DeFilio

A news release announcing DeFilio’s hiring states, “Coach DeFilio uses football to teach life lessons and emphasizes the importance of being a student-athlete and a productive member of the community. Throughout his six years as an assistant coach at Coginchaug, he has truly been a champion for all student-athletes, regardless if they have ever played for him.”

DeFilio replaces Mike Eagle at the helm of the Coginchaug/East Hampton/Hale-Ray squad, which managed just one victory last fall. In the news release, DeFilio said his “vision” for the coop “is to cultivate a culture of football from the youth level through the high school level that promotes a unified understanding of fair play, fundamental football skills, and team camaraderie.”

He continued: “I will incorporate a system where student-athletes will learn how to prepare for football, how to play the game of football, and how to play the game at the next level if they wish to. It is important for student-athletes to understand that football is not just a game but a chance for young people to develop the necessary character and work ethic skills to be successful on and off the field. I am excited to begin the journey together.”

Coginchaug/East Hampton/ Hale-Ray assistant Rich Murphy believes DeFilio is the right guy for the job, calling him “ a passionate, hard-working, and caring person who will be an excellent leader of this football team.”

“I believe he will work tirelessly to ensure that all our players grow as student-athletes, and people,” Murphy stated in the hiring announcement. “He is an individual who will work to instill team camaraderie, hard work, and fun into the Blue Devil football program, which will lead to our success.”

A certified public accountant, DeFilio resides in the community. Four of his children graduated from CRHS; and another is there currently.

Middlefield Community Ctr.

Bus trips Wednesday, March 8, grocery shopping at Price Chopper and Aldi, Middletown; Wednesday, March 15, New England Air Museum; Wednesday, March 22, Mohegan Sun Casino; Wednesday, March 29, shopping at Walmart in Wallingford. Call Middletown Area Transit at 860346-0212, press 2.

AARP tax prep. Tuesday, March 21. Call 860-349-7121 to make an appointment.

Foot care clinic Friday, March 24, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost $35. Call 860-3497121 to make an appointment

Senior Lunch Bunch. Join us Monday, Wednesday and Friday for lunch at the Middlefield Café. Lunch is provided by CRT for a suggested donation of $3. For more information, call 860-3497121.

Energy assistance. Applications are being accepted inperson for energy assistance. Call 860-349-7121 to make an appointment.

Food bank. The food bank is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., by appointment only. For more information, call 860-349-7121.

Dial-a-Ride. Curb to curb service. Cost is $7 for round trip transportation. For details, call Middletown Area Transit, 860-346-0212.

Zoom exercise classes. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. For Middlefield/Rockfall seniors. To register, call 860-3497121.

Volunteer. Volunteers are needed to serve lunch. For details, call 860-349-7121.