12-24-2010TownTimes by Town Times Newspaper

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

Community MLK event On Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. the Durham and Middlefield community is invited to a gathering in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Coginchaug. In the coming weeks you will likely come across collection boxes around Durham and Middlefield where you can write an act of kindness that someone has done for you, you have done or you have witnessed onto a piece of paper that will become one link in the chain. Volunteers hope to display loops upon loops of paper chains made by the community at this event. We hope to have interviews with people who have memories from the 1960s. We are still looking for people with interesting memories to share. There will also be artwork on display representing the themes of kindness, respect

Town Times Community Briefs and peace. If you or a community or volunteer group you are part of, would like to take part in this event, either by making your own paper chain, being interviewed, or displaying artwork reflecting those themes, contact JLPA president Mark Dionne at m.dionne@rsd13.org or 349-3783.

DMIAAB holiday hours The transfer station will be closed Saturday, Dec. 25, and Saturday, Jan. 1.

Classes for adults 50 + MILE, Middlesex Institute for Lifelong Education, a nonprofit, all volunteer organization, announces the schedule of winter programs for adults 50+. These daytime events will be held at MxCC, Middlesex Community College, 100 Training Hill Rd. in Middle-

Index of Advertisers

Kindergarten visitations and registrations Parents of children living in Durham and Middlefield who will be five years old on or before Jan. 1, 2012 must register

Corrections We strive to bring you the most accurate information available each week, but if you see something in Town Times that isn’t quite right, give us a call at 860349-8000, and we’ll do our best to make things right.

them to attend kindergarten in September 2011 or apply for a waiver of attendance. In RSD13, children may attend kindergarten in either the Contemporary Program or the Integrated Day Program. Parents need to choose the appropriate program for their child prior to kindergarten registration. The Contemporary Program serves children in grades K-4 and is housed at Brewster School for grades K2 and at Korn School for grades 3 and 4. The Integrated Day program serves students in grades K-4 at John Lyman School. While the two programs share many similarities, they also have some distinctive differences that must be considered when deciding a program for your child. The best way to understand the differences between the programs is to visit both. Prospective parents are urged to visit all three schools and to view at least one classroom at every grade level. Parents may visit the schools from Jan. 6 through 31 to observe classes and to discuss any specific questions or concerns. Visits, which are designed for adults, should be scheduled ahead of time to allow for optimum opportunities to observe the programs. Appointments to visit can be made by calling the individual schools. Parents may call Lyman School at 860-349-7240 to visit the Integrated Day Program. To visit the Contemporary Program, call Brewster School at 860-349-7227 and Korn School at 860-349-7210. Once parents have visited both programs, they will need to make a decision by Feb. 1

VE A E H ED W OV M

about the program for which they will be registering their child.. Any child not registered in a specific program by that date may not be able to attend the program. Scheduling an appointment for kindergarten registration confirms program choice. Kindergarten registration for the 2011-2012 school year will take place Feb. 1-4, 2011. Appointments will be available between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily with hours extended to 6 p.m. on one evening. Parents wishing to register their child for the Contemporary Program should call Brewster School for an appointment for parent and child. To register a child for the Integrated Day Program, please call John Lyman School for an appointment. Once the registration appointment has been made, the school will send a registration information packet. This information will include a residency form and questionnaire, a student information/emergency form, a school entry health questionnaire and a parent questionnaire, which should be completed and brought to registration, along with a copy of the child’s birth certificate. Please make sure that the residency form is complete and notarized. If the family has a child already in district, the residency form is not required. The child should attend the appointment with the parent. Any parent of an eligible kindergarten child who wishes to hold his/her child out of school for another year must sign a form at the Superintendent’s office.

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To advertise in the Town Times, call Joy Boone at 860-349-8026 Allan’s Tree Service ..................20 Kleeman, Carol-Berardino ........23 APEC Electric............................21 Lema, William J., DMD..............13 Avenue Enterprises...................19 Lino’s Market ...............................7 Batters Box................................10 Masonicare-Makiaris.................14 Be Free Solar ............................18 Master Carpentry ......................22 Berardino Company Realtors......3 Micheli Unisex Styling Salon.....13 Binge, Bruce..............................19 Middlesex Community College ....11 Black Dog ....................................7 Mim’s Oil....................................10 Boylin, William, Dr. ......................7 Movado Farm ............................19 Brenda’s Main Street Feed .........6 Neil Jones Home Improvements....17 Cahill & Sons.............................21 New England Dental Health......16 Carmine’s Restaurant .................3 Northern Middlesex YMCA .......15 Centurion Exterminating............22 Paint Spot..................................12 Conroy, John, DMD...................12 Parker, Rebecca .......................20 CT Electrical Services ...............20 Petruzelo Agency Insurance.....17 CT Fitness Coach .....................21 Raney, Jason, DMD..................15 Cyclone Home Systems............10 Realty Associates......................23 Daricek Landscaping.................22 RLI Electric ................................22 Dean Autoworks........................13 Roblee Plumbing.......................20 Durham Dental ............................6 Rockfall Co ................................19 Durham Family Eyecare .............2 RSDL Home Improvements......20 Durham Fitness...........................6 RSK Pool Service........................5 Durham/Middlefield Local............5 Sea Breeze Hauling ..................22 Easter Seals Goodwill .................3 Singles Alternatives...................10 Family Tree Care ......................19 Sisters Cleaning Service...........18 Fine Work Home Improvement.....22 Split Enz ....................................21 Fosdick, Gordon, Md.................15 Sweet Surrounding....................18 Fuel & Service .............................3 T-N-T Home & Lawncare..........18 Fugge, David M.........................21 Torrison Stone & Garden ..........17 Ganged Ads ..............................24 Town Of Durham.......................12 Glazer Dental Associates..........10 VMB Custom Builders...............17 Golschneider Painting...............18 Whitehouse Construction..........21 Home Works..............................20 Wildwood Lawn Care ................18 Ianniello Plumbing.....................19 Independent Day School...........10 Windows Plus............................15

town from Jan. 10 to Feb. 11, 2011. During the week of Jan. 10 to 14, there will be a computer class. On Thursdays the popular Great Decisions discussion group will continue to meet. Additional programs on a variety of topics, such as Separation of Church and State: A Constitutional Principle or a Political Statement, Days and Knights of the Round Table, Basic Finances, Saudi Arabia Global Leadership Conference and many others will be presented. All interested adults are invited to an orientation meeting on Jan. 3, 2011, at 12:45 p.m. in Chapman Hall on the MxCC campus. Snow date for this meeting is Jan. 5. At that time, brief overviews of the various programs will be presented, and light refreshments will be served prior to the meeting. For more info or to receive a brochure, call 860-343-5863 or visit www.mileonline.org.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Philip M. Perrino, O.D.

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Town Times

Friday, December 24, 2010

Levi Coe Library’s new director is happy in Middlefield By Cheri Kelley Town Times

tant director, Webber worked with students in the middle school in a research and public speaking program called “Orations.” In this program she coached the kids about the different points of public speaking. Of course, as a director of the library, the readers of Town Times need to know what her favorite book is. It was hard for her to narrow it down, but she decided that for a classic favorite she would pick Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, and for a current favorite, it would have to be The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Loren Webber feels at home as Webber also stated that the new director of Levi Coe she always loves the children’s Nutmeg books. The Library in Middlefield. library carries five copies Photo by Cheri Kelley of each, one hard cover

and four paperback copies, so as many children as are interested in reading them can without waiting very long. Webber and the whole staff at the library are in the process of scheduling new programs. One program she mentioned is that they are selling coffee and biscotti for people to enjoy, and with the proceeds they were able to purchase new museum passes. Two new passes that just came in are for The Wadsworth Atheneum and the Mystic Aquarium. Webber is really excited about her new position and said, “I really look forward to making people aware of what we have to offer here. I encourage then to come in and see what is available; we have a really friendly staff that is always happy to help.” 1183479

There is a new director in town, at Middlefield’s Levi Coe Library, that is. Loren Webber officially started as the library’s director on Dec. 6. Webber was an assistant director at the Prospect Public Library before she came to work in Middlefield. She believes that the population here is a bit less than in Prospect, but the actual physical size of the library building is about the same, so it is somewhat similar in that respect. When asked how she likes working in town so far, Webber said, “I love it! I’ve loved every minute, and I anticipate loving every future moment of it!” Webber’s favorite thing about working in a library is that she loves knowing she is providing such a great resource to people,

whether it is through a book, database or even a movie. She says, “There is something for everyone at every age and interest in a library. Webber has a Library and Information Science Degree from Simmons College, something that she returned to school for after practicing law for 10 years. Webber explained, “Prior to this (her library experience), I practiced law. After 10 years I said, ‘That’s it, I’m going to do what I always wanted to do,’ and I went back to library school.” She believes that people use their skills in whatever position they currently have, and she feels that her skill set transferred well. “Speaking with such a broad public, it works well in this job. With the transferred skills, I am also very comfortable with public speaking.” In fact while in her position as assis-

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Town Times & Places

4 SATURDAY

December 25 Merry Christmas!

