Town Times Dec. 27, 2019 by Record Journal

Volume 23, Number 39

www.towntimes.com

Friday, December 27, 2019

STATE

Lawmakers approve settlement with hospitals Susan Haigh Associated Press

HARTFORD — Connecticut lawmakers on Wednesday, Dec. 18 approved a long-awaited $1.8 billion settlement agreement reached between Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont and the state’s hospital association that will trigger

the withdrawal of legal claims that potentially exposed the state to as much as $4 billion liability. Both Democrats and Republicans noted the seven-year deal marks a new chapter in the state’s relationship with the hospitals, which was rocky unSee Settlement, A7

Santa Claus poses with two elves during the Powder Ridge Mountain Park Winter Festival on Sunday, Dec. 22. The event featured skiing, sledding and a band playing. Photos by Devin Leith-Yessian, Record-Journal

Santa has the ‘star’ power at Powder Ridge holiday fair

State Sen. Dan Champagne, R-Vernon, left, talks with Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven, at the State Capitol Wednesday, Dec. 18. AP Photo/Jessica Hill

By Steven Scarpa Special to the Record-Journal

Holidays bring change in hours at liquor outlets

MIDDLEFIELD — You can’t have a great holiday fair without a great Santa, and Powder Ridge Mountain Park and Resort certainly had one on Sunday. Gift vendors, a carousel, live music, and a festive vibe made up the Powder Ridge Winter Festival. About 600 people have passed through the festival, now in its third weekend. “This is our first year and we plan to make every year bigger and better,” said Laura Loffredo, director of sales and marketing at Powder Ridge, adding that next year they plan to set up artist huts around the pond on the property. See Santa, A9

HARTFORD (AP) — The holidays in Connecticut mean a change in hours for some liquor permit holders.

to drink alcohol “to make responsible decisions.” She reminded the public they must be over age 21 to make alcohol purchases.

The Department of Consumer Protection reminded residents that package stores must be closed on Christmas Day and on New Years Day, under state law.

Connecticut lawmakers this year passed legislation updating the state’s liquor laws, in hopes of helping the state’s growing craft brewery industry.

One change, which has already take effect, allows breweries to sell more beer to customers for consumption off-premises. Consumer Protection The prior law limited craft Commissioner Michelle breweries to selling only Seagull said her office enup to nine liters to a single courages those who choose individual within one day. Connecticut law also requires bars to be closed by 3 a.m. on the morning of New Years Day.

Children ski the slopes at Powder Ridge Mountain Park in Middlefield during its first Winter Festival.

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Friday, December 27, 2019

Schools Academic honors

Kindergarten registration Parents of children living in Durham and Middlefield who will be 5 years old on or before Jan. 1, 2021 must register to attend kindergarten in the fall of 2020 or apply for a waiver of attendance. In Regional School District

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Periodicals postage paid at Meriden, CT and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Record-Journal 500 S. Broad Street Meriden, CT 06450

The School Counseling Office at Coginchaug Regional High School will hold their annual Junior College Planning Night on Monday, Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m., at the CRHS auditorium for juniors and their parents/ guardians. Snowdate is Tuesday, Jan. 21.

DURHAM DURHAM POWER POWER EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT

For the 2020-2021 school year, Brewster School will house students in grades PK2. John Lyman School currently serves students in grades K-4. A representative from Quinnipiac University will present Parents may visit the an overview of the college schools January 6 through search and admissions pro31 to observe classes and to cess. The School Counseling discuss questions or concerns. Visits are designed for Department will also discuss the application process. adults and must be scheduled ahead of time. Contact Contact the School CounselJohn Lyman School at 860ing Office with ques349-7240 or Brewster School tions, 860-349-7221. at 860-349-7227 to schedule a visit. A Classified ad According to RSD13 Board is an easy way to sell of Education policy, the your merchandise, school decision must be and it’s easy on made by Feb. 1. your wallet, too. Any parent of an eligible kindergarten child who wishes to hold his/her child out of school for another year must sign a form at the Office of the Superintendent If you need a tub or of Schools.

