10-28-2011 Town Times by Town Times Newspaper

Volume 18, Issue 29

Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall

Alpine Ridge cancels Powder Ridge deal By Sue VanDerzee Town Times At an executive session meeting held on Tuesday, Oct. 25, the Middlefield Board of Selectmen spent two hours discussing and crafting a statement in response to a letter sent by Dennis Abplanalp of Alpine Ridge, LLC canceling his offer to purchase Powder Ridge ski area for $1 million. The statement, drafted by attorney Ken Antin for the board, reads as follows: “On Oct. 20, 2011 Alpine Ridge, LLC informed the Board of Selectmen that it

would not perform its agreement to buy Powder Ridge Ski Resort. Alpine Ridge’s letter came as a great surprise to the Board of Selectman. Town officials had worked for months with Alpine Ridge to prepare for the closing. During that time Alpine Ridge gave no indication that it would not perform. The town satisfied or was prepared to satisfy every contract requirement within its power. Alpine Ridge’s continuing failure to provide engineering plans for the intake facility and pump station prevented the town from obtaining an ease-

Friday, October 28, 2011

It’s pumpkin time!

ment from the state to pump water from Lake Beseck to Powder Ridge. “The Board of Selectmen is deeply disappointed with Alpine Ridge’s unexpected decision. The town must now consider its options with respect to Powder Ridge in general as well as Alpine Ridge’s refusal to perform in particular.” According to Antin, the cancellation “comes at the worst possible time for calm reflection on options and alternatives” due to rapidlySee Powder Ridge, page 34

Prescription drugs take back program Don’t flush that leftover medicine! Here is a safe, environmentally-sound option. Free collection and safe disposal of unwanted medications will be Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Resident State Trooper’s Office (24 Townhouse Rd. in Durham). Flushing medications down the toilet or sink causes water pollution, impacts drinking water and has adverse effects on septic systems, fish and other aquatic wildlife. Keep medication in its original container. Cross out any personal information on the container with a black marker or duct tape, including name and address, but leave the name of the drug. Sharp needles, medical waste, mercury thermometers and illegal drugs or paraphernalia will not be accepted. If anyone should happen to bring such items, the police officers on site will take them. This service is free and anonymous, and no questions will be asked.

On Monday, Oct. 17, the Durham Co-Op Nursery School went on a field trip to Halfinger Farms in Higganum. The students enjoyed learning about corn, picking pumpkins and going on an exciting hayride! Picking pumpkins, above, are Luke and Josh Poturnicki. Below, the three-day class shows off their pumpkins. Submitted by Mica Machnik

Disagreements arise over new DMIAAB agreement By Cheri Kelley Town Times How much talk can there be about garbage? If the Oct. 24 public hearing in Durham on the new DMIAAB (Durham-Middlefield Interlocal Agreement Advisory Board) agreement was any indication, there is a lot to be said about garbage. The discussion went on for over an hour with lots of opinions voiced. About 15 residents were in attendance to ask questions and gain understanding. The biggest area of contention was in section 5-1, which speaks about the number of members representing each town on the

advisory board. The agreement states that there will be eight members on the board, with four from each town. Bruce Chaplin, a representative from the DMIAAB task force, addressed the reason why this language was not taken out of the agreement. “We decided that this was a hot potato item and that we were not going to go there.” Resident Donia Viola stated, “I don’t want to feel that we have to carry Middlefield.” She continued by saying that she wants this item to go to referendum since she believed that it was too late for it to be put as a question during the regularly-scheduled election in No-

vember. She continued, “If we went to a 50-50 payment, then I would be okay with it.” Dominic DelVecchio, a member of the DMIAAB task force, said the task force felt that if this issue was pushed, then residents in Middlefield might walk away and that sometimes it is best to compromise in order to avoid having to locate appropriate land for separate transfer stations. This explanation was not satisfactory to Viola and a few others. Some Middlefield residents feel that the majority of the environmental impact from the transfer station becomes Middlefield’s problem, not Durham’s, since the Cogin-

chaug River flows north toward Middlefield, and, therefore, they need to have equal representation on the board regardless of population. Another issue that came up was one shared by Middlefield residents concerning section 5-3. The suggestion was that making the first selectman confirm the chairman of the board may create political issues. First Selectman Laura Francis stated that one way to avoid the problem is to change the words “first selectman” to “Board of Selectmen” (BOS) because then all political parties are represented automatically. Chad Spooner, DMIAAB

task force chairman, thanked everyone for their suggestions and said that all comments from the hearings in Durham and Middlefield will be taken into consideration. The task force will now create a final document that will be presented to each town’s BOS, and then it will be put to vote at a town meeting.

In this issue ... Calendar............................4 Election section .........15-22 Letters .....................8-14, 18 Obituaries ..................30-31 Sports ..........................32-34 Town Briefs ................23-25

Local historical societies to hold concert The Durham Historical Society and the Middlefield Historical Society are cosponsoring a concert on Saturday, Nov. 12. The AtwaterDonnelly Band will perform at the Middlefield Community Center Auditorium (405 Main St.) at 7 p.m. The band will perform traditional American folk music and dance, as well as some Celtic music and dance. The group, based in Foster, RI, has toured the United States and Europe and performed in

Town Times Community Briefs Durham in 2007 and 2010. Tickets will be available at the door or by reservation. Please call 860-716-5497 or email durhamhistoricalsociety@hotmail.com with any questions or for ticket prices and reservations. More info on the band can be found at www.atwater-donnelly.com.

Free community supper Members of the United Churches of Durham will prepare and host a free community supper in the Fellowship Hall, 228 R Main St., on Sunday, Nov. 6, from 5:30 to

Index of Advertisers

Wadsworth Haunted Mansion Bash The Wadsworth Mansion will be haunted by ghouls and ghosts on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 7 p.m. to midnight. The elegant, gilded-age mansion will be a frightening sight with costumed revelers in every dark corner. The third annual Haunted Mansion Bash will include food, cocktails, dancing, door prizes and more. Palm readings and portraits will be available. The cash bar is limited to adults 21 years and older. Tickets may be purchased in advance through PayPal at www.wadsworthmansion.com. Tickets will be held at the door. The event is a fundraiser for Friends of Long Hill Estate.

Final Durham Wreaths Across Library Morse America Code challenge In honor of those who Would you have been a good coder or cipherer during the Civil War? Test your telegraph skills with this week’s Morse Code trivia question. Decode the question, find out the answer, and translate your answer back into Morse Code! This week’s trivia question: .- .... .- - / .- .- ... / - .... . / -. .- - . / -- ..-. / - .... . /-.-. .. ...- .. .-.. / .- .- .-. / -. ..- .-. ... . / .- .... -- / ..-. -- ..- -. -.. . -.. / .- - . .-. .. -.-. .- -. / .-. . -.. / .-.- .-. -- ... ... Answers can be dropped off at the Durham Public Library or e-mailed to Miss Gardiner at kgardiner@durhamlibrary.org. Be sure to include your name and phone number. A correct answer puts your name in a raffle for a special Civil War-themed prize! Raffle open to young adults ages 10-18. The Oct. 14 solution is: -. .- .-.. ..- ... .... .- / .-. . -. -. -.- .-. .- -.-. -.- . .-. (Galusha Pennypacker)

have had to spend a holiday away from loved ones and in memory of those who never made it home... There are over 9,000 veterans buried in the Connecticut State Veterans Cemeteries in Middletown and Rocky Hill. Please give a gift this holiday season to those men and women who gave us the gift of preserving our freedom by sponsoring a wreath(s) to be placed on a gravestone(s) during the Wreaths Across America Ceremony, Saturday, Dec. 10, at noon (EST). A donation of $15 sponsors a wreath to be placed on a veteran’s gravestone, but donations of any amount are welcomed. For credit cards and to donate in honor of someone, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. For a local contact, call Ellen Halstedt at 860-342-4561 or e-mail Ellen.Halstedt@gmail.com.

Corrections

Submission reminder

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To advertise in the Town Times, call Joy Boone at 860-349-8026 Addy & Sons................................34 Kim’s Cottage Confections............6 Allan’s Tree Service ....................30 Kurek, Stephen............................29 Anderson Lawn Care ....................7 Lyman Orchards............................7 APEC Electric..............................33 Masonicare..................................24 Apple Rehab................................23 Michalowski Agency....................25 Berardino Company Realtors........3 Middlefield Democratic Com. ........6 Binge, Bruce................................33 Middlefield Remodeling...............32 Boylin, William, MD .....................14 Middlefield Republican Com. ........3 Cahill & Sons...............................34 Middlesex Health Care Center....13 Carlton Interiors...........................23 Movado Farm ..............................29 Carmine’s Restaurant ...................3 Neil Jones Home Improvements....29 Centurion Exterminating..............31 New England Dental Health........27 Chuck & Eddies...........................26 Notre Dame Church ....................10 Classic Nails................................30 Paint Spot ....................................10 Palmieri Construction ..................11 Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation.....................................6 Panacea, A Boutique ..................24 Conroy, John, DMD.....................14 PD Home Care and Repairs .......30 Country Landscaping ..................33 Peaceful Healing .........................14 CRHS Craft Fair ..........................13 Professional Security Systems ...32 CV Enterprises ............................32 Raintree Landscaping .................29 Dan Tiezzi & Sons Builders.........32 Raney, Jason, DMD ....................10 Danny’s Unlimited .......................30 Realty Associates........................35 Durham Auto Parts......................34 RLI Electric ..................................32 Durham Democratic Com. ....11, 13 Roblee Plumbing .........................29 Durham Dental ............................12 Rockfall Co ..................................31 Durham Family Eyecare................7 Rockwell Excavation & Paving....29 Durham Naturopathic Health ......12 RSDL Home Improvements ........31 Durham Republican Com..........5, 7 Singles Alternatives.....................26 Edible Arrangements...................25 Sisters Cleaning Service .............31 Edward Zavaski Agency..............10 Smith Transport...........................35 Elks Club .....................................12 Snow Plowing by Joel .................33 Fosdick, Gordon, MD ..................14 St. Colman’s Church ...................14 Fuel & Service .............................13 Superior Stone & Fireplace .........25 Fugge, David, M..........................31 T-N-T Home & Lawncare ............30 Glazer Dental Associates............11 Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork....34 Grant Groundscapes...................31 Tile Renovators ...........................33 Griswold Plumbing Services .......34 Torrison Stone & Garden ............33 Home Works................................34 Uncle Bob’s Flower & Garden.......2 Huscher, Debbie..........................35 VMB Custom Builders .................30 Ianniello Plumbing .......................34 Westfield Clock............................10 Independent Day School.............11 Whitehouse Construction............34 Jay Landscaping .........................32 Window Man................................24 JC Farm & Greenhouse ..............12 Windows Plus..............................27

6:30 p.m. They will serve baked ziti, salad, bread and beverages while members of the Church of the Epiphany and Notre Dame will provide desserts. All are welcome to this event.

Friday, October 28, 2011

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Town Times

Durham Fitness hosts successful second annual Pedaling for Pink massage and Reiki, which are not typically covered by insurance but do a lot in the fight against cancer.” One program is called Warrior Workout, which is an exercise program that is catered to each woman, whether she is in treatment or after. The program helps women with mental, emotional and spiritual progress. “These types of events take a lot of hard work, and we are very, very grateful,” Burgess said.

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Participants at the spin-a-thon Pedal for Pink at Durham Fitness. Submitted photo 1222488

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On Oct. 16, nearly 30 people participated in Durham Fitness’ second annual Pedal for Pink, where about $500 was raised for the Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center. Pedal for Pink is held each year in memory of Cathy Moore, a friend of Kristen Kleeman, owner of Durham Fitness. “Cancer has affected so many people in one way or another. Some people rode in memory of someone who has lost their battle with cancer or in support of loved ones who are fighting with it daily,” said Kleeman. The ride was three hours long, and four people rode for the entire time. These determined riders were Lynn Davis, Jason Rhodes, Nikki Bestiko and Eileen Farmer. The youngest participant, Eli Kurek, is four years old; he rode his tricycle. Davis stated, “Nikki

[Bestiko], you are my spin guru! Such an inspiration, spinning for such a great cause, especially in honor of my incredibly beautiful friend Margaret Curry; [it was] such an honor.” The participants donated $20 for the cause and received a tshirt and enjoyed a Pedal for Pink BBQ after the spin event. The event was sponsored by local businesses and residents. Meghan Burgess, advanced practice nurse and coordinator of the Comprehensive Breast Center at Middlesex Hospital, attended the event. She said, “Connecticut has the second highest incidence of breast cancer in the country, and any help is certainly appreciated.” Burgess shared, “The funds raised will be used at the Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center to allow patients to use services for free or at a reduced cost. Some of the programs are acupuncture,

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Town Times & Places

4 FRIDAY

SATURDAY

October 28

October 29

CVEF Spelling Bee Registration Calling all spelling teams! It’s that time of year to register your team for the fourth annual Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation (CVEF) Spelling Bee. This year’s event will be Friday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. at Coginchaug Regional High School in Durham. Registration deadline is today. If you are interested in forming a team or want more info about the bee, you can e-mail cvefspellingbee2011@comcast.net or go to www.coginchaugvef.com. Business to Business Expo Come to the 2011 Middlesex Business to Business Expo at the Crowne Plaza in Cromwell from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a 2011 economic forecast breakfast, social media boot camp workshop, 2011 expo luncheon, the Art of Public Speaking workshop, Middlesex County fall career fair and an executive evening (from 3 to 7 p.m.). There will also be a Middlesex Health & Wellness fair all day with representatives from Middlesex Hospital, the sponsor of the event, who will teach you how to promote better health in your life and business. For additional info, contact Johanna Bond at Johanna@middlesexchamber.com or visit www.middlesexchamberevents.com. Trunk Or Treat Third Congregational Church is holding a Trunk or Treat event today from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Children are invited for a haunted maze, crafts and trick or treating. For more information, please call 860-632-0733. All are invited to attend. Haunted House Come to the Wadsworth Glen Health Care and Rehabilitation Center haunted house (30 Boston Rd. in Middletown) for costumed trickor-treaters today, tomorrow, Oct. 30 and 31 from 1 to 4 p.m. Fun for all ages. Call 860-3469299 for more information.

Girls’ Basketball Try-Outs Try-outs for girls’ basketball are today at Mercy High School (1740 Randolph Rd. in Middletown) open to all girls in the following grades. 9 to 11 a.m. — Grades 5-6. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Grade 7. 1 to 3 p.m. — Grade 8. 3 to 5 p.m. — Grade 9. 5 to 7 p.m. — Grades 10-11. Call 860-798-4455 or visit www.ctcobras.com. Haunted Mansion Bash The Wadsworth Mansion will be haunted by ghouls and ghosts from 7 p.m. to midnight. Tickets may be purchased in advance through PayPal at www.wadsworthmansion.com. Tickets will be held at the door. The event is a fundraiser for Friends of Long Hill Estate. POPS Clothing Drive & Tag Sale Fall cleaning has begun, and you can bring your clothes, shoes, curtains or anything fabric to the POPS (Parents Of Performers) semi-annual clothing drive today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Strong School parking lot. Unload your clutter and support POPS and the CRHS music department! Also today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. there will be a tag sale along with the clothing drive. You can call 860-803-5665 to rent a space. Clean out and call soon! Trout Unlimited The Hammonasset Chapter of Trout Unlimited, an organization dedicated to conserve, protect and restore cold water fisheries, is announcing its monthly October meeting to be held on Thursday, Oct. 29, at the Wallingford Rod & Gun starting at 6:30 p.m. with open-toall Fly Tying prior to the main meeting. There will also be a fly swap opportunity during this period. Directions and info can be found at www.hammonassettu.com.

