Town Times

PREPARING FOR THE BIG EVENT

On the move

Ambulance corps building is being sold to Durham Manufacturing

By Michael Savino Special to the Town Times

The Town of Durham is selling the volunteer ambulance corps ’ building on Main Street to neighboring Durham Manufacturing for $290,000, a sale that includes funding to move the ambulance operation.

The Durham Fair is set to kick off on Sept. 21. But before anyone shows up for their first taste of ice cream or steakand-cheese subs, there’s a lot of preparation that goes into it. In lead-up to the event, volunteers have been busily preparing for the popular annual event. “At the heart of CT’s best country fair lies an incredible force of passion, dedication, and pride: our amazing volunteers,” the Durham Fair Facebook page posted on Sunday, Sept. 10. “Yearround, rain or shine, they’re the unsung heroes who make the magic happen behind the scenes. From planning and organizing to setting up and tearing down, these folks put their heart and soul into every moment of the Durham Fair.”

Photos courtesy of the Durham Fair, Facebook

First Selectman George Eames said $50,000 of that sale is a donation to help move the ambulance, now run by Middlesex Health, to a portion of the new Community Center.

“Durham Manufacturing made a really generous contribution,” he said. The com-

Durham launches new website, vows to fix issues

By Michael Savino Special to the Town Times

The Town of Durham has launched a new website that allows people to access documents and records from kiosks at town hall and the community center.

And officials hope to deal with some of the problems that have sprung up since the launch later this month.

First Selectman George Eames said the Town had been looking to spruce up its website for the last few years and was finally able to do so thanks to a $25,000 grant from the state, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

“From a visual perspective, it’s certainly easier on the eyes and it’s something people appreciate seeing,” he said.

The grant also paid for the town to purchase two touch-screen kiosks that allow residents to access the website. The kiosks were installed at town hall and the community center.

“There are new bells and whistles that will be incorporated in it,” he said. The grant covered the cost of the kiosks.

Recently, officials announced that they have plans to address lingering

A mother, a son, and a bond that cannot be broken

that he was able to do this because I had given him a secure foundation.

I am waxing nostalgic. My older son’s birthday is September 15, and I am strolling down “Memory Lane.” I remember bringing my newborn home from the hospital all those years ago. I was so afraid that I would not get this “Mom” thing right.

“OMG, I am now responsible for a whole other life. Please, God, don’t let me mess this up. ” I think I did okay. Looking down at this newcomer to planet Earth, I realized that I had never known love like this before. My heart was filled to nearly bursting. For the first time in my life I felt a real purpose. This is why I came.

Oh, but the worrying, which really has never stopped. I checked on him constantly, to make sure he was still breathing. Was he cold? Was he hot? Did I put too many clothes on him? Not enough clothes? Was he sailing through the milestones of his development, according to the books and the pediatrician? Shouldn’t he be rolling over by now? You don’t even want to know what a wreck I was when he was sick.

And then came that dreaded day, the first day of school. He had always stayed home with me – no preschool or daycare – so being away from me was a rude awakening for both of us. He clung to my leg, begging me to not leave him, and I thought I

would die. Those two and a half hours of kindergarten were an eternity for me, probably more than they were for him.

Oh, the fun he and his younger brother and I had during those tadpole years. Fun was the name of the game. We immersed ourselves in it. Hiking in the woods, ice skating, swimming, sledding, fairs, all events at Lyman Orchards, playing tag in the backyard, trick or treating. The moments were precious. I put everything else on hold because I knew those years had a time limit. I knew there was an expiration date. His first girlfriend arrived, and I was jolted into the realization that he would not be my baby boy forever. He was growing up. I didn’t like it. Can’t you stay a little boy a bit longer? Apparently not. And then the trials and tribulations of adolescence. And I felt every one of them, right along with him. Those years had wings on them. I miss them. He went to Sweden as an exchange student for his senior year in high school – his idea, not mine – and I cried pitifully as he was leaving. He had written a letter, to be read when I was back home, about how nothing could ever break our bond and he would always be my son and I would always be his mother. It helped, somewhat. And as he was getting ready to board the plane he told me

My co-workers bought me a plane ticket for Sweden so that I could see him graduate. When he told me that he was moving there I could not stop the floodgate of tears. Is this the lad who begged me not to leave him at school, who called me, secretly, when he was spending the night at a friend’s house because he missed me? Is he really moving halfway around the world?

