Middlebury Bee February 16

“In life, as in football, you won’t go far unless you know where the goalposts are.” ~ Arnold H. Glasow

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

FR EE

Bee Intelligencer AN INDEPENDENTLY OWNED FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Informing the towns of Middlebury, Southbury, Woodbury, Naugatuck, Oxford and Watertown

www.bee-news.com

Volume XII, No. 2

Combined Top 10 Taxpayers 2015

Combined Top 10 Taxpayers 2014

1. Preston Park 2004 LLC 16,227,800 2. Conn Light & Power Co Inc 11,779,104 3. Timex Group Usa Inc 11,717,546 4. Middlebury Edge LLC 7,976,947 5. Crossroads Middlebury LLC 6,524,000 6. Toll Ct II LP 6,504,700 7. Midex LLC 4,536,000 8. Middlebury Land Development LLC 4,368,900 9. Lake Quassapaug Inc 2,850,022 10. Chemtura Usa Corporation 2,847,022

1. Preston Park 2004 LLC 16,227,800 2. Timex Group Usa Inc 11,681,208 3. Conn Light & Power Co LLC 10,839,172 4. Middlebury Edge LLC 7,984,456 5. Toll Ct II LP 7,053,700 6. Anzaroot Acquisitions LLC 6,524,000 7. Midex LLC 4,536,000 8. Middlebury Land Development LLC 4,496,600 9. Chemtura Usa Corporation 3,572,479 10. Lake Quassapaug Inc 2,751,222

Middlebury grand list up close to 1 percent

By MARJORIE NEEDHAM Middlebury’s 2015 grand list shows an almost one percent increase of $8.2 million compared to an increase of a solid 1 percent, or $9.4 million, in 2014.

The 2015 grand list total is $945.8 million; the 2014 grand list total was $937.6 million.

Middlebury Assessor Chris Kelsey said of the total, “The increase can be attributed to Toll Brothers’ construction in Ridgewood even though we continue to lose housing stock in the Triangle Boulevard area.” Kelsey said the increase was pretty much what he expected it would be.

The grand list comprises real estate, motor vehicles and personal property. Real estate, which had increased $3.1 million, or 0.4 percent in 2014, increased nearly $7 million, or nearly 1 percent in 2015.

Personal property assessments of $50.5 million reflect an increase of $1.2 million, or 2.5 percent, compared to last year’s $49.3 million. Kelsey said this is relatively stable for personal property. He said several years ago people started postponing spending due to the economy, and while spending has begun to increase, it is increasing slowly.

Motor vehicle assessments dropped to $64.3 million from

$64.7 million, a drop of $394,080, or 0.6 percent. Kelsey said it’s unclear whether the number sent to the town by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is accurate considering the issues that arose after the DMV changed its software in 2015.

The ranking among the top 10 combined (real estate and personal property) taxpayers is shown in the tables. Crossroads Middlebury LLC, in the no. 5 slot, is new on the list, while Anzaroot Acquisitions LLC, in the no. 6 slot last year, is gone. Kelsey said that is because the property owned

by Anzaroot was acquired by Crossroads Middlebury LLC. Preston Park 2004 LLC remained in first place while Connecticut Light and Power and Timex swapped spots, with CL&P moving up to the no. 2 slot and Timex dropping to no. 3. Toll CT II, developers of the Ridgewood subdivision, dropped to no. 6 in 2015 from no. 5 in 2014. Kelsey said this is because units that had been in Toll’s tax base have gone out of its tax base as they were sold.

Retaining their 2014 spots in the top 10 were Middlebury Edge, Midex LL, and Middlebury Land Development LLC, with nos. 4, 7 and 8, respectively. Lake Quassapaug Inc. and Chemtura USA swapped spots, with Chemtura dropping to no. 10 and Lake Quassapaug moving up to no. 9.

February 2016

This architectural rendering shows the front view of the grocery store proposed for a site on Southford Road across from the former Golden Age of Trucking Museum.

Former Southbury Food Center owners to open Middlebury grocery store

By TERRENCE S. MCAULIFFE

The names of the owners of the proposed Middlebury Fresh Market on Southford Road in Middlebury were made public for the first time at the Jan. 26 Middlebury Economic and Industrial Development Commission (EIDC) meeting. Barry and Patricia Tarnowicz of Southbury, former owners of the Southbury Food Center, appeared at the meeting for the architectural review of the store they plan to build on vacant land across from the former Golden Age of Trucking Museum.

The Southbury Food Center, which the couple ran before purchasing it in 2007, had been in Patricia’s family 66 years. Her late father, George Tomey, founded the business.

On May 15, 2012, Bozzuto’s Inc., a Cheshire-based wholesale distributor of food and household products, announced it had acquired the store from the Tarnowiczs. On June 14, 2012, Bozzuto’s announced it had sold the business to LaBonne’s Markets, an IGA store with locations in Salisbury, Watertown and Woodbury. LaBonne’s closed the store three years later, on Oct. 18, 2015.

At the EICD meeting Tuesday night, Architect Kevin Bennett of Bennett Sullivan Associates told commissioners who the store was being built for. Bennett said the framed steel, wood and concrete building would have 11,700 square feet of sales area, 11,700 square feet of basement, a rear loading dock for trucks, and a small second-floor office area.

A small patio on the left will allow customers to sit outside and eat, but there will be no counter service. The exterior is heather moss colored HardiePlank (cement with wood appearance) siding with white trim and brick veneer covers the front. All services and mechanicals will be in the back, Bennett said, so the architectural rendering is what the building will look like in its setting.

Customer parking for 70 vehicles will be along the front and sides with employee parking in the rear. He said the grocery was a good use for the site because there was no other food service nearby for the amount of housing in the area. Barry Tarnowicz told Commissioner Armando Paolino he was interested in the tax-abatement program, and First Selectman Edward B. St. John said he had discussed the program and the application process with Tarnowicz, commenting to Bennett that the building appeared to be well thought out and “long overdue and greatly needed” for the area. Patricia Tarnowicz said the business will employ about 50 full- and part-time employees.

The EIDC unanimously approved the appearance and the layout of the planned grocery store. The next hearing for the business will be at the Middlebury Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) hearing Thursday, Feb. 4. P&Z will look at the site plan, excavation and grading permits, and the larger-thannormal roadway sign planned for the store at 1000 Southford Road.

The store will be built on property owned

by Joseph Desantis and Richard Brown of Middlebury D/B/A Southford Road LLC. They combined their 2.3-acre parcel at 1000 Southford Road with an acre from the adjoining lot at 984 Southford Road owned by Francis Cipriano of Watertown D/B/A Southford Park LLC to get enough land for the project. Permits for constructing the commercial building in wetlands were received Nov. 24 from the Conservation Commission after extensive mitigation, planting, and erosion control plans were approved.

The owners also need to obtain permits from the Water Pollution Control Authority to tie into town sewer lines.

Land use attorney Michael McVerry told P&Z commissioners at their Jan. 7 meeting the market was tentatively named “Middlebury Fresh Market” in the drawings, but that might not be the final name.

Also at the Jan. 7 meeting, Zoning Enforcement Officer Curtis Bosco squashed rumors it might be Dinova’s, LaBonne’s, or Trader Joe’s. He said the operator is an independent grocer who has run other stores. McVerry pointed out Middlebury Consignment is to the south on the same strip of what is known as the Gateway Industrial Design District and called the grocery “a perfect gateway for the town of Middlebury.”

The next regular P&Z meeting will be Thursday, Feb. 4, at 7:30 p.m. at Shepardson Community Center.

Spotlight on Middlebury Land Trust properties

By JANINE SULLIVAN-WILEY Middlebury residents may not know about gems of land preserved in perpetuity by the Middlebury Land Trust (MLT). These interesting places – located all around the town – can be used and enjoyed through “passive recreation” activities such as walking, hiking, birding, geocaching, photography, outdoor educational projects by schools, and more. To raise awareness about these properties and the opFebruary’s “Can You Guess The Location?” mystery Middlebury Land Trust property. portunities they afford, this column

(Middlebury Land Trust photo) will feature one property a month with

Inside this Issue Classifieds...................7 Obituaries...................4 Diversified Tax Tidbits...5 Puzzles.......................7 Golden Technologies....4 Sports.................. 3 & 6 Library Highlights........2 Veterans Post..............5 Library Lines................2 Winning Ways.............7

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

Upcoming Events

Adopt a Rescue Pet........... 2 Now Here’s a Tip.........7

MONday Feb. 1

MONday Feb. 15

FRIday Feb. 26

a “Can You Guess the Location?” picture for the following month. You can find information on MLT properties and more on the MLT website, www. middleburylandtrust.org.

One of the best known of these properties is the beautiful Lake Elise tract. It includes Lake Elise itself and is surrounded by woodland and fields covering just over 50 acres. It is along Route 64 northwest of Meadowview Park. You may have spotted this beautiful lake from the road but not known that you could enjoy it for yourself. The trail is easily accessed from the en-

trance on Long Meadow Road, across from the cemetery and the park.

One special feature of this property is the opportunity for catch-and-release fishing in season with a MLT fishing permit and a Connecticut fishing license. Fishing is easily done (that is, if the fish cooperate!) from the wooded banks or from the dam that runs along the south side of the lake.

A trail that rings the lake offers lovely views in all four seasons. While level, the eastern section of the trail is

– See MLT on page 5

Special Town Meeting

What: Town meeting to vote on a five-year lease of the lower level of the Middlebury Public Library.

When: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Shepardson Community Center Auditorium, 1172 Whittemore Road, Middlebury

Presidents’ Day Holiday What:

All town offices, transfer station and the library will be closed. The Board of Selectmen, which usually meets the third Monday of each month, will meet Tuesday, Feb. 16, instead.

The March issue of the Middlebury Bee-Intelligencer will be distributed What:

Look for a copy in your mailbox or on racks and shelves at libraries and local businesses.

Find us online 24/7 at www.bee-news.com.