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Nazareth College, Rochester, N.Y., has named Jayde Avery of Middlefield to its dean’s list for the fall semester.

13, children may attend kindergarten at Brewster School or John Lyman School. Parents will need to choose the appropriate school for their child prior to kindergarten registration.

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Friday, December 27, 2019

Health

Outdoors, radon levels are low, but in an enclosed space like a house, radon can increase to a high level. Radon can enter a home through a dirt cellar floor, cracks in the foundation, joints between a concrete floor and walls, through sump pump drains and other openings.

Long-term exposure to high levels can increase one's risk of developing lung cancer. Public health officials have

Testing for radon during the months of January and February is recommended. The Town of Durham Health Department has a supply of radon test kits containing instructions and additional information that were obtained through a promotion by the Connecticut Department of Public Health Radon Program (ct.gov/dph/ radon). If you are a Durham resident and would like to test your home for radon, contact Bill Milardo at 860349-8253 ext. 2 or wmilardo@townofdurhamct.org to obtain a free kit. Also, test kits are available through the American Lung Association,

On Friday, Jan. 17, Dr. Marilise Hyacinth, Medical Director of Adult Outpatient & Day Treatment Services, with the Middlesex Health Department of Psychiatry, will present a program entitled, “The Aging Brain.” The talk will be held at Durham Activity Center, 350 Main St., Durham.

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www.conroyortho.com | (860) 347-4618 LEGAL NOTICE

Town of Durham, CT Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of Durham that the second half of Real Estate and Personal Property taxes and the total Supplemental Motor Vehicle tax on the Grand List of 2018 are due and payable to the Town of Durham on January 1, 2020.

No bill is sent for the 2nd installment of Real Estate. View and/or pay tax bills online at www.townofdurhamct.org Choose “View & Pay Taxes” from the left side of the home page. or payments may be mailed to: Town of Durham, P.O. Box 428, Durham, CT 06422.

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MEAT SPECIALS USDA Choice Bone In Prime Rib Roast..................$12.99lb USDA Choice Bone In Rib Eye Steak......................$10.99lb Center Cut Pork Chops 5 lbs Or More...........................$1.99lb Pork Butts (8-10lb Avg.).................................................$1.99lb Pulled Pork Roast.......................................................$1.99lb Center Cut Pork Roast................................................$2.49lb Boneless Pork Roast....................................................$2.89lb Store Made Italian Sausage.........................................$3.49lb Boneless Chicken Breast 5lbs Or More..........................$1.69lb

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Lunch will be served at noon, with the presentation at 12:45. Snow date is Friday, Jan. 24.

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Also, it can be released into the home by running water from showers, faucets and washing machines. The source of the water can be groundwater within a rock formation that contains a high concentration of radon.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that radon causes 20,000 lung cancer deaths per year in this country.

which offers the kits for $14.50. The price includes the sampling device, instructions, laboratory analysis, tax, postage and handling. To purchase a test kit you may call 1-800-LUNG-USA (586-4872) or visit lung.org and search for radon.

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Radon is naturally occurring colorless and odorless radioactive gas that is often found in soil and bedrock. Since radon is a gas, it moves easily through rock and soil and into the air.

determined that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. When exposure to radon is combined with smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke, the risk may increase dramatically.

NOW ACCEPTING EBT CARDS

If not paid by Monday, February 3, 2020 these taxes will be considered delinquent and interest will be charged at the rate of 1.5% per month from the due date, with a minimum interest charge of $2.00. Note: Feb. 4th payments will be charged a 3% penalty. (Jan. & Feb.) Hours for the Tax Collector’s office are: Monday-Thursday 8:30 - 4:30pm and Friday 8:30 - 3:00pm. Additional hours for this collection period: every Tuesday in January 8:30am – 7pm and Saturday, January 25, 2020 - 10:00am-noon. Martin French, CCMC - Tax Collector - Town of Durham, CT

