Volume 18, Issue 39
Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall
Durham Women’s Club gives back By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times Attention Durham women! Are you looking to get involved in the community in a way that gives back to the community? There’s a club for that! You might know them as the ladies who sell chili at the Durham Fair, but the gals with the Durham Women’s Club are so much more. The club, which has been around for about 35 years, is part of the CT Junior Women Inc., a state-wide group, says Durham Women’s Club president Ann Jindra. It was formed so that Durham would have its own chapter. (Middlefield has its own, too.) The 20 or so members meet monthly (usually the third Thursday) in the home economics room at Coginchaug High School. The meetings are formal and are primarily to discuss ideas on how to give back and whom to give back to. “Our meetings are a business of where there’s a need,” explained Jindra. “Someone will mention it’s needed, and we vote on how to give toward that cause.” The Durham Women’s Club holds two dinners a year — a holiday dinner and end-ofyear dinner, which takes place in May when new officers are installed. The group breaks for the summer and reconvenes in September. Surprisingly, their one and only fundraiser is the chili booth at the Durham Fair, located near the Midway. “We are very communitybased,” says Jindra. “We give the money raised to people in need, and we pretty much keep it in town.” Some
of the money goes toward gift cards at Christmastime. Four $100 Walmart gift cards were distributed this year anonymously. Money has been donated for the school fitness program Go Far, and the club sponsors a senior breakfast for Coginchaug graduates in June. The annual Community Round-Up food and gift card drive features a breakfast spread provided by the club. In addition, at each monthly meeting, members bring jars of peanut butter to be brought to Amazing Grace Food Pantry. The club has an Education Committee, so every year in November during National Education Week, they put together trays of baked goods for all bus drivers and all the teachers in District 13. They also help out with the local church’s blood mobile. It seems like there isn’t much that this group isn’t involved in. “We always manage to find a way to help people,” said Jindra, who noted that the group has evolved over the years. “It used to be very much for women who didn’t work. We had fashion shows and a Hospitality Committee, and we met in people’s homes. Now everybody in the club works!” Jindra continued, “The nice thing about the club is that you meet women of all different ages and stages of their life. I got to meet
Friday, Januar y 6, 2012
Show us some lovin’ Have we told you how much the staff of Town Times appreciates the positive feedback we receive, especially those folks who walk into our Middlefield office just to let us know? We are delighted by your appreciation of the work we do to bring you the community’s news each week. Well, now is your chance to show us that lovin’ and have it pay off... It’s that time again when you can truly help us continue to bring you this news for free. Please fill out and return the cards inserted in this issue. (There will also be opportunities in the issues of Jan. 13 and 20, but the faster you do it, the happier we’ll be!) The cards are postage-paid. We only qualify for the postal services special “requester” rate when we have over 50 percent of the reader base returning the postcard after checking “yes,” they want to continue to receive the publication. Thank you in advance for helping us to bring you your hometown news FOR FREE every week! Stephanie Wilcox, editor
Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts
See Club, page 24
In this issue ... Calendar............................4 Creative Arts..............14-24 Obituaries..................10-11 Sports..........................12-13 Town Briefs ...................6-7
Enjoy more creative arts in this issue from page 14 and on, like this recycled dog mask by Caroline Gervais and Sarah Giannini, CRHS grade 9.
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Friday, January 6, 2012
Town Times
To advertise in the Town Times, call Joy Boone at 860-349-8026
New restaurants interested in participating should contact Laurie Stevens at 860349-1916.
Zumba® and Zumbatomic® Taste of for Brenna Durham tickets Zettergren go on sale Jan. 3 Men, women and kids are
Tickets for the ‘Taste of Durham’ went on sale at the Durham Public Library on Tuesday, Jan. 3. This year’s event will be held Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Durham Library from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Space is limited, and this popular event is always a sell-out, so get your tickets early. The entry price of $30 per person is paid at registration. In its 16th year, this festive PALS-sponsored fundraiser has become a part of Durham’s winter social scene with all proceeds funding those extra programs and materials that make our library so special. Every year,
all welcome at the John Lyman School gymnasium on Thursday, Jan. 12, for a Zumba® fundraiser for Brenna Zettergren. Registration is 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Zumbatomic® for kids will be 6 to 6:30 p.m. Zumba® for adults will be 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. A kids’ movie will be shown from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Come for five minutes or the full hour…you choose! First timers are welcome. This event is open to the public. Invite your friends. Donations are required at different prices for adults and children and will benefit the Zettergren family. You may register at Durham Fitness (6 Main St.) in advance or at the door.
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ACE OIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 ALLAN’S TREE SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 APEC ELECTRIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 APPLE REHAB MIDDLETOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 AQUA TURF CLUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 ASSISTED LIVING OF MERIDEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 BARILLARO SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 BERARDINO COMPANY REALTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 BINGE, BRUCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 BOYLIN, WILLIAM, DR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 CAHILL & SONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 CARLTON INTERIORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 CARMINE’S RESTAURANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 CLASSIC NAILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 CLASSIC WELDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 COGINCHAUG SOCCER CLUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 CONROY, JOHN, DMD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 COUNTRY LANDSCAPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 CV ENTERPRISES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 DAN TIEZZI & SONS BUILDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 DURHAM AUTO PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 DURHAM DENTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 DURHAM FAMILY EYECARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 DURHAM NATUROPATHIC HEALTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 DURHAM TOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 EXECUTIVE HONDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 EXECUTIVE OFFICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 FAMILY PEST CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 FUEL & SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 FUGGE, DAVID, M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 GLAZER DENTAL ASSOCIATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 GRISWOLD PLUMBING SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 HOME WORKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 IANNIELLO PLUMBING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 JAY LANDSCAPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 LEMA, WILLIAM, J., D.M.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 LINO’S MARKET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 MASONICARE-MAKIARIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12, 14 MIDDLEFIELD REMODELING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 MIDDLESEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7, 24 MIDDLESEX HEALTH CARE CENTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 MIMS OIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 MOVADO FARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 NEIL JONES HOME IMPROVEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 NEW ENGLAND DENTAL HEALTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 NORTHFORD COMM NURSERY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 PRETE CHIROPRACTIC CENTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 PROFESSIONAL SECURITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 RANEY, JASON, DMD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 REALTY ASSOCIATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21, 23 RLI ELECTRIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 ROBLEE PLUMBING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 ROCKFALL CO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 RSDL HOME IMPROVEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 SINGLES ALTERNATIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 SISTERS CLEANING SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 T-N-T HOME & LAWNCARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 TAIL WAGGING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE & BODYWORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 TILE RENOVATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 VMB CUSTOM BUILDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 WHITEHOUSE CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 WILDWOOD LAWN CARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 WINDOWS PLUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
a couple dozen area restaurants and caterers spread throughout the library have the opportunity to showcase their specialty hors d’oeuvres, mini-entrees and desserts, which patrons sample while socializing with friends.
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Index of Advertisers
The Church of the Epiphany will sponsor a free community supper on Sunday, Jan. 8, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the church hall (196 Main St. in Durham). Parishioners from Notre Dame will be providing desserts. All are invited; all are welcome. Information is available by calling 860-349-9644.
et
We strive to bring you the most accurate information available each week, but if you see something in Town Times that isn’t quite right, give us a call at 860-349-8000, and we’ll do our best to make things right.
Free community supper
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Corrections
Friday, January 6, 2012
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Town Times
Durham Zoning Board addresses noncompliant commercial activity
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Colegrove presented an offer made by the Clementel Estate to donate two lots on Old Wallingford Road to the town of Durham. After a lengthy discussion regarding the donation and its value to the town, a vote to recommend its acquisition was unanimously denied. Reporting on zoning enforcement, Colegrove distributed photographs of a junkyard established at 203R Higganum Road. Because hazardous materials/chemicals are being disposed on the property, the Department of Environmental Protection and the state police have been involved in the investigation. Colegrove will issue a cease and desist order. Colegrove reported that he is investigating a similar situation at 19 Wilcox Road. Colegrove reported on the ongoing enforcement of sign regulations and hopes a sub-
committee will undertake a comprehensive review of sign regulations, including LED signs by special permit, and encouraged members to take a look at signs at Snow School in Middletown and Victory Tabernacle Church in Middlefield. Colegrove also reported that the billboards at the north end of Route 17 will be changed to downlighting. Under the town planner’s report, Colegrove reported that the Estuary and Midstate Regional Planning Agencies are moving forward in their consolidation process. The consolidated agency will serve a regional base of 17 towns (versus the existing eight). He further indicated that he will retire from Midstate but continue to work as town planner for Durham and Middlefield. (Elisabeth Kennedy/from minutes)
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For the fifth year in a row, Dunkin’ Donuts and the American Red Cross are teaming up for the “Give a Pint, Get a Pound” campaign, which provides a coupon for a free pound of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee* to all presenting donors at Red Cross blood drives in Connecticut during the month of January. The campaign is in celebration of National Blood Donor Month and helps increase awareness about the need for blood. The campaign has achieved great success during the past four years as Dunkin’ Donuts has provided more than 350,000 pounds of coffee to presenting donors, and if one donation may help save three lives, Dunkin Donuts has potentially helped more than one million patients. Donated blood is used to help accident victims, trauma patients, transplant recipients, and those receiving treatment for life-threatening illnesses. Because winter is often a challenging time for blood collections due to severe weather and flu season, the “Give a Pint, Get a Pound” campaign helps boost blood collections when patients need it most. To sign up to donate blood, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org. There will be a blood drive at Notre Dame Church (272 Main St. in Durham) on Tuesday, Jan. 17, from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. *Coupons are redeemable at participating Dunkin’ Donuts locations. Coupons are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. 1230014
The Dec. 22 meeting of the Durham Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) began with complaints raised in public session concerning noncompliant commercial activity at 700 New Haven Road and at Grippo’s. Although 700 New Haven Road is not in a commercial zone, vehicles are being sold, repaired, towed and stored. Town planner Geoffrey Colegrove confirmed that there are no permits in place nor have any other requirements of the Department of Motor Vehicles been met. As the commission has oversight on zoning violations, he has been in touch with the state of Connecticut regarding licensing requirements. Grippo’s continues to sell used cars, which is not consistent with the approved site plan. Colegrove will send letters to both businesses outlining zoning violations and advising them to bring their sites into compliance.
