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Volume XI, No. 7
June 2015
Shell station criticisms continue By TERRENCE S. MCAULIFFE The Middlebury Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) at its May 7 meeting continued a public hearing on plans to replace the Shell station on Middlebury Road. It also accepted an application for new zoning regulations for Tyler Cove and approved plans for the town to sell property on Benson Road. Some 40 residents attended the public hearing to review and comment on plans to demolish the Shell station at 520 Middlebury Road and construct a larger station on that site and the adjacent lots formerly occupied by Vinnie’s Pizza and Johnny’s Dairy Bar. The almost two-hour hearing, the first item on the agenda, pushed the meeting far past the official 9:30 p.m. closing time at Shepardson Community Center. A custodian told Chairman Terry Smith to end the meeting, but Smith told the custodian the meeting must continue because it was official town business. The gas station expansion proposal drew criticism at a March 5 hearing and, although it was tabled at the April 2 meeting, many who attended that night stayed for a public hearing on updates to the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) and specifically objected to the size of the expansion in Middlebury Center, saying the expansion’s five two-sided pumps under an enlarged canopy made it more like a truck stop than a village gas station. At the May meeting, Michael A. Galante of Frederick P. Clark Associates said a traffic access and impact study performed during a weekday morning from 7 to 9 a.m., a weekday afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m., and a Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. showed peaks occur from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 4 to 5 p.m. weekdays and from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, with the weekday afternoons carrying the highest volume. Approximately 55 percent of the traffic comes from the east; less traffic comes from the west. After merging 2014 data from the state department of transportation and adding traffic for known future developments, Galante estimated the upgraded station would gen-
erate an additional 45 to 65 trips each hour. He said his opinion was this would not be a significant impact to the road system, and traffic signal timing would not need to be changed. Professional engineer Dainius Virbickas of Artel Engineering Group said soil testing would be done within the a week or two to support the storm drainage plan. Using site diagrams, he showed the landscape plan, which he said created a nice appearance and presence to hide the pumps from the road. He said the driveway around the back of the building would remain for delivery and garbage truck access. Attorney Michael McVerry, representing the property owner, summarized the project by saying the project complied with CA-40 zoning regulations and was in perfect harmony with the neighborhood it was in, since that neighborhood consisted of gas stations. He said the project design was “nothing but an improvement and preserving of the landscape,” referring to the rundown buildings and vacant lots. In public comments, Nancy Robison asked McVerry what he meant by being in harmony with the neighborhood. McVerry listed the neighboring gas stations, Middlebury Station, the bank and the farm market, and said, “It’s not something totally out of character with what’s in the neighborhood.” Robison replied, “Five bays in the project ... get out of here. It sounds like something that should be up on the Mass Pike.” She also criticized the traffic study for not addressing the effect up and down the road. Michael Jacobi asked if diesel would be sold and if the station could be limited to two diesel pumps. McVerry said stations typically have at least one diesel pump because of the number of diesel cars and this one might have more. He then said, “I’ve heard a lot of stories these last two weeks about the new biggest truck stop between Danbury and Hartford. It’s probably the most preposterous suggestion I’ve heard.” He said there wasn’t enough room for tractor-trailers, except for the ones
– See P&Z on page 4
Special town meeting June 1 A special town meeting will be held Monday, June 1, at 6:30 p.m. in the Shepardson Community Center Auditorium at 1172 Whittemore Road in Middlebury, Conn., for the following purpose: To vote to approve the sale of 33+/- acres on Benson Road to Raymond and Penny Albini or an entity created by them; for the sum of $200,000 as approved by the Middlebury Planning and Zoning Commission in accordance with Connecticut General Statute §8-24 and as recommended by the Board of Selectmen. Those qualified to vote at the town meeting are U.S. citizens 18 or older who, jointly or severally, are liable to the Town of Middlebury for taxes assessed against them on an assessment of not less than $1,000 on the last completed town grand list, or who would be so liable if not entitled to an exemption under subdivisions (17), (19), (22), (25) or (26) of Section 1281 of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended.
SATURday
Book Review...............2 Obituaries...................5
June 6
Here’s a tip.................7 This is a Hammer.........7 Library Highlights........2 Veterans Post..............5 Library Lines................2 Winning Ways.............6
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Upcoming Events
Classifieds...................7 Puzzles.......................7 Diversified Tax Tidbits...5 School Daze................3
Middlebury EMTs deliver baby
By MARJORIE NEEDHAM Baby bonnets for newborns were added to the supplies on Middlebury ambulances in April. On May 5, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) used one for the first time, gently slipping it on the head of Abigail DeSantis , a baby they had just delivered. EMT Kristine Boisits said it was the first time she delivered a baby since she began serving as an EMT 13 years ago. She and paramedic Beverly Dassonville, who has served for 11 years, responded to a call at the Mike and Joann DeSantis home in Middlebury about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 5. Joann, 24, was in labor with her second child. She said her delivery date was May 17, but when she went to the doctor Monday, May 4, he told her he expected the baby to arrive within the week. Baby Abigail decided to arrive less than 24 hours later. Dassonville and Boisits, working with a paramedic from American Medical Response, delivered the baby at 1:05 a.m., just an hour and 5 minutes after Joann went into labor. Dassonville said she initially went to get the stretcher out of the ambulance. When she came back to the house, the paramedic had decided the baby’s birth was imminent, and they needed to deliver the baby before transporting anyone to the hospital. “It was a great experience,” Boisits said. “The mother was wonderful and she did just great.” Dassonville said the delivery scene was remarkably calm. “We all knew what we had to do. The mother made it easier. She
Middlebury EMTs Kristine Boisits and Beverly Dassonville were awarded their pink stork pins for delivering a baby girl. was a real trooper. She said the baby is coming and one big push and the baby was there. She made it easy for us.” And she said of the baby bonnets, “Who knew two weeks later we would need them?” Joann said everyone who responded to the call, from the police officer to the paramedic and the EMTs, was excellent. “Everyone was calm,” she said. “They are so good.” It may have helped that Joann and Mike have a farm. Joann said, “We see animals having babies all the time.” And, she said, she was back at the farm Thursday, two days after giving birth.
Joann had not planned to have a home birth. Her obstetrician is in New Milford, and she was scheduled to go to Sharon Hospital, an hour’s drive from Middlebury, for the baby’s birth. When her water broke at 12 a.m., she called her mom to come from Bridgewater and stay with her firstborn child, Josephine, 18 months. By 12:30 a.m., Joann’s contractions were two minutes apart, so they decided to go to Waterbury Hospital instead, and her husband called the ambulance. “I knew it was too late,” Joann said. “They delivered my baby on the bedroom floor. Then they put her right on my chest and then they put us on a stretcher.” Dassonville said the staff at Waterbury Hospital’s trauma room was ready and waiting when the EMTs rolled Joann’s stretcher through the door. “The mom waved and said, ‘I’m here,’” Dassonville said. “Everyone had a smile on their face. It was a really happy time. Most of the time you are bringing patients in and it’s sad or traumatic.” The week of May 17-23 was national EMS week, and Boisits and Dassonville were among those honored at an awards dinner at Waterbury Hospital. Each got a pink stork pin for her uniform to let everyone know they delivered a baby girl. May 24, Boisits and Dassonville visited baby Abigail and her parents. They brought gifts for her and her sister Josephine, and Joann had gifts for them, too, boxes of Bridgewater chocolates. Dassonville said, “Now we’re friends on Facebook so we can watch baby Abigail grow.”
Boy Scout Troop 5 redeemable bottle and can drive
Inside this Issue Community Calendar...2 School Calendar..........2
Visiting with each other recently were, left to right Middlebury EMT Kristine Boisits, Mike DeSantis, Joann DeSantis (holding baby Abigail) and Middlebury EMT Beverly Dassonville. Boisits and Dassonville helped deliver Abigail at the DeSantis home May 5. (Submitted photos)
What: Fundraiser to benefit Scout programs When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Village Square Plaza at 530 Middlebury Road in Middlebury Info: For bottle/can pickup before Saturday, June 6, call Michael Zinko at 203-758-8599. Please note Gatorade and Powerade bottles are not redeemable.
Low-cost rabies clinic for cats and dogs
sunday
June 7
thursday
June 18
What: Pomperaug District Department of Health, Southbury Animal Control and Southbury Veterinary Hospital low-cost rabies clinic for dogs and cats. When: 1 to 3 p.m. Where: Southbury Town Garage on Peter Road in Southbury Info: Cost $15 CASH ONLY per animal. No residency requirements. Dogs must be on leashes; cats must be in carriers. Dr. Joseph Ross is donating his services and the vaccine. Proceeds will go to local charities.
Pomperaug High School (PHS) graduation
What: Class of 2015 graduates When: 6:30 p.m. Where: PHS gymnasium with additional seating in the auditorium
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Middlebury Community Calendar
June 2015
Library Highlights
This column features highlights from each library. For a more extensive list of events at Board of Selectmen each library, please visit our website, www. 6 p.m.........................Shepardson Community Center Auditorium bee-news.com, and click on “Libraries.” Special Town Meeting 6:30 p.m....................Shepardson Community Center Auditorium Greenway Committee For Middlebury Public Library events, 7 p.m.............................................................. Shepardson, Room 26 please visit middleburypubliclibrary.org. The Middlebury Public Library is at 30 Crest Road. Tuesday, June 2 The telephone number is 203-758-2634. Water Commission 7 p.m.............................................................. Shepardson, Room 26
on the period drama Downton Abbey. See examples of the type of costumes worn on the show displayed for viewing at the library for one night only. Reservations are required for this free event; please call 203-262-0626, ext. 130. Sponsored by the Charles H. & Ella Emery Rutledge Fund; refreshments will be provided.
