Volume 17, Issue 47
Serving Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall
CRHS Lady Devils are Shoreline champs
Friday, March 4, 2011
Proposed net BOE budget increases 6.25 percent By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times Expenses aren’t up that much (1.74 percent) in the proposed District 13 Board of Education (BOE) budget, but the greater amount needed from the taxpayers is due to a decrease in receipts as well as the depletion of the reserve fund. At the Wednesday night Board of Education meeting, March 2, Superintendent Susan Viccaro presented a summary of the 2011-12 proposed budget. At $33,905,896, it is a 6.25 percent increase — or $1,995,616, over the current year’s budget. District 13 Business Manager Ron Melnik explained to Town Times that expenditures are only going up 1.74
percent; “One of the lowest numbers it’s ever been,” he said. “The problem is in our revenues.” Revenue has dropped by $1.4 million, primarily due to having no fund balance. According to Melnik, almost all of the fund balance was used up last year and this year, and the district brought forward $600,000 worth of anticipated fund balance that ordinarily would have been available this year, “so we’re seeing about a $1.3 million swing,” said Melnik. The other big issue is benefits as health insurance costs have risen 10.6 percent (dental and other insurances like unemployment and workers comp are showing only small increases). About five perSee BOE budget, page 20
Durham selectmen propose town budget with 4.28 percent increase By Cheri Kelley Town Times
The CRHS girls’ basketball team, led by coach Rett Mancinelli, won the Shoreline Conference championship, beating Portland 42-41. Clockwise from top, the winning team; the “cheerleaders”; the roaring fans just after the win; the tradition of cutting down the net. See page 26 for story.
The snow is starting to melt and for Durham’s Board of Selectmen (BOS) it’s time to share their work on the town budget with the Board of Finance (BOF). The BOS presented the 2011-2012 budget proposal at the BOF meeting on Tuesday, March 1. The 2011-2012 proposed budget is $5,538,103, which is an increase of $227,120 or 4.28 percent from the 2010-2011 budget. Local revenues are down 2.03 percent, and state revenues are also down 18.86
In this issue ...
Photos by Karen Kean
Calendar............................4 Durham Briefs ................23 Libraries..........................21 Middlefield Briefs...........22 Sports ..........................25-27
percent. First Selectman Laura Francis said, “The decrease in the grand list was everlooming, and it will be seen as you look through the budget. There were challenges because the local and state revenues have gone down again.” The goals for the proposed budget are to preserve and protect the capital assets of the town of Durham, to retain current standards of services to the residents and to stabilize the Capital account and the mill rate. The challenges that affect the budget, on top of loss of revenue, are many. One is the 6.8 percent decrease in the grand list due to the revaluation. The unavailability of surplus or fund balance, and the cumulative effect of tight budgeting over the past several years were also challenges. Additionally, the health insurance premium rise of 10.8 perSee Durham budget, page 19
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BOE budget workshop The District 13 Board of Education will hold budget workshops each Wednesday in March in the library at Strong School at 7:30 p.m. All district voters are encouraged to attend and communicate with the board during the public comment portion of the meeting. Board members also encourage residents to contact them through the district website.
Crafters for Old Home Days By Jean Gay, Co-Chair OHD Crafts/Business Middlefield/Rockfall Old Home Days are upon us once
Town Times Community Briefs again, falling this year on June 10 and 11. We would like to invite local crafters from Middlefield, Rockfall and Durham to join us in displaying their wonderful crafts on Saturday, June 11. The community will enjoy seeing all the talents our three towns can offer. Be it organic honey from your garden or flower arrangements from your imagination or jewelry you enjoy creating, we would love to have you participate in Old Home Days. And if you run a small, home-based business, we also offer booth space. If you would like to be part of the event this year, please call Jean Gay at 860-638-8833 or Louise Tosetti at 860-3493905. The email is: jeannieg625@comcast.net. A let-
Index of Advertisers
Tea at the Mansion The 11th annual Tea at the Mansion will be Sunday, March 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate. The doors open at 1 p.m. A three-course tea menu from Kim’s Cottage Confections in Durham will be served with an estate tea from The Green Room. Area hostesses set the tables for the event with china, linens and silver befitting the elegant setting. A boutique of selected vendors adds an opportunity for shopping. Seating is limited. Call 860-349-9521 for info and admission. Checks should be made out to Friends of Long Hill Estate and sent to the attention of the Tea Committee, 421 Wadsworth St., Middletown, 06457.
Scholarship Ball
Help Willy’s Friends Pet Fair
We realize the economy has been tough on many, but we hope you may be able to join the fun at the Scholarship Ball. Coginchaug seniors are being hit with potentially reduced financial aid, family struggles, and rising costs of college. They need the scholarships we have provided in the past more than ever before. We also pride ourselves in the fact that every senior who applies and is bound for further education is awarded a scholarship.
The Help Willy’s Friends third annual Durham Pet Fair will be held on Sunday, May 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Coginchaug Regional High School.
The annual ball will be held on Saturday, March 19, from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Marriot in Rocky Hill. Highlights include a twohour open bar and buffet dinner, dancing to the sounds of prelude, silent auction and dessert and coffee bar. Please call our hostess, Kim Donecker, at 860349-9840, for ticket prices and to reserve your spot.
Also come to a Ben & Jerry’s Fundraiser March 22 from noon to 9 p.m. at 978 Main St. in Branford. Ben & Jerry’s will be donating a percentage of their profits to Help Willy’s Friends all day, but as an extra special sweet treat, Help Willy’s Friends’ own volunteers will be creating your ice cream dreams for you from the other side of the counter from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
To all shelters, rescues and vendors who would like to participate, the newly redesigned website has all the information you need to register, including the Pet Fair applications, which are all available for download, www.durhampetfair.org, www.helpwillysfriends.org.
Corrections We strive to bring you the most accurate information available each week, but if you see something in Town Times that isn’t quite right, give us a call at 860-349-8000, and we’ll do our best to make things right. Last week, issue 46, it was reported that Durham Rec wanted to thank Amato’s and Diane Gervais for a train table and trains, but it should have said Durham Librarywas grateful for the donations.
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Friday, March 4, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
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Town Times
Excavation of contaminated soil at Merriam Manufacturing Did you think all soil was dirty? Well, in terms of environmental health, there’s dirt and then there’s dirty dirt, and Durham has more than its share of the latter. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) puts out a quarterly list of contaminated or potentially contaminated sites in Connecticut. Towns are required to provide the list when asked, and Durham has posted the information on their website, enabling the community to be aware of the list and all issues associated with it. This list only accounts for sites that the DEP has been made aware of and changes as new sites are uncovered.
One such site is called Durham Meadows, better known to locals in the community as Merriam Manufacturing Co. and Durham Manufacturing Co. According to the EPA New England Clean-up website, the Durham site is on the Long Term/National Priorities List, which contains sites that require long-term clean-up and are eligible for extensive, long-term cleanup actions under the Superfund Program. This spring there is to be work done excavating the contaminated soil from the Merriam Manufacturing Company study area. There will be a public hearing at 7 p.m. on March 8 in the lower level meeting room at the Durham Public Library; the purpose of the hearing is for
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Town Times & Places FRIDAY
March 4 Professional Development RSD13 will have a two-hour delayed opening because of Professional Development.
SATURDAY
March 5 Farmers Market Indoor Winter Farmers Market at the Dudley Farm will be held on the first Saturdays of the month February - May. Market hours are 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Dudley Farm is located in North Guilford at the corner of routes 77 and 80 in the yellow Munger Barn. For info, please call 860-349-3917. Corned Beef Dinner Third Congregational Church, 94 Miner St. in Middletown, is hosting an allyou-can-eat corned beef dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Call 860632-0733 for info and prices. Auction The St. Pius X tenth annual Goods and Services Auction will be held in the Bill Fortin Memorial Hall, 310 Westfield St. in Middletown. The silent auction will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. and there will be a buffet dinner. Live auction will kick off promptly at 8 p.m. Limited tickets are available and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Stop by the Friary office to get them soon! For info and ticket prices, call 860-347-4441.
SUNDAY
March 6 Elementary School Sneak Peek Incoming kindergarten students get to visit Lyman and Brewster Schools from 1 to 2:30 p.m. to explore the surroundings and become more familiar with the new settings.
TUESDAY
March 8 CMT & CAPT The Connecticut Mastery Test (grades three through eight) for assessment of writing and the Connecticut Academic Performance Test
(grade 10) for Interdisciplinary Writing I are today. Destination Durham Every Tuesday at 7 p.m., on Comcast channel 19, Destination Durham will be played for those living in Durham. DVDs are also available at the Durham and Middlefield libraries; call for availability.
WEDNESDAY
March 9 Green Children Join the Middletown Area Green Children at Russell Library, 123 Broad St. in Middletown, at 4 p.m. when they focus on appreciating, protecting and learning
Powder Ridge Festival of 1970 through a presentation given by Bill Ryczek in the Hubbard Room of the Russell Library, 123 Broad St. in Middletown, at 7 p.m. He will lead a group discussion on the festival that will be free and open to the public. For more info, call the Middlesex County Historical Society at 860-346-0746. Free senior event Dance away those winter blues to the Big Band music of “Sam Vinci” at The Village at South Farms, 645 Saybrook Rd., Middletown. The event is free and will have fine hors d’oeuvres and drinks, 6 to 8 p.m. RSVP by March 5 at 860-344-8788. St. Patrick’s Performance Brian Russell will perform in a pre-St. Patrick’s Day celebration at 7 p.m. at the Durham Library. Brian is best known for his Irish music with a mix of country, bluegrass and oldie selections. He is truly a one-man show.
from the outdoors and nature. This spring, Green Children will be growing flowering plants with the senior members of the Middletown community. Today they will plant the seeds that will result in many pots of flowers. CAPT The Connecticut Academic Performance Test (grade 10) for Response to Literature is today. Knit Club Come knit or crochet at the Durham Activity Center every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. TOPS Join the TOPS meetings every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Durham Town Hall third floor meeting room. For more info, call Naomi at 860-349-9558 or Bonnie at 860-349-9433.
