Girl Scout cookie season begins Saturday, Feb. 4, and once again, scouts will have a great customer in William Raveis realtor Debbie Huscher.
For the second year in a row, Huscher will purchase two boxes of cookies from local Girl Scouts who reach out to her. The treats will be donated to the Durham and Middlefield food pantries. Huscher can be reached at debbie.huscher@ raveis.com
A new chapter in the long and winding saga surrounding the former Francis E. Korn Elementary School in Durham will be written this weekend, as a ribbon cutting and open house will take place at the property, which is being transformed into a community center. On Sunday, Feb. 5, from 2 to 4 p.m., residents are invited to see the work that has been done so far.
See Korn, A6
“You don’t realize the scope of other needs in the community,” said Huscher, a resident of Durham.
“It’s all about helping the Girl Scouts and their projects, but also giving back to the community.”
Plus, “Everybody deserves a cookie,” said Huscher, who’s real estate office is located at 48 Main St. in Middletown.
In 2022, Huscher purchased more than 100 boxes of cookies.
Durham/Middlefield Girl Scout cookie sales manager Kristy
Crouch said Huscher’s generosity “showed the girls what partnering with a local business can look like and the impact it can have in making the world a better place.”
“Most of the girls didn’t know their towns had food pantries,” Crouch added.
“So they got to learn about the needs of their communities and how they can help just by asking customers to buy cookies.”
See Girl Scouts, A6
The Coginchaug Regional High School boys and girls basketball teams will host a Pink Out doubleheader against Hale-Ray on Friday, Feb. 10. The girls will play at 5 p.m., the boys at 7. Baked goods and a limited number of Pink Out Tshirts will be available for purchase, with all proceeds going to the Smilow Cancer Hospital (in memory of Brenna Zettergren) and St. Jude Hospital (in memory of Debbie Sokol). Donations also will be collected. Across the country, sports teams of all levels have taken part in Pink Out games, with the goal of raising funds for the fight against cancer.
While many people make resolutions in the new year, scammers are resolute too –developing new schemes to steal money and personal information or other sensitive data by posing as Eversource representatives. Recently there’s been a rise in calls targeting utility customers, and the energy company is reminding residents and businesses to be on the lookout for the signs of a scam whether it’s in person, over the phone, or online.
While these scams can take many forms, one common scare tactic that’s used is the overpayment scam. Scammers will call claiming that the person overpaid their utility bill and request their personal bank account or credit card information to give a refund. In many cases, the scammer can manipulate the caller ID to display “Eversource,” creating a greater sense of confusion.
“Phishing” or “Smishing” scams are also increasingly common. That’s when a person receives a text message requesting personal infor-
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 Cogin-
mation from scammers pretending to be from a reputable company.
“These scammers often prey on customers’ fears – threatening to shut off their power or use other deceitful tactics to scare people into giving up their money or personal information,” said Penni Conner, Eversource Executive Vice President, Customer Experience and Energy Strategy.
“We never demand instant payment over the phone or ask for personal information in an unsolicited call, text message, or email. If someone shows up at your home or calls you and demands immediate payment, don’t panic, and don’t pay, instead call us immediately at 800286-2000.”
Eversource also offers these additional tips to help avoid becoming a victim:
Eversource representatives do not require the use of prepaid debit cards, such as Green Dot MoneyPak, Vanilla or Reloadit prepaid cards. They will also never ask customers to pay using a Bitcoin ATM.
Eversource representatives never request customers meet at a payment center, such as a department or grocery store, to make a payment.
Customers should never provide personal, financial, or account information to any unsolicited person on the phone, at the door, or online, even if they seem legitimate.
Eversource does not solicit door-to-door or on the phone on behalf of thirdparty energy suppliers.
All Eversource employees carry photo identification; field workers wear clothing with the company logo and drive company vehicles.
Customers who are scheduled for disconnection due to nonpayment receive written notice that includes information on how to maintain their service.
Customers who doubt a call, in-person interaction, text, or email is legitimate should call Eversource directly to confirm the authenticity of the contact.
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.
chaug Area Transition; “compost kit” in the memo line). For further information, email carolbufithis@ gmail.com.
What are parasites? How do we know if we have them? Can we get rid of them?