Give A Pint, Get A Pound
New Homes for the New Year DURHAM - Newer Colonial with private, open 3 acre lot & stunning ridgeline views! Enjoy beautiful sunset skies & star filled nights from the custom built patio. Features an expansive MBR Suite, open floor plan, home office & LL family room. Priced to sell at $454,900! Call Berardino Realtors #860-349-0344.
USPS 021-924 Published weekly by Record-Journal Publishing Co., d/b/a Town Times, P.O. Box 265, Middlefield, CT 06455. Periodicals Postage Paid at Middlefield, CT and at additional mailing offices.
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P O S T M A S T E R: Send address changes to Town Times, P.O. Box 265, Middlefield, CT 06455.
Jason Glazer, DMD Kate Glazer, DMD 16 Main Street, Durham 349-3368 www.glazerdental.com
• State-of-the-Art Dentistry • Friendly, Caring, Clean Atmosphere • Providing the Full Range of Dental Services • No More Silver Mercury Fillings
DURHAM - Luxury Living at it’s finest in an idyllic country setting. Pristine Executive Townhome featuring spacious MBR Suite & home office. Peaceful, serene setting tucked into the Durham hillside with stunning views. Unrivaled excellence for only $239,900! Call Berardino Realtors #860-349-0344.
40 Main St., Durham • 860-349-0344
Town Times & Places
4 SATURDAY
January 7 Christmas Tree Pick-Up Troop 270 will be picking up Christmas trees today and Jan. 14. To schedule pick up, please e-mail Troop270DurhamCT@aol.com or call 860-349-2370. A donation would be greatly appreciated. Explore Winter’s Landscape with CFPA Join Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA) for outdoor fun as we explore the winter landscape in the forest behind the CFPA office (16 Meriden Rd. in Rockfall). The day’s activities will go from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include gear demos, snowshoeing clinics, guided hikes (on snowshoes supplied by REI if the snow cooperates), WalkCT Family Ramble activities and more! Snowshoes, x-country skis, insulated boots and the right clothing layers will help make the experience more enjoyable. Pre-registration is recommended. Register at www.rei.com. See you soon!
SUNDAY
January 8
Free Community Supper The Church of the Epiphany will sponsor a free community supper from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the church hall (196 Main St. in Durham). Parishioners from Notre Dame will be providing desserts. All are invited; all are welcome. Information is available by calling 860-349-9644.
MONDAY
January 9
Durham Senior Lunches Every Monday and Wednesday, hot lunches are available for seniors over 60 and their spouses at the Durham Activity Center (350 Main St.). Following the lunches on Mondays is game time which includes billiards, Wii and cards. Bingo starts at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays. For pricing info and to make a reservation, call Amanda Astarita, senior café manager, at 860-349-3153. Middlefield Senior Lunches The Middlefield Senior Café is serving lunch three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Reservations are required 24 hours prior, and their monthly menu can be picked up at the center,
Town Hall, or on their website: www.middlefieldct.org. Durham 60+ Meeting The Durham 60+ Club will meet at 1:30 p.m. at their new location, the Durham Activity Center (350 Main St.). A blood pressure clinic will be held before the meeting at 1 p.m. Entertainment will be by Bruce Hazard (fiddle, guitar and harmony). Refreshments will follow. New members welcome.
THURSDAY
January 12
Friday, January 6, 2012
Holidays at the Levi Coe Library Levi E. Coe Library’s annual Giving Tree/Open House took place on Dec. 8. Families made gingerbread houses, listened to the Connecticut Yuletide Carolers and had a visit from Santa. Submitted photos
Zumba® for Brenna Zettergren Men, women and kids are all welcome at the John Lyman School gymnasium for a Zumba® fundraiser for Brenna Zettergren. Registration is 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Zumbatomic® for kids will be 6 to 6:30 p.m. Zumba® for adults will be 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. A kids’ movie will be shown from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. First timers are welcome. This event is open to the public. Donations are required at different prices for adults and children and will benefit the Zettergren family. Register at Durham Fitness (6 Main St.) in advance or at the door.
FRIDAY
January 13 American Academy of Ballet Ballet students at the Middlesex Dance Center will present an American Academy of Ballet Performance Award event at 6 p.m. at St. Colman Church. Dancers will perform a series of predetermined port de bras, adage and allegro combinations as well as short solo dances. Admission is a donation of a food item or pet food per person. Bridge Night Come join in at the Durham Activity Center every Friday night at 6:30 p.m. for a fun night of bridge with great people. If you are not sure how to play, Jim will teach you. You may call Jim at 860-346-6611 with bridge questions. Call Durham Recreation at 860-3436724 with further questions. Cabin Fever Dance The 4-C’s Square Dance Club will hold their Cabin Fever dance at 8 p.m. at Brewster School. The caller will be Jim Denigris and the cuer Sue Lucibello. For more info, call 860-349-8084 or 203-235-1604.
Holidays at BASREP The BASREP program celebrated the holidays with a festive party on Friday, Dec. 23. The children enjoyed tasty treats and holiday games! Two spry elves, at left, also visited, bringing lots of new games and equipment for the program! Below, Samantha Rochette and Rachel Testa enjoy their holiday treats. Submitted photos
Friday, January 6, 2012
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Town Times
Students at IDS research Middlefield historic sites The eighth grade students were hard at work during the first quarter researching local mill privileges/factories and historic farmsteads in Middlefield. The students conducted interviews, took field trips and used significant primary source research. They presented their research findings in the IDS theater, left, where all were invited to listen in. Presentations were on Otis Smith Pistol Factory dam site, Metropolitan Washing Machine Company, Lyman family farms, Baileyville Factories, Russell Manufacturing dam site and Mill sites south of Smith Factory. Pictured right, (Jackson Hill), are Jonathan Farrell from Middletown, Patrick Kubiak from Middlefield and Michael Elizabeth Gasior from Middletown, who made their presentation on the history of Jackson Hill Road Farms. Photo at left by Stephanie Wilcox, at right by Chris Senecal
COGINCHAUG SOCCER CLUB Travel Teams are being formed for Boys and Girls age groups U9 to U19 (players born between 8/1/1992 and 7/31/2003).
New This Spring! Recreational Leagues for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade. Registration is fully on-line at www.coginchaugsoccer.org from Jan 6 to Feb 6. (late registrations accepted on the basis of availability)
For more information contact Will Kovacs (cscregistrar@hotmail.com, c: 203-915-1252) or Matt Taber (mttaber@comcast.net, 860-349-0647)
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Registration for Spring 2012
Town Briefs
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Friday, January 6, 2012
Durham 60+ Durham Government Calendar Meeting (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Durham Library. Check the town website at www.townofdurhamct.org for updates.) Monday, January 9 7 p.m. — Historic District Commission 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen at Town Hall 7:30 p.m. — Inland Wetlands Tuesday, January 10 7:30 p.m. — Conservation Commission 7:30 p.m. — Clean Energy Task Force 7:30 p.m. — Midstate Regional Planning Agency at 100 DeKoven Dr. in Middletown 8 p.m. — Durham Volunteer Fire Company Drill at Durham Volunteer Firehouse Wednesday, January 11 7 p.m. — Joint Board & Commission Meeting at Town Hall third floor meeting room 7:30 p.m. — Board of Ed at Korn School
Dr. William Boylin, Ph.D. Family Therapist Specializing in:
Substance Abuse • Teenagers Grief & Loss 1229760
6 Way Road, Middlefield Tel. 349-7033 Now offering daytime hours
The Durham 60+ Club will meet at 1:30 p.m. at their new location, the Durham Activity Center (350 Main St.). A blood pressure clinic will be held before the meeting on Jan. 9 at 1 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by Bruce Hazard (fiddle, guitar and harmony). Refreshments will follow. New members are welcome.
Joint meeting The Board of Selectmen invite you to attend a joint meeting of all boards, commissions, elected officials and town agencies on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 7 p.m. at the Town Hall third floor meeting room. In accordance with Section 4-3.3 of the Town Charter, this meeting presents an opportunity for communication between members from all of Durham’s town government. Chairmen and elected officials should extend this invitation to all their members. The second joint meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 6.
Thank you for your patience, strength and perseverance as we weathered the storm this year, both literally and figuratively. Together we supported and encouraged one another in so many ways. For this reason and more, I remain faithful that there are great days ahead. Please come and share your goals for the new year! Submitted by Beth Moncata and Laura Francis
Durham home burglarized A home on Fowler Avenue in Durham was broken into on Dec. 23, and two men are facing charges. Matthew J. Mosher, 26, of Haddam, and Nicholas Waite, 20, of Higganum, were arrested last week after breaking into the unoccupied home, according to state police Troop F Sgt. Sal Calvo. A neighbor called the police around 4:30 p.m. to report a suspicious vehicle outside the home. The burglars fled from the scene before police arrived. The getaway car was located in Higganum shortly thereafter. Scraps of metal stolen from the home were recovered by police, and Mosher and Waite were charged with third-degree burglary and sixth-degree larceny. Both were released
on $10,000 bonds and are due in court on Jan. 6.
New Year kicks off at the senior center Get in shape with Sue Shade on Mondays and Fridays with low impact exercise and on Wednesdays with Yoga. The classes are free for seniors and start at 7:45 a.m. All classes can be adapted for people who would prefer to be seated in a chair. So put your sneakers on, grab your water bottle and join in. No registration is needed; these are drop-in classes. Movies Madness on Wednesdays is back! Movies and popcorn will be offered every Wednesday at 1 p.m. The featured movie on Jan. 11 is Another Year, Jan. 18 is Water for Elephants and Jan. 25 is Inside Job. Movie matinees are free, starring roles and description of movies are available at the center. The Middlefield Senior Café is open and serving lunch on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays at noon. Next week, we will be serving up Cranberry Glazed Chicken on Jan. 9, frankfurters on Jan. 11 and roast turkey on Jan. 13. A full monthly menu is available at See Center, next page
Open House & Registration 2012-2013 School Year Sat , Jan 21, 2012 10:00am - 1:00pm Snow Date Feb 4th Meet our dedicated teaching staff & parents while your children enjoy fun activities & snacks! Established in 1961, our non-profit preschool offers stimulating programs for 3-5 year olds in a developmentally appropriate setting with nurturing professional teaching staff.
