Middlebury Bee March 2017

“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.” ~ Abraham Lincoln

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

FR EE

Bee Intelligencer AN INDEPENDENTLY OWNED FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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

www.bee-news.com

Volume XIII, No. 3

March 2017

Feb. 28 Special Election unofficial results Republicans on Feb. 28, 2017, retained the District 32 state senate seat formerly held by Robert J. Kane, with Republican Eric C. Berthel garnering 10,147 votes to Democrat Greg Cava’s 8,245 votes, or 55.2 percent for Berthel and 44.8 percent for Cava of the 18,392 votes cast for them. In November 2016, thenSenator Kane beat Cava with 66.3 percent of the 49,744 votes to Cava’s 33.7 percent. Petitioning Candidate Daniel M. Lynch received 410 votes Feb. 28.

Candidates........................Berthel......Cava (Combined)...........Lynch Bethlehem................................549............................419................ 15 Bridgewater...............................256............................255................ 13 Middlebury (1 of 2 districts).....541......................... 435............... 30 Oxford....................................1,348............................774................ 30 Roxbury....................................359............................415.................. 6 Seymour (2 of 3 districts)............811............................837................ 75 Southbury..............................1,973.........................2,056..............108 Washington...............................296............................611................ 14 Watertown..............................2,806.........................1,262................ 75 Woodbury..............................1,208.........................1,181................ 44 Totals................................10,147...................... 8,245............. 410

Conservation Commission to seek legal opinion

By TERRENCE S. MCAULIFFE The Middlebury Conservation Commission (CC) at its Feb. 28 meeting voted to get a legal opinion on the standing of the Middlebury Land Trust (MLT) as it relates to plans for a vineyard and orchard on two farm lots on the former Whittemore estate on Lake Quassapaug.

Attorney Edward S. Hill of Cappalli and Hill LLC in Cheshire told commissioners Dr. Dean Yimoyines had committed to the Whittemore family that he would restore the property to its former farming use. “We wish to undertake the activity as a matter of right,” Hill said.

When Hill presented the initial plans Nov. 29, he told Chairman Mary Barton that Yimoyines planned to farm the land and therefore did not need a permit.

He said he knew the MLT held conservation easements on both lots, but said, “Our view is if we don’t need a permit, then we don’t need to have the land trust involved.”

The proposal, which includes a winery, follows the Oct. 4 acquisition of two properties on Tranquility Road by Dr. Dean Yimoyines and his son Alexander from the estate of industrialist John Howard Whittemore and his granddaughter, Thyrza. The property, in the family since 1895, was known as Tranquility Farm, a gentleman’s working farm, and was designed by the prominent American architectural firm, McKim, Mead and White. Set on a crest and overlooking gently rolling meadows leading down to Lake Quassapaug, it was the site of a summer house for John Howard Whittemore, a successful industrialist and philanthropist.

Tuesday night’s standingroom-only meeting was attended by about 50 people who quietly

listened to the description of the proposal but were not permitted to comment. Professional wetland scientist George Logan, owner of REMA Ecological Services in Manchester, used multimedia illustrations to describe the wetlands, including wet meadows and farm ponds to provide irrigation.

Consulting ecologist Sigrun Gadwa described plantings of wine grapes, dwarf apple and pear trees, and hazelnuts, as well as colorful perennial native wildflowers to enhance the aesthetics.

She told Commissioner Terence Manning slow-release fertilizers in the grassy rows of the vineyard would drain into the ground, avoiding runoff into the lake. In the hallway outside the meeting, however, area residents who declined to identify themselves said they were very concerned about potential runoff.

Hill pointed on the screen to a Nov. 24, 2015, report commissioned by the MLT and said, “This is farm lot 2 and that is farm lot 3. The green is areas of prime farmland. That’s almost all of his property.” He said the report was consistent with Yimoyines’ plan to use it as farmland. “Any activities that are undertaken are not regulated, and that’s why we are here,” he said.

Attorney James R. Strub of Secor, Cassidy and McPartland P.C. of Waterbury rose when Barton asked commissioners if they had further questions and said he represented the MLT. Barton asked him, “Why are you presenting? This is not a public hearing.

Are they an abutter? Do they have easements? Do they have anything?”

Strub said, “We don’t have a seat at this table, and I object to this presentation.”

– See CC on page 2

Inside this Issue Puzzles.......................7 Senior News Line.........2 Sports Quiz..................6 Sporting View...............6 To Your Good Health....7 Veterans Post..............2 Winning Ways.............2

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

SATURDAY Upcoming Events

Adoptable Pets............8 Classifieds...................7 Diversified Tax Tidbits... 4 Here’s a Tip...........................8 It Happened in Middlebury... 4 Obituaries...................5 Paws Corner.................8

March 18

Dorothy Reynolds, left, greets Pat Dwyer, far right, and Ginny Guglielmo (behind Dwyer) as she signs in to vote Tuesday, the day before her 100th birthday. Reynolds said she never misses a vote.

(Marjorie Needham photo)

Centenarian casts her vote

By MARJORIE NEEDHAM The day before her 100th birthday, Middlebury resident Dorothy “Dottie” Reynolds made sure she got to the polls to vote in the Special Election. Reynolds was born three years before women in the United States were allowed to vote, and she said, “I remember my mother making a big thing of voting.”

When we sat down to chat after she voted, Reynolds said, “I have never missed.” She said she thinks voting is important because it makes her feel she has a say in things. “This is just a small vote,” she said, “but it is important.”

Reynolds has gotten to know many people in town during the 66 years she has lived here. During her career, she taught nursery school, kindergarten and finally, after earn-

ing her master’s degree, third grade. She taught at Mary I. Johnson and Shepardson.

She also led a Girl Scout troop. “Every place I go, I meet somebody I know,” she said.

Pat Dwyer said Reynolds was her son Bill’s kindergarten teacher. “She was the sweetest teacher ever, just lovely,” Dwyer said.

Ginny Guglielmo remembered having Reynolds as her Girl Scout leader and meeting in Reynolds’ home on Three Mile Hill Road.

With a twinkle in her blue eyes, Reynolds leaned closer and confided that about five years before you turn 100, people start giving you a lot of loving. People come up to you and want to shake your hand. They bring their babies to you and ask you to hold them in hopes their babies will have a long life like you.

While we were talking, First Selectman Ed St. John stopped in, gave her a kiss and wished her a happy birthday. And when we were walking out of Shepardson Center, a total stranger, when told Reynolds would be 100 on Wednesday, promptly kissed her on the cheek, wished her a happy birthday and said, “God bless you.”

Reynolds came to Connecticut from Virginia when she was in eighth grade. That’s when her father, an expert in faux fur, came to Watertown to head up Princeton Knitting Mills. She said it was quite a change from Virginia, where her mother followed the tradition of carrying calling cards and visiting with other ladies.

She said, “I’ve had a wonderful life. I have a sense of humor, and I think that helps.”

Remove invasives, plant natives

By JANINE SULLIVAN-WILEY The Middlebury Land Trust (MLT) and the Lake Quassapaug Association will sponsor a free presentation on native plants by Lisa and Kyle of Earth Tone nurseries Tuesday, March 21, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Shepardson Community Center in Middlebury.

Learn about native plants that will grow well here without overtaking your garden and yard as the invasive species discussed below will do.

Two invasive species that can be found on various MLT properties – and perhaps yours as well – are Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora). These are both common; you will have seen them along roadways and in our woods.

Sadly, they were first planted very deliberately. Multiflora rose was introduced more than 40 years ago with the intention of providing wildlife cover, living farm fences, windbreaks and even as a crash barrier along highways.

Oriental bittersweet was first planted as an ornamental plant in gardens.

But from their civilized beginnings, they have spread invasive-

ly. Both species are spread readily by wildlife through their seeds and berries. Both are very hard to kill, and nothing eats the plants.

They out-compete the natural plants and shrubs. (Beware any plant that is described as “grows anywhere … no maintenance ... spreads readily.” You could be planting a future nightmare!)