THURSDAY
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FRIDAY
March 11 Tot Time The MOMS Club of Durham and Middlefield sponsors a weekly Tot Time at the Middlefield Community Center. It is held every Friday from 10:30 a.m. to noon. This open-age playgroup is available for all residents and their children of Durham, Middlefield and Rockfall. No RSVP is required. For more info, contact Ann at momsdurhammiddlefield@yahoo.com. Renaissance Feast The Chamber Choir Renaissance Feast begins at 6 p.m. at Coginchaug High School. Strong Social
Friday, March 4, 2011
Durham/Middlefield Youth & Family Services (DMYFS) Winter Programs — Session II Programs begin the week of March 28. Registration deadline is March 21. Go to www.dmyfs.org to download the registration form and mail to DMYFS, and call 860-3490258 for more info and prices. Wii Challenge: Super Mario Brothers, Wii Sports Grades 7-10 Mondays from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Three-week session: March 28 through April 11 Location: Durham Library on the lower level Event is free and snacks are included Sculpture Workshop Grades 7-10 Wednesdays from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Three-week session: March 30 through April 13 Location: Durham Activity Center (DAC), 350 Main St. in Durham Call for price info. Game Room Madness Grades 5-6 Tuesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. Three-week session: March 29 through April 12 Location: DMYFS Game Room, 405 Main St. in Middlefield Fee: $15 for session and includes a healthy snack Jewelry and Beading Workshop Grades 7-10 Thursdays from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Three-week session: March 31 through April 14 Location: DAC, 350 Main St. in Durham Call for price info. Donations Needed for DMYFS: We are looking for the following items for our Jewelry and Beading Class and would greatly appreciate any donations. Many of your old items can be de-constructed and re-used to make fun and unique jewelry items. If you want to donate, email jmoen.dmyfs@comcast.net. Beads — leftovers from your projects — are great; vintage or costume jewelry, especially beaded, can be taken apart and reconstructed; old non-working watches (not digital), old necklace chains or buttons; Jewelry findings such as clasps, ear wires, crimp beads; 22, 20, 18, 16, 14, gauge copper or brass wire; 22, 20, 18, 16, 14 gauge craft wire. DMYFS thanks the Durham Middlefield Wellness Council for supporting the Winter Youth Programs. Their financial contribution makes it possible for us to offer affordable workshops for our community’s youth!
The Strong School social evening begins at 7 p.m. Cogin-Chuggers
CAPT The Connecticut Academic Performance Test (grade 10) for assessment of Interdisciplinary Writing II is today. Powder Ridge Festival Presentation Learn about what actually happened at the infamous
The Durham Cogin-Chuggers will hold their next dance at Brewster School, on Tuttle Road in Durham, from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Ken Ritucci will be the caller and Sue Lucibello the cuer. For more information, please call 860349-8084 or 203-235-1604
Web update Last week, our poll question asked “Did you travel during February vacation?” Of the 27 respondents, 41 percent said “No,” 30 percent said “What vacation?” 22 percent said they “Went away overnight” and 7 percent said they “Went on day trips.” Answer our next poll at www.towntimes.com
Friday, March 4, 2011
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Town Times
Impressions of Temple Grandin through autism and animals By Judy Moeckel Special to Town Times
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going into animal science. The prevailing belief in the early 1950s was that autism was caused by rejecting “refrigerator mothers.” This is hard to believe, given what we now know about how the nerve circuitry of the brain operates. However, nurture (especially very early experiences) certainly affects how See Grandin, page 28
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LEGAL NOTICE Sealed bids will be received at the Middlefield Town Hall, 393 Jackson Hill Rd. at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at which time bids will be opened and read aloud. Inspection of the bid items will need to be by appointment only by contacting Mr. John Wyskiel at 860-349-7118 or by stopping by the town Garage and making arrangements. Item #1. 1992 Ford F350 4 wheel drive dump truck VIN number 2FDKF38M2NCA13781 Complete with 8’6” snowplow 80,000 miles As is - Where is Item #2. 1988 John Deere F935 Front mount riding mower. As is - Where is Bids shall be in the form of a Certified Check for the amount of each Bid made out to: The Town of Middlefield. Registration and sale documents must be furnished by the Buyer for the registration of the Truck before it leaves the property. By order of the Board of Selectmen Jon A. Brayshaw, First Selectman
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write and even to do well in some subjects. Not surprisingly, she excelled in art and graphics where her ability to visualize things was an asset. She possessed the ability to lay out mechanical designs in her head, a skill that was to come in handy later in her eventual career. Building on this strength and her special love of horses and riding, she ended up
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In 2010 the HBO movie Temple Grandin, starring Claire Danes, won seven Emmy Awards. The same year, the real Temple Grandin, autism advocate and animal behaviorist, was named a Hero of 2010 in Time Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world. I had never heard of Grandin until I wrote my article about Roses for Autism for the Town Times last month. I soon became fascinated with her story. As a person with autism, she has single-handedly changed how we understand the condition. She also has a Ph.D. in animal science and is a highly-respected authority on the humane treatment of animals, especially those raised for our consumption. She has authored many books, including Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism and Animals in Translation, and is in demand as a speaker around the world. When I found out that she
Grandin did not speak until after her third birthday, and her parents were pressured to commit her to an institution. They resisted, and eventually Grandin was able to attend regular schools. That’s not to say she didn’t have problems. She was the butt of jokes and was nicknamed “tape recorder” for her habit of repeating things she would hear. Her social life, she says, was a disaster. Grandin explains her autism this way: as a child she had trouble learning to read because she could not grasp abstract concepts as expressed through words. She was, instead, a “pictorial” person who “sees in pictures.” To learn to read, she had to associate pictures with the strange things called words. “My thinking pattern always starts with specifics (such as visual images) and works toward generalization,” she says. By doing this, she eventually learned to read and
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would be participating in a Connecticut Forum panel about “The Glorious, Mysterious Brain” at the Bushnell in Hartford (along with Paul Bloom and Steven Pinker, cognitive researchers at Yale and Harvard, respectively), I had to go. I found her to be brilliant as well as funny and self-effacing. The story of how she came to understand what autism is, and how it affects brain function, is compelling. It is also universal; that is, it has relevance not just to people with autism but to everyone as we try to navigate the sensory world in which we live. Grandin grew up in an era when autism was thought to be the result of psychological factors (nurture as opposed to nature). The odd behaviors exhibited by children with autism were seen as signs of psychological disturbance: echolalia (repeating things in a robotic fashion), tantrums, strange body movements (such as rhythmic finger-waving and rocking), lack of eye contact and poor social skills.
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Friday, March 4, 2011
Town Times
Dancing Fools just ‘havin’ a good time’ By Diana Carr Special to Town Times
Lisa Larsen, leader of the Dancing Fools, poised to play at the piano.
They are Dancing Fools, a group formed by Lisa Larsen, the choral director at Coginchaug Regional High School. And after six rehearsals, they will put on a song and dance number for a concert. Says
They will be performing “Putting on the Ritz” — singing and doing the Charleston, with canes — at the Pops concert on March 15 (at 7:30 p.m. at the high school). It promises to be a fun-filled evening, with performances by the jazz band, the concert band, the concert choir and a solo by gym teacher Clare Matasavage. Larsen, who is in her 34th year at the high school, di-
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rects all the choirs, puts on the musicals and teaches eighth grade chorus. Show Choir, which she started 27 years ago, is comprised of talented students who must audition to perform songs and dances from musicals and popular music. A group of 28, they travel and perform at schools, nursing homes and retirements homes. “I really like working with high school kids,” says Larsen. “They’re funny and clever and frustrating, and they are capable of creating great music. They can really amaze you sometimes.” Dancing Fools was born years ago when some parents of the members of Show Choir started asking, “Wouldn’t it be great if we could sing and dance, too?” So the first Dancing Fools was for them. The second was for the teachers from the school district, and the subsequent three have been for everybody. Though most are from Durham and Middlefield, Larsen says they also have people from other towns. She resurrects Dancing Fools “every once in a while, when the mood strikes
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They go the wrong way. They tip to the side when they try to cross their right feet over their left. They drop the canes they use for props. And they lament, “My leg won’t do that. It doesn’t go that way.” But always there is the laughter, because they are having such an uproariously good time.
Larsen, “Nobody has to audition. I announce it in The Town Times, and people just e-mail me and say they want to do this. We’re just 30 fools, ranging in age from the late 20s to the mid 60s, out to have a good time. We giggle our way through rehearsals.”
See Dancing, page 24
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Friday, March 4, 2011
7
Town Times
Public Works and clean energy on Durham Board of Selectmen’s agenda By Stephanie Wilcox Town Times About a dozen Girl Scouts filled the room at the Feb. 28 Board of Selectmen (BOS) meeting. Leading the Pledge of Allegiance and wearing their badges, the scouts were presented with a Proclamation for Girl Scout Week, March 6, 2011, by First Selectman Laura Francis. Following the presentation, the selectmen accepted the resignation of Liz Cipollina from the Recreation Commission and Lorrie Martin from the Clean Energy Task Force. Kate Forline was then appointed to the Board of Assessment Appeals.