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We have created a wonderful and loving environment for children to grow, learn and have fun. We have made many changes to our school and the curriculum. Starting in September we implemented Handwriting Without Tears. Also, the school has recently been remodeled. We are an organization that truly has your child’s development and well-being as our primary focus. We’re conveniently located in the center of Northford behind St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. 1229254
Your child must be 3 by December 31, 2012 to enroll Enroll today and receive a free NCNS T-Shirt for your child Please call the school at 484-9270 with any questions. www.northfordcommunitynurseryschool.org
Friday, January 6, 2012
Town Times
Middlefield Government Calendar (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Community Center.) Wednesday, January 11 7:30 p.m. — Board of Ed at Korn School
(From page 6)
the senior center, Middlefield Town Hall or at middlefieldct.org. The Middlefield Senior Center is located in the Community Center at 405 Main Street. Call 860-3497121 for more info.
Levi Coe Library Hours: The library is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and closed Fridays. The library will be closed Monday, Jan. 16, for the holiday. Visit www.leviecoe.com or call the library at 860-349-3857 for
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Hours: Regular library hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Visit www.durhamlibrary.org to search the catalog, review your account, register for a program or renew your materials online. For information or to register for a program by phone, call 860-3499544. The library will be closed Monday, Jan. 16, for the holiday.
Web Update This week, we asked our online readers, “Will you set a New Year’s resolution for yourself?” By press time, 9 people responded. Here are the results: -Yes: 44 % -No: 56 % Be sure to vote in our next poll at www.towntimes.com!
Computer Training and Service Windows XP, Vista, and 7 for beginners. Tune-ups, setups, $45/hr. Call Scott at 860-638-7934.
House for rent Single family home in Durham. 3 BR 1 bath. Open floor plan. Full-appliance kitchen. Washer and drier hook-up. Freshly-painted. Nice and clean. Hardwood floors throughout. Full basement and attic for storage. One car garage. Flat yard. Quiet cul-de-sac. $1,400/month plus utilities. Security deposit and first/last month due prior to move in. For inquiries, call 860-395-8044.
This is the ideal time to train for a career in manufacturing. Across the state and nation, there is a high demand for those with precision manufacturing skills. Connecticut is focusing on helping manufacturing companies and providing opportunities to enter this field. The world of manufacturing has undergone major changes in past decades. No longer a low-pay, low-skill job, today’s manufacturing field requires highly-motivated workers with good math abilities and skills in problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. MxCC’s Precision Machining & Manufacturing Technology Certificate program offers a comprehensive training experience for those who want to learn the technical skills needed to enter or advance in the field of manufacturing. It is specifically designed for those interested in gaining entry-level employment in manufacturing and for those already employed in manufacturing who are seeking to upgrade their skills.
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Town Times Opinions
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Friday, January 6, 2012
It all starts with hope... As our front page said last week, quoting Emily Dickinson, “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.” To me, hope is not such a soft, quiet presence. Hope is a colorful blaze that lights me up from within. (Much like this photo, by Frank LoGiudice, of the fireworks that lit up Main Street in Middletown for the “MiddNight On Main Street Celebration” on Dec. 31, 2011.) Do you ever just daydream about all the things you can do with your life? All the places left to be seen, the people to meet, the stories to live and tell, the impact you can have? I sleep with a notebook and pen by my bed so I can jot down ideas as I drift off to sleep and as I wake to a new day, hopeful. I’m hit with this blaze of inspiration sometimes while driving, walking, watching T.V. and reading — I believe all of us are. Thankfully, when we’re hopeful for something, we’re usually inspired. When we’re inspired, we’ll take steps in the right direction, even if just baby steps.
And steps in the right direction lead to achievement in the end. One person can’t change the world, but each of us can follow this process, starting with hope. And I believe we do. I disagree with the idea that hope is all talk, not getting us anywhere. Every time we’re hopeful, we’ve been given a token. What is life if we’re not yearning to do something to make it all worthwhile? That is hope. The creative arts sprinkled across last week and this week’s paper show what hope means to each of us in the community, from hoping for health and happiness to hoping for a nicer winter this year. Speaking of winter and “the thing with feathers”...winter is here, and birds are perched on the feeder out my office window. Last winter, I’d watch them at the feeder across the way and hope that I, too, could have birds at my window. So I bought a basic feeder, filled it with seed, set it up and waited. And waited. I had done what I could to get
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the birds to come. It took nearly all winter, but they finally came. This winter, as I’m visited by a small army of birds every day at work — their
colors catching my eye as I work on this newspaper — I smile. It took birdseed and patience, but it started with hope... Stephanie Wilcox, editor
Letters to the Editor A job well done My bride and I would like to express gratitude in this new year for the commendable job done both by Durham’s Public Works employees and by the private crews procured in the wake of Storm Alfred. As usual, town workers were unstinting in their efforts to clear 60 some miles of local roadway. Later, after a logging rig had efficiently removed overhead hangers, wayside log-lengths, and interminable piles of brush, guys manning the chipper collected seemingly every twig of consequence.
Selectman Szewczyk, who kept us informed regarding the project, also merits mention. And, finally, deserving recognition are all those who managed to contract this unexpected task for a fraction of the cost initially anticipated by the state of Connecticut. Excellent work performed at an excellent price: What’s not to like? Dur Seible, Durham
Where is everyone? I have heard the legendary Durham stories of the “Wally Camp” era in
Letters policy The Town Times intends to present a forum for the lively exchange of ideas and issues. To facilitate the publication of your contributions, several guidelines should be followed. Letters to the editor must be signed, with a phone number included. The writer will be called to confirm authorship. No anonymous letters will be printed, and letters may be edited for grammar or content. Contributions by any individual or group will not be published more frequently than once a month. Every effort will be made to print all letters received. However, the selection and date of publication will be at the discretion of the editor. Finally, the opinions expressed by our letter writers are not necessarily those of this newspaper. Deadline: Tuesday noon for Friday publication.
Coginchaug Blue Devil basketball when the gym was standing room only every night and the Pep Band was rocking. Well, the pep band is still “ROCKING,” and the Wally Camp era has returned to Coginchaug Blue Devil basketball. Both boys’ and girls’ teams are returning All-State players (Erickson Wasyl and Audrey Biesak), and both are undefeated as of this writing in the Shoreline Conference. The girls’ Blue Devils are the defending Shoreline Champions and have a 1,000point scorer in Biesak. The boys’ Blue Devils knocked off the 2011 State Championship team from Valley on their home court to open the season and are expected to be in the hunt for this year’s Shoreline title. Todd Salva, the boys’ varsity coach, just surpassed the 300 career win mark. Rett Mancinelli, the girls’ varsity coach, delivered a Shoreline Championship in his rookie season. Both teams have returned a strong, experienced, senior class and are projected to be top seeds in the Connecticut Class S State Championship Tournament. It is not the Dream Team returning but two “dream teams” playing
quality basketball on our home court a few times a week. So, where are the fans? Long before either of my sons participated, I discovered the best winter entertainment value around. Blue Devil basketball is great family entertainment at an affordable price right here in our own backyard. It is a great place to drop off the kids for some social interaction where they can actually talk to each other in real space rather than cyberspace. I encourage you not to wait for the Shoreline Championships to come out and support the Blue Devils. Come along for the ride early. You won’t regret it. Just Google CIAC Sports and look for Coginchaug under Single Team Schedule for either boys or girls to get the full season schedule. The gym will be rocking. We look forward to seeing you all there. Michael Doyle
Nice artwork I enjoyed the artwork by our young people in your last issue focusing on hope. The rest of it was hopeless. It doesn’t do the human
race any good to hope. Why there is even such a word is beyond me. Oh, I hope the government will save the planet. I hope global warming doesn’t kill us all. Trust me, it won’t. I hope there’s no more war. I hope there will be work for people, and jobs and housing and prosperity. Everyone hoping for something, no one doing anything except talk, talk, talk. Blah, blah, blah, like a broken record. So sit there and hope. What happens? Nothing happens. Do you one day hope to build the Brooklyn Bridge? Well, you won’t build that bridge with hope. Manpower and steel and hard work built the Brooklyn bridge. But this is what you get when you have people in leadership positions that only have ideas about the way things should be. They just have ideas. They can’t put down the concrete and start building. Oh, but they have hope! Is there a creature on earth any more useless to society than a president who only has hope? To hell with hope, do something! Mark J. Czaja, Topeka, KS
Friday, January 6, 2012
Town Times Columns
The Descendants does in showing how Alexander Payne is everyday people a maestro of the silver By Tanya Feke cope with the scenarscreen. When I saw his ios life throws at Academy Award nomithem. The wife’s sitnated turn for Sideuation is tragic, yes, ways in 2004, I thought but what happens to this director had true vision. The film touched on everyday her family in the aftermath is equally issues, bringing a matter-of-fact sen- tragic, if not more so. In her coma, sibility to one man’s midlife crisis as she does not have to explain her ache prepares to walk down the aisle. I tions, but her family has to traverse went home, pondered on the material the emotional landmines she set out and ultimately could not get the for them. How do they get past the themes out of my mind. I ended up go- bad memories to resurrect the good ing to see the film a second time in the ones? How do they learn to live with theater, and its genius knocked me to regret and remorse? How does a husthe floor again — though I managed band move on when the one thing he to avoid landing on the sticky soda- hung his hat on was a lie? For too spilled floor. It’s no wonder there many, closure is an illusion. The performances are riveting, the were five Oscar nominations for the film, including a win for the adapted dialogue crisp, the landscape gorscreenplay written by Payne himself. geous. The choice for Hawaii as a Now, after a seven-year hiatus, home destination leads to the choice Alexander Payne returns with The of soothing ukulele style music in the Descendants. If I thought Payne background that plays in sharp conflaunted his talent back then, he man- trast to the chaos crossing the screen. ages to one-up himself in 2011, deliv- Brilliant. There are many memoering in equal measure as director rable scenes, some poignant, others humorous, but none so affecting as and screenwriter. The Descendants opens with a when the wife’s father (a spot-on woman’s happy face as she rides on a Robert Forster) degrades husband motor boat. The exhilaration is tangi- Matt King (an astounding George ble, her joy infectious. For a moment, Clooney), all but blaming his daughyou wish you could be her. That is, ter’s condition on him. The father until the narrative voiceover begins does not know about her indiscreand her husband tells you that she is tions; he only knows his daughter as in a coma after a boating accident on his perfect little angel. It only goes to the lake. Immediately, you are drawn show that sometimes we only see into a story of family dysfunction what we want to see, and it is a lesson with an outspoken pre-teen, an un- for us all to open our eyes. I have no doubt that George ruly teenager and a workaholic father who wishes he would turn back Clooney will earn an Oscar nominatime to spend more time with his fam- tion for The Descendants this year. In ily. The film resonates with what-ifs fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he took but none more than when his wife’s home the golden statue on the big dark secret is revealed at a time when day. His tender performance, his flipshe cannot speak for herself — she flop-wearing everyman will touch a chord with audiences of all ages and had been cheating on her husband. With such a dramatic plot, the end backgrounds. In the end, it reminds result could have been a schmaltzy us that we are all descendants...of humess, an over-the-top melodrama us- manity. My rating: 4 stethoscopes ing every gimmick in the book to lure Editorial: Dr. Tanya Feke is a in award nominations. A scene where the husband cries as he says physician at Middlesex Hospital Prihis final goodbyes to his wife before mary Care - Durham and guest colum“pulling the plug” is the clichéd nist for the Town Times. She was press Academy Award opportunity. Not so credentialed to the LA Film Festival in in the hands of Alexander Payne. In 2009 and 2010 and continues to pursue fact, The Descendants has little to do a love of film. Her reviews are rated on with the wife’s coma as much as it a five stethoscope scale.
