There’s always something going on at the Durham Public Library. In December, youngsters created paper snowmen in the children’s room, which then were displayed in the library’s front hallway. The craft this month is “Make a Mitten.” Toseeallthatthelibraryhastooffer,visitdurhamlibrary.org. Durham Public Library, Facebook
The Durham Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing to discuss the town’s revamped blight ordinance on Tuesday, Jan. 10. The board approved of an amended blight ordinance in December.
The town statute, which can be viewed in full on the municipal website, now states: “Any building or structure in which at least three of the following conditions are visible from a public way or public view” is considered blighted: One or more missing windows or doors; one or more boarded windows
The following message was written by First Selectman of Middlefield Robert Yamartino.
As the Christmas weekend winds down, I reflect on the last few days and feel deeply proud of Middlefield residents.
We started the weekend with a dangerous storm; high winds and flash flooding. The winds downed trees and left over 200
households without power. The temperature then plummeted into single digits, triggering our town’s emergency response procedures.
It is so reassuring to see the coordinated effort of our Emergency Response Team.
Jay Wickham and our public works crew responded early clearing debris from the
roads to maintain access throughout the storm, and prevented them from freezing.
Chief Tyc and the Middlefield Volunteer Fire Company’s 41 members responded to calls ranging from downed power lines and flooding, to medical emergencies. The volunteers remained at the fire house to minimize response times and manned locations across town.
Rob Poturnicki, Emergency Management Director, kept Eversource and state resources informed of our town’s situation until all homes had power restored late Christmas night. To Rob’s credit, one liaison reported, “I am so impressed with the way Middlefield took care of and advocated for residents.”
The communication between these groups and coordination of their efforts al-
lowed every family’s emergency to be addressed in a timely and efficient manner.
The town’s emergency communications to the community can be improved. Please visit the new town website at Middlefieldct.org and sign up for “Notify Me” so you will receive all emergency notifications and notices of town activities that interest you.
deed. Very good. Every day I wake up to the thought that I will be checking in with those two icons later on.
I am over-the-moon happy. Always a good thing! I have been transported into this century, in a good way.
Let me catch you up.
I live a simple life, technologically speaking. I do not have a Smartphone or a Smart TV. Everything in my house is of mediocre intelligence, if that. But things just got a whole lot better for me.
I was complaining to my coworker about the high cost of cable (I am often complaining about the high cost of things), and a few days later she gave me an extra Roku that she had. I had never even heard of such a thing, but now my Samsung has raised its IQ considerably. It is a whole new world for me.
My son’s fiancé talked me through setting up the app on my TV, which took up the better part of a Sunday afternoon. (When people tell me this thing or that thing is easy, they obviously have not met me.) And now I am streaming Netflix, instead of waiting for the DVDs to arrive in the mail, and I am in hog heaven. A plethora of movies and TV shows at my fingertips, whenever I want.
And I got an unexpected treat. I had fallen in love with the HBO series, “Grace and Frankie,” several years ago. Much to my dismay, the Netflix DVDs only offered the first three seasons. But streaming Netflix offers all seven seasons.
So I have been binge-watching the show, and life is, in-
For those of you not familiar with the series, it is about two women who, after a number of trials and tribulations, and not caring too much for eachother, become best friends. It is funny and endearing and addresses important issues, like getting older in this society.
Frankie, played by Lily Tomlin, is a free spirit, and my kind of gal. She thinks outside the box, she lives outside the box, she doesn’t even see the box. She’s my hero!
Grace, played by Jane Fonda, pretty much walks the straight and narrow.
It’s two worlds colliding, and the result is pure magic.
Recently I was at the home of my lifelong friend, reveling in the thrill of my new find, when she turned to me and said, “You’re Frankie.”
And I turned to her and said, “And you’re Grace.” We are
light years apart, we two, in just about every regard, but somehow our friendship has worked since we were both 10 years old. We don’t know how. I don’t imagine the other Grace and Frankie know how, either.
So this steaming thing – I’m like a little kid with a new toy. My next step is to cut
the cord with cable and subscribe to a streaming service. I am so excited! I am going to save bundles of money. I so love saving bundles of money.
So here I am, dipping my toes into the 21st century. I’m streaming! Well, I have to scoot now. Grace and Frankie are expecting me.