WEDNESDAY

December 29 TOPS Durham TOPS Club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. on the third floor of the Durham Town Hall. For information, call Naomi Klotsko at 860-3499558 or Bonnie Olesen at 860349-9433.

FRIDAY

December 31 Business Networking The local chapter of Business Networking International will meet in the United Methodist Church, 24 Old Church St. in Middletown, at 7:30 a.m. Contact Cindi Sanders at 860-638-0084 for more information. Tot Time Tot Time is an open age playgroup held at the Middlefield Community Center. This program is open to all Durham and Middlefield residents and their children. Join the fun every Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

SATURDAY

January 1 Happy New Year

A public forum on the 20112012 District 13 budget will we held during the first hour of the Board of Education meeting at 7:30 p.m. Come join the board at their meeting at Korn School, share your concerns and let your ideas be heard!

Reading and writing around town... Cub Scouts visit Town Times

THURSDAY

January 13 MLK Honored There will be a community Martin Luther King celebration at 6:30 p.m. at Coginchaug High School.

FRIDAY

January 14 CRHS Drama Play The senior class drama will be performed at Coginchaug High School at 7 p.m.

SATURDAY

January 15 Hot Shot Contest The Durham Basketball Association will host a local Hot Shot shooting contest at Strong School from 1 to 4 p.m. The contest is open to residents of Durham and Middlefield, ages 9 to 15. Ribbons will be awarded to all contestants, and medals to the highest scorers in each division. For more details and registration information, visit www.dbact.org, or e-mail Dan Davis at dan.davis@dbact.org.

On Monday, Dec. 20, Middlefield Pack 33, Den 4 Tiger Scouts visited Town Times to talk about communication. After interviewing each other for stories on Christmas, they helped assemble their very own newspaper. Thanks for showing interest in how we put together our community’s news! We welcome guests any time. In photo, left to right, Josh Lesniak, Sylas Kelly, Anthony Toth and Ben Rowe. Photo by Stephanie Wilcox

A super reader visits John Lyman book fair

TUESDAY Carriage Rides and String Band The 12th annual New Year’s Day Open House at the Wadsworth Mansion will feature horse-drawn carriage rides provided by Allegra Farms and music by Lost Acres String Band. Lost Acres String Band will play from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Visitors will be able to ride on a horse-drawn carriage from 1 to 4 p.m. Weather permitting, there will be guided walks on the grounds of the 1908 estate. The Open House is from 1 to 4 p.m. at Wadsworth Mansion, 421 Wadsworth St., Middletown.

WEDNESDAY

January 12 District 13 Budget Meeting

Friday, December 24, 2010

January 18 Band Concert The strong School band will perform at CRHS at 7 p.m. Clean Energy Forum The Durham Clean Energy Task Force is hosting a Clean Energy Forum for town residents and businesses at 7 p.m. in the Durham Library. Available for discussion and Q & A will be residents and businesses that have implemented some kind of clean energy systems in their homes and businesses. Among presenters will be residents who have had solar electric and solar thermal systems installed, businesses who have chosen clean energy purchases and builders with geothermal integrated into their construction projects.

The Super Reader Super Hero visited the John Lyman School book fair on Tuesday, Nov 30. This year’s book fair theme was “Reading Saves the Day.” Our Super Reader, a.k.a. Mrs. Mary Johnson, greeted students as they got off the bus and generated excitement for our fair. All proceeds from the book fair benefit John Lyman School. Thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s fair a big success! Photo submitted by Carlye Kohs

Town Times

Friday, December 24, 2010

Selectmen approve short term financing for Powder Ridge By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times A special Board of Selectmen’s meeting was held on Dec. 21, to adopt a motion to approve the issuance of a ninemonth note to refinance the outstanding debt on Powder Ridge ski area that comes due in late January. First Selectman Jon Brayshaw said, “We are going to refinance the note for up to nine months at a very low interest rate — about three percent — the going rate for short term debt. Our bond counsel advised the town to go with short term.” Brayshaw explained that fi-

nance director Joe Geruch went through the numbers and agreed it was in the town’s best interest. “With this three percent interest rate, we stand to save $48,000 in 2011,” said Brayshaw. “There is a savings to be had for the taxpayers by going with short term.” However, selectwoman Mary Beth Johnson voted against the motion. Johnson opted to permanently finance Powder Ridge.

“If we’re taking out street lights to save a few hundred bucks here and there, yet we have an opportunity to save this much and don’t take advantage of it, there’s an awful price you would pay,” said Brayshaw. In the end, Brayshaw and selectmen Ed Bailey voted to approve borrowing the money for nine months while Johnson voted against it. Johnson claims that last October, paperwork had to be

done for short term financing, and Joe Fasi, the town’s bond counsel, refused to sign off on the nine-month term. “Now that we’re facing the January deadline,” said Johnson, “we don’t have many choices, and now we’re forced to pay an additional interest payment and other fees.” She continued, “I’ve been urging Jon Brayshaw for over a year to get the town into long term financing. It’s a lot of money to be dangling in the wind, and

it’s an artificially low short term rate.” In January there will be a town meeting to transfer funds to pay the monies that will become due for Powder Ridge. Johnson stated, “Hopefully there’s enough in our contingencies. I just don’t feel we’ve been good stewards of taxpayers’ dollars, we should have been locked into financing a while ago.”

Community Round-Up Food Drive

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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P O S T M A S T E R: Send address changes to Town Times, P.O. Box 265, Middlefield, CT 06455.

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Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! At the holiday season, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible.

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Town Times

Middlesex ReStore: a recycling, reusing, reducing and rebuilding source

Powder Ridge bond funds approved John Szewczyk, center, and Billy Malcolm standing outside Coginchaug Market in Middlefield collecting signatures. Just before press time on Wednesday afternoon, Town Times learned that the state Bond Commission, reconvened by Governor Jodi Rell because of several negative and inconclusive votes at a meeting last Friday, voted yes on the $500,000 bond for improvement of Powder Ridge infrastructure in Middlefield. That vote was in doubt after the Dec. 18 meeting when it was discovered that the project had fallen one vote short of the six needed for passage. This failure mobilized

Friday, December 24, 2010

Durham Selectman John Szewczyk, who organized a petition drive and delivered the petition to the commissioners at their Dec. 22, meeting. “The selectmen in Middlefield, past and present, have worked to ensure that Powder Ridge Ski Area will return to its former prosperous days. A thriving Powder Ridge will not only benefit Middlefield with increased tax revenue but also benefit surrounding towns with jobs and increased economic activity. I knew that on Dec. 22, there

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William J. Witkowski, D.M.D. 360 Main Street P.O. Box 177 Allan A. Witkowski, D.M.D. Durham, CT

By Cheri Kelley Town Times After a long awaited arrival, the Middlesex ReStore is open for business. What is the ReStore, you ask? ReStore is a retail endeavor owned by the Middlesex Habitat for Humanity. Jack Doyle , a VISTA volunteer (Volunteers In Service To America) said, “New or gently used quality items are donated. The public can come in and buy these items at 50 to 70 percent below cost.” They have a variety of building materials, like windows, doors and light fixtures. Other items they have available are major appliances and furniture. The store was initially scheduled to open in Middletown, but due to some changes, ReStore is located in Cromwell would be one more chance to get the funds so I reached out to the commissioners who voted no, asking them to reconsider, stressing the importance of Powder Ridge and the funds for our local economy. Fortunately, we were able to convince one of the commissioners who previously voted no to change her vote,” said Szewczyk. Sue VanDerzee

