12-30-2011 Town Times by Town Times Newspaper

Volume 18, Issue 38

Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall

Friday, December 30, 2011

A bright horizon, hope for 2012

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul - Emily Dickinson My hope for you for 2012 is to wake to breathtaking sunrises filled with possibility, follow the path that is lit and to end your day as bright as it began. If the artwork by Caitlynn Chabot, grade 11; Tiffany Tang, grade 9, and Melissa Handy, grade 11 (clockwise from top) moves you, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll enjoy this issue! Starting on page 10 you will find more inspiring, thought-provoking, sweet and sentimental creative art interpretations of hope from members of our community. Enjoy, and be hopeful... Stephanie Wilcox, editor

Town Times Community Briefs

Explore winter’s Coginchaug landscape with Little League CFPA registration:

Join Connecticut Forest and Park Association on Saturday, Jan. 7, for outdoor fun as they explore the winter landscape in the forest behind the CFPA office (16 Meriden Rd. in Rockfall). The day’s activities will go from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include gear demos, snowshoeing clinics, guided hikes (on snowshoes supplied by REI if the snow cooperates), WalkCT Family Ramble activities and more! Winter is a great time of year to get outside and visit the New England forests if you are prepared. Snowshoes, x-country skis, insulated boots and the right clothing layers will help make the experience more enjoyable. Pre-registration is recommended. To register, visit www.rei.com/event/33248/s ession/41812. See you soon!

Coginchaug Little League will begin online registration for all players beginning on Jan. 1. To register your child, go to coginchaugll.org. Registration fees for the spring 2012 season are as follows: 5/6 year t-ball, $80; farm, $85; minors/majors, $110. There will be a maximum payment of $235 per family with multiple players. A $25 late fee will apply to anyone who registers their player after Feb. 1 and a $50 late fee will apply after March 1. You may pay your registration fees online via credit card or mail a check, made payable to Coginchaug Little League, to P.O. Box 34, Durham, CT 06422. If you have any questions about registration, go to the website, coginchaugll.org, and click on “contact us” to send an e-mail.

Boys’ and Girls’ Majors tryouts If you missed tryouts for either Boys’ or Girls’ Majors in the spring of 2011, a second tryout will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28. Tryouts will be held indoors at Rushford at Stonegate, formerly Lake Grove School (459 Wallingford Rd. in Durham). Boys should arrive at 12:30 p.m. and girls should arrive at 1:30 p.m. Please make sure your player wears sneakers and brings a baseball/softball glove. No additional tryout is required if you already tried out in the spring of 2011. If you have any further questions about tryouts, please contact the following Coginchaug Little League board members: Boys’ Majors director Nick Faiella at 860-575-0669 or nicholas.t.faiella@bankofamerica.com; Girls’ Majors director Bob Lane at 860-3490939 or blane4171@yahoo.com.

Index of Advertisers

Friday, December 30, 2011

Web Update This week, we asked our online readers, “Have you ever taken an adult education class?” By press time, 15 people responded. Here are the results: -Yes: 73 % -No: 27 % Be sure to vote in our next poll at www.towntimes.com!

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 860-349-8000, and we’ll do our best to make things right.

Submission reminder The Town Times welcomes submissions regarding upcoming events happening in the community (e-mail news@towntimes.com by Mondays at noon). We do our best to run submissions at least one time. However, due to space constraints, we cannot guarantee a submission will be published on a specific date. To ensure your submission runs exactly as you would like it to, contact our sales representative, Joy Boone, at 860-349-8026 or e-mail advertising@towntimes.com for a paid ad. Thank you.

To advertise in the Town Times, call Joy Boone at 860-349-8026 IANNIELLO PLUMBING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 JAY LANDSCAPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 JOE RIFF’S MUSIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 LINO’S MARKET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 MASONICARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 MICHELI UNISEX STYLING SALON . . . . . . . . . .2 MIDDLEFIELD REMODELING . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 MIDDLESEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE . . . . . . .15 MIM’S OIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 MOVADO FARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 NEIL JONES HOME IMPROVEMENTS . . . . . . .18 NEW ENGLAND DENTAL HEALTH . . . . . . . . .16 PEACEFUL HEALING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 PERK ON MAIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 PLANETA ELECTRIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 RANEY, JASON, DMD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 REALTY ASSOCIATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 REDWOOD COUNTRY FLEA MARKET . . . . . .10 RLI ELECTRIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 ROBLEE PLUMBING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 ROCKFALL CO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 RSDL HOME IMPROVEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . .21 SHARON MCCORMICK DESIGN . . . . . . . . . . . .5 SINGLES ALTERNATIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 SISTERS CLEANING SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 SPLIT ENZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 T-N-T HOME & LAWNCARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 TAIL WAGGING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE & BODYWORK . . .19 VMB CUSTOM BUILDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 WHITEHOUSE CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . .19 WILDWOOD LAWN CARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 WINDOWS PLUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

House for rent Single family home in Durham. 3 BR 1 bath. Open floor plan. Full-appliance kitchen. Washer and drier hook-up. Freshly-painted. Nice and clean. Hardwood floors throughout. Full basement and attic for storage. One car garage. Flat yard. Quiet cul-de-sac. $1,400/month plus utilities. Security deposit and first/last month due prior to move-in. For inquiries, call 860-395-8044.

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ACE OIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 ALLAN’S TREE SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 APEC ELECTRIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 BABY’S WORLD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 BATTERS BOX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 BERARDINO COMPANY REALTORS . . . . . . . . .3 BINGE, BRUCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 CAHILL & SONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 CARMINE’S RESTAURANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 CLASSIC WOOD FLOORING . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 CONROY, JOHN, DMD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 CORE CLUB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 COUNTRY LANDSCAPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 CV ENTERPRISES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 DAN TIEZZI & SONS BUILDERS . . . . . . . . . . . .22 DEAN AUTOWORKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 DESJARLAIS, MARSHA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 DURHAM AUTO CENTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 DURHAM DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE 14 DURHAM DENTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 DURHAM FAMILY EYECARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 DURHAM REPUBLICAN TOWN COMMITTEE .13 EASTER SEALS GOODWILL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 EXECUTIVE HONDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 FAMILY PEST CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 FOSDICK, GORDON, MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 FUEL & SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 GANGED ADS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 GLAZER DENTAL ASSOCIATES . . . . . . . . . . . .14 GOSSIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 GRANT GROUNDSCAPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 GRISWOLD PLUMBING SERVICES . . . . . . . . .20

