Middlebury Bee May 2015

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Volume XI, No. 6

May 2015

Vote on budgets May 6

By MARJORIE NEEDHAM Wednesday, May 6, voters in Middlebury and Southbury will go to the polls to vote on their respective town budgets and the Regional School District 15 budget. The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voting in Middlebury will be at Shepardson Community Center.

For Middlebury voters, the two questions on the ballot will be: Question No. 1 - “Shall the 2015-2016 proposed Town of Middlebury Municipal Budget in the amount of $10,153,880 be approved?” and Question No. 2 - “ Shall the proposed 2015-2016 Budget of the Pomperaug Regional School District #15 in the amount of $65,263,007 be adopted?”

A controversial item on the town budget is the $25,000 the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) will be expected to pay for its share of dispatching costs associated with ambulance calls. To date, the department has not been asked to contribute towards this cost.

At the April 6 town budget hearing, MVFD officers and members objected strongly to the department being expected to pay this sum. Some may remember a similar situation when the town charter was up for revision, and it included formation of a fire commission to oversee the MVFD. Although the MVFD objected strongly to having a fire commission, town officials refused to separate the fire commission issue from the rest of the vote on the charter revision, and voters subsequently rejected the revised charter in its entirety. Whether the MVFD objections to the $25,000 charge will have a similar effect on the town budget vote May 6 remains to be seen.

The Region 15 budget, a 2.48-percent increase over the current budget, passed the Board of Education (BoE) vote, but four of the nine members,

Paul Barbarik, Janet Butkus, John Cookson and Richard Spierto all voted against it. Of the four, three are from Middlebury and one, Butkus, is from Southbury.

All who voted against the Region 15 budget are Republicans; all who voted for the budget are Democrats. Also, four of the five Region 15 Finance Committee members, Babarik, Butkus, Cookson and Spierto voted against it. The only Region 15 Finance Committee member to vote for the budget was Pat Perry. She also chairs the BoE. If Middlebury voters approve the town budget and the Region 15 budget passes, Middlebury’s mil rate will increase .78 mil to 30.12 from the current 29.34.

Middlebury property taxes will increase a bit more than 2.7 percent. Taxes on properties with an assessed value of $250,000 will increase about $195 to $7,530 from $7,335. Taxes on properties with an assessed value of $500,000 will increase $390 to $15,060 from $14,670.

Middlebury’s portion of the Region 15 budget is increasing more than a half million dollars, $664,463, over the current fiscal year. The amount Middlebury pays is determined by the percentage of students the town has in Region 15 schools. That percentage is determined as of Oct. 1 each year and then used to calculate the obligation for the following fiscal year.

On Oct. 1, 2014, Region 15 had 3,881 students enrolled compared to 4,012 the previous October. For the 2015-2016 year, Middlebury has 1,226 students, down 31 students from this year’s 1,257 students. Southbury has 2,655 students, down 100 students from this year’s 2,755 students. These numbers generate a budget obligation of 31.59 percent for Middlebury (up from this year’s 31.33 percent) and 68.41 percent for Southbury (down from this year’s 68.67 percent). Numbers are rounded.

Mara Ford holds family dog Holly near the back of her house on the spot where she believes her family’s other dog, Lilly (seen in inset), was attacked by coyotes Saturday night. Sadly, Lilly’s injuries were so severe the kindest thing the family could do for her was to have her euthanized.

(Marjorie Needham photo)

Coyote attack Saturday night takes life of beloved pet

By MARJORIE NEEDHAM Lilly, a 15-pound Low Chin, one of two dogs belonging to the Ford family on Crest Road, went out her little dog door about 11 p.m. Saturday night to use the bathroom before her family went to bed. Lilly’s family was chatting in the kitchen, just feet away from where she was in the back yard. Mara Ford said Lilly barked a bit. Then everything was quiet.

Mara’s husband, Chip, went outside to get Lilly, but she wasn’t inside her territory, the inner loop of a two-loop dog fence.

Alarmed, the family started searching for her.

They found her lying on the ground some 20 or 30 feet beyond her loop, bloody, but still alive and breathing.

“I think the coyote was carrying her in its mouth,” Mara Ford said, “and when the coyote crossed the fence boundary, it got shocked and dropped her and she managed

to crawl away a bit. Then we came outside and scared the coyote away.”

Gently picking Lilly up, the family scrambled to wrap Lilly in a towel, alert the Chesire emergency vet that they were on the way, and drive off into the night hoping to save their beloved 12-year-old dog’s life.

Initially, the emergency veterinarian thought surgery could save her. On closer examination, however, the veterinarian realized the puncture wounds and crushing injuries to Lilly’s neck were much more severe than at first thought. The surgery would be difficult, dangerous and painful for Lilly, and the recovery could pose significant problems. The family made one of its most difficult decisions ever – to have the veterinarian end Lilly’s suffering.

“We went from preparing for surgery to selecting urns,” Mara said. And because of the grief her family experienced this week, she contacted the newspaper in hopes her family’s story would alert our readers to the

danger of coyotes and help them avoid a similar experience.

Mara said two things about the incident shocked her: that it was so close to her home and that it was totally quiet. “The proximity of everything is what is frightening. You don’t expect it to happen so close to home,” she said. “And you think there will be a lot of noise from the coyotes. Instead, there was total silence. I’m so glad we were in the kitchen when it happened.”

Middlebury Police Chief James Viadero said two dogs went missing on Tower Road about six months ago, and coyotes are suspected in their disappearance. He advised residents to keep their pets on leashes and not confront a coyote if they see one. If you have a coyote problem, you can contact the police department, and animal control will respond.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) flyer

– See Coyote on page 4

Crematory may come to Middlebury

By MARJORIE NEEDHAM Ray and Penny Albini of Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home hope to build a crematory in an industrialzoned area of Middlebury. At their April 20 meeting, the Middlebury Board of Selectmen (BoS) voted to sign a contract with the Albini’s for purchase of the 33 or so acres the town acquired from Baker Residential Limited Partnership in lieu of taxes.

If the real estate deal closes, the town will be paid $200,000 for the property. Baker Residential owed $75,109.02 in back taxes, so the property would be selling for approximately $125,000 more than what was owed in unpaid taxes.

Ray Albini said funeral homes are seeing an increase in the number of requests for cremation. The cremation rate has risen to 35 percent, he said, from about 20 percent 10 years ago and 10 percent 20 years ago.

Plans for the site will not be finalized until the proposal has received all the necIn this aerial view, the land the Albinis have offered to purchase, essary approvals, but Ray Albini said he and the former Baker Residential property, can be seen in relation to his wife are considering several features.

Chemtura and Brookside.

(Terrence McAuliffe photos) Since this area doesn’t have a cremation

Inside this Issue

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

Book Review.............................................................. 2 Classifieds.................................................................. 7 In Brief....................................................................... 4 Library Lines............................................................... 2 Obituaries.................................................................. 5 Puzzles...................................................................... 7 School Daze............................................................... 3 This is a Hammer........................................................ 7 Veterans Post............................................................. 5

May 2

Wednesday

May 6

Sunday

May 24

cemetery, they would like to offer that. “Ideally, I would like to have a crematory with a chapel and some type of indoor area like a columbarium for cremains (cremated remains). He likened a columbarium for cremains to a mausoleum for bodies.

There would be a cremation cemetery outside. And there might be an ossuarium.

He said this is a a monument above underground storage of cremains. Names of the deceased are placed on the monument, and during a ceremony, the cremains are put into a cylinder and placed into the undergound storage.

He said it was hard to tell how long it might be before the project, if approved, could be completed. In addition to obtaining the required local approvals, he was told the application for state approval is pretty complicated and takes 9 months.

He said he and his wife have been looking for properties for about a year. The Middlebury property met all their criteria. “It’s in an industrial zone. It’s more than 500 feet away from residential housing and that’s a state law. I think it’s a great location, and I think it’s a beautiful piece of property,” he said.