People with any kind of chronic health issue are invited to attend a lecture by board-certified holistic health practitioner Dr. Anna
Marshall Saturday, Feb. 4, 10:30 a.m., at Haller Post 111, 112 Grove St., New Britain. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com.
Ready for a second chance to earn your high school diploma? Middletown Adult Education will help. Enrollment is free. Students may register at any time. Call for more information, 860-3436044.
Press Release
Parents/guardians of children living in Durham and Middlefield who will be 5 years old on or before Jan. 1, 2024 must register to attend kindergarten in the fall of 2023 or apply for a waiver of attendance.
In Regional School District 13, children may attend kindergarten at Brewster School or John Lyman School. You will need to choose the appropriate school for your child prior to kindergarten registration. Brewster School houses students in preschool through Grade 2 and John Lyman
Exhibitors and speakers are sought for the 10th Bi-Annual Passport to Health & Wellness Expo, which will be held April 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton. Also, vendors are sought for expos which will take place May 21 and Sept. 17 at the VFW in Plainville. Contact Shirley Bloethe at 860-989-0033 or
School serves students in kindergarten through Grade 4. Please understand that there are many similarities between Lyman and Brewster, and the schools follow the same curriculum.
Both schools will post detailed information about kindergarten on their respective websites. The postings will include specific details about the individual schools along with more general information about kindergarten choice and registration in RSD13. After viewing these resources, parents are welcome to contact building principals if they have further questions or
yourholisticevents@ gmail.com, or visit yourholisticevents.com.
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
call the main offices to schedule tours at one or both schools.
The school choice decision for kindergarten needs to be made by Friday, March 10. We will make every effort to honor your first choice pending space and enrollment. If a choice is not made by that date, your child may not be able to attend the school chosen by his or her parents or guardians.
Once your decision is made, please contact the main office of the school where you wish to register. The school will then send you information and instructions for reg-
istration. Registration must be completed in accordance with published timelines in your registration packet to guarantee your child’s place in the school that you selected.
Please share this information with others you may know who have children eli-
gible for kindergarten in the fall of 2023.
Parents/guardians of an eligible kindergarten child who wishes to hold his/her child out of school for another year must sign a waiver of attendance at the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.
people all over the world. Refractive errors can be easily 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.
By Summer Lerch
Toward the end of the summer of 2022, I looked up in the sky and saw Jerry. I looked around and around and never saw Tom. Tom and Jerry, as I affectionately named them, were two small bats that had played in the skies over Mack Road the previous three summers. They would frolic and chase each other as they ate the mosquitoes and flies that inhabited the night sky. It warmed my heart to see them being batty!
Bats are very good to have around. They eat many kinds of garden pests, like dung beetles, flies, moths. And, of course, they eat mosquitoes. A bat like Tom can eat up to 1,000 mosquito-sized insects an hour. A nursing mother bat can eat up to 4,500 a night.
You want your mosquitoes to go away? Get a bat!
Despite not being aggressive and preferring to avoid us humans, bats have gotten a bad reputation (mainly from horror movies). And they’re disappearing. I suspect that Tom, like many other bats, was affected by
“white nose syndrome,” a devastating fungal condition that has killed over 6 million bats in the eastern U.S. and Canada since 2006. The thinking is this fungus was likely introduced and passed around by hikers exploring bat caves.
Since their habitats have also been
disappearing, and since bats are so naturally good at managing pests (including those mosquitoes carrying Eastern Equine Encephalitis –aka, Triple E disease), dispersing seeds and aiding in pollination, Middlefield Lion Peter Berry, a science teacher at Coginchaug HS,
thought it would be really smart to create bat habitats.
So, last summer, Peter and fellow Lion Marc D’Amato, with help from Scouts from Troop 33 and local resident Steve Dubey, built and mounted four wooden bat houses in the community (Really, bat apartments, as they’re multi-chamber dwellings which can accommodate upwards of 100 bats each). Lion Peter Cabelus donated much of the supplies for the bat houses, which are painted, fully sealed and have copper roofs to keep the weather out.
The project was a labor of love.
The bat houses can be found at Peckham Park, where there are two, as well as at Lucy Strickland Skating Pond and the Community Giving Garden behind the Middlefield Community Center. Please look for them. Keep your fingers crossed that we see many more Tom and Jerry’s this summer. That would be good for everyone!