Diagnosis: Movies
Submission reminder The Town Times welcomes submissions regarding upcoming events happening in the community (e-mail news@towntimes.com by Mondays at noon). We do our best to run submissions at least one time. However, due to space constraints, we cannot guarantee a submission will be published on a specific date. To ensure your submission runs exactly as you would like it to, contact our sales representative, Joy Boone, at 860-349-8026 or email advertising@towntimes.com for a paid ad. Thank you.
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An unusual — but great — start to being RSD13’s business manager
of both the town side As I was preparing Pamela Mangini of local government for my first day as the Business Manager as well as public edunew business managcation. er for Regional School Therefore, as the District 13 (RSD13), a annual budget season nor’easter named Alapproaches, I am refred was gearing up as minded that the well! Halloween 2011 was to be my official start date. How- biggest challenge all finance direcever, with Durham/Middlefield resi- tors in the public sector face is helpdents beginning a week without pow- ing our communities balance the er and with my own home in the dark needs and desires of its citizenry. As as well, I quickly realized that this we have all come to recognize, the was going to be a very interesting cost of government is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain first week on the job! Nevertheless, I received a warm through tax dollars, and, in these difwelcome from district and town lead- ficult economic times, we must eners. Though this certainly was not sure that the needs of our school systhe way I had planned to adjust to my tem are carefully analyzed. It is innew surroundings, the challenging cumbent upon all town and school conditions provided me an opportu- leaders to work together to guarantee nity to personally observe the out- that we are responsibly and efficientstanding cooperative efforts between ly allocating our resources to those town and school leaders from programs necessary to preserve the Durham, Middlefield and District 13. quality of the community’s core servIt also allowed me insight to the in- ices, maintain town facilities and incredible energy of my new boss, Su- frastructure and continue our unwaperintendent Susan Viccaro, and the vering commitment to the education dedication and commitment to the of our children.
A View from District 13
district displayed by the entire Central Office staff during this trying week. I did survive that first week, and time here seems to be passing very quickly. As the district’s new business manager, there have been many people to meet and processes to learn. The past eight weeks have been filled with meetings, school tours and the completion of the annual audit. However, my primary focus has been to review district policies and procedures, financial reports for the current year and begin work on the development of the 2012-13 fiscal year budget. While I am new to the area, I am not new to this environment. I arrived at Region 13 with three decades of experience working in the public sector and have had experience working within all areas of municipal government. I have served as the school business administrator for the Derby Public Schools and prior as director of finance and administration for the town of Orange. I have also spent time on the Board of Education for the town of Wallingford. My background in municipal government has afforded me with an understanding
In support of that effort, I am hopeful that, in my short time here at Region 13, the Central Office staff, school administrators, board members and town representatives have recognized my spirit of teamwork and mutual respect, which provide the foundation for my work. I feel that my position is an integral part of the district’s administrative team and that the financial and operational management of our school system is essential to the achievement of high quality teaching and learning. Though working in this capacity can, at times, be quite challenging, my favorite aspect is the ability to touch the lives of our students in a small way. I get to experience the value of my position every time I walk into one of our schools and observe students enjoying resources ranging from art supplies to books to science equipment or benefiting from a healthy school lunch, and teachers creatively using technology resources to teach in clean, safe buildings. This privilege is part of what I find so rewarding about working for a school district, and I am very excited to begin the new year as part of the RSD13 administrative team!
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Anthony J. Cichon
Town Times Obituaries Anthony John Cichon, 89, of Middletown, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 28, after a brief illness at John Dempsey Hospital. Born in Rockfall, he was the son of the late Paul and Anna (Ptak) Cichon and had lived in Middletown for the past 14 years. Anthony was a veteran of WWII serving in the U. S. Navy Seabees. After leaving the service, he became a master carpenter and built
many of his family’s homes. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman and enjoyed children’s sports, especially Little League. Anthony is survived by three brothers, Paul Cichon of Rockfall, Peter Cichon and Adam Cichon, both of Middletown; two sisters, Theresa DiMauro of Rockfall and Rose Misenti of Middlefield; and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by four brothers, Joseph, Frank, John and Andrew Cichon; five sisters, Sister Mary Rosemary Cichon, Sophie Barucci, Margaret Cichon, Catherine Branciforte and Ann Janczura. A graveside service was held on Tuesday, Jan. 3, with Rev. Dr. Dale H. Azevedo officiating in Middlefield Cemetery where full military honors were accorded. In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations in Anthony’s memory to Middlefield Park & Recreation, 405 Main Street, Middlefield, CT 06455. Messages of condolence
Friday, January 6, 2012
may be sent to the family at www.doolittlefuneralservice.com. The Doolittle Funeral Home (14 Old Church St. in Middletown) is handling the arrangements.
Marian Frances Mason Louiselle Marian Frances Mason Louiselle, of Sutton, NH, and Middlefield, was called home to continue her journey with the Lord on Saturday, Dec. 24. Born Oct. 7, 1925, she was the daughter of William E. Mason, Sr., and Stella Mary Eddy Fowler Mason. She was predeceased by her loving husband Lloyd F. (Bozie) Louiselle; her precious daughter, Sherry M. Louiselle Crawley of Gordonsville, VA; her loving friend and daughter-in-law Judy Hall Louiselle; two sisters, Beth M. Borders and Dorothy M. Dumont; and two brothers, William E. Mason, Jr. and Richard E. Mason.
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She is survived by three sons, Lloyd M. (Pole) Louisellle of N. New Portland, ME, David W. Louiselle of Middlefield and James D. Louiselle and his wife Janet of Middletown; two sisters, Kay E. Mailhot of Meriden and Bertha C. Richards of Claremont, NH; a younger brother, Mervin D. Mason and his wife Linda of Punta Gorda, FL; four grandchildren, Christopher T. Crowley of Middlefield, Stacy L. Blanton of Gordonsville, VA, Justin Marshall and his wife Christina of Prospect and Jack James Louiselle of Wyoming; six great-grandchildren, Brett W. Paul Lloyd, Thomas Arron Jason M. and Miss Valerie Marlene Swiatck, all of Virginia, and Miss Ella Rose Marshall of Prospect. She also leaves numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Marian was a past member of Middlefield Federated Church and, for over 50 years, was a very active member of her church family at Third Congregational Church in Westfield. She served for over 40 years in the Ladies Aide and Choir, was a church deacon, was a standing committee pastoral search committee member and was one of the founding members of the Partnership for Sharing Committee as well as the Board of Missions. Marian was a beacon of love, integrity and hope to all who knew her. She had a radiant smile, a loving heart and always extended her hand in welcome and friendship. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Born in Sutton Mills, NH, she attended local schools and graduated from Hopkington High School and was married to the love of her life, Lloyd, in Newport, NH, in April of 1946. She moved to Middlefield in 1947 and resided there for over 60 years and summered at her family home in Sutton Mills and taught her children her love and devotion to the splendor of beautiful Lake Sunapee. She was an avid reader, an accomplished quilt-maker, an excellent chef and See Louiselle, next page
Friday, January 6, 2012
Louiselle (Continued from page 10) baker and the family’s genealogy expert. She loved traveling, golf and bowling as well as bingo, board games and puzzles. At age 65, she climbed Mount Washington, and, at age 66, she enjoyed white water rafting in Pennsylvania. Chadwick Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. A memorial service will be held at Third Congregational Church in Westfield on Saturday, Jan. 7, at 11 a.m. Graveside services will be held at Millwoods Cemetery in Sutton Mills, NH, in the spring. Memorial donations may be made in Marian’s memory to the Ladies Aide of the Third Congregational Church in Westfield.