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Friday, December 30, 2011

Town Times

CL&P residential customers to see lowest monthly bills since 2005 Residential customers of Connecticut Light and Power (CL&P) should see their 2012 monthly utility bills go down to their lowest levels in nearly seven years, following approval of new rates by the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). A CL&P residential (Rate 1) customer who has not chosen an alternative electricity supplier and uses 700 kilowatts per month will see a rate decrease of 7.5 percent or $9.25 per month. Their monthly bill will go from $123.61 down to $114.36, the lowest monthly total since 2005. “The lower rates are primarily due to falling natural gas prices, which affects how much we pay for power,” said Jim Muntz, acting president of CL&P. “This is very positive news not only for our residential customers, but for all of our Standard Service customers, who will see reductions in their rates.” Standard Service includes

all residential customers, small commercial and industrial customers, and streetlight customers who have not chosen an alternative electricity supplier and who have a peak demand of less than 500 kilowatts of electricity per month. These new rates affect about 703,000 or 58 percent of CL&P’s over 1.2 million customers. While residential and small business customers will see a decrease, rates for 159 large commercial and industrial customers who have not chosen an alternative electricity suppler, also known as Last Resort Service or LRS customers, will increase by 10.6 percent for the three-month period of Jan. 1 to March 31, 2012. The increase in LRS rates is due to increased power supply costs that third party wholesale electric suppliers are charging CL&P for these customers. Power for Standard Service customers is purchased several times a year over

three-year spans. CL&P selects the best prices at the point in time the contracts are bid. This periodic purchasing helps moderate the impact of market swings, whether up or down. The impact on Last Resort Service customers is more direct be-

cause CL&P is required to purchase power for all of their needs on a quarterly basis; therefore, market swings affect the price more directly. CL&P continues to encourage all customers to save energy and money by

participating in our energy efficiency programs and services. They are outlined at www.cl-p.com or customers can call 1-877-WISEUSE. Submitted by Mitch Gross, CL&P media contact

A shiny new truck The Middlefield Public Works Department has a new truck — a 2012 International that will be primarily used for the Lake Beseck area. In addition to the standard plowing and sanding capabilities, this truck has on-spot chains that allow it to go up the mountain in the lake neighborhood, making it the first of the town’s trucks to have them. The driver of the new truck, Peter Parker, said town trucks are replaced roughly every 14 years. Photo by Stephanie Wilcox

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Town Times & Places

4 FRIDAY

December 30 Bridge Night Come join in at the Durham Activity Center every Friday night at 6:30 p.m. for a fun night of bridge with great people. If you are not sure how to play, Jim will teach you. You may call Jim at 860-346-6611 with bridge questions. Call Durham Recreation at 860-343-6724 with further questions. Town Hall Hours The Durham Town Hall will be open until noon today and then closed for the holiday.

SATURDAY

December 31 Transfer Station Hours The transfer station will be open today from 8 a.m. to noon. Christmas Tree Pick-Up Troop 270 will be picking up Christmas trees today and Jan. 7 or 14. To schedule pick up, please e-mail Troop270DurhamCT@aol.co m or call 860-349-2370. A donation would be greatly appreciated.

SUNDAY

January 1 Wadsworth Open House The Friends of Long Hill Estate and the Long Hill Estate Authority will host their 13th annual New Year’s Day open house from 1 to 4 p.m. at Wadsworth Mansion. The program is free and includes entertainment for visitors of all ages. The event will feature docent tours, horsedrawn carriage rides provided by Allegra Farms and music by The Eight O’Clock Choir of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. Weather permitting, there will be guided walks on the grounds of the 1908 estate. For more info, please call 860-347-1064 or visit www.wadsworthmansion.com.

MONDAY

January 2 Town Hall Hours The Durham and Middlefield town halls will be closed

today for the holiday. Durham Senior Lunches The senior center will be closed today for the holiday.

WEDNESDAY

January 4 Durham Senior Lunches Every Monday and Wednesday, hot lunches are available for seniors over 60 and their spouses at the Durham Activity Center (350 Main St.). Bingo starts at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays. For pricing info and to make a reservation, call Amanda Astarita, senior café manager, at 860-349-3153. Middlefield Senior Lunches The Middlefield Senior Café is serving lunch three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Reservations are required 24 hours prior, and the monthly menu can be picked up at the center, Town Hall, or on the website: www.middlefieldct.org.

FRIDAY

January 6 Bridge Night Come join in at the Durham Activity Center every Friday night at 6:30 p.m. for a fun night of bridge with great people. If you are not sure how to play, Jim will teach you. You may call Jim at 860-346-6611 with bridge questions. Call Durham Recreation at 860-343-6724 with further questions.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Gov. Malloy announces STEAP grant for Middlefield The town of Middlefield will receive a $250,000 grant to rehabilitate and maintain the Miller Road Bridge over the Coginchaug River.

for making a smart investment to keep drivers safe by protecting critical infrastructure.”

State Representative Matt Lesser said, “This is great news for Middlefield. I want to thank Governor Malloy

This is one of many STEAP grants (Small Town Economic Assistance Program) being given to area

towns for various capital improvement projects. “These capital grants are important for many towns as they look to make repairs to critical infrasturcture or promote economic development,” said Governor Malloy. Submitted

Paws Place: Stretch Hi, I’m Stretch! I am about one-and-a-half years old as of November 2011. I was found on Thomas Street in Middletown. I am so handsome! I love to talk to you and will carry on a conversation with you. I also like my belly rubbed at times. I love affection and being petted. I’d love a home to run around and play in. I love to be held when I’m in the mood. Sometimes when you hold me, I just don’t ever want you to put me down. Maybe you’ll let me curl up in your lap? I have so much love to give and would love a forever home! Please adopt me! If you are interested in adopting this cat, please call Catales, Inc. at 860-344-9043 or e-mail info@catales.org.

Notre Dame confirmation Pictured below is the Notre Dame Church Confirmation Class of 2011 who were confirmed on Nov. 19. The clergy seated in the front row in the middle are (l-r): Rev. Greg Galvin, Deacon Ronald Blank, Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich, Rev. Michael Giannitelli and Rev. James Sucholet. Deacon Peter Gill was present, but not shown in photo. The confirmands in alphabetical order are: Emily Anderson, Jenna Barton, Tara Dandelski, Caitlin DeBaise, Morgan Dickson, Matthew Fontaine, Nathan Gonzalez, Laurence Hill, Rachael Judson, John LaTorre, Molly MacDuff, Caitlin McAuliffe, Gabrielle Pakech, Noah Palo, Jeffrey Peracchio, Taylor Sapia, Ashley Scotto, Megan Sirois, Alyssa Stannard, Kevin ToSubmitted by Janet Morganti bias, Sydney Trusty and Katelyn Williams.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Town Times

‘Season of giving’ has true meaning for students at IDS As part of the curriculum this holiday season, students at the Independent Day School (IDS), located in Middlefield, have been giving back to the community in a variety of different ways. All of the students at IDS — from beginners through the eighth grade — have participated in a variety of community fundraisers in an effort benefit to those in need. Students throughout the school have participated in a Read-a-Thon where they pledged monetary donations to either read or finish books (depending on their reading level). All of the proceeds benefit Warm the Children, a local organization that provides needy children with

new winter clothing. The beginners and pre-k students have also created a “hat, mitten and scarf Christmas tree” for donation to the organization as well. On Jan. 4 at 8:15 a.m., a student representative from each grade will share their experiences and the joy of giving back to those less fortunate to a representative from Warm the Children. Afterward, IDS will present their donation to the organization. In addition, the students of the third and fourth

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donations,” said John Barrengos, head of school. “Our goal at IDS is to guide our students toward not only a high standard of learning but also a high standard of citizenship — and this has been such an amazing experience for them. It has been wonderful to watch them as they do something good for others in need.”

