Middlebury Bee 020714 by Mario-Design

“Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together.” ~ Vista M. Kelly

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

Volume X, No. 6

Friday, February 7, 2014

Selectmen work on town budget By MARJORIE NEEDHAM Meeting Tuesday night after their Monday night meeting was postponed due to a snowstorm, the Middlebury Board of Selectmen conducted routine business, approved a revised technical services librarian job description, set bonds for two building projects, and heard a presentation on an elderly tax relief proposal from Paul Babarik before moving into a budget workshop session. First Selectman Edward B. St. John presented the proposed 2014-2015 budget to Selectmen Elaine Strobel and Ralph Barra and asked them to share their input before he takes the proposed budget to next Thursday’s Board of Finance (BoF) meeting. The BoF will meet Thursday, Feb. 13, due to the Feb. 12 Lincoln’s Birthday town holiday. St. John said the proposed budget is “strictly bare bones with no frills attached.” Gesturing at the budget sheets, he said, “There are a lot of things in here that aren’t going to weather the storm.” Then he looked at Babarik, who is chair of the Region 15 Board of Education Finance Committee and said, “Unless, of course, as a member of the Board of Education you could help us out here.” The proposed budget presented at the meeting is nearly $11 million, an 8.3 percent, or $909,646, increase over the 20132014 budget of $10.1 million. That is the town side of the budget only, without Region 15. Chief Financial Officer Larry Hutvagner presented a sheet listing items totaling $711,129. He said the listed items were the major contributors to the budget increase. The first was $42,000 for the Planning and Zoning Commission, $30,000 for zoning revisions and $12,000 for the plan of conservation and development. Fire department increases totaled $22,000, $12,000 for mandatory air breathing tank replacements and $10,000 for new

hose. The list said 6,000 feet of new hose, but St. John, a former fire chief, said he thinks the department’s total inventory is 6,000 feet and the number is supposed to be 600 feet of new hose. Police department increases total $204,243. They include $88,008 for the new chief’s salary and $116,235 for overtime. Selectmen asked how much of the overtime amount was for regular overtime and how much was for overtime needed for school security following the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. Hutvagner checked and reported the police department asked for $60,000 for regular overtime, $13,000 for special duty administrative overtime (which is paid by third-party vendors) and $94,852 for school security overtime. Region 15 will pay $40,000 towards the school security cost. Hutvagner estimated the cost of employee medical insurance will increase $120,224, which is a 10 percent increase. However, St. John said Southbury First Selectmen Ed Edelson said the increase was likely to be 11 percent. Capital expenditures in the proposed budget total $239,812. The funds are for town infrastructure repairs and routine annual repairs for bridges, culverts and 65 miles of town roads. St. John said two culverts need extensive work, one on Bioski Road and one on Ravenwood Drive. He said if the one on Bioski fails, traffic can be rerouted, but Ravenwood Drive has only one way in and one way out, so the road would be closed if the culvert there fails. Four union contracts are or will be in negotiation, and $35,000 is budgeted for increases expected as a result of new contracts. The final item on the list is $47,850 for police cars. This is the one-year cost of leasing three new police cars. The town, at the request of the BoF, last year switched to leasing rather than purchasing vehicles. However, St.

– See Budget on page 5

Snowstorm Ordinances First Selectman Edward B. St. John reminds residents parking on the street is not allowed during snowstorms while the public works department is sanding roads and removing snow. He said this has been a problem, especially on Yale Avenue, Middlebury Terrace and Highview Avenue. St. John said vehicles in violation will be towed. Also, residents are not allowed to shovel, snow blow or plow snow from their property onto public roads.

Inside this Issue Nuggets for Life.............. 6 Puzzles........................... 7 Region 15 School Calendar....3 Senior Center Events....... 3 Sports Quiz..................... 7 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

Feb. 8

Upcoming Events

Adoptable Pets................ 8 Book Review................... 2 Classifieds....................... 7 Community Calendar....... 2 Fire Log........................... 2 In Brief............................ 4 Library Happenings.......... 2

saturDAY wednesDAY Feb. 12

saturDAY Feb. 22

The Middlebury Public Library Connecticut History Room coordinator, librarian Joan Arnold, holds the information pamphlet for the room as she stands in front of the room’s new mural. The computer on the table beside her is dedicated to genealogical research.

Scrapbooks of newspaper clippings about Middlebury and Connecticut were collected by Helen Benson and are kept in the Connecticut History Room at the Middlebury Public Library. The clippings shown are dated 1928.

This lion figurine is among the sculptures displayed on top of the cabinets in the Connecticut History Room at the Middlebury Public Library. (Marjorie Needham photos)

Room focuses on Connecticut history, genealogy By MARJORIE NEEDHAM One of the many gems in the newly renovated Middlebury Public Library is the Connecticut History Room. Librarian Joan Arnold, the Connecticut History Room coordinator, and Library Director Jo-Ann LoRusso talked Tuesday about the room’s renovations and what the room offers patrons, particularly those interested in Middlebury history, Connecticut history and genealogy research. Arnold said, “When you look into the room through the new glass door, it’s a lot like looking into a sugar Easter egg. Between the combination of the beautiful painting of Fenn Pond and the history books, it’s like a little jewel in the library.” LoRusso said, “The key to your future is your past.” She said the goal of renovations to the room was to make the collection in the room accessible but protected. During the library renovation, contractors painted the room and put down new carpet. They also installed the door with a clear glass inset that allows those walking by the room to look into it and see the mural covering the wall on the far end of the room. Stretching from left to right and from ceiling to floor, the mural by local artist Sue Healy depicts Fenn Farm and Fenn Pond in a lush green summer setting.

Locking glass doors also were installed on the front of the shelves. Before the renovation, the collection housed in the room had not been fully cataloged, and it sat on open shelves. LoRusso said Arnold’s cataloging skills made her the ideal person to organize the room. She was a technical services librarian for many years before coming to the Middlebury library and had extensive cataloging experience in that position. Arnold said of the work she did organizing the collection, “I really enjoyed it. It was very interesting. One of the reasons I became a librarian is my mother took me to libraries all over the state as she worked on our family genealogy. A lot of the material is familiar to me.” As a result of Arnold’s work, the collection is now organized into neatly labeled sections: Connecticut history, Middlebury history, Connecticut towns, and New England and miscellaneous. Also in the room are a few topographic maps of Middlebury, scrapbooks collected by Helen Benson and Middlebury history books by the late Delia Bronson. There also is a special collections section that includes copies of the state statutes, rare books by Connecticut authors, a 1911 set of the Encyclopedia Britannica, and 1895 editions of Town and City.

Arnold said the Middlebury Historical Society (MHS) collaborates with the library, and MHS President Dr. Robert Rafford, who also is a professional genealogist, was very helpful when she was going through the room’s genealogical materials. Those materials include books for New Haven and Fairfield counties and a number of issues of Connecticut Nutmeggers, which is published by the Connecticut Society of Genealogy. A small table in front of the mural holds a refurbished computer dedicated to genealogical research. Arnold said Rafford has suggested appropriate software for the computer. Through iconn.org, the Connecticut database, patrons can access Heritage Quest, Connecticut history, the Connecticut digital collections and the history reference center. The computer also links to the Connecticut State Library, which offers access to Ancestry.com. To protect the collection, the room and the cases in it are kept locked. However, those wishing to use the materials in the room can check in with Arnold when they arrive at the library or can call the library at 203-758-2634 or email Arnold at Jarnold729729@gmail to make an appointment with her.

World War II Documentary - “Two Who Dared - The Sharp’s War” What: When: Where: Cost:

Film about a Massachusetts couple who saved thousands from persecution during World War II 5 p.m. Mattatuck Unitarian Universalist Society at 122 S. Pomperaug Ave. in Woodbury Free will offering; for more information, call Christine at 203-267-6772

Lincoln’s Birthday

Third-period blitz unhinges Lady Panthers

Page 6

All town offices, library and transfer station are closed.