Pomperaug Boys & Girls basketball updates

Pages 3 & 6

Send mail to

P.O. Box 10, Middlebury CT 06762

203-577-6800

Visit us at 2030 Straits Turnpike, Suite 1 Published by The Middlebury Bee Intelligencer Society, LLC - 2030 Straits Turnpike, Middlebury, CT 06762 - Copyright 2016

The Bee-Intelligencer

2

February 2016

Library Highlights This column features library highlights, this month from only the Middlebury Public Library.

For an extensive list of events at area libraries, please visit our website, www.bee-news.com, and click on “Libraries.”

ed States. Dr. Smallidge will identify risk factors and offer tips on maintaining a healthy heart so that one’s risk for heart attack and stroke can be reduced. The public is invited to attend this free lecture.

will present an educational program on bobcats. This free program, which will last about one hour, is prepared by the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. All are welcome.

Middlebury

Valentine’s wish jar

Middle School

eight, will meet Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 4 p.m. for DIY slime. Come make your own slime using household supplies. Registration is required.

9th Annual Puzzle Contest

The library’s 9th Annual PuzChildren in grades K through Masterminds zle Contest will be Thursday, Feb. five can make a Valentine’s wish Brown Bag Book The Middle School Master- 25, at 4:30 p.m. Preregistration is jar Thursday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m. minds, youth in grades six to a must. You may register at the Discussion Group Please register at the Children’s The Brown Bag Book Discus- Desk. sion Group will meet Wednesdopt a escue et day, Feb. 3, at 1 p.m. for a discusMystery Book Group sion of Donald Williams’ The Mystery Book Group will “Prudence Crandall’s Legacy.” meet Thursday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m.

New members are welcome. to discuss P. J. Tracey’s “Shoot to

A

OneClickDigital App class Join us for Tech Talk: Using the OneClickDigital App Wednesday, Feb. 3, at 11 a.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 9, at 6 p.m. Bring your tablet or smartphone and learn how to download an eAudiobook from the OneClickDigital collection using the OneClickDigital app. Please call the library to register.

P

Thrill.” New members are welcome.

Patent that invention

Where do inventive ideas come from? What inventions can receive a U.S. Patent? What patents have been issued to inventors in Middlebury? In the surrounding towns? Barbara Hampton, Patent & Trademark Research Center representative at Sacred Heart University, will present “Recognizing Your Creative Spark and Maintain a healthy Putting It to Use with Patents” Thursday, Feb. 11, at 6:30 p.m. heart Michele Smallidge, Ed.D., Get information about the patent R.D., an exercise physiologist process and strategies for protectand registered dietician focused ing your ideas. on cardiac rehabilitation, will Bobcat talk discuss heart health Friday, Feb. Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 6:30 p.m., 5, at 1 p.m. Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the Unit- a master wildlife conservationist

It’s Girl Scout cookie time!

HARTFORD, CONN. (Jan. 26, 2016) – Did you know that there is still time to order Girl Scout cookies? That’s right. Girl Scouts are out in their communities taking orders for your favorite Girl Scout cookies and in March they will be staffing cookie booths at many locations in your area.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led, entrepreneurial business in the world. There’s something worth sharing inside each box of Girl Scout cookies – Girl Scouts who participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program learn a myriad of skills. By purchasing a box of cookies, supporters are helping girls learn Five Skills: goal setting, money management, business ethics, people skills, and decision making.

Last year, nearly 160,000 Girl Scouts experienced a revolutionary update to the Girl Scout Cookie Program: Digital Cookie 1.0, an online cookie-selling platform. Girl Scouts of Connecticut was among the five top councils in the nation for total boxes sold.

This year, Digital Cookie has been enhanced to a more robust and hands-on learning experience for the girls!

Digital Cookie 2.0 includes an enhanced cookie website with fun quizzes, games, videos, and other activities that offer girls opportunities to learn budgeting and resource allocation using a “spend, save, and give” model.

Girls also will become familiar with business and sales concepts, explore impactful and philanthropic ways to invest their

R

library or call Donna at 203-758- chocolate dish to sample and a 2634. Registration is limited. written copy of your recipe to Rules are available to all teams discuss. Registration is required. at registration. The snow date will be Thursday, March 3, at 4:30 For Middlebury Public p.m.

Library events, please visit middleburypubliclibrary.

Culinary Bites org. The Middlebury Public Cookbook Club Library is at 30 Crest Road.

The Culinary Bites Cookbook The telephone number is Club will meet Thursday, Feb. 203-758-2634.

25, at 6:30 p.m. Please bring a

SAMSON

SILVIO

Samson is a sweet, neutered male orange-and-white short-haired cat with golden eyes. He is 3 to 4 years old. He is mellow, affectionate, healthy, calm and a real sweetheart. He may be slightly shy at first, but he will soon come around and be your best friend and loyal companion. He loves attention. He would be fine with another mellow cat, but also would be good as an only cat.

Silvio urgently needs a reliable foster home until he is placed, everything provided. Silvio is a wonderful neutered male shorthaired brown-and-white cat who is 3 to 4 years old. He is affectionate, lovable, mellow and also active at times. He loves attention, is healthy and a real love bug. He has a lot of affection to give and would be great company for someone who lives alone. He may be best as the only cat, depending on the situation.

Samson and Silvio are with Pet Protectors. Find an adoption or foster application on the website, www.petprotectorsrescue.org, or call 203-330-0255 or email contactus@petprotectorsrescue.org for more information or an application.

ZBA denies subdivision, accepts porch application

By TERRENCE S. MCAULIFFE

cookie earnings, learn about Internet safety, and more.

Cookies available this year are Thin Mints, Trefoils, Samoas, Tagalongs, Do-si-dos, Rah-Rah Raisins, Savannah Smiles and Toffee-tastic (limited availability).

The proceeds from Girl Scouts of Connecticut’s Cookie Program stay in Connecticut and directly benefit all of the Girl Scouts in Connecticut, including the Girl Scout troop or group from which the cookies were purchased.

This year, Cookies for Heroes also returns. Last year, more than 120,000 boxes of cookies were sent to our service women and men and local heroes, and this year, we want to send even more!

The Cookies for Heroes Service Project allows customers to support their local Girl Scout and our heroes. Girl Scouts of Connecticut, along with community partners, will deliver the cookies to service women and men overseas and at home.

Girl Scout cookie fans who don’t know a Girl Scout can log onto gsofct.org and click on the cookie to connect with Girl Scouts participating in the Cookie Program in their area.

See the Region 15 School Calendar at

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

Bird Seed Headquarters

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

Deer Corn • Livestock & Poultry Feed Firewood available in bins and bags

The Middlebury Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) at its Jan. 6 meeting denied a property subdivision on Kissewaug Road and accepted an application for a porch extension on Straits Turnpike.

David Hennessy, owner of the 269 Kissewaug Road property, told commissioners Nov. 4 he wanted to divide the 1.89-acre property into two lots as gifts to his adult stepdaughters. He explained one lot would be conforming but the other lot would be nonconforming because of lot angles and the location of the roads, which he said was the hardship.

Chairman David Alley recommended the hearing be kept

open so Hennessy could prepare a more detailed map of the subdivision with driveway cuts, building locations and leach fields and get open space answers from the zoning enforcement officer. The application wasn’t voted at the scheduled Dec. 2 meeting because of a lack of a quorum, but commissioner Ken Long explained that subdivision issues such as open space, engineering and house layout need to be addressed by the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z).

Long said the ZBA was a “young board” with the need to get answers for unusual situations. He told Hennessy Jan. 6 the lot had previously been subdivided in a “first cut,” which

would have allowed him to bypass P&Z approval, but for further subdivision an approval would be needed. Hennessy said the unfortunate division of the property by the first cut and the angle of the road were the hardships leading to his appeal.

In denying the appeal, Long said it was important to consider the cause of the hardship. In the voting, which was three in favor, but two opposed, not enough to approve the application, commissioner Ray Caruso said, “If we were to hand out this variance it would open up a can of worms around town because there are a lot of people in the same situation who don’t have the correct amount of square footage.”

As he and his wife left the room, Hennessy said, “It cost me two grand to get to this point. I’ll sell my other house and move out of state.”

An application by Sam Zenzuni of 1440 Straits Turnpike to construct a porch in front of his house without the minimum 75-foot setback and with an increase in lot coverage above 10 percent was accepted for commissioner review, and the public hearing was kept open. Zenzuni told commissioners he wanted to remove concrete steps and install a 5-by-37-foot porch to protect the front from rain water.

The next ZBA meeting will be Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, at 7:30 p.m. at Shepardson Community Center.

Understanding mental illness course starts in February The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Connecticut (NAMI Connecticut) is sponsoring a free educational course featuring information on mental illnesses including major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.

The classes will take place in Naugatuck beginning Thursday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m. Please call Terrilynn at 203-881-2707 for more information and to register.

Well over 300,000 people across the country have completed the 12-week Family-ToFamily educational course. It helps family and friends of those

with mental illness better underhave learned very valuable instand and support the person formation, met others who are living with a mental illness while going through the same thing they also learn how to care for I am going through and have themselves. Topics include biollearned about many resources ogy of the brain and new rethat are available that I never search, problem solving, comknew existed.” munication skills, empathy • “Had I taken this class 20 years workshop, diagnosis, critical ago, it may have changed the periods, and rehabilitation sercourse of my life and family.” vices.

• “The class has given me more The course is taught by information than nine countrained family members, and all selors and one shrink. It is a instruction and course materials wonderful, amazing class full are free to class participants. of information that has helped Here is what graduates of this me to be able to look at my son unique evidence-based course differently. He says the course have said: has really helped him too be• “Before I took the course, I felt cause of the way I have changed so alone and overwhelmed. I how I relate to him.”

In addition to current information about mental illnesses and co-occurring brain disorders and addictive disorders, the course covers: • Special workshops for problem solving, listening and communication skills • Strategies for handling crises and relapse • Caregiver coping skills for stress and emotional overload • Guidance to locate supports and services in the community • Information on advocacy initiatives designed to improve and expand services

Library Lines

Books to read while waiting for spring to arrive Winter has finally begun – are we happy or sad about that? Probably a little of both since we live in New England. The real upside is the days are definitely brighter and longer. Spring will be here before we know it. Right. Well at least we have lots of new books to read while we are waiting for spring to arrive!

