2-26-2010 Town Times by Town Times Newspaper

Go, Olympians!

Volume 16, Issue 46

Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall

Friday, Februar y 26, 2010

Sharing. Will it work Are you tired of winter yet? for our towns? By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times Can Middlefield and Durham share certain services, personnel and departments? Some think it can and should be done. Already successfully sharing a school system and transfer station, how creative can the towns get in finding ways to save money, be more efficient and improve services? They asked each other this a few years back at a joint meeting, and the gears have not stopped turning. Here are the ideas discussed in a two-and-ahalf hour open-ended conversation with the boards of Selectmen (BOS) and Finance (BOF) of both towns on Wednesday, Feb. 17, when the question was raised again, “What areas should our towns share?” An assessor? Hmmm. How about public works functions — “probably won’t go over with the towns too well,” but why

not at least look into bundle contracts? That can be done. Housekeeping: Durham contracts out while Middlefield has part-time custodial staff. A shared dog warden and kennel? That’s an idea, as Durham will soon face a decision as their kennel is now on private property, and the Middlefield kennel is nearly empty, though it costs $2,000 a year for fuel oil to keep it heated. In terms of fuel, Durham currently buys gasoline at the pump because they don’t have their own, but would like to buy it in bulk. Is it possible to contract for a year to get a single price, or is that not allowed? While asking each other how certain services are handled or financed in each town, one idea evolved into the next, and the conversation soon turned to more significant ideas, like joining Park and Rec departments. See Sharing, page 5

Durham Board of Finance gets town budget up 6.9 percent from Selectmen By Chuck Corley Special to the Town Times The Board of Selectmen presented their budget for Fiscal Year 2010-2011 to the Board of Finance during a joint meeting on Saturday, Feb. 20. While there’s an expected growth of .066 in the grand list, amounting to $512,713, the mill rate is still anticipated to go up by .68 mills in the coming fiscal year. This is due to a loss of $165,000 in state and local revenues and a rise in the general government operating budget, as well as a in capital and contingency budgets. All told, the proposed budget is up $355,436 from the 2009-2010 budget, with a town budget of $5,480,316 proposed for 2010-11. In addition to the revenue

loss, First Selectman Laura Francis attributed some of the budget difficulties to the 27 percent increase in the town’s health insurance. However, she added that this is down from the 38 percent increase the selectmen anticipated. Aging buildings and equipment were also blamed as a reason for the increase, and the See Durham BOF, page 20

In this issue ... Calendar .......................4 Durham Briefs ..............7 Libraries.................26-27 Middlefield Briefs.........6 Obituary......................29 Sports .....................30-31

The winter weather was a hit for the children at BASREP, above! They spent much of the February vacation week building snowmen, coloring the snow with spray bottles and frolicking in the snow! Left below, Jenna Young cuddles up close with her snowman. Below right, snowman made by Ashleigh Rioux, Kacie Halligan and Niko Halligan on Feb. 16. Center, ice dragon entertains atten-

dees at the Lyman Orchards Winterfest last weekend. Photos submitted by Jennifer Rioux, BASREP, Karen Freelance Kean and Sheila Poitras

Town Times Community Briefs

Corrections We strive to bring you the most accurate and up-todate information available, but if you see something in Town Times that isn’t quite right, give our news department a call at 860-349-8000, and we’ll do our best to make things right. The story in last week’s paper about the boy scout troop going to the Klondike, was actually about Troop 270, not Troop 27, and it was written by Bart Amendola, not Marc D’Orvilliers. However, Marc took the photo of the snowman on page 1.

Durham Fair public safety department wants you The Public Safety Department of the Durham Fair will be holding a recruiting session on Saturday, Feb. 27. Learn about the numerous volunteer opportunities available within this department. The Public Safety Department manages emergency services, coordinates logistical details of fair time operations and maintains a safe and efficient Durham Fair. Presentations will be held at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the Emergency Operations Center (Medical Building) on the fair-

Index of Advertisers

grounds. Current Public Safety staff members will also be available to answer questions. Experience in the public safety field is not required. The 91st annual Durham Fair will be held September 23, 24, 25 and 26, on the Durham fairgrounds located at the junction of Routes 68, 17 and 79 in Durham. For more information, visit www.durhamfair.com.

Middlesex Institute for Lifelong Education Celebrate spring by signing up for daytime mini-courses with MILE for adults 50+. Middlesex Institute for Lifelong

Unless noted, all events take place at the Youth Center in the Middlefield Community Center. New office hours: 3:30-5:30 Tuesdays-Fridays; phone 860-349-0258. 5th and 6th grade dance Friday, Feb. 26; 7 to 9:30 p.m.; $5 admission. Pizza and snacks for sale. Father/Daughter Dance On Friday, March 12, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. enjoy a father/daughter dance and fun night. Listen to great music, enjoy arts and crafts, or just hang out in the game room and see who will win $10.

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Keys found A set of keys were found on School Street near Jackson Hill Road. If you think they might be yours, call 860-349-8922.

‘Do not call’ list for cell phones If you want your cell phone number to be listed on the national do not call list, visit the state of Connecticut website at http://www.ct.gov/dcp/cwp/vi ew.asp?a=1629&q=285064. You can register up to three phones, land lines or cell phones.

Community supper This month’s community supper will be hosted by the Girl Scouts, Notre Dame and the Church of the Epiphany. It will be held at the Church of the Epiphany, 196 Main St. in Durham, on Sunday, Feb. 28, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The dinner is free and open to the public. All are invited; all are welcome.

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Education will be offering a variety of interesting choices for the spring term, March 15 through April 23. In addition to a computer class and the popular course Great Decisions, there will be two sessions on hypnosis, several classes on various aspects of gardening, an introduction to the opera which will be performed in Middletown, a Victorian tea and more. On Monday, March 22, Bill Berloni of Annie fame will give a talk entitled “Animals in Show Business.” An orientation program will be held on Friday, Feb. 26, at Chapman Hall, Middlesex Community College, 100 Training Hill Rd. in Middletown. Refreshments will be available at

Durham/Middlefield Youth & Family Services

To advertise in the Town Times, call Joy Boone at 860-349-8026.

Academy for Little Learners ......17 Ace Oil.......................................12 Ahearn Builders.........................29 Allan’s Tree Service ..................30 APEC Electric............................30 Appraisal One Associates.........25 Baby’s World .............................24 Batter’s Box ...............................12 Behling Builders ........................29 Berardino Company Realtors3, 31 Binge, Bruce..............................27 Bogen, Charles Jr., CPA...........26 Bond Dinettes............................23 Book Bower...............................20 Cahill & Sons.............................28 Caliber Computer Services .......29 Carlton Interiors.........................11 Carmine’s Restaurant ...............11 Carolyn Adams Country Barn ...15 Central Ct. Transportation.........31 Classic Wood Flooring ..............28 Conroy, John, D.M.D...................6 Ct. Home Add. & Remodeling...26 Custom Digital Prints.................27 Dean Autoworks........................19 Durham Auto Center .................21 Durham Dental ......................5, 17 Durham Family Chiropractic .....16 Durham Family Eyecare .....17, 21 Durham Fitness.........................11 Durham Healthmart Pharmacy .18 Durham In Bloom ........................6 Durham Market .....................7, 19 Durham Wine & Spirits................6 Executive Offices.......................30 Family Tree Care ......................30 Ferguson & McGuire Ins.....17, 22 Fuel & Service...........................10 Fugge, David M.........................28 Glazer Dental Associates....10, 16 Golschneider Painting...............28 Gossip .........................................3 Grosolar.....................................22 Home Works..............................28 Ianniello Plumbing.....................29

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Town Times

Friday, February 26, 2010

Durham selectmen consider fire trucks and budgets

Arrest made in fatal Durham crash By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times

curred but did not see anything since the field was so dark. She finally called 911 when she heard screaming and yelling for help. Peeler did not appear to be intoxicated or smell of alcohol at the scene of the accident, but toxicology reports concluded that Peeler’s blood alcohol content nearly three hours after the accident was .022. The legal limit for an adult is .08 and for persons under 21 the limit is .02. First responders found DiVicino dead at the scene from traumatic brain injuries, while Peeler was taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital with a broken leg, ankle and knee injuries, a punctured lung and head lacerations.

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. 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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See BOS, page 7

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The Durham town clerk’s office will, once again, be participating in National Passport Day on Saturday, March 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, contact the town clerk at 860-349-3453.

age dispensing registrations for the four schools in Durham. First Selectman Laura Francis clarified that this is the yearly health department fee. The selectmen also approved a resolution authorizing Francis to enter into an agreement with the state for the construction, inspection and maintenance of pavement improvements on Maiden Lane utilizing $113,000 of federal funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Local traffic authority

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Durham fire chief Harry Hall was in attendance at the Feb. 22 Board of Selectmen (BOS) meeting to present information on the replacement of the 1987 Ford FMC Water Supply engine. According to Hall, plans for the replacement have taken place over two years, and due to 2010 EPA emission mandates, a monkey wrench was thrown into the process. Ultimately, when the Durham Volunteer Fire Company (DVFC) went out to bid, only one bid came back – from

Gowans Knight Co. Inc. for $444,490. In subsequent meetings with Gowans Knight, they discussed ways to reduce the overall cost of the finished unit; Some of the compartment configurations were changed and DVFC decided to purchase some of the equipment directly rather than as part of the bid. Thus, the new bid from Gowans Knight is $413,594.16, which the board unanimously approved. The board approved a request from Regional School District 13 to waive fees for the application for food and bever-

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According to Guilford police, the driver of the vehicle that lost control, flipping over several times and ultimately killing passenger Michelle DiVicino shortly after 1 a.m. on Nov. 7 was legally drunk and racing another car. Brian J. Peeler, 18, of 447 Higganum Road in Durham, was arrested last week and charged with second-degree manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, misconduct with a motor vehicle, operating under the influence and reckless driving and racing. According to the arrest warrant, Peeler and DiVicino, a senior at Coginchaug High School, had gone to Colony Lanes Bowling Alley in Wallingford with other friends that night where Peeler said he had consumed part of a Poland Spring bottle that had been ¼ filled with 100-proof vodka. He and DiVicino were also seen sharing a large soda which they drank together from the same bottle. According to the warrant, DiVicino was heard saying, “I love 100 proof.” Peeler said he had driven to a friend’s home in Durham to wait for the alcohol to wear off before driving Michelle home. Peeler recalls speeding up when an Audi A4 began chasing him. However, witnesses described the two cars racing each other at over 100 miles per hour down Route 77 where the speed limit is 40 mph. The last thing Peeler remembers was taking a curve too quickly in his father’s 2002 Ford Mustang before it tumbled 397 feet onto Wimler’s Farm just past the Durham line in Guilford. A neighbor heard the loud crash when the accident oc-