Summer Lerch is a member of the Middlefield Lions Club.
Strong Middle School named the following students to its honor roll for the second quarter:
Grade 6, high honors: Ashley Allen, Tanner Allen, Robert Belisle, Rebecca Booth, Jack Brady, Eleanor Brayshaw, Ethan Broomfield, Dominic Casillo, Dominic Coady, Carter Collin, Ellory Connell, Jayden Costa, Evelyn Crocker, Savannah Davidson, Andrew DelGrego, Izabella Diaz, Sophia Dumais, Benjamin Finch, Tyler Flewelling, Brayden Fraschilla, Ava French, Lena Funke, Dani Greco, Aidan Healy, Aiden Kelly, Genevieve Kilroy, Ronan LeDuc, Ellison Loh, Chloe Lonergan, Jisselle Lopez, Joshua Luca, Keegan Maschio, Jacob McDowell, Daniella Mierzejewski, Lenna Molina, Elijah Morton, Abigail Muro, Riley Nelson, Mason Noyes, Sanskar Pandey, Luke Pizzo, Addison Poetzsch, Juliet Prout, Shawn Quinn, Kendall Raney, Ryan Samperi, Alexa Saraceno, Theodore Schaffer, Jacob Schilling, Aaron Schlicker, Brooklyn Smolley, Daniel Szymanski, Katerina Talbert-Slagle, Matthieu Thiel, Asa Trayes, Jenni
Rock of Refuge Church is a non-denominational Christian Church located at 350 Main St., second floor, in Durham. Sunday services 11 a.m.; Tuesday Prayer Meetings 6:45 p.m.; Bible Studies, to be announced.
Velleca, Skyla Waleski, Kiernan Walsh, Adam Young, Braeden
Zupnik; honors: Angelina Alfano, Gianni Baumhor, Richard Braccidiferro, Lily Bryck, Aubree
Carey, Luna Cooley, Angelina
Criscio, Ariana Defalco, Christian
Dionne, Haley Dionne, Brady Doweyko, Brooklyn Dragan, Madden Dunleavy, Leah Ekblade, Madison Falana, Gia
Falero, Cecelia Fenwick, Logan
Finn, Jeremiah Fuggi, Dimitri
Gaudino, Faith Gerardi, Tyler
Grodzicki, Chace Hartline, Paisley Kalinchak, Samantha Kehlenbach, Kaylee Kemler, Alexandra
Ladas, Adeline Magoon, Karleigh
Melendez, Tenzin Moore, Brieann
Pascarelli, Nala Ramadanovic, Levi Rosa, Aria Russell, Bruno
Suraci, Noah Trifilo, Gianni Williams.
Grade 7, high honors: Taryn Adams, Whitney Aingworth, Ryan Champagne, Alivia Christopher, Kylie Clark, Sienna Clark, Camilo Coutin-Vazquez, Abigail Cyrus, Kylie Dailey, Kacey Greco, Elizabeth Gust, Audrey Kurtin, Haily Lamoureux, Daphne Liss, Annaliese Meisenkothen, Jillian Meurs, Carson Miller, Addison
Nappi, Jillian Parmelee, Elizabeth
Putnam, Isaac Samuel, Nathaniel Tompkins; honors: Jacob Almodovar, Noelle Babbitt, Stella Biancardi, Gavin Burke, Sonia Calamita, Logan Dahlheimer, Tyler Dahlheimer, Paige DeCantillon, Gavin Farnsworth, Rowen Ferretti, Shay Fisher, Gavin Gerchy, Julia Hahn, James Halibozek, Marcus Helenski, Gavin Hutter, Rebecca Kelly-Shapiro, Aurora Kobus, Natalie Kobus, Cooper LaPointe, John Lauderdale, Kaelin Lobo, Nolan Lubee, Adrianna Monarca, Tucker Morello, Madeline Niland, Ryan Olszewski, James Overton, William Overton, Bennett Paganetti, Kennedy Painter, Ava Palermo, Joseph Piscitelli, Stella Reny, Kylie Rybak, Hannah Stern, Liam Tietjen, Annabella Tosto, Membreno, Valle, Charles Wamester, Landon Watts, Cecelia Wilson, Ruby Wiseman. Grade 8, high honors: Madison Allen, Frances Augur, Allison Booth, Allison Bradanini, Joshua Cronk, Arabella DiPentima, Lucy Eddinger, Hayden Farnsworth, Rodolfo Fraschilla, Julianna Fuggi, Ruby General, Sofia Hempel, Sara Holder, Beth Johansen, Sara Kaliszewski, Taylor Kesten-