Just because we all need something to smile about, how about starting with a cookbook – not just any cookbook, but a dessert cookbook in which every recipe has only four ingredients? Now that’s my idea of easy and fun.

Can you resist dark chocolatebanana souffles? I’m leaning more toward making gingered blackberry-limoncello sundaes, but I am certainly open to trying a mocha rocky road pie, too. Ah, decisions, decisions. Oh, the book is “Desserts 4 Today: Flavorful

Desserts with just Four Ingredients” (641.86 DOD) by Abigail Johnson Dodge.

Jo Marchant explores a fascinating subject, the mind’s ability to heal, among other things, in “Cure: A Journey into the Science of Mind over Body” (616.89 MAR).

Was your mouth watering after reading about the blackberry-limoncello sundaes? That is just one instance of the effect of the mind on the body. Read on and find out how we can use Marchant’s findings every day to lengthen our life, or improve our life and the lives of those around us.

If you enjoyed “The Aviator’s Wife” (BEN) by Melanie Benjamin, you’ll be thrilled to know that she has written another novel, “The Swans of Fifth Avenue” (BEN). Historical fiction at its very best, we follow the elite, socialite women of New York

(better known as “swans”) in the 1950s – think Truman Capote and Babe Paley. Though I had never heard of her, Babe was a legendary socialite of the time best known for her fashion flair and lavish lifestyle. Truman Capote had the power and influence to gossip his way into the most elite homes – and destroy lives, including Babe’s, with his storytelling.

Ann Morgan gives us the eternal question: Can you really tell identical twins apart? Say one is smart and popular while her twin is always in trouble, and they decide to switch places for just one day. If the always-troubled twin refused to switch back, would you be able to tell? “Beside Myself” (MOR) gives us one author’s version of possible outcomes.

Stephen King calls “The Poison Artist” (MOO) by Jonathan

Moore “an electrifying read.” It follows Dr. Caleb Maddox, who studies the chemical effects of pain. Such a simple beginning to what reads like a riveting, twisty, turny, mind-blowing thriller. Maddox is drawn to, and obsessed with, a woman he meets late at night in a bar. Is Emmeline the serial killer? Dead men keep turning up, and Maddox is helping the medical examiner with the chemical analysis of the victims. As we travel deeper into the book, we are drawn deeper into Maddox’s world – one in which we don’t know who the bad guys are – or if there really are any good guys.

Middlebury Public Library Adult Services Librarian Donna Hine writes Library Lines. If you have a topic you’d like her to cover, contact her at the library at 203-758-2634.

The Bee-Intelligencer

February 2016

3

Panthers’ weapons overwhelm opponents

By KEN MORSE Special to the Middlebury Bee-Intelligencer Opponents are finding that the Pomperaug boys basketball team just has too many weapons to contend with. Normally a coach can simply devise a defense to stop the other team’s leading scorer or the guy with the hot hand.

What happens when you run across a team that boasts four players who are putting up double digits on a nightly basis? Joel Barlow of Easton found out quickly Tuesday, Jan. 26, at the Panthers Den when Pomperaug broke out to a 19-8 first-quarter advantage on its way to a 63-53 victory.

It was the fourth win in a row for the 10-2 Panthers after they registered a season high 84-61 win over Brookfield Friday, Jan. 22. Pomperaug is clicking on all cylinders, led by junior Chase Belden, who is scoring at a 15.3-points-per-game clip. He scored a season high of 26 points on the strength of five 3-pointers in the win over Brookfield.

Seniors Rich Pugliese (14.8 points per game) and Noah Miree (12.1 points per game),

along with junior Josh McGettigan (11.6 points per game), all scored 14 points each in the win over Brookfield as a 35-33 halftime advantage quickly got out of hand when Pomperaug exploded for 49 second-half points to pull away.

“The last couple of weeks we have been playing some good basketball,” said Pomperaug head coach Dave Yachtis. “Our defense has really picked up its intensity and our offense is a lot smoother.

“We made 11 threes against Brookfield the other night, and we are finishing up shots under the basket. There are still some things we need to work on, but this team is definitely heading in the right direction.”

The Pomperaug defense took over the game against Barlow early on, crashing the boards and allowing Barlow just one look at the basket on each possession as the Panthers raced out to a 13-2 advantage with 2:49 to go in the opening quarter.

Belden (9 points, 7 assists) got it started, sinking a pair of foul shots to open the game and closing out the quarter by burying a 3-pointer from the corner as Pomperaug took a commanding 19-8 lead into the second quarter.

Middlebury Senior Center Events February closings

For a reservation on the Be Well Bus, call 203-575-7711 a day The Middlebury Senior Center in advance of your appointment. will be closed Friday, Feb. 12, for Lincoln’s birthday and Monday, Computer training Feb. 15, for Presidents’ Day. The Middlebury Senior Center Free income tax return computer lab is giving one-onone computer classes every help Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursThe AARP Tax Aide program day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A for low- to moderate-income single one-hour session costs taxpayers of all ages, with special $15. A set of four classes costs attention to those 60 and older, $25. will offer free income tax assisViruses, malware and adware tance starting Friday, Feb. 5, at can slow down your computer. the Middlebury Senior Center at Bring it in and have the programs 1172 Whittemore Road in Mid- removed for $20. dlebury. Call 203-577-4166 for There is no age limit for commore information or schedule puter services and training. an appointment with a certified Those interested should call AARP Tax Aide counselor.

Sean Howard at 203-577-4166, All taxpayers will need to bring ext. 711. with them proof of identity (picture or other documentation), Commission on Aging Social Security numbers for meeting themselves and their depenThe Commission on Aging dents, a personal check with bank account and routing num- will meet Tuesday, Feb. 16, at bers, a copy of last year’s federal 9:30 a.m. in Room 26 at Shepand state tax returns, and all in- ardson Community Center. All come statements that apply to are welcome to attend. their 2015 federal and state inDriver safety come taxes. If married, both husprogram band and wife must be present.

Help is available by appointThe next AARP Driver Safety ment only, so call the number course will be Monday, March 7, listed above if you would like to from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the make an appointment. senior center. The course is the nation’s first and largest driverFree Be Well Bus refresher course. Using new maThe Waterbury Hospital Be Well terials and new videos, the bus will transport you for free to course covers new defensive and from your medical appoint- driving techniques, new laws and ments at Waterbury Hospital and regulations, how to deal with agparticipating area physicians’ of- gressive drivers, and how aging fices. This service is available affects drivers.

Monday through Friday from 6:30 Drivers who attend the class a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Service is avail- will receive a completion cerable in Cheshire, Beacon Falls, tificate and may be entitled to a Middlebury, Naugatuck, Prospect, discount on automobile insurSouthbury, Thomaston, Water- ance (contact your insurance bury, Watertown and Wolcott. company for details).

“We can really score in a variety of ways,” said Belden. “We don’t look for any particular guy to shoot. Whoever has a miss match or whoever is open is going to get the ball, and we have so much confidence in one another that it’s hard for other teams to defend us.”

That diversity in scoring showed up at the start of the second quarter when Belden drew a crowd driving to the basket.

Belden simply kicked it back out to a wide-open Miree (8 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists) and the 20-foot turn-around jumper found nothing but net.

Miree stole the ball at the other end and took it down the floor, finding McGettigan in the lane for a pullup jumper that went in off the window to open a 23-11 lead that forced the Falcons into a time out.

When coach Yachtis went to the bench, the Panthers didn’t miss a beat as Jacob Mendicino hit both ends of a one-and-one at the foul line, and Tom Sat- Pomperaug High School’s Rich Pugliese drives to the basket against Barlow on Tuesday in the Pan(Ken Morse photo) kowski added another body to thers’ 63-53 win that improved Pomperaug to 10-2 on the season. battle on the boards. Pugliese (14 points) ramped it up a notch, taking it down the lane on three straight possessions to open up a 32-21 lead at the half. won’t be left unnoticed for long The news coming out of Maine – See Panthers on page 5 was beyond sad: An elderly periods of time, even as we guard woman was found dead in her our privacy. home, and she’d been dead for The best way to ensure senior two years. safety is with a phone-in proAARP membership is not reGetting beyond the shock of gram, where seniors are called quired, and drivers of all ages are that is difficult. We ask: How every morning or have to call in invited to attend. The cost to could something like that hap- press the issue. Eventually, be- to say they’re OK. It’s available participate is $15 for AARP mem- pen? How could no one notice cause taxes went unpaid and in many localities. For very pribers and $20 for nonmembers. the disappearance of another foreclosure was imminent, the vate people, this nonintrusive All checks must be made out to human being, a neighbor? police did break in and discov- program can be a lifesaver. If no “AARP.” Call 203-577-4166 to regWhen the former teacher first ered the woman. one answers the phone, a contact ister.

How many of us heard this or the police will be called. moved to her rural property she’d been friendly with others, but story on the news and said, “That Short of that, we can arrange later she became reclusive. Be- could be me”? How many of us, with a neighbor that we’ll open cause being alone seemed to be because we don’t have nearby a certain window curtain every her preference, neighbors didn’t family or friends who are still liv- morning. Or we’ll swap phone Christmas Tree ing, could be in that same situa- calls. Or we’ll collect the newsbother her.

Shops tion?

The police had been called a paper off the porch.

Thursday, Feb. 11, the miniWe need to explore our refew times to do a wellness check, Think about these things now, bus will leave the senior center sources now, before it’s too late, and put something into practice. but when the door wasn’t anat 10:30 a.m. to go to the Christand set up a system whereby we (c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc. mas Tree Shops in Orange, Conn. swered, they were unable to After some fun shopping time, you can enjoy lunch. Call 203577-4166 to reserve a seat on the bus.

Isolated elderly need system in place

Trips

Amalfi’s Restaurant The Senior Dine program has a new restaurant on its list, Amalfi’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria in Waterbury, and the senior center minibus will go there Thursday, Feb. 18. You must have a Senior Dine Card to participate.

If you do not have a card, the senior center can issue you one. If you wish to go, you must call 203577-4166 to reserve your seat.