Town Times

4 FRIDAY

February 26

Renaissance Feast The Chamber Choir Renaissance Feast will be held at Coginchaug at 6:30 p.m. MILE Adults over 50 can sign up for daytime mini-courses with MILE. Middlesex Institute for Lifelong Education will hold an orientation program at Chapman Hall, Middlesex Community College, 100 Training Hill Rd. in Middletown, beginning, at 1 p.m. For info, visit www.mileonline.org or call 860-343-5863. Auditions ARTFARM will hold auditions for As You Like It from 6 to 9 p.m. and tomorrow from 1 to 4 p.m. in Founders Hall at Middlesex Community College, 100 Training Hill Rd. in Middletown. Performers must be 18 years old, and bring resume, head shot, Shakespeare monologue, dress to move and stay for the three-hour session. Call 860-346-4390, e-mail info@art-farm.org or visit www.art-farm.org for info. Musical Event Neely Bruce will present a recital of vocal music entitled “Three Sopranos and Three Pianos” at Crowell Concert Hall, 283 Washington Terrace in Middletown at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 general, and $4 seniors, staff and students, and available at www.wesleyan.edu/cfa or by calling 860-685-3355.

SATURDAY

February 27

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Actress Robin Lane will portray Jackie Kennedy at 2 p.m. at Russell Library, 123 Broad St. in Middletown. In a one-woman show, Robin reveals the private woman behind the public mask. Call the library at 860-347-2528 for info. Seal Watch Ranger Russ Miller will lead a seal search at 3 p.m. at Hammonasset Beach in Madison. Meet in the Nature Center parking lot at 2:50, and he will lead the group to the viewing platform to look for harbor seals. To reserve a spot, call 203-245-8743.

SUNDAY

February 28 Harlem Wizards Harlem Wizards basketball

games will be held at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the Coginchaug High School gym. Community Supper This month’s community supper will be hosted by the Girl Scouts, Notre Dame and the Church of the Epiphany. It will be held at the Church of the Epiphany, 196 Main St. in Durham, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The dinner is free and open to the public. All are invited; all are welcome. Archaeology Open House The state archaeology office will hold an open house at Meigs Point Nature Center in Hammonasset Beach State Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn about recently discovered Native American artifacts. View one of the largest privately owned atlatl collections and a stone axehead collection. Bring your artifacts to be examined for authenticity at no charge. For more information, call 203-245-9192. Black History Immediately following the morning service at Cross Street AME Zion Church, 440 West St. in Middletown, will be a black history program “Legacy for the African American Child.” All are welcome. For info, call 860-344-9527. Special Services “30 Pieces of Silver” will be the sermon subject today at the Middlefield Federated Church, 402 Main St. in Middlefield, as part of their special sermon series on the symbols of Lent at 10 a.m. All welcome.

MONDAY

March 1 Stroke Club Middletown Stroke Club will meet at 1 p.m. in the community room at Sugarloaf Terrace in Middlefield. The Stroke Club meets the first Monday of every month. For information, call Ida at 860344-9984, Ray at 860-349-9226 or Ann at 203-235-4275. Strong PTO The Strong School parent organization will meet at 7:15 p.m. Free Movie Every Monday the Middletown Senior Center, 150 William St., offers a free movie at 12:30 p.m. Today’s movie is The Other Man with Antonio Banderas and Liam Neeson. Call 860-344-3513 for info. International Woman’s Day The Greater Middletown branch of the American Association of University Women will celebrate world-wide

United Nations International Woman’s Day (March 8) at the Russell Library, 123 Broad St. in Middletown, as an open house from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Network with international guests and students from other countries. There will be exhibits, crafts, music, entertainment and international food samples. Featured speakers include an international students’ panel at 6 p.m. Call 860-347-4887 for info.

WEDNESDAY

March 3 TOPS Durham TOPS Club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. on the third floor of the Durham Town Hall. For info, call Naomi Klotsko at 860-349-9558 or Bonnie Olesen at 860-349-9433. Sleep Better Learn helpful tips for a more restful sleep, including an overview of common sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, at the Wallingford Library, 200 N. Main St., from noon to 1 p.m. Registration is required by calling 203-265-6754. B/KPTA Night at Gossip From 3 to 9 p.m. is B/KPTA family night at Gossip restaurant in Durham. Come in or take-out. Gossip will donate a portion of all dinner proceeds to the BKPTA plus match an equal amount. Visit www.gossipdiner.com for a full menu and place your order. Playwright Wesleyan University presents a free talk with awardwinning playwright David Henry Hwang who will discuss his works, M. Butterfly and Yellowface, and share his writing process. “Write What You (Don’t) Know” will take place at 7 p.m. in Memorial Chapel, 221 High St. in Middletown. For info, visit www.wesleyan.edu/cfa or call 860-6853355. Marlon Brando “Will the Real Marlon Brando Please Stand Up?” will be presented at noon at Russell Library, 123 Broad St. in Middletown. This two-hour look at Brando’s movie career includes scenes from A Streetcar Named Desire, The Wild One, Julius Caesar and others. Bring a sandwich; the library will provide dessert and beverages. Call 860-347-2528 for info. Prudence Crandall Karin Peters, museum director of the Ct. commission on Culture and Tourism, will tell the story of Ct. state heroine Prudence Crandall and her

Friday, February 26, 2010 dream to provide high quality education “to all on equal terms.” The lecture takes place at noon at Connecticut’s Old State House. For info, or to order a box lunch for $14, call 860-522-6766.

THURSDAY

March 4 Nature and Health Potapaug Audubon presents “Nature and Health - How Nature Sustains Us” at the Essex Town Hall at 7:30 p.m. with Judy Preston of the Tidewater Institute. This program will connect people to nature in their own backyards. Refreshments will be served at this free program. For more information, call 860-767-9763. Asian Longhorned Beetle A free educational session regarding the Asian Longhorned Beetle will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Russell Library, 123 Broad St. in Middletown. The presenter will be Rose Hiskes, entomologist at the CT Agricultural Experiment Station. All are invited, and town public works staff and tree wardens are strongly urged to attend. Light refreshments will be served. Visit www.massnrc.org/PESTS/alb/ to learn the reporting procedures. Historical Society The Middlefield Historical Society will meet at the Community Center at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend. Call 860-349-0665 for information. Women’s Hike Explore the beautiful Mt. Pisgah property at 9:30 a.m. in Durham. There is a stream, rock outcroppings and a gorgeous view from the top. For info, contact Lucy at 860-3957771 or www.womenofthewoods.org.

FRIDAY

March 5 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 Kirk Hagert at 860-349-5626 for info. Live Music Harpeth Rising will play a blend of classical, bluegrass, Celtic and folk music and call it neograssiclassicana at the Buttonwood Tree on Main St. in Middletown at 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY

March 6 Winter Farmers Market The Dudley Farm winter farmers’ market will be held from 9 a.m. to noon in the yellow barn at 2351 Durham Rd. (Route 77) in Guilford. There will be local organic produce, artisan breads, baked goods, honey, jam, eggs, cheeses, handcrafted soaps, baskets, knitted items, jewelry, photography, and more. For information, call 860-349-3917. DanceMaster Weekend Today and tomorrow Wesleyan University celebrates iDanceMasters Weekend. This year’s showcase performance features the Taylor 2 Dance Company, Merce Cunningham Dance Company and Carmen deLavallande. Master classes are taught by visiting artists from past and currently showcased companies, as well as members of Wesleyan’s dance faculty. Performance takes place at 8 p.m. in the CFA Theater, 283 Washington Terrace in Middletown. Tickets are $23 and $18 for seniors and students, available by calling 860685-3355 or visiting www.wesleyan.edu/boxoffice. Corned Beef Dinner Join St. James Episcopal Church in Higganum for their annual corned beef dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. The dinner will include corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and homemade desserts. The tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $5 for children. Take out dinners are available. The church is located on the corner of Route 81 and Little City Road. For more information, call 860-345-2445. Enrichment Program Minds in Motion enrichment program will be held at Snow School, 299 Wadsworth St. in Middletown, from 1 to 4 p.m. All interested students K8 throughout the area are welcome to attend. This is an afternoon of fun, fast-paced, hands-on workshops including chess, dance, chemistry, pottery, karate, circus skills, theater, DNA, African drumming, music, math, tessellations, TV production and much more. Admission is $15 for members of Ct. Association for the Gifted, and $20 for non-members. Financial aid is available for anyone in need by sending an e-mail to middletown@gmail.com. Call 860347-2579 for more information.

Town Times

Friday, February 26, 2010

Sharing

(From page 1)

Board of Education) is autonomous, like we are,” one person said, and Francis added that she thought the BOF and BOS could attain better information from the district if they asked better questions. Perhaps Brayshaw said it best toward the end of the meeting when he stated, “Our role as Boards of Selectmen and Boards of Finance is to be ugly, to add pressure (when tough questions must be asked).” The meeting concluded with optimism over the ideas, and the decision that the first place

to consider is bidding out some professional services. As a good start, Francis noted that Durham is joining Killingworth, Portland, Chester, East Haddam and most likely Middlefield to bid on four different functions, including line painting, sweeping, chip sealing and catchbasin cleaning. Some towns will participate in all and some will only do some.

“These are ideas we don’t know will prove out anything,” said Francis. “But until we try it, we won’t know.”