Harwinton Congregational Church Annual Chicken Barbecue What: When: Where: Cost:

Barbecued chicken, cole slaw, baked potato, roll and pie, eat in or take out Seatings at 4:45 and 6 p.m.; Take-out 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. Harwinton Congregational Church at Route 4 and North Road in Harwinton. $14 adults; $8 children under 12. Call 860-485-9308 for reservations and information.

Send mail to

P.O. Box 10, Middlebury CT 06762

203-577-6800

The Bee-Intelligencer

Friday, February 7, 2014

Town offers prescription card

Community Calendar Monday, Feb. 10 Police Commission 6 p.m...................................................Town Hall Conference Room

Tuesday, Feb. 11 Democratic Town Committee 7:30 p.m......................................................... Shepardson, Room 27 Republican Town Committee 7:30 p.m......................................................... Shepardson, Room 26 Library Board of Directors 6:30 p.m..................................................Middlebury Public Library

Wednesday, Feb. 12 Lincoln’s Birthday - All town offices, library and transfer station closed.

Thursday, Feb. 13

The Town of Middlebury, through its association with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM), is providing residents with a free prescription discount card that offers uninsured and under-insured residents savings on prescription medicines. Residents will receive their cards by direct mail. Cards also can be printed at www.CTRxDiscountCard.com by selecting “Town of Middlebury” from the drop-down menu. On the website, residents also can locate a participating pharmacy, comparison shop their medica-

tion and find information on discounts on vision, hearing and Lasik services. More than 10 percent of Connecticut residents – nearly 360,000 people – lack health insurance and prescription plans, and another 800,000 residents are under-insured. First Selectman Edward B. St. John said, “This issue – and CCM’s solution – impacts residents across Middlebury. We can now easily ensure that our uninsured and under-insured residents have better prescription coverage.”

Town residents with and without prescription coverage can use the card. Those with insurance for prescription drugs may still benefit from the card by saving money on prescription drugs their existing plan does not cover. The prescription discount card’s features and benefits include: • Anyone can participate regardless of age or income. • Card users save an average of 45 percent off the pharmacy’s regular price. • All prescription medications are covered, including pet pre-

Library Happenings

Retirement Plan Committee 1 p.m...................................................Town Hall Conference Room Land Preservation & Open Space Mystery Book 6 p.m...................................................Town Hall Conference Room Discussion Group Board of Finance 7 p.m.............................................................. Shepardson, Room 26 The Mystery Book Discussion Group will meet Thursday, Feb. Parks and Recreation 7 p.m................................................................ Shepardson, Room 1 13, at 6 p.m. to discuss Janet Evanovich’s “Ten Big Ones.” New Calendar dates/times are subject to change. members are always welcome, If your organization would like your event included in the community and refreshments will be procalendar, please email the information to beeintelligencer@gmail.com. vided. Please contact Joan at 203758-2634 for more information and to sign up.

Middlebury

sary of the release of the legendary “Gone with the Wind.” Christopher Plummer narrates, tracing the filming of GWTW from inception to the Atlanta premiere in December 1939. Cast members as well as producers David O. and Irene Mayer Selznick also appear on screen or are heard. Due to licensing and copyright agreements, film titles cannot be listed. The room has surroundsound theater with a listening system available. This program is free and open to the public.

Book Review

“The Encyclopedia of Early Earth”

Winter Olympics in the café

by Isabel Greenberg (Little, Brown and Company, $23) Reviewed by Ealish Waddell Once upon a time there were two lovers, one from the North Pole and one from the South. Across the entire length of the globe they were drawn to each other, two parts of the same soul ... and yet, they could never touch. How did this oddity come to be? That is the central question of “The Encyclopedia of Early Earth,” an entrancing new graphic novel that presents an alternate version of the time before time. Surrounding the story of the lovers is an ever-expanding circle of other tales, rippling out into a web of stories within stories. It tells of a family of bird gods, inventors and architects of the world, separate from and yet intimately entwined with their creations. It presents new versions of ancient myths and archetypes from religious and historical traditions, retold with just enough distance to make the familiar narratives seem new and strange.

It visits civilizations recognizable and yet alien, which love and fight and interact with each other just as humans have always done and always will do. Dreamy and thoughtful, yet also sharp and smart, this “encylopedia” conjures visions of an ancient world merely a hairsbreadth from our own, perhaps just as real and possible as any other human-origin story. The art has a beguiling simplicity, drawn with strong lines and bold patterns that evoke both primitive etchings and the panels of modern comic books. A subtle wit pervades the dialogue and composition (the background antics of the Genius Monkeys of Migdal Bavel alone are worth the cover price). A quirky but quietly lovely work, “Encyclopedia” is a reminder and a celebration of the universality of human nature, even when separated by years, miles or realities. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department Call Log

Enjoy the 2014 Winter Olympics with a nice warm cup of coffee in the library’s new café. Each day the Olympics are on, from Feb. 7 to 21, patrons can watch it on the cafe’s new flatscreen TV. Bring a snack or lunch to enjoy as well!

Breakfast at the library Friday, Feb. 14, at 9 a.m., the library will open early for children in grades K through 5 to have breakfast (cereal and milk) at the library while listening to the story “Fortunately, the Milk” by Neil Gaiman. The story begins when mum leaves for a conference and dad is in charge. “You poor children,” said father. “I will walk down to the shop on the corner. I will get milk.” The adventure begins when dad leaves the store to come home. Children will hear about a Floaty-Ball-Person-Carrier, pirates, volcanoes, a pink pony with a pale blue star on its side and aliens wanting to redecorate the Earth. Registration is necessary. Call 203-758-2634 or stop by the library to reserve your space.

Create valentines

Friday, Feb. 14, from 2 to 4 p.m., adults and children are invited to stop by the library and create their own valentines. The Date Time Address/Incident library will supply the materials 01-28 09:35 109 Ferndale. Furnace malfunction. Carbon for your creations. monoxide measured 15 ppm. Used exhaust fan to ventilate. February movie 01-31 16:52 35 Woodland. Carbon monoxide alarm acshowings tivation. Furnace malfunction. 10 ppm carEach Wednesday at 1 p.m., bon monoxide measured. Ventilated resiexcept Feb. 12, the library will dence until readings were zero. show a documentary movie. Selected topics include engineering, travel and history. Please call the library at 203-758-2634 for specific information on which titles will be shown. Every Friday at 1 p.m., the library will show new movies reThe Middlebury Bee-Intelligencer online. cently released to DVD. Please Keeping you informed 24/7! call the library at 203-758-2634 for specific movie titles to be shown.

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scriptions that are human-based and can be filled at a pharmacy. • There is no cost to the town or the residents. • Cost savings apply to both brand name and generic medications, with generic prescriptions offering the highest savings. • There are no claim forms or annual fees. More than 63,000 pharmacies nationwide participate in the program, including CVS, RiteAid, Stop and Shop, Big Y, Walmart, and Walgreens. Local pharmacies also can participate.

FIND US ON

See a demonstration of the library’s brand-new MakerBot Replicator 3-D printer Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 3 p.m. The library’s staff will walk you through the printer’s operation and explain how the library plans to utilize the device in its offerings to the

Drawpaintings exhibit A selection of Ron Crowcroft drawpaintings is on display in the Gloria Cachion Gallery until Thursday, Feb. 27. Drawpainting is the process of using acrylic and oil-based paint markers on canvas. The paintings are biomorphic abstractions in which faces, figures, animals, birds, fish, eyes, internal organs and organic shapes may be seen embedded within the abstracted glyph-like forms. For more information, call 203-262-0626 or visit www. southburylibrary.org. The library is at 100 Poverty Road in SouthJean Hosier will speak on energy healing Sunday, Feb. 9, from 2 to bury. 4 p.m. at the Woodbury Public Library. (Submitted photo) public. No sign-up is required; just drop in! The Middlebury Public Library is at 30 Crest Road. The telephone number is 203-7582634, and the website is middleburypubliclibrary.org.