For a long time I waited for him to come back, hoping against hope that he had changed his mind. He never did. I get it. He has a good life there. I have come to terms with it. I don’t like it, but I have accepted it.

So yes, the growing-up years went by way too fast. I would have liked them to linger a bit. But I am so fortunate to have had those years with those precious boys of mine. And like Ryan said, he will always be my son and I will always be his mother – a bond that cannot be broken. Happy birthday, Ryan. And thanks for the memories. They keep me going.

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The Durham Fair will run from Thursday, Sept. 21 through Sunday, Sept. 24. The schedule for each day of the Fair is as follows:

THURSDAY, Sept. 21

Fair Hours: 4 to 10 p.m.

International Food & Stage

•5 p.m. – Beth and the Boys: Country & Rock Favorites (Center Stage)

•5 p.m. – Live Wired: '80s Rock (Green Stage)

•5 p.m. – Echoes of Sinatra and Dean: Italian South End Farm Museum

•5 p.m. – Antique Farm Equipment Demo

Fun Zone

•6 p.m. – Pool Party Pooches

Beer, Wine & Cider Tasting

Tent

•6:30 p.m. – Kareoke with Mick: Community Kareoke

Center Stage

•7 p.m. – Mixed Signals: Groove-oriented Rock and Blues

Green Stage

•7 p.m. – The Higby Mountain Bluegrass Band

Motorized Events Area

•7:30 to 10 p.m. – Demolition

Derby

Above the Fairgrounds

•9 p.m. – Fireworks

FRIDAY, Sept. 22

Fair Hours: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Cow Palace

•9 a.m. – Beef Cattle Showmanship

Motorized Events Area

•9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Garden

Tractor Pulls

Kids Place

•10 a.m. – Magic Show

Center Stage

•10:30 a.m. – Great Hill Mountain Band: Country, Southern & Classic Rock

Green Stage

•10:30 a.m. – Southern Voice

Duo: Country

Needlework Building

•10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Sewing

Demonstrations from American Sewing Guild

Needlework Building

•10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Children’s

Craft Activity

Pull Ring

•11 a.m. – Ox Pulls (all classes)

Fun Zone

•11 a.m. – Pool Party Pooches

Kids Place

•11 a.m. – Making Music with

Susan Peak

South End Farm Museum

•11 a.m. – Antique Farm

Equipment Demo

Needlework Building

•11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Quilt of

Valor Demonstration

International Food & Stage

•12 p.m. – Asian Performing Arts

Presidents’ Hall, Canning

Department demonstration area

•12 p.m. – Maple Syrup

Bread: Lorrie Martin

Kids Place

•12 p.m. – Balloon Animals

Center Stage

•12:30 p.m. – Crossover: New Country, Classic Rock

Green Stage

•12:30 p.m. – The Hosmer

Mountain Boys: Bluegrass

South of the Youth Building

•1 p.m. – Cow Plop BINGO

Kids Place

•1 p.m. – Games and Contests

International Food & Stage

•2 p.m. – Fiesta del Norte: Mexican Mariachi

South End Farm Museum

•2 p.m. – Antique Farm Equip-

ment Demo

Kids Place

•2 p.m. – Magic Show

Center Stage

•2:30 p.m. – Rock Bottom: Classic Rock

Green Stage

•2:45 p.m. – Daily Planet: ’60s / ’70s Rock & Soul

Fun Zone

•3 p.m. – Pool Party Pooches

Kids Place

•3 p.m. – Joke and Talent Contest

International Food & Stage

•4 p.m. – Lederbrosen: German Music

Cow Palace

•4 p.m. – Dairy Cattle Showmanship

Llama Ring outside of T

Barn

•4 p.m. – Llama Shows

Kids Place

•4 to 6 p.m. – Jedi Academy

Center Stage

•4:30 p.m. – Leaf Jumpers: Rock & Roll

Green Stage

•5 p.m. – Aquatudes: ’50s / ’60s Surf & Rockability

The Barnyard

•5 p.m. – Bunny Hop Contest

South End Farm Museum

•5 p.m. – Antique Farm Equip-

ment Demo

Main Stage

•5:30 p.m. – Jackson Hill: Country

Beer, Wine & Cider Tasting

Tent

Durham Fair Info

Demolition Derby

SATURDAY, Sept. 23

Fair Hours: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Cow Palace

•8:30 a.m. – Dairy Cattle Open & Junior Show

Motorized Events Area

•9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Antique

Tractor Pull

Goat Show Ring

•9 a.m. – Goat Show

Sheep Show Ring

•9 a.m. – Sheep Show

Pull Ring

•10 a.m. – Pony Pull (all classes)