Inside Middlesex ReStore. where they are happily serving customers from throughout Middlesex County. The entire staff of ReStore is made up of volunteers, aside from Hector Aquilar, ReStore manager, and Doyle, who coordinates the volunteers. Based volunteer help, they are only able to be open for shortened hours. As more volunteers become available, ReStore’s hours will become more expansive. Currently, hours of operation are Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. “We are starting with only three days to build a relationship with the volunteer corps and community,” Aquilar stated. “We are looking for more volunteers.” “I am fostering relation-

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ships with local contractors and businesses and am showing them another alternative to dispose of their materials,” Aquilar continued. Instead of paying for waste disposal when doing a renovation, people can call ReStore, and they will come and take away carefully removed items, like kitchen cabinetry, for free. What one person may feel the need to replace may still be in great condition and have a great use to others. Doyle stated, “Every dollar sold at ReStore keeps 1.3 pounds out of the waste stream.” Staples donated a 24foot truck to ReStore so they would be able to pick up bulky donated items. One can simply call or e-mail to determine a pick-up time, and ReStore will set it up. Their pick-ups are every Tuesday. Donators will receive a donation slip for tax purposes. Money from sales at ReStore will be used to acquire property for families waiting for a Habitat home, like the one that was recently dedicated to a family on Ballfall Road in Middlefield. “The goal is to reduce substandard housing in Middlesex County one home at a time,” stated Doyle. Middlesex Habitatmaintains a list of over 200 people who applied for homes. To be eligible there is an income requirement, and the families must be able to pay back a mortgage to the Middlesex County Habitat. Doyle stated that the Habitat home goes to the family that needs it the most. To learn more about ReStore or to volunteer, visit www.habitatmiddlesex.org or call 860-788-6483.

Town Times

Friday, December 24, 2010

A distillery in our own backyard Currently Elm City DisEric Kotillery is producing Velocitowski pede Vodka. In the future they will be producing an un- stands by aged rye whiskey as well as the an aged rye whiskey. The steampublic can now purchase powered products of Elm City Disstill at his tillery at Durham Wine and Durham Spirits on Main Street in Durham, as well as Gelvani distillery. Wine and Liquor in East Haven and Bob’s Centerbrook Package Store in Essex. For those who would like to try it while dining out, Luigi’s Restaurant in Old Saybrook has Velocipede Vodka available straight up or with mixed drinks. For more info. about Elm City Distillery, visit www.elmcitydistillery.com or come for a tasting on Friday, Dec. 24, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Durham Wine and Spirits.

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A distillery in Durham? A new and unique business, Elm City Distillery, has been open and producing products in Durham for a little less than a month. Eric Kotowski, owner of Elm City Distillery, said, “I got the inspiration to open a distillery after reading an article on another micro-distillery. I was interested in how quickly they could make spirits and thought Connecticut doesn’t have a distillery, and so I thought that they should.” Kotowski grew up in Old Saybrook, but currently resides in New Haven. New Haven’s nickname “Elm City” is where the name of his company originates. Kotowski’s local connection with the area is through his grandfather, who lived in Middlefield. Kotowski tries to have a real sense of a hand made local product. He said, “Many micro-distilleries’ small batches consist of about 2,000 bottles; ours is about 100 bottles. Each bottle is hand poured and labeled.” After taking a look at the elegant label, one can see the batch bottle and date is written by hand on each bottle. Kotowski currently uses organic grain; he is looking to switch to a local source for the grain and feels that it is important to keep everything as local as possible. The bottles that are used for his products are only made in a few places; however, the only place that makes these bottles in the United States makes a larger bottle. It doesn’t work for the small batch sizes that he produces, so he purchases the bottles from a company in France and has them shipped to Durham, where the spirits are made and bottled. Kotowski explained the process briefly. He uses whole rye flour and fills a mash tank with water. This combination is then heated. Once it is at the right temperature, the yeast is added and it is transferred to a fermenting tank. It only takes four days to ferment. This concoction is then transferred to the

still, which separates the mash from the alcohol. Kotowski uses a custom-built G e r m a n steam-powered still. The steam heats up and then goes up through the plates and through the condenser. Kotowski says the plates provide copper contact, which takes out impurities. The product is around 89 percent alcohol by volume. The middle run, or the “hearts,” is the main product, but Kotowski said the “tails” are also used once enough are collected. Water is added to the “tails”, and then it is redistilled.

By Cheri Kelley Town Times

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Town Times Opinion

Friday, December 24, 2010

All I want for Christmas I’ve been known to ask for some interesting Christmas gifts, so I really enjoyed reading this week’s responses to the Inquiring Photographer’s question “What was your best Christmas or best Christmas present without it being a toy?” (page 11). One year, when my age was still in the single digits, I wrote to Santa requesting real angel wings for Christmas. I was going through a phase where I wanted to fly like an elegant angel. Imagine my shock when I actually received what was as close to real angel wings as one could find! Santa has since told me that those wings were one of the most unique requests ever received, and one of the hardest to locate — it’s very hard to find a store that sells angel wings. Knowing the extra work that went into that gift, it remains one of the most special Christmas surprises to this day. There was another year (poor Santa) that I asked for reindeer bells. Prancer was and still is my favorite Christmas movie. Unwrapping a box that had a small, leather strap with authentic bells that jingled loudly was priceless. I still pull those bells out each holiday season and hang them from my bedroom shelf. I’ll throw an occasional whopper in whenever people ask me for a Christmas list

these days. I don’t expect I’ll get a horse, but it’s on my list. One of my most memorable Christmases was the year I had just turned seven and one of my front teeth was very loose. So loose, that my uncle thought it would be fun to pull it out on Christmas Day. He’d been talking about it since it caught his eye, mentioning how his brothers used to tie a string around his wiggly teeth and the other end on a door knob, then slam the door shut. Hearing this, I was frightened all throughout the meal, dessert and gift exchanging. That year, I did not smile out of fear it would remind him, but before Christmas day was over, my tooth was out! The older I get (prepare yourself...this is going to sound cliché), the more I am really trying to get to the true meaning of Christmas. What does this mean? Spending less time shopping for the best gifts and more time enjoying the sights, sounds and smells around me. The holiday season is filled with so much for the senses, it’s crazy to think we can be so consumed with all the commercial things that we don’t even notice that our neighbors have put out Christmas lights for our enjoyment. A meaningful Christmas to me is vowing to be as happy all year long as we are on this day, and keeping the tradi-

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tions alive. I’m so looking forward to Christmas Eve at our house, where we enjoy our spread of Polish foods and traditions. On Christmas Day, it’s a bit quieter when we head to my grandparents’ house. I never want the day to end, because there is something magical about this holiday. It’s a wonderful time of year. I hope yours is filled with happiness. Merry Christmas! Stephanie Wilcox, editor

Letters to the Editor Walking buddies To “My Durham and Middlefield walking buddies and dogs:” Whatever is beautiful is meaningful, whatever brings you happiness… May peace and happiness be yours at this holiday time and throughout the coming year. Keep on walking and running. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Art DeNicholas, Durham Music Executive

Grateful for support The Middlefield Lions Club would like to thank all the generous people of Middlefield, Rockfall and Durham who supported us during the past year. Your donations to our recent campaign Sight First II fundraiser have put us within sight of our goal for this program that helps people all over the world. Your patronage of our food booth at the Durham Fair makes it possible for us to donate to local charities like the Eastern Connecticut

Low Vision Center, the Middlefield Community Services Council, many Eagle Scout projects around the town, college scholarships and other worthy causes. Enjoy the holidays; thanks again for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you in the spring for our annual Easter egg hunt at Peckham Park. Bob Veeley President, Mfld. Lions Club

boosted the holiday mood of our customers as they enter our building. We have received hundreds of compliments on the decorations. The residents of Middlefield should be very proud of how beautiful the club has made your town look for the holidays! Tad Sattler, Postmaster Middlefield Post Office

Our stockings were stuffed...

