Town Times

COMMENTARY

GOOD, CLEAN FUN Dirt bikes, quads angering residents

By Robert C. Yamartino

I’m writing this in response to many complaints and inquiries that I have received from many areas of town regarding reckless driving of unregistered dirt bikes and quads on our roadways.

These vehicles are often being operated by teens that are not licensed to drive, are uninsured, and have had no driver safety training.

While some claim it’s just kids being kids; I’ve received many calls, texts, and emails.

Comments include:

Recently, Durham Middlefield Youth and Family Services held its second early childhood Gardening Workshop with Jen Huddleston of the MiddlefieldDurham Giving Garden. A social media post by the DMYFS states, “Jen gave children a tour where they got to learn what plants need to survive, meet bees that pollinate all of the flowers, and got a sneak peek of the peaches that will be ready in June.” Also, youngsters had the opportunity to decorate pots, and chose between yellow and orange marigolds to take home. The Middlefield-Durham Giving Garden is located behind the Middlefield CommunityCenter.

DMYFS, Facebook

Severe injuries didn’t keep parade’s 2023 grand marshal down for long

Press Release

Former Army Private Fred D. Dahlmeyer has been named grand marshal of Durham’s 2023 Memorial Day parade, which will be held Monday, May 29.

Dahlmeyer was born in

Middletown on Feb. 16, 1935 and grew up in West Haven. He entered the Army in 1956 and received his Basic Military Training at Fort Dix – New Jersey. Dahlmeyer then received orders to receive his advanced training as a high-

speed radio operator at Camp Gordon (now Fort Gordon) in Georgia.

During this time, Dahlmeyer was involved in a serious accident while on convoy in a training operation. His vehicle struck a pine tree, resulting in severe injuries to

his left arm, right leg and lower back.

Dahlmeyer would spend 14 months at Walter Reed Hospital, where he underwent three operations.

Medically retired from the

See Grand marshal, A3

Pedestrians have nearly been hit by speeding dirt bikes; Dirt bikes and quads are running stop signs, narrowly avoiding collision with vehicles; Privately-owned fields, publicly-owned property and the town beach are being torn up; Dirt bikes and quads are being operated at dusk and after dark without proper lights.

I’d like to remind folks that this behavior is not only illegal, but it jeopardizes all of our safety and well-being. These vehicles are able to attain high speed and often aren’t designed to operate safely on public roads.

Please consider the impact on the lives ruined if a child were hit by a car while illegally operating one of these

See Dirt bikes, A3

They’re really starting to push my buttons

Durham Dental

Well, it would seem that I am on another rant about customer service. My apologies to you dear folks. I do not mean you. You are all lovely. Which I realize once I get to actually talk to you. It’s a mammoth feat, getting to that point.

Those darn recordings drive me to the brink of insanity. You know the ones I mean

the ones that keep you going around and around, for eons. Oh, how I long for a real person to come on the line! It’s “Push this button, push that button.” I push this button and that button and then there are an infinite number of selections I am to make, none of which pertain to my particular issue. Not even close.

So I start back at the beginning, hopping back onto this merry-go-round, and I am still baffled. I push “0” in the hope that a real, live person will suddenly pop up, and I get a “Sorry, this is not a valid response.” Well, she should be sorry because I have been pushing buttons for an eternity and I am beginning to wonder if there are any real live people any-

way. Hello, is anyone out there? Perhaps there are cameras observing me and it is all an experiment to see just where my breaking point is. Well, let me save them some time. I am very close to my breaking point. Normally I am a very nice person, always mindful of people’s feelings. But that has gone out the window now. I am losing patience with the recorded voice. I am shouting my answers to its questions, and if the Voice could see me (remember, there very well might be cameras) it would know that I am rolling my eyes and have a look of utter exasperation. I have an attitude. I’m yelling into the phone. All manners have flown the coop.

The Voice does not care. It just keeps denying me human contact. I hope it’s having fun. I think it is.

I am fearing for my mental health and I think that if I do not make human contact, and soon, there will be no turning back. So in a burst of bravado I push any button that I think requires a real,

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live answer from a real, live person. And eureka, I get a person! Right away I tell them that they really are not the person I am looking for, that this really isn’t my issue, but I need to talk to somebody, anybody, and I am at my wit’s end. For those of you going through the same angst, this often works. And when I finally do get the aforementioned person I am so grateful that I could just kiss the ground that he or she walks on, if that ground is anywhere close to the ground that I walk on. My bad mood is gone and I am downright giddy, chirping merrily away about how pleased I am to be talking to them like we are long lost friends who have finally reunited.