In other business, an update was given on the daily work being done on the Public Works site which “looks terrible right now,� according to Francis. Demolition is finished, and the town is planning what they want it to look like. Francis received a draft completion of energy audits for the Town Hall, and $200,000 worth of capital improvements were recom-
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mended that will result in energy savings. Francis reported that work is being done on a community policing grant that will identify at-risk youth and provide team building and a community project. Trooper Gunn (filling in for Resident State Trooper Pete DiGioia who is out on medical leave) is working with Durham Middlefield Youth and Family Services on this. Finally, the selectmen signed a Clean Energy Communities Program from the state, earning them one kv
Girl Scouts attended the Feb. 28 Selectmen’s meeting for the proclamation of Girl Scout Week. Photo by Stephanie Wilcox
solar panel for saving 20 percent of energy by 2010. The town is close to earning another panel, which will go on
the high school, but Francis noted that the installers will wait to do two panels at a time.
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Regarding the impact of the snow storms on the town,
Francis reported that the town is almost over budget “if not just over budget,� on winter storm operations. The money expected from FEMA will cover most of the overage, she noted. Francis was confident that there will be no issues as long as there are no more big storms.
Town Times Opinion
8
Friday, March 4, 2011
Remembering and thanking those who serve
Town Times 488 Main St., P.O. Box 265, Middlefield, CT 06455 http://www.towntimes.com News Advertising Fax Marketplace
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Hearing that the last veteran from WWI has died brings true meaning to the phrase “the end of an era.” It’s like knowing that every last copy of a classic book — read for generations — has been destroyed and the only things you have to go on are anecdotes and fading memories. It’s hoping enough people took notes and learned its lessons as the original copies are forever gone. At least that’s how I feel after hearing that Frank Buckles, the last WWI veteran, died at his West Virginia home at age 110 this week. But thank goodness we knew enough about the man, who drove an Army ambulance in France in 1918 and “came to symbolize a generation of embattled young Americans...” The New York Times reported. Like I said, an era has ended. Fortunately, Buckles’ story was preserved, and his life was well-documented, having been named grand marshal of the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington. He was honored by Defense Secretary
Robert Gates at the Pentagon and appeared at the Capitol and before a Senate subcommittee to support legislation named in his honor. (Read the Feb. 28 New York Times for the full story, or you can find many article on Buckles on the Internet.) My message in this editorial is that Americans are indebted to those who serve to protect our freedom, no matter which branch of the military or which war. They are heroes long past their duties and long past their living lives, and it’s the least we can do to hear their stories. We at Town Times want to share the stories of military folks from our community, those currently serving, living veterans or those who are gone. Please send us the branch of the military, when and where served and any stories or photos to news@towntimes.com or to P.O. Box 265, Middlefield, CT 0645; or visit us at 488 Main Street, Middlefield. We are happy to be the platform to get these stories heard. Stephanie Wilcox, editor
Letters to the Editor Thank you to the voters I deeply appreciate your vote of confidence in me during this past election, and I am keenly aware of the awesome responsibility I will be assuming as your state senator. During my term on the Meriden Board of Education, many of you told me you were impressed by the way I diligently studied and discussed issues. I promise you I will continue that same intense commitment at the State Capitol as your senator. To my opponent Tom Bruenn, I want to thank you for the positive tone of the campaign. Early in the campaign, you and I discussed how we wanted to set an ex-
ample of civility in our campaigns that would be a model for others. I think we did that. I said at the beginning of the campaign you are a gentleman, and you are a man of your word, and you proved that. To the supporters of my opponent, I want to assure you that I will be open to the opinions of all my constituents before any Senate vote. My office door (when I am assigned one!) will be open to all, and I promise to carefully listen to any and all perspectives about various matters before the Senate. I understand that my responsibility is to represent all the people of the 13th Senate District. To my supporters and volunteers, there are no words to express my gratitude for
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.
your hard work and dedication. I can’t imagine a more enthusiastic and hard working group of volunteers. And your efforts were rewarded! As I write this letter I am preparing to leave to go to the West Coast, but I am taking with me a stack of papers to study on the plane so I can hit the ground running when I am sworn into office next week. I will inform the media when I am assigned my contact information for my Senate office. Len Suzio, Senator-elect
Unsatisfied with representation How unfortunate that Durham is represented in Hartford by two people completely out of touch with reality. Recent news brings word that Rep. Matt Lesser (D) has introduced a bill in the legislature to allow mixed martial arts in Connecticut. A few weeks ago Sen. Ed Meyer (D) introduced a bill that would effectively ban use of lead sinkers when fishing. Believe it or not, even the Department of Environmental Protection opposes Meyer’s bill. Has either of them heard of the Great Recession? Do
they know that 10 percent of Connecticut workers are out of work, maybe more, and in danger of losing their homes and savings? Are they aware that the state of Connecticut is broke? Where do they stand on Gov. Malloy’s call for tax increases of $1.5 billion per year? Do they support his call for state employees to give back $1 billion in compensation and benefits in each of the next two years? Apparently the answer is you better duck or you will get kicked in the face by Lesser (permitted in mixed martial arts) and left to sink, not helped to swim, by Meyer. Robert S. Poliner, Durham Editor’s Note: See page 20 for more information on the proposed bill allowing mixed martial arts.
Man-caused global warming: Have they no shame? With all due respect for Caroline Howe’s opinion of man-made global warming expressed in last week’s Town Times article, “Climate change, global warming and winters past and present,” it has been proven
that scientists such as those at East Anglia University cooked the books when it came to representing the global temperatures. Al Gore’s famed “hockey stick curve” of temperature spikes willfully ignored the “Medieval Warm Period,” which was far warmer than any temperatures the earth has seen since the Industrial Revolution. In fact, the Medieval Warm Period was a time when crops were successfully grown in such contemporary ice boxes as Greenland and Labrador. The fact that global temperatures have stubbornly refused to cooperate with their “models” have even led these modern day earth worshippers to flee from the term “global warming” and shift to the mantra of “climate change.” It always turns out that global warming proponents, like Al Gore, have a financial interest in convincing us that man’s activities are responsible for changes in the earth’s climate. They make millions selling a gullible public a false bill of goods while at the same time crippling America’s economy with regulation and fear. People like Al Gore and Caroline Howe, as well as scientists who depend on grants See Warming, page 10
Town Times Columns
Friday, March 4, 2011
9
T-E-A-M — What’s TEAM?