SUNDAY

October 30 Light-Up Middlefield The Middlefield Lions Club, in conjunction with Middlefield Park & Recre-

ation, will be hosting the second annual “Light-Up Middlefield” event at Peckham Park from 4 to 8 p.m. There will be contests for costumes (6 to 6:30 p.m.) and carved pumpkins (register your carved pumpkin before 5:45 p.m.; pumpkin lighting and judging will start at 6 p.m.). Bake a pumpkin pie for the pie contest and enter your pie between 4 and 5:30 p.m.; there will be celebrity judges. Hot food and beverages will be sold from 4 to 7 p.m. Other activities include a balloon pop, graveyard candy hunt, hula contest, mummy wrap, a moonbounce and face-painting as well as food and drink options from the Lions Club, hayrides through the woods, a limbo, contest, DJ music, piñata, smores stations to roast marshmallows and a toasty bonfire. Contact Mary Roberts at 203-605-1336 or Christine Casciano at 860-3490443 for more info. CROP Walk Middlefield Federated Church will host this year’s walk at Peckham Park. Registration opens at 12:30 p.m. Step-off is at 1 p.m. The walk to help end hunger is supported by United Churches, Epiphany and Notre Dame of Durham and Federated and St. Colman’s of Middlefield, as well as Third Congregational of Westield Halloween at the DAC Come to the Durham Activity Center for a Halloween party/parade at 1 p.m. for ages 1-13. Please join the Durham Recreation Committee for some ghoulish games, freaky fun, cookie decorating and costume parade. Bring your best decorated pumpkin and receive a ribbon. Call 860343-6724 for more info.

MONDAY

October 31 HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Durham Senior Lunches Every Monday and Wednesday, hot lunches are available for seniors over 60 and their spouses at the Durham Activity Center located at 350 Main St. Following the lunches on Mondays is game time which includes billiards, Wii and cards. For pricing info and to make a

Friday, October 28, 2011

reservation, call Amanda Astarita at 860-349-3153. Middlefield Senior Lunches The Middlefield Senior Café is serving lunch three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Reservations are required 24 hours prior, and their monthly menu can be picked up at the center, Town Hall or at www.middlefieldct.org.

MDA (Mass Dispensing Area) 36. Call 860-344-3482.

THURSDAY

November 3 Financial Aid Night

TUESDAY

Come to the Coginchaug Regional High School auditorium at 7 p.m. for Financial Aid Night.

November 1

FRIDAY

Destination Durham Every Tuesday at 1 and 7 p.m. on Comcast Channel 19, Destination Durham will be aired for those living in Durham. DVDs are also available at the Levi Coe and Durham libraries. Day of the Dead Come to the Durham Activity Center at 7 p.m. for samples of Oaxacan hot chocolate and pan de muertos (bread of the dead) as well as photos and indigenous folk art, provided by Señora Marilyn Horn. This event is sponsored by the Durham Senior Citizens Board as part of the Conversations with Local Talents series. Registrars of Voters The Durham and Middlefield Registrars of Voters will be in session in their offices on the second floor of the Durham Town Hall and in the Middlefield Community Center from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

November 2 Durham Senior Lunches Every Monday and Wednesday, hot lunches are available for seniors over 60 and their spouses at the Durham Activity Center located at 350 Main St. Bingo starts at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays. For pricing info and to make a reservation, call 860349-3153. Cromwell Flu Clinic A seasonal flu clinic is scheduled for today from 12 to 8 p.m. at Coles Road Firehouse in Cromwell. The shots are free and will be administered on a first come, first served basis. Supplies are limited. Anyone over age two and in good health is encouraged to receive the vaccine. The clinics are sponsored by

November 4 Tot Time The MOMS Club of Durham-Middlefield sponsors a weekly Tot Time every Friday from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Peckham Park, or, if it’s rainy, at the Middlefield Community Center. This open-age playgroup is available for all residents and their children. Contact Ann at momsdurhammiddlefield@yahoo.com. Bridge Night Come join in at the Durham Activity Center every Friday night at 6:30 p.m. for a fun night of bridge with great people. If you are not sure how to play, Jim will teach you. You may call Jim at 860-346-6611 with bridge questions. Call Durham Rec at 860-343-6724 with further questions. Book & Bake Sale The Middlefield Levi Coe Library will be holding its annual book and bake sale today. The sale kicks off with a preview from noon to 4 p.m. There will be a small entry fee. The regular sale will then continue into Saturday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come browse through our great selection of books and take home a tasty treat! Silent Auction Third Congregational Church (94 Miner St. in Middletown) is holding a Goods and Services Auction from 6 to 10 p.m. Hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and a dessert buffet are included in the ticket price. Silent and live auctions will be held. Call 860632-0733 to reserve a tickets.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Town Times

Town of Durham: West Nile virus activity By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times One dead crow is no big deal; two dead crows is still nothing to be concerned about; but four dead crows over the course of a weekand-a-half discovered by Sue White at the White Farm property in Durham was disturbing. Dead crows is one sign of the West Nile virus. With all the standing water at White Farm, White felt it is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, so she called around asking what she should do. In a phone call to Town Times, White said she spoke with town sanitarian Bill Milardo, and he replied that West Nile is around; state officials had much the same reaction. With a background in veterinary science, she was concerned enough to sift through several layers and eventually found a way to, at her own cost, solve the mystery of the dead birds on her property. It turned out to be West Nile virus, as she had suspected. White called our office and explained that her own horse was vaccinated, but she thought it important to alert other horse owners to the tested and proven presence of the disease. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 40 percent of equine West Nile virus cases results in the death of the horse. The town of Durham re-

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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leased this statement Wednesday: “The Town of Durham announces recent West Nile Virus activity. A

crow was recently found dead by a resident and was subsequently sent to a private laboratory for testing.

The analysis indicated that the crow had been exposed to the virus. Therefore, residents should continue to be

vigilant with respect to prevention of mosquito bites. See West Nile, page 35

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Dan Melnik

Pat DiNatale

Wendy Pedersen-Manemeit

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Halloween in Town Times

Friday, October 28, 2011

Woman accused of witchcraft in 17th century has local ties By Trish Dynia Special to the Town Times Nearly 40 years before the infamous Salem witch trials resulted in the deaths of 20 innocent people, a Northampton, MA, woman with ties to Durham and Middlefield began a decadeslong fight against similar allegations. Though she was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing, the rumors and innuendo dogged her until the day she died, fortunately of old age. Mary Bliss Parsons was born in England about 1628 and moved with her family

to Hartford when she was a young girl. This daughter of a successful merchant met and married her husband Joseph Parsons in 1646. Mr. Parsons was also born in England and was himself a successful merchant. Shortly after their marriage, the couple moved to Springfield, where he was elected town surveyor and later served as overseer of taxes. In 1654, he purchased land in present day Northampton, MA, and became one of the founding families there. Several bookcases would be needed to contain all that’s been written in recent

years regarding 17th century witch hysteria. Some purport that tainted food caused people to hallucinate and suffer convulsions. Their theories could explain why witnesses often testified to seeing a neighbor fly by their house on a moonlit night, thus causing a child to convulse and die. Women were the primary targets of these accusations, often because they cared for people who were sick and later died from mysterious ailments. Women in positions of power were also suspect, as were those who prospered financially while neighbors struggled. A woman whose children thrived while others suffered one infant death after another were also suspect, as were women who were known to be “disgracious.” In Mary’s case, neighbors in Northampton considered her to be “possessed of great beauty and talents but not very amiable, exclusive in the choice of her associates and of haughty manners.”

Mary Bliss Parsons

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See Witch, page 22

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She was also heavily involved in “non-feminine” activities, such as helping her husband in his business endeavors. Shortly after moving to Northampton, Mary Parsons gave birth to the first child born in the new community while her neighbor, Sarah Bridgman, lost her first child. Subsequently, it came to the Parsons’ attention that Sarah was spreading rumors implying that the family’s success came at the expense of other families and was the result of Mary’s dealings with the devil. Joseph Parsons filed a slander lawsuit against Sarah Bridgman, and testimony was heard in Springfield in 1656. Several community members testified on behalf of the Parsons, saying that they had heard Sarah Bridgman “abuse Mary’s character.” Those testifying on behalf of the Bridgmans stated that the allegations were true, and therefore not

Halloween in Town Times

Friday, October 28, 2011

Halloween is too much fun for one Middlefield resident By Diana Carr Special to the Town Times

A life-size monster lurking in the yard. Submitted photos the neighborhood is dark, and safety is a good thing. “Sometimes we have a fog machine, but it’s not always

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onto foam mannequin heads that sport wigs, or masks are used. It’s quite a menagerie. There’s Barlow, named after the character in the movie Salem’s Lot; he’s seven feet tall, bald and “creepy.” She thought that Barlow needed a girlfriend, so Regan, named after the star of the

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Come to the dark side; we have cookies. Here lies Walter Dudley; he found out too late that Rottweillers aren’t cuddly. Here lies the body of my sweet sister; she was just fine until Dracula kissed her. I told you I was sick. Here lies the body of Cyrus Sun; getting here was half the fun. Here lies Suzy Sass, dead from shock over the price of gas. No, you’re not ambling through our local cemetery. You’ve got a ringside seat at the ghoulish home — all bedecked for Halloween — of the Volturno family, of Middlefield. It’s the home of Crista, her husband,Nicholas,andher15year-old son, Mason, and it is replete with five gruesome monsters, about 30 tombstones and plastic body parts, all enclosed by a fence, and all made by the Misses. The gated entrance with the word “Cemetery” sprawled at the top and the plastic ravens perched atop the pillars lets youknowyou’renotinKansas (orMiddlefield)anymore. Says Volturno, “On Halloween, we use caution tape to close off the driveway so that people have to go through the cemetery. Neighbors look for new stuff every year and keep asking me when we’re going to put everything up. The kids really look forward to coming here because it is all lit up. We give out glow bracelets to the trick-or-treaters because

effective because the wind blows the fog away. We board up the last two windows in the house, so it looks creepy. Some years we have a strobe light in the house so that it looks like everything is flickering inside. Some years we’ve had zombies coming out of the ground. We have red spotlights at night.” Volturno, who says her family does not love Halloween as much as she does (“they tolerate my enthusiasm”), learned how to make all this by going online. The monsters are built from 2x4s, chicken wire and Monster Mud (a combination of black paint and joint compound). She dips strips of burlap into the Monster Mud and wraps it around the frame. The arms are made out of PVC, and the hands are wire coat hangers covered with a spray that expands, giving “grotesque-looking hands that can bend any way you want.” Faces are fashioned

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Opinions in Town Times

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Letters to the Editor

Vote Roger Kleeman for first selectman Roger Kleeman has been an active member of Durham’s civic, social and business community since moving to Durham 38 years ago. Durham has been fortunate to reap the benefits of Roger’s thorough and tireless approach as a member of the Building Code Board of Appeals, Recreation Committee and past director and superintendent of the Durham Fair, to name just a few. In addition to being a stalwart advocate for our town, Roger’s previous 33-year pro-

fessional career with the state of Connecticut, where he served as engineer III in the office of Bridges and Structures, affords us his experience in the negotiation and administration of high dollar contracts, the knowhow to navigate bureaucracy to meet objectives and the decision-making and problem-solving capability necessary to succeed in a high visibility position. Lastly, Roger is a straightshooter, plain and simple…no double-talk or hidden agendas. Roger is calm, friendly, open-minded and approachable. He has an incredible work ethic and always has the town’s well-being at heart. Matt Stopka, Durham

Letters policy Letters to the editor must be signed, with a phone number included (phone numbers won’t be printed). The writer will be called to confirm authorship. No anonymous letters will be printed, and letters may be edited for grammar or content. Contributions by any individual or group will not be published more frequently than once a month. Finally, the opinions expressed by our letter-writers are not necessarily those of this newspaper. Deadline: Tuesday noon for Friday publication. 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. First: the deadline for election letters will be Monday at 5 p.m. Second: election letters will be limited to 250 words. For the last week before elections (deadline Oct. 31), only positive letters of support will be accepted.

I’ve known Dave Foley and his family for 10 years now. Our wives are in the Women’s Club together, and our children have gone to school together. He has always been very supportive by volunteering his time for good causes, like the time he spends on the Durham Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z). He has held various jobs and is very knowledgeable in this field. Clearly, Dave Foley has the knowledge, experience and willingness to volunteer his time on P&Z for the good of our great town of Durham. Also, thank you to all our neighbors who made donations to the United Churches of Durham for the painting of Fellowship Hall — Lino’s Market, Durham Veterinarian Hospital, Carolyn Adams, Durham Manufacturing, Durham Pharmacy, Durham Dental, Coginchaug Football Club, Perk on Main, Curtis Studios and Laura Francis — as well as our members who volunteered their time, efforts and money to such a worthy cause. Derek W. Cummings, Durham

Kleeman for first selectman I have known Roger Kleeman for over 20 years. We have been colleagues at the Department of Transportation (DOT), neighbors and friends. Roger worked in the Bridge Safety and Evaluation unit at DOT and earned a reputation for his thoroughness, knowledge of the job and ability to arrive at creative solutions to complex problems. During his tenure at DOT, Roger was responsible for overseeing the work of numerous consulting firms, including reviewing their work and negotiating their contracts. His insight and knowledge of the job saved the state significant sums of money on several occasions. His ability to see “the big picture” has helped him to run a successful small business in town.

His experience in administration and budgeting and no-nonsense approach to problem-solving will prove an asset to the town of Durham. Roger takes a hands-on approach and has helped me with numerous matters around my home, from problems with my pool to home repairs. We have spoken of how things are run in Durham, and I know he cares deeply for improving the quality of life for its residents. In these times of fiscal uncertainty, where towns must be especially careful that every penny is spent wisely, the people running the show must be hard-working, diligent and shun cronyism at every level. Roger is the man for the job of first selectman of Durham. He has the knowledge, ability and desire to serve the town. I urge you to vote for him on Nov. 8. Richard Howard, Wallingford, retired Manager of Traffic Engineering for the Department of Transportaion (DOT)

Where did all the color go? In 2000, I wrote a letter to the editor regarding the disturbing disappearance of color at the Durham Fair. At that time I was upset about three key things: • The spectacular, theatrical horse pull which made this fair so fabulous, unique and exciting and which was located centrally at the bottom of the “Hill,” was moved to the hinterlands and was replaced by a large white tent structure in front of a dark green barn with a few bales of hay. • The exciting striped tents were slowly being replaced with white tents. • The exciting red barns were repainted green. What triggered my need to write this letter 11 years later? Two things: • White flowers in front of white tents, which I noticed while walking through the fairgrounds with an art student looking for subjects to paint. • A half-dozen small white tents with white flags on top placed on the Green across

Friday, October 28, 2011 from my house. The white flags atop and the white flowers in front of the white tents pretty much put me over the edge. My husband says that the worst thing about the white tents at the Durham Fair is that I won’t shut up about them. Why do I care so passionately about the colors at the fair? My name is Terry Oakes Bourret. I am a plein aire (outdoor) painter and live on Main Street across from the Town Green. I have studied color intensely for years. I painted the colorfully-rendered strutting “white” chicken for the Ted Bertz poster in the late ‘90s. I teach art, and one of my most important tasks is to help students get rid of their fears of color. Color affects everyone physically, psychologically and sociologically. Color is regional. I remember going to Florida years ago and wearing what I thought was sophisticated all-black. I just looked like I was going to a funeral there. The Durham Fair occurs in autumn, and it generally rains at least one day if not more. The colors are mud, hay, fallen leaves, gray skies and, if we are lucky, red, green, orange and yellow on the trees. White, on the other hand, is the color of sophistication, delicacy, refinement, precision and, in some cultures, death. Red actually gets your adrenaline going, increases your appetite, makes food taste better, makes your heart beat faster and is the first color an infant is attracted to. A fair is a huge party, and its goal should be to help people have a good time and feel excitement. For such an event, you might choose bright red for excitement, bright yellow for joy and orange for creativity. I have my students do an exercise connecting emotions with marks and color. The universal marks for joy are upward spirals, small dots, stripes, (think forsythia, fireworks, sparklers, confetti). The universal colors for joy are: bright red, yellow, orange, lime green, purple and pink. See Color, next page