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Ladies’ night out

Escape for a free night of romance Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the original 1894 reading room as local authors liven up your Valentine’s week with tales of intrigue, suspense and characters searching for true love. Hear selections from the writers’ own works. Meet the authors and purchase signed books from Snacks and shows them. Your night out will include for seniors wine, chocolate and other reTuesday, Feb. 11, at 1 p.m., the freshments. library will host its monthly snacks and shows for seniors Whittemore Book Club event. Watch a 1940 romance The Whittemore Book Club starring James Stewart and Marwill meet Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 7 garet Sullavan in which two gift p.m. in the Main Reading Room. shop employees who can’t stand The selected reading is “The Piceach other are unaware they’re ture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar falling in love through anonyWilde. mous pen pal letters! The Howard Whittemore MeBefore the show, participants morial Library is at 243 Church will learn to make Cupid’s nonSt. in Naugatuck. For informaalcoholic punch just in time for tion, call 203-729-4591 or visit Valentine’s Day. This program is whittemorelibrary.org. made possible by the Friends of the Whittemore Library. It is open to patrons who are at least 50 years old and their guests. Registration is required. Visit or Jewish genealogy series call the reference desk at 203The second of a three-part se729-4591 to sign up. ries on the art and science of Jewish genealogy will meet Sunday, Kids make cards Feb. 9, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 4 p.m., Kingsley and Brown Room of the young crafters from first grade and library. Attorney Gary Broder of higher are invited to come create Waterbury will teach about the pop-up Valentine’s Day cards. All meanings of Jewish names and materials will be provided. their origins, which may denote trades or villages, or be acronyms Meditation that indicate ancient family lines The ongoing meditation prac- and more. The third session, on tice will meet Tuesday, Feb. 11, March 2, will concern the personal from 6 to 6:45 p.m. in the Reading nature of Hebrew names, which Room. It consists of periods of link Jewish individuals with their meditation with time for discus- ancestors and are the names by sion. Please arrive by 5:50 p.m. which they are blessed. Refreshments will be served. as they start on time. Registration is required. Call the Reference Department at 203-2620626, ext. 130, or Beth El Syna* gogue at 203-264-4500 to register.

Southbury

Wednesday movie The Wednesday afternoon movie Feb. 12 at 1 p.m. in the Kingsley Meeting Room is a documentary that marks the 75th anniver-

Tony’s

Bottle cap crafts Saturday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m., teens in grades six and higher are invited to create bottle cap necklaces and bottle cap art to celebrate the anniversary of the bottle cap patent in February 1892.

Brennan Healing Science practitioner to speak Jean Hosier, a Brennan Healing Science practitioner, will speak about energy healing and what she does in her practice Sunday, Feb. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. Hosier holds bachelor’s degrees in accounting and Brennan Healing Science. She also studied health and healing at the master’s degree level at The Graduate Institute. She has an energy healing and personal transformation practice at 18 Park Place in Naugatuck, Conn., and also sees clients at Yemm Studio in Hamden. Please register for this program by calling the library at 203-2633502.

American founders, free market economics Discussion of the American founders and the principles of free market economics will continue next Tuesday, Feb. 11, and Thursday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. in the Gallery at the library. For more information please leave a voice-mail message for David at 203-233-0384.

Valentine’s Day fun Teens in grades 6 and higher are invited to drop in to the Teen Department and decorate cookies Friday, Feb. 14, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Teens can frost a cookie pink in honor of Valentine’s Day, or black if they don’t love Valentine’s Day! Everything needed to make a sweet treat will be supplied. For more information, call 203-263-3502 or visit www. woodburylibraryct.org. The library is at 269 Main St. S. in Woodbury.

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The Bee-Intelligencer

Friday, February 7, 2014

Falls Avenue Senior Center Events Falls Avenue Senior Center events for area adults 55 and older follow. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 860945-5250. Please speak with a staff member when calling as the senior center does not accept voice-mail reservations. The center is at 311 Falls Ave. in Oakville, Conn.

Center hosts food drive The senior center is hosting a “From Our Hearts to Your Tables” food drive during the week of Feb. 10 to help restock the shelves at the Watertown Food Bank. The public is invited to bring donations of nonperishable food items, baby food, toiletries, paper goods and disposable diapers to the center from Feb. 10 through 14 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Food items with expired dates cannot be accepted.

Exercise class Physical therapist Brian Reynolds of Thunder Sports and Fitness in Watertown will lead participants in free one-hour flexibility and core-training classes Tuesdays, Feb. 11 and 25, at 9 a.m. Participants will do a series of exercises to strengthen their bodies and reduce injury. Reservations are needed by the day before each class.

Middlebury Senior Center News Jazz band to perform

Foot care discussion

Lincoln’s Birthday

Region 15 School Calendar

Board games with students Students in the Interact Club at Watertown High School will host an afternoon of board games Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 2:30 p.m. Reservations are needed by Feb. 10.

Low-vision talk

mobility. Reservations are needed by Feb. 14.

Raechaell Corbet, an occupational therapist at the Lions Low Vision Center at St. Mary’s Hospital, will speak about low vision, how to use your available vision and low-vision rehabilitation Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 9:30 a.m. Corbet will conduct free low-vision screenings following her 30-minute presentation. Reservations are needed by Feb. 11.

Social services information Seniors needing social services assistance may meet with Jim Dunn from the Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Reservations are needed by Feb. 18.

Saturday, Feb. 8

Bible study

Snow Date CMEA All State Auditions............North Haven, 7:30 a.m. New Hope Anglican Church offers a non- PHS Semi-Formal ........................Candlewood Inn, Brookfield, 7 p.m denominational Bible study every Friday at Monday, Feb. 10 10 a.m. at the center. Join other seniors for the study and discussion. Reservations are Report Cards Distributed in Advisory................................9 - 10 a.m. Policy and Curriculum Comm. Meeting...........Media Center, 6 p.m. not required. Board of Education.......................... PHS AP Room No. 103, 7:30 p.m. PHS Snow Date for Jazz Chamber Orchestra/Singers.............7 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 11

Know the signs of senior abuse Sometimes it takes watchful eyes to keep seniors safe. Whether it’s physical, emotional or financial abuse, or any other kind, those who come in contact with seniors can look for signs all is not well. In banking, if you spot a senior who seems distressed and who repeatedly takes large sums of money out of an account (or changes his or her routine), that senior might be a victim of abuse or a scam. (Seniors, don’t use the drive-up teller window. Go inside so staff can get to know you. Sign a new signature card every