Painted Pony restaurant As part of the Senior Dine lunch program, the minibus will go to the Painted Pony restaurant in Bethlehem Friday, Feb. 26.

This trip is usually the fourth Friday each month.

You must have a Senior Dine card to participate. If you do not have a card, stop by the senior center office to get one. If you want to go to the Painted Pony, call 203-577-4166 to reserve a seat.

, Valentine s Day is for Lovers

Say "I love you"

with a nice Prosecco.

The artisanal cheeses are back!

Other wines, champagne and craft beers also available.

1255 Middlebury Road (the Hamlet)

203-527-6651

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Sunday 12 to 4 p.m.

JEWELRY • HANDBAGS • CLOTHING • SCARVES • SOAPS • NATURAL AND ORGANIC MAKEUP SKIN CARE PRODUCTS • MALA BEADS • INCENSE AND MUCH MORE ...

Purity matters. That’s why our goal at Rowan Tree Apothecary is to provide you with the purest skin care products, natural and organic makeup and soaps we can find. We personally research each bath and beauty product we sell. You deserve to live an organic lifestyle free of perplexing ingredients and chemicals, so we’ve done the research for you. We provide you with quality products so you can enjoy the quality life you deserve. You’ll find us just inside the entry to the natural and organic pet store’s building, Oliver and Company, at 819 Straits Turnpike in Middlebury. Cut out the coupon and come visit us!

JUST IN TIME FOR VALENTINES! Receive 10% off your purchase with this coupon. Expires 2/29/2016

203-577-2234

819 Straits Turnpike, Middlebury FinD us on Facebook at RowanTreeApothecary

The Bee-Intelligencer

4

Obituaries

Bee Intelligencer

John N. Calabrese Sr.

in•tel•li•gencer: n. One who conveys news or information

Founder and owner of Calabrese Bros. LLC

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 Writer: Terrence S. McAuliffe Art & Production: Mario J. Recupido - 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 © 2016 by The Middlebury BeeIntelligencer Society, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Former Ford’s gas station goes before P&Z, EIDC

By TERRENCE S. MCAULIFFE The Middlebury Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) on Jan. 7 reviewed a site plan application by Mir Sabbir Ahmed D/B/A Sabbir Properties LLC of Terryville for a change in use of the former Ford’s Sunoco station at 550 Middlebury Road, which Sabbir Properties acquired in October 2015, from a service station to a service station/convenience store. On Jan. 26, the business was on the Middlebury Economic and Industrial Development Commission’s (EIDC) agenda for an architectural review.

Zoning Enforcement Officer Curtis Bosco said the P&Z review would not have been necessary if the site had simply reopened as a service station with only a change in gasoline brands (the new station will likely be a Citgo).

In that case, a certificate of zoning compliance would have been issued.

P&Z Chairman Terry Smith told commissioners he had referred the proposed site plan to town planner Brian Miller, who recently completed revisions to the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development, for comments.

“This parcel is an important part of the Middlebury Village area,” Miller said. “One important part of this is to enhance the pedestrian environment, and the plan envisions a sidewalk on the north side of Middlebury Road.

The redevelopment of this property really should have a sidewalk in front of it.”

Miller asked for more details on landscaping and shrubbery, saying, “This is like the prime corner of what is going to be Middlebury Village.” He said the landscaping didn’t have to be elaborate, but it should improve the site.

He told Smith the plan needed much more detail about plant species, ground cover, sizes and the treatment of the 50-foot setback area up Glenwood Avenue.

He refrained from commenting on the building’s exterior because the EIDC would do that, but he said the plans needed lighting details, and covered lighting would benefit nearby residential properties. “The plan really should be more specific,” he said.

In continuing the P&Z public hearing to Feb. 4, Smith told Miller to forward his comments to Waterbury professional engineer and land surveyor Scott Meyers, who represented Ahmed before the Conservation Commission, and instructed Bosco to get the architectural plans to the EIDC for its Jan. 26 meeting.

At the EIDC’s Jan. 26 meeting, commissioners reviewed the renovation plans and asked for more detail. At that meeting, land use attorney Neal White of Cramer & Anderson of New Milford distributed large photos of the existing station altered to illustrate the future appearance.

He said the new owner owns and operates a number of stations in Western Connecticut and has many years of experience. He said his client “looks for locations that are in distressed conditions or where people are retiring, most of which are textbook like this location, where it may formerly have done gas and automobile service, and what he does is he goes in and puts money into the location and fixes it up and makes it look nice and does gas and convenience.”

White said the photo renderings were similar to Ahmed’s existing stations, with shielding in the back for dumpsters, etc.

He said the Citgo brand that Ahmed often uses has high standards for building appearance.

In comments from commissioners, Ted Mannello told White the station was in a village district of Middlebury where architectural standards were critical.

“This building, as we all know, is something of an eyesore, and we want to see it upgraded, so this is a step in the right direction,” he said.

He asked for an architectural rendering of what the building will look like, including materials and colors. White said his client was working with a designer, and the photos he had presented were something he had pulled together over the weekend for the meeting.

Commissioner Todd Anelli said it was important to “get a

better understanding of all angles of the property, specifically because of where it’s positioned and the lot behind it.” Mannello recommended White consider a pitched-roof canopy matching the building, similar to one recently approved.

First Selectman Edward B. St. John said, “This is an extremely sensitive area subject to unbelievable public scrutiny. Although this is not our ‘Main Street,’ this is the center of our town.” He complimented the plans, saying, “What you’re doing down there is a 10,000-percent improvement over what’s there, but this plan needs some Geritol.”

He said the canopy and the building need an architectural touch to give it a little flavor. He also mentioned the need for sidewalks. Commissioner Armando Paolino suggested White review the designs of other buildings coming into the area to get an idea of the flavor.

White asked to be placed on the agenda for the next meeting and agreed to bring more detailed drawings to answer concerns and better illustrate the new station The next regular P&Z meeting will be Thursday, Feb. 4, at 7:30 p.m. at Shepardson Community Center. The next regular EIDC meeting will be Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall Conference Room.

Golden Technologies

Mobile commerce: buying on the go

By JUSTIN GOLDEN As mobile commerce continues to increase, more shoppers are using their smart phones to complete these transactions. In Time Magazine, Lisa Eadicicco’s Tech column on Dec. 28, 2015, reported that “more people now shop on Amazon using smartphones and tablets than computers.” This behavior has evolved over the years from consumers visiting brick-and-mortar stores in their local malls, to shopping

February 2016

from home via their personal computers to shopping retailers from their smartphones.

Internet Retailer’s Mark Brohan in August 2015 wrote, “Mobile commerce is now 30 percent of all U.S. e-commerce. U.S. mobile commerce sales didn’t grow as fast as other parts of the world.

But mobile commerce will grow nearly three times faster than U.S. e-commerce overall in 2015.”

John Foley, founder and CEO of interlinkONE, said in an interview with Diane Sofranec on the

Get the latest local news online 24/7 at

www.bee-news.com

subject of Untethered Marketing: How to effectively use mobile to market your business, “Mobile technology is everywhere, and I mean everywhere. Consumers are constantly on their mobile devices and businesses in all industries have embraced mobile as part of their overall marketing strategy for just that reason. It can be used in a wide variety of ways, and most of them are cost-effective solutions.”

The data make it clear that to reach more customers and generate more revenue, businesses will need to enable and utilize mobile commerce. While this shift in technology will present both obstacles and opportunities to businesses, the landscape will continue to evolve.

But, while the technology improves there also will be risk that will need to be assessed and adwww.nfda.org

I am an individual, who is part of a family and that is part of our community. I want my funeral to reflect that.

We know the things that are important to the families we serve. After all, they’re the same values that guide our business... family, community, and personal service. To learn more about how we can help you and your family create a meaningful funeral, please contact us.

dressed.

Steve Weisman’s article in USA TODAY on Dec. 27, 2015, outlines his Baker’s dozen “Cybersecurity predictions for 2016.”

No. 9 says, “As more and more people do large amounts of their financial dealings on their smartphones, these devices will increasingly be targeted by identity thieves seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in the Android and Apple’s iOS (operating systems). Hackers will also take advantage of smartphone users failing to use basic security precautions such as having a complex password for their smartphones or failing to install and continually update anti-virus and anti-malware software.”

Some information security “best practices” that all mobile commerce users should adopt are: Always use a secure connection. Wifi is ubiquitous and is being used to connect to your company’s network while traveling. But public Internet connections at airports, restaurants and so on are typically not secure.

Use passwords for everything. Establish nontrivial passwords, e.g., upper- and lowercase letters, number(s) and special characters. Use different passwords for all your applications.

Change passwords frequently.

Educate yourself on digital security, e.g., not opening attachments or clicking on links in unsolicited emails. Viruses are common in social media.

Establish a mobile commerce security policy and stick with it.

Golden Technology Services, Inc. helps clients improve their cybersecurity. Contact us at 972679-9738 or info@gtscloud.com.

Mr. John N. Calabrese Sr., 87, of Middlebury, passed away Friday, Jan. 1, 2016, at Waterbury Hospital surrounded by his loving family after a long illness. He was the beloved husband of Jennie (Massimo) Calabrese.

John was born in Woodbury Aug. 3, 1928, a son of the late Nicolangelo and Maria (Daddona) Calabrese. He graduated from Watertown High School. He was the founder and owner, with his son John, of Calabrese Bros. LLC from 1950 to present. They had a close relationship that they enjoyed tremendously.

John had a strong work ethic and enjoyed working outdoors and especially took great pride working on his orchard and gardens. He most importantly enjoyed spending time with his two beloved granddaughters. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Father Loftus Council #3992 and a former member of the Middlebury Police Social Club, where he helped with the annual clambake for many years. He was a communicant of St. John of the Cross Church in Middlebury.

Besides his wife, Jennie, of 56 years, he leaves two sons, Hon. Domenick N. Calabrese and his wife, Dawn Calabrese, of Watertown and John N. Calabrese Jr. and his wife, Dawn Albizu-Calabrese, of Middlebury; a brother, Anthony Calabrese of Watertown; two granddaughters, Paige and Ava Calabrese of Watertown; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, former Middlebury First Selectman William Calabrese.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Jan. 4, 2016, at St. John of the Cross Church in Middlebury.