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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Health Restoration Program! The results speak for themselves! • I am a diabetic, my blood sugar has never been better and I am even starting to taper off my meds! • I lost 28 lbs. on this program! • My skin is clearer and glowing! • My energy has never been higher and no low points! • My headaches are gone! • I can fit into my skinny jeans again! • My body composition improved so much, I have no risk factors for disease!

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In addition to the local charities that IDS has supported, the Middle School Interact Club has also hosted a shoe drive to collect used shoes to benefit Soles4Souls, an international organization that recycles shoes for those in need. They have already received dozens of shoes for donations.

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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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grades have given up some of their recess time this winter in order to count, bag and box donated children’s clothing items. These items will be donated to homeless children staying at Shelter Now, located in Meriden.

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Meet Your Trainers Biggest Loser Fit Pros Robin Reynolds I look forward to changing your life! The Core Club is committed for the next eight weeks to get you educated on health and fitness to work towards a NEW YOU. Sheila Garvy I have been helping people lose weight and get fit for 15 years. I was born with a Congenital Heart Defect and had to undergo two open heart surgeries.According to Dr. Oz “If you are 100 pounds overweight, that is equivalent to full blown cancer!” Clinton Stewart “In it to win it!”

Obesity is a disease and you can do something about it TODAY! ✔ FREE Core Membership for duration of program! ✔ Eight one hour personal training sessions WORTH $520! ✔ Weekly one on one meetings with Nutritionist Naturopathic Doctor who will keep you on track and answer all questions on your diet concerns ✔ Team Support w/weekly meetings and weigh ins ✔ Team Challenges ✔ One Meditation session ✔ A chef for an evening at Club Chef Patsy Hafher will demonstrate low fat cooking ideas ✔ Catherine O’Rouke is a SWAT Team Nurse and an ICU Nurse at Yale. Catherine is going to talk about prevention. She has seen a trend of young people who experience cardiac and diabetic issues. TESTIMONIAL: “Finished my eight weeks last night with the Core Club ... 30 lbs and a world of difference... I feel healthier, clothes fit, and I have more energy... well worth the time spent... Robin, Sheila and Dr. J are no joke, they are right there for you through all eight weeks .. Like Cheryl said... they will be doing another challenge in January... make it a resolution FOR YOURSELF ... to get FIT ...♥”

Core Club - 350 Main St., Durham, CT • www.coreclubllc.com • 860-349-9100

Friday, December 30, 2011

Town Times

Durham Government Calendar Durham Library (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Durham Library. Check the town website at www.townofdurhamct.org for updates.) Friday, December 30 Town Hall is closed Monday, January 2 Town Hall is closed 7 p.m. — Fire Department Trustees at Durham Volunteer Firehouse Tuesday, January 3 5:30 p.m. — Public Works Building Oversight Committee at Town Hall

Middlefield Government Calendar (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Community Center.) Monday, January 2 Town Hall is closed

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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. The library will be closed Dec. 31 and Jan. 2. Facebook: Receive daily updates on library news and events by becoming a fan on Facebook. Click on the Facebook link on the library’s website. DPL Book Talk: Participate in the library’s new blog about all things book! Just click on the DPL Book Talk link on the library’s website. Teen Blog: Get the latest on new books, graphic novels, programs and more at durhamteen.blogspot.com. Large Print: Visit our expanded Large Print section. We add new titles weekly, with current bestsellers available as soon as regular print. CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS Story Times: Sessions start Jan. 9 and end April 11. Register in person or by

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phone at 860-349-9544. Mother Goose Time: For children ages 18-30 months. An active 20 minutes of songs, finger plays and reading with a parent or caregiver. Siblings may attend. Session Schedule: Mondays at 10:15 or 11 a.m. Time for Tots: For children ages 2.5-3.5 years. Participants will sit with caregivers to listen to stories, songs and fingers plays, then participate in a related craft for this 30-minute story time. Siblings may attend. Session Schedule: Wednesdays at 10:15 or 11 a.m. Preschool Time: For children ages 3.5-5 years. Enchanting stories, songs and finger plays and a related craft at this 45-minute independent story time will mesmerize participants. Siblings may not attend. Session Schedule: Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Lunch Bunch Discussion Group: The Key to Rondo, a Nutmeg Book, by Emily Roddo, Saturday, Jan. 21, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Bring your lunch and we’ll provide dessert; grades 4-6, no registration required. YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMMING Scrapbooking: Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. Young adults ages 10-18. Bring a few photos and learn about scrapbooking. Supplies pro-

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vided; you only bring your photos! Please register. Spaghetti Bridge Friendly Competition: Saturday, Jan. 21, at 2 p.m. Young adults ages 10-18. Register in teams of two to compete to build the best bridge made out of spaghetti. Wii Wednesdays: Every school day Wednesday from 3 to 4 p.m. Come after school to play on the library’s Wii! Snacks provided. Teen Advisory Group: Every month, teens who are interested in helping improve the library meet to discuss ideas. Next meeting is Jan. 7 at 3 p.m. ADULT BOOK DISCUSSIONS Book Lovers’ Circle: Wednesday, Jan. 4, at 7:30 p.m. Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland. Copies of the book are available at the library. Mystery Book Discussion: Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 7:30 p.m. Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley. Copies of the book are available at the library. New Books: Hotel Vendome by Danielle Steel, The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson, Zero Day by David Baldacci, The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks, The Litigators by John GrSee Library, next page

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Friday, December 30, 2011

Library (From page 6) isham, V is for Vengeance by Sue Grafton, Red Mist by Patricia Cornwell, The Leopard by Jo Nesbo (author of Snowman), The Drop by Michael Connelly, Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich, Then Again by Dian Keaton, How I Got This Way by Regis Philbin, and Gabby by Gabrielle Giffords and Mark Kelly. New DVDs: The Help, Margin Call, Breaking Bad (seasons 1-3), Super 8, Conan the Barbarian and Sarah’s Key.