Monday, June 1
Middlebury
Children’s summer reading program Registration for the summer reading program, “Reading Rocks at the Southbury Library!”will begin Saturday, June 13, at 9:30 a.m. Registration can be done in person or online.
Naugatuck
Wednesday, June 3
Snacks and Shows for Seniors
Land Preservation and Open Space Tuesday, June 9, at 1 p.m., the library will 6 p.m.............................................................. Shepardson, Room 26 host its monthly Snacks and Shows for Seniors event sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Zoning Board of Appeals 7:30 p.m..............................................Town Hall Conference Room Watch a 1963 comedy starring Jack Lemmon, Carol Lynley and Dean Jones. See what happens when a love-struck landlord tries to Thursday, June 4 convince a pretty tenant to dump her fiancé Planning and Zoning Commission and give him a chance. 7:30 p.m.....................................................Shepardson, Auditorium Refreshments will be served before the show! This program is open to patrons who Monday, June 8 are at least 50 years old and their guests. RegPolice Commission istration is required. Call 203-729-4591. 6 p.m...................................................Town Hall Conference Room
Meditation
Tuesday, June 9
The ongoing meditation practice summer hours will be Thursdays, June 11 and 25, at 5:50 Library Board of Directors 3 p.m.......................................................Middlebury Public Library p.m. in the Reading Room. For information, call 203-729-4591. Democratic Town Committee 7:30 p.m......................................................... Shepardson, Room 27 Children’s author Republican Town Committee Christine Taylor-Butler 7:30 p.m......................................................... Shepardson, Room 26 Saturday, June 13, at 12 p.m., children’s author Christine Taylor-Butler will visit. She Wednesday, June 10 is an engineer who uses her scientific backBoard of Finance ground in writing her books and has published 7 p.m.............................................................. Shepardson, Room 26 over 80 nonfiction books for kids. She will present her first middle-grade novel, “The Thursday, June 11 Lost Tribes,” about five kids who could never imagine their parents are scientists on a secret Retirement Plan Committee 1 p.m...................................................Town Hall Conference Room mission. Her visit will include hands-on experiments and fun science activities. Parks and Recreation 7 p.m................................................................ Shepardson, Room 1 Concert Sunday, June 14, at 2 p.m., enjoy 2X2, various and sundry piano and vocal duets perBoard of Selectmen formed by members of the Wednesday After6 p.m...................................................Town Hall Conference Room noon Musical Club (Connecticut’s oldest musical organization). Light refreshments Public Works Commission 7 p.m................................................................ Shepardson, Room 4 after the concert. Call 203-729-4591 for more information. The Howard Whittemore Memorial Library Tuesday, June 16 is at 243 Church St. in Naugatuck. For inforCommission on Aging mation, call 203-729-4591 or visit whittemore9:30 a.m......................................................... Shepardson, Room 26 library.org. Water Pollution Control Authority 7:30 p.m......................................................... Shepardson, Room 26
Monday, June 15
Beautification Committee 6:30 p.m......................................................... Shepardson, Room 26
Ethics Commission 6:30 p.m..............................................Town Hall Conference Room
Tuesday, June 23 Economic and Industrial Development Commission 6:30 p.m. ............................................Town Hall Conference Room
Tuesday, June 30 Conservation Commission 7:30 p.m......................................................... Shepardson, Room 26 Calendar dates/times are subject to change. If your organization would like your event included in the community calendar, please email the information to beeintelligencer@gmail.com.
Pomperaug High School Events June 1 - No school - Teacher Work Day June 18 - Last day of school/early release day Sunday, May 31................... Junior/Senior Prom........................7 - 11 p.m. Tuesday, June 2.................... Senior Class Trip.................................... 7 a.m. Wednesday, June 3............... Yearbook Banquet............................1 - 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 3............... Scholarships/Awards............ 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4................... Tri M Induction.....................Auditorium, 7 p.m. Friday, June 5....................... Concert Band, Choir Concert.................. 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 16.................. Commencement Practice..................... 10 a.m. Thursday, June 18................ Graduation....................................... 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18................ GradNite.........................................10:30 p.m.
See the Region 15 School Calendar at
bee-news.com
Southbury
World of Downton Abbey lecture
Woodbury
Senior Associate Dean of Yale College and Dean of Academic Affairs Mark J. Schenker will present “The World of Downton Abbey,” a lecture that will illustrate how social, political and literary events in England during the late 19th and early 20th centuries shaped the world depicted in the popular PBS series. It will be Wednesday, June 3, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Kingsley Room. Registration is required; please call 203-262-0626, ext. 130, to register. Refreshments will be provided.
Young-adult author to speak
Young-adult author Cindy L. Rodriguez will be at the library Saturday, June 6, at 2 p.m. for an author talk and book signing. Her debut novel, “When Reason Breaks,” has been described as “The 13 Reasons Why” meets the poetry of Emily Dickinson and is a perfect summer read for teens. Rodriguez will discuss the path that brought her from a career as a newspaper reporter for the Boston Globe to teaching and to writing for young adults. Day of the Dead cookies inspired by Portrait-painting demonstration events in her book will be available to frost and Master artist Alain Picard will give a portrait- eat during the event. This event is free and open painting demonstration Tuesday, June 16, to area residents. from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Kingsley Room. This Judith Cerrato photo exhibit, program is part of the library’s adult summer reception series, “The World of Downton Abbey at The Southbury Library.” Working from a live model The photography of Judith Cerrato will be on in period 1920s fashion, Picard will create a display in the gallery during the month of June. pastel portrait in two hours. Copies of his new A reception for her will be held Saturday, June book, “Mastering Pastel,” will be available for 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. Cerrato’s nature photography sale. Light refreshments will be provided. reflects her love of the outdoors, and her images capture the beauty of New England. Downton Abbey costumes For more information, call 203-263-3502 or Tuesday, June 30, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in visit www.woodburylibraryct.org. The library the Kingsley Room, hear a presentation by is at 269 Main St. S. in Woodbury. professional costume designer Matt Dettmer To see more library events, please look online about the changing fashion trends featured at www.bee-news.com.
Library Lines
Wednesday, June 17
Monday, June 22
Art exhibit Photos by photographers Len and Phyllis Acuzzo will be on display in the exhibit, “Through Our Eyes Experience the Power of Light” from June 2 through June 28. The Acuzzos are former New York City natives who have always had a Period costumes from Downton Abbey like passion for photography and have documented this one will be on display one night only, their travels with nature and landscape June 30, at the Southbury Public Library. photographs. (Submitted photo) For more information, call 203-262-0626 or visit www.southburylibrary.org. The library is at 100 Poverty Road in Southbury.
W
Good books for your outdoor reading
e have jumped from winter to summer, just as everyone predicted. Heavy coats one day, shorts the next. We do live in New England and should be happy just to have sunshine! It is such a joy to look up and see the green leaves instead of bare branches! There is nothing like the green of the new leaves and grass – it is this shade of green only in the spring, so we need to really take note of it. Take a book and sit outside to enjoy this very short and lovely season if you can. And if you can, read “All the Light We Cannot See” (DOE) by Anthony Doerr. Even though it is over 500 pages, I didn’t want it to end. The storytelling is beautiful, and the tale is riveting. First up in fiction is a tale based on the fable about the seven sisters of the constellation next to Orion. Written by Lucinda Riley, “The Seven Sisters” (RIL) in reality is about only six sisters – but they are all named in order of the legend. Single and middle-aged, Pa Salt would bring the baby girls home one at a time, but could never find the seventh. They all lived in a castle named Atlantis, one of many mythological references found throughout the story. Pa called himself a magician of sorts – and their life was one of opulence and wealth. When he died, he left each girl a clue to their heritage. This is the eldest daughter Maia’s story, so we can expect at least six more in the series. We are obsessed with royalty; this is so true! “The Royal We”
(COC) by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan satisfies that secret wish to know just what it would be like for a commoner to fall in love with a royal. Rebecca Porter never intended to become involved with Prince Nicholas when they met at Oxford; that was something her twin sister, Lacey, would do! But Bex does and discovers the sometimes dazzling, sometimes sad life behind the glamor of the throne. Every now and then, it’s fun to look at a real fluff book. Fluff can be good! Laura Childs writes good fluff – with good recipes! “Ming Tea Murder” (CHI) by Childs is a cozy murder mystery – always a fun fluff choice. Thrown into an elegant black-tie affair, Theodosia and Max attend a gala opening for a museum including a genuine Chinese tea house. No one is expecting the corpse in the photo booth; unfortunately, Max is suspected in the murder, so Theodosia becomes involved in solving the crime. Recipes included. “Jack of Spades” (OAT) by Joyce Carol Oates will keep you reading to the last page. Andrew Rush is a well-known mystery writer who also writes very dark and violent novels under the pen name of “Jack of Spades.” Psychological twists and turns make this a thriller to read with the lights on as we gradually realize just how fine the line is between reality and fiction for Rush. With a haunting past and a haunted future, Rush begins to disintegrate into two people – and “Jack” is not a nice person. A fascinating subject has
sprung into the front pages in the past few years: killer whales in captivity. We have been charmed by orcas performing in shows at aquariums, as well as horrified when a trainer was killed by one. In “Beneath the Surface: Killer Whales, SeaWorld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish” (599.53 HAR) by John Hargrove, a former orca trainer at SeaWorld, we have a first-person account of a daily working environment with these giants. After many years of such close contact, Hargrove knew exactly how the whales would respond – and when they wouldn’t and the unthinkable could happen. The book offers a close-up look at a very unusual world. If you had a chance to see it, you surely enjoyed “The Roosevelts: An Intimate History” produced by Ken Burns. It was an in-depth look at one of the most well-known, well-recognized and much-loved families in history. “Hissing Cousins: The Untold Story of Eleanor Roosevelt and Alice Roosevelt Longsworth” (973.917 PEY), written by Marc Peyser and Timothy Dwyer, takes an even closer look at this very singular relationship. The cousins grew up only blocks apart from each other, but their beliefs and temperaments were miles apart. Alice was the first White House princess when her father (Theodore) was president, and she was quite vocal with her beliefs. As first lady, Eleanor was beloved for her commitment to social justice and equality. Have you always treasured a secret longing to follow in Phileas
Fogg’s footsteps and travel around the world? Albert Podell did – and lived to write about it. “Around the World in 50 Years: My Adventure to Every Country on Earth” (910.4092 POD) was the result. He endured earthquakes, riots, snowstorms, sandstorms, wild animal attacks and almost every other natural – and unnatural – disaster to embark on the longest automobile journey ever taken. A nonstop thrill ride of adventure, yes, but I would have enjoyed more pictures and pictures in color instead of the occasional black and white photo – must be the kid in me that wants to look at the pictures first! Do you have a curious mind? “A Curious Mind: the Secret to a Bigger Life” (153.8 GRA) by Brian Grazer and Charles Fishman explores just that. A famous producer, Grazer attributes his success to his constantly seeking out interesting people from all walks of life and subjecting them to his “curiosity conversation.” The results have been “A Beautiful Mind,” “Friday Night Lights” and “Apollo 13” to name just a few award-winning films. Written with great empathy for the many people he interviewed, Grazer is more than just nosy – he wants to uncover the roots of his subjects. Middlebury Public Library Adult Services Librarian Donna Hine writes Library Lines once a month. If you have a topic you’d like her to cover, contact her at the library at 203-758-2634.