Oriental bittersweet is easy to identify by its colorful orange and gold berries. But its vines are very hard to pull up (I have tried – they have tough roots!) and will grow up and eventually strangle anything they grow on, or by their weight cause it to break or fall over in high winds.

If you find a tree with a thick vine with oval leaves (not leaves of three) swirling up to its highest branches, that is bittersweet. In some places, you can barely tell what used to grow under their gluttonous cover. It has no natural enemies here. This one will take vigilance to eradicate on your property as the berries that have fallen have a nasty habit of producing baby oriental bittersweet just about anywhere. Bittersweet should be pulled out by the roots, getting every bit of the roots. Cut large vines off, but only remove the vine on the tree if you can

safely do so without hurting yourself or the tree. Burn the vines, or bag them carefully and throw them out. If you throw them on a brush pile be sure they are completely dead and remove any seeds first.

Another invasive is the multiflora rose. Like bittersweet, they can completely overrun trees and yards with dense, impenetrable clumps, and to make matters worse, they have nasty thorns.

They flower in the spring and produce staggering numbers of seeds that are eaten and dispersed by Oriental bittersweet animals and birds.

Multiflora rose can be controlled by repeated mowing and cutting but that will not eradicate it. Cut them as close to the ground as you possibly can. Pull them out once trimmed to the point where you can do this without scratching yourself to bits. (This may be a good time to invest in a really tough pair of gardening gloves!)

I cannot encourage the use of herbicides due to the danger to all other living plants and creatures. For both plants, you will have to remain vigilant as their berries and seeds will produce new plants with distressing enthusiasm. Prevention and early Multiflora rose intervention is the key.

(Leslie J. Mehrhoff photos)

Brass City Ballet Spring Gala What: When: Where: Info:

An evening of dance, a champagne reception and silent auction 6:30 p.m.

Naugatuck Valley Community College at 750 Chase Parkway in Waterbury.

Tickets at $35 including reception available through www.tututix.com or at 1-855-222-2849.

Thieves take statue from Middlebury cemetery Page 5

monDAY The first day of Spring!

March 20 thursDAY

March 30

Send mail to

The March 30 (April) issue of the Middlebury Bee-Intelligencer will be out.

P.O. Box 10, Middlebury CT 06762

203-577-6800

Visit us at 2030 Straits Turnpike, Suite 1 Published by The Middlebury Bee Intelligencer Society, LLC - 2030 Straits Turnpike, Middlebury, CT 06762 - Copyright 2017

The Bee-Intelligencer

2

Golden Technologies

Stop, think, observe, plan

By JUSTIN GOLDEN The Washington state hunter education course advice for people to survive unexpected situations like getting lost is: Don’t panic. Keep calm and use your head.

The same advice applies when unexpected emails with unusual requests show up in your inbox. You need to STOP – Stop, Think, Observe and Plan.

With the income tax filing deadline approaching, Katie Cox of RTV ABC Channel 6 tells how the Scotty’s Brewhouse staff became victims of a recent data breach. This phishing incident occurred when someone purporting to be CEO Scott Wise requested all employee 2016 W2s (over 4,000 of them) be emailed to him in PDF format. The company’s human resources manager told the Indianapolis Police Department he didn’t send the email, but the payroll account manager did provide the data to the individual requesting this information. Phishing is the increasingly common tactic being employed by cyber criminals to gather sensitive or personal information that enables them to access your financial resources and put you at risk for loss.

Centrify has documented several examples of what the Krebs on Security site describes as “CEO fraud.” Cyber criminals use social engineering to manipulate people to provide confidential data to them or convince someone to execute a task or a series of tasks with usually dire consequences. It is now becoming the ultimate in the online confidence game. The FBI reports that more than 7,000 victims lost$750 million in this form of swindling that

CC -

Continued from page 1 Hill objected to Strub’s request, and Barton said, “I need to speak with the town attorney to see if (Strub’s comments) are appropriate, and my feeling is that they’re not appropriate right now.”

has grown more than 270 percent.

Brian Krebs outlines this tactic, “CEO fraud usually begins with the thieves either phishing an executive and gaining access to that individual’s inbox, or emailing employees from a lookalike domain name that is one or two letters off from the target company’s true domain. The BEC (business email compromise) attack is more versatile and adept at sidestepping basic security strategies used by banks. But in the BEC scam the crooks trick the victim into doing that for them.”

These are all examples of the all-too-common incident where someone you know or work for has an issue that needs your immediate attention and action. For example, they are traveling abroad. They suddenly lose all their cash and credit cards. Or the cards and cash are stolen.

They reach out to you in a panic, requesting you immediately wire them money so they can continue their trip or return home.

Unfortunately, because this is an urgent request from a “trusted source,” many react expeditiously instead of questioning the request or confirming the facts before the funds are made available to the “victim.”

Tom Kemp in his Secure Thinking blog writes of these scams in an article where Ubiquiti Networks suffered a $47 million loss and an unidentified Atlanta company lost $1.8 million.

So, STOP now before you become the next victim.

Golden Technology Services Inc. assists its clients in improving their cyber security. They can be reached at 972-679-9738 or justin. golden@gtscloud.com.

March 2017

P&Z discusses zoning changes

By TERRENCE S. MCAULIFFE The Middlebury Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) at its Feb. 2 meeting reviewed AICPcertified planner Hiram Peck’s suggestions on zoning regulation revisions. Middlebury’s Board of Selectmen awarded Peck’s Woodbury-based company, Plan Three LLC, a $30,000 contract June 6, 2016, after posting a September 2015 request for proposals.

Referring to a three-page list of recommendations, Peck first said he would reorganize the zoning regulation sections and information within those sections to make them internally complete. “It’s confusing to me how somebody would come in and find out exactly where they need to go. They may look at one section and say ‘OK, I’ve got everything covered’ and the next thing you know, there’s another

section that sort of pops up and bites them in the back.

“One of the things that is pretty common and standard is that the regulations should contain a section on authority by aligning them to Connecticut General Statutes,” Peck said, noting that is helpful in the rare instances someone appeals a decision.

Peck also reviewed the purposes written into the current regulations. He said there was nothing wrong with them but recommended they be rewritten to integrate with and parallel the statutes and be more accurate.

He cited a court case where a town denied a subdivision application and won an appeal because the regulation purposes were not met. “So I think it’s important that the purposes be really clear and something you can rely on, so that when you are looking at an application – you may love it or you may hate it,

whatever – but you need to have the words there to help you get through that.”

Peck also suggested height and bulk sections be written into a matrix chart that included all the zoning districts. He also suggested the regulations list either permitted uses or prohibited uses, but not both, and recommended eliminating or reducing the number of special exceptions. Peck also noted duplications of special development and residential districts and recommended combining them if possible. He also cautioned against using the term “waivers” and recommended the term “alternate standards.”

Chairman Terry Smith said large parcels of undeveloped commercial space were originally intended to be corporate parks but were never developed.

Peck suggested the town meet with the property owners and

possibly hold a “design charrette” with town residents and the Economic and Industrial Development Commission to consider new regulations for those parcels. He said such discussions would work best with graphics to illustrate the possibilities.

For next steps, Peck suggested a workshop on signage, and promised to return with updates at a future meeting.

At its Jan. 5 meeting, P&Z unanimously approved both an amendment to increase setbacks between the Senior Residential District and adjoining residential districts and expansion of a cottage on West Lake Road. You can find that article on our website, www.bee-news.com.

The next regular P&Z meeting was to be Thursday, March 2, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. at Shepardson Community Center.

Middlebury Library book club picks for April

In April, our book groups are reading a classic about the Lost Generation and a contemporary mystery. Through these books, readers can explore how two different generations lived.

The Brown Bag Book Discussion choice for April is Ernest Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises.” It is set in post-World War I, a time when many had feelings of disillusionment and angst. This novel follows Lady Brett Ashley and Jake Barnes through the wild nightlife of 1920s Paris to the bullfighting rings of Spain. On the surface this is a love story between Jake and Lady Brett but it also portrays the lives of the members of the so-called Lost Generation, those men and women who entered early adulthood during World War I. It was a time Hill said to Barton, “The reg- of moral bankruptcy and shatulations call for a decision at tered beliefs in love and justice. your next meeting.” Barton told commissioners she would work with the Board of Selectmen to get a legal opinion as soon as The Department of Veterans possible.

