Volume 17, Issue 27
Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall
Candidates speak out at local political forum By Cheri Kelley Town Times “Get to know the people you are serving, and remember that bills are not one size fits all,” said Durham’s First Selectman Laura Francis at a political forum at the Middlefield Community Center on Wednesday, Oct. 13. Though this was a statement geared toward candidates running for state legislature, the forum was a chance for residents to get to know the candidates themselves. Those running for office in Senate District 13 (which includes Middlefield), Senate District 12 (which includes Durham) and the House of Representatives 100th District (which includes Durham and Middlefield) briefly talked about what they feel are the biggest issues in Connecticut. The room was not packed but there was a fair amount of people in attendance, considering the scheduling of the forum was when most people were headed to work — 8 a.m. Each candidate had five minutes to talk before opening up to questions. Lisa Davenport (R), the challenger for State Senate District 12, spoke about reining in unfunded mandates, checking egos at the door and finding solutions to the problems. “As a business owner, I understand how difficult it is to run a business right now,” she said. “We
In this issue ... Calendar ...........................4 Durham Briefs ...............16 Middlefield Briefs ..........15 Obits...............................24 Sports .........................25-27 Election question.......11-13
need to free up credit for small businesses. Connecticut is the 49th worst state to do business in.” She stated that Pratt and Whitney reported that they could operate business for 40 to 100 percent less in comparable areas. She closed by saying, “I have never been in politics before. I am a small business owner, mom and wife that couldn’t take it anymore.” Ed Meyer (D), the State Senate incumbent for District 12, stated that there are two main issues in Connecticut today. The first is the deficit and down sizing our state government, and the second is the job situation. Meyer said, the size of the government needs to be brought down with the consolidation of agencies, elimination of certain agencies and duplicate agencies. He stated that he wants to be a “job rainmaker,” bringing in new companies to Connecticut. He gave the example of an Italian company that makes gym equipment that may come to Connecticut, bringing business and jobs. Meyer closed saying, “The reason I am seeking reelection is the fun of this kind of challenge.” Tom Gaffey (D), the State Senate incumbent for District 13, talked about maintaining a business in Connecticut. He said, “The biggest cost businesses face in this state is that of energy; Green technology would employ thousands of people.” He spoke about the bill being vetoed by Governor Rell and that he believes green energy is a positive initiative for the future. He continued, “Businesses seeking a permit to start a project from the DeSee Forum, page 7
Friday, October 15, 2010
Flying high over Durham
Floating in the sunrise, this hot air balloon welcomed Columbus Day bright and early Monday morning, Oct. 11. It landed in the Durham Fire Company parking lot. Photos submitted by Rob DeSimone
Light up Middlefield with pumpkins By Cheri Kelley Town Times Calling all pumpkin carvers big and small. Pick out the best pumpkins — round and fat or tall and nubby, the choice is all yours. Sharpen those carving tools, and get going whittling faces and scenes into these fabulous autumnal fruits. The Middlefield Lion’s Club is putting on their first annual “Let’s Light Up Middlfield with Pumpkins” event located behind the Middlefield Community Center on Oct. 30 from 2 to 7 p.m. Festive Jack-o-lanterns will be glowing on the hillside as children and adults alike frolic about in some of the coolest and creepiest costumes imaginable. Sounds
like a spook-tacular time! The idea for this pumpkin luminary event was inspired by a similar event in Keene, New Hampshire. The town started small in 1991 and now has thousands of carved and lit pumpkins displayed. Hopefully it can become a new fall tradition for Middlefield. The event is basically an an unofficial competition to get as many pumpkins lit up as possible. Surely Middlefield has more pumpkins than Keene! The Lion’s Club would love to build this event year after year. Mary Roberts, a coordinator for the event, says, “It is a community give-back event, and I would love to see everybody dressed up and participating.” Roberts continues,
“This year there will probably not be a profit, but if there is it will go to all the activities that the Lion’s Club is involved with.” There will be a pumpkin pie contest judged by local dignitaries. Home bakers are welcome to participate as the perfect, most delicious pumpkin pie will claim the blue ribbon for it’s crafty creator. Let the warm smells of cinnamon and nutmeg fill the air in Middlefield. Local vendors, including artists and crafters, will be displaying and selling their goods. No Halloween event would be complete without a costume contest. Prizes will be given out for the most original and scariest cos-
See Pumpkins, page 17
MFC fundraiser The Middlefield Federated
To donate, place any of the following in a well-tied plastic bag: usable and wearable clothing and shoes for all seasons (men, women and children); accessories: pocketbooks, belts, hats, scarves, gloves, ties and briefcases; Household items made of fabric: blankets, bed sheets, bedspreads, pillows, quilts, comforters, kitchen and bath accessories, table cloths,
Index of Advertisers
Friday, October 15, 2010
The Democratic Town Committee welcomes all to an evening of good food and good company at their annual Gourmet Pasta Dinner Saturday, Oct. 16, at the firehouse on Main Street. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the donation for adults is $10. Children younger than 12 years of age will be admitted for only $5. The donation price includes a great selection of gourmet pasta dishes, salad, home baked breads and a delicious dessert medley. Please call Karen at 860-3493468 to reserve your tickets.
Dinner at Durham firehouse Find-a-job career workshop Corrections Career strategist, author,
resume writer and Durham resident Jan Melnik will present two dynamic jobsearch workshops at the Russell Library in Middletown. Kicking off the fall 2010 career workshop series for the library, she’ll present “Powerful Strategies for Writing Resumes with Impact” on Tuesday, Oct. 19, from 6:15-8:15 p.m. Then, on Tuesday, Oct. 26, she’ll deliver “Top Career Search How Tos Using Social Media/Networking,” again, from 6:158:15 p.m. Both workshops are free of charge and take place in the Hubbard Room. Please register at the Information
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. The wrong number was printed in the firewood ad in the last two issues. The correct number is 860-5434844. The last sentence of the Columbus Day article on page 32 of last issue was cut off. It read, “Now there's a lesson plan for Columbus Day.”
Desk or by calling 860-3472520. More info. at www.janmelnik.com.
Help Willy’s Friends/Agway Food Drive Help Willy’s Friends is having a food and supply drive to benefit dogs and cats in local animal shelters at Agway of Middlefield on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food, toys, blankets and towels will be collected. Agway is located at 147 Meriden Road, Middlefield. For questions, call 203-9881718.
Local opera performance Middletown-based Connecticut Gilbert & Sullivan Society presents “Mikado” on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 15 and 16, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 17, at 2 p.m. at Middletown High School Performing Arts Center, 200 LaRosa Lane in Middletown. For tickets, visit www.ctgilbertandsullivan.org, email cg.ss@snet.net or call 1800-866-1606.
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drapery, curtains, towels and bath rugs; soft toys, stuffed animals, rag dolls and beanie babies. Or, put the following in cardboard boxes: Hard toys that can fit in a 24” x 24” x 21” box; cars, trucks, airplanes, action figures, dolls and doll houses. They will also accept bikes. But they will not accept baby items, books, VCR tapes, DVDs, CDs, kitchen appliances or furniture. Call 860-349-9881.
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Troop 270 will be hosting a fundraiser event at Friendly’s Restaurant, 851 Washington St., Middletown on Tuesday, Oct. 19, from 5 – 8 p.m. They are trying to raise money for a trip to Normandy, France in April. Stop by for dinner with the family or grab an ice cream to go. Hope to see you there and thank you for your support.
Church is collecting a variety of items to help support their ministries. Items may be dropped off at 402 Main Street, Middlefield, on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. until noon.
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Town Times Community Briefs
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Town Times
Friday, October 15, 2010
3
Durham P&Z gets three options for dealing with Fair Association By Chuck Corley Special to Town Times
After looking into the approval, Byrne found no specific conditions limiting the special permit, nor did he find any conditions in the
Byrne recommended three plans of action for the commission to take. The first of these is to continue researching the permit. In addition to trying to pin down the original scope, further documentation may also be necessary should the zoning commission try and issue a Cease and Desist order against the Durham Fair Association (DFA) for any further uses the commission believes are inappropriate.
nonconforming use. However, commission members stated that this would only prevent the DFA from expanding its use, but would not stop them from intensifying usage of the property. Town planner Geoff Colegrove said the commission “may lose control” should they rezone the land. The third recommendation Byrne posed was to continue trying to communicate with the Durham Fair Association about the use of the land. Although the DFA informed the commission back in August that any commu-
Chase added that the Conservation Commission has worked with the DFA in the past over the use of White’s Farm and felt that there’s the “potential for a cooperative spirit” between the zoning commission and fair association. He recommended that the commission continue trying to speak with the DFA
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about the use of the fairgrounds. Other business One other matter that the commission took care of on See P&Z, page 16
FLAT FEET PROBLEMS
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Byrne also noted that the commission could rezone the fairgrounds, making it a
We have moved
nication between the two groups should be done through their respective attorneys, P&Z member Ralph Chase felt that “There’s nothing to be gained by taking an adversarial position” between the two groups.
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The Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) met with their attorney Steve Byrne during the regular meeting on Oct. 6. They met with Byrne to discuss the special permit granted to the Durham Fair Association in 1986, due to concerns about the B.O.M.B. Fest concert held back in May, as well as the alleged operation of a business out of the fairgrounds. The commission wanted to know what the permit allows on the fairgrounds and what authority the P&Z may have over events on the property.
minutes of the commission meeting on April 2, 1986. While the permit application also notes the existence of a “Plan,” Byrne was unable to locate it, which is an item he would like to locate in order to properly review what the permit allows.
It’s common to hear people say they have flat feet. What kind of problems might this cause? Overpronation is one of them. When a person overpronates, his or her foot rolls inward when taking steps. The arch then starts to flatten, which stresses other parts of the foot and can contribute to other foot problems, including heel spurs and tendonitis. Obesity, pregnancy, or a lot of pounding on the feet can contribute to flat feet. To see if you have flat feet, take a look at your shoes at eye level and see if the sole is worn evenly. People with flat feet will wear one side of the sole out, closer to the heel, sooner than the other. If you would like more information about flat feet and its effects on the feet as well as the rest of the body, please feel free to give us a call at AFFILIATED FOOT CARE CENTER, LLC. We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and make sure you always play an active role in your treatment-the quickest way to recovery and return to normal activity. Foot care for the family, including onsite X-rays and diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound, is available at our leading-edge foot care facilities. Office hours in Middlefield are Mon. 9-5, Wed. 3-7, and Fri. 9-5; Tues. & Thurs 9-5 in Wallingford.
Town Times & Places
4 FRIDAY
October 15 Mikado Middletown-based Connecticut Gilbert & Sullivan Society presents Mikado tonight and tomorrow at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 17, at 2 p.m. at Middletown High School Performing Arts Center, 200 LaRosa Lane in Middletown. For tickets, visit www.ctgilbertandsullivan.or g, e-mail cg.ss@snet.net or call 1-800-866-1606. Flu Clinic The Middletown Health Department is sponsoring a flu clinic from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Municipal Building Council Chamber in Middletown. Participants on Medicare, or those with private insurance, will be required to present medical cards. Appointments are not necessary. For information, call 860-358-5627. The Joy of Shabbat Celebrate the special joy of Shabbat at “Pray-Eat-Sing” at Congregation Adath Israel, 8 Broad St. in Middletown. These special high energy services will begin at 5:30 p.m., making them family friendly. Services will be followed by a Shabbat meal. The evening is free of charge and open to the public. Call the synagogue at 860-346-4709 if you plan to attend dinner or would like to contribute toward the cost of the meal.