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Friday, December 27, 2019

COMMENTARY

I hate to be Grinch-like, but winter is no fun I am not on board with winter this year. At all. Which is unusual for me. I mourned summer’s departure, as I always do. I don’t let summer go easily. I try, in vain of course, to hold on with both hands. But I usually adjust, in time, to the changing of the seasons. I relish fall’s crisp, colorful days. And when winter shows up, I take the leap. I am all in. I cherish the cozy nights and the stillness and the snow in the trees. Well, I’m not there yet, and I’m not sure that I will be. I have a bit of a “humbug” attitude this year. I get up at a ridiculously early hour, by

I used to admire the bare trees. Without the camouflage of their leaves you can see their shapes, their bones. I found beauty in them. Of a different sort than spring’s display, but beauty nevertheless. But now they just look ugly and bleak to me. I am in sore need of some green. I attempt to marvel at the snow and the ice in the trees, the winter wonderland before me. It really is beautiAnd then it feels like an eter- ful, after a snowstorm or an ice storm. But these days I nity before the night gives way to the day. I keep check- am impressed for perhaps a minute and a half, and then ing, but that sun does take I head out to my driveway its time. I’m envious. It, apwith my snow shovel, and parently, gets to sleep in. all fascination with the snow has vanished.

most people’s standards, and every morning the black-as-tar darkness outside my bedroom window has me shrinking down under the covers, longing for more time in my beloved bed. And I get up, and it always feels cold. This year I feel like a persistent chill has taken up residence in my bones, with no plans for an early departure.

I have always hated winter driving, and that is not going to change. I am the person who inches along at a maddening slow speed – turtles could pass me – frustrating anyone behind me. And, of course, that person feels that he or she absolutely must tailgate, which does nothing to calm me down. My knuckles are white, I am gripping the steering wheel so tightly. My stomach is in knots. I resort to prayer. When the meteorologist warns us of an impending storm, and I know I must navigate through it, I worry incessantly. I try not to, but I always do.

I am trying to have a good attitude, I really am. When the winter winds are assaulting me, and my feet are

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Email letters to news@ towntimes.com; mail to 500 South Broad St., Meriden, CT 06450 or fax to 203-6390210. Letters are limited to 300 words. Town Times will print only one letter per person each month. We do not list names of people, organizations and businesses being thanked. Letters must be signed and names will appear in print. Include a phone number so To can contact you for verification. Letters must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday to be considered for publication the following Friday.

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Well, as I write this, we are only four days away from the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year. And the next day we start creeping, slowly but surely, back toward the sun. That gives me great cheer. I have heard, or read, that we get back two minutes of daylight a day. I’ll take ‘em! I keep track. In two weeks’ time we are treated to nearly a half-hour more of light. My bones are starting to thaw out, just thinking about it.

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Friday, December 27, 2019

Seniors

Library

860-349-9544; durhamlibrary.org Programs for kids: Storytimes: Weekly storytimes are offered for children, newborn to age 5, and special programs are offered periodically. Check the program schedule or calendar for a list of events. Programs for teens: Sushi Making Workshop. Monday, Jan. 27 at 5 p.m. Join Mary Perrino, a registered dietitian, and learn how to make sushi, spring rolls and a dipping sauce. Ages 6 to 12. Space is limited. Registration is required.

Programs for adults: Movie Matinees. Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. Visit durhamlibrary.org for the list.

Levi E. Coe Library Children’s Story Time: Starting in January, story time will be held Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome to enjoy a few stories and a related craft. Heart Fold Book Art: Saturday, Jan. 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join us for this unique craft program taught by Jean Mandirola of Turn A Page Book Art. Ages 15 & up. Registration required.

The Senior & Social Services Department is open Monday and Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 3: 30 p.m. Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Weekly Exercise: Grab your sneakers and join us Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 7:45 a.m. Monday and Friday is regular exercise. Wednesday is yoga.

Foot Care Clinic: Friday, Jan. 3, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. $30. Registration required. Call 860-349-7121.

PROVIDE A SERVICE? Get Found. List it here.

Everyone is welcome, from beginner to experienced, Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.

Serving Durham & Middlefield for 26 Years

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Setback: We have setback players interested in playing. Join us Tuesdays, 1 p.m. Call 860-349-7121. Bridge: Bridge players are invited to convene Thursdays and Fridays, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Knit2gether: Do you know how to knit or crochet? Are you interested in learning new skills?