At last I will be getting the answers to my questions. But not before we engage in some lively conversation. We dip into each other’s lives a bit. We crack some jokes. I find out where my person lives, and what it’s like there. I’ve waited a long time for my person and I want to make the most of the experience.

And all is well until the next time I need to talk to customer service. I’m already cranking up the attitude, just thinking about it.

You can contact Diana Carr at 860-349-9542 or princessdi7@sbcglobal.net.

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True studentathletes

Town Times report

Each spring, two seniors from each member high school are selected to represent their school as Connecticut Association of Schools – Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference Scholar-Athletes. Selection criteria include exemplary academic and athletic careers; personal standards and achievements that are a model to others; and high levels of integrity, self-discipline, and courage. This year’s scholar-athlete picks from Coginchaug Regional High School are Katie Farr and Jayson Penney.

Dirt bikes

From A1

dirt bikes; or, alternatively, if a licensed motorist were killed swerving to avoid the dirt biker. I would encourage parents to assure your chil-

A recent social media post by the account CRHSAthletics states: “Congratulations to Katie Farr and Jayson Penney for receiving the 2023 CIAC Scholar Athlete Award for Coginchaug! So proud of our Blue Devils, keep up the good work.”

CRHSAthletics, Instagram

The scholar-athlete award winners were honored at the CAS-CIAC banquet held May 7 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville.

dren only operate these vehicles on private land; with the land owner’s permission and under adult supervision. If you see someone operating an unregistered vehicle in a reckless manner, please dial 911 and report incidents as they occur.

Grand marshal

military, Dahlmeyer made a vow to himself that he would graduate from college. While still recuperating from his injuries, he attended both the University of Georgia and the University of Wisconsin. Ultimately, he earned several diplomas: a degree in management from Quinnipiac College, a degree in marketing and economics from the University of Bridgeport, a masters in education from Southern Connecticut State University, and a doctorate in law from the University of Miami.

Dahlmeyer would wear many different hats during his working years; he was an accountant, an assessor, an attorney and a registered land surveyor.

Please note the color of the vehicle, helmet and clothing when you report it. If you can get a photo, that will aid in the investigation.

Robert C. Yamartino is First Selectman in the Town of Middlefield.

Dahlmeyer married in 1957. He and his wife, Marjorie Ann, started a family in Hollywood, Florida, where Dahlmeyer was put in charge of laying out the streets and alleys in a subdivision with approximately 1,000 lots.

The Dahlmeyers had five children: U.S. Navy veteran Fred Jr., Debra, Jeanne, Sharon and Diane; and the couple has six grandchildren: Steven, Angela, Christine, Rachel, Sharon and Lauren. Fred and Marjorie Ann Dahlmeyer moved their family to Durham in 1968, and Mr. Dahlmeyer began a 20-year career serving as managing attorney at Home Insurance and CIGNA Insurance.

Dahlmeyer was voted in as Master of the Durham Grange, and was an active member of the group for many years. Also, considering his multiple operations as a young soldier, Dahlmeyer never lost sight of the need for blood donations. He has donated more than 100 pints in his lifetime.

The 2023 Durham Memorial Day parade will step off at 9:15 a.m. on May 29 rain or shine at the corner of Haddam Quarter Road and Main Street. The parade will proceed to the town green, where a Memorial Day ceremony will be held and Dahlmeyer will be recognized.

2023 Rabies Clinics

D.A.R.T

D

Please bring dogs on leashes and cats in carriers for their safety.

Previous vaccination certificate will allow your pet to obtain a three year rabies vaccination. Open to all towns. For more information, call:

Wadsworth walk

Contributed

Join Women of the Woods Saturday, May 20 or Thursday, May 25 for a ~2-mile walk focusing on trees at Wadsworth Falls State Park. We will learn the basics of tree identification, the ethnobotany of common trees, and share the appreciation of these amazing beings that grow much bigger and older than us. We will take some time for nature connection activities like a sit spot (sitting quietly) and/or game to explore trees.