More Letters in Town Times

Friday, October 28, 2011

Color

ate his countless hours of dedication to the Durham Fire Department. All who know him see him as honest, fair, intelligent and community-oriented. How fortunate we are that Dr. Steve Levy is once again a resident of Durham and that he is once again willing and ready to serve us. Please join me in casting your vote Nov. 8 for this outstanding candidate. Helen K. Pearce, Durham

(From page 8)

I remember going to a San Antonio fair where everyone wore bright colored streamers on their cowboy hats and cracked colored eggs filled with multi-colored confetti on each other’s heads for good luck. The ground was covered with dots of bright colors, the heads of everyone had streamers of bright colors and the flags were long and multi-colored. The riot of colors made it a fiesta...a joyful and exciting event! Now let’s look at the colors of the Durham Fair. The overall visual feast is gone. Except for the professional vendors and the carnies, too much of the color has left the fair. I have enclosed photos (see right) of some of the many paintings I did years ago to remind us of when the fair was resplendent with color. I hope this letter might help in restoring some of it. Thank you. Terry Oakes Bourret, Durham

Donna Golub for town clerk You probably have seen the campaign signs around town and have been asking what’s going on. People of Middlefield and Rockfall, it’s election time. For those who don’t know our town clerk, it’s Donna Golub, and she’s campaigning for re-election as town clerk. She’s that wonderful personality that’s behind the counter. She’s been Middlefield’s faithful and diligent town clerk for 13 years. She brought the town into the computer age. She’s the one who got the state grant to microfiche the town’s records. Donna Golub is very skilled, knowledgeable and helpful to the citizens of Middlefield. I speak from my experience on her credibility. So, on Nov. 8, vote Line A for Donna Golub. Mark Myjak, Rockfall

Re-elect Francis I am writing in support of the re-election of Durham’s first selectman, Laura Francis. I have known Laura for over 20 years and, as her friend, have witnessed first-

Re-elect Middlefield’s ‘terrific team’ A Terry Oakes Bourret painting of the old Durham Fair horse pull ring surrounded by vibrant color. hand her dedication and passion in leading our town. Laura has always been willing to work hard to make the best of our resources and has consistently demonstrated an ability to deliver results with fiscal responsibility. Laura is a caring and dedicated leader who encourages those from both sides of the political spectrum to have their voices heard. She then uses this feedback in making decisions for the long-term betterment of our town. Laura’s actions throughout her years of service demonstrate a commitment to maintaining Durham as the truly extraordinary community we all value. Please join me in re-electing Laura Francis as Durham’s first selectman on Nov. 8. Judy Bahr, Durham

Szewczyk shows leadership In these current difficult financial times, I feel it is vital that we have experienced leadership serving the citizens on Durham’s Board of Selectmen. John Szewczyk has proven himself as a fiscally responsible member of the board over these past four years. He has not been afraid to challenge the status quo and think outside the box when it comes to saving

tax dollars for the town of Durham. As a result, there has been virtually no increase in town government spending. He has also shown he isn’t afraid to be an independent voice on the board when controversial issues have arisen. However, it hasn’t just been fiscal matters where John Szewczyk has shown leadership qualities. He organized a group of fellow police officers which helped strengthen Connecticut’s domestic violence laws earlier this year. On a local level, John has helped develop a long range, comprehensive plan for both the maintenance of town buildings and for future capital expenditures. Durham needs continued superb leadership. Please support John Szewczyk for re-election on Nov. 8 to Durham’s Board of Selectmen. Katie Norton, Durham

Vote for Steve Levy Over the years it has been very difficult to find dedicated, willing and competent people to serve the citizens of Durham. We are very fortunate to have a person of Steve Levy’s caliber and experience running for the Board of Selectmen. People remember Dr. Levy as a compassionate veterinarian. Others appreci-

I have had the privilege of knowing Jon Brayshaw for a number of years and have come to admire his dedication to his community of Middlefield. His concern for all its citizens is second to none, regardless of party affiliation. I urge not only my Middlefield friends but all the residents who truly care about their town to vote for Jon Brayshaw as well as his terrific team. Jim Belote, Meriden

Support Kimberly and Vanessa Schmaltz I would like to voice my support for Vanessa Schmaltz for town clerk as well as Kimberly Schmaltz for treasurer. Vanessa Schmaltz has over 16 years of banking experience as well as years of experience as an office manager. Skills learned in those positions ensure her ability to properly and efficiently maintain all the town’s documents. She will bring fresh ideas for the modernization of town records as well as enhancing the town’s website to produce a much-needed useful tool for the residents of Middlefield. Vanessa has the ability and desire to obtain town clerk training and certification, which our current town clerk does not yet have. These skills, along with her friendly and helpful nature, make her the ideal candidate for town clerk. Kimberly Schmaltz, with her education and 15 years

9 of experience in the banking industry, will certainly make her a very well-qualified person to act as our town’s treasurer. Not only do both of these women have current computer system skills and knowledge, but with their energetic, helpful and kind personalities, they will also be a real benefit to the town. Wendy Parker, Middlefield

Come spell with us! Come one, come all to an evening of espellcially zany entertainment at the fourth annual “Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation” community spelling bee! The Bee will be held in the high school auditorium at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4. Last year’s Bee had over 20 participating teams spanning a wide range of the Durham-Middlefield community: local businesses, teachers and principals, political parties, neighborhoods, friends, book clubs, etc. The three-member spelling teams not only compete in spelling but for other awards as well: Best Costume, Best Team Name, Team with the Most Spirit, Most Entertaining Team and Most Original Team. Mike Klimas will be emceeing the event, and Keith Luckenbach will be the Wordmaster. Judges include Durham First Selectwoman Laura Francis, the Honorable Judge Joe Marino, and the Honorable Judge Richard Adams. The Bee is free of charge, though proceeds from the snack table (homemade baked goods!) and team registrations go to support the educational and enrichment work of the Foundation. The Coginchaug Valley Education Foundation is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence, innovation and creativity in education for the community and to support lifelong learning in Durham and Middlefield. We hope you will join in the fun! Jen Huddleston, Middlefield

More letters on next page

More Letters in Town Times

Vote for Golub The town clerk’s office is not a job to learn as you go, particularly when we already have an individual who is doing the job so well. It is a job that is best served by experience. The town clerk is the keeper of all important town records and is also responsible for making sure the different boards and commissions are compliant with their paperwork. It is a job that is always evolving in order to meet changes in laws and technology. It is a job that keeps Middlefield

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connected to the townspeople, other towns and the state. I want someone who has and will continue to bring the office leaps and bounds to conform to the state. I want a town clerk who will fight for Middlefield and someone who will make sure all the I’s are dotted and the T’s are crossed. I want someone who knows which state agency to contact if there is a question that needs answering. I know someone who has been doing all of the above, and she has 13 years of experience. Donna Golub is that person. She has been Middle-

field/Rockfall’s town clerk since 1998, and I believe she will continue to use that experience to improve the town clerk’s office as well as our community. I know whom I’m voting for, and I ask you to join me in supporting Donna Golub on Election Day, Nov. 8. Vote Line “A.” Rose Klick, Rockfall

Support Brayshaw/Bailey I have been more than a little bothered by Mrs. Petrella’s assertion while going door-to-door that she would have done better than Mr. Brayshaw with the sale of Powder Ridge. I find this funny considering Mrs. Petrella, in all the years I was selectman and chairman of the Powder Ridge ad hoc committee, never volunteered help or “expertise.” Her only involvement I encountered was her attendance at a face-to-face meeting question-and-answer

session with Mr. Frank (representing Snowtime) Board of Selectmen, BOF and P.R. ad hoc committee. After this meeting, and with advice from Marianne Corona, she sent an insulting, arrogant and misinformed e-mail to Mr. Frank with no regard for the hundreds of hours of time spent by the bi-partisan ad hoc committee and selectman’s office. This behavior doesn’t reflect anyone who has “negotiating experience,” but rather, in the words of a committee member, “absolute hubris.” The details of the Powder Ridge sale seem easy from afar, but let me assure you, they are far from easy. My hopes and prayers are that the present deal with Alpine Association closes and success is born out of all the hard work and patience Mr. Brayshaw has continued to put forward toward this issue. His success on the DECD grant of $500,000 recently is proof of his never-give-up approach for our town and proven leadership. Our

Friday, October 28, 2011 town really has no use for Monday morning quarterbacks and instead needs people with resolve and cooperation to move forward for success. Please support the Brayshaw/Bailey team. David Lowry, Middlefield Former selectman and former chair of the Powder Ridge ad hoc Committee.

Durham’s Craig Bradanini for treasurer I was happy to see that we are getting some exceptional candidates to serve Durham this year. I have known Craig Bradanini, candidate for treasurer, for over 20 years. I first knew Craig when he was an outstanding high school student in a nearby town. As a teacher there, I was impressed by his ability to do well in all phases of the school community. Craig graduated in the top 10 of his rather large See Bradanini, next page

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More Letters in Town Times

Friday, October 28, 2011

Bradanini (From page 10) class and went on to excel in mathematics in college and graduate school. He could have gone into any career that he chose; his talent was in great demand. When his family moved here, he quickly became involved in the fire department, serving in many leadership roles. He decided he really wanted to teach and soon became a teacher at Coginchaug High School. He is once again serving the academic community by chairing the Steering Committee for the upcoming evaluation of Coginchaug High School. Craig has shown a selfless interest in Durham; his talent in mathematics will serve us well. Please consider voting for this outstanding young man as treasurer of Durham on Nov. 8. Carol Wray, Durham

Time for a change Lucy Petrella and Dave Burgess are a winning team. Highly educated, they have years of experience in helping to run Middlefield. A dynamic duo, they will bring much wisdom to the table. Now is time for change! Democratic leadership means action. Democratic selectmen have a history of accomplishment: the Lake Beseck sewers, the widening of Route 66, which saved many lives, and the purchasing of open space. I could go on. Powder Ridge â&#x20AC;&#x201D; this saga has dragged on for way too long. Why wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a professional real estate company hired to assist the ad hoc

committee? Why wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the water diversion permit, which we are waiting on now, completed two years ago? Jon Brayshaw states in a video on Patch: â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the next couple of years, if reelected, I will continue to work on Powder Ridge.â&#x20AC;? Time for change. Susan K. Heuberger, Middlefield

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Kimberly Schmaltz has 15 years of experience in the banking industry and is very qualified for the position of treasurer. Vanessa Schmaltz also has years of banking experi-

She is also willing to take the necessary steps to become a certified town clerk, something our current town clerk, Donna Golub, has not yet accomplished in all her many years of holding the town clerk position. Vanessa is an intelligent, resourceful, helpful, very considerate and willing to help out kind of person, and she will apply herself and take on the role of a terrific town clerk.

Vote for the Schmaltzes. I know I will. Richard Parker, Middlefield

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Vanessa and Kimberly Schmaltz have my vote

ence and years of experience as an office manager. She is a bright, energetic person who has many great ideas for the efficient running of the town clerkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. Her employment experience has given her all the skills she will need to not only properly manage the town documents, but to apply for and receive all the grant monies that are available for use by town clerks in an efficient and timely manner.

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Re-elect (From page 11) town fairly and equally. His mantra is always to do what is best for the town and its citizens without political positioning or grandstanding. I did totally underestimate the time and energy that goes into running this town. Jon Brayshaw is your first selectman 24/7. I believe my professional experiences make me uniquely suited to address the needs of our community. The decisions made by the Board of Selectmen affect the lives of all Middlefield families and should be reflective of the values of our

citizens. I have always been impressed with the small town atmosphere of Middlefield and Rockfall. Over the years, many towns around us have changed. Our town is a great place to live because of our clean, rural character. We must work together to preserve that character. These challenging economic times require fiscal responsibility that honors taxpayers, not politics. I am honored to be running again. Please re-elect Jon Brayshaw. I look forward to representing you again on the Board of Selectmen. Edward Bailey, Middlefield

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P&Z needs ability, integrity and experience During the next few years, decisions made by the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) will have a profound and long-term impact on Durham. These decisions will influence our tax base, economic vitality and the character of our town for years to come. As voters, we have a duty to carefully consider the credentials of those who would serve on P&Z. At a minimum, candidates should demonstrate ability, experience and integrity. Dave Foley and Jim McLaughlin have all these and more, and they bring different and complementary backgrounds to the table. Dave’s ability and experience are evident based on his 25-year career as a professional engineer and his 12 years of service on P&Z. His integrity is without question. One need only look at his balanced and well-reasoned voting record and the fact that he puts service on

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P&Z and to Durham ahead of allegiance to political party. Jim McLaughlin has a long and distinguished record of service to Durham, having served on the Historic District Commission, Economic Development Commission, Board of Selectmen and as first selectman, as well as in many other important roles. This experience will be of enormous value to P&Z. Jim is a proud, lifelong Democrat, and his integrity and moral character are beyond reproach. Please vote on Nov. 8, and join me in supporting Dave Foley and Jim McLaughlin for P&Z, candidates with ability, experience and integrity, just when they’re needed most. Bob Fulton, Durham

If it’s not broken, don’t fix it Bottom line: John Brayshaw, through his six years as first selectman, has maintained a zero increase in Middlefield taxes, and there has been extraordinary cooperation and progress among town agencies. This shows a

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William J. Witkowski, D.M.D. 360 D Main Street, Durham Allan A. Witkowski, D.M.D. (860) 349-1123 We will submit claims to all insurances

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Friday, October 28, 2011 dedicated effort to honor the ability of the average taxpayer to live and enjoy our special town. It also shows his congenial leadership in the way we work together, live together, and the way we are seen by our neighbors. A tumultuous past has portrayed Middlefield as a community that couldn’t get the job done because there was no common leadership. We fought each other on every issue, and we pitted neighbors against each other. Along came a man who cared not only about taxes and other important issues of the day, but he made us all better people as we faced issues together and with direction and conviction. Take a look at the last several years. Have your town taxes gone up? Have you heard the kind of rhetoric that makes politics ugly here? As the world around us stumbles through the most unsettling economy any of us has ever seen, we have the comfort of living in a town with strong fiscal responsibility and a first selectman who cares about everyone’s point of view and their pocketbooks! I request that you continue to support this fine leader and give your vote to John Brayshaw on Nov. 8. Let’s not try to fix something that’s not broken! Nancy Currlin, Middlefield

Frank DeFelice for P&Z It has been my privilege to serve the residents of Durham on its Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z) for the past 10 years. During this period, while much of our country has seen housing values rise only to dramatically plummet, Durham’s housing values have remained remarkably stable. I believe that this is due, in part, to the bi-partisan efforts of myself and my fellow P&Z commissioners. Each of us has worked diligently to preserve Durham’s charm and desirability, and, in doing so, we have helped protect your property values. It takes many years to learn and understand the See DeFelice, next page

More Letters in Town Times

Friday, October 28, 2011

DeFelice (From page 12) many land-use laws we must live by, and it is here that I believe my background in engineering and project management enables me to serve you best. My experience allows me to interpret complex site and construction drawings, identify potential concerns and make appropriate recommendations. My 11 years as chairman of Durhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Public Safety Committee means that I will always consider our residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; safety and quality of life first as I review each application. I make a conscious effort to keep residents informed of land-use

issues through my published newspaper articles and letters. I believe in fairness and always strive to balance the rights of the landowner with the best interests of our community. Voters may be assured that I will do my part to preserve Durhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charm, scenic beauty and rural character. I respectfully ask residents to allow me to continue to serve our town for the next four years. Frank DeFelice, Durham

