Town Times

GREAT TEAMMATES

New eatery opens at Indian Springs

By Nicole Zappone Town Times

Just in time for the start of the golf season, a new eatery, Crostini at The Springs, began serving up food at Indian Springs in Middlefield.

Crostini at The Springs, which took over the space known previously as Fairweather Cafe, opened officially on April 4.

Branford resident Giovanna Mazzariello heads the new operation, and the Indian Springs website states that she "will be instilling her magical Italian flare" to the menu.

Coginchaug students Brooke and Corey Quincy were among the honorees at the annual CIAC-Unified Sports Michael’s Cup awards celebration, held Monday, May 1 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. The Quincys were recognized as Exemplary Unified Teammates at the event, which spotlighted some 175 Unified Sports athletes and partners, and others. The Unified Sports program began in 1992 as a way to expand athletic opportunities for Connecticut students of all abilities.

“We do lots of sandwiches, sides, and we’re really just a family-friendly place,” said Mazzariello, pointing out that her personal favorite is the "Fairway Fish Filet" –beer-battered cod with lettuce, tomato, pickles, pepper jack cheese and house-made Cajun mayo on a toasted roll.

She said her favorite dish to make is "Greens in Regulation," a quinoa burger with

fresh spinach, Mediterranean tomato salad and hummus on a wrap.

Crostini at The Springs serves breakfast and lunch, and diners can eat inside or on the patio overlooking the golf course.

"Chip in Chicken" is popular at the Mack Road restaurant. It’s seasoned grilled chicken breast with melted Swiss cheese, grilled onions and honey mustard mayo on a toasted hard roll.

See New eatery, A6

Residents approve school budget at referendum

Town Times report

At a referendum held Tuesday, residents voted to approve the $39,426,575 Regional School District 13 budget proposed for the 20232024 fiscal year. In Durham, the budget was approved by a vote of 401 to 286. In Middlefield, the funding was approved 186 to 143.

Had both towns not voted in favor of the RSD13 budget, the Board of Education would have to craft a new funding proposal.

At a public hearing in April, school board chair Lucy Petrella described the $39.4 million budget request as “responsible and reasonable.” Petrella said, “The total budget in-

crease is 3.98 percent, which is much lower than the inflation rate.”

With the 2023-2024 RSD13 budget set, next, residents of Durham and Middlefield will be asked to weigh in on their town’s municipal budget.

Durham’s annual budget meeting will be held Monday, May 8, 7 p.m.,

at the Community Center, 144 Picket Lane. Middlefield’s annual budget meeting will be held Monday, May 8, 7 p.m., at the Community Center, 405 Main St.

Detailed information about the towns’ proposed 2023-2024 budgets is available on the municipal websites.

Coginchaug Regional High School, Facebook

Crostini at The Springs owner Giovanna Mazzariello is pictured with her boyfriend and business partner Jason Giannone. Nicole Zappone, Town Times

We’re getting a kitten

take him back. I didn’t. He was a keeper.)

Kitty Shiloh and I are eagerly awaiting a kitten. He doesn’t know that he is waiting for one, but I know. I try to clue him in, though. I tell him, on a daily basis, that soon he will have a buddy. You may remember that my dear Dakota left this world in February. Shiloh does not like being an only child. And this house needs two kitties. Toward that end I have been busy filling out applications to rescues for adopting a kitten. In the very near future I will be visiting litters from two rescues. I am so excited. I am already in love with all of them, sight unseen. Who doesn’t like a baby anything?

I have a particular method for getting just the right kitten. I sit on the floor and see who comes to me. He or she picks me. Right up the leg and onto my shoulder they go, and it has worked out

Plant, tag sale

The annual plant and tag sale presented by the MidLea Garden Club will be held Saturday, May 6, 9 a.m. to noon, outside the Middlefield Community Center. Hardy perennials will be offered at very reasonable prices. Tag sale items will be available inside.

Shredding

The Lower CT River Valley Council of Governments will

beautifully every time. They have all been angels. Based on past experience, I am prepared for Shiloh to be less than pleased for a few days after our new arrival. Dakota was privy to two kittens entering our home first Shamus, who passed away at the age of 7 from cardiomyopathy; and then, Shiloh.

She did not take it well at first. Quite the curmudgeon she was, even hissing at me (mind you, this was the sweetest kitty on the planet) in order to get her point across. “What have you done, bringing this total stranger into my house?” I believe that was her point.

(Kind of like when my 2year-old, all those many years ago, did not like his baby brother arriving on the scene and told me, in no uncertain terms, that I could

In Brief

hold a residential paper shredding event Saturday, May 13, 9 a.m. to noon, at the East Hampton Water Pollution Control Authority, 20 Gildersleeve Dr. This event is free to residents of the RiverCOG region, which includes Middlefield and Durham. For more information, visit rivercog.org.