baum, Maggie Kilroy, Gianna Kirschner, Molly Kulas, Ryan Legge, Camryn LeTourneau, Reegan Lynch, Emerson McGoldrick, Briley McKenna, Isabella Oakley, Sara O'Rourke, James Parmelee, Siya Patel, Corra Perez, Ava Pizzo, Lily Ramadanovic, Julia Reynolds, Rhyan Solis, Sabrina Stephan, Gabriella Tammaro, Shayla Vazquez, Madelyn Ventola, Evangeline Volenec, Aaliyah Watson; honors: Shya Ahmed, Benjamin Albanese, Ava Almodovar, William Bachinsky-Kremzar, Jake Bernier, Ariana Bugai, John Cella, Jayliana Cruz, Lauren DelGrego, Anthony DiMauro, Aiyana Donecker, Isannah Dreyfus, Makayla Fazzone-Chettiar, Marcy Funke, Lucas Gillooly, Zachary Grodzicki, Kyle Hebert, Thomas Helenski, Kayla Huertas, Brooke Jacobson, Willa Johnson, Kiara Kaczor, Axel Keller,
Alex Labaty, Paige LaPointe, Brayden Mennone, Lyla Merrill, Dylan Montemurro, Jonathan Morehead, Rhys Noyes, Joshua Poturnicki, Gannon Remillard, Russell Robinson, Caden Schlicker, Charles Scirocco, Logan Smith, Peyton Smolley, Ryan Stern, Anthony Torello, Ella Ullman, Brianna Vargas, Grace Velardi, Travis Weckesser.
Applications for the State Elderly/Disabled Tax Relief Programs and the Town of Durham’s Senior Tax Relief (Freeze or Deferral) Programs are available for income qualifying residents. The filing period for same is February 1st - May 15, 2023.
Applications for the Veterans’ Additional Exemption Tax Relief Program are available for income qualifying residents. The filing period for same is February 1stOctober 1, 2023.
Applications will be taken by appointment only. Please call the Assessor’s Office, 860-343-6709, or the Human Services Office, 860-349-3153, to arrange a time or obtain more information.
“Our food banks generally provide foods that help with everyday meals,” D’Orvilliers said. “While foods such as
From A1
After Korn School closed in 2018, Durham residents overwhelmingly rejected bonding $7 million to acquire the building, located at 144 Pickett Lane, and convert it into a community center.
Then, in 2021, the Durham Board of Selectmen turned down an offer from Regional School District 13 to take ownership of the Korn property. At that point, then-First Selectman Laura Francis
pasta, rice, sauce, tuna, et cetera, are what families and individuals need daily, it is wonderful to offer something special.”
“We are so grateful and fortunate to have her support,” D’Orvilliers said. “Who doesn’t love Girl Scout cookies?”
nzappone@record-journal.com
203-317-2212
said, “I think it would be irresponsible for us to take it because, with the privilege of owning a building of that size, we cannot ignore that the costs are going to be significant. It is an older building, it needs to be updated.”
Still, many residents wanted to see the Korn property become a community center, and a petition gathered enough signatures to force a referendum.
Finally, on May 4, 2021, voters approved of the Town of Durham taking ownership of the former Korn School.
The Coginchaug High School Scholarship Fund will accept applications from Feb. 22 to March 22 at 2 p.m. All graduating seniors are encouraged to complete an application, which will be posted on Naviance.
The committee can be reached at crhsscholarshipfund@gmail.com.
The Executive Board of the Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords is requesting applications for its annual scholarships to be awarded to students from Middlesex County pursuing a career in nursing or music.
The $1,000 scholarships will
be paid directly to the recipients at the Vocal Chords’ Spring Concert. Applications are available at school guidance offices and by calling Dianne at 860-344-0743. Application deadline is Friday, March 24.