Valentine’s luncheon

Dr. Jessica Vinokur from the Foot Care The Middlebury Senior Center closing Group in Waterbury will discuss foot care will have a Valentine’s Party The Senior Center will be closed and identify the complications that some- Wednesday, Feb. 12, for the Lin- Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 11:45 a.m. times occur in the feet of older adults coln’s Birthday holiday. at Shepardson Community Center. Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 10 a.m. Reservations The event includes entertainment, are needed by Feb. 18. At least 10 particidoor prizes and lunch. The lunch Ask the therapist Genealogy 101 pants are needed to avoid cancellation of Monday, Feb. 10, at 10:30 a.m., menu will be fruit medley, lemon Local genealogy instructor Stephanie Lan- this program. Kathy, a physical therapist from chicken, assorted vegetables, tiere will continue her popular “Genealogy Beacon Brook Rehab in Nauga- baked potato, ice cream with chocProbate and estate 101” class Thursday, Feb. 13, at 10 a.m. Please tuck, will be at the center to talk olate sauce and Valentine’s cookies. The cost is $6 per person. Please bring a notebook and a pen or pencil to class. information about arthritis (aches and pains, call 203-577-4166 to reserve your Reservations are needed by Feb. 12. Judge Domenick Calabrese of Connecti- exercises, etc.). A question-and-anseat. cut’s 22nd Probate District will present “Ask swer session will follow her talk. Valentine dessert the Judge” Thursday, Feb. 20, from 9 to 10 Refreshments will be served. Windows 8 help social, dance a.m. Judge Calabrese will provide answers If you have a new computer with The center will host a Valentine’s Day des- to questions relating to probate and estates. Medication information the Windows 8 operating system sert social hour Friday, Feb. 14, at 1 p.m. Matt Carrano of Middlebury, a from Microsoft, Sean Howard can AARP driving course followed by a dance from 2 to 4 p.m. Admispharmacist at the new Hop Brook teach you how to use it. sion to the social is a dessert to share. Please Take the four-hour AARP driving course Pharmacy on Straits Turnpike in To make an appointment with have the dessert on a plate and ready to be at the center Friday, Feb. 21, from 1 to 5 p.m. Middlebury, will be at the center him, call 203-577-4166, ext. 711, served. The course replaces the old eight-hour Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to Tuesday through Thursday beFrom 1 to 2 p.m., the main room will be course. State law mandates a minimum dis- 12 p.m. to meet with individuals. tween 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. open only to those participating in the dessert count of 5 percent off liability insurance for He will discuss medications, how Howard charges $15 an hour, and social. The Valentine’s Day dance that follows two years for people 60 or older who take a to take them and how different each session is approximately an will feature music by DJ International. Reser- safe-driving course. medications interact with each hour long. Please bring your laptop vations for one or both events are needed by The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 other. with you. Feb. 13. for nonmembers. Payment, in the form of a check payable to AARP, should be presented Physical therapist to the instructor at the class. Preregistration is required. Call the cento visit Friday, Feb. 7 Kathy Andres of Beacon Brook Health Cen- ter at 860-945-5250 for reservations. The Snow Date for Middle School Band Day at PHS ter will present “Ask the Physical Therapist” class is limited to 30 participants and fills PES PTO Flower Sale Ends Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m. Andres will answer up quickly, so those interested should reg- PHS Jazz Chamber Orchestra/Singers.......................................7 p.m. questions about joint pain, balance and im- ister without delay. The Watertown High Jazz Band will perform for 30 minutes at the center Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 1 p.m. Dessert and a social hour with the students will follow the performance. Reservations are needed by Feb. 11.

six months so your handwriting sample is current.) If you spot personality changes in a senior, the cause might be physical – or it might be a result of abuse. Ask what’s going on. If a senior who used to dress immaculately is now wearing the same clothes for days in a row, ask. If a senior is no longer

as sociable or doesn’t participate in previous activities, ask. If you spot bruises or injury, ask. In a caregiver or hospital situation, you might see lack of care or physical abuse. A neighbor who’s had relatives move in might suddenly change his or her routines. At home, the senior might be denied food or medicine or mail. If you want more information to help seniors, go online to the National Center on Elder Abuse website (www.ncea.aoa.gov) or call 1-855-500-3537. Learn about the signs of abuse and what you

can do when you suspect it’s taking place. Check eldercare.gov, or call 1-800-677-1116. You’ll find information on getting help for housing, in-home services, longterm care, nutrition ... and abuse. Seniors, if you think you’re being abused in any way, call the police. You don’t have to put up with abusive treatment. Matilda Charles regrets she cannot personally answer reader questions, but she will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@gmail.com.

LMES Jump Rope for Heart PES PTO Meeting.....................................................................9:30 a.m. MES Jump Rope for Heart................................................. 3:45 - 5 p.m. GES Grade 4 Chorus Concert (Snow Date Feb. 12)..................7 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 12 Snow Date LMES Jump Rope for Heart RMS Intramural Volleyball............................................... 2:45 - 4 p.m. RMS PTO Study Skills........................................................ 3 - 3:45 p.m. MES Jump Rope for Heart Snow Date............................. 3:45 - 5 p.m. Acad. of Digital Arts and Sciences Parent Meeting........ PHS, 7 p.m. GES Snow Date for Grade 4 Chorus Concert.............................7 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 13 Early Release - Professional Development Half Day

Friday, Feb. 14 Presidents’ Day Weekend - Schools Not in Session

Saturday, Feb. 15 Presidents’ Day Weekend - No Events Scheduled

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The Bee-Intelligencer

Friday, February 7, 2014

Bee Intelligencer

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

Issued by: The Middlebury Bee-Intelligencer Society LLC Bee-Intelligencer Staff: Editor-In-Chief/Publisher: Marjorie Needham Contributing Writers: Mary Conseur, Terrence S. McAuliffe Art & Production: Mario J. Recupido Advertising Consultant: Diane M. Brousseau - 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 © 2014 by The Middlebury Bee-Intelligencer Society, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Letter to the Editor Board chair says director “failed to comply” To the Editor: In response to the Jan. 31 article “Trustees Seek Guidance,” what actually occurred is that the library director failed to comply with a directive from the library board to present to the board for their review information pertaining to a proposed contract for a new library auto-circulation system before making a final decision. The director chose instead to bypass the board and take the information directly to the selectmen. At the Jan. 6, 2014, meeting of the board of selectmen, a five-year contract at a cost of approximately $100K was approved. As a result, the library board, at its January meeting, discussed the director’s performance, and a motion was made and unanimously approved to meet with the selectmen in order to clarify the facts of what happened. The minutes of the special meeting of the selectmen and the library trustees of Jan. 21, 2014, include, “The First Selectman said that usually when the Board of Selectmen receives anything from the Department Head, it had already been presented to the Board, and that at this point, it is their understanding that the necessary approvals were obtained and they move forward to it.”

In Brief The Library Board consists of six elected members who, according to state statutes and library by-laws, have a fiduciary responsibility to the citizens of Middlebury for “planning and supervising the expenditure of all funds appropriated to the Library or accruing to it from other sources.” The library director has “sole charge of the administration of the Library under the direction and review of the Library Board.” Although the contract has already been signed, the library board has instructed the director to forward to them all materials that pertain to the bids and the contract for the new library autocirculation system. The public may rest assured that the library board has always understood its responsibilities and will ensure that its instructions to the library director are implemented in the future. Joan M. King, Chair Middlebury Public Library Board of Trustees

Editor’s Notes: Based on information presented to the Board of Selectmen at their Jan. 6, 2014, meeting, the cost for Auto-Graphics over five years will be $22,075, not $100,000. The library can terminate the contract on 90 days’ notice. Mrs. King was unable to attend the Jan. 21, 2014, special joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the Library Board of Trustees.

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.

See World War II documentary

dinator/facilitator for the meeting of the Death Café Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 7:30 p.m. at The Watermark at 611 East Hill Road in Southbury. The Death Café provides a safe, nurturing place and community in which to discuss people’s interest, questions and concerns surrounding death. Its goal is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives. Light refreshments will be served. Death Café does not promote any religion, value system or product. This is not a bereavement group, and it is free to participants. Rabbi Bogatz will ensure it is a comfortable environment open to all ideas, questions and viewpoints. Participants at the five previous Death Cafés this fall had lively discussions about the nature of the soul, reincarnation, end-of-life decisions, living wills, palliative care, talking to their children about death, Compassionate Choices, and what the dying need in order to die, among many other topics. There is no charge for this program, and it is open to all adults, but seating is very limited, and participants must preregister, even if they have come to a previous Death Café. Registration is first-come, first-served. To make a reservation, leave a message for Rabbi Bogatz at 203-2673177, ext. 334. Please state “Watermark” in your message to get signed up for the correct date and location. Participation is limited to 10 people in order to keep the conversation open.