Get what you pay for!

the most out of every tax dollar. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why Roger Kleeman is so well-suited to be Durhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first selectman. Roger is a trained observer â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a professional who watched over every dollar and every detail of multi-million projects for the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highway department. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll do the same for Durham, making sure that every tax dollar spent will return the best possible value. Roger is practical, accountable and very careful. Along with his running mate Steve

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no getting around taxes. So itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to get

Levy, they offer thoughtful, informed, real-world business and government experience and the long-term vision we need in Town Hall. Over many years, both Roger and Steve have proven to be outstanding citizens of our town. Your vote will help them make Durham as good as it can be. Jim McLaughlin, Durham

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More Letters in Town Times

Kindness (From page 13) not allow bickering or political posturing. We did not look at people as D’s, U’s or R’s. Every single transaction we, the Board of Selectmen, dealt with or my office dealt with was handled with re-

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dealing with people on the basis of their political party. Issues come and go with time. But to work together is of great benefit to the comfort and quality of life you have enjoyed. What better gift can we give you? Jon A. Brayshaw, Middlefield

Vote for Roger When I heard Roger Kleeman was running for Durham’s first selectman, I was delighted. I have known Mr. Kleeman for 19 years, working directly with him at the CT Department of Transportation where he was employed in the Bridge Safety and Evaluation Unit. During

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that time, he demonstrated dedication, fortitude and integrity, with attention to detail, using his ability to solve problems and organizational skills throughout his 33 years of service to the department. I am proud to call Roger my friend, and I can personally attest to Roger’s integrity and love for Durham, the town he has lived in for the past 38 years. His willingness to help and desire for the town to prosper is evidenced by the many town meetings he attends and the committees and boards he sits on. Roger Kleeman will represent the town of Durham as the first selectman, serving with thoughtful integrity, fiscal responsibility, intelligence, honesty and discipline. Roger has the experience, knowledge, compassion and integrity to lead with selfless attention to the betterment of the town and its constituents. A leader does not shy from difficult choices or pass the buck to someone else. A leader gathers information, takes advice, listens with an open ear and makes good choices for the well-being of

all the people. A leader has integrity, lives honestly and works hard for those he serves. Roger is that leader. Please vote for Roger Kleeman as your first selectman on Nov. 8. Monique Burns, Durham

Jon & Ed for fiscal responsibility I feel that Middlefield First Selectman Jon Brayshaw deserves recognition for reducing payroll costs during his administration. Jon was able to successfully encourage town employees to accept wage concessions. Some of our town employees have not received raises in two years, some have voluntarily sacrificed their raises and others have agreed to go without a raise this coming year. While the first selectman proposes the budget, the Board of Finance ultimately determines the budget that is presented for adoption at the town meeting, and it was there that the See Fiscal, page 18

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spect and kindness. Hundreds of transactions and motions made and solved with non-political, non-partisan care. I am appreciative to have had a willing and single-minded board that served in like manner to the great benefit of the town. So, what does that mean to the average citizen? As many of our seniors can attest to, Middlefield was, for years, a town where political kindness was not to be found. Not unlike many small towns, Middlefield had its share of political strife. Our pledge to you was to not let this management style slip back into our dealings. In such a small town, there is no need for

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ORTHODONTICS

Friday, October 28, 2011

Town Times Election Section

Walking through the Durham ballot This is our special election issue when we print information on many of the candidates who will be on the ballot in the Nov. 8 municipal election. Before we get to the ballot, let us remind you how this election works. The offices up for grabs this election are first selectman, selectman, town clerk, treasurer, tax collector, Board of Finance, Board of Assessment Appeals — full term, Board of Assessment Appeals — two-year vacancy, Planning & Zoning Commission, Planning & Zoning — alternate, Zoning Board of Appeals and Zoning Board of Appeals — alternate. Like every town in the state, Durham is bound by Connecticut’s minority representation laws when filling seats in municipal offices — whether those are elected or appointed offices. State law asserts that one party cannot dominate more than a designated majority (generally twothirds). In other words, a six-member board can have no more than four members of the same party; a three-member board can have no more than two members of the same party. (Minority party has no reference to specific parties; in fact, it can change from board to board. This way, multiple voices and at least minimum party diversity is on every board.) Though your ballot looks like candidates listed vertically are running against each other, they may or

may not be running against each other. A sample ballot is printed below for your reference. Looking at the ballot below, columns #1, 2, 4 and 5 are all regular elections, so the person with the top vote wins the seat. In columns #3, 8, 9, 14, 15, 19 and 20, it doesn’t matter who you vote for because all candidates will be seated. It’s the remaining columns that are tricky, as the minority representation law comes into play. The Board of Finance, a sixmember board, already has four Republicans and two Democrats. Due to minority representation law, the Democratic candidate will be elected along with whichever Republican has the most votes. Planning & Zoning, a nine-member board with seven candidates vying for four seats, the four highest vote-getters will be seated. Under Zoning Board of Appeals, a five-member board, four candidates are vying for three seats and the three highest vote-getters will be elected. There is a place to put write-in votes at the bottom of the ballot. Seeing how many candidates we would have to feature before Election Day, you will only find the Durham candidates for first selectman, selectman and tax collector on the following pages. All the remaining candidates for the other boards and offices can be

found on our website, www.towntimes.com, under our special “election” tab. Questions for candidates for first selectman, Board of Selectmen and tax collector:. 1. Tell us about yourself briefly — job, family, education and why you are running. 2. What do you believe is the greatest problem facing your town today? What do you believe is the town’s greatest strength? 3. If elected, what one change would you make to your town government?

Last chance to register to vote Eligible voters who wish to register in-person may do so at their Registrar of Voters office until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1, to qualify for the municipal elections. “The municipal elections to decide who will serve in some key decision making roles in your community are approaching very fast, so I urge adult citizens of Connecticut to make sure they are registered now,” said Secretary Merrill, Connecticut’s chief election official. Polls will open statewide from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, Go online to www.towntimes.com for information on all the candidates running in the Nov. 8 election.

Laura Francis, R, incumbent, first selectman 1. My husband, Robert, and I moved to Durham 20 years ago. We moved here because Durham was and still is a great place to raise children and live. Our children, Jillian and Eric, are graduates of CRHS and our state university system. Our family has actively participated and supported many town and civic organizations over the years. We have always appreciated the opportunities that Durham has provided, and we have tried to give back as much as we can to Durham. For the past 19 years, it has been my honor to serve the town of Durham, first as assistant town clerk, then as town clerk and now first selectman. I hold a B.A. in political science/public administration from Providence College. Education is important to me personally and professionally. I have availed myself of many training opportunities and

Sample Durham Ballot: Nov. 8, 2011

certification programs as town clerk and First Selectman in order to modernize and improve our town government operations. 2. The greatest challenge I face every day is to provide essential services and institute improvements to the day-to-day operations of town government with the same or less money. The last four years have been very difficult ones for many if not most of our residents. Our state and national economies have left us all with less money to support ourselves and our families. John Szewczyk and I have been working to reduce costs without reducing important services. We have received cooperation and assistance from every department, board, commission and organization that provides or uses government services. The result has been virtually no increase in the town portion of the budget over the last four years. We achieved this success despite increasing costs and a reduction of our Grand List due to the statewide decline in the housing market. I have applied for every state and federal grant I thought the town could compete for and receive. In the last four years, Durham has been awarded more than one million dollars in grants that have allowed us to make major improvements to our road system as well as maintain and upgrade our town Continued next page

Continued from page 15 facilities. We’ve also implemented long range plans for capital projects and facility management which will help stabilize our budget. Another challenge is increasing our tax base. An increase in the Grand List from business property would help to reduce the burden on residential taxpayers. In the last four years, several of our existing businesses have expanded and a few new businesses have located here. However, we need to work on expanding our tax base further. I have promoted agriculture and toward that end created an Agriculture Commission. I believe we can use our rich agricultural heritage to boost our economy. Our greatest strength is the cooperation and participation town officials receive from the residents. So many functions of our government are provided by volunteers on boards, commissions and emergency services departments. They bring varied talents to their respective positions that are valuable beyond calculation. It’s been rewarding to partner with so many of our volunteers on a variety of projects. 3. In the last four years I have made many changes which have made a difference in how well, open and efficiently our town government operates. I have instituted weekly management meetings with Town Hall staff and monthly meetings with the school superintendent. I have reduced Town Hall staff by 2.5 full time positions and made changes to the town employee retirement plan that will reduce the town’s liability in the longer term and administrative costs immediately. These are the types of changes that I will continue to make in the next four years. I have followed what I believe is a workable and reasonable path when faced with problems. I assemble all parties involved or who have a stake in the outcome of the situation, hold meet-

Town Times Election Section

ings to gather information and hear out opinions on what to do to fix the problem. Then I set a course which I follow that takes the best of what has been suggested and seek to implement the solution. If public input is needed, I hold public meetings and if new expenditures are required that have not been budgeted, I seek whatever approvals are necessary to effectuate the outcome. I will continue to deal with problem solving this way over the next four years. It is difficult to predict the adjustments that will be required to face the challenges of the next four years. However, if re-elected, I will continue to foster an environment that promotes civil discourse and open participation; continue to develop our staff to deliver the most cost effective and efficient services; and to do whatever I can to keep Durham a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. With gratitude and respect, I ask for your support on Nov. 8.

Roger Kleeman, D, challenger, first selectman 1. I am Roger Kleeman, Democratic candidate for the office of first selectman in Durham. I have lived in Durham for 38 years with my wife Carol and daughter Kristen. I graduated from the New York State University System at Sullivan with a degree in civil engineering. I retired from my job as an engineer with the state of Connecticut Department of Transportation. I have

owned and operated RSK Pool Service in Durham for the past 25 years. The office of first selectman requires honesty, fiscal responsibility, intelligence and discipline that are so needed and important in this challenging economy. I have the experience, knowledge, compassion and integrity to lead with selfless attention to the betterment of the town for all of its citizens. A leader will not shy from difficult choices or pass the buck to someone else. He or she will gather information from staff members and constituents with more knowledge on the subject, will take advice, listen with an open ear and make the best choices for the wellbeing of all the people. A leader has integrity, lives honestly and works hard for those he serves. I am that type of leader. 2. Durham is facing many problems today that are crying for solutions. Realistic long-term planning with definitive timelines, open space maintenance, accountability on all levels of operation, an effective economic development program and finding additional tax revenue sources to reduce the burden of our over-taxed homeowners. These crucial topics are all inter-related. I hate waste. Your tax dollars are being spent in all areas of our town government, and there are many areas that deserve much more scrutiny than they are getting. As an inspector and consultant for the Connecticut Department of Transportation, my job was to watch over every detail and every dollar of multi-million dollar projects to make sure that the state received the best value for every tax dollar spent. I know there are areas in our town expenditures where that kind of attention to detail can help me return more value out of every one of your tax dollars. Just since my few months of service on our Recreation Committee, I have corrected a practice that is now providing $500 a week in new revenue that

could have been there before had someone been paying attention. As a community, we must ensure that we can handle the day-to-day problems that occur on all levels of our government operations. Since Tropical Storm Irene, fallen trees still have not been taken down at Allyn Brook Park reportedly due to “lack of equipment.” That is unacceptable and presents an accident waiting to happen. Regarding open space, town leadership claims again that we lack the equipment to maintain certain properties, and, as they deteriorate, health issues arise as with the discovery of West Nileinfected mosquitoes on the White Farm, where the excessive ground water has rendered the land useless for the recreation activities that the land was purchased to provide. 3. If elected, I intend to bring back transparency and communication to the Town Hall. Why, for example, with the finding of West Nile virus at the White Farm on Oct. 20, as of Oct. 24 there were still no postings, no warnings to protect residents, no reverse 911 emails sent? We can send out emergency notification over phone and e-mail telling people about potential congestion in town due to the Durham Fair (which is no surprise and hardly an emergency), but we do not notify townspeople about possible health risk of West Nile virus on town-owned open space! We have the resources but are not using them properly. I will work hard to keep our citizens informed in matters of real importance. Our greatest strength in Durham is in the people of our community. This community is strong and has many qualified, experienced citizen volunteers who continue to make Durham a great place to live. What is lacking is practical, attentive leadership. I can provide that leadership and help Durham now and in the future to meet its challenges and provide the

Friday, October 28, 2011

quality of life we all enjoy by living in this wonderful town. I look forward to working with you. If you have questions, I’d like to answer them. Just e-mail me at rogerkleeman2011@yahoo.c om, call me at 860-349-8690 or visit my Facebook page at Roger Kleeman for first selectman 2011. With your vote on Nov. 8 we can make Durham the best that it can be.

John Szewczyk, R, Board of Selectmen 1. My name is John Szewczyk, and I have served on Durham’s Board of Selectmen since 2007. I am a lifelong resident of Durham and a graduate of Coginchaug Regional High School. I hold a bachelor’s degree in political science and education from Trinity College and have been working toward my MBA at the University of Connecticut. In my professional life, I am a Police Officer in the Hartford Police Department where I have served since 2002, having held a wide variety of assignments. I recently also became a Connecticut State Certified Police Academy instructor and am the Founder of the Connecticut Coalition of Police Officers to Prevent Domestic Violence. I grew up on Maple Avenue with my mother, Mary Ann Adams. I have two sisters, Angela Adams Zwarycz and Alison Adams, and one brother, Andrew Adams. I currently reside on Stage Coach Road. Feel free to contact me on Facebook, e-mail Continued on next page

Friday, October 28, 2011

Continued from page 16 me at JohnTSzewczyk@gmail.co m or call me at 860-349-0003. I am seeking re-election because I believe Durham needs a continued voice of fiscal responsibility on its Board of Selectmen. There is nothing more frustrating than seeing an individual or family who desires to stay in Durham not able to so because of the high tax burden. I believe that keeping town spending at a minimum and our property taxes affordable is paramount. At the same time, my family and I have also been the beneficiary of all Durham has to offer, including a terrific school district, open space, recreation and accessible government. Over these past four years, I have been able to strike a good balance of responsible expenditures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our residents while at the same time eliminating excessive government spending. Finally, I am running for re-election because I still have the passion for good government service. I feel fortunate to have learned so much over these past four years from my running mate First Selectman Laura Francis and also from fellow Selectman Jim McLaughlin. Local politics is perhaps one of the last few places in the political arena where good ideas take precedence over partisan ideology. I feel, as a selectman, one must be willing to put his party aside and do what is right for the town. This is something I have done over these past four years and will continue to do in the future. 2. The greatest problem in Durham today is excessive taxes. We must make it affordable for our residents to live here. Unfortunately, with the increasing number of state mandates, this is becoming exceedingly difficult. Through the hard work of volunteers, boards and commission members and town hall staff, we have been able to keep the town portion of spending virtually level

Town Times Election Section

for the past four years. However, we must continue to try new, innovative approaches to make government more affordable and more responsive to our residents. The town’s greatest strength is the people. Simply put, the overwhelming vast majority of volunteers in town get involved because they want to make Durham a better place to live, and not to push a particular political ideology. It is truly the boards and commission members, the fire and ambulance corps members and the numerous volunteers who allow Durham to operate in the positive manner in which it does. 3. If I have the good fortune of being re-elected, I will continue to push for additional ECS (Education Cost Sharing) funds for Durham. The state of Connecticut ECS formula is currently unfairly structured, so large cities receive the vast majority of state education funds and smaller communities such as Durham are given virtually nothing in comparison. As a result, our property owners end up having to pay an enormous amount in residential property taxes. I will continue to be a strong advocate to ensure Durham receives its fair share of state education funds to both help improve our school district and lessen the property tax burden for our residents.