Visit vocalchords20.org for more information.
The Virginia R. Rollefson Environmental Leadership Scholarship, offered by The Rockfall Foundation since 2018, recognizes outstanding contributions by a high school senior residing in the Lower Connecticut River Valley for carrying out a program, project, or activity that benefits preservation, con-
servation, restoration or environmental education.
One $1,000 scholarship is awarded yearly to a student who demonstrates leadership and initiative. The scholarship must be used for qualified tuition, books, room and board, or supplies. For full details, visit rockfallfoundation.org.
Please & Thank you.
“Lou” Ouellette, of Middlefield, passed away on January 21, 2023 at the age of 88.
Lou loved to garden he had a green thumb that could make anything grow and took great pride in his yard and garden. He retired from Pratt and Whitney after 35 years of service.
Lou was an avid fan of the New England Patriots, the Huskies and UCONN. He had an awesome sense of humor and to know him was to love him. He was proceeded in death by his wife of 34 years, Lucille Marion Ouellette; his father Philip Ouellette and mother Lucienne Livernois; two sisters Percilla Bernier and Dolores McKay and two grandsons Keltin Ouellette and Jeremiah Trujillo.
Lou is survived by his children Phillip Ouellette and long time companion Suzy of Utah; Tira Ouellette and husband Ramon of New Mexico; six grandchildren, Jesse, CleAnn, Joelyne, Kedryn, Kaiden and Keith; nine great-grandchildren; stepchildren Kathy PoterGervais and husband
Marcel, Scott Poter and wife Diane, Craig Poter, all of Connecticut and Holly Poter-Fair of Florida; five step grandchildren Kyle, Deanna, Amber, Kaylee and Kristie and two step great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Angel Sorber and her husband Robin, who took care of Louie for many years.
Graveside services were January 30, 2023, at 10:00 am in Middlefield Cemetery, 402 Main Street, Middlefield. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www. doolittlefuneralservice. com.
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. For more information, email: info@cattalesct.org.
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 Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, will hold its annual job fair at Dunkin’ Donuts Park (1214 Main St., Hartford) Saturday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Yard Goats are seeking applicants to fill a wide range of game day positions and are looking for upbeat, fan-friendly individuals to help make the upcoming season in Hartford another huge success.
Two-year-old Shadow was a great mommy to her babies. Now it’s her turn to find a forever home. Shadow’s a bit shy, but is a very sweet girl If you give her some time to warm up. She would be great in a home where she has lots of space to adapt to her environment. Visit CatTalesCT.org/cats/Shadow. For more information, call 860-3449043 or email info@CatTalesCT.org.
Book Club. Monday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m. “Matrix” by Lauren Groff will be discussed. Registration is required.
Slime time. Celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day by making some slime Saturday, Feb. 4, 10:30 to 11 a.m. for ages 5 & under, and 2 to 2:30 p.m. for ages 6 & up. Registration is required.
Understanding Estate Plans. Thursday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. The discussion will be led by Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorney Erin Duques. Registration is required. Move & Groove Storytime. Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. Ages 2 to 5. Registration required.
Crazy 8’s Math Club. Thursdays at 5 p.m. for grades K to 2 and 6:30 p.m. for grades 3 to 5. Registration is required.
Storytime & Playgroup. Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. All ages. Registration is required. Drop-in Mahjong. Tuesdays, 2 to 4 p.m. For novices or pros. If you have a Mahjong set, please bring it. No registration required.
Storytime at the Library. Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Open sew. Bring your machine, handwork, or small craft to the library Saturday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come for an hour, or for the day. Call 860-349-3857 to reserve your spot.
Crafting with Susan. Sign up on the library’s Facebook page for an adult/teen take-home craft.
Senior Center Book Club. Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2 p.m., at the library. “The Hours” by Michael Cunningham will be discussed.
Thursday Night Book Club. Thursday, Feb. 16. “Miss Benson’s Beetle” by Rachel Joyce will be discussed.
Book, bake sale. Friday, March 24, 12 to 5 p.m., $10 entry fee; Saturday, March 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., no entry fee; Sunday, March 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., no entry fee.
Dear Old Man Winter,
My hat is off to you, my good man. So far you have shown incredible restraint. Here it is February and I have yet to do any shoveling. I have yet to have a scary drive into work. We have not had that many bone-chilling days. I am pleased as punch, is what I am.