The next regular CC meeting Affairs National Cemetery Adwill be Tuesday, March 28, at ministration (NCA) has bested 7:30 p.m. in Room 26 at Shepa- corporations and federal agencies in a survey of customer satrdson Community Center. isfaction – for the sixth time.

Since 1999, the government has used American Customer Satisfaction Index methods to gauge satisfaction with agencies.

Here is the most important stat this year: NCA was ranked at 96 points out of a possible 100, the highest score in public and private sectors, and 32 points above the average of 68 for federal agencies. (As a comparison, the IRS received 58 points for

Jake and Lady Brett wander aimlessly in a world that appears meaningless to them and fill their lives with escapist activities such as dancing, drinking and debauchery. “The Sun Also Rises” is considered the quintessential novel of the Lost Generation.

Another great classic about the Lost Generation is F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.”

Set on the north shore of Long Island during the decadent Roaring 20s, Fitzgerald’s book portrays an era of moral depravity, overarching greed and the empty pursuit of pleasure. Nick Carraway is the central character, narrator and observer of the events revolving around the wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for Daisy Buchanan. Those events, observed through the book, move him from hopeful-

ness to a place of cynicism and despair.

In April, the Mystery Book Group is reading “Hiss or Hers”

by M.C. Beaton. This is part of M.C. Beaton’s Agatha Raisin series, which consists of 27 books with this protagonist. Raisin is a cantankerous, colorful character who, in this novel, has fallen in love – again. She is smitten with George Marston, a local gardener.

Raisin is pulling out all the stops by footing the bill for a charity ball just so she can have an opportunity to dance with him. When the handsome bachelor does not make an appearance at the event, Raisin goes looking for him only to discover that he has been murdered – bitten by a poisonous snake and tucked into a compost heap. She begins to investigate Marston’s

murder while simultaneously getting great pleasure in confronting all the women who were vying for Marston’s attention.

To say M.C. Beaton is a prolific writer is an understatement.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1936, her first job was as a bookseller for a publishing company.

She started writing Regency romances to help support her family, but after writing over 100 or so of them, she turned to writing detective stories. Her detective series also include the Hamish Macbeth and the Edwardian Murder Mysteries.

Join the Brown Bag Book Discussion for their meeting Wednesday, April 5, at 1 p.m. The Mystery Book Group is moving to Tuesday evenings starting April 11 at 6 p.m. All are welcome at book club meetings.

VA cemeteries earn top rankings

individual paper filers and 67 points for small business and self-employed filers. The Weatherization Assistance Program of the Department of Energy netted 67 points.)

The National Cemetery Administration was scored on maintenance of the national cemeteries, customer service and respectfulness of the service

and interment. The customer service score was the highest since the survey first began and next-of-kin respondents indicated a willingness to recommend NCA to others.

Burial in a VA cemetery is open to those who meet the eligibility requirements for minimum active-duty service, were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions and more. Spouses and minor children may be eligible, even if the service member or veteran is still alive. The VA provides headstones or markers, a U.S. flag, opening and closing the grave,

and perpetual care of the site.

For the complete list of eligibility requirements, go to www. cem.va.gov/burial_benefits/eligible.asp. Note the extra information links down the left side of the page.

The VA recently started providing pre-need eligibility determinations for early planning.

Having this sorted out can take a burden off loved ones when the time comes. To apply, you’ll need VA Form 40-10007, available on the www.cem.va.gov website, along with your DD214 or similar documentation. (c) 2016 King Features Synd. Inc.

Become more self-confident

Call Marj at 203-577-6800 to place your ad today

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

Bird Seed Headquarters

Black Oil, Premium Mix, Sunflower Hearts

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

To be self-confident is to have faith and trust in one’s capabilities. People who display self-confidence believe they have what it takes to succeed in a particular situation and are eager to take it on. Self-confidence is an attitude that can have a powerful impact on our expectations in all aspects of our lives.

High self-confidence usually leads to positive expectations while low self-confidence often fosters uncertain or negative expectations. This is important because, much of the time, our expectations determine the results we achieve. As Henry Ford once said, “If you think you can or if you think you can’t – you’re right.”

Until 1954, no runner in recorded history had ever run a mile in less than four minutes, and it was generally accepted that such a feat was simply not possible for humans. That year, Roger Bannister became the first man to run a mile in less than four minutes,

Winning Ways

By Pat Iannuzzi Insights for Constructive Living

and his accomplishment was widely applauded as an incredible achievement.

Within weeks, however, another runner ran a mile in less than four minutes, and in the following months many others did so. These were the same runners who had previously run with Roger Bannister and were unable to break the four-minute-mile barrier. Why did so many runners suddenly accomplish what none of them seemed to be able to do only a few months before?

Because before Roger Bannister did it, none of them thought it was possible, except Roger Bannister that is. As a result, they didn’t have the self-confidence that they could do it, and their bodies responded accordingly.

But after Roger Bannister broke the four-minute barrier, they realized it was possible, and that gave each of them the confidence  and the expectation  that they could do it as well.

The first step to becoming more confident in any situation is to uncover the reasons why a lack of confidence exists. The root cause of a person’s lack of self-confidence must be identified and raised to a conscious level. Then one should answer the question, “What would I need to do better to act more confidently in this situation?” The next step is to diligently work to fulfill the identified developmental need.

If someone is not confident speaking in public, for example, it’s probably because they fear they may forget what to say or they may speak or act in a way that would cause some embarrassment. The key to becoming more confident in speaking is to prepare, prepare, prepare and prac-

tice, practice, practice to the point that any negative thoughts of failure are replaced with positive expectations of success.

Think of activities in which you are very confident of your performance. Upon reflection, you will likely realize these also are activities you are very good at. Your ability is what generates your confidence. To become confident, therefore, we need to focus on becoming so proficient in an activity that we create a state of mind that will drive us to act as if it were impossible to fail. This is the essence of self-confidence, and it can be systematically developed by anyone through focused effort and steadfast determination.

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.

Retirement Community: Is one right for you? er? High turnover can indicate Many seniors get to a point in will that person be allowed to unhappiness among the staff. life where a big house is too much continue? to manage. Maybe the weather is • Will your new home have a • Are your hobbies supported? no longer tolerable. It’s then that kitchen? If it doesn’t, you’ll be If the slick brochures advertise the idea of a retirement commustuck with adhering to the eatpottery classes, do those actunity begins to look inviting. ing schedules already estabally take place?

However, a new place to live lished in the dining room. Is • Are you allowed to sell your might not be all you imagined. there a fee to bring your meals home to anyone, or does manmore care? Look carefully at the Before you pack up and move to you? agement have a say? What is details of continuing-care com- • You won’t automatically make into a retirement community, the annual rate of increase of munities, and learn what they consider the following: new friends, or even be acany monthly fees? If you make actually provide versus inde• Will you have control of when cepted by people. The groups a large lump-sum payment pendent-living communities. and how you leave the comhave already formed before you when you move in, is the enFind out what’s available at the munity? If your health fails, arrive. Find out the ages, gentrance fee refundable? closest hospital just in case. does the fine print say that ders and single/couple ratios.

Have an attorney review any someone else gets to decide • If you already have a helper who • What is the rate of staff turnover documents before you sign them. does your shopping or cleaning, when you need a place with at any community you consid(c) 2017 King Features Synd. Inc.

The Bee-Intelligencer

March 2017

3

Get ready for Apriin March!

A NEW Medical Spa Joining Viso Bello!

A NEW Soprano Ice Laser Hair Device!

A NEW 7-Day-AWeek Laser Schedule!

And if you are the first of 100 people?

FIND OUT AT‌

www.vblaserhair.com An Outstanding Promotion awaits you!