The Barnyard

•10 a.m. – Rabbits Junior & Senior Showmanship

Kids Place

•10 a.m. – Critter Show

Needlework Building

•10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Sewing

Demonstrations from American Sewing Guild

Needlework Building

•10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Children’s

Craft Activity

Center Stage

•10:30 a.m. – Movements of

Dance: Dance Demo

Green Stage

•10:30 a.m. – Cessa and The

Zach: Pop, Folk Acoustic Duo

Presidents’ Hall, Canning Department demonstration area

•10:30 a.m. – Corn Relish: Lin-

da Harris

Fun Zone

•11 a.m. – Pool Party Pooches

Kids Place

•11 a.m. – Mini Pedal Tractor

Pull

South End Farm Museum

•11 a.m. – Antique Farm

Equipment Demo

Needlework Building

•11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Quilt of Valor Demonstration

International Food & Stage

•12 p.m. – The Happy Travelers Orchestra: Polish

Kids Place

•12 p.m. – Games and Contests

Center Stage

•12:30 p.m. – CRHS: High School Jazz Band & Show Choir

South of the Youth Building

•1 p.m. – Cow Plop BINGO

Kids Place

•1 p.m. – Making Music with Susan Peak

International Food & Stage

•2 p.m. – Nosmo Kings Band: Irish

South End Farm Museum

•2 p.m. – Antique Farm Equipment Demo

Kids Place

•2 p.m. – Critter Show

Center Stage

•2:30 p.m. – Sister Funk: Rock & Funk Favorites

Green Stage

•2:45 p.m. – Saved by Friday: Rock & Roll

Fun Zone

•3 p.m. – Pool Party Pooches

Kids Place

•3 p.m. – Magic Show

International Food & Stage

•4 p.m. – The Hot Club of

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•6 p.m. – Charlie Diamond:

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Fun Zone

•6:30 p.m. – Pool Party

Pooches

Main Stage

•7 p.m. – LAUREN ALAINA: Country

Center Stage

•7 p.m. – Downtown 6: Pop

Music

Green Stage

•7 p.m. – Souls on Fire: ’70s

Soul Horn Band

Motorized Events Area

•7:30 to 10 p.m. – Figure 8 &

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Durham Community Center hosting ‘Life Well Lived’ program, flu vaccine clinics

“A Life Well Lived is a Life Well Planned,” a program facilitated by Middlesex Health Palliative Care Services, will be held on Monday, Sept. 25, 1 p.m., at the Durham Community Center, 144 Pickett Lane. Planning for your health care is necessary, whether you are ill or may become ill in the future. It’s never too early to start the important conversation. You are at the center of your health care. Does your family know your health care goals? Learn how to start the conversation.

Dessert will be provided by the Durham Senior Board. To sign up, call (860) 3493153.

In addition, Flu Vaccine Clinics will be held at the Durham Community Center, on Sept. 27, from 12 to 6 p.m.; Oct.17, from 12 to 6 p.m.; and Nov. 7, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The clinics are walk-in style, no appointment necessary. For ages two and over. Residency not required. Please bring Picture ID and Insurance Card. For questions, contact the Connecticut River Area Health District at (860) 661-3300.

Obituaries

Patricia Anne Collis

MIDDLETOWN

- Patricia Anne (Seidel) Collis, 74, of Middletown, passed away September 3, 2023, at Middlesex Hospital. Born in New York, NY, she was the daughter of the late Harley and Dorothy (Kelly) Seidel.

MIDDLEFIELD - Jane Beardow Parmelee, 89, of Middlefield, CT died peacefully at home on August 31, 2023. Mother of Jennifer Huddleston and John Parmelee, grandmother of Clarity Jane Huddleston and Hannah Sage Huddleston, she was a friend to everyone she met. Born September 5, 1933, she is survived by her brother, Warren Beardow, and sister, Marcia Munzing. Jane dedicated her life to sharing love, fun, hugs, and thousands of flowers at her beloved Indian Springs Golf Course, in Middlefield, CT. A celebration of her life will be held at Indian Springs Golf Course, 123 Mack Road, Middlefield on Sat. Sept 23rd 1-4pm. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www. doolittlefuneralservice. com.