Levi Coe Library Hours: The library is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and closed Fridays. The library will maintain regular hours for

Town Times

the holiday except for Monday, Jan. 2, when it will be closed. Visit www.leviecoe.com or call the library at 860-349-3857 for information or to register for any program. New Movies: DVDs coming soon: 50/50, Dolphin Tale, Drive, Hangover Part II, I Don’t Know How She Does It, Ides of March, Mildred Pierce, Moneyball, Real Steel, Thing, and Whistleblower. New Books: Coming soon: Believing the Lie by Elizabeth George, Breakdown by Sara Paretsky, Broken Land by Michael & Kathleen Gear, Death of Kings by Bernard Cornwell, Devil is Waiting by Jack Higgins, Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch by Sally Smith, Gideon’s Corpse by Douglas Preston, Gun Games by Faye Kellerman, Home Front by Kristin Hannah, Hunter by John

Lescroart, Jaguar by T. Jefferson Parker, Leopard by Jo Nesbo, Look of Love by Mary Jane Clark, Love in a Nutshell by Janet Evanovich, Need You Now by James Grippando, No Higher Honor: A Memoir of My Years in Washington by Condoleezza Rice, Obamas by Jodi Kantor, Other Guy’s Bride by Connie Brockway, Private: #1 Suspect by James Patterson, Rope by Nevada Barr, Scarecrow Returns by Matthew Reilly, Secret Crown by Chris Kuzneski, Shadows in Flight by Orson Scott Card, Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert & Kevin Anderson, Stieg Larsson: The Real Story of the Man Who Played with Fire by Jan-erik Pettersson, Taken by Robert Crais, Worth Fighting for: Love, Loss, and Moving Forward by Lisa Niemi Swayze.

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Town Times

Letters to the Editor Go see for yourselves I am writing to comment on the ongoing Powder Ridge saga. I comment from the following perspectives: 1) an area (North Branford) youth who enjoyed it as an after-school rec program destination in the ‘80s, 2) a post-college member of the Ski Patrol there in the late ‘90s, and 3) a season ticketholder at its precipitous closing several winters ago. Not being a Middlefield resident, I understand if townspeople there prefer we stay out of their business. But I hope they’ll give a quick listen. My comment is a simple one: I think that a group (a committee or commission or what have you) from Middlefield should book a trip to Greek Peak / Hope Lake Lodge in Virgil, NY, just outside Cortland. I think that this fine establishment can serve as a crystal clear, tangible embodiment of a vision for something that could successfully attract investors while not creating many of the negative outcomes (most particularly: sprawling over-building). I have a first cousin who moved up near Cortland in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s to continue dairy farming, and

I have visited him roughly annually since. I had never skied Greek Peak, as it seemed quite similar to what was available in “my backyard” at Powder Ridge, so in the winter we tended to snowmobile. Consequently, my wife and young daughters didn’t tend to join our winter visits, and it became a “man’s trip” for me and my son. That changed this past winter; the investors there built a large and tasteful Hope Lake Lodge with a key appeal for the Augur girls: an indoor water park! So now we had something everyone could enjoy, and we could still snowmobile some and visit with the cousins. It worked out very well. And the whole time I was there, I was thinking to myself, “This is what should happen at Powder Ridge.” I know “water park” falls on deaf ears, but to be clear, this indoor park was built for guests of the Lodge only. It thus is modest in scale (think: more appealing to your eight-year-old than your 18-year-old) and quite pleasant to visit (no huge crowds). They also just completed building an excellent ropes course and modern version (i.e. safer — the vehicle is never detached from the course) of an alpine slide. I

Town Times 488 Main St., P.O. Box 265, Middlefield, CT 06455 http://www.towntimes.com News Advertising Fax Marketplace

(860) (860) (860) (877)

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Town Times is published every Friday by the Record-Journal Publishing Co. and delivered to all homes and businesses in Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall. Stephanie Wilcox, Editor Kimberley E. Boath, Advertising Manager Joy Boone, Advertising Sales Michelle P. Carter, Office Manager Contributors: Diana Carr, Trish Dynia, Elisabeth Kennedy, Karen Kean, Judy Moeckel, Mark Dionne and Sue VanDerzee.

know that that (alpine slide) also raised hackles in the past. But here, again, I think it’s all about scale. Without a large-scale water park to draw in droves of people, it’s harder for me to envision a modern version of an alpine slide bringing in too much traffic or headaches. Perhaps rather than the town continuing to get led along by potential suitors who jilt them in their ninth hour, may I suggest that a more prudent route may be for the town to draw up all the plans on its own and then solicit investors? I honestly wish I had the financial wherewithal to lead a team of investors in putting forth a proposal shamelessly modeled on what the Greek Peak Mountain Resort company has done. But while I can’t do that, I can say I would seriously consider putting my money where my mouth is by backing a share of a project led by the town. But I think a modest first step — which would be some fun, too — would be for some key folks in Middlefield to go have a look for themselves and see if they can’t picture it fitting in quite nicely at Powder Ridge as I have: www.hopelakelodge.com. Philip Augur, Durham

Thanksgiving and holiday cheer in Durham I would like to express my appreciation to everyone who contributed to our Thanksgiving and Giving Tree programs. Our Thanksgiving baskets were a huge success for 22 families in town. It was made possible from the many turkey donations, food donations and monetary donations that we received from individuals, organizations and businesses. A big thank you to the volunteers who helped assemble the baskets for Thanksgiving. Our Giving Tree program was also amazing. We were able to make a difference for 16 families in town because

Friday, December 30, 2011

Girls win at Hyde By Alan Pease Special to the Town Times On Friday, Dec. 16, the Coginchaug girls traveled to New Haven to take on the Howling Wolves of Hyde. Hyde has not had a strong girls’ team in recent years but apparently recruited a couple of good players and was expected to be a pretty stern test. I could not attend the game, but here are the game notes from Coach Rett Mancinelli: “We got off to a slow start, being down 7-2, but finished the first quarter tied at 13. We immediately took the lead in the second quarter and continued to build from there, leading 29-19 at the half and 46-32 after three, with a 59-44 final score. We had our first bad shooting night, shooting 34 percent, after two games in the high 40s. What we lacked in quality, we made up in quantity, getting off 69 shots. Morgan Kuehnle was a beast on the boards with eight first half rebounds. Lauren Esposito played the most focused and motivated game I have ever seen her play; she literally got beat up. Kim Romanoff and Andrea Braga played tremendous defense on (Hyde’s) shooting guard. Audrey Biesak had a poor shooting first half but came out and pushed the lead with great shooting in the second half. Jessica Solomon made some important baskets. Sam had a tough shooting night but didn’t let it bother her and

did all the other stuff we need her to do. (It was a) tough environment to play in — the Hyde parents are expecting a big year for this team and want the officials to help make it happen (I think all parents do). Their star player went down after missing a lay-up with four minutes left, and they would not move her off the floor — it took 45 minutes for the ambulance to arrive, so we had a long delay. I called the (Hyde) coach the next day, and the good news is that the player is not hurt, and she was cleared to practice on Monday. All-in-all, I am very proud of how the team handled this game — it will help us in the long run.” Lauren Esposito had 18 points, seven rebounds, four steals and three assists for an extremely productive game. Sam Mancinelli led the team in rebounding with 11 and assists with 10 for the double-double; she added five points and four steals. Audrey Biesak led Coginchaug in scoring with 21 points and added three rebounds, three assists and a steal. Jessica Solomon scored six and grabbed a rebound. Off the bench, Morgan Kuehnle had a strong rebounding game with 10, scored four points and had an assist and a steal. Andrea Braga chipped in with a rebound, an assist and a steal, while both Olivia Corazinni and Audrey Arcari had a steal. Katelyn Williams also played.