Be Kind

Middlefield Lions’ “Be Kind” signs are $30. To place an order, e-mail Lions President

Dakota took it so hard that I had to watch her every minute and I had to separate them when I wasn’t home, lest she bring him harm. But then she grew into a love for them that defied description. She had never had kittens of her own, but she let Shamus “ nurse ” from her. He was apparently missing his mama. And she spent a good deal of time cuddling up with Shiloh, licking his head. So I know that Shiloh will also move past any reservations he may have at first. And who knows? He might fall in love with her at the get-go. So I have been preparing for baby. I have a wonderful bed for her to cuddle up in. I am all set with kitten-appropriate food and litter. I have toys galore. I will make sure that she can easily get in and out of her window box. I walk around the house making sure everything is safe for her. I don’t think I prepared this much for the birth of my own kids.

“Soon,” I whisper to Shiloh. “Soon.” He’s being a lot more patient than I am.

Birdie Curtis at curtisbirdie@ hotmail.com. Include your address and phone number.

Payment can be made via Venmo (@Middlefield-Lions) or check (payable to Middlefield Lions Club). Send checks to: Middlefield Lions, P. O. Box 1, Middlefield CT, 06455. Include your address, e-mail and cell number.

Please join us in expanding the “Be Kind” message in and around Middlefield.

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

Community Center atrium garden update

By Karen Patterson

Work continues on the Durham Community Center atrium garden restoration project. Many thanks to First Selectman George Eames and the town crew for their help removing the old stumps and bringing in topsoil. Thanks also to our Master Gardeners, Ona, Flo and Tina, for their work researching and choosing the site-compatible native plants, designing the garden layout and working with Nature Works Garden Center to purchase the plants.

Half of the plants have arrived. And Flo, Tina, Lisa, Maryann and Karen got together with our garden plan, markers, shovels, trowels and soil amendments to start the planting phase. It was amazing to see the garden coming alive with all the new plants! More will arrive soon and our members

will meet again to finish the planting.

Plans for our educational material are also being made and will include a take-home, tri-fold handout describing the garden and the Pollinator Pathway Project, details about native plants and how they provide food and shelter for the pollinators, and information on the importance of protecting our pollinators and providing safe habitats for them. There will also be information on how individual homeowners can make changes in their yards to create safer habitats for pollinators, including directions for registering their properties on the CT Pollinator Pathway.

We are very grateful for the opportunity to restore this amazing town garden and to see it all coming back to life with a new theme and purpose.

Middlefield Community Center

Food Bank. The Food bank is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., by appointment only. Current needs: cleaning products, toilet paper, paper towels, pasta, sauce, peanut butter, jelly, gift cards to local grocery stores.

Antique sewing machine program. Tuesday, May 23, 6 p.m. Have an antique machine you’re curious about? Want to know its value? Join us for this informative program presented by Walling Sew & Van.

Volunteer. Volunteers are needed as servers at our Senior Lunch Program. Call 860-349-7121.

Foot care clinic. Friday, May 12, 9 a.m.to 12:30 p.m. Cost is $35. Call 860-3497121 for an appointment.

Set Back. Tuesdays at 1 p.m. Don’t know how to play? We’ll teach you.

Senior Book Club. Tuesday, May 9, 2 p.m. “Sarah’s Key”

FACEBOOK.COM/

by Tatiana De Rosnay. Available at the Levi E. Coe Library.

Thursday Evening Book Club. Thursday, May 20, 5 p.m. “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson. Available at the Levi E. Coe Library.

Senior bus trips. May 10, Mystic Aquarium; May 17, Mohegan Sun Casino; May 24, Van Wilgen’s Garden Center/lunch at Rose’s Orchard; May 31, Book Barn/ lunch at Skipper’s Restaurant. Call Middletown Area Transit at 860-346-0212, press 2.

Knit2gether. Knit or crochet every Thursday, 9:30 a.m., at the Middlefield Community Center. Also seeking donations of yarn.

Renter’s Rebate. The Renter’s Rebate program is available to area residents. Contact Pamela Deizel, Middlefield Assessor, at 860-3497111.

Senior Lunch Bunch. Join us Monday, Wednesday and Friday for lunch at the Middlefield Café. Lunch is provided by CRT. A $3 donation is suggested. For more information, call 860-349-7121.

MAY 6th from 8AM–1PM

United Churches of Durham

228 Main Street

GIANT INDOOR/ OUTDOOR

SPRING TAG SALE

Vendors welcomed!

All proceeds support our Mission Programs Reservations call (860) 349-3683

In Brief Road clean-up

Middlefield-Rockfall Community Road

Cleanup Day is Saturday, May 6. Volunteers can come to Peckham Park between 9 and 11 a.m. to collect bags, gloves and a trash picker. Then, return unused materials and collected trash to Peckham Park by 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 7 for the town crew to pick up. Rain date is May 7.