The property is on Benson Road, in an industrial area across from Chemtura. It is in the Oxford Airport Enterprise Zone, which was approved in August 2013 and is designed to attract business growth and development in the area.

Business incentives in the zone, subject to certain conditions, are a five-year, 80-percent abatement of local property taxes on real and personal property or a 10-year, 25to 50-percent credit on a portion of the state’s corporation business tax.

At the time the town acquired the property St. John said the acquisition would give the town an opportunity to sell it to recoup its losses on the unpaid taxes. He said the property also would tie in perfectly with the tax incentive program for new or improved businesses that was created by the town’s Economic and Industrial Development Commission.

The signed offer to purchase now moves on to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

If it is approved there, it will go to a town meeting for vote.

Middlebury Congregational Church Annual Tag Sale, Auction and Food Tent What: When: Where: Cost:

Fundraiser to benefit church and its missions Tag Sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Silent Auction, Auction Preview, 5:30 p.m.; Auction 7 p.m.

Shepardson Community Center Tag sale free ($10 early admission at 8:30 a.m.); Auction $10

Annual Budget Referendum

What: Vote on Middlebury town budget and Regional School District 15 budget When: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Shepardson Community Center

Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade (Memorial Day is Monday, May 25) What: When: Where:

Lions Club ceremony honoring veterans; Memorial Day parade Ceremony at 12 p.m.; Parade at 5 p.m.

Ceremony at Middlebury Cemetery on Middlebury Road. Parade starts at Bronson Drive and goes to Town Hall.

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2

Conservation Commission actions

By TERRENCE S. MCAULIFFE The Middlebury Conservation Commission (CC) at its Feb. 24 meeting approved work completed on Tranquility Road and heard a complaint about a concrete dam built without a permit on the same road. It also accepted applications for changes to approved drainage plans on Straits Turnpike, for drainage systems for the new Shell station on Middlebury Road and for a proposed building on Southford Road. At its March 31 meeting, it approved the revised Straits Turnpike drainage plans and Middlebury Road drainage systems and tabled discussion on the proposed Southford Road building An after-the-fact permit for Thyrza Whittemore for clearing and grading in a regulated area at 197 Tranquility Road was unanimously approved at the February meeting. Whittemore submitted an application Nov. 25 after receiving a violation notice

for doing the work without a permit.

In enforcement matters, Greg Barnes of 64 Spring Road complained to the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) about a concrete dam at 120 Tranquility Road that was built without a permit by owner Robert Bosco. Bosco’s attorney, Anne Peters, said the CC issued a permit to Bosco in 2011 to do some work on the stream that included a soil berm.

She said Bosco completed the work, but became concerned the berm was not structurally sound, so he constructed a reinforced concrete dam without a permit.

She said Bosco planned to come before the commission for a permit.

Peters said she is working with the ACOE to inspect the dam and obtain a permit if one is needed.

Chairman Vincent LoRusso instructed Peters to come back with an application for a new wetlands permit within 60 days after the ACOE makes its determination.

In February, revisions to the storm drainage system for a new 7,500-square-foot office building at 891 Straits Turnpike were requested because, professional engineer Brian Baker of Civil-1 said, the depth of a planned swale and its proximity to the driveway and building created a deep trench that could potentially present a safety issue for vehicles.

Town Engineer John Calabrese said he had no issues with the change. The changes were unanimously approved March 31 with Commissioner George Tzepos abstaining.

Also in February, plans for a new 9,600-square-foot commercial office building on a mostly wetlands five-acre property at the Northeast corner of Benson and Southford Roads were unanimously accepted for commission review with the stipulation a $2,000 fee be paid for outside technical expert Ed Pawlak of

– See CC on page 5

Book Review “Stuff Every Groom Should Know”

By Eric San Juan (Quirk Books, $9.95) Reviewed by Larry Cox With wedding season just around the corner, this nifty little guide couldn’t be published at a more apt time. Eric San Juan, author of several books including “Stuff Every Husband Should Know,” points out that marriage is a life-changing event, and whether it triggers nervous twitters, excitement or confusion, the best plan is to be prepared.

This pocket-sized manual is the ideal guide for navigating one of the most important experiences in a man’s life. It starts with popping the question and covers topics such as planning the wedding and how to survive the big event. Sections include Engagement Stuff, Wedding Planning Stuff, Wedding Day Stuff and After Wedding Stuff.

Community and Senior center events are listed at

www.bee-news.com

The practical advice includes how to choose the right ring, plan a wedding on a budget, pick the right tux, survive the bachelor party and even the essentials that a groom should keep in his pockets. If you’re curious about pocket content, a groom should arm himself – or his best man – with items such as a supply of aspirin, a cellphone, a list of telephone numbers for people such as the vendors, a little cash, a stain-remover pen, camera, breath mints, a handkerchief, lip balm and, yes, the ring.

Most weddings require a lot of attention to detail, but that shouldn’t prevent a marriage ceremony that is fun and memorable in a good way.

San Juan’s guide is easy to use and filled with useful information that every groom can depend on to navigate through the hazards of a proper wedding.

With it, grooms can not only survive but survive intact. (c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

May 2015

Library Lines

S

New books continue to arrive at the library

pring has finally arrived!

How lovely to put away heavy coats and boots and scarves and hats and … the list goes on! We New Englanders will truly appreciate spring and summer this year after the winter we just endured. Have you been reading a lot lately even though the weather is improving?

It seems so many well-known authors have had books published recently that it’s difficult to choose just one to read at a time, but why read one book at a time? Have a book on CD going in your car, read a favorite at night on your Kindle (or borrow a Kindle from the Middlebury Library; we always load the hottest best sellers for you) and tuck one into your lunch bag to relax with during lunchtime. If one really tries, one can read almost anywhere!

Neil Gaiman is a best-selling author for all ages. The movie “Stardust,” based on his book by the same title, is among the most imaginative and lyrical stories I have ever read, so his newest collection of short stories is destined to be a favorite. “Trigger Warning” (GAI) is introduced by him as an assortment of stories, each of which may trigger a danger response within us. For some, it may be spiders that touch off that “fight or flight” syndrome; for others it may simply be the dark ... beware your trigger!

The following title was reviewed in “Book Page” with a front cover spread – enough to make anybody take notice. “A Reunion of Ghosts” (MIT) by Judith Claire Mitchell is one long suicide note written by three sisters who decide to write a memoir of their past four generations – and end their lives with the end of the 20th century.

Many of their ancestors also took their lives, and when one of the sisters receives a “six months to a year” doctor’s sentence, they all decide to commit suicide.

Such an intriguing notion – do we make our own fate, or is it decided for us?

Didn’t you love the book, “Water for Elephants”? Sara Gruen has written a new novel, “At the Water’s Edge” (GRU), about the search for the Loch Ness monster. Well, not just about that; it involves a disgraced married couple who travel to Scotland to find the monster and succeed where his father failed in that effort. It’s about a failed marriage and a new beginning, about the monster saving a life instead of taking one; it’s about a found love. The story is convoluted and absolutely spell-binding; while I was writing this, a patron stood in front of me for minutes and I never even knew! It’s a love story and a hate story and you will want to read it.

OK, I was finally able to put that book down – in another room so I wasn’t tempted. Then I picked up Heather Graham’s newest, “The Dead Play On” (GRA). Every so often a good romantic suspense tale is just the ticket – I am dating myself when I can remember all the old mystery-romance writers – Mary Stewart, Elizabeth Peters, Barbara Michaels, Helen MacInnes, Philippa Carr, Catherine Cookson and oh, so many more! Anyway, back to Heather Graham.

Tyler inherits a saxophone from Arnie and plays in the same band. Then he begins to have visions about Arnie’s death. Was it a suicide? Or was it murder?