Robert R. Schulte
tries before retiring in 2000. In his retirement, Bob became “Captain Bob” and pursued his love of boating. In recent years, Captain Bob lived his dream as lead captain for the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat Company and served as a liaison between the company and US Coast Guard. Besides his wife, he is survived by his four children; Adam Schulte of Medford, OR; Erica Schulte of Minneapolis, MN; Beth Puorro of Austin, TX; and Victoria (Puorro) Pancoast of Middletown, CT. In addition, he leaves his brothers, Frank Schulte and Joe Schulte, both of NJ; and his sister, Ann Schulte Steimle of Lumberland, NY. He was an amazing grandfather to his four grandchildren: Cole, Lara, Bennett and Sadie, and they will always remember him as Opa. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent directly to Fellowship Church, 1002 Saybrook Road, Middletown, CT 06457, for the “Captain Bob Living Proof Memorial Fund.” This fund will benefit the teens at church, a cause that Captain Bob supported with his heart and soul. Please make checks out to Fellowship Church with “Captain Bob” in the memo line. The memorial service will be held at Fellowship Church on Saybrook Road in Middletown at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7.
Paws Place: Rocco This four-year-old purebred male Bluenose Pitbull (neutered UTD on shots) lived with babies and children his entire life. He loves and is very submissive to people. A gorgeous dog and a big cuddly baby, he is desperate for love and attention. He is decent on the leash, crate trained and house trained. Not a hyper, jumpy or spastic type of dog, Rocco just wants to be by your side. He is a physically powerful dog who needs regular exercise and someone who can handle his power. No cats or other small animals; this dog has a prey drive. Rocco has a heart of gold. He is a great dog and stunningly beautiful in person. Please consider saving him. For more information about this dog, please e-mail paw364@yahoo.com, call 203-2354179 or go to Petfinder.com. The Meriden CT Animal Control, located at 311 Murdock Ave. in Meriden (right off East Main St. exit on 691), has public viewing hours every day from 3 to 4 p.m., or you can call for an appointment.
Locals collect donations for Help Willy’s Friends The Mini Mustangs 4-H Horse Club collected over 350 lbs of pet food and supplies and $220 in donations for Help Willy’s Friends (HWF) at their 4th annual “Riding for Ruldolph” community service project. Club members are shown here with Willy, HWF founder Mark Paturzo and two of their equine friends. Submitted by Pat Bandzes
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Robert R. Schulte, 65, of Durham, beloved husband of Lucinda (Cindy) Schulte, entered into the presence of his Savior on Saturday, Dec. 24, at Middlesex Hospital. He was born in Montclair, NJ, as the son of Herman J. and Helen (Hempen) Schulte. He worked in sales for many years at Stanley Tools and later was director of sales for Merillat Indus-
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Town Times
(860) 349-5411
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Town Times Sports
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Friday, January 6, 2012
Biesak hits 1,000 in domination of North Branford By Alan Pease Special to the Town Times On Tuesday, Dec. 20, the Coginchaug girls hosted the Thunderbirds of North Branford in a Shoreline conference game. It proved to not be a very exciting game from a score standpoint, as Coginchaug jumped to a 21-7 lead after one period and
ended with a 68-21 win, more than tripling the visiting team’s score. However, the team and the fans ultimately had a very satisfying night, as Audrey Biesak, who needed 15 points going into the game to get to 1,000 points, did the deed in the third period. Biesak scored six in the first period, the first three on
Audrey Biesak taking her 1,000th-point shot. Photo by Tracy Mancinelli
a Morgan Kuehnle-assisted trey, then three more on an old-fashioned three-point play on a rebound put-back. In the second period, Biesak scored five, three on another old-fashioned threepoint play set-up by Lauren Esposito and two more on a steal and court-length drive by Biesak herself. So she had eleven at the half and still needed four to get to the thousand-point mark. The score was 35-11. The anticipation was high going into the second half. Someone had a countdown going on in the student section, showing Biesak’s current career total of 996. The entire Biesak family was there — grandparents, parents John and Lisa and former boys’ stars and brothers John and Matt. On every Devils’ possession, the crowd was rooting for a Biesak score. First Sam Mancinelli scored on an Esposito assist, then on a Biesak steal, Biesak gave up the ball to a streaking Kelly Romanoff for the assist. Then Romanoff stole the ball herself and converted on the lay-up. Yet again, Biesak stole the ball, this time finding Esposito ahead of the field for the lay-up. I think that many of the fans were
looking for Biesak to be a little selfish and convert her steals to her points, but if she’s got a teammate in front of the field, she’ll find them every time. Finally, with three minutes gone in the half, Mancinelli kicked the ball out to Biesak beyond the arc, and Biesak dropped it through to make the fan counter 999 and drive the fans to a frenzy. A Jessica Solomon rebound set up Biesak’s assist to Esposito, before the Big Event finally happened. Mancinelli grabbed an offensive rebound and dished the ball to Biesak, who dropped it through the net for points 1,000 and 1,001. The fans celebrated, the game stopped for a bit and Biesak got a game ball — a great moment and a well-deserved celebration! Then when play resumed, Romanoff grabbed a defensive rebound and got the ball to Biesak ahead of the field, and she scored again! Biesak finished her night by grabbing still another steal and getting the ball ahead to Esposito for the fast break bucket. At that point, the Devils had outscored the Thunderbirds by 19-0 for the period, with Biesak getting seven of those points and
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adding three steals and four assists, all while achieving the one thousand-point milestone in style. Only after the starters had departed did North Branford finally crack the second half scoring column, but the Devils had a 58-16 lead after three. Even with the starters all on the bench, the final period started off with a 10-0 Devils run. Then Coginchaug went turnover happy but still only surrendered five points over the rest of the game, making the final count 68-21 in favor of Biesak’s Blue Devils. Seeing that it was Biesak’s big night, it’s fitting that she led the team with 18 points, adding five steals, four assists and three rebounds. Sam Mancinelli had seven points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Lauren Esposito had 10 points, two assists and a steal. Kim Romanoff had six points, three rebounds, a steal and an assist. Morgan Kuehnle had five rebounds, four steals and two assists. Off the bench, Andrea Braga had a nice game with nine points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal. Jessica Solomon was the leading rebounder with six, adding four points and two steals. Olivia Corazzini had five points, three steals and two rebounds. Katelyn Williams had three points, two rebounds and two assists. Sydney Trusty had two points and two rebounds. Mikayla Wyskiel chipped in with two points and a rebound, as did Alison Luther. Caryn Sibiski had two blocks and a rebound, and Kasi Whitaker had a steal.
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Town Times Sports
Friday, January 6, 2012
Late free throws bring victory over Rams By Alan Pease Special to the Town Times On Monday, Dec. 19, the Coginchaug boys hosted the Rams from Old Saybrook in a Shoreline basketball game. Old Saybrook has a history of success over the years, so there was an expectation for a close contest that proved to be pretty accurate. The Devils started well, jumping out to a 14-6 lead after one of the strengths of five points from Ethan Donecker, four from Erikson Wasyl, two each from Alec Corazzini and Sam Baker and one from Brock Hoyt. The Rams played a man-onman defense, which the home team was able to exploit.
The Old Saybrook zone continued to plague the Devils in the second half, as they managed only four points from Hoyt and two each from Donecker and Corazzini. Meanwhile, the Rams racked up 14 points, giving the visitors a 27-25 lead. The Rams extended their lead to 29-25 to start the fourth period, but a rebound and assist from Sam Baker led to a Luke Bogdanski bucket. Wasyl hit four free throws bracketed around a basket from the Rams to tie the game at 31-31. Another bucket from the visitors was answered by a rebound putback from Donecker, and, after a single free-throw from the Rams, the Devils finally went ahead for good on the strength of a Donecker-assisted basket from Hoyt.
Varsity coach marks 300th career win and 21 years at CRHS By Deb Hoyt Special to the Town Times Coach Todd Salva led the Coginchaug Blue Devils to a convincing win in Durham over rival North Branford on Monday evening, Jan. 2, marking Salva’s 300th career victory in his 21 years coaching boys’ basketball at Coginchaug Regional High School. Eight high school seniors who have played basketball together since their years in grade school bring solid talent on both offense and defense to make this particular varsity team the one to watch. The Devils are 4-1 overall and 4-0 in league play so far this season with all the ingredients for a Shoreline Conference title this year. After the game-winning buzzer, the coach and his varsity squad posed for photos to mark the milestone at center court.
Luke Bogdanski, Ethan Donecker (co-captain), Mike Bongiorno, Jackson Doyle (partially hidden), Alec Corazzini, Jake Teitelbaum, Alex Kotrady, Coach Todd Salva, Brock Hoyt (co-captain), Kevin Gawron, Erikson Wasyl (co-captain) and Sam Baker. Photo by Karen Kean
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For the second period, Old Saybrook came out with a zone defense which gave the Devils fits. They managed only three points in the period — a free throw from Donecker and a driving lay-up from Corazzini — but they
surrendered only seven points, so they were able to maintain a 17-13 lead at the half.
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Girls dominate Bellringers On Friday, Dec. 23, the Coginchaug girls traveled to East Hampton to take on the Bellringers. They jumped out to a 15-4 first period lead, made the score 30-11 at the half, had a 44-18 lead after three and finished with a 5926 win. Samantha Mancinelli had a strong stat line with eight points, seven assists, four re-
bounds and two steals. Lauren Esposito was leading scorer with 12, adding two rebounds and two steals. Morgan Kuehnle scored six points, adding four rebounds, two assists and a steal. Audrey Biesak had eight points, four steals, three rebounds and an assist. Kim Romanoff had five points, four steals and three assists. Off the bench, Olivia Corazzini had seven points,
two rebounds and two steals. Jessica Solomon was the team’s leading rebounder with seven, adding two steals, a point and an assist. Caryn Sibiski had three rebounds, two points, a block and an assist. Mikayla Wyskiel had two points, a rebound, a block, a steal and an assist. Sidney Trusty had two points, a rebound and a steal. Andrea Braga had four points, and Katelyn Williams scored two.