Viso Bello Day Spa, 900 Straits Turnpike, Middlebury, CT 06762

www.visobello.com

(203)-598-7525

The Bee-Intelligencer

4

March 2017

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 Writer: Terrence S. McAuliffe Art & Production: Mario J. Recupido - Submit press releases in person, by mail or email The Bee-Intelligencer welcomes news, press releases and advertising from all surrounding communities Editorial Office: 2030 Straits Turnpike, Suite 1, Middlebury, CT 06762 Direct mail to P.O. Box 10.

Telephone: 203-577-6800 • Email: beeintelligencer@gmail.com Advertising Information: Telephone: 203-577-6800 • Email: mbiadvertising@gmail.com Deadlines: Display Advertising: 5 p.m.

Friday preceding publication Classified Advertising: 5 p.m.

Monday preceding publication Editorial/Press Releases: Noon Monday preceding publication Copyright © 2017 by The Middlebury BeeIntelligencer Society, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

It Happened in Middlebury

In Brief “The Quiet Man” screening

The Heart of the Matter

In celebration of all things Irish, Newtown’s Edmond Town Hall Theater at 45 Main St. will screen “The Quiet Man” (1952) Thursday, March 16, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets at $3 are available at the box office, and the matinee will be subtitled for the benefit of the hearing impaired.

Winner of the Academy Award for Best Director (John Ford) and Best Cinematography, “The Quiet Man” stars John Wayne (Sean) as an Irish-born American boxer who returns to Ireland to reclaim his childhood home and start a new life free from the dangers of boxing. No sooner does he arrive, but Maureen O’Hara (Mary Kate) catches his eye. She seems interested too, but her brother the Squire soon despises Sean when the Widow Tillane decides to sell land to Sean and not the Squire.

At the heart of the film, Sean’s independent American ideals clash with the deep-rooted, Irish family tradition. Ergo, the courtship of Mary Kate does not go smoothly, especially when her brother refuses to pay the dowry.

Ultimately, the only thing that will satisfy the hotheaded Squire is for Sean to give him the satisfaction of a fight.

Originally filmed in Technicolor, this beautifully restored, highdefinition presentation will transport audiences back to the rustic Ireland of more than 50 years ago. Many scenes were filmed in and around the village of Cong in County Mayo, on the land of Ashford Castle. The fictional village of Innisfree is Ford’s idealized Ireland, where Catholics and Protestants get along congenially. Several Irish tunes compliment the film, including “The Wild Colonial Boy,” “Rakes of Mallow,” and “The Isle of Innisfree.”

The Someday Cinema Series is presented by the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission.

The Fine Arts Connection presents “The Heart of the Matter,” Thursday, March 16, to Saturday, April 8, at the Crescent Gallery at 158 Main St. in Thomaston, Conn. This show is a tribute to Leo Raia, the featured artist. Raia, who passed away last year, was part of the group of Ten-2-One Artists who gather at the gallery on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There’s a buzz of conversation, sharing of knowledge, and lots of laughter. Raia’s sweet smile, kind heart and unique painting style will be truly missed. In memory of their dear friend Leo, 20 percent of the proceeds from paintings sold will be donated to the Heart Association.

Come meet the artists during their open studio sessions any Thursday from 10 a m. to 1 p.m.

View more of Ten-2-One Artists at www.facebook.com/CrescentGallery.

Gardening with native plants Using native plants in your perennial gardens has many benefits, from increasing our bird, butterfly and native pollinator populations to reducing the need for fertilizers and water.

Tuesday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m. at the Shepardson Auditorium in Middlebury, Lisa and Kyle Turoczi from Earthtones Native Plant Nursery in Woodbury will give a slide show focusing on species of native plants that grow well in our area. They will discuss sun and shade gardens and gardening by the water.

Earthtones just won the Best Horticulture Award at the 36th Annual Garden Show in Hartford. The talk is sponsored by the Middlebury Land Trust and the Lake Quassapaug Association and is free and open to the public.

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

Trust & Dignity

The Benson family in WW I

By DR. ROBERT L. RAFFORD No one responded to last month’s request for information on Middleburians who served in World War I, but that it is not unusual. Called the “forgotten veterans,” these men answered our nation’s call to arms and courageously fought in the “war to end all wars.” Wikipedia says the last U.S. WWI veteran, Frank Buckles, died in 2011. The very last veteran of the war, British citizen Florence Green, died in 2012.

One name stands out among the names of Middlebury veterans – Benson. Since I’ve done extensive genealogical research on this family, I was able to put together brief summaries of the five Benson cousins who served in the military during the war.

The Bensons exemplified the patriotism and service Middleburians have always shown.

Immigrants Bengt (ca. 18351904) and Johanna (Anderson) (1836-1918) Benson of Sweden were the progenitors of the Benson families here in Middlebury.

They were a farming family; occupants of Benson Woods live on what was once their farm. They had about eight children, five of whom I researched: John Allan (1862-1938), Andrew (18631936), Charles (1867-1928), Oscar (ca. 1872-1947) and Alfred.

John Allen (1862-1938) and Jacobeena “Beena” (Hanson) Benson, the owners of the Benson farm here in Middlebury, were the parents of six children.

John had immigrated to the United States from Sweden in 1881 and Beena in 1883; John became a naturalized citizen and enlisted in the Army in World War I. They had six children: Ernest, Rayner, Edwin, John, George and Edith.

Two of their sons served in World War I, John Allan Benson Jr. and Edwin.

This Ernest William Benson photograph is among those in the Benson Scrapbooks at the Middlebury Historical Society. (Middlebury Historical Society photo) John Allan Benson Jr. (18951960), married Edna Rowland in 1927 and then Flora Waldorf in 1933. He worked for the Waterbury Farrell Company.

Edwin Hjlmar Benson (18921971) served in the U.S. Army in World War I and was gassed during combat. He never married.

He was a farmer in his family’s tradition, and lived in Middlebury most of his life, moving to Southbury in 1963 after he gave up farming.

Three other Bensons, first cousins to John and Edwin, also served. Bernhardt Theodore Benson was born in 1893 in Nebraska to Andrew and Anna (Peterson) Benson, and the family came here when Bernhardt was

young. He married Margaret Murnan in 1918; she died in 1961 and he died in 1967.

Bernhardt’s brother, Lester Julius Benson, was born in 1894 in Nebraska, and died in Cheshire in 1983 at the age of 88.

He was a retired house painter and never married.

Harry J. Benson was born on March 6, 1897, in Naugatuck, and died Oct. 30, 1961, in Hartford.

He was the son of Oscar Emil and Carblina (Anderson) Benson. He married Anna (Walsh) Benson.

Another cousin, Ernest William Benson (1888-1966), a brother of John and Edwin, married Helen Hickcox. Readers will recognize her name because she and her husband compiled the

“Benson Scrapbooks,” eight volumes that show the history of Middlebury from its beginnings through the 1940s. He loved to photograph Middlebury, especially in snowy settings, and an original picture from the scrapbooks is included here. Whenever I am enjoying the beauty of our town, as Ernest did, my mind always drifts back to those men and women whose sacrifice made it possible for each of us to live in peace and safety here.

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

Compare standard deduction to itemizing deductions In previous columns, we discussed certain tax deductions.

With the deadline approaching for filing 2016 tax returns, it is a good time to discuss the overall topic of taking the standard deduction versus itemizing your deductions.

Generally, you are allowed to reduce your tax liability by taking either the standard deduction on your tax return or your actual deductions, whichever is higher.

Taking actual deductions is called “itemizing” and Schedule A is attached to Form 1040 for this purpose.

So how much is the standard deduction? For 2016, the amount is $6,300 if you are single or mar-

Diversified Tax Tidbits

By MARK A. BURNS

ried filing separate, $12,600 if you are married filing jointly and $9,300 if you are filing as head of household. Also, if you are over 65 or blind, your standard deduction will be higher than that shown above. And these amounts may be higher in the future due to inflationary increases or possible overall tax reform under the Trump administration.

Now if you have actual itemized deductions higher than the

Need a raincoat?

Check the weather at

www.bee-news.com

standard deduction, you are allowed to take the higher amount.