Burial was to follow in Lake Elise Cemetery in Middlebury.

For more information or to send e-condolences, visit www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com.

Diana Riggs Genung Woodbury resident, Taft dorm parent

Diana Riggs Genung died peacefully Jan. 11, 2016, surrounded by her family, at the Parlin House Hospice Residence in Wayland, Mass., following a short and courageous battle with cancer.

Known from an early age as Dinny, she was born in Elmira, N.Y., in 1946, a daughter of Elizabeth Falck Riggs Hart and John S. Riggs. She graduated from Miss Hall’s School in Pittsfield, Mass., and Beaver College in Glenside, Pa. Dinny was recognized and deeply loved by her friends, her large family and those she touched for her kind, charitable and accepting nature. She was known for her integrity, modesty, selflessness, thoughtfulness and wonderful sense of humor. Always true to herself, Dinny was not easily swayed by the winds of faddish fashions. Her intellect, grace and style set her apart.

A member of the Woodbury, Conn., community since 1971, Dinny was known as a helpful and caring friend, confidant and mentor.

During her long life she was a dormitory parent at The Taft School in Watertown, Conn.; a Head Start mentor; and a clinic volunteer with Planned Parenthood, including service on its Connecticut state board of directors. Dinny was a dedicated EMT volunteer with the Woodbury Ambulance Association for eight years and served as its president.

Her love of reading led her to clerk for a number of years at the wellknown Hickory Stick Bookstore in Washington, Conn., recommending cherished books to customers and friends. Dinny was a competitive athlete in tennis and golf and a passionate and skilled bridge player. She loved the outdoors and spent part of each of her 69 years at a family camp at the Adirondack League Club on Little Moose Lake in Old Forge, N.Y. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Frederick M. Genung of Naples, Fla., and Old Forge, N.Y.; her son, Alexander M. Genung and his wife, Elizabeth (Lee) Carstensen Genung, of Stowe, Vt.; her daughter, Elizabeth (Kate) G. Taylor and her husband, Prescott B. Taylor, of Wellesley, Mass.; four grandchildren, Lucy and Chip Genung and Ellie and Caroline Taylor; her sister, Anne A.

Good of Naples, Fla., and Old Forge, N.Y.; six nephews and nieces; and many loving cousins. She is predeceased by her parents, brother John S. Riggs Jr., and sister Elizabeth A. Riggs.

Interment was private. A memorial service was to be held Saturday, Jan. 30, at 10:30 a.m. at the Naples Botanical Garden. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Naples Neighborhood Health Clinic (www. neighborhoodhealthclinic.org) or The Everglades Foundation (www. evergladesfoundation.org), both in Naples, Fla., or the Mission Boutique thrift store and food pantry in Old Forge, N.Y. (Niccolls Memorial Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 605, Old Forge, NY 13420)

Elvira (Lerz) (Lovallo) C. Lepper

Beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Mrs. Elvira (Lerz) (Lovallo) C. Lepper, 99, formerly of Waterbury, passed away peacefully, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, at Glendale Center Genesis Elder Care in Naugatuck with her son Joseph by her side. She was the widow of William Lepper.

Elvira was born in Waterbury Sept. 4, 1916, a daughter of the late Alexander and Vincenza (Tacinelli) Lerz. She worked quality control for the Timex Corp. and then, in 1960, she moved to Laconia, N.H., and opened the Court House Diner and Restaurant, which she operated for 10 years. She moved to Meriden in 1971 and there she met her husband Bill. He passed away in 1985, and she then moved back to New Hampshire to her summer home until 1998, when she returned to Waterbury to be with her family. She enjoyed cooking, buying and selling antiques, and spending time with her family and friends.

She leaves a son, Joseph Lovallo, and his wife, Elaine, of Middlebury; two grandchildren, Donna Skala and her husband, John, of Niantic, Conn., and Michael Townsend of Waterbury; two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Sandra Lovallo; her grandson David Townsend; four brothers, Alfred, Arthur, Rudolph and Richard Lerz; and two sisters, Ida Cipriano and Matilda Veneziano.

The family would like to thank the staff at Glendale Center, in particular the Rosebud Wing, for their compassion and care given to Elvira during her stay and Seasons Hospice in Middlebury, in particular Elvira’s nurse, Mildred Martey-Moore.

A funeral Mass was held Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Waterbury. Burial was to be private. Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home in Waterbury was entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Elvira’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept.

142, Memphis, TN 38418 For more information or to send e-condolences, visit www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com.

Karen Lynn Manna

Beloved daughter, sister and friend Karen Lynn Manna, 51, of Middlebury, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Dec, 30, 2015, at Waterbury Hospital with her loving family by her side.

Karen was born in Waterbury, Conn., Oct. 2, 1964, a daughter of Peter and Josephine (Perugini) Manna. She was a graduate of Wilby High School and worked as a secretary for Artera for several years before her illness. She was an animal lover and enjoyed her time with her dogs, Mia and Lady.

Besides her parents of Waterbury, she leaves her sister, Sharon Manna of Middlebury, with whom she lived.

Her Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 5, 2016, at St. Teresa’s Church in Woodbury. Burial was to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Watertown.

Memorial contributions can be made in Karen’s memory to The Humane Society of the United States, 2100 L St. N.W., Washington, DC 20037.

For more information or to send e-condolences, visit www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com.

Obituary Policy Please ask your funeral director to send obituaries and photos to us at beeintelligencer@gmail. For more information, call 203-577-6800.

The Bee-Intelligencer runs obituaries and their accompanying photos free of charge. We do this as a community service to honor the deceased and the family and friends who love them.

Please tell our advertisers you saw their ads in the Bee-Intelligencer!

The Bee-Intelligencer

February 2016

5

Ruling a slap in the face

It Happened in Middlebury

For those who came by their service medals honestly, a recent federal appeals court ruling was a slap in the face. The court said you can wear medals you didn’t earn. It’s protected speech under the First Amendment.

To keep from giving him even more press, I’ll call the central figure in the case ES, a three-year veteran who enlisted after the Korean War. Forty years later he filed for PTSD benefits, saying he suffered because of the secret Korean combat missions he went on. He claimed he had been injured and when visited in the hospital by a captain, had been given a pile of medals, among them a Purple Heart, Silver Star and Navy Commendation with V. The Department of Veterans Affairs denied the claim (a written narrative).

ES then resubmitted and used a copy of a DD-214 that showed he had earned a bunch of medals and had been shot. Based on that, the VA gave him $2,366 in This picture of the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department outside the firehouse on Tucker Hill Road may have been taken in 1994 monthly benefits. In 2006, auwhen they were chosen “Best All Around Fire Department” in the state. thorities discovered the copied

The Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department’s early days

By DR. ROBERT L. RAFFORD The Middlebury Historical Society salutes our Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) on the occasion of its 75th anniversary. We are proud to remember the people who created it, and we congratulate and thank those who continue to provide excellent service to our town.

In August 1940, a fire leveled the home of the family of Ray (1898-1981) and Leona (18971991) Bedell on Fenn Road. At a meeting later that day, Ben Atwood, Jack Daly, Chris Riley, First Selectman Howard Bronson, Ray Bedell and others decided they finally had had enough: Middlebury, they realized, should have its own fire department. A community club was created with the purpose of forming a local fire department, and the selectmen called a special meeting for Jan. 27, 1941, to create a volunteer fire department and to raise funds for equipment, according to Delia Bronson’s History of Middlebury, Conn.

Before 1941, towns were vulnerable to fire catastrophes.

Open fires in homes were ubiquitous – candles and stoves were used every day; cleared brush was often burned in yards, and Mother Nature was always threatening houses and barns, where flammable hay was usually stored, with lightning. Middlebury relied primarily on the resources of Waterbury and paid their fire department each time they were needed.

Occasionally, other nearby towns would assist in a particularly aggressive conflagration.

Fires were also fought by people who lived nearby, using buckets, blankets and any other means possible.

Prior to 1909, it is difficult to find any direct town expenditure for firefighting in the annual town reports. In 1909, the town paid G. Fred Abbott (1863-1946) the sum of $2 for performing the

MLT -

Continued from page 1

somewhat bumpy, though gravel has been added between the largest tree roots to make passage smoother. Good walking shoes are suggested for comfort.

The opposite side has a stretch that is typically covered with pine needles – a fragrant treat to walk on.

For those interested in a peaceful place to rest, a memorial bench on the western shore provides the perfect setting for some quiet contemplation. Each season has its own unique profile of plant, animal and bird life. In The date of this picture of the original Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department firehouse at Four the winter, you often will be enCorners is unknown, but the picture probably was taken in the 1950s or ‘60s.

(Middlebury Historical Society photos) job of fire warden, and William M. Shepardson was paid $13.50 for “care of fires.” In 1911, M. M. Sterry, F. A. Strong and Howard B. Tuttle were paid a total of $22.39 as fire wardens. In 1912 fire wardens cost $27.05; in 1913 it rose to $30.65 but subsided to $9.45 in 1914. In 1915, Paul Steinmann and Marvin Sterry were paid a total of $39 as fire wardens.

In 1917, the fire wardens received $19.75, and the dog warden got $34. In 1919, the fire warden was paid $3, but the town had to reimburse the city of Waterbury $170 for damage sustained by their firefighting apparatus.

In 1921, the town annual report listed an expense of $8 for police duty, and the fire warden was paid $100.85. 1922 saw the expense of $18.70 for “forest fires.” 1924 saw a fire-protection cost of $75, while police duty cost $14. In 1925, there was a fire protection cost of $75; police duty cost $5. That same year, it cost $10 to move a dead horse.

By the 1930s, Middlebury was paying nearly $200 a year for Waterbury’s fire assistance. In 1935, the year the town hall and Congregational Church burned down, the town reimbursed various towns and individuals over $300 for their help.