Moving on to nonfiction books, “Against the Grain” (641.81 CAI) by Nancy Cain is for those who are on a gluten-free diet or would like to try some recipes that are gluten-free. The author experimented for years to make a tasty pizza dough for her family – two of whom were recently diagnosed with celiac disease and need a gluten-free diet. She offers the basics of gluten-free cooking and baking with ingredients purported to be easily found. I had to look up what “ramp” was (a wild onion smelling like garlic and tasting like onion) but the recipes do look interesting. Tapioca starch, chia seeds, light buckwheat flour, eggs

and milk appear in many recipes – all of which we would probably find in a local store … I think.

Finally, a book that can show us how to reach our kids! “Captivology: the Science of Capturing People’s Attention” (153.7 PAR) by Ben Parr unlocks that mystery through the use of science and interviews with successful entrepreneurs. Discover why our minds pay attention to certain things and disregard others. We all know how strong memory of a scent can be – for example, the smell of fresh-cut grass is a pleasant trigger for memories of long, lazy childhood summers. Parr uses the happy triggers to engage people’s attention – especially children.

This same concept can be applied to capturing people’s attention in sales, with friends and even with strangers.

A new biography by Kate Mulgrew called “Born With Teeth” (B MULGREW, KATE MUL) is a lively look at her Irish-Catholic upbringing and life. She actually was born with teeth, which were promptly pulled, and conned her younger sister, Tess, into performing as her slave. Tess, unfortunately, developed a brain tumor, and Kate lost not only her sister but her best friend. Kate endured many downs – and enjoyed the many ups of her life to write a very readable memoir.

Finally, we look at “Spring Chicken: Stay Young Forever (or Die Trying)” (613.2 GIF) by Bill Gifford. Based on the latest research, mythology and ancient wisdom, Gifford explores how we can live longer and better. His secret mantra is what we already knew: “Use it or lose it.” This phrase he applies to every aspect in our lives: muscles, brain, everything. The book doesn’t offer a magic elixir or fountain of youth, just common sense and some helpful hints along the way.

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.

Gary’s getting a kick out of his new knee.

Dr. Eric Olson, Orthopaedic Surgeon Waterbury Orthopaedic Association Gary Welton is a 66-year-old Sales Rep. from Middlebury who was always on the go. An avid golfer and Tai Chi instructor, he also happens to be a 6th degree black belt in karate.

After chronic knee pain began to cramp Gary’s active lifestyle, he decided it was time to do something. He sought help from Waterbury Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Eric Olson. Gary underwent a complete personalized knee replacement procedure and says his experience with Dr. Olson and the orthopaedic team at Waterbury Hospital was “top notch. That’s why they’ve always been our hospital.”

They treated me like I was part of

The best part: Gary’s pain is gone and his active lifestyle is no longer on hold. He’s back to the golf course and teaching Tai Chi, with a brand new knee. Outstanding orthopaedic care, one more way we are fulfilling our commitment to provide you with world class healthcare right at home.

the family.

Gary Welton of Middlebury, grateful orthopaedic patient

Visit waterburyhospital.org

The Bee-Intelligencer

May 2015

3

How much testing is too much testing?

Greetings from School Daze!

The end of the school year will soon be upon us. In many districts, the third marking period is over. As your child heads into the fourth and final quarter, he or she will be engaged in numerous assessments. Aside from the state-mandated SBAC assessment, which I discussed in the last issue, your child will be assessed against the district’s requirements that measure whether your child has or has not mastered the standards set forth by the Common Core.

As an educator, I have come to realize just how much instructional time is spent preparing for these tests, not to mention the anxiety children face with this superfluous schedule of constant testing. To that end, the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) has begun a campaign to limit the amount of testing and to eliminate the SBAC assessment.

The CEA stands firm in its petition to recapture substantial classroom instruction time, select a test that better supports classroom instruction, and prohibit statewide testing in pre-kindergarten through second grade.

In addition, the CEA supports the creation of a school accountability system that does not rely

School Daze by Mrs. M. on one arbitrary test score but relies instead on ongoing assessments that will include data showing academic growth per student within a school year.

I have given you only a snapshot of what the CEA is proposing. Much more information regarding additional aspects of the SBAC assessment is at CEA. org.

Over the last few years, I have seen a drastic change in our educational system. Rather than focusing on creating a wellrounded agenda of academics, it has turned into focusing on creating higher-order thinkers to master selected skills difficult to attain by everyone, every time, at every level. For many educators, gone are the days of building volcanoes, creating an electric circuit or making a sculpture out of clay.

Many teachers know the current system of assessments is directly connected to their evaluations as well as the school’s evaluation, so they proceed to “teach to the test,” negating all the wonderfully creative activities that were once part of a student’s day. Ask a kindergartner what his day was like, and I’m sure he won’t include playing with a make-believe kitchen, or in a sandbox or even a snack time in his activities. What a shame!

Regrettably, all the emphasis on testing has played a huge role in changing the dynamics of the classroom. I have always been a firm believer that the classroom must be an environment where students should be inquisitive, creative and enriched by the activities within those four walls … a place to explore their curiosity and, above all, nurture their enthusiasm. In today’s classrooms, there seems to be very little time during the school day to achieve what was once a great joy for both students and educators. I am not saying students are not being creative or engaged in some very cool activities, but as teachers have told me, they seem to have far less time to devote to those activities than they once had.

When is testing too much testing? When it infringes on the intrinsic value of teaching. Minimizing the scope of instructional time to justify a result dedicated to shortchanging students is not only unproductive; it’s also detrimental to the learning process.

To that end, I would encourage supporting the CEA’S petition for change. You can let your legislators know or contact CEA.org for more information. I will keep you posted on this important issue as it moves forward.

Let’s bring back the days when teaching “opened minds, inspired students and created an inalienable love for learning.”

As always, I welcome your opinions and comments. You may email me at fmull04@gmail.com. Until next month … sharpen your pencils, tell your child he or she is simply awesome, and keep on smiling! Mrs. M. Mrs. M. (Fran Mullen) is an educator in the Waterbury School District.

Mother’s Day is May 10 Order your cakes now!

Expires 5/31/15.

Expires 5/31/15.

Expires 5/31/15.

Living to be 100 California, Costa Rica, Greece, Italy and Japan all have something in common. They each have a city with large numbers of people who reach age 100.

Only 25 percent of our longevity comes from DNA, says National Geographic author Dan Buettner in his book “Blue Zones.” The rest comes from our environment and lifestyle. With teams of researchers, Buettner traveled the world and discovered the secrets to longevity.

There’s no one magic bullet from all of these locations, but lifestyle, spirituality and community combine with a few habits these centenarians follow.

Moderate activity, a semi-vegetarian diet, a clear purpose and staying socially engaged are common traits among people who routinely live to be 100.

In 2009, AARP joined with the Blue Zones project to add years to the lives of people in Albert

Lea, Minn. The result: The life expectancy of the nearly 800 participants rose, simply by making a few changes in their lifestyle and diet. Check aarp.org for more information about the AARP/Blue Zones Vitality Project. Search for The Minnesota Miracle or Creating America’s Healthiest Hometown.

Buettner’s books are worth reading. “Blue Zones” (subtitled “9 Lessons for Living Longer”) also is available on Amazon.com or BlueZones.com. Be sure to look for the updated second edition released in 2012. A new addition is “The Blue Zones Solution,” which includes information on diets (and the science behind

them), recipes, super foods, community, family, and the routines and personal stories of those in Buettner’s research.

No matter how old we are, it’s never too late to be inspired to reach maximum health.

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.

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(c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

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May 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.

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In Brief Absentee ballots available

p.m. Monday through Friday.

Quilts that Care Additional information may be Quilts that Care, an organizaobtained by calling the office at tion that makes quilts for people The Middlebury Town Clerk’s 203-758-2557. who undergo cancer treatment, office has absentee ballots for the May 6, 2015, Budget Referen- St. George’s Episcopal will meet Mondays, May 4 and 18, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The dum. Electors and property ownChurch tag sale Harold Leever Regional Cancer ers owning property assessed at St. George’s Episcopal Church Center at 1075 Chase Parkway in $1,000 or more on the last completed grand list are eligible to on Tucker Hill Road in Middle- Waterbury. It also will meet vote. They also must be a U.S. bury will hold a tag sale Saturday, Tuesdays, May 5 and 19, from citizen and at least 18 years old. May 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Bristol Public Library at 5 High St. in Bristol.