Allowable deductions include home mortgage interest (including any points paid, which in some cases may have to be spread out over the life of the mortgage), investment interest, real estate taxes, state income taxes (or sales tax paid if higher), contributions to IRS-approved charities (but not political donations), personal property taxes (e.g., car taxes here in Connecticut), medical expenses (assuming not reimbursed by insurance coverage and if they exceed a specified percentage of your adjusted gross income [AGI]), certain casualty or theft losses, and gambling losses to the extent you are reporting gambling winnings.

In some cases, the amount of the above deductions you will be allowed to take on your tax return may be limited by certain itemspecific rules.

In addition, certain expenses fall into a category called “Miscellaneous Itemized Deductions” and are allowed to the extent their total exceeds 2 percent of

your AGI. These include unreimbursed “ordinary and necessary” business expenses incurred as a W-2 employee, union dues, job search expenses, certain job education expenses, tax preparation fees, safe deposit box fees, and investment fees incurred on non-retirement accounts.

One exception to the general rule that you can take the higher of either the standard deduction or itemized deductions is if you are married but filing separate tax returns. In this case, if one spouse itemizes, then the other spouse also must itemize, even if that amount is zero – i.e., one spouse cannot file separate and take all the deductions on Schedule A while the other spouse takes the standard deduction.

READERS: Do you have a tax topic you would like Mark Burns to discuss in this column? If so, please send your column idea to Mark@DFSPC.biz.

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

The Bee-Intelligencer

March 2017

5

Obituaries Patrick Miles House Loving son, brother, grandson and nephew

Mr. Patrick Miles House, 20, of Middlebury passed away Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 at his residence. He was the son of David P. and Leslie S. (Guyer) House.

Patrick was born in Waterbury Sept.

9, 1996. He was educated in the Region 15 school system – Middlebury Elementary School, Memorial Middle School and Pomperaug High School Class of 2014. He attended Emmanuel College in Boston for a year and was currently a student at Naugatuck Valley Community College studying history and social work. Pat was a voracious reader and loved history. He loved his animals and to quote his grandmother, “He was a wonderful grandson.”

Pat suffered from depression and fought so bravely every day and was a very strong kid. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. To meet Pat one time, you would never forget him.

Besides his parents he is survived by a sister, Rebecca House of Boston, Mass.; maternal grandmother, Muriel Guyer and paternal grandmother, Elenore House, both of Newtown; two aunts, Pamela House of Sandy Hook and Laurie Oliff and her husband, Phil, of Mesa, Ariz.; and a cousin, Christopher House of Sandy Hook. He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Stuart Guyer; his paternal grandfather, Edward Miles House; and an aunt, Linda Stonehart.

A Celebration of Life service was held Feb. 15 at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home in Waterbury.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Patrick’s memory to either NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), 576 Farmington Ave., Hartford, CT 06105 or Brass City Rescue Alliance, 2 Service Road, Middlebury, CT 06762 For more information or to send e-condolences, visit www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com.

Nicholas M. Mascoli Jr. Beloved pediatrician

Dr. Nicholas M. Mascoli Jr., 80, of Middlebury, beloved husband of Ellen (Hessley) Mascoli, passed away at home Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017.

Born on July 26, 1936, a son of the late Nicholas Michael and Anna (Renna) Mascoli, Dr. Mascoli graduated from Cheshire Academy, and the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. He earned his doctor of medi-

cine degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. He met Ellen when he was a medical student and she was a nurse at George Washington University Hospital. Following medical school, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force at Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, Maine, and was discharged at the rank of captain. He subsequently returned to Waterbury to complete his residency in pediatric medicine at Waterbury Hospital and then joined the medical practice of Drs. Rosenberg and Warren in Waterbury. He joined the staff of Waterbury Hospital in 1968 and the staff of St. Mary’s Hospital in 1971.

Dr. Mascoli devoted his professional life to the thousands of area children in his care throughout his 45-plus years of practice. He was known for cultivating very personal relationships with his patients and families and viewed his role as pediatrician to extend beyond medical care, providing counseling, guidance, and mentoring. He impacted countless lives with his work both inside and outside the office.

He often reminisced about the good times he and Ellen shared together in Washington, D.C., and Maine and kept in touch with many friends over the years. He most especially loved the time spent with his family and dogs at Cape Cod and annual ski trips to New Hampshire and Maine.

He was a member of the Fathers’ Club of Holy Cross High School in Waterbury from 1979 to 1988 and interviewed prospective students in the Waterbury area for the College of the Holy Cross. He was also active in St. John of the Cross parish as a CCD teacher and a member of the Parish Council. His favorite interests included celebrating his Italian heritage by cooking for his family and enjoying wine, listening to classical music, and watching UConn basketball.

Besides his loving wife of 52 years, he leaves his children, Dr. Nicholas Mascoli III and his wife, Dr. Deneen Pelletier, of Bedford, Mass.; Gregory Mascoli and his wife, Maria, of Avon; David Mascoli and his wife, Kristine, of Middlebury; Jeffrey Mascoli and his wife, Maureen, of Warwick, R.I.; and LindaAnne Mascoli of Middlebury; his sister, Marie Scionti and her husband, Salvatore, of Naugatuck; his nine grandchildren, Matthew, Emma, SarahKatherine, Alexander, Patrick, Andrew, Julia, Caroline, and Jeffrey and numerous nieces and nephews. Dr. Mascoli was predeceased by his brothers, Carmine and Eugene Mascoli.

The family would like to express its sincerest appreciation and thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and aides who cared for Nicholas over the past several months, including the staffs at Middlebury Convalescent Home, The Village at East Farms, Waterbury Hospital, Yale New Haven Hospital, Aging Better at Home, Visiting Nurses Association, A Caring Hand, and Home Sweet Homecare.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, March 4, 2017, at 9 a.m. at St. John of the Cross Church at 1089 Whittemore Road in Middlebury. Those attending are asked to please meet at the church at 8:45 a.m.

Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery on East Main Street in Waterbury. Calling hours will be Friday, March 3, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald-Zembruski Funeral Home at 240 N. Main St. in Naugatuck.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Connecticut Medical Center Foundation - Pediatric Cardiology, 282 Washington St., Hartford, CT and The Simon Foundation, 120 Rescue Lane, Bloomfield, CT 06002. To send an online condolence, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial. com..

Patricia H. (Flaherty) McGaughan Avid tennis player

Mrs. Patricia H. (Flaherty) McGaughan, 90, of Watertown, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. She was the widow of P. Richard McGaughan.

Pat was born in Portland, Maine, March 17, 1926, a daughter of the late Frederick and Mary Elizabeth (Lent) Flaherty. She was raised in Portland and had lived in Watertown for 49 years. She was a graduate of Marymount College in Tarrytown, N.Y., and received her master’s degree from Boston College. She retired as director of guidance at Watertown High School at the age of 70 and was an active communicant of Our Lady of Loreto Church in Waterbury.

Pat was a fierce competitor on the tennis court. She won a gold medal in tennis in the Senior Olympics and inspired many generations of tennis enthusiasts. She was most well known for her gracious hosting of the family Thanksgiving gatherings, which began as a modest function and grew over the years to over 60 people and a multi-day social event. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and aunt and will be greatly missed.

Pat leaves two sons, John McGaughan and his wife, Debbie, of Watertown and Michael J. McGaughan and his wife, Susan, of Middlebury; her daughter, Sarah McGaughan Kunetz and her husband, Dan, of Darien; her daughter-in-law, Nancy McGaughan of Point Pleasant, N.J.; 10 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Pat was predeceased by her son, Frederick McGaughan, and two sisters, Joan Dowd and Libby Jackson.

Funeral services were at Our Lady of Loreto Church Feb. 13, 2017. Burial in Calvary Cemetery in South Portland,

Maine, is at the convenience of the family.

For additional information or to leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.hickcoxfuneralhome.com.

Andromache “Andie” (Chakas) “Segre” Segretario Loving wife, mother and grandmother

Mrs. Andromache “Andie” (Chakas) “Segre” Segretario, 96, of Middlebury died Friday, Feb. 10, surrounded by her beloved family. She was the loving wife of the late Carmen Segretario.