Longing for spring in Middlefield
was an extensive For more than Carol Luckenback project that needed twenty years, Connecticut has had a Director of Curriculum and the support of a more rigorous induction Professional Development experienced teacher. The new TEAM proprogram for begingram requires menning teachers. This tor support in both program, formerly years, with the forknown as BEST, or mal program requirethe Beginning Educator Support Training Program, is di- ments beginning immediately after rectly tied to teacher certification. the new teacher is hired. TEAM conTeachers first beginning their ca- sists of the completion of five profesreers in Connecticut are issued an sional growth modules linked to five initial certificate, good for three domains of teaching: classroom enyears. Throughout the life of the vironment, planning, instruction, BEST program, teachers were ex- assessment, and professional repected to complete a two-year induc- sponsibility. For each module the tion program that culminated in the beginning teacher completes a selfpreparation of a substantial portfo- assessment, selects an area of focus lio that was scored at the state level. for professional growth, completes a Successful completion of the portfo- number of professional development lio was required to move to the next activities, implements the new level: provisional certification. The learning in the classroom and then BEST program was phased out by reflects on the process and its impact the legislature as of June 30, 2008, on students. Mentors are required to and replaced during the 2010-11 provide a minimum of 10 hours of school year with a program known support during each module. All as TEAM, or the Teacher Education recordings of meetings and activities are done online, and the beginAnd Mentoring program. The discerning reader will imme- ning teacher submits a reflection padiately notice the gap between the per of about 3,000 words for each end of the old program and the be- module. The papers are evaluated by ginning of the new program. Unfor- trained reviewers, and the teachers tunately the legislation did not take are notified of successful completion this gap into account, leaving the or given the opportunity to revise teachers who began teaching in 2008- and re-submit the paper. A significant difference between 9 and 2009-10 with no means of attaining the next level of certifica- BEST and TEAM is the level of retion. These teachers then became sponsibility for the local school dispart of the TEAM program during trict. Most of the BEST process was the current school year, along with handled at the state level; most of the TEAM process is handled at the lothe teachers hired in 2010-11. The new TEAM program includes cal level. The legislation includes some components of the BEST pro- many requirements that local disgram, but much of the program is tricts must meet in order to ensure significantly different. Under the some level of consistency from disBEST program, the first year of trict to district. Under normal circumstances, two teaching was completed with the required support of a mentor who was groups of teachers will be participattrained by the state. During the sec- ing in TEAM simultaneously, with ond year, the portfolio was complet- year 1 teachers completing the first ed, but the continuation of the men- two modules and year 2 teachers toring was optional. District 13 completing the last three modules. chose to extend the mentoring This year, because of the extra group process through the second year, See TEAM, next page since the completion of the portfolio
speaking of financial Each month when matters, this week I I crank out my colwill be handing my umn, I try to share budget over to the items that illustrate Board of Finance the vast assortment (BOF). As usual Joe of issues that we at Geruch did a great the Town Hall deal job in assembling the with. There is no way data for our first I can adequately draft. At this point, share every importhe budget, like the tant or interesting iswebsite is a “work in sue in my 700 word progress” with many (self-imposed) limit. items not known. Some topics, like Over the next Powder Ridge, have three months, the unbeen shared in alJon Brayshaw, Middlefield knowns will be remost every article for duced and the BOF five years. It has been will be soliciting a long-standing issue your input. This bewith dynamics that ing my sixth budget challenge our memothere are no runries. At this point, I away items. The feel and hope matters are coming along. Many loose ends biggest unknown is how much the have been taken care of. The “deal” state will be sending to the towns. has been approved by the Board of Our recent audit confirms that the Selectmen (BOS). The DECD Grant town is in good financial condition. for the $500K has been signed. As I Copies are available. And finally, speaking of financial see things taking shape, my hope is that this town will embrace the sale matters again, our town, like all othand restoration of this valuable asset ers, has a “Purchasing Policy.” Our and that the “Debby Downers” will policy allows for routine and emerkeep in mind that we bought the gency purchases. At 4 p.m. on Jan. 31 property. Your tax on your home our Emergency Management direcwill be paying for the purchase for tor, Terry Parmelee, and I looked out many years to come. By selling it my window at the accumulation of and helping the buyer to be success- snow on the roof of the Community Center. The snow was higher than ful, the cost to you will be mitigated. On other matters, one of our regis- the parapet (three feet deep) with trars has been promoting the idea of more snow coming; Terry and I demoving the voting polls to Memorial termined that we should get the School. If you have an opinion, let snow off as quickly as possible, and therefore it was an “emergency.” I them or me know. Last week at the BOS meeting our contacted a local contractor that afwebsite and webmaster were some- ternoon who agreed to clear off the what criticized. Do we have the best roof the next day. In my opinion, website in Connecticut? No, we do there was no time to put the work not. The website was created over “out to bid” as I was chastised for not many months by a committee of five doing. I must confess that I also did volunteers — none of whom had any not bid out the extra snow removal experience creating websites, but work I authorized in the Lake free was good. They retained profes- Beseck neighborhoods. The snow sional services to help where needed and ice had built up so much that oil at a fee of $6,000. What exactly do you trucks and emergency vehicles get for $6,000 and volunteer time? could not make their way around the Take a look at www.middlefield- neighborhoods. Yes, we do have a ct.org and see. The issue now is what “Purchasing Policy.” Normally we goes on the site and who does it. Our follow it. And finally, finally this has been sister towns have several staff members who are interested and versed an unusual winter in many obvious in the operation and maintenance. and not-so-obvious ways. I do appreciate the article Dr. Alma Elder They work as TEAM. Speaking of free, every year the wrote two weeks ago in the Town town “Social Services Department” Times about cabin fever, depression (Antoinette Astle) organizes various and the like. Those who are your serseminars on financial matters in an vants at the Town Hall appreciate effort to help our seniors (of which I the condition; we are there as well. am one) to make good financial deci- Every day I find my head turning as sions. On March 22, the topic will be I pass by Peckham Park longing for Long Term Care. If interested, con- the snow to clear and the site of kids tact Antoinette 860-349-7121. And playing.
A View From District 13
Jan. and Feb police statistics Middlefield
Durham
January: There were 416 total calls for service; seven accidents; three DWI arrests; five criminal investigations; 97 infractions issued and nine warnings issued. February: There were 365 total calls for service; 11 accidents; no DWI arrests; eight criminal investigations; 84 infractions issued and 19 warnings issued.
January: There were 344 total calls for service; 22 accidents; one DWI arrest; eight criminal investigations; 62 infractions issued and 13 warnings issued. February: There were 338 total calls for service; 10 accidents; one DWI arrest; 12 criminal investigations; 84 infractions issued and 25 warnings issued.
Trooper Talk
From The Desk Of The First Selectman
10
Friday, March 4, 2011
Town Times
Warming for funding, would not get financial support or backing for their “green ideas” if they simply stated that the earth’s climate is cyclical and most of the temperature changes are due to, wonder of wonders, variations in sun spot activity. In a holy book written long ago, God promised Noah, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22) That phrase “while the earth remains” warns of a future day spoken of by the Apostle Peter, “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and
(Continued from page 8) the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (2 Peter 3:10) While that will certainly be global warming, it will neither be caused by auto emissions or cow flatulence, but by the hand of God. In the meantime, I suggest we humble ourselves, trust the Lord and admit that man does not control the weather. David Glueck, Rockfall
Team
(From page 9)
of teachers who had one year of BEST and one year between programs, we have three groups of teachers completing TEAM. The year 3 teachers were required by the State to complete one module, and I am delighted to report
that our seven year 3 teachers have been successful and are finished with the program. The year 2 teachers must complete two modules this year and then will be finished as well. The year 1 teachers must complete all five modules and will be done at the end of next year. Although the new program is quite labor-intensive, our teachers agree that it is having a significant positive impact on their teaching. Because they are required to identify and address an area for professional growth, they are developing new instructional strategies that are of immediate benefit to their students. The module process must show a positive impact on student learning in order to meet the program requirements, so our new teachers are learning to keep data on the progress of their students and to make adjustments to
instruction based on the data. The focus on professional growth ensures that both the novice teachers and their students will attain the maximum benefit from the program.
Merriam
(From 3)
This was all done under state order. “Installing carbon filters on drinking water wells and removing some hazardous materials have reduced the potential for exposure to contaminants at the Durham Meadows site, making it safer while site studies are completed,” the EPA website stated. It continues, “Affected drinking water wells are monitored regularly by the companies and by the state of Connecticut. In 2003, EPA installed a fence around the front portion of the former location of the Merriam Manufacturing Company to re-
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The design for the removal of contaminated soils at the Merriam Manufacturing Company study area was completed in Sept. 2010. The EPA website describes the current work that was done on the property and what is planned to begin in April 2011. “In 2009-2010, EPA conducted additional preliminary design work at and around the former location of Merriam Manufacturing Company to further supplement previous investigative work on the property. Sampling results showed that most subsurface soil samples contained levels of total and leachable lead. In Sept. 2010, EPA, in conjunction with CT DEP, finalized the design of the final remedy for the Merriam Manufacturing Company study area for soil excavation only. The soil vapor extraction component of the remedy will not be implemented,” the report concludes. To find out more about this topic and to have questions heard, come to the hearing on Tuesday, March 8, at 7 p.m. at the Durham Library. For a full list of potential superfund sites in Durham and Middlefield, view the report at www.ct.gov/dep.
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strict access to contaminated soils.” In 1998 investigations into the degree of groundwater contamination were started. 1,4-Dioxane was found to be in private wells in 2003-2004. Since 2004 CT DEP has taken over the monitoring and filtration of the affected residential homes. As stated on the EPA website, “In 2008, CT DEP provided a potable water grant to the town of Durham to conduct an engineering study for the extension of a public water supply from the city of Middletown to the town of Durham area that is currently and/or could become affected by site contamination.”
Kindle Found A Kindle was found in the parking lot at Coginchaug High School, Pickett Lane, in Durham. Call 860-349-7200, and ask for Sue, to identify.
Friday, March 4, 2011
11
Town Times
R O F
Design an ad winners ann ounced
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A SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE
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FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2011
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Town Times
Friday, March 4, 2011
Design an Ad 2011 The Town Times wishes to thank all our local ad designers who participated in our 2011 Design an Ad promotion. We wish to acknowledge all our designers and participating businesses below. Three designers were selected to receive a Savings Bond for their efforts. 1st Place................Dawson Hettrick.............Lyman Orchards 2nd Place...............Alex Divincentis ............. Gossip Diner 3rd Place ............... Zachary Lemieux............Lino’s Market Student Business Meredith Lentz ........................... Academy For Little Learners Alyssa Lecza .............................. Carolyn Adams Country Barn Jonathan Sopelak......................Dean Autoworks Samantha Rochette ................... Durham Dental Kyle Romeo................................Durham Family Chiropractic Dominic Pascarelli.....................Durham Family Eye Care Isabel Puziss .............................. Durham Fitness Sara Smith..................................Durham Health Mart Pharmacy Amanda Perkins.........................Durham Market Sam Titus....................................Glazer Dental Associates Andrew Nizen.............................Midstate Tractor Madison Nophsker.....................Miss Joanne’s Learning Center 1148963
Enjoy their designs!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Dawson Hettrick, BASREP Grade 6
Samantha Rochette, BASREP Grade 4
13
Town Times
Amanda Perkins, BASREP Grade 4
Isabel Puziss, BASREP Grade 5
14
Friday, March 4, 2011
Town Times
Alex Divincentis, BASREP Grade 3
Andrew Nizen, BASREP Grade 4
Allie Lecza, BASREP Grade 5
Madison Nophsker, BASREP Grade 2
Friday, March 4, 2011
15
Town Times
Sam Titus, BASREP Grade 5
Zachary Lemieux, BASREP Grade 6
Sara Smith, BASREP Grade 4
16
Town Times
Friday, March 4, 2011
Anybody want a pizza?
DMYFS recently finished up their pizzamaking classes. The kids really enjoyed the creative s’mores dessert pizza to wrap things up! Overall, this program was fun and delicious and everyone learned a new skill in the kitchen.