I don’t want to make it sound like it’s all about me but I am sure that you are aware of my loathing of shoveling your snow and driving on icy roads. For years, you, as well as everybody else, have heard me grumble. You have watched me shovel your white stuff
The Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords are looking to expand their tenor and bass sections. No auditions necessary; just a love of singing and a willingness to make a commitment. New members will be accepted through the end of January. Visit vocalchords20.org, check out the group on Facebook, or call 860-342-3120.
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.
and then go into the house after only a few minutes because I was already pooped.
You have probably seen me, when you have made the roads treacherous, hunched over the steering wheel, putting a death grip on said steering wheel, barely able to breathe, praying fervently to safely reach my destination. I always try to be brave about winter, but I have not been doing very well with that.
So, my friend (and you know I have not always called you that), why this most welcome show of mercy? Have you taken pity on us after battering us with some very
harsh weather over the years? Are you becoming more mellow in your old age? Perhaps you are vacationing in the Bahamas. We New Englanders are afraid to even say it: “What an easy winter we are having!” We whisper it, lest the gods hear us and decide to put an end to our run of good luck. Or you, Monsieur Winter, suddenly wake up – it is possible that you have been napping – and decide to make up for lost time. Please don’t do that.
Oh, there are always the naysayers, the ones who say we will pay, for sure. That February can be a brute of a month, and March, too, can have some unpleasant surprises. But I tell them – and this always falls on deaf ears – yes, but no matter what lies ahead, there is not that much time left before the birds are singing outside our windows and the buds start popping out. We’ve already
put two winter months in the rear view mirror!
So, if you are napping, Old Man Winter, please don’t rouse yourself on our account. You need your beauty sleep. If you are in the Bahamas, feel free to stay. Just relax and order yourself another drink with an umbrella. And if you are simply feeling kindly toward us, please continue to do so.
Oh, I know the kids will be disappointed if you don’t anoint us with a ton of snow, but we can remind them that summer is a lot of fun, too, so let’s just look forward to that.
And if you come on strong this month, I will forgive you. You have already given us an easy December and an easy January. But do try to keep up the good work.
So Happy, Diana
Email Letters to the Editor to news@towntimes.com. Letters are limited to 300 words. We reserve the right to edit letters. Letters must be signed and names will appear in print. Include a phone number so the paper can contact you for verification. Letters must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday to be considered for publication that Friday.
Whether it is a lost ring, wallet or a Parrot named Oliver, a Classified ad can help track it down.
Gov. Ned Lamont unveiled plans Monday to cut state income taxes for more than 211,000 working poor families by an average of $211 over the next year.
The governor’s proposal to bolster the state Earned Income Tax Credit is aimed at families that generally will earn between $64,000 and $46,500 in 2023 and would become available with tax returns filed in the winter and spring of 2024.
Lamont is expected to complement this proposal with a broad middle-class income tax that involves the first rate reduction since 1995. The governor will present more details when he presents his budget for the next two fiscal years to the General Assembly on Feb. 8.
direct relief to low-income workers who are providing for their families,” said Lamont, who discussed his EITC proposal during a midday press conference at the Wilson-Gray YMCA Youth and Family Center on Albany Avenue in Hartford.
Eligibility for the EITC is tied both to income and household size.
According to the federal Internal Revenue Service, a single filer with three or more children must earn no more than $56,838 in 2023 to qualify. Those with fewer or no children face a lower income threshold.
Similarly, a couple filing jointly with three or more children must earn no more than $63,698 to qualify.
And while the average household tax relief under Lamont’s new plan would grow by $211, some households will fare much better.
For example, the administra-
tion says that a couple with two children could receive up to $585 extra.
Increasing the rate to 40% will make Connecticut among the top five states in the nation with the largest EITC rates. Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia offer their residents an EITC, and the average rate among them is 22%. Governor Lamont’s proposal to increase Connecticut’s rate will make it higher than each of its neighboring states, including Massachusetts (30%), New York (30%) and Rhode Island (15%).
A credit against the Connecticut income tax, the state EITC was launched in 2011.
It originally provided refunds totaling $110 million to about 200,000 working poor families in 2012 an average of $551 per household.