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CRHS boys fall to Enfield bounds. Jake Tietlebaum had four points, four rebounds, two steals and an assist. Ethan Donecker led the team in rebounding but with five, adding three points and a block. Brock Hoyt had four rebounds, two points and a block. Off the bench, Kevin Gawron had two points and a block, and Sam Baker had an assist.
1230078
On Thursday, Dec. 22, the Coginchaug boys hosted the Raiders from Enfield. The Devils fell behind early and never recovered in a 51-29 non-conference loss. After the first period, they trailed 13-7, and the deficit was 27-16 at the half. A good defensive effort in the third period narrowed the gap to
35-26, but the Devils could manage only a three-pointer in the final period, as they fell by the 51-29 count. Coginchaug was done in by 27 turnovers on the game, with nine of those coming in the fourth quarter. Erikson Wasyl led the Devils with 10 points, adding three rebounds and an assist. Alec Corazzini had eight points, three steals, two assists and two re-
0411cm
By Alan Pease Special to the Town Times
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Friday, January 6, 2012
Town Times
Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts
Parallel
Devin Anderson, IDS, grade 3, paper mask
I Lost My Tooth I lost my tooth. It was the top tooth on the left. I noticed in the morning because I woke up to say good-bye to my dad. He was going to work. I could not find my tooth. My mom looked. I looked. I felt weird. I was surprised too but I was mad because I could not find my tooth. Finally my big sister found it. She found the tooth on my bed. The next night I put it in my teddy bear. We have a bear that you can put your tooth in for the tooth fairy. I watched TV but first I put it in my bear. I waited until the tooth fairy came but I knew she wouldn’t come while I was awake. So I went to sleep. In the morning the tooth fairy came. I got $5. By Zoe Carpentino, grade 1, John Lyman School
“Don’t you move!” the woman yelled angrily at us. The loud shrill bell for the end of school had just shrieked. Kids were pouring out of doors, laughing and chattering excitedly. Outside, the early fall flowers and trees beckoned. And here we all sat, held prisoner by my evil sixth grade math teacher, Mrs. Miller. She peered at us over her wirerimmed glasses. Her small mouth pursed, and in a slightly softer tone she said, “This question will count for 10, count them, 10 extra credit points.” She paused for dramatic effect. “What is the definition of two parallel lines?” Jenny Bloom, the resident class genius, tightened her ponytail, raised her hand and said, “Two straight lines, both extending forward, never bending or connecting.” Mrs. Miller clapped her hand two times and said, “Class dismissed!” As I scooped up my books and headed toward the door, I ran headfirst into bully, cheater, and, if the rumors are true, smoker Roland Blacksmith. My books spilled everywhere, and I sprawled onto the floor. I held my breath and hoped against hope that Roland would keep walking, not turn around. Roland stopped...and turned around. He held his hand out toward me. I flinched. Brown hair, green eyes, not fat, not skinny, I usually fly under the radar. But now...uh-oh. He grabbed my hand, and I closed my eyes and found myself being pulled to my feet! I
looked at Roland. There was kindness in his blue eyes. “Are you okay?” he asked. I wondered if he was kidding, pulling some awful prank, but he actually sounded concerned! “Um...yeah. I guess?” I mumbled. “I’m really sorry,” Roland said, gathering the rest of my books and handing them to me, “I wasn’t looking.” “Oh...uh,” I said, “Er...that was me. I mean my fault.” “Well see you!” Roland waved as he headed out the door. That was weird. To say the least. Roland had always ignored me. But I had seen him fight other kids on the playground at recess. I knew what he was, or what he had become? I shook my head. This was so confusing! I took a deep breath and walked quickly down the school hallway. Roland must have gone to reform camp! How else could he have changed so much over the summer? My feet clomped against the familiar gray and white ceramic floor tiles. My eyes turned downward as a sudden wave of kids washed over me. I screamed as my eyes adjusted to the view. My legs pedaled wildly, and I burst out of the crowd gasping for breath. They changed them, I changed in my head. But I knew in my heart that it wasn’t true.
By Ivy Linden-Dionne, grade 6 Memorial Middle School
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The Masonicare Behavioral Health Team (l to r:) Andrea Joseph, LCSW; Richard Kull, MD; Bonnie Piascyk, APRN
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Town Times
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Hope
Opening Presents
Hope comes to you in different ways. Hope is like wanting to get something. Hope is hoping your friend will win. Some people may be hoping to have a safe Christmas and a safe new year. I’m hoping I don’t get sick again! Some people might be hoping that when they give a gift to someone that person will be surprised. Hope is a natural thing that comes to you. Some people hope that children in different parts of the world have somewhere safe to live.
Opening my presents Joyfully finding the one I want Seeing a lot of presents Makes me feel wistful the rest of the year Wanting more but not toys, A hope a hope for Haiti To have more food and clothes. By Grace Hughes-Conway, grade 2 John Lyman Elementary School
Cady Hurlbert, grade 3 John Lyman Elementary School
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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 2010 are due and payable to the Town of Durham on January 1, 2012. No bill is sent for the 2nd installment of Real Estate. If not paid by February 1, 2012 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. 2nd payment will be charged a 3% penalty. (Jan. & Feb.) Payments may be mailed to: Town of Durham, P.O. Box 428, Durham, CT 06422. Hours for the Tax Collector’s office are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:30-4:30 pm, Tuesday 8:30-7:00 pm and Friday 8:30-3:00 pm. Additional hours for this collection period will be Saturday January 28, 2012; from 10:00 am-12:00 pm. Martin French, CCMC Tax Collector - Town of Durham, CT
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Friday, January 6, 2012
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My list of hopes We all hope for world peace and an end to world hunger and for the health and happiness of our loved ones. That’s a given. But I’ve tacked on a few of my own desires to that lofty wish list. Perhaps you can relate to some of them.
year. He was an absolute bear last year, and I am not in the mood to put up with his shenanigans again. I think I am still suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, and here it is, almost time to go another round. For the common good of all, I would be willing to send him on an
Oh, I so hope Old Man Winter is better-tempered this
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all-expense-paid trip to — well, anywhere but here. I’m going to leave out brochures all around my house, brochures that fairly sing of those toasty spots that languish in the sun all year long. You know, just to put the idea in his head. I’ll even buy him new luggage! Well, he can leave a little bit of himself behind, for the occasional snowstorm (to be measured at no more than three inches), but that’s all. I hope none of us ever loses power again, not even for two minutes. A flickering of my lights can now reduce me to tears. Immediately I think, “Drats! I didn’t fill up my bathtub with water, or get those cursed non-perishables that I get so sick of eating. And Lord, it is going to be so cold tonight!” And when the lights came back on the other day, after a brief outage, as I let my breath back out, I could not stop giving thanks to the Electricity Gods. I believe all those days of stumbling around in the dark have ruined me. I seem to remain in near-panic mode now. The slightest breeze has me fishing out the flashlights. I hope my cat, Shamus, continues to do well. He is a
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young fellow, but with serious health issues, and my vet and I have brought him back from the brink a number of times. By all reckoning, he shouldn’t be here. But his spirit is strong, and he has apparently decided to stay. I’m glad. He’s a dear friend. Number one on my list, of course, is my hope for the well-being of my two sons — Ryan, who lives in Sweden, and Jordan, who lives in North Carolina. Sometimes it’s harder to be a mother to grown men because, now when something goes wrong in their lives, I can’t make it all better by taking them to Chucky Cheese. So, boys, take care of yourselves. Be well, be happy, be safe. I may be sitting here in the dark, with four feet of snow piled up outside my door (just in case Old Man Winter doesn’t take me up on my offer). I don’t need the extra worry. I hope I can stop feeling sorry for myself because my boys live in Sweden and North Carolina. I’ll see them both this year. But the trip over to Sweden is a nightmare for me. I wish someone from Star Trek (I fear I have forgotten all of their names) could just beam me up and then over to that magical land. Eight hours on a plane, cramped in with people I don’t know whose elbows and knees keep finding their way into my limited space. Ugh! I really must win the lottery sometime so that I can fly first class. (I once accidentally wandered into their bathroom, and now I can’t get the picture of it out of my head. It was sizeable, relatively speaking. And talk about a room with a view! Windows on all sides allowed the occupant to watch the birds and the clouds meander by. Other than seeing my dear boy, it was the highlight of my trip.) And then there’s that horrific three-hour train ride I must take once I get into the airport in Copenhagen. The train flies in and flies out, and I have precious little time to board. The conductor only speaks Swedish. Or Danish. I don’t know
which. But that means I never have a clue as to upcoming problems — like a fire on the tracks, or an accident on the tracks (which can necessitate us all getting off and somehow finding another train), or the car I am sitting in being disconnected and heading off into the opposite direction. I have really been through it on those trains, let me tell you. Making the trip in a hot air balloon would be easier. So I hope that I weather it all, and I hope that all those hours of travel tick by just a bit faster. Well, actually, I hope they zoom by. I hope no more snakes get into my house. One paid me a visit just before Irene came a’callin’, and I wasn’t pleased with either one. It was a cruel trick of Fate, really, because she knows how beyond terrified I am of the beasts. One saw fit to mosey in through the space between my door and the doorjamb, which belies the notion that they are more afraid of me than I am of them. I can tell you with a fair amount of certainty that I would not be making any unannounced visits to their abode. I hope that my toes straighten out and take on some semblance of normality. That second one on my right foot has taken on a monstrous appearance as of late, with lumps and bumps, and I swear it is growing. I have bunions you could hang a hat on, a condition which has caused my toes to wander aimlessly about, not even trying to point in the same direction. They need to do an about-face, all of them, and get into some semblance of a line. Barefoot season will be here before we know it, and I don’t want to frighten small children. And I hope, dear reader, like the Irish blessing says, that the sun always shines on your face and the wind is always at your back, and the road rises up to meet you. And I hope you find your rainbow. That last one is from me. By Diana Carr, Durham
Friday, January 6, 2012
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Town Times
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Hope Poem
Sofia Karatzas, IDS, grade 2, Great Horned Owl
Hope is love, like helping HELO Haiti or people with no food or home. Hope is getting, like if you hope for something good, hope might bring it to you. Hope is good. Hope can help you if you really need something like food or a home. Hope is helpful, like if you are sick, hope could help you get better.