“Two Who Dared – The Sharps’ War,” a powerful documentary about two Americans who sacrificed so much to rescue strangers in Europe at the outbreak of World War II, will be shown Saturday, Feb. 8, at 5 p.m. at the Mattatuck Unitarian Universalist Society at 122 S. Pomperaug Ave. in Woodbury. Admission is free, but a freewill offering will be accepted. After 17 ministers declined the Unitarian Association’s request for relief volunteers in Europe, Waitstill and Martha Sharp dropped their peaceful life to undertake this dangerous mission. They left their two young children in Wellesley, Mass., and traveled to Czechoslovakia in the spring of 1939. With little training and no experience, they began to clandestinely transport refugees, combating political and social blockades and breaking laws in an effort to get imperiled individuals exit visas and laundered money on the black market. Over the course of their missions in Prague in 1939 and s outhern France in 1940, the Sharps and their underground played a vital role in saving thousands from persecution. In 2006, the Sharps were recognized by the State of Israel as “Righteous Among the Nations” for risking their lives to save Jews and dissidents during the Holocaust. They are two of only three Americans to be so honored. Through the inspiring true story, this documentary reveals a timeless lesson of personal sacrifice Alzheimer’s and related and courage that will inspire fudementias support ture generations. group More information is at www. TwoWhoDared.com. For more The monthly support group information about the showing, for friends and family of people call Christine at 203-267-6772. with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias will meet Middlebury Baseball Thursday, Feb. 13, at 10:30 a.m. at the Jewish Federation of WestLeague Registration is open for the Mid- ern Conn., at 444 Main St. N. in dlebury Baseball League. Register Southbury. There is no charge for this online at middleburybaseball. open and ongoing group whose baberuthonline.com. Registration purpose is to provide emotional, will close after Friday, Feb. 28, educational and social support 2014. for caregivers through regularly scheduled meetings. Patty Gibbs, Death Café a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Rabbi Dana Z. Bogatz, the Association, facilitates the group. chaplain for Brownstein Jewish For more information, call Family Service, will be the coor- Brownstein Jewish Family Ser-

Trust & Dignity

vice Director Debby Horowitz at little time. VITAS is looking for 203-267-3177. people who can listen carefully to the hearts and feelings of terDepression, anxiety minally ill patients and their loved ones. workshop VITAS volunteers give their An “Understanding Deprestime to terminally ill patients and sion and Anxiety” workshop will their caregivers during a critical be held Thursday, Feb. 13, from time. All VITAS volunteers re6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church at 910 Main St. S. in ceive training in end-of-life care. Southbury. It will be led by Mi- In orientation classes, they are chelle Slivinsky, M.A., of UConn trained in listening skills, family Health Center. The workshop dynamics, and the right words will cover myths versus facts to say to patients and their loved about depression; how to recog- ones at the end of life. After completing the class, nize signs and symptoms of devolunteers may provide respite pression; how signs and symptoms differ in children, adoles- for caregivers, offer companioncents, adults and seniors; and ship for the patient, participate tips for relieving depression and in devotional readings and spiranxiety. A list of books, websites itual care, and help in small but and other resources will be pro- meaningful ways. They work in vided. Admission is free, but private homes, nursing homes please reserve a space by calling that partner with VITAS or at VILynn Tidgwell at 203-217-0025 TAS’s in-patient hospice care or emailing sacredheartpc2@ unit at Saint Mary’s Hospital. Assignments and schedules are gmail.com. made according to the volunteer’s preferences and location. Chicken barbecue For more information or to The Harwinton Congrega- attend an orientation class, contional Church’s 52nd Annual tact Volunteer Services Manager Classic Chicken Barbecue will Karen A. Hale at karen.hale@ be Saturday, Feb. 22, at Harwin- vitas.com or 203-437-3127. ton Congregational Church at Route 4 and North Road in Har- Church seeks vendors winton. Seatings will be at 4:45 The Church of St. Leo the and 6 p.m. Take-out will be from Great at 14 Bentwood Drive in 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $14; Waterbury is seeking vendors $8 for children under 12. interested in renting floor space Dinner includes half a barbefor an indoor flea market Saturcued chicken (one-quarter for day, March 22. Rentals are $25 children), cole slaw, baked poand $30. The event is sponsored tato, roll, pie and beverage. For by the church’s scholarship comreservations and information, mittee. For more information, call 860-485-9308. call 203-879-5900.

Spring into spring cleaning Join the Connecticut Center for Healthy Aging Thursday, Feb. 20, from 12 to 1 p.m. to learn some organizing tips and tricks from Gary Schwartz, an organization and estate guidance professional. The program will be held at The Hospital of Central Connecticut-Bradley Memorial Campus at 81 Meriden Ave. in Southington, Conn. Please RSVP to 860-276-5293.

Hospice training VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® of Connecticut is recruiting hospice volunteers to take training classes in March. All it takes to become a hospice volunteer for VITAS is compassion and a

Naugatuck elderly housing The Naugatuck Housing Authority is accepting applications for elderly housing at The Robert E. Hutt Congregate Complex at 480 Millville Ave. in Naugatuck. All efficiency units are single occupancy and include heat, hot water and electricity in the rent. Also included are one meal a day, light housekeeping once a week and 24/7 on-site security guards. To qualify, you must be 62 or older with an annual income under $45,100. Applications are available at the housing authority office at 16 Ida St. in Naugatuck Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You may call 203-729-8214 to have an application mailed to you.

We’d like to hear from you! Middlebury Road (Opposite the Shell Station) Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Anthony Calabrese 203-758-2765

Bird Seed Headquarters

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Deer Corn • Livestock & Poultry Feed

Firewood available in bins and bags

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

Friday, February 7, 2014

Nonprofits can raise funds online Waterbury, Conn. From May 6 to 7, 2014, the Connecticut Community Foundation (CCF) will host its second online giving challenge, “Give Local Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills.” The 24-hour campaign is designed to inspire people in the community to give generously to local nonprofit organizations that make the region a stronger, more vibrant community for all. During the online challenge, contributions can be made to local nonprofits profiled on CCF’s dedicated Give Local website (www. givelocalccf.org/). Every gift made during the challenge will receive local matching dollars and may be eligible for bonus prizes as well! The Give Local challenge coincides with Give Local America, a nationwide online giving event that provides the opportunity to leverage national sponsorship money. The Give Local Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills campaign is open to any nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that serves or is in any of the 21 towns served by the Foun-

Budget -

Continued from page 1 John said the three-year leases are set up so the town owns the vehicles at the end of the leases. St. John asked Barra and Strobel to pencil in their comments and return them to him before he presents the proposed budget to the BoF next week. Before the budget work session began, selectmen approved minutes of the Jan. 21 BoS meeting and the Jan. 21 special joint meeting of the BoS and the Library Board of Trustees and appointed Richard Spierto to the Land Preservation and Open Space Committee for a one-year term from Jan. 23, 2014, to Jan. 23,

Debit card safety

dation. They are: Beacon Falls, Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Cheshire, Goshen, Litchfield, Middlebury, Morris, Naugatuck, New Milford, Oxford, Prospect, Roxbury, Southbury, Thomaston, Warren, Washington, Waterbury, Watertown, Wolcott and Woodbury. Nonprofit organizations interested in participating in Give Local are invited to attend one of the following information sessions to learn more details about the event and what it means for nonprofit organizations to participate:

Litchfield – Community Center The recent disclosure that milTuesday, Feb. 18, from 9 to 10 a.m. lions of credit- and debit-card Snow Date: Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 9 to holders had their information sto10 a.m. len has gone from bad to much, much worse, with millions more Naugatuck – YMCA accounts compromised. Of the Thursday, Feb. 20, from 9 to 10 a.m. two, credit versus debit, it’s the Snow Date: Friday, Feb. 21, from 9 to 10 a.m. debit-card holders who are most at risk. If you have questions or would like more Debit cards are tied directly to information about Give Local Greater Wa- your bank account, and your terbury and Litchfield Hills, contact Maybeth money can vanish. What will you Morales-Davis at 203-753-1315, ext. 101, or do while all the facts are being unWaterbury – City Hall, Cass Gilbert Room mdavis@conncf.org. covered and the fraud revealed? (first floor) Founded in 1923 as the Waterbury Foun- In the event of a large credit/debMonday, Feb. 10, from 4 to 5 p.m. dation, the CCF was the first community it-card grab, such as we’ve just Snow Date: Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 3:30 foundation in the state. It serves 21 towns witnessed, your situation might to 4:30 p.m. in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills not be sorted out for months. By and administers more than 420 charitable law the bank has to investigate Washington/New Milford – Gunn Memorial funds established by local donors with com- within 10 business days, but what Library bined assets of over $90 million. For more happens if your vehicle or mortTuesday, Feb. 11, from 4 to 5 p.m. information, visit www.conncf.org. gage check tries to clear during Snow Date: Friday, Feb. 14, from 9 to 10 a.m. that time and your account has been emptied? If you still want a debit card (to 2015. St. John noted this commit- Moore Jr.’s excavation and grad- might be eligible to apply. St. save the interest charges on a tee was not included in the re- ing bond to $3,400 from $34,000. John said he put back the money credit card), there are a few places vised town charter and, conse- Calabrese said the majority of to fund this program years ago, where a debit card should not be quently, members have to be Moore’s work is complete. so it can go in the budget this re-appointed every year for oneDuring public comments, El- year. He said funding for future used: • At a gas pump. Go inside to comyear terms. derly Tax Relief Committee years would have to be found. plete the transaction, but reThey also approved a revised Chairman Babarik was invited “This is purely a one-shot deal, member that the bank will put technology services librarian job to speak to the selectmen. Bab- Paul. If there are no funds in the a hold on your funds for longer description, noting that Michael arik asked the selectmen to in- future there will be no relief than you expect. Murphy, who had held this po- clude in the 2014-2015 budget fund,” he said. He told Babarik • Online. Too many things can go sition, left to accept a job in a the funding needed for the least there is no guarantee the funds wrong, especially if you’re on town closer to his home. They expensive of three proposed el- will be in the budget when the WiFi or if the company’s security described the changes in the job derly tax relief programs. “I really budget process is complete. Babisn’t strong. description as “slight modifica- feel we should do something, arik said he and his committee • Monthly payments of any kind. tions.” and I’d like to get full approval of will present their funding request You lose control over when and On the advice of town engi- the Board of Selectmen,” Babarik at the Board of Finance meeting. if the payment is made. neer John Calabrese, they set a said. “Some towns have very luDue to the Presidents’ Day construction bond for Toll Broth- crative tax relief programs.” holiday Feb. 17, the next Board • Any ATM location that’s not in a place visible to the public. An ers for construction at RidgeHe said to qualify for the proof Selectmen meeting will be out-of-the-way spot is more wood. The bond is $729,528 for gram, residents must first qualify Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m. in the likely to have been tampered phase 2A and $62,029 for phase for the state’s circuit-breaker town hall conference room. with. 2B. They also reduced Garrett program, and about 74 residents

• New businesses. Let others be the first customers until all the bugs are worked out in their security. Add to this list small businesses, carryout establishments and restaurants. • Making large purchases. You won’t have the protection of a credit-card company if something is wrong with what you buy. • A down payment on any item. The balance can be taken at the wrong time. Do you see the pattern here? The advice is to not use debit cards, at least not until the financial world has managed to make our transactions completely secure. (That’s not going to happen until we start using the microchip-based cards as they do in other countries.) If you object to paying the interest on a credit card, have the money ready to send the minute your statement arrives, or even sooner. Or open a second account to be used with your debit card and keep limited funds in it. If the information is compromised and the money taken, the damage will be smaller. David Uffington regrets he cannot personally answer reader questions, but he will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@ gmail.com. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

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The Bee-Intelligencer

Friday, February 7, 2014

Third-period blitz unhinges Lady Panthers

Pomperaug High School Varsity Games Feb. 7 - 15, 2014

By KEN MORSE

Boys’ Basketball

The Pomperaug girls’ basketball Friday, Feb. 7........................ Bethel (A).............................................. 7 p.m. team faced off against Lauralton Tuesday, Feb. 11................... Immaculate (H)..................................... 7 p.m. Hall Tuesday in what has come to Friday, Feb. 14...................... Stratford (A).......................................... 7 p.m. be known as a good old-fashioned Girls’ Basketball South West Conference showFriday, Feb. 7........................ Bethel (H)............................................. 7 p.m. down. The 10-4 Panthers and the Tuesday, Feb. 11................... Immaculate (A)..................................... 7 p.m. 13-1 Crusaders of Milford are no Friday, Feb. 14...................... Stratford (H).......................................... 7 p.m. strangers to the up-and-down, fast-paced bruise fest, and the Ice Hockey team with the most bruises usually Saturday, Feb. 8................... North Branford (A)............................ 7:30 p.m. wins. Wednesday, Feb. 12............. Shepaug/Litchfield/Nonnewaug (A).8:15 p.m. The Lady Panthers went toe-toSaturday, Feb. 15................. Branford (H).......................................... 8 p.m. toe with their nemesis and trailed by a slim 27-25 margin at the half. Boys’ Swimming and Diving Tuesday, Feb. 11................... Masuk (H)............................................. 7 p.m. Lauralton Hall turned it up a notch, going on a 14-0 run coming Wrestling out of the gate in the third period, Saturday, Feb. 8................... Seymour/Branford/Maloney (A).......... 10 a.m. and the Panthers chased the lead Saturday, Feb. 15................. SWC Championships (H)........................... TBA the rest of the way in a 63-45 loss. (H) Home (A) Away “The third period seems to be our downfall,” said coach Joe Fortier. “In all of our losses, we have Please tell our advertisers you saw their ads been done in by the third period. in the Bee-Intelligencer! “I thought we played real well offensively in the first half in spite of putting up only 25 points. But in the second half a lot of shots just weren’t falling.” Pomperaug battled the Crusaders in the opening period, but there was cause for alarm as the Panthers turned the ball over an The Middlebury Bee-Intelligencer online. uncharacteristic seven times. Another cause for concern was the Keeping you informewd 24/7! ability of Lauralton Hall to clear out underneath and control the rebounds. It didn’t help matters that Pomperaug got into foul trouble early. In fact, that was the margin of victory for the Crusaders as they hit on 22 of 33 from the charity stripe, and the Panthers were only five of 12, making the 17-point disparity the difference in the game. The Crusaders also got the transition game going at full speed ahead by owning a 41-20 advantage in rebounds. That created long stretches where Pomperaug was held scoreless, but none was bigger than the seven-and-a-halfminute span between the end of the first half and the end of the third period. Katelyn Perrotti worked a perfect back-door play that Lauren