Andie was born in Manchester, N.H. July 5, 1920, a daughter of the late Nicholas and Aphrodite (Kallioras) Chakas.

She was a proud mother of three children. She worked with her family at Candlelite Gift Shop and Segre Iron Works. She cherished spending time with her family and friends.

Andie leaves to cherish her memory a son, Stephen Segretario, and a daughter, Anna Maria Segretario, both of Middlebury; a daughter-in-law, Sunday Segretario of Del Ray Beach, Fla.; a sister, Alyce Murphy and her husband, Ed, of Manchester, N.H.; a brother-in-law, Tony Adams of South Burlington, Vt.; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Nicholas Segretario, and a sister, Mary Adams, and two sisters-in-law, Jennie Parziale and Connie Giustiani.

The Segretario family would like to sincerely thank the staff of VITAS Inpatient Unit at St. Mary’s Hospital for the exceptional comfort and care given to Andie.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Waterbury Feb. 15, 2017. Burial will be in the spring in Lake Elise Cemetery in Middlebury.

In lieu of flowers memorial contribution can be made in Andie’s memory to Office of Radio and Television, 15 Peach Orchard Road, Prospect, CT 06712.

For more information or to send econdolences, visit www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com.

The crow statue standing beside the grave site of Hunter Christian Albee in Middlebury’s Lake Elise Cemetery has been stolen. The family is asking for its return.

(Submitted photo)

Thieves take statue from Middlebury cemetery

By MARJORIE NEEDHAM The 25-pound cast-iron statue of a crow that sat beside the gravestone of Hunter Christian Albee in Lake Elise Cemetery is missing. Hunter died in November 2015 at the age of 17, and the crow had a very special meaning for his family.

His mother, Laura, said in an email, “We are asking for whoever did this, knows who may have taken it, or comes across a 14-inch black cast-iron statue of a crow perched on a sphere to return it to his place of rest or to Middlebury police with no questions asked.”

She said on the phone the loss is very upsetting. “The grave is very sacred. You go and you talk to them. We lost a 17-year-old son the way we did. We lost him to suicide. That was so tragic and

Robin and Thom

(formerly of Defining Moments) welcome you to their new location

390 Middlebury Road, Suite 2 Men’s Cuts Kid’s Cuts Walk-ins Welcome

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

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

difficult for us to get over. I don’t think you ever really get over it.”

Laura said Hunter was a big history buff with a deep interest in Viking mythology, in which two ravens representing thought and memory fly all over the world and bring information to the god Odin. A friend who is a Vietnam vet gave the crow to the family and it helped mark the grave site during the six to seven months it took to make the headstone.

When Laura visited the grave Feb. 23, she found the site in disarray. “Everything was a shambles,” she said, but she didn’t notice the crow was missing.

When her husband visited the grave with her Feb. 25, he said, “Where’s the crow?” The family hopes the crow will find its way safely back to its place by Hunter’s gravestone.

Middlebury’s only barber shop!

Call Robin at 203-233-0287 Call Thom at 203-232-9030

Robin’s Hours: Tue 9-6 • Thurs 10-7 • Sat 7-2 Thom’s Hours: Wed 9-6 • Fri 9-5 • Sat 7-2

www.nfda.org

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

lunch - dinner - takeout

Happy Hour 4pm-7pm weekdays only $1 off drinks 50¢ wings during March Happy Hour and 9pm-11pm (dine in only)

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

Beer Dinner March 29th - 6:15pm Middlebury Location

www.piesandpints.biz/events

Oxford

Dental Group

Dr. Donald P. Capozzi • Dr. Kenneth R. Capozzi Emergencies Welcome Extended evening & Saturday hours by appointment Family Dentistry

• Cleanings • Root Canal Therapy • Fillings • Extractions • Implant Services • Caps - Bridges - Dentures • Gentle Dental Care Mon - Wed - Fri: 8 am - 5 pm Tues: 8 am - 5:30 pm Thurs: 8 am - 7 pm

203-888-6060 100 Oxford Road, Oxford, CT

Spring Gala 2017 Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs A Big Bite!

March 18 6:30 pm Performance Tickets (Reception included)

A Big Night!

A celebration of dance, with a champagne reception & silent auction (proceeds of auction go to Margery Hall Fisk Scholarship Fund)

Online $35 Adults At door $45

For tickets go to Tututix.com or call 1-855-222-2TIX Naugatuck Valley Community C ollege 750 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT 06708

www.brasscityballet.org Sponsors

St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation

The Bee-Intelligencer

6

March 2017

Kiva Dance Collective to perform company directed by Cate Craig, also will perform. Members Kelly Blankschen, Amanda Brennan, Lori Hernandez, Victoria Maringola, Victoria Sforza, and Brittany Zambiella will perform two works of their own choreography.

Kiva members hail from diverse artistic backgrounds  modern dance, African, ballet, and jazz and share the role of choreographer. This creative balance offers a unique presentation designed to inspire audience members.

Six artists founded the Collective in 1998, and the company has grown over the last 19 years with dancers of all ages. Included this year are the newest members of the Collective: Tatiana DaSilva of

Naugatuck and Deborah Jeanfavre of Litchfield. Other members of the company are Lily Bodenlos, Mackenzie Buchanan, Meghan Buchanan, Patti Buchanan, Judith Ehrman-Shapiro, Gina FerraraBates, Susan McLain, Valerie Rodgers, Laura Tortora, and Mark Tortora.

Kiva is a Native American term for a sacred meeting place in the center of the village. The Collective invites the audience to join their sacred place as they work collectively through dance to share their artistic vision with the community. The concert is open to all ages.

For more information, contact Westover School’s Dance Department at 203-577-4560.

Under Armour CEO leader among men

The Kiva Dance Collective, shown here in performance, will have There are times when you their annual concert March 11.

(Essenelle Studios photo) meet a guy and just instantly like him. It’s part instinct, part intuition. Your bloodline has survived long enough to see you into the world; while you’re in it, you tend to gravitate to the people who will make living in it a little more comfortable.

Kevin Plank, the founder and CEO of Under Armour is just such a man. I know. He played softball for me.

Let me explain. I attended the University of Maryland and first met Kevin Plank at the worldfamous Bentley’s on College Park’s Route 1. A childhood friend was dating a guy who lived with Plank, and when his house had a vacancy, at her urging, he vetted me at Bentley’s. Plank looked like a guy’s guy – not a pretty boy, definitely a tough guy.

He smiled a lot, was engaging, had a strong handshake and emanated a sort of uncommon stature.

Plank was unlike any college kid I had ever met, and living in his house with a motley crew of ACC wrestlers, football players, a baseball player (me), hockey player and potato chip-salesman’s son, plus the women who loved us – all of us had girlfriends, so we were kept well in check –

was as great an experience as I’ve ever had. But it’s also where I had the privilege of witnessing Plank in action as a businessman.

My first night living there, Plank grilled me about the Grateful Dead. He had heard there was a marketplace in the parking lots, and I, no stranger to the scene, explained it to him in great detail.

Within a few days of the show, hundreds of T-shirts were delivered to our house, assembled accorded to size and sold at the next few Dead shows by Plank and his team.

Before Valentine’s Day, he was the guy who drove to the docks of Baltimore and negotiated for a huge shipment of roses for pennies on the dollar. He came back to College Park, built a call center in our living room (beer on tap), and hired us to take orders after he had plastered the campus with fliers touting $19 roses by the dozen. The guy was 21.

He invented Under Armour

out of necessity. He was a stocky, Irish kid who played football very hard, and he sweated a lot ... an awful lot. I think one day he weighed the T-shirt under his pads, and it contained about 11 pounds of water weight. That led him to invent Under Armour, and his salesmanship after graduation took him over the top. Ever since, he has done nothing but champion the American worker and add a great deal of excitement to the world of sports.

But when he expressed enthusiasm for our president’s economic agenda, a bunch of people did the mindless #hashtag thing and tried to create uproar. This, to a guy who has done everything he can to return jobs to Baltimore, to keep his company as American as ever ... a guy who consistently gives back to his community, a guy that shakes your hand and means what he says.