Photos submitted by Jane Moen
Meredith Lentz, BASREP Grade 1
Kyle Romeo, BASREP Grade 6
Dominic Pascarelli, BASREP Grade 4
Friday, March 4, 2011
Scouts in Town Times
17
World Thinking Day
Scouts, science and the solar system On Saturday, Feb. 26, members and adult leaders of Boy Scout Troop 27 took a day trip to the Boston Museum of Science. Everyone enjoyed the exhibits and attended a 3-D shark presentation and a planetarium that treated them to a visit to the outer reaches of our solar system. On their return trip, the scouts stopped at the famous Eagles Burger Stand in downtown Boston, but none of the scouts attempted to consume the Monster Burger. (Ask one of the scouts pictured below about it!) Submitted photo
Each year on Feb. 22, World Thinking Day, girls participate in activities, games and projects with global themes to honor their sister Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in other countries. The theme for World Thinking Day 2011 was “empowering girls will change our world.” World Thinking Day not only gives girls a chance to celebrate international friendships, but it also is a reminder that Girl Scouts of the USA are part of a global community — one of nearly 150 countries with Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. This year, Daisy Troop #62024 had a special visit from Region 13 Superintendent Susan Viccaro, who encouraged personal empowerment, self-confidence and self-respect. She also shared stories of her own career with the girls, who were in turn excited to share what they want to be when they grow up. After the visit, the girls broke into groups and built posters on different countries. Photos submitted by Paula Pietruszka
Jonathan Sopelak, BASREP, Grade 6
Schools in Town Times
18
Brewster/Korn Science Night
Friday, March 4, 2011
IDS preschoolers celebrate Chinese New Year
Led by their bright red, homemade dragon head, three- and four-year-olds at Independent Day School donned dragon-scale hats to form the tail of their Chinese dragon for the annual Dragon Parade at the All-School Meeting. The children celebrated the Year of the Rabbit with special clothing, Chinese food, chopsticks, art projects, music and dance. They created Chinese cherry blossoms using tissue paper and straws through which they blew paint. Under the direction of kindergarten teacher Laura Cooley, the preschoolers and kindergarteners had a blast learning Chinese ribbon Scientific poster presentations were given in the Brewster gym by dancing to the beat of some traditional Chinese tunes. Submitted by JoAnn Rider third and fourth grade scientists from Korn School who have been working on their experiments. Co-sponsored by the Brewster/Korn Parent Teacher Association, the presentations were evaluated by judges, including Kevin Brough (principal, Memorial School), Ron Hubbard (retired teacher), Krista Bauchman (science teacher, Strong School), Joe Ochterski (BOE member) and Lorrie Martin (Outdoor ed teacher, CRHS). Winners of the Korn 2011 Science Fair included Keya Stahl (first place-magnetism), Nathan Strang (second place-static electricity) and Pierce Stephan (third place-carbon dioxide). Photo submitted by Patti Checko
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Friday, March 4, 2011
Durham budget (Continued from page 1)
that attendance at town meetings has lessened over the years. Other items that are included in the budget were personal protection equipment for the fire marshal and staff as well as for the Emergency Management director and deputy. Funding for capital improvements in accordance with long-range plans was included as well. Funding for a Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) was included in the budget. Francis stated, “I look at this as an insurance policy. It includes a 20-hour training class for people already involved in emergency volunteering. And it makes volunteers eligible for state coverage for emergencies and workman’s compensation.” Durham Animal Response Team (DART) trailer maintenance was incorporated into the proposed budget. “Much equipment and materials were donated,” Francis continued, “But now is the time for funding for ongoing maintenance and registration for the DART trailer.”
A stipend for the Emergency Management director was accounted for in the budget. Some items not included in the 2011-2012 proposed budget are capital for Phase II Public works and capital for $200,000 worth of energy-saving improvements proposed in a recent energy audit. The improvements will yield savings in from six months to 20 years; however, Francis stated that they are looking into a Connecticut Light and Power program for municipalities. “The program would allow for the improvements without upfront costs from the town. For three years the town would give what they saved back to CL&P, and at the end of those three years, the improvements and the future savings would belong to the town.” Capital for White’s Farm clean-up to help prevent flooding was also not in the budget. Two Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grants were received by the town, which will see Durham through per-
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cent and the Liability Auto and Property (LAP) insurance increases were challenges. Francis stated that they put out feelers for breaking away from Regional School District 13 (RSD13) for insurance but “it is highly unlikely that we would get back any numbers that are favorable if we break away.” A particularly hot topic was half an additional Resident State Trooper. Some residents present were wondering why Durham is increasing police protection this year when many other towns and cities in the state are decreasing. Francis stated, “This is the first time the leadership of the Connecticut state police were willing to entertain the idea of sharing a trooper with Middlefield.” She went on to say that Durham cannot decrease the amount of coverage because they only have one trooper. Francis Korn, BOF chairman, asked what the need was. Francis believes that there are a list of reasons, including burglaries and accidents and the potential time that it might take roaming troopers coming from the area covered by Troop F. An estimated cost of $413,700 was put into the budget based on last year’s expenses; this is for the one and a half trooper or about $46,000 for the half trooper. While all three members of the BOS agree on the need for an additional half trooper, how the idea should be presented to the public was debated. Selectman John Szewczyk felt that there should be a meeting to let the public decide if the funds for the half trooper should be put in the budget. He felt that it would be better in the interest of transparency. Selectman Jim McLaughlin stated, “People are encouraged to come to the regular town budget meeting and are able to vote on taking out particular line items in the budget if they don’t like them.” The conversation that followed pertained to the lack of interest in attending town meetings in the first place and how to spark interest in the public to participate in meetings and have a hand in how the town operates. All agreed
19
Town Times
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mitting and final design with some left over but not enough to complete the project. Francis said, “The governor’s plan for the budget will eliminate STEAP grants, so we are looking into other avenues.” Capital for the Public Safety complex was not in the budget as well as capital for the Main Street water extension. The town should be receiving a final report on March 23 on the study that would tell what it would entail cost-wise to bring water from Middletown to Main Street, Durham. Francis stated, “It is the time to put something into action.” Funding for a dog licensing software upgrade was not included in the budget, and funding for the Public Safety Committee was also not included. Francis said, “We thought that much of what they asked for could be done with donations.” The funding for the 60+ Club was also not incorporated in the budget, but the town has invited them to use the DAC for their meetings. There will be three per-
sonnel changes. A 40-hour bookkeeper retired and was replaced with a 20-hour accounting clerk. A 40-hour assistant assessor was replaced with a 35-hour assistant assessor. There is a proposal to replace the 40-hour human services coordinator position, available due to retirement, with a 20-hour human services coordinator. Half of the position would be absorbed by other positions. Salary options for the proposed budget are the following: scheduled salaries based on the contract/salary study, no steap increases for non-union, no increases for elected officials, no increases for non-union, requests for two furlough days for both union and non-union and also a request for concessions from the union. Francis stated that they are hoping to make future hires with 35 or more hours per week eligible for benefits versus the current policy that includes 20-hour per See Durham budget, page 20
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Friday, March 4, 2011
Town Times
Mixed martial arts matches should be permitted says Rep. Lesser State Representative Matt Lesser, who represents Durham, Middlefield and Middletown in the General Assembly, has introduced legislation (HB 5269) to permit professional mixed martial arts matches to be held in Connecticut. Lesser testified in favor of the bill at a public hearing held by the state legislature’s Public Safety Committee recently. “My proposal would allow mixed martial arts fans the opportunity to watch the sport without traveling out of state. It would also generate new sources of revenue for
the state,” said Lesser. Lesser, who introduced the legislation at the request of a constituent, said his bill would simply put mixed martial arts on an equal footing with boxing. The legislation would subject mixed martial arts matches to the same regulations that apply to boxing matches, including requiring the registration of hosts of such matches, requiring a license to conduct such matches, imposing a tax upon the receipts of such matches and other safety requirements. The state Commissioner of Public Safety would have reg-
ulatory authority over mixed martial arts matches. The bill also specifies that five percent of the gross receipts from matches would be paid to the state, something the mixed martial arts industry supports. “It is rare in this building, and particularly this year, for any industry to come before us asking us to tax them. Yet here we have before us a golden opportunity to allow businesses to operate in our state and add to our economy,” said Lesser. Mixed martial arts, one of the fastest growing sports in the country, is currently legal in 45 states. It has injury rates
similar to other sports, and studies show that it is no more dangerous, and possibly less so, than boxing. The next step for the bill is a vote by the Public Safety Committee in the coming weeks.
BOE budget (Continued from page 1) cent of this increase, Melnik explained, is due to structural changes, such as children staying on their parents’ coverage until age 26, etc. The other half is utilization. The new teacher contract,
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which will be effective July 1, 2011, has no salary increases for teachers. There will also be no increases for nurses, but the proposed Salaries line item increased by 1.19 percent as the custodial, support staff, cafeteria and administrative groups will get raises. Melnik said the district is asking for some new staff, and there are some reductions in the Salary line — one and one-half elementary teachers. The proposed Capital line item is increasing by 69.41 percent due to an increase in funding for the long range plan, $257,000 to be exact. Noteworthy decreases include Purchased Services as the district is looking to hire an employee for IT rather than subcontract out and in Operating Services as special education tuition dropped $262,000. This is connected to the Special Education Excess Cost line item, which decreased because there are fewer tuition students. Every Wednesday during the month of March, the Board of Ed will meet at the Strong School library to work on the budget. The public hearing to vote on the proposed 2011-12 budget will be on Wednesday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m. at Coginchaug High School. Check back at www.towntimes.com for more details of Wednesday night’s meeting.