Something going on? Send your info to news@towntimes.com

of the generosity and caring community that we live in. Again, we had so many donations from individuals, organizations and businesses. It was truly heartwarming! Thank you to our volunteers who helped with the Giving

Tree program. My sincere wishes to you all for a wonderful 2012! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Amanda Astarita, Social Services coordinator, town of Durham

Friday, December 30, 2011

Town Times Announcements

Town Times Welcomes New Citizens

Canty and Pollitt to wed

Name: Alexandra Moon Larke Born: Nov. 5, 2011, in Amherst, MA Parents: Dylan and Angela Larke Grandparents: Richard and Laura Burgess, of Middlefield, and Jerry and Grace Larke, of Marshfield, MA Great-grandparents: Peggy Morrissey, of Cromwell, and Rita Burgess, of Durham Alex’s middle name is in honor of her great-grandfather, Richard “Moon” Burgess, of Durham Submitted photo

Name: Cole Sherman Lamphier Born: June 8, 2011 Parents: Bob and Lisa Lamphier, of Rockfall Siblings: Sydney, Hannah, Brendan, Rea and Caiti Lamphier Grandparents: David and Anne Wilson, of Middletown; Pete and Carole Lamphier, of Jasper, IL; Trudy Cotton, of Meriden; and Harriet Allison, of Rockfall

Tracey and Christopher Pollitt, of Durham, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Paige Brianne Pollitt to Karl Canty of Sanibel Island, Florida. Paige is an ‘06 graduate of CRHS and an ‘09 graduate of Arcadia University and is working on her master’s degree in speech and language pathology at Temple University in Philadelphia. Karl is an ‘04 graduate of Stetson University and a ’10 graduate of Villanova’s Executive MBA program. Karl is an advisory consultant for Pricewaterhouse Coopers. A May 2012 wedding is planned in the Philadelphia area. Submitted by Tracey Pollitt

Riverview Hospital gift drive

Submitted photo

Name: Adelaide Freelove WilcoxHarriger Born: Aug. 10, 2011 Parents: Danielle (Dee) Wilcox and Andrew (AJ) Harriger, of Portland Maternal grandparents: Dan and Cindy Wilcox, of Middlefield Paternal grandparents: Russ and Joyce Harriger, of Fort Mill, SC Maternal aunt: Stephanie Wilcox, of Middlefield Paternal aunt and uncle: Matt and Jocelyn Harriger, of Concord, NC Maternal great-grandparents: Norman and Charlene Wilcox, of Deep River, and Frank Wielgosz and Dee, of Southington Paternal great-grandma: Hazel Harriger, of New Castle, PA Submitted photo

For many years, Korn and Brewster families and staff have participated in a school-wide community service project in conjunction with the Riverview Hospital for Children and Youth of Middletown. This year, Korn School collected over 200 toys and items for the Riverview Hospital. We are extremely proud of the fact that Brewster and Korn schools have been two of the biggest contributors of gifts in the past years. This will help all the patients at the hospital who cannot go home and be with their families over the holidays. Melany, Leo and Nico and the members of our student senate thank everyone for their generosity. By Melany, Leo and Nico

Friday, December 30, 2011

Town Times

Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts

Ian Augur, CRHS grade 11, Hope peace signs

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Town Times

Friday, December 30, 2011

Town Times

Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts

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FOOT ISSUES FOR THE ELDERLY Disabilities in the elderly are often caused by foot problems. Ingrown toenails, calluses, corns, fungal infections, and other problems can cause pain and result in foot deformities. Many of the foot problems experienced by seniors are the result of inadequate foot care, which can result in an improper gait and increase the chances of falling. Foot health for the elderly can be promoted by diligent daily care. Feet should be cleaned and thoroughly dried. Toenails should be trimmed straight across, and lotion should be applied to the feet and massaged in to prevent dryness. Proper footwear should be worn to avoid slipping and foot injuries. Seniors should maintain regularly scheduled visits with their podiatrists. For comprehensive foot care for everyone in your family, we welcome you to call AFFILIATED FOOT CARE CENTER, LLC. If your feet are cramping your lifestyle, professional care is in order. We know that good foot health can enhance your daily existence and improve your quality of life. Our approach is conservative, gentle, and caring. We welcome your call for family foot care. Good foot health can enhance your daily existence and improve your quality of life. Office hours in Middlefield are Mon. 9-5, Wed. 3-7, and Fri. 9-5; Tues. & Thurs. 9-5 in Wallingford. For our patients’ convenience we offer on-site X-rays, and diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasounds.

Tyler Berry, CRHS grade 12, Sepia Dog

The Joy of Christmas Christmas is about joy and cheer That Jesus gave us life It’s not about opening presents Wrapped so nice It’s about hope and giving And happiness everywhere Spending time with your friends and family Having a Christmas breakfast and saying, “Yum!” I love Christmas, indeed I do. I hope my wish comes true I hope yours does too. By Alicia Lowry, grade 2 John Lyman Elementary School

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Our e-mail addresses: news@towntimes.com advertising@towntimes.com

Friday, December 30, 2011

Town Times

Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts

Sweet Winter The wind blowing through my face. My tongue hanging out like a dog. I run to my dog like a chase. Dashing through the snow, tripping over a log. The sweet smell of winter is a different smell of the Fireplace toasting the house. By Andrew Bengtson Memorial Middle School

Francesca Antonopoulos, IDS grade 3, paper mask

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By Hannah Nielsen, grade 1 John Lyman Elementary School

Friday, December 30, 2011

Town Times

Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts

Lindsey Marino (age 10) Memorial, Pencil heart

ORTHODONTICS

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Friday, December 30, 2011

Town Times

Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts

Dancing Dolphins Dolphins dancing in the sky Sunset colors flying by Orange, pink and yellow Twisting and turning on the sea Dolphins Leaping and playing Like you and me By Ben Carroll, grade 2 John Lyman Elementary School

Hope Loving family and friends Feeling like they’re beside you. Wishing for joy and peace. By Colin Murphy, grade 2 John Lyman Elementary School

Emily Dell'Orfano, IDS grade 5, Grecian Kylix

Hope Hope means you have courage in yourself. This means to me that you have trust that you can do what you would like to do. Hope means to care about someone, to believe in someone Hope is a very special thing – it means you think you can do something. It means love.

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Friday, December 30, 2011

Town Times

Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts

The Time When My Dog Lily Died

By Emerson Fiore, grade 2 John Lyman Elementary School

Melissa Fowler (age 10) Memorial, Peace, love, inspire, dream, laugh, believe

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My dog Lily died. She was a nice dog in the world. I loved Lily. When she was alive, some of my mom’s and my dad’s friends came to our house because one of them is like a vet. She looked in Lily’s mouth to see if she was alive. Lily was my favorite dog in the world. She was white and she was big. She was 11. She was a tomboy. Lily liked to dig in the woods. She made a lot of holes in the ground. She got dirty from digging holes and she would run through the sprinklers. She was the nicest dog to my family and me. My dog Daisy is a girly girl. She is in heat. Daisy is never dirty. She does not dig. I love her too. She’s a very nice girl. I miss Lily a lot. She was very fun to play with. We brushed some of her fur and saved it.