So I’m asking myself how many times I can milk this name, and I decided that as long as it works, why not keep going with it. This time though, I’m selling my new band, “Moving Kevin.” We have our debut at The Cypress on Saturday, Feb. 12, just in time for Valentine’s Day weekend. Joining me on bass is keyboard guru and Durham resident Greg Johnson of “The Happening” and “Whiskey River Band.” On guitar, we have Mike “Doc” Vijda of Middletown. Our multi-talented singer, Dave Joslin, from East Hampton also plays killer sax, flute and harmonica. Rounding out the rhythm section is Art “Traps”

The Middlefield Post Office would like to thank the Middlefield Garden Club for its fantastic job of festively decorating the Post Office building and grounds for the holiday season. They also decorated many other businesses near the center of town. The decorations have

More Alexis news

Kurpaska from Bristol. Though you may not know all of these guys, rest assured they know how to play. We are doing a good mix of older stuff and new styles to really mix it up. The sax and keys combine to make one heck of a horn section, while Mike’s guitar cuts through like a scalpel. And you know that I will bring thundering bottom while Art drives it all home. Our list covers Van Morrison to Shine Down, and much in between, such as Tom Petty, R.E.M., Jet, Green Day, Stones, Goo Goo Dolls just to name a few.

In other REAL “Alexis” news: Ed and Gordy have been playing in “The Big 6” and have been doing very well. They are at the Cypress for New Year’s Eve this year for what should be a mustsee show. But enough about them… Come see “Moving Kevin” at The Cypress this Valentine’s Day with your special one for a special night. You know I will bring a show that has energy; expect a super night. Tell your (our) friends so we can all enjoy this show together. Doug Mentlick, Durham

See one more letter on page 10

Letters policy The Town Times intends to present a forum for the lively exchange of ideas and issues. To facilitate the publication of your contributions, several guidelines should be followed. Letters to the editor must be signed, with a phone number included. The writer will be called to confirm authorship. No anonymous letters will be printed. Contributions by any individual or group will not be published more frequently than once a month. Every effort will be made to print all letters received. However, the selection and date of publication will be at the discretion of the editor. Finally, the opinions expressed by our letter writers are not necessarily those of this newspaper. Deadline: Tuesday noon for Friday publication.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Town Times Columns

A Haven for Afghan children grow and learn toKABUL , Afghanistan gether. The teenage Service members 2nd Lt. Maureen Dooley girls also have an orfrom the New Kabul phanage, and this Compound were year the first three greeted with smiling are graduating from faces and wide eyes when they arrived at Sitara III, the the program, whereupon they will all boys’ teenage orphanage in Kab- continue their education at a local university. Three more orphanages, ul, on Dec. 5. Drivers from NKC MOVECON each home to approximately 80 have been traveling to Kabul orphan- younger children, provide the solid ages and delivering packages filled base for further development. Each child takes part in academics with clothes, toys and hygiene products, and with the abundance of holi- and sports while at the orphanages, day shipments, the visits have be- which are run solely by volunteers who give up their own time to assist come more frequent. “It’s a pretty enlightening and eye- the children. Many teachers in the opening experience,” said Chief Pet- program come from local university Officer Chuck Shattuck, a MOVE- ties and teach a curriculum of EngCON driver who took the lead on this lish, music, mathematics, art, chemproject two months ago. “We try to istry and a plethora of other subjects. visit with the kids at least once a With the variety of programs being month, but with the holiday season, taught, one goal is to have the children we will be going more often.” grow up as confident individuals. The visits vary between the five Angela Nibler, a volunteer teacher orphanages in Kabul; however, there in the program since August, decidare also orphanages in Herat, Jalal- ed to travel from Idaho to Kabul to abad and Pakistan. All orphanages work with and make an impact on are part of the Afghan Child Educa- the children. tion and Care Organization, a non“This is the generation that can profit organization that relies on make a difference. These orphanages sponsors for the upkeep of facilities, are much more than a safe haven for supplies for the children, and materi- these children; they are the start of a als for their continuing education. new life,” said Nibler. Jamshid, a volunteer who has Service members and their famibeen working with AFCECO since its lies from around the world have the inception in 2004, oversees the or- opportunity to sponsor these chilphanages in Afghanistan, oftentimes dren individually or make donations driving the great distances between to the program as a whole. For more Kabul, Herat and Jalalabad to deliv- information on AFCECO visit er supplies to the children. www.afceco.org. “We have to make sure the chilThis article was written by Maudren are secure. Our main mission is reen Dooley, 2nd Lt. in the USMC and to provide a healthy and safe envi- a resident of Durham. It was originalronment where the children grow up ly published on Defense Video and Imto be productive members of a civic agery Distribution System, a state-ofsociety,” explained Jamshid as he de- the-art, 24/7 operation that provides a scribed the various orphanages in timely, accurate and reliable connection between the media around the Kabul. Sitara III has approximately 30 world and the military serving in Iraq, boys varying from age 14 to 18, who Afghanistan, Kuwait, Qatar and all live under one roof where they Bahrain.

So what’s in the state’s general fund anyway?

about $1.9 billion. GoverThis season, the 100th nor Rell negotiated $750 District has been fortumillion in pay and benenate to receive state fundfits concessions in 2009, ing for a number of imand Governor-elect Malportant projects. loy will almost certainly In Durham, the Church have to negotiate further of the Epiphany received concessions. The fourth a $28,000 grant from the largest line item is debt Commission on Culture service, $1.6 billion. In the and Tourism. 1990s and the early part of In Middlefield, State this decade, Connecticut Senator Tom Gaffey and I were successful in help- State Rep. Matt Lesser went on a massive public spending spree, and we ing obtain a $500,000 are now paying for it. grant to upgrade infraThe Department of Destructure at the Powder velopmental Services Ridge ski site. (DDS), which costs $993 When I held office million, provides support hours in Durham and services for people with Middlefield last week, I was flooded with questions about disabilities. DDS resources in particular are being strained by a rising state spending. We all know how much we pay in number of children diagnosed with taxes, but where does all that money autism. The Department of Children and go? This is particularly important at a Families (DCF), plagued by mismantime when a new governor and legis- agement, operates the state’s foster lature are preparing a new two-year parent program and Riverview Hosbudget to overhaul spending and bal- pital in Middletown, among other programs. DCF costs $827 million. ance a large deficit. The Department of Corrections It might be helpful to provide a quick overview of the state’s general operates the state’s prison system fund. This does not include trans- and is budgeted at $684 million. Together, these seven items acportation spending, which is paid for count for 77.3 percent of the $18 biland budgeted separately. Believe it or not, just seven items lion general fund. What about the other 22.7 percent? account for nearly 80 percent of the It covers everything else: mental state’s general fund. The largest single line item is the health services, UConn, community Department of Social Services (DSS) colleges and the Connecticut State at $5.5 billion which alone is nearly University system, vocational-techone-third of the state budget. DSS op- nical schools like Vinal Tech, the erates many programs, but the teachers’ retirement fund, the State largest portion of this money goes to Police, the departments of Environfund nursing homes for seniors. As mental Protection, Labor, Consumer our state’s population ages and baby Protection, Motor Vehicles, Public boomers near retirement, our nurs- Health and Veterans’ Affairs, the Ating home costs are soaring. Pro- torney General, the Secretary of the grams that support seniors in their State, the legislature and governor’s offices, the Commission on Culture homes can help control these costs. The next biggest expense is K-12 and Tourism, the Department of education — $2.6 billion. Most of this Agriculture, the Department of Ecomoney consists of Education Cost nomic and Community Developtime to look for anoth- Sharing (ECS) grants, which help ment and many more. There’s no doubt I wish everyone in Durham, Midfund local school districts like Reer job. about it: losing a job Peter Cascini dlefield and Rockfall safe and happy ·Are you entitled to gional School District #13. can be stressful. The The third largest expense is for holidays this year. See you in 2011! severance? If so, how thought of starting fringe benefits for state employees, much? over can be unnerv·Will you receive ing, particularly if you’ve worked for the same company payment for unused vacation days? If not, you should schedule them as for a while. soon as possible. Get the facts This week we asked a poll question on our website: “What greeting do ·How long will you be entitled to First, make an appointment with you use this time of year?” Thirty-eight people responded by press time. your company’s Human Resources health coverage? And at what cost? ·Likewise, can you maintain your Sixty-three percent say “Merry Christmas” followed by 32 percent who say Department and get answers to these “Happy Holidays.” “Happy Hanukkah” and “Other” were tied at three perinsurance policy? If so, at what rate? important questions: cent. Visit next week’s online poll at www.towntimes.com to answer our ·Can you negotiate a later deparquestion about New Year’s resolutions. ture date? This could give you more See Finance, page 10

Guest Column

From The State Capitol

What to do if you lose your job Finance 101

Web update...

