Happy Thanksgiving to all our readers and advertisers!
Volume 16, Issue 32
Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall
Friday, November 20, 2009
Viccaro reports on handling H1N1 flu clinic coming to Middlefield of fatality, budget plans and suit against track plans By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times District 13 is continuing to provide support for those who are still struggling with the impact of the death of student Michelle DiVicino, Superintendent Susan Viccaro announced at the Nov. 17 Board of Education meeting. She updated the board on how everything was handled, noting that counselors were at the school the weekend of the accident, emails were sent to parents on how to be supportive, and the library was closed last Monday and turned into a counseling center. Viccaro said it was very heartwarming to see students bringing in a constant supply of cookies to the library as well as making purple ribbons — Michelle’s favorite color — for the entire school to wear. Viccaro also discussed an online assessment system for students that will be looked into further with the board and experts before being purchased. She announced that there was a preliminary meeting last week with a group of staff across the district serving as a Budget Committee. They are working on a master list of savings and areas to explore, and will meet again in Decem-
Thanksgiving deadlines Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Town Times will be printed on Tuesday evening, Nov. 24, rather than on Wednesday. That means if you have an article, an announcement, a letter or a photo, we must have it in hand by noon on Monday, Nov. 23. No late items will be printed.
ber. This group was described as being energetic and committed to talking to others in their respective buildings. The board reviewed the 2008-2009 Strategic School Profiles. Viccaro said except Brewster School, whose enrollment increased slightly, all others in the district declined. What jumped out at her was that District 13 is below their DRG (Ct. District Reference Groups) and the state on special education expenditures. Merrill Adams pointed out on a different page that, interestingly enough, D13 special education scores are actually higher than others — a credit to the staff. The board also reviewed and approved the agreement to participate in the H.O.T. (Higher Order Thinking) schools, a program designed to build higher-order thinking skills through strong arts, arts integration and democratic practices. Viccaro said the price is the same as last year, $6,500, a third of which is paid for each by the Lyman School budget, Lyman PTO and Central Office. Because business manager Ron Melnik was sick, there were no business manager, Finance Committee or Long See District 13, page 19
Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service Tuesday, Nov. 24 7 p.m. at Church of the Epiphany All welcome; offering to benefit local food banks.
In this issue ... Calendar.........................4-5 Town Briefs................12-13 Obituaries.......................17 Sports & Fitness.........20-24
The seventh in a series of H1N1 flu clinics sponsored by Mass Dispensing Area 36 (MDA 36) is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 22, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Middlefield Federated Church, 402 Main Street (opposite the fire station). The clinic is open only to residents of Cromwell, Durham, Haddam, Middlefield and Middletown. The clinic is free, but proof of age and residency will be required. The vaccine is in ample supply and will be given out alphabetically by last name. People whose last names begin with the letters A through M can get their vaccine from 3 to 5:30 p.m. People whose last names begin with the letters N through Z can get their vaccine from 5:30 to 8 p.m. According to First Selectman Jon Brayshaw, the town is desperately in need of medically trained volunteers — nurses and doctors — to handle the expected crowd. If you can help for the whole day or part of the day, please call the selectman’s office at 860-349-7114. The H1N1 flu vaccine will be administered by nasal spray which has been approved by the FDA (federal Food & Drug Administration) and endorsed by the Journal of Pediatrics. Millions of doses of nasal spray have been administered in clinical trails with little or no side effects. The weakened live virus is introduced to each nostril, thereby providing almost immediate immunity to the H1N1 virus. The spray offers somewhat better protection against the virus as opposed to injection. The spray does not contain preservatives such as thimerisol or cause the flu. Clinic participants must be two through 24 years of age in good health, or healthy 18 through 49-year-olds who live with or care for infants younger than six months of age, or are health-care workers (including school nurses) or emergency medical personnel (license required). Persons aged 25-64 with underlying
Photo by Stephanie Wilcox
FOR YOUR OWN GOOD: The young man above was one of the over 800 participants in an H1N1 flu clinic held at Cow Palace on the Durham Fairgrounds on Thursday, Nov. 5. Town sanitarian Bill Milardo said there was a big rush in the beginning; then it was steady throughout the day. The clinic, which was available for people aged 2 to 49, first responders and the immune-compromised, was by reservation only. However, based on the number of people showing up without reservations, the clinic offered to vaccinate others on a first come, first served basis in the evening. Emergency management director Francis Willett said there were over 800 reservations from the area. Willett was pleased with the organization and cooperation of nurses and volunteers. He was also grateful to the fair association for use of Cow Palace. Willett said Durham may host another clinic, but they are not sure if they can keep the barn warm. For Thursday’s clinic, Middletown Emergency Management lent heaters. medical complications are also eligible. Only one dose of nasal spray is needed to protect adults against H1N1 flu. However, children under the age of nine who receive the vaccine mist must receive a second dose in about 30 days. Parents or guardians should check with their health care provider to determine if the vaccine is appropriate for their child. Children who have already received their first dose and are due for another, may receive their second dose at this clinic (influenza vaccination card must be presented).
People who have a severe allergy to eggs should not receive the vaccine. Pregnant women cannot receive the vaccine by nasal spray but can get intramuscular injection (shot). The H1N1 vaccine is not effective against seasonal influenza.
More H1N1 flu clinics are expected to be scheduled for other segments of the population. The clinics are sponsored by MDA 36, which includes Middletown, Cromwell, Durham, Haddam and Middlefield.
For directions to the Middlefield Federated Church or other info, call 860-349-7123.