Bam (age 3) and his brother, Paint Face (2), must be adopted together. They were rescued from a bad situation, and are very bonded. With a quiet home, and time, they will come out of their shell and become more trusting and social. They are very sweet and like to play. Visit CatTalesCT.org/cats/Bam. For more information, call 860344-9043 or email info@CatTalesCT.org.

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

Choose a fellowship-trained specialist.

Go where all major insurances are accepted.

Rest assured that we have Saturday Urgent Ortho hours.

Middlesex Orthopedic Surgeons and Orthopedic Associates of Middletown have come together to form the largest orthopedic practice in Middlesex County. The combined expertise of our fellowship trained orthopedic and spine specialists delivers excellence in patient treatment and experience. Take the first step. Middlesex Orthopedic & Spine Associates. One step closer to relief.

New eatery

From A1

In the morning, Mazzariello’s muffins are a hit. Those muffin offerings have included banana bread chocolate chip, blueberry cheesecake, double chocolate cherry, and more.

“The muffins go very quickly for us,” Mazzariello said. “I

have a muffin restaurant at my family’s business, and they are always so popular.”

Yes, Mazzariello is well-acquainted with the food service industry. Her family owns Crostini Breakfast and Lunch in Branford, and Mazzariello said the idea of opening a second Crostini's was intriguing to her.

Legion meeting

She began talking with Indian Springs management last year.

“[W]e had discussed me coming up and opening a restaurant last season,” Mazzariello said. “I wasn’t quite ready to do that yet, and then this year, I had some life and business changes. I wondered if that restaurant

In Brief

American Legion Post 192 will meet Wednesday, May 10, 6 p.m., at the Middlefield Fire House. All members are welcome.

Tag sale

Notre Dame Church’s monthly tag sale is set for Saturday, May 6, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 272 Main St., Durham. Rain or shine. Outside you will find records, tapes, CD’s, books, electronics, sports equipment, religious items, and more. Inside there will be clothing, toys, jewelry, China, craft supplies, and more.

still happened to be open.”

Crostini at The Springs welcomes golfers as well as the general public, and take-out is available.

The restaurant can be reached at 860-503-8831.

nzappone@record-journal.com

203-317-2212

Lyman events

Upcoming events at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield include: May 6, Comedy Night under the Golf Tent, featuring Joe Larson; May 13, Silhouette Portraits at the Apple Barrel Farm Market and cake decorating workshop for Mother’s Day; May 13, Hole in the Wall Gang’s Pedal for Pies cycling event. For details, visit facebook.com/lymanorchards.

Whether it is a lost ring, wallet or a Parrot named Oliver, a Classified ad can help track it down.

Dedication pays off for new Eagle Scout

Contributed

BSA Troop 33 would like to congratulate Coginchaug High School senior Sully McCoy for earning the rank of Eagle Scout at his Board of Review in April.

Sully’s Eagle Scout Service Project was completed in December when he built and installed a 12-foot wash station for the Giving Garden at the Middlefield Community Center. This station includes a double basin sink and counter space for washing and prepping produce. The volunteer-run Giving Garden grows fresh, organic fruits and vegetable for people in need, and Sully’s project was intended to help assist this great work.

To complete the project, Sully had to apply for a building permit with the Planning & Zoning Committee, fundraise for the materials and coordinate volunteers to help build and install the final product.

As much of this build took place during an inflationary economic period, and amid supply chain issues, one of the biggest challenges faced

was the rising cost and availability of materials. Sully ended up raising more than $1,100 through his Go Fund Me page, which is more than double what he anticipated he would need.

With the help of friends, family and fellow Scouters, it took almost 85 hours to complete the Giving Garden project.

A resident of Rockfall, Sully joined Cub Scout Pack 33 in first grade and continued his scouting journey by crossing over to BSA Troop 33 when

he was in fifth grade. He served as Troop Webmaster for several years, and attended National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) his freshman year of high school. Also, he spent two years serving as the Troop’s Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, putting his training to good use.

Sully’s most favorite Scout

activities include attending summer camp including ATV riding, and earning cooking and scuba diving merit badges.

Earning the Eagle Scout rank is really a wonderful accomplishment after many years of dedication.

Sully is excited to graduate

from CRHS this spring and will be attending Johnson & Wales University in Providence, where he plans to major in Food Innovation and Technology with an emphasis on Culinary Science and Product Development.

Congratulations Sully on this amazing achievement, and best of luck.

In April, Sully McCoy became the latest member of BSA Troop 33 to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.The Coginchaug High School senior is pictured with his parents, Liz and Dean McCoy.

For his Eagle Scout Service Project, McCoy built and installed a 12-foot wash station for the Giving Garden at the Middlefield Community Center.