Patricia served in the United States Army, worked in the restaurant industry and was a volunteer EMT. Her most important job was being a mother where she enjoyed raising her five children by herself. Her family was very special to her; she would do anything for them. Patricia was very well loved and will be remembered for being a wonderful mother to all. She is survived by three sons, David Ware, James Ware, and Roger Collis; a daughter, Tina Ware; a sister, Barbara Ryan and eight grandchildren. Along with her parents, Patricia was predeceased by a daughter, Patricia Grimason.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 21st at 12:00 pm at Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown. A burial will follow in the State Veteran Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded. Family and friends may call on Wednesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Friends who prefer may make donations in Patricia’s memory to Wounded Warriors Projects, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www. doolittlefuneralservice. com.

Jane Beardow Parmelee

Timothy Albert Gastler

DURHAM - Timothy

Albert Gastler, of Durham, CT, passed away peacefully at home on August 19th at 81 years old. His legacy and spirit will live on in the flowers, trees, gardens and landscapes he cared for, and the generous community he cultivated at Gastler Farm. He was and will always be an inspiration to us all. We will miss him dearly.

A creative and visionary person, Tim Gastler was a naturally strong presence in any community of which he was a part. In the 1960s, that community was the American crafts movement as a craftsman of rustic furniture and pitchforks. He was a member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, and a juried member of the American Craft Council.

Tim was the third generation farmer of Gastler Farm in Durham, CT, where he learned “oldfashioned dirt farming” and the cultivation & selective breeding of pansies from his father’s renowned pansy business. As the owner of the farm, Tim built the business into a widely recognized nursery of large-scale ornamental and specimen trees and shrubs, which were sought after for their quality, size, and their unique artistic presence in landscapes.

Tim will be remembered for his inspired mind and creative landscaping expertise, which he poured into artistic plantscapes and gardens at homes, estates, and campuses throughout Connecticut and the surrounding states.

Tim’s last landscape was his ongoing garden project at Gastler Farm, which he meticulously

Obituaries

John E. Augeri

MIDDLEFIELD - John

cultivated year after year through his retirement. His gardens and freestanding stone walls were recently documented and registered in the National Archive of American Gardens at the Smithsonian Museum.

Tim was passionate about music and the arts, and over time built a permanent event space at his farm for the community to gather and appreciate music and art in the farmhouse and gardens. For the past 10 years, he hosted and sponsored Kalmia Garden Music and Arts, an annual classical music concert series.

Tim Gastler was a graduate of Durham High School, the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University, and studied at the Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge, MA. He is survived by his son, Nicholas Harland, and two daughters, Leah and Sarah Gastler, as well as one granddaughter, Fern.

Tim did not wish for a formal funeral. Instead, we will be hosting a celebration of his life at Gastler Farm on Saturday, September 16th beginning at 1pm. All who would like to share in the memory of Tim Gastler are welcome to attend.

Emanuel Augeri, 90, of Middlefield, beloved husband of Karen (Nilson) Augeri, passed away suddenly on the afternoon of Monday, August 28, 2023 at his home. He was born in Rockfall, son of Salvatore and Maria (Garafalo) Augeri. John served as a radio operator with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was an adhoc member of the Board of Selectmen in Middlefield, a member of the Planning and Zoning Board, Middlefield/Rockfall VFW, and the Middlefield Lions Club. His military service took him from north of the Arctic Circle to postings throughout Europe, an experience that inspired a love of travel and provided the opportunity to meet his many Sicilian aunts, uncles and cousins. In Strasbourg, France, a simple request by a young local student to learn English from a U.S. serviceman resulted in a friendship that John would treasure all his life. After completing his military service, John and his brother Sal were partners for several years in a construction business. John was the quintessential builder of quality custom homes. His clients marveled at his carpentry skills as he realized their dreams while they watched, sometimes even joining him in the work. His workmanship was artful and flawless. His clients were among his biggest fans and many became lifelong friends.