between food and foul play, and dozens of fun facts, such as lethal plants found in the family garden. Famed English mystery writer Agatha Christie knew a great deal about poisons, using them in the plots of roughly half of her 64 novels. The cookbook’s recipes are divided into seven main sec-
tions: Breakfast, Appetizers, Soups and Salads, Entrees, Side Dishes, Desserts, and Cocktails. Kate White, former editor in chief at Cosmopolitan and The New York Times’ best-selling author of the Bailey Weggins mystery series, offers insights and facts about major fictional characters. Whether it’s a hard-boiled breakfast, thrilling entree or cozy dessert, no one knows as much about the importance of stomach contents as these illustrious members of the Mystery Writers of America. Among the recipes are James Patterson’s Grandma’s Killer
Chocolate Cake (a family recipe from the 1940s), Sue Grafton’s Peanut Butter and Pickle Sandwich, Nelson DeMille’s Male Chauvinist Pigs in a Blanket, Alison Gaylin’s Smoking Gun Margarita and, with a nod to Sherlock Holmes, Laurie R. King’s Mrs. Hudson’s Coffee Sheet Cookies. And speaking of coffee, Lee Child serves up a recipe for his perfect cup of coffee for one. Whether you’re planning a sinister dinner party or simply looking to whip up some comfort food, this cunning collection could be just the solution.
Book Review Middlebury Road (Opposite the Shell Station) Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Anthony Calabrese 203-758-2765
Vegetable Plants Annuals • Perennials Ornamental Statuary Hanging Baskets • Roses Herbs • Strawberry Plants • Shrubs Mulch in bulk or by the bag Deer Corn • Livestock & Poultry Feed
“The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook” Edited by Kate White (Quirk Books, $24.95) Reviewed by Larry Cox This wickedly delightful cookbook features more than 100 recipes contributed by such legendary mystery authors as Sandra Brown, J.A. Jance, Sue Grafton and Mary Higgins Clark. In addition to the recipes, there are full-color illustrations, mischievous sidebars revealing links
(c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.
The Bee-Intelligencer
June 2015
Picking a hospital Medicare’s online site, Hospital Compare, now uses stars to rate hospitals. This is good – and bad – when it comes to judging a hospital. The Good: At least there is another tool to help guide you toward selecting the right hospital. The star ratings look at things like pain control and communication with the patient. The Bad: The star method is based on the appraisals of patients who’ve been in hospitals. If a patient has had a bad experience, it might have nothing to do with the care he or she received. Patients who are surveyed are chosen randomly, and they’re not all Medicare recipients. (What would be interesting is seeing a comparison of the results of patients on Medicare versus those who have private insurance. Is our care different from those of patients with another insurance plan?) Hospitals, of course, aren’t thrilled about these star surveys, saying that a difference of only a
point can move a hospital down from three stars to two ... or down to one. They also point to the fact that it’s just patient opinion that makes up the rating and that there’s much more to a hospital than a patient’s experience. The American Hospital Association even says, “There’s a risk of oversimplifying the complexity of quality care.” Medicare does its own reports, but those are based on dry statistics, such as how many people got infections while there. In time, the site also will rate hospitals based on outcomes and safety, but for now the patient appraisals and the Medicare reports are what’s available. To see how your hospital compares, go online to www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare. Matilda Charles regrets she cannot personally answer reader questions, but she will incorporate them into her column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@gmail.com. (c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.
3
Don’t throw out the pencils just yet Greetings from School Daze! Well, the end of another school year is quickly approaching. You have made it through the trials and tribulations of your child’s academic year. Congratulations! Perhaps your days began with tantrums over what to wear, crying over an unfinished homework assignment, or arguing over an 11thhour project notice. These are all part of the nonacademic learning experiences your child must go through in order to become a more skillful, conscientious and responsible student. So don’t fret; better days are ahead! As your child grows and develops, he or she will learn, with your guidance of course, how to manage time, become better organized and plan assignments in a timely manner. These are the skills that will become the foundation for your child’s success as he or she proceeds through the school years. At this point, I’m sure you would like to put the books away, throw out the half-used pencils and burn the homework folder. But hold off … it isn’t totally over! While the academic school year is completed, your child needs to maintain what he or she has learned during the past year. I am not, by any means, suggesting your child do hours of school work every day. What I am suggesting is that your
School Daze by Mrs. M. child engage in some academics throughout the summer. I realize summertime is short and family time is extremely important, but having your child practice basic skills is not only beneficial but necessary in maintaining all the good work he or she has accomplished thus far. Two programs I use in my classroom that have proven to be very useful in improving/maintaining basic skills are Xtramath.org and ReadTheory.org. Both of these are free online programs. They are easy to start up and fun for children of elementary to middle school age. Xtramath.org focuses on the repetition of math skills in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. These are the basic skills all math is built upon. Having a sound foundation in these skills allows for success in future areas as students progress in the upper
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grades. There are several different programs students progress through as mastery is achieved. The program is guided by a host who interacts with the student. Each assignment is approximately 10 minutes long. Since there is a timing element, students try to beat the clock. To your child, this is a game, but in reality, they are learning to respond to basic skills in rapid fire. A win-win situation for all, don’t you think? This program also provides a report so you can monitor your child’s progress. The second program, ReadTheory.org, focuses on reading skills. Students read high-interest passages and respond to questions. Correct responses are revealed along with the rationale for each. The questions are Common Corerelated and promote higher-level critical thinking skills. Again, this program also is easily managed, and an ongoing report is provided.
Since these programs are online, they can be done on any mobile device that is Internet connected, such as a tablet or even a cell phone. A good way to spend those traveling hours in the car! Next month, I will expand on the benefits of reading chapter books and how you can help your child develop better fluency and comprehension skills. As always, I welcome your opinions and comments. If you have any questions regarding the two programs I outlined in this column, please email me at fmull04@gmail.com. Until next month … sharpen those pencils and keep smiling! Teacher: “Timmy, you know you can’t sleep in my class.” Timmy: “I know. But maybe if you were just a little quieter, I could.” Mrs. M. (Fran Mullen) is an educator in the Waterbury School District.
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Father’s Day June 21
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The Bee-Intelligencer
4
June 2015
Bee Intelligencer
in•tel•li•gencer: n. One who conveys news or information The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th ed.