For additional information

and to register, visit EveryoneOutside.org or contact Lucy@EveryoneOutside.org.

Women of the Woods (WoW), a program of Everyone Outside, offers monthly hikes/programs. In addition to hiking/walking, the group takes time to admire the beauty, learn a bit about the flora and fauna, and do some exercises to connect with the natural world. WoW hikes are open to all who identify as female or gender nonbinary. These tree walks are part of WoW’s 15-year anniversary celebration.

May mission

Members of the Middlefield Federated Church invite the public to join them in their May Care & Share Mission to help mothers and fathers of young children. Disposable diapers of any size may be left at the church during office hours. Most needed by the Diaper Bank at this time are sizes 4, 5, 6 and 7. Call 860-349-9881 for office hours. Additionally, checks may be made payable to “MFC” with

Faith

“diaper bank” in the memo section, and mailed to Middlefield Federated Church, P.O. Box 200, Middlefield, CT 06455-0200.

Services

Rock of Refuge Church is located at 350 Main St., second floor, in Durham. Sunday services 11 a.m.; Tuesday Prayer Meetings 6:45 p.m.

United Churches is located at the corner of Route 68 and Main Street in Durham. Sunday services 10 a.m. (in person and live streamed).

Church of the Epiphany is located at 196 Main St. in Durham. Sunday services 9:30 a.m.

(Houses of worship are welcome to send items to news@ towntimes.com).

Letters to the Editor

Ethics and the court

Editor:

As the daughter of a U.S. history teacher, I grew up with a strong respect for the Constitution and the institutions it created the presidency, the Congress, and the Supreme Court. Supreme Court decisions impact every facet of American life. Because of this, justices must be held to the highest ethical standards. When Americans see recent revelations in the news, they wonder why the Supreme Court is not governed by a code of ethics, as are the lower courts. It’s time for Congress to pass a Supreme Court code of ethics to bring legitimacy back to the Court.

Leslie Paoletti, Durham

Levi E. Coe Library

Storytime. Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Senior Center Book Club. Join us Tuesday, June 13, 2 p.m., at the library to discuss “The Woman in Cabin 10” by Ruth Ware. Copies of this title are available at the library.

Thursday Night Book Club. Join us Thursday, June 22, 5 p.m., to discuss “In the Great Green Room: The Brilliant and Bold Life of Margaret Wise Brown” by Amy Gary. Copies of this title are available at the library.

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 wel-

come. 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: 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.

Annual Durham market returns

Town Times report

The Durham farmers market, rebranded as the Durham Farm Market & More, was slated to open for the season May 18. The market will run Thursdays, 3 to 6:30 p.m., on the town green, into the fall.

A press release from the Durham Farm Market & More says “all produce and products are CT grown or made with CT products.”

“Local food supports the local economy,” the release states. “The money that is spent with local farmers and producers stays close to home and is reinvested

with businesses and services in your community. Buying local means, you get access to the tastiest, nutrient-rich produce, because it is picked fresh and local, at the peak of its flavor. ”

Buying local products also “means a reduction in your carbon footprint,” the release states.

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Durham Farm Market & More parking is available on the Durham fairgrounds by entering Canfield Lane and following the signs.

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Baseball tournament dedicated to Lt. DeMonte

Town Times report

The 2023 CIAC state baseball tournament will be dedicated to Bristol Police Lieutenant Dustin DeMonte, who was killed in the line of duty in 2022.

Each year, the CIAC dedicates its baseball state tournament in honor of an individual closely connected to

high school baseball in the state.

DeMonte settled in North Haven, but came of age in Middletown. He was a catcher and pitcher on the Middletown High School baseball team, graduating MHS in 2005. A writeup on the CIAC website states, “Coaches and friends recall

Dustin as a quiet leader, who led by example.”

DeMonte’s uniform number in high school was 51, and the Middletown High baseball team honored the former player this season by wearing No. 51 patches on their jerseys.

Rabies clinics

The CIAC baseball state finals will be played at Middletown’s Palmer Field on Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10.

A brief pregame ceremony will take place on June 10 to formally honor DeMonte and his family.

Durham Animal Response Team D.A.R.T. is sponsoring its annual rabies clinics for cats and dogs June 4 and 25, 9 a.m. to noon, at Brenda’s Main Street Feed, 58 Main St. Proof of previous vaccination required for a three-year rabies vaccine. There’s a $20 fee, cash or check. Bring your animals in carriers or leashed. For more information, call 860-349-0410.