Bashing Kevin Plank? Not on my watch. Plank said he wants to create jobs and thinks Trump can help. Personally, I can’t wait for the day he runs for president.

Protect our house, Kevin. You always have.

Mark Vasto is a veteran sportswriter who lives in New Jersey.

Questions 1. Name the first player in majorleague history to have an extra-base hit in his first six postseason games.

2. How many times has a New York Mets player hit 40 or more home runs in a season?

3. When was the last time before the 2015 season that the Iowa Hawkeyes played in the Rose Bowl?

4. A.C. Green holds the NBA record for most consecutive games played. How many is it?

5. Who was the last rookie under the age of 20 before Edmonton’s Connor McDavid to average at least a point a game for the season?

6. At the 2016 Summer Olympics, cyclist Kristin Armstrong became the second American woman to win three gold medals in the same event in any Olympics. Who was the first?

7. In 2016, golfer Henrik Stenson tied a record for lowest final round in winning a men’s major (63). Who also holds the mark?

Answers: 1. Colby Rasmus of the Houston Astros in 2015.

2. Three times – Carlos Beltran (41 in 2006), Todd Hundley (41 in 1996) and Mike Piazza (40 in 1999).

3. It was after the 1990 season.

4. He played in 1,192 consecutive games.

5. Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby, in the 2005-06 season.

6. Speedskater Bonnie Blair (1988-94).

7. Johnny Miller, who shot a 63 in the final round of the 1973 U.S. Open.

The Kiva Dance Collective, a modern dance company based in Middlebury, Conn., invites the public to their 18th annual concert Saturday, March 11, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 12, at 2 p.m. at the Westover School LBD Performing Arts Theater at 1237 Whittemore Road in Middlebury.

Suggested donations at the door are $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and children. Tickets are available only at the door.

This year’s program is an exciting blend of Kiva repertoire and new works. Linas Balsys of Berzelis Folk Dance Group will be joining the concert as a guest artist for Valerie Rodgers’ comedy piece, “Aloha.”

ATTAK, a local modern dance

(c) 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.

(c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

Strengthening Our Network of Care The Greater Waterbury Health Network welcomes the following providers:

Primary Care

Geriatrics and Primary Care

Rheumatology

Mauricio Silva, MD, PhD

Riddhi Shah, MD

Sharad Kothari, MD

Saloua Mabkhouti, APRN

Tejas Sheth, MD, FACR

Hana Hulinska, MD, PhD, FACR

Naugatuck

Middlebury

Middlebury

Woodbury

Middlebury

Middlebury

203-729-6641

203-573-9512

203-573-9512

203-266-0080

203-573-7281

203-573-7281

Accepting New Patients

The Bee-Intelligencer

March 2017

7

Classified Ads

Classified Advertising Deadline: 5 p.m. Monday Classified Advertising Cost: $10 per insertion, up to 40 words. 25¢ each additional word.

Submit ad with your name, address, telephone number and payment to: Mail: Bee-Intelligencer, P.O. Box 10, Middlebury, CT 06762 Email: mbisubmit@gmail.com Office: 2030 Straits Turnpike, Suite 1 This publication does not knowFLEA MARKET ingly accept advertising which is deceptive, fraudulent, or which might otherwise violate the law WOODBURY ANTIQUES & FLEA or accepted standards of taste.

MARKET open Saturdays and However, this publication does Sundays year-round 7:30 a.m. not warrant or guarantee the to 2 p.m. Routes 6 and 64 in accuracy of any advertisement, Woodbury, Conn. 203-263-6217 nor the quality of the goods or services advertised. Readers For Rent are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all claims made in WARM WEATHER IS YEARany advertisements, and to use ROUND In Aruba. The wagood judgment and reasonable ter is safe, and the dining care, particularly when dealing is fantastic. Walk out to the with persons unknown to you beach. 3-Bedroom. Weeks who ask for money in advance available. Sleeps 8. $3500. of delivery of the goods or serEmail: carolaction@aol.com vices advertised.

FiNANCIAL

for more information.

HEALTH & FITNESS

SELL YOUR STRUCTURED SETTLEMENT or annuity GOT KNEE PAIN? Back Pain?

Shoulder Pain? Get a painpayments for CASH NOW. relieving brace at little or You don’t have to wait for NO cost to you. Medicare your future payments any Patients, Call Health Hotline longer! Call 1-800-938-8092.

Now! 1-800-279-6038 NEED A BUSINESS OR CONSOLIDATION LOAN? Get MISCELLANEOUS up to $800k with rates from 1.99%. Bad credit or bankruptcy ok. Call 1-888-498- A PLACE FOR MOM: The nation’s largest senior living 0089

Monthly SUDOKU

referral service. Contact our your family may be entitled trusted, local experts today! to a significant cash award.

Our service is FREE/no obliCall 800-364-0517 to learn gation. CALL 1-800-417-0524 more. No risk. No money out LIFE ALERT. 24/7: One press of pocket. of a button sends help FAST! FUNERALS CAN BE VERY Medical, Fire, Burglar. Even EXPENSIVE. Can your if you can’t reach a phone! loved ones afford it? Protect FREE brochure. CALL 800them with Final Expense In457-1917. surance. Call today to learn SOCIAL SECURITY DISmore. 800-758-0417 ABILITY BENEFITS: Un- STOP PAYING FOR EXPENable to work? Denied benSIVE AUTO REPAIRS! Get efits? We Can Help! WIN discounted warranty covor Pay Nothing! Contact erage from the wholesale Bill Gordon & Associates at source, and don’t pay for 1-800-586-7449 to start your expensive covered repairs! application today!

Start saving now! 800-955LUNG CANCER? And 60 5339 Years Old? If so, you and

(Kathleen Brown-Carrano cartoon)

Can spleen rupture without any trauma?

DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband was admitted to the hospital with a ruptured spleen that bled into his belly. His surgeon repaired it with a coil. He was not in an accident and had no injuries or any bruising anywhere on his body.

His doctor had never seen this; he says a ruptured spleen usually is sustained from some sort of accident. My husband is almost 59 and in good health otherwise. How could this happen, and could this happen again? – J.C. ANSWER: The spleen removes defective red blood cells from the circulation, and it also destroys bacteria and infected cells. In fact, it is in many ways like a big lymph node, responding to infections by activating and enlarging.

Although a ruptured spleen is well-described in the literature, I’ve never seen a case like your husband’s either. The last ruptured spleen I saw was a college football player who was simultaneously hit by two opposing players, one on either side, both much larger than he was.

Most people with spleen rupture had an enlarged spleen to begin with, from cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma, infection such as EBV (the virus that causes mononucleosis), inflammatory conditions such as pancreatitis or mechanical causes such as pregnancy. A few cases are related to medications, and

a few have no identifiable cause for rupture.

As far as the risk of it happening again, there you have me. I found one paper that says the prognosis is “excellent.” I would have to refer you back to his surgeon. People who have had their spleens removed are at risk for certain infections and should have a vaccine for pneumococcus, a major cause of pneumonia. The vaccine is normally given at age 65. Your husband should speak with his doctor about getting it now (since I don’t know if his spleen is now considered normal).

DEAR DR. ROACH: I read in your column that for vaginal atrophy (dryness/itching) you suggest that a woman use topical cream instead of estrogen cream.

I am 59 years old, and have been using Premarin cream externally for a month with noticeable results. I use a dab every other day. Should I continue to use it even when I don’t have symptoms, or only as needed? If you

think non-hormonal cream would be better, could you suggest one? I have tried one, but it didn’t seem to be effective. – A.A. ANSWER: I’m sorry I wasn’t clear. “Topical” in this case meant a vaginal estrogen cream, as opposed to estrogen taken by mouth. I would continue using it, since it has been effective.

Most women use it twice a week after initial treatment.

Non-estrogen creams are fine for many women, but estrogen creams like Premarin usually are more effective.

