brush teeth? DEAR PAW’S CORNER: What are the risks if I don’t brush my dog’s teeth? He doesn’t have really bad breath, so I don’t see the point. – Frank G., Houston DEAR FRANK: Good question! Periodontal disease is a problem that develops over time. Your dog’s breath might be OK now, but his teeth and gums could be slowly deteriorating as plaque builds up. And while bad breath often signals gum disease, it isn’t the only indicator of a problem. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly helps prevent periodontal disease. A dental checkup and

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cleaning at the veterinarian’s office every six or 12 months is important too, because the vet will remove built-up plaque and also diagnose problems or point out potential issues you can head off early. According to vets at VCA West Los Angeles, there are more rea-

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sons to brush your dog’s teeth. • Pets often hide dental pain like a toothache or abscess. Frequent brushing means you’re more likely to realize there is a problem and take your dog to the vet to get it checked out. • Severe periodontal disease can weaken a dog’s jawbone to the point where it breaks. • Periodontal disease can lead to infections in a dog’s blood or heart. • Oral cancer can be caught and treated earlier with regular veterinary dental cleanings. VCA West L.A. added that veterinary dental cleanings are usually done while the dog is under anesthesia to prevent stress and make the dog more comfortable. It also advises that small dogs and dogs that eat only soft foods need more frequent cleanings. Send your questions or comments 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.

Laycee, Holly and Buttons enjoyed Christmas with the Calabro family in Middlebury.

Adopt a Rescue Pet

ALADDIN

RUMBA

Aladdin has been awaiting adoption at the Animals For Life shelter for a long time, and he is so ready to be loved! This 2-year-old mixed breed male is playful and very happy, too. He would be best in a home that has a fenced yard where he can play to his heart’s content. If you are an outdoorsy family who hikes, or you are a runner who is looking for a running partner, then Aladdin may be for you. He would be best as the only pet in his home. To meet Aladdin, please call AFL at 203-758-2933.

Rumba is a gentle 6-year-old tiger kitty who was left outside the shelter door and has been waiting patiently for the right person to come along. Rumba is FIV+, but with love and good nutrition he can live a long, happy and normal life. He will do best as the only cat in the household and prefers a quieter setting. He enjoys watching birds from the window, naps in the sun and likes neck rubs! Please call Animals For Life at 203-758-2933 to arrange a time to meet this special boy.

For more information on these pets or to make an appointment to meet an adoptable pet, call 203-758-2933. For information on the adoption process, visit www.animalsforlifect.org.

LYNX Lynx is an adorable girl who just needs that chance at a new life! She has been here and faring well for the last three years of her life, but you can see she would love to have more. She was one of those cats that were continuously overlooked. She was once a tad skittish and not very well socialized, but now you should see her! She is an adorable girl who is great here in her comfort zone. She will need to become adjusted to a new home and will need the correct people to help her along!

Yoga • Zumba Martial Arts for all ages

Adult Ji Jitsu (No Gi) with Chris. Mixed levels. Mondays & Thursdays 7 - 8 pm

Yoga Class Cards for 5, 10 and 20 classes (adult or children) Zumba Class Cards for 10 classes (adult or Zumbatomic)

203-527-7324

Check our schedule on Facebook: TulaFEC

489 Middlebury Road in Middlebury (behind Dunkin' Donuts)

Meet Laurel. This absolutely gorgeous girl may not be the most social and huggable cat, but just to watch her lie about and play; she is stunning to behold indeed! She will definitely need another feline friend in her life and a person to give her space so she may acclimate to a new home! Could this person be you? Stop by the shelter and check out Laurel in person. All she needs is a chance.

For more information on these animals, as well as others at Meriden Humane Society (MHS), email meridensociety@sbcglobal.net. MHS is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., and volun(c) 2013 King Features Synd., Inc. teers can be available to meet with you through an appointment. MHS is at 311 Murdock Ave. in Meriden.

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