Coming this Month! bee-news.com

Pomperaug no. 22, Rachel Bonnanzio, battles Lauralton Hall no. 2, Emma McCarthy, for a rebound that was just out of reach as the Lady Panthers fell by a 63-45 margin Tuesday in Southbury. (Ken Morse photo) Rubinstein put in off the window for the last Pomperaug lead of the game at 24-23 with 2:54 to go in the half. The next Panther basket came with 3:23 left in the third period on a Rubinstein (team-leading 16 points) running one-hander in the lane, but the Crusaders were way out in front by a 41-27 margin. “This is never an easy place to come into,” said Lauralton Hall head coach Amanda Forcucci. “Pomperaug is a great team, and we came in here a little sluggish after being off for two days with the weather. “They came out, and their shooting percentage in the first half was phenomenal even though they only scored 25 points. And we wanted to be sure to keep an eye on Hannah Metcalf. She’s an excellent shooter, but this year has proved she can do a lot of things out there and that was a priority for us.” Pomperaug stayed close in the first half, with Jen Catuccio nail-

ing back-to-back shots from the side as the Panthers trailed 12-11 heading into the second period. The Crusaders began to pull away only to have Rachel Bonnanzio (six points, five rebounds) hit a pair of shots from out on the wing. Hannah Metcalf (10 points, eight steals, five rebounds) stepped back from a defender and buried a three-pointer to close the gap at 23-22, leading to a Lauralton Hall timeout. Perrotti (five points, four assists) worked a back-door play for Rubinstein to give the Panthers its last lead of the game at 24-23 with 2:54 to go in the half. The Crusaders managed to wrestle away the lead and took a slim 27-25 advantage into the locker room at the break. The Crusaders took the floor in the third period and ran up a 14-0 blitz led by Emma McCarthy (28 points and 21 rebounds) and never looked back. Rubinstein ended the scoring drought with

a runner in the lane with 3:23 to go in the period, but Pomperaug was looking at a 41-27 deficit. Gabby Penzetta battled for rebounds, and Pomperaug started to hit their shots after going ice cold in the third period and getting outscored 20-7. Carly Farina dished off to Metcalf for a three, and Rubinstein came down and nailed another threepointer to make it a 53-40 deficit with 4:49 to play. Lauralton Hall closed out the game going seven of 14 from the free-throw line in the final period to come away with the 63-45 win. “You have to give credit to the Lauralton Hall defense,” Fortier said. “They beat us up and down the floor, and our shooting just went cold in the third period.” Pomperaug is back in action today, Friday, Feb. 7, hosting Bethel and then will take on Newtown Saturday, Feb. 8, at home for a 3 p.m. contest.

Make every day Valentine’s Day It’s the time of year when offerings of love, celebrations and unconditional kind gestures fill the air. Overlooking its idiosyncrasies that would otherwise annoy, this upcoming day, resplendent in colors of red, pink, and truffle, promises joy and delightful surprise. E-cards, paper cards and plastic gift cards aplenty, as well as phone calls, texts, and tweets of love circle Saint Valentine’s Day. Soon afterward bouquets of flowers wilt and meals are eliminated; soon afterward Valentine’s Facebook photos are a thing of the past and cards are put away, but niceness, sweetness, and forgiveness can continue to be the order of the day by loving yourself in these same ways.

Nuggets for Life By CYNTHIA DE PECOL

Be nice to yourself every day by taking time to eat right, exercise, sleep well and think good thoughts. Depend on yourself more than you depend on anyone else. Become your own best friend. Fall in love with the sweetness of meditation by enjoying the nectar of vast landscapes within yourself. Be forgiving to release the hold that life’s upsets can have on you, opting instead for more produc-

tivity and success by flowing with what is and getting on with it. Vary your routine – variety is the spice of life! This week’s nuggets for life ask you to awaken to your senses in a fresh way. See people as an extension of yourself as they try to find their place in the sun, moving along time lines as best they can, just as you are doing. Listen to the sounds of nature, letting them enhance your connection to the Earth, so if it’s the crunch of the snow beneath your boots, the warmth of the sun upon your face, the chirping and fluttering of birds pecking at seeds, the cold New England air moving in and out of your lungs on a brisk winter walk, or the music heard in the blowing wind, listen care-

fully. Touch with awakened tenderness, if only for a brief moment, the softness of human skin and animal fur and the various textures of fresh herbs, fabrics and more. Taste the subtle flavors of your food and the sensations of the divine in the mundane. Let your good emotions and the pure light within you guide you. Speak less and say more. Live well. Think radiance and youthful energy Think deep and abiding peacefulness. Think ambrosia. Happy Valentine’s Day every day, everyone. De Pecol is a yoga instructor, Reiki master and life coach who lives in Washington, Conn. See lifecoachingllc.com or email lifecoach3@aol.com

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The Bee-Intelligencer

Friday, February 7, 2014

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 knowSTARTING SOON! 1-800Min. order of 36 pcs. HATS Autos Wanted ingly accept advertising which is 292-3228 or NAA.edu - Embroidered $6. Free catdeceptive, fraudulent, or which alog. 1-800-242-2374 Berg CASH FOR CARS: Any Make, might otherwise violate the law Flea Market Sportswear 40. Model or Year. We Pay or accepted standards of taste. MORE! Running or Not, Sell However, this publication does HELP WANTED your Car or Truck TODAY. WOODBURY ANTIQUES & not warrant or guarantee the FLEA MARKET open SatFree Towing! Instant Offer: accuracy of any advertisement, urdays and Sundays year- FULLER BRUSH DISTRIB1-800-871-0654 nor the quality of the goods or UTORS NEEDED. Start round 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. services advertised. Readers a home-based business. Routes 6 and 64 in WoodEducation are cautioned to thoroughly Come see us at the Home bury, Conn. 203-263-6217. investigate all claims made in Show in Manchester, NH, any advertisements, and to use AVIATION MAINTENANCE For Rent Jan. 31 – Feb. 2, 2014. good judgment and reasonable TRAINING: Financial Aid 1-207-363-6012 Email: care, particularly when dealing if qualified. Job Placement sb.haney715@gmail.com. with persons unknown to you Assistance. Call National WARM WEATHER IS YEARROUND In Aruba. The wawho ask for money in advance Aviation Academy Today! Instruction ter is safe, and the dining of delivery of the goods or serFAA Approved. CLASSES vices advertised. is fantastic. Walk out to the

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

I’ve heard plenty of my neighbors complain about being stuck inside this winter and unable to do much outdoor maintenance work. Well, I’ve been around long enough to know there’s plenty of work to do inside, too. Think you can remind folks about some important stuff they could be doing while waiting for the weather to break? – Oldster Stan, Buffalo, N.Y.

Stan, that’s very true. While being stuck indoors can be maddening, there are plenty of smaller home-maintenance tasks to take care of – even if it’s too cold or snowy to get out to the home-improvement store. Here are a few: • Descale your coffeemaker or electric kettle: Check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions online, but in most drip brewers you can flush several ounces of white vinegar through the system, rinsing thoroughly with clear water. • Clean your dishwasher: Remove any parts that can be

By Samantha Mazzotta lifted out easily, such as racks, utensil holders, wash arms and filter. Soak smaller parts in a sinkful of vinegar-water solution and wipe down the racks, dishwasher interior and the door seal. Rinse and replace all the items, then run the empty dishwasher through a cycle to finish. • Clean the garbage disposal by adding a few ice cubes and lemon peels and cycling it. Rinse with running water. • Clean the wash tub of your clothes washer by filling it with hot water and one quart of white vinegar. Let it agitate for a minute and then pause the cycle so the water sits for an hour; then resume the wash cycle to rinse.

• Vacuum the space in your clothes dryer where the lint filter sits. Inspect the dryer vent for lint buildup and remove any lint you find. • Tighten the hardware on cabinets and drawers – knobs, handles and hinges. • Check child- and pet-proof latches and outlet covers, and replace any that are broken. • Vacuum out the heat registers in each room, being sure to replace the floor vent covers immediately afterward so pets don’t accidentally crawl in. • Change the air filter on your heating system (you knew I’d get that one in here). • Rotate houseplants, shifting them to new locations to vary the air and light they receive. Send your questions or home tips to ask@thisisahammer.com. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

Take a tour of your home and make note of as many improvement or maintenance tasks you can find. Then create a schedule to tackle a few of them at a time.