DURHAM - Esther

Frances “Fran” Parmelee Thody of Durham, died Wednesday, April 12th at Wadsworth Glen. Frances was born January 11, 1936 in Middletown. She was the daughter of the late Willis E. and Helen {Chiszewsky) Parmelee. She was one of the last Parmelees still living in Durham, one of the founding families of Durham. Fran grew up on the Lower Parmelee Dairy Farm on Route 17 in Durham. She had many fond memories growing up on the farm and being around her family and neighbors.

She graduated from the Durham High School as Valedictorian of her class in 1954 and received a scholarship from a Massachusetts College, but chose to remain near her family.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Robert E. Thody, Sr., of Durham. Her four children; Robert, Jr. {Karin) of Durham, Charles (Sharon) of New Hampshire, Elizabeth of Durham, and Christina (Dan) of California. Her grandchildren: Dave (Mary) of Durham, Kim (Chris) of Durham, Tim (Hannah) of Vermont, Kara (Dom) of Vermont, Brandon (Courtney) of Vermont, Jonathan (Zipporah) of Missouri, and Michael and Sydney of California. Her great-grandchildren: Kelsie, Riley, Magnus, Lena, Richard, Maximillian and Baby-to-be Hemming. She is survived

Volunteer

Obituaries

by three sisters; Helen Peacos of Wallingford, Claire Parmelee of South Windsor and Wilma Svelnys of Manchester and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was an active member of the Church of Epiphany serving on the Vestry, as a Sunday School teacher and always helping with church events and fundraisers.

Prior to her retirement

she was employed at Cooper Thermometer, then the American Heart Association’s office Middletown as their Office Manager, and then employed by the State of Connecticut at Vinal Regional Technical School working in the cafeteria for over 20 years until retirement. She enjoyed this job while working in the cafeteria serving the students and staff.

For over 30 years, she traveled to Chelsea, VT, to spend time at their second home that she and Bob owned and renovated. Many great memories were made there with her children, neighbors, and visiting family and friends. Fran enjoyed walking down to the local drugstore to get an ice cream cone (Chocolate/ mint her favorite), attending the annual Chelsea Flea Market in July or going for walks around the town greens and local sites. Once retired, she and Bob traveled the U.S. with their RV going from Maine to Alaska while only missing two states (Michigan and Hawaii). They spent many years traveling

to California, Utah and snowmobiling in Wyoming and Vermont.

She was a fabulous knitter and made many beautiful bed sized afghans. She taught her children and her daughter-in-law how to can the vegetables of their gardens. She taught her daughters the skills of crewel, embroidery, cross stitch and baking. She taught her family how important sit down Sunday dinners and homemade meals were. Every Sunday night was spent visiting with Gramma and Grampa Willie. Mom loved family gatherings be it at her own home, the Parmelee farm in Vermont, or with her family for Christmas, New Year’s or Thanksgiving. She was very proud of her family farm, the Durham Fair, and her family. A special thank you goes to the staff at Wadsworth Glen and Donna, her Hospice nurse.

Services: Friday, May 5th there will becalling hours 5-7 P.M., at Biega’s Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown, CT and on Saturday, May 6th at 10 A.M., there will be a graveside service at Mica Hill Cemetery, Mica Hill Rd., Durham. Those who wish to make a memorial contribution in memory of Frances may send it to The Durham Fair Farm Museum Expansion Fund c/o The Durham Fair Foundation, P.O. Box 642, Durham, CT 06422. To share memories or condolences online please visit www. biegafuneralhome.com

before 7 p.m. The department also has an Explorer program for youth age 14 to 18.

What to know about tick, Lyme season

By Patrick Whittle Associated Press

The Middlefield Fire Department seeks volunteers age 18-plus. No experience is required; the department provides the necessary training. To learn more, visit middlefieldfirect.org, email info@middlefieldfirect.org or stop by the firehouse Mondays

Get your diploma

Ready for a second chance to earn your high school diploma? Middletown Adult Education will help. Register at any time.

HIGGANUM - Carolyn (Romano) Geruch, graduated to her heavenly home on April 30, 2023 after a brief illness. She is survived by her beloved husband, Joseph Geruch, Jr., two daughters, Shelly Thompson and her husband Thomas of Higganum, Sherry Mucik and her fiancé Michael D’Aresta of Higganum, Step-daughter, Amanda Newland and her husband Richard of Southington, grandchildren, Emily and Ryan Thompson, Nicholas Boynton, Trip and Jake Newland. She was predeceased by her brother, Joseph Romano and sister, Sallene Jacobson. She also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews. Vacationing in Aruba with her husband was among her favorite activities that spanned many years. She was an avid gardener, crossword enthusiast, a formidable setback competitor and a lifelong Yankee fan. But mostly she was known for her great sense of humor and the love she had for her family and family traditions. Funeral services will be held at a later date. Memorial contribution may be sent to American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., I-91 Tech Ctr., Rocky Hill, CT 06067. To share memories or condolences online please visit www. biegafuneralhome.com

PORTLAND, Maine After a mild winter in the U.S., will there be an uptick in ticks this year?