SATURDAY
October 16 PSATs PSATs will be given at Coginchaug High School at 7:45 a.m. Tag and Craft Sale United Churches of Durham will hold a tag and craft sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to benefit the annual summer mission trip. This event will be held rain or shine. There will be many items, crafts, antiques, a bake sale and lunch available. To reserve a table, call the church office at 860349-3683 or speak to Elven Riggles at 860-349-0742. The church is located at 228 Main St. in Durham. Shrimp Dinner Come to the K-Club, 168 Main St. in Rockfall, for a baked stuffed shrimp dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Requested do-
nation is $10. Call 860-346-9521 to sign up. Collection The Middlefield Federated Church is collecting items to support ministries. Items may be dropped off at 402 Main Street, Middlefield, from 10 a.m. until noon. To donate, place any of the following in a well-tied plastic bag: usable and wearable clothing and shoes, accessories, blankets, linens, towels, curtains, towels and bath rugs, soft toys, stuffed animals, rag dolls and beanie babies. Or, put the following in cardboard boxes: Hard toys that can fit in a 24” x 24” x 21” box. If you have any questions, call the church office at 860-349-9881. Dudley Farm Market The Dudley Farm farmers market will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the corner of Routes 77 and 80 in North Guilford. For more information, call 860-349-3917. Help Willy’s Friends Help Willy’s Friends is having a food and supply drive to benefit dogs and cats in local animal shelters at Agway, 147 Meriden Rd., in Middlefield, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food, toys, blankets and towels will be collected. For information call 203-988-1718 or willy@helpwillysfriends.org. Harvest Dinner The Third Congregational Church, 94 Miner St. Middletown, is having a harvest dinner tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. Adults $10 and children under 10 $5 for all you can eat. Dan LaRosa, Hypnotist Vinal High School, 60 Daniels St. in Middletown, is hosting an evening with hypnotist Dan LaRosa. Tickets are only available at the door. Doors open 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Call 860344-7100 for ticket info. Womens Hike Come on a two-three mile exploration of River Highlands State Park, in Cromwell, at 10 a.m, beautiful but rarely visited small state park on the Connecticut River. We should have some pretty views of the fall foliage along the Connecticut River. This is a good hike for anyone who can easily walk a couple of miles on uneven ground. We will be done around 1 p.m. Please bring water and a snack and/or lunch. We will meet at the parking area on Field Road. Contact Lucy at
womenofthewoods@att.net, 860-395-7771 or www. womenofthewoods.org Skatepark Grand Opening The Middlefield Park and Recreation Department is proud to sponsor the grand opening of the Peckham Skatepark. The program will start at 10 a.m. and will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, safety demonstrations, and free helmets, sponsored by park and rec and Fresh Skateboard shop of Durham, for the first 50 kids. Sign up for skateboard lessons. Watch some advanced skating techniques. The rain date is Sunday, Oct. 17, from 1 to 3 p.m. For more info, call Chris at 860-349-9926.
SUNDAY
October 17 Dedication The dedication of the Breck Library will be held at Strong School at 2 p.m. Four Season Concert Enjoy the autumn concert with the Duo Mydo at Emmanuel Church in Killingworth at 4 p.m. Admission $15, students $10 and children free. Reception following concert. For info call 860 663-1109 or visit www. churchinthewilderness.org. IDS Open House Independent Day School, located at 115 Laurel Brook Road in Middlefield, will hold an open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. where interested parents can learn about the quality education that the Independent Day School provides for children from ages three through eighth grade. Free Music Listen to Dave Downs sing and play his guitar at 11 a.m. at Brew Bakers, 169 Main St., inDurham.
MONDAY
October 18 Chamber Breakfast The Middlesex Chamber of Commerce monthly breakfast will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, in Cromwell from 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. and will feature Sports Net New York personnel. To register, visit www.middlesexchamber.com or email danielle@middlesexchamber.com. Author at Book Discussion The Middlefield Federated
Friday, October 15, 2010
Church Book Group will meet at 7 p.m. at the Middlefield Federated Church, 408 Main St. in Middlefield, to discuss Abe, A Novel of the Young Lincoln by Richard Slotkin who will join the discussion.You need not be a member of the church to participate in any of the discussions. If you would like more information, contact the church office at 860-349-9881. Divorce Care Divorce Care, a weekly seminar and support group for people who are separated or divorced, will be held tonight at Victory Christian Church, 191 Meriden Rd. in Middlefield, from 7 to 9 p.m. The group will meet every Monday night. Contact Donna Mann at 203-634-3190 for information.
TUESDAY
October 19 PFLAG Meeting Greater New Haven/Shoreline Chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays) meets to offer support, information and education and to advocate for LGBT loved ones. Meetings are held at the Church of the Redeemer, 185 Cold Spring Street, New Haven, the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. For more info, e-mail greaternewhavenpflag@yahoo.com or call 203-458-0493. Job Search Workshop Career strategist, author, resume writer and Durham resident Jan Melnik will present “Powerful Strategies for Writing Resumes with Impact” at Russell Library, 123 Broad St. in Middletown, from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. The workshop is free of charge. Please register at the Information Desk or by calling 860347-2520. More info is available at www.janmelnik.com. Troop 270 Troop 270 will be hosting a fundraiser event at Friendly’s Restaurant, 851 Washington St. in Middletown, tonight from 5-8 p.m. We are trying to raise money for our trip to Normandy, France in April. Stop by for dinner with the family or grab an ice cream to go. Join Girl Scouting The Durham and Middlefield Girl Scouts is holding a new member recruitment night from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at
the John Lyman School cafeteria. All girls ages 5 and up can join girl scouting. Come see what all the fun is about! Contact Lisa Deschnow at 860-347-5768 ext. 3751 for more information.
WEDNESDAY
October 20 TOPS Durham TOPS Club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. on the third floor of the Durham Town Hall. For information, call Naomi Klotsko at 860-349-9558 or Bonnie Olesen at 860-349-9433. Fire Truck Storytime To celebate Fire Prevention Month, Miss Vicki will read fire engine books and a real fire truck with a real fire fighter will visit the Levi Coe Library at 10:30 a.m. Call 860349-3857x2 to register.
THURSDAY
October 21 Farmers Market Enjoy a traditional farmers’ market on the Durham green from 3 to 6 p.m. Trout Unlimited The Hammonasset Chapter of Trout Unlimited will meet at the Wallingford Rod and Gun Club at 6:30 p.m. tonight and the third Thursday of each month September through May. Tonight’s meeting will feature a presentation on Atlantic salmon angling. For more directions and information, visit www.hammonassettu.com or contact Bruce Tubby at 860-349-8405 or btubby@snet.net.
FRIDAY
October 22 Business Networking The local chapter of Business Networking International will meet in the United Methodist Church, 24 Old Church St. in Middletown, at 7:30 a.m. Contact Cindi Sanders at 860-638-0084 for more information. Strong Social The Strong School social evening for students will begin at 7 p.m.
Town Times
Friday, October 15, 2010
5
Regionalism – when is it a good idea? By Sue VanDerzee Town Times
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COGs, or Councils of Government, composed of the chief elected officials of a group of towns, have become more important. There is, in fact, a functioning Middlesex County COG to which both Laura Francis and Jon Brayshaw, first selectmen of Durham and Middlefield respectively, belong. The thing to guard against, all speakers agreed, is random regions. “Currently there are 15 regions in the state, and the Office of Policy and Management See Regionalism, page 18
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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serves nine towns in the southern end. Not many people, however, could name their regional planning agency as easily as they rattle off their state and town. According to speaker Krause, of CRERPA, two trends are happening – the functions of the regions are changing a bit from pure planning to administrative as “function follows funding,” and such national directives as homeland security have poured funding into the administrative tasks associated with public safety. The second trend is that
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regions that matter in many other states, were abolished for all but judicial purposes in Connecticut in 1960. Regional planning agencies in some ways filled that gap with Midstate Regional Planning Agency forming in 1952 and Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency (CRERPA) in 1967. These two planning agencies serve the towns of Middlesex County – Midstate, headquartered in Middletown, serves Durham and Middlefield and five other towns in the northern part of the county, and CRERPA, headquartered in Old Saybrook,
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There’s nothing like the specter of losing “local control” to get a Connecticut Yankee all riled up. In fact, “local control” can be both a mindless mantra and a solid way of handling government services. The real trick is to be able to tell those two roles apart. Enter the Rockfall Foundation with their annual symposium, this year entitled “Changes to Regional Planning: New Opportunities to Share State and Local Services.” While that title seems to come down on the side of regional planning solutions, the meat of the fourhour presentation on Oct. 8 hinged on a concept explored by one of the speakers, John E. Harmon, profes-
sor emeritus at Central Connecticut State University’s Department of Geography. Harmon’s theme was “Rational Regions,” and he joined David Kooris, vice president and Connecticut director of the Regional Plan Association of Stamford; Linda Krause, executive director of the Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency in Old Saybrook; and Tim Brennan, executive director of the Pioneer Valley Regional Planning Organization in Springfield, Massachusetts in talking about the history, present and future of regions. Regions are “completely human creations,” said Kooris, and we’re all familiar with the “regions that matter,” which, for most of us, include our state and our town. Counties, which are
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Town Times
6
Friday, October 15, 2010
Breast cancer survivors: A network of care and hope By Elisabeth Kennedy Special to Town Times In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I was privileged to interview five breast cancer survivors from our community (there are many others who have survived and still more who are currently battling cancer; hopefully a story for next October). Each woman expressed her hope that in sharing her story, she would help another woman battling this disease. It is my hope to encourage women to reach out for help, to bring awareness of the network of care available to them: women eager to share their experience, their love and the hope of their survival. Earlier this year I realized that I had neglected to get a mammogram, not for one year, but three. I think we, women and mothers, sometimes forget to take care of ourselves as we are so busy taking care of others. When I got the phone call from my doctor saying the mammo-
gram showed an “area of concern,” I scolded myself for my negligence and truly felt ashamed. Repeat mammograms and ultrasound failed to satisfy radiologist and doctors, who referred me for a biopsy of this “area of concern.” I dismissed this as an unnecessary expense, time off I could not afford. I told no one, I went about my business and tried to ignore it. Fortunately, my doctor took time to talk to me repeatedly, and I ultimately went for that biopsy, which was benign. I am thankful. I am thankful for the kindness of strangers in hospital waiting rooms, women reaching out to hold my hand, to offer a prayer or a simple word of encouragement. I am thankful for friends who have survived, whom l would call if the diagnosis were different. Hope is powerful. May you find hope and inspiration in these stories. Marli Roblee, of Durham, was in her 30s when she was diagnosed after finding a suspicious lump. Because of her
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age and aggressive cancer, Middlesex Cancer Center consulted with Dana Farber in developing her treatment plan. Marli felt surrounded by care and compassion and dedicated professionals. “The camaraderie in breast cancer survivors is a plus, women are a good resource for one another and cancer has been a catalyst for me to meeting so many wonderful women.” One of those women was Bernadette Basiel. “We were each other’s angel,” she said. Marli and Bernadette’s children went to the same preschool; Bernadette watched Marli struggle and win her battle with breast cancer and used that inspiration years later when she herself was diagnosed. Bernadette later became Marli’s angel, sharing knowledge and experience in reconstructive surgery, helping Marli feel whole again. She would like other women to know that breast cancer is not a death sentence; There is a world after the diagnosis, a new beginning, a new normal. It is Marli’s privilege to help others fight the battle to recovery; Her oncologist gives her name out as a point person to newly diagnosed patients. She, too, encourages women to reach out and enjoy that camaraderie of support, resource and hope. Bernadette Basiel, of Durham, had a normal mammogram in November 2004.