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Isabelle Haeberly, IDS, grade 5, Grecian Hydra
Winter The dry air circles around me Hail scratches my face I fall into a desert of snow The sky is black like the deepest ocean The ground is cold like ice A blanket of white snow covers the charcoal trees The silent daybreaks like freezing glass I feel trapped Alone in the coldest part of winter Struggling to get up, I lose all hope and fall back to the ground Letting the snow cover my face It’s so cold my fingers and toes start to go numb I scream for help but nobody seams to hear me I open my eyes to see a white, vacant world
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Friday, January 6, 2012
Town Times
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Going to Sophia’s House
Hope
I had a playdate with Sophia Sacco at her house on Tuesday. We went on the bus together. We sat together. We talked about our playdate and what we wanted to do. When we got off the bus, the bus driver said that starting tomorrow people would have to sit in the first seat we sat in. The bus driver was talking about
Hope is giving. It is love. Hope is peace in your heart. Hope shows you care. It is a gift to have and a sign of love, care and giving. It grows around the world from place to place, heart to heart. Hope, to me, is like a dream everyone will wish for. Lexi Satton, grade 3 John Lyman Elementary School
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Sophia’s bus, not my bus. The bus driver made a new rule because they need to get to the other stops more quickly and get to the school. The bus can’t go until everyone is in a seat. Then we got in her mom’s car. Then we dropped off Ethan because his parents weren’t there. Ethan is their neighbor. After that, we went to Sophia’s house. Ava, Sophia’s sister, had their Grandma’s dog because they were dog sitting. Her dog’s name is Bella. She bites a lot. We threw the toy with her. Then we got a snack. We had cookies. The dog chased us up the stairs. We got in Sophia’s room. Then we jumped on Sophia’s bed and Ava’s bed because they share a room. Ava put the dog downstairs so we could get out of the room. We went back downstairs. Then we had mac and cheese. It was good. We also had a glass of milk. After that Ava’s tutor came. We had to stay out of the kitchen for a while. While Ava was doing her work, we played with Bella some more. Sophia and I went behind the Christmas tree. Then we got out and went upstairs. We shut the door. Then we got white bracelets and decorated them with gold glitter. Then we let them dry in their mom and dad’s bathroom. A little while later my mom came to pick me up and our moms talked for a minute. While they talked, we ran around. Then I had to leave and I walked with my mom to the car. I really liked playing with her dog because she is adorable. It was a fun playdate. By Nora O’Connell, grade 2 John Lyman School
Friday, January 6, 2012
19
Town Times
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Two of the Guys Mary. He then grabbed this hose sitting by our garden. He pulled the trigger (it was one with the special nozzle) and water came squirting out. It hit Jake. I felt bad, I bet the water was cold. I cried for Mary. He tried to turn it off but it wouldn’t; water was still pouring out of the hose. Mary came to the garden but actually ran right through the water! I laughed. She then shoved Jauger out of the way and squirted me in the face! We all burst out laughing! :) By Allie Lecza, grade 6 Memorial Middle School
We light the Hanukkah menorah. Some families even dance the Horah. Hanukkah starts after dark. In Hebrew hallelujah means the same thing as hark. We have yummy latkes cooked in oil. Please try to make sure that they do not spoil. Light one more candle for every night. Every night there is more light. Then we exchange gifts that some people believe are from Hanukkah Harry, Although I think it’s all from Uncle Larry. My mom calls it the holiday for foil. Most of the foods are cooked in oil. Hanukkah is the holiday of lights, And also the Jews winning a bunch of fights. Mom makes soup with her favorite ladle. Then next we play with the dreidel. Nun, Gimmel, Hey, Shin, Spin the dreidel and try to win. My brother won all my gelt. It’s no fair is how I felt. These are the right nights, To watch the Hanukkah lights. By Emma Axelrod, grade 6 Memorial Middle School
Town Times Service Directory 1226084
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I was getting cold but I couldn’t get out from the bushes. Apparently, if I got out of hiding I would probably get tagged and then be out. Fortunately I had a slight advantage. This was my house, my yard, so I knew all the best hiding spots. Suddenly I heard the bushes rustling. I leaned against the side of my house a little more. The thin twigs were poking at my face. The bushes rustled more, then I heard a voice, “Hey! Allie!” cried a voice, “Manhunt is over! Everyone but Mary, Jake and David went inside!” I wasn’t sure why I trusted him, but I did. I got up out of the bushes and brushed myself off. Jauger jumped a little when he saw me randomly walk out of the bushes. I ran over to the porch to find Mary leaning against the chipped, white railing, rolling her eyes at Jake and David who were shaking a Coco Cola can. They braced themselves and were about to open the can when Mary yelled at them to drop the can. I walked over to Mary, “Why aren’t we with the other girls?” I whispered, “Do you really want to hang out with the other cheerleaders saying,” Mary then made her voice all high and squeaky, “Hi, this is Sarah from Victoria’s Secret!” I shrugged. Suddenly I heard one of the boys yelling. We both turned our heads to see Jauger running away with Jake’s hat. We ran after him screaming for him to give back the hat. Eventually this whole keep away thing turned into Jauger and Mary hiding David’s shoe. He walked around screaming for them to give it back. Since it was dark out, they just put the shoe in the middle of the yard without him finding it. Jauger still had Jake’s hat, and by now Jake was furious. Suddenly, we heard a scream. “Hey! Jake, I found my shoe! Let’s get that hat!” Jauger ran into the backyard and threw the hat to
Hanukkah
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Friday, January 6, 2012
Town Times
Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts
My Winter Poem
The Volcano
Snow is falling, Bells are ringing, Ice is glowing, Carolers singing. Christmas trees are lighting up, Sweet hot cocoa warms you up. Ice is hanging like velvet lace, Lying near the fireplace. Houses dripping with rainbow light, Air as still as silent night. Watching from the windowsill, Speeding down the snowy hill. Gliding across the glittering ice, Drinking tea with sugar and spice. Christmas trees sprouting from stems, Ornaments are like sparkling gems. Day by night, At night you lie, The Christmas joy will never die. Presents lying under the tree, Christmas cookies are waiting for me. All together, Far away, Waiting for magical Santa’s sleigh, Colin Kelly, age 10, Memorial Middle School There’s nothing better than Christmas day.
“And here is the palm tree, which is found all over the island,” the tour guide said. Little Danny and his mom were on the main island of Hawaii taking a tour of the remote part of the island. Their hometown in Sacramento, California was a whole lot more amusing than this island. Aside from the beaches and the food, this place was a total bust. There was no electricity! That meant there would be no TVs, no DSes, no video games, not even a computer! So much for a paradise. But there was one spectacular thing that was on the island, which was the towering volcano. They say the volcano is named after some Hawaiian god named Wakimoto or whoever was the god of destruction. Danny would do anything to just get a glimpse of it
By Sarah Keeman Locascio, grade 6 Memorial Middle School
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erupting. As the tour progressed, it became “boringer” (Danny has an interesting vocabulary) than ever. “Danny! Stop making weird faces in public, even if this tour makes you bored out of your mind! It’s really starting to creep me out!” his mom complained. Danny stared at his mom for a while and started making noises. This went on for a long time until his mom got so fed up that she took a roll of blue painter’s tape from her purse (she is a very good painter, which was part of the reason she came to Hawaii) and taped Danny’s mouth shut. This is exactly what Danny meant; nothing but trouble on the island of Hawaii. As the tour came to an end, Danny was ready to drop. He had never had so much exercise before! The only exercise movement he does is press the “channel” button for the TV remote. When they got back to the hotel, it was chaos. Everybody was in a rush like stranded ants in a rainstorm. All of the commotion confused Danny. One wacko was screaming, “It’s the end of the WORLD!!!” and “Run for your life!!” All of a sudden, the ground shook violently. Danny looked outside and saw red, evil lava streaming down the menacing volcano. Danny certainly got his wish, but this is not what he expected. Rocks were flying everywhere, people were screaming, birds were flocking everywhere. It is just an absolute mess. While the terrified mother and son were running to the door, there was a massive shake. A magnitude 10.4 earthquake (one of the highest earthquake ratings in the world) struck the heart of Hawaii. Danny’s hotel shattered and came crumbling down on the family of two, trapping them forever. And to this day, Danny and his mother are still trapped under the rubble of the five-star hotel and will never escape their imprisonment all because of the volcano.