Researchers say it is hard to predict how the tick season will play out. This year’s mild winter and early snow melt, though, could mean more ticks earlier than usual and a wider spread of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, scientists said.

In Connecticut, ticks are showing up in greater numbers this year, according to Goudarz Molaei, a tick expert for the state. So far, more than 700 ticks have been sent in for a testing program that normally would have gotten 200 to 300 by now. The state typically sees a lot of Lyme disease, which got its name from a Connecticut town.

“It’s going to be an above average year for tick activity and abundance,” Molaei said.

What diseases do ticks spread?

Infected ticks spread bacteria, viruses and parasites that make people sick. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne infection in the U.S., mostly in the Northeast and Midwest. An estimated 476,000 Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. See Ticks, A9

Esther Frances Thody

Carolyn Geruch

Ticks

Black-legged ticks, also called deer ticks, can carry more than Lyme-causing bacteria. They can also spread babesiosis, anaplasmosis and Powassan virus disease. The lone star tick, mainly located in southern, eastern and midwestern states, can carry ehrlichiosis and Heartland virus disease. American dog ticks can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Ticks pick up disease-causing germs by biting infected wildlife, usually rodents.

When is tick season?

It varies by region, but tick season generally stretches from April to October. Ticks are mostly dormant during the cold winter months, and emerge as temperatures rise, but can be active on warm winter days, too.

Memorial Day is often considered the start of the season but that’s largely because that’s when people in cold-weather states start spending more time outdoors, said Sam Telford of Tufts University’s school of veterinary medicine in North Grafton, Massachusetts.

Lyme disease cases typically peak in June, July and August. April and May are typically lighter months, but not always. Tiny ticks at the nymph stage about the size of poppy seed could be active early this year, said Dr. Bobbi Pritt, who studies tick-borne diseases at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “When we have mild winters, we do anticipate that the ticks are going to be out earlier, and biting humans,” Pritt said.

What makes for a bad season?

Government disease trackers say predicting how tickborne diseases will trend is complicated. The number of ticks can vary from region to region, and diagnoses can be affected by how well different doctors test and report cases.

In this undated file photo provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a blacklegged tick also known as a deer tick rests on a plant.

CDC via Associated Press

The changing climate has both positive and negative implications for ticks, as warm, wet weather is beneficial to them, but especially hot weather is not, Telford said. Tiny ticks could indeed be active early, but a dry, hot summer could also kill ticks, he said. The best approach is to assume ticks will be very active. “Every year should be considered a bad tick year,” he said.

Tick protection tips

Thankfully, there are numerous ways to prevent tick bites. The CDC recommends treating clothing with products containing 0.5% permethrin.

It’s also important to be especially cautious in areas where ticks live, such as grassy and wooded areas. Using repellents and doing thorough checks afterward is also key, the CDC says. Limiting exposed skin also helps avoid bites.

The disease can cause a fever, chills, fatigue and muscle and joint pain. It is treated with antibiotics, and most people recover. Left untreated, it can worsen, causing symptoms such as heart problems and debilitating pain. There is no Lyme vaccine on the market in the U.S. for people but one is being tested.

Sunblock, hat—bring

Transit-

Durham Public Library

Youth:

Books and Babies. (New time) Wednesdays at 11 a.m., in the Children’s room. A short storytime with play and conversation to follow. For newborns to 18 months, with an adult. Siblings welcome. Register at durhamlibrary.org.

Scavenger hunt. Drop by the Children’s Room to do a scavenger hunt and receive a small prize. All ages.

Adults:

Field trip: Old State House. Saturday, May 6 at noon. We’ll meet at the state house and enjoy a free guided tour. Register at durhamlibrary.org.

Field trip: New Britain Museum of American Art. Saturday, June 3 at 10 a.m. We’ll meet at the museum and enjoy a free guided tour. Register at durhamlibrary.org.

Book Club. Monday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m. (in person).

“The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter” by Hazel Gaynor. Copies available at the circulation desk. Register at durhamlibrary.org.

Drop-in Mahjong. Tuesdays, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Durham Community Center (former Korn School). For novices or pros. If you have a Mahjong set, please bring it. No registration required.

Spanish conversation. Fridays at 4 p.m. (on Zoom).

Practice your Spanish with moderator Marilyn Horn. All levels welcome. Email lredfield@durhamlibrary.org for the Zoom link.

French conversation. First Thursday of the month at 5

p.m. Facilitated by Simone Howe. All levels welcome. Email lredfield@durhamlibrary.org for the Zoom link.

Levi E. Coe Library

Senior Center Book Club.

Join us Tuesday, May 9, 2 p.m. (at the library) to discuss “Sarah’s Key” by Tatiana de Rosnay. Copies available at the library.

Thursday Night Book Club. Join us Thursday, May 18, 5 p.m., to discuss “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson. Copies available at the library.

