Volume 17, Issue 33
Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall
Friday, November 26, 2010
Three locals honored at Durham/Middlefield night
A Thanksgiving feast with friends
By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times
On Thursday, Nov. 18, the Middlefield Senior Center held their annual Thanksgiving luncheon at the community center. See more photos on page 22. Photos by Stephanie Wilcox
Coginchaug High School track to be completed spring 2011 By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times In a letter from engineers to officials in Regional School District 13 (RSD13), it announced, “We have collectively decided that it is not in the best interest of the project to move forward with the structural spray coat at this time.” The written explanation continued, “The long range weather forecast (temperature and wind) does not look favorable for application this season. Structural spray and striping will need to happen in the spring as soon as weather allows.” Interpreted by RSD13 business manager Ron Melnik, this means the track will not be completed until spring 2011. The field itself is finished and ready to go. Melnik explained that while the base coat is down, the plastic-based product that will be sprayed on did not get
applied because of recent weather. The manufacturer has certain humidity and temperature constraints, and there needs to be about two weeks without rain or snow and over 40 degrees to put two coats of the product down. According to Melnik, the engineering firm CHA Sports confirmed that the weather is a problem at this point. “It started looking like a field, said Building Committee chairman Bill Currlin. “There was a general excitement among football players and their parents as it start-
ed to look like a possibility of playing.“ “Way back in the beginning, we thought the “substantially complete” date would be Nov. 15, when we could use the facility and have insurance coverage. But because of weather, we aren’t able to meet that,” Currlin continued. The football team will be playing their final game of the season against cromwell this week, which will deter-
The Middletown Elks hosted their 2nd annual Durham/Middlefield Night, where a “Firefighter of the Year” in both towns and one “Angel Among Us” was honored. Nearly 300 people from the local community came for live entertainment from the Monthei Brothers band, a meal and good company among friends. The highlight of the evening began when Ken Helmedach was named the Middlefield Firefighter of the Year. Ken, a firefighter since 1984, has served as lieutenant, captain and assistant chief. “Ken’s work ethic is evident in everything he does, whether it’s training, responding to calls or the meticulous manner in which he maintains the station and equipment,” Elks co-chair Wendy Manemeit said. “When it’s time to go to work, Ken is the type of firefighter
you want by your side. He is truly a neighbor helping a neighbor and a great example for young firefighters to follow.” Jim Ledford was named Firefighter of the Year in Durham. He has been an active member of the DVFD for 36 years, serving as captain, second assistant chief, first assistant chief and on various committees. He is a big part of training and drills, fund-raising, but most importantly, responding to fire calls in the town. He received — again — this year’s Top Responder’s award from the company. Before building his home in Durham, Jim lived in Middlefield where he also served as a volunteer fireman for four years. A new award this year, Angel Among Us, was given to Karrie Herrington of Durham. The honor goes to someone in the community “who slides under the radar See Honored, page 24
See Track, page 27
In this issue ... Calendar ...........................4 Durham Briefs/library ...14 Middlefield Briefs/library.15 Sports ..............................28 Christmas Tree Farms..12-13 Obituaries.......................25
Karrie Herrington, Ken Helmedach and Jim Ledford were all honored at the 2nd annual Durham and Middlefield Night held on Nov. 20. More photos from the evening on page 21. Submitted photo