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the towns, the boards didn’t want to give up on DMYFS. They proposed a committee to discuss a reorganization of DMYFS in the future. For the remainder of the meeting, the conversation floated around the school district and education. Bob Yamartino, on the Middlefield Board of Finance, had his opinions on ways to save money having to do with the athletic project at the Coginchaug campus. Yamartino also mentioned looking more closely into certain district accounts, and the board members thought it would be beneficial to have the financial officers of the towns and school meet to talk about the contingency fund and fund balance of the school. “We have to remember (the

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“These are all good ideas, but money-wise, we can realize a higher amount with things like Park and Rec,” said Middlefield First Selectman Jon Brayshaw, specifically citing the high expense of maintaining grounds. Why not share a Park and Rec director and have a joint Park and Rec commission? “Why not?” most asked. “Nearly all activities are open to both towns anyway.” Similarly, the idea was then raised to share Senior Services, and even combine Park and Rec and Senior Services. The boards believed it would be feasible for one person to handle the Park and Rec and Senior Services for both towns down the road. This would not be done without perhaps some changes in the way we’re used to seeing things, but it will save money, they said. Brayshaw had one concern about making any of these changes. “It’s all about people who know our towns like an encyclopedia,” he said. “It’s hard to judge the quality of a company or vendor.” Durham Middlefield Youth and Family Services (DMYFS) was a hot topic as the boards struggled to find what DMYFS

does that other groups can’t offer. Originally conceived to be a counseling service for youth and their families at an age where youth could turn to alcohol and drugs, many in the room felt that DMYFS has no clear mission anymore. While DMYFS claims to offer low cost for the tows, the boards would like to see more than a babysitting service and would like to see services for adults. Durham First Selectman Laura Francis spoke in their defense, saying DMYFS has never been funded to be the service it was designed to be, and if eliminated, “We’re told we’d be the only towns in the state without a youth bureau.” And seeing how “there is nothing besides organized sports” that offers healthy, productive activities for youth in

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Middlefield Town Briefs

Middlefield Government Calendar (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Community Center.) Monday, March 1 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen Tuesday, March 2 7 p.m. — Levi E. Coe Library Association at the library 7:30 p.m. — Midstate Planning, 100 DeKoven Dr., Middletown Wednesday, March 3 7:30 p.m. — Board of Education at Strong School Thursday, March 4 7 p.m. — Economic Development Commission Wednesday, March 10 6:30 p.m. — Planning and Zoning

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Finance director Joe Geruch had little good news to report to the Board of Finance during their meeting on Feb. 18. Geruch reviewed both the current fiscal year budget and his expectations for the following budget. Geruch reported that state aid is down $40,000 while the grand list has gone down by one percent. While he’s working with the First Selectman to cut $200,000 from next year’s budget, he stated that Middlefield is looking at a $300,000 increase in taxes. In light of budget troubles, Geruch stated that the selectman’s draft of the budget may be delayed in coming before the finance board. In addition to the upcoming budget, Geruch also let the board know to expect a number of problems in the current fiscal year. One problem is that tax collection is already down. The Town Planning and Town Counsel line-items are also areas of concern, as both are already fully expended after only half of the year. The reason for

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Friday, February 26, 2010

these costs was attributed to the various negotiations and lawsuits related to Powder Ridge. Furthermore, the town may end up owing $60,000 to CIRMA for a retroactive assessment on the town’s insurance. Workman’s compensation may also go $13,000 over-budget. In order to combat some of these budget concerns, Geruch suggested that the board cut out various “extras, frills and niceties” that come before them. He brought up the proposed Emergency Management System as one nicety and noted that once a program is started, it’s hard for the town to get out of it. He also suggested eliminating brush-cutting, thus allowing Public Works to spend more time on other projects. Equipment-sharing with other towns was also noted as a cost-saving measure, though board chairman Rebecca Adams remarked that there have been personnel issues with equipment sharing in the past. The need to cut down on the number of streetlights throughout town, as well as avoid wasting material such as road sand and salt, was also mentioned. No decisions were made, though the finance board will soon get into budget workshopping for next year. In light of these concerns, the board also discussed delaying or otherwise building the school’s athletic facility in various stages to stagger the cost

to the town. While the board has no ability to act on this, member Bob Yamartino suggested that they may want to speak to the school about building the facility out over the next four years rather than just one year. Tying into this was the school’s undesignated fund balance, which Jeremy Renninghoff stated, “goes up every single year.” According to Yamartino, the school has over $2,000,000 in its fund balance, and he felt that Durham and Middlefield should ask for the money back. He said the board should speak with school finance manager Ron Melnick about their projections for the end of the year and where the school’s finances are now. This is in light of the $600,000 overage the school had for teacher salaries in the last fiscal year. The board also expressed their desire to see the school come up with a 10-year capital plan. One other notable item came before the board. Durham’s Emergency Management director, Francis Willett, made a presentation on implementing an emergency notification system in Middlefield. The town would utilize the same system that Durham uses, paying part of the $4,900 cost that’s otherwise shared between Durham and the

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Durham Town Briefs

whether or not a Home OcP&Z approves RV for cupation permit is needed for parking, considers certain home-run businesses. (In attendance/Chuck Corley) golf school and BOS (From page 3) permits Francis informed the board that they will need to revisit an older local traffic authority request that was tabled. The request came from a resident for a stop sign at the four corners of Cherry Lane and Higganum Road and also asked for more speed limit signs. After a brief discussion, the board agreed to visit the site and review further at the next meeting. Francis noted that she has requested traffic enforcement on the road which, she says, has proved to be the best way to reduce speed. Other business Francis announced the Board of Education budget will be presented on March 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Strong School library. In addition, Superintendent Susan Viccaro will meet with each board of finance separately and will address questions regarding fund balance and capital plan, etc. The Durham date is tentatively set for March 13 at 9 a.m. In new business, the Depart-

Durham Government Calendar (All meetings will be held at the Durham Library unless otherwise noted. Check the town Web page at www.townofdurhamct.org for agendas and last-minute changes.) Tuesday, March 2 6:30 p.m. — Public Safety Committee 7:30 p.m. — Midstate Planning, 100 DeKoven Dr., Middletown Wednesday, March 3 7:30 p.m. — Board of Education at Strong School 7:30 p.m. — Planning and Zoning Commission Monday, March 8 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen at Town Hall 7:30 p.m. — Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency Wednesday, March 10 7:30 p.m. — Board of Education at Strong School the level of a referendum.” Viola also commented on the shared cost of the emergency notification system among the

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The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed an application that would allow for RV parking at the condominiums located at the corner of Route 17 and Meetinghouse Hill Road. Attorney John Corona spoke on behalf of the applicant. The applicant wants to set-up a 50’ by 75’ gravel lot for the storage of up to four RVs. Corona noted that this is for current unit owners at the location and that the vehicles will not have access to utilities. Furthermore, unit owners can already park their RVs on site. The lot would merely give them a specific area to park. In light of this, the commission gave the application their unanimous approval. The commission also spoke with Maureen Melleky, who wants to open a therapeutic golf school at 45 Ozick Drive. While no application exists at present, the commission wanted to make sure that no use issues would arise once an application is filed. Melleky explained that she wants to open up a 1,250-square-foot facility with two treatment rooms and an office. She doesn’t expect to meet with more than one or two clients at any time and there shouldn’t be any issues with parking or traffic. When asked if she might teach larger classes at the facility, Melleky replied that any such classes would be taught at a golf course rather than at Ozick Drive. In light of this, the commission felt the golf school would be appropriate to the zone. One matter brought up by ZEO Geoff Colegrove is that there are a number of illegal signs along Main Street. He told the commission that he plans on sending out a “friendly note” letting people know that they’re not in compliance, in the hopes that it will inspire voluntary compliance on behalf of business owners. The commission is also in the process of reviewing their requirements for a Home Occupation permit, with the possibility of decreasing the requirements for certain non-intensive uses. Colegrove was asked to put together a proposal based on the information he’s gathered from Middlefield, Portland and Haddam. All of these towns have various tiers

ment of Transportation (DOT) has notified Durham that a road rehabilitation project will take place on Route 68 from the Wallingford town line to Route 17. It will happen in the 2010 construction season upon legislative approval of the DOT budget request. Francis said she attended a walk through of Carolyn Adams Country Barn where a Senior Center could likely be located if passed in the budget. During public comment at the conclusion of the meeting, resident Donia Viola strongly urged that the proposed Senior Center at Carolyn Adams be voted on at a referendum, calling the decision to include it in the budget “a disgrace.” “This is not the time to consider fun and recreation when we don’t know what’s going to hit us,” she said, noting that the town has voted down a Senior Center in the past. Francis acknowledged, “We made it clear this was a want, a desire,” but the selectmen assured Viola that the town will have the chance to vote on the budget and can remove the item during budget meetings. They were firm, however, that it is “not a budget that raises to

Town Times Opinion

Friday, February 26, 2010

What we do when we’re not putting TT together ...

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

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Town Times is published every Friday by the Record-Journal Publishing Co. and is delivered to all homes and businesses in Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall. Sue VanDerzee, Editor Stephanie Wilcox, Reporter Brian Monroe, Advertising Director Joy Boone, Advertising Sales Wendy Parker, Office Manager Contributors: Betsy Booz, Chuck Corley, Chris Coughlin, Trish Dynia, Karen Kean, Kathy Meyering, Judy Moeckel.