Free seeds. Anyone else getting ready for their gardens? Stop by and grab a couple of packets of seeds compliments of the UConn Master Gardener Program and Ocean State Job Lot.

BOXES TO BOOTS

Recently, members of Middlefield Federated Church collected items for Boxes to Boots, a Berlin-based non-profit that supports members of the U.S. military serving overseas. The church drive pulled in donations of various toiletries and snacks, playingcardsandhandheldgames,andmuchmore. Contributed photo

State finance panel says next tax fairness study must focus on wealth inequality

By Keith M. Phaneuf The Connecticut Mirror

The legislature’s tax-writing panel hopes to build upon recent efforts to study income and wealth inequality

in Connecticut, endorsing a measure that would broaden the state’s biennial assessments of tax fairness.

The Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee specifi-

cally approved a measure last month that would require future studies to consider all state taxes that generate at least $100 million per year, include tax impacts on the richest one-half of 1% of Connecticut households, and require the inclusion of more demographic information when assessing tax impacts on various income groups.

The proposal, along with the spending and revenue plans and other fiscal policy bills recommended by the Finance and Appropriations committees, will set the agenda for final negotiations between Gov. Ned Lamont and top lawmakers for a new two-year state budget.

The Democrat-controlled

General Assembly, which will try to adopt a new biennial plan before the regular 2023 session adjourns on June 7, has enacted several initiatives in recent years to increase awareness at the Capitol about the tremendous gaps in income and wealth equality statewide.

“Information is powerful. Information guides us,” said Sen. John Fonfara, D-Hartford, co-chairman of the finance panel, who added that seeking more information about fairness should not signify a bias toward one solution or another. “It should not be seen as a sign that we’re coming after someone or some group. ”

But Fonfara added that

while some may feel Connecticut’s challenges are obvious, not everyone fully understands how robust are the economic opportunities some communities enjoy, or how severely poverty is entrenched in others.

Despite a commitment more than a decade ago to take regular assessments of the state and municipal tax systems to measure fairness, the legislature shelved the issue for years after the firstever tax fairness study was completed in 2014.

See Study, A13

In Brief Breakfast fundraiser

Liability for Injuries to Workers: One of the biggest risks to a homeowner is potential liability if a worker is injured while on the job on their property. If a contractor is unlicensed and uninsured, the contractor and his employees are automatically considered employees of the property owner. Thus, if a worker is injured while working on the property, the injured worker may sue the homeowner. An injured employee might be able legally to collect worker’s compensation from the homeowner’s insurance policy.

A pancake breakfast fundraiser benefiting the Coginchaug baseball and softball teams will be held Sunday, May 7, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Durham Community Center. Adult breakfast (2 pancakes, 2 sausages) is $10. Children’s breakfast (1 pancake, 1 sausage) is $5. Juice, water, coffee included.

Giving Garden

Help is welcomed and appreciated at the MiddlefieldDurham Giving Garden, located behind the Middlefield Community Center. For further information, contact Betsy St. John at 860-8075242 or Jen Huddleston at 860-716-0464.

And even though that incidence analysis found the poorest households effectively paid three times the share of their incomes to cover taxes than the wealthiest did, governors and legislators postponed follow-up studies four times in the next seven years.

In Brief Cat Tales

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.

Gift of sight

The Durham Lions Club’s recently-refurbished drop box is ready for your eyeglass donations at the Durham Pharmacy.

Lions have recognized the urgent need for corrective lenses and collect usable glasses in their communities to support the Lions Recycle For Sight Program.

A tax incidence analysis studies which groups pay taxes and how those burdens are shifted. For example, renters effectively pay some or all of their landlords’ property taxes. Gasoline distributors shift wholesale fuel tax burdens onto service stations, which pass the full cost onto motorists.

Progressive Democratic legislators pushed hard and won a mandate for a second study by the Department of Revenue Services, which was released in February 2022.

That analysis also found the poorest households paying three and four times that of the wealthiest.

But some questioned whether that report had been watered down and actually understated the problem.

When the 2014 report was

prepared, DRS looked at the impacts of four taxes that weren’t included the second time around. And three of those four levies on utilities, insurance and real estate transactions routinely involve expenses that businesses shift onto households. The fourth was the Connecticut estate tax. Revenue Services Commissioner Mark Boughton, who was appointed two years ago by Gov. Ned Lamont and who wasn’t commissioner in 2014 under then-Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, said he believes the legislation defining how fairness studies should be conducted didn’t mandate inclusion of those other taxes.

Connecticut Voices for Children, a New Haven-based policy group pushing for progressive tax reform, expressed disappointment that

more tax data wasn’t included in the report.

“While we appreciate the release of this statutorily required report, it’s kind of like driving a car with not enough air in the tires it gets us there, but not very well,” Connecticut Voices’ executive director, Emily Byrne, said shortly after the last study was released.