Dr. Steve Levy, D, Board of Selectmen 1. I am Dr. Steve Levy, Democratic candidate for Board of Selectmen. In my 30

years as a resident of Durham, I have devoted myself to public safety as a member of both the Durham Volunteer Fire Company and the Emergency Management Department. After selling the Durham Veterinary Hospital in 2008, my wife, Dede, and I briefly moved to Kansas City, MO, to be near our daughter Hilary and grandson Jacob, while our son-in-law Josh was deployed in Iraq. When Josh returned to the states, he and his family moved to his new post in California. Dede and I knew we belonged back in Durham. Durham is a town where a single concerned citizen can make a difference. In running for the Board of Selectmen, I can use my 30 years of real-world managerial experience to help our town continue to be a great place to live and work. 2. Our greatest challenge is the times in which we live. The current economy is straining government on all levels in fiscal matters. Ever decreasing funds from federal and state sources make essential projects seem farther out-of-reach every day. We need to identify our emergency services infrastructure priorities and establish a plan with the least possible tax impact to provide a safe, modern and efficient headquarters for our public safety agencies — the Ambulance Corps, Volunteer Fire Company, Department of Emergency Management, fire marshal and resident trooper. Public Works needs a modern, safe and efficient facility to house its trucks, loaders and materials. The salt barn project was thrust upon us by the force of nature when the old barn collapsed under the weight of snow, but the new salt barn is only a temporary solution. 3. Durham owns many pieces of land that we must maintain and make available to the public for recreation. The White Farm has fallen into extreme disrepair and is now turning into a swamp that threatens the well fields and is a breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

We must identify these and other projects, define our goals, and create a comprehensive plan that recognizes the significant financial impact they entail. A long-range plan must include careful consideration of the financial impact and challenges of responsible governance and never lose sight of the fact that each resident of Durham is working under the stress of increased expenses for everything from heating oil to food to taxes. It may take many years to complete the goals of a longrange plan, but town government owes it to our residents to identify the needs and expenses and then find a means of meeting them without making Durham a place that is too expensive for folks to live. A good plan will include specific needs and a timeline for meeting those needs. Financing the plan should include exploration of all available grants and a concerted effort to generate new tax revenue that is not dependent upon homeowners. This means that we must balance the quality of life that makes us want to live here, things like our farms, open space, schools and natural environment, with our need to have a plan of economic development that will bring low environmental impact businesses and light industry to Durham without harm to our quality of life. There is a great opportunity and responsibility for our Planning and Zoning Commission and our Economic Development Commission to find tax generators for our land zoned for industry. The Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance need to look at the plan and consider how to finance our needs without burdening homeowners with more taxes. Will a comprehensive bonding package be the answer? We will only know when the plan identifies the needs, costs and timeline. Durham has a strong sense of community. Volunteers work in so many areas:

town government, emergency services, the Fair and community service organizations. We have neighbors who are just waiting to be asked to participate in some community organization or project. I know how lucky we are to live in Durham because we tried another place but found that Durham was home for Dede and me. Let us transform the economic challenges we face into achievable goals. Let us devise a clear, responsible plan of development, a plan for our town buildings and facilities, appropriate economic development and a funding strategy that does not burden homeowners. Let us elect leadership with the vision to sustain us in meeting long-term goals while maintaining our resolve to get the job done and make Durham as good as it can be. It can’t happen overnight, but to paraphrase the words of an ancient philosopher, the longest journey begins with the first step. With your vote on Nov. 8, we can take that first step.

Martin French, D, incumbent, tax collector 1. I have been Durham’s tax collector for over seven years. I am running for reelection because I enjoy being in public service and I enjoy tax collection. I am a Certified Connecticut Municipal Collector, which requires 100 hours of classroom instruction, comprehensive testing and three years of experience in a tax Continued next page

Town Times Election Section

Friday, October 28, 2011

Last Few Letters Continued from page 17 collection office. This training and experience has allowed me to apply the tax collection statutes fairly and consistently to everyone, to avoid unnecessary litigation and maintain a collection rate near 99 percent year after year. I believe Durham deserves a professional in the tax collector’s office. I am a Passport Acceptance Agent, helping to generate revenue for the town. I served on the 2006 Charter Revision Commission and the 2007 Senior Tax Relief Committee. Based on the work of this committee, Durham has two senior tax relief programs that help ease the tax burden of nearly 200 senior residents each year. On the personal side, I have lived here since I was five years old. I was away for several years as a young adult and moved my family back here when my son was five years old. My wife and I have been married for 20 years and our daughter goes to Coginchaug. 2. Durham’s greatest strength is that almost everyone who lives here wants to be here. Whether we are from here and stayed

or we moved our family here for the quality of life, people truly enjoy living in Durham. We love our town, and we care about our neighbors. Durham’s greatest challenge is keeping everyone connected and involved as a community. We all need to work together to make decisions about Durham’s future. 3. If re-elected, I will continue trying innovative new approaches to maximize tax collection and continue to modernize the tax department to better serve the people of Durham.

Amy Greenbacker, R, challenger, tax collector

1. I am the office manager at Berardino Realtors and have a bachelor’s of science degree in health sciences from Quinnipiac University. I was raised on a local dairy farm where I was instilled with a strong work ethic. Reliability, dependability and dedication are some of the reasons I believe that I will represent you best as your tax collector. My experience as an office manager, overseeing sales and revenues, has developed my financial skills and provided me with a thorough understanding of alternative methods for the collection of past due taxes. Most of all, I have a deep love for the town of Durham and want to maintain its smalltown character and rural charm. 2. The greatest problem facing Durham is the current economy, which has resulted in many of our residents having difficulty paying their taxes. Durham’s greatest strength is the way our community pulls together in times of need. 3. One change I would make if elected is I would be more personally involved in the tax collections process.

Web update Our most recent poll question asked, “Do you know who you will vote for in the Nov. 8 municipal election?” By press time Wednesday, 28 people responded. Results: Yes: 71% No: 29%

Columbus Day weekend adventures Scouts from Troop 27 participated in a backpacking overnight hike over Columbus Day weekend. This group of scouts is training for a two-week backpacking trek to Philmont Scout Ranch next summer. The group hiked a total of 15 miles along the Mattabesett Trail over two days. After a long hike on the first day, the crew made camp before sunset in Durham. The Scouts camped overnight on town-owned open space property on Howd Road. The days were hot but the scenery spectacular. Pictured (l-r) are Jacob Adams, Hamish Clark, Will Witecki, Tristan Sayah, Zachary Sayah (kneeling), Andrew Van Steenbergen, Jacob Barton, Andy Meiman and Paul Van Steenbergen. Other crew members not pictured are Joe Ertle, Steven Fumiatti and Geoff Meiman. Submitted by Andy Meiman

Fiscal

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two percent raise was passed. The Brayshaw/Bailey team has kept expenses in check during extremely difficult times. The town operating budget has remained flat or decreased over the past six years. I think that we have been fortunate compared to other communities with respect to the town’s finances. Jon Brayshaw and Ed Bailey have done their best to find creative ways to save the town money, and I hope to see them continue to do so for the next two years. Mary Ann Zieminski, Rockfall

Leukemia and Lymphoma fundraiser My name is Mary Lavado, and I am a member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Team in Training (TNT). I will start training with the team in preparation for a 13-mile hike of the Grand Canyon in May 2012. In return for the professional endurance training I will receive, I have agreed to raise $4,000 for the LLS before the hike. I had heard of the hike from a friend, Sheila Garvy, a fellow member of the Durham Women’s Club, who trained and completed a halfmarathon with TNT earlier this year. I thought the hike would be a great opportunity, but the fundraising commitment was daunting. I hate fundraising. But Sheila raised above and beyond the LLS requirements, and her physical training and ability to complete the halfmarathon inspired me. She shared her training schedule with me, and I trained on my own for and completed the half-marathon this month. This accomplishment has led me to believe that I, too, will meet my fundraising goals. I ask my neighbors and friends in Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall to simply save their spare change between now and Christmas in a jar, coffee can, whatever. It

is hard to give in this economy. Those few extra pieces of change we empty out of our pockets, cars and couch cushions can add up! I would be willing to pick up jars the week after Christmas, or folks can get their checks to LLS for the “coinage” to me. My goal is to collect 50 coin jars from this community. This is a great time for classrooms and offices to pool resources to help the families and patients dealing with blood cancers. (Workplaces often have matching gift programs as well.) Individuals can e-mail me at mary.lavado@yahoo.com, or visit my fundraising page at pages.teamintraining.org/ct /CanyonS12/mlavado. Thank you! Mary Lavado, Durham

Re-elect Frank DeFelice Frank DeFelice is a longstanding member of Durham’s Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z) as well as chairman of Durham’s Public Safety Committee. Frank also has years of experience from his engineering career. Beyond this wealth of experience, Frank values the opinions of Durham citizens and tries to ensure that, when changes to the regulations are made, they are made intelligently and with thoughtful concern for our town’s future. This November, I believe it is particularly important that we return Frank to the P&Z where his experience and thoughtfulness will be valuable as the commission begins to update the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development. The Plan of Conservation and Development is the guiding document for Durham’s land-use commissions. It outlines what Durham will look like in 10 years and beyond. It is the key to moving Durham into the future while retaining its charm and character. This election, please join me in giving Frank DeFelice the support he needs to continue representing Durham’s residents on the P&Z. Jim Piotrowski, Durham

Friday, October 28, 2011

Town Times Election Section

Walking through the Middlefield ballot This is our special election issue when we print information on many of the candidates that will be on the ballot in the Nov. 8 municipal election. Before we get to the ballot, let us remind you how this election works. The offices up for grabs this election are first selectman, selectman, town clerk, treasurer, tax collector, Board of Finance and Board of Assessment Appeals. Like every town in the state, Middlefield is bound by Connecticut’s minority representation laws when filling seats in municipal offices — whether those are elected or appointed offices. The law asserts that one party cannot dominate more than a designated majority (generally two-thirds). In other words, a six-member board can have no more than four members of the same party; a three-member board can have no more than two members of the same party. (Minority party has no reference to specific parties; in fact, it can change from board to board. This way, multiple voices and at least minimum party diversity is on every board.) Though your ballot looks like candidates listed vertically are running against each other, they may or may not be run-

ning against each other. A sample ballot is printed below for your reference. Looking at the ballot below, columns #s 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9 are all regular elections where the person with the most votes wins the election. In column #5 of the tax collector is unopposed, so she will be elected. For the Board of Finance, a six-member board, three Republicans are not up for re-election. With five candidates vying for three seats, no more than one of the two Republicans can be elected. Seeing how many candidates we would have to feature before Election Day, you will only find the Middlefield candidates for first selectman, selectman and town clerk on the following pages. All the remaining candidates for the other boards and offices can be found on our website, www.towntimes.com, under our special “election” tab. Questions for candidates for first selectman, Board of Selectmen and town clerk:. 1. Tell us about yourself briefly — job, family, education and why you are running. 2. What do you believe is the greatest problem facing your town today? What do you believe is the town’s

greatest strength? 3. If elected, what one change would you make to your town government?

Last chance to register to vote Eligible voters who wish to register in-person may do so at the Registrar of Voters office until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1, to qualify for the municipal elections. “The municipal elections to decide who will serve in some key decision making roles in your community are approaching very fast, so I urge adult citizens of Connecticut to make sure they are registered now,” said Secretary Merrill, Connecticut’s chief election official. “Crucial decisions on town and city budgets, schools, infrastructure and environmental policy are facing many towns in our state.” Polls will open statewide from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, for the general election for municipal candidates. Absentee ballots are available at www.sots.ct.gov. Go online to www.towntimes.com for information on all the candidates running in the Nov. 8 election.

Sample Middlefield Ballot: Nov. 8, 2011

Jon A. Brayshaw, R, incumbent, first selectman 1. I am a Middlefield native and have lived here for 40 years. My wife, Gwen, and I have four children and 11 grandchildren. I am retired from a 25-year-practice of civil engineering and architecture with an office in Middlefield. I spent eight years serving on the Board of Selectmen and six as first selectman, and I served on other boards and committees. I kept town spending in check each year spent $200,000+ less than budget and secured Powder Ridge and other properties. I was the recipient of $2.4 million in grants. I have constant interface with the RSD13 administration on education and assorted dealings at Peckham Park. I secured

Merriam property in Rockfall for open space, made energy improvements in town buildings and made countless appointments to boards. I am a member of the Exchange Club and serve as officer of Connecticut River Valley Council of Elected Officials. Along with family members, I worked on restoring Lyman Gunsight Building and love communicating via monthly article in Town Times. I have a continued goal of non-partisan kindness to all parties and issues and have loved working with Selectmen Lowry, Bailey and Johnson. I am looking for a fifth term on Board of Selectmen 2. The greatest problem facing Middlefield and Rockfall is establishing and maintaining the “balance” between the quality of life we have come to enjoy and “affordability,” especially for our younger families and seniors. There is something seriously wrong with a civilization where average ordinary people, young and old, do not find it possible to settle and stay in our town. The financial stress is overwhelming — causing their quality of life to suffer — with no hope in sight, they leave. In my opinion, most of this dilemma is caused at the state and national level. Our greatest strength without question can be found in our vast variety of citizens. Walking around meeting people for my fifth time reveals a wide assortment of very interesting people. After a brief face-to-face meeting at the door, I often find myself with a smile. Also, our strength can be found in the more than 230 volunteers who fill so many roles each and every year. Without them, our town would be empty and meaningless. The administration provides the rudder, the volunteers the horsepower. 3. If elected, the change I would work and try to improve on is our “stewardContinued next page

Continued from page 19 ship” of our many open spaces. Our quality of life here involves (to a certain degree) the care of our townowned land in its many forms and locations. I would expand and better define the role of our Conservation Commission and perhaps add to its membership so it can meet the need to care for our many properties. It’s one thing to buy or secure a land resource. It’s another to care for it once you own it. I would explore blending our Farm and Land Management Commission with our Conservation Commission, or at the very least expand membership to spread out the load.