From
A1
or doors; rotted or missing siding; collapsing stairs, porch, or deck; collapsing handrail or railing; overhang or roof extension including awning, patio cover or carport cover that is significantly deteriorated to the point it is disintegrating or can no longer perform its intended
function; Is attracting illegal activities as documented in police records.”
First Selectman George Eames stated that he did not want a carve-out in the ordinance for the two townowned properties next to the firehouse. Eames said it’s the town’s responsibility to maintain those properties.
From A1
As I visited families hit with power outages, I saw firsthand how our neighbors
were rallying together to help eachother. Due to the collective efforts of our community, our volunteers and
Resident Frank DeFelice agrees.
our staff, no family spent a night in a cold, dark house. Did I tell you how proud I am to be from Middlefield?
MIDDLEFIELD Lyman Orchards has announced a recent $15,573 donation to Connecticut Children’s using proceeds from its 2022 Sunflower Maze.
A popular family-owned New England destination for over 280 years, Lyman donates one dollar from each Sunflower Maze admission to benefit patients at Connecticut Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
“This year’s Daniel Tiger Sunflower Maze was extremely popular, and we are pleased that our customers share our commitment of supporting Connecticut Children’s and the great work that they are doing,” Lyman
Orchards Executive Vice President John Lyman stated.
Over the past 16 years that Lyman has partnered with Connecticut Children’s, a total of $178,062 has been donated.
“Connecticut Children’s remains extremely grateful to Lyman Orchards and the Lyman Family for raising awareness and support for our young patients with cancer, ” said David Kinahan, Connecticut Children’s Foundation president.
“Through its annual campaign in support of Connecticut Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Lyman Orchards is helping us to find cures for these terrible diseases that rob children of their childhoods, and enabling us to
realize a better and brighter future for our patients and their families.”
The 2023 Sunflower Maze will open on July 29 and run daily through Aug. 27.
Town of Durham, CT
Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of Durham that the total Supplemental Motor Vehicle tax and the second half of Real Estate and Personal Property taxes on the Grand List of 2021 are due and payable to the Town of Durham on January 1, 2023.
No bill is sent for the 2nd installment of Real Estate.
View and/or pay tax bills online at www.townofdurhamct.org Choose “View & Pay Taxes” from the home page, processing fees apply. Payments may be mailed to: Town of Durham, P.O. Box 428, Durham, CT 06422.
If not paid by Wednesday, February 1, 2023, these taxes will be considered delinquent and interest will be charged at the rate of 1.5% per month from the due date, with a minimum interest charge of $2.00. Note: Feb. 2ND payments will be charged a 3% penalty. (for Jan. & Feb.)
Tax Collector’s office hours are Monday - Friday 8:30 - 4:30pm. Additional hours for this collection period: Saturday, January 28, 2023-10:00am-noon. Thursdays 4:30pm-7pm, by appointment only.
Martin French, CCMC - Tax Collector - Town of Durham, CT
In order to continue delivery to your home or business, we need to have each resident or business let us know that, by filling out our on-line requester form at myrecordjournal. com/town-times-requester
Or, you can call us at 203-634-3933 and we can mail you a postage paid postcard to fill out and return. Without the necessary requester information, delivery of your Town Times to your home or business, will end.
Thompson; angels, Reagan Onofrio, Cameryn Onofrio, Payton Onofrio, Stacey Cummings and Harper Lowe; shepherds, Alex Breton, Logan Onofrio, Laurie Martin, Austin Lowe and Pete Lowe; kings, George MacKenzie, Bennett MacKenzie and Roger Newton; sheep played by dog Sammy Martin; dove played by chicken Buttercup Cummings. Pictured above are Logan Onofrio, George MacKenzie, Austin Lowe, Harper Lowe, Reagan Onofrio, Cameryn Onofrio, Payton Onofrio, Stacey Cummings, Lila Thompson and Quinn Thompson.
MERIDEN Every year there is a bit of a rush for pet adoptions during the holiday season at the Meriden Humane Society. Karen Annis, vice president of the board, said that over the course of 2022, there has
been an uptick of pet surrenders.