Fonfara said lawmakers don’t want any confusion with the next study, and any tax with a significant fiscal impact needs to be considered.

Byrne added her group is still reviewing the modifications the finance panel recommended for the next tax fairness study.

Lamont, a fiscally moderate Democrat who signed the tax fairness study delay into law in 2019, has opposed fi-

nancing tax breaks for the poor and middle class by raising taxes on the wealthy. The governor, a Greenwich businessman, has said he believes this would prompt rich taxpayers to flee Connecticut.

Lamont did propose the first income tax rate cut this year since the mid-1990s, and most of that relief an estimated $300 to $600 per household would be focused on the middle class.

But advocates for tax reform counter that an ever-increasing share of the state’s population is living paycheck-topaycheck and far more relief than that is needed to stem the growth in poverty.

This story originally appeared on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, ctmirror.org.

ASSISTANT ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

Town of Cheshire invites qualified candidates to apply for 30hr/wk position.

Workdays Wednesday through Sunday, Mondays and Tuesdays off. Hourly rate as of 7-1-23: $20.61. For additional information, please see the Town web site at www. cheshirect.org . All applications due NLT 5-15-23.The Town of Cheshire is an EEOE, M/F/D/V.

FIREFIGHTER/ EMT

The Town of Wallingford is currently accepting applications for the position of Firefighter/EMT

Applicants must possess: a valid CPAT Card (issued within 12 months of the closing date), H.S. diploma/ GED, valid driver’s license and hold a valid EMT-A license that meets CT State Regulations. Copies of EMT-A licenses and CPAT certification must be submitted with application materials. The Town of Wallingford offers a competitive wage of $1,150.71 - $1,483.53 weekly. In addition, there is a $1,900 annual EMT bonus plus an excellent fringe benefit package. Application deadline is May 26, 2023 or the date the 40th application is received, whichever occurs first. Apply: Human Resources Department, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main St., Wallingford, CT 06492. Forms will be mailed upon request from the Department of Human Resources or may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE.

WATER TREATMENT

WATER TREATMENT PUMPING

OPERATOR I

The Town of Wallingford is seeking qualified applicants to operate and maintain the Town’s water treatment plant, pumping stations, storage tanks, and groundwater well facilities. Requires a High School Diploma or G.E.D with one (1) year of experience in the operation and maintenance of equipment in water supply and treatment; or a technical high school diploma with demonstrated career and technical education related to electronics technology, electrical, plumbing, H.V.A.C or water supply and treatment activities and operations, or completion of a program in water management. Applicants must have or be able to obtain within 12 months, State of Connecticut Department of Public Health Class 1 or higher Water Treatment Plant Operator certification and completion of a program in water management. A valid State of CT motor vehicle operator’s license is required.

Wages: $27.49 to $33.40 hourly, plus an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, medical insurance, life insurance, paid sick and vacation time.

Applications may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and can be mailed to the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, or emailed to: wlfdhr@wallingfordct. gov by the closing date of May 16, 2023. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

MAINTAINER II COLLECTIONS SYSTEM

The Town of Wallingford Sewer Division is seeking qualified applicants to perform a variety of skilled tasks in the operation, maintenance, repair and construction of sanitary sewers, including CCTV inspection and high velocity flushing. Requires a H.S., trade school or vocational school diploma or H.S. equivalency diploma, plus 3 years employment in a field related to sanitary sewer construction, operation or maintenance, or 1 year of training in a skilled trade substituted for 1 year of experience up to 2 years plus a minimum of 1 year of employment for a sewer utility or in the construction field with work experience in the installation and maintenance of pipelines, or an equivalent combination of experience and training. Must possess or have the ability to obtain within 6 months of appointment a valid State of Connecticut Class B CDL. Wages: $26.16 to $31.18 hourly, plus an excellent fringe benefits package that includes pension plan, medical insurance, life insurance, paid sick and vacation time. Applications may be downloaded from the Department of Human Resources Web Page and can be mailed to the Department of Human Resources, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, or emailed to: wlfdhr@wallingfordct. gov by the closing date of May 23, 2023. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

LOCAL DAIRY DISTRIBUTOR - In Wallingford, CT, looking for parttime warehouse/driver, Monday - Friday. It may turn into fulltime. Starting salary is $16.00. Please apply in person at 49 North Plains Industrial Road, Wallingford, CT 06492.

OFFICE POSITION -

We are looking for a self-motivated, friendly and responsible person who has strong customer service skills and computer knowledge to work in our Self Storage office. Secure facility with longterm tenant base.

Part Time: Friday, 9-5 p.m., Saturday 9-2 p.m. (can be alternate Saturdays). Call 203-605-1494.

. Top Soil . Compost . . Wood Chips . FOR SALE. Catering to small deliveries. Call Bob (203) 415-0723

FREE - Replacement glass for Jalousie windows. 11 pcs, 247/8” x 4”. Call (860) 628-7370.