Be Kind

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

Obituaries

Barbara L. Schiffert

MIDDLEFIELD - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loving mother Barbara (Kaczenski) Schiffert, who entered eternal life, a loving Child of God, on May 13, 2023 at the age of 82, surrounded by her loving family. She was a lifelong resident of Middlefield, daughter of the late Stanley Henry and Mary Lorraine (Hennessey) Kaczenski. A graduate of Middletown High school class of 1959, Barbara was known around town and surrounding areas as everyone’s “Avon Lady”. During her career Barbara worked for many divisions for the State of Connecticut, retiring as Payroll Supervisor. Barbara was a communicant of St. Colman’s Church, past commissioner of Middlefield Housing Authority, past advocate for the committee for seniors, a volunteer at the Middlefield senior center, a member of the care and share volunteer program at St. Colman’s Church, as well as a volunteer at The Bushnell and at the Durham Fair. My mom was hardworking always involved with doing something, whether it be volunteering or just helping a friend out she was always on the go and loved life. Barbara enjoyed traveling, vacationing at the beach, visiting friends and family through-out the country. She took pride in gardening around her home, playing setback at the K-Club, and lunches

Memorial Day

Middlefield/Rockfall American Legion Post 192 will have a Memorial Day ceremony Monday, May 29, 8 a.m., on the Middlefield Town Green. All are welcome.

with her many Girlfriends. Barbara is survived by her daughter Teresa Hampe and her husband Brian of Middlefield, son Kenneth Schiffert of Middlefield, granddaughter Amber Schiffert, sisters Janet Garbonola of Middlefield, Karen Johnston and her husband Irving of Durham, Linda Jones of Middlefield, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Stanley Kaczenski, sister Gail Ann Kaczenski, and brother-in-law Louis Garbonola. Barbara is also predeceased by her long-time companion Glenn Baltzley, who Barbara now joins for their next journey together. Her family would like to express their gratitude for the compassion of all the health care providers involved in her care. In Lieu of Flowers contributions may be made to one’s charity of choice. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www. biegafuneralhome.com.

Get your diploma

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

Tag sale

Durham Animal Response Team D.A.R.T. is sponsoring a Town-Wide Tag Sale to be held throughout Durham on July 22. For a donation of $20, your personal tag sale will appear on the Town-Wide Tag Sale map. Registration forms are

available at Brenda’s Main Street Feed, 58 Main St. Or, call 860-349-0410. Registration ends July 1.

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.

Volunteer

The Middlefield Fire Department seeks volunteers age 18-plus. No experience is re-

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.

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

Senior bus trips. 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.

quired; the department provides the necessary training. To learn more, visit middlefieldfirect.org, email info@ middlefieldfirect.org or stop by the firehouse Mondays before 7 p.m. The department also has an Explorer program for youth ages 14 to 18.

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.

Outdoor activities can improve mental health

By Cris Villalonga-Vivoni Record-Journal staff

May typically brings an increase in sunny skies and warmer weather, prompting residents across the region to spend more time outdoors. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, getting outside to enjoy nature and engaging in physical activity can help alleviate some mental health symptoms.

While regular exercise’s direct impact on mental health is still being studied, researchers found many instances where exercise helped reduce the chances of developing depression or experiencing symptoms.

“Everyone knows exercise is great for physical health, but it’s also really beneficial for mental health, emotional health,” said Mike Shapiro, vice president of operations

for Ignite Fitness Holdings with Planet Fitness.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the “feel-good” endorphins released during exercise help reduce stress. An individual may also have more confidence as they better their relationship with their bodies and socialize with like-minded individuals.

port by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

“Anything you can do is a great starting point. Just get yourself active, and there’s no such thing as too little,” Shapiro said. “Whether it’s walking down the street or house or walking on a treadmill for an hour.”

Starting with support

“Health and wellness is not a race. The goal here is to live longer, healthier lives and as long as you’re just getting out there and staying active every day, that’s the key,” Shapiro said.

Some individuals find their support through local exercise programs, such as the Hamden-Cheshire Rail Trailers. The youth cycling group operates all year and focuses on three disciplines of cycling: mountain, road and cyclocross.