Issued by: The Middlebury Bee-Intelligencer Society LLC Bee-Intelligencer Staff: Editor-In-Chief/Publisher: Marjorie Needham Contributing Writers: Mary Conseur, Terrence S. McAuliffe Art & Production: Mario J. Recupido - 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 © 2015 by The Middlebury Bee-Intelligencer Society, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
P&Z -
Continued from page 1 delivering fuel, and added, “The project isn’t big enough to be a truck stop.” Jacobi questioned the need for a combined 14 pumps in Middlebury, a figure he derived by adding the four at the adjacent Mobil station to the 10 at the proposed Shell station. “There are 16 gas pumps at the I-95 service center in Fair Haven … for 65,000 cars per day,” he said. “What are the metrics for how many cars need to drive by and how many pumps you need? Our traffic is 80 percent less than what is on Route 95 … how did you get to 14 pumps?” Jack Starr, project manager for Wesson Energy, said the pumps were needed so incoming cars wouldn’t stack up and wait when drivers left their cars to go into the convenience store and wait in line to buy coffee after filling up. Jacobi said he drove by the current station frequently and did not see many cars waiting. He questioned the height of the canopy and was told by Starr it was a standard height to prevent it from being wiped out by an incoming truck. James Smith asked Galante about the type of traffic expected and questioned the true impact from traffic coming off I-84 exits 16 and 17. Galante said he didn’t expect any large trucks at all. He said he used standard state measurements that didn’t require such analysis. James Smith then listed the food preparation equipment in the proposed station, “I just don’t understand why we have a 75-pound hot dog express, a 50-pound capacity gas fry-master, a 2,000-gallon grease trap. It just feels like there’s a disconnect in terms of what is being said and what is likely to happen. What is this really all about? Why do we need a 20-shelf warming oven and a 24-pan gas oven steamer, and on and on?” He said he didn’t think the project was intended for Middlebury residents nor did it meet the standard for the upcoming 2015 POCD. Peter Vaccarelli asked if there would be advertising on I-84 in either direction. Starr said there were no such plans. Dr. W. Scott Peterson said he felt traffic would be affected if cheap gas were advertised. He complimented the overall look of the building, with shingles and gable and cupola, but he questioned the compatible size of the building after having looked at the stakes, calling it squeezed-in. He also suggested the use of a landscape architect to improve the appearance.
Dr. John Kanca III said traffic was a big issue, noting delays caused by I-84. He asked for a comparison between the diesel capacity of the current Shell station and the new station. Starr said the capacity would be greater to reduce delivery frequency. Kanca also asked why the current station wasn’t open 24/7 but the new station would be. Starr said the station operator and corporate policy decide the hours. Catherine Konnik asked for numbers on the additional wait time to reenter the increased flow of traffic and was told by Galante it would be about two seconds. She also asked about the impact of the station to the flood zone and was told by Virbickas the site had less impervious coverage, so would cause less water to leave the premises and enter the flood zone. State Senator Joan Hartley asked if the town had performed an independent traffic study and was told by Chairman Smith it had not. Hartley also asked whether the impact of traffic from the proposed Oxford power plant had been considered. McVerry said they did not plan the proposal based upon what might happen in an adjacent town. Cathy Smith of Tranquility Road questioned why the store would have such a large kitchen and need to be open 24/7. She said it couldn’t be for the people of Middlebury but rather the target market on I-84. Maureen Voghel asked how often tanker trucks would deliver diesel fuel. Starr said he drove a diesel car and thought diesel use was increasing. He said the number of pumps was increased because many people went into the store after fueling to make purchases, preventing the next vehicle from using the pump during that time. Virbickas and Starr also said the load-bearing capacity of the concrete surfaces was typically designed to handle the weight of any size vehicle. Charolette Walters said the project rendering did not represent the setting of the surrounding area. She said the first impression of Middlebury was poor, with many gas stations and a rusted-out garden center. Starr said Middlebury once had seven gas stations but now the cost of replacing underground tanks and renovating an existing station was more than $400,000. Angela Corcoran asked whether a car wash could be permitted at the site. Chairman Smith said it could not. Jean Peterson questioned the outdoor lighting levels and the inside seating and whether landscape trucks could get in and out.
Virbickas said the lighting was inside the canopy and the height and width of the fueling islands was standard for the industry. Alice Hallaran questioned the number of parking spaces, saying the 32 spaces were calculated for an internal restaurant since removed. Virbickas said the regulations require 17 parking spaces plus 10 for gas station use. She encouraged him to consider eliminating the extra spaces and leaving the area natural with trees. She also asked about storm water. Virbikas said the impervious surfaces were slightly less than the current ones and holding tanks would control roof runoff. Dr. Peterson, speaking for himself and his wife, Jean, said the project as presented was out of keeping with both historic Middlebury and the future Middlebury as described in the pending 2015 POCD. He encouraged the commissioners to use their leeway in interpreting the 2001 POCD to bring about the semi-rural residential area so many people say they want. He said the project was much too large and commercial, “a very unpleasant place,” that was dangerous to children and not the shopping and gathering area of happy ambiance the 2001 plan stated as desires. He also repeated a comment he made at prior hearings, that Middlebury isn’t considered pretty any more, and doctors he has hired recently don’t want to live here, despite Region 15 having the best schools in the area. “Middlebury has gotten a bad reputation. Maybe it has already lost it as an attractive semi-rural community,” he said. He said housing values have gone down and tax revenue will likely go down, even with the revenue from this project. Peterson concluded by saying the 24/7 operation of the station would be of no benefit to Middlebury where most citizens would be home and in bed. He predicted cheap gas advertisements at both ends of town to draw truck traffic, and he said the late-night operation would attract “undesirables.” As a physician, he decried the ease of buying cigarettes and potato chips and junk food from a drivethrough and hoped it would never be allowed. “This project can change the character of our town significantly and impact us all, and not in a good way,” he said. James Smith said he initially thought the project was to spruce up the gas station and now he cannot square it with the “protect the semi-rural nature of Middlebury” mission in the POCD. “I’m www.nfda.org
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disheartened that having a bigger gas station is the best you can do with this property,” he said. He told commissioners a gas station in the new Southford Road business district would move traffic and rumbling closer to the interstate. Commissioner Matthew Robison said the traffic study didn’t take into account turns from the station when traffic backs up, noting the frequent congestion caused by I-84 accidents and the likely additional congestion from two years of highway construction work in Waterbury. He said the project was better suited for Straits Turnpike. Commissioner William Stowell asked for more information on the number of pumps affecting project viability. He said he appreciated the changes to make it more pedestrian friendly. Commisioner Paul Babarik questioned the 24/7 operation and was told by Starr and McVerry it was up to the station operator. He questioned the purpose of the food equipment now that the drive-through was eliminated. Starr said the equipment was there for whatever the operator wanted to provide. Chairman Smith thanked Starr for staking out the project and said he liked the architecture of the project, but added the scale of the project is not in keeping with the semi-rural character of Middlebury the town is trying to preserve. He said the appearance and scale of the station was al-
most identical to gas stations on Route 15 in North Haven, except that two pump stations for four cars are adequate there for a much greater volume of traffic. “Why does Middlebury need 10? I really encourage you to scale it back,” he said. McVerry said there were a number of “what-ifs” that had nothing to do with the zoning regulations. He asked for an extension to answer the questions, and Chairman Smith continued the public hearing to June 4. In updates to the POCD, Chairman Smith said he and Matthew Robison met with town planner Brian Miller to revise the section on Middlebury Center based on accumulated public hearing comments. Miller said he renamed the district “Middlebury Village” and eliminated the boundary lines in maps while adding more detail about architectural standards. A copy of the section was provided to commissioners for comment at the next meeting. In new business, a public hearing to review amendments to the zoning regulations was scheduled for July 2. Attorney McVerry, representing George and Diana Nybakken, said a new Section 25.7 was proposed for the Tyler Cove Association at Lake Quassapaug. McVerry said the new section would be similar to one added for the West Shore Homeowners Association, taking the limited common areas and using them as building lines.
In other matters, town counsel Dana D’Angelo told commissioners the Board of Selectmen (BoS) received an offer to purchase town-owned property on Benson Road for $200,000. The town acquired that property from Baker Residential in lieu of taxes owed in June 2014. D’Angelo said the sales price is the same as the assessed value. First Selectman Edward B. St. John was authorized April 20 by the BoS to proceed with a sales contract pending P&Z approval, which was unanimously voted. In procedural matters, Zoning Enforcement Officer Curtis Bosco told Chairman Smith he had been regularly attending ZBA meetings from the time he assumed his position but recently found he was not required to do so. He said he could process variance applications in the building department offices with the help of staff. Chairman Smith confirmed Bosco did not need to attend ZBA meetings. Bosco also said he had examined state statutes and found no regulations requiring the mailing of certified letters to neighboring property owners. The statutes say “may require,” but don’t compel towns to do so. He said Middlebury has no rules or ordinances requiring the letters. Smith told Bosco he didn’t need to require them anymore. The next regular P&Z meeting will be Thursday, June 4, at 7:30 p.m. at Shepardson Community Center.
Middlebury Senior Center News Hollywood bio film and talk
Commission on Aging meeting
Thursday, June 4, at 9:45 a.m., Tom Rosa will show and discuss the film “Dark Passage,” a 1947 film noir thriller starring Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall and Agnes Moorehead. The setting of this film is San Francisco with its picturesque streets and stunning panoramas. Direction by Delmar Daves, music by Fran Waxman and cinematography by Sidney Hickox make this an unforgettable film. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome.
The Commission on Aging will hold its monthly meeting Tuesday, June 16, at 9:30 a.m. All who are interested are welcome to attend.
How to prevent financial abuse Webster Bank will present this free seminar Tuesday, June 9, at 10:30 a.m. From travel scams and phony lotteries to false promises, seniors often are the targets of financial fraud and abuse. Learn how to protect yourself – or someone you love – from becoming a victim of financial abuse. Topics include: 1. What is “financial abuse”? Learn how to identify the different ways seniors can be taken advantage of financially. 2. Warning signs. Know the financial warning signs that can indicate fraud and abuse. 3. Scams to watch out for. We’ll explain the most common financial scams and what makes you vulnerable. 4. Important dos and don’ts. What to do, who to call and where to turn if you suspect financial abuse. Don’t let yourself or someone you love fall victim to financial abuse. Plan now to attend this important seminar. Attendance is FREE and no registration is required. Walk-ins are welcome. Refreshments will be served.