But over the past decade, as
legislatures struggled with numerous budget deficits, the credit was whittled down to 23% of the federal EITC.
Lamont and the General Assembly elevated it to a new high in 2021 when it reached 30.5% of the federal credit. And the governor’s latest proposal would lift it to 40% for the 2023 tax year.
This would give Connecticut one of the highest EITC rates
in the nation, tied with the District of Columbia and topped only by Maryland, California, Minnesota and South Carolina.
At its current level, the Connecticut EITC provides about $144 million in relief to poor families, according to the General Assembly’s nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis.
See Tax cut, A12
“Increasing this tax credit is one of the most impactful things we can do to target
Lamont’s budget staff project boosting the state EITC to 40% of the federal credit would push the overall tax break to nearly $190 million and would benefit an estimated 211,675 families.
Unlike certain other state tax credits, the EITC is refundable. If a working household ‘s earnings are so low it owes no income taxes, it still would receive the full value of the credit via a refund.
“Numerous studies have shown that the EITC is one of the best anti-poverty tools we can use because it encourages work, boosts economic stability and uplifts generations to come,” Lamont said. “Ultimately, this tax credit helps improve entire communities because these dollars are being invested right back into our local economy through groceries, transportation, clothing, rent, utilities and other necessary expenses. The EITC encourages work and boosts
economic stability, and I think it’s about time that we increase it.”
The governor’s proposal is expected to draw strong support from progressive Democrats in the legislature who have argued for years that the combined state and municipal tax systems in Connecticut disproportionately burden low- and middle-income households.
Senate President Pro Tem Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven, a longtime advocate
for a strong tax credit for the working poor, said many Democrats had wanted to enacted a state EITC before 2011 but had been blocked prior to that by Republican governors.
“We can say we want to help people out of poverty, but the EITC is one of the ways to actually accomplish that goal,” Looney said. “The EITC is an important piece of a Democratic budget, and I want to thank Gov. Lamont for including it as a priority.”
Lamont still is expected to face considerable pressure from progressives, though, to support a second expanded income tax credit.
A coalition of Democrats led by state Comptroller Sean Scanlon want a new state income tax credit for families with children. Scanlon has proposed a $600-per-child credit that offers a maximum of $1,800 per household. About two-thirds of this credit also would be refundable, ensuring low-income households with little or no income tax liability still would benefit.
This would cost an estimated $450 million per year, about 10 times the value of Lamont’s new relief proposal for the working poor.
The governor prefers to offer tax relief to the middle class by driving down state income tax rates. But while this would chiefly help middle class households, critics note that it also would provide some relief to wealthier filers, while the child tax credit would not be available to top-end earners.
Representatives of Recovery for All CT, a coalition of more than 60 labor faith and other community groups, endorsed Lamont’s proposal to bolster the EITC. But they also made it clear that while an extra $211-per-poor family, on average, will help, it is far from a complete solution.
“We share a vision of ending our state’s extreme racial, economic and gender inequities,” said Nelli Jara, executive director of the Connecticut Worker Center in Bridgeport. “Families are choosing between paying utility bills or buying groceries.”
The state’s largest healthcare workers’ union, SEIU 1199 NE, also belongs to Recovery for All CT, and 1199 President Rob Baril reminded those at Tuesday’s press conference that some home care workers in Connecticut are so poorly paid that they have to live in their cars.
See Tax cut, A13
“We are delighted to take a step forward toward a more equitable state,” Baril said. “Obviously we still have many, many big problems.”
Rep. Anne Hughes of Easton, a progressive Democrat and also affiliated with Recovery for All CT, said many of her fellow Democrats the legislature’s majority still want to see Lamont back the child tax credit.
“Tax justice is our Number One priority and the reason is we don’t see any other way of addressing the other converging crises,” Hughes said.
Unless the state can ease its disproportionately high tax burden on low- and moderate-income households, Hughes added, too many families will remain unable to afford decent housing and health care. The imbalance also is contributing to a growing worker shortages in vital segments of the economy that tend to be underpaid, she said, adding this includes health care workers, early childhood development staff, and teachers.
This story originally appeared at ctmirror.org, the website of The Connecticut Mirror.