Town Times Opinion

10 One more letter...

Yes, there is a Santa Claus I just received a call from an elderly neighbor, Mrs. Walter Michalke. When I answered the phone, she was crying, so I thought something might be wrong. She went on to explain about a knock on her door. She told me that when the Community Round Up was going on a little boy came to the door and her husband, who had been laying down, went to the door. He was wearing his oxygen and couldn’t help out right then. Thinking nothing

more of it they went about their daily lives. Well, this little boy, Christopher Sokol knocked on her door again tonight with his mother. Mom explained how Christopher couldn’t stop thinking about him since, and he wanted to make sure the man was o.k. He was willing to forgo all his Christmas gifts for them. Christopher brought a box of homemade cookies to these

people and made their Christmas. Both Walter and

Eda said they have been given back Christmas by this wonderful gift. Many elderly people they feel that they are forgotten, and Christopher made sure that these people were not only o.k. but had a little gift and that was the gift of Christmas. It is obvious that, yes, there is a Santa and he comes in many shapes and sizes. Christopher’s mom and dad have a lot to be proud of. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my friends know that people care. Christopher, I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. It is the random acts of kindness and the innocence of children that make this holiday season. Lori Helmedach,

Friday, December 24, 2010 job:

Finance (Continued from page 9) ·What’s involved in transferring, borrowing or withdrawing your 401(k) funds? ·Are you entitled to unemployment compensation? If so, what documentation do you need? Leave on good terms When your last day comes, handling yourself with professionalism and maturity will serve you better in the end. Although these are difficult circumstances, focus on what you’ve accomplished for the company and the skills you’ll take with you. Take any awards you may have earned, as well as nonprivileged work samples — they’ll be of interest to prospective employers. Take constructive actions In your search for a new

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·Familiarize yourself with companies you’re interviewing with. Being prepared will go a long way with prospective employers. ·Follow up on your interviews with a thank-you email or note. Although it is difficult, losing your job doesn’t have to be an end. Indeed, it could give you a fresh start! This educational article is being provided as a courtesy by Peter Pierino Cascini, agent for New York Life Insurance Company. Finance 101 is a new financial column for the purpose of educating readers. If you have a specific financial question, email it to news@towntimes.com.

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Friday, December 24, 2010

Town Times

Inquiring photographer asked: â&#x20AC;&#x153;What was your best Christmas or best Christmas present without it being a toy?â&#x20AC;? by Karen Kean Michael Brady: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to go away from home for Christmas vacation and leave my kitty, but I had to. When I got up Christmas morning and opened my presents, the first one was my kitty jumping out of the box. A wonderful surprise!â&#x20AC;? Ashley Mason: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The best Christmas was when my Grandmotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doctor called and told her she was free of cancer. My whole family was soooooo HAPPY.â&#x20AC;?

Amy Arcari: â&#x20AC;&#x153;My sister and brother and I wanted the Wii for Christmas. My brother went looking all over the house before Christmas. All of a sudden, we heard him scream, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Come here quick.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; He found the Wii in the dryer. We were so happy.â&#x20AC;?

Carson Aitken: â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Mom and Dad rescued two dogs. One was from Arkansas and the other from Tennessee. We got to keep them. It was the BEST.â&#x20AC;?

Eric Solomon: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last year my Mom and Dad surprised my sisters, brothers and me with a wonderful cruise to the Bahamas. We all gathered in the living room after school. My parents told us we were packed and leaving immediately, driving to Florida to board the ship. It was the BEST!â&#x20AC;?

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Middlefield Town Briefs

The Cadettes of Girl Scout Troop 62336 created beautiful holiday arrangements for Sugar Loaf Terrace residents in Middlefield. The girls painted and decorated recycled cans for containers. They used local greens and holly to make the arrangements. The centerpieces were enjoyed by the residents during the holiday party. Photo submitted by Shirlon Smigel

Man charged in Rockfall burglary

Middlefield Government Calendar (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Community Center.) Tuesday, December 28 7 p.m. — Zoning Board of Appeals Thursday, December 30 Town Hall closing at 7 p.m. Monday, January 3 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen Tuesday, January 4 7:30 p.m. — Midstate Regional Planning Agency (held at 100 DeKoven Dr. in Middletown)

On Dec. 13, Richard Gullage, 29, of Meridan, was charged with third-degree burglary, criminal mischief and fifth-degree larceny. The incident occured in Rockfall. He was to appear in Middletown Supior Court on Dec. 14.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Man not guilty in Middlefield home invasion Antoine Paris Davis, 21 was charged in 2008 with home invasion, burglary, robbery, larceny, assault, accessory to kidnapping with a firearm and conspiracy for a home invasion committed in Middlefield. Five people were arrested for the crime, Davis being the last arrested. Davis was found by a jury to be not guilty on all charges. If he was convicted he could have ended up with a 145-year sentence with a 22 year minimum charge. Davis’ attorney, stated in an article, “Antoine has maintained his innocence all along, and is happy that the responsible parties can now be held accountable for their actions.”

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Quamane Cherry, Tony Strother , Devon Jackson, and Brenda Milardo where the other four accused of the crime. Cherry and Milardo received smaller sentences in exchange for testimony against Davis. Jackson received seven years in jail after pleading guilty to the crime on June 22.

Levi Coe Library Hours: The library is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Visit www.leviecoe.com or call the library at 860-349-3857 for information or to register for any program. You can also renew, reserve and check your library record on the website. Holiday Hours: The library will be closed Saturday, Dec. 25, and Saturday, Jan. 1 for the holidays. Children’s Room Storytime: Storytime will resume Wednesday, Jan. 5, at 10:30 a.m. To register, please call the Children’s Room at 860349-3857 ext.2. Storytime Picnic: Monday, Dec. 27, at 11:30 a.m., bring your blanket and your lunch to the Lucia K. Ginter Children’s Room and listen to Miss Vicki read her favorite Giving Tree books. We Scrap: Tuesday, Dec. 28, at 2 p.m., create holiday scrapbook pages. Bring your holiday photos and your scrapbooking supplies (or use ours). Movie matinee: Wednesday, Dec. 29 at 2 p.m., watch this new DVD with your friends. Popcorn provided. Lego Day: Thursday, Dec. 30 at 2 p.m., enjoy Legos and Duplos in the Lucia K. Ginter Children’s Room and legos in the Children’s Annex.

Movies for Sale The Middlefield Historical Society is selling two movies during the holiday season. 300 years of Middlefield History covers 17001970 and VOICES is history and interviews with Middlefield residents from 1900-2000. Both films are available in DVD or VHS. They make great holiday gifts for only $15 each! To order a video, or for more info, call Lynette or Annette at 860-349-0665 or 860349-9497.

Durham Town Briefs

Friday, December 24, 2010

P&Z discusses regulation changes

Durham Library Hours: Regular library hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Visit www.durhamlibrary.org to search the catalog, review your account, register for a program or renew your materials online. For information or to register for a program by phone, call 860-349-9544. Holiday Hours: The library will be closed Dec. 24, 25 and 31 and Jan. 1. Facebook: Receive daily updates on library news and events by becoming a fan Facebook. Click on the Facebook link on the library’s website. JobNow! On demand ac-

cess to expert career coaches is yours with a click on the JobNow! icon on the library website. Destination Durham: The first two Destination Durham Cable Shows are now on DVD and are available to borrow from the library. Show #1 Farmers’ Market and Go Far, Show #2 Mock Crash and Internet Safety. Storytime 2011 Registration: All Storytimes begin Jan. 3 and end April 13. The Storytimes are: Mother Goose (18-30 months), Mondays at 10:15 or 11 a.m.; Time for Tots (2.5-3.5 years), Wednesdays at 10:15 or 11 a.m.; and Preschool (3.5-5 years), Tuesdays at 10:15 or 11 a.m. To register for Storytime call 860-349-9544 or visit the library. Book Lovers Circle: Come to the library on Wednesday, Jan. 5, at 7:30 p.m. for a discussion of Aztec by Gary Jennings. All are welcome to participate in an evening of stimulating conversation. Copies of the book

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Mystery Book Discussion: The mystery book club will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 18, at 7:30, when Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin will be discussed. All are welcome. Copies of the book are available at the library. There will be no book discussion in December. New Arrivals: Licence to Dream by Anna Jacobs, Secrets of the Grave by Tami

Hoag, Comfort to the Enemy by Elmore Leonard, Eighteen Acres by Nicolle Wallace, If the Allies Had Fallen: Sixty Alternate Scenarios of WWII edited by Dennis E. Showalter, The 4Hour Body by Timothy Ferriss, Cooking for Geeks by Jeff Potter, All the Devils are Here: The Hidden History of the Financial Crisis by Bethany McLean, Great Food, All Day Long by Maya Angelou and Dead or Alive by Tom Clancy.