Driver safety program The next AARP Driver Safety course will be Monday, July 6, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the senior center. The course is the nation’s first and largest driver-refresher course. Using new materials and new videos, the course covers new defensive driving techniques, new laws and regulations, how to deal with aggressive drivers, and how aging affects drivers. Drivers who attend the class will receive a completion certificate and may be entitled to a discount on automobile insurance (contact your insurance company for details). AARP membership is not required, and drivers of all ages are invited to attend. The cost to participate is $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers. All checks must be made out to “AARP.” Call 203-577-4166 to register.
Trips Thimble Island Cruise Come aboard the Sea Mist, relax and enjoy yourself as you cruise around 25 inhabited islands off the coast of Connecticut. The bus will leave the Middlebury Senior Center Wednesday, June 3, at 10 a.m. for a 12:15 p.m. cruise. Call 203-577-4166 to reserve your seat. Admission and transportation will be $17 per person.
Palace Theater tour The minibus will leave the Middlebury Senior Center Friday, June 5, at 10:15 a.m. for the Palace Theater’s guided tour at 11 a.m. The tour will include a walk down memory lane as the theater debuts its 10-year anniversary history exhibit. Each tour is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and is led by a specially trained group of engaging volunteers well-versed in the theater’s rich history, architectural design and entertaining anecdotal information. In addition to exploring the theater, Poli Club and lobby spaces, you also will have the opportunity to visit the star dressing rooms, walk across the stage and view the venue’s hidden backstage murals. The admission and transportation fee is $8 per person. Please call 203-577-4166 to reserve your seat.
Lenny and Joe’s Fish Tale Thursday, June 11, the minibus will leave the Middlebury Senior Center at 10 a.m. and will travel to Lenny and Joe’s Fish Tale on Longwharf Drive in New Haven. The fee for transportation is $7 per person. Please 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, June 26. This trip is on 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.
The Bee-Intelligencer
June 2015
5
Obituaries Adam J. Bartolini
Sophia U. (Unikas) Cheske
Mr. Adam J. Bartolini, 90, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, Tuesday, May 5, 2015, in the VITAS Unit at St. Mary’s Hospital. Mr. Bartolini was born Jan. 11, 1925, in Waterbury, the son of the late Domenic and Augusta (Turini) Bartolini. He grew up in Philadelphia and later moved back to Waterbury, where he graduated from Leavenworth High School. Shortly after opening Adam and Andy’s Auto Body Shop in Waterbury, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He proudly served during the Korean Conflict in the Auto Body Repair Division. Adam was very proud of his work and taught auto body repair at Kaynor Technical School and worked at many different body shops throughout his career. Adam was a member of Parents Without Partners, where he served as president for two years and dance director for six years. Adam most enjoyed dancing socially and reading from his collection of recipe and selfimprovement books. He also enjoyed spending time with friends walking through the mall for exercise. Throughout his life, Adam also took great pride in caring for his multifamily homes. He was an incredible handyman who passed on these skills to his family members. Adam is survived by Marion (Bosso) Bartolini, whom he married in 1958, with whom he had two children and who remained his companion for the duration of his life; his son, David A. Bartolini and his wife, Roslyn, of Oakville; and his daughter, Karen B. Curry and her husband, Thomas Sr., of Middlebury. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Marissa Bartolini, Michael Bartolini, Thomas Curry Jr. and Jennifer Curry; and his great-granddaughter, Mikayla Bartolini, as well as several nieces and nephews and his wonderful caregiver of 16 months, Shaha “Shaina” Raboeva, who cared for Adam lovingly at his residence. Adam was predeceased by his sisters, Eva Belline and her husband, Jim, and Matilda Mucci and her husband, William. Adam’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of VITAS Hospice, in the field, on the phone or at the inpatient Hospice Unit at St. Mary’s Hospital. Every one of them provided comfort and caring above and beyond what was expected. THANK YOU! The funeral May 9, 2015, at Middlebury Congregational Church was followed by burial with full military honors in Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Adam’s name may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For more information and to leave online condolences, visit www.maioranofuneralhome.com.
Sophia U. (Unikas) Cheske, 94, of Naugatuck passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Abbott Terrace Health Center in Waterbury Tuesday, May 19, 2015. Sophia was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Francis J. Cheske. Her family would like to thank the staff of Abbott Terrace, particularly 2E, for the kind and gentle care they provided to their mother while she was a patient there. Mrs. Cheske was born in Waterbury, Conn., where she spent most of her life before moving to Naugatuck. She was the daughter of John and Antanina (Yeskelevich) Unikas. She graduated from St. Joseph’s grammar school and attended Wilby High School. She was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Waterbury. She was employed at Timex Corp. and at S.N.E.T. Co. as a telephone operator and retired from W.J. McGinn Construction Co. in Naugatuck, where she was employed as a receptlonist/ switchboard operator. She is survived by her daughter, Claudia C. Vaudreuil and her husband, Cliff, of Woodbury and her son, Winfield J. Cheske and his wife, Tracy, of Thomaston. She leaves a sister, Theresa Amodeo and her husband, Thomas, of Middlebury; five grandchildren, Tracey Maton of Watertown, Brian Halloran of Middlebury, Winfield Cheske Jr. of Harwinton, Lt. Francis C. Cheske USCG of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Victoria Cheske of Thomaston; six great-grandchildren, Gavin C. Maton and Brendan R. Maton of Watertown, Charlotte Halloran and Brynn Halloran of Middlebury, and Winfield J. Cheske III and Jenna Cheske of Harwinton. She also is survived by several nieces and was predeceased by her nephew and godson, Thomas Amodeo Jr. Her funeral was May 23, 2015, at St. Joseph’s Church in Waterbury. Burial was to follow in New Calvary Cemetery in Waterbury. The Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald-Zembruski Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Connecticut, 2975 Silas Dean Highway, Suite 100, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 or to the Abbott Terrace Resident Council Fund, 44 Abbott Terrace, Waterbury, CT 06702. To send an online condolence, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.
Proud Korean Conflict, U.S. Army Veteran
Cheryl (Beach) Capobianco
Former Middlebury resident Cheryl (Beach) Capobianco, 67, of Wallingford, formerly of Middlebury, died May 9, 2015, at Masonicare Healthcare Center after a long illness. Cheryl was born in Waterbury Oct. 6, 1947, the daughter of the late Theron B. and Grace (Garner) Beach. She was
raised in Watertown and graduated from Watertown High School. She received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Connecticut and was a CPA. She lived in Middlebury most of her adult life prior to moving to Wallingford 3 years ago. She leaves her daughter, Maria Panteleo and her husband, Nicholas, of Alexandria, Va.; two sisters, Gail Beach of Durango, Colo., and Claudia Beach and her husband, Dante Russillo, of Pittsboro, N.C.; two grandsons, Alexander and Stefano Panteleos; two sisters-in-law, Tanya Beach and Edith Beach, both of Watertown; her former husband, Michael Capobianco, his wife, Jane, and their family; several nieces and nephews; and a grandnephew. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers, Ronald Beach and Malcolm “Peter” Beach. Funeral services and burial are private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements were by Hickcox Funeral Home in Watertown. Donations in Cheryl’s memory may be made to Masonicare Annual Appeal in honor of the Masonicare Health Center Recreation Dept. (to fund musical recreational activities), P.O. Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.hickcoxfuneralhome.com.
Annmarie Louise (Roger) Mancini
Loving mother, daughter, grandmother and sister Mrs. Annmarie Louise (Roger) Mancini, 61, of Watertown passed away Sunday, May 10, 2015, at her home. She was the wife of the late Victor “Vittorio” Mancini. Louise was born in Waterbury, Conn., Feb. 3, 1954, a daughter of Lucie (Bernier) Roger and the late Phillippe Roger. She was an amazing cook and enjoyed taking care of her family, especially her grandchildren. They were her world. Besides her mother, Lucie, of Wolcott, Louise is survived by one son, Michael J. Mancini of Watertown, Conn.; three daughters, Marie L. Mancini Oliveira and her husband, Shane Oliveira, of West Hartford, Conn.; Lisa M. Mancini of West Hartford, Conn.; and Victoria A. Mancini of Middlebury, Conn.; two grandchildren, Andrew and Emily Oliveira; two brothers, Phillippe Roger and his wife, Deborah, of Oakville, Conn., Paul Roger and his wife, Sandra, of Wolcott, Conn.; one sister, Lucy Roger Ernandez of Plantsville, Conn., and several nieces and nephews. The funeral May 15, 2015, at St. John the Evangelist Church in Watertown was followed by entombment at Calvary Queen of Peace Mausoleum. Memorial donations in honor of her grandchildren, Emily and Andrew Oliveira, may be made to The Louise Mancini Scholarship Fund, c/o Webster Bank, Straits Turnpike, Watertown, CT 06795.