Subsequent to earlier meetings, the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department was organized

June 5, 1941. First Selectman Howard Bronson appointed Melville Wallace Skiff (1895-1962) as the first chief of the department, and $4,000 was earmarked for a fire engine. Russell Clark (19091978) was the first recording secretary.

Names of some, but not all, of the people present were Russell Clark, Melville W. Skiff, Howard E. Bronson, Ben Atwood, Elmer V. Jensen, John Niekirk, Howard Box, Leonard Mogren, Stephen Malione, Harold Townsend, Charles Squires Sr., John West, James Tyler, Ralph Macchiarola, George Lynch, James Dwyer, Fred V. Pope, Leo Niekirk, Christopher Riley, Raymond Bedell, Anthony Ferrante, John O. Hanson, Lester Markham, Charles Shoemaker, Howard Townsend, Michael Fisher, Daniel Lizdas, David Ford, Walter Folgmann, Charles Harper and Ralph Burgoyne.

Three months later, a 1941 Ford pumper with a 275-gallon tank and a 500-gallons-per-minute pump were delivered to the department; it was kept at the Four Corners Gas Station in the low building just across the brook from the current post office. By the department’s Silver Anniversary in 1966, it had equipment such as smoke ejectors, which not even the Waterbury Fire Department had yet obtained.

Organizational efforts became stifled by the onset of World War II, but land was obtained by town officials in the late 1940s on the east side of Regan Road at Four Corners, once known as Abbott Corner. A firehouse was erected there that included bays for the fire engines, a small kitchen and an office area. The club room windows were from the Mary I. Johnson School (so named in 1955), then known as Bradleyville School. A siren atop the building summoned volunteer firemen to action.

On Feb. 2, 1948, the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary was organized, and Julia Judd was elected its first president.

This article will be continued.

Readers are urged to contact the Middlebury Historical Society if you have news articles, photographs or other historical information to help us compile a complete history of the MVFD. Don’t forget, we’re open yearround every Monday from 2 to 6 p.m. and other times by appointment. Join us!

Bob Rafford is the Middlebury Historical Society president and Middlebury’s municipal historian. To join or contact the society, visit MiddleburyHistoricalSociety.org or call Bob at 203-2064717. Your membership would be a valuable addition.

Panthers -

Continued from page 3 “We knew coming into the season that we were going to have a strong team,” said Pugliese. “A lot of us played over the summer, and we worked hard on our game. We have a lot of seniors on this team, and we all want to be successful, and to be at 10-2 right now in the season is where we want to be. We still have a lot of work left in front of us but we are all pulling for each other.”

Barlow tried to pick up the intensity on defense, pressuring the ball and looking for the 3-point shot out on the perimeter, trying to cut into the lead.

McGettigan and Grant Wallace had the answer for the Falcons’ pressure defense. Wallace unloaded length-of-the-court passes to McGettigan for easy buckets to open up a 40-28 advantage with 4:48 to go in the third quarter.

“What makes it work is we are a very good passing team and don’t turn the ball over a lot,” said McGettigan. “Our starting five can all shoot the ball and can bring it up the floor through pressure. We work just as hard in practice on our defense as we do

DD-214 was a fake.

ES is all over the court system.

A review of documents has him testifying at the trial of a man who offered him $10,000 to kill a judge. After all, ES was a trained killer, given all his medals. ES was investigated for wearing a Purple Heart at the trial and was convicted of violating the Stolen Valor Act (in force at the time), faking his injuries to get benefits, forging his DD-214 and more. He got 12 months.

He later appealed, bringing us to today, where it’s OK to wear medals you didn’t earn because it’s protected speech.

A fast Wiki-type search reveals that only one of the 11 judges in the appeals court ever served in the military. (c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

tertained by ducks and geese enjoying the open stretches of water, and snow tracing the branches is part of the quiet beauty of winter.

We hope you soon take an opportunity to visit beautiful Lake Elise!

The photo on page 1 was taken at next month’s featured property. Can you guess where it is?

If you think you know, email mbisubmit@gmail.com with “Guess the location” in the subject line. Good luck!

There is no monetary prize for guessing correctly, but we will name the winner in the article the following month. It will be interesting to see how well readers know these MLT properties. on our offense, and that has helped us to become a more complete team.”

The Falcons began hitting those 3-point tries, managing three long-range shots to go down with Alex Stillman (17 points) and Tom Rossini (12 points) leading the Barlow charge.

Matt Wynne (7 points, 5 assists, 4 steals) hit a baseline drive for the final points of the third quarter as Pomperaug went into the final eight minutes of the game holding a 48-39 advantage.

Two quick buckets by Barlow cut the deficit to 48-43 with 5:27 to play, and this one looked like it was going down to the wire. But the Panthers just shifted gears and began to run the ball up and down the floor with four different scorers contributing to a 9-0 run, and it was over with Pomperaug back in control holding a 57-43 lead in a span of two minutes.

The Panthers will certainly be tested from here on in as they are at Weston on Friday, Jan. 29, and next Tuesday, Feb. 2, will have them at 10-2 Notre Dame of Fairfield before they return home Friday, Feb. 5, against Masuk.

Stay tuned for further Panthers basketball action at www.beenews.com throughout the season.

Making contributions to an IRA We highly recommend that you save as much as possible toward your retirement. Even if you are fortunate enough to be covered by an employer’s retirement plan, it is unlikely that those benefits, combined with Social Security, will be sufficient to allow you to afford the type of lifestyle you wish to maintain in your retirement years. Therefore, supplementing those types of retirement funds with your own IRA can be very beneficial.

It should be emphasized up front that the deadline to put funds into an IRA for 2015 is April 15, 2016. Each year, you can put funds into an IRA for that year from Jan. 1 of the current year up to April 15 of the following year.

There are two types of IRAs: 1. Traditional IRA – Generally, you contribute funds now and get a tax deduction on your income tax return. The amount of the tax break you get depends on the tax bracket you are in. Then, when you withdraw the funds upon retirement, you pay taxes

Diversified Tax Tidbits

By MARK A. BURNS

at your then-current tax rate.

2. Roth IRA – This generally works the opposite of a traditional IRA – i.e., you do not get a tax deduction when you put the money in, and if you follow IRS guidelines, then any future withdrawals will be fully tax free.

In order to contribute to either type of IRA, you or your spouse must have sufficient earned income (i.e., from working) or alimony equal to or greater than the amount you want to put into the IRA. Beyond that, there are some income limitations that need to be considered.

If you are participating in your employer’s retirement plan, your ability to get a tax deduction for the contribution may be limited.

In this case, if you are single, once

your total adjusted gross income on your tax return reaches $61,000 ($98,000 if married), you begin to lose your tax deduction, and the portion disallowed becomes a nondeductible contribution. If your spouse participates in a retirement plan at work but you do not, then you begin to lose the ability to get a tax deduction for an IRA when your income hits $183,000.

The ability to put funds into a Roth IRA starts to be limited when your income reaches $116,000 (single) or $183,000 (married).

In this column we have discussed contributing to an IRA.

In future months, we will discuss how to know which type of IRA is best for you and also what happens when you take money out of an IRA. The above is a very general summary of what can be a very complicated subject. Each person’s particular situation can be unique. Always consult a tax professional if you are uncertain about how tax matters might affect you.

Mark A. Burns, M.B.A., is a CPA with Diversified Financial Solutions PC in Southbury. He can be reached at 203-264-3131 or Mark@DFSPC.biz.

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.

Trust & Dignity

The Bee-Intelligencer

6

February 2016

Lady Panthers gearing up for challenge

By KEN MORSE Special to the Middlebury Bee-Intelligencer

Pomperaug No. 4, sophomore center Karli Opalka, leads the team in both scoring, at 13 points per game, and rebounding, at 14 per game, as the Lady Panthers are 10-3 on the season.

(Ken Morse photo) led by Karli Opalka, who has averaged 13 points and 14 rebounds per game. On most nights, Opalka can simply take over a game, as shown in the four games in which she pulled down 18 rebounds or more and scored 18 points or better. But the sophomore center certainly left her mark with a 28-rebound performance against Hillhouse in a 53-40 win.

Rafferty has scored 54 points on the season and is one of the team’s 3-point threats. Caly Farina has dropped 75 points through the basket, scoring at a 6-point-pergame clip, and is averaging 8 steals per game.

Lauren Rubinstein is the playmaker who sets the tone for the offense, averaging 8 assists and 6 steals per game while scoring 153 points, or 11.8 points per game.

Leah Rubinstein has scored in six of the 11 games she’s played and has been solid, running the point for the Panthers’ offense.

Bonnanzio has scored 109 points on the season. She carries a scoring average of 8.5 points per game and a rebound average of 8 per game.

What has put Pomperaug over the top is the quality play and overall depth provided by sophomores Claudine Legato and Megan Todhunter. Legato has scored 37 points on the season, but recently, during a five-game stretch, she averaged 5 points and 10 rebounds per game. Todhunter has found herself in the mix, contributing 56 points on the season, and recently led the team with a 13-point effort in a win over New Milford. Sophomore Allison McCormick has logged quality minutes twice, scoring 8 points in wins over Plainville and New Milford.

Freshmen Alexis Flood, Olivia Farina and, recently, Kelly Powers have all contributed points for one of the deepest teams since coach Fortier has been at the helm.

“The loss to New Fairfield; we just couldn’t get our shots to drop,” said Fortier. “They really matched up well with us and played a zone. We had to really grind out the points we scored.

“We came out of the first quarter on top 17-15 and then struggled, getting outscored 12-5 in the

second, and we just never made that up. I liked the way the team responded, getting back in the win column our next time out against Brookfield.

“Now we enter a tough stretch in the season against some very competitive teams. We need to get into a good rhythm and finish out the regular season strong so we go into the post season with some momentum.”

Pomperaug got their focus back last Friday when they shook off the loss to New Fairfield and quickly disposed of Brookfield 6137, improving to 10-3 on the season. Opalka led the way, scoring 18 points, with Caly Farina adding 12 points and Bonnanzio chipping in with 11 points.

Pomperaug was back in action Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 8­-6 Barlow and then will be home to host 7­-3 Weston Friday. Jan. 29. They will have a big match­up at home next Tuesday, Feb. 2, against Notre Dame of Fairfield.