Durham budget (Continued from page 19) week employees. Some areas where there may be possible savings or changes are in the DurhamMiddlefield Interlocal Agreement Advisory Board (DMIAAB), contracts that are out to bid or still in negotiations, grants, Capital and Reserve and transfer in Senior Tax Relief. Francis said, “I am pushing the staff to get what is available as far as grants. We cannot leave money on the table; we have to get out there and get it.” Francis closed the meeting by saying, “It’s a balancing act. If taxes are too high, people won’t be able to stay here, but if the services are too low, people won’t want to live here.”
In Our Libraries
Friday, March 4, 2011
Levi Coe Library Hours: The library is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Visit www.leviecoe.com or call the library at 860-349-3857 for information or to register for any program. You can also renew, reserve and check your library record on the website. Facebook.com: Please check out the Levi E. Coe Library’s Facebook page for events and news. New Museum Passes: The library now has the following museum passes, which offer either free or reduced admission: CT State Parks & Forests Day Pass, Mystic Aquarium,
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and CT’s Old State House. Please call the library for more info. Author Visit: Authors Mary Dattilo, a former director of Levi Library, and her husband, Joe Dattilo, have published their first novel, Time’s Edge, a sci-fi/fantasy tale. They will be visiting the library on Tuesday, March 15, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss their first book in the Time’s Edge series. March Children’s Programs: March 5 — We Scrap, a scrapbooking event at 10:30 a.m. March 12 — Craft, a crafting workshop at 10:30 a.m. and Storytimes continue to run Wendesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Durham Library Hours: Regular library hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Visit www.durhamlibrary.org to search the catalog, review your account, register for a program or renew your materials online. To register for a program, call 860-349-9544. Facebook: Receive daily updates on library news and events by becoming a fan on Facebook. Special Thank You: to Diane Gervais and Amato’s Toy Store for the donation of a new train table and trains. Evening Adventures: The Kids’ Book Club Spring session for grades 1 through
21 3 will meet Thursdays from March 10 through April 7. Each week a different book will be discussed, and there will be crafts, snacks and games related to the book. Participants are required to read the book prior to the discussion. DPL Book Talk: Introducing the Durham Library’s new book blog. View staff and guest picks and share your comments with everyone or recommend a
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book yourself. It’s easy and fun. Just click on the DPL Book Talk link on the library’s website. Brian Russell: Durham’s own Brian Russell will give a musical performance on Thursday, March 10, at 7 p.m. Mystery Book Discussion: The mystery book club will meet on Tuesday, March 15, at 7:30, when The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson will be discussed.
Middlefield Town Briefs
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April 15. This book will be published by Arcadia Publishing and will be available to the community in December 2011. Please contact Sarah Atwell at 860-716-5497 if you have an image that you think the historical society could use.
Middlefield Government Calendar Town images needed (Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in the Community Center.) Monday, March 7 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen Wednesday, March 9 7:30 p.m. — Board of Education at Strong School 6:30 p.m. — Planning and Zoning Thursday, March 10 7 p.m. — Public Hearing on budget Tuesday, March 15 7 p.m. — Conservation Commission
Public hearing on budget The Board of Finance will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. in the Community Center, 405 Main Street, Rm. 2,
on March 10, to present the First Selectman’s 2011-2012 budget. Copies of the budget will be available in the Town Clerk’s office, 393 Jackson Hill Rd., and the Community Center Building Department and at the public hearing. 1193408
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The Middlefield Historical Society needs your help! The society is looking for any images of the town up to the 1970s, including celebrations, landscapes, buildings, businesses, community groups, churches and recreational events, etc. that could be used in an upcoming publication. Images will be scanned and given back to the owner, who will be credited in the book if the image is used. Any information that the owner can give about the image would also be helpful. The older the photograph, postcard, advertisement or any other image, the better! Work has already begun on the book, but images can be accepted until Friday,
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Middlefield Senior Center events in March Free income tax assistance will be available every Tuesday until April 12. This income tax preparation service is provided by AARP. The IRS-trained counselor will help those 60 years and older with low or moderate income by appointment only. Please call the Senior Center once you have received all your
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The Movie Madness on Wednesdays in March will be comedies The Back-Up Plan (March 9), Failure to Launch (March 16), As Good as it Gets (March 23) and Tortilla Soup (March 30). Movies start at 1 p.m. and popcorn and hot cocoa will be served. Movie descriptions and starring roles are posted at the Center. No reservation is necessary; no fee for the movies or refreshments. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a traditional Irish meal on Thursday, March 17 at noon. We will be serving up corned beef, parsliedboiled potatoes, cabbage, whole baby carrots, rye bread and a special dessert. Prizes awarded for bestdressed (in the Irish). Reservations must be made by March 15, and the cost of the luncheon is a suggested donation of $2. Hearing screenings will be held, by appointment only, on Wednesday, March 30, by Richard Lastrina, BS, BCHIS, ACA, from Beltone New England. He will also be available for cleaning hearing aides. Foot care is available every third Wednesday of each month at the Center. The foot care nurse from Connecticut Visiting Nurse will soak, assess and massage feet and clip toe nails. The cost is $30. Appointments are required and fill up fast. The next clinic will be held on March 16. To sign up for any programs or to have lunch in the Café on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays, please call Antoinette Astle at 860-3497121.
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Durham Town Briefs
Friday, March 4, 2011
Planning and Zoning Commission
Durham Fair Foundation seminars
Meeting on Feb. 16, the Planning and Zoning Commission spoke with Richard Kaika III regarding a possible zone change at 999R New Haven Road. While Kaika originally purchased the property with the understanding that it was light industrial, a reassessment in Nov. 2010 changed it to farmresidential. Kaika wants the property zoned as commercial to allow outside storage for Durham Fence. He explained that panels and pipe would be stored on the property and that he would erect a six-foot fence between his property and the neighboring residence on Route 17. Before the commission can vote on the request, though, it must first go before a public hearing scheduled for March 2.
The series starts with How to Grow Giant Pumpkins – Part I on Saturday, March 5, at 2 p.m. That will be followed by How to Grow Giant Pumpkins – Part II on Sunday, May 8, at 1 p.m. In addition, on Saturday, May 21, at 9 a.m., there will be a session on Making Cheese at Home. On Saturday, June 11, at 9 a.m., participants will be trying out this year’s recipe for the Association of Connecticut Fairs Adult Baking Contest. All sessions will be held at the United Churches Fellowship Hall at the corner of routes 17 and 68 in Durham. The Durham Fair Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization founded in 1996 by the Durham Agricultural Fair Association. The
As part of the commission’s ongoing review of the zoning regulations, members discussed mixed-use zoning. Town planner Geoff Colegrove mentioned that residential uses are usually more compatible with commercial use than industrial use. The commission chose to research the matter more in-depth by forming a subcommittee of members Lisa Davenport, Frank DeFelice, Chris Flanagan and Joseph Pasquale.
Durham Government Calendar (All meetings will be held at the Durham Library unless otherwise noted. Check the town website at www.townofdurhamct.org for updates.) Monday, March 7 7:30 a.m. — Planning and Zoning 7:30 p.m. — Clean Energy Task Force Tuesday, March 8 7 p.m. — Representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency at Durham Library 7:30 p.m. — Conservation Commision Wednesday, March 9 7:30 p.m. — Board of Education at Strong School 7:30 p.m. — Cemetery Company at the Town Hall Thursday, March 10 7:30 p.m. — Zoning Board of Appeals at the Town Hall Monday, March 14 7 p.m. — Board of Selectmen on the third floor of the Town Hall 7:30 p.m. — Inland Wetlands Watercourse Agency
Durham Activity Center events
Durham will again offer a Memoir Writing class beginning March 24 at the Durham Activity Center from 10 a.m. to noon. For residents age 60 and over, the Sr. Café is held on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Durham Activity Center. Lunch is served at noon. Suggested donation is $2. Reservations are necessary. On Wednesday, March 16, we will be celebrating St. Patty’s Durham native Angelo Day at the Café. It will be fun. Call Jan at 860-349-3153 for Sosa won’t make it all the way on Bravo’s Top Chef: All more info.
Angelo Sosa cut from Top Chef: All Stars
Stars. He was eliminated last month from the show, which is a second elimination for Sosa, who placed second in last season’s Top Chef. “I think I’m just fried,” he said. “I know I’m much better than this.”
Town Times Service Directory
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Another discussion was held regarding the approval of conditions for an application. Colegrove noted that the commission should list every condition it wants applied as part of an application’s approval. This became an issue with Greenland Realty, as the company’s attorney, Joan Molloy, stated that the implied conditions discussed during a public hearing were not binding. As such, the commission recommended not voting on applications immediately after a public hearing in the future, but instead waiting until they can read through a list of all the possible conditions for an application to apply them as part of the approval. (Chuck Corley/In attendance)
mission of the foundation is to preserve and promote the agricultural and rural heritage of Connecticut. If you would like more information about any of these events, please call Len Baginski at 860-349-3305.