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Shapiro added that regular exercise also helps improve overall physical health, which often positively impacts mental health. For example, he said exercise can boost immune and brain health, improve disease management and strengthen bones. Shapiro emphasized that even the smallest movements can significantly impact a person’s mental health.

If a person runs for 15 minutes or walks an hour a day, their chances of experiencing depression can reduce by 26%, according to a re-

Everyone’s routine and exercise style will be different, but Shapiro recommends starting small and with plenty of support. For example, bringing friends and family to fitness classes creates a challenging but encouraging environment. He added that fitness applications provide options for people looking to be fit but who may not have the time to go to a gym. The apps can guide a person through a workout with simple routines that can be performed at any point throughout the day without equipment.

Hunter Pronovost, one of the team’s head coaches, said biking gives kids many opportunities to encourage and challenge each other while achieving their goals.

“[Biking] is very much a positive loop... [The kids] apply themselves, get better, and see the fruit of that, so they set some more goals,” Pronovost said. “Rinse and repeat.”

See Activities, A11

DAFFODIL FESTIVAL iPad mini Prize Winner

Daffodil Festival 2023 Contest Winner

Congratulations to Chris Brosnan!

Chris is our Daffodil Festival 2023 Contest winner and he takes home a $100 gas card courtesy of the Record-Journal.

“My wife and I stopped at your booth at the daffodil festival to comment about not minding the paper coming in the mail. My Wife Sue always wants to tell folks when they are doing a good job!!” - Chris

Pronovost said the team focuses on road cycling along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail during the summer. He explained that the multi-use paved bike path is the perfect spot for their group since the kids can learn how to interact with public roads while being safe.

As the season progresses, Pronovost likes to coordinate bike rides to a team member’s house, where the team can enjoy snacks, music and drinks from the parents. He explained that this allows the individual Rail Trailers to explore their local roads and celebrate their hard work under adult supervision.

In the fall, the Rail Trailers switch focus to a “unique discipline” of riding that combines mountain and road cycling called cyclocross. The season primarily comprises statewide competitions that accommodate all ages and skill levels, Pronovost explained. In addition, because of the wide range of events, entire families are able to compete and participate.

“I’ve seen families literally come closer together and have better relationships with each other because they’re enjoying the bike racing regularly on the weekends,” Pronovost said.

In Brief Food bank

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.

Hike for Health and more

Hiking up the trails in Meriden leaves Danny Rodriguez feeling deeply satisfied. Pushing through the sharp inclines with his heart racing, his efforts culminate as he reaches the peak of his journey.

It was at the top of the Giuffrida Park trail when Rodriguez learned that his friend had died by suicide via social media. He soon went on Facebook Live to express his grief, but was comforted by being in nature while in the earliest stage of mourning the loss of his friend. In the video, he asked to coordinate a monthly hiking club dedicated to bringing awareness to mental health.

“Getting out in nature along with moving your body and exercising it all just kind of plays a role in that feel-good chemical that’s released naturally in your body,” he said.

Rodriguez is partnering with the Meriden Parks and Recreation Department to

host a town-sponsored Hike for Health early this summer. Hikers will be greeted with snacks and refreshments at the top of the trail. In addition, several cars will be available to drive hikers back down the trail.

Throughout the summer, Meriden Parks and Recreation hosts numerous health-oriented activities and programs that are free or low cost.

“We encourage everyone to get off their phones, away from their desks, get outside, and enjoy all the amenities Meriden has to offer,” said Kathy Matula, the city’s recreation coordinator.

Bill offers absolution, not exoneration for victims of Connecticut witch trials

By Mark Pazniolas The Connecticut Mirror

The state House of Representatives on Wednesday offered absolution, though pointedly not exoneration, to the nine women and two men hanged for witchcraft in 17th-century Connecticut, a dark and overlooked chapter of its colonial history.

By a vote of 121-30, the House approved a resolution that was rewritten to sidestep lawyerly concerns, most notably whether contemporary Connecticut has a right to overturn verdicts reached during British colonial rule.

“We have absolutely no power to exonerate someone who was convicted under a

different government,” said Rep. Craig Fishbein, a lawyer and the ranking House Republican on the Judiciary Committee.

“Connecticut was a British colony,” said Rep. Doug Dubitsky, R-Chaplin, also a lawyer. “And all of these injustices that were carried out on these people were carried

out by the British, and this amendment makes that clear.”