“Animal shelters right now are very full and like I said, we’ve just gotten a lot of unexpected surrenders where people will literally dump animals,” Annis said. “Unfortunately there’s not really a better way to say that … We
do our best to accommodate the animals that are in danger. ”
As of Dec. 28, Annis said they have had 375 adoptions in 2022, so the average is a little over 30 per month.
Adoptions do ebb and flow over the course of the year. Annis said from Thanksgiving of this year to Dec. 27, they had about 37 adoptions, which is slightly more than in 2021 where they had 35 pet adoptions between Thanksgiving and Dec. 27.
“I always feel like there’sa little bit of a bump up in animal adoptions around the holidays, so I think that once people have decided they want to adopt, they’re sort of eager to welcome their animal home before the holidays or do that around the holiday season,” Annis said.
However, Annis said the Meriden Humane Society does not allow a person to adopt an animal in order to surprise someone for the holidays.
“We always want all family members and all household members to be on board with the adoption,” Annis
said. “... Of course little kids get surprised, but certainly we do not want people buy-
ing them as a present for their spouse. Just because we want everybody to have the opportunity to be in agreement and make a family decision.”
Despite the slight increase in adoptions during the holiday season, Julie Rogers, staff and volunteer supervisor, said there is a “lengthy waitlist” of people who have applied to surrender an animal.
“I work in the office and we get phone calls literally every single day from multiple people calling and they just want to drop off the animals,” Rogers said.
Rogers said she suspects that for some people, financially it is hard to take care of a cat or dog.
“Bills are definitely higher than they have been in the past and sometimes that’sa struggle for people,” Rogers said.
Nearly 1,000 firefighters attended funeral services Tuesday morning for North Haven firefighter Matthias Wirtz, a 22-year veteran of the department who died after collapsing at the scene of a two-alarm blaze on Dec. 26. Middlefield firefighters were among those paying their respects Tuesday. “The definition of brotherhood was certainly displayed by the large number of firefighters in attendance from all over,” the Middlefield FD stated in a social media post. “Rest easy, Brother.”
Middlefield Volunteer Fire Company, Facebook
Find all the Star Wars pictures hidden in the Children’s Department. For all ages.
Move & Groove Storytime. Thursdays in January and February at 9:30 a.m. Ages 25. Registration required.
Crazy 8’s Math Club. Thursdays starting Jan. 19; 5 p.m. for grades K to 2 and 6:30 p.m. for grades 3 to 5. Registration required.
Teen Art Workshop. Tuesday, Jan. 10, 6 p.m. For teens in grades 6 to 12. Registration required.
Adelphia Café
476 Washington Avenue North Haven, CT 06473 203-535-0149
Family owned/operated. Former proprietors of the Neptune Diner in Wallingford. Extensive menu for all tastes. Breakfasts, luncheons and special dinners. All baking on premises.
Let
“We get a lot of phone calls from people who haven’t planned ahead,” said Rogers. Sometimes people call for an elderly relative who can no longer take care of a pet or a family is moving and cannot take their pet with them to their new residence, Rogers said.
“Maybe people are more overwhelmed by life in general,” Rogers said. “... It’s definitely a lot more people in situations where they need help and they think they need help ASAP.”
‘We’re bursting at the seams’
The increase in surrendered animals has made work more stressful, Rogers said.
“We have limited cage space, so a lot of our cats are free roaming, but then we have other cats that have to be in cages, ” Rogers said. “New cats have to be in cages and
dogs, obviously, have to be in a kennel.”
Rogers said it is even more difficult when people show up at the Humane Society wanting to surrender their animal, without calling ahead.
“So when people just show up and are like, ‘I can’t keep this animal’ when we don’t have cage or kennel space available, it’s definitely a stressful interaction,” Rogers said. “Trying to figure out what we can do to help the animal, but also not hurt the animals that we already have There’s just a lot to deal with.”
Financial donations, and donations of supplies are welcomed.
Rogers said people can see the shelter’s wishlist on their website
jsimms@record-journal.com 203-317-2279 Twitter: @jessica_simms99
611 N Colony Road Wallingford, CT 06492 (203) 269-9507 colonydiner.com Wallingford’s place to go for oldfashioned breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Proudly serving up delicious and hearty meals daily. Voted Best Diner 4 years running by Record Journal. Open seven days. Breakfast served all day.