An application must be filled event is rain or shine.

This year, the church is welDonations of fabric shop gift out before a ballot can be issued.

Ballots will not be mailed. The coming the public to rent space cards, 100 percent cotton fabric, applications are available at the outside to sell their own items. twin-size quilt backings, cotton Town Clerk’s office at 1212 Whit- This will be a great one-stop shop flannel, quilting materials and temore Road or can be down- for all those who love to go out gallon Ziploc bags are being acloaded from the Secretary of the and shop tag sales. For informa- cepted. Volunteers are being State’s website at www.sots. tion on renting a space, call 203- sought. Quilters are especially needed. Monetary donations can ct.gov under Elections and Vot- 758-9864. be given through PayPal at www. ing. Print the application form Connecticut Pops quiltsthatcare.org or at P.O. Box for referendum only.

166, Watertown, CT 06795. For concert There are two questions on the ballot. Question No. 1 is The Connecticut Pops free information, call Deb at 860-945“Shall the 2015-2016 proposed family concert and art show will 0184, email QuiltsThatCare.

Town of Middlebury Municipal be Sunday, May 3, at 3 p.m. in Deb@gmail.com or visit www.

Budget in the amount of the Mainstage Theater at Naug- quiltsthatcare.org. $10,153,880 be approved?” Ques- atuck Valley Community College Lyme Disease movie tion No. 2 is “ Shall the proposed in Waterbury. The concert will Tuesday, May 5, from 7 to 8:30 2015-2016 Budget of the Pomp- be “Rhapsody in Blue and Music eraug Regional School District of Other Colors.” The event will p.m. in the Kingsley Room of the #15 in the amount of $65,263,007 include a raffle and active par- Southbury Library, naturopathic health professionals Carolyn be adopted?” ticipation for children.

Graham and Alice Bell will presThe Middlebury Town Clerk’s ent an informative movie about office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 Lyme disease and individuals living with symptoms of the illness. There will be a 30-minute question-and-answer session immediately following the 60-minute movie. Registration is required for this free event; please call the library at 203-2620626, ext. 130, to register. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Southbury Public Library.

Trust & Dignity

Yappy Hour Yappy Hour returns for the second year Wednesday, May 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Seven Angels Theater at 1 Plank Road in Waterbury. Dog owners may bring leashed and socialized pets to the event, which features a free raffle at 7 p.m., other raffle items and a free doggie baggie to the first 25 households. The event, presented by Al’s Pals Pet Care, benefits the Halo program and local rescues. Have your dog’s picture taken. Enjoy food from local food and dessert trucks.

RSVP on Facebook at alspalspetcare or call 203-525-6370.

Life after loss “Finding the New Normal: Life After Loss,” a free six-week group for any adult who is coping with

the death of a parent, spouse, sibling, other family member or friend, will start Thursday, May 7, from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. at the Jewish Federation of Western Connecticut at 444 Main St. N. in Southbury. Led by Jenny Casey, LCSW, of Regional Hospice, this short-term professionally facilitated bereavement support group will continue meeting Thursday afternoons through June 11. The goal of this group is supportive in nature, providing a safe environment for sharing with others who have also been touched by loss. The size of the group is limited, and registration is required. To register, call 203267-3177, ext. 310, or email rsvp@jfed.net.

Ballet at library Brass City Ballet will perform excerpts from the full-length ballet, “Alice in Wonderland,” Thursday, May 7, at 6:30 p.m. at the Middlebury Public Library at 30 Crest Road in Middlebury. There is no charge to attend this performance. All ages are welcome.

Celia Torrey, 17, of Southbury stars as Alice. Little Alice will be danced by Brooke Harris, 9, of Middlebury. Also featured are Savannah Gould, 10, of Wolcott as the Little White Rabbit; Sarah Pellman, 17, of Middlebury as the Cheshire Cat; and Samantha Mankowski, 16, of Watertown as the Caterpillar. For more information call Brass City Ballet at 203-598-0186.

Call for artists Artists are invited to enter the Watertown Art League Juried Art Show scheduled for May 8 through 22 in the Larkin Room at the Middlebury Public Library at 30 Crest Road in Middlebury.

Over $1,200 in cash prizes will be presented, including $400 for Best in Show. Sorry, no photography or sculpture will be accepted. Receiving will be Friday, May 8, from 2 to 4 p.m., and Saturday, May 9, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the library. An entry fee of $20 for members and $25 for nonmembers will be charged to the artist for up to two pieces of artwork.

The work of many talented and prize-winning artists representing all mediums of fine art from all parts of the state will be on display and juried in this

Coyote -

Continued from page 1

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says Connecticut didn’t originally have coyotes. They arrived here in the 1950s and have since expanded their range throughout the entire state.

DEEP says they are opportunistic animals that primarily eat mice, woodchucks, squirrels, rabbits, deer, some fruits, carrion

show hosted by the Watertown Art League, one of the oldest established art leagues in the area, in cooperation with its sponsor, the Thomaston Savings Bank Foundation. A reception and award ceremony is set for Thursday, May 14, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Refreshments will be served, and the public is invited.

Obtain a prospectus from the Watertown Art League website at www.walart.org or by calling May at 203-574-2835.

Audition for Community Theater Community Theater at Woodbury will hold auditions for “Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun,” a Canadian play by Norm Foster that will be presented Oct. 21 to 25.

They are looking for actors to present the play at the Historic Town Hall in Woodbury. Auditions will be held at the Rec House next to the Historic Town Hall on Saturday, May 9, from 12 to 2 p.m. and Sunday and Monday, May 10 and 11, from 7 to 9 p.m.

There are five characters: Robert, Claire, Holly, Dr. Andrews and Simon. Robert is a developmentally challenged man of about 35. Claire, Robert’s mother, is about 60 and cares for him.

Holly is a young single woman about 30, who is pregnant and has just ended an affair with Simon, the married man who got her that way; Claire’s doctor, who must tell her that she is terminally ill, is Dr. Andrews. Simon is around 40, self-centered and somewhat of a jerk. Dr. Andrews can be male or female and 25 to 50, a professional, businesslike doctor.

Norm Foster, a well-known Canadian playwright, is famous for comedies, and this play, despite its somber themes, is filled with an understated and wry humor the actors will be called upon to convey. All characters are open for auditions. For more information or to set up an audition, call Jack Kearney at 203263-4331.

Understanding your best friend The Southbury Library will host Certified Dog Listener Phil Klein Thursday, May 14, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Kingsley Room for a presentation on a and garbage. They also prey on small livestock, poultry and small pets.

Coyote pups are born in April to mid-May, so it’s likely local coyotes are now hunting not just for themselves, but also to feed their young.

The flyer warns that unsupervised pets, particularly outdoor cats and small dogs weighing less than 25 pounds, are vulnerable to coyote attacks. The risk of a

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kind methodology for gaining your dog’s cooperation based on its instincts. Are you at wits’ end with your dog, or do you just have some challenges? Or, are you about to get a dog and want to avoid problems? If so, you can eliminate or minimize all unwanted behaviors by simply making canine-friendly changes in how you interact with your dog. Klein will enable you to achieve a blissful relationship with your dog.

Through in-home consultations, volunteer work with Labs4Rescue and Chi Society, and public talks, Klein has been honored to help hundreds of dog owners and their dogs during the past 5 ½ years. Registration is required. Please call the library at 203-262-0626, ext. 130, to register.

Community dinner Master’s Table Community Meals will host a free dinner Sunday, May 31, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Assumption Church at 61 N. Cliff St. in Ansonia. The event is open to the public, and the facility is handicap accessible. The meal is free, but donations are accepted. For more information, visit www.masterstablemeals.org or call 293-732-7792.