For more information or to send boating on Lake Quassapaug aboard e-condolences, visit www.chasepark- their pontoon boat with family, friends and their dog, Daisy. Judy was an exwaymemorial.com. perienced traveler, traveling to Europe and with her family to Hawaii and her favorite destination, the Caribbean. She also enjoyed watching and followAvid golfer with ing her daughter’s band, Sweeter than Wine. She was a member of the Tyler a heart of gold Cove Lake Association and Middlebury Irving B. Nixon Jr., 68, Congregational Church. Judy’s loving of Naugatuck, Conn., and giving spirit will be dearly missed. passed away suddenly In addition to her husband and her May 2, 2015. Irving children, she leaves her sister, Sharon was born in Rich- Frasca (Orazio/Sonny) of Huntington; mond, Va., Aug. 17, grandchildren, Julia Blake of Water1946, the son of the bury, Jeffrey Blake of Okinawa, Japan, late Irving Sr. and Lillian Nixon of Nau- and Jillian and Brandon Traver of Hilgatuck. ton Head, S.C.; and her niece, Karrie Irv was a loving father, grandfather Frasca-Beaulieu (Gary) of Middlebury and friend. Irv’s lifetime passion was and nephew, Robert Frasca (Monica) for the game of golf, and throughout of Watertown, Mass. Also left to mourn his 55-year golf career he had many her passing are Susan Blake, Kathleen accomplishments, some of which in- Fisher, Patricia Dalusio (Ritchie), Jack cluded 1964 State Schoolboy Cham- and Paula Traver, Jamie Johnson, Robpion, 1963 State Junior Champion, and ert Johnson, Dawn MastrobattisClub Champion at Laconia Country to-MacArthur, Janet Mastrobattisto, Club in Laconia, N.H. He often referred her dinner group from Sikorsky, many to his days with the “boys from La- cousins and friends from Lake Quasconia” as his best. Irv had 11 career sapaug and her church. Special thanks “aces” including one on a par-4 at the to the staff at Griffin Hospital and Hale age of 62. Also, he held two course Home Care. records in his lifetime. Funeral services were May 9, 2015, Irv traveled the world many times at the Middlebury Congregational over, enjoying every day of life. Irv was Church. Arrangements were by the a huge Elvis Presley fan and attended Southbury Funeral Home of Mun11 concerts. Irv had a heart of gold and son-Lovetere. For online condolences, will be missed by his many friends and visit www.munsonloveterefuneralfamily. If Irv didn’t make you smile at home.com. least once, there must have been something wrong with you. Irving is survived by two sons, Bryan C. Nixon, PGA, and his wife, Maureen, of Naugatuck and Chad Nixon of Hast- Longtime Middlebury resident ings, Mich., and two daughters, JacCarol Skoglund Sperry quelyn “Jackson” Tribanas and her passed away peacehusband, Joe, of Naugatuck and fully at VNA Hospice Frances Nixon-Simon of Middlebury. House in Vero Beach, He also is survived by two sisters, MadFla., May 4, 2015. She eline Nixon of Naugatuck and Teena was born in MinneapNixon of New Preston; his wife, Andrea olis, Minn., Dec. 25, Bonaldi Nixon; his five grandchildren: 1929. She was the daughter of the late Joey and Joshua Tribanas, and Kyle, Howell P. Skoglund and Margaret H. Tyler and Elizabeth Nixon all of NauSkoglund of Edina, Minn. gatuck; and one niece, Bianca Davis of Carol was a graduate of Northrop Virginia. Collegiate School (now The Blake Naugatuck Valley Memorial/FitzSchool), of Minneapolis, Minn., and gerald-Zembruski Funeral Home in Smith College in Northampton, Mass. Naugatuck handled the arrangements. After graduating from Smith College For online condolences or to share a in the class of 1951, she resided in story or a photo, visit www.naugatuckWashington, D.C., where she worked valleymemorial.com. first for the Armed Forces Security Agency and then for American Security and Trust Bank as an investment research analyst in the Trust Department. On April 24, 1954, she married LeavSikorsky retiree enworth P. Sperry Jr. and moved to Waterbury, Conn. In 1958 the couple Judith Catherine Wicmoved to Middlebury, Conn., where kun Ovesne of MiddleMrs. Sperry spent most of her married bury passed away life. peacefully with her Her favorite sport was golf, at which family by her side at she excelled, winning many tournaGriffin Hospital on ments over the course of the years. She May 5, 2015. Judy was was a member and treasurer of the the beloved wife of Charles Ovesne and United States Senior Women’s Golf the devoted mother of Denise Blake Association, where she made many and Jeffrey Blake, both of West Haven. close friends and was a member of the Before her retirement, Judy was a Highfield Club of Middlebury, Conn., long-time employee of Sikorsky Airwhere she won the ladies’ club chamcraft. Judy was an avid gardener and pionship many times over the course loved bird watching and entertaining of four decades. Carol also was a memat her lakeside home. She enjoyed ber of the Connecticut Women’s Golf Association and played in many tournaments throughout the state. She was a member of the John’s Island Club of Vero Beach, Fla., from 1992 until her death. She also was a member other hand, a personal bad debt of the Mill Reef Club of Antigua, West is considered a short term capital Indies, for more than 40 years. During her married life, Carol enloss and therefore must follow the capital loss rules for tax return gaged in many philanthropic activities in Connecticut. She was treasurer of treatment, which may limit the the Connecticut Child Welfare Associamount of your tax deduction ation and the Elisha Leavenworth each year and also may affect the Foundation and was very active on tax rate you use. behalf of the Mattatuck Museum, the In all cases above, the IRS has Waterbury Hospital Auxiliary and the steps you need to follow (e.g., Junior League. She thoroughly enjoyed being a exhausting all collection possibilities), before an item can offi- member of the board of directors of the Minnesota Vikings Football Club, of cially be declared a bad debt. This is a very general discus- which her father was a founder. She is survived by her husband, sion of this subject. Always con- Leavenworth, of 61 years; four sons: sult a tax professional if you are James and his wife, Abigail, of Madison,
Irving B. Nixon Jr.
Carol Skoglund Sperry
Judith Catherine Wickun Ovesne
Bad debts – Are they a tax write-off? The answer, as is often the case with tax matters, is “it depends.” First, we need to distinguish between business and personal bad debts. Let’s talk about business bad debts first. One of the more commonly asked questions we get from our small business clients is, “I am having trouble collecting from Customer ABC. Can I write this bad debt off on my tax return?” In most cases, the answer is “no” because most small businesses report their income using the cash method of accounting rather than the accrual method. Cash method means you report the income on your tax return when you receive the cash. So if you have a customer who never pays you, then you never reported that income on your tax
Diversified Tax Tidbits By MARK A. BURNS
return and so cannot take a tax write-off for income you never reported in the first place. Yes, you have an economic loss at that point, but not a tax loss. When my client says that is not fair, I explain the tax benefit they are getting is never having to pay taxes on income they never received. If you are a small business owner who uses the less common accrual method, then you are allowed to get a tax write-off for a bad debt. Under the accrual basis, you report income on your tax return when you earn the right to get paid, which is nor-
mally when the product or service is provided to the customer and you issue them an invoice. In that case, you report the income on your tax return before you receive the cash and if you then never receive that cash, you can take a tax deduction for the bad debt. Now let’s talk about personal bad debts. If you have a bona fide loan (not a gift) you make to another person (even a relative or friend), and have properly documented the loan (e.g., on a promissory note, etc.), then if that debt goes bad, you can write it off on your tax return. However, the way you write it off is different from a business bad debt. A business bad debt can normally be written off dollar for dollar against business income. On the
and 29 percent don’t know where it is. No matter what your age, if you’re a parent, you need a will. Consider what happens if you suddenly pass away without having made written instructions about what’s to happen to your house, your financial accounts and all your other assets. Not only are you leaving your loved ones in a bad position at an emotional time, it’s also going to be expensive for them to sort out. Dying without a will is called intestate, and each state has different rules about how your property will be divided. Those rules won’t necessarily coincide with your wishes. If you consult an attorney about having a will written, ask about revocable living trusts laws
Joseph G. Wihbey, M.D. Loving husband, father and grandfather
Dr. Joseph G. Wihbey, 84, of Middlebury passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital VITAS on Sunday, May 10, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Barbara (Norman) Wihbey. Dr. Wihbey was born in Waterbury Nov. 15, 1930, a son of the late George and Lillian (Namnoum) Wihbey. He was a graduate of Crosby High School, Class of 1948; Fairfield University, Class of 1952; and Fordham University, where he received a master’s degree in 1953. In 1957, he received his medical doctorate from Georgetown University. He proudly served his country as a captain in the U.S. Air Force as a base surgeon and flight surgeon in both France and England from 1959 to 1961. After completing his residency in surgery at Waterbury Hospital, he began his private surgical practice in 1964 and continued until his retirement in 2000, retiring as the hospital’s chief of staff and former chief of surgery. He was a member of the American College of Surgeons, Fellow of American College Surgeons and New Haven Medical Society. He also was a member of the Country Club of Waterbury, and P.G.A. National Country Club of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Middlebury as well as St. Ignatius Loyola Cathedral in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Besides his wife, Barbara, of 55 years, Dr. Wihbey leaves his children, Jean Wihbey, Ph.D., of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; Joan W. Papa of Jupiter, Fla., and Michael J. Papa of Waterbury; Linda T. Wihbey, Esq., and her husband, John Pickering, of Waterbury; Laura Wihbey Conway, A.P.R.N., and her husband, P.J., of Prospect; Joseph G. Wihbey Jr. and his wife, Dana, of Litchfield; and Christopher J. Wihbey Sr. and his wife, Nefra, of Wolcott; 10 grandchildren, Taryn Papa of Nashville, Tenn.; M. Christian Papa of Seabright, N.J.; Jillian Papa of Waterbury; Joseph G. Wihbey III, Natalie Wihbey and Peter Wihbey, all of Litchfield; Patrick Conway and Adam Conway, both of Prospect; Christopher Wihbey Jr. and Brayden Wihbey, both of Wolcott; two sisters-in-law, Adele Wihbey of Waterbury and Noreene Ebeling of West Palm Beach, Fla.; and a brother-in-law, George Norman of Watertown. He was predeceased by his siblings, Sadie George, John Wihbey, Francis Wihbey, Rev. William Wihbey, Edward Wihbey and Doris Wihbey. The funeral was May 13 at St. John of the Cross Church in Middlebury. Burial with full military honors was to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Watertown. Memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to Carolyn’s Place, 137 Grandview Ave., Waterbury, CT 06708. For more information or to send e-condolences, visit www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com.
uncertain about how tax matters might affect you. Mark A. Burns, MBA is a CPA with Diversified Financial Solutions PC in Southbury. He can be reached at 203-264-3131 or Mark@DFSPC.biz.