Middlesex Community College Classes start January 20th How to register:

1. Apply for admission New students must first apply for admission to the college. You can apply online at www.mxcc.commnet.edu. Under “Quick Links,” on the homepage, select “Registration 2012” and then click on the link for “Registration Information for New Students.” You can also apply in person at the Admissions Office, room 153 Founders Hall on the main campus in Middletown. Submit application with: • $20 Application Fee • Copy of your high school transcript, diploma, or GED. • Proof of Measles/Mumps/Rubella and Varicella (Chicken Pox) immunity CT law requires all full-time and part-time matriculated students attending Connecticut college, and born after 12/31/56, to provide proof of immunization against measles/mumps, rubella, and varicella (chicken pox). Some exemptions may apply; call Admissions Office for additional information 860-343-5719.

2. Take the free basic skills assessment

Mexico My family went to Mexico in February. I lived in a hotel. I loved the pools and the video game centers. In the pools, I could stay under water for 10 seconds. In the video game centers there is a pool game and other games. The Piña Colada drinks for kids were really good. There were coconuts too. My family was swimming with dolphins. It was really cool when I hugged the dolphin. It was smooth. I wish I could go there again.

3. Register for your courses Come to campus and register for your courses on one the following dates at these convenient locations. • • • •

Monday, January 3 from 1-6pm, Main Campus at 100 Training Hill Road, Middletown Thursday, January 5 from 1-6pm, Meriden Center at 55 West Main Street, Meriden Monday, January 9 from 1-6pm, Main Campus at 100 Training Hill Road, Middletown Wednesday, January 11 from 1-6pm, Meriden Center at 55 West Main Street, Meriden

Environmental Science Be an active player in pollution prevention and control, and other environmental science jobs.

Pay at the time of registration by cash, check, Payment Plan, or VISA/MC., Discover.

Questions? New students should call the Admissions Office at 860-343-5719.

Visit us on the web @ www.mxcc.commnet.edu MxCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability (or history thereof) or criminal record in its educational and employment practices.

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By Nicholas Sklutovsky, grade 1 John Lyman Elementary School

Call the College Learning Center on the Middletown campus for an appointment at 860-343-5770, or call the Meriden Center at 203-238-6202. Exemptions may apply.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Town Times

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Hope Hope is a thing you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see but America has a lot of. It can help you do the right thing. But the people of certain countries like Haiti or the continent of Africa arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t so lucky. They have diseases that they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have cures for. Their homes are wrecked. Yet they still have hope! That is about the only thing they need to hold on to their life. We had brave soldiers in Iraq. They had one hope. That hope is to win the war and see their families again when they are alive. They held onto that hope, and slowly the war ended, and one by one the troops started going home. This just proves that, in the worst times, we should not give up hope! By Cam Nielsen, age 10 John Lyman Elementary School

Friday, December 30, 2011

Town Times

Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts

What Hope Means to Meâ&#x20AC;Ś Hope means that you have a good outlook. Hope also means that you believe that something can happen. What I hope for is: Health for my family and for others Believing in myself and in others Safety for the people who fight for our country That is what I hope for! By Skylar Rascati, age 10 Memorial Middle School

Kate Hamilton, CRHS grade 10, Hope

Look for more creative arts in the next issue! Cassie Suraci, IDS grade 1, Funny Bones Ballet Dancer

Hope I hope for peace in the world. I hope I get good friends Friends are the best I love my family so much I love my school so much It is the best I love hope so much. By Lila Craig, grade 2 John Lyman Elementary School

Local news Local events Local issues 1185120

Town Times

1185482

Every week in the

Friday, December 30, 2011

Town Times

Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts

The Story of Robin Hood and Will Scarlet It was a bright summer day in Sherwood Forest and Robin Hood was taking a walk. His light feet made no sound as he stepped over the forest floor. That’s when he saw the young man in red. Robin, as he does with everybody he meets in the woods, leaped at the red man and attacked with a sword. The man counter-attacked with surprising skill with the beautifully-crafted sword that Robin didn’t see at first. Their swords clanged so loudly that people could hear them from five towns away. The young man in red clothes was an excellent fighter and Robin was soon disarmed. His sword was laying a few feet away in the dry leaves. He did a fake fall but turned it into a roll and he regained his sword. The young man swung his sword upwards and hit the bottom hilt of Robin’s sword. The young man had hit the sword so hard that Robin’s sword flew up and impaled itself in a high tree branch. Robin fumbled with the horn on his belt. It only took three blows of it to summon his Merry Men. A group of men and women burst out of the forest, bows drawn. Surprisingly the young man just laughed and said, “You’re Robin Hood, I’m your sister’s son, Will. I came here looking for you to join your Merry Men.” That’s how Will Scarlet became a Merry Man.

Michelle Geary, CRHS grade 11, Horizon watercolor

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Friday, December 30, 2011

Town Times

Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts

There is always hope person who used to be your friend in middle school and now hangs out with a different crowd? Still cares about you. That brother or sister who antagonizes you every moment of your life? Loves you. That teacher who flunked you on an assignment? Your ex who’s now dating someone else? Your parents who limit your social life? Your friends who blow you off sometimes? They all care about you and want what’s best for you. They may not come out and tell you in no uncertain terms, but you’re important to them. Please don’t ever lose hope. If you can’t imagine how anything could get better, then please talk to someone about it. If you don’t think you can trust anyone in your life, then

reach out beyond them and find someone who will listen and who can understand what you’re going through and give you valuable advice. If you’re at a loss for where to start, here are several anonymous hotlines you can call any time: depression (1-630-4829696), suicide (1-800-784-8433), lifeline (1-800-273-8255), The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth, 1-866-488-7386), sexuality support (1-800-246-7743), eating disorders (1-847-831-3438), rape and sexual assault (1-800656-4673), grief (1-650-321-5272), runaway (1-800-843-5200) and Exhale (for pro-voice support, 1-866-439-4253). There’s always hope, even for the hopeless. By Michelle P. Carter, age 23

Alexandra Santiago, IDS grade 5 Grecian Amphora

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Hey, you. Hey. Listen up. I know that high school is tough. Having been there not too long ago, I remember it well. I understand that you have to balance an inundation of schoolwork with extracurriculars, family stresses, social strains and a plethora of other pressures — including bullying. I know it happens on a regular basis. That when you wake up in the morning, the one thing you can count on is that some kid is going to call you fat, or gay, or retarded, or ugly, or any number of slurs that no one around you seems to notice. I know you’re struggling and wondering how to deal with it. I know you’re desperate for someone to care. I know that, when you get home from school every day, you cry, you scream, you medicate, you self-harm, you hide, you lie, you carry on, and you bear it all again the next day, just waiting for a way out. I just want you to know that not only are you not alone, but you don’t have to give up. Adolescence is inarguably the cruelest and most difficult period of a person’s life. But you’ll come out of it with tougher skin, a bigger heart, sharper wit, infallible wisdom and battle scars that will remind you of how far you’ve come and give you reason to be proud of yourself. I hope you realize how important you are and that what you’re going through — it doesn’t ever have to be the end. A few months ago, I received the devastating news that someone from my graduating class, someone who was a close friend of mine for more than a year while I was growing up, took his own life due to some unfortunate circumstances that he didn’t know how to handle. Even though I hadn’t seen or spoken with him in almost five years, I still would have been at his side in a heartbeat if I had known he was struggling. I didn’t know until it was too late to help him. He had no idea that he was important to me, but he truly, irrefutably was. This is true for you, too, even if you can’t see it. That

Lic. & Ins. EI 183930

Friday, December 30, 2011

Town Times

Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts

Megan Hettrick, CRHS grade 12 Clay and foil kiss

Town Times Service Directory

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Polly Boynton shares a kiss with a dolphin.