William J. Lema, D.M.D.

Blood Pressure Clinic: Free. The second Wednesday of each month.

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Welcome to On The Menu. Let us help you find the perfect place to eat.

Whether it’s a celebration, date night, or just grabbing a bite to eat, this list of local restaurants is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Find great local eats - MenusCT.com Adelphia Café 476 Washington Avenue North Haven, CT 06473 203-535-0149 Family owned/operated. Former proprietors of the Neptune Diner in Wallingford. Extensive menu for all tastes. Breakfasts, luncheons and special dinners. All baking on premises.

Athena II Diner

320 Washington Ave, North Haven, CT 06473 203.239.0663 www.athena2diner.com Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Serving breakfast, lunch, & dinner. Accept Q Cards. Serving North Haven for 30 years. Daily specials and full liquor available.

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Friday, December 27, 2019

In Brief Durham Boy Scout Troop 270 has announced their annual Christmas Tree Pick Up dates in Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall: Saturdays, Dec. 28, Jan. 4 and 11. To schedule a pick up, email Troop270DurhamCT@ aol.com or call 860-349-

0454. There is no charge, but donations are greatly appreciated.

60+Club and Travel The Durham 60+ Club and Travel will meet Monday, Jan. 13, 1:30 p.m., at the Durham Activity Center, sec-

ond floor, 350 Main St. Following the meeting, refreshments will be served. Bingo will be played at $1 a card.

For more information, visit vocalchords20.org, find the group on Facebook or Instagram, or call Joyce Ghent at 860-342-3120.

Safe boating

A safe boating and personal watercraft certification course will be presented by Seniors from surrounding the State of Connecticut towns are also welcome to DEEP. The course is schedjoin this social, active, travel Adoptive Parent uled to take place at the club. For more information, Southington Police DepartInfor mation contact President Sue Giufment Headquarters Educafrida at 860-346-0724. Sessions tion Room, 69 Lazy Lane, from 6 to 9 p.m. on March Klingberg Family Centers are 10, 12 and 17. Attendance all Middlesex Vocal hosting Foster & Adoptive three days of the course is Parent Information Sessions mandatory. There are no Chords at its Main Campus building, residency requirements to 370 Linwood St., New Like to sing but can't read participate; registrants must Britain. Sessions are schedmusic? No problem. The be at least 12 years of age. uled for every second and Middlesex Hospital Vocal The cost to participate is fourth Monday from 5.30 to Chords has many members $20. Upon successful com6.30 p.m. and every first and pletion of the course, particijust like you who love to third Wednesday of the sing. No auditions necespants will need to purchase month from 10 to 11 a.m. ex- their certificates directly sary; just a love of music, cept on holidays. singing and a commitment from the DEEP for an addito rehearse every Tuesday. tional fee. Pre-registration Consider fostering or adoptand payment is required; This year the Vocal Chords ing a child who is waiting for walk-ins will not be accepted will be celebrating 30 years a family to help them find the at class. For complete details of lifting spirits, relieving peace and security they need. or to register online, visit stress and healing souls with southington.org/boating. music. The group will be Walk-ins are welcome; RSVP performing a variety of its fa- preferred. This is a no oblivorite musical selections gation information sesDrug disposal from the past 30 years. Resion. For questions or to hearsals start on Jan. 14, 6:45 RSVP, contact Nicolin Carr at Residents with medications p.m., at St. Francis Church, that need to be disposed of 860-832 5536 or nicolMsgr. Fox Parish Hall, 10 can contact the Durham in.carr@klingberg.com. For Elm St., Middletown. New Middlefield Local Wellness more information, visit members will be accepted Coalition for a free disposal klingbergfosterandadopuntil Feb. 4. bag. Contact Prevention Cotion.org. ordinator Dena Miccinello: dmiccinello@dmyfs.org; 860-349-0258.