Fortier had said about Tuesday’s game, “Barlow is not going to be an easy game. First it’s on the road and they defeated a 10­3 Notre Dame of Fairfield team and last week in the rematch lost by two. They are a quality team that plays a tough defense and they don’t let you get into the flow of your game.”

Pomperaug found out just how tough the schedule will be and how resilient Barlow is as the Panthers dropped a tough 37-­35 overtime decision Tuesday. The loss dropped the Lady Panthers to 10­-4 on the season in a low-­ scoring game where points were hard to come by.

Opalka, Farina and Bonnanzio all scored eight points to lead the Panthers. Lauren Rubinstein added six points and McCormick chipped in with five points.

Stay tuned throughout the season for weekly updates on the Pomperaug girls’ basketball season at www.bee­news.com.

1. Which pitcher won the opening home game for the expansion Seattle Pilots in 1969?

2. Did Willie Mays’ highest single-season home-run total come with the New York Giants or the San Francisco Giants?

3. Which Big Ten football coach won the most bowl games?

4. In 2014, Orlando’s Elfrid Payton became the third rookie in NBA history to have sevenplus assists in each of his first four regular-season games.

Who else did it?

5. The Chicago Blackhawks, between 1961 and 2013, won three NHL Stanley Cups, with the clinching victory on the road each time. Name the three opponents.

6. In 1998, two countries tied for the Olympic gold medal in the men’s two-man bobsled.

Name either country.

7. When was the last time before 2015 that Tiger Woods was not ranked in the top 100 PGA golfers?

Answers: 1. Gary Bell shut out the Chicago White Sox, 7-0.

2. He hit 52 home runs for San Francisco in 1965. His highest total with the New York Giants was 51 in 1955.

3. Joe Paterno won 10 Big Ten bowl games as coach of Penn State.

4. Oscar Robertson and John Wall.

5. Detroit (1961), Philadelphia (2010) and Boston (2013).

6. Canada and Italy.

7. It was 1996.

The Pomperaug girls’ basketball team is gearing up for the challenge as they head down the stretch of the season. With just over two weeks to go in the regular season, the Lady Panthers head into the teeth of their schedule, playing four teams over the next six games against opponents who will be playing in the South West Conference (SWC) tournament.

Three of those teams have the same 10-3 record as the Panthers.

The three games that ended up in the loss column for the Panthers were against teams that currently are undefeated.

Pomperaug lost a 2-point decision to 14-0 Cromwell in December, fell to 12-0 St. Paul of the Naugatuck Valley League, and last week was upended by 13-0 New Fairfield, the leader in the SWC. “The three teams we have lost to are all teams that are undefeated,” said Pomperaug head coach Joe Fortier. “I would certainly like another shot at all of them, but realistically we are looking for another shot at New Fairfield in the SWC tournament.

“We enter the toughest stretch of our schedule, and this will get us ready for the postseason. We can’t get too far ahead of ourselves and just need to take it one game at a time.”

Pomperaug didn’t sneak up on anyone this season. They were one of the teams to beat, and they have lived up to that expectation. The Panthers are led by an experienced group of five seniors and a very confident group of five talented sophomores to go along with a couple of freshman who have played quality varsity minutes.

Senior captains Caly Farina, Katy Rafferty and Lauren Rubinstein have seen it all over the past four years along with Rachel Bonnanzio and Leah Rubinstein, but these seniors are looking to go out with the one thing that has eluded them – a championship trophy.

The key ingredient may be in the feisty play of the sophomores

(c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

Realtors® and Vacation Rental Agents

Advertise Your Properties For Sale or Vacation Rentals throughout New England in free distribution newspapers with over 700,000 circulation

LAW OFFICES

Weight Management Wednesdays

99

FOR $ ONLY

FOR A 25 - WORD CLASSIFIED

Community Papers of New England Call June at 877-423-6399 to place your ad today

Celebrate a healthier you this year!

84 taps - great food - great friends

APPETIZERS LUNCH SALADS AWARD WINNING PIZZA DINNERS CRAFT BEERS TAKE OUT HAPPY HOUR 3pm-6pm (all Locations)

Every Wednesday 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Comprehensive Weight Management Program at Waterbury Hospital offers you greater individual attention with services that work around your schedule. To find out more about lasting weight management and to meet the new members of your health team, join us for information sessions about weight management options and our program.

Information Sessions are held at: Waterbury Hospital, 64 Robbins Street, Bizzozero Conference Room (Every first and third Wednesday) Alliance Medical Group, 1625 Straits Turnpike, Middlebury (Every second and fourth Wednesday)

To reserve a spot, please call

203.573.9512 Ext. 2358 or email Kendall Dyer at kdyer@alliancemedicalgroup.com

www.piesandpints.biz

Invest In Your Teeth So They Last A Lifetime!

Jack Zazzaro, D.M.D.

“Relaxed Dentistry In A Contemporary Atmosphere”

Call Us Today!

(203) 264-024 4

waterburyhospital.org Dental Care & Implant Center

316 Main Street South, Southbury www.DrZsmile.com

The Bee-Intelligencer

February 2016

7

Classified Ads

Classified Advertising Deadline: 5 p.m. Monday Classified Advertising Cost: $10 per insertion, 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 ingly accept advertising which is deceptive, fraudulent, or which might otherwise violate the law WARM WEATHER IS YEARor accepted standards of taste.

ROUND In Aruba. The waHowever, this publication does ter is safe, and the dining not warrant or guarantee the is fantastic. Walk out to the accuracy of any advertisement, beach. 3-Bedroom. Weeks nor the quality of the goods or available. Sleeps 8. $3500. services advertised. Readers Email: carolaction@aol.com are cautioned to thoroughly for more information. investigate all claims made in any advertisements, and to use FOR SALE good judgment and reasonable care, particularly when dealing with persons unknown to you CAPE CORAL, FL: Waterfront building lot. 125 ft. on who ask for money in advance wide canal. Sold in 2005 for of delivery of the goods or services advertised. $170K, buy now for $25K

Flea Market

tion and professional piano MISCELLANEOUS lessons, including Royal Conservatory Exams and I WILL GHOSTWRITE YOUR MAP-Musicianship AchieveMEMOIRS or personal stoment Program participation, ry: Professional writer of 30 group and private lessons, published books. Guaranworkshops and recitals. Call teed Quality Services. Free 203-598-0854 to inquire information: http:/Profesabout language tutoring or to sionalWriterJayNorth.com. schedule a trial piano lesson.

Free consultation 805-794middleburypianostudio.com 9126

(Kathleen Brown-Carrano cartoon)

BMI not a total picture of health

cash. Also have oversize building lot - beautiful, for $9,900. Call Frank 239-7070761.

WOODBURY ANTIQUES & FLEA MARKET open SatINSTRUCTION urdays and Sundays yearround 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Routes 6 and 64 in Wood- SPANISH, GERMAN, PIANO: bury, Conn. 203-263-6217.

Language tutoring/instruc-

Monthly SUDOKU

DEAR DR. ROACH: About seven years ago, my blood pressure was high, and I was overweight and in a stressful job. I quit the job, my blood pressure went down, and I lost over 40 pounds. I have kept the weight off all these years.

I work part time, standing on my feet about 25 hours a week. My doctor has been happy with me.

At my last appointment, I was told my BMI is too high and that I am obese.

Where did this “BMI” come from? I am 5 feet 6 inches tall and weigh 194 pounds. I am a largeframed woman (I delivered 12-pound babies through NATURAL childbirth!). Now I feel like I should forget it and go back to eating what I want, when I want!

– P.S. ANSWER: BMI, the body mass index, is a way of determining obesity by standardizing weight for people of different heights. It is equal to weight (in kilograms) divided by height (in meters) squared. BMI predicts the development of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and even overall mortality rates moderately well. It is certainly not a perfect measurement. Someone whose BMI is obese (over 30) might have very little body fat; he or she might be very muscular or have larger bones than another person of the same height.

Some physicians measure waist circumference, since that looks at abdominal fat, and research shows that using both measurements gives a more complete picture of health.

Personally, I congratulate you for getting and keeping off 40 pounds and think you made a wise investment in your health by finding a less-stressful job. Your BMI is 31, just in the “obese” range.

However, women of your BMI but whose waist circumference is less than 31.5 inches (80cm) have a much lower risk of medical complications later.

By the way, having babies that large does indicate an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Your doctor hopefully is checking you periodically. Getting regular exercise and eating a good diet reduces your risk for Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, so please don’t get frustrated by this single, incomplete measure of your health.

DEAR DR. ROACH: Last night I washed my face with soap and water. I toweled dry and saw blood dripping from the side of my nose.

I figured I must have scrubbed too hard and opened a pore. This pore bled and bled for over an hour before I used styptic powder. That stopped the bleeding instantly.

Now I’m afraid to wash that area, as it may start bleeding again. I’m 61. I don’t take any medication except a baby aspirin every night, and Aleve when my arthritis kicks up. Is this common? – J.R. ANSWER: No, that isn’t common.

It makes me concerned that the pore you think is bleeding actually may be a subtle or early skin condition predisposed to bleeding. The ones I am most concerned about are basal cell and squamous cell cancers. See a dermatologist and get it examined.

Aspirin and naproxen (Aleve) do make bleeding more likely, but I still think you should get it looked at.

Dr. Roach regrets he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu. To view and order health pamphlets, visit www.rbmamall.com, or write to P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. (c) 2016 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

Don’t take it personally In a small village near Tokyo there once lived a great Samurai, now old, who spent his days teaching Zen Buddhism to young people. One afternoon, a young warrior known for his strength and ferocity came to the village.

This ambitious and impatient newcomer had never lost a fight and, learning of the Samurai’s fame, had come to challenge and defeat him in order to improve his own reputation.

The Samurai’s students urged him to avoid the young rival, but the old man, nonetheless, decided to accept the challenge. All gathered at the town square to witness the contest. The young warrior immediately began to disrespect the old master. He threw rocks at him, spat in his face and shouted every slur under the sun. He even cast insults at his ancestors. For hours, he did everything to provoke the great Samurai, but the old man remained expressionless and impassive. After a few hours, by now feeling exhausted, frustrated and a little humiliated by his inability to incite the old man, the impetuous warrior left town.