Bet you never even thought to ask that question, did you? Well, since we’re assuming you are interested, we’ll let you in on a little secret. Very often what we do involves young people. In just the last two weeks, reporter Stephanie Wilcox and editor Sue VanDerzee have visited Strong School to speak to the Cub Scouts, from left, Shane Meiselman, Erik Ruggiero, Joseph Journalism Club and Viski and Hunter Saverino-Andrews visited Town Times and put hosted a den of Cub together their own newspaper, the Lucky Times. Scouts (pictured here). Sunday evening, Stephanie will work with the Devil’s Advocate production staff from Coginchaug High School, whose efforts will appear in next week’s Town Times. These opportunities are precious to the staff. We enjoy working with the communities’ young people, and we encourage any interested group to call us at 860-349-8000 if you’d like to see what we do when we’re not putting the Town Times together! Sue VanDerzee

Letters to the Editor

Town treasures Attention: Editor I have been a resident of Durham for almost 65 years and have often been reminded of what a caring community this is, even as it grows bigger and bigger. Recently I had an emergency need of the local ambulance transport to Middlesex Hospital. The crew of four quickly responded with efficient, caring and respectful service. One member of the team, Scott Wright, later called the hospital and offered to bring me back to Durham if I was to be discharged that night. Part of his job description? No way! He told me he just wanted to do a good deed for a fellow Durham resident. He not only brought me home — after one o’clock a.m. on Feb. 14th, but his wife, Sue (who was also one of the responders) met us at my house — at that hour— and together

made sure I got safely inside. Fellow Durhamites, we have another town treasure in these dedicated, caring people. Lois L. Leston. Durham

Another local candidate asks for support Positive news is at a premium these days. It’s hard to find a single story that doesn’t involve someone losing his job or her home. The unfortunate fact is that each one of us knows someone who has been adversely affected by this declining economy. Connecticut is in a deep recession that has been made much worse by our state legislature that does not seem to understand how difficult things are for the average citizen and the small businessperson. Last year, the legislature used up the entire state surplus, bor-

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.

rowed over one billion dollars and enacted a budget with a built-in half-billion dollar deficit for this fiscal year. The legislature, which has the primary responsibility for adopting a balanced and fair budget, has demonstrated a total lack of leadership and fiscal accountability. As a small business owner, my partner and I have to run a lean operation. It’s time for Connecticut to change the way we are doing business. We need to reduce spending by operating the state more efficiently and intelligently; eliminating waste, redundancies and nonessentials with more streamlined operations. Additionally, cut taxes on middle income taxpayers and small businesses and provide incentives for companies to create more jobs. I believe our government should invest its dollars in our citizens and create a better business climate so more people can find jobs and maintain a decent standard of living. Like so many other Connecticut citizens, I have grown increasingly disappointed in the way our state government operates. As a result, I am doing something I have never done before. With the support of my husband Joe and my children Ashley and Joey, I have formed an exploratory committee to test support for a possible run this November for the office of State Senator in the 12th District. Now is the time that we

need to be served by elected officials who will reduce spending, lower taxes, create an environment in Connecticut that fosters new business, job security and job growth. We can do much better. This is the year in which we must elect senators who will make the best decisions for all Connecticut citizens. I welcome the opportunity to speak with you; please contact me at lisadavenport2010@gmail.com or 860349-8526. I thank you for your anticipated support, and I’m confident that we can bring about the change our state and our families so desperately need. Lisa Davenport, Durham

Slams state senator for writing about family vacation As we entered into 2010, an election year for state politics, I decided to make my new year’s resolution to make myself more aware of the politics around me. Where should I start? My grandpa always told me to start with your local government, so naturally I turned to our faithful Town Times. I know I had always seen pictures of our politicians in there somewhere giving us updates from their area of politics.... I flipped through the February 12th issue and there it was —

the Town Times columns.... First I read our most local government column by First Selectman Laura Francis. I thought to myself... OK, this is not so bad... Durham is moving forward while holding the line. A local government working together to make it work sensibly. OK, on to the next column... “From the State Capitol by State Senator Ed Meyer”..... WOW, I had to read this column twice because I could not quite believe what I was reading. What in the world does “Politics in the Gulf Stream” have to do with my local government?

With all due respect, Senator Meyer, as much as I appreciate your semi-retired lifestyle of being able to pick up and head on down to the pink beaches of Bermuda, this is not what I am concerned about “from the state capitol.”. Every day my family paddles hard to keep our heads above water and I watch my friends and family do the same, I worry about my friends and family members that are losing their jobs and have been out of work so long that they are at the end of their ropes.

It seems a bit inappropriate as an elected State Senator to gloat about your winter in Bermuda and concern the citizens of the 12th District with the politics of another nation when we struggle to fix our own.

See Senator, page 10

Friday, February 26, 2010

Town Times Columns

Solar: not such an eyesore anymore ing system. They are When the Kleen EnClaudia O’Connell such a natural choice ergy Plant in Middlefor new construction town suffered its draor for those needing a matic and devastating new roof because they explosion earlier this are pollution and month, and details emerged about the scope of the $1.4 bil- noise free, and require no fuel to operlion project, it occurred to me to write ate. Their thin profile and flexible about bringing energy access closer to construction make them lightweight home. I dream of a world in which my and inexpensive to install. When a neighbors and I can produce our own homeowner with a grid-connection clean energy without having to rely on cannot use all the energy generated by power plants lurking in every corner of their shingles, they can feed the excess back to the utility grid saving the state. Unfortunately, it seems like we are homeowners the cost of electricity eons away from a world where develop- storage devices such as batteries. Of course, people will need to reach a ers cultivate building projects designed with energy independence in mind. place where they believe that the Things like solar hot water heaters, cis- coolest house in the neighborhood is terns and PV roof shingles should not the one that harnesses the latest and be mere options or upgrades, but a re- greatest technologies to achieve energy quired part of building code (or at least independence. Picture folks out for a a big part of the dialogue). Every build- Sunday drive slowing down to covet a ing should be designed to occupy its lot new development in which every to optimize energy capture potential. house on the cul-de-sac boasts PV shinAnd every house plan should spec pho- gles, while their dazzling blue cells (pictovoltaic roof shingles to capture free ture Rainbow Fish scales) quite literally catch the sunlight and convert it into and renewable solar power. Introduced in 2005, photovoltaic roof energy. Form and function will need to shingles mimic the look of traditional reflect new ideologies of curb appeal. If asphalt shingles and can be blended a house is constructed with eight with regular shingles on a single roof. gables, for example, there had better be They are aesthetically attractive and a some environmental functionality befar cry from the slap-dash look of the hind the design. And if houses are still solar panels of yore with their bracket- being designed 10 years from now with useless two-story entry foyers and gared arms and awkward angles. Although south-facing locations gantuan crystal chandeliers, I will simare optimal, west or east-facing loca- ply throw up my hands. Please visit my blog at tions can offer 90% or more of the parenting power generated by a true south-fac- kidstodayoyvay.blogspot.com.

Earthwise

The reason for the red the pressing issues facWhile attending a ing women today, used legislative hearing at Stephanie Wilcox to be called Making the State Capitol on Women Visible Day. Feb. 9, my first obserBut as Younger would vation was that many explain, women were people in the room were wearing the color red: red already visible, “They just need to be sweaters, red jackets, red vests, red heard, too.” Well, this was the day to use your pins, red lipstick, etc. Wearing brown dress slacks and a tan sweater, there voice as the ears of political leaders, was clearly a memo I did not receive. such as Senator Ed Meyer, Secretary of Fortunately, I would soon learn that State Susan Bysiewicz and Attorney the color was optional, and just being General Richard Blumenthal were all ours. Laying it out on the table at this there was what really mattered. Phew! Teresa Younger, executive director public testimony were the First Selectof the Permanent Commission on the woman of Simsbury: “Education is an Status of Women (PCSW), which pro- emergency so that we can give back to vides information to state agencies and the state, and it’s a way to empower citizens on matters concerning women, women”; representatives from the welcomed all attendees to the annual Community Foundation for Women Women’s Day at the Capitol. At the con- and Girls: “Pay equity has reverted, clusion of her opening speech, her arm not advanced”; the director of a local extended high, Younger exclaimed, Women’s Center: “Affordable housing, childcare and transportation are criti“Go red for women!” Aha! Surrounded by cheers, I re- cal for working families”; representamembered: vibrant and bold, wearing tives from the Susan G. Komen Breast red symbolizes making women visible. Cancer Foundation: “You cannot cut In fact, the annual Women’s Day at the funding for or access to screenings that Capitol, which I was attending for the help with early detection”; CEO of Girl first time, where experts and individuals from across the state speak up about See Reason, page 10

Guest Column

Calling all artists! Our annual Community Guide will come out this year at the end of March. Our theme will be “Our Creative Communities,” and that’s where we’d like your help. If you are a person who is involved in public creative endeavors – as a painter, in a band, author, woodworker, potter, etc. – we’d like to know about you and print a paragraph and a small photo of your work in our Community Guide. If you know someone who is involved, please feel free to extend an invitation on our behalf or tip us off so we can contact them. Also, if you are a member or fan of a particular civic organization or group, please contact us. After three years of community guides, our lists are getting better, but if your organization, religious group or service club hasn’t been listed before, we’d love to hear from you. Deadline for both of these will be Thursday, March 4, and we’re happy to hear by email at news@towntimes.com, phone at 860-349-8000, regular mail at PO Box 265, Middlefield, CT 06455 or just drop in to our office at 488 Main St. in Middlefield, next to Liberty Bank.

A more efficient and costeffective government projects such as catch On Wednesday, Feb. basin cleaning and 17, a joint meeting of street sweeping in orthe Board of Selectmen der to obtain a better and the Board of Fiprice. Similarly, the nance from both possibility of examinDurham and Middleing if it was feasible to field took place at the combine the RecreDurham Town Hall. ation Departments, The meeting was prisince many of the promarily focused on disgrams are already ofcussing ways in which fered jointly to resiboth towns, by working dents of both towns, together, can lower was brought up. Antheir general operating John Szewczyk, Durham other item discussed budgets. It was clearly was combining the Asunderstood by the sessor’s Offices in each elected officials of each town because the nectown that these costessary work could possaving discussions did sibly be accomplished not equate to either town giving up local control of its budg- by one assessor. Although these savings might seem et or any decision-making ability. Unlike previous years, where the small, they are not insignificant. For discussion was more territorial and fo- instance, in this year’s proposed budgcused on combining larger depart- et, the general operating expenses dements, this meeting was centered on creased over $26,000 after removing smaller, more manageable initiatives. contractual obligations. Savings can be These proposals included combining realized by working with neighboring bulk purchasing, entering into consor- communities and without giving up lotiums to obtain better prices from ven- cal control. More importantly, savings dors and combining smaller depart- can be realized without decreasing the ments from each town. Ideas such as quality of life for Durham and Middlebuying supplies in bulk for both the field residents. As always, new ideas Public Works Departments (sand, salt, and initiatives to streamline governetc.) and for general office supplies in ment, making it more efficient for taxmunicipal buildings were discussed. payers, are always welcomed. I can be at Jszewczyk@townofConsiderations were made on whether contacted to jointly bid on annual public works durhamct.org or 860-349-0003.

From The Desk Of A Selectman

Web update The Durham Fair is a big deal in our towns. This was illustrated by the 145 respondents to our last website poll question: “Do you think it is a good idea to add Thursday evening hours to the Durham Fair?” Of those 145, 41 percent said yes, 51 percent said no, two percent didn’t know, and six percent said it didn’t matter. Change is never easy, but it appears the Durham Fair Association is making its case for extra hours. Check out www.towntimes.com for our latest poll question.