The next February she began to feel pain in her breast and soon found a suspicious lump. “It’s a myth that if it hurts, it isn’t cancer,” explained Basiel, further stating that she is fortunate that her husband is a former oncology nurse because, “It’s like Charlie Brown: wa wa wa wa wa, I didn’t hear anything after the diagnosis.” Her first thoughts were about her children; She didn’t think about surviving at that point, but of her children growing up without her. She wondered how to tell them, when to tell them, what to tell them. She later brought it up at her support group and followed the suggestion to tell them while driving in the car. “I need to tell you something very funny, something that will make you laugh: I am sick and need special medicine that will make my hair fall out, can you picture Mommy bald?” They all laughed. She told them she needed them to help her, and not fight with each other. They did help, she said, “They were wonderful.” Bernadette’s husband was also wonderful. She knows she is fortunate because when offered so many treatment options, you want someone to tell you what to do, not give you lots of choices. When it came to treatment options, she chose the most aggressive treatment because of her motivation to live for her children, deciding to fight tooth
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Bernadette makes it a point to reach out to women and wants people to know she is available and willing to help. “I’ve been given a second opportunity, I want to give back,” she said. She encourages women to reach out to each other, both to help and be helped. Just as it is harmful for a patient to retreat, it is painful for a friend who retreats. If you don’t know how to help, ask — write a note, call on the phone, send an email. “It doesn’t have to be big to be invaluable. Cook a meal, send a card, call, send flowers, pick up a funny movie, offer to babysit, clean or do some laundry. It will make both of you feel better. Ask for help, and accept it; You lose out on a lot of support and resources if you don’t,” she concluded. Bernadette Lecza, of Durham, went to her internist for a routine
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and nail. She broke down her treatment into steps and set goals for each step: chemotherapy, radiation, reconstruction. She worked throughout her treatment, needing to keep her mind busy, and with two children there was plenty to keep her busy. She does suggest to other women that they talk to their husband’s friends, ask them to call and check in, talk about anything just to give husbands a break and diversion from the stress.
Town Times
Friday, October 15, 2010
Forum
(From page 1)
partment of Environmental Protection or the Department of Transportation can not endure the time it takes to get the paperwork through. Businesses need capital and credit and access to it.” He also spoke about the state’s need to invest in infrastructure, including highways, schools, prisons, etc. He called it “a public safety matter.” His last point was of the need to invest in education. “We have some of the best schools in the world, and we need to align our economic development strategies with the higher education, secondary schools,” he said.
Len Suzio (R), the challenger for State Senate District 13, said he is a small business owner and is very active in his community. He was a member of the Board of Education in his town for years and “believes that charity begins at home.” One of the issues in Connecticut that Suzio feels passionate about is the deficit. He said, “The state’s deficit is terrifying, and we need to hold the people accountable who got us into this situation.” He has plans for a loan program for businesses that won’t cost the state a penny. If elected, Suzio feels that it is important to have contact with the people of Middlefield. “I will have regular office hours in Middlefield. I
will come to you and be available and not wait for you to come to me.” Matthew Lesser (D), the State House of Representatives Incumbent for the 100th District, spoke about the local businesses in need of assistance and said he is the person who will work toward helping them. He said he is someone who is willing to go to the mat for businesses and the people. Lesser wants to keep people employed and small businesses open. He spoke about the dairy farming industry in Connecticut, noting that it made a billion dollars a year for Connecticut and employed 500 people. He dis-
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cussed that his focus is on job creation and energy. “The state’s electricity rates are the highest in the nation,” he said. “Connecticut is not attractive to businesses because of high electricity costs.” Lesser closed saying that we need to reform the state budget process. John Szewczyk (R), challenger for the State House of Representatives for the 100th District, spoke about growing up in Durham, working for the Hartford Police Department and his time on the Durham Board of Selectmen. “The state has a fiscal problem,” he said. “It’s not
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Town Times Opinion
8
Friday, October 15, 2010
National Sarcastics Awareness Month? It sure is!
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Town Times is published every Friday by the Record-Journal Publishing Co. and is delivered to all homes and businesses in Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall. Stephanie Wilcox, Editor Cheri Kelley, Reporter Brian Monroe, Advertising Director Joy Boone, Advertising Sales Dee Wilcox, Office Manager Contributors: Chuck Corley, Diana Carr, Trish Dynia, Elisabeth Kennedy, Karen Kean, Karen Koba, Judy Moeckel, Kathy Meyering, Tori Piscatelli and Sue VanDerzee.
Did you bring your teddy bear to work this past Wednesday? Me neither. I didn’t get the memo. Sometimes it’s hard enough to remember what day of the week it is or what month we’re in, so there are few times we actually stop to think about the significance of a particular day or month. Wednesday happened to be National Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work Day. Who came up with that? Here’s one I like — Tuesday was National Face Your Fears Day. This definitely got me thinking about some fears of my own and what I could do to conquer them. In recognition of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you will read several stories of courage, compassion and hope in a tribute to breast cancer survivors on page six. Several local women opened up in the hope of giving comfort to others who are going through the same fight. October is also National Crime Prevention Month (see our new column, Trooper Talk, on page 9, which is where you’ll find monthly police stats, safety tips, etc. from our Durham and Middlefield Troopers); Fire Prevention Month (look on the page four calendar to see what the Middlefield Library is doing Oct. 20
to recognize it); Vegetarian Month; Adopt-aShelter-Dog Month; Popcorn Poppin’ Month; Positive Attitude Month; Reading Group Month; Self-Promotion Month (surely our political candidates are celebrating this one!); Organize Your Medical Information Month; Domestic Violence Awareness Month, etc. Go to www.mhprofessional.com, Chase’s Calendar of Events, to get a full list of special recognition months/days. The list goes on and on. Some are silly, some are important, some will get you to clean your desk, some to change your attitude. There’s something on the list for everyone. In my opinion, having “months” is an excuse to celebrate something not normally talked about or to bring awareness to certain issues. It’s a way to keep the conversation going on one particular topic. What’s something you’re passionate about? Do a quick search to find if it belongs to a certain “day” or “month” and see what others are doing to highlight it. Just reading through the list will help remind you that every month — every day — is significant. Stephanie Wilcox, editor
Letters to the Editor Character equals confidence Over the past several months, candidates and sup-
porters have been expressing their views as to why or why not re-election or replacement should take place for the position of State House of Representative
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. 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.
Special election letter rules In order to allow the largest number of citizens to express their opinions on the upcoming elections, we set a few special election season letter rules. Number one, the deadline for election letters will be Monday at 5 p.m. Number two, election letters will be limited to 250 words. Also, in order to allow as many people as possible to weigh in, we will not print letters that have already been printed in another publication. For the last week before elections (deadline Oct. 22), only positive letters of support will be accepted. Of course, only signed letters with phone numbers, so we can verify authorship, will be accepted. Please do not send as attachments to e-mail.
100th District. Not one to readily voice my support in an open format, I have decided to do so for John Szewczyk. Over the past five years I have been in John’s company in a variety of settings; political and social with a myriad of people, including his family. I have observed John to be a very caring, ethical and hardworking individual. Through watching him interact with people, I have been especially impressed with his ability to listen and pay attention to what a person’s concerns are, demonstrating his slogan “People before Politics.” So, before Nov. 2, meet John and see if his character equals your confidence in voting for him for the position of State House of Representative 100th District. Meredith LaFlamme, Durham
Support Meyer Our elected officials must be knowledgeable about and willing and able to work on a wide range of problems. Lisa Davenport recently stated that although she loves the shoreline as much as anyone, the environment can’t be a priority if we are
tackling job creation and the budget. It’s not clear to me that Ms. Davenport knows anything at all about creating jobs on a state level, or managing millions of dollars, as she has absolutely no experience in looking out for anyone other than her customers and her family. But it is clear to me that Ed Meyer, endorsed by the CT League of Conservation Voters, the Sierra Club and the CT Business and Industry Association, understands both the importance of safeguarding our environment (not just enjoying it) for future generations and also as a meaningful base for tourism and jobs. Once more, Ms. Davenport shows us why public service requires something more than an interest in being in the public eye. Ed Meyer has put the state before profit-making and personal publicity for the last six years. Please vote for Connecticut’s future. Vote for Ed Meyer. Amy Bloom, Durham
Selling out Until now, John Szewczyk’s only claim to fame was being born in Durham.
Add another one: pushing for higher taxes. To win the support of the CT REALTOR PAC, John promised to do away with their #1 bagaboo—the municipal conveyance fee. How does that affect you? Higher property taxes. Count me out, John our taxes are high enough. Rob Frost, Middlefield
Szewczyk’s tax plan: bad idea John Szewczyk has a bad idea, and it will raise your property taxes. Szewczyk recently called for the abolition of the municipal conveyance tax, which is a small, one time fee on real estate sales. There are special interests that don’t like the fee, but it keeps property taxes down and town budgets balanced. Without it, towns would be forced to raise property taxes on all of us. John Szewczyk’s tax plan is bad news, and it would be even worse on the state level. Property taxes are high enough. Doesn’t he get it? Craig Bayne
See more letters, page 20
Town Times Columns
Friday, October 15, 2010
9
My life after high school
A new burglary trend
a few months later, Editor’s note: Garri and I started to develis a former Devil’s AdGarri Saganenko op a liking for the vocate writer and a idea, as I, along with 2010 Coginchaug High my peers, were bomSchool graduate. We barded with the timelearned that he is taking this year off after high school before less query, “Where are you going to heading to college like most of his school next year?” Not being a friends. We thought he might have paragon of achievement as some of some stories to share. Over the coming my classmates were, my future in colmonths, you will hear from Garri on lege was not a given. I did not want to what life is like the year after high make a rash decision, going to whatever school would take me. With the school before college starts. Like a whirlwind of fallen leaves in decision to wait a year made, I went autumn, the standard college applica- on with life, as it had been every other tion process, usually completed in the grade building up to the hallowed senfirst few months of senior year, pos- ior year. In the year since that decision, sess the same qualities. Yet, it is not a display of burnt orange, goldenrod what has really come into view is the and vermillion melting together to view of myself; mainly, my wanting form a rare spectacle. Rather, valu- to embark into the field of journalable months of your senior year fly by ism. A year ago, I was not so steadin a rush to plan the next four years of fast on the idea because of the negayour life, delaying the chance to expe- tivity surrounding the future of jourrience the grandeur of senior year. By nalism. Since then, the perspective I the time you have a chance to revel in gained is that print Journalism canthe moments, the leaves outside are not compete with the frenetic pace of buried under a sheet of snow and you the Internet but has no rival when it find yourself saying, “Wow, I gradu- comes to the abstract, human aspect of news. This has sent me in the diate six months from now.” The idea of waiting a year to apply rection I want with a newfound asdid not appeal to me originaly when surance. While I may be flying tomy mother, who has always been a ward the sun with wax wings, at sort of iconoclast in going about least I have a sense of direction when things, presented the idea to me in heading into the college application June of my junior year. Fast-forward process this fall.
September of 1998. Editor’s note: TroopResident State Trooper The program is er Talk is a new colPete DiGioia, Durham cost effective for umn by Resident State towns because they Troopers (RST) of Midhave highly-trained, dlefield and Durham. professional State It will feature monthly Troopers assigned police statistics as well as safety tips and other information strictly to the town. The RSTs are that is beneficial to residents. If you employed by the State Police, and have questions you would like us to the town enters into a contract with pose to the troopers, please email the State Police Department for the news@towntimes.com. Durham’s RST services of the troopers. Pete DiGioia kicks off the new column The RST assigned to Durham is this week. But first, a brief intro of the currently Trooper Peter DiGioia. RST program and Trooper DiGioia Trooper DiGioia is a 22-year veteran himself. with the State Police and has been The Durham Resident State permanently assigned to Durham Troopers’ office is currently staffed for the past 11 years. He has been a by one State Trooper from Troop road trooper since his start in the “F,” headquartered at the West- State Police. He has received several awards during his years as a State brook Barracks. The Resident State Trooper Police Trooper including a Meritorihas the responsibility of han- ous Award in May 1994, and two dling every police-related func- Outstanding Service Awards in May tion in Durham, which includes 1994 and October 2003. He is ininvestigating crimes, investigat- volved with the Regional District 13 ing car collisions, teaching Prevention Council and Juvenile D.A.R.E., participating in com- Review Board. Trooper DiGioia is munity policing activities, ap- also a D.A.R.E. instructor for Replying for federal grants, pa- gional District 13 at Memorial Midtrolling the town, enforcing mo- dle School, teaching sixth graders. tor vehicle laws, making arrests He was a former K-9 handler and and giving public presentations was an Officer of the Month for the on a wide array of public safety State of Connecticut in May 2004. issues, just to name a few. Durham statistical report The Connecticut State Police ResiTrooper DiGioia reports that for dent State Trooper program began the month of September 2010 in in 1947 and has become one of the troopers responded to 547 calls for most effective programs in law en- service; conducted 13 criminal invesforcement for smaller communities. Durham started their program in See Trooper, next page
Guest Column
Voter registration session in all towns on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Last day to register to vote on Nov. 2 is Tuesday, Oct. 26, unless you turn 18, move to a new town or become a citizen between Oct. 26 and Nov. 2. If any of those conditions apply, you have till Nov. 1 to register. Contact the Town Clerk’s Office for additional information.