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I wept when my daughter Polly was first diagnosed with Down syndrome many years ago. I imagined a lifetime of tragedy for both her and my family. But it hasn’t turned out that way. She is full of love and is one of the happiest people I know. At age 44, she still believes in Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, she writes a letter to Santa and leaves milk and cookies for him to enjoy. Ten years ago, I tried to tell her on Christmas Eve that there was no Santa, but she refused to believe me because she had just seen him in the shopping mall. The next morning she saw all the presents next to her stocking, and she turned to me and said “See! There is a Santa Claus!” So my single greatest pleasure on Christmas Day is watching her open her presents and her showing me what Santa has brought her. May simple pleasures fill your life with joy during this holiday season. By Dick Boynton

Friday, December 30, 2011

Town Times

Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts Creative Arts

Will work for hope being the accidental deaths of young people, the act of getting up and going to work and finding ways to describe how families were coping, how people were helping each other locally and even around the world helped to keep my own hope of a better world alive and perhaps encouraged hope in others. However, when I retired, much as I enjoyed the extra time in the garden and with grandchildren, that strong connection to hope was somehow broken. Then one evening I attended a program at Hartford Seminary entitled “Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream.” Its aim, or mission statement, is to “help bring forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually ful-

filling and socially just human presence on this planet.” I left the symposium drained by four hours of videos, interactive discussions with fellow attendees and more information than I could ever digest in one evening, but I left with hope. One video clip especially always wakes up that “thing with feathers” in my soul when I feel bogged down and can’t see through the night of war, environmental degradation, injustice, hunger, poverty and illness. That clip is an interview with author Catherine Ingram, who years ago was interviewing Archbishop Desmond Tutu in South Africa. “He kept saying, ‘When apartheid falls… when apartheid falls…’” the author ex-

plained. “I would go home every evening and think, ‘Not in your lifetime.’ Eighteen months later, apartheid was gone… that taught me that there is always hope, and it can come true.” So, for me, hope springs from working for what you hope for. Perhaps that is what God wants from us and our fellow human beings need from us, to work for justice and peace, to be good stewards of the Earth, to keep the torch of hope alive in order that the next generation might take it from your hands and run with it. Here’s to a hopeful new year... By Sue VanDerzee

Hope is Peaceful hopeful Helpful peaceful Loving living Never killing By Emma Anderson, grade 2 John Lyman Elementary School

Christmas I hope on Christmas Eve Santa will leave Christmas presents for me All around the Christmas tree. I would like a dog, but the problem would be, He’d drink all of the fresh eggnog! By Brenden Kane, grade 2 John Lyman School

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“Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul,” wrote Emily Dickinson, “and sings the tune — without the words, and never stops at all.” If you look in a concordance, a sort of index that sorts the Bible by words, “hope” in the Old Testament is most often used followed by the words “in God” or “in the Lord.” While hope is used in this way in the New Testament as well, it is more often used the way we understand it today as something we wish for or look forward to. And always, hope springs out of the dark and challenging experiences of life or a sense of its incompleteness. Dickinson’s “thing with feathers” sings through storms and gales and in the darkest night. In the Bible, the exhortation to hope always comes at a time of challenge or tribulation. Paul writes to the Romans: “Who hopes for what he already has?” (Romans 8:24) Sometimes it seems like storms and darkness are all around us. Will we ever learn to live without war? Will global warming change life as we know it forever? Will there be enough food and water for everyone as my grandchildren grow up? Will gorillas and elephants and tigers and polar bears exist only in books? Will there be a nuclear war or a nuclear accident in the US? What about global pandemics and superbugs resistant to all known antibiotics? When will we learn to live with “enough” so that others can have enough also? Are the chemicals all around us and within us making us more prone to cancer and other life-threatening diseases? (Feel free to add your own fears and worries here.) For me, it is easier to have hope in a seemingly chaotic and unfair world when I can be engaged in the work of helping to make things better. While I was editing the Town Times, this was easy. Even though terrible things sometimes happened over those years, the most terrible

Hopeful

Purpose Electrical Contractor "Electrical Construction Built on Quality" “ N o J o b To o S m a l l ”

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Town Times Spotlight

22 Sister Mary A. McCarthy, principal of Mercy High School in Middletown, has announced the names of the following students as honor roll students for the first marking period. From Durham: High Honors — Molly Breen, Kerry Egan, Catherine Kannam, Flannery Keenan, Kendra Landy, Alexa Marks, Caitlin McAuliffe, Sara Richardson and Danielle Richardson; First Honors — Sarah Bower, Margaret Bruno, Shannon Egan, Jennifer Kennedy, Madison Marone, Sarah Marran, Kelsey Pietruska, Sara Rosborough and Cassandra Santoro; Second Honors — Alexis Alfonso, Kelly Brennan, Alexis Giacco, Ashley McLaughlin and Morgan McNulty. From Middlefield: High Honors — Jillian Chongruk, Victoria Conroy, Delia Ernst, Stephanie Mangiameli, Alice Ochterski,

Kathryn Overturf and Alexia Mazzotta (Rockfall); First Honors — Morgan Cahill, Anna Flaws, Mary Neidhardt and Presley Termini; Second Honors — Megan Rowe.

Fair. Torrison Stone & Garden maintains a beautiful display which includes a traditional stone wall, fireplace and patio and is located at

The winner of this year’s Torrison Stone & Garden contest for a free 100 squarefoot paved walkway is Joan Neuburger, of Durham. Ms. Neuburger’s entry was one of hundreds of entries submitted at this year’s Durham

Jessamin Cipollina, of Durham, is a first-year student this fall at Pace University’s New York City campus. Middlefield resident Susan Deane, of Sweet Surroundings, LLC, was involved in the ABC show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” for their Friday, Dec. 2, episode. Read about Susan’s experience on our website. www.towntimes.com.

Chelsea Veranis, of Durham, plans to travel to Dunedin, New Zealand, during the spring of 2012. Veranis is studying history while at Juniata College. Erika Trapp, of Durham, has been nominated to the US Military Academy and Sarah Rosborough, of Durham, has been nominated to the US Naval Academy, both for the class of 2016.