Town Times

Reason (Continued from page 9) Scouts of CT: “Our young girls are our future”; and many others with passions and concerns of their own. Amidst the endless messages, it was another statement from Younger that resonated with me throughout the hearing and has remained on my mind. “Women are pivotal in the turning point for change in the economy,” she declared. As I sat pondering this announcement like a call to action, the first invited speaker came to the stand. Her presentation was on women and the recession. According to Dr. Stefanie Chambers, Associate Professor in the De-

partment of Political Science at Trinity College, 78 percent of job losses are in male-dominated fields: construction, manufacturing, etc. Femaledominated fields, which include healthcare and education, are less affected, but these “pink collar jobs” are, in her view, undervalued in our current system. There was no limit to Dr. Chambers’ recommendations to change this: pay equity, job training and reentry programs, affordable health care, subsidized childcare, family leave and paid sick days (CT was the first state to have a family leave law, but employers aren’t mandated to pay employees who use them), public transportation, and above all, encouraging women into political office, onto corporate

Friday, February 26, 2010

boards and into leadership roles. If you’ve wondered what hearings at the Capitol are like, I can tell you this one jumped from one topic right to the next without discussion, questions or applause (the latter disturbs the quality of the recording taking place). And so just as I began digesting the bounty of information from one guest speaker, the next one began. Two female employees of General Electric — both mothers of four — took the stand to promote woman and family-friendly policies. They were followed by a male speaker, which was significant as he was one of the few men in the room and the only one to talk. Dr. David N. Cooper, Dean of Corporate and Continuing Education at Gateway

Community College, discussed the changing labor landscape and how women fit into it. The speakers spoke loudly into the microphone and, while some turned around occasionally to face those of us who were there in support, the messages were directed to the legislators circled around the podium. All of the material from the informational hearing and public testimony was compiled into a report for each legislator. What they do with it from there is up to them, but the two-hour hearing was a critical step in ensuring that women’s voices are heard and legislation works in our favor. For the last seven months I have been a member of the Young Women’s Leadership Program, a project of the

PCSW, which is a wonderful group of women aged 18-35 who promote awareness and inspire and empower young women to emerge as leaders. Supporting Women’s Day at the Capitol is just one way we make an impact on the lives of young women across the state; hosting networking events, lacing up for a “Love Your Body” 5K road race and sponsoring high school essay contests on leadership are some of the others. Sitting in a room full of leaders, I was proud to be representing the voice of women around the state at Women’s Day at the Capitol — even if I wasn’t wearing red. In fact, wearing brown, I was definitely visible. Let’s just say that was my strategy!

We’re on the Web: http://www.towntimes.com

Senator

(Continued from page 8)

Giving you the benefit of the doubt, I went back and read your columns over the past seven months. I wish I could say your February 12th column was a unique situation but that is not what I found. I found more irrelevant stories straight from your vacations, contradictions and a lack of a connection to the common citizen. Back in October your column expressed your belief that there should be term limits for

our state legislators “so that new blood and ideas are coming into our state government on a regular basis.” You can be sure that while I am on my staycation this summer, this voter will not be comparing the legislative process of Bermuda to that of Connecticut but rather comparing a new State Senator candidate with one who is out of touch with my life and my concerns. Lisa Szymaszek, Durham

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Above from left, Savannah Ngo and Rachel Arreguin; back row, Toni-Lynn Miles, Liz Rambhia, Meghan St. Amand and Monika Malek stand with Mignon Furman. The girls earned medals when the Middlesex Dance Center presented the American Academy of Ballet performance awards on Feb. 5. Mignon Furman, director of the American Academy of Ballet in Manhattan judged the dancers.

The Strong PTO’s annual Strong School Reads event was held on Wednesday, Feb. 3. Approximately 50 students, parents, teachers and community leaders read Beverly Naidoo’s The Other Side of Truth and then came together for an hour-long discussion. The book relates the story of two siblings smuggled out of Nigeria after their mother’s murder. After being abandoned in London when their uncle fails to meet them at the airport, they must somehow find their way in their new surroundings and discover what may have happened to their journalist father back in Nigeria. Above middleschool readers. At left, Middlefield First Selectman Jon Brayshaw reads with kids at Stong. Photos submitted by Michael Klimas

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Friday, February 26, 2010

iddlesex Community College Ad 3 column x7â&#x20AC;?did (5.375â&#x20AC;?x7â&#x20AC;?) Inquiring photographer asks: What you do during February ecord Journal, Meriden Post, Wallingford Post, Town Times Ted,

ales Rep.: Ted Mulawka ph. 203-317-2306 G LQ 3') ÂżOH ZDV VHQW RQ :HGQHVGD\ 'HF by email to:advertising@record-journal.com D[HG RQ :HGQHVGD\ 'HF WR ontact: MxCC Marketing and Public Relations vonne Jay Page, Graphics Specialist 860-343-5852 Conroy: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I went to Snowbird, Utah for four wonderful days of skiing with 15 awesome students from Coginchaug. We took the tram to 11,000 feet where we were above the clouds in the mountains.â&#x20AC;?

Tyler Davis: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was at Snowbird, Utah. The best part was skiing in powder. The worst part was losing my skis in the powder, but Sarah found them.â&#x20AC;?

Marilyn Russo: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vacationed in Puerto Rico and hiked the National Rain Forest el Younque. It was spectacular, and it was recently considered to become one of the new seven wonders of the world.â&#x20AC;?

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I am sending you a fax copy of this ad and emailing pdf to the above listed address. If you have any questions RU SUREOHPV ZLWK WKH Ă&#x20AC;OH give me a call. Yvonne Page 860-343-5852 ypage@mxcc.commnet.edu Molly MacDuff: â&#x20AC;&#x153;A cruise to Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas. I went swimming with the Run date- is: dolphins so exciting. And I went24, snorkeling.â&#x20AC;? January 2010

Meg Smith: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Florida Keys. Great fresh seafood, beautiful sunsets, nice warm 70 degrees, the sand between my toes...â&#x20AC;?

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Friday, February 26, 2010

Town Times

R O F

Design an ad winners ann ounced

S D I K LY ON

Design an

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2010

Town Times

Friday, February 26, 2010

Design an Ad 2010 The Town Times wishes to thank all our local ad designers who participated in our 2010 Design an Ad promotion. We wish to acknowledge all our designers and participating businesses below. Four designers were selected to receive a Savings Bond for their efforts. 1st Place..............Sam Temple.........Designed Carolyn Adams Country Barn 2nd Place.............Jamie Nowak.......Designed Lyman Orchards 3rd Place (Tie)....Brennan Bates .... Designed Durham Health Mart Pharmacy 3rd Place (Tie)....Gabrielle Diaz......Designed Dean Auto Works Student Business Ashleigh Rioux ....................... Academy for Little Learners Alyssa Lecza...........................Durham Dental Julianna Daniels ..................... Durham Family Eye Care Gabe Zissis ............................. Durham Family Chiropractic Sara Smith...............................Durham Market Hugh Barrett............................Ferguson & McGuire Isabel Puziss...........................Glazer Dental Conrad Korzon........................Linoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market Madison Nophsker ................. Middlesex Dance Center Dawson Hettrick......................Middlesex Hospital Pharmacy Center Josh Mann...............................Midstate Tractor David Holahan.........................Miss Joanneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Learning Center Kyle Romeo.............................RLI Julianna Daniels ..................... TLC Eatery 1148963

Enjoy their designs!

Friday, February 26, 2010

Town Times

Jamie Nowak, BASREP Grade 3

Sam Temple, BASREP Grade 6

Conrad Korzon, BASREP Grade 5

Town Times

Friday, February 26, 2010

Gabe Zissis, BASREP Grade 2

Julianna Daniels, BASREP Grade 5

Josh Mann, BASREP Grade 2

Isabel Puziss, BASREP Grade 4

Friday, February 26, 2010

Town Times

Alyssa Lecza, BASREP Grade 4

Hugh Barrett, BASREP Grade 2

Julianna Daniels, BASREP Grade 5

Ashleigh Rioux, BASREP Grade 4

Town Times

Friday, February 26, 2010

Brennan Bates, BASREP Grade 6

Kyle Romeo, BASREP Grade 5

Madison Nophsker, BASREP Grade 1

Dawson Hettrick, BASREP Grade 5

Friday, February 26, 2010

Town Times

David Holahan, BASREP Grade 1

Sara Smith, BASREP Grade 3

Gabriella Diaz, BASREP Grade 6

20 Nature sustains us Potapaug Audubon is sponsoring a program, “Nature and Health - How Nature Sustains Us” on Thursday, March 4, at the Essex Town Hall at 7:30 p.m. with speaker Judy Preston of the Tidewater Institute. Access to nature positively influences human health and wellbeing, and it plays an important role in childhood development. Learn how the lack of involvement with nature in the lives of today’s wired generation may lead to some disturbing child-

Town Times hood trends, including rises in obesity, attention disorders and depression. Clinical studies have shown how access to nature can speed healing and reduce crime. This program will look at ways to connect people of all ages to nature in their own backyards. Refreshments will be served at this free program. For more info call 860-767-9763.

Durham BOF (From page 1) poor condition of the school track was cited as a reason not to delay needed maintenance.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Contractual agreements were also cited for the increase, Francis said that the selectmen are trying to bring all the town’s service contracts together for greater efficiency. As of now, the town is using two elevator services and a few other services that are negotiated separately from one another. The selectmen want to negotiate all these contracts together in the future. However, though the budget may be up, Francis also proposed a few ways that the finance board could save money in the upcoming fiscal year. One item she pointed out was salaries, noting that the town has a history of treating union and non-union employees the same. She stated that the town could eliminate the step increases for non-union officials.

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by using a member of the town crew. This might necessitate hiring more seasonal labor, but that won’t come out to more than $9-12 per hour. While the budget may up from last year, the selectmen did include one significant, new item in their proposal. The selectmen hope to rent out a facility (the second floor of the “new” Carolyn Adams building) as an activity center. This is expected to cost $37,000, $30,000 of which will go into rent. There will not be an increase in the personnel or programming for the seniors or the recreation department, though a build-out later on may be necessary. If the town chooses to rent out a facility, it will be on an annual contract to allow the town to opt out at a later date. Otherwise, the selectmen reviewed a number of minor items, such as putting more transparency into the EMS stipend budget and suggesting that the finance board pay particular attention to the DMIAAB and Public Works budgets during their workshops. The finance board reviewed their own budget before adjourning, and cut out $1,000 by reducing the number of annual budgets that they will have printed for 2010-2011.

