Germany-bound graduate receives proper send-off

Town Times report

Coginchaug Regional High School senior Ethan BuffordCournoyer was scheduled to leave for Germany on Wednesday as part of a local delegation headed to the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.

Because Bufford-Cournoyer’s travel plans would keep him from attending graduation on June 14, the CRHS community pulled together an early, individual commencement for him on Monday.

Around Town

Also, Bufford-Cournoyer a member of the Middlefield Volunteer Fire Company’s Explorer program received a tip of the hat from the local fire department.

Each spring, the MVFC escorts CRHS graduates to their post-commencement ceremony party, Project Graduation. Realizing that Bufford-Cournoyer would miss out on that experience, the fire department decided to give him a ride to his private graduation ceremony at the high school.

“Ethan has been incredibly active in the community, serving as the leader of our Explorer Post, a member of Boy Scout Troop 33, working on completing his Eagle Scout Project, and participating in an internship program at South Fire District Middletown,” the MVFC stated in a social media post.

“Anyone who knows Ethan knows he has a sense of dedication, hard work, and positivity that is hard to beat.” the library said it expected to be open with regular hours June 12 to 17. “During this time, our new study rooms are being installed and we will begin to re-install shelving and materials in their new locations,” the library stated. “We expect the library to be noisy during construction. You may find a quieter browsing experience between 4 and 8 p.m., after workers have gone for the day.”

The Durham library was awarded a grant for the renewal project in the amount of $146,957 by the Connecticut State Library Board.

Donuts for veterans

In celebration of National Donut Day on June 2, Lyman Orchards partnered with The Salvation Army in donating 700 donuts to veterans.

Letters to the Editor

Thanks, and best wishes

Editor:

The Town of Durham is losing four longtime employees in Town Hall. Our building inspector, Dick McManus, retired in March and had been with the town for over 20 years. Bill Milardo, our health inspector, will be retiring after having been with the town for over 35 years. Sherry Hill, the recreation director, is retiring after 40 years. Beth Moncata, our financial director, will be leaving for a new position after helping our town for almost two decades. She was instrumental in professionalizing the Board of Finance and keeping our taxes low. These employees truly care about our town more than their personal interests.

Special lunch

The Durham Senior Citizens Board will sponsor a “Bring a Father to Lunch” event

Friday, June 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Durham Activity Center, 144 Pickett Lane. Father figures are invited as well. Lunch includes half a grinder prepared by Durham Market, coleslaw, cookies and ice cream. Cost is $5. To register, call 860343-6724.

Rabies clinic

Durham Animal Response Team D.A.R.T. is sponsoring a rabies clinics for cats and dogs Sunday, June 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.

They worked overtime without pay to help board and commission members, businesses, the Durham Fair, and so many of us here in town. They were more than employees and chose to become part of our community. They have each worked through many administrative changes, job descriptions and financial challenges.

Durham is losing more than just their continuity and institutional knowledge. Their competence, humor, patience, fairness and willingness to work with all people, through all types of issues and situations, will be sorely missed by all Durham residents, not just those in Town Hall. We wish you the best of luck in your new situations and thank you for your years of service.

Karen Cheyney

Bring your animals in carri ers, or leashed. For more in formation, call 860-3490410.

Be Kind

Middlefield Lions signs are $30. To place an or der, e-mail Lions President Birdie Curtis at curtisbirdie@ hotmail.com. Include ad dress and phone number. Payment can be made via Venmo (@Middlefield-Li ons) or check (to Middlefield Lions Club). Send checks to: Middlefield Lions, P. O. Box 1, Middlefield CT, 06455. Include address and phone number.

Get your diploma

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