Trooper Talk
Along the political trail... Rep. Lesser addresses USDA about area jobs program
vices, Kevin Concannon, listened to legislators and state agency staff explain how Connecticut has been working to reduce family poverty through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s Employment and Training Program (SNAP-ET).
State Representative Matt Lesser, who represents Durham, Middlefield and Middletown, was a featured speaker at a forum to update the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) about Connecticut’s efforts to promote employment among residents receiving food assistance. Rep. Lesser working with the Middlesex Coalition for Children, and was critical to bringing many of the players together to address the need for funding for job training. The forum, A Federal-State Partnership to Reduce Family Poverty, was held by the Connecticut Commission on Children at the State Capitol. The USDA’s Undersecretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Ser-
Rep. Lesser explained how Middlesex Community College and Middletown Adult Education, among others, are taking advantage of the federal training funds available under SNAP-ET, which provides reimbursement for services that provide food stamp recipients with the skills and support services they need to find better employment. “Now Middlesex County residents will have a way to move out of poverty and off of public assistance through training and education,” said Lesser. “This collaborative not only offers people the chance to acquire 21st century job skills, but it also brings much-needed federal funding to the region — we expect to receive over
$576,000 this year.” This federal program offers a 50cents-on-the-dollar match to organizations — public or private — that help food stamp recipients find better employment. Expenses can include adult education, securing equivalency diplomas, post-secondary education, transportation, child care and case management, among others.
Szewczyk endorsed by Connecticut’s Independent Party Connecticut’s Independent party has dual endorsed John Szewczyk in this November’s Election. “The Independent Party is honored to endorse John Szewczyk for State Representative in the 100th District covering the communities of Middlefield, Rockfall, Durham and Middletown. John Szew-
czyk is an example of what is right in government. He has put politics aside and worked in a bipartisan manner on Durham’s Board of Selectmen,” said Mike Telesca, state agent for Connecticut’s Independent Party. This endorsement means John Szewczyk will not just appear on the Republican line, but will also appear on the Independent Party line this November. Connecticut residents not affiliated with either major party make up the largest percentage of voters in the state and desperately need a voice at the state capitol. “I am extremely proud to have been endorsed by Connecticut’s Independent party,” said Szewczyk, who further added, “Politics is about putting your constituents first, plain and simple.”
Town Times
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Trooper
(Continued from page 9)
tigations; investigated 15 motor vehicle accidents, four of them with injuries; made five criminal arrests; delivered 80 motor vehicle infractions and 13 warnings. There were no burglaries or larceny reported for the month of September, but I would like to remind people when they go away on vacation to please contact the Durham Resident Trooper’s office at 860-349-2325 so we can conduct vacation checks of their properties while they are away. The trends we have seen in burglaries and larcenies is
perpetrators are stealing coins and all types of gold jewelry. We strongly encourage residents to remove any family heirlooms or sentimental jewelry from jewelry boxes and dresser drawers and place in a more secure location. The price of gold is high and it is very easy for them to sell. In almost every town in the area, shops are buying gold, and it is very difficult for the police to track these sales. Most of these places are not keeping records, and there is no requirement to keep such records so the burden falls on the owner.
We’re on the web at www.towntimes.com.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Brewster School activities Below, Brewster School participated in National Punctuation Day on Sept. 23. Students had a chance to describe their favorite punctuation mark. Each student wore a sticker saying “Please ask me about my punctuation mark!” Students explained their punctuation mark to everyone who asked because they are Punctuation Experts! Talia Caramanello and Jake Paduano, above, loved the punctuation stories that their second grade teacher read to them. Above, the pre-school class is busy creating owls for the art exhibit to be held in November at the state office building in Hartford. Shaylah Finnerty applies feathers to her owl. Photos submitted by Patti Checko
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Town Times
Friday, October 15, 2010
The road to Nov. 2 ... Welcome to the second installment of candidate questions for the Nov. 2 election. This year, we decided to break up our usual three or four questions so that readers could get to know the candidates for the state legislature a little bit at a time — in bite-size pieces — rather than in one huge pre-election week chunk. We hope this makes the information easier to digest and thus encourages voters to make the most informed decisions. Remember, your vote is important — always. Our second question is: “Federal stimulus money for education is slated to run out this year. How would you handle the shortfall? Given a blank slate, what would be your favored way of funding K-
Tom Gaffey, (D), incumbent, State Senate District 13 (Middlefield, Meriden, part of Middletown) Connecticut must maintain its investment in education but do so more efficiently. Towns can work together
to reduce costs for transportation, technology and textbooks. School districts must cooperate with neighboring districts and local governments to lock in and purchase electricity and heating oil at lower, bulk rates. My opponent has recommended increasing the income tax by 58 percent as part of his revenue plan. Raising income taxes on working people in this economy is a horrible idea. The other problem with his plan is that it ignores the largest driver of tax increases in the state – the property tax.
11
We are more reliant on the property tax to pay for local education than almost any other state. The property tax disproportionately hurts seniors and the middle class. I have fought to maintain programs that help alleviate property tax burdens. Notably, Connecticut is atypical among states, underwriting local school construction and renovation projects that qualify. In so doing, the state budget absorbs many of these local costs. Moreover, school construction projects provide a significant number of badly needed jobs. I favor a complete review of current tax credits currently costing the state hundreds of millions of dollars. These programs should be scrutinized under a cost/benefit analyses. Any current tax credit that yields little or no economic benefit in terms of net job creation should be repealed. Revenues returning to state coffers should be utilized for local education funding. Again, school funding reform must include a review of all revenues. The metric
should be – how does it affect middle class families and our economy. As Senate chairman of the Education Committee, I have always made sure that Region 13 receives maximum state support for school projects that are in the best academic interests of our children and alleviate the impact on local property owners. Next week’s question: Protection of the environment is almost a “motherhood” issue; everyone is in favor of it. As a potential state legislator, however, you would have some influence on how that might be accomplished. What are your ideas on meaningful environmental protection and the statess role in that?
Len Suzio (R), challenger, State Senate District 13 (Middlefield, Meriden, part of Middletown) The federal stimulus money that has been used to supplant the State Educational Cost Sharing (ECS) grants has been about $350 million per year for two years. This constitutes about See Suzio, next page
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Suzio (Continued from page 11) 18 percent of the state ECS annual budget. This parallels the approximately 20 percent shortfall in the projected budget state deficit of $3.2 billion. Everything possible should be done to preserve as much ECS funding as possible. However, the magnitude of the state’s budget deficit is so large, maintaining the current ECS level is going to be extremely difficult to do. One approach to potentially solve the deficiency is to reexamine the state’s spending priorities. Although the state deficit has been ballooning during the past two years, state spending has increased in certain areas. These spending increases should be re-
considered in light of the plight of our public schools with the potential to re-prioritize the spending increases of the last several years and re-direct those funds to public schools. I served as a member on the Meriden Board of Education for 14 years, most recently as the board vice president, before deciding not to seek reelection last year. One of the things I learned was that an awful lot of our autonomy has been stolen from us by the folks in Hartford. There are more than 200 state mandates imposed on our public schools. These mandates prevent our public schools from responding to the unique character of our communities and the needs of our children. Our schools are hamstrung by insensitive and arbitrary bureaucratic regula-
tions that drive up the cost of education, taking money away from the classroom and putting it into administration. I strongly support relief from these oppressive and costly mandates that would free school districts to redirect their school funding to where it belongs, the classroom.
Ed Meyer (D), incumbent, State Senate District 12, (including Durham) The Connecticut state government, on the average, pays 38 percent of our total school costs, and less than that in Durham’s regional district. Contrasted with oth-
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Friday, October 15, 2010
er states, this is a low percentage of state aid to our schools and puts great pressure on the local property tax. I urge re-ordering our state priorities to commit more state funds to our schools, at least 50 percent on the average. I have supported legislation by which the state would pay all special education costs because they are mandated by the federal and state governments. Our receipt of federal stimulus funds for education, while providing temporary help, has put us in a longer term, difficult financial situation. It emphasizes the importance of re-ordering our state spending priorities to drive more state funds to our schools. The alternative is an unacceptable increase in our property taxes. The additional state revenues for our schools will derive from the downsizing of
More on next page.
1172252
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A recent study disclosed that American schools rank 21st in the world in the sciences and 25th in mathematics. This is bad news in a competitive global economy, and I support tougher curricula and standards generally. We must insist upon far greater accountability from our urban schools. The state provides 75 percent or more of the support for those schools, but their academic achievement is disastrous in terms of low graduation rates and woefully poor test scores.
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our state government and the ending of the boondoggle programs that I described in the prior question put to candidates by the Town Times.
Town Times
Friday, October 15, 2010
Lisa Davenport (R), challenger, State Senate District 12, (including Durham)
the same people to represent us in Hartford.
John Szewczyk (R), challenger, State House of Representatives 100th District, (Durham, Middlefield, part of Middletown) Since my first day on the Board of Selectmen, I have called for a change in the way education is funded in the state of Connecticut. It relies entirely too much on local property taxes, and as a result many individuals can no longer afford to live in Durham and Middlefield. I have made these pleas at the local and state level, however, since such a major overhaul is needed, most elected officials have decided not to even discuss the issue. To make
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20 10
Sunday, October 24, 2010 11 am to 3 pm Adanti Student Center
Additionally, we need to relieve our towns of the unfunded mandates that are driving up costs. Unfortunately, much of the stimulus money went to pay for federal and state mandates on our public schools instead of advancing our children’s education. Too much of the revenue raised locally also goes toward paying for the costly unfunded mandates instead of reaching the students. We need to reduce these unfunded mandates so funds marked for education are spent directly on improving student performance.
Matthew Lesser (D), incumbent, State House of Representatives 100th District, (Durham, Middlefield, part of Middletown) As a member of the Education Committee, I protected 100 percent funding for Regional School District 13 over the last two years. This helped hold the line on taxes and avoided the teacher layoffs we have seen in other places. Protecting state funding for our schools just makes sense. It makes sense for taxpayers, because the more money See Lesser, page 23
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matters worse, the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) formula used to provide towns with state funds to offset education costs, has become more and more skewed toward the three major cities — Hartford, New Haven and Bridgeport — -to the point where the state is practically footing the bill for the three school districts at the expense of smaller cities and towns. We should look at reforming the ECS formula to make sure all municipalities are getting their fair share.