Dryness and itching may be caused by recurring vaginal infections, which are often troubling to women. The booklet explains them and their treatment. Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Roach – No. 1203W, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

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

Brass City Ballet dancers Deanna Pietrorazio of Middlebury and Calvin Bittner of Rocky Mount, N.C., rehearse for “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”

(Deamore Photography photo)

Brass City Ballet puts Spring in its step Middlebury’s Brass City Ballet (BCB) invites the public to celebrate spring with a gala evening of dance, a champagne reception, and a silent auction Saturday, March 18, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Naugatuck Valley Community College at 750 Chase Parkway in Waterbury. Spring Gala 2017 will showcase an original production of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” featuring BCB Company dancer Deanna Pietrorazio of Middlebury partnered by guest artist Calvin Bittner from North Carolina.

The nonprofit dance school and performing company’s production of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” follows the traditional classic tale of jealousy, vanity and the power of love. It is suitable for all ages. While there is no set musical score for the ballet, Brass City Ballet’s production selects unique music for each character – classical for Snow

White, syncopated rag for the Dwarfs and fiery mambo for the Evil Stepmother.

The first half of the evening will feature a mixed repertoire of classical ballet and modern dance works, several of which take a humorous look at life. Choreographed by BCB Artistic Director Elizabeth Fisk Barisser, “Pas de Do & Don’t” pairs two dancers, one serious and proper, the other mischievous and whimsical. “Pajama Pageant” is an amusing look at a preteen’s slumber party set to music by Miles Davis and choreographed by Kiva Dance Collective member Judith EhrmanShapiro. This work was one of four pieces selected for the 1999 Connecticut Choreographers Forum, a statewide dance showcase.

“Quartet of Quandaries,” choreographed by BCB Associate Artistic Director Christine Harris, playfully brings treasured children’s poems to life.

Audience members will have a chance to meet the artists at a champagne reception, included in the ticket price, following the performance. A silent auction will help raise funds for the Margery Hall Fisk Scholarship Fund, which offers needs-based tuition assistance to promising young students at Brass City Ballet. Tickets at $35 include the performance and reception and are available at www.tututix.com or by calling 1-855-222-2849.

Brass City Ballet’s mission is to promote the art, technique, and joy of dance through its school, performing company and community outreach. It offers recreational training in classical ballet, modern, hip hop jazz, tap and yoga and a concentrated studies program that emphasizes classical ballet and modern dance. For more information, visit www. brasscityballet.org or call 203598-0186.

The Bee-Intelligencer

8

March 2017

Adopt a Rescue Pet MISSY

ONYX

Missy is a 12-year-old spayed female mixed breed dog whose owner recently passed away. She is up to date with vaccines and in good health. She has lost her home and her cat buddy she lived with. She loves cats and seems to tolerate other dogs if they are quiet and calm. She is a sweet, mellow friendly dog who loves company. Please open up your heart and home to Missy to live out her golden years. You will love and adore her as soon as you meet her.

Missy is with Pet Protectors.

Find an adoption application on the website, www.petprotectorsrescue.org. For more information email contactus@petprotectorsrescue.org.

Onyx is a beautiful girl who’s about 8 years young. She was very scared when she first arrived at the shelter, but she’s been coming out of her shell and interacting with people more and more. She’s a sweet girl who enjoys being petted and nuzzling your hand. Onyx needs a quiet home with a kind, patient cat parent.

Onyx is up to date on vaccines, FeLV/FIV negative, and altered.

If you’re interested in adopting her, please fill out an application at www.WhiskersPetRescue.org.

For more information, call 203586-1666 or email WhiskersPetRescue@yahoo.com.

Now Here’s a Tip

PET OF THE MONTH

• To make a deliciously flaky pie crust, use a normal cheese gratLily​lives with the Reyes ​fa ​ mily​in Middlebury, C​onn.​ er to grate butter into the flour mix. The butter will stay cold, and the crust will come out tender and flaky.

Your pet could be featured as “Featured Pet” in this picture frame. Send • “I like to make a big presentation, so I use sliced fruit, nuts us your pet’s photo by email to mbisubmit@gmail.com or by regular and fresh herbs for garnishes. I mail to P.O. Box 10, Middlebury, CT 06762 along with your pet’s name, prepare them ahead of time and your last name and your town. store them in the fridge to take

Send in your pet photos

Make it a Happy St. Patrick's Day! Celebrate with an Irish beverage!

dishes from stove to table quickly. I have found that if you use a little lemon juice on apple slices, they won’t discolor and you can cut them up ahead of time, too.”

– T.C. in California • Because fabric softeners can leave residue on the dryer’s lint trap, clean yours out at least ev-

ery other month. Just scrub with plain old soap and water.

• Create your own nonslip hangers for your closet with your glue gun. Run a thin bead along the top sides of your hanger. Allow to dry thoroughly and you will be able to hang the flimsiest of tops on the hanger without them falling off. No glue gun? Try wrapping a pipe cleaner tightly around each side; this works well for tank tops!

• “Print out recipes and tape them to your kitchen cabinets, or hang

from a door pull with a pants hanger. You could even stack a week’s worth of recipes on a clipboard and add a dedicated hook for them in your kitchen.” – T.Y. in North Carolina • To save time making potatoes, try microwaving instead of boiling. Follow the manufacturer’s directions on your microwave.

Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. (c) 2017 King Features Synd. Inc.

Tiny puppy is lonely DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My friend’s parents got him a new puppy just last week. Star came from the shelter and is really tiny – he still has to be fed milk! When Star is in his puppy bed by himself he starts crying. He stops when we go in and spend time with him.

How can my friend and his family get Star to feel less lonely? – Craig, via email DEAR CRAIG: Star sounds like a really young puppy who has been separated from his mother a little bit early for some reason. I’m sure the shelter had a reason for doing so and that your friend’s family is

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

responsible for keeping him healthy and growing.

Really young puppies can suffer a lot of anxiety when they’re separated too soon from their mother and litter mates. That’s one reason why puppies generally aren’t adopted out until they are more than

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS:

Offering your favorite wines, spirits, craft beers and artisanal cheeses.

Middlebury Road 203-527-6651 1255 (the Hamlet) Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. • Sunday 12 to 4 p.m.

six weeks old and fully weaned, meaning they can eat solid foods.

Star probably will need more attention than older puppies, including a stuffed toy in his bed to snuggle up to when humans aren’t around.

As Star gets older, his new family will have to help him get past his separation anxiety, which can be pretty intense in shelter pets.

Crate training, basic obedience training and a structured home routine all will help Star grow into a happy, more confident dog. But for now, he’s so young that he just needs a lot of TLC, particularly since he’s still being hand fed.

Chances are your friend’s parents have a lot more information on taking care of Star. You could learn quite a bit about caring for very young puppies and their special needs.

Send your questions, comments or tips to ask@pawscorner.com. (c) 2017 King Features Synd. Inc.

Daily to Mid deliveries sur rou dlebur y an d nding towns

Your decking headquarters We stock pressure-treated, cedar, composites, railings, deck washes and Cabot’s deck stain.

Ferrari’s Appliance We Sell & Service All Brands

• Openings • Closings • Weekly Service • Repairs

160 Rubber Ave. Naugatuck, CT

(203) 723-7230

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

Enjoy discounts on Spring-time products like Jonathan Green lawn fertilizers and grass seed. We are a stocking dealer of Trex composite decking & railings, all at great prices.

We can give you samples at our showroom and help With over 50 years of experience serving the area with quality LUMBER, WINDOWS, DOORS & KITCHEN CABINETS, we hope you will continue to choose our family business to improve your home.

25 Great Hill Rd., Naugatuck

cosmopolitanpoolandspa.com

GETTING HOME SUPPLIES HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER.

203-598-0185

203-723-1700 • info@hjbushka.com

Open by appointment only.

Rubbish Removal and Roll-Off Containers RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Family Owned and Operated Since 1930

86

Watertown, CT Toll Free: 877-274-1444 info@copeswaste.com

0-

CO P 27 ES 414 4

Phone: 860-274-1444

www.copeswaste.com

4

ED’S HARDWARE

FULL LINE OF HARDWARE SUPPLIES LARGEST IN AREA

560 Rubber Avenue Naugatuck, CT 06770

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

203-729-8216 edshardware.doitbest.com