John built the original retail salesroom at Lyman Orchards. Later he was the general contractor for the Clubhouse at Lyman Orchards Golf Club and Lyman’s Apple Barrel market, one of the most visited attractions in CT. His enduring professional relationship and personal friendship with John

Lyman, Jr., “Jack” and the Lyman Family would transcend six decades. On occasion, he built heirlooms for family, replicating a decorative antique shelf for his wife, desks and chests made of local oak or maple for his beloved grandsons, and chairs and tables. He customized construction projects to improve the homes of his children. The family heirlooms he created were often deeply rooted in personal history. Learning masonry from his father as a young teenager, John often helped him on his jobs. He planted a row of cedar trees, at age 14, along the driveway of a house under construction in Durham. Decades later, that home ironically would become his wife Karen’s childhood home and from the cedar trees he had planted as a child sixty years prior, John cut, milled and honed the wood himself to make a pair of beautiful cedar jewelry boxes for his young nieces. His children have fond memories of ski trips to Vermont in the winter, clamming in Rhode Island in the summer and the annual Lions Club Carnival where John manned a booth as a Lion’s member. John took his family to Europe on many occasions where his children were able to meet their Sicilian relatives and visit many of the places John visited while serving

in the Air Force. The last six months of his life, John was in passionate pursuit of his HAM radio license. He practiced transmitting Morse Code daily and successfully completed his General License certification earning his own call sign - a joyful accomplishment. He was enthusiastic, happy, and at age 90, truly exemplified a life welllived. John is survived by his wife, Karen; his former wife, Anna Augeri and their sons, David Augeri of Hopewell, NJ, Charles Augeri of Trenton, NJ, Mark Augeri of Marstons Mills, MA; daughter, Annette Augeri of Monroe Township, NJ; daughterin-law Tina Leone of Princeton, NJ; brothers, Salvatore (Marielen) and Michael Augeri both of Rockfall; and sister, Gloria Augeri, also of Rockfall; two grandchildren, Louis Augeri of Princeton, NJ and Matthew Augeri of Tampa, FL. John also enjoyed spending time with his nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends James Fowler, Edward Monarca and Danny Turecek. He was predeceased by his brothers, Emanuel “Manny”, Richard, and Frank; sisters, Esther Woike, Lucy Czapiga, Josie Macca, and Jennie Jennings. Funeral Liturgy will be held on Saturday, September 16th at 11 a.m. at St. Colman’s Church, Hubbard St., Middlefield. Burial with military honors will be at Middlefield Cemetery, Middlefield. Family and friends may gather prior to the service on Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 at St. Colman’s Church. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to St. Colman’s Church or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (www.t2t. org). To share memories or express condolences online please visit www. biegafuneralhome.com.

problems, with the hope being that some of those solutions will be in place by the middle of this month.

Executive assistant John Board laid out a plan for the Board of Selectmen during the board’s most recent meeting. The plan came as residents have been asking for fixes at recent meetings.

Lindsy Dalheimer told the board during its Aug. 22 meeting that it’s difficult to find certain information on the website.

“It’s important for people in town who don’t know how to jump through 50 million hoops to find what they need,” she said.

At the selectmen’s request, Board came up with a plan to complete some of the outstanding items. He said he’d take over the project. Eames said that would allow the town clerk’s office to shift its focus back to other tasks, including preparing for an

upcoming municipal election.

Board said he hoped by Sept. 12 to have certain records, including old requests for proposals, or RFPs, and bids for projects available on the website in a way residents can find.

He said he’s working to fix other problems, including uploading old meeting records, but that could take until the end of the year.

Part of the problem, he said, is that the town’s old website is “not even in the ether” because the grant did not include funding to keep that site running.

Board also said he’ll work on search engine optimization, or making sure pages on the website appear higher in internet searches about the town.

While a handful of residents have voiced their frustration, others have come to the town’s defense.

“Let the town get the tedious work done,” Martin Anderson said during the Aug. 12

meeting.

Eames said he understands the frustration, admitting he feels it sometimes, but also called it “pretty amazing” that the town could transition to a new website so quickly.

“We do recognize that change is tough, no doubt, and some things did get missed, but we’re aware of them,” he also said, adding he and Board welcome residents to point out other problems that need to be fixed.

The redesign comes as more residents are engaging with the Town virtually. Durham, like other towns, had to rely on virtual meetings during the pandemic and has continued the practice.

Eames said he’s seen a sizable jump in participation because of that.

“At an old Board of Selectmen meeting, we used to get two or three participants sitting in the audience,” he said. “Now we can have 20 or 30 online watching it on the computer.”

Autism walk

The Benhaven Walk for Autism will take place Sunday, Sept. 24 at North Haven High School.

The event features a 2-mile walk, live music, games, food and refreshments, Touch-a-Truck, a raffle, and more. Nearly 500 walkers are expected to

raise well over $60,000 for Benhaven, a private, notfor-profit agency serving people of all ages and with diverse needs.