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We received approximately $785 million from the stimulus program for education over the last two years, which represents approximately 14 percent of the total education funding in the state. That money is set to expire in 2011, and yet our current legislature, and current state senator Ed Meyer, has done nothing to offset the loss of these funds. This irresponsible budgeting is symptomatic of the problems we have in Hartford – using one-time revenue shots to close the budget deficit. By putting off the hard decisions and using onetime revenues like the stimu-
lus money, draining the rainy day fund, and borrowing for operational expenses, Ed Meyer has given the taxpayers of this state over a $3 billion deficit. This is unacceptable. We need a state legislature that is willing to make the hard choices of cutting state spending on programs that don’t work so that we can adequately fund necessary government services, such as fully funding local education. Education funding, as distributed through the Education Costs Sharing (ECS) formula, shortchanges the towns of the 12th District. Democrats in Hartford have created a system that redistributes wealth from towns like Branford, Durham, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison and North Branford, and hands it to cities like New Haven. For every dollar these towns send to Hartford, we receive an average of only 17 cents back. We need to change reimbursement formulas to make it more equitable to our towns, but that will never happen if we keep sending
13
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Town Times
14
Friday, October 15, 2010
From Lion to Eagle, local athlete has big plans ahead By Garri Saganenko Special to Town Times For Durham native Graham Stewart, football began in sixth grade with the Cromwell Lions youth football team. “I started as an offensive lineman and played running back on 3rd and 20.” said Stewart, a 17-year-old
Xavier High School senior. From there, Stewart made a switch to North Branford youth football in eighth grade, experiencing his first winning season, before enrolling at Xavier in 2007. Next season, Stewart will continue his football career at Division 1 Boston College on a full athletic
Graham Stewart, playing for Xavier High School, in action.
scholarship. While getting to this level is decided at an early age for some, Stewart says the path was not so clear cut. “Freshmen year the coaches had me practicing at quarterback and playing running back in the games,” he said. “At the time, I was probably too frail to play any other positions.” Inspired by the drive to get better, he hit the weight room, eventually committing to football so much that he gave up wrestling and playing lacrosse. Gaining clarity his sophomore year, Stewart switched to the linebacker position after excelling in various hitting drills. Viewed as one of the more intense positions, linebacking is a whole new reality from running back, but Stewart could only explain the switch by saying, “Linebacker chose me, I didn’t choose it.” Nonetheless, to say Stewart should not be a linebacker is to say fish should not be in the water. Listed at six feet
and one inch and 216 pounds, with the ability to run a 4.5 second 40 yard dash, Stewart possesses the unique combination of speed and strength. With this combination, Stewart has garnered many accolades, including an invitation this past summer to the Top Gun Prospect camp in Deland, Florida. At the camp, amongst the best football talent from Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and California, Stewart experienced a “culture shock.” “In Florida, football is king. Some of the cuts other players can make with their speed are unreal,” he said. Playing against such a high level of competition has more than just benefits on the field, it brings a new level of fame with it. “I remember playing down in Gainesville, Florida. I had just finished a play and some guy patted me on the back and said “good job.” It took me a second to realize that it was Urban Meyer, head coach of the University of Florida,” shared Stewart. After a stellar junior sea-
son at Xavier in which Stewart recorded 110 tackles, five sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries, he has no intention of slowing down, already averaging 10 tackles a game this season. However, nothing ever comes without hard work. With the exception of Mondays when the varsity football team has to be at school by 6 a.m. to lift, Stewart’s day usually starts at 7 a.m. and does not end until 7 p.m. that night when he gets home from football practice. Yet, he said it all became worth it when offers from Iowa, Florida, Uconn, Syracuse, Temple, Boston College and Miami were made. Faced with a tough decision of where to go because as Stewart says, “You build deep relationships with these schools during the recruiting process; It’s tough when you have to let all but one of them down,” he chose to become a Boston College Eagle, officially committing on August 21, 2010. Boston See Stewart, page 25
1177782
Middlefield Town Briefs
Friday, October 15, 2010
The Flu Shot Clinic will be held on Thursday, Oct. 28, from 9 to 11 a.m. No Appointment necessary. This clinic is for those Middlefield residents 60 and older (or disabled). An evening clinic will be planned by the Middlefield Health Dept (860-3497123) for all other residents, in November. Please bring all your insurance cards (including your Medicare card) and wear a short sleeve shirt/blouse.
day, Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. to register voters for the Nov. 2 election. Oct. 26 will be the last regular session for admission of electors for those who become 18 years of age, U.S. citizens, or residents of Middlefield on or before this date. Those whose rights as to age, citizenship, or residence mature after Oct. 26 may apply in person until Nov. 1. On Nov. 1, the Registrars will be in their office from 9 to noon for a limited session to admit those whose qualifications as to age, citizenship or residence was attained since Oct. 26.
Registrars of voters
Skatepark Grand Opening
The Middlefield Registrars of Voters will be in their office at the Community Center, 405 Main St., Tues-
The Middlefield Park and Recreation Department is proud to sponsor the Grand Opening of the Peckham
Middlefield flu shot clinic
Skatepark. The program will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16, and will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, safety demonstrations, free helmets, sponsored by park and recreation and the Fresh Skateboard shop of Durham, for the first 50 kids. Sign up for skateboard lessons. Watch some advanced skating techniques. The Rain Date is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. For more info call Chris at (860) 349-9926.
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Middlefield Government Calendar (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Community Center.) Tuesday, October 19 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen 7 p.m. — Conservation Commission Wednesday, October 20 7 p.m. — Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency Thursday, October 21 7 p.m. — Board of Finance 7 p.m. — DMIAAB at Durham Library Tuesday, October 26 7 p.m. — Zoning Board of Appeals Political Advertisement
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Durham Town Briefs
16
Durham Government Calendar Maiden Lane P&Z project to begin (All meetings will be held at the Durham Library unless Oct. 6 was the screening of otherwise noted. Check the town Web page at www.townofdurhamct.org for updates.) Tuesday, October 19 7 p.m. — Board of Finance at Town Hall 7 p.m. — Agricultural Commission Wednesday, October 20 7:30 p.m. — Planning and Zoning Commission Thursday, October 21 7 p.m. — Compensation Review/Personnel Policy Commission at Town Hall 7 p.m. — DMIAAB 7 p.m. — Durham Animal Response Team Monday, October 25 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen at Town Hall Tuesday, October 26 7 p.m. — Ethics Commission Wednesday, October 27 7:30 p.m. — Board of Education at Korn School
ORTHODONTICS
Dr. John Conroy
The Durham Public Works Department wants residents to know that work will be starting for the Maiden Lane repaving project. Millingbegan on Oct. 12, and preparation for road resurfacing will be taking place from Route 17 to the intersection of Bear rock Road. Local access will be available for area homes as well as Pickett Lane. All other vehicular traffic should follow the detour signs and use alternate routes. The roadway work is anticipated to take 10 work days. Please use caution while traveling in this area and follow all direction given by the road traffic control personnel. Please lower your speed when approaching workers and equipment that are sharing the roadway.
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Durham Animal Response Team is having a tag sale at Brenda’s Main Street Feed in Durham on Saturday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
topsoil along Pickett Lane by the school. Regional District 13 sought a special permit to screen 4,500 yards of material over the course of six weeks. One of their representatives, Dick Webb, explained that the school doesn’t plan on removing any of the material from the site except for waste or otherwise spoiled materials; most of the screened earth will remain on school property. Furthermore, the operation will run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. While the screening process itself ran into no controversy, residents such as Donia Viola were concerned that the school didn’t receive a permit when it began screening in the summer. Her concern wasn’t that the school screened without a permit, but that a developer might also fail to notice the part of the regulations requiring a permit in the first place. Colegrove explained that most developers working in Durham are already familiar with the reg-
Friday, October 15, 2010 (Continued from page 3) ulations. He added that the screening equipment has also changed drastically from when the regulations were first approved, and that the equipment is less noisy now. However, removing the need for a permit would first require a regulation change. Otherwise, the screening permit met with little resistance. The commission gave it their unanimous approval. The only other item taken care of regarded the construction of an addition at 105 Commerce Circle. This addition will hold a delivery truck and Bobcat for the O’Neal Industrial Corporation. The addition will be 20’ by 23’ one-story building with one overhead door. The amount of impervious surface will remain the same. After reviewing the application, the zoning commission gave it their unanimous approval.
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Estates of Ruffino Wine Dinner
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Friday, October 15, 2010
Town Times
17
Magic Flute comes to Middletown
Pumpkins
1177598
By Larry Kellum philanthropic work in the Jeffrey Hartman, accompaSpecial to the Town Times arts community. As every nied by pianist Nathaniel Italian woman from the Baker. The soprano sang On Sat. Nov. 13, a bird- ‘60s will attest, the pop arias from Tosca and Vercatcher, an Egyptian high tenor was a heartthrob to di’s Otello — operas she is priest and an evil queen swoon over, and his legacy currently preparing for fufrom the sky will descend lives on through his charis- ture performances that indicate the direction her upon the stage at the Middle- matic wife. lovely voice is going in — Before the musical portown Performing Arts Center when the Mozart fantasy tion of the evening, patrons the heftier spinto repertory opera Magic Flute comes to indulged in the exotic bill of where she belongs. Since town. As is standard prac- fare. Every dish was home- his last appearance in Midtice these days, the opera made and creatively fash- dletown two years ago in La will be sung in German and ioned after an opera charac- Traviata, Hartman’s voice spoken in English. Then, on ter — German, Spanish, has improved, darkened May 21, a fiery Roman diva Thai, Italian, etc. entrees in- and doubled in size, and and a sadistic police chief spired by Carmen, Tosca, those Traviata memories grace the stage for Puccini’s and so forth. Then came the were relived in a brief duet passionate melodrama real treat — a mini recital from that opera. For info, call 860-440-3594. Tosca. Both works are visit- by Ms. Svedaite and tenor ing productions from the Connecticut Lyric Opera’s 2010-11 season. The company’s resident soprano Jurate Svedaite stars in both, A Specialty Gift and Floral Boutique and is partnered by LaurenWith Falling Leaves and Colder Weather tiu Rotaru (High Priest) and Jolie R. Brown (Queen of the Treat Yourself this Fall to... Night) — both familiar faces • Stylish Sweaters and Wraps on the local opera scene — in • Coordinating Scarves • Designer Tops the Mozart masterpiece. • Fleeced Lined Mittens and Angora Gloves
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Connecticut Lyric also knows how to throw a party in the grand manner. To inaugurate its upcoming season, they hosted a glamorous fundraising gala bash on Sept. 24 at the Mystic Arts Center. The sparkling evening had everything— singing, a spread of gourmet hors d’oeuvres fit for royalty and even a guest appearance by Eva Franchi, the celebrity widow of the late superstar tenor Sergio Franchi, who lived in Stonington. Madame Franchi, chic and full of charm, looked like a movie star and spoke, both on microphone and to private guests, about Sergio, her early ballerina days in Hungary and all her
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The Connecticut Lyric Opera, based in New London, is really the only major opera company to reckon with in the state. These productions will also travel to various other venues, notably New Britain’s Trinityon-Main, where Flute premieres the previous night. As always, the wind beneath the company’s wings is the esteemed Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra under the scrupulous baton of Adrian Sylveen.
donuts and the Cub Scout’s (From 1)
Town Times
18
Regionalism
4th Annual 1177463
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Friday, October 15, 2010
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(Continued from page 5) (OPM) has said there are too many,” said Krause. “Their criteria is that every one of the state’s 169 towns should be in a region, there should be no more than eight regions across the state, and each should include a distressed municipality (a technical term indicating a certain level of poverty among citizens).” “That’s one size fits all and doesn’t serve towns well,” the speaker continued. Maps previously shown by speaker Kooris illustrated Middlesex towns’ predicaments clearly – there’s 16 of them without a distressed municipality in sight. (Middletown does not qualify by the state’s definition though some residents of the lower valley might be tempted to think it does.) “OPM officials might say, ‘Well, send some towns with Meriden and some with New Haven,’ but if the idea of a fully functioning region is ‘rightsizing’ at the proper scale to solve problems, then this kind of random assignment is counterproductive,” explained Krause. Which towns are lumped together regionally is actually important because “rightsizing” for optimum efficiency and effectiveness can actually help towns. According to the state legislature, regionalism means at least two towns, so Durham and Middlefield
participate in many regional initiatives already, including a school district, a garbage district (DMIAAB and the transfer station), as well as a COG and Midstate Regional Planning Agency. Another regional effort on the near horizon may be health districts, where regionalizing makes sense, according to Krause, since many small towns’ health departments consist of a local doctor who agrees to be health director with perhaps some support from other town officials, such as sanitarians. “In the age of obesity epidemics and swine flu, there’s much more that health departments could, and perhaps should, be doing to enhance health.” According to all speakers, any impetus toward regionalism, besides saving money, which is on every official’s mind these days, should be to help existing places thrive. And, as speaker Krause noted, “for us in Middlesex County, we are the space between the places,” or the rural, small town heart of the state, different in many important ways from the I-91 corridor cities and towns, or the Fairfield County “Gold Coast. As the state OPM wrestles with what may turn out to be a whole new set of regions, the Rockfall Foundation and local planning agencies and COGs urge residents to pay attention to opportunities for pubSee Regionalism, next page
Special Activities 10:30 am CHFA RAM program with Terri Knott
11:00 am Joseph DiMauro Esq. The ABC’s of Estate Planning 11:30 am The Truth about end-of-Life Decisions with Doreen Bottone, Chaplain, MidState Medical Center Join us for an informative discussion designed for individuals or caregivers interested in learning more about the ethical and legal issues surrounding end-of-life care. Learn how to start a difficult conversation about your wishes and leave with helpful information and documents.