~Silver Mill Tours~ Mar. 24 & 27 Boston Flower Show $59 Mar. 27 Easter Holiday Food & Markets Tour $45 Mar. 28-29 Atlantic City at the Hilton $109 Apr. 9-11 Washington, DC Cherry Blossom Weekend $369 Apr. 17 Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island (child 49) $59 Apr. 18 Tampa Bay vs Red Sox, Fenway Park $99 Apr. 19 Patriot’s Day TB vs Sox, Fenway Park $99 Apr. 24 New York City “on your own” $43 May 1 & June 6 King TUT Exhibit, NYC $83 May 1-2 & June 5-6 Red Sox vs Orioles, Camden Yards $299 May 8 New York Food & Markets Tour $45 May 15-16 Dover Downs Nascar Races (2-races) $359 May 20 Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill $79 June 12 Boston Ducks & Fenway Park Tour $87 June 19 Lobsterbake in Gloucester & Rockport $99 June 26 Harlem-the Apollo Theatre & Lunch at Sylvia’s $89 July 4 Boston Pops Concert & Fireworks $43 July 4 NYC Harbor Cruise, Fireworks & Buffet $129 July 17 Martha’s Vineyard $89 July 24 Newport “on your own” $43 July 31 National Baseball Hall of Fame $63 Boston Pops By-The-Sea, Cape Cod RR & Brunch $133 Aug. 1 Aug. 7 Manhattan-By-Sail & Madame Tussauds $99 Aug. 15 Saratoga Race Course $59 Aug. 21 Nantucket on board the Steamship Authority $129 Sept. 18-19 NY Yankees vs Orioles, Camden Yards $299 For Information & Reservations

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She also recommended that the finance board calculate the salary increases for elected officials at this year’s rate of pay, rather than granting a raise calculated from the salary elected officials would have had if they hadn’t turned down their 2009-2010 raises. Another suggestion was to implement furlough days. While Francis is uncertain about whether the town can require non-union employees to take furlough days, she hopes that she can get people to voluntarily take a few furlough days off to cut down on costs. By doing so, it’s calculated that the town may save up to $10,000. Related to this, finance board member Renee Primus mentioned that the town could go to a four-day work week during the summer. Francis replied that while many town halls are only open 35 hours per week, Durham is currently contracted to stay open 40 hours per week. Francis is also negotiating with retirement-eligible employees to cut down on their hours. Furthermore, some positions may be reorganized or otherwise cut to reduce costs. Bidding on fuel and other projects was another cost-saving suggestion, as well as taking custodial services in-house

Town Times 21 Mercy High School HR Middlefield Federated Church looks at Lent

Friday, February 26, 2010

Xavier HS honor roll

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Here comes Peter Cottontail! Well, just hold on a bit you crazy rabbit! Before we get to the hidden eggs, the chocolate bunnies and oh yes, the resurrection, Middlefield Federated Church is inviting everyone to consider the symbols of Lent. The time between Ash Wednesday and Easter often gets lost in the fluffy bunnies and pastel clothes. So before you dash out to grab those tulips, jelly beans and peeps, consider joining MFC for the prequel, or as we like to call it, Lent. This year, the church is inviting members and friends to re-consider the traditional Christian elements of the season in a sermon series titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Symbols of Lent.â&#x20AC;? Pastor Dale Azevedo will be inviting us to consider the palms, the nails, the towel, the 30 pieces of silver and the crown of thorns. Children will enjoy a series of workshops; from March 14 to April 11, they will be baking unleavened bread, exploring the stations of the cross with art, and experimenting with static electricity to demonstrate unseen forces. Come for worship and workshops at 10 a.m. on Sundays, followed by food and fellowship, at You are cordially invited to our 402 Main St., Middlefield.

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Xavier High School has announced the following local students have been placed on the honor roll for the second term. From Durham, earning high honors were David Brennan, Gregory Brown, Matthew DeKoeyer, Geoffrey DeVille, Mark Fusco, Andrew Gonzalez, Matthew Gueble, Tucker Landy, Jonathan Manacchio, Michael Mastroianni, Mason Passavant, `Tushar Vig, Akshay Vig and Victor Wu. Earning honors were Walter Augur, Tenzin Tashi Bhumba, Mitchell Brown, Geoffrey Bruno, Anthony DeMarinis, Joseph Kask Jr., Connor Landers, Kevin Landers, Thomas Linden, Eric Mischke, Ryan Murphy, Raymond Peach, Kyle Pietruska, Jacob Randazzo, Timothy Rhone, Nathan Tobias and Matthew Verderame. From Middlefield earning high honors were Tim Boyle, Ryan Overturf and Trevor Root. Earning honors were Mathew Didato, Josh Etheridge, Jonathan Geenty, Wallace Meadows, Kyle Parrilla, Tomas Virgadula, Joel Williams and Andrew Williams. From Rockfall, earning honors were Nicholas Mazzotta, Raymond Satagaj and Christopher Scamporino.

Sister Mary McCarthy, principal of Mercy High School, has announced the names of local students on the honor roll for the second marking period. From Durham, earning high honors were Megan Bogdanski, Sarah Bower, Julia Kannam, Catherine Kannam, Jennifer Kennedy, Melissa Marks, Sarah Marran, Allison Pearson, Kelsey Pietruska, Sara Richardson, Elizabeth Rinder, Sara Rosborough and Cassandra Santoro. Earning first honors were Emily Bower, Margaret Bruno, Shannon Egan, Jane Landy, Rebecca Ludecke, Alexa Marks, Madison Marone, Shannon McAuliffe and Jessica Nielsen. Eearning second honors were Leah Cerritelli, Ashley McLaughlin, Morgan McNulty and Erin Peterson. From Middlefield, earning high honors were Delia Ernst and Mary Wojtowicz. Earning first honors were Jillian Chongruk, Megan Freemantle, Sara Gmyrek, Genieva Hylton, Kathryn Overturf and Victoria Piscatelli. Earning second honors were Brigid Ernst and Mary Neidhardt. From Rockfall, Anastasia Griffin earned second honors and Alexia Mazzotta earned high honors.

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Scouts in Town Times

Friday, February 26, 2010

Troop 27 takes a ski trip to Bromley Mountain By Paul and Andrew Van Steenbergen

We left for skiing at Bromley on Friday night. All 10 of us were excited. After a threeand-a-half hour ride we ar-

rived in Manchester, Vermont and checked in at the local elementary school where we would be staying during the weekend. We staked out our “spots on the gym floor” and proceeded to unpack. Many

other scout troops from all over New England also stayed in the gym. Lights out was at 11 p.m. We awoke and had breakfast at the school. Many groups, including the Rotary,

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Elks and local fire fighters, participated in feeding the troops. Then we headed to Bromley Mountain. Bromley lodge was bustling with scouts eager to get out and ski or snowboard. Andrew and Paulie Van Steenbergen, Tristan and Zach Sayah and Brendan Murray headed out to snowboard. Steven Fumiatti, Joe Ertle, Erik Stanzel, Jacob Barton and Dan Stouffer also headed out to the slopes. The skiing/snowboarding conditions were great. The day was sunny, not too cold and the scouts had a great day. Bromley is a great mountain to ski/snowboard on. At the top of the mountain you can see other mountains in the distance...Magic Mountain to

the left and Stratton Mountain to the right. The symbol of the sun is used for Bromley because the mountain faces the sun. After a day of skiing/snowboarding, the scouts headed back to the school gym for a pasta dinner and rest.

Sunday morning the scouts got up for breakfast and packed up for another great day of skiing or snowboarding. Sunday was also sunny but a bit more windy at the top of the mountain. The scouts really enjoyed their last full day of skiing/snowboarding. Then we packed up and headed for home, making it back to Durham about five minutes into the Super Bowl.

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On Friday Feb. 5, Troop 27 departed from Durham and traveled to the annual Klondike Derby at Camp Tadma in Bozrah. Every February, the Klondike Derby is a campout attended by troops around Ct. Our troop, with over 20 in attendance, was split into separate groups (called patrols) because our troop had too many scouts. At the Klondike Derby, scouts compete in various activities including orienteering, fire-building, first aid, sled races and Norwegian skiing. The three patrols, the

See Klondike, next page

Scouts (and a baby) in Town Times

Friday, February 26, 2010

Raccoons, the Hawks and the Drag- our weekly meetings. The competi(Continued from page 22) ons, all went around to the different tion was tough, everyone had fun and stations. There was a close tie be- it was an overall exciting campout for tween the Dragons and the Hawks in Troop 27. In all, the Racoons, Dragons the fire building activity: The Drag- and Hawks took three first place ribons built a fire hot enough to boil wa- bons, five second place ribbons and ter in 10 minutes and nine seconds. four third place ribbons. Our next However, the Hawks managed to win campout will be March 5 to 7 at Camp first prize with a time of 10 minutes Mattatuck in Plymouth. and eight New England’s Lowest Prices seconds. Hundreds of sets under $600 or custom design the perfect set! At the end of the weekend, our troop won the majority 300 Stools of the $399 5 pc. set $649 5 pc. set on display awards, 2 Heights, 2 Finishes Finish & Size Choices! thanks to all the practice 2691 Berlin Tpke. • (Rte. 15) Newington (860) 666-2044 Sunday Noon-4 • Monday 10-8 • Tuesday-Saturday 10-5:30 we got Klondike photo by Shane Phenicie. d u r i n g www.BondDinettes.com FREE DELIVERY & SET-UP*

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The new Kenneth B. Hawkins Apartments on the Masonicare Health Center campus in Wallingford have opened. They’re the perfect choice for today’s active, independent over-55 senior. The Hawkins consists of 36 spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments. There are 9 different floor plans, and all feature modern kitchens and handicapped-adaptable baths. One monthly rent includes extended basic cable, air conditioning and all utilities, except telephone.