To learn more about the walk, visit jbsports.com. To learn about donating or fundraising, email jody@ jbsports.com or call 203481-5933.

A8 Friday, September15, 2023

Main Stage

•5:30 p.m. – Blondie & Be-

yond: Rock Tribute

Beer, Wine & Cider Tasting

Tent

Cow Palace

•7 p.m. – Battle of the Barns

SUNDAY, Sept. 24

Fair Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sewing Guild

Center Stage

•10:30 a.m. – Flip the Tables:

Rock Green Stage

Equipment Demo

Kids Place

•11 a.m. – Mini Pedal Tractor Pull

Needlework Building

Black Rock: French

Kids Place

•4 p.m. – Candy Bar Bingo

Center Stage

•4:30 p.m. – Stay Tuned: Clas-

sic Rock, Country Green Stage

•5 p.m. – Kings of Karma: Rock and Country

South End Farm Museum

•5 p.m. – Antique Farm Equip-

ment Demo

The Barnyard

•5 p.m. – Bunny Hop Contest

Pull Ring

•5 p.m. – 3-Horse Pull (all classes)

try

•6 p.m. – Jackson Hill: Coun-

Motorized Events Area

•6 to 10 p.m. – Truck & SUV

Pull Fun Zone

•6:30 p.m. – Pool Party

Pooches

Main Stage

•7 p.m. – RICK SPRINGFIELD:

Rock Center Stage

•7 p.m. – American Honey:

Modern Country / Rock Green Stage

•7 p.m. – The Future Heavies:

New Wave, Pop & Rock

Green Stage

•9 a.m. – Ecumenical Church

Service

Pull Ring

•9 a.m. – Halter Class Horse

Pull

The Barnyard

•9 p.m. – Swine Show

Pull Ring

•10 a.m. – Pair Draft Horse

Pull (3125 lbs. or under 15 ft.)

Kids Place

•10 a.m. – Critter Show

Needlework Building

•10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Sewing

Demonstrations from American

•10:30 a.m. – Brave & Common: Music & Comedy

Fun Zone

•11 a.m. – Pool Party Pooches

International Food & Stage

•11 a.m. – Jukebox 45 Show

Band: American Oldies

The Barnyard

•11 a.m. – Bunny Hop Contest

Presidents’ Hall, Canning Department demonstration area

•11 a.m. – How is the Canning

Judged-what is he Danish System?:Claudia Miller

South End Farm Museum

•11 a.m. – Antique Farm

•11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Quilt of Valor Demonstration

Main Stage

•11:15 a.m. – Jason Ingriselli and the Miles North: Country

Motorized Events Area

•12 p.m. – Monster Truck

Show Meet and Greet: Meet drivers and get autographs and pictures.

Main Stage

•12:15 p.m. – Veteran's Appreciation Ceremony

Center Stage

•12:30 p.m. – The Monthei Brothers: Country

Green Stage

•12:30 p.m. – The Engine Room: ’50s, ’60s, ’70s & ’80s Rock

Main Stage

•1 p.m. - LEE GREENWOOD: Country

Motorized Events Area

•1 p.m. – Power Wheels Demolition Derby/Mom's Mini Van Demolition Derby

Pull Ring

•1 p.m. – Pair Draft Horse Pull (3,325 lbs. or under 15 ft.)

Kids Place

•1 p.m. – Making Music with Susan Peak

Motorized Events Area

•2 p.m. – Monster Truck

Show: Monster Truck freestyle event

Cow Palace

•2 p.m. – Animal Costume Parade

South End Farm Museum

•2 p.m. – Antique Farm Equipment Demo

Kids Place

•2 p.m. – Critter Show

Beer, Wine & Cider Tasting Tent

•2:30 p.m. – Al Kostuk: Accordion

Green Stage

•2:30 p.m. – 4Ever Foreigner: Foreigner Tribute Band

South of the Youth Building

•2:30 p.m. – Cow Plop BINGO

Center Stage

•3 p.m. – Sage: Classic Rock, Country

Fun Zone

•3 p.m. – Pool Party Pooches

Pull Ring

•3 p.m. – Pair Draft Horse Pull (over 3,325 lbs. 12 ft.)

