Volume 17, Issue 37
Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall
For the community, from the community
Friday, December 24, 2010
BOE recognizes award winners, prepares for budget season By Mark Dionne Special to Town Times
This year’s Community Round-Up was a huge success, thanks to the help of Durham and Middlefield residents who donated food items, grocery gift cards, volunteered at the high school or in teams around town. On Friday, Dec. 17, checks were handed to Jan Muraca, human services coordinator of Durham, and
Antoinette Astle, senior and social services director in Middlefield, totaling $1,580 and $155 in gift cards to help each town’s residents in need. Top, Beth Galligan, director of guidance at Coginchaug High School, Kathy Bottini, Coginchaug social worker; and students Wolfgang Wallach and Sean Rogers present the check to Muraca. Bottom, check presented to Astle. Photos by Stephanie Wilcox
The Board of Education (BOE) began its Dec. 15 meeting by acknowledging three local award winners. Superintendent Sue Viccaro introduced Coginchaug Regional High School (CRHS) seniors Erin Holden and Tyler Sibley, winners of the Superintendent’s Award, to applause from the board and other meeting attendees. The Superintendent’s Award is given to students who have distinguished themselves in service and academic areas. Viccaro described Erin’s “tremendous commitment and work ethic” as a volunteer in schools,
at church and as a choreographer for youth theater productions. Viccaro elaborated on the challenges faced by Eagle Scout Tyler in creating the Middlefield Dog Park, such as raising funds and acquiring official permission. The board also recognized Phil Moriarty, a
See BOE, page 20
In this issue ... Calendar............................4 Durham Briefs................13 Middlefield Briefs...........12 Sports ..........................22-23 Obituaries.......................24
Benjamin Pitruzzello, Will Dalles and Jessica Parkinson take a breather after running laps at the Jingle Bell Run at John Lyman School. See more photos from the event on page 16. Photo by Stephanie Wilcox