Lucy Petrella, D, challenger, first selectman 1. My name is Lucy Petrella, and I am the Democratic candidate for first selectman of Middlefield/Rockfall. Why am I seeking to be first selectman? Something has been missing in our town for a long time: management — a proactive approach to management. Especially with this challenging economy, it is critical for a first selectman to be proactive and fiscally responsible — to actively manage all of our resources. As your first selectman, I will not sit back and react when issues occur. I will be proactive with and protective of Middlefield and Rockfall’s resources. The welfare of the residents of Middlefield and Rockfall is my only priority. I have the background, experiences and community involvement to get the job

Town Times Election Section

Friday, October 28, 2011

portantly of all, I will respond to your concerns. Greatest strength: working together as a community. We have so much to be proud of in our town, from the slopes of Powder Ridge to the hills of Lyman Orchards, from the refreshing waters of Lake Beseck to the meandering Coginchaug River, from the waterfalls in Rockfall to Peckham Park, to all the residents of Middlefield and Rockfall. However, our greatest strength lies in our ability to connect with one another, to see and appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of our town, to consider ourselves as family, and to work together for the good of all. How do we survive in difficult times? We look out for one another. We come together to celebrate our joys and support each other in our sorrows. Our greatest strength is our coming together: as neighbors, as a community, all working toward the common goal of making Middlefield and Rockfall the best place it can be: a loving, caring, involved community. I look forward to being your first selectman and to be right alongside you working toward these same goals. 3. Change if elected: restore faith in town leaders. One change I will make to our town government is to restore your faith in your town leaders. How? I will work tirelessly to respond to your concerns, whether or not I can correct the problems. You need to know that you are important and that your concerns are worth a response. I will make sure that I carefully manage our town’s finances by keeping up with maintenance, pursuing grants, seeking reasonable ways to share resources with other communities and managing our town’s resources with the care and concern they deserve. I will work hard to earn your trust. But, I cannot do it alone. I need each and every one of you to work together with me to make it happen. I look forward to having this opportunity as your next first selectman.

have are its people. Having lived here, serving on the Board of Selectmen and the Water Pollution Control Authority, I am always amazed at the high level of interest of the town’s citizens in its government, in maintaining the quality of life and the small town character of Middlefield and Rockfall. The citizens of Middlefield and Rockfall will defend the town. They demonstrated this by voting to purchase Powder Ridge nine-to-one to keep it from being developed and losing a great resource for the town. People and their participation in town affairs make a strong and vibrant community. It is what makes Middlefield and Rockfall a great community to raise families and live. What I see as the number one problem facing the town is the cost of town government and education. When I speak with our senior citizens and even younger citizens, I constantly hear the struggle to pay the ever-increasing property taxes. Until something is done on a state level to change the way education is funded, we need to work together to keep the cost of town government and education in check. By living in a small town, we are always going to pay a premium given that we have no economies of scale. I expect that, in coming years, we will have more opportunities to regionalize town services. We are now moving toward being a part of a new regional planning agency, and it would appear that becoming a part of a regional health district will be the only way we can afford to meet state mandates. We have had great success with Durham sharing the transfer station for over 40 years. In the future, Middlefield and Durham would make a logical match in sharing some services. We always need to be careful that we do not reduce the level of services that the citizens have come to expect. Any regionalization or sharing of services should be considered from the perspec-

done. I have lived in Middlefield for over 24 years. I have been a member of the Board of Finance for the past two years. I have 15 years experience on Planning and Zoning commissions. I do my homework, am not afraid to speak out and make fair and well thought-out decisions that benefit the whole town, not just a few individuals. For more details about me, check out www.dems.info/middlefield, or e-mail me at: Petrella.Selectman@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you. 2. Greatest problem: dissatisfaction with lack of town leadership. The greatest problem facing Middlefield and Rockfall today is the people’s growing dissatisfaction with the lack of town leadership. People are struggling to make ends meet and to provide for their families. Taxes continue to rise without any additional town services. All around Middlefield and Rockfall, Dave and I have heard over and over that your concerns are not being heard or responded to: from the rising cost of education, to road safety, to road and drainage repairs, to general townwide maintenance. People are feeling that no one truly cares about their issues, that their elected officials are not listening or responding to them. It upsets me that so many people are being let down. An elected official’s job is to serve the people. It undermines the trust that voters put into their elected officials when that does not happen. You deserve better. In an effort to open communication with residents, I plan to add evening hours for the first selectman’s office during the week and some Saturday mornings. I am also going to actively explore ways to expand communication between the first selectman’s office and residents by updating the town website, providing frequent newsletters and developing a town-wide booklet of important information for residents, especially emergency information. But most im-

Edward Bailey, R, Board of Selectmen 1. My name is Edward Bailey, and I am running for reelection as a Middlefield selectman. I’m 56 years old, and I have been a resident of Rockfall for 25 years. I was born and raised in Manhattan and have lived in Connecticut for over 32 years (my big city experience makes me really appreciate this place known as Middlefield/Rockfall). I have a bachelor of engineering degree and education in architecture and management. I had a career as a chief engineer in the United States Merchant Marine. I served as a commissioned officer in the United States Naval Reserve. I have been a union member. I currently operate a property management business and do engineering consulting. I’m the chairman of Middlefield’s Water Pollution Control Authority. I serve as a board member and treasurer of the Atlantic states Rural and Waste Water Association. In that capacity, I have sought funds to provide assistance to small rural water and waste water systems that struggle to comply with drinking water and clean water regulations. For the past 18 years, I have been president and board member of the homeowners’ association where I reside. I enjoy sailing, hiking and cultural interests. I have taken an active role over the years in representing my community with regard to issues of concern within Middlefield. 2. The greatest strength Middlefield and Rockfall

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Friday, October 28, 2011

Continued from page 20 tive of enhancing services and reducing costs. We must continue to promote increasing commercial tax revenues. Opportunities are available with the Brookside Drive industrial park and the Route 66 commercial area. A potential buyer has approached the town regarding the Hubbard Street property, and there has been a plan approved for a new commercial development on Route 66; however, in these tough economic times, it is likely to be many years before we see any substantial tax revenues from either area. Jobs are leaving Connecticut as it is an inhospitable place for business. The general economic environment is poor. The town side of taxes amounts to about 20 percent of your tax bill, the other 80 percent of your tax dollar goes to our schools. We must continue to encourage District 13 to provide a quality education at an affordable cost. This is difficult for the leadership of District 13 given the unfunded mandates and binding arbitration requirements that are imposed on our schools by the state. 3. I would like to see some changes made to the antiquated town charter. Some years back a bipartisan charter revision committee proposed changes to the town charter. This eventually went to referendum. Unfortunately, it succumbed to partisan politics, being labeled as a power grab. It must have been a slow election year and the opposition needed to make an issue. Unfortunately, the town lost out. In this same vein, I would like to see a complete reorganization of all town departments. Strides have been made over the past several years by our first selectman Jon Brayshaw with reorganizing the Land Use Department, among other areas. Just because things have been done in certain way for many years doesn’t mean we can’t do better. I believe that Jon Brayshaw and I bring experience and the

Town Times Election Section

ability to make this happen.

David Burgess, D, Board of Selectmen 1. I am David Burgess, the Democratic candidate for second selectmen of Middlefield/Rockfall. I have lived in Middlefield for 24 years with my wife Christine. During my time in Middlefield, I served on the Charter Revision Committee in 1992 and advocated to give the people of Middlefield and Rockfall more control over their local government rather than switching to a proposed town manager. I was elected to the Board of Finance from 2001 to 2005 and served as the vice chair of that board from 2003 to 2005. The biggest issue during my term was the first public Powder Ridge deal offered to the town of Middlefield. My position at that time was to pay a fair market price for the property and for the taxpayers to be held harmless against any liability issues. The deal did not meet this criteria, and the Board of Finance did not approve this first deal. I was the town treasure from 1997 to 1999. In addition, I volunteered at the state capitol for majority leader Tom Luby and Chris Donovan in the early 1990s. I also served as a union delegate in the 1990s. I earned my master’s degree in social work from Fordham University in 1983, a bachelor’s of social work from Southern Connecticut State University in 1982 and an associate’s of social work degree in 1980 from Manchester Community College. I have worked for the state of Connecticut Department of Developmental Services for

the past 26 years. The reason I am running for office is because I want to make a difference in people’s lives. I have felt this way my entire life. This is the reason why social work is my chosen profession. I have enjoyed the variety of volunteer and community service positions I have held, and I look forward to the opportunity to be able to serve the town of Middlefield on your Board of Selectmen. 2. I find the biggest issue facing Middlefield and Rockfall at this time, according to the people’s response from my door-to-door campaigning, is the need for an administration to listen to the people’s needs and respond to them in a timely manner. These issues include street safety for our children and citizens by asking for more police presence on high-risk roads in the morning and evening hours when traffic is the heaviest, following up on calls concerning dying trees on town property, responding to road grading questions, attempting to remedy the length that it takes to secure permits, reducing taxes by securing more state grants and federal reimbursement, addressing the lighting issue for certain people, ensuring that town resources that may be purchased or sold in the future are at fair market value, and maintaining our town roads. These are just some of the issues the people have discussed with me over the last few months. The most important of these are health and safety issues which affect our children and citizens. We cannot afford to ignore our citizens’ requests for assistance with street safety and other safety issues. The administration must respond to these immediately because the consequences may be grave. To the question of what I believe is the town’s greatest strength, the answer is simple. It is the people of Middlefield. I have found in life that no one individual has all the answers. Each one of us has strengths, skills and assets that make us unique.

Going door to door reaffirms this belief. It is my plan to utilize the ideas, recommendations and resources of the people of Middlefield to improve the town. We have already written down many of the possible solutions and ideas from our citizens. Lucy and I will also be getting back to some of the citizens who have volunteered to provide their expertise. 3. The one thing I would change in Middlefield is to improve the overall communication between the town officials, town boards and the citizens of Middlefield. Lucy and I will improve communication between the selectmen’s office and the town residents. It is imperative that town officials listen to the citizens’ needs and get back to them as soon as possible with workable solutions to the problems that they and the town may face in a timely manner. As a case manager/social worker, I have been actively listening and problem-solving various challenges for decades. I will utilize these same skills and advocate for the people of Middlefield/Rockfall. In addition to being an effective selectman, I believe one must have the attribute of determination to make a difference in peoples’ lives. This is what motivates me to run for office, and I hope you will consider me and the Democratic ticket this Nov. 8.

Donna Golub, D, incumbent, town clerk 1. My name is Donna Golub, and I am the current town clerk for Middlefield

and Rockfall. I have two children and one grandson. I am running for re-election because I believe I still have a lot to give to this office and my community. I am a member of the Middlesex County Town Clerks Association and the Connecticut Clerks Association. I am also the registrar of Vital Statistics and the assistant treasurer. I have served as a Justice of the Peace and have been a Notary since 1998. Prior to my election as town clerk, I worked as a paraprofessional at John Lyman School. I have served on a variety of committees in the community, including the Middlefield Senior Advisory Council, Levi E. Coe Library, the Charter Revision Committee and the Durham-Middlefield Youth and Family Services Board. 2. While our small town has a great record of voter turnout for elections — municipal, gubernatorial and presidential years alike — I do not see the same level of involvement from folks at our local board and commission meetings. That lack of involvement is what I view as the greatest problem facing our town today. That is unfortunate in that it is at these meetings that residents can have the most impact. This is particularly true for the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and town meetings that are held throughout the year. All too often, there are just a handful of residents there to provide public comment or, in the case of town meetings, to vote on measures that impact all our families. We are a small, tight-knit community — the kind where everybody knows your name — and that is perhaps our greatest strength. We will always come together to preserve and protect the unique character of our town. It is that spirit of community which also attracts new families to our town. 3. Over the last several years, I have been working to preserve and protect our town’s historical records. I Continued next page

Town Times Election Section

Continued from page 21 have applied for and received several grants from the state of Connecticut Public Records Administration, which have allowed me to electronically index town records. To date, I have completed the town’s survey maps dating from 1866 to the present, and I have begun the process of indexing other important documents, such as the land records and the minutes from the Board of Selectmen meetings. In fact, it was because of this process that I discovered several years of missing Board of Selectmen minutes from Aug. 27, 1910 to Jan. 16, 1980. If re-elected, I will continue in these efforts to ensure that the rich history of Middlefield/Rockfall is there for future generations to learn from and share.

Vanessa Schmaltz, R, challenger, town clerk 1. I am a lifelong resident

of Middlefield with my husband Charlie. I have two children and two grandchildren who also live in Middlefield. I have been involved in various town activities over the years. My background includes 16 years in the mortgage banking industry after which I had a career change. I have been working for the past five years as an office administrator, which entails wearing many different hats. My immediate goal as town clerk is to utilize current technology to modernize town hall, which would include enhancing the town’s website to provide a friendly, useful website that saves time, and modernizing the town records. I would also like to seek innovative ideas to generate independent revenue for the town clerk’s office. My ultimate goal is to provide superior customer service and satisfaction. I believe I have the skills, energy, enthusiasm and dedication to meet Middlefield residents’ needs. 2. I believe the town’s greatest strength is its people. It is a small community, and I feel that it still holds the charm of people working together and coming together in tough times. I love the activities and events that promote being neighborly. As for the question of what would I change about the town government, my answer is I would not change anything about the town government. I feel that our town government strives to main-

Why it’s important to vote In 1800, one vote kept Aaron Burr, later charged with treason, from becoming president. In 1844, constituent Freeman Clark was seriously ill on Election Day. He had his son carry him to the county seat so he could vote for David Kelso for state senator. Clark died on the way home from the polling place. David Kelso was elected state senator by one vote. In 1850, one vote made California a state. In 1859, one vote made Oregon a state. In 1868, one vote saved President Andrew Johnson from being removed from office. In 1889, one vote made Washington a state. In 1890, one vote made Idaho a state. In 1920, Tennessee ratified the 19th amendment, which allowed women to vote, by one vote. Tennessee was the last state needed for ratification. (From sec.state.vt.us)

tain level taxes, is fiscally responsible, and works together to continually better our community. I have strong ties to this community and feel I am qualified to excel as your town clerk. I want only the best for my town and all its residents. I hope you will consider voting for me on Nov. 8. I would be honored to fill the position of town clerk.

Online voting: modern convenience or security risk? The idea of allowing voters to cast their ballots over the internet is one of the most controversial topics facing election officials today. Does online voting make a valuable contribution to our democracy or make it more vulnerable? Does it allow for more participation from overseas voters and military personnel? Come to a symposium on Thursday, Oct. 27, 5 to 7 p.m. at Central Connecticut State University, Alumni Hall, Student Center, Ella Grasso Blvd, New Britain. It will be moderated by John Dankosky, WNPR news director and host of “Where We Live,” and Robert C. Vance, endowed chair in journalism and mass communications. For info, contact: diana.theriault@ct.gov.

Witch

(From page 6)

slanderous. Sarah herself testified that Mary caused “a great wind to blow” outside her house, and shortly thereafter her infant died. Other neighbors testified that shortly after having an argument with Mary, a prized horse, pig or cow would suddenly die, “though they be healthy til that time.” But as the case unfolded, alliances and arguments within the community were revealed, and at least one person who testified against the Parsons recanted, saying

that he had “testified upon the earnest importunity of James Bridgman.” The magistrates, some of whom were also business and personal friends of the Parsons, found in favor of the Parsons and ordered Sarah Bridgman to submit to a lashing or pay a fine. Not surprisingly, she chose to pay the fine. Although exonerated, townspeople continued to suspect that Mary was a witch, and the slander trial testimony came into play 17 years later when she was put on trial as a witch. During the ensuing years, the Parsons continued to prosper and their family grew to 11 children. But in 1674, when Sarah Bridgman’s 22-year-old daughter Mary Bridgman Bartlett died suddenly of an unknown ailment, the girl’s father urged his son-in-law Samuel Bartlett to press charges against Mary Parsons. The magistrates charged a local group of women with the task of checking Mary for signs of “witch’s teats.” Apparently they found something suspicious because the case was sent to Boston for trial. She languished in prison for the duration but was eventually exonerated of all charges. Fortunately, Mary’s family was able to “purchase” a larger cell for her, and she was provided with good food and clean water. (A little known fact regarding the Salem witch trials is that although 20 people were put to death during the hysteria, several more languished and eventually died in jail after being exonerated because their families were unable to pay the “rent” for their cells.) Mary Parsons was released from prison in 1679 and returned to Northampton. The murmurs and suspicions about her consorting with the devil did not die until she did in 1712 at the age of 92. So what does this have to do with Durham and Middlefield, you might ask? Mary and Joseph Parsons’ great grandson Simeon Parsons grew up in Durham and built a house on Middlefield Road which still stands today. It is the Willett home at the sharp

Friday, October 28, 2011 corner by Maple Avenue. Also, several area residents are direct descendants of Mary Bliss Parson, including Middlefield Board of Selectmen member Mary Johnson and many members of the Miller and Lyman families. In a recent interview, Johnson said, “I didn’t know about this connection until a few years ago when my cousin Charlie Augur told me about it.” Johnson has since done her own research and found that there are several websites dedicated to 17th century witch trials and many tell the story of Mary Bliss Parsons, one of the few who stood accused and survived to tell the story. Mary noted that there is a national organization called Associated Daughters of Early American Witches. According to their website (www.adeaw.us), the purpose of the society is to “Search for and preserve the names of those accused of witchery in that portion of Colonial America, now the United States of America, and to locate the living female descendants of all witches who were accused, tried or executed for the practice of witchcraft prior to December 31, 1699.” Membership is by invitation only and applicants must be at least 16 years old and able to prove their descent. The society funds a work study and scholarship program at Cook College in Tempe, AZ. According to the college’s website, they exist to “Educate, prepare and equip Native Americans and others whose voices have not been heard and who have been educationally, socially or economically deprived of access to higher education.” So if your last name is Parsons, Miller, Lyman or any other name associated with historic Durham and Middlefield, please log onto Associated Daughters of Early American Witches. It contains a comprehensive list of women who were accused of and often died during this shameful period in our history. Perhaps you will find a “witch” in your family closet.