American Legion Post 192’s monthly meeting will take place Wednesday, Jan. 11, 6 p.m., at the Middlefield firehouse.
Middlefield-Durham Pack 33’s Christmas tree pick-up fundraiser will take place Saturday, Jan. 7 and 14 throughout Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall. To
schedule a pick-up, email middlefieldpack33@ gmail.com. Donations are appreciated.
The Durham Lions Club’s recently-refurbished drop box is ready for your eyeglass donations at the Durham Pharmacy. Donating used eye glasses can make a big difference for people all over the world. Refractive errors can be easi-
ly corrected with eyeglasses, yet millions living in lowand middle-income countries lack access to basic eye care services.Lions have recognized the urgent need for corrective lenses and collect usable glasses in their communities to support the Lions Recycle For Sight Program.
The Middlefield Food Bank is in need of the following:
peanut butter, jelly, jam, sandwich/freezer bags, coffee, tea, crackers, snacks, laundry detergent, dish soap, cleaning supplies, toothpaste, tooth brushes, pasta, pasta sauce, tuna, and grocery store gift cards.
The North Haven Ski Club encourages people interested in winter sports (skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, tubing, snowshoeing)
to join and take advantage of the great discounts offered to members. Contact Annette Murphy: 203-927-3071 or dapdmurph@aol.com.
Classes are offered in Middletown and Old Saybrook, and registration is ongoing. Call 860-343-6044.
Join a wonderful and dedicated group of people a few hours a week to help care for homeless cats at Cat Tales’ main shelter. Must be age 15-plus or be accompanied by a parent/guardian. The volunteer application can be found at cattalesct.org/shelter-application/. For more information, email: info@ cattalesct.org (reference Shelter Volunteer).
Berlin-based Boxes to Boots creates care packages for military personnel serving abroad, and the Berlinbased non-profit is looking for everything from toiletries, to snacks, to books. Snack-wise, service members prefer items they can easily carry, like granola bars, small bags of cookies and crackers, and beef jerky. To learn more, visit boxestoboots.org.
Currently, more than 120 local families/households participate in the Coginchaug Area Transition compost program. CAT aims to see that number rise to 300 by spring. Compost kits ($25) and extra bags ($3) are available at the Middlefield Building Office in the Community Center and at the Durham First Selectman’s office in Town Hall. Payment can be made with cash, or check (written out to Coginchaug Area Transition; “compost kit” in the memo line). For further information, email carolbufithis@ gmail.com.
Amid a spike of flu, COVID19, respiratory syncytial virus and other respiratory viruses, a shortage in Children’s Tylenol and other medicines is making it more difficult for parents to take care of their sick children.
“Obviously the shortage comes at the worst possible time, but it really is because there’s just so many individuals that have gotten sick,” said Susan Lonczak, director of health for the PlainvilleSouthington Health District. “There’s just a really big demand.”
If a parent is in a situation where their child is sick, but they can’t find any children’s medication, Lonczak said “there are basic tried and true things that they can do for their kiddos.”
Lonczak said some of those are encouraging rest, having kids drink a lot of fluids, having children take lukewarm baths, wearing cold compresses and being there for sick children, while also watching their symptoms.
“A fever will run its course, but if it continues or spikes or children are complaining of other symptoms, we encourage obviously calling their pediatrician, but a lot of times you can naturally work through a fever with your child,” Lonczak said.
For a homeopathic remedy for coughs, Dr. Lucia Benzoni, a pediatrician with
Hartford HealthCare, suggested using two teaspoons of honey with lemon tea.
“That’s a big thing that we use, ” Benzoni said.
Saline nasal spray can help with congestion, along with having a humidifier going by the child’s bed, Benzoni added.
“Use a lot of saline nasal spray, ” Benzoni said.
Health professionals say that parents should not give chil-
dren adult medication and should give their children’s pediatrician a call if they are struggling with a child’s fever and are looking for an alternative medicine to use.
One medication Benzoni mentioned as a homeopathic fever and pain reducer is Arnica, however, dosage is uncertain. Parents should consult with a pediatrician before using any new medications to ensure dosage and type of medication is correct for their child.