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(All meetings will be held at the Durham Library unless otherwise noted. Check the town Web page at www.townofdurhamct.org for updates.) Tuesday, December 28 Town Clerks Office closing at 7 p.m. 7 p.m. — Ethics Commission Thursday, December 30 Town Hall is only open for a half-day Friday, December 31 Town Hall is closed Wednesday, January 12 7:30 p.m. — Board of Education at Korn

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The Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) met on Dec. 15, at which time they discussed updating Durham’s zoning regulations. A number of sections were removed because town planner, Geoff Colegrove, thought they were redundant or unnecessary. This included transitional regulations dealing with the change from a minimum of one-acre zoning to two-acre zoning, as well as a section on the minimum floor area required for every resident in a house. Colegrove crossed out the last section as it contradicted a court ruling against the town of East Hampton that prevents the floor area from factoring into the number of occupants in a home. P&Z member Steve DeMartino also asked whether it would be appropriate to add a section in the preamble that spoke out in support of low to mid-sized businesses. Member Dick Eriksen replied that that was the responsibility of the Economic Development Commission, not Planning and Zoning, while Colegrove added that the Plan of Conservation and Development already covered the town’s support of business. Greenland Realty also briefly came up. While the commission plans on discussing the business more in depth when its representative, attorney Joan Molloy, is able to attend one of their meetings, member Joseph Pasquale had one item to discuss. Pasquale reported that a trailer was parked on the site in a spot where vehicles are not supposed to park. He stated that he’s seen a vehicle parked there on two occasions. Another matter brought up came from Colegrove, who reported that there is a junkyard on Wilcox Drive. This is the third time that the property has received complaints, and Colegrove plans to send a letter to the property owner to mention the problem before the commission takes any further action. Finally, member Chris Flanagan told the commission that the school may use

advertising on its scoreboard once installed. He noted that they may want to consider what constitutes a scoreboard or a sign, due to the more restrictive regulations for signs in town. (In attendance/Chuck Corley)

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Music in Town Times

Friday, December 24, 2010

Tiger Robison, music teacher at Brewster and Korn schools, is running after-school music programs this semester, including Mr. Robison's Kindergarten Music Club, Junior Music Club and The Prelude Children's Chorus. All programs start in January and are sponsored by Durham Recreation. Mr. Robinson is also working on music appreciation programs for adults. “The job of the first music teacher is to make learning fun,” he said. “Community play, especially play involving music, is less of a presence in kids’ lives today. One of the aims of the music clubs is to get people playing music games again. The research tells us that early participation in music is important to brain development. No one said it Clockwise, from top left, R.J. Albanese; Leah and Jill couldn’t be fun at the same time.” Branciforte practice some Capoeira (a Brazilian dance and martial art mix); below, the Junior Music Club performs; Mr. Robison and his “sergeant of arms”; center photo: Amalia DeMartino who said “Mr. Robison is funny.” For more information on his classes, email trobison@rsd13.org. Submitted photos

“It’s a really good time,” said fourth-grader Duncan Bates of The Prelude Children’s Chorus.

“Music club is a lot of fun,” added first-grader Piper Forbush.

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Friday, December 24, 2010

15 On Dec. 15, the Durham PALS presented a new Wii gaming system to the ASTRO Club, which will be known as the Wii Fun and Fitness Program in January. The kids were very excited and set up the system themselves, with only a small amount of assistance needed. They were lining up to play the games that were projected onto the wall of one of the library’s lower level activity rooms. Photos by Cheri Kelley

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Viral infections can cause warts to appear on the feet or other parts of the body. To either prevent these elevated blemishes on the skin’s surface from spreading or simply for cosmetic reasons, many individuals opt to have the warts removed. Typically, warts are first treated with medicines and then undergo an acid treatment. If these non-surgical methods do not have a satisfactory result, surgery is then considered. The simple surgical procedure is typically done with local anesthesia in the podiatrist’s office or outpatient center. It causes a minimum of pain and very little scarring. After surgery, the foot must be kept dry for several weeks due to the high risk of infection. Wart removal is usually covered by insurance. Warts! Nobody wants them and, luckily, there are several effective methods available today that podiatrists can use to get rid of them. But since they are an infection caused by a virus, warts almost never go away on their own and you’d be smart to have your podiatrist get rid of yours once you discover one on your foot. For experienced, compassionate care for foot problems of all kinds, we welcome your call at AFFILIATED FOOT CARE CENTER, LLC. Office hours in Middlefield are Mon. 9-5, Wed. 37, and Fri. 9-5; Tues. & Thurs 9-5 in Wallingford.

Jingle Bell Run in Town Times Left, Christopher MilanoConroy and Sam St. John race across the crunchy ground. Below center, Santa with Peter Schulten.

John Lyman School had a blast at Jingle Bell Run on Friday, Dec. 17. During recess, students ran laps as part of the Go Far program that encourages physical activity. But this day was extra special as Santa Claus ran alongside the students, holiday music played over speakers and jingle bells —— rather than popsicle sticks — were given out after laps were completed. Jen Schulten, who created Go Far, thanks Sandie Dalles for the hours helping out in preparation for the event. Photos by Stephanie Wilcox

Friday, December 24, 2010

Above, a group of girls dances to the holiday music playing on the field. Right, Kylie Poggio dashes across the snowy grass. Below, Santa with kindergarteners.

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Friday, December 24, 2010 Renowned American composer Gwyneth Walker premiered a new work at the Service of Lessons and Carols at First Congregational Church in Cheshire on Dec. 19. The piece, “Alpha and Omega,” featured three familiar Christmas carols arranged for brass quintet, percussion, and chorus. Middlefield residents Adam Perrin and Jan Kreitler both sang in the event as part of the Greater Middletown contingent. On Nov. 20, Middlesex Dance Center’s dancer Savannah N g o , along with director T o n i L y n n Miles, attended a Rockette dance class in New York City. The class was taught by five-time Rockette Joanna Richardson. The group learned about various kicks that the kickline performs as well as part of the famous “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” dance. Savannah has been studying at MDC in Middlefield for five years. She takes lessons in jazz, tap, ballet and lyrical. Pictured after class is Savannah with Rockette Joanna.

Town Times Spotlight

Seniors with High Honors: Tresa Roberts Seniors receiving Honors: Nicole Jubelirer and Tyler Sibley Juniors receiving Honors: Melanie Badin, Sarah DiSilvestro Xavier High School Freshmen receiving Honors: Robert Cocchiola and Josh Etheridge Vinal High School Seniors with High Honors: Richard Parker Juniors with High Honors: Brianna Gasior Sophomores with High Honors: Thomas D’Orvilliers, William

Juniors receiving Honors: Robert Carle, Mitchell Foley and Nicholas Siwinski Sophomores receiving Honors: Brittany Gervais, Steven Koerber and Noah Ludecke Freshmen receiving Honors: Brandon Kwolek, Jonathan Keurajian and Christopher Quick

Amanda Thody of Creamery Road in Durham and Pawel Surowaniec of Ashwell Drive in Southington announce their engagement. Parents of the bride-to-be are Ronald and Lori Thody of Durham. Parents of the groom-to-be are Jozef and Maria Surowaniec of Southington. Amanda earned a BS from Central Connecticut State University in Marketing and is currently completing her Masters Degree in Elementary Education a the University of Hartford. Amanda works at Derynoski Elementary School. Pawel works as the Sales Manager of Harte Motors in Meriden. He is also the owner of J&P Manufacturing in Plainville. The wedding is planned for June 2012.