Woodbury Lions seek vendors The Woodbury Lions Club is seeking vendors/crafters for their 37th Annual Car Show Sunday, June 14, at Hollow Park in Woodbury. The event opens at 9 a.m. and runs until about 3 p.m., rain or shine. In the past, this event attracted about 400 cars and over 1,000 viewers. Vendors are allowed to start setting up at 7:30 a.m.

“Based on our feedback from last year, we’ve moved the vendor area onto the field,” Lion President Frank Longo said. “It will give the vendors more visibility and, hopefully, more sales.”

The cost is $25 for a 10-footby-10-foot area, and vendors can rent multiple spaces. Of specific interest are sellers of jewelry, soaps, perfumes, crafts and anything automotive. Applications from food vendors will not be accepted.

Email the Lions at WoodburyCTLions@gmail.com for a vendor application. coyote attacking a person is “extremely low” according to the flyer, but the risk increases if they are intentionally fed and associate people with food.

The best way to protect your pets is not to allow them to run free. Cats should be kept indoors, particularly at night, and small dogs should be on a leash and under close supervision at all times. One long-term solution to the problem is a kennel or coyote-proof fencing.

Homeowners are advised to avoid leaving pet food outdoors.

Coyotes also are attracted by table scraps on compost piles, decaying fruit below fruit trees, and bird seed below bird feeders.

The Bee-Intelligencer

May 2015

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Continued from page 2 Connecticut Ecosystems due to the complexity of the project.

Environmental scientist George Logan of Rema Ecological Services LLC in Manchester explained the infrastructure improvements, parking and storm-water management system designed by Waldo and Associates LLC of Guilford. The proposed building would sit between two wetlands areas and require permanent fill of approximately 2,700 square feet and temporary fill of 580 square feet to bring utilities, including sewer, to the building.

Logan said the wetland nearest Benson Road is an open meadow that has watercourses draining to the second, larger wetland via a ditch that has an existing man-made driveway and a bridge that once allowed access to a since-removed farmhouse. The plans propose filling the ditch watercourse along with a small run of wetlands approx-

imately 1,340 square feet in size.

The building will be sited so that all the parking and disturbances will be facing away from the larger wetland with at least 50 feet of buffer from the back of the disturbance to that wetland.

Logan described the mitigation plan as aggressive, with a wetland enhancement and restoration in one area of the plans and a wetland creation on the upper area for a total of almost 6,000 square feet. Dense vegetation of the slope and enhancement of the existing buffer are proposed for the back of the building, and significant trees have been marked. An engineering report given to commissioners indicated no increased peak discharges, and a letter from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said species such as hare’s tail, white-fringed orchid, black spruce and dwarf mistletoe were within or near the parcel. Logan stated neither their habitats nor the species are in or in close proximity to the acreage. He said wildlife usage would be im-

pacted because the property is within a few hundred feet of a major transportation corridor.

Logan agreed to have the site staked for commissioner review once the snow cleared and to submit all plans signed and sealed by an engineer. As of the March meeting, the snow still had not melted, so the matter was tabled until the April 28 meeting.

Plans for drainage improvements and site work for a new gasoline station and convenience store to replace the Shell station at 520 Middlebury Road with a larger facility were unanimously accepted for commissioner review at the February meeting and then approved unanimously at the March meeting. Attorney Michael McVerry, representing owner Wesson Energy, said the old station would be razed once the new building and pumps are completed.

The next regular CC meeting will be Tuesday, May 26, at 7:30 p.m. in Room 26 at Shepardson Community Center.

Office in the home yields tax deductions If you are self-employed, you may be entitled to take a tax deduction for an office in the home (OIH). (If you are a W-2 employee, it is possible, but less likely, you would qualify for OIH deduction. That topic may be the subject of a future column. This column relates to self-employed business people.)

To qualify for the OIH tax deduction, you must have a separate area in your home that is used “regularly and exclusively” for business. Although this is normally a separate room (e.g., a spare bedroom), it does not necessarily have to be. For example, your office might be a corner of your living room where you have a desk and other equipment set up. And the reference to “exclusively” does not literally mean you can never conduct any personal business in that work area, but it does mean you cannot work at your kitchen table and then try to claim the entire kitchen as a tax deduction.

As a self-employed person, if you do not have an office outside the home, then you most likely qualify for the OIH deduction.

You do not have to meet clients

Diversified Tax Tidbits

By MARK A. BURNS

in your home to qualify – you qualify as long as you have an office (as defined above) and you perform business functions in that office such as booking appointments and paperwork.

There are two methods you can use for the OIH deduction – simplified or regular. Using the simplified method, you take the square footage of your office (maximum of 300 square feet) and multiply by $5 per square foot. For example, if your office is 150 square feet, at $5 a square foot that equals a tax deduction of $750.

The regular method often will result in a larger tax deduction but requires more effort and record keeping. Under this method, you take the square footage of the office as a percent of your home’s total square footage. Then you take that percent of certain expenses of the entire house, such as insurance, utilities, and maintenance and re-

pairs. You also can take the appropriate percentage of your mortgage interest and real estate taxes, but that would not be an incremental tax deduction. It would just shift the deduction from one place on your tax return to another (it would help reduce self-employment taxes).

The OIH deduction amount is reported on line 30 of your Schedule C, “Profit or Loss from Business.” If you use the regular method, you first fill out Form 8829 to do the calculations.

Also, certain expenses (e.g., phone, supplies, office furniture) might be allowed as 100-percent business expenses. Just because an expense is incurred in an OIH does not mean it is subject to the percentage relationship discussed earlier.

The above is a very general discussion of a very complicated subject. Always consult a tax professional if you are 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.

Fixes don’t cure long VA wait times In spite of fixes, health care doesn’t always get better at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). If you live in Jacksonville, Fla., your wait times for appointments are the worst in the country. While the national average percentage of appointments beyond 30 days is 5.9 percent, Jacksonville’s is an astounding 23.3 percent. Fayetteville, N.C., is right behind, with 23 percent of requested appointments going over 30 days.

While the VA announced a new 250,000-square-foot medical facility will be built in Fayetteville, that might not help the wait-time problem. A new VA clinic in Colorado Springs, Colo., hasn’t relieved veterans’ wait

times for appointments. In the seven months the clinic has been open, the number of appointments delayed by 30 days or more has actually risen to 11.5 percent from 7 percent.

Besides these locations, other areas with still-high wait times are those with a rural population, a large military presence, and those in Alabama, Georgia, Virginia and New Mexico.

In November, new VA chief

Robert McDonald said he wanted to hire 28,000 doctors, nurses and other staff. That might be hard to pull off. The Association of American Medical Colleges said in a study it requested, “Projections from 2013 to 2025,” that by 2025 “demand for physicians will exceed supply by a range of 46,000 to 90,000.”

That leaves Choice, the VA program that allows veterans who live too far from a VA facility to get care in the community.

The VA recently redefined the 40-mile requirement from as the crow flies to actual driving mileage. If you qualify, sign up for it.

See www.va.gov/opa/choiceact, or call 866-606-8198. (c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

Choose sunglasses for more than style Here comes summer ... and • And don’t forget the kids. Their the sun’s damaging glare. Do eyes are much more vulnerable your sunglasses protect your eyes to harmful effects of UV rays. from the harmful effects of ultraGet them in the habit of wearviolet rays? An American Oping sunglasses when outdoors. tometric Association survey Here are some terms to help found that nearly half of us don’t you understand the different tacts that don’t offer that pro- types of lenses. look for the level of UV protectection, you need sunglasses. • Blue blocking: good for seeing tion when we buy sunglasses.

Consider ordering a specific The short-term effects of UV distant objects in snow or haze. pair of prescription sunglasses • Photochromic lenses: lighten rays can result in actual sunburn with the correct range of UV of the eye, called photokeratitis. and darken according to the protection.