Disappointed that the master had taken so many insults and provocations but had not responded, his followers asked,

Winning Ways

By Pat Iannuzzi Insights for Constructive Living

“How could you bear such indignity? Why didn’t you use your sword, even knowing you might lose the fight, instead of displaying your cowardice in front of us all?”

The old Samurai reflected for a moment and then responded, “If someone offers you a gift but you do not accept it, to whom does the gift then belong?”

“To the person who tried to deliver it,” replied one of his disciples.

“The same goes for envy, anger and insults,” said the master.

“When they are not accepted, they continue to belong to the one who said them.”

If we automatically respond to negative things other people say about us, we can sometimes allow ourselves to become unnecessarily diminished. Simply by responding to others’ critical comments, we may be giving those comments credibility when it is not merited. Furthermore, we may take others’ words personally when they may not

have been intended to be. Even for the young warrior in this story, it was really just business.

He didn’t hold any personal animosity toward the old master; he just wanted to enhance his own reputation by beating him.

The same is likely true of most of the negative comments that may be directed toward us.

Like the old Samurai, it’s important to keep our cool in the face of criticism, because that’s when our judgment is the clearest and our power to handle challenging situations is the strongest. Also, if we take the things other people say too personally, we may wind up damaging our confidence and self-esteem, thereby decreasing our personal power.

Never let the derisive comments of others, whether intentional or unintentional, diminish you. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

Pat Iannuzzi of Symbiont Performance Group, Inc. is a performance consultant, trainer and coach focusing on selling, presentation and interpersonal skills.

He lives in Litchfield and can be reached at 860-283-9963 or piannuzzi@symbiontnet.com.

Now Here’s a Tip

King Features Weekly Service

May 25, 2015

• A lint roller can dust a lampshade if the shade is a soft fabric. The roller picks up dust without grinding it into the surface the way a dust rag might.

• “Use plastic wrap (or Press N Seal) to line shelves – even in your fridge. Spills are easily and quickly cleaned up by removing said wrap.” – P.E. in Washington • Small toys and action figures can usually be cleaned in the dishwasher. If you have a dishwasher basket left over from when your children used bottles, you can use them to contain small toys. If not, the baskets are inexpensive, handy

and can be found pretty reli-

• Need a patch for old woodwork? at rummage or tag sales.

Tryably mixing paint (whatever color you • “Mix together are using) and flour.lemon Make ajuice paste,and fill oil to a terrific in olive the holes andmake let dry.

It’s hardfurlike cement, can be sanded intodrops shape nitureand polish.

Apply a few if necessary. to a cleaning rag and wipe • When you get near the end of a roll down wood furniture. Buff to a of paper towels, save it to put in your – S.S.ain car.shine.”

Put together kitMichigan with the follow• Make ownbottle dog treats with ing items:your a small of Windex or this othergreat cleaner, a squeeze bottle of recipe adapted from water, some wet wipes and theComshort DailyDishRecipes.com: roll of paper towels. Now you’ll always be ready for a quick on-theroad cleanup.

• Use baking soda to scrub away

bine 2 cups of flour with 8 ounces of jarred baby food. Mix to a sticky dough. Roll out and cut out to desired shapes. Bake in a 350 F oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Store in a covered container for up to 2 weeks.

• Epsom salts mixed with essential oils make for a great tub soak that is relaxing and refreshing on sore muscles. But did you know you also can use the same mix in the washing machine as a softener? It’s especially nice for towels.

Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. (c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

The Bee-Intelligencer

8

February 2016

Indoor garden offers homegrown flavor

By MELINDA MYERS Add some homegrown flavor to your winter meals. From microgreens to tomatoes, it is possible to grow produce indoors.

Microgreens are a quick and easy way to add flavor and crunch to your plate. Just plant seeds labeled for sprouting or microgreens in a shallow container filled with a sterile potting or seed-starting mix. Within two weeks you will be harvesting nutritious mini vegetable and herb leaves for salads, sandwiches or snacking.

Take it one step further and grow a few of your favorite herbs on a warm sunny windowsill.

Select a container with drainage holes, and set it on the appropriate size saucer to protect your woodwork. Fill the container with well-drained potting mix, and plant seeds or transplants. Purchase basil, chives, parsley, oregGuinea pigs ​Patchy and Chester live with the Sorrels family ano and rosemary plants from of Middlebury. your local garden center or the produce department.

Greens like lettuce and spinach also will grow in a sunny Your pet could be featured as “Featured Pet” in this picture frame. Send window or, better yet, under arus your pet’s photo by email to mbisubmit@gmail.com or by regular tificial lights. Grow them in a mail to P.O. Box 10, Middlebury, CT 06762 along with your pet’s name, container filled with a wellyour last name and your town. drained potting mix similar to your windowsill herb garden.

Plant seeds according to the seed packet. Continually harvest the outer leaves when they are 4 to 6 inches tall.

Those who like a bit of a challenge may want to try growing a compact tomato, pepper or eggplant. You’ll get the best produc-

PETS OF THE MONTH

Send in your pet photos

Online 24/7 at

www.bee-news.com

Energy-efficient and long-lasting high-intensity grow lights will provide the greatest yields when growing tomatoes and other fruiting plants indoors. (Photo courtesy of Gardener’s Supply Company) tion with a combination of natural and artificial light or fullspectrum lights.

Natural sunlight and full-spectrum lights contain the variety of light plants need to grow, flower and fruit. Blue light promotes leaf and stem growth, while red combined with blue promotes flowering. Consider investing in energyefficient and long-lasting high-intensity grow lights for the greatest yields when growing tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and other fruiting plants indoors.

Leave lights on for 14 but no more than 16 hours each day.

Plants need a dark period as well as bright light each day to grow and thrive. Use a timer to ensure

the plants receive the right duration of light.

Most flowering and fruiting plants need a high intensity of light, so keep the lights 6 to 12 inches above your plants. Use reflective surfaces under and around the plants to bounce light back into larger plants.

Increase your indoor growing space by going vertical. Shelf units with built-in light fixtures like the Stack-n-Grow Light System (gardeners.com) provide multiple layers of growing space.

And once your tomatoes, peppers and eggplants start flowering, you will need to shake things up a bit. Gently shake the plants several times a week, better yet

daily, to move the pollen from the female to the male parts of the flower so fruit will develop. A gentle breeze from a fan or vibrations from a battery-operated toothbrush work well.

Indoor gardening won’t yield the same results as a sunny outdoor garden, but the flavor can’t be beat when gardening outdoors is not an option.

Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author and columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written more than 20 gardening books. Her website, www.melindamyers.com, offers gardening videos, podcasts and tips.

Tank tapping freaks out fish

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS:

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My mom said not to tap on the side of the fish tank because it scares them. I’m not tapping very hard, so why would it bother them? – Tanner in Dallas DEAR TANNER: Imagine this: Your room has a big glass wall, and strange, scary creatures come up to the glass all day long and stare at you. Imagine also that the wall has amplifiers in it so that every time someone knocks on the glass, the sound is so loud it puts a lot of pressure on your ears.

If that happened to you several times a day, every day, you’d be pretty stressed out. Especially if it happens when you’re trying to sleep or rest.

For fish, which tend to react badly when their environment changes, tank tappers can really cause problems. Because they’re constantly being startled and scared, their immune systems weaken and they become vulnerable to diseases they can normally fight off. Some fish have been reported to try and escape from a tank they’re constantly being scared in by jumping out of it. That doesn’t usually work out well for the fish.

The best way to enjoy an aquarium full of fish is to, well ... just watch them. Most fish will shy away if you approach the tank, but if you hold still, they will begin to swim past you and you’ll get a close look at them. If they’re holding still or not swimming fast, don’t tap the tank – just let them be.

Send your questions or comments to ask@pawscorner.com. (c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

Ferrari’s Appliance • Openings • Closings • Weekly Service • Repairs

We Sell & Service All Brands

ED’S HARDWARE

FULL LINE OF HARDWARE SUPPLIES LARGEST IN AREA

560 Rubber Avenue Naugatuck, CT 06770

Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 8-5, Sun 9-1

160 Rubber Ave. Naugatuck, CT

(203) 723-7230

203-729-8216 edshardware.doitbest.com

americanflagstones.com 141 South Main Street, Beacon Falls , CT More than a Decade of Experience

The area’s largest indoor slab gallery

FREE SINK with any countertop purchase Must be over 45 sq. ft. With this coupon.

Cannot be combined with any other offer.

E xpires 6/3/14.

Expires 10/31/14 Expires 2/29/16

Buy Directly From the Factory

cosmopolitanpoolandspa.com

203-598-0185 Open by appointment only.

203-723-2268

Our inventory is 100% PREMIUM QUALITY. And it is stored indoors. Other shops material, stored outside, isn’t PREMIUM QUALITY!

Call now for information on our specials or for an appointment for a free in-home consultation and free design plan.

.99

/Sq. Ft.

RY DELIVAEBLE! AVAIL

WINTER HAS .

FINALLY ARRIVED! . .

Generac generators, ice melt, snow rakes and shovels are arriving at our lumber yard daily.

We also have quality building products like. energy star-rated windows and doors.

Over 50 years of experience serving the area with quality LUMBER, WINDOWS, DOORS & KITCHEN CABINETS. Just 7 miles from the center of Middlebury

Granite Countertop Over 50 years of experience serving the area with quality 25 Great Hill Rd., Installed – 1 1⁄4” ThickLUMBER, Naugatuck WINDOWS, DOORS & KITCHEN CABINETS. Min. 45 sq. ft. With this coupon.

Cannot be combined with any other offer.

E xpires 310/31/14 /2/29/16 31/14.

Expires Expires

GETTING HOME SUPPLIES HAS NEVER EASIER. JustBEEN 7 miles from

the center of Middlebury 203-723-1700 • info@hjbushka.com

25 Great Hill Rd., Naugatuck