Noon “Lets have Fun: Sharpen Your Brain”
Flu Shots by VNA Healthcare Flu and pneumonia vaccine shots 10 am - 3 pm (fee and insurance TBA)
*Times, speakers and workshops can change without notice.
Lunch available at nominal cost from Wallingford Senior Center
Presented by Nancy Frede
1:00 pm Joseph DiMauro Esq. The ABC’s of Estate Planning
1144283
2:00 pm Sharpen Your Brain and gameshow with prizes
Contact Nancy Frede at 860-529-5579 with any questions
Town Times
Friday, October 15, 2010
Survivor exam and was referred for her first mammogram for a suspicious lump. “You can tell immediately when things aren’t right,” she shared, faces drop, expressions change. After a biopsy at Yale, she didn’t hear anything. She called for results, but no one called her back. When she called again, the voice on the phone matter-offactly informed her that she had cancer. Bernadette questioned if she would die, and was told she would not die, but would need a mastectomy. Bernadette did not hear the rest, her mind racing, hoping it was not in her lymph nodes so she would not need chemotherapy, not wanting her hair to fall out. Her mind could only accept so much at one time, not hearing or understanding anything else. Bernadette shared that as hard as the treatments were, losing her hair was the hardest. She didn’t want people to see her without hair, she wanted to retreat, but her
Regionalism (Continued from page 18)
(Continued from page 6) small network at work made her talk about it and good friends treated her well. But it was on her daughter’s kindergarten field trip that she met another Bernadette and learned the value of the care and support of another cancer survivor. Her daughter’s class was taking a field trip to the beach, and she wouldn’t be able to wear her wig, but refused to let cancer take her away from such things that meant so much. She went wearing a bandana and a hat, and was warmly welcomed by Bernadette Basiel, who continues to cheerfully exclaim, “We share so much more than a name.” Bernadette L. explains, “Support is so important, it is important to know a survivor, to see success, to feel that hope.” She said breast cancer is now her badge of honor, she is a survivor. She respects women who don’t want anyone to know, but doesn’t understand and feels sorry for them, for they are missing out on the support and resource of women who are there to help and share that hope. Liesl Gargiulo, of Durham, is another woman who was just too busy to get that mammogram. “Sometimes women are too busy caring for others to care for them-
selves.” When she finally went, she was told not to worry if she got a call back because the doctor needed a baseline. When she got the call back, she ignored it. They kept calling until she went back, and after several films, she was told she should see a surgeon for a biopsy. She, too, knew when she saw the change in the surgeon’s face. Shocked and petrified, she didn’t know where to turn when Bernadette Basiel called. “She was wonderful,” Liesl recalls. “I read the book she gave me, and knowing her, seeing her gave me so much hope.” Liesl highly recommends the book Just Get Me Through This! A Practical Guide to Coping With Breast Cancer (Deborah A. Cohen and Robert Gelfand), which is full of humor and facts that really helped her through treatment. “I did what I had to do because I had to watch my son grow up, to see my grandchildren. Chemo is terrible, hair falling out is terrible, but do it for yourself, for your family,” she said.
would be great. I am the most timid, scared person, but I did it. I fought, I survived. I joined a gym, exercise regularly – I won’t let this disease conquer me.” I was surprised and disappointed by a recent study finding that women should begin yearly mammograms at age 50, not at 40. Of the women in this week’s article, only I am over 50. It is my hope that in sharing my story and the stories of these re-
After treatment Liesl joined a support group where she is able to share and learn from other young women with common issues and enjoy the variety of activities, speakers, and yoga. “If I can help one other woman, it
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lic input on regionalization p l a n s , w h i c h may or may not be based on “rational regions.” Citizens Speaker Linda should Krause of CRm a k e ERPA in her their voic“planning wizes heard ard” hat. as such opportunities present themselves. The arbitrary OPM deadline is January 2012, several months before the 2010 census data is complete, a timeframe that seemed absurd to the speakers and which may itself become a topic of discussion after the election of a new state legislature and governor. After all, why not wait a few months till the best and newest data is in? Wouldn’t that be a good start to creating “rational regions”? Those who value our “space between the places” should stay aware of the continuing process.
19 markable women, women make time to take care of themselves, get a mammogram; and if facing biopsy, diagnosis or battling the disease, they not seclude themselves, but reach out to the wonderful network of care right here in our community. Editor’s note: Look for more Breast Cancer Survivor stories from local women in next week’s issue of Town Times, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
More Letters to the Editor
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Initiative and referendum, the California experience
lows for voter initiatives, I can tell you that this system has been a disaster there. The initiative system has been taken over by special interests, often unions or corporate interests, that care little for the overall well-being of the state. Initiatives are generally put on the ballot with petitions compiled by professionals who are compensated for each voter signature they obtain. (This practice cannot be prohibited, pursuant to a Supreme Court decision.) The special interest proponent of an initiative then floods the airways with often confusing ads which seek to mask the initiative’s true purposes. Voters end up passing spending mandates that benefit the narrow interests. At the same time, the system is conducive to the passage of Proposition 13-type limits on taxation. Taking these two tendencies together — the voters’ propensity to both approve lavish spending and restrict sources of revenue — the initiative system has been a recipe for huge deficits and annual budget gridlock in California. Look carefully at the power of special interests and the political disfunction that has resulted from the initiative system in California before
I would like to comment not on the upcoming election, but rather on a specific proposal made by Lisa Davenport in last week’s Town Times. Ms. Davenport recommends that Connecticut adopt the initiative and referendum system — the ability of voters to directly adopt laws. Having lived many years in California, which al-
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Celebrate Halloween with Middletown Elks Remember last year’s Middletown Elks Halloween Party? This year will be just as fun, if we again get the community’s support. The Middletown Elks Youth Committee is currently seeking volunteers to help decorate, man tables, hand out candy, dress up and help us get the word out to make this an event to remember. We started this annual event last year due to the constant fear for the children of our community’s well being, since many of us think twice about sending our children out for trick-ortreating now-a-days. Last year we had over 500 kids and their parents come through our “Haunted Crystal Ballroom” to celebrate Halloween in a safe and fun venue. This year we want to make it 1,000. So, bring your children, grandchildren,
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Enthusiasm for Lesser Much has been said and written lately about an “enthusiasm gap” in the 2010 mid-term elections and the influence it will have. For me and many others though, there seems to be no lack of enthusiasm for the candidacy of Matt Lesser, our Democrat State Representative running for re-election in the 100th District. There are obvious and important reasons why this is so. Matt’s enthusiasm for his work in the legislature is front and center, and it naturally rubs off on those who
Friday, October 15, 2010 meet him and have come to see his work ethic, commitment and fundamental values during his productive two years as a state representative. Since meeting him as an unknown candidate in 2007, I have come to know Matt Lesser as honest, hardworking, friendly and completely engaged in the quest to better the lives of his constituents. Lesser is spot on in his observations and positions about the “state of our state,” not only at the macro level of cities and towns but about families and individuals too. His takes on property tax relief, jobs, education and energy policy, to name a few, are a common sense vision forward as we struggle locally with economies and budgets. Rep. Lesser knows who he is and stands for that. He does not seek to be all things to all people unlike other candidates this fall. That is why you will see his name in a familiar place on the state ballot, as a Democrat. He is uninterested in being whatever candidate you want him See Lesser, next page
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More Letters to the Editor
Friday, October 15, 2010 (From page 20)
to be just to garner more votes. Finally, I appreciate the fact that Matt can devote his full-time energies to this very important job; this is not the part-time endeavor that other candidates will make of it. Enthusiastic? Yes, I am, and I hope you feel the same and come out and vote for Matt Lesser on Nov 2. Chris Flanagan, Durham
Durham wellrepresented
average public employee earns approximately 45 percent more per hour than a private sector employee. That can be as much as $30,000-$40,000 per year. Who do you want negotiating with public employee labor unions? Foley or Malloy? Whose campaign is being supported by these unions. Malloy has said no to most reasonable ideas for money saving changes. This year, vote Tom Foley for Governor and John Szewczyk, Lisa Davenport and Len Suzio to back him up. Robert S. Poliner, Durham
Don’t be fooled Remember, Connecticut has a biennium budget (every odd-numbered year). So when incumbent Matt Lesser states he “took on his own party leaders” as he does in his campaign literature, please ask him why in 2009 did he vote in favor of the
budget? (HB 6802, voted on 08/31/2010) And please don’t be fooled into thinking that a budget amendment bill in 2010 (to fix the 2009 budget) is the budget—-it is not. Secondly, don’t be fooled when, like in the recent issue of the Town Times, allies of Lesser state that he saved education funding for DurhamMiddlefield when many other communities lost education funding. Truth is not one community in Connecticut lost state education funding (Office of Fiscal Analysis). The newest claim that Lesser voted to decrease his own salary also does not seem completely accurate. House Bill 5095, LCO 1195 on 01/14/2009 gave Lesser the opportunity to decrease his legislative salary by five percent. He voted “NO” along a party line vote. In reality, Mr. Lesser has voted party line 99 percent of the time. The House Clerk Office reveals that Lesser voted
451 times in 2009 and 447 of those times he voted with his party. In 2010, Mr. Lesser voted 270 times and 266 of those times were with his party. There have been a lot of claims made over the past few weeks by Mr. Lesser and his supporters. However, most have been inaccurate and none have been backed up with facts, data, bill numbers, etc. Ben Walden, Texas (formerly of Durham)
Who is John Szewczyk? Answer: Anybody you want him to be. Mr. Szewczyk’s campaign promises may be vague, but don’t worry, if there’s a fringe party out there, John Szewczyk will seek its nomination. He is appearing on the ballot as a member of the Republican See Szewczyk, next page
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Durham is very fortunate to have two able and committed representatives in Hartford. State Senator Ed Meyer and Representative Matt Lesser exemplify public service at its best. Their effective attention to local concerns, as well as their ability to lead in Hartford, sets the bar very high for others seeking political office. Ed chairs the Environment Committee, and as vice chair of the Children’s Committee, is a leading advocate for their care. Ed has emerged as a strong leader in the state senate and is determined to reduce state spending by streamlining our overwrought bureaucracies. Matt has led the fight to lower energy bills and hold the line on property taxes. He has twice been named a “Children’s Champion,” serves on the Environment Committee and has worked effectively with leaders of both parties to help small businesses, farms and victims of family violence. It would be wise to send these two bright, dedicated and energetic public servants back to Hartford. Jim McLaughlin, Durham
spending of the democratic legislative majorities. And because the more republicans elected to the legislature, the better chance our state has of climbing out of this recession sooner. We face a $3.8 billion deficit next year. We can’t borrow and tax our way out of that big of a hole. There is no more money in the Rainy Day Fund. They used it up to pay this year’s bills. They can’t borrow any more because they borrowed nearly $1 billion to pay this and last year’s expenses. The only way to deal with the deficit is cut spending. The next governor will have to negotiate major changes to the wage and benefit packages of state employees. Why? Because pay and benefits, including health insurance and retirement, costs the state nearly $7 billion annually. Federal labor statistics indicate an
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22
Szewczyk (Continued from page 21) Party and — get this — as a member of the Connecticut for Lieberman Party. The real Joe Lieberman, of course, isn’t supporting him. But John doesn’t mind if you think that he is. What are John’s real views? Your guess is as good as mine. John has said he supports higher spending for schools and lower spending, higher property taxes and lower property taxes — no matter what side of any issue you’re on, John is someone we can’t count on to make a real decision when leadership is needed in Hartford. Sebastian Aresco, Rockfall
Politics as usual
It seems as if a pattern has developed by Mr. Lesser of
More Letters to the Editor
Friday, October 15, 2010
(SB-438, LCO 5151) that would decrease the amount legislators are allowed to spend on taxpayer-funded mailers (which often look like campaign literature) and transfer those savings to education funding, he voted “NO.” This pattern of “politics as usual” by our current incumbent state representative Matt Lesser, needs to come to an end. Vera Geremia, Durham
ues to require more from our local government without providing more funding.