Durham Town Briefs

Friday, October 28, 2011

Online business listing launched The Durham Economic Development Commission (EDC) is excited to announce the fall launch of an online database of all businesses located in Durham. The new Durham Business Listing will be categorized like the yellow pages to help potential customers find local businesses. All Durham businesses, including home occupations, are eligible to participate. Business owners can participate by providing the commission with basic information about their business. The information will be published online and may be used to promote the businesses through other communication vehicles. An EDC form requesting business info is online at www.townofdurhamct.org. Users can click on Business & Commerce, then click on the link that says “Durham Business Listing sign up here” to fill out the form. Paper forms are available in the Durham Public Library and in the town clerk’s office at Town Hall. They should be mailed to Economic Development Commission, 30 Townhouse Rd., Durham, CT 06422 or given to the town clerk. The commission anticipates that the Durham Business Listing will be online by Nov. 1. Any questions regarding the program may be directed to the EDC by e-mail at EDC@townofdurhamct.org

or by contacting any member. EDC members are Cliff Colwell, Carol Douglass, Brenda Eddy, Debbie Huscher, Ona McLaughlin, Diane Moore and Alana Simlick.

Halloween at the DAC Come to the Durham Activity Center for a Halloween party/parade on Sunday, Oct. 30, at 1 p.m. for ages 1-13. Please join the Durham Recreation Committee for some ghoulish games, freaky fun, cookie decorating and costume parade. Bring your best decorated pumpkin and receive a ribbon. Call 860343-6724 for more info.

Durham P&Z Public comment at the Oct. 19 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) involved variances, sidewalks, festivals and signs. Resident Donia Viola requested a more indepth review of variances involving wetlands and sidewalks and thanked the commission for its efforts to limit signs cluttering the town. Another resident, Rick Parmelee, addressed the board regarding his dislike of the term “nonconforming” and hoped that the commission’s new regulations contribute to the growth of the town, not prevent new business from coming. Michael Doyle reported back to the commission regarding a successful Fall Down Festival, with members also reporting hearing

only positive feedback from neighbors. Creation of regulations or a special permit was again discussed to address frequency, level and capacity of events and programs. Town planner Geoff Colegrove explained that one permit would cover a series of activities, and Camp Farnam (or other organizations) would only come before the commission if modifying that permit. The commission requested a list of activities and numbers attending in an effort to begin crafting outdoor recreation regulations. Doyle agreed to bring their request to the board of directors. Louis Sasso addressed the commission seeking approval for a two-story addi-

Durham Government Calendar (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Durham Library. Check the town website at www.townofdurhamct.org for updates.) Tuesday, November 1 9 a.m. Public Works Building Oversight Committee at Town Hall 6:30 p.m. — Public Safety Committee 7:30 p.m. — Midstate Regional Planning Agency at 100 DeKoven Dr. in Middletown Wednesday, November 2 6:30 p.m. — Durham Volunteer Ambulance Corps at 205 Main Street 7:30 p.m. — Cemetery Company at Town Hall 7:30 p.m. — Planning and Zoning Thursday, November 3 7 p.m. — Public Safety Facility Renovations Planning Committee at Durham Volunteer Firehouse 7 p.m. — Durham Animal Response Team (D.A.R.T. ) tion to Graphic Die Mold, loSee P&Z, next page

cated at 18 Airline Drive.

An evening with David Rubins, MD Orthopedic Association of Middletown Tuesday, November 1st at 4:00pm Apple Rehab Middletown

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Town Briefs

P&Z

(From page 23)

The first floor of the addition will be for manufacturing and shipping (including loading dock); the second floor will be offices. No land will be cleared as the addition will take part of the parking lot. Sasso appeared before Inland Wetlands where he learned that he needs an engineering report on drainage issues. Colegrove explained that because the building will be within 100 feet of wetlands, P&Z cannot act without Wetlands’ report. Sasso will be put back on the agenda once he has that report. John Corona appeared on behalf of BSD Real Estate of Connecticut regarding its site plan review for construction of an industrial building on Commerce Circle. Corona explained that in 1986, Mr. Dowd purchased the last lot on Commerce Cir-

cle with the intention to build a home for his welding repair business. For financial reasons, Dowd has leased space nearby. He is now in a position to build an industrial building of his own, but the lot has been adversely affected by storm water run-off. Corona reported that he is not withdrawing the application at this point but asked that it be removed from the agenda pending further discussions with the town regarding cost-sharing measures to deposit storm water further past Dowd’s lot and/or capture sediment at the catch basin area. Members moved on to continue their review of existing versus proposed permitted use tables. Frank DeFelice proposed sending a letter to current business owners informing them that the commission is restructuring regulations and inviting them to attend a meeting to address the commission.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Colegrove indicated that there will be a public hearing, and they could give their input at that time. Eriksen concurred, adding that the public notice is fair warning. Lisa Davenport, concerned with comments made by Corona regarding “special permits are not special if everyone needs one,” requested that more time be spent reviewing the proposed use tables to change some requirements from special permit to site plan review. Eriksen disagreed, claiming special permits give the town the ability to review uses to determine appropriateness, adding that Durham has more constraints than adjoining cities like Middletown and Meriden, such as septic systems and water, making special permits more practical. All agreed that Colegrove will get the regional referral started, and the subcommit-

tee will do a final review of the use tables and bring their recommendations to the next meeting. (Elisabeth Kennedy/In attendance)

Durham Fair wrap-up The Durham Fair saw a decrease in cash sales this year of 30 percent. Debi Waz, revenue department representative of the Durham Fair, said, “Revenue was $1.3 million this year. We lost all of Friday and half of Saturday and all of the parking lots. We are not happy to be down but happy to be down 30 percent rather than 60.” Waz shared that all the buses came into the fair through the White Farm gate, and that gate was the lowest in cash sales at 24 percent. The highest was the Town Hall gate which was 42 percent of cash sales. At the time of printing, credit card sales information still had not been

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Durham Fair Truck Pull Grab your family and friends and come enjoy a night of fun at the Durham Fair Truck Pull on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. Registration will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, Nov. 6, with registration from noon to 2 p.m. and the pull beginning at 3 p.m. For prices and more info, call 860-349-9495

Alaska cruise A July 2012 Alaska Discovery Land and Cruise will be hosted by the Rev. Dr. Elven Riggles, minister of the United Churches of Durham. Featuring a sevennight southbound cruise aboard Princess Cruise Lines and departing July 12, this exciting 13-day tour includes such highlights as Fairbanks, Denali National Park, McKinley Express Rail, Whittier, Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and so much more! On Thursday evening, Nov. 3, Tracy O’Neal from Collette Vacations will host a slide show and informational session for all those interested in learning more about this opportunity. The evening begins at 7 p.m. at the United Churches of Durham. For more info, or to receive a brochure, please contact Dr. Riggles at 860-349-0742.

Middlefield Board of Finance

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With no public attending the Oct. 20 meeting, the Board of Finance (BOF) moved on to discuss the Managed Service Agreement for the town of Middlefield prepared by Lightning PC at the request of the Board of Selectmen. The Board of Finance has not been satisfied with Lightning PC (longtime consultant to the town) due to its inability to solve problems and constant emergencies with the town’s computers, but Rebecca Adams explained, this is the company that the selectmen want to go with, See BOF, next page

Middlefield Town Briefs

Friday, October 28, 2011

from 5 to 7 p.m., Middlefield neighborhoods are invited to a meet and greet with the Democratic candidates at the Middlefield Pizza Restaurant. Free pizza slices will be served. The Democratic candidates for municipal offices will be there for conversation about the future of the town.

Middlefield Government Calendar (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Community Center.) Tuesday, November 1 6:30 p.m. — Park and Recreation Commission 7:30 p.m. — Midstate Regional Planning Agency at 100 DeKoven Dr., Middletown Thursday, November 3 7-10 p.m. — Economic Development Commission

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and they technically do not need the Board of Finance’s approval. Lucy Petrella reported that she spoke with Joe Geruch, who explained that the town has not had consistently scheduled maintenance because they have no service contract and they pay higher prices for emergency service. Alice Malcolm asked why the town would enter into the agreement instead of purchasing new equipment. Adams indicated that, during the budget process, when town employees were asked about computers, the response was “nothing works,” so funds were allocated for the purchase of updated equipment (which generally includes service). She is now told that the problem is not with the computers but with the server. Bob Yamartino shared Malcolm’s opinion that the purchase of new computers would be a better investment than the service contract. Petrella disagreed, saying the only computers old enough to be replaced are at the police station and agreeing that it is the server that is causing glitches and other issues. Adams agreed that, if the problem is with the server, new computers won’t make a difference. Attention turned back to the service agreement. Jeremy Renninghoff felt that unused hours should get rolled over, not lost, at the end of each month. Petrella and Adams agreed that the town should not pay for hours not used and then be charged extra another month if the 10 hours are exceeded. Petrella also preferred that the contract be paid monthly, not in full at inception. The board passed a resolution suggesting that the Board of Selectmen proceed with the Lightning PC contract after negotiating the credit of rollover minutes and monthly payments. It was further resolved that the selectmen prepare a detailed long-term plan for purchase or repair of computer equipment prior to the presentation of the selectmen’s 2012-13 budget. There were no transfers.

Under new business, Renninghoff reported that he and Geruch met with Sonitrol regarding a new phone system for town offices. The board felt the quote from Sonitrol was high, requiring a 20-year payback, but felt the recent hurricane revealed the challenges with the current phone system. Renninghoff indicated that Geruch will be speaking with other companies as well. Adams reported on the status of the acquisition of a new police cruiser, reporting that Geruch prefers to wait for the next state bid as there will be more vehicles available. (Elisabeth Kennedy/In attendance)

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Friday, October 28, 2011

Town Times

A birthday wish to help needy animals By Cheri Kelley Town Times Ten-year-old Grace Hig-

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Two years ago, the Higgins family adopted two dogs who were temporarily cared

Patty Higgins, Grace’s mother, said, “We knew [Amanda] was very committed to volunteering in animal shelters and finding the animals good homes. Grace asked Amanda where she thought there was a need for the items collected, knowing how much Amanda cares about animals, and she suggested Meriden Animal Control. Amanda emphasized that, although it is a pound, the Animal Control Organization works very hard to make sure the dogs are cared for and given every op-

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Donation (Continued from page 26) portunity to get adopted.” People brought the suggested items to the party instead of the typical presents. The items were leashes, collars, beds, treats and toys. They decided to ask for items instead of just giving money to the shelter. Grace said, “I think this is important for people to hear about so that maybe people will adopt a dog from there,” and so other kids might decide to have donations for their parties. Grace thinks it is important for kids to do. “If kids have parties [anyway], they can do something more helpful than getting presents.” This is the first time that the Higgins family has done this, but one can never tell what a story like this will inspire for the future!

Town Times

Amazing Grace food drive

A ‘hairy’ donation Natalie Davis, of Middlefield, (at Iron Scissors Salon in Middletown) had her hair cut for donation to the Pantene “Beautiful Lengths” program. She waited patiently all summer for her hair to grow long enough and is thrilled to have been able do her part for such a worthy cause. The Pantene Beautiful Lengths campaign accepts healthy, non-treated hair from men and women all over the country. The hair is then made into wigs for women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments. The “Beautiful Lengths” program is detailed at www.pantene.com, along with easy instructions for do-it-yourself donating. Hair donations need to be a minimum of eight inches long.Submitted by Anne Davis

Above, the student senators at Korn School organized a food drive for the Amazing Grace food pantry for two weeks in October. The senators made posters and talked to their fellow classmates about the urgent need for food items. They are proud to announce that over 200 items were collected. Submitted by Eileen Chupron

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Town Times

Paws Place: Coyote 5th Annual

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Durham Activity Center fun

John Lyman Spelling Bee John Lyman School fourth graders were the first to participate in this year’s spelling bee. Eighteen students participated in teams of three. It was a tough competition with very talented kids, but the final victory went to Maia, Madeline and Joseph from Mrs. Hadlock’s class. They and all of the school spelling bee champions from grades 3-8 will be honored at the fourth Annual Adult Spelling Bee, sponsored by CVEF on Friday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. at the CRHS auditorium. All are welcome! Submitted by Dina D’Amato

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Right, third graders and their parents at The Independent Day School (IDS) in Middlefield, along with their teachers, JoAnn Rider and Jen Bergin, recently spent a day and night living at the Plimoth Plantation Museum in MA, which also included a morning visit to the Mayflower. The class had a challenge: to create a model of Plimoth Plantation back in their classroom. During their visit, the students asked the characters questions and took photos and collected notes. Back at IDS, they collected additional information on the Internet before writing reports. With the help of art teacher Madeline Smith, they built houses and created people, as well as made animals, trees, cornstalks and the palisade for their model of the English village. They also created a Smart Board slide show of their visit to Mayflower II before sharing the fruits of their labor with parents and other classes. In the photo, Cecilia Rossi and Anna Mae Saunders are collecting notes as they interview Miles Standish.

Town Times Obituaries

Jane Churchill

Jane Churchill, 80, of Middletown, died suddenly on Monday, Oct. 17. Jane loved learning, art, music, her family and the beauty of nature. But most of all, she loved helping others. Gentle, humble and perpetually cheerful, she couldn’t believe her good fortune to serve the community in the Durham Public Library until her last day. Born in York, PA, in 1931, Jane was the daughter of teacher Ann Kauffman and banker George Ebaugh.

When her mother remarried, Jane was adopted by her beloved stepfather, H. Clay Lindemuth, an adventurer and real estate investor. Clay moved the family to California, where Jane spent part of her childhood alternating between a farm in Garden Grove and a thatch-roofed hut in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Jane attended Santa Ana Junior College, studied abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland, and graduated from Stanford University in 1954 with a major in Journalism. After graduation from Stanford, she worked in Palo Alto, CA, as a writer, editor, photographer and occasional model for the western living magazine, Sunset. It was at Sunset that she met her husband, fellow writer William L. Churchill. Jane moved with Bill to Middletown, CT, in 1965, where he worked for Wesleyan University and she stayed home

and raised four sons. The family moved to Durham in 1966, where Jane supported countless school projects, band concerts, little league games, Durham Fair entries and other community activities. During the 1970s, she reentered the workforce, eventually landing her dream position at the Durham Public Library. She and her husband divorced in the 1980s but remained friends throughout her life. Jane is survived by her sister, Mary Ann, of Windsor, CA; step-sister, Margie, of York, PA; her four sons, Andrew, of Amherst, MA, Ian, of Savannah, GA, Bruce, of Boston, MA, and Matthew of Davidson, NC; and her seven grandchildren, Caitlin, Lucinda, Graham, Cal, Luke, Thomas and Zachary. She was also a loving and supportive motherin-law to Andy’s wife Jackie, Ian’s wife Hermine and former wife Alicia, Bruce’s hus-

Friday, October 28, 2011

band Scott and Matt’s wife Suzanne. Jane’s appreciation for the beauty in life was boundless. Countless library patrons were greeted with: “Isn’t it a beautiful day!” — regardless of the weather. Whether admiring the flowers on her daily walk or strolling her beloved Hammonassett beach, she always took time to notice the wonder and the beauty of the world she lived in and to help others do so as well. Jane believed emphatically in the worth and dignity of every individual. She insisted that there was something special in everyone, and, through her work and service and encouragement over the years, she helped many of them find it. There will be a memorial celebration of Jane’s life on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 5 p.m. at the Durham Public Library. The public is invited (despite the likelihood that Jane

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would’ve hated all the fuss on her behalf!). Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Durham Public Library, 6 Maple Avenue, Durham, CT 06422. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.doolittlefuneralservice.com. The Doolittle Funeral Home (14 Old Church Street in Middletown) is handling the arrangements.