Town Times

Friday, February 26, 2010

Local man named Irishman of the year by Middletown Elks Submitted by the Middletown Elks The Ancient Order of Hibernians Middletown – Portland Division #1 and Middletown Lodge #771 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks have announced plans for a joint Irish Night. The St. Patrick’s Day dinner dance celebration to be held Sat., March 13, at the Middletown

Elks Lodge on Maynard Street. The cocktail hour will begin at 6 p.m., with Irish step dancers from the Griffith School of Dancing performing at 7 p.m. A traditional Irish corned beef dinner will follow at 7:30 p.m. with music and dancing until 11 p.m. Tickets are available at the Elks Lodge or from Dennis Murray at 860-347-5122 or Gerry Daley at 860-347-9315. The Middletown Elks Irish person of the year is William

E. Currlin, of Middlefield. Bill has been a very active member of Middletown Lodge #771 for three years. He has served on the home corporation, the house committee, and the veteran’s committee, helping to serve and support vets at the Rocky Hill facility. As a member of the patio committee, Bill worked to help raise the neces-

sary funds to provide a unique outdoor lounge/patio. “I enjoy tending bar in the lounge, but I’m pretty sure I am the worst bartender ever! I guess I just really like our members and enjoy their companionship,” said Bill. Bill was born in Brooklyn, New York in January 1945 and moved with his family to Long Island. The family moved to Middletown in 1955. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1963. After attending the University of Bridgeport in 1968, Bill entered the U.S. Army and graduated from Officer’s Candidate School with an Infantry commission as a second lieutenant. After attending Jungle

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School in Panama, he went to Vietnam. As a platoon leader in the 501st Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, patrolling Quang Tri Province and the general Hue area, he was responsible for search and destroy missions and keeping our guys alive. Bill later served as liaison officer to the South Vietnam regulars and as an Intelligence and Operations staff officer. Awards Bill received include two air medals and a Bronze Star. When he returned from Vietnam, Bill continued his service in the Army Reserve. He took command of the 146th Transportation Detachment on Mile Lane in Middletown. This was the unit that expanded the rail line from Essex to East Haddam. He served in the Army a total of 17 years and ended his career as an Infantry Major. Currlin’s community involvement includes Regional District 13 Board of Education for 15 years, serving on building, transportation, policy, building and grounds and long range planning committees.

See Irishman, page 29

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Friday, February 26, 2010

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for learning and connecting, and for building community. Busier than ever, they are cornerstones of their communities, places where people come to visit, learn and share ideas. Snapshot Day is a joint project of the Ct. Library Association, the Ct. State Library and the Ct. Library Consortium. For photos of the celebration from around the state, go to http://snapshotctlib.wordpress.com.

T ow n T imes S ervice Direc tory 1148109

(From page 26)

We’re on the Web: http://www.towntimes.com

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Libraries

Mr. and Mrs. John Staneika, of Durham, proudly announce the engagement of their daughter, Johanna Elizabeth Staneika, to Daniel Adam Mcpherson, of Middletown. Mr. Mcpherson is the son of Mr. Albert Mcpherson of Middletown and Ms. Lori Guy Mcpherson of Daytona Beach, Florida. Johanna is a 2003 graduate of Coginchaug Regional High School and received her Bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University in 2007. She is currently enrolled in the Master Program at CCSU and is also a full-time employed at Middlesex Memorial Hospital. Daniel is the manager of City Transmission of Waterbury. The couple will wed on May 1, 2010, in a garden ceremony at the home of the bride’s parents in Durham.

Trisha Ann Cahill, of Durham, will wed William James Curtis, also of Durham. The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Patricia J. Miles of Durham. The groom-to-be is son of Brian and Eileen Curtis Fowler Avenue in Durham. The bride-to-be attended the University of Connecticut where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She is currently employed by Big Fish Promotions. The groom-to-be attended the University of Connecticut where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He is currently employed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The couple is planning a May 2011 wedding.

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Lee Alexis Klepper-Smith and Christopher Cometa were married on Jan. 22, under a 100-year-old live oak tree at the historic Dubsdread in Orlando, Florida. Lee was raised in Durham and is the daughter of Don and Marcia Klepper-Smith. Chris grew up in Madison and is the son of Susan Dougherty of Madison and Stanley Chometa of Milford. Attending the bride was her maid of honor, Stacy Parks, of Orlando, Fla. Chris’s best man was his brother Brendan, of Brooklyn, NY. Lee’s sister Dana, of Taos, NM, was also in attendance as sister of honor. Unable to attend, but fully present to the ceremony were Chris’ grandparents, Frank and Gloria Doughtery and Lee’s grandmother, Shirley Smith. Lee’s grandmother, Judith Littlewood, of East Northport, NY offered the Blessings of the Elders as the benediction. The couple are currently living in Windermere, Fla.

Town Times at Levi Coe Librar y

Friday, February 26, 2010

Snapshot: one day in the life of Connecticut libraries necticut that took place on Saturday, Feb. 20. This year, “Snapshot Day”— Thursday, Feb. 18 — was observed at both town libraries, as they gathered information on how many people use the library on a “typical” day and what they do while they are there. Cyndi Shirshac, assistant director of the Durham Public Library, noted that this year’s Snapshot Day fell during school vacation, so the day was not exactly “typical.” “On a ‘typical’ day, there would have been preschool children attending story programs, and about 30 young adults using computers, doing homework, playing games and socializing after school,” she explained. All the same, she says, Snapshot Day saw 288 patrons come to the library and borrow a total of 538

By Judy Moeckel Special to Town Times

On a typical winter day — Thursday, Feb. 18, to be exact — children of various ages file into Levi Coe Library to watch a screening of Herbie Rides Again. Popcorn in hand, they settle into their chairs as the classic kids’ flick is projected on the wall. Jacob Toth of Middlefield brings along fresh eggs from his chickens for Vicky Berry, the children’s librarian. “He says she’s chicken-envious,” his mother Nancy explains. The day before, a large group of youngsters enjoyed a session of maskmaking. Amid all this activity, library staff and volunteers set up for “Creations from the Hands and Minds of Children,” an anThe Toth brothers, Jacob, 7, and Bat- nual gala featuring the artman Anthony, 5, also came to Coe Li- work of home-schooled brary for the movie on Snapshot Day. youth from all over Con-

Some folks watched a movie at Coe Library on Snapshot Day. items. Most people came to check out items, she says, but others came to use computers, do research and get job help. Staff set up an informational booth, and patrons completed a survey about why they came into the library. They offered a potpourri of responses (this is but a sampling): “I’m grateful to have books

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available here and through inter-library loans. I couldn’t afford to buy them for sure! It’s a nice place to experience ‘community.’” “I love all the great programs for children, museum passes and great staff to help with books and videos for all the family.” “The library is important to me because you have to make your imagination fly.” “I consider it the welcoming intellectual heart of our town and a great use of our tax dollars.” “It’s a great place to come with the kids. It’s very valuable to our family.” “It’s the greatest resource in Durham!” “It’s a place to gather…a place to emphasize how important books are to my kids…[it’s a] place to learn.” Kim Brennan of Durham says she and her family, including husband Rob and their children Robbie and Ashley, See Libraries, next page

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From left, Sopie Cassarino, 7, of Durham, and Ella DiBernardo, 7, of Rockfall, enjoy popcorn and Herbie Rides Again at Coe Library.

Town Times at Durham Librar y

Friday, February 26, 2010

F r o m left, at left, Kim, Rob and Robbie Brennan frequent t h e Durham Library. At right, t h e Tangs of Durham e n j o y t h e Durham Library computers. Far right, Isabel Cuadrado plays with the train set in the Children’s Room of the Durham Library. All photos by Judy Moeckel (From page 26)

ing patrons sitting in the garden with their laptops this spring. (We can all look forward to that!) Back at the Durham Library, the Tangs of Durham — Ashley, 9; Brandon, 7; Tiffany, 13; and Stephanie, 11 — enjoy playing games on the computer. Ashley and Tiffany like to

read books, while Stephanie likes to do computer searches. Brandon just started to read. “I love to read…and you can get any book you want, and you can stay all day if you want!” he said. Ines Cuadrado, who has lived in Durham for six years, brings her daughter Isabel to

the library to play. It also gets them out of the house and breaks the routine. “We come here two or three times a week for books and movies,” Ines explains. Connecticut’s libraries are a community resource, a place See Libraries, back on page 25

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use the Durham Library constantly. Ashley likes movies, and Robbie loves the train set in the children’s room. But the most important thing, according to Kim, is the value the library puts on reading. “Reading, including at the library, is very important to them. Children need to learn to read, and they should read...every day,” Kim said. At Coe Library, patron attendance is up, director Todd Fabian says. On Wednesday, Feb. 17, staff counted a total of 166 patrons, including 73 people who attended children’s room activities. On Thursday, Snapshot Day, 110 people used the library’s resources, including 13 who watched Herbie the Volkswagen fly again. Nearly 700 items were checked out across the two days. Larry DiBernardo, an English teacher at North Haven High, brought his daughter Ella and her friend Sophie Cassarino to the screening. “I especially love the summer programs,” he says. “As an English teacher, it’s extremely important to have a vital library in terms of literacy issues and community involvement.” Nancy Toth, who brought sons Jacob and Anthony, says the boys were excited to come. “We are so lucky to have Miss Vicky [Berry] and Miss Pam [Wooding] and the events they put together!” Nancy said. Todd Fabian says patrons help libraries remain relevant and useful by using their resources; libraries, in turn, play a role in the nation’s financial recovery by serving their communities’ informational needs.

“In difficult economic times, library usage rises, as patrons get reacquainted with their library. Public libraries couldn’t exist without the support of patrons and their communities,” said Fabian. The library recently installed wireless internet service, and looks forward to see-

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Town Times

Friday, February 26, 2010

In John Lyman School ...

Scouts ready to launch

Students in Mrs. Hadlock’s 3/4 grade shared fractions at the weekly school assembly by running a game show. Pictured here are the “fraction players” who arranged themselves in groups and asked questions about the parts of the group. The question here was, “What fraction of the group is wearing hats?” From left, Caitie Casey-Leonard, Jagur Layman, Hannah Huddeston, Holden Starr, Bailey Zettergren, Jayde Avery and Rachel Testa. Photo submitted Lyman kindergarteners are learning how to form their capital letters using lines and curves. At a recent assembly, students shared how they make the first letter in their names during an afternoon assembly. Right, Kaden Atwell, Joshua Jerrell, Lila Craig, Nicky Stevens and Thomas Kannam. Inset below right, Leo DiLeone and Laura Colonna De Lega.