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“Today we’re fixing a wrong and making it right,” said Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano, who accused the Malloy administration of being unfair to the hospitals by holding back funds during the state’s budget deficit challenges. The hospitals and the state have been at odds for years over a socalled “provider tax” that was first imposed in 2012 as part of a complicated plan to secure more federal Medicaid reimbursement funds for both the state and the hospitals. But ultimately, the hospitals ended up paying more in taxes, prompting legal action. Lawmakers returned to the state Capitol for a special session last Wednesday to vote on the hospital agreement, as well as as second bill that attempts to address concerns raised by restaurant owners facing class action lawsuits over state wage and hour rules. The restaurant wage bill cleared both the House of Representatives and Senate, with some Democrats opposing the measure because they contend it could be harmful to workers and restrict their ability to seek unpaid wages.

Meanwhile, the hospital agreement received unanimous support in both chambers. Reaching an agreement with the state’s hospitals has been a key goal for Lamont, who took office about a year ago.

“Today marks the start of a desperately needed reset between the state and our hospitals,” Lamont said after the bill cleared both chambers. He said prolonging the litigation wouldn’t have benefited anybody. Connecticut Hospital Association CEO Jennifer Jackson thanked Lamont and Attorney General William Tong for their efforts to

Lawmakers are not expected to take up a major transportation improvement bill until a yet-to-be scheduled special session in January. But dozens of toll supporters and opponents still appeared at the state Capitol Dec. 18 with signs and T-shirts, hoping to sway legislators’ opinions.

Abraham is a very sweet, 1-year-old kitty who loves to be petted and to play. He has a small surgery coming up, but will be ready to go home very soon. Come meet him. For more information, visit CatTalesCT.org, email info@CatTalesCT.org or call 860-344-9043.

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Among other things, the bill repeals a state regulation that governs when restaurant workers are paid the “tip wage,” which is lower than the state’s minimum wage. The state labor commissioner must adopt new regulations. In the meantime, court awards in cases alleging wait staff were paid the lower wage when they shouldn’t have been will be limited.

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“Although the compromise language keeps tipped workers from being able to join together in class action for a period of time, it allows the current class actions to pro-

“Today marks the start of a a new partnership with the state that will strengthen health care in Connecticut for the benefit of everyone who lives here,” Jackson said.

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der former Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s tenure.

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CAT OF THE WEEK

reach the settlement, which includes a stead tax rate and consistent stream of Medicaid increases for the hospitals. They’re now set to receive guaranteed 2 percent annual increases for in-patient services and 2.2 percent annual increases for outpatient services.

ceed,” said Sal Luciano, president of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, in a written statement. He also praised the legislation for providing funding for three additional wage and hour investigators at the state Department of Labor.

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Town Times | towntimes.com

Friday, December 27, 2019

Junk fuel tank along Connecticut River cleaned up MIDDLETOWN – The Connecticut River Conservancy would like to thank Goodwin College for their help cleaning up an abandoned fuel tank along the banks of the Connecticut River in East Hartford. Particular recognition goes to Bryant Harrell, Sr. and Bryant Harrell, Jr. at Goodwin College and their contractor JM Ladd Construction. CRC had been working for years, as part of their annual Source to Sea River Cleanup, to find help in cleaning up this large piece of trash. The 12-foot long, 3-foot high tank was full of sediment, making it extremely heavy. Goodwin College was developing a riverfront path near where the tank was washed up. With no hesitation they had JM Ladd Construction cut it open and haul it away while finishing the walking

path in late November. “We’re thrilled to finally see this large tank cleaned up. It was a hazard both to the environment and to the safety of river users,” says CRC River Steward, Kelsey Wentling. “Unfortunately, there’s more to do.” CRC still needs help to remove a number of other large items clogging and polluting our rivers in Connecticut. A collapsed oil offload platform in Hartford is becoming increasingly unstable, with untold impacts on the river if it becomes dislodged. Additionally, an abandoned fiberglass boat is stuck on the banks of the river, creating another recreational nuisance and environmental risk. If you or someone you know can help assess and remove these large river hazards, please contact the Connecticut River Conservancy.