Study: Many parents don’t have a will Almost half of all parents don’t have a will. That’s a stunning number of people who haven’t put their final wishes in writing. A Princeton Survey Research Associates International’s poll for Caring.com asked adult chilpast five years. dren across the country for their knowledge about their parents • One-quarter of adult children don’t know if the wills have having a will. ever been updated. Here are some of the statistics: • Forty-four percent of parents • More females than males know what’s in the wills, but men are don’t have a will or living trust. more likely than women to • Sixteen percent of adult chilknow where the wills are. dren don’t know whether their • Older adults who have older parents have a will. parents and therefore should • Of the adult children who know be much more informed about there is a will, half don’t know the location and contents of where to find the document, wills, aren’t much better off and most don’t know what’s in than younger adults. In the 50 it. to 64 age category, 38 percent • Only 40 percent of parents have don’t know what’s in the will, updated their wills within the
Conn.; Charles and his wife, Lisa, of Woodbury, Conn.; Edward and his wife, Holly, of Denver, Colo.; and Grant and his wife, Lynn, of Houston, Texas; and 12 grandchildren: Nina, Ben, Blake, Brooks, Chase, Sarah, Hiller, Conner, Taylor, Parker, Caroline and Adrienne. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 30, 2015, at 11 a.m. at the Middlebury Congregational Church in Middlebury, Conn. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Riverside Cemetery Association Inc., C/O Bank of America, 157 Church St., 26th floor, New Haven, CT 06510. Arrangements are under the direction of Alderson-Ford Funeral Homes, and online condolences may be made at www.aldersonfuneralhomes.com.
in your state. It’s possible (not guaranteed) that your inheritors can avoid the delays of probate. If you have a will, update it periodically to add or revoke provisions by having a codicil (an amendment) added to it. Have all your important documents in one place: insurance policies; information about how to contact your attorney, CPA and financial adviser; and your will. And be sure your family knows where this information is stored. David Uffington regrets he cannot personally answer reader questions, but he will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Send email to columnreply2@gmail.com. (c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.
Trust & Dignity
The Bee-Intelligencer
6
June 2015
Effective listening is most important communication skill Winning Ways By Pat Iannuzzi Insights for Constructive Living
for maximum personal impact. A good listener is also attentive to nonverbal cues such as facial expressions and posture so as to derive the full essence of what a speaker is communicating. Unfortunately, when conversing with others, many of us are often more focused on what we intend to say next than on effectively collecting important information we can use to inform, serve and persuade others. This shortcoming can result in a significant lost opportunity for achieving our objectives. The effectiveness of our listening skills also is important for another reason – others form impressions of us, positive or negative, based on their reaction
to our listening skills. We all have a natural desire to be listened to. Being listened to tends to make us feel valued and appreciated. On the other hand, when we are not listened to, we’re inclined to feel diminished and disrespected. Effective listening skills, therefore, contribute to the development of rapport, while ineffective skills often create barriers to mutual understanding and appreciation. The reality is we can generally tell by their behavior and body language whether someone is sincerely listening, pretending to be listening or not listening at all. No communication is ever totally one-sided. Even if the message appears to be flowing mostly in one direction, from sender to receiver, the receiver consciously or subconsciously transmits some level of feedback that is interpreted either positively or negatively by the speaker.
Effective listening involves more than just accurately hearing another’s words. Basic elements of good listening skills include sitting still, maintaining good eye contact, letting the person speak without interrupting and using listening body language such as leaning forward, reflecting and nodding. Additionally, effective listeners demonstrate attentiveness by asking clarifying questions, using gestures and facial expressions to convey emotion, and employing body language to indicate agreement or disagreement. When these signs are absent, a speaker may get the feeling the person he or she is talking with is not paying attention and doesn’t care about what the speaker has to say. Ineffective listeners demonstrate very little verbal, emotional or physical response to what is being said or how it is being said. Their primary interest is in what they have
to say. Their approach to a conversation is that it is all about them, and this invariably shows. A speaker can quickly get the impression the hearer isn’t really concerned with what he or she thinks or feels, and may conclude the other person is inconsiderate, insensitive and uncaring, none of which are personal qualities that contribute to generating camaraderie and cooperation. The presence of mutual trust is a critical component of an effective personal interaction, the establishment of which is vital for personal effectiveness. Effective listening is the foundation for building this trust. 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.
Bad breath may not be bad at all
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DEAR DR. ROACH: Could the cause of chronic bad breath be due to having a tortuous esophagus? I’ve always had a horrible taste in my mouth 10 to 20 minutes after eating – sometimes worse than others, depending on what I’ve eaten. I was diagnosed with GERD 10 years ago. I tried Advertise Your Properties For Sale or Vacation Rentals throughout New eliminating certain foods, had my tonsils removed in my late England in free distribution newspapers with over 700,000 circulation 20s and have brought it up with doctors a few times to no avail. FOR FOR A I have regular cleanings every ONLY 25 - WORD CLASSIFIED three months with a dental hygienist, and I floss regularly, gargle and brush my teeth two or three times a day. I do not enjoy going to social events or participating in group activities. I am too embarrassed to discuss this with anyone, including my gastroenterologist, who discovered this type of esophagus during my endoscopy. A TV doctor said there are millions of people Community Papers of New England out there who can’t find a cure for their bad breath. Please help Call June at 877-423-6399 to place your ad today me! – S.H.
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ANSWER: There are indeed millions of people with bad breath, and many of them are unaware of it. On the other hand, millions of people who think they have bad breath do not, when examined objectively by professionals. This is largely because it is very difficult to judge what our own breath smells like. This is common enough that it has a name: halitophobia. Approximately 80 to 90 percent of bad breath comes from the oral cavity; the nasal passages, tonsils and sinuses are the causes in nearly all the others.
Bad breath almost never arises from the esophagus or stomach, so I don’t think your tortuous (a term meaning that the esophagus is twisted somewhat and doesn’t go straight down) esophagus is the cause. A bad taste in your mouth certainly can come from having GERD. Many people think the bad taste means their breath smells bad when, in fact, it doesn’t. I think you need to have an evaluation by an expert. Some ENT doctors have particular expertise in this area. The booklet on heartburn explains GERD and acid reflux. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Roach – No. 501W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 328536475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.
– See Good Health on page 7
1. Who was the last Red Sox lefthanded pitcher before Jon Lester in 2014 to have 12 strikeouts and no walks in a game? 2. In 1970, the New York Yankees had one 20-game winner, which was the only time this pitcher won 20 games during his 11-year career. Name him. 3. When was the last time before 2013 that Rice’s football team won an outright conference title? 4. In 2014, Paul Pierce became the sixth player in NBA history to tally 1,000 points in 15 consecutive seasons. Name four of the first five. 5. St. Louis’ Jay Bouwmeester played in 737 consecutive NHL games before being sidelined in 2014. Who holds the NHL record for most consecutive games? 6. Team Penske drivers have won 15 Indianapolis 500 races. Who was the first of the 15 to do it? 7. As of the 2015 Australian Open, how many Grand Slam singles titles have the Williams sisters won?
Answers: 1. Bruce Hurst, in 1986. 2. Fritz Peterson, who went 2011 that season. 3. It was 1957. 4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (19 seasons), Karl Malone (18), John Havlicek (16), Elvin Hayes (15) and Robert Parish (15). 5. Doug Jarvis, with 964. 6. Mark Donohue, in 1972. 7. Twenty-six: Serena Williams has won 19, and Venus Williams has won seven.
It’s probably safe to say most of us, on hearing this statement for the first time, may not readily recognize or appreciate how our listening skills can influence our success in communicating with others. Listening, after all, focuses on receiving a message rather than delivering it, so what does how we listen have to do with our interpersonal effectiveness? The answer is everything. First of all, our ability to listen effectively can have a tremendous impact on how clearly we understand the needs, desires and concerns of others. The better we come to know and understand them, the more effectively we can deal with them. Good listening skills enable us to make sense of what other people are saying and to better understand the issues that are important to them. Knowing what drives another person can be extremely valuable in helping us tailor our message and approach
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This is Hedwig. Keep an eye on her… she never stops moving!