Presidents’ Hall, Canning Department demonstration area

•3 p.m. – Herb Vinegars: Sue Leining

Kids Place

•4 p.m. – Candy Bar Bingo

South End Farm Museum

•5 p.m. – Antique Farm Equipment Demo

Vote for Bufithis

Editor:

Carol Bufithis is a public servant. One of her priority jobs is Selectwoman in Middlefield and people appreciate her expertise. With all her knowledge and competence, in the last four years she has devoted more evenings to meetings than most of us. She can talk about proposals for a fire station, repair of Lake Shore Drive culvert, and waste management. As an independent businesswoman, she knows how to work hard and build a solid bottom line. She is personally a coalition builder and can speak with anyone. Vote for Carol B. in November.

Bob Elder, Middlefield

Trouble at Town Hall

Editor:

What precisely is going on at the Durham Town Hall? During the short 12 month period since George Eames got appointed as interim First Selectmen, the following people have all quit or announced their departure: Town Clerk, Finance Director, Building Official, Health Sanitarian, Recreation Director, Farmer’s Market Director, and Executive Assistant to the First Selectman. These were longtime employees, who knew our town and its people; worked diligently; and were proficient in their jobs. It seems highly unusual for any town to lose so many professionals in such a short period of time. Something just isn’t right over at Town Hall.

Martin Trochette

No free anything

Editor:

As lawmakers move to provide free breakfasts and lunches to ” all” public school children, I’d like to remind everyone there is no such thing as free anything, these days, not even the air we breathe. Someone has to pay for the food. Taxpayers

pay for the food, the food doesn’t magically appear on the plate. Is it really a necessity to provide food for the sons and daughters of Doctors and Lawyers? They can’t afford to buy their own children food? The ones on Snob Hill can’t afford to pack a lunch for their children, or are they too busy making money? If a child is hungry and their parents can’t afford food, okay fine, by all means feed the child, but one size does not fit all. It appears the

government simply wants to be a nanny. Drop your precious child off at the indoctrination center and everything will be provided.

Mark J. Czaja, Rockfall

Vote for Charest

Editor:

Republican friends and neighbors, please support Nicole Charest, the Republican Endorsed Candidate for Town Clerk at the September

12 primary. Nicole started her tenure with the Town of Durham as a recording secretary for several boards and commissions, learning the ins and outs of town government. When she became the Assistant Town Clerk, she embraced the position by quickly enrolling in the Town Clerk certification classes and the New England City and Town Clerks Academy. She knows how to perform all the functions of the office, exhibiting poise and enthusiasm for the job. Any-

one who has encountered Nicole in the office, knows that excellent customer service is very important to her. What you may not know, is Nicole is an amazing artist, skills that enhance her technical abilities.

I am proud to endorse Nicole as I am certain that she will carry on the long standing Durham tradition of outstanding service in the Town Clerk’s Office, the gateway to local government!

Laura Francis, Durham

LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF MIDDLEFIELD BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS SEPTEMBER 25 th 2023 MEETING

All owners of Motor Vehicles registered in the Town of Middlefield are hereby notified that, pursuant to CGS 12-110(a), the Board of Assessment Appeals of the Town of Middlefield will meet in open session at the Middlefield Town Hall, 393 Jackson Hill Rd on Monday, September 25 th, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. for the sole purpose of hearing appeals related to the assessment of Motor Vehicles.

All persons claiming to be aggrieved by the doings of the Assessor of the Town of Middlefield with regard to Motor Vehicle assessments on the 2022 Grand List, are hereby advised to make their appeal to the Board of Assessment Appeals at this meeting. Please bring any pertinent information, and if possible, the vehicle in question to the Town Hall for inspection by the Board at this meeting.

Nancy Currlin, Chairwoman, Board of Assessment Appeals. R264181

LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF MIDDLEFIELD BOARD OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2023 MEETING

All owners of Motor Vehicles registered in the Town of Middlefield are hereby notified that, pursuant to CGS 12-110(a), the Board of Assessment Appeals of the Town of Middlefield will meet in open session at the Middlefield Town Hall, 393 Jackson Hill Rd on Monday, September 25th, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. for the sole purpose of hearing appeals related to the assessment of Motor Vehicles.

All persons claiming to be aggrieved by the doings of the Assessor of the Town of Middlefield with regard to Motor Vehicle assessments on the 2022 Grand List, are hereby advised to make their appeal to the Board of Assessment Appeals at this meeting. Please bring any pertinent information, and if possible, the vehicle in question to the Town Hall for inspection by the Board at this meeting.