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Friday, March 4, 2011
Town Times
Dancing (Continued from page 6) me,” and she says she came up with the name in order to let folks know that this is all about the fun. “We don’t want people to think we’re the serious dancers of Durham. “This builds community,” she continues. “You’re meeting people and working together toward a common goal. It’s given me an appreciation for what the kids do. I never knew how hard it was to sing and dance and smile and be energetic and have it all be right.” She choreographs, plays the piano and teaches the steps. “This is so much fun,” she continues. “It lets me get to know the kids’ parents and meet new people. As a teacher, most of the time you only talk to parents at conferences or when you call them when their kids have done something naughty. Now I get
to know them as people, not just in regards to what their sons or daughters have done.” Leslie Bulion, the mother of two daughters who were in Show Choir, is with Dancing Fools for the third time. “The first two times my kids were in school and were partly proud of me for getting up and doing this, and partly mortified,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun. You get a good understanding of what the kids in Show Choir do. They make it look so easy. For the parents, it’s like trying to pat your head and rub your stomach at the same time.” Bulion continued, “It’s great camaraderie, and a way to meet newer parents. I get to stay connected to the school. It’s like a little visit back. There are people like me who don’t have kids in the school system anymore, and this way we get to see each other and catch up. I love to dance, even though I’m not a dancer. And I’m not a singer, but I love singing with other peo-
ple. And we get to wear funny costumes. “There will be so many of us on the stage for this concert that it’s going to be chaos, and that’s part of the fun,” she said. “I don’t think anybody is in this thinking it’s their chance to be a star. We’re just having a good time.” Tina Gossner, who has two children in the high school, says, “It’s awesome. We get together and giggle and have a good time. I like the social part of it. You get to see people you haven’t seen in a long time, people whose kids are no longer in school. It’s just fun. Lisa makes it not too hard. It’s an easy routine to pick up, even though we all moan and groan.” Patty Judson tells us, “It’s a little intimidating, but the camaraderie is wonderful. I’m reuniting again with other moms who I haven’t seen in a long time. And Lisa believes in us, so we have to do it.” Donna Sperl, who is doing
this for the third time, says, “It’s fun to get together and laugh. There’s such a great sense of community. We make silly fools of ourselves, and it’s just a blast. And Lisa is amazing. “It’s true – laughter really is the best medicine. And boy, do we laugh! It’s great to be able to laugh at yourself and not take yourself too seriously. You have to make the most of every day,” she concluded. Fun, laughter, camaraderie – it’s all there. Larsen adds, “It’s a great diversion in a really bleak winter. It’s a little bright spot.”
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Middlefield girl to represent USA in Student Ambassador Program
Megan Sherman-Baumann, of Middlefield, is a grade 11 student at Coginchaug High School. Megan was recently chosen to participate in the People to People Student Ambassador Program and will be classified as an international student. Megan is one of 36 students to be selected to represent our country. She will be traveling to Australia this summer for 18 days. The program promotes international understanding while building leadership skills among America’s youth. The group will be studying Australia, staying with an Australian family, participating in a research project and doing many other activities that are not available to a tourist. This will be an experience of a lifetime, and Megan needs your help. In support of Megan’s participation in the People to People program, One MacDonough Place in Middletown will be holding a Pasta Supper fundraiser on March 16, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. It would be great to have all the local support we can get. Drop by the Café for a wonderful meal. If you prefer, you can order a dinner “to go” by calling One MacDonough Place at 860-3585802. Please place your to-go orders by 4:30 p.m. and let us know your expected pickup time.We look forward to seeing everyone at the Pasta Supper Fundraiser on March 16, 2011.
Town Times Sports
Friday, March 4, 2011
Depleted Devils defeated By Alan Pease Special to the Town Times
Boys’ Senior Night
cure a 58-49 win. Wasyl led the Devils with 22 points, adding two steals and a rebound. Ryan scored 12, also contributing two assists and two rebounds. Luther was the leading assist man with 10, also getting four points, four steals and a rebound. Markoski stole the ball five times, adding four each of rebounds and points, plus two assists and a block. Graenger scored two and grabbed a rebound. Off the bench, Baker had three rebounds, two points, an assist and a steal. Norton scored three points, and Corazinni had a rebound. Thanks to Randall Luther for the stats on both of the above games. The boys finished the regular season with a 13-7 record, 13-5 in conference. Opening round SLC loss for Coginchaug On Saturday, Feb. 26, the
number four seeded Coginchaug boys hosted the fifth seeded Little Noises of Hale-Ray. Although the Devils had Hoyt back from the injured list, he was likely not 100 percent, and they were still missing Pictured from left, Roby and Melinda with Roby Granger, Randolf and Donecker. Martha with EJ Luther, Stephen and Stacie and with Andrew Markowski, They kept Wendy with Jay Norton and Terri and Gib with Tommy Ryan. things close for most of the It was a disappointing sulting in the opening round game, trailing by three, 15- knock-out in the Shoreline way to end the conference 12, after one, and actually Tournament by a 53-46 score. season, but the boys still managing to take the lead at have the state Class S tourWasyl led the Devils with the half with a 29-25 score. nament to look forward to. 18 points, with Ryan roundThey let that lead slip They should have a home away in the third period and ing out the double digit scorgame on Tuesday, March 8, ing with 10. EJ Luther trailed by one at 41-40, but against an opponent to be scored 10, Hoyt, fresh off the they could manage only six points in the final period, re- injured list, scored six, and named. Come out and cheer Markoski scored four. them on!
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On Monday, Feb. 21, the Coginchaug boys traveled to Deep River to take on the undefeated-in-conference Warriors of Valley Regional. As I’ve mentioned before, Valley’s only loss this year was to LL School Glastonbury. So it figured to be a tough night for the Devils, particularly with both Ethan Donecker and Brock Hoyt still sidelined with ankle sprains. And it was. Coginchaug managed to hang in there for the first period, trailing only 12-10, but Valley led by 10 at the half, 26-16. They extended the lead to 40-26 after three, and ended the game with a solid 66-45 win. Tommy Ryan led the Devils in their losing effort, scoring 21 points and adding six rebounds and two assists. Erikson Wasyl scored 10 and grabbed four rebounds and two steals and assisted twice. EJ Luther assisted four times and had three each of points, rebounds and steals. Andrew Markoski was the leading assist man with six, adding three points and three rebounds. Roby Graenger had two rebounds, a point and an assist. Off the bench, Sam Baker scored four and grabbed a rebound. Jay Norton scored three points, Alec Corazinni had a steal and Jackson Doyle assisted once. Senior Night loss to Old Saybrook On Wednesday, Feb. 23, the Coginchaug boys hosted the Rams of Old Saybrook in the season finale, a nonleague game. It was senior night for Ryan, Markoski, Luther, Norton and Graenger, but they had nothing to celebrate by night’s end. The Devils fell behind by a 14-9 count after the first period but, powered by 10 points from Wasyl, came back to take the lead 30-28 at the half. They were able to maintain the lead by a 39-38 count entering the final period. But in the final period, they were forced into a position of needing to foul, and the Rams hit on 10-of-10 from the line to se-
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Town Times Sports
26
Friday, March 4, 2011
CRHS girls are Shoreline Conference champions By Alan Pease Special to Town Times On Friday, Feb. 25, the Lady Devils hosted the Highlanders of Portland in a Shoreline Conference tournament game. Four times in the prior season, and once this season, these two teams had met, and each time the Highlanders won. So the question was: Could the Devils overcome the apparent jinx on this particular match-up? Early on, the answer seemed to be an easy “yes,” as the Devils jumped out to 4-0 lead on an Amanda Boyle layup and an Audrey Biesak-assisted bucket by Kim Romanoff. Portland hit on the first of seven three-pointers they would make in the game, and Boyle scored again, this time off of a Lauren Esposito assist. Another trey by Portland knotted the score at 6-6, but the Devils scored back-toback on a Romanoff-assisted bucket by Sam Mancinelli and
an unassisted basket from Esposito. Again, the Highlanders kept it close with another connection from beyond the arc, but a free throw from Mancinelli extended the Coginchaug lead. Portland was able to tie the game on their first two-point basket of the night, but a Biesak three and a basket from Mancinelli put the Devils up 16-11. To the dismay of the many Coginchaug fans in attendance, the Highlanders were able to close out the scoring for the period with a two, leaving CRHS still ahead 16-13. The second quarter started with still another Highlander three-pointer to tie the game at 16-all, but that would be the only Portland score in the first five minutes of the period. During that drought, Mancinelli would score three times, including the basket that put Coginchaug up for good, and Biesak and Esposito each scored once. Also, Ro-
manoff had a block, two rebounds, and two assists in a 70 second span. Esposito’s bucket pushed the lead to 26-16, and the Coginchaug fans were pretty happy. However, Portland went on their own minirun of 5-0, with a two and a three, and Mancinelli to Romanoff struck twice in a row to close the period with a 30-21 lead for the Devils. The second half was like a different game for the Devils. Throughout the game, the refs seemed to let hard contact both ways go uncalled, but even more so in the second half. This seemed to particularly affect two of Coginchaug’s top scorers, Biesak and Esposito. Any time either of them drove to the basket, I was reminded of a pinball game, with our player being the ball that is bounced around by defenders, but not a whistle in sight. Admittedly, Portland did a good job of limiting Coginchaug’s fast break
opportunities by taking good care of the ball and getting back quickly in the transition game. But neither girl could get close to the basket without being bounced around, yet between the two of them, they had one trip to the foul line all night. Biesak did score the first basket of the half, but that was the last time either of these two outstanding shooters would score, with Biesak quite possibly being lost for the Class S tournament with a broken thumb (hard contact, no call) late in the game. Portland connected on four of six from the line, but those were the only points they scored for the first seven minutes of the quarter. Mancinelli scored six during that period, to put the Devils ahead by 38-25, but in that final minute, Portland connected on two from beyond the arc, leaving Coginchaug still ahead with a 38-31 score. Continued on next page
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Men’s League By Scott Strang Young Gunz 46, Around the Clock 42 The Young Gunz returned to a .500 record and first place in Men’s League American Division, holding off a late comeback by Around the Clock Heating and Cooling. Alex Schade’s 20 points, including three three-pointers to open the second half, led the Gunz (3-3), who had lost three straight. Schade leads the league in three-pointers with 16. After trailing by nine at the half, Rick Ryan (17 pts), John Szewczyk (14) and Dave Blair (11) led a comeback for Clock (3-3), but Schade and Dan Trusty went 4-5 on free throws in the final minutes, and ATC was never able to take the lead. Greg Bereski finished with 11 for the Gunz. Snowservices 72, LasEngS 56 Snowservices used a second half surge to defeat Laser Engraving Services in an unusual five-on-five matchup, with neither team having any bench players. Snowservices took an early 10-point lead, thanks to Danny Haynes. Mark Fong of LasEngS and Haynes both got going, and at one point the pair dropped in six three-pointers in six straight possessions. Then Tim D’Aquilla’s went on an offensive run of 19 that led LasEngS back to within one at the half, 36-35. The second half was all Snowservices, with Charlie Bielefield scoring 11, including 5-5 at the foul line. D’Aquila finished with 25 and Fong had 17 for LasEngS. Haynes ended with 22, Bielefield and Paul DeFlippo each scored 16, and Mark Jungels had a season high 12 for Snowservices. Torrison Stone 56, Allstate Fire Equipment 35 Allstate opened the game with a 12-2 run but couldn’t come up with much offense after that, falling to Torrison Stone for the second time this season. Allstate finished the first half with 10 team fouls to none for Torrison. Mike Bertrand led the early offense for Allstate, scoring nine of his team-leading 11 points in the first half. Torrison was led by Pete Lynch and Jeremy Lobo, each with 13. Dave DeRosa was the only other Allstate player in double digits, finishing with 10.