Dr. Ehsan Ansari, Interventional Cardiologist Cardiology Associates of Greater Waterbury Hedwig Jeanette of Naugatuck had a serious problem: she was diagnosed with a blockage in her coronary arteries and scheduled for surgery with the Cardiac specialists at Waterbury Hospital. During surgery, doctors discovered that she had significant cardiac disease that required immediate life saving implantation of a cardiac stent, and later a defibrillator. “My case was very complicated,” says Hedwig. “Dr. Ansari told me my condition was one in a million. I’m lucky to be alive.” Dr. Ansari and the integrated team of cardiac clinicians at Waterbury Hospital deal with complex cardiac cases every day. It’s our clinical experience and patients’personal experiences that make us the hospital of choice for cardiac care in Greater Waterbury. Today Hedwig’s leading a happy, healthy life and her husband says; “she never stops moving!” Exceptional cardiac care and so much more. One more reason Waterbury Hospital means world class healthcare, right at home.
My cardiac condition was one in a million.
I’m very lucky to be alive.
Hedwig Jeanette of Naugatuck, grateful cardiac patient
Visit waterburyhospital.org
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June 2015
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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 knowBUSINESS TO “SUCCESS.” ingly accept advertising which is $799 includes 3-day training, deceptive, fraudulent, or which websites, lifetime membermight otherwise violate the law ship, newsletter. www.topor accepted standards of taste. choicecareer.com, Call 540However, this publication does 922-9791 not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of any advertisement, Flea Market nor the quality of the goods or services advertised. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly WOODBURY ANTIQUES & FLEA MARKET open Satinvestigate all claims made in urdays and Sundays yearany advertisements, and to use round 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. good judgment and reasonable Routes 6 and 64 in Woodcare, particularly when dealing bury, Conn. 203-263-6217. with persons unknown to you who ask for money in advance For Rent of delivery of the goods or services advertised.
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Q:
Look for our July issue on June 26. Meanwhile, visit bee-news.com.
Monthly SUDOKU
Summer energy savings
A:
Changing the air filter regularly is a great first line of attack in keeping power bills low, along with other benefits like reducing allergens inside your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it doesn’t take much dirt buildup on the A/C coil – about 0.42 inch – to reduce its efficiency by as much as 21 percent. That can translate to a cost increase of more than $200 more per year (to $725 per year from $518 per year for an average home, according to a Permatron release). But regular maintenance also is important, even for newer units – and that includes outdoor and indoor components of your
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Use ceiling fans in conjunction with air conditioning to better circulate air throughout the house.
Now here’s a tip
• It’s better to be a butterfly. The more social you are, the better your health, researchers say. • Plastic grocery bags always come in handy. Try storing them in empty tissue boxes for the car or bathroom, or use an empty 12-pack soda box for more storage under your kitchen sink or in the garage. • For foot cramps at bedtime, eat a banana in the evening. I think it is the potassium in the bananas, but it has had a good effect for me. And it can’t hurt to get another serving of fruit, right?” – L.I. in Missouri • Another great use for baby powder (or corn starch): If you have a deck of cards that are sticking together, simply place them in a baggie and add a tablespoon of powder. Seal and shake, getting the dust in between the cards. When you remove the cards, shuffle them over a kitchen towel, and they will be like brand-new.” – R.D. in Texas
• Fill a mop bucket with a dust• Need a patch for old woodwork? Yes! Use(whatever the largecolor endyou of Trypan? mixing paint dustpan as Make a funnel from arethe using) and flour. a paste, fill faucet over the It’s sidehard of the in the the holes and let dry. like cement, can be sanded shape sink, and where your mopinto bucket if necessary. is waiting to catch the waterfall. •The Whenhandle you get near of a roll actsthe asend a spout. of paper towels, save it to put in your car. Put together a kit with the following items: a small bottle of Windex or other cleaner, a squeeze bottle of water, some wet wipes and the short roll of paper towels. Now you’ll always be ready a quick Continued fromfor page 6 on-theroad cleanup. • Use baking soda to scrub away DEAR DR. ROACH: a 76-yearstuck-on food on yourI’m grill. Sprinkle enjoys a 6-ounce itold onwoman the metalwho brush, and scrub away. glass ruby-red grapefruit juice If yourofgrate is beyond the power of fire and baking before soda, remove it and every morning my breakfast lay it on the ground on some of cereal, half a banana andnewspacoffee. per. Spray with oven cleaner and let My husband has been trying to sit (keep pets and kids away from it). convince me that I should stop Rinse with a garden hose and replace having my morning juice, as it is a on the grill. real Is he correct in • “I“sugar have a bomb. plastic”cup that changes color when the– drink his thinking? P.W. is hot. Oddly enough, it changes at the perfect ANSWER: A 6-ounce glasstemof perature for my baby’s bath. So, I fill grapefruit juice is a perfectly reathe tub and toss in the cup. When the sonable ounces cup starts serving to changesize. backSix to its origiwould 16 bathwater grams of nal colorcontain (blue), Iabout know the is not too hot.”less — P. in Idaho sugar. That’s than half of what’s
Good Health -
King Features Weekly Service
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Visit one, spend a little money, tell them you saw their ad in the Bee-Intelligencer, and thank them for advertising with us.
By Samantha Mazzotta air conditioning system, such as the outdoor air compressor. Schedule an annual checkup of the A/C system before summer weather really cranks up. This will run around $100. Make sure it’s performed by a certified heating and air-conditioning professional, who should check the indoor and outdoor coils as well as the compressor and capacitors. The unit’s airflow and its cooling capacity also should be checked, along with refrigerant levels. The electrical components need to be checked as well. Once your air conditioning unit is in tip-top shape, start managing your home’s temper-
ature more efficiently. If you haven’t installed a digital programmable thermostat, now is the time. Not only does it maintain a home’s temperature more precisely, it also can be set to a higher or lower temperature based on when you’re at home. To keep cooler air inside during the summer months, check or update weather stripping around windows and doors, which will help stop air from escaping as rapidly. Your home’s insulation also plays an important role in improving energy bills, so have it checked and updated or replaced if needed. Send your questions or home tips to ask@thisisahammer.com.
May 25, 2015
By JoAnn Derson
Have you thanked one of our advertisers lately?
(Kathleen Brown-Carrano cartoon)
Ed. Note: This works if your dustpan has a hollow handle open on both ends. • You can substitute black-bean puree for flour when making brownies, and it tastes so good! It’s an even swap. Just make sure you rinse the canned beans well to remove added sodium, and run them through a food processor to puree. Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. (c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.
in a can of soda, and although it’s a good chunk of your daily sugar intake, if that’s where you want to have it, that’s fine. Your husband should lighten up. I see people drinking 64 ounces of juice or soda. THOSE are sugar bombs 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) 2015 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved
• Sprinkle baby powder in dish gloves to help them slide on in an instant. • “To remove muffins or rolls from a pan, set it on an old, damp towel for a minute. The steam must loosen the bottoms, because they just slide right out. I thank my mom for this tip.” — Janey R. via e-mail Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. © 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.
Do the daily crossword puzzle online at www.bee-news.com/puzzles
The Bee-Intelligencer
8
June 2015
Stand downs for veterans
Dog flu symptoms DEAR PAW’S CORNER: At my dog’s recent checkup, the veterinarian told me to keep an eye on him as a new strain of flu is going around in my area. I didn’t even know dogs could get the flu. Can you tell other pet owners what symptoms to look for? – Carol in Chicago DEAR CAROL: Dogs (and cats) can contract certain strains of the flu virus, and veterinarians even offer flu shots for pets to protect against the most common strains. In the Chicago area, a new strain of flu virus that affects dogs and cats was recently identified by scientists at Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin. The Chicago Sun Times reported that more than 1,000 dogs have become ill with the flu this spring. Symptoms include a cough, runny nose and fever. The severity of these symptoms can vary, so it’s best to contact the vet even if your dog’s symptoms seem mild.
If your pet is diagnosed with the flu, your vet may recommend that you keep your pet well hydrated, and may or may not prescribe medicine to ease some symptoms. Do not take your pet to a kennel, doggy daycare, dog park or any other place where it may be around other dogs. If its symptoms get worse or it stops eating or drinking, take your dog to the vet immediately. A vaccine is available for dogs and cats that protects against the most common strains of the flu and can lessen the effects of other strains. Talk to your vet about getting this shot. Send your questions or comments to ask@pawscorner.com.
PET OF THE MONTH Daisy lives in Middlebury with Vin and Carol Anelli.
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS:
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The Department of Veterans Affairs has been working hard to meet its goal of eliminating veteran homelessness by the end of fiscal year 2015 and getting veterans into permanent and stable housing, but the need is still great. Depending on the statistics you read, the number of homeless veterans is either going up or down ... or the veterans are moving to other locations, altering the count. In any event, there still are too many veterans on the street. You can help by stepping forward and participating in a Stand Down. Stand Downs span a variety of services. There are three- and four-day events with shelter, one or two-day resource fairs, health fairs and job fairs. Services can range from referrals for employment, substance-abuse treatment, health care and housing, to food, shelter, legal help, dental services and clothing. Veterans also can get counseling and help with benefits and Social Security. To participate individually, go online to the National Coalition
SALES
for Homeless Veterans (nchv.org) and look under Service Providers. To host a Stand Down with your veterans service group, go to the same website and read the Guide and Overview. Be sure your event is listed there as well as on the VA site at www.va.gov/ homeless. If you’re a veteran seeking services from a Stand Down event, call 202-461-1857 to find out when one will be in your area. If you’re a homeless veteran (or are about to be homeless), call 877-4AID-VET (877-4243838) for help. If you have a computer (or can use one at the library), see www.va.gov/homeless for more information. (c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.
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