To mollify opponents and get the measure called for a vote, the resolution’s sponsor, Rep. Jane Garibay, took the deal: Among other tweaks, Connecticut would absolve, not exonerate, the condemned “of all crimes of

witchcraft and familiarities with the devil.”

The resolution still would assert “misogyny played a large part in the trials and in denying defendants their rights and dignity” and that “Connecticut apologizes to the descendants of all those who were indicted, convicted and executed.”

The apology was galling to at least one lawmaker.

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“I’m gonna say it. I’m really not sorry,” said Rep. Jason Perillo, R-Shelton. “Nobody from my family was here. And I’m looking at a lot of other folks. Nobody from your family was here.”

Garibay said the apology was important to descendants of the condemned witches who attended a public hearing of the Judiciary Committee in March.

“They’re not asking for money, ” Garibay said. “The only thing they’re asking is that as a community we say, ‘We are sorry this happened to you.’”

Garibay is a Democrat from Windsor, a community settled by the English in 1633, just 14 years before the village turned on one of their own, hanging Alice Young.

Young was the mother of a daughter who escaped an epidemic that claimed neighboring children in 1647, a source of envy and suspicion ingredients in witchcraft accusations that persist, often directed at women.

The May issue of Scientific American reports that every year more than 1,000 people still are “tortured, expelled from their homes or killed after being charged with witchcraft using magic, usually to cause harm.”

Leading religious figures and founders of Connecticut played roles in the trials.

John Haynes and Thomas

See Bill, A13

Welles, the first and fourth colonial governors, were magistrates at the trials. Hartford’s founder, the Rev. Thomas Hooker, endorsed them.

The First Church in Windsor acknowledged complicity in 2017 and apologized for its role in the hanging of Young and another woman, Lydia Gilbert, during a time of unexplained deaths.

Garibay had to overcome skepticism about the need for the General Assembly to follow suit, as descendants of the executed had urged at the public hearing. House Speaker Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, acknowledged he had to be convinced.

“Traditionally, we do not do resolutions in the House, because you could go down a lot of rabbit holes. This one’s been worked on very hard,” Ritter said.

By rabbit holes, Ritter meant a fear that the House could be drawn into regular debates on matters not germane to the General Assembly or that have “no direct nexus to Connecticut.”

“We will be very firm in the future,” Ritter said. “Otherwise, we get opining on foreign policy in the United States government all day long. And we have two U.S. senators and five congressmen who do a fine job doing that for us.”

Garibay told the House the resolution was relevant.

“This complements the work that we are doing in the General Assembly by taking another step towards the justice that this government, our state, all of us, are constantly working towards,” Garibay said. “It is far from frivolous.”

During the floor debate, Fishbein took issue with the claims of misogyny.

He read the names of a halfdozen men who were indicted on witchcraft charges, not all of whom were convicted.

“All appeared to be non-female, and therefore, it’sa people bill and not a women’s rights sort of initiative,” said Fishbein, who also serves as a Wallingford town councilor.

Dubitsky claimed a measure of absolution, or least vindication, for himself. His challenging, and quotable, questions at the public hearing about whether the condemned could be proven innocent went viral, drawing ridicule: Did he really need

evidence that Alice Young was not a witch?

Dubitsky said during the floor debate that he simply was exercising due diligence. “We didn’t know at the time of that Judiciary Committee meeting what these people had been accused of, what they had been convicted of, and what the disposition of those convictions were. So I asked for some of that evidence,” Dubitsky said. “Well, silly me.”

Dubitsky detailed his efforts.

“I spent weeks searching through our statutes and could not find witchcraft or ‘familiarities with the devil’ as crimes in our current penal code. So it makes sense that we would find as is represented in this amendment that we don’t any longer find those to be penal crimes,” he said. “Now, you may have personal objections to those, to that type of conduct. But as we sit here

today, they are not crimes under Connecticut law.”

And that was good enough for him to support the resolution. So did Fishbein.

All 98 Democrats voted for the resolution, joined by 23 of the 53 members of the Republican minority.

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

ACCOUNTANT JUNIOR ACCOUNTANT

Performs accounting tasks and other related duties of a financial nature in the Business Office of the Wallingford Electric Division. Applicants must have 6 years of accounting experience with some accounting classes; or in lieu of thereof, a B.S. in accounting or an equivalent combination of experience and training.