Jack Robert Frederick, born Friday, Nov. 12, 2010, to Tim and Amy (Gawlak) Frederick of Middletown. Paternal grandparents John and Sandy Frederick of Middlefield. Paternal great-grandmother Madeline Frederick of Meriden. Maternal grandparents Robert and Jeanne Gawlak of Middlefield. Maternal great-grandmother Alice Gawlak of Middletown.

Town Times Service Directory

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Grayson Eric Collins, left, born June 21, 2010, to Stefanie and Dave Collins of Portland. Grandparents Donna and Rich Golub of Middlefield and Sue and Brad Collins of Durham. Great-grandmother Cecelia Stannard of Durham.

Seniors receiving Honors: Katherine Farrall and Rebecca Farrall.

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More names from first semester Honor Rolls:

Freshmen with High Honors: John Amendola

Town Times Welcomes New Citizens

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Photo submitted by Toni-Lynn Miles

Jerry and Nancy Turner, of Durham, announced that their granddaughter, Regina Turner, was named Miss Connecticut USA for 2011. She will go on to compete in the Miss USA contest in Los Angelos next spring. Regina is 21 years old and plans to be a dentist. Her parents are Jeff and Joyce Turner of Portland.

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Town Times

Friday, December 24, 2010

Tiny tots and gingerbread houses; Christmas is in the air... Left and below, The BASREP children are keeping warm with a plethora of fun holiday and winter activities! A crowd favorite was the creation of Snowman Krispies, a fun and edible project! Left, Brenden Kane and Sierra Astle show off their ccreations Submitted photos

Below, pre-schoolers and kindergarteners celebrate this holiday season by singing to their families and friends at Brewster School’s Winter Celebration held on Dec. 16. Photo submitted by Patti Checko

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Town Times

Friday, December 24, 2010

Local kids spreading holiday cheer throughout town Left, The Faith Formation students at Notre Dame Church in Durham collaborated with St. Vincent De Paul in Middletown to provide special items for the needy as part of their Gift Giving Program for Christmas. The items were delivered to St. Vincent De Paul last weekend. Thank you to all who participated for your kindness and generosity. Submitted by Tim McIntyre

Below right, young kids played their parts at Middlefield Federated Church’s Christmas pageant this past weekend. Photos submitted by Pat Bandzes

Above, Members of the Middlefield Federated Church Youth Group pose with some of the toys collected for the children of Haiti. Shown from right to left are Maddy Wooding, Wendy Smith, William Staddon, Jacob Burt, Victoria Koch, Spencer McCoy, Marissa Berry, Samantha Michaud, Roslyn Helmedach, Becca Kalber, Larissa Cade, Angela Priest, Patrick Holden Jennette Hummel and Kristofer Copeland. The toys will be distributed by HELO, an organization cofounded by Elisabeth Kennedy, when she travels there later this month.

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Town Times

BOE (Continued from page 1) third/fourth grade teacher at John Lyman Elementary School, for winning the Teacher of the Year Award. Moriarty “personifies what good teaching is all about,” according to Viccaro, who also noted Moriarty’s approval among peers and parents and recognized his “almost weekly” guitar playing at John Lyman assemblies. The board then took a “recess” to enjoy a congratulatory cake. School day scheduling issues Scheduling issues came up when the board resumed business. The board considered letters of complaint from parents regarding delayed openings for professional development. While acknowledging the difficulty multiple delayed openings

can cause parents, Viccaro stated that professional development days had to be spread out and not condensed into two days. A state legislative act requiring schools to offer two parent conferences per year may also cause scheduling difficulty. Two conferences already occur at the elementary level but must be fit in for the older grades. Viccaro has initiated a conversation with the teachers’ union president. “Input from the teachers is critical in figuring out how best to do this,” she said. The law requires the option of a second conference, which would likely coincide with marking periods. Budget discussion plans Budget season starts with the next board meeting and was referred to several times. Chairman Tom Hennick invited the public to the next meeting, Jan. 12, which will open with time for pub-

Friday, December 24, 2010

lic comment. “The idea is to have people come and give us ideas,” Hennick stated. State Representative Matt Lesser and State Senator Ed Meyer have been invited to the second January meeting, on the 26, to discuss the budget. During committee reports, member Kerrie Flanagan noted that the Long Range Planning Committee has been tracking potential savings from lower interest rates on debt and potential expenses from the Brewster well situation. These items, Flanagan said, would be considered when preparing for the budget. Community event updates Two recent community events were reported as successes to the board. Member Mary Jane Parsons said she “couldn’t believe how many carts there were rolling around” at the Community Round-Up, which collected

almost 15,000 food items and $3,500 in donations. Viccaro said that the increased donations in tough economic times “speaks volumes about the generosity of our community.” Member Nancy Boyle reported on the sports banquet sponsored by the Benchwarmers. This was the first time the football and cheerleading programs were combined at the banquet. Boyle reported the highest ever attendance. Project updates and other business Business manager Ron Melnik discussed changes to the board’s bank account, including remote deposit for convenience and a confirmed log of acceptable checks for security. Melnik also said he is working with the town of Durham about the flooding at Pickett Lane. The solar panels at John Lyman and Memorial schools are “prob-

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Over 300 students from area high schools, including Coginchaug Regional High School, attended the 28th annual Teen Life Conference on Dec. 13-14, at Wesleyan University’s Exley Science Center. The conference gave participants an opportunity to attend workshops conducted by professionals from health and social agencies on subjects that may be of interest to teens but not usually found in traditional school curriculum

In addition, high school participants attended a presentation of “A Journey through Addiction.”

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CRHS social studies teacher Julie Selberg attended the meeting to request permission for a field trip. Selberg asked to take the Model U.N. Club to Yale University. The trip was approved unanimously.

This year’s workshop topics were: “Good Nutrition,” “Healthy Relationships,” “Teen Parenting,” “Stress Management,” “Exercise and Fitness,” “Body Art,” “Bullying” and “Substance Abuse Prevention.”

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In other construction news, member Bill Currlin discussed the completion of the parking lot fencing and lights at the high school track. Signs have been posted to keep people off the track and field. The black “soft surface” will stay in place “until the weather is right” in April or May, Currlin said. He also referred to an effort to schedule track meets for later in the calendar.

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The conference was sponsored by the Middletown Health Department in cooperation with Wesleyan University and participating schools. Middlesex Hospital and the Middletown Substance Abuse Prevention Council (MSAPC) made financial donations to the event.

Town Times Obituaries

Friday, December 24, 2010

Thomas Gibbons

David Lavine

The usual holiday crowds packed the Coginchaug auditorium for the annual holiday concert last Sunday. At right, boys in the chorus sing out; below, the always-affecting candlelight choral procession; bottom, music director Dean Coutsouridis in front of the concert band. Right, a trumpet fanfare.

Photos by Sue VanDerzee

Town Times Service Directory

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David Lavine, formerly of New York City and Durham, died on Monday, Dec. 13, 2010 in Provid e n c e , Rhode Island. He was the beloved husband of Gladys, father of Rachel, Adam and Rebecca, grandfather of Shingo, Ayano, Jacob and Ari, and brother of Nancy Roberts. Born on November 11, 1928, son of Joan Bragman and A. Lincoln Lavine, David taught in the New York City public schools and published several books for young readers on government, as well as “Under the City,” an underground look at New York. He went on to serve 18 years in the Connecticut General Assembly, eventually serving as chair of the Energy and Public Utilities Committee, Assistant Majority Leader and Deputy Speaker, capping his political career as the Director of Energy for the State of Connecticut. During his tenure in the Connecticut leg-

CRHS holiday concert held Dec. 19

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Thomas Gibbons, 63, of Great Hill Pond Rd., Portland, husband of the late Lauren (Corvo) Gibbons, died Friday as his home following a brief illness. He was born April 4, 1947, in Scranton, Pa., son of the late John and Helen (Kachinski) Gibbons. He was employed by Columbia Mfg. Co. He was a Vietnam veteran serving with the U.S. Marine Corp. He was a member of the American Legion. He is survived by two sons, Shawn Gibbons and his wife Julie of Durham and Darren Gibbons of Portland; a brother, Jerry Gibbons of Fla.; a sister, Anne Marie Thibideau of New Hampshire; two grandchildren, Connor Thomas Gibbons and Darren Louis Gibbons Jr. A celebration of his life will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at the D’Angelo Funeral Home, 22 South Main Street in Middletown. Relatives and friends may call Friday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association or to West Haven VA Hospital. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

islature, Lavine authored a number of groundbreaking energy regulations and conservation laws that were used as models in other states, including the Connecticut Inland Wetlands Act. David was active for many years with the National Conference of State Legislatures, serving on its Executive Committee. David will be remembered for his tremendous life force, his engaging conversation, his unbeatable chess game and his good cooking, which he served to friends and foes alike. He remained curious and concerned about the state of the world to the end of his life (serving most recently as the chair of the Middletown Rhode Island Democratic Town Committee) and will be greatly missed not only by his family, but by his many friends and colleagues. Graveside services were held Dec. 16, 2010 at Island Cemetery in Newport, RI. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Partners In Health, www.pih.org. Arrangements by Sugarman-Sinai Memorial Chapel.