FOR SALE - Walnut bedroom set. Dresser, bureau, headboard w/ storage, good cond. $150. 203-999-0604

TOP CASH PAID For any Toyota any condition, running or not, crashed okay. Will take other makes and models.

(203) 600-4431.

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For Junk or unwanted vehicles, Toyota’s etc. Please call Mike @ 203284-8562 8am-5pm.

MAINTAINER II

The Town of Wallingford is seeking applicants for Maintainer II. The position requires 2 years’ experience as a laborer in construction work involving the operation and care of trucks and other mechanical equipment, or 2 years training in one of the skilled trades and 1 year of experience in construction operations, or an equivalent combination of experience and training. A valid (CDL) Class B is required and a copy included with your application.

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Screened Topsoil $30/ per yd; 2.5” screened gravel, $18 per yd; Sand$18 per yd; Millings-$22 per yd; Screened Millings $30 per yd; $100 minimum delivery. No pickup truck service. Minimum 16 yd pickup at our yard. Call Jim @ 860-9824819 for delivery

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GRASSY HILL AUCTIONS, - an Estate Sale, Liquidation, Attic & Basement Cleanout Company is Always Buying and providing services all over Connecticut. These are just a FEW of the things we are looking for: Antiques, Collectibles, Old/ Vintage Toys, Musical Instruments (Saxophones, Trumpets, Violins, Flutes, Clarinets, Trombone & SO MUCH MORE) Advertising Items, Wristwatches (Broken or Not), Pocket Watches, Tools (Machinist, Woodworking, & MORE) Doorstops, Clocks, Oil Paintings, Old Signs, Old Photographs, Old Postcards, Brewery Items, Hunting & Fishing, PEZ Dispensers, Costume Jewelry, Broken Jewelry, Gold & Silver Jewelry, Gold & Silver Coins, Military Items, Swords & Bayonets, Helmets & Patches, Medals & Uniforms, Pocket Knives, Lighters & Pipes, Fountain Pens, Mechanical Pencils, Fraternal Order Items, Religious Items, Industrial Items, Winchester Items, Sikorsky Items, Pratt & Whitney Items, Colt Items, Native American Items, Vintage Electronics, Slot Cars, Toy Trucks, Matchbox & Hotwheels, Barbie’s, Folk Art, Statues, Bronzes, Trains, Cameras, Mid Century Modern Furniture, Straight Razors, Shaving Items, Political Items, Comic Books, Sports Cards & Autographs…& THE LIST GOES ON! So please give us a call at your earliest convenience. Grassy Hill Auctions 203-868-1816 - Grassy HillAuctions.com

Nancy Currlin, Chairwoman, Board of

Assessment

R264243

Appeals

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ANTIQUES WANTEDComic books, toys, adv. signs, military items, motorcyles, mini bikes, etc. All items considered, appraisal & estate sale services, incl. clean-outs. 40 years exp. Call or text, Gary at 203-237-4124.

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pany, which owns the neighboring parcel, declined to comment.

Eames said the property, at 205 Main St., was originally used for a fire station in 1933 and became home to the volunteer ambulance corps in 1974. The town entered into a contract with Middlesex Health for ambulance services starting last year, though, and the service went from a volunteer unit to a professional team.

The small building was no longer safe, as the office space and rest areas are not protected form vehicle exhaust.

“You’re basically sharing garage space with office space and a resting area,” Eames said.

The ambulance is moving to the Community Center, where space at the old Francis E. Korn Elementary School is being converted into a garage. The town is using newer standalone classrooms that are separated from the rest of the building.

Eames estimated it cost the town roughly $80,000 to renovate the space. Much of the work is done.

He also said all the upgrades to the Community Center will cost roughly $500,000, well under the initial estimate of $7 million.

The biggest savings came when town staff realized they would not have to replace two boilers in the building, but Eames also said he’s looking to keep

renovations as simple and cost effective as possible.

“It really is going through the building room-by-room, item-by-item and seeing what is necessary,” he said.

An appraiser gave the property at 205 Main St. property a valuation of $240,000, but admitted that was likely too high. He said the property likely only had that value for one buyer: Durham Manufacturer.

Eames said the company donated the land to the town and still owns the septic system, limiting the value to any other buyer.

The company was founded in 1922 and makes industrial storage, as well as plastic and metal parts for packing, storing and organizing industrial products.

The company also makes first-aid boxes and cabinets, cabinets for flammable items and gas cylinders and other safety items.

The company has expanded to include plants both in Connecticut and in Mexico.