Attilio ‘Art’ Thomas Marchese Attilio Thomas Marchese, 81, of Rockfall, died Wednesday, Oct. 11, at Middlesex Hospital Hospice after a long and brave battle with cancer. He was born in Middletown on Sept. 24, 1930. He was the son of the late Joseph and Dominica Marchese of Middletown. Art was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing with his friends at Indian Springs Golf Course. He attended Middletown High School where he played football and later joined the military service. He was a carpenter by trade and worked in the Connecticut Carpenters Union. Art was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Besides his wife Josephine (Salemi) Marchese, to whom he was married to for 59 years, Art leaves his son, Arthur Marchese of Middlefield; his daughters, Jo-Ann Dumas and her husband James of Durham and Susan Dzialo and her husband Paul of Middletown; his grandchildren, Amy Behrends, Michael Marchese, Jennifer Turek, Katherine Nadeau, Alicia Salafia and John S. Salafia; his great grandchild Zachery James Nadeau; his sister, Flora Frati of Westbrook; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved Springer Spaniel, “Sophie.” He was predeceased by his two brothers and a sister, Sebastian Marchese, Joseph Marchese Sr. and Marrietti Dubreuil. Friends called at the D’An-

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Friday, October 28, 2011

Marchese (Continued from page 30) gelo Funeral Home on Friday, Oct. 14. Funeral procession from D’Angelo’s Funeral Home was Saturday, Oct. 15. Burial took place at State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Middlesex Hospital Hospice, Department of Philanthropy, 28 Crescent St., Middletown, CT 06457. Special thanks to Middlesex Hospital Oncology for their exceptional care and to all the nurses and volunteers at Middlesex Hospital Hospice, and to our mother, Josie, for the compassionate care and comfort she gave to him. His colorful stories will be well remembered by all.

William J. Charboneau

Town Times graduated in 1951 from Loyola College, Baltimore, with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. A Korean War veteran, he served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954. He was a partner at Ripps Realty in property management. Prior to his retirement, he managed Davenport-Dunbar elderly housing in Hamden. He was the current chairman of the Middlefield Housing Authority, volunteering since 2003 to make housing affordable for all citizens. He loved playing golf, boating, reading and dancing. He will be remembered as a loving and generous husband, dad, granddad and friend to many. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Middlefield Senior Center, 405 Main St., Middlefield, CT 06455 or the V.F.W., P.O. Box 429, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. (www.northhavenfuneral.com)

New Learning Trail at Brewster School On Wednesday Sept. 28, several faculty members helped install the Born Learning Trail at Brewster Elementary School. The Trail, which is a public campaign, assists parents, grandparents and caregivers in exploring ways to turn everyday moments into fun learning opportunities. Middlesex United Way fully funded the project due to the community’s involvement in the Early Childhood Council. The Born Learning Trail can be found within the new playground and playscape areas. A special thank you goes out to Susan Viccaro, superintendent of Regional School District 13, Amy Emory, pupil personnel director, Nancy Heckler, principal of Brewster School, and Rob Francis, supervisor of buildings and grounds, for making the trail possible. Above right, Carla Muscatallo. Above left, Jeff Emack, Brewster head custodian, and Nancy Heckler, Brewster principal. Submitted by Patti Checko Right, teachers volunteer to install the Born Learning Trail. Submitted by Matt Plourde

Town Times Service Directory

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Town Times Sports

Friday, October 28, 2011

CRHS homecoming-field dedication

Local soccer players at Quinnipiac

The weather cooperated for the dedication ceremony and football game that took place on Saturday, Oct. 22, at Coginchaug’s new athletic field. Submitted by Mark Salley Excitement ran high as the Coginchaug Blue Devils prepared to play The ninth annual MxCC Foundation Scholarship 5K Road Race for against Old Saywalkers and runners will be held at 10 a.m. at Middlesex Community Col- brook/Westbrook lege (100 Training Hill Rd. in Middletown). There will be a Kids’ Fun Run at the athletic comat 9:30 a.m., with medals for first place boy and girl, and ribbons for all plex. EDGE (Excelother participants. Runners and walkers may register by accessing forms lent Decisions on the Events Page at www.mxccfoundation.org or on race day beginning Guiding Everyday) at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds from the race benefit student scholarships and proJane grams at MxCC. Post-race activities include a raffle prize drawing, per- members formance by the Pratt & Whitney Screamin’ Eagles Jazz Band, as well as Moen (program dian awards ceremony with light food and refreshments. For more info, rector of please contact race director Trenton Wright at twright@mxcc.comm- Durham/Middlefield Youth and Family Services which co-sponsors net.edu or 860-343-5708. EDGE), Alison Luther and Zack Tulare (sophomores at CRHS) disseminated information at the gate in their endeavor to raise drug awareness. The group educates • Additions • Kitchens teens and their parents • Baths about the issue of no sub• Decks PAVING stance use as part of Red • Siding (25+ yrs. Exp.) • Quality Driveways & Concrete Ribbon Week. CT REG.# 580903 • Roofing Quinnipiac College men’s soccer team hosted the Coginchaug Soccer Club U11 boys’ travel team on Friday, Oct. 7, where they earned victory over St. Francis.

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Town Times Sports

Friday, October 28, 2011

Falcons B-Squad tames Falcons C-Team hosts South Windsor South Windsor Panthers By Nicholas Faiella Special to the Town Times

By John Cross B-Team Head Coach

The Falcons’ defense was dominating for the balance of the game. The Falcons picked off three attempts by the Panthers, with Dan Dekoyer, Faiella and Cross each grabbing one. Late in the fourth, the Panthers were able to score on a run, making the final score 31-7. The Falcons improved to 53, and will take on East Hartford next week for the Rose Bowl playoff game in Rocky Hill.

The 2011 Falcons C-Team played its eighth and last regular season game. This would likely be the last home game of the year for the Falcons, and they really wanted to do well in front of their hometown fans. The Falcons needed to rebound after a tough loss on the road against the Canton Bears last week. Their opponent this time was the South Windsor Panthers who had just beaten their rivals from Canton the week earlier. The Falcons knew they had to be on top of their game. The captains were Quinn Reardon, Christopher Ulizio, Kenneth Wallen and Jacob Toth. Falcons lost the toss, but might that be the only thing they lost today? The Falcons started on defense, intent on sending a

plished on the first drive. With some key blocks on the offensive line, Ryan Cross scampered nearly 40 yards for the Falcons’ first score of the game. The extra point failed. Again the Falcons held the Panthers on defense, and Gagner recovered a fumble to give the offense another try for a score. With great field position, the Falcons again drove down the field and Ryan Cross broke away again for a 28-yard touchdown run. This time, Skelps was able to punch in the extra point, and the Falcons led 13-0 at the half. The Falcons opened the second half on offense and again tried to gain the field position advantage, this time with Pascarelli at QB and Dana Boothroyd and AJ Alfano as running backs. See C-Team, next page

Town Times Service Directory

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The Falcons B-Squad took on the South Windsor Panthers at home. Captains were Trevor Brochu, Alex Kulasenski, Dan Dekoyer, Jake Layman and Jared Gibbons. After the Falcons’ kick-off, the Panthers’ offense had the first possession and established a running game, but the Falcons defense stopped them cold, a theme that would be repeated all day. The Falcons swarmed the Panthers, led by defenders Andrew and Robert Gleason, Ben Berluti, Layman, Trevor DellOso, Aiden Doyle, Alex Boothroyd, Kulasenski, David Coppola, Dekoyer, Justin Faiella, Griffin Saks, Mike Cross, Michael Doyle, Owen Gonzales, Ben Murphy, Patrick Hocking, Andrew Godbout, Sam Longworth, Gibbons, Anthony Arreguin and Chris Mormile. The Falcons started their first drive gaining several first downs when Gonzales ran 40 yards for the first touchdown; the extra point was added by Justin Faiella. With a 7-0 lead, the Falcons took to defense and tamed the Panthers. The Falcons would score again in the first quarter with Gleason breaking off-tackle 35 yards for pay dirt; the extra point was missed, giving the Falcons a 13-0 lead. With the power ground game well-established, the Falcons would strike again with Brendan Rea running right off-tackle for 20 yards. Just before half, Patrick Piscatelli hit Cross with a hook pass, and he ran 35 yards for what appeared to be a TD but was ruled out-of-bounds at the two. Undeterred, the Falcons struck early in the third when Gibbons ran over numerous Panthers to score on a 30-yard hustle. Murphy would add another hammering run to give the Falcons a 31-0 lead. The offense would grind out the yardage, led by Ricky Sorensen, Cross, Doyle,

Hogan Dahlman, Rea, Ben Choplick, Gleason and Gonzales. The offensive line dominated with blocking by Murphy, Hocking, Godbout, Longworth, Gibbons, Arreguin, DellOso, Mormile and Robert Gleason, Ben Berluti, Layman, Aiden Doyle, Alex Boothroyd and Choplick.

message. The defense was led by Kevin Cross, Justin Gagner, Nate Salva, Colin Sheehy, Ulizio, Tucker Carroll, Evan Faiella, Alex Case, Reardon, David Skelps, Luke LaTorre, Trevor Smith, Anthony Curry, Blake Courchesne and Wallen. They rose to the occasion with three consecutive sacks for a loss by Kevin Cross, Reardon and Skelps, and the ball was turned over to the Falcons’ offense. All week, they had been saying that the goal in this game would be not only to score but to score first. With that in mind, the offense took the field led by QB Derek Grant and running backs Kevin and Ryan Cross along with Bobby Huscher. The offensive line was anchored by Kolby Pascarelli, Terry Lockwood, Smith, Gagner, Skelps, Latorre and Curry. Mission accom-

Town Times Sports

Soccer seniors

C-Team

Senior Day for CRHS boys’ soccer took place Thursday, Oct. 20. Photos by Karen Kean

They tried a number of plays to get the offense running behind the blocking of Toth, Wallen, Aidan Sarcia, Jacob Haglund, Erik Pitruzzello, Owen Griffin and Will Kammerer, but after successfully driving down the field, a costly fumble occurred, and the Falcons landed back on defense. But it was not going to be the Panthers’ day today as on the next drive they coughed up the ball, and Kammerer came up with the

(From 33)

Friday, October 28, 2011 prize, giving the Falcons great field position once again. Again the Falcons drove down the field, and this time Huscher found an opening in the line and scored a touchdown on an eight-yard run. QB Grant added the extra point on a keeper and the Falcons now led 20-0.

headed to the CTYFL Bowl Championship Series. The Falcons were selected to play in the Orange Bowl Tournament against the Simsbury Raiders at Simsbury High School at 10 a.m. next week. We would surely appreciate all our fans making the trip!

Skelps then recovered another fumble, and the Falcons chose to run out the clock to end the game.

Powder Ridge

The C-Team Falcons had a great regular season, and for the first time ever are now

approaching municipal elections on Nov. 8. Based on a quick review of citizen comments posted on various media websites, including our own, that appears true. Everyone from state Representative Matt Lesser to the national and world economy to First Selectman Jon Brayshaw to former owner Ken Leavitt is given a share of the blame by someone for Alpine Ridge pulling out. Resident Marianne Corona, who has been involved with many of the negotiations on Powder Ridge, provided some perspective. She said, “The town should finish the permit process, and after the election go out into the marketplace again. “I’m a plodder,” she added. “Everything takes at least 10 years here. Powder Ridge is still a wonderful asset, and we should dedicate the energy wasted on finger-pointing to finishing the project.” Antin explained that, after the town meeting in March 2011 that approved the sale of Powder Ridge to Alpine Ridge by a nine-to-one margin, a 90day period of due diligence began, during which the town waited for Abplanalp to investigate whether the deal would ultimately turn out to be in his company’s best interests. “Presumably the engineering work on what it would take to get water out of Lake Beseck for snowmaking would have occurred during this period,” Antin added. However, after the 90-day due diligence was up in midJune, the town began having surveys performed and otherwise trying to help Abplanalp get his ducks in a row, and they asked to have the date for the closing postponed until the end of August. According to town officials, Abplanalp raised no

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(Continued from page 1)

See Powder Ridge, page 35

Friday, October 28, 2011 objections.

First Selectman Jon Brayshaw received the letter notifying the town of the cancellation of the contract with Alpine Ridge.

About the time the diversion permit was re-approved by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) in midsummer, the town found out there would need to be an easement granted by the Personal Property Board of the DEEP, a requirement that they were apparently not aware of until that time. By the end of August, the easement requirements were still not met, including engineering plans that could only be supplied by Abplanalp, and so the closing was postponed again until October, again with officials feeling that Abplanalp was not opposed.

“The letter asked for the $25,000 deposit back, and the town doesn’t think they need to give it back,” said attorney Antin. Colegrove explained that he was pulling together figures on what the town had spent on behalf of permits and the easement for Alpine Ridge to be used in countering the contention that the town should pay back Alpine’s deposit.

to-one at referendum to purchase it,” said Brayshaw. “Townspeople wanted to keep it out of development and control its future. We still have that. We also wanted to bring back a ski area, and we’ll have to wait and see if that part of the goal can be reached.”

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pacted. Mosquito activity has lessened but has not ceased. Residents are re(Continued from page 5) minded that animals are susceptible to West Nile virus Although frost hit the and precautions should be Durham area earlier in the taken to protect them as month of October, not all well.” (With additional remosquito habitats were im- porting by Sue VanDerzee)

West Nile

Finding the right home feels

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Even as recently as Oct. 14, town planner Geoff Colegrove reported that Abplanalp had said he would get his engineers to send plans by the next week. However, on Thursday, Oct. 20, instead of engineering plans,

Town Times

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Friday, October 28, 2011

Town Times

Halloween (Continued from page 7)

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Chaney, carries a lantern and looks like musician/actor Rob Zombie. Samara is modeled after the “creepy little girl in the movie The Ring. Nobody likes her because she is so gruesome, with her long black hair hanging in her face.” The Tree Monster rounds out the entourage. He looks like a tree coming out of the ground, with branches for arms and a skull for his head. And then, off by himself, is a scarecrow skewered to a tree. She makes the tombstones out of hard foam that she cuts into the desired sizes and shapes. She then rolls gray paint on and carves the letters with her dremel (“a really great power tool”) and, for the finishing touch, spray paint to make it all look like stone. All this is second nature to Volturno. “I’ve always been creative,” she says. “I learned a lot on my own, and I grew up messing around with things in my grandfather’s workshop. He would say, ‘There’s a wood scrap pile. Make whatever you want.’ He showed me how to use power tools. Well, that was all she wrote. I have two standing tool boxes now. I always get power tools for Mother’s Day and Christmas and my birthday.”

In addition to realistic monsters, this home also has also been decked out with zombies, fog machines and tombstones. Submitted photos

And her creative abilities are not limited to Halloween decorations. She’s built a six-foot-tall iguana enclosure and an elevated dog’s feeder. The signs around the house are a testament to her love of wood burning — signs like “Madness takes its toll. Please have exact change.” And “I only have a kitchen because it came with the house.” “I do cook,” she says, “but not like Leave it to Beaver.” She has always loved Halloween, she says. Crista and her family just hosted a party, where not only 50 guests attended, but so, too, did Samara. (Yes, she got a night’s reprieve from her watch at the cemetery.) Volturno gave her a run for her money when she came as Seline (a character in a vampire trilogy called The Underworld), sporting a cat suit, vinyl corset, tall boots, blue contacts and fangs. It’s a great time of year for her because “I love making these decorations and having a project to work on. And because Halloween is a fun time. You get to dress up and be anyone you want to be.”