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Town Times Sports

Friday, December 24, 2010

Coginchaug girls roll over Rams

Durham Dunkers meet Geno Auriemma

By Alan Pease Special to the Town Times On Tuesday, Dec. 14, the Coginchaug girls visited the Lady Rams of Old Saybrook for a Shoreline Conference game. The Blue Devils did not play a complete four quarters but dominated the game from the opening tip, leading 16–5 after the first period, 26–10 at the half, 32–11 entering the final period, and finishing with a 41–16 win, never allowing more than five points in a period, and only one point in the third quarter. Amanda Boyle and Morgan Kuehnle held Old Saybrook’s 6’2” center to one point and three rebounds and kept her from being a factor in the game. The Blue Devil guards did not allow Old Saybrook’s guards to get

The fifth grade travel basketball team “Durham Dunkers” had the opportunity to meet Geno Auriemma and the UCONN girls. Pictured, from left, Shannon Carey, Virginia Benbow, Alyssa Richardson, Hannah Clark, Taylor Christiana, Geno Auriemma, Isabella Santoro, Kaitlin Gossart, Meghan Deville, Cary Lane, and Mattie Montz. What an incredible opportunity for the girls! They had so much fun. Photo submitted by Michele Santoro

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The Blue Devils dominated the backboards, out-rebounding the Rams 43-19, with Mancinelli leading the way with 12 rebounds, while Kuehnle pulled down nine and Boyle had six. Defensively the Blue Devil’s pressured the Rams into many mistakes, Sam with seven steals, Jessica with three, Lauren with three and Audrey with two. Defense and rebounding won this one!

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A balanced scoring attack was led by Audrey Biesak with 13, while Lauren Esposito had 12, Sam Mancinelli scored six, Morgan Kuehnle and Jessica Solomon each notched four points, and Kim Romanoff chipped in with two. Mancinelli dished out eight assists, and Amanda Boyle and Kuehnle each blocked two shots.

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On Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011, the Durham Basketball Association will host a local Hot Shot Shooting contest at Strong School from 1 to 4 p.m. open to residents of Durham and Middlefield, ages 9 to 15 as of December 31, 2010. Ribbons will be awarded to all contestants, and medals to the highest scorers in each division. Winners will advance to compete at a Connecticut Regional Hot Shot contest in February or March 2011. Winners of the Regional Contest will advance to a State Championship contest to be held April 2nd. For more details and registration information, visit www.dbact.org, or e-mail Dan Davis at dan.davis@dbact.org.

Town Times Sports

Friday, Decembet 24, 2010

Xavier wins Class LL State Title and ranks as No. 1 high school football team in the state By Rich Murphy Special to the Town Times

Above, Tim Boyle, Mike Mastroianni and Ryan Murphy after winning the Class LL high school football state championship this year. Below, the same three playThis state championship and No. 1 ranking is a true ers after winning a youth football championship toPhotos submitted by Rich Murphy testament of this team’s hard gether in 2006.

This team brought forth a “go to work,” lunch pail attitude all year long. They have arguably one of the best high school football defensive units ever, and they have a core unit of Durham/Middlefield players who have been playing together for a long time. These players include starters Graham Stewart, Eric Mischke, Walter Auger, Tom Linden, Nate Tobias, Ryan Murphy, Mike Mastroianni and Tim Boyle.

work, determination and talent. There has been a lot of debate throughout the year as to how good this team really is. I think the debate is finally over. Who could argue with perfection — a 13-0 record for the 2010 Xavier Falcons? This is a truly a great team!

Above, Durham/Middlefield players after Thanksgiving City Championship game.

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The Xavier High School football team was too big, too strong, too fast, too determined and just too talented. That’s a big reason why this team is the Class LL high school football state champions. Ever since a season ending state playoff semi-final loss to Staples last December, the Xavier Falcons have been on a mission to win a state championship. Since the start of the season, this team has been focused and relentless in achieving the goal they set out to accomplish after that bitter cold night last year. The top-seeded Xavier Falcons had to overcome many tough competitors throughout the season to accomplish their goal. There were very tough wins beginning with Notre Dame of West Haven, the defending Class L state champions and number one ranked team in the state at the time, which put Xavier in the top spot for the remainder of the year. There were other major challenges against teams from the SCC, which is arguably the best and most talented conference in the state. They had wins against SCC foes from Cheshire, Shelton, Hillhouse (this year’s Class M state champion), Foran, Amity, Fairfield Prep, Hamden and West Haven (twice). They entered the playoffs with a perfect 100 record after a big win against city rival Middletown where they won their second consecutive city championship on Thanksgiving morning in front of a crowd of more than 5,000. From that win, Xavier moved onto the Class LL state playoff tournament, where Xavier was ranked as the top-seeded team. They began their state title quest with a great win against West Haven at Palmer Field, 28-7. Xavier then traveled down to Southern Connecticut State University to play the best team from the CCC conference. However, Glastonbury was

Other key players from Durham/Middlefield include Josh Etheridge, Matt Dekoeyer, Lawrence Hill and Nate Gonzalez. Most of these boys have been playing football together since they were seven and eight years old. Some have even won youth football championships together. That is why this state championship is very special for this core group of young men. They have been dreaming of this since they strapped on a helmet and began playing football at the tender age of seven.

no match for Xavier. They could not handle the Xavier defensive attack or the offensive explosion. The end result: Xavier 24-13 and onto the state title game. Top seeded Xavier made a convincing case to finish as the state’s No. 1 ranked team after they beat third-seeded Trumbull 24-13 in front of 5,000 at Rentschler Field. The win gave Xavier its second state championship in five years and catapulted them to their recent No. 1 state ranking in the final polls.

Town Times

Friday, December 24, 2010

Holiday Potpourri at the Hartford Symphony Larry Kellum Special to Town Times ‘Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the opera house, all the musicians were stirring, except

perhaps the mouse. So it was on Dec.18 when the Hartford Symphony Orchestra presented its annual “Holiday POPS!” concert at the Bushnell. The festive event was much more than

just a concert — it was an actual show, as all the elements of the human artistic spirit came together on the big stage — oratorio, ballet, classical and traditional Christmas music, vocal and

instrumental. Even a touch of theater with a surprise visit from Santa Claus before launching his worldwide tour of gift-giving. If one (like this reviewer) favors the serious (and not

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commercial) side of Christmas, then one would agree that the highlight of the show was the Hartford Chorale’s spectacular singing of the two main choruses from Handel’s “Messiah.” The unusually strong soprano section in particular generated momentary catharsis as they soared gloriously thru the high tessitura of the famous “Hallelujah.” Also impressive was the appearance of Tessa Romano, a recent graduate of Farmington High School, whose small, but pearly voice beautifully intoned “Ave Maria” and “O Holy Night.” There were two solo ballerinas dancing the predictable excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker,” and an old St. Nick who turned out to be a young local baritone named Diego Matamoros, whose career is beginning to really blossom in several of the major opera houses in Italy and the U.S. Of course, all of these forces were strategically held together and richly accompanied by the Hartford Symphony under the seasoned baton of Edward Cumming. More than a maestro, Cumming is always a real showman, and his cheerful commentaries helped make the evening an entertaining, as well as musical, experience. He will be sorely missed when he steps down from the podium next year. For the remainder of its 67th season, one can obtain tickets and info by visiting www.hartfordsymphony.or g or calling 860-244-2999. Happy New Year!

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