Wages: $27.47 to $34.36 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, Town of Wallingford, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, or emailed to: wlfdhr@ wallingfordct.gov by the closing date of May 30, 2023. Phone: (203)294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

ASSISTANT BUILDING OFFICIAL

Town of Cheshire seeks qualified, certified candidates for the position of Assistant Building Official. 40 hr/ wk. Position available 7-1-23. Starting hourly rate:$37.74. For additional information on how to apply, see the Town’s website at www.cheshirect.org.

Job description also available at the Human Resources Office, Room 217, Cheshire Town Hall, 84 South Main Street, Cheshire.

Deadline for applying

5-26-23. The Town of Cheshire is an EEOE, M/F/D/V.

CHEMIST

The Town of Wallingford Sewer Division is seeking qualified applicants to supervise and perform high level tasks in the chemical, bacteriological and physical analyses of raw (untreated) and potable (treated) water and wastewater. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology or related field, plus 2 years’ experience in chemical laboratory analytical work. Experience with water and wastewater analysis, atomic absorption, graphite furnace, complex analytical equipment and standard laboratory QA/QC practices is preferred. Must obtain and maintain Laboratory Director Certification for chemistry and microbiology from the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Salary: $73,068 to $93,488 annually, 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 June 13, 2023. Phone: (203) 294-2080; Fax: (203) 294-2084. EOE

ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

Town of Cheshire seeks qualified candidates for the 35 hr/week position of Engineering Technician. Job description & information on the application process can be found on the Town’s web site at www.cheshirect.org.

Position available on or about 7-1-23. Starting hourly rate:$38.39.

Submissions must be received NLT 4:00 PM on Friday May 26, 2023. Town of Cheshire is an EEOE, M/F/D/V.

THE TOWN OF MIDDLEFIELD

Currently has employment opportunities for the following:

Accounts Payable Clerk 16 hours/week

Assistant Town Clerk 21 hours/week

Finance Director

Full Time

Full job descriptions can be found at the town’s website: www. middlefieldct.org/jobs

VETERINARY ASSISTANT Capable of answering phones, animal restraint, assisting in medical procedures and surgery. Experience preferred.

(860) 828-4717.

WANTED - Short term rental, 3-6 months maybe longer, whole house must have 2 BRs, must accept little dogs, (203) 470-1828.

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.

TIMELESS TREASURES ESTATE AUCTIONS -

Is looking to purchase estate contents. From single items to entire estates. Clean-out services available. Call Bill (203) 494-2496.

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.

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

PREMIUM SCREENED TOPSOIL

$30/yard delivered, 3 yd, $100 min. delivery Call Jim 860-982-4819

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

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

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

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

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

PREMIER ESTATE JEWELRY - Is interested in buying your fine jewelry, watches, coin collections, silver flatware, and costume jewelry. Call Bill, (203) 4942496.

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

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.

TEC

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

JT’S LANDSCAPING

LLC - Spring CleanUps, we specialize in weeding all types of beds, mulching, top soil work, pruning hedges & shrubs, & all your landscape needs. Residential & commercial. Lic. #616311. Call today for free estimate, 203-213-6528.

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

TREE REMOVAL

Storm Damage, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Lots Cleared, Trees/ Shrubs Inst’d, Free Ests. Fully Ins’d. Lic #558031. 203.619.2301.

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,

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

LUNO MASONRY - We deal in all types of masonry, repairs & new projects, decks. Refs. avail. Free ests. Lic. HIC0643330 & Ins. Call 203.770.9273.

#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

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

INS. DUMPSTER RENTALS 203-535-9817 860-575-8218

W. BOOBER MASONRYOver 35 Years Experience All Types of Masonry CT License #626708 (203) 235-4139

#1 PAINTER’S EDGE MOBILE WASH Chemicals safe for house & plants. House wash, roof cleaning, decks. 25 yrs. exp. Sr Disc. #0656136 Ins. 860.538.5520

A-1 QUALITY POWERWASHING

Low Rates Call Dennis 203.630.0008

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

TREE BROTHERS TREE EXPERTS - Specializes in all aspects of tree removal and trimming with twenty five years of experience. We offer a free quote and military and first responder discount. Call 203-5122453.

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

Sunblock, hat—bring

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