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.

TOP CASH PAID

For Junk or unwanted vehicles, Toyota’s etc.

Please call Mike @ 203284-8562 8am-5pm.

TREE LENGTH FIREWOOD CALL FOR DETAILS 203-238-2149

1, 2, 3 CASH FOR YOUR ANTIQUES & JEWELRY - Call Todd Shamock at 203-494-1695.

ALWAYS BUYING CASH PAIDVintage Electronics, Musical Instruments, Amps, Ham Equipment, HiFi, Radios, CB, Guitars, Audio Equipment, Antiques. 860-707-9350

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.

MATERIALS DISTRIBUTION

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

PREMIUM SCREENED TOPSOIL

$30/yard delivered, 3 yd, $100 min. delivery

Call Jim 860-982-4819

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.

BUYING MACHINIST TOOLBOXES - Tools & tooling, contents of machine shops, home workshops and small lathes. Call anytime 860-985-5760

PISTOL PERMIT - Certification class for CT Pistol Permit, 1 session only, small groups, $140. (203) 415-1144.

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

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.

GARY WODATCHDemolition Svs Sheds, pools, decks, garages, debris removal. Quick, courteous svc. All calls returned. Ins. #566326. Cell, 860-558-5430

CARPENTRY

Repairs, Decks & Porches, Sheetrock & Taping Water Damage Repairs. Free Est. Ins. MC & Visa. Call Bill (203) 901-2136. CT. Reg. # 0647093

DECKS & PORCHES

Give some new life to your old decks and porches. We can repair or replace stairs, deck boards, railings. We also construct new decks. HIC#647093 Insured. Call Bill for a free estimate, (203) 901-2136.

JUNK REMOVAL

Hot Tub Removal, Furniture, appliances, entire contents of: homes, sheds, estates, attics, basements, garages & more. *SPRING YARD Clean-ups* FREE ESTIMATES. LIC & INS. DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817 860-575-8218

JM Lawn Care Lawn Mowing, Spring Cleanup, Hedge Trimming, Tree Service, Mulch, any color. Comm. & Res. 860.796.8168

RT RELOCATION

Your moving and storage specialists. Call for a free estimate. 833-668-3978.

Insurance claim.storm damage.roofing.siding. gutter.chimney flashing. Office:203.754.3071 Cell:203.510.3830 Stormshieldct@gmail. com HIC.0664452

JASPER’S GENERAL CONTRACTOR - Roofing, painting, siding and remodeling, free estimates. 10% off with this ad. (203) 535-9817.

WANTED Individual firearms, collections & estates including military & related items.Federally licensed firearms dealer. Gunsmith, appraisals, Richard Pleines, (860) 663-2214.

YORKIE POM - & Bichon Yorkie Puppies, Ready now. 1st shots & wormed. $650 and up ea. Call 603.630.2258.

TEC ELECTRICAL Service LLC All Phases of Electrical Work. 24 hr. Emergency Service. Small Jobs Welcome. 203.237.2122

GUTTERS

DON’T WORK

If they’re dirty! For gutter cleaning, Call Kevin (203) 440-3279 Fully ins.

CT# 569127

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.

Let Us BEAR Your Junk! Junk Removal in CT

ACCEPTING - New customers for wkly mowing, thatching, aerating, hedge trimming . Ryan 860.515.1302

SPRING CLEANUPS

JUNK REMOVAL

Tree Removal, Fence Work & more! No job too small or large. 860.719.3953

ALEX EUROPEAN MASONRY - 30 yrs. exp. Patios, ret. walls, steps, brick, stone, chimneys. Lic#580443. 203-2320257 or 203-596-0652

#1 PAINTER’S EDGE

Ext. & Int. Painting. Sheetrock.Popcorn Repair. Wallpaper Remv’l. Decks. 25 yrs exp. Free est. Sr. disc. #0656136. Ins. 860.538.5520

Roof Repair or Replacement, Chimney Repair, Skylight Replacement. Free est. CT #0651199 (860) 877-3006

IF YOU Mention This Ad SPRINGYard Clean-Ups Brush, branches, s torm damage **JUNK REMOVAL** Appl’s, Furniture, Junk, Debris, etc WE CAN REMOVE ANYTHING Entire house to 1 item removed! FREE ESTIMATES Sr.

OVER 28 YRS EXP Stonewalls, patios, sidewalks, chimneys, pool areas, fireplaces, fire pit steps. Free est. 860.274.4893.

W. BOOBER MASONRY -

A-1 QUALITY

POWERWASHING

Low Rates Call Dennis 203.630.0008

A pressureless house washing system can save you money, ask how! The Power-Washing Kings. House & roof washing, decks, patios, etc. Others Wash We Clean! 860.839.1000 thepowerwashing kings.com

POWER WASHING Is Spring Cleaning on THE OUTSIDE FREE Estimates #569127 Call Kevin 203-440-3279