Webelo IIs from Cub Scout Pack 33 attended a recent Boy Scout Troop 33 meeting to learn about the troop as they prepare to cross over to boy scouts. They learned about knots, team-building and aerodynamics. Pictured here, the boys prepare to launch paper airplanes that they constructed. Scouting is fun, and anyone interested in joining Troop 33 is welcome to stop by and experience a weekly troop meeting, held at the Community Center in Middlefield at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. Submitted photo

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Below, kindergarten students shared their knowledge of patterning. Studeents in Mrs. Blake’s class showed how you can make patterns with A, B and C elements using instruments. Below, Julian Volenec and Evan Poggio.

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Town Times

Friday, February 26, 2010

Mfld. BOF (From page 6)

school. Willett told the board that the system can contact residents or staff and that it can be sent out in a number of different ways at once, contacting people by phone and email at the same time. Furthermore, the system can tell whether or not someone picked up and listened to the message and can keep sending out a notification until it is listened to. It can be used to contact people for situations, such as the gas explosion in Middletown or for things like a school emergency. Another point Willett brought up is that installing the system allowed Durham to apply for a $10,000 grant. However, the Middlefield finance board has yet to decide whether or not to fund the system. (In attendance/Chuck Corley)

(From page 24)

On Jan. 26, several snowplows were found in the town of Durham. These snowplows were stolen from many towns in CT. One Meyer and one Fisher snowplow are among the snowplows located and unclaimed at this time. The find is being coordinated with numerous burglary investigations. Owner must be able to describe the item in detail and show proof of ownership. Contact state police Troop F in Westbrook at 860-399-2145.

http://www.towntimes.com

Obituary Glenn Edward Martin Glenn Edward Martin, 67, of Middletown, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 21, at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Born in Middletown, he was the son of the late William W. and Doris (Brennan) Martin. Glenn lived most of his life in Durham until recently moving to Middletown, was a member of the United Churches of Durham and

worked for Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation, retiring after 40 years. He was an avid fan of motor racing and cooking shows and was a talented artist, specializing in sign painting. Glenn is survived by a brother, William W. Martin, Jr. and his wife, Lorrie of Durham; a sister, Joan M. Quick and her husband, Russell of Sanford, NC, and several nieces and nephews. Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Paul Newman was

also an avid fan of motor racing; therefore, in lieu of flowers, friends may make donations in Glenn’s memory to Paul Newman’s “The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp,” 555 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, CT 06511 or www.holeinthewallgang.org.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.doolittlefuneralservice.com. The Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown is handling the arrangements.

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As a member of this board, he is the representative to ACES and has been chairman of the ACES Board for the last eight years; a member of the Benchwarmers for 16 years; assistant superintendent of entertainment at the Durham Fair; a past member of Middlefield Lions; past Planning and Zoning member; past chairman of Project Graduation at CRHS; a Justice of the Peace for 38 years and co-founder of the Town Times. He says, “Of all the opportunities I have had to serve my community, I mostly have enjoyed the young people that I have had a chance to know and grow up with.” Bill’s family includes his wife Nancy of 38 years, and a daughter Jenna, living in California. His other family members include his sister Bonnie and brother, Ken, who have passed away. The Irish Connection: Bill’s Irish heritage stems back to his maternal grandparents, and a heritage that goes back to Irish settlers about 310 years ago. Much of the early family was responsible for settling the upper New York state area. Later records indicate an active influence in the “Underground Railroad” effort to free slaves coming from the south. Other family members settled in the Troy area, where Sam Wilson, a character known to locals, became “Uncle Sam,” an icon later used by America during the war effort.

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Town Times Sports

Friday, February 26, 2010

Hyde humbles the Blue Devils

Middletown men’s adult softball league forming The Middletown Men’s Adult Softball League is looking for umpires, players and teams for the 2010 season. The league plays from late April to mid-August in Middletown and is open to men ages 18 and over. With three divisions, spots are available at all competition levels. For more information, e-mail to middletownscores@yahoo.com or visit middletownCTsoftball.com.

Babe Ruth Baseball Sign up for Babe Ruth baseball on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. After March 12, there will be a late fee of $20. For more information, contact Tim at 203-627-2751 or tmack45@comcast.net

by 10 points in each of the last two periods to end with a resounding 69–42 win, keeping their unblemished record intact. Andrew Markoski was the only double digit scorer for the Devils with 10, while adding four rebounds, a steal and an assist. Tommy Ryan scored nine points and added two assists and a rebound. Jeff Tiedemann and Eric Hewitt each scored seven points, with Tiedemann adding four

By Alan Pease, Special to the Town Times On Wednesday, Feb. 17, the Coginchaug boys traveled to Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven to play the leagueleading and undefeated Howling Wolves of Hyde Leadership. The Devils managed to stay close for the first half, trailing 19–13 after the first period, and 31–24 at the half. But Hyde outscored Coginchaug

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Off the bench, EJ Luther and Ethan Donecker each scored two points, with Donecker adding three rebounds, a steal and an assist, and Luther adding a steal and an assist. Ed Ruddy pulled in two rebounds. Jay Norton, Alec Corazzini and Jake Tietlebaum also played.

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Friday, February 26, 2010

Town Times Sports

Lady Devils squeak past North Branford ing in a one-point victory for Coginchaug, a net regular season record of 17–3, and a conference record of 15–2, resulting in a number one seed in the Shoreline tournament. Three players split for scoring honors with eight points, with Mancinelli adding four rebounds, two blocks, two steals and an assist, Jones adding five rebounds and a block and Edinger adding those two key steals, plus one more and two rebounds. Biesak scored seven points, and also had five rebounds and a steal. Esposito had four points, a steal and an assist. Cade scored two and added two rebounds and an assist. Meiman had two rebounds, and Amanda Boyle had a rebound and a block.

Above, Lady Devil seniors, from left, Nicole Demoranville, Taylor Edinger, Erika Jones and Liz Meiman. Right, Lady Devil DEEfense. Below, the 17-3 Lady Devils: Andrea Braga, Erika Jones, Liz Meiman, Taylor Edinger, Cassidie Cade, Amy Solomon. Sam Mancinelli, Amanda Boyle, Audrey Biesak, and Lauren Esposito. Photos by Lisa Biesak

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On Monday, Feb. 15, the Coginchaug girls hosted the Thunderbirds of North Branford in the regular season finale, also scheduled to be Senior’s Night. I wish I could tell you a bit about how the ceremonies for the senior basketball players — Erica Jones, Liz Meiman and Taylor Edinger, along with Nicole Demoranville – went, but for some reason the game start time was moved up by 30 minutes, so I missed it. The Devils started reasonably strong in the first period, jumping out to a 13–7 lead. Cassidie Cade had two free throws, Lauren Esposito, Samantha Mancinelli, Taylor Edinger and Jones each had baskets, and late in the period, Audrey Biesak dropped in a shot from beyond the arc. The second period was not nearly as successful for Coginchaug, as they had seven turnovers and only three baskets in the period, one each by Mancinelli, Jones and Edinger. The visitors outscored the Devils by 13–6, to take a 20–19 lead at the half. The third period was a turnaround period for Coginchaug, as they held the Thunderbirds to only five points, surging ahead for a 29–25 lead entering the final period. Biesak had two baskets, Erica Jones connected on two from the charity stripe and Edinger and Mancinelli each had a basket. The final period was a slow start for both teams with North Branford finally scoring 90 seconds into the period. Jones connected on two from the line, but back-to-back baskets by the Tbirds, one of them a three, put them in the lead 32–31. Mancinelli hit on her own rebound put-back after a steal, but North Branford answered almost immediately to again go on top 34–33. With just over two

minutes to go, the visitors connected on another bucket to extend the lead to three points. Then with just under two minutes left to play, Edinger stole the show. First, Taylor picked off the ball around mid-court and took it all the way to the basket for a lay-up from the left side. The Devils still trailed by a score of 36–35. Before the Tbirds could even take another shot, Edinger picked up another steal, this time getting the ball ahead to Mancinelli, who fed Esposito for the lay-up. The home team led by one, 37–36. Neither team would score again, as North Branford missed their next shot, then had three turnovers in a row, while the Devils missed a shot and had two turnovers, result-

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Town Times

Friday, February 26, 2010

The Fox Shouldn’t Guard the Hen House.

DON’T LET CONNECTICUT OFFICIALS REMOVE YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW FROM THE NEWSPAPER. KEEP PUBLIC NOTICES IN YOUR NEWSPAPER! Pending legislation may remove your right to read public notices in newspapers, moving them from the public domain to the internet. We’re concerned. And you should be, too. Public notices are an important tool in assuring an informed citizenry. They have helped develop America into a participatory democracy for hundreds of years and where it counts the most: how your tax dollars are spent, how policy is made and how

our futures are charted. They are located in easy-to-find sections of your newspaper. And they are fully accessible to everyone unlike the internet, which is not accessible to everyone. Less than 10% of the U.S. population views a local, state or federal government website daily, according to the May 2009 release of U.S. Census Bureau, Annual Estimates of Resident Population. This means more than nine out of ten people may never see a given notice. This compares dramatically to the fact that 83% of adults read a community newspaper every week,

according to the National Newspaper Association. Furthermore, a public notice printed in the newspaper produces a permanent record. The internet does not, nor does it assure timeliness. And a newspaper is archived for years; not subject to computer crashes and hackers. Newspapers are easily verifiable, fully transparent and represent a secure third party who has nothing to gain from any notice. Connecticut’s recent ethical lapses shed a glaring light on the full meaning of this problem. It’s like putting the fox in charge of the hen house.

Every public notice, which runs in a Connecticut daily newspaper, is automatically uploaded to that newspaper’s web site and CTPublicNotices.org. Newspapers are your watchdogs. Don’t let that role be changed now. Contact your local representative today and voice your opinion. To Keep Your Notices in the Newspaper, Contact your Legislature: Senate Democrats - 860.240.8600 House Democrats - 860.240.8500 Senate Republicans - 860.240.8800 House Republicans - 860.240.8700

Please call for corrections at 203-317-2308 - after 5 pm call 203-317-2282 Ad#:TOWN TIMES LOGO Pub:PERM Date:07/21/07 Day:SAT Size:6X2 Cust:TOWN TIMES Last Edited By:EALLISON on 7/20/07 12:20 PM. Salesperson: Tag Line: Color Info: TOWN TIMES LOGO - Composite

Tow n Times Visit www.ctdailynews.com to contact your legislator today

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