Support Szewczyk, Davenport
John Szewczyk and Lisa Davenport, two bright, young and energetic Durham residents, are running for the House of Representatives and the State Senate. They offer Durham and Middlefield residents and other citizens of our state a change from old, tired ideas that have not worked and have been shown to damage Connecticut’s economy and its ability to attract businesses and create jobs.
ford police officer. He is a member of Durham’s Board of Selectmen. His voting record demonstrates his distaste for wasteful spending and high taxes. Lisa owns a successful business. She is a member of Durham’s Planning and Zoning Commission. She is a volunteer at her church and in many local organizations. Both John and Lisa will make great additions to our legislature. We need them both to represent us. Maryann Boord, Durham
doing whatever is convenient for his political career. Mr. Lesser has been campaigning on the fact that he voted against the 2010 budget when in fact there was no budget vote in 2010. The state of Connecticut has a budget vote every two years. This past legislative session, the budget bill was HB 6802 and was voted on August 31, 2009. To his one budget vote, Matt Lesser voted “YES” along with every other member of his party. When he tells you he took on his party leaders and voted against the budget, Mr. Lesser is playing politics as usual, not being truthful. And please don’t think a budget amendment vote just months before an election is the same as voting on the budget as he would like you to believe. Mr. Lesser also claims to be a champion for education. However, when legislation was put before him to vote on
Our state legislature needs a good shaking up. In the past two years it has depleted a $1.4 billion rainy day fund, borrowed over one billion dollars to pay current expenses and relied on accounting gimmicks to “balance the budget.” At the same time Hartford contin-
I believe that our legislature, which is presently more than two-thirds Democrat, is listening to no one but themselves, and if allowed to continue in office will continue to over spend, over tax and borrow. Our grandchildren will be the ones who will have to pay the bill. This must stop.
John is a decorated Hart-
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Tough economic times call for people in government who are willing to make tough decisions. People who are willing to give an honest answer when asked a question, and people who aren’t afraid to say “no” at times. The state has too many elected officials who follow their party line and aren’t willing to be a voice of reason or common sense. I am supporting John Szewczyk for State Representative because he has always been that voice of reason. John is from our community. As a native of Durham-Middlefield, John has been an outstanding member of our community for years. He has served on numerous boards and commissions and has always provided fair, honest answers to consituent concerns. When you talk to John, you don’t feel as if you are talking to a politician, but instead as if you are talking to a neighbor and friend. Please join me in supporting John Szewczyk for State Representative this November. Katie Norton, Durham
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Town Times
Friday, October 15, 2010 spending. He has done that at the local level, and he will bring that same fiscal com(Continued from page 22) mon sense to Hartford. He is a taxpayer and a homeownpeople in his District. I know er. He understands that gimhe helped the Durham Fair mick budgeting (borrowing get out from under a lot of and bonding) is no way to red tape. He isn’t blinded by run a state government. So the wild political mayhem; please join me in electing he just wants his District to someone ready to hit the get what it deserves. ground running. We need the energy and Please support John Szewcommitment of public ser- czyk for State Representavants like Matt Lesser in tive! Hartford. Please vote for Edward Jones, Middlefield Matt in November! Holly Pearce Bisson, Durham
Vote
Support Lesser
Against domestic violence
Soroptimist is an international volunteer organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. Learn more at www.soroptimist.org. New Horizon Domestic Violence Services is for women and women with children, and provides safe housing, basic needs, counseling, advocacy and court support. Visit www.CHC1.com.
Soroptimist International of Connecticut River Valley is proud to announce that it is sponsoring “Wanted Citizens Against Domestic Violence.” We want individuals to step forward and declare “I Am Against Domestic Violence” and make a tax deductible donation that will
Please send your check made out to SIA CRV/DVI and mail to SIA CRV, P.O. Box 22, Rockfall, CT 06481. Please include your address and phone. A donation may be made in honor or memory of an individual, and you may remain anonymous and not have your name listed.
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Lesser (Continued from page 13) we get back from Hartford, the less you have to pay in property taxes. It also makes sense for the economy, because if we cut back on basic K-12 education, we will fall behind the other states, not just for years, but for generations. The next two years will be enormously challenging as we work to balance budgets while turning the economy around. To protect our funding, we need to look outside the box and find creative solutions. That is why I traveled in
Over the long run, we need to reform the way our schools and special education programs are funded. The state should assume a greater percentage of the burden to provide relief locally to seniors and working families. If we work diligently and carefully, we can make Connecticut’s schools the pride of the nation while keeping our spending under control.
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state capitol has been listening to the public’s desire for fiscal sanity. None of the legislators at the state capital have proposed a cure for an ailing state budget and an unemployment rate of close to 10 percent. No one seems to be willing to make the tough decisions needed to help Connecticut with its $3.4 billion budget deficit. The easiest way to restore fiscal responsibility at the state level is by electing new representatives like John Szewczyk. John Szewczyk is a fiscally responsible individual who will help control state
June at my own expense to Washington, D.C. for eight hours of meetings with U.S. Education secretary Arne Duncan and top Education Department officials. I urged him to support desperatelyneeded reforms to the most expensive mandate of all: No Child Left Behind, including increased funding to Connecticut’s schools. We need to measure success differently so that teachers can focus on actually teaching kids, rather than just teaching them to pass the test.
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I am going to vote for Matt Lesser for State Representative because he has proven to be a remarkable representative for our District. We need to support the men and women who support their constituents, and no one has done that more that Matt! I know that Matt grew up in a household supported by his father’s small business. He understands Connecticut, and he understands that hard times only mean more hard work. We can’t lose focus on what we need to do in Hartford. We need a better state. Matt Lesser is personable, approachable and hard working. We need Matt Lesser. Please vote for him in Novemeber! Ronald J. Markham, Durham
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Town Time Obituaries
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Ruth E. Orr Ruth E. (Nevers) Orr, 97, of Manchester, beloved wife of the late Robert E. Orr passed away Thursday, October 7, 2010, at Crestfield Rehabilitation Center in Manchester. Mrs. Orr was born December 24, 1912, in South Windsor; daughter of the late John and Gertrude Nevers and had been a resident of Manchester for most of her life. She was employed for over 30 years with Hartman Tobacco Company as well as working at several local farms in the Bolton area. Mrs. Orr was a member of the United Churches of Durham. She was an avid gardener and spent many summers tending to her flowers and vegetables. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Newton, of Durham, her daughter-inlaw, Helen Orr of Vernon, five beloved grandchildren,
Roger and Murray Newton, Lavinia Vigue and her husband, Kevin, Orinda Conway and her husband, Randy and Robert Orr. She also leaves seven greatgrandchildren, Allison and Samantha Vigue, Logan and Colton Conway and Molly, Sydney and Jacqueline Orr. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Orr was predeceased by her son, Robert J. Orr and her son-inlaw, Roger B. Newton. Funeral services will be Friday, October 15, at 9:30 a.m. at Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main St. Manchester. Burial will follow in East Cemetery, Manchester. A time of visitation will be Friday, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Should friends desire memorial contributions may be made to Crestfield Recreation Dept., 565 Vernon St. Manchester, CT 06040. To sign the online guestbook, please visit
www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com
Florence W. Zimmer Florence W. Zimmer of Middlefield, died Thursday, Oct. 7 at Middlesex Hospital. Born in Merrill, Maine, February 3, 1929 to William A. and Jennie F. (McKee), Hickey, Florence moved to Middlefield with her family in 1943. June 4, 1948 she married the late Raymond E. Zimmer. Florence was a clerk in the Middlefield Tax Assessor Office before retiring. She had a passion for Girl Scouting, serving as a leader for many years, enjoyed camping, baking, cake decorating, painting, sewing and knitting with her friends at the Middlefield Senior Center, making hate for preemies, mittens for children and afghans for Middlesex Hospice Unit and Cancer
Friday, October 15, 2010
Center. She loved country and bluegrass music, learning to play the guitar late in life. Florence is survived by her daughters Eva Kavanagh and husband Christopher of Manchester, Patty McDermott and husband Brian, (who is currently serving in Afghanistan with the Vermont National Guard), of Middlefield, and grandchildren Molly and Sean Kavanagh, Raymond, Patrick and Jennie McDermott. Sisters Marion Warzecha and husband Joseph of Middletown, Geraldine Marshall of Panton, VT, in-laws Anton Zimmer and wife Vera, of Wells, VT, John Zimmer and wife Adele, of Middlefield, Dora Zimmer Ruggiero of Brooksville, FL and many beloved nieces, nephews and close friends. She was predeceased by sister Lois Thompson and husband Reuben, sister-in-law Gertrude Zimmer Ruffino and husband
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Salvatore, brothers-in-law Robert Marshall, Charles Zimmer and Nicholas Ruggiero. Florence’s family sends heartfelt thanks to family and friends who spent time with her in her last months making her days brighter. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Oct. 14 at 11 a.m. at the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main Street, Portland. Burial will follow in the State Veteran Cemetery in Middletown. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Florence’s memory may be made to the Middlefield Volunteer Fire Department, 406 Jackson Hill Rd, Middlefield, CT 06455.
Zachary Ryan Marshall Zachary Ryan Marshall, 25, of Durham, passed away Monday, Oct. 4, 2010, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born in Middletown, Sept. 9, 1985, a son of Alan P. Marshall Jr. of Durham and the late Ramona Jurczak Marshall, and was a lifelong Durham resident. He was a graduate of Coginchaug High School, class of 2002, and had been employed by Kone Elevators and a member of Local 91 for several years. Besides his father Alan, he is survived by his brother, Alan P. Marshall III and his wife Jennifer and their children, Chloe, Kaylee Quinn and Jillian of Colchester; his sister, Monica Rae Sistare and her husband Frank and their children, Summer Rae and Syrus, of Niantic; and many other family members and friends. His family received relatives and friends in the Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main Street Ext., Wallingford, on Friday, Oct. 8. A funeral service was held Saturday, Oct. 9 at the United Churches of Durham. Interment was at the Middlefield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 538 Preston Ave. Meriden, CT 06450. Wallingford Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Town Times Sports
Friday, October 15, 2010
Stewart (From page 14) College appealed to Stewart because he wanted to stay close to home, liked the high quality of the academic environment, and “hit it off” with the coaching staff from the start.
Right now, Stewart is concentrating on his Xavier team, which is 4-0 and ranked #1 in the state. Xavier’s defense, which only gives up just fewer than seven points a game, is led by their All-state and All-American linebacker. Nominated for the Butkus Award for the nation’s best high school linebacker, Stewart will look to take his skills and his lucky “Blow it out your bagpipes” t-shirt that he wears for every game to Boston College next year where he says, “I plan to go 100 miles per hour from the first whistle to the last one; I plan to make an impact.”