“Children’s medication is very specific to weight and age,” Lonczak said. “A parent may think that giving half of an adult sized medication might be OK but it’s not something to play with. If parents are struggling and have concerns, they should just call their pediatrician before opting to do anything that’s not intended for children.”
Kathryn Glendon, public health specialist with the Chesprocott Health District, said now is a good time to
go on social media to see if someone may have some children’s medication to spare or know where people can find some.
“There are people that may pick it up for you if they see it,” Glendon said. “Sometimes the stores you don’t think about will have it like Walmart or Aldi’s, Target. So just being in mind of where you shop.”
jsimms@record-journal.com 203-317-2279 Twitter: @jessica_simms99
Elmira College, Elmira, N.Y., named Gabrielle Caporossi of Durham to its dean’s list for the fall semester.
Western New England University, Springfield, Mass., named Ralph Albanese of Rockfall to its dean’s list for the fall semester.
or a great vacation.
Text or call Peter at 860-846-0216 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and start as soon as tomorrow morning.
ANTIQUES - Always buying old; Toys, military, jewelry, art, watches, musical instruments, signs, arcade games, cameras, pre 1970 sports memorabilia, plus more. One item or entire estate contents. Call 860718-5132.
TOP CASH PAID For any Toyota any condition, running or not, crashed okay. Will take other makes and models. (203) 600-4431.
OFFICE SUITE - Avail. for lease, 550 sq.ft., ground level, Clocktower Square, 710 Main St., Suite 1, Plantsville, CT. $800 per mo. Call (860) 276-8068 ask for Tony or Gail.
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.
DETECTO BALANCE BEAM SCALE - W/ height rod and wheels, in original box unpacked, call Lilly 203200-9806
TWIN MATTRESS SET - New, $200; Futon, opens to bed, $75. Call (203) 235-0875.
BUYING MACHINIST TOOLBOXES - Tools & tooling, contents of machine shops, home workshops and small lathes. Call anytime 860-985-5760
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
ESTATE AUCTIONSIs looking to purchase estate contents. From single items to entire estates. Clean-out services available. Call Bill (203) 494-2496.
WANTED Individual firearms, collections & estates including military & related items.Federally licensed firearms dealer. Gunsmith, appraisals, Richard Pleines, (860) 663-2214.
FREE - Chihuaha male 11 yrs old. Has chip. Color tan and white. Has all shots and pa pers for shots. House broken. He is a cuddler Has separation anxiety. Needs room to run. Hasn’t been with other dogs or children. Loves to go for rides. Answers to Prince. Please help me find him a home. (475) 775-5369.
2 ADORABLE - Sheltie Bichon puppies & Cute Bichon Yorkie puppies, $750 ea. Ready now. 1st shots & worming. 2, 6 mo. old puppies, $500 ea. 603.630.2258.
MERIDEN - Room for rent, utils incl., shared BA. Free Wi-Fi. Call (203) 217-7122.
1,2,3 CASH FOR ANTIQUES - Call Todd Shamock, 203-4941695.
PREMIER ESTATE JEWELRY - Is interested in buying your fine jewelry, watches, coin collections, silver flatware, and costume jewelry. Call Bill, (203) 4942496.
Repairs, Decks & Porches, Sheetrock & Taping Water Damage Repairs. Free Est. Ins. MC & Visa. Call Bill (203) 901-2136. CT. Reg. # 0647093
CLEAN & REMOVE Furniture, appliances, entire contents of: homes, sheds, estates, attics, basements, garages & more.
*FALL YARD Clean-ups* FREE ESTIMATES. LIC & INS. DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817 JM Lawn Care
Insurance claim.storm damage.roofing.siding. gutter.chimney flashing. Office:203.754.3071 Cell:203.510.3830 Stormshieldct@gmail. com HIC.0664452
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GUTTERS PLUS 25+yrs. Exp. Call today for Free estimate. 203-440-3535 Ct. Reg. #578887
HOME DOCTOR - 48 yrs exp. Odd jobs & remodeling, former US Navy, 15 yrs, #640689, 203.427.7828.
Your moving and storage specialists. Call for a free estimate. 833-668-3978.
Specializing in tree removal, trimming, chipping & grinding. Call for free estimate. 203-945-1808.