While the condition is tempolight around you. rary, the symptoms can be pain- • Pick sunglasses that closely fit • Polarized lenses: reduce the your face to keep UV rays from ful: light sensitivity, tearing, and glare from water or snow, great reaching your eyes from the a feeling of grit or a foreign body for driving. side. Add a wide-brimmed hat. • Gradient tint: darker at the top in the eye. Longer-term effects Remember that the UV protecof exposure to UV rays can be and lighter at the bottom. tion level isn’t determined by much more serious: macular Your best bet is to make a visit the darkness of the lenses. degeneration, cataracts and even to your optometrist. To locate cancer of the areas around the • Check the lens color carefully. one in your area, go online to Avoid sunglasses where the aoa.org. eye. lenses don’t exactly match in Here are some of the AOA David Uffington regrets he color or that have distortions. cannot personally answer reader guidelines to look for when buyLook at something in the dis- questions, but he will incorporate ing sunglasses: tance to be sure it doesn’t look them into his column whenever • Choose sunglasses that block wavy. (If you’re driving, choose possible. Send email to column75 to 90 percent of visible light a gray tint for better color rec- reply2@gmail.com. and at least 99 percent of UV-A ognition of things around you.) and UV-B rays. If you wear con(c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

5

Obituaries Joseph E. Brody A Man of Honor

On April 27, 2015, Joe Brody, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, went home to be with the Lord. He passed peacefully at home in Middlebury surrounded by his devoted family.

Joe recently celebrated 60 years of marriage to the love of his life, Cora Lee (Winsor) Brody. Joe cherished his three daughters and devoted sons-in-law: Karen and Paul Yuschak of Elizabeth, N.J.; and Debra and Sean McLaughlin and Joan and David Bussiere, all of Middlebury.

His grandchildren kept their adored grandfather young: Kate Yuschak Garcia and her husband, Pedro; Kyle McLaughlin; Kevin McLaughlin; Rebecca Yuschak; Christopher Bussiere; and Colleen McLaughlin. In the circle of life, the family soon will be welcoming Joe’s first great-grandbaby, Kayleana Garcia.

Born July 15, 1930, in WilkesBarre, Pa., Joseph Eugene Brody was the youngest son of the late Charles and Mary (Masick) Brody. Joe will be greatly missed by his older brother, Basil Brody of Nanticoke, Pa. He is predeceased by his parents; his sisters, Helen Patskin and Anna Terninko; and his brothers, John Brody and Stephen Brody.

Joe served in the Intelligence Unit of the United States Air Force, where he met Lee. Together they raised their family in Naugatuck. He spent most of his professional career as a plant manager for Risdon. For the last 30 years he relished working with his devoted wife, Lee, buying and

selling antiques, where they enjoyed many dear friendships.

Family and friends are welcome to a Mass celebrating Joe’s life today, Friday, May 1, at 12:30 p.m. at St. John of the Cross Church at 1089 Whittemore Road in Middlebury. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to StreetLight Mission, StreetLightMission.org, P.O. Box 843, Elizabeth, N.J. 07207. The Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald-Zembruski Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information or to extend online condolences, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.

Irving Benedict Nixon Brought first Carvel to Naugatuck

Irving Benedict Nixon Sr., 92, of Naugatuck passed away with his loved ones by his side Sunday, April 12, 2015. He was the husband of the late Lillian (Torwich) Nixon.

Irving was born in Waterbury on May 10, 1922, a son of the late John and Madeline (Welton) Nixon. He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was quite the entrepreneur.

He started construction with his father and built several homes, including three in Block Island, R.I. In 1953 he built and owned the first Carvel in Naugatuck, Conn., and later built his second franchise in Watertown, Conn. He sold franchises, built several stores and trained owners. He also was a Dia-

mond Distributor for Amway. He owned several businesses in New York City and, in his later years, was a top salesman at Avent Advertising Co. in New York City, where he retired at the age of 84.

Irving is survived by one son, Irving Nixon Jr., and two daughters, Madeline Polmon of Naugatuck and Teena Nixon of New Preston. He also is survived by two brothers, Howard Nixon of Woodbury and Kevin Nixon of Southbury, and one sister, Ann Carmody of Naugatuck; four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by four brothers, David, Emmit, John and Richard, and one sister, Mary Schank.

The funeral was April 25 at The Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald-Zembruski Funeral Home in Naugatuck. To send an online condolence or view the entire obituary, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Frank’s memory to The Wounded Warrior Project Processing Center, P. O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or www. woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.

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 pho-

tos free of charge. We do this as a community service to honor the deceased and the family and friends who love them.

Don’t open that email – phishing dangers

By JUSTIN GOLDEN Based on your personality, you may want to open, read and respond to every email you receive from family, friends or co-workers. But don’t be so quick to open them.

Everyone with an account receives emails from people they know and people they don’t know. When you sign up or enroll online, at the mall or at work, you may receive emails from those companies. They may then sell your email address to other companies, and then you can’t figure out how they got your address.

Many of you receive many emails with enticing subject lines like “You Have Won” or “Here Are the Photographs” or seeming business messages with subject lines such as “Your Invoice Attached,” “Validate Now” or “Your Email Box is Full.”

These may be phishing emails.

What is that? It’s an attempt to get personal identifiable information from you like financial information, user I.D.s, passwords, etc. The emails will masquerade as if they are coming from people you know or from businesses that are recognizable and household names. Because of these trusted names, it is easy to be tricked into opening the email or clicking on the link or attachment within.

If you received an email from American Express card services with a subject line that said “Your Account Has Been Suspended,” would you open it even if you never had an account with them?

Should you open it if you do have an American Express card? The answer to both questions is no – don’t open either.

The reason is if it is a phishing email, depending on the sophistication of the scammer, your opening it will let them know it’s a valid email address. Then they

can become relentless in sending you other phishing emails. They also will sell your email address to other scammers.

When you open a phishing email, it will have a link to a website that is infected, or it will have an attachment with malware that will be downloaded onto your computer. Resist opening emails that you know are phishing emails or that don’t appear right.

Two of the biggest security breaches in the news started as phishing emails. The Target company infiltration began with a phishing email to one of Target’s heating and cooling vendors. The breach at the White House announced last week started as a phishing email to an employee at the U.S. State Department.

Director of National Intelligence James Clapper advises everyone to conduct cyber user training, increase cyber awareness and

have technical security measures in place.

Here are some hints to prevent you from being a victim of a phishing attack. Don’t open emails with inappropriate subject lines from people you don’t know. If an email with a questionable subject line is from someone you know, call the sender and ask, “Did you send me this email?” Don’t post online your birthday, pet’s name, mother’s maiden name, last names of your best friends, maid of honor, best man, or too much information about clubs and organizations you belong to.

Please share this information with parents, children and co-workers.

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

Online 24/7 at

www.bee-news.com Middlebury Road (Opposite the Shell Station) Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Anthony Calabrese 203-758-2765

Mother’s Day Baskets & Floral Arrangements Ornamental Statuary Hanging Baskets • Roses • Perennials Herbs • Vegetable Plants Strawberry Plants • Shrubs Mulch in bulk or by the bag Deer Corn • Livestock & Poultry Feed 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.

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.

The Bee-Intelligencer

6

May 2015

The magic of rapport

Realtors® and Vacation Rental Agents

Whether we are selling someAdvertise Your Properties For Sale or Vacation Rentals throughout New thing, supervising others, preEngland in free distribution newspapers with over 700,000 circulation senting an idea or managing a conflict, a major factor in our FOR FOR A effectiveness is our ability to esONLY 25 - WORD CLASSIFIED tablish rapport. Rapport is an emotional bond or connection between people based on mutual liking, trust and a sense that they understand and share each other’s concerns, values and view of the world. Rapport is a perceived affinity between two or more people that is characterized by a sense of harmony, comfort and compatibility.