Rob Baril, the president of SEIU 1199 and a member of the Recovery for All Coalition, talks to Senate President Pro Tem Martin Looney, a key supporter of the EITC in the General Assembly.
Mark Pazniokas, CTMirror.org
Legal Notice
Durham BAA
The Durham Board of Assessment Appeals (BAA) will meet at Durham Town Hall, 30 Town House Rd, Durham, CT on Thursday, March 9, 2023 starting at 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 11, 2023 starting at 9:00 a.m. to hear appeals related to property assessments. To be heard, a completed BAA petition must be received at the Town Hall on or before February 20, 2023. The BAA petition is available at the Town Hall and on the town website at www.townof durhamct.org
R258450
TOP CASH PAID For any Toyota any condition, running or not, crashed okay. Will take other makes and models.
(203) 600-4431.
TOP CASH PAID
For Junk or unwanted vehicles, Toyota’s etc. Please call Mike @ 203284-8562 8am-5pm.
OFFICE ASSISTANT
FT or PT (M-F 9 -3:30). Some bookkeeping exp. req. Attention to detail and reliability a must. PTO, 401k & Health Ins. Call 203.235.4830.
ALWAYS PAYING TOP DOLLAR - For gold and silver jewelry, Sterling flatware, Gold and silver coins and bars, costume jewelry and more!!! Over 30yrs experience. Call Sandy at Pawn Queen (203) 7682443.
ALWAYS TOP CASHFor Grandma’s Costume Jewelry Stash! Not a Pawn shop. 203.443.9602, Julie.
GRASSY HILL AUCTIONS, - an Estate
MATERIALS DISTRIBUTION
Screened Topsoil $25/ 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 @ 860-982-4819 for delivery
PREMIUM SCREENED TOPSOIL
$25/yard delivered, 3 yd, $100 min. delivery Call Jim 860-982-4819
FREE - Bluestone/Slate of various sizes, thickness and cut. Approximately 30 pieces ranging in size from book to large thick slabs. Thicknesses from 1” to 2.5”. Cheshire location. Please contact Phil at 203-415-7724
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.
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.
BUYING ALL - Costume
Jewelry, Old Watches, Gold Jewelry, Silver Jewelry, Gold & Silver Coins, Sterling Flatware, In Any Condition. Please Call Jude M. Dichele @ (203) 8681816.
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
PREMIER ESTATE JEWELRY - Is interested in buying your fine jewelry, watches, coin collections, silver flatware, and costume jewelry. Call Bill, (203) 4942496.
TIMELESS TREASURES
ESTATE AUCTIONSIs looking to purchase estate contents. From single items to entire estates. Clean-out services available. Call Bill (203) 494-2496.
TREE LENGTH FIREWOOD
CALL FOR DETAILS
203-238-2149
1,2,3 CASH FOR ANTIQUES - Call Todd Shamock, 203-4941695.
BUYING MACHINIST
TOOLBOXES - Tools & tooling, contents of machine shops, home workshops and small lathes. Call anytime 860-985-5760
WANTED Individual firearms, collections & estates including military & related items.Federally licensed firearms dealer. Gunsmith, appraisals, Richard Pleines, (860) 663-2214.
CARPENTRY
Repairs, Decks & Porches, Sheetrock & Taping Water Damage Repairs. Free Est. Ins. MC & Visa. Call Bill (203) 901-2136. CT. Reg. # 0647093
Roof Repair or Replacement, Chimney Repair, Skylight Replacement. Free est. CT #0651199 (860) 877-3006
GUTTERS CLEANED
Painting Int. & Ext. Powerwashing Free Ests. Ins. Refs. Rodrigo, (203) 565-7745.
HOME DOCTOR - 48 yrs exp. Odd jobs & remodeling, former US Navy, 15 yrs, #640689, 203.427.7828.
#1 PAINTER’S EDGE
CLEAN & REMOVE
Furniture, appliances, entire contents of: homes, sheds, estates, attics, basements, garages & more.
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Ext. & Int. Painting. Sheetrock.Popcorn Re pair. Wallpaper Remv’l. Decks. 25 yrs exp. Free est. Sr. disc. #0656136. Ins. 860.538.5520
Let Us BEAR Your Junk! Junk Removal in CT
Insurance claim.storm damage.roofing.siding.