Town Times Sports
Friday, March 4, 2011
every shot. She really bought into the plan, and we were a better team due to her efforts — I can’t say enough about the job that she did.” Mancinelli led the team in every way, handling the point with poise, scoring 19 points, and just missing the doubledouble with nine rebounds. Three times she literally ripped the ball out of a Highlander’s hands, plus she had another steal for four steals, and she assisted twice. She always seems to do whatever her team needs in order to win – that’s exactly what she did this night. Romanoff did not play like a freshman. She was able to score big baskets at key times, tallying eight points. She also grabbed four rebounds, blocked a shot, and had three assists and a steal. She may not be a big player, but she has a big heart on the court. Biesak, despite suffering a probable broken thumb that will end her season, scored seven points, grabbed two re-
fouled, this time putting Mancinelli on the line for the one-and-one, but again the free throw would not fall. The Highlanders did get the ball down the court for a last attempt, but Coginchaug’s defense did not allow an open look, and the ball would not fall, and the Devils got to celebrate a hard fought 42-41 win, breaking the two-year-long Portland jinx and claiming the championship of the Shoreline Conference for the 2010-2011 season. I need to make special note of the defensive effort put in by Boyle on Kelly Coleman in this game. Coleman is a dangerous player, and a big reason for the “jinx” Portland has held over the Devils. To quote Coach Mancinelli, “Morgan and Jessica also did a nice job (on Coleman) as did our help defenders, but I asked Amanda to make a sacrifice in her game to pressure Coleman constantly with and without the ball and give up the idea of rebounding to box her out
bounds and two steals, and assisted once. After she had to come out of the game half-way through the final period, but before the game was solidly in the win column, she looked very upset on the bench, knowing she could no longer contribute with her hand wrapped and basically unusable. I saw pictures taken after the game where she looked much happier. Esposito scored four and grabbed four rebounds in amongst the Portland trees. She also had a steal and an assist. Boyle I’ve already talked about a bit, with Coach Mancinelli’s help. No rebounds due to her commitment to boxing out Coleman, but four points and an assist, and a great way to end her inconference career. There were no bench points scored by the Devils, but Kuehnle had three rebounds and a steal, Solomon had three big rebounds late, and Andrea Braga provided some steady ball-handling when Biesak
was forced to the sideline. I also want to mention Cassidie Cade. She may not have been able to contribute on the court this season, but she took her captain’s role seriously and has definitely been a part of the team’s success. Congratulations to the Lady Devils on a fine conference season resulting in this thrilling championship! Remember that the Shoreline Conference has 13 teams, so this is no small feat. Now good luck to them in the state Class S tournament! They will have played a game last night, March 3, at home against the winner of the Hale-Ray/Windsor Locks game, and should they win that, they would play a neutral court game on Monday, March 7. Let’s see fans keep the state tournament games as crowded as this Shoreline Championship game was! Go online to www.towntimes.com to read about the two games prior to the Shoreline Championship.
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Girls, Continued from p. 26 Romanoff got the Devils off to a good start in the fourth quarter, taking advantage of some unusual inattentiveness by Portland and weaving down the right side of the lane for the lay-up. Portland came back with a two, but Mancinelli hit on a Boyle assisted bucket to give the Devils a 42-33 lead. It was to be the final Coginchaug score of the night. Portland first scored by hitting on both ends of a one-andone situation, then after a Devil’s shot attempt went out of bounds, scored on a rebound put-back. The Devils led 42-37. Coginchaug’s next possession was ended by a five second call that, on my score sheet, I starred and marked “No Way” – a referee counts to five in a closely guarded situation by swinging his arm from the elbow, but this ref must have counted both the forward and the back swings – it was that quick! Portland again connected on both ends of a one-andone, and it was a three-point game, with the Devils still ahead 42-39. The fans for both teams went wild, Portland’s fans in anticipation of more scoring, and Coginchaug’s fans urging the defense on. Neither team would manage a score over the next three minutes, with two notable contributions from the Devils in that time. Romanoff stole the ball for what could have been a lay-up by Morgan Kuehnle, but again heavy contact resulted in no call. Romanoff, one of the smaller players on the floor, rebounded the miss, but her putback (contact, no whistle) also failed. She also had a rebound at the other end shortly after. The other notable contribution came from Jessica Solomon, who missed a good portion of the season with an injury. From about the two-minute mark to the one-minute mark, Solomon virtually owned the backboard, first grabbing a defensive rebound after a Highlander miss, then twice extending the Devils’ possession after Coginchaug missed. Over the final minute, Portland missed a two, but quickly fouled, putting Esposito on the line with a one-and-one. This was missed, and Portland finally was able to connect, but from the two-point range, to make the score 42-41, with the Devils holding on to a tenuous one-point lead. Portland again
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Friday, March 4, 2011
Town Times
Grandin
(From 5)
the brain operates, and many children with autism can be helped with early intervention. As Grandin sees it — and she cites copious research to back up her beliefs — each of us has unique “wiring” in our brains, and this wiring determines how we perceive the world through our five senses. People with autism, she says, live with an overload of sensory “noise.” In addition, input from, for example, the auditory (hearing) and visual (sight) channels get “scrambled up.” Children with autism cope by retreating, shutting things out, or engaging in repetitive behaviors that seem geared to structure a seemingly chaotic, confusing world. Their predominant emotion, she says, is fear, and the result of this per-
vasive fear is a chronic state of “hyper-arousal.” You might wonder why I am so interested in all this. Back in the early 1970s, after getting a degree in child development, I worked as a research assistant at the University of Hartford under a wonderful professor named Bernard Z. Friedlander. This was in the days before the sophisticated neurological research of recent years. I helped “B. Z.”, as we called him, conduct cognitive research with children from the former Oak Hill School for the Blind in Hartford. These children were visually impaired and exhibited autistic behaviors. By providing them with a joystick, I studied what auditory channels they preferred to listen to: voices that had the full range of frequencies or voices where the higher or lower frequencies were removed (the
latter are distorted and, for most of us, quite unpleasant). Most of the children preferred to listen to the distorted input. That experience stuck with me over the years. Besides being known as an advocate for people with autism, Grandin is also respected for her work with animals that are raised for the meat industry; over the years, she worked for a variety of farming and meat-packing companies. Using her visualization skills, she designed mechanisms, such as special enclosures and chutes, to keep animals calm while they received veterinary care and, yes, during their final journey to the slaughterhouse. To understand why cattle, for example,
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Temple Grandin has a deep understanding of autism and of animal behavior. Her books help us understand how our brains work. She believes that autism is a “spectrum,” and each of us is a little “autistic.” Our “glorious, mysterious” brains work around the clock to deal with input from our senses; it’s the challenge of our human condition.
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Noting that people with autism, as well the animals she has worked with, can be calmed by gentle sustained pressure, she invented what she calls a “squeeze machine.” By gently enclosing a person or animal for a limited period of time, her invention seems to calm frazzled nerves. In contrast, intermit-
tent touching (such as tapping, hugging, scratching or tickling) leads to over-stimulation and anxiety. This makes sense to me: when I was young, I hated this type of touching too. Like Grandin, I have learned to tolerate a certain amount of it, but only if I have a chance to “prepare” for it.
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would panic in certain environments, she put herself in the animals’ places, literally. She gained the respect of many a ranch hand and corporate executive when she crawled into cattle enclosures to experience what the animals experienced. Fully one third of cattle in the United States are moved through handling facilities that she designed.
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