When we are in a state of rapport with another person, it is Community Papers of New England much easier to influence his or Call June at 877-423-6399 to place your ad today her thoughts and actions. Rapport increases others’ receptivity to us. It is the glue that binds all successful relationships and is the very cornerstone of human relations. It is the source of the charisma great leaders generate with followers, and it is that powerful but often subtle connection

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Winning Ways

By Pat Iannuzzi Insights for Constructive Living

that helps build and maintain relationships. This is why rapport is the cornerstone of all interpersonal effectiveness.

The degree to which rapport exists within a relationship is determined primarily by what and how we communicate with others. Humans communicate in many different ways, i.e., through words, vocal quality, body language, listening and actions. It is the degree of skill with which we use these communication vehicles to make others feel comfortable in their personal interactions with us that determines our rapport-building capacity.

Here are some tips on how to increase our effectiveness in

building rapport: and communicate your re• Interact with others in ways sponse through appropriate that put them at ease. Display vocal and physical expressions. body language that conveys Demonstrate genuine concern openness and cordiality. A for others, especially in difficult smile, relaxed posture, and a or challenging situations. warm and friendly vocal intoThank others for their comnation will go a long way toments and suggestions even ward minimizing defensivewhen you do not completely ness in others and making agree with them. Accept comthem more receptive to us. In pliments graciously and seek his classic book, “How to Read opportunities to offer sincere a Person Like a Book,” Gerard compliments to others in reNierenberg explains that gesturn. tures such as open hands, un- • Interact with others in ways crossed arms and an unbutthat make them feel liked. Extoned jacket, along with an hibit sincere personal warmth occasional subtle physical and affection for other people. movement in the direction of Look for opportunities to inanother, convey a feeling of “I quire about their feelings, am with you; things are going thoughts and aspirations. Most well.” everybody wants to be liked • Interact with others in ways and appreciated, and anything that make them feel valued and we can say or do to convey our appreciated. Listen actively to genuine interest in others will other people. Make a sincere significantly contribute to our effort to absorb what another person is saying and feeling, – See Winning Ways on page 7

Teeth grinding common in the elderly summer Programs: emPowering Young women in engineering, Finance, & Politics For girls entering grades 7, 8, & 9

JulY 5-10 & JulY 12-17

Two one-week sessions will be offered. For their morning session, girls will have the opportunity to explore one of three major areas where women are widely underrepresented:

science and engineering • invest in girls & Finance • model un Girls will then have the opportunity to explore an art or computer science course for their afternoon session:

PhotograPhY • drawing • comPuter Programming The afternoons will conclude with leadership workshops and traditional camp activities will be held in the evenings. If you have questions about Westover’s Summer Programs, e-mail Director Shelby Neal at summerprograms@westoverschool.org or call 203.758.2423.

Middlebury, Connecticut

•

westoverschool.org

Westover Summer Programs Ad for MBI draft 1.indd 1

4/23/15 2:52 PM

Royalty Dance Camp July 13 - 17 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Ages 3 - 9

DEAR DR. ROACH: My motherin-law is 95 and lives in a nursing home. Sometimes when we visit, I can barely stand to be in her presence because she savagely grinds her teeth, making an awful grating, creaking noise. Could there be some medical reason for this? – L.D. ANSWER: Many conditions common in the elderly are associated with teeth grinding. (We have medical terms for pretty much everything – teeth grinding is called bruxism.) Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia (a type of memory loss often associated with visual hallucinations and movement disorders), stroke, Parkinson’s disease and many medications can cause this problem.

Treatment is difficult. A mouth guard to protect the teeth can be very useful, but some people won’t keep them in. Her geriatrician is the right person to discuss this with. Some medications (especially some classes of antidepressants) can cause or worsen daytime bruxism, so stopping those may help. Drug treatment of daytime bruxism is not very helpful. Botulinum toxin (Botox) has been effective in some instances.

Ballet, Tap, Jazz Hip Hop, Theater, Craft Projects

Spend a week with your favorite princess!

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Answers: 1. Cleveland’s Ray Chapman, in 1917.

2. Mickey Vernon, Ted Williams and Early Wynn.

3. Tony Dorsett had 202 yards in the Sugar Bowl in 1977.

4. San Antonio’s David Robinson, in the 1993-94 season.

5. Denis Savard (2000 induction), Rod Langway (2002), Dick Duff (2006), Patrick Roy (2006), Doug Gilmour (2011) and Chris Chelios (2013).

6. It was 1990 in Italy.

7. Ellis had one defense – defeating Floyd Patterson in 1968 – before losing to Joe Frazier in 1970.

Come dance with Cinderella, Snow White, Anna, Elsa & more!

1. Who was the last player before Houston’s Jose Altuve in 2014 to have multiple stolen bases in four straight games?

2. Name two of the three major-leaguers who played in four decades between the 1930s and the 1960s.

3. In 2013, Pitt tailback James Conner set a school bowl rushing record with 229 yards.

Who had held the mark?

4. Who was the last NBA center before Chicago’s Joakim Noah in the 2013-14 campaign to lead his team in assists for a season?

5. Name four of the six athletes who played for the Montreal Canadiens and were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame between 2000 and 2013.

6. When was the last time before 2014 that Costa Rica’s men’s soccer team made it to the round of 16 at the World Cup? 7. How many title defenses of the WBA heavyweight title did Jimmy Ellis have after winning the belt in 1968?

(c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

DEAR DR. ROACH: Don’t forget that although there are many medical causes of restless leg syndrome, varicose veins also can be a source of symptoms, and we have cured many people of symptoms with minimally invasive varicose vein treatments.

We always recommend that if you have visible varicosities or strong family history of varicose veins, you should get an ultrasound to determine if you have venous insufficiency. The treatments have essentially no down time and can mean one less medication for many people. In addition, just because you can’t see visible varicosities does not mean you do not have venous insufficiency. We have patients with beautiful legs whose ultrasound reveals large veins under the surface. – Melissa A. Sandman, M.D. ANSWER: Thank you for writing.

Many people also have written about other causes and treatments for restless leg syndrome (RLS), so I wanted to talk a bit more about this important subject.

In addition to the iron deficiency I mentioned and the varicose veins Dr. Sandman writes about, there are several other important causes, including kidney disease, usually when dialysis has started. Diabetics have a higher risk for RLS, which sometimes can be mistaken for diabetic neuropathy. Multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease are both associated with RLS, and Parkinson’s is important because when medicines such as levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet) wear off, it can mimic RLS symptoms. When dopa drugs are used long-term for RLS, symptoms can get worse, a condition called augmentation.

Pregnant women are more likely to have RLS. Many drugs, especially antidepressants, can cause RLS. I had a reader tell me that hers was due to Benadryl she was taking for sleep. Magnesium deficiency is common in RLS, and several readers told me magnesium supplements stopped their symptoms.

The booklet on restless leg syndrome and nighttime cramps offers more insights. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Roach – No. 306W, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

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

The Bee-Intelligencer

May 2015

Winning Ways Continued from page 6

effectiveness in developing rapport.

• Interact with others in a way that makes them feel you are like them. Putting others at ease, valuing and appreciating them, and showing them they are liked are important in building rapport, but the clincher is getting others to feel you have interests similar to theirs. People tend to trust, like and feel comfortable with other people they feel are like them. People with common

interests have natural rapport.

Some of the reasons we get along so well with our close friends is that we have similar likes, pursuits and perhaps even opinions. Additionally, our vocal quality (speed, pitch, rhythm, volume and tone), gestures and body language often demonstrate characteristics much like theirs.

This doesn’t mean we have to be just like another person to be able to establish rapport with them. It doesn’t mean we need to make dramatic personality changes in ourselves or artificially adjust our approach in order to manipulate others for

our purposes. Rather, it means that if we try to tailor our communication strategies to match other people’s attitudes and preferred personal interaction styles as closely as we can, we often can make others more comfortable interacting with us, thereby increasing our interpersonal effectiveness.

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.