Dust mites can stir up allergies

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1. In 2012, Miguel Cabrera became the first Tiger to have five consecutive years of 30 or more home runs. Which two Detroit players had four such seasons? 2. True or false: Hall of Fame shortstop Honus Wagner also was a major-league manager. 3. What was the first college football bowl game to feature teams ranked No. 1 and No. 2? 4. When was the last time before 2013 the New York Knicks won an NBA playoff series? 5. Of the top five NHL players in career short-handed goals, four are members of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Who is not? 6. In 2013, Sebastian Vettel became the first driver in Formula One history to have nine successive victories in one year. Who held the old mark? 7. Entering 2014, who was the last American male to win a Grand Slam singles title?

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DEAR DR. DONOHUE: What’s all this about dust mites? Do they carry disease? How do we kill them? A baseball bat? – R.H. DEAR DR. DONOHUE: About dust mites – I am getting nowhere with them because they are practically invisible. They crawl in and out of my mouth and on my face when I am in bed. I have suffered too long with them. – P.B. ANSWER: Dust mites are hardly visible; they’re smaller than the period at the end of this sentence. They don’t transmit diseases, but they can create trouble for those who are allergic to them or their waste material. The mite skeleton and waste products can provoke asthma, skin itching, eye itching, sneezing and dripping nose. Most people, however, live in blissful ignorance of the mites. They have no symptoms. Dust mites don’t bite. They feed on dead skin cells, mostly cells that have fallen off the body. They don’t enter the mouth. You really can’t tell they’re around. They like living in bedrooms – in mattresses and bedding, including blankets – upholstered furniture and carpets. They can take up life in stuffed animals. Allow only washable stuffed toys into a bedroom. They prefer a warm, humid environment, a preference that can be used to evict them. Keep the bedroom cool and dry with a dehumidifier, an air conditioner or both. The humidity should be less than 50 percent. Mites dehydrate at that humidity. Wash all bedding weekly. Vacuum mattresses and pillows. Encase them in coverings specially made from cotton, polyester or plastic. Mites don’t disappear overnight. The battle against them has to go on for months and months. A victory isn’t total elimination but a reduction in their population. If after all these measures a person still suffers allergic symptoms, visit an allergist for desensitization therapy.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I read that more heart attacks occur in winter than in summer. Why? If you dress warmly, does that protect you? – N.C. ANSWER: Cold weather is a stress on the body and the heart. The heart has to work harder to keep the body warm by pumping more blood than it ordinarily does. That extra effort is too much for hearts not in the best of shape. Dressing warmly lessens the risk. DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Both my sister and I take Synthroid. My doctor insists I take it first thing in the morning, before I have had anything to eat. He also has told me not to eat for 30 to 60 minutes after taking the tablet. My sister didn’t get any similar instructions. She takes hers at noon with lunch. Who’s right? – L.C. ANSWER: It’s best to take Synthroid, the most-often-prescribed thyroid hormone preparation, on an empty stomach and to wait at least 30 minutes before taking any food. I have to assume your sister’s doctor is checking her thyroid hormone levels from time to time. If they’re OK, she’s OK and her medicine-taking is OK. If she has to increase her dose of the medicine because of low blood levels, then she should adopt your method of taking Synthroid. 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) 2014 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

The Bee-Intelligencer

Friday, February 7, 2014

Adopt a Rescue Pet

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.

MOJO

DUBLIN

Mojo is a shy baby that was actually tied to our door one evening. When we arrived, he was cold, wet and very scared! An older woman would be preferred for this boy. Mojo is shy at first but very sweet to those he knows. He will need someone who understands he will need time to acclimate to a new home. Mojo is approx 2 to 3 years old. For a time to visit, as well as an application, please email us. Mojo soon will be altered and ready to go!

This fine young man is quite the character! He is charming but is such a goofball! Dublin is 3 years old and very well behaved. He loves other animals as well as cats! He would do well with an active family or person. He does extremely well with females (the two-legged ones), and if he can have it, he would prefer to be with them! Not saying that he can’t get along with males; you will just have to get to know him first! Come down and meet the sweet boy and prepare to fall in love!

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 volunteers can be available to meet with you through an appointment. MHS is at 311 Murdock Ave. in Meriden.

Music to soothe an anxious dog? DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My mixed collie, Skipper, gets extremely nervous during storms and when construction is going on outside – basically during any unfamiliar noise. He cries and hides under the furniture, and I’m unable to approach him to comfort him. Is there anything I can do? – Anxious in Boise DEAR ANXIOUS: Talk to the veterinarian first, so he or she is aware Skipper has an anxiety issue. Your vet can suggest a few solutions, including antianxiety medication and some training and behavioral techniques you can try. Many owners want to avoid medication for anxious pets, as they’re worried about the side effects. And in some cases, med-

ication does not resolve the problem. Those are among the reasons owners are looking to alternative solutions to treating anxiety. Some swear by a homeopathic product called Bach’s Rescue Remedy, found in stores that specialize in herbal supplements (although it’s being sold more and more in pet stores). About five drops of the product are added to a dog’s water dish daily.

Jim Duncan, 81,

World Class Decathlete

Other owners combine homeopathic supplements with other therapies, such as playing music specifically composed to calm dogs during stressful events like thunderstorms. Or they put their dog into a Thundershirt, a wraparound garment that exerts constant, gentle pressure. No matter what therapy you choose, remember that the home environment and your own emotions can affect Skipper. Make sure his life has routine – same feeding time, same walking times, etc. When a stressful event happens, keep yourself calm and speak in a soothing voice to Skipper. Send your questions or comments to ask@pawscorner.com. (c) 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

PETS OF THE WEEK Joy lives with Doug and Liz Walker in Middlebury, along with her canine brother, Luke, and her boys, Samuel and Gabriel. Joy and Luke were adopted through Labarador Retriever Rescue of Connecticut.

Be prepared for Valentine’s Day (SPM Wire) This year, don’t let Valentine’s Day catch you unprepared. From red roses to dinner reservations, romantic resources are in demand on Valentine’s Day, so it’s best to place your orders in advance and call ahead. Here are some tips to let that special someone know you care: • Whether you’re spending big or opting to go smaller, including a handwritten card personalizes a gift and offers you the chance to express yourself authentically. • Don’t believe everything you hear. Just because the object of your affection claims he or she doesn’t care about Valentine’s Day, that doesn’t make it necessarily true. Err on the side of caution and get your loved one something – even just a card to say “I love you.” • Do your research. If you’re planning on dining out, re-

member, many restaurants offer only a special prix-fixe menu with limited options on occasions such as Valentine’s Day. Additionally, the venue also may require a reservation. So plan ahead accordingly.

Even with the best of intentions, Valentine’s Day can cause strife if expectations are not met. However, making arrangements in advance can mean the difference between a sullen sweetheart and a delighted date.

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to keep you first Just ask Jim Duncan about being first. A Masters Decathlon national champion and record holder for the last 16 years, Jim has relied on Dr. William Flynn and Waterbury Hospital to help keep him first—as both a patient and an athlete. After two shoulder surgeries and a knee replacement, Jim says that it’s his “coach” Dr. Flynn and Waterbury Hospital that keep him going—and competing—today. One of the busiest orthopaedic centers in New England (performing more than 2,500 orthopaedic surgeries each year), Waterbury Hospital receives high marks for outstanding clinical quality, performance and excellence in orthopaedics, with special recognition for joint replacement surgery and spinal surgery.

Duncan, above right, with Dr. Willam Flynn, Waterbury Hospital Orthopaedic Surgeon

waterburyhospital.org