By Robert Coogan Special to the Town Times The Coginchaug Girls U-11 Competitive Travel team has advanced to the sweet 16 of the Connecticut State Cup tournament. Coginchaug is one of seventy-two teams to enter the statewide tourney. In the opening game, the girls beat Tolland 2-0 behind two great goals from Maddie Montz and Carly Lane. Strong goal play from both Hannah Clark and Meghan DeVille in a combined shut out on the road. The girls advanced to the second round, playing a very tough Fairfield team at home. It was a defensive struggle between two evenly matched teams. In the end, the only goal came on a corner kick from Isabella Santoro that Nicole Murphy put it into the net for the 1-0 win.
Hannah Clark had the shut out in goal and was assisted by a strong defensive line of Lydia D’Amato, Abby Blair, Julia Davis and Isabella Santoro. We also had great plays from our Mids and Strikers Julianna DeFlora, Carly Lane, Shannon Carey, Nicole Murphy, Colleen Coogan and Meghan DeVille. This is the farthest a Coginchaug club has advanced in the Connecticut Cup. Please come out to Peckham Park in Middlefield on Saturday, Oct. 16, at 3 p.m. to watch the Coginchaug Girls U-11 Travel Team take on Farmington. Let’s see if they can advance to the elite 8!
Above, front row , Shannon Carey, Nicole Murphy, Colleen Coogan, Julianna DeFlora. Back Row - Isabella Santoro, Hannah Clark, Carly Lane, Abby Blair, Lydia D’Amato, Julia Davis, Meghan DeVille. Missing in the photo: Maddie Montz and DeMarie DelVecchio.
Town Times Service Directory NOW OPEN!
Hermitage Farm
*Open Barn Nov. 7 from 1 pm-3 pm 1176902
(Demonstrations, Refreshments, and Raffle for a free lesson!) Boarding • Lessons Saddle Seat - Hunt Seat - Western - Jumping - Training - Sales 179 Cherry Lane, Durham, CT 06422 HermitageFarmLLC@gmail.com (860) 358-9127
1176956
V.M.B. Custom Builders “No jobs too big or small” Mike Gerchy OWNER/BUILDER 1165528
Specializing in Historic Renovations and Custom Cabinets, Additions, Decks & Roofs 35 Maiden Lane Durham, CT 06422 (860) 398-0785 VMBCustombuilders@live.com “Complete Jobs From First Stud To Last Touch Of Paint” Fully Insured & Licensed HIC #614488
Office: Office: (860) 426-1578 Fax: (860) 426-1676 Office: (860) (860) 426-1578 426-1578 Fax: Fax: (860) (860) 426-1676 426-1676 Office: (860) 426-1578 Fax: (860) 426-1676 Office: (860) 426-1578 Fax: (860) 426-1676 Email: Email: Email: chassebuild@aol.com chassebuild@aol.com chassebuild@aol.com Email: chassebuild@aol.com
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APEC ELECTRIC
Kitchens Kitchens ••• Additions Additions ••• Basements Basements ••• Doors Doors Kitchens Additions Basements Doors ••• Windows Windows ••• Decks Decks Windows Decks
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Purpose Electrical Contractor "Electrical Construction Built on Quality" “ N o J o b To o S m a l l ”
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860-349-0303
Fully Fully insured. CT License #0621224 Fully insured. insured. CT CT License License #0621224 #0621224 Fully insured. CT License #0621224 Fully insured. CT License #0621224
1176226
Classes for the November/December session, pre-registration the week of Oct. 18, are: Monday POWER YOGA w/Sue from 7-8 p.m. (8 week series) Tuesday ZUMBA w/Shelly from 7-8 p.m. (8 week series) Wednesday POWER YOGA w/Sue from 7-8 p.m. (8 week series) Thursday ZUMBA® w/Shelly from 6-7 p.m. (7 week series) Saturday POWER YOGA w/Sue from 8-9 a.m. (6 week series) Questions/prices for Yoga, call Sue at 203-214-0198 or for Zumba call Shelly at 203-464-2173.
Coginchaug advances to the Sweet Sixteen
1176958
Fitness classes at Durham Activity Center
25
Town Times Sports
26
Friday, October 15, 2010
Falcon Football squads’ updates Falcons C Team By Jon and Peg Cross The Falcons C team took on the big town Glastonbury Tomahawks in Durham on a sunny fall day. Winning the opening toss, the Falcons received the kick off with Ryan Cross returning the ball with a fine run to the 50. The Falcon offense took
over and began their field position grind. Today would again be about ball control, and solid defense. Several backs would share the load, carry after carry led by Brendan Rea, Dylan DeGennaro, Kevin Cross, Ryan Cross, Andrew Gleeson, Tyler Young and Justin Faiella ground out yardage all day. After several exchanges in the first quarter, the Falcons were hungry for pay
Ryan Cross dove to the cone to score the point. Falcons lead 7-0. It would be a short lead. In the second quarter Glastonbury would break away on a long run, Justin Faiella was able to force the runner out of bounds at the five, several plays later they scored. This would be the last score by Glastonbury, a big stop on a very large running back by the Falcon A gap team saved the day lead by Bobby
dirt, when Ryan Cross was given the ball off tackle, cuts and jukes put him to the edge and speed busted him down the right side for a 50 yard touch down. Springing the run was Kevin Cross, Dylan Degennaro and Robert Gleeson, lead by offensive linemen David Skelps, Anthony Arreguin, Dawson Hettrick, Justin Gagner and Luke Latorre. The extra point was set up by a nifty formation, and
Town Times Service Directory 1165531
1165350
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Huscher, Colin Sheehy, Trevor Smith, Hogan Dalhman, Christopher Ulizio, Rob Miles and AJ Alfano. Defense would be the key for the third and fourth quarter. The Falcons made some adjustments and dominated the second half by blitzing their line backers. And strong play by corners and defensive ends, the tenacious Falcons stopped drive after dive amid unsportsman-like play by Glastonbury. The Falcons kept their composure under pressure and held their ground. Anthony Curry, Quinn Reardon, Danny Dekoyer, Alex Kulasenski and Ben Choplick helped anchor the defense. An exciting and nail biting fourth quarter found the Falcons repelling Tomahawk attack after attack. In the end the Falcons prevailed with tremendous effort against the big town team with a well earner 7-6 victory. The Falcons take on Bloomfield next Sunday.
Falcon Mighty Mites By Nicholas Faiella The powerful Falcon Mighty Mites played host to the Glastonbury Tomahawks this weekend. The Mighty Mites were looking to improve on their 3-1 record but Glastonbury is always a tough game. The defense was led by Kolby Pascarelli, Michael Roccapriore, Tucker Carroll, Anthony Santangelo, Ryan Doyle, Logan Saks, Shea Larkin, Carter Proto, Sebastian Hallock, Kenneth Wallen, Eamon Augur, Owen Griffin, and Nevin Moore did their best to hold back the Tomahawks. The offense looked to put points on the board in the first half and were led by a very strong offensive line led marked by the return of Alex Case, Blake Courchesne, Devin Geoghegan, Jacob Toth, Aidan Sarcia, Aaron Faiella, Eric Pitruzzello, Anthony Bizzaro, Michael Andrews and Quinn Forrester with Derek Grant at QB, Evan Faiella, and Terence SeeMites, next page
Town Times Sports
Friday, October 15, 2010
Mites
(From page 26)
Murphy in the backfield. The Falcons tried time and time again to move the ball but were unsuccessful today. The kids fought hard and never gave up, but today was not going to be their day. The Falcons dropped to 3-2 and hope to rebound next week. This week’s captains were Carter Proto, Kolby Pascarelli and Eric Pitruzezello. Special thanks to fans and cheerleaders for their support throughout the day. The Falcons Mighty Mites are on the road next week as they take on the Bloomfield Raiders.
Strong School tryouts Sign ups for Boys and Girls Basketball and Cheerleading will occur in early November. Tryouts will be soon after. Be sure your child’s physical is up-todate prior to trying out for a team.
27
Girls’ soccer champs Middlefield residents Amy Arcari, left, and Larissa Cade, and their team Academia Futbol Club of Cheshire, won the U-13 soccer championship game in the Columbus Day Tournament in Ludlow, Mass.
Local news Local events Local sports
Photo submitted by Bonnie A.
Town Times Service Directory Home Improvement & Repairs
Falcons B Squad
Specializing in Bathroom Remodeling
By Ken Vallone
CT Lic. 0612088
Robert Trombetta 860-798-5374 Middlefield, CT
860-349-0467
• PAVING • ASPHALT CURBING • DRIVEWAY REPAIR & ENTRANCES • DRIVEWAY GRADING
Specializing in Service & Repairs of Plumbing Systems • Kitchen & Bathroom Remodels • Toilets, Faucets & Piping Repairs • Water Heater Replacements • Submersible Well Pumps, Jet Pumps • Pressure Tanks • Water Main Repairs • Well Repairs
BROCKETT PAVING DARYL BROCKETT DURHAM, CT (860) 349-1972
Licensed & Insured Lic #PL204680
Lic. #562871 LICENSED & INSURED FREE ESTIMATES
1176957
1160508
Falcon elections
Cahill Septic Service Est. 1965
• Septic tank cleaning • Septic systems installed & repaired • Sewer drain cleaning • Portable restroom rentals
1160519
1164063
270 Main St., Middlefield 860-349-8551
1176961
Allan’s Tree Service ~ professional care at its best ~ • Pruning • Cabling • Tree & Stump Removal • Spraying & Disease Control • Bucket Truck Ct.LIC#61798
Allan Poole, Licensed Arborist Phone 349-8029 Established 1976 • Fully Insured • Work Guaranteed in Writing
Commercial and Residential Lawn Care
WEEKLY MOWING FALL/SPRING CLEAN-UPS MULCHING SHRUBS/HEDGE TRIMMING ALL YOUR OTHER LAWN CARE NEEDS SNOW/ICE MANAGEMENT Snow Plowing, Sanding and Walkways Fully Insured
1164066
The Durham-Middlefield Falcons Board of Directors elections will be on Nov. 22 at the Middlefield Community Center at 7 p.m. Positions up for re-election include: vice president, treasurer, secretary, field director, equipment director, booster director, public relations director and league representatives. Contact President Jim Banack by Nov. 5 at jjbumpire50@comcast.net or 860-349-8773 if interested in applying.
• Painting/Dry Wall • Tile Flooring • Basements/Skylights • Decks/Patios/Sheds • Odd Projects • No Job Too Small
1175427
RSDL
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The Falcons B squad ran into a tough Glastonbury team on Sunday that hadn’t lost a game this season. It was easy to see why after a few series. The Glastonbury team was well disciplined and well coached but the Falcons stood tough. Being led by this weeks Captains Parker Tregoning, Zach Vallone, Trevor Delloso and Ricky Sorenson, the Falcons played some great defense and moved the ball on offense but were unable to get it into the end zone. The Falcons would eventually go down in defeat 19-0 but the score did not reflect how well the Falcons played. The next game will be in Bloomfield on Sunday.
Property Maintenance Division
Call for Estimates: (203) 631-5894 or (860) 349-1168
Town Times
28
Friday, October 15, 2010
Political Advertisement
Re-elect Your State Senator
Tom Gaffey Representing Meriden, Middletown, Cheshire, Middlefield & Rockfall
Vote November 2 ( DEMOCRAT ( www.tomgaffey.com
A Record of Making Positive Change Happen ° Voted to cut more than $3 billion in state
spending and borrowing ° Successfully worked to obtain state grants to
improve water quality at Lake Beseck and to get DEP to lower water levels in winter ° Voted for funding to preserve open space
at the Pelkey, Steucek, Strickland, and DiConstanzo properties ° Helped Middlefield with assistance with
Peckham Park recreational improvements ° Fought for financial assistance for
small businesses ° Championed historic investment in vo-tech
schools including Wilcox and Vinal ° Achieved 100% on environmental 1177499
voting scorecard Approved by Tom Gaffey. Paid for by Tom Gaffey for State Senate, Katharine Hayes, Treasurer.