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My grandmother constantly tells me my apartment is “stale” and that I need to air urdays and Sundays yearit out at least once a week. I have MISCELLANEOUS VACATION PROPERTY round 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. no idea what she’s talking about Routes 6 and 64 in WoodTIRED OF PAYING TOO LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE, WEIRS ... opening windows, I guess? – bury, Conn. 203-263-6217.

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INSTRUCTION In the early 20th century, airing homes was considered a cruSPANISH, GERMAN, PIANO: cial health component, as it was Language tutoring/instrucbelieved that fresh air would tion and professional piano reduce the incidence of flu and lessons, including Royal Conservatory Exams and other serious illnesses. Modern MAP-Musicianship Achieveresearch has found some validity ment Program participation, in this: The exchange of air keeps group and private lessons, mold from growing, while a workshops and recitals. Call change in temperature can make 203-598-0854 to inquire about language tutoring or it tougher for bacteria to live on to schedule a trial piano lessurfaces around the house. Letson. middleburypianostudio. ting in sunlight also can make it com

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 knowingly accept advertising which is deceptive, fraudulent, or which might otherwise violate the law or accepted standards of taste.

However, this publication does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of any advertisement, nor the quality of the goods or services advertised. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all claims made in any advertisements, and to use good judgment and reasonable care, particularly when dealing with persons unknown to you who ask for money in advance of delivery of the goods or services advertised.

7

A:

By Samantha Mazzotta tougher for molds and bacteria to survive.

Most of all, though, airing does get rid of the stale smell your grandmother noticed and makes your apartment an overall nicer place to live. Here are a few tips on getting the most out of airing: • Get rid of piles: Boxes, clothes, papers and so on, particularly on windowsills and beside beds and furniture, collect dust and impede airflow.

• Open the windows on first waking up: This is a habit I noticed while visiting friends in Europe, and it makes a lot of sense. Once you’re dressed and leaving for work, shut the windows again.

• Or, air your apartment once a week while you’re cleaning: Winter and summer, open all the windows and doors, dust and vacuum thoroughly, and change or air bedding (turn down the bed covers for a couple of hours, and shake out the comforter).

• Even if it’s chilly, windy or cloudy outside, as long as it’s not pouring down rain, you can open the windows for about an hour to allow a fresh exchange of air.

Send your questions or home tips to ask@thisisahammer.com. (c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

If allergies are keeping you from throwing open the windows on warm days, talk to an air-quality consultant (or an HVAC contractor) about the best way to keep the indoor air fresh – such as changing air filters frequently.

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The Bee-Intelligencer

8

Show those terriers who’s the boss DEAR PAW’S CORNER: We have two Cairn terriers: Pepper is 13 years old; Daisy Mae is 3. She has a tendency to attack Pepper whenever Pepper growls at her.

This morning it happened six times, and I usually get the worst of it when I try to intervene.

We’ve had to muzzle Daisy Mae around Pepper. Is there anything we can do? – Patsy in Brookings, Ore. DEAR PATSY: What you have to do is be the boss. Younger Daisy Mae is jealous of Pepper, who probably gets more attention.

Pepper growls to let Daisy Mae know who’s boss; Daisy Mae gets aggressive.

Fairness and sharing aren’t concepts you can teach these dogs. Pepper is the older dog.

Daisy Mae is the younger, and she does not have a say.

Be strict with both dogs. Don’t yell at them or cajole them – aggressive behavior means separation into different rooms. There are no treats or rewards for refusing to obey your commands.

You have to be the lawgiver in

Water wisely for beautiful garden, landscape

By MELINDA MYERS

the household; they must know to behave when you’re in the room.

If Daisy Mae acts up, she gets time out in a separate room. If she refuses to obey your commands around Pepper, she goes to a separate room. If she’s aggressive, the muzzle goes on.

Don’t stand between them. At the first hint of aggression from either, remove Daisy Mae from the room.

This is going to be a tough haul. Daisy Mae has been exhibiting this behavior for years now.

I recommend consulting a professional trainer.

Send your questions or comments to ask@pawscorner.com. (c) 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Your pet’s photo could be here FEATURED PET

May 2015

Too much or not enough water and never when you need it. That seems to be the long-time plight of gardeners. Add to this extended droughts, flooding and watering bans. What is a gardener to do?

Become a waterwise gardener.

Waterwise is not just about growing drought-tolerant plants or eliminating plantings. It is a holistic approach to managing water to avoid flooding that overwhelms sewer systems, improper watering that wastes water, and poor landscape designs that generate too much work and require too many resources.

Make this the season you incorporate a few waterwise habits into your gardening. You’ll find it is good for your garden, the environment and your pocketbook. Start with one or more of these strategies this year.

Select the right plant for the growing conditions. Plants that thrive in normal growing conditions for your area will be healthier, require less care and need less water. Look for drought-tolerant plants that require less water once established.

Keep water out of the storm sewers and in the garden instead.

Prevent flooding while improving your garden. Adding several inches of compost to the top 8 to 12 inches of soil increases the soil’s ability to absorb and retain water. This means less runoff into the storm sewers and less frequent watering.

Use plants to prevent runoff and conserve water. Plant trees, shrubs and ground covers to slow the flow of rainwater, increase the amount of water that stays in your landscape for your plants, and to filter water before it enters the groundwater. Install one or more rain gardens to intercept surface water runoff for use by rain garden plants and to help recharge the groundwater.

Provide plants with a healthy diet. Use a slow-release non-leaching organic nitrogen fertilizer like Milorganite (milorganite.com).

You’ll encourage slow steady growth, so your plants will require less water and be less prone to insect and disease problems. Plus, the slow-release nitrogen encourages healthy growth and does not prevent flowering and fruiting.

Water wisely. Water plants thoroughly and only when needed.

Water the soil, not the plant, using a watering wand, drip irrigation or a soaker hose so less water is lost to evaporation. Water early in the

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Your pet could be featured as “Featured Pet” in this picture frame. Send us your pet’s photo by email to mbisubmit@gmail.com or by regular mail to P.O. Box 10, Middlebury, CT 06762 along with your pet’s name, your last name and your town.

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Collecting rain in rain barrels when it is plentiful and storing it until it is needed is an effective way to manage water for the landscape.

(Melinda Myers LLC photo) morning whenever possible to reduce water loss during the heat of the day and diseases caused by wet foliage at night.

Manage your lawns to reduce water use. Select drought-tolerant grass varieties to reduce watering needs. Prepare the soil before seeding or sodding or aerate and spread a thin layer of compost over existing lawns to increase water absorption and reduce runoff.

Mow high to encourage deep roots that are more drought tolerant and pest resistant. Allow lawns to go dormant during hot dry weather.

If irrigating, water thoroughly when needed; that’s when your footprints remain in the lawn.

Conserve water and reduce time and money spent on plant care. Mulch the soil around trees, shrubs and other plants with several inches of woodchips, shredded leaves, evergreen needles or other organic material. Mulching reduces watering frequency and prevents soil compaction from heavy rainfall, thus increasing water absorption. It also adds organic

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matter to the soil as it decomposes.

Repair leaking faucets, fittings and garden hoses. A slow leak of one drip per second can waste up to nine gallons of water per day.

Look for and use wasted water.

Collect the “warming water” typically wasted when preparing baths and showers. Use a five-gallon bucket to collect this fresh water and use it for your containers and gardens. Collect water from your dehumidifier and window air conditioners for use on flowering plants. Do not, however, use this water if environmentally harmful solvents have been used to clean this equipment.

Check with your local municipality if you are considering using gray water. Once you wash clothes, dishes or yourself, water is classed as gray water, and most municipalities have guidelines or regulations related to its use.

Harvest rainwater if your municipality allows. The ancient technique of capturing rainwater in jugs, barrels and cisterns has made a comeback. Collecting rain when it is plentiful and storing it until it is needed is one way to manage water for the landscape. But first check local regulations before installing a rain harvesting system.

Several states have banned rain harvesting, while others offer rebates or rain barrels at a discount to gardeners.

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

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