Friday, December 30, 2011

the Commercial Building on the Durham Fairgrounds. Visitors to the Commercial Building have been invited to enter this contest for the past several years, and TS&G has created beautiful walks for the lucky winners. Torrison Stone & Garden has a showroom located at 6 Main Street, Durham. They offer a broad range of Stone Work & Landscaping services and provide free estimates.

CRHS seniors Tyler Davis and Marissa Puchal-

ski, pictured with CRHS Principal Andre Hauser,

Town Times Service Directory Target Your Market with Inserts!

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were awarded Superintendent’s awards at a luncheon on Nov. 28 at the Saybrook Point Inn. They were chosen by Superintendent Susan Viccaro in recognition of their leadership, scholarship and service to the community. Submitted photo

Declan and Flannery Keenan, both of Durham, earned their first-degree black belts in Chinese Kempo Karate. Declan, age 13, and Flannery, age 15, have been students at Tom Smith’s Chinese Kempo Karate Academy in North Branford for seven years. Eastern Connecticut State University student Rachel Leibiger, of Durham, a presecondary education major, recently performed with the Eastern Concert Chorale at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich on Nov. 22. The concert was dedicated to the late Dr. Ed Drew, professor emeritus of music at Eastern. The Middlesex Community College Foundation board of directors elected two Durham residents as its new officers: George M. Eames IV (president of Lee Manufacturing in Wallingford) as chairperson, and Anne Cassady (professor emerita f r o m MxCC) as secretary. As chairperson, Eames will oversee the ongoing activities of the foundation, which includes fundraising and resource development to support scholarships, campus projects and academic programs at MxCC. Anne Cassady is the foundation’s new secretary. After spending 35 years in MxCC’s classrooms as an English professor, Cassady welcomes the opportunity to See Spotlight, next page

Town Times Spotlight

Friday, December 30, 2011

Spotlight (Continued from page 22) serve the college in this new capacity.

Submitted by Gail Gorton

Saint Michael’s College student Katie Mischke, daughter of Diane and Kevin Mischke of Durham, is studying abroad for the spring 2012 semester. Mischke, a junior political science major, is studying at the University of St. Andrews in St. Andrews, Scotland. Mischke graduated from Mercy High School before coming to Saint Michael’s.

The following students were named to the fall term 2011 Deans’ List at Choate Rosemary Hall: Katharine Bronson, of Durham; Maris Nyhart, of Durham; Eliza Romeyn, of Durham; Jordan Santiago, of Durham; Alexandra Zachowski, of Durham; Justin Hall, of Middlefield; and Daniel Piscatelli, of Middlefield. Fourteen students from the Eastern Connecticut State University student chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) traveled to New York City on Nov. 11 and 12 to attend an advertising career conference. The students were accompanied by Olugbenga Ayeni, associate professor of communication. The Advertising Women of New York (AWNY) hosted the conference. Local students include Kara Drenzek, of Middlefield, who is majoring in communication, and Alina Giordano, of Durham, who

Submitted by Cindy Kindschi

Evan Buss, of Durham, has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Springfield College, MA, for studies completed in 2011. The winner of this year’s Independent Day School Geography Bee was eighth grader Bo Dwyer, of Glastonbury. There were many finalists from grades 4-8, including Kieran Anderson of Durham (sixth grade) and Yavar Moien of Durham

SUDOKU ANSWER

is majoring in accounting.

Dahlman, Steven Koerber and Matthew Amendola.

The following Vinal Technical High School students achieved honor roll status for the first trimester. High Honors students are: Giuseppe Caturano Jr., Gage Herrington, Emery Mazo, Wilson Nickel, Samantha Peters, Lisa Bradley, Thomas D’Orvilliers, Brittany Gervais, William Mazo, Samantha Misenti, Shane Phenicie, Stephen Wyskiel and Brianna Gasior. Regular Honors students include Nicholas Scamporino, Christopher Quick, Carter

Bailey Bennett, of Durham, a sophomore at Connecticut College, performed in the music department’s “Student Recital” Dec. 2 in Fortune Hall. The afternoon’s program featured musical selections by Handel, Chopin, Mozart, Bach and other classical musicians. Audrey Biesak, a senior at Coginchaug, scored more than 1,000 points in girls’ basketball as a Blue Devil. See Spotlight, next page

Experience makes the difference.

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1185116

Steven Kindschi, son of Cindy and Roger Kindschi of Killingworth, received the rank of Eagle Scout in a Court of Honor held on Sun-

(seventh grade).

1190717

Kate Biddiscombe, of Durham, earned her Master of Arts degree in English literature on Aug. 11 from The Bread Loaf School of English, Middlebury College. Pictured here is Kate following her graduation ceremony at Lincoln College, Oxford University, UK. Kate is a proud alumna of District 13, Choate Rosemary Hall and Colby College.

day, Nov. 20, at the Killingworth VFD. Steven is a member of Killingworth Scout Troop 18. He is the grandson of Charles and Betty Arrigoni and Ken and Betty Kindschi, both of Middlefield. For his Eagle project, Steven designed and organized the building of trash and recycling receptacles, bat and helmet holders and a picnic table for the grounds at the Rocco Reale Little League baseball field on Route 81 in Killingworth.

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Town Times Spotlight

Spotlight (Continued from page 23) Melissa Zanelli, of Rockfall, daughter of Ralph and Donna Zanelli, has been named to the fall 2011 semes-

ter Dean’s List at the New Hampshire Institute of Art. Melissa is in her junior year and is majoring in photography.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Learning about nature Third/fourth graders in Mrs. Hadlock’s class at John Lyman School have been learning about ecosystems and food chains. Outdoor education specialists Marcy Klattenberg and Lori Martin lead a science lab in which students dissected owl pellets. Submitted

Look for the Strong School honor roll list in next week’s issue of Town Times.

1229316

Drinking and Driving: A Disaster Waiting to Happen When you head out to celebrate this New Year’s Eve, use your head. If you plan to drink alcohol, you can avoid a disaster by appointing a designated driver, calling a cab or using public transportation. Glazer Dental Associates 16 Main Street, Suite 303 Durham, CT

Durham Auto Center 13 Middlefield Rd. Durham, CT

Gossip Family Diner 339 Main Street Durham, CT

Carolyn Adams Country Barn 352 Main Street Durham, CT

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Midstate Tractor 562 So. Main St. Middletown, CT

Dick’s Citgo 22 New Haven Rd. Durham, CT

Core Club 350 Main Street Durham, CT

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Wild Wisteria 354 Main Street Durham, CT

Lino’s Market 472 Main Street Durham, CT

Town Times 488 Main Street Middlefield, CT

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Durham Market 238 Main Street Durham, CT

Durham Wine & Spirits 60 Main Street Durham, CT

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Durham Healthmart Pharmacy 321 Main Street Durham, CT

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Micheli’s Unisex Salon and Middlefield Barber Shop 193 Strickland Road Middlefield, CT

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