Thank you, Dakota, for all the wonderful times

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I’ve lost my little girl. My beloved kitty, Dakota, left this world on Feb. 15, taking a piece of my heart with her.

I had known it was coming, but that doesn’t make it any easier. I know that she is at peace now, and most likely romping through a meadow with her old feline buddy Shamus. That does take a little of the sting out. But mostly, my cat Shiloh and I are bereft. The house feels empty now.

She was amazing, this girl of mine. Fifteen years ago, when I went to her foster home to pick out a kitten, we fell in love with each other right away. I sat on the floor to see who would come to me, who wanted to go home with me.

It was the beautiful longhaired tortoiseshell. I set her cat carrier on the front seat next to me, and we were already bonded by the time we got home. She stuck her paw through one of the openings and wrapped it around my finger, and that is how we rode home.

I imagine I have already mentioned this. Bedtime was our snuggle time. When I came out of my nighttime shower, I would find her on the bed, waiting for me. Once I climbed in, she would sleep next to me, nose-to-nose, with her paw on my head, just in case I was thinking of going anywhere.

And in the morning, about 10 minutes before the alarm went off, we would repeat this ritual. She was a great snuggler.

I walk into the house, and I still go to check on her, before I remember that she is not there. I still watch the clock to see if it is time for insulin, before I realize there is no longer the need.

Bedtime is a lonely affair now.

I think the hardest thing is Shiloh’s pain. I feel it in him. I feel his sadness. He loved her dearly, and would sidle up to her so that she could lick his head. She loved licking heads.

To me, Shiloh feels lost, and I ache for him. If he could cry, I think he would.

I have read that our departed furry friends stay in touch with us. I wonder if Shiloh is getting any “hits.” I have been asking for a sign from her, letting me know she is alright (I know she is), but I felt like I wasn’t getting anything. But then I realized I did. My co-workers gave me a beautiful picture frame for her picture, with the words “Thank you. I had a wonderful time.” Message received. Sometime in the near future I will get a kitten for Shiloh. He does not like being an only child. I am tempted to go out and get him a companion right away, but I know better. He must process his grief, and so must I. The only way out is through. But I tell him that he will have a friend soon. I think Dakota will send the perfect kitten.

My dear friend, I will always remember you. Thank you for all the good years and all the love you gave me. I felt blessed to be your mom. And like my new picture frame says, “I had a wonderful time.”

Garden Letters Policy

From A1

The restoration project will follow The Pollinator Pathway guidelines for creating safe and healthy environments for pollinators. The Durham Garden Club will be planting all native shrubs

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and perennials and will use no pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

The club’s hope is to create a healthy environment that supports and protects our pollinators and provides a beautiful oasis for our community to visit, sit for awhile and enjoy being with nature.

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Thanks, CVEF

Editor:

Over the past year we have provided 10 STEM Camp Programs for youth, all made possible by the generous funding of a Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation (CVEF) grant.

Programs included science, technology, engineering, art and math opportunities for youth to learn with interactive, hands-on learning.

During each activity, participants had the opportunity for self-exploration and development of their investigative skills.

Projects where youth are encouraged to explore, create or build are projects that they will remember and skills that they will use for a lifetime. Thank you, CVEF, for helping to make all of this possible!

Applications for the Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation’s 2023 grant cycle will be accepted through May 1. Apply today at coginchaugvef.org.

Dena Miccinello, DMYFS & DMLWC Prevention Coordinator

Letters to the Editor In Brief

Important grant

Editor:

I am writing on behalf of the Mid-Lea Garden Club as a recipient of a Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation (CVEF) grant. Last year our club undertook the project of updating the Shakespeare Garden located behind the Levi E Coe Library. It had been almost 30 years since the garden was installed and there were many items that needed replacement and updating.

A decision was made to seek grant funds from CVEF, and the application process was found to be straightforward and easy. The grant committee was very approachable as questions arose and even assisted with some suggestions.

Our grant was approved and the work in the garden, to date, includes a newly-delineated herb section, new arbor, pergola and urns, as well as new shrubs and plants. The work will continue this spring with additional hedge and tree trimming, new signage, and some Shakespeare-related activities.

None of this would have been possible without the receipt of CVEF’s grant funds.

Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation is once again entertaining grant applications for projects that include an educational com-

Durham Dental

ponent. If you have a project idea that you’d like put into action, I would encourage you to visit coginchaugvef.org to review the simple grant process.

Applications for CVEF’s 2023 grant cycle will be accepted through May 1.

Thank you, CVEF, for continuing to fund projects that benefit and educate so many members of our community!

Bernadette Basiel, Mid-Lea Garden Club

Crisis prep

Masonicare will host the program “Planning Before a Crisis” Wednesday, March 15, 3-4 p.m., in the Knapp Auditorium at Masonicare at Ashlar Village, 74 Cheshire Road, Wallingford. Attorney Steven L. Rubin will share his expertise on the legal aspects of having a plan for your future care vs. making decisions at the time of a health crisis. The event is free. RSVP by calling 203-679-6460.

Levi E. Coe Library

Snacks in the Stacks. Mondays, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Bring your bag lunch; we will read stories and make a snack. For ages 3 to 5. Registration is required.

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.

Senior Center Book Club. Come to the library Tuesday, March 14 at 2 p.m. to discuss “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng. Copies are available at the library.

Thursday Night Book Club. Come to the library Thursday, March 16 at 5 p.m. to discuss “Killers of a Certain Age” by Deanna Raybourn. Copies are available at the library.

Storytime at the Library. Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Crafting with Susan. Sign up on the library’s Facebook page for an adult/teen take-home craft.

Durham Public Library

Book Club Monday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m. “The Reading List” by Sara Nisha Adams will be discussed. Registration is required.

Lotus Lantern workshop. Thursday, March 9 at 6 p.m., via Zoom. Supplies must be picked up at the library. Registration is required.

Books and Babies. Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. A short storytime with playtime & conversation to follow. Babies up to 18 months, with an adult (siblings welcome). Registration is required.

Move & Groove Storytime. Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. Ages 2 to 5. Registration 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.

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 required.

Storytime & Playgroup. Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. All ages. Registration is required.

Spanish conversation circle. Fridays at 4 p.m. via Zoom. Practice your Spanish with moderator Marilyn Horn. All levels welcome. Email lredfield@durhamlibrary.org for the weekly Zoom link.

French conversation circle. First Thursday of the month at 5 p.m. Facilitated by Simone Howe. All levels welcome. Email lredfield@ durhamlibrary.org for the Zoom link.

Annual report

The 2022 MS4 Annual Report, which summarizes municipal stormwater compliance activities conducted within the Town of Middlefield during calendar year 2022, was posted on the town website on Feb. 15 for a 45-day public review and comment period prior to the draft being finalized and submitted to the CT DEEP.

Residents are encouraged to review the report and submit written comments by Friday, March 31. Address comments to MS4 Consultant Wade Thomas at wthomas@nlja.com.

In Brief

Setback tourney

The New Haven Raccoon Club of Durham will host a setback tournament Saturday, March 25, 5:30 to 10 p.m., at 853 New Haven Road. The tournament is a fundraiser for the CRHS Scholarship Committee. Players of all abilities are welcome. Register online by visiting bit.ly/3IZx1ZO

Singers sought

The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, announced National Anthem auditions will be held Saturday, March 4, 9 a.m. to noon, at Dunkin’ Park, 1214 Main St., Hartford. Singers of all ages are welcome to audition for the opportunity to perform at a Yard Goats home game or event. Singers must register at yardgoatsbaseball.com. A time slot will be assigned.