CRC’s annual Source to Sea Cleanup is a two-day river cleanup coordinated by CRC in all four states of the 410mile Connecticut River basin (NH, VT, MA, CT). Each fall, thousands of volunteers clean the Connecticut River and its tributaries on foot or by boat. Volunteers remove trash along rivers, streams, parks, boat launches, trails, and more.

This annual event, now in its 23rd year, has grown into one of the largest river cleanups in the country. This year, over 3,600 volunteers removed nearly 67 tons of trash from in and near our rivers. The Source to Sea Cleanup included nearly 40 groups from the Connecticut region, including local river and conservation groups; elementary, high school and

college students; girl and boy scouts; and many employee volunteer groups from local businesses. “Source to Sea Cleanup volunteers’ hard work and dedication is inspiring and makes a real difference for our rivers,” Wentling added. “But our work isn’t done until we put ourselves out of the river clean-up business.” Connecticut River Conservancy is the voice for the Connecticut River watershed, from source to sea.

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cold and wet from the slush, I tell myself that these days will only make me appreciate those soft, warm spring days all the more. It is, I realize, all about contrast. Years ago I worked with a woman who was from California. She moved to our fair state because, “Believe it or not, when every day is 72 degrees and sunny, it gets boring.” I believed her. My friends, please forgive the litany of complaints. Next week I will be back to my sunny self, I promise. Meanwhile, if you see a car traveling at about three miles per hour, in a snowstorm, know that it is me. And please give me a wide berth. You already know my nerves are jangled.

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Aimee Dantas, a Clinton resident who grew up skiing Powder Ridge, wanted to get a photo with Santa for her 11-month-old son Makai and his sisters Zaiya, 6, and Nalia, 3. It was Makai’s first trip to see Santa. “He was like ‘don’t let go of me, Mom,’” she said. She thought a family trip to her old ski haunt would be a nice part of a holiday themed day — in the evening they also planned to see the Christmas lights in Ivoryton. The photo ended up going well. The entire family got together to make a small Christmas memory. This happened in no small part due to the careful stage managing by Santa Claus.

Adams talked nicely to the little girl, who begins to make cat noises. She’s obsessed with cats, her dad explains. Adams makes meowing noises right back. Adams got his start in the Santa business about four years ago. He was volunteering at Southwick’s Zoo in Menton, Massachusetts when he overheard a dad noting his resemblance to Santa Claus. Adams began doing Santa training, something he mastered so well as to be able lead the Intro to the Sleigh class. He joined the New England Santa Society. He read “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus,” by L. Frank Baum (better known as the author of “The Wizard of Oz” books) to get Santa’s backstory down.

Most of the time Adams does the normal Santa duties – festivals like Sunday’s at Powder Ridge, photo sessions, holiday parties. Occasionally the job is a little harder. A couple of nights ago, Adams made a house call to a family where both small children were undergoing chemotherapy.

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Some times creating a great Santa moment takes a bit of improvisation. A little girl and her bearded dad approached Santa.

“I ate a lot of food,” Charlotte said.

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Usually, Adams invites the children and their parents to come close for a photo and engages in a bit of whimsical banter with the child.

“The last time I saw you, you were this tall,” Adams said, holding a hand slightly below her current height. “How did you grow so tall so fast?”

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“You have to have heart. If you have the heart, we can bring you in,” Adams said.

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“You have to read a kid as soon as they come in,” he explained.

“Santa on TV is this big,” he said, holding his hands close together. “They come in to see Santa. All of a sudden they start to slow down. They see how big Santa is. They stop about 10 feet away. They are done with Santa.”

A particularly enthusiastic dad brought his daughters Charlotte and Sophie up to meet Santa. “Tell him how good you are,” he said.

snowy white beard, but Adams said there is only one thing that makes a good Santa. He tapped his chest.

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Santa has to have a strategy, explained West Hartford resident Chip Adams, who was playing Kris Kringle at the festival.

“The most excited ones are usually three or four years old. They’ve been enthusiastically talked up to see Santa.”

“Kids will ask you anything,” Adams said.

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“Who are you here with?” he said. “Are you comfortable with a beard because your dad has one?”

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Friday, December 27, 2019

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Friday, December 27, 2019

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