By Andrew Treat, grade 6 Memorial Middle School
Friday, January 6, 2012
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Town Times
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I Hate Winter! The bitter snow rubs against my face. I fall into the thick snow in agony. I stand up but it takes several attempts. I start walking but it feels as if I’m walking through quicksand and it’s pulling me under. I imagine myself in my comforting home drinking hot cocoa, if only I was. I fall again desperately. I start to crawl but the cold wind nips at my face, Draining the energy out of me. Once again, I stand up and start to walk, when I hear a faint rustling noise getting louder and louder. I run aimlessly tripping over thick, five-foot snow, until I crash into my front door. I quickly open it and run inside, locking the door behind me. I’m about to go warm myself up when I hear the doorbell ring. I open the door and see a few kids with their parents. They were all bundled up and holding little booklets. That’s when they started to sing. I didn’t recognize the song until I heard them say, “They never let poor Rudolph join in any reindeer games.” They were Christmas caroling. Christmas caroling was one of my least favorite parts of winter. I’m about to slam the door in their faces, but instead I run outside, escaping from the horrible music, Until I fall again miserably. I hate winter! By Sarina McCoy, grade 6 Memorial Middle School
Town Times Service Directory 1223218
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Friday, January 6, 2012
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Beach Terror
William Foster, IDS, grade 3, Lizard Mola
As the sun beat down on my face, I sat up slowly. The smell of salt water filled my nose. The ocean was calm as I relaxed on an upper rock that could go into the ocean if it was high enough, but the water never reached that point. The sun blazed through the fluffy white cotton balls in the sky. Through my towel, I could feel the rough surface of
the brown rock I was on. The lower rocks were filled with black seaweed that had come from the ocean. I was debating whether to go and just dip into the cool ocean on this hot August day; it wouldn’t be unusual. I slid on my silver flipflops and put my foot onto the seaweed rock. As my foot glued, I heard a rumble in the distance. It sounded like
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thunder. How could this be on this sunny day, having a random thunderstorm? This is weird. The sky went from a beautiful blue to a menacing purple. The cotton balls turned a deep black and spread over the sky. The thunder rumbled again. The wind whipped my hair across my face, making it hard to see anything. Giant waves were created in the ocean; as they hit the rocks, they splashed all over me and the rock I was on. As my foot started to slip; I tried to jump and grab the brown rock. My hands grasped on tightly as I felt my stomach scrape against the side of the rock. I thankfully picked myself up and grabbed my half-wet towel and bag and ran down the road. I was running to the cottage I rented. Once I finally turned onto Pool Lane, I ran to the only gray cottage with dark blue shutters. The door was shaking back and forth. I ran into the cottage, slamming the door behind me. I switched the lock and turned a corner into the living room. I plopped onto the gray and white striped couch and clicked on the flat screen TV. “Warning for all people in Clinton and Guilford,” the news said. The TV started to blink in and out. “Hurricane…maybe flooding…stay in basement.” The TV screen turned blank. That can’t be good. I went to the fridge, and all that was there was a pack of water bottles, hot dogs and apples. In my cabinet, I saw a couple bags of chips, peanut butter, jelly, bread and granola bars. The wind howled as my white little schnauzer puppy trembled down the stairs. I grabbed all of the food and threw it into a bag. As I went to run up the stairs, my TV signal popped up again. The menacing purple sky was taken over by the beautiful blue. I felt the butterflies fly away from my stomach as I walked down the staircase and slumped on my couch. I sighed as my puppy sat down next to me, and my eyes shut completely. By Taylor Kelly, grade 6 Memorial Middle School
Friday, January 6, 2012
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Town Times
Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts
Christmas Reflections me feel thankful to be alive. Another thing I enjoyed that day was dropping by a few older (yes, there are a few who are older than I am!) people in Durham and bringing them poinsettias. The visits were short, but they left me with a huge warm spot inside.
care center in Middletown on Christmas Eve and, on the front lawn, were a horde of the deflated critters. I guess it knocked the wind out of them when the kids left for the holiday. Something that made me glow was going back to West Hartford to visit the man who used to be my next door neighbor. His wife, whom I also know very well, had just moved to a nursing home due to increasingly severe dementia. We had a wonderful talk and reminisced a bit. Our house, which my parents built in the mid-1950s, was now owned by someone new. Looking out Bernie’s picture window and seeing the house and, behind it, Trout Brook, where I used to swim and play, was poignant, but I wouldn’t trade the memory for the world. As I drove up the street, four young children, maybe four or five years old, were running down the street, bouncing with joy. That was me, right there, almost 60 years ago. I smiled. On Christmas Eve I made it a point to go to Stop & Shop, not because I needed anything particular, but because I wanted to watch the people, especially the kids. There was a happy bustle that made
Perhaps the best thing of all was later that day when I sang at the 4:30 service at St. Peter Church in Higganum. My voice teacher is the music director there, and we do all sorts of wonderful, traditional choral music. Before the service, as people poured in, the din of the congregation grew ever louder. Of course — it was the Christmas Pageant service! There were children galore, including many dressed as angels in white. I can only imagine how excited they were, although I did see one angel yawn a bit, and one of the wise men ended up reclining on the floor — not a very wise man-ish pose!
Above, on the Isle of Skye, in the Inner Hebrides Islands (part of Scotland). Photos by Judy Moeckel
I then headed to my church, Epiphany, and vacuumed up the tinsel and glitter that was left from our pageant. Then we had our late service, and I enjoyed playing and singing a number of lesser-known hymns as a prelude. Home for a few hours sleep and then back to St. Peter for the 8:30 a.m. Christmas service. This year, I inaugurated a new tradition: lying on the couch (and sometimes snoozing) with Gibson, with the lights on the Christmas tree sparkling in the corner of the living room. This truly was “heavenly peace.”
SUDOKU ANSWER
By Judy Moeckel
Experience makes the difference.
Cory Hassmann, CRHS, grade 9
CROSSWORD ANSWER
1190717
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Now that Christmas is past (although, on the church calendar, it lasts until Epiphany, Jan. 6), and 2011 is coming to a close, I find myself looking back over the past year. I am not alone in this, for sure! The weird storms, added to personal challenges that are best left undescribed, made me treasure this Christmas more than almost any other, despite the fact that my husband and I spent part of Christmas Day in the emergency room! We just feel lucky that we got through this past year relatively intact, along with our new (rescue) dog, Gibson. Life, with all its ups and downs, is good. One of the things I love about Christmas is the red kettles of the Salvation Army that appear by the Stop & Shop around Thanksgiving. I can’t resist giving each time I go by; the feeling it gives me is just plain joy. And thanks. Since I put my Christmas CDs in the car around Thanksgiving, there is one CD that I have played so much, I am sure it’s going to self-destruct soon. It’s a recording of the men’s and boys’ choir at St. Thomas in New York City, and it’s called Christmas on Fifth Avenue. “Silver Bells” is not on it, but “Once in Royal David’s City” is, and to hear the perfectly pure young voice that sings the first verse lifts me up to heaven. “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” does the same thing. People must have thought I was nuts when I pulled into a parking lot with a Christmas carol blaring as loud as a kid might play a rap hit… “Who is that weird lady, Mommy?” Speaking of weird, I saw a rather large guy with a Santa hat in front of the grocery the other day…no big deal, except he was wearing shorts. And it was probably about 40 degrees. He seemed quite jolly, I admit. Since we don’t have children, we have not been pressured into getting any of those inflatable, lit-up snowmen and santas that spring up like mushrooms after a damp spell. But I got a good laugh when I drove by a day
24
Victory (Continued from page 13) Then the pressure-packed free throws started. First, Mike Bongiorno hit the front end of a one-andone from the charity stripe, then after stealing the ball, Jake Tietlebaum repeated the feat to put the Devils up by 37-34. In the final 30 seconds, Bongiorno and Wasyl
Club
Friday, January 6, 2012
Town Times
(From page 1)
women I otherwise might not have.”
The Durham Women’s Club would love to welcome new members. So if you’re community-oriented, looking to give back and would enjoy the company of other women, check them out. “The requirements are simple,” says Buckheit. “You have to love giving back to the community, participate in monthly meetings from September to May and give eight hours to our Durham Fair booth.” The Durham Women’s Club will be having an open house at Gouveia Winery in Wallingford on Whirlwind Hill Road on Thursday, Jan. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. Anyone is welcome to attend to learn more about the club.
Creative Arts Creative Arts
Local news Local events Local issues
Town Times
Alexander Case, Korn School, grade 4
Middlesex Community College Classes start January 20th How to register:
1. Apply for admission New students must first apply for admission to the college. You can apply online at www.mxcc.commnet.edu. Under “Quick Links,” on the homepage, select “Registration 2012” and then click on the link for “Registration Information for New Students.” You can also apply in person at the Admissions Office, room 153 Founders Hall on the main campus in Middletown. Submit application with: • $20 Application Fee • Copy of your high school transcript, diploma, or GED. • Proof of Measles/Mumps/Rubella and Varicella (Chicken Pox) immunity CT law requires all full-time and part-time matriculated students attending Connecticut college, and born after 12/31/56, to provide proof of immunization against measles/mumps, rubella, and varicella (chicken pox). Some exemptions may apply; call Admissions Office for additional information 860-343-5719.
2. Take the free basic skills assessment Call the College Learning Center on the Middletown campus for an appointment at 860-343-5770, or call the Meriden Center at 203-238-6202. Exemptions may apply.
3. Register for your courses Come to campus and register for your courses on one the following dates at these convenient locations. • • • •
Monday, January 9 from 1-6pm, Main Campus at 100 Training Hill Road, Middletown Wednesday, January 11 from 1-6pm, Meriden Center at 55 West Main Street, Meriden Tuesday, January 17 from 1-6pm, Main Campus at 100 Training Hill Road, Middletown Thursday, January 19 from 2-4pm, Main Campus at 100 Training Hill Road, Middletown
Liberal Arts Earn an associateís degree in Liberal Arts and Science, transfer credits to a 4-year college, and save big!
Pay at the time of registration by cash, check, Payment Plan, or VISA/MC., Discover.
Questions? New students should call the Admissions Office at 860-343-5719.
Visit us on the web @ www.mxcc.commnet.edu MxCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability (or history thereof) or criminal record in its educational and employment practices.
1226323
For more information, email ann.jindra@gmail.com or durhamwomansclub@yahoo.com.
and a rebound, and Tietlebaum had four steals, two rebounds, a point and an assist. Off the bench, Baker had two points, two rebounds, an assist and a steal. Bongiorno had three points and a rebound, all in the final minute. Bogdanski had two points and a block, and Keven Gawron had a rebound.
Liberal Arts
Eileen Buckheit, the club’s vice president, added, “This club is a great way to meet other women in the community. I love the camaraderie of the women in the group. We all have things going on in our lives; we support each other through good times, the birth of a child or new job, and hard times, death in a family or sickness. I have met women from the other schools which has expanded my knowledge of the school system. I have gotten so much advice on the schools from the women who have been through all the schools in town, or even advice on how to deal with teenagers, a stage I am not in yet! It is a wonderful, supportive group to be a part of.”
hit two from the line, wrapped around a two-fortwo from the Rams, to make the final score 41-36 in favor of the home-standing Blue Devils. Coginchaug was led by Donecker and Wasyl, each with 10 points, with Donecker also leading the team in rebounding with 11 for the double-double. Donecker filled the stat sheet adding four assists, three steals and a block. Wasyl added a rebound, a steal and an assist. Hoyt was solid on the boards with nine, adding seven points and an assist. Corazzini chipped in with six points